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Central Number for Wildlife Carers October 30, 2007 - The Wildlife Wanderers Carers Association now has a new centralised contact telephone number: 0447-196-704. The Nanango-based group specialises in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release and will travel anywhere to assist a native animal in need. Co-ordinator Angelique West said the volunteer carers are fully trained and attend special workshops to update their skills. Some have special permits to care for echidnas, bats and koalas while others have been trained to handle raptors. Some of the members have also been vaccinated so they can care for bats and flying foxes.

Congratulations to South Burnett Tourism Winners! October 29, 2007 - The South Burnett has again scooped the pool at the annual Fraser Coast South Burnett Regional Tourism Awards which were announced at a gala dinner in Wondai on Saturday night. Local winners were: Captains Paddock (Winery) Hillview Cottages (Unique Accommodation) Hillview Cottages (General Accommodation 3-4 Star) Shadylane Farm Vineyard Cottages (Hosted Accommodation) Dimities Cottage Restaurant and Tea Rooms (Eateries and Cafes) Kingaroy Information, Art & Heritage Precinct (General Tourism Services) South Burnett Regional Timber Industry Museum Complex ( Regional Attraction) As well, three-time winner Bethany Cottages was inducted into the Hall of Fame, an honour which will be bestowed upon Captains Paddock next year.

Movember Madness Moves Martin October 26, 2007 - Martin Stern, soccer fanatic and owner of local business Print and Beyond, has vowed to "grow a mo" - but it's all in a good cause. November is "Movember", an Australia-wide fund-raising effort for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and BeyondBlue (the national depression initiative). Martin is taking part as a member of the "Orange Army", the Queensland Roar Supporters Club. To sponsor Martin's mo (which we don't think will look quite as good as this one) visit the Movember website and enter his registration number (69788) and follow the on-screen instructions. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Have Your Say On Councillors' Pay October 25, 2007 - The newly appointed Local Government Remuneration Tribunal is seeking submissions from the community, councils and interested groups on salary levels for councillors and mayors. The three-person tribunal - which consists of Queensland Industrial Relations Commission Deputy President Adrian Bloomfield, Tarong Energy CEO Helen Gluer and former Queensland MP Di McCauley - will finalise its first determination by December 1. When setting pay scales, the Tribunal will consider the population of local government areas, the geographical area, workload of councillors and the extent of services provided. Submissions close on November 14. For more information, visit the Department of Local Government website.

Aviation Industry Invites Local Businesses To Regional Forum October 24, 2007 - South Burnett businesses have been invited to promote their products and services at an Aviation Industry Forum to be held in Maryborough next month. The forum, organised by the Department of State Development and Aviation Wide Bay will be held at the Carriers Arms Hotel, 405 Alice Street, Maryborough on Thursday, November 22 from 1-4pm. For more information, a registration form and a capability statement form (which will be used to promote businesses at the forum), please contact Adam Vieglais at State Development on (07) 4121-1780.

Promotional Opportunity In Brisbane October 23, 2007 - The Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage Precinct will be representing the South Burnett at a Southern Downs & Granite Belt Regional Tourism "Picnic in the Park" promotional event to be held in the Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane on November 18. More than 200 trade and media representatives have been personally invited to attend and the day is also being heavily promoted to the general public so it should be a great opportunity to showcase the South Burnett. South Burnett tourism operators - including wineries and food producers - have also been invited to take stands. For more information contact Tourism Project Manager Narelle Colquhoun on (07) 4162-6271 or download flyer (459kb PDF)

Last Chance To Book At Earlybird Rate! October 22, 2007 - Tomorrow is the last day to book tickets for this year's Heritage Kingaroy Business Awards dinner at the earlybird rate of $48! The glittering night at Kingaroy Town Hall on November 3 will feature all local produce and professional entertainment from comedian Ian McLaren. For more information contact KCCI Manager John Carey on (07) 4162-8466 or download booking form (70kb PDF).

Success In Succession October 19, 2007 - The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation, in conjunction with AusIndustry, will be presenting Succession Planning workshops in Nanango and Wondai soon. The full-day workshops will be divided into two sessions: "Planning for Success in Succession" and "Financial Consequences of Business Succession". The Nanango workshop will be held on October 31 and the Wondai workshop on November 1. Cost is $30. For more information - including starting times and venues - and to book, contact BIEDO on (07) 5484-1652 or by email. Download flyer (49kb PDF)

Three Federal MPs Cover South Burnett Super Shire October 18, 2007 - We're only big enough for one council, but apparently three MPs are needed to look after the South Burnett's Federal requirements ... If the shire boundary changes aren't enough, there's going to be even more confusion come November 24 at the Federal Election! Under new electoral boundaries, Kingaroy is no longer part of Blair (233kb) (held by Cameron Thompson - Liberal) but rather part of the massive seat of Maranoa (96kb) which stretches west to the Northern Territory and South Australian borders. Nanango, Yarraman, Blackbutt and Cooyar are in also in Maranoa (currently held by Bruce Scott, Nationals). Oddly, the rest of Rosalie Shire is in the Toowoomba-based seat of Groom (80kb) (Ian Macfarlane - Liberal). Wondai and Proston are now in Flynn (133kb) - a new seat created by redistributions. Murgon, Cherbourg, Goomeri and Kilkivan are in Wide Bay (102kb) (currently held by Warren Truss - Nationals ) NB. Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen will be opening the Kingaroy campaign office of Bruce Scott at 9:30am tomorrow in the former jeweller's shop in Haly Street (near O'Neill Square).

Date Set For Kingaroy Christmas Carnival October 17, 2007 - The annual Kingaroy Christmas Carnival - organised by the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry - will be held on Thursday December 13. Stallholder and entertainment application forms can be obtained from the KCCI Office in O'Neill Square or downloaded from the KCCI website. This year's carnival will again feature the Endeavour Foundation's Christmas Lights ceremony in O'Neill Square. Each light represents a donation to Endeavour from a local business. For more information, contact Susan Speechley at Endeavour on (07) 3908-7100. For more information about the Kingaroy Christmas Carnival, including sponsorship of this community event, please contact KCCI Manager John Carey on (07) 4162-8466.

Are You Enrolled To Vote? October 16, 2007 - The deadline for new voters to fill out, sign and return an enrolment form is 8pm tomorrow (Wednesday October 17) ... if you miss this deadline you will not be able to vote at the Federal Election on November 24! Enrolment forms are available from the Australian Electoral Commission website. You can check that your enrolment is still current with the AEC online If the details listed are incorrect, you have until October 23 to update them with the same form as above. For further information, phone the AEC on 13-23-26.

Comments Sought On Need For Regional Planning October 15, 2007 - The Wide Bay Burnett Ministerial Regional Community Forum (a regional body which advises the State Government on local issues) is seeking input from South Burnett residents on the need for the development of a Statutory Regional Plan. This plan could cover infrastructure, human services and industry development. Comments (before this Wednesday October 17) have been invited on the topic: "The need for and impacts of developing a Statutory Regional Plan for the Wide Bay Burnett Region". Submissions, which should be sent to PO Box 1939, Bundaberg, 4670, will be used as discussion points during a public workshop which will be held in Childers on Friday (October 19) from 9:30am at the Isis Cultural Centre. For more information, contact Helen Hughes on (07) 4151-9748.

Starting A Business? October 12, 2007 - If you're thinking of starting a new business, a Department of State Development workshop to be held later this month in Kingaroy is for you! The free Starting a Business Pilot workshop will be held at Kingaroy RSL Club on Tuesday October 30 from noon to 2pm. The workshop will cover business planning, legal structures, marketing, record keeping and time management. For more information or to book, phone State Development on (07) 4121-1780.

Team South Burnett Gets Set For Adelaide! October 11, 2007 - Team South Burnett - a collection of local chefs headed by team captain Jason Ford - is ticking down the days to the LifeStyle FOOD Channel Australian Regional Culinary Competition which will be held in Adelaide next week. The competition, at the tafeSA Regency Campus, promotes professional cookery emphasising locally grown and produced foods. Teams have just three hours to create a three-course menu for four people, pairing each course with Australian wines. Team South Burnett are scheduled to compete next Thursday. There are eight award categories and prizes will be presented at the awards dinner later that evening at the Hyatt Regency, Adelaide ... so fingers crossed for the South Burnett!

Tarong Welcomes Thiess in $500m Deal October 10, 2007 - Confirming rumours that have been whispered for weeks, Thiess has announced it will operate the Meandu coal mine at Tarong from January 31. The $500 million deal was signed yesterday by Tarong Energy, who earlier this year agreed to take over the mine from Rio Tinto Coal Australia. "All Tarong Mine employees will be offered positions on no less favourable terms by Thiess," Tarong Energy chief executive officer Helen Gluer said. Download State Government press release (16kb PDF) and Thiess release (16kb PDF)

24-Hour Freedom In Kingaroy October 9, 2007 - The South Burnett has a new 24-hour petrol station with the opening this week of the Freedom Fuels outlet on the corner of Kingaroy and Knight streets, Kingaroy. Freedom Fuels sells unleaded petrol as well as environmentally friendly E95 and E98 ethanol blends and biodiesel. As well as fuel, drivers can also fill up at the Grinding Time coffee shop and Xpress convenience store. Manager Darren Gadischkie can be contacted on (07) 4162-1204.

New B&B In Blackbutt October 8, 2007 - A new B&B has opened in Blackbutt ... Wiikirri Bed and Breakfast Retreat is located at 15 Bowman Road, within walking distance to town, and can accommodate up to four guests in two rooms. Owner Julie Taylor-Dixon is also a qualified dietician so "wellness retreat" packages are also available. Dinners are available on request and bookings can be made on (07) 4170-0395. And while one B&B opens, another closes ... Rob Neary has sold The Basha B&B at Blackbutt which has been reconverted into a private residence.

Last Chance To Nominate A Kingaroy Business! October 5, 2007 - Today's the last day for nominations for this year's Heritage Kingaroy Business Awards (download the attached nomination form (223kb PDF) and drop it in today the KCCI Office in O'Neill Square) Categories are: Mature Age & Disability Friendly Workplace Manufacturing, Trade & Agricultural Services Motor & Transport Services Outstanding New Business (started after October 1, 2006) Professional Services Professional Services - Sales and Marketing Retail & Wholesale Services Sport, Recreation & Health Services Hospitality & Tourism Services Tourism Ambassador Customer Service of the Year Outstanding Trainee Outstanding Apprentice Tickets are also available now for the Business Awards Dinner which will be held at the Town Hall on Saturday November 3. The award winners will be announced and professional entertainment provided by comedian Ian McLaren. Download booking form (70kb PDF). For more information contact KCCI Manager John Carey on (07) 4162-8466.

Garden Venue Opens At Memerambi October 4, 2007 - Christiene and Arthur Nettelfield have opened their Memerambi property "The Gums" as a garden wedding and function venue. Hillside Country Gardens is located at 598 Recreation Drive, Memerambi. There are six terraced levels of structured gardens, meandering paths, archways, stairways and grassed areas ... all perfect for photographers. There are also views of Mt Wooroolin and the surrounding district. The couple can be contacted on (07) 4164-2207. PS. You may recognise Arthur's name ... he is a well-known local country rock singer.

Big Praise For Small Vineyard October 3, 2007 - Possibly the South Burnett's smallest wine label, Cahills Wines, has scored a write-up in the latest edition of the James Halliday Australian Wine Companion. The 2008 edition of this definitive guide to Australian wines has rated both the Cahill's 2006 Unwooded Chardonnay and the 2005 Shiraz, much to the delight of vineyard owner John Cahill. John has also just released his recipe suggestion for Spring 2007 "Chicken with Pistachio Sauce and Sweet Potato Mash". It is available for download from the Cahill's web page.