Home Page

Council Amalgamation Moves A Step Closer March 21, 2007 - The possible amalgamation of Rosalie and Crows Nest shire councils has moved a step closer with the release of the Draft Final Report by Independent Review Facilitator Noel Playford. The proposed recommendations include that the two councils request Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser amalgamate the two Shires and create a new Council named Northern Downs Shire Council which would have 10 Councillors and no electoral divisions. The draft report, incorporating reasons, community feedback and relevant maps, can be accessed online and at libraries throughout both shires. Mr Playford is now seeking submissions on his draft report by April 16, 2007. These can be mailed to either council or emailed. If, after considering these submissions, he proposes the amalgamation go ahead, either Council may ask the Minister to refer the matter to the Electoral Commissioner for a referendum of electors in both shires.

Nominations Sought For Tourism Awards March 20, 2007 - Nominations have opened for the 2007 Fraser-Coast South Burnett Tourism Awards. The format for this year's awards has been revamped with a recommended word limit of 250 per category to encourage "short, sharp responses" and submissions will be judged on content not presentation. The judges' site visit will also count towards the awards points. Nominations close on May 11 and all submissions must be received by 5pm on August 24. Winners will be announced at the Tourism Awards night on October 27 which will be held at Wondai Town Hall.

Carolyn Re-Elected SBTA President March 19, 2007 - Carolyn Stone (Passchendaele Farm Holidays) was relected unopposed as President at the South Burnett Tourism Association Annual General Meeting held at Ziebarth Wines last week. Other Executive committee members elected unopposed were: Vice-President John Boland (Shadylane Vineyard Cottages) Treasurer Max Lehmann (Rock-al-Roy B&B) Committee member John Bjelke-Petersen (Bethany Cottages), Committee member Bruce Hurley (The Left Bank) Nominations were taken from the floor for the remaining committee vacancy with Bernie Cooper (Crane Wines) and Cathy Davis (Hillview Cottages) nominated. An election was held and Cathy Davis was successful. No nominations were received for the position of Secretary.

James Has Got It Covered March 16, 2007 - James White's Canvas & Upholstery Workshop has relocated to Shed 7, 13192 D'Aguilar Highway, Nanango (the South Nanango "business strip"). James does all canvas work as well as auto trimming and domestic upholstery. He also offers an in-home service. He can be contacted on (07) 4171-0397 or by by email.

Child Safety Workers Move In March 15, 2007 - The South Burnett Child Safety Service Centre's Kingaroy branch has relocated from Kingaroy Street into its brand new premises at 180-182 Haly Street. The new building, erected on the site of Kingaroy's old fish and chip shop, is also temporarily housing the Murgon branch of the same government child safety organisation while its offices in the Murgon Courthouse complex are being refurbished. The Kingaroy office can be contacted on (07) 4164-9400.

Durong Online Back Online! March 14, 2007 - One of the South Burnett's oldest town-only portals, Durong Online, has been re-launched after a break off the Internet. Owner Martin Stern, from Print and Beyond, decided to give the community website a second chance as more and more locals are becoming net savvy. Residents, community groups and businesses in the Durong area have been invited to contact Martin by email if they have any news or event they would like to publicise. Martin has also started a free classifieds page.

Training For Community Group Board Members March 13, 2007 - The Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee has organised Certificate IV in Business (Governance) training to be held in the region to assist community groups improve their effectiveness. This accredited training will assist Board members gain the expertise to improve the governance of their group. The four-day course is being held in two sections and both must be attended for a Certificate to be awarded. Day 1 will be held on Saturday April 21 between 9am and 4pm at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre, Kingaroy. Days 2-4 can be attended at either Mundubbera (April 30-May 2) or Maryborough (May 3-5). For a registration form, phone (07) 4121-7099 or send an email

Helen Takes Top Prize at PCA Cook-Off March 12, 2007 - Kingaroy Hotel-Motel chef Helen Pratt, (right), took out the major prize for "Best Overall Dish" at the fifth annual PCA South Burnett Regional Culinary Competition in Kingaroy on Saturday. Helen prepared a white chocolate cheesecake on a peanut/biscuit crumb base served in a partially hollowed out dragonfruit served with a blueberry kir made with Cranes sparkling shiraz. The "Best Matching of Dish and South Burnett Wine" category was won by Karen Ford (Kingaroy Hospital Auxiliary) for her Peanut and Kahlua Pie dessert served with Crane Wines Late Harvest Frontignac. The "Most Innovative Use of Peanuts in the Cooking Process or Presentation" prize was won by Ben Best (SB Food Distributors) for his organic duck breast served with a peanut, pear and chili salsa Encouragement Awards were given to apprentices Matthew McMurdy (The Bell Tower Restaurant), Lance Webb (Taabinga Room Restaurant, Kingaroy TAFE) and Margaret Powell (Kingaroy Hotel-Motel).

Commerce Qld Training Calendar March 9, 2007 - Commerce Queensland officers visited the KCCI recently to remind local businesses they offer a range of training courses covering workplace health and safety, professional development and management skills. The courses are usually held in Toowoomba but in-house training can also be arranged. The latest training calendar, which covers January to June 2007, can be downloaded here (312kb PDF). For more information, contact Commerce Queensland on (07) 4639-3277 or visit the CQ website

Australian Hotel Sold March 8, 2007 - There's been a string of changes at South Burnett hotels lately. Jill Tiernan has sold The Australian Hotel-Motel, (right), in Murgon and is heading off to enjoy her retirement. The Tiernan family has owned the hotel for 85 years - possibly an Australian record - and Warren Muller is the new manager. There are also new operators at the "Broady" ... the Broadway Hotel in Kingaroy Street. Warren and Brett Macbeth have taken over the running of this well-known Kingaroy pub. And at the Commercial Hotel in Haly Street, Kingaroy, Restaurant 167 is about to open after extensive renovations.

Is Exporting For You? March 7, 2007 - A workshop to be held in Kingaroy later this month may help you to answer this question ... is exporting for you? The workshop, the first of a series of five to be held throughout the Wide Bay region, will evaluate the export capability of your business as well as introduce the government agencies that can help. It will be held on Wednesday, March 21, from 11am to 12:30pm at the Kingaroy RSL Club. The workshop is free but registrations are essential. Phone the State Development Centre on 13-26-50 or email Jan Carlson by March 14.

WBBACC Seeking Committee Members March 6, 2007 - The Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee is seeking suitably qualified volunteers interested in becoming a WBBACC member. Area Consultative Committees provide a link between the Federal Government, business and community. The WBBACC is seeking expressions of interest from people involved in business, government or the community. Selection criteria and more information about the role of ACC members can be obtained by phone on (07) 4121-7099 or email. Expressions of interest must be lodged with the WBBACC by March 12, 2007.

Cooking for Living March 5, 2007 - Interested in learning how to cook nutritious meals for the family? Kingaroy Community Health Centre, in conjunction with The Artists Cottage, is holding a series of cooking lessons on Tuesdays from 5pm-7pm at Kingaroy State High School. Cost is free but bring along enough cash to cover the cost of ingredients (about $15, but this varies depending upon the recipe cooked). Places are strictly limited and the courses run for just six weeks. To book - or for further information - phone (07) 4162-9220.

Two Councillors Selected For Forum March 2, 2007 - Cr Keith Campbell (Kingaroy) and Mayor Cr David Carter (Wondai) are among the 10 new representatives selected to serve on the Wide Bay Burnett Ministerial Regional Community Forum. Other Forum members are Don Gayler (Hervey Bay), Warren Holloway (Bundaberg), Zoe Jameson (Miriam Vale), Jim Mullet (Kolan), Barbara Paterson (Maryborough), Judy Pippen (Isis), Lorraine Pyefinch (Bundaberg) and Stephanie Whitaker (Biggenden). The Forum is a voluntary group which advises the State Government on regional issues. Forum members represent a broad cross-section of social, economic and environmental interests throughout the region. They will be holding their first meeting on March 26.

Polly is Going Nuts in Kingaroy! March 1, 2007 - Meet Polly Birchall, (right), who began work yesterday at the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the 2007 Peanut Festival co-ordinator. Polly recently moved to Kingaroy from the United Kingdom with her husband and young family and is already making a great impression in the local community. Welcome Polly to Kingaroy and the Peanut Festival!

Computer Bytes For Anglers February 28, 2007 - The DPI&F has released a nifty electronic calendar - actually a screensaver - which includes fishing news, hints and cartoons. It also includes information on moon phases and school holidays as well as practical help on fishing rules and regulations. Best of all, the DPI&F promises that it will automatically update itself each month. The screensaver - and copies of the guide to Qld Recreational Fishing Rules and Regulations - can be downloaded from the DPI&F website

Helen Can Pamper You! February 27, 2007 - Beauty therapist Helen Jenkins recently opened her Classique Skin and Beauty Clinic at 19 Wieden Street, Kingaroy. Helen offers "pamper packages" as well as the usual range of beauty treatments including facials, waxing, tinting and make-up. She can be contacted on (07) 4162-7311.

Latest WBBACC Newsletter Available February 26, 2007 - The latest edition of the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee's electronic Regional Update is now available online. 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

Good News for Country Brides February 23, 2007 - A Country Bride, at 43 Edwards Street, Wondai, specialises in new and pre-loved wedding fashions ... with bridal gowns starting from an amazing $100 and ranging to $600. Owners Cindy McLachlan and Helen Dempsey also have gowns for bridesmaids and flowergirls as well as formal and ball gowns. They also stock accessories such as tiaras, veils, wraps, jewellery etc. They can be contacted on (07) 4169-0536 or by email

Award-Winning Author Listed February 22, 2007 - Murgon author Barbara Hartmann King, who penned the Australia Day Cultural Prize-winning novel Coloured Sands, (right), is one of the latest listings on SBBiz. Coloured Sands is the first of a planned trilogy. The second novel, Valley of the Eagle, has also been released. Barbara's books are available from the Murgon Information Centre or from her website