SPORT ON THE BARCOO

Suttons score a polocrosse trifecta

Three brothers who lived in Blackall until the early 2000s will be wearing the maroon Queensland uniform for their chosen sport of polocrosse in 2012. Luke, Aaron and Tom Sutton, now living at Dalby, recently received the good news that they had all been chosen to represent their state. Luke, 19 and Tom, aged 11, will both be playing for Queensland at the national championships at Warwick from April 23-29, while 16-year-old Aaron is in the state team that competes in a Queensland-New South Wales under 21 contest at Muswellbrook each year. Luke will be in a mixed under 21 team at Warwick and Tom will play in the sub-junior competition. All three boys only took the sport up three years ago, although they had a taste of it during their pony club days at Blackall. They have had a good role model in their father Ashley, who played for Blackall and Tocal Creek when the family lived in the west. According to Ashleys wife Helen, he is back playing now too, after eight years in retirement. They helped a friend out in 2008 and pretty much got an itch they couldnt scratch, Helen said. They gave up footy and took up polocrosse. Now Dads just got to keep the horses up to them. With so many in the family playing the sport there are usually seven or eight horses in training at any one time, which takes three or four hours a day. They travelled to 14 carnivals this year, in Queensland and New South Wales, culminating in the state titles at Chinchilla in September. The oldest and the youngest in the family, Ashley and Tom had the most success there, being part of the Tansey 6 team that won the E grade final. Lukes team, Tansey 2 won the A grade beaten teams final while Aarons team went down by three goals to Roma in the juniors competition. Helen credited another western Queenslander, Justin Hafey and wife Lyndal with much of the boys success. As president of the Tansey club, Justin has been a strong influence for the boys.

Social touch footy starts in Blackall

A crowd turned out at the showgrounds on Tuesday night for the first week of Blackalls social touch football competition. There were enough participants to make up four teams with each team playing two social games. Teams included the Runt Hunters, the Red Barrons, the GDL Giants and the Touch Ups. The competition has been organised by Ann Russell, Jack Burgess and Jeremy Barron and runs on Tuesday nights from 6pm.

--Sally Cripps

Tim Ludgate of the GDL Giants was hot on the tail of Touch Ups player Monique Seymour.

Matt Littleton on the run with the ball for the Red Jamie-Lee Prow on the field at Tuesday nights touch football Barrons. competition. Page 16- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011

INDEPENDENT
THE BARCOO
ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00

Blackalls own community newspaper

Western landholders form Galilee Basin Alliance

Western residents are fighting back against the mining giants with the formation of new action group, the Galilee Basin Alliance. The group is the brainchild of Denice Campbell of Orange Downs, Barcaldine and comprises of concerned landholders from across the Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine, Blackall, Aramac and Muttaburra districts. Denice said the group formed to share growing concerns about the environmental, economic and social impacts of coal and coal seam gas mining as these industries expand in the Galilee Basin Its not a huge group yet but a lot of people are interested in what were talking about, Denice said. We had our first gathering at the end of August and weve set up e-mail networks and are organising for speakers to come out. Denice was inspired to take action after first being contacted by a mining company 12 months ago about her own land. After writing letters to politicians, bureaucrats, editors and radio announcers and receiving a large number of generic responses, Denice decided to take matters into her own hands and invited Legal Aid solicitor Glen Martin to speak in Barcaldine about coal seam gas earlier this year. The session garnered a large amount of interest, with Agforce participating and 60

October 7 2011

Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

landholders attending. Landholders were encouraged to form their own action group to share their own experiences. Denice said he hoped the group would be able to provide local landholders with information in advance for dealing with mining companies. The main aim of the group is to raise awareness of what is coming because a lot of people out here really dont have much idea how close they are to receiving the dreaded registered letter, Denice said. We certainly understand the sneak up behind you strategy as we were caught unawares and we dont want that to happen to others, she said. We also want to share experiences and hopefully empower each other when dealing with these giants. We will not be divided and conquered. The alliance aims to raise awareness of Galilee Basin issues, engage with politicians and bureaucrats to raise concerns and make submissions to government inquiries concerning the basin. The group also plans to access experts to inform people on a range of issues and are raising funds through a joining subscription of $10 or by donation. Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Denice on 4651 1696 or by Barcaldine landholder Denice Campbell is eager email at iandenice@activ8. to protect Orange Downs pasture from mining companies. net.au.

From the Editor

I believe that its important to have a knowledge of history and a healthy respect for it as well. This applies not only to world history and Australian history but also to our local history. On Monday October 10 1892, Jackie Howe set his famous blade shearing record at Alice Downs, shearing 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes. Next week, October 10 will fall on a Monday once again, marking the 119th anniversary of this

tremendous feat. It is a testament to Jack Howes skill that no one has ever been able to beat his record, not even with electric shears. Our region has a rich and interesting history, even if its not always in the pages of the history books. Blackall is arguably the birthplace of the Labour Party, while Tambo holds the honour of being the oldest town in the central west. Its not just history that makes our areas towns unique,

with plenty to boast about across the region. The Black Stump holds a place in Australian folklore, Tambo Teddies are renowned, Jericho boasts the smallest drive in theatre in the Southern Hemisphere and Aramacs Harry Redford Cattle Drive has gained some serious recognition. Theres plenty to be proud of in our region. Appreciation starts at home, so if we make sure to give all these things the respect they deserve, the word will spread.

Advertising Rates 2011

1/8 page: $16.50 1/6 page: $27.50 1/4 page: $34.65 1/3 page: $47.85 1/2 page: $68.75 Full pg/Insert: $137.50

Contact

Classifieds: $5 for Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories 3 lines and $1.25 and letters to the editor: Victoria Nugent per extra line. barcooindependent@gmail.com Contact Victoria Nugent for colour or post or call at Blackall Visitor Information advertising rates
fax: 07 4657 6966

Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/

Spring continues into October how good is that? The threat of fires is still very strong with some controlled burns getting out of control over the past week. The constant wind force is a real deterrent to lighting any fire. Not to mention the huge dry body of feed everywhere. At Byrgenna, we were fortunate enough to get 85 points of rain in the early hours of Thursday morning. It certainly laid the dust and had a dampening effect for a few hours on the large body of dry feed. The week of September 25 finished on a high note with the visit of leader of the Queensland Reconstruction TaskForce Major General Richard Wilson and CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Graeme Newton. Being their first visit to our region we were keen to show them around, however the government jet was ordered away on an emergency medical mission which certainly reduced the time available for the visit. We were able to hear first hand of the affects of the wet disaster of 2010/2011 from business people from both Tambo and Blackall via the video link in the Blackall- Tambo council boardrooms. We also heard of the increase in vehicle accidents on the Landsborough Highway due to the very difficult road conditions for traffic from the Tambo Police. CEO of the Reconstruction Authority Graeme Newton announced further funding for the Blackall Tambo Road Reconstruction of 9.4 million. Added to the initial 3 million we have

FROM THE MAYORS DESK

a solid beginning to commence our huge reconstruction works program via our submission which has taken some time to be approved. The submission which went to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority was for a total of 33 million to date we have received approximately a third of the funding applied for. During the work we will be held to account by QRA Inspectors and Federal Government Inspectors all looking for value for money. With time a real constraint the visitors were able to see the problems emerging at the Barcoo River Bridge at Gillespie and to hear our very real concerns of what the economic outcomes for Blackall Tambo and the entire west of Queensland will be should the side track be affected by wet weather before flying out to their next appointment. I would like to thank the business people and public servants who gave their valuable time to attend the meeting at very short notice. Being new to the Queensland Reconstruction Task Force Major General Wilson was really appreciative of hearing firsthand accounts of the ongoing affects of the Wet Disaster. CEO Graeme Newton was also grateful to be able to see first hand an area he had not been to before. Currently Deputy Mayor Peter Skewes, Cr Sally Cripps, CEO Ken Timms and I are attending the Local Government Association of Queensland State Conference at a very cold Gold Coast.

--Jan Ross

Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, September 30 2011

SPORT ON THE BARCOO After school archery

Boot camp yields impressive results
Participants at morning boot camp sessions run by Sergeant Bruce Trickett are starting to feel the results of the program. Sgt Tricket said one notable success story from the sessions was Karen Choyce, who was on the verge of Type 2 diabetes earlier in the year. She went to the Golden Doors health retreat on the Gold Coast and then continued on with boot camp in Blackall, Sgt Tricket said. Her cholesterol was 5.7 and now its back down to 4.2, which is normal, he said. She was previously on blood pressure tablets and shes now off them and feeling full of life. With the return of warmer weather, Sgt Trickett said he hoped to see an increase in numbers attending the self paced program. You get as much out of it as you put in, so boot camp is really a misnomer, Sgt Trickett said. I hope that people will make use of the exercise program thats available to them. The program now boasts new exercise designed strength. The sessions also include circuit training and boxing for fitness, an addition that participant Helen Burton said is working well. Weve all got training partners for boxing and you push each other to keep going and to work harder, Helen said. Boot camp is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at the Blackall showgrounds under the grand stand from 6-7am. equipment for including core BOSU balls and body blades, improving With the start of a new school term, the Active After Schools sports program is set to kick off again, with two new sports, basketball and archery. The sessions will start from next week and are open to all primary school students within the Blackall district, with archery limited to students from Years Four to Seven. Archery will be held on Monday afternoons at St Josephs Primary School from 3:30-4:30pm and will be run by St Josephs teacher Katie Patterson-Kane. Basketball will be held on Wednesday afternoons at Blackall State School from 3:30-4:30pm and will be run by Blackall State School principal Jason Smith. St Josephs principal Tim Franzmann said it was great to be able to offer different sports to student at the after school sessions. Theyre very excited about the archery, Mr Franzmann said. Any students participating are asked to wear appropriate clothing for the sport, closed in shoes and a wide brim hat and bring a water bottle.

and basketball

--Victoria Nugent

5 Walter Street, BLACKALL

Neat as a pin This sturdy and neat three bedroom home comes with refrigerated air, ceiling fan and polished flooring. Master bedroom also features a wall mounted aircon unit and a ceiling fan. Down stairs is the laundry and a second toilet together with a covered outdoor living and entertaining area. For Sale Asking price is $190,000.00 Contact Bernardine 07 4658 1122 / 0429 020 540

47 Thistle Street, BLACKALL

Freshly Painted, Older Style Queensland Home Ideally sited on a 2,036 sqm allotment and featuring three good size bedrooms. An enclosed verandah at front is fitted with modern aluminium windows & fittings. A covered outdoor living and entertainment area is located at the rear of the home together with a garden shed. A permanent tenant is in place if required. For Sale Asking $170,000.00 Contact Bernardine 07 4658 1122 / 0429 020 540

85 Rose Street, BLACKALL

Cosy Country Cottage This cute little cottage on a large 1,730 sqm allotment is just waiting for a White Knight to carry on the good work. Partially renovated with two bedrooms plus study/ office Open plan kitchen, dining and living with polished floorboards. A covered outdoor living and entertainment area. For Sale Asking $170,000.00 Contact Bernardine 07 4658 1122 / 0429 020 540

LJ Hooker 135 Eagle Street PO Box 246 Longreach QLD 4730

LJ Hooker 135 Eagle Street PO Box 246 Longreach QLD 4730

LJ Hooker 135 Eagle Street PO Box 246 Longreach QLD 4730

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, September 30 2011 - Page 15

Blackall Tambo Regional Council Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

Round 2 Grant Funding Closing date 28th October 2011
The RADF program is funded by both Arts Queensland and Blackall Tambo Regional Council and is a Queensland Government initiative which supports development of the arts and culture at a local level through out regional Queensland The Blackall Tambo regional Council invites any person or organisation in Blackall and Tambo to apply for RADF grant funding to help with the cost of cultural development projects or activities for the period 30th November 2011 to 30th June 2012. Funding is available through RADF for Developing Regional skills, Building community cultural capacity Interest free arts loans Cultural tourism Contemporary collections/stories Regional partnerships Concept development arts policy development and implementation Application forms and guidelines are available by contacting the RADF Liaison Officer, Alison Shaw on 07 46216600 or email cfo@btrc.qld.gov.au. Completed application forms to be forwarded to:
Mr Ken Timms Chief Executive Officer Blackall-Tambo Regional Council P O Box 21 BLACKALL QLD 4472. For further information contact: BTRC Council RADF Liaison Officer, Alison Shaw, P O Box 21, Blackall. Qld. 4472. Phone: 0746 216600 Email: cfo@btrc.qld.gov.au

Page 14- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011

Local photographer Sally Cripps has won the regional and emerging section award in the Channel Country Photography competition. The competition sought photographs taken within the Channel Country region, and was open to locals and visitors. The aim of the competition was to encourage tourists, visitors and photographers from all around Australia to visit, and while here, to also try their hand at taking a photo that encapsulates the region, said Miss Shelley Colvin, Project Officer for Vast Arts Inc. Sallys winning photograph Crustacean Jewel will appear in a calendar produced by the Desert Channels Group, featuring photographs from the 12 finalists of the competition , which will be available to purchase from October 3. Sally will also receive $2000 from Exoma Energy, a wing walk at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach and a Vast Arts membership for 2012. Two runners up awards in the regional and emerging section went to Lorraine Kath of Windorah for Road to Desert Island and A View from Deanas Island while

Photography win for Sally

Josh Finlay from Barcaldine took out the encouragement award with his photograph Fate. Winner of the open section was Clare Mulcahy of Longreach for image Yamma Yamma with runner up going to Ruth Rickard, Longreach for Time to Get Going, who also received an encouragement award for Winton Light Show, alongside Michelle Dean, Geelong for Days End At Point. The youth section was won by Thaddeus Poole of Longreach for photograph Coolibah Under Sapphire Sky with Emma Forsythe of Jundah as the runner up with Green Tree Frog, while Thaddeus also took out the encouragement award for The Way Home. The Packers Prize went to Eric Peterson, Barcaldine for Lake Dunn at Sunset. All the competition entries are currently being digitally displayed at the Kinnon and Co Historic Ol World Gallery in Longreach with the winning images available to view online at www.vastarts.net/ gallery and www.dcg.org.au. An official presentation for the awards will be held during October with details yet to be announced.

Showgrounds to receive upgrades

--by Victoria Nugent

The Barcoo Pastoral Society has been successful in gaining over $20,000 in funding from the Community Gambling Fund to upgrade the electrical system for the stables and camping area at the Blackall Showgrounds. The funding also includes provision to concrete the poultry and caged bird pavilion and supply new cages. To apply for the funding, the society joined with the Blackall work camp crew who will provide the manpower to concrete the floor. In their submission the work crew supervisor stated that he was happy to be part of this community work project as this would make a meaningful assignment that would enable the men to gain skills in numerous areas as well as being an excellent contribution to the local community. The skills will aid the prisoners in gaining employment when completing their terms and increase their chances of maintaining a positive future. The electrical system is in urgent need of upgrading and this funding has enabled the Show Society to rectify this problem, with work expected to commence work in the near future.

--Lorelei Kiernan

Do you know of something you think The Barcoo Independent should cover? Contact Victoria Nugent. (07) 4657 6966 barcooindependent@ gmail.com

Blackall photographer Sally Cripps won the regional and emerging section of the 2011 Channel Country Photography Competition with her image Crustacean Jewel. The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011- Page 3

WHATS ON in 2011
OCTOBER

Feel better with BTRC community services

8 Community Markets 8 Blackall Heartland Festival AGM 8 Blackall Hospital Auxiliary Springtime Festival 8-9 Tambo Campdraft 14 Blue Light Disco 15 Blackall Races 15 Elvis Presley Tribute Show 22 BTRC Community Services Feel Good-Feel Better Day 28 Red Dog Screening Tambo 29 Outback Tourism QLD Awards

NOVEMBER 4-5 Gallery Day 5 Halloween Trick or Treat 5 Halloween Blue Light Disco 7-8 SDE Blackall Swim Camp 12 Dance Blackall Annual Concert 13 Music/ Zine Workshops 18 Anglican Ladies Guild Street Stall 26 Blackall Races 26 St Patricks Christmas Fete 27 Christmas Tree Festival

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council through its Blackall Community Services Section will host Feel Good-Feel Better on Saturday October 22 at the MacKillop Centre at St Josephs Catholic School. Commencing at 4pm, the afternoon and evening of fun activities aims to raise awareness of the importance of looking after ones mental health and personal wellbeing. Janelle Jeynes, Megan Turner and Angelique Jones will be available to provide free 15 minute massages. The Royal Flying Doctor Service, the team from Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Service, Queensland Health and North West Queensland Primary Health Care will also be on hand to provide information, answer questions and perform health checks. There will be an opportunity to try Zumba (Latininspired dance-fitness), Tai Chi and participate in the Blue Light boot camp challenge with Sergeant Bruce Trickett. A barbecue dinner and bar will be operated by the St Josephs Parents and Friends Association followed by a screening of the newly released Australian movie, Red Dog, rated PG at 7.30pm. Red Dog tells the legendary story of a stray dog adopted by a community in a dry-roasted Pilbara mining town in the 1970s. Red Dog (Koko) literally appears out of nowhere to hitch a ride into town where he affects the lives of the locals in matters of romance, friendship and life-saving. This day is proudly supported by the Department of Communities, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Services and Queensland Health. For more information, contact councils Blackall Community Service Office on 46 574 440.

DECEMBER 3 Your Amazing Race Gala Dinner 9 Christmas Night Markets 16 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club Members Christmas Party 24 Christmas Eve Mardi Gras, Blackall 24 Christmas in the Park, Tambo 31 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club New Years Eve Costume Party
Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011

Braised soy, ginger and honey beef

Recipe Corner

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 120 minutes 1 tbsp oil 1 large onion, chopped 800 g beef chuck steak, fat trimmed tsp ground cinnamon tsp Chinese 5-spice powder 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp oyster sauce 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander 2 cups steamed basmati rice 4 cups sliced mixed vegetables eg. red capsicum, carrots, sugar snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, baby corn.

Asian stirfries are a great way of getting a balanced meal with meat and a variety of vegetables. This dish includes some classic stirfry ingredients including ginger, coriander, garlic and cinnamon. If you have any recipes youd like to see featured in our recipes section, send an email to barcooindependent@gmail. com.

onion until softened. Place in saucepan or flameproof casserole dish. Heat remaining oil and brown beef in two batches over high heat. Add cinnamon and Chinese 5-spice and stir to combine. Place in saucepan along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, ginger, garlic and cup (125ml) water. Stir to combine. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to very low, cover, and simmer for 1 - 2 hours or until tender. Remove lid and increase heat to reduce and thicken sauce if necessary. Steam or microwave vegetables until just tender. Sprinkle braised beef with coriander and serve with steamed rice and the vegetables.

Heat large non-stick frying pan. Add half the oil and cook

ADVERTISE WITH US! advertising to readers We offer affordable and effective

across the Blackall Tambo region and beyond. Contact Victoria Nugent to discuss rates and make a booking. (07) 4657 6966 barcooindependent@gmail.com

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7- Page 13

INCORPORATED
Phone: 07 4657 6896

UNIT AVAILABLE
For immediate occupation

Your local taxation specialist will be attending their Blackall Office in Woods Arcade on Wednesday 19 October 2011.
For all your Accountancy & Taxation needs contact Prue Button on 07 4657 4144 or email admin@rbca.com.au

Single (no carport)

Conditions apply All enquiries to the Barcoo Retirement Village Office Ph 4657 6896 Email: barcooretirement@bigpond.com 9 12 Monday to Friday

Ross BakeR Woolpool

Ross is the person to call when it comes to your small clips (20 bales) and leftover bulk class bales and butts Mernio and some XB Wool. I even shear small mobs to help keep your paddocks clean Give Ross a call on 0429 017 660

Wool Growers

The Barcoo Retirement Village Incorporated A Public Benevolent Institution is registered as a Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) and has TCC status. Email: barcooretirement@bigpond.com ABN: 23 395 781 583

INCORPORATED
Phone: 07 4657 6896

ANNUAL MEETING
Barcoo Retirement Village Committee
To be held at the Blackall Club

Friday 28th October 2011 At 2pm

Community Members interested in aged care are welcome

The Barcoo Retirement Village Incorporated A Public Benevolent Institution is registered as a Deductable Gift Recipient (DGR) and has TCC status. Email: barcooretirement@bigpond.com ABN: 23 395 781 583

Page 12- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011

Digital storytelling for rural Gallery Day youth under the spotlight
Digital storytelling in rural areas is set to come under the microscope in research being undertaken by a university student from a grazing property near Jericho. 24 year old Sasha Mackay is six months into her PhD study at the Queensland University of Technology, which will see her spend three years researching how young people in rural areas can use digital storytelling to construct their own identities. Sasha said she felt digital storytelling served a wide range of purposes for rural youth, including providing a way of coping with difficulties, raising awareness of issues in their lives and creating understanding and empathy for the situations. There are so many stereotypes in the bush and particularly surrounding young people, Sasha said. Digital storytelling lets them speak back against any stereotypes and tell their own personal stories. I think there needs to be more platforms where voices are given a value. Sasha was the western Queensland winner of the ABC Heywire competition in 2008, and has also worked for Heywire as a producer and online editor and said her experiences motivated her to conduct further research into digital storytelling for youth. Heywire is full of passionate young people with such big ideas, Sasha said. It was amazing to meet 16 year olds who were so passionate and knowledgeable about whats going on in the cattle industry for instance. Sasha said her research would focus however, on entrants who didnt win the competition, to find out what they got out of the storytelling experience. I want to find out if they found it valuable and what outcomes came to them from telling their stories, she said.

--Victoria Nugent

The Blackall Cultural Association will hold their annual Gallery Day at the Living Arts Centre on Friday November 4 with an evening event, before continuing on Saturday. Exhibitors are invited by the association to display their arts and craft for sale. This year the feature artist is Alison Shaw from Tambo with her glass creations. The association is expecting displays of many varied articles: jewelry, silversmithing, leather, hand made cards, ceramics, goats milk soaps are just a few. The event is also being used to celebrate the 20 year anniversary for RADF. A display of past achievements made possible by this funding body will feature in one of the rooms at the Living Arts Centre. The Association would like to extend an invitation to the communities of Blackall and Tambo to join them to enjoy some light refreshments and an evening of light entertainment and take the opportunity to purchase quality hand made merchandise. The centre will be open from 5.30pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday.

First aid courses

--Lorelei Kiernan

Jerichos Sasha Mackay is working towards her PhD on how rural youth can use digital storytelling.

Blackall residents wishing to brush up on their first aid skills will have the chance with courses being held in October. A CPR course will be held on October 29 from 8:30am-11am at QAS Blackall, 4 Coronation Drive for a cost of $61.10. The Apply First Aid course will also be held on October 29 at QAS Blackall from 8:30am-5pm for a cost of $134.50. Anyone wishing to enrol in either course is asked to call 46 574 440 9am to 5pm or email cdo@btrc. qld.gov.au

1st Sunday of month Sunday Night Live 1ststSunday of month 1 Sunday of month Sunday Night Live Sunday Night Live rd 3 Sunday of month Fun Social Event 3rd Sunday of month 3rd Sunday of month Fun Social Event Fun Social Event

Worship services Sundays 9am PLUS...... Worship services Sundays 9am PLUS......

BLACKALL LUNIITIITIGGCHURCHH BBservices KAL 9amNN INN CCHURC Ballment LLAC ALL UU PLUS...... ACK Sundays T NG HURCH Contact: Rev Scott Worship
6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm

Kids Club Monday 3:30 5pm. Kids Club Monday 3:30 5pm. All All welcome. Kids Club Monday 3:30 5pm. Allwelcome. welcome.

Contact: Rev Scott Ballment Contact: Rev Scott Ballment Ph 07 46512662 Ph 07 46512662 Ph 07 46512662 Local contacts: 46574740; Local contacts: 46574740; Local contacts: 46574740; 46574546; 46574884 46574546; 46574884 46574546; 46574884

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011 - Page 5

PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK

Something very Special, This 3 bedroom air conditioned home is the perfect Queenslander set on 2023sqm block. An outdoor living space and landscaped gardens complete this home. Solar panel system to be installed so save on your electricity bill. $250,000.00 Rare Opportunity To purchase this stable block consisting of ten stables, wash down block, power and let out sand yards. $50,000.00 For all your Real Estate Enquiries Contact :Helen Aspinall - rural.blackall.qld@raywhite.com Ph. 46 574 355 Mobile0428 316 289

WEEKLY SPECIALS
Navigation Systems Navman S35 $249 Now $199 Save $50 Navman Ezy 40 $229 Now $149 Save $80 Navman Ezy30 $179 Now $129 Save $50 Tom Tom 5 $329.95 Now $279.00 Save $50.95 New stock this week Jaycar Products, including Solar Powered Eco House, Rechargeable solar Powered Car, solarpowered crickets, cards & bugs. Saber Swords, torches plus much much more.

BLACKALL RETRAVISION

Computer Starter Pack Includes wired keyboard & mouse, web cam, 2 speakers and 4 port hub. Was $59.95 Now $39.95 October Catalogue for Retravision & Jaycar starts Saturday. Get your copy now.

Delivering Results

BTRC Community Services invites you to join them for an afternoon and evening of fun (In recognition of the importance of looking after our Mental Health) ZUMBA
Free Health Checks

TAI CHI

SNAP MASSAGES
BLUE LIGHT BOOT CAMP CHALLENGE WITH SERGEANT BRUCE
Dinner Available Popcorn Bar
MOVIE NIGHT

(PG)

When: Sat 22nd Oct 11 Where: Mackillop Centre, St Josephs Time:

School, Blackall Gates open 4pm ~ Movie starts 7:30pm

Proudly sponsored by:

aToDs

Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday,October 7 2011

reliable service. PH 0458 532 155. Interested in advertising in the classifieds? Classifieds costs $5 for 3 lines, and $1.25 for each extra line. Contact Victoria Nugent on 46 576 966 or by email at barcooindependent@gmail. com.

OUTWEST Soil Tests. Prompt and

CLASSIFIEDS

THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT

Second hand art wanted at Tambo

The Grassland Art Gallery in Tambo is looking for submissions for a pre-loved art sale in early 2012. The sale will run from mid January to the end of February and submissions of all mediums of art are welcomed. Anyone interested in finding out more is asked to contact Alison Shaw on 46 216600 or by email at CFO@btrc.qld.gov.au.

Kevin Harlow had a trip down memory lane at the Winton Outback Festival recently when he drove the truck he used to drive 50 years ago in the Grand Parade. The truck is a 1959 Comma Knocker which was owned by Owen Stockwells Blackall Freighting Co. It has been restored and is presently housed in the Winton Truck Museum.

BLACKALL FLOORING OUTLET

Flooring The Outback
49 GARDEN ST. 46576886 0437419298 Andrew & Sam Shale.

CARPET - DOMESTIC STOCK SALE @ $119 L/M fully Installed, No Hidden Extras. Book it in now- OCTOBER ONLY Layby Available NOW. - COMMERCIAL CARPET - OUTDOOR CARPET FOR VERANDAHS, BOATS, CARAVANS. CERAMIC TILE NOW 30% OFF OCTOBER ONLY - BATHROOM KITCHEN OR ANYWHERE IN THE HOME. - CERAMIC TILE FOR FLOORS, WALLS, AND DECO FREIZES FOR THAT ADDED TOUCH. VINYL - LINO FOR THE HOME OR COMMERCIAL USE. COME AND SAY GDAY.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011 - Page 11

Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7, 2011 - Page 7

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council mayor Jan Ross has welcomed the announcement from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority of $9.4M to repair flood damaged roads. Described as an initial allocation, the announcement was made when QRA CEO Graeme Newton and chair Major-General Richard Wilson visited Blackall last week. This is 30 per cent of the Blackall-Tambo Regional Councils ask and it will be used to secure the gravel and the associated haulage to achieve the required value for money outcomes, a QRA spokesman said. This is what the council wants and aligns with the QRAs process of locals getting on with the job and prioritising their own works. Blackall-Tambo has already had a $2.9M advance paid in March 2011. It was one of the first in the state to get the advance. So far $497 million has been paid in advance grants to 57 councils. Cr Ross said the money would help council get moving to repair the regions water damaged road

Funding to repair Blackalls damaged roads

network. Every road in the region has damage, she said. Council has employed 15 extra people to help do the work, and were going to use contractors. People should register their machinery with council it will be worthwhile if they can see two years work ahead. As well as councillors, a number of community members were invited to last Fridays announcement to share their weather damage stories with the QRA. Amongst them was Tambos acting sergeant Michael Downs, who said road conditions were a factor in the significant increase in traffic accidents on the Landsborough Highway around Tambo this year. They include three caravan rollovers, two truck rollovers and a single vehicle accident. Business proprietors Max Seymour and Peter Marks spoke of the hardships experienced by 2010s extended wet. Mr Seymour said it was the first time in his 16 years that no-one

had been shopping. According to Mr Marks his business takings were down 30 per cent a month from October to March. To get cut off is significant, he said. Now its hard to employ people they have all left the west. Tracy Lewington talked about the ripple effect the rain had on logging operations and sawmill employment, while Ashley Johnson and Pat Bredhauer outlined the difficulties in moving cattle to markets and the loss of revenue for a number of months. The QRA heard Dorothy Thiedekes story of getting mail and stores through with a flying fox apparatus. Our son is a contractor and he went seven months without work, she said. A lot of people went broke and theres less machinery in the district to do the work now. Major General Wilson welcomed the comments and said there was no substitute for hearing directly from affected people.

-- Sally Cripps

Blackall and Tambo landholders and business owners, including Pat Bredhauer (2nd left) and Dorothy Thiedeke (2nd right) discussed the impacts of the 2010/11 flooding with Blackall-Tambo Regional Council CEO Ken Timms, mayor Jan Ross, QRA chair Major General Richard Wilson and CEO Graeme Newton when the Qld Reconstruction Authority visited Blackall last week. Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011

Western youth invited to say Hello Sunday Morning

Young people from across the central west are being encouraged to give up alcohol for three months and be part of a short film documenting their experience. The film is being produced by Desert Channels Group in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Health - Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Service and Hello Sunday Morning. The film will examine rural youth culture, centreing around the Hello Sunday Morning blogging initiative which encourages individuals to give up alcohol for three months. Hello Sunday Morning started in 2008 when Brisbane 22-yearold Chris Raine decided to give up alcohol for a year and blog about his experiences as a way of changing his lifestyle to be nonreliant on alcohol. Film producer Alun Hoggett said film was initially conceived to examine the influence of alcohol in rural youth culture, with it later decided to use the Hello Sunday Morning initiative as the central point of the work. We needed some stronger stories so we decided to focus in on Hello Sunday Morning and get real experiences from people of various ages, Alun said. Alun said the Hello Sunday Morning movement had really taken off in recent years and he looked forward to following the stories of rural participants. Most of the people who sign up to Hello Sunday Morning have a very positive response, Alun said Alun said there has already been over a dozen people sign up for the project, but they were still looking for more participants, particularly in the 18-24 age bracket. If there are young people in

LETTERS TO THE outDITOR E sickening Blackalls mining opt

When I read the article in The Barcoo Independent (Friday 23 Edition) of Councils decision to opt out of the State Governments proposed Restricted Area 384, restricting mining and exploration within a two kilometre radius of our town, I felt physically sick. I was pleased to read Fred Richs Letter to the Editor in last weeks edition, questioning the Councils decision to undertake such a major decision without consulting the population who live within the two kilometre radius. It was stated in the article that it is important to have information and sound knowledge regarding the resources underneath our soil. The mining and exploration companies will find out what profitable minerals and gas lie under the soil in our area. Why should they have the right to do so in the middle of our town, when the government is providing us with an opportunity to protect it? I firmly believe that opting out of the Restricted Area is irresponsible and reckless. In this situation I think it is necessary to look at the worst case scenario and assume it can come to pass. Suppose the

Blackall who sign up for Hello Sunday Morning, well come down and film them, Alun said. Singer Mick Lindsay has also signed up with the project, writing a song for inclusion in the film. People who sign up for the Rural Hello Sunday Morning will become a part of an online community across Australia and will get to follow others experiences and share their own challenges and high points on the journey. Alun said blogging allowed participants to share their experiences at the same time as feeling part of a community. Participants get into a support network of other people who are doing the same thing, Alun said. Anyone wishing to be involved is asked to contact Alun at Desert Channels Group, Longreach on 46527820 or by email at alun@ dcsolutions.org.au.

exploration and mining companies discover that Blackall is sitting on a rich deposit of coal. What then? Will we be forced to abandon our beautiful town and lifestyle for the sake of some multi-national company to dig it up and sell it to India and China for a massive profit? I love living here. I love the lifestyle, the safety, the freedom, the people and the landscape. Opting out of the Restricted Zone potentially compromises everything that is good and right about our town. Council should be lobbying to have the exclusion zone extended not removed completely! It was also stated in the article that this potential mining and exploration is an opportunity for development. I ask you whether growth for the sake of growth is desirable? Growth for our town and region could be a wonderful thing, but I personally do not wish my town to develop and grow if it is to the detriment of the lifestyle that we know and love.

If anyone is looking for a good nights entertainment and a great experience then I can highly recommend the Elvis Presley show at the Blackall Cultural Centre on Saturday October 15. I saw Dean Vegas do his show at the Caloundra RSL a couple of years ago and his performance of the Kings songs is unbelievable. On stage, Dean Vegas looks like Elvis, and he sounds like Elvis. Do yourselves a favour and take in one of the closest renditions of Elvis Presley youll ever see anywhere.

Elvis show amazing

--Barry Muir

--Kirstie Davison

Is there something you feel strongly about or would like to see discussed further? Send a letter to the editor Names may be withheld upon request, but must be provided to the editor. 108A Shamrock Street, Blackall QLD 4472 barcooindependent@gmail. com

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 7 2011 - Page 9