The Sentinel 12 March 2025

Twitching for tourism Charging down

◗ Marina Gomide

THE company behind a controversial battery energy storage system at Hazeldean has submitted a new document, reducing the size of the project, including fewer batteries. The amendment was revealed when battery storage outfit Enervest lodged answers to further questions from Somerset Council. The scope of the project

would now consist of approximately 387 battery enclosures and 155 inverters, with a storage capacity of 400MW/1,600MWh. This is a dramatic change from its originally proposed 512 battery enclosures and 256 inverters.

Amongst Council’s various requests for further advice was the fire risk of BESS systems. Enervest responded with a Hazard and Risk Analysis (HRA). Full story p2

◗ Marina Gomide CARE4ESK is calling on Somerset Council to invest more in avitourism (birdwatching tourism), after the sighting of a single bird attracted over 100 birdwatchers to the area. Esk local and Care4esK member of several years, Helen Procter-Brown,

Selling every Monday, 10am

PLEASE GIVE DAVID A CALL to discuss the current market or for any of your livestock requirements. TO RECEIVE OUR UPDATES AND REPORTS please reply with “add” to our email address below.

David 0412 704 456

Email: david@starihaauctions.com.au www.starihaauctions.com.au

spotted and photographed a Black-eared Cuckoo on the fire

MARINA GOMIDE marina@sentinelnews.com.au

0406 505 656 CAROL FITTON carol@sentinelnews.com.au

KIRRA LIVINGSTONE news@sentinelnews.com.au

0491 655 129 ADVERTISING

CONTACT OUR TEAM

Sentinel

FROM THE EDITOR

YOU could be forgiven for feeling a bit of whiplash after the past week’s wild weather.

The first cyclone to hit the southeast in 50 years kept us guessing right up until it finally crossed early Saturday.

6, 35 Swan

DESIGN AND LAYOUT 5438 7445

ON THE COVER

During the week though, it wasn’t the cyclone but the panic that was surging.

Petrol stations ran dry, supermarket shelves were stripped, sandbag sites had four-hour queues, gas was gone, and bottled water was selling for outrageous prices.

Many of us woke on Thursday and Friday to sunshine, kids at home, and news that the system had done another 360 - its crossing delayed, its path shifting yet again.

Despite all the information at our fingertips, this was a

reminder that we can’t know it all.

Then Alfred crossed the coast with little drama.

But it wasn’t done with us yet.

Across the weekend and into Monday, it dumped a deluge, closed roads, toppled trees, and forced schools to shut.

Were authorities’ warnings excessive? Maybe.

But the uncertainty sent us into survival mode—a scramble to prepare for the worst, even if we weren’t sure what that was.

Some might call it an overreaction, but as the argument, probably sensibly goes, “You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

Can you really blame people for wanting to be ready?

In the end, Cyclone Alfred reminded us of nature’s unpredictability - and our

own. If nothing else, the past week showed just how fragile our routines are when faced with the unknown.

Finally, a big shout out to our SES and emergency service folk who, once again, helped keep us safe and cleared the roads to keep us moving.

PEOPLE POWER

THE latest stage of the controversial battery energy storage proposal for Somerset has taken a big turn, with new plans for a smaller project.

This follows considerable public pressure and media coverage.

While some won’t accept any approval, proper process must be followed to avoid lengthy court battles and wasted taxpayer money. Read the latest below and stay with The Sentinel for

ongoing coverage. FLYING HIGH

I can’t say that I have the mental fortitude to sit still for long periods of time in the hope of seeing a particular breed of bird. But twitching is more popular than you think, going by the reaction to the sighting of a black-eared cockatoo at Mount Glen Rock recently.

Once word got out - by carrier pigeon? - dozens of avid bird watchers converged to the area. Now there’s calls for council to bring more of a focus to the niche tourism possibilities of bird watching.

The idea of investing in attracting groups focused on this passive, environmentally friendly past-time is worth considering.

Battery proposal shrinks

◗ Marina Gomide

THE company behind a controversial battery energy storage system at Hazeldean has submitted a new document, reducing the size of the project, including fewer batteries.

The amendment was revealed when battery storage outfit Enervest lodged answers to further questions from Somerset Council.

The scope of the project would now consist of approximately 387 battery enclosures and 155 inverters, with a storage capacity of 400MW/1,600MWh.

This is a dramatic change from its originally proposed 512 battery enclosures and 256 inverters, with a battery storage capacity of 800MW/1,600MWh, which would have made it one of the largest in Queensland if approved. Among the various concerns and requests for further advice from Council was the fire risk

of BESS systems. Enervest responded to Council’s requests with a Hazard and Risk Analysis (HRA), which includes two case studies of previous BESS fires and explains how these risks are addressed with the proposed Hazeldean project. Enervest stated that a major point of difference was its proposal to use a battery chemistry that “exhibits higher onset temperature for thermal runaway and significantly lower self-heating rate than other battery chemistries, therefore presenting lower risk of thermal runaway events” (Lithium Iron Phosphate).

“In terms of the impact of fumes and smoke emissions from a potential fire event, smoke plume contaminants will quickly disperse in the atmosphere and dilute with little or no observable effect,” the company stated.

The HRA also stated one of the takeaways from a BESS fire in McMicken in 2019 was “the need for ALL parties

to be kept informed of all BESS hazards and risks”, with the Hazeldean project committing to training first responders, emergency ambulance personnel on how to respond, assess, and extinguish BESS fires and treat any related injuries if they occur.

of a Community Benefits Survey (CBS), which took place three weeks ago, were also made public, with a lack of training and equipment

identified as one of the main concerns raised by residents.

“The proponent will engage with QFES following completion of construction to undertake site familiarisation and finalise the site-specific Emergency Response Plan (ERP),” the HRA read.

This comes as the results

Toxic fire runoff was also named as one of the top concerns for residents, along with noise and light pollution, loss of property values, water contamination and environmental risks, perceived lack of direct community benefits, and concerns about local governance and decisionmaking.

The survey also showed residents would like to see “tangible, long-term benefits that addressed essential community needs rather than short-term or symbolic contributions”.

Investment in community infrastructure was named as the most preferred benefit area, including investment in roads and bridge upgrades.

“Many participants felt that if development were to proceed, it should contribute meaningfully to local assets that benefit the entire community,” the survey read.

Participants also debated whether direct financial compensation should be provided to those living closest to the project. While some supported compensation for impacted landowners, others argued that benefits should be equitably distributed across the community.

Enervest said it is planning on hosting information sessions for community members, with dates

depending on the outcomes of Cyclone Alfred.

“We will provide opportunities to meet with the project team to discuss the project and ask any questions in the coming weeks once the upcoming catastrophic weather events have passed,” Enervest said in a statement.

“These sessions will be scheduled for an appropriate time, expected in mid-to-late March. We will make sure you receive timely updates about these upcoming events.”

Council has extended the decision period by an additional 30 days to ensure it has adequate time to thoroughly assess the response package, with the decision period now ending on April 14.

To read Enervest’s full response to Council’s Further Advice requests, including the HRA, noise assessment and visual amenity report, and the CBS, visit https:// eservices.somerset. qld.gov.au/propres2. asp?lp=13SP294647

Mitch

Mitch Gaynor r

50 MW/150 MWh Hazelwood BESS (Victoria) attached in HRA document.

Energy upgrades for councils

SOMERSET and Moreton Bay councils could soon be saving on their energy bills, as the Federal Government again partners with communities to deliver energy upgrades.

Round two of the highly popular $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund is now open for applications.

This will see $50 million of funding available, which has the potential to unlock at least an additional $100 million in high-impact energy upgrades.

This could include upgrades like replacing energy-intensive heating in council pools with heat pumps and energy efficient lighting and battery storage at sporting fields, libraries and community centres.

Local councils own and operate many of the public sporting, community and cultural facilities Australians use every year.

One-off grants of between $25,000 and $2.5 million will help cut energy bills and carbon emissions at existing facilities owned or managed by successful applicants.

The program also aims to increase the capacity of domestic supply chains and support skills growth for future investment in energy transition projects to the private sector.

Councils who missed out in the first round are encouraged to apply again.

Bienvenue mayors

Somerset mayor shines light on what was learned in overseas delegation

MORETON Bay and Somerset mayors, Peter Flannery and Jason Wendt, joined 11 South East Queensland (SEQ) mayors and councillors on a globetrotting fact-finding mission in February.

The Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) delegation visited Singapore, Manchester, and Paris to explore infrastructure and tourism opportunities ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

The delegation’s first stop was Singapore.

Cr Wendt said Singapore’s small size and rapidly growing population of six million people shared many of the same challenges as SEQ.

“We visited Singapore’s government planning hub, where we learned about their long-term holistic approach to urban expansion, allowing people to live and work in small communities,” he said.“ Underground infrastructure allowed fast

travel throughout the region without compromising land usage, creating a more satisfying visual amenity, and this is something I think we should be considering for SEQ.

“They had high-rise units all around, but it felt like you were driving through the country.”

Cr Wendt also took note of Singapore’s recycling facilities, which turn waste into energy through incineration, adding that this is something COMSEQ is considering, given the everincreasing waste levy being passed onto councils

Another observation was Singapore’s use of

electronics and AI to provide pre-emptive maintenance to public facilities based on consumer feedback.

“We’re advocating for reliable telecommunications in Somerset, and hopefully

options for improving customer service through real-time data,” he said.

Cr Wendt also met with business and government representatives in Manchester to discuss the acceleration of the city’s business district.

“The once-industrial wharf area was abandoned in previous years but was redeveloped leading into the 2022 Commonwealth Games, creating many legacy opportunities.

“Today, Manchester’s infrastructure has improved the city’s liveability and continues to attract residents, tourists, and commercial investment.”

The COMSEQ delegation visited Paris, where facilities built for the 2024 Olympic Games now provide venues

concerts, and school functions.

Cr Wendt said the mayors examined how the Olympics were used as an opportunity to expand Paris’ public transport system.

“The city increased its capacity to supply passenger demand during the games, but today the facilities are still being used and expanded to complement the Olympics infrastructure,” he said.

“Athlete villages were constructed with long-term residential apartments and transport connectivity in mind.

“There was some negativity towards the Olympics, but the community now sees the value of the legacy infrastructure, and they’re

government’s ‘live sites’ spread around the city, where people could view the Games on large screens, making the experience inclusive and exciting by bringing communities across the region together to enjoy the event.

“We’re unlikely to get any competitions or training opportunities in Somerset, but it would be great to host a live site to bring our residents together in the Games fever,” he said.

“Brisbane is going to be showcased to the world, and Somerset will be swept up in the Olympics frenzy given our proximity to the Games. There will be substantial tourism opportunities, with millions expected to visit Brisbane.”

available

At the Singapore planning hub, COMSEQ learned about the city’s longterm holistic approach to urban expansion.

COMSEQ delegation visited Singapore, Manchester and Paris last month.

Hit hard, but the sting is in the tail

Harsh lesson from first cyclone in 50 years

◗ Marina Gomide

THOUSANDS of Moreton Bay residents felt the impacts of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred (ETCA) a day later than predicted, with Category 1 cyclone winds lashing the region on Saturday night, including 105km/h gusts in Redcliffe.

Over 60,000 residents lost

wreaked havoc in the days after the cyclone made landfall.

Over 700mm of rain was recorded across Moreton Bay on Monday, with Wamuran seeing the most of it, recording 184mm on Monday, along with 58mm on Sunday and 55mm on Saturday.

The D’Aguilar Highway

Cornetts $80k loss

Power outages

claim food

IGA Bongaree on Bribie Island has had to dispose of $80,000 worth of products, including frozen meals, dairy products, and meat items, aft without power for nearly three days due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred (TCA).

2am on Saturday, March 8, and despite having a back fro a brief period during the day, had another outage later that night that lasted until Monday. The store was also closed Saturday and Sunday due to weather warnings and safety concerns. Once the store reopened on Monday, staff had to dispose of all items that required refrigeration due to health and safety requirements. A spokesperson for Cornetts said deliveries have already started to replace the products, predicting everything will be fully restocked by the weekend.

Dam started flood releases at 3am on March 9 and flooding also occured in the Lockyer Creek catchment.

This comes after many residents in both council areas had a false sense of safety on Friday night and Saturday morning, with many initially claiming they felt “disappointment” for “missing out” on the cyclone’s destructive winds, torrential rain, and storm surges.

“For all of the bluster and talk, that was incredibly disappointing. No unusual wind. No unusual rain. I’d like a refund on that disappointment please,”

Somerset resident Christopher wrote on Saturday. That same night the Moreton Bay region experienced Category 1 winds across the region, followed by extensive flooding in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Somerset and Sunshine Coast.

This was followed with some residents saying they “weren’t warned” about the high winds on Saturday night or the severe rain that followed on Sunday and Monday, with media and authorities blamed for causing high expectations of the event in the region, and then for not warning residents enough about the aftermath dangers once

Alfred crossed land.

“Disappointed with the BOM. They didn’t forecast the massive storm we had this morning and they said earlier that the rain would stop mostly by lunchtime and yet here we are at 1pm and it’s hammering it down,” one resident wrote on Monday.

“Have completely lost faith in BOM after all this. Why weren’t any warnings

issued about last night’s (Saturday, March 8) winds? Could have prevented a lot of damage instead of letting us think it was over, not to mention they got the date wrong AGAIN,” another Moreton Bay local said. Others jumped to the defence of the BOM and media outlets, reminding those who felt “ripped off ”

Why werent any warnings

Thank you SES, Energex, councils, police and QFD

QUEENSLAND Fire and Rescue swiftwater rescue firefighters were incredibly busy on Sunday and Monday, attending more than 150 water incidents, including rescues and evacuations across Ipswich, Brisbane and the Sunshine

In Moreton Bay, over 700 tasks were recorded since 7pm Saturday night across with Moreton Bay SES.

The SES is being supported by the Rural Fire Service Queensland, with all operational crews active and working as fast as they can to manage the situations.

Moreton Bay also received assistance from Townsville Local Disaster Management Centre, who were deployed on Sunday, March 9, and

relieve the Local Disaster Management Team who have been working 24/7 for more than a week now, preparing for and managing operations and community safety due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Several SES units joined the Villeneuve Rural Fire Brigade, the Mount Kilcoy Sandy Creek Rural Fire Brigade, the Hazeldean Rural Fire Brigade, the Stanmore Rural Fire Brigade, and Delaneys Creek Rural Fire Service.

Over 10,000 people are still without power across City of Moreton Bay on Tuesday, March 11, and over 250 still affected in Somerset, with Energex crews having worked around the clock to restore power across South East Queensland.

Sunday and Monday Energex crews worked in torrential rain, with one crew

member saying restoring power was “like someone spraying you directly in the face with a garden hose while you’re trying to get a job done”.

Since the cyclone started to impact the coast, crews have restored more than half of the affected customers, with around 2,000 staff in the field from

◗ Marina Gomide

SES Redlands team clearing fallen trees on Sunday. Photos: QPS.

Delaneys Creek Rural Fire Service helping in damage clean up. Photo: Facebook.

Somerset Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC).

Bribie Island National Park and Recreation Area. Photo: Queensland National Parks.

Fence blown over in Moreton Bay. Photo: Cheryl Dalgleish.

Gum tree down in Redland.Photo: Villeneuve Rural Fire Brigade.

Neurum Creek Bridge flooded on Monday. Photo: Noelene West.

Tree hou

Emptied out fridges at IGA Bongaree.

“Preparation for the Tropical Cyclone commenced more than a week before the weather started to impact South East Queensland, with emergency equipment and crews, as well as power generators pre-positioned to ensure response and recovery could begin without delay,” he said.

inherently unpredictable

“They said a million times ‘hope for the best but prepare for the worst’ just be grateful we didn’t get the worst in Somerset,” Naiomi wrote.

“So many people complaining it fizzled out and they had to stay home for a couple days for nothing. Easy to say when you live further inland, so the lowest risk anyway. Hundreds of thousands of homes are without power.”

State Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said early preparations meant authorities could act immediately in the aftermath of the storm system.

“The State Government worked closely with councils to ensure all alerts, warnings and flood mapping information was provided to Queenslanders ... as soon as it was available from the BOM.

“We thank Queenslanders for the preparation they did ahead of the wind, waves, rainfall and flooding and for keeping across the latest information as it was available. This system has been an erratic one, and at every turn we have responded and adapted to it.

“As the focus shifts to recovery, we have the resources on the ground activate crews for washouts, removing fallen trees and clearing roads.”

A BOM spokesperson said a severe weather warning was issued for much of southeast Queensland, including the Moreton Bay area, while the Tropical

Cyclone Warning was active.

“This warning was for damaging winds and intense rainfall for much of southeast Queensland, including the Moreton Bay area,” the spokesperson said.

“Once Tropical Cyclone Alfred was downgraded to a tropical low, the warning forecast a continued risk of damaging winds with showers and thunderstorms along the coast including the Moreton Bay coast.

“On Sunday March 9, damaging winds were removed from the Severe Weather Warning, with the risk of heavy to locally intense rainfall continuing until Monday,

March 10. “Significant and widespread impacts to the community from Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its aftermath have been felt in southeast Queensland including prolonged power and telecommunications outages, major flooding and road, school and services closures.”

Moreton Bay locals eligible for grants

MORETON Bay residents are eligible for the State Government’s personal hardship financial assistance grants, with several grants being available to assist those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Face-to-face support for residents affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred are now also available, with the State Government opening eight Community Recovery Hubs, including at Webb Hall on the Redcliffe Showgrounds.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Community Relief Fund was essential to kickstart cleanup and recovery in the south east.

“In the wake of such devastation, it’s crucial affected communities know we have their back,” he said.

“Early focus on clean-up is the first step to returning life to an even keel.”

The hubs provide a onestop shop for people who need it, with access to grants and support from a range of Government agencies, as well as practical and emotional assistance.

Separately, the State Government has made $15 million in emergency assistance available to south east councils in Cyclone Alfred’s impact zone.

The Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, will provide councils up to $1 million to undertake essential immediate clean up and restoration activities.

Councils can use this funding for waste and debris removal from streets, properties, and community assets, and activities to restore public assets.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said recovery planning was well advanced to unlock immediate support for South East Queenslanders, as soon as it was required.

“Delivering this support now means no delay and no time between response and recovery,” he said.

“Just as work continues in the north and far north, we’ll walk side by side with local governments during the next phase of recovery.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the funding gave local councils confidence to roll out the response needed.

“This funding is a critical injection that will allow councils to dedicate resources to urgent clean-up tasks like tree and debris removal, and will ensure work keeps progressing,” she said.

For grant info visit www. qld.gov.au/community/ disasters-emergencies/ disasters/money-finance/ eligibility-apply/tc-alfredmarch-2025

Veranda roof blown off in Moreton Bay. Photo: Shelly McKenzie.

Tree on road and damaged powerline in Redcliffe.

D’Aguilar Highway near Woodford on Monday. Photo: Joseph Peck.

Beached boat on Bribie Island. Photo: Marine Rescue Bribie Island 445.

e clearing from use in Redcliffe.

Fight for service goes on

Hazeldean locals spend days without service due to weekend influxes

◗ Marina Gomide

HAZELDEAN residents have expressed their frustration with ongoing service and connection issues, especially during holidays and weekends, when they often lose the entire signal.

Resident of 13 years and Telstra customer, Wayne, said during holiday season and on weekends when tourists drive in to the Somerset Dam region, he might go days with only SOS service.

He added the poor service was worsening each year as more people moved to the region.

“There is such a huge influx of people and their kids, who all use their said.

“We are a lot of retirees living out here and we need our communication if something goes wrong.

“When these towers went up, we were about half the population we are today. Back then, the amount of signal received was enough, but we need more, stronger, and better coverage today to keep up with the population growth and tourist influx.”

According to network coverage maps from Telstra, Vodafone and Optus, there are multiple ‘blackholes’ around the Hazeldean and Somerset Dam region.

Wayne said it “is not good enough”, especially since even those who do fall within the coverage, can’t use it during busy periods.

“In today’s world there is no reason so many of us

who pay to get unlimited coverage should not be able to use it,” he said.

Wayne added that another issue was the placement of the towers, which sit behind the mountain range between Hazeldean and Kilcoy.

“We need one on this side of the lake or at least do something to expand that signal to reach us,” he said.

The frustration comes as Telstra said it had just completed upgrades to its mobile base stations that service Kilcoy East and Mt Kilcoy to give the community a better 4G and 5G experience, but resulted in the community being without phone service for

their problems of network congestion.

The Sentinel spoke to two other residents who also claim to experience the same issue.

A Telstra spokesperson confirmed to The Sentinel mobile services in and around Hazeldean “may experience congestion on our network at times when there is an influx of visitors to the area over the holidays”.

“We design and manage our mobile network to provide the best connectivity available and plan for peaks and troughs in demand as best we can, and we’re monitoring the ongoing performance of our services in the area,” they said.

“We constantly enhance and optimise our coverage and capacity to cater to shifting customer needs.

Big spikes in demand can mean customers may experience some congestion at times. If you do experience congestion, in all but exceptional circumstances, it should be short-lived, localised and temporary.”

According to the spokesperson, residents can improve their mobile coverage by using their nbn connection to access Wi-Fi calling.

This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use a Wi-Fi network to make and receive mobile calls.

They also encourage business owners talk to their bank about connecting their

Jimna tower assessment this month

THE Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAF) has confirmed that a condition assessment of the Jimna Fire Tower will take place in late March 2025.

A service provider has been engaged to carry out this assessment, which will inform the next steps for the tower project.

In a separate update, Queensland Hydro has notified the public on February 25 of increased vehicle and truck movements along Kilcoy Murgon Road, Sunday Creek Road, and Yielo Road starting in March.

The movements will involve site vehicles, quarry deliveries, and earthworks equipment. Motorists are advised to follow directional signage, use UHF channels, and allow extra travel time.

The Jimna Memorial Plot and Jimna Bora Rings projects are currently awaiting support from the Somerset Regional Council, following a request sent in September 2024, but no response has been received so far.

For visitors, the Jimna Visitor Information Centre offers a variety of services, including a museum, local maps, morning teas, and light lunches. For more details, contact Dave at 0438 726 570.

Vodafone network coverage map for Hazeldean. White shows areas with no coverage.

Optus network coverage map for Hazeldean. White shows areas with no coverage.

Telstra network coverage map for Hazeldean. White shows areas with no coverage.

Birdwatching boost for Esk

Rare bird sighting sparks call for avitourism

◗ Marina Gomide

CARE4ESK is calling on Somerset Council to invest more in ‘avitourism’ (birdwatching tourism), after the sighting of a single bird attracted over 100 birdwatchers to the area. Esk local and Care4esK member of several years, Helen Procter-Brown, spotted and photographed a Black-eared Cuckoo on the fire trail at the base

University.

After uploading the image of her finding to the app’s database, birdwatchers from around southeast Queensland (SEQ) flocked to Esk over the next four weeks, hoping to catch a sight of the rare bird.

This has resulted in Helen, along with Care4esK, calling on Somerset Council to more seriously consider birdwatching as a draw card for tourists, emphasising

with some coming as far as Maleny and Toowoomba, including a couple who came from Brisbane wanting to stay the night, but drove back due to lack of accommodation.

grown so much in

president, Darren people on the trail every day looking for the bird,

“We’ve always said naturebased tourism is a really big thing and to do that you need to keep nature and promote the activity, such as birdwatching or nature photography,” he said.

“You don’t have to build something for people to enjoy nature. They already have the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail for bikes, so it’s important to promote other activities along this area that don’t require loss or disturbance of habitat.”

According to a 2022 report by Dr Rochelle Steve for BirdLife Australia called ‘Bird and Nature Tourism in Australia’, birdwatchers

Kilcoy

at Nutrien Harcourts

We will be there the first and third Tuesday of every month commencing Tuesday 1st April, 2025. Come in and see us for your financial needs.

Come into our Kilcoy Sales Office and have a conversation with our banking specialists and lending experts.

Our Services include: No cash is kept on these premises.

spent over $280 million in day and overnight trips across Australia in 2019, with Queensland receiving the second highest average number of overnight visitors in 2019/20 (70,000), falling just behind New South Wales.

“National data reveals that birdwatching tourists spend more than other types of tourists in Australia and with dedicated marketing and investment the birdwatching tourism market has huge potential to grow,” the report said.

“Economic benefits have been received with negligible government support for marketing of birdwatching as a specific tourism activity to domestic and overseas markets.

“Investment in the sector and elevating its profile among tourism campaigns could yield significant benefits to the Australian economy, especially in

regional destinations where the bulk of intact bird habitats are found.”

Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt, said Council is aware birdwatching “has and always will be a big tourism attraction for Somerset”, with it being promoted through the ‘Experience Somerset Visitor Guide’, and the ‘Bird Places of Somerset Brochure’, which is distributed through the region’s tourism operators.

The bird brochure, however, is designed as a guide for bird watchers, not as promotional material to bring bird watchers to the region.

According to Cr Wendt, the Somerset Tourism Strategy 2021-2025 also notes bird watching as one of the region’s key offerings, amongst other nature-based attractions.

“Council has supported eco-tourism for some time, recognising it as a huge opportunity for Somerset,”

he said.

“We have invested significantly into ecotourism projects, including the development of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve our publications and will seek to incorporate feedback from the community in any future revisions (of the brochure).”

In December 2024, Somerset Council secured grant funding through the Australian Government for the Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails project, which will create 6km of hiking trails, interpretive signage, and a scenic lookout, with completion expected by 30 June 2027.

“The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the upcoming Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails project will provide opportunities to attract bird watchers, nature photographers and butterfly watchers to Somerset,” Cr Wendt said.

L-R: Helen ProcterBrown, Care4esK president, Darren Bate, and partner Jaqcui Bate on Mt Glen Rock fire trail.

Black-eared Cuckoo spotted in Esk. Photo: Helen Procter-Brown.

Jaqcui Bate and Helen Brocter-Brown birdwatching.

Kids thrive with fudge jar

Moreton business raises $1,100 for charity

A MORETON Bay business has raised $1,100 to help underprivileged kids thrive in school, resulting in 440 fruit packs being distributed through charity organisation Inclusive Kids.

Cedarton-based business

A.K. Cabinets raised the funds with their unique Fudge Jar, an initiative in which A.K. Cabinets owner, Alf Kwarcianyi, puts a gold coin into the Fudge Jar

to the Fudge Jar at A.K. Cabinet’s annual Christmas party.

The savings from this year’s efforts equalled $1,100, which the local business decided to donate to Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay based charity Inclusive Kids.

The organisation runs a program called Fuel For School that gives kids a free fruit pack, helping kids

every day without lunch, which causes behavioural and health problems.

With this year’s donation, Inclusive Kids will be able to give out 440 Fuel For School packs.

Alf, who has been doing his Fudge Jar for years, chose Inclusive Kids as this year’s charity after learning about a local Sunshine Coast businessman, Emmett Ryan, in November 2024, who attempted a Guinness World Record for farthest distance travelled while pushing a mower in 24 hours to raise money for the

Alf handing over the cheque to Luke Toohey from Inclusive Kids.

Alf and his wife, Janet, would like to encourage anyone else thinking of donating to local charities, to consider Inclusive Kids. Coin collection boxes are available from the Inclusive Kids website, to make fundraising easier www. inclusivekids. com.au/

Making 1M homes more electrically affordable

◗ Marina Gomide

A SOMERSET resident joined over 20 women from across Australia, including several from South East Queensland (SEQ), in a five-day Canberra delegation to Parliament House, asking politicians across the political spectrum to support key energy upgrades for at least 1 million households nationwide.

Non-profit organisation 1 Million Women, are advocating for the government’s support in making at least 1 million households (around 10 per cent of all Australian homes) electric and energy efficient within the next term of government.

The delegation had meetings with 25 members of parliament and senators across political parties, from February 11 to 13.

Somerset resident, Jane Nicholson, car-pooled to Canberra in an electric vehicle with three other SEQ ladies.

giving MP’s and senators an insight into what it’s really like for households trying to gain access to cost saving, emission reducing technologies.

Jane said the 1 Million Women delegation is focused on solutions for improving affordable access for everyday households to household electrification.

“We promoted more affordable access to things like rooftop solar, heat pumps, battery storage systems for homes and for the community, and electric vehicles, to help bring

cutting carbon emissions,” she said.

“We talked about different ways household batteries

solars for renters and people in social housing, in order to bring down household bills and improve energy security.”

“The 1 Million Women household electrification delegation was very well received in Canberra and delegates are continuing to reach out to politicians in their local areas” For more information visit www.1millionwomen.com. au/

Delegation members from SEQ with 1 Million Women founder Natalie Issacs (centre right) and Jane Nicholson (centre left). Inset - Grace Duggin and Jane Nicholson topping up the electric car in NSW.

1 Million Women Household electrification delegation members.

Period dignity

AUSTRALIANS are being called to donate period products and incontinence aids this month, to help girls and women going through financial or circumstantial hardships go through their period with indignity, especially following Cyclone Alfred’s aftermath.

Share the Dignity, a non-profit organisation aiming to end period poverty in Australia, is collecting period products and incontinence aids until March 31, which can be donated in the pink collection boxes at all Woolworths Supermarkets Australia-wide.

Woolworths will also donate 5 cents from the sale of every period product purchased throughout March, adding to the $3,157,033 already donated since the partnership started in 2019.

Thanks to these Woolworths donations, Share the Dignity has been able to install and maintain 107 currently installed

Dignity Vending Machines, which dispense free period packs to those in need in the community.

This support helps to ensure those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence or poverty don’t have to risk their health and go through the indignity of using other items in place of period products.

All period products and incontinence aids collected through the Dignity Drive will be distributed to Share the Dignity’s 3000+ charity partners, including community groups, domestic violence refuges, homeless shelters and other organisations supporting our most vulnerable community members. Share the Dignity founder and managing director, Rochelle Courtney said despite all the incredible support the charity receives, the cost-of-living crisis in Australia continues to impact those experiencing period poverty.

“We’ve accomplished so much over the last 10 years and I’m so proud of the work that we’ve done, but there is still so much more to do,” she said.

“The cost-of-living crisis has placed immense pressure on vulnerable Australians, and we must rally together to ensure no one has to face period poverty alone.

“No woman, girl or person who menstruates should have to experience the indignity of having to substitute period products”.

The Bloody Big Survey, conducted by Share the Dignity in 2024, highlighted the hardships faced by everyday Australians, quantified in alarming statistics, finding 64% of respondents have had difficulty purchasing period products due to cost.

Girls and women living in poverty resort to using socks, newspapers, towels and wadded up toilet paper to try and manage their period.

Call for more maternity care

THE Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is calling on all political parties to outline their policies to address the worsening crisis in rural maternity care, as closures and service downgrades put women, babies, and families at risk.

The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that nearly 80,000 women give birth outside Australia’s cities each year.

ACRRM President, Dr Rod Martin, says that with so many women and babies reliant on high-quality healthcare close to home, it is critical maternity care is prioritised in political discussions.

see a clear commitment to improving rural maternity services,” Dr Martin says.

“We should not have the death of a mother or a baby to signal the need for true change backed by genuine investment.”

“We welcome both major parties’ support for women’s health in their election promises, but we are yet to

ACRRM has outlined practical solutions to improve maternity services in its 2025-2026 Pre-Budget Submission, calling for: a commitment to stopping rural maternity service

closures, targeted funding to attract and retain the rural maternity workforce, including Rural Generalists (RGs) skilled in obstetrics and anaesthetics, and an intergovernmental taskforce to secure funding and ensure the continuity of rural maternity and women’s health services at risk of

Dr Martin says that properly funded, ruralfocused models that integrate RGs with advanced obstetric and anaesthetic training, working alongside midwives and other health professionals, can provide high-quality care locally, reducing the financial and emotional burden on rural families.

“This model puts the health of women, babies, and families in rural and remote communities at the forefront.”

Private health skyrockets

A GROWING number of Australians are investing in health insurance so they can receive fast, high-quality healthcare with their choice of doctor in the private system, new data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) shows.

In the last quarter of 2024, a total of 59,000 Australians purchased health insurance with hospital cover, and 63,000 purchased general treatment insurance to access more affordable allied healthcare such as dental, physiotherapy and optical services.

More than 15 million Australians now have some form of health insurance - 54.9 per cent of the population. This is a record high and follows more than four years of consistent growth in health insurance membership across the country.

The APRA data shows health funds paid $18.73 billion in 2024 for members’ hospital treatment, up 8 per cent on the year before. This was higher than health inflation (the changing cost of health services) which rose 4 per cent during the same period.

For each insured individual with hospital coverage, the average hospital benefit payment by health insurers increased by 5.4 per cent over the year to December 2024 from $1,433 to $1,510.

Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) Chief Executive, Dr Rachel David, said while health funds continue to offer more value to consumers than any other type of insurance, the APRA data showed a worrying rise in out-out-ofpocket costs being charged by doctors and some hospitals without health fund contracts in 2024.

“In Australia, the law determines doctors can charge whatever they like, and a small number are charging egregiously. We need to get this under control to ensure people can afford to see specialists when they need to,” she said.

PHA is calling on the Federal Government to create an opt-out system for doctors to publish all their fees on the Government’s Medical Cost Finder website, so consumers can research fees before choosing a specialist doctor to consult.

PHA also wants stronger consumer laws to ensure patients are not held liable for any costs not disclosed up-front within a reasonable time before their medical treatment.

Share the Dignity founder Rochelle (right) with her sheroes, Helen and Jackie at a collection box outside Woolworths.

Neumann News

with Shayne Neumann Federal Member for Blair

As devastating and worrying a time it has been as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred moved through the region in the past week, it has been a comfort and encouraging to see how our community has unified, working together to respond and look out for our neighbours.

We’ve had SES volunteers from Kilcoy, Toogoolawah, Esk, Lowood, Ipswich, Rosewood and Marburg and across the SES South Eastern Region working side by side to keep everyone in the region safe, street to street people checking on their neighbours and all levels of government working together.

One thing that always

shines through in our region is the community spirit and willingness to pitch in and lend a hand to help one another.

I put on a barbecue lunch for SES volunteers at the Ipswich SES depot on Monday and the stories I heard of the work crews were carrying out were so inspiring in the ways they were reaching out to help people.

As ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the southeast coastline we saw press conferences where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about the upcoming Federal election. The Prime Minister remained focussed on why

Ryan Reports

with Mark Ryan State Member for Morayfield

Communities, businesses, and residents across South East Queensland will have a story to tell about the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the first cyclone in our region for over 50 years.

he was visiting southeast Queensland and that was to show us Australia had our backs.

The Prime Minister said our Government was about helping people and through this event was focussed on working with all levels of government to make sure people affected would get the help they need straight away.

The Albanese Government announced on Monday we were activating financial support for communities directly affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred through the Disaster Recovery Allowance. It will be available for those in the Somerset affected and in 13 other local government areas. To find out more head to the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia. gov.au/natural-disastersupport

some advice or assisting you in some other way; if you need any support then please contact us.

Youngy’s Yarns

with

Terry Young Federal Member for Longman

The recent weather event certainly had us all on our toes with its unpredictability.

The local council was tested with higherthan-expected demands on items such as sandbags.

As I travelled around the various sandbag stations I was again in awe of the generosity and community spirit shown by locals to help those most vulnerable.

We had community members who spent two days straight filling bags for those who were physically unable to fill

the bags themselves. These unsung hero’s are the true champions. The council briefed all elected members from all levels

of government daily so we could communicate the latest vital information to those we serve.

Although the tail end of the event was much worse for this area than the beginning, we fared far better than our southern neighbours where rainfall and wind speeds were 2-3 times higher than ours, resulting in devastating flooding and damage from fallen trees and other Cleanup operations and restoration of power and communication services will no doubt take several days and possibly weeks to complete.

I want to thank every SES, emergency service and all other workers that helped keep the rest of us safe during this time for their hard work and dedication.

Pumicestone’s Pulse

with Ariana Doolan State Member for Pumicestone

While the personal experience will vary across our region, our thoughts are with all those who have suffered property damage, hardship, or any other adversity as a result of this natural disaster. Our sincere thanks to all those who stepped up to help our community including emergency services personnel, council staff, Defence Force members, volunteers and so many more.

Over the coming days and weeks, the clean-up and the re-build will continue. However, it’s most important that we reach out to those who have been affected by this natural disaster.

We have seen the true strength of our community in the last few weeks.

For those affected, know that my office and I are here to help.

Whether it’s pointing you in the right direction with

Natural disasters come and go, but the effects can remain with us for a lifetime. We should never underestimate how important it is for us to check in on each other and support each other.

As extreme weather put us to the test, so many of you came together—helping with clean-ups, checking in on neighbours, and supporting local businesses. This incredible community spirit is what makes Pumicestone such a special place.

We know that some businesses and community members may still need help recovering from the impacts

of the recent weather.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Now, as we move forward, I’m excited to launch the Pumicestone Business Excellence Awards!

These awards celebrate the hardworking businesses that go above and beyond for our community.

If you know a business that deserves recognition, nominate them today at

arianadoolan.com.au.

I also have some exciting news—my website is now live! Head to arianadoolan. com.au to stay updated, get in touch, and find resources for businesses and the community.

Let’s celebrate our resilience, our businesses, and our community spirit. Stay strong, and let’s keep looking out for each other.

My next mobile office is at Serenity Cafe on the Passage, Bongaree on March 21 from 8.30am to 9.30am. Email me at pumicestone@parliament. qld.gov.au.

Elected Reps

Flannery’s Focus

with Peter Flannery Mayor of City of Moreton Bay

It has been a difficult time for our community, with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred bringing dangerous winds, rain and flooding through our City.

I am proud of how our community rallied together to keep each other safe. My thoughts go out to those who have been affected in any way, whether it be damage to your home, flood, loss of power, or the anxiety severe weather can bring. We received heavy rainfall over parts of City of Moreton Bay ,with a maximum rainfall

total over the week of 700 mm in Mt Glorious. We also saw destructive wind gusts of 104km/hr. The damages we have already seen are devastating. Please continue to check in with your friends, family and neighbours, and offer support where possible. In just 3 days, we filled over 300,000 sandbags and went through 3,000 tonnes of sand. This is three times the amount we have gone through in a whole weather event before over many weeks.

Council staff have

Latter’s Letter

with Councillor Tony Latter Div 12, Moreton Bay Council

Recently, Moreton Bay Council made the decision to repeal the Persons Experiencing Homelessness Camping Framework, allowing the application of the Camping on Public Land Local Law 2023 consistently across all situations.

This decision wasn’t made lightly. I understand that homelessness isn’t always a choice, and I remain committed to working with the Queensland Department of Housing and other agencies to support those in need. At the same time, there is a responsibility to ensure our parks, footpaths, and public spaces remain safe and accessible for all residents.

Some have raised concerns about this change, and I want to assure the community that this is not about pushing people aside—it’s about ensuring a fair and practical approach.

Moreton Bay was one of the few Councils that

brought in a separate framework for homelessness during Covid, and aligning our approach back with other councils’ ongoing approach (including Somerset Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Council and Brisbane City Council) allows Council to manage public spaces more effectively while continuing to advocate for better housing solutions. It cannot be an ongoing solution for people experiencing homelessness to be long-term staying in parks and foreshores, this is not a sustainable solution and should not be what we are advocating for.

I urge advocacy groups to join Council in pushing for sustainable solutions from the State Government. A lasting response cannot be addressed council by council—it must be led at the State Government level, with support from the Federal Government.

From there, each

worked 24/7 throughout this constantly evolving event and their dedication has been extraordinary. I would also like to thank Queensland Police Service and SES for their support doorknocking ahead of the weather event, and the extreme care they take in keeping our community safe. Thank you as well to everyone who has lent a helping hand so far to help get our City back on track.

We are a resilient community and have proven time and time again that we can make it through challenging times when we work together. If we support each other, we will get through this.

Council needs to play its part in supporting local communities and addressing specific needs.

Council has already taken real action, waiving development fees and infrastructure charges in fifteen suburbs to encourage affordable and social housing.

We’ve also offered Council land to community housing providers Bric Housing and Coast2Bay Housing Group Ltd, committed $3.7 million to the new Peninsula Support Hub, and supported the Sleepbus.

Additionally, I welcome the establishment of the new City of Moreton Bay Homelessness, Safety and Public Amenity Interagency Executive, developed in partnership with the State Government’s Department of Housing, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health, and Transport and Main Roads.

Addressing homelessness requires a whole-ofgovernment effort, and I’ll continue pushing for more social housing and support services to help those doing it tough.

QLD trade mission to North America

THE State Government is embarking on an important trade mission to North America to secure major investment opportunities for Queensland’s resources sector.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last will lead a Queensland delegation to the United States and Canada, putting the State Government’s ambitious long-term vision for resource sector growth on the global stage.

A key focus of the trade mission is to repair relationships with international investors.

In Washington DC, the delegation will engage with key industry players, government officials, and investment agencies, reinforcing Queensland’s position as a stable and attractive destination for resource investment.

In Canada, the delegation will attend the Prospectors

and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention - the world’s largest mining event - where more than 27,000 attendees from over 135 countries, including major investors and industry leaders, gather to explore emerging opportunities.

Minister Last said the trade mission signalled a new era of certainty and confidence for Queensland’s resources industry.

“Queensland has worldclass coal, gas and oil reserves, and this trade delegation will deliver a clear message to global investors, government officials and industry leaders: Queensland is open

Wendt’s Words

with Jason Wendt Mayor of Somerset Regional Council

Last week Somerset and the wider South East Queensland region proved just how resilient we could be by coming together to face of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

It felt like the cyclone would never come – we were told by the Bureau of Meteorology and state agencies to expect landfall on Thursday but it wasn’t until Monday, 10 March that we really started to feel the impacts.

We had a lot of flooding on Monday with road closures, and flooding in the Lockyer Creek catchment. Thankfully, our region avoided some of the worse impacts seen in

for business,” Minister Last said.

“We are committed to stable, transparent, and investment-friendly policies that create jobs and opportunities for regional Queensland.

“We know the resources sector is the backbone of Queensland’s economy, but policy instability put billions of dollars in overseas investment at risk.

“The resources sector contributes more than $61 billion to our economy and supports more than 79,000 jobs, most of them in regional Queensland.”

The delegation will hold talks with U.S. Government officials from the departments of Defence and Energy, as well as with EXIM Bank the country’s official export credit agency. At PDAC, delegates will meet with international officials, political representatives and resources industry leaders.

other parts of SEQ.

One of the major side effects of this weather event were delays and closures relating to waste services.

Council has been working closely with our contractor for kerbside collection, Ipswich Waste Services, to try to hold catch-up services for properties which faced disruptions over the week.

We have waived the waste levy fee at our Waste Transfer Facilities for a limited time for all waste associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

For up-to-date details on waste management please visit our website or download the Somerset Bin App.

Deb’s Diary

with Deb Frecklington State Member for Nanango

A sincere thank you to all the emergency service and health professionals who worked tirelessly during the ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred preparation and recovery. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this uncertain time.

Funding for Brisbane Valley Highway upgrades

In October 2024, the Crisafulli Government committed $20 million to upgrade the Brisbane Valley Highway. I am excited to welcome the Federal Government’s announcement of an

additional $20 million contribution. Thank you to the Candidate for Blair, Carl Mutzelburg, and Senator Paul Scarr for recognising the importance of this vital infrastructure for the Somerset community. This investment is not only crucial for the economic growth of our region, but also for improving safety for all road users.

The LNP has actioned feedback from the community, local government, and local businesses, that has resulted in this monumental upgrade.

Powelly’s Pitch

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

Alfred Aftermath

As our community continues to recover from the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, particularly the subsequent flooding we’ve experienced, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed during the preparation and recovery efforts.

your efforts to provide resources and assist those in need have been invaluable. Your commitment to our safety and ensuring our homes and businesses could return to normal has not gone unnoticed.

Finally, to the community in my electorate—your resilience, kindness, and

It was a privilege to work within the Somerset Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) alongside council officers, Queensland Police Service Emergency Management and Queensland Fire Department personnel. Outside of council, we saw the community come together with the State Emergency Services and Rural Fire Brigade providing thousands of sandbags and residents cleaning up their streets in the likelihood of strong wind events. We would also like to give special mention to the new Queensland Government for supporting our community and the LDCC. As Somerset’s Mayor, I’m incredibly proud of this community. We will come out of this stronger and more resilient than ever.

Regional Health Services

Health staffing challenges in regional areas have been ongoing for many years after Labor left regional healthcare in crisis. In 2025 there are 3,400 fewer doctors, nurses, and other essential frontline workers delivering care to regional Queenslanders, when compared to 2014. Our government is committed to ensuring workplace conditions and incentives remain among the most competitive in the country. As we know, our region is a uniquely beautiful place to live, and with active recruitment underway, we encourage health professionals to consider making the Somerset region their new home.

hand in hand, we can weather any storm. Thank you all.

Crime Crackdown

The StatGovernment is providing $31.1 million in additional funding for highvisibility police operations to target high-crime areas and restore safety in our communities. This includes marked cars, mobile police beats, and foot patrols in shopping centres, business districts, and other public spaces.

The increased police

women

Introducing you to just some of the inspiring women of Moreton Bay and Somerset regions.

Kaye Kerr

High tea fun for Somerset ladies

Caboolture Physical Therapy Centre

Kaye founded Caboolture Physical Therapy Centre (CPTC) in 1989 with a bold vision — to provide expert, holistic team-based allied health care for the community and place patients at the heart of every treatment. With experience as a physiotherapist in hospital, private practice, and elite sports settings across Australia and England, and extensive study in Physiotherapy and Alternative Therapies, Kaye saw a gap in truly patientcentred care and set out to do healthcare

into a thriving practice known for its professional excellence and genuine care range of services, including Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Massage Therapy, Dietetics, Podiatry, Hydrotherapy, Pilates, gym programs, and much more. It is armed makes use of cutting-edge technology. Its collaborative care approach ensures patients receive comprehensive, personalised care designed to support their health and well-being.

Kaye’s leadership has fostered a supportive and inclusive environment — not only for patients but also for the dedicated team of expertly trained therapists who work together to deliver exceptional care. Her unwavering dedication has helped countless people in the Caboolture community achieve better their bodies.

Through her vision, CPTC continues treatments while staying true to its core values of empathy, expertise, and collaboration. Kaye’s impact reaches far beyond the clinic walls, building a legacy of care and community support that remains strong to this day.

EVEN Tropical Cyclone Alfred couldn’t ruin International Women’s Day (IWD) for Somerset.

TWIRLING, dancing and defying gravity has been the focus of Infinity Pole Aerial Dance for 5 years, as they celebrate their fifth anniversary this month.

The business, founded by Emily Ryan and Hannah Imhoff, started from a shared

for the impacts of TC Alfred, community connection has never been more vital.

Guest speaker Karen Wilson from Queensland Seniors Social Isolation Peak Services Program contributed a wealth of knowledge and experience about supporting older Australians and creating age-friendly communities.

This event was funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by Council.

Lighting a candle for Women’s Day

BPW

Moreton Bay proudly hosted a heartfelt and inspiring International Women’s Day dinner and candle lighting ceremony at Norths Leagues and Services Club on March 4.

Despite a smaller gathering due to Cyclone Alfred, the evening remained a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of the community.

The event featured an outstanding lineup of speakers who captivated and moved the audience with their personal journeys and achievements, including Olympic gymnast and weightlifter, Jade Sharp, and Executive Director of Caboolture and Kilcoy hospitals, Karlene Willcocks.

A highlight of the evening was the BPW International Candle Lighting Ceremony, a moving tribute that connected the local celebration to the global BPW community. This tradition, dating back more than

passion for aerial arts.

Twirls, tricks and triumphs with pole and aerial dancing

“We had both wanted to try pole for years, and when we finally did, we were hooked,” Emily explained.

Their journey began after their local pole dancing aerial studio closed, leaving them devastated.

What started as a joke about opening their own studio quickly turned into a reality, despite the timing— just one month before COVID-19 lockdowns hit.

“Against all odds, we made it,” she said.

From just a handful of adult classes to a packed schedule of 47 classes a week, including a popular kids’ program, Infinity Pole Aerial Dance has grown exponentially.

The studio has also expanded its space, adding new flooring, curtains,

and insulation to create an even more welcoming environment.

A highlight of their journey has been their performance nights, which have become a core part of the Infinity experience.

“Watching our students shine on stage, seeing their hard work pay off—it’s always an incredible feeling,” Hannah said.

Looking ahead, Infinity Pole Aerial Dance is set to launch toddler and littlies classes in April and will host its first-ever Open Day on May 31.

With these new initiatives and a strong foundation, the future looks bright for Infinity Pole Aerial Dance. Here’s to the next five years and beyond! You can find them at 3/1505 Warrego Hwy, Blacksoil.

Australian businesses in Asia trends for 2025

THE new year is set to be a defining period for Australian businesses in Asia, as geopolitical shifts, intensifying competition, and regulatory complexity create an increasingly dynamic operating environment. The latest Business Trends in the Year of the Snake report by Asialink Business provides key insights on emerging challenges and opportunities in the region.

Based on a survey of over 100 business and government leaders, the report identifies geopolitical risks, business competition, and regulatory complexity as the top concerns for Australian companies engaging with Asian markets in 2025. The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, China’s economic recalibration, and political transitions in key regional economies, including Vietnam and Indonesia, contribute to an atmosphere

of uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, the digital economy, surging consumer demand, and supply chain diversification stand out as major growth drivers for Australian businesses. With Asia home to almost 60% of the world’s consumers and digital

the region, businesses that embrace innovation and adaptability will be best positioned for success.

The report also reveals key differences in how businesses and government view the region’s challenges and opportunities:

- 67 per cent of government respondents identified geopolitical risks as a primary concern,

compared to 37 per cent of business respondents;

- 46 per cent of business respondents highlighted regulatory complexity as a major challenge, compared to 28 per cent of government respondents;

- Smaller businesses cited access to finance, skilled talent shortages, and logistics costs as critical barriers to market entry; With Asia’s economic trajectory shifting, Australian businesses must refine their strategies to remain competitive.

The report underscores the need for businesses to invest in strong local partnerships, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience.

With deep expertise in market insights, business strategy, and cross-cultural engagement, Asialink Business helps organisations navigate complexity and build sustainable success in the region.

Somerset Council celebrated IWD 2025

Group shot of candle lighting ceremony.

Candle lighting ceremony.

High tea in Esk for Women’s Day.

High fashion to celebrate Women’s Day.

Cheers to another clean gutter year

Gutter-Vac celebrates first year with success

HUSBAND and wife team, Wes and Kate Hunt, of Gutter-Vac Brisbane NorthEast, celebrate their 1st anniversary as a Gutter-Vac franchise business this March... Happy Birthday to them!!

After running a successful lawn mowing and gardening business for the previous 6 years, Wes wanted to do something different, and came across Gutter-Vac.

Gutter-Vac’s powerful gutter vacuum cleaning solution removes debris more effectively than any other gutter cleaning method available. Their services include gutter cleaning, solar panel cleaning, pressure cleaning, gutter guard installation, bird proofing and more.

Servicing from Bribie Island out to Kilcoy, and from Glasshouse Mountains down to Narangba,

they happily serve a wide range of customers, from private home owners to real estates, and commercial properties to schools.

Kate is usually your first point of contact at GutterVac, working in the office –answering phones, quoting, invoicing, scheduling, working on marketing, etc, with Wes out on the road and on the job, but many clients are pleasantly surprised to sometimes find Kate also out on the roof!

At Gutter-Vac they are trained and accredited to Work Safely at Heights, and get your job done safely and

efficiently.

As they move into their second year of business, they look forward to catching up with all those customers who have supported their business in its first year, and providing ongoing service to them in the years to come.

Putting on staff as they grow is also on the 2025 to-do list.

Remember, for the safety of your property it is important to maintain your gutters regularly, so call them today at 0461 596 014 or 1300 654 253 for a quote! www. guttervac.com.au

these Businesses celebrating Birthdays

ENABLE Home Care

Services proudly celebrates five years of providing compassionate, community-driven care across the Moreton Bay region this March.

our goal was simple—to ensure people receive the care and support they deserve.”

Five years of community care

meaningful connections.

Since its launch in 2020, Enable has grown from a small initiative into a trusted provider of Aged Care, Disability Care, and Veteran Care, making a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

Founded by Janene and Debbie, Enable was built on the belief that care should be personal, responsive, and genuinely focused on the well-being of clients. “From the very beginning,

With a dedicated team, Enable has expanded its services and advocacy efforts, helping individuals navigate complex care systems with ease.

The launch of Enable Connect and Envecare has strengthened support for NDIS participants and veterans, ensuring no one is left behind.

One of the most rewarding highlights has been seeing the real impact Enable’s care has on clients’ lives, from fostering independence to creating

Looking ahead, Enable is committed to enhancing our services, growing our community presence, and continuing our mission of exceptional, client-centred care.

They extend their heartfelt thanks to their clients, support workers, and community partners who have been part of this journey.

“The future is bright, and we look forward to continuing our mission of delivering exceptional care for many more years to come,” they said.

Happy 5th Birthday, Enable!

Happy birthday Enable team!

Happy Birthday Wes and Kate!

Spotlight on... Woodford & Wamuran

Rocking Woodford

WOODFORD came alive with music and gold on February 27, as Play-itt dazzled with a gold theme, from gold hats to gold shoes, jewelry, and even gold beer. The vibrant atmosphere matched the high-energy with the goldlevel performances that followed.

The night kicked off with Bill’s rendition of Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” and Norm’s take on America’s “Sister Golden Hair.”

Mike’s heartfelt version of The Bee Gees’ “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” set a nostalgic tone, followed by Peter, Lindsay, and Barb’s lively rendition of “Wild Rover,” a Dubliners classic. The band, with Al on keys, kept the energy flowing throughout the evening.

Jenny wowed the crowd with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” joined by Jan, Leanne, and Carmel on backing harmonies, adding a unique touch to this iconic song.

She also performed Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” Kiwi impressed with “Love Me With All Your Heart,” “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” and

Beatles hits, while Montana delivered memorable renditions of Brenda Lee’s “Break It to Me Gently” and Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs & Hillbilly Music.” Barb added to the golden theme with The Seekers’ “Silver Threads & Golden Needles,” and Leanne brought us hits like “Somebody’s Knockin’” and “Turning Music Into Gold.”

During the break, Bill and Gary treated the audience to classic tracks, including Neil Sedaka’s “Hey Little Devil” and Johnny Ashcroft’s

The second half saw Richard deliver a standout performance with “Layla” and Roy Orbison’s “Only the Lonely.”

Jan’s renditions of “Summer Wind” and “Let Your Love Flow” were unforgettable. Fay’s soulful “Somewhere Between” and “Crazy” captivated the crowd, while Sue’s “Golden Rocket” struck a nostalgic chord.

The night wrapped up with a powerful finale, featuring Kev on “Lay Down Sally,” Norm’s “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and Bill’s medley of “Gipsy Woman,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “Wipeout.”

Play-itt is held every Thursday at the Woodford Bowls Club, with free entry and great food. Join them next week for another unforgettable evening!

Woodfordia closer to $5.7M campaign goal

◗ Marina Gomide

for the unimproved land value only, not the $20 million plus assets and improvements on the land.

WOODFORDIA, the notfor-profit owner of the Woodford Folk Festival site, has raised over $1 million in donations and pledges for it’s Forest of Goodwill campaign, aimed at reclaiming its historic festival site from the City of Moreton Bay by July 2026.

According to Festival director, Amanda Jackes, to protect both the land and the assets, they both need to be secured in a trust.

Free COVID and Flu Vaccine

Community Vaccine Clinics

Brisbane North PHN with Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN) will be providing FREE COVID and FREE FLU vaccines at the community vaccine clinics listed HERE

Community vaccine clinics are free to Medicare and non-Medicare card holders

All ages over 5 yrs welcome. Pre-book your appointment or walk ins welcome. NOTE: Waiting times may apply to walk ins.

covid19@brisbanenorthphn.org.au

Woodfordia launched the bold $5.7 million fundraising campaign last year, offering donors of $1,000 or more the chance to become founding patrons of the newly envisioned Woodfordia Foundation.

As of the first week of March, $1,002,536 were raised in donations and pledges.

Following the 2010/11 floods, City of Moreton Bay purchased the “land only” value of the property, with a buy-back clause set to expire in 2036.

The lease agreement is

“Securing the land and improvements in trust would contribute to the sustainability of Woodfordia, with Woodfordia secure and debt free for all future generations,” she said. “The partnership with Council enabled Woodfordia to use the funds from the sale of the ‘land only’ to Council to undertake the repairs to the site and outstanding event invoices from the 2010/11 flood affected Festival.”

Woodfordia thanked everyone who has donated and or shared the word in a statement, saying “they are well and truly on the journey of securing the land in trust for the future”.

KILCOY: 10AM - 2 PM

Saturday 22 March and 12 April

Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, 41 Hope Street, Kilcoy

WOODFORD: 10AM - 2 PM

Saturday 29 March and 17 May

Woodford Memorial Hall, 103 Archer Street, Woodford

WAMURAN: 10AM - 2 PM

Saturday 5 April

Wamuran Sports Complex Hall, 84 Campbells Pocket Road, Wamuran

Book an appointment online or call 07 3620 8111

Complete New Patient Registration Form prior to your appointment or attendance

Playitt fun on February 27.

Photos: Marlene; Facebook/ Play-itt Woodford.

Photo: Jen Quodling.

Spotlight on... Woodford &

Discover businesses with charming displays

◗ Marina Gomide

WOODFORD and surrounds residents are invited to embark on a magic-filled walk throughout town, taking in all the fairy magic and pixie dust they can, while getting some fresh air and visiting local businesses.

The Woodford Fairy Trail has been running since 2021 and features a range of fairy-inspired displays to the windows of several Woodford shops, bringing magic to children’s lives

and foot traffic to local businesses.

The fairy displays are made by Woodford local and founder of the Woodford Fairy Trail, Karen, using several everyday items such as driftwood from the beach, wine corks, clay, pebbles, succulents, gumnuts, crystals and feathers, along with fairy statues and ornaments.

She brings the fairy houses to life using embellishments such as glitter, flowers, earrings, necklaces, and even dinosaurs, resulting in magical, detailfilled displays that engage both children and adults.

into the creations I make - combining my joy and happiness for my hobby with the kindness, love, and generosity of others within

The displays are also very inclusive, aimed at engaging boys and girls, with one of the displays at the Woodford Historical Society having dinosaurs added to it.

“It’s excitement and enchantment and imagination. If I can bring joy to some little kid that gets really excited looking at these things in the window, then that brings me joy,” she said.

“I love putting gifts and donations from others

The Woodford Fairy Trail also brings a lot of excitement to the local businesses, who are chosen randomly to hold a display, with Karen saying the owners love them.

“Woodford Livestock & Property said kids sit down, look at it outside the window and it’s fantastic,” she said.

“When I walked into Black Bros before Christmas and explained it to them and asked to add a display to their window, the guy was really happy and said it was fantastic.

“I just think it promotes

Explore Fairy Trail magic

the businesses, it gets people moving around to the other side of the street, if they don’t normally go there.”

The inspiration to make fairy houses started several years ago, when Karen was living in Redcliffe and a flood caused a lot of driftwood to wash up on the beach.

“I just started with a raft and it just built up with windows ad a door and friends donated ornaments and it just kept building. That’s how it all started,” she said.

“I don’t make fairy houses to sell them. It’s not about that to me. It about bringing magic to people’s lives.”

maps can be collected at any of the display shops and can be accessed on the Woodford Fairy Trail Facebook page.

Little girls admiring dinosaur display at the Woodford Historical Society. Photos: Facebook/ Woodford Fairy Trail.

Woodford Fairy Trail map.

Karen’s handmade fairy houses.

In The Garden WITH BROWNIE

Fighting soil contamination

WHILE growing own food can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to be mindful of the soil quality in the garden, as soil contamination is a common issue that many gardeners face, and it can pose significant risks to both the environment and human health.

Sustainable Gardening Australia has provided several simple steps that gardeners can take to reduce the impact of contaminated soil and grow healthy food:

- Raised garden beds: Raised garden beds are one of the most effective ways to avoid direct contact with contaminated soil. Fill your raised bed with purchased topsoil and you can then grow any type of edible crops including leafy greens.

- Mulch: Covering your soil with mulch limits soil disturbance and prevents dust from spreading contaminants through the air.

- Don’t plant edibles under eaves: If you live in an older house that may have been painted with lead paint, avoid planting edibles under the dripline of eaves or directly beneath windowsills. It’s fine to plant ornamentals in these places. For more information visitwww.sgaonline.org. au/soil-contamination-inhome-gardens/

Jobs for the yard in March Vegetables

• WAIT until the rain eases a bit before giving you gardens a fertiliser boost coming into autumn, or else it’ll just wash away and be wasted.

• At the start of the month, put spring flowering bulbs in the fridge veggie crisper and plant out at the end of the month.

• Try not to plan any

work in the backyard which needs heavy machinery or vehicles, until the soil dries and firms up. Otherwise you risk compacting the ground and churning up soggy soil – not

• Prepare the soil for winter veggies (such as broccoli, ower) ower seedlings from mid to late March. Watch out for little green caterpillars, as they

can destroy your seedlings overnight.

• Gypsum should be applied to the lawns and gardens now, followed up a couple of weeks later with an application of a soil wetting agent, such as Wettasoil to make sure that the last summer rains soak in deep and keep the lawn going through winter.

Plant carrot, leeks, beans, cauliflower, lettuce, silver beet, spring onion, radish, capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, sweet potato, tomato, melons, pumpkin, okra, zucchini, broccoli, kale, cabbage, rocket, beetroot, garlic, celery, coriander, rosemary, fennel, shallots and parsnips.

Flowers

• Plant strawberry runners towards the end of the month into well-mulched beds with lots of compost

• Order your roses and fruit trees for winter planting – talk to a local nursery about the best options for your location.

• Watch the new growth of azaleas and if the veins stand out dark green with pale green or yellow tissue between, apply iron chelate right away.

• Potatoes can be planted into well-mulched beds, only use certified seed potatoes to avoid introducing damaging virus diseases to your garden.

Plant alyssum, petunia, marigolds, sweet pea, ageratum, aurora daisy,

GARDEN CENTRE

Kilcoy ' s Plant Nursery Landscape Supplies Turf

Decorative Gravel Bark & Mulch Sand & Soil Custom-made Concrete Sleepers & Pavers Vegepod Stockist Mushroom Compost

Kilcoy’s blooming workshops open

Kilcoy’s Garden Centre hosts expert-led workshops

We are hosting a workshop on Saturday

March presented by Jill Coombe from Searles.

Morning tea will be at 9:30am followed by the workshop at 10:00am.

KILCOY’S Garden Centre, Irrigation and Landscape Supplies are now taking bookings for their upcoming workshops.

On Saturday, March 29, they will be hosting a workshop presented by Jill Coombe from Searles.

and applying chemicals, be it pesticides, fertiliser, trace elements or herbicides.

They are also taking bookings for their Orchid workshop, which is taking place on Saturday, April 26.

Learn the best techniques for growing orchids & take home many tips to make them bloom. Both start with morning tea at 9.30am, and the workshop begins at 10am.

Jill is a qualified horticulturist and has been in the nursery and garden industry for over forty years in retail, wholesale, indoor plants, head groundsperson, speaker, writer, and trainer. No matter your skill level she tries to impart to you at least one thing you did not know.

Cost is only $10, but bookings are essential. Please call the nursery on

bulbs. Kilcoy’s Garden Centre are expecting a beautiful selection of gorgeous bulbs to be delivered any day now, including bright and cheerful daffodils and ranunculi, elegant tulips, fragrant hyacinths and freesias, and many more for you to choose from. Come in and chat to select your favourites, and order to get ahead of the pack. Sounds like a great opportunity to expand your gardening knowledge and

certifi to talk about safe handling

Morning tea will be at 9:30am followed by the workshop at 10:00am.

Join Kilcoy’ Garden Centre workshops.

White cedar caterpillar.

Lettuce.

Foxglove.

Strawberry runner.

SUDOKU

You may have a problem

You will find that you can work progressively at improving yourself this week. Your high energy must be directed into productive goals, or frustrations will occur. Look into intellectual and physical games that will test your abilities. You can get a great deal

You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvement’s. Opportunities to get ahead are evident. Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend if you don’t want to find yourself alone. Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect.

Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation. You can’t always have your own way. You must not make unnecessary changes this week. Secret affairs will only lead to heartache.

Beware of colleagues who don’t have your best interests in mind. Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues. Generosity will put you in the poorhouse. Recognition will be yours if you meet your deadline.

Your leadership ability will enhance your reputation. Don’t forget family obligations. Your creative imagination will help you in coming up with unique ideas. It is time to clear your decks. Your lucky day this week will be Friday.

Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. Work quietly at your own goals and forget about situations that you can do little about. Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends. You’d be wise to control your spending so your debts don’t get out of hand.

things you want

Do not make rash decisions about your

You have

over backward trying to

and

it’s time to

What’s On

The Venuses

When: Wednesday March 12 till Thursday March 27

Where: The Hub Gallery, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture

Info: Dr Deborah Eddy is a feminist activist artist and independent researcher who works in the field of sculpture and performance. Her exhibition features hand-stitched soft sculptured figures representing the Paleolithic Venus. Each Venus explores and acknowledges the experiences of older women and their lives.

First Nations students creating employment seminar

When: Thursday March 13, 12pm - 2pm

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

Info: Are you looking for a free and deadly event focusing on training pathways, culture, and Mob? Head to Morayfield Sport and Events Centre for the Pathways for Mob seminar. This event is perfect for high school students who want to make waves in the future.

Street FeastCaboolture

When: Saturday March 15, 4pm - 9pm Where: Caboolture Showgrounds

Info: Street Feast is Australia’s largest travelling gourmet food market, offering a vibrant evening of food trucks, dessert stalls, boutique retail vendors, and live music. The event fosters community engagement and celebrates diverse culinary experiences.

Easter Trivia Night

When: Saturday March 15, 6.30pm Where: Lowood Bowls Club, 157 Main Street, Lowood Info: $10 entrance fee $80 per table (team event, 8 per team), Prozes awarded to; best drecorated table, 1st, 2nd & 3rd in trivia contest, licenced bar, raffles, 16+ event, BYO nibbles. For more information contact Cliff 0459 241 041.

Eco Movie Shorts for Children and Parents

When: Saturday March 15, 1.45pm - 3.15pm Where: Redcliffe Library, 476 Oxley Avenue, Redcliffe Info: Free Screening of seven short films about nature and the environment, suitable for children. Programme comprises: ‘Little Bird and the Squirrel’, ‘Australia’, ‘Land Without Evil’, ‘Pond’, ‘Du Iz Tak?’, ‘Little Bird and the Caterpillar’, ‘Porci’s Ocean Patrol’. The screening will be followed by a themed craft activity. Register at: https://www. effa.org.au/curation-andpartnerships/moretonkids-25

St Paddy’s Day Celebration at The Linville Hotel

When: Saturday March 15, 10am - 8pm

Where: The Linville Hotel Info: Bigger and Better every year! The Linville Hotel are the local home for the best St Paddy’s Celebration! With an Irish owner, we know how to host a genuine St Paddy’s Party!

Woodford Country

Sunday Markets

When: Sunday March 16, 7am - 12pm

Where: 109 Archer Street, Woodford

Info: Set in the beautiful Binambi Place, immerse yourself in a vibrant community atmosphere where local artisans, farmers, and crafters showcase their talents. The Woodford Country Markets are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 7am to 12pm.

Street Feast - Woodford

When: Sunday March 16, 4pm - 9pm

Where: Woodford

Showgrounds

Info: Street Feast is Australia’s largest travelling gourmet food market, offering a vibrant evening of food trucks, dessert stalls, boutique retail vendors, and live music. The event fosters community engagement and celebrates diverse culinary experiences.

Harmony Week:

Tea ceremony and Matcha masterclassBurpengary

When: Tuesday March 18, 11am - 12pm

Where: Burpengary

Library, 121 Station Road, Burpengary Info: Immerse yourself in the centuries-old traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony and master the art of Matcha preparation. This Harmony Week experience from The Rabbit Studio offers tea enthusiasts and mindfulness-seekers alike a sensory delight, deepening your appreciation for the ritual of tea.

Tamara Dean | Leave only footprints

When: Thursday March 20 to Saturday June 7

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

Info: Emerging from the depths of nature, Tamara Dean’s practice examines the human condition. Leave only footprints is the first survey of the critically acclaimed photomedia artist and traverses more than 20 years of her photographic practice.

Movie in The Park

When: Friday March 21, 5pm - 8pm

Where: Bunya Adventure Playground, Dobson Ln, Upper Caboolture

Info: Bring your picnic blankets and join us for an enchanting evening under the stars at Movie in the Park! Enjoy a family-friendly film The Wild Robot in the beautiful setting of Bunya Adventure Playground.

Fernvale Gold Stirrup Campdraft

When: Friday March 21Sunday March 23, 12pm - 4pm

Where: Fernvale Showground, 32 Banks Creek Rd, Fernvale Info: Campdrafting is Australia’s own horse sport. Competitors compete on their horse to put a beast around a course. Come and see some of the best riders put themselves and their horse to the test.

Snapdragon

Seed Serpent at CREEC

When: Saturday March 22, 9am - 12pm

Where: Caboolture Region Environmental Education

Centre, 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary

Info: The Wonder Wagon will be out and about in City of Moreton Bay again in 2025. Join us at the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre for a fun creative activity. Get creative and transform into your mythical plantanimal-monster. Create your plant protective equipment by customising a shield, mask, or body armour. Incorporate your unique mythical plantanimal name, symbols, and patterns into the design. Contact: Cultural Activation cultural.activation@ moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Watts for Breakfast

When: Sunday March 23, 7.30am - 9.30am

Where: Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield

Info: The Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield invites you to breakfast. Watts For Breakfast is back for 2025 proudly hosted by the Queensland Warbirds & Vintage Aircraft Association (QWVAA) who are promising something extra special for the morning. Think about a YAK formation flypast and perhaps the attendance of some very special warbird type aircraft!! We will be firing up the BBQ’s to cook an absolute feast of sausages, bacon, eggs, and beans plus all the usual extras. So whatever you do, fly-in or drive-in to Watts Bridge Memorial Airfield for Watts For Breakfast?? Everyone is Welcome!!

Zero Waste Day

When: Friday March 28, 9.30am - 10.30am

Where: CREEC, 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary

Info: Join us for a WasteFree workshop! This March,

we’re celebrating Zero Waste Day with a handson workshop that makes learning about waste fun! Did you know that the average Australian generate 2.95 tonnes of waste per year? That’s a landfill-load of rubbish! If you’ve got a curious kid aged 6 to 12, this event is the perfect way to introduce them to recycling, reducing waste, and sustainable habits.

Morgan Wallen & Chris Stapleton Tribute Show

When: Saturday March 29, from 8.30pm

Where: Kilcoy Exchange Hotel

Info: We’re hitting the road with Whiskey & Cowgirls – a tribute to Morgan Wallen & Chris Stapleton! Get ready for a huge night of country anthems, featuring all the hits you know and love.

Hallowed and Harmonious with Esk Community Choir

When: Sunday March 30, 1pm - 3.30pm

Where: Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Rd, Esk Info: The Esk Community Ladies Choir will be performing so many of the compositions by composers throughout the centuries through to the present, songs which have endured over time the concert culminating with the rousing medley of songs from My Fair Lady. Come and experience the joys of live music by this beautiful choir while enjoying a delightful afternoon tea. Tickets just $25.00 available from the Somerset Civic Centre Esk P: (07) 5424 2713 or Two Galahs Gallery –Toogoolawah. M: 0402 483 495

Woodfordia opens doors for free day of outdoor fun

WOODFORDIA, home of the Woodford Folk Festival, is inviting the local community to an Open Day on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Attendees will experience live music from musicians Hannah Rose and Shannon Sol Carroll, food, guided

family-friendly activities, all in the stunning natural surroundings of Woodfordia.

“We’re excited to bring the local community together and introduce them to the land alongside the exciting things we have on the calendar for this year. Most know the festival but the truth is we have events all year round, perfect for families and for those who like more relaxed community events”, says Amanda Jackes Woodfordia Managing Director

and Co-Founder.

The Open Day is open to Woodford Locals and others in the Moreton Bay Region and people can RSVP here woodfordia.org/ woodfordia-open-day

Event Details:

Date: March 30, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 5 PM

Join the 2025 Jackson drive

Location: 87 Woodrow Rd, Woodford, QLD 4514

Cost: FREE – Registrations - woodfordia.org/ woodfordia-open-day

For more details, visit www.woodfordia.org or for media contact email: benny@woodfordia.com 0432 299 389.

and Kilcoy, before arriving at Archer Falls Airfield by 12pm.

Once at Archer Falls Airfield, attendees can look forward to a full day of entertainment, camaraderie, and fundraising efforts. Visitors will be able to enjoy a thrilling afternoon of food stalls, pig races, a

Street Feast events coming to Caboolture, Woodford, Ipswich and Redcliffe. Photo: Facebook/ Street Feast AU.

Feast your senses with gourmet food market

CABOOLTURE, Ipswich and Woodford are set for a weekend of food fun, as Australia’s premier travelling gourmet food market, Street Feast, comes to town.

The markets will be taking place at the Caboolture Showgrounds on Saturday, March 15, before heading to the Woodford Showgrounds on Sunday, March 16.

For those living on the southside of Somerset, Street Feast will be setting up at the Ipswich Turf Club on Friday, March 16, so nobody has to miss out.

Redcliffe residents will also have a chance to

experience the delicious the following weekend, as the markets set up at Pelican Park, on March 22.

Attendees can expect a wide selection of food and dessert trucks, live music, and boutique retail stalls.

From Asian cuisine, to mouth-watering sweets to locally distilled gin, the market will offer something for every palate.

Street Feast events are also dog-friendly, so bring your pups along for a night of food, fun, and furry companionship, while keeping them safe and happy on a leash at all times.

Visitors are invited to

immerse themselves in the vibrant ambiance, connecting with fellow food lovers and supporting local businesses.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie seeking the next culinary adventure or a casual visitor looking to indulge in a tasty treat, Street Feast promises an unforgettable experience celebrating the joy of food and community. For all locations, the markets start at 4pm and go until late, with entry costing $3 per person, with card-only payments accepted.

More info www.facebook. com/streetfeast.au

not only honouring Jackson’s memory but offering support too newly diagnosed cancer patients.

“Jackson was someone who always believed in lifting others up, even when he was fighting his own battle,” his mother Rachael said.

“This foundation carries on his mission—to make

community so far has been incredible, and we know this event will be another beautiful tribute to him while also making a real difference.”

For more information on how to get involved, donate, or become a sponsor, please contact: admin@ jacksonhepner.com.au

Lake Gkula fun. Photos: Marek Knappe.

tours of Lake Gkula, and fes

Jackson Hepner Memorial Drive 2022. Photos: Facebook/Jackson Hepner Memorial Page.

Henry Somerset COMMENT

Strange Stuff

In the week of weird weather, strange stuff happened.

By the way, best wishes to all those having to clean up. Our family got off lightly with just some significant high wind induced tree trimming. Branches dropped everywhere, but not on our house or shed thankfully. There’s plenty of firewood for winter.

But could readers please help solve the major 2020s issue of Toilet tissue.

Why is it when events cause community angst, half the population denudes supermarkets of every toilet roll?

It started with Covid, then the 2022 floods and now the Alfred cyclone.

Do people go to the loo more often in ‘an event’.

Do people use more squares of the precious tissue during high wind, heavy rain or a health scare?

Are people eating bog roll as a food extender to keep the emergency pantry stocked?

As I entered our local supermarket, to stock up on a few tins of beans and longlife milk, I ran into a neighbour with a huge pack of 48 toilet rolls. There’s only three in the house, so were they expecting flood refugees, I asked. No. She said she just ‘wants to be prepared’.

Was she expecting to be isolated for two months?

There’s a list of stuff I’d be buying

if we were to be isolated for that long - and bog roll wouldn’t be at the top. I can remember at Grandma’s farmhouse (10 children in 3 bedrooms and an outside dunny) where squares of

newspaper were slotted on a large nail in the wall. If you didn’t like that, there was a bucket of sawdust. Tried that once but a bit scrunchy between the cheeks!

Maybe the

catastrophization of events just causes community angst and the calming response is to buy masses of toilet paper. So that’s Strange Stuff One for the week. The second strange event was fish.

A too rare trip to the Bribie Passage just before Alfred meandered down our way brought me up to date with a factual not fishy tale.

There’s nothing so good as whiting caught off the sandy shallows of Moreton Bay, then cooked lightly in butter.

But the breed of whiting in the Bay is changing.

My fisheries experts are counting about 20 percent of Moreton Bay whiting catches are now the Yellow Band variety, until recently not seen south of Hervey Bay inside Fraser Island. Despite the yellow bands on the skin, this whiting has the same creamy flesh inside for good eating.

Apparently the warmer waters drifting further south have not only brought cyclones, but also northern fish varieties. There’s also been numbers of Coral Trout off our islands. Strange stuff in our region. Might have to sit on the Loo Throne and contemplate.

Under My Skin COMMENT

Accurate predictions or BoM-ed out again

As I write this I am listening to updates on the approaching cyclone. As you read this it will, hopefully, be all over — rain and wind stopped, water levels fallen, and the sun shining.

I’m writing this now while I have a powered-up computer and an internet that will send the document. All the warnings are ringing in my ears, and I am taking them seriously.

I have been disappointed, but not surprised, by the number of people who have not taken the severe weather warnings seriously.

Many people have lost faith in BoM, or “the bureau” as they wanted it called. Remember in 2022 when BoM explained the name change “to build public trust” and “ to avoid negative association related to the acronym”?

The public and the media said “get stuffed” so BoM abandoned its very expensive rebranding exercise and the nickname

remained.

I’m sure BoM’s reputation hit the skids when it was making all sorts of dire medium-range predictions which turned out to be garbage and people generally switched off

So now, when short-term predictions are made, even with pinpoint accuracy, a significant section of the population shrug their shoulders and yawn. And that’s a shame — a dangerous shame.

So when you read this you will already know how accurate the cyclone warnings were. For BoM’s sake I hope they were spoton. For our sake I hope they were far too exaggerated.

Can I also mention that common sense seems to abandoned some people in times of crisis.

For example, when all the experts were telling us to save drinking water every way we could before the cyclone arrived, I came up with a simple scheme.

I offered to “empty” as many red wine bottles as

possible in the days leading up to the cyclone, and filling all the empties with water in case the water supply ran dry.

My wife not only rejected my generous offer, she mocked it — a cruel response to a common sense idea.

The QCAT crawl

Are they over-worked, lazy, incompetent, or a combination of all the above? I’m talking about the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

Recently we heard about this costly and feared body taking five years to make a decision about a school teacher.

Now we hear it’s taken almost that long to “officially reprimand” a paramedic.

During this time lapse the wayward officer hurtled towards pensioner status eligibility and has not been registered as a paramedic for more than three years.

Hopefully the new State Government will take a long, hard look at some of these

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

Amidst all the uncertainty – local and global, Australian property prices have strengthened.

In February, Australian housing prices reached new record highs, reversing the early-year slowdown according to two prominent market reports. PropTrack’s Home Price Index stated that national home prices bounced back 0.4% as interest rates decreased, while CoreLogic’s National Home Value Index( HVI) reported a 0.3% rise in prices last month. The February increase was small but significant because it was broadly distributed across the whole country. All capital cities and most regional areas recorded price gains, except Darwin (-0.1%) and Regional Victoria.

Eleanor Creagh, Senior Economist at PropTrack,

explained that the rebound was largely driven by a drop in interest rates. She noted that “market sentiment has improved now that interest rates have started to move lower.” According to Creagh, the anticipation of rate cuts earlier in the year had already begun to lift sentiment, which was evident in stronger clearance rates across all capital cities in early February compared to the final months of 2024. Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s research director, agreed, attributing the improved market conditions to better consumer sentiment rather than an immediate improvement in borrowing capacity. He suggested that the expectations of lower

interest rates had played a significant role in improving buyer confidence, alongside the increase in auction clearance rates, which have now returned to long-run average levels in major auction markets. It seems clear that the February rate did have an immediate impact, boosting borrowing capacities and making home purchases slightly more affordable. Together with that renewed buyer confidence – and a fall in new listing numbers - these factors combined to drive up demand and this is part of the interplay of elements that take property prices higher. Despite interest rates remaining elevated for much of the previous

seemingly untouchable bodies that command unlimited funding and perform at a pace that would make a snail look like a speedster.

More research?

Research tells us there’s an urgent need to encourage more girls to participate in sport.

How could this be achieved? Well, according to the researchers, they need to do more research (code for give us more money).

Without doing any scientific research, how about we take the following into consideration.

The bulk of sports participation is at the ground level which relies on volunteers for practically everything. In an age of declining volunteer numbers, participation will also decline.

Many State and National sports administrations have lost touch with their base, preferring to get involved in social engineering projects and rubbing shoulders with overseas counterparts,

year, home prices had continued to climb and growth in household incomes didn’t keep up. It was only a matter of time before the gap translated to unassailable housing affordability in some sectors, so each interest rate cut makes a difference.

Interestingly, while national house prices grew between 0.3% - 0.4% in February (depending on which data set you prefer), unit prices saw a slightly stronger 0.44% rise. For context, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, house prices nationally have soared by 52% while unit prices are reported to have grown by a more modest 26%.

The February rebound was particularly noticeable in capital cities who saw a 0.45% price increase in

cashed-up corporate sponsors, and politicians.

And the subject of transgender participation in female sports is starting to have a bigger effect on participation than admitted.

I know researchers would not be interested in those thoughts but they are a few that come to the mind of someone who was involved in sports participation and administration, at practically all levels, for more than 50 years.

Of course, giving more taxpayer money to “researchers” will give us an excuse to do nothing.

Just briefly

Saddened overhearing a 20-something saying he was sick of “all this bullshit about anti-Semitism”. This is exactly why warnings of history repeating are so serious. Will the 2020s repeat the 1930s?

Saw a story that started “Why sparkling water won’t help shed kilos despite what some studies might say”. The people saying this had done their own studies.

February, compared to a 0.28% rise in regional areas. Nonetheless, regional areas outperformed capital cities in annual growth, with regional prices rising 4.54% year-on-year, slightly ahead of the 3.70% growth in the capitals.

Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia continue to lead the nation in price growth although the trajectory is not as steep as it has been. Even so, these states remain the highest-growth markets, particularly in more affordable suburban areas. Regions such as Brisbane’s Ipswich, Adelaide’s north, and Perth’s northwest and south recorded incredible price increases over recent years as homebuyers increasingly sought more affordable options. These areas have seen particularly

By SKINHEAD

Who’s right and who’s wrong? I suggest we trust none of these shysters. The Police Union wants every frontline officer to have a personal first-aid kit and tourniquet. If they have to carry any more gear they will need an assistant to help carry it all. Have a look at how loaded up cops on the beat are these days - guns, tasers, cameras, radios, and lots more.

Maybe we should follow the old advice that said “put your head between your knees and kiss your butt goodbye”. With Putin threatening nuclear war, China rattling sabres through the Pacific, and everyone predicting global boiling, does it matter which one wipes us out first?

Definition for the Week: Political correctness — A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority.

If you would like assistance in your personal real estate journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime on 0427 536 725 or cwease@remaxliving.com. au. I look forward to being of service and helping you achieve your Real Estate goals and dreams. living

strong demand as more buyers push down the value chain, driven by the challenge of affordability in the larger cities.

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

The Somerset Country Dream

-Scenic acreage property with breath-taking views of Somerset Dam and the surrounding countryside

-Expansive elevated front deck capturing stunning panoramic views

-Two separate living areas, including a main living space, secondary living area, and a spacious games room with a fireplace and direct deck access

-Open-plan kitchen and dining with a large island bench, walk-in pantry, and gas cooking

-Alfresco entertainment area overlooking Somerset Dam

-Large 12m x 6m shed for storage or workshop use

OFFERS OVER $1,250,000 PRICE:

Stunning Rural Retreat with Modern Amenities

-New roof with insulation, new quality paint inside and outside

-Big shed approx. 9mt x 12mt. 5mt in height. 4 roller doors with chains and pullies + entry door and power connected to the shed

-Property fully fenced into 2 paddocks

-Crafted fruit trees orchard. Including mango, apples, pears, mandarins, Tahitian lime, Asian pears, nectarines, grapes, dragon fruit, wiping cherry's, mulberries and more - Property completely free of lantana & spring fed dam

Spacious Family Retreat with Pool, Privacy & Potential

-First time on the market in almost three decades - a rare opportunity

-Expansive open-plan living and dining with reversecycle air-conditioning

-Four generous bedrooms with plush carpets and builtin robes

-Seamless flow to alfresco area and sparkling inground pool

-Double lock-up garage with remote entry and concrete driveway

Family home in the highly sought-after Central Lakes Estate

- Immaculate single-storey brick home, built in 2012

- Four bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes and ducted air-conditioning

- Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area

- Modern kitchen with ample storage, breakfast bar, and modern appliances

- Double lock-up garage with internal access

- Side access with carport for 2 vehicles

&

- Covered alfresco area for outdoor entertaining

-This beautifully renovated low-set brick home on a generous 1,713m² block offers space, privacy & versatility in a quiet cul-de-sac

- Perfect for families or home business potential, it features 4 bedrooms + rumpus/5th bedroom, open-plan living, a large U-shaped kitchen with walk-in pantry, A/C, & Crimsafe security

-Entertain in style with a tiled alfresco area overlooking the magnesium pool with fountain & lights

-Established gardens, fruit trees, veggie beds & 6,000L rainwater storage support sustainable living

-Extras include a 6x9m powered Colourbond shed (15amp), single carport, garden & potting sheds, & fenced backyard

BENARKIN NTH Harley Sweeney | 0410 544 884

Acre

2.00 Hectare

Kathy Sweeney | 0427 374 117

Chris Wease | 0427 536 725

Rural Aid Supporting farmers affected by Alfred

RURAL Aid is prepared to provide support for farmers in the regions affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The impact of disasters extends beyond physical damage, affecting mental wellbeing.

Rural Aid reminds farmers and primary producers to prioritise their mental health during this time. Stress can build before, during, and after such events, and seeking support early is crucial.

Rural Aid offers free,

confidential counselling services to assist primary producers during this challenging period.

Rural Aid’s dedicated counselling support line is staffed by trained professionals from Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm AEDT.

Disaster Assistance from Rural Aid

Rural Aid offers comprehensive support to assist farmers in navigating this challenging time.

Rural Aid provides practical advice and

resources to help farmers prepare for the approaching storm.

Rural Aid will offer longterm recovery assistance, including hay and domestic water deliveries, financial support, and help with rebuilding efforts.

Fodder

In the aftermath of the cyclone, many farmers may face challenges in accessing feed for their livestock.

While Rural Aid will coordinate fodder deliveries to support farmers in need

as soon as possible, it is important that farmers take immediate action to ensure they receive the help they require.

In addition to registering with Rural Aid, we encourage all affected farmers to reach out to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) as soon as possible for immediate support.

initial phase and can assist with immediate needs.

Additionally, it’s crucial

declaring disaster zones in the states.

for farmers to complete the relevant disaster surveys.

These agencies are key points of contact during this

This will help identify the most affected areas and support the process for

Here are the links to the necessary surveys: Queensland DPI Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey https://survey123. arcgis.com/share/ a65512900348401a 812e57d743e4c104

By registering and completing these surveys, you will help ensure the necessary support is directed to the areas that need it most.

Rural Aid is here to assist, but your early action is vital to accessing all available resources.

Because that’s what facts do. They get in the way of wild theories, sensational headlines, and stories that are just too good to be true. And that’s the point.

Real journalism isn’t about chasin g clicks or stirring outrage. It’s about accountability. It’sabout getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.

It’s about knowing your community and knowing what matters most.

Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.

We believe facts make stories stronger, not weaker. That’s why everything we publish is grounded in independence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and the community we are part of.

Truth isn’t a single person’s point of view.

It’s a responsibility. And it’s one we take seriously.

Trust journalism to deliver you the truth.

Agribusiness insights into 2025 start

BENDIGO Bank

Agribusiness’s latest Monthly Commodity Insights report from February flags a strong start for Australian agricultural markets in 2025.

Winter crop harvest has exceeded expectations, with the focus now shifting to demand dynamics.

Cattle markets are also expected to see some upside amidst strong export demand, particularly from the US. Tightening global supply will continue to support dairy prices over coming months.

Almond producers are gearing up for a big season with a strong crop and favourable pricing forecast.

However, a late wet season and flood

events across Far North Queensland is impacting fruit supply, in part due to significant infrastructure damage across the region.

Global factors remain the key focal point, with US tariffs and the potential for retaliatory trade measures an issue that remains keenly watched.

Bendigo Bank

Agribusiness Senior Manager Industry Affairs, Neil Burgess said winter crop harvest generally exceeded expectations.

“WA and NSW delivered more than 70 per cent of total production, balancing big drops in South Australia and Victoria due to dry conditions,” Mr Burgess said.

“The domestic wheat market remains largely

rangebound, so for now, the focus is on export demand.

Tight ending stocks should support barley prices, however growing uncertainty in global grain markets is set to drive ongoing price volatility in the coming months,” he said.

prices in coming months, Mr Burgess observed.

Varroa bee mite found at Lockyer

BIOSECURITY Queensland is advising of the preliminary identification of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) for the first time in Queensland.

Initial samples from a recreational apiary in the Lockyer Valley have returned a positive diagnostic result for Varroa destructor.

Further samples from recreational and commercial apiaries have been collected and are currently undergoing testing to confirm the presence of Varroa destructor and also check for other exotic pests and diseases.

eradication to management to safeguard Queensland’s valuable honeybee industry and recreational beekeeping.

“Queensland’s Varroa Mite Biosecurity Zone remains in place, which restricts the movement of bees, beehives and beekeeping equipment from states and territories with varroa mite.

“We remain committed to supporting the beekeeping industry by working alongside individual beekeepers, peak industry bodies and a dedicated biosecurity network.”

“Cattle prices could see upside, with Australia recently overtaking Canada to become the largest supplier of imported beef to the US. Barring any further supply chain issues from wet weather in Queensland and further processing bottlenecks, exports are likely to rise due to strong ongoing demand from the US and rising availability of local supply.”

Dairy also looks to be a

“However, concerns remain with local production beginning to falter, putting pressure on processors to lift farmgate prices as dry conditions spread in southern dairy production regions,” he said.

“Lamb prices have eased as we enter 2025, after peaking just prior to the Christmas break with the lamb market gaining support from continued high processing rates, although strong supply of lambs and dry conditions in key growing areas will limit upside,” Mr Burgess concluded.

Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer Dr Rachel Chay said increased detections into Queensland’s border regions were expected in the coming months due to natural spread from New South Wales.

“Biosecurity Queensland has been preparing for this event and is working closely with the affected beekeepers to slow the spread of varroa mite and help guide management practices,” Dr Chay said.

“We’ve joined all other states and territories in shifting our focus from

Queensland Beekeepers’ Association President Jacob Stevens said the first detection of varroa destructor in Queensland had been expected “for some time now”.

“Thank you to the Queensland beekeepers who have reported varroa mite,” Mr Stevens said.

All beekeepers are urged to remain vigilant and undertake monthly hive health checks to determine varroa mite presence. All results should be reported to the Bee 123 online form, even if no mites are found. Immediately report unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, bees with parasites, to 13 25 23.

Revving up reliable service for your ride

CAR-B Motors, a

The

“We

“Our customers appreciate that we deal directly with them, providing the expertise of a qualified mechanic who uses only genuine or highquality aftermarket parts.”

Car-B Motors specializes in convenient and secure repairs, offering a range of services to ensure vehicles run at their best.

With a small team consisting of Richard and an apprentice, the shop guarantees a personal touch, making it easy for clients to get their vehicles serviced and back on the

KILCOY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

BREAST & THE REST

Meets third Tuesday (monthly) @ 10am

Kilcoy RSL Rooms (Kennedy St)

Contact: Sandra 0429 382 724 or John 0403 336 263

KILCOY KRAFTERS

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

KILCOY, 28 Robson Street. Starting from Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd March continuing every

Athletes get a helping handRacing review chair picked

◗ Kirra Livingstone

THE Somerset Regional Council has awarded five local sporting icons excellence bursaries, to support their athletic endeavours.

Sophie Lehmann was awarded $1,000 for being selected for the 2025 Canada Track and Field Tour team attending the Jack Brown Memorial at Kelowna, Canada on 28 and 29 June 2025.

Renee Retschlag was awarded $1,000 for being selected for the Australian Women’s Wood Chopping Team attending the International Relay Series at Bushtown, New Zealand on 8 and 9 March 2025.

She has been making waves in Wood Chopping for the entirety of her

Toogoolawah bowls

On Tuesday 25th

February, Colin, Neville, Brian travelled to Lowood for their Pub Day. With an additional player from Lowood the team had two enjoyable games but unfortunately were unable to take a win. Thankyou Lowood for the invite.

On Wednesday the 26th

Toogoolawah golf

Wednesday 5th March -

February, Len and Graeme went to Yarraman and with the assistance of 2 substitute players Amber and John from Yarraman, had two good games but without success. Thankyou Yarraman for the invite.

On Sunday 2nd March at home in extremely windy conditions we played one game of Pairs and one game of Triples. Winners on the day were Len, Rhonda and

Ladies AM Golf winner Pat Dennis 18 points. Runner up on a count back Taylah Roper 13 points from Lorraine Bittossi. Enid’s NTP no 4 Pat Dennis. Pm Chook Run 9 hole single stableford - Winner

will focus on reinforcing the industry’s integrity, proposing steps to develop modern infrastructure, and strengthening country

A key objective of the Review is to enhance collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee the industry’s growth while maintaining high animal welfare standards.

Matthew McGrath has been appointed Chair of the Queensland Racing Review. With an extensive background in business, he has previously served as Chairman of the Australian

Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander emphasized the importance of industry input in the review process.

“The racing industry

is a major contributor to the state’s economy, an important employer for many hard-working Queenslanders, and is at the heart of communities right across Queensland,” Mr Mander said,

Matthew McGrath expressed his enthusiasm for leading the Review, highlighting its comprehensive approach.

“The Racing Review brings many elements together and will look at social, financial, and employment impacts, as well as the welfare of those who compete on the track and, vitally, for the horses and greyhounds,” Mr McGrath said. Input is open until March 30. For more details, visit: www.sport.qld.gov.au/ racingreview.

Esk women smashing golf

Sue. Runners up were Colin and Zac. Fruit Tray went to Len Smyth.

For your Calendar:

Our next Trivia Night will be held on Friday 28th March.

Our next Pub Day will be on 3rd April.

Our Annual Toogoolawah Gold Cup Challenge will be held on Thursday 20th March. 10.00 for 10.30 start.

See you on the Green!

Jeff Hutchinson 20 points Runner up Richie Marschke 18 points. NTP no 15 Agg Dagan. Saturday 8th March no golf due to Alfred. Graeme and Leanne’s day to be rescheduled.

Coming events: Saturday 15th March

Brisbane Valley Super Store, Thirsty Camel Trophy Day. A 9 hole 2 Person Ambrose for golfers and non golfers. If you would like to come join

us be at club house at 10-30 am for sign on and shotgun start at 11.00am.

Monday 17th March Vets at laidley.

Wednesday 19th March

ladies AM Golf 8am / PM Chook Run 3.30pm.

Caboolture darts

Caboolture Darts Club Pot

Luck doubles on Monday 3rd March saw Sid/Davo as winners with Runners up Chris K/Josh.

Matthew won the High score with a 140, and Sherrie with a 91. Matty won the high peg with a 72 .

Both Josh and Matthew had 2 x 140 scores with Sid

There will be two further sessions on March 11 and 18, with very limited spaces available. If there is enough interest, further sessions may be available in the future. Ring 0493 565 095 or check Esk Golf CLub website for more information or to register.

also having one. Davo best was 125 and Ian 102. Darts is Played at the Combined Services Hall 21 Hayes Street Caboolture every Monday night with names required by 715pm. Visitors are always welcome. Full Bar coffee other drinks available. For more information text or ring Cecil 0411 698 807 or Ian 0400 475 007.

Renee Retschlag (pictured right) is one of five who received a grant.

Regos open for UniSport Nationals

UNISPORT Australia is excited to announce that registrations are now open for UniSport Nationals 2025, set to take place on the Gold Coast from 27 September to 3 October 2025.

Supported by Tourism Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast, Nationals is the premier event in university sport, bringing together top student-athletes from across the country.

With over 7,000 participants from 41 universities competing in 30+ sports, Nationals is one of Australia’s largest multi-sport events. The University of Sydney (USYD) enters as the reigning champion, but strong competition is expected from Queensland institutions, including The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

UniSport Australia encourages university athletes to register now and invites sports fans to experience the excitement. Stay tuned for further announcements leading up to this highly anticipated event.

Kilcoy duo push through pain to conquer HYROX

Gym pair train in just eight weeks for professional athletic competition

◗ Kirra Livingstone

KILCOY locals Kira Taylor and Kelly Hay participated in their first professional gym competition, HYROX, on Saturday, March 1, after just eight weeks of preparation.

HYROX is an athletic competition made up of a mix of gym and crossfit exercises including a total of 8km of running, 50m sled pushes, and 1000m row.

The pair from Kilcoy competed in the open aged doubles women division, and placed 777th against 1057 teams.

Kira said she had been going to the gym for a few years before this, but really got into having PT sessions last year when her health took a turn.

“I have endometriosis and have had a hysterectomy, but then at the end of 2023 I ended up in hospital,” she said.

“I found out I had hypothyroidism and that I had a disease called reactive hypoglycaemia, which is when my blood sugar plummets.

“The doctors

recommended I ate more food to stop the

training,” Kira said.

“After weeks of training and originally had a goal of completing it in 1 hr and 40 mins, we crossed the finish line at 1 hr 35:11.”

Kira said she enjoyed the strength she’s developed through gym training and the community is extremely welcoming.

“Everyone at HYROX were so supportive online and in person, even the elite competitors were cheering us on,” she said.

Kilcoy friends Kira and Kelly at their first HYROX competition this month. Photos: Hyrox Brisbane.

Cycle to to Scenic Rim

ONE of South East

Queensland’s most beloved charity bike rides is fast approaching, with cyclists gearing up to ride through the stunning landscapes of the Scenic Rim on Sunday, March 30. The Heritage Karalee Ipswich 100, a Brisbane West Lions Club initiative in partnership with the Ipswich Hospital Foundation, caters to riders of all skill levels. The event promotes fresh air, fitness, and

camaraderie while raising funds for local charities and community initiatives. Since its inception in 1999, the ride has raised over a million dollars for various beneficiaries, including the Ipswich Hospital Foundation, the 24/7 Cycling Safety Fund, the Lions Youth Emergency Accommodation Centre, and the McIntyre Centre at Pinjarra Hills. Brisbane West Lions President, Mr Pat

Marrinan, emphasised the importance of these funds for community-based organizations.

“Every year the cycling community comes together to support this event and give back to the region, but the event could not be possible without the support of major sponsor, Heritage Karalee, and a host of event sponsors and supporters,” said Mr Marrinan.

Ipswich Hospital Foundation CEO, Mr Scott

Young, highlighted the partnership’s significance, noting the substantial impact the funds have on the West Moreton community’s health and wellbeing.

“Every dollar raised through events like this helps IHF purchase cuttingedge medical equipment, fund groundbreaking research and innovation, provide support for patients and their families, and drive health promotion and awareness programs,” Mr

Young said.

This year’s ride will also be a tribute to David Clark, a dedicated event organizer who passed away last year. “David and I worked on the ride together for several years and he and I managed the 2024 event,” Mr Marrinan said.

“He will be greatly missed for his kindness, friendship, sense of humor, and work ethic.”

Starting and finishing at Ipswich’s University

of Southern Queensland campus, the ride offers breathtaking views extending to the Great Divide and Cunningham’s Gap. With three route options— the 161-km Imperial 100, the 100km Classic 100, and the 50km Fun-Filled 50—riders of all experience levels can participate. Rest stops will be available along the way, providing refreshments and support. For more, visit Ipswich100.com.au.