Moreton Bay Sentinel News 28 Sept 23

‘Grow It Local’ partnership continues to flourish

CRICKET SEASON UNDERWAY

ANYWHERE FESTIVAL ON AGAIN IN 2024

Avid green thumbs and beginner gardeners across Moreton Bay are connecting like never before, thanks to an initiative bringing those growing backyard produce together online and face-to-face.

Since its launch in July 2021, Moreton Bay’s ‘Grow It Local’ platform has attracted almost 1,400 members, making it the largest membership of any local government area in Australia.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said Council was thrilled to announce it is continuing this partnership for an additional two years.

AWARD FOR DECEPTION BAY SES

“This partnership is another way Council is living up to our mantra of ‘Going Green As We Grow’, by hosting hands-on events that bring the community together to share their passion for gardening and local food,” she said.

“Grow It Local has proven to be the root of gardening things fun and interactive, providing a fertile ground where green thumbs and homegrown food fans can connect, share valuable tips, and learn from experienced professionals.

“By registering your patch, you can showcase your flourishing garden and connect with other local growers to share your fantastic produce, knowledge, space or skills.

“This is an active and welcoming community of local green thumbs that’s open to gardeners of all levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your gardening journey.

“There are also plenty of videos and ideas to kickstart your gardening adventures, available through their platform online.

“I really hope that like a local sporting club or community group, the Grow It Local concept will not only nurture local gardens but also help cultivate stronger social bonds and a sense of belonging among our residents.”

Grow it Local isn’t just for individual enthusiasts - community organisations, schools, clubs, and businesses can also grow green.

Grow It Local hosts webinars and interactive Q and A sessions featuring renowned gardeners and chefs, providing an extensive range of digital

resources and tools to support the community on their gardening journey.

To dig in, celebrate the joy of gardening, and find out more about Grow It Local events and activities in Moreton Bay region, visit the website.

To explore more opportunities to go green and live more sustainably, join City of Moreton Bay at Eco Fest, this Saturday at Caboolture Town Square.

The Moreton Bay Bug

The training gap and the blocked toilet

NEARLY 100,000 blocks of land for houses and units are approved across Queensland, but we lack the workforce to build the dwellings so much needed.

We lack the plant operators to create the house ready blocks, the streets and water and sewerage services; the carpenters, electricians and plumbers to build the houses; the manufacturing workers to make the trusses, pipes and benches.

Why?

There’s a skills shortage we hear from every galah on every political branch.

But it’s not recent.

A couple of decades ago I was on the State Training Council, a body of business owners, union leaders and some TAFE teachers supposed to advise the government

about skill shortages and how to fix them.

(As a by the by, anyone who thinks The Voice is going to solve the Indigenous issues might consider this bit of relevant history).

It was quite obvious in the 1990s that several factors were leading to the skills shortage for a growing state:

* Politicians, bureaucrats and parents were pushing a high proportion of teenagers into university courses, and unfortunately many of them cushy degrees in International Business (where you didn’t have to do a chart of accounts or basic accountancy even) or law (a cheap course churning out overpaid clerks) rather than engineering. Engineering is tough because you need good maths and attention to detail (or you get sued by the surplus of lawyers);

* Trade training was a mishmash of courses, not highly regarded.

* Apprentices weren’t paid much and sometimes subject to poor treatment by their masters.

* The view that anyone could swing a hammer or join a pipe, without considering the huge productivity from smart thinking tradies on the job - and their use of the increasing new technology and products. (Consider how differently a house is built today over a few decades ago).

* Governments privatising big corporations (railways, airlines, power stations, utilities) or contracting out their trade work hugely reduced the number of apprentices, especially in areas such as electrical, metalwork and machine operations.

For these and more reasons, we are a raft of suggestions ranging from paying apprentices more, reworking TAFE (including into high school programs), lifting the recognition of trade qualifications (quite frankly an electrician or plumber should be at least as highly regarded as a lawyer!), more funding for better quality equipment for apprentices to learn on, to using tradies who had done good, as heroes to look up to.

Unfortunately, the boofocrats decided to mangle these practical suggestions, watering them down as they didn’t regard seriously our alarms about the upcoming tradie shortage.

This also happened in other states, where similarly good hearted advisory bodies made similar suggestions.

Then the federal government decided to stick its oar in by deciding to ‘coordinate’ trade training.

That led to a decade of very important meetings between jurisdictions and the ever changing rotunda of Ministers. And a decade where not much was done on the ground.

Then we had all these reports about the need for more STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) in schools and universities (and crushing funding for TAFE and trade training where practical STEM is the core of every apprenticeship).

Then we found we didn’t have enough maths and science teachers to teach STEM in schools, while making redundant the bare knuckled experienced TAFE teachers who were masters at practical STEM.

Meanwhile we are graduating several times more lawyers than engineers, and more marketingcommunications and international business graduates than hard trade apprentices.

So we are expert at having arguments and marketing them on social media, but have a shortage of people who can actually design and build real stuff, like houses and roads!

You’d laugh if you didn’t cry first.

But of course the political masters and boofocrats had an answer - Australia will just import the skilled workers. And we have, in increasing numbers.

But guess what? We need more houses and roads and other facilities for these migrants faster than they can come and help us build them.

But I appreciate those who struggled through their trade training over the last few decades.

And I had to laugh when a local lawyer told me, in outrage, that the local plumber charges more an hour than he does.

When your toilet is blocked, who are you going to call - an oversupplied lawyer or an in demand plumber?

EMAIL THE MORETON BAY BUG : moretonbaybug@sentinelnews.com.au

Moreton Bay SES volunteers decorated during SES Week celebrations

MORETON Bay State Emergency Services

(SES) Unit members were recognised with glittering commendations at the SES Week Regional Awards ceremony (September 8) and SES Week State Awards ceremony (September 16).

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the City of Moreton Bay was a better place thanks to these selfless individuals.

“Council proudly supports our local SES team and time and time again, these volunteers rise to the challenge of helping our community during times of need,” he said.

“Each year they receive thousands of calls for assistance and apply their range of talents and expertise to bettering our community.

“In 2022, they were certainly put to the test as our city grappled with the effects of major flooding.

“It is wonderful to see their dedication and commitment to our community recognised as part of SES Week 2023.

“The Deception Bay SES Group took home the Commissioner’s Cup for SES Group of the Year - a well-deserved award for their outstanding commitment, dedication and continuous improvement over the past 12 months.

“And individual awards went to Ronald Aquilina, Patrick McShane and David Bailey for their outstanding efforts and bravery while conducting rescues in dangerous floodwater.

“I am thrilled to have so many decorated SES members in our city, working tirelessly to make our Moreton Bay a better place to live, work and play.

“Congratulations to all those recognised and

thank you to all of the dedicated volunteers across our city who truly embody the spirit of Moreton Bay.”

Sean Harrop, Local Controller of SES Services in City of Moreton Bay, said the local SES team would not have been able to do what they have without the generous support of Council.

“Council funding provides extra training, new vehicles and updated facilities as well as the staff members, myself included, to manage the volunteer teams,” he said.

“Continuous improvement is a major focus

for our local crews.

“Like our city, Moreton Bay SES Unit is growing, evolving and changing to meet the challenges presented to us as a result of climate change.

“Over the past 18 months, and particularly since the 2022 floods, all members of Moreton Bay SES Unit have dedicated themselves to bettering their own skills and improving their Groups and our Unit overall.

“Hundreds of SES members gave countless hours to help those in need and it is rewarding to

have a number of them recognised, through the multiple awards, medals, and commendations received, for their bravery and service.”

The Moreton Bay SES Unit is proudly supported in partnership by both the City of Moreton Bay and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Community members can join the Moreton Bay SES Unit by completing the Membership Enquiry form online: https:// www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/DisasterManagement/SES

Awards presented:

* Commissioner’s Cup for SES Group of the Year: Moreton Bay SES Unit - Deception Bay.

* Certificate for outstanding support to SESCity of Moreton Bay.

* Commissioner’s Commendation of Notable Action: Ronald Aquilina, Moreton Bay SES Unit, Petrie: For outstanding professionalism and skill in hazardous circumstances, particularly for conduct in flood boat and flood damage operations during February 2022. (Commissioner’s Commendation of Notable Action recognises a member who performs a significant act as a result of being placed in a potentially hazardous situation beyond that of normal requirement)

* Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery: Patrick McShane and David Bailey, Moreton Bay SES Unit - Deception Bay: For bravery in boat rescues during 2022 floods and saving two community members, travelling through dangerous flood water and extreme conditions, to ensure safety despite risk to themselves.

(The Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery Award is presented to recognise a member who performs an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances above and beyond the reasonable call of duty).

Deception Bay SES has been announced as the SES Group of the Year.

WOODFORD/WAMURAN Community

Bandit in recess

BANDIT’S tenth and final session for this round was on September 12.

Held at the Woodford Bowls Club each Tuesday night for the past two-and-a-half months, Bandit featured performances from bands Stone House, Phat Chance, Stony Creek, Justin Thyme and the Spice Boys, a Divinyl’s tribute concert with Sue Jones’ dressed up as Chrissy Amphlett; Stone Lane, Monkeybong Experience, The Blues Fanatics, The Swing Brothers and Sister Paula, who were joined by duo

BeareBrand, Owen and Judy Oxley, Honkey Tonk, pianist Stephen Burton, and guest stars including Chrissy Elms and Montana from Linville.

What a ride, and what diversity of music having the last night finishing with an organised jam with 10 performers on stage for the last 20 minutes with trumpet, sax, violin, two guitars, keyboard, bass, drums and two singers only just fitting onto the stage.

Jordy Helgesen, who never missed a night, said it was the best night he had been to even

Terry Young’s Volunteer Awards

VOLUNTEERS are the backbone and are what makes our community a success.

We want to recognise our local volunteers at the 2023 Longman Volunteer Awards on Tuesday October 10.

Jordy Helgesen.

though the other nights were very hard to beat.

Videos and pictures can be seen at “Bandit Live” on Facebook.

Wamuran to host live music fundraiser

THE Wamuran Historical and Visitors Centre will hold a live music fundraising event on Saturday November 4, to benefit the Jackson Hepner Foundation and the Wamuran State School Chaplaincy.

Hot food vans, coffee, tea, cold drinks, fairy floss, popcorn and ice creams will be available

from 5.30pm, before the music begins at 6.30pm.

Local and regional bands including Stone Lane, Never Two Late, The Plumb Dogs and Ted Watson will perform, and there will also be an exhibition by U3A Line Dancers.

Tickets can be purchased at the Wamuran Old School

building between 9am and noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Entry is $10, while children under the age of 11 are admitted for free.

Sponsorship and other enquiries can be made by emailing lghagaman@gmail. com or phoning 0488 440 776 or 0448 900 115.

A volunteer can be of any age and the categories below are open to anyone you, or your organisation, believe should be honoured for their service and contribution.

The categories this year include:

• Environmental Achievement Award

Re cognises groups or individuals for dedication to maintaining, protecting, restoring or preserving our natural surrounds and wildlife.

• Individual Volunteer Achievement Award

Recognises an unsung hero in our community who has, through creativity initiative, personal time or dedication, made a positive contribution to the lives of others.

• Community Group

Achievement Award

Re cognises a community organisation, group, club or school for their work and contribution to the broader community.

• Business Achievement Award

Recognises a local business, big or small, which has made an

outstanding contribution to the community.

• Sporting Achievement Award

Honours outstanding local sports achievers (individual or team) for their contribution to community activity such as coaching, fund-raising or other volunteering.

Nominations are made by completing the nominee form and sending it to Terry Young’s office before Friday September 29. The form is available at https://www.terryyoung. com.au/volunteer-awardsnight-2023/

Once complete the forms can be emailed to terry.young. mp@aph.gov.au or dropped into his office.

For more information contact Terry.young.mp@aph. gov.au (5432 3177)

Playitt free entertainment

IT WAS with sadness last week that Playitt patrons learned of the passing of the mum of one of their regular performers.

Jenny is one of our regular walk-up singers and also delivers and collects music charts to and from the stage for all her fellow performers. Love was shown to Jenny on the passing of her mum.

Well, we are three weeks into spring and the silly weather can’t make up its mind which season to present with daily temperatures hitting from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius.

Our band members don’t have a problem deciding on their contributions however, and Kevin, Al and Roger kicked off the vocals with Bill, Gary, Don, Ken and Fay hot on their heels with offerings from the repertoires of Marty Robbins, Allison Moorer and Dean Martin among others.

Jan and Barbara finished off the first half with some Doris Day and Bee Gees numbers.

Sue (Salmon) Sylvie and Marls started the second stanza with the works of B.J. Thomas, Danny and the Juniors and the Carpenters among others, followed up with some favourites by Patsy Cline, Billy Joel, Elvis and Emmy-Lou Harris from Richard, J.B., Jo, Sue (J), Ricki, Kiwi and Montana.

Standing out were Richard’s smooth presentation of Rod Stewart’s “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” and Jo’s Creedence Clearwater classic “Down On The Corner”.

Something for everyone in that little lot so why not come and see for yourself on Thursday nights at the Woodford Bowls Club, 6.30pm, free entry, bar and

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6 from 5PM

Terry Young’s Communications Forum

YOU are invited to a Communications Forum with Terry Young MP and Special Guest, Shadow Minister for Communications, the Hon. David Colman MP.

They will be discussing matters regarding the NBN, mobile coverage, mobile towers and more.

Playitt.

kitchen open.

Remember… big Rock’n’Roll night this week so don’t miss it! And come and see No Alibi on October 6.

These community messages proudly brought to you by:

Representatives from the Telecommunications Industry will also be present to address any questions or concerns.

• Date: Wednesday October 4.

• Time: 6pm - 7:30pm

• Location: Caboolture Me morial Hall, 65/61 King St, Caboolture QLD 4510.

Entry is free but Bookings are essential via the link below. Bookings: https://www. trybooking.com/events/ landing/1094216

Seats are strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. For more information contact Terry.young. mp@aph.gov.au (5432 3177)

Geoff and Chrissy enjoying a night out at

Peter Bigg on bass.

Grant applications open for women and girls

COMMUNITY groups and organisations across Queensland can now apply for $270,000 in grants through the latest round of the Investing in Queensland Women grant program.

The grant program provides one-off grants of up to $15,000 for projects that benefit women and girls from all backgrounds.

Applications are now open to support projects that address sexual, domestic, and family violence prevention, mentoring and leadership opportunities as well as projects that strengthen respectful and healthy relationships, women’s health, and career pathways into male dominated fields.

The grants will be awarded for projects that work to improve the lives of Queensland women and girls and are aligned with Queensland Government initiatives including the recently announced Women and Girls’ Health Strategy, and Queensland Women’s Strategy 2022-27.

These initiatives aim to inspire and encourage the community to respect women, embrace gender equality, and protect the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.

Applications close on October 20.

Further information about the grant program and how to apply

is available at https://www. justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/ grants-for-queensland-women

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she wants Queensland women and girls to get the hand up they need – whether that’s support, empowerment or better opportunities.

“We put the call out for Queenslanders to get involved in shaping our Women and Girls’ Health Strategy, and now we’re backing projects tailored to this important cohort,” she said.

“Women make up 56 per cent of Queensland’s population so I am proud to back the organisations improving the outcomes of women and girls around our state.

“I encourage all our fantastic Queensland organisations to get involved and apply for these important grants.”

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman, said the Investing in Queensland Women grants program is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women and girls across the state.

“There has already been $1.25 million invested over 140 projects since the State Government introduced the

program in 2021,” she said.

“These projects work to end violence against women, empower women, and create a more gender-equal future for women and girls.

“As Minister for Women, I am committed to addressing the range of issues faced by Queensland women and girls, and these projects play an important role in achieving that vision.

“I encourage all community groups, community leaders and not-for-profit organisations to apply, and together create a better future for all Queensland women and girls.”

New laws to crack down on cosmetic cowboys

THE Queensland Government has passed an amendment to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 aimed at safeguarding Australians against “cosmetic cowboys”.

Changes to the national law — which is hosted by Queensland — will protect the title of ‘surgeon’ within the medical profession.

These changes mean only

qualified doctors with significant surgical training can use the title ‘surgeon’ when promoting and conducting their services.

Doctors who use the title without having completed the appropriate accredited surgical training will face up to three years in prison and a $60,000 fine.

Other measures being taken to better regulate the cosmetic

surgery industry include new licensing standards for private facilities and establishing a credentialing system to endorse qualified providers.

The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency is also moving to introduce stronger laws around advertising and the use of online influencers and brand ambassadors to promote cosmetic procedures.

PINK OCTOBER BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Women urged to keep up to date with breast screening

OCTOBER is Breast Cancer Awareness

Month, and BreastScreen Queensland is shining the spotlight on how effective and important regular breast cancer screening is for women.

One in seven Queensland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. However, the five-year survival rate after a breast cancer diagnosis is now 92%, according to the latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

In fact, the five-year survival rate for stage 1 or early breast cancer is close to 100%.

Between 1991 and 2018 five-year survival rates increased from 75% to the current 92%, due to early diagnosis through breast screening as well as improved treatments.

BreastScreen Queensland Health Promotion Officer, Gillian Duffy, said regular breast screening really does save lives.

“It is important that women don’t skip health checks because they are too busy or don’t think they are at risk.”

BreastScreen Queensland provides free breast cancer screening for women 40 years and over. Women aged 50 to 74 years are encouraged to have a breast screen every two years, as studies show that this age group benefits the most from regular screening.

“On the Sunshine Coast we have six permanent

BreastScreen services from Caboolture to Gympie, as well as our mobile van, which visits about 13 rural sites and shopping centres. If you go onto the BreastScreen website, you can put in your postcode and find your nearest screening service,” Ms Duffy said.

To book an appointment at any of the services call 13 20 50. For more information or to book online visit www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au

THE FACTS:

• 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50. Younger women do get breast cancer, but the risk of breast cancer increases dramatically after the age of 50.

• Nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease. While women with a family history of breast cancer are more at risk, most women diagnosed have no family history of the disease at all.

• A breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, well before you or your doctor can feel anything.

To make an appointment for a free breast screen, call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.qld. gov.au. Screening is available at Caboolture, Caloundra, Gympie, Maroochydore, Nambour and Noosaville.

Anywhere Festival to take over Moreton Bay again in 2024

FROM tattoo parlours, wineries and beachside parks to breweries and cafés - for three weeks in May next year, indoor and outdoor spaces across City of Moreton Bay will come to

Moreton Bay

www.sentinelnews.com.au

www.sentineldirectory.com.au

Published by: SOMERSET MEDIA PTY LTD Shop 2, 47 Mary Street, Kilcoy. Q. 4515 Phone 07 5497 1410

Managing Editor: MELISSA THORNTON 07 5497 1410 news@sentinelnews.com.au

General Manager: MARCUS SHIMBEL 0427 773 844 marcus@sentinelnews.com.au

Journalist: LIAM HAUSER 0451 216 552 liam@sentinelnews.com.au

Advertising: JENNI JENSEN 0492 158 800 jenni@sentinelnews.com.au

Advertising: SIMON CORR 0448 661 575 simon@sentinelnews.com.au

OFFICE sales@sentinelnews.com.au

Designer: TRACEY DUFAU 07 5497 1410 production@sentinelnews.com.au

Distribution: Caboolture, Elimbah, Morayfield, Narangba, Burpengary, Bellmere, Wamuran, Woodford, Delaneys Creek, D’Aguilar and surrounds.

life with Anywhere Festival bringing you performances anywhere but a theatre.

Following its resounding success in 2023, Moreton Bay Council has invested in Anywhere Festival’s return to Moreton Bay in 2024, activating local spaces and expanding performing arts and entertainment experiences into communities in new ways.

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said City of Moreton Bay is committed to supporting a thriving arts and cultural sector, creating community connections and a vibrant place to live.

“Not only does a festival like this provide incredible events to attend locally, but it brings our streets alive,” he said.

“Bringing dance, big bands, comedy, immersive installations, live music, musical theatre and much more, Anywhere Festival gives local performers great exposure, stimulates our local economy and creates memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

“In 2023, the festival entertained over 5,000 people and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive.

“So you can mark May 9-26 next year on the calendar - Anywhere Festival will be back!”

In 2023, City of Moreton Bay partnered with

the not-for-profit Anywhere Festival to deliver 62 performances, including 35 free events. Ninetyseven percent of participants rated the festival four or more stars in 2023 and 81% of producers stated it would have ‘not been possible’ or ‘much more difficult’ to produce a performance like their Anywhere Festival offering, if not for Council’s support.

Performer Rebecca Wright said participating in the Anywhere Festival allowed her to connect with other creative producers in the city, and she was inspired by following their journeys from inception to performance.

“I also loved the opportunity to create and attend shows in venues that I may not have otherwise visited, creating a stronger sense of connection to the place I call home, and the realisation that we are so lucky to live within such a vibrant community,” she said.

Cr Flannery said this year 553 performers showcased their work at Anywhere Festival, with over 90 percent of them being Moreton Bay locals.

“We activated unusual locations we never thought of as theatres - like parks, community halls and eateries - giving audiences the opportunity to explore our City and bringing new life to our places and spaces,” Cr Flannery said.

“Anywhere Festival delivered a program jampacked with entertaining, quirky, and imaginative experiences and we look forward to its return in 2024.

“I encourage everyone in Moreton Bay to support our local performers, book tickets to see a show when they’re available, and make the most of the very reasonably priced entertainment.

“This is just one of hundreds of free or lowcost events Council puts on year-round through our Community Events, Arts and Culture, and Healthy Active Moreton programs - enlivening public places and strengthening place-making, liveability and cultural tourism.”

Anywhere Festival 2024 program of events will be available in March 2024. See Anywhere Moreton Bay - Anywhere Festival for updates or for more information: https://anywhere.is/ moretonbay/

Calls for reform to rent assistance

NATIONAL housing campaign Everybody’s Home is calling on the federal government to reform rent assistance as the recent increase is set to be eclipsed by high rents.

The maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance for singles has increased by $27.60 to $184.80 a fortnight. The payment for a family with one or two children has increased by $32.34 to $217.28.

Everybody’s Home spokesperson, Maiy Azize, said rents in many areas have increased

by hundreds of dollars a week in the past three years and were set to continue to grow.

“This increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance is welcome but it will be swallowed by the high cost of rents and further hikes,” she said.

“This increase to the payment won’t be enough to lift many renters out of housing stress and many vulnerable people will miss out on the rise entirely.

“As rents have soared since the pandemic,

rent assistance has not been keeping pace. On top of this, the payment excludes many of those on the lowest incomes, with two in three people on JobSeeker ineligible.

“Rent assistance needs a major shake up - it must be indexed to better reflect rent paid, and help people who need it the most.

“Reforming the payment will provide immediate relief to renters but the key solution to fixing the rental crisis is building enough social housing to end the huge shortfall.”

CABOOLt URE

Meals on Wheels: 21 Hayes St.

Phelan’s Bakehouse: 286-290 King St

R & R Hire Services: 66-68 Beerburrum Rd.

Salvation Army Red Shield Family Store: 8 Grout St.

SG Bakery Cafe: Pumicestone Village Shopping Centre, 1 Ardrossan Rd.

Spar Supermarket: 287/291 King St.

M ORAY fi ELD

7-Eleven: 272 Morayfield Rd

Bunnings: Cnr Morayfield & Walker Rds

Fresh N Save: 70/86 Michael Ave

Golden Circle Factory Outlet: Shop 3/343 Morayfield Rd

Health Hub Doctors: Ground Floor/19-31 Dickson Rd.

Lotto & News: 2 / 70-86 Michael Ave.

Meat City: Shop 1 Dickson Road Markets, 13-17 Dickson Rd.

BURPENGARY

Burpengary Pines: 764 Morayfield Rd

Cignall Specialist Tobacconist: 9-11 Burpengary Rd.

Coles: Burpengary Central Shopping Centre, 164 - 168 Station Rd

Helloworld: Shop 3B, Burpengary Plaza, 177-183 Station Rd.

RE/MAX: Shop 5, 189 Station Rd.

BURPENGARY E A st

Green Wattle - Over 50s Lifestyle Community: 134 Bruce Hwy

Eastern Service Rd.

CABOOLt URE

7-Eleven: 62-64 Beerburrum Rd.

Bolton Clarke Fernhill Retirement Living: 81-103 King St.

Caboolture Community Action Centre: 23 Hayes St.

Caboolture Historical Village: 280 Beerburrum Rd.

Rd.

Caboolture Markets: Caboolture Showgrounds, 140 Beerburrum

Caboolture Park News: Caboolture Park Shop Centre, 60-78

King St

Caboolture Super Clinic: 23-27 George St

Coffee Club: Central Lakes Shopping Centre, McKean St & Pettigrew St

CJ’s Pastries: 459 Pumicestone Rd.

Drakes Pumicestone: Pumicestone Village, 1 Ardrossan Rd.

Eureka Comptons Village: 17 Neuman St.

Halcyon Glades: 34 Ardrossan Rd, Caboolture

IGA X-Press: 4/101-115 Learjet Dr

Kings Circle Newsagency: King’s Circle Shop Centre, 287 King St

Local Lotto And Gifts: Shop 6, Market Plaza, 49-55 Morayfield Rd

St Paul’s Retirement Living and Aged Care: 10-44 Tomlinson Rd

Subway: Corporate Park Estate, 1 Lear Jet Dr & Aerodrome Rd.

Sunnymeade Park Aged Care: 362 King St.

Trade Tools: 90 Lear Jet Dr.

Woolworths Central Lakes: 1/21 Pettigrew St.

CABOOLtURE s OU tH

CJ’s Pastries: 70 Michael Ave.

Lumus Imaging: 125 Morayfield Rd

Mark Ryan MP Electorate Office: Unit 3/67 Morayfield Rd.

Morayfield Road Medical/Dental Centre: 52-58 Morayfield Rd

Peakfeet Podiatry: 67-73 Morayfield Rd

D’AGU i LAR

Puma D’Aguilar Service Station: 1965 D’Aguilar Hwy.

ELi MBAH

Elimbah Newsagency: 8/866-870 Beerburrum Rd.

Ki LCOY

BP: 22 Hope St

Craft Cottage: Hope St

Exchange Hotel: 13 William St.

Hall Of History: 39 Hope St.

IGA: 38 Mary St.

Indoor Sports Centre: Hope St

Kilcoy Motel: 6 William St

Kilcoy Quality Butcher: 12 William St.

Sentinel News Office: 2/47 Mary St.

United Petroleum: 63 Hope St.

M ALENY

Maleny Newsagency: 29 Maple St

Nextra Plaza News: Morayfield Plaza Shopping Centre

Original Photos: Shop 5, 87-91 Michael Ave.

Plantation Retirement Resort: 30 Weier Rd.

Woolworths: Market Plaza, 62 Morayfield Rd, Cnr Market Dr

N ARANGBA

BP: Cnr Oakey Flat & New Settlement Rd.

IGA: 36 Main St.

Woolworths: 212-226 Young Rd.

P EACHE st ER

Peachester Store: 24 Coochin St.

REDCL iff E

Cafe 63: 185 Redcliffe Parade

Cage Diversity: 75 Redcliffe Parade

Moreton Bay Regional Council: 1 Irene St.

U PPER C ABOOLt URE

Foodworks: Shop 1, 4/2 Parkridge Ave.

WAMURAN

BP: 1120 D’Aguilar Hwy.

CJ’s Pastries: 1110 D’Aguilar Hwy.

IGA: 1056 D’Aguilar Hwy.

W OOD f ORD

CJ’s Pastries Woodford: 100 Archer St.

CJ’s Pastries Woodford Woolies: Cnr Arthur & George St.

Clews Newsagency: 99 Archer St.

Peries IGA Woodford: 102-110 Archer St

RE/MAX Living: 124 Archer St.

Woodford Golf Club: 2/82 Golf Course Rd.

Woodford Manor: 12/14 Margaret St

Under My Skin

When does not acting become a “criminal act”?

AFTER reading the exposé of the actions of former and resurrected Minister for Justice and Attorney General Yvette D’Ath, and other Ministers, in relation to grotesque, gut-wrenching crimes involving abuse and neglect of children, I felt emotionally, almost physically, ill.

To refresh your memory, according to the media report “timeline”, the public first heard of this sorry saga soon after May 25, 2020, with the finding of a dead child.

Two days later two children with autism were found severely malnourished, wearing nothing but soiled nappies, locked in a bare room with no access to food, water or toilets, while their father lay dead in the next room.

Can you believe there is still no end to this sickening chain of events? It is one of the worst examples of Ministerial and government neglect you could expect to see — something a society with a little bit of soul and a pinch of integrity would never tolerate.

When thinking about this, keep in mind we are talking about badly neglected children — neglected by adults and the government bureaucracies charged with their care.

Claims about political decisions being made in relation

to scrapping investigations, hiding reports, and political interference have been made and denied.

Those issues need sorting out but more serious questions have to be answered.

For example, if the kids were in “care”, who cared? Who did the “carers” care about? Certainly not the children being battered, bruised and neglected.

If the Justice Department was involved, where was the justice? Did anyone actually receive justice? Certainly not those bruised, battered and neglected children.

I’m not saying it happened in this instance but, if Ministers make decisions on child neglect reports and investigations based mainly or even partly on political ramifications, where does criminality start and finish?

Could, or should, it be that not acting, postponing intervention, or hiding information is, in itself, a criminal offence? Is there a line between Ministerial responsibility and political decision making when lives, in these cases young lives, are at stake?

When does neglect of duty become a criminal offence?

When does a wilful act, or wilful failure to act, take on the air of criminality?

Should we be asking for action against those who fail

to do their job properly — who refuse to act legally, responsibly, ethically, humanely, and/or decently?

If it wasn’t for the media, how much of this horrible saga would we have known?

If Ministers were trying to hide the truth, why weren’t the Premier and her Deputy demanding action? They knew all about the cases of vile neglect but the government’s loud and frequent claims about open government and integrity seemed to become sounds of silence.

Were they not concerned about justice for children? Were their claims about responsible government abandoned when the need for, and timing of, serious investigations became apparent?

We really need more answers — honest answers — to the multitude of questions being posed.

Gastro girl

I KNOW this is a strange thing to say but I like my gastroenterologist. She has a good sense of humour, a trait I can imagine as being essential when you think about what she does day in day out — a bit like a dentist but often at the other end.

During a recent consultation she used the term “pain in the arse”. I laughed.

But she has her weak points.

For example, she went into detail about how I could expect a longer, healthier life if I gave up alcohol.

I replied, “I could expect to spend the rest of my life behind bars if I commit murder and I don’t intend to do that either.”

So we agreed that, if I’m looking for a happier life, I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing now.

Lost love

SHAKESPEARE’S famous line: “How do I love thee, let me count the ways”, certainly doesn’t apply to a growing number of Queenslanders and their “love” of our education system.

We’ve heard numerous stories about the desperate need for more teachers, especially males, and the fear that teaching as a profession is no longer on the radar of most students.

We have also learnt it’s not only teachers leaving the system. The number of Queensland students finishing Year 12 has drastically dropped in the past three years, with current rates now below those seen a decade ago.

Maybe if the education system concentrated on the three Rs and dropped social engineering from the curriculum, more teachers and students would again fall in love with their school years.

Just briefly

YOU have to feel sorry for the “image makers” charged with “rebranding” Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek likened him to the Harry Potter villain Lord Voldemort so that gives some idea of the scale of the task.

“I Guess the Lord Must Be in New York City” is a song written and recorded by singersongwriter Harry Nilsson in 1969. After what we’ve seen about The Big Apple on TV recently I think the Lord has taken the Devil in as a boarder.

I’m still trying to make sense of the newspaper heading “Architects see lasting legacy in temporary pool”. Of course it involves 2032 Palaszczuk Olympics planning so it was probably meant to be a taxpayerfunded joke.

Do you wonder how experts can claim to accurately estimate the multi-billion dollar benefits a major sporting event will generate in 10 years’ time, but can’t get within a gnat’s nut of the actual cost of building a public toilet in the next 10 months?

Business guides

TOO many business leaders, just like politicians, are showing an alarming arrogance in the face of corporate scandals

By SKINHEAD

and it’s time many company shareholders checked the packaging on their executives for a use-by date.

Moral blindness accurately describes the scandals enveloping these companies but the big wigs don’t seem to realise help is readily available — “business guide dogs” waiting to help.

The names of some of these guides immediately spring to mind, Right and Wrong for example. Others include Honesty, Truth, and Decency.

Cancel that

SURELY there’s no truth in the rumour that the old saying “a two-horse race” is now deemed offensive and about to be cancelled.

Gossip says the term has upset People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Animal Liberation Queensland, the Greens, the Teals, Greenpeace, vegans, LGBTQQIP2SAA+, Extinction Rebellion, and one of my neighbours.

There’s also word that, if dogs are more broadly associated with the term, Snoopy, Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Scooby Doo, Toto and Dorothy will join the protest.

Thought for the Week: The first five days after the weekend are the hardest.

A FAIR SHARE FOR REGIONAL NEWS

Local independent newspapers still connect more than 80% of the country, but currently the commonwealth government invests close to 0% of its advertising budget here. The federal government could help secure the future of regional news with zero extra cost by simply allocating a fairer share of government advertising to local and regional news services.

One page per week of important government information in regional newspapers would be a great start. This shouldn’t be controversial. It’s a simple and fair solution for the future of regional news.

Regional Australian communities deserve local news as much as our big cities do.

WELCOME to your private sanctuary on 10 acres of tranquillity, nestled on a quiet no through road in the heart of nature’s beauty in Crossdale.

This is not just a property; it’s a lifestyle waiting to be embraced.

For the first time in more than 3 decades, this unique property is available for purchase. The sellers have reluctantly decided it’s time to downsize and are motivated to sell at or before the auction so invite all genuine offers for consideration prior to auction day.

Step inside this charming 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom ranch-style home, where rustic elegance meets modern comfort. You’ll fall in love

with the spacious wrap-around verandas, perfect for sipping morning coffee or watching the sunset over the lake.

Entertaining is a breeze on the expansive deck that offers breathtaking water views - an idyllic backdrop for gatherings with family and friends.

Experience the best of both worlds with reversecycle air conditioning for those scorching summers and a slowcombustion woodfire heater for cosy winter nights. The fenced boundaries and established pastures make this property ideal for horses or livestock, and a permanent creek frontage invites you to take a refreshing dip or try your luck at fishing - all without leaving your property.

10 acres water views and sheds galor e living

The auction will be held on October 21 at 10am, onsite.

Ribbon cut on Bells Creek Arterial Road

THE 8KM extension of Bells Creek Arterial Road, completing the 11.9km link between the Bruce Highway and Caloundra Road, is officially open.

Delivered as part of a $70 million project, the road was co-funded by Stockland and the State Government and provides a vital second gateway from the Bruce Highway to the southern Sunshine Coast.

The State Government’s investment of $35 million was part of a commitment to preparing the Sunshine Coast region for massive future growth.

The $70 million project has delivered significant economic benefits, including the creation of over 300 direct jobs and 550 indirect jobs over the life of the project.

Sunshine Coast business Shadforth Civil Contractors were appointed to build the road.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the population of the Sunshine Coast is booming – one of the reasons the State Government put funding on the table to bring its construction forward from 2030.

“We promised the accelerated delivery of the Bells Creek Arterial in 2020 and today we are delivering on that commitment.

“More than 50,000 drivers use Caloundra Road every day so this brand new road will give those people a crucial second access to the Bruce Highway.

“Our Big Build is not just a promise, it’s a guarantee. A

guarantee that our government will build the roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and infrastructure Queenslanders need now and in the future.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said it’s the State Government that committed to Bells Creek Arterial Road, and it’s the Palaszczuk Labor Government that’s delivered.

“Bells Creek Arterial Road now spans nearly 12km and will bust congestion on the Sunshine Coast, thanks to local member Jason Hunt’s tireless advocacy, and the workers who got the job done.

“As an avid bike rider, I’m excited to announce we’ve delivered improved active transport connections, including an overpass bridge from Baringa and Nirimba,

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

A JOURNEY down memory lane, as requested.

Readers of this column have kindly reached out to share their memories and so I have discovered that my ancestors in this beautiful region go back an extra generation. The family history tells the story of how my passion for people and property developed.

From as far back as I can remember, I was immersed in the world of property matters because my father Kerry was a Real Estate agent in Woodford. The office was situated next to the cattle sale yards and little did I know then that this would also shape my future.

My fascination with auctions was sparked by a true gentleman, the legendary Doug Nichols who was an esteemed

Livestock and Property Auctioneer. Weekends were filled with property auctions and farm clearance sales, and I had the role of putting lot numbers on items. The part I cherished the most was calling and pointing out bidders in the lively crowd to help the auctioneer along. The energy of an auction, the subtle body language cues, the reactions of people – it was like theatre, and I was hooked. It wasn’t just business, these sales were social events where farmers and their families caught up and community bonds grew stronger.

This was a time when the internet and fax machines were not even imagined. Property details were gleaned from old paper cadastral maps or

a contraption known as a microfiche. These small slides, no bigger than a postcard, transformed into legible property information when magnified by the machine. Oldschool developed photographs were glued to window cards with handwritten descriptions and prices, then taped to the office window for buyers to browse.

I still remember the day we got our first mobile phone. It was a behemoth with an antenna the size of a fishing rod.

Dad’s commitment to his clients meant he’d drive for hours to meet them in person for paperwork to be signed. That’s how I learned the art of patience – sitting in the back of the car for literally hours,

helping more Queenslanders get outside and enjoy our great lifestyle.

“And that’s not all – over the next four years, the Palaszczuk Labor Government is investing over $32.1 billion in road and transport projects all over Queensland, supporting 25,200 good, secure jobs across the state.

“We’re delivering more lanes, better roads and safer interchanges, helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.”

Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, said this new road will cut travel times for people travelling to and from the southern Sunshine Coast, which is great news.

“The Bells Creek Arterial is eight kilometres of good news

for our region, unlocking jobs for our young people and more commercial investment.

“On the back of this fantastic piece of infrastructure, it also means we can start on our new Aura emergency services precinct in the very near future.”

Stockland General Manager Queensland Development, David Laner, said the team is delighted to achieve this significant infrastructure and economic milestone for the Sunshine Coast and hinterland communities.

“The Bells Creek Arterial

Insights into the local housing market

with Chris Wease, Senior Sales Agent at Remax Living, Woodford.

listening to cassette tapes to keep the boredom at bay.

My paternal grandparents were Roy and Gladys Wease (nee Hubner). They raised my dad Kerry and his siblings on their dairy farm at Villeneuve.

Pop’s parents, Victor ‘Dick’ and Ethel Wease ( nee Greensil), were registered as living at various farms in Mount Kilcoy, Sandy Creek and Bellthorpe. Their children were Ernest – m. Ethel Kunde; Amy – m. Doug Walker; Ellen – m. ‘Nake’ Walker; Roy – m. Gladys Hubner; Ailsa – m. 1 Joe Meloni (dec. 1964) 2. Jack Carter; Jean – m. Colin Lougheed; Oliver (sadly drowned 1953); and Archie –m. Gloria Jenkinson.

From 1941 the family were known to share-farm

in Somerset and later at ‘Wynulla’ Mt Kilcoy.

Dick’s parents were William and Sarah Wease who were among the early settlers in the Kilcoy area.

Fast forward across the years, and here I am – a 5th Generation local. As I ventured into adulthood, I left to work as a tour guide in the Kimberleys and Kakadu National Park for a few years. Those remote, rugged landscapes taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability. Eventually, a deep love of this region called me home.

In the past 17 years as your local real estate agent, there have been extraordinary technological advances in the Industry. I’ve faced challenges, celebrated successes, and

Road extension is a product of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This has been a significant investment for both Stockland and the Queensland Government, and critical infrastructure projects like this provide long-term benefits to the growing community.

“More people are travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and this second highway access was needed. We look forward to being a trusted partner on future projects.”

never stopped learning. It’s been a remarkable journey, and I owe a lot to the foundations laid by my ancestors, my father and the broader Somerset and Moreton Bay communities.

Thank you for your incredible support over the years, and I look forward to being of service in the future.

Phone 0427 536 725 anytime.

Farmer and Grazier

Cattle markets

WOODFORD

163 HEAD were sold at

Stariha Auctions Woodford cattle sale on Monday.

The market remained unchanged to previous sales.

Some cattle are starting to show the effects of the dry conditions with a plainer

quality yarding presented. Alberton Investments, Bald Hills, sold a pen of Droughtmaster steers for $1,300.

TOOGOOLAWAH STORE SALE

Karen Miles and Peter Maunders, Harlin, sold pens of Speckle Park male calves for $460 and $350.

Michael Christie, Stanmore, sold young Charbray store steers for $510.

Barry Gartshore, Maleny, sold Droughtmaster vealer males for $450.

Brian Hausman, Mt Delaney, sold Charbray heifers for $620.

Darrel Fogg, Mt Samson, sold Droughtmaster heifers for $610, $600 and $540.

Sarah Fankhauser, Kilcoy, sold a Droughtmaster cross heifer for $1,110.

Michael Green, Neurum, sold a line of Droughtmaster store cows for $830.

MORETON

BOOKINGS STILL OPEN

CURFEW 6PM THURSDAY

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

PLEASE USE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE DETAILS WWW.SHEPBOYD.COM.AU

AGENTS Boyd, O’Brien and Bartholomew yarded 352 cattle at their weekly live weight cattle sale on Tuesday.

Export cattle maintained last week’s rates with all major processors present.

A plainer condition run of cattle came to hand this week as people are left with no option but to sell or feed and with commodity prices being at record highs, most are choosing to sell and accept the current prices.

Vealer heifers: L and S Reinke (Charbray X) 152.2c $266.

Background steers: R and S

Henderson (Hereford X) 235.2c $696.

Grain assist steers: Peter Day (Charolais X) 265c $1,245.

6 tooth heifers: Corey Dowling (Charolais X) 210c $1,344.

6 tooth ox: P and V Gordon (Santa X) 220c $1,331.

Medium cows: Usher Pastoral (Droughtmaster) 194.2c $986.

Heavy cows: G and L Nugent (Droughtmaster) 194.2c $1,330.

EUMUNDI

188 HEAD were yarded at Stariha Auctions Eumundi cattle sale on Tuesday September 19.

The market was firm to slightly stronger, with local competition strengthening the market.

A Jackson, Mt Kilcoy, sold Brahman cows for $1,100, light Charbray weaner steers for $690 and vealer heifers for $490.

LC Livestock, Lowood, sold Charolais cows for $1,280 and light feeder heifers for $790. Popplewell Composites, Kidaman Creek, sold Composite males for $680 and $590.

Gary Pratten, Kilcoy, sold Charbray heifers for $500. Wade Johnston, Bollier, sold Illawarra cows for $1,060.

FOR MARKET INFORMATION

352 HEAD. Export cattle maintained last week’s rates with all major processors present. A plainer condition run of cattle came to hand this week as people are left with no option but to sell or feed and with commodity prices being at record highs, most are choosing to sell and accept the current prices.

For Sale Details, Market Reports and more info visit our website www.moretonsaleyards.com.au or find us on Facebook @ Moreton Saleyards

Consign your cattle to Moreton Saleyards. Cartage arranged for any numbers of livestock. Selling every Tuesday 8am.

For further enquiries phone any time

Weather bureau confirms what farmers are already experiencing - it’s getting hot and dry

FARMERS for Climate Action is calling for urgent action to limit climate change as it emerges farmers are officially facing an El Niño weather pattern after three years of La Niña.

The Bureau of Meteorology declared Australia is officially in an El Niño weather pattern, meaning warmer drier conditions are more likely for south-eastern Australia, and this will be made more extreme by climate change.

Already some farmers, including Farmers for Climate Action member Peter Lake who farms near Grafton on the NSW North Coast, are officially in drought conditions after battling floods 12 months ago.

“It turned from mud to concrete in a couple of weeks

and suddenly everything was just dry. From flood to drought, climate change is making the changes more extreme," Mr Lake said.

Farmers for Climate Action Chair Brett Hall, who farms in the Derwent Valley in Tasmania, said many farmers were concerned about the possibility of warmer, drier conditions and increased weather variability for eastern Australia this spring and summer.

“Although some farmers have had reasonable conditions recently, we know things can change in a few months.”

Mr Hall said that Australian farmers are great at adapting, but that ultimately we need to address the driving cause of

The search has started for the next Queensland Greats

climate change - emissions.

“Farmers are always looking three steps ahead to the next event but there are limits to their adaptation. While we adapt and mitigate on-farm, we need to know the rest of the economy is doing its bit to reduce emissions and tackle climate change, which is causing more frequent and severe weather events.”

Farmers for Climate Action, an organisation representing 8,000 farmers, hosted a webinar “El Niño explained” in July bringing together a range of speakers, including from the BoM and Birchip Cropping Group to help farmers prepare. That presentation is available at https://farmersforclimateaction. org.au/portfolio/2023-el-ninowebinar/

Rural Aid encourages farmer registrations as El Nino is declared

AUSTRALIA’S most trusted rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance as the Bureau of Meteorology officially declares an El Nino event.

The El Nino weather pattern means hot, dry seasons that trend towards drought.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Bureau’s announcement confirmed many producers’ fears.

“The announcement of the El Nino weather pattern will bring a lot of unwelcome memories to the surface for our farmers, who’ve been anxiously watching land and waterways dry up,” Mr Warlters said.

“Thousands of farmers are already managing their land with a view to drought, but this announcement makes that approach all the more important.”

“The past drought was regarded as the worst in living memory for the majority of the

country, and it’s understandable that many farmers are scared of going through that again,” Mr Warlters said.

“We’re encouraging farmers to reach out and register with Rural Aid now.”

Rural Aid offers primary producers a range of assistance measures including financial, hay, drinking water, counselling and volunteer assistance.

“We’ve already seen a huge increase in requests for emergency hay and household drinking water from farmers right across the country,” Mr Warlters said.

“In the past four months, requests to Rural Aid for emergency drinking water have increased by 240 per cent, and our free water tank offer was exhausted in just four hours with more than 95 applications. We’re aiming to deliver another 50 water tanks by the end of this year to meet demand.”

“Rural Aid helps farmers with hay, drinking water, financial assistance, counselling and volunteers; all at no cost to our primary producers, thanks to the generosity of the Australian public and our corporate partners.”

“This El Nino declaration is a particularly upsetting moment for our farmers. It means conditions are likely to get worse before they get better,” Mr Warlters said.

“I’m encouraging farmers who are finding themselves overwhelmed to give our rurallybased counselling team a call for a free chat, to make sure they’re in the best possible position they can be to take on the upcoming seasons,” Mr Warlters finished.

Primary producers are urged to register online at www. ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Rural Aid’s counsellors can be reached at 1300 175 594.

QUEENSLANDERS can nominate individuals and institutions who they believe are Queensland Greats.

Nominations for the 2024 Queensland Greats Awards are open.

The Awards recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to Queensland and who are exemplary role models, and the institutions, public or private, that have contributed significantly to the development of the State.

Since inception in 2001, 120 individuals, 19 institutions, and 10 posthumous recipients have been honoured as Queensland Greats across the fields of business, science, health, education, Indigenous affairs, sport, arts, conservation, community, and philanthropy.

The 2023 Queensland Greats recipients included First Nations Musician and Composer, William Barton; Creator of Bluey, Joe Brumm; Champion of anticorruption and accountability, The Honourable Tony Fitzgerald

AC KC; rugby league player, Steve Renouf; Educator and refugee advocate, Adele Rice AM; Queensland’s Rural Fire Service; Queensland Elder and early childhood pioneer Dr Honor Dell Cleary OAM; Stem cell research pioneer Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim AM.

Other previous recipients include cricketer and youth and multicultural advocate Usman Khawaja (2022), Bruce Morcombe OAM and Denise Morcombe OAM (2020), The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO (2016), Dr Dimity Dornan AO (2013) and Kev Carmody (2009).

The Premier said the Queensland Greats Awards is an opportunity for us to celebrate and thank extraordinary Queenslanders for all they do.

“I am proud to join all Queenslanders in recognising homegrown talent and outstanding achievements every year.

“It could be a friend, co-worker

or community organisation doing amazing things – if you know a remarkable Queenslander, now is the chance to nominate them.”

2023 Queensland Greats Awards recipient, Steve Renouf, said to be named a Queensland Great and recognised for the contribution you’ve made for the greater good of Queensland is an exciting honour and a privilege.

“Most of us know someone who has dedicated their lives to making our State what it is today, and I would encourage people to take the opportunity to nominate them.”

“Nominating someone for the Queensland Greats Awards will help amplify their work and contribution to their community in Queensland.”

Nominations can be made at www.qld.gov.au/qldgreats until 5pm, February 16, 2024.

Recipients will be announced in June 2024 and honoured with commemorative plaques displayed at Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane.

Meat labelling to test Federal Govt

THE Federal Government must show consumers the respect they deserve, by improving labelling regulation to make a clear distinction between meat and plant-based alternatives according to Cattle Australia.

Cattle Australia Interim CEO, Adam Coffey said the current labelling standards had been exploited by some alternative protein manufacturers to trade off the reputation of Australia’s highquality meat standards.

“Consumers should be able to eat the food they think they’re buying,” Mr Coffey said.

“Disguising plant-based products to look like meat can take that choice away from consumers.

“The ALP promised to

resolve this issue during the election, now they must deliver.

“An extensive Senate inquiry led by Senator Susan McDonald recommended images of animals and terms such as ‘beef’ or ‘veal’ be reserved for the genuine article.

“This is about ensuring food labelling has integrity, and shoppers know what they’re getting.

“You shouldn’t have to read the fine print to know if you’re buying beef.

“There is no reason for the Government to hold this up.

“We would expect to have labelling issues resolved in Anthony Albanese’s first year of Government.

“There has been broad support across the Australian

Don’t sideline agriculture

AGRICULTURE has provided a strong steady backbone to Australia’s prosperity, and food security.

Yet in recent years, I feel that centuries-long tradition is being overlooked, particularly by government.

We as industry have innovated and thrived in the face of many challenges, from pandemic disruptions to our supply chains, to climate vulnerability affecting productivity and many more.

I’m passionate about raising the profile of the incredible

work of agriculture, so we are included at the table of consequential decisions affecting our industry and country.

Such as recent revelations from the Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, that environmental laws will not be overhauled until next year - despite business and green groups urging swift action.

It is a source of continued frustration that agriculture continues to be marginalised from these negotiations.

But we can turn this into a

positive.

This delay has provided an opportunity to call for agriculture and rural communities to have stronger representations in these critical discussions.

There is plenty of common ground - AgForce agrees with the Federal Minister for Environment that “Australia’s environmental laws are broken”.

It’s undeniable - agriculture has and will continue to contribute to environmental outcomes powerfully and

positively.

So why is it then, in the media release announcing these delays in environmental law reform, that the minister has singled out organisations across mining, environmental groups and state environmental protection authorities, but failed to mention agriculture?

The minister advised she had 57 meetings relating to the proposed reforms – how many of them were with agriculture?

We also have the opportunity for concurrent reform across state regulations – a confluence

of events we will lobby to be an integral part of.

We must get through to governments at all levels that it is also upon them not to miss the opportunity of investing in our landscapes, environment, and biodiversity by sidelining one of its strongest contributors.

Our industry contributes strongly whilst ensuring we have healthy, locally grown food on our supermarket shelves 365 days a year. That is a privilege a lot of the world does not share.

community for not just meat, but all food labelling to be accurate.

“Australia’s beef industry has spent decades building community trust as a healthy, clean, ethical and sustainable option.

“Alternative proteins simply haven’t proven themselves to many consumers and they need to put in the work themselves.

“Further, some consumers need to eat meat because of its nutrient-dense qualities – this is something alternative proteins cannot deliver.

“This should be an easy decision for the government and Cattle Australia urges them to take swift action.

“The Senate inquiry has done the work, now it’s time to get on with the job.”

Michael Guerin, AgForce Chief Executive Officer

Tullawong school to stage car and bike show

TULLAWONG State

School will stage a car and bike show from noon to 4pm on Saturday October

7, to raise money to support inclusivity in the school.

While entry is free for students, families and guests, the fee will be a gold coin

donation for car and bike entries, and for trash and treasure sellers.

Soft drinks, tea, coffee, cakes and barbecue food will be available while there will also be face painting, lucky draws, raffles, and prizes for the ‘most liked’ cars and

Arrests – Burpengary East

bikes.

Attendees will also have the chance to have their photo taken with their favourite car or bike.

Contact admin@ tullawongss.eq.edu.au for enquiries.

Vehicle into a tree

TWO people have been arrested after a joint operation between the Moreton Tactical Crime Squad (TCS), Brisbane Water Police and the Queensland Fisheries.

At about 8.20am on Wednesday, September 20, police attended a makeshift camp on Burpengary Creek, adjacent to Uhlmann Road at Burpengary East. The camp was only accessible by boat.

Officers located a 26-yearold Kallangur man and a 22-year-old Bracken Ridge woman who had been staying in a tent at the location.

Police conducted a search of the camp where it is alleged they located firearms, drugs, jewellery and cash.

It is alleged that police located

over $1,300 in cash, over 3.5 grams of methylamphetamine and two firearms.

It is further alleged that one of the firearms had been modified to fire different calibres of ammunition.

During the search it is also alleged that police located what they believe to be Gammabutyrolactone (GBL) in a vehicle and in a dinghy used by the pair.

A vehicle allegedly used by the man and woman was located on Uhlmann Road and was reported stolen from a Burnett Road, Caboolture address on August 2.

The Kallangur man was also charged in relation to a stolen vehicle and subsequent crash on April 14 on Old Bay Road, Deception Bay.

The Kallangur man was charged with three counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count each of possession of a dangerous drug, possession of drug utensils, receiving tainted property, possession of property suspected of being stolen, drive without due care and attention and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

He was remanded in custody to appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court on October 31.

The Bracken Ridge woman was charged with possession of a dangerous drug.

She is scheduled to appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court on October 20.

PARAMEDICS transported two stable patients to Sunshine Coast University Hospital following a single-vehicle rollover on Glass House Woodford Road, Glass House Mountains last Sunday.

The incident occurred at about 10.30pm.

THREE stable patients were transported to Caboolture Hospital following a singlevehicle accident last Sunday. The vehicle collided with a tree on the corner of Beachmere Road and Wallace Road, Beachmere at about 12.22am.

Celebrating the life and songs of Jimmy Buffett

ON FRIDAY September 1

legendary American singer/ songwriter Jimmy Buffett succumbed to a rare form of skin cancer aged 76, namely Merkel Cell Carcinoma which he fought bravely for four years.

These were the words released to the public....

“Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”

Millions of Jimmy’s fans dubbed “Parrotheads” around the world (including Australia) have been overcome with disbelief and grief as can be seen by the millions of social media posts still flooding the internet. Jimmy had been actively touring up until the middle of this year.

The list of who’s who of the music and wider entertainment industry with whom Jimmy had lifelong friendships are equally grief stricken.

Paul McCartney, James Taylor, The Eagles, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban to name but a few along with USA President Biden and former presidents and other statesmen all expressed deep sorrow and made heartfelt tributes at Jimmy’s passing.

For that reason, a Jimmy Buffett “Parrothead” Party is to be held to not only celebrate the life and songs of this muchloved entertainer, but to aid in the fight against skin cancer.

Ten per cent of the profits from the event will be donated to the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation. We believe this foundation is a worthy recipient of such a donation, given skin cancer is what claimed Jimmy’s life.

The event will be held on the Sunshine Coast, Friday November 3 at “The Shed” (Banana Bender Pub) 73 Frizzo Rd, Palmview with the doors to open at 6pm.

Tickets cost $38 through EventBrite. Entertainment will be provided by Latitude 24; Australia’s ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute band (once dubbed by Jimmy himself as “Australia’s greatest Jimmy ‘BLUFFETT’ band).

There’ll also be two support acts making for a fantastic night of entertainment. The venue is licensed and meals will be available to purchase.

This Jimmy Buffett Party (With A Purpose) will be an event like no other on the Sunshine Coast and we plan to honour Jimmy’s request to “Keep the party going”. For further details, contact Angus Woodhead 0417 634 460.

5497 1410

cleaners

CLEANING AND GARDENING SERVICES

FUllY InsUreD - Woodford, stanmore, Peachester & surrounds. Call 0458 464 305

DeaTh noTIces

sTePhenson, Janice

Late of Hazeldean, passed peacefully on 13th September 2023.

Aged 74 years

Adored wife of Craig. Much Loved Mother to Pauline and Caraline. Cherished Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

A Private Funeral was held for Janice on 20th September 2023.

No flowers by request, donations to the RSPCA is preferred.

KIlcoY FUneral DIrecTors Ph 07 5497 1196 www.kilcoyfuneraldirectors.com

For sale

caraVans anD caMPInG

caraVan Jayco 13’6’ poptop, sleeps 2, would make a good extra bedroom or hit the road. Call for further info. $2,750 ono. PH 3203 1073. Burpengary.

FarM, FoDDer & lIVesTocK

laMbs Male and female Dorper lambs, 4 weeks to 4 months, for sale. Good condition. Great as grasscutters or for eating. Free if picked up from Sandy Creek, near Kilcoy. Text 0411 722 680.

GarDenInG anD elecTrIcal eQUIPMenT

MI cro To MaTo MaTUre P lan Ts Flowering and fruiting, grow indoors, several varieties. $10. Mature flowering Tigerella plants, produce around 20kg. $15. PH 0408 504 683.

hoMelITe chaInsaW 33cc 16" cut $85. Homelite and Ryobi whipper snippers, 2 stroke straight shaft as new $95. McCulloch hedger 2 stroke petrol motor 2' cut as new $85. Gardener’s Choice whipper snipper 2 stroke petrol motor as new $85. Bailey step ladder 7' and extending to 12'6" as new $85. 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 “Poulan”

2 stroke petrol motor, straight shaft, steel blade, as new $75. Ryobi whipper snipper 2 stroke, petrol motor, as new $75. Skil electric saw 2 1/8 HP, 184mm, 60mm cut, as new $50. Bosch pressure washer electric 1100psi, as new $40. GMC angle grinder 100mm, 650 watt, as new $50. Ryobi whipper snipper petrol motor as new $85. Metabo jigsaw with spare blades $40. Skill battery drill and impact driver 20v 2 x batteries and charger brand new $60. Gardenline blower, petrol motor, near new $45. Ryobi Whipper Snipper, electric 525W $50. PH 5495 2557. Caboolture.

For sale

MachInerY

MasseY FerGUson Massey Ferguson

- 2 disk plough with cutting disk, plus a spare new disk; Bonell Reversable Plough - large cutting discs. Napier Rippers

- 3 tines ripper - heavy duty; Massey Ferguson Scarifier - 11 tines - 7 inch double bar; Massey Ferguson - Hydraulics Stabiliser arm - Tractor; Chain heavy duty, 5.20 mt long, 16ml thick; Howard Rotary Hoe - 70 AR Series, 2 large metal side wheels, heavy duty unit, as new; Tractor Air Pump - Air PTO Driven; Vital Chain Block with bearings, never used, 1.5 tons, lifts 3 mts; Load Binder - 2 available. Make an offer. PH 0416 276 763.

MIscellaneoUs

UnsolD ITeMs from clearing sale –save – prices reduced: Acrow props $25ea; S/S double bowl tubs $45; Lounge with extending footrest $20; 2-drawer metal filing cabinet $25; 2 x 4-drawer filing cabinets (1 metal, 1 timber) $50 each; Welding helmet $7; Tonneau cover bars $10ea or 2 for $15; assorted brackets, roofing screws, nuts and bolts. PH Bob 0421 384 988. Upper Caboolture. collecTable cars diecast model cars, old classics and modern models, 1:43 scale. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Humber Snipe, Royal cars, Inspector Morse Jaguar, Austin-Healey, Aston Martin and many many more. All special orders. PH 3203 1073. Burpengary.

MoTor VehIcles & accessorIes

DrIVInG laMP KIT Narva Ultima 225

(P# 71700) Halogen Combination Beam, Ultima Blue with H.I.D. High Intensity Discharge. One broad beam, one pencil beam, two see-through lens protectors, two fitted 12V H1 100W globes, one driving light harness. Complete in original packaging. Swedish design purpose built for Australian Outback. $350. PH 0419 028 593. Caboolture.

PUblIc noTIces

CAN'T STOP DRINKING?

Call 1300 222 222

LINE DANCING FUN

Tue: 1-3pm, Thu: 6:30-8:30pm anglican church hall, King st, caboolture Contact Suzzanne 0427 882 582

Grace coMMUnITY chUrch

DelaneYs creeK hall

(Cnr Mt Mee and Bleakley Roads)

Every Sunday evening 6pm - 8pm. Great message, wonderful fellowship followed by supper - all welcome. enquiries: 0432 579 250 or 0407 736 244

Satellite deal delivers real-time data intelligence to help combat bushfires

AUSTRALIAN emergency responders tackling bushfires over coming months will have access to real-time data intelligence for the first time, as part of a ground-breaking deal with a Finnish satellite company.

The data partnership, between Finnish satellite company ICEYE and Geoscape Australia, will provide realtime situational intelligence to assist fire-fighting efforts around the nation.

Using an advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE will be able to capture accurate, highresolution imagery in any conditions – day and night, and even through cloud cover and smoke haze – within hours. The technology was recently used in the devastating Hawaiian bushfires and is now being deployed to strengthen capabilities to manage fire and flood events.

For the first time in Australia, ICEYE’s radar imaging satellites will combine with Geoscape Australia’s location intelligence to allow

government agencies to calculate building damage from fires and manage emergency response efforts quickly and accurately.

With Australia bracing for a potentially dangerous fire season, Geoscape chief executive Dean Capobianco said the partnership with ICEYE will deliver timely information required to save lives and protect community assets.

“Geoscape is committed to collaborating with companies such as ICEYE which are breaking new data ground,” Mr Capobianco said.

“Integrating the most comprehensive location intelligence for the entire Australian region into ICEYE’s state-of-the-art natural catastrophe intelligence capabilities will dramatically improve the decision-making processes of government bodies and enterprises - and ensure those affected are given the support they need in the shortest possible period.”

Paul Barron, ICEYE Global Head of Partnerships, said

PUblIc noTIces

Woodford community art Group annUal MeMbers

coMPeTITIon exhIbITIon

oPenInG nIGhT

All Welcome

Thursday 5th october 7pm

$10 entry

RSVP woodfordart@gmail.com

solar PoWer

caraVan sPecIalIsTs

Free elecTrIcal InsPecTIons

Dual battery setups

12 volt camping specialists

baTTerIes - solar PanelsInVerTers - conTrollersaccessorIes

(30 Years exPerIence)

Look us up: www.solar2camp.com.au Ph brent 0414 800 751 325 Kropp rd, Woodford (2.5 k’s from police station)

To renT living

sToraG e U n ITs 40ft containers, 2 available, $240/mth and 20ft containers, 2 available, $150/mth.

this partnership will enable our public- and private-sector customers to apply a much higher data-resolution lens to their assessment of flood and bushfire events anywhere in Australia as they develop.

“The combination of ICEYE’s rapid and verifiable observation data and the latest location intelligence from Geoscape delivers an incredibly powerful response capability to government agencies and insurance companies that will significantly enhance their response efforts.”

Shaun Bennett, Director of Data Solutions, Geoscape said we collaborate with numerous organisations across both government and industry to enhance planning, response, and recovery efforts for major events like bushfires and floods. This partnership will significantly improve the efficiency and speed of these activities.”

ICEYE’s Flood Insights product has been in use since October 2022 and has analysed 18 large-scale flood events across Australia.

Thursday, 19th October 2023 commencing at 12.30pm Burpengary Community Hall 111 Station Rd, Burpengary

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

3 PraTT sT, K I lcoY https://www. remaxliving.com.au/21225209

6 haYMan sT , bU rP en G ar Y

e as T https://www.remaxliving.com. au/21217690

29 e clIPse c res, bU rP en G arY

e as T https://www.remaxliving.com. au/21053475 call re/Max living on 07 5496 1922

Brumbies cricketers open their account

THE Burpengary Brumbies had their first win of the season as they defeated Cleveland Thornlands by six wickets in the Queensland Sub Districts Cricket Association (QSDCA) B1 competition last Saturday.

Following a tight three-run loss to Bracken Ridge in the season-opening round a week earlier, the Brumbies dismissed Cleveland Thornlands for a low score and then overtook it with plenty of overs to spare.

At the Burpengary-based James Worthington Oval for the second week in a row, Brumbies captain Marley Helliwell again won the toss and opted to chase a target.

Burpengary’s captain gave the hosts a dream start as he bowled Stephen Mogg with the second ball of the match without a run on the board.

Marley Helliwell also bowled Keelan Davis not long afterwards, before Troy Brown held a catch off his own bowling to leave the visitors in huge strife at 3/9.

Kai Bateup and Lachlan

Dahler temporarily halted the collapse but runs were hard to come by, with Dahler taking 54 balls to score 14 before he was run out.

Tyler Brown hit four boundaries as he top-scored with 23 off 51 balls, before his dismissal left Cleveland

Thornlands 6/73.

Lower order resistance was minimal as the visitors were all out for 96 with seven balls remaining in their allotted 35 overs.

Sam Cole had the best figures for Burpengary after claiming the final three wickets, while the opening bowlers had two wickets each.

Stephen Helliwell and Aston Helliwell nabbed one scalp each while Jack Cheney, who was the only Burpengary bowler not to capture a wicket, was the most economical as his six overs conceded a miserly six runs.

Burpengary stumbled from 0/24 to 2/31 before Stephen

Helliwell and opener Dan Daly produced a 38-run stand for the third wicket.

Daly’s 34 included four fours, and Stephen Helliwell’s brisk 39 included two fours and three sixes.

When Stephen Helliwell departed, the hosts were just three runs shy of victory.

Cheney levelled the scores from the next ball, before hitting the winning run two balls later to seal the result with 11.2 overs to spare.

This Saturday the Brumbies will be at home again as they take on Coorparoo, which had a narrow loss in round one before having a tense one-wicket victory last Saturday.

After winning the toss and bowling, Burpengary Brumbies captain Marley Helliwell took two early wickets in his team’s convincing win over Cleveland Thornlands.

Tagged fishing competition boosts record grants to community stocking groups

THE Queensland Government has placed a record $1.1 million on the line to support fishing in Queensland's stocked

impoundments, a 16 per cent increase on the 2021-22 financial year.

The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) provides

a sustainable freshwater fishing option for recreational fishers, who are required to purchase a permit before line fishing in any of the 63 SIPS impoundments.

Monday night darts in Caboolture

WINNERS were Alex and Corey while runners-up were Sid and Dale in Monday night’s pot luck doubles at Caboolture Social Darts Club.

John B had a score of 140 in the men’s division, while

Cheyanna had a 100 in the ladies division.

High pegs went to Jenny (40) and Connor (64) while the best of the juniors were Mark with a score of 134 and Alex with a peg of 28.

Twenty-one people attended,

including five new players.

For information, phone Dale on 0459 344 493 or Ian on 0400 475 007.

Darts is played every Monday night, with names to be in by 7.15pm.

No success for Caboolture cricketers at Caloundra

SOME fine attacking batting from Glen Batticciotto and Cameron Trask wasn’t enough for Caboolture’s first grade cricketers to win either of their two fixtures at the Caloundra-based Roy Henzell Park last Saturday.

Caboolture lost to TewantinNoosa and the Coolum Sharks in Sunshine Coast T20 action, after having a comfortable win and a convincing loss on day one of the season the previous Saturday.

Trask won the toss in both games last Saturday, and he chose to bowl on the first occasion before electing to bat on the second occasion.

Tewantin-Noosa was in trouble at 2/6 following a wicket each to Joshua Burton and Connor Corlet, before Andy Batten changed the course of the game.

Batten blasted six sixes and four fours in his unbeaten 81 from 55 balls.

After opener Cameron Taylor fell to John Nugent with the total at 59, Samadhi Baker also flayed the bowling as he raced to an undefeated 54 off 31 balls after striking four

sixes and three fours.

The unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 109 left Caboolture with a target of 169, and then the visitors began slowly before Batticciotto hit three boundaries in the space of four balls in the fourth over.

Batticciotto departed soon afterwards before the dismissal of Ryan Baker left Caboolture struggling at 2/34 in the seventh over.

Trask promptly hit the first ball he faced to the boundary, as he set about reviving Caboolture’s chances.

Jacob Wilson departed with the total at 89, leaving Caboolture needing an improbable 80 runs from six overs.

Trask hit two successive sixes at one stage on his way to 88 not out from 54 balls while Corlet made his way to 11 not out from as many balls, which included a boundary from the final ball of the match. The task was beyond them, as TewantinNoosa won by 14 runs.

In the subsequent match against Coolum, Batticciotto batted through the 20 overs and struck six sixes and three fours

in his 83 not out from 54 balls.

Jayden Coffin was dismissed for 11 before Jacob Wilson made a quick 35, and then Trask struck three fours and two sixes in his unconquered 39 from 25 deliveries during an unbroken third wicket partnership of 102.

Caboolture’s total of 2/180 looked strong when Tiaan Scheepers departed from the third legitimate ball of the run chase, following three wides from Nugent.

Coolum soon gained the initiative as opener Jarryd Haig smashed eight fours and four sixes in his 69 from just 33 balls. When he was caught off Batticciotto, the Sharks needed only 64 runs from the final 53 balls.

Stephan Scheepers belted three fours and three sixes in a quickfire 39 off 18 balls, before Rory Cowling and Brendan Kelly guided Coolum to a seven-wicket victory with nine balls to spare.

Cowling’s unbeaten 57 came from 51 balls and included four fours and two sixes, before Kelly hit the winning boundary to finish with nine runs from eight balls.

Revenue from the sale of permits is used to maintain and improve the impoundments via the stocking of native fish fingerlings and other approved activities that improve fishing.

The scheme is important to regional communities because it helps support tourism and opportunities for recreational fishing, which contributes $333 million to Queensland’s economy every year.

Preliminary data indicates this increase is largely due to the success of the Fish ‘n’ SIP$ tagged fishing competition, which was announced in December last year.

The restocking efforts across the scheme has led to the release of approximately 3.2 million

fingerlings by community stocking groups.

There were also increased stocking efforts due to an additional flood recovery grant program of $200,000 last financial year for south-west, Murray Darling and some Wide Bay Burnett stocking groups.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, said permit sales have increased more than 15% since the Fish 'n' SIP$ competition started in December 2022.

“As part of the competition, anglers had the chance to win up to $50,000 by purchasing a SIPS permit and catching a tagged fish at prescribed

stocked impoundments, with $12,000 still on the line.

“It’s also an important part of the Queensland Government's Sustainable Fishing Strategy, providing fishers with the opportunity to catch popular species sustainably.”

For more information on SIPS and to obtain one of our trail guides, head to https:// www.qld.gov.au/recreation/ activities/boating-fishing/recfishing/dams

For more information on the Fish ‘n SIP$ tagged fishing competition, head to https:// www.daf.qld.gov.au/newsmedia/campaigns/fish-n-sipstagged-fish-competition

Knights chase back-to-back women’s titles

THE National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) premiership decider will feature the first-placed Newcastle Knights and thirdplaced Gold Coast Titans from 2.55pm on Sunday.

The Knights are seeking two successive premierships while the Titans make their maiden NRLW grand final appearance, incidentally after the Titans were last year’s wooden spooners.

Admittedly there were six teams in last year’s competition, before the Titans recruited well for this year’s competition which expanded to 10 teams.

Newcastle players backing up from last year’s grand final include Tamika Upton, Shanice Parker, Jesse Southwell, Caitlan Johnston, Olivia Higgins, Yasmin Clydsdale and Kayla Romaniuk, some of whom also had prior NRLW grand final experience.

Upton, who was the player of the match in last year’s grand final, also played for the Broncos in their 2019 and 2020 premierships.

Newcastle sealed its spot in this year’s decider with a 3024 win over the fourth-placed Broncos in the first semi-final last Sunday, before the Titans upstaged the second-placed Sydney Roosters 12-0.

The Knights shot to an 18-0 lead in the first 20 minutes as their opponents were simply dreadful in this period, before the Broncos fought back without ever really looking like catching up even though the teams finished with five tries apiece.

The second finals match was an interesting one as there was no score until the 28th minute, before the Titans led 6-0 and then 8-0 before scoring the final try with six-and-a-half minutes remaining.

It was the second straight year that the Roosters crashed out in the finals after being the favourite. They were mathematically in last Sunday’s second semi-final almost until the end, but their overall display was very uncharacteristic while being kept scoreless must have been a bitter pill to swallow.

The Titans women,

meanwhile, have the chance to become the first rugby league team from the Gold Coast to win a premiership in a national competition, with the Gold Coast Giants, Seagulls, Chargers and Titans men’s teams never achieving the feat.

The Titans have plenty of players with NRLW grand final experience, with Lauren Brown, Brittany Breayley-Nati, Jessika Elliston, Steph Hancock and Shannon Mato having tasted premiership success with the Broncos.

Titans players Jaime Chapman, Karina Brown, Shaylee Bent and Taliah Fuimaono also have NRLW grand final experience, but they are yet to taste premiership glory.

Regardless of this Sunday’s outcome, it will be interesting to see if 41-year-old Hancock finally draws the curtain on her illustrious rugby league career.

The Knights beat the Titans 22-10 when the NRLW teams met back on August 13, but this result will count for nothing come Sunday.

NRL GRAND FINALS PREVIEW

NRL grand final ready to rumble

WILL the Penrith Panthers achieve three successive National Rugby League (NRL) premierships?

On Sunday night, all will be revealed as the grand final takes place.

Standing in the way of a Panthers trifecta is a Brisbane Broncos outfit chasing its first premiership in 17 years and its seventh overall, while the Panthers

also chase their fifth premiership in the club’s history.

No team has won three straight premierships in the NRL era which began in 1998, after the previous occurrence of a team winning a hat-trick of premierships in the equivalent competition was Parramatta from 1981 to 1983 (in the then NSWRL competition).

GRAND FINAL: Sunday October 1

Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos, 6.30pm at Accor Stadium (Sydney)

This will be the fourth straight grand final appearance for Penrith, which lost to Melbourne in 2020 before defeating South Sydney in 2021 and then winning against Parramatta last year.

The Broncos, meanwhile, finished with the wooden spoon in 2020 before missing the finals in the following two years as well.

Brisbane’s most recent grand final appearance was in 2015, when the Broncos agonisingly lost by a field goal in golden point extra-time against North Queensland.

Having finished on top of the ladder this year and then beaten the fourth-placed New Zealand Warriors 32-6 in week one of finals, the Panthers had a resounding 38-4 win over the third-placed Melbourne last Friday night.

Melbourne was well in the game after levelling the score at 4-all, before Penrith gained the upper hand.

The Panthers played some superb football as they took their chances, and they scored some brilliant tries.

The result nonetheless could have been much closer had Melbourne not bombed a couple of crucial scoring chances in the first half, before Penrith took an 18-4 lead into half-time.

The next night, the scoring went back-and-forth for a little while before the Broncos romped to a 42-12 victory against the Warriors to set the stage for a grand final featuring the teams that finished in the top two positions on the ladder.

Although the Broncos were too good overall, they had a bit of luck considering their first try in the second half featured two blatantly forward passes which were undetected.

The 24-12 half-time score was also somewhat misleading considering Brisbane had scored four tries to three at this stage, with goal-kicking making a huge difference.

While the Broncos also scored some splendid tries, they also made some mistakes which would surely be a recipe for disaster if such errors occurred against Penrith.

The Broncos will also need to improve their defence for the grand final, as saving points will surely be as important as scoring them – for both teams.

Penrith’s team will contain plenty of players with at least one premiership ring, while the only Broncos in the squad of 17 with NRL grand final experience are likely to be captain Adam Reynolds and second-rower Kurt Capewell.

Interestingly, they were opponents in the 2021 grand final when Capewell played for Penrith while Reynolds played for Souths.

Reynolds also played in the 2014 grand final when Souths won its first premiership for 43 years.

Brisbane’s squad has included Corey Oates who played in the 2015 decider, but he hasn’t played in this year’s finals series so far.

Another point of interest is the father-and-son connection in each team, with Penrith’s Ivan Cleary coaching his son Nathan in a grand final for the fourth straight year while Brisbane’s Kevin Walters coaches his son Billy.

Kevin Walters played in Brisbane’s five premierships from 1992 to 2000, after also being in Canberra’s maiden premiership in 1989. Walters now has the chance to become only the second coach to win a premiership with the Broncos, after Wayne Bennett guided the club to all six of its premierships so far.

There are plenty of interesting match-ups for this Sunday, particularly in the fullback, halfback, front-row and lock positions.

Brisbane’s electrifying fullback Reece Walsh will oppose Dylan Edwards, who was the player of the match in last year’s decider.

Adam Reynolds and Nathan Cleary will go head-to-head in the halfback role, while Tom Flegler and Payne Haas oppose Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris in the front-row.

In the lock position, Patrick Carrigan is set to oppose Isaah Yeo.

The Broncos edged out the Panthers 13-12 back in round one on March 3, before the reigning back-to-back premiers won the rematch 15-4 on May 18. But both of these matches will be a distant memory when the clubs go head-to-head this Sunday.

Dubai beckons for indoor cricketer

MORAYFIELD State High School (MSHS) year 10 student Kaidan Jarrett will represent Australia for the first time as he competes in the indoor cricket Junior World Series in Dubai, from Saturday to the following Friday.

Kaidan will play in the 15 and Under boys division, with the Australian team scheduled to contest New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Sri Lanka and England.

Kaidan’s dad Darren said his son was “very proud to be selected for Australia and play for his country”.

“It has been a goal of his for several years,” Darren said.

“He is excited for the challenge of playing against the world’s best.”

Darren said Kaidan was also excited to go to Dubai as it was his first time overseas, while he was a little nervous about food as his usual preferences included chicken nuggets and chips!

Kaidan has played indoor cricket for the Caboolture Snakes since he was seven,

and he made his A grade debut in the Men’s Major League competition when he was 14.

Kaidan was selected for Queensland in 2020 and 2021, but the national titles were cancelled in both years due to covid before he finally attended his first national titles last year.

For good measure the Queensland team featuring Kaidan completed last year’s championships undefeated, and the MSHS scholar was selected for the Australian All-Stars merit team.

Kaidan again represented Queensland in this year’s national championships – held in Ipswich during June – and he was subsequently selected for his country in the upcoming Junior World Series.

Four of Kaidan’s Queensland teammates were also selected in the Australian 15 and Under boys team, with Kaidan having played with and against them for a number of years.

An all-rounder, Kaidan has also played outdoor cricket since 2015. He started at the Burpengary Brumbies, and he currently plays for Glasshouse Districts Cricket Club in the

U17 and men’s second grade teams.

Kaidan has been in the Sunshine Coast Queensland Junior Cricket (QJC) representative team since U13 level, and last year he won the Sunshine Coast Scorchers Junior Player of the Year award. He was also named in the QJC President’s XI for the past two years.

Last year, Kaidan played for the Scorchers as a 14-year-old in the new U16 competition, with the Scorchers winning the tournament after Kaidan scored a century in the final.

Also last year, Kaidan was selected to play in the U15 and U16 State Cup Challenge, and he was one of four 14-year-olds chosen for the latter Challenge.

Darren said indoor cricket was much faster paced than outdoor cricket, while indoor cricketers needed to be effective at batting, bowling and fielding as each player was required to bat for four overs and bowl two overs.

“Fielding needs to be sharp as catches can be taken from the net, and run-outs are a major factor in the game,” he said.

Kaidan Jarrett is ready to represent Australia in indoor cricket in the Junior World Series, which starts in Dubai this week.