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CountryJournal Week commencing 14th February 2022

Petrol price peaks

When OPEC is feeling ‘bullish’ that spells bad news for motorists and those reliant on the ‘juices’ extracted from the Middle East. Our Stanthorpe journalist Selina Venier has been clocking up the kilometres lately and has some tips and observations on the opportunities and risks at the bowser.

Urban sprawl

Rise of the robots

We introduce a new regular feature for Country Journal readers this week, with editor Elizabeth Voneiff providing an overview of highlights (and in some cases lowlights) from council last week. The issues included the usual conflict of interest debates, but perhaps more interestingly, debates that touched on two sides of a serious problem faced by country councils everywhere: how to handle the balance between urban or lifestyle residents and traditional rural land and occupations. Throw into the mix the issue of rural homelessness, a real issue in the region, and it gets interesting.(07) 46 619 835 E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au Page 3.

The robots are coming. Cutting edge technology driving itself to work and hopping into harvest could be coming to a paddock near you. Krista Bjorn this week covers the machies from Danish manufacturer, Robotti, each machine autonomously controlled by a computer and, based on individual inputs, calculates and navigates itself and follows an optimised route in the field. Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe and Beyond Made from Bluescope Australian Steel FULL SERVICE - SLAB, ERECTION & COUNCIL

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Quick advice

Country briefs

If you have Dorper’s who only lose part of their fleece, it is worth keeping an eye out for flystrike occurring under the overhanging ‘loose’ wool.

As the weather is cooling, it is a great time to start collecting and storing firewood for winter. In the veggie patch consider planting: Lettuce, Spinach and Leeks. Prepare to plant Broccoli, Leeks and Spring Onions later in February when the temperature drops a bit more.

Blue light dance party The Stanthorpe Blue Light Dance Party wil lbe held on Friday, 18 February in St Paul’s church hall in Stanthorpe. Prep to year 6 are welcome, 6 - 8 pm, $5. Snacks and drinks for sale, lucky door prizes, vaccinated parents can stay with masks. The event is fully supervised and drug and alcohol free.

Cow fart fuel The T6 Methane Power model is New Holland’s newest addition to the T6

series of tractors and their next step toward a completely carbon-neutral farming cycle. This tractor will “close the loop” on energy production and use, with a field to energy generation, back to field cycle. ivestock and dairy farmers can take this cycle even further when producing biomethane from manure, subtracting CO2 from the environment, resulting in a carbon-negative footprint. Farmers can then use the by-products of biodigestion as natural fertilizers on their fields, which closes the energy loop.

Garlic thrives Kangaroo Island Fresh Garlic, established in 2015, has had a pretty rough start in its first few years in business, certainly when we remember it getting scorched in the 2019-20 summer bushfires. Still, owner Shane Leahy says they have seen "unprecedented growth" these past few years and big expansion plans are under way at the Stokes Bay business.

blocked the distribution center of one of the largest retail chains in Poland; Jeronimo Martins. Since the Belarusian embargo began, Polish fruit producers have found themselves in a difficult situation. Popular supermarket chains immediately decided to take advantage of the situation and called on their suppliers to sign extremely unfavorable contracts at very low prices by the end of the season. Growers want to oppose this domination. The costs of electricity, fuel, pesticides, fertilizers, labor are rising, while the prices of apples are falling. with the right approach, Australia’s grain sector can prosper in a changing environment.

Online grain webinars

The program from the February/ March 2022 GRDC Grains Research Updates has moved online. While participants lament not being able to run these events face to face, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to cherry pick topics of interest to you not only from your area, but from the broader A massive new packing shed is in the region. process of being built, while sights are Wednesday, March 2: Topics for this set on growing webinar include early sown sorghum production. The and WUE efficiency, moderated by business has gone Loretta Sarafin, NSW DPI and Daniel from a start-up Rodrigues of UQ. phase to producing up to 50 tons SpaceAg - Sensors for NASA so of garlic this year, astronauts can keep an eye on crops distributed across grown in space – developing sensor Australia. systems to provide early warnings if something needs attention presented by Jacob Humpal, USQ. At Elders Insurance Warwick, we provide residents across the 1:35 – 3 pm Australian Eastern community with personalised insurance. From business owners Standard time. To register, contact and tradeAworkers farmers and beyond, wefor can help a cover protesttoaction Looking anfindinsurer erica@icanrural.com.au or visit gdrc. that suits every situation. byalmost Polish apple com.au/events/list/2022. who understands producers began Elders Insurance Warwick, wefinancial provide residents across the WeAtunderstand that everyone’s situations are different, last week. Growers community with personalised insurance. From business owners your needs?

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Council wrap ELIZABETH VONEIFF, EDITOR

Much of the first part of the ordinary meeting of Council on the 9th of February was taken up remembering Bernie Trapp and Barry Masters, two well-known Warwick residents. Bernie Trapp was the owner of Auto Pro and involved with the Warwick Gymnastics Club, the Warwick Car Club and a life member of the Warwick Hockey club. He was one of the founders of the Condamine Sports Club. Bernie died in January. Barry Masters was a former Councillor under mayor Henry Joppick and in 1976 he was elected mayor, a position he served until 1984. He was involved in refurbishing Town Hall, giving the SOTE a home in Warwick, and promoting the rodeo. He was later involved in the Cherrabah resort. Cr Sheryl Windle made another moving tribute to little Ruby Boston, the 5-year-old who died from COVID recently in the Sunshine Coast. Ruby's parents, the McCoskers, are native to the Southern Downs. Growers and farmers in the shire will be interested in the factions forming in cham-

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Urban encroachment features heavily in debate

The Daily Journal Australia's Smallest Daily Newspaper

bers between Councillors concerned about urban encroachment into rural areas and those who are keener to see subdivisions and increased housing. An application for material changes of use, put in by McNally Construction, focused the debate. The owners want to put another house on a piece of land that adjoins an intensive farming area. The farmers and the owners of the block are playing nice and in agreement that it would all be fine, but would it? Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley and Cr Stephen Tancred were quick to point out that if the farm or one of the homes sold in the future, which no doubt they will, then whatever good which might currently exist will dissipate like the methane from a cow's bottom. The result would be a headache for the future Council (of which Cr Tancred insists Cr Gale will be part of) who will have to sort out the original decision and the angry new owners. Cr McNally wasn't allowed in the

StanthorpeRecord BORDER COUNTRY EXPRESS

Chambers for the discussion as she has a clear conflict of matter in the issue but Cr McDonald hurled some insights at Council officers that seemed to question whether Cr McNally's project was being unfairly targeted. She pointed out other similar changes to blocks in rural areas that did not end up with a million conditions attached and intense debate in chambers. But no planning decision is a precedent, apparently, and other approved in the past had different presentations geographically than the block in this week's debate. To balance the shire between protecting rural land from urban encroachment is important, but at the same time there is a terrific housing crisis on the Southern Downs. What is a Councillor to do? Interested in a full account of Council's deliberations this week as well as more local news? Pick up a copy of the Daily Journal or the Stanthorpe Record at your nearest newsagent or place where you buy your papers. Out Tuesday and Friday.

Australia leads in green

Australian grain growers are producing low emissions intensity, high quality cereals, pulses and oilseeds, according to a new report released today by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The report, Australian Grains Baseline and Mitigation Assessment, found Australian grains industry exhibit low greenhouse gas emissions for each tonne of grain produced compared to other grain producing regions and countries, including the EU, USA, Canada, Russia and Ukraine. GRDC Chair and Goondiwindi grain grower, John Woods said the CSIRO was commissioned to prepare the report to establish a detailed and robust greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions baseline for the Australian grains sector and explore mitigation opportunities that maintain or increase profitability.

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Check your seat, cowboy A cranky horse might mean an irksome saddle. Most quadrupeds quarrel with getting saddled up, but it is important to check whether a saddle if properly fitted. Karl Hoopes is an equine extension specialist at Utah State University. He says to first determine the type of saddle you need based on your style of riding, be it English or western. Have a professional measure the width of the horse so the saddle doesn't pinch the withers, or the shoulder area.

"By pinching that area, you're cutting off blood supply. It can be very painful to the horse as a lot of pressure is applied. I think the majority of the time, we have a tendency to have too narrow of a saddle, and it's putting too much pressure on the withers," says Hoopes. "Also if you have too wide of a saddle, then the saddle's not held up off of the withers of the horse and can actually cause some damage there as well." How the saddle fits you also determines comfort for the horse. The Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here saddle Not London. Not New York. should rest firmly from the front to the back, and not rock back and Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick forth while A.C.N. 167 171 217 you're sitting in it. • Editor: Elizabeth Voneiff On a Western sadeditor@thedailyjournal.ink dle, measure from the

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A little bit of legals While every care is taken to compile this newspaper accurately, we cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur with advertisements or articles. All submitted content does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Small Newspaper Company or The Country Journal All art and editorial content remains the property of the relevant copyright holder and may not be reproduced without permission. If we have got something wrong, get in touch, and we will print a correction in our next edition...and apologies in advance!

bottom of the saddle horn to the back of the seat. This can range from 35 cm, which would fit a child, up to 43 cm for a larger adult. "Those measurements are pretty important because it distributes the weight," he says. "And if we focus all that weight on too small of a surface area, then it can cut off the blood supply to that certain area of the skin of the horse and can actually cause damage to the skin and leave the tell-tale saddle marks." When you remove the saddle and blanket, look for a uniform sweat pattern on the horse's back. Any dry spots are indicative of pressure points and cut off blood supply.

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Robotti arrives Cutting edge farming vehicles can now be seen driving themselves across Queensland crop paddocks. The machines are called Robotti and are made in Denmark by AgTech developer Agrointelli. Robotti machines are fully automated farm equipment that can seed, weed, harrow, cut grass, rotorvate, and spray without any dependence on a human driver. Each machine is autonomously controlled by a computer and, based on individual inputs, calculates and navigates itself and follows an optimised route in the field. “We do not compromise on safety,” Agrointelli said, “and Robotti takes care of crops, environment and humans when operating. Robotti is CE marked, and equipped with several redundant safety measures. The farmer can safely leave the fieldwork to Robotti and monitor with the equipped live surveillance cameras. Robotti keeps you updated on how it’s progressing and when it has completed the job.” Agrointelli is currently on a regional tour showcasing Robotti, demonstrating to

Queensland farmers how the machine can be deployed handsfree to carry out menial farm tasks and free up the farmer to carry out other projects. The Robotti generally weighs less than half of a similarly advanced tractor which reduces the risk of soil compaction and structural damage to the soil. This in turn can result in higher crop yields per hectare. It is also compatible with standard farming implements. "Robotti is equipped with a standard three-point hitch and PTO,” Agrointelli said. “This means that the robot can be fitted with standard implements and perform many different tasks in the field throughout the season.” Robotti is available in one version, but its

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

How about those petrol prices? “HOW about those petrol prices, hey?” is what I’ve been hearing when out and about of late, and this also includes among friends in Tenterfield (that’s the BP Tenterfield below), Warwick and as far as Brisbane. My daughter, who lives in the latter, laments the cost of living prices in the big city all the time and the bowser there is tipped to be close to $2 a litre soon. Taking a drive to Toowoomba on Wednesday February 9, I filled up in Warwick and was aghast to pay $1.81 per litre (Unleaded) because when coming back through that afternoon, it had dipped to $1.68, at the same outlet. As I was so time poor when I went through, I couldn’t squeeze in stopping at others to compare, the loss being mine, quite literally. When beginning driving, many moons ago, I remember wondering what the big deal was with the price-per-litre thing (sorry dad, you did try to educate on that). I remember filling up the tank when I happened to have the dollars (honestly, sometimes $10 at a time, as a Uni student) and when I was cruising on by a station. I didn’t have my favourite type of petrol, nor station, nor routine – it was a “get it when I need it and how much I can afford” kind of young adult thing. Ok so now I more than “get it”. The price differences do make a difference and it pays to not only have the time but also the

interest in the price per litre. Plus, my step dad does his level best to educate nowadays on “premium fuels” etcetera. Also influenced by him, I’m pleased that my Miss-Almost-19 cares far more than I did at her age, and she well understands the value of rural living compared to the inflated costs seen in the cities. On city living, you can imagine MY lament when I found this incorrectly punctuated sign in a Brisbane shopping centre last month. Please can we educate our children on this so maybe it might filter into future generations’ marketing? Dreaming, I know, and apologies to digress because I do have punctuation paranoia. On the cost of living and back on petrol, I think of the retirees or anyone else who wants to drive around our beautiful continent now that borders have opened, and need to add extra dollars to travel. A very good friend of mine (she’s semi-retiring even though we aren’t 50 yet) has just ventured out from her place in Ballandean to explore the eastern coastline and I’m sure she’ll be checking in with Apps and sites that detail where cheap fuel can be found. Well done to her, a good investment in itself. The ASFA Retirement Standard for the December quarter was reported to have

found that fuel prices jumped 6.6 per cent in three months while the Australian Bureau of Statistics recently revealed that in 2021, the cost of living for age pension households rose 3.4 per cent, almost onethird higher than the 2.6 per cent rise for working households. Live life while you can and as broadly as you can, is the message, while appreciating our beautiful backyard too. Oh, and listen to those who have gone before you or have done the research.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

It’s bad, but better than a drought... Ben Boland, Country Journal

February has seen more unseasonal rain with roads cut and more flood damage. While rainfall varied across the Southern Downs most areas received good rain, with perhaps the heaviest rain being North of Stanthorpe with Pikedale Station, recording 5.5 inches in the first week of February. However, as Councillor Tancred noted 'rain is an economic and lifestyle blessing' the other blessing is that the preceding rain has scoured most of the smaller gullies and creeks so damage to most smaller flood gates was minimal. Additionally, SDRC's clean out of Quart Pot Creek in recent times certainly mitigated

damage. We do feel for Gary Murphy the new SDRC Director of Infrastructure Services, as the flood waters have mean council are again clearing debris from bridges and causeways, dirt roads which had been graded beautify are again eroded and the council is still working hard to deal with previous damage to bitumen roads caused by the earlier rain. Moreover, while the rain has made everything green, it has also exponentially increased the amount of mowing. This has been a particular challenge at the Warwick Cemetery as due to a change in contract mowers, the SDRC Parks and Gardens team have been covering the gap, without extra support. Considering this is an extra two to three days extra work it is as Gary says 'nothing short of impressive, considering the sheer volume of lawn'. You may be wondering why

SDRC has not 'simply' outsourced both the mowing and flood recovery, but we need to remember the rain and thus growth has not just impacted council. Many landowners have been employing contractors to slash their paddocks, as stock prefer short and young grass. This surge in demand, has mean there is a shortage of mowing/ slashing contractors. Thankfully over the Christmas period SDRC was able to source extra contractors but the speed of the growth means Christmas was a long time ago. The other obvious impact of the recent repeated flooding is the condition of roads, causeways and bridges. While superficially much of this work appears simple, there is a number of complicating factors. For example, council staff found a Red Belly Black Snake on one pile of debris. Which is a great reminder for everyone cleaning up after the floods to be cautious. An additional unseen challenge for Gary has been managing the budget for the recovery. The council has a four-stage recovery program. 1. Make safe (e.g. signage). continued page 15

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Krista’s patch.... I am often asked how I store all the veggies, herbs, and fruits I grow, forage, and collect, and my answer is simple: glass jars and bottles. I love them. Maccona jars, old pickle and jam jars, swing-top bottles, Fowlers Vacola jars, and cool gin bottles, whatever I can find, that’s what I use. I’m one of those weird people that if I don’t see it, I don’t use it, so putting all my pulses, grains, dried herbs, boozy concoctions, and preserves into clear glass bottles makes life so much easier for me My friends know how much I love and use them, so they’re always collecting them for me, especially cool ones that have amazing shapes or nifty cork tops. They show up for lunch or dinner with a big hug and a box full of glass containers they’ve been hoarding for months.

THE HON

I also collect jars whenever Bear and I are out and about at op shops and dump shops, especially nice big ones that hold a lot. When I’m dehydrating herbs or fruit, I usually do huge batches and having large storage jars makes it so easy to get everything put away when the drying is done. Friends often tease me that my kitchen looks like a fairy-tale witch’s pantry with its towering shelves lined with glistening jars filled with unusual things, and that makes me laugh because it’s true and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like walking into our tiny kitchen and finding inspiration just by looking at the jar-lined shelves. Bright orange lentils might lead to a spicy dahl or smoked ham soup, a jar of dried elderflowers reminds me to make another batch of my favourite herbal tisane, while a tall bottle of ruby liquid is a gentle nudge to stop MP work for the day and pour a glass of something delicious to share with my husband. FOR MARANOA Over the years, and after many mistakes resulting in spoiled preserves, mouldy fruit, or withered herbs, I’ve learned a few keys to effective glass jar storage.

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Focused on Maranoa’s future

One: Clean the containers well.

Clean jars keep foods free from bacteria and help them last longer. Hot, soapy water and thorough air-drying are sufficient for dried items, while a good rinse in vodka or a commercial bottle cleaner do the trick for home-brewing. When it comes to preserving, sterilizing jars in the oven or a canner will keep continued next page...

COUNTRYJOURNAL continued from previous page... your preserves from spoilage.

Two: Make sure lids are tight-fitting.

Lid gaps are death to items stored in a glass container for they let in air, moisture, and critters like ants and even mice. I regularly replace rubber and silicone rings to ensure my jars remain air tight.

Three: Store them out of the light.

Light degrades whatever is stored behind clear glass. Keeping your jars and bottles in a pantry, cupboard, or dark room will keep your food fresh and beautiful for a long time.

Four: Take the time to remove labels.

I always feel extra loved when my friends remove the labels from the jars and bottles they bring me, for it truly is a tedious chore. Still, it’s worth taking extra time to remove the labels and clean the jars thoroughly even if you’re not going to use them right away. I place my jars in hot, soapy water and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Then I use steel wool or a similar scrubber to remove as much of the label as possible. If it’s still not gone, a dry cloth dipped in eucalyptus or tea tree oil will remove any remaining glue incredibly quickly and with minimal

effort. Just be sure to give the jar a good wash again afterwards or whatever you put in the jar later will smell like it’s been stored in a tea tree forest.

Five: Label things that aren’t easily identifiable. It’s difficult to mix up a jar of popcorn kernels with one full of kidney beans, but things get trickier when you’re dealing with preserves, liqueurs, and sauces. Every year I think to myself, “I don’t need to label this. I’ll remember it for sure.” Spoiler: I won’t. Sometimes I plan ahead and buy some sticky labels that are quick and easy to affix, but most of the time I don’t think about labels until I need them in five minutes. Knowing this about myself, I keep pretty papers on hand that I can quickly cut into shapes, write on, and affix with sticky tape. There are many times I’ve regretted not putting labels on my creations, but I’ve never, ever regretted doing it.

Six: Use what you make.

The apple slices you dry, peach jam you cook, and mulberry syrup you make are treasures to enjoy and share. As beautiful as they look sit-

ting on the shelf, they’re even more precious to you, your friends, and your family devoured around the dining table or at the kitchen counter. It’s always a good time to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

James Lister MP MEMBER FOR SOUTHERN DOWNS

Ph: (07) 4524 7700 e: southern.downs@parliament.qld.gov.au • 9 Victoria St, Stanthorpe • 56 King St, Warwick

(Mon-Fri) (Mon-Tue)

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

Ally Axle Barked Den Era

DOWN 1 What might we call

tightrope walkers and trapeze performers (8) 2 What is a long, loose, heavy overcoat (6) 3 Name a female steroid sex hormone (8)

12 13

E-QUATIONS 7

Fan Far Fox Jet Mad

ferryman who conveyed souls of the dead across the Styx (6) 16 Name an earlier unmanned US spacecraft, designed to explore Mars (6) 17 Which highly vascular glandlike organ is also known as the lien (6) 20 Salt Lake City is the capital of which US State (4)

“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success.” In 1912, Sir Ernest Shackleton placed this ad for his Antarctic expedition – 5000 applied and all 28 selected survived!

13 15

BIYWORD

E M I E R S N K D

F R A G I L E

B:13, D:15, G:3, H:25, J:8, K:5, Y:10

DOWN 1 Party thrower 2 Biblical preposition 3 Identifying mark 4 At this point

G I I I I K

A D E E E F

L L M N N O

P R R S S T

SOLUTIONS

034

P M I © L I N S T O

QUICK THINK Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters. ACROSS 1 Quiet 5 One occasion 6 Asterisk 7 Raced

CLUES: Aged (3) Annoy (3) Before (3) Breakable (7) City in Florida (US) (5) Correct text (5) Piebald (5) Prefix: wrong (3) Reek (5) Tarries (7)

034

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.

13 15

SUDOKU

034

BIYWORD

are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

Tea Wax

CURIO

E-QUATIONS

044 Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using Letters A toclues Z haveina centre number value. cells.Some

J+K K×G J-K D+Y B-K H÷K D-K

Man Map Old Ran Rat

15 Name the mythological

Letters have a number value

B D G H J K Y

N E D M A P

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

metallic element has the symbol Zn (4) To which animal family does the leopard belong (6) Name an alternative term for a customer (6) Who discovered X-rays in 1895, Wilhelm Konrad ... (8) Which person is capable of a polished performance, but lacks real substance (4,4)

A A L L Y X

18 20

4 Which bluish-white

M T N X O N

5 6 7

the lien (6) ity is the capital of which US State

SUDOKU

T E A F A R

CROSSWORD

D J F R R W

F C N E F L U L I L I N E R N N M E N T S H S O E P H E W L P H E T T O E N I N E T Y

B A R K E D

T U T E Z L S W I S S E T N T R E C L E R O R G A R E O A V E N G E I N N K R U P T I T G U N D A G E G H N

is to be what (6) Which epidemic virus is a variety of H-one N-one (5,3) Which colour is reddishbrown, light brown, or yellowish-brown (6) What do we call a long lounge seat used for lying back on (8) Name a lively Spanish dance in three-four time (6) What are articles of clothing known as (8) To search among refuse for anything usable, is to do what (8) What do we call one’s sister’s son (6) Which term describes an insolvent debtor (8) Name a city area in which a minority group lives in poverty, overcrowding, etc (6) What do we call the fee charged per pound in weight or money (8) How many degrees in a right angle (6)

034

A S C R U O B O A T S C H B A R P O N

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Hush, 5 Once, 6 Star, 7 Tore. DOWN: 1 Host, 2 Unto, 3 Scar, 4 Here.

167-034

E-QUATIONS B:13, D:15, G:3, H:25, J:8, K:5, Y:10

N E D M A P

MINI WORD FIND

MINI WORD FIND B D T M A A J E T A R F A N L K R F X L E R A O Y D W R N X

ACROSS 1 To be sagacious or shrewd,

733

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Local St Valentine’s Day party cakes: 1935, 1947

Valentine's Day on the into an acidic solution that with cochineal. Southern Downs has not always produces carminic acid. This is Once the cake is cooled, an equally bright been marked by a flurry of used as a brilliantly red dye for pink and lemony icing is spread over the chocolates, flowers, and hot food, beverages, fabrics, and top and sides, then sprinkled with colourdates. more. ful nonpareils, also known as hundreds The Warwick Argus described the region's In light of Leonie’s recent article about and thousands. reaction to the holiday rather succinctly in eating insects, it was a fun discovery to I had thought nonpareils were a modern 1892 when it stated, "Sunday confection, but once again, I was St. Valentine's day. Little was mistaken. Although the notice is now taken of the origins of the sweet, sugary event." balls are murky, history tells A quick read through old us that they were being newspaper archives reveals made commercially in that Valentine's Day was less a Australia in the early 1920's day of romance and more a by the Plaistowe confectionway to describe a date on ery company of Perth. which other events took place Mrs. E. Brosnan’s cake was such as voting, a cricket match, served as morning tea in the or a birthday party for a newspaper office this week, beloved local. and one devourer declared it The one Valentine’s Day tradiwas just like one her nana tion that did prevail was the used to make. Happy annual cake recipe competition Valentine’s Day! held by some newspapers, wherein Queensland residents St. Valentine's Cake were invited to contribute reciMrs. E. Brosnan, Allora pes for Valentine’s Day Party Ingredients: Cakes, with the winners having 3 Tbsp butter, 3 Tbsp their recipes printed in the sugar, 2 eggs, well beaten, 1 paper. 1/2 cups self-raising flour, In the spirit of honouring our Mrs Brosnan’s cake from 1935 - pretty as a picture. Photo: 1/3 cup milk, 1 tsp lemon predecessors, I decided to recreKrista Bjorn. juice, Few drops cochineal, ate one of those winning reci3/4 cup chopped raisins pes this week. realise that Southern Downs residents have Icing I looked at the recipes submitted by two been ingesting insects quite happily for 1-2 cups powdered sugar, lemon juice, winners from our region and discussions nearly 100 years. cochineal, pink sugar or coconut or nonpawere held in the office as to which one The China doll in the recipe was also a bit reils should be attempted. of a mystery until the grand plans for the Directions: (continued back page botThe first candidate was one from cake unfolded. tom) “G.M.G.” from Warwick who had their reciFirst, a vanilla flavoured cake studded pe printed in The Telegraph on 14 February FOR SALE with crystallised cherries is baked and 1935. cooled then iced with a pink boiled The ingredient list included a China doll frosting. with a pink bodice, ground rice, crystalThe China doll is then placed atop the lised cherries, and cochineal. cake in the centre and surrounded by I was rather startled to see ground rice almond paste hearts that have also been included in the list, since to my mind, that dyed with the cochineal. ingredient is a modern one, found in the It all sounded very festive, but, thanks gluten-free aisles in our local grocery to a dearth of China dolls with pink stores. $35 per bale from Yangan farm, bodices in my house, I went for recipe I was also surprised to see cochineal, candidate number two. or $40 delivered to Warwick, which, thanks to my medieval adventures, I This St. Valentine's Cake recipe was associated only with dyeing cloth. It turns or $45 delivered to Stanthorpe submitted to The Telegraph by Mrs. E. out that cochineal is used for much more Brosnan from Allora in February 1947. than colouring fabric. It proved to be a much simpler affair Cochineal is actually an insect, a female Phone John 0427 648 205 to make with a lemony batter laced insect to be precise, which is harvested, WHILE STOCKS LAST! with raisins and coloured a vivid pink sun-dried, crushed into powder, and put

Millet Straw Almost Gone!

SHEDDED BARLEY STRAW IN GOOD SUPPLY

PASTURE HAY FOR SALE

COUNTRYJOURNAL

100 years on in Tannymorel Contributed by Deborah Wheeler

posts and rails around the memorial to keep cattle away from the structure. This white One hundred years ago, His Excellency the fence and wire gate remained in place until Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan performed a it was removed in 1993-1994 to enable the widening of the road. Sacred Ceremony at Tannymorel. Unfortunately, as the First World War was Monday 7th February marked the 100th touted as the war to end all wars, the origiAnniversary of the unveiling of the nal intent of the memorial has had to be Tannymorel War Memorial. The official changed over the years to also honour those opening was performed by Sir Matthew who fought in the Second World War and Nathan after the original opening date of subsequent conflicts. 31st December 1921 had to be postponed. It was inspiring to witness Sunday’s service This memorial was erected to honor the local men from the area who made the ulti- to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Tannymorel Obelisk. A large crowd of mate sacrifice for their country during the around 200 people gathered out on the open First World War. The obelisk is made of brown Helidon stone and rises fifteen feet in ground surrounding the Obelisk. Despite the windy, inclement weather the commemorathe air. The first of four panels on the obelisk bears tion service went ahead without a hitch. The Killarney RSL Sub-Branch President, the inscription, “Heroes of the Great War 1914-1919.” Gunner Z Geraghty; Corporal L Bob Wright was the MC for the event and welcomed honoured guests including Jones; Private H Cobb; Private J Kennedy; Private J McGowan; Private A Steel; Private President of RSL Queensland, Major General Stephen Day DSC, AM., President, Dennis A Webster; Signaler G Campbell Pollard District President Western Districts, Donations for the construction were sourced locally and the memorial was built James Lister MP, Mayor Vic Pennisi, Crs. at a cost of one hundred and four pound six Gliori and Tancred, 11th Light Horse shillings and threepence. Local resident, Mr. Montrose Troop, Warwick Thistle Band to Laws offered to shape and erect substantial name a few. After the official service came to

an end, everyone was invited back to the Tannymorel Memorial Hall for a cuppa and something to eat. After the official speeches, Margaret Armstrong and her great band of helpers produced a wonderful spread for all to enjoy.

Terry Shanahan pictured here with his dog laid a wreath in memory of his Grandfather Major Michael Shanahan DSO, and war animals. Photo Deborah Wheeler

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. Sundries: 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); 2 saddles; numerous halters; number of horse rugs; drop saw; Plasma cutter; wood lathe; 23 portable cattle panels and gate; Magnum Hilux canopy brand new; numerous gates; various lengths of corrugated roofing iron; shelving assortment of nuts and bolts; bench circular saw; weber barbecue; old wood stove; smaller items to be listed. Outside Vendors Welcome; CROWN Forklift CG 25s-3 Diesel; Inter. ACCO 2152B; Box Trailer (reg); ARC Welder w/ leads & auto dark helmet; Canoe (2 man). 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

Helen Harm Real Estate

WORKIN WEAR - WARWICK $ 170,000 + STOCK INVESTOR ON BIG BLOCK

$ 265,000 Potential to subdivide 1325m² lot •1960’s Timber 3 built-in bed home • Window air-cons in lounge & main bedroom • Lounge media off entry hall • Open-plan tiled living has air-con • Kitchen has slow combustion + elec . appliances, bench space & pantry • Bath has shower over bath, sep . toilet • Laundry utility, ramp to yard • Close to Private schools, Golf Course & sports fields

• 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 • Easily run by Owner + 1 or 2

HIGHWAY FRONTAGE

$ 250,000 WESTSIDE TOWNHOUSE 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

PEACEFUL PARADISE

L SO

$ 325,000 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

Co Un nt de ra r ct

INVESTORS:- Rent is $330 per week

$ 600,000 BAKERY & CAFÉ - WARWICK

$ 260,000 Award Winning Bakery established since 2007

Extended family and friends can pool finances to set up self-sufficient farm away from COVID . • Spelled 3 yrs (currently 400 beehives) • Power 5Km – install Solar!! • Clean grazing cattle country • Macintyre Brook provides water for livestock (great fishing holes) • Farm shed, cattle yards • Steel frame house ready to erect • 406 .837 Ha (1,000 Ac) • 360 deg views of Luna Valley • OMAN AMA 70 mins W of Warwick

STOP URGENT!! WE NEED RENTAL PROPERTY IN GOOD REPAIR PRESS Call …Helen Harm Real Estate 4661 3663

WE HAVE NO VACANCIES!! PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE A RENTAL AVAILABLE

BUILT IN 2020

INVESTORS: Renting at $275 per week

$ 425,000 • 3 Bed, main ensuite/walk-in robe • 2 Bath • Open-plan lounge flows to entertaining deck • Kitchen has electric appliances, Butler’s Pantry • Bath has shower over bath, vanity, separate toilet • Laundry utility • Undercover entertaining • 2-car garage • 2292m² with room for sheds, vegie patch … .

53 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK www.helenharm.com

• Prominent location with easy access • Open 5 ½ days • List of equipment is available • Cold Room, freezer • Security Cameras • Solar panels • Delivery van

DOUBLE BLOCK - LEYBURN

$ 300,000 • 3 bed, Clad to save painting • Bath, separate shower, separate toilet • Kitchen/Dining – good storage, electric appliances • Open-plan living has air-con • Solar system on the roof • Gun room • Town & Rain water • Large American barn, chook run • Meat shed • Cyclone fenced (6ft) • 2 x 4047m² blocks

LAND • 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 • HENDON – 3794m², 2 level blocks, old shed, partially fenced - Sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

4X4 AUTO DUAL CAB

37,990 - $44,490

drive away^

4X2 AUTO DUAL CAB from

34,990

drive away^

The all-new GWM Ute is born tough, built smart. With a powerful engine, rugged styling, luxury features as standard the GWM Ute has the strength to tackle hard jobs plus the comfort and technology needed for weekends away. Standard features: Cannon-X upgrades:

Alloy Wheels • 8-speed Automatic • Keyless Entry & Push-Button Start • Premium Eco-Leather Comfort-Tek seats • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto AEB with Pedestrian & Bicycle Detection • Lane Keep Assist • Active Cruise Control • Reverse Camera • Automatic LED Headlights Heated Front Seats • 6-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat • Leather Steering Wheel • 360 Around View Camera • Automatic Air Conditioning Cargo Ladder • Wireless Phone Charging • Power Assist Steering • Black Luxury Interior • Privacy Glass • Second row 60:40 split seats

*7 Year Unlimited KM Warranty for private buyers, for commercial use Warranty is 7 Years up to 150,000 KM. Metallic paint + $595. Vehicles must be ordered and delivered by 31st March 2022 or whilst stocks last. T&Cs apply. E&OE. ANCAP rating applies to all dual cab variants built from Aug 2021.

27,490 - $33,990^

DRIVE AWAY

32,990 - $42,990^

DRIVE AWAY

JOLION Premium

JOLION Ultra Vanta

H6 Premium

H6 Ultra Vanta

• • • • • •

All Lux features plus/or: • Panoramic sunroof • 12.3” Multimedia Touchscreen • Wireless Charging • Heads Up Display • Black Alloy Wheels • Black Front Grille

• • • • •

All Lux & Premium features plus/or: • Panoramic sunroof • Electric tailgate • Wireless charging • Heated and ventilated front seats • Fully automatic parking • Heads-Up display...& MORE

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Reverse camera + sensors 10.25” Multimedia Touchscreen 17-inch alloy wheels Roof rails Advanced Safety Features

Apple CarPlay 10.25” Multimedia Touchscreen Reversing camera + sensors 18” Alloy Wheels LED headlamps, tail lamps, DRL and rear fog lamps • Advanced Safety Features

At HAVAL, we are dedicated to providing drivers with the best technology, features and safety advances from around the globe to deliver premium SUVs at an affordable price. *All prices are driveaway. Metallic paint + $495. Offer applies to private buyers of new and demo Haval SUV’s, ordered and delivered by the 31st March 2022 (while stocks last). 7 Year Unlimited KM Warranty for private buyers, for commercial use Warranty is 7 Years up to 150,000 KM. T&Cs apply. E&OE. Models showns are Jolion Ultra $32,990 drive away and H6 Ultra 4WD from $41,990 driveaway.

Discover the more about the exciting GWM HAVAL range today! 20 Alexandra Drive, Warwick

casselsauto.com.au

4661 2533

COUNTRYJOURNAL

It’s bad, but better than a drought... The community’s role

continued from page 7... 2. Ensure access to properties. 3. Access and claim for flood damage. 4. Repairs.

SDRC has just three requests of residents: 1. Please drive to the conditions both during (e.g. don't drive though floodwater) and after floods (e.g. be aware of damaged Of these stage three can be the most chal- road surfaces). 2. Don't assume SDRC knows about an lenging as damage must not simply be issue, particularly as significant deterioraaccessed but claims made through QRA the Queensland Reconstruction authority who tion can occur after an emergency event. Please either use the app or call (1300 697 fund recovery from disaster events. Such claims are vital, as without QRA financing 372). the SDRC residents (through SDRC) would foot the bill. While typically claims are processed quickly they can take up to three years. The challenge currently is the three flood events mean a multiple layered approach in needed. Even once a claim has been approved, other challenges occur including sourcing materials (typically gravel is produced for a specific project, not simply stockpiled) and contractors. In addition, SDRC not only prioritises work in the afore mentioned manner. To maximise efficiency SDRC actively groups jobs on a section of road together. So, a particular road may consist of both QRA funded work and scheduled maintenance. Which is why the worst roads are not always the first fixed. So, while recovery will take time, please take time to thank our SDRC Instructure team as they clear, mow and repair our great region.

Pencilhead solutions P O I O L A Y E R S S P

U P T N E A C H C P I O

L T E F T S P S R E N S

S I N G L E T P O E D S

E C G A N U N I L D U I

S S S H D E I S S Y S B

T E C Y T D L D I E T L

R T I M E O I M Y T R E

World’s Fastest Camera Wordfind: Hidden Phrase: “This technology can be used in microscopes too.” Spot the 5 Differences:

H S H G W F P E F O Y O

I Q U A D R I L L I O N

W M N Y O A N R C I L S

O A O V B M T E M P C M

R T E C E E M A R A T E

L T L A U S G L L E T N

D E X T R E M E L Y O E

S R P H E N O M E N A W

1. Buttons on top changed position 2. Arm moved lower down 3. Medal larger 4. Dial on top moved 5. Lens smaller

patient with Council getting repairs done, but it's a struggle to balance road safety and meet everyone's expectations. Saying goodbye to the water carting trucks, saying hello to green paddocks makes it a bit easier to stomach the rough roads. Council urges everyone to drive to conditions, never enter flooded waters and be patient with our work crews - they will eventually get everything repaired.' Councillor Stephan Tancred

Welcome Gary Murphy

Gary Murphy is the Southern Downs regional Council's new Director of Instructure. Gary arrival in November last year basically coincided with not one but three flood events. So, he has had a baptism of repeated flooding, as he looks after roads, parks and gardens, fleet, building and water. Gary told the Country Journal the good news of the rain is our dams are full. The challenge is the water has created a huge amount of extra work both relating to roads and gardens and the wet also makes a number of jobs slower or impossible. The good news is while Gary moved here for 'love and family' he loves the climate and is here to stay having purchased a home in the Southern Downs. He also brings significant qualifications and experience regarding Instructure. Perhaps more interestingly he spent fifteen years driving jet boats and jet skis as part of a role sup3. Please be patient. porting Surf Life Saving in NSW. Floods (and other Gary is also a passionate fisherman, who disaster events) are told the Country Journal while he has not scheduled, recov- caught a few Cod he is still after a 'big one'. ery takes time. So hopefully the rain has cleared some deep 'When you live in spots which will grow some big fish. the country, you know that rain is an Rain leads to Prostate problems economic and lifestyle blessing and we also accept dry times Did you know there is a direct link between Prostate issues and rainfall in the as part of Mother Nature's cycles. But Southern Downs? the drought of 2019- The link is not causal but diagnostic. Rain 20 was very hard to promotes grass growth. Grass growth lead to more mowing, which is often conducted accept for farmers and town residents. on a ride on mower. The vibrations from such mowing can aggravate prostate issues. So when the heavy rain started in March So, blokes if you are having waterworks issues please go see your doctor. 2021, our hearts were lifted and the recovery began. But I am working on a story about dogs on as we know, it hasn't farms both the importance of working dogs really stopped rain- and the terror of wild dogs. So, if you have ing since and some photos or stories about dogs on farms very heavy falls have please share them with us by contacting edidamaged many of tor@thedailyjournal.ink. our roads. Residents have been mostly

Export lambs firm CONTRIBUTED BY: ROSS ELLIS MCDOUGALL AND SONS Agents today yarded 1417 head for the weekly sale , the yarding was mainly drawn from local sources with a few Southwestern vendors making the trip. The good trade and export lambs were still firm with the light lambs bringing prices according to type, condition, and any special features. Lambs topped at $236 to average

$166.80($6up), hoggets topped at $231 to average $165.08($5up), ewes topped at $184 to average $148($10up), wethers topped at $193 to average $174.46($37up), lamb rams were not in any numbers and averaged$125.35($25down). The total yarding averaged $164.33which was $9 up on last week. Black Beauty Pigs sold Southdown ewes to restockers for $184, 65kg wether hoggets to restockers for $214 Vermont Past Co sold Suffolk x sucker

COUNTRYJOURNAL

lambs 49.9kg and 47.7kg to Eversons for $195 and $165 Lyal Farming P/S sold Dorper lambs 59.5kg to Thomas Foods for $231, 54.2kg to Ashtons Butchery for $218 Bunch & Bartholemew sold Dorper lambs 53.5kg to Thomas Foods for $205, 57kg hoggets to restockers for $205 and $178 Jack & Sally Sloss sold Suffolk x lambs 33.2kg to restockers for $100, 46.5kg Merino hoggets to Take It Easy Meats for $146. Lindsay & Anne Boyle sold Dorper x ewe lambs 35kg to restockers for $140 and $124 Hickson F/T sold Xbred lambs 55kg to Thomas Foods for $192, 59.7kg hoggets to Eversons for $175, 4th wethers to Thomas Foods for $185 Rory & Kathy Frost sold Dorper lambs 48.8kg to Lawsons Butchery and Shelley F/T for $192, 44.3kg to Highchester Meats for $190 Ken Kelly sold Dorper x lambs 55kg to restockers for $212, 45.7kg to Leslie Lamb for $178, Merino ewes to restockers for $120 Scott Hurtz sold Xbred sucker lambs 47.7kg to Eversons for $180, to restockers for $125, 36.8kg to Eversons for $130, 27.8kg ewe lambs to restockers for $151 and $100, and to Highchester Meats for $130 Jesson Family sold Dorper hoggets 55kg to Eversons for $170, 4th wethers to Eversons for $165

Valentine’s recipe

continued from previous page... Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Gradually add in flour and milk, a bit at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon juice, cochineal, and chopped raisins. Pour into greased heart-shaped tin and bake at 180F for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Place powdered sugar in medium bowl and add enough lemon juice to make a spreadable icing. Stir in cochineal to make the mixture pink. Spread evenly over cake then sprinkle with pink sugar or coconut or nonpareils.