Moreton BorderNews
Lions bring the sausages as Peter clocks
AFTER 10 years of dedicated service behind the counter, a familiar face at Rosewood Hardware has stepped away, leaving behind a legacy of consistency, skill and community connection.
Peter Cox has long been a constant and familiar presence at the hardware, known for his reliability and the easy warmth he brought each day on the job. After years of dedicated service, he leaves an enduring legacy within the store and the wider community.
Store manager Kathy McLeod, who has led the business for just over three years, said the recent farewell for Peter was a modest but meaningful occasion.
Cabanda Care gifted
By BYRON PESZKO
CONCERNS over the recent sale of Rosewood’s Cabanda Care facility have been put to bed this week, with new owners Lutheran Services reaffirming the conditions of the transfer.
Last week we reported that Lutheran Services assumed ownership of the Rosewood facility effective 1 April.
Tricia Davis, Executive Director Aged Care of Lutheran Services told Ipswich Tribune Today that there was no sale or payment involved in the change-over.
“Cabanda Care was gifted to Lutheran Services to ensure the well-established aged care provider in Rosewood continues to operate and grow, supporting residents now and into the future,” Ms Davis said.
“All assets and responsibilities have been transferred to Lutheran Services, and as a notfor-profit, these will be used to strengthen and enhance a range
of aged care services.”
Founded in 1987 by Rosewood community members and located at 59 John Street, Cabanda Care has grown into a community-oriented, high-quality service, built on compassion, local determination and enduring connections.
Earlier this month, Lutheran Services personnel joined with Cabanda residents, families and 140 staff as the new operator was welcomed and while all present acknowledged the dedication and spirit that had shaped Cabanda over the years.
Ms Davis reaffirmed Lutheran Services’ focus to the local community.
“Our focus is on maintaining the high standard of care established by the previous board and management, supporting our dedicated staff, and building on the strong foundations that have made Cabanda Care so special.
“Since assuming ownership
SOMERSET RegionalCouncil wants the state to reconsider proposed laws on ebikes. The chief concern is the impact on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
And the famous Somerset Rail Trail Classic is back again for 2026. There’s an 8km and 3km walk or run, and two bike ride options, 44km and 20km.
In Rosewood, a familiar face at the hardware, Peter Cox, is retiring and on his last day, locals had a sausage sizzle in his honour.
Farmers aren’t happy about a payroll tax rule under which Lockyer and Fassifern farms miss out on a ‘regional’ discount. One has to pay $220,000.
Showsocietiesareposting warnings about fake rodeos advertised on Facebook. According to well-known local promoters, the scam is hard to shut down.
And Mt Walker man Norm Kerle was busy this week when the Oceania Road Cycling Championshipscametotown,usinghis farm as a base.
Cheers,
- Cameron Thompson
on 1 April, Lutheran Services has commenced a kitchen upgrade at Cabanda Care to further enhance services for residents,” Ms Davis said.
MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only)
TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains off our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only)
WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 different Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only)
THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only)
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING
LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY LUNCHES FROM MONDAY-FRIDAY
Cabanda Care, Rosewood
Somerset wants change to new e-bike laws
SOMERSET Regional Council is urging the State Government to reconsider a wide-sweeping bill aimed at cracking down on emobility usage.
Council will make a submission to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee on the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E Mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the bill, in its current form, would have significant impacts on recreational activities in Somerset especially for users of Australia’s longest recreational rail trail - the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
“We recognise the importance of the bill for urban areas, however, we are concerned by some recommendations within the amendment for us in a rural setting,” Cr Wendt said.
“Specifically, it proposes ebikes and personal mobility de-
vices can only be ridden by people 16 years and older, and riders of e-bikes and PMDs must hold, at least, a Queensland Class C learner licence.”
“We’re concerned about this recommendation’s application in regional, off-road recreational environments like the BVRT, which is specifically designed to provide a low-risk, vehicle-free environment for walking, cycling and e-bike use.”
late Sunday 1st
- 3pm
On Tuesday, 7 April Cr Wendt joined Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald and members of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail Users Association for an e-bike ride from Lowood to Lockyer Creek Bridge.
“This was a good opportunity to get our feet on the pedals and talk about these issues on the ground,” Cr Wendt said.
CrWendtsaidtheBVRTwasa
key tourism and economic driver for the region, supporting local businesses and jobs.
“The BVRT attracts visitors from across Queensland and beyond, many of whom rely on e-bikes to access and enjoy the trail,” Cr Wendt said.
“Local cafes, accommodation providers and tourism operators have grown around this visitation, and any restrictions that reduce accessibility risk having a directimpactonthesesmallbusinesses and the broader Somerset economy.” Cr Wendt said Council’s other major concern was the practicality and cost of enforcing new laws within Somerset.
“The BVRT stretches most of our region’s length, and the cost of enforcing these recommendations in Somerset would have a significant impact on our budget,” Cr Wendt said.
“We implore the State Government to apply a commonsense approach for recreational e-mobility devices in regional
DELIVERED DANIEL’S LAW
QUEENSLAND SAFER MAKING SAFER FOR OUR KIDS
In honour of Daniel Morcombe, the new Queensland Government has delivered Daniel’s Law, the State’s first public child sex offender register, available now. This online tool identifies certain reportable offenders living in your local area, or whose whereabouts are unknown to police. Parents and guardians can also apply for a search on unsupervised contacts.
Through Daniel’s Law, the Queensland Government is delivering access to vital information to help keep kids safe.
BVRT e-bike users (542471)
Anzac history comes to light in a clean-up
By LARA HART
A simple act of kindness uncovered a link to Australia’s wartime past, when a Boonah man stumbled upon a long-forgotten photograph of an Australian Light Horse soldier named Andrew McCourt.
The discovery came when an elderly homeowner was in hospital and his close friend stepped in to tidy the house during his absence.
Tucked away in a drawer was a weathered photo frame and inside it was an original sepiatoned portrait of the Light Horse bombardier.
“When I asked him about the photograph he said ‘oh, that’s Andrew’,” Jon King said.
“He’s a McCourt too and Andrew was his nephew.”
The present-day McCourt is almost 91 years old and lives independently in Boonah.
Now retired, Jon and his wife Sharon once owned a real estate
agency in Boonah.
Jon has a love for Australian history and the unexpected find excited him to find out more.
“The way the photograph is posed leads me to believe it was a keepsake taken for his mother should he not return from war,”
he said.
“In civilian life Andrew was a noted horseman and farrier, and it is believed he was seconded to the Second American Corps to benefit from his skill in handling horses and mule teams.”
Jon’s research found the sol-
dier was a colourful character who was fond of a drink and not keen on taking orders.
“He well and truly proved his worth, fortitude and courage when the chips were down and was awarded a military medal for bravery in the field award,” he said.
The photograph was fragile and years of neglect had taken its toll.
“I asked Hayley at Boonah Trophies to digitally restore the photograph by touching up the damage done over passage of time,” Jon explained.
“She did a remarkable job and refused payment saying she felt it was her contribution to saving something so historically precious.”
The restored photograph now stands as more than just a keepsake - it is a window into a time when Australian Light Horsemen rode into history, serving with distinction in some of the most challenging theatres of the Great War.
Gambling grants a starter for three projects
By WENDY CREIGHTON
TWO local schools and the local campdraft association have won significant grants in the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington recently announced the names of the community clubs and not-for-profit organisations which had met with success in the 125th round of the grant program.
“[The grants will fund] proj-
ects that will make a tangible difference for their communities,” the Attorney-General said.
“Grant funding can be lifechanging for community groups facing challenges and I congratulate the successful applicants of Round 125.
“In a state as large and diverse as Queensland, the work of volunteers and not-for-profit organisations is vital, especially in regional, rural and remote communities.”
The grant round attracted
1,500 applications from which almost 800 were selected to share in the funding pool of around $19.5 million.
Local organisations to receive grants in Round 125 were:
• Rosewood Campdraft Association - upgrade facility$35,000
• Grandchester State School P&C - install playground$35,000
• Ashwell State School P&Cpurchase equipment - $32,328
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington.
On the left is the original photograph of Andrew McCourt and on the right is the touched up version.
Volunteers’ garden honours our forebears
By LARA HART
A Rosewood volunteer run library of a different kind offers culture surrounded by native flora.
The Australian Cultural LibraryonJohnStreetinRosewood is an independent reference only library that gathers, preserves and promotes as much of Australia’s culture as possible.
In a project that blends horticulture with heartfelt recognition, the library has begun namingsectionsofitsculturalgarden, and in some cases individual plantings, after local residents and families.
Recent preparations have included the official naming of garden areas in honour of longstanding community members, with spaces such as the Margaret and Percy Jacobson garden and the Bevan and Shirley garden already taking shape.
The initiative is more than symbolic,itreflectsabroaderphi-
A section of the garden at the Australian Cultural Library dedicated to Margaret and Percy Jacobson.
losophy that gardens can serve as living records of a community’s history and places where stories, contributions and legacies are rooted into the landscape.
Preparations for planting started earlier this year with fertiliser, layers of cardboard and mulch.
Then garden name signs were made, as well as signs for each of the rose varieties, all of which were donated.
The idea of commemorating people through planting is not new, but it has gained renewed relevance in community spaces.
At Rosewood, that concept is
The new Queensland Government is delivering more health services right across Queensland.
It’s the largest investment in health Queensland has ever seen:
3 NEW HOSPITALS AND10 MORE UEXPANDED RIGHT ACROSS QUEENSLAND
2,600 NEW BEDS AN 18% INCREASE ACROSS QUEENSLAND
46,000 MORE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS 75% DOCTORS, NURSES AND FRONTLINE STAFF
We’re investing in our hospital and health services so you have access to health services when you need them.
being brought to life in a distinctly local way.
Each named section offers acknowledgmentofthosewhohave contributed to the town
The library is open by appointment on Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm to 5pm.
Sausages sizzle as Peter starts retirement
By JESS LEIS
After 10 years of dedicated service behind the counter, a familiar face at Rosewood Hardware has stepped away, leaving behind a legacy of consistency, skill and community connection.
PeterCoxhaslongbeenaconstant and familiar presence at the hardware,knownforhisreliability and the easy warmth he brought each day on the job. After years of dedicated service, he leaves an enduring legacy within the store and the wider community.
Store manager Kathy McLeod, who has led the business for just over three years, said the recent farewell for Peter was a modest but meaningful occasion.
“Alotofpeopleturnedup,”she said, “customers and family alike came in to shake his hand and have a chat”.
A steady flow of people came through the store to offer their well wishes, whilst partaking in the sausage sizzle the Lion’s Club staged for the occasion. There were familiar faces and longtime customers who had come to know Peter over the years.
Conversations, handshakes and the occasional shared memory, all played out between the aisles of tools and hardware, with a gift to Peter, from the store
With just three months until the 2026 Somerset Rail Trail Classic, now is the perfect time to start training and secure early bird tickets. (Supplied)
owner and management following the celebration.
Peter’s contribution to the store extended well beyond his technical knowledge. A former brick layer by trade, he brought practical expertise to the building and construction side of the business, becoming a reliable point of reference for both customers and colleagues.
“Hewasalwayshappy,nomatter what. He always had a smile on his face,” Kathy said.
“We thank him for his loyal dedication. He never called in sick. He was 100 per cent there for you every single time you called him. So his loyalty to the business was just incredible.”
Even in retirement, he’ll likely be a regular customer, one who will know exactly what to look for, and where to find it.
Thanks are extended to the Lions Club for providing the free sausage sizzle for Peter and the community.
Peter Cox will be back, but as a customer. (546487)
Countdown to Rail Trail Classic
The Somerset Rail Trail Classic is back again for 2026, with four exciting challenges on offer on 12 July.
The Somerset Regional Council’s annual fun run and ride takes place on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Australia’s longest recreational rail trail.
“We’ll have an 8km and 3km walk or run as well as two bike ride options, 44km and 20km,” Somerset Councillor Brett Freese said.
“Whether you want to strive for first place or just take a leisurely stroll, there’s no wrong or right way to enjoy the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
“This is a great outdoor
healthy activity to share with family, friends or work colleagues, and a chance to enjoy the best of Somerset’s natural beauty.”
Cr Freese said the SRTC was only three months away.
“Now’s the perfect time to start training for the 2026 SRTC,” Cr Freese said.
“We’ll have early bird tickets on sale for a whole two months between Sunday, 12 April and Sunday, 10 June.”
“During this time, adults can enter for $35, children for just $15, and families can register for only $85.”
“This is great value and includes plenty of family friendly activitiesatthepost-racefestival.”
Funds raised from the 23rd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic (SRTC) will support Fernvale Sports Park stakeholders – the Brisbane Valley Rattlers AFL Club, the Somerset Storm Netball Club and Thunder Cricket Club.
“As Chair of the Fernvale Sports Park Advisory Committee, I am proud to announce that Somerset Regional Council will donate $2 from every ticket sale to these clubs,” Cr Freese said.
“We look forward to seeing the community out in full force on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in July.”
For more information and to register visit somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au
Peter Cox behind the counter at Rosewood Hardware, one last time. (Lyle Radford: 546487)
Lowood and Laidley receive veteran’s grants
THE memory of Queensland’s veterans is to be honoured and preserved via a four year, $6 million state government grants program: ‘Honouring Our Veterans’.
RSL sub-branches in Laidley and Kilcoy, and the Somerset Regional Council, have secured funding under Round 1 of the program.
State Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald says RSLs in Lockyer and Somerset are set to benefit, with funding supporting vital projects involving veterans and their communities.
“The men and women who have served our nation deserve our utmost respect, support and honour,” he said.
“This funding will ensure our RSLs are well supported and the memoryofour veterans’serviceis enshrined for many generations.”
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the funding would enable delivery of projects in honour of people who served in the military.
Laidley RSL Sub-Branch have received funding through the Crisafulli Government’s Honouring our Veterans grant. Treasurer Ray Mills, president Neville Hayne, secretary Mark Wright, State Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald, and director Rod Hyde.
“We’re grateful for the Crisafulli Government’s support of our project in Lowood for the relocation of an existing monument and anchoring a cenotaph in the new Memorial Plaza in Clock Park,” Cr Wendt said.
“The Lowood RSL Sub Branch was engaged by Council when selecting the monument types and we’re grateful for their support for this project.”
State Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington commended the Kilcoy RSL Sub Branch for its memorial project - an important local tribute to the service and sacrifice of veterans.
Laidley RSL Sub-Branch president Neville Hayne said their funding would go towards interior and exterior painting of their centre on Laidley Plainland Road.
“It needs a coat of paint, and
it needs a bit of repair work,” he said. “It’s a big help because we’re self-funded.
“We’d never be able to do it if we had to rely on our meat trays and raffles.”
The investment forms part of the LNP Government’s $26.4 million commitment in the 2025–26 Budget to honour and support veterans and their families.
Representatives of Somerset Regional Council and Lowood RSL Sub Branch with Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald on their successful application to the Honouring our Veterans grant program. (Jim McDonald)
Zanow joins the Hospital and Health Board
THREE new members have been appointed to the nine-person West Moreton Hospital and Health Board.
They’ll help to guide the future of healthcare in the West Moreton Health region.
Dr Kelly McGowan, Louise Cox and Darren Zanow have been appointed to the board by Minister Tim Nicholls.
Current members, Dr Cathryn Hester, Lyn Birnie, and the one-time Labor health Minister, Stephen Robertson, have been re-appointed for a further term.
Board Chair Sue Scheinpflug welcomed the new appointments.
“As a medical specialist, a leader in general practice, an experienced non-executive director, and a lifelong local resident, Cathryn is a valued Board member,” Ms Scheinpflug said.
“I am pleased that West Moreton will continue to benefit from Cathryn’s expertise as Deputy Chair of the Board.
Ms Scheinpflug welcomed Dr Kelly McGowan, Director of Oral Health at West Moreton Health to the board.
“Dr McGowan brings extensive expertise in dentistry, clinical leadership, and local knowledge to our Board, as well as a strong academic and research background,” she said.
Louise Cox has more than 30 years’ leadership experience across the legal, accounting, architecture, property development, education, and mental health sectors.
Darren Zanow is a community leader and former Member for Parliament, with strong business, education and communityservice experience.
Together, the nine Board members offer diverse skills and experience with strengths in healthcare delivery; clinical practice and research; leadership and governance; stakeholder engagement; strategy and financial
management.
Changes to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 were announced last year, requiring all 16 of Queensland’s Hospital and Health Service Boards to include at least one AHPRA-registered health practitioner who is currently working for the health service.
These changes came into effect on 1 April 2026.
The West Moreton Hospital and Health Board joins all Queensland health services in welcoming new frontline practitioners to its Board.
The West Moreton Hospital and Health Board includes:
• Sue Scheinpflug (Chair).
• DrCathrynHester(Deputy Chair).
• Darren Zanow.
• Adjunct Associate Professor Deanne Minniecon.
• Dr Kelly McGowan.
• Louise Cox.
• Lyn Birnie.
• Mike Bosel .
• Stephen Robertson.
Queensland Day: show your colours in June
MEMBER for Nanango Deb Frecklington is encouraging our communities to get behind Queensland Day 2026 and shine a spotlight on the people, places and businesses that make our region great. Queensland Day is a chance for all Queenslanders to celebrate everything we love about our state. As part of this year’s celebrations, nominations are now open for the 2026 Queensland Day Awards and the All the Best campaign.
Both initiatives form part of Queensland Day 2026, a statewide celebration on 6 June that recognises the spirit, resilience
and character of Queenslanders.
Through the All the Best campaign, Queenslanders can vote for their favourite places, spaces and businesses across 15 categories, ranging from beaches and tourist attractions to pubs, parks and butchers.
“Queensland Day is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the everyday people who make an extraordinary difference,” said Ms Frecklington.
“Weknowmanypeopleinour community are doing it tough, so we’re recognising and supporting the places, people and
businesses that stand for what Queensland means and loves”
“In 2025 we saw the Blackbutt Bakery take out the “All the Best’ Meat Pie award and I look forward to seeing many more great businesses nominated in 2026”
“This Queensland Day, I encourage everyone to celebrate our greats by nominating them for the 2026 Queensland Day Awards.”
To make a Queensland Day Award nomination or vote in the All the Best campaign, simply search Queensland Day or visit qldday.initiatives.qld.gov.au
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington with Premier David Crisafulli at Blackbutt Bakery. (Supplied)
Farms excluded from a ‘regional’ incentive
By CAMERON THOMPSON
THE Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association has gone into bat for a large local farming enterprise, which was charged an additional $220,000 in back taxes by the State Government because its activities in the Lockyer, Somerset and on the Darling Downs were deemed to be ‘non-regional’.
The QFVG wants the State to re-assess the boundaries within which a ‘regional payroll tax incentive’ is offered, citing other cases - including examples in the Fassifern - where growers on neighbouring farms were paying differing rates of tax to plant and harvest the same crops.
TheLockyer-basedgrowerhas 100 employees working farms as far west as Allora and Inglewood, but because its head office is near Gatton, the State declares it to be ‘non-regional’ and lumps the enterprise in the same category as employers in Brisbane city.
The first this farming group knewofitstaxproblemwaswhen office staff received what sounded like scam calls from a person claiming to be a debt collector.
“That’s what we thought,” the owner of the business said. “So we ignored it at first. But it’s real, and it was all unbeknownst to us. It’s a payroll tax debt over five years of $160,000 and because it wasn’t paid, an interest bill of $60,000.
“We’re not trying to weasel out of anything. We’re happy to pay the bill, but my concern is the interest - the $60,000 - and we’re not even aware we’re in a non regional area. It’s Gatton. We don’t have sewerage here. There are no 50c fares. There are no theme parks or movie theatres.”
The farmer said no one in his enterprise knew of the change to the geographical boundary between the two tax brackets which occurred in 2020. Payroll tax is charged by the Queensland Government on any business with a payroll of $1.3 million or more. The two rates are 4.75 per cent (non-regional) and 3.75 per cent (regional) QFVG CEO Scott Kompo-Harms said that in hor-
ticulture, labour was the greatest input cost.
“We’re writing to the State Revenue Commissioner,” Mr Kompo-Harms said. I can’t talk about the specifics of the case, but in a general sense what we feel the Queensland Revenue Office should be able to do. This is happening at a time when growers are struggling with sharply rising input costs, with fuel and fertiliser and when other arms of government are already looking for ways to help.
“We are wanting to give that process a little time to work.”
Mr Kompo-Harms said the definition of ‘regional’ applied by the QRO when administering payroll tax did not match other government definitions in regular use, such as the boundaries applied by the Immigration Department when determining regional access to migrant workers.
“Every level of Government can establish their own policy settings,” he said, “But Lockyerthey consider themselves to be a region.”
“At present this doesn’t meet a
fairness test,” he said. “Our member wants to do the right thing.
If they’re not entitled to the regional rate, them’s the breaks, but they shouldn’t jump straight to a heavy-handed collection.”
He said the QFVG hoped that the LNP government might view the problem sympathetically.
AQROspokespersonsaidthat for payroll tax purposes, regional Queensland was defined by specific ABS Statistical Area Level 4 regions and did not include the
Lockyer and Fassifern Valleys.
They said that where an employer under-declared payroll tax, QRO must issue a reassessment increasing their tax liability, which may contain amounts for unpaid tax interest and/or penalty tax. “A reassessment is not a ‘fine’,” they said. QRO had discretion to remit unpaid tax interest and penalty tax in part or in full, and would consider extended payment arrangements where a taxpayer experienced financial hardship.
Farming in the Lockyer Valley
The QFVG says the current boundaries do not reflect natural divisions between different types of land use.
Cave dwellers caught in a screen universe
By LARA HART
STEREOTYPICAL retelling of family stories starting, ‘I had to walk five kilometres to school in the rain, snow, sleet’, will end with my generation.
I was born in the 1970s and yes, no internet, mobile phones and the like.
Now we are raising people whose greatest brush with danger is a low phone battery and not typing AFK when leaving a computer game to make a snack.
When my uncle Gerald came to visit back in 2015, he gave my sons a nickname that stuck ... the cave dwellers.
I have three sons who were all teenagers at the time.
If you’ve had teenagers, you know what he was referring to ... computer screens and dark rooms.
They resurface for food, moving like zombies and wincing like vampires in the sunlight.
My cave dwellers communicated through a series of grunts, shoulder shrugs and eye rolls.
While visiting friends over Easter, we spoke about the naughty things we did as teenagers.
There was sneaking out of the house, drinking wine coolers on the beach and asking randoms for a lift home.
There were no mobile phones so our parents couldn’t freak out if we didn’t reply to a text confirming we were alive.
It was a time of invisibility because you couldn’t be tracked or traced, if you woke up after a bender your friends explained what happened, and your antics weren’t on social media.
My eldest said, ‘mum, you were naughtier than all of us put together’.
Then he said, ‘but you didn’t have a computer in your room and games you could play’.
He’s right. There was little to no domestic technology.
Because there was nothing to do inside, we went outside.
My father’s generation had adventures because they lived out-
side too.
There are hundreds of [tall] tales retold at barbecues.
My father was enlisted in the Zimbabwean army tasked with defending farms.
Gerald was bitten by a puff adder when clearing rocks for the South African Defence Force.
He was also part of a team of adventurers that set off to find the Santiago, a ship that sunk off the coast of Southern Africa and was carrying treasure.
I’ve had plenty of off grid adventures of my own, as has my husband.
I’ve galloped on horses on top of a mountain range and stayed at the highest pub in Africa.
I’ve seen the Victoria Falls and lived in different countries.
My cave dwellers will have no spicy commentary to share with their children and grandchildren.
Imagine logging on to Ancestry.com in 2060 and reading how your grandfather’s biggest achievement was playing World of Warcraft for 20 years and having a character with so much XP, people wanted to buy the profile from him.
That your grandmother was on OnlyFans and that’s how your father got his first car, an electric one of course.
Your great grandfather was an influencer with a YouTube channel and two million subscribers, and didn’t need to do traditional work.
And don’t get me started on the photographs.
There would be a squillion images of eggs benedict and crispy bacon, swanky meals at restaurants where the chef pours salt onto your food by hand.
You’d also never know what they looked like.
Age and insecurities would be erased through filters.
The adventures stopped somewhere in the early 2000s and it’s a timeline that correlates with the emergence of fast internet and emerging technologies like AI.
It’s an electronic boundary that acts like a prison of our own making.
The ‘cave dwellers’ are missing out on learning through misadventure in the wild.
Exploring the world through a screen is safe, to a point.
When my sons were young I did the whole ‘when I was your age’ spiel about my walk to school and now I wonder what they’ll tell my grandchildren.
Perhaps it will go something like this, “when I was your age I was in the middle of a battle and my mum made me do the washing up and I lost the game.”
And, “when I was your age, my mum got cranky at me and changed the wifi password.”
They can’t change tyres and refuse to walk anywhere further than a kilometre away.
So who is to blame for the apathy of that generation, well their parents are.
OH.
The thin edge of the wedge.
4.28am
Probe welcomed
AGFORCE haswelcomedtheannouncement that the Queensland Productivity Commission will undertake an independent inquiry into the impacts of Federal environmental legislation on Queensland.
The inquiry will examine how recent changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct1999areaffecting productivity, land management and investment certainty across key sectors, including agriculture and land valuations.
AgForce CEO Niki Ford said theinquirywasanopportunityto ensure agricultural systems were properly understood, including in national environmental policy.
“Queensland producers operate across diverse and highly managed landscapes,on both freehold and leasehold land, and are already working within comprehensive, outcomes-based state frameworks,” Ms Ford said.
“These systems are designed to deliver environmental out-
AgForce has welcomed a Queensland Productivity Commission inquiry into the impact of federal environmental laws on agriculture, saying it will help ensure national policy better reflects on-ground farming practices and supports investment certainty for producers.(AgForce)
comes alongside critical food production, and it is critical that federal settings recognise and align with that reality.”
Ms Ford said AgForce had been leading engagement with governments to secure stronger alignment between federal and state systems.
She said while the inquiry was a positive step, it would be critical to ensure it delivered practical outcomes.
8.30amMarch
9.30amCommemorative
2.00pmTwo Up & Ra le Draw - Rising Sun Hotel Further information available by phoning Carmel 0438 083 717 or email secretary@rosewood.rslqld.net.au Everyone is WELCOME to attend and lay a wreath if desired
Tranquillity, connectivity, acreage for $2.1mil
A property known as ‘Malabar’ on the Tallegalla heights sold this year for $2.1 milion.
The 14.9ha estate features several dwellings, appealing lifestyle inclusions and panoramic views.
The property is approved for dual occupancy and is located within both the rural and rural residential zones.
The main home has four bedrooms, a family bathroom and a half-bathroom ensuite.
There’s also a self contained, three bedroom, one bathroom home and a separate studio on the acreage block.
The property has fenced paddocks and an equestrian area.
The main home has a wraparound verandah and established gardens.
Inside, the floors are spotted gum timber and tiles, high ceilings, a brick clad combustion fireplace, a renovated kitchen with a butler’s pantry and French doors.
It also has ducted air-conditioning, ceiling fans, town water connection and an 11kW solar system with two inverters.
Outside there’s a covered alfresco area with a wall-mounted television and retractable shades.
It overlooks an enclosed saltwater in-ground swimming pool and a patio.
Other features include a dual carport, a machinery shed, a garden shed and a workshop with three-phase power.
Accessible via its own drive-
way, the second dwelling has been utilised as a BnB.
The master bedroom has an ensuite and built in robe.
Water is connected to the five paddocks and three are connected to offset electricity.
Andthepropertyhastwodams and four tanks with81,000 litres of combined storage.
There is no available previous sale history.
Shows speak up about ‘fake news’ rodeos
By LARA HART
BOONAH, Beaudesert and now Kalbar show societies have been forced to post warnings as fake bull riding events get advertised on Facebook.
The slick-looking Facebook advertisement promises a thrilling night of bull riding, operating under the name Bull Ride Promotions.
According to well-known bull riding promoters Gabe Wood and Tara Warburton, the scam is hard to shut down completely.
“They’re using images from our website and language that looks legitimate,” Gabe said.
“But these events simply don’t exist.
“We have seen them [advertise] four or five events, and they use our photographs and even share content from our page to theirs.
“We worry people will click onto their page thinking it is le-
gitimate and from us when it is not.”
Gabe said the scam preyed on the popularity of grassroots rodeo and bull riding events, particularly in regional communities where word-of-mouth and social media play a big role in promotion.
Victims are typically directed to purchase tickets through unofficial links, but the scam events advertised on the different Scenic Rim show society Facebook pages include no payment options.
This leads people to question the point of it.
“We have reported Bull Ride Promotions a lot and yes, there is no link to pay on their social media advertisements,” he said.
“But I feel that down the track they will make up these events, perhaps close to one of ours, and put up a ticket link.
“They could be getting their following base up with people clicking to say they are interested.
“Once there is a decent sized following to the page, it looks more legit.
“People go on it, scroll and see all these events that have been advertised without realising all of them never happened.”
People will start paying upfront using the fraudulent link and by the time the truth emerges, the page has either disappeared or stopped responding to messages.
Mr Wood urges locals to take a few simple steps before handing over money online.
“Have a look at our Facebook page because we advertise our events on it,” he said.
“We also never send people friend requests.”
The majority of bull riding events in the Scenic Rim are run by Gabe and Tara’s company.
“Check out our social media first and you can also flick us a message to find out if an event is legit or not,” he said.
“We don’t want people to be caught up in a scam and it is very hard to stop this kind of thing from happening.
“This is why we prefer to sell tickets at the gate but then again, that makes it hard to work out the size of the crowd we need to cater for.
“It also opens the side of the problem where someone could be on a scam Facebook page and click their link thinking it’s legit.”
Gabe and Tara’s business, Bull PIt Bullriding, was started in 2020.
Gabe is a three time NRA Bull Fighter of the year and Tara is a champion Barrel Racer and Steer Undecorator.
Rodeo is their passion and verifying an event’s legitimacy by checking their social media pages and website, is a way to stay safe from scammers.
The next bull riding event at Kalbar showground is in September.
Bull riding scams have been doing the rounds. Bull ride promotor Gabe Wood explains how to check if a bull riding event is legit. (Bull Pit Bullriding)
Coleyville, Mt Crosby host Oceania Cyclists
By LARA HART
A sporting event at Mt Walker brought international cycling teams to Mt Walker and Coleyville last week.
The Oceania Road Championships was partially held on landbelongingtoMtWalkerman Norm Kerle.
For two days the region’s back roads were filled with cyclists and their support teams.
Also competing were the New Zealand para-cycling team.
The coach is Dale McDonald, and she said the para-cycling program featured a range of classifications, with athletes competing across time trial and road race formats.
The events are uniquely structured, with results often determined using classification-adjusted scoring systems to ensure fair competition across varying impairments.
Dale said the team doesn’t travel light and plenty of luggage was hauled from across the ditch to Brisbane.
“We came across with ten boxes and everyone bought two bikes, there were training wheels and race wheels,” she explained.
“They used disc wheels in the time trail and in the road race they used carbon deep dish wheels.
“There were two sets of racing wheels and two sets of training wheels and their bikes.
“Then we have a mechanic’s box of tools and a work stand, and on top of all the 10 boxes
they all have their own bag’s full as well.”
The New Zealand team are high performance people and who are used to travelling.
They’ve also had to overcome hurdles, obstacles and barriers as a result of their impairment.
“Jessie Hodges on the front of the team is a new pilot with Emma Stoker on the back, and Nicole Murray and Devon Briggs have all been multiple world champions,” she said.
“Devon is the current world champion and Emma is a multiple Paralympic medallist and world record holder.
“Nicolewonabronzemedalin the Paris Olympic Games.
“While Jessie is a new pilot, they’ve competed together before and are now working towards competing in Los Angeles [Olympic Games] in 2028.”
The event at Mt Walker is crucial because the athletes earn points towards qualifying for the
world championships and the Paralympic Games.
“The Paralympics is a bit different because the qualifying period usually starts about three years before a game,” she said.
“The athletes spend years trying to gain points they will work towards spots at the Paraylmpic games.”
TheNewZealandpara-cycling team delivered a determined and inspiring performance at the 2026 Oceania Road Championships, competing against the region’s best on challenging Scenic Rim roads.
Some of the world’s best paracyclists competed with Darren Hicks (Australia) men C2, Kyle Willis (Australia) men C3, Korey Boddington (Australia) men C4, Patrick Best (Australia) men C5, Rhys Tappenden (Australia) men H2, Alex Welsh (Australia) men H3, Thomas Walvin (Australia) men H4, Steven Kemp and Hugh Harvey (Australia) men tandem, Tahlia Clayton-Goodie (Australia) women C1, Amanda Reid (Australia) women C2, Meg Lemon (Australia) women C4, Alana Forster (Australia) women C5, Lauren Parker (Australia) women H3 and Emma Foy and Jessie Hodges (New Zealand) women tandem claiming gold.
While Australian riders secured several podium finishes across the para categories, the New Zealand team showed resilience and depth, consistently featuring in competitive fields and pushing the pace throughout both the time trials and road races.
The New Zealand Para-cycling team are one big happy family.The Para-cycling team about to race in the Oceania Time Trial Championships.
The New Zealand Para-cycling team that competed at Mt Walker are (from left) Nicole Murray, Emma Foy, Jessie Hodges and Devon Briggs. They are with one of their supporters.