The Maryborough Sun Newspaper - December 31st 2020

GOODBYE

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

2020

Sun

1

MARYBOROUGH

LOCALLY OWNED, LOCALLY FOCUSED 13,500 COPIES FORTNIGHTLY

December 31 2020

Page 6 Mary Sugar Mill

Part two of our Sugar Mill history

The year that changed the world is over, so let’s celebrate 2021 NOW RECEIVING FOR OUR NEXT AUCTIONS REOPEN FOR RECEIVING 18th JANUARY General Auction Saturday 27 May 9am Cars, Boats, Bikes & Trailers Sunday 28 May 9am

SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND

MADCOTA Community Hub The Maryborough and District Committee On The Ageing Inc.

333 Alice St, Maryborough

07 4123 1554

BRING YOUR ITEMS IN MONWED 9am-2pm WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

BRUCE SAUNDERS MP Putting the Maryborough electrorate 1st

Web: www.madcota.com.au Facebook: @madcota Email: secretary@madcota.com.au

CENTRE REOPENS 11TH JANUARY 2021

#puttingthemaryboroughelectorate1st Authorised by Bruce Saunders 1/133 Lennox St, Maryborough Q 4650

2

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Power prices set to fall by $120/year JAY FIELDING THE new year brings good news for Maryborough households, with electricity prices set to fall.

Households can expect to be paying about $120 (or nine per cent) less for electricity in 2023 than they do now, the annual residential electricity price trends report from the Australian Energy Market Commission shows.

The 2020 report examined the direction household electricity prices would take over the next three years and what’s driving that direction.

It has found for the second year running that prices will continue to fall – and the main reason for the drop is the introduction of new sources of energy generation like solar and wind, as well as lower gas prices.

The Commission’s annual price trends report has been giving governments forward-looking, policy relevant information on energy prices for more than a decade and also helps consumers better understand what’s behind the costs on their energy bills.

Consumer advocates say locals should also shop around for the best value offering from electricity retailers.

According to the Federal Government website energymadeeasy.gov.au, six electricity retailers now service Maryborough, despite the common belief that only Ergon does.

One of those companies is Sunshine Coastbased LPE, which has a promotion with Fresh ’n’ Save supermarket.

New customers who sign up with LPE using a promotional code receive a $50 Fresh ’n’ Save gift card.

LPE CEO and founder Damien Glanville said the company operated on a simple basis: it purchased power from the market and sold it to customers via the Ergon distribution network – a separate company to Ergon retail.

Mr Glanville said customers could be assured of reliable service, given how highly regulated the energy industry was.

“It’s a changing environment,” he said.

“All we are doing is giving customers the power to

The AEMC is confident power prices will drop over the next two years.

choose.”

“Especially in the current climate, every dollar counts.”

Mr Glanville said LPE had recently saved a customer with 12 companies $72,000 a year.

LPE previously operated in the commercial and apartment complex space but has for some years been opening up its residential offerings.

Mr Glanville said the Wide Bay had a sufficiently dense population to make it

viable for companies like his to have a presence in despite a massive State Government subsidy provided to Ergon retail.

That $400 million annual uniform tariff payment is designed to keep regional power prices pegged to those in the deregulated south-east market.

Mr Glanville said LPE was able to compete with Ergon despite that subsidy by being efficient.

He said it would be better for the government to give the subsidy to Ergon

$

distribution, which owns the poles and wires, to create a level playing field.

For more information, phone localityenergy.com. au or phone 1800 040 168.

Meanwhile, the AEMC has also proposed a new approach to energy bills to make them simpler and more user friendly.

In making its draft determination, the commission said it considered how energy bills should evolve to keep up with rapid and ongoing change such as increased smartphone ownership.

4899

5300 each

3500

$

$

each

3500

GREAT NORTHERN ORIGINAL 24PK STUBBIES

each

3199

GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP 24PK STUBBIES

per ctn

3500

$

each

GLENSHIEL SCOTCH

BOUNTY RUM (DARK, SPICED & WHITE)

M VODKA

4999

$

3 for

2 for

1800

$

HEAD OVER HEELS WINE RANGE

XXXX BITTER 24PK STUBBIES TOOHEYS NEW 24PK STUBBIES

YALUMBA Y RANGE

CARRIER’S ARMS

SPECIALS AVAILABLE 28/12/20 – 10/01/21

WINNER – BAR & CLUB DINING HIGHLY COMMENDED – BEST DINING EXPERIENCE

per ctn

INDIE GOLD 30PK

2000

$

4699 per ctn

$

KRAKEN BLACK SPICED RUM 700ML

It says a one-size-fits-all approach does not work but that minimum content requirements, standard language and more protections for customers are required.

Submissions close February 4.

$

per ctn

$

The AEMC has proposed replacing the prescriptive billing provisions currently set out in the rules with a mandatory guideline to be developed by the Australian Energy Regulator that would govern how retailers prepare and issue bills to small customers.

BOTTLE SHOP & DRIVE THRU

QHA AWARD BEST DRAUGHT BEER

STATION SQUARE BOTTLE-O

405 ALICE STREET, MARYBOROUGH PHONE 4122 6666 WWW.CARRIERSARMS.COM.AU

3

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Tribute to Fraser firies

JAY FIELDING

Generous $20k donation to local RFS

FEDERAL Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has paid tribute to everyone who fought the bushfire that ravaged half of Fraser Island during a visit with Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud.

“Everyone I spoke with told me about the heroic actions of the people who fought the fire and assisted friends, neighbours and strangers,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The efforts of everyone involved who worked to control the blaze and protect lives and properties deserve to be thanked and recognised,” he said.

“It’s a testimony to their bravery that no lives were lost and that no properties were destroyed given the scale and ferocity of the fire, especially considering how close it came to some of the villages on the island.

“While the fire devastated large parts of the Island, it’s still a wondrous place to visit to experience its natural beauty.

“Already there are signs of regeneration in places with green shoots

Llew O’Brien, David Littleproud and David Hay GM Kingfisher Bay Resort.

appearing on burned trees and green grass sprouting up from the blackened sand.

Mr O’Brien said a thorough examination of land management policies, practices and resourcing must be conducted as part of an inquiry announced

by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“I welcome the inquiry but it needs to be an investigation that leads to actions and improvements,

not just a review that sits on a shelf,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The inquiry needs to examine the policies and practices to prevent a fire like this from occurring again,” he said.

“The Australian Government is willing to help in the recovery once the State Government completes its assessments and activates assistance arrangements.” Mr O’Brien said he encouraged locals

to support the island as it recovered.

“Fraser Island is open for business -- there are great accommodation, food, tours and experiences to be enjoyed,” he said.

“Fraser Island’s natural assets are open and I encourage everyone to plan a trip there in January, February, March and beyond to help the economy recover from the double whammy of COVID-19 and the fires.”

Fraser fire-starters found and charged FOUR people have been charged with unlawfully lighting fires on K’Gari (Fraser Island) following a joint investigation involving Queensland Police and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).

It will be alleged on October 14, QPWS rangers on K’Gari were alerted to an illegal campfire within the Duling Camp Zone of Eastern Beach, north of Orange Creek.

Rangers attended and located a campfire that was covered in sand though still radiating heat.

Native vegetation in close

proximity had caught alight and started a wildfire to the north west of the camp site.

This wildfire subsequently took hold and over the following weeks burned extensive parts of the world heritage listed island.

In total, it is estimated this fire has burned approximately 87,000 hectares of the Island and required extensive firefighting efforts to bring under control.

On December 21, detectives from Maryborough CIB charged four people in relation to lighting an unauthorised

WE ARE READY FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2022

Due to COVID19, 2021 Festival has been cancelled

Tue 18 - Sun 23 Jan 2022 BUS, BED & BREAKFAST $850 per person

Fraser Island burned for two months. (Vicki Neville/Tasman Venture)

campfire which was not properly extinguished.

A 24-year-old Warwick man has been charged with the unlawful lighting of a fire and leaving a fire unattended.

A 21-year-old Rosenthal Heights man, a 24-yearold Rosenthal Heights man and a 23-year-old

Massie man have been charged with one count each of the unlawful lighting of fires.

They will appear in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on January 21.

A 17-year-old boy will be dealt with according to the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 1992.

The Great

Western

Lesley Brand, Kent Mischke, Jeremy Orchin, Bill Brand and Steve Neilsen accepted the donation from WBMG Dealer Principal Jason Wiegmink and Financial Controller Kellie Oborn.

(Darren Stimpson/SUN)

CRAIG WINTER WIDE Bay Motor Group this week presented $20,000 to local Rural Fire Service units.

“The RFS do a tremendous job and are always there when we need them so hopefully this donation will help with much needed equipment and resources.” said Dealer Principal, Jason Wiegmink.

The purpose of the RFS is to operate in areas not covered by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Service.

Rural fire brigades respond to the outbreak of fires within their local area and in surrounding areas in support of other rural fire brigades and emergency service workers and are made up of all types of people with a wide range of skills to keep brigades running and communities safe.

The service is spread across 93 percent of Queensland and has approximately 1400 rural fire units made up of around 32,000 volunteers.

When deciding on an amount to donate, it was important to WBMG that the donated money be kept within the local area so the local RFS units benefit directly.

It also needed to be an amount that would make a real difference.

Wide Bay Motor Group began trading as a motor dealer in the local community in 1958.

Since then the business has been serving the Fraser Coast region providing customers with new and pre-owned vehicles, servicing and parts.

Their team is comprised primarily of locals from Maryborough and Hervey Bay who are passionate about supporting the community and providing an outstanding product and service to each customer who walks through their doors.

Being one of the major employers in the area they are very active in the local community and focused on local participation and support for local sporting organisations and community groups.

Independent Distributors for

Play & Stay Music Tour 2021

Shop online at: https://gregross.proma.global

20 - 30 SEP 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK CONTACT GREG OR DONNA AT

BUS, BED, BREAKFAST, NIGHTLY MEALS & ENTERTAINMENT $2,900 PER PERSON

ROLL TERN, ROCK N COUNTRY/WES FROM T H T EVERY NIG ENTERTAINMEN .

ARTISTS 12 DIFFERENT

G & D ROSS BUS CHARTERS

Phone 4129 7132 / 0427 297 132 e: rossbuscharters@bigpond.com www.ganddrossbuscharters.com.au

4

LETTERS

BRERETON ENQUIRY

Last week RSL Qld released a statement about the Brereton Enquiry in which they disagreed with the group punishment proposed by the Chief of Defence Force and reminded veterans of the support available to them from the RSL. Setting aside the alleged crimes committed by our Special Forces the handling of this matter by the Government and Defence has been appalling.

For those who have served in combat at sub-unit level the suggestion that the squadron officers were unaware of this behaviour for years is not credible.

Squadrons and companies are like family.

To believe this you would need to believe that over a period of years the troop leaders were so divorced from their troops that they did not know they were committing murder.

Better to obfuscate by engaging in the group punishment of all Special Forces soldiers and

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Business and other war stories OPINION

CRAIG WINTER NOT a lot from me this week as we wind down for NYE tonight, other than to say Happy New Year from The Maryborough Sun. denigrate their service as a way of diverting attention from the real issue, which is the breakdown of the Chain of Command and the responsibility that that entails.

have been smeared and disrespected by her disbandment.

Group punishment is anathema to the ethos of the Army.

A second enquiry needs to be conducted to investigate the breakdown of command, the reasons for it and those responsible.

In any proper functioning squadron this type of behaviour would have been stopped after the first instance and the perpetrators punished.

Integrity, honestly and accountability are the hallmarks of leadership.

2 Squadron SAS has a proud history dating back to Indonesian Confrontation and Vietnam.

Justice Brereton was tasked with investigating criminal activity.

This enquiry should be conducted by an officer with combat experience and impeccable credentials and one outside the system, such as General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

The Maryborough RSL stands ready to support our Servicemen and Women and our veterans.

All who served in her faithfully over 60 years

Yours Sincerely, Paul Coleman President Maryborough RSL

This year has seen us successfully start this newspaper, with a lot of support from Maryborough for which we are very grateful.

No enterprise can

survive without sincere public support, and to have so many people willing to contribute to our newspaper is honestly overwhelming.

Your messages of support are always gratefully received, and provide us with motivation to improve and expand with each edition.

We are proud to be a part of Maryborough and it’s surrounds, and to be continuing the long history of print media in regional

Australia.

We hope you all have a great 2021, that your businesses thrive and grow in the new optimism of a postCOVID world, that your families stay safe and healthy, and that we all make the most of what we’ve been provided in life.

We live in a great city.

Let’s make it even better over the next twelve months!

We welcome Letters to the Editor but cannot guarantee that they'll all be used. We may sometimes edit them to fit, provided we can do so without detracting from the author's intended message.

The Maryborough Sun Newspaper The Maryborough Sun is part of The Winter Group of businesses, 467 Alice Street, Maryborough Q 4650 ABN 89710630799

ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTS Phone: 07 3112 7843 9am-5pm weekdays Email: admin@marysun.com.au EDITORIAL Craig Winter - Editor Email: editorial@marysun.com.au ADVERTISING SALES Darren Stimpson - Advertising Manager Mobile: 0411 281 148 Email: sales@marysun.com.au CLASSIFIEDS Karen White - Classifieds Manager Phone: 07 3112 7847 8am-3.30pm weekdays Email: classifieds@marysun.com.au

Circulation 13,500+ delivered fortnightly Office: 467 Alice Street, Maryborough Q 4650 Open Mon - Wed 9am-3pm www.marysun.com.au www.facebook.com/ maryboroughsun

Responsibility for electoral content is taken by the Editor, Craig Winter.

Leave 2020 in the past and

celebrate the New Year with us!

Bistro Times

Lunch & Dinner

Lunch everyday from 11.30am – 2.00pm Dinner Sun to Thur 5.30–8.00pm Fri to Sat 5.30–8.30pm *Bookings recommended.

Live Entertainment

New Years Eve

with Red Betty

from 8pm – 1am Bring your dancing shoes!

*New menu coming soon!

163-175 Lennox Street, Maryborough Phone: 4122 2321 www.maryboroughrsl.com.au

Courtesy Bus Time Mon to Thur 4pm – 10pm Fri to Sat 4pm – 12am

5

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Endeavour stalwarts farewelled with party

JAY FIELDING

MORE presents than normal were handed out at this year’s Endeavour Foundation Christmas party.

Two valued members of the team are moving on after making significant contributions, receiving some extra gifts from colleagues.

Greg Massingham has retired after 40 years working at the Endeavour site, which produces timber products.

Greg – known affectionately as GM, General Manager and Major General in the workplace – was such a dedicated employee he had accrued 1700 hours of sick leave.

Endeavour Maryborough manager Scott Reed said Greg was very highly regarded.

“Today’s all about Greg,” Mr Reed told the dozens of guests at the party.

He said Greg, who has Down syndrome, had also attended the school for children with disabilities,

on the site now occupied

by Endeavour, for 12 years.

“He’s been so happy to come here and call you his comrades.”

“You could probably say he’s part of the furniture,” Mr Reed.

Another staff member bidding farewell was Matthew O’Brien, who clocked up 10 years with Endeavour.

He said Endeavour was losing a mate, a colleague and “someone I value very highly”.

Mr Reed also paid tribute to Greg’s mother, Joan, who had been a tireless supporter of Endeavour among a host of other community causes since it began.

She is a life member of the organisation.

“She was on the area committee for God I don’t know how long,” he said.

“Matty’s come a long way.

When he first started, he didn’t have a lot of confidence,” Mr Reed said.

“He’s now a young man who’s achieved a truck driver’s license, a certificate III, a forklift licence and he’s been our main truck driver,” he said.

Eight team members were presented with their new qualifications. (Jay Fielding)

“He’s a very successful young man.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Her late husband and Greg’s father, Barry, had a massive hand in building the original facility.

Matthew is moving to Ballina to be with his partner, who is pregnant with their first child.

Mrs Massingham told guests the family had attended the opening day of Caringa, the school, in 1964. Greg began attending in 1968.

He was one of eight Endeavour team members who recently completed a nationally accredited qualification in sawmilling and processing.

“We’ve been coming here for over 50 years,” she said.

They were presented with their certificates at the Christmas party.

representatives of other local community services and Pattie Hudson, CEO of the local PHN, the Federal Government agency that is funding the facility. Aunty Karen Hall delivered the Welcome to Country.

easier for young people to access these important services locally in Maryborough,” he said.

Since 2006 when it began, 600,000 young Australians have accessed Headspace services.

“It provides a bright, safe, welcoming space for young people and I am pleased to see it open its doors so our young people can get the support they need,” he said.

Manager Scott Reed with Greg Massingham, who is retiring after 40 years with Endeavour. (Jay Fielding)

Dedicated mental health space for Maryborough JAY FIELDING

YOUNG people in Maryborough now have their own dedicated mental health and wellbeing support service following the official opening of the city’s new Headspace facility.

Headspace will provide a range of services from the Lennox Street premises, which feature consultation rooms, a meeting space, toilets, kitchen and staff offices.

Guests at the official opening included Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien, State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, Deputy Mayor Darren Everard, members of the Youth Advisory Council that led the site’s development,

Mr O’Brien said Headspace provided tailored and holistic mental health support for people aged 12to 25.

“It takes a lot of courage to seek help for any mental health concerns, and the new Maryborough headspace service will help overcome the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing challenges, and make it

Mr O’Brien thanked everyone who worked to secure the service.

Manager Ricky Goostrey said headspace Maryborough, which started accepting clients in the middle of November, was already having an impact.

“The need for mental health services in the area has never been more apparent,” Mr Goostrey said.

“We are already receiving referrals from GPs, families, and even young people themselves who are walking through the door and commenting on how happy they are that we are open.

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the official opening marked a significant day for the community.

“We know that more than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before a person turns 25,” Mr Trethowan said.

“That’s why providing support to young people that’s tailored and specific to the local community is so important - particularly at the moment as many young are experiencing a particularly tough time.”

Headspace’s new facility will help youth in Maryborough.

Make a stylish impression with

Heritage City’s Panelglides

For beautiful, handcrafted Vertical Blinds and Panelglides that will stand the test of time while making a stylish impression, Heritage City Blinds & Awnings is your only port of call.

Blinds / Awnings / Verticals / Security Screens & Doors / Fly Screen Repairs / Pet Doors / Wood Fire Heaters Locally owned and operated for over 30 years. Visit us and find out how we can revitalise your living spaces Showroom: Cnr Gympie & Iindah Roads, Tinana Phone: 4123 2255 www.hcba.com.au BSA licence number 051931

6

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Sun

A history of the

MARYBOROUGH

F E A T U R E

Readers’ pics of our sugar mill This magnificent aerial of the mill by Graeme Wilson is just one of the great contributions we’ve received to add to our history.

Graeme Wilson Deane Lewis 30-second exposure at night.

ALL STATES

TRAINING RTO Number #32577

Courses conducted weekly

• CPPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry • RIIWHS204D Work safely at heights • RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Skill Set (Standard 11 Mining Induction Course) • RIIWHS302D Implement traffic management plans* • RIIWHS205D Control traffic with a stop/slow bat* *Conditions apply please contact our office for more details

TRAVEL ALL OVER AUSTRALIA Open Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm

07 4123 0415

or email: reception@centralsafetytraining.com

www.allstatestraining.qld.edu.au

Country Hospitality at Mango Paradise

Eumundi Markets & Lunch

Friday 15th January 2021

Saturday 13th February 2021

$71 per person

$99 per person

Tangalooma Moreton Island Discovery Break Tuesday 16th to Thursday 18th March 2021

7 Day Roma Easter in the Country Festival & the Gemfields Friday 2nd April 2021 From $2,898 p/p twin share

$851 p/p twin share

A Nice Summer Day Out

Spirit of the Bush

O’Reilly’s Getaway

7 Day Yeppoon & Great Keppel Island

Saturday 23rd January 2021

Wednesday 24th February 2021

Tuesday 20th to Friday 23rd April 2021

Monday 19th April 2021

$99 per person

$129 per person

$915 p/p twin share

From $3,094 p/p twin share

Wide Bay Transit

Down Under Coach Tours

4121 4070 widebaytransit.com.au

4123 1733 downundercoachtours.com.au

7

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Maryborough Sugar Mill

Mill’s first female apprentice JAY FIELDING

own role.

MARYBOROUGH Sugar Factory will always have a special place in Bri Sengstock’s heart.

The Aldridge State High graduate started her electrical apprenticeship after school, having already demonstrated her value to the company, where she had done work experience.

In 2018, Ms Sengstock became the first female apprentice in the company’s 126-year history.

Sadly, she was also among the final employees at the mill, where dozens of workers have been retrenched after owner Mitr Phol announced the site was closing.

“I was really excited to be able to show that it is actually possible for a woman to take on a trade,” Ms Sengstock said.

“I applied for the job as I knew that I was interested in industrial work. I was always very hands on.”

Corey Mason

The 20-year-old has a love for sugar, having grown up in the industry as well as relatives who worked at the mill. However, she rightfully earned her

“I also completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology during Grade 12,” she said.

“I gave up many school holidays to do work experience with different electrical companies in town.”

Ms Sengstock said staff had remained optimistic despite rumours of the mill’s impending closure swirling during the year but the confirmation had been devastating.

“Walking out that gate for the last time was a horrible feeling. You just feel so sad.”

While her time at MSF was cut short, Ms Sengstock leaves with fond

Bri Sengstock became the first female apprentice at the mill in 2018.

(Supplied)

memories of her experience and teammates.

“It was a great place to work. It was just an interesting piece of infrastructure to work on.

You had old and new,” she said.

“The whole crew was great to work with. “(There was) always something new to learn and the sheer size of some moving parts was just

Graeme Wilson ADVERTISEMENT

LLEW O’BRIEN MP

Federal Member for Wide Bay Strong Representation. Achieving Results.

319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650 PO Box 283 Maryborough QLD 4650 07 4121 2936 Tollfree 1300 301 968 Llew.Obrien.MP@aph.gov.au llewobrien.com.au f /llewobrienLNP

Authorised by L. O’Brien, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 319 Kent St, Maryborough QLD 4650

amazing.

“People don’t understand the effort and work that goes into making sugar.

And how awesome the process really is.”

Now in her fourth year, Ms Sengstock has secured a job and will finish her apprenticeship at Isis Central Sugar Mill in Childers, where Maryborough-grown cane will be crushed for at least the next two years.

Sun

8

MARYBOROUGH

F E A T U R E

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

The Maryborough Sugar Mill Bri Sengstock

The last truck load of cane to be crushed at the Maryborough mill being unloaded (Glyn Peatey)

Shane Jeffrey

Corey Mason

Bri Sengstock

Remembering the cane cutters THE following poem was contributed by Tinana’s Jenny Burton, owner of the family operated “Iindah” Dairy Farm and Burton’s Milk Factory.

She thought that with all the publicity relating to the sugar industry at the moment, it was appropriate to think of the men who, before the introduction of mechanical harvesting had been the backbone of the business.

Jenny’s late husband Herb, started his working life as a canecutter at Childers.

When the cane finished each year, Herb and the same gang of men would go to Kingaroy for the peanut harvest.

They were young, fit friends and competed to see who was the fastest whether in the cane paddock or peanut crop.

As with so many of those

hardworking men, Herb’s pay helped him purchase a farm where he and Jenny began dairying, and later bought land where they became cane farmers as well.

Jenny’s home is only 100 metres from the site of the “Iindah” Sugar Mill which is the origin of the property’s name.

Built in 1869 and one of the largest on the Mary River at that time, the mill produced around 70 tons of sugar and five thousand gallons of rum each year in the 1870s.

“Iindah” was later converted to a juice mill, where juice was crushed from the cane, run down pipes into tanks on barges and taken across the river to Yengarie Sugar Mill.

From the 1860s, and for the next hundred years in Queensland, the sugar industry depended on cane cutters.

THE ALMOST FORGOTTEN CANECUTTER

by Marie Johnstone We’ve all heard of the shearer and drover, The stockman and outlaw too.

The squatter who once lived in clover And the bullocky whose language was blue.

The Anzac, the swaggie and Banjo Whose words make our hearts all aflutter.

Each is a part of our history and so Is the almost forgotten canecutter.

The boss signed him up with three men or more.

The ganger enlightened him as to the score.

“Bend your back, cut that cane down low, Remember there’s no pay for the slow.

Shoulder load each truck, keep it straight.

Watch it! That’s not cane, it’s a ruddy snake!”

His hands were all blistered. He ached to the bone.

“This cutting’s no job for a weakling.” he’d moan.

The smell of burnt sugar hung in the air.

His clothes were all sticky and so was his hair.

If his knife hit a stone, oh Lord, how it jarred.

His hours were long and the work was damned hard.

But on pay day he felt like a son-of-a-gun And walked into town for a week-end of fun.

Back to the barracks he’d often be broke And swear off the beer – being drunk was no joke.

Where are the gangs now that machines cut the cane?

Do they remember the sweat and the pain?

Do they look back with a feeling of pride At work well done with mates at their side?

They’re part of our history, a legend each one Those canecutting men who toiled in the sun.

9

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Public health physician has best end to bad year TO SAY 2020 has been big for Dr Niall Conroy is probably one of the great understatements of the year.

The affable Irishman joined Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service in late January to take up a role as the region’s new public health physician, and was expecting a quiet and well-planned handover from retiring physician Dr Margaret Young.

Instead, he walked into the beginning of a global pandemic and had to hit the ground sprinting in what everyone kept on saying would need to be a marathon effort.

Dr Conroy has maintained a frenetic pace ever since, with barely a day off during what will doubtless end up being one of the most memorable years of his life – not least because he and wife Michelle are expecting their first baby.

“This year has brought challenges for all health services across the world, and probably brought a greater focus on public health than we’ve seen for some time,” the 43-yearold said.

“It’s difficult to explain the scale of work that’s been required throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s not just about confirming and treating positive cases, and contact tracing and containment – although they’re obviously incredibly important.

But they’re probably the most visible parts of our pandemic response.

“A lot of the other work that’s gone on behind the scenes has included supporting our own facilities as well as a range of other health and other community service providers with preparation and response plans, making sure public events have had effective COVIDSafe management plans in place, and helping our local businesses and organisations to manage in the new operating environment.

“On top of all this, our Public Health Unit needed to be able to continue all the other work we do on a regular basis, such as food and water safety, immunisations and other communicable disease management.”

That effort hasn’t been without reward, though.

So far, there have been just 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region, thanks in part to strong planning and rapid and comprehensive health service responses – including a positive case in a farm worker in Bundaberg, requiring multiple people to be quarantined and mass rounds of testing.

And earlier this month, Dr Conroy was presented with the top honour at WBHHS’s annual Excellence Awards – the Every Value, Every Day award, recognising someone who demonstrates all the organisation’s values to an exceptional standard at all times.

But without a doubt the best way to end such an eventful year will be the arrival of his first child.

That the baby was even conceived was a bit of a miracle in the first place, given that Michelle arrived in Australia with just days to spare before the international border was closed.

“She’s a teacher and was initially supposed to come for a visit, return to Ireland for a term and then move over permanently – but she arrived just in the nick of time and then she was here for good,” Dr Conroy said with a laugh.

anyway!”

The physician’s road to Wide Bay – and public health – has been an interesting one.

Initially intent on emergency medicine, as a young medical student he spent a placement in South Africa, at Johannesburg’s busiest trauma hospital. What he found there set him on a different path.

“I realised people were dying from AIDS in huge numbers because they didn’t have access to antiretroviral drugs. In some parts of the country at that time, two in 10 adults had AIDS – it was staggering,” he said.

“That was my first step into public health.

“And everyone was telling me that paediatricians were what were really needed. In Africa, nearly half of the deaths in children under five happen in the first month – in the neonatal period – so I started taking an interest in newborn health as well as broader public health.”

After qualifying as a doctor in 2004 and spending his intern year in the UK, Dr Conroy spent the next few years working in paediatrics in Scotland, New Zealand and Australia, before staying on in Australia to work in

public health for several years, mostly in Brisbane.

More recently he has held academic and lecturing roles at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and University College Dublin’s Centre for Emergency Medical Science, prior to which he spent some time working in developing countries such as Somalia and Nepal.

support the COVID-19 response effort in various ways, not to mention the multitude of other public health responsibilities he and his team oversee.

But he is about to take

Help is available when you need it most

If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that he won’t be out of a job in Wide Bay any time soon, with plenty of work still required to

General Counselling Relationship & Couples Counselling Grief and Loss

Quality haircuts Men, women and children No appointments necessary Now Offering Shaves

The

BARBER SHOP

his first decent break in the past 12 months, to welcome the birth of his son. And with his history in public health and newborns, it’s safe to say that Baby Conroy will be in good hands.

FINDING BALANCE COUNSELLING

The Barber Shop

“That was very lucky, really, because otherwise I’m not entirely sure how I would have coped without that support at home.

“But my colleagues are telling me that I’ll be well practised at having no sleep when the baby’s born, because I’ve hardly had any this year

Dr Niall and Michelle Conroy who have welcomed their new baby this Christmas. (Supplied)

Work Life Balance

Mindfulness Meditation Tuesdays 5-6 pm “Time and balance, the two most difficult things to have control over, yet they are both the things that we do control.”

Catherine Pulsifer

Kaylene Birch

No Appointment needed

Diploma of Professional Counselling (MACA)

209 Pallas St, Maryborough (next to the Post Office)

Suite 24, 371 Kent Street, Maryborough Phone 0488 440 522 | KayleneB58@outlook.com

T: 4122 4841

www.findingbalancecounselling.com.au

We would like to thank our amazing customers for their support this year.

Wishing you all a Happy & Prosperous New Year • Jewellery Repairs • Jewellery Restorations • Handmade Jewellery • Gemmologist • Diamond Brokers

Come and see our experienced team today!

• HANDMADE JEWELLERY • DIAMOND BROKERS • QUALITY JEWELLERY & WATCHES • JEWELLERY CLEANING • JEWELLERY REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS

1/384 Kent Street, Maryborough Phone 4123 4032 www.myattjewellers.com.au

10

Refuge boarding facilities

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Council supports Toogoom pontoon

DID you know that the Maryborough & District Animal Refuge has Cat & Dog Boarding facilities at our Refuge?

In addition to keeping your loved pet safe and secure while you are away, you also have the satisfaction of knowing that your boarding fees go directly to support the work of the Refuge.

They offer dog boarding at just $20 per day Toogoom now has support for it’s long awaited pontoon (Supplied)

“Our pens and spacious and easy to clean.” says Natalie from the Refuge.

THE Fraser Coast Regional Council has backed Toogoom residents’ call for a floating pontoon to make the local boat ramp safer.

“We have industrial fans installed for the hotter months & a sprinkler system on the roof to help keep that heat off in summer and there are large spacious exercise yards so your doggy furkids can run and play.”

All dog boarders must be up to date with a C5 vaccination.

Clean and comfortable boarding is available at the Refuge. (Supplied)

Cat Boarding is only $16 dollars a day for a spacious and secure air conditioned pen.

prior to boarding with us.

“We have a secure outdoor cat area that your kitty can explore and play in.” said Natalie.

All cat boarders are required to be up to date with their F3 vaccination

The Refuge prices include the boarders’ bedding and food but you are still welcome to bring things from home if they have favourite toys, blankets, bed etc or require a special diet.

If your pet requires

medication they can also assist with this for the duration of their stay.

On-site caretakers make sure that your furry friend is never alone.

If you have any questions please call the office on 41231712 or message the MDAF Facebook Page

DID YOU KNOW WE ALSO HAVE BOARDING KENNELS?”

Phone 4123 1712

Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 2pm All adopted animals are desexed, microchipped, vet-checked and dogs are registered.

Residents raised the need for a pontoon in a petition presented to Council by Cr Jade Wellings, with Council today resolving to ask the Department of Transport and Main Roads to build the facility.

“The petition requested a fishing and boating pontoon at the ramp

beside Goodies Restaurant in Toogoom to improve safety for boaties, fishermen, families and tourists,” Cr Wellings said.

“Petitioners pointed out that the boat ramp is a popular fishing spot, especially for families as it is free of rocks, but that placed people fishing in and around the ramp at risk of being hit by boats as they were launched or retrieved.

“The pontoon would make boat launches and retrieval safer, especially when the tide was flowing or in heavy seas.”

A pontoon would need to be funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“Boar ramps are built and managed in partnership with the State Government,” Cr Wellings said.

“Council builds the land-based facilities such as the car parks, and the State Government builds the sea-based facilities such as pontoons, floating walkways and ramps.”

Retail therapy has helped with boredom

AUSTRALIANS turned to retail therapy to counter feelings of loneliness or to stave off boredom and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 lockdowns, a new report by Monash University researchers has found.

As the pandemic restrictions adversely affected the mental health of many Australians, research by Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS) node found people turned to their wallets to help them cope during those uncertain times.

Findings of the latest report, found more than two-thirds of Aussie shoppers felt moderately to a great deal happy, in control and experienced a level of normalcy when shopping for non-grocery

products.

More than 55% of shoppers said they didn’t feel lonely, stressed or bored while shopping for non-grocery retail products.

This year, Aussies bought the most of clothing, footwear and accessories (59%); homeware and hardware (45%); and personal care products, such as cosmetics and baby care (37%).

A higher proportion of women made purchases in clothing, footwear, and accessories (70% to 48% men) and personal care (48% to 25% men).

Unsurprisingly, at the supermarket checkout, Aussies stocked up big on toilet paper, tissues and paper towels (14%); pasta and noodles (13%); cleaning supplies (12%);

frozen foods (11%) and sanitisers and soaps (10%). The biggest stocked piled grocery items were canned goods and soups (15%).

And while delivery timings of online purchases were a pain-point in 2020, with 38% of shoppers reporting that delivery times were worse than the previous year, overall the retail experience of online shopping was viewed as being better than the previous year (25%) and so too was customer service online (21%).

To understand the effect COVID-19 has had on the retail industry and Australian shoppers, Monash Business School’s Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS) has been conducting a monthly shopper pulse survey since September 2020.

OPEN DAY - 12 FEBRUARY 2021 TASTER DAY - 24 FEBRUARY 2021 DISCOVER EDUCATION WITH EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS INDIVIDUAL Laptops • FOCUS On Real Pathways For Each Student • DEDICATION To Our Leaders Of The Future

• ENROL TODAY • Years 7 - 12 www.smcm.qld.edu.au

11

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Community champions celebrated in All Ability Awards A BUSINESS owner and support worker who helps clients seven days a week and a teenager who progressed from an automatic wheelchair to a manual one to play wheelchair basketball are just two of the amazing people recognised in this year’s Ability Awards.

While the annual Ability Awards ceremony was unable to go ahead on the Fraser Coast this year due to COVID-19, a virtual event has shone the spotlight on those in our community providing inspiration, offering mentorship and achieving results.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the pandemic had changed so much about our day to day lives but the community had come through stronger than ever.

“It is disappointing to not be able to celebrate together, but with this online format we can still come together and recognise the hard working and inspirational people in our community helping improve the life of people with a disability,” he said.

“This year more than 25 individuals, groups and organisations have been recognised through the Fraser Coast Ability Awards.

“On behalf of Council and the local community, congratulations and thank

you for everything you do.”

The virtual event also includes special musical and Tai Chi performances from students at the Maryborough Special School and can be watched at https://youtube/ wE9j--ASlwo The winners of each award are: Education Provider Award Maryborough State High School Enrichment Precinct The Maryborough State High School Enrichment Precinct has gone from strength to strength in the past year and have created a culture where all differences are valued and students are enriched due to ability, not disability.

Twenty five per cent of all school leadership positions have been awarded to students with additional needs not by quota, but by merit.

There has been the placement and development of students with additional needs in elite development academies like rowing, football and hockey to enhance their natural talent.

Students have also achieved in dance, drama and music programs.

The school have celebrated the success and completion of self-generated and

monitored goals and this has seen a significant reduction in behavioural issues in classes which leads to an improvement of student achievement.

Due to the proactive nature of the Enrichment and Wellbeing programs, students are less likely to engage in unsafe behaviours, are more likely to engage positively with each other and the greater community, and are able to look positively towards a life of choice, not a life of chance.

Sport and Recreation Award Henry Rider Despite his challenges, Henry has set his mind to persevere and overcome such challenges in his wheelchair basketball games. Not only is Henry admirable both on and off the court, but he is consistent, humble and talented.

Henry has achieved so much through his efforts by getting selected to play in the QLD junior squad for Wheelchair basketball and Henry has also won a bronze medal for playing at the spinners comp in January.

Most recently, Henry was selected to represent Queensland juniors 2020 in the wheelchair basketball arena.

Employment Award OCTEC Disability Employment Services OCTEC provides employment services and assistance to disability affected participants in the local area. OCTEC on a daily basis specialise in the employment sector with people with disabilities.

To achieve this, consultants are constantly meeting with suitable employers insuring the participant is compatible with the employer.

Mary River Mighty LionHearts, winners of the Community Organisation Award. (Supplied)

The consultants at OCTEC display that they care for the individuals own personal goals by insuring a tailored job

plan that is participant orientated, assistance to gaining employment, up skilling the individual and supplying the tools and equipment needed for this to be done.

Community Champion Award Jayden Lem Jayden has worked in the Disability Sector for almost six years and has a true passion for improving the quality of life for others. Jayden is a very committed worker who lives for his work as it isn’t just a job for him.

Jayden makes the environment very fun, loving, warm and comfortable for each individual so they are able to reach their highest potential.

Although Jayden works seven days a week he is still generous enough to find the time to help community members make everyday living much easier.

Jess McDowell, winner of the Ted Weber Individual Achievement Award with Cr Everard. (Supplied)

Spirit Award Henry Rider Henry is a determined young man who is currently the president and team captain of the Fraser Coasters Wheelchair basketball team.

Community Organisation Award Mary River Mighty LionHearts The Mary River Mighty LionHearts is a unique community organisation as all positions within the organisation are held by individuals with disabilities.

The 19-year-old progressed from a motorised chair to a manual one to get involved with the sport after a chance meeting with Michael Oxley, who had just returned from the under-25 women’s world wheelchair basketball sparked interest in the sport.

The Lions Club is the first of its kind and is contributing to improving the quality of life of people with disability by empowering them.

Ted Weber Individual Achievement Award Jess McDowell

The Mighty LionHearts has positively impacted the community, not only by giving back to the Fraser Coast, but by being the face of inclusivity in the region.

Jess had a workplace accident just over two years ago and had her leg amputated.

She returned to work as a personal care worker at Fairhaven Aged Care after four months of extensive rehabilitation.

They are able, through their own actions to show the community how incredibly capable they are, and how they too can contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

She overcame physical and mental adversity to return to work. She deals with pain on a regular basis yet

Young Community

never complains.

Jess has also taken to Park Run and has completed the 5k track more than 50 times.

She is an inspiration to those that come into contact with her around the course, making many new friends that share her achievements, and encourage her.

While COVID-19 put stop to her participating and training in a group, she continued to push the Park Run course on her own. She continues to work towards her goal of walking, and overcomes the physical challenges of using a wheelchair, crutches and a prosthetic.

She has also become a successful wheelchair basketball player, winning a Bronze medal at a tournament on the Sunshine Coast in 2020 in the successful Fraser Coasters Wheelchair Basketball team.

Jess regularly shares her sessions on social media outlining her time and distance, walking, on the bike and on her crutches and prosthetic.

NOT FAST FOOD BUT A SMILE, A FRIENDLY CHAT AND A MEAL We’ll bring in the mail, offer a hand or call help if it’s needed Open to all – breakfast, lunch and dinner options available

More than just a meal www.mowfc.org.au

Call our friendly team today Maryborough: 167 Churchill Street 4121 4297 Hervey Bay: 39a Islander Road, Pialba 4128 1334

12

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Help keep our schools safe these holidays

Twin ATAR scores surprise GROWING up there are many things that sisters Maddelyn and Gorgia Green have done together, it is part and parcel of having a twin sibling.

But when it came to the new Year 12 QCE system even they could not have predicted they would share an ATAR score!

The sisters have enjoyed sharing many experiences and memories of their lives in Maryborough surrounded by a close family, and this year finishing Year 12 together at St Mary’s College.

School Watch Call 13 17 88 POLICE are urging Fraser Coast residents to help keep an eye our for school vandals this Christmas.

Each school holiday period sees a rise in school vandalism and breakins, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dolllars each year to repair.

Already this year, two Fraser Coast schools have been targetted.

The School Watch

program is a partnership between the Department of Education and the Queensland Police Service.

The program aims to reduce criminal activity in Queensland schools and encourages everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools.

If you see anything suspicious, don’t try to intervene. Instead, call the School Watch number - 13 17 88. If you see a crime in progress, please call Triple Zero.

As identical twins Maddelyn and Gorgia have heard all the usual comments, and they always smile graciously when mistaken for one another, but this week they were quite surprised as both Maddelyn and Gorgia received the exact same final results, an impressive ATAR of 89.60.

Maddelyn commented “We were both quite shocked considering we had slightly different marks.

We knew it would be close, but we never expected it to be the exact same. I had to double check to make sure.”

St Mary’s College has been widely congratulating all their student’s

ACCOUNTANT & REGISTERED TAX AGENT

Twins Maddelyn and Gorgia have received the exact same ATAR score. (Supplied)

achievements with a high 28% receiving an ATAR of 90 or above and 50% above a score of 80.

Principal Mr le Roux added “We have a school of passionate, engaged and enthusiastic young people who excel and display their talents in so many ways.”

Now celebrating the impressive double ATAR score, and with their final year of secondary schooling at St Mary’s College

finished.

The twin’s individual personalities have really shone through with their separate career goals kicking off on a strong pathway.

Their final assessments were met with reduced stress as the sisters had already received early offers at the University of Sunshine Coast, Maddelyn has been accepted into a Bachelor of Occupational

Therapy (Honours) and Gorgia was accepted into a dual degree for a Bachelor of Counselling/ Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).

Although each sister is venturing into a separate career there are still some things they plan to do together as Gorgia has mentioned “We will move in together with a friend, as we will be attending the same campus it is all organised”

Auctioneer’s Promise A range of high quality natural

furniture waxes, oils and cleansers Traditional Furniture Wax Available in ORIGINAL or SOFT recipes

We have provided professional, quality Accountancy and Taxation Services to the Maryborough and Fraser Coast Community for 24 years.

Income Tax Preparation Business Activity Statements Auditor – Clubs & Associations Business Advice Management Accounting

100% Natural Furniture Oil

Silicon FREE, petroleum FREE, chemical FREE With Vitamin E & Carnauba

Chalk Paint Additive

500g or 1kg resealable pouches

Traditional Gun Stock Oil

Lead FREE, quick application

263 Albert Street, Maryborough Phone 4121 5588 Email janet@janetchildsassoc.com.au www.janetchildsassoc.com.au

Genuine Alkanet RED OIL Gun Stock Finisher Made by hand and steeped for a full six months before bottling

Hand made in Maryborough with 100% local ingredients Wholesale & trade inquiries welcome sales@anotherlife.net.au Available at Another Life Antiques CNR KENT & BAZAAR STREETS

or buy online at

auctioneerspromise.com.au

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Sun

13

MARYBOROUGH

Happy New Year 2021 What’s on for NYE tonight

JAY FIELDING

TONIGHT is shaping up to be a memorable farewell to what has been for many a year to forget.

The big party in Maryborough will be the free New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fair at the Maryborough Cricket Club.

The highlight will be a massive fireworks show at 9pm.

Maryborough Cricket Club general manager Chris Strochnetter said it promised to be a great night for all ages.

from local food vans.

Live music will be provided by the Gemini Duo from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, while inside Andrew Copland will be playing at the bar from 9pm to 1am.

The COVID-safe family fun fair is on from 5pm to 9pm.

The Cricket Club is at 46 Ariadne Street.

Tickets are essential and must be shown, electronically or in printed form, at the gate.

“It’s our big community event we put on for the year with help from Fraser Coast Regional Council,” he said.

To secure tickets, follow the links at the Maryborough Cricket Club Facebook page or visit www.eventbrite. com/e/new-yearseve-family-fun-fairtickets-130624466295 for tickets.

There will also be a jumping castle, inflatable obstacle course and other activities, as well a wide range of food available

Meanwhile, revelers will be going wild at the Cri, where the new year will be rung in with a Jumanji party.

The nightclub will be decorated with a jungle theme and will be open until 5am.

95

CARRIERS ARMS Live entertainment Bistro open

Entry is $15.

Another option for partygoers will be the Andy Venning Hypnosis Comedy Show at the Old Sydney Hotel.

SPORTS CLUB Barlight Trio from 8pm Bistro open

It’s billed as an evening you’ll remember for years or one your friends will never let you forget.

Tickets, available from the venue, are $60 including a two-course meal or $30 for the show only.

Gemini Duo (above) and Andrew Copland will be performing at the Maryborough Cricket Club while Andy Venning (below) will play at the Old Sydney Hotel tonight.

CRICKET CLUB Family Fun Fair Live entertainment

by Gemini Duo and Andrew Copeland Fireworks at 9pm Bistro open Tickets at Eventbrite THE CRI Jumanji Party Open until 5am Entry $15 at door

Please remember to drink responsibly tonight everyone and get home safe. If you don’t have a designated driver, grab a cab and keep everyone safe on the roads!

Y A D H T R BI

E L A S

MARYBOROUGH RSL Red Betty playing from 8pm to 1am Bistro open

Numbers are limited as the Wharf Street venue will be operating under COVID-safe guidelines.

hoes S y a w d Broa Langers

TH

WHAT’S ON AT A GLANCE

OLD SYDNEY HOTEL Andy Venning Hypnosis Comedy Show $60 dinner and show $30 show only Tickets from venue

F F O 20% wide Store

hoes S l o o h c k to S c a B g n i includ 187 Adelaide St. Maryborough Phone 4121 3570 ‘Servicing Maryborough & District for 95 years’

14

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Sun MARYBOROUGH

Happy New Year 2021 Chinese Horoscope 2021: Year of the Metal Ox

The ancient Chinese horoscope for 2021 predicts that “no explosive or catastrophic events will occur, so it is a favorable year for economic recovery or consolidation.”

ACCORDING to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. The Chinese New Year will start on February 12th, and it will last until January 31st of 2022.

The Ox is the second out of the twelve zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The Year of the Metal Ox comes right after the Year of the Metal Rat (2020) and before the Year of the Water Tiger (2022)!

responsibilities, a year when it is necessary to double our efforts to accomplish anything at all.

with discipline. A lot of discipline! Obviously, with an extra effort from us in organising our time.

The Yin energy, specific to the Chinese zodiac sign of Ox, will be quite poignant.

Lucky symbols in 2021 Lucky numbers: 7, 9, 12, 21, 34, 42 Lucky days: the 5th, the 9th, the 17th, the 29th day of every month of the Chinese calendar Lucky months: the 3rd, 7th, and 9th Chinese lunar months

This is going to be a year when we will fully feel the weight of our responsibilities, a year when it is necessary to double our efforts to accomplish anything at all.

Since this is a Metal year, for the second successive year, the color of 2021 is going to be white.

The years of the Ox in the Chinese Horoscope are: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021.

Besides white, we have the lucky colors of the Ox: yellow and green, colors that, in Feng Shui, attract prosperity and success.

This year is going to be lucky and also perfect to focus on relationships, whether we are talking about friendships or love.

To increase your luck, wear metal accessories.

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Ox is very hardworking and methodical. 2021 is going to be a year when work will get rewarded, and those zodiac signs who are lucky in terms of money this year will be the ones that will make a considerable effort.

The Yin energy, specific to the Chinese zodiac sign of Ox, will be quite poignant.

This is going to be a year when we will fully feel the weight of our

This year, no explosive or catastrophic events will occur, so it is a favorable year for economic recovery or consolidation, a year of long-term investments (especially for creating a reserve stock for the coming unproductive years).

The Metal Ox year is also great for making order in the family life.

Lucky colors: White, yellow, and green Lucky directions: west, northwest, and southwest In 2021, the ruling Tai Sui is Yang Xin. The position of Tai Sui is at NorthEast1. In conflict with Tai Sui is the Chinese zodiac sign of the Goat, while the animals in indirect conflicts are: Ox, Dragon, and Dog. Career and Fortune The year of the Metal Ox brings career advancement, success in business, prosperity, and wellness for all zodiac signs.

The Ox year of 2021 is under the influence of the metal element, just like the Year of the Rat 2020.

After all, if the family life is peaceful, everything gets solved!

This year predicts new career opportunities, so don’t let anxiety or negative thinking affect you.

Thus, 2021 is a year when all the problems get solved

Those who are born under the Ox sign are

independent and strong people, but very stubborn.

During the year, some problems might occur for most Chinese zodiac signs, but success and luck are ready to be present for those who are flexible and ready for anything.

In 2021, those born under the Dragon zodiac sign will enjoy huge profits, as long as they will take advantage of the occurring opportunities.

However, they need to be very careful to not let themselves carried away before things get out of control.

Many Tigers and Rabbits

will obtain financial independence by discovering a new income source, while for others, money could fall from the sky.

The Goats will keep having new ideas related to quick gains and organizing their own business, goals that will be successfully achieved.

In love, a fabulous year is to come!

If you think of starting a family with the person you have by your side, 2021 is the ideal year.

All the marriages started in the Metal Ox year are durable and happy.

Licence 43267

Wishing all our valued customers a

• Repairs & Installation • Hot Water Systems • Emergency Breakdown Service

4121 3038

www.allengillespieelectrical.com.au

Famous People Born in the Year of the Ox Napoleon (1769), Adolf Hitler (1889), Walt Disney (1901), Margaret Thatcher (1925), Barack Obama (1961), Saddam Hussein (1937), Gerald Ford (1913), Charlie Chaplin (1889), actors George Clooney, Richard Gere and Dustin Hoffman, artist Vincent Van Gogh; Princess Diana; former President Richard Nixon.

For full details, visit www. thechinesezodiac.org/ chinese-horoscope-2021year-of-the-metal-ox/

Sun MARYBOROUGH

For all electrical installation and maintenance

Prosperous 2021

In case you are still single, get ready to meet your soul mate!

We wish our customers a safe and

Happy New Year We will be open on Monday 11th January 2021.

Happy New Year from the team at The Maryborough Sun. May 2021 be successful, fulfilling and prosperous for you.

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Sun

15

MARYBOROUGH

Happy New Year 2021 How do we move past 2020? within the community.”

Kaylene said.

escalate to trauma.” she said.

“Many are putting on a brave face for fear of being judged by the critics/ conspiracy theorists and/ or to protect their families from the domino effect of community transmitted stress.

How do people break away from the bad press and depressing media, and start getting on with their lives?

CRAIG WINTER

Covid-19 pandemic.

ONE of my missions for 2021 is to get past all the bad news, the negative media and the constant attack on our optimism that we’ve been experiencing, get on with life and make 2021 the best year it can be.

“They have put strategies in place to be able to continue with their lives as best they can. They have listened to health advice and in many cases adjusted their daily routines to ensure they can be as safe as possible.

Every second advert on TV tells us what a bad year we’ve had, what a struggle it’s been and how badly we’re all affected, and yes, there are a couple of groups who’ve fared particularly badly - the elderly, and anyone involved in travel or tourism for example - but for the most part, regional Queensland has gotten off fairly lightly.

“Others have begun to live in fear as they feel their control of the situation has been taken away.” said Kaylene.

“For so long, all we could see in any form of media was the reports worldwide of the pandemic. There was no escape.” she said.

“The elderly are the most impacted by the fear factor.

Many have become fearful of leaving their homes to go shopping or visit with friends and family.

Is it better to learn to cope on our own or to open up and admit that it was all a bit too much for some of us?

What we need to do is get motivated to make 2021 a good year, in whatever shape that may be for each of us individually, and show added support for those groups who may not be able to get over things as quickly as the rest of us.

I spoke to Kaylene Birch who is the owner and Principal Counsellor at Finding Balance Counselling in Maryborough and asked if it’s even possible to feel positive about the new year, given all the bad news we’re receiving.

“We’ve been lucky so far in QLD as we’ve not experienced the second waves that other states have. People who have a strong positive attitude have coped well with the

“I’ve heard some difficult stories from elderly community members who have stated that their quality of life has diminished. Most of us who have been able to continue to work (however)have managed reasonably well.

“Life has changed but we have been able to get on with it in most cases.

“I believe most of us will hold onto a level of stress around Covid for some time to come. We’re all learning to live in a new world.” she said.

One comment we’ve heard a lot is that people are hiding the true effect of this year’s stress from others.

“Yes, there is a huge amount of concealed stress

“It is healthier to admit to a level of stress and that it can be attributed to the pandemic. This doesn’t mean we have to cope alone though.

“Seeking counselling and community support is a very healthy option. The repercussions of Covid may have triggered other underlying stress factors and when they have another level of stress applied via Covid, it may be the tipper for some people.

“It’s okay to seek help by talking to a professional who will not judge and will help to identify strategies to reduce the stress anyone may be experiencing.

“Time may reduce the impact temporarily – until another stressful event happens in an individuals life, which may then

Kaylene has two main suggestions when it comes to moving on with life.

• There is no shame in asking for help if you feel you’re not coping.

“In my professional opinion it is best if people can move through their day to day activities as normally as possible.

“Yes, we do have to be more hygiene conscious and more aware of our external environments. But I don’t see this as a bad thing.

“We have all learnt many lessons from the restrictions, but maybe we really did need to learn these lessons again anyway.

“We now have to plan more when we want to go anywhere. Make that booking to go out for a meal. Plan that weekend away with the family or your partner.

“We may not have been able to have that holiday overseas we had planned, but have we really seen everything that our own country has to offer?

“Take time to explore that new hobby you have been going to take up for so long. Take time for self care – it may be the gym, bike or horse riding, walking on one of our gorgeous beaches, yoga or meditation.

“Check out What’s on Fraser Coast – there are

Covid may have brought up other issues which have been buried for some time.

Talk to family and friends or if they can’t help you contact a counsellor. always activities going on in our region.

“Check on your friends and neighbours and plan a street BBQ. Become more aware of your community.” she said.

• Creativity is a great outlet for stress – check out any groups that allow you to use your creative mind or invest in some craft or art supplies and let it all out.

Kaylene Birch has a Diploma of Professional Counselling (MACA), is a member of the College of Professional Supervisors and is the owner and Principal Counsellor at Finding Balance Counselling, 371 Kent Street Maryborough.

School HolidayS

BOOK A LANE TODAY COVID Safe procedures in place

Everyone Kids prices 2 games

$14

per person

Maryborough Ten Pin Phone: 4122 3100

From our family to yours we are very grateful for your continued support, we wouldn’t be here without you, our loyal customers.

Here’s to a safe and happy 2021 for all 45kg cylinder

Domestic & commercial $115 *

Gas delivery to the local area

8.5kg cylinder

$32 *

*Price includes delivery

177 Walker Street, Maryborough Ph: 07 4122 4744 www.frasercoastgas.com.au

Thank you to all our regular and any new clients who have supported us throughout this difficult year. Blessings for 2021.

16

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Sun MARYBOROUGH

Happy New Year 2021 The origins of our modern New Year celebrations MESOPOTAMIA (modern-day Iraq) instituted the concept of celebrating the new year in 2000 BC and celebrated new year around the time of the vernal equinox, in mid-March.

decem, “ten”.)

The early Roman calendar designated 1 March as the first day of the year.

These were first placed at the end of the year, but at some point came to be considered the first two months instead.

The calendar had just 10 months, beginning with March. That the new year once began with the month of March is still reflected in some of the names of the months. September through to December, the ninth through to the twelfth months of the Gregorian calendar, were originally positioned as the seventh through to the tenth months. (Septem is Latin for “seven”; octo, “eight”; novem, “nine”; and

Roman legend usually credited their second king Numa with the establishment of the two new months of Ianuarius and Februarius.

The January kalend (Latin: Kalendae Ianuariae), the start of the month of January, came to be celebrated as the new year at some point after it became the day for the inaugurating new consuls in 153 BC. Romans had long dated their years by these consulships, rather than sequentially, and making

the kalends of January start the new year aligned this dating.

Still, private and religious celebrations around the March new year continued for some time and there is no consensus on the question of the timing for 1 January’s new status.

Once it became the new year, however, it became a time for family gatherings and celebrations.

In 567 AD, the Council of Tours formally abolished 1 January as the beginning of the year.

At various times and in various places throughout medieval Christian Europe, the new year was celebrated on 25 December in honour of the birth of Jesus; 1 March in

ACCOUNTANT & REGISTERED TAX AGENT

Thank you to all our valued Clients.

We wish you all the best in 2021.

We open from 9am Monday 4th January.

Income Tax Preparation Business Activity Statements Auditor – Clubs & Associations Business Advice Management Accounting

263 Albert Street, Maryborough Phone 4121 5588 Email janetchilds@westnet.com.au www.janetchilds.wixsite.com

the old Roman style; 25 March in honour of Lady Day and the Feast of the Annunciation; and on the movable feast of Easter.

These days were also astronomically and astrologically significant since, at the time of the Julian reform, 25 March had been understood as the spring equinox and 25 December as the winter solstice.(The Julian calendar’s small disagreement with the solar year, however, shifted these days earlier before the Council of Nicaea which formed the basis of the calculations used during the Gregorian reform of the calendar.

Medieval calendars nonetheless often continued to display the months running from January to December, despite their readers reckoning the transition from one year to the next on a different day.

Among the 7th-century pagans of Flanders and the Netherlands, it was the custom to exchange gifts on the first day of the new year.

This custom was deplored

by Saint Eligius (died 659 or 660), who warned the Flemish and Dutch: “(Do not) make vetulas, [little figures of the Old Woman], little deer or iotticos or set tables [for the house-elf, compare Puck] at night or exchange New Year gifts or supply superfluous drinks [another Yule custom].”

However, on the date

that European Christians celebrated the New Year, they exchanged Christmas presents because New Year’s Day fell within the 12 days of the Christmas season in the Western Christian liturgical calendar; the custom of exchanging Christmas gifts in a Christian context is traced back to the Biblical Magi who gave gifts to the Child Jesus.

Because of the leap year error in the Julian calendar, the date of Easter had drifted backward since the First Council of Nicaea decided the computation of the date of Easter in 325.

By the sixteenth century, the drift from the observed equinox had become unacceptable. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII

declared the Gregorian calendar widely used today, correcting the error by a deletion of 10 days.

The Gregorian calendar reform also (in effect) restored 1 January as New Year’s Day. Although most Catholic countries adopted the Gregorian calendar almost immediately, it was only gradually adopted among Protestant countries.

The British, for example, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then, the British Empire – and its American colonies – still celebrated the new year on 25 March.

Most nations of Western Europe officially adopted 1 January as New Year’s Day somewhat before they adopted the Gregorian Calendar.

In Tudor England, New Year’s Day, along with Christmas Day and Twelfth Night, was celebrated as one of three main festivities among the twelve days of Christmastide.

Re opening Tuesday, 5 January 2021

Keep the kids happy, School holiday deals DVDs from $2 Assorted PS4 Xbox One games starting from $5 63-65 Ellena Street, Maryborough Phone: 4123 3708

There, until the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752, the first day of the new year was the Western Christian Feast of the Annunciation, on 25 March, also called “Lady Day”.

Pope Gregory acknowledged 1 January as the beginning of the new year according to his reform of the Catholic Liturgical Calendar

FOOD, HEALTH & AGEING Many kids entitled to Get the right festive feeling this season free dental work The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

THE gut-wrenching pain of a bout of food poisoning is not the festive feeling that you want your family and friends to experience this Christmas holidays.

THOUSANDS of Australian families could be missing out on free dental work they’re entitled to these holidays.

While uptake of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule has gradually increased since it was introduced in 2013 with almost 38% of eligible children using it, a 2018 poll found that one in four eligible families is not yet aware of the scheme.

“Qualifying families – those with children aged two to 18 who are receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian government payment – are entitled to $1013 dental work in every two year period under the Schedule,” the Australian Dental Association’s (ADA) Deputy CEO Eithne Irving explained.

“The government needs to do a lot more to publicise this Schedule so eligible families can get the treatment they may have thought they could not afford,” she said.

“The long stretch of school holidays is the perfect time to book your dental appointments and get your kids along to the dentist to get their teeth checked and treated where necessary.

“If you’re eligible, the cost of the work may be covered by the Schedule.

“The dentist will spot any issues that might be brewing, explain the best way to brush and floss, and what food and drink kids – and indeed the whole family – should keep to the bare minimum over the holidays and beyond.”

Families can check their child’s eligibility and CDBS balance through their Medicare online account at MyGov or by calling 132 011.

Christmas and the school

17

That is the message the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service is encouraging people to remember as they prepare their Christmas feasts and New Year’s Party nibbles during the holidays.

holidays are often a time when health matters take a back seat and sugar consumption skyrockets.

But Ms Irving reminds people that “tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in both adults and children.

“Statistics show that 42% of Australian children aged 5-10 years had experienced tooth decay in their primary teeth- that’s two in every five children!

“It’s disappointing that children so young have so much tooth decay,” she said.

Other alarming statistics show that 24% of children aged six to 14 have experienced tooth decay in their adult teeth, and 27% of five-to 10-year-olds have untreated dental decay.

For older kids, figures show one in six teenagers consumes over 5kg of sugar a year from sugary drinks alone, amounting to about the same weight as the standard family cat.

“Keep your consumption of Christmas Day choccies and treats to mostly all on the one day and not spread out across the whole holidays, and your teeth

will thank you for it.”

The ADA also wants to remind people that dental practices are still using covid-safe measures including triaging patients about recent movements, temperature checks, hand sanitizer, mouth washes, full practice room cleans after every patient and staff wearing the full range of PPE. “Those families who’ve been putting off visiting the dentist due to covid fears should rest assured that with dental practices’ covid measures and the reassurance that you can get help with free treatment, there should be no reason to delay your family’s dental checkups,” Ms Irving added.

Another hot oral issue for families this summer is the extra rough and tumble kids get up to in the backyard and the risk of injury to the mouth from a fall or knock.

In the event of a dental emergency and the usual family dentist is closed, ADA branches throughout Australia have a list of the nearest available dentists in each state at www.ada.org.au Find-a-Dentist

“No one wants to be sick during the holidays, so it’s important to protect our loved ones by following safe food preparation,” Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Director of Public Health Dr Niall Conroy said.

“The stress of preparing a large and unfamiliar meal can often lead to issues with food handling and storage that contaminates food and creates illnesses such as food poisoning and gastroenteritis.

“Food poisoning causes issues such as diarrhoea, fevers, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps which can put people out of action for a few days at a time when you want to spend as much time as possible with loved ones.

“At worst the most severe types of foodrelated illnesses can leave you with further complications that can lead to hospitalization or even at risk of fatality.”

Dr Conroy said simply planning ahead was one of the most effective ways to prevent food contamination.

“Planning ahead enables you to ensure you have a clean and well organized preparation area, plenty of time to put the meal

together and ensure that the meal is served as closely as possible to when its prepared,” Dr Conroy said.

“Another simple step is to thoroughly clean any chopping boards, knives and other equipment that has been used to prepare meat or poultry before using it on other food.

“If you have prepared food early, make sure you keep it chilled in a fridge and if you’re travelling to the beach or park ensure it’s in cooler bags or cooler boxes that have plenty of ice or ice bricks.”

Other useful tips to ensure your holiday meal is safe include: • Always wash your hands thoroughly before you prepare and serve food • Don’t wash poultry – any splashing in the food preparation area can spread germs and increase the risk of food poisoning • Uncooked meats such as the Christmas ham or turkey should be kept covered and separated from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination • Defrost your food in the refrigerator or microwave.

Don’t leave it on the bench or out in the open to defrost.

• Do not refreeze food once it has been thawed • Cook all meat, chicken and eggs thoroughly • Make sure hot foods are hot (above 60°C) • Make sure cold foods are cold (below 5°C) • Freshly cooked food that is not used immediately should have its temperature reduced as quickly as possible. Ensure

you divide the food and place it food in air-tight containers to store in the fridge or freezer before it stops steaming.

• Cool left over food in small containers in the fridge. Food should be cooled from 60°C to 21°C within 2 hours and from 21°C to 5°C within a further 4 hours.

• Discard any eggs that are cracked and dirty.

Ensure children under two, pregnant women, over 65s and anyone seriously ill don’t eat raw eggs. If you do cook eggs, make sure the whites are firm and the yolk starts to thicken.

If you do experience a bout of gastroenteritis or food poisoning, the best way to combat it is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and get plenty of rest .

Rehydration solutions available from pharmacies and supermarkets help replace water, salts and fluids lost during vomiting and diarrhoea.

“By practising good food safety, you’ll reduce the likelihood of food poisoning and keep the holidays an enjoyable experience,” Dr Conroy said.

“Lastly, if you’re still in doubt at all about food, then don’t serve it. It’s better to be safe and discard than be ill.”

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, contact your general practitioner or call 13 HEALTH for advice.

DI’S DENTURE CLINIC Our services:

• Complete Denture • Partial Denture • Immediate Denture • Flexidenture • Post Extraction Denture • Mouthguards *Dis Dentures is following all advice from QLD Health in relation to COVID-19.

Bell Hilltop Plaza, Boys Avenue

We would love to give you a

beautiful smile Qualified Prothestist/ Academic Award

Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday by appointments

Call Di today 07 4121 0751 or 0407 144 105

18

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Colour and WIN!

WIN a $20 voucher from The Land Of Sweets in Kent Street

Colour the illustration below and email to admin@marysun. com.au or post to The Maryborough Sun, 467 Alice Street, Maryborough by 5pm 8th January and have a chance to win a $20 voucher from The Land of Sweets in Kent Street. Please state name, contact phone number and age on your entry.

Judges decision will be final, and winner announced in the next edition of The Maryborough Sun.

Mary and Susan – Sister Rivers of the Fraser Coast

Haswell’s Shore Crab, carapace width 10 mm. Location, extreme upper- tidal limit on narrow tidal flats situated in close proximately to a watercourse. (Lindsay Titmarsh)

THE combined estuary of the Mary and Susan Rivers is the home to many interesting creatures, including over 20 species of crabs, which enjoy life there.

From the large Mud Crabs to the tiny Furry Clawed Crab [carapace width 10 mm], they all have their preferred home range in the vast mangrove forests and watercourses of the estuary.

Most of the small crabs that feed on the open flats and along creek and riverbanks are very timid.

This is understandable, because for all their lifetime, they have had to be wary of birds and animals that like crab for lunch.

Although this is the case, their confidence can be gained if a person has the patience to sit quietly, with limited movement, in their midst.

Maroon Mangrove Crabs will sit happily munching a yellow mangrove leaf that is about to drop from a tree, if it is offered to them.

Scarlet Three- spined Mangrove Crabs will grab an offered leaf and ‘take off’.

The Red-fingered Marsh Crab has been known to nibble on the leg of a kneeling person who is mad enough to venture into their territory.

The deep-water Leaf Carrying Crab lives permanently beneath a leaf, which it carries around with a pair of upturned legs.

Over forthcoming editions of The Sun, I will feature pictures of Mary and Susan River crabs.

Their preferred territory in the estuary, as well as their carapace [shell] width will be documented.

Last edition’s winner was Hermionii Edwards who wins the $20 voucher from The Land of Sweets in Kent Street. CONGRATULATIONS!

The Sun Puzzle Challenges

© 2020 Crosswordsite.com

Another Li fe

FURNITURE, ANTIQUES & WHATNOT

SOLUTIONS ON SPORTS PAGE

Cnr Kent & Bazaar Streets, Maryborough Call 4121 5340 Open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm and Sat 9am-noon

WE BUY GOLD OLD/SCRAP/BROKEN (Wednesdays only)

Photos from top: Purple and Cream Shore Crab, carapace [shell] width 25 mm. Location, mid-level tidal flats.

Pacific Blue-clawed Sentinel Crab (centre), carapace width 20 mm.

Location, lower-level creek and riverbanks and (bottom) Furry-clawed Crab, carapace width 10 mm. Location, mid and upper- level river and creek banks. (Lindsay Titmarsh)

HOUSE, GARDEN

19

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Growing graceful Gardenias

Free native seedlings from Council

LEE SPINDLER THE graceful gardenia, with its shining foliage and fragrant white flowers in spring and summer loves moist conditions and plenty of warmth.

It will bloom best in areas where day temperatures are between 15–27˚C maximum range (18– 21˚C is ideal) and night temperatures between 13–17˚C. POSITION Gardenias prefer full sun but will take light shade conditions.

They are best sheltered from wind,particularly cold westerlies and salty sea breezes.

An easterly or northerly aspect is ideal.

PLANTING Gardenias like a humusenriched, well-drained soil with a pH of 5–6, so soil is best prepared with plenty of compost.

Build up garden beds into mounds if the soil is on the heavy side and dig Searles® Water Crystals into the soil to help conserve moisture.

Adding peat moss to the soil will help get young bushes off to a good start.

Gardenias are generally quite hardy, especially if the soil is boosted with plenty of organic compost and kept well mulched.

If yours are not growing or flowering well however, it could be because the soil is too alkaline or low in nutrients.

By all means, use a soil test kit if you’d like to confirm your suspicions, but there is usually no need to rigorously monitor the soil.

A specially formulated fertiliser for ‘acid-loving’ plants such as Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia will not only deliver the nutrients the plant needs, it will help maintain an appropriate level of acidity in the soil.

MULCHING Keep the root zone as protected and untouched as possible.

Feed every two weeks during the flowering season. Don’t exceed the recommended dose and don’t apply fertiliser in winter.

Mulch well with organic material at a thickness of 6cm and avoid disturbing the roots.

WATERING Mulch the soil well to keep the roots moist but not wet.

Lucerne, sugar cane or well rotted manure mulches are excellent as they will also condition the soil as they break down.

Gardenias dislike waterlogged conditions.

Pull weeds out gently by hand. Maintain mulch levels, especially throughout a hot, dry summer.

FERTILISING Feed each spring with a complete fertiliser.

A watering regime of three times a week in summer, once weekly in winter is recommended until plants are established.

Adequate mulching can eliminate much of the need for watering.

PRUNING Prune after flowering and

winterauctions

2021 AUCTIONS Saturday 30th January in our Maryborough Rooms CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS from 3pm Tuesday 22nd December, reopening 9am Monday 18th January Office then open for receiving Mondays-Tuesdays 9am-3pm

467 Alice Street, Maryborough

winterauctions.com.au

PESTS AND DISEASES Sooty mould, associated with scale, is the most common problem with gardenias.

Look for the characteristic black, sooty covering on the leaves. Scale can be controlled with Searles Pest Gun and the sooty mould can be washed off the leaves.

Searles Pest Gun can also help control thrips and aphids.

Yellowing leaves is most likely a nutrient deficiency which can be rectified by applying Searles Flourish Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia at the recommended dose.

If individual older leaves turn yellow the problem is probably magnesium deficiency, easily remedied with proprietary-brand magnesium or 2tps of Epsom Salts in a 9 litre watering can.

IN THE POT Pot plants into Searles® Azalea and Camellia Mix and feed with Searles® Fish & Kelp Plus at the recommended rate.

Mulch the root zone well as you would plants in garden beds and keep the pot in a full sun to part shade position.

Lee Spindler is the owner of New Leaf Garden Centre.

and antiques

Certified auctioneer & valuer #395 Licence 3928289

General Auction

tip prune in the dormant season to promote a bushier plant and plenty of flowers the following year.

Spent flower heads should be removed.

1300 488 717

Call us on 1300 488 717 for the discreet, efficient management of deceased estates, property clearances, on site auctions and formal valuations.

WE ARE A FAMILY OWNED LOCAL BUSINESS

Council is offering a free seedling for each African Tulip tree removed from the region.

FRASER Coast residents who eradicate African Tulip Trees from their land can receive a free native seedling from Council for each tree they remove.

“Residents only need to take a photo of the tree before it is removed and after it is removed to be eligible for the replacement seedling,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

Residents can email the photos to OpenSpace& environment@ frasercoast. qld.gov.au to arrange the replacement seedling.

Fraser Coast residents

are also reminded that African Tulip Trees need to be cut into manageable pieces to be eligible for free dumping at Council’s waste facilities.

Council started its African Tulip Tree removal program in November by cutting trees from Margaret Lin Park in Kawungan.

“The trees introduced to Australia from Africa are a pest,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“They take over areas and their pollen can kill native stingless bees and insects.”

At its meeting recently, Council agreed to place funding for an African

Tulip Tree eradication program on the list of projects to be discussed when it formulates the 2021-22 budget.

The first stage of an eradication program would be a survey of Council land to map invasive species.

Trees growing within 500 metres of potential native bee habitat and Council parks would be a priority in a removal program, Cr Seymour said.

The African native was a popular ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical parts of Queensland due to its showy, red tulip-shaped flowers.

NewLeaf garden center 16 Odessa St, Granville Qld 4650 Ph 4100 5802

MARYBOROUGH'S LARGEST OUTDOOR NURSERY Growers of quality sun hardened plants Lower prices direct to the public

Seedlings . Native Trees . Ferns . Baskets Indoor Plants . Succulents

Advanced Herbs and potted colour 140ml 3 for $12 -----Hay mulch $8 bale Tea tree mulch $8

TRADING HOURS Mon Closed Tue 9am - 4pm Wed 9am - 4pm Thur 9am - 4pm Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 9am - 4pm Sun 9am - 12pm

MOTORING Don’t let a flat steal your Christmas cheer 20

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

RACQ has urged drivers to check their cars before heading off on a Christmas road trip, after it was revealed its Roadside Assistance patrols attended nearly 17,000 calls for help last festive season.

basic maintenance tasks like checking your oil and water levels before you leave. Hopefully you’ve treated your car to a regular service throughout the year, otherwise, make that your New Year’s resolution.”

Club spokesperson Lucinda Ross said the Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day period was always a busy time on the roads with flat batteries and flat tyres the most common reasons for call outs.

Ms Ross said if travellers did experience a breakdown, they should follow a few important steps.

“Heat can be a real killer of batteries and with more warm summer days ahead, there are a few simple things you can do to extend the life of your battery,” Ms Ross said.

“Don’t leave lights or any vehicle accessories on when the engine isn’t running. If your car feels sluggish to start, it could be a sign you need to replace your battery.

“You should also check your tyres regularly – look for foreign objects in the rubber, make sure the treads are in good condition and the air pressure is correct.

“Remember those other

“If you get stuck and breakdown, stay calm, find a safe place to pull over and pop on your hazard lights. Assess whether it is safer to stay in your car or get out,” she said.

“If it’s safe to do so, get out of your car on the passenger side to avoid traffic and get behind a guard rail or as far away from the road as possible.

If you’re staying in your car, keep your seatbelt buckled.

“No one wants a flat battery or a break down this Christmas, but if you do get caught out, our Roadside Assistance team is available to help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - just give us a call on 13 1111 or use the RACQ Roadside Assistance app.”

Australian car use statistics

• 19,768,518 estimated number of vehicles • 238,499 million kilometres travelled, an average of 12.1 thousand kilometres per vehicle • 33,019 megalitres of fuel consumed • 223,949 million tonne-kilometres of freight moved Fuel consumption In total 33,019 megalitres of fuel were consumed, 49.0% petrol and 49.1% diesel, the relative usage of diesel has increased to be equal with petrol for the first time.

Passenger vehicles consumed 18,094 megalitres of fuel, more than any other vehicle type, of which 79.9% (14,455 megalitres) was petrol.

Light commercial vehicles used a total of 6,678 megalitres of fuel. Diesel accounted for 75.1% and petrol accounted for 23.6%.

On average, articulated trucks had the highest rate of fuel consumption per vehicle at 53.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

2020 BT50 XT 4X4

$49,990 Drive Away

2020 DEMO CLEARANCE

2020 CX-3 MAXX SPORT

$28,490 Drive Away

2020 MAZDA 3 G20 PURE

$28,490 Drive Away MARYBOROUGH - 105 LENNOX STREET PH 4125 9500

|

| HERVEY BAY - 82 TORQUAY ROAD

WWW.WBMG.COM.AU

*Drive away Pricing on selected demonstrator vehicles in stock. Mazda 3 G20 Pure Automatic, CX-3 Maxx Sport Automatic, BT-50 XT 4x4 Automatic demo pricing valid until 31/01/21. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. T&C’s apply*

MOTORING

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

21

High risk counterfeit parts warning THE online counterfeit car part market is flourishing, according to brand protection firm Corsearch, and this places Australian road users at higher risk of harm from low quality fake parts that may be fitted to their vehicles without their knowledge.

Corsearch monitors the volume of counterfeit vehicle part listings on e-commerce platforms, assisting brands to enforce take down requests, and reports that listings of counterfeit car parts have increased substantially over 2020.

COVID-19 restrictions have seen an uptick in private vehicle use. At the same time, the pandemic has seen an increase in on-line shopping. These two factors have combined to create a significant opportunity for counterfeit car part distributors, who commonly use on-line sites to sell their non-genuine products.

Corsearch President of Brand Protection, Daniel Bennett, said counterfeit car part listings had surged.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in both

counterfeit car parts, as well as fake branded accessories for some of our automotive clients.” said Mr. Bennett.

“This increase in vehicle use, combined with the now normalised buyer behaviour of turning to online shopping channels, grants counterfeit sellers a bigger opportunity to attempt to sell unauthorized car parts in an in-demand market.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive Tony Weber said it wasn’t just vehicle owners that needed to be aware of the increasingly virulent counterfeit market.

“This is also a warning for technicians and repairers.

Counterfeits are designed to deceive. We have seen technicians unwittingly fit counterfeit parts to customer cars before.

“Do not take risks with the supply of vehicle parts. Go through your local dealer and remember Genuine is best,” said Mr Weber.

were the most recent part added to the list of fakes encountered by FCAI initiative Genuine is Best.

Counterfeit spark plugs capable of causing massive engine damage

Other dangerous parts include counterfeit oil filters that do not filter oil,

Take care when ordering car parts that look particularly cheap. They could be fakes.

GREAT DEALS

ON

wheels that shatter in low speed pothole impacts, brake components containing asbestos and in one case, brake pads made of compressed grass clippings.

Vehicle owners concerned they have been sold a counterfeit vehicle part can lodge a report on the FCAI’s Genuine is Best website at https:// genuineisbest.com.au/ report-suspicious-parts/.

All reports are investigated by the appropriate brand and, if relevant, shared with IP enforcement officers at the Department of Home Affairs.

USED CARS

. FINANCE AVAILABLE . TRADE-INS WELCOME . WE BUY CARS . HUGE RANGE ACROSS TWO SITES

3

YEAR

WARRANTY

GREAT BUY

2011 Suzuki Swift GA Manual

2007 Honda Accord Euro Luxury Auto

2012 Ford Focus ST LW MKII Manual Kilometers: Transmission: Body: Engine: Registratio: Stock: Consumption:

• 200,137km • 5 speed Automatic • 4cyl 2.4L Petrol

DRIVE AWAY

$9,990

DRIVE AWAY

$9,990

• 105,812km • 6 SP Manual • 4 cylinders 1.8L Petrol

DRIVE AWAY

$13,990

218,611 km 6 speed Manual 5 doors 5 seat Hatch 4 cyl Petrol Turbo Intercooled 2.0L 131YGG 13540 7.4 L/100km

2017 Mazda 2 DL Series GT Sedan DRIVE AWAY

• 125,363km • 5 speed Manual • 4cyl 1.4L Petrol

2014 Hyundai Elantra Active MD3

$13,990

• Only 5,486km • 6 SP Sports Auto • 4 cylinders 1.5L Petrol

DRIVE AWAY

$22,990

DRIVE AWAY

$33,990

Phone 4122 9555

HERVEY BAY 37 TORQUAY RD, PIALBA FRASER COAST MOTOR CENTRE

2020 Ford Everest UA II Trend

2012 Volkswagen Amarok TDI400 • 106,234km • 8 speed Automatic • 4cyl 2.0L Turbo Diesel

• Only 600km • 6 SP Auto • 3.2L Turbo Diesel

MARYBOROUGH 267 ADELAIDE STREET

SEE OUR HUGE RANGE AT WWW.FCMC.COM.AU

DRIVE AWAY

$59,990 QUALITY USED CARS

22

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

CLASSIFIEDS Phone Karen (07) 3112 7847 Email classifieds@marysun.com.au

www.marysun.com.au DEATH NOTICES JACOBSEN: William Boi “Bill”

MARYBOROUGH SUN CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Phone Lines Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Classified Deadline Closing time for copy and pre-payment 11:30 am – Friday prior to publication Payment Payment for classified advertisements can be made over the phone using credit card at time of lodgement. Pre-payment is required prior to publication. 30 day accounts are available to registered businesses upon credit approval. Name, address and phone number of the advertiser must be provided at time of lodgement of the advertisement.

Births/Birth Congratulations Family members may place notices with the parents’ consent Engagements Family members may place notices with the parents’ consent Funeral Notices and Death Notices Will only be accepted from the Funeral Director concerned, or if the name, address and phone number of the Funeral Director is provided for confirmation.

Private Party Packages When booking a package, please note that the full cost of the advertisement will be charged on the first edition. Therefore we are unable to offer refunds on any portion of packages once the advertisement has begun running.

Late of Maryborough, formerly of Tiaro.

Passed away at Hervey Bay Hospital on Tuesday, 15th December, 2020.

Aged 85 years.

Former husband of Janet “Jennie”.

Loved father of Wendy, John (dec’d), Mark and David (dec’d).

Loved grandfather of Kyle, Kelsey and Luke.

Forever Dancing.

Bill was laid to rest on the 22nd December 2020.

Maryborough Phone (07) 4121 2523

FUNERAL NOTICES AIRTON: Helen Grace Late of Maryborough. Passed away at Maryborough Base Hospital on Tuesday, 22nd December 2020, aged 70 years.

Much loved wife of Doug. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Kathy & Mathew and Craig & Rachel. Loving grandmother of Zachary, Benjamin & Alyssa and Joseph, Heidi and Kaia. Dearly loved daughter of Sheldon (dec’d) and Grace Alexander. Loved sister of Lynne.

Conditions of Advertising All advertisements are subject to the approval of the Maryborough Sun. Maryborough Sun may refuse to accept or publish any advertisement.

Maryborough Sun may omit or alter any advertisement’s content, size, form, position and placement without prior notice. To the extent permitted by law, the Maryborough Sun accepts no liability of any intentional or accidental omission or modification. The Maryborough Sun gives no guarantee regarding the positioning of advertisements and credits will NOT be given for advertisements appearing out of alphabetical sequence. The Maryborough Sun accepts no responsibility for the content of any advertisement.

All advertisements must comply with anti-discrimination laws..

ACCOMMODATION WANTED Retired gent looking for house on acreage.

Within 30 minute radius from Maryborough or Poona areas.

Willing to share or rent.

Phone 0406 567 953

Commercial Lease Office / Storage / Workshop 68 sqm, air con, kitchenette, multiple data points, fibre optic available.

3 off street & 1 undercover car park.

Located in Maryborough CBD

Another Life

Contact Heather Locks & WHATNOT FURNITURE, ANTIQUES 0419 710 359

Buying small quality furniture pieces, militaria, records etc Call 4121 5340 for appraisals FURNITURE

Another Life

BUYING & SELLING houselots, shedlots, collections, selected pieces and much more.

WE BUY SCRAP GOLD Call 4121 5340 for appraisals

GENUINE SECOND HAND DEALERS LIC 4272963

CHRISTMAS SEAFOOD SPECIALS

GARAGE SALES Boat Harbour Fisheries

Call and see us Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Jetty Road, Urangan or phone 4125 1261 (Look for the Big Prawn on the Roof)

DANCES

GARAGE & PLANT SALE

Tinana - Bluebell Road West Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:00 am – 1:00 pm REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Maryborough Town Hall 7:30pm till late BYO Supper ~ Tea & Coffee will be served $10 per person – Covid Safe Plan Table bookings now open Phone Judy 0409 627 861

$5,500 ono

Phone 0419 655 840

Pop top caravan, 2 single beds, batteries + inverter, gas/electric stove, Microwave, 3-way fridge, VGC, rego.

$9,500 ono winterauctions

Phone (07) 4121 6459 or 0428 136 262 Comprehensive estate management, clearances, downsizes, domestic, commercial, industrial, rural, property

FOR SALE

Call 1300 488 717

HAN

H furn

www.a

winterauctions Cost $132 – sell $90 ono

Auc

CERTIFIED PRACTICING AUCTIONEER & VALUER #395

To fit Brother

J4620DW/J5320DW, J5720DW or DCP/J4120DW

It’s difficult enough family Phone (07)dealing 4121 with 5719 loss, so we provide a complete estate management service including the clearance and sale of house/shed LIVESTOCK lots, disposal of rubbish, cleaning & maintenance and even the sale of the property. You hand us the keys and we take care of the rest for you.

Molasses Drums Call Pods 1300 Delivered 488 717 and CERTIFIED PRACTICING AUCTIONEER & VALUER #395

Phone 0459 247 041

A locally owned family business

RIDE-ONS

RIDE-ONS Husqvarna 21hp, 42” Cut, Auto, Good Condition $1150 Also Greenfield 17hp, 34” Cut, Good Condition $750

Can Deliver Phone 0428 005 111

UTILITIES

For A Clear Vision In Real Estate

2 x 4 Single Cab Ute, 2.2 diesel, 230,000 kms Six months rego, Road Worthy Service Record New tyres, battery, clutch, ball joints, bushes, Large tray, ladder rack, tool box, water tank.

Great for apprentice or farm

Shop 1/373 Kent St, Maryborough

$12,000 ono.

Phone Ken 0473 635 715

Mandy Ryan 0411 634 732 Heather Locks 0419 710 359

Auc

SET OF NEW PRINTER CARTRIDGES

2015 MAZDA BT50

NEW YEAR’S EVE Old Time / New Vogue Dance

Full annex, big box on the front, plenty of storage, sleeps four, extra water. Set up for 12V/240V, Registered. Good Condition.

2004 COROMAL EXCEL 402

Family and friends of Helen are invited to attend a celebration of her life to be held at the Ross Funerals Maryborough Chapel, corner of Russell and Stafford Streets, Maryborough on Thursday, 31st December, 2020 commencing at 2:00 pm.

Christmas & New Years Seafood Specials

REDUCED!!!

CAMEL GROUP CAMPER TRAILER

COMMERCIAL LEASE

FURNITURE, ANTIQUES & WHATNOT

Maryborough Phone (07) 4121 2523

CAMPER TRAILERS

CARAVAN

At Home With The Lord

Please check your advertisement It is important to check that your advertisement is correct on the first day it appears. While every care is taken to ensure your advertisement is correct, errors can occur. If this happens to your ad please contact us the first day your advertisement appears and we will be happy to correct it as soon as we can.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED

HAN

- Tr - Che

-G www.a

A Cnr Ke

fe

TNOT

ture etc sals

e

TNOT

NG

ons, more.

D sals

LERS

23

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Trades & Services Phone Karen (07) 3112 7847 Email: classifieds@marysun.com.au

AIR CONDITIONING CLEANING

CARAVANS

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Late Model

FITZROY MOWING

CARAVANS WANTED TO BUY Cash Paid Hervey Bay Caravans Ricky 0417 033 852 (07) 4128 1777

ANTENNA SERVICES

CATERING

HERVEY BAY - MARYBOROUGH

Comprehensive estate management, clearances, downsizes, domestic, commercial, industrial, rural, property

Call 1300 488 717

Auctioneer’s Promise

All electrical work Always on time Servicing Maryborough area since 1951

Free quotes No job too small Business & after hours

CATERING Highest quality Corporate & Private Catering Meetings, events, training, morning or furniture waxes and afternoon tea, funerals, parties and dinner functions – all delivered fresh to you on polishes platters or individual packs.

www.auctioneerspromise.com.au

winterauctions

Auctioneer’s Promise

It’s difficult enough dealing with family loss, so we provide a complete estate management service including the clearance and sale of house/shed lots, disposal of rubbish, cleaning & maintenance and even the sale of the property. You hand us the keys and we take care of the rest for you.

Call 1300 488 717 CERTIFIED PRACTICING AUCTIONEER & VALUER #395

A locally owned family business

ALUMINIUM

WELDING

•Balustrades & hand rails •4WD canopies •Boat repairs & modifications •Propeller repairs •All types of welding

Licence 43267

0458 780 155 PAINTERS

Painter & Decorator

For all electrical installation and maintenance FREE QUOTES • Repairs & Installation • Hot Water Systems • 24 Hour Emergency Call

Call our friendly team today 167 Churchill St, Maryborough - Traditional Furniture4121 Wax4297 39a Islander Road, Pialba 4128 1334

- Chemical Free Furniture Oil - Gun Stock Oil - Genuine Alkanet Red Oil CRANE HIRE - Chalk Paint Additives www.auctioneerspromise.com.au

4121 3038

MARYBOROUGH 4312 4011 KINGAROY 4162 1801

FROZEN MEALS

QBCC Lic. No. 54006

Free Quotes

Maryborough & Surrounds

REMOVALS & STORAGE

BNS REMOVALS Local, interstate

Packing service Sell & buy cartons, Storage available

MEALS ON WHEELS FROZEN MEALS A great variety of nutritious, convenient, home-style ready meals, pies and burgers available to the public for pickup or delivery

Greg 0427 795 699 Mobile 0409 516 682 Email: admin@hamscranehire.com.au

DIESEL FUEL INJECTION

Phone 4123 4094 Mobile 0407 594 300

www.allengillespieelectrical.com.au

Available from Another Life Family Owned & Operated – Est 1962 Cnr Kent & Bazaar Sts, Maryborough

• Mobile Cranes 10 to 100 Tonne • Lic Dogman and Riggers

Doyle Painting Services Gearoid J Doyle

(07) 4121 7665 / 0429 616 036 bnsremovals@optusnet.com.au

ROOF & GUTTER SERVICES

FRANKS ROOFING

Shed 3 Dau Drive, Granville

Phone 0474 445 509

mowing - edging Hedge Trimming weed spraying garden bed weeding green waste removal tree trimming removal general yard cleanups regular services available

Interior / Exterior Quality Work

HANDwww.mowfc.org.au MADE IN MARYBOROUGH

BOATS GRANVILLE

or find us on www.watkinselectrical.com.au

• • • • • • • •

MEALS ON WHEELS HAND MADE IN MARYBOROUGH

CERTIFIED PRACTICING AUCTIONEER & VALUER #395

AUCTIONS

RELIABLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Lic No: 37045

4121 4294

winterauctions

MOWING

www.mowfc.org.au

Call our friendly team today 167 Churchill St, Maryborough 4121 4297 39a Islander Road, Pialba 4128 1334

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE - NEW HOMES & RE-ROOFING COLORBOND & ZINCALUME FOR ALL ROOFING - FASCIA - GUTTERS - WALL SHEETING

Ph Frank 0427 634 701 NEW YEAR DEADLINES January 14 edition Deadline Fri, Jan 8, 2021 11:30am Wishing you a Happy New Year and a Prosperous 2021 Phone Karen (07) 3112 7847

Email – classifieds@marysun.com.au

GARAGES, SHEDS & CARPORTS

Diesel fuel injection specialists -Diesel Pump and Injector Repairs -Common rail Injector testing -Automotive Servicing and Repairs -ECU Remapping

14 Southern Cross Circuit, URANGAN

(P) (07) 4125 5619 | (E) herveybaydiesel@bigpond.com

www.herveybaydieselservice.com.au

outback sheds Quality products with a superb finish

· Sheds · Garages · Carports

Instant design & quote Supplied in Kit Form or Fully Built Including Concrete Slab & Council Applications

4122 3303 QBCC. 1245341

E: info@outbacksheds.net.au www.outbacksheds.net.au 235 Pallas St, Maryborough

QBCC NO 63981

ROOFING & GUTTERING

•Re-roof •Maintenance •Colorbond & Tin Roofs only •Great Rates •Pensioner Discounts •Fully Insured •31 year Local Tradesperson

Qualified & Reliable QBCC Lic 1039038 Phone Greg on 0419 179 004 E: cowanplumber@gmail.com

24

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Trades & Services SEPTIC & SEWERAGE

TREE SERVICES

SERVICE OF THE WEEK

GREG COWAN ROOFING & GUTTERING •Re-roof •Maintenance •Colorbond & Tin Roofs only •Great Rates •Pensioner Discounts •Fully Insured •31 year Local Tradesperson Qualified & Reliable QBCC Lic 1039038 Phone Greg on 0419 179 004 E: cowanplumber@gmail.com

M: 0421 255 178

SLASHING

Right Price Slashing TIARO – MARYBOROUGH – HERVEY BAY RING FOR QUOTE

TIM 0451 081 960

Removal of dead & dangerous trees tree trimming, stump grinding, land clearing 24 hours emergency works fire management clearing fully insured. Qualified arborist.

Machine Hire, Mulch Sales Pick up or delivered owen@advancetreeworks.com.au www.advancetreeworks.com.au

COMMUNITY NOTICES

SPORTS NOTICE BOARD

POONA COMMUNITY PROGRESS ASSOCIATION INC

illa Bowls C Doon V Established 1893 lub inc.

Poona’s Giant Garage Sale from 7am Saturday 9 January Balloons on wheelie bins show houses participating *** Poona Tombola Saturday 16 January.

Doors open at 12 noon.

Lots of quality prizes and raffles

New Year, New you.

PERMANENT PART TIME CONTRACTS AVAILABLE FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS INCREDIBLE PEOPLE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES

Imagine Amazing, Together @ APPLY NOW RECRUITMENT@COMLIFE.COM.AU

297 Lennox Street Maryborough 4121 3097 Now Coaching (Bowls Supplied) Juniors – Ladies – Gentlemen Ladies play – Wednesdays & Fridays Men play – Thursdays & Saturdays Sunday Morning Rollers - 1st Sun of month Mixed Tripes – 2nd Tuesday of month Roast Day Mixed Tripes – 4th Friday of month All Welcome

Contact Wayne 4122 4071

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

FISHING

25

Highlights of this year’s Brag Board

Have a great New Year from all the crew at Freedom Fishing!

TIDE TIMES - BOONOOROO

from willyweather.com.au

SPORT

26

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

Clubs welcome changes to FQ Wide Bay comp structure BRENDAN BOWERS FOOTBALL: Football Queensland has confirmed the new competition structures for the 2021 season following the consultation, feedback, and review phases.

The announcement made last week about the changes was welcomed by local Fraser Coast clubs.

New appointed Sunbury president Andrew Howlett believes the changes will positively affect the Wide Bay area.

“It is about bettering the game in the Wide Bay and I along with the club are all for that,” he said.

Howlett welcomed the inclusion of an under 18 competition and the Wide Bay Premier League competition for women.

Doon Villa president Adam Hedberg agrees.

“It is a positive first step with a lot more work to go.

It will take a couple of years,” he said.

KSS Jets coach Phil Rimmer believes that anything that helps the game develops further on the Fraser Coast is a positive step.

Regional General Manager of FQ Wide Bay Andy Allan outlined the competition structures in his announcement last week.

groups into localised Youth Girls competitions and on to the senior Wide Bay South, Wide Bay North and Wide Bay Premier League levels.

“Today’s announcement is a direct outcome of the multi-stage consultation and feedback process involving all clubs and many more community representatives, including last month’s workshops and subsequent surveys,” he said

“These changes and the further reforms to the structures for MiniRoos, Juniors and Senior Men, including the ‘carnival’ days we’re introducing for U9 to U11 teams, will contribute to the overall growth of the game in what is an extremely excited period for football in Wide Bay, with the Talent Support Program (TSP) and Skill Acquisition Phase (SAP) programs coming to the region and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 on the horizon more broadly.”

“The competition models we have adopted align Wide Bay with the reforms FQ is implementing across the state and provide a unified and flexible structure that will continue to evolve and take the game forward, not just next season but in the years to come.

“Our focus has been to deliver better pathways between leagues with more playing opportunities, especially for women and girls as we support female participation.

“The new girls-only MiniRoos League for U9 to U11 and new girls-only U12 to U14 Wide Bay North League reflects this strategic emphasis, and there is now a clear pathway from those age

FQ Participation, Clubs and Community Manager Dan Birrell said the reforms contributed to positive progress for Wide Bay and Queensland.

“FQ’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2022 recognises the need to engage stakeholders, make playing and administering football easier and emphasise women and girls as the future,” Birrell said.

“That is what has happened throughout this process, and it has been

ARE YOU MISSING YOUR LOCAL SPORTING NEWS?

2021 season will bring changes to Football Wide Bay competition structures. (Brendan Bowers)

pleasing to see the level of collaboration that has taken place.

sustainable and promote best-v-best and like-v-like outcomes for participants.

“From a competition’s perspective, FQ is fully committed to developing models that are

“The structures now in place in Wide Bay meet these ongoing objectives while ensuring all players,

coaches and referees have ample opportunity to enjoy high-quality experiences in the game.”

Registrations for the upcoming 2021 season will open in January.

Photo of the week

You can find it again at FC Sports Media

FC Sports Media is a sporting news service dedicated to the clubs, the teams and the sportspeople of the Fraser Coast.

FC Sports Media includes regular contributions from local sports administrators, sportspeople, and volunteers.

A young player stops the ball for a return kick (Brendan Bowers)

Sun MARYBOROUGH

Happy New Year from the team at The Maryborough Sun. Subscribe now

www.fcsportsmedia.com.au

May 2021 be successful, fulfilling and prosperous for you.

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

SPORT

27

Bushrangers and Ausrocks dominate Saturday’s fixtures BRENDAN BOWERS CRICKET: Weekend results from a double round of 20-20 matches in the Fraser Coast Cricket competition has created a tight tussle at the top of the points table with only 2.5 points separating the top three teams.

In hot and humid conditions, the five teams battled over several hours for the final time in 2020 before breaking for Christmas.

In the first round of matches, Ausrocks proved too strong for Cavaliers running down their 7/132 total with three overs to spare.

Bradley Wex was in top form scoring 72 runs from 42 balls to guide Ausrocks home. Ryan Wilcox supported Wex with 30 off 42 balls.

In the other match, Cavnish were no match for Bushrangers.

The Bushrangers batting first finished their 20 overs on 2/121 with Matt O’Brien remaining not out on 44 with Mitch Turner on 37.

Young up and coming player Cruz Baker also contributed with a solid 22.

The Cavnish chase was over before it began losing Chumani Wetherspoon on the first ball of the innings.

He was joined by Brett Harker five balls later.

In a positive for the Cavnish team, they managed to re-group and batted out their 20 overs to reach 6/80.

Jason Riley was the pick of the Bushrangers bowlers collecting three wickets for 11 runs off his four overs.

Bushrangers made it two wins in a row when they defeated Cavaliers in the second round of matches.

Swing and miss (above) by the Cavnish batsman as the ball crashes into his wicket Runout attempt (top right) by Ausrocks hits the stumps but the Cavaliers batsman is safely in. Ausrocks smashed the ball around in their innings against Cavaliers (right).

(Brendan Bowers)

Cavaliers finishing their 20 overs 6/93 were not match for Bushrangers as they reeled the required runs in on during the fifteenth over.

a run. Past Grammars did manage to bat out the 20 overs posting a total of 8/104. Jig Patel taking 3/6 for Ausrocks off his four overs.

Cruz Baker top-scored with a 33 not out from 40 balls.

In the fourth and final match of the day, it was another win to Ausrocks defeating Past Grammars.

After the weekend rounds, Cavaliers remain on top on 28.5 points with Ausrocks 1.5 points behind on 27 with Bushrangers on 26 before Past Grammars, and Cavnish is losing distance on the top three teams.

Ausrocks posting a total of 7/135 off their 20 overs with Alex Bellingham striking61 off 36 balls.

In reply Past Grammars did not start well, losing two wickets before scoring

The competition will return on January 9 with another double-header of 20-20 matches in Hervey Bay.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

This week’s bowls results DOON VILLA MEN Championship rounds : Open Singles - J.Fraser d R.Wells 25-15. R.Whittaker d G.Allan 25-12. Mens Pairs K.Pieper, R. whittaker d B.Houston, J.Devenish 18-14.

Jackpot Pairs : Winners - K.Milzewski, T.Buckley d K.Andersen, G.Gambie 2521. Runners up - N.Gambie, R.Whittaker d K.Pieper, B.Spilsbury 26-8. K.Fraser,

SPORTS CLUB MARYBOROUGH

Sat Night 8.30pm - $20 set Sun 9:15am - $12.40 (inc. free book for Sunday only) Tue 9:15am - $18 set Wed 9:15am - $17 set Wed Night 7:30pm - $20.20 set Fri 9:15am - $19.80 set

B.Stimpson d L.Rampton, R.Dillon 21-19. B.Jackson, J.Fraser d R.Andersen, W.Raguse 22-17. B.Mobbs, C.White d W.Zieth, N.Weinheimer 23-20.

Rollers Breakup : P.Stephensen, K.Andersen, J.Devenish d B.Henstan, T. Lloyd, B.Stimpson 12-6.

R.McKenna, B.Lane, G.Birch d N.Weinheimer, M.Hoyes, A.Hartwig 11-8. G.Stephensen , S.McKenna, C.White d

J.McCoombe, S.Bartley 14-4.

Ham winners (drawn) - G.Stephensen, S.McKenna, J.Devenish, J.McCoombe, M.Hoyes, S.Bartley.

Championship rounds : Open Singles - W.Raguse d B.stimpson 25-11. ‘B’ Singles - N.Weinheimer d B. Houston 25-16.

No bowls on New Years Eve. - C.White, scribe.

Members Draws

will recommence in the New Year

Alex Newberry

9th Jan 2-5pm

e v E s r a e Y w e N rlight Trio Book Ba te From 8pm till la

Now!

Cnr Sydney Street & Saltwater Creek Road, Maryborough Bookings 4123 1499

28

The Maryborough Sun, Thursday 31st December 2020

ENROL TODAY

every student