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Self-Catered Accommodation in Kingaroy February 20, 2009 - A new accommodation option has opened in Kingaroy, just in time for the Wine and Food in the Park Festival. Rhylan Cottage offers self-catered accommodation at 17 Curtis Road, Kingaroy, in a garden setting. Owners Jan and Frank Pritchard can be contacted on (07) 4162-3784 or by email.

TAFE Opportunities At Cherbourg February 19, 2009 - Popular courses at TAFE's Nurunderi Campus at Cherbourg so far this year include Certificate IV in Community Services Protective Care, Indigenous Primary Health Care, Hospitality, Business Studies and Frontline Management. However Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE Business Manager for Nurunderi Santina Schmocker said there were still places available in many interesting and affordable courses this year with full-time or part-time options available. "The courses are very affordable because students don't have to pay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees and concession holders receive discounts on course costs,” Ms Schmocker said. "There are also flexible payment opportunities." Programs with places available at Cherbourg in 2009: Certificate III in Aged Care; Certificate II and III in Business; Certificate IV in Training and Assessment; Literacy and Numeracy; Certificate III /Diploma in Child Care; Certificate IV in Massage; Certificate IV in Community Services Protective Care (Child Safety); Certificate III / IV in Indigenous Primary Health Care; Computer Studies. For more information, contact Nurunderi Campus on (07) 4169-9999. ABOVE RIGHT: Nurunderi TAFE Administration Officer Sheryl Zelinski and Student Support Officer Margaret Cobbo are waiting to help students enrol at Nurunderi TAFE campus this year

Blackbutt Development Proposal On Website February 18, 2009 - Washington Developments' proposed Blackbutt Central development will include a shopping centre, medical centre, hardware store, bank and several small tenancies, according to information on the company's website. The company has posted the commercial plan for Blackbutt Central as well as information about 20 lots it is selling at The Diggings estate in Nanango. Download the Blackbutt Central commercial plan (494kb PDF)

Locals Snapped Up By Ergon Energy February 17, 2009 - Two South Burnett apprentices are among 45 selected from 1600 applicants for positions at Ergon Energy. Shane Cliff, from Murgon, and Glen Cross, from Yarraman, were presented with their personal protection equipment last week by Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson, (above right), at Ergon Energy's Banyo facility in Brisbane to mark the beginning of their training. "To be offered an apprenticeship with Ergon Energy is a great opportunity for each of you," Mr Wilson said.

Premier Tells Council: No Big Rate Rises February 16, 2009 - Land tax valuations in the South Burnett Regional Council area have been frozen as part of a State Government package of cost-saving measures for business. Premier Anna Bligh said the land valuations had been undertaken before the true impact of the global financial crisis had hit Australia. "As a result, these valuations will not be issued for residential and industrial land because now is not the time for tax increases just as it is not the time for big rates rises," she said. She said she hoped the freeze on land valuations would convince the 17 local councils affected, which includes the South Burnett, to limit unreasonable rate rises.

Channel 7 Spotlight On South Burnett February 13, 2009 - Celebrity chefs Alastair McLeod and Andrew Mirosch, (pictured at right with producer Ashleigh Frater), and a Channel 7 film crew visited the South Burnett late last year for a special about the South Burnett Cuisine Trail. The team visited a number of local establishments including Crane Wines, the Tingoora Hotel, Clovelly Estate Wines, The Peanut Van, Burning Beats and Bottle Tree Hill Organics at Crownthorpe. At Bethany, Alastair prepared pumpkin scones for morning tea under the watchful eye of Lady Bjelke-Petersen. At Bjelke-Petersen Dam, the chefs went fishing with local charter operator Matthew Mott. While in Kingaroy, they toured PCA's processing plant and took a trip to the top of the silos on the oldest operating lift in the Southern Hemisphere. The Queensland Weekender special will air on Channel 7 from 5:30pm tomorrow!

$14m+ Buyout Secures Future of Swickers February 12, 2009 - The future of Swickers Bacon Factory - and the jobs of 400 South Burnett workers - are secure today following an announcement that former part-owner CHM Alliance has purchased the remainder of the Kingaroy factory. Industry sources put the value of the sale in excess of $14 million. The CHM Alliance consists of three large independent piggery companies and is a major producer of pork and replacement breeding stock. Swickers was jointly owned by Hans Continental Smallgoods and CHM Alliance when Hans went into voluntary administration last November. Michael Smith, from administrators KordaMentha, said the sale was a good result for Swickers and Kingaroy because it secured continuity of operations and employment. "It means Swickers will change hands in the least disruptive way and the jobs of 400 workers are secured," he said. "The CHM Alliance is a supplier to Swickers and is right on the cutting edge of the pork industry, especially with breeding and genetics. The sale demonstrates the underlying strength of Swickers because the Alliance would know the business from back to front." South Burnett Regional Council Mayor David Carter said the sale was a positive indication of the confidence in the region. "This is the best outcome we could have hoped for, with jobs saved in the South Burnett and an alliance with primary producers in Southern Queensland," he said.

Deadline Tomorrow For Event Funding February 12, 2009 - Tomorrow is still the deadline for funding applications by South Burnett event organisers under the latest round of the Queensland Events Regional Development Program. There could be confusion caused by media reports that the deadline has been extended to February 27, but this only applies to those areas of North Queensland affected by the current floods. All other applications must be received by Queensland Events by the close of business tomorrow. The QERDP has provided more than $11.5 million to more than 548 regional events since it started in 2001. Local events to have received support include the Kingaroy Peanut Festival, Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, Great Kilkivan Horseride and the South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival. "These events bring in business, create jobs, attract tourists, fuel growth and prosperity and give a tremendous sense of pride for the local host communities," Premier Anna Bligh said.

The Rock Comes To Nanango February 11, 2009 - An agency for Central Queensland's The Rock building society has opened inside the Nanango Newsagency at 64 Drayton Street, Nanango. The new outlet is part of an aggressive expansion plan by the Rockhampton-based building society, which is opening eight new agencies over an eight-week period to extend its network to 31 locations. Nanango Newsagency owners Peter and Alison Warren also stock a large range of office stationery and equipment under the Officesmart banner. Nanango Newsagency can be contacted on (07) 4163-1135.

Maccas Supports Local Sporting Groups February 10, 2009 - Community sporting groups and schools have until March 1 to enter the McDonalds Darling Downs $70,000 sports merchandise giveaway. The McDonalds Community Support Scheme, in partnership with Channel 7, is giving away a range of sports merchandise including marquees, eskies and drink containers to sporting clubs, schools and associations. Application forms are available at the McDonald's Family Restaurant, Youngman Street, Kingaroy.

Foodies Flocking To Kingaroy! February 9, 2009 - This year's South Burnett Wine and Food in the Park Festival (in Kingaroy on Saturday March 14) will again feature a great line-up of celebrity chefs in the Peanut Company of Australia marquee. David Pugh, from Restaurant Two in Brisbane and South Burnett chefs Jason Ford and Brent Shorter will be preparing dishes on stage with commentary from one of Australia' top foodies, Peter Howard. Courier-Mail writer David Costello, well-known for his Fossicking column about unique foodstuffs, will also be on hand to provide interesting snippets of information. Also to be unveiled on the day will be PCA's new corporate mascot, a fully-restored 1934 KC30 Dodge truck, similar to the many farm trucks that hauled peanuts to the Kingaroy silos for so many years. REMINDER: There will be a Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce Meet'n'Greet tonight from 5:30pm at Ergon Energy's office (entry via Edward Street). Cost is $10 which includes drinks and nibbles. RSVP to Polly Birchall on (07) 4162-8466.

Developer Seeks Tenants For Rogers Drive February 6, 2009 - The DGS Property Group is looking for retailers interested in setting up in Rogers Drive, Kingaroy, opposite Mitre 10, the almost-complete Harvey Norman building and the recently opened Kingaroy Car & Dog Wash. DGS owns 6400sq m of land incorporating five lots and has lodged a Development Application for a Bulky Goods Centre with the South Burnett Regional Council. The application also seeks approval for a 2500sq m retail showroom and cafe. There are spaces available ranging from 200sq m to 800sq m for the showrooms and 85sq m for the cafe, including an outdoor dining area. DGS believes a range of retailers could be interested in the site. For more information, contact Kieran Gartshore on 0438-889-580 or by email

Artistic Opportunity For Young Picassos February 5, 2009 - South Burnett artist Romaine Undery is now holding regular painting and collage lessons every Wednesday for children at Kingaroy's Mayo Vale Gallery. The Arty Party lessons start at noon at the gallery, which is part of The Artists Cottage complex opposite Kingaroy Airport. The primary school teacher is well-known for her depictions of nature, especially butterflies, and also accepts commissions. Romaine can be contacted on (07) 4163-6803 or by email.

Deadline Looms For Swickers February 4, 2009 - The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is expected to hand down its ruling on the proposed purchase of Hans Smallgoods by George Weston Foods and P&M Quality Smallgoods (Primo) on February 12. Hans, owners of Swickers Kingaroy Bacon, went into voluntary administration on November 28 last year. Since then receivers KordaMentha have been looking for parties interested in purchasing all or part of the company's assets. The George Weston Foods bid is for all Hans' assets while the Primo bid specifically excludes the Swickers facility.

Are You A Platypus or a Python? February 3, 2009 - The latest range of gifts available at the South Burnett Visitor Information Centre in Haly Street, Kingaroy, will have traditional astrologers scratching their heads ... but if Aussies can have an Easter Bilby, why not? The Australian Birth Sign bookmarks, (right), are made in Goondiwindi and feature Aboriginal designs. They're just $3 and would make a quirky birthday present. So whether you're a wombat or an eagle, there's one just for you!

UAVs Will Be Back In September February 2, 2009 - It's on again! The 3rd annual Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Outback Challenge will be held over three days at Kingaroy Airport from September 28 this year. The competition, organised by the State Government and the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation, will again have excellent prize money on offer for any UAV that can rescue "Outback Joe". Past competitors have entered from the United States and Europe as well as from all over Australia so the standard will be high. Prize money in theSearch And Rescue Open category totals $50,000; high school students in the Airborne Delivery Challenge will be competing for $10,000 and the Documentary Category has prizes of $8000 and $2000.

Blood Gives Life, Give Blood! January 30, 2009 - C'mon Kingaroy!! Only 36 people have so far registered in the Kingaroy Apex Club's Challenge To The Community To Give Blood. In comparison, the Murgon Apex Club has filled its books with reserves on hand! The Australian Red Cross Blood Service Donormobile will be visiting Kingaroy on February 6 and Murgon on February 7. Since early 2008, the Murgon Apex Club has managed to recruit and retain enough blood donors for the Donormobile to make regular three-monthly visits to Murgon. The Kingaroy Apex Club would like to kick off 2009 by recruiting sufficient donors so that regular Donormobile visits to Kingaroy will also be possible. This however, cannot be achieved without the support of the Kingaroy community. Donating blood takes less than an hour. If possible, it is recommended that anyone interested in donating call to book an appointment. The Donormobile will be parked in the Kingaroy RSL car park. To check your eligibility to donate, visit www.donateblood.com.au. To make an appointment, call Kendall Siddans in Kingaroy on 0418-981-526 or Cheralea Ardrey in Murgon on (07) 4168-2631.

Reprieve For Kingaroy Garbos January 29, 2009 - The South Burnett Regional Council has voted to continue using council employees to collect waste in Kingaroy, the only major town in the area still serviced by council garbos rather than private contractors. At its meeting last week, councillors voted unanimously to continue with the current practice "until the current contract collection arrangements for the Nanango, Murgon and Wondai areas of the South Burnett Regional Council come up for review/renewal and that a further review of all waste collection operations be undertaken prior to entering into any new arrangements for the provision of waste collection services". NB. Council employees' jobs have been protected by the State Government until March 15, 2011 under the Local Government Reform Staff Support Package. This provides certainty to council staff about jobs, job changes and employment security.

Memories Worth Keeping January 28, 2009 - Nanango resident Jennifer Swan has cast aside any cares of the global financial crisis by establishing a unique business which will help local residents preserve their precious memories. Everlasting Casting, at 39 Lanes Road, Nanango, offers 3D body, hand and feet life casting for babies, children and adults (including pregnant women). Jennifer said family group hand castings were very popular and could be mounted in a shadow box for display. Dog and cat paw prints could also be cast. An associated business, Everlasting Framing, frames photographs, certificates and sports memorabilia. Jennifer can be contacted on (07) 4163-2553 or by email

Former Kingaroy Woman On Jobs Squad January 27, 2009 - Kingaroy-born Jill Lang has been appointed to the State Government's elite "Jobs Squad" of 16 outside experts tasked to protect jobs in Queensland. Jill has been Director of the Queensland Council of Social Services since May 2005 and has worked in the Department of Communities. She is a trained town planner whose career has focused mainly on social policy and human services planning. Premier Anna Bligh says she has placed Queensland on a "war footing" . She says the "Jobs Squad" will: Provide "insider" information on the economy Provide expert advice on how to protect jobs Think "outside the square" to inform Government policy over the next six months