The Sentinel 4 December 2024

Spotlight on... Kilcoy & Surrounds

Woodford faces the music

◗ Marina Gomide

WOODFORD Folk Festival organisers are warning the future of the iconic event is at risk, after revealing a steep decline in ticket sales for the 2024/25 season.

Holiday blues on rise

◗ Marina Gomide

The Sentinel reported earlier this year that Woodfordia incurred a $2m loss in 2023/24.

Festival Director, Amanda Jackes, said sluggish sales “seriously threatened its (the festival’s) viability” for next year”.

Woodfordia - the not-forprofit organisation that runs the festival - revealed ticket sales were down 15 per cent on the previous year.

Woodfordia also received $2m from the Labor government ahead of the state election to help secure this year’s festival. Story p3

RECORD demand for mental health services has prompted experts to encourage Moreton Bay and Somerset residents to be aware of their own mental health and that of

family and friends over the Christmas period.

Caboolture and Redcliffe

Metro North hospitals experienced a 10 per cent increase in mental health presentations to the emergency department over the holidays. Story p4-5

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FROM THE EDITOR

WOODFORD Folk Festival organisers have confirmed what The Sentinel has been reporting since the start of the year: It’s future is in dire straits.

Last week the umbrella organisation, Woodfordia, reported that ticket sales were down 15 per cent on the same time last year.

Shop 6, 35 Swan Street, Beerwah

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This is clearly an unsustainable decline.

The greater fear is that as music tastes and household preferences shift away from large scale festival events, it’s also an unstoppable decline.

But hindsight is 20/20.

Woodford organisers, like many in the community, probably thought the first year out of Covid was a return to normal transmission.

Record crowds and the financial result gave Woodfordia the confidence

allegations

THE National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) has strongly denied recent allegations that some of its officers were arrested for “planting fire ants.”

The program, which has been working to combat the spread of invasive fire ants, called the claims “false and unfounded.”

Marni Manning, Acting Executive Program Director, spoke out against the accusations, calling them “untrue and downright dangerous”.

community health.”

Manning urged the public to verify information before believing or spreading it.

“Verify the validity and credibility of informationnot everything online or in the media is true,” she said.

“I also assure Queensland communities our program fully supports our staff who have been falsely linked to these reckless allegations.

She emphasised that no officers had been arrested or involved in any illicit activities.

“These allegations are yet another attempt by certain parties to interfere with our world-leading fire ant eradication program,” Ms Manning said.

“They jeopardise our national efforts to protect the environment and

to continue investing into the site and the festival itself.

Unfortunately it’s been disastrous for so many since then.

The Covid largesse quickly dried up and skyrocketing inflation, interest rates, rents and grocery prices all forced us to rethink our spending habits.

So what can organisers do to ensure they don’t join the scrapheap of marquee events such as Groovin’ The Moo, Splendour in the Grass, Pitch, Spilt Milk, Harvest Rock and the Byron Bay Bluesfest?

As readers may recall, Woodfordia was the recipient of a $2 million grant from the Labor government in its last days in office. That’s a handy bucket of cash. But what was it used for? Why wasn’t it enough and what in fact is

enough?

Will the organisation need more taxpayer funds to dig it out of trouble?

The strategy seems to be to go back to the same well that has served them during tougher times and rally the true believers for support.

Unfortunately this well looks dried up.

Similar to regular ‘support local’ campaigns - everyone loves the concept, but it’s a hard slog to maintain traction.

They need to find a new audience. And they probably need to find them the old fashioned way - marketing. That means spending money.

It would be a terrible shame for the festival to collapse. While calling for support is one thing, if you want to sustain its future beyond 30 years, a change of direction is needed.

“Our staff, like everyone, have the right to feel safe while doing their jobs.

“Please do your own research, using trusted sources, and if you have any questions, please visit fireants.org.au or call us on 132 ANT (13 22 68).”

NFAEP also reminded the communities that moving fire ants is illegal, and “such reckless claims only serve to spread misinformation and disinformation about the important work we are doing”.

FIRE ANTS

It was interesting to see a so-called ‘story’ spread last week, stating unequivocally that fire ants were being deliberately planted by eradication officers. It was a load of rubbish. But the way the story spread and the commentary from readers assuming its truth was a reminder of why local journalism is so valuable in this ‘post truth’ world. It was a bit of a taste of what it must be like in the US, with the proliferation of websites purporting to report news when they’re really just pushing an agenda.

There’s no stopping that kind of news, and as unpopular as objective reporting seems to be, it’s something we value and promise to continue to deliver at The Sentinel.

Housing leaderhsip

CITY of Moreton Bay has been recognised by housing and homelessness peak body Q Shelter, for leadership in addressing housing and homelessness challenges at the local government level and in conjunction with the sector.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it was a great honour to be awarded the Kent Maddock Memorial Award for 2024 by Q Shelter.

“This award will focus our energy on continuing to alleviate the housing crisis and homelessness for our residents,” Cr Flannery said.

“City of Moreton Bay has explored every reasonable option to help combat the impact of the national housing crisis locally.

“Acknowledging our position as the third largest local government in Australia, we have been active in helping to achieve better housing outcomes for our residents.”

Some intiatives included

in Moreton Bay’s Housing and Homelessness Action Plan include:

- waiving development fees and infrastructure charges in fifteen suburbs for affordable and social housing

- offering Council land, under a peppercorn lease, to community housing providers Bric Housing and Coast2Bay Housing Group Ltd to develop and manage social housing

- committing $3.7 million to the new Peninsula Support Hub that is currently being built supported the Redcliffe sleepbus.

Mayor Flannery acknowledged the volunteers, Council officers and the many community groups across the sector who work incredibly hard in this area to help make a difference across the City of Moreton Bay.

Q Shelter CEO Fiona Caniglia, said the need

for affordable housing in Moreton Bay is growing exponentially.

“The council has been looking at all possible levers locally to unlock social and affordable housing supply, with some key projects already underway,” she said.

This year Q Shelter awarded two winners, with the Greater Whitsunday Communities also receiving recognition for their work on a Housing Playbook and

a Housing Summit Action Plan.

Ms Caniglia noted: “We’ve seen these two areas lead the way in collaborative action on housing solutions over the past year or more, and we felt it was important to recognise that commitment through this award.”

Q Shelter is a peak body working to influence solutions to housing needs and homelessness.

Caitlin, Eden and Estelle enjoying Christmas fun at Woodford Lantern Parade. Story p8-9

Mitch Gaynor r

Mayor Peter Flannery and Q Shelter CEO Fiona Caniglia.

First step of Adult Crime, Adult

Time

THE State Government introduced the new Making Queensland Safer Bill 2024 to Parliament on November 28.

Under the Making Queensland Safer Laws, juvenile offenders who commit some of the most serious crimes will face the same penalties as adult offenders by amending the Youth Justice Act 1992.

Adult Crime, Adult Time

offences include:

· Murder

· Manslaughter

· Unlawful striking causing death

· Grievous bodily harm

· Wounding

· Serious assault

· Home and business break-ins and robbery

· Dangerous operation of vehicles.

The principle of detention as a last resort would also be removed from the Act to prioritise community safety.

Courts will also be empowered to consider an offender’s full criminal history when sentencing, making their criminal history as a juvenile available when they are sentenced as an adult for a five-year period.

Consideration of victims will be prioritised during sentencing.

The Bill also includes measures to fully open the Childrens Court for victims and the media.

Festival’s rally cry

Folk Festival reports 15 per cent drop in sales after $2m loss in 2023/24

◗ Marina Gomide

THE Woodford Folk Festival has put out another call to action to its supporters, after reporting a 15 per cent drop in ticket sales from this time last year.

The plea for assistance and warnings the future of the 37-year festival is in doubt comes after The Sentinel reported earlier this year of the $2 million loss Woodfordia incurred at last year’s festival.

Bad weather, a costof-living crisis and the increased cost of delivering the multi-day festival were some of the reasons for the poor 2023/24 result.

Despite promising ticket sales in early June, and the festival certainly going ahead this year, Festival Director Amanda Jackes said the sluggish sales “seriously threatened its (the festival’s) viability” for next year and beyond.

“I’m sure many of our patrons may not realise the financial seriousness, because the experience of attending the festival always speaks of an emphatically successful event, which of course it is

culturally,” she said.

“In the last six years, adult day tickets have only gone up by 8 per cent (from $130 to $140), and adult season camping tickets have increased by just 4 per cent (from $647 to $672).

“When you look at what our 1800+ artists and performers deliver every single day, and how the cultural breadth of the program embraces people of all ages - including children, with their own festival within the festival - it’s truly a great-value event.”

In an email to the festival’s 54,000 database, Ms Jackes put out another rally cry to those who have not quite committed to this year’s event.

Ms Jackes said that this year will feel no different, with a program celebrated as one of the strongest in years.

And despite major rising event costs post-pandemic, the festival had worked hard to keep core ticket price increases to a minimum.

Woodfordia also received a $2 million lifeline from the State Government in September, to help ensure the festival’s future.

RANGER 570 HD EPS ADC

State Government support has allowed them to “put on one of the finest festivals” in their 37-year history.

“Yes, we are in a difficult position, but we are still standing, and we have so much to offer and celebrate, thanks to a huge storehouse of support and goodwill from our patrons, volunteers, members and all three levels of government,” she said.

“We remain hopeful that this call to action will move the dial back in our favour.

“In return, we can promise that everyone who comes to the party will be rewarded with a fantastic festival experience in a few weeks’ time.”

RUNOUT SALE

current rain season in southeast Queensland is being named as a reason people may not have committed to buying tickets, “even though the forecast for the festival itself is for near-perfect conditions”, according to Ms Jackes.

Ms Jackes also acknowledged that the success of their first festival since COVID, in 2022/23, gave organisers a false confidence about being “through the worst”, given it was their most successful event ever.

The challenging 2023/24 event was laid bare in financial documents, reported by The Sentinel,

which revealed auditors had already found there was “significant doubt” about the ability of the festival to continue.

Documents showed revenue in 2023/24 was hit by a $1.1m fall in box office takings, as well as a $1.2m fall in grants from the prior years. Woodfordia Inc had $327,000 in cash, compared to $1.87m in 2023, with overall revenue falling from $16.7m in 22/23 to $14.59m in 23/24. Artists in this year’s line-up include Yothu Yindi, Ball Park Music, Tia Gostelow, Ash Grunwald, Alex the Astronaut, Josh Pyke, King Stingray and Bic Runga. woodfordfolkfestival.com

Woodford Folk Festival 2023/24.

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Staying strong for a mentally healthy holiday

Mental health services hitting record demand

◗ Marina Gomide

RECORD levels of demand for mental health services have prompted experts to encourage Moreton Bay and Somerset residents to be aware of their own mental health and that of family and friends, especially over the Christmas period. Caboolture and Redcliffe Metro North hospitals

experienced a 10 per cent increase in mental health presentations to the emergency department over the 2023 Christmas period, not including people who see or speak to their general practitioner, psychologist, counsellor, or non-government service for assistance.

Dr Vikki Knott.

services.

A spokesperson said the group was anticipating requests to increase over the holiday season.

“It is completely normal to feel isolated, worried or unsettled at this time of year,” the spokesperson said.

underlying reason for mental health struggles over Christmas, experts who spoke to The Sentinel said.

even if they are surrounded by friends and family,” Mr Haworth said.

Nationally, Lifeline has experienced “record levels of demand”, with eight of their top 10 busiest days ever happening in 2024. Last December, Lifeline received an average of one call every 30 seconds, having been contacted nearly 150,000 times across their phone, text and chat crisis support

“The festive season is depicted as a time of joy, celebration and togetherness, but the holidays can bring about a complex and intense mix of emotions for many people.

“Even those of us who are among friends or family find that it can bring its own set of challenges –from heightened financial pressures, increased family conflict, loneliness or grief, to the weight of expectations, old wounds and disappointment, a combination of personal stressors can rise or become exacerbated throughout the holiday season.”

Loneliness was identified as one of the most common

Some countries have labelled the issue an epidemic, with Beyond Blue research, showing one in three people feel loneliness, with one in four saying they feel persistently lonely.

Loneliness can be caused by social isolation.

Another form of loneliness identified by Credentialed Mental Health Nurse and Operations Director at Metro North Mental Health –Redcliffe/Caboolture, Scott Haworth, and Beyond Blue clinical spokesperson, Dr Luke Martin, is feeling lonely even when surrounded by friends and family.

“When we talk about social isolation, that doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t direct contact with others, but sometimes it’s about that feeling of connectedness and

Dr Martin said: “Christmas can magnify your sense of being isolated due to everyone else having full social calenders and you maybe don’t.

“You can also be surrounded by people and still feel lonely, because loneliness is a very subjective feeling.

“It can mean that someone’s social needs are not being met by their current social relations, so it can be a bit of an internal alarm saying ‘I need deeper social connections’.”

Mr Haworth said the emergency department sees approximately a 10 per cent increase of mental health presentations over the

“Experiencing a mental health crisis over Christmas will look different for different people,” he said.

“It might include being at risk of harm to self or others, anxiety or panic attacks or flashbacks or nightmares of past experiences. Accessing the right support is vital for anyone suffering a mental health crisis or mental ill health.”

Clinical psychologist and director of EskPsych, Dr Vikki Knott, identified depression and anxiety as two common conditions that can be exacerbated during this time of year.

Christmas period.

“Alcohol and drugs, domestic violence, financial strains... one or all of these reasons may contribute to someone seeking mental health assistance through the Christmas period,” he said.

Another reason mentioned by Mr Haworth for more crisis presentations in public mental health services includes the closure of many support services over the holiday period, along with the potential absence of friends and family.

POSTPONING WORRY

Dr Knott’s tips for anyone experiencing loneliness included seeking out social connections, such as joining community groups, attending local Christmas events, even if alone, or finding social activities in the area.

For people who experience increased anxiety, Dr Knott recommended using a technique called ‘worry postponement’.

“Take 10 minutes per day dedicated exclusively to worrying. During that time, let yourself worry about anything and everything that comes to mind and look at those worries and examine which of those are ‘real’ worries, that we can problem solve and do something about,” she said. “We can spend a lot of

our day worrying about the ‘what if’, but there is actually nothing we can do about it.

“By containing these worries to 10 minutes per day, we reduce our worry time and if we worry about something outside of that scheduled time, we can acknowledge it but say ‘it’s not time for this now, I’ll save it to tomorrow’.”

Dr Knott also recommended that people suffering from increased anxiety this time of year learn to say ‘no’ to some events, if they feel they are not coping with the pressures.

THREE KEY TIPS

When it comes to depression, Dr Knott identified a trifecta of things people can do:

1. Engaging in anything that gives you pleasure, which can be as simple as stocking up your favourite tea for Christmas; Sitting down, enjoying the moment with that tea, its flavours and smells;

2. Do anything that gives you a sense of achievement, no matter how small, as depression makes it very difficult to get things done. Pick a small task that can be achieved and it can help lift the mood;

3. Make an effort to connect with people, be it via phone, via facetime, or going out and connecting with others outside.

“During Christmas we all have a tendency to reflect, but with the depression there is a tendency to engage in rumination rather

than reflection,” Dr Knott said.

“Reflection is a healthy thing where we look at the past and think about how we can move forward and make improvements.

“When we ruminate, we often think the worst, start catastrophising and that maintains depression.

“Notice your thinking, notice your thoughts, try to bring yourself out of your head and into the present moment; go outside and notice the trees, notice the birds... whatever gets you out of your head.”

BLUES

NEW YEAR

Beyond Blue’s Dr Luke Martin, said the organisation received an average of 800 contacts per day, but that increases even more in the new year.

“I think a lot of people delay support seeking until after Christmas, when life returns to normal,” he said.

“We’re really keen for people not to wait and not delay seeking support, because we know often problems can snowball and become bigger the longer you leave them.

“Christmas we are very keen to send that message: you don’t need to struggle alone.”

Dr Martin and Dr Knott emphasised the importance of people managing their expectations for this time of year.

“Sometimes we have expectations of this idea that Christmas is like in the movies and get engaged in that narrative, but the reality is that narrative is

not reality,” Dr Knott said.

“Keep your expectations at an appropriate level and that way you’re less likely to be disappointed.”

Some indications a loved one might be struggling with mental health during this holiday season includes changes in their normal behaviours and avoidance, such as withdrawing from most social activities and losing touch with friends and family, or someone acting unusually stressed and anxious, not sleeping properly, or suddenly feeling extremely and consistently flat.

If a friend or family member needs help, there are a range of telephone support and other options available to provide help, including:

Head to Health Service Navigators on 1800 592 212 (8.30 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday)

Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.

Tips on managing the holiday season: toolkit. lifeline.org.au/articles/ general/mental-wellnessduring-the-holiday-season

What’s happenning in Jimna

THE Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAF) has confirmed that it remains on track to complete structural assessments and construction plans for the Jimna Fire Tower by the end of 2024.

While a response to a November 24 update request is still pending, the lack of further news is being interpreted as a positive sign.

Meanwhile, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is gaining momentum, with significant activity now underway in the Jimna area.

The Queensland LNP’s decision to cancel a North Queensland hydro project has shifted focus to Borumba, which is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the regional town. Tenders are now being called for various services, including work camp facilities and access roads.

Ongoing concerns over the degradation of local beauty spots and recreational areas remain unresolved, with the Jimna Forest Action Group (JFAGI) building a unified advocacy group to address these challenges.

For information on local attractions and events, contact Dave M. at 0438 726 570.

Waraba’s next step forward

MORETON Bay’s newest city of Waraba, formerly Caboolture West, is continuing to develop, with Stockland having commenced construction on the latest community of Rivermont.

Rivermont will provide around 2,050 new homes across 175 hectares, including a 15-hectare Stockland Halcyon over-50s community.

Stockland General Manager QLD Development, David Laner said Rivermont will play a critical role in providing much needed

housing in South East Queensland.

“Rivermont will contribute to Queensland’s urgent housing needs by providing more than 2,000 homes to the region that cater to first home buyers, upgraders, young families, and those looking to downsize,” Mr Laner said.

“The community will keep residents close to everything they need, with plans for a cafe, local convenience and childcare, all within easy access to the nearby Morayfield Shopping Centre and train station.

“We’re committed to collaborating with the Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council to deliver a diverse range of housing options in the Rivermont community,” Mr Laner added.

Rivermont is part of the Queensland Government’s larger Waraba City vision, which will ultimately provide 970 hectares of green space, nine state primary schools, four secondary schools, and extensive employment and business opportunities by 2041.

The first stage of the masterplanned community comprises 205 homesites, ranging from 124 square metres to 940 square metres.

The first release of 20 residential lots in Rivermont will be in early 2025 with settlements expected later in 2025, and first lots available to build on in the first quarter of 2026.

For more information visit https://www. stockland.com.au/ residential/qld/rivermont

Dr Luke Martin.

Metro North Caboolture Hospital.

Artist impression of aerial view of Rivermont area.

Happy 100th to Diana!

A century of strength through WWII, floods and farming life

◗ Marina Gomide

◗ Margherita Shakhovskoy

CABOOLTURE local Diana Predebon (nee Ghilardi) celebrated her 100th birthday on November 27, having a love-filled celebration at the Living Waters Catholic Parish on November 24.

The celebration made her dream of celebrating the milestone by “dancing the night away” come true, being surrounded by 80 friends and families the Italian-born has gathered over the years.

Born in a small village of Fornoli, Tuscany Italy in 1924, she was the fifth born of six surviving girls, whom she stayed close to throughout their years of separation.

Diana’s life has always been filled with much adventure, travel and joy, having lived in Italy, Scotland, the UK, and, of

course, Australia.

When World War II broke out, Diana found herself living in Kent, UK where her father had purchased the Star Cafe.

Being Italian the family were evacuated and sent to live in London. At this time Diana was separated from three of her sisters, not being reunited until after the war, all the while fearing for each other’s safety.

Diana said she has vivid memories of living through the war in London, with bombs dropping and taking shelter in the subway.

After the war, now in her late 20s, Diana exchanged the London life for new neighbours: goannas, emus, kangaroos and snakes.

Having moved to Toowoomba in 1953, she met her husband-to-be not long after, being married in Inglewood in 1954.

Joe introduced Diana to a life in the bush, living in a

caravan outside of St George where he was clearing land.

Her adventures didn’t stop there, having experienced the great flood of the Condamine River while pregnant with her first child. The flood washed the caravan away and left Diana and Joe homeless.

After unsuccesfully trying to farm in North Queensland for five years, Diana and her family uprooted once again, relocating to Glasshouse Mountains. Here they took on growing tobacco, which turned out to be prosperous years and their hard work started to pay off

With a daughter and two sons in tow the family went

back to Europe in 1974, revisiting their places of upbringing and connecting with family.

Into their retirement years Diana became an active volunteer in the community through Meals on Wheels and serving at St Vinnies. Her church community was also very important to her. She and her husband enjoyed many more travel adventures, with many a tale being shared around the kitchen.

Fines now apply to Lake Wivenhoe

LAKE Wivenhoe users can now be fined for not following safety rules, given it has now been officially classified as a Marine Zone under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2016. Seqwater, who announced the change in classification on November 28, said these rules have always applied, but now they can be enforced and not following them may result in fines.

Some of these rules. which are intended to keep everyone safe and protect the environment, include:

great grandchildren.

This year she and Joe would have been married 70 years. Diana lives with no regrets having done everything she could have wished for...the mark of a life well lived!

In turning 100, Diana has seen her family grow, with four grandchildren and five

Happy Birthday Diana and hope you have many more to come!

- No personal watercraft (jetski) or non-compliant engines (only electric, 4-stroke, or 2-stroke direct injection engines allowed)

- Maximum speed is 6 knots

- Not having correct safety equipment (i.e. life jackets)

- Driving a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These fines and other enforcement actions can be taken by either local police or Seqwater officers.

Beachmere’s wild makeover

New dog and horse areas for Beachmere

MORETON Bay Council is making changes to the Beachmere foreshore recreation areas to help protect local wildlife and habitat.

The new boundaries will amend the existing dog off-leash, dog on-leash, and horse recreation areas, to minimise the impact to migratory and resident shorebird population who call Beachmere home at various times of the year.

These changes will come

into effect on 3 February, allowing residents time to adjust to the changes.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Council is aware it may change how residents currently use the foreshore for activities with their dogs and horses, but emphasised these will still be possible.

“These activities will still exist, but within amended designated areas that will minimise the impact on our local wildlife,” he said.

“Importantly, these

changes will also bring the Beachmere foreshore into line with State and Federal Government legislation.

“We ask that everyone abide by the new rules as they continue to enjoy recreational activities.”

Penalties will apply once these changes come into effect.

More information on the Beachmere recreation areas and when information sessions will be held can be found on Council’s website.

Diana with her daughter Margherita and son Paul.

Esk Police urge holiday road safety

AS the holiday season approaches, Esk Police are urging residents and visitors to prioritise safety on the roads.

In the past week alone, Esk officers have responded to five injury traffic crashes, each requiring hospitalisation.

Unfortunately, the majority of these accidents were caused by unsafe driving behaviours, including speeding and impaired driving. Police are stressing the importance of driving within speed limits and remaining free from drugs or alcohol behind the wheel.

Recent incidents highlight the issue, with multiple high-speed drivers intercepted on the Brisbane Valley Highway, including a 19-year-old caught at 168 km/h and an 18-year-old at 153 km/h. Each received hefty fines and licence suspensions.

In addition to traffic concerns, Esk Police are investigating a rise in rural thefts in the Mount Byron and Crossdale areas. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to help prevent further crimes.

For more information, contact Esk Police on 5424 1100 or via email at esk. station@police.qld.gov.au.

Burpengary takes off

Burpengary State Secondary College and its student win aviation award

◗ Marina Gomide

IT’S take-off for Burpengary State Secondary College (BSSC), as the school and one of its students won an award each at the Aerospace Industry Education Awards in Brisbane on November 21.

The 2024 awards ceremony, hosted by Aviation Australia, named BSSC as the Aerospace Gateway School of the Year, and awarded BSSC Year 12 student Lauren Steczkowicz the Year 12 Aerospace System award. Year 12 student Chelsea and Year 7 student Gizelle were also finalists in different categories.

BSSC is one of over 30 Queensland schools participating in the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools program (AGISP), which provides students with the skills

and knowledge to pursue careers in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

The Aerospace Industry Education Awards acknowledges the schools, teaching staff and students’ achievements towards aerospace by celebrating their achievements.

BSSC, who has been with the AGISP program since 2017, said it was “a great honour” to have received the School of the Year award.

Aerospace and Technology teacher, Karen Kellett, said she hopes to further expose students to all areas of Aerospace.

“The students have worked so hard with the many aerospace programs within the school, being named Aerospace Gateway School of the year not only recognises their efforts, but will encourage more students to enter into every growing and innovative

community we hope that this encourages all students to reach for the skies and chase their dreams.”

Students are already working on their entry for next year, planning to start a drone racing club for all year levels.

Lauren said she was “surprised and speechless” about winning the award, which recognises students who have achieved outstanding performance in the aerospace classroom.

Shaping minds and inspiring changes

SOPHIA College is a Catholic co-educational secondary College providing a quality education for the young men and women of the South Somerset, Lockyer Valley and West Moreton region.

They encourage creativity because they know innovative thinking leads to impactful solutions.

Through music, visual arts, and drama, their students learn to express themselves, influence others, and leave a lasting legacy through their creative endeavours.

In a world driven by technological advancements, Sophia College’s curriculum ensures students are equipped with digital literacy skills to be future-ready. Through hands-on projects, students learn to harness technology to create, innovate, and lead in ways that will impact industries and communities alike.

of Integral Ecology and Faith form the foundation for students’ success, creating a holistic environment where education and spirituality go hand in hand.

Grounded in the Franciscan charism, the College draws inspiration from Saint Francis of Assisi,

across the curriculum and providing students opportunities to engage in sustainability actions within thier local community.

Students are encouraged to see their education as a means to promote justice, peace, and environmental stewardship, living out the call to care for creation.

Whether they pursue higher education, vocational training, or enter the workforce, their students leave equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead in their chosen fields.

At Sophia College, Plainland, the living stones

The concept of Integral Ecology, as promoted in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, emphasises the relationship between humans, society, and nature.

Sophia College encourages students to embrace this holistic vision by integrating environmental stewardship

As a Catholic learning community Faith is central to all that we do. Approaching everything from a Catholic perspective, students at Sophia College are encouraged and empowered to develop their own worldviews through self-reflection and dialogue with others.

It is their hope that students will leave Sophia College as good people, aware of the positive impact that they can make. By embracing the goodness of all creation, as Saint Francis did, Sophia College nurtures a generation of compassionate, ethical leaders prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and care for the Earth.

For more information visit www.sophiacollege.qld.edu. au or their Facebook page Sophia College Plainland.

“For two years now I’ve

wanted to be in the aviation industry working on the aircraft, whether it was on the structure of the aircraft or mechanical side,” she said.

“I am now currently employed with Alliance Airlines as a structural apprentice starting in December 2024.

“My teacher Ms Kellett

Glenn Ryan, Chief Executive Officer at Aviation Australia, said Aviation Australia is “very passionate” about raising awareness of aviation as “an exciting career path”.

“Through our popular AGISP, we are inspiring students right across the State, and providing hands-on training and real-life experience in a fast developing and innovative

Fernvale cafe brews back-to-back award

A FERNVALE cafe has taken home the title of Somerset’s best cafe for the second year in a row.

Tree Change Cafe was voted by customers as the winner of the Somerset District on November 26, as part of the Coffee Commune’s Love My Cafe awards, with almost 800 cafes across Queensland entering the competition under 23 ‘districts’.

Owners Cara Jay Maden, also known as CJ, and Elissa Costin, who have owned Tree Change Cafe for three and a half years, said they were still “gobsmacked” about winning for a second year in a row.

“The biggest thing for us is that, since it’s based on customer votes, it makes us realise we’re doing something right and the way we set it up,” CJ said.

“There’s some really scary statistics out there about small cafes succeeding in this day and age and to know we’re still a favourite amongst our community is what keeps us going.”

When speaking of

the decor and choice of design for the cafe, which definitely stands out from the crowd, CJ and Elissa said their goal was to “bring the outside inside”, and giving customers a place to escape their busy days.

Some of their decor include plants everywhere, heaps of clocks, all showing a random time, and ornaments hanging from the ceiling.

“We love nature and we wanted to be able to create a little green oasis in the middle of the Brisbane Valley Highway, so we can feel like we’re outdoors even though we’re at work,” CJ said.

Elissa added that the best part about their jobs “is seeing regular customers”.

Founder and Managing Director of The Coffee Commune, Phillip Di Bella, emphasised how important it is for communities to support local cafes.

“At a time when one in ten

Queensland cafe’s are closing their doors, it’s more important than ever that we support our local hospitality,” he said.

“For the first time in my 35 years in the coffee industry, all costs are increasing simultaneously; 30 per cent of cafe’s are running at a loss, only 10 per cent are making a profit and 60 per cent are just breaking even.

“Many of the cafe’s that stand out are those

there I fell in love with it.”

Lauren Steczkowicz with award.

Gizelle, Lauren Steczkowicz, and Chelsea.

Group shot of all nominees and winners.

Principal Peter Hoehn and Karen Kellett.

Karen Kellett, Gizelle, Lauren Steczkowicz, Chelsea, and Principal Peter Hoehn.

◗ Marina Gomide

Owners of Tree Change Cafe, CJ and Elissa.

Lanterns, laughter & Chrissy joy

◗

Marina Gomide

THOUSANDS of people

flocked to Woodford on Saturday, November 30, for their annual Lantern Parade and Carnival.

Even the weather enjoyed the live music, craft stalls, and delicious food, as the rain stopped just in time

to let everyone enjoy the festivities, only starting again once the parade was coming to an end.

Children from various local schools got to march along with their parents and homemade lanterns, accompanied by community groups, dazzling performers, Morris dancers, Folk Festival

elder puppets, and Santa himself.

The Lantern Parade has been lighting up the streets since 2012, while the Street Carnival has been a cherished tradition for even longer. The idea behind the parade was to create a vibrant, creative event that

Rocket show wins

Father/daughter take Peoples Choice for radio show

◗ Marina Gomide

CABOOLTURE Community

FM Radio’s (101.5FM) AGM on Saturday, November 30, at the Caboolture Sports Club, saw father/ daughter duo Steve and Dameeka Middleton win the People’s Choice Award for their Wednesday evening program ‘Rocket Show’.

Steve, who is the general manager for the Bribie Island Golf Club, said the

award was “a surprise”, as all him and his daughter “just” put on a small show playing music they enjoy.

“We thank you for the opportunity you gave us several years ago and look forward to 2025, wherever it may lead,” he said.

“Dameeka has reached out to many local bands in order to promote local and to give some airplay to good Aussie talent, which is very hard for these groups.

“Although not quite classic hits which is the theme of the station, we trust it is a good point of difference.”

Their show has resulted in Dameeka also branching out into band photography, also volunteering for Yelo magazine’s Sunshine Coast edition.

“Where this all leads for Dameeka, who knows,” her proud dad said.

Anther stand-out award of the lunch was presented to

secretary for the board of directors

Peter Blakeney, who won Team Work Award, and Life Member Award.

Peter helped set up Noosa FM and, 25 years ago, joined 101.5FM

Next year’s AGM promises to bring something special, as 101.5FM will be celebrating 40 years of broadcasting to the community.

Iylah, Wren and Tatum.

Free train rides brought joy to adults and kids alike.Golden snowfl

Students parading with their dad and lanterns.

Jellyfish performers leading Woodford State School.

Thousands atteneded the community event.

Father/daughter duo Steve and Dameeka Middleton with their People’s Choice awards. Left- Peter Blakeney awarded by 101.5FM president Craig Hewlett.

Belswaggers Morris dancing group. Woodford Library lantern parade.

Performers shining, dazzling and brightening up the parade.

Mt Mee State School.

Cr Tony Latter, Terry Young MP and Andrew Powell MP. Caitlin, Eden and Estelle joining the Christmas fun.

Road

Gifting big smiles to our kids in care

Call out to donate at Morayfield Shopping Centre’s toy drive

MORAYFIELD Shopping Centre is proud to again host their Annual Christmas Toy Drive. From now until December 24th, customers can drop off new, unused toys to the giant present

Safety, Seniors & Disability Services in Morayfield, with the help of local charity Kindness For Kids In Care, who help spread joy to local families in need.

Squishmallows, Lego, make your own craft kits, fishing gear (Tackle boxes & rods), trucks & cars, Barbies and toy wheelbarrows. It’s hard to imagine what it must be

local charity that provides year-round assistance to help children in care feel loved and supported. Any locals who would like to bring some Christmas joy to local kids in care can donate

Xmas extravaganza at indoor markets

GET ready for a magical day of holiday cheer as the Christmas Extravaganza

Indoor Markets take over the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre on Saturday, 14 December 2024. From 8.00am to 1.00pm, the community will come together to enjoy the sights, sounds, and spirit of Christmas.

Whether you’re on the hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts, want to treat your little ones to some festive fun, or simply soak up the holiday atmosphere, this is the place to be.

Discover Unique Treasures

The market will feature a variety of stalls offering handcrafted items, unique art, and homemade goodies—perfect for ticking off everyone on your gift list.

Family Fun Galore

There’s something for all ages! Watch your kids’ faces light up as they get their faces painted or bounce around in the jumping

castle. The fun doesn’t stop there—dress your best for the festive costume competition, where prizes await the most creative holiday outfits.

A Visit from Santa

Keep an eye out for the jolly man in red himself— Santa will be handing out special gifts to children throughout the event. For the treasure hunters among us, hidden gift vouchers will be scattered around the venue, just waiting to be discovered.

Relax and Refresh

After a morning of excitement, take a breather at the on-site café, where refreshments will be available to keep your energy up.

Plan Your Visit

When: Saturday, 14 December 2024 | 08.00 AM1.00 PM

Where: Morayfield Sport and Events Centre, 298 Morayfield Road, Morayfield, 4506.

2023 toy handoverto Kindness for Kids in Care.

Inset - Donation box at shopping centre. Photo credit - Faceboook.

Spotlight on... Kilcoy & Surrounds

Lighting the Christmas season

◗ Marina Gomide

KILCOY came alive with lights, smiles and Christmas spirit on Sunday, December 1, as the annual tree lighting took place in Yowie Park.

Despite a very wet weekend, the community event was graced with sunshine and good weather, allowing locals to pull up

their camping chairs and picnic blankets, enjoying a beautiful sunset with a free sausage sizzle. Kids, adults and seniors got to connect and celebrate the Christmas season kick-off, with kids being able to play in the secure play area.

Organised by the Kilcoy District Progress Alliance

(KDPA), the event was made possible by the KDPA volunteers, Somerset Regional Council, who provided the free drinks and sausages, and Kilcoy Coff & Co Bakery, who donated the bread for the BBQ.

Grab your Santa hats and let the Christmas festivities begin!

Somerset Council councillors and Mayor.

Photos credit: Facebook/ Denise Modistach.

Locals brought chairs and smiles.

Free sausage sizzle.

Family Christmas fun.

Community Christmas.

Sausage sizzle Christmas fun.

Spotlight on... Kilcoy & Surrounds

community

Aspire locally, succeed globally

A LOCAL training organisation that has attracted over 300 Kilcoy residents to study in Caboolture since 2019, is now opening a new office in the heart of town on December 2.

Aspire to Succeed (RTO ID 32555) was founded in 2012 by a local Elimbah family with the goal to increase the skills locally and be able to provide quality training with strong employment outcomes.

They offer Nationally Accredited Training in aged care, disability, mental health, leisure, and health

and community services.

12.5 years later, they are honoured to still be a local training organisation, run by the same committed and dedicated owners, but with an amazing team of 22 staff to support the student’s needs.

Their head office is based in Caboolture (52 King Street), also having an office in Kingaroy (9B Toomey Street) and now opening in Kilcoy (16B William Street).

Their aim is to impart the knowledge and build the skills for a strong workforce within the care and community sector.

Aspire to Succeed are a QLD Skills Assure provider, which means they have QLD state funding to support students wishing to train into these sectors. Their funded courses start from $12.50 (concession) –eligibility applies. For any further information on how they can assist on your next learning journey, please don’t hesitate to come into one of the offices or email ats@aspiretosucceed. com.au. All information and pricing can be found at website www. aspiretosucceed.com.au

Woolmar gets retirement

A NEW retirement village has been given the tick of approval for construction in Woolmar, west of Kilcoy.

Somerset Regional Council approved Alliria’s development application for an over 50s retirement village on November 27.

The family-owned developer has a focus on providing housing choice for older Australians across boutique communities in established areas.

The Woolmar village is proposed to have 276 units and community facilities including a dining hall, commercial kitchen and bar, sporting facilities, a pool, and more.

Kilcoy community.

“This will mean lots of employment opportunities, both in construction and in operation,” he said.

“Kilcoy is a welcoming place for the retiring community, and we look forward to seeing how this

and want to engage with the community from the start.”

Cr Wendt said the facility would also address some of the housing needs of the broader Somerset region.

“Many older residents are looking to downsize once their children leave home, and supporting this transition means larger family homes in the region can be better utilised in the housing crisis,” Cr Wendt said.

National Development Manager

David McKenzie said local employment was a priority for the village.

The village will have two or three bedroom units with a bathroom, ensuite and full dwelling facilities, including a double garage.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the retirement village would be an economic boost for the

“Being our own builder we are able to source local trades people, operators and specialists who are already within the existing community,” Mr McKenzie said.

“We are operators who commit to the long term

Mr McKenzie said Alliria planned to start construction immediately.

“There is a ned shortage of opportunities for locals to age within the overall council area, with only 32 retirement beds servicing a regional population of in-excess of 20,000 people.

“We believe that the unique site that we have adjoining the racecourse will create a great opportunity to keep locals in the area without having to look for this accommodation type outside Somerset.”

Alliria

Design of new retirement village in Woolmar will include a pool, sporting facilities, a clubhouse and more.

Care and

care training by Aspire to Succeed opening in Kilcoy on December 2.

What’s On

Shared Words-Lives

Lived

When: Daily (Mon-Fri) until December 24, 10am - 4pm

Where: Somerset Civic Centre, 35 Esk Hampton Rd, Esk

Info: Somerset photographer and artist Jim Filmer presents an intimate exhibition documenting the powerful stories of eight local Indigenous Elders.

Thyme Lifestyle Resort Information Session

When: Thursday December 5, 11am

Where: 70 Amy Street, Morayfield

Info: Discover what makes Thyme Moreton Bay a vibrant over-50s lifestyle community. You will meet key team members, learn about our world-class resort facilities and enjoy a tour of our stunning display home.

Make&Create: Macrame Christmas Tree

When: Thursday December 5th, 10am - 11am

Where: Esk Library 19 Heap Street, Esk Info: Bookings Essential. Phone 5424 4000.

Make&Create: Upcycled Christmas Crackers

When: Friday December 6th, 10am - 11am

Where: Esk Library 19 Heap Street, Esk

Info: Make your own Christmas crackers using new and recycled paper, ribbon and twine. Bookings Essential. Phone 5424 4000.

Youngpreneur Christmas Markets By Cam - Chloe

When: Saturday December 7, 8am - 12pm

Where: North Harbour Display Village, 5 Falcon Street, Burpengary East

Info: Perfect for your holiday shopping, this festive market showcases a wide variety of handcrafted and unique items: cozy heat packs, tote bags, and mugs; handmade jewellery, clay earrings, and bracelets; plants, macrame, crocheted characters, and plushies; homemade cupcakes, cookies, sourdough, and dog treats; unique art, comics, and Dungeons & Dragons-inspired creations, FREE ice cream and more.

Fernvale Moonlight Markets

When: Saturday December 7, 4.30pm - 8.30pm Where: Fernvale Sports Park

Info: A family friendly night market held on the first Saturday of each month that includes: Food trucks, Market stalls, Live music, Children’s activities.

Citipoint Christmas Show & Festival

When: Sunday December 8, 10am & 6pm

Where: Citipoint Church North, 11 Henzell Rd, Caboolture

Info: Celebrate the reason for the season with TWO Citipointe Christmas Shows on Sunday. Morning Show: 10AM, Night Show: 6PM, Entry: FREE!

It’s the perfect event for families and friends to come together and enjoy the season. Here’s what you can look forward to: Christmas

Production, Post Show Festival, Jumping Castles, Food & Drinks, Santa Photos, And much more, bring your loved ones, soak in the festive atmosphere, and make lasting memories.

Create&Grow:

Somerset Weeds and Pests

When: Monday December 9, 10am - 12pm

Where: Esk Library 19 Heap Street, Esk

Info: Join expert horticulturalist Shane Lampard to learn about weeds and pests on your property and how to manage and eradicate them. Bookings Essential. Phone 5424 4000.

Caboolture Street

Feast - Christmas Foodies Festival

When: Friday December 13, 4pm - 9pm

Where: Caboolture Showgrounds, Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture

Info: Join us for a night of food trucks, dessert stalls, boutique retail stalls & music. 4pm until late, $3 Entry Per Person.

WISE Employment

Caboolture: Christmas Community BBQ

When: Friday December 13, 11am - 2pm

Where: Centenary Lakes, 11-33 Morayfield Rd, Caboolture

Info: Join WISE for a FREE sausage sizzle and discover how we can support you on your employment or recruitment journey! Our team will be available to answer questions about DES (Disability Employment Services), provide career advice, and explain how our

services can help you find meaningful employment or assist with recruitment needs. This is a FREE event and everyone in the community is welcome!

Christmas Extravaganza

When: Saturday December 14, 8am - 1pm

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

Info: A day of festive family fun at our Christmas Event Extravaganza! We’re bringing the community together with exciting activities, giveaways, and more.

Kilcoy Bowls Club - Turf the Turf

When: Saturday December 14, 4pm

Where: Kilcoy Bowls Club, 11 Royston St, Kilcoy

Info: After 77 years of service, our green is being replaced by artificial turf. Join us in farewelling the green - on the green. Our green will become a beer garden for the afternoon. BYO chairs, blankets and nibblies and set yourself up on the green for the afternoon. Free sausage sizzle. All sorts of games will be played on the green that you will never see played on the green again. Full bar service will be available. Strictly no BYO alcohol. For catering purposes, please let us know numbers via email rsvpkilcoybowls@gmail. com

Redcliffe Christmas Twilight Market

When: Saturday December 14, 4pm - 9pm

Where: Redcliffe Markets 79 Redcliffe Pde, Redcliffe

Info: Ho ho ho! The festive spirit is coming to Redcliffe Markets once again. Fill your Christmas stockings with bespoke goods from our makers and creators, mix-and-a-mingle the night away with roaming entertainment, live tunes and plenty of kid’s activities.

Toogoolawah

Christmas Tree Festival

When: Saturday December 14, 4pm

Where: Cressbrook Street, Toogoolawah

Info: Enjoy a family friendly evening at the Toogoolawah Christmas Tree Festival. Entertainment, rides, market stalls, barbecue and a visit from Santa.

Christmas at Dragon Fields Farm

When: Saturday December 14, from 7am

Where: Dragon Fields, 130 Schulz Road, Prenzlau

Info: Experience an unforgettable, hands-on Pig Feeding Farm Tour! Farmer Andrew, Farmer Megan, and their family invite you to get up close with our adorable pigs and piglets— feed them, laugh, and snap memorable photos. You also meet our free-roaming chickens, ducks and chicks. Afterwards, unwind at our farm store, run by our daughters, with picnic rugs and games. All this family fun for just $25 per car! Don’t miss out—bring your family and friends for a perfect day out in our beautiful Somerset region. It’s an adventure you won’t forget! Bookings essential.

Community Carols

When: Sunday December 15, 5.30pm

Where: Caboolture Living Hope Church of Christ, 24 Valley Dr, Caboolture Info: Come and join us once again. Invite your friends and neighbours. It’s that special time of year. Happy Christmas.

Fun Factory - Woodford

When: Tuesday December 17, 2pm - 3pm

Where: Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street, Woodford Info: You never know what could happen when you drop into the library these school holidays - there will be games, craft and fun for the whole family. Free. Facilitated by our friendly library staff. No bookings required. All ages.

Family Fun Day

When: Thursday December 19, 10am - 1pm

Where: Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, 9 George St, Caboolture Info: Join us for a fantastic Family Fun Day, packed with free activities for everyone! Enjoy a petting zoo, live music, a sausage sizzle, and so much more. Plus, Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement of our brand-new Kids Experience coming to this Family Fun Day!

21

Christmas Carnival When: Saturday December 21, 4pm - 9pm Where: Caboolture Country Markets, Caboolture Showgrounds, Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture Info: It’s the perfect event for families and friends to come together and enjoy the magic of the season.

STRAP on your skates and blades, because the Roller Disco is returning to Esk.

Somerset Regional Council is presenting a free night of rollerblading fun at the Somerset Civic Centre carpark on Saturday, 14 December from 5pm to 8pm.

The event is open to all including, first time skaters, professional skaters, families and children aged five and up, with retro disco tunes and free skate hire.

There will be food and drinks available for purchase, including a barbecue and ice cream.

The event, hosted by Roller Dance Australia and funded by Council, provides some free roller skate and roller blade hire with a variety of sizes available.

Participants are reminded to wear their own safety gear, long socks and are welcome to bring their own skates and blades.

More info visit somerset. qld.gov.au/school-holidayprogram or call 5424 4000.

Skating fun coming to Esk carpark Reading fun can win prizes

A tapestry of culture

MORETON Bay Council invites residents of all ages to join this year’s Summer Reading Club, running from 1 December to 31 January, and rediscover the joys of reading, with exciting prizes to be won along the way!

Mayor Peter Flannery said that due to overwhelming popularity, the Summer Reading Club would return this year, offering individuals, families and school communities an engaging way to spend their school holiday season.

“Summer Reading Club is free to join and is a fun way to encourage everyone to spend more time with a good book,” Cr Flannery said.

“It’s not always easy to put down our phones and take a break from social media, but Summer Reading Club gives everyone a fantastic reason to do just that and experience the mental health benefits of reading.”

Council also continues to offer a range of programs like Storytime sessions to develop early literacy and make reading more fun for

New exhibit at Somerset Civic Centre shares words and lives of elders

children.

To join the Summer Reading Club the only thing required is to track every three hours of reading, with all types of reading counting: a novel, comic book, audiobook, or even a magazine.

Parents can also earn bonus points by reading to their children and logging that time.

Participants will automatically enter weekly prize draws simply by logging their reading hours, with great prizes up for grabs, such as book vouchers.

This year, participants

1.

can also rally behind their schools by helping them compete for the coveted Summer Reading Club trophy. Simply nominate the school you’d like to support when joining the program, and your reading hours will go toward their chance to display the trophy for an entire year.

Last year, the Summer Reading Club saw over 8,000 people participate. This year, Council aims to make the program even bigger and better.

To join and for more info visit https://www. moretonbay.qld.gov.au/ libraries/Events/SummerReading-Club

updates, visit the Somerset Civic Centre website and social media.

Somerset councillors and

Exhibit at Somerset Civic Centre.

One of the elders photographed in the new exhibit.

Summer Reading Club is back from December

Recipe of the week

Macadamia honey joys

16 serves

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

5 cups cornflakes

¾ cup macadamia halves

120 g unsalted butter

⅓ cup caster sugar

2 tbsp honey

Method:

Preheat the oven to

180°C. Place paper liners in the holes of a 12 hole muffin tin.

Combine the cornflakes and macadamia pieces in a large bowl.

Set aside. Combine the butter, caster sugar and

honey in a small saucepan and melt over a medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

While still warm pour over the cornflake and macadamia mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.

Spoon mixture evenly into the paper liners and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove carefully and place on a wire rack to cool. Repeat with any remaining mixture.

Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

AI beats loneliness

LONELINESS has been labelled a modern epidemic in Australia, contributing to chronic health issues and costing the healthcare system $2.7 billion annually.

Now, researchers from UNSW are developing AI-driven digital companions to address the problem, off hope to those facing isolation, dementia, depression, and other psychosocial challenges.

AI companions such as Viv, Richard, Sophie, and Harry are designed to simulate skilled friends by offering empathy, encouragement, and practical advice.

UNSW’s Professor Jill Bennett leads the initiative through the Big Anxiety Research Centre. “When people hear ‘AI companions,’ they might question their effectiveness,” she says.

“But our approach is distinct—these companions aren’t just there to agree

Explicit guidelines prevent inappropriate responses, and the AI companions use models of emotional states to shape their interactions thoughtfully.

Viv, the most advanced companion, is co-designed with women living with midstage dementia.

Unlike reactive chatbots, these companions incorporate advanced AI planning to proactively support users’ emotional and psychological needs.

“AI with a Human Touch”

negative beliefs, and offer support tailored to individual needs.”

Working alongside Professor Michael Thielscher, an expert in AI planning, the team ensures the technology is designed with safety and purpose.

“Viv draws from lived experiences, reassurance, testing, and companionship,” Dr Gail Kenning

For instance, Viv might calm an anxious resident by explaining that a noise is simply the dinner trolley arriving.

Transforming Aged Care

Leigh Place Aged Care has been trialling Viv, where residents interact with her via a TV screen. Joe Azzi, CEO of Leigh Place, says Viv complements their personcentred care approach.

“For residents experiencing isolation, Viv offers consistent emotional support and helps foster a sense of connection.”

The initiative addresses loneliness beyond physical isolation, focusing on enhancing the quality of interactions.

While AI can’t replace loved ones, Prof. Bennett believes these companions can offer valuable emotional support, entertainment, and pathways to connection.

The UNSW team is also developing AI companions for other challenges, such as Harry, who supports individuals with eating disorders, and Sophie, who understands Huntington’s disease.

As the NSW government examines loneliness through an ongoing enquiry, projects like this highlight technology’s potential to alleviate a pervasive issue, offering a calming, nonjudgemental presence to those who need it most.

Sun-safe summer for workers

WITH temperatures rising into the thirties across the state, workers and businesses are urged to start planning now for how they will stay safe during the heat this summer.

Employers have the primary duty of care for employees and are encouraged to develop a workplace heat management plan in consultation with their health and safety representatives (HSR) and workers to ensure everyone stays safe when the temperature rises.

Heat related illnesses happen when the body

starts to overheat due to working too hard. Symptoms can include a range of progressive conditions such as dehydration, fainting, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Employers who have workers completing tasks outside must do their best to eliminate extended periods of sun exposure. This can be achieved by providing shade, rotating tasks to reduce exposure, scheduling work to cooler times of the day and providing personal protective equipment such as hats, long sleeve shirts

and sunscreen. Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world and over 95% of these skin cancers are caused by

(not baseball style), and apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30+ or higher regularly.

I

I

I

After

Henry Somerset COMMENT

Digital Ducks

Grandma, daughter in law and teen grand daughters were having some harsh words. So I decided to duck out to the verandah. And there, as misty rain fell out in the garden were two native ducks.

They weren’t in the garden but on the verandah looking at the weather not understanding it was as we once described ‘ducks’ weather’.

The ladies were discussing, in variously loud voices, whether Grandma should buy the young teens a ‘smart phone’.

The grand daughters apparently have ‘dumb phones’ so they can call Mum, Dad or the grandparents to be picked up from school or shops or a friend’s house.

These phones are cheap, as low as $50, and are quite capable of phone calls and

texts. Daughter in law is quite insistent that the under 16 year old girls only need these basic phones to keep in contact or for any

emergencies.

As a digital duchess herself, she knows only too well the volume and often appalling quality of social media available on smart

phones.

When she is quite active during elections or organising girls’ hookups, her smart phone gets quite a battering on social media.

Under My Skin

We can, we will, we must stop the music

I’m deeply troubled. No, I’m profoundly offended.

A community radio station is running a “house” advertisement in which it apologised to listeners who might take offence at the lyrics of any of the songs it plays.

They assured us they try hard but they might miss some offensive words in some of the thousands on their playlist, and ask listeners to point these errors out to them. Surely they jest.

I heard the advertisement and the very next song they played was the 1981 Sheena Easton Morning Train (9 to 5) which includes the lines:

“My baby takes the morning train/He works from nine till five and then/ He takes another home again/To find me waitin’ for him”.

How demeaning is that? How belittling is it to portray women as sitting around the house all day doing bugger all while their

male partners work?

She even says “Work all day to earn his pay/So we can play all night”. That is offensive and suggestive.

I’ll register my protest and suggest cancellation of the entire playlist because anyone can find offense in anything these days.

I might also suggest to the radio station, and its listeners who are rusted on adherents to the offense religion, that they should only play and listen to instrumentals because any word, or combination of words, can offend. Oh, and be careful of music that can be too stimulating in any way, lest your resultant behaviour is offensive to others.

What a mad, sad world in which we live.

Go get ‘em Ariana I’ve never been a big fan of young people entering politics, believing life skills and experience are essential qualities in leaders, and youngies haven’t had a chance to develop those qualities.

Of course, my definition of what constitutes a young person has changed over the years. It used to be anyone up to their mid-20s. Now it’s anyone younger than me.

The election of Queensland’s youngestever female MP, 22-year-old Ariana Doolan, to the seat of Pumicestone, has made me reassess my opinions.

This did not come about because of any change in my views on MP criteria, but because of the narrowminded, malicious way she was treated in the lead-up to the election.

Yes, politics is a tough business, but there’s a big difference between tough and vicious, and there’s no room in any form of good government for diving into the gutter, especially when attacking aspiring candidates.

Many people age but never grow up. I’ve had that comment thrown at me more than once.

But from what I’ve heard, Ms Doolan is mature beyond

her years, and weathered the sometimes sickening pre-election bullying far better than many much older would have done.

I know I won’t always agree with her (I’ve got three grandkids older than her and our world views often differ) but if she wants a career in politics, good on her.

I wish her well. I hope she gets a chance to kick some serious goals (and some sanctimonious butts) in the cesspit we misguidedly call parliament.

Thanks for nothing

Heard a Queensland Public Servant relaying a recent experience to a group of friends and was not surprised by his overwhelming disgust with what had happened.

The department had brought dozens of officers from all over the State to give them “First Nations” professional development.

After the first day all the regional officers made it clear that what was being taught, and the work

And she has seen some of the low life commentary, explicit imagery and tsunami of advertising hooks on social media.

So she is trying to protect our girls, while Grandma was sweet talked into buying one for the 13 year old on the basis that ‘everyone has one’ and ‘we just share homework tips’. Even Grandpa would not fall for the homework tips.

So if the government wants to ban social media for under 16s, they are going to cause a lot of grief and heated arguments in every family.

Quite frankly if they could put a great digital wall around Australia and protect us from all this digital disruption so we could just go back to talking with people face to face, that’d suit me.

But elder grand daughter showed me with a flurry of screen taps how to set up a

methods being advocated by the “lecturers”, was totally irrelevant to their situation.

While it may have had some bearing on the work of those in Brisbane, nothing being preached could be effectively applied in their workplace.

The experts said they would “take that response on board”. Nothing changed. The rest of the training went along the same lines as the first day.

The cost of travel, accommodation, and meals for this group was considerable, paid for by the department with funds provided by the taxpayer.

The public servants learnt and achieved nothing, but the trainers continue to live in their comfortable, sheltered, unproductive world — at great expense to the taxpayer.

Just briefly

Bought a pillow with eight silk-like material tags attached, each 22x4cms, printed in different languages. A few more

VPN and get around any digital walls imposed by parents or governments.

Somehow the notion that a bunch of politicians and bureaucrats will be able to beat the digital smarts of teenagers is about as realistic as the pigs flying overhead delivering efficient and effective government.

Meanwhile the word of the year is enshittification. Which is what the two ducks were doing on my verandah - as the tech titans’ social media is doing for public discourse and teenage brains.

So while trying to shoo them off the verandah I decided to name them Musk and Zuckerberg.

By SKINHEAD

tags and I would have had enough material to make a pillow case.

A person in Texas USA picked up bird flu after drinking cow’s milk. Apparently the cow was exposed to wild birds. Let’s hope wild birds are not let anywhere near our wine regions.

Canberra gossip says Australia no longer informs China of any changes to our foreign policies because the Chinese Communist Party makes most of the changes for us.

Thought for the Week

You know you’re not popular when you regain consciousness after lifesaving surgery to hear your wife say: “Bugger it. Postpone the wake”.

-

the pristine sand dunes of Moreton Island

- Abundant Water Supply: Three dams and a spring-fed creek

- Fertile Land: Rich scrub soils sustain lush pastures, supporting a carrying capacity of approximately 40 head of cattle

and Trails

three-phase power, stockyards, a fruit orchard, chicken pen, and vegetable patch -Fully lined, self-contained studio -Ample space for further sheds, a swimming pool, horse arena, or even a second dwelling or cabins

-This beautifully presented 2-bedroom villa offers a bright, open-plan layout with high angled ceiling and large windows

- North-facing verandah with wind-down privacy blinds, providing a peaceful spot for your morning coffee

-Double-length carport with an extra-high entrance to accommodate larger vehicles

-The kitchen is bright and stylish, complete with beautiful newly renovated benchtops, a brand-new deluxe stove, a large fridge space and a corner pantry

Spacious Family Living on a Peaceful 3,004m² Block!

-4-bedroom brick home with timber floorboards throughout

-Open-plan living and dining areas with split system air conditioning

-Separate formal dining area for special occasions

-Separate lounge room, perfect for relaxing or family time

-Well-equipped kitchen with electric stove, oven, and breakfast bar

-Large shed for storage or workshop use

-Fully fenced yard for privacy and security

-Expansive deck is perfect for entertaining or simply soaking in the serene bush views

-Cleared Fire Breaks

Acre

Terry Lucas | 0409

Chris Wease | 0427 536 725

market report

$885p/head.

MR & SJ Downes sold Yearling Heifers Brangus 325.2c/kg $1144p/head.

AG Richter sold Feeder Heifers Charolais X 327.2c/ kg $1308p/head.

Gallanani Grazing sold 4 Tooth Pasture Heifers Charolais X 325.2c/kg $1772p/head.

AGENTS Boyd O’Brien Bartholomew reported a rain affected, reduced yarding of 248 head. The mixed quality sold firm on last week’s strong sale. A reduced number of cows were yarded with strong competition from all export buyers. The heavy ox that came to hand sold very well. Quality weaners and backgrounder cattle were in demand selling to a strong panel of restockers.

Steven Gillies sold Weaner Steers Angus X 365.2c/kg $1126p/head.

Greenfields Pastoral sold Yearling Steers Droughtmaster X 376.2c/kg $1123p/head.

Steven Gillies sold Weaner Heifers Angus X 300.2c/kg

BP & MJ Scheiwe sold 6 Tooth Pasture Heifers Charolais 329.2c/kg $2172p/ head.

Robinson Family Past sold Pasture 4 Tooth Ox Brangus X 351.2c/kg $2072p/head.

Robinson Family Past sold 8 Tooth Ox Brangus X 320.0c/kg $2416p/head.

BP & MJ Scheiwe sold Heavy Cows Charolais 288.2c/kg $2449p/head.

BW & AM McLoughlin sold Heavy Cows Charolais X 291.2c/kg $1936p/head.

Greenfields Pastoral sold Medium Cows Droughtmaster 293.2c/kg $1715p/head.

Warigul Pastoral Co sold Pen of Medium Cows Charolais X 284.2c/kg $1548p/head.

G Seddon sold Dairy Culls Friesian X 267.2c/kg $1736p/ head.

BW & AM McLoughlin sold Heavy Bulls Limousin X 291.2c/kg $2446p/head. For Sale Details, Market Reports and more info, visit our website. www. moretonsaleyards.com.au or find us on Facebook @ Moreton Saleyards

Cattle markets

LAIDLEY

455 HEAD were sold at Stariha Auctions Laidley cattle sale on Thursday. The market was very strong for all descriptions, with cows, heavy feeders, cows & calves and younger cattle all selling to much improved rates. A number of first time buyers were in operation.

Bos Indicus, Mt Tarampa, sold Brahman cows with young calves at foot for $1875.

THC Investments, Lake Clarendon, sold a Charbray bull for $3000, medium cows for $1190 & $1170, store cows for $980 & $940 and cows with young calves at foot for $1520 & $1400.

Dakabin State High School sold a Square Meater bull for $3000.

Ron Monro, Tarampa, sold Droughtmaster cross steers, 20 months, for $1615.

Benick Farms, Caffey, sold Charolais feeder steers for $1680.

Michael Armstrong, Ebenezer, sold Senepol backgrounder steers for $1320 & $1140.

John Curtin, Mt

$1410 and backgrounder steers for $1330 & $1200.

Ron Gehrke, Summerholm, sold a young Charolais bull for $2600.

Colleen Zischke, Gatton, sold Charolais cows for $1550, heifers for $1370 and yearling steers for $1300.

Collins Grazing, Anduramba, sold Brahman & Charbray store cows for $1120, $1100 & $1080.

Maurice Harrington, Helidon, sold Droughtmaster heifers for $1390 & $1270, backgrounder steers for $1320 and cows & calves for $1780.

Pitana Cattle, Ingoldsby, sold Brahman cows for $1540.

Warren Gelhaar, Ingoldsby, sold Santa steers for $1880 & $1140.

Cliff Walker, Helidon, sold Limousin weaner steers for $1000.

Craig Redgewell, Tarampa, sold Limousin weaner steers for $1000.

Peter & Elaine Horrocks, Mt Whitestone, sold Simmental cross steers, 6-7 months, for $960, $900 & $890.

Shirley Schultz, Forest Hill, sold Murray Grey

heifers for $880.

Leanda Jones-Sampson, Withcott, sold young Murray Grey weaners, with steers making $890 & $870 and heifers $850.

WOODFORD

After falls of up to 10 inches in the week leading up top the sale, a smaller yarding came to hand at Stariha Auctions Woodford cattle sale on Monday. All cattle sold to stronger rates, with local buyers more active.

Brian Kuhn, Kilcoy, sold Charolais cows for $1510 & $1270, cows & calves for $1700 and young Droughtmaster cross weaner steers for $900.

Mineral Properties, Moore, sold Droughtmaster weaner steers for $900.

Terry Pratten, Kilcoy, sold Hereford steer calves for $800 and heifers for $610.

J Sippel, Woodford, sold Charbray weaner heifers for $760.

Kazberry, Elimbah, sold Ausline steers for $1060 and $960.

PJ Roberts, Esk, sold Limousin weaner males for $1190.

Martin Malt, Beerburrum, sold Brahman heifers for $850 and $710.

New position to tackle rabbit pests

THE Centre for Invasive Species Solutions welcomes the appointment of a new National Rabbit Management Coordinator to tackle one of Australia’s most costly vertebrate pests.

Heidi Kleinert will take up the newly created position to join Greg Mifsud, National Wild Dog Management Coordinator and Gillian Basnett, National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator at the Centre from next month.

Heidi will work alongside a wide range of stakeholders across government, industry and the community to support the increased adoption of best practice management of the pest.

Welcoming the appointment, Andreas Glanznig, the Centre’s Chief Executive said, “Heidi’s appointment confirms the importance of the need for national leadership in vertebrate pest management. This

of the importance of wild rabbit management and collaborate with communities of practice and networks across Australia to

lead enhancements to the PestSmart rabbit toolkit and work with key stakeholders to review nationally agreed codes of practice and standard operating procedures.”

Heidi comes fresh from her long-standing role as Victorian Rabbit Action Network Facilitator while bringing a wealth of experience in project

management and community engagement.

Rabbits pose an estimated $197 million hit to agricultural productivity each year while acting as a key threat to 322 nationally listed species by damaging native plants, competing for food and shelter and contributing to soil erosion and slope instability by digging and burrowing. Impacted threatened species include a range of wattle species and spider orchids, and birds and animals such as the Malleefowl, Orange-bellied parrot, various threatened wallabies and marsupial rats.

The role was announced in October as a collaboration with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Rabbit Free Australia, Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

FOR MARKET

AND ASSISTANCE

CARTAGE ARRANGEMENTS CONTACT US - ANYTIME YOU TOO CAN ACHIEVE THESE RESULTS Consign your cattle to Moreton Saleyards. Cartage arranged for any numbers of livestock. Selling every Tuesday 8am. For further enquiries phone any time

Heidi Kleinert.

SUDOKU

Think twice before you agree to take

You can discuss your intentions and ideas with your colleagues or friends this week. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected. Find out exactly what’s expected of you and you’ll be surprised to find out how capable you are.

Be sure to double-check the house on your way out. Try to include friends and relatives in your activities. You need to refrain from being the generous one in the group. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable.

Pushy people must be kept at arm’s length. Children’s needs could be more costly than you anticipated. Take care of any pressing medical problems that you or one of your parents may be suffering from. Use your creative flair.

Your intuition will be right on. Follow your feelings in matters pertaining to financial investments. You may blow situations out of proportion when dealing with the one you love. You could be blind to the defects of those you love. It might be time to pick up the slack and do your share.

Deception is evident around you. Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors. You will meet new friends and enjoy a multitude of new activities. Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups this week.

You may be overly emotional when dealing with your mate. Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don’t push them, instead just continue working on development. Take time to find out all you can. Set a limit on the amount you’re willing to spend, and be sure to stick to it.

You will learn a great deal from people with

cultural backgrounds. Opportunities will come through long

Love can be

if you sit down and discuss your future plans. Take time to relax. Stress and pressure at home may have worn you ragged.

lots

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, friend of Jesus, I place myself in your care at this difficult time. Pray for me; help me remember that I need not face my troubles alone. Please join me in my need, asking God to send me consolation in my sorrow, courage in my fear, and healing in the midst of my suffering. Hearing aids returned. End of Chappel Road, Delaney’s Creek.

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.

Carols Night

Sunday,

5pm Meal together

6.30pm Carols and Band Finish 8pm

Toogoolawah Golf

Wednesday 27th December

Ladies played a 9 hole Single Stableford.

Winner Manuela Laycock 17 points, Run/up Judi Marshall 15 points.

Enid’s NTP no. 4 Chris Stevens.

PM Chook Run also a 9 hole Single Stableford.

Winner Michael O’Connor 22 points, Run/up Jeff Hutchinson 19 points.

NTP’S no. 11 Len Smyth, no. 16 Eric Cox.

Saturday 30th November

Jeff and Julie Yeo’s Trophy Day. Single Stroke in conjunction with Medal of Medals 2024. 10 members and 5 ladies competed in the medal of medals.

33 golfers competed with visitors from Laidley. Hope you enjoyed your day at Toogoolawah.

Overall winner Blair Broad 68 nett.

Esk Golf

Friday Turkey Run 29-112024 - Winner M Beetz 43/32; R Up J Humphrey 51/33; Best Putts M Beetz 14 NTP - 4 M Winchester; 8 G Punch; G Punch 47/34; D Bitossi 47/36; M Winchester 47/39; P Cook 49/40; G Ray 58/40; B Glanville 54/41

Saturday 30/11/24Club Competition, Single Stableford- Winner M Winchester 35pts; R/UP S Brown 34;

Caboolture Social Darts

Club Pot Luck Doubles results played on 25th November 2024, at the Combined Services Hall Caboolture.

Winners Josh/Jai, Runners

Men’s winner Steve Luck 72 nett (Laidley), Run/up Peter Granzien 72 nett. 2nd Run/up Clinton Smith 73 nett, 3rd Len Smyth 73 nett, 4th Agg Dagan 73 nett.

Ladies Winner Lea-Jayne Marschke 70 nett, Run/up Robyn Bagster 72 nett, 2nd Run/up Judi Marshall 72 nett, 3rd Judie Marschke 73 nett, 4th Ailsa Richter 74.

Jeff and Julie longest Putts 1-9.

1/10 Abel Cruz, 2/11 Eric Cox, 3/12 Judi Marshall, 4/13 Jeff Hutchinson, 5/14 Eric Cox. 6/15 Judi Marshall, 7/16 Judi Marshall, 8/17 Scott Seymour, 9/18 Gary McGarrigal.

Weekly sponsored NTP’S Exchange Hotel Groovy G.O.A.T Pizza 3/12 Blair Broad IGA Toogoolawah 4/13

Steven Luck (Laidley) For Frank 6/15 Jeff Yeo, Grand Hotel Esk 7/16 Men’s Alan White, Ladies Robyn Bagster.

NTP - Sponsor Esk IGA 4/13 B Farnham; Sponsor Brisbane Valley Meats 8/17 2nd M Winchester; Small field today, probably due to the inclement weather, but the stalwarts managed to get in the 18 holes with a few showers.

Murray making a good start on his return to the Club, taking a good win and a pin shot. Scotty Brown taking R/ UP spot with Brett the other pin shot.

Sunday 1/12/24 - 9 Hole

Up Corey/Davo, High score Prizes Sherrie 96, Nathan 140, Best throws Colin 180, Nathan 140, Davo 140, Greg 114, Corey 125, Cecil 107 whilst Matthew had 136,138,135 the best on the Night. The Peg Prizes went to Chantelle 32, Dale 56 but Nathan had a 80, 54 And Corey 90,47. Tom had a modest 36,42 to his credit on the night

HEDGE TRIMMER, Ryobi 600w hedge trimmer, electric gc $50. Ozito Whipper snipper gc $50. Phone 0407 743 333

AVERY WIRE, welded mesh, 2 x rolls. 1200mm x 12.7mm 30m roll. $320 each. 2 rolls 900mm h $240 each. Pine Blanket Box GC 750x440x470 $60 ono. Teak Veneer Wall Units 1 x 1.3mmx500mmx1980mm, glass door. 3 x 1980x760x500, glass shelving. All stackable. $200 the lot. Workbench – 35mm chop board. 720x900x1570 $40 ono. 2 x metal drawer stationary units $30 each 1 x 6 drawer tall boy 1300x600x400 $50 Located in Hazeldean Phone: 0449 132 700

Road

7th & Sunday 8th December

Winners of Jeff and Julie Yeo’s Trophy Day.

Medal of Medal 2024

Winners Men’s Clinton Smith

73 Nett, ladies Robyn Bagster 72 Nett.

Congratulations to Both of you. A big thank you to Jeff and Julie for Their awesome Trophy Day,

Chooky - Winner S Wilson 34nett; R/UP B Glanville 36; Putting Competition J Humphrey 12 putts; NTP - No 4 V Scott No 8 2nd B Glanville

Small field again today after some heavy overnight rain, but course was playable.

Captain Shaun taking a good win, with Brian getting R/UP spot. Plenty of big scores as not much run through the water, but a good day was had by all.

where 24 players attended the Venue.

Visitors are always welcome with names required by 7.15pm. Bar, coffee and other drinks available. For any information text or ring Cecil 0411 698 807 or Ian 0400 475 007.

Although the weather tried to rain us out it was well worth it. Coming Events Saturday 7th December Toogoolawah Golf Clubs

Xmas Break up day. The Event is 10 holes Backwards

Toogoolawah Bowls

On Tuesday 26th November a team of Keith McWhirter, Kim Dorman and Maida Canciani travelled to Esk for their Pub Day and with one other player were successful in winning one game but with insufficient score to bring home any bacon. A great day was however had by all.

On Wednesday 27th November we were to send a team to Woodford for their

and is open to all Members, Lady Members, Sponsors, Family and Friends. The day is sponsored by our Patron Alan Roughan and Patroness Marion Deane. 3.00pm Tee off The golf will be followed by a BBQ and Presentation of

Triples Day, however, the day was cancelled due to rain.

On Friday 29th November we held another successful Trivia Night with the next to be held on 31st January 2025.

On Sunday 1st December due to a wet green we were unable to play but enjoyed a few drinks instead. Weekly Raffle went to Maida Canciani.

For your Calendar: Our next Trivia night will be held on Friday 31st January so get your teams ready. Our next Pub Day will be

2024 Champions. You are all welcome.

Please Phone Judie 0407 130 596 for catering purposes. Thank you. Wednesday 11th December

in the New Year. Date to be determined so keep your eyes on the papers.

Our Christmas Breakup will be held on the 15th December when we will enjoy a game and then Afternoon Tea together with presentations of the 2024 Trophies. Dress will be Mufti with no game fees for the day.

The Annual refurb of the greens will commence on the 17th December. All hands on deck please See you on the Green!

&

Australia p roves to the world they are a force to be reckoned with in woodchopping

Australian Chopperoos carve out historic win

◗ Kirra Livingstone

THE Australian Chopperoos team have made history, being the first team to win five consecutive Stihl Timbersports Team World Championships, taking the trophy last month in Toulouse, France.

Two locals made up the strong woodchopping team of five: Burpengary stock saw woodchopper, Jamie ‘Jim’ Head, and Blackbutt standing block woodchopper, Mitch Argent.

Mitch said it was an honour to represent Australia in the Stihl Timbersports championship for the sixth time in his career.

“I think that’s what every sports person dreams about, representing Australia on the biggest format, so it’s awesome every time you go up to represent Australia,” Mitch said.

“It’s always a proud moment when you pull the Australian jersey on and compete, I love doing it and

love being able to cut for Australia.

“It was an awesome feeling every time we win, it’s probably the biggest format in woodchopping so it’s a pretty special moment and something that you remember forever.”

He has cut for the Chopperoos six times, winning five championships and placed third once.

with we are all pretty good mates,” Mitch said.

“I’ve known Jim my whole life, and then Brayden I think we started chopping in the boys chop when we were about ten years old.

“Being able to travel around the world doing what you love is pretty cool as well.”

Sydney Royal Easter Show World Title for the 375mm standing block in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024.

But what he enjoys the most about woodchopping, is the long lasting friendships he’s formed along the way.

“I enjoy the mates I have in woodchopping, like the whole team we went away

Caboolture Cricket chases finals wins

◗ Kirra Livingstone

THE Caboolture Cricket Club’s Division 3 Men’s team is gearing up for their postponed grand final match this Sunday, December 8, against the undefeated Caloundra side.

Club president and skipper for the team, Ben ‘Bear’ Stewart, said their grand final, scheduled for last weekend was washed out.

“I was glad we had a reserve day for our third grade grand final,” he said.

“It’s been a good season, with a mixture of youth and experience in the team, this was the main thing we want to drive and we play some good cricket.

“I am super excited for Sunday.”

Despite having to train

prepared for the weekend.

“There has been a lot of indoor cricket seasons due to the rain,” he said.

“I’m sure everyone will hit training this week and play on Saturday and hopefully pull up for Sunday and give it our best.

“We’re playing Caloundra who are undefeated and the last time we played them they gave us a touch up, so we don’t know what to expect.”

But it’s not just the Division 3 Men’s team who have been playing to impress. The Division 1 and 2 Men’s teams are both sitting in the top four.

“Our first and second grade both made semi fi so they will be playing those games on Sunday as well so that’s exciting for our three senior men’s teams,” Ben

Mitch, 30, has been woodchopping since he was around six or sevenyears-old, when he would accompany his father at

“I started doing woodchopping through my father,” he said.

“He worked in the bush as a logger and we used to chop on the weekends.

“Me and my brother used to go around with him to all of the shows and chopped everything up.”

Australia has won the Stihl Timbersports Team World Championships nine times and had 12 podium finishes since the inaugural event in 2010. This year’s championships were held on November 8 in France.

Caboolture’s Tier 1 Women’s team remains undefeated so far, and is looking to go back to back in premiership wins this season.

“The Tier 1 women’s side is undefeated at the moment but they’ve only played a handful of games,” Ben said.

“They are at the top of the table and they are trying to defend their title from last year.

our Tier 2 side make the grand final but did not win.”

The club does not have two women’s teams this year due to a number of players leaving to play in representative teams or moved away from the area.

Caboolture’s junior teams are having a positive season, and though Ben said none are topping their competitions, they’re thoroughly enjoying the game.

our A sides are sitting in the middle of the pack,” he said.

“I think our U13 A’s are coming around the top four, we’ve got two U13 B’s sides that are sitting around the top four so they are all doing fairly well.

“They are all moving in the right direction which is good.

“The juniors are giving it their best and having fun which is the main thing we want to drive.”

Olympic review

THE Queensland Government has initiated a 100-day review for the Brisbane 2032 Games on November 29, unveiling a seven-member expert board to spearhead planning efforts. The review will focus on venues, transport, athlete villages, and precincts, ensuring affordability, deliverability, and long-term impact. The newly formed board, chaired by Stephen Conry AM, features industry leaders with expertise in infrastructure, events, and legacy planning.

This follows the passing of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority legislation. Premier David Crisafulli pledged to deliver a world-class event, promising economic growth and infrastructure benefiting future generations. “Today we fire the starters gun on Brisbane 2032, this is day 1 of 100 in fixing the Games chaos and locking in a plan for the world’s biggest event,” he said.

2024 Stihl Timbersports Team World Championship winning team, the Australian Chopperoos.

Delly Carr Sports photography.

Division 1 team in action.

One of the Caboolture Cricket Club’s junior squads.

Tayvian’s knockout triumph

Caboolture teen takes home Queensland Muay Thai junior championship belt

◗ Kirra Livingstone

TULLAWONG State High School student, Tayvian Marden-ryle has been crowned Queensland Junior Welterweight Muay Thai Champion last month, marking his biggest achievement to date.

Tayvian’s dream to become a household name in Muay Thai began when him and his family holidayed in Thailand.

“When I was seven years old I went to Thailand for the first time, and there were kids younger than me fighting and then I just kind of fell inlove with the sport,” he said.

“When I came back I wanted to do it, and mum found a Muay Thai place and I’ve been doing it ever since.

“We watched professional Thai boxing while we were there and it was so much fun watching that.”

Fast forward eight years, Tayvian is now 16-yearsold training out of Crittenden Muay Thai, and has just won his first state title on November 16, after being unsuccessful last year.

“I won last year but because I fought someone with a big name they won because the judges leaned more towards him,” he said.

“The fight this year was against Daniel Jones and he was Queensland champion last year.

“I obviously fought him this year and won by points decision and that went for five two minute rounds.”

Tayvian was over the moon when he was victorious this time around.

“It was exhilarating and unbelievable at first,” Tayvian said.

“Still now I’m getting my head around the fact that I actually am the number one in Queensland.

“There are only a few people now who will fight

me because I’ve had too many knockouts and too many wins.”

The Caboolture south based junior Queensland Champion, said what he loves most about Muay Thai is inspiring the younger generation.

“I love to inspire the younger kids in my gym, they all aspire to try and win their first title fight

especially after seeing me win,” he said.

“I’ve always been really nervous before my fights because I don’t want to let anyone down.

“But my favourite thing is watching everyone else get really happy after I win.”

Tayvian is a long distance, clincher Muay Thai fighter, and has a record of eight wins, three losses and one draw.

Tayvian Marden-ryle wins the Queensland Junior Welterweight Muay Thai title last month.

idlihl