The Sentinel 15 January 2025 by SomersetMedia

Festival ﬁghts for its future

◗ Marina Gomide

ORGANISERS of the iconic Woodford Folk Festival say they were thrilled to have staged the biggest festival in Australia last year, despite a slight fall in attendance on the previous event.

Festival director Amanda Jackes told The Sentinel that patron numbers were down 2 per cent in 2024/25

compared to 2023/24, with 96,000 attending across the ﬁve days.

Poor patron numbers in the prior year resulted in a signiﬁcant ﬁnancial hole for organisers, who put out a rally cry late last year following continued slow ticket sales.

Despite the lower patronage, the 2024/25 festival was still the largest music festival in Australia, Ms Jackes said.

Ms Jackes emphasised Woodfordia, the not-forproﬁt owner of the folk festival, was still “close to meeting ﬁnancial goals”, having been able to meet all expenses and begin to rebuild reserves. Story p3

‘Keep best friends’

◗ Marina Gomide

RSPCA Queensland and Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) fear more pets will be abandoned amid already record high surrender rates, following the City of Moreton Bay’s new regulations around homeless, prohibiting the keeping of animals by all people camping on council land.

Both organisations are urging council to support alternatives that would help educate homeless pet owners, rather than separate them.

Story p4-5

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◗ Kirra Livingstone

FORMER Stanley River Wolves player, Reegan Hicks, has fulﬁlled her lifelong dream of making it into an NRLW side.

Late last year, the Brisbane Broncos

From Wolves to Broncos

Stanley River Wolves said the club is happy to see Reegan excelling. Full story p23

announced she was being added to the NRLW team’s top 24. In 2022, she was in the Gold Coast Titans junior academy, and then was signed by the Brisbane Broncos into their development squad in 2024. A Brisbane Broncos spokesperson said they wanted to sign her since 2022.

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FROM THE EDITOR

THE good news is that Woodfordia has pulled oﬀ the biggest festival in Australia over the New Year.

Organisers of the Woodford Folk Festival had been sounding the alarm bells towards the end of the year after slow ticket sales.

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Authorities cracking down on boat safety

QUEENSLAND authorities will be cracking down on dangerous boating behaviours on both coastal and inland waters these summer holidays.

these oﬀences during the school holidays.

In an eﬀort to prevent on-water fatalities and injuries Queensland Water Police (QPS), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Seqwater are mounting joint campaigns to enforce the maritime Fatal Five until February 2, 2025.

Extra patrols on Queensland waterways will be targeting:

- Drink and drug taking

- Speeding

- Lifejacket and safety equipment compliance

- Keeping a proper lookout and distance oﬀ

- Trip Planning Drink and drug taking is even more dangerous in a boat than a car and can have the same fatal outcomes. Brisbane Water Police patrols will be particularly focussing on

Speeding continues to be the most common oﬀence on the water despite it being especially dangerous in congested waterways during peak holiday seasons.

MSQ statistics show that of 64 boat related drownings in the last ﬁve years, only ﬁve people were wearing life jackets at the time of their accident.

A QPS spokesperson said Water Police “have zero tolerance” for anyone operating a boat under the inﬂuence.

“Anyone found to be risking the safety of themselves, their passengers or other vessels will be held to account.”

Seqwater is warning boaties that recent heavy rains mean dams this summer could be vastly diﬀerent waterways than they were just weeks ago. Stay alive and stay safe.

It followed reporting by The Sentinel showing the festival was in a challenging ﬁnancial situation, with millions lost after the prior year’s festival, which had suﬀered an alarming fall in numbers due to a perfect storm of poor weather, cost of living impacts and rising costs for organisers.

The not-so-good news is that in the wash-up of the 2024/25 festival, patron numbers were still down about 2 per cent from 2023/24.

While that doesn’t appear a great result after the prior year, organisers say they

are taking heart that they are “close to meeting their ﬁnancial goals”.

“When you consider the recent challenges of the festival sector, with almost half of all festivals cancelling and the half that go ahead making a loss, we are very pleased with the support of our community and the success of the festival this year,” Festival director Amanda Jackes tells us (p3).

Time will tell what the 25/26 festival will look like, but with a change of government in October, handouts such as the $2 million received from the then State Labor government last year might not be so easy to come by.

It’s not stopping organisers trying to secure the future of the site though.

Woodfordia is now trying to raise $5.7 million to repurchase the site from

Moreton Council. About $900,000 has been raised to date - well short of the target, although it is open until mid 2026.

Ironically, the festival goers we talked to appreciated the extra space aﬀorded by fewer patrons.

Not sure Woodfordia would feel the same.

Go Reegan

In sport this week we reveal that former Stanley Wolves league player Reegan Hicks has been signed on to the Broncos on a three-year contract.

It’s a dream come true and well-deserved for the talented second rower.

“Reegan epitomises the type of people we want in our NRLW program,” the Broncos said.

“She is a wonderful person and dedicated athlete, who values hard work, she has the potential

to be a long term NRLW player.” Nice words there and you can read the full story on page 23. Homelessness

There is no easy solution to the homeless crisis across the country and our region is not immune.

Tents in parks and showgrounds are growing in numbers and last year Moreton Council attempted to draw a line in the sand by enforcing laws, including that nobody staying on council land can keep a pet. That has drawn an outcry from groups who say it would be cruel to remove pets from their owners. They cite mental health deterioration and personal safety. It’s a challenging issue but public safety is paramount. Read the story (p4-5) and let us know your thoughts at news@sentinel news.com.au

Facilities approved

THE new city of Waraba will soon have its very ﬁrst community facilities, after Moreton Bay Council recently approved a childcare centre, swim school, service station and car wash facility for Lilywood Landings.

This approval marks a signiﬁcant milestone in the development of the new community, as it brings essential services to Lilywood’s future residents.

The childcare centre is set to become a cornerstone of the Lilywood Landings neighbourhood, with capacity for 135 children in a purpose-built, 1,100square metre building, on the corner of Springvale Street and Lilywood Boulevard.

The adjoining swim school will oﬀer stateof-the-art facilities and provide a welcome addition for families who love the water. The site will include a 57-space car park, ensuring

easy access for everyone.

In addition, there is room to add a 300-square-metre gym on the site, delivering residents a dedicated space to focus on ﬁtness and well-being.

Meanwhile, on Lilywood Boulevard, the service station and car wash have been welcomed as a convenient addition for the growing Lilywood Landings community.

and family-friendly city.

Lennium Group Development Manager Ian Worthington said the new amenities were set to start construction this year and would enhance daily life for the ﬁrst Waraba residents.

“This is an exciting milestone for the growing community of Lilywood Landings,” he said.

“The addition of these amenities reﬂects the broader vision for Waraba as a connected, self-suﬀicient,

“These developments are only the beginning of creating a vibrant, connected neighbourhood where families can live, grow, and thrive with everything they need on their doorstep.”

The facilities are just the start for Waraba, which will eventually beneﬁt from a substantial town centre featuring a Coles supermarket on Caboolture River Road, speciality stores and a liquor retail outlet –all of which will boost the shopping experience for locals.

Lilywood Landings is also close to a wide array of schools, sports clubs, and recreational areas, and with Waraba now one of the Queensland Government’s Priority Development Areas (PDAs), investment is ongoing.

Land in the ﬁrst two stages has already sold out with lots expected to register in early 2025 and the ﬁrst homes to start construction soon afterwards.

Former Stanley River Wolves player, Reegan Hicks, is now with Brisbane Broncos. Story p23

Mitch

Mitch Gaynor r

Artist impression of Lilywood’s childcare and swimschool.

Enervest addresses submissions

◗ Marina Gomide

ENERVEST, the energy generation and storage company proposing to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Hazeldean, has announced it intends to release summaries of their technical reports, so residents can see how feedback from the community has been addressed through studies and informed the next stage of project planning and design.

“We have spent the last few months thoroughly reviewing all submissions that were received from the community in response to our Development Application (DA),” Enervest said in a statement.

“We appreciate the insights provided and acknowledge the concerns raised during our community engagement last year.

“We are committed to ensuring that we address these concerns through the DA process, which is why this feedback has informed a number of further studies and an updated design.”

This comes after Somerset Council received nearly 300 public submissions opposing the project in June 2024.

A newsletter for the project is now also available. Any questions or to subscribe email hazeldean@ enervest.com.au.

‘Thanks for support’

Woodford Folk Festival patron numbers down as organisers say ﬁ nances are stabilising

◗ Marina Gomide

ORGANISERS of the iconic Woodford Folk Festival say they were thrilled to have staged the biggest festival in Australia last year, despite a slight fall in attendance on the previous event.

Festival director Amanda Jackes told The Sentinel that patron numbers were down 2 per cent in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24, with 96,000 attending across the ﬁve days.

Poor patron numbers in the prior year resulted in a signiﬁcant ﬁnancial hole for organisers, who put out a rally cry late last year following continued slow ticket sales.

Despite the lower patronage, the 2024/25 festival was still the largest music festival in Australia, Ms Jackes said.

Ms Jackes emphasised Woodfordia, the not-forproﬁt owner of the folk festival, was still “close to meeting ﬁnancial goals”, having been able to meet all expenses and begin to rebuild reserves.

“When you consider the recent challenges of the festival sector, with almost half of all festivals cancelling

and the half that go ahead making a loss, we are very pleased with the support of our community and the success of the festival this year,” Ms Jackes said.

“Importantly, through the infrastructure funding, we will be able to utilise the land assets more and reduce annual hire expenses.”

This comes as Woodfordia has launched a bold $5.7 million fundraising campaign, called Forest of Goodwill, to reclaim its historic festival site from the City of Moreton Bay by July 2026.

Festival organisers are rallying public support, oﬀering donors of $1,000 or more the chance to become founding patrons of the newly envisioned Woodfordia Foundation, having already raised over $800,000.

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

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

“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.

could continue, delivering over $20 million annually to the region. Since 2011 over $200 million in economic impact has been delivered.

“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 Woodford Folk Festival.

“The weather in December 2010 saw our attendance decrease by a staggering 22 per cent. This was unprecedented for us, as previously weatherimpacted events had only decreased in attendance by up to 6 per cent.”

Council beneﬁted from the buy, by ensuring the Woodford Folk Festival

According to Ms Jackes, the pandemic in 2020 interrupted Woodfordia’s plans of launching the fundraiser sooner, with them now being past the halfway mark of the 25-year buyback clause, making the launch now an “appropriate time”.

“Securing Woodfordia in a trust will contribute to the sustainability of Woodfordia and enable us to focus on new low risk business opportunities that would have diﬀerent income streams to high-risk event incomes,” she said.

Examples of this include hiring the site to external events, and the development of a

renewable energy business.

“At the heart of the Woodford Folk Festival and The Planting is a celebration of community, creativity, nature and connection,” she said.

“It’s about creating moments of joy, understanding, and mutual support—planting seeds for stronger, more connected communities long after the festivities have ended.”

A Council spokesperson said Council “wishes Woodfordia well in their fundraising endeavours” and support their decision to explore options within the lease arrangement.

“We’re proud to have been heavily involved with that history by investing in both the Woodfordia site and the Folk Festival,” they said.

More at aforestofgoodwill. woodfordia.com/

Fun at Woodfordia.

Photo: Jen Quodling.

Hot under collar over new pet rule

Welfare agencies urge compassion over homeless issue

◗ Marina Gomide

The Council announced The Person’s Experiencing Homelessness Camping Framework on December 12, prohibiting the keeping of animals by all people camping on council land.

Both organisations have now urged council to support alternatives that would help educate homeless pet owners, rather than separate them.

“If the animal is healthy, safe, and not declared dangerous, RSPCA strongly believes that pets should be able to stay with their owners,” RSPCA Qld spokesperson Emma Lagoon said.

“While we always assist in cases of emergency, we have to do our best to manage our animal capacity across the state.

“Over the past two years, RSPCA Qld has been running a proactive service in Moreton Bay for vulnerable residents, including people experiencing homelessness – oﬀering free veterinary services, preventative treatments, pet food, essentials like bedding, leads and collars, and pet care advice.”

Ms Lagoon said in the ﬁrst year of its Community Outreach service in the Moreton Bay region, inspectors reported a 19 per cent reduction in animal welfare complaints reported in the area.

She added that by helping keep people and pets together it helps prevent

animal welfare issues in the future and supports the bond people have with their pets.

AWLQ spokesperson, Caroline Esera, added that from AWLQ’s experience, “the majority of owners experiencing homelessness with a pet manage them responsibly in the community”, adding the organisation was unaware of homeless pets being more diﬀicult than pets with homes.

“We’re not aware of any data that indicates dangerous dog incidents are more prevalent for homeless people,” she said.

“From our experience we would expect the data

to show most attacks or aggressive instances occur where the owner and pet has a home.

“If there are concerns regarding community safety these cases should be managed individually, working with and supporting the owner to ﬁnd a solution.

“From our experience, homeless people experience the same challenges as owners with accommodation regarding problem pet behaviours. With the cost of living many owners including those with accommodation and without are struggling. Like every owner, it comes down to the individual and their pet. “

◗ Marina Gomide

THE Caboolture Watchhouse received a funding extension from the State Government to accommodate juvenile oﬀenders, with funding having been extended until December 31, 2025.

The 31-bed facility ensures ongoing, secure accommodation for young people, having a number of health, education, and intervention services available for juvenile oﬀenders.

Ongoing funding has

ensured the continuation of these services in the new year, after the State Government revealed the Wacol Youth Remand Centre is not expected to open until mid-2025.

Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber said the funding will go a long way in supporting the corrections system.

As of January 14, Caboolture Watchhouse has 5 juveniles and 3 adults in custody, the most juveniles in the state.

Ms Esera also emphasised that without a more “compassionate, solutions-focused” approach to the issue, rather than “punitive measures” like prohibiting ownership or ﬁnes, pets and owners could face “a signiﬁcant risk” of emotional trauma or physical harm.

“Without

supportive alternatives, these pets could face uncertain futures, including abandonment, surrender to shelters, leading to overcrowding in animal shelters, or potentially being seized and euthanised,” she said.

Some “more compassionate” alternatives to the “punitive” approach of banning pets, suggested by AWLQ, includes supporting people in ﬁnding stable housing, providing access to pet-friendly shelters, and investing in community

outreach programs, as these would beneﬁt both the individuals aﬀected and the broader community, ensuring both individuals and their pets are cared for and protected”.

Both organisations have emphasised how seizing animals could seriously aﬀect the owner(s), with many owners relying on their animals to “keep going”.

“For many rough sleepers, the bond with their pets is profound, and being forced to choose between keeping their animal or avoiding ﬁnes

Caboolture Watchhouse gets funding

This coincides with the State’s announcement of

The $15.452 million commitment will ensure the Taskforce continues its

operations and, with the Making Queensland Safer ect, gives police the laws needed to be ective in tackling youth crime.

This ongoing funding will support 16 full-time staﬀ in targeting high harm oﬀending through targeted operations, including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.

Youth Crime CoResponder teams will

also become a permanent ﬁxture, empowering young people to make positive choices and aiming to reduce the number of young people committing oﬀences.

Premier David Crisafulli said setting the Taskforce in stone was another step towards addressing the youth crime crisis in Queensland.

“For Queensland to successfully unravel a generation of youth crime we need permanent laws and a permanent policing presence,” he said.

“Adult Crime, Adult

Time gives the Taskforce the tools it needs to make our community safer and this decision locks in the resources to focus on closing the revolving door on youth criminals.”

Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski assured Queenslanders the service was committing to addressing youth crime from every angle.

“We continue to see positive results through proactive activities, including high visibility patrols and engagements with young people.”

RSPCA and Animal Welfare QLD say homeless people with pets rely on animals. Photo: Franco Folini.

Rubbish and items left at Centenary Lakes Park, Caboolture, in November.

Photo: John David Vogan/ Facebook.

Rubbish and items left under Beerburrum Rd in November. Photo: Cr Tony Latter/ Facebook.

and penalties may lead to heart-wrenching decisions,” Ms Esera said.

According to the RSPCA, many studies have highlighted the positive impact that pets can have on physical and mental wellbeing, including increased cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and in men, lower cholesterol), and increased physical activity, social skills and social connectedness.

Pet owners also report less depression and appear to

cope with grief, stress and loss better than non-pet owners, showcasing how pets are also great caregivers in providing comfort to their owners.

“While some residents may feel that public spaces are more accessible, the displacement of vulnerable individuals could lead to increased visibility of hardship in other areas,” Ms

“These measures may also strain local animal shelters if pets are forcibly separated from their

“Homelessness is a symptom of broader systemic challenges, and addressing it requires empathy and collaboration. We remain ready to work with councils, including Moreton Bay, to explore strategies that prioritise care and dignity for our most vulnerable.”

RSPCA receives around 100-200 reports of pets being abandoned every month.

For anyone experiencing hardship, please reach out to the RSPCA on their website or by calling our 1300 ANIMAL hotline.

More information about People and Pets program on here: https://rspcaqld. org.au/what-we-do/ working-with-communities/ community-outreach

AWLQ works to support the community and assist with the care of pets owned by homeless people through various measures, including the Homeless Connect

initiative and our Pet Food Pantry program.

State reps weigh in on Council’s decision

MEMBER for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, has requested a meeting with the Minister for Social Housing, Sam O’Connor, following Mayor Peter Flannery’s call on the State Government to address the issue of homelessness in Moreton Bay, which costs Council over $2 million per year.

“The changes (by Council) aim to balance public safety with supporting those experiencing homelessness. These measures are not about punishing homelessness, but ensuring public safety, while addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness,” Ms Doolan said.

“While these rules address immediate safety concerns, the root issue remains: a lack of housing and resources for vulnerable individuals. This is why Council continues to advocate for increased support and housing options from the State Government.

“The State Government needs to focus on increasing emergency housing options, particularly in areas like Pumicestone, where no such facilities currently exist. Greater investment in aﬀordable housing, partnerships with service providers, and immediate action to address cost-ofliving pressures are also essential.”

Council is calling on the State Government to

Join Australia’s largest Cane Toad Bust 2025

WATERGUM is inviting everyone to join Australia’s biggest Cane Toad Bust from January 18 to 26, to help tackle one of the biggest threats to native wildlife.

Every year, Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) wreak havoc on Australian native wildlife, poison thousands of pets and impact local agriculture. They are toxic at every life stage and proliﬁc breeders, with a female producing up to 35,000 eggs each time she reproduces.

Cane Toads can live for over 10 years in the wild, so to help minimise their spread Watergum challenges Australians to tadpole trap by day and toad bust by night for one week every year.

By getting involved and taking action to remove toads and clean up the local environment, locals can create a safe haven for wildlife and pets on their property.

neighbours, by getting out toad busting and tadpole trapping. Participants can count their catch afterwards

toads before they grow up to cause damage.

In some areas, Drop Oﬀ Points accept live toads and will euthanise them for locals.

provide homes for those that are sleeping rough, increase law enforcement activities to remove people compromising the safety of the community, and provide ﬂexibility in policies to allow caravan parks to extend stays.

Ms Doolan called these requests “reasonable and necessary”, and added that the problem “will require collaboration across all levels of government to deliver long-term,

“This ensures pets are safe, fed, and cared for, while also helping their owners work towards a housing solution,” she said.

“In our oﬀice, we’re assisting residents struggling with the cost of living by connecting them with the right departments and advocating for their needs.

“Every case is unique, and we’re committed to ﬁnding tailored solutions for those who seek help.

“If you are struggling, please know that help is

Council owned park near Woodford used for camping/ caravanning.

“I understand that Council is working alongside third party providers to assist campers at Cruice Park,” Mr Powell said.

“The State Government is actively working with Council to assist truly homeless people who are awaiting temporary crisis accommodation and eventually a permanent housing solution.

accommodation.

regarding Cruice Park”, a

“We are also aware of a need for more policing of antisocial behaviours in these spaces and the shortfall in public housing that we must address.”

Member for Morayﬁeld, Mark Ryan, was also calling on the newly elected State Government to work with the Moreton Bay Council to “ensure safety in our community and deliver supports for those experiencing homelessness”.

“For 25 years I have advocated for people experiencing homelessness, whether through my volunteer activities or in my position as member of parliament,” he said.

“As a community, we have to ﬁnd a balanced approach based on safety for everyone that recognises the rights and responsibilities of people experiencing homelessness as well as the broader community.”

Anyone in Moreton and Somerset who requires housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre by calling 13QGOV or qld. gov.au/housing/publiccommunity-housing/

Koalas stop Fernvale DA

Locals can join in the Great Cane Toad Bust on their own, or by teaming up with friends, family and

Eﬀective cane toad control starts at the tadpole stage, by trapping tadpoles to break the breeding cycle and removing young cane

Each night during the Great Cane Toad Bust, locals can then head out after dark and collect as many toads as they can, being sure to count their catch and submit the data to enter the running.

In previous years

Watergum removed over 50,000 Cane Toads and are looking to beat that number this year.

To get involved, people only need to register their interest or event at https:// watergum.org/ greatcanetoadbust/. Once registered, Watergum will send out a free information kit and ID guide. It’s a fun activity for the whole family while doing something beneﬁcial for the environment.

There are also community events running Australia wide.

Head to www.watergum. org/greatcanetoadbust for event information, help with native frog Vs cane toad ID, information on humane euthanasia and more.

Development refused to protect koala habitat

SOMERSET Council have formally refused a development application for 121 residential housing lots on land at Brouﬀ Road, Goan Lane and Forest Hill Fernvale Road in Fernvale, covered by The Sentinel over the past months, following extensive community opposition.

Council was directed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency to refuse the application, as it conﬂicts with state with signiﬁcance (koala habitat).

Council was also required to assess the application on its merits as part of the relevant legislative process.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council refused the development for several reasons.

“The land is heavily vegetated with core koala habitat and this application proposed to remove about 11 hectares of vegetation, which Council simply could said.

“Council is aligned with the community in this respect, with many public submissions raising concerns over the koala population and impacts on the environment.”

Cr Wendt said Council had to balance the need for additional housing with the interests of the community.

“This development was proposed for the emerging community zone and the small size of the blocks was not consistent with this zoning,” he said.

“Also, within Fernvale there are already several large subdivision approvals which are yet to be built.

“This proposal is inconsistent with the Somerset Region Planning Scheme and does not achieve the outcomes identiﬁed in the assessment benchmarks for which the application was required to be assessed.”

Makeshift tent at Centenary Lakes Park, Caboolture, in November.

Photo: John David Vogan/ Facebook.

Read between signs

Moreton parking signs not up to standard

◗ Marina Gomide

A WAMURAN resident is calling on Moreton Bay Council to ﬁx countless parking signs that don’t meet the Australian Standard (AS) in terms of visibility from the street.

Barry Wilson has spent over 10 years trying to address the issue of parking signs not facing incoming traﬀic correctly, resulting in many residents getting Council-issued parking tickets.

According to AS 1742.112016 - Manual of Uniform Traﬀic Control Devices, Part 11, linear parking signs “should not be mounted parallel to the kerb but turned 30 degrees (+/- 10) to partially face oncoming traﬀic”.

According to Mr Wilson, there are hundreds of parking signs in Caboolture alone that don’t meet this standard, either by being parallel to the kerb or facing away from oncoming traﬀic, which make the signs illegible to those parking.

“It’s very simple: there is a standard set and Council should be following it, instead of giving out tickets to cars that can’t see the sign when they park,” Mr Wilson said.

“I think Council should revoke all tickets given

where a sign was not correctly facing incoming traﬀic, and instead ﬁx the problem.

“When you do something wrong, you should remedy it, not justify it.”

Mr Wilson also added that he believes many residents aren’t even aware these signs aren’t meeting the Australian Standard, making it impossible for them to dispute tickets issued.

According to the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traﬀic Control Devices, the word “should” in the AS 1742.11-2016 indicates a recommendation, rather than mandatory usage. However, it is stated that “any recommendation that is not applied must be based on sound traﬀic engineering judgement and documented”.

Mr Wilson said he has never been provided any documentation by Council to justify the wrong angle of any signs he has reported.

A Council spokesperson has conﬁrmed that Moreton Bay Council is aware “that some parking signs may be parallel to the kerb rather than at an angle”, but said Council would not allocate resources to “proactively review and rotate signs”, restating that “it is not considered

absolutely necessary” for parking restriction signs to be installed at an angle according to State rules.

“As long as motorists are reasonably able to identify the restriction at a location, there is no need to change the orientation of the signs,” they said.

“To help ensure motorists have reasonable opportunity to observe parking restriction signs, Council will usually install parking restriction signs at a closer spacing than the standard 75m maximum spacing, allowing motorists to see the signs from a parked position, rather than relying on seeing the signs as they drive past.

“Council would consider the orientation of individual signs when installing new signs or replacing existing signs.”

The spokesperson also added that it does cost the Council to ﬁx the angling of existing signs, including staﬀ time and vehicle and fuel usage, with there being a number of potential reasons why a sign may be parallel to the kerb or facing the wrong way.

These include signs being installed prior to the orientation being standardised, people deliberately rotating them, people accidently rotating them, vehicles hitting them,

Main - Barry

with a

Below - Parking sign on Bury

away from oncoming traﬀic.

Somerset roads to be resealed

MOUNT Kilcoy and Sandy Creek roads are set to get bitumen resealed roads starting this week, as Somerset Council started its bitumen reseal program on Monday, January 13.

The program, to be undertaken by RPQ Group, will be resealing the following roads, weather permitting, between January and early February: Arnolds Road North, Beaconsﬁeld Road, Freewood Drive, Kerrs Lane, McCauleys Lane, Seraﬁni Drive, Traves Road and Wunulla Lane.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the work was a preventative road maintenance technique.

“This work will increase road surface texture for better tyre friction, prevent potholes from forming, prevent oxidisation and generally create good driving conditions,” he said.

“Fixing roads and potholes is costly and time-consuming, which can be negated by good maintenance practices like resealing.”

if they believe it to be issued incorrectly,” they said.

“Where motorists feel that parking or any sign is not positioned or orientated in a

by calling 3205 0555 or by lodging a request online via Council’s ‘Contact Us Online’ webpage https://www. moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ Contact/Request.

Cr Wendt said the reseal work would create some loose material on the roads for a few weeks while the surface settles.

“Please drive to the road conditions and reduce your speed when approaching other road users,” he said.

Funding boost for Villeneuve Fire Brigade

Hero Grants program in December.

THE Villeneuve Rural Fire Brigade (VRFB) has received nearly $2,000 in donations from the State Government and Kilcoy Butchers, to invest in facility upgrades.

The grant money will go towards replacing the brigade’s “broken and outdated” 3mx3m Gazebo Marquee.

with Senator Paul Scarr, also donated a Queensland and Australian ﬂag to the brigade, with the VRFB calling the gifts “welcome additions” for the station’s facilities.

Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has

The brigade was voted the winner of Kilcoy Butchers Diamond Donations program, receiving $1,500 to help support upgrades to their station and training rooms.

“We hope for the chance to ﬂy our National and Qld State Flags sometime in the new year,” they wrote on social media.

Community shoppers got to vote for the winners until December 31, with VRFB being announced as the winners, by getting the most votes, on January 8.

VRFB thanked the Kilcoy community and Kilcoy Butcher “for this fundraising opportunity towards improving our facilities”.

This comes after the VRFB was awarded $250 through the State Government’s Round 24 of the Local

congratulated the brigade, and the other three community groups who won the grant, on their successful applications.

“These are small but meaningful grants of $250 that are designed to provide modest donations to not-for-proﬁt community groups and individuals from across the Nanango Electorate,” she said.

Ms Frecklington, along

The other winners of the Local Hero Grants Round 24 are: - Junior Quarter Midget Queensland Club – Support ‘Kids Royal’ event - Kilkivan Bowls Club –Assist in cost to upgrade honour boards - Kingaroy and District Vintage Machinery Club Inc. – Assistance with oﬀice administration costs

The two runners ups to the Kilcoy Butcher’s Diamond Donations program are Harlin State School and Linville Progress Association Inc, with both receiving $500 each towards their projects.

Wilson

parking sign not meeting the Australian Standard.

Street, Caboolture, facing

◗ Marina Gomide

Glen Rollinson and child at Villenueve Fire Brigade open day 2024.

Students rewarded

THREE Somerset high school students received a $500 student bursary from Somerset Council through the ‘Somerset Regional Council All-Rounder Award’.

The recipients are a year 10 student selected by each high school in Somerset, to assist with the student’s educational fees.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt congratulated the students for their eﬀorts.

“The chosen students demonstrate eﬀective leadership, a high level of academic achievement and involvement in a variety of school and community activities,” Cr Wendt said.

The 2024 recipients are Zoe Pendergast from Kilcoy State High School (SHS), Anunta KongpreephanSmith from Lowood SHS and Grace Jardine from Toogoolawah SHS.

Council land up for sale

FOLLOWING a review of all freehold land holdings, Somerset Council has identiﬁed six parcels of land for sale in Braemore and Colinton.

The parcels include four 4,000sq m lots on Colinton Street and McConnel Street in Braemore, and a 5,600sq m lot and 12,100 sqm lot on Nurinda Road in Colinton.

Council is selling the lots via tender. If no tender responses are accepted, Council may consider selling the through a real estate.

Properties stay strong

Market to take time to regain ‘full conﬁdence’ after highway debacle

◗ Marina Gomide

HOMEOWNERS in Moodlu, Elimbah, north Caboolture and Beerburrum can remain optimistic about property values after the announcement of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative (BHWA) Stage 4 route scrap, just before Christmas last year.

While a lot of questions remain around what the new route will look like, how many homes will be aﬀected and where, Re/Max Living real estate agent, Chris Wease, said the outlook for home prices remained positive.

“From an industry frontline perspective, the demand for properties in the region overall is still high and supply remains low. Record results are still being achieved,” he said.

Mr Wease acknowledged the impact the former BHWA proposal had on the property market in that speciﬁc region, saying it will take time for the market “to regain full conﬁdence”.

“Only the properties that are no longer in the proposed route are released from their concerns, the worry has now shifted to a new group of property owners who wonder if they will be aﬀected by any new proposal,” he said.

“It will take clarity of the ﬁnal route before the community can really move forward. A lot of damage has been done, so while some doubt still remains, buyers remain distrustful and rightfully so.”

According to realestate. com.au, there are currently only three homes on the market between Moodlu and Beerburrum (as of January 14), all with an asking price of over $1,200,000, with one property seeking at least $1,399,000.

The only recorded sale since the highway route was oﬀicially scrapped was a vacant lot sold on Christmas Eve near Boden Road.

The previous six months saw nearly 30 properties between Moodlu and Beerburrum listed for sale.

While 2024 saw a drastic increase in the amount of homes sold, alongside a drop in prices, the fall in values was not as severe as feared.

Data reveals that in the year prior to the announcement and 12 months after, most properties sold in a $1,000,000 to $1,300,000 range.

In 2024, 26 homes sold for that price range, averaging a price of $1,107,500, while in 2023, 17 homes sold in that range, averaging a value of

$1,145,222.

There were also seven homes that sold for over $1,500,000 in 2024, with one home selling for over $2,000,000, with the average price for those homes being $1,661,285.

This compares to only four homes sold in 2023 for over $1,500,000, with one home selling for $2,500,000, averaging $1,875,000 for those home prices.

A property owner from Moodlu, who has requested to stay anonymous, had shelved plans to list their home following the announcement saying the market uncertainty had left “dread in the pit of your stomach”.

“How can you value a property and know you’re getting the best price, with the uncertainty around it, especially since the road might not even happen for 10 or 20 or 30 years,” they said.

“Depending where the new route goes, it could make a difference on the price. If we’re close, but not close enough to impact living, it could increase in value by being close to a major road, but if it’s too close or in the line of fire, it could have the opposite effect.

“I think demand for our area and the size of our

Seagrass solutions

UNITYWATER has begun planting seagrass across seven sites in Moreton Bay’s Marine Park to determine its eﬀectiveness in reducing nutrient levels that enter the local waterways.

The project will aim to ﬁnd suitable solutions to restoring the threatened plant habitat to provide essential food, shelter and nursery for green turtles, ﬁsh, and other local fauna, whilst measuring the plants’ ability to absorb and process nutrients.

Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Mike Basterﬁeld, said the project was expected to enhance waterways across the planting locations,

which would contribute to the organisation’s sustainability goal of net zero nutrients to waterways by 2040.

“As we have infrastructure in, underneath and near marine environments, we have a responsibility to maintain natural habitats

block, will hopefully give us a good outcome but we just don’t know, so it is a worry and makes us unable to move forward.”

According to the owner, price valuation of the property has ﬂuctuated dramatically over the past year, based on realestate. com.au valuations, changing between $950,000 and $1,200,000.

Last week’s valuation estimated the property was currently worth $1,170,000,

with a 28 per cent increase in potential buyers, compared to the ﬁrst week of January.

The estimated current 461 potential buyers are the most the site has recorded for the area since the end of October 2024.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Brent Mickelberg, said investigations into new alignments between Beerburrum and Moodlu will continue into early 2025.

nitrogen and phosphorus in varying marine sites across Moreton Bay, and one in Bells Creek on the Sunshine Coast.”

enhancing the waterways in our region,” Mr Basterﬁeld said.

“The trial will measure seagrass’ ability to absorb and process nutrients like

“The trial follows the success of other naturebased initiatives we’ve implemented, including our Caboolture River Nutrient Oﬀset Project, which has diverted almost 1900 kilograms of nutrients from waterways to date.”

The project was born from an idea presented by a Unitywater Project Engineer in 2023 as part of an annual ‘Innovation Challenge’, which asked employees to submit a solution or idea to positively contribute to waterways across Unitywater’s service region.

Since its conception, the project has been designed and undertaken by the water utility’s ‘Graduate Development Program’ cohort, who deliver a ‘Team Innovation Project’ during their time in the two-year program.

The initiative is supported by University of the Sunshine Coast, where the research expertise of Dr Christopher Henderson will contribute to the project’s success and provide a foundation for future scientiﬁc studies at the University.

“Seagrasses in Moreton Bay are under threat from a range of disturbances, so identifying approaches that can be eﬀective in restoring

Be SharkSmart this summer

THE summer SharkSmart campaign is in full swing this Queensland school holidays, aimed at building community awareness when visiting the state’s beaches. The campaign is delivered as part of the Shark Control Program, which focuses on reducing the risk of shark bites. The program uses a multi-faceted approach encompassing shark control equipment, research, trials of new technology

like drones and catch alert drumlines, and community education.

Department of Primary Industries Deputy DirectorGeneral Pauline Jacob said while the risk of a shark bite is very low, there are things people can do to reduce it.

“You can visit one of our SharkSmart drone trial beaches this summer, where Surf Life Saving Queensland pilots will be monitoring for sharks and other marine hazards,” Ms Jacob said.

“Drones will be ﬂying every day over the Queensland school holidays at various beaches from the Gold Coast up to Magnetic Island, weather permitting.

“However, while we can reduce the risk of an incident using monitoring

methods like drones and catch alert drumlines, we can’t completely remove it.

“That’s why we need everyone to do their part whenever they’re on or in the water.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland Chief Operations Oﬀicer Greg Cahill said drones were

the habitat in the region is important for ﬁ and nutrient reduction,” Dr Henderson said.

The seagrass meadows will be installed at Beachmere, Bells Creek, Toorbul, Scarborough, Caboolture River, Coochin Creek and southern Bribie Island, with all planting due for completion in the ﬁrst half of 2025.

just one of several shark mitigation tools aiding the work of lifesavers.

“Since the drone trial began in September 2020, SLSQ has operated more than 22,000 drone ﬂights at 11 beaches, ﬂying almost 9,000 kilometres and spotting 5,615 sharks,” Mr Cahill said.

“We’ve closed beaches on 46 occasions to manage the risk to swimmers.”

Mr Cahill recommended people follow the 6 SHARKS tips:

• Swim between the ﬂags at patrolled beaches and

check signage

• Have a buddy and look out for each other

• Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk

• Reduce risk, avoid schools of bait ﬁshing or diving birds

• Keep ﬁsh waste and food scraps out of the water where people swim

• Swim in clear water away from people ﬁshing. For more information, visit our SharkSmart website: https://www.daf. qld.gov.au/news-media/ campaigns/sharksmart

catch alert drum

Unitywater planting seagrass in Moreton Bay.

Elected Reps

Youngy’s Yarns

with

Terry Young Federal Member for Longman

A Happy New Year to everyone! I am hoping that 2025 sees an improvement in the cost of living and the homeless situation.

I always feel a sense of freshness at the start of the year after some “chill time” with family and friends over the Christmas and New Year period.

This year is a Federal election year and the Australian people will have a choice between two very

diﬀerent major parties with two very diﬀerent leaders. Locally, I’m sure there will be a new crop of opponents for yours truly to contend with, I just hope the campaign can be respectful and about policies and not personal.

It will certainly be about policy from my team and me, putting our case forward as to why we believe I am the best candidate to represent the

Deb’s Diary

with Deb Frecklington State Member for Nanango

The new year has certainly kicked oﬀ with a wet start, with many regions experiencing heavy rain and localised ﬂooding.

While the Summer rain may put a dampener on some activities, it’s essential to take extra care on the roads and stay updated on weather warnings, ensuring a safe start to the year despite the soggy conditions.

With further rain events predicted, everyone is encouraged to stay informed by monitoring weather updates and

road conditions, as the unpredictable nature of the weather may continue. Stay safe and take necessary precautions to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions. If it is ﬂooded, forget it.

I urge drivers to stay informed on road closures and conditions, and to avoid travel in flooded areas, especially low-lying roads. Your safety should always come first—don’t risk your life or the lives of others by driving through floodwaters.

Property owners

Pumicestone’s Pulse

with Ariana Doolan State Member for Pumicestone

Happy New Year to all in our wonderful community!

As we step into 2025, I hope this year brings you joy, success, and the realisation of your plans and dreams.

The start of a new year is a perfect time to look forward, embrace change, and work together to make our community even better.

At the start of this year, I’m focusing on two important inquiries to address key issues in our region.

Caring

for Our Seniors

The older generation brings invaluable knowledge, skills, and countless hours of volunteer work to our community.

However, many face challenges such as isolation, neglect, or even abuse. These issues require urgent attention, and we need your help to address them eﬀectively. By sharing your experiences and insights, you can help shape policies that protect and empower our elderly. Complete the form at www.parliament. qld.gov.au/elderabuse. Recognising Volunteers Volunteers are the backbone of our community, contributing tirelessly to support local groups, organisations, and events.

This inquiry will examine not only the immense

people of Longman and the coalition is the best party to serve the people of Australia and deliver everything you need to live your best life, however, you deﬁne it.

It has been a great honour for me to serve the Longman community for the past six years and I’ll be happy to continue for another 3 years if I’m re-elected.

My oﬀice and I are here to serve you, so please don’t hesitate to call us on 5432 3177 or email Terry.Young. mp@aph.gov.au with any issues you may be facing and we’ll do our best to help.

impacted by a disaster may be eligible for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) support measure, through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Please apply via https:// www.business.qld.gov.au/ industries/farms-ﬁshingforestry/agriculture/ disaster/funding/individualproperty

A heartfelt thank you to all emergency service workers who worked through the Christmas and New Year period. Your dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe and supported, especially during such a busy and challenging time, do not go unnoticed.

value of their contributions but also how we can improve support systems and opportunities for volunteering.

Your feedback is vital—please share your thoughts at qldparlcomm. snapforms.com.au/form/ inquiry-into-volunteeringin-queensland. Stay Connected

To keep up-to-date with these inquiries and other initiatives, subscribe to my e-newsletter by emailing pumicestone@parliament. qld.gov.au or phone 3474 2100.

Follow my Facebook page @ArianaDoolanMP for updates and details about my mobile oﬀices, where you can meet me and share your ideas directly.

Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and prosperity for all!

Neumann News

with Shayne Neumann Federal Member for Blair

Happy New Year to all readers.

The year 2025 will be another year focussed on making life easier for Australian families.

Last year we faced challenging global economic pressures and the Government was on the front foot to ensure we introduced initiatives to achieve real assistance for Australians doing it tough. All Australians are getting a tax cut and every household is getting assistance with electricity

bills under Labor. In 2024 we cut the cost of childcare, cut the cost of medicine, cut HECs and rolled out free TAFE courses.

From 1 January, the Albanese Government is rolling out another hundred thousand free TAFE courses. If we win the next election, we will cut the cost of HECs by a further 20 per cent.

Over 340,000 aged care workers will get payrises. A million Australians will see an increase in their payments. Youth and carer support is higher for a

Ryan Reports

with Mark Ryan State Member for Morayﬁeld

Happy New Year everybody!

I sincerely hope that you’ve had a wonderful festive period and enjoyed some quality time with family, friends, and our sensational Aussie cricketers!

The school holidays are in full swing and if you’re a parent of young kids like me I’m sure you’re looking forward to school going back. We’re nearly there! School returns shortly. Don’t forget to spare a special thought for parents who will see their preppies

head oﬀ to school for the ﬁrst time this year. It’s an emotional and exciting milestone.

Meanwhile, let’s make sure that we all make it back to school safely by looking out for each other on our roads.

This time of year is so often impacted by devastating heartbreak on our roads, so I want to remind you that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Drive to the conditions, never mix alcohol or drugs and driving, keep your speed in check, and always

Powelly’s Pitch

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

Happy New Year!

As we welcome in the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone across the Glass House electorate a healthy, prosperous and joyful year ahead!

The team in my electorate oﬀice are back on board after the holidays and are ready to assist you. Feel free to pop in and say hello!

80:20 Funding Secured for the Bruce Highway

The LNP have kicked oﬀ 2025 with a massive win for Queenslanders.

After months of campaigning to deliver a safer Bruce Highway for Queensland, we’ve secured the reinstatement of 80:20 funding.

The funding split is a hardfought victory, securing a crucial commitment from the Federal Government to enable our delivery of a safer and more reliable Bruce Highway.

For years, we’ve been forced to navigate a second-class highway. Queenslanders deserve better.

million Australians. We will continue to roll out further cost of living relief to support working families, older Australians, students, jobseekers, homebuyers and renters. We are working to take pressure oﬀ families, bring costs down, get wages up and get inﬂation back to where it should be.

Inﬂation is lower than half of what we inherited from the previous government, wages are rising, the economy still growing, and more than a million jobs have been created under Labor.

Incomes are growing again. The year 2025 will be an important year building Australia’s future.

remember – if it’s ﬂooded, forget it!

On a lighter note, I’m looking forward to my ﬁrst Small Business Coﬀee Catch Up of 2025! Save the date in your diaries for Friday 7 February at 7am in the Café at the Caboolture Sports Club.

If you’re a local small business, you’re welcome to come along. Entry is free but booking is essential, so give my oﬀice a call on 5343 5100 to secure your spot. 2025 promises to be another big year for our community and I’m excited to continue working for the good people of our area. And, if you see me out and about in the community, don’t forget to say G’day.

In two months, we’ve achieved what the former State Government couldn’t in two years. Free Flu Shots The Crisafulli Government will provide free influenza vaccines for all Queenslanders over the age of six months in 2025. After the former Labor Government failed to fund the program in this year’s budget, we are proud to put the free flu vaccine program in place – to keep Queenslander’s healthy and reduce the pressures on our GP’s and hospital emergency departments. The program will be offered from 1 March 2025 to 1 September 2025.

Free dog training Church land unlocked for housing

SOMERSET dog owners are invited to a free training session with a wildlife avoidance program on Saturday, 18 January in Fernvale.

The Leave It program, an initiative of Griﬀith University and supported by Somerset Regional Council, promotes keeping dogs and native wildlife safe.

Attendees and their fourlegged friends will learn two important skills for wildlife

avoidance: recall and leave it. Whether it’s helping dogs steer clear of snakes, cane toads or kangaroos, or to leave endangered wildlife, such as koalas, alone, the Leave It team will be there to answer any questions.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said Council was proud to support the initiative.

“We love our dogs in Somerset, but we also love our native animals,” he said.

“This program is all about educating dog owners on how to keep their pets away from wildlife so our rural communities can live in harmony with our natural environment.”

The session will be held at Honeywood Park, Fernvale from 8am to 9.30am.

As the event will have numerous dogs present, the Leave It program recommends only attending if your dog is friendly towards other dogs.

Registration is essential, visit: bit.ly/4a4kGQ0

CHURCH and charityowned land are now unlocked for vital community housing, as the State Government has amended the state’s planning framework.

The changes will provide greater eﬀiciency, with a new streamlined Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) assessment option assessed by the Planning Minister, and will also allow for existing dwellings including caretaker cottages and presbyteries in a community facility zone to be repurposed.

The State is also

supporting the Local Government Association of Queensland and its members to co-draft a model code that can be included in local government planning schemes.

Where local governments decide to adopt the model code, the State Government will ensure they can do so through a streamlined planning scheme amendment process.

By clarifying not-for-proﬁt and

charitable organisations may access the MID assessment pathway for social and aﬀordable housing proposals, these changes will unlock land while maintaining critical local government input and community consultation.

Flannery’s Focus

with Peter Flannery Mayor of City of Moreton Bay

Happy New Year! I am looking forward to serving the City of Moreton Bay in 2025.

Council has a busy year ahead, with a continued focus on our everyday business of roads, rates, and rubbish alongside some signiﬁcant works across City of Moreton Bay.

Locally you’ll see an upgrade to the Ambrose Tilney Park that will meet the needs of our growing community with an extended playground, a nature inspired playspace,

an all ages pump track, new picnic shelters and an amenities block.

Other major project works across the City include the Youngs Crossing upgrade, Caboolture River Road works, the Centenary Lakes revitalisation, a new Deception Bay SES Depot and construction of the Suttons Beach Public Space Project.

Thank you to everyone who has so positively welcomed our new garden organics (GO) collection service. We delivered

Latter’s Letter

with Tony Latter, Councillor Div 12, Moreton Bay Council

As we step into 2025, it’s a time for renewed focus and energy, and there’s one issue that stands out in our community: the need for employment that grows with Moreton Bay’s expanding potential. Moreton Bay has transformed into a region

of opportunity, with an economy exceeding $22 billion annually. Yet only 49.5% of residents who work, live and work within the region.

While it’s encouraging that 94.4% of residents in the labour force are employed, many are

approximately 122,000 bins during our initial GO service establishment - one of the largest bin rollouts in Australia to date! We are buoyed by how enthusiastically residents have taken to this important initiative that will not only keep our City green as we grow but contribute to diverting 15,000 tonnes of material from landﬁll each year.

With school holidays still upon us and regular rainy weekends, a reminder of some of the fun and free programs and exhibitions at our libraries and galleries. Find out more here: What’s on - Moreton Bay Galleries & Museums.

commuting outside Moreton Bay for jobs, missing the chance to work closer to home and spend more time with their families.

The challenge isn’t just about creating jobs; it’s about creating careers.

As a region, we need employment opportunities that allow individuals to grow, families to thrive, and our local economy to strengthen.

This means attracting diverse industries,

Wendt’s

Words

with Jason Wendt Mayor of Somerset Regional Council

The new year is here, and Somerset Regional Council is wasting no time to deliver our promises for 2025. It’s going to be a busy year of travel to advocate for our region with our state and federal government and even internationally.

We’re advocating to secure the initial $84 million funding needed over the next four years to improve the Brisbane Valley Highway.

We’ll also keep ﬁghting for Somerset’s stake in the 2032 Olympic Games,

supporting education, and training pathways, and creating environments where innovation and ambition can ﬂourish.

With a median age of 39, Moreton Bay has a workforce that is dynamic, and ready to contribute.

Supporting small businesses—the heart of our local economy—is critical. Small business owners are among the hardest-working members of our community, and

the Lockyer and Somerset Water Collaborative, and the battle against ﬁre ants and other pests.

We’re going to progress some major projects for Somerset including the Lowood Futures Strategy, Kilcoy Streetscape, Toogoolawah Gateway Centre, Mount Glen Rock Hiking Trails and major upgrades to the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool and Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre. The Support Our Somerset buy local

they’re often the ﬁrst to provide young people with their start in the workforce.

While we have seen massive growth in this area, we will continue to be working closely with community groups, business leaders, and council colleagues to explore how we can better support local entrepreneurs and ensure their success beneﬁts us all.

This is a community eﬀort. By encouraging

campaign is going to keep growing in 2025.

This is a great campaign, and I encourage all residents to think about how they can support small businesses in Somerset.

For more, head to somerset.qld.gov.au/ support-our-somerset

One of our highest priorities as a Council is supporting our young people and fostering our future leaders, and tomorrow (16 January) my fellow Councillors and I are heading to Currimundi to spend time with students at the annual Youth Leadership Camp. I look forward to catching up with our high school leaders from Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah.

local businesses, shopping locally, and supporting initiatives that invest in the region, we all play a part in shaping Moreton Bay’s future.

Over the last 20 years we have seen growth, and we will continue to see growth over the next 20 years, but it is more than just numbers— it’s about creating a place where opportunity abounds, and every resident feels their potential is valued.

Spotlight on... Woodford & Wamuran

Woodfordia funded $620,000 for trainees

◗ Marina Gomide

WOODFORDIA has received over $620,000 in funding for a 20-week traineeship program, for disadvantaged workers to gain new skills and get a stronger footing in the workforce, as part of the latest round of the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative (SQW).

The trainees will undertake a Certiﬁcate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, by learning about and helping maintain Woodfordia’s nursery and environment, as well as training in general construction, chemical use, chainsaw operation, hand tools, ﬁrst aid and CPR.

Participants will get a White Card and can also access support for up to six months after the program’s completion.

Woodfordia Site and Event Manager, Chris Shervey, said the program is a great way to showcase Woodfordia and what they are about in terms of ecosystem and conservation,

as well as help maintain the 500 acre property.

“We’ve planted over the 30 years here, over 136,000 trees, so we’re just trying to keep things horticulturally maintained

in love with the place.”

The trainees are selected through a rigorous selection process involving a series of interviews, with Woodfordia having previously received as

to want a new experience, so if someone is interested give it a go,” Mr Shervey said.

so much mass planting of trees onsite, but curating an eco-village,” he said.

“They learn about irrigation systems, mulching, weed identiﬁcation, ground preparation, and all these skills are pretty basic, Certiﬁcate I level, but it means they got a platform to work out what their career path might look like.

“We’ve seen a lot of people growing through this training over the years and it’s just amazing for us to see the place looked after and new people falling

anybody. They have to be keen to learn and be able to show up to work, so we go through a ﬁlter process the selected applicants are turning up for the right reasons and ready to go,” Mr Shervey said.

Successful trainees have come from Woodford and Wamuran, but as far as Beerwah and Beachmere, and from as young as 16 to over 60 years old.

“This is a good chance for people to see how the property runs outside of the festival and gain skills

Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation and Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said this is a massive win for the iconic folk festival.

“This grant will allow Woodfordia to go the extra mile and employ disadvantaged jobseekers,” he said.

“In a cost of living crisis, having the skills and a good reference is a game changer.

“Woodford Folk Festival is already the largest gathering of artists and presenters in Australia, catering to tens of thousands of people every year.

“With this round of the SQW program, this treasured local organisation will now have an even bigger impact on our community.”

For more information please visit www.qld.gov. au/skillingqueenslanders or www.challengeemploy ment.org.au/

Congrats to Wamuran’s Secretary of the Year

WAMURAN Lions

Secretary, Cheryl Hegemann, has taken home the Secretary of the Year award 2023/24 for the Lions District 201Q3, who has over 60 Lions clubs in it’s area.

Ms Hegemann received the award for the vital role in helping establish the new Lions of Caboolture North Club, along with her other essential roles in the Lions.

Ms Hegemann was a charter member of Lions Club of Wamuran (LCW) and became Secretary not long after in 2019.

She has not only been a very active member of the club, but has also been the integral part of the clubs grant applications.

According to the LCW, “Cheryl has an awareness of Lions and how it is run”, from adhering to the Constitution and Bylaws and Club Policy Minutes.

Her knowledge of these procedures helped her play a vital role in the establishment of the new Lions of Caboolture North Club.

Long hours of

reading through detailed application forms and other paperwork, emailing through applications and then more.

Cheryl has done this and more, working tirelessly behind the scenes to help the club succeed.

She has also actively been the Wamuran Community Markets overseer for some years now, assisting the WHVC with organising the stall holders.

“We appreciate all the time she dedicates to our community and the Lions Club,” LCW shared on social media.

“A very well deserved award in recognition of her contributions.”

Woodford Folk Festival 2024/25 attendees with elders. Photo: Marek Knappe.

Congrats Cheryl!

Cheryl Hegemann with her award plaques.

Woodford events and community groups for 2025

Woodford Historical Society

- Kids Yarrow Club - Free to join. All events are free. Woodford Historical Society Museum, 109 Archer Street Woodford.

- Woodford Historical Society

45th Annual

Villeneuve-Neurum Get Together - 10am

Sunday 31st August, Woodford Historical Society Museum, 109 Archer Street Woodford.

Workshop.

- 23rd April Don Milner Back to Basics Workshop. Email for more info

Woodford Country Markets

Binambi Place Archer Street Woodford, 3rd Sunday of each month, 7am to Woodford Senior

Woodford Country Markets.

Woodford Community Art Group New members welcome to attend classes. Woodford Historical Society Museum, 109 Archer Street Woodford.

- 5th February General Meeting 10am.

- 18th February Lynne Marshall Abstract Workshop.

- 24th March Jan Lawnikanis Watercolour

Woodford Historical Society Museum and Woodford Community Art Group Gallery 109 Archer Street Woodford, Free entry. Open 10am to 2pm Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat and 3rd Sunday of the month on market day.

- 4th February General Meeting 10am.

Every Tuesday at the Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street Woodford, 9am to 12pm. Card games and

Woodford Knitaholics 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at the Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street Woodford. 12 to 2pm. Knitting and crocheting items to help the needy. Helping teach others to knit and crochet.

Woodford Drum Circle

Every Tuesday at Binambi Place Archer Street Woodford, From 9.30am Community drumming and music sharing.

Archer St to close overnight

UPGRADES to the water main and the installation of new ﬁre hydrants on Archer Street, Woodford, will begin in mid-January, with a full closure of the road and footpath being in place overnight, but reinstated outside

work hours. Works will be undertaken at night and are expected to take approximately 8 weeks to complete, weather permitting. Every eﬀort will be made to minimise noise and disruption to the local community.

In The Garden

Exciting new year at Kilcoy’s Garden Centre

KILCOY’S Garden Centre (KGC) is kicking oﬀ 2025 with exciting updates and plenty of fresh oﬀerings, including a new driveway, special discounts, and, of course, all the favourite plants, landscape supplies and more.

The garden centre will be able to deliveries on Monday, January 20, following the completion of their upgraded driveway. Trailer collections will be available starting Thursday, January 16, while foot traﬀic will still be able to access the centre as usual during this time. For anyone looking to do collections, be

vegepods, landscape materials, concrete sleepers, pavers, and turf.

If there’s something you

need that they don’t have, just let the team know, as they are always happy to try and source it, supporting the local community!

KGC also has a special offer from January 20 until the end of the month, kicking off the year with 20 per cent off selected plants, offering the perfect time to grab a bargain on selected stock.

KGC team wishes everyone a Happy New Year and can’t wait to see you in store – cheers to a vibrant and blooming 2025! Find KGC at 14 Showgrounds Road, Kilcoy, or call 0499 299 378 or 5497 2743.

Bugs in the backyard

HAPPY New Year and welcome back to what will be a bumper year of gardening chit-chat from me here in The Sentinel. This time of year, gardens can see an increase in a native beetle called Redshouldered Leaf Beetle (Monolepta australis).

This little orange-yellow beetle with a red band on the shoulders and a red spot on each wing, has a large appetite for leaves, and especially has a liking for

gums,

oﬀ your plants when you disturb them.

With Brownie

Usually by that time, they’ve done their damage and so it may be too late to address them.

But if you like, you can treat them successfully with a pyrethrum spray.

My advice for all your garden pesty beasties is to be proactive and keep on top of them: check your plants regularly; use netting on the more sensitive plants; and enjoy your garden.

What’s On

Kids workshop: Dog tag jewellery making

When: Thursday January 16, 10.30am - 12.30pm

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

Info: Under the guide of Silversmith Jemica Ostrofski, learn how to design and fabricate custom textured dog tags using recycled aluminium. The basic metalsmithing techniques of mark making will be explored using various hammers, letter stamps, number stamps and other tools. Take home a key ring, or a dog tag style necklace to punk up your style with a one-of-a-kind piece! Cost $5. Bookings required. www.moretonbay. qld.gov.au/GalleriesMuseums/Events

FREE Tie Dye Silly Socks Making

When: Thursday January 16 & Saturday January 18, 10am - 1pm

Where: Big Fish Junction

Info: Pop up outside Coles. No bookings required, all are welcome, while stocks last!

Marina’s marine adventure puppet show - Caboolture

When: Friday January 17, 11am - 11.45am Where: Caboolture Library, 4 Hasking Street, Caboolture

Info: Join the Larrikin Puppets team for an allsinging, all-dancing nautical puppet show! Enjoy the tale of three-year-old Marina,

the little blue monster, and her big brother Troggg as they set sail on an exciting adventure exploring the ocean and meeting all the creatures that live there. Free. Bookings required. Ages 7 and under.

Woodford Country Sunday Markets

When: Sunday January 19, 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.

Create a wooden pencil holder - Burpengary

When: Monday January 20, 11am - 12pm

Where: Burpengary

Library, 121 Station Road, Burpengary

Info: Build a wooden notebook and pencil holder with Make & Meld. Learn to hand-drill and hammer, plus sand and decorate your creation. Free. Bookings required. Ages 8-11.

ENABLE Home Care Services

When: Tuesday January 21, 9am - 12pm

Where: Kilcoy RSL

Info: Enable’s advocacy services ensure people in the community can get the help they need to access important care services, by helping locals navigate

the often-complicated systems of Aged Care and Veteran Affairs. Whether it’s understanding how to access the right Home Care Package, sorting out DVA claims, or simply learning more about available services, the Enable team is there to guide and support clients every step of the way.

Local history for kids and teens - Burpengary

When: Tuesday January 21 11am - 12pm

Where: Burpengary

Library, 121 Station Road, Burpengary

Info: Wear (and keep) white gloves to get up close and personal with historic items and go back in time. Reminisce with your parents or grandparents as you explore memory box treasures. Free. Facilitated by our friendly library staff. Bookings required. Ages 6+

Trampolining

When: Tuesday January 21, 9am - 10am

Where: PCYC Caboolture, 2 Toovey Street, Caboolture Info: Jump, tumble, twist and turn on Olympic quality trampolines and gymnastics equipment with PCYC Caboolture. Cost $5.00

Movies and Popcorn

When: Tuesday January 21, 1.30pm - 3pm Where: Lowood Library 1 Michel Street, Lowood Info: Visit the Library and bring the whole family to watch a kids’ movie. Popcorn provided. Bookings essential. Phone 5424 4000.

Kids workshop: Design a wacky racing car

When: Wednesday January 22, 10.30am - 12pm

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

Info: Start your engines and get into gear! Speed into the gallery to check out the different vehicles in Maximum Madness: Art inspired by Mad Max and create your own decked out mini-car. Learn how to shape a vehicle from upcycled materials, attach some wheels and with the power of wind, send it through an obstacle racecourse.

LEGO and robotsWoodford

When: Wednesday January 22, 2pm - 3pm

Where: Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street, Woodford Info: Bring your LEGO® builds to life with the power of Dash robots. Whether you’re an experienced LEGO® builder or just starting out, LEGO® and Dash robots will transform the way you play! Free. Facilitated by our friendly library staff. Bookings required. This is a shareddevice session. Ages 7-10.

Puppet design and construction with Dead Puppet Society

When: Thursday January 23, 10.30am - 12.30pm

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

Info: Join the Dead Puppet Society these school

holidays in a puppet construction workshop. The program is suitable for children of all abilities aged 8 to 15 years. Bookings required. Parents are welcome to join in or relax in the gallery.

FREE Friendship Bracelet Making

When: Thursday January 23 & Saturday January 25, 10am - 1pm

Where: Big Fish Junction Info: Pop up outside Coles. No bookings required, all are welcome, while stocks last!

Australia Day Awards

When: Friday January 24

Where: Somerset Civic Centre 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk

Info: The 2025 Australia Day Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate community minded individuals, not for profit groups and valued events across the Somerset region.

Kilcoy Australia Day Pool Party

When: Sunday January 26, 10am - 4pm

Where: Kilcoy Aquatic Centre

Info: Celebrate Australia Day with a fun-filled day at the Kilcoy Aquatic Centre! Bring your friends and family for a day of sun, water, and Aussie spirit. Enjoy a free sausage sizzle and entertainment by Magic Glen, featuring balloon art, bubbles, and roving magic. This is a free event—just come along and enjoy the day with us.

Lowood Australia Day

Pool Party

When: Sunday January 26, 10am - 4pm

Where: Lowood Swimming Pool

Info: Enjoy a day of fun in the sun with free entry, a sausage sizzle, and entertainment by DJ Bex. Bring your mates and celebrate Australia Day the best way – with great food, music, and a dip in the pool!

Toogoolawah Australia Day Pool Party

When: Sunday January 26, 10am - 4pm

Where: Toogoolawah Swimming Pool

Info: Enjoy a day of fun in the sun with free entry, a sausage sizzle, and entertainment at the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool. There will be plenty of activities and games throughout the day, including a Lamington Eating Contest, Thong Toss Challenge, and more surprises.

Australia Day at Caboolture Historical Village

When: Sunday January 26, 9am - 2pm Where: Caboolture Historical Village, 280 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture Info: Join us this Australia Day at the Caboolture Historical Village. This year’s event has a very Aussie laid back Sunday feel with Music and motoring being the overall theme. Relax and enjoy some music.

Time Out

Unleashing poetry fun for

kids

THE Condensery is hosting a fun and interactive half-day poetry workshop on January 16 and 17 for kids to explore the exciting world of poetry.

Facilitated by local poet and educator Donita Bundy, students will learn the building blocks of poetic expression, from rhythm and rhyme to creative wordplay.

Through games, handson activities, and guided exercises, students will experiment with diﬀerent forms and styles, crafting their very own poems to share.

Suitable for ages 6 to 12. No materials required. Please RSVP to secure your spot – spaces are limited! https://thecondensery. com.au/kids-poetryworkshops/

Keep kids busy

THE summer school holidays are here, and Moreton Bay has an incredible lineup of free activities to keep kids engaged, active, and learning all break long.

From hands-on workshops to outdoor adventures, City of Moreton Bay’s Libraries, Galleries, and Museums, and Active Holidays program guarantee fun-ﬁlled days for children aged 3 to 17.

Here are the top 10 free school holiday activities across City of Moreton Bay this summer: Maximum Madness: Art Inspired by Mad Max - Caboolture

Regional Art Gallery until 8 March 2025

their extensive travels across the globe and focuses on the vital role that Moreton Bay’s Pumicestone Passage plays in their migration.

Summer Reading Club

- All City of Moreton Bay Libraries until 31 January 2025

A fun way to encourage the whole family to spend more time reading over

A must-see for fans of Mad Max and modern art featuring works by local and international artists. Adults and kids are invited to create their own artwork inspired by Mad Max.

Taking Flight: Amazing Migratory Shorebirds

- Bribie Island Seaside Museum until 9 March 2025

Experience the incredible journey of migratory shorebirds in Taking Flight. This exhibition highlights

the summer. All reading counts - online and oﬀline. Every 3 hours of reading can be entered into our prize draws.

Songwriting for teensRedcliﬀe Library

Want to be the next Sabrina Carpenter? Discover the secrets of writing a great song with musician Aaron Shanahan from Imagine Music. Bookings required! Teens only require a ticket. Ages 12-17.

Marina’s Marine Adventure Puppet ShowVarious City of Moreton Bay Libraries (various dates) Join the Larrikin Puppets team for an all-singing, all-dancing nautical puppet show! Enjoy the tale of three-year-old Marina, the little blue monster, and her big brother Troggg as they set sail on an exciting adventure exploring the ocean and meeting all the creatures that live there. Bookings required! Recycled sea creatures - Various City of Moreton Bay Libraries (various

Turn recycled materials into art with Raw Art! Be inspired by all the weird and wonderful creatures that live in the sea. Bookings required. Children only require a ticket. Ages 5-8.

City of Moreton Bay’s Libraries, Galleries, and Museums are also hosting an array of free events and activities throughout the holiday season, oﬀering kids a chance to get creative, learn, and experience the arts. From interactive story times to engaging art days, our libraries and cultural facilities have plenty on oﬀer to inspire young minds and provide lasting memories.

Learn to swim at Moreton pools

MORETON Bay is making a splash with its state-ofthe-art public pools, leisure centres, and learn-to-swim programs, oﬀering residents of all ages the opportunity to dive into the incredible health and lifestyle beneﬁts of swimming.

With multiple aquatic facilities across the city, there’s never been a better time to jump in and explore everything swimming has to oﬀer – from ﬁtness and fun to essential water safety skills.

importance of learning to swim.

“Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise and a vital skill for staying safe around water,” he said.

“Living so close to beaches is a privilege, but it also underscores the importance of water safety.

Mayor Peter Flannery emphasises the life-saving

“Our learnto-swim programs cater to all ages and skill levels, providing professional instruction in a safe, supportive environment. Full list of pools and aquatic centres visit www.moretonbay. qld.gov.au/Services/SportRecreation/Pools

Somerset Oz day fun

JOIN Somerset Council in celebrating Australia Day with the annual Citizenship and Awards Ceremony and Pool Parties in Kilcoy, Lowood and Toogoolawah. Somerset Celebrates Australia Day 2025 will be held on Friday, 24 January instead of Sunday, 26 January, so the community can enjoy its long weekend without missing out on the fun.

The event will kick oﬀ at 9am with the Citizenship

Ceremony and awards, followed by a free morning tea, live music and wildlife encounters until 12pm. Book online at trybooking.com

Australia Day Pool Parties will be held on 26 January from 10am to 4pm at Lowood Swimming Pool, Toogoolawah Swimming Pool and Kilcoy Aquatic Centre. Entry to the pool parties is free and all are welcome.

SATURDAY JAN 25TH SATURDAY JAN 25TH

THE Somerset Civic Centre is excited to bring acclaimed soprano singer Rebecca Cassidy to the Somerset Region on February 16, performing, THAT’S AMORE: A Valentine’s Opera Soirée. Rebecca Cassidy has been described as “A lovely, rich soprano agile with excellent top notes, demonstrating a range of colours…” (Limelight).

Rebecca was given the honour of being the ﬁrst artist named to relaunch the new Opera Queensland Young Artist program in

2020. Her recent engagements include the understudy of Isolde in Tristan and Isolde, together with featured solo roles in the touring production Songs to Die For (directed by Patrick Nolan), Shakespearean Classics with Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) and Queensland Music Festival’s Opera at Jimbour with EnsembleQ. Most recently she joined the cast of OQ’s VERDI concert in QPAC’s Concert Hall with QSO and Johannes Fritzsch,

and as a guest artist for SKYFALL with the Little Red Company.

Accompanying Rebecca will be Somerset’s very own Esk Community Choir

DATE - Sunday 16

February 2025

TIME - 2.00PM Show | 1.00PM Doors

TICKETS - $30.00 PP or Group 4 $25.00 PP

VENUE - Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton road, Esk 4312 https:// somersetciviccentre. com.au/thats-amore-avalentines-opera-soiree/

Rebecca Cassidy is coming to Esk in February. Below - Esk Community Choir will join Rebecca on stage. Photos: Facebook.

SUDOKU

Rely on yourself and you will look good to superiors. You will have a problem sorting out your true feelings when it comes to your relationship. Take your time. Don’t try to twist things around so that they sound more enticing.

You are best not to confront situations that deal with in-laws or relatives. You can gain valuable cultural knowledge through dealing with foreigners. Romantic opportunities will ﬂourish through travel or communication. You could

Plan a trip to the country or take a drive to the beach. Travel opportunities should be your ﬁrst choice. You can make money if you get involved in real estate deals. Real estate investments could be to your advantage.

Plan to get together with someone special later in the day. You may have the opportunity to get involved in some interesting conversations. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring about greater social activity. Don’t push your luck with your boss.

You mustn’t be so trusting. Find ways to mellow out. Your mate may want to pick a ﬁght but if you’re persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. Romance may be better than you ever thought possible.

Don’t gossip. Go out with friends. If boredom has set in, ﬁnd new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. If you keep busy you won’t feel the personal pressures you are going through.

ideas on others. Be sure to take care of any minor ailments.

Satellite Hospitals to be renamed

THE State Government is looking into a more appropriate name for satellite hospitals, following a survey with over 2,700 health staﬀ and primary care providers.

The Renaming Satellite Hospitals survey was launched in November following feedback that the title ‘satellite hospital’ was confusing.

Less than 5 per cent of over 2,780 respondents supported ‘retain the name ‘satellite hospital’.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said a clinical advisory group would now consider the results before submitting a report to the Government by January 17 for consideration.

The survey suggested names including satellite health centre, community health hub, community health service, satellite health hub or ambulatory health service and allowed for other suggestions.

Alternative name suggested included minor injury and illness clinics, urgent care centre, community health centre, health care hub, health care service, health service or health support service.

Broccoli Fried Rice

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup broccoli ﬂorets

1 tablespoon canola oil

150g beef sizzle steak, cut into strips

1 spring onion, ﬁnely sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

¾ cup cooked brown rice

1 tablespoon soy sauce, reduced salt

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 egg, lightly whisked

Crushed chili, to taste

(optional)

Method:

PLACE broccoli in microwave-safe container and add about a centimetre of water to the dish. Cover with lid and microwave on high for 4 minutes to steam

broccoli. Set aside.

HEAT a frying pan on high heat then add half of the oil.

ADD beef and fry, stirring constantly, until cooked through (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from pan.

ADD remaining oil to pan then add spring onion (white part only), garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).

STIR in the rice, soy sauce and vinegar, and cook for 2-3 minutes then make a well in the centre.

DROP the whisked egg into the well and stir into the rice. Add the beef and stir to combine. When the egg is cooked through the fried rice is ready to serve. Sprinkle with remaining spring onion (green part).

Elder abuse on the rise

A JOINT report into Elder Abuse, by the Queensland Government and Uniting Care, has revealed the urgency for an inquiry, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Amanda Camm, said.

The Elder Abuse Statistics In Queensland Year in Review found 4,458 phone calls were made to the Elder Abuse Helpline in 2023-24, with 2,674 notiﬁcations of abuse.

The report recommended further research into social abuse, which is a form of coercive control that can be used as means to facilitate, maintain or hide other forms of abuse.

Social abuse increased in 2023-24 by 7 per cent while neglect of older people increased by 24 per cent.

Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm said the inquiry will shine a light on the mistreatment of some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

“This report highlights year-on-year increases in reports of abuse,” Minister Camm said.

“The State Government is acting now, by setting up a Parliamentary Inquiry, which will help shine a light on the nature and extent of elder abuse, how we are reporting and responding to

elder abuse and where we can improve.

“All Queenslanders have a role to play in preventing elder abuse including families, communities, service providers and all levels of government.

“Increasing our understanding of elder abuse and boosting community awareness is vital to stopping the abuse.”

Minister Camm said the report highlights the fact that elder abuse is

currently under reported in Queensland.

“We know six in 10 older people who experience abuse will likely not seek help from a professional source, but instead seek advice from family or friends,” Minister Camm said.

“This inquiry will also help increase awareness right across Queensland, as we work towards better protecting some of the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The inquiry is in addition to the State Government’s Residential Care reforms to set-up a 24-hour dual-carer model and inquiry into DVConnect.

“These reforms are about ﬁnding gaps in the system, so we can better protect the most vulnerable in our community,” Minister Camm said.

“We are committed to a safer community for all.”

Suspected cases of Elder Abuse can be reported via www.qld.gov.au/ stopelderabuse or call the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192.

Amanda Camm

Henry Somerset COMMENT

Year of doing

While spraying a patch of rats tail weed and looking out for ﬁre ants, my 2025 hope arose as the Year of Doing.

Quite frankly I’m tired of plans and strategies and options and consultants to tackle the issues we face. It’s time to actually do something about issues ranging from potholes to population.

With a federal election a few months away, forget the promises and wedging, show us the doing.

And make the doing cost eﬀicient and eﬀective.

During one of the storms a tree came down on a road on my way home. If I had the chainsaw in the Ute, I would have cut it up and towed it oﬀ with a chain onto my tow bar. Job done. Instead two Council

trucks and a Council Ute arrived as they stood around waiting for a Stop/ Go crew. Eight people took half a day for a job that one bloke could have done in half an hour.

I can remember when Council foremen drive basic two wheel drive Utes loaded with a shovel and a spray back of weedicide.

If they saw a bit of rats tail,or some other invasive weed, they’d stop, spray it and usually put on a tag so the mowing contractor didn’t go threw it. Job done.

Now we have space suited crews who do less weed area and

are usually so late it has invaded more area. Or if they saw a blocked drain, they’d stop and shovel out the muck to allow ﬂood water to drain oﬀ the next downpour.

Now we wait for a whole crew with mini diggers, sometimes years later. I’d love to know the ratio of field workers to office/ overhead staff in all levels of government. It’s probably

gone from ten to one to closer to one to one.

I put this to a recently retired Councillor who just rolled their eyesconﬁrmation made!

Under My Skin

Let’s ﬁght for what we hold dear

What country are we living in? It sometimes doesn’t feel like Australia, certainly not the Australia most of us have grown up in and loved.

Why is there such a concerted eﬀort to cancel everything that’s close to the majority of us — Christmas, Australia Day, Easter, Anzac Day? Even our democratic system of government, and the list is growing.

We’re used to the annual haranguing over Australia Day but it looks like Invasion Day is winning “the battle of ideas” and proud Aussies are being told to bugger oﬀ — you’re not wanted, not even at your favourite watering hole.

Maybe Aussies with a bit of backbone should ﬁght back. I’m not advocating violence or inciting hatred. I’m just suggesting we should make our voices heard and back them up with actions.

Here’s an idea. If we

regularly or occasionally visit a pub that cancelled Australia Day, let’s not go there again until January 26, and then we pile in, emblazoned with Australia Day paraphernalia, but don’t eat or drink.

We just sit there quietly singing A Pub With No Beer, Hey True Blue, and a couple of favourites of our dear departed Chad Morgan, and enjoy the vibe. I wonder if we would be thrown out? And if we refused to go, would be cops be expected to arrest us?

The old saying “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” always springs to mind when we see our beliefs and liberties being stripped away. Trying to rob us of Christmas and Australia Day would be classed as evil by many, just like other issues, especially freedom of speech.

We cannot aﬀord to sit back and do nothing. It’s too important. That’s not an

option in Australia today. Three of a kind?

Looks like we could be seeing reruns of The Three Stooges — Queensland Government style.

Remember when we were blessed with the talents of Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark (Beetle) Bailey, who was capable of trebling any project cost estimate and still miss by a mile.

Then came Bart (Simpson) Mellish whose only notable contribution to that portfolio was making a dill of himself trying to defend his predecessor and acting like a child during the election.

These two desperately needed back-up and they might have it with the LNP’s Brent Mickelberg who has so far covered himself in goose feathers rather than glory.

The jury is still out on In-A-Pickle Mickel but a reappearance of The Three Stooges (or Huey, Dewey and Lewey?) looks promising.

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

Staying strong – Qld property values are still increasing.

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all our regular and new readers. 2025 has begun and the national headlines have been all about the ﬁrst negative growth data coming through since early 2023. Let me reassure our local markets that this is not the case in Brisbane and Regional Qld where property prices have set and broken records over and over again in the recent years.

Core Logic’s Monthly Housing Charts for January 2025 give further insight into where we sit as a State. Included here are the 3 monthly and 12 monthly snapshots.

As discussed in previous columns, high end properties (in the top quarter in terms of asking price) have seen more subdued growth than the lower and middle value

All these upper layers of planners and coordinators and checkers and governance advisors are not only sucking up more of our taxpayer and ratepayer dollars, but causing delays in doing.

One of our big weedicide manufacturers last year sacked 5500 middle level bureaucrats and has enjoyed a signiﬁcant rise in productivity because the people

employed to do the doing now have less delays stiﬂing their progress.

That’s what all levels of our government needfewer delaying bureaucrats and more doers.

Maybe we should just hand out shovels and spray packs to the blocking bureaucrats and get them out of the comfortable oﬀice and actually do some productive work.

Then after a couple of hours spraying and drain cleaning, as I have just done on my property, they can enjoy smoko with a cup of hot, black tea, satisﬁed at having made some real progress at a real job.

homes, which stands to reason in times of higher interest rates and tighter lending rules. Median Days on the market have

Forgettable Fiji

I’m not sure what travel warnings the Australian Government has on Fiji at the moment but I have one — don’t go there.

My family are close personal friends with a couple of the seven people who nearly lost their lives by drinking a bit of one cocktail at a ﬁve-star resort.

Their treatment immediately after the event was appalling and the response from the Fijian Government was even worse.

Some Fijian Government oﬀicials’ statements were as toxic as the drinks served there that near-fatal day. They clearly showed they had their own interests at heart and couldn’t give a stuﬀ about the victims.

I hope the true story is told as soon as possible.

Oﬀ the planet

Energy companies have been bombarding us for some time with virtuesignalling, feel-good, vomit-inducing advertising telling us how good they are

increased a little, which is completely normal for the Christmas season, and Vendor discounting is down slightly. In other positive news,

and how they are saving the planet.

What they are not advertising is that the price of our electricity increased 20 per cent in 12 months, which means we are paying for their holier-than-thou advertisements and their collective greed.

They have one job — provide us with electricity at the cheapest possible price. What a bunch of charlatans.

If sucking up to governments to get taxpayer-funded handouts, while robbing their customers blind, was an Olympic event, these double-dealers would be Gold Medallists.

Just brieﬂy

Bloody Australia Post. Today I’m celebrating my 58th wedding anniversary (I was married very young) and they still haven’t delivered the letter advising me of my Australia Day bravery medal. Skinhead BM has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?

Brisbane woman ﬂew to Townsville with her

ﬁrst-home Buyers in Qld are now permitted to sublet rooms in their property without losing access to grants or concessions, and Stamp duty has ﬁ abolished for new build dwellings which is long overdue.

In the long term, the aim is to address Qld’s declining home ownership rate of just 63.5% which is still the second lowest in Australia, above the Northern Territory only. These changes have the support of Kat Beavon, acting CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, who praised the initiatives as a “common-sense measure” that beneﬁts buyers and renters.

By SKINHEAD

two-year-old daughter for Christmas. She paid more for the return tickets than her friends paid for their return tickets to Canada later this year.

I’ve got to get one of these T-shirts. It reads “Retired* Under new management. *See spouse for details”. I’ve just realised I haven’t won Gold Lotto for the 36th year straight. Talk about bad luck.

I was researching something on the internet and was asked to “Verify you are human by completing the action below”. I wonder what other species might be trying to ﬁnd information. Quote for the Week: “My family came to Australia because of the country’s values and way of life, not to change them”. — Anonymous.

If you would like assistance in your own 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 to our incredible communities this year and beyond. living

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

Spacious Family Living in Prime Morayfield Location

-Open-Plan Design: Flowing living and dining area, plus a separate lounge room

-Well-Equipped Kitchen: Features a dishwasher, quality stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, and abundant cupboard & bench space

-Outdoor Entertaining: Covered patio area overlooking the private expansive backyard

-Front Porch Area: A welcoming entrance adding to the charm of the property

ample bench space, electric cooktop/oven & filtered rainwater

-Two large 3-bay sheds with roller doors - 6x9 garage at the front of the property with power & another 6x9 shed near the house

-Modern open-plan living and dining area

-Stunning kitchen with walk-in pantry, high-end appliances, and ample storage space

-Beautiful timber-look flooring throughout

-Main bathroom with double vanity, rainfall showerhead, and soaking bathtub

-Double lock-up garage with internal access and large storage cupboards

- Covered outdoor entertaining patio with ceiling fan

- Solar panels for energy efficiency

Charming Timber Cabin on 5 Acres

-Cute timber-built cabin-style home

-Large kitchen with loads of bench space

-Reverse cycle air-conditioning

-Separate laundry with access to the balcony

-Fans and built-in robes in the bedrooms

-Wrap around balcony covering 3 sides of the house

-Underground bunker/storage

-Powered 3x6m shed

-Small dam

-Lovely gardens surrounding

-40,000L of water storage in new and refurbished tanks

Kathy Sweeney | 0427 374 117

Heavy Feeder Steers Sell to $1990/ head at Toogoolawah Store Sale

AGENTS Shepherdson and Boyd yarded 1889 head of cattle for their ﬁrst store sale of 2025. The market opened up very strong for all descriptions, with an improved season across most of Southeast Queensland and the Western Downs. Heavy Charolais X and Simmental X Feeder Steers account

Abercorn Pastoral Co of Eidsvold sold for $1990/ head, $1980/head and $1940/head. Pete and Fran Eggleston of Toogoolawah sold heavy Santa X feeder steers for $1990/head. Eskdale Cattle P/L sold Charolais X feeder steers 16-18mths old for $1890/ head. R & H Milner of Baralaba sold Brangus X feeder steers 18-20mths old for $1890/head. G & L Hartwig of Eidsvold sold Droughtmaster X Hereford feeder steers 20mths old for $1810/head. Jamie Hartwig of Eidsvold sold Santa X feeder steers 20mths old for $1790/head. All Beef Enterprises sold Santa X Hereford steers 18-20mths old for $1770/head. Goin Round P/L of Gayndah sold Angus X steers 16-18mths old for $1670/head.

J & L Moison of Mount Beppo sold Brangus X steers 14-16mths old for $1550/ head. The Hayes Family of Brightview sold Charolais X

steers 14mths old for $1550/ head. Page Pastoral of Biarra sold Angus X steers 18mths old for $1520/head. Neil Hobart of Toogoolawah sold Charolais X steers 14mths old for $1500/head. Eskdale Cattle sold Charolais X steers 12mths old for $1490/ head. Rud Bug P/L of Jimna sold Santa steers 14mths old for $1450/head. E & R Hayes of Blackbutt sold Droughtmaster steers 14mths old for $1410/ head. Barraclough P/ Ship of Toogoolawah sold Droughtmaster X steers 1214mths old for $1390/head. W & M Stretton of Blackbutt sold Charolais X Steers 1012mths old for $1310/head.

Ruyi Pastoral of Maleny sold Angus X weaner steers 8mths old for $1370/ head. Grantham Grazing of Colinton sold Charolais X weaner steers 10mths old for $1360/head. B & B Wheildon of Toogoolawah sold Droughtmaster X steers 12-14mths old for $1300/ head. Samuel Holdings of Manumbar sold Charolais X weaner steers 10mths old for $1230/head. David Hudson of Barmaya sold Brangus steers 10mths old for $1320/head. JN Christensen of Linville sold Santa X steers 8-10mths old for $1210/head. The heifer market improved in line with all

other descriptions. Abercorn

Pastoral of Eidsvold sold Santa X heifers 20mths old for $1560/head. W & J Lindstrom of Toogoolawah sold Santa X heifers 20mths old for $1440/ head. Galloway Cattle of Toogoolawah sold Brangus X feeder heifers 20mths old for $1420/head. A & A Cousins of Harlin sold Charolais X feeder heifers 20mths old for $1410/head. Lone Pine of Eidsvold sold Brangus x heifers 20mths old for $1380/head and Santa heifers for $1310/ head. Eskdale Cattle Co of Toogoolawah sold Charolais X heifers 12mths old for $1230/head. Colinton Station of Colinton sold Charbray X heifers 16mths old for $1260/head. L & L

Pastoral of Eskdale sold Santa heifers 18mths old for $1240/head. Gilla Partnership of Blackbutt sold Charolais X heifers 12mths old for $1240/head. Gaylene Belz of Toogoolawah sold Brangus X heifers 16mths old for $1130/head. R & T Tinney sold Charolais X, heavy Backgrounder heifers 14mths old for $1130/head. Grant Ward of Toogoolawah sold Brangus X heifers 16mths old for $1100/ head. Croftby Downs of Moogerah sold Charolais X backgrounder heifers 12-

14mths old for $1090/head & $1070/head. Ruyi Pastoral of Maleny sold Angus weaner heifers 10mths old for $950/head. Kellie Coleman of Toogoolawah sold Droughtmaster heifers 12 mths old for $980/head. R & D Mayer of Mt Byron sold Charbray heifers 10mths old for $970/head. Samuel Holdings of Manumbar sold Charolais X weaned heifers 10mths old for $940/head. L & L Pastoral of Eskdale sold heifers 10mths old for

$930/head. G & L Hartwig sold Santa X weaner heifers 10mths old for $930/head. The Cow and Calf market showed a signiﬁcant increase in price from the end of last year. K & M Head of Yarraman sold Pens of Charolais X middle to old cows with Charolais x calves, 4-12weeks old at foot for $2275/unit and $2200/unit. Galloway Cattle of Toogoolawah sold Brangus X ﬁrst calf heifers with Brangus

calves 3mths at foot sold for $2000/unit. Barnes Grazing of Anduramba sold Aged Santa x cows and calves for $2075/unit. L & S Dellaway of Woodford sold aged DroughtmasterX cows and calves for $1820/ head. Shepherdson and Boyd would like to thank all their vendors, buyers and underbidders for their valued support. The next Toogoolawah Store Sale will be Friday 24th of January, starting at 9am.

Charolais x Steers, 24mths old, account of Abercorn Pastoral of Eidsvold sold for $1990/head.

Cattle markets

WOODFORD

A FULL yarding of cattle were sold at Stariha Auctions weekly cattle sale at Woodford on Monday. A large crowd saw a marked increase in prices from last year. Western buyers were prominent, along with increased money from feedlots and processors.

Michael Friedrich, Toogoolawah, sold a line of Droughtmaster cross backgrounder steers for $1490.

Michael & Rachel Sayer, Conondale, sold Angus 2 tooth steers for $1460 and heifers for $1470.

Tony Sams, Peachester, sold Santa cows for $1840. Dalrus Pty Ltd, Kandanga, sold Brahman cattle, with steers making $2020, pens of cows selling for $1340, $1260 & $1260, weaner males $1000, male calves $770 and weaner heifers $900.

Denis Martin, Conondale, sold Charbray cows & calves for $1625 and cows for $1410.

Mike Wheeler, Stony Creek, sold Murray Grey

vealer calves, with males making $840 and heifers

$740.

Cassandra Davis, Delaneys Creek, sold Gelbvieh steers for $1380 and heifers for $1130.

PJ Roberts, Woodford, sold young Limousin weaner steers for $1080.

Kylee Thompson, Glasshouse Mountains, sold Brangus weaner steers for $1070 & $1050 and heifers for $870.

Cody Kettleton, Kobble Creek, sold lines of Charbray cows for $1500 & $1290.

Francis Woods, Booroobin, sold Droughtmaster male calves for $700.

Nathan Heilig, Beerburrum, sold Brahman weaner steers for $1040 and vealer heifers for $690.

Amalu Pty Ltd, Conondale, sold Brahman cross weaner steers for $930 & $810.

Sayer Pastoral Pty Ltd, Reesville, sold Murray Grey weaner heifers for $850.

Lance & Leanne Paulus, Mt Delaney, sold Charbray cows & calves for $1575 and cows for $1300.

Moreton Saleyards market report

Agents Boyd O’Brien Bartholomew reported a yarding of 662 head of cattle. The market improved again across all descriptions. A quality line of cows came to hand and sold to very strong competition from all major processors. Heavy ox and heifers were in short supply, selling to dearer trends. Bulls were in strong demand. Feeders were in short supply and sold to a

stronger market than last week. Backgrounders and vealers were dearer with plenty of competition from restockers.

N Hobart sold Weaner Steers Charolais X 429.2c/kg $1295p/head.

K & A Venz sold Yearling Heifers Limousin X 338.2c/ kg $947p/head.

J & K Doyle sold Backgrounder Steers Charolais X 423.2c/kg

of Medium Cows

Droughtmaster X 326.2c/kg

$1704p/head.

D Zurvas sold Pen of Medium Cows

Droughtmaster X 329.2c/kg $1738p/head.

$1430p/head.

Jack Conroy sold Feeder Heifers Charolais X 349.2c/ kg $1344p/head.

N Tait sold 2 Tooth Pasture Heifers Charolais X 361.2c/kg $2420p/head.

Blair Roberts sold 4 Tooth Pasture Ox Braford X 367.2c/ kg $2239p/head.

P Grieve Bros sold Pen of Heavy Cows Charbray X 327.2c/kg $2051p/head.

K Klan sold Pen

Glenapp Cattle Co sold Pen of Medium Cows Brahman X 318.2c/kg $1515p/head.

Kaperra Farms sold Dairy Culls Jersey 237.2c/kg $1114p/head.

Brolga Enterprises sold Heavy Bulls Santa 319.2c/kg $2633p/head.

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

Helping protect ﬁsh movement in regional Queensland waterways

QUEENSLAND regional councils will receive further vital support from the Department of Primary Industries to maintain essential infrastructure and safeguard native ﬁsh populations.

The Rural and Remote Council Fish Passage Support Team, established by Fisheries Queensland, is collaborating with councils to streamline waterway barrier projects.

This ensures roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure are delivered eﬀiciently while protecting

ﬁsh movement in local waterways.

Fisheries Queensland Executive Director Dallas D’Silva highlighted the multiple beneﬁts of the initiative.

“Fish habitats are integral to Queensland’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, contributing to what makes our state a great place to live,” Mr D’Silva said.

“The free movement of ﬁsh is crucial for healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and functioning wetlands.

“This service works

alongside councils to develop cost-eﬀective designs that support ﬁsh passage without delaying construction timelines.”

Barcoo Shire Council Mayor Sally O’Neil said that the McPhellamy’s Crossing project is an important project for the region.

“By working together, this project demonstrates how state and local government can directly support both community and environmental needs whilst preserving our unique biodiversity and increasing the resilience of our waterways.”

The team has already achieved success, including helping Barcoo Shire secure approval for McPhellamys Crossing over Cooper Creek in Central West Queensland. The team has also actively raised awareness of the service in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) through meetings and events.

For support, councils can contact the team via email at regionalsupport@daf. qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.

Certain work defined as 'building work' in the QBCC legislation may only be undertaken by licensed contractors or, if undertaken by unlicensed contractors, only to the value of $3,300. However, work falling outside of that definition may be performed by unlicensed contractors and is not subject to any value limit. To check whether a contractor holds a QBCC licence visit www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or call the QBCC on 1300 272 272.

CLASSIFIEDS Sentinel

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

DELANEYS CREEK HALL

(Cnr Mt Mee and Bleakley Roads)

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

KILCOY KRAFTERS

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

Beginners and experienced all welcome.

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

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

Sport Results

Toogoolawah Golf

Wednesday 8th January

Ladies played a 9 hole single stableford - Winner Ulla Freihofner 19 points. Enid’s NTP Chris Stevens.

PM Chook Run also a 9 hole single stableford - Winner Peter Granzien 22 points on a count back from Geoﬀ Murtagh 22 points.

Saturday 11th January Elken Flooring Fernvale (Michael and Leanne Frohloﬀ ) Trophy Day. A Single Stroke event in conjunction with January’s Monthly MedalOverall winner Bob Marshall 73 Nett. Men’s winner Michael O’Connor 74 nett. Ladies Winner Judie Marschke. Weekley sponsored holes: Exchange Hotel Groovy G.O.A.T Pizza 3/12 Gary McGarrigal, IGA Toogoolawah 4/13 Michael O’Connor, For Frank 6/15

Lowood Golf

Results for Tuesday

7 January 2025 Single Stableford - Winner: N Kickbusch 41 R/Up: H Buckley

38.

BRD: Peta Dwyer K Stebbing

37 P Harmon W Hankinson M Lester 36 P Muller J Etherden G Webster J Browning 35.

NTPs: 2: I Gow 5: B Green 11: S Browning 14: P Muller.

BISHOP, Ray Edwin

Late of Caboolture. Formerly of Toorbul. 14/2/1946 - 20/12/2024 78 years.

Father, Grandfather, Brother, Brother-in-law and Uncle.

FUNERAL NOTICE

KIRBY, Robyn Elizabeth

Formerly of Toogoolawah. Passed away peacefully on 6 January 2025

Aged 66 years.

Dearly loved sister, niece and aunt. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Robyn’s Memorial Service to be held at the Toogoolawah Uniting Church on Tuesday, 21 January 2025 commencing at 11:30am.

Phone (07) 5424 1084

A Skinner. Grand Hotel Esk 7/16 Men’s Michael O’Connor, Ladies Robyn Bagster. January Monthly Medal Winners Bob Marshall and Judie Marschke.

Talk about Mad Dogs, Englishmen and Golfers, 24 players took to the course while it was still raining. 3 holes later rain stopped and we had reasonable weather to finish off the competition, which we thank Michael, Leanne and staff at Elken Flooring for a great Trophy

Elken Flooring has changed address so call in at the new business address 40 Burns Street, Fernvale. Michael and staﬀ look forward to helping with all your ﬂooring needs.

Thank You Elken Flooring.

Coming Events

Saturday 18th January Esk Golf Clubs Open Day. 8am and 10am shotgun starts. Phone Shaun 0428522528 After 6pm nightly.

Wednesday 22nd January

Ladies golf 8am / PM chook Run 3.30pm.

Gregory Lyle Miller

Passed away 22nd January 2020. "As you were, you will always be, treasured forever in our memory" Sadly missed by Pat, Lyle, Mary, Gavin and families.

Toogoolawah Bowls

After a brilliant eﬀort by Keith McWhirter and his team of helpers we had our Green renovation for the year completed early. Congratulations Keith. On Thursday 9th January we held our ﬁrst Pub Day for 2025. Winners on the day were Alan Camerons Team: Alan, Des, Bob and Chrissy. Runners up were Nanango Team:

Results for Thursday 9 January 2025 Single

Stableford - Winner: J Browning 41 R/Up: M Whitwell 39.

BRD: G Molloy D Sheraton

38 P Harmon J Burrett 37 Peta Dwyer J Grace P Walker 36 Pat Dwyer J Gurney K Stebbing L Sheraton 35.

NTPs: 2: D Sheraton 5: M Whitwell 11: B May 14: D Johnstone.

Results for Saturday 11 January 2025 Single

Stableford - Winner: T Scantlebury 41 R/Up: H Buckley 38.

BRD: P Muller 37 P Brown

36 J Grace C Mayne W Lee V Birchall D Johnstone 35 D Pirotta R Coolwell S Norris S Townsley G Earley 34 ocb.

NTPs: 2: Shane Kopelke 5: T Scantlebury 11: J Miller 14: G Webster.

Caboolture Darts

Twenty one players were in attendance for the first night Pot Luck doubles of 2025 at the Caboolture Social Darts Club venue of 21 Hayes Street Caboolture on Monday Night 6th January.

Winners Josh/Chris H, Runners Up Anton/Beau.

Woodford Team: Geoﬀ, John, Gary and Ian.

Please note that due to changes within our district, our Pub Days will be held on Thursdays, the next being on Thursday 6th February

On Sunday 12th we had two games of Triples at which Kilcoy club ﬁelded 6 players. Winners on the day were

Conner had the high score of 140 and Visitor Rosie 114 for the Ladies.

Colin won the peg with 60 whilst Sherrie received a prize for 34 although Rosie had a 42.

Best throws on the night went to Conner 140,123,106 and Dale 121,129,119,101.

Colin 121, Jesse 118.

Chantell 80, Sherrie 100.

Visitors are always welcome plus juniors from 12 to 18 when supervised by an adult, Names required by 7.15pm. Bar, coffee, Chips etc available. Come and enjoy a night out and meet new friends.

For further information text or call Cecil 0411 698 807 or Ian 0400 475 007.

1 x Single Bed, Lots of bric-a -brac, collectors items, very good books, vintage wines. Phone 0420 263 690.

Elken Flooring Fernvale’s Trophy Day.

Steve Sellers Team: Steve, Zacc, Lilly and Neville and 2nd Round winners were Geoﬀ ’s

Butch (Toogoolawah), Michael (Kilcoy), Col (Kilcoy). Raﬀle went to Len Smyth. We look forward to another successful year. See you on the Green.

Pub Day winners: Alan, Des, Bob and Chrissy.

Geoﬀ, John, Gary, and Ian.

Steve, Zac, Lilly, and Neville.

Jan 26 Kilcoy Races day

THE Kilcoy Race Club is gearing up for their upcoming race day, the Australia Day Races on Sunday, January 26.

There will be pro sprinting for 70,120 and 300m lengths, including ﬁve gallops and three mini trots.

Fashions and fun will be afoot, with the day sponsored by Searles Garden Products, Great Northern Brewery and Ladbrokes to name a few businesses supporting the day. Admission is $15 per person or $10 if booked online. For bookings and ticket purchase, visit www. kilcoyraces.com.

Olympic review done

OVER 5,000 Queenslanders have sent submissions to the Olympics Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s 100-Day Review, which closed on January 10, oﬀering ideas and feedback on plans and legacy projects.

Residents, experts, and aspiring athletes contributed ideas, with key topics including proposals for a new centrepiece stadium, venue locations, and long-term public transport infrastructure.

Former Stanley River player Reegan Hicks now a Broncos top 24 player

Our Reegan has made it into the big league

◗ Kirra Livingstone

FORMER Stanley River Wolves player, Reegan Hicks, has fulﬁlled her lifelong dream of making it into an NRLW side.

Late last year, the Brisbane Broncos announced she was being added to the NRLW team’s top 24. Reegan has had several years experience in the NRLW system.

In 2022, she was in the Gold Coast Titans junior academy, and then was signed by the Brisbane Broncos into their development squad in 2024.

A Brisbane Broncos spokesperson said they were keen to bring Reegan on board since 2022.

“Reegan epitomises the type of people we want in our NRLW program,” they said.

“She is a wonderful person and dedicated athlete, who values hard work, she has the potential to be a long term NRLW player. “Based on this,

Reegan was oﬀered a three-year contract to join the Broncos, 2024Development List, 2025- top 24, 2026- top 24.”

The spokesperson said Reegan had a “big smile on the inside” when she was upgraded. They added she is an ideal candidate for their NRLW team.

professional athlete,” the spokesperson said.

“We are very excited about what she can achieve in our program as she continues to develop on and oﬀ the ﬁeld.”

Stanley River Wolves club president, Sam Cooper, said the club is happy to see Reegan excelling in the NRLW.

“We’re immensely proud of how Reegan is going, obviously she started with us as a junior, she’s kicking goals,” he said.

“Her U13s coach told us to watch this young girl play, she’s an absolute talent, we watched her and when they’d pass her the ball, she always would score.”

Reegan made a huge impact when she started playing for the Beerwah Bulldogs Open Women’s team in 2023, scoring an impressive seven tries in her debut match.

She scored a total of 14 tries, earning her the title of top try scorer for the 2023 season.

Reegan has since played for the Queensland Maroons in the U19s State of Origin. The second-rower also had a successful season for the Norths Devils in the BMD premiership in 2024.

Footworks USA trip

THE FootworksDance team headed abroad to Los Angeles and New York over the Christmas holidays to immerse themselves into the arts and dance scene in the USA.

Students performed on CityWalk at Universal and one of the main stages at Disneyland California.

They also got to perform at a one of the major outlet shopping malls on Super Saturday, a major retail

sales event during holidays.

FootworksDance owner, Elizabeth Barritt, said the students impressed audiences over in the US.

“The guy at Disney was really happy with their performances,” she said.

“He made a comment about the numbers that were in the audience prior to them starting, which then doubled while they were performing.”

The team from FootworksDance stuck to a lyrical and more modern

style dance routine to entertain and stay relatable to audiences.

Students, ranging from seven to 23 years old, chose ‘colours’ as their theme, dancing to a song named after each colour of the rainbow.

“One of the songs was ‘Pink’ from the Barbie movie, which is very popular, and then tried to ﬁnd other colour songs like I’m blue and something in the orange was another one,” Elizabeth said.

While they were still in LA, Elizabeth said students took part in workshops at the Millennium Dance Complex and Disney.

“At Millennium the dancers were split up into two groups to learn lyrical contemporary and modern choreography,” she said.

“The senior class were so good that they asked us to come back for their open class but we weren’t going to be there.

“At Disney they learnt the choreography of High

Musical from a male teacher with years of experience on Broadway.”

Elizabeth said the way he taught was inspiring to her as a dancer teacher herself, and the students learnt the choreography in a unique way.

At the end of the trip, some students went home, while the rest spent Christmas in New York.

Students got to see and went to the famous Broadway ‘Ellen’s Diner’ for Xmas dinner.

Some of the students also got to see snow for the ﬁrst time in their lives, which was an exciting experience.

◗ Kirra Livingstone

School

FootworksDance students performing on CityWalk at Universal Studios.

Reegan Hicks is now a Brisbane Broncos NRLW player.

Students sitting in front of photo of them displayed at Times Square.