Somerset Sentinel News 31 Aug 23

Henry Somerset

A fighter for a better world

IT’S GREAT to have former Linville boy Everald Compton back in the region fighting for a better world.

He’s hardly a boy anymore, now aged 92, but still has plenty of boyish enthusiasm and energy.

I joined his 90th birthday celebrations, which was a 7km walk from Moore to Linville followed by a lunch with tables groaning with good old fashioned tucker.

Obviously if you want to live a long active life, forget all the diet fads and get stuck into

some real tucker prepared by country people who know their home cooked meat, vegetables and luscious cakes.

I first met Everald in the 1980s when he was raising money for various charities and good causes.

It was always dangerous going to one of his meetings because you always left with a lighter wallet - all in a good cause.

But in retirement from fundraising, he has pushed three issues - national seniors and ageing policy, the inland

rail and now The Voice.

For the older generation in an ageing Australia (and world), he has pushed for better standards of care and better support for careers and those wanting to live out their remaining years as long as possible in their homes.

A former Prime Minister told me that Everald was always well prepared when he arrived at Parliament House. In fact he had more detailed Information about ageing issues than the briefing paper prepared by his government departments.

And he was vigorous in his follow up, not letting issues be dropped, falling off the radar or getting buried by bureaucrats.

However, the bureaucrats appeared to get the better of Everald on Inland Rail. His plan, developed with many practical transport and engineering, farming and regional groups over many years, was to link inland Queensland, NSW and Melbourne with major capital city markets and export terminals.

And it meant that the congested intercapital rail and

road network, which runs down the expensive to build great Dividing Range coastal route, could be bypassed.

It makes good sense.

It provides a better connection for the bush with the city and the opportunities to expand our nation’s population beyond the bloated, expensive capitals.

Who couldn’t agree to that?

Bureaucrats in Canberra for one.

Despite all the headline political support, the boofocrats seemed to do everything to delay, dilly dally, and obfuscate. Typically they’d issue a few funds for a study and a bit of work, but never make the commitment to get the whole job done properly.

So now we have spent more than the original budget and have bits and pieces of the route done without the benefit of a full network.

Joining Melbourne to Toowoomba should have been done years ago - and paying for itself.

Joining Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane has become a bureaucratic boondoggle

where difficult decisions are being bypassed or ‘quick fixes’ are being objected to by local communities.

For regions such as Somerset, trucking produce and timber and meat to Toowoomba for a fast train to customers in Melbourne’s 5 million population should be a no brainer. Everald had the plan, but now we wait for the bitzer project to be completed - and wait and wait.

Now Everald is campaigning for a Yes in the referendummaybe a cautious YES.

Because as with everything he has done, he wants a real result.

That’s a school hall built or an aged facility completed or an Inland Rail operating - or in this case a better life for indigenous people, some of which he grew up with in Linville.

Obviously you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the courageous, get the job done, make it happen with energy country ways out of the 92-year-old boy.

Henry Somerset, born in South Africa and educated in England, came to Australia to manage rural properties in the 1880s. After time in central Queensland, he managed properties in this region and took up a holding near what is now Somerset Dam. That water storage is testament to his work, after the 1893 floods which devastated Brisbane, to have a dam built at Stanley Chasm. He fought for this as a parliamentarian from the region from 1904 to 1920.

He was so popular for his work on behalf of the region and its pioneering people that he was elected seven times, often unopposed, to Queensland Parliament.

He believed that water storage would not only prevent floods, but also attract population to develop the Brisbane Valley. As reward for his far sighted promotion of the valley, the dam, the region, the council (and this newspaper) take the Somerset name.

EMAIL HENRY SOMERSET : henrysomerset@sentinelnews.com.au

Council supports $3M low-impact recreation project on Mount Glen Rock

SOMERSET Regional Council will apply for funding under the Queensland Government’s Growing Future Tourism Fund for low impact hiking trails to the summit of Mount Glen Rock, sport climbing access and associated visitor access improvements, following a unanimous decision at its August 23 meeting in Esk.

Since receiving the Mount Glen Rock Adventure Park draft master plan from consultants Otium Planning Group in early 2022, Somerset Regional Council has taken a stepped approach to progressing the appropriate development of the outdoor recreation area, including extensive consultation with the community, traditional custodians and specialised environmental experts.

Economic Development and Tourism Committee Chair and Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said Council was continuing ecological investigations, with a further visit by the specialist consultants expected in the next month or two.

“Earlier this year, we finalised a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for Mount Glen Rock in collaboration with the traditional custodians. As part of our partnership with

the Jagera People, the project will encompass First Nations surveys, preserving stories and conducting historical research, to enrich our collective understanding of our past.

“It’s important that we continue to plan and develop Mount Glen Rock in a respectful and sustainable way.

“All councillors are in full

support of the current project plan, and we are united in our confidence that we are taking the best-informed approach in giving Mount Glen Rock a prime place in our region’s

profile.”

The proposed project includes two hiking trails and access to a climbing site that will be available for training use by visiting teams in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Additionally, the project will provide enhancements to car parking, an upgrade of Lions Park and installation of ecological and cultural interpretative signage.

Cr Lehmann Council listened and learned from past experiences.

“This project is tailored to fit Mount Glen Rock’s unique character and reflects our commitment to preserving our history and environment, while also contributing to our region’s well-being. This proposal directly responds to our unemployment rate of 6.8%, the highest among south east Queensland council areas,” Cr Lehmann said.

Under the terms of the funding program, Council would contribute 50 per cent of the estimated $3M project cost.

Veterans Day races a big hit in Kilcoy

THIS year’s Veterans Day race meet in Kilcoy brought about one of the biggest crowds seen at the Kilcoy Race Club for many years.

Last Saturday’s Kilcoy race meet had Vietnam and Defence Force veterans from all over South East Queensland, while there was also a large contingent of patrons who enjoy the Kilcoy country racing and hospitality.

Kilcoy Race Club chairperson Con Searle said one of the reasons behind the massive success was the support from the Butler McDermott Lawyers, Nambour, who have sponsored Kilcoy Race Club for nearly 14 years.

“Their sponsorship given for the Kilcoy Veterans Race Day

is to enable a free entry for all persons on this important race day to honour our Defence Force veterans,” Mr Searle said.

The Kilcoy Race Club also attracted sponsorship for the day from the Bribie Island, Caloundra, Sandgate and Gaythorne RSL sub-branches, the Vietnam Veterans Redcliffe Association (which brought its veteran members in busloads), the D’Aguilar Hotel, Kilcoy Exchange Hotel and Searle Garden Products.

Together with author Doug Morris, the Vietnam Veterans Redcliffe gave permission to the Kilcoy Race Club to print the poem ‘Vietnam Vets’, which will be printed in Kilcoy’s major race day meetings in honour of the

Vietnam veterans.

Fashions on the Field was also a hit at last Saturday’s meet, with Kilcoy’s Jenni Carseldine named best dressed.

As for the racing, jockey Tiffani Brooker was the only jockey or trainer to have more than one win as there were eight races on the track rated a Good 4.

The Leigh Wanless-trained and Shania Willis-ridden Seeress won the feature race, and another highlight was Dratini winning at Kilcoy for the fourth time within 12 months.

Mr Searle later said Dratini “seems to love racing on our circuit”.

In the opening 1200m race,

the Brooker-ridden and Paul Jenkins-trained It’s Hells Bells lived up to being the favourite as the gelding won by 4.3 lengths in the field of 10.

After the first race, the Kilcoy Diggers were led by Rod Slater who conducted a ceremony.

In race two, Brooker had her second victory as she again rode the favourite. In this 800m race, the Jack Bruce-trained Steel My Thunder won by 2.8 lengths in the field of eight.

Brooker rode in most of the remaining races but finished well behind the victor, while only two of the races had a tight finish.

Race three was 1500m, with the favourite finishing sixth in the field of 12 while an

equal-fourth favourite reigned supreme.

The Greg Cornish-trained and Adin Thompson-ridden Belle’s Boy won by 2.5 lengths.

Race four had just seven runners while the distance was 1200m, with Dratini making a mockery of being sixth favourite as the Louise Dillontrained and Kelly Gates-ridden gelding won by 2.3 lengths.

Race five was also 1200m, with equal-favourite White Ribbon winning by 2.8 lengths.

The winning trainer was Tony Gollan while the jockey was Dale Smith.

With race six being the feature race while the distance was 1900m, the equal favourites came second-last and third-last

in the field of 11 after one of them was in third place for a while.

Equal-seventh favourite Seeress came from fourth place to win by half a length, after Willis replaced apprentice jockey Jai Williams who was overweight for the ride.

There were 10 runners in each of the final two races while the distance was 1200m each time.

The second-last race was won by the second favourite, as the Cameron H Richardsontrained and Nathan Evansridden Coffee Coming won by half a length.

In the final race, the Kaye Hill-trained and Rob Thorburnridden favourite Prince of Diamonds won by 2.5 lengths.

The Duncan family’s presentation of the Bruce Duncan Memorial Jockeys Challenge, won by Tiffani Brooker.

Join the Toogoolawah Ambulance Station centenary celebrations

COME along to the Toogoolawah Ambulance Station and Toogoolawah Ambulance Committee centenary celebrations on September 8 and 9 at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds.

One hundred years of history and service to the community will be celebrated with a Memory Lane display on show in the Mears Pavilion on Friday September 8 between 12pm and 4pm. All are

welcome to attend.

On Saturday September 9 the festivities pick up with a dinner dance and live music from 5pm until late.

Tickets for the dinner dance are $40 per person and can be purchased from the Two Galahs Gallery in Fulham Street, Toogoolawah (phone 0402 483 495).

Trail Towns Episode on SBS highlights Somerset experiences

SOMERSET and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail featured in the first episode of the third series of SBS cycle tourism series Trail Towns.

The episode debuted on TV screens at 4pm last Saturday on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads partnered with Trail Towns to create the episode that followed the winding 161km from Yarraman to Wulkuraka on Australia’s longest and multi award-winning recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley

Rail Trail.

In the episode, hosts Paul van der Ploeg (Vandy) and Dieter Kahsnitz (Deetz) explored the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and Experience Somerset.

Chair of the Somerset Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee and Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Cr Graeme Lehmann, couldn’t be happier that Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads invited Experience Somerset, Council’s destination brand, to

be involved in the project.

“With 80% of the trail located within Somerset, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a tremendous tourism asset to our region. It is the lifeforce for many of our Somerset tourism operators who work tirelessly to produce such high-quality experiences and exceptional services for our visitors”, said Cr Lehmann.

“Showcasing the trail on a series of this calibre is a positive step towards working together with industry and

local government to promote the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail as an outstanding Queensland tourism attraction.

“I encourage residents and visitors to watch the episode and enjoy the natural beauty, country hospitality and unique stories that epitomises the Experience Somerset brand.”

To find out more about the Brisbane Valley Rail Trial, go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au/bvrt .

Trail Towns’ Brisbane Valley Rail Trail can still be viewed on SBS On Demand.

Attention all cycling enthusiasts

The fully supported event

ensures that you’ll have everything you need for an amazing experience.

With three event lengths to choose from, 45km, 75km and 100km, everyone can find their ideal ride.

The event is on September 9.

Brisbane Valley Rail Trail headlines season three of Trail Towns

THE Transport and Main Roads Department (TMR) has partnered with Trail Towns on SBS, to create an episode that promotes an escape on a Queensland country adventure following the rail trail from Yarraman to Wulkuraka on Australia’s longest and multi awardwinning recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT).

The BVRT will headline the third series of SBS cycle tourism series Trail Towns, as the first episode to launch the new series.

The BVRT follows the disused Brisbane Valley rail line from Wulkuraka near Ipswich, to Yarraman in the Toowoomba Region, and is a recreational hotspot for walkers, bikes and horse riders alike.

In the episode, hosts Paul van der Ploeg (Vandy) and Dieter Kahsnitz (Deetz) explore all the highlights to eat, see and play while enjoying the BVRT. Trail Towns will highlight the trail to national and international audiences, which will continue to drive the rapid popularity that the BVRT is experiencing.

Council trail counters show on average 18 per cent growth

year on year, with trail counters in Esk recorded up to 42,552 users in 2022. The trail is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors in 2023.

The series promotes cycle tourism in towns and regions across Australia and New Zealand, and is credited with encouraging more families, couples and friends to consider a bicycle holiday and support regional areas.

A University of Queensland research study performed in 2021 on the trail found overnight visitors spent on average $179.80 per day, and day trippers $118.90 per day, proving visitors to the trail drives significant tourism benefits into small regional towns.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads fully funded the $80,000 sponsorship deal that includes one dedicated

episode to air on SBS each year for three years, with the episode available at any time on SBS OnDemand.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said this is a fantastic boost for cycle tourism and active transport, delivering an overview of what tourists can expect when they embark on a Queensland country adventure.

“The trail celebrates the rich

history, culture of 13 towns and cities starting in Brisbane, venturing down the trail from Yarraman in the Toowoomba region through to the historic city of Ipswich.

“The BVRT is becoming a great tourism asset, promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing an increased employment and economic development for South East Queensland and small regional communities.

“Boosting local economies, getting people active, driving tourism and maintaining this world-class tourism asset has always been our focus, and Trail Towns provides an opportunity for us to promote this asset to cycle tourism enthusiasts across Australia and internationally.”

Chair of the Somerset Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee and Somerset Regional Council Mayor, Graeme Lehmann, said he couldn’t be happier that TMR invited Experience Somerset, Council’s destination brand to be involved in the project.

“With 80 per cent of the trail located within Somerset, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is a tremendous tourism asset to our region. It is the lifeforce for many of our Somerset tourism operators who work tirelessly to produce such high-quality experiences and exceptional services for our visitors,” Cr Lehmann said.

“Showcasing the trail on a series of this calibre is a positive step towards working together with industry and local government to promote the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail as an outstanding Queensland tourism attraction.”

Looking for volunteers with heART

SOMERSET Regional Council is on the lookout for community-minded people who have some extra time on their hands and would like to volunteer at Somerset Regional Council Visitor Information Centres, including The Condensery in Toogoolawah.

Economic Development and Tourism Committee member Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke said volunteers were at the heart of many visitor experiences, providing information and answering questions with

patience and good humour.

“Volunteers perform an extremely important function in our community and are often the first point of contact for visitors to our region, offering a friendly and knowledgeable response to questions about what to see and do in Somerset,”

Cr Gaedtke said.

“They are essential to the operations of our Visitor Information Centres (VIC), promoting our region and sharing up-to-date tourism information. While VICs

rely on volunteers who have a solid knowledge of the Somerset region, we offer training and support, including regular familiarisation tours to attractions across the region, and a supportive and inclusive environment.”

There are numerous benefits to volunteering at Council VICs. It’s a great way to meet new people, enjoy free tourism tours and behind the scenes opportunities, to learn about art, history, and local activities and be the first to know about community happenings.

Volunteers with a good knowledge of the region are needed in Kilcoy and Esk information centres. Kilcoy VIC is open seven days and offers options for full or half days across the week, while Esk VIC is open 9am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 2pm on weekends.

The Condensery, Somerset Regional Council’s Regional Art Gallery, needs volunteers who have a strong interest in the region, love a chat, and are willing to regularly spend time in a beautiful and unique

gallery space in Toogoolawah.

Sue Cawcutt is among the current volunteers at The Condensery and said it was a pleasure spending time in the historic building.

“The Condensery is a wonderful art gallery. I enjoy having time to absorb the changing program of exhibitions, and the conversations with visitors, the gallery curator, and other volunteers about the art on display.”

Having previous knowledge

of art isn’t a prerequisite as full training is offered, and volunteers will learn about current and upcoming exhibitions, artists, and workshops as they change throughout the year. The Condensery also operates as an information centre and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Currently there is a particular need for weekend volunteers.

For more information, go to experiencesomerset.com.au/ volunteer/ or phone Council on 5424 4000.

Volunteers at visitor information centres enjoy training and support, including regular familiarisation tours of attractions in the region.

Everald Compton and Shayne Neumann talk about The Voice

To the Editor

The Voice discussion coming to Somerset

I HAVE had the privilege this week of travelling around the Federal Electorate of Blair with my friend, Shayne Neumann MP, speaking at community forums on the Voice Referendum.

We listened carefully to all comments and questions, no matter whether they favoured YES or NO and did our best to provide unbiased answers.

It was good to get a feeling of the issues that concern people and be of some help to them when they finally decide how they will vote.

My personal position is that having been born and bred in the bush and enjoyed valued friendships with indigenous people, I have long understood their humiliation about the fact that they have not been recognised in the Constitution of Australia and I can clearly accept that there is a need to correct that omission.

I share with them their love of land and water and all aspects of the environment.

They have taught me a lot about my responsibility to be a carer of flora and fauna.

So, I think it is a good move to give them a Voice so long as that Voice has no political power.

It’s quite simple really.

The main obstacles to success with the referendum are not the rights and wrongs of Voice.

It is the fact that many voters fear change and they have a low opinion of politics.

So, they may vote accordingly.

These are crucial issues that Shayne and I discussed with the voters of Blair, and will continue to discuss with Australians everywherein a civil and courteous manner, so they can have confidence in the future.

Everald Compton AO

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Distribution: Kilcoy, Jimna, Mt Kilcoy, Linville, Moore, Colinton, Harlin, Toogoolawah, Somerset Dam, Esk, Fernvale, Lowood, Coominya and surrounds.

EVERALD COMPTON was born in Toowoomba in 1931 and grew up in Linville.

He was a CPA and CPM and worked as an accountant.

When he was 24 the Presbyterian Church appointed him as the Organising Secretary of St. Andrews War Memorial Hospital on Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, where he was tasked with raising money to build the first section of the hospital, supervise construction and become the first general manager.

Three years later he set up his own fundraising company, Everald Compton International, and worked on projects world-wide for 40 years. He and his team organised over 1,000 campaigns in 27 nations, with offices in Brisbane, Auckland, Vancouver, London and Johannesburg. He played a critical role in freeing Nelson Mandela and raised funds for South Africa’s Progressive Federal Party, which was opposed to apartheid. In Australia he has raised funds for politicians across the spectrum – Gough Whitlam, John Howard, Bob Hawke and Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

He established National Seniors in 1976 and served on its Board for 35 years – 25 of those as

the Chair. He went on to Chair Treasurer Wayne Swan’s Advisory Panel on Positive Ageing. He advocated for improved pension incomes, which the Federal Government delivered.

In 1996 he founded Inland Railway, which will eventually link Melbourne and Darwin via Parkes, Toowoomba, Gladstone, Mount Isa and Tennant Creek. He worked on this nation building project for 19 years until the Federal Government announced it would finance and construct the first section. In recent times he has called the previous Government’s Inland Rail project as “a good idea, poorly executed.” He Chairs Gladstone Goondiwindi Railway P/L, which aims to build a new 680km freight rail line linking Goondiwindi to Port of Gladstone in Queensland.

He has written a number of books and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland (where he is Chair of the Longevity Alliance), Senior Fellow of the University of the Sunshine Coast and Honorary Fellow of Oriel College Oxford. He was formerly an Adjunct Professor of Queensland University of Technology.

He has been an elder of the Uniting Churches for 64 years. He is Chair of the Uniting Church charity, ACTS, which amongst other things provided financial support for individual flood victims in Blair.

In 1992 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia and in 2021 was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 2001 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for pioneering Inland Railway.

More recently he was the Honorary Campaign Leader of Dying with Dignity Queensland and was actively involved in the campaign to have voluntary assisted dying legislation enacted in the Queensland Parliament.

He may be 92 years of age, but he is determined to make every moment count. He is passionate about many issues including positive ageing, mature age employment and training, intergenerational partnerships, housing, retirement incomes, philanthropy and more. He is a fierce advocate for an Australian republic and for constitutional recognition of First Nations people. He remains passionate about transport and water.

Choppers airlift two motorcyclists to hospital

THE two Toowoomba-based LifeFlight helicopters have flown two people to hospital, after they were injured in separate motorcycle crashes on Sunday.

The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew was called into action at approximately 12pm after a rider suffered critical injuries in an incident in the Somerset region.

It’s believed the motorbike he was riding veered off the side of a road and hit a concrete bollard. The man was thrown three

metres down an embankment.

The pilot landed the aircraft near the incident, where the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Critical Care Doctor and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Flight Paramedic assisted in treating the patient, along with local QAS paramedics.

The patient suffered injuries to his legs and shoulder and was flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital.

As the first helicopter was returning to

base, the LifeFlight Surat Gas Aeromedical Service (SGAS) chopper crew was tasked to the Lockyer Valley region, where a teenage boy had fallen off his motorcycle.

Local QAS paramedics treated him before transferring him to the rescue chopper, which had landed at a nearby oval.

The boy had sustained chest injuries and was accompanied by his mother when he was airlifted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Key partnerships strengthen koala awareness

SOMERSET Regional Council is collaborating with several key organisations to highlight koala awareness and provide the community with more information about this unique native animal.

In partnership with the Griffith University Social Marketing team, Somerset Regional Council is about to commence a campaign designed to inform and educate people about things like koala dispersal, how to spot koalas for the koala count, what to do if you come across an injured animal and ways to help keep them safe.

Councillor Kylee Isidro said the best way to help the koala population was to be well informed.

“Working with the Griffith University Social Marketing team means we can utilise their experience and knowledge to package information into practical, accessible tips to share with our community. With koala dispersal already occurring and breeding season just

around the corner, there will be a much larger number of koalas out and about than usual, and these are often on roads and in public area, creating real safety issues for them,” Cr Isidro said.

“We’ll be using social media to share a lot of this information, and we’ll also be sharing information at our Free Tree Days, so when ratepayers come along to collect their free trees, they can also get information about koalas supplied through the Griffith University Social Marketing team.

“You’ll soon be seeing banners and posters in our townships promoting this information, and I encourage our residents and visitors to inform themselves through this campaign so they know what to do should they come across an injured animal, or a koala trapped in their backyard.”

Council is also participating in the Esk koala survey and rehabilitation project with partners Care4Esk, the Australian Earth Laws Alliance

(AELA) and University of the Sunshine Coast. This project, focused on Mt Glen Rock in Esk, seeks to assess koala numbers and genetics, whilst simultaneously improving habitat characteristics through selective weed removal, and planting of koala habitat and food tree species.

Residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant about koalas on roads and in public spaces during dispersal and breeding seasons.

Under My Skin

Drowning in a conspiracy theory ocean

I LOVE good conspiracy theories and they are flying around 1 William Street like crows around road kill at present with Premier Annastacia being front and centre in most of them.

The political rumour mill can provide great entertainment and it never stops grinding away in the Sunshine State, adding a bit of spice to what could otherwise be a mundane existence for us sad souls who take more than a passing interest in politics. Here’s a few of the current ones.

Some sections of the media seem surprised that Transport Minister Mark Bailey hasn’t been sacked. One theory says two words give the answer — Gary Bullock.

They believe the union heavyweight has told Palaszczuk to back off and leave Bailey alone.

This one suggest Bailey has the metaphoric photos or, to be more accurate, the emails. “I’ll show everyone the photos” is an old blackmail ploy and a more sophisticated version of it is claimed to be a possible threat between some players.

was sprung using his private Mangocube email account to discuss parliamentary business

with everyone including union heavies and other Ministers?

The Premier was caught up with that scandal.

So now the cold conspiracy winds are swirling with theories that Bailey has emails to and from the Premier, on private accounts, not released at date and not advantageous to the Premier.

That theory, to me, is a bit far-fetched but I like it just the same. When you think against-the-rules private email accounts were used by Cabinet luminaries such as Miles, D’Ath, de Brennie, Fentiman and Pitt to communicate with Bailey, it really is grist to the rumour mill.

And here’s another conspiracy theory on a different subject. Premier Palaszczuk will be going to the Paris Olympics in July next year, not in the role of Premier but as a “permanent” member of her

amateurish handling of the youth crime and juvenile justice issues, left most political pundits gasping for breath.

What adds a little fuel to the Premier-stepping-down fire is that Palaszczuk has already said she will be going to the Paris Olympics “probably only for a week”.

I suppose Queensland can do without the Premier for a week but it will be just three months before the election which could be, on present indications, a pretty tight contest.

Living the high life at the Olympics, rubbing shoulders with the so-called elite, and grandstanding about the 2032 Palaszczuk Olympics, won’t be a good look for a Premier seeking re-election and labouring under a poor reputation for a love of the red carpet.

Then she gets the sulks and either ignores any similar question or simply walks away. Incredible.

Lost its Voice

ALBO’S government is really presiding over one of the most idiotic periods in Australia’s political history. Think that’s an exaggeration? Consider this.

On August 24 I received in my letter box “Your official referendum booklet” with the first statement on the cover being “Voting is compulsory”. You probably got one too.

The booklet informed me to “Plan ahead to vote in the referendum. Polling places will be open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp”.

I immediately started to plan ahead. I checked my calendar to

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open the page”.

The booklet posed the question “Where can I vote?” and answered with “To find your nearest polling place visit aec. gov.au/where”.

I went to the website and was told “Polling places are usually located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings”.

So I made detailed plans to vote at 10.33am on an unknown date, possibly this year, at an unknown place, probably at a local school, church hall, community hall, or public building.

(The statement “Polling places are usually located …..” left me wondering where polling place are unusually located).

The booklet was able to tell me hand sanitiser will be available so that was both a

for the Matildas. They performed brilliantly but a statue for finishing 4th?

Does anyone know how much vodka you should add to mashed potatoes? Just asking for a friend.

I called a plumber recently to fix a slight leak (pun intended) in a toilet cistern. The cost of the faulty “washer seating” was $6.88. The total bill, including GST, was $529.42. Obviously there were other problems but I can say it was the most expensive leak I’ve ever had.

Our national broadcaster, Their ABC, is spending more than $8 million a year advertising its “brands and content”. With its TV and radio audiences falling faster than a lead Zeppelin, makes you wonder why we keep pouring billions of dollars into such a biased “loser”.

“The Queensland Police Services’ Executive Leadership Team is acutely aware of these pressures and has met on multiple occasions to analyse the results and see where the organisation could make improvements as a direct response to feedback from members”. — QPS spokesman. (Straight from the Monty Python script: “This calls for immediate

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KILCOY Community

Chance to discuss local issues with State MP at Kilcoy Chamber event

STATE Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, will discuss issues of local interest as she is the guest speaker at the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce network event ‘Business After Dark’ on Wednesday September 6.

Christmas

tree help needed

VOLUNTEERS are desperately required to help run the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance regular fund-raising barbecues.

Funds from these barbecues help this small group pay for some of the suggestions they receive from the Kilcoy community to make positive changes.

One of these is the community Christmas tree in Yowie Park which is expensive to maintain, erect and dismantle.

Two of the upcoming barbecues will be at the Hook and Hoof Show at the Kilcoy Showgrounds on Wednesday September 13 and the Bunnings store at Caboolture on Sunday October 8. If you can assist, contact Sally Wright (president) or Katrina Wolffe (secretary).

Members and nonmembers are welcome as the event takes place at the Exchange Hotel, with attendees asked to arrive at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.

Mrs Frecklington said she looked forward to meeting with local business people to discuss issues important to them.

“I’m excited to be a part of the upcoming Kilcoy Chamber’s ‘Business After Dark’ event and spending time with our local business

community to talk about key topics like housing, policing, roads and telecommunications,” she said.

“The Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce is going from strength to strength and it is terrific to see so many great initiatives being undertaken to support and encourage the Kilcoy business community.

“It will be great to catch up with Chamber president Lee Robinson and the members, and an excellent opportunity to focus on all things Kilcoy.”

Tickets for this free event can be secured at https:// tickets.somersettickets. com.au/outlet/event/ fd7b1763-a011-41c497ac-6a28ad31d820?utm_ source=Localtix&utm_ medium=Website

Chaplaincy dinner in Kilcoy on Saturday

LOCALS are reminded that the annual Kilcoy-based Chaplaincy Fundraising Dinner will take place at the Kilcoy Bowls Club this Saturday.

Kilcoy Over 50’s monthly meeting

KILCOY Over 50’s meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month at the Anglican Church Hall in William Street, Kilcoy. Visitors are always welcome. Meetings start at 9.30am.

Alan Gilbert and Terry Dredge have fun at a Kilcoy Over 50’s meeting.

Greek rugby league representative Jordan Meads will be the guest speaker, and another speaker will be Mt Kilcoy State School principal Ellen Mead. The compère will be

Scripture Union Queensland field development manager Julie Hose, as the event raises funds for chaplaincy in Kilcoy schools. There will be a two-course dinner, raffles and a live band.

KILCOY State High School

An Independent Public School

Annual Gala Dinner

THE school courtyard and kitchen were abuzz with activity on August 22, with the Kilcoy High School senior Hospitality class hosting the Annual Gala Dinner.

Students were dressed in industry standard for the formal dining event, providing service to 50 staff, parents and community members in the beautifully decorated outdoor restaurant setting. The evening showcased the developed skills and talent of the hospitality students in a range of fine dining dishes.

To begin, guests were served an entrée of spring canape, stuffed mushrooms, salmon

mousse topped cucumber slices or satay chicken skewers. For the main course the students served chicken cordon bleu with crispy potato stacks and seasonal vegetables served with a creamy garlic sauce, slow cooked roast beef with mashed sweet potato and seasonal vegetables, served with a beef jus. Dessert was panna cotta with a berry coulis and chocolate brownie with caramel sauce.

Congratulations to the senior hospitality students for creating such a memorable experience at Kilcoy SHS. Your hard work and dedication shone through on the night. A special thank you to teachers Ms Kate

Strong and Ms Jenny Plath for facilitating the success of such a beautiful evening and teacher aides Mrs Jo Ludgate and Mrs Kellie McMillian who worked tirelessly supporting students behind the scenes. Thank you also to our school staff for their support of the Gala and those staff who attended on the evening.

The gala dinner has been the signature event for our hospitality program over the past decade, with this year’s dinner being the last. Next year will bring fresh excitement with a new curriculum and event for students and families to look forward to.

Proceedings will start at 5.30pm.

Bookings can be made at https://brushfire.com/sua/ dinner/552344/details.

Volleyball - Kilcoy SHS vs Caboolture SHS

Kilcoy State High School entered four teams from its Volleyball Development Program to compete at the Caboolture State High School in a series of games against their senior and intermediate teams on August 18.

The KSHS girls teams won games and the boys teams stole a few sets from the very strong Caboolture SHS boys teams.

The standard of the volleyball team at Kilcoy SHS is very good and impressed a number of people with how well they played throughout the day. Students learnt a lot about how competitions are run and some of the skills and tactics that can be applied at the next level of competition, a

level we are striving to compete at in the future.

Thank you Mr Martin and Mr McMahon for organising the competition with Caboolture SHS and to all students who participated so well at the event, including students who were injured prior but still went along to support their teammates. These excursions promote bonds with like-minded schools in our region where we can continue to develop and grow our volleyball programs.

Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre is visiting the Somerset region

SERVICES Australia’s Mobile Service Centre

Desert Rose is travelling through the Somerset region in the coming weeks, offering locals easy access to Medicare, Centrelink, National Disability Insurance Scheme, and Department of Veterans’ Affairs services.

Desert Rose will visit:

• Oakey on Monday September 4 near the Community Centre, Campbell Street (9am to 4pm) .

• Fernvale on Tuesday September 5 at the Information Centre car park, Brisbane Valley Highway (9am to 4pm).

• Kilcoy on Wednesday September 6 at Aston Park, William Street (9am to 4pm).

• Dayboro on Thursday September 7 near the Bakery, Railway Street (9am to 3pm).

Mobile Service Centres are 20 tonne trucks operated by staff from Services Australia, providing regional and rural Australians with friendly face-to-face service and tailored support.

Staff on board this trip can help with:

• Centrelink claims.

• Medicare registrations.

• Accessing online services.

THIS outstanding 12 acre semi-rural lifestyle property in Wamuran is truly a rare find and presents a significant offering for those looking for an easy-to-run working farm along with an income opportunity.

This property offers unlimited opportunity with plenty of room and access for trucks, tractors, caravans, boats, 4 x 4’s and trailers, plus loads of extra space for the kids to ride their dirt bikes, to have horses and animals.

The established farm consists of approximately 2 acres of choko vines and 2 acres of passionfruit vines both on overhead trellising, plenty of water supply equipped with 2 dams complete with pumps and irrigation system that run throughout the property plus 5 large rainwater tanks for all your water needs.

Incredible shedding with large 20m x 12m lock-up workshop/storage shed, 20m x 20m machinery shelter and

a separate packing/processing shed.

There is also a well-tended orchard with a wide variety of different tropical fruit trees, vegetable gardens plus a beautiful established rose garden to admire.

Oozing character and charm the property offers a beautiful 4-bedroom modern country home plus original 2-bedroom farmhouse, placed high and dry to capitalise on the everyday breezes and spectacular rural views of Glass House Mountains.

Fantastic 12 acre lifestyle property + 2 homes + income producing farm living

Geared for family living, the main home features a large, tiled open plan living area with air-conditioning, combined kitchen and dining area, stunning modern kitchen with lovely cabinetry, plenty of cupboard space and good quality cooking appliances and dishwasher, separate spacious lounge/TV room, main bedroom with ensuite plus walk-in-robe storage. This home is further

enhanced with a huge alfresco area surrounded by beautiful gardens great for BBQ’s and parties or just relax and take in the serenity!

So, escape to the space and fresh air of country living and inspect this life changing property today! There is great value everywhere you look here... Loads more features... you won’t be disappointed. Call Terry on 0409 147 721 for your inspection... he’s available 7 days.

Council auction of mountain land in Esk to recover overdue rates

SOMERSET Regional Council is taking decisive action to address overdue rates through the sale by auction of a property in Esk. The auction involves the sale of a portion of mountainous land, spanning 18.86 hectares, situated just north of the intersection of Brisbane Valley Highway and Chaille Road at Esk.

The property, previously owned by a deregistered company, has presented unique challenges as the company is legally unable to sell it. The auction aims to recover overdue

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

VOLUNTARY Conservation Agreements - Understanding their impact on property values.

In the vast and diverse landscapes of Queensland, a growing number of property owners are choosing to embrace the beauty of nature while also safeguarding it for future generations.

In essence, a Voluntary Conservation Agreement (VCA) is the highest level of legal protection of the environmental values on your property. This is achieved by a covenant placed on the title of land in perpetuity. Landowners can receive a grant, annual rate rebates and other incentives such as

ongoing land management support and access to technical advice. Tax concessions can also apply in some instances.

The land remains under your ownership and control and a VCA does not grant any public right of access to your land. It is registered under the Queensland Land Title Act 1994 and binding on any future owners or any parties that gain an interest in any part of the property after the agreement is entered into.

As a fourth Generation local and long-term real estate agent, I have witnessed varied impacts of these agreements on property values.

Property owners who enter into conservation agreements

are often celebrated as environmental stewards who are contributing to the protection of biodiversity and ecological balance.

Conservation agreements preserve a variety of scenic landscapes, lush forests, or pristine water bodies, which become irresistible features for eco-conscious buyers seeking a connection with nature. These preserved elements can significantly increase the property’s desirability to buyers who prioritise sustainability and environmental matters, which in turn, increases the property value.

On the other hand, conservation agreements may

rates and support the continued vitality of the community.

Councillor Sean Choat, a member of the Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee, emphasised the significance of this initiative.

“As a committed advocate for our community's wellbeing, Council is undertaking this auction in alignment with our responsibility to ensure equitable financial contributions.”

Esk is a sought-after tourist destination known for its prime

Insights into the local housing market

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

restrict certain land uses, such as clearing for development or agriculture. For buyers seeking maximum flexibility and control over their land, these limitations could deter them from considering such properties. Occasionally, buyers who are unfamiliar with the benefits and implications of a VCA perceive the agreement as a burden or potential liability. Proper education and transparent communication is essential to address these concerns.

Determining the property’s market value under a conservation agreement can be slightly more complex and the reduction of development potential or certain land uses

may affect the property’s appraised value in some instances.

As a tour guide in the Kakadu and Kimberley regions of Australia in the past, I have a deep love and appreciation for the wonders of our natural world, and I respect property owners who understand the significance of voluntary conservation agreements in preserving Queensland’s natural treasures. It is clear that VCA’s have the potential to positively impact property values through enhanced desirability and financial incentives, but it is important that certain challenges be addressed to market such properties successfully.

location along the renowned Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Offering easy access to Lake Somerset and Wivenhoe, the town stands as an attractive hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The Esk community boasts a range of essential amenities including a hospital, school, and a diverse array of local businesses.

The auction is scheduled for 11.30am on September 22 in the Simeon Lord Room at the Esk Library Building, 19 Heap Street, Esk.

The auction property is located at 5220 Brisbane Valley Highway.

living

As more landowners opt for sustainable stewardship, it is essential to navigate the complexities carefully, to ensure that the legacy of preservation enriches both the environment and the real estate market.

Cattle markets

WOODFORD

207 HEAD were yarded at Stariha Auctions Woodford

cattle sale on Monday. All buyers were in operation with the market remaining unchanged.

Channel Country Agricultural Company, Kilcoy, sold young Santa and Droughtmaster weaner steers for $800, $690 and $680.

STS Trust, Ocean View, sold a Charolais bull for $1,800. Sommer Brothers, Maleny,

sold Angus cross cows for $1,360 and $910.

Keith and Regina Schultz, Elimbah, sold Droughtmaster steers for $710.

Graham Schroeder, Caboolture, sold Angus vealer heifers for $520.

TOOGOOLAWAH STORE SALE

Jessica Schneider, Sheep Station Creek, sold Charolais cross calves for $345.

Rogers Egg Supplies, Toogoolawah, sold Angus steers for $1,100.

MORETON

AGENTS Boyd, O’Brien and Bartholomew reported a yarding of 412 head at their weekly live weight cattle sale at Moreton on Tuesday.

A reduced yarding came to hand with all classes showing a decline in numbers. Export cattle sold to a firm market with all processors in attendance. A small yarding of quality trade came to hand and sold to a competitive panel of buyers. Weaner steers and heifers sold to a slightly easier market as dry weather continues to affect buyer confidence.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

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

BOOKINGS STILL OPEN

Pens of weaner steers: Mark Werner (Charbray X) 275.2c $734.

Pens of weaner heifers: RB Toft (Droughtmaster X) 201.2c $626.

Backgrounder steers: F. O’Shea (Charolais X) 299.2c $1,084.

Feeder steers: Emervale (Charbray) 301.2c $1,512.

4 tooth pasture ox: Emervale (Charbray) 260.2c $1,476.

8 tooth ox: Sam Turner (Droughtmaster) 240c $1,608. 0/2 tooth pasture heifers: BM Neumann (Droughtmaster) 250.2c $1,163.

Medium cows: Allig P/L (Santa X) 217.2c $1,229.

Heavy cows: KDS (Droughtmaster) 224.2c

$1,479.

Heavy cows: Toogoolawah High School (Droughtmaster) 220.2c $1,601.

Bul ls: P Stark (Angus) 249.2c $2,467.

EUMUNDI

375 HEAD were yarded at Stariha Auctions Eumundi cattle sale on August 22. There was competition for all descriptions of cattle, resulting in the market holding firm.

Radheath Pty Ltd, Cooroy, sold Charolais and Brahman cross steers for $1,260 and $1,100.

Russell Long, Woolmar, sold Droughtmaster weaner steers for $780.

McIntyre Family, Kenilworth, sold Charolais weaner steers for $890.

James and Alyssa Goldman, Mount Mee, sold a pen of Hereford steers for $700.

Jason Cleary, Kureelpa, sold Angus cows for $1,170 and $1,010.

Neil Hughes, Kandanga Creek, sold a Red Brangus bull for $1,460.

Coolibah Pastoral Co, Flagstone Creek, sold Longhorn cows with young calves at foot for $1,120 and $1,040.

Jeremy and Rose-Marie Langton, Kureelpa, sold an Angus steer for $1,550.

Steven Hamilton, Carters Ridge, sold Droughtmaster cows and calves for $1,200.

John Roe, Gheerulla, sold Droughtmaster vealer males for $480.

FOR MARKET INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE WITH CARTAGE ARRANGEMENTS CONTACT US - ANYTIME YOU TOO CAN ACHIEVE THESE RESULTS

Consign your cattle to Moreton Saleyards. Cartage arranged for any numbers of livestock. Selling every Tuesday 8am. For further enquiries phone any time

Somerset Mayor announces retirement

SOMERSET Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann has announced his decision to retire, taking the opportunity to share the news during the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball on August 19.

Cr Lehmann started his local government career in Somerset as a councillor of Esk Shire Council in 1994 before becoming Mayor in 2004.

Having served the Somerset community for 30 years, he will step down from his role following the next local government elections in March 2024.

Cr Lehmann’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to achieving positive funding outcomes, exemplified through collaborations with seven Australian Prime

Ministers and four Queensland Premiers. His efforts have focused on benefiting the Somerset community, ensuring sustainable growth and development.

Deputy Mayor Cr Helen Brieschke reflected on Cr Lehmann’s accomplishments, saying his legacy showcases his dedicated work towards the community’s betterment.

“Together with the broader Somerset team, he has driven meaningful progress in our region,” Cr Brieschke said. Working collaboratively with the Somerset community led to remarkable achievements under Cr Lehmann’s leadership. These include the impressive accomplishment of eliminating Council debt, and positioning Somerset as the only debt-

Brisbane Valley Santa

Gertrudis

Bull Sale - Sept 13

THE 2023 Brisbane Valley Santa Bull Sale will be held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds on Wednesday September 13, commencing at 12.30pm where 72 quality, commercially orientated, herd improvers will go under the hammer of guest auctioneer Innes Fahey.

All bulls have had the same vaccinations, 3-germ blood, Vibrio, 7 in 1 and 3 day sickness. All bulls will be scanned and semen tested by the one person to enable comparisons to be made between drafts, and all are presale weighed at the saleyards on Tuesday September 12.

The nine studs represented in the sale are all domiciled east of the great dividing range where their cow herds run on forest country, giving these bulls a natural doing ability to perform wherever they go. Bulls from these studs have performed very well in some of the major herds within the breed.

There is a great range of genetics represented in the sale

free council in south east Queensland.

Under his leadership, the introduction of new sporting, cultural, and tourist services and facilities across Somerset’s towns enriched quality of life and cultural diversity.

Cr Lehmann’s commitment to modernising infrastructure resulted in the replacement of 60 timber bridges across the Somerset Region. Key local roads including LowoodMinden Road, Esk-Crows Nest Road, and Gregors Creek Road,underwent crucial upgrades, enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility.

His strong leadership was integral during the recovery process following the devastating 2011 floods, highlighting his dedication to

community well-being.

The completion of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in 2018 stands as a testament to Cr Lehmann’s commitment to enhancing tourism and recreation opportunities.

His strong family support, community involvement, business background, and unwavering honesty and integrity have been foundational to his leadership.

As Cr Lehmann prepares for his transition to a new chapter, Somerset Regional Council recognises his profound impact on the region’s upward trajectory. The legacy of progress and resilience he leaves behind will continue to shape Somerset’s growth and prosperity for years to come.

with 26 individual sires giving 44 classified bulls and 75% exhibiting polled genetics.

Also on offer this year are 5 classified heifers (4 poll) from the Beutel family’s Warrillee stud.

The bulls and heifers will be available for inspection at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds from Monday afternoon.

The vendors are offering freight assistance to these centres - Murgon, Gayndah, Eidsvold, Dalby, Coolabunia, Beaudesert, Casino and Moreton Saleyards if agents are contacted prior to the sale.

Sole agents for the sale are Sheperdson and Boyd, and it will be interfaced with AuctionPlus.

Catalogues are available by contacting Russell Gray on 0429 005 013 or 07 5424 8138 or they can be downloaded from the link on the Brisbane Valley Facebook Page.

Lot 8 will be up for auction at the 2023 Brisbane Valley Santa Bull Sale on Wednesday September 13.

Mayor Graeme Lehmann announced his retirement to follow the 2024 elections at the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball in Esk.

Somerset roundtable discusses rural health workforce issues

FEDERAL Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride and Member for Blair Shayne Neumann hosted a roundtable on regional health in Fernvale last Thursday, with a focus on rural allied health workforce challenges.

The roundtable was attended by around 20 participants from Somerset Regional Council and a range of professional bodies, service providers and local community groups, including Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), the Brisbane Valley Inter-Agency Group and Kilcoy Inter-Agency Group.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network (PHN) and West Moreton Health, as well as the University of Southern Queensland.

A key focus of the forum was allied health workforce shortages and service access issues, which can have a real impact on people living in the Somerset Region.

The outcome of the discussion was a list of recommendations put forward by participants:

• Continuation of funding for the Allied Health Rural Generalist (AHRG) pathway nationally for NGO organisations and private providers in rural and remote

communities.

• Waiving university HELP debts for allied health graduates who live and work in rural and remote areas.

• Deve lopment of an allied health workforce strategy.

These proposals will be distributed to relevant ministerial offices and government agencies to help inform policy initiatives in rural and regional health.

Other issues raised included a lack of transport services to access treatment, Health and Hospital Service area boundaries impacting funding and health workforce recruitment, the need for more allied health training, and a shortage of volunteers.

The need for more aged care services and facilities in the Somerset Region was a recurring theme during the discussion.

Attendees cited the Home Care Workforce Support program operating in Esk as an excellent example of a place-based aged care solution, and urged the Government to continue funding it.

Ms McBride said all Australians deserved to have access to high-quality health services regardless of where they lived.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working collaboratively with local

community groups to boost the health workforce in regional, rural and remote areas,” she said.

“The Government has just announced a health workforce review to make sure we optimise our health professionals, including allied health practitioners in regional, rural and remote areas. So, I encourage SARRAH and Somerset-based organisations to make a submission to this review.”

Mr Neumann said helping make sure locals in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs

have access to good healthcare was at the top of his priority list.

“I’m delighted the Government will be opening a new Ipswich Urgent Care Clinic and Head to Health mental health clinic soon, delivering on my election promises, and these will also service the Somerset Region,” he said.

“But we can always do better, and this roundtable has generated a lot of good ideas on what we can do to improve health services and tackle workforce challenges in the region.”

Somerset Regional Council advocates for fair funding opportunities

SOMERSET Regional Council has resolved to advocate for appropriate provisions in the Thriving Suburbs Program following confirmation from the office of the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government that Council and not-for-profit

organisations in Somerset would be ineligible to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.

Councillor Sean Choat emphasised the importance of fair and balanced funding opportunities.

“Our region deserves the

same opportunities as any other, and we are committed to fighting for our community’s rights. It’s essential that funding programs are reflective of the diverse needs of all Australian councils,” he said.

A key difference between these two funding programs is that the Growing Regions

Program has $600 million available while the Thriving Suburbs Program has $200 million.

Council has been in active discussions with representatives of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government regarding

the guidelines for the Thriving Suburbs Program and amongst other things, is seeking a limit on the maximum funding available for successful applicants under this program. This would ensure a more level playing field for rural councils such as Somerset compared to capital city councils.

“Council will request a review of the geographic boundaries of the Growing Regions Program for future rounds. This review aims to address discrepancies, such as the classification of Gold Coast City (with a population of 732,000) as an eligible regional area, while Somerset Region (with a population of 26,000) is currently categorised within the Brisbane metropolitan region,”

Cr Choat said.

“Somerset Regional Council is committed to securing equitable funding opportunities for its community and local projects.”

On June 12 2023, Council wrote to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government expressing

concerns over the exclusion of Somerset Regional Council from the Australian government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program. A response was received on August 1 acknowledging Council’s submission and confirming that changes have been made to the program’s guidelines in response to that submission. However, Somerset Regional Council and other regional councils located near capital cities remain ineligible to apply for funding under the revised guidelines.

Cr Choat said, Somerset Regional Council remained dedicated to pursuing the best outcomes for its constituents and projects, striving for a more inclusive and just allocation of government support.

It’s proposed that key projects identified for the Growing Regions Program, including the Toogoolawah Gateway Centre, Toogoolawah pool upgrade, and Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre Upgrade Stage One, would be included in applications for the Thriving Suburbs Program.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann hosted a regional health roundtable in Fernvale with Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride (centre), representatives of Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), and Darling Downs & West Moreton PHN CEO Lucille Chalmers (right).

Preparations underway for bushfire season

AHEAD of the traditional summer bushfire season, Somerset Regional Council has commenced hazard reduction activities in the region.

At the request of Biarra Rural Fire Brigade, maintenance work on the firebreak originally installed along Breen Lane for the purpose of protecting the Esk township is being undertaken.

Council continues to work with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and other agencies such as SEQWater and HQ Plantations to reduce bushfire hazards in the region. An example of this was some recent controlled burns that occurred around Lake Somerset and Moore. In the coming months, if conditions suit, more planned hazard reductions are anticipated.

Rural Fire Brigade Coordination Committee representative Councillor Jason Wendt said the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has predicted above-average temperatures and drierthan-normal conditions for Queensland in the coming months, creating a perfect storm for bushfire activity.

“We’ve seen the devastating impact of bushfires in the past, and we can’t afford to be complacent. Every individual, family, and community must be prepared and vigilant,” Cr Wendt said.

“I encourage Somerset residents to bookmark our disaster dashboard and sign up for weather alerts and remain updated at all times during natural disaster events.”

“There are some simple activities everyone can take that will make a real difference in protecting your family and property and I urge you to take some time now to do those things before it’s too late.”

Council and QFES recommend clearing vegetation and debris around homes, maintaining a buffer zone, and ensuring that firefighting equipment is accessible can make a significant difference in preventing fires from reaching residences.

Assembling emergency kits containing essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medication, important documents, and communication devices is crucial in case of evacuation.

Families should develop a comprehensive plan that outlines evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies. Regularly practicing the plan can help ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Monitoring official channels, such as the QFES website and social media accounts, will provide up-to-date information on fire conditions and emergency alerts.

Review your insurance coverage to ensure it adequately covers potential fire damage and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need assistance in preparing for a bushfire.

For more information and to sign up for free weather alerts, go to Council’s disaster dashboard at disaster.somerset. qld.gov.au/

PUBlIC NoTICes

KILCOY RSL SUB BRANCH

Opening

5497 1788

dressMAKer

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sAle

fArM, fodder & lIVesToCK

MelToN fArMs

Hay FOR SaLE - Rhodes Grass 4x4

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GArdeNING ANd eleCTrICAl

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sTIHl whipper snipper FS55, 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. Weldmate arc stick welder 100amps with a sheild as new $60. 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.

HoUseHold

CHesT freezer Large size, in good working order. $300. PH 0476 137 421. Kilcoy.

H AN dCrAfT ed GI fTs Sharyn’s colourful crochet rugs. Cash lay-by available. Text ‘rugs’ to 0421 202 617 for a return call. Made in Kilcoy.

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 avail. Offers. PH 0416 276 763.

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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.

fUNerAls

VIerITz, Dorothy (Dot) Grace Resided in Kilcoy for 30 wonderful years.

Passed away 8th august 2023.

90 Years young TO CELEBRATE

Dot’s Life

Saturday 9 September 2023

10am to 1pm

37 McCauley Street, Kilcoy

Wear a spot of red, if you wish

PosITIoNs VACANT DUFFYS

Position Vacant

Duffys Mitre 10 Kilcoy requires an experienced person for customer service and sales. Sound knowledge of hardware supplies. Regular 3 days per week and half day Saturdays (flexible).

Please forward resume to: Garth duffy

50 Mary st, Kilcoy Qld 4515 or email: garth@duffysmitre10.com.au

PUBlIC NoTICes

Ph: 07 5422 0564

18 Kennedy St, Kilcoy QLD 4514

www.kilcoyrsl.com.au

or find us on facebook

PUBlIC NoTICes

KILCOY CANCER

SUPPORT GROUP

BREAST & THE REST

Meets third Tuesday (monthly) @ 10am

Kilcoy RSL Rooms (Kennedy St)

Contact: Sandra 0429 382 724 or John 0403 336 263

rAffle resUlTs drawn at the rsl Club rooms

friday 25th August, 2023

Kilcoy Butchery – Glen (Purple E84)

Kilcoy Secondhand – Snow (Black D03)

Stanley Hotel – Jason (Blue E95)

Plush Lifestyles – Chuck (Green C07) MeMBers drAW

#284 – Brenton Bailey (not present)

NeXT drAW: $100 friday 1st september @ 6:30pm (Must be present to win)

To reNT / leAse

BUrPeNGArY

Roomy brick ranch style home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plus fully self contained granny flat / studio unit on 4½ acres. Plenty of sheds and 3 carports. Suit persons familiar with acreage or farm living, who need to accommodate an older parent. Rent by negotiation.

PH 3886 1722 - please leave a detailed message for a call back.

living

sTorAGe UNIT 1 avail, 40ft $240/mth. Call re/MAX living on 07 5496 1922

CAN'T STOP DRINKING?

We can help. AA works!

Call 1300 222 222

KIlCoY KrAfTers

Craft, learn to sew, knit, crochet, patchwork and quilting. all welcome. Kilcoy Explore Centre, Hope St, 9am each Thursday.

solAr PoWer

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GOLF

Lowood

Tuesday August 22: Single

Stableford. Men’s winner D Sheraton 38, r/up B Lowe

37 on a count back; Ladies winner Peta Dwyer 36, r/up E Jensen 34.

BRD: Y Jones 40; I Dobbie

37; B Victor 36; R Heathwood

34; M Whitwell, J Hines 33.

NTPs: 2 D Olsen, 5 R

Young, 11 C Petrohilos, 14 I Dobbie, 4/13 2nd shot Div 1 J Luxford, Div 2 R Young.

Thursday August 24: Single Stableford. Winner P Jensen 36 on a count back from r/up

M Taylor.

BRD: S Kaituu, L Sheraton

35; S Kopelke, R Heathwood, P Harmon 34; G Winter 33 on a count back.

NTPs: 2 R Robinson, 5 S

Kaituu, 11 G Winter, 14 Pat

Dwyer, 14 Ladies 2nd shot

Peta Dwyer, 9/18 2nd shot Div

1 Shane Kopelke.

Saturday August 26: Single Stableford. Winner S Mahoney

42, r/up P Harmon 40.

BRD: A Jones, P Hallett

39; Shane Kopelke, T Norris

38; B Wieland, J Harvey 37; J

Grace 36.

NTPs: 2 J Levitt, 5 B Wieland, 11 Paul Coles, 14 R Smith, 14 Ladies 2nd shot Sue Kopelke, 1/10 2nd shot Div 1 T Norris.

Toogoolawah

Wednesday August 23 ladies morning golf winners Chris Stevens (18 holes), Wendy Hatfield (nine holes).

NTP Chris Stevens.

Afternoon Chook Run nine hole single Stableford winner Richie Marschke 25 points. R/ up Agg Dagan 24.

NTP: 5 and 9 Peter Eldridge.

Saturday August 26

Toogoolawah Kindergarten

Charity Golf Day, a twoperson Ambrose sponsored by South East Country Vets (Bill Roughan, family and staff).

Winners Agg Dagan and Justin Wilcock 61.25 nett, runners-up Leon and Landon Proud 62.

Encouragement award Angela Lynch and Christine Hardgrave.

NTPs: Non-golfer closest chip 1/10 Dan Krisanski, nongolfer longest putt 5/14 Jason Harvey, golfers longest putt 8/17 Bryce McDougall, golfers

Swag of winners at Toogoolawah golf charity event

THERE were a lot of happy prize winners at the Toogoolawah Golf Club when the Toogoolawah Kindy Charity Day raffle was drawn last Saturday.

Golfers and non-golfers were well catered for with

closest chip 9/18 Lea-Jayne Marschke. All In: 3/12 Bill Schneid, 4/13 Enid Faulkner, 6/15 Justin Wilcock, 7/16 men’s Anthony Wieland, ladies Kiara Wieland.

What a fantastic day for the Kindy Charity Day. 54 players, food, raffle tickets and an auction to follow golf.

A big shout out to south East Country Vets for an awesome trophy day.

To all the other sponsors who contributed to the day you are all wonderful, you know who you are.

Sunday August 27 Pennants at Brisbane River Sandy Gallop versus Toogoolawah. Sandy won 4/1.

Coming events: Saturday September 2 Blackbutt Cup 18 hole single Stroke event –time sheet 7am-8am/10.30am -12pm.

Wednesday September 6 ladies morning golf 8am for 18 holes, 9am for nine holes.

Afternoon Chook Run 3pm tee-off.

Esk

Saturday August 26 twoperson Ambrose sponsored by Ipswich Driving Range.

Winners S Berry, T Adams 61.5 nett, runners-up H Knubel, I Knopke 64.5, third B Thorogood, P Cook 64.75.

Rundown: L Robson, J Kerr; H Gargano (L), B Gargano; D Richards, B Tumney; G Proctor, S Adams (L); B Moore, I Timms.

Bradmans: J Guest, C Guest (L).

burgers, sausage sizzle and for the sweet tooth plates of home cooked goodies.

The day was a great success for Toogoolawah Crèche and Kindergarten Centre.

Thank to the many sponsors, players and supporters.

NTPs: Men’s: 1/10 3rd I Timms, B Moore; 5/14 3rd S Wilson, G Wilson; 9/18 2nd B Moore, I Timms. Mixed: 2/11 3rd B Gargano, H Gargano. All in: 4/13 E Lee, G Collins; 8/17 2nd G Proctor, S Adams (L).

Good turnout for the Ipswich Driving Range sponsored day.

The sponsor and Trev won the game, but agreed to raffle off their prize to make a bit extra for the club.

Many thanks to Scotty from Ipswich Driving Range for putting on a top day with lots of prizes, not many players missed out.

Sunday August 27 nine hole Chooky winner G Steele 25 nett, runner-up G Lockett 31 (L).

Run-down: J Humphrey, I Macintyre, D Back, B Glanville, G Spencer 33; V Scott 34; M Beetz 35; C Pettet, G Ray 36; S Wilson 38, G Punch, P Cook 39.

Putting competition: Mario Beetz 14.

NTPs: 13 S Wilson; 17 2nd J Humphrey (in hole).

Another top day for our Chooky, Greg winning with a top score of 25 nett, well done.

Runner-up was Glenda on 31 nett with a heap of men chasing her on 33 nett.

The rest of the field well behind with Cooky taking out worst score, which gets him a point on the championship board.

Friday August 25 Turkey Run. Brian Glanville the winner on a beautiful afternoon for golf. Mario Beetz was runnerup and also won the pin shot on 4 and the pin shot on 8 with a birdie.

We welcomed Leah-Jane, Michael and Keeper to the Turkey Run.

B Glanville 46/29; r/up M Beetz 43/32.

NTPs: 4 and 8 M Beetz.

Run down: P Cook 44/33; G Ray 49/33; I McIntyre 51/33; J Humphrey 46/35; G Lockett 59/36; M O’Connor 39/37; L Carey 47/38; D Back 48/38;

G Punch 50/38; LJ Marschke 51/41.

Kilcoy

Sunday August 20 Mixed Foursomes Championships (18 holes), trophy donor Backyard Bling.

Gross winners Troy Edwards and Vicki Meloni 76; nett winners Guy Morgan and Jenny Runge 71.5, nett runners-up Eric and Peggy McMillan. 18-hole Stableford, trophy donor Kilcoy Golf Club. Winner Steve Pickering 34 points, r/up Don Thrupp 33.

Saturday August 26 ladies nine hole competition, trophy donor Stanley Hotel. Winner Delores Cole, r/up Louise Howard.

Sunday August 27: Kilcoy Open Cup, 18-hole Stroke. Winner Rod Howard, r/up Scott Bell.

Kilcoy golfers Kerryn Smith, Robyn Webster, Vicki Meloni, Peg McMillan, Rose Patterson and Louise Howard.

Kilcoy Golf Open Cup winner Rod Howard (left) and Scott Bell (right) with trophy donor Don Thrupp (middle).

Toogoolawah Kindy Charity Day was held at Toogoolawah Golf Club last Saturday. Donated Rabbits jersey signed by all 2023 players and coaching staff was auctioned off by Peter Chant of Ray White. Peter Granzien was the lucky winner with a bid of $460. The 4.5kg tube of Toblerone went to Chris Morgan’for $130. All proceeds were donated to the Toogoolawah Kindergarten Fundraising Account. Well done Peter - a total of $590.

All the golfing winners at the Toogoolawah Golf Club charity day in aid of the Toogoolawah Kindergarten: Dan Krisanski, Christine Hardgrave, Jason Harvey, Agg Dagan, Bill Roughan (sponsor) and, in front, Bryce McDougall.

Top-10 placing for Lowood duo at school bowls event

DEKOTA Brindle and Nick Miller finished in 10th place as the duo represented Lowood State High School in the Bowls Queensland Secondary School Cup event at Pine Rivers Bowls Club last week.

The other 17 pairs in the twoday event came from schools at places including Beerwah, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Glasshouse, Tully, Mackay, North Mackay, Mt Larcom, Longreach, and Stretton.

Five rounds took place on the Wednesday before four took place on the Thursday, with play starting at 1.15pm and finishing at 7.30pm on day one while there was also a dinner break from 5.45pm to 6.30pm.

Play ran from 8.30am to 1pm on day two before lunch and presentations followed.

Along with the bowlers from Beerwah and North Mackay, the Lowood duo had four wins and five losses.

For the third straight year

the winners were from James Nash State High School, with Slater Mason and Riley Gerick the triumphant duo this time.

Slater and Riley had eight wins and one loss, as did the runners-up from Stretton State College.

Riley’s brother Cody skippered the previous two winning teams, with Tilah Mason his colleague in 2021 before Madelyn McDonald was his colleague the following year.

Wolves’ premiership surge hits a snag

THE Stanley River Wolves remain one win away from a grand final berth after the Bribie Island Warrigals became the first team to qualify for this year’s Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) reserve grade decider.

Bribie defeated Stanley River 20-12 in last Saturday’s major semi-final at the Bribie Island-based Bernie Foley Oval, after the Beerwah Bulldogs beat the Kawana Dolphins 26-23 in the minor semi-final.

Stanley River and Beerwah will subsequently square off in this Saturday’s preliminary final at Sunshine Coast Stadium, after the teams met only a fortnight earlier in week one of the finals.

Last Saturday was only the second time this year that the Wolves tasted defeat, while the Warrigals continued their

unbeaten year.

Wolves co-coach Ethan Szendrey didn’t sound overly concerned about last Saturday’s defeat, as he said it was much different from the 26-10 loss that his team sustained against the Warrigals back on May 27.

Szendrey said “as a team we didn’t perform (well)” in the 2610 loss, whereas last Saturday “was a high quality game”.

“I wouldn’t really look at it as a setback or anything of the sort,” he said of last Saturday’s defeat.

“At the end of the day it was a really good game of footy.”

Although the winners from last Saturday earned a week’s rest, Szendrey said it wasn’t a bad thing to have to play this Saturday considering the Wolves were short of match practice in the past couple of months due to a few wins on forfeit as well as a general bye.

Stanley River had a setback in the warm-up last Saturday as Casey Gray injured his knee and was forced to withdraw from the match.

After Szendrey predicted last week that the Wolves needed to be ready to be in an arm-wrestle for the whole 70 minutes, the first half was very much an arm-wrestle.

Neither team scored in the first 32 minutes, before a converted try to Paul McKewin took the Warrigals to a 6-0 lead.

The Wolves erred at the start of the second half, and paid dearly as Jack McAlister scored a try soon afterwards to stretch the margin to 10 points.

Stanley River recovered as Tony Ainsworth scored a converted try, and the Wolves gained some momentum before another turning point occurred.

Matthew Mladenovic put in a perfectly placed cross-field

Eagles Div 1 men reach grand final

ONE Brisbane Valley senior soccer team booked a grand final berth while three of the other teams remained in contention for the grand final, as semi-final action took place last Saturday.

The Eagles Div 1 men’s side earned its spot in the decider as this team defeated Whitehill 2-1 at Lowood Sports Complex.

The Eagles will keenly anticipate who their opponent is, with Whitehill and the

Westminster Warriors going head-to-head at Tivoli Sporting Complex this Saturday.

In Div 3, the Brisbane Valley Hawks won their semi-final 2-0 against St. Pauls Uniting at Lowood Sports Complex, with the Hawks going on to contest Raceview in this Saturday’s preliminary final at Caledonian Park.

The Eagles senior women went down 1-0 to the Blackstone United Dragons at Blackstone

but will have one more chance to reach the decider, as they oppose Raceview at Caledonian Park on Saturday.

Brisbane Valley’s U18s thumped the Dragons 7-0 at Lowood last Saturday but still need another victory to qualify for the grand final.

This Eagles outfit will contest the Westminster Warriors in Saturday’s preliminary final at Redbank Plains.

kick, only for a certain try to go begging as a simple catch was fumbled.

Instead of leading 12-10 or being level at 10-all, the Wolves trailed 16-6 several minutes later as Bribie’s Anthony Evans scored a converted try.

Szendrey said afterwards that “Bribie executed a couple of chances better than we did” while the Wolves needed to realise how important it was to take such opportunities.

A converted try to Luke Gillett gave the Warrigals a 14-point lead, before Jack Argent scored for Stanley River with about four minutes remaining.

Realistically, Argent’s try came a bit too late for the Wolves to have any real hope of a comeback.

Szendrey said he was fairly happy with his team’s discipline and ball control, while he didn’t

think there was too much which required attention.

“We’ll take a huge amount out of that game,” he said.

Szendrey nonetheless said the Wolves needed to “clean up some small areas” such as the bombed try, while another error was being held on the last tackle on their own side of halfway.

Szendrey said the Warrigals were “the team to beat” and that “they proved on the weekend why they are where they are”.

“We knew Bribie had good defence (but) they probably shocked us with how quick their line speed was,” he said.

“We probably moved a bit too laterally.

“Our scrambling defence on our line left a bit to be desired.”

Looking ahead, Szendrey said the Wolves had to focus on beating the Bulldogs and to not think about a rematch with the Warrigals.

Indigenous engagement a vital step forward for agriculture

IN THE heart of our nation’s thriving agriculture industry lies an opportunity with immense potential for growth, sustainability, and cultural enrichment – ongoing Indigenous engagement.

As we navigate an era of increasing challenges and opportunities, and with Australia’s Voice referendum imminent, it is crucial that we recognise and leverage the knowledge, perspectives, and practices that our communities bring to the table.

Many in our membership have developed effective collaborative agreements with their local Indigenous connections, and we can learn from these.

We have Indigenous members running sustainable businesses and we seek to continue to support them growing and expanding into the future.

From sustainable land management techniques to a deep understanding of local ecosystems, Indigenous insights can and do enable us to foster a harmonious

relationship with the landscapes we depend upon.

Indigenous engagement isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a practical necessity.

As external change poses threats to our farming systems, we must carry on tapping into the age-old resilience that Indigenous communities have honed over centuries.

By incorporating their knowledge, we can continue to enhance our adaptive capacity, ensuring food security for generations to come.

But this engagement must go beyond a mere transactional

exchange of ideas.

It necessitates building authentic partnerships that respect Indigenous cultural values, and aspirations.

Our industry should be characterised by mutual learning, where traditional wisdom is integrated with modern agricultural advancements.

This synergy can foster innovation, opening doors to novel approaches that benefit not only farmers but also the environment.

At AgForce we stand committed to driving this

conversation, and as such have now endorsed our first Indigenous Engagement Policy.

As we forge ahead in a rapidly evolving world, let us remember that progress is most meaningful when it is shared.

The agriculture industry stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to draw upon the rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledge.

It’s time to take another step together - for the betterment of our land, our communities, and our shared future.

Dalton Smith is set to return for Stanley River after missing last Saturday’s match due to work commitments, while Gray is likely to remain sidelined for the remainder of the season.

John Snow is also in doubt after sustaining a suspected broken hand which will require x-rays.

This Saturday will be the fourth time the Wolves and Bulldogs meet this year, after a 30-10 win to Stanley River in April was followed by an 18-all draw in June and a 46-16 victory for Stanley River in the August 19 fixture.

Interestingly, Szendrey coached the Bulldogs last year when they beat the Wolves 2410 in the preliminary final to end Stanley River’s premiership aspirations, before he returned to his junior club this year after Beerwah lost last year’s decider 24-4 to Coolum.

Michael Guerin, AgForce Chief Executive Officer

Nick Miller and Dekota Brindle represented Lowood State High School in last week’s Bowls Queensland Secondary School Cup event.

Dylan Gardner excels at Woodford Golf Pro Am

A MIX of pros and amateurs flocked to the Woodford Golf Club on Monday of last week for the Woodford Professional Golfers Association (PGA)

Associate Pro Am.

There were 50 pros and 54 amateurs as the participants came from as far north as Bundaberg and as far south as Yamba, while the event was the first of its type in Woodford for nearly 10 years.

Groups comprised two pros and two amateurs, with the pros teeing off at 7am and playing 36 holes while the amateurs teed off in the afternoon and played 18 holes.

The format was Stroke for the pros and Stableford for the amateurs, with many of the pros visiting Woodford for the first time.

The overall winner was Dylan Gardner of Pelican Waters with scores of 63 and 66, while Zach Ion of Virginia placed second with 64 and 68.

Dylan was no stranger to Woodford, having joined this club a few years back when his home course was closed for renovations.

Dylan grew up at Mt Kilcoy, where his parents Michael and Jodie still reside, and was a Kilcoy Golf Club Junior.

Dylan Gardner of Pelican Waters (formerly of Mt Kilcoy and a Kilcoy Golf Club Junior) claimed top spot in the recent Woodford PGA Associate Pro Am.