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Sport on the Barcoo
Page 20 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
A great day of junior rugby league was witnessed last Saturday when the Barcaldine Sand Goannas and the Longreach Thomson Tigers travelled to Blackall to contest five grades of junior league.
First to take to the field were Brent Gerber’s under 7s. These guys and gals provided great entertainment and continue to improve with every game they play.
The 8s followed and continued their good form, not conceding a try in their two round robin matches.
Dan Burton and Mark Mckay’s under 10s and 12s continued the entertainment.
The under 14s finished the day with two strong performances under the watchful eye of their coach Peter Ward, Central West president Brett Harvey, and the under 13 and 14 Central West representative coaches.
The Central West representative teams play this weekend in Barcaldine against the Central Highlands, Gladstone and Rockhampton teams.
Local players picked to play for the Central West are Jesse Negus, Ronan Robinson, Jack Ward,
Kyle Hearn, Brady Prow, Tom Flynn, Jack Politch, Dylan Dolinski and DJ Kangan.
The next game of football for the juniors will be another home game on Sunday, May 11, against the Barcaldine Sand Goannas, and the club hopes to get another great roll-up of spectators to add to the excitement of the day.
The Blackall Junior Rugby League has been successful in their nomination to take an under 11s team to the annual Laurie Spina Shield hosted by the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on June 27-28.
The weekend consists of a competition for 48 under 11 teams as well as attending a North Queensland Cowboys team training session and attending the Cowboys game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on the Saturday night.
The Blackall juniors aged 10 and 11 are all very excited about this trip and will soon be busy training together to prepare for this weekend away.
Blackall hosts junior league clusterBy Peter Hauff
Shauna Kangan puts on a burst of speed for the under 7’s against Longreach.
Kelly Hauff strongly defends for Blackall in the under 12’s game.
The Blackall Pistol Club held its Cowards Earthmoving Standard and Air Pistol handicap events last Sunday, April 27.
In the standard match event Doug Lane took out first place with a score of 615, closely followed by Bruce McPaul on 607.
Third place went to Arthur Elmy on 595, just ahead of Noelene Gleeson on 594.
Other scores were: Spencer Astill 588; Aub Carter 573; Robyn Lound 561; Peter Fenson 546.
Top round was a 91 shot by Aub Carter in the 20 second round.
Doug Lane took out a double for the day by also coming first in the Air Pistol event with a score of 630.
Runner-up was Noelene Gleeson with 606, while third place went to Arthur Elmy with 597.
Robyn Lound had 582 and Aub Carter 564.Top off-pistol scores were shot by Robyn Lound
with a 507 and Arthur Elmy 505.The next official shoot is the Cowards Earthmoving
Centre Fire and Sports Pistol events to be held on Sunday, May 18 starting at 9am.
Doug Lane takes Pistol Club double
INDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO
-- page -- page
Blackall’s own community newspaperMay 2 2008 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: [email protected]
Blackall’s old soldiers and the youth of the district alike were charged with the task of recording the war service of veterans, in the main address given at the Anzac Day service in Blackall. Lieutenant Brendan Perkins of the Royal Australian Artillery told the gathering in the Memorial Park that Anzac Day was a time for renewal, a time to recharge the national spirit and remember what makes Australia great. “My task for the old soldiers is to grab somebody and tell them your story,” he said. “And the task for the younger generations is to listen and record. “Blackall has a proud record of service – do not let the memories of it fade.”Lieutenant Perkins said it had been a great honour
to represent the Australian Defence Force in Blackall. “I was very impressed with the turn-out at the dawn service,” he said. Blackall RSL sub-branch president Terry Brennan made note of the 40th anniversary of some of the most protracted battles in the Vietnam War, when he spoke at the service. Known as the battles of Coral and Balmoral and beginning on May 13, 1968 they affected the Australian course in the war, according to Mr Brennan. “They were the largest battles that Australia was involved in, in South Vietnam, more so than the battle of the better-known Long Tan,” he said. A large group of people took part in the Anzac Day march along Shamrock Street.
Anzac message for young and old by Sally Cripps
Sophie Negus marched with the Girl Guides on Anzac Day.
According to a news report on ABC Radio last Tuesday, funding for an extension to McLean Place and for a major development in Tambo is likely to be scrapped by the federal government. The federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor told ABC Radio that seven or eight regional projects in his electorate were under threat. Funding for Blackall and Tambo was pledged under the Howard government’s Regional Partnerships Program. It had committed $550 000 towards a 10-bed extension for Blackall’s aged care facility at McLean Place, and $380 000 towards a redevelopment of Woodies Building in Tambo. The Regional Partnerships Program was criticised by the auditor-general before last year’s federal election and Mr Trevor said he had been told
Blackall-Tambo project funding in danger
Continued on page 3
Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
DATE CLAIMERSDATE CLAIMERSMAY3 Woolscour dinner and tour3 Show triathlon4 Blackall show7 Woolscour dinner and tour8 Cattle sale9 Arts Council AGM10 Girl Guides Mothers Day
cent sale10/11 Youth art mural10 Kindy Quick Shear11 Jnr League v Barcaldine12-23 Heartland Festival poet in
residence14 Blackall Tambo Council
meeting14 Woolscour dinner and tour15 Cattle sale16 Up The Garden Path
workshop16 Woolscour open mike night16-18 Black Stump campdraft17 SpeakOut Drop In
workshops17/18 Poetry workshop17/18 Wool felt hat making
workshop
20-23 Resin art workshop20-23 Wool history display21 Woolscour night dinner
and tour22 Cattle sale23 Heartland Festival
celebration dinner24 Woolscour celebration/
bush dinner24 Corporate Golf Day24/25 Gillespie Open Garden24-28 Painting workshop25-29 Quilting workshop28 Woolscour dinner and tour29 Cattle sale29/30 Knitting workshop30 Heartland Festival Art
Show opening31 Art show31 Matilda Highway race
meeting31 In The Bin film nightJUNE1 CWA community lunch4 Woolscour dinner and tour5 Cattle sale7 Woolscour bush dinner
and tour11 Woolscour dinner and tour12 Cattle sale18 Woolscour dinner and tour19 Weaner and store sale
25 Woolscour night dinner and tour
26 Blackall Pony Club shield/ open gymkhana
JULY2 Woolscour dinner and tour5 Noel Allom Memorial Cup
race meeting5 Woolscour bush dinner
and tour9 Woolscour dinner and tour16 Woolscour dinner and tour23 Woolscour dinner and tour24 60+ Better Christmas in
July30 Woolscour dinner and tourAUGUST2 Woolscour bush dinner
and tour6 Woolscour dinner and tour9 RYMA sports day /
Zookeepers band13 Woolscour dinner and tour18 Vietnam Veterans Day20 Woolscour dinner and tour27 Woolscour dinner and tourSEPTEMBER6 Flower Show6 Woolscour bush dinner and
tour20 Springtime Affair
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESKThis has been a most eventful time since my last
article.I was able to attend the Queensland Local
Government Symposium of Infrastructure along with acting CEO Brenda Kelly and Director of Works Ross Browning.
I found the workshops extremely interesting and very informative.
There was a great race day in Tambo on the 19th of April with visitors from Blackall enjoying the afternoon, before the Tambo golf open on the 20th.
The first general meeting of the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council was held on Wednesday the 23rd of April in Tambo. All councillors attended.
I would like to mention the competition for a new logo for our Regional Council, open to all residents of our region with cash voucher prizes of $500 for adults and $300 for the younger generation up to 18 years.
There will be an entry form available from the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council office in the near future.
I am sure all of those imaginative and creative people will have their pencils and brushes busy. Both shires have had very distinctive logos to represent their community. It is over to you all now to see what you will create to identify our region.
I was delighted to receive an invitation from the Blackall State School to attend their Anzac commemorative presentation at the Cultural Centre.
I congratulate the students and the teaching
staff on the very dedicated and thought fu l prayers , dialogue of the history of local military heroes and poemsin this presentation. It was indeed appreciated by all attending.
I was also pleased to be able to attend the Blackall RSL Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph in the Memorial Park.
My congratulations to Mr Terry Brennan and Mr Don Daly on a wonderful service attended by many.
I would also like to thank the senior students and teaching staff of the Blackall State School for the most welcome breakfast and the Anzac biscuits.
I would also like to express my appreciation to deputy mayor Peter Skewes for attending the morning parade and ceremony in my stead.
I was able to travel to Tambo to participate in the Anzac Day ceremony for 2008.
Tambo Stock Show on the 26th was a great day for all attending.
Perfect weather saw a really big crowd enjoy the various exhibits and the results of the competitions.
I believe a huge THANK YOU is due to the president of the Tambo Stock Show committee Mrs Jenni Peters and to all the enthusiastic committee who have worked so diligently to create the wonderful 34th Tambo Stock Show.
Jan Ross
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 19
Sunday, April 13 saw the end of season break-up for Blackall’s junior cricketers.
To end the season a match was played between players, parents and friends before the trophy presentation.
Trophy winners were: cricketer of the year - Bradley Hayes, most improved - Justin Johnstone and Jamie Harvey.
Caitlin Johnstone and Ben Emerick received trophies for well played, best match player was awarded to Jamie Harvey.
Best bowler and most catches were received by Hamish Heard, while best batsman and most catches went to Jamie Harvey.
Best fieldsman - Jesse Negus, best bowling - Tom Doonar 3/11, highest score - Bradley Hayes 56 not out and Hamish Heard 54 not
Trophy winners, players and organisers at the junior cricket break-up in April.
Junior cricket break up
out, well played - Jayden Bird.The group’s two sponsors,
Blackall IGA and the Barcoo Hotel Raffle Group were thanked for their support, along with adult organisers Dwayne, Donald and Steven.
Junior cricket is looking forward to starting up again next summer.
-- by Cindy Harvey
Blackall year 10 student Whylie Wilson recently travelled to Townsville to play in the 15 years President’s Trials rugby league carnival as part of the central west team.
After his return to Blackall Whylie was informed of his selection as part of the President’s 13 team to play at a four-day carnival in Redcliffe.
Whylie will leave Blackall on May 5 to travel with his father Bob to Brisbane by bus. He will attend training at Dolphin Oval at Redcliffe on Tuesday, in preparation for the carnival which will start on May 8.
Whylie’s usual playing position is second row and he has enjoyed being part of junior league teams for the part couple of years.
Due to the low numbers of players of a similar age, Whylie has been playing for the Barcaldine juniors, winning the Gemfields competition. He was also a member of Barcaldine’s under 15 central west premiership winning team last year.
Local Woolscour identity and Whylie’s father, Bob Wilson has offered a unique
Whylie wins rugby league selection
Bob Wilson and Robert Stockwell holding the artwork that is being raffled to assist Whylie Wilson (centre) with sports levies and travel expenses.
painting to be raffled in support of Whylie’s expenses.
The painting is of a pair of Clydesdales ploughing a field and is unique in being a watercolour painted on a cigarette paper. The framed painting is valued at $700.
Local photographer Robert Stockwell has donated a large framed photograph from his current collection as a prize
as well. The photograph is of an old sulky and water tank near Emerald and is valued at $275.
Raffle proceeds will assist Whylie with levies, uniforms and travel expenses and are available from the school office, the Blackall Woolscour, Dot Marks, and Kim Avery.
They will be drawn on May 4.
Caitlin Johnstone shows off her junior cricket tropies.
Page 18- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
A much drier month is likely, with a couple of rain afternoons around the end of this forecast period. Average temperatures for maximums may be around 26C and for minimums around 12C. Over the period humidity may average about 71% and the barometer about 1018mbs. Wind gusts are likely about the 17th. Expect temperature swings about 7th-11th and 20th-24th.
Allow 24 hour error for forecasts.
Estimated rain times
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Longrange Weather Predictions For Blackall 4 May 2008 – 31 May
© Ken Ring 2008 Ken Ring’s book “Predict Weather for Australia 2008” is available email [email protected]
At a Glance
(By The Moon) from Ken Ring of www.predictweather.com
There was a big upset in handicap singles at the Blackall Bowls Club last Sunday, with Julie Blucher playing great bowls to defeat Tex Hayward 31-10.
Even allowing for her eight-start, it was a big win.
In the final of the 2007 sets of nines, Col Pfingst proved too consistent for Gumby Chapman, winning 7-5 and 9-4.
In another sets of nines game, Rob Doyle played very good bowls but was just shaded by Dally Holden 7-5 and 10-5.
In sets of nine ends on Sunday, April 20 Lou Kelly once again proved too good for Woody, winning 18-2 and 8-5.
Col Pfingst caused a bit of an upset in another game of nine ends when, using his new bowls, he
defeated Ross Browning. Ross was leading on
the first set 12-4, but then Col fired up to win the next two sets 11-5 and 13-1.
In handicap singles young Mitchell Pfingst was far from disgraced, going down to Gumby Chapman 31-16 in a good game.
On paper it looked as if Dally Holden had an easy win 31-9 in B singles, but if Marty Gray had had a bit of luck with a lot of his shots it would have been a lot closer game.
There will be no competition bowls this Sunday due to the Blackall Show, but social bowls will be available in the morning if anyone wishes to play.
-- by Dally Holden
Julie upsets Tex in handicap bowls
The Blackall Tennis Club’s Ladies tennis meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 9:30am and play until 11:30am.
All participants bring a plate to share for morning tea and the canteen is open as well.
Children are most welcome as there is a playground there for them to use.
The ladies are there to have fun and enjoy the social aspect of the morning. It is very much a morning of ‘hits and giggles’. Ball fees are $4.
Please contact Brenda Emerick with enquiries on 46574562.
Ladies tennis looking for players
Rebecca Parry prepares to smash the ball at the Blackall Tennis Club’s ladies tennis morning.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 3
Stick it where the sun shines!
Now @ Outback Emporium, Blackall Phone 46 576 220
Federal funding for aged care in limbo
the funding will not be released under Labor. “I’ve received advice from Prime Minister [Kevin Rudd] that all my election commitments will be met by the government,” he said. “But at this stage those programs will remain under review and there’s every likelihood that they will not proceed.” Barcoo Retirement Village chairman Owen Stockwell reacted cautiously to the media report. “We have had no official notification of the status of our funding,” he said. “We are getting quite anxious and looking forward to hearing from someone.” “It’s disappointing to have it drag on this way.” Blackall-Tambo Regional Council’s acting director of
Corporate and Community Services and the man responsible for the Tambo funding application, Rob Hayward said the news report was a bit disheartening. “We have already been granted $150 000 for our project under the state’s Q150 celebration funding, but that money will be lost if the federal money doesn’t come through,” he said. Under the project, the Woodies Building, one of Tambo’s oldest, will be redeveloped to house the Education Centre, have two offices for rent, one space for retail, and an art gallery and workshop. “Already four businesses have expressed an interest in using those proposed offices,” said Mr Hayward. “Every time we have retail space advertised, people are queuing up to use it.”
Continued from page 1
Blackall will be receiving an extra QantasLink flight for the next four months, thanks to the temporary closure of the Barcaldine airport due to its runway redevelopment. The Saturday service that normally operates from Brisbane to Roma and Barcaldine and back to Roma and Brisbane, will now be landing in Blackall instead of Barcaldine. This is effective from May 4, giving Blackall four flights a week to Brisbane for
approximately four months. While the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council was pleased to hear of the additional flight, it was concerned that the Barcaldine Regional Council had not made any arrangements to bus passengers to Blackall for the Saturday flight. The Tuesday and Thursday services that normally touch down in Barcaldine have been redirected to Longreach, and the Barcaldine council is running a bus service between
Barcy airport closure gives Blackall an extra flightthe two towns. Longreach already has a direct flight to Brisbane on Saturday, and the Barcaldine bus will link with that service rather than bringing passengers to Blackall. A Barcaldine council spokesperson said it couldn’t be done because there was only one bus, and “it couldn’t be split in half”. Blackall-Tambo’s acting CEO, Brenda Kelly said she had already expressed her disappointment to Barcaldine’s CEO Ian Badham that her council hadn’t been consulted. Cr Peter Skewes described the action as “undermining”. “We gave Barcaldine assistance when our airport was being redeveloped and they should return the favour to us,” he said. “They wouldn’t have had any air services at all except for Blackall giving them some of our services years ago.” Ms Kelly said the Blackall-Tambo council would have had lots of information to share with Barcaldine regarding emergency and RFDS procedures used, if they had seen fit to get in touch. Blackall-Tambo resolved to write to Barcaldine and formally express its disappointment at not being consulted regarding arrangements for a bus to service the temporary Saturday flight.
-- by Sally Cripps
Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
Fresh Beef Lasagna Trays 2kg - $8.99 ea
Whole Jap pumpkin - 87c/kg
Smith’s Chips boxes asst 20pk - $4.99 ea
Devondale Cheese 500gr - $4.29
Milo 70gr tin - $6.99 ea
BLACKALL IGA
Design a new logo for the Blackall-Tambo
Regional CouncilYour design can be submitted in sketch
form or by a computer generated program in any format
PrizesWinning logo for open entry- $500.00Winning logo for junior (18 years and
under) entry- $300.00
Submissions close 4.30pm on Friday 13 June 2008
For more information regarding this competition please contact Lisa Goodman by
phoning (07) 46 574 222.Entry forms can be obtained from the
Council offices in Blackall and Tambo.
Letter to the EditorI am involved in the Blackall
Blue Light Association and I am astounded, to say the least, at council’s actions in closing the Memorial Hall in Short Street to community organisations.
I encourage all aspects of youth development and I, like many parents, involve myself as much as my time allows. I actively participate and assist in developing not my kids, but our community’s kids, into thoughtful, tolerant, productive adults.
I do not have a working knowledge of “Speak Out” but this activity should be and has been supported by council and the community. I applaud them. But, and it is a very big but, should council’s support of one group be at the expense of other groups that utilise the Memorial Hall?
Our secretary has corresponded with council to seek access to
the Memorial Hall for Blue Light discos and has received a reply advising that the hall is closed to all other activities.
Last disco we had 72 kids. The CWA has generously allowed us to use their hall but 72 kids dancing and playing gets very hot and crowded. The Memorial Hall is a perfect venue for our Blue Light discos. The hall has toilets and a kitchen. It is off Shamrock Street, allowing safe parking. It has lighting, air conditioning and it is big enough for the kids to enjoy themselves and move away from the action if they wish.
I would encourage community members to ask their local elected councillor to, if you’ll pardon the pun, “PLEASE EXPLAIN”. Brent Gerber 28 Garden Street
Blue Light sees red over hall closureThe Blackall CWA has been
successful in obtaining an Emergency Drought Aid Grant from QCWA, which will allow the group, in association with the Blue Light committee, to hold a free community function.
They are planning a lunch afternoon with food, drinks and entertainment for the kids.
Tentatively scheduled for Sunday, June 1, the function is an opportunity for the town and country people of Blackall to get together, leave their worries behind for an afternoon and to socialize in a relaxing atmosphere.
On Sunday, April 20 the Blackall CWA held its much-awaited stalls morning.
Its success brought about the general consensus that it should be made a twice-yearly function.
The fruit and vege tray was won by Zach Frost and the multi-draw, consisting of 11 items, was woFresh n by 11 different people.
-- by Lavina Anderson
CWA shouts Blackall to lunch
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 17
Blackall Combined Agents yarded a total of 3950 head at the special steer sale held last Thursday, April 24.
The vast majority of the yarding consisted of Brahman and Brahman cross type steers, with many fitting the heavy feeder weight ranges.
The Tindall family from Macfarlane Downs, Tambo, sold a line of 360 Shorthorn and Shorthorn cross steers, with the bullocks making up to 153.2c, heavy feeders to 159.2c and weaner steers selling to 179.2 c/kg.
Listowel Downs sold a draft of heavy feeder Santa steers to a top of 162.2c for 497 kg to average 158.8c for 445 kg.
David Moore, McKinlay sold Red Angus cross steers weighing 436 kg for a top price of 158c or $698 to achieve an average of $612 for 385kg.
The Webber family of Cloncurry sold 1500 No. 6 Brahman steers to average 400 kg and 145c.
Store steers account Beco Pastoral Co, Jericho, sold Charolais cross Brahman steers to average 159c, to return $582/head.
At the Combined Agents sale a week earlier, 2100 head were yarded, with values for meatworks cattle holding firm to dearer but store cattle struggling to maintain the week’s rates.
The market eased with big numbers still on the move throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Massive numbers of cattle continue to cross the border from the Northern Territory and lines of up to 20 000 weaners are being quoted.
The next Blackall fat and store sale will be held on May 8.
Large cattle yardings continue
Despite the best efforts of wild dogs, blowflies and floodwater, most sheep in the Barcoo Pastoral Society wether trial managed to survive and return good results at the annual shearing at Blackall last week.
“It’s probably fairly typical of the year most of us have had so the figures should be a good guide for local producers,” said steward Rod Allpass.
Results were spread around with no one property dominating. The team from Avonleigh, owned by Graham and Susan McDonald and managed by Mr Allpass, took out first prize in the 2004 age group, recording an average price of $52.49 for their wool.
Second place went to James and Sarah Pearson at Terrick ($49.71), just pipping Scott Counsell at Lyndon, Barcaldine ($49.61).
The 2005 drop results saw Bevan and Julie Hauff, Colart rewarded with the highest wool average for the day, of $56.06 a sheep.
They were followed by
Lyndon with $53.93 and Home Creek, another Barcaldine entry, owned by Willie and Marcelle Chandler, with $50.15.
The team entered by Bill and Sally Cripps, Melrose won the 2006 wool average, with fleeces averaging $52.57.
The Lloyd family, Lorne were in second place ($51.93) and Bruce Alexander, Warringah took out third place ($51.47).
The Cripps family won the QantasLink trophy for the highest valued single fleece, which was priced at $65.88, heading another 2006 entry from Lorne ($64.87) and one from Colin and Roslyn Wood’s 2004 team from Koondoo ($60.03).
Lyndon won the Thornleigh Trophy and Dogmaster Training prize by coming out ahead in the aggregate for teams with entries in all three years of the competition.
Their three-year aggregate was $48.79, leading Avonleigh on $46.58 and Koondoo on $43.22.
Joe Taylor and Anita Dennis, Coolagh won the
Blackall wether trial beats dogs and fliesBy Sally Cripps
prize for the best pen of mutton sheep with their 2005 drop first cross Dohne team, which had an average carcase value of $54.59.
Their consistent frame edged out entries from James and Sarah Pearson, who had one 2004 drop sheep weighing 68.5 kilograms and paying $57.64.
The Pearsons won the Newport Apartments trophy for the supreme pen though, when the combined wool and carcase results of their 2004 team gave them an average value of $97.58 a head.
Just behind them were the 2004 Koondoo team with $96.51 and Lyndon’s 2005 team with $94.25.
Landmark were the agents at work on the day, valuing fleeces and carcases.
Mr Allpass said 10 new teams had entered the competition this year, from Blackall, Tambo and Barcaldine properties.
Wether trial prizes will be presented at the Blackall Show on Sunday, May 4.
Landmark’s Longreach manager Ian Duncan classed the fleeces for the Barcoo Pastoral Society wether trial at Avonleigh, with Mandy Cripps giving a hand.
Page 16 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT
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extra line * For Sale * Happy Birthday * * In Memoriam * AGM *
Please send your contributions to: Email: [email protected]: PO Box 195, Blackall Q Phone/fax: 4657 6966 or in person: The Blackall Visitor Information Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall
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Contributions Advertising Rates 2008 Photos For SaleThe Barcoo Independent has photos taken by Sally Cripps in 2007/8 for sale. Please call in to the Blackall Visitor Information Centre to view and/or purchase the photos.
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Building the foundation for life-long learning and creating a caring and nurturing environment are just two of the objectives the staff at the Blackall Kindergarten endeavour to create for the children who attend the program.
Blackall has a Crèche and Kindergarten affiliated centre where qualified staff are continually undertaking professional development to ensure they are capable of keeping up with the demands of a busy centre.
The Kindy offers a play-based curriculum which is under the guidance of the Crèche & Kindergarten’s curriculum framework called ‘Building Waterfalls’.
As well, it offers a wide range of learning experiences that build upon the child’s interests and ideas.
As well as creating fun and exciting ways of exploring through play, children are also encouraged to develop life skills such as conflict resolution, sharing, relationships and language.
The centre is Sunsmart accredited, ensuring all children are protected from exposure to the sun, and it has new shade structures as well as Kindy shirts and hats.
People with young children that are considering enrolment should call the centre on 4657 4832 to make an appointment.
Kindy keen to buildenrolments
Exploring through play is great fun at the Blackall Kindergarten.
Arts Council AGMThe Annual General Meeting of the Blackall Arts Council Inc will be held at 5pm on Friday, May 9 at the Blackall Club. All interested persons invited to attend.
A well-known past resident of Blackall, Roy (Smacker) Dudley passed away in Mackay on March 27.
Roy was born in Blackall and grew up to be a respected member of the community.
Roy’s sporting career was with the White Horse Football Club and in later years golf became his passion.
His early working days were in the pastoral industry. He later spent 20 years with Telecom.
On retirement, Roy and his wife Rose moved to Alexandra Headlands and then to Mackay.
Rose and their son Kim recently returned to Blackall to bring Roy’s ashes back.
Roy Dudley dies
Young and old alike lay wreaths at the cenotaph on Anzac Day
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 5
Pre-made Curtains & Blinds, Aluminium Venetian Blinds, Timber Venetians, Block-Out & Light Filtering Blinds, Matchstick Rollup Blinds, Curtain Track, Rod Sets, Conduit, Brackets and accessories at Outback Emporium 1, 126 Shamrock Street, Blackall
Curtains, Blinds, Track, Conduit, Rod and Brackets
One thousand dollars for shearing three sheep must be the best rate going, but it’s what the region’s top shearer will take home from Blackall’s ‘Gathering of the Guns’ quick shear competition on Saturday, May 10.
According to Clare Barron, who is helping to organise the fundraising night for the Blackall Kindy, the competition recognises that everyone from pro shearers to beginners are on the circuit, with the shearing season underway in western Queensland.
The winner takes all in the Open class with $1000 and the prestigious Jackie Howe perpetual trophy up for grabs.
The Intermediate class has $1000 worth of cash and prizes. There is $100 up for grabs for the Quick Throw winner, then the Aussies will go head to head with their New Zealand mates to determine the winner of the Trans-Tasman Challenge.
Clare said organisers were keen to run the competition once again, as it celebrated the region’s major industry and 100 years of the historic Blackall Woolscour.
Nomination fees are $40 for the Open and Intermediate shearing events and $15 for the Quick Throw.
Gun shearers heading to Blackall
The Bird brothers, Cameron and Shane, racing against each other at the 2007 Quick Shears event.
Spectators will be charged a gold coin entry fee.
The Blackall Kindergarten is also providing an evening of entertainment and a barbecue so a great night will be had for all.
Organisers are encouraging
all entrants to nominate now
so sheep can be organised
for the event, by ringing the
kindergarten on 4657 4832 or
4657 4332 to register.
-- By Rebecca Olive
Medals which once belonged to world champion blade shearer Jack Howe will be going up for auction by Sotheby’s in Melbourne later this month. They include the medal he won for shearing 321 sheep with blade shears in seven hours and 40 minutes at Alice Downs on October 10, 1892, a record that has never been broken. Also on sale will be two other medals once owned by John Robert “Jackie” Howe – one he received for machine-shearing 237 sheep in one working day, also in 1892, and a shield presented to him by the Workers Political Organisation, a forerunner of the Australian Labor Party, for his
services to the labour movement. The medals are being offered by Howe’s grand-daughters Jenny Muir and Mary Rich. Jenny said they had been on loan to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach for about 15 years, but neither her nor Mary’s children had had the opportunity to closely see and touch them. “We wanted to briefly take them out to give them that opportunity and found that it was impossible to obtain a valuation for insurance, as they would not be in the safe environment of the Hall,” she said. “We decided then that the best course of action would be to sell them.
“We are also well aware of the rift that can occur in families when valuable articles are involved that belong to a number of members. “With five children between us, we did not want that to happen when the ownership of the medals passed eventually to them.” Jenny said the families hoped that whoever purchased them would allow them to remain on public display to be viewed by all, as they were an important part of the heritage of Australia. The medals, which are expected to reach $35,000, will be auctioned as Howe always wore them - attached by a chain to a gold fob watch.
Howe medals to be auctioned in Melbourne
Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
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Celebrities abounded at the Blackall Kindergarten and Daycare music trivia evening on Saturday, April 19, with spectators catching glimpses of Black Sabbath, Nana Mouskouri, The Spice Girls, Madonna, Slash, Gordon Gano (Violent Femmes), Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, The Police and Pink.
Inspired by the ABC program Spicks and Specks, Brian Davison played TV host Adam Hill to perfection, and the evening included a crew of Roadies to lug heavy equipment about.
There were twelve rounds of musical topics including 80s Mania, Mondegreens and Substitution, where one person from each team had to sing the tune of a well-known song to the words from an obscure non-fiction book.
The request to bring buzzers for identification during the buzz-in rounds was met enthusiastically with everything from cowbells to
saucepans and an ear-piercing air horn.
Everyone got into the swing of it with a ridiculous cacophony of raucousness, whether it was required or not.
The scores were fairly even for most of the evening, but Black Sabbath, with Nana Mouskouri, streaked ahead at the last, scoring most of the answers during The Final Countdown.
The Roadies – Penny Allpass, Melissa McKay, Natasha Gerber, Leanne Ongheen, Kylie Banks and Rebecca Parry – were runners-up, while Black Sabbath – Greg Richardson, Sally and Bill Cripps, Stewart Campbell and Jason Sprague, with Nana Mouskouri (Judy Atkinson) – took home the highly coveted golden winners’ trophies and prizes.
The Spicks and Specks evening was another successful, if somewhat noisy evening for the Blackall Kindergarten.
-- by Kirstie Davison
Music trivia quiz a loud success
Black Sabbath (Greg Richardson, Sally and Bill Cripps, Jason Sprague and Stewart Campbell) with Nana Mouskouri (second from right - Judy Atkinson) took home the winners trophy at the recent Spicks and Specks music trivia night.
Slash (Katie Cullen) got into an impromptu karaoke moment, belting out the lyrics to a Hannah Montana song.
Ginger Spice (Glen Davison) and Baby Spice (Luke Johnson) enjoyed an evening out at the music quiz night.
BLACKALL-TAMBO REGIONAL COUNCILNOTICE OF ORDINARY MEETINGS
In accordance with Section 464 of the Local Government Act 1993 the Ordinary Meetings of Council for 2008 are scheduled to be held on the
following dates in the locations specified:
Date Location Wednesday, 23 April, 2008 Tambo Wednesday, 14 May, 2008 Blackall Wednesday, 11 June, 2008 Tambo Wednesday, 9 July, 2008 Blackall Wednesday, 13 August, 2008 Blackall Wednesday, 10 Sept, 2008 Tambo Wednesday, 8 Oct, 2008 Blackall Wednesday, 12 Nov, 2008 Blackall Wednesday, 10 Dec, 2008 Tambo
The Ordinary Meeting of Council’s Works and Finance Standing Committee for 2008 are scheduled to be held on the following dates in the locations specified:
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 Blackall Wednesday, 27 August, 2008 Tambo Wednesday, 22 October, 2008 Scrubby Crk Rec Grounds
Council Meetings will be held at the Council Chambers at the respective towns commencing at 8.30am.
PO Box 21 Brenda KellyBLACKALL QLD 4472 Acting Chief Executive OfficerFax: 07 4657 4726 Phone: 07 4657 4222Email: [email protected] www.blackall.qld.gov.au
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 15
AUDIOLOGIST: Ph: Patti Smith Longreach Hospital 4658 4735. CARDIAC SPECIALIST TEAM: Ph: 4654 3277 for an appointment. CHILD HEALTH AND ADULT/ CHILD HEARING TESTS: The Child Health Nurse - Blackall May 12. Ph: Blackall Hospital on 4650 7700 Referrals required for hearing tests. COMMUNITY HEALTH – INDIGENOUS HEALTH, QIDDI & SOCIAL WORKERS: Ph: Longreach Community Health Service 4658 3344. CONTINENCE ADVISOR: Ph: Joanne de Vries on 4658 3622.DENTIST: All patients who require dental treatment must register on a waiting list. Phone Blackall Hospital to add name and family to the list. Barcaldine Dental Clinic- 4651 1311; Longreach Hospital- 4658 4720; Private Clinic Longreach- 4658 1283. DIETICIAN: Ph: Longreach Hospital for enquires. DERMATOLOGIST: Dr David Leslie visiting May 2, 2008. Appointments at Black Stump Surgery on 4657 4677 Referral required. EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL WELL BEING TEAM: Ph: 4658 1928 for details. ENT (Ears, Nose, and Throat): Ph: Patti Smith Longreach Hospital 4658 4735. FOOT CARE CLINC: ph: Blackall Hospital GASTROENTEROLOGIST: Dr Stevenson -Referrals required. Ph: Patti Smith Longreach Hospital 4658 4735. GYNAECOLOGIST and OBSTETRIC: New Lady Doctor visiting Blackall May 26, 2008. Referral required. Ph: Blackall Hospital for an appointment. OPHTHALMOLOGIST: Dr Glasson/Dr Stark Blackall October 2008. Referrals are required. Ph: 4650 7700 for an appointment. OPTOMETRIST: Geoff Fitzpatrick Blackall June 2. Ph: 1800 008 020.
ORTHODONTIST: Ph: Patti Smith Longreach 4658 4735. ORTHOPAEDICS: Ph Longreach Hospital 4658 4735. OUTPATIENTS: Free service held at the Blackall Hospital at 9.00am Weekdays only. Maximum of four patients per day so please book early at Administration before 9am. Please call 4650 7700 to book.MENTAL HEALTH NURSE: Ph: Longreach Hospital 4658 4700 to make an appointment. PAEDIATRICIAN TEAM (Child Psychiatrist and Paediatrician): Dr Helen Heussler- visiting Longreach Ph: Patti Smith Longreach Hospital for appointment 4658 4735. Referal required PODIATRIST: Ph: Maree Longreach Hospital 4658 4700. PSYCHIATRIST: Dr Richard Zimmerman Ph: Mental Health Longreach Hospital 4658 4700; Referrals required. PSYCHOLOGIST: Ph: Longreach RFDS 4658 1928 for appointment. Blackall March 19. PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Ph: Longreach Hospital 4658 4700. Ph: Barcaldine 4651 1311 QUEENSLAND ILLICIT DRUG DIVERSION INITATIVE: Ph: Longreach Mental Health 4652 7951. RELATIONSHIPS AUSTRALIA: Visit Blackall on a needs basis. Phone 1300 364 277 RESPIRATORY PHYSICIAN: Dr Simon Bowler. Ph: Patti Smith Longreach Hospital 4658 4735. SURGEON: Phone Longreach Hospital for enquires. SPEECH THERAPIST: Ph: Erika Healy 4652 7951 WELL WOMENS CLINIC NURSE: Louise Cameron - May 21. Ph: Blackall Hospital 4650 7700 to make an appointment. WELL WOMENS CLINIC DOCTOR: Dr Louise Russell Ph: Blackall Hospital on 4650 7700 to register on waiting list.
Specialist Dates
A combined team of St Joseph’s and Blackall State School primary boys travelled to Barcaldine last Friday afternoon to play in the Challenge Cup. Jamie Emerick, Bevan Hauff and Mark McKay accompanied Kevin Loveday, Brodie Waine, Peter Blucher, Scott Hillier, Will Butler, AJ Hauff, Jake Richardson, Andrew Davison, Matt Parker, Kelly Hauff, Tom Fletcher and Ben Emerick to the carnival. Other teams came from Winton/Our Lady’s College combined, Longreach State School, Small Schools, and the home side of Barcaldine.
LSODE students Wilson Sprague and Joe Schmidt played in the Small Schools team and had a win in one of their games. Winton/Our Lady’s College were the eventual winners of this area’s Challenge Cup when the carnival finished at around 10pm, and will represent the district in Rockhampton.
***The Heart Foundation’s Jump
Rope for Heart is on again and it’s happening this term. Each year the Heart Foundation Jump Rope attracts over 400,000 school kids in over 2300 schools around the country and Blackall State School is one of them.
The program is all about learning how to keep fit and healthy. Children can have a lot of fun with classmates and play lots of skipping games too. At the same time they will be helping save Australian lives by asking family
Around the Schoolsand friends to sponsor them for being a part of this fun program. Funds raised go towards research to help fight against heart disease and stroke. Sponsorship forms will be given out to each student to assist students with their fundraising details. Forms are to be returned to school before the jump off which will take place on Friday, June 13.
***At the beginning of February,
three LSODE students braved the heat and sandflies to compete in the central west primary cricket carnival. Blackall cluster student
Joe Schmidt was one of the three who tried out his skills in batting, bowling and fielding along with 30 other boys from the district. He was selected in the central west team and competed in the north west carnival on February 23-24.
***LSODE students from the
Blackall area took part in the Winton poetry competition recently. In the year 2 individual section, Ashleigh Taylor was highly commended, while her sister Hollie was highly commended in the year 4 individual category, along with Ainsley Walker.
Numerous Blackall schoolchildren marched with pride on Anzac Day
Page 14- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
Come and visit Landmark
Blackall We service the Blackall District with our team of experienced
Staff in:
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 9-11am - 103 Shamrock St, Blackall
Phone 0746 574299Fax 0746 574176
Merchandise, Livestock, Finance,
Insurance, Wool,
Rural Property Sales
Police BriefsDangerous Driver
On Saturday, March 29 Blackall Police attempted to intercept a northbound vehicle on the Landsborough Highway when it failed to stop and evaded police officers by travelling at a high speed into Blackall.
Senior Constable Brent Gerber and Constable Richard Hill continued their patrols and later located the vehicle at the intersection of Ivy Street and Hawthorne Street where the driver had lost control of his vehicle and it had spun a full 180 degrees before coming to a stop.
The driver of the vehicle was a 17-year-old New South Wales male who was charged with unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle and displaying false number plates.
The owner of the vehicle, who was also a passenger in the vehicle at the time, was charged with bringing stolen goods into Queensland. Both men appeared
at the Blackall Magistrates Court on April 7 where the driver was fined $1500 with two months to pay and had a disqualification period of nine months imposed.
The passenger was fined $720 with two months to pay for permitting his vehicle to be driven and $120 for bringing stolen goods into Queensland.
Juvenile Crime
On Tuesday, April 1 Blackall Police arrested and charged a 16-year-old Blackall youth with the unlawful use of Colin Allen’s utility, unlawful entry of Leigh Driver’s utility, burglary committed against the home of Tim Politch and the unlawful use of Amy Fletcher’s utility.
Excellent police work by Senior Constable Brent Gerber led to the early apprehension of the offender who was later charged with numerous offences.
The juvenile offender appeared at the Blackall Children’s Court on April 7 on a total of seven charges, where he was given a six month probation period.
Breach of Bail Offence
On Saturday, April 5 Blackall Police charged an 18-year-old Blackall man with breaching court-imposed bail conditions to remain at his residence between the hours of 6pm and 6am daily as a result of an arson charge after he allegedly burnt a motor vehicle.
Inquiries by Constable Richard Hill established that the 18-year-old man had twice left his home during this period to participate in an argument with other residents in his street.
As a result he was arrested and held in custody until his court appearance at the Blackall Magistrates Court on April 7, where he was fined $350 and granted bail on the same conditions as previously imposed.
House Fire
On Wednesday, April 9 Blackall Police attended to a non-suspicious house fire at 20 Thistle
Street, the home of John Turner. It would appear that hot cooking oil on the kitchen stove has ignited causing the fire which completely destroyed the house.
Thankfully no one was hurt during the incident.
Motorised Wheelchairs
Blackall Police have received numerous complaints concerning the use of motorised wheelchairs in the Blackall town centre.
It would appear that some users of the wheelchairs are placing themselves in danger as they cross the street and ride along the side of the road.
It would also appear that some users are causing a hazard for pedestrians leaving Shamrock Street shops with some near misses having been reported to the police.
Sergeant Kevin Ongheen has advised that owing to the large volume of incidents being reported to police the users of invalid wheelchairs who place themselves or others in danger whilst contravening traffic laws will be charged.
Sergeant Ongheen has also said that if the user of a motorised wheelchair does not appear to have the faculties to lawfully and safely travel on the street contact will be made with that person’s family with a view to having them taken off the road.
If this measure is not effective then police will have to lay charges. Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said that whilst local police sympathise with the need of invalid persons to have mobility, that mobility is not to come at the cost of the individual’s own life.
Tennis Champions
Officers and staff at the Blackall Police Station wish to congratulate Constable Luke Johnson on winning the Blackall Tennis Open on Saturday, March 22. His opponent for the final was Constable Richard Hill who unfortunately had to withdraw from the match after spraining his ankle. Congratulations to both officers.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 7
Where all good brands meet--> Outback Emporium, Blackall Phone 46 576 220
On Friday, April 18 the Blackall Blue Light Association held another successful disco, with 67 children in attendance at the CWA Hall.
To put that number into perspective, that is almost half the enrolled primary school students in Blackall.
Organisers said that was a fantastic outcome, considering there were quite a few events on over the weekend that involved children.
The request list proved a hit and ran hot all night with kids requesting both songs and video clips that were projected onto one of the walls.
It was again great to see so many of the older kids in attendance. The Limbo competition was eagerly competed in with joint winners Nat and Amy.
Other games were planned but the limited space made it impossible to pick winners – Freeze and Bob lasted about two whole songs with around 50 kids still “in”.
Jodi and her band of followers won the “corner” game.The committee thanked Karen Choyce and Janelle
Schluter, who operated the canteen all night.They said it was also nice to see mothers Jodi Richardson
and Lisa Alexander staying all night to help supervise.The MERV trailer has proved to be a great asset to the
Blue Light Association, so far being present at discos, a movie night and a dive in night at the pool.
The money raised by these events goes to the junior community of Blackall at the end of each year.
Last year monetary donations were made to six clubs around town – the Blackall Swim Club, Blackall Junior Tennis, Blackall Pony Club, Cone Break Pony Club, Blackall Girl Guides and Blackall Junior Rugby League.
Over the recent school holidays they were very excited to be able to send two youngsters, Sam Harlow and Bonnie Lawrence, on a holiday camp to Canberra for a week.
It was sponsored by the state division of Blue Light and Blackall was eligible for two spaces.
The Blackall branch donated funds to help cover costs to get the two girls to Toowoomba to join the rest of the group.
Amongst the places of interest they visited were the National Museum, the Australian Sports Institute and the Western Plains Zoo.
Currently the Blue Light Association is in the process of procuring a grant for a Camping/Canoeing trailer.
The group has been donated a trailer by Rob and Mon Bailey, which is going to be converted to hold all the camping equipment.
The group believes the grant will include canoes, paddles, lifejackets, swags, tents and other essential camping equipment.
-- by Melissa McKay
Blue Light disco draws the crowds
Constable Brent Gerber and Officer Kye Gerber hold the limbo stick at the recent Blue Light disco.
Cooper Hauff breaks out in his own style of dancing at the Blue Light disco.
Enjoying the recent Blue Light disco were Amber McKay and Bridget Dendle.
Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
The Central West Health Community Council met with members of the Blackall and Tambo communities at the Blackall Hospital on March 12.
One of the issues raised was concern that health services will change due to the amalgamation of the two shires.
The district manager for the Central West Health Service District, Jill Koeneman reassured those at the meeting that there are no planned changes to the existing services being provided.
Concerns were also raised in regards to patient discharge planning from the larger centres.
The Central West Health Community Council has contacted all hospital executives in the Central
West Health Service district to ensure that a “Fly Out Pack” is given to all patients when leaving the district for further specialist treatment.
This pack includes information for when patients are being discharged and a list of numbers for them to call for accommodation or assistance.
The Council’s suggestion for people being discharged from a facility with no way home is to ask to see a social worker, who may be able to assist.
The next Central West Community Council meeting is being held on May 14 at the Barcaldine Hospital at 10.30 am.
-- by Karen Halls, ChairCentral West HealthCommunity Council
No changes planned for Blackall / Tambo health services
The first general meeting of the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, held at Tambo on April 23, was a special occasion for Cr Sally Cripps, who found herself making decisions below the photograph of her great grandfather CG Gally, who was chairman of the Tambo Shire Council from 1914 to 1919. Sally’s grandfather CJC “Bill Gall and father, Charlie Gall were councillors with the Blackall shire, so her election has brought the two shires together in more ways than one.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 13
Barcoo Pastoral SocietyWether Trial 2008
wishes to thank generous sponsors
Newport Apartments, MooloolabaQantasLink
Dogmaster Training Collars
Melrose SAMM Stud and the Campbell and Scholes families for use of their paddock, Vince Prow and Sally
Cripps for their computer analysis, and Landmark for classing on the day.
Did you know that there are no foster care families registered in Blackall? Recently I had a visit from the Child Safety Unit in Emerald informing of what they do and requesting from the community and surrounding stations for any families interested in fostering children to please contact them, as there is an enormous need.What is foster care?Some children and young people are unable to stay at home because their families may not be able to look after them or because they may be at risk of harm. The child Protection Act gives the Department of Child Safety the power to protect vulnerable children and young people less than 18 years of age by finding safe and caring places for these children to live for short or long periods of time.The Child Safety Unit is committed to making sure children in Queensland are placed in a caring and secure family environment until they can be safely returned to their family to provide care (relative or kinship care). When this isn’t possible, we place children with caring individuals or families (foster care). There is also a commitment to helping maintain ongoing relationships between children and their families during the period of separation. This helps to reduce the trauma experienced by children during this time and assists them to feel secure.What training do foster cares receive?Training is provided to help carers prepare for their new roles. All foster carers receive the same initial training. This training outlines what is required of carers and provides information about child development and behaviour management. As part of the assessment, the prospective carer’s family structure, personal history and motivation for becoming a foster carer are considered. The ways in which families may cope with some of the pressures and stress associated with fostering are also taken into account. During the assessment, personal history checks such as criminal history checks are made.How are foster carers supported?Carers receive an allowance, which is a contribution towards the direct costs of looking after children in foster care. The allowance, which is indexed annually to the Consumer Price Index, covers items such as food, clothing, household provisions, gifts, pocket money and entertainment. The allowance is not considered a ‘payment’ for fostering and it is not a source of taxable income. It contributes to a reimbursement of the real costs associated with providing care. An additional allowance is provided for those who care for children and young people with high and complex support needs. Carers can also seek assistance from Foster Care Queensland, a peak organisation that represents foster carers’ interest to government policy makers and provides support and advocacy services to foster carers.Do you want to become a foster carer?Becoming a foster carer will bring both personal rewards and challenges in caring for children placed in your home. Experienced foster carers say the rewards outweigh the challenges and are most often
found in the day-to-day moments through sharing their love and support.The rewards of foster caring:
• Helping to keep children and young people safe
• Helping children and young people to reach their full potential
• Being a highly valued and contributing member of a caring team
The considerations of foster caring:• How will our family adjust to the addition
of other members? What changes, compromises or sacrifices will need to be made? Is everyone prepared to make these changes?
• How would we cope if a child or young person placed in our home has difficult or out-of-the-ordinary behaviours?
• Can we cope with a child or a young person returning to the care of their parents when we feel that they may not provide the same standard of care that we have?
Who do I contact to find out more?For more information on foster care and becoming a carer, contact your local Child Safety Service Centre:Department of Child Safety,51 Ruby Street,EMERALD 4720Telephone: 07 49822177
Health News
Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
Heaps of Poetry Opportunities in May
• Woolly Words at the Woolscour – open mike night – sing a song, recite a poem, tell a yarn – Blackall Woolscour, 6pm, Friday May 16, BBQ available, BYO drinks – treat yourself to a relaxing night out!
• Poetry workshop with Graham Nunn – work with nationally recognised poet over a weekend designed to “Pen a Powerful Poem” – May 17/18, Blackall Arts Centre, $20/day
• Wood, Water & Wool Poetry Competition - $1600 prizemoney, bush and contemporary poetry, open and junior sections, closing May 19, $5 entry fee
Supported by Terrick Merinos, Strathmore Santa Gertrudis Stud, Melrose SAMMs
For further information, workshop registration and competition entry forms contact Sally Cripps – phone 4657 5955, email [email protected]
Jackie Paton, Emma Blinco and Rebekah Richardson dressed up to the nines for the Blackall Kindy Spicks and Specks music trivia night.
Spicks and Specks music trivia night
The Police - Kerry Lloyd, Shirley Dagan, Joy Smith, Julie Hay, Roland Blucher and Frank Smith were the law enforcement officers for the evening handing out fines for unusual misdemeanors.
Michael Jackson (John Casey), Gordon Gano (David Everett) and Tina Turner (Mardi Noonan) made up part of the Living Legends team, who were penalised during proceedings for throwing their buzzer at the judges.
The Roadies - Kylie Banks, Penny Allpass, Natasha Gerber, Leanne Ongheen, Rebecca Parry and Melissa McKay celebrate their second place prize at the Spicks and Specks quiz night.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 9
Wool and the history of Blackall’s wool industry will be celebrated at the Blackall Historical Society’s Heartland Festival display from May 20-23.
The Society is going to delve into its collection and display some of its woolly treasures.
There will be items of interest for all at the Threads of History: Worsted and Woollen display, including pieces connected to the great Blackall sheep stud Terrick Terrick, Barcoo Pastoral Society records, medals and ribbons, and many woolly photos and books from the BHS collection.
The Society is also inviting people to bring in their loved woollen pieces and to share the story behind the object.
For example, one member has a shawl spun out of black wool and knitted by the late Joy Wehl who lived at Clarenden and was renowned as a fine craftswoman.
Another person is very keen to bring in all her grandmother’s hand knitted blankets.
There will be some spinning wheels in people’s workrooms that would love to be polished and displayed for a day.
Even without a woolly treasure, the Blackall Historical Society is keen to hear and record people’s woolly stories.
The main street venue will be confirmed as the festival approaches.
-- by Christine Campbell
Threads of History display for Heartland Festival
Blackall students will have the chance to sing and dance along to the tropical sounds of the steel drums while discovering the struggles and stories of the Caribbean when Queensland Arts Council’s Banana Joe comes to town on May 12.
Performed by the Australian Academy of Steel Drums, Banana Joe transports students to the West Indies and demonstrates first-hand the ingenuity that brought about the invention of the steel drum.
As well as teaching about this amazing instrument, the academy’s accomplished performers sing songs from all around the world, covering a range of tunes from The Simpson’s theme song to I Still Call Australia Home.
Manager of Queensland Arts Council’s Ontour inschools Mr Jim Vilé said that students from all areas of Queensland have been enthralled by the performance.
“Students are captivated by the wonderful stories that incorporate singing and drumming as Banana Joe explores geography and history. They also discover where the drums come from, how they came about and, most importantly, how they are made”
Banana Joe is touring Queensland schools as part of Queensland Arts Council’s 2008 Season, which is the world’s largest live performing arts program for schools, touring 31 different shows with 71 artists to an anticipated 400000 students across the state.
Visit www.qac.org.au for a preview of all the performances and for more information.
Drumming is cool bananas with Banana Joe
Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008
Chloe Kings and Nadine McLeod had fun at the Tambo Show.
At the Tambo Stock Show...
Sue Doyle caught up with grandson Jon Doyle at the Tambo Show.
Above Left: Randall Ellison and his partner model evening wear at the Tambo show.
Above Right: Ben Banks, Juray, had success with his flock sheep at the Tambo show last Saturday. On hand to congratulate him were Scott Bredhauer, Lambert and Barcoo Pastoral Society president Judy Atkinson.
Right: Blackall-Tambo Mayor Jan Ross steps out in a designer outfit for the fashion parade at the Tambo show.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, May 2 2008 - Page 11
Blackall remembers on Anzac Day
Dooley Foster and David Lamb, two Blackall veterans, after the service in the Memorial Park.
Lieutenant Brendan Perkins, Royal Australian Artillery, takes the salute during the Anzac Day parade in Blackall, accompanied by Blackall-Tambo deputy mayor Peter Skewes.
Megan Schrag and David Everett recited the poem ‘We’re All Australians Now’ on behalf of the Queensland Fire Service and the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Blackall State School senior students Kyle Richardson and Ellerah Campbell read the names of the Blackall servicemen on the district’s Roll of Honour.-
Slim Murray honoured those who served when he read out the Commemoration at the Anzac Day service.
The Younger Family - Margaret Stephenson, Jim Younger, Muriel Francis and Barry Francis - took part in Anzac activities last Friday. Jim, whose nephew Bob Younger was a long-serving shire clerk for the Blackall Shire Council, was born here in 1929. His father Frank was a wool carrier in the district. The family left the area in 1929 and Jim was hoping to locate his childhood home in Wattle (Mimosa) Street during his visit.
