MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Issue 31 — December 2013
wORk w Inside this Month Page 3
More than 16,000 tour Wellcamp Airport
S O R B N I BaS O M E H T gO
Page 7
Mining band rocks the Basin
Page 9
Thiess backs local theatre in Dalby
Page 1
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
EvENTS
➤ THE BASIN DIARY
Five must-dos this month
1
Merry Christmas AS I write this, the calendar on my desk reminds me that there are less than 30 sleeps to go before Christmas Day. Unfortunately, the nature of the gas and mining industries – and the extraordinary amounts of money involved with extracting the natural resources beneath our feet – means many of you will be working during the festive season, removed from your loved ones and the relative normalcy of having a nine-to-five job. It can be a tough pill to swallow but it proves what a crucial role you are playing in the economic prosperity of the Surat Basin. If you do happen to be stuck in a camp between the end of the month and early January, please make sure you surround yourself with mates, put your feet up and share a few laughs, even if you don’t happen to celebrate Christmas. The festive season isn’t a great time of the year for a lot of people and being away from home can make things feel a million times worse, so make sure you keep an eye on your workmates – a friendly smile and a chat can go a long way. One of the best parts of my role is getting out in the field, meeting you – the men and women contributing so much to our south-west Queensland communities – and hearing your stories. This is the last edition of Thirsty Work for 2013, so I’ll catch up with you all after a visit from the fat guy in the snappy red suit. Here’s to thirsty work in the Surat Basin. Cheers Lyndon Keane
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.
2
■ What: Western Downs Regional Council
Mayoral Christmas Carols ■ When: December 11 ■ Where: Presbyterian Church, Dalby ■ Tell me more: Call 1300 268 624 THE only thing better than a great social evening is one that raises money for a good cause. Dalby residents will be on song on December 11 when the council hosts the 2013 Mayoral Christmas Carols at the town’s Presbyterian Church. Supper will be served at the event and money raised will be kept in the community through the Dalby State High School chaplaincy program. At $5 per person, it’s guaranteed to be an enjoyable night out.
3
■ What: Dalby races ■ When: Decem
ber 17 ■ Where: Bunya Park, Dalby ■ Tell me more: Call 0428 752 896 IF YOU are chasing a thoroughbred fix before December 25, Dalby’s Bunya Park is the place to be on December 17. After an outstanding year of quality meetings, Dalby and Northern Downs Jockey Club is preparing to host its final event of 2013, with a seven-race program on offer. The meeting is a TAB event and features a QTIS Added Stakes Handicap for three-year-olds, with a whopping $15,000 on offer for the fastest runner over the 1000metre journey.
4
■ What: Dalby Christmas street party ■ When: December 19 ■ Where: Cunningham Street, Dalby ■ Tell me more: Call 07 4762 5500 IF YOU like a good celebration, make sure you are in Dalby on December 19 when Cunningham Street comes alive for the 2013 Christmas street party. The event is hosted by the Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dalby Newspapers and promises to offer something for everyone with rides, stalls, live entertainment and music. A little bird has informed the Thirsty Work team that a jolly visitor is scheduled to make a special appearance during the night, which begins at 6pm.
SPECIAL VISITOR: Santa Claus will visit the Dalby Christmas street party.
CONTACT US
EDITOR Lyndon Keane - 4672 5523 WRITERS Will Hunter, Lauren Gallagher, Jim Campbell MEDIA SALES CONSULTANTS Lisa Burges, Nicole Boyd-Taylor, Catherine Ryan, 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
FAST FILLIES: If you feel like a pre-Christmas flutter, Dalby is the place to be on December 17.
DANCING FOR CHARITY: If you’ve never been to the ballet, start with Edrine Keegan’s annual charity concert.
5
■ What: Miles Carols by Candlelight ■ When: December 22 ■ Where: Miles Historial Village and Museum, Miles ■ Tell me more: Call 07 4627 2330 THE tiny township of Miles has gone from strength to strength in 2013 and the community is expected to turn out in force to end the year on a melodic note on December 22. Carols by Candlelight is always a popular event in the town and the event’s hosts, the Miles and District Historical Society, does a fantastic job of keeping patrons of all ages entertained. Go on, warm up your vocal cords before you get a visit from Santa Claus.
Proof in the paddock
FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like Facebook? Thirsty WorkWork Magazine Thirsty is on Facebook! is now on Facebook! Like our page to keep up to date with what’s in upcoming issues, competitions and some fun pics!
5321628ab 4399455aa
Thirsty Work’s editor, Lyndon Keane
■ What: Edrine Keegan School of Ballet annual charity concert ■ When: December 7 ■ Where: Roma Bungil Cultural Community Centre, Roma ■ Tell me more: Call 0428 752 896 WHILE a night at the ballet might not sound like every miner’s cup of tea, this annual event is worth much more than a cursory glance. Edrine Keegan is pretty much an institution and Roma and her dance school’s annual concert raises muchneeded funds for community groups, guaranteeing an eclectic crowd looking for a creative way to support the town. If you’ve never experienced a ballet performance before, make sure you get your first taste at this iconic event.
GRAZING SUCCESS: Energy giant New Hope Group is proving rehabilitated mining land can get a second lease on life by grazing cattle where dump trucks used to roam.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
PEOPLE
➤ MEET A MINER
Daniel is making career waves in his home town
WITH the resources sector booming from the west coast to the east coast, it can be difficult to keep long-time local residents in their communities as they attempt to forge a successful career. Thankfully, one company has recognised the issue and is focused on ensuring part of its workforce remains local where possible. Murphy Pipe and Civil has made good on its commitment to host communities by providing employment to locals, one of whom is Dalby resident Daniel George. 24-year-old Daniel has spent most of his life living in Dalby and is just one of the many people the pipeline giant employs on its construction projects across the Western Downs. Working as an operator on the trunklines project, Daniel told Thirsty Work he was pleased he had an opportunity to work in the town he was raised in. “After graduating for Dalby State High School, I worked in a number of different jobs but was keen to start a career in the construction industry, as there was a lot of that going on in town at the moment,” Daniel explained. “It’s not easy getting a job, as you sort of need to know someone or have plenty heaps of prior experience, but I was lucky. “I popped into MPC’s temporary office at the Dalby RSL when they first started here in town and dropped in my CV...and within two weeks, I had a job. “It’s been really great and since starting I have been able to upgrade my skills through the company’s training program.” While Daniel is the first to admit the career he has chosen is not the easiest way to
BASIN FORECAST
Company strives to keep locals local as the Basin keeps booming
KEEPING IT LOCAL: Dalby-based Daniel George is one of the many locals Murphy Pipe and Civil employs on its Surat Basin trunklines project. Photo Contributed make a living, he said the financial rewards – and the fact he was making a genuine difference to the state’s economic prosperity – made it worthwhile. “Working on the pipeline crew is hard work and the days and 21/7 rosters are long, but
the money is great and has really set me up for the future,” he said. “I’m only 24 and am nearly finished building my house, which I reckon is pretty good for a bloke my age.” Daniel said while the construction industry was cyclic by
ELECTRODRY 13 27 13
nature, he was confident he was in a good position for the future. “Things go up and down in this industry – projects start and finish all the time – but it’s good to know that you have the skills to find work anywhere,” he said.
Live the dream . . . learn to fly Experience the thrill of flying by taking the controls of the aircraft on your very first flight!
Trial Introductory Flight only $150
3 bedrooms cleaned for $119 and get a free spot bottle valued at $25
Room Sizes Apply
5483688AA
www.electrodry.com.au
• Training programs tailored to suit your budget • Enquire about our Charter work & Joy flights • Repair & maintenance workshop also available FLYING SCHOOL 7 DAYS A WEEK
5339647aa
• Carpet • Upholstery/Mattresses • Leather • Air Conditioner Cleaning • Car Interiors
Call now to Book in
IF ENERGY Skills Queensland is correct, the Surat Basin will be teeming with more than 12,500 gas industry workers by 2024. In its latest report – entitled Queensland CSG to LNG Industry Workforce Plan (Operations and Maintenance 2014 – 2034) – the industry body says it believes the state’s booming gas industry will employ 14,900 people by 2024, double earlier assessments. The report estimates that of the 14,900 workers, about 85 percent – 12,665 - will be needed in the Surat Basin, with 10% needed in Gladstone and 5% forecast to be required in Brisbane. The industry's biggest players - Arrow Energy, Conoco Phillips, Origin Energy, Santos and QGC - supplied the job data to ESQ to facilitate the report. All of the companies are involved with building or seeking approval to develop sprawling gas fields in the Surat and Bowen Basins, as well as processing plants on Curtis Island, near Gladstone. The 20-year workforce plan for the operations and maintenance phase of the coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas industry has identified the workforce requirement will peak in 2024, based on Queensland having 45,000 wells and six LNG trains. In the event of production being increased to 59,000 wells, ESQ has predicted the peak workforce could swell to more than 17,000. The 52-page reported has identified 20 key upstream occupations it believes will be in high demand, including cable joiners, tool pushers, CSG technical trainers and geologists. 12 key downstream jobs, including LNG plant operators and superintendents and health, safety and environment officers are also identified. ESQ chief executive officer Glenn Porter said he believed the report highlighted “the critical need to work more with the contracted workforce” as the industry continued to grow.
The Darling Downs Aero Club has provided professional pilot training since 1946, training thousands of recreational and commercial pilots
✆ 4634 2777
Mutze Street, Toowoomba Airport
www.ddac.com.au
Open 7 days Page 3
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
NEwS
Joint safety program pays dividends for local causes
Companies nail it for RSPCA QGC and Thiess have provided $2,500 worth of assistance to the RSPCA Animal Care Centre in Toowoomba as part of the QCLNG Nailed It safety program. This donation was made possible by the four-andone team successfully reaching their Nailed It target at the end of August. Shelter manager Cassandra Walker said the surprise donation would go a long way in helping care for the animals at the Toowoomba shelter. “RSPCA Queensland now rehomes more animals than any other animal welfare organisation in Australia,” Ms Walker said. “The support from the QCLNG team is greatly appreciated and timely, as unfortunately the Christmas period is one of our busiest with people surrendering animals during the holidays. “I urge anyone thinking of getting a pet to make the RSPCA their first port of call.” Since the Nailed It program was launched, the industry giants have provided more than $38,500 to workforce-nominated charities and local causes, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, the Royal Flying
HELPING HAND: QGC HSSE lead Jonathan Holliday and Thiess community and stakeholder relations manager Kyle Roggenkamp present a cheque to Toowoomba RSPCA shelter manager Cassandra Walker and Flower. Photo Contributed Doctors Service, the Janbetween QGC and Thiess, ly works safely is our ulti“As we achieve each dowae Junior Rugby designed to encourage mate goal,” Mr Roggentarget across the QCLNG League Club and the Wanpositive behaviours that kamp said. project (we) contribute a doan Primary School. drive a safe workplace “The concept behind the 50-50 charitable donation Thiess’ community and culture. program is that, on a to a charity of choice that stakeholder relations man“While positive health, monthly basis, the project has been decided by the ager, Kyle Roggenkamp, safety and environment team across all of our workforce.” said the program had been outcomes are a great result QCLNG sites focus on a Judging by shelter resiintroduced earlier this year in itself, fostering a culture key area of our HSE perfor- dent Flower’s reaction, it as a joint safety initiative where everyone instinctivemance as a target. was a wise choice.
Watching Wellcamp THE ambitious transport project being mooted as the solution to boosting the Surat Basin’s agriculture and tourism sectors was swamped by almost 16,500 visitors when it held a public open day on November 24. Wellcamp Airport has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue since the
Wagner family announced it was dipping into its own pocket – believed to be to the tune of more than $100 million – to build a privatelybuilt, public airport in Toowoomba and the community jumped at the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the development. In total, 10 million tonnes of stone will be used in the
construction of the airport and, in true Wagners style, the company highlighted the fact it was doing all its own quarrying on site by unleashing a spectacular blast of 500,000 tonnes of rock – the largest nonmining blast in the country’s history - to cap off the open day, much to the delight of the crowd.
BOOMING SUCCESS: The Wellcamp Airport open day was a blast. SPhoto: Bev Lacey
➤ IN BRIEF Linc to divest $440M coal division LINC Energy will divest or demerge its coal division next in 2014 once it lists on the Singapore Exchange later this year. The energy company announced on November 13 that it had attached a $440 million valuation to its coal business, New Emerald Coal. The valuation includes the company’s recently-acquired Blair Athol mine and the Teresa coal project in the Bowen Basin. Dialling danger A MOBILE phone is believed to have been found in the wreck of a dump truck involved in an accident at Fortescue Metals Group’s Christmas Creek site last month. The operator involved in the accident lost his leg after he ran into the back of another truck in the early hours of October 22. Basin helps engineering boom ENGINEERING-INTENSIVE industries in regions like the Surat Basin have the opportunity to turn Brisbane into a world-class engineering city, according to the University of Queensland’s head of engineering. With the resources sector still booming in the region, Professor Graham Schaffer, executive dean of UQ’s engineering, architecture and information technology faculties, said he believed Brisbane – and the state – could become a global hub for specialist engineering services.WesTrac slashed hundreds of positions HEAVY equipment business WesTrac has retrenched almost one-quarter of its staff in the past four months in response to the resources sector slowdown in the mining industry. The company announced last month it would shed 630 jobs. The job losses come on top of 375 positions that were axed in June.
THIS WEEK! LUCKY DINER’S JACKPOT $2000.00 EUCHRE 7.30pm – 10.00pm New Players Welcome! POKER COMPETITION Registration from 6.30pm Play commences 7.00pm FREE to play - great prizes! (Chips have no monetary value)
THURSDAY TOP CHOICE TRIVIA SHOW Commences 7.30pm FREE to play – great prizes!
FRIDAY ENTERTAINMENT: Live Music Membership draw Little Digger’s Club open
SATURDAY LUNCHTIME Membership draw
SUNDAY JAG THE JOKER 11.00am – 2.00pm Free tickets with each drink purchase Current jackpot *Must be a financial member and present to win
CHINCHILLA RSLMEMORIALCLUB INC
“Your club – The place to meet!” (07) 4662 7196 61 Heeney Street, Chinchilla Information Members, Guests & Bona Fide Visitors. Full TAB facilities available! Page 4.
5483692aa
WEDNESDAY
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
NEwS
FKG shows off flagship
CAUSE FOR DONATION: Easternwell staff, including Ashley Ingham, abandoned their razors last month for Movember.
Movember a hit in Basin
THERE are plenty of freshlyshaved faces roaming around the Surat Basin after Movember finished for another year on the weekend. While there were countless solo efforts from an army of gas and mining workers, one of the most noticeable group efforts was from the team at Easternwell. This year, 18 dedicated Mo Bros and Mo Sisters participated in the Easternwell Movember campaign, with many unofficial guys and girls also flying the flag for men’s health. At the time Thirsty Work went to press – four days before the conclusion of the everpopular campaign – the team had raised more than $6100 by shaking collection tins and hosting events like morning teas. As an added bonus, the powers that be at Easternwell decided to reward the Mo Bros and Mo Sisters by matching the final tally dollar-for-dollar. One of the most impressive moustaches around the Easternwell camp was attached to
MATT'S MO: Matthew Moynihah Photos Contributed health, safety and environment adviser Tim Fetch. When asked why he threw his razor in the bin for the fifth November in a row, Tim told Thirsty Work it was a fun way to raise awareness of men’s health issues. “I have put my hand up to be a Mo Bro for the past five years and I continue to be blown away by the generous donations and support from my friends, family and colleagues,” Tim said. “As I work away from home,
shows off his Movember effort. it can be easy to forget the importance of looking after your health and wellbeing. “Being involved in Movember has provided me with the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues as a team to not only raise money, but encourage others to speak freely and comfortably about any health issues or concerns that may be affecting us.” Based on some of the sparse moustaches spotted by the Thirsty Work team, several Mo Bros across the Surat
Basin struggled to match Tom Selleck but kept their heads held high. Easternwell’s chief operating officer, Darren Greer, said the company was proud to support the annual event. “Movember is a significant event on the Easternwell calendar and continues to be a favourite throughout the team,” he said. “We currently have more than 1,200 employees across our areas of operation...and while they are geographically dispersed, we make it a priority to ensure they are provided with opportunities to work together as a team. “Movember provides us with a platform to not only be united but also allows us to disseminate important health messages around prostate cancer and mental health which are particularly relevant to the sector we work in and to our people. “Most importantly, Movember allows us to encourage our team to stay...dedicated to their health and wellbeing year round.”
ACCORDING to FK Gardner and Sons, its new $20 million Toowoomba headquarters is proof there is still plenty of life left in the Surat Basin. The company opened the state-ofthe-art facility last week and celebrated by inviting staff, local business identities, councillors and State Government representative on a comprehensive tour. Due to upcoming new contracts and anticipated new major projects in the pipeline, FKG expects to see turnover increase to $750 million over the next year. FKG managing director Nick Gardner said the building represented growth, as well as the company’s people and its culture. “While we identified the commercial need to build a new facility in order to accommodate this current and anticipated growth, we also saw it as an opportunity to build something which embraces our internal culture and the value we place on our people,” he explained. “The intention of
the design was to create a working environment that did not feel like a typical industrial location. “We sought to design and build something which would reinforce our objectives of making FKG a great place to work and an employer of choice.” A quick walk through the facility leaves no doubt that staff are at the forefront of its design. One of the biggest surprises inside is Building Blocks, an early learning centre, but it also includes a fully-equipped gym and pool, covered outdoor alfresco area and outdoor cooking facilities including a pizza oven and BBQ. Queensland Premier Campbell Newman was on hand for the official opening and said he believed it proved regional companies could be market leaders. Since July, FKG has been able to bolster its workforce by a further 22 percent to deliver on a variety of coal seam gas and infrastructure projects in the Surat Basin.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: The Queensland Premier unveils FKG's new HQ. Photo Contributed
Page 5
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Working in the basinLIFE
Easternwell lends a hand in Dalby Grant a big win for school
TWO well-known Dalby organisations are celebrating after sharing $4000 in funding through Easternwell’s community grants program. As part of its commitment to the communities it operates in, the mining services provider awards $40,000 biannually to groups seeking financial support to facilitate specific projects. In the latest round of grants, the Dalby South State School Special Education Program and Dalby Meals on Wheels received $2000 each. The school’s Special Education Program provides educational support and therapeutic intervention for children with developmental delays or diagnosis of specific disabilities. Joel McCaskie, the head of the school’s special edu-
cation service, said the program allowed families in the Dalby region to send their children to a local school, while still ensuring access to support, services and a curriculum on par with metropolitan special schools. Mr McCaskie said the grant afforded the school the opportunity to develop the much-needed program. “We provide educational programs, support and services to over 75 students and families, and the Easternwell funding has allowed us to further develop our resources and ensure children with physical impairment can effectively and comfortably participate in learning activities,” he said. Since the program began in 2011, Easternwell has provided more than $90,000 in funding, a figure chief
❝
Easternwell chief operations officer Darren Greer
We can provide support to the community in areas where they have demonstrated a real need. operations officer Darren Greer is very proud of. “By working with organisations like Dalby South State School Special Education Program, we can provide support to the community in areas where they have demonstrated a real need,” Mr Greer said. “Easternwell funding will assist in ensuring they continue to have a strong presence in the community now and into the future.”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Dalby’s Ivy Roger takes advantage of equipment provided through Easternwell’s community grants program. Photo Contributed
earthmoving + plant hire specialists
our services
Would hiring a Bobcat or Excavator take the backache out of your next job? .//4 1/ #&-)8$- #/- /&- 6&,-,1)$$ /#0 ?5I1 6!DJ M& L7)88 51 8)1P! !3I<47!6J N<1! JN)J %57!L E<JN !D4!1<!6%!# 54!1)J51L )6# !D%!4J<56)8 %ILJ57!1 LI4451J* ?5I1 415'8!7 <L 5I1 L58IJ<56 R157 #<PP<6P 45LJ N58!L> N5IL! 4)#L> LN!# 4)#L> #1<G!E)BL> 4<!1 N58!L> J1!6%N<6P> 1!75G<6P 1I''<LN> 51 %8!)6<6P I4 ) L<J!> EN)J!G!1 <J <L E! %)6 N!84*** M88 5I1 54!1)J51L )1! RI88B J1)<6!#> N58# %I11!6J J<%9!JL> )6# )1! %5G!1!# 'B !DJ!6L<G! 8<)'<8<JB <6LI1)6%!*
%1'-$" (),1*+5$ (SS= ((S ($( :/&! (),1*+5$ (S$: :"; $Q;
K5'%)J + .I''<LN 1!75G)8 + FD%)G)J51 + H1<G!E)BL + K5#B J1I%9 + A5IL! 4)#L @ R55J<6PL + H5P J1)<8!1 + -N!# 4)#L @ R55J<6PL + -8<#! <6 E)J!1 J)69 + KI89 %)1J<6P + ,)P J1)<8!1 + HILJ LI441!LL<56 + ,1!6%N<6P + A)1# LJ)6#<6P + /5LJ N58!L + 05)7 + /<!1 N58!L J5 O7 + C)1#!6 L5<8 + C1)G!8 + .5)# ')L! +
Heavy Metal Specialists • Onsite & Workshop fabrication & pressure welding • Qualified Pressure Welders, Boilermakers & Fitters • Drill Rig & Piping System upgrade to Industry Specs • Full QA Documentations & Traceability provided • Hydrostatic Testing – data logged to 10000 psi • Crane Truck Service, Diesel Generator / Welder Hire • Pipe threading npt, bsp • Fixed bulk pricing or scheduled quotes given • Steel or Poly lines * Mobile Sandblasting & coating
Chinchilla Based Will travel For all enquiries please call Simon on
0427 775 188 or Monique
72,53 9*
0427 669 419
)#7<62#7)%157)*%57*)I 5483693aa
Page 6.
swpf@skymesh.com.au
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Leighton band rocks the camp WHAT began as a way to chill out during precious moments away from the field has transformed into a must-see live local act for five Leighton Contractors employees. When Thirsty Work toured Origin Energy’s Condabri camp in October, the team heard whispers about a band that had won over a small-yet-passionate band of followers after several impressive gigs around Miles. After countless phone calls, the band – Incident and Injury Free – was tracked down and its spokeswoman was explaining how five men had turned a shared interest for music into a band capable of holding its own under the glaring lights of the main stage. In addition, the band members have become somewhat of the poster
❝
w wORk
Basin brainsLIFE
Brighter Futures for kids
Injury and Incident Free spokeswoman
(It) started off as a few guys jamming. children for the company’s safety program. “What started off as a few guys jamming on their afternoon off quickly developed into a band that is the backbone of the project’s Injury and Incident Free Tuesday barbecue,” the spokeswoman said. “IIF is a program that drives the project’s safety culture by bringing the guys together and supporting the mentality of ‘mates looking out for mates’.” The spokeswoman said the band was an outlet for its members to feel more at home while living in the
SURAT BASIN SOUNDS: Injury and Incident Free has been making a name for itself at gigs across the region. Photo Contributed camp. and “Nothing Else Matand singers. “The band is an opporters”. Who are Injury and tunity for the wider project Proving the company is Incident Free? team to feel more at a rocking the region, ■ Lead singer and home,” the spokeswoman Leighton Contractor have rhythm guitar - Mark Borexplained. sponsored M-Factor at sema (survey assistant) The band predominantly X-Roads, which will be ■ Lead guitar - Ed Cook plays music from the 80s held on December 12 as (electrician) and 90s rock stables but part of the Miles and Dis■ Lead vocals and has the ability to diversify trict Chamber of Comrhythm guitar - Nick Chapits set list to meet the demerce’s Christmas carnivman (leading hand) mands of its often-eclectic al. ■ Drums - Justin Miles audiences. The talent show will (operator) Regular “fan” requests showcase the best of the ■ Drums – Will Hicks include “Snow Hay Ho” Surat Basin’s musicians (boilermaker)
COACHING sessions with the Brisbane Broncos, fishway rehabilitation plans and first-aid courses are among the many projects being delivered in the Surat Basin to build a brighter future for the region. The initiatives are part of Arrow Energy’s community investment program Brighter Futures, which supports local not-for-profit groups. Last year about $3.7 million was invested across the Surat and Bowen Basins, Gladstone and Brisbane. Some of the recipients include Dalby State High School and the boys and girls who attend Jandowae Kindergarten.
ARROW ACCESS: Arrow Energy has been helping Dalby schoolchildren through its Brighter Future program. 5478726aa
5483694aa
FREEDOM HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER IINVESTMENT www.enzed.com.au 24 HOUR MOBILE SERVICE 7 DAYS
HOSE AND FITTING SPECIALISTS • Mining • Logging • Agricultural • Industrial • Automotive • Earthmoving • Transport
HarleyDavidsonCVOBreakout Need a change? A Harley will do it for you! (+2) 1/!"0$ ,#.*'&%---
ENQUIRE TODAY
90 Mort St, Toowoomba | 4638 2811 | sales1@bym.net.au
134662 13 62 7038
ile Mob ow e ic n Serv ble in la avai doan a W n
ALL HOURS
ENZED Surat Basin Malduf Street Chinchilla QLD 4413
info@enzedsuratbasin.com.au Page 7
SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 2 Beguiled 7 Excites greatly 8 Every 24 hours 10 Fastens tightly 11 Bamboo-like grasses
An All Australian Word Game
Mind Twister
FOCUS WORD
* 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. What word can be added to these to make eight new words? BALL, WIRE, LIGHT, WAY, LAND, BROW, BORN, CHAIR AnswerHIGH. (highball, highwire, highlight, highway, highland, highbrow, highborn, highchair)
2. What is X? 2322/6, 4126/4, 5628/9, 6846/X
TODAYS FOCUS
Good 15 words Very good: 22 words Excellent: 33 words
3. King is to Carrie as Christie is to ?
SUDOKU
Focus Word gilt gist glint glut guilt gust instil insult INSULTING linguist lint list listing lust lusting luting silt silting siting slit snit sting stun stung suit suiting sunlit tiling ting tuning unit uniting until
Ace Camp Solutions Pty Ltd A JV with the Harvey Black Group
Suppliers of mobile or permanent camps, office or crib solutions. Now offering the option of custom made container solution that can suit all budgets.
Contact Warren Hohnke Mb: 0428 691 429 Te: Fx: Ad: Po:
+61 7 4631 4200 +61 7 4631 4299 494-498 Boundary St,Toowoomba 4350 P.O BOX WP47 Wyalla,Toowoomba 4350 www.acecampsolutions.com.au
Page 8.
AnswerThe Mysterious Affair at Styles (First-published novels of best-selling authors).
4. Can you work out this cracked proverb? Shakespeare explained to Ben Johnson that the old form of the sonnet was laborious because it was hard to find the rhymes. “My new type is easier and so I can write more,” he said. “As any good tailor knows a stitch in time saves nine or as I would put it ... AnswerA switch in rhyme saves time.
5. Can you fly through air with the greatest of ease? Change fly to air in six moves (one letter at a time, making a new word each time). Answer FLY, PLY, PAY, PAR, FAR, FIR, AIR
5483696aa
SOLUTIONS
Answer15. Add the first three digits and subtract half the fourth e.g. (2+3+2) - (2/2) = 6
Last Weeks Solution Across: 2 flattered, 7 thrills, 8 daily, 10 seals, 11 canes, 13 smell, 15 nearing, 16 festering. Down: 1 fetid, 3 allay, 4 tusks, 5 release, 6 drugs, 9 ignores, 11 cliff, 12 sense, 13 swami, 14 lager.
KEYNUMBO
5 Set free 6 Narcotics 9 Takes no notice of 11 Precipice 12 Meaning 13 Hindu teacher 14 Type of beer
5318734ae
KEYNUMBO
13 Aroma 15 Coming close to 16 Suppurating DOWN: 1 Stinking 3 Alleviate 4 Elephant parts
MODULAR 5 STAR REMOTE FACILITIES In stock now!! 14Mtr Mobile Crib
20ft “Campdraft” Optional Cladding
IN STOCK
20 & 40ft Container Buildings
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Working in the basinLIFE
Arrow program aims to help indigenous locals
Basin man’s bright future ST GEORGE father-of-three Daniel Blades admits being away from his family was tough but adds completing Arrow Energy’s Whanu Binal program and securing a full-time job made the absence worthwhile. Whanu Binal prepares Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for work in the resource sector and Mr Blades and 10 of his peers from the Surat Basin region graduated from the program on November 6. The 29-year-old stayed in Toowoomba to complete the 12-week program, which included accredited construction
training, cultural training and vocational work placement. Mr Blades said it was a major career stepping stone which helped him secure a full-time job as a labourer with construction company Silverstrand. “I am really thankful for the opportunity and all the help given to me,” he said.
❝
Daniel Blades
“It is a big opportunity and great for the resume. “The trainers spoke in a manner you understood…they know where you are coming from.” Arrow Energy chief executive officer Andrew Faulkner said the Whanu Binal program delivered training programs in the company’s areas of oper-
The trainers spoke in a manner you understood…they know where you are coming from.
ation. “It is wonderful to see so many people participating in the Whanu Binal program and the job opportunities and prospects that have followed, as well as the benefits that flow on to the community,” Mr Faulkner said. “Many of those who completed the Whanu Binal program have already achieved full-time work and should be congratulated for grasping this opportunity with both hands. “Arrow is committed to helping Indigenous Queenslanders along the pathway to long-term employment.”
WORTH THE EFFORT: Daniel Blades shows off the painting he presented to Arrow Energy after successfully completing the 12-weekWhanu Binal program. Photo Contributed
DONATION: President of Dalby Players Little Theatre Adele Jasper poses with Thiess community and stakeholder relations manager Kyle Roggenkamp and adjudicator Robert Gilbert. Photo Contributed
Thiess gets theatrical
THIESS showed its creative side recently when it came to the rescue of the Dalby Drama Festival with a last-minute sponsorship. The annual event is hosted by the Dalby Players Little Theatre and convener Nancy Evans said she had spent several months writing letters and phoning sponsors to raise the funds to make the festival a financial success. This year, the group engaged an adjudicator from New Zealand, Robert Gilbert, who also conducted two workshops for members and high school students in the lead-up to the festival. DPLT president Adele Jasper said she was keen to engage Mr Gilbert for the Dalby festival after meeting him at the Norfolk Island Drama Festival in 2012. At that festival, Dalby actors Desley Keys and Beverley Bacon shared the award for runner-up best actor female in Day Trippers, which was directed by Mrs Jasper. Mrs Jasper invited Mr Gilbert to adjudicate at Dalby and was delighted when he accepted. As the organisation had the additional expenses of Mr Gilbert’s airfare and car hire, the committee needed to raise more sponsorship than usual. A chance conversation between the Ms Evans and Thiess’ Kyle Roggenkamp several days before the festival resulted in the multinational offering to help out with a $1000 sponsorship. Thiess also supplied all the volunteers and competitors with lanyards for their festival IDs, as well as drink bottles for all competitors, volunteers and audience members. Each prize winner was also given a Thiess golf umbrella. After the presentation. Mr Roggenkamp commented on the energy and enthusiasm of competitors. The Dalby Drama Festival has been held annually since 1994 and attracts some of the best festival plays on the south-east Queensland circuit.
DIG IT
Meet Biggsy and Tiny!
5077190ak
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. Check out each month as their story unfolds against a backdrop of huge machines and enormous holes in the ground. Comic written and drawn by Ad Long Page 9
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Want to see what the locals are up to? Pick up a copy of our area papers
w wORk
OuT and abOuT
Workers prepare for Christmas
Dalby Herald
Every Tuesday & Friday
The Western Star
HIGHLY VISIBLE: Michael Brown, Anne-Marie McCarthy and Russell Hill are hard to miss on the streets of Roma.
Every Tuesday & Friday
WITH Christmas Day only three weeks away, gas and mining workers across the Surat Basin are beginning to get into the festive spirit. While many will be working over the coming month, countless others will take a wellearned break and put their feet up with friends and family. Thirsty Work caught up with a few workers in Roma as they planned they Christmas getaways.
Balonne Beacon Every Friday
SIMON SQUARED: Simon Edmondson-Clark and Simon Pu pose for a Thirsty Work photo.
SHARING A LAUGH: Jarrod Willis, Brad Franky and Chris Nicholson catch up before December 25.
Chinchilla News Every Thursday
5036757aa
CHRISTMAS CHEER: Maurice Hayman, Bradie McCormack and Ashley MacDonnell reflect on 2013 with a cold beverage.
OSTWALD CONNECTION: Michael Condon, Paul Mochan and John Hourigan fly the Ostwald Bros flag.
LAYBY NOW FOR CHRISTMAS!
RIDE FOR LIFE SCOOTERS! HugeRangeinc MGP
WE HAVE IT ALL! • New Summer Clothing - Adidas, Puma & Lorna Jane
Hedges Sports Store Page 10.
• Footwear • Golf Clubs • Tennis Racquets • Squash Racquets
TRAMPOLINES TABLE TENNIS TABLES TREADMILLS EXERCISE BIKES
Ph 4662 3078 | 40 Cunningham St Dalby
hedgessports.com.au
5483698aa
• 12” to 20” Kids Bikes • Mountain Bikes • Road Bikes • BMX Don’t forget your helmet! • Special price with purchase of selected bike.
BUILD MUSCLE! WEIGHT BENCHES & WEIGHTS IN STOCK NOW
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
OuT and abOuT
New $20m FKG HQ opens its doors
BOOMING BASIN: Don Frost takes time out for a photo.
SURAT BASIN INVESTMENT: FKG's Nick Gardner is congratulated by State Government ministers David Crisafulli and John McVeigh. Photos Contributed
CHILDCARE EXCELLENCE: FKG marketing manager Lauren Hope, Lisa Newman and baby Slater Hope.
GALA AFFAIR: Councillors Anne Glasheen and Geoff McDonald, and Brian Hodges.
IT WAS standing room only when FK Gardner and Sons Group opened its state-of-the-art headquarters in Toowoomba last week. The $20 million facility was opened by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and a steady stream of FKG workers and invited guests filed through the building as they checked out one of the Garden City’s best commercial addressed. The office boasts an envious list of inclusions designed to make life easier for the company’s staff but Thirsty Work things the barbecue and outdoor pizza oven are set to get the most use.
20 MILLION REASONS TO SMILE: The new FKG office impressed all at last week’s opening.
CHECKING OUT THE FACILITIES: Joe Stark, Wanda Wolff and Terry Wolff.
THIRSTY WORK READER SPECIALS $249
THE COMPUTER AND ELECTRICAL SPECIALIST
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 7:00PM 4:00PM 1:00PM
$8999 SUNDAYS OPEN A ‘TIL 1PM
DALBY 49 Patrick St. 4672 4444
LG 100” Laser Display TV
(Computers/Electrical only)
202158_DAL
www.harveynorman.com.au
-
202158_DAL
OPEN >>>
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
DALBY 49 Patrick St. 4672 4444
5321680ae
NEW Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 From
(Computers/Electrical only)
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.00AM – 5.30PM - SATURDAY 9.00AM - 4.00PM - SUNDAY 9.00AM - 1.00PM Page 11
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
GasGossipLIFE
Gas gossip blows the whistle on silliness in the Surat Basin
Race day fails and a dodgy fishy tale The tale of the perpetuallygrowing fish HERE at GG, we think tall fishing tales have been par for the course since the delicate art of angling began way back when. Given how many guys and girls in this part of the world love wetting a line, it’s hardly surprising that we are constantly receiving calls, text messages and emails that show happy anglers and their favourite catches. Well, the photos we get sent normally include a fish. A couple of weeks ago, GG opened an email from a fisho who makes a living here on the Western Downs, only to discover the photo was of him, sans fish, standing in the traditional it-wasthis-big-I-swear pose. According to the gentleman involved, he’d hooked a “bloody monster” Murray cod in the Condamine River, only to have it earn its freedom metres from his boat. Instead of just accepting it, he decided to send GG a photo of how big he thought
it was and asked us to believe that he had lost what he described as “easily a 60-pound fish”. Unfortunately, we aren’t overly trusting souls here at GG, so we gave him the option of either publishing the offending photo and his ludicrous story or demanding he made a sizeable donation to charity for wasting out time. GG is pleased to announce the wayward angler chose the latter and, in the spirit of Movember, donated $100 to men’s health research. As a word of warning, the next fishless fishing photo GG receives will cop a $500 fine. Backfiring beer bets THERE is a very good reason you never challenge an Irishman to a Guinness skolling competition: if you do, you are likely to lose face and the best part of the following day. The well-known safety message somehow got lost on one young Surat Basin
welder when he reportedly threw down the gauntlet at a Dalby watering hole last weekend. As GG hears it, the excitable lad decided polishing off a bottle of the dark stuff faster than a six-foot-oneinch Irish worker would do wonders for his profile. It was a bold, albeit stupid plan, and our fearless pub warrior lost the contest by “the best part of the bottle”, according to the mate who dobbed him in to GG. “It was horrible to watch,” the mate told GG. “When he told us what he was going to do, a few of the boys told him he was mad, but he went ahead and did it anyway. “He reckons he was close to winning but he got his bloody arse handed to him.” It might be back to Fanta spiders for our welding prodigy. The losing blues IT WAS a different kind of bet that got one coal seam gas worker in a world of trouble with his better half
EASY COME, EASY GO: Which forgetful based miner pocketed $2800 at the 2013 Roma Cup, only to lose his wallet three hours later? Photo Graham Osborne
during last month’s Roma Cup. Apparently, the poor bloke in question was having a pretty good day backing the ponies and decided to go all in on the main event in an all-or-nothing approach to responsible gambling. Luckily, he backed favourite Jack’n’Me heavily and could barely contain his excitement as in-form hoop Lyall Appo guided the Mark Goodwin-trained rocket to the narrowest of wins. After collecting more than $2800 from the despondent bookmaker, our cashed-up racegoer decided to shout his mates quite a few loud ales and reflect on his promising career as a professional punter. Somewhere between his fifth beer and trudging back to his hotel room, GG is told our friend misplaced his wallet, which still contained the best part of his winnings. The story GG hears is that the wife of the CSG worker “had an absolute fit” – as you would – when she found out about the lost stack of cash and marched her drunken, sheepish husband back along the hazy route he had taken from Bassett Park to the Northern Road inn. Unfortunately, the wallet was unable to be located, making for a very, very expensive day at the races. Pointing the fainting finger AS A general rule, men don’t like to discuss their health ailments at the best of times but they are pretty tough to ignore when you drop to the floor in front of a
few dozen work colleagues. Rumour has it that one Surat Basin worker struggled with a prostate presentation his company ran last month, so much so that he actually toppled over when a surgical device was shown in all its glory on the big screen. The presentation was part of the Movember campaign and, while it was meant to be a painless experience for those in the room, it was not so for the misfortunate fainter. While GG refuses to name – or point the prostate finger – at the gentleman in question, one of his colleagues reports a new nickname has begun floating around the company. “A few of the lads wanted to start calling him Fingers,” the little bird laughed. “We were all pretty worried when he dropped but now we know he’s okay, all is fair in love and war.” Car trouble WITH site-compliant company vehicles being easily accessible to our Surat Basin workforce, one can be forgiven for forgetting what it is like to get behind the wheel of a private vehicle. That is, if you can find it. GG got a call from a giggling gas worker last week who, after asking a few questions about Thirsty Work, proceeded to let it slip that she had misplaced her bright blue car after a big night on the town in Chinchilla. Our caller only dug herself deeper when she admitted the car – which is unique
enough to stick out like a fox in a chicken coop – had personalised plates bearing her first name. “I’m just so used to driving one of the work four-wheel drives,” she told GG. “I went out on Friday night and knew I’d parked my car somewhere, but I had a bit of a blank when I actually tried to remember what it looked like.” GG has to give points to our less-than-observant offender for asking whether her hilarious admission would be printed. Growing boys BY THE sound of it, there are a few impressive appetites in the Surat Basin. If the report GG received on Friday morning is correct, none of the aforementioned appetites top that of a certain Miles-based boilermaker, who apparently knocked off an entire four-person meal at a Toowoomba restaurant last week before making a beeline for the nearest gelato vendor. Our hungry tradie was dobbed in by his supervisor, who told GG watching him eat was like “dragging an excavator into a buffet line”. “A few of the boys dared him to polish off the family meal but no one thought he had it in him,” the supervisor explained. “It was horrible to watch but we all had to laugh when he asked if we could find some gelato for him before heading back to our accommodation.” Ah, you have to love kids and their growth spurts.
TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE TRAPS TALL TALES: While it might not be the biggest fish in the world, this isn’t the worst fishing photo we’ve seen recently. Just ask a certain coal seam gas identity. Photo Contributed Page 12.
■ Have you heard or seen something funny around the Surat Basin you think deserves to be in Gas Gossip? ■ Email the team at thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au or call 07 4672 5500. ■ Names will be removed to protect the innocent, clumsy and stupid.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
1
w wORk
BASIN BRAINS
10 useless facts you will never need. Unless you need to win a workplace argument or a pub trivia competition, that is.
2 The word “nerd” originated from its use in Dr Seuss’ 1950 book, If I Ran the Zoo.
3
Sound travels 15 times faster through steel than through the air.
6 9
Basin brainsLIFE
On average, you will utter about 4800 words today. There are about six million parts in a Boeing 747-400.
Despite being a genius and developing the theory of relativity, Albert Einstein never learnt how to drive.
5
4
“Taxi” is spelt the same way in English, French, German, Swedish, Dutch and Portuguese.
The character Shrek was modelled on a real man called Maurice Tillet.
7
Methyphobia is fear of alcohol.
8
Until coffee gained mainstream popularity, beer was the breakfast beverage of choice in more urban areas of the United States.
10
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
Page 13
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
TravelLIFE
PHOTO: SHIRLEY SINCLAIR
YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO: Try a little luxury at Palazzo Versace.
Relax in a lap of luxury Palazzo Versace sets the standard for ‘wow’ ■■■ ▼ SHIRLEY SINCLAIR THE lagoon pool lights throw an Avatar-like blue glow on to the white-curtained cabana, making the setting seem all the more surreal. On closer inspection, the lit candles reveal a comfortable queen-size day bed with gold and white rolled cushions, champagne flutes at the ready on side tables, and a deserted garden of sun lounges beside an elaborately tiled fountain. It’s 9pm on a Friday on the Gold Coast but the quiet serenity belies our location. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary and we know it will be one to remember. We’ve been invited to try
PALAZZO VERSACE
Sea World Dr, Main Beach. Phone: 5509 8000 Palazzo Versace will be “puttin’ on the Ritz” on New Year’s Eve with its Prohibition Party featuring songbird Jessica Mauboy. Tickets are from $250 per person. The Aurora Spa menu includes signature steam, facial, body, massage, feet and hand treatments as well as spa retreat packages. The Twilight Cabanas take Australia’s only Water Salon to a whole new level. Various poolside packages are available. Visit www.palazzoversace.com.au
the Twilight Cabana package at the Palazzo Versace hotel. And as we settle into our laid-back positions overlooking the fairytale lagoon we have virtually all to ourselves, our friendly, attentive waitress Irene
welcomes us with glasses of Ruinart “R” Brut. We indeed feel special, so we sip rather than quaff, embrace our surroundings and truly relax. After a polite amount of time, Irene presents our shared entrée
from the Il Barocco kitchen. The three-tiered signature Versace Antipasti offers fresh seafood, a Mediterranean mix including olives and marinated eggplant, and sushi with avocado, smoked salmon, tuna and prawns – served with ciabbata bread and wafer-thin pita slices. Irene warns us to leave room for the main meals and dessert, as well as the Cape Mentelle cabernet merlot. We are glad we have taken her advice once we see the Northern Rivers beef tenderloin with truffle, whipped potato and pepper sauce and the organic chicken with tahini yoghurt dressed with baby spinach and chick pea salad. Dessert will need to be delayed. So we ask for the
in Country Crows Nest
Four Star Comfort | Country Hospitality | A Peaceful Stay
2 NIGHT PACKAGE DEALS AVAILABLE. Your hosts Branton and Pauline Woodhead.
Crows Nest Motel Page 14.
(07) 4698 1399
W: www.crowsnestmotel.com.au
5483699aa
Quiet country motel set in peaceful parkland, 4 star suites and self contained apartments. Homestyle evening meals and breakfast or enjoy the bbq facilities.
7547 New England Hwy, Crows Nest P:
PALAZZO Versace’s Le Jardin lobby bar has released the chicest culinary designs, with a fashionable new high tea menu. The Couture High Tea will be serving up three-tiered opulence between 11am–5pm daily, featuring cake pops, mini quiches, salted caramel tarts, pumpkin croustade with spicy red pesto, raspberry macaroons and more. It costs $45 per person and includes tea and coffee. Designed by Vanitas’ head chef James Fiske, Le Jardin offers a number of ways to experience the Couture High Tea. Whether paired with Cloudy Bay Sparkling Wine for the Sparkling Couture High Tea for $55 per person, with Dom Perignon for the Royal Champagne Couture High Tea for $110 per person, or tailored for kids with Little Royal Tea for $25 per person, Palazzo Versace’s high tea offerings are a must have. The Couture High Tea menu includes: ■ Mango curd tart edible flowers. ■ Mocha Merang tear drop. ■ Flourless chocolate and passionfruit cake. ■ Blood orange and hazelnut praline. ■ Truffle with Chambord-scented mascarpone. ■ White chocolate coconut mousse with peach gel. ■ Smoked trout with horseradish crème fresh on rye. ■ Honey roasted ham and Swiss cheese fingers. ■ Prawn and crab meat on multi-grain. Visit www.palazzoversace.com.au.
chocolate fondue with strawberries and marshmallows to be delivered to our Deluxe Suite. Palazzo Versace is a landmark hotel in a sea of luxury on the Glitter Strip. We are struck by the attention-grabbing foyer chandelier, the ornate ceilings and the marble, parquetry and mosaic-tiled floors, and the elegance of the furnishings in which every chair and lounge is an artwork in itself – never too high-brow or ostentatious. The minute attention to detail and level of indulgence is nowhere more evident than the next morning. The bountiful breakfast buffet is one of the best I’ve encountered – a generous array of fresh fruits, juices and yoghurts, dried fruits and cereals, salamis and
Rest & Relax
E: cnmotel@bigpond.net.au
TAKING TEA TO NEW HEIGHTS
camembert cheese, plus Aussie favourites from waffles or pancakes to fried or scrambled eggs with bacon or sausages and sautéed mushrooms. But even breakfast is surpassed by the rsignature Kitya Karnu Steam Room treatment I indulge in at the on-site Aurora Spa. Over the course of 60 minutes, I am creamed, steamed, salted and jolted into a new skin, better conditioned hair and a softer, cleaner face with the help of the spa’s Kerstin Florian products. Some say it’s not about the destination but the journey in life. When you’re talking about the Palazzo Versace Hotel, I think it’s both.
He’s far from home but not far from help
As part of our commitment to rural communities, Arrow Energy co-funds the Surat Basin Gas Industry Aeromedical Service with Origin Energy, QGC and Santos GLNG. The coal seam gas industry created and maintains this lifeline. It is ready to take to the air at a moment’s notice and is available to support vital search and rescue operations. The service reduces our industry’s demand for local medical support. It also provides 150 hours of dedicated community support each year – transporting the critically ill to hospital. At Arrow Energy, we’re proud that it’s not just the millions we inject into regional economies that provide a sense of security to Surat communities. The benefits really do flow both ways.
bcm:arr0038
If you’d like to learn more, visit arrowenergy.com.au
Page 15
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
BrewviewLIFE
Tasmanian stout takes a dark dive CHRISTMAS Day is less than three-and-a-half weeks away so the Thirsty Work team picked beers they thought the cheerful fat guy
in the red suit would enjoying kicking back with after a torrid night of present deliveries. In one corner, we un-
leashed Cascade stout, a drop that makes its presence felt with a thumping 5.8% alcohol content. There was nothing subtle
about the Apple Isle beer and it made a surprising contrast to its opponent, the much-hyped Carlton Black dark ale, which tipped the
DARK BATTLE: As the race for Surat Basin beer supremacy heats up, we pitted two Australian dark drops against each other for the final BrewVIEW of the year. Photo Lyndon Keane / Dalby Herald
scales at 3.3%. With one of our regular judges, Will Hunter, unavailable due to doing real journalistic work, it was up to Thirsty Work editor Lyndon Keane and Dalby Newspapers media sales manager Nicole Boyd-Taylor to make the call on this month’s champion. Unfortunately for the Tasmanian, Nicole was not a fan of its “deep chocolate notes” and slightly bitter finish. “This is going to sound weird but this tastes a little bit like Vegemite,” she explained. “Given how much Vegemite I eat, I thought I’d like it.” While our plucky editor wasn’t as punishing in his critique, he readily admitted it was not a beer he would make a return journey to the bar for. When the top came off the dark offering from Carlton and United Breweries, Nicole surprised the Thirsty Work team by crowing the drop the “best we’ve tried” in the BrewVIEW contest. It was a view shared by her fellow judge. “Wow, it’s not bad at all,” Lyndon remarked with genuine surprise.
THE COMPETITORS Carlton Black dark ale ■ Who makes it? Carlton and United Breweries ■ What sort of drop is it? Dark ale ■ Alcohol content: 4.4% ■ What you’ll pay: We paid $3.30 for a 375ml stubby Judges’ verdict: 4/5 Cascade stout ■ Who makes it? Cascade Brewery Co ■ What sort of drop is it? Stout ■ Alcohol content: 5.8% ■ What you’ll pay: We paid $3.90 for a 375ml stubby Judges’ verdict: 2.5/5
“It’s rich but it doesn’t linger once you’ve finished it.” At the end of the day, this battle of the locally-grown dark beers was a mismatched contest. With an average judges’ verdict of four stars – the highest we’ve seen – the Carlton Black dark ale is the runaway winner of 2013’s final BrewVIEW.
For all your SAND, GRAVEL and LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES Quarry Resources located in ROMA, THALLON, MILES, INJUNE,WANDOAN and JACKSON
SIDE & CHASSIS TIPPER, EXCAVATOR, LOADER HIRE, CONSTRUCTION & POTABLE WATER TANKER HIRE, CONTRACT CRUSHING AND SCREENING SERVICES S U P P LY O R G A N I C MULCH AND SOIL CONDITIONERS ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME
ANNEJEDA PTY LTD
PH: (07) 4622 2027 • sales@annejeda.com Page 16.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
Easy eatingLIFE
meal planner // country cook’s recipe // wine reviews
Hop into a kangaroo sausage roll Native beast provides a healthy meat option Peter Chapman APN Food Editor HAVE you ever eaten kangaroo? Many Australians are now trying kangaroo because of its reputation as a healthy choice of meat. It has little fat content, high iron, plenty of vitamins and minerals, and since it is sourced from the wild, contains no additives. Commercial suppliers of kangaroo, Macro Meats, has reported a major increase in demand, especially in Queensland. If you decide to give it a go, here is a recipe to try.
KANGAROO, SALSA VERDE & CHILLI SAUSAGE ROLLS Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Makes: 32 sausage rolls INGREDIENTS: 445g ready-made frozen sour cream shortcrust pastry, thawed
350g kangaroo mince 150g pork mince 1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs 1 egg, lightly beaten Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 egg (extra), for glaze Salsa verde: 2 tsp baby salted capers, rinsed 4 baby cornichons, chopped 1 anchovy fillet (optional) 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 long red chilli (optional), de-seeded 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp each of chopped dill, basil, mint and parsley 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp finely grated lemon zest freshly ground black pepper METHOD: Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced) and lightly grease baking trays and line with baking paper. For the salsa verde, place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until
smooth, then add the kangaroo and pork mince, breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper, pulsing until well combined. Place pastry sheet on a lightly floured work surface and halve lengthways, to create two equal-sized rectangles. Roll each rectangle widthways to approximately 18cm x 25cm. Evenly divide the kangaroo mixture in half, shape like a sausage, placing down the centre of each pastry rectangle; making sure that the pastry is able to encase the mixture. Firmly bring one long side of the pastry up against the sausage meat and lightly brush what will be the seam with the egg glaze. Repeat with the other side by firmly bringing the remaining pastry up and over the glazed pastry, creating a seal. This will be pretty tight and there should ideally be about a 1cm overlap. Place sausage rolls on prepared baking tray (seam side down) and chill for at least 30 minutes. Cut each large sausage into eight small sausage rolls, snip the top three times with a pair of scissors and brush the outside
pastry with the egg glaze. Evenly spread out the sausage rolls on to prepared baking trays. Place in preheated oven, cook for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is crisp and cooked through. Allow sausage rolls to cool slightly before serving. Nutrition: Fat: 5.5g (3.0g saturated) per sausage roll Calories: 106 per sausage roll
What we do better than the rest • 18 Speed manual gearbox NOT automatic or synchromesh. • Loaded multi-combination vehicles NOT empty. • Highways NOT freeways - Driving real terrain.
Locally Owned
Est 1980
Upgrade your skills and increase your employment prospects Multi –Combination Driver Training now available
Ideal Driving School conduct Multi-Combination training sessions (1-2 days), designed to give you the very best driving experience and exposure possible. Ideal can deliver specific training courses to suit operators or employers designed around the types of working conditions you will experience. The multi-combination units are trucks and trailers that have been purchased from some of Australia’s premier transport companies. Combine this with our multi-combination trainers who are industry experienced and industry respected they have “been there - done that”. This gives you the best learning experience possible. Call Ideal now to see which course best suits your needs.
• Modern Fleet
Our Services
• Hour Lessons or Day Courses • Pre-Employment Evaluations
• B/Double & Road Train Training & Assessment • Company Driver Assessment for Employers
4634 0512
FOR QUALITY, RELIABILITY, TRUSTED BRANDS, & SERVICE SECOND TO NONE!!! Catering for all Transport and Commercial Equipment. No matter how Big or Small. • Modern purpose built facility with multiple undercover drive through bays. • Accommodates larger multi combination configurations without unhooking. • Prompt and efficient service by experienced fitters resulting in quick turnaround time. • Modern tyre fitting and balancing equipment. • Six modern fully equipped service vehicles servicing the greater Toowoomba region. • Competitive pricing on large range of Bridgestone, Firestone product and other quality brands • Local Bandag quality retread dealer. • Supply and fit earthmover, agricultural and industrial tyres and carry out major repairs. • Special deals for family and staff of our transport and commercial customer for their private vehicles. • Air conditioning customer waiting area with refreshments provided.
Bridgestone Service Centre
35 Carrington Road, Toowoomba
Unit 20, 11-15 Gardner Crt, Toowoomba Q 4350 www.idealdrivingschool.com.au
Service Centre Toowoomba
5417821aa
• Real trainers - Industry experienced and respected. • Real vehicles - trucks and trailers purchased from leading Australian Transport Companies. • Real driver training. • Full length multi-combination vehicles 26 metres NOT 19 metres.
5349958aa
Phone: 07 4633 0099
Fax: 07 4633 0509 Email: qtr_twmba2@ozemail.com.au Page 17
/# ? = # % 0$ ? = ; 5 ? D " :D$< B = ? & -5'A @# B ? 5 4 8 D 5%" A = ' ! 8 D AD$< B = ? & C # B 5%& A = ? < 5 ? = # % K< ,U,?59%?%CR 9,:3%9,=G R< 0%9%R) F /,5 5',T 3; O<397,U* F MR7,95 AC55,9%,7 CR= ;<7%5%<R ?CT,9C F LC757 T<R5'7 <R C 7,5 <* 88 AC55,9%,7
.6 =#"4A:;( =>11)8, #>"B &0$!9:;;% '5/12 %R?U3=,7 AC55,9%,7 CR= $P6 /2 ?C9=
,'+ 8+. )#-11#* 0"74$ ("75' /+426%3& 47!5 .',7, %R?9,=%AU, U%55U, ?CT,9C7 C9, TC=, 5< 37,
%R C9,C7 0%5'<35 ;<0,9E .',O 5C!, ;'<5<7 CR=
1%=,< >+D& *<9 T<R5'7 C5 C 5%T, ;<0,9,= <RUO AO 88 AC55,9%,7E .',O C9, 0,C5',9F;9<<* CR= 59%)),9 5< 5C!, ?<U<39 ;'<5<7 <9 1%=,< 0',R 5',O 7,R7, T<1,T,R5E 85 R%)'5 5',O 37, AUC?! JC7' %R*9CF9,= 7< 5',9, %7 R< =,5,?5CAU, U%)'5 ,T%55,= C5 CUU QR< 9,= )U<0HE
F 4CR A, 37,= 0%5' T%R% 7<UC9 ;CR,U7 Q#("H 7< O<3 =<RS5 R,,= CRO AC55,9%,7E F 4<T,7 0%5' 7TCUU 1%,0%R) 7?9,,R
P9,C5 *<9 ?C;539%R) %TC),7D1%=,< <* 1,'%?U,7 CR= ;,<;U, 0'%U, 9,TC%R%R) 3R=,5,?5,=E
#+@>
!":3% B$ E$ &A64; >=<2
*
&A64;@3"D 3";A?"!%- ,>7 =+ 4:!3- :63 ;ABCA@9 7:BB"!A"D2 *
P9,C5 *<9 ;9<5,?5%R) O<39 '<T,G A37%R,777G TC?'%R,9OG CR= ,:3%;T,R5E
-, <N,9 7,1,9CU ?CT,9C T<=,U7E IU,C7, ?<T, %R CR= 7,, 37 <9 )%1, 37 C ?CUU 5< =%7?377 0'%?' ?CT,9C7 TCO A, A,75 *<9 O<3E 6% = ? 3, 7. +D( ? D B : ? 9 ##)##'45, > 8 " 231*
%%%# ! $ & ' !!*$5'D B 5 A # ) !" # ( $ Page 18.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
MotoringSPORT
Room to spare
THE LOWDOWN
Medium-size cars really aren’t excitement machines. Nissan has done a solid job with a good all-rounder in the Altima which should appeal to buyers shopping in this aisle. The suspension is soft and the steering feel light, but it is a wonderful traveller with impressive cabin serenity. The Altima is a really likeable car with a good features list which should find favour with those seeking value. ★★★✰
SPACIOUS: Inside the up-spec Nissan Altima with sat nav and leather trim.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
slouch. Test its mettle with hefty acceleration and it can be noisy but it answers each summons with a handy shunt good enough for overtaking and punching into traffic. It tracks pretty well in the bends and manages not to plough wide when entering corners with too much speed courtesy of Active Understeer Control. Its United States intentions are exposed on bumpy surfaces as it tends to float and bounce, but Altima owners won’t mind this as its worth the comfort trade-off.
What do you get?
Base model Altimas come with 16-inch alloys, six-speaker CD stereo with USB/iPod and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth phone connectivity, cruise control, dual zone air con, push button start as well as automatic lights and wipers. ST-L gains larger alloys, sat nav and rear view camera, parking sensors front and back, Bose stereo with embedded apps for internet access and Pandora radio using data from your smartphone, leather
trim as well electric seat adjustment. When you get into the Ti it adds 18-inch alloys, around view monitor, Xenon headlights with auto levelling, power rear shade, and the “Intelligent Technology Suite” which includes blind sport warning, lane departure warning and moving object detection. The range-topping Ti-S simply gains the V6 donk with steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Running costs
Capped price servicing is available, but the intervals are at six months or 10,000km whereas most other manufacturers are annual nowadays. Fuel consumption is frugal in the four-cylinder at less than eight litres for every 100km, expect the V6 to deliver something closer to 10.
Practicality
With split-fold seats and a massive
What we liked: Quiet ride with excellent NVH levels, cabin space, features list, good value. What we’d like to see: Slightly firmer ride for better cornering, extra steering feel, longer servicing intervals. Warranty and servicing: Three-year 100,000km warranty with roadside assist. Six years capped price servicing, every six months or 10,000km. Average price for the four-cylinder servicing is $325, while the V6 is $388. boot, families will appreciate the space. Up front there are two cup-holders, a good console along with space for phones and MP3s, while each door can house a bottle.
Funky factor
There are some interesting lines about the Altima, and it has an especially good-looking rear end while the front has an alluring appeal.
BLSSA number 402954
TRUCK & SEMI TRAILER FINANCE
DOING DEALS NOW! CALL TIM CASHION on 0411 595 075 tcashion@allindustriesfinance.com.au 5483706aa
Page 19
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
SUPER RUN: Jockey Jack Kehoe pilots Supercheap to a convinving victory in the final race of the meeting. Photos: Alasdair Young
RacingSPORT
RACING MATES: Simon Hoskings, David Kent, Rob Cleaver, Morgs Carroll and Dane Neville enjoy a day at the races.
Miners take to the track in Miles
UNDER stormy conditions and heavy competition, Chinchilla trainer John Blinco and his Supercheap investment were able to score a win for the locals at the Miles Race Club on November 23. In the 1500-metre handicap, the final race of the day, Blinco’s new horse, Supercheap, managed a onelength win over Wondai trainer Norma King’s veteran racer, Vain Dazzler. Blinco said while he had
only bought the horse eight weeks ago on the internet, he was already confident it had plenty of wins ahead of it. “He’ll go on to win – he’s only a young horse now,” he said. “He’s already won about $30,000.” Jockey John Kehoe said he believed Supercheap was a horse to watch; the ride helped him break his losing streak despite him being the heaviest rider in the race.
“I was very happy when I saw the horse’s form,” he said. “I had to ride at 61kg, officially at 60, so I had to be vigorous with him at the start. By the end, I couldn’t stop him.” Many punters were left out
of pocket after King’s horse, Willywinya, was disqualified after winning the second race for finishing one kilogram under weight. The protest was drawn out for nearly 20 minutes before officials announced the disqualification, putting
with him at ❝ theI hadstart.to beByvigorous the end, I couldn’t Jockey John Kehoe
stop him.
pressure on organisers to push through the remaining races to beat the weather. A steward’s investigation into the matter is continuing. Almost 800 locals and Surat Basin resource sector workers made the day an overwhelming success. The region’s next day of thoroughbreds and trackside action will be on December 17, when Dalby’s Bunya Park hosts a seven-race meeting to see out 2013. Results
■ Race 1 1 Mystic Medusa, 2 Zaha’s Ace, 3 Beyond the Storm ■ Race 2 1 What Do You Want, 2 Skytana, 3 Miss Margani ■ Race 3 1 County Gold, 2 Beautiful Cliché, 3 Keoakee ■ Race 4 1 Beautiful Barb, 2 Grand Suite, 3 Tornazaky ■ Race 5 1 Supercheap, 2 Vain Dazzler, 3 Flying Pennant
GAS...MINING...CIVIL...AGRICULTURAL - Service is what you get
SOLUTIONS 5483707aa
T & A Complete Contracting Service
ALL YOUR HIRING
CALL TONY 0488 691 222 - ANYWHERE... ANYTIME... Page 20.
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
FishingSPORT
Anglers gearing up for big Christmas
THE Condamine River is still going quite well, with some really nice-sized cod poking about. There are only small numbers of fish but they have been good in size. Gidgee lures are still taking the prize for cod this week and Smak Brolgas remain the best way to clean up golden perch and smaller cod. Keen anglers are chomping at the bit for these fish to start biting spinner baits again over the Christmas period. Saltwater yabbies still the best bait.
Somerset Dam
Bass are biting on slider grubs and trolled dark-coloured hard bodied lures at Bay 13 and PelicanPoint, and on blades and ice jigs around the timber at Kirkleagh.
Boondooma Dam
Bass and golden perch are being caught on spinner baits cast to the banks in the timber and on hard-bodied lures trolled in about eight metres of water around the Barber’s Pole. Fish are starting to bite at
Pelican Point due to the water clearing up a fair bit.
Cressbrook Dam
Bass are biting on blades and Jackalls cast to the dam edges, and on trolled hardbodied lures in the main basin.
Bjelke-Petersen Dam
Bass and golden perch are being caught at dusk on Jackalls and blades cast to the dam edges at the start of the timber, and during the day on hard-bodied Smak 16 lures trolled in the deeper parts around the wall and around Bass Point.
Coolmunda Dam
CONDAMINE CATCH: Plenty of fish this size getting caught at the moment. Photo Contributed
Golden perch are biting on trolled lures around the dam edges and cod on Jackalls and spinner baits. Hardbodied lures are working best close to the timber and the rock wall. Tip of the month Sharp hooks are a very important factor in lure fishing. Having sharp hooks could be the difference between keeping that big fish attached or losing it at the net.
ON THE BITE: Scott Samuels took advantage of favourable Condamine River conditions to bag this 17-pound Murray cod. Photo Contributed
SHOW US YOUR CATCH AND WIN! If you’ve bagged a whopper that didn’t get away, we want to see it. Better still, if your fish wins our Catch of the Month competition, you’ll win a Nikon Coolpix compact camera to capture all those unforgettable fishing moments. SMS your photo to 0419 891 666 or email it to thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au, but remember to include your full name, where you hooked up and how big your catch was.
Working long shifts and week-on, week-off can be challenging, especially when you’re balancing the need to be responsible and plan for the future, while still having fun now. We’re not just accountants. We’re your business adviser and your sounding board. Whether you’re already building an investment portfolio, keen to protect your income, or just wanting to be pointed in the right direction...
we’re with you every step of the way.
www.bmo.com.au l 178 Drayton Street 07 4662 3722 l Like us on Facebook
Business Growth l Human Resources l Loans & Leasing Marketing & Communications l Accounting & Taxation Wealth Creation l Conference Centre l Wealth Protection
Page 21
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
w wORk
SPORT
Riders aim for ToowoombaS
IN BRIEF
Garden City gears up for 2014 cycling showdown
THE FKG Tour of Toowoomba will celebrate five years in 2014 but event director John Osborne is not resting on his laurels. At the gala launch for the fifth instalment of the National Road Teams Series event, Osborne said it was important to improve the event every year. "We fine tune every year we go. What we did this year is not good enough next year," he said. "We're working to make it different because it is the fifth year. "We're going to have some fifth year celebrations and the other fact is that with the Toowoomba Cyclefest, which has always been part of my long-term vision, we're expanding that. "The Toowoomba Mountain Bike Club is coming on with a big two-day summer series event.
BMX are on board. We're got the potential for other elements of cycling coming here. "If you're into bikes, Toowoomba is the place to be in May." The 2014 Tour of Toowoomba will run over four days from Thursday, May 22 until Sunday, May 25 and will again feature five stages. The stage routes are close to being finalised but will again feature a Bunya Mountains stage, a teams time trial as well as the criterium around Queens Park on the Sunday afternoon to conclude the event. And as part of the fifth anniversary celebrations, Osborne outlined a plan to start the first stage somewhere in Toowoomba. Next year's tour will also be the longest in the fiveyear history of the event which is bound to test out
❝
Event director John Osborne
We fine tune every year we go. What we did this year is not good enough next year. the legs of some of the top riders from across Australia and possibly overseas. This year's winner Nathan Earle was pencilled in to attend the official launch but was instead an apology as he prepared to fly over to Europe to join up with road cycling powerhouse Team Sky, such is the standing the Tour of Toowoomba is developing.
FIND US ON
ONE TO WATCH: Dylan Newbery impressed during the 2013 Tour of Toowoomba and claimed the coveted King of the Mountain jersey for two days. The exciting rider will be one to keep an eye on when the event returns to the Garden City next year.
Entertain the kids on the long trips
Top Spanish clubs chase soccer wonderkid SPANISH powerhouse clubs Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all reportedly interested in signing an eight-year-old prodigy dubbed the ‘Messi of the snows’, after Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. Claudio Nancufil plays for Martin Guemes in the southern Andes, and after taking up the game at four, has been described as already having all the attacking skills needed to succeed at the highest level. Tiny nation heads to T20 World Cup NEPAL has booked a place in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh after beating Hong Kong by five wickets in the qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi. Needing 13 to win from the final over, Sharad Vesawkar was the hero, hitting 12 of those, including the winning run off the final ball. The UAE also booked its place in Bangladesh, beating the Netherlands by 10 runs. Two qualifying places are still available. Outgoing prop replaceable: coach BRONCOS coach Anthony Griffin says the club is well placed to cover the loss of prop Scott Anderson who will join Super League club Wakefield next year on a 12-month deal. Griffin said new front-row signing Martin Kennedy, and impact prop David Hala were training well and looked set for big seasons.
Fully fitted with 2 x sets IR Headphones $650
AX1411
11.4 INCH SLIMLINE FLIP DOWN LCD COLOUR MONITOR
• DVD/CD/VCD.RMVB/MP3/WMA/DivX/MPEG4 Playback System • USB 2.0 Port • SD/MMC/MS Card Reader • AV Input ~ AV Output • IR Transmitter 2 Ch for Wireless Headphones • Wireless FM Modulator Multi Ch for Audio Output • Touch Buttons on Front Pod ~ Remote Control Dual Function • 11.4-inch LCD-TFT Monitor • LED Backlight • 1024*RGB* 600 Resolution ~ 16:9 Screen Format • PAL/NTSC Auto Colour System • +/- 30 Viewing Angle • Universal Installation • Black Colour • Interchangeable Optional Housing Beige or Grey • 12V DC Input / Negative Ground • -10 ~+60C Operating Temperature • 350L x 300W x 32Hmm Dimensions
• CAR AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT • SPEAKERS & SUBS • BLUETOOTH & NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT • CAR SECURITY • IN CAR DVD &NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT • INSTALLATIONS
ALPINE INEW940E NAVIGATION UNIT
The INE-W940E makes every drive safer and more enjoyable. It’s ready to playback CD/DVD and the latest music and video stored on iPod/iPhone and USB media. With built-in Bluetooth you can stream music and have hands-free calls with access to phonebook and other functions. The 6.1”WVGA touch screen is crystal clear and features a new easyto-use interface providing a choice between full screen or split screen, letting you view everything with one-look convenience. Built-in navigation gives you high quality maps with 4WD tracks, and 3 years free map updates.
165 A, Herries Street, Toowoomba
P: 4632 5453
sales@motorvision.com.au Page 22.
5483709aa
$1400 + installation and installation requirements to your car
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Basin falls for ancient Irish sport
SPORTS fans in the Surat Basin are eagerly awaiting the start of the 2014 hurling competition after witnessing several thrilling battles in Chinchilla and Dalby this year. Unless you have seen the Irish sport of hurling first hand, it is almost impossible to grasp what it is all about but about 250 Western Downs residents now have a newfound respect for the sport after watching two teams battle for supremacy at Dalby Leagues Club on November 3. The ancient sport is a scintillating mix of hockey, lacrosse, cricket, baseball and Australian football, and first-time spectators were left scratching their heads as they worked out how the on-field action worked. Hurling has boomed in the Western Downs, thanks to the influx of Irish workers involved in the myriad of coal seam gas projects in the
❝
w wORk
SPORT
MPC Gathering captain Gearoid Keogh
There were a lot of nerves, especially in the first half. region.There was no love lost in the clash, which pitted the Murphy Pipe and Civil Trunklines against the highly fancied MPC Gathering. The Trunklines offered strong resistance and moments of attackingbrilliance during the game, but were no match for the Gathering, which took control to post a convincing 10-point win, 5.14 (29) to 3.10 (19). The Gathering’s victorious captain, Gearoid Keogh, said he was proud of his team. “There were a lot of nerves, especially in the first half,” he admitted. “It’s a great result and we’re just delighted with the
BODY BLOWS: A MPC Trunklines player puts his body on the line late in the second half. ing in the lead-up to the win. grand final, so when hurling “We put a lot of work into sticks were raised on the it.” day, I guess you could say it Murphy Pipe and Civil became `trench warfare’,” he communications manager laughed. Glenn Pfluger told Thirsty “But I think the greatest Work he was not surprised result from the event was to see plenty of good-heartthat, thanks to the effort...by ed rivalry between the the teams and all the...specteams. tators, we were able to raise “Lads from both sides of more than $2500 for an the pipeline trench put in aged care home.” plenty of effort during train-
WINDING UP: Sports fans in the Surat Basin are waiting for 2014's hurling clashes with bated breath. Photos Lyndon Keane / Dalby Herald
IN BRIEF
ACTION APLENTY: A MPC Trunklines player moves the sliotar downfield at Dalby Leagues Club.
Check Out Our New Website
www.deviations.com.au
www.sensationsonspine.com.au
Call us now for our Truckies Special 61 Spine Street
Sumner Park QLD 4074
Phone: 3279 2928
5327124ac
SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs centre Dylan Walker and former teammate Tyrone Phillips are the latest National Rugby League players to be charged by police in a horror week for the code. The 19-year-olds were charged with affray after an incident in a car park in the Sydney suburb of Beverly Hills at about 3am on November 3. Police allege one man suffered puncture wounds to his stomach in the fight, while another was found lying on the ground with a head wound. A third victim walked away with minor injuries. Both Walker, who made his NRL debut with South Sydney in May and played 16 games last season, and Phillips, signed by Canterbury this month as a potential replacement for fullback Ben Barba, were granted conditional bail and are due to face court on December 17. Phillips’ fellow Canterbury recruit Reni Maitua was suspended by the club after being charged with assaulting a taxi driver in the early hours of November 25. Manly’s Richie Fa’aoso was also charged over an alleged domestic incident, while Newcastle recruit Russell Packer was questioned by police over an alleged assault in Sydney. The Bulldogs released a statement saying the club was reviewing the matter involving Phillips through its code of conduct committee, with club boss Raelene Castle saying the matter was being taken seriously. All clubs involved in the series of incidents have said they would co-operate fully with investigations by the NRL.
Licensed Brothel ~ Your Pleasure Is Our Business Page 23
Page 24.