The Maryborough Sun - May 18, 2023

IT’S SHOW TIME

JAY FIELDING

TICKETS for FraserPop Pop Culture Festival have gone on sale as the local event calendar begins ramping up.

The annual event has become one of the biggest pop culture experiences in Australia, even attracting visitors from New Zealand.

The event will feature more than 50 stalls, celebrity guests and popular special sessions, which this year will include a cosplayers ball, zombie hunt, Mad Hatter’s tea party and lightsaber training.

Entry to the festival is by gold coin donation but tickets to the special sessions need to be booked and paid for online.

This year’s celebrity line-up includes actor John Jarratt, Lord of the Rings and Avatar costume technician Sanit Klamchanuan, Simpsons and Futurama animator Dean Rankine and Star Wars actor Matt Doran, who is returning after also appearing last year.

FraserPop will be held at Maryborough State High School from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16. For more information, visit the

Fraser Coast Show

Program of Events - page 9

Relish Food & Wine

See page 10 for details

FraserPop Pop Culture Festival page on Facebook.

Other upcoming events include the Fraser Coast Agriculture Show, the Relish Food and Wine Festival and the Mary Poppins Festival.

The theme of this year’s Show, on Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26, is “Roads to Rural”.

The program is packed with things to see and do, including the wood chop, bull riding, cowboy races, sideshow alley, antique tractor pulls, freestyle motocross shows, agricultural,

- 7 days

art and cookery sections, the Dino Larious puppet show and fireworks at 8pm on both days.

For more information, visit frasercoastagshow.com.

Relish is being held on Saturday, June 3, at the Portside Precinct and Queens Park, with live music from two stages.

At the Food Lovers Marquee, there will be five demonstrations, by Hervey Bay restaurateurs Dan and Steph Mulherin, celebrity chef Alistair Mcleod, Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Arpan Sharma, Butchulla and South Sea Islander chef Kym

Watkins, who incorporates native ingredients into dishes, and Queensland Cake Decorators Association Maryborough branch member Damien Symes.

Attendees will be able to enjoy a glass of wine and stock up from wineries including the local Lychee Hill Estate and Ohana Winery, Hill of Promise and Vintner’s Secret in Childers.

Something stronger will be on offer from brewers and distillers including the Fraser Coast’s Spirit Collective and Matilda Distilling Company.

CONTINUED ON PAGE

Share in over $10,000 of cash and prizes

THE Maryborough Sun’s new Treasure Chest Competition will give readers the opportunity to share in a prize pool in excess of $10,000.

Treasure Chest involves a huge range of local businesses, encouraging you to shop with them to gain entries.

Each time you shop at a participating business, send in your entry form

along with a copy of your receipt to go into the draw.

Every month, one lucky reader will be drawn from the barrel to win a fistful of vouchers that can be redeemed at those businesses.

At the end of the promotion in November, a single reader will be drawn to win the combined prize pool of cash, vouchers and

products.

You can enter as many times as you like, but only one entry per receipt.

Each month, a new entry form will be published in The Maryborough Sun.

Watch out for the special feature in the next edition of The Sun which will include details on how to enter along with a full list of participating businesses.

It’s showtime in Maryborough - continued from front page

Tickets are also on sale for a host of sessions, including lunches, a high tea, cruises and even a painting class with wine tasting.

For more information and tickets, visit relishfrasercoast.com.au.

The annual Poppins extravaganza, which honours Maryboroughborn Mary Poppins author PL Travers, is next, on Sunday, July 2, also at the Portside Precinct and Queens

Park.

Admission is free.

This year’s festival will include special steam train rides and a heritage train display, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Queensland’s first steam engine, the Mary Ann, being built in Maryborough by John Walker and Co Ltd, today’s Downer Rail.

Maryborough’s fully functional replica of the Mary Ann will carry

passengers along the scenic route of the Mary River and back in time.

Downer Group will be holding a free heritage train display in Queens Park.

It will include Loco B15 No.299 Built 1897, two DH locos and the last steam train built in Australia, built in March 1958: Ex Queensland Railway BB18 1/4 No.1089.

Guests can also take a

ride on the miniature steam train through Queens Park on the day.

One-man band Uptown Brown, who performs a program of primitive 1920s and 1930s jazz and blues, will make his debut at the festival this year.

Uptown Brown’s contraption is built from cedar, leather, and brass, with vocals and finger-picked ukulele are amplified through old megaphones, mimicking the effect of a 78 record.

He’ll be roaming throughout the festival while performing.

Other entertainers will include Hervey Bay best-selling children’s author, YouTube star and musical entertainer Deano Yipadee, who will be performing two interactive shows under the Rotunda in Queens Park, and Glen the Magician, who will be at the Gatakers Courtyard as well as performing impromptu magic tricks through the event.Festival fixtures

the Great Nanny Race, the Chimney Sweep Challenge, costume competition and grand parade finale with singalong will all return this year.

The celebration of the art of storytelling will also include market stalls, rides, pavement art and live entertainment, and food will be available.

Formore information, visit www. marypoppinsfestival.com. au.

Council warns of tough budget next month

CRAIG WINTER

FRASER Coast Regional Council has just over a fortnight to find $29 million according to Mayor George Seymour and they are giving us fair warning of a ‘challenging’ budget for the region to be announced next month.

With Government grants reducing by $5 million next financial year, the effects of 7% inflation and an increase of up to 40% for some basic amenities, they are facing one of the toughest budgets yet, he said.

“Our electricity costs alone have increased by almost $3.5 million this year, making it more expensive to treat, process and deliver water.

“As our region grows, so

too does the amount of waste we produce as a community.

“The combined impact of more waste and a decreasing State Government waste levy rebate will add $1.2 million to the cost of providing waste services across the region in 2023/24.”

Cr Seymour’s comments came just a week after the six Hervey Bay Councillors voted to close three of the smaller Maryborough tips along with that of Burrum Heads.

Council quoted a ratepayer saving of around $425,000 per year with their closures, but couldn’t avoid drawing the ire of residents and the other Councillors alike.

Division one Councillor James Hansen said that it was an ‘insane decision’.

“Particularly when at the same meeting they decided to spend 2.7 million on a roof in HB, I voted against as it (the tip closures) discriminated against people in the outlaying areas.”

Cr Seymour said there had been a marked increase in the cost of building roads, bridges and footpaths during the past three years.

“Concrete, for footpaths, bridges and gutters, has increased by 40 percent,” he said.

“In the past 18 months, the cost of building a kilometre of road has almost doubled.”

“Businesses supplying us have faced the same issues as Council, increasing fuel, electricity and labour costs, which have been reflected in the increased price of everything from road base to asphalt.”

The rapid price increase has also affected Council’s maintenance and renewal program. More money must be put aside to fund depreciation - the eventual need to replace assets such as roads, footpaths, drainage pipes, coastal assets, playground equipment and bridges as they wear out.

“The replacement value of Council’s 2,700 km road and footpath network jumped by 12.5 percent ($157 million) to $1.5 billion in the past year,” he said.

“That means more funds must be set aside to replace those assets as they wear out and to ensure we maintain our financial sustainability.”

Cr Seymour said Councillors were participating in multiple workshops to finalise the

2023/24 budget before it gets adopted in mid-June. He added, “Despite all these financial challenges, Council will be working hard to keep rate rises to a minimum while still investing in the services and facilities our growing community needs.”

Commemorate 150-year anniversary of cemetery

FRASER Coast residents are encouraged to help commemorate the sesquicentennial (150 years) of the Maryborough Monumental Cemetery next month (Wednesday 21 June 2023).

Mayor George Seymour said there had been almost 20,000 burials at the cemetery since it was established in 1873.

“The cemetery has a fascinating history with residents attending the commemoration to be taken on free tours where they can learn about historically significant people buried there,” he said.

“The unique chapel at the cemetery was designed by Willoughby Powell and is very architecturally distinctive.

“The commemoration promises to be an interesting day with a range of free tours and activities, so I encourage residents to come along.”

Cr Seymour said Council obtained the land on Walker Street for the cemetery in 1871 and it opened in 1873 after the cemetery on Kent Street filled faster than expected due to the rapid movement of people into Maryborough.

When the Kent Street cemetery closed, it was converted into a garden which is now referred to as the Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens - named in honour of the visit to Australia by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954,” he said.

The cemetery on Walker

Street was divided into religious portions as was common practice, using various religious denominations, including Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterians, Wesleyans and the Lutherans.

There are also a number of South Sea Islanders (Kanakas) who were brought to Australia to work in the sugar industry buried in the cemetery.

“One of Australia’s very important poets, John Knight, who was a monumental mason from Maryborough, is interred in the cemetery as is Eliza Barker who was a nurse in the Crimea with Florence Nightingale,” Cr Seymour said.

“Knight’s works, including One People, One Destiny and Cruise of the Scout, are held in the National Library of Australia where they are referred to as important works.

“Eliza Barker who was born in Wales in 1806, went to the Crimea War and was a nurse with Florence Nightingale.

“In 1871, aged 65, she was appointed the first lady

Superintendent of the Rockhampton Orphanage – a position she held for 15 years until she was 80. She then retired to Maryborough to live with friends and passed in 1888 aged 82.”

CRIME WAVE

Along with most of our population, I have been pondering solutions to our apparently growing crime wave.

Many of the crimes are committed by young people – although not all.

Sadly many of these young people are adrift in our world and see no purpose

LETTERS

or future for themselves, so they seek fulfillment by having a social media presence.

I believe there would be a decrease if we could have a total media ban on footage showing these crimes, as that is what the perpetrators are seeking – a moment of glory in the sun.

I also realise this would

General Construction

leave us without much news coverage at all, as good news doesn’t seem to sell, but is this a bad thing.

Are we becoming fearful because we are constantly opposed to scenes of criminal action, and if so, we would be far better off without this footage being replayed again and again, making it appear more prevalent than it really is?

- Ann Morris

YOUTH CRIME

As a local resident, I have listened carefully to the

public outpourings on national television and on social media of grief and anger about the recent tragic road accident in Maryborough where three people lost their lives.

Apart from the expected sympathies, venom is expressed toward the lawmakers and lawkeepers who now have blood on their hands. A serious indictment? No kidding.

Isn’t it their job to keep us safe? Their activist-led sympathies have created this problem.

Follow the dots. Consider the current youth crime happenings in our State and ponder why.

The political elites decided to go soft on crime a few years ago, so is the current crime wave any surprise?

Sure, have a look at the statistics and ‘we’ find them escalating beyond belief. No problem, we’ll fix that by lowering the age of crime for those so accused.

This will correct the rate by reducing the statistical outcome. Problem solved. Sounds like something

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recently uttered by the NT government on their similar crime situation. Make the problem go away.

We’re. not. that. stupid. No surprises that corporal punishment, hard labour, bootcamps or perpetual banishment from society is being suggested by an infuriated mob. Extreme yes, but symptomatic of public attitude. Enough is enough.

Whilst the media has a field day, the community hurts but those responsible run and hide from the consequences of their actions.

Have we seen any public comment from our elitist State government and our local MP’s? Sorry no photo opp here but only, if asked, a ‘please explain’ they are clearly loathe to answer. Their lack of support to a hurting community is blindingly obvious. What are they doing about it?

Palaszczuck, Ryan, Saunders and Tantari –get off your proverbial and show real leadership if you can.

- Murray Difford

11 more of our local acheivers recognised

JAY FIELDING

A TURTLE expert, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, a top bureaucrat and a woman lauded as Queensland’s “unofficial poetess laureate” are among the 11 new additions to the Maryborough Walk of Achievers.

The Maryborough Walk of Achievers recognises the prominent and famous people who have come from Maryborough, and there are many of them, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the walk consisted of more than 90 brass plaques, each celebrating a different achiever from the Heritage City.

“It is a great way to show everyone, particularly young people, that you don’t need to be from a big city to achieve extraordinary things,” Cr Seymour said.

“One of the real key things for this, I think, is for children, for young people growing up in a regional area, to see previous generations doing amazing things,” he said.

The Maryborough Walk of Achievers project started in 1999 and was a long-time dream of Ken Bennett, Grieg Bolderrow, Barbara Hovard and Margaret Wroe.

The first 20 bronze plaques were laid in pavers in Wharf Street on January 26, 2000.

Some of the new recipients and family members representing them arrived at the historic wharf precinct

aboard the Mary Ann steam train for Thursday’s unveiling.

Among them was Mary River turtle expert and conservationist Marilyn Connell, whose plaque is fittingly next to that of fellow environmentalist John Sinclair, who led the fight to end logging and sand mining on Fraser Island.

Ms Connell thanked collaborators and volunteers from organisations such as Landcare who had helped in her endeavours to understand and protect the rare local species.

The 11 inductees are:

Warren Persal: Businessman and philanthropist who built high-power transmission lines to places such as the Ok Tedi mine in Papua New Guinea and used his financial success to become a generous benefactor to causes throughout the Fraser Coast region.

Dr Neil Baumgart, PhD: An educator who grew up on a cane farm and became a leader in improving education in developing countries.

Emily Bulcock, OBE: A poet and journalist who had her first work published when she was 12, was awarded an OBE in 1964 and, on her death in 1969, was called Queensland’s “unofficial poetess laureate”.

Andrew Grant: Indoor volleyballer selected for the Australian Olympic Team to compete at London in 2012.

Grace Hodge: A trailblazer in women’s education, the scholar

and educator was born in 1888 and attended Sydney University, where she was one of Australia’s first female university graduates. She taught throughout Europe before returning to Maryborough Girls’ High School.

Robert Nioa: Businessman who spent his youth working at his family’s fuel stations and a small gun shop they started in 1973. The shop became the modern company NIOA Group, which supplies firearms, weapons, and munitions to the Australian and New Zealand defence forces and the law enforcement communities.

Dr Paul Bates, PhD: Professor Emeritus, USQ, an internationally recognised aviation authority who developed a new Bachelor of Aviation program and a suite of postgraduate aviation programs.

Adrian Pitman: A technical director at the Australian Department of Defence, he joined the RAAF in 1962, aged 16, before moving into the Defence Material Organisation (later the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group). Now a director of the department, responsible for purchasing, supply chain management and sustaining military equipment and material for the defence force.

Julie Brims: A World Masters athlete who began competitive running in 2002 at 36 and has become an advocate against ageism and discrimination in women’s athletics. She has broken more than 30 national Australian Masters’ records across multiple divisions and has 27

World Masters Athletics Championships medals.

Grace O’Hanlon: A 2020 Olympian, the skilled field hockey goalkeeper trained with the Hockeyroos for two years before moving to New Zealand, with whom she won gold at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and was a member of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Team and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games teams.

Marilyn Connell: Wildlife conservationist regarded as one of Australia’s foremost freshwater turtle authorities and who has led the Mary River Turtle Conservation Project.

Eleven more of our local acheivers were recognised with plaques on Wharf Street.

(From top) JULIE: World Masters athlete Julie Brims with Mayor George Seymour.

MARILYN: Freshwater turtle authority Marilyn Connell with Mayor George Seymour and Tiaro Landcare volunteers.

ADRIAN: Department of Defence director Adrian Pitman. (Jay Fielding)

Road horror leaves families heartbroken

JAY FIELDING

HORROR on our roads has continued following a tragic fatal crash that shattered three families and left locals already numb.

Jodie Russell, 41, died after the SUV she was driving collided with a Ford Ranger towing a caravan on the Bruce Highway at Chatsworth, north of Gympie, about 3.45pm on Friday.

Her seven-year-old daughter and passenger, Tilly, was taken to Gympie Hospital with minor injuries.

The family of the Tinana woman, who worked at the Centrelink call centre in Maryborough, released a statement paying tribute to her.

“We are heartbroken by her sudden passing and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her dearly,” it read.

“She had a smile for everyone and a heart of gold.

“She has left behind treasured memories that we will always hold”.

A 72-year-old Sunshine Coast woman who was a passenger in the Ford was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a serious condition with chest injuries.

The driver, a 76-year-old Sunshine Coast man, was taken to Gympie Hospital with minor injuries.

The southbound lane of the highway was closed following the crash, with diversions in place for southbound vehicles.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash.

Tragedy struck again less than 48 hours later when a driver was killed in a crash at Duckinwilla,

Markets are getting better all the time

near Howard, on Sunday morning.

Police said that initial investigations indicated a van travelling along Duckinwilla Road left the roadway and crashed into a tree about 6.45am.

The crash caused the van to ignite and become engulfed in fire.

Upon arrival, emergency services found the body of the driver and sole occupant inside the vehicle.

Investigations are underway to identify the driver.

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision are being urged by police to contact Policelink by phoning 131 444 or at www.police.qld.gov.au/ reporting.

The deaths of Ms Russell and the driver at Duckinwilla came after a heartbreaking triple-fatal crash in Maryborough on April 30.

Queensland Police Service released a statement last week saying the families and friends of three people killed in the crash had requested privacy from the media.

“Family members, as well

as their friends and close acquaintances, would like to respectfully ask the media to give them privacy as they grieve, requesting media not attempt to contact them, visit their homes or places of worship, attend any funerals or publish memorial articles,” the statement said.

The Maryborough Sun has chosen to respect their wishes.

Meanwhile, a woman who was seriously injured in the April 30 crash has woken after spending 10 days in a coma at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Kaylah Behrens, 23, is now in a stable condition, her husband, David, said in a post on Facebook.

“There will still be a very long road ahead in her recovery but this is a significant milestone,” Mr Behrens said.

“Please continue to keep Kaylah in your prayers through this time.

“I would like to thank absolutely everyone around us during this time and the time ahead for your support.

“The level of support we have received has been beyond what I could have ever asked for.”

JAY FIELDING

THE Maryborough Markets are heading in the right direction, according to a long-term stallholder.

Gourmet Marketeers’ Peter Bayley sells a range of delicatessen products, including hand-stuffed olives, cheeses, smoked and cured meats and even haggis.

During his 14 years as a stallholder, he’s focused on local and Australian produce as much as possible.

His selection of meats, prepared in traditional European style, is made by a Croatian family in Toowoomba.

“All of the meat is sourced in Queensland, it’s all grass-fed beef or grain-fed pork. It all comes out of the Darling Downs and it’s all good quality,” Mr Bayley said.

“I’m prepared to pay more for Australian made.”

About 80 per cent of his cheeses are Australian made.

“Simply because they are really good, at the right money, and that’s what people want.”

His curated selection of Australian produce and select imports helped him form relationships with local people who become return customers. The markets allow him a useful opportunity to sell to non-locals.

“We get a lot of visitors … that’s a big part of this market, that’s a big part of my business.”

“But locals, if they’re coming back, they buy their haggis, they buy their this, their that, if they’re coming back that tells me product quality is right.”

Mr Bayley said it appeared the markets, which began three decades ago, were seeing results under the management of Rotary and following the crippling Covid pandemic.

“They’ve got a lot of things right,” he said.

“Our next step is to now start working with the local businesses so the Thursday markets start to become more of an

integrated promotion.”

Mr Bayley said a new marketing team had been engaged by Rotary to implement new strategies.

He said while it was important the markets catered to locals the overarching purpose was to promote Maryborough.

“That’s our entire focus,” he said.

The first of what is hoped are many tourist buses stopped at the markets recently, which Mr Bayley said would be a huge benefit to the markets, stallholders and city.

“We’ve got to look now to that next chapter, and that’s what Rotary are doing and the stallholders are doing.”

Mr Bayley said he hoped the markets would return to occupying part of Ellena Street, as it did previously, later this year.

“The key is getting the businesses on side, which they are, and the magic of how it all comes together.”

including three excellence awards in 2023?

The family of Jodie Russell, who died in a crash on Friday, say she had “a smile for everyone and a heart of gold”. (Facebook)

Maryborough Markets stallholder Peter Bayley has a laugh with a customer. (Jay Fielding)

Mike Cornish & Nate Cornish will be travelling to the Fraser Coast and Gympie areas for 4 days only from June 7th - 10th. We want to buy your unwanted items listed below. Please visit us at one of the venues shown below for an on the spot appraisal.

If you live outside the area, or have too many items to bring in and would like a home visit, phone Nate on 0426 820 646 NOW to arrange a time.

These events are often compared to the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ on TV, but without the long queues. Don’t miss this opportunity!

If you have concerns about coming due to Covid, please call for a Home Visit. Fully Licensed Antique, Numismatic, and Precious Metal Buyers with over 45 years Industry Experience. Security Supplied by Security International Limited.

Are you moving or downsizing? Are you worried about security? Unwanted coins or antiques? Damaged jewellery? Are you no longer collecting? Do they sit in a drawer or cupboard?

Are the family not interested?

Would the money be more of use to you?

Gold & Silver Jewellery

All Modern, Vintage & Antique Jewellery, Rings, Chains, Bracelets, Earrings, Brooches, & Pendants, All Worn or Broken Jewellery

Aust. – Crowns, Half Crowns, Florins, Shillings, Sixpences, Threepences, all coins from NZ, Great Britain, Fiji, South Africa, USA,

Jewellery

All Jewellery, Rings, Diamond and other stones, Coral Jewellery, Brooches, Pendants, Lockets, Bracelets & Bangles, Gold Cuff Links, Necklaces, All Broken or Worn Jewellery

Friday 26 May 2023

Maryborough Family Show pass winners

THREE lucky families have won passes to the Maryborough Agricultural Show in our “Design a Showbag” competition.

G. Quinn (her amazing entry pictured to the right), H. Tarley and S. Williams have all won a Family Pass valued at $40.

All winners have been notified.

Poppins Festival celebrates 16 years of storytelling

SMALL FARM AUCTION 10am Sunday May 21 56 Wheeley Road, Booral NO PRE SALES

ABSENTEE BIDDERS WELCOME

Viewing & registration from 9am on the day

FEATURES:

FS 180-3 tractor with 1200mm slashing deck, post hole attachment and scraper. Looks rough, works great with less than 600hrs use.

- EGL moto quad bike in excellent condition, new battery

- Farm ute, starts, drives and stops, unreg petrol auto 4x4

- Toro zero turn mower in excellent condition

- Greenfield mower in good working order

- 1600x driveway pavers on pallets

RETURNING to Queens

Park and Portside precinct in Maryborough on Sunday 2nd July 2023 for its 16-year anniversary, this year the much-loved event showcases the depth of Maryborough’s history and ‘Storytelling through time.

Suitable for all ages, the festival guarantees to delight the young and the young at heart with plenty of exhibitions, performances and entertainment for the whole family including Uptown Brown, Deano Yipadee, Kaitlins Aerials and Dance Academy, Glen the Magician, and an array of talented local performers.

Celebrate creativity and imagination on the day with fun and interactive

activities that transcend into the joy of storytelling including Mary Poppins bag scavenger hunt, a colouring competition, exhibitions and painting your own kite or umbrella!

Dress up as your favourite character or sign up on the day to compete in the Great Nanny Race or Chimney Sweep Challenge.

Festival goers can join the Grand Parade at 2pm, unite with an array of colourful floats and entertainers filling the streets with their musical vibes, before the highly anticipated Grand finale, an inspiring exhibition filled with music and song.

This year’s Mary Poppins festival celebrates 150 years since the original Mary Ann locomotive

was built in the heritage city and the first built in Queensland! Built by John Walker & Co. Ltd. in 1873, now recognised internationally as the Downer Group, the loco was built for timber pioneers William Pettigrew and William Sim who used the Mary Ann to haul logs in the Tin Can Bay area.

The Downer Group will host a tent at the Mary Poppins Festival with a bird’s eye view of the free heritage train display which includes Loco B15 No.299, 2 DH Locos and the last steam train built in Australia BC class Loco 1089.

Check out the competitions web page at https://www.marypoppins festival.com.au/

- 600x patio pavers on pallets

- 600x sheets aluminium roofing sheets, FULL CATALOGUE ONLINE PM Thurs 18th

MAY GENERAL AUCTION

9am Sat May 27

In our Maryborough Rooms

Viewing & registration Friday 26 9am-6pm and from 8am on the day Good quality furniture, tools, appliances, general household and much more. Check our Facebook page for pictures and updates. FULL CATALOGUE ONLINE PM Thurs 25th

ABSENTEE BIDDERS WELCOME

Crusades and warfare at Village fayre

VICTORY Village at Riverbend is again opening its gates to visitors on Sunday 21 May following a successful Village Fayres held recently.

Once again, the Village Fayre will be filled with medieval merriment, markets and entertainment that focuses on historical content and enactments of days gone by.

Members of Riverbend Medieval Society Inc are looking forward to sharing their knowledge of skills and interests to the public.

Meet Master Roger Grenewood who knows much about the life and times of military archers. Speak to resident bowyer, Andrew, who creates timber longbows that he makes by hand or talk with Lord Terence Blake who knows about military campaigns during the medieval time frame.

This Village Fayre will give returning guests and first-time visitors opportunity to see knights and swordplay, historical re-enactment displays, market stalls filled with hand-made arts and crafts

for sale, play games, enjoy tours of the Village as well as purchase food from stalls hosted local Tiaro QCWA or Riverbend Medieval Society.

Be sure to take cash as no ATM or Eftpos facilities are at the Village.

Victory Village at Riverbend; a “little bit of medieval britain in the Australian bush”, has been built over a nine year period; from early 2014 to present day.

Owners, Lord and Lady

Hanging up his overalls

49 YEARS and 3 months after beginning his apprenticeship, one of Maryborough Ford’s longest serving staff members has at long last decided to hang up his trademark blue overalls, and head into retirement.

Starting his mechanical apprenticeship in December 1973, Martin Ritchie has lived and breathed the Ford Australia badge his whole life.

What began as a passion for anything with an engine be it cars or motorbikes, turned into a career spanning just shy of half a century with the same company, an accolade few can claim.

Blake, are working toward Victory Village being open to the public on regular occasions during the year for medieval re-enactment, entertainment and educational purposes.

Interested members of the public may like to visit Victory Village at Riverbend on Sunday, 21 May 2023 between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

Victory Village at Riverbend is located at 19 Riverbend Drive, St Mary QLD 4650. Follow signs along Glenbar Road.

Childers

Completing many training and development courses and always striving to be up to date with the latest developments and vehicle models, Martin also had the achievement of being one of Ford Australia’s longest serving Master Technicians.

Martin is prided on his knowledge of all things Ford, often called on by young and old

for his ability to recall information on both modern and classic cars, and is commended for his willingness to pass on wisdom gained from decades of experience.

Having worked 48 of his 49 years in the same shed in Adelaide Street until the most recent flood event and subsequent insurance claim putting a temporary closure on the building, it forced a commute to the Hervey Bay dealership that is owned by the same company.

A well known figure around town for his trusty blue overalls, Martin will be greatly missed by the customers he has served in the Maryborough Community and beyond, with many regulars refusing to let anyone else work on their pride and joy.

His legacy in the mechanical trade moves to the next generation, with Martin’s son Dan also being a mechanic, having also completed his apprenticeship at what many locals will forever refer to as Tarrant’s Ford.

In his spare time, his passion for cars led to his love of Speedway racing

and has taken many forms, from Life Member of Maryborough Sporting Car Club, pit crew for various friends, infield worker, to driver himself, it now sees him with a new opportunity to help his daughter Kate in her job, traveling the state working for a speedway media company.

A true Maryborough born and bred local, he has no plans on leaving town just yet.

Although he has future plans for himself and Karen, his wife of almost 40 years, to go traveling in their caravan, Martin is looking forward to more time to ride his motorbike, fishing, tinkering in his shed, and going on some 4WD Day trips with Karen, and daughters Francene and Kate.

CENTRAL BURNETT AREA – CHOICE OF 3 EXCELLENTLY PRESENTED PROPERTIES

•

• 227.107 ha or 561.18 acres

• Flat to undulating

• 3 equipped Bores, 5 Dams & a Creek

• 8 Paddocks

• 3 bedroom Cottage

• Numerous Sheds: car, machinery, hay & storage – Good stands of Iron Bark throughout.

• Timber stockyards with headbail

• Loading Ramp

• All white on PMAV Map

All properties are centrally located between Biggenden 32km and Gayndah 30km

• 122.078 ha or 301.65 acres

• Undulating rolling hills

• 2 equipped Bores & 2 Dams

• 1 Paddock

• Timber stockyards with headbail

• Loading Ramp

• All white on PMAV Map

• Flat rising to undulating towards the rear

• Watered by 2 Dams

• 4 Paddocks

• Good stands of Spotted Gum throughout

• Timber stockyards with headbail

• Loading Ramp

• All white on PMAV Map

For Sale: P.O.A. Inspect: By Appointment Agent: Philip Dowling 0429 062 588

Victory Village at Riverbend is once again hosting it’s famous Village Fayre. (Glenn Morris)

Town Criers descent on Maryborough

TOWN Criers all over Australia are limbering up their larynxes in preparation for the National Championships of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers in Maryborough from 29 June to 2 July.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council is sponsoring the championships to add to the exciting activities during Mary Poppins Festival Week and generate tourism and media interest in the Fraser Coast.

The criers will be treated to a Mayoral reception on Friday, 30 June, following their annual meeting, and then on Saturday, 1 July, the competitions begin in earnest.

The criers will perform a Home Cry about their hometown in the morning, and in the afternoon, competitions continue with a Mary Poppins-themed cry.

“We are hoping that the criers will also attend

the Mary Poppins Festival on Sunday, 2 July, for the Mary Morning Tea and to join in the street parade,” Mayor George Seymour said.

“This is a colourful and fun event that you won’t want to miss with all the criers performing in their colourful regalia from Maryborough’s historic rotunda in Queens Park.”

It is not the first time that Maryborough has hosted town crier championships: in 2005, during Maryborough’s centenary celebrations, the city hosted the World Town Crier Championships with 65 criers from seven countries competing and in 2011, it hosted the Australian National Championship.

The National Town Crier Championships have been held annually for the past 43 years in different towns across Australia under the authority of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Australian Town Criers.

Town Criers represent their town and compete against one another for the

Community Aged care celebrates first anniversary

MARYBOROUGH

Community Aged Care celebrated their first birthday on the 26th of April this year.

General Manager of Client Services Martin Jones said that the past twelve months had been incredibly positive for the brand-new facility, reaching maximum occupancy in only a few short months and providing much needed employment for many people in the community.

As host, Maryborough’s Town Crier Ken Ashford will not be able to compete. (Supplied)

titles of:

• Champion of Champions

• Loudest Cry

• Most Extravagant Outfit.

To win the Championship, each participant Crier performs two cries up to 125 words each. One is about their hometown and another about the host town, with three judges determining the winner.

Cries are judged on poise, bearing, confidence, clarity, content, pitch and protocol.

“There is always something on offer for residents and their families with a busy activities calendar, access to cinemas, billiard room, beautiful lounge spaces and an incredible outdoor entertainment area for all to enjoy.”

As you would expect, a community of this size and grandeur requires a multitude of talented and caring team members.

One of those incredible team members is Cherylee Baker who has recently been promoted to the role of Residential Manager. Cherylee has worked in the Aged Care industry for 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge

and experience.

Cherylee understands the importance of having a high functioning team who not only provide care and support for the residents and their families, but also support and encourage each other; working together to make the home a real community for all involved.

“It is a great opportunity to work with such compassionate people who come with a caring heart for those living in the home.

“We aim to ensure those living with us are well cared for, enjoy their lives

with us whilst creating opportunities, happiness and friendships.” she said.

“We are one big happy extended family.”

As a family-run business, the home understands that having the right team in place is an essential part of their success and take pride in engaging qualified people who share in their values.

If you are an RN, EN or are Cert III or IV qualified in Aged Care and want to find out more about working with their team, contact them on 4335 9000 or 0473 869 229 for a confidential discussion.

Maryborough Community Aged Care are always looking for skilled, passionate staff. (Supplied)

Creator hopes reconciliation concert will get people talking

FRASER Coast singersongwriter Jon Vea Vea hopes his reconciliation concert Rekindle the Campfires, which shares an Aboriginal perspective of Australian history, will spark a conversation.

“What we want out of it is that people can talk about it, they can raise

questions, it can start something,” he said.

“Let’s sit down and have a yarn, and let’s talk the truth.

“Everybody’s got a history and it needs to be told.”

The concert, performed by the 66-year-old songman and his CobbleStone

family band, will debut at Urangan’s Treehouse Community Centre at the start of National Reconciliation Week on Saturday, May 27.

Mr Vea Vea said the musical and spoken word show captured the sadness of times in Australia’s past but was ultimately joyful and uplifting.

“The whole thing is we’re moving forward together,” he said.

“We’re looking back so we can move forward without guilt or blame, that’s what it’s all about.”

Mr Vea Vea said he aimed to record the show and put it online so that schools could use it as a teaching aid.

Erica Neate, Mr Vea Vea’s partner, was the cocreator of the concert and contributed research to the production.

The show would include a mix of originals, by Mr Vea Vea and Ms Neate, and covers of songs by Joyce Bonner (Butchulla), Steve Hart (Kullilli-Wakka) and Canada’s Paul Irvine (Ojibwa).

Mr Vea Vea said the song by the Canadian singersongwriter was included because there were similarities in the stolen

generations of first nations people around the world. He said words from Butchulla, Kullilli, Eora and Burunggam languages would also feature in the show.

Mr Vea Vea will be joined on stage by his son Clinton Vea Vea on bass and rhythm guitar; cousin Scott Angeles on drums, didgeridoo and vocals; family friend John Murphy on percussion and vocals; and sister Lesa Stagg along with cousin Tolita Dolzan performing spoken word pieces.

“I’m excited because the musicality came from all members of the band,” Mr Vea Vea said.

“It’s the way they felt and their slant on things.

“That’s telling a story.

“The main thing was the story.”

He said it didn’t really matter who was sending the message, the important point was: “Did you get the message?”

Born and bred on the Fraser Coast, Mr Vea Vea said he always wanted to tell stories through his music and he has been performing for about 40 years.

“Still haven’t got it right, still practicing,” he joked. Tickets for the Urangan show are available via Eventbrite: www. eventbrite.com

The concert will also be performed at the Brolga Theatre on June 4 and the Brisbane Multicultural Centre on July 21.

This project has been supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Jon Vea Vea hopes his reconciliation concert Rekindle the Campfires, which shares an Aboriginal perspective of Australian history, will spark a conversation. (Supplied)

Maryborough State High School

Recognised at Awards

MARYBOROUGH State High School is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured as an Excellence Awardee at the prestigious Australian Education Awards 2023 in three categories.

The school’s excellence in leadership and special education have been recognised, as well as the leadership of Principal Simon Done, receiving an Excellence Award for Australian Principal of the Year.

This recognition is a testament to the school’s commitment to educational excellence and its dedication to providing outstanding learning opportunities for its students.

The Australian Education Awards celebrate and acknowledge the exceptional achievements of educational institutions across the country.

The Excellence Award is presented to schools that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Maryborough State High School has long been regarded as a leading institution for education in the region.

This recognition further solidifies its position as a center of academic excellence and a catalyst for student success.

The school’s unwavering dedication to providing quality education, combined with its innovative teaching methods and commitment to student well-being, has set it apart from its peers. Under the exceptional leadership of Principal Mr. Simon Done, the

Big year for Macabre Theatre

Macabre Theatre Company have a big year planned for 2023.

Later in the year will see the return of Peter Pan to delight and entertain us.

Maryborough State High School community has worked tirelessly to create an environment that fosters a love for learning and personal growth.

The school’s dedicated teachers and staff members have embraced innovative approaches to education, integrating technology and real-world experiences to enhance student engagement and achievement.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Excellence Award at the Australian Education Awards 2023,” said Mr. Done.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community - our students, teachers, staff, parents, and partners.

“It is a reflection of our shared commitment to providing an exceptional education that prepares our students for success in an ever-changing world.”

The achievement of Maryborough State High School in receiving these prestigious awards would not have been possible without the continuous support and collaboration of the local community.

As a triple Excellence Awardee, Maryborough State High School will continue to strive for educational excellence and explore new avenues for growth and innovation.

The school remains committed to empowering its students to reach their full potential and providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful future.

For more info about Maryborough State High School and its programs, please visit www. maryboroughshs.com.au.

It is the 10th year they have been bringing musical theatre productions to the stage here on the Fraser Coast.

Matthew King opened the Company in 2013 with an adaption of the classic Peter Pan.

Since then he has produced and directed many productions, most recently the teen musical production of The Little Mermaid.

The next production with rehearsals well underway is Broadway’s smash hit, The Producers.

The Producers is a musical comedy that tells the story of two showbiz producers, Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, who team up to stage a flop in order to make a fortune.

They set out to find the worst musical script they can find, and end up discovering a play called “Springtime for Hitler,” written by Franz Liebkind, an eccentric former Nazi.

Max and Leo then hire a flamboyant director, Roger De Bris, to turn the offensive script into a musical.

Despite their initial intentions, the show becomes a hit, leading to chaos and mishaps.

Along the way, Max and Leo meet a wide range of characters, including a Swedish bombshell named Ulla, who becomes their secretary and love interest.

The Producers is a satirical take on the entertainment industry, as well as a witty commentary on the themes of greed, ambition, and fame.

With catchy songs, hilarious one-liners and over-the-top dance numbers, this Tony Award-winning musical is a must-see for any lover of musical theatre.

Look out for further information coming soon. In the meantime though, be sure to mark your calendars for The Producers.

Performances will be held at The Brolga Theatre on Friday 19th May at 7.30pm and a matinee on Saturday 20th May at 1.30pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Brolga Theatre.

Queensland Orienteering Championships Held in Maryborough

MORE than 130 orienteers from Queensland and interstate converged on the Fraser Coast region over the long weekend (29 Apr-1 May) to compete at the Queensland Orienteering Championships.

The Championships were held in the Wongi State Forest, near Aramara, an ideal setting for this outdoor sport that combines map reading with cross country running. The terrain included open forest, steep gullies, and scattered granite, and provided a good test of both navigational skills and physical fitness. This area had not been used for a state level competition since 2014.

Competitors ranged in age from 8 to 82 years, running in separate age classes to compete for state titles. The first two days were the Long-Distance Championships, with the winner determined by the total time over 2 races. Winners of the Elite classes were David Stocks (ACT) and Anna Sheldon (Qld). One of the most fiercely contested classes was Mens 75+, where only 4 minutes separated the top 4 runners after 2 days of competition.

The third day was the Middle-Distance Championships, where the elite titles were taken by Queensland siblings Ryan and Mikaela Gray.

The carnival was organised by two clubs: Ugly Gully Orienteers (western Brisbane & Ipswich) and Sunshine Orienteers (Sunshine Coast).

In between races, competitors enjoyed the many attractions of the Fraser Coast. Teenage orienteers are looking forward to returning to the Maryborough region for the Junior Training Camp

Pump track progresses

WORK is underway on the Maryborough pump track in Anzac Park.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Jade Wellings said the track site, between the existing tennis courts and skate park, was selected following public consultation and detailed site evaluation.

“The track will be close to toilets and car parking and will add to the existing range of facilities at Anzac Park,” she said.

The track, designed after consultation with residents and users, will cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users,” Mr Saunders said.

“The project includes intermediate and advanced sections comprising of corners, jumps, berms and other challenging features.

“A separate section has been included for juniors and beginners to facilitate a simpler, slower rider flow than the more advanced sections.

Council recently agreed to build a pump track in Hervey Bay on land between the Hervey Bay Library and PCYC.

in early July. Enquiries oq@oq.asn.au.

Anyone living on the Fraser Coast or in the Wide Bay Region who would like to become involved and participate in the sport of orienteering can contact the Fraser Region orienteering Group (FROG) representative, Adrian Pitman, on 0481 115 464. Alternatively, you can attend the next FROG Come and Try It training event to be held on Sunday 28th May at George Furber Picnic GroundsOld Maryborough Town on the river end of Aldridge St in Maryborough from 10 - 12 AM.

A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.

Pump tracks were rapidly becoming popular recreation facilities across the country, the Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said.

“The pump track will be a great investment for the residents,” he said.

“It will encourage more people to be outside, to stay healthy and enjoy our great city.”

https://www.fcac.qld.edu.au/

“The track will be a great outlet for locals, as well as another feature that could attract visitors to the region.”

The track will be flood lit, have CCTV, transition pathways to the pump track take-off ramp, a water bubbler and bike racks.

“Council is determined to support an active and healthy community through providing parks and open spaces that are enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities,” Councillor Paul Truscott said.

“In addition to the pump track in Maryborough,

“Now that Council has decided on a site, we will start the concept design phase and hold community engagement sessions soon to help finalise the design.

“The aim is to have the community engagement phase completed by the end of June so designs can be developed, and the facility built in the 2023/24 financial year.”

A pump track has already been opened at Tiaro.

Council has received a $1.3 million grant from the Queensland Government through the Works For Queensland program to design and build the pump tracks on the Fraser Coast.

Australian Education Awards, 2022

Adrian and Glenda Pitman have officiated at the Qld Orienteering Championships. (Supplied)

Empowering the next generation of Girls in ICT

ST MARY’S College recently hosted their International Girls in ICT Day event.

Seventy students gathered to hear three industry speakers and seven panel members, then to take advantage of interactive activities to inspire their interest in technology.

The day began with an inspirational video featuring women in IT.

Cynthia Gusman-Nolan from the ACS was the first speaker with her speech “Breaking Barriers: Women in Tech”.

Cynthia told the students not to “Fake it till you Make it” but to “Brave it till you Make it’ an important message for the girls.

The discussion was followed by a panel talk facilitated by Kirsty Patterson, the Technology Lead and eLearning Coordinator at St Mary’s College.

The panel consisted of:

• Leigh Williams is the Head of Technology for Brisbane Catholic Education

• Carly Green is the HR Support Manager at Employment Hero

• Sandra Arato is a Software Engineer from Spotify

• Brooke Fossey is the General Manager of Regional Business HG

• Juliana Yepes is the Head of Event Response Team at CTM Professional Services

• Alan Tran is the Managing Director and Founder of CTM Professional Services.

The panel members discussed how they progressed in their career, what tasks they undertake, advice for girls considering a career in IT, what sparked their interest in IT, how technology can improve our lives and the world, and so much more.

Calista commented “At first, I believed IT could be a job, but it wasn’t at the top of my list. Now I know it’s flexibility, I will be rethinking it.”

There was time for a Q&A session after that and the students had some really thoughtful questions for the panel making the discussion even more engaging.

The next speaker was Juliana Yepes from CTM Professional Services, Breaking into IT Security: My Path to Success”.

The students were intrigued by Juliana’s story of coming from Columbia 6 years ago with no IT experience to now being the Head of Event Response Team at CTM Professional Services.

They loved that Juliana spoke of how “I didn’t choose IT, it chose me”.

The last speaker was Alan Tran from CTM Professional services with his speech: “The Untapped Potential: Why Women are Vital to the Future of Technology”.

Alan explained that if there were more women interested in the field of IT, it would help with the current skills shortage in Australia.

He also explained that technology needs people to support it and there are many job opportunities that students may not have considered. He

talked about roles that are available for those who are interested in Math, English and Art.

Sophie said, “It has made be rethink ICT because I realise how many opportunities are available.”

One activity run by Lila Sternfels ran an interactive session where students had to solve tech related puzzles. As they solved each puzzle, they received a part to a laptop.

It was a race to retrieve all the parts, install them into the laptop and get the laptop to turn on.

Another activity run by Kirsty Patterson, was a “Women in IT” quiz, where students had to find the answers to questions about influential women in IT.

The last activity, run by Michaela Sanderson, was coding Arduino’s to flash its lights in time with the song “Girls run the world”. The girls worked in groups of different ages and schools and it was an excellent opportunity for them to collaborate with each other.

Kirsty said “The day was such a great opportunity for all girls, whether considering a career in IT or not.

There was so much advice about life and careers in general that everyone would have come away with something.”

CONTINUING its tradition of bringing outstanding music and musicians to Maryborough, the local Arts Council will present a recital of sublime Harp and Flute compositions in St Stephens on Sunday 21 May.

The Maryborough Regional Arts Council has engaged prominent Brisbane Harpist Jaclyn Miles and Flautist Monash Lal to perform in the ideal accoustic

setting of the historic church.

Both musicians are accomplished soloists whose expertise and repertoires range wide through Classical, Jazz, Contemporary & Celtic genres. The audience will enjoy an elegant & diverse programme with melodies by Debussy, Rodrigo, Mozart and more.

Tickets at the door $35 Adults, $30 MRAC Members & $20 Students

2:00pm Sunday 21st May St Stephens Uniting Church, Sussex Street,

St Mary’s students recently attended an technology-based event aimed at increasing the number of women in the industry. (St Mary’s)

Great pets ready to find their homes

From THE MARYBOROUGH ANIMAL REFUGE

POOR Rocky has been left behind twice.

Firstly, at the tender age of 3 months, he was dumped at a Pound in another region and ended up on death row.

He was saved and brought to the Maryborough Refuge.

But this puppy has now spent 4 months behind bars, watching as his companions in the pens

on either side go to loving homes.

Now 7 months old, Rocky still has puppy playfulness with a fun and good-natured personality.

He is a mixed breed and looks as though he will be a larger dog. His brindle markings make him a handsome boy.

He walks well on a lead and is currently being toilet-trained.

This is better achieved in

a home-setting.

Rocky is friendly towards children and enjoys the company of other dogs and puppies but has not been tested with cats.

Due to his atypical history, Rocky can be shy and nervous when viewed inside his pen.

He can get nervous if more than one person appears at the gate of his enclosure.

The best way to see his real personality is to “Thank

organise for a meet and greet in the exercise yard. By and large, he is a happy chap and will make a great family pet, he just needs that special owner to come along and get him out of this Refuge while he still has some puppy days left to enjoy.

Rocky is desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and Council registered and is available for the discounted price of $250.

WOODY

Unbelievably, this gentle, good-natured boy has been at the Refuge since 14 December last year. As a kitten of only 4 weeks of age, he had already been let down by humans.

He arrived at the Refuge in very poor condition with his mother and three other siblings, one of whom passed away shortly afterwards.

Woody went into foster care for some weeks, where he received the care he needed.

Woody is now in the best of health but has spent the last few months being overlooked for some reason that none of the Refuge volunteers can

understand.

Woody likes children and other cats. He would suit a home with another cat as a companion. He is toilettrained and ready to be with a family.

At 6 months old, he is still only a kitten and would love the opportunity to enjoy playtimes in a home rather than a Refuge enclosure.

He has been desexed, microchipped, vaccinated

and is available for adoption at the discounted price of $150.

CAT FACILITY

The Maryborough Animal Refuge would like to let the community know that, although the main cat facility has had to be closed due to the urgent need for renovations, there are still a few cats and kittens regularly available for adoption in a temporary building at the Refuge.

For this reason, the Refuge still needs cat cleaners in the mornings.

The growing importance of women in our sugar industry

From Canegrowers Chairman Owen Menkens

LIKE most ag sectors, Queensland’s sugarcane industry has long been viewed as a male dominated space.

And historically, at least at leadership level, this has been true.

Of course, those of us who work in the industry have always known the vital role women have played and continue to play in driving our success.

Thankfully, over the past few decades, female roles have moved from largely behind the scenes work to more prominent professional and leadership positions, as could be seen at the annual Women in Sugar Conference held in Bundaberg recently.

Women from across the industry came together to hear presentations from guest speakers and share news from their own districts ahead of

the rapidly approaching harvest.

Attendees included CANEGROWERS district directors and staff, scientists and researchers, agronomists, farmers, advocacy and communication professionals, and many others – all of them women.

Today we have women leaders at the head of our milling and research bodies, and also on CANEGROWERS district and state boards.

It is a testament not only to the progressive nature of our industry, but also to the hard work and determination of the women working in it.

As I’ve written previously, we have workforce shortages right across the sugarcane supply chain, from haulout and loco drivers to mill workers and trades people.

I, for one, would love to see many of these roles

filled by women and I encourage any women in sugar growing regions who are seeking employment to contact their local CANEGROWERS office or visit the CANEGROWERS Work in the Industry webpage to see what jobs are available that may be suited to them at www. canegrowers.com.au/page/ jobs

Sugar price

In my last column, I wrote about the amazing rise of the world sugar price, which had reached over $800 per tonne in mid-April.

Well, thanks to a forecast global sugar shortage over the next two years, there is no end in sight to these record high prices with the 2023 contract hitting $842 per tonne on April 28.

Equally exciting are the rising prices for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons.

While many growers may miss out on the amazing 2023 price as they’ve already forward priced

their sugar, there are still some incredible gains to be made by forward pricing over the next three seasons.

With the harvest just weeks away, and a goodlooking crop ready to be cut and crushed, optimism is building with in the

industry.

Growers are hoping that the weather holds and that mills have completed their required maintenance and capital works and are ready to fire up in June.

Unnecessary delays, be

they due to poor weather or poor mill performance, will be bad news for everyone.

If we can get this crop cut and crushed by late November, it will benefit the entire sugarcane supply chain and the communities it supports.

COMMUNITY & THE ARTS

FOR Kids BY Kids

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.

Recently, I have heard of and witnessed multiple events of bullying. People have been harmed and upset, when they don’t deserve to feel that way.

But what is bullying?

Bullying is when a person or a group of people use aggression, teasing, or are unkind to another person. There are four main types of bullying. These include:

● Cyberbullying: Any negative comments, texts, emails, videos etc. that involve discrimination or bringing down another person. If you are being cyberbullied, don’t respond, instead block that person and tell a trusted adult that can sort it out.

● Verbal: Negative comments, insults, namecalling, teasing etc.

● Physical: Someone hurting another persontripping, pushing, fighting etc.

● Social: Starting rumours, mean jokes, things that hurt your reputation or stop you from fitting in with others. Whatever the situation is, if you are being bullied or see another person being bullied, don’t wait for more to come. Report it immediately.

If you are standing there and watching someone being bullied, then that means you are a bystander. A bystander is just as bad as a bully. You have to stop the bully.

But what can you do to stop bullying?

Don’t react - they want a reaction out of you. Walk away from the situation.

Next, tell somebody. If you are a bystander, this goes

for you, too. Tell a teacher or trusted adult about the situation.

Some people have told me that they can’t tell an adult because they are going to be bullied more. You can not ignore bullying. You have to tell someone.

If you have told someone about the situation, yet the situation is still happening, tell someone else again and again until something happens.

What’s on in local

arts

with Phoebe Lee MARYBOROUGH SUN SUPER-CUB REPORTER

Maryborough Regional Art Society Gallery

- May at the gallery: Exhibitions by Michael Williams and Kevin Rogers.

- June and July at the gallery: Kevin Rogers’ 8th solo art exhibition.

Opening night Friday, 2 June, 6 to 8 pm.

- 9 June to 23 July:

Maryborough Regional Art Society’s 76th annual art exhibition at Gataker’s Artspace. Presentation and Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 10 June, 2 pm.

- August at the gallery: Stefan Guseli.

Creative Space Print Studio

Wednesdays and Saturdays, Gatakers Creative Space

Weekly Life Drawing Sessions

Saturdays 10am, Gatakers Creative Space

Art Club Term 2

Don’t let it go on. For more information, go to the Kids Helpline website about bullying. Everybody deserves kindness, so please take the time to be kind, whether it’s smiling at someone in the corridor, or complimenting their outfit, it makes a big difference.

Kindness is always important no matter what, and it’s important to share it.

Wednesdays 4pm, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Art Club Teens: Animals

Thursdays 4pm, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

The Producers - Macabre Theatre

Fri 19 May, 7.30pm

Sat 20 May, 1.30pm, Brolga Theatre

Fraser Coast Agriculture Show 2023

25 - 26 May, Maryborough Showgrounds

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

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Alert issued over dangerous counterfeit medicine tablets

QUEENSLANDERS

are being warned against taking illegally sourced drugs following the seizure of counterfeit medications containing life-threatening substances.

Tablets found during various investigations this year have tested positive to protonitazene, a very strong opioid that can be fatal even in small amounts.

The tablets have been branded to appear as genuine medications including Xanax, which is not available commercially in Australia.

Queensland Health’s Executive Director of Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch

Associate Professor John Allan urged people not to consume counterfeit or

altered medications and substances under any circumstances.

“Protonitazene can lead to respiratory failure, loss of consciousness, coma and death, even if taken in small quantities,” he said.

“Anyone who suspects they have fake tablets are advised to dispose of them safely.

“Many of the counterfeit tablets appear genuine and are in labelled Xanax bottles. Unsuspecting users may not notice they are counterfeits.

“Nitazenes, including protonitazene, are a group of synthetic opioids that can be as strong or stronger than fentanyl. They have been detected in Queensland and other states and territories in

various forms including tablets, powders and liquids.

“This highlights why people should not source substances illegally. You

could unknowingly be taking a potentially fatal substance.”

In addition to loss of consciousness and respiratory failure,

More medicine, for less

- Crohn’s disease

- depression

- diabetes

- endometriosis

- endometrial cancer

- epilepsy

- glaucoma and dry eyes

- gout

- heart failure

- high cholesterol

- hormonal replacement and modulation therapy

- hypertension

- osteoporosis

- Parkinson disease - ulcerative colitis.

The cheaper medicine reforms won’t affect medicine availability and won’t add to shortages.

Find out more about how to save on your PBS medicines, go to www.health.gov.au/ topics/medicines/cost/ sixty-day-dispensing?

symptoms of opioid overdose include shallow breathing, slow or erratic pulse, confusion, small pupils, unresponsiveness, and bluish or greyish skin from poor circulation.

Anyone who experiences any toxic effects after drug use should seek medical attention immediately by calling Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance; going to their nearest emergency department; or calling the Queensland Poisons Information

BEAUTY SALON

Centre (13 11 26).

Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose.

As part of the Take Home Naloxone Program, it is available for free from some registered pharmacies and alcohol and other drug services.

A list of participating sites is found at www. ppaonline.com.au/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/ Registered-sites-for-TakeHome-Naloxone.pdf.

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CHIROPRACTORS

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COUNSELLING

Finding Balance Counselling

FROM 1 September 2023, millions of Australians will be able to buy two months’ worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription rather than the current one-month supply.

This will reduce medicine costs for at least 6 million Australians managing chronic conditions like heart disease, cholesterol, Crohn’s disease and hypertension.

General patients will be able save up to $180 a year if their medicine is able to be prescribed for 60 days and concession card holders will save up to $43.80 a year per

medicine.

It also means fewer visits to the GP and pharmacist to get the medicine you need the most.

The list of PBS medicines recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) as suitable includes some medicines for chronic conditions such as for:

- Asthma

- breast cancer

- cardiovascular disease

- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

- constipation - chronic renal failure

Men’s Walk & Talk

Every Thursday 5.15pm Ululah Lagoon, Cheapside Street

The Maryborough Sun 2023 Fraser Coast Mates MARYBOROUGH GOLF DAY

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.

Friday September 8 2023 Sun

Sponsorships are now open for this event, email craig@wintergroup. com.au for more details.

MARYBOROUGH

A great day of golf, friendship, entertainment and fun that is not to be missed...and this year it’s here!

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.

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS HERE?

To find out how, call 0411 281 148 Or email

67kW Roctane to arrive in Australia

THE new BMW R 18 Roctane is set for arrival in Australia at the end of this year.

As with other variants, the BMW R 18 Roctane harks back to the history and tradition of BMW Motorrad while delivering state-of-the-art motorcycle technology with the design and charm of times gone by.

Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure.

It’s classic design and clear, yet contemporary technology merge to form a compelling overall package.

The combination delivers a unique emotional riding experience and an aesthetic that is characterised by skilfully staged design language.

The heart of the new BMW R 18 Roctane is the celebrated 2-cylinder flat twin engine, also known

as the “big boxer”.

Finished in Avus black metallic matt and with black high-gloss covers, the engine harks back to the traditional air-cooled boxer engines that have provided an exhilarating riding experience for more than seven decades since BMW Motorrad began manufacturing motorcycles in 1923.

The most powerful 2-cylinder boxer engine ever built in motorcycle series production boasts an engine capacity of 1,802cc and generates an output of 67kW (91hp) at 4,750rpm.

In the 2,000 to 4,000rpm rev range, it delivers more than 150Nm of torque at all times as well as elemental pulling power and sonorous sound. The black engine is perfectly matched by the dark chrome exhaust system and star counter nuts.

Steel double-loop tube frame and rear swinging arm with enclosed axle drive

A double-loop tubular steel frame is at the heart of the chassis of the new R 18 Roctane and perpetuates

the longstanding BMW Motorrad tradition of this frame type.

The high level of manufacturing quality and attention to detail are also evident in barely perceptible details such as the welded joints between steel tubes and

cast or forged parts. As with the legendary BMW R 5, the rear swinging arm, manufactured in a similar design, encloses the rear axle drive in the same style using bolted connections.

Expect to pay around $30k when it arrives.

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

LOCALLY OWNED, LOCALLY FOCUSED

Puzzles

28 Fill up here (5)

29 Stratagem (9)

Down

1 Away from the main place of business (3,4)

2 Commuter country (8)

3 Pain in the side (6)

4 Fire-struck Paris landmark (5,4)

5 Notorious bushranger (5)

6 What 5 Down had to do, more than once (2,2,4)

7 Trader (6)

8 Service at 28 Across, sometimes (3,4)

15 Oxbow lake (9)

17 “Idylls of the King” author (8)

18 Steep drop (8)

19 Sideboard (7)

20 Looked up to in NSW (7)

22 Guard (6)

24 Followed orders (6)

25 Accepted standards (5)

Bushy Tales

Insanity Streak

DEATH NOTICES

HARRIS (Sutton) Elaine Betty

15.12.1934 ~ 30.04.2023

Late of Maryborough, Qld, formerly of Shepparton and Wagga Wagga. Passed away peacefully after a short illness at Hervey Bay Hospital.

Our loving Mum, Grandma and Great Grandma, dearly loved by her children and their partners Gavin and Penny; Ross and Sally; Leanne and Phillip; her grandchildren and their partners Ben and May; Joe and Sarah; Mitch and Rosie; Brad and Donna; and her great grandchildren Jack, Archie and Kai.

Elaine touched the hearts of all who met her. She welcomed people into her world and kept lifelong friends. She will be missed by many.

A Memorial Service for Elaine was held in Maryborough on Thursday May 11, 2023.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held in Numurkah, Vic., tomorrow, Friday May, 19, 2023. Please call below number for funeral details.

Peter Cox and Sons

03 5862 3047

BEREAVEMENT THANKS Margaret Taylor

12-11-1948 ~ 16-4-2023

The family would like to sincerely thank the following on the sad passing of Margaret. Staff at Maryborough Base Hospital, Maryborough Community Aged Care, and Leora from J Kirk & Sons Funeral Directors. Would you all please accept this as our personal thanks.

- Bernie and family

IN MEMORIAM

Rodger Ashley Fawns

18-3-1945 – 11-5-2022

Sadly Missed

Plodding through the “boy jobs”

~ Dutifully loving wife Sharon

CLASSES

Kiss My Boots

LINE DANCING BEGINNER CLASSES

THURSDAY

QCWA Hall, Wharf St 3.45 - 6pm $5

ANTIGUA Hall, Mungar 1.45 - 4pm

Sat. May 6th & 20th / June 10th & 17th

Leah Matthews 0409 575 472 kissmybootslinedancing@gmail.com

FRIENDSHIPS & RELATIONSHIPS

COUNTRY LADY

Alone & Seeking Love

A country lady who is loving & down to earth, with blonde hair & hazel eyes. She has grown up on the land and enjoys the farming lifestyle. She enjoys cooking, camping, fishing & spending her time with a special man. Call now for more details. Seniors welcome. No computer required. 1800 261 848 or 0488 200 554

CLASSIFIEDS

Deadline 11:30am Friday prior to publication Phone Karen (07) 3112 7847

PUBLIC

NOTICES

Road Closure

Relish Food and Wine Festival

– Saturday 3rd June 2023

We wish to advise you of road closures required for Relish Food and Wine Festival. The event will be held on Saturday the 3rd of June 2023 in the Mary River Parklands and Queens Park, between 10am and 5pm.

The following roads will be closed from 11am Friday the 2nd of June until 11am Sunday the 4th of June to facilitate the event:

• Wharf Street (between Bazaar Street and March Street)

• Richmond Street (between Kent Street and the Excelsior Band Hall).

Motorists are requested to observe the detour signs. This road closure has been authorised by the Queensland Police Service. FCTE apologises for any inconvenience caused by these closures.

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 CAR

FUN AND LEARNING FOR OVER 50’s

HALF YEARLY SIGN ON DAY FOR 2023

FRIDAY 23rd JUNE 2023

FROM 9AM TO 12PM

MADCOTA COMMUNITY HUB, 333 ALICE STREET, MARYBOROUGH

All welcome. Learn New Things. Be Active. Make Friends. Enjoy Life.

CLASSES AVAILABLE

Exercise Dance Fitness Classes, Tai Chi,

LOCAL COMMUNITY MARKET DAY

Maryborough

Monarchs Chess Club

Monday nights in the Den 4:30pm – 6:00pm

Maryborough RSL (via car park 163-175 Lennox St) All levels of chess welcome Phone 0413 387 346 or (07) 4121 6121

Maryborough Pensioners Association Inc

Free Concert Day

First Thursday of the month 1pm start

Free Afternoon Tea

Market Tombola

tea provided

Contact Lyn 0407 627 036

Maryborough features drivers in two titles

BRENDAN BOWERS

SPEEDWAY KARTS: Maryborough Speedway hosted the 2023 Queensland titles on Saturday, May 6, with plenty of on-track action.

Over one hundred drivers competed over the nine categories.

In what has been described as one of the best tracks ever, lap records were broken in every class, with nine new State title winners.

Results and New Lap Records

Sub Juniors

1st Nate Wood

2nd Tyriani Wood

3rd Cooper Marks

4th Jett Sinclair

Lap record Nat Wood

17.705s

Standards

1st Kai Malley

2nd Alisha Fielder

3rd Steve Mergard

4th Andrew Roeser

Lap Record Kai Malley

14.537s

Ladies

1st Ashleigh Moller

2nd Larissa Manning

3rd Dakota Laverty

4th Natalie Wright

Lap Record Ashleigh Moller 15.145s

Standard Heavy

1st Shane Gutsch-Berry

2nd Jayden Barnes

3rd Reese Evans

4th Michael Harders

Lap Record Shane Gutsch Berry 15.609s

Modified

1st Kai Malley

2nd Andrew Walkerdon

3rd Liam Niblock

4th Jack Lumsden

CRAIG WINTER

MARYBOROUGH

brothers Scott and Brody

Thomsen competed at Archerfield Speedway in the Australian Wingless Sprint Title on April 27 against 70 other competitors.

After three heats on night one, Scott started fourth and finished second with Brody starting in eighth

and finishing fifth, a good result for both drivers.

Night two saw both Scott and Brody qualified for the A Main feature, starting from fourth and ninth positions respectively.

Juniors

1st Sam Nucifora

2nd Cody Malley

3rd Blake Burton

4th Hayden Lumsden

Lap Record Cody Malley

15.725s

Junior Standard

1st Cody Malley

Lap Record Kai Malley 14.786s

Outlaw

1st Andrew Roeser

2nd Alisha Fielder

3rd Shane Manning

4th Alex Green-Cooper

2nd Brodie Debono

3rd Jack Eddie

4th Tayla Stothard

Lap Record Cody Malley

Both were racing well before Brody was taken out after contacting another vehicle, but Scott managed a creditable third position finish. POINT

14.738s

Croquet results

Lookout) 2nd Ted Singleton (Caloundra) 3rd Gordon Cooper (Bundaberg)

Gordon Cooper

11. Ken Barker 11 d Jan Murdoch

4. Rob Robertson 16 d Ted Singleton

12. Round 5. Rob Robertson 26 d Jan Murdoch 3. Ted Singleton 26 d Mike Bertram 8. Gordon Cooper 16 d Ken Barker 10.

Winner: Rob Robertson (Point

Division 2. Round 1. Wayne Lusk (Point Lookout) 17 d Darrel Bell (Sunnyside) 8. Bill Habner (Nambour) 16 d Kay Robertson (Point Lookout) 15. Terry Kerney (Toowoomba) 18 d Vicki Cooper (Bundaberg) 8. Round 2. Darryl Bell 20 d Bill Habner 9. Wayne Lusk 25 d Vicki Cooper 5. Terry Kerney 15 d Kay Robertson 13. Round 3. Darryl Bell 21 d Kay Robertson 12. Terry Kerney 13 d Wayne Lusk 12. Bill Habner 22 D Vicki Cooper 2. Round 4. Wayne Lusk 19 d Kay Robertson 9. Darryl Bell 18 d Vicki Cooper 11. Bill Habner 14 d Terry Kerney 9. Round 5. Wayne Lusk

Bowls results

Friday 5/4/23 2-4-2 Pairs

M. Allan, S. Jensen def J. Wood,

B. George 25-8

Social Triples

A. Anderson, M. Wood, B. James def G. Skerritt, R. Andersen, I. Ridge 22-14

20/4/23 Social Triples

C. Whitaker, D. Bates/M.Allan, J. Wood def A. Andersen, R.

Andersen, I. Ridge 23-17

28/4/23 Roast Day Mixed

Pairs

B. Madsen, J. Wood def K.

Andersen, M. Allan 24-22

B. Turnbull, B. Spilsbury def J, Bargy, M. Pieper 23-15

N. Weinheimer, C. Whitaker def

MARYBOROUGH

Thurs 04/05 – Mens Jackpot

Pairs

R Watts, P Frawley def P Nolan, C English 26-7

E Kath, N Johnson def S Jones, N Gundry 21-19

L Genrich, P Davis def B

Henningsen, G Walker 16-14

A Aiello, B Fitzsimmons def T Dillon, D Blazely 22-13

W Murdoch, A Simpson def D

Kohler, O Maughan 25-15

T Jackson, P Clarke def R

Eduards, R Eckhardt 21-14

R McLeish, D Plummer def P

Harvey, K O’Brien 32-10

C Lean, W Burton def B Dean, K Campbell 18-12

R Wilson, J Dawson def M McDonald, W Ward 30-12

d B.Madsen, J.McCoombe 43-7. Runners up - G.Kuhn, R.Turnbull d W. Zieth, C.White 18-17

K.Milzewski, K.Johnson d A.Andersen, T.Buckley 33-14. S.Patch, A.Scholl d J.Fraser, K.Pieper 29-15. N.Weinheimer, A.Dillon d K.Paxton, J.Kemp 29-18. J.Devenish, S. Hyde d G.Kemp, B.Spilsbury 24-20.I.Axelsen, L.Puie drew N.Gambie, G.Gambie 18 all. Full green for President’s Day 6/5/23. No Sunday Morning Rollers this month.

D Andersen, B. George 23-12

R. Anderson, K. Pieper def A.

Andersen, T. Buckley 20-14

Overall Winners B. Madsen, J.

Wood

Runner Up N. Weinheimer, C.

Whitaker

Wednesday 3rd May Social Triples

C. Whitaker, I. Ridge, L. Mullan

def A. Andersen, D. Bates, B.

George 28-10

G. Skerritt, B. Madsen, S. Jensen

def L. Atkinson, R. Andersen, M.

Allan 25-12

- L. Hannaford, scribe

B Long, L Stark def T Lindeberg, D McAnulty 40-14

Fri 5/05 - Maccas Magic

Rollers - Aggregate scores

Tony Barrett – 10 Julie Collins – 18

Charlie Cordie - 13

Ric Eduards – 46

Herbie – 10

Deb Lindeberg – 14 Joe

Two Maryborough brothers contested the Australian Wingless Sprint Title at Archerfield recently. (Matthew Paul Photography - top - and Racing Fix Media)

SPORT

Maryborough gymsports showcase their talents

Sharks eating well

as the 25 Fathom Hole and back to Rooney’s Point.

THE TEAM from FREEDOM FISHING SUPPLIES

IT WAS great to see some nice breaks in the weather over the past fortnight, and while a lot of anglers took advantage of the light winds and headed out wide, our sports fisho’s took up on the inside of Fraser Island to chase the long tail tuna and our estuary anglers took to the shallows with soft plastic and hard bodied lures.

Let’s look at the report. We were lucky enough to get some perfect conditions to head over the wide bay bar this fortnight and fisho’s were not disappointed, with a mixed catch of snapper, red throat, grassy sweetlip and pearl perch filling the eskies.

High on the topic of conversation is the amount of pelagic action throughout Hervey Bay waters with reports from the Arch Cliffs as far out

Long tail and mack tuna along with spanish, grey and school mackerel have been taking small to medium metal slugs on the cast.

And all that surface action has not gone unnoticed, with the number of sharks increasing as well.

Anglers are averaging 1 out of 9 fish back to the boat.

Tusk fish, grassy sweetlip, spangled emperor and coral trout along with estuary cod and reef jack were on the bite at the Southern Gutters, the Lightship and Rooney’s had snapper up to 6 kilos landed at Wathumba, 25 Fathom Hole and the Arch Cliffs with gar or winter whiting as the preferred bait.

The artificial reef has been producing black spot tusk fish and the odd coral trout, along with estuary cod, blackall and grassy sweetlip and Gatakers Bay has produced a few coral trout on lures around the rocks.

Mckenzie’s, Sammie’s

THIS WEEK'S BRAG BOARD

and the artificial reef are loaded with estuary cod, blackall, grassy sweetlip and mosses perch.

The Sandy Strait is fishing extremely well at moment with quality summer whiting working the sand flats on the making tide and in the gutters at low tide, and the mud crabs are still in numbers with a few quality sand crabs been caught as well.

Fig Tree has seen some large threadfin salmon and barramundi landed on the top of the ledge at high tide and the gutter between the reef islands is fishing very well for flathead.

The winter whiting are also on the bite and in numbers with the best locations from the reef Islands to Tinnanbah in the Sandy Strait, Gatakers Bay, and Toogoom to Woodgate, however, be aware that there is a lot of gold line or Tin Can Bay whiting in amongst them and they have a size limit of 23cm.

The mighty Mary continues to produce the goods with quality threadfin salmon, grunter, black and silver bream.

Charlie was very happy with his catch, his black bream went .702kg. Melissa had a great night on the boat. Her biggest mangrove jack weighed in at 1.5kg. Jim and his lucky crocs landed this 9.3 kg threadfin, beautiful fish. Lastly, we have the gorgeous Wroe family with their nice catch of summer whiting

BRENDAN BOWERS

GYMNASTICS: Family and friends gathered at Maryborough Gymsports on Saturday to watch competitors practice for upcoming gymnastics competitions as they completed their annual showcase.

This was the third and biggest showcase the club had held to date, with competitors performing over seven disciplines, including Acrobatics,

Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline Sports (including tumbling) and Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.

“Showcase is a practice competition that allows the athletes to compete in a familiar environment and perform in front of their nearest and dearest, as most of the time, the extended family cannot attend the away competitions, which often require extensive travel”

Maryborough Gymsports

SOLUTIONS

coach Kelsey Connell said. The day also allowed the club judges to hone their skills.

Feedback received from the judges will be important for the athletes as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including state and national events.

It was a fun and encouraging way for the athletes and coaches to put their many hours of training into practise.

Maryborough GymSports May Showcase competitors (top), Clara White and Lucy Staib completing their floor routine(above left) and Kenzie Brown and Ashleigh Vicic (Brendan Bowers)