The Maryborough Sun - March 9th, 2023

IT’S A BAIL BREAK

Canegrowers Report

New to The Sun - see page 15

Five pages of Classifieds

From page 25

THE Queensland Government’s youth crime reforms have been met with mixed reaction.

Youth crime has become the biggest issue for many Queenslanders, with car thefts skyrocketing in the north, a spate of break-ins locally and the deaths of Emma Lovell, 41, who was stabbed in her Brisbane front yard, and Robert Brown, 75, who died after being assaulted at a Toowoomba bus stop.

The government says its new laws are tough and based on evidence, following on from feedback from the community and police.

An investment of $332 million is aimed to help boost police resources, tackle the causes of youth crime and support community safety.

The government has also performed a u-turn on the issue of breach of bail, and will now make it an offence for youth offenders, a change it had previously resisted.

The suite of reforms has three main platforms: targeting

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serious repeat offenders, tackling the causes of youth crime and supporting community safety. For the 17 per cent of young offenders who are committing 50 per cent of crimes, more measures will be put in place. As well as making breach of bail an offence, conditional release orders will now have a maximum six-limit, up from three.

Repeat offenders will also serve their suspended term in detention if they breach a condition. The government says that will help maximise the opportunity for offenders to complete rehabilitation programs.

The Youth Justice Act will be amended to declare certain offenders as serious repeat offenders, meaning tougher sentencing principles to protect community safety must be applied.

Offences involving the unlawful use of a motor vehicle with violence or threatened violence will soon be required to be brought before a district court judge.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

ENROLMENT SESSION

JAY FIELDING

Get up close with The Bobkatz

CRAIG WINTER

TAMWORTH Songwriter

Awards winners and one of Australia’s most loved country artists The Bobkatz will be at the Maryborough Sports Club this Sunday.

The local act has been a staple of the country circuit for almost 30 years, releasing six albums, seventeen singles (including two national Number #1’s), fifteen music videos and 3 Golden Guitar Finalist nominations.

Not to mention winning “Heritage Song of the Year” and “Group or Duo of the Year” at the Southern Stars Australian Independent Music Awards and countless TSA (Tamworth songwriter Awards).

Originally formed by Robert Mackay and songwriter Garry Koehler, the group saw success around the country with their ‘real’ songs about real people.

Sadly, songwriter and lead vocalist/bassist Garry passed away in October

2019 after a three year battle with cancer.

“Tribute shows to Garry at Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2020 performed by The Bobkatz, with Garry’s daughter Sarah on lead vocals, were extremely popular and after careful thought The Bobkatz decided to continue with Sarah upfront performing her father’s wonderful songs.” said Robert.

Sarah Koehler herself has had success with her own solo albums over the years, so the combination of Garry’s ‘stories’, and her vocals made a lot of sense.

Help get this little athlete on his way to Townsville

CRAIG WINTER

A LOCAL Little Athletics participant has been selected to compete at the State Championships in Townsville.

This is a not-to-be-missed show whee you’ll hear all of your favourites, along with some newer songs.

“This Maryborough show will be an intimate, unplugged, ‘up close and personal’ style.” said Robert.

“We’re looking forward to a day of good music, with good friends.”

The Bobkats plan on releasing a new album later this year.

The show starts at 12noon and tickets are available at the Sports Club during the week, or at the door for $20.

10 year old Boyce Megdics from Maryborough recently attended an event at Gayndah where he placed an impressive 1st in long jump, 100 & 200m sprints, 2nd in 80m hurdles and 4th in triple jump.

“My Mum and Dad have agreed to let me participate in this state comp and take me up to Townsville for this experience.” he said.

“I have been working hard and have a tight training schedule for the next few weeks, to continue to improve, grow and to be able to have my best foot forward in Townsville.”

Unfortunately, with opportunity, so comes expense, and Boyce has been mowing lawns and washing cars for friends

and family to help pay for the trip, but still needs funds to make it a reality.

He’s now appealing to the community to assist his fundraising.

All funds raised will help cover costs of levy’s, uniforms, accommodation, as well

as travel to and from Townsville. We look forward to updating you on his results when he returns.

If you can help Boyce achieve his goal for gold in the State Championships in any way, you can email his mother at tuptash@gmail. com

Robert Mackay and Sarah Koehler will be at the Maryborough Sportsclub this Sunday. (The Bobkatz)

YOUTH JUSTICE REFORM CONTINUED

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

People who are passengers in stolen vehicles, commit burglary or enter a premise to commit an indictable offence will now have a presumption against bail.

The government will build two new therapeutic youth detention centres, while also looking at a range of interim options to increase capacity. In addition, 18-year-olds currently serving sentences in youth detention centres will be moved to adult prisons.

While the government says it will target serious high-risk offenders, it will continue to fight the causes of youth crime with plans to invest over $100 million in additional funds into programs proven to be effective.

Already in Townsville and Cairns, intensive case management for chronic young offenders aged 13 to 17 years, and their families, will be expanded to Brisbane, Logan Toowoomba, Moreton, Gold Coast, Rockhampton and Ipswich.

Youth Co-responder Teams, made up of police and youth justice workers providing a rapid response targeting young people at risk of offending and young people on bail, will be expanded. The initiative has already completed 40,000 engagements with young people including to check their compliance with bail conditions and follow up to ensure they are accessing services. The service will be expanded to Hervey Bay Toowoomba, Mount Isa, Ipswich and South Brisbane.

Further investment of $4 million in On Country programs will provide culture-based rehabilitation for young First Nations peoples including supervision by On Country Elders

The government says it will invest in more community-based initiatives targeting

at-risk youth to provide recreational, learning, mentoring and drug and alcohol support to help break the cycle of offending.

Meanwhile, a new $15 million initiative will be trialled in three locations to help senior citizens with the cost of securing their homes. It will help subsidise practical security improvements, such as strengthening window locks and shutters, addressing design issues that enable ease of access and installing CCTV cameras.

In addition, $10 million will be provided in a trial to help subsidise the cost for Queenslanders to install vehicle immobilisers in Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa starting in the middle of this year.

There will also be enhanced assistance for victims of crime, with a $9 million investment to respond better to victims of property crime where violence or a threat of violence has occurred, including $3 million to boost counselling capacity and support NGOs.

A new $25 million injection will be made to high visibility police patrols and proactive policing, including through social media monitoring and engagement. High visibility police patrols that target the places and times offences are most likely to occur. In December, the approach resulted in over 800 additional arrests.

Premier Annastacia Palaczszuk said the government had listened to the public and was taking action to put community safety first.

“We will use the full force of the law to target the small cohort of serious repeat offenders that currently pose a threat to community safety,” Ms Palaczszuk said.

“When these kids reoffend

time and again, we need the police to catch them. And we need the courts to do their job,” she said.

“They have the resources. They have the laws. They have the tools.

“Importantly, they have this government’s full support to keep our community safe.”

However, some victims, their families, crime advocates and former police say the sweeping changes don’t go far enough.

Ben Beaumont, whose son Angus was stabbed during a robbery in 2020, is among the grieving family members critical of what he says is the government’s leniency on juvenile offenders.

His son’s killers were both aged 14 and with extensive criminal history; one on bail and the other on probation. Neither was jailed.

“You know we’ve got a major problem with our lawmakers in Queensland when these criminals are blanketed by anonymity laws providing shelter for their criminal behaviour,” Mr Beaumont said.

“This law is enabling them to be bigger, better, worse criminals and they can step up their criminal behaviour each time because they know nobody can say anything and nobody can touch them because of these laws that the lawmakers are making now.”

Criminal justice and criminology expert Terry Goldsworthy said youth offenders should be jailed for longer in order for them to complete rehabilitation courses and break the cycle of crime.

“The whole conversation seems to revolve around the youth offender and the rehabilitation of them. I think we’ve forgotten the principles of punishment and the principles of protecting the community,”

he said.

Conversely, others say the government’s toughon-crime approach is too heavy-handed.

They point out that Queensland spends the most of any state or territory in Australia on youth justice, about $296 million in 202021, according to the Productivity Commission.

It also has more children in youth detention than any other state – up from 229 in 2020-21 to 275 in 2021-22.

Children’s Court reports show the number of youth offenders is decreasing, however, the number and seriousness of offences they

commit is increasing.

These critics say jail is not an effective deterrent and instead alienates offenders, leading to recidivism. Queensland has the highest recidivism rate in the country.

Instead, they support a “smart” to youth crime rather than a tough one.

Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall told a parliamentary committee examining the bill that the measures wouldn’t work.

“What we know from the evidence is that they are going to be more likely to reoffend and cause harm to other victims,” McDougall said.

Debbie Kilroy from prisoner rights group Sisters Inside said Queensland should follow the example of Hawaii, where youth imprisonment had plummeted since the creation of an independent, trauma-informed taskforce to tackle the issue.

“We must look at Hawaii as how they are ending the criminalisation and prison of children and be more courageous, not be the deep north where we criminalise more children,” Ms Kilroy said.

“Because the harm that will be inflicted later on when they’re adults will be more than we have ever experienced in the decades of my lifetime.”

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RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN STATE SCHOOLS

It was pleasing to me to read that the Qld Education Minister, Grace Grace, said that the Department had no intention of reviewing its commitment to Religious Instruction (RI) continuing in Sate schools.

Perhaps the decision was

LETTERS

influenced by the following facts provided by QCRIN (Qld Christian Religious Instruction Network), an interdenominational and inter-faith team that laisses with Qld Education on matters pertaining to RI – Students only participate in RI at their parent’s request. (Any naysayers are therefore saying that they know more about what is best for the children than do

the children’s parents).

RI is popular in over 600 schools; over 200,000 children have been given consent into RI by their parents.

Only accredited RI Instructors can teach RI, using approved curriculum.

There are more positive points that could be raised, but I finish by saying that RI is being taught in four Maryborough State schools – West; Tinana; Parke and Granville.

- Ian Moncrieff

SCOTTY CABRIE

Reading about the horrific murder of Scotty Cabrie touched my heart.

The punishment for murder should be a harsh term of imprisonment for several years and then on release they should always wear an anklet that enables police to know where they are.

It seems that keeping young people in custody for other crimes is not working.

In the UK it is still legal to place people in stocks as punishment for crimes but hasn’t been used since 1837.

Putting such people into stocks in a place like the Town Hall Green together with a written account of their crimes, for a couple of hours, might deter further misbehaviour.

If they offend again, make the time longer until they see sense.

I am not suggesting that the public should throw anything at them as was

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done years ago.

Being ridiculed and ashamed should be enough.

- E. M. Rees

SPORTS PRECINCT

For everyone who’s whining about the sports fields being in Hervey Bay, it’s only 20 minutes away for Pete’s sake!

Anywhere else in the country, people have to travel further than that to buy a sandwich.

I’m also betting that most people complaining about it, don’t have a use for it anyway.

We only hear from Facebook warriors - the same ones who absolutely refuse to park anywhere other that RIGHT in front of the business they’re visiting because it’s too hard to walk 10 metersnot the actual sportspeople who need and use these facilities.

Try to be happy that we have these things on the Fraser Coast (not that THEY have these things in Hervey Bay).

- Kelly Absolom

Fraser Coast Sport Precinct Master Plan now endorsed

A PREMIER field surrounded by a stadium and earth banks that could seat thousands of spectators is among features proposed in the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Master Plan 2022.

“The draft master plan which was endorsed by Council today (Wednesday February 22) is the strategic vision for the future staged development of the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct,”

Cr Darren Everard said.

“It identifies what the site should look like and how it should function and takes into consideration community needs and aspirations, existing and potential future users as well as emerging trends in sport and recreation.

“While the Master Plan sets out the future development, we do not anticipate that all elements will proceed immediately. It is a guide to the future development of the precinct.

“The timing for development will depend on available grant funding from the Queensland and Australian Governments, demand and potential community and commercial partnerships.”

The focal point of the precinct is the premier field and adjacent multiuse centre.

“The premier field will provide a first-rate facility capable of hosting high-level sporting and community events,” Cr Daniel Sanderson said.

It is envisaged that the field would have permanent spectator seating for 3,500 and grass spectator embankments surrounding the field, creating an amphitheatre effect which could

accommodate 20,000 additional spectators.

Key facilities will include a premier AFL oval, capable of supporting a rectangular field, lighting, scoreboard, covered seating and embankments, amenities and support facilities for players, coaches and officials, kitchen and kiosk, storage facilities and a gymnasium.

The multi-use leisure centre would be the “gateway” to the main precinct. It will enable a variety of sport, recreation and health and wellbeing activities.

Facilities in the leisure centre could include:

•an indoor courts zone with five multi-purpose indoor courts and one show court with retractable seating;

•a health and fitness centre with program rooms, spin room and gym;

•a wellness/ allied health centre with dedicated consultation rooms;

•indoor and outdoor climbing;

•a café and retail zone;

•an aquatics zone featuring a warm water program pool;

•an outdoor zone featuring beach volleyball courts; and

•future potential outdoor multi-purpose hard courts, and future expansion areas.

Cr Sanderson said an essential feature of the leisure centre was its relationship with the premier field, enabling both the leisure centre and premier field to operate as the Precinct’s central hub.

“The leisure centre changerooms will be accessible externally to the premier field to support additional teams for larger sporting events

when required,” he said. The outdoor sport zone will respond to immediate and longer-term demand for outdoor field sports.

The master plan outlines three ovals, clubhouse, and amenities, eight additional netball courts, an athletics precinct featuring a grass athletics track (with the option for a synthetic track in the future) and a clubhouse and amenities block.

A dedicated cycling precinct and “adventure park” will be provided in the northern section of the Precinct to provide a range of cycling and recreation activities for all ages and abilities.

The facilities include a pump track, skate/ parkour zone, mountain bike skills park, a sealed criterium track featuring two interconnected loops of 0.9km and 0.6km lengths and a 200m finishing straight, amenities, lighting and storage facilities.

The 60-hectare Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct is on the corner of Woods

Road and Chapel Road, Nikenbah.

Stage one of the precinct opened in February 2019 with facilities for netball, soccer and Oztag.

Since the opening, Fraser Coast Cycling has also been based at the precinct and Council has had discussions with the Hervey Bay Basketball Association to relocate to the precinct.

The precinct has already hosted the Brisbane Roar football team on multiple occasions for training camps and exhibition games attended by thousands of people, while the Queensland Reds rugby union squad recently held a pre-season training camp there.

“The completion of stage one was a significant milestone, but it’s also the first step in a long journey. This precinct will grow as our community grows,” Cr Everard said.

“It’s an investment for now and it’s an investment for the future of Fraser Coast sport, leisure and entertainment.”

Your feedback

What are your thoughts on the endorsed plans for the Sport & Recreation Precinct?

Will it enhance local sports?

Will it attract larger events and grow our sports community?

Will it encourage more people to take up sports and be active?

Will you use the new facilities?

What else is needed?

Email your thoughts or Letters to the Editor to editorial@ marysun.com.au

Artist impression of the proposals. (FCRC)

New flood studies to help Fraser Coast

THE Fraser Coast will be better prepared for future floods and storms, with the Fraser Coast Council receiving over $1.1 Million for new flood studies, risk assessments and warning intelligence systems as part of an over $18 million Queensland wide package.

The funding will go towards:

•$404,800 for a Mary River Flood Study

•$202,400 for Mary River Bathymetric Data +

survey of up to 10 bridges

•$69,000 for Local IFD Data Generation for the Region

•$316,250 for Burrum Cherwell Flood Study

•$126,500 for Burrum Cherwell Bathymetric Data + survey of up to 10 bridges

•$17,250 for Fraser Coast Region Overland Flow Flood Risk Definition

Senator Anthony Chisholm welcomed the grants and said it will keep people across the Fraser Coast safer.

“By understanding the local risks, we can better protect areas from disasters before they strike, which is key to protecting lives and livelihoods, as well as reducing the overall cost of disasters,” Senator Chisholm said.

“As we continue to support flood-impacted areas in the recovery process, we also need to look ahead to how we do better in the future.

“When finished, these

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flood studies will be a useful tool in the Council’s toolkits.

“The Queensland Government have a strong partner in the Albanese Government and together we are committed to investing in projects that will support disaster resilience.”

A total of 127 projects will be funded by the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments, through the joint CommonwealthState Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Funding was open to 36 Local Government Areas who were impacted during the 2021-22 disaster season.

This package is one of three made available through the $31 million Flood Risk Management Program, which is being administered

by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. Other packages under the program include support for community engagement and education around disaster preparedness; and for remote sensing technology to create 3D maps and models of environments, to better understand potential risks.

The Flood Risk Management Program is part of the greater $721 million extraordinary disaster assistance package delivered jointly by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments through the DRFA following the 2021-22 season to address the medium and long-term recovery and resilience needs of Queensland communities.

For more information go to www.qra.qld.gov.au

Flavours of the Coast celebrated

THE Fraser Coast is set to see a new look food and beverage festival in 2023 with Fraser Coast Flavours, a one day event to be held on September 2nd at Hervey Bay’s Seafront Oval.

Expanding on the legacy built by the Seafood Festival, Fraser Coast Flavours will showcase not only the best food and beverage offerings on the Fraser Coast, but also the carefree lifestyle.

Fraser Coast Flavours will include two live music stages featuring a line-up of both local and Queensland artists,

two festival bars with products from well known Queensland breweries and distilleries, street food and market vendors, all-day activities and a selection of curated ticketed events to keep attendees pleased while soaking up the fabulous Hervey Bay sunshine.

Fraser Coast Flavours is a must do on this year’s event calendar.

Pre-sale tickets will be available from July 3 for $10 and available on line.

For all festival announcements follow @ frasercoastevents.

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Rego plate goes viral for wrong reasons

Action Park needs your help

CRAIG WINTER

POPULAR local dirt bike facility Action Park is rushing to get a new track surface laid.

JAY FIELDING

A MARYBOROUGH driver has raised eyebrows around the nation after a photo of their home-made rego plate went viral online.

The photo of the plate was originally posted on Reddit, where it was the subject of much discussion and outraged criticism.

The blue and white plate says “Land of Terra Australis. R-80AMB-001. Private Property. All Rights Reserved. People’s Court” and has images including a map of Australia.

Many redditors theorized that the plate belonged to a sovereign citizen.

Wikipedia defines the sovereign citizen movement as a loose grouping of litigants, activists, tax protestors and conspiracy theorists who claim to be only answerable to their particular interpretations of common law and believe they are no subject of government statues.

The movement, which is primarily based in the US, began in the 70s but found new support around the world, especially in Australia and the UK, during the

coronavirus pandemic and associated government lockdowns and vaccination roll-outs.

Recent footage of several arrests of sovereign citizens in Australia has also been posted on social media, including one incident where police broke a woman’s car window to arrest her for failing to provide her licence or identifying particulars.

Much of the fury on the Reddit post concerned the contradiction that such sovereign citizens use publicly funded roads but do not believe they need to have registered vehicles or hold driver licences.

The New South Wales Police Force has identified sovereign citizens as a potential terrorist threat.

Gareth Train, one of the three Wiembilla shooters who killed Queensland two police officers in December, supported sovereign citizen views.

Lawyers and former members of the judiciary have long pointed out the flaws in the sovereign citizen legal interpretations, pointing out that none has been used successfully in court.

After the Environmental Protection Authority changed the rules on what products can be used as dust suppressants on dirt tracks, the 107 year old Maryborough Motorcyclist Club has been hustling to find $70,000 to resurface the dirt with decomposed granite.

Traditionally, dirt tracks have been treated with oils to maintain a firm and safe track coating, however, following the rule changes banning oil, bike tracks around the state have been left with the prospect of huge bills for other products and subsequently, no income until the circuit can be used again.

Club President Ajay said that they had tried everything to get the track back into use.

“We’ve tried every commercial product on the market but they just create a thin film on top of the dirt.”

“Riders tear up the track quickly and it turns back to dust very fast.” he said.

“We’ve been donated a water truck which may help in the short term, but for competitions and racing, the surface needs to be prepared properly for the safety of our riders and visitors.”

The Club and Action Park are popular with youngsters as a safe area to ride their motorbikes.

Without the facility, they

have nowhere legal to ride.

The Maryborough Motorcyclist Club has started a GoFundMe page to raise the funds, and have asked for public help to get the word out.

“This club was established in 1915 and is one of Australia’s oldest Dirt track clubs.” according to the page.

“For many years Action Park has been using oil as a dust suppressant, which made the track iconic and would bring people from all over the world to ride it.

“In recent years our club just like every other club…has been struggling immensely due to COVID-19, break-ins and natural disasters but our biggest struggle began in 2021 when the EPA decided that oil was no longer to be used in Queensland due to the effect it could have on the environment.”

The current Committee has already made huge

changes to the park, by clearing and opening up the facility, installing new fencing and doing earthworks.

“If anyone would like to reach out and help our club it would be extremely appreciated.

“Any businesses that want to get on board, your name will be around the track and grounds as a thank you for supporting us!”

“Without doing this we are going to find it very hard to keep the gates open, but once we have people and bikes coming back to our grounds and generating income, the Club will start moving forward once again.”

To donate to the campaign and help save a 107 year old Maryborough institution, go to www. gofundme.com and search for Maryborough Motorcyclist Club.

Riders in action on the dirt track and (right) a less dusty track is safer. (MMC)

Make a connection

Help save a life

impact in 2016 safeTALK works

Studies show that participants gain confidence:

safeTALK helps save lives through suicide awarensss

THE safeTALK program teaches people how to make a life-saving connection with those at risk of suicide.

prevention.

8,975 suicide attempts prevented participants

Training facilitators: Karen Prestidge & Clarice Fletcher

Murgon 14 March

Sponsored by:

Kindly supported by:

Maryborough 16 March

Through the generous sponsorship of the Churches of Christ, and the kind support of the Maryborough Neighbourhood Centre-Red Cross Co-location program and Gympie Community Place, they have been able to stage FREE safeTALK workshops in regional communities and surrounding areas that were flood affected in 2022. This half day workshop provides valuable skills to everyone 15 and older, from any walk of life, be it, community volunteers, first responders, formal caregivers, public and private employees and many others.

Because it is only half a day to learn safeTALK is an excellent tool for people who wish to become alert to the dangers of suicide packaged into a convenient timeframe.

safeTALK offers valuable skills to everyone 15 and older and requires no formal training or prior experience in suicide

Because it only takes half a day to learn, safeTALK is an excellent tool for people who want to become alert to the dangers of suicide in a convenient timeframe.

Although formal caregivers such as social workers and counselors employ safeTALK skills, the program is also used by students, teachers, community volunteers, first responders, military personnel, police, public and private employees, and professional athletes— among many others.

By providing a universal model with adaptable components, safeTALK offers useful skills to every audience.

safeTALK workshops are provided by registered LivingWorks trainers. In order to facilitate the workshop, trainers must attend a safeTALK Training for Trainers (T4T) and extensively study the program. They must also participate in a rigorous quality control process and maintain their skills by presenting safeTALK workshops on a regular basis.

In addition to the trainer, each safeTALK workshop includes a community resource person.

The community resource person is on hand to recommend local suicide prevention connections that can assist someone at risk.

Referring someone to these connections is an important part of the safeTALK model.

In addition, the community resource person can provide assistance and support if any participants are struggling with the subject of suicide in the workshop.

Maryborough –

Thursday 16th March – 9:00am start https:// www.eventbrite.com. au/e/556242585547

Wartime legacy will pass through Maryborough

CRAIG WINTER

ON APRIL 23 in Pozieres, France, a torch will start it’s special 55,000km journey.

Over 1,500 torch bearers with a personal connection, will carry the flame through 100 towns and cities in the The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, until it reaches it’s destination in Melbourne.

Legacy is an iconic Australian charity that was established in 1923 and founded on a promise made from one digger to another on the battlefield.

In the trenches of the Western Front during World War I, a soldier said to his dying mate “I’ll look after the missus and kids”. This became known as

The Promise.

Realising the dire circumstances of the tens of thousands of veterans, widows and children left behind, those who returned set out to help them.

In 1923, Major General Sir John Gellibrand formed the Remembrance Club in Hobart. Another returning soldier, Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, was inspired to establish a similar club in Melbourne which was named Legacy.

In 2020 alone, Legacy spent over $16m assisting families and boasts more than 43,000 beneficiaries.

Dual Olympian and torch relay ambassador, Dr Jana Pittman launched the relay’s 100 Day

Countdown in Sydney in January.

“The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay is a wonderful opportunity to commemorate 100 years of Legacy supporting veterans’ families”, Pittman says.

Beginning in Pozieres, France in the lead up to ANZAC Day in 2023, the Centenary Torch will travel around the world, stopping at all 45 Legacy Clubs worldwide.

Once it arrives in Queensland, the Torch will journey down the east coast through Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Sunshine Coast, before running down the streets of Brisbane.

will then travel through Toowoomba, Ipswich and the Gold Coast, before venturing through

regional NSW and Victoria to Melbourne.

The torch will arrive in

Maryborough on June 5.

For more info, go to www. legacytorchrelay.com.au

Get that vintage car out of your shed!

CRAIG WINTER

A SHOW and Shine next week will raise funds for local suicide prevention, says organiser Don Barwick.

The March in Maryborough at Tinana Soccer fields will feature cars, utes, hotrods and more.

Don wants you to get that ratrod or vintage classic out of your garage and bring it along to vie for the eight trophy categories which will be presented to winning entrants at the end of the day.

“There are hundreds of great vehicles on the Fraser Coast that we never get to see.” he said. Drivers are invited to

cruise from the Tinana Soccer Fields out to the Miners Arms Hotel at 1pm on Saturday March 18 with the car show on Sunday March 19.

Cost of entry for the public is a gold coin donation which will be donated to local mental health education group

Fraser Coast Mates who will also be there enjoying the sights and sounds.

Fraser Coast Mates fund emergency counselling in Maryborough and Hervey Bay through funds donated and raised from events.

Hot food, coffee, cold drinks and market stall will all be available to the public from 9am.

The major sponsor of the event is DBar Detailing

Services who have been joined by Shannons and local businesses including Bob Jane, Autobarn, Wide Bay Auto, Novus, Lions Diesel, Absolute Diesel, 6 Star Motors, Giles Panel Shop, Mary Exhaust & Mechanical, Upholster My Ride, Levs Fabrications, Richers and BDS Mechanical. Don said that he was impressed with the level of support.

“These business have all chipped in to help this event get off the ground.”

March in Maryborough, Tinana Soccer Fields, Sunday March 19.

Car show entries $10 7am-9am. No EFTPOS. Open to the public for a gold coin donation from 9am.

Photos: Ernie A. Stephens

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay will pass through Maryborough on June 5. (Legacy) It

BROOWEENA Museum will be holding their biennial Pioneer Day later this month.

There will be plenty of demonstrations including milk separating, a working black smith, hay chaffing, market stalls, free activities for the kids, and lots of food and drink.

Vice President Sharah Mitchell said that the event is only held every

Return to the Village

CRAIG WINTER

VICTORY Village at Riverbend is once again opening it’s gates to visitors this month after a two-year hiatus.

Tonya Osborne-Blake says that the first Village Fayre for the 2023 medieval season will be filled with medieval merriment, markets and entertainment.

second year.

“We’re looking forward to seeing visitors here again this year.” she said.

Jo Jo’s tours is running a bus from Bundaberg and the museum is funding a free bus from Biggenden.

Brooweena Historical Village & Museum

Pioneer Day, Saturday 25th March 9am till 2pm, 2 Smith Crescent Brooweena.

“Much work has been undertaken during the closure and members of Riverbend Medieval Society are looking forward to returning to regular re-enactment fayres.” she said.

The Village has long been a hit with locals and tourists, providing a feast of entertainment with it’s re-enactments, and other activities for all ages.

Owners Lord Terence and Lady Tonya are bound by a love of history and medieval castles.

After a honeymoon tour of Southern France, they discovered the plot of land in Tiaro which they decided suited their dream of building a medieval village. They got down to work,

and now the Village boasts a variety of buildings like Osborne Stables, Herald Draco’s Herbal Cottage, and Crinklebottom’s Inn, as well as attractions and markets.

You can learn medieval arts like nailbinding or needdlebinding - you can Google those - learn about knights and their combat techniques, practice archery or any number of other noble practices.

The first Village Fayre on March 19 will give returning guests and first-time visitors an opportunity to see knights and swordplay, historical re-enactment displays, arts and crafts for sale, games, tours of the Village as well as experience the food stalls hosted by the local Tiaro QCWA.

Visit the Village’s Facebook page for more information.

You can visit Victory Village at Riverbend on Sunday, 19 March 2023 between the hours of 10am and 3pm. Follow signs along Glenbar Road. And feel free to wear your own medieval attire!

Photos: Glenn Morris.

Recycled water scheme to expand as population grows

THE Fraser Coast recycled water scheme will expand to cater for population growth, while infrastructure improvements will cut almost $12 million from the capital expenditure budget over the next decade.

The expansion of the award-winning effluent re-use scheme is the focus of the Recycled Water Strategy adopted by the Fraser Coast Regional Council today (Wednesday, February 22).

“Our aim is to have most of the effluent created on the Fraser Coast used in some type of agriculture ranging from sugar cane to hardwood plantations,” Cr David Lee said.

“We’d only think about discharging to the ocean in very wet years, and even then, we’d be aiming to minimise the amount.”

During the development of the strategy, Council was able to pinpoint savings.

“The Strategy identifies that infrastructure optimisation over the 30year life of the plan will allow for a reduction in capital expenditure in the

10-year plan from $33.4M to $21.8M for recycled water infrastructure projects,” Cr Lee said.

The Fraser Coast recycled water scheme started in 1990 in Hervey Bay, followed by Maryborough in 2003.

Currently Fraser coast residents use about 9,000ML per year of potable water, of which about 5,000ML is recycled for a variety of agricultural and community purposes such as irrigating sporting fields.

Key recommendations and findings of the Strategy include:

•The community highly values Council’s recycled water activities from resource and environmental management perspectives.

•Existing recycled water customers highly value access to this resource for irrigation of agriculture and sporting facilities.

•Economic analysis indicates a favourable costbenefit to the community by avoided cost of Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades.

•Environmental sustainability reviews indicate recycled water use

is sustainable, however salinity requires ongoing management.

•Continuation of Councilowned forestry will be required to manage recycled water during low third-party demand periods.

Key infrastructure requirements identified in the Strategy include:

•Expansion of the Hervey Bay Recycled Water network on Vanderwolf Road, followed by further expansion across Susan River or west to Stock Yard Creek area (Takura)

The Dignity Drive is on!

SHARE the Dignity’s biannual Dignity Drive is on this month.

Drive, to be distributed to our registered charities across the country.

in 2036, including an additional 1,425 ML storage.

•Expansion of the Maryborough Recycled Water network in a westerly direction, including an additional 300ML storage.

•Continue existing project to connect Recycled Water to Council owned land on Beelbi Creek Road and establish irrigation areas.

•Continue existing project at Howard to establish new irrigation areas in conjunction with new Sewage Treatment Plant.

Charity Share the Dignity says that menstruating isn’t a choice, but those experiencing poverty often have to choose between purchasing period products or other essential items just to get by.

“We’d rather they didn’t have to choose.” said local coordinator Clare Winter.

“We’re on a mission to ensure all who menstruate have access to period products when they need them.”

That’s why twice a year in March and August, they call on Australians to donate period products through our Dignity

“We accept all products in original packaging, including pads, tampons, maternity pads, period undies, menstrual cups and incontinence products.” Mrs Winter said.

Since Share the Dignity was founded in 2015, they have donated over 3.8 million period products to those who menstruate, through our Dignity Drives and #ItsInTheBag campaign - thanks to your generosity.

Donations can be made at Woolies and Australian Hearing in Maryborough. For more information www.sharethedignity.org. au/dignity-drives

Open air draughts

by FRASER COAST MAYOR GEORGE SEYMOUR

ELEMENTS of the past are all around us.

Beside Maryborough City Hall there is a large chess board which I regularly walk by.

Seeing it, I became curious about its origins. For the curious historian, there is a clue to its origins in the brass inlay of text on its surface: “EHB 11.12.48”.

That date, almost 75 years ago, gave me a lead to search out who EHB was and hopefully how this chess board came to be.

Through some research, I ascertained that the man referenced to was Ernest Henry Blatchford, who lived in Torquay. He was a carpenter by trade and was employed by the Railway Department in Maryborough.

It turns out the board was not built with the intention of it being used for chess, but rather the game of draughts, or checkers as it is better known today.

Mr Blatchford was a keen draughts player and had a very admirable desire that the people of Maryborough have access to an outdoors draughts board.

With this in mind he approached my predecessor, Robert McDowell, the 44th Mayor of Maryborough, with a proposal for the construction of a large board on the green beside City Hall.

However, as this site was already very well utilised, the council suggested that it be placed under the Banyan Tree in Queen’s Park, near the Memorial Gates.

Blatchford was happy with the alternative site and quickly set about raising the funds from numerous subscribers.

The construction works were undertaken by the Maryborough firm Comet Rubber Works.

The board made of terrazzo squares defined with brass strips was said to be the first of its type in Queensland.

A special power board had to be installed to enable the polishing work

to be carried out.

The playing pieces, and the 7 foot long sticks used to move them, were made by Mr Blatchford himself.

On its official unveiling, the Mayor commended Mr Blatchford for the kind thought which had prompted him to take the action he had which had seen the boards move from a civic minded idea to a constructed reality.

The Mayor was particularly happy that citizens would be playing draughts in the open air and beautiful surroundings of Queen’s Park.

The first game of draughts to be played on this board was then engaged in between Mr Blatchford and a Mr W Frederickson.

Many years later, the board was removed from its location under the Banyan Tree at Queen’s Park, and relocated to its present spot beside City Hall, not far from where Ernest Henry Blatchford originally intended it to go.

Chess pieces can be borrowed from the Visitor

Information Centre in City Hall, allowing Blatchford’s vision of friendly games to be played in the open air to be continued for future generations.

Young chess players enjoying the board and (right) it’s location right beside City Hall. (George Seymour)

World Day of Prayer for peace and justice

THE World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.

“Through preparation and participation in the worship service, we can come to know how our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures understand the Biblical passages in their context.” said a spokesperson.

“We can hear their concerns and needs and can feel ourselves in solidarity with them as we pray with and for them.” they said.

“In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international, ecumenical expression”.

According to the World Day of Prayer website, the motto of the movement is “Informed Prayer and

Prayerful Action”.

“Through our participation in the World Day of Prayer, we affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence on the world.”

“The World Day of Prayer is an ecumenical prayer movement developed from a Christian women’s perspective as a creative response to issues of concern around the world.”

This year the service will be hosted by The Salvation Army here in Maryborough.

The service will be at 9.30 am on Friday 10th of March at the Salvation Army building, 106 Bazaar Street.

There will also be light refreshments following the service.

For more information, go to www.worlddayof prayeraustralia.org

RSL pavers will honour service

A WALL of pavers commemorating all who served with defence forces has started to take shape for the Maryborough RSL.

Vietnam veteran and former board member John Bretz was the instigator of the scheme, which serves both as a record of those who served and a fundraiser for the sub-branch.

The first pavers were unveiled this month on Friday after being cemented in place by John and former fellow board member Alan Miller.

It was unveiled by then acting president Andrew Upston and sub-branch treasurer Mel Stephens.

Mel said it was pleasing to see the commemorative wall, recognising past and living members of Australia’s defence forces, finally starting to take shape after John first raised the idea three years ago.

Family members of any person who has served Australia can buy a paver for $50 and have it erected, with appropriate

details, on the wall in the RSL memorial garden.

Contact the sub-branch on 07 4333 1208 if you would like someone’s defence service record – from the Boer war to contemporary service at home and abroad – marked with a paver.

At Sunday’s annual meeting of the sub-branch

Andrew Upston, an

Hoon sentenced after elderly bashing

A HOON who bashed an elderly man after becoming bogged has been handed a suspended sentence.

Jacob William MaddenDavies, 20, pleaded guilty in Maryborough District Court to one count of robbery with personal violence while in company.

The court was told the 63-year-old victim was watching television when he heard a car hooning, which he said had been an ongoing issue in the area.

Outside he found Madden-Davies, then 19, and a co-accused inside a car that was bogged.

Afghanistan veteran, was elected president.

Fellow Afghanistan veteran Shane Epps, also widely known as Maryborough’s snake catcher, is vice-president.

Mel Stephens was confirmed as the subbranch treasurer of what is one of the youngest RSL boards in Queensland.

The victim began filming the scene on his mobile phone in order to provide evidence.

That infuriated MaddenDavies, who challenged the victim to a fight.

The victim said he was 63 and the pair would be jailed if they assaulted him.

Madden-Davies then

grabbed the man by his jacket and punched him in the face, causing him to drop the phone and fall.

The two men then kicked him in the head, while the victim attempted to protect his face with his hands.

The court was told that Madden-Davies’ co-accused then threw the man’s phone into the river.

The victim called police and was taken to hospital, where he was treated for injuries.

Madden-Davies was arrested, charged and released on bail the following day.

In a victim impact statement, the 63-year-old

said he had suffered pain and discomfort following the assault.

Madden-Davies had no prior criminal history and, the court heard, had good prospects of rehabilitation.

References tended to the court said his actions had been out of character, he was supported by family and was gainfully employed.

Judge Michael Burnett said the violence towards an elderly man was gratuitous and unnecessary.

Madden-Davies was handed a sentence of 33 months, immediately suspended and to remain in force for four years.

Andrew Upston and Mel Stephens last Sunday. (RSL)

Funding commitment recognises hard work and exciting future

From Canegrowers Chairman Owen Menkens

FOR the best part of a decade, Queensland’s cane growers have been working hard to improve farming practices, not only making their businesses more profitable, efficient, and sustainable, but also improving environmental outcomes.

Those efforts have resulted in 40 per cent of Queensland’s total canegrowing area now being independently accredited as farming at or above industry best standards.

It’s a figure that many other agricultural sectors would love to replicate, but that doesn’t mean cane growers are resting on their laurels.

The industry-led best management practice program, Smartcane BMP, which has been the driving force behind this remarkable achievement, recently received Phase 4 funding from the Queensland Government.

This $4.47 million cash injection over the next three years is recognition of the tremendous results this program, and participating growers, have achieved to date.

Growers right across the industry have embraced the program which validates the changes they are making onfarm to provide positive environmental outcomes, while also improving their bottom line.

And while 40% might be the official figure, when you take into account the number of growers who are implementing best practice on their farms but have not sought accreditation, the actual figure would be much higher.

But Smartcane BMP is much more than an effort to meet environmental targets.

It is one of the cornerstones of the industry’s future sustainability strategy.

The program has been recognised by global sustainability frameworks as meeting their rigid standards for sustainably produced sugar.

This means that a significant, and growing, percentage of Queensland’s sugar can now be marketed as sustainable.

This is hugely important in a world where consumers are increasingly demanding sustainably produced products.

To assist with this effort CANEGROWERS, in conjunction with KMPG, has developed and trialled a blockchain platform that will allow Australian sustainable sugar to be traced from the paddock to the package.

It’s a technological advancement that will open doors to more international markets and eventually, we hope, produce a premium for Queensland growers.

Australia has one of the

world’s most innovative and sustainable sugar industries.

Our growers are recognised internationally as being some of the best anywhere in the world.

We can all be proud of this wonderful industry, which supports so many coastal communities and contributes significantly to our state’s economy.

Of course, the industry is not without its challenges,

and negative stories will always garner more media attention than positive ones.

But rest assured, there are exciting times ahead for Queensland’s sugar industry.

While many industries may look at climatedriven economic change with apprehension, the sugar industry sees an opportunity to become a leader in the nation’s bioeconomy.

is at the centre of this strategy.

The program is 100% voluntary and I encourage all growers to get involved and seek accreditation.

While we in the industry know we are operating at the highest of environmental standards, accreditation provides a validation that opens the doors to policy and market-based recognition.

Smartcane BMP and the hard work of participating growers

Canegrower’s Chairman Owen Menkens joins us with a regular column.

Layla and Tiffany are ready for a home

FROM THE MARYBOROUGH ANIMAL REFUGE

LAYLA

Unbelievably, 3-year-old Cattle cross, Layla, is still at the Maryborough Animal Refuge after 4 months!

She spent Christmas behind bars.

Will she still be there at Easter?

The Refuge sincerely hopes not and that her special person will come along soon.

Layla loves humans and wants nothing more than to be with them. She has become a favourite with the volunteers at the Refuge.

She loves to be scratched behind the ears and stroked.

Due to her breed, Layla is a high-energy dog.

Layla needs a home that can provide her with daily exercise and lots of space to run.

Small yards are unsuitable even with regular walks.

She would enjoy a family with children, who would

keep her running around, and playing games.

She needs to be part of the family.

She would also enjoy being with someone who enjoys walking and exploring.

She is highly intelligent and loves to learn.

She would make an excellent agility dog, as it keeps her mind active and her energy focussed.

Layla has previously been an inside/outside dog and is toilet-trained. She walks well on the lead.

Layla does not get on well with other dogs and is untested with cats.

She would probably be best suited to a home where she is the only animal, although she does co-exist well with birds.

Like many dogs of her breed, she needs high secure fences.

She may initially be a little timid with new people and situations, but with patience and gentleness, she will quickly learn to trust and show her lovely personality.

Layla has been desexed, microchipped, Council-registered and vet-checked.

Her adoption fee has been reduced to $250.

TIFFANY

Tiffany is about 19 months old. This beautiful black tortoiseshell was originally bought from a pet shop as a kitten. She was then passed

around from home to home until the day she was passed over the fence to a lady who would change her life.

Unknown to this kind person, Tiffany was already heavily pregnant.

One week later, she had 9 kittens.

The lady kept her and her kittens until the Refuge had room to take her, 8 weeks later.

She has a beautiful nature and loves to be brushed and patted.

She is now an inside cat and is toilet trained.

She is good with men, women, children, and with other cats. She is untested with dogs.

After her unsettled early life, Tiffany deserves a home with people who will love her and give her security.

Tiffany has been desexed, microchipped and vetchecked. Her adoption fee is $180.

The Refuge is in desperate need of Pedigree Dog Food –of any flavour or size. Please consider adding a bag or two to your weekly shop for them!

For further information, please contact the Maryborough Animal Refuge on 4123 1712

Shorebirds featured in this month’s wildlife talks

THE Fraser Branch of Wildlife Queensland has invited Don and Lesley Bradley, of the Queensland Wader Study Group, to speak on shorebirds at the Hervey Bay Library on Friday March 17 and at the Maryborough Library on Friday March 31.

Their story shows how climate change, habitat destruction, and coastal development are pushing threatened migratory shorebirds towards extinction; some species experiencing a decline of 80% in the last

three decades.

It is a story of their survival - up to 13,000 kilometres - along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway on their epic annual flights.

When they finally reach Australia, starving and

‘Slick’ was recently adopted!

“Thank you

exhausted, they need a safe place to rest and feed.

To hear more about these tenacious shorebirds, book for the talks by phoning the Library on 4197 4220 or going online and book via Eventbrite.

The talks begin at 1pm.

Phone 4123 1712 Open

- 2pm

Love Food Hate Waste Lighting up for lymphoedema

FRASER Coast residents are being encouraged to take part in the Love Food Hate Waste Challenge to stop wasting food and start saving money.

Cr Darren Everard said Fraser Coast Regional Council had joined the international Love Food Hate Waste movement to help residents tackle food waste.

“Most of the food waste in Australia comes from our homes - Australian households waste 2.5 million tonnes of food each year, or more than four kilograms per household per week,” he said.

“Avoiding food waste can

BEAUTY SALON

reduce costs for households by between $2,000 and $2,500 a year, while it is also good for the environment by reducing what ends up in landfill.”

Cr Jade Wellings said the Love Food Hate Waste Challenge starts on March 6 as part of International Food Waste Action Week.

“The challenge is a free, three-week program to help you understand your food waste habits while providing helpful tips and tricks for planning meals, shopping, food storage, recipes to use up leftovers and more,” she said.

“The first 100 residents to sign up to the challenge

Chameleon Skin & Beauty

WE HAVE MOVED TO NEW PREMISES –

All the same exceptional service with some awesome new services including Eyelash extensions, Piercings, Eyelash lifts/perms, new and improved nail services and so much more ........

Follow us on Facebook

Phone: 4122 1200

200 Bazaar St Maryborough

CHIROPRACTORS

Farmer Chiropractic

Dr James Farmer Chiropractor (B. App. Sci Chiropractic) Over 30 years experience. Onsite X rays with a Medicare rebate, EFTPOS and HI CAPS. DVA and NDIS, and Enhanced Primary Care patients welcome. Professional, Caring, Chiropractic for the Whole Family.

Phone: 07 41217600

2/98 Bazaar Street Maryborough farmerchiropractic.com.au

COUNSELLING

Finding Balance Counselling

Kaylene Birch: Dip Couns (MACA), Counsellor Supervisor, Dip Art Therapy (A.Th)

Offering – professional counselling to individuals, couples and groups, relationships, grief & loss, Mindfulness , meditation & art therapy.

Please phone to make an appointment - 0488 440 522

The Globe, 190 Cheapside Street Maryborough findingbalancecounselling.com.au

HAIR SALON

Hart of Hair

We have moved!

Same Great Service Walk Ins Always Welcome

Across the road from the Cenotaph

Look For The Balloons

We are a local, established hair salon. Our staff are friendly and professional. No appointment necessary.

Phone: 0459 728 016

3/264 Bazaar Street Maryborough

NATURAL HEALTH

Alpha Natural Health Centre

Let us help you find natural ways to improve your health and vitality.

Deborah Hannam- Naturopath, Herbalist, Colon irrigation and Iridolgy.

Carolyn Wynd - NST Bowen Therapy. “Pamper Body Treatments” and gift vouchers available. Book online at www.naturalhealthcentre.com.au or phone 41236699. (By Appointment Only) Fairfield House 200 Walker Street, Maryborough.

To find out how, call 0411 281 148 Or email sales@marysun.com.au

will receive a free gift to get them started, and there are also three great prizes to be won that will help you fight food waste, so visit the Fraser Coast Council website to sign up now.

“Join millions of people around the world to save food, save money and save the planet.”

Prizes for those who sign up include a FoodSaver vacuum sealer kit to help keep your food fresh for longer (valued at $100); a Sistema leakproof food container set (valued at $50), and The Food Saver’s A-Z recipe book (valued $35).

The campaign ticks all the boxes for Odyssey Coowner and manager Scott Thompson.

“It is important to us as restaurateurs to respect the produce and products we consume and utilise them to their fullest extent to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said.

“We aim to utilise everything in order to minimise our expenses and save money as we turn that produce into a dining experience.

“We wanted to be a part of the program so we could share our knowledge and experience to raise awareness to try and help others save on their food bill.”

To be a part of the fun, go to www.frasercoast. qld.gov.au/love-food-hatewaste to find out more and to register.

OVER 50 landmarks across Australia from major bridges, statues, roadways and town centres will be lit up in blue to support Lymphoedema

Awareness Week - Monday 6 March to Sunday 12 March 2023.

The Maryborough City Hall will be one of them.

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is the term given to swelling resulting from malfunctions of the lymphatic system.

It can be caused by underdeveloped lymphatics or due to damage of the lymph system from cancer treatment or trauma.

Lymphoedema can be associated with different types of cancer. It is estimated that:

•20% of breast cancer,

•24% of cervical cancer and

•9-29% of melanoma patients will experience the condition.

•1 in 6,000 people are born with lymphoedema.

However, this could be

significantly higher, as it is a condition that is often misdiagnosed and undetected.

The symptoms include the swelling of a body part, feeling achy or stiff, reduced range of movement and recurrent cellulitis (skin infections). Lymphoedema impacts adversely on the physical, emotional, social and financial wellbeing of people living with the condition.

There are various treatments including compression garments, exercise, skin care and massage to support with the management of symptoms.

For more info, www. lymphaustralia.org.au/

•

HOUSE, GARDEN & NATURE

Stranded immigrant builds sawmill

LINDSAY TITMARSH

DURING the time when immigrants from Europe were arriving in the small settlement of Brisbane, it was common practice for many of them to have been sponsored by an Aussie employer.

This ensured that upon arrival, they had accommodation and a job organised.

When the immigrant ship ‘Fortitude’ arrived in 1849, many passengers found themselves stranded when their sponsor did not deliver on a promise.

The disappointed people then organised a temporary campsite for themselves on a low-lying area near the edge of the fledgling settlement.

This location, soon labelled as ‘Fortitude Valley’, is still known by that name, and is now an inner-city suburb of Brisbane.

William Pettigrew, who later built a large sawmill near Maryborough, was one of the passengers on the Fortitude.

Pettigrew soon organised himself, bought land, and built a sawmill beside the river in William Street, Brisbane.

To exploit large stands of timber north of Brisbane, he was, by the early 1860’s, planning to build a large sawmill near Maryborough.

Qantas was not flying that day, and the railways were non-existent then, so we must presume Pettigrew

travelled by boat to Maryborough to select a site for his new mill.

It is incredible that in less than 60 years from those times, Qantas, the world’s oldest airline (1920) was flying passengers.

To select a site for his new mill, no doubt Pettigrew would have been intently concentrating on the banks of the Mary River as he travelled upstream. Soon afterwards, he had in his possession, what he considered to be the perfect location.

A low-level flat beside the river at Dundathu had deep water access, it had a shallow swamp out the back for freshwater supplies for the mill

boilers, and it was only 11 kilometres by road from Maryborough.

The swamp was cleared of accumulated debris, and by mid-1863, Queensland’s largest sawmill was ready for action.

The low riverbank allowed logs floated to the mill in large rafts, to be easily hauled up the bank.

Wharves were constructed so timber cut for export could be loaded.

As shown in the accompanying photo, huts for employees were built right beside the riverbank as well as on the side of a nearby hill.

Bases from these can still be found.

Auctioneer’s Promise

By 1873, William Pettigrew and his business partner William Sim, had Queensland’s first locomotive and private railway constructed, to enable them to harvest sawlogs from the Thannae Scrub inland from Rainbow Beach. In that year,

William Sim was killed by a rolling log.

The mill prospered – until 1893 that is.

In that year, the highest recorded flood since European settlement

smashed through the lowlevel sawmill, destroying the machinery.

Not to be defeated, Pettigrew ordered and installed quality new equipment from Scotland. Away they went again.

On Christmas eve of that same year, while many of the workmen and their families were on their annual excursion to K’Gari (Fraser Island), the sawmill was totally destroyed by fire.

A devastated Pettigrew did not rebuild.

For a few years some of the buildings were used as a quarantine station.

To this day nothing remains.

How life’s path leads us. William Pettigrew, son of a Scottish farmer, was a qualified surveyor.

Pettigrew and Sim’s large sawmill was positioned beside the Mary River at Dundathu. (Maryborough, Wide Bay and Burnett Historical Society) A school, which also served as a church, was built on the side of a northern hill. William Sim built a large two-storey residence on top of a hill overlooking everything.

Had his immigration sponsor not abandoned him and his fellow passengers in Brisbane, would he then have followed another path, and never ventured into the sawmill business?

That means we would not now have this great sawmill history to dig into. Where then would that have left my great, great grandfather Adams, who, with his family emigrated from Dalkeith, Scotland, to Brisbane in 1853?

As a qualified builder, his first employer on arrival was William Pettigrew.

COMMUNITY & THE ARTS

FOR Kids BY Kids

with Phoebe Lee MARYBOROUGH SUN SUPER-CUB REPORTER

Hello Maryborough!

My name is Phoebe Lee and I am eleven years old. For Kids By Kids tells kids what’s going on in Maryborough from their point of view. Today, we take a look at how to save our environment, starting with one small step at a time!

In 1989, a man by the name of Ian Kiernan decided to make a difference.

He decided to clean up Sydney Harbour, as he was disgusted by all the rubbish lying around in the oceans.

With the help of more than 40,000 Sydney Citizens, Clean up Sydney Harbour Day was a massive success.

But Ian believed that they could go further.

The first annual Clean Up Australia Day was created in 1990, with approximately 300,000

volunteers stepping in to help.

The tradition has continued for over 30 years now, with Australians collecting more than 331 tonnes of rubbish.

The Clean Up the World campaign, launched in 1993, has inspired more than 30 million people in 80 countries to do the same as Ian did in Sydney Harbour 34 years ago.

Palm Sunday Easter season

Songs

THE Maryborough Choral Society will present their Palm Sunday Songs in April.

The group will perform both secular and sacred songs for the Easter season at St Paul’s Anglican Church on Sunday April 2 starting at 2pm.

You can help too. Nobody’s too young or too old. Everyone can make a difference.

Last Sunday, March 5th, the annual Clean Up Australia Day was celebrated all thanks to Ian. But you don’t have to pick up rubbish on just one day of the year.

We need as much help as we can get to help save our planet.

ATTENTION

ARE YOU A YOUNG, ACTIVE, VIBRANT MAN, SEMI-RETIRED OR RETIRED - OVER THE AGE OF 55 AND CRAVING FOR A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH ??????????????

THEN CONSIDER BECOMING PART OF

OLDER MEN UNLIMITED

OMU provides an opportunity for:-

• All senior men to meet, greet and create

• Plenty of wood working equipment to make or repair all forms of wooden and other furniture

• Exchange true albeit creative stories

• Exchange books, CD’s etc

• Full kitchen facilities or enjoy regular BBQ’s

• Monthly Bus Trips

• Participation in Special Groups i.e. Fishing, Art Classes, walking and Club Room Activities

• Visiting older men in aged care homes or their own home to offer support and company (Outreach)

Activities and Meeting Centre – Frank Lawrence Circuit (Off Saltwater Creek Road)

Contact Glen Miller (Convenor) 0417 845 354

Phone: 4128 9011 (Hervey Bay Office) Email: manager@omu.org.au Web: www.omu.org.au

What’s on in local arts

Superpowered on Tour - QAGOMA

Until 9 Apr, Gatakers Creative Space

Fiona Foley: Janjari

Until 1 Oct, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Art Club Term 1

Wednesdays until 29 Mar, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Creative Space Print Studio

Wednesdays and Saturdays, Gatakers Creative Space

Gatakers Artspace Exhibition Opening

Fri 3 Mar, 6pm

Gatakers Artspace Exhibitions until 16 April

• A Quiet Gentle - Nicole Jakins

Ebb & Flow - Barbara Stephenson

• Heritage Collection

Visual dialogs of Maryborough - Nora Hanasy

Guest artists include Carola Herbert, Gideon van Huyssteen and of course their very own choral ensemble.

The Maryborough Choral Society - now over 71 years old - and has been a vital part of the local cultural scene for over six decades.

They are a communitybased non-auditioned choir which was formed in 1952 to compete in the Queensland Eisteddfod.

“Our choice of music is varied with music from shows, old and new pieces made famous by well known performers, sacred pieces, old favourites and some original compositions written by our current conductor Linette van Huyssteen and deputy conductor Heather Jones.” says their website.

“We present an Easter Cantata and two various concerts each year, sing carols at various venues at Christmas and perform at community events.

“Throughout its history the choir has received phenomenal support from the local community, the local council and state politicians.

“We have received grants from the Fraser Coast Council and the Regional Arts Development Fund.

“The choir looks forward to the future with optimism.

“People of all ages and cultural backgrounds who enjoy the challenge of part singing are invited to sing with us as we make joyful music together.”

You can find out more about the Maryborough Choral Society on their Facebook page.

Admission to Palm Sunday Songs is free and an afternoon tea will be available.

Pop-up exhibition - Works from Dr Anneke Silver workshop

Fri 3 Mar - Sun 9 Apr, Gatakers Creative Space

Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee LIVE!!

Wed 8 Mar, 7.30pm, Brolga Theatre

Parallel Mothers - MRAC Cinema Night

Wed 8 Mar, 6.30pm, Brolga Theatre

Meet the Artist: Fernando do Campo

Thu 9 Mar, 4pm, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

The Crucible - NT Live

Thu 9 Mar, 7pm, Brolga Theatre

Djinang Cultural Walking Tour

Fri 10 Mar, 8.30am, Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Exhibition Opening

Fri 10 Mar, 5.30pm

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Exhibitions

11 Mar – 21 May

Fernando do Campo: To companion a companion

• The Dingo Project: Wongari

Rebel Rebel The Bowie Anthology

Fri 10 Mar, 7.30pm, Brolga Theatre

Artist in conversation - Nicole Jakins

Sat 11 Mar, 11am, Gatakers Artspace

Opening Weekend Talks: Djon Mundine and Fernando do Campo

Sat 11 Mar, 11am, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

The Art of Grant Writing Workshop

Sat 11 Mar, 1pm, Gatakers Creative Space

Wendy Matthews & Grace Knight - We’re Going to Graceland

Sun 12 Mar, 7.30pm, Brolga Theatre

Cirque Mother Africa

Fri 17 Mar, 7.30pm, Brolga Theatre

FIGHT BACK - Wide Bay Pro Wrestling

Sat 18 Mar, 6pm, Brolga Theatre

HBRG Makers’ Market

Sat 25 Mar, 10am, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Morning Melodies - Blue Bayou

Thu 30 Mar, 11am, Brolga Theatre

Leaving Jackson - The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show

Fri 31 Mar, 7.30pm, Brolga Theatre

Keep up to date with what’s on at www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/

Furniture & Antiques

Display cabinets and wardrobes, dressers, bookcases, trunks, blanket boxes and much more, our collection changes regularly with new stock always arriving.

From the 1760s through to mid century, we buy and sell it all, both locally and beyond. Talk to us about our fine art stock.

Tassels, lamp oils, wicks etc

Hand picked by us, and beautifully made, these tassels will add a dash of colour to your cabinet knobs and keys.

We also supply quality lamp oils, replacement lamp wicks, chimneys, burners, brass knobs, handles and much more.

Mary Poppins merchandise

Parrot head umbrellas

Range of totes and other items

Tea cups and jewellery dishes

Glass & silver Pandora style beads

Bags, books, records, puzzles

Vintage collectables, gifts and more Poppin after visiting the Story Bank!

Auctioneer's Promise products

New Mazda CX-90 a premium delivery

LEADING the charge as the pinnacle of Mazda Premium and the brand’s most luxurious model ever made, the First-Ever Mazda CX-90 also earns its stripes as an efficiency champion in the large SUV segment.

Arriving in Australia from August, First-Ever Mazda CX-90 follows the Mazda rightsizing approach and will be available with a high output petrol or diesel powerplant, with both employing a newly developed inline-six turbocharged 3.3-litre configuration supported by a 48-volt M Hybrid boost MHEV setup.

Both force-fed six cylinders deliver effortless performance, impressive power and torque, as well as exceptional balance and smoothness. The charismatic driving dynamics afforded by the additional cylinders and larger displacement also allow for myriad other benefits, including better real-world fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions.

When equipped with the e-Skyactiv D turbocharged diesel (D50e)

engine, First-Ever Mazda CX-90 offers best-inclass combined fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km, in conjunction with a low CO2 output of 143g/km – a full 10 per cent improvement on both counts compared to the next best vehicle in the large SUV segment, which is also a Mazda - the eminently popular CX-8 Skyactiv D 2.2-litre turbodiesel AWD.

Its 3,283cc output also offers a brawny 34 per cent uplift in power at 187kW (vs. 140kW), and, crucially for dynamic ingear response, +100Nm or 22 per cent more torque than the CX-8 Skyactiv D, at 550Nm. 0-100km/h takes 8.4 seconds from rest, which is 1.2 seconds faster overall.

An equally impressive scoresheet is confirmed for the First-Ever Mazda CX-90 3.3 L e-Skyactiv G (G50e), which asserts its claim as the most powerful production Mazda powerplant ever with 254kW and an exceptional 500Nm of available torque.

In comparison to the venerable 2.5-litre turbo

petrol four-cylinder in the Mazda CX-9 AWD, a perennial favourite among Australian car buyers, this represents close to a 50 per cent upshift in power and a 19 per cent hike in torque, while also equipping the First-Ever Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G with a 0-100km/h sprint ability of 6.9 seconds – a full 1.7 seconds quicker overall from rest.

Despite the extra pulling power on offer, the First-Ever Mazda CX-90 e-Skyactiv G returns 8.2 litres per 100km combined and emits 189g/km of CO2 – an improvement of almost 10 per cent vs the CX-9.

These significant efficiency gains are made possible by several technological advancements introduced for the first time in the Mazda CX-60 and CX-90 model ranges.

The 48V M Hybrid Boost MHEV system ensures that in inefficient low load situations (e.g. during idling and in low speed ranges) the engine is supplemented by the electric motor, improving overall emissions and reducing the frequency

of fuel fill-ups, while the e-Skyactiv G also takes advantage of a higher compression ratio for better fuel efficiency.

In the 3.3 L inline-six e-Skyactiv D, surplus air in the engine is used to improve combustion, resulting in a more agile acceleration response, lower Nitrous oxide emissions at high rpm and better thermal efficiency due to a greater lean burn speed range.

Additionally, the inline-six

e-Skyactiv D engine uses a simple structure to keep engine weight similar to a conventional four-cylinder engine. As a result, drivers notice no discernible difference in handling despite the higher displacement.

“Mazda has an established reputation for pushing the envelope and achieving complex engineering goals in pursuit of driving pleasure,” commented Mazda Australia Managing Director, Vinesh Bhindi.

“These two fully engaging, highperformance powerplants make considerable advancements, not only in power and performance, but also in overall efficiency, ensuring that the signature ‘Jinba Ittai’ Mazda driving experience delivers involvement and fun without any expense to frugality.”

Local pricing and specifications for the Mazda CX-90 are due to be announced during quarter one of 2023.

14,000 copies delivered every fortnight, and over 40,000 online readers each month

LOCALLY OWNED, LOCALLY FOCUSED

Puzzles

Across

1 Realm (7)

5 Makeshift (7)

10 Top gear for a biker (6)

11 In being (8)

12 Set upon (8)

13 Adequate (6)

14 Olympic gold-winning Melbourne Hockeyroo (5,5)

17 Such as Perth or Brisbane (4)

18 Chital or Rusa, perhaps (4)

20 11, to 121 (6,4)

22 Red grape variety (3,3)

24 Enoch ate out, finding nothing to drink (3,5)

26 Abnormally dilated (8)

27 “9 to 5” actress Lily --- (6)

28 How Leda wrong-footed a tennis champ (3,4)

29 Magnates (7)

Down

2 Sluggishness (7)

3 High-energy radiation (5)

4 Fringe areas (9)

6 Nonsense (5)

7 Cop carrier (6,3)

8 When bats fly (2,5)

9 Pioneer Sydney, NSW and national rugby footballer (5,8)

15 Often called the father of Australian Rules football coaching (4,5)

16 With deep sincerity (9)

19 Proceed (7)

21 Sort out Ontario address (7)

23 Tenor violin (5)

25 Injury payment (5)

Bushy Tales

Insanity Streak

Dearly loved husband of Phillipa (dec’d). Much loved father of Christine and John Box, Peter and Leonie Barbeler, Trisha and Greig Bolderrow, Susan and Tom Hobert, Mark and Rhonda Barbeler, Paula and Steve Main and Tanya Barbeler. Loved grandad to 17 and great grandad to 15. Loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

Family and friends of Cyril are invited to attend Requiem Mass in his honour at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Adelaide Street, Maryborough on Friday, March 10 at 10am followed by interment in the Maryborough Monumental Cemetery.

Paul’s Maryborough

April) 8:30am. Stations of the Cross 10:30am

Cnr Lennox & Ellena St, Maryborough (07) 4121 4745

EASTER SEAFOOD SPECIALS

Boat Harbour Fisheries

Open All Year Round

CARAVANS

EXPLOREX 2010

Extreme Off Road Caravan 6.2m

2010 model travelled 20,000 kms, excellent condition, 1 owner, located in Maryborough. Separate ens with shower, vanity & toil, extra length single beds, high ceiling, kitchen, living area with 12v appliances, Waeco 190L fridge/freezer, air cond, inner sprung mattresses, 12V power & lighting system with 2 x D/C batts, smart charger, front storage boot & under rear storage lockers, 2 x 9kg gas bottles, 2 x jerry holders, 19” TV & DVD, aerial. R/O awn with compatible walls, slide out BBQ, Honda generator, satellite decoder, dish, smartcard & wiring, solar panels, 3500 kg Treh hitch & coupling, 12/240V Waeco inverter, washing mach, safe and rear camera also included. Registered.

Price $75,000 or near offer. Phone 0418 951 712

CLEARING SALES

DALLARNIL CLEARING SALE NO BUYERS PREMIUM

A/C: Tawah Grazing (Property Sold)

Saturday 25th March 9.30am

8745 Isis Hi-way Dallarnil

TRACTORS: Massey Ferguson 185 with Delmore forklift (motor 20hrs), Deutz 10006 with front blade 4wd 100hp, Fait 615 rops 66hp, Massey Ferguson 65 mark11 with loader forks, International M tricycle.

MACHINERY/BIKES: Komatsu 85A dozer (air cab, bull blade, rippers, cutter bar, 21ft walk in rake, 220hp), Nissan UD CW41H cattle truck (27ft body & crate, 9spd overdrive Road Ranger), 1988 Isuzu NRR series tilt tray, International Fowler crane, Polaris Sportsman 500 awd quad bike, Can Am Defender Pro 800, 2012 Polaris side by side diesel, Toft trencher with backhoe.

IMPLEMENTS: International 3-5 28 plate discs, Yeoman 4 tyne ripper, Daken 7ft gal slasher, John Shearer 14ft trash worker, John Shearer 20 run combine, New Holland 6ft slasher, post hole digger, Napier 3 furrow disc plough, John Shearer 13ft chisel plough, harrows, Silvan fertilizer spreader, tracta pac welder, lifting jib.

EASTER

SEAFOOD SPECIALS

Large Range of Whole Fish & Fish Fillets

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)

PUBLIC NOTICES

APPROVED INSPECTION PROGRAM

Council will apply a systematic inspection approach to:

Monitor compliance with provisions of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act

2008, Local Law No.2 (Animal Management) 2001 with respect to:

- Dog Registration

Start date: 27 March 2023

Hours: 6am - 6pm, Monday to Friday

Areas: All suburbs within the Fraser Coast local government area.

Program period: 27 March - 29 September 2023

The program is available to inspect or obtain free of charge at Council’s customer service centres.

1300 79 49

CATTLE GEAR: 27 x new 6 rail panels, approx 65 assorted panel, 61 x new lengths of oval cattle rail, new and used steel, Arrow vet crush (scales and reader), 2 x Shewell 4.5ton round grain feeder, 2 ton round grain feeder, 2 x head bails, assorted gates, hay racks, 2 ton cattle scales, nlis reader, branding furnace, Vellacott stock saddle, Sid Hill stock saddle, bridles, 15 x 180lt poly troughs, 2 x 600lt troughs, 2x hay feeders.

COLLECTABLES: Large anvil, swage block, Condamine bells, 7 x camp ovens (Metters, Railway, Falkirk, Albion), corn cracker, separator, small cream cans, bullock yolks.

MISCELLANEOUS: Hardwood 34 deluxe mill bandsaw (34” cut 6mt rails), Stihl 661 Magnum chainsaw, Stihl 038 Professional chainsaw, John Deere LA115 ride on, 20ft shipping container (rusty), 40ft conveyor pto drive, 1200lt mobile fuel tank, 2 x overhead fuel tanks, assorted new and used steel, sawn 4x2 hardwood, split posts, strainers, stays, steel pickets, 4 inch pencil auger, 2 cyl diesel air compressor on trailer, Davey fire fighter, molasses mixer, Honda pump, drill press, electric tools, hand tools, work shop fan, oxy, Kohler buzz saw, Komatsu dozer rollers, 12 volt spray tank, chains, work benches, ¾ drive sockets, 8kva gen set, saw sharpeners, drop saws, 180 mig welder, Cig 275 mig welder, quad spray tank, Honda petrol air compressor, Southern Cross wind mill, Komatsu books, blue gum slabs, 2 x wood lathes, 1000lt pods, poly pipe, 2 x 400lt tanks, 75 x 75 box section, 10ft railway iron grid, large amount of wire cable, roofing iron, molasses pump, 4 x Stylo Seca seed, Wynn Cassia seed, Rhodes grass seed, 25ft railway lie pulling bar, tubeless truck rims, 20 x round bails, household furniture and more...

All Enquiries Contact Bundaberg Auctions Australia Wide

MATT BEER 0427 527 926

Full listing and photos www.bundabergauctions.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

ARE YOU OVER 50 AND LOOKING FOR SOME EXERCISE OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES?

WANT TO KEEP YOUR BRAIN ACTIVE?

COME ALONG AND LEARN HOW

U3A OPEN DAY EVENT

TIME: 9AM TO 12AM

DATE: FRIDAY 24TH MARCH 2023

WHERE: MADCOTA COMMUNITY HUB, 333 Alice St, Maryborough

Meet the Volunteer Tutors and Committee Members, talk about the classes available, have a cuppa and join in a Singalong with Ukulele accompaniment. Listen to short stories written by our Creative Writers’ Group and watch videos of the various classes in action. We have a variety of classes, Exercise/ Dance Fitness, Tai Chi, QiGong, Creative Writing, Yoga, Partner Dancing (with or without partners), Scottish Country Dancing, Line Dancing, Matters Arising from Current Affairs Discussion Group, Introduction to Philosophysing, Mahjong, Play or Learn Chess, Hand and Foot (Canasta), Cards 500, Ukulele, Sing-A-Long, Art for Fun.

Maybe you would like to volunteer as a Tutor. We are looking for a Book Review/Discussion Tutor.

FOR SALE

SET OF NEW PRINTER CARTRIDGES

Hands on maintenance manager for a busy modern sawmill with a fully stocked machinery and spare parts workshop.

Wade sawmill is situated in the historic town of Maryborough, Qld, 60 minutes from Hervey Bay. Full-time position with generous salary (negotiable)

Hours 6.30am to 4.00 pm. While there will be very little overtime, it will be paid at an extra rate to salary. Prefer fitter and turner or boilermaker. Experience with hydraulics an advantage. You will oversee:

• production of 20 employees

• workplace health and safety

• liaise with outside maintenance firms as needed

Barsby Spare Parts

Community engagement officer enjoying new role

BRENDAN BOWERS

FOOTBALL: Football

Queensland Wide Bay have a new community engagement officer, with Chris Phillips taking up the role in January.

The Gold Coast local has moved to the Wide Bay to deliver Football Queensland’s community programs to the region.

Phillips was formerly working for Football Australia as a participation officer delivering programs when the position was advertised.

“It is a bit of a sea change compared to the Gold Coast, but I love the clubs and people’s passion for the game, Phillips said. His role includes delivering programs, including schools, walking football, and girls united.

“I also want to work with the local clubs to get their Mini Roos programs running.

Phillips began playing football as a young child

before exploring other sports.

He returned to football and moved into coaching after several bad knee injuries.

“I plan to develop a new passion for the game in the region by attracting

new people to the game.

We also need to ensure that the game is fun for all involved,” he said.

Visit the Football Queensland Facebook page and website for further information about the programs.

ARE YOU MISSING YOUR LOCAL SPORTING NEWS?

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.

This week’s bowls results

DOON VILLA MEN

Championships : Open Singles - J.Devenish d K.Pieper 25-17. B.Houston d G.Kemp 25-15.B.Houston, P.Whittaker, K.Milzewski, J. Devenish d N.Gambie (sub R.Dillon), G.Gambie, W.Raguse, C.White 26-15.

Jackpot Pairs : Winners - M.Jensen, G.Kuhn d N.Weinheimer, R.Dillon 2113. Runners up - B.Turnbull, C.White d R.Andersen, B.Houston 22-14

L.Puie, T.Buckley d R.Jensen, W.Zieth 26-7. W.Raguse, R.Whittaker d G.Kemp, B.Spilsbury 24-11. S.Patch, A.Scholl d S.Hyde, J.Devenish 34-12.

P.Stephensen, A.Hartwig 34-16. J.Fraser, K.Pieper d G.Gambie, K.Paxton 26-16.

Championships : Open Singles - K.Johnson d J.Devenish 25-16. Meat Tray Triples : Winners - L.Rampton, N.Weinheimer, R.Dillon 2 w + 16. Runners up - Roy, T.Ferguson, H.Self 1L 1w 20. R.Andersen, K.Milzewski, K.Johnson 2w + 15. J.Devenish, J.Kemp,

S.Hyde 2w + 11. L.Puie, S.Patch, A.Scholl 2w + 11. J.McCoomde, G.Gambie, K.Paxton 1L 1w 13. Peter, K.Andersen, P.Hutton 1L 1w 15. G.Kemp, K.Pieper, B.Spilsbury 1w 1L. C.Brien, J.Davidson, R.Davis 1w 1L. R.Jensen, T.Buckley 1w 1L W.Zieth, W.Raguse, C.White 2L. P.O’Brien, B.Howe, K.Beikoff 2L. M.Jensen, B.Turnbull, G.Kuhn 2L. B.Madsen, J.Demarco, P.Whittaker 2L.

Sunday Morning Rollers : Winners - R.McKenna, S.McKenna, G.Birch D P.Stephensen, B.Madsen, K.Andersen 21-13. Runners up - N.Gambie, K.Turnbull, K.Paxton d R.Andersen, B.Turnbull, A.Scholl 17-15. C.Crochnetter, K.Campbell, O.Maughan d C.White, N.Weinheimer, B.Spilsbury 30-10. - C.White, scribe.

DOON VILLA LADIES

22/2/23 Championship Triples Final

L. Hannaford, C. Whitaker, K. Turnbull def L. Atkinson, M. Pieper, D. Bates 27-8

Social Triples

Ross/Annette, S. Jensen, C. Laughton def B. James, B. George, L. Johnson 22-11

Friday 24/2/23 Roast Day

M. Jensen, B. Spilsbury, C. Whitaker v R. Jensen, B. Turnbull, S. Jensen 15-15 Draw.

Overall Winner with Most ends won M. Pieper, K. Johnson, B. George v A. Andersen, K. Pieper, L. Mullan 32-4

Runner-up also with Most ends Won R. Andersen, K. Andersen, K. Turnbull v C. Laughton, I. Axelsen, L. Johnson 34-9

Sportsman award for Lowest Losing Score A.Andersen K. Pieper, L. Mullan (4)

Championship Singles

Final called 1/3/23 L. Hannaford v S. Jensen

Championship Pairs

Friday 3/3/23 B. George, L. Hannaford v K. Selby, L. Johnson - L. Hannaford Scribe

Chris Phillips is the new Community Engagement Officer with Football Queensland Wide Bay. (Brendan Bowers)

RUGBY LEAGUE: (From Top) Bailey Eckert and teammate make a great tackle; Bailey Robertson sends the ball out to the backs; Seth Laherty braces for impact; Maurice Blair finds his front. FOOTBALL: (Bottom) Kate Midgley solid in defence. (Brendan Bowers)

Farrell enjoying the family feel of his cricket

Jacks or better

salmon and mangrove jack.

Hot bites seasons are coming from casting soft plastics or dropping soft vibes into the snags.

coming through.

Tuan Creek is producing a bucket of prawns here and there and we are seeing quality flathead and mangrove jack also caught.

BRENDAN BOWERS

CRICKET: Young

Grammars Tinana allrounder Curtis Farrell is honoured to play cricket in the same team as his father, Jeff and uncle, Buddy.

“I have always wanted to do it growing up, and it is a privilege many people don’t experience,” Farrell said.

Stepping up to play only senior cricket this season, Farrell believes he is finding his form as the season progresses.

“I didn’t start the way I wanted, but I have been getting better as the season has gone on,” he said.

The top-order batter is averaging 20.25 this season, scoring 75 for 243 runs from 15 matches.

With the ball, his average is 15.43, having taken 14 wickets for the season at a strike rate of 25.29 and an economy rate of 3.66. His best performance with the ball was 4/17.

Curtis acknowledges his dad Jeff for teaching him everything he knows about the game.

“He is my number one coach, and I feel he has brought me along the way,”

Farrell will represent Wide Bay in the State Schools cricket competition this week, to be played on the Sunshine Coast.

Farrell plays with a smile, which belies the philosophy in which he plays his cricket.

“I play to have fun. It is good to play serious cricket, but you should play sport because you enjoy it,”

SOLUTIONS

THE TEAM from FREEDOM FISHING SUPPLIES

ANGLERS across the Fraser Coast have had plenty of opportunity to check out the rivers, creeks and estuaries the last couple of weeks, which is typical for this time of year due to the wind, but hot days bring higher water temperatures, and our barra and jacks are turning it on.

Let’s look at the report.

The Burrum River is still producing catches of barramundi, threadfin

Some good-sized threadfin salmon, quality grunter and silver bream have all been caught in the Mary River.

Mud crabs have been reported and coming up to the full moon.

It is worth getting some crab pots in for a soak.

Fishos snuck out from Maaroom and sought protection in the estuary systems.

Catches of flathead, summer whiting, mangrove jack and quality mud crabs are

THIS WEEK'S BRAG BOARD

Up the creeks at Poona and Swan we are getting good reports of mangrove jack.

Whiting are out the front in the shallows and flathead are being picked up on the drop offs.

There is plenty of pelagic action on the inside of Fraser.

Cod, grass emperor, and blackspot tusk fish have been caught on the shallow reefs, and good size summer whiting are hanging in the shallows along the Island.

First up is Alex with a 90cm threadfin. Great fish for the table. Matt took his family down the river and his boys Ryan and Tyler where happy to show us their catch. Fischer caught this nice cod in the Great Sandy Strait on the troll. Julius with a nice Mangrove Jack from Poona Creek.

The Aldridge State, High School Captain aims to head to university to study engineering next year.

I am confident it won’t stop him from joining the other family members for a friendly game of cricket.

His Grammars Tinana team will play Bushrangers Blue this week in the Fraser Coast semi-finals, with the winner progressing directly to the grand final.

Curtis Farrell dispatches the ball to the boundary on Saturday and (above) Len Nolan is at full stretch (Brendan Bowers)