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Funeral Questions Answered September 13, 2005 - Funeral directors H.P. Virgo and Son - based in Kingaroy but servicing the whole South Burnett - have launched a new website. Virgo and Son were established in Kingaroy in 1939 but were purchased earlier this year by another family-based funeral business, Gympie Funerals, and are now managed by Liam Yewdall. The website includes information about coping with grief and answers frequently asked questions about organising a funeral.

Tarong Fund Calls For Applications September 12, 2005 - Rio Tinto Coal Australia's Tarong Mine Community Development Fund is calling for applications for its funding round which closes on September 23. Since 1999, the fund has distributed almost $1.2 million to community-led projects in Kingaroy, Nanango and the northern part of Rosalie Shire. It aims to assist projects that will help local communities meet economic, social and educational challenges. Guidelines are available from Margie Magnussen on (07) 4160-7231. The fund has assisted many worthwhile South Burnett projects get off the ground ... including this website!

Huge Weekend Ahead! September 9, 2005 - It's shaping up to be a HUGE weekend in Kingaroy and Nanango shires ... here's just a few of the events happening: Friday: Elegant Craft Affair (Nanango); Shire Art Gallery official opening (Kingaroy) Saturday: Peanut Festival (Kingaroy); Country Music Muster (Nanango); Big Sing (Kingaroy); Fly-In (Kingaroy); Vintage Machinery Rally (Kumbia); Aquatic Centre opening (Kingaroy); Visitor Information Centre opening (Kingaroy); Mayovale Gallery opening (Kingaroy) Sunday: Fly-In (Kingaroy); Big Sing Combined Choirs Concert (2pm Kingaroy) Most of these events could not take place without the strong support of local councils, the business community and teams of volunteers!

Central Contact Point For Heritage Precinct September 8, 2005 - The development of the new Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage Precinct in Haly Street has created a new central phone contact point for three major Kingaroy institutions. The Kingaroy Bicentennial Heritage Museum, the South Burnett Visitor Information Centre and the Kingaroy Shire Art Gallery can now all be reached on (07) 4162-6272. The new precinct will be officially opened on Saturday at noon by Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services (and former Kingaroy mayor) Warren Truss.

Mayovale Gallery To Open On Saturday September 7, 2005 - The first exhibition at the new Mayovale Gallery at The Artists Cottage (opposite Kingaroy Airport) will open on Saturday at 10:00am. It will feature works by six local artists: Diane Woodall, Kelly Thompson, Helen Blythman, Mara Curtis, Karol Oakley and John Baird. Four artists' studios at the complex will also be opening, including Nangami Janaiwee "Dream With Me" (Cindy Laws); Earth Bone Creations (Liz Aycock) and Sue's Colour'n Threads (Sue Bradley). The Artists Cottage is owned by Garry and Karla Eyre and Cheryl Mallett. Also part of the complex is the outdoor Cafe Nouveau which is open seven days from 10am to 4pm and serves light meals.

Cruisin' Since 1969 September 6, 2005 - Kingaroy-based livestock transport business Porters Transport is on the market. A report in the Supply Chain Review recently detailed the history of the iconic Queensland company which began in 1969. Col and Marie Porter have built up a successful Queensland-wide business from their Kingaroy base and their Cruisin' Without Bruisin' slogan has become as well-known on the highway as their distinctive B-Double rigs. Porters have also always supported local community events, a tradition which has continued with this year's Kingaroy Peanut Festival.

Great Bunya Drive Unveiled September 5, 2005 - The new "Great Bunya Drive" tourism brochure will be formally launched at an official function at the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre on September 14. The brochure, (right), leads travellers from Toowoomba to Gympie via Kumbia, the Bunya Mountains, Maidenwell and Nanango to Kingaroy, Wondai, Murgon, Goomeri and Kilkivan. It includes a map plus details of cellar doors, restaurants, museums, art galleries and accommodation venues along the route. There's also information about annual events, markets and national parks. Tourists can pick up a copy of the new brochure at local Visitor Information Centres.

Several Websites Join Listings September 2, 2005 - Several new websites have been added to Southburnett.biz in the past week. Shadylane Farm Cottages is located at 293 Weekes Road, about 10km from Kingaroy. John and Marg Boland have opened one farmstay cottage and are developing another two on their working cattle/cropping property. They can be contacted on (07) 4162-2639. Kingaroy's Asian/Indian restaurant Burning Beats Cafe located in Kingaroy Street, now has a a web page which includes details of menus, cooking schools and ingredients available from their mini-deli. Lorraine Langley has opened a branch of First Class Accounts at 546 Wilson's Road, Kingaroy, 4610. Lorraine can assist with MYOB, QuickBooks and BAS statements. She can be contacted on (07) 4164-1282.

New Faces at Colonial Motel September 1, 2005 - Neil and Pauline Maxwell recently took over as the new owners of the Wondai Colonial Motel. The couple, from New Zealand, are proud of the facilities they have to offer. The licensed restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday and is also available for hire for functions and conferences. "The rooms are also very large and there's a honeymoon suite with spa bath and private courtyard as well as two extra large family rooms with separate bedrooms," Pauline said. The Wondai Colonial can be contacted on (07) 4168-5633. NB. Don't forget ... bookings for the 2005 Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Awards For Excellence, which are being held in Maryborough on September 17, close tomorrow. Book by phone (07) 4122-3444 or email

SB Businesses At Ekka August 31, 2005 - Kingaroy Cheese has enjoyed its most successful Ekka sales yet - with more stock having to be sent down from Kingaroy twice to restock the shelves, reports manager Chris Ganzer. A number of South Burnett businesses were represented at this year's Brisbane Exhibition. Kingaroy Cheese, Clovely Estates and Bridgeman Downs took part in the Tasting Queensland Food and Wine display in the Woolworths Pavilion. The Peanut Van and Peanut Company of Australia also had displays.

Planning To Move On? August 30, 2005 - The Department of State Development will be holding a free two-hour seminar entitled "Planning On Moving On" in Kingaroy on Thursday September 8 for small business owners who want to develop a practical succession plan for their business. The seminar will be held at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre, 6 Cornish Street, from 5:45pm. It is being conducted by Hayes Knight Brisbane, specialist business advisers in the small medium enterprise market. Places are limited so registrations are necessary. To book, phone the State Development Centre on 13-26-50 or email them. For more information download a flyer (253kb PDF)

South Burnett Drive Itineraries On New Website August 29, 2005 - Tourism Queensland recently launched a new website highlighting drive holidays in Queensland - including routes within the Fraser Coast / South Burnett tourism region. The Drive Queensland website is designed to provide "information and inspiration" for drive tourists, according to Tourism Minister Margaret Keech, with a comprehensive guide to destinations. "The website offers 80 ready-made travel itineraries but users can design their own holidays online and print out a map and day-by-day itinerary outlining distances and estimated travel times," she said. "The site streamlines holiday research by providing a full list of things to see and do, simply by clicking on a place name."

All The Top Gear For Tiny Tots August 26, 2005 - Jacaranda View Stables and Accessories was added to the Southburnett.biz database this week. Jacaranda View is located at 558 Malar Road, Kingaroy and features custom-made riding apparel for children as well as horse accessories. Owner Dianna Kimball can be reached on 0401-365-419 or email

Groovy Chic Comes To Kingaroy August 25, 2005 - Hervey Bay retailer Groovy Chic recently opened a branch of their women's clothing store at 173 Kingaroy Street, Kingaroy (next door to the Club Hotel). Groovy Chic features modern women's fashion clothing - both casual and more formal evening wear. They can be contacted on (07) 4163-6990 or by email

Building Design Company Opens Local Office August 24, 2005 - The local housing boom has lured Dalby business A.G. Martin Design and Drafting to open a branch office in Kingaroy. The office, located next door to Red Rooster in Kingaroy Street, opened on August 1. A.G. Martin does residential, commercial and industrial building design and drafting and can be contacted on (07) 4162-8480 or by email

Comment Sought On Draft Economic Strategy August 23, 2005 - Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation CEO Linda Silburn has distributed copies of the draft Economic Strategy for the Wide Bay Burnett (146kb PDF) for comment. The strategy, prepared by an independent consultant for the Department of Local Government and Planning, covers all South Burnett shires as well as the Wide Bay region. Feedback can be emailed to BIEDO. Linda has also distributed copies of her feedback report (35kb PDF) for comment.

B&B Opens At Sheep Dairy August 22, 2005 - Runnymede Country Cottage, Nanango's latest B&B, has opened alongside Garry and Jean Monaghan's Runnymede Sheep Dairy. The B&B is located on the corner of Scotts Lane and Brazier Road. Guests have the opportunity to experience farm life and try their hand at sheep milking. The dairy produces award-winning cheese as well as yoghurt. To book the B&B, contact the Monaghans on (07) 4163-1879 or by email

Kingaroy Orchids On The Net August 19, 2005 - Kingaroy Orchids at 26 Smiths Road, Kingaroy, is the latest South Burnett business to take up a poster page on Southburnett.biz. Kingaroy Orchids is run by Judy Munro and is open from July 1 to September 30 every year (and on weekends to October 31). Judy specialises in cymbidiums but also has native and zygo orchids and everything else for orchids, including potting mix, fertilizer and good advice. She can be contacted on (07) 4162-2977 or by email

New Owners For Maidenwell Store August 18, 2005 - After almost 11 years of very long hours Geoff and Dennise Kennedy are handing over the reins of the Maidenwell Trading Post to new owners. The couple has been very active in the Maidenwell Eco-Tourism Association over the years and will be missed by the local community. They are now looking forward to new ventures. New owner Bob Stewart will take over on Monday.

Last Chance To Book For Dinner! August 17, 2005 - Today is your last chance to book for the KCCI's Women In Business dinner which will be held at Crystals on Haly on August 24. Guest speaker is 2003 Sunshine Coast Business Woman of the Year Cyndi O'Meara. Cost is $33.00 which includes free drink on arrival, pre-dinner nibbles and a two-course meal. To book, phone Lynnelle today on (07) 4162-8466.