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Daniel 'n' Aaron Offer PC Service in Nanango March 29, 2005 - Nanango has a new computer sales and service business D'N'A Computer Services run by Daniel Bosel and Aaron Smith. The pair have been operating since February from an office and workshop at 1 Wills Street. "We thought it was about time Nanango had its own computer business. We're out to provide a service for Nanango, not just make a profit," Aaron said. D'N'A have new and used computer systems for sale, do upgrades, provide basic computer tuition, and can sort out your networking woes as well as handle mobile phone car kit installations, connections and handset upgrades.

Opposition To Sunday Trading March 24, 2005 - The KCCI's forum on Sunday trading this week demonstrated strong opposition to the concept by local shopkeepers. Jaye Price from the Queensland Retail Traders and Shopkeepers Association presented the "no" case while Gary Black from the National Retailers Association urged the "yes". Fred Korn, right, from Kingaroy Photo Lab presented a petition against Sunday trading which had 65 signatures he collected in just two afternoons while visiting Kingaroy CBD traders. The State Industrial Relations Commission will decide now whether Sunday trading is extended to the South Burnett region.

New Owners at Hotel Cecil March 23, 2005 - The Hotel Cecil at Wondai has new owners ... Carol Halkett and Greg Nicholas who have moved to the South Burnett from Bargara. The pair have great plans for the grand old pub including a new-look restaurant area, accommodation and a nightclub. Renovations and repairs have already begun! The pub's eatery will provide even more competition for Wondai's other popular dining out venues which include Dimitie's Cottage and Tickled Pink.

Free Seminar On Farm Safety March 22, 2005 - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is conducting a statewide audit of mobile plant in rural workplaces. Since 1990 more than 115 people have been killed and 104 seriously injured while using mobile machinery on Queensland farms. A random sample of farms will be audited soon. To help South Burnett farmers understand how to meet their legal obligations and prepare for the audit, a free seminar will be held on Thursday April 14 at The Whipbird Chapel, 21 Chaseling Street, Coolabunia from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. To book phone (07) 4121-1714 (the seminar may be cancelled if there are insufficient numbers).

Guest Speaker at Women's Lunch March 21, 2005 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Women in Business group will be meeting for lunch this Wednesday on the balcony of the Carrollee Hotel, King Street, Kingaroy. Cost is $10 for KCCI members and $12.50 for non-members. Guest speaker is Michael Jones from Global Investments. Everyone welcome but please RSVP to Lynnelle today on (07) 4162-8466 for catering purposes. PS. Don't forget the KCCI discussion meeting on Sunday trading will be held at the Motel Kingaroy (Knight Street) from 6pm tonight!

Real Estate Agent Opens In Wooroolin March 18 - The South Burnett's real estate boom is continuing - and so is our list of real estate agencies! The latest is South Burnett Real Estate, owned by Jacqueline Fox, which opened last week in the main street at Wooroolin and is already gathering listings. The business has its own website and is handling all types of sales - domestic, commercial and rural - as well as rental properties.

2005 Touring Guide Released March 17, 2005 - The new 2005 South East Queensland Country Touring Guide - which covers six regions including the South Burnett - has been released by Tourism Queensland. The guide is offered to tourists at Visitor Information Centres and includes information on "Grapes, Gourmets and Galleries" and accommodation providers as well as information about attractions in the shires of Nanango, Kingaroy, Wondai, Murgon and Kilkivan. There is also a new section featuring the Bunya Country Touring Route which winds its way from Toowoomba through Oakey and Dalby to Kumbia, the Bunya Mountains, Maidenwell, Nanango, Wondai, Murgon and Kilkivan to Gympie.

Friday Deadline For Awards March 16, 2005 - Tourism operators throughout the South Burnett (who are members of the South Burnett Tourism Association) have until this Friday to nominate for the annual Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Awards For Excellence. Nomination forms are available on the FCSB Regional Tourism Board's website (follow the links to the membership area). For more information, phone awards co-ordinator Ian Mason on (07) 4122-3444. Local tourism businesses have had great success in these awards in recent years with category winners including Bunya Forest Gallery, Captain's Paddock, The Peanut Van, Bethany Cottages, Hillview Cottages and The Left Bank.

Businesses On The Move March 15, 2005 - Two Kingaroy businesses are pulling up stumps and migrating to new locations across town. Orca Accounting, run by Susan AhQuee, is in the process of relocating to 101 Kingaroy Street, next door to Garry Ogden Real Estate. Another business on the move is Jasmaine Country Crafts which will be re-opening at Shop 16, 119 Youngman Street (the industrial estate behind Kingaroy Plumbing Works). Jasmaine Country Crafts has been operating successfully since it opened two months ago in Pound Street but owner Sharmaine Terry believes the new premises will attract more women customers. She has some exciting plans on the horizon ... and who knows, a cafe may be in the works sometime!

Tourism Map Updated March 14, 2005 - Copies of the recently updated South Burnett tourism map (right) are now available for free at Visitor Information Centres and tourist businesses throughout the region. This is the third edition of the popular map which was first produced in 2002. Production was funded by the South Burnett Local Government Association and the South Burnett Tourism Association and it was printed locally by Nichol's Printing. On the reverse are details of local accommodation providers and cellar doors, other tourist attractions, a list of major annual events and dates for local country markets.

New Newspaper In Nanango March 11, 2005 - A new free fortnightly community newspaper Country Focus has hit the streets in Nanango and Rosalie Shires. Publishers Peter and Christy Stephens, from Nanango Country Design and Print, were formerly involved with The Adviser before its relocation to Kingaroy and have built up strong ties with the Nanango community. Country Focus is being distributed via Australia Post in Nanango, Yarraman, Blackbutt, Benarkin, Maidenwell, Cooyar and Brooklands and will also be available in information centres along the Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail to Kilcoy and Esk.

Have Your Say On Sunday Trading March 10, 2005 - Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry's next Meet'n'Greet will host a forum on the proposal to extend Sunday trading into rural areas of south-east Queensland. Representatives from the National Retailers Association and the Queensland Retail Traders and Shopkeepers Association will present the "for" and "against" in the debate. All business operators from South Burnett shires are invited to attend to listen to the speakers, ask questions and have their say on the proposal. For an explanation of current trading hours legislation, download this PDF (168kb) from the Qld Government's Wageline website The Meet'n'Greet will be held from 6:00pm on Monday March 21 at the Motel Kingaroy in Knight Street. Cost is $5 for KCCI members and $8 for non-members (which includes drinks and finger food). Please RSVP for catering by March 17 to Lynnelle on (07) 4162-8466.

Students Keen To Find Jobs March 9, 2005 - There are still about 70 high school students registered with the Wide Bay Group Training Scheme looking for South Burnett employers willing to take on a school-based trainee. WBGTS Area Manager Michelle Waters (right) says hiring school-based trainees is a great way for employees to trial potential employees and also encourages young people to receive vocational training. You can read the full press release from SQIT and WBGTS here (12kb PDF)

Chinese Restaurant Opens In Yarraman March 8, 2005 - The Imperial Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway opened inside the Yarraman Hotel-Motel in Margaret Street (New England Highway) last week. The restaurant replaces the pub's old dining room with an all-you-can-eat Chinese smorgasbord. Owner David "Ossie" Oswald says the Imperial will be open seven days a week for lunch (11am to 2pm) and dinner (5pm to 8:30pm).

Juice Bar Debuts At Cafe March 7, 2005 - Well-known Kingaroy chef Rosie Carlaw (right) has taken over the former Debster's Cafe, located next door to the video shop in Glendon Street, Kingaroy. The business - which changed hands last week - is now known as RC's Cafe and Health Bar and features a juice bar as well as made-to-order healthy takeaway food. Rosie also offers a finger-food catering service for business meetings, seminars and training sessions

Thinking Christmas in July? March 4, 2005 - The Aussie Christmas Shop, Woodcraft and Gallery is a new shop in Murgon, and one that looks likely to prove popular with tourists visiting the town as well as local residents. Owner and artist Gina O'Brien has 14 years' experience in making timber cutouts and mural painting which she has eagerly brought to her new venture. As well as indoor and outdoor Christmas memorabilia, Gina also has a wide range of artworks, including local Aboriginal paintings, folk art and craft items available for sale (three doors down from the Ambulance Station in Lamb Street).

Council Depot Opens March 3, 2005 - Kingaroy Shire Council's new $2.5 million Ivins Street Council Depot was officially opened yesterday morning by Queensland Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson, left. The complex replaces the old Pound Street site on the edge of the CBD which is now available for redevelopment.

Allirra Joins Chamber Team March 2, 2005 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to welcome a new face to the KCCI office! Allirra Fisher, from Cherbourg, pictured right with KCCI president Rob Patch, is a Year 11 student at the South Burnett Catholic College in Kingaroy. She has just started a two-year school-based traineeship and will be working for the Chamber every Thursday while completing a Certificate II in Business Studies. Great to have you Allirra!

Caught The Scrapbooking Bug? March 1, 2005 - A new business catering for the seemingly insatiable needs of local scrapbookers opened in Kingaroy today. Caught The Bug offers a wide range of scrapbooking and craft supplies and can be found at Shop 6, 119 Youngman Street (the Youngman Street industrial estate). Owner is Zennia Powell and the shop is open Monday to Saturday. PS. And warm wishes to RealWay Real Estate, Kingaroy, who celebrated their first birthday today!

KCCI Offers Leadership Essentials Course February 28, 2005 - The Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry has arranged a one-day Leadership Essentials Course to be held in Kingaroy from 9:30am to 4:30pm on Monday March 7. The program is designed for managers or people who want to move into a supervisory role in the future and will be delivered by Synthesis Trainers. Cost is $149 which includes lunch, morning and afternoon teas, all course materials and a certificate. There are only a few seats left for this course! Book with Lynnelle before March 1 on (07) 4162-8466.