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Supa IGA To Open Next Week May 6, 2008 - The new Supa IGA Supermarket on the corner of Avoca and Kingaroy Streets will open its doors to the public for the first time at 8:00am next Tuesday (May 13). Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce members and local businesspeople have been invited to attend a "grand opening" the evening before where food and wine will be served and Mayor David Carter will officially cut the ribbon. If you would like to attend this official opening ceremony - and you haven't already received an invitation - please contact KCCI Project Officer Polly Birchall on (07) 4162-8466 as soon as possible.

Fillies Hot To Trot At Burrandowan May 2, 2008 - While some South Burnett fillies will be kicking up their heels in the equestrian ring at this weekend's Kingaroy Show, may of the two-legged variety will be staying at home and studying the fashion pages to work out just what they should wear to next weekend's Burrandowan Picnic Races. An amazing $3000 in total prizes is up for grabs in the Fashions On The Field competition at Burrandowan on May 10. Categories include best-dressed woman, best-dressed man, best-dressed couple and best-dressed group. Prizes include accommodation packages, watches, a swag, wine and gift certificates. Shuttle buses will be running from Kingaroy to the Burrandowan racetrack. For more information or to buy tickets phone the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4162-6272.

Radio Centre Has Split Personalities May 1, 2008 - The purchase of Southern Cross Broadcasting by Macquarie Media Group late last year has forced the sale of 19 radio stations across Australia to meet regulatory requirements - including Kingaroy's Heart 10.71AM (4SB). 10.71 is now owned by Brad & Judy Smart's Smart Radio/Pinecam network, joining stations at Mt Isa, Emerald, Roma, Dalby and Charleville. 89.1CFM remains with Macquarie Southern Cross Media (formerly known as Macquarie Regional Radioworks). This has led to the odd situation where two radio stations owned by different companies are now operating out of the South Burnett Radio Centre on the corner of Glendon and Alford Streets, Kingaroy. For the moment contact details remain the same however this is expected to change within the next few weeks.

Supa IGA Opening Date "Soon" April 30, 2008: Traffic lights will be installed on the corner of Kingaroy and Avoca streets, Kingaroy, to handle increased traffic to the new Supa IGA complex but probably not before the store opens. Store manager Stephen Anderson told the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce Meet'n'Greet on Monday night that the opening date of the store would be announced "very shortly". Stephen also explained the IGA Community Chest concept where the store supports local charitable causes with a donation from every sale. Last year IGA stores around Australia donated more than $6 million to schools, fire brigades, youth groups etc Meanwhile, John Hyslop, owner of the new Kingaroy store, the Yarraman IGA and the Gatton Supa IGA, is not letting the grass grow beneath his feet. He will begin construction soon on a new 200sq m Supa IGA store in Warwick.

Latest WBBACC Newsletter Available April 29, 2008 - The latest edition of the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee's electronic Regional Update is now available online. This edition includes information about two part-time positions available at the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) and the Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Awards information meeting which will be held in Kingaroy on May 23. The electronic newsletter is designed to provide all the latest information on events, activities and grant opportunities distributed by the Federal Government. To join the email mailing list, contact Cameron Bisley at the WBBACC on (07) 4121-7099 or email him

Murgon Saleyards To Be Sold April 28, 2008 - South Burnett Regional Council Mayor David Carter confirmed today that the sale of the Murgon Saleyards would go ahead. Cr Carter told ABC Radio the new Council had approved the sale and expected a settlement soon. The sale had been delayed by a technicality during the council amalgamation process while Murgon Shire Council was in "caretaker mode". FOOTNOTE: If you haven't traded in your old CDMA mobile phone, you'd better do it today! At midnight tonight, Telstra will be switching off its CDMA network ...

Local Maps Have The South Burnett Covered April 24, 2008 - There's no longer any excuse for getting lost on the backroads and byways of the South Burnett! CKSmaps from Blackbutt (in reality Karyn and Colin Simpson) have got the area covered in detail in their home-published Rural Roads & Local Town Maps street directory, (right). The idea for the directory began in 2004 as a simple guide to around Blackbutt and Nanango when the couple, newly arrived from NSW, felt the need for such a publication. It quickly expanded to cover from Bell to Goomeri and all points in between. Karyn says she received a lot of help from the former local councils in her project but has also relied heavily on local knowledge to fill in the gaps. The book, which is continually being updated, is available from several local outlets including Pomfrets Plumbing in Kingaroy, the Blackbutt Newsagency, the Nanango Visitor Information Centre and the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre.

Two New Peanut Flavours Hit Kingaroy Streets April 23, 2008 - Kingaroy's The Peanut Van has released two new flavoured peanut products to add to their ever-expanding range. The new flavours are Salt & Pepper and Cinnamon Sugar which have been officially released after six weeks of customer trials. The new flavours will be available in 1kg, 375g and 200g packets at The Peanut Van's Kingaroy, Childers, Sunshine Coast and Chermside stores.

Spice Up Your Life With The KCCI April 22, 2008 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce & Industry is spicing up its next Meet'n'Greet on April 28 by holding it at JD's Spice Train, the new Indian restaurant located at the Kingaroy Country Motel at 34 Knight Street, Kingaroy. Chef Jay Kilpadi will be preparing the snacks and refreshments can be purchased at the licensed bar. Guest speakers are South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Cr David Carter, Kathy Masters from Sunny Ridge Gardens and Stephen Anderson from SupaIGA. Cost is $10 for KCCI members and $13 for non-members. RSVP by Thursday April 24 to Polly Birchall on (07) 4162-8466.

"Waste" Water Hope From Gas Fields April 21, 2008 - An huge water source in the coal-seam gasfields of the Surat Basin could prove the basis of a new water supply for drought-stricken local towns and Tarong Power Station. The Sunday Mail newspaper reported yesterday that "a massive 100 to 125 megalitres of water a day" would be pumped out once the gasfields hit full production in about seven or eight years. One suggestion for this "waste product" from the gas field includes a pipeline to feed Wivenhoe Dam with a lower-quality discharge going to the Tarong power stations. Read more on the Sunday Mail's website

HIA Information Session In Kingaroy April 18, 2008 - The Housing Information Association will be holding short information sessions on three topics of interest to building tradespeople in Kingaroy on Thursday May 1. Information sessions will be held at Turners Mitre 10 on Rogers Drive from 5:15pm. Topics to be covered are: 5 Star Energy Efficiency Requirements BSA Supervisor's Licence Requirements Certificate IV One-on-one appointments are also available with HIA advisers to discuss technical, licensing or safety issues. Seats are limited. To register interest in attending the information session or to arrange a one-on-one appointment, phone Josie Norman on (07) 5459-4751 or send her an email

Cheese-Making Secrets Revealed April 17, 2008 - Local cheesemaker Chris Ganzer will be holding a special cheesemaking class on Saturday at Kingaroy Cheese. Chris will be teaching participants how to make their own soft moulded cheese at home. Cost is $150 which includes lunch using South Burnett produce and Barambah Wines. In July, Chris will be sharing his award-winning cheesemaking skills with an even wider audience when he holds a hands-on Cooking School at the prestigious Black Pearl Epicure food institute in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information about either workshops, contact Kingaroy Cheese on (07) 4162-5990.

Customer Service Pep Talks For Local Business April 16, 2008 - One of Australia's best known customer service presenters, Debra Templar, will be holding two special seminars in the South Burnett next month, thanks to the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee, the Small Business Field Officer program, the Murgon Business and Development Association and the Nanango Chamber of Commerce. Debra, from Australian Retail Services, is an accomplished public speaker as well as a consultant and author of books covering topics such as selling, merchandising, customer service and retailing. The seminars will be held in: Murgon - Tuesday 5th May from 7:00pm (including a two-course dinner). Bookings to Margaret at Murgon Real Estate on (07) 4168-2922 by May 2. Nanango - Wednesday 7th May from 7:00am (including breakfast). Bookings to Jane at Nanango Real Estate on (07) 4163-1677 by May 5. Flyers with more information are available to download from the WBBACC website.

Local Talent To Share 2020 Ideas April 15, 2008 - High profile Queensland businessman Brett Heading has been invited to take part in the Australia 2020 ideas summit to be held in Canberra next weekend. Brett is a Director (and former Chairman) of the Peanut Company of Australia as well as Chairman of Clovely Estate Ltd, Burnett Valley Vineyards and Burnett Valley Olives. Other summit attendees who are well-known in the South Burnett will include local businesswoman and grazier Georgie Somerset from Durong and former Cherbourg State School principal Chris Sarra.

KCCI Promises a Fun Day of Golf! April 14, 2008 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual golf day for local business people (it doesn't matter if you're not a member of the Chamber!) is on again this month at the Kingaroy Golf Course (April 26). The three-person 18-hole ambrose is open to members, non-members and new players are all welcome! Cost is $20 which includes a continuous BBQ lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm. For more information and to register, phone the Kingaroy Golf Club on (07) 4162-1720.

Nominations Open Today For Tourism Awards April 11, 2008 - Nominations open today for the 2008 Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Awards. Tourism businesses who wish to take part must return a Nomination Form by Friday, May 9. For more information, visit the FCSBRTB website. A workshop to guide participants will be held in the South Burnett next month and the Awards Ceremony will be held in Hervey Bay on October 25.

Businesses On The Move April 10, 2008 - John Logan and Associates re-opened their Kingaroy office in a new location this week ... at 71 Youngman Street. JLA, who were formerly located in the old Ogden Real Estate building in Kingaroy Street, handle real estate valuations, pre-sale assessments, stamp duty assessments, litigation and compensation matters. Their contact details remain the same. The move follows the decision by Clem Smith to shift his Access Broker Services, SunServices Insurance and Financial Solutions and Mortgages Designed 4U businesses from 71 Youngman Street to refurbished and expanded premises at 196 Haly Street, Kingaroy (the old dental surgery). Clem's contact details also remain the same.

Farewell John ... Hello Polly! April 9, 2008 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry is bidding a sad farewell today to Manager John Carey who has resigned to take up a position with Tarong Energy. John, the former Community Development Officer at Rosalie Shire Council, has guided the KCCI with skill over the past 12 months and was the moving force behind the successful change in direction - and location - of the Kingaroy Peanut Festival. Peanut Festival Co-Ordinator Polly Birchall, who has been based at the KCCI office, will be assuming the role of Project Officer for the KCCI as well as continuing to guide the planning of the 2008 Peanut Festival.

The Muddles Are Coming April 8, 2008 - Have more fun than a gang of galahs up a gum tree! That's what visitors to the South Burnett for "Christmas in July" are being promised by an enterprising Brisbane travel agency specialising in tours for the Over 50s. The two-day tours take in some of the best that the South Burnett has to offer, including lunch and liqueur tasting at the Belltower Restaurant, a visit to Kingaroy Cheese and a feast at Moffatdale Ridge winery. There'll also be music, comedy, fun and games, bush poetry and bush dancing ... all courtesy of the Muddle Family! So watch out for the Muddles when up to nine coaches descend on the South Burnett in July.

All Major Centres To Host Council Meetings April 7, 2008 - The meeting dates have been announced for the new South Burnett Regional Council - and as promised, the meetings will be distributed throughout the Shire: Kingaroy - Wednesday 9th April 2008, 9:00am Council Chambers, Glendon Street Murgon - Wednesday 23rd April 2008, 9:00am Council Chambers, 42 Stephens Street West Nanango - Tuesday 13th May 2008, 9:00am, Council Chambers, 48 Drayton Street Wondai - Wednesday 28th May 2008, 9:00am, Council Chambers, Mackenzie Street Kingaroy - Wednesday 11th June 2008, 9:00am, Council Chambers, Glendon Street Murgon - Wednesday 25th June 2008, 9:00am, Council Chambers, 42 Stephens Street West