A GUTSY WIN AT EUROPEAN TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Max Neumann’s recent victory in the PTO (Professional Triathletes Organisation) European Triathlon Championship in Ibiza, Spain is a true testament to his exceptional athleticism, resilience and dedication. Possessing the trifecta of swimming, cycling and running abilities, as well as an indomitable spirit, Neumann has solidified his place among the elite athletes in the world of triathlon.

28 year old Neumann, who is coached by his brother Mitchell, attributes his significant career milestone to the unwavering support of his close-knit family and his straightforward training approach. The ex-Marist College Ashgrove student grew up in Mt Samson, developing a passion for cross-country racing from an early age.

The PTO European Triathlon Championship features a standard distance race covering a total of 100 kilometres, including a 2-kilometre swim, 80-kilometre cycling leg and an 18-kilometre run. This innovative middle-distance contest held in Ibiza in May, marked the first time that reigning Olympic champion Kristian Blummenfelt, along with London and Rio gold medalist Alistair Brownlee, and the Beijing Olympic champion Jan Frodeno had competed against each other in the same race.

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Max Neumann emerged as the victor, outlasting the late charge from PTO World #1, Blummenfelt. Notably, Neumann managed to keep Frodeno (4th) and Brownlee (6th) at bay throughout the race.

The race began with the swim leg in the calm waters of sunny Ibiza, with Max emerging from the water within 20 seconds of the race leader, Aaron Royle. The 80km cycling course saw Alistair Brownlee take the lead, forming a group alongside Neumann and Kyle Smith. Brownlee and Smith were the first to dismount their bikes.

The outcome of the race hinged on the 18km run leg. Initially, Brownlee had gained a significant advantage of nearly half a minute over his competitors. However, Neumann displayed extraordinary determination and gradually closed the gap, surpassing the British athlete around the midway point. This pivotal moment shifted the dynamics of the race in Neumann’s favour.

Despite Blummenfelt’s intense late surge, almost catching up to Neumann, the 27-yearold, ranked seventh in the world, managed to maintain his lead, sealing a memorable victory under the Spanish sun. With this remarkable achievement, Neumann not only secured a well-deserved $100,000 prize, but sees him climb the world rankings to No. 4, and named PTO’s May Athlete of the Month. As Max’s journey continues to unfold, we eagerly anticipate even more extraordinary achievements and inspiring performances from this emerging champion.

Are you looking for a past edition or would like to share this paper with someone?

You can find past editions of The Village Pump at www. samfordprogress.org.au/ digital-issues-the-village-pump/

Tales Of Myella

Jean Smith could work in a muddy dairy all day and still be well-groomed at dusk. At 95, sparky Jean, resident of Myella, Highvale since 1950, still babysits grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her children, Janice, Lois and Malcolm, brought up to follow the ten commandments which Jean thought were excellent guidelines for being a good mother, live on portions of the old family farm near her.

Jean chose Alan, who she’d known all her life, as her life partner. She waited until he stopped flirting with other locals, before marrying him in 1949. In 1950, Jean and Alan partnered with her parents-in-law to buy Myella. The agent showed them the place from the top of a hill. They saw mountains and lush green grass, a dairy and pineapples, a place of beauty. They didn’t see how run down the place was, despite the valiant efforts of the inexperienced previous owner.

The Smiths survived a perilous journey from Montville. The truck carrying most of their worldly goods, finally bogged to the axles on the wet road outside their new home. Three generations moved into the old place as Alan’s grandmother joined them. Janice, first of the fourth generation, arrived in ’51. In ’53, Jean prepared for her next child. She travelled to Newmarket for checkups as there was no doctor in Samford. Janice, on seeing a cot and pram in the bedroom, asked Jean if two babies were coming. Jean assured her there was only one. After Lois arrived, the midwife told Jean to keep going as there was another bub tucked away. Half an hour later Lois’s twin, Malcolm greeted the world, shocking his mother. Jean who already ran all day, became a super-organised marathon athlete working all day between farm and house.

The old house was a bit crowded so Alan, his father and a carpenter built a small place for Jean and their little brood. The old house, thirteen steps high, was lowered, and an annexe built for Alan’s grandmother. When she passed away, Jean and Alan swapped houses with his parents as the old place was bigger.

Myella had no electricity until 1956. Nappies were hand washed and boiled in a kero tin on the stove for which wood and chips had to be chopped. Cooked meals revolved around farm chores. Water was piped to the houses from the hand dug well. The kerosine refrigerator was a constant fire hazard. A copper boiled bed sheets and dirty clothes clean but not together. In the dairy a hand pump wound up the machines for milking each morning and late afternoon. Alan’s ute with a tank in the back brought water from the creek to the dairy so it could be scrubbed scrupulously clean after every milking. The dairy was redesigned to have a ramp built for the cows.

Then there were the pineapples which were handpicked, put into baskets and carried, with as many under the empty arm as possible, to the ute, to be taken for packing by Alan and his dad. Lucky they were smooths not roughs. Everybody worked. When Alan took the pineapples to the cannery, he picked up pineapple pulp and broken and burnt Weetbix from Sanatorium for cattle feed.

Entertainments were simple: tennis, an occasional dance and special treats at the Exhibition speedway. The family and their neighbours made their own fun, building a close community. They fought bushfires and built sports field fences together. When the Smiths were hit by an URTI virus, the neighbours pitched in to help with milking. Jean was proud when Alan stripped to his underwear in the middle of winter as they were heading home, giving his warm clothes to Alan Morrison, who, in only a singlet and shorts, was rushing to attend to a serious accident nearby.

Jean and her family ran a very successful dairy and pineapple farm, based on love, cooperation, respect and hard work: values have lasted through another two generations.

Julie Martin

MAIN & JUNCTION ST DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Over the last few months, there has been much discussion in our village and on social media about the proposed new development on the corner of Main and Junctions Streets. Residents of Junction Street and many concerned local residents formed their own working group and have fought very hard to maintain the integrity of their street and their lifestyle. Concerned residents attended Samford & Districts Progress & Protection Association (SDPPA) meetings to voice their concerns and seek support from them, on behalf of the community, to assist with a response to the DA (MBRC DA 2022/4057).

SDPPA Vice President Don Cousins reviewed the DA and engaged a Town Planner to review the application. Subsequently the SDPPA submitted a formal response to MBRC re the DA, it was one of more than 300 submissions received, the vast majority of which opposed the Application.

On 31 May, Don was invited to address the MBRC Council Meeting on behalf of residents. He stated that while supporting appropriate development aligned with community needs, the SDPPA argues that this particular development deviates from Council zoning codes and fails to embrace the rural ambiance and local township character of Samford Village. The main concerns raised by residents are as follows:

1. Material Change of Use: The proposed development aims to convert residential properties on

Junction Street into commercial premises, thereby transforming quiet residential streets into busy thoroughfares. The SDPPA emphasises that the commercial development should not take priority over the residential precincts of Samford Village, which were purchased with the understanding that zoning would not be impacted by a commercial business.

2. Traffic Issues and Car Parking: The submission highlights significant concerns about increased traffic along Junction Street, Progress Street, Ingrid Street, Bergman Street and Cash Avenue. The anticipated traffic volume, including up to 200 vehicles per hour, significantly exceeds current figures and will disrupt residents’ lifestyles. Additionally, the logistics of truck access to the proposed loading dock and limited parking provisions pose further challenges.

3. Height, Form, and Use: The proposed building exceeds the maximum height limit and does not align with the character and heritage of Main Street or the residential nature of Junction Street. The removal of existing trees and lack of substantial landscaping exacerbate the building’s imposing presence, which contradicts the low intensity and small-scale outcomes desired by the community.

4. Needs analysis: A number of the submissions to Council disputed the DA’s Needs Analysis, they noted that there are ample respective services available within the Village to meet the needs of the Valley and surrounding Districts going forward. In conclusion, the SDPPA emphasised that Samford Village’s essence lies in its Main Street, which reflects the natural character, history and relaxed semi-rural lifestyle of the area. The proposed development’s oversized nature and failure to integrate with the existing streetscape and village vibe are major concerns. The core issue with the development lies in its material change of use, converting peaceful residential streets into busy thoroughfares to accommodate a commercial premise. The SDPPA strongly opposes this transformation and urged the Council to consider the community’s perspective when making a decision.

MBRC advised that it had written to the developer on 30 May, addressing many of the aspects raised in the various submissions. We will continue to update the community on this application.

The Movement Team Physiotherapy

These are just some of the incredible mums that attend Mel’s Post Natal Classes every week!

These classes are designed to teach you how to lift properly and get you strong after having your baby.

Meet our Team!

At Samford Community Kindergarten our program is delivered by an experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic team who are committed to educating and caring for young children.

Our Director/Teacher, Mrs Sue Meek (pictured) began her teaching career at Samford Kindy in 1987 where she worked in both the role of Director and Co-Director for the following 24 years! She returned to Samford Kindy in 2022, once again taking on the role of Director. “Returning to Samford Kindy last year felt like ‘coming home. ’ I thoroughly enjoy sharing the learning journey with children and their families.”

Our Teaching Assistants

Mrs Tanya Donaghey has been a teaching assistant at Samford Kindy for more than 11 years.

“I love this role as it allows me to inspire, encourage and promote the importance of early years education through play.”

Mrs Justine McCabe has over 28 years experience working with children. Miss Justine’s qualifications include a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Diploma in Montessori Teaching Methods. “There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of a young child’s learning and development!”

Mrs Shanina Deegan provides Inclusion Support at our Kindy, which means children who may require additional support can learn and play alongside their peers. “I enjoy providing inclusion support to help all children participate in our Kindy program.”

Administrator Zoe Edwards’ background is in corporate HR, so Kindy administration has been a bit of a career change.

“I feel lucky to work in such a caring and happy environment – and love seeing all the familiar little faces around the village at the park, footy training and school!”

Come and join us at our upcoming Open Day on Saturday 17th June, 10am-12pm.

Please follow our Social Media accounts, a place to document, support and celebrate our Kindergarten.

Facebook- SamfordCommunityKindergarten Instagram-samford_community_ kindergarten

Jessica

Arana Hills Library

June/July School Holiday Program

Drop into the library for school holiday fun. Bookings NOW OPEN.

Thursday 29 June: Music Exploratorium, 2pm – 3pm.

Discover the science behind sound and music with our range of science experiments! Ages 8-11 years.

Saturday 1 July: Imagination Trail, 10.30am – 11.30am.

Let’s tell a story together! Become the hero of your own tale in this adventure role play with the Australian Acting Academy. Ages 7-12.

Wednesday 5 July: Larrikin Puppet Show, 2pm – 3pm.

Sing, dance and play along with the feelgood antics of Larrikin Puppets! Ages 8 and under.

JUNE WORKSHOPS

Friday 16 June: Beeswax Wraps, 11am – 11.30am.

Saturday 17 June: Beeswax Wraps, 10.30am – 11.00am.

Discover how quick and easy it is to make beeswax wraps. Take home a 20cm snack-size wrap and a 30cm wrap, perfect for wrapping larger bowls. Best for adults. Free. Bookings required. Facilitated by our friendly library staff

For bookings and to find out more of what’s happening each week, go to mbrc. qld.gov.au/libraries or visit us on Facebook @MBRC.libraries

Arana Hills Library, 63 Cobbity Cres,