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STREETS

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Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival MARKET IN THE MOUNTAINS The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival has come around again and Stanthorpe's iconic artisan Market in the Mountains, will once again be held in the Stanthorpe Civic Centre on Saturday 7 March from 8am to 5pm, and

Sunday 8 March from 8am to 3 pm. There will be so much to choose from that your senses will reel. The organisers had a lovely comment from a fan who said Market in the Mountains was the best part of the Festival a lovely thought, they hope it's true. Market in the Mountains will be

supporting the Granite Wildlife Carers Inc who will have a donation table where visitors and locals can donate cash to help the damaged animals who have no voice and are in desperate need after the horror of this season - 100 per cent of money raised will go directly towards the care of injured wildlife -

your help will be greatly appreciated. Cafe de Market will be providing delicious homemade breakfasts, snacks and light lunches, tea and coffee and somewhere to have a quiet spell over the weekend. Mark Carter will also entertain diners in the Cafe - so what's not to like? ●

CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL ARTISTS

STAY UP TO DATE

FOLLOW STANTHORPE RODEO

Why not take a break for the bustling Apple and Grape crowds and come and enjoy our local art scene. Every piece of artwork in the exhibition is for sale and you are encouraged to pick up a unique item from our extremely talented local artists. 20 February - 5 April Weeroona Park 10am - 4pm Tues - Fri 10am - 1pm Sat - Sun

$1000

Extended Gallery Opening Times for Apple and Grape Festival Saturday 29 February: 10am - 4pm Sunday 1 March: 10am - 4pm Saturday 7 March: 10am - 4pm Sunday 8 March: 10am - 4pm

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OUTBACK

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DARCY FILMER

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Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival

Building a Better Southern Downs

JAMES LISTER MP Courtesy Bus

Member for Southern Downs

Thursday night Steak night 200g steak, chips & salad

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Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival The Apple & Grape Harvest Festival is upon us again, with all the excitement and the hustle and bustle. If you would like a little respite from all that, why not come along and enjoy an hour or so of beautiful, relaxing music, presented by the Granite Belt Choir and friends. The Musical Quiet Hour has been a feature of the Apple & Grape Festival

for over 20 years now and is always very popular. This year's programme is music by composers whose names begin with "B", and is titled The Beauty of 'B'-ing. The theme was largely driven by 2020 being the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven. With this kernel of an idea the organisers started exploring other composers whose names begin with "B" and found an enormous depth of music from which to make the recital selection. There

Supporting Artists, Crafters, Hobbyists & Growers since 1993!

will be something for all tastes with pieces from Bach to Byrd, including The Beatles and Bernstein. Performers include The Granite Belt Choir, The Granite Belt Junior Choir and The Occasional Players. The Musical Quiet Hour is always billed as "an oasis of quiet amid the hype of the festival" so whether you are delighted by the prospect of the programme or simply require some quiet reflection for body and soul, this is the perfect solution. Be beguiled

Don’t leave town without a box of local apples, grapes and stonefruit straight from the farm.

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by beautiful ballads and bagatelles by Bach, Beethoven, Berlioz, Byrd, Bennet, Bernstein, The Beatles, Barnby, Binge, Backer, Bizet and more! There will be two performances, both at St Paul's Anglican Church at Cnr High & Corundum Streets. The first is at 4pm on Saturday March 7 and the second is at 11.30am on Sunday March 8. Entry is by donation. ●

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CHOIR SINGS IT UP

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FABULOUS ARTISTS, MAKERS, The weekly Stanthorpe Seasonal Feast Markets showcase the unique culture and authentic regional food and wine experiences of the Southern Downs. Bring a basket and stock up on some of the freshest local produce, with the offerings changing through the seasons. WHERE: Farley Street Piazza in Stanthorpe’s CBD. WHEN: Every Friday from 8am – 1pm

Saturday 7 March

8am – 5pm Sunday 8 March

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Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival PASSION FOR THE PERFECT BITE ... For Dennis Angelino, remembering the planting of the first apple trees at Gran Elly Orchard inspires his dedication as an orchardist. He was just a toddler when his parents settled on the Granite Belt to make a new life, and 70 years on (pictured) continues to tend to some of these original trees which still bare delicious fruit. In the past two decades, Dennis has added a variety of stone fruit and pears to the impressive selection of apple trees. Also moving away from the conventional model of highdensity planting and chemical sprays, he has discovered the benefits of using organic dry-farming practices. By eliminating the need for irrigation and chemical sprays, he supports his trees instead with mineral nutrition and good soil management. Despite the challenges of years of drought, hailstorms and wildlife destroying his crops, Dennis continues to have a passion for

producing the most flavoursome fruit in the district. With no chemical sprays or waxes, you can be sure Dennis' fruit is 100% natural. Just take one bite - and you will agree! Still driving his trusty red international truck for local deliveries, Dennis has taken a local and personalised approach to sales in recent years. Much of his time and attention is now focussed on the endless cycle of pruning, thinning, picking and packing that goes from one season to the next. To share this experience with others, Dennis will be running free orchard tours on both Apple and Grape Festival weekends. Dennis will be assisted by a team of volunteers and friends, offering you samples of his pure apple juice, and taste testing of the new season apples, pears and peaches which will also be on sale. If you are in the market for a box or two of delicious spray free fruit he'd love to hear from you! Better still - come and see Gran Elly Orchard for yourself! â—?

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Dennis Angelino.

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The Granite Belt has extra reasons to celebrate the Apple & Grape thanks to the rain of recent weeks.

CRUSHING IT SINCE 1966 he countdown is on with Stanthorpe set to roll out a green welcome to its biennial Apple & Grape Harvest Festival, which begins tomorrow, Friday 28 February and continues through to Sunday 8 March. The picking of apples and grapes is already underway and Stanthorpe has even more reason to celebrate, since the countryside transformed back to a carpet of green on the back of above average rainfall in recent weeks. Festival President Max Hunter said the recent rain has been a "game changer" for Stanthorpe. "The deluge of rainfall that came in January and February has seen a

transformation in not only our landscape but also the spirits in our community," Max said.

"With many dams now filled with water, the local farmers and grape growers who are the centre of our harvest festival, now

too will have more reason to enjoy the celebrations. "It's only held once every two years and this year's festival is tipped to be as big a celebration as seen since the festival first started 'crushing it' in 1966, with organisers inviting visitors to 'Holiday Here This Year' on a trip to Stanthorpe in Queensland's cool Granite Belt. Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Queensland Government supports regional events because they boost regional jobs. "Events like this attract visitors which boosts the region - and we know that people who visit our regions are the best advocates for regional tourism destinations," Ms Jones said.

IN THE HEART OF GRANITE BELT WINE COUNTRY Staying with us for just one night or five, Ballandean Tavern Motel is the perfect location for that much needed break, ideally situated 20km from Stanthorpeâ€™s CBD in the heart of Granite Belt Wine Region and only a short drive from some of the regions most popular attractions. Tuck into a scrumptious meal at our on site restaurant or unwind and share a few laughs and a drink out on the verandah, looking over the beautiful Ballandean Valley.

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· Friday 28 February - Ergon Energy Street Party, the Turning On the Festival Lights · Saturday 29 February - The National Busking Championships South East Qld Final will fill the streets with music; Apple and Grape Cup golf day · Sunday 1 March: 'That Dam Ride' cycle event; 'Banchetto Italiano' Italian Long Lunch (sold out).

MIDWEEK ... A great time to get together with family and friends in beautiful Stanthorpe.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS ... The first weekend, Friday 28 February Sunday 1 March ...

BUSKERS THROW THEIR HATS IN THE RING Renowned as a grape-stomping good time, Stanthorpe's Apple and Grape Festival also promises festival-goers a toe-tapping good time when the town hosts the Australian National Busking Championships South East Queensland Regional Finals this Saturday 29 February 2020. Buskers from around South East Queensland will converge on Stanthorpe, filling the streets with music and complimenting a range of family entertainment on offer during the first weekend of the Festival. "We love hosting the regional Busking Championships as part of Apple and Grape and we're always excited to see who comes out of the woodwork to sing and play up a storm," Greg Thouard, Festival Vice President said. This year 2020 marks Stanthorpe's fifth year of hosting the popular regional busking championships, which provide competitors a stepping-stone

ABOUT THE APPLE & GRAPE FESTIVAL ... The Apple & Grape Festival came to be in 1966, renamed from The Apple Blossom Festival, which itself was born from the Back to Stanthorpe Week celebrations of 1954. The event had run its course by the mid 1960's and hence a superstar was born! In 1965, the Apple Blossom Festival was not held due to insufficient public support. Representatives of the DSGC and Chamber of Commerce and Industry saw an opportunity for

151 High Street, PO Box 164 Stanthorpe QLD 4380 Fax 07 4681 3676 sales@cecmann.com.au www.cecmann.com.au

Phone

07 4681 4444

· Thursday 5 March - Apple Day: including apple pie baking and apple jelly making competitions, apple cooking demonstrations, pairing local wines apple dishes, and the hotly contested Longest Apple Peel competition. The second weekend ('the big one'!) -

Friday 6 - Sunday 8 March ...

FRIDAY 6 - SUNDAY 8 MARCH ... · Three days of food, wine and entertainment at the Heritage Bank Food & Wine Fiesta · Saturday 7 March - Channel 7 Grand Parade; the very messy Queensland Grape Crush Championship!; Southern Downs Steam Warwick to Wallangarra steam train journey. If you do one festival this year, make it the food, wine and fabulous fun of Stanthorpe's Apple & Grape Harvest Festival! For program and ticket information visit www.appleandgrape.org ●

to a career in the music industry. The Stanthorpe regional finals have produced four national Busking Championship winners - Mat Brooker, Felicity Kircher, Haystack Mountain Hermits and the Inadequates, so audiences can expect a very high standard of entertainment. "With the past four winners here having gone on to become Australian National Champions, we know we're in for some top quality performances - and from a visitor's point of view, strolling the street between buskers is the perfect way to enjoy the shopping and dining in central Stanthorpe," Greg Thouard said. The 2020 event will provide the perfect mix of music with busking all day from 8am this Saturday in Stanthorpe's CBD, culminating with the finalists performing a free concert at Stanthorpe Civic Centre at 4pm. The concert also includes a special treat performance by great friends of Stanthorpe, 2015 Australian Busking Champions The String Family, who

are returning for a number of gigs throughout festival week. The competition is open to everyone, from primary school-aged performers to seasoned professionals. Solo singers and musicians, duos, trios and groups of any genre, and non-musical street entertainers will compete for a share of $6000 in prize money over numerous categories including age categories, best band, judges' awards and People's Choice. Spectators can purchase Busker Dollars for $1 each and give them to their favourite busker, with the busker receiving the most Busker Dollars named as winner of the People's Choice Award.

a new event, to be combined with the successful "Eat an Apple Week" campaign and a committee was formed under the leadership of Max McMahon to plan the event. The success of the 1966 Apple Harvest Festival which included a Grand Ball, Street Procession, Athletics Carnival & Sports, tours of orchards, vineyards and packing sheds encouraged the committee to plan a biennial event. In the meantime, a new name the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival was

adopted to include more of the fruits grown on the Granite Belt. Events at the 1968 Apple & Grape Festival included the Miss Delicious Quest, grand ball and raceday, a tenmile race from Amiens to Stanthorpe, and a Festival Art Show. Between 5000 and 6000 people crammed a quarter mile strip of Stanthorpe's main street for the street carnival. Mr Gordon Chalk, Deputy Premier of Queensland, described the Festival's success as indicative of the high appreciation of people for the district. ●

MORE INFO ... · Buskers interested in participating in the 2020 South East Queensland Busking Championships should email buskingp2019@gmail.con or call 0427 670 150. Additional information can be obtained from the festival website appleandgrape. org. ●

We have your ! d e r e v o c y t r prope

RURAL PROPERTY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY COMMERCIAL SALES & LEASING AUCTIONS PROPERTY & CHATTEL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LAND SALES

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"The Queensland Government supports events like the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival because they provide a platform to showcase our destinations and draw people to Queensland." Known for its messy grape-stomping antics, the 2020 festival program delivers all the favourite harvest events - the fun of grape crushing, a hotly-contested apple peeling competition, plus a longer three-day Heritage Bank Food and Wine Fiesta from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March. The Food and Wine Fiesta brings together the Granite Belt's gourmet foods, award-winning wines and craft beer all to one location under the shady trees and picnic tables, all to the tunes of non-stop live entertainment. Delivering even bigger this year on what has always been a family-friendly festival, there's much excitement about a new Kids Zone adjoining the Heritage Bank Food and Wine Fiesta, located right next door within Weeroona Park, with thanks to new support from Woolworths and the Foundation for Regional Renewal in Partnership with the Australian Government. Festival entertainment and the partyfilled atmosphere will spill out into the streets, on the big finale weekend from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March. Crowds will gather for the Channel 7 Grand Parade and the Rebel Breeze FM Street Carnival, which will bring Australia's #1 whip cracking entertainer, Nathan 'Whippy' Griggs' and an explosive paint and light show to the streets with SoundStruck Percussion drumming. A big line-up of live bands and an eclectic mix of buskers will fill the air through the finale weekend, though the most impressive musical spectacle belongs to the gathering of hundreds who will gather in brass bands, pipe bands and thunderous marching drum bands who hit the streets en-masse after the street parade next Saturday 7 March. This first weekend of the festival sees the staging of the South East Queensland Finals of the Australian National Busking Championships take over Stanthorpe's CBD this Saturday 29 February, with a higher than average number of buskers indicating it's going to be a vibrant day to stroll the streets of Stanthorpe. Also on the first weekend, 'That Dam Ride' cycling event will draw cycling enthusiasts and novices alike for a ride this Sunday 1 March, which promises to be a picturesque route through the newly greened Granite Belt countryside. The festivities run over 10 days including two fun-filled weekends of entertainment.

EST. 1961

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NEWS

BUSKERS TO HIT STREETS BY CASEY O'CONNOR The Stanthorpe streets will come alive on Saturday with a record number of Buskers to descend on Stanthorpe for the annual Busking Festival now in its fifth year. Organisers are reporting that with still two days until nominations close numbers have already exceeded their expectations. Not only are numbers good, but there is a great diversity of performers and the public will be treated to a real smorgasbord of entertainment from 9.00am. Busking stations will be located in the main business centre along either side of High Street and Maryland Street. Maps and programmes will be available from the Apple and Grape office (next to Target) on Saturday morning and also on the Busking Stanthorpe Facebook page as soon as they are finalised. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Stanthorpe RSL organisers have included a new category for the Most Popular Local Artist or act from the Southern Downs region. The winner will take home a $500 prize. This has no doubt had a positive influence on local nominations. The Major prize has again been generously sponsored by PowerCat who have been great supporters of Busking Stanthorpe over the past five years. The winner/s of the Open category will take home $1000 prize money. There are also significant prizes for the overall People's Choice (sponsored by

It will be a real treat to have renowned Bush Poet Mark “Bushy” Thompson performing his own works and some of the classics during Busking Stanthorpe. McDonalds, Stanthorpe); and the Best Band (Sam's Fresh Fruit). How will the People's Choice and Most Popular Local Entertainer be decided? By the public's votes. There is only one way to support your favourites. You simply purchase Busking Tokens ($1ea) and place them in the token bucket belonging to your favourite Busker. Busking Tokens will be available at a number of locations in the street and there will be roving token sellers moving through

the crowd for your convenience. Once again there are also categories specifically for Secondary (sponsored by Power Tynan) and Primary aged Buskers (sponsored by Carnarvon Funerals). The Joyous Joey's (St Joseph's); the Stanthorpe State School Choir and the GBSS Auslan Choir are among the groups competing in the Primary Category and always have a big following of supporters. There are also several other young performers who have nominated this year in

both the Primary and Secondary categories as the Stanthorpe Busking Festival grabs the attention of young performers from across South East Queensland. One group who will be hard to miss is The Cosmo Collective. A high energy fun brass music group from Brisbane. Local teenage Rapper and Hip Hop entertainer, Sunshine is back after featuring in the prizes last year. Just a taste of the diverse entertainment in the Secondary category this year. There will be something to fit everyone's taste. Busking 2020 will also feature a Magician and Balloon Man who is travelling from Victoria. The mime acts who proved so popular with crowds in 2019 will be back to thrill with their very unique talent. Then there is Mark "Bushy" Thompson a well known Bush Poet on the Busking and music circuit. "Bushy" will entertain with Bush poems based loosely around his 'swaggies' life. Bushy theory is that life on the land is hard, some days are good, some not so much and for the bad times you need to find a way through it. For Bushy, writing poetry is that way. Make sure you take a moment to stop by and listen to his tall tales and true ones of Australian folklore. Local artists who are sure to capture the imagination and votes include well known acts Nine Year Sister, the acoustic music duo Smooth Talk and the JonPierre Duo who will perform music from the 1950's through to 2020. Continued next page

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From previous page Of course there is plenty more talent for the public to enjoy. Heart Ray is a popular duo who hail from Deepwater while Georgia Grace Knight and Laura Luscombe are two performers who are familiar with Stanthorpe and crowds will be familiar with their talents. Both have been regular visitors to Busking Stanthorpe since its inception five years ago. Georgia Grace will be entertaining solo while Laura this year will be joined by Tyler performing their own compositions and popular covers. Let's not forget local ukulele group The Graniteers and The Free Radicals from Killarney who will bring a different vibe to the street and so the list goes on and on. This is just a taste of the entertainment on offer. Busking Stanthorpe 2020 truly will be a feast of music with all genres and all age groups represented. While organiser hope the public purchase Busking tokens to Vote for their favourite entertainer/s all of the Buskers will have their cases, hats, pots you name it out accepting donations from the public and you are encouraged to also support the performers in the usual manner if you so desire. Any monies the performers receive during their performances is theirs to keep. Stanthorpe is "Open for Business" so make sure you come and enjoy the party. , support local business, enjoy local food and wine and above all else enjoy the entertainment.

Laura Luscombe is no stranger to Busking Stanthorpe. This will be Laura's fifth appearance at Stanthorpe Busking.

2020 LINE UP EXCITES THE MAN BEHIND ANBC

variety of important Busking infrastructure and a host of Judges Awards:- Crisps Coaches; Ensby Electrical; Morgans Financial Limited; 4Water Supplies; helloworld Travel; OutRite Computers; Polish Cosmetics; TyrePower; Vines Motel and Cottages; ihear; Anna's Restaurant and the Country Club Hotel. Busking Station Sponsors include:- Zest Bakery; Target Country; Country Club Hotel; Stanthorpe Newsagency; Australia Post; Shoex Shoe Fashions; Gleeson's Mercery; Central Hotel; Lilly's Cafe; Country Lane Lifestyle; Pink Poppies; inancial management Stanthorpe Cleaning & Hospitality; Carol l Power; Goldstone Jewellers; Cuts n Curls; l Farmhouse Cafe; Foxy's Bakery and Cafe 77. l Organisers urge you to support these l businesses. â—? generous

TRACY

DOBIE VOTE

MAYOR

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SOUTHERN DOWNS Here and now for our future

for the Busking and is looking forward to catching up with plenty of familiar faces. Following the performance of the String Family, each of the chosen finalists will perform on stage before the winners are announced.

THANKS FROM THE ORGANISERS The Committee of Busking Stanthorpe 2020 has been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses. From those who sponsor the Busking Stations in the street to the Major sponsors and all those in between - a very big thank you. Without your support in this tough time there would be no Busking 2020. The committee would especially like to acknowledge the following sponsors of a

projects than ever before.

Since being elected Mayor in 2016 I have achieved strong inancial management

l limited rates rises to just 2% - lowest in region in more than a decade;

RATES INCREASE

12% 10%

2012/13 8% 6%

THIS COUNCIL 4%

2016/17

l delivered four consecutive budget surpluses;

2017/18

2018/19 2019/20

l continued to pay-down inherited Council debt by more than $10million in just four years;

l attracted substantial government funding to deliver more infrastructure and community projects than ever before.

-TRACY DOBIE

COMPARATIVE % RATES INCREASE

% INCREASE

Of course the entertainment doesn't end when the Buskers finish their final sets at 3.30. The action moves to the Stanthorpe Civic Centre where from 4.00pm the public can enjoy a FREE concert in the Stanthorpe

Civic Centre. Opening the entertainment will be the String Family who have become firm favourites among Stanthorpe crowds since they appeared at the very first Busking Festival in 2016. The String Family return to Stanthorpe from their North Queensland base just south of Innisfail. They are currently the resident act at the heritage listed tourist attraction Paronella Park where they perform nightly. Kim McCosker of 4ingredients has been searching for a way to support her hometown since the Bushfire and Drought crisis. Knowing the popularity of the String Family and the joy they bring to the Stanthorpe Community she is sponsoring their appearance. Kim will also be in town

COUNCIL DEBT REDUCTION

DEBT

35000 30000

THIS COUNCIL

2012/13

25000

$â€™000

FREE CONCERT TO WRAP UP THE DAY

The String Family - Joel, Sarah, Heath, Ashleigh Moir will be on stage at the Civic Centre to open the Free concert commencing at 4pm.

Talented youngster Dennis Cominos (pictured busking recently in Tamworth) is one of a host of talented youngsters performing this Saturday.

VOTE 1

The Australian National Busking Championships is the brain child of Mr Allan Spencer of Cooma, NSW. The man behind ANBC is excited by the 2020 line up. Mr Spencer says he is constantly blown away by the depth of talent Busking Stanthorpe brings to the streets of Stanthorpe. Four of the past five winners of the National Titles which are held in Cooma each November have come through Busking Stanthorpe. A good indication that Busking Stanthorpe is a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Mr Spencer also acknowledged the hard work done by the 2020 Committee to attract Buskers to the ANBC South East Regional Finals - Busking Stanthorpe.

2016/17 2017/18 2018/19

20000

2019/20

15000 10000 5000

19 20

/1 18 20

/1 17 20

/1 16 20

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Caring for our diverse

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-TRACY DOBIE

ROLLING: BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE: AuthorisedKEEP by TracyTHE Dobie BALL 151A Palmerin St, Warwick, Candidate Southern Downs Regional Council

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 9

NEWS

INTEGRIA EXPANDS

throughout Australia, New Zealand, China, South East Asia, South Africa, the United States, Canada, the UK and Europe." Integria Healthcare's CEO, Michael Bracka said Integria Healthcare "is a firstclass provider of natural therapies and our decision to consolidate in Warwick positions us for future growth". "We look forward to working with Southern Downs Regional Council and the Warwick community to progress our expansion plans," Mr Bracka said. ●

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94 Palmerin Street, Warwick QLD 4370 Phone: (07) 4661 9800 Fax: (07) 4661 8881 admin@freetimes.com.au www.freetimes.com.au Editorial: Jeremy Sollars jeremy.sollars@freetimes.com.au Phone: 0427 090 818 Advertising: (07) 4661 9800 sales@freetimes.com.au Classified Advertising Phone: 1300 666 808 sales@networkclassifieds.com.au FREE community newspaper published every Thursday Circulation – 13,200* Readership – Over 22,000* Delivered FREE to households, businesses & farms throughout the Southern Downs region.

The Southern Free Times has five double passes to the 2020 National 4X4 Outdoors Show, Fishing & Boating Expo at the Brisbane Showgrounds on 2729 March to give away to lucky readers - to enter the draw visit www.freetimes. com.au and click on the 'Competitions' link ... ●

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Natural medicines and therapies company Integria Healthcare has announced plans for a major $7 million expansion of its Warwick production site, to establish a fully integrated, world-class processing and packing facility for high-quality herbal supplements and medicines and therapeutic Essential Oil products. A spokesman said the "investment and planned expansion are expected to create new jobs in Warwick". "This follows an announcement earlier this month that Integria will close its site at Ballina by the end of 2020 and conduct a phased transfer of operations to Warwick," the spokesman said. "Integria has already invested $21m in the Warwick site over the last 5 years as part of its strategy to build a sustainable business, fit for future market requirements. "Plans to develop the Warwick site have already commenced, including warehouse expansion and site works for the construction of an expanded factory. "It is expected the transfer of production operations from Ballina to Warwick will be completed by the end of the year. "The major capital investment will support Integria's plans to further develop its unique, high-quality portfolio of natural, therapeutic medicine brands including its flagship MediHerb herbal practitioner brand, Thursday Plantation Essential Oils and Thompson's herbal supplements. "Products from Warwick will be sold

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NEWS PUBLIC MEETING ON GORGE Interested residents and stakeholders are invited by the Southern Downs Regional Council to attend a public meeting in Killarney tonight, Thursday 27 February. In a statement released on Monday of this week a council spokeswoman said "as previously committed to, Council will provide information relating to the outcome of investigations into maintenance works on the Condamine River Road crossings". "Feedback from the public on preferred

management options going forward will also be sought." Details of the meeting ... · What: Killarney Public Meeting Condamine River Road crossings · Who: Open to the public · When: 6.30pm tonight, Thursday 27 February 2020 · Where: Killarney Senior Citizens, 11 Ailanthus Street, Killarney ●

Connor Horan.

CHARGES LAID AFTER ARREST Horan was in the care of a female babysitter when he was taken to Warwick Base Hospital and declared deceased at 11.30am on August 19 2018. Police said this week's arrest followed "an extensive investigation conducted by detectives from Warwick Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) and the Child Trauma Unit". Halcrow has been remanded in custody and made no application for bail in the Warwick Magistrates Court this week. ●

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Detectives this week charged a 40-year-old woman following investigations into the death of a two-year-old boy in Warwick in 2018. Lisa Rose Halcrow has been charged in relation to the death of Connor Horan in August 2018 and faces one count each of murder and assault causing grievous bodily harm. The charges were mentioned in the Warwick Magistrates Court on Tuesday of this week and were adjourned for further court mention on May 6 2020. Police had earlier alleged that Connor

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NEWS

LATEST ON REGION’S WATER IRRIGATION RELEASES

Sandy Creek flowing downstream of Leslie Dam. The irrigation water will be used for farming purposes by irrigation licence holders in the Warwick area. Picture: JEREMY SOLLARS

Irrigator water gushing out of Leslie Dam last weekend. The irrigation release by dam owner Sunwater will continue until the dam drops to around 15,000 megalitres - the remaining water is reserved for urban use in Warwick. Dam water for irrigation purposes. Those fees are paid irrespective of the water level in Leslie Dam and the 'bottom' 15,000 megalitres is reserved for urban use by the Southern Downs Regional Council, which also pays licence fees. Before the current release began at the weekend the Free Times last week asked Sunwater if any irrigation release from Leslie Dam was imminent, given recent inflows into the dam.

GARAGES & PATIOS

A spokeswoman issued the following statement last Friday 21 February "Due to recent rainfall, Sunwater has announced medium priority customers for the Upper Condamine Water Supply Scheme will have access to a portion (20%) of their allocation for the first time since July 2017," the spokeswoman said. "After a prolonged period of dry conditions, Sunwater is very pleased that Leslie Dam has received inflows following

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the recent rain, increasing the dam's capacity to 18.7% of capacity. "This allocation will be available for customers as long as the dam's supply level remains above 15,000 megalitres. "As at 2pm on 21 February, Leslie Dam capacity was at 19,837 megalitres. "High priority allocations (typically reserved for urban communities, permanent cropping and industry) for the scheme remain at 100%. "Sunwater will work with customers to ensure water releases to allocation owners can be coordinated to maximise delivery efficiency. "Today's announcement is great news for the Warwick community and our customers, and we are hopeful for more inflows in the coming weeks and months."

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Leslie Dam owner Sunwater last weekend began releasing water for downstream irrigators for the first time since July 2017, with the dam having late last week reached close to 19 per cent of full capacity. Sunwater says the irrigation release will continue until the "cut-off " level in the dam is reached. "The 'cut-off ' level for medium and high-B priority customers is activated when Leslie Dam is equal to, or below 460.35 metres full supply level (approximately 15,000 megalitres)," a Sunwater spokeswoman said this week. "If the 'cut-off ' level is reached, the remaining 15,000 megalitres of water within Leslie Dam is reserved for urban water supply (Southern Downs Regional Council). "Water currently being released from Leslie Dam is owned by, and being delivered to Sunwater customers. "Sunwater is working with customers to ensure water releases can be coordinated to maximise delivery efficiency." Some Free Times readers commenting on Facebook last weekend expressed a view that no water from Leslie Dam should be released given urban water users are still on water restrictions. Sunwater irrigation customers - in other words, farmers in the Warwick and surrounding areas in the region in the Condamine River catchment - pay quarterly licence fees to Sunwater to draw on Leslie

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orangeGALLERY wall 5 March - 25 April 2020 Coastal Dreaming - Warwick Potters Assiciation The Warwick Potters Association was formed in 1973 and is one of the most beloved recreational groups in Warwick. This exhibition is a showcase of the current members’ ceramics. Please join us for the oficial opening by Councillor Sheryl Windle

Friday 6 March at 6pm • Warwick Art Gallery Warwick Art Gallery 49 Albion Street Warwick QLD 4370 (07) 4661 0434 FREE ENTRY Tuesday - Friday 10 am to 4 pm Saturday - Sunday 10am to 1pm

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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TARGET REVIEWED ... Southern Downs councillors last week voted to ease water restrictions and move from emergency level to critical level of 100L per person per day. In a statement released last Wednesday 19 February - following the last monthly council meeting before the March election a council spokeswoman said "in making its decision, Council urges residents to remain vigilant with water usage, citing that one rain event did not break the drought". Mayor Tracy Dobie said that while the recent rain offered "a reprieve for the community with private dams and water tanks filled to overflowing, more water was still needed in the urban dams". "It is a wonderful sight to see green grass and water in our private dams and tanks again, and this certainly offers some hope to our residents and farmers," Cr Dobie said. "While our urban dams did receive some inflow from the recent rain and this has allowed Council to relax water restrictions in the interim, much more water is needed and all residents have a responsibility to continue conserve and use water wisely. "Water will continue to be trucked from Warwick to Stanthorpe until Storm King Dam has six month's supply. Councillor for Health, Cultural Diversity and Learning Neil Meiklejohn said the community needs "to consider water usage while we are still carting to Stanthorpe and how this will affect the amount of water that we are carting". "We're still in a sensitive state with only three months of water in Storm King Dam," Cr Meiklejohn said. "I'm equally aware that people are looking for respite from restrictions."

THE BASIC OF THE RESTRICTIONS ... FROM THE COUNCIL WEBSITE ...

Water restrictions do not apply to the use of private bore water, rainwater and bucketed greywater. All outdoor water use is prohibited health and safety purposes are exempt by application Permitted - using a 10 litre bucket filled from a tap - forming part of an individual's daily allowance · Washing vehicle windscreens, windows, mirrors and headlights · Cleaning of wheelie bins for hygiene · Washing of family pets, their pens and kennels · Approved use of greywater from laundry, showers and baths on gardens and lawns within the property boundary · When a residential property is consuming more than 600 litres per property per day without reasonable cause a fine may be issued For more details on water restrictions visit www.sdrc.qld.gov.au

DAM LEVELS AS OF TUESDAY OF THIS WEEK, 25 FEBRUARY (SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL DATA) Stanthorpe - Storm King Dam · Current level and volume 18.7% and 385 ML. · Water remains in Storm King Dam as a contingency for emergency events and to provide a habitat for aquatic life. · Warwick · Leslie Dam - current level and volume 18.05% and 19,178 ML · Connolly Dam - current level and volume 81.8% and 1772 ML · Based on the latest data and current targeted usage (100 l/p/d), Leslie Dam will take approximately 36 months to reach it's minimum operating level. Connolly Dam will be able to supply water for 25 months based on current water usage. This includes the supply of water to Stanthorpe and will be dependent on water quality.

BOAT RAMP UNVEILED On the plus side for recreational boat users the Southern Downs Regional Council says boaties can now "better access Leslie Dam at low-water levels following the completion of a new boat ramp". Sunwater and the council constructed the new ramp below the fish stocking shed along Saddledam Road to allow for boats to be launched when dam storage is as low as nine per cent. Sunwater General Manager South John Kelly said recent dry conditions had provided an opportunity to build the ramp at the dam. Continued to page 14

Long-time supporters of the proposed Emu Swamp Dam for Stanthorpe including Cr Vic Pennisi, pictured here with Deputy PM Michael McCormack, Federal MP for Maranoa and deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud and State MP for Southern Downs James Lister - have welcomed ''advance'' funding for the project by the Queensland Government. Picture: (FILE IMAGE)

"ADVANCE" FUNDING FOR EMU SWAMP DAM The Queensland Government says water security plans "for southern inland Queensland have been further boosted with a six-million-dollar funding advance to progress the Emu Swamp Dam on the Granite Belt". In a statement released late last week Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the money would "allow Granite Belt Water over a number of instalments to get on with early preconstruction activities". "My government has already committed $13.6 million to this project, and that commitment is solid," the Premier said. "But the proponent has asked for a special advance from those funds and I have listened. "Emu Swamp Dam could provide up to 3900 megalitres of water every year to local farmers. "That means jobs - jobs in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. "It means young people and families staying in the region, putting their pay packets through the local stores, and sending their kids to the school." Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the advance would allow Granite Belt Water "to develop and release tender documents for design and construction, fund contracts with irrigators and start work to meet the conditions associated with the total funding for the project". Granite Belt Water chairman Dan Hunt said the announcement was

welcome news to the proponent and local irrigators. "This is the essential seed funding we need to progress initial activities and get this project rolling," he said. "We appreciate the effort of government officers who have been constructively working with us to progress the project. "The funds for pre-construction activities will help us meet the conditions on the rest of the funding and potentially progress a project that would deliver 700 permanent new jobs in the region, along with 250 jobs in construction. "With this funding, Granite Belt Water expects a final decision could be made on the commercial feasibility of the project by October." Granite Belt Water proposes an $84 million dam on the Severn River near Stanthorpe to provide water to local farms via a 117-kilometre pipe network. The distribution network will include solar power generation and large scale battery storage to power the pumps. The Premier said "usually, a proponent would fund works and receive reimbursement from the state". However, the Premier said she recognised "the challenges Granite Belt Water faced in advancing this project". "The Granite Belt has been doing it tough, but some dams are filling and there are smiles on people's faces again," she said. ●

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 13

NEWS

The new Leslie Dam boat ramp was officially unveiled last week by charter member of the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association and former councillor Les Meiklejohn OAM. From page 13 "We are very pleased that Leslie Dam has received some inflows in the most recent rainfall event raising the volume storage to 18.7 per cent of capacity," Mr Kelly said. "This great news for the Warwick community and we are hopeful for some further inflows. "Construction of the boat ramp during the low water levels provided an opportunity to be able work with council on new ideas and options for the community and with the recent inflows the new boat ramp now extends underwater for at least

30 metres out into the lake." A council spokeswoman said the ramp is 140 metres long and six metres wide and was built with flexible concrete mattresses. "An existing bitumen road was also extended to provide access to the ramp," the council spokeswoman said. Mayor Tracy Dobie said the installation of the new ramp was made possible thanks to several community stakeholders. "The dam's ski, sailing and fishing clubs all provided invaluable input into the project," Cr Dobie said. "Council is pleased this new ramp, which

is the fourth on the dam, will improve accessibility for users." Mr Kelly reminded recreational users of the dam to exercise caution due to the lower than usual water levels. "The threat of exposed and submerged hazards, shallow water and blue-green algae increases as dam levels drop," he said. "Always read the signs and be aware of your surroundings. "Stay outside the buoy line upstream of the dam wall and a 40-knot speed limit applies. "When it comes to boating, it remains the skipper's responsibility to be aware of the risks associated with operating their vessel on the lake." · For information about water activities on Lake Leslie contact Maritime Safety Queensland (Brisbane region) on (07) 3632 7500 or visit their website at www. msq.qld.gov.au

HOLDING TANK Tenterfield residents may have noticed a large tank being constructed at the entrance to the Tenterfield Dam and Water Treatment Plant site. A Tenterfield Shire Council spokesman said Southern Cross Tanks are installing the tank for Council and it is was due completed last Friday, 21 February. "This new tank is part of Council's ongoing emergency water supply preparations which will continue into the future even though the Dam remains at 100% capacity," the spokesman said. "During the August 2019 fire, the water filtration plant sustained some fire damage to the sludge holding pond.

The new holding tank at Tenterfield's dam. "The new tank will function as a temporary holding tank to enable replacement of the liner in the damaged pond. "Following these works, the new tank will repurposed either for bore water storage or as a holding tank for waste water from the reverse osmosis plant which has been commissioned to process bore water. "The new tank has a capacity of 620 kilolitres and cost $106,050 including installation." Tenterfield Mayor Peter Petty reassured the community the council "will not cease the planned works to ensure an emergency water supply for Tenterfield into future decades". "We don't know what Mother Nature may throw at us, but this time we will be prepared and our residents can be confident that there will always be potable water available", Cr Petty said. ●

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ELECTION LATEST... The Warwick Chamber of Commerce has nominated council fees, procurement and infrastructure as the key issues which will win the business vote at the Local Government Elections on 28 March 2020. In a letter inviting Mayoral candidates to a Meet the Candidates event on 10 March 2020 at the Hawker Road Function Centre, Warwick Golf Club, the Warwick Chamber President said that while local issues varied across Queensland "every chamber of commerce will be pushing candidates to commit to three promises as part of a statewide 'Small Business is a BIG Deal' campaign". "We desperately need local Councils to cut development fees, buy more of their supplies from small businesses, and invest in projects which will kickstart our local economy," Chamber President Julia Keogh said. "Small business is a BIG deal in Warwick and our surrounding towns and villages. "More than 98% of all the businesses located here are small, and about 50% of our population works in a small business, so when small business hurts our whole community hurts too. "The Chamber of Commerce's 'Pulse Survey' shows Queensland businesses are suffering through the worst conditions and confidence since the global financial crisis. "Committing to our three BIG deal

policies will be the best way to turbocharge the region. "Businesses will expand, more money will flow through the local economy, and better infrastructure will encourage more people to come here and spend here."

UPCOMING EVENTS ... · The Warwick Chamber of Commerce will hold a 'Meet the Mayoral Candidates Breakfast' event on Tuesday 10 March at the Hawker Road Function Centre, Warwick Golf Club and has invited all declared mayoral candidates to participate. · Entry is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members. For tickets, please go to https://warwicktickets.com.au/ event/11245 · The Warwick Chamber will also be hosting a 'Meet the Candidate Event' on Thursday 12 March at the Criterion Ballroom, Palmerin Street, Warwick, commencing at 5.30pm. · All Candidates in the forthcoming local election have been invited to provide a brief introduction and their vision for the Southern Downs over the course of the next four years. A cash bar will be in operation and complimentary finger food will be on offer, following the candidate presentations. Bookings for this free event are required to assist with catering purposes - https://warwicktickets.com.au/ event/11247 ●

My Emu Swamp Dam Thank You List •฀To฀Premier฀Annastacia฀Palaszczuk฀for฀announcing฀last฀week฀a ฀ $6m฀advance฀to฀kick-start฀inal฀pre-construction฀activities.฀ •฀To฀James฀Lister฀for฀continually฀supporting฀the฀project฀in฀Parliament. •฀To฀David฀Littleproud฀for฀championing฀the฀project฀in฀Canberra. •฀To฀Deputy฀Prime฀Minister฀Michael฀McCormack฀for฀visiting ฀ Stanthorpe฀in฀Jan.฀2019฀to฀announce฀Federal฀funding. •฀To฀former฀late฀Mayors฀of฀Stanthorpe฀Shire฀Council฀Adrian฀Finlay ฀ and฀Glen฀Rogers฀for฀supporting฀the฀project฀when฀it฀was฀just฀a ฀ concept฀and฀needed฀much฀technical฀and฀environment฀work. •฀To฀former฀SDRC฀Mayors฀Ron฀Bellingham฀and฀Peter฀Blundell฀for ฀ supporting฀the฀project฀when฀funding฀was฀unclear฀but฀the฀need฀was ฀ still฀recognised. •฀To฀the฀other฀two฀candidates฀who฀worked฀with฀me฀tirelessly฀for ฀ years฀to฀see฀Emu฀Swamp฀Dam฀designed,฀approved฀and฀funded ฀ (Electoral฀rules฀prevent฀me฀naming฀them,฀as฀I’m฀also฀a฀candidate ฀ for฀the฀Council฀elections).

Emu฀Swamp฀Dam฀is฀a฀great฀example฀of฀what฀can฀be฀ achieved฀when฀dedicated฀communities฀work฀together฀with฀ Governments. If฀elected฀I฀will฀look฀for฀cost฀effective฀ways฀to฀get฀Council฀ back฀into฀Emu฀Swamp฀Dam฀to฀avoid฀having฀to฀cart฀water฀to฀ Stanthorpe฀in฀the฀next฀drought. Emu Swamp Dam in Numbers

The Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Free Times will hold a 'Meet The Candidates' event on Wednesday 11 March from 5.30pm at the Stanthorpe Exhibition Centre at the Stanthorpe Showgrounds. Mark the date in your diary, and start thinking about your questions for the candidates. If you have a question or questions you would like to submit, please email them either to the Chamber or the Free Times at · stanthorpecoc@granitenet.com.au · jeremy.sollars@freetimes.com.au Alternately the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce will make question boxes available in the Stanthorpe town centre in the next few days for people who don't have access to email. It is anticipated that the event will be a similar format to the last meet the candidates event the Chamber hosted in 2016, with all the councillor candidates being able to set up a table from 5.30 - 7pm for community members to ask the candidates directly about the things that concern them. The mayoral candidates will then be given the opportunity to respond to a set of questions but there will be no questions from the floor on the night.

KEY ELECTION DATES ... Candidate nominations for the 2020 Southern Downs Regional Council election officially opened last Saturday 22 February, and close at midday on Tuesday 3 March. The election will be held on Saturday 28 March and will be by the freetimes.com.au

'attendance' method at local polling booths, unlike the postal ballot at the last council election in 2016. Candidates are able to announce they are running prior to the official opening of nominations, but midday on Tuesday 3 March is the final cutoff for the nomination forms to be submitted.

CHECK ENROLMENT ... Have you moved? The electoral roll closes tomorrow, Friday 28 February. To check your enrolment details are up to date - and to enquire about postal voting if you cannot vote on election day call the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) on 1300 881 665 or online at www.ecq. qld.gov.au

KEY DATES ... · 22 February - Official 'Notice of Election' · 22 February to 3 March - Candidate nominations · 28 February 2020 - Close of electoral roll · 4 March 2020 - Ballot paper draw · 4 March to 19 March 2020 - Howto-vote card review · 16 March 2020 - Postal Vote applications close · From 16 March 2020 - Early voting commences · 28 March 2020 - Election day NEXT WEEK IN THE FREE TIMES ON THURSDAY 5 MARCH - A FULL LIST OF ALL MAYORAL AND COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES ●

Total cost of project. Federal Govt contribution Contribution from 51 Granite Belt family farms Qld Govt contribution Contribution from Southern Downs Regional Council Grant from Fed Govt to Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce to do dam’s $3.52 m Detailed Business Case. Started Feb 2018, finished Nov 2018 (922 pages). No Council involvement. 586 km2 Dam catchment area, compared to 91 km2 for Storm King Dam 23 metres 117 km 220 Ha 12,074 ML

Height of Emu Swamp Dam wall (Storm King Dam wall is 9.5 m) Total length of pipeline to run from dam throughout the Granite Belt (544 acres) inundation area (recreational lake) Volume of Emu Swamp Dam. Storm King Dam volume is 2,180 ML Annual volume from Emu Swamp Dam for irrigation. 3,900 ML Storm King Dam yields 590 ML annually for urban use. Volume of emergency water offered to Council for urban use when Storm King 450 ML runs dry. No Council funds needed for construction. Offer not accepted to date. 700 New full-time jobs after it’s built. 250 jobs during construction $408 Est. annual pumping cost per ML, to furthest point of delivery (Pozieres).

$68 m Annual increase in gross agricultural production for Southern Downs SDRC Mayor Peter Blundell said “Storm King Dam has been drawn down to below 20% capacity 3 times over the last 20 years” 21 Oct 2014 “Stanthorpe was left with just two months water supply from Storm King Dam in late 2007” “the main objective (of Emu Swamp), bringing a secure water supply to the Granite Belt for urban and irrigation use, drives everyone on.” Previous Council’s submission to Fed Govt for funding said “The construction of the ESD is considered vital to the town of Stanthorpe. Stanthorpe’s only 8 Jan 2016 water supply is from Storm King dam and in times of drought Stanthorpe faces severe water restrictions with Storm King Dam at critically low levels.” 7 Councillors + Mayor Dobie voted for report to Qld Govt saying; SDRC does not support Emu Swamp as the only viable preferred option to 23 May 2018 meet future regional water needs. The dam is considered by farmers as an unviable water option. No water should be allocated for Emu Swamp Dam 30 Jan 2019 Federal Govt commits to funding Emu Swamp Dam Formal offer from Granite Belt Water Limited to Council for emergency water 19 July 2019 supply at no construction cost to Council for the dam. To date not accepted by current SDRC. Council announces they will “source additional urban water supplies prior to 2036” because that’s when the Qld Govt report they accepted in Oct 2016 27 Nov 2019 said “Storm King Dam would have been capable of meeting... Stanthorpe’s projected 2036 average water demand without experiencing any periods of water supply shortfall”. January 2020 When Storm King Dam did actually run out of water

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$84 m $47 m $23.4 m $13.6 m $0 m

Authorised by Stephen Tancred, 15 Minna Street, Stanthorpe, Qld 4380. Thursday, 27 February, 2020

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 15

NEWS Do you have a local story we need to tell? Call Southern Free Times editor Jeremy Sollars for a confidential chat on 0427 090 818. Protection of sources is guaranteed. And remember - the Southern Free Times' office has moved - we are now located at 94 Palmerin Street, next to Wade Real Estate. Our phone number remains the same, 4661 9800, as do our opening hours of 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

MOVIE FUNDRAISER The Warwick Croquet Club will hold a movie fundraiser at the Warwick Twin Cinema on Grafton Street tonight, Thursday 27 February, screening 'Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears'. The fundraiser will commence at 5.30pm with drinks and nibbles and the movie screening at 6.30pm. Tickets are just $20 per person and available at the door.

TRIVIA NIGHT The Freestone State School P&C will hold their annual Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday March 14 at the Freestone Hall. Test your knowledge at an event for all ages, with multi-draw raffles, auction, lucky door prizes and more. Full cash bar operating on the night, 6.30pm for 7pm start. Tables of eight to 10 can be prebooked and tickets are just $10 per person including a light supper. To book a table call Bernie Ryan on 0431 014 863.

DIRT BIKE CLUB GRANT The Warwick & District Dirt Bike Club are the recipients of a brand new Genelite generator courtesy of Grants to Community Funding by the Southern Downs Regional Council.

The Warwick & District Dirt Bike Club has received useful funding. Club Treasurer Sarah Williams said the Club was extremely pleased with the successful application. "We have no electricity connected at our Club at Morgan Park so rely solely on a generator to operate our canteen, lights and Score Tower," Sarah said. "We have been hiring a generator for a while now and when we heard of the SDRC Grants to Community thought we would put in an application and see how we go. "We were ecstatic to learn the good news. "The Club has five Club race days scheduled for this year as well as two major State events and weekend practice days. "Having our own generator permanently at the ready will make our life a lot easier. "Even just opening for practice on weekends means we can now offer our riders some cold drinks and food." "The Committee worked on the application themselves and found it easy to navigate and complete.

"There is help available from SDRC staff and online are many examples/references easily available to assist in the process. "It did take quite a few hours in front of the laptop but the outcome is worth it. "I would encourage any Club thinking about it to just sit down and work their way through it step by step. "We are very grateful to the Southern Downs Regional Council for making grants like this available to Clubs. "We, like so many others are run solely on a small group of volunteers - something like this means a lot."

DISASTER FUNDING Disaster assistance is now available to Gold Coast, Goondiwindi, Logan, Somerset, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Western Downs councils to repair roads and other infrastructure following record rainfall and continued flash-flooding in Southern Queensland.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said while it was good to see the rain, the clean-up from the flood is cost these councils could do without. "The images of flooded creeks and rivers coming out of towns like Dalby and Warwick are astonishing to see after the long drought," Mr Littleproud said. "It's important that the impacted local councils know that the Commonwealth and State Governments are there to support their clean-up efforts. "This announcement means the flood affected communities will recover sooner." Queensland Minister for Emergency Services Craig Crawford said the funding will assist the councils restore damaged public infrastructure and the cost of cleaning up. "Communities that just a few short months ago were dealing with terrifying bushfires are now coping with torrential rain and flooding," Mr Crawford said. "But Queenslanders are a resilient mob and we'll face these challenges together. "I am proud of the joint State and Commonwealth DRFA that is there to stand with disaster impacted communities and help them through the tough times such as now." Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www. disasterassist.gov.au and the Queensland Government's Disaster Management website at www.disaster.qld.gov.au. â—?

WARWICK FARMERS FEED

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6PM, FRIDAY, MARCH 6 - AT THE SHOWGROUNDS AN EVENT TO SUPPORT THE REGIONS FARMERS DEALING WITH THE IMPACTS OF DROUGHT AND DROUGHT RECOVERY

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16 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

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LETTERS Transparency, economy, tourism... With upcoming council elections, some thoughts and questions for current Councillors ... · Transparency / Administration We get told we have an open Council and yet we have secrecy concerning the Saleyards, we have no report on the success or otherwise of bores that have been tested, we have numerous closed door meetings of which only staff and Councillors are aware. The current council appear to have forgotten they are the elected representatives of the community. They should be communicating, not a "council spokesperson says". It appears the elected representatives are being led by the administration instead of the other way around. Weren't they elected to lead? · Economic Development What are we doing to lure businesses to the Southern Downs? How many new businesses have moved to the Southern Downs in the last four years? How many new fulltime positions have been created in that same time? We need answers to enable the community to understand future planning. Currently there is a negative attitude and a lack of confidence in the business operators I speak to, along with a poor real estate outlook. We need planned economic action. · Tourism What are we doing to increase and build tourism? What are our actual visitor numbers, not estimates? What processes in place to capture actual numbers? What are the occupancy rates of our accommodation houses? Are they up or down? We need to be aware of active marketing and promotion of the Region. Why did we move the visitor to a matchbox in the Town Hall? Are there plans to relocate it to more visitor friendly space? How many staff are allocated to tourism marketing and promotion? What are the outcomes of such an investment? · Another portfolio we need to hear from! Open and transparent answers needed and those responsible for portfolios need to be accountable. Why is it they don't communicate directly to the community? Denis Kenny Ratepayer and Small business operator

PORTFOLIO QUESTIONS... Can our new councillors represent the ratepayers instead of representing the council?

All of our current councillors, despite having no departments to administer, have been given titles such as 'Councillor for Economic Development, Regional Promotion and Tourism'. As a result, councillors are bound together, like a Cabinet, defending council's position on virtually everything. There is no opposition and there are no back benchers representing local community views. It is the problem of a regional council trying to deliver local government. Perhaps the new council can forget the grand titles and give each councillor the real responsibility for a specific local community to ensure that all voices are heard on policy questions. I am not a candidate but I hope that we can look forward to a new Council that restores trust and · changes the focus of councillors from business portfolios to representing communities · genuinely listens to ratepayers · reviews the Invasive Pest Scheme · employs fewer consultants · develops its policies with climate change in mind · ensures that, if raised again, the Granite Belt De-amalgamation proposal receives fair and impartial consideration · spends less on PR - do we really need so much spin and so much self-promotion? It is ironic to see the SDRC (which has consistently neglected water and tourism in the Granite Belt) congratulating itself in recent times on its handling of Stanthorpe's water trucking (rescued by $800,000 a month of State Government funding) and tourism (being bailed out by State and federal government tourism packages) while it calculates (with a crystal ball) that its Invasive Pest Scheme will save the community $96 million over 30 years. I genuinely look forward to hearing what candidates old and new have to say. Robert Channon Amiens

THANK YOU TRACY... That time has come around again when we all have to decide who to trust to do the right thing by all of us, after the coming council elections. As most of us would know, the present council inherited huge debts of $32 million from previous councils. An underperforming senior staff, and council members demanding payment of expenses of around $25,000 a year in addition to their salary. A water purification system that needed replacement. Obsolete wooden

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have not been neglected either. With Tracy and her council supporting too many to mention. Tracy's foresight has provided at no cost to ratepayers an opportunity for older people to be able to catch up with the younger generation in the use of social media. A course so successful that Telstra have financed instead of two learning centres in Stanthorpe and Warwick but now Killarney, Wallangarra, Allora and Leyburn. Tracy's efforts resulted in the life of a person 15,000km away in the USA being saved. Small things maybe but they show she does listen to other people. Some are upset that the weed eradication was thrust on to them. Something in line with neighbouring shires. The efforts of the farmers appreciated by locals and visitors alike. Work requests to our council usually met promptly. Waste facilities better than most. Well-stocked libraries. All this thanks to the efforts of a team led by a diminutive lady, a credit to her gender. Is there any good reason to change to anyone else, hasn't Tracy Dobie proved her ability to run the council well on behalf of everyone on the Southern Downs. If we lose her we will be at the mercy of the unknown again and the possibility of slipping back to the old situation before Tracy Dobie became the best mayor we have ever had. Thank you Tracy you have done us proud. Tony Pritchard Warwick

bridges that needed replacement. We were on the Queensland Government Treasury Corporation watch list, classified as financially unsustainable! What a demanding task for anyone to take on, sorting this bad situation out. But come the hour come the man, or in this case woman. The people of the Southern Downs chose well, Tracy Dobie and her mighty council and her CEO have under the worst conditions ever experienced on the Southern Downs. Of drought, fire and floods brought us through. The debt has been reduced by $13 million, the under-performing staff replaced, excessive councilor expenses reined in, most of the wooden bridges replaced (only two to go!), water treatment plant sorted. The list goes on, returning $1 million each year in community grants, tank rebates, new pipeline from Storm King Dam to Stanthorpe, new water treatment plant for Wallangarra, upgrades to the pumps at Leslie Dam, Leyburn bore, to name but a few. Our mayor Tracy Dobie had been in the thick of things sorting the Stanthorpe fire problems and by negotiating with the State Government ensured the town did not run out of water. She used her considerable negotiating skills to gain a commitment from the Queensland Government to build a pipeline to provide water to the Southern Downs, so as we never run dry again. The people had asked for a safe place to walk their dogs off-leash, you got it! The sporting, artistic and cultural interests

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Post your letters to: 94 Palmerin Street, Warwick QLD 4370 or email: jeremy.sollars@freetimes.com.au

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 17

GARDEN TIME

BEATRICE HAWKINS

WREATH FLOWER IS A REAL EYE-OPENER In a previous column I wrote very briefly of the wreath flower of W.A. It is really a very wonderful sight to see in the bush as to be almost unbelievable. The name correctly describes it as it does look just like a wreath that could be used on Anzac day. Travelling north from Perth with my daughter and grandchildren towards Cervantes they stopped so I could take pictures of Kangaroo paw on the roadside. As I walked a little further off the road over what appeared to be barren gravelly soil, I saw these beautiful circles of flowers lying flat on the ground. I had never heard of them or ever envisioned that there could possibly be anything like them growing anywhere. The botanical name is Lechenaultia macrantha and it is a low growing plant that can extend up to a metre and more across. The centre is the green leaves with the flowers at the end forming the wreath. It seems to come in shades from cream, through to yellow and pale pink and then to a deeper purple/red. It is a late winter to early spring flower and likes the dry sandy coastal soils some distance north from Perth. Once seen will never been forgotten. Apparently they are fairly easy to strike

An extraordinary sight in the bush of the West... from cuttings if you have the right climate and soil type. Unfortunately we don't have that here on the Downs or anywhere else in the eastern states so you will have to make do with photographs if a trip to WA at the right time of year is not on your "bucket list". I count myself extremely fortunate to have seen them growing. Eucalyptus deglupta is another interesting tree. We tend to think all gum trees as native to Australia but this one is actually also native to New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines. It is the only species of eucalypt that is not naturally confined to Australia. It is confined here to limited coastal areas of North Queensland.

It is known as the rainbow tree or Mindanao gum, one because of its spectacular rainbow bark and the other because it is native to Mindanao. It is cultivated in the Philippines as the primary source of wood pulp for the making of white paper. It sheds its bark periodically though the year revealing the bright green trunk. This in turn colours on exposure to the elements to red, purple, orange and blue and all shades in between, giving a real rainbow effect. Maybe I am going to have to do a trip to the area in the north of our state to see this for myself. It certainly looks spectacular in photographs. The rain continues and is still being welcomed by gardeners and farmers alike. I am still pulling pig weed from my garden and lawn as with each shower more seems to germinate. I did succumb and spray it and it has knocked it sideways but has not killed it yet ... it does however look very sick where it has been sprayed. Even though I looked up recipes to use it in cooking I haven't as yet tried any ... not quite that adventurous! Once again I will remind everyone that the annual autumn flower show will be held

next week on Wednesday and Thursday. The venue is St Mary's Hall in Wood Street. Entries in the competition are free and just drop them to the hall between 8 and 10 am on Wednesday with the show open to the public from 12 noon and again from 9am on Thursday. If you are a member of the Society entry to the show is free or if you aren't a member it is only $3. As I have been driving around the Rose City, I see many beautiful specimens in gardens that have benefited from our change in weather. While plants and flowers and all things gardening are the reason for the Show in our 112th year, an enjoyable side benefit is the wonderful food that will be available. We have some great cooks in the Society and a range of freshly made sandwiches, scones and jam and cream and an array of delectable sweet treats will be for sale with your choice of tea and coffee. Everything you need for a delightful morning or afternoon tea or a light lunch and a catch up with friends. So, make a date and come see what our town has to offer in flowers and produce even though we have had a terribly dry time. See you there!! ●

CELEBRITY CHEF ROLLS UP SLEEVES TO FEED OUR FARMERS Celebrity chef and well-known personality, Matt Golinski will prepare a very special BBQ for local farmers on Friday, March 6. Organised by the Rural Financial Counselling Service SQ (RFCSSQ) to improve the mood of farmers struggling with drought and drought recovery, the 'Farmers Feed' will be held at the Warwick Showgrounds and registrations are free. Local produce selected by the popular chef, has been sourced for the event which is designed to showcase regional tastes. "I love any opportunity to head out into the country and meet farmers, see what makes their region special and get the chance to cook their produce." "As a cook I rely on having great produce to feed my customers." Matt acknowledged the challenges faced by Queensland farming communities and made particular mention of the local area. "I have the utmost respect for the resilience and passion of farming families." "Warwick and the surrounding region has a lot to offer, and I'm hoping to get a chance to visit some farms while I'm in town."

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Charleville based, RFCSSQ chair, Karen Tully will be attending the event. "The agricultural sector is worth around $13 billion a year to Queensland. "The impact of a long term drought and the recovery phase afterwards is financial, physical and emotional and we need events

Matt Golinski believes consumers can be more appreciative of what goes into producing the food they buy. "Everyone needs to travel to the country and get to know their farmers." "Once people have a picture of what's involved, they develop so much more respect for what they put in their mouths." The Rural Financial Counselling Service SQ plays a vital role in the support of rural Queensland. "We provide free, independent, confidential, mobile financial counselling to struggling farmers and small businesses in rural and regional Southern Queensland. That includes referrals to Government departments and programs, assistance with lender negotiations, the preparation of financial documents and financial literacy. "The main message for everyone is to seek help if applying for government assistance like the Farm Household Allowance, don't self assess." Registrations can be made at www.rfcssq. org.au on the events registration tab or by calling 07 46225 500. ●

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that farmers can get together, talk amongst themselves and relax away from the demands of their businesses." The Warwick area has been severely impacted by the most recent drought which has forced extensive State and Federal government support. An AgForce drought survey in 2018 revealed farmers face the loss of half their annual income in a 'normal' drought. The impacts of the 2018/2019 drought which has been described in media as the 'worst drought in the history of Australia' is still being gauged but in some cases, farmers have lost their entire annual income for a number of years. As the drought is replaced by welcome rainfall, the logistics of rebuilding can be overwhelming. "Honestly, sometimes we seem to go from one extreme to the other when it comes to weather but the rural industry has seen it all before," said Karen, "and even though we know what needs to be done, the financial impost on struggling businesses needs careful management."

For more information on our upcoming 6 week course, call or text Julia on 0488 297 956 Proudly supported by Stanthorpe McDonalds

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COMMUNITY DIARY SENIOR CITIZENS Warwick Senior Citizens monthly activities are at 13a Albert Street, Warwick. First Monday each month - Hoy (cards) from 2pm. First Tuesday each month - Friendship morning from 9am. Every Monday - 500 (cards) from 9am11.30am. Every Tuesday - TAI CHI from 9am. Every Wednesday - Indoor bowls from 9.30am-11.30am. Every Friday Crazy Whist (cards) from 9am-11.30am. Yoga every Monday. Subscription $10 per year and covers all activities. Phone Margaret on 0458 444 101, or Col 0407 131 050.

HEART SUPPORT The Warwick Heart Support Group meets the last Monday each month (except December and January) in the Red Gum Meeting Room at the Warwick RSL, 11.30am. Lunch after a short meeting. Every second meeting a guest speaker attends. A warm welcome awaits any person who may have experienced a Heart issue. Phone Norm on 4661 5421 or Jenny on 4664 8173.

SPEAK UP At Warwick Toastmasters Club meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at the CWA Hall, Grafton Street, from 7pm 9pm. Everyone is welcome to attend as a guest (free), meet new friends, hone your public speaking skills and build your confidence in a friendly atmosphere. For more incall Alice on 0402 032 502.

NAVY CADETS Navy Cadets TS Kookaburra Cadets Stanthorpe meet every Sunday at

GET POTTING

the Red Bridge Circuit from 12pm to 4.30pm. For more information call PO ANC Peter Beacroft on 0418 673 298.

granitebeltjuniorchoir@gmail.com or follow @granitebeltjuniorchoir on Facebook for updates.

GET CRAFTY

KIDS' MUSIC

The Sew Crafty Chicks hold their craft morning every Friday at the Warwick Bowls Club, Fitzroy Street, Warwick from 9am to 11.30am. Everyone welcome, come and enjoy good company, morning tea, work on your own projects, or learn new ones. Cost $5. For more info call Yvonne on 4667 3194 or 0427 673 194.

'mainly music' - a music and play program for preschool children and their families - held at the Warwick Uniting Church, Guy St. Thursdays 9:15 - 10:45 - during school terms.

Warwick Pottery Club has children's pottery classes on the first Sunday of each month 9am - 11am. $20 per lesson, all inclusive. Minimum age is 8 years old to participate. Warwick Potters House, 63 Horsman Rd, Warwick. For more information call Raye on 0402 307 637.

FREE MEALS

SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY

HAVE A HIT Social Table Tennis is every Monday at the Stanthorpe Fitness Centre, Talc Street, from 10am to 12pm. $5, everything provided. Call 4681 2411.

PLAY BRIDGE Stanthorpe Bridge Club meet at the Senior Citizen's Rooms, Marsh St. 10.45 for an 11 o'clock start. Visitors welcome. Call Keith on 0413870021.

LIFE LEARNING U3A Provide short courses for older people who enjoy learning but prefer the freedom to study where and when they choose. Inquiries to Erica on 4667 0848 or visit www.u3awarwick.org.au

SING IT UP The Granite Belt Junior Choir meets every Tuesday of school terms, at 3.30pm, at The Stanthorpe Little Theatre , 20 Connor Street, Stanhtorpe. Great opportunity to learn singing and experience performing in public. All school aged singers welcome to come and give it a try before joining. For more information email

Warwick Girl Guides Car Boot Sale will be on Saturday 29 February, on the corner of Percy and Wallace Streets, Warwick, from 9am - 1pm. Raffles, cake stall and Devonshire tea. Car spots $20, set up from 8am, byo table and marque if preferred. Payment by 14th February to secure your site. Call or text Marg on 0411 092 841 to book or for more information.

The Warwick Community Van mobile food van is in Warwick's Leslie Park every Sunday from 5pm to 7pm. Meals at no cost, along with pre-loved clothing and other items available. A good place to meet people and find company.

HANDCRAFTS ... CWA Handcrafts is on every Wednesday at the CWA Rooms on Grafton Street, from 9am to 11am. Cost is just $3 and this includes morning tea. Do your own or share handcrafts, or just come and chat. For over 70 years CWA has promoted handcraft in Warwick. Enquiries to Sharon on 4666 2197, or just come along. Qualified instructors.

SUNDAY 1 MARCH Glengallan Autumn Markets will be on Sunday 1st March from 8am - 1pm at Glangallen Homestead, 18515 New England Highway, between Warwick and Allora. Entry is free to markets, plenty of parking. Stall enquiries contact Terry by email, info@glengallan.com.au or phone 4667 3866.

ON YOUR BIKE Every Sunday - Stanthorpe Cycle Club meet at Bi-Rite Electrical (next to Woolworths) at 6.30 am. Times vary according to the season, call Keith on 0413870021.

WEDNESDAY 4-THURSDAY 5 MARCH Warwick Horticultural Autumn Flower Show will be on Wednesday 4 from 12pm - 4pm, and Thursday 5 March from 9am - 4pm, at St. Mary's Hall, Wood Street, Warwick. Public admission $3, members and children Free. Schedules available from Bryson's Place, 66 Palmerin Street, Warwick. Enquiries phone 4661 1414.

COUNTRY CROWD Travelling Country Music Club Monthly Meetings will be held on the first Thursday every month at the Cowboys Clubhouse, Queens Park, Warwick from 6pm. For more information phone Ruby on 0438 674 803.

PUZZLES Quick Clues

6 1 8 4 7 9 3 2 5

Solution No.4275

9 5 3 1 6 2 7 4 8

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

freetimes.com.au

25. In the end is off centre, which does depress one (10). DOWN 1. She’ll give you the South African rand exchange (6). 2. Beaches and abandons (7). 3. How dad rushed off? (6). 4. There’s a doctor on the boat? Capital! (6). 5. Stamp with a name (5). 7. Say it’s rotten and fell it (5). 13. Prevailed over, we’re told, in time (3). 14. Change the law! (7). 15. Nick gets off late on Sunday (5). 17. Not in any way is Whithead involved in the racket (6). 18. Find it impossible to turn again and run (6). 19. Were paid to and are changing the name (6). 21. Edgar has had a sex change (5).

4 2 7 5 3 8 9 1 6

ACROSS 6. A non-runner when the condtions are wet! (4,6). 8. Article read aloud for a girl (4). 9. The girl in bed: Natalie (4). 10. Nut of an accountant who’s got himself in prison (5). 11. Beef, though it gives you a thrill (4). 12. How one wins easily when one doesn’t give up! (5,4). 16. “Yarns The Deacon Spins,” put back (9). 20. Rod’s returned for the men (4). 22. We’d been wrong in naming him (5). 23. A bit of character (4). 24. Not bad when bleached? (4). 25. In the end is off centre, which does depress one (10). DOWN 1. She’ll give you the South African rand exchange (6). 2.

ACROSS

5 6 1

7 3 6 5 9 1 7 2 8 4

Cryptic Clues CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7613

How to Sud

Fill the gr every row 3x3 squar the digi

7 9 3 7 4 5

9 1 5 6 2 7 8 3 4

Solution 7 2 8 3 4 5 6 9 1

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO.7613 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Fast colour. 8, Anne (an). 9, (b)Ed-Na(talie). 10, Pe-ca-n. 11, Kick. 12, Hands down. 16, Anecdo-tes. 20, S’tag (rev). 22, Edw-in. 23, Part. 24, Fair. 25, Disheart-en. Down - 1, Sa-ndra. 2, Strands. 3, Pop-ped. 4, Mo-scow. 5, Frank. 7, Knock. 13, One (won). 14, Coppers. 15, S-teal. 17, No-w(hite)-ise. 18, Can’t-er. 19, Ear-ned. 21, Gerda (anag).

DOWN Speculation (10) Commendation (6) PUZZLE NO. 7613 YPTIC

7 4 2 6 8 5 1 9 3

Plant (6) Gape (5) Lesser (5) Before (3) Law (7) Blow (5) Prompt (6) Enrage (6) Account (6) Heap (5)

2 5 6 5

1 8 9 3 2 4 6 5 7

ACROSS Victorious (10)

9 6 1 CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 7613 ACROSS 8 DOWN Commendation (6) Fruit (7) 4 Lounge (6)

5 3 4 2 9 6 8 7 1

Unfortunately (4)

2 7 1 8 4 3 5 6 9

Famous school (England) (4)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 13. 14. 15. 17. 18. 19. 21.

8 9 6 7 5 1 4 3 2

ictorious (10) Enthusiastic (4)

No.4

7 8 3 6 2 6 9 8 1 3 2 7 3 5 6 4 2 1 8 4 5 2 7 3 3 1 6 2 5 8 9 5 8 2 8 3

12. 16. 20. 22. 23. 24. 25.

SUDOKU How to solve Sudoku!

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

6. 8. 9. 10. 11.

SUDOKU No. 4275

ACROSS Victorious (10) Enthusiastic (4) Level (4) Change (5) Famous school (England) (4) Indigent (9) Early (9) Unfortunately (4) Fearful (5) Sort (4) Cat (4) Speculation (10)

QUICK PUZZLE NO.7613 - SOLUTIONS Across - 6, Triumphant. 8, Avid. 9, Tier. 10, Alter. 11, Eton. 12, Penniless. 16, Premature. 20, Alas. 22, Timid. 23, Type. 24, Puma. 25, Conjecture. Down - 1, Praise. 2, Currant. 3, Sprawl. 4, Cactus. 5, Stare. 7, Minor. 13, Ere. 14, Statute. 15, Clout. 17, Remind. 18, Madden. 19, Report. 21, Stack.

QUICK QUICKPUZZLE PUZZLENo. NO. 7613 7613

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 19

4 6 3 8 9 1 7 5 2

1 7 6 4 8 9 3 2 5

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THE SPIN

FOOTY HEAT IS ON IN THE NORTH As we hurtle towards the NRL season, the focus of many rugby league fans last weekend might have been on the All Stars game between the Indigenous and Maori teams. However there was plenty of action in North Queensland that may have captivated the attention of not just FNQ audiences. After spending several days in Cairns spreading the love the Cowboys and Broncos faced off at Barlow Park Cairns in pretty damp conditions. The conditions did not bother the almost sell out crowd who watched a quality trial game in which the Cowboys got the upper hand in the second half and came away with bragging rights. No game between these two clubs is "just a trial" with the spirited rivalry that exists between the clubs. Further down the road in Townsville fans queued to get their first look inside the brand new Townsville Stadium and then relished the opportunity to visit the inner most sanctums of the facility usually reserved only for players. Of course one of the major talking points was the unveiling of the much anticipated statue of Johnathan Thurston. JT might not be an official NRL immortal but try telling that to the NQ faithful. The statue immortalises Thurston's unforgettable drop goal in extra time of the 2015 grand final handing the Cowboys their first premiership victory. It is a moment I am sure is etched in the minds of all NRL fans whether or not you follow

either the Cowboys or the Broncos. The statue does not disappoint and certainly does that moment of NRL history justice. The NRL season kicks off on March 12 which is not too many sleeps away and that brand new Cowboys Stadium will be christened with a replay of the 2015 grand final on Friday March 13. Not sure if that means it will be a Black Friday for the Broncos. In football mad NQ where fans and players have had to do with an upgraded and upgraded and upgraded trotting facility turned football venue since joining the NRL in 1995, the new Stadium is regarded as something special. You can bet they (Cowboys) will be circling the wagons and protecting it against marauding Indians or just unsuspecting NRL opponents. No surprise that this first game sold out with almost minutes of tickets going on sale. It really will be a moment in NRL history to be relished. Casey

bowls triples in the club's Apple and Grape Carnival in what was a rain interrupted afternoon. Local bowlers were joined by a large contingent of visitors from other clubs. Rain chased the bowlers off the greens forcing them to take an early break mid afternoon. Fortunately conditions improved allowing play to continue. Paul Zamprogno's team were the winners with teams led by Tony Schubert, Billy Lee and Dale Calligan filling the minor placings. The last round winners were Graham Warner's team. A special thank you to the sponsors of Sunday's carnival. On Saturday 16 local players checked out how the greens were likely to play the next day playing two games of fours and there were some excellent shots played during the

COOL BOWLS The Summit can probably lay claim to being the coolest bowls club in the state and it lived up to that last weekend with cool and windy conditions on the greens. It didn't seem to deter or hamper the bowlers however. There was plenty activity on and off the greens on Sunday 20 teams played two

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Southern Cross bowler Linda Hartley takes a measure while The Summit's Keith Mungall looks on.

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games. On rink five Artillio Zamprogno, Cliff Jones Paul Zamprogno and Rod Newlands played well to defeat Pat Cook, Tina Schubert, Jamie Zamprogno and Frank Taylor 13-9 in a pretty close game. On rink six John Cook, Brian Brown John Graham and Rob Capelli defeated Rocky Thompson Pam Moore Phil Davis and Tony Schubert by a three point margin. The final score 22-19. This Saturday the Summit Men's team head to Inglewood for the Inglewood Club Challenge while the Ladies Singles Championship will be decided with games played Saturday and Sunday. The draw is Pam Moore v Sandra Minns; Valda Newlands v Maree Keegan; Gaye Wilmot v Tina Schubert; Sylean Fairley v Jo McKaskill. The kitchen at the Summit Bowls has reopened and meals will be available on Friday night. Everyone is invited along. MARYVALE TO DEFEND CRICKET TITLE Maryvale has booked their place in the Warwick Cricket grand final albeit courtesy of the rain. When rain washed out the first final last Sunday, Maryvale received a saloon passage to the GF and a chance to defend their 2019 premiership win. Colts will now play Wheatvale this weekend in the semi final. In Reserve grade Victoria Hill meet Redbacks while Allora booked their place in the Reserve Grade GF with a nail biting seven run win over Victoria Hill. Continued next page

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Thursday, 27 February, 2020

SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 21

THE SPIN From previous page REGULARS IN THE WINNER'S LIST The names of plenty of regular Sporters' players appeared in the winner's list after Sunday's competition. Mark Lynam got the bikkies with Ian Anderson taking the runner's up spot. Anderson also took the Prop Pin and snuck home with one of the meat trays on offer. Matt Waterworth also played well returning the Best Gross score. Angelo Maugeri who claimed the Pin Shot on the third also snuck away with the other available meat tray and figured in the run downs along with Terry Byrnes. Sporters will tee off at the usual time slot of 7.30-8.00am on Sunday. Golfers are reminded to mark Sunday March 15 in their diaries - the popular Maureen Bates Memorial Golf Day. The two Ball nine Hole Ambrose is always a popular date on the golfing calendar with golfers treated to a BBQ and then some great prizes up for grabs. FOUR TABLE MITCHELL Stanthorpe Bridge players sat down to a four table Mitchell last Thursday. Hilary Richardson and Carol Axworthy were the winners of the N/S. Runners up were John Fernie and Helen Reeves. These are two pairs who always play well. In the battle for E/W honours, Carole Lihou and Peter Barry came out on top with Janine and Peter Cumming finishing second. BUSY COURT A busy Tuesday morning at the Stanthorpe Croquet Court. Two extremely experience teams hit the court with Heather Widderick and Grace Howard playing Effey Russell and Pat Schnoor. Grace Howard had one 'peel' while her opponent Pat Schnoor made three. In the end it was Russell and Schnoor who claimed a 26-17 win. Andrea Denkewitz teamed up Peter Tunbridge. The pair played well in their game against Peter Goodsir and Jenny Tunbridge both scoring breaks of two hoops in a row. Peter Tunbridge also made several long roquets as he and his partner took a 21 - 14 win. COMPEITITION HIGH NUMBERS LOW There was only a small turnout for the weekly Ricochet games last week but the players enjoyed very competitive games. Andrea Denkewitz and Peter Goodsir played Jenny and Peter Tunbridge in a very close game. It was not until the final turn that Andrea and Peter took the lead after Andrea had a break of two hoops in a row. Her partner made a series of good long shots. The final score was 24-18 in their favour but the game was much closer than that score line indicates. BACK ON SOME A TRICKY PITCH Cricketers finally got back on the pitch in Stanthorpe last weekend after a frustrating run of washed out games. On the CF White Oval Tenterfield had the daunting task of taking on competition leaders Valleys. Despite a couple of upset wins in their most recent games, Tenterfield were simply outclassed. Valleys won the toss and quickly elected to bat first on a wicket that hadn't seen a ball bowled in weeks. Things did not go entirely as planned for Valleys who lost two quick wickets as Geoff Swan claimed the wickets of opener Andrew Middleton and then despatched his replacement Cameron Crestani for a duck after facing just two deliveries. The experience of opener Charlie Moncada was evident as he and Anthony Marino set about steadying the ship. The pair took the score to 50 before Anthony 22 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

Winners of The Summit Bowls Apple & Grape Triples Bowls Carnival played last weekend - from left, Paul Zamprogno, Rod Newlands and Alex Mattiazzi.

North Queensland's favourite son Johnathon Thurston's bronze statue was unveiled last Saturday. The statue honours JT's famous drop goal in the 2015 NRL grand final which handed the Cowboys the title.

Marino was bowled by Brad Potter. Charlie Moncada was dismissed for 37 (Valley's top score) in the 16th over. Moncada had scored his runs in even time. His 37 came off 38 deliveries and the loss of his wicket was a blow to Valleys. It was up to captain Damien Martin to settle things in the middle. Josh Crestani was the next to the wicket but he too lasted only a few balls and joined the procession of batsmen back to the club house. Valleys were 6/98 after only 21 overs when Anderson (26) joined the throng in the clubhouse deceived by Dave Fowler delivery. There was some wag in the Valleys tail taking the score to 123 before the innings ended midway through the 26th over. It was perhaps not their finest batting performance; definitely many runs shy of where they felt they should have finished. The valleys Batsmen all struggled to get the ball away. Shaun Merchant took four wickets and a Dave Fowler three. Defending just 123 the Valleys bowlers had a job to do and they did not disappoint. In the end 123 proved to be a pretty fair score in the conditions. The Valleys bowlers ripped through the Tenterfield batting line up bundling their opponents out for just 43 in the 17th over. Geoff Swan (12) the only batsman to make it to double figures. The main destroyers were Cameron Crestani and Daniel Coup who each bagged three wickets while the captain, Damien Anderson chipped in taking two wickets for eight runs. While Valleys would may not been entirely satisfied with their batting performance they bowled well and were superb in the field. With two rounds of fixtures left to play before the finals begin Valleys will be working hard to iron out any issues. RSL YOUNGSTERS PROVE THEIR WORTH On Sheehan Oval Wanderers won the toss and chose to bat first against RSL. Scoring proved difficult for the top order and when opener Paul Cariage was run out in the sixth over they had only 13 runs on the board. The Valleys bowling attack continued to limit scoring opportunities and when the important wicket of Jamie Carnell (19) fell in the 18th over the score had moved to 67. While the senior bowlers did their job

early it was the youngsters Noah Mackenzie (3/11) with his skidding seamers and Ryan Hines (2/12) bowling slow spinners that bamboozled their more experienced opponents. Wanderers opener Tim Harslett showed his experience batting through the innings. He finished unbeaten on 39 as Wanderers were dismissed for 109 in the 31st over. Chasing a mediocre total on the Sheehan Oval turf could have posed a problem under threatening skies. Openers Sam Dowie (10) and Tom Garland (6) were dismissed cheaply but that was where the joy ended for Wanderers. Although scoring was steady Luke Brady (18), Neil Perritt (27) and Sam Dowie (25) kept cool heads guiding RSL to a convincing seven wicket win in the 30th over. Andrew Einam was the best of the bowlers taking 2/20 dismissing Tom Garland and Neil Perritt. Next week South's play Tenterfield and will be chasing a win hoping to hold on to third spot on the ladder. Meanwhile on Sheehan Oval Wanderers and Valleys will clash. Valleys will be looking to cement their place at the top of the leader board. They currently sit four points clear of the field and with just two rounds of fixtures to play and have their eye on the all important Minor Premiership. RSL are sitting on 40 points but have a makeup game to play against Wanderers before the final round. They currently have a better percentage than Valleys which could prove crucial. Wanderers sit in fourth spot but could improve their position as they have three games left to play. Again they hold a percentage advantage over South's should games fall their way. Could make for an interesting end to the season. FATHER AND SONS In a unique situation during Saturday's fixture games in Stanthorpe there were four father and son combinations playing. Anthony and Dan Coup played alongside each other in the Valleys side. Tim and Alec Harslett lined up for Wanderers and Luke and Rohan Brady were a handy combination in the RSL line up. At one point late in the Wanderers innings Harslett and Harslett were facing the bowling of

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

Summit bowler Ray Spiller shows his style as he delivers a bowl during Sunday Apple and Grape Triples Carnival. Brady and Brady. Meanwhile Chris and Charlie Haynes played for Tenterfield. It's a quirky stat and for the record a quick check of games played this season reveals there have been 13 father and son combination that have played this season. TANNY TRICKS The Tannymorel Bowls club is back on line with detail of what's been happening in and around the club lately. Last Thursday 14 teams rolled up for the Turkey Triples.Conditions were ideal for good bowls. Great weather and the greens running beautifully. Winners were the team of Marg Wright, Philpsy and Pedro Collis. In the opening round they had a 20-12 win over Warwick visitors Joe Torrisi, Bill Lee and Wayne Foster. In the Skips only round Pedro Collis scored a comprehensive 20-6 win to ensure their victory. Ed Welsh, Phil Wagner and Max Holder, the runners up scored a 15-12 win in the opening round. Max Holder followed that up with a 15-11 win over Pat Gainey in the Skips only round. Last Friday night the fourth round of the Tanny Classic was played. Seems everyone is having a go as the prize money looks to be anyone's for the taking. Scoring the major points after a win in round four were winners Damo Boal, Jimmy, Geane Lambert and Jessie who had a 12-4 win over Sophie Weier, Meeky, Fritzy and Coire. freetimes.com.au

email: wickets-stpe@bigpond.com

At the completion of round four Jessie leads on 14 points. Maddy Weier and Ryan Boal sit not far off the pace on 11 points but breathing down their necks is Hamish on 10 points. Mick Weier, Pricey and Fritzy are within range on nine points. Looks like this Tanny Classic is classic will go right down to the wire in round six. Following the bowls, the action moved to the pool table where there is even more heckling, cheek and dare I say cheating going on. Of course there is also plenty of fun and laughs. Why not head to Tanny on Friday night for fun bowls, one of Deb's great meals and spot of Kelly Pool. BIG FIELD FOR MEDLEY4BBB 25 teams played in last Saturday's medley 4BBB at the Stanthorpe Golf Club. They were competing for trophies donated by club members, Shaneen and Eric McLellan, who sponsored the event. Matt and Nikki Waterworth played very well returning the best score of 43 points. Both Matt and Nikki contributed evenly to that score and Shaneen McLelland was on hand to present their trophies. Tom and Trish Fittock finished just one point back. Their score of 42 putting them into the runner's up spot. A great effort from Tom who was a walking wounded only a week ago. On Saturday he put in a very hand first 14 holes leaving it to Trish to finish off the final few holes with some useful points. Keith Allen and Mark McCosker combined to return 43 points and take the honours in the non-medley section. Keith who carded a steady 27 points for the team while partner Mark ensured good scoring was maintained on the other holes. Runner's up in the non medley was the team of Trevor Wren and Richard Reardon with a score of 42 points. Matt Waterworth added to his win collecting balls for the pin shot at three and the pro-pins at 1/10 and 9/18. Tom Fittock held the pin shot at 12 and Eric McLellan collected at 17. Lyn Ludlow held the ladies pin at three, Nikki Waterworth with best approach at 12 and Fiona Kelly at 17. Scott Constable collected the remaining

Alex Mattiazzi was well rugged up for Sunday's Apple and Grape Triples Carnival at The Summit. In the rain-delayed event Alex and his team came out winners. pin shot at 12. Mick O'Brien was successful winning the birdies nest at 11. In the run down, a ball each to Keith and Helen Jones, Tod Beckett and Ian Henderson and Keith Green and Paul Mills. Saturday is the start of a very busy period over the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival for golfers. On Saturday marks the beginning of a busy period of competition over the Apple and Grape period. Saturday's competition is a single stroke event for the Apple & Grape Cup which is sponsored by the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival committee. Tee off is from 11.30 am. That will be followed on Friday (March 6) by the Apple & Grape Two Ball Ambrose sponsored by Crisp Coaches. Tee off on Friday is at 9.00am with a shot gun start. There is plenty to choose from for the keen golfer leading into the Apple and Grape Festival and there are time sheets on the board at the club house for all events, with time sheets on the board at the club. CRICKET NAIL BITERS There have been a few tense moments

CASEY O’CONNOR

From a kick to a statue...

watching the opening games of the Ladies T20 World Cup especially of you are an Australian fan. The Indian girls put plenty of spice into the competition from the get go with a win over the Aussies in the opening game. The Indian leg spinner Poonam Yadav bamboozled the Australian girls taking 4/19 and sending an ominous message to other teams. Earlier a solid but not spectacular Australian bowling performance restricted India to 4/132. The highlight of the game for the Aussies, the return to form of Alyssa Healy. It was timely return because not many of her team mates would have been delighted with their performance. Although the Aussies managed to hit back in game two against Sri Lanka they were far from their best reeling early in the innings at 3/10. It was time for a captain's innings and Meg Lanning stood up and rescued the Australians World Cup campaign. Australia will definitely be doing some soul searching to do after the opening

games. They looked lost against India's spinners. Poonam Yadav looms as a massive trump card against all comers in this tournament. While Alyssa Healy (51 off 35) was great in game one - not so in game two where she was out third ball so her form is patchy at best. The bowlers in game one were good and in game two Australian skipper Meg Lanning rotated through her bowlers, not allowing the Sri Lankan batters to settle. They in turn returned the favour tearing through the top order. Opponents now know Australia is vulnerable to spin and will surely exploit the apparent weakness. If Australia is to defend their World Cup title they must improve and quickly. The good news is that there is plenty of time to do so. As I sit holding my tickets to the World Cup final, I have my fingers crossed it's all plain sailing from here. I do however have a rather large dose of the nervous nellies. ●

now at 10.00am. Cheryl v Lyn with Daphne marking. Linda v Cita with Chris marking. Thursday 27 February Social Mixed Bowls starts at 1.00pm. For enquiries phone Ladies President Chris 0412 027 342. Saturday 29 February - Clark has organised our players for the Club Challenge to be played at

Southern Cross at 9.00am. Congratulations to Pat Gainey on becoming an umpire. If you want a ruling, just ask Pat. He will get down on his hands and knees to give you his measured advice. Find us opposite St Mary's Church and on Facebook. Think it, see it, do it!

AROUND THE GROUNDS

TUESDAY In conjunction with the Bushies Bash on Wednesday 26 February, Rose City Premium Meats are sponsoring their game of bowls, with names in the same time as Bushies Bash - names in by 5pm for 5.30pm play. Saturday 29 February; Social bowls with names in by 12.30pm for 1pm play. A date for the ladies to place in their dairies is 27 freetimes.com.au

February, when Trish has organised the quarterly birthday lunch. Venue is Roses Restaurant in Wood Street, Warwick meeting at 11.30am for 12 noon lunch. Nominations for the Open B Grade Singles (men's and ladies) close on 29 February. Entry fee to be paid at the window. Play to commence on 7 March, draw will be on the board. Challenge Match for the Men's District will be held at Southern Cross on Sunday 29 March. Players will be notified.

SOUTHERN CROSS BOWLS CLUB Saturday saw the much anticipated final of the club Men's A Grade Singles competition between Dave Scotney and Bill Lee. Clark Davidson marked the game. We saw Bill frothing at the mouth in his effort to get out to a good lead. With a score of 17 to 7 on the 17th end, Dave, shaken but not stirred, hit back with 5 ends in a row, making it 17 for Bill and 16 for Dave. However, Bill (even with a sore arm), got his trick stick under control, eventually coming out on top with a score of 27 to 20 after playing 29 ends. Congratulations to the one armed bandit. It must be true, that after creating Eve, God said "practice makes perfect". Social bowls saw Allan Davidson and Geoff Davis 18 defeating Greg Johnson and Joe Torrisi 15. Linda Hartley, Cita Weier and Lyn Marriott played an interesting game of scroungers with individual scores of 66, 73, 42 respectively. Nominations are required for the Club Men's Pairs commencing on the 7th March. Put your names on the sheet or phone Games Director Clark 0427 673 277. Thursday 27 February Ladies A Grade Singles at

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Last Wednesday19 February, KFC sponsored their usual game and we thank them most sincerely for their continued support. Results of play: J. White, H. Gibson d K. Hayes, M. Balfour 17-15; P. Seipelt, M. Holder d R. Bean, R. Tartan 19-8; T. Rogers, S. Valentine, E. Welsh; P. Cutmore, Y. Reid, R. Schitzerling d T. Rogers, S. Valentine, E. Welsh 17-13; R. Forbes, T. Pritchard, J. Ruhle d T. Owens, G. Brack, S. Ford 28-13. Winners for KFC vouchers with the draw of cards; P. Cutmore, Y. Reid, R. Schnitzerling. Saturday 22 February saw only one game of triples. R. Forbes, H. Gibson, M. Balfour d C. Johnson, R. Schnitzerling, J. Ruhle 21-18. Coming events: 3 March Open Triples - please note new starting time. Play will commence at 10am to cooperate with the other clubs who are all commencing their Open Triples at 10am. Wednesday 26 February; The Bushies continue to sponsor their innovative program to reward players for regular participation called The Bushies Bash incorporating four more consecutive Wednesday nights, points are allocated for attendance and winners. At the end of the five weeks prize money will be awarded.

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SOUTHERN FREE TIMES 23

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$13,999

12442642-FA09-20

20 alexandra drive, warwick Qld 4370 07 4661 2533 www.casselsauto.com.au

24 SOUTHERN FREE TIMES

**Based on commercial hire purchase. Payments in arrears. 10% deposit 60 months 30% balloon. To approved applicants T & C’s apply subject to lenders credit criteria. |

Thursday, 27 February, 2020

freetimes.com.au