Thursday, 16 June, 2022
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Incorporating the Southern Free Times
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Littleproud’s big promise to regions
Looking back on 150 Years of Stanthorpe
On the farm this week with Judy
PAGE 8
PAGES 14 & 15
PAGE 24
Rallying for Doug
Alpaca my winter coat Locals across the Southern Downs woke up to a crisp winter morning on Thursday 9 June, with temperatures dropping to -3 degrees. Check out our gallery on page 13
By Dominique Tassell Local Doug Birthisel lost all his belongings after his Glen Aplin home caught fire on Thursday 9 June. Doug left his home on Emu Swamp Road for work at 5:30 am and neighbour Markus Repo noticed the fire at 3:45 pm. Normally, plenty of people would be around to help in this situation, but the majority were away that day. “It was the one day that no one was around,” Doug said.
Even the alpacas felt the frost.
Picture: DONNA PARKER
When Markus noticed the smoke, he called land owners Jacqui and Martin Heppleston to ask if they were backburning, and when told they weren’t home he went down to check on everything and found Doug’s house ablaze. While the home couldn’t be saved, Markus managed to save Doug’s dog, Sheba. Sheba is doing well, and Doug said she’s definitely a trooper. Two months ago, Sheba had two cancers cut out, but is recovering well. Full story on page 3
Time to get hard on soft sentencing
Mixed bag on park approval
By Dominique Tassell
By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi sent a letter on behalf of Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) to various people in positions of power asking for “an inquiry into the judicial system and the inadequate punishments imposed.” Full story on page 4
A tourist park in Wallangarra has been approved despite community concerns. The park, at 4 Happy Valley Road, has been met with concerns from locals about noise, traffic, and effluent and waste management. Full story on page 6
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