The Sentinel 9 April 2025 by SomersetMedia

What’s up docs?

◗ Marina Gomide

MORAYFIELD Health Hub is bringing in 20 general practitioners (GPs) from the United Kingdom (UK) because of the lack of available local GPs and increasing demand in the area.

Owner of the general practice and Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) at the hub,

Selling every Monday, 10am

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Evan Jones, said the clinic had around 45 GPs for its 230,000 registered patients at the general practice.

“Because we’re in an outer metropolitan area with rapid growth, our problems are all about how we keep up with growth in demand,” he said.

According to Mr Jones, the GP shortage in Australia is due to several reasons,

including lack of funding to encourage entry into the ﬁeld.

“General practice was being seen as a less attractive ﬁeld for doctors, but that has started to change around,” he said.

Mr Jones said these initiatives will take time to be felt amongst the medical community.

Story p4

◗ Sonia Isaacs

ELIMBAH residents and neighbouring communities remain uneasy over the revised Stage 4

Bruce Highway Western Alternative proposal, even as compulsory resumptions drop from 140 to roughly 30.

Two town hall meetings drew dozens of residents, with calls growing for an extension to public

consultation.

While acknowledging improvements, critics say the new 12.6km route, set to pass through the northwest corner of the Elimbah SEQ development area, remains “unacceptable”.

Following the release of the revised route, a working group and leadership team has been formed, lead by impacted residents “with skin in the game”. Story p3

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FROM THE EDITOR

A bit of pressure can go a long way – especially when it’s fuelled by community concern and good local reporting.

Kilcoy Hospital’s new locum doctor is proof that when government is held to account, commonsense can prevail (p5).

Shop 6, 35 Swan Street, Beerwah

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Somerset coming into the tourism spotlight

AHEAD of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Somerset Council and its tourism arm, Experience Somerset, will leverage any opportunities to strengthen and promote the region’s tourism sector.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the region had enormous potential as a tourist hotspot with its prime location just an hour from Brisbane.

“We’re committed to putting Somerset on the map, and our support for the tourism industry was demonstrated at two recent events,” he said.

“We really punch above our weight and provide some truly memorable experiences for visitors,” Cr Wendt said.

“The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe bring thousands of people to the region every year and we have art galleries in almost every town, beautiful camping spots, rolling hills, picturesque backdrops, historic buildings and, of course, the elusive Yowie.

Council was one of the major sponsors for Legends of Beef, held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds on March 29, and hosted a tourism development workshop on April 2.

The Somerset Tourism Development Workshop invited operators from across the region for a free hands-on session and networking opportunity in Esk.

The event, organised by Experience Somerset and presented by regional tourism consultants Tilma Group, welcomed operators from across the region.

“Our assets bring people to the region, but it’s our people that are doing the heavy lifting to keep our economy moving – our farmers, our artists, our tourism operators – they give people a reason to stay,” Cr Wendt said.

The workshop was jointly funded by the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Following The Sentinel’s reporting and strong calls from the Opposition Leader Steven Miles, Metro North Health has employed a locum to help address the rural doctor shortage that had left Kilcoy without onsite afterhours and weekend coverage.

It’s a welcome, if temporary, ﬁx. But it is a stop-gap solution.

What Kilcoy and the Somerset community need is a permanent, sustainable workforce model that reﬂects the unique challenges of rural

health care. As long-time Kilcoy GP Dr Tom Doolan made clear at his retirement earlier this month, there are doctors willing to work rurally – but the model needs to support them with adequate training, pay and partnerships between public and private providers.

It’s not just Kilcoy. The demand is growing across our region, from Morayﬁeld to Mount Mee. Our story this week about a health clinic bringing in 20 GPs from the UK is a case in point (p4).

The locum’s appointment shows that governments can act – but they often need a push. This is a small but important win for Somerset. Now let’s see some real investment in rural healthcare, not just short-term ﬁxes.

Horsing around

On a lighter note, I spent Sunday with my kids at

Morayﬁeld Sports Centre to witness the Hobby Horse Championships.

As someone sceptical of anything outside league football or cricket, I was intrigued.

Hobby horse competitions mimic equestrian disciplines – dressage, jumping and more.

Participants, from primary school age to teenagers, approach each event with earnest determination, yet free from the pressures of high-stakes sport.

The result is innocent, active and undeniably quirky – a perfect trifecta.

Organisers explained that hobby horse riding enjoys immense popularity abroad, particularly in Finland, where it oﬀers an alternative for children who might shy away from team sports.

It was great to see not only the competitors but

also members of the public eagerly embracing a few freestyle events.

The tongue-in-cheek rules – such as ensuring all horses are well trained and under control – add to the fun.

Nevertheless, both riders and judges treat the sport with respect, honing athleticism over jumps, practising routines and caring for their steeds.

This year’s entrants travelled from Sydney, Gympie, the Gold Coast and Murgon.

Among them was Ayana from One Mile, NSW, who has trained two horses: Storm for dressage and Astro for jumping.

Who would have thought a hobby horse could trot so well? It’s a terriﬁc reminder that innovation in sport need not be serious to succeed (p24).

SEQ vs world cities

AN in-depth analysis of well-known regions across the world has set the benchmark for Moreton Bay, Somerset and south east Queensland to secure a lasting legacy before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Games.

The independent Benchmarking ‘South East Queensland (SEQ) – in a global context’ report has emphasised the importance of improving connectivity,

Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Committee for Brisbane event, and compared South East Queensland regions, including Moreton Bay and Somerset, to similar areas world-wide.

The report shows South East Queensland is expected to grow three times faster than regions analysed in the report over the next 20 years.

This growth is a key factor driving the region’s

proﬁle to attract investment and retain innovative talent.

The report also identiﬁed a need for continued investment in transport, with the region’s weekday bus and train services 28 per cent less frequent than the four largest cities analysed in the report.

The new international analysis builds on a 2017 benchmark comparing south east Queensland against similar destinations

analysis looks at regions of similar size, attributes and functions to south east Queensland, including; Greater Vancouver, SeattlePuget Sound, San Diego Region, South East Florida, Greater Manchester, South Holland Region, Stockholm Region, Hamburg Region, Barcelona Region, Busan City Region, and Singapore.

Council of Mayors (SEQ)

Mayor Adrian Schrinner, emphasised the importance of looking at similar cities

across the world “to understand how they are addressing both challenges and opportunities”.

“South east Queensland is relatively unknown compared to other global cities and the Brisbane 2032 Games present a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to promote our region to the world,” he said.

“The mayors of South East Queensland ﬁrst pursued an Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver a lasting legacy for our residents.

“By working together with all levels of government and the private sector we can attract more investment, boost productivity and keep our region moving for decades to come.

“We want to learn world-leading practices and work with all levels of government to deliver long-term legacies today, before the 2032 Games and beyond.”

To view the report visit: www.seqmayors.qld.gov.au

Teresa, Gabriella, Julia, Nikita and Isabella at the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic. Story p24

Mitch Gaynor r

SEQ Mayors at the Singapore planning hub,where they learned about the city’s long-term holistic approach to urban expansion.

Moreton Business Awards open

NOMINATIONS are now open for the highly anticipated 2025 Moreton Bay Business & Innovation Awards.

Now in its 8th year, these prestigious awards remain the highest accolade for businesses and entrepreneurs across City of Moreton Bay.

Recognising excellence, innovation, and resilience, the Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals who drive economic growth and progress in the area.

Businesses and individuals based in City of Moreton Bay are encouraged to take part in this prestigious award.

With a diverse range of categories available for entry, including Corporate Social Responsibility, Customer Service Excellence, Entrepreneur of the Year, and more, there’s an opportunity for every remarkable venture to shine.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the awards were about celebrating excellence in business and innovation, not only to reward signiﬁcant achievements, but to celebrate leadership to which the community could aspire.

Entry Deadline: Monday 7 July 2025. Qualifying period: 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

Revised Bruce Highway Western Alternative route still faces resistance Highway ﬁght goes on

◗ Sonia Isaacs

ELIMBAH residents and neighbouring communities remain uneasy over the revised Stage 4 Bruce Highway Western Alternative proposal, even as compulsory resumptions drop from 140 to roughly 30.

Two town hall meetings drew dozens of residents, with calls growing for an extension to public consultation.

While acknowledging

group and leadership team has been formed, lead by impacted residents “with skin in the game”.

Residents are asking for an extension to the consultation period, which ends on April 30, requesting an additional four weeks, until the end of May 2025.

While fewer homes face resumption, residents remain uncertain about the route’s eﬀect on farms and industry.

Some, receiving impact notices for a second time, question the LNP’s preelection pledge to remove previous routes “in their

Elimbah resident Nadine Hogg says she is devastated after receiving a letter from TMR for the second time in two weeks — despite earlier indications her property would be spared under a revised route.

er Premier David Crisafulli promised both proposed routes would be scrapped, and after all the campaigning, petitions and lobbying, the current McDougall Road

section remains the same as the original Option 1,” she said.

“That part of the route hasn’t changed — it’s now the only proposed option.

Saying I’m ‘devastated’ is an understatement.”

Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, said he was aware there were a small number of properties previously impacted, that have again received notiﬁcation from TMR.

“This is not in line with our government’s commitment, and I am working to address that as a priority,” Mr Powell said.

“The beneﬁts of the new alignment are promising - with a more environmentally responsible route, and far less rural residential properties impacted.

“However, I am aware it does not diminish the emotional weight and diﬀiculty faced by impacted residents. I am here to help, and I encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to reach out to my oﬀice.”

A TMR spokesperson said property owners on the proposed alignment were being prioritised with engagement, with TMR having directly written to those community members, seeking to meet with them

to ensure land is reserved to deliver this vital transport infrastructure when it is needed,” they said.

“TMR generally does not resume land needed for a project until construction is imminent, and no resumptions are required at this time.

“The consultation is designed to be accessible and inclusive to ensure a range of voices are heard and valued.” For more information and to submit feedback, visit https://www.yoursayprojects.tmr.qld.gov.au/ bhwa/stage-4

Old route (yellow) compared to new proposed route (blue).

Andrew Powell MP with new proposal map.

Elimbah intersections get upgrade

THE Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is progressing design to install traﬀic lights at the intersection of Beerburrum Road, Twin View Road and English Street, Elimbah.

Traﬀic signals will control turning movements at the intersection, improving safety, while signalising the intersection will help all road users, including pedestrians, to navigate this busy intersection.

Design is expected to be completed in late 2025. Key stakeholders and the community will be updated following completion of the design.

The proposed project scope includes two new signalised pedestrian crossings and a dedicated right-turn lanes into Twin View Road English Street, improvements to pedestrian footpaths and kerb ramps, active transport improvements, and adjustment of existing and install new lighting.

The $5.9 million project has been funded under the Queensland Government’s Targeted Safety Program which aims to improve road safety by implementing high-beneﬁt, cost-eﬀective road treatments at known and potential crash locations.

This project is not associated with Bruce Highway Western Alternative planning (Stage 4).

UK docs just the shot

20 UK GPs needed for high demand

to encourage entry into the ﬁeld.

“There has been a chronic

in addressing the issue. According to Mr Jones, bringing in certiﬁed GPs

Brisbane to access specialist care.”

The UK GPs can only

three months of this year, seeing between 90 and 120 patients per day.

KILCOY

RSL

Kilcoy formed one of the early RSL Sub-Branches in 1919 when F Thornton was elected Founding President. On 4 November 1922 the Governor, Sir

declared the new Memorial Hall open. The Memorial Hall, now in the hands of the RSL, was to serve as a memory of the Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen of the Great War.

With the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, considerable work was undertaken, including farewells for servicemen and comforts for troops deployed overseas. In 1942 boys from Enoggera Boys Home were evacuated from Brisbane and settled into the Memorial Hall, remaining there until the war ended in 1945.

In 1975 the Kilcoy Shire Council agreed to take over the Memorial Hall so the conversion of the existing building could be carried out. The Kilcoy RSL SubBranch was provided with the hall to enable the RSL members to continue their valuable work in Kilcoy and the surrounding districts. Changes to the entrance of the Sub-Branch were carried out prior to the Leopard Tank placement on 11 December 2010.

The RSL has an extensive collection of military memorabilia which is available to view when the club is open, or by appointment.

The Kilcoy RSL SubBranch provides welfare and advocate services to RSL members, Veterans and current members of the Australian Defence Force and their dependents.

For advocacy and compensation assistance please contact our Advocate, Blue Reidy on 0400900471 for an appointment.

With ANZAC Day approaching, details of the services and the march are as follows: Dawn Service at 5 am at the Memorial Wall, McCauley St, with a

The march will commence at 10.30 am from Seib Street. If you require transport assistance for the march, please contact the RSL on 54220564. The Main Service will commence on completion of the march. Afterwards you are welcome to attend a lunch in the Sub-Branch rooms.

Lest We Forget

Ph: 07 5422 0564 18 Kennedy St,Kilcoy QLD 4514

KILCOY RSL

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Morayﬁeld Urgent Care Clinic in March, accompanied by Mr Evan Jones (right) and Labor candidate for Longman, Rhiannyn Douglas (left).

Locum relief for Kilcoy

Temporary doctor on board after shortage

◗ Marina Gomide

KILCOY Hospital has employed a locum doctor following reporting from The Sentinel that on-site after hours and weekend services had been axed.

Following coverage of extensive concerns expressed by residents, Somerset Council, and current and former medical staﬀ, a spokesperson for Metro North Health said they have now employed a locum doctor, while recruiting eﬀorts continued for more doctors.

of 45 years and a founding Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), Dr Tom Doolan, called the lack of doctors at the hospital “unacceptable”, as Kilcoy is dealing with a growing population, with 20,000 to 25,000 people being in or driving through the area during holiday seasons.

“The interest of our

“We understand the importance of Kilcoy Hospital to the local community and have been working hard to recruit more doctors to the hospital,” the spokesperson said.

“Like other rural hospitals in Queensland, Kilcoy Hospital is impacted by sector-wide workforce shortages.

“Metro North Health will continue our eﬀorts to recruit more doctors.”

Recently, retired Kilcoy GP

FREE EVENT APR 23

medical staﬀ for rural communities:

1. lack of proper training for all doctors to know how to work in rural clinics and hospitals;

2. lack of adequate remuneration to encourage doctors to make the move;

3. lack of appropriate service models, which need to be a collaboration between the public and private sector.

community has been ignored. Our hospital ward has now become a rehabilitation centre for metropolitan patients,” he said.

“We have been cannibalised by other hospitals with the interests of our community and our patients are obviously nowhere near as important as metropolitan people.”

According to Dr Doolan, there are three main obstacles in acquiring

“They keep saying there are not enough doctors to come out here, but we had two positions open in our practice and we had 23 applications for those two positions,” he said.

“The interest is there, but what we are dealing with is a failed and very dangerous service model.”

The Federal Government is partnering with state and territory governments on Single Employer Model (SEM) trials that are aimed at attracting more junior doctors to consider a career in general practice, particularly in regional and rural areas.

SEM trials support GP and rural generalist trainees to continue to access their leave and salary entitlements accrued during their prevocational training, by allowing the State to continue as their employer throughout vocational GP training.

art on Rail Trail

The Federal Government funds a range of targeted programs to provide incentives for doctors to move to, and remain working in, areas of workforce shortage in Australia.

These programs also aim to support health professionals and practices to recruit, retain, and upskill staﬀ

Information on incentives and support available to practices and doctors may be found at www. health.gov.au/resources/ collections/incentives-

SOMERSET Regional Council is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) by Somerset and South East Queensland (SEQ) artists to deliver public artworks for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. The artwork opportunity will form part of council’s application in The SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative. Under the initiative, council will receive $400,000 for public art commissions to be delivered by 31 March

and-support-for-gps-andgeneral-practices-in-mmlocations.

The Government’s Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) supports access to health care in rural and remote communities, with additional funding provided to GPs, Rural Generalists and practices in MM3-7 areas.

In Cloncurry, which is classiﬁed as a remote (MM6) area, GP practices can receive up to $215,280 per year in WIP payments, while GPs can receive up to $60,000 per year in WIP payments.

FINAL

Artworks commissioned will respond to the project’s curatorial rationale, and ect the history and character of the region, its unique First Nations heritage, rural nature and landscapes, and the townships and people that deﬁne its contemporary character.

Apply by 12pm Friday, 11 April 2025 by sending your EOI to mail@somerset.qld. gov.au

For more information contact Council’s Arts and Culture Manager on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld. gov.au

The SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative project is funded by the Australian Government with the support of the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors SEQ.

Retired Kilcoy doctor of 45 years, Dr Tom Doolan, speaks about rural doctor shortage.

Former nurse Denise Modistach with Opposition Leader Steven Miles MP at the Kilcoy Hospital in March.

Neumann News

with Shayne Neumann Federal Member for Blair

Delivering cost of living relief for all Australians has been the focus of the Albanese Labor Government’s initiatives.

We’re delivering a tax cut, providing more tax relief for small business, backing another wage rise for low paid workers, making housing more aﬀordable, cracking down on dodgy supermarket practices, providing more energy bill relief, cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, more bulk billing and building

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

This week we announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will make home batteries cheaper for every household and small business, slashing energy bills for good.

Batteries for households, community groups and businesses means we can keep solar energy on tap and keep energy bills down consistently. That’s great news for us in the Sunshine State.

Ryan Reports

with Mark Ryan State Member for Morayﬁeld

One local achievement of which I am truly proud is the development of my Small Business Network.

At the beginning of 2018 the Caboolture/Morayfield area had no effective networking platform for local businesses. My staff and I set about contacting businesses within the area, suggesting they come along to an early morning “coffee catch up”. The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic and on Friday 11 May 2018 my Small

Business Network Coffee Catch Ups were born. Over the past seven years the events have grown from 25 people gathered at Revolution Espresso Lounge, to regularly more than 100 attendees at Caboolture Sports Club. Our guest speakers have included State Ministers, the Federal Treasurer, the Small Business Commissioner, World Champion Boxer Jeff Horne and entrepreneur extraordinaire Sarina Russo, but never have we hosted a bona fide billionaire – until

Deb’s Diary

with

Deb Frecklington State Member for Nanango

The Week That Was in Queensland Parliament

Last week was a productive and impactful week in Queensland Parliament, as the Crisafulli Government continued its commitment to restoring community safety and modernizing outdated legislation.

We advanced our Making Queensland Safer Laws by expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time with the introduction of new oﬀences—delivering on our election promise to confront Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis head-on.

In a signiﬁcant reform, we

modernized Queensland’s outdated 50-year-old Trusts Act, providing a contemporary legal framework that better reﬂects the needs of today.

We also made Jack’s Law permanent, granting frontline police the authority to make intelligencebased decisions and target hotspots, enhancing knife crime prevention and community safety statewide. Additionally, we introduced the nation’s toughest ﬁnes for the commercial possession and supply of illicit tobacco and vapes, ensuring

Our Cheaper Home Batteries Program will roll out from 1 July 2025 with a 30% discount on up-front costs, making home batteries more aﬀordable for everyone.

These batteries could save a household with existing rooftop solar up to $1,100 oﬀ their power bill every year, and $2,300 a year for households installing a new solar and a battery system.

Batteries help push down peak demand, which pushes down prices for everyone. It means a greater chance to use cheap solar when we need it most, which makes bills cheaper for everyone. It’s good for the climate and good for your power bills.

now.

That’s right, next month’s Small Business Network guest speaker is none other than Queensland mining and development magnate Brian Flannery.

If you’re a business representative from the Caboolture/Morayﬁeld region, I encourage you to take this opportunity to hear ﬁrst-hand how Brian Flannery went from mining engineer to corporate success story.

My next Small Business Coﬀee Catch Up will take place at Caboolture Sports Club on Friday 9 May. Entry is free but booking is essential, so give my oﬀice a call on 5343 5100 to secure your spot.

illegal operators feel the consequences where it hurts most. This decisive action protects Queensland’s children and sends a strong message that we are serious about cracking down on the black market.

On a local note, I proudly highlighted the outstanding Nanango electorate, celebrating the success of the Youth Parliament visit to Mt Kilcoy, the Legends of Beef event in Toogoolawah, and acknowledging Dr. Tom Doolan’s retirement after 44 years of devoted service to our community.

I also extended a warm invitation to doctors and their families seeking a fresh start to consider the Somerset region—a truly remarkable place to live and work.

Youngy’s Yarns

with Terry Young Federal Member for Longman

The Federal election has now been called, and Australians have a choice to make. The question to ask before you vote is “Am I better oﬀ than I was three years ago?” For the vast majority of people I speak to, the answer to that question is no.

But why is that the case? I believe it is simply a matter of the current Labor government failing to get their priorities right. As in any business or household, governments have a duty to deal with many issues

they face and getting the priorities right is crucial.

We saw for the ﬁrst 18 months of this term, a government that prioritised the Voice referendum that divided our nation.

Is closing the gap important - yes of course it is, but as we transitioned out of COVID and global uncertainty, should this have been the number one priority of our Federal Government?

While interest rates, housing availability, aﬀordability, and inﬂation

Pumicestone’s Pulse

with Ariana Doolan State Member for Pumicestone

There’s plenty happening across our community, from vital infrastructure upgrades to celebrating local businesses.

Bringing Cancer Care Closer to Home for Bribie Residents

Bribie Island residents undergoing cancer treatment can now access care closer to home, thanks to the newly completed Stage 2 of the Bribie Island Satellite Health Centre. This extension of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Cancer Care Service also includes a Healthy Ageing Assessment and Rehabilitation team, supporting better health outcomes for our community.

Bribie Island Road Upgrades Underway!

It’s great to see work starting on much-needed upgrades to Bribie Island Road!

This project will duplicate lanes from Old Toorbul Point Road to just east of Saint Road and add traffic signals at Volz Road/Browns Road to improve safety and traffic flow.

The upgrades are being funded by the Crisafulli LNP Government with a co-contribution from the Federal Government from 2021.

Nominate Your Favourite Business!

The Pumicestone Business Excellence Awards are open, and the more nominations a

with Andrew Powell State Member for Glass House

Second Tranche of Making QLD Safer Laws

In the last Parliament sitting week, we introduced 20 additional serious oﬀences to expand on Adult Crime, Adult Time.

Arson, torture, aggravated attempted robbery, rape and attempted murder are just some of the extra oﬀences we are adding to the Making Queensland Safer Laws.

These oﬀences are based on recommendations from an Expert Legal Panel and help us fulﬁll our promise to restore community safety.

Early police data shows a reduction in key crimes like stolen cars, break-ins,

robberies and wounding between December and February, suggesting the laws are having a positive eﬀect.

On what would have been Jack Beasley’s 23rd Birthday, we also tabled legislation to make Jack’s Law permanent. These changes will allow police to use hand-held scanners to detect deadly weapons in all public places with appropriate approvals.

We’ve got a long way to go. It will take time to reverse Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis, but we remain committed to restoring safety where you live.

Fire Ants Found in

were going through the roof, aﬀecting all Australians, I would suggest not.

After the referendum, which was ultimately defeated, it was simply too late to refocus as evidenced by the cost of living and housing crisis we now ﬁnd ourselves in. The response now, is one of panic, rather than measured, sensible government decisions. What I refer to as the “spray and pray strategy”.

The LNP are committed to ensuring that our focus will be getting the cost of living back to where it should be and the housing crisis under control ﬁrst and foremost. It’s time to get Australia back on track.

business receives, the better their chance of becoming a ﬁnalist! Show your support and nominate today at arianadoolan.com.au.

Bruce Highway Western Alternative – Community Feedback Heard

The LNP Government has listened, and a new proposed BHWA alignment reduces impacts on residents and the environment while still supporting our region’s growth.

Community consultation is open until 30 April 2025. Have your say at: yoursayprojects.tmr.qld.gov.au/ bhwa

We’re also launching an urgent review of the Bribie Island breakthrough, ensuring the community’s voice is heard.

As always please reach out to my oﬀice for any questions pumicestone@ parliament.qld.gov.au

Cedarton Fire ant nests have been found in Cedarton and I encourage residents and businesses to be on the lookout for further colonies.

Eradication activities including surveillance and intensive treatment are underway.

Eradicating ﬁre ants is crucial for the health of our agricultural industry, environment, and human safety, and it requires the involvement of the entire community.

It’s important for everyone to be vigilant in spotting and reporting fire ants, providing access to their properties for eradication efforts, and taking steps to prevent the spread of this invasive pest. Visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) for more information.

Flannery’s Focus

with Peter Flannery Mayor of City of Moreton Bay

Community input is at the forefront of what we do at Council and inﬂuences how we work. This is why we encourage you to have your say with the latest Moreton Says survey. Open until 23 April, the survey is an opportunity for people to share their views on the local matters they’re passionate about. Hearing what matters to our community is crucial to shape our City as we continue to grow.

In this survey, we’re focusing on active and public transport, as well as what makes our city a good place to live, and people’s experiences with Council. Transport was highlighted as one of the biggest challenges in the previous survey, so this is an opportunity to share how you prefer to travel.

Moreton Says was launched in 2021, and we have collected more than

Hear it from Hain

with Councillor Adam Hain Div 3, Moreton Bay Council

Well clearly the big talk at the moment is the up-coming Federal Election.

For Council the lead up period has been all about advocacy. We have worked hard in the background presenting funding opportunities across the City. Some projects are in the hundreds of millions and are just too expensive to fund by ourselves.

Of course the diﬀiculty in this space is that all election commitments are exactly that, not a promise but a commitment to fund if elected.

This does not apply if the

candidate wins but only if the whole party wins!

I’m not sure how then independent candidates manage in this space.

For myself we have three main opportunities: Toovey st repurpose of building. The PCYC will be relocating to their new building on King St hopefully by end of year.

The old building (Large shed and old crache) is planned to be re-purposed to host 4 tenants: two existing ones in Spiders Boxing and Lions club Morayﬁeld, and two new ones. $1.5 million requested commitment.

24,600 survey responses since. The twice-yearly survey is just one way we’re listening to our community, being responsive, and advocating on their behalf. We have listened to feedback after our previous survey and made it easier than ever to participate and share your thoughts. The Moreton Says survey can be completed online, or at any one of our libraries or Customer Service Centres which also have hard copies available.

Thank you for taking the time to share your input in shaping the future of City of Moreton Bay.

Caboolture Snakes Rugby League clubhouse. The new plans are almost ﬁnalised. The 3D schematics look amazing! This will bring the club up to the next level, a great future vision with the Dolphins now in Town.

Terry Young has already committed $3 million on this one.

Buchanan Rd business case funding. This is a necessary step forward for this corridor with a 600k commitment request. This is so we can apply to the Federal Government through Infrastructure Australia for future funding toward this $300 million corridor.

I am thankful that TMR have provided $7 million already towards design and scope as a result of the last State Government Election.

Wendt’s Words

with Jason Wendt Mayor of Somerset Regional Council

ONE month ago, Somerset Regional Council was bracing for the worst possible scenario as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached South East Queensland’s shores.

We were incredibly lucky in Somerset to only experience minor ﬂooding from Lockyer Creek and some road closures around the region.

It’s April now and the world keeps moving with the Federal Election right around the corner.

Both Labor and the Coalition have committed $20 million to the Brisbane Valley Highway, but our advocacy for ﬁxing this road is far from over.

Our Council has joined the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Federal Election Campaign –‘Don’t Leave Us In The 70s’.

The current federal funding model was ﬁrst introduced in 1974, and 50 years on the demands and expectations of local governments are radically diﬀerent.

Ultimately, if councils are not properly funded into the future for our growing population then we only have two options: cut services or increase rates –it’s that simple.

It’s an important issue for local governments nationwide, and I encourage voters to ask Blair candidates how

Latter’s Letter

with Councillor Tony Latter Div 12, Moreton Bay Council

The Red Ride – Ride Against Domestic Violence is back for its ﬁfth year, bringing together motorbike enthusiasts and the Moreton Bay community to raise awareness and funds to combat domestic violence.

After founding Red Ride in 2021, I am proud to see it grow into a great event, in partnership with Caboolture Rotary Club as the driving force behind the event, who organise and

host the event each year. Caboolture Sports Club are proud to be returning as the major sponsor for the ﬁfth consecutive year.

The Family Fun Day is where the whole community comes together, It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about raising awareness and making sure everyone— young and old—feels part of the solution.

On Saturday, 17th May, the Caboolture Showgrounds

they will address this funding crisis.

Looking past the election, our Council is busy behind the scenes planning for the 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball in September. As a ﬁrst-time Mayor I cannot wait to see this event come together.

Funds raised from the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball support vital community organisations delivering services to those experiencing hardship in Somerset. Applications for the Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund are now open, closing 5pm on Monday, 14 April. If you would like to support the 2025 Mayoral Gala Charity Ball or apply for funding support, please contact our team on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld. gov.au

riders will gather early, with stands up at 8:00 AM, setting oﬀ on a powerful journey to raise awareness and funds to combat domestic violence.

Following the ride, the community is invited to join the Family Fun Day and Car Show from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, featuring classic and custom cars, live entertainment, food stalls, market vendors, and activities for all ages. It’s a day for everyone—riders, families, and supporters—to come together, take a stand, and be part of the movement to end domestic violence. For details, visit redride. org

Easter astteter Bunn unny Easter Bunny Easter Bunny

MONDAY 14TH TO SATURDAY 19TH APRIL 11AM TO 2PM

Lowood students’ nesting beauties for Rail Trail

◗ Marina Gomide

THE Brisbane Valley Rail Trail looks more beautiful thanks to nine Lowood State High School (LSHS) students who donated seven handcrafted birdhouses to the Rail Trail Beautiﬁcation Program on April 1.

The participating students are part of the Hands on Learning Group, a program which aims to give students skills outside of the classroom in an alternative learning environment.

Despite running for six years now at LSHS, this is the ﬁrst time students have been able to contribute their projects in support of the wider community.

loved it,” she said.

“They’re really proud of their birdhouses and making something for a bigger cause.

“It gave them an opportunity to engage with the community and contribute and that was the purpose of it.”

The 12 and 13-year-old students worked on the

glue the house together, use drills for the necessary holes and paint the house in camouﬂage colours. The students also got to hang the houses themselves when handing over the donation to Pete, who planted the trees along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

When meeting Pete, students also had a chance to ask questions and learn about birds and their habitat.

LSHS teacher and one of the program co-ordinators, Jane Tait, said the students were “beyond excited” to donate their craft to Pete from Pete’s Hobby Nursery to add to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

“The students absolutely

houses for the ﬁrst school term of the year, with teacher aide and second program co-ordinator Dennis Ward having pre-cut the frames and guiding the students and how to use the necessary tools and glue to assemble it.

The nine students, working in pairs, had to

School holiday events

April 10 - April 20

BURPENGARY

Students hanging birdhouse alongRail Trail in Lowood.

them and work on areas they need help with, such as conﬁdence building or focus learning.”

“It was really good for us to see some kids who have knowledge about these topics really shine in this erent learning environment and see what new areas they thrive in,” Mr Ward said “Seeing the kids also working out how to assemble and work with colours to make camouﬂage was really good for their problem-solving skills and just helps them build conﬁdence, which is the main purpose of the program.

“We get to build relationships with those

KILCOY MECHANICAL

Pete from Pete’s Hobby Nursery said the day was a very positive experience, both for him and the students, praising the work they did on the birdhouses.

“They looked quite wellmade and tidy,” he said.

“They asked some really good questions and seemed genuinely interested.”

Thursday April 17,

Burpengary Library, 121 Station Road,

Meet a captivating koala and learn about them and other native animals with the D’Aguilar Wildlife team. Get the chance to take a photo of the koala as it sits on its special eucalyptus perch. Tickets: https://moretonbay. events.mylibrary.digital/ event?id=125542

MONSTER SLIME

EXPLORATORIUM

When: Thursday April 10, 10.30am - 11.30am & 1pm2pm.

Where: Burpengary Library, 121 Station Road, Burpengary.

Info: Explore the ooeygooey science of slime by conducting three different slimy experiments. Burpengary Library (07) 5433 2215.

puppet and discover how to bring it to life in a puppet performance. Learn about puppeteering from Sesame Street and Muppets trained puppeteers Brett and Elissa. Bookings essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

BADGE MAKING

When: Monday April 14, 10am - 11am.

Where: Kilcoy Library

Kennedy Street, Kilcoy.

Info: If you like badge making or want to give it a go, bring cut-outs, drawings, stickers or create a design on the day. Bookings essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

EASTER CRAFT

When: Thursday April 17, 2pm - 3pm. Where: Kilcoy Library Kennedy Street, Kilcoy.

Info: Celebrate Easter with glitter, glue, paint and paper. Make baskets, cards, origami bunnies or paint an egg. Bookings Essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

TEAM FITNESS CHALLENGE

Thursday April 17,

Wallace Street Park, 27 Wallace Street North,

This fun team fitness activity is designed to show you how much fun keeping fit and healthy can be. There’s a tyre pulling challenge, connect 4 relay, team fitness challenge and more. Bookings (07) 3205 0555.

ELIMBAH

SCHOOL HOLIDAY YOGA

LOWOOD

MAKE A VOLCANO

When: Friday April 11, 11am - 12pm.

Where: Lowood Library 1 Michel Street, Lowood. Info: Experiment with Lego blocks, bicarbonate soda and vinegar to make a volcano. Bookings essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

PIPE CLEANER MONSTERS

When: Monday April 14, 10am - 11am.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Sponsor the Somerset Mayoral Ball

APPLICATIONS to sponsor Somerset Council’s 2025

Mayoral Gala Charity Ball are now open, with businesses invited to enquire about sponsorship opportunities.

Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the biannual Mayoral Gala Charity Ball raises money to assist Somerset residents.

“The funds we have raised over the years have supported community groups, which in turn support people facing homelessness, abuse, mental illness, food insecurity and disability,” he said.

“Through this event people can make a huge diﬀerence in our community, while enjoying a great night out.”

The new sponsorship model includes platinum, gold and silver sponsor options, with the opportunity for platinum sponsors to attend a cocktail party prior to the oﬀicial ball alongside.

The ball will be held at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk on Saturday, 13 September 2025 with the theme ‘Masquerade’.

For more information, view bit.ly/ MGCBSponsorshipbrochure To apply, visit somerset.qld. gov.au/sponsorthemgcb

When: Monday April 14, 9am - 10am

Where: Elimbah Soldiers Memorial Hall, 10 Coronation Drive, Elimbah

Info: Develop an early love for yoga with ageappropriate movement, ﬂexibility and mindfulness activities. (07) 3205 0555

FITNESS FUN & GAMES

When: Tuesday April 15, 9am - 10am

Where: Morris Heights Park, 250 Bigmor Drive, Elimbah

Info: Fitness fun and games designed to get children moving and having fun these holidays. This activity will encourage team building and social interaction through exercising together. (07) 3205 0555.

ESK

ROLLER DISCO ESK

When: Saturday April 12, 5pm - 8pm.

Where: Somerset Civic Centre 35 Esk Hampton Road, Esk.

Info: Get ready to lace up your skates or blades, because the roller rink is rolling into Esk! Groove to the roller disco and get tips on learning to skate. Free roller skate and roller blade hire for ages 5+ (or bring your own skates or blades)

KILCOY

MAKE YOUR OWN SOCK

PUPPET

When: Thursday April 10, 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Where: Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, 41 Hope St, Kilcoy.

Info: Join Larrikin Puppets to create a zany sock

Where: Lowood Library 1 Michel Street, Lowood.

Info: Use pipe cleaners, beads and stick-on eyes to create your very own pet monster. Bookings essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

EASTER CRAFT

When: Tuesday April 15, 10am - 11am.

Where: Lowood Library 1 Michel Street, Lowood.

Info: Celebrate Easter with glitter, glue, paint and paper. Make baskets, cards, origami bunnies or paint an egg. Bookings Essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

TOOGOOLAWAH

EASTER CRAFT

When: Tuesday April 15, 10am - 11am.

Where: Toogoolawah Library Gunyah Street, Toogoolawah.

Info: Celebrate Easter with glitter, glue, paint and paper. Make baskets, cards, origami bunnies or paint an egg. Bookings Essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

WOODFORD/WAMURAN

MONSTER SLIME EXPLORATORIUM

When: Thursday April 10, 2pm - 3pm.

Where: Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street, Woodford.

Info: Explore the ooeygooey science of slime by conducting three different

Students Saxon, William,Claire, Addison, Joel, Jack, Benji, and Justin with Pete from Pete’s Hobby Nursery and their birdhouses. Student missing: Talia.

Claire with her birdhouse.

Surge in kids reaching out

A RECENT report has revealed an increase in young children reaching out for support in relation to suicide-related issues since 2019, with one in six counselling contacts made to Kids Helpline in the past 12 months being related to suicidal thoughts.

Kids Helpline, a service of yourtown, launched their 2024 Kids Helpline Impact Report, with the statistics outlining the prevalence of deep distress in children and young people.

yourtown CEO, Tracy Adams, said counselling presentations were for a range of issues, including suicidal thoughts, child abuse, and sextortion.

“Children as young as seven are among the 11,682 Kids Helpline counselling contacts related to thoughts of suicide in 2024,” Ms Adams said.

“Disturbingly, the children making contact to Kids Helpline for suicide-related concerns are getting younger and

younger.

“We have seen a 5% increase in the contacts made by 11-year-old children in relation to suicide-related issues since 2019.”

According to Ms Adams, the data also highlights a rise in safety interventions, with 4,632 safety interventions undertaken in 2024, a 19 per cent increase compared to 2023. In number, this is approximately 89 interventions every week, increasing from 3,893 to 4,632.

“There has been an

suicide attempt contacting Kids Helpline,” she said.

“Counsellors undertook 1,803 crisis or emergency interventions in 2024 to protect young people facing an imminent risk of harm from a suicide attempt — up from 573 a decade ago (2014).”

Ms Adams concluded, yourtown along with many key youth mental health sector organisations support Mental Health Australia’s call for free mental health care for all children and young people.

Read the Kids Helpline

alarming surge in young people — driven by school aged children — at risk of a

Impact Report in full here: https://kidshelpline.com. au/impact-report-2024

Gender hormone reviewed

THE State Government has appointed one of Australia’s most respected psychiatrists to lead an independent review of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies to treat children with gender dysphoria in Queensland.

Professor Ruth Vine will examine the evidence for using puberty suppression (Stage 1) and genderaﬀirming (Stage 2) hormone

therapy for children with gender dysphoria in Queensland Health facilities. The decision to conduct the independent and robust review was announced in January following the tightening of regulations around prescribing hormone therapy to children and adolescents in several European countries and the United Kingdom.

A ﬁnal report will be submitted to Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren by 30 November 2025.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said the review would ensure only the safest and most appropriate care was provided for young people experiencing gender dysphoria.

Pancake events for Parkinson’s

THIS April, Shake It Up Australia Foundation (Shake It Up) is calling on Aussies to host a pancake themed event and raise funds, with its Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s campaign.

With April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month Shake it Up is encouraging individuals, schools, workplaces, and community groups to get creative and host their own pancake-themed events throughout April.

You can get involved by:

- Hosting a Pancake Party: Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a pancakebreakfast, brunch, or dessert.

- Get Creative: Organise a pancake decorating competition, a pancake ﬂipping relay, or a challenge to build the tallest pancake tower.

- Donate: Every dollar raised through your Pancakes 4 Parkinson’s event will go directly towards supporting Parkinson’s research projects in Australia.

- Not into pancakes? Hold another ‘P’ themed fundraiser - Pilates 4 Parkinson’s, Prosecco 4 Parkinson’s, Pizza 4 Parkinson’s.

To register your event visit: shakeitup.org.au/pancakes

Prevent mosquito bites

mosquito bites. Queensland Chief Health Oﬀicer Dr Heidi Carroll warns of increased mosquito-borne disease risk after warm, wet weather. Three Japanese cases, including two deaths, cases have been reported. Surveillance has intensiﬁed, and free JEV vaccines are available for at-risk groups. Visit Queensland Health for details.

Spotlight on... Woodford & Wamuran

Win luxury escape with local mortgage experts

FOR those dreaming of homeownership, a holiday getaway, or simply looking to improve their ﬁnancial future, the team of brokers Teresa Harrison and Deborah Packard, along with loan admin Kate, from Mortgage Choice Woodford have an exciting $25,000 giveaway until May 23!

If you meet with Teresa and Deb by May 23, you could be in with a chance to win a $25,000 Luxury Escapes voucher, plus one of ﬁve $5,000 vouchers!

As Woodford locals with over 70 years of combined lending experience, Teresa and Deborah have a deep understanding of the local market in Woodford, Beerwah, Kilcoy, Wamuran, Delaneys Creek, Glasshouse Mountains, Landsborough, Mooloolah and surrounding areas.

tailored solutions that best suit your needs.

Their passion for helping clients is matched only by their commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, ensuring that your journey to homeownership or investment success is smooth and informed.

With diverse backgrounds in banking and ﬁnance,

Whether you’re a ﬁrsttime homebuyer, investor, or looking to reﬁnance using the equity in your current property for home improvements, the team is dedicated to helping you navigate the lending process. With access to over 35 lenders, they can provide

investors face.

Whether you are purchasing your ﬁrst home, reﬁnancing, or looking for guidance on how to use the equity in your property, their extensive network of lenders gives you more options to choose from, ensuring you receive the best possible solutions.

Teresa and Deb are uniquely equipped to provide sound advice and guidance to help you make informed decisions that will shape your ﬁnancial future.

What sets Teresa and Deb apart is their deep knowledge of the local community and market, built over years of experience working with residents of the region.

This allows them to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that local buyers and

Teresa and Deb are committed to helping you build a better ﬁnancial future. Their dedication to delivering personalised, customer-focused service ensures you receive advice that’s right for you, every step of the way. With over four decades of experience in banking and ﬁnance, they have helped countless clients achieve their dreams of homeownership and investment success.

For more information and to get in touch call 07 5422 9458 or visit www. mortgagechoice.com.au/ tharrison/

Oﬀice hours are Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm, with after hours by appointment, at 89 Archer Street, Woodford.

Free shots to boost coverage

Last chance to get free vaccine clinic in area

IMMUNISATION rates

remain low across Kilcoy, Woodford and Wamuran, which have been identiﬁed by Queensland Health as an area of need for improved COVID-19 and inﬂuenza vaccine coverage and are priority communities for Brisbane North PHN.

For the third year running, and together with the Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN), Brisbane North PHN is oﬀering free community vaccine clinics to residents of Kilcoy, Woodford and Wamuran to access both COVID-19 and ﬂu vaccines at the free clinics.

To ensure this service is accessible to as many priority community members as possible, in partnership with vaccine provider QuIHN, they have extended the 2025 program to include ﬁve clinics: two in Kilcoy, two in Woodford, and one clinic in Wamuran.

At their successful ﬁrst clinic in Woodford, they saw 46 residents attended on the March 29 to receive

their annual vaccines –many of whom expressed an appreciation for access to this service in the community.

Wamuran’s clinic was held on April 5 seeing 28 patients attend and 52 vaccines administered, many also expressing their appreciation of these services.

Appointments for Kilcoy’s second clinic on Saturday, April 12, or Woodford’s second clinic on Saturday, May 17, are available online or by calling 07 3620 8111,

with walk-ins welcome on the day.

Both Medicare and nonMedicare card holders can access this service at no cost.

This is residents’ ﬁnal opportunity to receive a free vaccine service in Kilcoy and Woodford for 2025.

Further information will be published in the coming weeks, and some information is available on the Brisbane North PHN website: https://www. brisbanenorthphn.org.au/.

Community events/groups

Woodford Historical Society

LOCAL GROCER

- Kids Yarrow ClubFree to join. All events are free. Woodford Historical Society Museum, 109 Archer Street Woodford. - Woodford Historical Society 45th Annual Villeneuve-Neurum Get Together - 10am Sunday 31st August, Woodford Historical Society Museum, 109 Archer Street Woodford.

Woodford Community Art Group

New members welcome to attend classes.

Woodford Historical Society Museum, 109 Archer Street Woodford.

- 16th April Open Day Galllery.

- 23rd April Don Milner Back to Basics Workshop. Email for more info woodfordart@gmail.com

Woodford Historical Society Museum and Woodford Community Art Group Gallery 109 Archer Street Woodford, Free entry. Open

10am to 2pm Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat and 3rd Sunday of the month on market day. Woodford Country Markets

Binambi Place Archer Street Woodford, 3rd Sunday of each month, 7am to 12pm. Woodford Senior Citizens Every Tuesday at the Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street Woodford, 9am to 12pm. Card games and a cuppa.

Woodford Knitaholics 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at the Woodford Library, 1 Elizabeth Street Woodford. 12 to 2pm. Knitting and crocheting items to help the needy. Helping teach others to knit and crochet. Woodford Drum Circle Every Tuesday at Binambi Place Archer Street Woodford, From 9.30am. Community drumming and music sharing.

Teresa Harrison and Deborah Packard from Mortgage Choice Woodford.

Spotlight on... Woodford & Wamuran

Brush up local art

Woodford Art Group holding events as new year begins

◗ Marina Gomide

THE Woodford Art Group is inviting all artists, art enthusiasts and locals looking for a new hobby to join their Open Day on April 16, from 10am to 12pm, to see their artists at work and also have a crack at painting themselves at 109 Archer Street, Woodford.

Watercolour will be of special interest, with member Diane giving some helpful tips.

Anyone not able to attend the Open Day but still interested in painting tips can join a beginner’s workshop on April 23, led by Sunshine Coast artist Don Milner.

The ‘Back to Basics’ workshop, which is subsidised by Moreton Bay Council, will oﬀer attendees a chance to learn basic

of colour use and colour mixing, and the diﬀerent mediums available for those looking to create art, serving as a great beginner or refresher course.

The workshop costs $20 for group members and $50 for non-members, with all the money covering material costs and going back towards the community group.

This comes as the 32-yearold group’s membership year started on April 1, providing any locals from the Woodford and surrounds areas a chance to join.

Members meet ever ﬁrst Wednesday of the month at 10am, getting together to paint, draw and express their creativity, also having a chance to display and sell their artwork at their gallery, which is open for the public. Art displayed is swapped

over every three months, ensuring everyone has a chance to showcase and sell their various work.

On October 2 the group will also hold its annual special members exhibition that includes a $2,000 prize money contributed by Moreton Bay Council, with eight categories being judged by independent judges.

Being a community group, they rely heavily on volunteers, which, according to treasurer Ellen

Adriaansen, are who make the group so great.

“It’s all very local and the quality of the group is dependent on the people that volunteer and participate,” she said.

Memberships cost $30 per year, with members also having to volunteer at least once a month for four hours to help run the gallery.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ artonwoodford or https:// woodfordartgroup.com.au/

Free COVID and Flu Vaccine Community Vaccine Clinics

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

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

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

covid19@brisbanenorthphn.org.au

Archers Street, Woodford info@woodfordcountrycollective.com.au

KILCOY: 10AM - 2 PM

Saturday 12 April

Kilcoy Visitor Information Centre, 41 Hope Street, Kilcoy

WOODFORD: 10AM - 2 PM

Saturday 17 May

Woodford Memorial Hall, 103 Archer Street, Woodford

Book an appointment online or call 07 3620 8111

Complete New Patient Registration Form prior to your appointment or attendance

'Lots of Easter Goodies'

Don Milner pen wash workshop.

Cr Tony Latter with Merle Davis, the overall champion painting 2024 exhibit. Don Milner workshop participants and their paintings. Painting made at Don Milner workshop.

What’s On

Artist Talk with Jim Filmer

When: Friday April 11, 10.30am - 11.30am

Where: The Condensery, 29 Factory Rd, Toogoolawah Info: Come along to this artist talk to learn more about Jim Filmer’s longstanding interest in photography, as well as his research on the Wivenhoe Dam’s construction process and subsequent submergence of histories beneath the dam’s waters.

Yowie parkrun

When: Saturday April 12, 7am - 8.30am

Where: Yowie Park, Hope Street, Kilcoy (behind the Kilcoy Information Centre)

Info: Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world.

Kilcoy Yowie Country Markets

When: Saturday April 12, 7.30am - 12.30pm

Where: Yowie Park, Hope Street, Kilcoy

Info: Kilcoy Yowie Country Markets are held every second and last Saturday of each month at Yowie Park, Kilcoy. Browse a range of stalls boasting a selection of arts and crafts, homemade goodies, fresh produce, plants, gifts, and more. You can also fill up on some delicious coffee and food from Yowie Coffee, or a sausage sizzle from the Kilcoy Lions stall.

Somerset Sports Smash - Fernvale

When: Monday April 14, 9am - 5pm

Where: Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre 32 Banks Creek Road, Fernvale Info: Try out a variety of sports activities at the Somerset Sports Smash! 9am to 12pm for ages 5 to 11 years & 2pm to 5pm for ages 12 to 17 years.

Sports included in the program at the Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre will include: netball, basketball, touch football, futsal, gymnastics. For more information, contact SRC on (07)5424 4000 or mail@ somerset.qld.gov.au

Women and Children Market Day

When: Monday April 14, 9am - 12pm

Where: Redcliffe CWA Hall, 189 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe

Info: A free market for women and children to access free clothing, children’s items, activities and community connection. Morning tea and children’s activities will be held on the day.

In Good Company: Coominya Capers

When: Wednesday April 16, 9am - 11am

Where: Coominya Public Hall 27 Main Street, Coominya

Info: Coominya Capers is a social activity of the In Good Company program.

Somerset Seniors are invited to join us for a

morning of cards, games, good company and morning tea.

Somerset Sports Smash - Kilcoy

When: Wednesday April 16, 9am - 5pm

Where: Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre 15 Hope Street, Kilcoy

Info: Try out a variety of sports activities at the Somerset Sports Smash! 9am to 12pm for ages 5 to 11 years & 2pm to 5pm for ages 12 to 17 years. Sports included in the program at the Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre will include: netball, volleyball, touch footy, league, gymnastics. For more information, contact SRC on (07)5424 4000 or mail@ somerset.qld.gov.au

Team Fitness Challenge

When: Thursday April 17, 1pm - 3pm

Where: Wallace Street Park, 27 Wallace Street North, Caboolture

Info: Together Everyone Achieves More! This fun team fitness activity is designed to show you how much fun keeping fit and healthy can be. There’s a tyre pulling challenge, connect 4 relay, team fitness challenge and more. For bookings and more information visit: www. moretonbay.qld.gov.au

Caboolture Easter

Carnival

When: Friday April 18, 11am - 6.30pm

Where: Caboolture Showgrounds

Info: Join us for a day of FUN & CELEBRATION! Entry: Adults 16+ $14.00, Children 4 - 15 Years $8.00, Under 3 FREE, Get your tickets now at www.tickets.oztix.com. au. For the Kids: FREE Face Painting, FREE Rides, FREE Animal Farm, FREE Laser Tag, For the Adults: Tasty Food Stalls, Unique Market Treasures, Lively Carnival Atmosphere.

Woodford Country

Sunday Markets

When: Sunday April 20, 7am - 12pm

Where: 109 Archer Street, Woodford

Info: Set in the beautiful Binambi Place, immerse yourself in a vibrant community atmosphere where local artisans, farmers, and crafters showcase their talents.

Navigating the Aged Care Maze

When: Wednesday April 23, 10.30am - 12.30pm Where: Kilcoy Library Kennedy Street, Kilcoy Info: Starting to explore aged care options for you or a loved one. Aged Care Advocacy will answer questions about services and choices available to you. Bookings essential via the Somerset On The Go app or phone 5424 4000.

Thyme Lifestyle Resort Moreton Bay

Information Session

When: Wednesday April 23, 11am

Where: 70 Amy St, Morayfield

Info: Only 10 homes remain

in this boutique community, with prices from $665,000. Explore these new low maintenance homes by reserving your free tickets. Call 1300 295 807.

Navigating the Aged Care Maze

BullyProof Australia Event

When: Wednesday April 23, 1.30pm - 2.30pm Where: Coominya State School Info: BullyProof Australia Ambassador and former world boxer Jeff Horn is coming to Coominya State School.

Girls

on the Green Day

When: Saturday April 26, 2pm

Where: Kilcoy Bowls Club, 11 Royston St, Kilcoy. Info: To encourage more women in sport, we are hosting a special day for you to come and try lawn bowls. Men are also welcome. Bring a team of 4 or come alone and meet new friends. No experience needed. Bowlers must be 9 years of age +. Our friendly bowlers will be on hand to help you learn the ropes if you need them. Bowls will supplied.

Afternoon tea provided. All at no cost. For more details, call Trudi on 0455 955 560. 120 years Celebration of the Caboonbah Undenominational Church

When: Sunday April 27, 11am - 2pm

Where: Cresbrook Caboonbah Road, Mt. Beppo Info: Combined Churches working together service at 1pm. Come join in the fun and fellowship.

Healthy Eating tips & tricks

When: Monday April 28, 10am - 11am

Where: Esk Library 19 Heap Street, Esk Info: Unsure where to start to build a healthier you? Join an accredited dietitian at your local library to better understand food options and develop healthy eating habits. Bookings essential via the Somerset On the Go app or phone 5424 4000.

In Good Company: Financial Security & Scam Awareness

When: Wednesday April 30, 10am - 12pm

Where: Fernvale Visitor Information Centre 1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale Info: Overview of online financial security. Learn how to identify scams and how you can be more cautious and aware. This is general advice only and is not tailored to your personal financial circumstances.

Caboolture Easter fun is back

THE Caboolture Easter Carnival is back, oﬀering a day full of excitement and entertainment for the whole family.

On Friday, April 18, from 11:00 am, the Caboolture Showgrounds will come alive with thrilling rides, delicious food, live entertainment, and plenty of activities to enjoy.

The carnival is designed for all ages, with free rides, a skirmish, face painting, and a petting zoo to keep the little ones entertained.

For the adults, there will be tasty food and drinks from local vendors, along with a variety of market stalls to explore.

You might even catch a special visit from the Easter Bunny himself!

As the day draws to a close, the excitement will continue with a spectacular ﬁreworks display, lighting up the night sky and adding the perfect ending to a funﬁlled day.

Cost: Adults (16+): $14.00; Children (4-15 years): $8.00; Infants (under 3 years): Free. For tickets and more information visit https:// tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/ event/480cbc25-35e8-41b7a8a6-9cdac2c7153e

Veterans to make wreaths

VETERANS and their families are invited to take part in a wreath-making activity on Wednesday, April

“Since World War I, wreaths have been laid to remember those Australians who died in service during

families to participate in this activity to promote a sense of connection and history among younger

Jeff Horn set to inspire Coominya

SOMERSET and surrounds locals are invited to a special, free event aimed at promoting wellbeing and resilience among kids, teens and adults, with world boxing champion and Bullyproof Australia Ambassador, Jeﬀ Horn.

commemorating the bravery and commitment of all who have served and those who continue to serve,” she said.

for attendees to share their experiences and engage with fellow veterans and their families. We encourage

Meet the Blair candidates in Esk

SOMERSET residents are invited to a special Meet the Candidates event on Wednesday, April 30, hosted by the Somerset Business Chamber at the Esk Grand Hotel.

This event oﬀers a unique opportunity for locals to meet the candidates vying for the federal seat of Blair and hear their views on key issues aﬀecting the region. Starting at 6:00 pm, the candidates will address topics of local importance, including ongoing telecommunications blackouts, regional energy security, small business support, and the need for fair representation in Federal Parliament. Whether you’re concerned about the challenges facing local businesses, the quality of essential services, or broader issues impacting your daily life, this event will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when casting your vote.

The evening will follow a structured format, including: candidate introductions, timed responses to key questions from the Somerset Business Chamber, reﬂecting concerns of chamber members and the broader business community, and a Q&A session with questions from the ﬂoor.

Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

The Meet the Candidates event is free and open to all members of the public. It’s an important opportunity to engage with the future of the Somerset Region and ensure your voice is heard.

Event Details: When: Wednesday, 30th April 2025, at 6:00 pm

Where: Esk Grand Hotel

More information at www. somersetbusinesschamber. com.au/post/meet-thecandidates-blair-2025

Veterans and their families are also welcome to drop into the Hub anytime during business hours.

On April 23, from 1:30 to 2:30pm, Coominya State School will host an inspiring presentation titled “How to Become a Champion,” led

The event, open to all students, parents, and members of the community, seeks to emphasise the importance of personal wellbeing in achieving success both in school and

Coominya State School is committed to enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of its students, and this presentation aims to further that mission by providing valuable insights from a true champion.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Jeﬀ Horn, who will share his experiences and oﬀer advice on building resilience, strength, and a positive mindset, along with exciting photo opportunities.

This exciting event is free of charge, and all are encouraged to attend. It promises to be an afternoon full of inspiration and valuable life lessons for the entire community.

Wreath making workshop open for veterans and families.

Bullyproof Australia Ambassador, Jeﬀ Horn, coming to Coominya.

Henry Somerset COMMENT

Really tough

Out in the ﬂat plains of far western Queensland, my cousins have lost 14,000 sheep and 850 head of Droughtmaster cattle.

That’s oﬀ one property, albeit 140,000 acres, which had a metre of water over 95 percent of the land running from the Grey Ranges to the Channel country.

That’s heartbreaking. And lots more properties around and beyond Quilpie, 1000 kms west of Brisbane, lost similar.

For us on the coastal strip, from the highly populated suburbs to our farms measured in hundreds not hundreds of thousands of acres, the tragedy of this ﬂood is beyond comprehension.

To give an idea how ﬂat the land out there is, my uncle Frank sent me with instruction to round up

sheep ‘beyond that hill’. I couldn’t see a hill. So he got me to lie on the dusty red soil and look sideways. I could just see a rise about two eyelashes high. The paddocks out there range from 10,000 to 20,000 acres with clumps of mulga trees and a few dry gullies barely a metre deep - just deep enough for cunning old ewes to hide in when you are trying to round them up for August shearing. It had been a hot, dry summer in Queensland’s southwest so animals were in pretty ordinary condition. In a good year, there’s a sheep

every 5 acres. In severe drought, one every 20 or 30.

But the wool is the ﬁnest produced anywhere. Tough

below 21 micron ﬂeece for the best woolen garments. So in late March after that hot, dry summer, came 340

merino in tough country make ﬁne 17 or 19 but

Under My Skin

Applying the P-word to the e-word

At a time when promises are as genuine as MAFS wedding vows, I am going to make one.

For the next 25 days I will try as hard as possible not to mention the e-word. Only when absolutely necessary will I talk about the event set for May 3.

Like most Aussies, I was over it months before it was called. The posturing, the posing, the pantomime — all so predictable, pathetic, and pompous. It really peed me oﬀ So while politics will continue to be part of this weekly smorgasbord of comment, reference to the ‘e’vent will be strictly limited.

That’s not a political promise so it might (almost) be kept.

Cyclone cash-in?

With the news about sharply increasing motor vehicle insurance costs still ringing in his ears, a reader tells the story of two motor vehicle owners he

believes will be making false damage/write-oﬀ claims as a result of the recent heavy rain.

He says in one street that always ﬂoods during wet periods, an EV driver was told by locals to move his vehicle before the water got any higher. He did, and then brought it back and abandoned it.

One 4WD was driven in and dumped after the water was high enough to enter the vehicle.

His only explanation is that the owners wanted to get rid of the vehicles and had insurance policies that allowed them to do that, and get new vehicles, without losing money. If that’s true, we are all paying for it.

You might even be surprised at the number of ineligible people who accessed personal hardship ﬁnancial assistance, including some very smart university students. A lapse in logic?

The Australian Greens have come up with a

They have proposed the formation of a new army of climate warriors. Details of this army are non-existent but it would replace the ADF when natural disasters occur.

The smart-thinking Greens have also come up with a sure-ﬁre way to fund this new army — a tax on “big coal and gas”.

I am not, for one moment, questioning the worth of this cunning plan, but there might be a slight ﬂaw in it if the Greens win government or have the balance of power in a minority government.

The Greens intend closing the coal and gas industries because they cause global boiling. So would is it logical to think, without big coal and gas, there would be no big coal and gas taxes?

Unfortunately, because logic is the study of correct reasoning, the word cannot be used in the same

WEASEY’S PROPERTY REPORT

When we talk about Australia’s property market, most experts and those with an interest in the state of the housing will look at domestic factors first and foremost - for e.g. RBA decisions, consumer confidence, interest rate projections, jobs data, inflation etc...

Even so, our economic health - or lack thereof - is obviously aﬀected by global ﬂuctuations and there is no doubt that the current international turmoil has shaken some of the pillars. Whether the shaking gets stronger or settles down somewhat remains to be seen.

Despite the 10% tariﬀ imposed on Australian

imports to the US being relatively small and manageable compared to many other countries, wider pain and instability in the economies of our major trading partners can create a ripple in the pond effect. When our Reserve Bank Board kept interest rates on hold last week, financial market pricing suggested there was a 70% chance that the RBA would cut rates in May. After Trump’s tariff plan was announced, that jumped to a 90% chance.

Debate is raging and each day the outlook changes but at the time of writing this column, Australian ﬁnancial markets report that they are factoring in

another rate cut by August as well, and potentially a third by November. Most recently, this morning on the 8th of April, ANZ announced that they now expect the RBA to ease rates in May, July and August. At 25 basis points each meeting, this would bring the cash rate down to 3.35 in August if the predictions were correct. However, if the cost of goods were to significantly increase across the board, then global and domestic inflation could rise and typically our RBA would hold rates steady or try and rein in local inflation with a rates increase/s to combat rising prices and dampen household spending.

180 mm - just 9 inches in the old measure. What we typically get in one big summer wet day here in Moreton Bay and Somerset, that’s their whole annual rainfall.

Because the country is so ﬂat, the water spreads far and wide, but deep enough to drown all the sheep. The cattle struggle through the mud, but there are few areas of high, dry ground and little feed.

And it’ll take a month for water to recede and another month for grass to appear.

mm in one day. The average annual rainfall out there is

for

say Australia’s defence policy should prioritise protecting people, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing real threats like the climate crisis.

This logically means armed aggression anywhere in the world, and especially in our region, is not “real”.

I’ll sleep better tonight, knowing that.

Clowning around Memo Premier Crisafulloﬁt: Some of your MPs obviously think parliament is a circus, a place for them to act like clowns.

The Palaszczuk/SMiles governments were B grade theatre productions. Don’t let your team try to emulate them.

Unfortunately that’s the way it looks at the moment with your deputy apparently appointing himself ringmaster.

Questions for Albo If Donald Trump’s trade tariﬀs are “Not the act of

But let’s remember this in all the noise: Australia has a shortfall of housing.

As a nation, we’re not building enough new homes in the short or medium term to alleviate this deﬁcit anytime soon. Issues persist in the residential construction sector with high costs, skilled labour shortages and a long list of other compounding factors.

SQM Research reports that vendors remain conﬁdent and national asking prices rose 0.8% in March, with Brisbane at 1.4 % increase for houses and 1.9 % in unit prices. CoreLogic Research reported that Brisbane property prices increased 0.4 % over the last month

The country will bloom after this once in 50 year ﬂood event.

The tough people of the far west will survive, but they’ll need some help from us coastal folk, if only to oﬀer mental support, let alone some physical help rebuilding hundreds of kilometres of fencing, damaged roads and buildings.

So that probably means no income for two years, and that’s after forking out a few million for replacement livestock.

a friend”, is labelling your “friend” the “village idiot” the act of a friend?

Do you still deal with Trump “with trepidation” as you did in 2017?

Do you still say Trump “scares the sh*t out of me” like you did eight years ago?

Do you have more in common with Xi Jinping who doesn’t seem to scare you?

Get back to me with answers when you can. I know you’re busy.

Just brieﬂy

A friend described an acquaintance by saying “his face has the texture of the oﬀcuts on a cobbler’s workshop ﬂoor”. Cruel but accurate.

A team of university scientists has worked out it takes two saucepans and at least 30 minutes to boil the perfect egg.

It took me two seconds and no saucepans to work out the researchers are a bunch of time wasting, money thieving prats.

Friend reminisced about the 1974 ﬂoods. “My most

so that’s quite a diﬀerence in the two datasets but an increase regardless.

As is usual, the RBA also released their ‘Graphs on the Australian Economy and Financial Markets’ as they do the day after each meeting (which is currently 8 times a year).

The Chart Pack summarises macroeconomic and ﬁnancial market trends in Australia and provides some really interesting information, including graphs about the state of play and developments of our main trading partners. We can expect to see some changes when the next Chart pack is released. Go to rba.gov.au/chart-pack to view and download if they

These tough folk are the core of the Real Australia. They don’t have the luxuries of comfortable housing, communication, and every retail and support network we take for granted. Give them your respect.

By SKINHEAD

vivid memory was having two children in nappies — not the disposable type. Combined with a long period without power, it wasn’t easy”.

The BBC, like (Not My) ABC, has been copping heaps in recent times for its bias and opinion-not-fact style of reporting.

So when I read “The BBC is the most trusted news media in the world” I was surprised. But then I realised the statement was made by the BBC.

A commentator recently claimed ex-PMs Malcolm Turnbull and Kevin Rudd had left an “indelible mark” on Australian politics. “Skid mark” or “stain” might be more apt descriptions.

Thought for the Week (for budding politicians): “At the feast of ego, everyone leaves hungry”.

are of interest. If you would like assistance in your own real estate journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime on 0427 536 725 or cwease@remaxliving. com.au. I look forward to hearing from you, and I’m grateful to be of service to our wonderful communities. living

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

cunning plan, a plan that would make Baldrick, of Blackadder fame, very proud.

sentence as the Greens. Judge

yourself. The Greens

-4 spacious bedrooms, including a large master with a walk-in robe and private ensuite

-Kitchen with stone benchtops, gloss cabinetry, subway tile splashback, electric cooktop/oven, dishwasher, microwave nook & double fridge space

-Large tiled patio with ceiling fan

-Ducted air-conditioning with app control & zoned room adjustment

-Double lock-up garage with internal access

-Fully fenced, private and low-maintenance yard

-This expansive home features three extra-large bedrooms, each bedroom boasting its very own private bathroom

-2nd dwelling is an absolute standout and set away from the main dwelling and could also serve as a home office, gym, or teenagers or visitors retreat

-Shed with a workshop area, plus a carport

-Energy-efficient solar panels provide low-cost living and multiple rainwater tanks

CONTACT AGENT

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

-Expansive elevated front deck capturing stunning panoramic views

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

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

-Alfresco entertainment area overlooking Somerset Dam

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

-4 bedrooms including ceiling fans, built-in wardrobes, and plush carpeting

-A luxurious master suite with a large walk-in robe and split-system air conditioning -Separate study nook with built-in wooden desk

-Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area flowing to the back entertainment deck

-Expansive entertainment deck with built-in BBQ

-Double lock-up garage with built-in storage

-Garden shed and fully fenced, low-maintenance yard with self-sufficient gardens

-Expansive Modern Home - A steel-frame, brick residence spanning 505m² under roof, featuring high ceilings and stylish internal brickwork

-Lush, Fertile Land - Gently undulating, improved pastures ideal for livestock or hobby farming

-5 Spacious Bedrooms & 3 Bathrooms - Includes two ensuites plus a separate toilet

-Designer Kitchen - A sleek 2-pack kitchen with stone benchtops, dishwasher, and filtered water

-Massive Shed & Workshop - A huge Oz Barn shed with 3phase power, high-clearance bay for a truck or fifth wheeler, and a large concrete hardstand-ideal for mechanics or earthmoving businesses

-Energy Efficient - 10kW

& underground mains

Kathy Sweeney | 0427 374 117

4.22 Acre

Chris Wease

Moreton Saleyards Market Report

Agents Boyd O’Brien Bartholomew reported a larger yarding of 549 head cattle. All descriptions sold to a dearer market. A lesser quality yarding of cows came to hand but sold 10-15 cents more than last week’s very strong market. A mixed yarding of feeders sold to large panel of buyers with prices exceeding vendors’ expectations. Vealers and yearlings sold to a very

2000

competitive market with plenty of restocker buyers looking to ﬁll paddocks. Heavy steers and ox continued to sell very well.

L O’Meara sold Weaner Steers Angus x 419.2c/kg $1051p/head.

J Price sold Weaner Steers Charolais 420.0c/kg $1281p/ head.

J Price sold Weaner Heifers Charolais 347.2c/kg $1015p/head.

L O’Meara sold Weaner Heifers Angus x 339.2c/kg $795p/head. Homeview sold Yearling Heifers Droughtmaster x 353.2c/kg $1147p/head.

GN Bell sold Grain Assist Steers Limousin x 379.2c/kg $1952p/head.

P & B Chandler sold Backgrounder Steers Santa x 391.2c/kg $1197p/head.

JD Grazing sold Feeder Heifers Angus 349.2c/kg

$1338p/head.

Eskdale Cattle sold Feeder Heifers Angus x 363.2c/kg $1659p/head.

G & J Titmarsh sold Heavy Feeder Steers Charolais x 377.2c/kg $1886p/head.

J2X Pty Ltd sold 4 Tooth Pasture Heifers Droughtmaster 357.2c/kg $1982p/head.

Erin’s Home sold 6 Tooth Pasture Heifers Shorthorn x 343.2c/kg $2213p/head.

BLC sold 2 Tooth Pasture Steers Charolais x 370.0c/kg $2047p/head.

S Doberer sold 4 Tooth Pasture Steers Droughtmaster 374.2c/kg $2088p/head.

329.2c/kg $1827p/head.

Spean Pastoral Co sold Pens of Medium Cows Charolais x 325.2c/kg $1890p/head.

W Davis sold Dairy Cull

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

FRIDAY 11th APRIL | Start time 9am

X 15-18MTHS

X 14-16MTHS

Watering growth

New irrigation scheme recycles water for farm use

on for the Wamuran Irrigation Scheme (WIS) on March 31, with the scheme seeing ﬁve agricultural customers access climateindependent Class A recycled water, including pineapple, berry and turf crops. The scheme takes recycled water from the Caboolture South Wastewater Treatment Plant and pumps it to Moodlu Quarry, which acts as a storage facility, before pushing it to farms for irrigation.

use of recycled water for irrigating food crops in South East Queensland, producing 2.6 gigalitres (2.6 billion litres) of recycled water each year. WIS diverts 11 tonnes of nitrogen and 1.8 tonnes of phosphorus away from Caboolture River, helping improve water quality.

Pinata Farms is one of ﬁve foundation customers of the scheme with the ﬁrst food crop to be watered by it.

Third-generation farmer, Gavin Scurr, said the

Cattle markets

assurance for his business operations.

“Connecting to the scheme means we can more conﬁdently plan our annual planting and increase our crop yield,” Mr Scurr said.

“We’re farmers – we’re used to dealing with weather ﬂuctuations, but we now have the capability to grow more as we’re not only relying on the rain and on-site water storage, like dams, to determine our

WOODFORD

Stariha Auctions weekly Woodford cattle sale was held on Monday.

After a very wet couple of weeks, vendors who were able to get their cattle out were rewarded with a noticeable increase in prices. All cattle sold to higher rates, with cows very strong.

Scott Burgess, Stanmore, sold Droughtmaster cows for $1610 & $1300. Matthew McMahon, Conondale, sold Droughtmaster steers for $1490

and Jersey steers for $1420. Plantation Farms, Kilcoy, sold lines of Brahman backgrounder steers for $1390 & $1340 and heifers for $1140.

Max Tones, Sheep Station Creek, sold Murray Grey steers for $1200 and cows for $1800. Raytek Grazing, Stanmore, sold Santa bulls for $2000 & $1700. ALB Pastoral, Woolmar, sold Brahman weaner steers for $940 & vealer heifers for $740. Josh Sippel, Caboolture, sold Charbray vealer heifers

helped set the tone for economic development in the region for the next 10-20 years.

“City of Moreton Bay is a signiﬁcant producer of irrigated agricultural commodities. In the Wamuran Farming District, a reliable water supply is vital for the industry to succeed,” he said.

outlined the government’s plans for a sustainable future.

“This scheme provides businesses with the certainty they need to maintain operations year-round and enables diversiﬁcation and expansion of agriculture activities – generating additional economic value and local jobs.

“Beyond its beneﬁts to farmers, this initiative also plays a crucial role in protecting our environment by reducing nutrient discharge into our waterways and the Caboolture River, ultimately improving our city’s water quality.”

Minister for Local Government and Water, Ann

“Innovation and science are leading the way in reducing our impact on the environment through recycled water projects like this one,” she said.

“Projects like this are an opportunity to see what’s possible and can even help us see how these principles can be applied to other things to achieve sustainable outcomes.”

Ms Jackson said recycled water presented an opportunity to extend the productive value of water that had already been used to achieve environmental sustainability outcomes.

“The Queensland Government’s climate modelling indicates droughts will increase in both frequency and duration by 2059, with the cant impacts being on extreme drought

cross males for $1000. Weeks & Rasmussen, Stanmore, sold young Charbray steers for $1160 & $890, weaner heifers for $1060

“Our recycled water strategy looks to harness the opportunities we have to lead the identiﬁcation, scoping and delivery of recycled water opportunities.

“The strategy will guide us in delivering additional climate resilient water sources, to help address water security challenges and alleviate pressure on our drinking water supplies.

“Additional recycled water schemes and other opportunities for recycled water use, including open space irrigation, also support us to achieve a Unitywater environmental sustainability commitment to have net zero nutrients to waterways by 2040.” Unitywater CEO, Anna Jackson, said it was a “milestone” that “enables local growers to better plan for their business growth, and contribute to local employment and investment in the region”.

L-R Gavin Scurr of Pinata Farms, Mayer Peter Flannery, Unitywater CEO Anna Jackson and Unitywater Board Chair Michael Arnett.

Caboolture River.

Charolais cross vealer heifers for $760. R&R Livestock, Bells Bridge, sold pens of male calves for $325 and heifers for $350.

SUDOKU

You

WORD SEARCH

Don’t take sides if you wish to remain on good terms with both parties. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. Changes in your home will be positive. New romantic partners may attend a function that puts you in the limelight.

You can utilize your versa tile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. If you’re in the mood, go out and socialize, or get involved in sports activities. You’re eager to learn. Property deals look good. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday.

You could meet potential new mates if you go out with friends or take pleasure trips. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe

Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Opportunities will develop through those you encounter while attending organizational events. Join groups of a humanitarian nature. You could ﬁnd yourself having problems with coworkers and employers.

those you love. Look at your options before making commitments that could jeopardize your ﬁnancial position.

Build on friendship rather than starting out in an intimate encounter. You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. Don’t make promises. Club memberships or donations could be expensive and prove unnecessary.

Confusion at an emotional level will cause you to make wrong decisions concerning your personal life. Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly. Older relatives may be a burden. You can prosper if you in vest in property or mutual funds.

Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund

Round Two 2024/2025

Charitable organisations are invited to apply for grants to assist in delivering programs or services to people suffering from disability, homelessness trauma, abuse or neglect within the Somerset region.

Applications for round two of the Somerset Mayoral Gala Charity Ball Fund will open on Monday, 17 March 2025 and close on Monday, 14 April 2025.

Application form and guidelines are available from somerset.qld.gov.au or phone Somerset Regional Council on 5424 4000

www.somerset.qld.gov.au

KILCOY CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

BREAST & THE REST

Meets third Tuesday (monthly) @ 10am

Kilcoy RSL Rooms (Kennedy St)

Contact: Sandra 0429 382 724 or John 0403 336 263

EASTER SERVICE

Grace Community Church invites you to Easter Sunday Evening Service 6pm Saturday 19 April .

The Wamuran Community Hall, cnr of D'aguilar Highway and Wise Street.

Come and hear Evangelist

Dr Bill Newman bring the Easter Message of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. All Welcome Enquiries- 0432 579 250 or 0407 736 244.

KILCOY KRAFTERS

Come along and join a fun group of craft, learn to sew, knit, crochet, patchwork and quilting. Beginners and experienced all welcome. Just turn up to the Kilcoy Library, Kennedy St, 9am each Thursday.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

MISSO, Denis Eric Late of Esk. Passed away peacefully, 1st April, 2025. Aged 76 years.

Beloved husband of Joanne (d). Loving father and father-in-law of Amanda & Peter, Dean & Rebecca.

Adored Pa to Lucy, Susie, Eden, Maddie, Emily and Laura.

Brother of Henry, Nigel (d), Brian, Jennifer (d), Margaret and Rodney (d).

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Denis's life to be held in Centenary Memorial Gardens Chapel, 353 Wacol Station Road, on Friday, 11th April 2025, commencing at 10.30a.m. For livestreaming visit kmsmith.com.au

K.M.Smith Funeral Directors 3351 8244

PETS

LOUISIANA CATAHOULA (LEOPARD DOG), Male & Female, desexed, wormed & vaccinated, affectionate & quiet, 3 years old, $400 each or $700 for the pair. BIN: 0010840789709. Contact Frank: 0414 700 779.

Toogoolawah Bowls

On Thursday 3rd April

we had 12 teams vying for honours at our April Pub Day, proudly sponsored by Ramblers Dropzone.

Winners on the day by a margin of one point were Glass House Team: Carolyn Malcomsce, Bruce Malcomsce, Brendon Freshwater and Christine Freshwater. Runners up were JAST Team: Anthia Hart, Joe, Sandra Currell, and Todd Currell.

First Round Winners were Harold’s Team: Denis Bleakley, Harold, Rod Goldsbrough and Michael Dunn.

Second Round Winners were Steve Lehmann’s Team: Des Knopke, Wayne Talbot, Steve Lehmann and Greg Beard.

ADVERTISING - 5438 7445 Sentinel The

KILCOY MECHANICAL & MOWER/SMALL ENGINE CENTRE, Due to unforeseen health circumstances, this well established business is looking for a new owner! We invite interested parties to make an offer before 17th April 2025. All enquiries to Claire on 0417 749 792. See advertisement pg.8 for more info.

tray Raﬀle went to Kim Dorman. For your Calendar:

• Our next Trivia Night will be held on Friday 25th April.

CARAVAN, 2013 Galaxy Pop-Top. New roll out awning, many extras and excellent condition. Call: 0427 658 391.

LUCERNE & RHODES GRASS ROUNDS, and Lucerne squares. Reasonable price. Please call 5423 1418 after 6pm

Toogoolawah Golf

Once again no golf Wednesday due to the weather.

Saturday 5th April - 18 hole single stableford Club trophy. Overall winner Garry Hutchinson 35 points on

Caboolture Darts

5th April 2025 at Caboolture social darts club.

• Our next Pub Day will be on Thursday 1st May.

• On the 14th of April at Kilcoy, we will be competing

We had Cooloola Coast Social Dart came down and played it was a great day had for all. On the day we had 30 players.

The Club thanks Cecil and helpers for lunch which was so good everybody went

in the Annual Stag Cup. All members are requested to make themselves available

a count back from men’s winner; Peter Williams 35 points. Ladies winner Chris Stevens. Coming events Saturday 12th April. Men’s Foursome’s Championship the Kevin and Denise Ball Memorial Day sponsored by the Ball and Teske Family.

to the bar stuﬀ for keeping everybody happy and Sherrie trying to keep everything organised and all other helpers that helped out on the day.

It ended up being a perfect day with a 32 drawer.

High Score Ladies Caboolture Zena 133Cooloola Coast Pat 119

Men Caboolture Josh 160-

Caboolture

40-

62 Men Caboolture Dwayne 89-

Visitors are always welcome Junior’s over 12 supervised by an adult, Monday nights at 21 Hayes Street Caboolture, Names in by 7.15pm for further information. Text or ring Cecil on 0411 698 807 or Ian on 0400 475

High Peg ladies

Sherrie

Cooloola Coast Pat

Cooloola Coast Brad 60.

April Pub Day Winners: Glasshouse Team.

Runners Up: JAST Team.

First Round Winners: Harolds Team from Kilcoy.

Second Round Winners: Steve Lehmann’s Team.

Caboolture Darts and Cooloola Coast teams at social darts on April 5.

Moreton Bay Lions’ QAFLW comp debut

◗ Kirra Livingstone

THE Moreton Bay Lions made their Queensland AFLW (QAFLW) debut on Saturday, April 5, at Red Rooster Park against Mornington Peninsula, who were also playing their ﬁrst match in the competition.

Despite a 19-point loss in their opening game of the season (37–18), Lions coach Shane Dawes said he was extremely impressed with the team’s eﬀort.

“I am really proud of the eﬀort, the girls were just absolutely sensational, fought it right to the very

“We just made some fundamental mistakes. I did try to instruct the team to go for options inside, and they just kept going up and down the line, and that’s what cost us in the end.

“It’s day one of our new adventure, and the spirit is very good. They are a great bunch, and we’ll go even better.” Coach Dawes said the team featured

many young, inexperienced players making their debut, but added they would continue to improve.

“We are a very young team. We had four 16-yearolds make their debut today, another couple of 17-year-olds in the team,” he said. “Compared to the opposition, they are all experienced Caulﬁeld players, so I’m absolutely wrapped by the eﬀort.”

This match marked the ﬁrst time the Moreton Bay Lions have competed in the QAFLW, an important milestone for the club and a signiﬁcant moment for women in grassroots sport.

“I’m glad to be here. I knew we were good enough, and now it’s actually a matter of working towards that ﬁrst victory and competing,” Coach Dawes said. “The thing I’m most happy about is that they compete – they don’t stop.” Lions player Emmerson Brady scored two goals in the team’s debut match at the Queensland level.

Yowies prove themselves in 1st round

FOLLOWING the cancellation of Round 1, the Kilcoy Yowies JRLFC hosted their ﬁrst home game of the season against Bribie Island Seniors RLFC in Round 2 of the Rugby League Sunshine Coast C-grade competition on April 5.

Bribie dominated the opening 10 minutes, capitalising on early momentum before a serious injury halted play for the remainder of the ﬁrst half.

The Warrigals held a 10-0 lead at half time. The Yowies came out ﬁring in the second half, digging deep to claw their way back into the contest.

With both teams showing grit and determination, the match evolved into a thrilling, hard-fought battle. In the ﬁnal moments, Kilcoy sealed the comeback with a late try, snatching a 22-18 victory in front of a home crowd.

The dramatic win sets a strong tone for the Yowies’ season, demonstrating their resilience and never-give-up attitude.

Pictures- Kirra Livingstone.

Credit- Deerlightful Photography.

Kilcoy Yowies facng oﬀ against Bribie Island at their ﬁrst home game on April 5.

Credit- Deerlightful Photography.

Caboolture Snakes up against the Coolum Colts on April 5. Photo: Facebook.

Cash splash for Blair clubs

Incumbent MP and LNP candidate’s election promises

◗ Kirra Livingstone

CANDIDATES from both major parties in the Blair electorate have committed more than $1 million towards upgrading the Fernvale Sports Park’s Netball Courts.

LNP candidate, Carl Mutzelburg, announced on April 5 that an elected LNP government would grant $1.4m to the facility.

“Due to limited courts, Somerset Storm Netball currently have to go out to Ipswich and Goodna to compete,” Mr Mutzelburg said.

“This funding ensures the Somerset Storm Netball have the chance to grow

and exceeded LNP’s election promise, and committed $1.6m.

“This announcement is a terriﬁc outcome for the Fernvale community and builds on Federal Labor’s record of delivery for the Somerset Region,” Mr Neumann said.

“The new facilities will create a modern, safe and inclusive space for netballers to grow and thrive, with a growing number of women and girls playing the sport.

“It’s going to mean a local netball club like the Somerset Storm Netball Club can play competitions at Fernvale Sports Park, which they haven’t been

and improving the fences and hoops.

This is just one of a string of election promises from both LNP and Labor candidates to upgrade various sporting facilities in the electorate.

Mr Mutzelburg announced if elected, the LNP will commit $450,000 to upgrade the Kilcoy Showgrounds.

Improvements at the Showgrounds will include upgrading the lighting to LEDs, installing new concrete ﬂoors, roofs, servery and rodeo arena drainage.

Kilcoy Rodeo president, Robbie Christie, said the funding will be a game changer for the clubs which utilise the grounds.

These upgrades will provide greater safety for our patrons and competitors,” they said.

“It will mean a huge saving on one of our largest expenses, and will allow Kilcoy Rodeo Committee to return more funds from the event straight back to the many community associations that support

The Somerset Council welcomed the funding commitment, and said it will support three signiﬁcant projects in the 2024 Showgrounds Network

Mr Neumann committed $4.05m to redevelop the Lowood Swimming Pool on April 7, if he is reelected.

The upgrades are designed to cater for the growing population and demand to use the pool.

These improvements will include an enclosed pool, improved disability access, and a new clubhouse.

An enclosed pool would allow the facility to open all-year round, and oﬀer learn-to-swim, aqua aerobics and hydrotherapy activities through the year, creating a new recreational asset for the Lower Somerset Region.

This follows successful trials of extended seasons in 2023 and 2024, and a petition to Somerset Council from pool users in 2024 to have the facility stay open all year.

While replacing the existing clubhouse, which was built in the late 1980s, will help Lowood Swimming Club continue to grow its membership, it will also allow for more competitions to be held at the venue.

Mr Neumann said this commitment would allow the pool to boost patronage even more.

“We know this is what local residents want, and

I want to thank them and Somerset Regional Council for their advocacy for this project,” he said.

Somerset Council thanked Mr Neumann for the commitment, as it will allow for a greater scope of activities at the Lowood Pool, following record levels of attendance since 2022.

On March 22, the LNP Blair candidate also announced a $1m election promise to upgrades facilities at the Esk Showgrounds. Improvements would be made to the dining room and associated facilities, ensuring a high-quality, aﬀordable venue for community groups and events.

“I’ve had strong feedback

from locals about the need for upgrades to the facilities at the Showgrounds to ensure it can continue to deliver successful events,”

Mr Mutzelburg said.

“This project will allow more people to enjoy the Esk Show and boost the local tourism sector by increasing the options for other events here.”

Esk Show Society president, Michele Arnold, said the association welcomes the funding promise.

“This investment will enhance the showgrounds’ ability to support local gatherings, creating lasting beneﬁts for the entire Somerset Region,” she said.

LNP candidate Mr Mutzelburg at the Fernvale netball courts.

Incumbent MP Mr Neumann at the Lowood Pool.

◗ Marina Gomide

HOBBY Horses returned to Moreton Bay on Sunday, April 6, as riders from across Australia ﬂocked to the Morayﬁeld Sport and Events Centre to compete in the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic.

From jumping to dressage to western and gymkhana, competitors of all ages and experiences joined the fun, with several spectators also having the opportunity to

gallop through a course.

The event also saw a herd of nearly 80 hobby horses attend, including competitors and the public.

Peter ﬂew in from Sydney on Saturday to bring his two daughters, Teresa and Gabrielle, to the competition, as they always were upset they couldn’t participate in the European events, which are much bigger.

“In Europe it’s pretty famous and their friends

On the hobby horse trail

there were doing it, so they started to train and it’s what they love,” he said.

“One of their friends won a competition in the Czech Republic so I promised them I would bring them to a competition in Australia, and that’s why we’re here.

“It’s pretty incredible actually. You don’t realise how athletic it actually is but they are jumping 60cm obstacle courses, with some jumping over a metre.”

Both his daughters

trained for over six months for the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic.

Friends Symone, Emma and Almaryse, all in their late 40s and early 50s, joined together from Gympie, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast just for the event, with Symone even participating in the ‘Come and Try’ part of the event.

“We’ve been interested in it since it became a thing a few years ago and didn’t realise it was being done

here, in Australia,” Almaryse said.

“It’s great coming in and other kids and adults come along and are in character and it just allows you to be creative,” Emma said.

“I just love the imagination of it. You get to play pretend, while being athletic and you can decorate your hobby horse, so for me it’s just great fun and I want to compete in the future,” Symone said.

Congrats to all riders! e ,

Blackout SALE

Helping young ones ﬁnish the obstacle course.

Hobby horse fun for all ages.

Symone, Emma and Almaryse.

Alice jumping in 80cm competition.

Event organiser Maddy showing love for the sport.

Five-year-old Rose having fun. Symone and Jordan taking part in the ‘Come and Try’ event.

Mother-daughter duo Christine (83yo) and Dan.