The Maryborough Sun - October 5, 2023

A NEW FACE FOR FRASER COAST?

JAY FIELDING

FRASER Coast councillors will soon come to a decision that could change the face of the region forever.

Sunny Beach Land Pty Ltd has lodged a development application with Fraser Coast Regional Council to build a complex featuring twin 21-storey towers on the Esplanade in Torquay.

The buildings would be more than three times higher than the current highest building on the Coast.

The 12,145sqm site is home to accommodation provider Buzzers, a former nightclub premises and a unit complex

that operated as the Hub.

According to the application, the lower five levels of the towers would be used as a hotel with 187 short-stay rooms.

Above that would be a communal floor with a pools, bar and children’s play area.

Levels 7 to 21 would house 431 residential units as well as a rooftop terrace and infinity swimming pools.

Councillors have approved other buildings that exceed the six-storey limit in the town plan, including a 16-storey building in Pialba and a 17-storey hotel at the Urangan Marina, however they do not overlook the beach like the

new proposal.

The application argues the proposal would help regenerate a “rundown” area, would add to the diversity of local housing and would create economic benefits that outweigh any negatives.

Locals have reacted passionately to the development application.

While some support the proposal as progressing the region, others say it will spoil the natural beauty and charm of Hervey Bay.

Councillors are expected to vote on the application before March’s local government elections.

Cubs flying high in Maryborough

CRAIG WINTER

IF YOU thought there was an increase in air traffic over Maryborough last week, you’d be right.

Hundreds of visiting Cubs have been given the opportunity to fly over the Heritage City during Cuboree, as four aircraft spent four days continuously ferrying the youngsters on scenic flights around the region.

Cuboree ’23 was held at the Maryborough Showgrounds, with more than 700 children attending the huge event. The special flights were promoted to visiting Cubs as a ‘secret offsite adventurous day’, and took many of them by surprise when they discovered just what was involved.

’Stretch’ otherwise known as Adam Strong, said that

for many, it was their very first opportunity to fly, or even see inside an aircraft.

“They are loving it.” he said.

Scouts Qld Air Activities provided the planes and pilots for the program that has been on offer for around 15 years.

“The last three years has seen a huge increase in interest for this type of adventure.” Stretch said.

“We’re taking about 300 kids a day, which is a lot of flights.”

He also praised the local airfield.

“This is an amazing location to fly from.

“Just minutes to the east is K’Gari, to the north is Hervey Bay, and the facilities in Maryborough are great.”

Maryborough Aero Club President Zane Carter said that it was encouraging to see youngsters introduced to recreational flying.

“Flying is a highly technical skill that can take pilots to all manner of jobs and interests later in life. “he said.

“To show kids what an amazing experience it is

early, you’re opening up options for them in the future.”

“Our Club has recently introduced an RAAus aircraft which will be attractive to young pilots as they learn to fly.”

“We obviously encourage everyone to give it a try. You don’t know what you’re missing until you pilot your own aircraft.”

ONE of the most popular annual Fraser Coast events returns to Maryborough on October 13 when Food & Groove Fridays ‘Get Ready’ takes over the Brolga Theatre Riverstage.

“Come down to the Brolga Theatre Riverstage and say hi to our Fire Rescue, SES, Police, Rural Fire Service and Ergon crews!” said a Fraser Coast Events spokesperson.

“We encourage our locals and visitors alike to check out the emergency service vehicles and chat with personnel to discover how to prepare for natural disaster.”

Hervey Bay will also

hold a similar event on October 6, with music from William Ramage, Cobblestone Band and The Switch.

“There will be plenty of flashing lights and giveaways during the night. Not to mention a variety of food trucks and a live band for those keen on a boogie.”

Musician Emma Newman and bands Red Betty and Holey Toledo will all make an appearance from 4pm.

Food & Groove

Maryborough 4pm, Friday October 13, Brolga Theatre Riverstage.

Food & Groove is a free event.

$5300

Cubs line up for their aviation experience at Maryborough Airport and (below) ‘Stretch’ loves showing them the joys of flying. (Craig Winter)

Flood training prepares levy for future events

CRAIG WINTER

TRAINING on putting up the temporary flood levee and installing the temporary penstock gate will help prepare Fraser Coast Regional Council staff for future events.

The training exercise will take place in Maryborough on Sunday 15 October.

Mayor George Seymour said the temporary levee and penstock gate protected more than 70 properties during the 2022 floods.

“The training is essential to ensure staff are familiar with the system and know how to put the barriers up quickly in the event of a flood.

“The temporary flood levee kept the waters at bay for dozens of businesses during the 2022 floods, and getting it up and down quickly is crucial to both protect properties and ensure the CBD gets back to normal

as soon as possible after the flood waters go down,” he said.

CBD businesses eventually praised the effectiveness of the penstock gates in February 2022.

The new flood-proofing infrastructure failed in it’s first test and left many in doubt, but was quickly rebuilt to a higher standard in time for the second flood.

It proved to be very effective at protecting buildings in the Kent and Adelaide Street areas.

“Every year Council staff come together to practice deploying the flood protection system.

“This year’s training will involve putting up the flood barrier fencing at Council’s Moreton Street Depot and deploying the temporary penstock gate on-site in Adelaide Street near the Fraser Coast Motor Centre.

“The training provides an opportunity to go through the procedures in a controlled and safe environment, particularly installing the temporary penstock gate in a confined space.

“This year will also be the first time that other agencies from other levels of government will be able to observe the training.

“The exercise coincides with the Maryborough Get Ready Food n Groove being held at the Brolga Theatre Riverstage two days earlier (Friday 13 October), encouraging residents to prepare for and stay safe during extreme weather.”

The temporary penstock gate training exercise will start at 7am on Sunday 15 October and is due to be finished by 3pm.

A temporary full road closure will occur in Adelaide Street between Sussex Street and Kent

37%

Street while the training exercise is underway.

The Adelaide Street entrances to Woolworths and the St Marys Catholic Church will remain open.

“We thank residents for their patience while this important training occurs,” Cr Seymour said.

The CBD flood levy proved it’s effectiveness in 2022. (Craig Winter)

WHO’S CATASTROPHIC WARNING?

I am interested to see David Arthur’s recent geographical and environmental contributions (The Sun, Thursday 21st Sept. 2023) to the Maryborough Sun. His introductory comments on 21st September echo the words of Goethe, the German philosopher, who

LETTERS

in the 19th century wrote: “We learn best from those we love”.

So it is agreeably ironic for me that in his article Mr Arthur uses the frame of the Scientific past to draw attention to the Scientific present.

Thinking of a much simpler but also educational past, I recall the first series of the TV

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program ‘Doctor Who’ where Tom Baker’s script often warned that the uncontrolled burning of fossil fuels would bring about catastrophic climate change.

Today I wonder how many children of that time absorbed Doctor Who’s message and grew up to work on reducing their environmental ‘footprint’?

I know a few who have put environmental concerns before carbon-emitting electronic life. Today those few have first

hand experience of living in a drying world where the plants and creatures they used to see and sometimes interact with are disappearing one by one.

And all the while, demonstrating that out of sight is out of mind, most of us continue the struggle for luxury and profit that we also learned from parents!

- Jim Wright

SLOW BUSINESS

With many local businesses reporting a

drop in trade up to 40% this year, I can only hope that people decide to shop locally this Christmas.

Please remember that by supporting small local businesses, you’re also supporting your neighbours and friends, and the businesses that sponsor and donate to your kids sports team and school.

As online sales grow, local retailers suffer, and small towns decline as people move away to find greener pastures.

To grow our local economy,

The Maryborough Sun Newspaper

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we need to be actively buying from these small businesses.

You may pay a little more, but the benefit we all experience from that purchase is a small price to pay.

If we have pride in our City, we should also have pride in how we support it.

Please buy local this year and help Maryborough prosper in 2024.

- Jenny Glade

A SLIPPERY SLOPE

A huge, 255 hectare solar farm, is to be built just inland from Bauple.

The solar energy is to be sold to Aussies, but the profits go to Greece.

An energy company Mytilineos S.A. is the owner.

That makes for a slippery slope if you ask me.

- Robert Cairns

editorial@marysun.com.au

Lunch: Daily 11.30am – 2.00pm Dinner: Sun to Thur 5.30–8.00pm Fri to Sat 5.30–8.30pm

Beach access should not be an issue, says Butchulla Corporation

CRAIG WINTER

THE Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) has released a statement on the rumoured blocking of beach access at Poona and Burrum Heads, in local areas where native title has been recognised.

After concerns were raised by the public and contractors who were refused access to the areas, BNTAC stated that they had received “many complaints from members of the public who have felt threatened by a handful of members when Departments and contractors have tried to conduct BNTAC-approved projects.

“These threats have extended to blocking and accessing various beach locations, such as Poona and Burrum Heads, in an area where native title has been recognised.

“We know that some Butchulla/Badtjala People have set up a camp and are looking to use the area for their own purpose without speaking or getting permission. These

actions have not been authorised or sanctioned by BNTAC, or by the Butchulla/Badtjala native title holders.”

“The right to control access to those areas is important, but it is not a right that any one Butchulla/Badtjala person can decide to exercise on their own. Butchulla/ Badtjala People are collectively responsible for our land and waters, and all decisions about how our land is to be used, including how our native title land is to be used, must be made in accordance with our traditional decisionmaking processes.

“This involves all Butchulla/Badtjala families coming together to discuss native title matters and then decide which is good for the land and our people.

“No single native title holder can make final decisions about how the land is to be used or to prevent people from accessing the land, and we reject the actions taken by a handful of Butchulla/ Badtjala People who are

trying to stop members of the public from accessing the beach at Burrum Heads.”

“We have called on BNTAC members to vacate the area of native title lands located at Burrum Heads to immediately stop causing disturbance in the area and to ensure safe access is guaranteed to all members of the public seeking to access the beach through native title lands.

“However, no response has been received to date.”

The scope and diversity that encapsulates both land and sea within the Butchulla Nation is complex, so there are two main bodies that administer native title claims in the area.

The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation was formed in 2010 to work and negotiate with governmental agencies to protect the native title and cultural heritage of K’gari, with the boundaries commencing at the high tide mark

and covering the land of K’gari.

Then, in 2019, the additional Land and Sea claim for the Butchulla People was determined.

BNTAC was then established to work with and negotiate all business

on the mainland and sea areas.

“Even though both bodies have been found to do the same functions, the difference is the areas they service: BAC takes in K’gari, and BNTAC takes in the additional land and sea areas of Butchulla

Country.”

BNTAC plans to hold meetings in the near future “to plan and decide best ways forward and how we service Butchulla People better, but also to ensure we contribute to the wider community on many social issues that we are all facing.”

The Ironing Maidens put high energy centre stage

JAY FIELDING

AN award-winning electro music duo is taking a unique show on the road to not only entertain regional audiences but also share their musical talents at a series of community music and dance workshops starting in Tiaro.

The Ironing Maidens, made up of Melania Jack and Patty Preece, put domestic labour, technology, and the history of women in electronic music centre stage with their live electronic performance art piece that adapts real irons and ironing boards into

electronic instruments.

Audiences can expect to be wowed by music that delivers a fresh take on house music with samples from 1950s advertising, plus real-world laundry sounds as well as lyrical concepts that will iron out ideas about housework and gender roles.

“It’s a high energy mix of music, visuals, costumes, dancing and Ironing puns,” artist Melania Jack explained.

“We explore domestic themes like, who is doing the ironing these days and why do white goods break

just after the warranty ends, and we also celebrate the women who were pivotal in the development of electronic music.”

Trudie Leigo, regional arts manager from the Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network run by CQUniversity, said that it was a great opportunity to experience an original world-class music performance.

“It really is an amazing opportunity for regional audiences who love music to experience something completely original,” she said.

“The pair are exceptionally talented and very entertaining.”

The Ironing Maidens will deliver multiple live performances across the region starting in Tiaro tomorrow night before moving on to Nanango, Gayndah and Bundaberg. Each performance is for all ages, with food and beverages available for purchase at the venues.

Along with their four live performances, the Ironing Maidens will also be offering 13 creative workshops in electronic music making, songwriting

and dance across the region.

They will be running free workshops at five schools across the Wide Bay and Burnett also offering community-based workshops in Tiaro, Kingaroy, Bundaberg and Gayndah.

Workshops in each region

are open to participants aged 12 and over. Spaces at the workshops and the Ironing Maidens’ performance are limited and bookings are essential. For more information about the tour and workshops, including venues, times and dates visit cqregionalarts.net.

BNTAC and BMRG members help with a cultural burn in partnership with a private landowner at Burrum Heads. (BNTAC)

New RADF members

TWO new community members have joined the Fraser Coast Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Advisory Committee and the 2023/24 program guidelines have been endorsed by Council ahead of the opening of applications next month.

Cr David Lewis said the RADF was a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council that invested in quality arts and cultural experiences based on local priorities.

“The Fraser Coast has a colourful and vibrant cultural life, and Council is keen to ensure the community has opportunities to appreciate arts, heritage and cultural diversity,” he said.

“RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture, and heritage as key drivers to support diversity and inclusivity; grow strong regions; and provide training, education and employment opportunities for local artists and local communities.

“The program will have a total budget of $126,975 in 2023/24 with applications opening on 11 October 2023 for projects being

delivered between 12 December 2023 and 28 February 2025.

“Funding of up to $2000 is available to build the capacity and skills of local creatives through professional development or concept development, while funding of up to $10,000 is available towards local arts and cultural festivals, events and programs.

“Council is determined to create connected communities through our places, spaces and people and programs like the RADF help us achieve that goal.”

Ms

Find out more about RADF at www.ourfrasercoast.com. au/radf

Cr Lewis welcomed Cherie Treloar and Kym Walker as the two new Fraser Coast Regional Arts Development Fund Committee community members and thanked outgoing members Dr Katie Burke and Robert Mackay.

Treloar and Ms Walker join existing community members Nicky Fernandes, Paul Damms, Jillian Thompson and Suzanne Bushell, and elected representatives Cr Lewis and Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman.

Light the Night for cancer

Jaywick 80 years commemorated

CRAIG WINTER

EIGHTY years ago last Saturday, a team of daring Australian Commandos crept into Singapore Harbour and wrought havoc on the Japanese fleet, sinking more than 40,000 tonnes of enemy shipping.

had been presented to the ‘Z’ Naval Cadets, the only Cadet Corp in Australia authorised to use the insignia.

LAST Friday night saw a crowd attend the annual 2023 Leukaemia Foundation Light the Night at the Seafront Oval.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor David Lee said, “Light the Night is a celebration of light to drive out the darkness of cancer through research and cure”.

“It is a casual walk with lanterns around the Seafront Oval with no fitness requirements.”

“Light the Night is about

connecting with our Fraser Coast Community to support those who are fighting the disease and to honour those we have lost.”

“This event is about coming together, remembering and meeting others who may have been affected by leukaemia in some way”.

According to the Australian Leukaemia Foundation there are more than 135,000 Australians living with blood cancer or a related blood disorder.

Operation Jaywick became the stuff of legends, and the MV Krait - the vessel that carried Z Forcehas become a symbol of Australian wartime bravery.

The Hervey Bay Historical Museum & Village marked the occasion with a very special remembrance ceremony, attended by no less than Lt. General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM, former Chief of the Australian Army, and Colonel Low, Naval Attache, Singapore High Commission, Canberra.

Z Special Force trained in secret on Fraser Island (K’Gari), and in memory of that local connection, the original Z Force flag

Other guests included the son of ‘Horrie’ Young, the Krait’s radio operator on Operation Jaywick, and Dr. Harley Carey, son of the late Captain Carey, who was involved in the establishment of the “Z” Special Force during World War 2.

Museum President Greg Jacobsen said the day was one of the most significant ceremonies held at the Village in over 50 years.

Dingo interactions are a ‘concern’

JAY FIELDING

CONCERNING interactions with dingos continue to plague K’Gari.

A Gold Coast influencer has been slammed after posting images on social media appearing to show her reaching out her hand to one of the animals.

Zara Mander has since removed the post.

The 21-year-old is the latest in a long line of tourists who have been criticised for their irresponsible behaviour near dingos on the island. She declined to comment to media.

A spokesperson confirmed the Department of Environment and Science was aware of Ms Mander’s

social media post.

“It can take one incident like this to set a wongari on the path to habituation,” the spokesperson said.

“Residents and visitors to the island must not behave in a way that puts themselves, other people or wongari at risk.

“Deliberately feeding or approaching wongari can put people at risk.”

This year has seen a spike in dangerous dingo interactions, including several attacks, which led to the closure of some campgrounds and the destruction of three dogs.

DES last month announced increased patrols on K’gari, formerly Fraser Island, over the

school holidays after a dingo involved in six high-risk attacks was euthanised.

“The dingo has demonstrated increasingly significant high-risk behaviours since it was tagged in January 2023, including stealing food, persistently approaching people, stalking, circling, lunging, nipping and biting.” the department said in a statement.

The department confirmed a man had been fined for feeding and habituating dingo on the island.

The 58-year-old was filmed on September 7 attempting to feed a dingo near Poyungan Valley.

He was later fined $2,476.

Two women were handed

$2300 fines each after they took selfies with dingos on the island.

Meanwhile, another social media post has highlighted the importance of securing food, bait and rubbish while on the island.

It shows a dingo stealing a handbag while aboard a boat anchored off the island.

The video shows the animal jumping off the boat, swimming to shore and running up the beach with an item in its mouth.

The owner said the dingo pilfered a “handbag, chocolate, chips and pork crackle”.

Visitors to the island are told to properly secure food and rubbish, ideally in a locked vehicle.

Two very special guests. Colonel Low, Naval Attache, Singapore High Commission, Canberra with Lt. General Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM, former Chief of the Australian Army and (below) The VIP area and portion of the large crowd during the Official Ceremony. (Lynette Andersen)

Dingo interactions continue despite warnings. (Channel 7)

The Z Force insignia is now used by the Hervey Bay Cadets.

Maryborough supporters of Light The Night, Ann Stevenson, Beryl and Ken Heidenreich

Equestrian state championships

THE Fraser Coast recently hosted hundreds of the best horse riders in Queensland over the long weekend for the 2023 Jumping Queensland State Championships.

Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the Fraser Coast was stamping itself as a leading events destination, hosting multiple large state sporting events and a string of major community events.

“We are excited to welcome the 2023 Jumping Queensland State Championships to the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park from 30 September to 2 October,” he said.

“Events like this provide a great boost to our local economy as it means people stay with our local accommodation providers, spend money with local businesses and visit our local restaurants and cafes.

“The state championships were also a fantastic showcase of our wonderful facilities at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park.”

Event organiser

Lyndal Roos said the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park was one of Queensland’s best equestrian competition venues.

“The location offers a more accessible venue for all Queensland riders, with enough stables and competition areas to allow for the influx of over 200 competitors,” she said.

“Some of the best riders in our state competed for top

Vietnam veterans encouraged to apply for medallion

honours in seven different championship classes, from our young riders and juniors up to the more experienced senior championship.

“There were competitors such as Australian Olympian Billy Ramont, one of our local heroes from the Sunshine Coast who has ridden around the world and represented Australia on multiple national, young rider and senior teams.

Cr Chapman said the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park was well-known as the venue for the annual Fraser Coast Show, but it also hosted events such as the Regional Disability Expo, Queensland Cuboree, Fraser Coast Expo, artisan markets and a Rotary driver awareness program.

“About 5500 riders and

horses attended more than 130 equestrian events at the venue in 2022/23, while casual riders have access to the stables, arenas, horse play and cross-country areas when not booked for private use,” he said.

“The facility boasts over 230 stables and yards, making it the perfect place for larger format equestrian events like the Jumping Queensland State Championships.”

In jumping competitions, the horse and their rider are required to complete a course of 10 to 13 jumps to test their skill, accuracy and training, with the aim of making no mistakes.

Penalties are accumulated if any part of an obstacle is knocked down or the horse refuses a jump.

The winner is the horse and rider combination that incurs the least number

of penalties, completes the course in the fastest time or gains the highest number of points, depending on the type of competition.

The event came together under the banner of Equestrian Queensland with the Jumping Queensland Sport Committee, a small but dedicated group of volunteers working hard to ensure the competition’s success.

“The team at Equestrian Queensland very much enjoy being a part of this premier jumping event and we thank Jumping Queensland for all their hard work in putting together the preparations,” said Equestrian Queensland CEO Briston Toft.

Results of the competition had not been released at the time of gong to print.

FEDERAL Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging Vietnam veterans to apply for the Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration that acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

“Between 1962 and 1975, almost 60,000 Australians served during the Vietnam War and while Australia can never repay the debt we owe these veterans, the medallion and certificate are a small way to honour their service,” Mr O’Brien said.

“More than 500 Australians lost their lives in the Vietnam War, and we remember their sacrifice and honour the veterans who returned home bearing the physical and mental scars of their service.”

All Australian veterans who served in the Vietnam War are eligible to receive a medallion, and the widow or family member of an Australian veteran who served is also eligible to apply. Only one medallion is available for each Vietnam War veteran. It is recommended that an agreement is made within the family of a deceased veteran as to who will apply for the medallion and certificate, as the registration process prevents multiple applications on behalf of the same veteran.

Applications for the Vietnam War Commemorative Medallion and Certificate can be made at https://portal. nationalmailing.com. au/DVA/Account/

The 2023 Jumping Queensland State Championships were held in Maryborough over the long weekend. (FCRC)

Applications for the Vietnam War Commemorative Medallion and Certificate can now be made.

Maryborough munitions factory wins at ADI Awards

DEFENCE manufacturer

Rheinmetall NIOA

Munitions’ Queensland artillery shell factory has won a major industry award.

RNM, a joint venture between Rheinmetall

Waffe Munitions GmbH and Australian-owned NIOA, has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the Australian Defence Industry Awards.

RNM was also a finalist in the Exporter of the Year category, having despatched its first consignment of ammunition to Germany earlier this year.

The $90m Maryborough facility is the most advanced large calibre artillery plant of its kind in the world specialising in the 155mm projectiles which are fired out of the M777 Howitzer cannons.

At full rate production, the plant will have a workforce of up to 100 with the ability to produce up to 100,000 projectiles a year supplying the Australian Defence Force as well as allied export markets.

More than 800 people attended the black-tie Defence Connect dinner at the National Convention Centre in Canberra last recently with 144 finalists competing for honours in 29 categories across defence primes, SMEs and individuals including executives, scientists, technicians and marketers.

RNM General Manager Jeff Crabtree said the prestigious accolade recognised RNM’s role as an emerging player in the defence sector.

“We are incredibly proud,” he said.

“This is recognition of an Australian-first munitions manufacturing capability, allowing regional Queensland to become an important player in the global munitions supply network.”

Rheinmetall Waffe

Munitions CEO and RNM

Chairman Roman Koehne said: “We congratulate Jeff and the team in Maryborough. RNM is a great example of an advanced manufacturing business that is playing a valuable role in building Australia’s defence industrial base.”

NIOA Group CEO and RNM Deputy Chairman Rob Nioa said the award acknowledged the company’s commitment to supporting defence industrial capability and skilled regional jobs, as well as its pivotal role in building national

resilience.

“Before the establishment of the RNM facility there was no capability in Australia to forge 155mm or other large calibre shells,” he said.

“The RNM forge has created a completely new

skillset in the Australian defence industry.”

RNM has been held up as a “model example” of a genuine commitment and collaborative approach between various levels of government and industry to fast-track sovereign capability.

It was built within two years and had multi-level government backing with a $28.5m injection from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund on top of $7.5m from the Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and support from the FCRC.

New booking process for Bay caravan parks

A NEW booking process will be introduced at the redeveloped Fraser Coast Regional Council-owned caravan parks to ensure a fair and equitable allocation of sites to returning guests.

Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said Council owned four caravan parks on the beachfront in Scarness, Burrum Heads, Torquay and Pialba, which will all be refurbished over the next few years to ensure the parks meet current standards and visitor expectations.

“The existing infrastructure in the parks is aging and the parks need upgrading to suit modern vans, especially RVs,” he said.

“Master plans have

been prepared for the four parks, with the redevelopment creating a unique circumstance in which not all past guests will be able to secure a similar site during their preferred holiday periods when the parks reopen.

“This is because the parks’ layouts are changing with fewer, larger sites to cater for bigger, modern vans.”

Cr Chapman said a ballot would be conducted to determine the first 12 months of bookings of each newly developed section, with the first stage of the Scarness Caravan Park redevelopment due to be finished in early 2024.

“The ballot will be open to all past guests that stayed in the western end of the Scarness Caravan Park in the 12 months before

WE ARE NOW SEIKO STOCKISTS

it was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“We anticipate the ballot for the redeveloped western end of the Scarness Caravan Park will open in October with bookings to be open to the public for the remaining sites once the ballot allocations have been finalised.”

Cr Chapman said the booking process for the four caravan parks was being overhauled, along with the conditions for deposits and cancellations.

“The new process will provide the opportunity for guests to rebook for the same period the following year but limits the timeframe they have to commit to their next year’s booking,” he said.

“If guests do not rebook within the timeframes, they won’t have the opportunity to retain their preferred site, and there will be no ability to automatically transfer a site to family and friends.

“We believe this is a fairer and more equitable process for both new and returning guests.”

More information about the caravan parks’ redevelopment is available at https://frasercoast. engagementhub.com.au/ caravan-parks/

More information about the four Council-owned caravan parks on the Fraser Coast, including booking details and rates, is available at https:// beachfronttouristparks. com.au/

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions has been named Manufacturer of the Year. (NIOA)

Council’s 39 Fraser Coast ‘priority projects’ unveiled

MAYOR George Seymour says the Fraser Coast is growing strongly as more and more people realised it was one of the “best places in the world to live, work and play”.

“Council has an active role in long-term planning to ensure infrastructure and services are delivered as they are needed in our community,” he said.

A community centre in Glenwood, streetscape improvements in the Hervey Bay City Centre, and the continued development of an industrial estate outside Maryborough are among 39 priority projects identified by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

At its meeting last week, Council endorsed the ‘Priority Advocacy Projects 2024’ document, which will be used to seek partnerships and commitments from the Australian and Queensland Governments to support critical local priorities.

“Council cannot and does not work alone, but rather aims to work in partnership with other

levels of government to build better communities together.” said Mr Seymour.

“The Priority Projects for Advocacy document provides decision-makers with clear and consistent messages about what is needed to take the Fraser Coast forward.”

Cr Seymour said the 39 priority projects listed would be the focus of Council’s advocacy activities with the Australian and Queensland Governments.

“Council is determined to ensure our region continues to flourish while preserving the relaxed Fraser Coast lifestyle and protecting our beautiful natural environment at the same time,” she said.

“Securing funding and support for these projects would help Council deliver services and infrastructure to meet the unique needs of our growing community and maintain our long-term financial sustainability.”

Examples of priority projects include, but is not limited to:

Aviation Museum takes shape

• Continued development of the Moonaboola Industrial Estate in Maryborough West;

• A Glenwood community centre;

• Road and footpath upgrades in Howard;

• Streetscape improvements to help revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre;

• An upgrade of Boundary Road from Robert Street to Booral Road;

• Delivering the next stage of the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct Master Plan including an athletics precinct and premier oval;

• A glass recycling facility;

• A Hervey Bay desalination plant business case;

• Replacement of Kunst Bridge at Munna Creek to increase the load limit for heavy vehicles;

• An upgraded Maryborough Library; and

• Refurbishment of the

Urangan Pier.

The document contains a list of seven projects for which the State Government is responsible that Council wishes to highlight in representing the needs of the Fraser Coast community.

This includes, but is not limited to, a four-lane Maryborough Ring Road and an upgrade of the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road to four lanes, a Urangan Harbour master plan and promotion, as well as rebranding and other activities to facilitate the Queensland Government’s name change from Fraser Island to K’gari.

A copy of the Fraser Coast Priority Advocacy Projects 2024 document is available on Council’s website at https://www.frasercoast. qld.gov.au/publications

CRAIG WINTER

THE Maryborough

Military Aviation Museum is starting to make it’s mark on the historic Maryborough Airport precinct as work starts on the first of the Museum’s buildings.

Whilst it’s as yet a single structure, President Jenny Elliot says that it’s just the start of the committee’s vision for what will become a significant addition to the Maryborough Military Trail which already attracts thousands of tourists to the City each year.

“The Museum committee will continue to seek donations and grants to finalise the series of buildings that will reproduce some of the wartime buildings,” she said.

“This new shed will

be used to store our collection while it undergoes restoration.”

“The subsequent buildings will then house the finished items for public display.”

A recent $20,000 grant from the Federal Stronger Communities Program was presented to Jenny by Federal Member Llew O’Brien.

“This funding is being used to help preserve and promote the airport’s wartime heritage, and highlight the important role the facility and the service men and women who were stationed there played during World War II,” Mr O’Brien said.

If you’d like to donate to the Museum, you can email them at mmamsecretary@gmail. com

Council has earmarked 39 priority prpojects for funding in 2024. (FCRC)

The new storage and restoration shed is currently being constructed at the airport for the Museum. (Craig Winter)

The Museum will be constructed in stages. (Jenny Elliot)

Yengarie Hall an historic relic

by FRASER COAST MAYOR GEORGE SEYMOUR

THE Fraser Coast Regional Council has existed since 2008, and there have been many other councils in the region prior to it.

One local government that was once so central to our community and has now been almost forgotten was the Antigua Shire Council. However, the government headquarters of Antigua still stands, just a ten minute drive west of Maryborough.

Now known as Yengarie Hall, this brick structure with its rendered façade demonstrates the early prosperity and optimism of the region.

The Antigua Divisional Board was established in 1879, become the Shire of Antigua in 1903 and was then abolished in 1917 with its area divided up between the Burrum and Woocoo Shires.

The council held its monthly meetings in a school until the Yengarie Hall was built in 1886.

The architect of this fine building was James Robertson, who had designed the lower two stories of the Criterion Hotel in 1878.

Robertson was a gifted architect but had a number of other interests.

He held over 700 acres of coal-bearing land around Howard and Torbanlea

and played a key role in getting the mines going in the Burrum District.

I enjoy walking through this historic building; it is like stepping into the past.

It’s beautiful timber floor has character scratched and etched into it from the dances, meetings and functions held here over the years.

For many decades it was the scene of frenetic activity, constant human interaction and debates; whilst now it is usually silent when I visit.

Standing in the quiet and lonely hall I think of the last meeting of the Antigua Council which took place within its walls on 2 April 1917 from 2pm.

One of the councillors in the hall that day to bring down the curtains on this government was Joseph Mahoney.

He had served on the Antigua council for 26 years and prior to that about 9 years on the old Burrum council.

Despite previous debates and disagreements, the councillors and staff all had agreeable things to say about each other at this closing meeting.

The position of Shire Clerk was equivalent to that of CEO, and for much of the council’s life the position was held by Alfred Hall.

A local journalist reported his comments as this meeting was drawing to

a close:

“The Clerk at this stage said that before the meeting closed, he wished to express his thanks to the Council for the kind treatment meted out to him during his long service with them.

“It was now over 25 years since he took over the Clerkship and he didn’t remember an unkind word said to him during his whole term of office, which he thought was something to be proud of.

“They had always got along splendidly, the councillors had always been most gentlemanly towards him and he was sorry the Council had to be wiped out, although every effort was made to try and prevent it.

“He wished the councillors every success in the future and hoped the district would prosper under new conditions.”

The first meeting of the new Burrum Shire Council was held shortly thereafter.

At that meeting the much experienced Joseph Mahoney was nominated to be chairperson of the new council but just missed out.

It has been over a century since the Shire of Antigua looked after it’s region and population but the historic Yengarie Hall, helps us to understand its relevance to the region’s history and ensures that it is not forgotten.

Mental health event raises funds for counselling

DOING it Tuff is an evening focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

Last year’s inaugural event was dedicated to the loss of a family member, and organisers Debbie Scott and the Maryborough Fraser Coast

Mates committee hope that this year community support will be even bigger.

“The support we had last year was amazing.” she said.

“We raised over $20,000 in one night.”

“This year we’ll be featuring two incredible speakers who will inspire and engage.” Debbie said.

“The night focuses on mental health, and proceeds towards the work of Fraser Coast Mates with mental health awareness, education,

Down Under Coach Tours

suicide prevention and emergency face to face counselling.”

Doing if Tuff, 6pm October 28th at the Carriers Arms Hotel.

For individual tickets, go to Eventbrite and search ‘Doing it Tuff’ and to book

tables of ten, please email admin@frasercoastmates. com.au

For further information or to offer sponsorship, donations and support, please call Debbie on 0447 322 153.

Organisers Daniel, Debbie and Camille at last year’s event.

The historic Yengarie Hall, built in 1886 and (lower) the traditional interior. (George Seymour)

This is your chance to own a piece of Maryborough’s legacy, an emblem of the past seamlessly integrated with modern living.

This 2-bedroom historic haven, dating back to circa 1875, has been beautifully revived to harmonise timeless grace with contemporary luxury. Immerse yourself in its storied charm, where every corner tells a tale of the past. Step inside and witness the transformation.

The meticulous restoration has preserved its original allure while infusing modern comfort. Dual living areas offer a cosy retreat and an expansive open space for versatile living. The kitchen, a true masterpiece, marries heritage aesthetics with top-tier appliances. Indulge in the bathroom’s opulent luxury with floor-to-wall tiles and a spacious shower that invites relaxation.

Outside, a white picket fence embraces the property, while an electric gate leads to a secure carport. The rear yard unfolds into a lush rainforest oasis, perfect for garden enthusiasts and Queensland summer relaxation. Prickett’s Cottage epitomises the fusion of history and sophistication.

Unlock investment potential by curating an enchanting Airbnb, inviting guests to relish Maryborough’s tapestry while savouring the present.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

MURRIE

CHRISTMAS BBQ

A MURRIE Christmas BBQ will be held at Brothers Leagues Club on December 9.

Sponsored by Kahwun Wooga, Brothers Leagues and MCDATSIC, this free event will see plenty of music, good food, free rides and lots of activities for the family.

Santa will also make a special appearance with gifts for the young ones.

Everyone is welcome from 2pm until 6pm.

PROBUS CLUB MEETING

THE Combined Probus Club of Maryborough meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Madcota Community Hub in Alice Street, Maryborough at 9.30am.

All welcome.

DOING IT TUFF MENTAL HEALTH DINNER

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

DOING it Tuff is the annual dinner for Fraser Coast Mates in Maryborough.

Being held this year on October 28 at the Carriers Arms Hotel, tickets are $70 for canapes, two great guest speakers, live charity auction, raffles and much more.

Proceeds from the night go to fund face to face emergency counselling and mental health & suicide prevention education.

For individual tickets, go to Eventbrite and search ‘Doing it Tuff’ and to book tables of ten, please email admin@frasercoastmates.com.au

Probus provides fun, fellowship and friendship

IF YOU’RE looking for a club that provides fun, fellowship and friendship and no fund raising, the Combined Probus Club of Maryborough might just be your answer says Publicity Officer Joy Harris

“Our meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Madcota Community Hub in Alice Street, Maryborough at 9.30am.” she said.

“Each month we have a guest speaker and the topics are varied and interesting, followed by a meeting and morning tea.

“Our Club also has a ‘Coffee & Chat’ group, card group and book club.

“Everyone is welcome to participate in any or all of these activities.”

Every month the Club has an organised trip or activity.

Recently they visited the Flying High Bird Sanctuary and Mollydookers Cafe at Appletree Creek, Windsong at Gunalda for a Dean Martin &

Patsy Cline Tribute show, Theebine Hotel, bowling and fames Day at Tin Can Bay, lunch at the Boat Club movie day and lunch, visited the Maryborough Fire Station and The Story Bank.

A social barbeque at a member’s home is the next activity.

It wouldn’t be July without a Christmas in July

activity and this year they dressed up in their best festive attire and went to the Sporties Club where they had a delicious traditional Christmas lunch followed by a quiz and christmas cake.

“These activities are a very enjoyable way to get to know members of the Club in an informal setting.” Joy said.

October 1 is Probus Day and is part of Seniors Month. Look out for the Town Hall to be lit up in blue lights and the Probus flag flying.

If you would like to find out more, please email combinedprobusmbro@ gmail.com or phone Jan 0407 753 215 or them at their stall at the Madcota Senior Services Expo on 10 October.

Probus allows members to be as active or relaxed as they like, in a fun, and friendly atmosphere. (Supplied)

Poppet and Ruby will win over your hearts

From THE MARYBOROUGH

ANIMAL REFUGE

POPPET

10-month-old Poppet had a rough start to life.

It appears that she was thrown out of a vehicle along the Bidwill Road, due to the large infected grazes on her back.

She was found by some caring people that had seen her and caught her one night in a cat trap.

They brought her to the Refuge, where she was put into foster care for a few weeks while she recuperated.

She has really come out

of her shell and is loving everyone that she meets.

Poppet is good with the other cats once she gets to know them.

She is child-friendly and loves to be brushed and patted.

If you or your family can

provide her with the care and love she deserves, please come in and meet this beautiful girl.

Poppet has been desexed, microchipped, wormed, flea-treated and vet-checked.

Her adoption fee is $200.

RUBY

Seven-year-old Ruby was a very sad and regretful surrender.

Her owners were told that they could not take her to the lifestyle village in another town because she was “too big”, even though she is very well-mannered and has the sweetest nature.

The owners adored her, and it was a heartbreaking decision for them.

Ruby is very fit and loves to go for walks and adventures.

She is good with men and women.

She hasn’t been around

many children but she has been good with the ones she has seen. She does not particularly like young puppies, small or female dogs but would possibly suit a home with an older male dog to keep her company.

She has not been tested with cats. She is

toilet-trained.

Ruby is all about her humans. She would do anything for them and just wants to be around people.

Ruby has been desexed, microchipped, Councilregistered, wormed, fleatreated and vet-checked. Her adoption fee is $350.

Poppy and Ruby are both ready for adoption. (Supplied)

Shop local for your chance to win!

Over $15,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs!

EACH month, one lucky reader will win a fistful of vouchers from a selection of these great local business.

Every one of these traders has tipped in $100 of vouchers, and at the end of the promotion, one single winner will take home cash, vouchers, and

products to the value of around $10,000.

That’s a total prize pool in excess of $15,000.

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 for both the monthly and

will

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 which is eligible for that month’s prize draw.

All monthly winners are placed back into the barrel for the grand prize.

Full term & conditions are available on our website.

Treasure Chest Entry Form

The overloaded pelican

LINDSAY TITMARSH

RARELY In a lifetime do we observe an experience that we know will never be repeated, no matter how long we live for.

Recently, I had such an encounter.

On the Susan River side of my family property, Tandora, is a large 105-acre official ‘Nature Refuge’ restored wetland.

As we have recently had a run of good seasons, the wetlands have had adequate water to allow a population of fish to become established.

It is usually a favorite haunt for waterbirds also, but the absence of runoff rainfall this year, has resulted in the two feet of water it usually holds almost drying away.

During wet times, water overflowing into a tidal creek allowed mullet to swim up the flowing water into the impoundment.

This they can easily do. The pest species Tilapia, which is now widespread

‘everywhere’, also became established in the wetland.

As water levels receded to the deeper channels, dozens of pelicans, cormorants and what must have been almost every fish eagle ‘in town’, descended on the area.

I recently went for a drive to check out the wetland.

When I arrived, most of the smaller birds departed, as well as all but one of the pelicans which took off and circled as if looking for a thermal to gain height.

The one that did not follow the others had problems, resulting in it making a forced landing within 20 metres of where I was standing near my ute.

It had the whole area to land on, but the situation must have been urgent for it to land almost beside me.

After making strange gurgling noises, it sat for a minute or so, looked around, then took off.

When I walked over to where it had been sitting,

In total seven fish, including three living ones were laying there.

The largest one, a living

tilapia, was 30cm long. It was obvious that the pelican was uncomfortable with its large load, so took drastic action.

It was a once in a lifetime experience for me.

The overloaded pelican landed almost beside me; (inset) Seven fish, of which three were living, included a 30 centimetre tilapia: and (right) a small section of Tandora’s wetland. (Lindsay Titmarsh) numerous fish were flapping around on the dried-out mud.

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.

THESE holidays, me and my family put together a fantastic display in our backyard. It was a wholesome experience that I wanted to share with you, as it may give you some inspiration for something to do if you are bored or want to spend time with your family.

What activity did we do? We created a fairy garden.

For those of you who do not know, a fairy garden is a miniature garden that you can create with structures and plants and little houses for ‘fairies’ to live in.

With a fairy garden, you can be as creative

as you like, whether it’s painting rocks, decorating birdhouses or scattering teeny-weeny stepping stones.

It’s a wonderful activity that you can do with your family, and the best part is, you can go as overboard as you like!

For example, with our fairy garden, my Dad made a tiny runway for fairies to launch off of when they fly.

Fairy gardens come in many different shapes and sizes - they can be regular gardens on a small scale, farmyards, or little doors hollowed out of a piece of wood for example.

They can be a cute little area that guests can discover when they come over.

However, all of this begs the question, how did Fairy Gardens become a thing in the first place?

Who created the idea that led me to write about this

seemingly random topic?

After doing some research, I found the answer.

What’s

with Phoebe Lee MARYBOROUGH SUN SUPER-CUB REPORTER

Thinking of starting some further study?

If you’re an adult considering further study, our free interactive workshops can support you to take the first steps towards uni or TAFE.

Developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) these workshops provide a supportive and no-pressure environment for you to explore your options. Maryborough Library, 9am–11am

According to the GardensTrustBlog, in the mid 1930s, a lady called Anne Ashberry was living in a flat in London.

Though she had no backyard, she had window boxes that she wanted to make more interesting, rather than just putting in some flowers.

And so, Anne decided to make a hobby of creating miniature gardens.

One example I found of one of her first creations was of a small farm inside a window box, with three ducks in a field with mini flowers growing alongside a picket fence.

“Soon, after much experimenting with different plants, I had three complete gardens in…a window…seen from inside…like three individual landscapes viewed through the wrong end of a telescope.” Anne had said.

Eventually, Anne decided to turn this hobby into a business. The business was highly successful and so, over the years, this fad has spread and is still around today, however these “individual landscapes” that Anne created have been turned into a place for tiny mythical creatures, to spread happiness everywhere.

Maryborough Regional Art Society Gallery

OCTOBER

- Focus on Landscape Exhibition by Wendy Talbot, Helen Campbell, Vicki Armstrong and Jo Dansie.

Hervey Bay Regional Gallery exhibitions until 12 Nov

- Girra: Fraser Coast National Art Prize

- Alan Peebles: Bird Man

Gatakers Artspace exhibitions until 5 Nov

- An Aerial Perspective - Michel Scutts

- Treading Lightly - Helle Cook

- Twenty23 - St Mary’s College

Glorious Gardens exhibition until 30 Nov

The Story Bank

Creative Space Print Studio

Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am

Gatakers Creative Space

Free Film Screening: FLYWAYS

Wed 4 Oct, 10am, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

FREE Dance Workshop with The Ironing Maidens

Thur 5 Oct, 5pm, Tiaro Memorial Hall

FREE Music Making Workshop with The Ironing Maidens

Thu 5 Oct, 5pm, Tiaro Community Centre

Exhibition Tour: Seniors Month

Thursdays in October, 10.30am, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

A Little Life - Screening

Fri 6 Oct, 12.30pm & Sat 7 Oct, 7pm, Brolga Theatre

Creative Generations 2023 (North Coast) - North Coast

Region High School Students

6 Oct - 29 Oct, Gatakers Creative Space

Maryborough Mental Health Week Art Exhibition 2023

6 Oct - 15 Oct, Gatakers Creative Space

FREE performance: The Ironing Maidens present Electro Housewife

Fri 6 Oct, 6pm, Tiaro Memorial Hall

CreativiTea

Tue 10 Oct, 10am & Thu 12 Oct, 10am, Gatakers

Art Club Term 4

Wednesdays, 4pm, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Royal Czech Ballet - Sleeping Beauty

Sat 14 Oct, 7.30pm, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre

Morning Melodies - King of Swingers

Thu 19 Oct, 11am, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre

Queens Park celebrates 150 years

20 Oct - 12 Nov, Gatakers Creative Space

Art Club Teens Term 4

Thursdays, 4pm, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

Les Divas: An All Male Revue

Fri 27 Oct, 8pm, Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre

Workshop: Material Play with Pamela Bristow

Sat 28 Oct, 10am, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery

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

The idea of ‘fairy gardens’ might not be new, but the certainly add colour and interest to a garden. (Phoebe Lee)

Time for sugar marketers to step up for growers

From CANEGROWERS CHAIRMAN OWEN MENKENS

EARLIER this month, a ship loaded with Queensland sugar sailed up the River Thames to the Tate & Lyle Sugars refinery in London.

It was the first tariff-free shipment of Australian sugar exported to the United Kingdom in half a century, making it a pretty big deal.

As a result, plenty of newspaper column inches, radio interviews, and television news segments were dedicated to covering the shipment and hailing the success of the government’s free trade agreement with the UK.

However, what most people might not have realised from perusing these reports is the role a particular group of Queensland sugarcane growers played in making this shipment

possible.

While the A-UK FTA opened the door for Australian sugar, Tate & Lyle only wanted that sugar if it was certified as being sustainably grown.

They were even willing to pay a premium for sustainable Aussie sugar. Queensland Sugar Limited, the marketer that organised the shipment, was only able to meet that demand and achieve that premium thanks to the hard work of those cane growers who have voluntarily sought accreditation in the industry’s best management practice program, Smartcane BMP.

This industry-led program, which is supported by funding from the State Government, is now recognised by international sugar sustainability gatekeepers Bonsucro and VIVE as meeting their sustainability criteria,

and has therefore become a cornerstone of the industry’s plans for growth and diversification.

Already over 40% of Queensland’s sugarcane producing area is accredited in the program, putting us miles ahead of many other ag sectors that have introduced similar programs.

For several years CANEGROWERS has encouraged growers to become certified, not simply to improve their farming systems and increase the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of their businesses, but also on the promise that the program would one day attract a premium for their sugar.

It has taken a lot of time and effort, but we are finally on the cusp of realising that goal, as this first shipment of sustainably grown sugar to the UK proves.

The government is playing its part, opening new markets for Australian sugar, and the growers are certainly doing their bit, adopting sustainable farming practices, and seeking Smartcane BMP certification.

Now it is time for sugar marketers to come to the table and ensure that producers of certified sustainable sugar receive a premium for those efforts.

As consumers become

increasingly conscious of how the products they purchase are made, and actively seek sustainable alternatives, demand for sustainably produced sugar will only grow.

The Australian industry wants to lead the world in this area, and growers are working hard to achieve it.

But if we want to build on the momentum of the Smartcane BMP program and revitalise the industry through diversification, for

the benefit of the entire supply chain and the communities in which we operate, then growers must be recognised and rewarded for their efforts.

First and foremost, marketers must pass on premiums. But more than that, they must innovate and create new sustainability marketing pools and products where growers can realise the full value and potential of their sustainably produced sugar.

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

LOCALLY OWNED, LOCALLY FOCUSED

Puzzles

SOLUTIONS ON FISHING PAGE

BRAINTEASERS

1. A man was walking in the rain. He was in the middle of nowhere. He had nothing and nowhere to hide. He came home all wet, but not a single hair on his head was wet. Why is that?

2. Fourteen of the kids in the class are girls. Eight of the kids wear blue shirts. Two of the kids are neither girls or wear a blue shirt. If five of the kids are girls who wear blue shirts, how many kids are in the class?

3. Paul’s height is six feet, he’s an assistant at a butcher’s shop, and wears size 9 shoes. What does he weigh?

4. The person who makes it has no need for it. The person who purchases it does not use it. The person who does use it does not know he or she is. What is it?

Bushy Tales

Insanity Streak

HEALTH & WELLBEING

60 day prescriptions are on the way

MANY patients can now receive twice the medication for the cost of a single prescription.

From September 2024 this will apply to more than 300 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

To qualify, patients must: - live with an ongoing health condition - be assessed by their prescriber to be stable on their current medication - have discussed their medication with their prescriber - have received a new 60day prescription.

The price changes are happening in 3 stages over 12 months and will be complete by 1 September 2024.

These changes follow advice from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). PBAC recommended that it was clinically safe and suitable to allow 60-day

prescriptions for eligible patients.

Prescribers can use their professional clinical judgement to decide to give 30 or 60-day prescriptions

The PBS medicines recommended by PBAC as suitable for dispensing in increased quantities includes medicines for ongoing health conditions, such as:

- asthma

- breast cancer

- cardiovascular disease

- chronic obstructive

- pulmonary disease (COPD)

- constipation

- chronic renal failure

- 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’s disease

- ulcerative colitis.

The move to 60-day prescriptions won’t cause medicine shortages as patients will still buy the same amount of medicine each year.

While eligible patients can buy double the medication on a single prescription,

Men’s Walk & Talk

Every Thursday 5.15pm

Ululah Lagoon, Cheapside Street Next to the netball courts - look for the flag

BEAUTY SALON

Chameleon Skin & Beauty

this will last them for a longer period so demand for medicines will stay the same.

The Federal Government says that most of the medicines PBAC recommended for 60day prescriptions have no shortage of supply in Australia

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

Check out our Facebook Page for our exciting Monthly Specials!

Phone: 4122 1200

200 Bazaar St Maryborough

CHIROPRACTORS

Farmer Chiropractic

Sun

MARYBOROUGH

The Maryborough Sun newspaper reaches 14,000 households every fortnight in Maryborough and surrounding areas.

Predominantly, our readers are aged 45+

Whilst many are now connected to social media and online news, our readers still enjoy reading the newspaper and rely on it to connect to their community.

Each edition of The Sun is also available FREE online to download, print, read or email.

We are a family owned, locally produced publication.

Sun

We have provided professional, quality Accountancy and Taxation Services to the Maryborough and Fraser Coast Community for 25 years.

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

Locally owned and run hair salon. Walk ins are always welcome for mens haircuts. Our staff are all local and well versed in all types and styles of hair design. Find us across the road from the Cenotaph.

Call in for a chat every day except Monday.

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.

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS HERE?

To find out how, call 0411 281 148 Or email

R1300 showcases enduro technology

BMW Motorrad will launch the all-new R 1300 GS in Australia during the first half of 2024.

The new offering builds upon BMW Motorrad’s rich heritage developing highly capable off-road touring machinery, with the brand establishing the touring enduro segment more than four decades ago with the pioneering R 80 G/S.

The BMW GS with boxer engine has been the undisputed leader of the competitive field ever since.

To ensure this remains the case in the future, BMW Motorrad has opted for an almost completely new design for the new R 1300 GS, with an impressive weight saving of 12kg compared with the previous model.

The centrepiece is once again the legendary twocylinder boxer engine. Its new design is more compact than ever before thanks to a gearbox located under the engine and a new camshaft drive arrangement. From exactly 1300cc it produces an output of 107kW (145hp) at 7750rpm, developing

maximum torque of 149Nm at 6500rpm. This makes it by far the most powerful BMW boxer engine ever built in series production.

At the centre of the new suspension is the sheet metal shell main frame made of steel, which in addition to being significantly optimised in terms of installation space also offers higher levels of stiffness than the predecessor model. For the rear frame, the previous tubular steel structure has now been replaced with a die-cast aluminium construction. The new EVO Telelever front wheel guide with flex element and the revised EVO Paralever rear wheel guide also provide even greater steering precision and ride stability.

New electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) as optional equipment ex works, with dynamic adaptation of the damping and spring rate, and load compensation

The previous Dynamic ESA Next Generation electronic suspension itself

provided a high level of ride safety and enjoyment on a wide variety of terrains with its dynamic adjustment of the damping and adjustable spring rest at the rear.

The new electronic Dynamic Suspension Adjustment (DSA) now goes one step further, combining the dynamic adjustment of the front and rear damping with a corresponding adjustment of the spring rate (“spring stiffness”) – depending on the selected riding mode, riding condition and manoeuvres. The automatic adjustment of the spring rest ensures load compensation. This makes for an even more thrilling riding experience on all surfaces. Whether solo, in pairs or with bulky luggage, DSA ensures an even higher level of ride safety, performance and comfort

Adaptive vehicle height control and sports suspension as optional equipment ex works

In conjunction with DSA as optional equipment ex works, two other elements are available to enhance the suspension of the new R 1300 GS: the new

adaptive vehicle height control and the sports suspension.

With adaptive vehicle height control, the new R 1300 GS offers fully automatic adjustment of the vehicle height depending on the operating condition, thereby ensuring the greatest possible comfort without having to compromise on riding

dynamics and banking freedom.

With 20mm more spring travel at the front and rear and an optional athletically firm sports suspension specially developed for the GS, off-road riders are well catered for.

Riding Assistant with Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane

Change Warning (SWW) for safe and convenient motorcycling

The new BMW R 1300 GS features the new Riding Assistant option, comprising the components Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Change Warning (SWW).

Pricing from $26,000

New Mazda2 provides safety...and fun

THE compact Mazda2 is the gateway into Mazda’s comprehensive newvehicle range.

First introduced in 2002, the Mazda2 nameplate has become synonymous with driving enjoyment as well as style and quality in Australia’s Light newcar segment.

It’s been widely chosen as a city car, second car and first car, offering drivers Mazda’s signature JinbaIttai driving experience for more than 20 years.

This dynamic and concentrated expression of Mazda’s Kodo-Soul of Motion design makes it a showcase of tight flowing lines that convey a spirit of movement, an aesthetic signal of its fun-to-drive nature and vibrant personality. Its size makes it the distilled essence of Mazda’s human-centric design philosophy.

A number of considered enhancements have been applied to the Mazda2 for 2023.

Fresh exterior styling underscores its fun yet elegant exterior. New

paint colours, colour accents and grille styles are joined by gradespecific updates such as a carbon-fibre-style roof finish and a new allow wheel design.

Inside, the Mazda2 now offers refreshed seat designs, decorative dash panel colours, and new model grade-specific equipment.

The Skyactiv-G 1.5-litre petrol engine now enjoys improved fuel economy and CO2 output, ensuring driving enjoyment as well as enhanced environmental performance.

The dynamic nature of the Mazda2 continues in this new 2023 edition thanks to a superbly engineered and refined MacPherson strut and torsion beam suspension combination, which is matched to Mazda’s cleverly developed Skyactiv vehicle architecture.

Add to this an impressive teaming of Mazda’s i-Activsense driver assistance systems and it’s easy to understand the long-standing popularity of the Mazda2 as a vibrant

and high-quality compact car.

Summarising the Mazda2, Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director, Mazda Australia, said: “Compact, agile and beautifully proportioned: the Mazda2 isn’t only stylish and functional, it’s generously appointed with the equipment and technologies customers want.

“After more than 20 years, the Mazda2 continues to be a fun-to-drive car like no other.”

Engine and transmission:

1.5 litre I4 16-valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) engine with i-stop

Power: 82 kW @ 6,000 rpm (manual) / 81 kW @ 6,000 rpm (auto)

Torque: 144 Nm @ 4,000 rpm (manual) / 142 Nm @ 3,500 rpm (auto)

Fuel consumption: 5.4 litres (manual) / 5.0 litres (auto) per 100 km*

CO2 emissions: 125g (manual) / 117g (auto) per km

Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with optimised control for enhanced upshifts and paddle shift operation

Smooth-shifting SkyactivMT 6-speed manual transmission (available only on the Pure model grade)

Front-wheel drive (FWD) layout.

The 2023 Mazda2 is

equipped with an array of i-Activsense driversupporting safety technologies, including

Smart City Brake Support

- Forward (SCBS-F),

Smart City Brake Support

- Reverse (SCBS-R), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The Evolve and GT model grades are fitted with Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The GT model grade comes fitted with front parking sensors and 360-degree View Monitor.

• 15" Alloy wheels

• Rear parking sensors

• Rear view camera

• LED 'London Eye' daytime running lights

• 4 Speaker audio system w/ Yamaha 3D Sound Field

• Leather trimmed steering wheel with contrast stitching

• Tartan fabric trim seating

• 8" colour infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay

• 1.5L engine

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DEATH NOTICES

Bevan Charles STAIER

25 February 1940 – 18 September 2023

Sadly missed and forever in the hearts of his wife Heather; children: Deborah, Peter, Amanda, Belinda and Peter M, their partners, his 11 grandchildren and his 4 great grandchildren.

‘HE LEFT THIS EARTH ON HIS OWN TERMS AND HAS NOW GONE FISHING’

A service for Bevan will be held in the Chapel at the Norwood Crematorium, Sandford St Mitchell ACT on Friday 6 October at 3pm (Daylight Savings Time).

Livestream is available, please contact Toscan Dinn for details.

Toscan Dinn Funerals

Liardet Street, Weston ACT Phone (02) 6287 3466 Leaders in Care and Service

2017 NISSAN PULSAR

Only 12,500 kms

Automatic, registered Excellent Condition

$14,500

Phone 0432 062 992

CAR REMOVALS

WANTED TO BUY OR TAKE AWAY

Unwanted Cars, Utes etc

Barsby Spare Parts

294 Gympie Road Tinana

Phone (07) 4122 3855

winterauctions

BOTTLEBRUSH CRAFTS CENTRE

*Classes

MELBOURNE

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Open at 10am

Space Book your seat now Phone Barbara (07) 4121 5286

TOMBOLA

Doon Villa Bowls Club 297 Lennox St Maryborough

Sunday

Xmas

FRIENDSHIP GROUP

Come join our Friendship Group Every Thursday at Granville Tavern - 11:00am

Maryborough Bowls Club

TOMBOLA

Sunday 3rd December 2023

Doors open 11.30am for a 1pm start

Afternoon Tea –

Lots of prizes

Enquiries Phone (07) 4121 3285

Are you interested in learning hand embroidery?

Maryborough Embroiderers

Meet on a Wednesday Between 1:00 & 3:00pm

In the Uniting Church Hall, Russell Street

All Welcome

Contact Lynne 0419 771 716

Maryborough

Monarchs Chess Club

Monday nights in the Den 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Maryborough RSL

(via car

Our

Local gymnasts go national

CRAIG WINTER

THREE local athletes have represented Maryborough GymSports at the National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast for the very first time.

Riley Saunders-Forbers (9), Kenzie Brown (11) and Ashleigh Vicic (24) took part in the two week event that attracts over 5,000 competitors, officials, and support staff, as well as the spectators.

Since 2018, the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival has been held at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, the home of “gymnastics, designed to show the breadth of talent and skill that lives within the hundreds of Australian gymnastics clubs who travel to the event, as well as a number of international gymnasts.”

The venue provides worldclass competition and training facilities capable of hosting international sporting events such as the badminton, weightlifting and wrestling competitions

during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Riley competed in the individual and team categories as level 3 Men’s Artistic Gymnast whilst Kenzie and Ashleigh competed in the level 4 Women’s Acrobatics Pair.

The acrobatics pair reached their goals for this season and are “over the moon with the solid routines” they did according to MGS Head Coach Kelsey Connell, Riley was part of a team that got outstanding results, placing 2nd in the team vault, 4th in the team high bar and 6th in the team parallel bars categories.

“It has been a busy year of training, competitions and specialist clinics for the athletes to get them in tip top shape to peak at this event,” said Kelsey.

“For all three athletes and Maryborough gymnastics coaches, this was their biggest competition to date as it’s the pinnacle event of 2023 for this level of gymnast.”

For anyone who’s interested in gymnastics at Maryborough GymSports, they can contact the office on 4123 1044 or email marygymsports@bigpond. com

The Club is currently celebrating 6o years. Bookings for term 4 enrollments for children aged 2 through to adults, in many types of classes are closing soon. You can find out more on Wix, Facebook and Instagram.

Riley, Kenzie and Ashleight took part in the recent National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast. (Maryborough Gymsports)

The holiday fishing is fine

Do you have a passion for local sports?

We’re looking for a casual/freelance sports writer to provide content for The Maryborough Sun each fortnight.

You’ll be helping keep our readers up to date with what’s happening on the fields around our town, and there is scope for more work with us in the future.

You’ll need to have proven writing experience, and be able to provide us with good quality photographs of the events you attend.

Bowls results

Championship Triples

: S.Bartley, K.Milzewski, R.Whittaker d J.Kemp, B.Houston, J.Devenish

22-11.

Tuesday Open Triples

: Winners - K.Andersen,

S.Jensen, C.White 2 w + 19. Runners up - C.Laughton, Ray, B.Spilsbury 1L 1w18.

Jackpot Pairs : Winners - J.Devenish, B.Houston 2 w + 20.

Runners up - G.Kemp, B.Spilsbury 1 L 1 w 14.

J.McCoombe, B.Madsen

2 w + 5.

K.Paxton, C.White 2 w + 2.J.Fraser, K.Pieper

1 L 1 w 11. G.Gleeson, J.Demarco 1 L 1 w 8.

S.Patch, T.Buckley 1 w 1

L. J.Chilton, B.Stimpson

1w 1L.

I.Axelsen, N.Weinheimer

1w 1L.R.Dunn, G.Gambie 2L. R.Jensen, M.jensen 2L.R.Andersen, R.Whittaker 2L.

Jackpot Pairs : Winners - G.Gleeson, R.Whittaker d

J.McCoombe, B.Madsen

21-12. Runners upJ.Gleeson, T.Buckley d

D.Anderson, K.Paxton

37-11. G.Kemp, B.Spilsbury d

L.Rampton, R.Dillon

34-13. I.Axelsen, P.Whittaker d

J.Chhilton, B.Stimpson

26-15. B.Houston, J.Devenish d

N.Gambie, G.Gambie

23-15. S.Patch, A.Scholl d R.Andersen, C.White

22-19. Jackpot winners - G.Kemp, B.Spilsbury, L.Rampton, R.Dillon.

Sunday Morning Rollers : Winners - R.Window, S.Patch, A.Scholl d L.Rampton, B.Culshaw, J.Martin 22-

13. Runners up - Rog, Gordon, John d

C.Strochnetter, K.Campbell, O.Maughan

19-17. K.Gitsham, B.Richardson, C.Williams d R.Andersen, N.Weinheimer, B.Spilsbury 37-12. P.Stephensen, B.Madsen

B.Stimpson d L.Swart, Lloyd, Sid 28-14.

B.Houston, J.Devenish, C.Sutton d N.Gambie, G.Gambie, K.Paxton 17-14.

- C White, scribe

MARYBOROUGH LADIES

Fri 15/9 – Social

S Natoli, A Blazely def J Nolan, L Handley 16-8

C Murdoch, P Matsen def B Wakelin, P Howard 22-14

C Johnson, A Dodd/M Scott def N McDonald, B Cochrane 21-10

MARYBOROUGH

MENS

Thur 21/09 – Mens Jackpot Pairs Roger Wells, Laurie Genrich def Ric Eduards, Des Kohler 30-9 Barry Donohue, Des Blazely def John Natoli, Trevor Pike 24-13

Bernie Dean, Keith Campbell def Cliff Lean, Wally Burton 18-16 Brad Faint, John Dawson def Winston Murdoch, Roger Wilson 19-12

Peter Harvey, Alan Dennison def Peter Nolan, Wayne Ward 20-16

Mike McDonald, Don Plummer def Rod McLeish, Gordon Heselwood 23-12

David McAnulty, Owen Maughan def Ray Watts, Peter Frawley 21-16

Steve Jones Ken Milzewski def Trevor Lindeberg, Derek Nation 23-20

Anthony Aiello, Bob Long def Earl Kath, Noel Johnson 19-13

Alan Blackwell Arthur Simpson def Terry Jackson, Paul Clarke 22-10

Winners - Steve Jones, Ken Milzewski

Runner up - Bernie Dean, Keith Campbell Loser - Gordon Heselwood, Rod McLeish Jackpot did not go off . - S Wells, scribe

From FREEDOM FISHING SUPPLIES

SCHOOL holidays, fishing comps and great weather make for lots of fishos hitting the water lately.

Lets have a look at the report.

Our mighty Mary is still a very popular place to fish.

Boaties are fishing all parts of the river, however the top end seems to be the busiest.

Barra, threadfin salmon, grunter and of course your silver and black bream are all being caught.

Reports from the Burrum system have been good, with barra and mangrove jack high on the hit-list.

Popular camping and fishing spots throughout the Great Sandy Strait have been generous for this time of year for our holiday makers.

Shore-based fishers have reported catches of whiting, bream and flathead, whilst those getting out over towards the island drop-offs have been landing mosses, perch, coral bream, blackall and estuary cod.

If you haven’t ventured into popping for summer whiting, now is a great time to start with some elbow slappers being reported from most sand/ mud flats.

Not to mention that a nice flathead isn’t a

THIS WEEK'S BRAG BOARD

bad bycatch.

Trolling medium to shallow diving lures alongside the mangroves throughout the estuary system of the Sandy Strait has produced some quality mangrove jack, barramundi, threadfin salmon and estuary cod, or if you’re after a feed of grunter, it’s hard for them to go past a well presented live yabbie.

Mangrove jack are also still being reported around Kauri and Poona Creeks.

We have also had reports of small GTs around the 3kg mark around Kingfisher, and mixed bags of quality reef fish at McKenzies Ledge.

The bass are fired up with Tinana Creek fishing well, but remember you can no longer fish above Teddington Weir at all.

First up is Alex and Jackson who had a great trip landing this mangrove jack and flathead. Luke landed a nice barra. Kayne loved the Island landing a few tailor. Aiden also landed a nice barra, his went 6.6kg. Tim is up next with a nice blackall and some elbow slapping summer whiting. Sheree and Addy had a great day at Toogoom. This sickle fish was released safely.

DOON VILLA MEN