DRIVING out to Beachmere for a lovely lunch and walk, we were held up by roadworks.
Actually we were held up by stop/go lights and a couple of hi-vis wearing blokes overseeing the lights at each end.
There were no roadworks in progress.
There had been some works to raise the road from Caboolture to Beachmere once known at Caboolture’s seaside town (and much under appreciated).
The land is pretty flat and subject to tidal ingress up the creeks from Moreton Bay,
and flooding down King John Creek when it rains a bit.
So no doubt the road needs some work to keep transport to and from Beachmere in high tides and heavy rain.
But looking at the lack of activity and the fleet of excavators and rollers and trucks parked up on a fine, sunny weekday made me wonder why there’s any question about why our infrastructure projects, from major highway and Cross Rail works to relatively minor Beachmere Road fix ups, are blowing budgets and timelines.
When I ran a contracting business, we always knew that if we couldn’t get the job done well under the budgeted timeframe, we’d lose money.
Our average job length was 26 weeks so we’d always try to get it done in 23 or 24. If the weather was fine, we did extra hours each day and often a six day week to get the work done in good conditions.
And work done when it was fine and dry rather than raining and muddy also meant a better quality job.
The incentive for our gangs was that
they’d not just get a bonus for the extra work when weather was good, but we’d give them a week or so extra holidays. Nothing like the thought of a week’s fishing on the boss’s pay to spend that extra hour or two finishing off the digging or building task that day.
That also meant less travelling to and from the job site, let alone the effort to get the muscles and machines started for another day.
And from the boss’s point of view, a shorter job time means less equipment and job hut and portable loo and stop/go hire.
And generally the client is happier with a job done right, ahead of time.
Sometimes the government or council supervisor would want us to slow down, partly not to show up their own gangs, but also if they were stringing out the job for work for the dole workers.
But for taxpayers (and us private contractors), surely the best result is to dig in and get the job done.
It saves time, frustration, unnecessary complications (such as a patch or bad weather) as well as money.
Once on an inspection of major roadworks in China, I was amazed to see huge bridges being built in record time, with the workers on three shifts a day tying steel and pouring concrete 24/7. They were six-laning the equivalent of the total Bruce Highway (Brisbane to Cairns) in less than two years. A German engineer at the site said his company was supplying nearly half their global supply of construction light towers just for the Chinese road projects.
So maybe if our governments and Councils want to get more of our roads (and schools and hospitals) fixed faster and better, they need to push the jobs along faster than four short days a week.
FESTIVAL of Small Halls has announced that Assynt and Jackie Marshall will feature on their upcoming Summer Tour 2023: Queenscliff Music Festival to Woodford Folk Festival.
Produced by Woodfordia Inc, the team behind the worldrenowned Woodford Folk Festival, the Festival of Small Halls is Australia’s largest regional music tour.
This 2023 tour marks the ninth edition of the coastal Queensland run, with 18 communities along the coast of Queensland flinging open their doors with a warm welcome of folk spirit and hand-made love.
The Summer Tour 2023 will kick things off at long-time partner festival Queenscliff Music Festival, before flying up to Machans Beach outside of Cairns for the first halls show on Tuesday November 28.
The tour will then weave its way along the coast, experiencing the crystal waters of seaside towns from Airlie Beach to Rainbow Beach, before completing a little loop ducking into the Southern
Downs, Gold Coast, and Goondiwindi Shires.
An incredible group of communities has invited us to its halls this year, with eight hosts putting on their first Festival of Small Halls show.
Ready to tell stories, weave histories and passion into these
halls are Scotland’s awardwinning instrumental folk musicians Assynt.
Renowned for its tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing blend, the powerful and intuitive trio of musicians is sure to become a new favourite.
Itching to present its tunes
to audiences across Australia, Assynt said it has been looking forward to touring Australia as part of the Small Halls tour for over four years now! A little later than planned due to the pandemic, the trio are excited to showcase its Scottish music for the Australian audiences
and experience the culture in Queensland and Victoria.
Jackie Marshall is a folk musician, singer and songwriter, but her influences are drawn from Western folk and country of the 60’s and 70’s, through to jazz and improvisational pieces.
Her work brims with warmth
and energy, and her mission is to perform with the heart and soul of a music lover, speaking to the heart and souls of the audience.
Jackie said it’s a huge pleasure to be heading out on the road for Small Halls.
“I love being in motion, soaking up the colours of this beautiful country, meeting new people with fascinating stories, and experiencing the joy of performing to intimate audiences in venues rich with the feeling of personal connection. I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved.”
Festival of Small Halls
Summer Tour 2023 starts on November 23 at Queenscliff Music Festival, before heading north to the Machans Beach Community Hall for November 28. The tour continues to 17 communities along coastal Queensland. The tour concludes at Woodford Folk Festival from December 27 – January 1.
Tickets on sale at www. festivalofsmallhalls.com
THE State Government has announced a landmark reform package to better support victims of crime and their families.
More than $200 million over the next five years will boost victim support services – which have experienced increased demand for support from victims and their families – and financial assistance to victims of crime, as well as additional Victim Assist Queensland staff to ensure more applications can be assessed sooner.
Additionally, $18 million has been allocated to establish the recently announced Victims’ Commissioner office. $6 million of this will be for non-government organisations that support victims.
The government has heard from victims of crime around the state and is putting them front and centre and that’s what this support package is about.
The upper cap for financial assistance for victims will be reset from $75,000 to $120,000 and a range of increases to payments under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009
will include:
* Category A – currently $10,000 increased to $15,000
* Category B – currently $3,500 increased to $9,000
* Category C – currently $2,000 increased to $6,000
* Category D – currently $1,000 increased to $3,000
* Increase in funeral expenses from $8,000 to $15,000.
* Increase in distress payments from $10,000 to $15,000.
The State Government will introduce amendments to legislation to implement these changes this month.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said community safety is the State Government’s top priority and it needs to adopt a community recovery approach with victims as well as their communities giving hands-on support through what are traumatic experiences.
“That can be as essential as providing counselling and other support to ensuring victims and their communities are given ongoing support through the
fallout of a criminal incident,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We need to ensure victims of crime and their families and their communities have the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
“The community has been calling for reforms and we have acted.
“Putting victims first is fundamental and that’s what this significant support package will do.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D’Ath, said the State Government understands that victims of crime can experience significant trauma which has ripple effects across their family, friends and their community.
“The Government has taken momentous steps to reform our laws to better support victims and hold perpetrators to account,” Ms D’Ath said.
“This important work included undertaking significant reviews into how our police and justice system responds to victims of crime, including domestic violence.”
A WOMAN was transported to Redcliffe Hospital, in a stable condition, after a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Morayfield Road and William Berry Drive, Morayfield at 7pm last Thursday.
A female patient in her 80s was transported to Caboolture Hospital in a stable condition, suffering a medical episode, after a vehicle collided with a pole on the corner of King Street and Morayfield Road, Caboolture at 7.27pm on September 27.
A FEMALE patient in her 40s was transported to Caboolture Hospital in a stable condition with facial and hand injuries, following a fall from an e-scooter on the corner of Aretha Lane and Omara Road, Narangba at 6.42pm on Wednesday September 27.
A VARIETY of speakers, entertainment and information will be on offer as Dragons Abreast Pumicestone hosts a breast cancer forum this Saturday. Proceedings will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Bribie Island Recreation Hall in Bongaree.
While the Dragons Abreast Pumicestone members are from the Dragon Boat Pumicestone club, they regularly pursue activities outside of dragon boating.
Dragon Boat Pumicestone president Michelle Hanton said this Saturday’s forum would provide awareness, education and connections for those affected by breast cancer.
“The aim is to offer a community connection with others on the same journey,” Michelle said.
“Supporters are welcome, so if there are individuals who want to bring a close supporter friend, they are most welcome.”
Michelle will be one of the speakers, having previously been a state representative for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
The founder of Dragons Abreast Australia, Michelle also served on the National Breast Cancer Foundation Consumer Advisory Panel and was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contribution to women’s health.
Michelle’s presentation titled ‘A Journey with the Dragon Spirit’ demonstrates the power of the breast cancer advocate in shaping change.
Other guest speakers will be molecular biologist Dr Malcolm Lim (who specialises in breast cancer brain metastasis), McGrath Foundation volunteer Tracey Grills, and breast cancer thriver and trained consumer representative Jurina Demaine.
Entertainment at the forum will comprise Gallery Singers; a ladies-only three-part choir of about 25 singers. Formed in 2000, this group has performed at the Matthew Flinders
Gallery, retirement villages, hospitals, nursing homes and at community and fundraising events.
This Saturday’s forum is free to attend although registrations are essential, and can be made at https://www.trybooking. com/CLWUC
Lunch will be funded by Dragons Abreast Pumicestone from funds raised at the monthly Beachmere Men’s Shed markets where the group has a stall and runs a raffle.
Michelle said that if Saturday’s forum was successful, it would hopefully become an annual occurrence.
AT A time when record numbers of patients are attending Emergency Departments, the Queensland Government says the most critical patients are still being seen on time.
However, patients with less serious conditions are being reminded that accessing treatment from more appropriate
sources – such as GPs, pharmacies, Satellite Hospitals, or Urgent Care Clinics – will help keep emergency departments available for emergencies.
In the first half of 2023, hospitals in the Metro North region saw a total of 170,944 presentations in emergency departments.
All 1,100 category 1 patients – the most urgent cases – were seen by a clinician within two minutes of arriving at the emergency departments, while over 60 per cent of all cases were seen within clinically recommended times.
Less urgent presentations however continue to place unnecessary pressure on the
system and, potentially, put the lives of others at risk.
Patients with conditions such as toothaches, earaches and ingrown toenails don’t need to attend an emergency department.
In the most extreme case from May to July, a RBWH patient waited over 12 hours to
WITH bushfires already burning across the state and months of hot and dry conditions yet to come, City of Moreton Bay is calling on residents to prepare now for potential bushfire in their local areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology has formally declared an El Niño weather event.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway urged residents to act now and plan their household’s emergency and evacuation plan.
“Following years of wet weather, South East Queensland has an abundance of fuel that is now drying out and is essentially turning into tinder for bushfires,” Cr Shipway said.
“We have to act now to prepare ourselves for a potentially devastating year of fire.
“While we can’t change
the conditions, we can get our families, homes and properties ready.
“Council has been working with land managers across our city and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to execute planned burns to help protect homes and our natural environment.
“We need residents to make sure they are ready and that their property is as prepared as possible.
“Our message is simplePlan. Prepare. Survive.
“Know what you will do in the event of a bushfire. Create a Bushfire Survival Plan that includes exit strategies for your household - including pets and livestock.
“Prepare your property now. Fill your water storage and tanks; clear out gutters and debris from the yard; and gather essential supplies that you’ll need if disaster strikes.
“Decide early if you’ll leave or stay to protect your property.
“Residents can stay upto-date by subscribing to Council’s MoretonAlert. You’ll get real time warnings sent direct to your phone.
“In the event of an emergency, Council’s Disaster Dashboard will have all the key information you’ll need to stay informed, from fire danger ratings and current bushfires to road conditions and power outages, evacuation centres and so much more.
“We’ll do everything we can to help protect the community and wildlife, so please make sure you do what you can to protect your families and your homes.
“Plus, we’re putting on the free, action-packed Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo at Bribie Island on Saturday October 7, full of handy tips and family fun to encourage
residents to learn more about emergency preparedness and meet the heroes who work hard to keep you safe each and every day.
“The Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo will have you getting up close to emergency service vehicles and equipment, and learning about the important work the teams do to keep us all safe.
“Sound the sirens in a police car, learn the ropes on what it takes to be a State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer, use the fire hose on a rural fire fighting truck and even look inside an ambulance.
“Expect to be wowed by the impressive displays of firefighters showcasing their firefighting techniques, and paramedics providing insights into life-saving medical procedures.”
For more information visit https://www.getready.qld. gov.au
be seen.
In the first six months of 2023, Metro North hospitals had close to 8,500 category five patients attend emergency departments seeking treatment, 88 per cent of which were seen within the clinically recommended time frame.
If you are unsure, call your GP or 13 HEALTH for advice. You can also visit the Metro North HHS website for more information on emergency departments and other health services.
Minister for Health, Shannon Fentiman, said the hospital emergency departments are facing unprecedented demand, with more ED presentations than ever before.
“I want to thank our hardworking frontline health staff who have ensured that 100% of the most serious presentations were seen within two minutes, despite this demand,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Our government is investing in more staff, more beds, and more health infrastructure than any government in Queensland history, including $11 billion to build three new hospitals and nine hospital expansions.
“These projects are delivering 3,378 new beds, including 500 new beds in this financial year.
“More staff and more beds are critical to reducing the pressure on our busy EDs.
“Last financial year, Queensland EDs saw over 100 presentations every single day for a UTI. These are not the kind of emergency conditions our EDs are designed to treat.
“We know that we have had a decade of under investment
in GPs and primary care, which is meaning more people are arriving at our EDs.
“I’m grateful that the Federal Government is tripling the bulk billing incentive. The combination of our Satellite Hospitals with Urgent Care Clinics will provide more alternative ways for Queenslanders to get the care they need, close to home.”
Metro North Health Chief Executive, Jackie Hanson, said many people with nonurgent conditions are finding themselves waiting extended periods of time in emergency department waiting rooms when they could be treated faster at their local GP clinic or satellite hospital.
“No patient will ever be refused care at any of our hospitals, however EDs are always prioritised for seriously ill and injured patients,” Ms Hanson said.
“There are a number of other options available to attending emergency departments, including satellite hospitals, urgent care clinics and virtual health services.”
From 2022 through to April 2023, Queensland Hospital Emergency departments saw presentations including:
* 36,911 for a UTI.
* 28,064 for attention to surgical dresses and stitches.
* 11,995 for an ear infection.
* 6,662 for repeat medication prescriptions.
* 3,764 for a medical certificate.
* 1,056 for an ingrown toenail.
* 280 for sunburn.
* 79 for hiccups.
THE Caboolture Hospital
ICU team has found a beautiful way to reuse and recycle waste products. Wards across Caboolture Hospital collected medication lids and expired intravenous (IV) lines which Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse Vanessa Sippel and Nurse Unit Manager Tash Willmett are turning into vibrant art pieces.
A series of five pieces are underway that reflect the ICU
patient’s journey, nursing and medical attributes for caring for critically unwell patients, and to bring colour and calm to families of ICU patients.
“This first piece, the peacock, symbolises protection, pride, community, versatility, vision and awareness, new beginnings and inner journey,” Ms Willmett said.
“We have four more in the works – a tree of life, a frog, a galah and a rainbow heart.
“It’s so rewarding to take items that would normally end up in landfill and create artwork that brightens up the ICU, for our staff and for patients and their families.”
Ms Willmett is now working on creating an emu artwork, to be followed by a galah, green tree frog, green turtle and flamingo while Ms Sippel has started on a tree of life and planning for a rainbow heart.
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Distribution: Caboolture, Elimbah, Morayfield, Narangba, Burpengary, Bellmere, Wamuran, Woodford, Delaneys Creek, D’Aguilar and surrounds.
THE first tenants will soon move into new social housing homes in Caboolture, with construction recently completed on 10 units.
Previously the site of two homes, construction crews have built 10 one-bedroom and twobedroom homes for singles, couples and families.
The four one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units were constructed as part of the State Government’s record $5 billion investment in social and affordable homes.
Two units have been designed to Platinum accessibility levels while another two have been built to Gold standard, making them suitable for older Queenslanders and people with a disability.
This means the units will feature wider hallways and doors, making them suitable for people with decreased mobility and people who use a wheelchair.
The units will add to the more than 400 homes delivered by the State Government in Moreton Bay region.
Minister for Housing, Meaghan Scanlon, said there are hundreds of homes under construction across the state, with hundreds more to commence construction in the coming months.
Minister for Police and Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, said he was pleased to see more social housing delivered in Caboolture.
“We know that there is a need for more social housing, and we are delivering these homes for those that need them the most,” Mr Ryan said.
“These units are a welcome addition to the more than 5,500 social housing homes we have here in the Moreton Bay region and we’re building even more. In fact, we have 100 homes currently under construction in the region and an additional 141 homes under contract to be delivered in the near future.”
THERE were some pretty groovy dress-ups at the Woodford Bowls Club for Rock’n’Roll Playitt on September 28.
While few in numbers, they excelled in capturing the essence of the rock years blending perfectly with the lively matching music of the era.
Launched by our wonderful Playitt band with inevitable classics like “Rock Around the Clock” from Norm, Chas with “You Never Can Tell”, Pete’s J.O.K. favourite “She’s My Baby”, Roger doing “Rock ‘n’ Roll Music”, Mike with “Johnny B. Goode” and Alan’s “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”, we were rocked to half time by the vanguard walk ups Richard, Ken, Don, Frank, along with Jo, Cath and Chrissy.
Such well known artists as The Beatles; Wet, Wet, Wet; Anita Bryant and Chubby Checker had outings with appropriate songs.
The second half was headed by Montana and Kiwi’s great rock selections, with JB, Marlene, Ricki, Jen, Carmel and Leanne following suit and fetching out echoes of Eddie Cochran, The Crystals, Neil Sedaka, The Monkees and Elvis
to name a few.
The night was rounded off by drummer extraordinaire Mike with his wonderful version of The Surfaris’ “Wipeout”.
Thanks to all the performers for embracing the theme, and to the engineers who oil the wheels and fill the tank ready for take off every week. Broader coverage and pics are on the Playitt Facebook page.
Join us soon!
BEAUMONT Care was abuzz at Wamuran last Thursday as one of its residents turned 100 years old.
A group of Jessie Morgan’s daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren attended the celebration of her historic birthday, while many residents at the aged care facility joined in the festivities.
Members of Jessie’s extended family travelled from the Gold Coast and NSW places including Woolooware, Helensburgh and Revesby Heights to mark the occasion.
A special cake and many other sweets were among the treats, while tea and coffee and soft drink were also served.
One of the tables contained a collection of photos of Jessie and her family from over the years, while there was also a copy of her birth certificate and a birthday card from King Charles.
Born in the Scottish city of Aberdeen, Jessie Thom Morgan (née Murray) and her parents travelled to Australia by boat when Jessie was just two years of age.
An only child, Jessie was quite
sick at times as it took more than seven months for the boat to reach Australian shores.
After the family lived in Penshurst, the family’s home was based in Peakhurst for 45 years before Jessie and her daughter Cecilia moved to Grose Vale.
After finishing school, Jessie was an aircraftwoman teleprinter operator from 1942 to 1945.
Jessie married Arthur Morgan in 1947 and raised a family of three daughters and two sons, but tragedy struck in 1971 when Arthur died of a brain tumour.
Cecilia, who was only five years old when she lost her dad, said Jessie had been very careerdriven and wasn’t keen to conform to the supposedly female roles of the time which revolved around homemaking.
Jessie didn’t even obtain her driver licence until the age of 47, having done a lot of walking and catching buses until then.
After being widowed, however, Jessie found herself needing to focus on household duties as she raised her children while the eldest son, Richard, was in the Air Force and often came home to help out.
The eldest daughter, Christina, left school at the age of 15 to work and to help with family duties.
Cecilia recalled that her siblings Robert and Theresa also helped Jessie, with Robert involved with the lawns and home maintenance while Theresa did daily chores and helped look after Cecilia.
“Mum said she was very grateful to have a wonderful helpful family,” Cecilia said.
“We all pulled together in hard times.”
Eventually, Jessie was able to focus on work outside her family life. She undertook numerous catering roles, including at the Sydney Easter Show, and she also worked in cake shops as a sales assistant and with window dressing.
Jessie also worked for 21 years as a librarian at Punchbowl Primary School.
After Jessie and Cecilia moved to Grose Vale, horses became a big part of Cecilia’s life. Cecilia recalled her mum “pushing a wheelbarrow of manure up the hill on 42-degree days”.
Following 14 years in the Blue
Mountains area, Jessie and Cecilia moved north of the border and settled in Wamuran.
Jessie became a grandmother of seven, and to this day she has had seven great-grandchildren.
“She looked after me, then we swapped roles,” Cecilia said.
“She taught us girls to be independent and strong-willed.”
Cecilia said the key to her mum’s long life was that she was “quite the dancer from the age of three years” as Jessie was involved in ballet, tap and ballroom dancing.
“Mum would meet up with her friends and go dancing at the school of art or CWA halls nearly every night, from the city town hall out to Penshurst and Peakhurst. That is where she met (my) dad Arthur,” Cecilia said.
“The passion for dance was passed down to us all – grandchildren and greatgrandchildren – from making costumes, going to concerts and curling hair.
“Mum enjoyed it all.
“The boys loved playing football and we were lucky to live opposite Peakhurst Park.”
Cecilia said her mum was a big believer in outside activities.
“We were all lucky to have a family cottage down the South Coast Sanctuary Point to go for school holidays,” Cecilia said.
“(We went) to the beach, swimming, prawning at night, riding our push bikes.
“When everyone had grown up, mum and I started travelling around Australia then overseas just in holiday time, (which was) something mum said she would love to do and we did over 10 years to tick her bucket list.”
Jessie had a stroke at the age
of 92 and has battled vascular dementia since then, and in early 2020 she moved into the Wamuran-based Beaumont Care facility.
“She calls it home,” Cecilia said.
“She likes tea, sweets, sitting in the sun and commenting on the garden.”
Cecilia, who still resides in Wamuran, said she visits her mum each day.
While Jessie remains lucid on some days, she is prone to sleep for several hours on other days.
GROWING OLD is not just another progression in life, in my mind it is more of a destiny in what has been an eventful life — dictated throughout by fate and lots of luck.
My brother-in-law was succinct when he said to me on my 75th birthday, “I didn’t think you’d make it this far.”
Yet my entire extended family was there to drink some of my finest reds and single malt whisky.
When I was young, old age seemed so far off, as in the oftquoted saying: ‘ten foot tall and bulletproof’. In some aspects that is closer to the truth than a mere casual throw-away line.
In my youth, older people were respected, they weren’t ageing per se, they were either young or old — though the narrow thin line that had to be crossed was never to be found.
Those were the days when you kept your mouth firmly zipped, lest a youthful smart quip be left to your father to deal with.
There were those significant stages in life: 17 and a motor vehicle licence; 21 was when you came of age and could drink in the pub (many a time that had been put to the test), marriage, children, advancement through work
and society — till suddenly my children were adults and progressing in through life — the entire circle began to repeat before my very own eyes.
It’s instructional that early life doesn’t return as if in one serialised memory, it’s more of a combined recollection that seems to have all happened in the not-so-distant past: it’s either “oh, that’s ages ago” and “just the other day.”
So, as I reminisce from the comfortable seat of my motorised scooter that does 11.5km/h on the flat, 10k uphill and 12.5 downhill, I look back to my earliest days behind the wheel of an uncountable number of vehicle types, makes and models, wheeled and tracked, and wonder how it has suddenly come to this.
And though friends loathe the day they will follow suit, and remind me I will regret my decision to voluntarily sell my beloved Discovery, I have found a more relaxed life on a scooter made for one. Often being able to park right at the door is one advantage.
For someone who has enjoyed driving throughout his life, from the day that I received my Army driver’s licence behind the wheel of a World War II left-hand-drive 10-wheel-drive Studebaker with crash gear box and all the
whistles and bells for off-road work, I have never been far from the driver’s seat of myriad motor vehicles in my lifetime role as a rural and agricultural journalist while specialising in road transport, motoring and tyre industries.
And how motoring has changed over some 60 years — from the FJ Holden, to primitive trucks where you had to listen to engine revs to change gears, and an evolving era that is introducing electric cars.
And hey, while I have my reservations at the speed of release of electric cars and the motivation behind them, I too have my own electric vehicle — and it brings with it an entirely new learning curve.
I delved deeply before making the final decision to step-down from the driver’s seat of a modern motor vehicle — and acknowledge that my days of driving long distances (200,000km a year in some cases) and started listening to my family (and my doctor) who began to say “it’s time.” It was the latter who reminded me that “next year you will have to undergo tests for a yearly licence.” Heaven forbid!
While I don’t feel restricted in my movement — I have accepted I am getting old due to one obvious signal: my family
are in constant contact to check that I am okay.
Many years ago I used to look at my father and observe: “oh, Dad looks old.” That look I now see on the face of my eldest son; my youngest son always buys when we have the occasional meet in a favourite pub. And my younger sister is always in contact to check on my well-being.
Oh dear, I’ve begun doing what I have always reminded myself to avoid — but I digress.
So, now, as the owner of a motorised electric scooter that plugs into a power point in my garage, my regrets are few, yet I must accept that there needs to be some changes to shopping routines and accessing rail and bus.
And as a long-time motoring journalist, I cannot avoid the urge to lambaste Local Government Councils in general and the Moreton Shire in particular: their footpaths and the frequently accessed by the public are abysmal.
I have concluded that every Council should acquire at least two motorised scooters — and that members of the Council and its staff be required to inspect footpaths and public area on these devices.
And I don’t just mean councillors from the mayor
down; the director of works should go out, as would labourers who do the hard yakka spreading the concrete.
And did I mention times are a-changing: I especially note how the RACQ — of which I have been a member for more than 55 years — now lists motorised vehicles among its list of call-out services.
This was one of the final considerations that made me more comfortable with my final decision to change to a motorised electric tortoise — that help was at hand if ever I ran into difficulties.
This followed hearing about those who have had accidents — some very serious requiring hospitalisation and inconvenience — and that acquiring a mobilisation device is not a matter of transferring from a motor vehicle to something resembling a motorised Victa motor mower.
In a later edition I will write of people connected to aged care who are devising courses
for older people who seek to stay mobile and still be safe in what can be a daunting experience.
While motorised scooters are relegated to footpaths and public areas, there are those who place themselves in danger by driving on the roads. While this is considered illegal, there are some cases where the person on a motorised scooter has no option.
This is where I will again reinforce my suggestion that all Council members — including works gangs from other services like Telstra who like to dig up roads and footpaths — get out there and find-out for themselves what older people must contend with.
The motorised army on slow-moving electric vehicles is expanding by the day. And, oh boy, there are some nervous nellies in their midst — some rightfully so because they have had mishaps that are not necessarily their own fault.
THE Centenary Institute and the University of Technology Sydney will lead pioneering research into agerelated muscle loss, called sarcopenia, with a Dynamic Resilience Program contract from Wellcome Leap.
A natural process, sarcopenia is where muscles become smaller and weaker due to ageing.
This can lead to reduced mobility, increased frailty and overall decreased quality of life among older adults. Sarcopenia can also result from short-term hospitalisation and bed rest in older individuals where inactivity leads to rapid and severe musculoskeletal wasting.
The research aims to shed light on why short-term hospitalisation in older adults leads to profound loss of muscle mass and strength, accelerating conditions of Sarcopenia and frailty.
The researchers will harness brand new technologies and techniques to explore the impacts of ageing on muscle function and develop potential interventions to enhance
the quality of life for older individuals.
At the heart of the research investigation lies a novel model for studying human muscle ageing – tiny laboratory-grown human skeletal muscles, called micro-muscles.
Principal Investigator of the project, Associate Professor Andy Philp, Head of the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Healthy Ageing and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney said that their advanced micro-muscle model would be able to simulate age-related conditions like Sarcopenia and hospitalisations to help unlock the secrets of skeletal muscle’s resilience to ageing and inactivity.
“Use of our novel bioengineered muscle platform in combination with patientderived blood samples and advanced molecular analysis techniques, will help us decipher the intricate biological mechanisms underlying muscle ageing and wastage, as well as the muscle’s capacity for recovery.”
The bioengineered micro-
muscles, being developed by Co-Principal Investigator and Group Leader Associate Professor, Richard Mills, from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Melbourne node of reNEW, are set to provide a revolutionary approach.
“These micro-muscles offer an unprecedented labbased platform for in-depth exploration of the intricate biological processes involved in Sarcopenia.”
Aspects that will be investigated include the role of age, gender, inactivity and inflammation-related stress on muscular function.
Associate Professor Philp said that the research holds the promise of transforming the way age-related muscle wasting is treated.
“We believe our innovative approach has the potential to lead to new therapeutic approaches to promote muscle strength and resilience, to ultimately enhance the wellbeing and vitality of ageing individuals,” he said.
The collaborative research program will be undertaken by researchers at the Centenary Institute, University of Technology Sydney, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Sydney and the University of Leicester (UK).
THE sheer arrogance of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, her unashamed insolence, and her seemingly unbridled contempt for the average Queenslander, especially victims of crime, was highlighted last week.
Channel 9 had been promoting a special investigation titled A Voice for Victims, “delving into the depths of our youth crime crisis, revealing the true human cost”. It was hosted by Andrew Lofthouse and Melissa Downes and screened on Thursday night.
Would you believe, on that very day, the Premier and her Justice Minister Yvette D’Ath, announced “a landmark reform package to better support victims of crime and their families”.
“Putting victims first is fundamental and that’s what this significant support package will do,” trumpeted the Premier.
“The community has been calling for reforms and we have acted.”
Obviously the Premier has purposely blotted out some events of the recent past, but many Queenslanders don’t forget.
They remember her office’s arrogant “Send standard response please” email, in
May, when a Townsville victim contacted the Premier asking when she was going to do something about youth crime because residents no longer felt safe in their own houses.
That victim got the Palaszczuk push.
They remember her December 2016 pledge, “The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring victims of crime get the vital assistance they need”, and the numerous other meaningless promises made before and since.
So when the Premier, with all the flourish of a magician, extracted $200 million from a Treasury orifice and announced her largesse just hours before the TV special was screened, Queenslanders quite rightly felt nauseous.
The word cynical — motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity; concerned only with one’s own interests and typically disregarding accepted standards to achieve them — sums up the Premier’s manipulation of victims perfectly.
Premier 1, Victims of Crime 0.
Oh, and just to make sure we have more public servants, $18 million has been allocated
to establish a Victims’ Commissioner office — another layer of bureaucracy to impede any real change for the better.
Let’s end this sorry story with the heart-warming words of our Attorney-General, Yvette D’Ath: “Today’s funding announcement is a crucial part of our commitment to putting the needs of victims front and centre,” parroted Ms D’Ath, making sure she joined the Palaszczuk Puppet Parade.
Using victims of crime as political pawns is not only cruel, it’s simply abuse.
AND now for some light relief (pun intended). German males now have the title of Sitzpinkler Champions of the West — because they aim to please.
Don’t know what a Sitzpinkler is? Shame on you. Sitzpinklers have just been the subject of a major survey and you couldn’t care less?
Well, this survey showed that 62 per cent of German men said they usually or always sat to urinate compared with 50 per cent of Swedes and 23 per cent of Brits.
I wonder what the cost of this survey was and how many brains, trusts and/or universities were involved. And why do we need to know the number of sitting-widdlers there are in various countries? In fact, who cares?
Well, apparently German urologists and parents do. Urologists argue that sitting is a more natural and comfortable position for urinating while parents encourage boys to sit to avoid making a mess.
IT’S BOTH sad and scary to see the way the Palaszczuk Government is following the Victorian example of media control, banning journalists from events and feeding them only what the government wants the public to know.
The battalion of communication experts being employed by the government is constantly growing and they are “feeding the chooks” — an old Queensland political line that quickly springs to mind.
Maybe when editors start using candid pics and stop using tedious handouts of Ministers dancing Sound Of Music-style
By SKINHEADthrough fields of lavender, or turning sods with shiny shovels, things might change, but don’t hold your breath.
What disappoints me is that some of the really good journalists now employed in the Palaszczuk Pravda squad would have fought tooth and nail to prevent this from happening when they were in the hurly burley of daily rounds.
I know several personally. I know how ethical they were. I don’t know if they have abandoned their ethics or simply pretend they are not part of this hideous distortion of what we thought we had — open government and a free press.
I totally support any government’s right to vigorously push its barrow but what we have now is nothing less than government censorship and State control of information.
And we thought it could only happen in dictatorships.
FIRE ANTS invading the Gold Coast. Crazy yellow ants invading North Queensland. White ants destroying democracy. We knew the State was going to the dogs but are
we going to the ants too?
A Brisbane-based tech company said it would sack 50 staff to save $10 million a year. That means, in the tech industry at least, it costs $200,000 on average for each employee. High wages or high on-costs?
Saw where a young couple didn’t think they could afford to have a third child because of the rising cost of living. They only earn about $250,000 a year. Makes you wonder where the poverty line is drawn these days.
After reviewing the balance in my superannuation and crunching the numbers, and allowing for the fact my wife no longer has a drivers licence, I’ve decided my wife will wear the hoodie and carry the gun and I’ll drive the getaway car.
Quote of the Week:
“Good ideas go to die in committees that are warehoused inside of government.” — Voice for Victims advocate Ben Cannon.
Thought for the Week:
The gas coming out of our cows isn’t half as dangerous as the bullshit coming out of our politicians.
DISCOVER your dream hobby farm located in the beautiful country setting of Mount Mee.
This extraordinary property offers the perfect blend of tranquillity, space, and stunning Moreton Bay views. Situated on a sprawling 64 acres of useable grazing land, this gem of a property is a rare find. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this property has it all!
This property boasts not one, but two comfortable homes! The main residence is thoughtfully designed for country character living, with spacious rooms and spectacular views from numerous rooms throughout the house. The second home
is perfect for guests, extended family, or a rental income, this home also has spectacular Moreton Bay views.
Step into your cozy and inviting main residence, where you’ll be welcomed by the warmth of rustic charm and modern amenities. Enjoy the 4 bedrooms, spacious multi-purpose areas, a fullyequipped kitchen, and large windows that frame the stunning bay views. This home is equipped with a massive double garage, solar hot water system, potbelly stove and evaporative cooler.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own your piece of country paradise. Whether you’re seeking a hobby farm with a few cows, a serene getaway, a wellness retreat or a place to create lasting
this property has it all. Schedule your viewing
today with Tim on 0447 051 976 and make your countryside dreams a reality!
A FUNDRAISING dinner dedicated to giving back and supporting The Mini Farm
Project will take place at the Bongaree-based Annie Lane Café from 6pm on Saturday
October 21.
Titled ‘A Night of Giving and Nourishment for The Mini Farm
WHEN buying your dream home depends on the sale of another property: Subjectto-sale contracts and sunset clauses explained.
Subject-to-sale contracts and sunset clauses are a bit like a real estate tightrope act. They are relatively common, and yet many sellers do not agree to those conditions even when an offer is made that is otherwise favourable to them. Read on to see why.
Let’s imagine you’ve found your dream home, but you need to sell your current property first to afford it. In this instance, the new purchase contract will contain a clause that it is ‘subject to sale’ of your current home within a specified time-frame.
If you would also like the settlement of your sale and new purchase contracts to be simultaneous, then your new purchase contract will also have another clause inserted to state that settlements are to be ‘contemporaneous’.
Sometimes, the seller of the property you want to buy subject to the sale of your current home, will require a sunset clause in the contract as well. This allows the seller to continue marketing their
property to other potential buyers even after accepting your offer. If they receive a more favourable offer with better conditions during this time, then they must notify you, and you’ll have a specified length of time to make your dream home contract unconditional.
I once had a remarkable situation with five properties in a row all pending the successful sale of the first one – much like a real estate domino effect. The first property had a serious buyer with a subject-to-sale contract. The seller, understandably, kept marketing the property, and a more enticing offer did come in.
This is where the sunset clause came into play. The seller had to notify the original buyer of this new offer, and they then had 72 hours to make the contract on their current home unconditional or lose their ideal property to the new buyer. It was an intense rollercoaster of stress and emotions for them, but they did manage to secure their contract and finance.
The other properties in the queue then had their own set
living
of challenges to be carefully managed, however, all sales went well in the end.
So, what’s the takeaway message here? Subject-to-sale contracts and sunset clauses can be a real test of nerves for buyers and sellers. They come with risks and uncertainties which can sometimes involve a lot of stress. It’s important to have an experienced real estate agent with excellent communication and negotiation skills by your side to navigate these transactions if complex scenarios arise.
If you need advice in this regard, or if you have any further questions – please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. I look forward to being of service. Email cwease@remaxliving.com. au, or call 0427 536725.
Project’, the event will feature a blend of nourishing cuisine, inspiring conversations, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the community.
A champagne reception will be followed by a twocourse dinner, with the dishes featuring produce sourced from The Mini Farm Project.
The Mini Farm Project’s founder and Moreton Bay Citizen of the Year, Nick Steiner, will talk about his passion for tackling food insecurity in Queensland.
As part of his presentation, Nick will demonstrate how easy and affordable it is to become a part of The Mini Farm Project’s
13
Convenient location + corner block with side access – this property ticks all the boxes
Narelle Cordaro from All Around Realty proudly presents to the market 13 Dewar Court, Caboolture. This property is perfect for the 1st home buyer, those looking to downsize or the astute investor.
Located in a cul-de-sac in a highly sought after, family friend pocket this, 4 bed, 2 bath home offers a life centred around relaxing and entertaining.
Giving Circle, which plays a key role in addressing this critical issue.
Limited tickets are available. To make a booking or to discuss dietary requirements, contact bookings. annielanecafe@gmail.com
422 637m
Auction (if not sold prior)
Saturday 7 October 9am on site
Narelle Cordaro
P 0466 683 684
E narelle@allaroundrealty.com.au
This gorgeous property is a stone’s throw from the public and private hospitals, Woolworths retail centre, St Columban’s school and many amenities you require in your daily life, plus a 5 min drive to the Bruce and D’Aguilar Highways.
OUTSTANDING FEATURES INCLUDE:
- The kitchen is located in the hub of the home with quality electrical appliances and dishwasher
- Air conditioned open plan living/dining area flowing out to the entertaining area
- Huge media room with air conditioning
- Main bathroom with separate shower and bath
- Double gate side access – with room for a van or boat
- Separate toilet
- Internal laundry
- Under cover entertaining area
- Remote controlled double garage
- Solar power
- Fully fenced for privacy
- Low maintenance landscaping
This property is being sold under Auction conditions.
For more information please call Narelle Cordaro on 0466 683 684
SHEPHERDSON AND BOYD reported a larger yarding of 1,182 head at their fortnightly Toogoolawah store cattle sale last Friday.
With the continuing dry weather, people are having to make the decision to either supplement feed their cattle or sell and accept the market prices, with many clients deciding to sell some cattle to reduce stocking rates in case the season continues to stay dry.
A very good quality yarding of cattle came to hand, with the steer portion selling fractionally easier than the previous sale and all classes of heifers eased substantially.
S and S Ashton of Roadvale sold Charolais cross feeder steers 20mths for $1,040.
Glendale Partnership of Harlin sold Droughtmaster
cross steers 12-14mths for $810.
Greendale Cattle Co of Tambo sold Charbray steers 14mths for $800. Roberts Bros of Linville sold Charolais cross steers 12mths for $720.
SN Buetel of Coominya sold Charbray cross weaner steers 12mths for $780 and Charolais cross weaner steers 8mths for $690. Graham McPherson of Kilcoy sold Charolais cross weaner steers 8mths for $710.
Yawarrra Pty Ltd of Beaudesert sold light conditioned Santa cross steers 12-14mths for $680.
A and R Wolff of Toogoolawah sold Santa cross weaner steers 6mths for $630.
P Stephenson of Delaneys Creek sold Angus cross weaner steers 6mths for $570.
DMG Pastoral of Anduramba
sold Droughtmaster cross weaner steers 6mths for $550.
Charolais cross feeder heifers 18mths account A and A Cousins of Harlin sold for $720.
PJ McGowan of Esk sold Brangus heifers 18-20mths for $640. S and Z Krieg of Boonah sold Brangus cross heifers 12mths for $610.
Glendale Partnership of Harlin sold Droughtmaster heifers 12mths for $500. R and J Kunde of Kilcoy sold Charolais cross weaned heifers 10mths for $480. N and K Green of Kilcoy sold Limo cross heifers 6mths for $390. J and L Wendt of Fernvale sold Charolais cross weaner heifers 6-8mths for $350. JP Gardiner of Kilcoy sold Brahman cross heifers 12mths for $350.
Graham McPherson of Kilcoy sold Charolais cross
weaner heifers 6mths for $330.
Donna Draper of Stanmore sold young Droughtmaster cows with Angus cross calves at foot for $1,020. Margaret Martin-Saunders of Coominya
sold Charolais cross cows with young calves at foot for $820.
Shepherdson and Boyd thank all their vendors, buyers and underbidders for their valued support. The next Toogoolawah Store Sale is Friday October 13.
536 HEAD were sold at Stariha Auctions Laidley cattle sale on Thursday September 28.
Prices held up well considering the current market trend and unfavourable weather conditions. Store cows, certain lines of weaner steers and younger cattle sold to a firm to slightly stronger market.
The Lehmann Family, Coolana, sold lines of young Droughtmaster cross weaner steers for $790, $770, $720 and $700; and milk tooth heifers for $880 and $790. Darren Schiefelbein, Glamorganvale, sold Limousin cross feeder steers for $1,260; backgrounder steers for $950 and $910; and weaner steers for $600.
Warren Gelhaar, Ingoldsby, sold Santa cows for $1,210 and backgrounder steers for $1,000 and $920. Col and Marg Duncan, Flagstone Creek, sold Charolais cross weaner steers for $700 and $620. Bruce Greer, Flagstone Creek, sold Brangus weaner steers for $670.
Robin Goltz, Caffey, sold a Charbray bull for $1,720. Barry and Jo Coyne, Grandchester,
TUESDAY 3rd OCTOBER, 2023
314 HEAD. The export component contained more heavy cows and ox and sold at fully firm rates. Less feeder cattle were penned and sold to firm rates. An improved quality run of weaners and yearlings, which included finished cattle, maintained previous sales results.
For Sale Details, Market Reports and more info visit our website www.moretonsaleyards.com.au or find us on Facebook @ Moreton Saleyards
sold Droughtmaster cows for $1,070. Bernie and Ruth Jackwitz, Grandchester, sold Charbray cows for $900. Greg Beard, Vernor, sold Limousin weaner heifers for $850. Ian Lindenmayer, Mt Sylvia, sold Charolais cows and calves for $1,040.
AGENTS Boyd, O’Brien and Bartholomew yarded 314 head at their live weight cattle sale at Moreton on Tuesday.
The export component contained more heavy cows and ox and sold at fully firm rates. Less feeder cattle were penned and sold to firm rates. An improved quality run of weaners and yearlings, which included finished cattle, maintained previous sales results.
Vealer heifers: J Price (Charbray) 158.2c $419.
Weaner steers: N Hobart (Droughtmaster) 169.2c $471.
Feeder steers: C and A Petersen (Brangus) 221.2c $912.
6 tooth heifers: Wattle Tree Stud (Charbray) 197.2c $927.
Ox: V and S Dunn (Droughtmaster cross) 195.2c $1,415.
Medium cows: K and G Contracting (Brahman) 187.2c $903.
Heavy cows: J Price (Charbray) 195.2c $1,318.
Bulls: K and G Contracting (Droughtmaster) 200.2c $1,912.
QUEENSLAND primary producers are being urged to prepare now for natural disasters to help ensure the safety of family, workers and animals.
Queenslanders need to be prepared heading into our bushfire, summer rainfall, and cyclone season.
Bushfire is expected to be a particular risk in Queensland following the warmer winter weather this year.
By taking steps now, producers can reduce the risk of disaster damage and financial
loss.
The Queensland Government has disaster guides to help primary producers get ready for disaster season.
Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster.
Producers should also ensure livestock have access to higher ground or are moved to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water ahead of an
event.
Make sure you’ve got a financial plan including having adequate insurance cover, reviewing how you will manage orders, refunds and cancellations, and keeping financial reserves and emergency cash.
For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, contact your local council.
Information on disasters for small business including primary producers is available
CUTTING-EDGE
agricultural technology that could shape the future of farming will be on show at a major AgTech showcase at the Gatton Smart Farm on November 1 and 2.
The Queensland Government and Hort Innovation are inviting horticulture growers, agribusinesses, technology enthusiasts, consultants, researchers and students from around Australia to the event showcasing the latest advancements in AgTech.
Registrations from across Australia have been so strong that a second day, Thursday November 2, has been added to the program.
The showcase will feature cutting-edge innovations in field robotics, sensors, drones, protected cropping, post-harvest management, cover cropping, and strip tillage among other
exciting developments.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the latest AgTech innovations, with some of them being introduced to Australia for the very first time.
Key highlights of the Gatton AgTech Showcase will include;
* Live field robotics demonstrations from leading companies such as Robotti, FarmDroid, SwarmFarm Robotics and Stout;
* Displays featuring state-of-the-art post-harvest and protected-cropping technologies that are revolutionising the way crops are grown and handled;
* Cutting-edge data analytics tools and decision-support systems designed to empower farmers with actionable insights for more efficient and sustainable farming practices; and
AUSTRALIA has donated 400,000 dog rabies vaccines to Indonesia to combat the spread of the disease.
Acting Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, said collaborating with Indonesia not only supports our neighbour to control dog rabies and prevent deaths in communities, but also helps keep Australia free of the disease.
“Rabies first spread to Bali in 2008 and given there are around 650,000 dogs in Bali it’s important as many people as possible are vaccinated annually,” Dr Cookson said.
“That’s why the dog rabies vaccines, funded by Australia through the World Organisation for Animal Health vaccine
bank, are so important to protecting people in Indonesia and helping stop the spread of rabies in our region.
“By vaccination, community awareness and collaboration between governments, communities, human health, animal health and NGOS, we can stop the spread between animals and humans and save lives.”
The vaccines build on the 200,000 doses provided to Indonesia last year.
At least 59,000 people globally a year are killed from rabies, and 40 percent of these are children. Over 99 per cent of human rabies cases are caused by virus infected dogs through saliva transmitted in dog bites and scratches.
at business.qld.gov.au/disasterhub.
Primary producers who have been impacted by a natural disaster can report the impacts in the Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey.
The survey helps DAF to contribute quickly to applications for assistance under the CommonwealthState Disaster Assistance Arrangements.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural
Communities, Mark Furner, said the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months.
“As a primary producer it’s critical you have plans to help support your business during a bushfire, as well as cyclones and floods,” Mr Furner said.
“I urge pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.
“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local
council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape.
“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.
“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.
* A wide array of suppliers and researchers who are contributing to the development and adoption of AgTech solutions.
The Gatton AgTech Showcase is made possible through the project “Driving Ag-tech Adoption Across Australia”, funded by the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and contributions from the Australian Government.
Registrations are open to attend on Thursday November 2, from 8.30am to 1.30pm.
Attendance at the Gatton AgTech Showcase is free but registration is required.
To register and secure your place, go to https:// events.hortconnections.com. au/gatton-agtech-showcase/ registration/Site/Register
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, said agriculture is a $23 billion industry in Queensland and the industry needs to keep at the cutting edge of technology to keep creating the good jobs.
“We want Queensland at the forefront of AgTech development and events like this open genuine windows on our industry’s future,” Mr Furner said.
Hort Innovation chief executive, Brett Fifield, said with Australian horticulture one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Australia, exposure to new technologies that bring on-farm efficiencies have never been more important.
SNAKES are about and at Kilcoy Vet Practice we have been treating several snake bite cases from black and brown snakes.
Snake bites can sometimes be difficult to identify as some animals may not show symptoms immediately after being bitten.
Unfortunately, the longer your animal is left untreated the lower the chance of survival.
Signs and symptoms of snake bites:
It is rare to find the bite site as there may not be a bruise or swelling so if you suspect your dog may have been bitten by a snake it is important to look at signs and symptoms.
Depending on the breed of snake, the main signs of a snake bite include:
• Collapse followed by apparent recovery
• Lethargy
• Muscle tremors
• Dilated pupils
• Sudden onset of w eakness or wobbly on feet
• Paralysis
• Inability to control their
urine or bowels
• Dark or blood stained urine.
Do’s:
As a pet’s signs and symptoms can be varied and not appear for up to 24 hours after being bitten, it can be difficult to know if your pet has been bitten.
Therefore, you will need to take your pet to the vet who will perform testing.
Don’ts:
Do not over-excite your dog, as this can worsen the effects of the venom.
Do not attempt to suck the venom out as this would be dangerous to you and your pet and could be lethal.
Don’t apply a tourniquet.
Do not attempt to pick up or capture the snake however if you can identify the type of snake this will help with identifying which anti venom your pet requires.
Protecting your pets from snakes:
Snakes are active in the warmer weather and they will seek food sources in places they are found such as backyard porches, empty pot plants,
Dr Kevin Agius (B.V.Sc)
·
sheds, piles of wood, junk piles and more.
Clean up any rubbish piles and clear away objects where snakes may be able to hide.
Snakes are cold-blooded animals and like to stay in areas such as long grass and near water or shaded areas. Keep your grass short.
If you suspect there are snakes close by, keep your dog on a short leash so they can’t go nosing around.
If snakes are a common threat in your area, you could consider a snake-proof fence around your property.
If you are walking your dog close to bushland, keep your dog on a leash and avoid long grassy areas.
Keeping cats indoors with access to a snake-proof outdoor enclosure is the best way to prevent them being bitten by snakes.
If you have witnessed your dog being bitten by a snake, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention even if they do not seem affected.
Call Kilcoy Vet Practice on 5497 1511.
THE highly anticipated extension of Lamington Road, a significant section of the Mango Hill Ring Road Connection, was due to begin on Tuesday.
The works will see Stage
One of the $6.8 million project include the extension of the road from the existing cul-desac section of Lamington Road through to Anzac Avenue.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery said the initial
works would include the design and construction of 165 metres of new two lane median divided road, new pedestrian crossing facilities, pathways, on-road cycle lanes plus improved landscaping.
“This is a very exciting project for the areas of Mango Hill and North Lakes,” Cr Flannery said.
“Once completed it will have a positive impact on the area and local traffic flow.
“The staged approach to this project is necessary due to the relocation of a large water main, to then be followed by the critical road connection through to Anzac Avenue.”
The overall project (all three stages) will ease local traffic congestion by allowing traffic flow between the Mango Hill Village, on the North Lakes side of Anzac Avenue and the
two Mango Hill train stations, so residents can avoid travelling along Anzac Avenue.
Cr Jodie Shipway (Div 4) said the works heralded the long-awaited Mango Hill Ring Road becoming a reality.
“The new Mango Hill Ring Road Connection will assist traffic flow and improve safety, which is a commitment I have made to residents following their concerns about this area of road,” she said.
“The works will provide a second entrance to Mango Hill ‘village’ and will also extend the existing right-turnlanes on Anzac Avenue, given the expected traffic volume increases this long-awaited second entrance will generate.”
Mango Hill Progress Association president Laurence Christie, who has long advocated for the road
upgrade, thanked Council for its investment in the area.
“This is a milestone for the area and we are pleased to see these much-needed changes happening to ensure our area continues to grow sustainably and traffic flow does not become an issue.”
The Mango Hill Ring Road Connection will link areas both sides of Anzac Avenue and the two Mango Hill train stations and navigates along Memorial Drive, Halpine Drive, Mango Hill Boulevard, Capestone Boulevard and Lamington Road.
THE countdown is on for the car and bike show at Tullawong State School, with the event running from noon to 4pm this Saturday.
The event aims to raise money to support inclusivity in the school.
A gold coin donation will be the cost for car and bike entries, and for trash and treasure sellers while entry is free for students, families and guests.
Soft drinks, tea, coffee, cakes and barbecue food will be available, while other aspects of
the show include face painting, lucky draws, hourly raffles, and prizes for the ‘most liked’ cars and bikes.
Contact admin@ tullawongss.eq.edu.au for more information.
WINNERS were Michelle L and Peter H while runners-up were Conner and Cheyenne (plus Chris who subbed in some games) in Monday night’s pot luck doubles at Caboolture Social Darts Club.
High score prizes went to Ian (106) and Cheyenne (100), while Robert (481) won the high peg prize.
In the juniors, Mark had 100 and a peg of 43.
Twenty-one people attended, including three new members.
For information, phone Dale on 0459 344 493 or Ian on 0400 475 007.
Darts is played at the Hayes Street premises every Monday night, with names to be in by 7.15pm.
THE field light project for flood repair, flood mitigation and conversion to lightemitting diode (LED) has been completed at the football field at the Woodford Showgrounds.
The job took about 18 months to materialise, from the first successful grant application through the Gambling Community Benefit
Fund Queensland (GCBF) to subsequent successful applications through the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS), and City of Moreton Bay (formerly Moreton Bay Regional Council).
The GCBF contributed $76,600 towards the project, and DTIS contributed $101,626 while the Council pitched in
with $10,947.
Completion of the project has been warmly welcomed by the Stanley River Wolves, who are poised to field A grade and reserve grade rugby league teams in 2024 after not fielding an A grade team in recent years. The Wolves expressed thanks to the team from Electrical Services Queensland for its work on the project.
Archer St, Woodford
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Wheelbarrow 100L steel tub wooden handles $50. Rover mower and catcher 18" cut, 4 stroke Briggs and Stratton motor, $120. Victor mower & catcher 4 stroke B&S motor 18" cut $100. Edger
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PearCe, Barbara ‘Barb’ 28-12-1932 to 10-10-2019
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Place of worship
where: 18 Praise Mountain Road, Narangba Qld 4504 on: Lot 2 on RP229367 approval sought: Development
Permit for Material Change of Use application ref: DA/2023/2445
You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:
City of Moreton Bay PO Box 159, Caboolture QLD 4510 mbrc@moretonbay.qld.gov.au (07) 3205 0555 www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
Public notification requirements are in accordance with the Planning Act 2016
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THE Stanley River Wolves U11s enjoyed playing against a range of country clubs as well as a few clubs closer to home, as the Wolves outfit took part in the recent Mulga Cup carnival in Charleville.
Comprising players from the club’s U11 Red and Black teams, the Wolves opposed the host club in addition to the Mitchell Magpies, Longreach Tigers, Pittsworth Danes, Coolum Colts, Burpengary Jets, and Benderoo Bulls.
Other teams in the carnival were the Caloundra Sharks, Jimboomba Thunder, Barcaldine Sandgoannas, Carnarvon Cubs, Chinchilla Bulldogs, Kingaroy Red Ants, Dalby Devils, Miles Devils, Murgon Mustangs, Roma Saints and St George Dragons.
No scores were recorded as the annual carnival was about enjoyment and forming friendships.
Jakob Carlton was named by team staff as Stanley River’s
player of the carnival for outstanding sportsmanship, attitude and performance over the three days.
Another Wolves player, Xander Hicks, was selected to play in the Mulga Cup Challenge game at the end of the carnival.
The Wolves club expressed thanks to the coaches and staff who assisted throughout the carnival, while thanks were also expressed to the parents who travelled the 16-hour round trip.
THE Dragon Boat Pumicestone (DBP) club secured two trophies as three teams from this club took part in the Redcliffe Red Dragons regatta, held at Lake Kawana on Sunday September 17.
Twenty-four members from DBP were involved as the club entered the Women’s 10, Mixed 10 and Breast Cancer Survivor categories, and placed third in the latter two categories while the women paddlers were in more than one team.
Bizarrely, those in the DBP mixed team had wandered back to their tent in the lead-up to the final race as they didn’t even realise they were in this race. This prompted team manager Leigh Muldoon to yell at them to get down to marshalling or else they would miss the race!
The Redcliffe Red Dragons
regatta was the third regatta which DBP had competed in, with the club having hit the water for the first time back in February of this year.
DBP was among 15 clubs to compete in the Redcliffe Red Dragons regatta, with clubs coming from places including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich.
DBP president Michelle Hanton said the regatta was a perfect example of how dragon boat racing was suitable for all ages.
“Paddling prowess ranged from top-level clubs like TeWaka to junior teams from Brisbane Typhoon right through to the Breast Cancer Survivor category,” she said.
“As a new club we do not have a vast amount of experience under our belts, so
our key focus was to be able to nail the start of the race and to find enough energy in our tanks for a final lift as we approached the finish line.
“We were fortunate that it was a brilliantly sunny day with minimum cross or head winds.
“The day went smoothly with two fleets of boats being used that allowed the races to pretty well run on time.”
AN UNDERSTRENGTH
was not out.
Michelle said the DBP members were “totally blown away to come home with not one but two trophies”.
“The team is thrilled with the result and inspired to keep on striving to achieve similar results throughout the season,” Michelle said.
Next on the agenda for DBP is the Coomera regatta at Oxenford Lakes on Sunday, October 8.
Burpengary Brumbies outfit went down by 57 runs to Coorparoo in last Saturday’s Queensland Sub Districts Cricket Association (QSDCA) B1 contest at the Burpengarybased James Worthington Oval.
Missing captain Marley Helliwell in addition to Stephen Helliwell, the hosts floundered in the run chase after the visitors notched 166 runs for the loss of three wickets in their 35 overs.
After Burpengary’s stand-in captain Sam Cole won the toss, he opened the bowling with Troy Brown who took the first wicket as Cole held a catch to dismiss Pragasam Jonathan Job Sorubaraj.
Jake Lawson and Justin Peterson also nabbed a wicket each but an unbroken fourth wicket partnership set up a decent total, with opener Yeswanth Kalva batting throughout the innings.
Kalva compiled an undefeated 69 while skipper Nic Machado finished two runs shy of a half-century as he too
Coorparoo’s total could have been smaller, considering a few catches were dropped during the innings.
Aston Helliwell was Burpengary’s tidiest bowler as his seven overs yielded 22 runs, while most of the other six bowlers were a little wayward.
Opening the batting for the hosts, Lawson quickly hit two fours but they were the only runs on the board when he was dismissed just moments later.
Coorparoo’s Liam Fogarty made early inroads before Machado also captured two wickets as Burpengary plunged to 5/37.
Cole top-scored with 35 before departing with the total at 86, and realistically the hosts never threatened to get near the target before they finished their overs at 8/109.
Following two defeats and a victory on home soil in the limited overs matches, the Brumbies return home this Saturday for the start of a twoday match against the Ashgrove Astronauts.
INGRID Emanuel added to her list of Woodford Golf Club titles as she won this year’s ladies championship, played on September 16, 20, 23 and 27.
Among nine participants in A Grade, Ingrid and eventual runner-up Vicki Burchmore were virtually neck-and-neck in the first two rounds as Ingrid had gross scores of 90 and 82 while Vicki had 89 and 83.
Ingrid had the better of
rounds three and four as she recorded scores of 86 and 89, compared to Vicki’s 93 and 92.
Vonnie Bischoff was on level pegging with Ingrid on day one, before having scores beyond 90 in the remaining rounds and going on to place fifth.
B Grade also had nine competitors, while Emma Houghton enjoyed the spoils of victory following rounds of 97, 94, 97 and 92.
The second-placed Carmel Hendrie had rounds of 100, 97, 100 and 95.
C Grade had just five players, with the first-placed Mandy Webb scoring 104, 108, 111 and 112 while runner-up Dianne Foot had 105, 113, 111 and 111.
Nett winners were Liz Dickinson (A Grade), Colleen Baker (B Grade) and MaryAnne Oliver (C Grade).
FORMER St. Columban’s College (Caboolture) student
Evania Pelite was unsuccessful in her pursuit of a National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) premiership, as the Gold Coast Titans lost the grand final to the Newcastle Knights last Sunday.
The result secured backto-back NRLW premierships for the Knights, who beat Parramatta in last year’s decider.
With her upper right leg strapped, Pelite quickly became involved in the action last Sunday as she made the first hit-up and followed up with another carry in the first set.
Pelite put in a solid display at fullback for the Titans, despite appearing to hobble a couple of times.
Unfortunately for Pelite, she was overshadowed by the Knights fullback who won the Karyn Murphy Medal for player of the grand final for the second year in a row.
Pelite’s Queensland teammate at State of Origin level, Tamika Upton, earned the individual prize after scoring two tries as the Knights turned an 18-12 deficit into a 24-18
NOMINATIONS are open for the Woodford Golf Club’s annual Breast Cancer Charity Day, which will be held on Wednesday, October 25.
Funds will be raised for breast cancer research as usual, with female and male golfers welcome while the total number of participants is capped at 144.
There will be men’s and ladies divisions while the format is a Single Stableford, with trophies available for winners and runners-up, approaches, nearest-the-pins, accuracy drives and long drives.
A multi-draw raffle will be held on the day, and morning tea will be provided.
Nominations can be made online at www. woodfordgolfclub.com.au/ ladies or by phoning the club at 5496 1004, while the cost is $25 per person (payable on the day).
Shotgun start is at 8.30am.
CABOOLTURE’S first grade cricketers will resume their season this weekend while Caboolture’s other teams start theirs, with the exception of the sixth graders who have a bye.
Following a break last weekend, the first graders will contest Caloundra at the Caloundra-based Roy Henzell Park this Saturday and the following Saturday.
Caboolture’s second, third, fourth and fifth graders will begin their season with two-day matches, which also take place on successive Saturdays.
The second and fourth graders will be at home, with the second graders contesting Caloundra while the fourth graders oppose Maroochydore.
Caboolture’s third and fifth graders will travel for their fixtures, with the third
graders contesting Nambour at the Nambour Showground while the fifth graders take on Maroochydore at Elizabeth Daniels Park.
Caboolture’s women’s teams will start their season this Sunday, as they take to the pitch at Elizabeth Daniels Park.
The tier 1 team will face Caloundra in a one-day game, while the tier 2 team takes on Maroochydore in a T20 fixture.
victory in the final 10 minutes.
Ironically, Murphy coached the Titans this year and ultimately presented the medal to a player from the opposing team.
Pelite’s teammate Jaime Chapman scored all three of Gold Coast’s tries, and was in contention for the Karyn Murphy Medal until the class of Upton shone through.
Bizarrely, the NRL decider also involved a player scoring
three tries in a losing cause, with Ezra Mam’s hat-trick helping the Brisbane Broncos to a 24-8 lead before Nathan Cleary inspired Penrith to a 26-24 triumph which secured three consecutive premierships for the Panthers.
This year was Pelite’s fourth in the NRLW, having debuted for the New Zealand Warriors in 2020 before playing for the Titans since 2021.
Curtis McAllister helped Queensland to victory over New South Wales (NSW) in a representative school cricket match on NSW soil last month.
The year 12 scholar was at the crease when Queensland reached its target in the T20 contest, after NSW won the two previous fixtures in the 1619 years boys representative school sport cricket series involving the two states.
All three matches were played at Kingscliff from September 11 to 15, with a three-day match followed by a one-day fixture and then the T20 game.
In the longest match, the teams tallied 250 runs each in their first innings before Queensland’s disappointing second-innings total of 129 left NSW with a target of 130.
Despite a couple of hiccups, the home state recorded a four-wicket victory.
Curtis scored 11 in Queensland’s first innings and 10 in the second innings, and he also held two catches as wicketkeeper during the three-day match.
Queensland’s batting in the one-day match was even more disappointing, as the marooncoloured team tallied only 82 in reply to NSW’s 199.
Curtis held three catches behind the stumps and also affected a stumping, before he scored 18 with the bat.
Queensland subsequently had the satisfaction of finishing the series with a fivewicket win, after NSW was dismissed for a competitive total of 157.
Curtis’s 20 not out from 15
balls was vital as the visiting team was desperate to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.
Curtis’s final scoring stroke produced three runs which brought Queensland’s score level with NSW’s, before Rohan Brady hit the winning run.
The Caboolture SHS student later said he enjoyed the overall experience and was happy with his wicketkeeping performances.
“Finishing the carnival off with a win in the T20” was the overall highlight, Curtis said.
“Queensland just didn’t perform with the bat on two occasions which cost us the (first two) games,” Curtis said.
Curtis already knew a few of his teammates, after playing in a title-winning Queensland U17 team at a Cricket Australia national championship event in Hobart back in January.
Having started his cricket career with the Glasshouse Cricket Club 11 years ago, Curtis sometimes plays for Glasshouse nowadays while his main priority is playing for the Sunshine Coast Scorchers Div 2 team.