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CountryJournal Week commencing 18th October 2021

Bill clocks in at Small hall 58 years festivities

After 58 years on the prime cattle and lamb committee of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society, local legend Bill Gross has retired. Bill has been committee chairman and chief steward for the past 30 years. On the back page in this week’s edition of the Country Journal, Bill talks to Gerard Walsh about some of the highlights of a very long career of service to the Society-the things that have changed and the things that always stay the same. Bill and wife Nancy also set up Gross Wholesale Meats with the support of sons Howard and Angus Gross and have been significant in the feedlot industry.

Reversing the rural GP tide

The travelling Small Halls Festival came to Goomburra this month, with a mixture of music and storytelling keeping a crowd of 80 well entertained at the historic small hall west of Warwick. Adelaide (and now Queensland) artist Kelly Brouhaha entertained with her guitar, and Darren Hanlon used a mix of old and classic guitars to keep the crowd spellbound. Full story, page 8.

The shortage of medical practitioners in the bush is ‘dire’ according to Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair Dr Michael Clements, with the RACGP leading a push to change all that with a Practice Experience Program now underway. More on this story, page 3... Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe and Beyond Made from Bluescope Australian Steel FULL SERVICE - SLAB, ERECTION & COUNCIL

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Country briefs Hendra across Australia

many Aussie and Kiwi Ugg bootmakers that ‘Ugg’ is a general term that should never have been trademarked.

built on land in France, which then became German territory in 1871... before becoming French after WWI.. and then forced to close during WWII, no doubt in part due to its proximity to the border. The company at first bulit weighing machines, and diversified into agricultural equipment in 1864. The company has gone from being vulnerable to predators, to being a predator itslef, buying up smaller manufacturers around the globe, including in the US and Brazil.

As a result of this ongoing legal battle, Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s nation- Eddie could end up paying $AUD 3.4 al science agency, have uncovered a new type of Hendra virus in flying foxes, confirming the virus can be found across a broad region of the country.Hendra virus can be transmitted from flying foxes to horses, and from horses to people. Previous studies had found the virus in flying foxes in Queensland and parts of New South Wales. After monitoring flying fox samples from 20132021, researchers at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) found the new genetic type in flying foxes in Victoria, South Starting them young. Healthy tomato plants in the St Australia, and Western Mary’s Kindergarten garden. The garden was a winner of Australia. the Melva Kadow Memorial for the best Junior Garden in the

Weather outlook November–January rainfall is likely to be above median for the eastern two-thirds of Australia, and below median for western Tasmania.

Maximum temperatures are likely to be warmer than median in the west, along the northern coast and parts of the south-east, but cooler than median in the east. Nights are very likely to be warmer than median for almost all of Another project, called “Horses Warwick Horticultural Society garden competition this year. Australia. as Sentinels”, led by the Photo: Krista Bjorn. University of Sydney and CSIRO and funded by a Biosecurity million, unless the US Supreme Court Innovation Program grant from the overturns recent decisions. Department of Agriculture, Water and The second annual Willy’s Wiring the Environment, detected the same The former South Australian Senator Charity Golf Day will begin with a shotgenetic type earlier this year in samples and now lawyer, Nick Xenophon is actgun start at the Allora Golf Club on collected from a horse from ing on behalf of Eddie Oygur. Xenophon Saturday 13 November 2021. The cost is Queensland in 2015. is urging the Attorney-General to file an $50 per player with all proceeds going amicus brief to the US Supreme Court, to the Ronald McDonald House. Names Flying foxes are protected animals, to assist the Court to better understand are in for 4 Person Ambrose at 9:30 a.m. with two species on our nationally vulthe important public and national inter- Sandwiches and snacks will be providnerable list. They are critical to our ed throughout the day with a BBQ and environment because they pollinate our ests raised by Eddie’s case. prizes after play. For more information native trees and plants and also spread On Wednesday, Eddie asked his or to register your team, call Will on their seeds. 65,000 Change.org petition supporters 0407 500 677. Without flying foxes, we wouldn't have to lobby the Attorney General, and thousands answered the call. By our eucalypt forests, rainforests and Thursday evening, more than 2,800 had melaleucas. personally emailed Senator Cash’s office to request she file the amicus brief and stand up for the iconic Aussie Ugg boot. In just one day, nearly 3,000 Australians contacted the AttorneyGeneral, Senator Michaelia Cash, ask3,000+ rural households AND ing her to intervene in an Ugg battle. inserted in the Daily Journal Southern Downs and Granite Belt Eddie Oygur’s Sydney-based small AND the Stanthorpe Record farmers will have greater access to the business sold just 13 pairs of Ugg boots Kuhn range of products with the online to US customers between 2011 machinery manufacturer increasing its and 2016. Because of this, Eddie has dealer footprint in Queensland. Kuhn been hauled through the US court sysproducts will be supplied at an addiGordon Bratby on 0437 417 736 tem by huge multinational US multinational 10 dealerships as part of the or Peter Schmidt on 0447 105 846 tional Deckers Brands, who owns the Vanderfield group. Founded in 1828 by or email: sales@thedailyjournal.ink “UGG” trademark in the US. This is Joseph Kuhn, the first Kuhn factory had despite a long-standing argument from a curious 19th-20th century history,

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Luring GPs to our region

EA SY

Applethorpe in August and is the newest GP on the Southern Downs. "I want to get to know people well, in context, rather than see them for five minutes for a repeat prescription and never see them again,” he recently told The Country Journal.

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The Royal Australian priority. “This is a great College of General opportunity for doctors who Practitioners (RACGP) want to achieve Fellowship is working hard to as a specialist GP in bring specialist GP's to Australia, including overseas the Southern Downs and rural Australia trained doctors. generally through its Practice Experience Dr. Clements said that PEP is also Program (PEP). great for rural and remote commuPEP is an alternative to Australian nities. General Practice Training (AGPT) and will “The research shows that doctors help specialist GP's develop a career in who train in rural Australia are rural Australia. more likely to remain working and PEP is a flexible online and work-based living there because they get the education proopportunity to see the benefits gram available for themselves,” he said. “As a to all doctors rural GP myself, I know the rich working in rewards of a rural career and rural and lifestyle. Rural and remote comremote communities often rely on their local munities. GP because there are no other Activities are local health services, so there’s great largely pracvariety to our work and practice.” tice-based and Dr. Clements also said that rural GPs enable doctors tend to have stronger and longer relato remain tionships with their patients. working in “This is what tends to attract medical their practice students to general and communipractice in the ty, while Dr Gal Strasberg, who lives first place,” he expanding IENDLY BAN said. “It’s the FR at Applethorpe, recently their skills in took up practise as a GP only medical spespecialist genciality where you in the Southern Downs. WARWICK eral practice. CREDIT UNION get to provide RACGP Rural holistic care to Chair Dr Michael Clements said the drive someone throughto boost specialist GPs in rural Australia out their life, not was needed more than ever. only helping them “The shortage of specialist GPs in rural when they’re sick, and remote Australia is dire, and the panbut providing predemic and restrictions on travel have made ventative care to matters worse,” he said. “As the peak body keep them well.” for GPs in every corner of the country, This is true of Dr increasing the number of highly trained Gal Strasberg who GPs in rural Australia is the RACGP’s top moved to

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

$14 million for local productivity Vegetable growers across the Darling Downs, Granite Belt, and Australia will soon benefit from a $14.1 million program designed to boost productivity and deliver the latest research and development on-farm. The new VegNET 3.0 program will be delivered through Hort Innovation using vegetable industry levies and funds from the Australian Government, and led by Australia’s peak vegetable industry body AUSVEG. “This supercharged 5-year extension initiative takes a collaborative, local focus, with Development Officers based in 10 growing regions across the country. Each region will receive tailored support that meets local challenges,” Hort Innovation Chief Executive Matt Brand said. “This network of experienced professionals will provide evidence-based tools and information in vital areas such as biosecurity, pest and disease management, soil and water management, the supply chain and protected cropping.”

AUSVEG CEO Michael deliver a high-performing, consistent and Coote explained that hav- efficient VegNET program that will meet ing a nationally-coordinat- vegetable growers’ needs.” ed VegNET program will Coote hopes the new program will help help ensure that growers growers facing labour shortages, rising all around Australia will input costs, and an increasingly volatile clihave access to a consistent, industry-fomate to overcome those challenges by takcused extension program that will put ing advantage of the program’s research their needs first in their efforts to be proand services and improve their productiviductive, profitable and more competitive in ty. an ever-increasingly global marketplace. The VegNET regional development officer “VegNET is an important program for for Southeast Queensland will operate our industry,” Coote said. “Australian vege- through Lockyer Valley Growers. table growers are world-leaders in the production of high-quality, healthy vegetables and are constantly looking for new ways Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here to innovate and grow Not London. Not New York. more sustainably and Main phone number: develop their businesses. AUSVEG is 07-4641 7953 well-placed to work with well-trained Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick regional development A.C.N. 167 171 217 officers, who are • Editor: Elizabeth Voneiff strongly supported, to

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Horse trading returns the end of October All the local rodeo action might be getting residents in the mood for some prime horse trading. Luckily, local stock agents McDougall and Sons are holding a horse sale at the end of October, the first since 2019. McDougall’s horse sales have been part of the local fabric of Southern Downs rural life for at least 30 years, according to Ross Ellis. He explains that the horse crowd coming for the rodeo events are keen to attend the sale as well. “It gives everyone time to relax before the competitive side of things,” he chuckles. The sale will be held at the

The offering will include stock horses, ponies, brood mares and penned horses. Catalgue entries close at 5 pm on Friday, 22 October and catalogue entries are $48 per horse. While this year has not yet been swamped with entries, McDougall’s is determined to go forward. “We don’t like to see traditions lost,” said Ross. “We look forward to getting it back to where it was.” All horses must be accompanied by a horse vendor declaration. For further information, contact McDougall and Sons on 4661 1411.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

AFTER living his early childhood at Texas, Travis Burns moved with his family to Mt Marshall at the age of 14. with It was playing for Wattles where he first caught the eye of rugby league talent scouts. His dedication to his sport was rewarded with 127 games in the NRL competition and 91 in Super League in England. He played for Cronulla, Manly (2005-2007), North Queensland Cowboys (2008-2009) and Penrith (2010-2012) before playing for Hull Kingston Rovers (20132014) and St Helens (2015-2016) in England. Burns, wife Kristal and son Jake headed to England when he signed for Super League. They were in England when daughter Poppy, now 6, was born. In 2016, the Burns family returned home to Mt Marshall and Burns travelled to Brisbane for training and games for one season with Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Queensland Cup competition. Then it was back home to Wattles for three seasons as player/coach and three topthree finishes. In 2018, Wattles went down to Valleys in the grand final after a try was scored by Valleys in the shadow of fulltime. He has been re-appointed coach of Wattles A grade for 2022. “I am retired for now,” Burns said indicating there is still a chance he will play another season with Wattles and in a halves combination with Matt Duggan. “I will see how I feel at the start of the season.” While he doesn’t dwell on it, Burns would love to win a premiership, something which has eluded him in an outstanding career. Four years ago, he took on a sales position with Black Toyota in Warwick. “I love selling vehicles,” he said. Away from rugby league, golf is a sport he enjoys. In one season of cricket with Victoria Hill, he scored two half centuries and had one four-wicket bag in Warwick cricket. Gerard Walsh: Tell us about life at Texas to the age of 14? Travis Burns: I learnt hobbies like fishing and pigging at Texas and just hanging out with mates in the country. We head back to Texas now to catch up with mates and family members. GW: When did you make your A-grade debut for Wattles in the Toowoomba Rugby League competition? TB: I came off the bench in my debut for

FACE TO FACE gerard walsh

Travis Burns World at his feet

in the NRL. I came off the bench against Penrith in one 2005 game. I played five-eighth and Matt Orford was our halfback. We played finals footy under coach Des Hasler. Everyone wanted to play for Des GW: What about 2006? TB: I played most of the season at five-eighth in A grade. GW: Who is the best half, outside back, back rower and front rower in your era? TB: Andrew Johns was definitely one of the greats in the halves, he was hard to mark. I hated tackling centre Timana Tahu when he was at Parramatta. He was a hard man, I ended up playing with him at Penrith. I played with and against Steve Menzies (Manly), he was the best back rower in my era. I played with and against Petero Civoniceva, he was the best front rower at the time. GW: What about the TRL? TB: Matt Duggan is up there with the best. I played against Cory McGrady when he was at Valleys and Highfields, he is a great player. GW: Tell me about Wattles games against Warwick? TB: Games against Warwick are already good, there is great rivalry between the clubs. The Cowboys have had our measure in recent times, Wattles want to start next season with a win against Warwick in the Barrett Shield. GW: What about coaching? TB: I enjoy coaching, I am appointed to Wattles A grade for 2022 and will definitely stay involved in the sport in this area. I coached Jake’s team in under-7 rugby league at Wattles, that was the toughest coaching of all. GW: Do you watch all of Jake’s games and how is he going? TB: I work every second Saturday morning at Black Toyota so get to most of his games. He will go up from under-10 to U11 at Wattles next season and is playing in the halves, I reckon Jake could end up a fullback. continued page 10...

Photo courtesy, Ted Rogers, Clifton Courier Wattles against the Warwick Cowboys. I was mainly a half and five-eighth. I played junior footy for Wattles and then in the under-18 team. GW: Tell us about your school years in the Allora area and school footy? TB: I went to Allora State School in year 10 and then Clifton State High School for years 11-12. I played some school footy for Clifton in a Darling Downs competition. GW: When did you get your first chance to push for a contract in the NRL? TB: I went to Brisbane for a trial with Souths but they thought I was too small. I then signed with Easts Tigers in Brisbane and played one year in colts. At the time, the Tigers were affiliated with Cronulla due to John Lang being the Sharks coach and a former Easts Tigers player. GW: What about your move to Sydney? TB: I signed for two years with Cronulla and played Jersey Flegg footy as well as reserve-grade in the NSW Premier League. GW: I remember listening to the commentary of you in a Jersey Flegg final on NRL grand final day, how was that? TB: We played the Roosters in the grand final and lost in extra time. Jamie Soward (future NRL player) kicked two field goals for the Roosters. GW: How did you end up at Manly Sea Eagles? TB: Bob Fulton (club and national coach) got me to Manly and in my first season, I played premier league and one game

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Bees welcomed back to national parks

Beekeeping will no longer be forced out of Queensland National Parks in 2024 thanks to legislative amendments being prepared to extend beekeeping privileges on those sites until 2044. During the last election campaign, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk promised beekeepers that the Nature Conservation Act would be amended to allow the extending of their beekeeping permits since efforts by Queensland governments since 1999 to find suitable alternative honey sites for beekeeping have failed. “Amending the act will support the continuation of beekeeping in certain national parks while the Government works with industry and other key stakeholders to identify alternative sites for the future relocation of beekeeping off national parks,” Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said.

The Queensland Beekeepers Association is relieved to hear the news, since they’ve long warned that the industry could be severely impacted if alternative sites for their hives could not be located before 2024. “Over the past 100 years and after prolonged droughts and bushfires, beekeepers’ access to National Park apiary sites has been the key to the industry’s survival," Queensland Beekeepers Association State Secretary Jo Martin said. "These sites in Queensland’s National Parks produce world class honey and are a short-stay, safe haven for honey bee colonies to be strengthened and conditioned ahead of them providing critical pollination services for the state’s growing horticultural sector." Ms Martin is thrilled that Queensland’s bees will continue to thrive in the National

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Parks. “Extending the permits period for National Parks ensures beekeepers can access the nutritional resources needed to nourish their honey bee colonies,” she said. Beekeeping services are vital for Queensland’s multi-billion-dollar fruit and vegetable growing industry, including the orchards of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. Bee pollination services play a critical role in each season’s crops. Published figures have estimated the honey bee industry contributes approximately $2.4b to the Queensland economy each year. “On current trend, Queensland’s beekeeping industry will need to increase in size by over one-third in the next decade,” Ms Martin said. “Such is the demand from berry fruit, nut growers and horticulturalists for pollinating bees.”

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Festival comes to town A crowd of 80 was on hand for the first concert on the spring tour for the Festival of Small Halls. The Greymare Hall, which was opened in 1936, was the venue for the one first of 15 concerts across regional Queensland, with an earlier event taking place in Glen Aplin. After Greymare, the Festival of Small Halls touring party headed to Texas and then Dirranbandi and was travelling as far north as Hughenden and Charters Towers before finishing at Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on October 31. Cr Marco Gliori was MC at Greymare and started with some poetry and a story about the Old Grey Mare running up and down Greymare Creek. The local artist for Greymare was Warwick musician Phil Vellacott who spoke of moving to the Warwick area 36 years ago. After moving from Adelaide to Queensland this year, Kelly Brouhaha entertained at Greymare with her guitar. After the interval, Darren Hanlon used modern and old time guitars and related stories from some of his overseas trips. The next tour for the Festival of Small Halls is the Summer Tour which starts at Southbrook on November 10. The Summer Tour musicians will be Andrea Kirwin and Tullara and they will also visit two Southern Downs centres, Goomburra and The Summit. Tickets from the Summer Tour at 20 venues are already on sale on the Festival of Small Halls website. Summer Tour Dates Goomburra - November 28 The Summit – December 1

Veronica Wallace (left), Kelly Brouhaha, Stacey and Chris Cantwell at the Festival of Small Halls Concert at Greymare Hall last week.

Visiting musicians Kelli Brouhaha and Darren Hanlon, Cr Marco Gliori (MC), musician Phil Vellacott and Greymare Hall Committee president Matt Cleary at the Festival of Small Halls Concert at the Greymare Hall, the first of 15 concerts across regional areas in Queensland as part of the Spring Tour. Photo Gerard Walsh

COUNTRYJOURNAL

No rabbits!

CONTRIBUTED BY BEN BOLAND

Over the last 12 weeks I have been hunting across two properties at least once a week. Sadly, despite spring and the good winter rain I have only shot four rabbits, indeed on one property I have not seen a single rabbit. To add insult to injury, when I was out last week I finally spotted two rabbits, both sitters and returned home empty handed – I hate educating rabbits! So yesterday afternoon I went to the nearby property with some targets to check my scope and try to build some confidence. I had not seen a rabbit there in months so I just bought target ammunition (not subsonic hollow points) and left the clip at home. As ‘always’ happens on my way in I had a bunny dash in front of the car and sat not 20m away. But not only was I not sure of my zero, the .22 was in the boot. I consoled myself by reminding myself - ‘next time’. Sighting in the rifle was productive, I was again feeling confident and I had had the chance to test and photograph some DIY splatter targets I had been working on. So as the sun started to drop I started back.

This time with the .22 within reach just in case the rabbit I had seen on the way in was still about – it wasn’t. However, as I drove past the sheds I saw a pair of rabbits playing chase about 60 metres away. So, I loaded the rifle and against the sun I knocked over the rabbit. In principal I Ben Boland’s bunny kill last week. took the .22 with me to retrieve and just as I had used the one round I had initially opened the door saw another grabbed when I left the car. So, I slowly suspicious bump quite close. Looking reverse stalked to the car and found anoththrough the scope I confirmed it was a er round. Before again stalking the tree, rabbit (a young one) but as the arrangement is shot all rabbits are seen. I used the the rabbit had moved but was within range door as a rest before successfully dispatch- and it dropped on the spot. I had gone to zero the scope where there ing rabbit two. Then as I continued to pick up rabbit one were ‘no rabbits’ and came home with a good zero, photos of the DIY splash targets I spotted another rabbit bouncing along about 80 metres away. I slowly stalked to a and three bunnies. A good afternoon, and a small tree where I prepared for the shot. It reminder to keep persevering even when wasn’t until I reached for the trigger that I there are no rabbits! remembered the clip was at home and I

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continued from page 6... GW: What NRL team do you support? TB: I have never really had a definite club but have a soft spot for Manly as that is the club which gave me the chance to play my first NRL. Jake (now 10) loves watching Kalyn Ponga so I better start barracking for his club Newcastle. I have friends in every club where I played. GW: What about the current NRL competition? TB: The game is a lot quicker with the rule changes. GW: Who is the top player now? TB: Penrith half Nathan Cleary is the best by a mile. I had a good time when I was at Penrith and it was good to see them win this season. The Panthers have been one of the best teams in the last few years. GW: What do you like about the automotive industry? TB: I have the chance to deal with a lot of

different people. Toyota has a good product and Warwick is a good town in which to work. Every work day is different. There are not many past NRL players without a job, players want to be busy. GW: There is a push for Toowoomba and the South West to have a Queensland Cup team. TB: The sport has a good following and I would be prepared to give them a hand if needed. I am competitive in everything I do and it would be the same if I helped out with our Q Cup team. GW: What about your cricket season with Victoria Hill? TB: I remember scoring a half century while Adam May hit 180 at the other end. The opposition spent half the time getting

the ball from the service station across the road when Adam was batting. GW: Who has helped you in your sporting career? TB: My wife Kristal, parents Peter and Mandy and sister Chantel. I liked playing under Matt Elliott at Penrith and also playing under Des Hasler at Manly. GW: What about goalkicking? TB: I enjoy kicking for goal and kicked for Hull KR. GW: Is it tough with the cold weather in England? TB: There were times we couldn’t train as there was ice on the field. I played finals with both my clubs in England. Kristal and I enjoyed our time in England and it was nice and close to travel to Europe. We enjoyed travelling to Ireland and Scotland. GW: What about sport for Jake in England? TB: He played soccer and golf in England, rugby league is not a massive sport in England. Photo courtesy Ted Rogers, Clifton Courier

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$ 585,000 RURAL ACREAGE

$ 500,000

Currently running Angus cattle • 100 .7ha fenced to paddocks • Infratructure - igloos used for piggery 10 yrs ago • Site office - 2 bed, shower, open-plan, aircon, woodfire • Electric kitchen, dining & living • Sandy loam scrub soil and rich loam along Turners Creek • Dams and creek frontage Avoid COVID escape populated areas

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

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

COMMERCIAL PREMISES

PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE A RENTAL AVAILABLE

$ 255,000

INVESTORS: Renting at $280 per week

53 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK www.helenharm.com

$ 395,000 ALLORA - Business situated in main street • 2 Showrooms • 2 Offices • Storage • Staff amenities – kitchen, bathroom & laundry • Solar System – leased with income • Parking off back street entry • Rainwater tank in fenced backyard on 1019m²

WE HAVE NO VACANCIES!!

Well-maintained home in an estate where comfort is king . • 3 bedrooms, all built-in • Main bedroom has ensuite • Open-plan living with slider to undercover entertaining • Atrium windows above modern electric kitchen • Laundry in garage • Rainwater tank in enclosed courtyard

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

INVESTORS: Renting at $345 per week

Co Un nt de ra r ct

$ 375,000

Units on 841m² corner block – Unit 2 is SOLD

• Air-con open-plan & galley kitchen

LOW MAINTENANCE

INVESTORS: Rent as separate facilities

LAND •WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . .$427,000 •WARWICK - 1170m², new estate, bitumen frontage, power, views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$145,000 •MARYVALE - 2023m², power nearby, school, bitumen road frontage, VIEW . . . . . . . . .- SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75,000 •MARYVALE - 2023m², power nearby, school, bitumen road frontage, VIEW . . . . . . . . - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75,000 •MARYVALE - 3642m², power available, character with gully, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000 •HENDON - 3819m², adjoining blocks, 2 deeds, power at road, new home area . . - Under Contract . . . .$80,000 •PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$90,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

COUNTRYJOURNAL

The extra rain during winter has meant more calving problems on our property at Greymare. In the past month, three out of five young heifers have experienced difficulties at calving. On one occasion, a friend helped one heifer out. Our Belted Galloway heifer called Patch had no problem calving and her calf Speck is going famously. This year after a good season, it seems some producers are having more problems with first calvings than in dry years. The extra feed puts more weight on the calf at birth. Sometime in the 1970s, we had a terrible run with calving heifers and had the vet for four caesarians in a week. The rule of thumb is that you pull (deliver) a calf if the mother hasn’t calved in four hours. Often a foot is buckled over and the first calf cow can’t deliver the calf. We had also had a calf coming backwards. At times, it might not pay to do a caesarean but like all primary producers, we love our cattle and are happy to pay the money for a live calf and a healthy mother. It only happened once but vet Graeme Garde once came to our place to look at a calving heifer up the paddock and she had died before we got there. Obviously, I didn’t find the heifer was in trouble early enough. That one was a case of the calf coming backwards. Four of the five heifers which have calved this year were in calf to an Angus bull we bought through the Warwick Saleyards, the fifth was a Speckle Park heifer in calf to a Speckle Park bull. I remember going to a bull sale at Glen Innes with another Greymare resident Peter Cleary and buying a bull Bective Paraguay with red eyes in the 1980s. While our bull was at the lower end of the prices that day, I had beef producers from the Greymare district so keen on the

bull they were prepared to buy him. We didn’t sell Paraguay until his breeding life was finished.

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

Talking bulls, the first two Mark Steketee had his bags stolen in Adelaide. Hereford bulls I remember were bought from Jack and Mark hails from the Swan Creek/ Winnie Henry’s Rocky Ponds stud at Freestone area and played cricket for Massie. Maryvale before heading to Brisbane after I was no older than 10 at the time the making state teams as a pace bowler in his Henry girls named two bulls, Rocky Ponds junior career. Kennedy and Rocky Ponds Johnson after Last season, he was selected in the United States presidents. Australian Test squad to tour South Africa That is a dead giveaway of the era, J.F. but unfortunately the heads of Australian Kennedy was president in 1961-1963 and cricket pulled the plug on the tour because Lyndon Johnson president in 1963-1969. of “you know what”. My father never looked further afield for Mark lost his favourite bat, pads etc but bulls than Rocky Ponds and good to see Jimmy Peirson was even worse off as he second and third generations on the same lost his wicketkeeping gloves as well as farm 60 years later. bats/pads etc. Bags stolen As an old wicketkeeper, I can vouch that Queensland Bulls cricketer Mark Steketee you tend to get used to a set of wicketkeepwas in the news last week after his bag of ing gloves. cricket gear was stolen from a vehicle in Let’s hope the two stolen bags will turn Adelaide. up and we can say – Caught Peirson He was in the City of Churches for a bowled Steketee. Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania. Mark is the first Warwick Sheffield Shield Due to COVID-19, the first two games for continued on page 15... the Bulls are in Adelaide.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Indulgent and fabulous Chocolate Almond Cookies are pure comfort on rainy days. They are soft and chewy and just the thing to restore the spirits with a hot cup of tea. Made with the simplest of ingredients, these beauties are flourless making them ideal for anyone needing to avoid gluten or grains. Chocolate Almond Cookies I love the dough for these cookies because it actually feels, looks, and tastes like cookie dough. If you're a fan of sneaking a few bites of raw cookie dough before the cookies go into the oven, you will not be disappointed. Dough Made with almond butter, dark brown sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt, the dough for Chocolate Almond Cookies can be mixed and ready to bake in just a few minutes. Once the dough is made and shaped, I like to chill it for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape better when baking. Although I made this dough with almond butter, you can make it with any kind of nut butter for a variety of flavour sensations. Peanut paste is a favourite in our house, but we've also made them with tahini and liked them a lot. Cashew butter, walnut butter, or hazelnut butter would be worthy and scrumptious variations. You can also make Chocolate Almond Cookies with light brown sugar, but I like them best with a rich, dark brown sugar like muscovado. The earthy richness of the nuts can hold its own with the strong molasses flavour. Vanilla extract brings a buttery mellowness to the cookie dough that I love, but if you want to add a deeper nutty dimension, swap it out for almond extra if you're using almond butter. Chocolate If you're not a chocolate lover you can easily skip it and still enjoy a mighty fine

almond cookie. I am a fan of bittersweet chocolate, the darker the better, and its slight bitterness is a beautiful companion to the nutty cookie. I roughly chopped a bar of bittersweet chocolate into chunks and pressed a generous square into the top of each cookie. Shaping Roll each scoop of dough in your hands until it forms a smooth ball, then place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart and gently flatten each ball slightly as The pure comfort of freshly-baked biscuits. you press the chocolate in the top. Photo: Krista Bjorn. Place the cookies in the fridge to chill for 5-10 minutes, then bake Directions for 10-12 minutes or just until the edges Preheat oven to 180C. begin to brown. Remove the tray from the In large bowl mix together almond butoven but leave the cookies on the tray to ter, sugar, baking soda, and sea salt until cool completely. If you remove them while well-blended. they're still warm they will fall apart and Add egg and vanilla and stir until you will be sad. smooth. Chocolate Almond Cookies Using teaspoon, scoop out portions of Ingredients: dough and roll into balls. Place 2-3 inches 1 cup almond butter apart on parchment-lined baking sheet 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (cookies will spread when baking). When 1/2 tsp baking soda tray is filled, top each ball with a chunk of 1/4 tsp finely ground sea salt dark chocolate, pressing down to slightly flatten each ball. 1 large egg Baking 10-12 minutes just until edges of 1 tsp vanilla cookies begin to brown. Remove from oven 1 bar dark chocolate, cut in 1/2-1-inch and let cookies cool on the pan. When cool, chunks store in air-tight container until ready to use.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Long paddock, continued continued from page 12... player since Simon Beattie played for Queensland against South Australia in 1983. We can also claim a state women’s cricketer in Delissa Kimmince who also played 50-over and T20 cricket for Australia. One thing Mark and Delissa have in common is one of their first coaches was Delissa’s father Peter Kimmince who used to work at John Dee Warwick but is now in a similar job in Western Australia. Delissa played 111 50-over games for Australia and 22 T20 internationals between 2008 and 2019. She has now retired and has fond memories of playing cricket with tennis player Ash Barty. Ash has played two sports (tennis and cricket) at a high level and so has Delissa, cricket and then WAFL with the Brisbane Lions in their first season in the league. New NRL team While an NRL team from Ipswich and the Western corridor would have been the closest to the Southern Downs, it was good to see the Dolphins win the right to field the 17th team in the NRL from 2023. I went to secondary school at De La Salle College, Scarborough, and remember going to the home of my cousins on a

Sunday and then walking a few kilometres to the Redcliffe Showgrounds to watch the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Brisbane Rugby League competition. My walks to the footy ended when a teacher spotted me and school officials said my permission to visit my cousins didn’t include walking to the footy. The Dolphins now have their own ground away from the showgrounds. The Gold Coast Titans are also close to Ipswich and the Western corridor so good to see the northern side of Brisbane get the franchise. There are no national league teams at the Sunshine Coast in any sport and that is one reason the Dolphins will fill the void to

some extent. It seems like the boy who sneaked into the Allora dressing room to hear the coaches comment at halftime almost 60 years ago, Wayne Bennett, will be the Dolphins coach.

WARWICK SALEYARDS

George & Fuhrmann, Warwick

VENDOR DESCRIPTION - Cents/KG/WEIGHT/$TOTAL BULLS S & W Ferguson, Nobby, Santa Bull, 374.2/1065/3,985 Cave Wagyu, Goomburra, Wagyu Bull, 350.0/830/2,905 COWS Farina Livestock, Greenmount, Blonde D’Aquatain, 395.0/635/2,508 S & W Ferguson ,Nobby, Santa Cow, 386.2/750/2,896 FR & BM Paterson, Legume, Angus x Cows/385.0/660/2,541 S & M Gittins, Goomburra, Angus Cows, 382.2/730/2,790 S Roche, Warwick, Friesian Cow/337.2/665/2.242 BULLOCKS R & S Bondfield, Junabee, Charolais x Bullock (2t), 438.0/700/3,066 Z & L Hoey, Clifton,Santa Bullocks (0-2t), 430.2/570/2,452 EXPORT HEIFERS Z & L Hoey, Clifton, Santa/Charolais Heifer (4t), 425.2/705/2,997 J & J Fowles, Liston, Charolais/Angus x Heifers (2t), 425.0/506/2,151 HEAVY FEEDER STEERS M Droney, Pittsworth, Angus & Angus x Steers , 533.2/464/2,475 Cunningham Angus, Wheatvale, Angus Steers, 530.0/472/2,504 MacIntrye Pastoral Gore, Angus Steers, 530.0/420/2,226 DOMESTIC FEEDER STEERS MacIntrye Pastoral Gore, Angus Steers, 567.2/359/2,034 MTL Future Trust, Freestone, Angus x Steer, 556.2/335/1,863 FEEDER HEIFERS AJ & JRE Simmons, Clifton, Angus/Limousin Heifers, 576.2/349/2,012 MacIntrye Pastoral Gore, Angus Heifers, 495.2/332/1,642 M Droney, Pittsworth, Angus/Santa Heifers, 486.2/351/1,706 YEARLINGS MJ & LJ Schultz, Wellcamp, Charolais Heifer, 488.2/380/1,855 S & M Gittins, Goomburra, Angus Heifers, 482.2/415/2,001 WEANER STEERS P & H Beckett, Stanthorpe, Angus Steer, 692.2/230/1,592 B Donnelly, Warwick, Santa x Steers, 646.2/232/1,502 WEANER HEIFERS P & H Beckett, Stanthorpe, Angus Heifers, 552.2/266/1,470 A & N Horneman, Killarney, Angus x Heifers, 540.0/270/1,458

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were once used as jails.” Spot the 5 Differences: 1. Top left leaf moved 2. Top branch longer 3. Middle right leaf miss-

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

58 years of dedication

AFTER 58 years on the prime cattle and lamb committee of the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society, Bill Gross has retired. He was approached by David Cory to be on the committee and has been committee chairman and chief steward for the past 30 years. Bill said he had worked with some great committee members such as Mr Cory, Denis Conway, Jack Cleary, Ken Gillanders, Don McGinness, John Clark, Jordan Piccini, Raymond, Peter and Phillip Cleary and John Barrett. In later years, committee members included Glen Whitton, David McIvor, Warren Schelbach, David Friend, John Waltisbuhl, Joe Brown and Brett Shelley Retiring prime cattle and lamb committee chairman Bill Gross was presented with but this group has now retired from the a clock by the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society to mark his 58 years on the comcommittee. mittee. Photo Gerard Walsh The committee initially was about cattle Connolly Dam Rd. Bill and wife Nancy set up Gross but lambs have now been added. Wholesale Meats with the support of sons Howard and Angus Gross, Ross Ellis, Bill Bill and Nancy Gross and family were one Howard and Stewart and Aaron Lee remain on the comof the first on the Darling Angus Gross mittee in 2021. Matt Cleary and Ben Downs to show Limousin and started Johnson are two new committee members. cattle. by killing Bill said the 50th anniversary of the hoof “Our highest number of one beast and hook competition was celebrated with nominations for the (cattle), one a gala dinner in 2012 with past members prime cattle carcass comlamb and and competitors from the Darling Downs petition was 240 in one one pig as a and as far as Kingaroy and Inverell in year in the 1970s,” he starter at attendance. said. Carey The first event for the committee each “The toughest period Abattoir. year is the prime cattle and lamb classes at was when interest rates “We also the Warwick Show in March/April and were at 20 per cent. killed cattle then in October, the hoof and hook compe“Professor Yates from at Killarney tition is conducted. New England University and “I sincerely thank John Dee and their was a judge in the early Pittsworth staff, other loyal sponsors and hope they days and taught us a lot when those can continue to support show and carcass about improving the abattoirs competitions,” Bill said. national herd. were open,” “We have come a long way since our car“In those days, we had Bill said. cass competition started way back at a lot of dairy cross calves “Meat Mangan Brothers Slaughterhouse.” in the carcass competifrom our tion after many farmers feedlot is went out of dairying.” sold into Down the years, abatGold Coast, toirs in the area have Brisbane been used for the on the and northDarryl Ellem, Bill Wells, David Cory and ern New hook section of the prime Bill Gross at the 1962 carcass compe- South Wales cattle competition. tition at Mangan’s Slaughterhouse in markets. At Carcasses in the years Mr Gross was on the committee Rose Street, Warwick. Photo supplied. the start, were judged at Mangan Brothers we kept Slaughterhouse, Killarney ringing Abattoir and mostly at John Dee Warwick. butchers and taking orders for wholesale meat.” Prime lamb has been judged at Shelley’s Slaughterhouse but most of the time at In 1983, they purchased land at Risdon Carey Abattoir at Yangan. Park and in 1988, set up their feedlot on