Country Journal, Edition #13 - September 6, 2021

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

CountryJournal Week commencing 6th September 2021

Spring and its vegetables

Inside story of power couple

The first vegetables of spring are starting to emerge in gardens around teh region, and Krista Bjorn has some deas and some recipes to share that make use of one of the sprin vegetables likely to be first in line for use: the asparagus. In this edition she shares the receipes for a salad and a quiche that features the spear-shaped vegetable.

They are one of the most popular couples in the region, and they have a colourful story to tell--that ranges from putting on 1600 lunches in less than 35 minutes at Opera In The Vineyard to commentating on Warwick Rugby on 4WK, Robin and Margaret Hine share some of their memories of almost six decades in business in Warwick with readers of the Country Journal. Photo, interview by Gerard Walsh.

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Carrying hard-earned research into action is not always a natural transition, as a team of economists from the University of Queensland, working with AgriFutures and Southern Queensland Landscapes found, in their Granite Belt project on the adoption of enviornmental impact offsetting practices (such as mulching, above) by the region’s wine growers. The study found that if growers were given a clear ‘case study’ on what to do, that had much more impact than just introducing a policy or launching a website. The study also faced a perfect storm, when COVID-19 took everyone’s eyes off the ball. See page 3.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Country briefs Bill Gates likes farmland For many American investors, farmland was not on the radar as an investable asset class until earlier this year, when it was revealed that the largest owners of U.S. farmland were none other than Bill and Melinda Gates.

Many were speculating about Gates’ motivation for the acquisitions – was it part of his larger sustainability strategy? As it happens, Gates says these investments are, in fact, not connected to climate. This might have surprised some – even the most savvy investors. But to those familiar with farmland, it’s easy to see why this asset class is so attractive for investors. The Gates’ have been quietly acquiring farmland through their investment manager, Cascade Investment, for over 10 years. When the fund was profiled by The Wall Street Journal in 2014, it was already a significant farmland investor, with “at least 100,000 acres of farmland in California, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and other states.”

What’s organic?

Australia's $2.5 billion organic industry is keeping up the fight for mandatory truth in labelling laws banning the word "organic" on uncertified goods. Industry

experts hope to eventually score a victory in federal parliament next year. Some 56 per cent of Australian shoppers have claimed they deliberately bought organic products last year, so for the industry, the pressure is on to get Canberra to tighten regulatory oversight of what is certified and promoted as chemical-free.

Federal legislation would require domestic foodstuffs to identify a minimum standard of organic accreditation, bringing the rules in line with long-established organic export requirements.

Recent research found almost a third of consumers buying organic products in 2020 believed they had previously been misled by labels on items which were not legitimate. Also, industry body Australian Organic Limited found lack of trust in labels claiming organic status was a real barrier to buying for 30pc of shoppers who frequently sought out organic goods.

First for basil A fully automated protected cropping structure in the Lockyer Valley has produced a harvest of basil last month. The facility maintains an appropriate growing temperature and light density using sensors and automatic heating, cooling and a light curtain. 28,000 basil plants spent 21 days maturing, 8 days quicker than anticipated. The system also saves 90%

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on water compared to convential production and allows herbacide-free cropping.

The crop is owned by Barden Produce.

Magic mushrooms Australia’s first legal, living collection of native magic mushrooms is being studied by scientists in a Brisbane laboratory to help identify characteristics that might be useful for medical research into psychedelic treatments. There is global interest in the psychoactive properties of magic mushrooms for treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Australian native magic mushrooms may have evolved different methods for psilocybin production and offer adaptations that are preferential for use in clinical treatments.

Very dry wine Ballandean Estate, Queensland’s oldest family owned and operated winery, has released it’s drought resistant Durif wine, a full bodied alternative red. The variety originates in France’s Rhone Valley and the Puglisi-Gangemi family planted it in 2008. The drop has been called “broody” by reviewers. Only 350 cases were produced and it will be a rare addition to the estate’s cellars.

Overworked bees

South Australian apiarists are worried their bees are being overworked trying to keep up with demand from an expanding almond industry. Bees are vital to the life cycle of almond orchards and are brought in during winter to pollinate trees which leads to the colourful, white bloom which occurs around August. The industry is worth $1.6 billion Australia-wide, and in SA it is worth more than $220 million and creates more than 1,100 direct and indirect jobs.

MP

Overworked police All police officers will be required to have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

by October 4, 2021 and their second dose by January 23, 2022.

Police are already part of the 1A and 1B priority groups and will continue be able to receive their vaccinations whilst on-duty.Police who have not received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or who are legally exempt will be required to wear a mask while on duty indoors and outdoors where they cannot socially distance.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Just need a plan to change

3

Mystery remains on issues like carbon offsetting

EA SY

which improve biodiversity, curb emissions, and give farmers another source of revenues.

Yet, the study showed that winegrowers were reluctant to invest, mainly because the information they receive is complex and unclear.

Associate Professor Lana Friesen (pictured) told The Country Journal that only about onethird of the winegrowers understood what carbon offsetting was in 2019, when the study began gathering data. Of course, COVID interrupted the entire process, slowing it down and complicating the end results somewhat by changing the landscape for growers in the region.

What the economists did was present 18 winegrowers with four specific case studies to assess how providing them with additional information would impact their decision making. Two of the case studies came from other growers and two from government.

Winegrowers made hypothetical choices based on the case studies.

"It was a good response" said Dr Friesen, adding that the financial information outlined in the various case studies was of more IENDLY BAN FR importance to growers than the environmental information.

WARWICK CREDIT UNION It was outside the scope of the study to inquire as to whether any of the growers took further steps to adopt carbon offsetting practices thanks to the trial, but Peter O'Reilly points out that the timing of the study came at a historic juncture which may have thrown things. He says that most of the growers

involved were already investigating mulching and other practices but there's been "no seismic shift” in part because "it's been so busy people have struggled to do anything else" but sell their wine to tourists...

Peter describes the "crazy conditions" this year, saying that the only seismic shift is the shift of wine out of the region and that the wine stock is so depleted that growers' efforts have gone into restocking. "No one has had the time or ability to do anything in the last 12 months."

Despite the unexpected turn of events for winegrowers after the study first began in 2019, Peter agrees that packaging information in a digestible, easy to follow case study makes sense if adoption of any new technology is encouraged.

Making the theoretical palatable in real-life scenarios, such as winegrowers adopting carbon offsetting, is a critical step in changing agricultural habits across the country.

NG KI

Granite Belt winegrowers have been at the centre of important economic research in the last year.

Varieties of government grants, research, initiatives, and policy are devoted to re-imagining Australian agriculture as a beacon of sustainability for the rest of the world. Many growers have indeed evolved their practices and introduced technology to better work within the confines of nature. Yet, there is lag between ideal and reality on the ground.

What are the barriers to uptake?

A recent study conducted by economists from the University of Queensland, working with AgriFutures and Southern Queensland Landscapes, investigated what would boost adoption of environmental offsetting practices

by Granite Belt winegrowers.

What the study found seems simple enough: give growers a clear case study which they can analyse and base their own decisions upon, and they are far more likely to adopt carbon offsetting practices on farm than when presented with, well, a bunch of policy guidelines and arcane government websites.

The current mechanisms at the Federal level are "really complicated" Professor Lana Friesen, a member of the research team, told The Country Journal. Peter O'Reilly, CEO of the Granite Belt College of Wine Tourism, facilitated the links between the economists and the growers. "There's nothing surprising from the results; if we make information directly relevant, and applicable, people are more likely to take it up."

Offsetting practices on the Granite Belt included mulching, cover cropping, reducing chemical spraying and installing solar panels,

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Good luck with delivery The Southern Downs has healthy advantage in delivering high quality beef to the global market, particularly Asia, but the delivery part of the equation is a currently a weak link.

Australia as a whole is the second largest exporter of chilled beef to the world and the biggest exporter of chilled sheepmeat.

The crisis in global shipping and airfreight are creating turmoil, however, as demand for goods has spiked and supply chains have dealth with uncertainties and disruptions.

The tight global shipping capacity, container

shortages and higher than ever freigh rates have created crimps in the supply pipeline all over the world.

The Yantian Port and the Ningbo Port in China have both been put into lockdown thanks to COVID and air freight, with the demise of passenger planes, has suffered as well with caps on entry to Australia.

The total volume of all Australian outbound air-freight in 2020–21 declined by 19%, but beef and sheepmeat were more exposed, falling 24% and 30% year-on-year, respectively, as seen in the above chart. Despite support from the Australian Government’s

International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), the sheer lack of planes in the sky has hit red meat exports to certain markets particularly hard. Meanwhile, chilled seafreight beef exports declined by 11% in 2020– 21, while frozen sea-freight beef plunged 27%.

On the upside, major carriers appear to be responding to the vacuum and adding capacity which will alleviate some of the bother in the next couple of years. The relentless industrial actions in ports in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane last year may ease and improve the movement of goods in and out of Australia.

Cartage tanks on offer IF you've been itching to get a new water cartage tank now is a good time.

Council is working with TransTank International (TTI) to donate water cartage tanks to primary producers and notfor-profit organisations.

Cartage tanks will be available through expression of interest through TTI and now is the time to submit an application to receive a 1500 litre Aqua Trans Tank valued at $20000.

A Council spokesperson said that tanks

will become available intermittently and interested residents or organisations should regularly monitor Council's website and Facebook page for announcements as tanks become available.

"First in best dressed applies to this donation program and we suggest farmers and not-for profit organisations

The Small Newspaper Company Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here Not London. Not New York.

Main phone number: 07-4641 7953 Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick A.C.N. 167 171 217

• Editor: Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink * Sales: Gordon Bratby 0437 417 736 * Sales: Peter Schmidt 0447 105 846 sales@thedailyjournal.ink 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!

keep an eye on Council's website and Facebook page where we will post updates as tanks become available," the spokesperson said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for primary producers to secure world-class

equipment to improve their operations and buffer their water supply during drought.

Council reminds residents that receiving a tank is not guaranteed and there are terms and conditions applicable which can be found on Council's website.

For more information, consult the Council website. For information on the type of water cartage tanks which will be donated, visit www.tti.com.au/product-category/liquid-transport-tanks/ water-cartage-tanks/ For more information contact Dani Kinnear, Council's Community Development Officer at dani.kinnear@ sdrc.qld.gov.au.

Biosecurity registrations for horses, livestock, bees...

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

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Betting on black (or white) Netting for future climate, with colour the clue Adapting to the effects of extreme heat and drier climates will be key to the profitability of Granite Belt orchards.

The pressures of drought, extreme heat and reduced winter chill are likely to create challenges for productivity in pome fruit.

Compared to annual vegetable crops, the timeline for establishing perennial tree crops and new orchard blocks puts additional pressure on apple and pear growers to factor future climate challenges in the choices they make now.

Dr Ian Goodwin has undertaken a variety of research in this area, relating to commercial orchards.

“Historically we did quite a bit of work on adaptation in orchards,” Dr Goodwin said.

“What we’re really focusing on is trying to maximise the quality of the fruit. Yield is still important, but our research mainly concerns the impact of climate on fruit quality parameters.”

These projects include studies on netting, evaporative cooling, winter chilling and

orchard design. Netting and evaporative cooling are two adaptations growers can start implementing now to offset the effects of drought, higher temperatures and weather variability.

“Netting helps block excessive solar radiation and also creates a microclimate, which can reduce the irrigation requirements,” Dr Goodwin said.

“This makes netting an effective practical adaptation for apple and pear orchards in the face of drought and increasing temperatures, as well as reducing the impact of wind and extreme weather events, such as hail.”

A recently completed netted apple trial found that both black and white netting reduced sunburn damage significantly compared to no netting, with little difference between the two shades.

The netting reduced water requirement by approximately 20 per-cent more than a non-netted orchard.

The study also noted potential adverse effects of shade under netting in the colour development of fruit, which could be offset

by modifying orchard practice, including tree management and irrigation.

As part of a project, Dr Goodwin will test different netting configurations to offset the impact of reduced sunlight on colour development. “One concern is that as soon as you start reducing solar radiation by netting, you also impact colour development in apples and pears,” Dr Goodwin said.

“So, we’re trying to come up with innovative ways to reduce the detrimental effect on colour, as well as providing protection from hail and excessive radiation and sunburn damage.

“We are trialling a gable system of netting with clear fibres on the east side – to catch the morning sun – and black netting on the west side – to reduce the more intense solar radiation of afternoon sunlight.

“Because the clear netting allows the morning sun through, the fruit should still have good colour development.

"The black is reducing the amount of afternoon radiation to prevent sunburn damage and the colour being bleached out.”

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

FACE TO FACE with gerard walsh

Robin & Margaret Hine

03MH024Tue_CJ_Fon

Putting out 1600 lunches in less than 35 minutes at Opera In The Vineyard is one of the memorable times in 60 years of business at 30 Palmerin St for Robin and Margaret Hine.

Robin went to school at Warwick Central State School and Warwick State High School and set up a toy and sports business next to his parents’ café after he left school at the age of 14.

Margaret was born at Stanthorpe and lived in Toowoomba and Greenmount before she started work for Robin’s parents in Warwick. This year, Robin and Margaret celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and were touched by the generosity of people in 200 comments after employee Shauneen Gilmore put a post on Facebook.

Margaret and Robin Hine in their Café at 30 Palmerin St, Warwick, where they have “We put a thank you note in the Daily worked for 60 years. Photo: Gerard Walsh Journal as we were in tears after some of the comments,” Robin said. “Margaret Robin and Margaret bought three shops crews to different jobs in our business and I have been together every day from his parents and all are currently except when I was doing national service Robins Catering.” occupied by family.

When catering for Opera In The at Wacol in 1957 and when we took They run their Café in the northVineyard at ern-most business and son Anthony’s Ballandean, they arrived on wife Clare Hine practices as a lawyer in the middle building. Anthony was in the site on the Saturday morn- navy for 26 years. ing and would Son Ross is a master dry cleaner in the do up to 1600 third business operated by a Hine family lunches and member.

1600 dinners on Their daughter Terri and husband the one day.

Robert Morgenstern live in Toowoomba They never where she has a hairdressing business washed up at after learning her trade in Warwick. functions so had Robin and Margaret have three grandenough clean sons and one granddaughter. crockery for two They have many memories of 56 years full courses. running Robins Catering. One man in “We would get Warwick told Robin he didn’t have home from enough money for his daughter’s wedsome functions ding but started pre-paying for the wedat 5am, sit ding . down in the “We were paid in 14 or 15 lots, he was a Café for some- brilliantly honest man,” Robin said. thing to eat, Whenever there was a business opporhave a beer and tunity, the Hines were prepared to have a watch the sun go. At one time, Robin and his van ran a come up. food wholesale business farm to farm Their wedding predominately on the western side of anniversary this Warwick, customers would order what year coincided they wanted. Robin is also a retired • Small Crews Available with their move Justice of the Peace.

• A1 Tordoning & Regrowth to buy out the Gerard Walsh: First thing first business of Specialist Margaret, what were your favourite dishRobin’s parents, es in 56 years of Robins Catering?

George and Margaret Hine: Champagne chicken, Flora Hine, 60 and pineapple and lamb curry. years ago.

GW: Robin, tell us about your early

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11MH025Tue_CJ_PAU

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continued page 10

COUNTRYJOURNAL

7

Around the halls: Dalveen

THE Dalveen Sports Club runs the local hall which is one of the most used in the Southern Downs Regional Council area. Last week, it held a concert as part of the Festival of Small Halls.

In his last annual report, president Nathan Parkes said Dalveen was a small rural community which punched well above its weight.

“It takes the combined efforts of the community, members and guests to keep this momentum rolling,” he said.

“Without you all, we wouldn’t have a club.”

Their weekly function is a Friday night gathering where they have a licensed bar and a volunteer cooking roster to prepare the meal.

While the hall was closed for three months due to COVID-19, it reopened with more than 50 people turning up again on a Friday night.

The sports club is supported by the Dalveen Film Society which is a sub-committee of the Dalveen Sports Club and hosts bi-monthly film nights.

The latest film screening was Yesterday and in October the film society will screen June Again with Noni Hazlehurst.

The Dalveen branch of the QCWA holds all its meetings at the hall and has a fortnightly craft day.

Another craft group meets weekly in the hall.

While there hasn’t been cricket for a while, the sports ground is also under the control of the Dalveen Sports Club.

The sports ground is used by the Dalveen State School for their regular sports activities as well as being used for inter-school sport.

The Dalveen Hall and surrounds are also a recognised Neighbour Safe Place in the event of a natural disaster.

The Dalveen Rural Fire Brigade shed is next to the hall and members use sports club facilities for training and as an incident control centre in the event of an emergency.

There have been regular upgrades of the hall, the latest was the installation of theatre curtains and air conditioning.

This year, the Southern Downs Regional Council supported the development of an Urban Design Framework for Dalveen after

years of campaigning by the Dalveen Sports Club.

Through this framework, SDRC has committed to: promoting Dalveen as the ‘Gateway to the Granite Belt’ investigating the possibility of a new tourist drive commencing at Dalveen developing a Heritage trail linking local Dalveen heritage sites upgrading the toilets at Jim Mitchell Park exploring the opportunity of installing coin operated BBQ’s investigating the potential to deliver additional community units in the town centre as part of the new planning scheme to support local residents to age in place supporting the club in grant applications for installation of power and water to the oval to allow for RV friendly camping outside of use by the Dalveen Rural Fire Brigade and Council as a neighbourhood safe place during periods of natural disaster supporting the club to build an amenities block on the oval for use in these times.

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We acknowledge that student well being is essential to student learning success, and as such, we place a high emphasis on our quality pastoral care program. School based pastoral care at Assumption College refers to the total care of the student, and aims to encourage a whole school, supportive approach to student welfare, behaviour management and academic monitoring.

Our pastoral care program aims to support our students and create a sense of belonging within the Assumption College community. We have a dedicated Pastoral Academic Leader for each year level who meets with the students on a regular basis, allowing us to develop a welcoming culture where staff can be readily approached by students. These year level meetings also include various well being programs throughout the year which support and promote the personal growth of each individual student within our College community.

As professional educators we know that learning

occurs best when in a high quality, supportive environment. At Assumption College we expect high standards of behaviour for effective learning so students can participate positively within our College community. We have a comprehensive student behaviour plan which supports this high standard of responsible behaviour and maintains a safe, respectful learning environment, while encouraging students to reach their full potential.

Assumption College also offers a wide range of social development programs including many community service opportunities, helping to shape our students into outstanding, responsible community members. Students are supported by our on-campus School Counsellor and College Chaplain who are available to meet student’s individual needs, as well as providing access to many groups and various activities within the College.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

I WAS driving to Toowoomba at the weekend and noticed all the windmills on the New England Highway.

That has sparked me to write about the water supply for our farm at Greymare in the past 100 years, well nearly 60 for me.

Originally, we had a windmill and well which was once re-slabbed. Not sure you could do that now with all the health and safety requirements.

The windmill was old and needed regular maintenance and I once bought a second-hand mill head from the Marshall family at Greymare.

Our mill wasn’t a Southern Cross so it was a bit more difficult to find spares. Eventually the mill needed replacing and we installed a Davey Electric Pump at the house and two two-inch poly pipes underground in the 200 metres from the well for pumping.

The slabs started falling in again so we put in a bore and creek gravel around the bore pipe to let the underground water seep through and into the pump.

The reality was the well/bore was running out of water which happened to a lot of producers away from the black soils of the Condamine River in the past two decades.

There was no point in having a pump if you

sunlight we seem to get water pumped. The solar pump is all we need and pumps 4000 odd litres on a sunny day which is all we need for the cattle yards and small paddocks where we sometimes feed cattle on grain.

That leaves a bit of water for a few newly planted trees and a supplementary supply for the house, the pump only comes on when the tanks drop.

Looking back, we probably should have gone with the solar solution a bit earlier.

Buying an old Lister motor to pump water was a silly decision and one which did not guarantee a regular water supply. Obviously you had to keep filling the motor with fuel so you couldn’t go away to the Test cricket. The Lister motor was similar to our shearing machine motor but the one in the shed was a hell of a lot better than the one at the bore.

One day I plan to count the number of windmills from Warwick to Toowoomba but that is a hobby for when my wife Margaret is driving on the New England Highway and I am a passenger.

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

could pump the well dry in 15 minutes.

Our first effort to get rid of the windmill was to install a pump jack and an old Lister motor and belt to pump water.

The biggest concern about the Lister motor was we had to cover it with bags so it didn’t freeze down on the creek flat on a frosty morning.

That wasn’t a real success and finally we went to solar.

We installed a solar pump at our biggest dam and pumped the water to the same two tanks on top of the hill.

Initially, we got some advice from the distributor in Western Australia when we had a few teething problems.

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WEIGHT LOSS

Gerard Walsh on The politician, our mayor Cr Vic the scales. Photo: Pennisi, was the biggest winner in Jeremy Sollars. the Country Journal Father’s Day After about 15 years, the solar pump stopped working and we bought an identical one from the company supplier now situated at Clifton.

The only query with solar is the need for sunlight but even on days with just some

Weight Loss program which was promoted in this publication.

He beat the push to lose 5kg and in fact lost 5.4kg and is keen to lose some more up to Christmas.

The president, Warwick Gymnastic Club head Cody Walker, had lost 5kg to a week ago but a few days later his loss was 4.5kgs.

Our printer Deb Wheeler from the Country Journal, Daily Journal and Stanthorpe Record was going great guns walking daily at 5.30am until an injury slowed her down but she is over the 1kg loss.

Cr Stephen Tancred has lost 4kg mainly due to cutting out KFC, chocolate and ice

COUNTRYJOURNAL cream. Cr Andrew Gale only had 5kg to lose at the most and finished with a drop of 1.5kg. I am the primary producer in the four Ps and admit I was a failure, my weight is up not down simply because I was not consistent. Well done to the Mayor and the other four weight losers, our total loss was well into double figures.

I walked between 20 and 40 minutes for five days in succession last week, went to WIRAC for hydro/swimming four times the previous week but I didn’t do anything at the weekend other than a bit of soft tennis. I have worked out you need more than to cut a bit of firewood to lose weight. Half the battle is to cut out the naughty food like cake and biscuits. The main thing is we are donating $50 each towards local groups working to stop, or at least limit, domestic violence.

BAD LUCK

It was shattering news to see Emily Tapp crash on the bike leg in the paratriathlon at the Tokyo Paralympics.

She qualified to compete in Paralympics sport after a campdrafting accident in the Northern Territory and at one stage spent some time with her mother at Massie training on the local roads.

Emily was making up time for a possible bronze medal at Tokyo when the accident happened which injured her and damaged the bike. In 2016, she was in the relay team for Rio but a burn did not get better in time for her to make it to the games.

She has beaten the Paralympic paratriathlon gold medallist in the past and lets hope she goes on to Paris in three years time for a medal win. Emily won silver in paratriathlon at the last Commonwealth Games but her event is not in next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

WARWICK SALEYARDS

George & Fuhrmann, Warwick

VENDOR DESCRIPTION - Cents/KG/WEIGHT/$TOTAL BULLS Oakmore Park, Greenmount, Droughtmaster Bulls, 339.2/695/2,357 COWS Wickham Cattle Co, Acacua Plateau, Angus Cows, 369.2/700/2,584 TNT Cattle Co, Allora, Brangus x Cows, 361.2/504/1,820 G & M Wilson, Wildash, Droughtmaster Cow, 356.2/475/1,691 EXPORT HEIFERS Wickham Cattle Co, Acacia Plateau, Angus Heifer (4t), 395.2/590/2,331 HEAVY FEEDER STEERS R Clarkson, Warwick, Angus Steer (0t), 540.0/480/2,592 HS Farms, Headington Hill, Angus x Steers (0t), 479.2/480/2,300 B & J Brosnan, Killarney,AngusxSteers(0-2t), 477.2/439/2,093 DOMESTIC FEEDER STEERS HS Farms, Headington Hill, Angus x Steers, 576.2/360/2,074 H Huston, Allora, AngusxSteer, 569.2/370/2,106 L & K Gillespie, Felton, Angus/Hereford Steer, 543.2/365/1,982 G Fanning, Warwick, Angus x Steer, 543.2/335/1,819 FEEDER HEIFERS H Huston, Allora, Limousin x Heifer, 624.2/300/1,872 G & C Angus, Freestone, Angus x Heifers, 504.2/350/1,764 L & K Gillespie, Felton,Angus/Hereford Heifers, 502.2/364/1,827 YEARLINGS ID & VG Weier, Clifton, Angus x Steer, 536.2/420/2,252 Glen Fanning, Warwick, Angus x Heifer, 528.2/330/1,743 WEANER STEERS Hiscote Pty Ltd, Glen Lyon Dam, Angus x Steers, 703.2/213/1,500 R & HG Rohde, Clifton, Santa Steers, 626.2/240/1,503 S Hoffman, Emu Vale, Angus x Steers, 620.0/230/1,426 WEANER HEIFERS Hiscote Pty Ltd, Glen Lyon Dam, Angus Heifers, 581.2/238/1,383 Risdon Stud, Warwick, Charolais x Heifer, 534.2/215/1,148

Dis

ability

Participation Day

Tuesday 14th September 10am-11:30am

Come along to WIRAC's Disability Participation Day and join in on plenty of confidence building, inclusive and interactive activities. Meet others with disabilities and participate in activities ran by specially qualified instructors.

Warwick Indoor Recreation and Aquatic Centre wirac@ymcabrisbane.org (07) 4661 7955

9

Activity Schedule Inclusive Ninja Warrior Course Fitness and Mobility Games Mind & Body Games Station Music and Dance Activities

10

COUNTRYJOURNAL

continued from page 6.... years in the toy and sports store?

Robin Hine: I had fireworks only on the front counter in the lead-up to one Guy Fawkes Day on November 5. I started the South Queensland Toy Fair and would spend a week in a town with a sample of toys and take orders.

GW: How did you get involved in Meals on Wheels?

RH: Keith Mann who worked at Cribb and Foote (later Campbell’s and Bunnings) approached us as the only Café in town serving three course meals to see if we were interested in supplying meals.

We said we would supply the meals at below cost and he asked if we could start the next Monday. Keith started the first Meals on Wheels committee At that time, they supplied 30 to 40 meals a day, some also had weekend meals delivered on a Friday, others had Meals on Wheels on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Meals on Wheels committee folded in 2011 when a Toowoomba based operation commenced. We immediately received requests from people wanting our regular meals rather than frozen meals so have been involved with Meals On Wheels/Robins Catering

Community Meal Service for 60 years.

GW: Who delivers the community meals?

RH: The meals are delivered by volunteers, including a number of retired school teachers. Some of the early volunteers ended up on Meals On Wheels themselves years later.

GW: What was the busiest time with Robins Catering?

RH: We started with a little grey VW and grew to five vehicles and 13 employees.

We had three VWs but they had the motor in the back which reduced storage so we moved on to Toyota vans, Mazda and Mitsubishi trucks. We bought vehicles locally when we could. Our son Ross and daughter Terri would help out with the catering.

GW: How far did you go with catering jobs?

MH: We would travel to Wee Waa in New South Wales each year for a Christmas Party for the miners.

RH: They said in previous years the beer was hot especially during heat waves in the middle of summer. We had a liquor license and I said we could do the drinks.

I said if the beer was hot, we would not charge for the whole liquor bill but the beer was cold as we promised.

GW: You were the commentator for the Warwick and District St George Cup Rugby League for more than a decade on 4WK, who are some of the players you remember?

RH: Alan ‘Blondie’ Bell was one of my favourites and Boomer Watson from Killarney. I remember the Phelan Brothers, Brian and Max, and when Brian kicked a ball from inside his own half to win a game for Allora.

Tennis was too quick to mention every shot. I commentated when Lew Hoad (pictured) came to Warwick with his travelling troupe of professional players. I also commentated on the boxing at St Mary’s Hall.

(There’ll be more from this fascinating interview in Tuesday’s Daily Journal).

HOW MUCH IS YOU PROPERTY WORTH

TODAY? Killarney

Real Estate

LIFESTYLE PROPERTY FOR SALE

SCAN ME FOR MORE INFORMATION!

1889 Warwick-Killarney Road, Loch Lomond

FEATURES:

• 35 Acres • 4 Bedroom House

$450,000

• Sunroom • Shed • Bore

Rob Hall 0418 989 184 robhall@atrealty.com.au www.killarneyrealestate.com.au

Helen Harm

COUNTRYJOURNAL

11

Real Estate

COMFORTABLE ENTERTAINER

LD

SO

SELLING A DREAM

$320,000 STANDING PROUDLY Solid timber home • 4 bed, built-ins • 1 bath • 2-car tandem garage • Modern electric kitchen/pantry • Flowing living areas • Media lounge, woodfire + aircon • Covered entertaining deck • Laundry utility • Fenced 827m² backyard • Vehicle access, aviaries, garden shed

Spacious family home has formal + family areas • Air-con 2-storey, 3 bed + 2 bath, built-ins • Lots of living space • Entertainment area + huge game room • Kitchen has good storage, electric appliances • Dining & family living exit yard • Formal lounge dining has fireplace • 3 bay shed, veggie patch, rainwater tanks

LD

SO

OVER $750,000 RENOVATION CHALLENGE “We built our dream home here” • Brick 4 bed, built-ins, 2 bath • Timber kitchen/dining • Big lounge living • Hallway storage • Shower & bath, separate toilet • Ducted aircon • Fenced 2 .5 ha yard, 8 car, shed • Pool & tennis court • On city bus route, close to schools & shops

WALK TO CBD

SOLD OVER LIST PRICE

$235,000

Co Un nt de ra r ct

Original features throughout • 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1 car • Original timber kitchen has electric stove + wood stove • Bathroom has bath, shower, toilet & vanity • Fireplace in lounge, timber arches • Lock up garage • Fenced 2023m² backyard Motivated Handyman will appreciate!

$170,000 DUPLEX UNIT

$245,000

Investment opportunity!

Unit on 841m² corner block – Unit 2 is SOLD

• CBD Unit with an elevated aspect to capture breeze

• 2 good size built-in bed

• Air-con, 2 built-in large bed

• Bath, separate shower, vanity & separate toilet

• Open-plan living with good sized kitchen, combined bathroom laundry

• Air-con, open-plan & galley kitchen

• Views over Warwick and beyond from deck & living areas

• Private courtyard, entertaining + rainwater tank

• Separate lock up storage, 1 car garage

• Remote garage with laundry

INVESTORS: Rent is $235 per week

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

DOUBLE BLOCK

$320,000 ONO 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

53 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK www.helenharm.com

• Close to Golf Club

RURAL ACREAGE

$500,000 Set up for horses - dam, bore feeding tanks, water troughs in each paddock • 10 .45 ha fenced to paddocks & laneways • Main sheds - 20m x 8m, 12m x 5m, 4 bay garage/workshop/shed • 3 bed hardiplank – open plan • Electric kitchen, dining & family • Fully screened north facing full length verandah • Large bathroom, separate toilet & laundry

LAND •WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . .$427,000 •WARWICK - 1330m², near facilities, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$185,000 •WARWICK - 1 .16 Ha on spring fed creek, bitumen frontage, power, fenced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$189,000 •MARYVALE - 2023m², power nearby, school, bitumen road frontage, VIEW . . . - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$85,000 •MARYVALE - 3642m², power available, character with gully, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Under Contract . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 •LEYBURN - 2965m², power available, close to school, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 •HENDON - 3819m², adjoining blocks, 2 deeds, power at road, new home area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80,000 •PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$90,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Krista’s Country After some mighty cold mornings last week, today truly feels like spring. It is bliss to go barefoot in the grass again and feel the sun on my shoulders as I water and weed.

It's exciting to see the first veggies of spring coming to life in my gardens. There are jewel-like alpine strawberries, tender leaves of red, green, and frizzled lettuces, rainbow silverbeet, red-veined sorrel, and yesterday I spotted the first artichoke hidden in the leaves.

I love all these delicious things, but my favourite spring vegetable would have to be asparagus. I never fail to be in awe of the bright green spears pushing up through the layers of compost and mulch, seeming to grow taller by the second.

I add them to almost everything this time of year. Sauteed and served with scrambled eggs for breakfast, chopped and tossed with a salad for lunch, roasted with prosciutto and parmesan for dinner.

Two of my favourite asparagus recipes are Asparagus Snow Pea Salad with Lime Vinaigrette and Asparagus Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes and Salmon. Both of them are easy, scrumptious, and delightful served either warm or cold.

Asparagus Snow Pea Salad with Lime Vinaigrette This salad is a true celebration of spring combining tender asparagus with crisp snow peas and the last limes of winter.

If your asparagus spears are fresh from the garden, they'll be tender enough without steaming. If they're from the shops and the bases are a bit dried out, they will benefit from steaming or a quick saute in a bit of olive oil. The snow peas can also be used fresh or add them to the pan with the asparagus for a warm spring salad.

You can eat this salad as is, or you could jazz it up a bit with a handful of

with Krista Bjorn

chopped fresh parsley or coriander, if you like, and a few chunks of goat's cheese or feta would be splendid.

Just before serving, whisk together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard, then pour over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.

Asparagus Snow Pea Salad with Lime Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1 large bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 large handful snow peas, topped, tailed and cut into narrow slices 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

Directions: If asparagus is tender, proceed with following recipe. If you would like softer asparagus, steam it for 1-2 minutes or simply cover with boiling water and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Drain and continue with recipe.

In medium bowl combine lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and mustard. Whisk until emulsified.

Asparagus Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes and Salmon This quiche is a great way to use up random leftovers in the fridge and it's gluten-free for those in your life who can't tolerate gluten.

I use leftover asparagus sauteed in butter, oven roasted Roma tomato halves, cold salmon torn into rough chunks, and crumbled goat's cheese. Simply pile the ingredi-

Bowl of freshly-picked asparagus. Photo: Krista Bjorn.

COUNTRYJOURNAL ents into a greased pie plate, pour over a mixture of eggs and whole milk whisked together with salt and pepper, then bake 20-30 minutes until firm in the middle and beautifully golden on top. It's great as a healthy and hearty breakfast and you can easily turn it into brunch with hot-buttered toast or scones on the side. When I'm planning a hike or a picnic, I often make this the night before, chill it in the fridge, then bring it along cold. The slices hold their shape beautifully and make for quick, healthy, and tasty alfresco dining.

Asparagus Quiche with Roasted Tomatoes and Salmon Ingredients: 5 eggs 8-10 oven-roasted tomato halves 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces 1/2 cup salmon, flaked 1/2 cup Chevre, chunked seasoning salt Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

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Polar tomatoes

Bowl of spring flowers. Photo: Krista Bjorn.

South Korea has succeeded in cultivating and harvesting a variety of fruits and vegetables such as watermelons and tomatoes in Antarctica, a first since its entry into the coldest continent on earth. The Korea Polar Research Institute’s ‘indoor’ (container) farm sowed the first seeds in May. Starting from June, researchers harvested one to two kilograms of leafy vegetables per week, and from mid-July, they began to harvest cucumbers, zucchini and red peppers. In the middle of last month, they first harvested watermelon and tomato.

Beat eggs with seasoning salt. Set aside.

In greased pie plate layer tomatoes, asparagus, salmon and chevre.

Pour beaten egg over ingredients, jostle them a bit to let the egg get in all the cracks.

Bake for 45 minutes. Add vegetables and toss gently to combine.Serve at room temperature or chilled.

AUCTION

HUGE SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2021 - 9am COLLECTION SALE SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2021 - 9am At 256 LYNDHURST LANE, WARWICK

REMINDER

Over 5000 Items TO BE HELD OVER 2 BIG DAYS!

•Oil Bottles, Tins, Racks, Cans, Stands, Signs, Fuel Bowsers

AUCTION FURNITURE &

•500 Rabbit, 100 Dog & Animal Traps, Imperial Collectors Figures •100+ Bells, Old Tricycles, Scooters, Tin Car, Steel Wheels •Cast Iron Pots, Boilers, Saucepans, Kettles, Camp Ovens, Fountains 2679303aaH

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS •Enamel Cannister Sets, Jugs, Billy’s, Saucepans, Basins, •Blacksmith Anvils, Vices, Swage Block, Forges, Tools Stone Ware

TODAY

•Tobacco Cutter, Corn Cracker, Shellers, Chaff Cutter 29TH AUGUST 2009 ON SITE 10AM

57 BAGULEY STREET, •Pack Saddles, Dray, Haynes &WARWICK Collars & Shearing Gear A/C BRUCE MAUNDER.

•MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION

D SOL

STUART BOND REAL ESTATE & AUCTIONEER

WARWICK 46613462 or 0419677775 sbondrealestate@bigpond.com

For Photos Visit - www.stuartbondrealestate.com.au

PAYMENT STRICTLY DAY OF SALE • EFTPOS AVAILABLE • CANTEEN

Stuartbondrealestate & agtrader.com.au PLEASE CALL STUART BOND ON 0419 677 775

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

COUNTRYJOURNAL

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90 years of community service: Dalveen Hall CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTINE WECKERT

Nestled 825 metres above sea level amid the undulations and ridges of the Great Divide, the village of Dalveen was named after Dalveen Pass in Scotland and now boasts its very own tartan.

The area was originally settled by graziers but the coming of the railway in the 1870s and 80s saw the establishment of stone fruit, apple and pear orchards.

These days, Dalveen is the northern gateway to the Granite Belt, home to the production of award-winning cool climate wines.

The Dalveen Hall was built by community members in 1934 after the first hall was destroyed by fire. The original building has undergone a number of additions over the years, but it maintains its country charm and place as the heart of the Dalveen community.

The hall sits beside a full-size oval and next to the 143-year-old Dalveen School.

In a quirky juxtaposition of the years, it is flanked by the old village lock-up on one side and a modern playground area on the other.

Dalveen was once well known in the district for its Saturday night dances, its annual Easter sports events and even moving picture shows. Nowadays, if you drop into the hall on a Monday, you’re likely to meet a group of crafty ladies, chatting and busily working on their creations. Friday nights are a slightly noisier affair with a

well-stocked bar and a hearty dinner run by the Dalveen Sports Club. And the sounds of the silver screen will greet you on bi-monthly Saturday nights, proudly presented by the recently formed Dalveen Film Society.

Dalveen Hall was, S U R V E and still is, the beating heart of P U M I C the community.

The Dalveen Hall was built in 1934. Photo

supplied.

Pencilhead solutions Y L E M P T Y S L C

I A B L A M A P C O

S E R R O R S E A R

M N W Y A F I E N R

Y A O R A N N D O E

Hidden Phrase: “Sandy Island was probably a floating raft of volcanic pebbles.”

Spot the 5 Differences:

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

S E H W T A E H K E C T

R A I S I F V A G O S B

F N C A D L E R N F H B

E D A S E O L T R S I L

1. Hair has extra fold 2. Ear smaller 3. Frown line missing 4. Dimple higher 5. Button missing

A T L A S M S S A F P E

T R D P P A S S A G E S

U U E C A R P L A C E S

R T P R R K S O P E N E

E H T S T E E R F V P A

S S H O B D W T T O E S

Copyright: Auspac Media.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Excellent showing at GNF Bullock & Steer sale

The 10th annual George & Fuhrmann bullock and steer show attracted a fine array of animals and good prices last week in Warwick.

A total of 440 head were yarded and the crowd was thick under sunny skies.

"We certainly had a good crowd," Matt Grayson of GNF told The Country Journal, adding that all the hard work that goes into these sorts of sales really paid off this year. Mr Grayson acknowledges that had the border with NSW been open the show and sale would have cranked up a notch or two, but he was more than happy with the result on Thursday.

"The market was very strong".

The September 2nd show and sale

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saw the top price of $3216 for the Champion Pen presented by vendors BR & ME Hardacre of Loch Lomond, purchased by Stanbroke Beef.

"It was good to see that the Champion Pen of Bullocks were bred by the vendor instead of brought in," said Mr Grayson, who was impressed by the overall quality.

The Reserve Champion was purchased

by Gross Meats Pty Ltd (AT Limousins vendor) and the Champion Pen of Feeder Steers was purchased by Wallona Feedlot.

Mr Grayson is careful to thank all the vendors and the wonderful standard of cattle they presented.

"Our bullock and steer show just grows from year to year."

Matt Grayson of George & Fuhrmann. Photo courtesy of realestate.com.au