The Sentinel 10 April 2024

Students cleared for take-off

A MASSIVE project taking three years and 1500 hours of work by dozens of St Columban’s College students and staff has finally taken flight. A large gathering converged at the Caboolture Aerodrome Clubhouse recently for the unveiling of the College’s

student-built Vans RV plane. “This is the culmination of an extraordinary journey, a journey fuelled by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the future of aviation in this country,” Principal, Michael Connolly said. Story p4

Road set for dead end

Opposition promises to scrap Bruce Highway alternative route at election

By Sonia Isaacs

leader David Crisafulli MP has pledged to scrap a contentious motorway proposal set to directly impact residents in Elimbah, Moodlu and parts of Caboolture, if his party wins the October state election.

The election promise,

read out by Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell, said the LNP had listened to community concerns and would not proceed with the route if Labor did not confirm an appropriate preferred route by the election.

“If the process isn’t finalised by the election, the LNP will listen to your

request and scrap the current routes and find an alternative that doesn’t divide community and ruin primary production,” Mr Crisafulli wrote.

About 200 residents attended the April 6 community meeting at the Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall. The Bruce Highway Alternative route, revealed in November last year, potentially threatens hundreds of residential properties.

and made them “prisoners” of their own homes.

Residents said the fear they could be displaced, as well as what they say is Transport and Main Roads’ disregard to these concerns has left their lives in limbo

The event attracted politicians including Pumicestone MP, Ali King, Federal MP for Longman, Terry Young, Moreton Bay Division 12 Councillor Tony Latter, and LNP candidate for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan. Story p3

LNP state

MITCH GAYNOR

news@sentinelnews.com.au

LIAM HAUSER

liam@sentinelnews.com.au

0451 216 552

MARINA GOMIDE

marina@sentinelnews.com.au

0406 505 656

JULIE EADDY

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0448 692 331

ON THE COVER

Sentinel

FROM THE EDITOR

TIMING is everything

and for those potentially impacted by the proposed Bruce Highway Alternative route, this has never been a more relevant adage.

The revelation late last year that the proposed route could be running through hundreds of backyards in Caboolture, Elimbah and Moodlu, was, understandably, a terrifying proposition for many.

Made worse was Transport and Main Roads’ decision to release the route just prior to Christmas, thereby giving residents little time to digest the information before the long break.

Minister inspects new Lockyer Valley prison

QUEENSLAND’S newest prison – under construction in the Lockyer Valley – is set to receive a number of improvements in a boost for staff and community safety.

Corrective Services

Minister Nikki Boyd MP toured the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre site on April 6 to inspect construction, which is expected to be complete before the end of the year.

The Government has boosted investment in the facility by $25 million to improve the safety and security of the facility, implement drone detection technology and develop industry spaces to maximise the rehabilitation of prisoners and reduce the risk of reoffending.

The new investment in improved safety brings the total cost to $885 million.

The 1536-bed-centre’s 40 buildings are now all in place with internal fit-outs underway.

The centre will operate under the rehabilitationfocused model with health services and programs delivered on site.

As previously announced in February, commissioning is expected to commence later this year.

“We will not compromise on safety and security during this process,” Ms Boyd said.

“A cut-price correctional centre just isn’t an option.”

Not to be outdone, residents banded together and within weeks had secured meetings with TMR officials, organised an extension to submission

deadlines, gathered an 11,000-signature petition and finally succeeded in having a meeting with the new Transport minister. That might have indicated that progress was being made. Maybe not.

The response to the petition left residents miffed, and that’s probably a mild description. But there is an ace up their collective sleeves and that’s the upcoming state election.

Much as the election is shaping politics in Brisbane with the Olympics, so it is in this part of the world.

Sniffing an opportunity, the Opposition leader David Crisafulli has made the politically smartand obvious - move, by pledging to scrap the route if the government doesn’t come up with its promised

preferred route by mid-year.

It makes for an easier choice come the state election in October (story p3). Speaking of timing, the other beneficiary of the controversial issue is LNP Pumicestone candidate

Ariana Doolan. Labor is on the nose and is finding it hard to put a foot right.

What better opportunity for a young and relatively inexperienced candidate to get their teeth into a genuine community issue.

With a relatively small margin - about 5 per centPumicestone’s Labor MP, Ali King, must somehow try and appease voters in the area, while maintaining Labor’s position and shoring up.

It’s a highwire act that is there to be exploited by the LNP. The government may well have the answer

to Ms King’s concerns, with a helpful preferred route (to government) come June.

But Ms Doolan would be well served by tapping into the current dearth of information and becoming the public face of the LNP’s position on the route.

If Labor’s response to criticism of its Olympics rollout is anything to go by, Ms Doolan can’t go wrong.

There’s plenty of great reading in this week’s Sentinel.

From the students at St Columban’s College building their own plane (p4) to our bus driver of the year straight out of Kilcoy (p6).

We also talk to new Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt and Moreton newcomer, Cr Jim Moloney (p7 and p5).

Happy reading!

Warning over dodgy tradies

THE Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is taking the unusual approach of warning consumers to avoid dealing with Brendan John Hawxwell and his company Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd, after several Queenslanders claim they were ripped off by the tradie.

The OFT received multiple complaints from consumers who paid Mr Hawxwell for building services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast which he failed to provide, including retaining walls, fencing, and decking.

Mr Hawxwell also operates businesses called ‘Brisbane Fencing and Decking’, or ‘Queensland Fencing and Decking’. Consumers were required to make substantial

payments upfront, with some deposits reaching up to 45 per cent of the value of the quote before work commenced. They are now substantially out of pocket.

Mr Hawxwell and his company operate under business numbers ACN: 662 155 311 and ABN: 94 662 155 311. The company has now been placed in liquidation. Queensland Building and Construction Commission building licence numbers listed include:

- Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd – licence number 15363039 (no longer active)

- Brendan John Hawxwell – licence number 15187567 (currently active)

Consumers should be aware there are several

businesses operating in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with similar names that are not linked to the public warning notice for Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd and Brendan Hawxwell.

The OFT recommends checking the ACN or ABN to confirm which company you are dealing with.

Consumers should also watch out for social media accounts or websites created by Mr Hawxwell to attract new business. Recent reports state that he may be advertising his building services in northern NSW as well.

OFT is also advising consumers to avoid buying goods from online motor parts seller Japam Pty Ltd, as the OFT moves to take

further action against the company and its owner Jason Murray.

Mr Murray has been operating Japam Pty Ltd ACN 656 929 305, mainly through eBay and Facebook, and has repeatedly failed to provide reconditioned engines bought by consumers, leaving them out of pocket.

The OFT is investigating a number of complaints about this trader including from consumers in other states who ordered engines and failed to receive them. They were given excuses for the delays, then promised a refund but eventually all communication stopped. Complaints can be lodged online at www.qld.gov.au/ fairtrading or by calling 13QGOV (13 74 68).

Mitch

Mitch Gaynor r

Somerset continues growing

SOMERSET Regional Council has recorded population growth of 2.1% to 26,251 in the 2022/2023 year according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said he was pleased to see the region growing, although it was no surprise.

“We are always pleased to see the annual official population increase figures, as they help confirm that people are voting with their feet and moving to Somerset to enjoy the lifestyle we offer,” Cr Wendt said.

Cr Wendt said the ABS reported that the Lowood/ Fernvale SA2 statistical area grew by 2.5% with Kilcoy SA2 growing by 1.8% followed by Esk/ Toogoolawah SA2 growing by 1.2%.

“At a practical level, the increasing population will help us to continue securing grants for our region, which in turn helps Council to provide services at an affordable cost,” he said.

“We can also invest these grants into transport and other infrastructure to make our community safer and more productive.”

The 2023 regional population statistics are available at https://www. abs.gov.au/statistics/ people/population/regionalpopulation/2022-23.

Get out of the road out

Residents attend the Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall.

Opposition promises to scrap contentious Bruce Highway alternative route

● ELIMBAH

LNP state leader David Crisafulli MP has pledged to scrap a contentious motorway proposal set to directly impact residents in Elimbah, Moodlu and parts of Caboolture, if his party wins the October state election.

The election promise, read out by Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell, said the LNP had listened to community concerns and would not proceed with the route if Labor did not confirm an appropriate preferred route by the election.

About 200 residents attended the April 6 community meeting at the Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall.

The Bruce Highway Alternative route, revealed in November last year, potentially threatens hundreds of residential properties.

Residents said the fear they could be displaced, as well as what they say is Transport and Main Roads’ disregard to these concerns has left their lives in limbo and made them “prisoners”

“If the process isn’t finalised by the election, the LNP will listen to your request and scrap the current routes and find an alternative that doesn’t divide community and ruin primary production,” Mr Crisafulli wrote.

of their own homes.

The hot button issue attracted a range of politicians including Pumicestone MP, Ali King, Federal MP for Longman, Terry Young, Moreton Bay Division 12 Councillor Tony Latter, as well as LNP candidate for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, and One Nation candidate David Beaton.

Ms King promised to continue to work with the community and provide clearer timeframes for residents.

Spokesperson for residents opposed to the route, Jason Smith, said the weekend meeting was needed after what he said

Rain doesn’t stop push to prepare for bushfire season

QUEENSLANDERS are already being urged to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season, after a wet summer contributed to significant vegetation growth.

A significant amount of rainfall in the Woodford and Kilcoy areas has led to increased vegetation fuel loads which could lead to a greater susceptibility to bushfires, according to Brisbane region’s Rural

Fire Service (RFS) Bushfire Mitigation Manager, Shaune Toohey.

Mr Toohey is imploring residents to get on top of their bushfire preparation early.

“While it’s still early days, we’re looking for the community to do their bit to clear excess debris and prepare their property for when things dry out,” he said.

“We’ll start to work

with partner agencies to conduct hazard reduction burns in the coming weeks, but there are a lot of things landowners can do themselves to decrease their fire risk such as clearing vegetation, trimming trees, mowing regularly and removing dead leaves and branches.”

Mr Toohey also stressed the importance of a bushfire plan and an emergency kit.

He emphasised putting

plans in place before the season kicks off, so that one’s family knew exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

“Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with water, a portable radio, a torch and a fi aid kit and reach out to friends and family so that you’ve always got a few options of where your family can go in the event of a bushfire,” he said.

could best be described as a “dismissive and disappointing” response by the Transport Minister, Bart Mellish to a parliamentary petition that received over 11,000 signatories.

“The response from the Transport Minister and TMR is beyond disappointing,” he said.

“Their refusal to take the community voice of 11,000 constituents into consideration and take this currently proposed route off the table shows a complete disregards, lack of respect and frankly indicates clear incompetence.”

In his written response, dated March 12, the Transport Minister said “the

Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) acknowledged the concerns, including potential property, agricultural, environmental and cultural heritage impacts”

“In response to community feedback received across a range of channels, TMR has committed to consider all viable corridor alignment options.” The response left community representatives fuming, saying it disregards overwhelming community opposition and demands to consider more appropriate routes.

Mr Smith said the community was ready to “double down” and hold TMR to account.

◗ Liam Hauser

◗ Sonia Isaacs

Students take flight

St Columban’s College students unveil three year aircraft project

● CABOOLTURE

◗

A LARGE gathering of people converged at the Caboolture Aerodrome Clubhouse for the unveiling of the St Columban’s College student-built Vans RV plane, during the afternoon of Friday March 22.

The Vans RV 12iS aircraft involved more than 1500 hours of work within three years, featuring 27 students and five staff from St Columban’s College as well as 12 mentors from Flight Youth Engineering.

The extended build time was to ensure students could gain the most from their experience while ensuring the result was a completed aircraft of a very high standard.

Students

fight against weeds

HARLIN State School

The final paint coat was completed by renowned Redcliffe business Bell Helicopters, and paint was supplied by Axalta which has showcased the meticulous Flight Youth Engineering.

All 44 names were inscribed on the aircraft, with the 27 students being members of the St Columban’s College Aero Club.

The aircraft passed all of its tests and has already had more than 25 hours of flight. The plane will remain at Redcliffe Aerodrome so that the community can access the aircraft, until it’s sold into a syndicate based out of Redcliffe.

Funds raised from the sale will be placed in a trust for future builds for St Columban’s College Aero Club students.

Speakers at the unveiling of the aircraft included St Columban’s College principal Michael Connolly and staff member Simone Buckingham, who was the driving force behind the initiative.

“This is the culmination of an extraordinary journey, a journey fuelled by passion, innovation, and an

country,” Mr Connolly said. The school principal recalled about five years ago when Ms Buckingham shared her vision of building an aeroplane, at about the same time Mr Connolly began his role at the school.

and within me as well, an excitement born from recognition of the immense potential for learning and skill development within the fields of STEM”.

Mr Connolly said he embraced Ms Buckingham’s idea, “recognising its

St Columban’s College students are keen to check out the aircraft. .

the skills shortage within our aviation industry throughout Australia.

“What better way to achieve this than by engaging in practical, hands-on learning,” he said.

Living Waters Catholic Parish priest Krupa Bonagiri gave a blessing, before attendees closely inspected the aircraft

In attendance was Federal Member for Longman, Terry Young, who said he has watched the students build this aircraft over the last couple of years, transforming it “from a mere shell to the spectacular piece of machinery”.

Year 5 and 6 students got hands-on experience fighting against pest weeds, with Supervising Pest Management Officer with the Somerset Regional Council, Shane Lampard, visiting the Harlin SS Year 5-6 Weed Warriors last week.

With several pest weeds on site, students created four test sites to collect data and investigate the best method of eradication.

Shane confirmed the data, which indicated fire was the best option with follow-up spraying.

The students are the next defence against Mother

Liam Hauser Priest Krupa Bonagiri gives a blessing Simone Buckingham and Michael Connolly

St Columban’s College principal Michael Connolly

The future for Moreton Bay Council

At Moreton Bay Council’s Declaration of Office on Friday April 5, Mayor Peter Flannery said Council has plans on how to tackle some of the issues its facing, including damaged roads, housing crisis, and public transport.

Some projects incluide the Buchanan Road corridor, the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, greenfield sites, introduction of green waste bins, and funding to investigate a Moreton Bay ferry service.

Council will also continue initiatives such as waiving development fees and infrastructure charges, and open the new housing and homelessness service in Redcliffe.

With the growing population and city, Cr Flannery assured keeping the greenery is still a priority, promising to preserve 75% of landspace as green space.

The Council team, however, also plans on holding the State Government accountable for providing their “fair share”.

Council and Cr Flannery also thanked all their staff for helping to make City of Moreton Bay “enviable”

“We’re not starting from scratch; we’re taking all the things we hold dear and charting a bold future. We’re rewriting the rule book.”

Newcomer Moloney

Moreton Bay’s only new councillor, Jim Moloney, strives for greatness

NEWCOMER Jim Moloney is the only fresh face to the newly declared Moreton Bay Council, being announced as Division 8 councillor, following former councillor Mick Gillam’s retirement after 30 years.

Cr Moloney and the rest of the Council team had their Declaration of Off Friday April 5, with Council’s CEO Scott Waters, and a post-election meeting.

Mayor Peter Flannery said with the majority of Councillors returning, the team offers stability to the residents of Moreton Bay.

Cr Moloney echoed Mayor Flannerys view, saying he thinks the re-elections are “a strong indicator that Council , and in particular the council off doing a good job meeting the needs of our residents”, acknowledging the only change being due to Cr Gillam’s retirement.

and they need to feel assured that Council, along with all other levels of government, is working to help them in the recovery”, he said.

“As the only newcomer to the table, I will have to work twice as hard to ensure that my knowledge is brought up to speed so that Council can continue to meet the needs of residents as effectively and efficiently as possible”, he said.

Amongst the first things on Cr Moloney’s agenda is to ensure flood victims,

Being the only newcomer, Cr Moloney assures he will bring a unique set of experiences to the table, hoping to make Moreton Bay neighbourhoods, but particulalry his Division, “the best place to live in Australia”.

“I will bring experiences to the table that will help as the City of Moreton Bay continues to grow.”

friends, and those who voted for him for placing

“For those who didn’t, I hope to win your trust in

“This is not something that one person can achieve on their own.

“To do that, our whole community will need to be involved and I look forward to hearing from residents.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council is committed to listening to the communities to ensure the region grows

Government are pushing on to local ratepayers, when Councils only receive 3% of tax revenue.

“As South East Queensland’s fastest growing city, almost equal to the entire population of Tasmania, we will reach a population of 1 million in only 20 years’ time,” he said.

“We have an enormous task ahead of us, having to advocate strongly for muchneeded funding from other levels of Government to alleviate pressure now and into the future.”

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Mayor Peter Flannery (centre). Councillors (l-r): Jim Moloney, Cath Tonks, Darren Grimwade, Yvonne Barlow, Adam Hain, Jodie Shipway, Tony Latter, Karl Winchester, Sandra Ruck, Mark Booth, Brooke Savige and Matthew Constance.

Newcomer Jim Moloney with his Declaration of of Office

Kilcoy bus driver shines

John Christensen wins Regional Bus Driver of the Year 2023 award

● KILCOY

◗ Liam Hauser

KILCOY bus driver John Christensen was among the award winners, as the 2023 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards gala night took place at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

John, of Christensen’s Bus and Coach, was named Regional Bus Driver of the Year, as the event was the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s annual conference.

John said he felt “blown away”, and that the award meant so much to him.

“It makes me feel more appreciated in the community,” he said.

“The award means people will realise that we have great operators and a great service, and we appreciate all their support.”

Known as ‘Christo’ in Kilcoy, John and his wife Lenore have operated Christensen’s Bus and Coach for nearly 50 years. He was nominated for playing a vital role in fostering the well-being and prosperity of his community, standing out with his daily maintenance checks and willingness to go the extra mile for passengers by helping with groceries or lending a hand.

John Christensen being awarded Regional Bus Driver of the Year by Acting Head of the Translink, Peter Milward

Get your flu protection underway

THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia urges prompt flu vaccinations due to a surge in cases nationwide.

In the first quarter of 2024, 26,836 influenza cases were reported, double compared to last year.

Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey stresses early vaccination, with the flu season typically spanning from May to October.

Vaccines for 2024 are available in community pharmacies nationwide. Queensland residents of all ages receive free shots until September 30.

Twomey emphasizes early vaccination’s importance in protecting against flu and its complications, with peak effectiveness within the first three to four months post-administration.

Clontarf-based Luluu Berns of Hornibrook

Queensland was named School Bus Driver of the Year. After the finalists were selected by an expert judging panel from more than 1800 nominations, more than 13,000 votes were counted as the winners were determined by a public vote on three finalists in

were all about recognising the efforts, skill and professionalism of some of the finest bus drivers in Queensland.

“To stand out amongst a field of 1800 nominations is a fantastic achievement, and each finalist and their operator should be immensely proud,” he said.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends re-vaccination for those vaccinated in late 2023. Flu vaccines can be given alongside other vaccines.

The Australian Government funds influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program. For appointments or more information, consult your community pharmacist or visit www. ndapharmacy.com.au.

Three winners of QLD Bus Driver of the Year Awards with Acting Head of of Translink, Peter Milward

Autistic Aussies urged to talk

FEDERAL Member for Blair Shayne Neumann urges the local Autistic community in Ipswich, Somerset Region, and Karana Downs to contribute to the draft National Autism Strategy released by the Albanese Labor Government.

Neumann emphasises the strategy’s aim to enhance life outcomes and inclusivity for Autistic Australians across healthcare, education, and employment sectors.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlights the strategy’s focus on fostering inclusion and recognising Autistic strengths.

Developed with input from the Autistic community, the draft Strategy prioritises boosting social and economic

Meet your new Mayor

Mayor Jason Wendt to make Somerset “the envy of other councils”

● SOMERSET

◗ Marina Gomide

FOR the first time since the inception of Somerset Regional Council in 2008, a new mayor has taken the seat, with former councillor Jason Wendt filling in the shoes of retired mayor, Graeme Lehmann.

Amongst Mayor Wendt’s first issues to tackle is the roads, with the faulty, degraded Somerset roads being a recurring issue raised during the campaign period.

“During the campaign, roads were a big issue for our region,” he said. “I’m keen to talk to our state members to discuss roads, to advocate for Somerset.”

Another focal point for the new Mayor is to restore

relationship and employ an economic development role within Council.

“We are keen to move Somerset forward, with the communities input”, Cr Wendt said.

“I want to rebuild the community/council relationship so that people who are interested in what council is doing feel like they can communicate directly with the councillor team and be involved in the future direction of their own region.

“We’re all approachable and happy to chat about matters within our local communities.

“Our new team is passionate and filled with energy to make Somerset the envy of other councils.” Cr Wendt decided to run for the mayoral position, as he believes Somerset requires “a new, invigorated direction to grow”, being keen to progress the region and make real changes for the future.

maintaining our rural identity.

“People want someone who is just a basic person that they can relate to, that speaks on their behalf but isn’t a typical politician.”

Aft to recover from the election stress and catching up on some sleep, Cr Wendt is now back at work with the new Council team. While the first off meeting will take place this week, the newly elected team has already caught up for informal chats about the election and motivations for the Somerset region.

“I’m ready for the adventure ahead with a councillor team that is chomping at the bit for change,” Cr Wendt said.

“I ran a basic honest campaign where I showed people who I really am and what vision I had for the Somerset Region.

“I think Somerset is a great region and it requires a new invigorated direction to grow and be a place where our children want to raise their children, whilst

The new Somerset Council was sworn on March 28 in Esk, with the elected councillors being newcomers Michael Bishop, Tiara Hurley, Brett Freese and Sally Jess, and returning councillors Kylee Isidro and Helen Brieschke.

Newly elected Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt

Mayor Jason Wendt being sworn in at Esk on March 28

Gym goes from struggle to greatness

HIVE Fitness wins award after hard start

January 2020.

HIVE Progressive Fitness has been awarded Queensland’s Best Boutique Group Fitness Facility for 2024 at the Australian Enterprise Awards 2024 —an amazing achievement for the small business, which had a hard, yet rewarding four years.

After selling their poultry business, 48-year-old Katrina Crews, from New

That day, she also bought the gym she loves: HIVE Progressive Fitness.

Kat says she had no experience in the industry or managing anything, let alone a gym.

“I was just a person that went to the gym, that loved the community that I worked at, and didn’t want to see it disband,” she said.

“So, I bought it and just kind of fell into the deep

But learning how to manage a gym was not Kat’s only obstacle. In March 2020, COVID hit, and it was during the pandemic that Kat realised she was unwell.

Residents to prepare for Anzac

AS Anzac Day approaches, local communities will remember not only those who fought on the beaches of Gallipoli and the trenches of the Western Front, but all Australians who have served and the 103,000 who have died for our country.

“I felt really stiff and I wasn’t able to walk properly.

I noticed that it was really difficult to keep my eyes open; I was losing concentration.

I was finding difficulty being able to speak;

thought they wouldn’t do something, where now I completely understand that people can’t, and it’s made me a much better trainer.

“It’s taught me these skills I’ve never had before, and without it, I wouldn’t be the kind of person that I am today.”

Winning the Queensland award has served as a reminder that all their hard work has paid off, calling it “a very cool validation”

“It reminds me we’re on the right path and we’re doing the right things”, she said.

Congratulations, Kat!

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said Ipswich and the Somerset Region had a proud history of military service, and Anzac Day was an opportunity for the local community to remember those from the region who had given so much for our nation.

“It’s a day that brings us together as a nation, uniting us and helping us to transcend our differences.

“I encourage everyone to check local newspapers and online for services and marches being organised by RSLs, schools and other community groups, and to attend a commemoration in your local community,” Mr Neumann said.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has developed a digital Anzac Day Kitbag to support Australians conducting their own Anzac Day service, whether that be at home or in the community.

Visit https://anzacportal. dva.gov.au/resources/anzacday-kitbag

Aged Care Act reform delayed

Given community and sector feedback, new Aged Care Act might not be ready by July 1

THE new Aged Care Act was slated to come into effect from July 1. However, the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells announced the Government is considering the extensive feedback provided by the sector and the community, in order to refine and finalise the draft legislation before it is introduced to Parliament.

The Government will now update the commencement date of the legislation following a review of feedback received.

ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson said the new Aged Care Act was pivotal to the transformation of aged care and the sector’s ability to deliver the care we all want to see for older Australians.

“The new Aged Care Act was a fundamental recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and welcomed by our members,” he said.

Kilcoy Medical Centre sale

AFTER almost 45 years, Dr Tom and Mrs Julie Doolan have announced the sale of the Kilcoy Medical Centre to Medical First Group. Dr Doolan has thanked the Kilcoy community for all their support, guaranteeing the new owners will continue their hard work.

“We wish to express our gratitude to the people of Kilcoy for supporting our medical practice for the past almost 45 years.”

There will be no change to the staffing arrangements at the Kilcoy Medical Centre, with Dr Doolan, Dr Matthew Cockburn and the other doctors continuing their practice .

Medical First Group is an organisation with medical practices in numerous rural and urban locations, delivering a high standard of patient and staff care. Arrangements for allied health providers will also continue unchanged.

“This is a chance to usher in a new era to reform our aged care system, so we need to make sure that the legislation, which will likely govern the aged care sector for the next 30 years, is not rushed.

“This allows more time to engage meaningfully with older people, the community, the sector and other stakeholders.

“It is far more important that the legislation and associated requirements

be passed when it is ready, than passed to meet the 1 July date.”

New legislation, with an impact of the magnitude of the new Aged Care Act, needs to be clearly articulated and achievable.

“We have been in ongoing and constructive discussions with the Government around transition timeframes, so that the sector has the time they need to plan for the new requirements under

the Act.

“This will ensure the sector meet the expectations of the community.”

While the commencement date is to be confirmed by Government ahead of the introduction of the Bill to Parliament, the timing of the transition of new reforms is also critical.

“We are calling for at least 6 to 12 months transition from the time at which all information is available,

including the finalised Act, Rules, guidance and education materials.

“A staged approach to implementation of these new reforms should also be adopted so providers can effectively manage change within their organisations, their workforce and engage with their residents and care recipients.”

“Older Australians deserve nothing less than the confidence that Australia will get this right.”

● CABOOLTURE

◗ Charlie Delandelles

Katrina and husband Dave holding their award certificate

HIVE mascot gets amongst the training

The HIVE Fitness crew and clients

Toogoolawah and Esk Police News

ESK Police have completed 350 random breath tests and issued 31 Traffic Infringement Notices in the past two weeks. Esk Police have also responded to two traffic crashes resulting in injuries to the occupants of the vehicles.

On April 6, Esk Police became aware of an erratic driver on the Brisbane Valley Highway between Esk and Fernvale. As a result, a 59-year-old man was issued a Notice to Appear for Drink Driving.

Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding a ring that was located in the Esk Public Toilet, Heap Street, Esk on January 11. Any information regarding the owner please contact Esk Police on 5424 1100 quoting reference number QP2400206183.

A 44-year-old male from Somerset Dam was charged at the Ipswich Watchhouse in relation to Contravention of a Domestic and Family Violence Protection Order at Toogoolawah.

Toogoolawah Police continue to Investigate a number of off including the Break and Enter of the Toogoolawah BP on March 22. Anyone with information is urged to contact Toogoolawah Police, PoliceLink or Crimestoppers.

Lions Youth of the Year

Five students shine in Lowood as they compete for Youth of the Year

● LOWOOD ◗ Liam Hauser

A GATHERING of bright young minds came together, as Lions International hosted its Regional Youth of the Year event at the Lowood Showgrounds on March 23.

The competition involved five entrants who had triumphed in their respective areas, with the

Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology.

The competition format included interviews followed by impromptu questions, probing the contestants’ perspectives on pressing societal issues.

Adam courageously tackled the adverse effects of social media on today’s youth, and Eloise

Regional Youth of the Year while Eli clinched the Public Speaking accolade, following meticulous deliberation from judges Susan Sherlock, Dave Noonan and David Raine. Aaron advanced to represent the region at the district finals in Toowoomba on Saturday (April 13), embodying the aspirations and potential of the youth

A past winner himself, Mr Raine underscored the “It’s an opportunity that you’ll refl he said as he addressed the contestants. “You’re nervous, you’re excited, your families are absolutely proud of your achievements, as we all are. “It’s the start of many things ahead for you.”

Eloise Alderson, Angus Green, Adam Canavan, Aaron Wei and Eli Gearing

Letters

Pets on planes

So it seems everyone and their mother has their arms up in flames over Virgin Airlines announcing they will start permitting pets on planes, being the first Australian airline to do so. The Skinhead column had a lot to say about it last week.

People are complaining that it’s unnecessary, unhygenic and “what about allergies”, “what about phobias”, “what if I don’t like dogs/cats”, etc. etc. etc.

Well, here a news flash that most Aussies who have never left the country may not know: Australia is one of few countries in the world that DOESN’T allow pets in cabin.

When I was young, me and my family moved from America to Europe. A 23 hour trip, with a layover and a 12 hour flight. My dad brought our cat as a carry-on with him the entire way. And he survived, the cat survived and all the passengers survived.

A lot of the biggest airline companies have allowed pets in cabin for decades. Some have weight limitations or requirements that they must stay in an enclosure,

while other airlines have no limitations, including the species of animal. And an even bigger shocker: Pets are allowed in cabin on long-haul flights! American Airlines, Lufthansa, JetBlue, AirCanada, Delta, AirFrance, LATAM are just to name a few that allow pets in cabin in North and South America, Europe and Asia. And it often doesn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars.

So for all those acting like Virgin is trying to push some new agenda, they are actually the first Aussie airline to catch up to the rest of the world. All these concerns raised around allergies and phobias have already been addressed and dealt with by other airlines for over 20 years, so they don’t really need to do anything new.

Just so people have an idea, if you go to America you can even find ‘Pet Stations’ in airports, which are for pets to take toilet breaks. It is very common to see dogs of all shapes and sizes in American and Europan airports. Europe also allows pets on all forms of public transport, and guess what, nobody seems to have as much an issue with these concepts

as us “easy going” Aussies. Also I don’t necessarily want to deal with kids running and crying and screaming on a plane, but that’s part of the package of travelling. People are entitled to bring their kids along on trips, despite the nusaince it sometimes causes to others. You just gotta put on your grown-up pants and deal with it. Same applies to a dog who might bark or cry sometimes. Others just need to accept that it’s part of travelling in a confined space with over 200 people. People need to stop being so self-centered to think that just because something is bothering them, the whole system and everyone in it needs to adjust to their needs. Allowing pets on planes does not mean the entire plane is going to fill up with fur babies. It just gives people an option.

AND if you really have such an issue with potentially seeing a dog or cat on a plane, then just choose a different airline. Nobody is forcing you to fly with Virgin. If you do choose to fly with Virgin than don’t complain about things you know to expect.

Kaya the cattle dog, Caboolture

Many of you across the electorate will have received advice that your land valuations have changed - and in all cases, you will have seen an increase… in some cases, very large increases.

Whilst, if you’re looking to sell this is a good thing, it may impact your local government rates and state land tax from 30 June 2024.

For more information on the valuations please see https://www.qld.gov. au/environ.../land/title/ valuation/about

For more information on

land tax please see https:// qro.qld.gov.au/

You can object to the land valuation changes and lodge such online at www.qld.gov. au/landvaluation

And, of course, if I can be of assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me at Glass.House@parliament. qld.gov.au

Win a Share of $30 Million!

Calling all Community Groups and NGO’s! It’s the 30th Anniversary of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF).

Super-sized grants up to $100,000 are available now! 2024 is the 30th year of

the Gambling Community Benefit Fund running and so to celebrate, a massive $30 million is up for grabs.

Visit https://www.justice. qld.gov.au/initiatives/ community-grants for more details. Applications close April 30th, don’t miss out!

Only the LNP Will Put Victims of Crime First

We commit to putting victims’ rights first in the Making Queensland Safer Laws if Queenslanders vote for change in October.

Victims have been left to pick up the pieces under the Queensland Youth Crime Crisis because of Labor’s weak laws and fewer police. They shouldn’t be left wondering if their offenders have faced consequences for their actions and their rights shouldn’t be the last consideration.

By re-writing youth justice laws, we can put victims’ rights first and lift the veil of secrecy around the outcome of their cases by re-writing the youth justice laws.

Esk local wins inaugural award

Jockey Club manager recognised for work

● ESK

Liam Hauser

ESK Jockey Club (EJC) track manager and committee member Graeme Lynch was chosen as the winner of the inaugural Cheer A Volunteer award from Racing Queensland.

Graeme received the award from EJC secretary Sharon Cowley at the EJC last Thursday while another attendee was Graeme’s wife Carmel, the club president.

The award arose as Racing Queensland – with Neil Mansell Transport & Mittys – wanted to highlight and congratulate volunteers in the racing industry for their hard work and dedication.

The 73-year-old Graeme said he felt “quite humbled” to receive the award, and he described himself as “a quiet achiever”.

“It’s great that volunteers are recognised. They’re so hard to get,” he said.

“The only way clubs can survive is with volunteers.”

Graeme first became involved in the EJC about 25 years ago, as Carmel’s dad Dan O’Brien was the club president. Graeme worked full-time back then while

his EJC commitments were a side activity, but since retiring about 15 years ago he has devoted much more of his time to the EJC.

Graeme usually works at the track for five days a week, averaging around four or five hours per day.

His main task is mowing, irrigating and maintaining the track while other tasks include setting up the TAB, and managing electrical components such as powerlines and ensuring the TVs are working.

Setting up and packing up tables, chairs and marquees have also been among Graeme’s activities.

Graeme said his voluntary work with the EJC was a passion, as well as a legacy he wanted to continue for Carmel’s family and the community.

“My satisfaction is when people come out here, and want to come

back. If they compliment the track as well, that’s great.”

Graeme said a number of other volunteers were also a great help, particularly his daughter Angela as well as Carmel and Sharon.

Sharon said Graeme was amazing, and “so passionate about the track”.

“You can’t have a race meeting unless your track is up to standard, and ours is always I think well above an acceptable standard,” she

New study shows impact of women in sport world

A NEW report by Victoria University (VU) researchers found that representation of women in coaching and officiating roles in community sport can challenge attitudes and positively influence gender bias among children.

Shaping attitudes: Exposure to women coaches and officials influences children and parent perceptions was funded by the Victorian Government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation through its Change Our Game Research Grants Program. Women remain significantly underrepresented as coaches and officials across community sport, which means children are denied the opportunity to see and experience women in leadership roles. A total of 75 children (aged between four and 17) and their parents shared their first-hand experiences and attitudes of women as coaches and officials, including in Australian rules football, basketball and swimming. Of the children who provided insights into their experiences, 96 per

cent had exposure to men as coaches, while only 65 per cent had exposure to women as coaches.

The VU research team, led by Dr Kara Dadswell, found that children with exposure to predominantly women officials showed higher satisfaction with women in these roles.

“The study confirms

significantly influence their children’s attitudes.

- Girls’ satisfaction levels with having a woman coach and/or official was higher than boys.

The report offers a number of recommendations for community sporting clubs to help address the lack of representation of women in coaching and official roles, including:

children towards linking men as being coaches and officials, rather than women. But these engrained gender roles can be shifted for both girls and boys by providing them with an opportunity to experience women as coaches and officials at an early age,” Dr Dadswell said.

Key findings reveal:

- Previous experiences with having a woman coach positively influenced children’s belief that women can be great coaches.

- Parental attitudes

- Create targeted plans to attract, develop and retain women as coaches and officials

- Enlisting the assistance of parents to voice their positive support for women in these roles, and

- Supporting the representation of women from diverse backgrounds as coaches and officials.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said, “Giving children the opportunity to experience women as coaches and officials in community sport brings enormous benefits. This research demonstrates how the representation of women in coaching roles within community sport can increase satisfaction and actively reshape the attitudes of both parents and young boys and girls.”

FIRE ANTS HAVE OTHER PLANS FOR YOUR YARD

Help us treat your property

Our officers will treat 100% of all targeted properties up to 3 times. When they do, you must provide them with access. Just one missed nest will jeopardise eradication efforts.

Graeme Lynch with the inaugural Cheer A Volunteer award.

What's on

Wildlife Show: Meet the animals from D’Aguilar Wildlife

When: Wednesday April 10th, 10am-11.30am

Where: Morayfield Sport and Events Centre, 298 Morayfield Road, Morayfield

Info: Looking for a wild school holiday activity?

From slithery and scaly to spikey and swoopy, come and meet the animals these school holidays.

There will even be a surprise visit from a sleepy Aussie icon. Be sure to stick around after the show for photos, pats, and some extra snappy fun!

Messy Play (drop in, under 5s)

When: Thursday April 11th, 10am - 11am

Where: Caboolture Library, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture

Info: Drop in and play with kinetic sand, play dough, painting, craft and more. Dress for getting messy. For under 5s. No bookings required. Facilitated by our friendly library staff. This event is also available at other venues at different dates and times.

Larrikin Puppets

When: Friday April 12th, 10.30am-11.30am

Where: Somerset Civic Centre 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk

Info: Enjoy zany characters, hilarious skits, interactive dance, and catchy songs. Learn all about puppeteering from Sesame Street and Muppets trained puppeteers

Brett and Elissa. Bookings

Lowood Youth Festival

When: Friday April 12th, 11.30am-5pm

Where: Lowood State Primary School Oval

Info: Lowood State Primary School grounds will come alive with live music, DJ, acrobatic performances, activities, workshops, information stalls, food, and fun at Lowood Youthfest! Come along to enjoy the fun, festival environment, make new friends and connect with youth related services available in our region. This community event is for young people aged 12+ in Lowood and surrounds.

Storytime - Woodford

Library

When: Friday April 12th, 10.30am - 11.00am

Where: Woodford Library

Info: Storytime is a great way to develop a love of reading and introduce your child to books. Experience the magic of stories, action rhymes and songs with your child at the library. For parents and children, 2-5 years. In the evenings visit selected libraries for fun-filled Pyjama Storytime sessions. Wear your pyjamas and bring teddies and blankets to snuggle in for fairytales, stories and songs. For parents and children, babies to 8 years. Free. No bookings required.

Dogfest - Somerset

When: Saturday April 13th, 8am-1pm

Where: Fernvale Memorial Park, Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale

to Somerset! Hosting a paw-some line-up of dog training workshops, demonstrations, dogfriendly stallholders, food trucks, live entertainment, and competitions for everyone to enjoy! DogFest is an innovative and informative doggy event not to be missed by paw-rents.

Attend this FREE event by registering today https:// events.griffith.edu.au

Movie in The Park

When: Saturday April 13th, 5pm

Where: Sandstone Point

Community & Sports Complex Hall

Info: FREE screening of ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie.’ Bring your preferred picnic rug or folding chairs and savor an evening beneath the stars

Storytime in the gallery

When: Wednesday April 17th, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Where: Caboolture Regional Art Gallery, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture

Info: Join the Caboolture Library team for a special storytime in the Caboolture Regional Art Gallery. Read alongside artworks and objects in our latest exhibitions. Storytime is a great way to introduce your child to books and inspire a love of reading. Experience the magic of stories, action rhymes and song with your child at the gallery.

Mark Ryan’s - Small Business Network Coffee Catch Up

When: Friday April 19th, 7am-8.30am

Where: The Terrace, Caboolture Sports Club, Station Road, Morayfield

Info: Entry is free but booking is essential, so give us a call on 5343 5100 or reply to this email to secure your spot.

Designing wreaths at Woodford

When: Saturday April 20th, 10am

Where: Woodford Museum and Art Gallery

Info: Woodford Historical Society will hold an event for Yarrow Club members. The members have the chance to dive into their inner creativity, designing wreaths of purple poppies in remembrance of animals that lost their lives at war, and then lay their wreaths at the Woodford Anzac Day service, alongside the wreaths that symbolise the sacrifice of human soldiers. The Yarrow Club is free to join and to participate in all events.

Morayfield Indoor Markets

When: Saturday April 20th, 8am-1pm

Where: Morayfield Indoor Sports Centre

$2.00 per adult entry, Children free, Free parking

APRIL 20

Basilea Farm Open Day

When: Saturday April 20th, 9am - 1pm

Where: Basilea Farm, Burpengary

Info: Check out the Basilea Farm for our Open Day, a unique opportunity to explore our herb and edible flower farm, enjoy locally brewed coffee from Chilli Coffee Australia, and shop from a selection of market stalls featuring handmade crafts and organic garden essentials. Participate in “Meet the Grower” sessions with Sarah Heath, indulge in a lunch featuring our produce at Cafe Project Salubrious, and more.

Moreton Bay Emergency Services Expo

When: Saturday April 20th, 9am

Where: Baden-Powell Park, Samford

Info: Get up close with emergency service vehicles and equipment, and learn about the important work they do to keep us all safe. Kids will enjoy the opportunity to sound the sirens in a Police car, use the fire hose on a rural fire fighting truck, look inside an ambulance, and so much more!

Keith Urban Tribute Night

Cruisin’ Caboolture

When: Sunday April 28th, 10am

Where: James St Precinct Caboolture

Info: This FREE event is steaming its way back into Caboolture from 10am – 3pm for Cruisin’ Caboolture. Cruisin’ Caboolture features an afternoon of entertainment, including a Show & Shine Car Show and FREE children’s activities. This event will also feature a range of local craft brews and delicious food trucks to delight your taste buds!

Red Ride 2024 - Ride Against Domestic Violence

When: Saturday May 18th, 10am

Where: Caboolture Showgrounds

Info: Red Ride is a motorbike ride, car show and family day to raise much needed funds for NFP groups that support individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Gates open to the public at 10:00am, there will be activities for families, information sessions on domestic violence, food vendors and market stalls. There will also be a bike show.

Rotary Club of Caboolture Biggest Morning Tea

When: Saturday April 27th, 8.30pm

Where: Exchange Hotel, 13 William Street Kilcoy

When: Friday 21st June

Where: Morayfield Community Hall

Info: Come along and enjoy morning tea, amazing raffles and lots of laughs while helping raise funds for the Cancer Council. Have

Info: Our next Indoor market event. Fully air conditioned all weather venue. Shop in comfort and then have a seat in the cafeteria grab a bit to eat & coffee. Fabulous variety of market stalls and products available.

Info: Join us for dinner before the live tribute band kick off or stay the night at Exchange Hotel Kilcoy.

Time Out

BRISBANE Valley Kilcoy

Landcare will host a talk on the largest of Australia’s owls – the Powerful Owl –from 10am to 11am at the Kilcoy Information Centre on Sunday April 21.

The talk will be conducted by Andrew Dinwoodie, who is the Brisbane Powerful Owl Project Coordinator for Birdlife Australia. The talk will provide an overview of the Powerful Owl as well as how to identify the owl, its songs

Have hoot at Powerful Owl Youthfest is on this Friday

Woodford’s wreath design

Join in on remembering all animals lost in war

WOODFORD Historical Society will hold an event for Yarrow Club members at the Woodford Museum and Art Gallery from 10am on Saturday, April 20. The members have the chance to dive into their inner creativity, designing wreaths of purple poppies

and calls and where it can be found.

Andrew will also give an overview of the Powerful Owl Citizen Science Project, offering attendees the chance to become involved in the project. Everyone is welcome to the free event.

Lowood Youthfest promises to entertain

LOWOOD State Primary

School oval will come alive this Friday, with live music, DJ, acrobatic performances, activities, workshops, information stalls, food, and fun at Lowood Youthfest!

This community event is for young people aged 12+ in Lowood and surrounds. Parents are also welcome to attend.

Entry to the event is free, with gates opening at 11.30am. Main stage entertainment commences at 12pm and features high energy acrobatic performances from Zim BoyZ, live music from Angie Whitely, Myles Dunn, Harry Phillips, DJ Harry Rapmund and headline artist/rapper Lisi 4300.

Fun activities will be available including Big Wave Mechanical Surfboard, the Hungry Hungry Hippo, a Dunk Tank and crowd favourite…Meltdown, an eight-player action game, challenging your stamina, agility and reaction time. Not one but two spinning boom arms try to knock you off your podium! Tastebuds will be tempted

with food and drinks available for purchase including dagwood dogs, Mexican food, mini pancakes, kebabs, wings, ice cream, snow cones and coffee. Information stalls for youth related services and opportunities will also be available on the day. FREE bus charter will run to and from the event from surrounding townships. More information on time and availability can be found via online registration.

Ipswich Community Youth Service CEO, Amanda Margerison states “We encourage young people and their families to come along, enjoy the fun, festival environment, make new

friends and connect with youth services available in Somerset region.”

This event is a joint initiative of ICYS Ipswich Community Youth Service and Somerset Regional Council. Proudly funded by the Queensland Government (Tackling Regional Diversity through Connected Communities grant program).

LOWOOD YOUTHFEST -

Friday, April 12, 11.30am to 5pm at Lowood State

Primary School Oval

FREE ENTRY –REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL

For more information and to register visit Facebook @ lowoodyouthfest or phone Ruth 0437 110 789.

in remembrance of animals that lost their lives at war. Often referred to as the Animal Poppy, the purple poppy is a reminder of the deeds and sacrifice of the animals – mostly horses, dogs and pigeons – in service to the nation.

Woodford RSL Sub-Branch

extended an invitation to Yarrow Club members to lay their wreaths at the Woodford Anzac Day service, alongside the wreaths that symbolise the sacrifice of human soldiers. The Yarrow Club is free to join and to participate in all events.

Yarrow Club members at the Australia Day arts and crafts morning.

● KILCOY

◗ Liam Hauser

Harry Phillips Harry

Photo by Allan Klimo

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

The upward march continues: 2024 Q1 review confirms that Brisbane and Regional QLD property markets remain strong.

In March, CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) didn’t skip a beat, matching February’s 0.6% surge. This continuous climb marks the 14th consecutive month of housing value growth.

After a dip of -7.5% from April 2022 to January 2023, the national HVI has been hitting new record highs every month since November last year, up by 10.2% or roughly $71,832 in dollar terms since then.

The quarterly growth rate at the nation-wide level has picked up pace from 1.4% in Q4 last year to 1.6% in Q1 2024. Yet, despite this

acceleration, it’s only half the rate we saw in the middle of last year, when home values were strengthening at a rate of 3.3% quarter-on-quarter. However, breaking down

the Jan-March result per State shows a big difference between the top and bottom performing markets: Perth’s housing market tops the chart with a robust 5.6%

Henry Somerset

The platypus survivenaturally

Carefully and quietly, just as dawn light peeps through the trees, I soft tread up to our creek where I know platypus have lived.

After the drought through 2023 (only 38 percent of average rainfall to end of November) and the continual misty rain, with a few heavy showers, since, I wondered if the creatures had survived.

By spring 2023, their favoured part of the creek was a waterhole with no flow and algae growing thicker.

I had not seen them and worried they may have been drought victims.

Then the full flows, with a couple of bank breaking roaring torrents, could have

washed any surviving platypus away.

But their favourite food, freshwater crays, were still about.

And the creek flow had subsidised enough that the

water on their 150m long pond was clear and flat. So last week, on one of the few sunny, clear days of 2024, I quietly approached the bank to watch for the line of little bubbles that signifies their

increase, closely followed by Adelaide and Brisbane with growth rates of 3.3% and 3% respectively. The pace slowed in other capitals, with Melbourne being the only city to experience a negative quarterly movement, down by -0.2%.

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s research director, points out that factors like rate hikes, rising living costs, and worsening housing affordability have softened the market since mid-last year. But the persistent undersupply of housing - relative to demand - continues to exert upward pressure on home values, defying these challenges.

Echoing this sentiment, Eleanor Creagh, Senior Economist at PropTrack, agrees that the market has

reached a new national record high.

Despite more homes entering the market this year, demand has absorbed the surge, leading to further price increases. Factors like population growth, tight rental markets, robust labour conditions, and home equity gains are also fuelling housing demand.

Challenges such as rising construction costs and shortages in labour and materials are hampering new build deliveries, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance.

Buyers and Sellers tell me they are feeling more confident since the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep the cash rate steady at 4.35% in March, and say they still have

living

the end of the year.

If you have any specific questions you would like answered, or if I can be of any assistance at all - please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime on 0427 536 725 or email cwease@remaxliving. com.au. I look forward to being of service.

EMAIL HENRY SOMERSET : henrysomerset@sentinelnews.com.au

COMMENT

other side of the creek.

Under My Skin

My turn to be called Loretta It’s time Australians took a chill pill, thought before threatening to commit harakiri, and simply asked for my sage advice.

Irrational speculation is causing more storms in tea cups than even the Bureau of Meteorology could incorrectly predict.

For example, there was no need for gnashing of teeth over the headline “Deals sealed on basis of sex”. I already had the answer to the problems raised.

Minister for Women

Katy (Mean Girl) Gallagher declared businesses with 500 employees or more, wanting a slice of the Federal Government’s $70bn contracts cake, must pass a gender test that includes a 50 per cent man/woman representation on company boards and workforce.

Instead of wringing hands and moaning “we’ll all be rooned”, all they had to do was call me. Here’s the simple solution.

At each board meeting, on a rotational basis, 50 per cent of members identify as women and 50 per cent as men. In each workplace, on a

rotational monthly basis, 50 per cent of employees identify as women and the rest as men.

And in all future job advertising, one criterion would be “must be proficient in gender fluidity”.

Before you mock this suggestion, remember that my profound advice has been forensically researched and based on edicts from the top.

For example, the Australian Human Rights Commission “recognises the right of all people to identify their sex and gender as they choose …….. Gender identity can be a fixed and unchanging characteristic for some, however, it can also be fluid or evolving for others”.

And if that isn’t clear enough, our own Health Minister and Premier-inWaiting Shannon Fentiman says, “Anyone that identifies as a woman is a woman and as the Minister for Women I take a really inclusive approach.”

So there you have it. Businesses just have to record the numbers (not names) of those identifying their gender at each meeting or as they clock on to work,

and they can share the spoils of government contracts. There are a couple of points I have glossed over but that’s because all our fearless leaders are doing the same thing. We are all making sure we don’t define what a woman is — either because we don’t know, don’t care, or are too scared to do so.

We have Ministers for Women, who must be women, to look after the interests of women, even though anyone can identify as a woman. That means a man who identifies as a woman can be the Minister for Women.

I am also avoiding the obvious question, “How can you identify as something you can’t define?” If we don’t know what a woman is, how can anyone …….. oh, I give up.

But let’s not get bogged down in semantics. I agree with Mean Girl Katy who yearns for “an Australia where your gender doesn’t define how your life unfolds, the rights you enjoy, the choices you make, or the chances or opportunities you get or pursue”.

Hear hear! This means I

presence. Dragonflies were making their skips across the water surface which distracted from looking for the subtle platypus presence. Then, barely a few metres from my feet, was a nearly half metre brown shadow just below the water surface. It paddled midstream, ducking down for food, and then briefly surfaced. A platypus had survived the extremes of our weather.

I watched and then another brown shadow appeared from the mud caves under the tree roots 15 metres away on the

can sue all those doctors and medical experts who, for the past several decades, have told me I can’t have a baby.

Start wining

Stop whining, start wining. China’s Ambassador to Australia, Penny Wong (sarcasm intended), and our kowtowing PM Albo, want us to praise the Chinese Communist Party for lifting bans on our wines.

Obviously they also want us to forget the bans were only put in place to punish us for having the temerity to want to find out how, when, where and why the Covid virus originated and spread, killing millions worldwide.

The ban supposedly cost our wine industry billions, but tugging forelocks and kissing butt has worked and wine will flow again, as long as we remain CCP worshippers.

We may not have found out the details about Covid but we do know the CCP is still making money out of the virus spread. Check where Covid tests are made. Insomnia corner

Things that keep me awake at night: Is intentionally losing a game of rock, paper, scissors

A blue and yellow kingfisher flew at speed along the creek catching insects for breakfast, uncaring about the two platypus.

After half an hour, the platypus disappeared, probably having caught enough for breakfast. Crayfish for brekky, that’s pretty special.

That afternoon I took some city visitors down to the creek pond. Despite my warnings to keep very quiet, they crunched and crashed their way through the creek side shrubs and just could not stop talking and shrieking.

No platypus on their watch.

Why don’t you have a path down to the creek side and a few chairs, said the senior city bureaucrat in her white capri pants.

I tried my hardest not to roll my eyes.

Then explained, this is nature.

just as hard as trying to win?

If poison is past its expiry date, is it more poisonous or no longer poisonous?

Do twins ever realise that one of them was unplanned?

The word “swims” upsidedown is still “swims”.

Truce is tripe

Statements by our State political parties declaring a truce over Olympic facilities until after the October election are utter tripe. Neither mob has any idea which way to bend.

But there is something much bigger occupying their minds with everyone waiting to see what happens at the Paris Olympics in July. If things turn nasty we won’t need Olympic facilities in Brisbane in 2032.

Just briefly

The AFL, with an annual budget for bigger than its flagging integrity, is embroiled in a drug scandal. There are calls for the Prime Minister to intervene. The situation is appalling but please, don’t let politicians become involved, thus ensuring the problem won’t be fixed.

I was heartened by what my doctor told me on my

This is the southeast Queensland bush.

It’s not a Zoo.

This is how our native animals live in their own environment.

We are just visitorswho need to be quiet, not interfering, and appreciative of the wonder of nature.

So there we are, knowing that despite all the development and noise and interfering humans, these platypus survive.

And aren’t they lucky, they don’t give a damn about all the shock and horror, drama and noise of our human world.

They don’t know, don’t care and just want to be left alone.

And I’ll leave that pond in my creek just for them.

By SKINHEAD

last visit. “You know alcohol will slowly kill you”, he said. “That’s good news doc”, I replied, “I’m in no hurry”. TV commentator posed the question “Does PM Albo have a succession plan?” Answer? He doesn’t need one. Penny Wong has done one for him.

Over the years the big two supermarket chains crushed small businesses in their neighbourhoods — butchers, bakers, corner stores, newsagents, fruit and vegie shops, and many more. We went along with that so it’s a bit late for us to complain about price gouging. Has the day of the once beloved circus come to an end? Apparently the traditional big circus attraction, good clowns, are in short supply. Most of them are going into politics.

Quote for the Week: “I’m not a complete idiot. Some parts are missing.” Pick someone you know and attribute it to them.

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

Rural C

Pest oyster found in Moreton Bay and Brisbane waterways

BIOSECURITY Queensland has confirmed detection of an introduced marine pest oyster across several locations in Southeast Queensland.

The Suminoe oyster (Magallana ariakensis) has been detected at Bribie Island, Boggy Creek, Pinkenba (near the mouth of the Brisbane river) and Kedron Brook. It was first detected

in 2023, but the species identification was not confirmed until recently. This is the first time it has been detected in Australia. Queensland acting chief biosecurity officer Michael Reid said the Suminoe oyster is a fast growing, large rock oyster belonging to the Ostreidae family of salt-water bivalve molluscs.

“The Suminoe oyster competes with native

species for space and may carry exotic diseases and parasites,” Mr Reid said.

“It can grow attached to submerged and floating infrastructure including pylons, pontoons and boats and can occupy shallow waters, as well as muddy creeks of warm estuaries.”

The Queensland Oyster Growers Association is working with Biosecurity Queensland to minimise any

potential impacts to industry and the environment.

The presence of Suminoe oyster does not impact the quality of commercial oysters grown in the Moreton Bay. Oysters produced in Queensland are safe to eat, and supply will not be impacted by this detection.

Suminoe oyster is large and flat in appearance, and the shell can grow up to

24cm long.

It can be grey and yellowish, or brown and purple. The inner surface is smooth and greyish-white, with purple on the edges and a large purplish “scar” where the oyster is attached on the inside of the shell.

Suminoe oysters are difficult to identify in the field without opening them when they are small as they look very similar

to other species of native rock oysters until they grow to a size larger than other species.

Mr Reid urged Queensland fishing, boating and recreational water-goers to be on alert and report suspect Suminoe oyster to Biosecurity Queensland. Suminoe oysters are considered biosecurity matter and should not be touched or moved.

Moreton Saleyards market report

AGENTS Boyd O’Brien

Bartholomew reported a yarding of 418 head of cattle for their weekly Moreton Sale. All export descriptions showed signs of improvement. A betterquality run of feeder steers came to hand and sold to a fully firm market. Quality weaner and backgrounder cattle improved with increased competition from restockers.

MJ Horrocks sold Weaner Steers Charbray x 331.2c/kg $811$/head

ID & DS Saunders sold Yearling Heifers Limousin x 279.2c/kg $939/head

David Gregor sold Backgrounder Steers Santa 337.2c/kg $1005/head

Wayne Scholl sold Feeder Steers Simmental x 317.2c/ kg $1463/head

MR Newton sold Feeder Steers Santa x 309.2c/kg $1557/head

Brisbane Valley Pastoral sold 4 Tooth Heifers Droughtmaster x 281.2c/kg $1302/head

J & A Weatherall sold 4 Tooth Ox Droughtmaster x 310.0c/kg $1836/head

O’Briens Transport sold 6 Tooth Ox Santa 296.2c/kg $1895/head

Brisbane Valley Pastoral sold Medium Cows Droughtmaster 258.2c/kg $1303/head

CJ Kruger sold Pen of Heavy Cows Santa x 251.2c/ kg $1454/head

P & A Rachow sold Heavy Cows Charbray 260.2c/kg $2029/head

WR Robinson sold Bulls Brangus 270.2c/kg $1999/ head

For sale details, market reports and more info, visit www.moretonsaleyards. com.au or find us on Facebook @ Moreton Saleyards

sale.

Rural Cattle Sales

WIDESPREAD rain over a large area of South East Queensland caused numbers to fall at Shepherdson and Boyd’s fortnightly store sale.

Agents reported a yarding of 410 head of cattle, with prices improving across all categories with increased competition. Limited heavy feeder steers were yarded.

Micheal Hazell of Roadvale sold Brangus steers 20mths old for $1400/head. AA & HL Titmarsh of Bryden sold Charolais X steers 16mths old for $1270/head. MJ & VL Franklin of Ropley sold Speckle Park steers 16mths old for $1250/head.

Stanley River Grazing of Commissioners Flat sold Droughtmaster steers 14mths old for $1240/head. G & K Nunn of Mount Kilcoy sold Brangus steers 12mths old for $1130/head.

DMG Pastoral of Emu Creek sold Charolais X weaner steers 10mths old for $1070/head. Neil Kurz of Yarraman sold Santa X weaner steers 10mths old for $970/head.

Rural pharmacists pivotal to home palliative care

PHARMACISTS are being recognised for their vital role in supporting homebased palliative care patients, as new research shows they not only enable patients to choose to stay at home, but also provide significant relief, comfort and peace of mind for patients, carers, and family members.

Conducted by the University of South Australia and supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the new study shows that home palliative care pharmacists can improve medication management, enhance communication between patients and their treating teams, and decrease the burden of going to the GP. The study specifically

assessed the real-world impact of home palliative care pharmacists in rural South Australia, and the effectiveness of this model of care from the perspectives of healthcare professionals.

Each year, about 56.8 million people, including 25.7 million in the last year of life, need palliative care. Worldwide, only about 14% of people who need palliative care currently receive it.

Global demand for palliative care services is increasing due to an ageing population.

Lead researcher and pharmacist Tash Downing says while pharmacists are not typically recognised as part of a home palliative care team, they play an

Peter Buntine of Esk sold Charbray weaner steers 8mths old for $970/head. G & C Beanland sold Charolais X steers 8-10mths old for $830/head. Daniel and Mary Birchley of Eidsvold sold Charbray X steers 12-14mths old for $1010/head.

Juandah Aggregation of Kandanga sold Droughtmaster x PTIC heifers for $1400/head and Brangus X PTIC heifers for $1240/head. M & S Symes of Eidsvold sold Santa heifers 16mths old for $970/head and Santa heifers 14mths old for $800/head. Neil Kurz of Yarraman sold Brangus X heifers 12mths old for $760/ head. G & C Beanland of Kingaroy sold Charolais X weaner heifers 8mths old for $650/head. Peter Buntine of Esk sold Charolais X weaner

Cattle markets

LAIDLEY

473 head were sold at Stariha Auctions Laidley cattle sale last Thursday. The market saw a significant rise for cows and all classes of steers.

Tony Stariha, Mulgowie, sold lines of Brahman steers for $1550 and $1500, and Limousin cows for $1270.

Ron Monro, Mt Tarampa, sold lines of Charolais and Droughtmaster feeder steers for $1590, $1580, $1440 and $1440.

Dean Ashwell, North Maleny, sold lines of Droughtmaster steers for $1600, $1540, $1490, $1195, $1130 and $1095.

Grantley Burchmann, Ropeley, sold Charolais cross steers, 8 months, for $980 and heifers for $700.

Rodney and Louise Litfin, Thornton, sold Charolais

and Speckle Park steers, 5-6 months, for $840 and $740.

steers for $1065 and $1040.

Paul Poole, Haigslea, sold a Santa bull for $2000 and Brahman steers for $1400.

WOODFORD

Max Richardson, Neurum, sold Droughtmaster heifers for $840.

Jana Schmitke, Lowood, sold Santa cows for $1540 and $1240.

Peter Jackwitz, Thornton, sold Santa cows for $1500 and $1240, and cows and calves for $1400.

Emily Stariha, Blenheim, sold Brangus cows for $1230 and steers, 4-5 months, for $630.

JL Parkin, Ravensbourne, sold Angus steers for $1430, $1410 and $1340.

John Duncan, Flagstone Creek, sold Santa backgrounder steers for $1190.

Ian Groves, Ravensbourne, sold Angus weaner steers for $1100.

Don and Joyce Wegner, Fordsdale, sold Limousin weaner steers for $980.

Kingfisher Gully, Split Yard Creek, sold Brahman

201 head were sold at Stariha Auctions Woodford cattle sale on Monday. In line with the current market trend, we saw a softening for all descriptions.

Don Barlow, Maleny, sold a pen of Charbray steers for $1160.

Darryl Duncan, Mt Mee, sold Blonde cross steers for $1130.

Max Tones, Sheep Station Creek, sold Murray Grey cows for $1200 and weaner steers for $830.

Josh Sippel, Mt Mee, sold Charbray vealer heifers for $560, $520 and $500.

Jeffrey Shallcross, Kilcoy, sold Charbray steer calves for $600.

Darcy Pratten, Mt Kilcoy, sold Brangus steer calves for $550 and heifers for $430.

Grant and Julie Langridge, Beerwah, sold Senepol cross

Deceit with coworkers is apparent. You need to be inspired and have your spirits lifted. Don’t evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner. Sudden romantic infatuations could lead to a significant and prosperous connection.

Don’t get involved in other people’s private doings. You’ll find you’re detail oriented this week. Delve into your work if you can’t make amends at home. Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate.

Inharmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you this week. Plan some family outings. Your mind may not be on the job. Partnerships will be successful.

Secret love affairs may be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the restraints that will follow. Property purchases should be on your mind. You will have a problem dealing with groups. Don’t let the erratic behavior of someone you live with interfere with your professional performance.

You might find that a coworker has been two faced. Chances are you split up the last time because you didn’t really want to make a commitment. Don’t divulge secret information. You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it’s time to let them stand on their own two feet.

Changes in your domestic scene are evident. Do not get upset about situations you cannot change. Older relatives may make unreasonable demands. Take the whole family and make it an enjoyable outing.

Your hard work will payoff; advancement looks positive. You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. Those you care about may oppose your ideas. Your accomplishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure.

Don’t be shy; show your abilities! You can get ahead if you are willing to take a partner. You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving. You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with.

Your ability to deal with humanitarian groups will enhance your reputation. Stand up and propose your ideas, and you’ll be surprised how many people will follow you. You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you’re best to leave them alone. Exhaustion will lead to minor injury if you don’t know when to quit.

Lend an ear to children; it can make a difference. You will have some problems with children, but if you are patient you will win their favor. Don’t try to deal with important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Think before you act.

You must be careful not to reveal secrets or get involved in gossip. You will be able to make financial gains. You may want to stay in the background this week. Be careful not to overexert yourself.

favorable and lead to valuable information.

Sport

Lowood Golf

TUESDAY April 2: Single

Stableford. Men’s winner P Jensen 41, r/up H Buckley 38 on a count back.

BRD: M Stafford 38; P Muller, K Daymon 37; L Cocco, D Sippel, M Wellings 36.

Ladies winner P Dwyer 33, r/up S Luxford 31.

NTPs: 2 J Webb, 5 M Stafford, 11 M Stafford, 14 D Olsen, 4/13 Div 1 D Olsen, Div 2 M Stafford.

Thursday April 4: Single Stableford. Winner P Molloy 36 on a count back from r/ up J Ormaechea.

BRD: R Young, J Webb, T Quinsee, P Lawrenson 35; P Muller, L Sheraton 34.

NTPs: 2 V Bales, 5 Sue

Toogoolawah Bowls

TWELVE teams participated in our April Pub Day on Tuesday April 2. The winner was the Woodford team of Adam Kelly, Geoff Jones, Grahame Little and Gerry Mooney. In second place was Tony Watson’s team, comprising Jim Baldwin, Herb Haines, Colin Daniel and Tania Ingram. Third was Wazza’s team, comprising Dot McVeigh, Kim Dorman, Brian

Kopelke, 11 P Lawrenson, 14 V Bales, 2nd shot 9/18 Div 1 G Milady, Div 2 A Skinner.

Saturday April 6: Single

Stroke. Winner Fred and Gary Willmann Memorial: J Ormaechea 68 on a count back.

Div 1 winner G Milady 69 on a count back from r/ up G Winter; Div 2 winner J Ormaechea 68 on a count back from r/up A Gill.

Best Gross: A Page 71.

BRD: A Page, L Burton, S Norris 70; P Jensen, J Grace, G Sippel, Paul Coles, Peter Coles, R Peachey 71; O Abakumov, J Brady 72 on a count back.

NTPs: 2 D Gray, 5 C Petrohilos, 11 G Winter, 14 J Harvey, 2nd shot 9/18 Div 1

K Glover, Div 2 S Norris.

Gregory, Brian Loveland and Joe Hilton. The fruit tray raffle went to Len Smyth.

For your calendar:

Our next general meeting of the club will be on Sunday (April 14) at 9am. Please join us and help in the running of your club. It is a job for many, not just the few willing.

Kilcoy Bowls

TUESDAY April 2: After a washout of our trophy day last week, it was nice to see the sun shine for our Green Day sponsored by Ann Pope and Michael Dunn.

The winners of the Spider were Noel Lanes and Ross Kerr. With the highest winning score of 29, the winners for the day were Gerry Carseldine, Sharon Walker and Ross Kerr. Thank you to Ann and Michael for a great day.

Wednesday April 3: Turbo Triples, sponsored by Kilcoy Funeral Directors.

Winners of the day were Peter King, Lindsay Ross and Barry Phillips from Woodford. Runners-up were the local team of John Glanvill, Lester Bechly and Bill Green. Neither jackpot went off

Coming events:

Wednesday April 10: Pub Day.

Social bowls is every Tuesday - names by 8.45am for a 9.15am start.

Everyone is welcomeexperience is not necessary and we can loan you some bowls if needed. Flat soled shoes are the only requirement.

Green Day trophy winners were (from left)

trophy sponsors Ann Pope and Michael Dunn, Ross Kerr and Gerry Carseldine.

Our annual Gold Cup Tournament will be held on Tuesday April 23, so please keep that date free. If not playing, helpers will be required to ensure a

Winners of April Pub Day

Winners of the April Turbo Triples sponsored by April Kilcoy Funeral Directors were (from left) Barry (from Phillips, Lindsay Ross and Peter King

Kilcoy Golf

WEDNESDAY April 3: 18-hole Stableford (3 clubs and putter), trophy donor Barry Cobbin and Col Jennings. Winner Todd Gundry 40 points, r/up Lorraine Barrett 36, R/down to 33.

NAGA: Tony Haines.

NTPs: 2/11 Todd Gundry, 5/14 Troy Edwards, 7/16 Todd Gundry, 9/18 John Forson.

Saturday April 6: 9-hole 2-Ball Ambrose, trophy donor Exchange Hotel. Winners Guy Morgan and Greg Smith 32 nett, r/up Nick and Dean Roberts 34.

NTPs: 5/14 Dean Roberts, 9/18 Guy Morgan.

Sunday April 7: 18-hole Stroke, trophy donor Steve Gannon. Winner John Raaen 69 nett, r/up Dean Roberts 70, R/down to 73.

NTPs: 2/11 Dean Roberts, 9/18 Guy Morgan.

Winners of the Spider at Green Trophy Day

Turbo Triples runners-up

Caboolture Darts

WINNERS were Chantelle and Dustyn as 20 players played pot luck doubles at Caboolture Social Darts Club on Monday night.

Chantelle had a peg of 40 and a high score of 89 while Dustyn had pegs of 45 and 56, and a high score of 156.

Runners-up were Robert and Tom whose best was

140 and 121.

Peg prizes went to Connor (40) and Karen (49), while Shayne’s 135 and Sherrie’s 121 enabled them to win good score prizes.

Darts is played every Monday night at the Combined Services Hall in Caboolture. Names are required by 7.15pm.

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

Eagles too good for Jimboomba

THE Narangba Eagles recorded their fifth victory from as many rounds in the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL5) Metro Men’s competition, as they defeated Jimboomba United last Saturday night. Narangba’s 5-3 win at Kurrajong Park enabled the Eagles to maintain a share of the ladder lead with the Logan Roos.

Second placegetters

After bagging three goals in 10 minutes against Pine Rivers back on March 22, Ryan Shaughnessy bagged a hat-trick for the Eagles in 11 minutes last Saturday.

Astonishingly there was no score until the 35th minute, when Narangba’s Cody Newald flicked the ball into the back of the net from a Shaughnessy corner kick. There was still only one goal on the board after an hour of play, until

Shaughnessy produced his scoring blitz.

Thomas Moore opened Jimboomba’s account in the 75th minute, before he and Narangba’s Noah Globke scored in quick succession around the 90-minute mark to make the score 5-2.

Jimboomba’s Mark Robinson scored in stoppage time as the Eagles had their thoughts and sights on team-mate Josh Wilson, who was carried

off with a knee injury just moments earlier.

In the U23 men’s division, the Eagles maintained the outright ladder lead as they won 2-0 following goals from Tristan Knopjes and Globke.

The following day, Narangba conceded five first-half goals against home side Moggill in the FQPL3 women’s division before a second-half double to Sharna Broad salvaged a 5-2 defeat.

First defeat for Snakes women

THE Caboolture Snakes suffered their first defeat in the Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) women’s season, as they went down 36-16 to the Kawana Dolphins at the Kawana Sports Precinct.

Last Sunday’s outcome left both teams in a four-way share of the ladder lead in the six-team competition, after three rounds.

Caboolture had a chance of recording three straight wins as the half-time score was 12-all, but the second half unfolded very differently from the first

half.

Conditions were fine and sunny although the ground was very muddy. Kawana led 12-0 following converted tries to Malia Ting and Ashleigh Kelvin, before Caboolture replied with converted tries to Kararaina Epere-Williams and Amy Clarke.

Tries to Courtney Lockwood and Keely Jackson helped Kawana to a 22-12 lead, but there was still hope for the Snakes when Naomi Henry scored in the 51st minute to narrow the gap to six points.

A try each to Tiarrie-Lee Fanuatanu and Takoda

Thompson stretched Kawana’s lead to 14 points, before Caboolture’s hopes of a comeback were thwarted when a questionable forward pass ruling prevented a try.

A converted try to Kawana’s Ashleigh Wark completed the scoring.

Snakes secretary Tim Wood said Caboolture was well in the hunt until late in the second half, with the Dolphins scoring the final three tries in the space of 10 minutes.

Wood said Kawana was “a little more polished and executed better”, while Caboolture made too many

errors and turned over possession at key times. With both teams changing since the Dolphins downed the Snakes 14-4 in last year’s grand final, Wood said last Sunday’s result was “a bit of a wake-up (for the Snakes) and an indication that Kawana will once again be a strong force in the comp”.

“The core of the team was familiar but there were some new faces,” he said.

“If anything, they look stronger than last year.”

This Sunday the Snakes host the struggling Beerwah Bulldogs, just 22 days after Caboolture trounced Beerwah 84-6.

Sharon Walker,

Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICES FOR SALE

KILCOY KRAFTERS

1. Vodafone proposes to install a mobile phone base station on the existing monopole to provide 4G and 5G coverage to the local area.

The proposal includes the installation of;

A new headframe on the existing 30m monopole (no height increase proposed).

Four (4) new Vodafone panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length) on the new headframe.

Four (4) new Vodafone 5G antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length) on the new headframe.

Sixteen (16) new Remote Radio Units (RRUs) on the new headframe. Ancillary equipment including antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and ancillary works within the equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 ("The Determination") based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Scott Sibly at Service Stream Limited, 0455 214 172, TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5.00pm Friday 26th April 2024.

4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/4510020

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

www.somerset.qld.gov.au

Sport

Sport

● MORETON BAY

◗ Liam Hauser

THE Moreton Bay Lions went down by 27 points to reigning premiers the Springwood Pumas at Red Rooster Park last Saturday, in round one of the Queensland Football Association (QFA) Div 1 senior men’s competition. The hosts held their own for most of the game,

before the visitors finished on 14.25.109 to the home side’s 13.4.82.

After leading by only three points at half-time, the visitors forged to a 27-point lead at threequarter time.

Had their kicking been more accurate, the Pumas would have won more convincingly. For a lot of the game, the ball was

Come along and join a fun group of craft, learn to sew, knit, crochet, patchwork and quilting. Beginners and experienced all welcome.

Just turn up to the Kilcoy Library, Kennedy St, 9am each Thursday.

DR. KONKOLY wishes to advise that he has retired. If records are required, please submit requests to michaelavenuemedicalclinic@gmail. com. Fees may apply.

Proposed Development

Make a submission from 10/04/2024 to 1/05/2024

Material Change of UseDevelopment Permit Animal Keeping (Cat Breeding)

Where: 497 Oakey Flat Road Morayfield QLD 4506

On: Lot 1 SP 313499

Approval sought: Development

Permit

Application ref: DA/2024/0469

You may obtain a copy of the application and make a submission to:

Moreton Bay City Council

2 Hasking Street Caboolture QLD 4510

council@moretonbay.qld.gov.au (07) 3205 0555 https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/

Public

PUBLIC NOTICES WANTED

TRUSTWORTHY husband & wife team looking for a property in the area to do some hunting, (Deer, Pigs, Goats or any feral animals). We are experienced older hunters & will obey all rules & happy to camp. Will pay a yearly fee for use of your property. Please call Kellie 0438834455

GIVEAWAY

SINGLE BED plus 2 x single mattresses. Phone 0420 263 690

FOR SALE

YARDMAN RIDE-ON MOWER 42 inch

cut, Briggs and Stratton 17HP, and Alco 19HP 2 cylinder. $450 each. PH 3203 1073 between 9am - 8pm. Burpengary.

MASSEY FERGUSON - 2 disk plough with cutting disk, plus a spare new disk; Bonell Reversable Plough - large cutting discs. Napier Rippers - 3 tines ripperheavy duty; Massey Ferguson Scarifier - 11 tines - 7 inch double bar; Massey Ferguson - Hydraulics Stabiliser armTractor; 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 PumpAir 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.

CLEARING SALE

71 MULGOWIE ROAD, MULGOWIE

Saturday 13th April 9.00am

Tractors & Vehicles: Hitachi EX20U 2T excavator 400mm bucket 1400 blade; Iseki SX95 tractor front forks; Massey Ferguson 165 tractor; JCB Backhoe 80hp 4in1 bucket; 2008 Mitsubishi 1.8T forklift; Yamaha Kodiak 400 quad; Grizzley 700 quad; Yamaha Kodiak 350 quad; Mazda BT-50 single cab utility alum tray registered 352000kms full service history; Suzuki DR200 AG Motorbike; Kawasaki Stockman 250 motorbike; 1962 Series ZA Landrover starts & runs would suit restorer; Car/ Plant trailer 3.7m x 2m bed; 9’x5’ caged tipping trailer registered; Hustler 2022 zero turn ride on mower 42” cut; 2008 Bush Hog zero turn ride on mower 580hrs 44”cut Farm Equip: Vicon PS402 fertiliser spreader; Kuhn rotary hay rake; 11’ triple K; Mullers 3pl post hole auger; 6’ & 5’ Howard rotary hoes; 5 section diamond harrows; 6’ & 5’ grader blades; 1900mm & 1000mm buckets; Hay spears; 3.8m tyre roller; 3pl 6’ Aerator; Single row Gasparado air planter Livestock Equip: 2 x new Cattle crushes; Steel loading ramp; 35 x sheep panels; 2 x slide gates; 5 x man gates; 3 bay steel dog cage; Hammermill; Chaff cutter; Round & Square bale feeders; Selection of poly water troughs; 3T grain bin; Jacky 1T silo; Farm gates. Plus lots more sundry items including tools and antiques. Inspection Friday 12th April 10am -5pm or by prior arrangement

For a full listing of items and photos please refer to website

www.starihaauctions.com.au

Email: david@starihaauctions.com.au

David: 0412 704 456 Emily: 0427 961 701 Laurie: 0437 665 882

Gallant and new-look Lions go down to Pumas

camped in their forward half.

Bayden Goff landed five goals for Moreton Bay, and Luke Smith kicked four while four teammates kicked one each.

Six players were on debut for the Lions, with five more regulars to return.

Lions coach David ‘Penguin’ Harding said

Darcy Kendall’s first senior game was fantastic while Smith, Sam Gribble, Gareth Hunt and Adam Snow would only get better.

Rex Kotatis, Bede Hunt and Jordan Harding also made an impression, while Goff ’s display suggested he could be a handy replacement for the retired Rhys Nickalls.

“It’s not the result we wanted for round one, but playing last year’s premiers was a benchmark game for us and a critical lesson in how to play quality opposition,” ‘Penguin’ said.

“This will help our boys understand what it takes to have sustainable success.

“Overall I’m very happy

with the game.

“We never gave up, and competed for the full 100 minutes.

“There is a lot for us to take out of this game and clearly, we still have some work to do.”

In reserve grade, the Lions went down 9.11.65 to 7.4.46.

This Saturday, the Lions will contest Caloundra.

Soccer teams sink at Lota

THE Caboolture Snakes senior men’s soccer team tumbled to its third successive defeat, as ladder leader St George Willawong won last Sunday night’s battle 4-0 at the Lota-based Don Randall Oval.

Sport Martial artists boost individual medal tallies

It was St George Willawong’s sixth win from as many rounds while the Snakes, who had drawn one and won two of their first three games, found themselves in seventh place on the 12-team ladder.

The Snakes U23s, meanwhile, found themselves in fifth place as they lost 2-1 to the bottom-placed team, which recorded its breakthrough win after five defeats.

Snakes overrun by Dolphins

THE Caboolture Snakes rugby league A graders are looking to turn things around, as they host the Nambour Crushers at Bob Day Oval on Sunday, following a disappointing start to their season.

Last Sunday was a tough day out for the Snakes, as they lost 42-14 to the Kawana Dolphins at the Kawana Sports Precinct in round one of the Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL).

The Snakes made many handling errors on the muddy playing field, while there were also defensive lapses and poor discipline. Caboolture’s Joel O’Brien nabbed the opening try in the fourth minute, but the hosts soon seized control.

In the 25th minute, Zac Miles scored the first of his three tries as Kawana moved ahead 14-4.

A try to the Dolphins on the stroke of half-time stretched the margin to 14 points, before two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half took the score out to 26-4.

Kawana finished with nine tries to three.

Snakes secretary Tim Wood said the Dolphins were “cohesive and crisp, and just executed better than we did” while Kawana gelled better as a team.

“It will take some time, but we will certainly improve,” he said.

“We will take the learnings from this game and hit the training paddock hard, and come back ready to fire at home next Sunday.”

Caboolture’s lower grades began the year strongly as the U19s won 42-16, before the reserve graders won 26-16.

Great results at ISKA Queensland series

RED Dragon Martial Arts school made an impressive start to the International Sport Karate Association (ISKA) Queensland series, in the lead-up to Easter.

There were medals galore as 14 competitors from the Morayfield-based martial arts school took part in round one of the ISKA Queensland series, held

at Southport State High School.

Among more than 100 competitors from around the state, Red Dragon Martial Arts had athletes in a variety of ages, skills and events.

Events included Creative Forms, Creative Weapons, Extreme Forms, Extreme Weapons, Clash Sparring, Point Sparring, Kick Light Sparring, Team Sparring, Sumo, Flag Karate, Sword Combat, Traditional Forms, Traditional Weapons, Tornado Kicks, and Tricking. The youngest of the Red Dragon Martial Arts athletes was five-year-old Heather Betty, who gained one first placing and two third placings. er achieving three gold, three silver and three bronze medals at the ISKA NSW Open earlier in the month, Charlie Bale achieved five rst placings, two

second placings and a third placing at the Southportbased venue.

Lyric Van Der Kolk earned five first placings while Kelly Bodsworth earned four, and Athena Ayres earned three firsts as well as two seconds.

Adam Mason gained three firsts and a third, while Arryn Cox claimed two firsts and a second.

Dan Rasmussen achieved two top placings while Thor Hartshorn and Piper Van Der Kolk had one first, one second and one third placing each.

Jemma Bodsworth and Imogen Betty each had a first placing, while Imogen also had a second placing. Kaiden Buck’s best placing was second, while he also finished third on three occasions.

Leo Betty narrowly missed out on a medal, as he did very well in his first tournament.

Red Dragon Martial Arts owner Brett Fenton said he was particularly pleased with the results and efforts, while it was great to take a large team to the

ISKA Queensland series.

“Most students competing train more than three days per week in a multitude of martial arts styles,” he said.

“A lot do private lessons which helps them hone their skills for competition.”

Round two will be at the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre on July 7.

Changes loom for Lions

● MORETON BAY

◗ Liam Hauser

THE Moreton Bay Lions AFL club is ringing in the changes, including the formation of new teams for this year and a change of competition for the senior women next year.

Having been the Queensland Football Association Women’s (QFAW) Division 1 premiers last year, the Lions senior women have been granted a

license to participate in next year’s QAFLW League.

This is the highest league for women to play at a community level before entering the professional AFLW competition.

Moreton Bay’s senior women, in the meantime, begin their title defence on Saturday with an away match against Morningside.

Meanwhile, AFLQ has offered a license to the Lions to field a Division 3 men’s

team, due to the absence of a Bribie Island team.

Moreton Bay’s Division 3 team will feature players from the Lions, Narangba and Bribie Island.

This team will start its season this Friday night with an away game against Caloundra.

Moreton Bay’s other new AFL teams will be Over 35s and Over 45s Men’s Masters, and Over 35s Women’s Masters.

Wolves fall behind against Colts

● STANLEY RIVER

◗ Liam Hauser

THE Stanley River Wolves had a patchy start to their season, as they went down 18-12 to the Coolum Colts in last Saturday night’s Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) A grade contest at the Woodford Showgrounds. The Wolves trailed 12-0 and then levelled up at 12-all, before falling behind again.

Zane Santarossa and Morgan McWhirter scored

for Stanley River, before Coolum’s Jakson Shearer exploited some slack defence.

Wolves coach Ethan Szendrey was upbeat, despite saying his team didn’t turn up to lose.

“The positive to take out of it is, everything out there is easy to fix,” he said.

“There were a few tired bodies there through the middle for that last try (to Coolum).

“Apart from that it was errors and some silly

discipline and some silly penalties, letting them out of their own end.

“We’ll get back to the drawing board, we’ll work hard.

“(We) never like losing, but there’s more positives than negatives to come out of that game.”

Earlier, Stanley River’s reserve graders lost 26-12 after trailing 26-0.

This Saturday, the Wolves host Noosa.

The Wolves will have a 50-year anniversary

These teams are seeking more players, so anyone interested is asked to contact events@mblions.

com.au

Masters football is based around having fun rather than getting super serious.

Training is at The Den each Wednesday night, and sanctioned games are played fortnightly.

The club’s junior and

U8 teams and then boys and girls teams from U9s through to senior football.

The club also has a junior umpire training program, designed to give youngsters the tools and confidence needed to become an umpire.

Anyone from clubs which don’t have an umpiring program can come to the Lions sessions, from

Morgan McWhirter was one of Stanley River’s tryscorers in its narrow loss to Coolum in round one of the rugby league season last Saturday night.

● MORAYFIELD ◗ Liam Hauser

Thor Hartshorn. Heather Betty. Kaiden Buck.

Sport

Yowies, Stags can’t be split as season kicks off

Drawn result in scrappy round one clash

● KILCOY

◗ Liam Hauser

HONOURS were shared at Hopetoun Sports Fields last Saturday, as the Kilcoy Yowies and Mary Valley Stags had a 16-all draw in round one of the Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) C grade season.

The Yowies recognised life members Pat and Denis Bleakley before play began. The game never reached any great heights as there were numerous penalties and handling errors, while the scoreline remained tight.

Luke Carseldine and Ratu Ravai produced some brilliant tackles for Kilcoy while stand-in captain Steele Hanton led from the front.

Suepasi Pelesa, Marika Tamanidrove and Ross Delaiverata also had some good moments.

Tamanidrove set up the first try as he broke through

a gap and sent Hanton running to the tryline. Pelesa converted the try, before Mary Valley’s Dan Burnett scored an unconverted try.

The Yowies led 12-4 after Keverieli Waqa scurried away for a long range try, before a penalty goal to the Stags narrowed the margin to six points at half-time.

Kilcoy’s No. 9 was unluckily sent to the sin bin just before half-time, and then Mary Valley levelled the score in the second half.

The Yowies were again a player short as their No. 6 was sent to the sin bin, and then the Stags hit the lead with a try to Tom Wheeler.

The tide turned as Mary Valley’s No. 6 was sinbinned, and then Kilcoy’s Sekove Serevi levelled the score with a try.

There was no change to the score in the final 14 minutes. A field goal attempt

from the Yowies went astray in the late stages, but there had been many other decisive moments.

“I think if we could’ve held the ball a bit (better), there was more points in us,” Hanton said.

“But (there were) a few silly errors, you know, losing the ball in the tackle and handing it over to them.”

Hanton said the Yowies had a platform to build on after a strong finish last year, despite missing the play-offs.

“We’ve just got to get a few little things right,” he said.

Earlier, Yandina beat Beachmere 18-4 aft injured player left ambulance.

This Saturday, the Yowies trek to Beachmere to contest Palmwoods which is coming off a loss.

Kilcoy’s

Marika Tamanidrove (main). Photo credit: Deerlightful Photography; Yowies and Stags players come together after the game.