Country Journal, Week #56 - January 31, 2022

4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY IN THE SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA + DAILY JOURNAL & STANTHORPE RECORD

CountryJournal Week commencing 31st January 2022

American invasion

Biosecurity Queensland officers have seized the 7th American corn snake detected in the state in the past twelve months. Pretty they may be--or at least pretty spectacularly coloured--but these (and other) prohibited exotic snakes pose a serious biosecurity risk to Queensland.

“If released into the wild in Australia, corn snakes could prey on and out-compete native species for resources and spread exotic reptile diseases,” Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said. “In addition to the biosecurity risk, these animals suffer horrific deprivations and often die during the illegal smuggling process.”

Current restrictions on the import, possession, and sale of American corn snakes, which start their life as pretty colourful but become brighter and more intensely coloured as they get older, are in place to stop them establishing as a pest in Queensland. More inside.

Gnome adoption

AirBNB-QFF alliance

After 45 years in the Australian Army, building a 3-acre garden and establishing a Gnome Adoption Service in Pratten were the last things partners Diane Lawlor and Kalen Sargeant had planned on doing...but that’s exactly what the pair of done...and on a grand scale.“It’s been a real culture shock for me because I’m a city slicker,” Lawlor said. “But I love it. I’d never go back to the city. It’s our little piece of paradise.”

The two purchased four acres ten years ago and haven’t looked back. “There was nothing here,” Lawlor said. “Just bare earth, a shed, and a few gum trees.”

Krista Bjorn spoke to the couple and gives our (07) 46 619 835 readers an E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au insight into a very different world.

An unusual alliance between the Queensland Farmers Federation, Airbnb and Regionality has been formed to try and kickstart enabling no-or-low-impact agritourism activities by ensuring freedom from burdens and red tape.

The trio aim to design a new regulatory framework for rural land that identifies the challenges and opportunities for agritourism as an emerging sector while proposing a sliding scale of regulation to boost rural economies.

Full story page 3.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Mustering accident A pilot injured in helicopter crash in the Western Downs region on Thursday morning was airlifted to hospital by the Toowoombabased RACQ LifeFlight Rescue.

It's believed the man, aged in his twenties, was mustering cattle from the helicopter, when it struck a powerline, crashed to the ground, and was significantly damaged.

The pilot reportedly managed to extricate himself from the wreckage but suffered serious injuries to his chest. He was treated on scene by Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics and Queensland Fire & Emergency Service (QFES) personnel.

The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue aeromedical crew landed close to the scene a short time later.

"He's lucky to be alive," RACQ LifeFlight Rescue pilot Hamish Felton-Taylor said.

The injured man was under the care of the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Critical Care Doctor and QAS Flight Paramedic, when he was airlifted to Toowoomba Hospital, in serious but stable condition.

Grants to food manufacturers

Southern Downs food manufacturers, take notice. The government wants to give you $25,000 to become more energy efficient.

That means local honey collectors, jam specialists and juice bottlers, and other food and beverage manufacturers,

Country briefs

Political VEG AUSVEG, Australia’s peak industry body for the vegetable and potato sectors, has published its priority list in the lead-up to the upcoming Federal Election, which highlights opportunities to combine the broader social benefits of eating more vegetables and potatoes with the positive employment and economic benefits that growers generate for their regional communities.

AUSVEG’s 2022 Federal Election Priorities are grouped into nine critical areas that will help improve health benefits for the Australian public, as well as economic benefits for fresh producers and their communities: increasing domestic consumption of Australian vegetables, workforce, regenerative farming, biosecurity, emergency preparedness and prevention, competition and business, international trade, infrastructure and the next generation.

can apply for a grant of up to through grants to lower their $25,000 to save money on power costs and slash emisenergy bills, improve energy sions as part of the solution efficiency and adopt new to Australia’s carbon neutral energy technologies under future. the latest $19.9 million Applications close on 18 round of the Energy Efficient February 2022 or earlier if Communities (EEC) program. funding is exhausted prior.

Grants can be used to More information, grant replace existing equipment guidelines and application with more energy efficient forms are available at www. models, carry out energy business.gov.au/EECFB, or audits, or improve energy telephone on 13 28 46. monitoring and management.

The food and beverage manufacturing Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here industry is the largest Not London. Not New York. manufacturing sector in Australia, contributing around $22.4 billion to the economy.

The Australian Government is supHead office: 69 Dragon St Warwick porting this vital sector of the economy as A.C.N. 167 171 217 it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Editor: Elizabeth Voneiff The program targets editor@thedailyjournal.ink food and beverage manufacturers, which * Sales: Gordon Bratby 0437 417 736 include some of the most energy intensive * Sales: Peter Schmidt 0447 105 846 small and medium sales@thedailyjournal.ink businesses in Australia.

It’s because they’re A little bit of legals the engine room of the economy employWhile every care is taken to compile this newspaper ing 1 in 4 manufacturaccurately, we cannot be held responsible for any errors that ing workers, that the may occur with advertisements or articles. All submitted Coalition Government content does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Small Newspaper Company or The Country Journal All art and is backing food and editorial content remains the property of the relevant copyright beverage manufacturholder and may not be reproduced without permission. If we ers to be competitive

The Small Newspaper Company Main phone number: 07-4641 7953

have got something wrong, get in touch, and we will print a correction in our next edition...and apologies in advance!

COUNTRYJOURNAL

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QFF and Airbnb partner for agritourism

Room on the farm Unlocking Queensland’s potential as the nation’s agritourism capital is the coal of a new partnership between The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Airbnb and Regionality.

The trio aim to design a new regulatory framework for rural land that identifies the challenges and opportunities for agritourism as an emerging sector while proposing a sliding scale of regulation to boost rural economies.

“Agritourism provides opportunities for farmers to expand their businesses and market their produce through alternative channels, while gathering valuable feedback from consumers,” QFF President Allan Dingle said. “However, Queensland is at risk of losing market share by falling behind other states because of onerous and complex land use regulations that do not solve the intractable problems that limit the growth of this valuable regional Queensland industry.

In order to enable Queensland farmers to innovate, clarity and consistency are required to create a new regulatory framework that is easy for farmers to navigate and opens up the benefits of agritourism.”

QFF, Airbnb and Regionality propose enabling no-or-lowimpact agritourism activities by ensuring freedom from regulatory burdens and onerous red tape.

“Defining agritourism as an ancillary use, the proposed definition of agritourism seeks to enable no-or low-impact activities free from regulatory burdens and move on a sliding scale towards greater regulatory oversight for higher-impact agritourism activity,” Mr Dingle explained. “Creating settings based on the scale and frequency of agritourism

accommodation, experiences and activities, produce sales, processing, and events, addresses the need to protect

agricultural productivity, while allowing value adding and diversification through agritourism.”

Airbnb believes that creating more unique stays and delivering alternative means for farmers to generate income are crucial to strengthening the bush and building more resilient communities.

“We know that Airbnb allows people options to travel to more places, especially in regional Australia where there is limited tourism infrastructure. What’s needed is a regulatory framework that empowers rural communities and allows the creation of more unique stays that deliver new income streams for farmers and help strengthen and build resilience in the bush,” Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia Susan Wheeldon said. “As farming evolves, and our populations and cities change, there are untold opportunities to show off the best regional Queensland has to offer, and create a framework that promotes participa-

tion and benefits farmers, their communities, tourists, and indeed the entire economy.”

Ms Wheeldon explained that QFF, Airbnb and Regionality

are committed to working together with the Queensland Government, rural and regional communities, and other stakeholders to empower farmers to establish or expand into agritourism.

“Through future-focussed regulatory reform,” she said, “Queensland can unlock the potential of agritourism and foster innovation that helps secure the future of farmers and a diverse and resilient Queensland economy.”

“Through future-focussed regulatory reform, Queensland can unlock the potential of agritourism and foster innovation that helps secure the future of farmers and a diverse and resilient Queensland economy.”

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

$500 towards your energy bill?

Queensland and New South Wales farmers could win one of two $500 discounts off their energy bills for participating in a research study aiming to better understand how they consider and choose electricity tariffs for their agricultural operations.

The research project is a collaboration between the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and the University of Queensland, with funding from Energy Consumers Australia, and aims to assist farmers in the tariff decision making process and support greater inclusion of farmers’ needs in the design of more flexible tariffs.

QFF President Allan Dingle said the complex tariff configuration, limited offering in rural

Face to face returning Face To Face with Gerard Walsh will return next week after a break over the holiday season.

Businessman Stuart Judd from Glengallan was the first Face To Face story and the next will be Lyndall McCormack from Killarney Memorial Aged Care and Warwick business Stephanie’s Lingerie.

Lyndall also heads to the Warwick Saleyards on a Tuesday if she has cattle in the sale.

If a buyer bids on your cattle, it is nice to be able to say thanks for your support to any buyers you know who may have had a bid on your cattle.

areas, specific access requirements and multiple electricity meters often made it difficult for farmers and agribusinesses to choose the optimal tariff.

“In order for farmers and agribusinesses to make these important tariff decisions, the agriculture sector requires a better understanding of the challenges around energy use, while also advocating for greater flexibility in the design of tariffs,” Mr Dingle (pictured) said.

“This study will provide farmers with tools to better select and manage electricity tariffs that lead to reductions in electricity costs and opportunities

to manage demand.”

The project partners are seeking farmers to undertake a confidential 30-minute phone or Zoom interview with researchers from the University of Queensland.

Participating farmers will all receive a $40 gift card with those involved by May 31, 2022 going into the draw for the major prizes.

“The questions will focus on electricity tariffs, options to change them, energy consumption and generation systems. The results will be used to assist in tariff design and the production of materials to assist farmers in evaluating tariff choices,” Mr Dingle said.

“We encourage interested farmers to complete the Expression of Interest form and upload a recent electricity bill and a member of the QFF Energy Savers team will be in touch.”

Complete the Expression of Interest form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Z7NVMW

Talking saleyards, Face To Face in a build a new greenfield saleyards – that fortnight will be on Toolburra couple is a new saleyards at a new site.

Jim and Jackie Wedge who run one of the biggest Angus and Charolais cattle studs in Queensland.

Jim is head of Open 7 Days the saleyards advisory comMembers’ Price - $10 mittee formed Permanent Membership

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

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Supply to increase MLA releases annual saleyard survey

According to Meat and Livestock Australia’s newly-released annual saleyard ruvey, a number of trends can be discerned.This saleyard survey’s results show the total number of cattle and sheep transactions through all Australian saleyards in the 2020–21 financial year.

Herd and flock rebuilds underway

The 2021 results reinforce that industry is in both a sheep flock and cattle herd rebuild, with less transactions taking place as producers retain livestock. In 2021, there were 17 million saleyard transactions made across both livestock species, down 10.2% from the 18.9m transactions recorded in FY20.Sheep make up 79% of all saleyard transactions at 13.4 million head, while the remaining 3.5 million head of saleyard transactions are cattle.

Throughputs

While most saleyards experienced a

decline in throughput, Guyra, Deniliquin, Gracemere, Mareeba, Mortlake, Casterton, Ballarat, Warracknabeal and Naracoorte experienced increases of over 10%.

Wagga remains the largest saleyard in Australia, transacting 1.8 million sheep and 113,000 cattle in the 12 months to June 30, 2021.

ing centre, while Leongatha overtook Barnawartha as Victoria’s biggest cattle market.

Sheep yardings

Supply to increase

11% of all national sheep transactions occur through Wagga. Collectively, the top five saleyards of Ballarat, Hamilton, Bendigo, Wagga and Forbes contribute 37% of all sheep yardings.

Hamilton overtook Bendigo as Victoria’s second largest sheep sell-

Cattle yardings

Looking at the cattle saleyards, Gracemere is closing in on Dalby as Queensland’s second biggest cattle saleyard.

The biggest fall in yardings during FY21 occurred in NSW cattle sales and Queensland sheep sales, which both fell by over 29%.

The lower yardings in FY21 translated into higher prices as supply was constrained.

However, as 2022 and 2023 approaches, yardings are expected to increase as the rebuild matures and more animals hit the market.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Krista’s patch....

A friend recently asked if I had any edible flowers for a project next month, so I started wandering through my gardens to see what I already have on hand, and what I need to add.

I must admit that I was staggered with how many varieties I discovered. Most of the time I’m so focussed on the leaves, roots, or fruit, that I completely forget about the flowers beyond adding them to bouquets, teas, or salads.

Thus far I’ve got elderflower, calendula, lavender, rosemary, feverfew, strawberry, onion, borage, clover, thyme, sage, geraniums, dandelion, tansy, carrot, roses, nasturtium, and fennel.

I picked a good variety of blooms to dry in my flower press, and they’re now ready to use or store. I’m excited to use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cookies when the frigid temperatures of winter take the last of my fresh edible flowers.

Drying edible flowers is easy and, in Queensland’s hot summer weather, relatively quick.

Collect the flowers first thing in the morning just after the dew has dried.

Lay them on a tray for a few minutes to let any stray critters skedaddle, then place them between two sheets of paper and top with a couple of heavy books. Leave them alone for a few days then check to see their progress. Flat flowers like pansies will dry quickly, while thick flowers like calendula will take much longer.

When they’re dry, store the flowers in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.

My next job is to plant a few more seedlings to make sure I have enough edible

flowers for my friend’s project next month.

I hope to add cornflowers with their lovely spicy flavour, pansies, dahlias, honeysuckle, pinks, peonies, and forget-me-nots.

I’ve already prepared the soil by weeding, digging in organic fertiliser pellets, and giving it all a good soaking, so the beds are ready to be Get ready to plant your next crop: edible flowers. planted with edible flower Photo: Krista Bjorn. seedlings and mulched well.

One day I hope to have a few blossoms over a ham and cheese quiche or huge lilac bushes covered with edible flow- tomato tart, toss borage flowers in a salad ers. When I was a little girl living on the with fresh herbs, and layer nasturtiums Alberta prairies in Canada, we had a masinto a goat cheese sandwich. sive one by our front door. I used to bury I also add fresh edible flowers to herbal my face in the flower clusters and breathe vinegars because they look so beautiful, in that glorious scent. and dried ones to herbal tea blends.

Even now, just one whiff takes me back to long summer days when my brothers, Sugared violets cousins, and I would run wild For- 50gr of violets we used: building forts, 1 egg white sneaking sugar caster sugar snap peas from the gardens, and clambering up towering Pick the flowers with long stems so you poplar trees for the can hold them without damaging them. best views of the Prepare a bowl full of freshwater and neighbourhood. rinsed the flowers one by one.

Once my fresh Place them on a cloth to dry, not under edible flowers are the direct sun, but on the kitchen counter ready, I’ll harvest as Slightly whisk the egg white and with a needed, picking them first thing in the brush, spread the egg white inside and morning before they’re wilted by the sun. I outside the flower water my flowers via sprinkler often, so Lay them on a baking paper and remove they’re usually clean and ready to eat right the stems. away, but if they’re dusty, a quick rinse in Sprinkle the flowers with castor sugar cool water or brush with a paintbrush will and let them dry out in a warm and dark have them ready in no time. place for a couple of days.

Depending on the flavour of the flowers Once dried, store them in an airtight conyou choose, they can be used in sweet or tainer covering them with sugar. savoury dishes. I like to sprinkle chive

Bad snakes

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

American corn snake detected in Queensland Biosecurity Queensland officers have seized the 7th American corn snake detected in the state in the past twelve months.

The prohibited exotic snakes pose a serious biosecurity risk to Queensland.

“If released into the wild in Australia, corn snakes could prey on and out-compete native species for resources and spread exotic reptile diseases,” Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said. “In addition to the biosecurity risk, these animals suffer horrific deprivations and often die during the illegal smuggling process.”

Current restrictions on the import, possession, and sale of American corn snakes are in place to stop them establishing as a pest in Queensland.

Native to North America, the snake received its name based on the pattern on its underside, which resembles multi-coloured corn. The colours intensify with age and there is also an albino variety. The American corn snake is a constrictor that can reach lengths of 1-1.5 metres.

Although harmless to humans, the American corn snake does prey on small

Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said. “You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment and penalties of up to $137,850 may apply for dealing with prohibited matter.”

The recently discovered snake was the 31st American corn snake detected in Queensland since 2014.

“Biosecurity Queensland believes all these detections are associated with unlawful keeping and are part of the illegal international wildlife trade,” Mr Furner said. “The seized snake has been The American corn snake is colourful but unwelcome. euthanized and investigations are continuing.” animals, including small Australian native All sightings of American corn snakes species, coiling around the victim and suf- must be reported to Biosecurity focating it.

Queensland within 24 hours. Anyone who “The American corn snake is a prohibited suspects an exotic animal is being kept invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act should call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 2014,” Minister for Agricultural Industry 25 23.

Treasure trove

Some of the rarest items ever to be offered to the public have been discovered in Australia in shipping containers and storage sheds containing a lifetime collection of militaria from all around the world.

Over 10,000 items across many acres constituted a lifelong military collector’s passion. “We were in complete disbelief when we arrived to inspect the collection,” said Mr. Lee Hames, Chief Operations Officer for Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers in Australia.

“These are some of the rarest militaria collectables from WWI and WWII that we have ever seen, there is everything from military tanks to firearms, swords, military uniforms, helmets, boots and heavy artillery,” said Mr. Hames.

“As we were uncovering the special col-

lection of militaria, we came across some very rare pieces many of which are “one off” and may be worth significant amounts of money,” continued Mr. Hames.

The “Rod Bellars Collection” was built by Rod over 60 years, accumulating items from all around the world. Sadly, his recent passing has meant these amazing icons of history have to find new custodians.

“We really hope that muse-

ums and libraries and passionate collectors from across the world are successful in securing some of these important pieces of history, so they can be preserved and displayed and educate people for many years into the future,” continued Mr. Hames.

Items featured across the collection will be sold through 14 separate online auctions which are live now and include tanks, artillery, swords, firearms, helmets, radios, boots, parachutes, military uniforms and much more.

Interested?

Visit www.lloydsauctions.com.au

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

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Aid Cot Cup Fiery

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E-QUATIONS 7

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Letters have a number value

BIYWORD

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

H+K D-K P×Y T-Y I÷Y K+Y D-I

CLUES: Aged (3) Boat propelled by oars (7) Bowling club (coll) (5) Football (coll) (5) Joint (5) Motion about vertical axis (3) Opponent (3) Past tense: stand (5) Rural singles dance: ... Ball (3) Small knob (7)

L 7 3 033

QUICK THINK Solve the crossword.

Each answer has four letters.

ACROSS 1 Demonstrate 5 In person 6 Word-of-mouth 7 Blow the whistle

D:18, H:14, I:15, K:4, P:5, T:7, Y:3 D

H

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K

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Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

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SUDOKU © Auspac Media - meq0043

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In 1783, the first passengers to go up in a hot air balloon were a sheep, a duck and a rooster! The historic flight was over the thrilled heads of King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and a crowd of over 130,000. The balloon flew for around 8 minutes, rose to about 500m and landed safely 3 km away.

Some values are in the right hand cells.

Create remaining values using 043 clues in centre cells.

D H I K P T Y

Use Views You

CURIO

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DOWN 1 Coin opening 2 Charter 3 Roundish 4 Sound 3

E F K L N O

A B B B D E

O O O O O R

S T T W W Y

SOLUTIONS

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5 6 7 SUDOKU

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regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians (6) What is another term for an Academy Award (5) What do we call the stalks that support leaves, flowers or fruit (5) Name the principal outer garment worn by Hindu women (4) Which term describes bookmakers’ prices (4)

Net Owe Soul Taps

R

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much used in military music (4) 2 Name a place for the exhibition of objects of historical interest (6) 3 What are facial twitches known as (4) 4 Caisson disease is called the what (5)

ANZAC stand for (5) What is a bend in a golf fairway (6) Name a more familiar term for otalgia (7) What is a rubber also called (6) Name the tough, viscid substance remaining when the flour of wheat is washed to remove the starch (6)

Fruit Fry Ice Low

CROSSWORD

DOWN 1 Which high-pitched flute is

16 Which beetle was

V I E W S Y

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally.

Some letters are used more than once.

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5 To blush is to do what (6) 6 What does the C in

G S O D T R

A R A C K E O A D I R S D P P E R S E N R A L S I U S C E T A T O R R D M A I D S B S

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U L P I C E

M T B G U R I N E S C N C E A S E D U A S A M M A R A G C E U L A S H U T E S Y T H E A E M E R A N K S I

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F F I F D E O G R L E G O S S C A P R

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BIYWORD

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F N E T S C

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Show, 5 Live, 6 Oral, 7 Tell.

DOWN: 1 Slot, 2 Hire, 3 Oval, 4 Well.

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44th President of the USA (6) Name another term for a statuette (8) What are the lowest points, as of adversities (6) To be dead is to be what (8) To slander someone is to do what (7) What is speech or writing in accordance with standard usage (7) Name a term relating to the centigrade temperature scale (7) What, in cookery, is a stew made of meat, flavoured with chopped onions and paprika (7) What do we call a person who makes a will (8) Which agricultural implement with a long curved blade is used for mowing grass, etc (6) Name imaginary female marine creatures having women’s heads and fishes’ tails (8) What are tricks of a playful nature (6)

S T Y O A T O W D

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K N O B B L E

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B F O © R O W E L O

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E-QUATIONS D:18, H:14, I:15, K:4, P:5, T:7, Y:3

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V I E W S Y

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MINI WORD FIND

MINI WORD FIND F R Y U G N R O L S E C U P O T O A I D S T W C T C F I E R

ACROSS 4 Identify the given name of the

732

Long paddock My Long Paddock question in a previous Country Journal about possible slogans for Killarney came up with four responses which means people are interested in what is in the Country Journal, Daily Journal and Stanthorpe Record.

I was happy with one response but over the moon to receive four. Rob Schulz wrote to the editor@thedailyjournal.ink as follows “Hello Gerard, just read your great article on Killarney, we did have a slogan introduced by the Apex club, but it seems to be lost in time. The slogan was “The Scenic Gem of the Downs.” which originated about 1960.”

Warwick resident and polocrosse fanatic Betty Wells emailed and I quote “Hi Gerard, My thought for a slogan for Killarney is, Killarney the jewel of the Great Divide.

Regards, Betty Wells.”

The third email regarding a slogan on email from “robros” is “KILLARNEY is KING in SDRC”. Norma Chalk emailed with “Dear Gerard, to our knowledge Killarney was always referred to as "The Scenic Gem of The Darling Downs" . Regards Norma.”

The slogans from Norma and Rob are almost identical but one talks about Darling Downs and the other about Downs so there is a decision to be made.

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Is Killarney a “gem” or a “jewel”?

These Killarney slogan suggestions started when I wrote in a column in the Country Journal about the buzz in the main street of Killarney on a Sunday morning with up to six places to buy a meal or takeaway in the CBD or up on top of the hill past the Killarney State School. You could add the café at Queen Mary Falls as another place for a feed on a Sunday.

There is a buzz in the Killarney CBD on a Sunday, a bit like Allora when I drop in for some groceries, cattle supplement, gates, headache tablets, fuel, snack, go to church or buy a copy of the Daily Journal from David and Zeta Dwan at the Allora Newsagency.

My suggestion of the need for a slogan is not original; I questioned what Killarney could do to match the Allora “best little town on the Downs”.

Aussie Towns states that “Allora is a genuinely charming and interesting small, rural settlement with a large number of well preserved historic buildings. It is located at the point where the New England Highway crosses Dalrymple Creek”.

Seeing we have started the ball rolling in the Country Journal, what about R O O T S S A F E T Y G P R S R Killarney groups and

Pencilhead solutions E C I P E T M E A L S

E D P L A N E T S R O

S F H U M A N S E T L

T O T N I M E P U R I

S O W A T E R D M O D

E D X R R O S D U I C

P R I I D E E D P S X

Y A A U C N F R C N T

Martian Dirt Wordfind: Hidden Phrase: “Pressed Martian dirt makes tiny super strong bricks.”

M M C N S S W I E G K

A E R E A O E E N S S

S A O M R N T S O E E

H R P M T A I I R B E

R L S I M I L A R R D

E O S H A B I T A T S

E T W D R K N C L A Y

S D A N G E R Y S I S

Spot the 5 Differences: 1. Part of ear missing 2. Top of spade handle missing 3. Only one bolt in spade 4. Missing thumb 5. Lip changed

COUNTRYJOURNAL

The Killarney Newsagency and Willow Gallery are two of many businesses in the Killarney CBD. Photo John Towells the Southern Downs Regional Council looking at the possibilities.

As a newspaper, the Country Journal can keep seeking out slogans but it is up to Killarney groups and SDRC to make one of the suggestions into a reality.

So please send me more ideas through the editor email edtor@thedailyjournal.ink or even tell John Towells when you see him around Killarney. I see John once a month as we are on the same community organisation, the Local Ambulance Committee, which has members from Greymare in the west to Killarney in the east. It has six members from Warwick or surrounds. Better still, if you are a graphic artist or at least are handy on a computer, make your favourite or a new one into a template for a car sticker.

A Killarney business might want to donate $50 to the person or people who come up with the most popular slogan as voted by Country Journal readers.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Education on the Downs

Developments at Warwick Christian College

Warwick Christian College is ready to welcome students onto the Campus, with some amazing transformations happening in 2022.

Mid-year new Secondary classrooms will open. This conversion of Prince House into a learning area will include construction of new learning spaces and breakout rooms equipped with air conditioning and the latest technology. Our playground, at the other end of the College, will allow students to participate in adventure-based play which is critical for development in the early years as well as our new central sports court to come.

The College will also add Drama and Arts in Practice to the Performing Arts subjects on offer, supplementing the already existing Music and Visual Arts program. The Prep/Year 1 class will now embed The Literacy Collective English Program within their everyday learning. Based on the Science of Reading research, this program will personalise the teaching of reading and writing for each child.

2022 also sees a start of a new certificate being offered at Warwick Christian College, in partnership with a CASA-approved RPAS training provider, Aviation Australia. Senior Secondary students will be given both theoretical and operational (practical) training for a Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) for the burgeoning drone industry.

Open Morning Wednesday 9 March See website for details

Education on the Downs

COUNTRYJOURNAL

St. Mary’s campuses joined up at last After years of planning and months of watching the changes taking place, St Mary’s School is ready to come together on one campus. From the first day of school, 7 February 2022, students from Prep – Year 6 will be together, for learning, for play and for celebrations.

Over the past two weeks, staff have been busily preparing the new classroom spaces for the arrival of the students. They have also been working together to create exciting and challenging learning opportunities, made possible by the modern and flexible learning spaces in the new and refurbished buildings.

“St Mary’s has always been a place where every student is nurtured to achieve success.

Our plan in coming together on one campus was to build upon this and design new possibilities,” said Emma Timmins, Principal.

“With the ability to open up learning spaces to bring groups together, close off areas to provide focussed learning hubs, take learning outdoors into the nature play space, integrate technology and give easy access to a range of resources, our staff are excited to share what they have designed with the students.”

With the delay to the school year, Ms Timmins shared some tips for parents in preparing children and themselves for this new

school experience.

“We invite parents to do a drive by so that they can familiarise their children with the new entrance and where school drop off will happen. We also encourage them to talk with them about how they are going to be a part of history as St Mary’s comes together on one campus.”

“Getting ready for any new school year after the long holiday, getting back into a routine, this is very important for all of us. Things like going to bed at a regular time so that we get the number of hours of sleep with need, having a healthy breakfast and lunch, breaking in our new shoes so that they are comfortable. Parents have also talked about giving their child the confidence to ask for help by practicing what to say, showing their children how to open their new lunch boxes and water bottles and

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of course, for parents themselves, getting involved – meeting staff, other parents, coming to events and reading the newsletter and parent portal. All of this can make for a smooth transition into the school year,” said Ms Timmins.

To share this new chapter with the community the school has a Community open afternoon planned for Wednesday, 9 February from 3.30pm.

COUNTRYJOURNAL 12 Education on

the Downs

Assumption College Welcomes New Principal, Mrs Liisa Hammond

Assumption College Warwick would like to introduce and welcome their new Principal, Mrs Liisa Hammond, following her appointment to the position at the end of last year.

Mrs Hammond has been the Principal of Good Samaritan College Toowoomba for the past three years, and brings to the College extensive knowledge and experience in regional Catholic education.

Liisa’s educational leadership experience has encompassed a vast range of positions in various school settings across Toowoomba, including Principal, Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal Curriculum, ATAR CoOrdinator, Curriculum Leader, Head of Faculty and Head of Departments.

Liisa has a strong passion for working with young people,

focusing on their learning and wellbeing, and developing their self belief and capability.

She has a clear vision for the future growth of the College and intends to continue to build upon the strong reputation of Assumption College.

We will officially be welcoming Liisa to Assumption College at a Welcome Afternoon BBQ, open to the community on Tuesday 8th March, commencing at 5:30pm.

We would like to invite students, families and any members of the wider community to join us at the College for the evening to meet Liisa personally. Liisa will take this opportunity to introduce herself further, and tours of the College will also be available for interested people.

For further information or to rsvp, please contact the College office on 4660 4000.

“I’m looking forward to moving to Warwick with my family, and getting to know the School, Parish, and wider Warwick communities. My priority is ensuring that Assumption College continues to provide quality learning and wellbeing opportunities that are liberating, empowering and nurturing” Liisa said.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Wildash Clearing (Via Warwick) Saturday 19th February 2022 - 10am Start A/C Magnat Livestock Pty Ltd - Property Sold Farm Machinery: Hercules HD656D 2021 Model Loader w/ standard GP bucket with teeth, standard hyd. quick hitch, heavy duty 6m stick rake w/ wings 120 hrs; Yamaha YXM700p Utility Vehicle – 2020 Model; International 5088 Tractor (approx. 9400 hours, dual tyres and rims, WO); Kubota M7580 Tractor (4WD w/ bucket and forks); Napier 673, 32 Plate Wheeled Offset Plough w/ hyd. lift; AGROPLOW 13 Tyne Ripper 4.2m; Silvan Pasturepak 400L (3 point linkage, 8m boomspray); Hustler Fastrak 60” Zero Turn Mower – 191.3hrs; HD Slasher; J.D Gator (825 Gas XUV 2015 Model, 701.5hrs); MK11 Airglide Towbar; Harrows (folding hydraulic operated, 10m); 3T Feed Bin; Wire Roller; 6 KVA Honda generator; 3PL Fertiliser spreader Sundry: 3HAL Beuno Horse Float; Utility Safety Cage; Wagon Wheels & Axle; Twin Concrete Wash Tub; Honda/Davey Twin Impellar Fire Fighter Unit (fully equipped, 1,000l pod); Portable Scales – Weighing platform, weighbars and Gallagher indicator; Weber Q; Rapid Plas Poly Lick Drum; 5 timber x-woolshed gates (good condition); Round hay bales (Rhodes/Liverseed); smaller items to be listed Outside Vendors Welcome Directions: Sale located Derreen Road, Wildash - 15 minutes from Warwick, follow the signs from Warwick Killarney Road Photo I.D. - Refreshments - EFTPOS - COVID rules apply Angus Corke 0427 288 455 James Croft 0429 318 646 Barry Groves 0400 100 967 (Owner)

Ray White Rural Pittsworth ®

www.raywhitepittsworth.com.au

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

3 acre heaven Dila-Kasa Gardens a marvel

They also try to capture as much water as possible from the sheds, gazebos, and huts they’ve built.

“Every roofline has a tank or a receptacle of some sort so we can water all the plants,” Lawlor said. “We’ve been able to keep all the plants alive through the drought except for a few trees.”

Sargeant and Lawlor purposely set up the gardens so only a few parts can be viewed from the road.

“A lot of the nice stuff is back from the road so you really need to come in and walk around to have a good look,” Lawlor explained. “We’ve laid out paths for people, but we mostly like to have people just wander around and have a look at things.”

They also like when people bring in garden gnomes to be adopted and given a place in the fairytale wonderland that is

Gnome Town.

“We currently have just under 700 gnomes,” Lawlor said. “We’re aiming for a 1000 because it’s Gnome Town but we want to make it Gnome City and we need 1000 to make Gnome City.”

Gnome Town includes a tavern, gold mine, school, musicians, a cheeky nudist colony, and even a graveyard where the gnomes destroyed in the 12 June 2013 storm that hit Pratten now rest in peace.

“We have everything,” Lawlor said.

“There are trains, gold-mining, and farming. That’s our bit of fun activity.”

Anyone wanting to donate garden gnomes is welcome to bring them by DilaKasa Gardens or drop them off at The Daily Journal.

“If people are wanting to get rid of their gnomes, instead of taking them to the tip, they can give them to us,” Lawlor said, “and we’ll adopt them and welcome them to the family.”

They also welcome any weed-pullers.

“The weeds are a never-ending job,” Lawlor said with a groan. “Anyone who wants weed therapy can come out and we’ll give them tools.”

Entry to Dila-Kasa Gardens is donation only with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council Olive McMahon Lodge in Toowoomba. The lodge provides accommodation for rural people undergoing cancer treatment, and it’s where Lawlor spent a month receiving treatment for cancer.

“When we get a full can of coins, we take it to the lodge,” she said, “and every penny goes to them.”

Dila-Kasa Gardens are open to the public by appointment. To book a visit, ring 0402 144 809.

03MH024Tue_CJ_Fon

After 45 years in the Australian Army, building a 3-acre garden and establishing a Gnome Adoption Service in Pratten were the last things partners Diane Lawlor (pictured right) and Kalen Sargeant had planned on doing.

“It’s been a real culture shock for me because I’m a city slicker,” Lawlor said.

“But I love it. I’d never go back to the city.

It’s our little piece of paradise.”

The two purchased four acres ten years ago and haven’t looked back.

“There was nothing here,” Lawlor said.

“Just bare earth, a shed, and a few gum trees.”

They started by building a pathway all around the property, then established it by walking it regularly with their dog and two cats.

Then they began planting bottle trees, pepperinas, kurrajongs, roses, and wisteria, and building gardens around the pathways until they’d transformed the barren patch in the three-acre Dila-Kasa Gardens. Today it’s a sprawling project filled with inspiring vistas and quirky delights that was opened by beloved gardener, Penny McKinlay.

“She’s the green thumb,” Lawlor said of Sargeant. “She does all the planting, I’m the grey thumb. I put in all the borders.”

The two have created a kaleidoscope of both charming and historic gardens including an homage to Easter Island, Oriental gardens, an eagle’s nest, a bus stop, and a train station.

“We tried to make the place reminiscent of the locality,” Lawlor said, “with a bit of fun thrown in.”

People from around the Southern Downs have contributed to the project by providing help with heavy lifting and donating historic pieces like a 100-year-old, handhewn water trough.

“We’ve tried to recycle and repurpose as much as we can,” Lawlor said, pointing out old windows, fence palings, pallets, and rusty farm machinery that have been transformed into seating, shade, fencing, and water features.

Helen Harm

COUNTRYJOURNAL

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Real Estate

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$ 660,000 POST WAR • Air-con 5 bed Executive, 2 bath

$ 225,000 • Timber 2 bed • Air-con in lounge living • Good kitchen/ dining • Shower over bath, separate toilet • Laundry & storage • Fenced 647m² yard, single carport • Garden sheds • Back deck with shade-sail • On city bus route, close to schools & shops

Co Un nt de ra r ct

• 6 Living Spaces - outdoor, spa, pool, bar/media, formal living, mancave/games area • 2 car remote + 2 carport • Solar power 3 .3 KVA (12 panel) • Mod kitchen, electric appliances, pantry • Storage and more storage

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• Large undercover entertaining, BBQ • 1528m² fenced yard, vehicle access

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SUIT HOME BUSINESS • Clad 2 bed cottage • North sunroom at entry • Separate lounge • Kitchen has electric appliances, bench space & pantry • Bath has shower over bath, vanity, toilet • Laundry nook & 2nd toilet • Undercover entertaining & fernery • 506m² fenced yard, single carport

WESTSIDE TOWNHOUSE

Potential to re-subdivide (Council costs available) • Brick 3 bed, 2 built-in • Lounge is good sized • Kitchen has electric appliances, bench space & pantry • Bath, separate shower, separate toilet • Laundry utility • Enclosed verandah is full length • North entertaining area • 1611m² fenced yard • 1 bay shed 1 car + Carport

$ 325,000 WORKIN WEAR - WARWICK $ 170,000 + STOCK UPSTAIRS: • 3 bed, built-ins, air-con • Main is ensuite • Bath, separate shower, toilet DOWNSTAIRS: • Open-plan, kitchen/dining/living • Laundry & 3rd toilet • Storage room • Fenced 252m² yard • Single remote garage • On city bus route, close to schools & shops

• Sell products always in demand • Main Street location • Workwear, work boots, safety supplies & more • Solid customer & account base • Open 5 ½ days • Steady growth since 2008

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• WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . $427,000

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• WARWICK - 1170m², new estate, bitumen frontage, power, views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $145,000 • WARWICK - 25930m², High profile, 2 street frontage, Zoned specialised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,210,000 • LEYBURN - 2023m², level block, town water available, power, bitumen frontage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 • PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,000 • PRATTEN – 2 .023 Ha, level block, dam, 2 street frontage, RURAL - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000

0408 457 496

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Week of consolidation CONTRIBUTED BY: BRUCE MCLEISH, ELDERS

It was a week of consolidation for the Australian wool market last week, whilst the South African market had a large jump on the back of an increased supply of RWS certified wools, and the New Zealand market steadied and then lifted as predicted after large sales to China. In typical fashion the Australian wool market is seeing the good spec wools gain in price, Chinese types are 'just there' and the lower spec wools containing excessive vm, colour, cot and jowls are beginning to see larger discounts.

So, whilst the overall market indicator showed a rise of just 3 cents in AUD there were some decent rises of 60 to 70 cents for the superfine wools, 30 to 40 for some of the fine merino indicators and the medium merino price guides were up and down, depending on the centre. The prices in the West were generally down a bit on the eastern states, not because buyers cannot get over there, but the smaller volumes in that sales centre at present mean some buying houses are fearful of not being able to complete a container in a week if they do start buying, so instead choose not operate in that market.

The crossbred sector again declined despite the Kiwi market getting a boost as the plethora of crossbred lambs and fleece come on to the market, which is usual at this time of year.

The fact that these wools are finding a new home is a positive sign, and even some of them are changing hands in Uruguay after a long slow, dull trading period over there which may just be a promising sign of things to come.

Two distinct downstream markets are in operation at the moment, with the European processors still buying, processing and passing goods on to their customers with gusto. The timing is right for them with yarn needing to be spun now, for fabrics to be knitted and woven in the next month or so, then garments created to order for delivery and sale in

the new season after their summer holidays.

They are also mindful of the dwindling availability of their specification wools, particularly at the fine end of the clip. Despite the Wool Production Forecasting Committee releasing its estimate for 2021/22 at a healthy increase of 8.1% above the previous year, a lot of this wool will contain higher vm, or other fault making it less desirable for the European trade. There is quite a bit of it being held up with wet weather as well at the moment, not that too many pastoralists are complaining with the 100-odd mm some have received this week.

So, although the European market is cruising along quite well, their consumption of Australian greasy wool production both directly via greasy wool purchases and indirectly via top and yarn and fabric purchases from China and India is probably around 25% of the total. The other, and obviously major sized market being the Chinese domestic market is spluttering.

Confidence has always been a key factor in the wool market, and it is beginning to wane across the Chinese textile scene. As the omicron variant inexorably creeps into China, prompting further government restrictions to stamp out the spot fires of infection, the threat of government enforced lockdowns becomes more prevalent. With the Chinese New Year also approaching the migrant workers in many regions are downing tools and heading for their home regions to beat any potential travel restrictions. Those orders still scheduled for production before the shutdown are dragging on and on, with some mills only operating at 30% of normal capacity. A lot of mills will actually cease produc-

So the global wool market mirrors what is happening in the broader economic picture...

Livestock markets, Warwick last week Agents yarded 428 head to the local cattle sale. The market was firm for the number yarded in a week that has our Australia Day holiday playing havoc with the weekly sales.

With the holiday falling on Wednesday this means no sheep and lamb sale, pig and calf sale or poultry sales this week. Exporters were still out of the cattle market but the feed-on and back to the paddock buyers were still keen to fill their orders.

tion in the coming week and just hope that the workers do return following the spring festival. Most mills plan to reopen on February 10th, but it could be a long slow disjointed resumption.

The broader economic situation in China is beginning to have an effect on citizen's daily life apart from those million or two still actually waiting in vain for an apartment to be constructed. Government salaries are reportedly being reduced in some cases, and there is no quicker way to dampen consumer activity than to cut people's spending money directly.

Uniform orders are still working their way through the pipeline, and those companies lucky enough to have them are quite secure in terms of order books. There is also expected to be a new, large batch of orders released in Mid-March after the conclusion of the National People's Congress when there may be some changes announced, or perhaps not.

Either way, local demand at a retail level remains insipid and therefore the signals being sent back down the processing chain are generally negative. So, although mills are beginning to close down, or have already for the forthcoming Chinese New Year period, and to sit back and watch the Winter Olympics, their appetite to purchase new stocks of greasy wool for the restart of proceedings in a month's time is generally subdued.

So, the global wool market mirrors what is happening in a broader economic picture as well, with the developed world beginning to tighten monetary policy to ward off inflation at the same time that the People's Bank of China, in stark contrast is lowering rates and pumping in money to stimulate a sluggish economy still reeling from the continued slowdown in property investment (20% of GDP), softer consumer spending and Omicron risks. Just how Beijing manages the Omicron situation in the next two weeks will be critical to the confidence of everyday citizens in China, and by default the wool industry in Australia - it would be fair to expect a hefty uptick in government spin, although some may call it propaganda.

Ross Ellis from McDougall & Sons

Vealer steers averaged 687.2c/kg topping at 778.2c/kg or $1752.31 to a top of $2217.87 Vealer heifers averaged 613.3c/kg topping at 858.2c/kg or $1565.19 to a top of $2016.63 Feeder steers averaged 571.4c/kg topping at 656.2c/kg or $2206.31 to a top of $2877.34 Feeder heifers averaged 541.4c/kg topping at 594.2c/kg or $$1907.05 to a top of $2287.67 Yearling steers averaged 596.9c/kg topping at 680c/kg or $2138.06 to a top of $2938.22. Yearling heifers averaged 541.6c/kg topping at 628.2c/kg or

$1900.80 to a top of $2240. Steers averaged 516.2c/kg topping at 590c/kg or $2483.19 to a top of $2782.83. Heifers averaged 433.4c/kg topping at 568.2c/kg or $1456.17 to a top of $2775.18 Manufacturing steers averaged 461.8c/kg topping at 492.2c/kg or $2164.74 to $2854.76. Cows averaged 345.9c/kg topping at 388.2c/kg or $1968.12 to $2810.14. Bulls averaged 442.7c/kg topping at 665.2c/kg or $1978.80 to $3636.76. Cows and calf units averaged $2715.63 to a top of $3200.00