Boys work hard at development program

A very successful Central West junior rugby league development program for 13-16 year boys was held in Blackall over the weekend. Players came from Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall to participate. Level two coaches Mick Roach and David Kerrigan from Barcaldine conducted the course along with Central Queensland junior development officer Andrew Lawrence. Level 1 coaches from Longreach and Winton also helped with the program.

SPORT ON THE BARCOO

The players were introduced to many different skills and drills, under the watchful eye of the coaches. They worked hard, training until 10pm on the Saturday night to start up again at 6am for a pool session on the Sunday morning. The program finished at around midday on Sunday with a group of very tired but satisfied young men. All involved thought that it was a great weekend with a combination of fun and skill development. The organisers were impressed with the exemplary behaviour and manner of the boys who participated, calling them a credit to the clubs they represented.

Twenty-two tee off for second round of golf

Last Sunday at the Blackall golf club, a field of 22 players teed off for the second round of match play and the 18 hole stableford. The winner of the stableford was A. Allom with 43 points ahead of M. Hauff who was also on 43 points. Match play winners were C. Williams, M. Hauff, J. Walker, W. Waugh, K. Northduft and P. Fry. Pin shots of the day went to G. Fry, G. Walker and C. Williams. The golden hole went to S. Robinson. This Sunday is 4BBB Central Western championships with over 18 holes. Hit off at 10.30am.

INDEPENDENT
THE BARCOO
RRP $2.00

Blackalls own community newspaper

Blackall Bestprac Group wins CW agribusiness award

A willingness to embrace new ideas helped the Blackall Bestprac Group to take out the Rabobank Agribusiness Award for Outstanding Innovation at the Nissan Central West Industry Excellence Awards in Longreach on Saturday night. The group is made up of seven local properties, Springleigh, Woodbine, Melrose, Amaroo, Tarbarah, Koondoo and Ramsay Park, who operate a range of business enterprises from straight cattle and sheep breeding to specialist Merino production to meat specific sheep production. They were one of four finalists short listed for the award. Mitchell Grass Meats at Muttaburra were highly commended for their entry. Operating since 2001, the group has challenged its members through good times and bad to seek the most profitable and sustainable business practices, to help each other have a future in the bush. Regular meetings are held at which members share information in return for constructive analysis and suggestions on possible directions to pursue. Members credit the group with providing critical analysis of business decisions in hard times, when its most needed, and to help each other look outside the square. The power of a group has enabled members to explore ideas they would not have had the resources to undertake individually. It was this willingness to try new things that saw them invest in E-sheep technology last year,

March 20 2009

ISSN 1832-6129

Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

Sally Cripps

Divot

Peter Hauff

Ron pulls through despite a shaky start

In A singles last Sunday, Ron Robinson got away to a very shaky start to be down 6-2 after four ends against Don Daly. However, with a bit of luck and some help from Don, Ron gradually drew away to win 31-12. In another A singles, John Carter and Col Pfingst had a head to head struggle. The lead changed a few times and sat at 25-25 after 28 ends. Col managed to sneak home 31-26. In B singles, Dave Carter and John Bowyer also had a very good game. It was a lot closer than the score board indicated, with John winning 31-23. In handicap singles, Tex Hayward was too good for Greg MacNamara who did play some good bowls at times. Tex won 31-20. Next week on Sunday games will start at 9am. In pairs J. Bowyer and R. Browning will go up against C. Pfingst and D. Holden. A singles will see G. MacNamara v M. Pfingst with spotter Woody Wood. B singles, J. Turner v M. Chapman spotter R. Robinson, T. Hayward v R. Blutcher spotter D. Daly, M. McKellar v W. Richardson spotter J. Blutcher. Nominations are being called for pairs and trebles. Any interested players that are not nominated, please do so now.

The under 12 Central West development squad and their coaches

Eager start to 2009 pony club season

The Blackall Pony club has started 2009 with an eager buzz of excitement. Many new riders and families have attended the first three rallies, along with members and their families from previous years. The first rally was a working bee to prepare equipment for the state jumping competition to be held in Blackall from April 14-17 at the show grounds. Seventy-nine rails and all of the jump wings have received a new coat of paint. Over the past two weekends, there have been many riding events with beginner riders showing both style and enthusiasm. The club was saddened last Sunday when secretary Glory Baker resigned in preparation for the next chapter of her life. Club members Kaitlyn McErlean, Cody Fanning, Sara Aspinall and Samantha Durietz will be representing zone 14 at the state jumping titles in Blackall after successfully meeting qualifying criteria. Sara Aspinall has also been short listed to try out for the National Mounted Games team after a successful event at state level in 2008 in Winton. She will travel to Roma on March 13 for the weekend tryouts. If successful, Sara will compete at Horsely Park in Sydney in July.

From l-r: Sara Aspinall, Logan Harlow, Trevor Brown, Charlie Brown, Jaimie Lee Morris, Amanda Schulze, Helen Aspinall, Sarah Read, Kellie Harlow, Neka Boyd, Peter Boyd, Shauna Kangan, Netty Kangan and Elena, Paul, Colleen and Ray Malinen Page 16 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

following a demonstration at a DPI field day. The group could see many benefits minimizing labour needs during stock handling operations, better selection tools to identify the best producing animals, electronic data recording so it applied for and received assistance under the federal Agfund program, to trial the equipment and demonstrate its use around the west. According to group member Bill Cripps, procedures in the yards are more accurate when human error is removed. Electronic tags mean that each animals performance can be recorded and monitored. Tied to scales, an electronic pregnancy scanner and an autodrafter, this is a powerful tool, Bill said. For example, members producing fat lambs can weigh them at intervals to assess gains and sort them via scales, autodrafter and computer. If lambs are not at an agreed weight, they are drafted out by the machine. We can also turn off forward lambs quicker, said Bill. It means we can meet more specific market specifications. The drafter can be set up for two, three or five ways and be linked to either a weight parameter or to tag numbers, with whatever information you want. Sheep virtually draft themselves. The end result is maximised profit and better use of a shrinking labour base. continued on page 4

Toni McErlean takes the first cut from Aaron Williams for Shave for a Cure

Impressive effort for Shave for a Cure

Last Friday, Blackall State School held a fundraiser for the charity Shave for a Cure. It was a lively assembly due to the crazy and colourful hairstyles that the students took on for the day. Five boys from the school came together to shave or cut their hair. They raised an impressive $2,000 between them. Aaron Williams was the first to shave, having raised over $800. Everybody was involved in getting Jack Wards hair, including his dad Peter who finished it off. Glenn Frost was bold and went for the shortest cut possible. Joshua Paix was the youngest member of the team at the school. Whylie Wilson cut off most of his shoulder length locks, his moustache and facial hair. Their effort was outstanding, said principal Jason Smith. It far exceeded my expectations. Everyone rallied behind the students, providing them with both money and support.

Dally

Ag Science on offer at State school - page 4 Blackall racing figures recognised - page 9

DATE CLAIMERS
MARCH 20 Blue Light Disco 21 Seven-a-side cricket competition 21 Blackall Newspaper Group AGM 25 State School P&C AGM 25 Open Field Day, Tralee 27 Blackall Show Wether Trial Shearing 28 Blue Light Sportsmans Dinner APRIL St Josephs Easter Fete 3-5 Blackall campdraft 4 Tambo stock show 14-17 State showjumping/equitation titles 15 Woolscour Tour and Dinner with Model T-Ford guests 17-19 Tambo campdraft 18 Tambo race meeting 23 Veterans Dinner with Colonel Steve Goltz 24 Combined Schools Anzac Day Ceremony 24 ET Towner Memorial Statue Twilight Unveiling 25 Dawn and Day Anzac Services 25 Free community Anzac Day lunch 26 Woolscour Country Western show 30 Beef Cattle Show and Sale 30 Landmark Cattlemens Presentation Dinner
3

Platinum Mr & Mrs Fred Rich, Barcoo Retirement Village

Barcoo Independent Sponsors

Wednesday March 25

Gold George Bourne & Associates

Silver Mr & Mrs Barry Muir, Mr & Mrs John Schutt, Ms Lyn Schluter, Mr & Mrs Stewart Campbell, Mr Terry Brennan & Ms Robyn Adams, Warren/ Davison families, Barcoo Butchery, Blackall IGA, Blackall Uniting Church Ladies Guild, Ergon Energy, Latrobe Grazing, Rabobank.
Bronze Mr & Mrs David Hardie, Mr & Mrs Dougal Atkinson, Mrs Heather Wehl, Mr & Mrs Jack Banks, Mr & Mrs Peter Molle, Mr & Mrs Steve Picone, Mr & Mrs Ted Scholes, Natalie Billing & Matt Middleton, Wood family, Barcoo Amateur Race Club, Blackall Rural Traders, Butler Grazing P/L, Melrose SAMMs, Reliance Petroleum, Seymours Department Store, St Josephs School P&F, Thornleigh Grazing Co, Woodbine Livestock
Individual/small sponsors Mr & Mrs Alan Soxsmith, Ms Cathy McCulloch, Mr Andy Cooper, Ms Dale Constant, Mrs Gale Turnbull, Ms Gwynne Stockwell, Mrs Jan Gall, Mr & Mrs Jim McEnlly, Mr John Pay, Mr Keith Jackson, Ms Lavina Anderson, Mr & Mrs Les Frost, Ms Mardi Noonan, Ms Marie Messer, Mr & Mrs Paul Banks, Mr & Mrs Rod Allpass, Mr & Mrs Rod Kings, Mr & Mrs Stephen Hall, Br Terry Kingston, Mrs Trethella Smith, Mr & Mrs Warren Lehmann, 60s+ Better, Banks Bros, Terrick Merinos. Thank you to the sponsors of the Barcoo Independent

4:30 G.P. 5:30 Spicks and Specks 6:00 Childrens Programs 11:00 Jamestown: Americas Birthplace 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:30 Talking Heads 2:00 Parkinson 3:00 Childrens Programs 6:00 The Queens Cavalry 6:30 The Cook and the Chef 7:00 News 7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 The New Inventors 8:30 Spicks and Specks 9:00 The Gruen Transfer 9:30 Lawrence Leungs Choose your Own Adventure: Love 10:00 At the Movies 10:30 Lateline 11:05 Lateline Business 11:35 Midsomer Murders 1:10 Movie: This Land is Mine (PG) 2:55 The Healer: Brian Dowd/Pink Black and Beautiful 3:25 National Press Club Address

Barcoo Independent TV Guide March 22 - 28 ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 News 12:00 Movie: Hunter: Return to Justice (M) 2:00 All Saints 3:00 Infomercial 3:30 Larry the Lawnmower 4:00 Its Academic 4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H 5:30 Deal or No Deal 6:00 News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home and Away 7:30 Australias Got Talent 8:30 Criminal Minds 9:30 Beyond the Darklands 10:30 Lost 11:30 Disorderly Conduct Caught on Tape 12:30 Australias Strangest Home Improvements 1:00 Infomercial 4:00 NBC Today 5:30 News 5:30 Today 9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne 11:00 News 11:30 Home Shopping 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View 2:00 Days of our Lives 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 The Shak 4:30 News 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 News 7:00 Two and a Half Men 7:30 The Farmer Wants a Wife 8:30 The Mentalist 9:30 Cold Case 10:30 Cold Case 11:30 The Footy Show Late 1:30 Home Shopping 1:00 The Baron

5:30 International News 12:55 Market update 1:00 Movie: Pathway to the Clouds (M) 2:30 Tales from a Suitcase: Sarshar, Mehraby and Arif 3:00 Salam Caf 3:30 Football Stars of Tomorrow 4:00 The Journal 4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer 5:30 Corner Gas: Hurry Hard 5:55 Market update 6:00 Global Village: The Log Rafters 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Feast India 8:00 Trawlermen 8:30 Tribe: Penan, Borneo 9:30 World News Australia 9:55 Market update 10:00 Movie: Yolngu Boy (M) 11:35 Movie: The Young Lieutenant (M) 1:35 Weatherwatch Overnight 5:20 International News 12:55 Market update 1:00 Geisha Girl 2:05 Spacefiles: The Universe Unveiled 2:30 Dateline 3:30 Parent Rescue: Whos the Boss 4:00 The Journal 4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer 5:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial 5:55 Market update 6:00 Global Village: Veneto 6:30 World News Australia 7:35 Inspector Rex: Baby in Danger 8:30 This is Civilisation: Save Our Souls 9:30 World News Australia 9:55 Market update 10:00 Movie: The Bubble (MA) 12:05 Queer As Folk 1:00 Movie: A Loving Father (MA) 2:55 Weatherwatch Overnight 5:20 International News 12:55 Market update 1:00 Food Lovers Guide to Australia 1:30 Insight 2:30 The Truth About Cigarettes 3:30 Living Black 4:00 The Journal 4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer 5:30 Risking it All: Creco 5:55 Market update 6:00 Global Village: Lyon and Ecully 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 The Fabric of a Dream: The Fletcher Jones Story 8:35 As It Happened: Churchills Bodyguard: The Sewer Bomb 9:30 World News Australia 9:55 Market update 10:00 The Clitoris 11:10 Movie: The Weakness of the Bolshevik (MA) 12:55 Movie: Three Suns (MA) 2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight 5:20 International News 1:00 The Love for Three Oranges 2:55 The Actresses and the Dancer 3:25 Revolucion: Five Visions 4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer 5:30 The Colony 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Prototype This: MindControlled Car 8:30 Iron Chef 9:20 RocKwiz: Sarah Lee Guthrie and Chris Wilson 10:10 Movie: Life With My Father (M) 12:10 SOS 1:10 Bro Town: Know Me Before You Haunt Me 1:35 Roll 2:30 Weatherwatch Overnight

MAY
2 3 4 6 10 17 22 23-24 30

Woolscour Bush Dinner Blackall Show Labour Day Woolscour Tour and Dinner Womens Health Seminar Blackall Golf Clubhouse opening Heartland Festival begins Tambo Polocross Matilda Highway race meeting, Blackall

JUNE Shockwave Youth Festival 8 Heartland Festival ends 13 Tambo race meeting 27-28 Streetwise Skating Clinic
6-8

JULY
4 4-5 18 26

Blackall race meeting Ladies Sandgreen championships Blackall Cultural Assoc. Market Day Qld Music Festival performance

SEPTEMBER 5 80th Blackall Anglican Flower Show OCTOBER 5-14 Q150 Document Exhibition 17 Blackall race meeting NOVEMBER 3 Melbourne Cup Day 7 Blackall Cultural Assoc. Christmas Gallery Day 11 Rememberance Day 18-20 Q150 shed entertainment 28 St Patricks Christmas Fete Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

4:30 G.P. 5:30 Spicks and Specks 6:00 Childrens Programs 11:00 The War 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Pilot Guides 1:30 Collectors 2:00 Parkinson 3:00 Childrens Programs 6:10 Grand Designs: London 7:00 News 7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 Catalyst 8:30 Bombora: The Story of Australian Surfing 9:30 Q&A 10:30 Lateline 11:05 Lateline Business 11:30 Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elton John 12:20 Wildside 1:10 Movie: Here We Go Again (G) 2:35 Movie: Lets Make Music (G) 3:55 The Glass House 4:30 G.P. 5:30 The Einstein Factor 6:00 Childrens Programs 11:00 Perfect Disasters 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Darling Buds of May 1:30 Spicks and Specks 2:00 Monarch of the Glen 3:00 Childrens Programs 6:00 Message Stick 6:30 Can We Help? 7:00 News 7:30 Stateline 8:00 Collectors 8:30 Rebus: The First Stone 9:40 Vincent 10:50 Lateline 11:30 Triple J tv with the Doctor 11:55 Good Game 12:25 Rage 5:00 Rage 10:00 Rage: Guest programmer: Bloc Party 11:00 Executive Stress 11:30 The Cook and the Chef 12:00 Stateline 12:30 Australian Story 1:00 Foreign Correspondent 1:30 Can We Help? 2:00 Rugby League: 2009 4:00 Rugby in the Seventies: Part 1 5:00 Bowls: PBA World Championships: Semifinal 1 5:55 News up-date 6:00 Totally Frank 6.25 Minuscule: Horse Fly 6:30 Gardening Australia 7:00 News 7:30 New Tricks: Congratulations 8:25 News 8:30 The Bill 10:00 News 10:05 Silent Witness: Ghosts 11:50 Rage

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 News 12:00 Movie: Birthday Girl (M) 2:00 All Saints 3:00 Infomercial 3:30 Larry the Lawnmower 4:00 Its Academic 4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H 5:30 Deal or No Deal 6:00 News 6:30 AFL: Richmond v Carlton 9:30 Greys Anatomy 10:30 Private Practice 11:30 Scrubs 12:30 Beauty and the Geek 1:30 Infomercial 4:00 NBC Today 5:30 News 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 News 12:00 Movie: Someone Like You (M) 2:30 The Golden Girls 3:00 Infomercial 3:30 Larry the Lawnmower 4:00 Its Academic 4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H 5:30 Deal or No Deal 6:00 News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home and Away 7:30 Better Homes and Gardens 8:30 AFL: Hawthorn v Geelong 11:30 Scrubs 12:00 Movie: The Order 2:00 Infomercial 4:00 NBC Today 6:00 Childrens Programs 9:00 Movie: The Teachers Pet (G) 10:30 Childrens Programs 12:00 Eclipse 1:00 Home Improvement 1:30 Motorsport 2:30 Movie: Cocoon (PG) 5:00 Creek to Coast 5:30 Home and Away 6:00 News 6:30 AFL: St Kilda v Swans 10:00 Movie: The Recruit (M) 12:25 Movie: Menace (M) 2:35 Special: Secrets of the Mangrove 3:30 It Is Written 4:00 Home Shopping 5:00 Dateline NBC

5:30 Today 9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne 11:00 News 11:30 Home Shopping 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View 2:00 Days of our Lives 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 The Shak 4:30 News 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 News 7:00 Two and a Half Men 7:30 Getaway 8:30 Adults Only 20 to 1 9:30 The Footy Show 11:00 Movie: Pale Rider (M) 1:20 Home Shopping 5:30 Today 9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne 11:00 News 11:30 Home Shopping 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View 2:00 Days of our Lives 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 The Shak 4:30 News 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 News 7:00 Two and a Half Men 7:30 Friday Night Football: Titans v Bulldogs 9:30 Friday Night Football: West Tigers v Roosters 11:30 Movie: Lords of Dogtown (M) 1:40 Home Shopping 5:30 Christian City TV 6:00 Childrens Programs 12:00 Home Shopping 1:00 Horse Racing: Darley Guineas 3:30 Rain 4:00 Fresh 4:30 The Gurus Explore Ireland 5:00 David Attenborough Tiger-Spy in the Jungle 6:00 News 6:30 Australias Funniest Home Videos 7:30 Movie: Happy Feet (G) 9:45 Movie: Monster In Law (M) 11:50 Movie: House of Sand and Fog (MA) 2:20 Home Shopping

Thursday March 26 Friday March 27 Saturday March 28

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 15

5:00 Rage 6:30 Childrens Programs 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Inside Business 10:30 Offsiders 11:00 Asia Pacific Focus 11:30 Songs of Praise: Healthy Living 12:00 Landline 1:00 Gardening Australia 1:30 Message Stick 2:00 The War of the World 3:00 She Stoops to Conquer 3:30 Tiwi Islands Grand Final 6:30 The Einstein Factor 7:00 News 7:30 Rouge Nation: Rights of Passage 8:25 News up-date 8:30 Agatha Christie: Poirot: Mrs McGintys Dead 10:05 Compass: Life and Death 10:40 In Search of Mozart 11:30 Order in the House 12:30 Movie: The Gift (PG) 2:20 Movie: Shadow of the Eagle(PG) 3:55 Eagles and Evans

Barcoo Independent TV Guide March 22 - 28 ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

6:00 Childrens Programs 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 Gladiators 11:00 Sport Special 1:00 V8 Supercars 2:00 V8 Supercars 5:30 Great South East 6:00 News 6:30 Sunday Night 7:30 Border Security 8:00 Triple Zero Heroes 8:30 City Homicide 9:30 Bones 10:30 Infamous Assassinations 11:00 24 12:30 Movie: Body and Soul (M) 1:50 Home Shopping 3:30 NBC Meet the Press 4:30 NBC Today 5:30 News 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 News 12:00 Movie: The Stepdaughter (M) 2:00 All Saints 3:00 Infomercial 3:30 Larry the Lawnmower 4:00 Its Academic 4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H 5:30 Deal or No Deal 6:00 News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home and Away 7:30 How I Met Your Mother 8:00 Scrubs 8:30 Desperate Housewives 9:30 Brothers and Sister 10:30 Boston Legal 11:30 30 Rock 12:00 Medical Incredible 1:00 Infomercial 4:00 NBC Today 5:30 News 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 News 12:00 Movie: James Pattersons Suzannes Diary for Nicholas (M) 2:00 All Saints 3:00 Infomercial 3:30 Larry the Lawnmower 4:00 Its Academic 4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H 5:30 Deal or No Deal 6:00 News 6:30 Today Tonight 7:00 Home and Away 7:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue 8:00 Find My Family 8:30 Packed to the Rafters 9:30 All Saints 10:30 Eli Stone 11:30 Carpoolers 12:00 Special: Van Diemens Land By Butterfly 1:00 Infomercial 4:00 NBC Today 5:30 News G 5:30 Best of Rise and Shine 6:00 Go, Diego, Go 6:30 Dora the Explorer 7:00 Today on Sunday 10:00 Wide World of Sports 11:00 The Sunday Footy Show 12:00 Sunday Roast 1:00 4WD TV 1:30 Fishing North Australia 2:00 Super League 4:00 Sunday Football: Eagles vs Warriors 6:00 News 6:30 Domestic Blitz 7:30 60 Minutes 8:30 CSI 9:30 CSI: Miami 10:30 Underbelly 11:30 Body of Evidence 12:00 Movie: Moonlight and Valentino (M) 5:30 Today 9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne 11:00 News 11:30 Home Shopping 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View 2:00 Days of Our Lives 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Lab Rats Challenge 4:30 News 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 News 7:00 Two and a Half Men 7:30 Two and a Half Men 8:00 Customs 8:30 Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities 9:30 Crime Investigation Australia 10:40 CSI: NY 11:30 The Ellen Degeneres Show 12:30 Home Shopping 1:00 Super League 5:30 Today 9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne 11:00 News 11:30 Home Shopping 12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View 2:00 Days of our Lives 3:00 Home Shopping 3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Lab Rats Challenge 4:30 News 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 News 7:00 Two and a Half Men 7:30 Wipeout Australia 8:30 Two and a Half Men 9:00 Two and a Half Men 9:30 Aussie Ladette to Lady 10:30 Bridezillas 11:30 The Ellen Degeneres Show 12:30 Home Shopping 1:00 The Dead Zone General Classification PG

6:25 International News 10:00 Mythbusters: Concrete Glider 11:00 Zucchero: Live in San Siro Milan 12:00 Inside Overture 1812 12:30 World Superbike Championships 1:00 Speedweek 2:00 FIA World Rally Championship 2009 3:00 Football Asia 3:30 UEFA Champions League Magazine 4:00 Les Murrays Football Feature 5:00 The World Game 6:00 Thalassa: Island of Saint 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Lost Worlds: The Mummy Who Came In from the Cold 8:30 Dateline 9:30 Movie: Kurt Wallander (M) 11:10 Guerrilla Girl 12:50 Speaking in Tongues 1:20 Weatherwatch Overnight 5:20 International News 12:55 Market update 1:00 Food Lovers Guide to Australia 1:30 Indonesia A Reporters Journey: A Difficult Engagement 2:30 Dateline 3:30 Insight 4:30 The Journal 5:00 The Crew 5:30 Corner Gas: Bingo Night 5:55 Market update 6:00 Living Black 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Top Gear 8:30 Swift and Shift Couriers 9:00 Bogan Pride: The Fugly Fringe 9:30 World News Australia 9:55 Market update 10:00 The Mighty Boosh: The Nightmares of Milky Joe 10:35 Skins: Chris 11:30 Movie: PTU (MA) 1:05 Movie: Avalon (MA) 2:55 Weatherwatch Overnight 5:20 International News 12:55 Market update 1:00 The Storm Rages Twice 2:00 Don Matteo: Mysteries and Lies 3:00 Here Comes the Neighbourhood 3:30 Living Black 4:00 The Journal 4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer 5:30 Corner Gas: Mosquito Time 5:55 Market update 6:00 Global Village: Devils Land 6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Insight 8:30 Cutting Edge: Japans AboutFace 9:30 World News Australia 9:55 Market update 10:00 Hot Docs: Wings of Defeat 11:40 Movie: Ode to Joy (MA) 1:40 The Heart-Makers: The Future of Transplant Medicine 2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

A LIFE TIME OF MOURNING

ANNOUNCING

Page 14 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

Sunday March 22 Monday March 23 Tuesday March 24

THE DEATH OF MADAM DEMOCRACY

Each year we stop to remember over 102,000 fine Australian men and women gave their lives in defence of the democratic rights of all Australians. Foreign enemies tried but failed to destroy our democracy which is the basic fundamental right of our freedom. However, the enemies of democracy from within Australia succeeded on the 17th April 2007 with the announcement of

4:30 G.P. 5:30 Spicks and Specks 6:00 Childrens Programs 11:00 Landline 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 Poirot 1:30 The Cook and the Chef 2:00 Parkinson 3:00 Childrens Programs 6:00 Landline Extra 6:30 Talking Heads: Graeme Base 7:00 News 7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 Australian Story 8:30 Four Corners 9:20 Media Watch 9:35 The Cut: A Falcons Tail 10:35 Lateline 11:10 Lateline Business 11:35 Who Killed Stalin? 12:25 MDA: Rites of Passage 1:20 Movie: Rachel and the Stranger (PG) 2:55 The Learning Circle 3:25 Bowls: Australian Open 2009 Highlights 4 4:30 G.P. 5:30 Spicks and Specks 6.00 Childrens Programs 10:00 Behind the News 10:25 Our History 10:35 Engineering at the Cutting Edge 11:00 Parkinson 12:00 Midday Report 12:30 The Einstein Factor 1:00 The New Inventors 1:30 Catalyst 2:00 Parkinson 3:00 Childrens Programs 6:05 Time Team: Sewardsley Prior 7:00 News 7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 Lead Balloon: Hero 8:30 Doctor Who: The Impossible Planet (Rpt) 9:15 Doctor Who: Confidential Cutdown: Youve Got the Look 9:30 Foreign Correspondent 10:05 Artscape: The Art Life 10:35 Lateline 11:10 Lateline Business 11:35 Four Corners 12:25 Media Watch 12:40 Parkinson: Mel Gibson 1:25 Movie: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (PG) 3:25 Triple J tv with the Doctor

QLD LABOR SUCCEEDED WHERE FOREIGN ENEMIES HAD FAILED Remember The Real

FORCED AMALGAMATION.

Programs correct at time of printing but may change owing to unforeseen circumstances
CLASSIFICATIONS: M Mature Classification Recommended for viewing by mature audiences. MA Mature Audience Not suitable for people under 15 years of age. AV

Parental Guidance Recommended

WRECKERS OF DEMOCRACY.
Written and paid for by Allen Soxsmith Blackall
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 3

On the 21st March, REMOVE the

ENEMY

Adult Violence Classification Not suitable for people under 15 years of age.

Bestprac rewarded

Productivity Advantage

$103,800

Gross Progeny $101,750 Remaining 73 Cows* $109,500

OVER 4 YEARS

MINIMUM 4 YEARS ONLY

@ 50% fertility......

Gross Progeny $85,800 Remaining 18 Cows* $18,000

$211,250 Gross $28,800 2007 2nd Calf Gross Over 4 Years

Gross $48,000

Gross $22,300

Gross $15,400

Gross $30,300

Gross $42,650 3rd Calf 2008

Blackall writers group

Get with the

100 ws

100

Co 2004) rn

Cow0s) rn 20 4

2nd Calf

3rd Calf

1st Calf

Advertising Rates 2009

1 /8 p age: $15.00 1 /6 p age: $25.00 1 /4 p age: $31.50 1 /3 p age: $43.50 1 /2 p a g e : $ 6 2 .5 0 F u ll p a g e /In se rt: $ 1 2 5

Contributions
P lease send your contributions to: P ost or or call in person to :

(bo

Classied $5 for 3 lines plus $1.25 per extra line

Blackall Visitor Information Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/fax: 4657 6966

Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 13

(bo

barcooindependent@gmail.com

1st Calf

Do you have a flare for writing or just like to dabble, whether it be adult fiction, childrens fiction, poetry or fantasy. If writing is your passion then you are invited to join like-minded people once a month for an opportunity for peerbased critique, encouragement and social engagement. For more information, phone Karla on 4657 6624.

Culls & Progeny $101,750

Culls & Progeny $85,800

A 27 year old former Blackall resident, Ann Maris recently pleaded guilty in the Emerald District Court to a number of fraud matters committed between June and October 2005, while she was an employee of Reliance Petroleum in Blackall. She was charged with over 70 counts of stealing as a servant, making false entries in records and fraudulently falsifying records to steal $19 828 from her employer. She was arrested in Emerald by officers of the Stock and Rural Crime Squad from Longreach after an investigation which began in February 2006. The full amount was repaid and she pleaded guilty to all charges. She was convicted and sentenced to two years jail, which was wholly suspended.

The Blackall State School is Bruce Alexander. introducing Agricultural Science Allison Diezmann said that it to the senior phase curriculum for would not have been possible the first time. Over the course of without Ken Timms and the two years, students in year 11 and Blackall-Tambo Regional Council year 12 will have the opportunity who have supplied the school to study pasture development, with the use of a paddock as well the beef industry, native plant as the fencing expertise of Allan production, apiculture, poultry, Lawrence. small crops, the sheep industry The community will be able to view and alternative production the successes of the Agriculture systems. Students in year 10 class at the Blackall Show where will study an introductory course students will be running a baby to give them a taste before they animal nursery. Anyone who choose their subjects for year 11. would like to get involved or offer The school has been overwhelmed advice is encouraged to contact with interest from community the school. members putting their hands up to get involved. Staff and students send out a big thank you to Ian and Kerry Walker of Ravensbourne who have generously supplied the school with two steers for the beef industry unit. Another big thank you goes to Les and Christine Williams of the Coolibah Motel who have kindly offered the use of their vegetable plot for the small crops unit. The school has also had generous donations of sheep and lambs from Bill Agricultural Science students Justin Johnstone Kreig, Reynold Noble and and Robyn Leek

2006

2007

2008

2006

@ 90% fertility...

Fraud conviction for former Blackall resident

*18 Cows left @ $1000 Genetic Value = $18,000

Full steam ahead for Blackall State School agriculture

*73 Cows left @ $1500 Genetic Value = $109,500

Blackall Bestprac group members Bill Cripps, Lorna Evans, Sally Cripps, Peter Evans, Rick and Jenny Keogh, and Rhonda and Jack Banks with state manager for Rabobank, Brad James.

@ 50% FeRtility

@ 90% FeRtility

Gross Over 4 Years

$52,800

continued from page 1 Members say the project also has importance as a springboard for central western producers to learn about new technology in general. The electronic drafting and weighing technology is also being used and adopted in the cattle industry and this project will support that uptake, Bill said. Blackall Bestprac member Jack Banks said the award was a good reward for the dedication put in by members to improving their industry, and recognition for whats been done over a number of years.

534% profit

APPROX

$9,875

w CoAiNiNG M

18s

Re

CoAiNiNG M

Re

73s w

APPROX

Gday. What a busy couple of weeks it has been in Blackall. Have you all been as busy as me? My poor feet feel like they could do with a holiday, Ive been running here and there with no time to spare. Thank goodness it is only 3 more weeks until Easter, boy I am really looking forward to that. I think I might spend the whole holidays with my feet up on a stump somewhere. So dont be surprised if you see me behind the school with my sore swollen claws comfortably balancing on the old black stump. Sounds like heaven to me. Eddie COOKING CUISINE Cheesy 3-Veg Pasta Bake WORD (serves 4)
* 350g shell or penne pasta * 30g butter * 2 tablespoons cornflour * 2 cups (500ml) milk * 2 cups grated cheese * 1 medium carrot, grated * 1 cup fresh or frozen peas Pet pals: Tim * 1 cup fresh or frozen corn and Georgia Hansen with *1/2 cup grated parmesan Grease a 2L baking dish. Preheat their gorgeous oven to 180C. Cook pasta until ponies tender. Meanwhile, melt butter in saucepan, stir in cornflour and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat, slowly pour in milk. Whisk to make a smooth white sauce. Return to heat, continue stirring until sauce thickens. Drain pasta, return to pot and stir in white sauce. Add cheese and vegetables, stir well to combine. Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and heated through.

KIDS CORNER with Eddie Emu

Why, Lily of course!

COMEDY CAPERS A prince came to a small pool where the most beautiful girl in the world was bathing. On her head was a large green frog. What was her name?

In and around Blackall

Unscramble lakao iblyb knaogoar nhptyo eum

What has six legs, four ears and a shining suit of armor? A prince on horseback What is the first thing a King or Queen does when they come to the throne? They sit down! When does a prince get very wet? When he becomes the reigning monarch! When is a piece of wood like a King? When its a ruler!

Emily Kelly celebrated her 92nd birthday at the Barcoo Hotel on Tuesday with Joyce Bornie, Sandra Richardson, Naomi Holloway, Victoria Smith and Maymie Law

Principal Jason Smith does the honours on Whylies moustache for Shave for a Cure

Party photos: Joshua McErlean celebrated his 13th birthday with a survival party. Judging by the snaps, everybody had a great time getting down and dirty.

Send your jokes, recipes, poems and photos to Eddie Emu at barcooindependent@gmail. com or 108a Shamrock St, Blackall 4472

Sudoku: Hard

Down 1 Before noon (2) 2 Copy that is not the original (12) 3 A travelling show (4) 4 Not just "a" (3) 5 Opposite of stop (2) 6 Hodgepodge (4) 7 The activity of communicating (14) 10 Barren (6)
1 2 3 7 9 11 14 15 16

11 Not real (10) 13 "Saturday Night Fever" music (5) 15 Lounger's cover-up (6) 16 Crocheted or knitted garments (7) 18 Getting on (5) 19 Free from evil or guilt (8) 20 Closer than before (6) 24 Low digits (4) 25 Little devils (4)
4 5 8 10 12 13 6

3 4 6 9 8 7 5 3 9 6 2

6 2 9 7 5 6 1 9 3 1 7 2 5 3 6
21 Giving careful thought to something (13) 22 Dinghy propeller (3) 23 Surprising greatly (11) 26 Get misty-eyed (4) 27 Kind of ears (8) 28 Greyhound, e.g. (3) 29 Give voice to (5)

Looking bold after shaving for a cure: Jack Ward, Aaron Williams, Glenn Frost, Joshua Paix and Whylie Wilson

Toni McErlean and Margaret Bailey get to work on Jack Ward

C LASSIFIEDS
THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT
Happy Birthday!
Happy 7th birthday Catelyn! Love Mum and Dad

Blackall Historical Society Annual General Meeting

Saturday, April 6 2009 at 10.00am Short Street meeting room (behind library) All are welcome
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 5

The Puzzle Page

18 19 20

17

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Solutions will be in next weeks paper

Puzzles submitted by Sue Frost

Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

Crossword

Across 1 A deadly sin (5) 4 Label (3) 8 Source of iron (3) 9 Locked up (10) 12 Brings to a close (4) 14 Expect, believe, or suppose (6) 16 Undertake a journey (8) 17 A mix of items etc (11)

The Central Queensland Beef Cattle Show and Sale.

Blackall Saleyards Thursday, 30 April 2009 Commencing at 9.00am

Landmark Blackall presents

NOMINATION FORM
Class Killable Classes
NEWPORT APARTMENTS MOOLOOLABA BULLOCK COLONIAL OF NORFOLK HEAVY TRADE STEER QANTASLINK PRIME COW GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL HEAVY TRADE HEIFER 540kg+

(Nominations open to grass-fed cattle only)

NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, 17 APRIL 2009

ST (Tom) Orchard Memorial Trophy Runner Up Trophy

LANDMARK GRAND CHAMPION PEN

Winners Prize
5 nights accommodation for 4 people at Newport Apartments Mooloolaba 7 nights accommodation for 2 people at the Colonial of Norfolk, Norfolk Island

1 2 3 4
Class

400-540kg 0-4 th 400kg+ 0 - 8 th 400-540kg 0 - 4 th

Return ight for 2 people to Brisbane 2 night weekend getaway for 2 people at Gold Coast International Hotel, Surfers Paradise

Blackall Combined Agents yarded a total of 3295 head of cattle at their first weaner and store sale for the year. Prices were firm to dearer, up 5 to 10 cents across all descriptions. Bloomfield Pastoral Co Bloomfield Blackall sold a good line of Droughtmaster steers topping at 185.2 c/kg, averaging 272 kg to return $503.83. They also had an excellent pen of Droughtmaster heifers making 165 c/kg, for 251.4 kg to return $415.36. Listowel Downs Pastoral Co Listowel Downs Blackall sold a line of Brahman cross weaner steers averaging 171.2 c/kg, for 200 kg to return $345. Banks Brothers Duneira Blackall sold a good pen of Santa cross heifers making 155.2 c/kg, for 320 kg to return $500. Alan and Julie Hay Eka Jericho sold Brahman/ Charolais cross steers to average 178 c/kg for 301 kg to return $537/head topping at 191 c/kg or $544/ head. Robbie Hay Kismet sold Santa cross steers to average 180 c/kg for 283 kg to return $510/head topping at 182 c/kg or $619/head. M. and A. Seymour Split Rock Camooweal sold 360 Brahman steers to average 163 c/kg for 291 kg to return $476/head topping at 172 c/kg or 556 kg. D.A. Hardie Dumfries Blackall sold Brahman cows and calves for $695/unit. Walker and Co Tara Barcaldine sold Santa steers at 207.2 c/kg for 260 kg and $538.2/head. Peel Pastoral Co Northampton Downs Blackall

3295 yarded at first weaner and store sale

sold Santa steers at 203.2 c/kg for 323 kg and $657.86/head. Walker and Co Tara Barcaldine sold Santa heifers for 188.2 c/kg and 241ckg for $454/head. Lucy Park Lissoy Blackall sold Brahman cross heifers for 170.2 c/kg for 207 kg and $353/head. The fat and store sale was held on Thursday, March 19. The next special weaner and store sale is on Thursday, March 26.

Store/Feeder Classes
LANDMARK BRISBANE PACKAGE HEAVY FEEDER STEER/HEIFER METRO MOTEL ROCKHAMPTON FEEDER STEER/HEIFER CLUB CROCODILE AIRLIE BEACH STORE STEER CATTLE CITY STORE HEIFER 380-520kg 0-4 th 280-400kg 0 - 2 th 0-300kg mt 0-300kg mt

Winners Prize
2 night weekend getaway package at a quality Brisbane Hotel/Resort 4 nights accommodation for 2 people at the Metro Motel, Rockhampton 3 nights accommodation for 2 people at the Club Crocodile Airlie Beach 2 nights accommodation for 2 people in a spa room, inc continental breakfast, at the Cattle City Motor Inn Rockhampton

Runner Up Trophy

5 6 7 8

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council

38% CUT in Fertility could be 600% PROFIT

Peter Chilcott from Supergene is presenting a free information day discussing prevention of low calving rates due to calf losses and general herd fertility.

Blackall Newspaper Group AGM

OTHER PRIZES
Best Pen Red Steers $3000 Bull Credit - Billabong Droughtmaster Stud Best Pen Santa Gertrudis or Santa x Steers $150 Gift Voucher - Santa Gertrudis Breeders Assn Best Pen Santa Gertrudis or Santa X Females $1000 Bull Credit - Barcoo Santa Breeders Group Inc Best Pen British or British X Cattle $1000 Bull Credit - Lambert Pastoral Co Volume Store Buyer of the Day $1000 Freight Rebate - Choyces Livestock Transport

Conditions apply to prize winners Landmark Fat/Store Sale 9am Minimum lot size, 10+ head $10 per lot Entry Fee Where applicable cattle to be mouthed by Vendor Judges decision is nal and no correspondence will be entered into

For further information contact Landmark Blackall 07 4657 4299

Everyone who would like to have an input into our communitys Where: Tralee , Blackall newspaper, the Barcoo Independent, is invited to attend and share When: 10am on Wednesday, March 25. your ideas. RSVP Monday, March 23 (for catering purposes) Saturday, March 21 at 1.30pm, For further details contact Cameron Schutt at the National Bistro on 0427 576 274 or 07 4654 9379
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 11

Open Field Day

Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

Awards went to P/1 Charlie Jones for being very enthusiastic about all that he is learning. He is listening well and trying his best with all his work. 2/3 Mason Spinks has improved in all areas in leaps and bounds in the last three weeks! He has tried to make the right choices, is listening beautifully in class and trying to work independently. 4/5 Kye Peacock has demonstrated willingness to help others. The principals award went to Annabelle Allpass in recognition of the bravery and persistence she displayed on the abseiling activity at camp. Last week year 6/7 went to Fairbairn Nicole Travers Lenten during her visit to St Josephs on behalf of CARITAS Australia Dam at Emerald for leadership camp. by providing shelter, nutrition and health care, and In Emerald they went to see the movie Hotel for dogs, the Botanical Gardens, the skate working to change the structures which perpetuate park and had dinner at McDonalds. Throughout poverty. The representative spoke with the students the camp, the students participated in a range of about what the money they raise is put towards. activities including rock climbing, team challenges, Although the money raised may not seem like much, abseiling, canoeing and catapult-making. Canoeing to poverty-stricken communities it means a lot. She and abseiling were the favoured activities because presented two year seven leaders with a CARITAS T-shirt as thanks for the schools contribution. they were fun but also challenging. Prep/Year one have settled into their class routines PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN MARY (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) and are loving learning. Mrs V and Miss Suthers O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruit of the vine, are very impressed, particularly with the year ones splendorous of heaven. with their sight words. The preps have been working Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist on their matching, memory and direction-following me in this my necessity. skills. They enjoy the mystery objects tray activity. O Star of the Sea help me and show me herein you are mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth I *** humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour The next general meeting will be held on Tuesday, me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me April 21 at 5.15pm. here you are my mother. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray *** for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). A representative from CARITAS visited St Josephs Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three last week. CARITAS Australia is focused on promoting times). sustainable development so communities can help Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. This prayer must be said for three days and after that the themselves out of poverty, responding to emergencies request will be granted and the prayer must be published.

St Josephs

School News

Crossword and sudoku solutions for previous week: March 13, 2009
7 8 9 2 1 3 5 4 6
Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

Accommodation
Short and Long stay
1 & 2 bedroom units Furnished or Unfurnished From $120 per week

3 6 2 7 4 5 1 8 9

5 1 4 8 6 9 3 7 2

4 9 7 5 8 1 6 2 3

6 2 8 9 3 7 4 5 1

1 5 3 4 2 6 7 9 8

8 4 1 3 7 2 9 6 5

2 3 5 6 9 4 8 1 7

9 7 6 1 5 8 2 3 4

Across: 1 Circling, 4 Eat, 6 Oil, 7 No, 9 Fear, 10 Imitate, 13 Ski, 14 Dim, 16 Fan, 17 Test, 19 If, 20 Abbreviation, 21 As, 23 Evil, 24 Yesterday, 26 Exits. Down: 1 Cane, 2 Calm, 3 Go, 4 Elf, 5 Traditional, 8 Maintained, 11 Influence, 12 Hi, 13 Sat, 14 Diva, 15 Members, 18 Set, 22 Bye, 23 Eye, 25 To.

No bond /No lease

14 Hawthorn Street, Blackall 4657 4224
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 7

Costumes a highlight of rocky horror trivia night

Last Sunday night, the Blackall Cultural Centre became the place for ghosts, bats, blood and pulsing hearts. The Blackall State School P&C rocky horror trivia night fundraiser was hosted by Alison Mobbs. Jason Smith filled the shoes of Quizmaster, Avril Fraser and Colleen Morrison made up the official judging panel and Les Williams, the current P&C president, judged the best dressed. The night was full of entertainment, particularly the variety in costumes. There were prizes for the best rocky horror costumes. Shane and Gillian Robinson were the costume highlight for the night, taking out most daring couple. Greg and Glenda Tierney were also highly commended for their efforts. Graham Schluter was the winner of the best dressed male, while Lisa Goodman as the devil was deserving of best female. Alison Mobbs had the best fake hair, while Christine Williams had the best natural hair. The table Naga won the prize for too dressed up and nowhere to go. Bold participants were invited to step forward to compete for the best witchs cackle which was won by Wes Waugh. Deanne Richardson and Tina Loveday won the dance off doing a lively version of the Time Warp. The trivia included questions about the history of Blackall, the origins of Skippy the kangaroo, the date August 31, 1997, names of songs and the first Australian Olympic gold medallist. Ashley Loveday successfully managed the auctioneering throughout the night. The visiting team from Barcaldine closely pipped the Wet Blankets so a rematch is set. We were really pleased with the strong show of support from the Blackall community toward the trivia night and our children, said organiser Alison Mobbs. The final figure is yet to be confirmed, however

initial calculations indicate that between $4,000 and $5,000 was raised on the night. This is to go toward seeking a matching grant to upgrade the childrens playground with a softfall. A huge thank you from the P&C goes out to the many contributing sponsors.

Dicks half century to racing recognised at awards night

Blackall racing identity, Dick Banks was thanked and congratulated by the western Queensland racing fraternity and the wider community at the Nissan Central West Industry Excellence Awards on Saturday night. His 50 years of commitment to the racing industry was acknowledged with the presentation of the outstanding contribution and achievement in racing award. Gary Peoples told the 400 people at the gala dinner that to support any sport for 50 years was a high achievement, but Dick had also undertaken an active voluntary administrators role for 45 years, to make a difference for all in the industry in the west. Dick said it had been very unexpected but he took it as recognition of all the people on committees who work hard for little acknowledgement. I think its great that racing is recognised as an important industry in the outback, by being part of this gala event, he said. The prize money from races really does help stimulate part time employment in outback towns, is good for produce merchants, and is an important part of the social fabric of the west. I also think the RAPAD awards in general are a great stimulus for business in the area, and recognition of those in the community who are our achievers. Dick began his association with the Barcoo Amateur Race Club in 1963 as a committee member and has been an active member since then, making him the longest serving living member of the club. He was president of the Blackall club from 1970 to 1973. In 1974 he was elected to the Central West Queensland Racing Association and served on this regional board until 2003, taking on the chairmanship of it from 1989 to 2003. One of his major achievements in this time was the creation of the Matilda Highway race series, the feature race day for central western clubs for a number of years, which saw a large injection of prize money into the racing circuit. In 1991, Dick was appointed to the board of the Queensland TAB by the Governor, through the Minister for Racing, and he served

For a number of years, families in Blackall have struggled to balance work commitments with suitable care for their children. A small group of people have recognised that the needs of children in Blackall are not being met with the current early childhood facilities on offer at the Blackall Kindy and limitedhours daycare. Mardi Noonan along with Alison Evans and the Kindy committee have started to look at some changes that could be made to offer longhours daycare to the community. We have arrived at the stage where we are in need of support from other interested parties to form a steering committee to make the project a success, Mardi Noonan said. The group is holding a meeting at the State School library on Tuesday, March 24 at 6pm. They are hoping for a good turn up to discuss their plans. All interested individuals are encouraged to The old preschool building at the attend. State School; the proposed site for long-hours daycare

The first step towards long hours daycare

Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

Landmark Blackall would like to congratulate The Blackall Bestprac Group on winning the Central West Industry Excellence Awards 2009 Agribusiness Award for Outstanding Innovation Landmark Blackall are proud to be involved in the support of Central West Sheep Breeders and helping everyone to achieve their goals through the advancement of technologies.

on that board until 1998. He has also enjoyed major success as an owner and breeder of race horses, beginning his association with a horse called Radstock, which won several Flying Handicaps in Brisbane and ran second in two Doomben Ten Thousand races. A number of his horses won over 20 races, including Tapuna, Fine Gary Peoples makes a presentation to Dick James, Aloura, Just Banks at the Central West Industry Excellence Hunting, Gone Hunting Awards night and Come Hunting. He has claimed this title five Im told the latter won over 50 times in the last six years. races which Im sure must be Based at Barcaldine, he also has some type of record, Gary told the a strike rate of winners to runners audience. All of these horses were bred that would be high anywhere in on his property and their breeding Australia, saddling up 171 horses can be traced back for 100 years, for 28 winners in the region last year, a win record of 16 per cent. he added. Todd and wife Toni travelled Probably the best known of thousands of kilometres, to Dicks horses is Miss Petty, who created an Australian racing Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Charters Towers, record by winning 22 consecutive Townsville, Richmond, Roma, Emerald, races. Birdsville, Bedourie He has given so much voluntary Quilpie, and Betoota, and most places in time to improve the country racing industry for all of us to enjoy, between with their team of 25 to 30 horses. Gary finished. For racing to survive in country Last year the outstanding Queensland, we need young contribution and achievement in racing award went to another people to become involved, Gary Peoples said. Blackall identity, Charlie Prow. Todd and his wife Toni have played a major role due to their David Rewald jockey of the year In addition to the award for Dick big stable, in the ongoing future of Banks, Blackalls David Rewald racing in the bush. The astounding amount of was announced as the Central travel that these two young people Wests jockey of the year at the industry excellence awards night. do shows their commitment to His 2008 list of 28 winners from Queensland country racing. Innarto, owned by Barry and 107 rides, a strike rate of one winner every four rides, is one that Julie Eggerling of Longreach, was every jockey in Australia would be announced as the horse of the envious of. His efforts last year year. Sally Cripps included riding four winners in the

five race program at Blackall in May. Originally from Taroom, David has been in Blackall for the last 18 months and has linked up with veteran trainer Charlie Prow. Todd Austin, who was born and raised in Blackall and began his career in the racing industry as an apprentice jockey indentured to his father Ken Austin, was the Central Wests trainer of the Ken Austin (right) congratulated son Todd on another win as the Central West trainer year. of the year The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 9