Thursday, 22 July, 2021
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Council changes defended
Podcast for peace of mind
A tribute in the trees
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PAGES 25-28
Cruel rumours Anger over check-ins
The Stanthorpe and District Historical Society says it would like to “correct the wild rumours, and untrue claims” about the Cottonvale Monument to the Soldier Settlers from WWI and their wives and families. The society says the “sculptures for the monument have been privately acquired through a generous offer on the basis that they would be anonymously donated on completion and dedication of the monument”. “The monument was designed to honour the soldier settlers, educate future generations, and to be a major tourist attraction into the future”, the society says. The society’s full statement - page 3
A number of Granite Belt business owners have expressed frustration with increasingly “aggressive” customers who are unwilling to comply with Queensland’s new Covid-safe check-in rules. One business owner said a number of customers in recent weeks had demonstrated “inexcusable” behaviour when asked to sign into his business. Read more on page 5
Rental regrets A Stanthorpe and Cottonvale property owner has sustained what he described as “malicious damage” to his property by overseas workers living there. Robert Booker rented two properties to a man who then housed and managed farm workers they brought into the country from overseas. He says he was forced to kick the group out after sustaining extensive damage to his properties. “They’re the tenants from hell.” Story page 3
Church resurrected A quaint 106-year-old church at The Summit has been transformed into heavenly holiday accommodation and could soon be open to guests. Seventh-generation Granite Belt resident and owner of the church Rosemary Chapman has submitted a material change of use application to Southern Downs Regional Council. She proposed that the church, which is also
her home, be used as short term accommodation for some of the year. The 54 square metre church was built in 1915 and has hosted innumerable Sunday services and wedding ceremonies – the first wedding in 1916, and the last in 2005. Rosemary said she purchased the church at auction in 2018 after it was decommissioned in 2017, immediately realising her and
the historic building were a match “made in heaven”. “I will admit it’s been both a daunting task and a complete labour of love to bring both of us back to life over the last three years,“ Rosemary said. “It’s been an incredible journey to get it to this point and an absolute joy really, because I love doing things with my hands.
“And to have taken something back from the brink of ruin to something truly beautiful, I think is just too beautiful not to share.” She said if the application now before Southern Downs Regional Council is approved, holidaymakers and locals will be able to experience the charming church for themselves in no time. Story page 4
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