MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Issue 22 —February 2013
WORK
Page 3
Gold Coast bikini challenge postponed for bigger and better parade
Inside this Month Page 12
Get ready for Chinchilla’s sweet, messy Melon Fest
Page 13
Energy workers rise to the call of help for bushfire season
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
➤ EVENTS AROUND THE REGION
What’s on this month
Notes from the editor
Welcome back, and welcome to 2013. This year has a nice, shiny feel about it and the potential to yield good things to those who are willing to work for them. Reading a blog recently I stumbled on a page dedicated to the mockery of Gen Y. “You are so Gen Y you think you can get a promotion without actually earning one.” It made me stop and laugh. We certainly are a bunch of whingers these days. Wanting to weasel out of extra work rather than put our hand up and learn from it. As a person somewhere once said “People will either drain you or inspire you. Pick them well.” It seems the only way to truly get all that you can out of life is to surround yourself with good people and have enough spine to continue or your way- without getting caught up in the petty everyday bullshit that threatens to overule common sense. In this edition of Thirsty Work we catch up with fitness guru Nikki Morrison, who will help you shake those last few Christmas kilos, talk to some young lads cashing in on the csg industry, and reflect on the Wallabies’ poor spring tour. We’ve also got an interview with Origin’s Jim Meldrum who is 50% surfer and 50% energy worker. See page 6 for some tips on the work/life balance. In the news recently was the unbelievable power of a stock market scare. With a hoax email an environmental action group managed to knock a whopping $314 million from the value of Whitehaven Coal within mere minutes. Bad news spreads quickly it seems. It will be interesting to watch the coal industry’s position in Australian heavyweight economics this year, after a turbulent end to 2012. We’ve had some great entries to our fishing comp, with pictures posted on the Thirsty Work Magazine’s Facebook. Drop by to win a prize. Until March, happy work, better play!
The Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is published by the Dalby Newspapers, 119 Cunnningham Street, Dalby Q4405. Phone 4672 5500. Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is printed by APN Print, 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba Q4350 (2012) Free publication and is not to be sold. All material published in the Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. DISCLAIMER: the information contained within Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher; Dalby Newspapers will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein. Page 2.
musicians and music lovers welcome. For more phone Pam Fay on 4663 2184. Wednesday, February 6 – Business After Hours at Radio Communication Solutions, 142 Drayton St 5.30 to 7pm. Saturday, February 9 – Auto Industry/Des Burns Memorial Race Day at Bunya Park Racecourse. Monday, February 11 - Dalby Shoppingworld volunteer Justice of the Peace 11am to 2pm. Saturday, February 16 – Markets at Dalby Showgrounds 6am
Thursday, February 28 - Dalby Shoppingworld volunteer Justice of the Peace 11am to 2pm. Saturday, March 2 – Fickle Folk Club plays at Mary’s Commercial Hotel 2-5pm. Sunday, March 3 – Dalby Triathlon at Dalby Swimming Pool Friday, March 8 – Zonta International Women’s Day Breakfast at Dalby RSL, Guest speaker Mrs Iyla Davies. Saturday, March 9 – Newmarket Race Day at Bunya Park Racecourse.
to noon contact Stan 0429 696 775 Thursday, February 21 - Literary dinner at Dalby RSL with Mathew Reilly 6pm. Tickets $25 include two-course dinner, bookings essential through Western Downs Libraries. Saturday, February 23 – Dalby Baptist Church will hold a car boot sale and barbecue breakfast from 6.30 to 9.30am at the church on the corner of Winton and Hayden streets. Sites $10 and can be booked at the church office on 4662 3717.
JANDOWAE Saturday, February 2 – Kuppa’n’Kakes 4 Kids at Uniting Church Hall 10am Sunday, February 24 - Jandowae Markets and Miniature Railway, Lions Park 8am to noon. MITCHELL Saturday, February 23 – Fancy Dress Ball at Mitchell Shire Hall to aid Mitchell State School P & C Association 6.30 to 11pm. ROMA Sunday, February 3 – RSL Markets at Roma RSL 8am to 1pm Saturday, February 3 – Moto-
CONTACT US
EDITOR Lisa Machin - 07 4672 5506 GROUP EDITOR Derek Barry - 0407 648 224 WRITERS Gen Kennedy, Lisa Machin, Nancy Evans, Richard Coombs, Jill Poulsen MEDIA SALES CONSULTANTS Laurell Ison, David Richardson GENERAL MANAGER, SURAT BASIN PUBLICATIONS David Richardson ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES T: (07) 4672 5500 F: (07) 4672 5510 E: advertising@dalbyherald.com.au Dalby Newspapers, PO Box 5, Dalby QLD 4405 WEBSITE Suratbasin.com.au EMAIL thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au
FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like Facebook?
Thirsty WorkWork Magazine Thirsty
isnow on Facebook! is on Facebook!
Like our page to keep up to date with what’s in upcoming issues, competitions and some fun pics!
5076789aa 4399455aa
Editor of Thirsty Work Lisa Machin.
A quick roundup of what events are happening around the region. BELL Saturday, March 2 – Bell Show at Bell Recreation Grounds, Wallace St Bell. Sunday, March 3 – Bell Show Rodeo at Bell Recreation Grounds. BOWENVILLE Saturday, February 2 – Bowenville Hall Committee old time dance 8pm. Music by the Diamonds. Phone Narelle on 4663 7736. CHINCHILLA Monday, February 11 – Melon Trivia Night Thursday, February 14 – Movie Premiere with wine and cheese, Twenty/20 cricket Friday, February 15 – Bucking Beach Party, Melon Family Fun Rodeo Saturday, February 16 – Melon Fest parade 10am, activities and entertainment from 11am, concert at Chinchilla State School oval 6.30pm featuring The McClymonts and Marcus Meier Sunday, February 17 – Markets at Chinchilla Visitor Information Centre 7.30 am to 12.30 pm. COOYAR Saturday February 23 – Cooyar Show at Cooyar Showgrounds, Rangemore Rd Cooyar. DALBY Friday/Sunday, February 1-3 – Dalby Players presents Where There’s a Will at Dalby Little Theatre 8pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Tickets at Dalby Colour Innovations or at door. Saturday, February 2 – Fickle Folk Club plays at Mary’s Commercial Hotel 2-5pm. All singers,
cross Club Day at Roma Motocross track from 7.30am. Thursday, February 7 – Roma Toastmasters at Roma RSL Hall Quintin St 7pm Friday, February 8 – Roma Social Dance, RSL Hall 8pm Phone Bev 0427 864 807 Saturday, February 16 – Roma Farmers and Artisans Markets at Big Rig Parklands 8am to 12.30pm Thursday, February 21 – Flamenco Fire - Gypsy Pathways at Roma Bungil Community Cultural Centre 7pm Friday, February 22 – Roma Social Dance (Christmas Dance), RSL Hall 8pm Phone Bev 0427 864 807 Saturday, February 23 – Friends of Westhaven Cent Auction at Westhaven Nursing Home Parker St Roma 2pm Saturday, February 23 – Bendemere Cup at Bassett Park Complex Northern Road Roma SURAT Saturday, February 16 – Maranoa Charity Rodeo at Surat Showgrounds 1pm Sunday, March 3 – Clean Up Australia Day barbecue breakfast at Surat Memorial Park 7am TARA Saturday, February 2 – Tara Markets 7am to 2pm Tara Men’s Group Shed cnr Day and Fry Streets. Contact Frank 4665 3847. Saturday, March 9 – Tara Show at Tara Showgrounds WARRA Saturday, February 9 - Warra Country Markets, Warra Memorial Hall, Warrego Highway 8am noon.
➤ CFMEU’S SHANE BRUNKER
More locals, less FIFO Locals are keen and ready to work but there’s too much FIFO/DIDO/BIBO! Local communities are united in the belief that mining and energy companies now prefer FIFO as an employment strategy because it relieves the company of its responsibilities to provide housing. It also breaks down the relationship between workers once they finish their work cycle. But what impact does this employer strategy have on the economy of each town? Understandably there may be a shortage of some skilled labour in the booming industries of mining and gas. CFMEU calls upon the government to intervene and have a structured process whereby companies must employ a percentage of local residents verse FIFO. This would be of much greater economic benefit to regional communities for the Western Downs townships.
Shane Brunker, Vice presdient of the Queensland District Branch of the CFMEU. The local communities provide most of the income to our local governments for their new roads and infrastructure, however with FIFO the workers take their money out of the region - leaving both FIFO and local residents with underdeveloped roads and infrastructure. Statistics taken from the 2012 edition of the Australian Statistical Geography Standard show a dramatic increase of 2,540 non-resident workers in 2010 to 6,445 in 2012.
With this population imbalance the flow on effects for the local community include the safety of women and children compromised, liveability within the community, and pressure on police and ambulance staffing numbers. This in turn spikes rental housing costs which forces people not employed in the booming industries or a related industry, to live in caravan parks or move away from their town. Research also shows extended waiting time at hospitals and doctor surgeries, due to high numbers of nonresident workers accessing local services. FIFO also places pressure on relationships. Although there is no quick fix to the increasing demand of FIFO workers we say to be fair to the communities that are suffering companies should be forced to hire a certain percentage of FIFO and a higher percentage of local residents.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Record bikini beach parade postponed IN AN announcement that may well have ruined summer for many men, the Gold Coast bikini challenge has been postponed. This year tipped to be the biggest yet, bronzed babes were set to strut their stuff at the Gold Coast this Jan. Hundreds of women were ready to smash the Guinness world record for the longest bikini parade on January 6, but the event been postponed at the request of the main sponsor. The Gold Coast women held the record (357 bikini clad) until it was stolen, first by Panama, USA with 450 women, and then by China with a whopping 1,085 bikini bods strutting their stuff. The lead up to the event, including a bikini parade publicity launch, and individual bikini photos of contestants, has generated international publicity. Event organisers remain confident they can smash China’s record this year and return the title to its rightful home...the sun drenched Gold Coast. So far the youngest participant is two years of age and the oldest is 71. We have so many mother and daughters walking, plus a grandmother! Date to be arranged, check Thirsty Work Facebook page.
This will be the sight on a Gold Coast beach this year as bikini babes line up to smash the world record. Photo Contributed
Fake release downs shares
Whitehaven coal to a massive hit to its share prices within minutes of the hoax. PICTURE: LEE CONSTABLE
IT WASN”T in the Bigfoot league, but Sydney activist’s hoax sent share prices crashing. Environmental activist Jonathan Moylan sent out a fake media release under the ANZ logo, stating that the bank was pulling out of its $1.2 billion loan for Whitehaven Coal to build the Maules Creek mine. The fake release said ANZ was withdrawing its loan because of "volatility in the global coal market, expected cost blow-outs and ANZ's Corporate Responsibility policy". It was more than just a cheeky prank though – it wiped $314 million from Whitehaven, with shares falling 9% within minutes. The losses were quickly reversed later that day when ANZ and Whitehaven issued statements saying the release was a hoax. He’s hired a criminal lawyer, suggesting that Australian Securities and Invest-
❝
Leading corporate lawyer, Simon Rear
There probably needs to be some more examples made of people ments Commission could be looking to press criminal charges rather than civil action. It may have seemed a good idea at the time, but now Moylan could be behind bars for up to 10 years. Whitehaven Coal's chairman, former deputy prime minister Mark Vaile, says the company has been contacted by many concerned shareholders who lost money by selling shares. The incident is the third time in six months that trading on the Australian Securities Exchange has been influenced by a hoax, and leading corporate lawyer Simon Rear said it was time that a
strong disincentive was provided to other hoaxsters. ''There probably needs to be some more examples made of people and I think that's probably what ASIC will try to do,'' he said. ''Legislation is only as strong as it can be enforced, and it is always enforced after the fact.'' Moylan said he and his group, Frontline Action on Coal, considered the hoax very carefully before going ahead, but said the environmental implications justified the illegal actions. He compared his actions to television pranksters the Chaser getting across security lines at the Sydney APEC conference by creating a fake Canadian motorcade. In any case, for this hoaxer, $314 million didn’t seem like a bad day’s work.
FIND US ON
Page 3
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Shedding those Chrissy kilos You're not alone if you feel like Christmas gave you more than a new iPod and new board shorts. That's right, most of us were lucky enough to also end up with a few kilos we didn't have before the festive season. So now you're back at work and into routine, what can you do to get rid of them, and fast? If you want to lose weight, the guidelines say you should be active 5-7 days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. This should be a combination of cardio and strength training as well as whole body, compound movements, to achieve the best results. While being a member of a gym is great, it is not essential. There are many exercises you can do at home or in the park that will make you sweat.. Simply combine these movements into a circuit and repeat the circuit for at least 30 minutes and you have a great work out. Step 1: Decide which exercises Step 2: Decide how long to do each exercise Step 3: Decide on the rest time between exercises Step 4: Decide on the rest
Find the leaner you. time at the end of each round Step 5: Decide how many rounds you will do Try this: Skipping Squats (Body weight or add weights if you have any) Push ups Tricep dips (Find a secure bench at home or in the park) Step ups (Use stairs or a bench) 1 minute for each exercise, 20 seconds rest in between, 1 minute rest at the end of each round, 5 rounds. Be consistent with your exercise. Find time each day to do at least 20-30 minutes including a warm up and some cool down stretches. This commitment is sure to get you results and make you feel fantastic!
TRICEP DIPS: Keep feet further away from bench to increase difficulty. Keep back straight and dip as low as you can control.
BOX JUMPS: Use the power of your legs. Keep arms in front of you and hands together. Jump with whole feet landing on bench.
WALL LEAN: Form a right angle with your legs and thighs. Keep your back flat against the wall and let your legs hold your weight.
WEIGHTED SQUATS: Like a normal squat, back straight, dip as low as you can control. Use progressively bigger weights as you progress over weeks.
Chinchilla Chinchilla Chinchilla Chinchilla
15th -17th February
2013
Keeping fit on FIFO
Dietary Considerations for Shift Workers Since moving to Dalby I have met many shift workers. In the gym we have a number of men and women who exercise during the day and then go home to have a sleep, before heading off to work that night. Keeping this lifestyle can often mean workers rush their meals, end up eating alone, over-eat just before sleep is due, drink too much caffeine to stay awake during a shift, avoid exercise or take the easy option of fatty, fried food. This cycle can lead to many health issues, particularly weight gain, a decrease in energy and overall dissatisfaction with how you look and feel. So how does a shift worker keep themselves energised and healthy to cope with these irregular work hours? 1. Preparation. Organise ahead of time what you will eat that week and pack your meals and snacks to take to work. This will help you to avoid the vending machine!
2. Eat mostly protein-rich meals and snacks while on night shift such as nuts, boiled eggs, chicken salads and smoothies. Carbs make us sleepy, while protein keeps us more alert. 3. Make your biggest meal of the day before you start your shift and eat only light meals and snacks while working. Larger meals while at work will make you feel like a nap while smaller meals will keep you more attentive. 4. Avoid too much caffeine during a shift, but especially four hours before you plan to hit the sack. 5. At the 3am slump snack on protein, fruit or some low fat cheese. 6. Don’t go to bed hungry if you want a good sleep. Eat a light meal high in carbs and low in protein such as cereal or toast with jam. So next time you are on night shift, try these simple but effective changes to your eating plan and feel the difference.
re fun gr Whe ow so n th e vine!
Melon Fest www.melonfest.com.au Chinchilla Chinchilla Chinchilla Chinchilla Page 4.
HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS: Mango coconut and chia smoothie. Photo Contributed
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Maggie and Doug Ashmore, publicans of the Kogan pub.
w wORk
Share a last coldy with a good pair IT”S been a great two years for publicans Maggie and Doug Ashmore, but they are calling last drinks before they kick up their feet and enjoy some well earned leisure years. The pair has managed the Kogan pub with true country hospitality, building up a loyal cutomer base in that time. “When we first took over we had some undesirables here, but I got rid of them and now I’d say we probably have the best clientele that any pub could have,” Doug said. “When you pack up at night you just sit back and think what a good day.” The pair has enjoyed great support from MCJV, Thiess, and Murphy Pipe and Civil workers who first read about the pub in Thirsty Work Magazine. “Quite a lot of mining and energy boys come and drink here. In the afternoon it’s absolutely packed, Doug said. “Thiess had three different groups here for Christmas
SPOTTED: The Club Hotel
OMG: This Thirsty Work mag is bloody great! Brad Cooke brushes up on the month’s stories. Photo Lisa Machin / Dalby Herald
❝
Retiring publican, Doug Ashmore
Quite a lot of mining and energy boys come and drink here... it’s absolutely packed parties at the end of last year. One we thought was too big for us but they insisted on coming because they just love the old country atmosphere. “We will miss it very much, but are getting to that age.” Among the highlights of the past two years for the Ashmores is the Kogan Hotel bull ride, in May last year, which drew record crowd’s and was a first for the region. “All the bull riders said it was the best venue they’d ever attended,” Doug said. “It was quite an extensive operation but it paid off.” An island cruise, a train ride across the heart of
Australia and a bus tour down the Great Ocean Road are all on the glistening horizon ahead. The pub will pass from one Doug to another, as new manager Doug Wilson takes the reins. The owner of Kogan Hotel, Tony Cielo, has big plans for the popular watering hole, but is insistent none of its old style charm will be lost. More air-conditioning and some refurbishments are on the hit list. Doug Ashmore still has a few more big nights ahead of him. “Anyway, I better go and have a nap. I’ve got an old mate coming from Cape York this afternoon and he doesn’t mind a beer or 30!” For a last coldy with the Ashmores make sure you drop into the Kogan Hotel.
FIND US ON
➤ WORKSAFE CHAT WITH BRANT With Christmas and New Year behind us, it’s time to look to the future and tone up the body after the punishment of the festive season. We all know a healthy body and mind will keep us in good stead for the rest of our working lives and beyond. Mental health is on the radar again and for good reason, not all goes to plan, that is if there ever was one in the first place. We will change our goals and dreams many times throughout our lifetime, depending on the hand we are dealt and situations we find ourselves in. One of the hardest things I have had to do was ask for help, we miners are hardened to environments, people, travel and changes. I felt embarrassed, weak, soft and angry at myself. “I was doing it for my family,” I told myself, in reality it was for me. I am one of the lucky ones who has good mates to kick my backside and tell me how it is, no holds barred. Depression was something I had not encountered on a grand scale and hope I never do again, it’s like tunnel vision with no way out - ridiculous thoughts - and it was hurting the ones I love. Not good. With the experience of the good, the bad and the ugly behind me, I urge you all to be honest with yourselves. Five minutes feeling a fool has got to be better than being a fool for a lifetime. You will never be thought of any less for asking for help and to be honest, who really cares. You will of course change and
Disaster survivor Brant Webb. think about what matters most, it can be life changing, we think positive for a reason! Well, I went fishing on the weekend, dragging a few lures about while having a few sherbets as we do. We had quite a few strikes and a couple of good runs early on, but hadn’t landed a single fish. They were brand new lures straight from the packet, old mate had rigged the rods as he had done many times before. We stopped for a bite and were talking strategy - what is going on, why can’t we get a fish in the boat, it can’t be that hard. The decision was made; the new lures do not work, so on with the old ones. On closer inspection of the new lures, after lifting the skirt, there is a piece of plastic tube on the hook. Great so you don’t hook yourself when removing from the packet, not so good to fish with, as you will not land a fish with the hook covered. And I can vouch for that! Think safe- be safe Regards Brant. Page 5
PERSONALITIESOFSURAT
Just a couple of likely lads Beachy and Strongy made a wild looking pair as they raised a glass at the Obadare Christmas party recently (see page 10 socials for evidence). In the depths of November, the two young rogues were sporting fierce moustaches, which no doubt made the throngs of women surrounding them weak at the knees. Beachy (Brad James) is in his second year as a tradesman and as a boilermaker enjoys the variety of work the CSG industry provides. “The best bit is getting to see what you make at the end of each day,” he said. “It’s a pretty big bonus to have CSG in your back yard. Originally from Wandoan his work frequently takes him out to the gas rigs in that area. The work is hot, the
Brad James sheds a bit of sweat in the workshop. Photo Contributed hours are long, but the money is good. Beachy is confident the industry still has a lot to offer and plans to stay around oil and gas work for now. “It’s just going to get bigger and bigger I think. “I spent six days in Wandoan last week, it’s good seeing more, getting out and
about. “Doing different types of welding and seeing how things work out on the rigs.” Strongy (Jack Strong) is also based in Toowoomba with Obadare, but travels into the Surat Basin for work. He has been a boilermaker for seven years, mainly working in structural steel and shutdowns for CBH power stations. “It’s good to get out of town, the money is good but you’re doing 15-16 hour days,” Strongy said. “She’s hot though! You wear gloves to handle the steel.” “While the money’s there you may as well get in and do it I reckon.” The two mates both enjoy roo and pig shooting, which they try and fit in around shift work.
Origin’s Spring Gully superintendent Jim Meldrum carves it up at a remote west coast Tasmanian beach. Photo Contributed
It’s gas plants and gold sands
4554842aa
Jack Strong out on site at drill rigs in Wandoan. Photo Contributed
KINGAROY MOTORCYCLES Where our reputation means a great deal 200 Haly Street Kingaroy Qld Ph: (07) 4162 2208 LICENSED MOTORCYCLE DEALERS *Fully Equipped Workshop * Large range of accessories and riding gear www.kingaroymotorcycles.com I david@kingaroymotorcycles.com
Page 6.
Growing up in the oil and gas town of Sale in eastern Victoria, Origin’s Spring Gully Superintendent Jim Meldrum gained an early introduction to the fast-paced, high pressure world of resource development. “At school many of the kids’ dads were working shifts on the offshore rigs, so I was pretty familiar with the oil and gas industry being a part of everyday life,” Jim said. At the time however, Jim was more interested in chasing waves along the windswept Victorian coastline, having learned to surf at the age of five on family beach holidays. As a young man entering the workforce, the resources industry was a natural choice for Jim and he worked for 15 years for a global energy company, with 10 years as heavy machinery operations supervisor. Two years ago Jim made the move to Origin, having watched the CSG industry begin to boom, and within a year he “stepped up” to the role of superintendent. Today he works two weeks on, two weeks off, fly in-flyout, commuting from his home in the Noosa hinterland to Origin’s gas fields, where he manages the Spring Gully Gas Plant. The gas plant comprises gas compression facilities, water treatment and storage infrastructure, administration offices, a 130 bed workers camp, around 150 operating wells, and gas and water gathering pipeline networks.
Origin’s Spring Gully superintendent Jim Meldrum CSG extracted from Spring Gully is currently piped to customers in South East Queensland. The first gas will be exported to Asia in 2015. “And that means we’re working hard out here at Spring Gully,” Jim said. “In the two weeks on deck out here it goes flat stick – you don’t have time scratch yourself.” “Working two weeks on two weeks off is a tough gig – it’s hard with a young family. You leave your family, your loved ones behind, you get on site and you focus because every day is game day.” “You get into a rhythm – wake up at 4.30am, exercise, breakfast, on deck at 6am, work through to 6pm, exercise, dinner, bed, then do it all again. “ “By the time you get to the second weekend you allow yourself to start thinking about getting home, and catching up with the wife and kids, and where to go surfing.”
“It’s always a bit of a shock, making the transition from work to home. One day you’re in charge of a multimillion dollar operation and fifty direct reports, and the next day you’re back home being a family man.” Luckily for Jim, his two daughters aged nine and 13 are also keen on the surf lifestyle, so trips to the beach with surfboards are always high on the agenda. Jim owns seven surfboards, and although he’s a keen big wave shortboard surfer, his home on the more relaxed Noosa surfcoast means that two of those seven boards are longer than nine foot. Of course the shortboards still get a workout when conditions are right. “When the swell is on we often travel south to Yamba or Iluka on the NSW north coast to catch a proper wave. We’ve also had a few trips to Tassie, where the south coast can get some really insane waves.” Jim is excited by the development of the CSG industry, but sees continuing challenges in gaining experienced people. “With CSG it is a very interesting time; there is massive expansion, and massive investment,” Jim said. “The main challenge is keeping up with training – good quality employees are important if you want to do a good job.” “There are plenty of people out there with the right aptitude, but you can’t underestimate the value of people with experience.”
INDUSTRYUPDATES
Contractors lift ute off injured man KIWI building contractor Matthew Hapeta was surprised at how easily he and his colleagues lifted a ute off a man who was seriously injured in a Warrego Hwy rollover at Yuleba. The group of construction workers were travelling along the highway from their job site, building the new FK Gardeners workers’ camp at Surat junction - due to be opened next month. They were confronted by the 60-year-old man’s frantic relatives, who pleaded with them to help the man trapped under the ute. “They were just in shock, I guess, and just panic mode because he had been under there for a while,” Mr Hapeta said. The ute had rolled back onto its wheels in a roadside ditch. “We started quickly taking everything out of the tray. About six of us lifted it while one of our other mates pulled him out.
Kiwi heroes of the Yuleba accident - Kneeling: Tee Kefu, Mafi Kefu, Matt Hapeta, Rob Leilua, Ardelius Mitchell Standing: Wayne Faapito, Blake Kefu, Andrew Manu, Armine Kay and Ralph Williams. “We lifted it quite high, probably up to our chest. “He had burn marks across his shoulder and chest from
the muffler.” Mr Hapeta said the ute was not as heavy as he would have expected.
“We’ve never done that before.” They also used their high visibility gear and flashing
phone lights to warn motorists of the crash scene ahead. “It was quite dark and veh-
21,000 additional staff staying at camps in Basin by mid-year
Camp numbers climb
icles could just come flying through.” Police praised the efforts of the builders, who were travelling in a three-car convoy from Brisbane to Roma, when they came across the crash scene 10km east of Yuleba about 10.30pm. Roma police shift supervisor Sergeant Greg Benfer said the men deserved recognition for their actions. “It is a great act,” Sgt Benfer said. “Otherwise I am certain it would have been a lot worse.” The man flown from Roma by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital to be treated for chest and other injuries. Hospital staff said the man was in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. His 15-year-old son, who was also in the vehicle, was taken to Roma Hospital with minor injuries. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
INTRODUCING Muddy Waters
“Looking after Country” Weed Hygiene and Wash Down Services Trained Staff, Certified Personnel, Weed Hygiene, Certificates Issued, Prompt Service, Continuous Training.
Operating in Chinchilla and servicing Miles, Wandoan and Dalby areas Certified for Inspections and Wash Downs- for drill rigs and campsites
Environmentally Friendly Unit Indigenous participation plan. ABN: 90 153 421 875
Ph: 0418 300 251 E: muddywaterswhwds@live.com.au
5092076aa
Working in Partnership with Major Mining Companies
Workers camps are on the rise in the Surat Basin. hour,” Cr Brown said. “Ask anyone, they are just pouring through.” While he said he was happy with the standard and longevity of camps within Dalby, it was the ones going out to tenements he was concerned about. “At the moment we have approvals ahead of us for 21,000 camp personnel capacity for midyear,” he said. “Possibly that many extra people by June.” It would a be huge boost to the Western Downs population, with Dalby currently sitting at around 12,000 people and Roma around
8000. Cr Brown said it was the spike in population during peak building and work times of these facilities that placed pressure on the town’s resources such as water and sewerage. He expressed concerns at building larger facilities that would be under-utilised when the “gas is gone”. “We have to think about life after gas. I don’t want my ratepayers paying for these big facilities,” he said. Cr Brown said he experienced frustration in the 2010/2011 summer floods when mining workers
had to be rescued from camps that the council had no knowledge about the locations of. “It really came to the fore two years ago when we were sitting in a disaster management centre and were told Origin was lifting people off dongas with helicopters. “It’s not acceptable. We need to know where these camps are going.”
FIND US ON
Call us now for our Truckies Special www.sensationsonspine.com.au 61 Spine Street Sumner Park QLD 4074
Phone: 3279 2928 Licensed Brothel
4744994aa
WESTERN Downs Regional Council Mayor Ray Brown is continuing his bid for jurisdiction over mining camps to return to local government. The council only has control over camps within the town, and mining companies can erect camps on their own tenements without permission. Cr Brown said 10,547 personnel were recorded as being in camps at Christmas time last year. “As I drove to Brisbane (last week) I passed 17 trucks carrying accommodation houses to Dalby from Toowoomba in one
Your Pleasure Is Our Business Page 7
JUSTFORLAUGHS
Rib crackers n’ thigh slappers
“The Swiss have an interesting army. Five hundred years without a war. Pretty impressive. Also pretty lucky for them. Ever see that little Swiss Army knife they have to fight with? Not much of a weapon there. Corkscrews. Bottle openers. 'Come on, buddy, let's go. You get past me, the guy in back of me, he's got a spoon. Back off. I've got the toe clippers right here.” - Comedian and actor Jerry Seinfield
Comics of the month
➤ PARDON THE PUN 1 I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn't find any. 2 A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, “doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!” The doctor replied, “I know you can't - I've cut off your arms!”3 I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a mussel. 4 What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh. 5 Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, “Dam!”6 Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were a bit cold, so they lit a fire in the craft. It sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
➤ NOTABLE QUOTABLE “I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt with Guess on it. I said, Thyroid problem?” - Arnold Schwarzenegger
Hamish Blake, left, and Andy Lee pictured for their TV series Hamish & Andy's Caravan of Courage: Australia vs New Zealand.
Standing the test of time... 12 Mayne Street Chinchilla
Phone (07) 4662 7368
admin@chinchillanews.com.au advertise@chinchillanews.com.au editorial@chinchillanews.com.au
Page 8.
SUDOKU
DOUBLE IT
39
ADVANCED
1000
DOUBLE IT
1/100 OF IT
www.30secondchallenge.com
÷10 ÷4 x9 +2 +2 ÷3 +3 4/9 1/6 +19 x10 3/5 -60 25% 7% x15/6 x100 -29 HALF OF IT
OF IT
OF IT
PLUS 20%
OF IT
DOUBLE IT
TIMES BY ITSELF
ANSWER
5%
ANSWER
OF THIS
87½%
ANSWER
OF THIS
OF IT
OF THIS
30-SECOND CHALLENGE ANSWERS TO 164 - BEGINNER - 49, INTERMEDIATE - 4.5, ADVANCED - 42.
KEYNUMBO 8
6
4
2
4
6
5
2
3
8
5
6
6
3
8
2
2
4
8
KEYNUMBO H
M
E
T
U
L
N
A
E
I
N
K
N
A
S
T
U
T
0002m5sol
A
S
W
6 In that place 9 Itemised list of goods purchased 11 Cluster 12 Thick cords 13 Not as many 14 Saucy (colloq.)
Mind Twister
* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once * Each word must be four letters or more * Find at least one nine letter word * No swear words * No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words
© MARK SCRIVENER
1. If sleep in abduction is kidNAP, then pastry in irreverence is …? AnswerimPIEty
2. What do these words have in common? break, house, law, flank, cast, look, post, rider, skirts
TODAYS FOCUS
9
B
H
7
15 Talcs 16 Coerced DOWN: 1 Finished 3 Talons 4 Assesses 5 Eternal
FOCUS WORD
An All Australian Word Game
AnswerThey can all have OUT added to them. (outbreak, outhouse, outlaw, outflank, outcast, outlook, outpost, outrider, outskirts)
Good: 12 words Very good: 19 words Excellent: 32 words
7 0002m5
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION elusory euro issue issuer lieu lour louse lousier lousy lure ours ousel rouse rule ruse serious SERIOUSLY serous slur sorus soul sour sourly souse suer sure surely surly user your yours yule
8
ACROSS: 2 Wrong 7 In abeyance 8 Idiots (colloq.) 10 Vegetable 11 Lid 13 Does not eat
3. 14, 42, 25, 53, 36, 64, 47, ? Answer75. If each number is represented by ab, then the next number = b(a+1) e.g. 14 becomes 4(1+1) 42. It is also a two series with each going up by 11.
SUDOKU
4. (33, 11) (64, 9) (200, 10) (51, 8) (78, ?) Answer12. Count the number of letters in the name of the first number e.g. thirty-three = 11.
5. Alter one letter in each word to find eight related terms? main, tea, make, clout, rivet, side, streak, wane AnswerRelated to water - rain, sea, lake, cloud, river, tide, stream, wave.
5075351aa
80
INTERMEDIATE
intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.
win great prizes & merchandise
from XXXX & BUNDABERG RUM
Late License
5028004aa
BEGINNER
Keep your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, beginners have to complete their own challenge,
Crossword Across: 2 incorrect, 7 dormant, 8 drips, 10 swede, 11 cover, 13 fasts, 15 powders, 16 pressured. Down: 1 ended, 3 claws, 4 rates, 5 endless, 6 there, 9 invoice, 11 clump, 12 ropes, 13 fewer, 14 sassy.
30-SECOND CHALLENGE
CROSSWORD
www.clubhotelchinchilla.com.au
*Terms & conditions apply. This venue is committed to your responsible enjoyment of alcohol & gaming.
CLUB HOTEL | 131 Heeney Street . Chinchilla . QLD 4413 Page 9
OUT&ABOUT
All raring to goat Easter comes early this year with Roma’s Easter in the Country festivities starting Thursday, March 27, and running through to Monday, April 1. Saturday morning in McDowell St is expected to be bigger and better than last year with new sponsors on board ensuring a cranked up pool of prize money. A hot favourite, the Roma Transport Goat races (worth $5000) provide plenty of laughs. The
Ray White Parade prize money has jackpotted to $3000 and the Home Hardware foot and wheelie bin races is up to $1500. The parade down the main street will have live music this year’s markets will add interesting food stalls to their lineup. Markets are held in town on Saturday morning and again at Bassett Park Sunday morning. Friday: Easter hunt for the kids and a bull ride that night.
Want to see what the locals are up to? Pick up a copy of our area papers
Saturday: parade and markets, Lions Mud Derby and afternoon horse racing. Speedway that night. Sunday: drags, motor cross and night rodeo. There are plenty of free events too. Full details at www.easterinthecountry.com.au or you can find us on Facebook for all the latest news.
WINNING COMBINATION: Champion goat, Lucky owned by Desy Coveney blitzes to the finish line of the Open Easter in the Country Goat Race at Roma.
At the office and in the pub OUT AND ABOUT
● Have a party, sporting match or other event? Thirsty Work wants to know. ● Give Lisa or Rich a call on 4672 5500 and we can get a photographer there to capture some happy snaps.
Dalby Herald
Every Tuesday & Friday
The Western Star
The office crew at Easternwell sprout some hair for a good cause as part of the Movember fundraising.
Every Tuesday & Friday
Balonne Beacon Every Friday
Coast mates enjoy a well earned break at Chinchilla's Club Hotel. Photo Lisa Machin
TROUBLE: Workmates Brad James and Jack Strong enjoy a knock off beer in Movember.
Chinchilla News Every Thursday
The boys at Easternwell try out a grease mo on the rigs. 5036757aa
Page 10.
It was cheers all round for knock off drinks at Chinchilla’s Club Hotel.
FACEBOOK&COMPETITIONS S NTH’ERS O M THISTO WINN PHO ARE:
Upload your photo to the Thirsty Work Facebook page to go in the draw to
Nick Chard
WIN
We want your pics!!!!
Lee Strugnell
Proudly Sponsored by
WIN
5 nights accomodation at the Gold Coast for 2 people Simply like us and/or post on Facebook a comment
Last month’s Darling Downs Zoo Winners are Trina Minnikin Hartwig and Chantelle Rogers
ENTER NOW!
(Please contact 4672 5504 to collect your prize)
Welcome to our new Facebook and Competition Page!
WIN $150 FISHING PACK
THANKS TO SMAK LURES!!
Every month we will print some of your best pics uploaded to our Facebook page and have some fantastic prizes up for grabs.
Send your fishing photos
to basstobarra@ bigpond.com along with your name, address and where the fish was caught.
This month’s winner is Shenae Speis
So like our page and get uploading now!! 5088123aa
If you see your name or image on this page please contact 4672 5500 to collect your prize.
THIRSTY WORK READER SPECIALS from
$396
THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST
SATURDAY SUNDAY
9:00AM 9:00AM 9:00AM 9:00AM
www.harveynorman.com.au Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees.
THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST
Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees.
5:30PM
5:30PM 7:00PM
4:00PM 1:00PM
$249 St. 4672 4444 DALBY 49 Patrick (Computers/Electrical only)
202158_DAL
www.harveynorman.com.au
-
202158_DAL
OPEN >>>
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY K NOW IN STOCTHURSDAY
Expresso U Delonghi OPENCoffee SUNDAYS A ‘TIL 1PM Machine
DALBY 49 Patrick St. 4672 4444
4863497ad
Windows 8 Laptops
(Computers/Electrical only)
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.00AM – 5.30PM - SATURDAY 9.00AM - 4.00PM - SUNDAY 9.00AM - 1.00PM Page 11
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Melon Fest set to go
Melon skiing, throwing, smashing on the books for Chinchilla
SHANE Hatton was surprised to find one of his Santa Gertrudis studs roasted and straddling a metal pipe in an unattended QGC trench. The trench was ringed by a safety tape which the beast wandered through, falling and becoming trapped against the metal pipe in extreme heat sometime on January 6. Mr Hatton’s 14,000 acre property, Dingaroo, is 150km north of Chinchilla and has had pipe laid across it since 2009. He said he found the beast roughly 24 hours after its presumably painful death. “They had a plastic triangle and tape, stuff that wouldn’t stop an animal,” he said. “It’s either fill it in and have the pipes properly buried or have access to get out of it. “With the pipe there, they’ve got no hope of getting out.” Shane’s father and business partner Roger Hatton said it was an animal welfare issue. “How can these people leave the excavation in that manner and just go on a break?” he said. “It’s about the suffering of the animals – what’s to stop 20 or 30 falling in? “They jump up and down about Indonesian cattle and ignore this.” A QGC spokesman said the incident had prompted measures to restrict access to the pipeline construction sites. “We regret the death of the heifer and QGC is discussing compensation with the family,” the spokesman said. “QGC endeavours to prevent all animals from coming to harm because of construction activities.”
ONE of our region’s biggest events is fast approaching and the excitement among the Chinchilla community is infectious. For the week leading up to and including Saturday, February 16, Chinchilla’s rich community, lifestyle and agriculture will be celebrated more proudly than ever with the 11th Chinchilla Melon Festival. A special series of cultural, artistic, sporting and social events and functions will head up a big Saturday of fun melon madness, which drew an estimated 10,000 revellers last time. Sweet melon, smashed melon, splendid arts and spectacular entertainment will make for yet another exciting event on the streets of Chinchilla. The biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival started in the early 1990s as a celebration and recognition of the town’s proud mainstay agricultural products. The pilot event was a welcome excuse for the people of Chinchilla to get together and celebrate amid a prolonged period of drought and hardship for many of the local farmers. Since then, the size and significance of the celebration has only increased in its two-year instalments, as the town welcomes more and more excited visitors each time. In 2009 the Melon Festival received global recognition when local resident John Allwood broke the Guinness World Record for smashing 47 watermelons with his forehead in one minute. In the same year, Chinchilla was a proud recipient of a Queensland Regional Achievement Award for Events and Tourism.
Driving tired just not worth the risk The message is clear – driving tired could take your life, or someone else’s. Crashes causing injuries in the Surat Basin are growing more and more common, and police say many could have been avoided if the driver was alert. Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Relf from Dalby station said he was deeply concerned at the carnage on the Warrego Highway. “It’s just horrendous – there’s no rhyme or reason to it,” Snr Sgt Relf said. “There’s not really a pattern, it’s a general appeal to people to be patient at the roadworks and reiterate the fatal five, especially fatigue at the moment.” 2012 was not a good year for road safety in the region. The Dalby policing district, Page 12.
which takes in Chinchilla, recorded a 17% increase in injury crashes. A truck nose-to-tail at Jondaryan, near Dalby, left one driver with horrific injuries, including two badly broken legs and internal injuries. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
QGC farm trench kills cow
Project managers for the roadworks at Jondaryan have also reported having to wake up the drivers of cars stopped at the roadworks. Of course, even if you’re lucky enough to escape injury from a crash, you could still find yourself in a world of pain in court.
This ute was involved in a crash on the Moonie Highway.
Bloodshot eyes are a potential sign of fatigue.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
An intimidating sight as smoke billows from the Halliford Rd Kumbarilla Forest bushfire, near Dalby. Photo Contributed
CSG crews pitch in to fight fire
ENERGY workers from Arrow, QGC, Thiess and plenty of smaller contracting companies have been sincerely thanked for their part in helping put out a bushfire that raged for almost three weeks. It was a battle they ultimately won. The Halliford Rd Kumbarilla Forest bushfire tore its way through 85,000 acres of bushland, south-west of Dalby. As residents return to charred properties and survey the destructive power of nature, it is the rural fire fighter volunteers and workers in the area who can be thanked
for their safety. Several properties, 20 houses, and hundreds of hectares of state forest were saved. The fire was thought to be started from a lightning strikeand blazed its way through the Kumbarilla State Forest before heading north up Wilkie Creek and threatening residential homes. First officer of the Wilkie Creek rural fire brigade, Geoff Wrigley, said it was tactics that won the day for his team in the end. “We had seven water bombers continuously bombing Halliford Rd for three hours,”
❝ I have so much
First Officer Wilkie Creek Fire Brigade Geoff Wrigley
thanks for those fellas, they just got right in there and helped where they were needed. Mr Wrigley said. The effort of fire fighters was greatly aided by gas companies Arrow Energy and QGC who lended manpower in the form of their
hired contractors, water tankers and grading machinery to help fight the blaze. Many men worked in shifts on the fire front, stopping for a bite to eat at the fire station when they got the chance. Mr Wrigley estimates the gas workers’ assistance saved one to two week’s time in getting the bushfire under control. At one point firefighters were faced with a ‘crown fire’ in which flames formed an arch over them after trees on both sides caught fire and the flames joined overhead. Halliford Rd residents Trevor and Loas Hall said they
feared for their home when the bushfire came within 150 metres of their house. “We were very lucky. If the wind hadn’t changed this would all be charcoal,” said Mr Hall. The help given by all was invaluable, with Arrow setting up a control centre in Dalby and QGC using its own control centre to coordinate workers. The companies worked with the central control centre at the Wilkie Creek Fire Station, under the command of ex-military first officer Geoff Wrigley. “Without those guys we
‘Within a metre’ of flames First officer of the Wilkie Creek Fire Brigade, Geoff Wrigley, spoke with passion about the help he was given by energy workers fighting the Halliford Rd blaze. “Those boys from Murphy Pipe and Civil, they are mad Irish bastards, they were fantastic,” he said. “They were up there with graders and dozers clearing fire breaks within a metre or two of flames.” Scott Laidler, who contracts for QGC through Chinchilla company Clein Excavations, is a member of his own home town’s rural fire brigade and described the Halliford bushfire as being a “very big fire, very intense.” “The fuel loads that were in there….the wind that was behind it....” he said. “It was all go, go, go, pedal to the metal to get the (fire) break in before the fire caught us. “We went til it got dark and
THANK-YOU: Steve and Mel Organ-Moore, Peter Bannerman and Jason Gates of Gates Water Cartage, Tara, who were vital in fighting the Halliford Rd bushfire. Photo Lisa Machin / Dalby Herald then got out.” QGC’s Grant Monaghan said the best part of the experience was getting heart felt
thanks from the locals whose houses were saved. “It was a coordinated team effort with a lot of people.
“By the end the boys were hooking in and loving it, it was absolutely fluid; we were working directly to the firies.”
would have come nowhere near to putting that fire out in three weeks,” Mr Wrigley said. “I have so much thanks for those fellas, they just got right in there and helped where they were needed.” They also kept tight tabs on where their workers were and practised fatigue management in what were very long, smoky and exhaustive days and nights on the frontline of the firefighting.
FIND US ON
Sod turned for office Schlumberger opened a new office in Chinchilla on January 7 to support its pumping service base and keep up with operational demands. Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown turned the first sod in a small ceremony. Since 2008 the international oil and gas company has invested in the local market with plans to export LNG and now has over 100 staff across Queensland. This expansion in project activity caused Schlumberger to expand its services in Roma and Chinchilla. Project Manager Ahmed Waguih said the company provides
pumps and drilling analysis to local energy companies. “We use real time data, and when we have the parameters we can see if there are any trends and provide that information to the client,” he said. Mr Waguih said remote monitoring was a key part of the company’s portfolio. “[Drivers] all have ID emergency - we know exactly where they are, what the drivers’ behaviour is and it is monitored 24 hours a day [from Jakarta],” he said. “We also have online live, meaning we can view security footage of drill sites from any computer in the world.” Page 13
EMPLOYMENT&TRAINING
Arrow helping ag Rural families have a month left to apply for Arrow Energyfunded agricultural scholarships at Dalby State High School’s residential campus. Arrow’s Leisa Elder said the extended February 15 deadline would allow families and students to apply as late as the first weeks of the new school year. The scholarships, each worth $4000-$6500, were established to help families pay boarding school fees for their year 11 and 12 students at the school’s Bunya Campus.
It is the first year they have been offered, but Arrow has committed to three years’ worth of the scholarships. They expect to award six in 2013, 10 in 2014 and 14 in 2015. Applicants must live in Western Downs, Toowoomba or Banana Shire regional council areas. Preference will be given to those from Wandoan, Chinchilla, Kogan, Dalby, Cecil Plains, Millmerran and Miles. The Agribusiness Gateway School’s Bunya Campus de-
livers two agricultural programs: Agricultural Professionals and Agricultural Futures: Agricultural Professionals includes courses in Agricultural Science, Biology or Chemistry, English, Maths A or B and Accounting. Students will also complete a Certificate II in Agriculture and participate in The University of Queensland’s Enhanced Studies Program at its Gatton Campus. Application forms from www.dalbyshs.eq.edu.au.
Arrow Energy apprentices and Dalby teenagers Mikky Phipps-Ledger and Dylan Long gets hands on.
Mo Bros impress with $25k donated
The Easternwell boys put in a mo-numental effort in Movember, notching up a total of more than $25,000. Whether they went for the Boonie, the 70s porn star or the patchy teenager look, the participants put in the hard yards to fundraise. The $25,000 will go towards advancing men’s health, particularly in the areas of depression and prostate cancer. The mo-nster effort put in by the Mo Bros also placed them third in Movember’s Mining Challenge - a competition in which 130 organisations from within Australia’s mining industry were judged by order of the most funds raised. Movember spokesman Tom Betts said Australia’s mining community played a significant role in raising vital awareness and funds for men’s health around Australia. “The support we have seen from the mining industry is phenomenal. Together, teams in the Mining Challenge raised over $650,000 in 2012, bringing the overall fundraising tally to a staggering $1.38 million in just two
Choose the
CAR you want!
The mo's were going off at Easternwell during Movember. years since the official industry challenge was established,” Tom said. “Easternwell’s contribution to this is significant. “Beyond funds raised, it’s also important to recognise the countless conversations about men’s health that were generated, thanks to the
! Borrow from $10,000 to $80,000 ! Loan terms from 12 months to 10 Years ! Free redraw facility ! Available for new and second hand cars^ ! Fast approval
Mo’s grown by so many Mo Bros within the company. “It is these conversations that are helping to change attitudes and behaviour towards health”. A slap on the back to all the Mo Bros, and cheers to all those who donated.
CAR LOAN
SPECIAL
8.66% 9.65% p.a.
p.
Comparison Ra a. te Limited Time Offer
Call 1300 36 2000 visit your local branch or mmpcu.com.au
Broken Hill (08) 8087 3166 | Mudgee (02) 6372 0014 | Moranbah (07) 4941 9633 | Brisbane (07) 3899 4755 Hunter Valley 0407 256 529 | Mackay/Blackwater/Dalby/Gladstone/Toowoomba (07) 4951 0868 / 0400 928 819 Interest rate is effective from the 1 January 2013 and subject to change without notice. Lending criteria apply together with fees, charges, terms and conditions. *Comparison Rate is calculated on a loan amount of $30,000 over a term of 5 years based on monthly repayments. ^Car must be no more than 10 years old at the end of the loan term. WARNING: These comparison rates are true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Maritime, Mining & Power Credit Union Ltd ABN 11 087 650 315 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 240399
Page 14.
HOLIDAYDESTINATIONS
MATES TRIP: Head Overland IT”S a place unique in Australia, and consistently rates in guides of the world’s best treks. The 65km Overland Track is a six-day hike through the wilds of Tasmania, heading into rainforests, bush, meadows and mountains. It’s real wilderness – there aren’t any five star hotels out three, just tent sites and some huts. What’s more, walkers are expected to be entirely selfsufficient, carrying all of their own clothes, sleeping gear, food and water – although you can find water at the huts and in some safe creeks. The six-day period is a guide, which the vast majority of hikers stick to. That said, if you’re super fit and keen, you can do it in less, or stretch it out. The Overland Track has had thousands of people wax lyrical about its beauty, but it’s certainly hard work – you wouldn’t want to take it on without some level of training. That said, if you’re willing to put in some training and planning, the reward is huge. You’ll see absolutely extraordinary sites around Cra-
After the trek, check out he Bruny Island pub, off Tasmania. dle Mountain, and there’s plenty of side trips to see waterfalls, alpine lakes, and even Tassie’s highest peak. You won’t be overrun by
other walkers, but it’s beauty does mean it’s a popular spot. In the peak walking time, between October and May, you’ll need to book and pay a
fee. A maximum of 60 walkers are allowed to depart each day. You start and pick up your
visitor’s pass from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, and there are plenty of bus companies that will take you to and from the centre.
FIND US ON
Vic the pick for couple’s break
Jack Carroll from Melbourne enjoys beach cricket on Main Beach at Noosa.
Noosa with the family
PACKING up the house, spouse and kids and getting everything packed into the car is undoubtedly the worst part of holidaying – but head to Noosa Beach, and it will all be worth it. Noosa is home to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the Sunshine Coast, and a lot of the accommodation, restaurants, activities and other facilities are designed with families in mind. There are beachfront apartments as well as units and houses along the shopping and restaurant strip of Hastings Street.
FAST FACTS
● Noosa is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Brisbane. ● Bring the surfboards. ● Australia Zoo is a short drive away. There are also some beautiful houses to stretch out in along the Noosa River, still a short distance from the beachfront. You won’t have any trouble keeping the kids occupied – patrolled beaches are plentiful, and there are surfing schools and
other waterfront activities, particularly during the holidays. For a change of pace though, head inland to one of the tourist sites. It’s a short drive to Australia Zoo, the Big Pineapple, Underwater World, Aussie World or the Ginger Factory from Noosa. For something more outdoorsy, try going fishing in the estuaries, mountain biking or hiking in the hinterland. There’s even horseback or camelback rides in the area. For more information, noosaholidays.com is a good place to start.
WITH its cosy cafes, hip bars and cultural depth, Melbourne was almost made for a city break for two. You’ll be able to experience some of it in a weekend, but at least three or four nights is ideal to soak up the best of the city. First off, a place to stay – you’ll want somewhere in the city centre. There’s no point in spending too much time in a taxi or on a train getting into the city. You’ll pay for the location of course, but the extra money buys you time, convenience and atmosphere. Bourke Street, Swanston Street and Collins Street have plenty of good options, and are right near the hub of
Federation Square. You’ll find big-name establishments, like Hilton and Mantra in this area, as well as smaller boutique hotels and serviced apartments, which are handy for a longer stay. As for what to do – there’s really no end of options. Catch a play, musical or concert at one of the beautiful theatres in Melbourne, head down to St Kilda for a walk on the promenade, wander through the quirky shops and galleries of funky Fitzroy. If your partner is the sporty type, you might be able to convince them to head for a tour of the MCG. For more ideas on this exciting city, go to visitmelbourne.com.
Mary Poppins by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh is always popular. Page 15
DIGITALDOWNTIME
Tom back to action
Jack Reacher brings fights, spills and thrills Description: In an innocent heartland city, five are shot dead by an expert sniper. The police quickly identify and arrest the culprit and build a slam-dunk case. But the accused man claims he’s innocent and says “Get Jack Reacher”. Rated: M. Running time: 130 minutes. Stars: Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Robert Duvall. Review: A sniper takes out five seemingly random people in broad daylight and speeds away. The arrest is made, the suspect, James Barr (Joseph Sikora), is a trained military sniper with a record of violence; it’s an open and shut case. Staring at an empty legal pad, Barr writes only one thing – Get Jack Reacher. Such is the intriguing set-up for Jack Reacher, the latest outing for Tom Cruise, directed by his frequent collaborator Christopher McQuarrie (Valkyrie) and based on Lee Child’s bestseller One Shot. Reacher is a curious character, seemingly selfish in his outlook on life, yet possessing some pathos and a curiosity as well as razor-sharp desire to get to the truth, at whatever cost. Unfortunately, as the pieces begin to fall into place, the film begins to resemble a fairly standard crime thriller. To be fair, the screenplay and script for Jack Reacher is a cut above the rest, relative to its genre, which can be mostly be attributed to director McQuarrie,
FAMILY Guy: Back to the Multiverse serves as a sequel to the opening episode of season eight, "Road to the Multiverse", where Stewie and Brian explore tons of different alternate universes. Bertram serves as the bad guy in the game, he intends on growing an army and destroying Stewie's universe. The game really does a great job in recreating the TV show experience; it starts off with the opening catchy theme song just like in any of the epi-
a worthy Oscar winner in 1996 for the sublime writing on The Usual Suspects. Cruise is solid as Reacher, with glimpses of the intensity that made him so good in the excellent 2004 release Collateral. Rosamund Pike adds legal gravitas and the levity is
Latest iTunes Australia top 10 downloads 1 Same Love (feat. Mary Lambert) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 2 Ho Hey - The Lumineers 3 I Love It (feat. Charli XCX) - Icona Pop 4 Suit & Tie (feat. JAY Z) - Justin Timberlake 5 When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars 6 Beneath Your Beautiful (feat. Emeli Sandé) - Labrinth 7 I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift 8 Troublemaker (feat. Flo Rida) - Olly Murs 9 Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men 10 Drinking from the Bottle (feat. Tinie Tempah) - Calvin Harris
DIG IT
Meet Biggsy and Tiny! Let Biggsy the truck driver and her best mate Tiny show you around. She’s a feisty, independent woman making her way in what used to be a man’s world and Tiny is a big, burly shovel operator with a sensitive side.
5077190aa
Top 10 most watched YouTube (Australia) videos: January 1 Dumb Ways to Die 2 The best cosplay of all time 3 One Direction - Heart Attack Lyrics w/ Pictures 4 Caught on camera: racist Australians abuse girl & smash bus window 5 Try - Pink (Jayesslee Cover) 6 Epic Minequest : 2 7 DSLR gear no idea 8 Amazing Perth Christmas Lights 2012 "Gangnam Style" by Kym Illman 9 We Could Make a Movie : Mel Jade (Music Video) 10 PSY ft. Special guest MC Hammer - "Gangnam Style/2 Legit 2 Quit" on American Music Awards
Stewie’s army grows
➤ TOP TEN
Check out each month as their story unfolds against a backdrop of huge machines and enormous holes in the ground.
Page 16.
➤ TOP TEN
Comic written and drawn by Ad Long
provided by the still engaging Robert Duvall as gun range owner Cash. Jack Reacher has a captivating premise that will probably leave you thinking it could have been better than it was. Review by MovieFix
sodes. The story is good; it seems that when Brian and Stewie take centre stage, the performances are always memorable. Before and after the 10 levels, you're greeted
some pretty hilarious scenes. In terms of the game's visuals, the town of Quahog and its inhabitants are all detailed well. The developers did a great job with the source material, and not making the classic characters look hyper realistic. Overall it’s a good game, it just doesn't break any new ground in terms of gameplay. If you're looking for more Family Guy content, this game could easily satiate your appetite.
The boss techs up THIS month’s app review might be on the pricey side of things, but it’ll pay for itself after a week. Site Boss has been designed for site supervisors, and it gives them the paper tools they need to complete
daily paper work on site, on your iPhone or iPad. How good is that? The less paperwork the better You’re able to do so much on this app it’s not even funny. Set your diary, change or-
der or variations, look at minutes from meetings, request information, request tenders, get up your purchase order, or look at site instructions, the list goes on. The app is going for $119.99 in iTunes.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
O’Shea on home turf Husband and wife team launch a little Tenessee in Aus
THE threat of an American energy boom eating into our blossoming gas industry has been shrugged off by major industry players and its national peak body. A report from the United States by Deloitte suggested that as the US flooded the international market with huge amounts of shale gas, it would steal customers from Australia’s growing liquefied natural gas sellers. In Queensland alone, more than $50 billion is being spent to harvest coal-seam gas, funnel it to factories near Gladstone and convert it into LNG for export. By 2030, Australia is predicted to lead the world in LNG production, knocking MiddleEastern powerhouse Qatar from the top spot. As America ramps up its exports, other gas-producing nations would be “displaced”, the report said. Australia would cop the worst of it as a supplier because coal seam gas was such an expensive commodity to harvest then refine. Both the Santos GLNG project and Australia Pacific LNG projects – totalling more than $40 billion in investment – have secured longterm gas contracts for China and Japan. However, representatives from each said industry and government cooperation would be needed to keep them strong against overseas competitors. A response was not delivered from BG Group’s QGC project before deadline. The Australian Petroleum Production Exploration Association said the US was not expected to “overwhelm the market”. “Australia’s major challenge is its cost effectiveness,” a spokesman said.
out of the boy,” Jay said. “We're always going to be heavily influenced by Australia.” It's this influence which made the decision to launch their new album Down Under an easy one. “Tamworth is the home of country music in Australia, and it's a fun place,” Mark said. “We are also the current New Talent of the year there as well.” The pair said the album was “pretty diverse”, and was a good reflection of their development. “There was a vast array of fantastic musos on this record who we got to work with,” Jay said. But no matter where in the world the pair is, it seems they are never too far from Dalby. “I had a funny moment when I was living in Los Angeles,” Mark said. “I walked into a bar called The Rainbow Room and John Sankey was there. We thought it was crazy that two guys from Dalby were sharing a beer in Los Angles.”
Hard earned thirst needs class
All the success hasn’t gone to this West Coast brewery’s head though – they’re still churning out a fantastic pale ale. It’s perfectly balanced, citrus-y but not too tart. It’s a great beer to have with a steak, and it’s worth the
effort to find a nice frosty beer glass to pour it into. For something more bitter, we’ll keep it within Queensland. The Burleigh Brewing Co has created a range of beers with fairly interesting monikers – from My Wife’s Bitter to Black Giraffe. Bighead is the one that’s getting people talking though, for delivering what it promises – a no-carb beer that doesn’t taste crap. You won’t be buying for the big hops flavour, but it’s got a nice amount of bitterness. Cheers!
FIND US ON
L i g h t u p yo ur li fe.
• • • • •
.....
Weddings Birthdays Training Rooms Conferences RSL Dalby has a Seminars function room to suit your needs.
Dalby’s largest Function Centre
Contact Bernadette functions@dalbyrsl.com.au
Phone 4662 2309
69 Drayton St, (Warrego Hwy) www.dalbyrsl.com.au
O’SHEA’S WINDSOR HOTEL
Warrego Hwy
While Stocks Last
To Toowoomba To Chinchilla
Carlton Mid Cans 2 for $72 Dewars Scotch Whisky 700ml $30.99
Sunday’s Beer Garden Bash
SATURDAY 23rd FEB SYDNEY BAND * Live Music from 4.00pm “3 THIEVES” with Half Pint and Stacey Beer Garden * Raffles from 4pm
Condamine St
Windsor Hotel
Patrick St
WEDNESDAY MEMBERS NIGHT! RAFFLES EVERY WED & FRI!
day arvo.. Little Creatures has nearly reached the level of success that stops it being called a ‘craft’ beer – like when your favourite alternative band hits the big time.
Coles
FANCY something…fancy? Every working bloke knows that for a knock-off drink, you want an old favourite in hand. Nothing rolls off the tongue quite as easily as ‘pot of Gold, thanks’. But, when the occasion calls for it, it’s nice to pick up something a little different. Luckily, Australia has stepped up to the craft beer plate over the last few years, with more and more boutique brewers cropping up around Australia. Stone and Wood is one of the nicer beers going around, brewed and bottled in Byron Bay since 2008. The Pacific Ale is their signature beer, and it’s one for the summer. It’s cloudy and fruity and goes down well on a Satur-
5027689aa
FORMER Dalby boy Mark O'Shea now calls Nashville, Tennessee in the US home. But as the tragic Aussie he is, Mark and wife Jay - the other half of the duo - chose to release their latest album back in their home country. Mark and Jay together make up O'Shea, and officially launched their latest album One + One in Tamworth in January. The pair finished recording the album in December last year. “I cracked open a beer immediately,” Mark said. “It feels great to have it finished. It's been a long process… we've had about three or four months in the studio.” While the pair has been living in the US for about seven years, they said there was still a hint of Australia in their work. They even changed one lyric to accommodate the Aussie slang word “servo”. “You can take the boy out of Dalby, but you can't take Dalby
US vs Aus gas grab
Valentines Day
Free Rose for the Ladies who purchase from the bottle shop plus a chance to WIN a basket of wine!
Every day low prices on Bund
32 Patrick St Dalby
While Stocks Last *Please Drink Responsibly
4662 2911
y Rum
Weekly Wine Specials 5028034aa
Page 17
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Thousands of yellowbelly, Australian bass and silver perch fingerlings are released into Lake Boondooma at the beginning of the summer fishing season. Photo Contributed
A strong summer
Quesadillas the winning recipe
GET ready to impress with quesadillas – perhaps the most deceptively delicious of all Mexican cuisine. Deceptive because they are so simple to throw together. Low effort and high reward, if quesadillas were shares, you’d invest. The basic idea behind them is a toasted sandwich with tortillas instead of bread. The filling is up to you, but normally involves cheese of some description. The only kitchen tools you’ll need are a sandwich press and a knife. Step 1. Preheat the sandwich press. Step 2. Spray a little olive oil on one side of a tortilla. Place the tortilla oil side down on a cutting board, and sprinkle a little cheese across the tortilla. Step 3. Arrange any other fillings on the tortilla, finishing with a little more cheese, and place another tortilla on top. Spray the top one with some olive oil as well. Step 4. Place in the sandwich press and cook for about two mi-
TOP TIPS ● Tortillas are available in all supermarkets. ● Don’t have a sandwich press? You can toss these into a hot frying pan. nutes, or until crisp and heated through. Step 5. Slice to serve, perhaps with some salsa on the side. That’s it. What’s in it is entirely up to you – some popular combinations are chilli beef and cheese, chicken and avocado, pumpkin and goat’s cheese, chicken, corn and capsicum and charred vegetable. You can even get a little multicultural with these Mexican creations, and try out satay chicken, chicken and pesto or pork and feta. Whip up a couple for a quick dinner, or slice them into wedges to serve at a party or poker sesh. Goes well with a Corona!
Chinchilla the pick of Downs fishing spots LOCAL FISHING REPORTS Chinchilla is fishing great at the moment lots of fish being caught on Jackall Mask vibes trolled behind the boat and Smak spinnerbaits in mini Cooper "s". Warra is also producing some nice fish on Tn60 and 50 Jackalls trolled from the boat or casted from the edge. The odd golden is being caught on a stumpjumper or rmg poltergeist cast from the edge below the weir at Loudoun Bridge. Fishing has still been going great although with the recent lot of rain in the last few days things will change dramatically. Boondooma Dam: Bass and yellowbelly have been eager for SMAK spinnerbaits and Jackall lures this week, working edges along the Stuart and Boyne river arms in depths of 20 to 26ft of water. Live shrimp and salt water yab-
bies have proved to be the best bait with yellow belly, silver perch and the odd Jew in and around timber. Bjelke Peterson Dam: The dam is still fishing really well with heaps of fish coming on trolled Smak 16 hard bodies in a purple colour in the main basin. Lots of fish are coming from the upper reaches of the dam by casting Smak spinnerbaits and Littlemax blades in 15 to 25ft of water. Some really nice golden perch have been caught recently on live shrimp in the timbered areas of the dam. Lake Somerset: Bass and golden perch have been caught on bait and lures around the timber at Kirkleagh and bass on soft plastics, blades and mask vibes at Queen Street and Bay 13. There are still some big fish biting and the lake is fishing well.
Coastal: Bream, flathead and whiting around the Noosa River mouth and Frying Pan and bream, flathead and Moses perch in Weyba Creek. Sand whiting are being caught along the southern beaches, bream, whiting and flathead near Buckleys Hole, Jew at night off the Bongaree Jetty, bream in the canals and flathead and whiting at Woorim along the eastern beach at Bribie Island. Try for bream at the mouth of the creeks and flathead along the drop offs at Toorbil. Offshore: Pearl perch, Maori cod, tuskfish and Moses perch are biting on North Reef at Noosa. Pearl perch, snapper and cobia were caught at Caloundra 12 Mile on Thursday and tuskfish, pearl perch, snapper and sweetlip on the Barwon Banks and Caloundra Wide.
FISHING
CAMPING HUNTING MASSIVE BOATING INSTORE RANGE
5086095aa
* * * *
DALBY SHOP 2,10 Drayton St 4662 3773
Page 18.
Fishing Tackle Hunting Gear Camping Equipment Boating Supplies
Professional Advice & the Right Price email: basstobarra@bigpond.com
KINGAROY Shop 10,119 Youngman St 4162 7555
SPORT
Wobbly Wallaby spring A BETTER YEAR AHEAD FOR THE WALLABIES? Australia’s Wallabies will soon be back in training for the upcoming 2013 rugby season, which hopefully will be a big improvement on their 2012 campaign. Aussie rugby fans and the Wallabies themselves will remember the 2012 season as one they would rather forget....five losses, nine wins and one draw, with just 15 tries scored in the fifteen tests played. To be fair, Australia was plagued by an appalling injury toll throughout the season, with the causality list including many key players such as Ioane, Horwill, Barnes, Horne, Alexander, AshleyCooper, Pocock, Genia, Moore, Kepu, Beale, O’Connor, and Cooper. Robbie Deans had to call in no less than 40 different players to put a team on the paddock – a less than ideal situation for any coach. The one positive was that many second tier players were given an opportunity to showcase their talents by becoming Wallabies for the first time. The standout among these was 21 year old flanker Michael Hooper, whose hardrunning, hard-tackling style is
CARDIFF, WALES - DECEMBER 01: Wallabies captain Nathan Sharpe is chaired off after his last test match after the International match between Australia and Wales at Millennium Stadium on December 1, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images reminiscent of the Wallabies' other outstanding flanker, David Pocock. Nathan Sharpe, in his final
year of international rugby, did an excellent job as replacement captain for the injured James Horwill. Sharpie
was outstanding, and was voted Players Player or the year. Let’s hope that fortune
shines more favourably on the Wallabies in their 2013 campaign.
Plump wallet
IN THE mining industry? Your pay packet’s likely to be looking better than most Aussies. Just one in every 10 Australians working full-time earn $2364 or more a week, while one in 10 other employees also earn just $738 or less each week, new figures revealed recently. The latest employee earnings figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the highest average weekly cash earning were paid to managers, at $1926 a week, and professionals, on $1438 a week. Meanwhile, sales workers earned an average of just $607 a week; while community and personal service workers raked in $707 a week and labourers got a $779 pay packet each week. The mining industry again led the earnings, at an average pay cheque of $2388 a week, while accommodation and food services workers got $539 in their pocket each week. In the mining industry, 63% of full-time non-managerial employees earned cash earnings of more than $2000 every week.
Heat comes out on top after cold start THE return of state cricket at the end of January meant the second instalment of the Big Bash League is done and dusted for another year. And who would have thought it, the Brisbane Heat are the bloody champions. Going into the season the Heat were not spoken about as title favourites, nor should they have been after failing to make the finals in BBL01. With Boof Lehmann at the helm and some big name recruits, things were meant to be different for the Heat this season. It didn’t go to script though and Watson played the first match before being called up for Australian duty. But youngsters Alister McDermott, Aussie hopeful Ben Cutting and former Ipswich boy Cam Gannon along with West Indian international Roach filled the seemingly huge void left by the Heat’s star players. But it didn’t all start well for the Heat and they lost three of their first four games of the season. It was former West Australian bad-boy Luke Pomersbach who guided the
Nathan Hauritz with the Big Bash League trophy. Photo Contributed Heat into the finals, and ultimately into the multi-million dollar Champions League, through scoring bulk runs. But what do we think about the whole Big Bash concept? The cricket purists out there would probably be turning their noses up at the whole thing, saying it’s not cricket and it’s ruining what the game is meant to be
about, yet, I can almost guarantee they watched it when they got the opportunity. Ultimately, it’s not trying to take over test cricket, and it never will. At the end of the day, 80% of players who play for Australia are going to play in the BBL anyway – and where are you going to see more than 300 sixes hit in six weeks of cricket? Page 19
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR THE LOT in the Surat Basin CONSULTING / TRAINING / SALES / SERVICE This award winning locally owned & operated business delivers: :: All facets of certified training from a registered training organisation.
* TRAINING - Your place or ours :: Construction Induction - Working at Heights Confined spaces, First Aid :: Bobcat - Loader - Dozer - Roller - Grader - Scraper - Excavator & Backhoe :: Vehicle Loading Crane - Manitou - VOC’s & MORE Licence outcome training & assessment for: :: EWP, Forklift, Non Slew Crane & Dogging
* FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES :: Installations :: Services :: Sales :: Fire compliance assessments
* SAFETY WORK WEAR & EMBROIDERY All your workwear needs In-house embroidery service Gas detector specialists Supplier of all your PPE & breathing apparatus requirements Ph: 4662 6860 Fax: 4662 6884 sales@macnellies.com.au www.macnellies.com.au 49 Condamine Street, Dalby
Page 20.
5088117aa
:: :: :: ::