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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

South Burnett Community Christmas Lunch November 15, 2011 - The annual South Burnett Community Christmas Lunch will be held on Christmas Day (Dec 25) at the Senior Citizens Centre in Kingaroy. Doors open at 11:30am for a meal at 12:30pm. Hosted by the Salvation Army with the support of local community groups, the annual Christmas Lunch provides an opportunity for fellowship and companionship at Christmas. Transport from around Kingaroy can be arranged if necessary. A donation towards the cost of the meal would be appreciated. To book, contact South Burnett CTC on (07) 4162-9000.

Goomeri's Looking For Talent! November 14, 2011 - Goomeri State School will be celebrating its centenary on March 3 next year ... but the call has gone out already to past staff and students. The organisers are looking for talented people to perform at the celebration, eg reciting poetry, juggling, singing ... in fact anything if you're up for the challenge. For more information, contact Kim at Goomeri P-10 School on (07) 4169-6200 or by email * * * Community TV station 31 Digital (formally Briz31 or QCTV) will be featuring the South Burnett in an hour-long episode of its Caravan & Camping Show to be broadcast at 8:00pm on February 12. The show is following hosts Peta and Mark as they take to the road in a motorhome to explore some of Queensland's best-kept secrets. The first episode, which features Gympie, Maryborough and Hervey Bay, will screen next Sunday. The couple will then work their way through much of regional Queensland. 31 Digital can be seen in Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. * * * The Australian Government Mobile Office will visit Yarraman on Tuesday, December 6, from 10:15am to 4:00 pm. The mobile office, which provides access to government services including new Centrelink claims, will be parked near Yarraman Memorial Hall in Browne Street.

We Pause To Remember: 11-11-11 LEST WE FORGET: A Catafalque Party rests on arms during a recent Memorial Service at the Multi National Base, Tarin Kot, Afghanistan for Captain Bryce Duffy, Corporal Ash Birt and Lance Corporal Luke Gavin.

Katter Launches Rackemann's Innings November 10, 2011 - Federal Member for Kennedy - and founder of Katter's Australian Party - Bob Katter officially launched Carl Rackemann's bid for the State seat of Nanango at a community barbecue in Kingaroy this evening. Katter began his political career as a member of the National Party in the Queensland Parliament and held various portfolios in the Bjelke-Petersen government during the 1980s. He quit the Nats in 2001.

Showcase Highlights What RADF Funding Can Create November 9, 2011 - The Regional Arts Development Fund's Showcase exhibition will be officially opened at 6:30pm on Friday night at Kingaroy Art Gallery. The exhibition features works by members of local groups who have benefited from RADF funding: The Queensland Rural Women's Network will be presenting metal sculptures from their Creative Welding Workshop with David Sawtell, (right) The Wooroolin/Tingoora Young Mothers Group will be presenting the results of their Portrait Photography Workshop with Aroha Millman Jumping Ants Art will display portraits from their Ceramic Portrait Workshop with Kate French. As well, Marg Enkelmann and the Queensland Rural Women's Network Wearable Art Fashion Parade will be modelling outfits made from recycled items found around the farm.

Your Opportunity To Speak To Stanwell November 8, 2011 - Local residents can find out more about Stanwell Corporation's current operations, future plans and funding initiatives at an information evening which will be held from 5:45pm at Blackbutt State School on Thursday. Senior Stanwell representatives, including CEO Helen Gluer and Tarong Site Manager Dennis Franklin, will answer questions from the public. Stanwell Corporation is the operator of the Tarong and Tarong North power stations, as well as Stanwell, Collinsville and Swanbank E power stations. The corporation was formed under the State Government's restructure of the Queensland power industry in July. Mr Franklin said community information sessions were important in ensuring that the communities in which Stanwell operated could easily access information about its operations and provide feedback. "Our relationship with the South Burnett community is critical to our future success," he said. "We actively engage with the community and work in partnership wherever possible to make a positive contribution to the region." Mr Franklin said Stanwell supported the South Burnett community achieve its goals through the Tarong Community Partnership Fund which was established in 2008 to assist in building a vibrant, prosperous, inclusive South Burnett over the long term. In the latest round of the Tarong Community Partnership Fund, announced last month, Stanwell awarded almost $30,000 to the Kingaroy Rugby League Club to install a security fence around the boundary of the football grounds, while the Murgon SES Support Group and the Nanango tennis and bowls clubs shared in more than $48,000 to support lighting solutions.

Are You Ready For Digital TV? November 7, 2011 - There's now only a month to go until the analogue TV signal will be switched off forever in the South Burnett region. The digital TV changeover is expected to occur on December 6, 2011. On this day, old TVs will no longer be able to pick up analogue free-to-air TV signals. If you can already see "new" channels such as ABC2, 7mate, Gem and Go! (and you don't have pay TV), it means your TV is capable of receiving digital broadcasts. However, if you can't see these new channels now, it means you won't be able to watch any TV after December 6. The Federal Government's Digital Switchover Taskforce is urging people who may be confused to either: Visit the Digital Ready website Contact a local TV installer or TV retailer for advice Ask family and friends for assistance. There is also information on the Digital Ready website about the Federal Government's Household Assistance Scheme which will be provide a free digital set-top box to eligible participants. Applications for regional Queensland close on January 25, 2012.

CTC Proud Of Its Trainee November 7, 2011 - South Burnett CTC Inc is very proud of its Community Services Trainee Cecil Sullivan, (right), who has recently been accepted at the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre to study a Certificate II Indigenous Leadership. The Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre is a not-for-profit company that offers accredited and non-accredited training courses to Indigenous Australians of all ages, backgrounds, cultural expressions and lifestyles. The centre aims to foster and nurture new Indigenous leadership and Cecil is very excited that he has been accepted into the course. He will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and obtain knowledge that will prepare him for pivotal roles in Indigenous Leadership. Congratulations Cecil! * * * The South Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett CTC have joined forces to bring the 2011 Queensland Natural Disasters Jobs and Skills Development Package to the region. The package is designed to support local industry by co-ordinating employment and skills assistance and providing employment and work experience opportunities for eligible people on projects targeted at rebuilding community and public infrastructure and environmental restoration. SBRC Economic Development Project Officer Vicki St Lawrence and Barb O'Hanlon, from CTC, have been appointed as Jobs and Skills Development Officers to initiate and develop employment projects and to identify training opportunities for both employed and unemployed residents. "Council will work with South Burnett CTC to apply for funding to rectify flood damage to Council or community-owned property. If buildings or properties owned by community groups have suffered damage or if businesses have identified training needs to up-skill existing employees please contact Vicki St Lawrence on  (07) 4189-9445," Mayor Cr David Carter said.

Send Some Christmas Spirit To Our Troops November 4, 2011 - The Australian Defence Force has set up special mailing addresses so members of the public can send Christmas care packages to Aussie servicemen and women overseas. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Rosenberger said items weighing up to 2kg and posted in a "BM" size Australia Post carton can be posted without cost to the sender. Parcels heavier than this would incur charges. The special postal addresses will be active from November 7 until December 9, 2011 and packages will be distributed throughout the ADF's operational areas. For postal security reasons, parcels must be posted in person at any Australia Post outlet and photograph identification must be presented. All the details necessary for sending care packages - including the special addresses - can be found on the Defence website