FOCUS Newsletter - MARCH 2021

MARCH

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www.banana.qld.gov.au

page 10

A hidden gem...

Myella Farmstay

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Kerbside Collection

Infrastructure Update

Mozzie Watch

Easter in the Libraries

Upcoming Events

Biloela I Moura I Taroom I Banana I Baralaba I Dululu I Goovigen I Jambin I Thangool I Theodore I Wowan I Cracow

CEO’s Column COUNCIL IS CURRENTLY PREPARING ITS BUDGET, CORPORATE AND OPERATIONAL PLANS FOR 2021-22 AND BEYOND. A KEY ELEMENT OF THIS PROCESS IS TO ENSURE THAT COUNCIL’S PRIORITIES ARE ALIGNED WITH THOSE OF THE COMMUNITY.

CONTACT COUNCIL P (07) 4992 9500 | F (07) 4992 3493 E enquiries@banana.qld.gov.au Postal Address: PO Box 412, Biloela Q 4715

CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRES Biloela Shire Chambers 62 Valentine Plains Road Biloela QLD Australia 4715 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri Moura Administration Office Gillespie Street Moura QLD Australia 4718 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri Taroom Administration Office Yaldwyn Street Taroom QLD Australia 4420 8am to 5pm Mon-Fri For after hours emergencies visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/contact-us

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Contact Michael at Interactivink 07 3334 8000 michael@interactivink.com.au

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ouncil will shortly be undertaking community engagement with residents, including a series of public meetings, to ensure that Council’s priorities are properly aligned with those of the community. These public meetings will seek to review Council’s Place Based Plans for each locality within the Shire, providing residents with an opportunity to have input into Council’s Corporate Plan 2022-2026, as well as to ask questions or provide feedback on Council’s operations.

Council encourages all residents to attend these sessions if possible.

employment during the response. Thanks also to Queensland Health and the Police who had key roles in co-ordinating the response and did this very effectively locally without many of the challenges encountered in other communities.

The Shire has weathered COVID-19 reasonably well with all towns in the Shire appearing to be busier than ever.

A special thank you to the community and local businesses for their efforts and co-operation during the response to COVID-19. A special acknowledgement to local hospitality businesses who bore the brunt of the lockdown restrictions.

Also Council acknowledges the work and commitment of our major employers – Anglo, Batchfire, CS Energy, Teys Brothers and QNP who have gone to extraordinary lengths to maintain operations and

Council’s second rate levy for the year was issued on 11 February 2021 and due on 18 March 2021. Council delivered a zero percent rate increase to most ratepayers this financial year in consideration of the impact of drought and COVID-19. Council continues its work to improve Council’s financial performance, and prompt payment of rates assists in this regard.

Contact your Councillor

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Mayor Nev Ferrier

0448 011 814

Division 1 | Cr John Ramsey

0478 198 499

Division 2 | Cr Judy Pender

0429 922 859

Division 3 | Cr Philip Casey

0499 043 719

Division 4 | Cr Colin Semple

0437 740 189

Division 5 | Cr Brooke Leo

0438 110 325

Division 6 | Cr Terri Boyce

0427 283 202

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Council is currently reviewing its procurement policies and procedures to ensure that local businesses are able to maximise opportunities to do business with Council, and are confident that they will have a fair and transparent opportunity to secure work from Council.

Council will be conducting an external review of Moura Water Operations over the next few months. This will include a review of system assets and conditions, operating procedures, staffing and technology. The review is in response to a small number of quality issues that have occurred in the last twelve months. Water is a service where Council must achieve a high level of reliability in terms of quality for our residents, and this review will assist in identifying challenges that have been experienced recently. In all cases, Council has been able to address matters quickly and effectively, in some cases with significant additional work by staff, and I would like to recognise that effort.

Tom Upton | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MARCH 2021

Kerbside Collection KERBSIDE COLLECTION SERVICE TO INCLUDE PAPER AND CARDBOARD.

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ouncil is introducing a new service as part of its kerbside collection.

From 1 May 2021, Banana Shire residents will be able to recycle their cardboard and paper.

Mayor Nev Ferrier said that the new service will provide multiple benefits.

“Approximately 30-35% of all waste going to the Shire’s manned and unmanned landfills, from both kerbside and transfer station collection, is cardboard and paper,” he said.

New waste contract

“The cost savings to Council through reducing this particular material in landfill will offset the cost of the new kerbside collection service.

“It is important that residents remember, however, to only place recyclable cardboard and paper in their new bins, as contamination will impact the recycling process.

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anana Shire Council has entered into a new waste contract with Australian waste management company Cleanaway Waste Management Limited.

“We will work further with the community to ensure residents are aware of what can and can’t be placed in the bins as the project progresses.”

“Currently these recyclables are sent to landfill which reduces the lifespan of the space.

A blue-lidded bin will be provided to residents and collected fortnightly, with the material deposited at the Biloela and Taroom Waste Transfer Stations. Residents will also be able to deposit excess cardboard at these locations.

“By avoiding recyclable cardboard and paper going into the Shire’s diminishing landfill, Council will be able to extend its capacity and life.”

Council will provide industrial bins for waste transfer stations that do not have designated cardboard compactor services.

Mayor Ferrier added that there would be no additional cost to ratepayers for the new service.

An education campaign will begin to roll out in April, prior to the delivery of the new bins.

The five year contract which commenced on 1 January 2021 will see no major changes to the waste collection service at this stage. However, service routes are set by the contractor and could change at any time. Residents are reminded that their bins should be placed on the kerbside by 6am on their usual service day.

Wheelie bin trucks are equipped with GPS tracking which allows Council access to real-time collection records. They are also fitted with cameras which are used to assist with investigating any service issues such as missed bins or hazardous waste incorrectly deposited into bins.

Visit Council’s website for the correct wheelie bin usage guidelines to ensure there is no interruption to your service.

Smart Technology to be trialled at Wowan Transfer Station COUNCIL IS SET TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL DUMPING WITH THE INSTALLATION OF SMART TECHNOLOGY AT UNMANNED WASTE TRANSFER STATIONS AND LANDFILLS IN THE REGION.

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ayor Nev Ferrier said that currently a large portion of illegal dumping is coming from areas outside the Shire.

“Waste that is illegally disposed of includes commercial and regulated wastes such as tyres, asbestos, chemicals, motor oils and builders waste,” he said.

To combat this issue, Council has invested in smart technology, including

MARCH 2021

an automated gate security system, for unmanned and remote waste transfer stations and landfills, with the first being trialled at Wowan Transfer Station.

“Three waste transfer stations (Jambin, Wowan and Baralaba) have been selected as ‘trial’ sites prior to the Shire-wide rollout of the project,” Mayor Ferrier said.

“These sites were chosen because of their proximity to power connection, which is needed for the automated gates and also the 360˚ degree, high definition motion camera.”

The camera will monitor activity once the resident has obtained access through the automated security gates.

“This data will provide Council with information on who is depositing what,

how much, and whether it is appropriate material,” said Mayor Ferrier.

“Whilst general waste disposal will remain free to residents at our sites, we need to ensure that our transfer stations and landfills do not pose environmental risk to our community, and that they meet regulatory requirements.”

Commercial waste should only be deposited at the Trap Gully Landfill, Forestry Road, Biloela.

An official launch of the smart technology at Wowan Waste Transfer Station was held on 17 March, 2021.

The education program for Council’s ‘Smart’ Waste Transfer Stations will be rolled out over a period of four to six months as the facilities systematically come online, and target the residents in the specific areas where the facilities are located.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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ROADS Update DEEARNE ROAD Council continues to undertake its upgrade of Deearne Road to change it from a 6m wide gravel road to a 6.5m wide bitumen road.

Council will be upgrading approximately 3kms of pavement, starting 9.4kms

from the Nathan Road intersection and include widening of the road surface and improvement of the drainage.

Australian Government through the Roads to Recovery Scheme (R2R) and Banana Shire Council.

This project has been proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS), the

QUARRIE ROAD In 2021, Council will upgrade and widen sections along Quarrie Road, as this area will become a new route for heavy vehicles on completion of the Biloela Heavy Vehicle Bypass.

This project will see the improvement of the road pavement strength and widening of the road from an existing seal width of 7.5m to 8.5m.

Quarrie Road – Rehabilitation, road widen and seal

Infrastructure Services CURRENT PROJECT STATUS Rural Construction Flagstaff Road, Taroom – Gravel Resheeting – Complete Glenmoral Roundstone Road, Theodore – Gravel Resheeting – Complete Malakoff Road, Theodore – Gravel Resheeting – Complete Jambin Dakenba Road, Biloela – Rehabilitation, widen and seal – Complete Dee River Road, Wowan/Dululu – Rehabilitation and seal – Complete Deearne Road, Taroom – Complete Wowan Westwood Road – Gravel Resheet – Complete

Maynard Lane, Biloela – Pavement repair and seal – construction started 5 May Asphalt and line marking in Biloela and Moura streets – Work scheduled to commence.

Rural Drainage Goovigen Connection Road, Goovigen – Callide Creek Bridge Repair – Complete Theodore Moura Road, Moura – Floodway upgrade – Complete – Still under side track as approach works to commence

Eriksens Road – Gravel Resheet – Resheet Complete, section of dust suppressant to be applied. Held up due to travel restrictions

Argoon Highway/Callide Creek, Biloela – Work scheduled to commence

Injune Road, Taroom – Gravel Resheet – currently underway

Saleyards Road, Moura – Table drain works – Work scheduled to commence.

River Road, Moura – Rehabilitation and seal – Complete

Urban Drainage

Smiths Road, Taroom – Rehabilitation and seal – work commenced Theodore Moura Road, Moura – Rehabilitation and seal (including Blackspot area) – work scheduled to commence.

Urban Construction Raedon Street, Biloela – Development Project Road Works (3A) – Complete Quarrie Road, Biloela – Rehabilitation, widen and seal – Complete

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Dunn Street, Biloela – Rehabilitation, widen and seal – Pavement works nearly complete, asphalt schedule in

Defence Road Oxtrack Creek Bridge, Theodore – Complete

Western Lane, Theodore – Stormwater replacement – Complete Barrett Street – Kerb and channel replacement and on street bikeway – partially completed. Minor asphalt works outstanding, line marking to be completed

Funding for this project was provided by the Queensland Government through the Building Our Future program.

Private works Works on Injune Road on behalf of Santos have commenced with a formation grade of the road complete. Gravel resheeting will commence late May with works to carry over into the 2020/21 financial year.

Community Infrastructure Irrigation works at Moura Skate Park – Complete Callide St, Biloela – Replacement of existing asphalt pathway with a concrete pathway – complete except signage Baralaba Netball Court – Work in progress Magavalis Netball Court – Complete Thangool Memorial Park Skate Park Slab – Complete Wowan Multi-purpose Centre Generator – Generator purchased, waiting for slab and to be connected.

Parks and Gardens ■ Sanitising of public toilets, playgrounds, barbecues, tables and chairs ■ Spraying of weeds in open spaces ■ Installation of basketball hoop and line marking at Thangool Skate Slab ■ Softfall in Engle Park and Lions Park in Moura replaced ■ Maintenance of graves in Biloela and Jambin cemeteries which had sunk following rain

Yaldwyn Street, Taroom – Kerb and channel replacement – work commenced

■ Tree lopping along Thangool, Lookerbie, Drumburle and Meissners Roads

CCTV inspection and drainage repair, Biloela – Nearing completion

■ Tree Lopping in Moura Recreation Reserve, Lions Park and Rotary Park

Sixth Avenue, Theodore – Kerb and channel replacement – Complete.

■ New LED lights installed at Rotary Park and Miner statue in Moura.

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

MARCH 2021

Those pesky mozzies are being watched…

COUNCIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS WORKED WITH A CENTRAL QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY (CQU) GRADUATE IN JANUARY TO UNDERTAKE MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE AT VARIOUS SITES THROUGHOUT BILOELA.

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urveillance included visiting households and inspecting yards for potential mosquito breeding sites. Nearly all homes inspected had potential breeding places.

■ Bromeliads in garden areas

The most common areas of breeding sites identified included:

■ Rubbish bins (including bottles/can

■ Old tyres ■ Plastic containers (including those used for water for wildlife and plant cuttings) recycling).

62 homes were visited, 33 homes inspected, with over 42% of the homes inspected found to be breeding mosquitos in various water sources

It is important that Council regularly updates mosquito information to ensure correct strategies can be implemented to manage any public health risks identified.

For best mosquito control outcomes, Council will continue with an integrated approach that includes: ■ Altering the environment to make it unfavourable for mosquitos to breed ■ Removing any containers, tyres or other sources where water can accumulate and mosquitos can breed ■ Using chemical insecticides (such as fogging) to kill mosquitos through various growth stages.

Council will also continue to further improve mosquito management throughout the Shire, through:

Environmental Health Officer Sharon Geall with Mosquito Surveillance Trap.

■ Surveys of households ■ Identifying and mapping of potential breeding areas and species located ■ Larval dipping ■ Community education programs.

Staying mosquito safe is important, particularly during the summer months with higher levels of rainfall. This can be achieved in-part by ensuring containers or other sources that can hold water are emptied or flushed regularly to eliminate any breeding ground for mosquitos.

Responsible Cat Ownership LARGE LITTERS OF HOMELESS KITTENS HAVE BECOME A COMMON OCCURRENCE OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

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to be microchipped and it is recommended that they are also desexed. They are also required to be kept in their appropriate enclosure. Penalties may apply for animals that are found wandering at large.

If you have any questions regarding cat ownership in the Banana Shire, please contact our office on (07) 4992 9500.

ontributing factors include wandering cats and cats that are not desexed.

Cats typically reach reproductive maturity at six months of age and can birth multiple litters each year (each with up to 15 kittens). Along with reducing unwanted pregnancies, desexing your pets may also decrease disruptive behavioural issues, wandering and even some health concerns.

Banana Shire residents are limited to owning up to two cats without a permit and the accumulation of excess animals may attract penalties. All cats are required

MARCH 2021

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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2021 Banana Shire Australia Day Awards Winners Announced CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BANANA COMMUNITY ON HOSTING THE OFFICIAL 2021 BANANA SHIRE AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS ON TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2021.

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hank you to the organising committee, volunteers, sponsors, community groups and all who contributed to making the day a great success.

Six residents of our Shire proudly became Australian Citizens and winners of the Banana Shire Australia Day Awards were announced. The following list includes nominees and winners for each award. Congratulations to all recipients and nominees, we are proud to have such extraordinary citizens call Banana Shire home.

Francis Moretti

Winner

John Muller

Nominee

Judy Mazzer

Nominee

Kate Mooring

Nominee

Brooke Hay

Winner

Loraine Hellyer

Winner

David Snell

Nominee

Francis Moretti

Nominee

Hilary Coulter

Nominee

Jessica Weimar

Nominee

Ashley Cook

Winner

Alan McTaggart

Nominee

Rhana Maher

Nominee

JUNIOR CULTURAL AWARD

Lilly Smith

Winner

SENIOR SPORTSPERSON

Mel Collins

Winner

JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON

No nominations received

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

CULTURAL AWARD

SPORTS COACH, OFFICIAL AND/OR ADMINISTRATOR

COMMUNITY GROUP OR TEAM

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR

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Paul Fowkes

Winner

Britt Nash

Nominee

Shari Hancox

Nominee

Biloela Netball Association Committee

Winner

Biloela Valleys Football Club

Nominee

Leichhardt Branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society

Nominee

Moura Tigers Junior Rugby League Club

Nominee

2020 Brigalow Arts Festival

Winner

2020 Festival of Small Halls – Wowan

Nominee

ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Above: Awards & Citizenship Ceremony Awards 9 Citizen Winner Francis Moretti Below: Awards & Citizenship Ceremony Awards 7 Volunteer Winner Loraine Hellyer

MARCH 2021

RADF Supporting Local Arts and Culture THE BANANA SHIRE REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND (RADF) GRANT PROGRAM SUPPORTS LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE PROJECTS. GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS, AS WELL AS TO INDIVIDUAL PRACTITIONERS TO ATTEND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

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ADF applies to arts and cultural fields such as music, visual arts, writing, history and dance; and supports a variety of projects such as workshops, artist residencies, aged care visual arts programs and public artwork.

Community Project Grants Funding Categories: 1. Events & Festivals 2. Performances & Productions 3. Skills Development 4. Creative Generation Grant Amount: Up to $3000 or $5000 for significant projects involving multiple communities.

Artist Nickeema Williams exhibits at the Art Gallery Biloela Hospital, a RADF funded project.

Courtesy of Katrina Elliott.

Individual Professional Development Grants Grant Objective: To nurture the creative and talented individuals in the Banana Shire and encourage growth in their practice.

Do you have a creative idea for your community? Contact our RADF Liaison Officer on 4992 9500 for further information and assistance.

Check Council’s website www.banana.qld.gov.au/regional-artsdevelopment-fund for up to date information including submission due dates.

Grant Amount: $500 or $1000.

The next round of Council’s Community Grants Program closes on FRIDAY, 30 APRIL Visit Council’s website for information on how to apply, eligibility criteria & more.

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Banana Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

Moura Ninja Playground A NEW ADDITION TO LIONS PARK IN MOURA IS SURE TO KEEP THE OLDER KIDS ENTERTAINED.

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nstalled over four days, the new Ninja Playground is a $50,000 project which was funded by the State Government’s Work for Queensland Program.

interactive activities. The new Ninja Playground equipment includes stepping pads, a climbing wall and monkey bars. Environmentally-friendly chip bark was chosen for the playground’s soft fall instead of traditional rubber, as it requires minimal maintenance.

Council recognised the need for playground equipment that was suitable for young people aged Young people are encouraged to challenge one another across the course, and 8 and upwards and also provided challenging and enjoy being outdoors and active!

MARCH 2021

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery Exhibitions ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR: CONTEMPORARY BOTANICAL ARTISTS’ RESPONSE TO THE LEGACY OF BANKS, SOLANDER AND PARKINSON | BOTANICAL ARTISTS’ SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND Main Gallery 12 February – 1 April 2021 Artistic Endeavour is an initiative of the Botanical Artists’ Society of Queensland in partnership with Museums & Galleries Queensland. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program; the Queensland Government through the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments; and the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Proudly supported by Moreton Bay Regional Council and sponsored by IAS Fine Art Logistics and Winsor & Newton.

CQ SHOPFRONT ARTISAN IN RESIDENCE | ADELE OUTTERIDGE Palm Tree Room 18 – 31 March 2021 This project has been funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and CQ RASN. The Regional Arts Services Network is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. CQ University has been appointed as the Central Queensland Provider. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Banana Shire Council and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

SUN | CENTRAL QUEENSLAND CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS Main Gallery 12 April – 21 May 2021

THE LITTLE BIRD POSTCARD PROJECT Palm Tree Room 12 April – 21 May 2021 Anne Hayes, Banksia serrata, old man banksia, gabiirr (Guugu Yimithirr), 2017.

Watercolour on paper, 63 x 45 cm.

Courtesy of the artist.

For a list of programs and events, visit the Banana Shire Council website or contact the Gallery on 4992 9500 for more information.

Easter Holiday Program at the Libraries THERE ARE HEAPS OF FREE ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED OVER THE EASTER BREAK AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY BRANCHES.

Did you know you can borrow up to 20 books and 4 DVDs? It’s free to sign up and borrow items. For more information, pop into your local branch or visit Council’s website.

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rom Monday 5 April to Saturday 10 April, the libraries will be running a series of craft workshops including beaded wind chimes and trinket boxes.

Activities are appropriate for 6 to 12 year olds. Parents are welcome to supervise younger children if they would like to be involved. Each activity will run for approximately 30 minutes.

Numbers are limited, so please contact your local library branch to book a place.

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ON THE BANANA SHIRE

Come down and check out the Murder Mystery Display at the Biloela Library Branch. There are heaps of great authors on display!

MARCH 2021

Business Financial Counselling

Help is there for

Available in Biloela

Start-Up Businesses

PRIMARY PRODUCERS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN BILOELA AND THE SURROUNDING REGION CAN PLAN FOR THE FUTURE AS THEY ADDRESS THE DROUGHT, BUSHFIRES AND COVID-19 RECOVERY WITH FREE FINANCIAL COUNSELLING FROM LOCALLY BASED SPECIALIST FINANCIAL COUNSELLORS. Funded by the Federal and State governments, the Rural Financial Counselling Service (Southern Queensland) delivers a Small Business program and a rural program with two experienced teams of financial counsellors.

“Our team of nearly 40 financial counsellors is based in a variety of locations across Southern Queensland and service from Rockhampton across to

Quilpie and Bulloo Regional Council areas and south to the border,” said RDCSSQ CEO, Jenny Whip.

With a focus on improving the financial outlook for rural and regional small businesses and primary producers, the service supports clients with identifying financial and business options, bank negotiation preparations, government support applications, business planning, preparing and understanding financial reports and providing referrals to relevant government departments.

“The 2019/2020 financial year has been a tough one financially, there’s no question about that,” Jenny said.

“For primary producers and associated small businesses, it’s all about recovering from one of the harshest droughts this decade and for regional small businesses, it’s Coronavirus and in some cases, sadly, it’s both.”

Ms Whip said the service has a team of financial counsellors to support clients as they look forward and get on the front foot to deal with stress points in their business operations.

To arrange your free, impartial, confidential appointment, contact the small business team on 1300 732 777 or the rural service on 07 46 22 5500 or visit www.rfcssq.org.au.

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f you have a great idea for a new business, but don’t quite know where to start, then Entrepreneurship Facilitators may be able to help.

Entrepreneurship Facilitators are funded by the Australian Government, and can help you to develop your idea into a business by providing mentoring and business support such as: ■ Assisting you to understand how to go about starting a business ■ Helping you to develop a marketing plan ■ Working with you to identify your business needs ■ Referring you to other appropriate support and assistance (there may be a fee for service).

Peter Peterson is the Entrepreneurship Facilitator appointed to service the Fitzroy region of Queensland. He has many years of experience supporting individual’s needs to start a business, as well as formal qualifications in Business, Management, Information Processing and Training and Assessment.

You can connect with Peter via LinkedIn or phone 0490 304 711.

Check in Qld app THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN ROLLING OUT ITS NEW CHECK IN QLD APP FOR HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES AND THEIR CUSTOMERS. THE APP IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT EASIER TO STAY COVID-SAFE WITH FAST, SAFE AND CONVENIENT CONTACT TRACING.

MARCH 2021

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usinesses and venues (pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes) are encouraged to register to use the app online, and download a resource kit of promotional materials, including fact sheets, emails and flyers.

Once a business has registered, their customers will be able to check in without having to enter their details each time.

The data is stored by the Queensland Government for 56 days and only used for contact tracing.

For more information, visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au/ check-in-qld or phone 134 COVID (13 42 68)

The information collected at the participating business or venue will assist in identifying and contacting the relevant close contacts.

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Visit this hidden gem in your own backyard

Approximate driving times to Myella from:

BANANA SHIRE, HOME OF THE SANDSTONE WONDERS, HAS PLENTY OF HIDDEN GEMS WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED

BY THOSE ADVENTUROUS SPIRITS AMONG US.

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ight here in our own backyard, we are spoilt for choice with campsites, heritage-listed homesteads, national parks, fishing spots in the Dawson River and Callide Dam, art galleries and historical villages.

Fifteen minutes’ drive from Baralaba is the little-known gem of Myella Farm Stay, where owners Lyn and Carl have been welcoming guests since 1993. The family are passionate about farming and enjoy sharing experiences and their knowledge.

They are particularly interested in caring for the environment and animals.

Take a day trip to Myella to enjoy nature, meet some cute farm animals and experience the outback lifestyle on the farm’s 2,600 acres of cattle grazing land.

All the fresh country air is guaranteed to increase the appetite… luckily Myella offers home grown food from their paddock to your plate. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available, featuring lovingly prepared, nutritious meals. Alternatively, bring a picnic and find a relaxing spot in the beautiful grounds to roll out your picnic blanket.

Half day tours are very popular, especially during the school holidays and it is recommended that bookings are made in advance to avoid disappointment.

Banana 35mins Baralaba 15mins Biloela 1hr Cracow 1hr 50mins Dululu 35mins Goovigen 30mins Jambin 35mins Moura 50mins Taroom 2hrs 15mins Thangool 1hr 10mins Theodore 1hr 15mins Wowan 30mins

For those who would like to stay for a night or two, Myella caters for singles, couples, families with ensuite rooms and cottages and the unpowered camp sites have bathroom facilities. Night time campfire tales and stargazing at the ginormous sky await guests, who will awaken the next morning to birds singing and the unmistakable noises of a working farm.

The property grows over 300 beef cattle and also offers personal experiences to families and people of all ages.

Tour the property of the farm via 4WD or horse back or try some hands on experiences like hand milking cows, whip cracking and animal feeding. The swimming pool is available to take a dip.

Self-guided walking and bicycle tracks (BYO bicycles) are popular and a walk to Sunset Point is a must.

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ON THE BANANA SHIRE

MARCH 2021

Upcoming 2021 Events CONFIDENCE IS SLOWLY RETURNING TO COMMUNITY GROUPS AND EVENT ORGANISERS IN THE SHIRE THIS YEAR, AFTER MANY EVENTS WERE CANCELLED DURING 2020 DUE TO COVID-19.

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ates have been tentatively set and COVID-safe event checklists and plans are being developed for the following... and it’s shaping up to be an eventful year!

The wide variety of events includes agricultural shows, campdrafts, art retreats, high teas, fishing competitions, museum open days, a million dollar holein-one golf tournament, horse races, car shows, music festivals and sports days.

Dates are yet to be set for the ‘Hooked on Theodore’ Fishing Competition, Fred Brophy’s Boxing Tent in Cracow, Taroom Rodeo, Annual Fishing Competition, Thangool Races, Golden Horseshoe Campdraft and many more.

19-21 March............... Myella Art Retreat with Adele Outteridge, Myella Farm Stay 3-4 April...................... Muddy Water Classic Fishing Competition, Moura 10 April....................... Baralaba Show, Baralaba 24 April....................... Rotary High Tea, Biloela 3-4 May...................... Taroom Show, Taroom 14-15 May................... Callide Valley Show, Biloela 15 May........................ Museum Open Day Heritage Festival, Taroom 27 May........................ Shitbox Rally, Taroom 28-29 May................. Classics by the Dawson, Baralaba 3-5 June..................... King & Queen of CQ Big Boar Competition, Jambin 19-20 June................. Outback Masters Golf Tournament, Biloela 20 June....................... That Dam Run, Callide Dam 4-11 July..................... NAIDOC Week 9-10 July..................... Music is Life Festival, Biloela 17-18 July.................... Old Wheels in Motion, Queensland Heritage Park Biloela 14 August................... Wowan Show, Wowan 14-15 August.............. Theodore Trail Ride, Gyranda Station 27-28 August.............. Moura Coal & Cattle Festival 50th Anniversary, Moura 4-5 September.......... Champagne Campdraft, Jambin 10-12 September....... Spindles & Spurs Campdraft, Theodore 11-12 September....... The Great Baralaba Saratoga Classic, Baralaba 18 September............ Biloela Autofeste, Biloela 24-26 September...... Dawson River Festival Art Show, Taroom 25 September............ Dawson River Festival Races and Museum Open Day, Taroom 2-3 October................ VDM Festival, Biloela 3 October...................Lawgi Heritage Day, Lawgi Dawes 23 October.................Bulls N Barrels Bonanza, Theodore 30 October ................Banana Races, Banana 30-31 October...........Lake Callide Family Fishing Competition, Callide Dam October......................Brigalow Arts Festival, Biloela December.................. Various Christmas events, fairs, street parties and markets

To view or list more community events, visit www.banana.qld.gov.au/community-events-calendar For all other events, visit www.sandstonewonders.com/events

MARCH 2021

www.banana.qld.gov.au

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Baby Bounce 0 – 2 year olds Sessions of rhymes, songs and play Biloela Library – Thursday, 10am Taroom Library – Thursday, 10am Moura Library – Tuesday, 9.30am

SESSIONS

Toddler Time 18mths – 3 year olds Sessions of stories, movement and music Moura Library – Wednesday, 9.30am

Story Time 3 – 5 year olds Sessions of stories, songs and craft Biloela Library – Wednesday & Saturday, 10am Taroom Library – Tuesday, 10am Theodore Library – Thursday, 10am Moura Library – Wednesday, 9.30am

The first 5 years last a lifetime

TA L K

P L AY

SING

READ