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BIEDO Hosts Bio-Fuels Forum November 2, 2006 - The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO) will be holding a Bio Fuels Regional Forum in Kingaroy later this month. Companies and councils that use alternative energy and fuels for vehicles and machinery - as well as industry technicians - will be discussing the production, processing and use of bio-fuels. The forum will be held at the Kingaroy TAFE College on November 24 from 8:30am. For more information about the forum - and the Bio Fuels Bash from Monto to Kingaroy which will feature alternatively powered vehicles - download an information pack (117kb) and registration form (88kb)

High School Band Is Hot Stuff! November 1, 2006 - Kingaroy State High School's music program has been honoured by being named the Queensland winner of ABC Classic FM's 2006 Flame Award. The Flame Awards, part of the Music Council of Australia's Music. Play For Life campaign, are open to all primary and high schools. Kingaroy State High will now receive $1000 to spend on musical equipment and are finalists in the national competition "This is a vigorous and diverse music program which over many years has become an integral part of the Kingaroy community," said ABC Classic FM manager John Crawford. "Students and their music are everywhere - civic functions, festivals, community events, nursing homes, weddings and wineries."

Handy Website For Employers October 31, 2006 - The Australian Taxation Office has a handy online guide for businesspeople which lists everything employers (or the self-employed) need to know about superannuation, taxation, GST etc. The Employer Essentials website, which can be found at http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses is just one of the handy pieces of information included in this fortnight's Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee Regional Update newsletter. The full newsletter can be read on the WBBACC website

The Peanut Van Wins Top Award October 20, 2006 - The Peanut Van, owned by Rob and Chris Patch, was named the Business of the Year at the Heritage Building Society / Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce Business Awards dinner on Saturday night. Independent judges assessed the nominations of nearly 50 local businesses before coming up with winners in a number of categories: Outstanding New Business - Dean Wilson Aviation Retail Services - Retravision Kingaroy Tourism and Accommodation Services - Shadylane Vineyard Cottages Tourism Ambassador - The Peanut Van Mature Age Workplace - Endeavour Business Service Health and Beauty Services - Earthtones Beauty Therapy Food Services - Kingaroy Hotel Motel Manufacturing, Trade and Agriculture - Aussie Land & Livestock Professional Services - Markwell Medicine Transport and Motor - Benecke's Bus Service Whitney Pratt from the Kingaroy Coffee Lounge, was presented with the Customer Service of the Year award (from 19 nominations); Ross Ingram (PCA) was named Outstanding Apprentice and Ngareta Day (RealWay Property Consultants) was named Outstanding Trainee. The Business of the Year was selected from the category winners. Kingaroy mayor Cr Roger Nunn with Business of the Year and Tourism Ambassador winners Chris and Rob Patch from The Peanut Van

ABC Shop Opens in Kingaroy October 27, 2006 - Book City, located at the top of the ramp in Kingaroy Shoppingworld, has opened an ABC Shop at the back of its premises. The ABC section features DVDs of ABC and BBC television shows, music cassettes and popular items such as Bananas in Pyjamas dolls and Triple J T-shirts. Book City can be contacted on (07) 4162-4142 or by email.

QBuild Info For Building Contractors October 26, 2006 - Building contractors and suppliers have been invited to attend information sessions on doing business with the State Government. QBuild's new work allocation systems and contracts will be explained to contractors at two evening sessions to be held from 6pm at the Queensland Rugby Union Club at Ballymore in Brisbane on October 31 and November 2. Interested contractors should contact Geoff Fett at QBuild on (07) 3404-3704.

Curves Comes To Kingaroy October 25, 2006 - Curves women's health and weight loss centre opened on Monday in the Haly Street Arcade, off Haly Street, Kingaroy. Owner Wendy Bermingham said Curves was designed for busy women who want to achieve their fitness goals in 30 minutes, three times a week. Curves can be contacted on (07) 4162-5447.

Welding Works At Widgee October 24, 2006 - Widgee Welding Works is one of the many businesses in the expanding Widgee Industrial Estate at Tooth Drive, Widgee. Widgee Welding Works does all general steel fabrication and mobile welding but specialises in livestock handling equipment. They also retail steel. Owner Lloyd Martin can be contacted on (07) 5484-0250 or by email.

New Name For Old Cafe October 23, 2006 - The old Cosy Dell Cafe at 18 Scott Street, Wondai, is now known as GFC Cafe ("Golden Fried Chicken"). The cafe, which is located on the way to Murgon just past the roundabout, is run by Graz and Girlie Borg. They can be contacted on (07) 4168-5252.

Teenagers Invited to Try a Trade October 20, 2006 - An event to be held in Kingaroy next Wednesday offers a glimmer of hope to local businesses suffering from the shortage of tradespeople. World Skills Australia, in conjunction with Kingaroy TAFE College and local high schools and training organisations, has organised a "Try a Trade" day at Kingaroy State High School's Indoor Sports Centre from 9am on October 25. Year 7-10 students from South Burnett schools will get a hands-on opportunity to try different trades as well as watch demonstrations by current apprentices and trainees. Everything from boilermaking and building to hair-dressing and IT will be covered. For more information, phone Barry Magill at SQIT on (07) 4160-4400.

Heritage Business Awards Tickets On Sale! October 19, 2006 - Tickets are now on sale for the glittering Heritage KCCI Annual Business Awards for Excellence dinner which will be held at Kingaroy Town Hall on October 28. Cost is $45 per head which includes a two-course meal with appetisers, complimentary bottles of wine on each table and entertainment. Dress is semi-formal. Tables are being snapped up quickly and as there is a strictly limited number of seats available, it's a case of "first in, best dressed"! Last year's dinner was booked out very quickly. To book, phone Lis on (07) 4162-8466.

From Blackbutt to Brisbane & Beyond October 18, 2006 - Singer/songwriter "Rocket" Rod McDonough, formerly with Brisbane bands The Cupheads and Kick It Inn - is the latest addition to Southburnett.biz listings. The Blackbutt-based musician (right) has performed at venues such as Jupiters Casino and Broncos Leagues Club but is also available for corporate functions, private parties and weddings. He can be reached on 0422-915-634 or by email. He also has his own website.

Kingaroy Attracts 2007 Caravan Rally October 17, 2006 - Kingaroy has been successful in attracting the Combined Caravan Clubs of Queensland Rally next year. Tourism, Art and Heritage Precinct Manager Carolyn Knudsen announced yesterday that the rally - which will bring more than 350 caravans to town! - will be held in Kingaroy in September/October 2007. “We have been working with the organisers and local community stakeholders in the preliminary planning stages and we are looking forward to hosting the rally next year,” Carolyn said. The rally organising committee with Kingaroy representatives

Bush Christmas In Toowoomba October 16, 2006 - Former KCCI secretary Sally Charlton (Beaurepaires For Tyres - Kingaroy) is one of a number of talented craftspeople who will have items on show at the 2006 Bush Christmas Exhibition in Toowoomba from November 28 to December 7. More than 100 rural and remote exhibitors will be offering fine art and hand-made works for sale at the Masonic Centre at 58 Neil Street (near the Empire Theatre). Sally's works will cover "Paper Making and Beyond".

Last Chance To Book For Masterclass! October 13, 2006 - Today is your last chance to book for the South Burnett Masterclass with celebrity foodie Peter Howard (right) which is being held on Monday at the Bell Tower Restaurant. The Masterclass is designed to allow the tourism community - and the wider community, too! - to discover more about the wonderful food and wine we have here in the South Burnett. It will start at 3pm and conclude at 5:30pm and will be followed at 6:30pm by dinner and live music. Gourmet products supplier Babak Hadi from Black Pearl Epicure in Brisbane will also talk about his experiences with regional food. Tickets are $50 each which includes the Masterclass, pre-dinner drinks, a three-course dinner and wine matched to each course. RSVP by 5pm today to SB Tourism Project Manager Narelle Duggan on (07) 4162-6271.

Tractor Spare Parts At Wooroolin October 12, 2006 - South Burnett Tractor Parts (formerly located at Wilkesdale) has a new owner and a new location ... in the old Wooroolin Wrecking building on the corner of the Bunya Highway and Kate Street at Wooroolin. Cheryl Dalton took over the specialist Fiat / New Holland business recently but none of the business's expertise has been lost with long-standing employees staying on. South Burnett Tractor Parts has a large stock on hand and can supply by mail, courier, freight or by pick-up. They can be contacted on (07) 4164-2000 or by email

Model Planes Take Off In Kumbia! October 11, 2006 - Interested in radio-controlled model planes and cars? Then a new Kumbia business G & T Hobbies may be able to help! G & T Hobbies are located 31 Short Street and owner Geoff O'Brien stocks a wide range including Tamiya cars and Magnum engines. He also has radio control equipment, spare parts and competition kites. He can be contacted on (07) 4164-4505 or by email.

WorkChoices Seminar In Kingaroy October 9, 2006 - Commerce Queensland will be holding another of their Employer Advice seminars on WorkChoices in Kingaroy ... and they're giving local businesses lots of notice!! The seminar, which will cover agreement making, unfair dismissals, industrial disputes and right of entry, will be held at the Kingaroy RSL Club from 3pm-6pm on Tuesday December 5. Cost is free but registration is essential. For further details contact Gail Clifford on 1300-138-470 or download a flyer (72kb PDF)

More Talk About Tourism October 6, 2006 - South Burnett Local Government Association Tourism Project Officer Narelle Duggan has released the latest edition of South Burnett Tourism Talk, her regular newsletter on tourism happenings around the region. This edition includes information about foodie Peter Howard's Masterclass at The Belltower on October 16 and visitor statistics to the local visitor information centres. Click here to download Tourism Talk (136kb PDF).

Carbon Forum In Kingaroy October 5, 2006 - A two-day forum on "Managing the Carbon Cycle" will be held at the Kingaroy Town Hall on October 25-26. The forum will explain carbon trading, credits, accounting and sequestration with a particular emphasis on agriculture. Registration deadline is October 13. For more information and a forum program, visit www.amazingcarbon.com or contact the UNE Conference Company on (02) 6773-2154.