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Local Farmers Disappointed By Vote December 2, 2011 - In a blow to South Burnett farmers, the State Government's new Strategic Cropping Land legislation was passed yesterday but a move to amend the Bill to include much South Burnett land was not successful (see story, below). Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Group (KCCG) Secretary, and Independent candidate for Nanango, John Dalton said this morning local farmers would feel a lot of disappointment. "There is not one person in the government - or one person who advises the government - who could deny that what we were asking for was worth doing or necessary," Mr Dalton said. A letter from Mr Dalton was tabled in State Parliament during the debate. He said the KCCG would be meeting within the next week to consider their next move. LNP Parliamentary Leader Jeff Seeney did not oppose the amendment but noted that it would not be necessary if the LNP gained government at the next State election. "We will protect those areas with a proper regional planning process ... that contains statutory land use maps that defines appropriate land uses, that defines the best land uses for particular areas and maps them accordingly," he said. However Natural Resources Minister Rachel Nolan said the new Act got "the balance right". "We have worked closely with, and will continue to work with, our Strategic Cropping Land Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the agriculture, resource and urban development sectors, as well as local government and natural resource management groups," she said. "Queensland's top soil scientists assessed 128 samples from across five land zones to develop the legislation's criteria to ensure the State's best cropping land was conserved and managed. "All new developments within the protection and management zones will be assessed under the new legislation." The new legislation is expected to come into effect from January 30.

Breakfast To Mark IDPwD December 2, 2011 - To help celebrate International Day of People With a Disability (IDPwD), a free breakfast will be held this morning from 7:30am-10:00am at the new Town Hall forecourt in Kingaroy. The breakfast, organised by CTC Disability Support Services in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, will feature a "report back" from local councillors who have been spending time with people with a disability. In the lead-up to the breakfast, councillors were asked to met, spend time with and experience the communities of local people with a disability and/or their families. Hear the councillors report: What have they learned? How inclusive are our communities? How can we all act the improve the participation of people with a disability in community life? What can Council do? Wayne Kratzmann will be broadcasting live from the breakfast for CROW-FM. All people with a disability and other community members are invited to attend. Let's make the South Burnett the most accessible in the community!

ALP Refuses To Back Change To Protect South Burnett Farms December 1, 2011 - Bob Katter's Australia Party has moved an amendment to the State Government's Strategic Cropping Land Bill 2011, proposing to increase the slope criteria from 5 to 8 per cent for the coastal cropping zone. However the State Government is not budging so South Burnett farmers who believe this increase would protect their land, (see SBBiz, November 2), will more than likely still miss out. Minister for Natural Resources Rachel Nolan today called the motion a "technical amendment" but admitted preliminary estimates were that it would capture anywhere between 15 and 20 per cent more land in the region. She said the amendment was in response to strong representation from South Burnett farmers who have argued for the bill to capture more undulating land. "The Queensland Government does not support this amendment and remains confident in its criteria, developed by soil scientists and subject to an independent peer review," Ms Nolan said. UPDATE December 2: The amendment was defeated 46 votes to 37.

Pratt Votes No To 'Divisive' Civil Unions Bill December 1, 2011 - Member for Nanango Dorothy Pratt believes that "strings were pulled" to rush last night's historic Civil Partnerships Bill before Parliament. Speaking against the Motion, Mrs Pratt told Parliament she believed the Bill was "divisive" and said the rules of the House had been changed "to rush it through". "I will walk from here to Kingaroy if another Private Member's Bill comes up this fast in my lifetime. I will even go in my wheelchair if I cannot walk," Mrs Pratt said. She also said it was "sad" that a young person who had written to her had described themself as "queer". "None of us are queer, we are all just human beings," she said. Mrs Pratt equated her experience as a politician to the experiences of the letter writer. She said she was sorry the writer had been "threatened in the street multiple times" but she said that she had also been threatened "because of my role as a politician". She said she had also been called derogatory names including "ignorant", "redneck", "bigot" and "stupid". "In one email I have been called 'old and ugly'. Unfortunately I was born this way and so be it. I deal with what I deal with every single day. Where is the tolerance in that?," Mrs Pratt said. "Have I been denied access to services and venues? Well, yes, I have, because I am a politician. I find that a little bit distressing so I can understand how this person feels." The Bill, introduced by Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser, was passed in State Parliament at 11.10pm last night, with 47 MPs voting "yes" and 40 "no". LNP MPs voted against the bill; Labor MPs were allowed a conscience vote and four voted "no".

Mayor Denies Nanango Funds Spent In Kingaroy November 30, 2011: South Burnett Mayor David Carter has moved to dispel "myths" surrounding the $2.5 million Kingaroy Forecourt project, including rumours that money set aside for improvements in Nanango were spent in Kingaroy. Announcing that the forecourt is now open for business, Cr Carter said yesterday some of the facts surrounding the project should be placed on the record "to ensure that the community has confidence in how the project came about and was funded". "The project started with the calling for Expressions of Interest which resulted in architects, Thompson Adsett being engaged to prepare a draft concept plan," he said. "Community feedback on this paper was invited before the final plan was adopted by Council. As part of the Stimulus Package, the Federal Government made some of the funds available for this project. The project had no impact on the general rates. "The total project cost was $2.552 million of which $1.6 million was received from the Federal Government; $400,000 was funded from Council's asset replacement reserve and did not have an impact on the general rate. The balance of funds came from funds raised by the former Kingaroy Shire Council and some coming from funded depreciation. "A myth is that the former Nanango Shire Council monies paid for this project. "This is incorrect. Nanango had $500,000 in reserve for the streetscape of Nanango CBD of which $300,000 was spent on electricity upgrade (powerlines) and $200,000 is set aside for the actual streetscape." Cr Carter said the project had no impact on Council's bottom line. The Forecourt and Library Precinct will be officially opened on December 14.

Festival Profits To Help New Museum Blossom November 30, 2011 - The organisers behind this year's successful Bloomin' Beautiful Blackbutt Festival will be handing over the profits from the event to the Blackbutt and District Tourism and Heritage Association. The cheque will be presented at an end-of-year celebration this Friday at the new Nukku School Museum and will go towards the costs incurred to shift the old school building from Nanango to Blackbutt. The Nukku Primary School was established in 1928 a few kilometres outside of Blackbutt and served the families of Nukku and Gilla. It opened with 20 students and continued until its closure in 1967. The school building was then moved to Nanango where it became the home of the local Girl Guides troop. When the troop closed - and the Wondai Regional Art Gallery declined to proceed with the old school's acquisition and relocation - the Blackbutt Tourism and Heritage Committee accepted an offer to take the building. It was shifted to a site adjacent to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in Blackbutt and was officially opened during this year's Bloomin' Beautiful Blackbutt Festival. The old school will be used as a museum to store and display photos and memorabilia that highlight the history of Taromeo, Benarkin and Blackbutt. The aim is for this museum to be opened in time for the 2012 Bloomin' Beautiful Blackbutt Festival which will be held from 1-9 September, 2012. "The Bloomin' Beautiful Blackbutt Festival Committee is extremely pleased to be playing their bit in obtaining a building of significant history to display this important information," committee chairman Jeff Connor said. "We are confident that the local population is keen to support this latest venture and we know with their support we will be able to have our Nukku Museum up and running in time for the next festival."

No Violence, My Oath! November 29, 2011 - Last Friday's White Ribbon Day - to support the campaign to stop the violence against women - was an opportunity for South Burnett men to swear. At Cherbourg, men gathered at the Ration Shed for a White Ribbon barbecue organised by South Burnett CTC – Safe Haven and Wondin-Dee. They participated in the "My Oath" campaign, swearing to stop violence, (above). "We acknowledge and encourage our community to be aware of violence which can impact our families throughout our communities," said Val Cullen, from the Wondin-Dee program. Wondin-Dee provides counselling and support to victims and child witnesses of domestic and family violence.

New Board For GRDC Appointed November 28, 2011 - Five new directors have been appointed to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig said the new appointees are Mr Richard Brimblecombe, Dr Jeremy Burdon, Mr Kim Halbert, Professor Rob Lewis and Ms Sharon Starick. Ms Jenny Goddard was re-appointed to the board for a second term. They will serve until September 30, 2014. The GRDC is responsible for planning, investing and overseeing research and development in the Australian grains industry. Brief biographical information: Ms Jenny Goddard (ACT) is the inaugural chair of the Australian Solar Institute and has had a 23–year career in the Commonwealth Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Mr Richard Brimblecombe (QLD) has spent the past three years as head of Agribusiness Banking in Queensland and the Northern Territory for the Commonwealth Bank. He is also CEO and managing director of Quantum Power Ltd. Dr Jeremy Burdon (ACT) has led the Plant Industry Division of CSIRO for the past eight years. Mr Kim Halbert (WA) has been a grain and pulse producer in WA for 32 years. He is a member of the Wheat Exports Australia board and a director of the Geraldton Port Authority. Prof Rob Lewis (SA) was CEO/Executive Director of the South Australian Research and Development Institute for 18 years. Ms Sharon Starick (SA) has been a grain and pig producer for 18 years in the Mallee region of South Australia. She is also a director of Land and Water Australia and a member of the Natural Resource Management Council (SA), the Australian Landcare Council and the Community Advisory Committee for the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council. Senator Ludwig had been criticised in the media for the delay in appointing the new GRDC Board after he failed to meet a September 30 deadline to announce the new appointees. * * * The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is expected to rule this week whether the $1.9 billion proposed takeover of regional pay TV provider Austar by Foxtel will get the green light. If approved, the merged group would have 2.4 million subscribers. UPDATE Nov 29: The ACCC yesterday afternoon agreed to extend the deadline after a request from Foxtel. A new date will be announced. * * * Cougar Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesian mining company PT Medco Energi Mining Internasional to assess and identify coal deposits in Indonesia suitable for UCG technology. The MOU also provides for the potential formation of a joint venture for development of these projects. Cougar says both companies share the goal of bringing the UCG industry into the mainstream of energy supply in Indonesia.

LNP Promises Better Partnership With Local Councils November 26, 2011 - An LNP government would "restore the partnership" between the State Government and local councils, ending the current "master/slave" relationship. Opposition spokesman for local government David Gibson said this after meeting with representatives of the South Burnett Regional Council in Kingaroy on Friday. Mr Gibson said the LNP would re-empower mayors and councillors, giving them more responsibility but also making them more accountable. However Mr Gibson had bad news for anyone hoping the LNP would be able to roll back all council amalgamations. The LNP does have a policy for boundary re-alignment and possible de-amalgamation, he said, but he warned this latter outcome would "not be for the fainthearted". "There are places where boundaries can be tweaked for better communities of interest ... but the reality is the damage has been done by Labor, the omelette has been made," he said. "It would be very difficult to go back to the old boundaries. I don't want to create the illusion that we can change everything back. The cost of de-amalgamation would exceed the costs of amalgamation, and no one wants to see rates increase again for no real outcome." Mr Gibson accused the Labor Government of ripping out a lot of council subsidies - for example waste and sewage, and street lighting - under the guise of amalgamation. "The increase in rates (after amalgamation) in a lot of ways is because of Labor deviousness. It's the classic magician's trick of making everyone look at the back of one hand while they do something with the other hand." Mr Gibson said the biggest challenge an LNP government would face is the State's $85 billion debt, but he said he was not confident this was the actual figure and they could find a much tougher financial position. He said the LNP had a "Just Vote 1" strategy, ie the party would not be allocating preferences. "People tell me they want to get rid of Labor; I get a real sense from them that after 20 years Labor has stuffed the State. "Voting for Independents - however nice as people they are - can't fix the State. We want to fix Queensland and the only way we can do that is by governing in our own right." ABOVE: LNP Candidate for Nanango Deb Frecklington with Member for Gympie David Gibson in Kingaroy on Friday. Mr Gibson said the party had a high level of confidence in Mrs Frecklington as a candidate; in fact, she was seen as "one of the bright young stars" and "future ministerial material".

A Big Weekend At Orana! November 25, 2011 - It's going to be a huge weekend for the Orana Lutheran Complex in Kingaroy. Tonight Orana will be hosting a fundraising "Dinner With Deek", ie former world champion marathon runner Robert de Castella. Deek will be talking about "Winning the marathon of life: exercise and healthy ageing". There'll also be lucky door prizes, raffles and entertainment. Tomorrow, Orana promises that the hills at the top of Kingaroy will come alive with the sound of music, food and festive activities. The Orana Hilltop Markets will run from 7:00am to 2:00pm at the complex. There'll be gifts (just in time for Christmas!), clothing, decor items, food, handmade accessories and clothing. * * * If you're in the mood for fetes, Kingaroy Scouts will also be holding a Fete/Markets day at their ground in James Street from 9:00am-1:00pm. As well as stalls, there'll also be pony rides, a whip-cracking demonstration, reptiles display, facepainting, kids' rides and a sausage sizzle.

Grant Re-Appointed To Chair RDA November 24, 2011 - The chairman of the Regional Development Australia - Wide Bay Burnett committee, Grant Maclean, has been re-appointed for a second term. Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin made the announcement this afternoon at the forum of Queensland's 12 RDA committees which is being held in Brisbane. "RDA Committees provide advice to government on regional Queensland, including articulating local priorities, engaging with their communities and promoting regional solutions," Mr Mulherin said. "Today's state-wide forum will consider how RDAs can influence regional development outcomes in Queensland and will examine ways for RDAs to get involved with Queensland Government initiatives. "The massive developments in the resources sector offer huge opportunities for regional Queensland. These opportunities come hand in hand with great challenges which will need to be met." * * * The South Burnett Regional Council has launched a short online survey to assess the demand for regular air services out of Kingaroy Airport for private and business customers. Click on this link to have your say.

Boost For Two Local Radio Stations November 23, 2011 - Two South Burnett community radio stations will have the opportunity to reach new listeners following upgrades to their transmitters. Wild Horse FM's (99.7FM) new 500W transmitter will be fully operational from 7:00am tomorrow at Yarraman. The station has been transmitting since 2002 from Heritage House in Millar Street, where its studio is located. Its new transmission tower has been built on the hill on the western side of Yarraman, about 90m higher then before. Wild Horse's signal will now reach Blackbutt, Yarraman, Nanango and the outskirts of Kingaroy. Funding for the project came from the Community Gambling Fund with support from Stanwell Corporation and the Bendigo Bank. Wondai's community radio station CROW-FM (90.7FM) also recently commissioned a new transmitter, generator and transmitter shed. CROW received $55,187 from the Grand Master's Flood & Cyclone Appeal to replace and install transmitter equipment. Freemasons Queensland noted that CROW was used by the Local Disaster Management Group to transmit information. Stanwell Corporation also contributed $49,500 to the project from its Community Partnerships Fund. RIGHT: Lieut-Col Alan Townson, committee chair of the Grand Master's Flood & Cyclone Appeal, with Stanwell CEO Helen Gluer and CROW-FM's Wayne Kratzmann. Photo courtesy: Freemasons Queensland. * * * If you're interested in Community Radio, Wild Horse has a couple of jobs that need filling at Yarraman. They're looking for a volunteer to work 9:00am-2:00pm to assist with clerical duties (reception/admin plus music library and programming assistance). There's also an opportunity to train for on-air work. Wild Horse is also looking for anyone interested in being an on-air presenter. This could be general broadcasting, on-air news etc. Training is available. For more information about either of these positions, contact the station on (07) 4163-8991.

LNP Pledges To Double Patient Travel Subsidies November 22, 2011 - If elected to government at the next State election, the LNP will double the money paid to South Burnett residents forced to travel outside the area to get medical treatment. LNP candidate for Nanango Deb Frecklington, (right), said yesterday the current subsidy rate was 15c per kilometre and $30 per night for accommodation. The LNP would increase this to 30c and $60. "Many people have told me the current Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme is inadequate," Ms Frecklington said. "Some patients are even deferring treatment because of the costs associated with travelling to metropolitan centres to get access to health services." The Brisbane Times reported that the last time the subsidy was increased was 1985. * * * The South Burnett Regional Council has advised that water storage levels in Kingaroy are severely low following the failure of a water main in Haly Street earlier this morning. Staff are repairing the break to allow reservoirs to be filled. Residents may experience low water pressures and dirty water. People have been asked to restrict water use until further notice. UPDATE 1:45pm The break has been repaired and water is being pumped to reservoirs. Consumers may still experience dirty water for a few hours. * * * Congratulations to Amber Goldsmith who was named overall champion at the recent Mud Bulls & Music Talent Search competition held near Jimna. This was the first time Amber, from Kingaroy, had entered the strongly contested competition. Her prize included a guitar, trophies, $500 cash, recording time and paid gigs in 2012. Amber released her first CD, "Life's A Test", earlier this year which contains a number of tracks she wrote herself.

Kewpie Concerned By Road Widening Project November 21, 2011 - Kingaroy-based Kewpie Stockfeeds complains there has been insufficient consultation with local businesses about proposed road-widening in Youngman Street. Kewpie Managing Director Leaon Woltmann has written to the South Burnett Regional Council and Main Roads listing his concerns, including the impact it could have on his company's sales. As well as access to the business by clients and suppliers, Mr Woltmann is also worried about safe and legal access for trucks, prime movers and B-Doubles. Mr Woltmann said Kewpie, and nearby business Beangrowers, also operate the only public weighbridges in Kingaroy. "The weighbridge at Kewpie is the only one able to weigh transport carrying livestock," he said. It is used by companies transporting pigs to Swickers and refrigerated transport from Swickers. "B-Doubles need to access and exit both these premises along prescribed B-Double routes," Mr Woltmann said. "This is both impractical under the proposed road widening arrangements and will create more B-Double traffic towards town along Youngman, Avoca and Kingaroy streets and River Road." * * * Congratulations to Elaine Madill from the Wondai Regional Art Gallery, who has won the "Individual – Volunteer Staff" category at the prestigious 2011 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards. The awards are presented annually by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland to honour the achievements of individuals and organisations in striving towards excellence in galleries, museums and related cultural organisations. Elaine was judged on her leadership, best practice, creativity, originality and vision in enriching the cultural life of the community. She is also President of Wondai Regional Art Gallery Inc., the organisation responsible for the day-to-day running of the Wondai Art Gallery. * * * AusNiCo has begun a drilling program to test a number of new targets on the Black Snake Plateau near Kilkivan. The D'Aguilar Gold subsidiary has been investigating nickel, copper and silver prospects in the Kilkivan region for several years. Results from the latest drilling program are expected to be released in December next year. * * * The South Burnett Regional Council has advised that the Regional Food Network Shed Meeting, (see SBBiz, Oct 17), which was to be held tomorrow at the DEEDI Service Centre (the old DPI Kingaroy Research Station) has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Blackbutt Website To Help Aged Care Project November 18, 2011 - Blackbutt businessman Dan Houldsworth, from Dantina Vegetation Management, has launched a new initiative to help raise funds for the Blackbutt Benarkin Aged Care Association. Dan has launched a website to promote businesses in the Blackbutt area. The advertising fees collected from the project will go to the Aged Care Association. He hopes that one day in the future the older generation will be able to stay in the area and receive care rather than being forced to shift to another town, away from friends and family. Dan said he was also keen to help local businesses with a cheaper form of advertising. SBBiz wishes the project all the best ... and we'll be co-ordinating our listings to make sure we've always got the latest information "on the ground" from Blackbutt! * * * Irrigators on SunWater irrigation schemes have been encouraged to attend meetings being held throughout the State to discuss the draft Queensland Competition Authority report into water pricing. The State Government will use the final QCA report to decide future irrigation prices. Growers on the Barker-Barambah Water Supply Scheme are invited to attend the local meeting which will be held at the South Burnett PCYC in Murgon from 10:00am-1:00pm on November 22.

Building Show At Kingaroy RSL Today November 17, 2011 - Building Industry Minister Simon Finn has encouraged building contractors and consumers to attend a free building show being held in Kingaroy this afternoon. "The seminar will deliver information on industry best practice in a range of building-related areas," Mr Finn said. The Building Services Authority's Regional Better Building seminar includes information on topics ranging from asbestos removal to smart building and renovating tips. "It will also look at the new building codes on timber framing and engineered timber products, and common defects in passive fire protection systems," he said. "I urge all licensees to attend this seminar to take advantage of the knowledge, experience and advice being passed on by industry experts." A Smart Building and Renovating session for consumers covers the building and renovating process and includes information on choosing a contractor, contracts for the work to be done and how to go about financing projects. The Better Building Show will be held at Kingaroy RSL Club from 2:00pm-5:45pm for contractors and from 6:00pm-8:30pm for consumers. * * * Pork producers yesterday voted to increase the slaughter levy in three 30c installments, the first increase in more than 15 years. The increase, if approved by the Federal Government, would take the total slaughter levy per pig to $3.25. The levy would rise by 30 cents in July 2012, then again in 2014 and 2016. The extra funds will be directed towards marketing. A cost-benefit analysis (655kb PDF) of the proposal was released by Australian Pork in September.

KCCI Executive Team Re-Elected November 17, 2011 - The Executive team of the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry was re-elected at last night's AGM, held at Ruby's Restaurant in Kingaroy Street. Re-elected for 2011-12 were President Rod Steele (McDonalds), Secretary Deb Frecklington (Kelly & Frecklington Solicitors), Treasurer John Carey (Stanwell) and Executive members Mark Reinbott (Subway), Lynnelle Richardson (5 Small Stones), Nina Temperton (South Burnett CTC) and Merv O'Reilly (O'Reilly, Nunn and Favier). Two new faces on the Executive are Shannon Scott (TASTE South Burnett) and Josh Gadischke (Proteco). Council representative is Cr Keith Campbell. * * * The AGM for South Burnett CTC Inc was also held last night in Kingaroy. Re-elected were Howard Leisemann (Chairperson), Nina Temperton (Board Secretary), Max Lehmann (Treasurer) and Board members Geoff Hosking, John Box, Cr Keith Campbell, Michael Campbell, Eric Cross, Graham Easterby and Michael Hammond. Former Kingaroy Shire councillor Marie Shaw will be joining the board. CTC's Annual Report is available for download on the CTC website (3.8Mb). Hard copies are also available from CTC Headquarters at 6 Cornish Street, Kingaroy. * * * Peanut Festival Inc also met last night in Kingaroy to discuss the success of the inaugural Motors in Motion event held on October 29 at Kingaroy Airport. A date for the 2012 event was selected: October 27.

Ergon Recognises Long-Serving Staff November 17, 2011 - Eight Ergon Energy employees were honoured at a lunch in Kingaroy recently after clocking up 25 years' service The employees, from across South-West Queensland and Wide Bay, were presented with a certificate recognising their individual contribution to the electricity industry and their local communities. They also received a gift voucher as a gesture of thanks for their loyal service. The annual induction of new members into the "25 year club" is a long-standing tradition within Ergon Energy. The employees who were recognised were Michael Hood, Andrew Robinson and Shaun Ryan (Maryborough), Trevor Gilliland and Lloyd Neilsen (Toowoomba), Paul Clegg and Paul Cooper (Kingaroy) and Wayne Walsh (Bundaberg). * * * Goomeri SES volunteers Donald and June Fuller, Rosemary Delemare, Dean Wardell and Ray Morsch were presented with service medals at a recent ceremony at Gympie. Donald, June and Rosemary received Meritorious Service medals; Dean received a 2nd clasp and Ray a fourth clasp for an amazing 30 years' service. Nanango and Blackbutt SES volunteers were also honoured. The Nanango unit won the Regional Operational Response of the Year award.

Green Army Recruits Graduate November 16, 2011 - South Burnett CTC held a graduation ceremony recently for the participants of a local Green Army Flood Recovery Project. The graduates were congratulated by representatives from the South Burnett Regional Council and CTC staff at a barbecue held at Mt Wooroolin. CTC received funding from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation to facilitate a 20-week job placement project for 15 unemployed jobseekers as part of a flood-recovery project. Under the guidance of Project Supervisor Dave Little and CTC's Employment Services Manager Barb O'Hanlon, the participants completed extensive works at Mt Wooroolin. The project involved constructing an observation deck at the summit of the climb, as well as a shade structure at the picnic area, re-vegetation planting and the renewal of flood damaged walking tracks. The works were chosen to provide participants with a variety of skills in construction and horticulture. ABOVE: Green Army graduates Jarrad Southgate, Brendan Stickens, Dean Harthill, Scott Hall, Dave Little and Michael Reck Former Murgon businessman dies at Caloundra

Trio Bridges Generation Gap November 15, 2011 - A new group designed to provide opportunities for young people to have a voice within the community has kicked off at Cherbourg. The Moo' Roo - Moo' Roo group aims to bridge the gap between Elders and teenagers. Three mentors - Nigel Daisy, Katina Leedie and Bronwyn French - have contributed ideas towards forming the group. They held their first information session recently at the Barambah Medical Centre where they shared their vision for the group with about 60 young people from Cherbourg and Murgon. The journey began for the three mentors about six months ago when they participated in informal discussions between local community Elders and a small group of young people. Nigel, Katina and Bronwyn are in their early 20s and they realised they were well-placed to communicate with both teenagers and the older leaders. The group has also linked up with the South Burnett Young Leaders Association, founded by Tina Torrens, who also spoke at the Moo' Roo - Moo' Roo information session. After last week's information session, Katina Leedie said she was confident that the community's young people were more aware of the expectations of them to contribute to community life. “With the right support, we can make a positive change together as a community,” she said. ABOVE: Katina Leedie, Bronwyn French and Nigel Daisy