Barcoo Independent ~ 300410

PEOPLE from as far away as the Northern Territory and parts of New South Wales were among the 1000 nominations received for the Australian Campdrafting Association national finals in Blackall last week.

Blackall Campdraft Association president Dale Davison said the finals had shown people where Blackall was and what the town had to offer.

“And it was good to see the locals giving them a nudge in the events,” he said.

Red Politch was one of the successful local riders taking part, winning the trophy for the best local competitor.

Bill Prow finished third in the novice final with a total score of 260, after a consistent run of 86, 87 and 87. Bill also had the highest cutout score (24) in one event in the open draft on his horse Miss Lawson.

Kim Avery was a finalist in the ladies draft, while

Ian Hardie, Peter Avery, Andrew Walker and Neil MacDonnell all featured in various finals.

Nebo drafter Peter Comiskey won his 16th national title, not placing in the open final but doing enough to stay on top of the points table after a year of competition.

It was a full program; starting at 6 each morning and working under lights until 9pm on the second night. 1700 cattle were used over the three days of the event.

Having enough cattle on hand was a logistical feat for the organisers. A nucleus was walked in from the Russell Pastoral Co property Champion and processed at the saleyards just ahead of a major weaner sale held the same week, and fresh supplies were trucked in after used stock were taken home.

The Blackall Campdraft Association built a new cutout yard for the occasion and managed a grant of $62 000 to install arena lights.

“It was a good setup – everyone seemed happy with the way it all ran,” Dale said.

“You can’t do it without lots of volunteers, sponsors and help from the council,” he added.

Secretary Carly Walker said that while the rain at the start of the year had made it difficult for competitors to give their horses enough work, it worked to the advantage of the organisers with strong healthy cattle on offer.

“People realise now that we’re not that far away and we’ve got good facilities,” she said.

“We put in 100 percent – there wasn’t much more we could have improved on.”

In addition to the activities in the arena, a presentation dinner for 300 people was held at the Cultural Centre on Saturday evening.

A whipcracking duo featured on stage, after a successful workshop earlier in the day, supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund.

“The kids loved it,” Carly said.“We even had some come over

and join in after footy training.”Dale said the group would now

get back to running its annual

local draft for a few years, and continue to upgrade the facilities including hooking the lights up to a permanent power source so more people can use the grounds.

INDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO

Blackall’s own community newspaper

Page 16- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, April 30 2010

April 30 2010 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: [email protected]

SPORT ON THE BARCOO

continued on page 16

PHOTOGRAPHS from Anzac Day, National Campdraft Finals, Tambo Stock Show, Cutting Out Unveiling, and More!

AN 18 Hole Bisque Bogey was played on Monday this week at the Blackall golf course because ANZAC day was held on Sunday. There was a good turn out with some new faces having a hit.

The results were as follows: C Austin (+2), N Cameron (-2), J Walker (+6), F Simpson (-2), K Choyce (+9), L Pitt (+4), P Holm (+9), L MacNamara (+1), C Williams (+10), P Fry ((+3), M Gane (+11), L Williams (-1), G Schluter (+7), W Pitt (-3), W Waugh (-8) and L Callow (-1). A Walker and Mitchell Horsten also turned up for a social hit. It was good to see the new faces enjoying themselves. The winner on the day was Matt Gane with Christine Williams in second place. Pin Shots on hole 7 and hole 2 went to Clinton Austin. Pin shot on hole 11 went to Luke Callow and the pin shot on hole 17 went to Matt Gane.

Next Sunday, on May 2, there will be another 18 hole event. Hit off will be at 12.30pm so keep your eye on the board at the golf club. On May 9 Blackall will be hosting the Central West Mixed Championships. Hit off will be at 10am so find a partner.

...Par Positive ...

Matt Gane takes Blackall golf bogey

THE Blackall bowls club held a good day of social bowls last Sunday. Eighteen players took part. Gary Whitfield and team were the overall winners on the day, with Gumby Chapman and Julie Blucher the runners up. Next week there will be no championship bowls due to the Blackall Show. Social bowls will again be played on Monday. All players and visitors are welcome to play for a start at 9.30am.

– Dally

18 enjoy social bowls day

Blackall Campdraft Association President Dale Davison offered his thanks to Tony Davidson, manager of Champion Station where the 2000 cattle came from that were required for the Australian campdraft finals. Photo courtesy of www.jessdoherty.com.au ~ photos online.

Blackall showcased at national campdraft titles

Bill Prow and Miss Lawson make their way into the novice finals, placing third overall with a total score of 260. Photo courtesy of www.jessdoherty.com.au ~ photos online.

By SALLY CRIPPS

Blackall showcased at national titles

Jim Gill and Albert Scrase rest on top of the load of wood, George Gill stands next to the goats, Agnes Gill (Evans) is sitting on the shaft next to Ellen Gill (Worrall) looking at her knee. See page 8 for story.

Wood collecting 1920s

BLACKALL student Dylan Dolinski recently attended the 2010 Rabobank Young Rural Leaders Summit in the Tharwa National Park near Canberra – an opportunity made possible by the Blackall-Tambo Education Group, which is a member of the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEFA).

Along with 34 other students from CEFA communities as far away as Kangaroo Island in South Australia and Clermont in Queensland, Dylan received a generous scholarship through CEFA’s partnership with Rabobank Australia and the Thyne Reid Foundation.

A week-long summit for rural youth aged between 16 and 18, the participants were selected for their leadership potential and for

their commitment to their local community.

The aim of the Rabobank Young Rural Leaders Summit is to encourage leadership in rural youth and to help participants build self-awareness and confidence, with a view to the students applying these leadership capabilities and determination to their local community.

Over an intensive seven days the young people learn about their key personal values, working effectively with other people and core attributes of great leadership.

According to Kaye Wood of the Blackall-Tambo Education Group, the summit provides a unique opportunity for rural

Young community leader attends Rabobank Summit

continued from page 1

continued on page 3

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Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories and letters to the editor to: Rowan Hunnam

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WHATS ON in 2010APRIL26-1 Aerosol Art Workshops with Christian Griffiths30 Landmark Cattlemen’s Presentation Dinner

MAY1 Dressage and Junior Stockman’s Challenge, Blackall Show

Woolscour Bush Dinner1 1-2 Tambo Campdraft

Blackall Show2 5 Club Committees Sport and Recreation Workshop5 Blackall Volleyball Sign On

Woolscour Tour and Dinner5 8 Blackall Girl Guides Cent Sale8-9 “The Centre within the Course” Helen Everingham, Tambo9 Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club11 Black Stump Invitational Bull Sale

Woolscour Tour and Dinner12 12 Biggest Morning Tea14 BCI Ride West14-17 Hebel Artist Workshop14-28 Heartland Festival Photography Exhibition15 Murder Mystery Dinner15-16 Heartland Festival Sean Leahy Cartooning Workshop17 Wine and Cheese with Sean Leahy and Sheryl Gwyther17-19 Writing Workshop19 Woolscour Tour and Dinner21 Heartland Festival Food & Music Fiesta: Friends of Pedro22 Isisford Sheep and Wool Show22-23 Shockwave Youth Arts Festival22-26 Watercolour Workshop26 Woolscour Tour and Dinner28-30 Art Show

JUNE2 Woolscour Tour and Dinner5 Blackall State School P&C Trivia Evening5 Woolscour Bush Dinner9 Woolscour Tour and Dinner16 Woolscour Tour and Dinner19 Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club23 Woolscour Tour and Dinner

IN conjunction with the school chaplain and the local community, Blackall State School is pleased to announce its inaugural Dream Extreme Day for boys to be held next month.

Dream Extreme Day follows on from a highly successful Butterfly Day held earlier in the year for girls.

Dream Extreme is a whole-day event designed to build male students’ self esteem, value and worth. The concept was created in response to male health and well-being discussion groups held in 2009 with the school principal Jason Smith.

Students will be immersed in a full day program where they will go on an expedition to explore the possibilities as they excel, excite, and express themselves through various workshops, with special

guests and high energy activities.The program will include

messages to the boys from various education and community dignitaries, inspiring guest speakers presenting stories about their life journey and how they’ve seen their dreams fulfilled (JC Epidemic and local leaders) and high energy exercise and team building with laser skirmish.

The day will also feature workshops including healthy lifestyle covering aspects of health living, focusing on exercise, muscle building and a healthy diet, relationships featuring what girls want and need in a relationship, personal grooming advice and diet and nutrition advice with a healthy food cooking class.

The event will be fully catered for and will conclude with a helium balloon releasing ceremony where

boys can record their hopes and dreams on notes to be attached to balloons and then release them into the future.

Blackall State School chaplain Linda Whysall said, “We have a passion to see our young men living life to their full potential, following their dreams and fulfilling their goals. Dream Extreme is a tool to guide them in this direction.”

The cost-free event aims to provide boys with the opportunity to explore the possibilities for their future. Year 7 to 12 boys from Blackall State School, Tambo State School and St Joseph’s Blackall have been invited to participate in the day.

The event will be held at the Blackall Cultural Centre on Tuesday, May 4 and is possible thanks to many local community groups.

Dream Extreme for boys

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

12 13 14

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20 21 22 23 24

25 26

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33 34

Across1 A strong effect (6)5 Wooden leg (6)

10 Officer in command (7)11 Brisk movement (7)

12 A giant who likes to eat humans (5)14 Existing (6)

15 Great loss and misfortune (7)16 Brother of Cain and Abel (4)

17 A flock of birds (4)18 Empty (7)20 Wrath (4)22 Dart (4)

25 Wet blanket (7)27 Resembling a horse (6)28 Often-missed humor (5)

31 Will supplement (7)32 Movie food (7)

33 Musical composition (6)34 Regular (6)

Down2 Slender tower with balconies (7)

3 Skilled in treating the ear (6)4 Joust (4)

5 Juicy fruit (4)6 Star systems (6)

7 Etch into a surface (7)8 Ice houses (6)

9 More expensive (6)13 Nimble or agile manner (7)

14 Trim to fit (4)19 Lake near Niagara Falls (4)

20 Wall painting (6)21 To gather livestock (7)

23 King ? Ranges (7)24 Hard to endure (6)

25 Nick-__(6)26 "Hooray!" (6)

29 Brews (4)30 Sonata, e.g. (4)

These last weeks of April are simply rushing by! I write to you all from the Sunshine Coast where I am attending the Civic Leader’s Conference conducted by the Local Government Association of Queensland.

The past weekend has to have been the busiest I have experienced in the past two years!

Congratulations to the Blackall Campdraft Committee led by Dale Davidson, for the successful weekend of competition at the National Campdraft Finals.

All the careful planning was indeed worth it for the event and the 350 competitors who put their own and their horse’s skills to the test over the weekend.

The commemoration of ANZAC Day commenced with the combined Schools Service in the Blackall Memorial Park on Friday, April 23. This was a most moving ceremony with the students participation foremost in the program.

My congratulations to principals Jason Smith and Tim Franzmann and their dedicated staff for their input to this ceremony.

Friday evening was the time chosen for the opening of the Speaking Stones sculpture by Natalie Billing at the cenotaph in the Memorial Park; a most evocative collection of memories and recollections of the effects of war on men and their families in and around Blackall.

Natalie’s work has been on display at the RSL headquarters in Brisbane.

The dawn service was well attended by some 170 members of the Blackall community, campdrafters and visitors touring in our area. Again, thanks go to the senior Blackall State School students for the traditional breakfast enjoyed by one and all.

It was my honor to take the salute for the march at the 9.30am parade to the Blackall Memorial Park for the ANZAC Day service conducted by the Blackall RSL Branch members.

The attendance of the combined school students, the Blackall community choir and the community made for a memorable 2010 ANZAC Day in Blackall.

I understand the traditional ANZAC Day commemoration in Tambo was well attended, with smoko served by the Tambo CWA members to the assembled crowd afterwards.

The Tambo Stock Show was a really successful day with organizers recording an attendance of 630 through the gate.

There were several new additions to the attractions for this show, making it another great day for the Tambo Stock Show committee.

All the wonderful events listed above would not get off the ground without the efforts of the dedicated volunteers in both our communities who get right in and make it all happen. Congratulations to you all on your exceptional community spirit!

Jan Ross



UnleadedDiesel

Regional Fuel Watch

BARCALDINE

$134.9$134.9

BLACKALL

$144.9$141.9

LONGREACH

$140.9$139.9

Kid’s Corner with Eddie EmuG’day Kids. What a great turnout for the Anzac march. Blackall really does know the true spirit of being an Aussie. The Emu is an Aussie; a very unique animal, native to Australia, which means you may find us in zoos overseas but never in the wild. Other native animals to Australia are the kangaroo, koala, bilby, Tasmanian tiger, the quokka and the good old kookaburra. Australia has many more native animals - too many to name in Kids Corner. See how many you can come up with over the next week and I will put a new list of Australian animals in the next Kids Corner. Eddie

Comedy Capers: Q. What was T-Rex’s favourite number?

A. Eight (ate).Q. What do you call a fossil that doesn’t want to work?

A. Lazy bones!Q. What do you get when dinosaurs crash their cars?

A. Tyrannosaurus wrecks!Q. Why did the dinosaur cross the road?A. The chicken hadn’t evolved yet!Q. What type of tool does a prehistoric carpenter use?

A. A dino-saw.

Answers to Word Scramble:Tambo, butterfly, weather, river, homework, kangaroo, library, science, school, Blackall

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council will support Incorporated Clubs and Organisations with “in kind” support for the 2010-2011 Financial Year.

Suggested uses for this support may be –

Use of council bus to transport competitors to sporting events

Use of Council plant – eg slashing of fields or grader to rip sporting arenas, supply of loam for sporting events

Culture Centre hire, hall hire and meeting room hire Photocopying and typing Chair and Table hire

A letter has been sent to clubs but if your club has not received one, please contact Council on 7 4621 6600 for more information. Applications need to be in to Council by May 20, 2010.

KL Timms Chief Executive Officer

What is an ANZAC?On 25 April every year, Australians commemorate ANZAC Day. It commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. The date, 25 April, was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916.ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. In 1917, the word ANZAC meant someone who fought at Gallipoli and later it came to mean any Australian or New Zealander who fought or served in the First World War. During the Second World War, ANZAC Day became a day on which the lives of all Australians lost in war time were remembered. The spirit of ANZAC recognises the qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice which were demonstrated at the Gallipoli landing. Commemorative services are held at dawn on 25 April, the time of the original landing, across the nation, usually at war memorials. This was initiated by returned soldiers after the First World War in the 1920s as a common form of remembrance. The first official dawn service was held at the Sydney Cenotaph in 1927, which was also the first year that all states recognised a public holiday on the day. Initially dawn services were only attended by veterans. Later in the day, there were marches in all the major cities and many smaller towns for families and other well wishers.

The Amazing Maze

THE changing role of cenotaphs in communities was stressed by installation artist Natalie Billing when she gave the Anzac Day address on Sunday.

“With each passing year Australia loses more and more veterans, and therefore faces the very real danger of losing the meaning of the war memorial,” she said.

The most commonly seen form of public art in Australia, they began as sites of mourning for the families of soldiers lost far from home in the first world war but with the passing of generations they have changed to being sites of memory and are a central part of building a community’s sense of self.

Natalie thought the Blackall cenotaph fulfilled this role well.

“Spending Anzac Day here with my grandfather, Dooley Foster and seeing how he and the people of Blackall embraced the cenotaph as part of their lives, and used it to honour memory and keep the stories alive was truly inspirational,” she said.

This inspiration was used by

Importance of cenotaph stressed in Anzac address

continued on page 4

students to fulfil their leadership potential.“While at the summit, students develop individual

community-based projects that will directly benefit members of their local regions,” Kaye added.

“On their return students set about implementing their project plans. Doing this gives them the chance to put their summit knowledge into practice and realise their effectiveness as leaders.”

Dylan discussed and developed his community project with the assistance of instructors at the summit throughout the week and then presented his proposal to a review panel comprising CEFA, Rabobank and Outward Bound staff at the closing ceremony.

“We were so impressed with the calibre of the students’ presentations and the lofty ambitions of the projects they plan to implement within their communities,” Jocellin Jansson, Executive Director of CEFA said.

Summit encourages students to develop community projects

St Joseph’s enjoys visit from religious songwriter and singer

St Joseph’s has got right into using their new multipurpose centre, enjoying a visit from religious songwriter and singer Andrew Chinn. Several of the students remembered Andrew from his visit in 2005.

Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, April 30 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, April 30 2010 - Page 13


Mary NealRemedial Massage

TherapistThursday from 8: 00 am

At Barcoo Living MPS2A Coronation Drive

BlackallPh: 07 4651 0955

Mobile: 042930 9111

Elwyn and Jenny Bethel will be at the Blackall

Show on Sunday, May 2 with cakes, slices, jams,

chutneys, etc

Left: Poppies adorned the war graves of veterans, and those who have served, at the Blackall War Cemetery. Below: Some of the Towner boys returned to experience another Anzac day in Blackall: Rodney, Neil, Lance and Kevin Towner. Below left: WWII Military Medal winner Harry Kitching led the Blackall Anzac Day parade in a military jeep with Craig Scholes (front) and Greg Tierney

A great great grandson of shearer Jackie Howe, Karl Beier played the bagpipes at the head of the march

Speaking Stones artist Natalie Billing at her exhibition showing on Friday evening. Natalie also delivered the address at the Anzac Day memorial park service

Local competitor Paton Fitsimons took time out from the announcers box to compete. Photo by Simon Campbell.

One-week old Jock Hayman’s first outing was to the national campdraft finals with mum Kirsty

The campdraft committee had an eager group of young riders to help dispatch the stock once they’d completed their round – Rosie Alexander, Ella Pearson, Hollie Taylor and Andrew Davison were ready to pounce on anything that moved. Photo by Sally Cripps.

Below: Bored coaches make short work of the hessian and sponsors sign. Photo by Sally Cripps.

Beau Frame cutting out on his horse

Jeremy Barron enjoys the action from the fence

Bill Seeney commentates while Lyn Schluter keeps a tally of scores at the campdraft. Photo by Sally Cripps.

Australian National Campdraft Finals

Ben Walker from ‘Ravenbourne’ in control. Photo by Lisa Alexander.

Left: Angela Strohmayr brought the State School Prep-Year 1 class up to the campdraft grounds for a look at the national titles. Photo by Sally Cripps.

Rodney Kings and Simon Campbell take a break walking the cattle back to Champion; a two day trek. Photo by Simon Campbell.

Red Politch, best local competitor, working his beast in the camp. Photo by Simon Campbell.

Natalie in an art installation which surrounded the obelisk over the weekend.

Natalie said that for the younger generation with little experience of war, it was important to turn statistics into something meaningful.

“It isn’t statistics that teach us the importance of Anzac Day, it is the personal stories of the mud and hardship, which drive home what others have sacrificed so that we may enjoy the freedom and standard of living that we do,” she said.

“We need to turn those names carved in stone back into real people. These were ordinary young men, some of them no older than today’s school students, who put their lives on hold to take up arms for their country.

“We must never forget this sacrifice and this means it is time for the next generation to take a more prominent role as the keepers of the Anzac legend.”

She urged veterans to tell the stories which her generation must one day take responsibility for.

Following the service, Blackall community members were invited to lay their own memory stone in the Speaking Stones installation.

– Sally Cripps

Blackall remembers on

Anzac Day

Veterans urged to tell their stories to youth

Right: Neil MacDonnell from Tambo pats his horse after a good effort


LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Left: Blackall-Tambo Regional Council CEO Ken Timms (centre) accompanied councillors Grahame Schluter, Sally Cripps, Graham Jarvis and Peter Skewes on a road inspection last week, along with Manager of Works Paul Martin. After seeing progress on the latest stretch of work being undertaken on the Emmet Road, another nine kilometre of bitumen, they went down the Ravensbourne Road to Alva before taking the Carlow Road across to the Adavale Road. Mr Timms said the inspection gave councillors and staff the opportunity to identify problem areas that need improving on local roads following the recent wet weather. He added that although all council graders have been in full use, there are some areas to the north of the shire that they can’t get onto yet because the soil is still so wet. He said everything was being done to help landholders get stock to markets, and that a contractor had been employed to assist with grading.

MONUMENTS & CEMETERY WORK New headstones and monuments, renovations and repairs.

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IN mid-June, the Queensland Youth Orchestras Big Band will perform in Blackall. The 18-piece band has played at festivals and performances over the past 10 years including the Noosa Jazz Festival, Sydney’s Darling Harbour Jazz Festival, Brisbane’s River Festival and the Winton Outback Festival. Regional tours by the band have included performances in Weipa, Mapoon, Aurukun, Napranum, Cairns, Mareeba, Innisfail, Babinda and Mossman.

Singers Astrid Jorgensen and Sam Luff will join the band for various songs, in addition to the instrumental pieces.

Band leader Warwick Tyrrell said the group is looking forward to performing in Blackall, Tambo and Barcaldine.

“QYO aims to organise a regional tour for the big band each year but in 2009, there was no tour due to the tough economic conditions. So we can’t wait to open our 2010 tour with the concerts in Tambo and Blackall.”

The QYO Big Band has 19 members aged 15 to 20 with an average age of 18.

The free concerts will be in Tambo on July 14 and at the Blackall Cultural Centre on Thursday, July 15 at 7.30pm.

Big Band concert for BlackallBLACKALL State School

Chaplain Linda Whysall left Blackall on Easter Monday with 12 Blackall State School students bound for an SU QLD Outback Adventure at Ilfracombe.

Campers spent 5 high-energy days participating in a variety of

activities from leather belt making, swimming and a garbage

bag ball to messy games, bonfires and yabby catching.

The food was fantastic, handball ran non-stop and there was a lot of laughing, singing, stories and thousands of grasshoppers, stink bugs and frogs!

A great time was had by all the campers and Chaplain Linda and they are all looking forward to next year’s adventure.

Chappy and campers survive the outback

CENTRAL West businesses, organisations and individuals are in for treat with a visit from Ifor Ffowcs-Williams during the first week of May.

CEO for Cluster Navigators New Zealand, Ifor has been active across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australasia in introducing clustering as a foundation for economic development. His message is for individual businesses to retain their competitive edge in the

marketplace yet cooperate and collaborate together to reduce costs such as bulk ordering, transport and aspects of advertising.

Ifor is travelling throughout the Central West as a guest of RAPAD. He will be addressing meetings in Blackall and Barcaldine on Tuesday May 4 and also in Longreach, Winton and Boulia.

For further information, contact the RAPAD office on 4652 600 or Ted Burling on 0418 157 287.

Visit by clustering guru Ifor Ffowcs-Williams

BLACKALL classmates from forty years ago are looking forward to a big reunion in June with all their old friends, their year one teacher Maureen Gill and teacher Marie Messer.

Maureen Gill (nee Neville) was born and raised in Blackall and taught at the State School.

“I have taught at a lot of great schools, but those kids were just unreal, honestly; there was never any bullying and they all loved one another,” Maureen remembers.

“I make a lot of new friends, and meet new people but there really is noone like the people from Blackall.”

“When I taught there I used to go over all the old rolls and look up things like when my dad started school... In the school fire many of those old records were lost so I have started writing about the old Blackall… I hope other people do too because we can’t lose that history.”

Maureen and her husband Cecil ‘Dinny’

Gill, whose family has a long history in Blackall, will be in town for the reunion, catching up with past students and friends, including organiser Alan ‘Pawpaw’ Douglas.

“Everyone in Blackall had nicknames,” Maureen explained.

“Anything Pawpaw organises is always brilliant.”

Alan Douglas started year one at the State School in 1961. He moved to Emerald in 1973 but says he still enjoys returning to Blackall.

“I love the place and I am really looking forward to this reunion. It is going to be great fun.”

“The fact that Maureen is making the trip out to Blackall is a hell of a highlight.”

“We’re throwing it open because I think it would be a nice gesture if people want to come along and say hello.”

“We are hoping for in excess of 60 people from Blackall and elsewhere.”

The class features locals including Elaine Spinks, Kaye Wood, George Richardson, Kevin Birse, Kaye Frost, Doug Thompson, Keith Daly, Tony Kiernan, Ashley Adams, Peter Molle and Vince Prow.

The event will be held over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, with a Friday night “inspection of all the liquor outlets,” according to Alan Douglas, and a Saturday night function at the Blackall Sports and Memorial Club.

Those interested in attending the reunion should contact Kaye Wood at the Club.

– Rowan Hunnam


‘A Slack Look at Blackall 1972/73’

This book has been written by a former National Bank officer

about the people and events of his two years in Blackall ...

...and will be on sale at the Heartland Festival on Friday night, May 21

Author Greg Slack will be signing copies and looks forward to meeting old

acquaintances.

only$25

Grant Daniel & Long Pty Ltd | Blackall | (07) 4657 6000Catalogues are available now from GDL Blackall or GDL branches and Ruralco agents

BEEFBLACKALL

40 year reunion planned

Congratulations to St Joseph’s School,

local builders & the Blackall community on the opening

of the school’s multi-purpose MacKillop Centre.

This material has been produced by Bruce Scott MP using his printing and communications entitlement.


THE Blackall Combined Agents yarded 4554 head at their second weaner and store cattle sale for the year last Thursday, April 22.

The sale featured a full panel of buyers along with several local restockers.

The quality of cattle was very good with values dearer across all descriptions.

Restockers contributed to make for a very competitive market.

Bailey Props ‘Paradise’ Blackall topped the under 350 kg range, peaking at 219.2 c/kg for 324 kg.

David Hardie and family ‘Dumfries’ Blackall sold Charolais cross steers for 208 c/kg, weighing 269 kg to return $561 per head.

The heifer portion averaged 177 c, 260 kg and $460 per head.

MJ and SEM Cameron ‘Romulus’ Blackall sold Shorthorn heifers to average 163 c/kg, 320 kg or $525 per head, topping at 174 c/kg or $616 per head.

The next Combined Agents fat and store sale is scheduled for Thursday May 6. Bookings are recommended.

Hay Clearance

Irrigated Rhodes GrassWas $55-00

Now $38-50 per balePrice GST inclusive

Daybreak Fodder SuppliesPh 0488 443 108

The western Queensland show circuit kicked off at Tambo last Saturday, with well over 600 people through the gates to enjoy the annual Stock Show. Organisers were very pleased with the turnout on what was an exceptionally busy weekend. Show president Anna Nevell (second from left) took time out from her official duties to make an appearance in the fashion parade, along with Penny Swanson, Selena Courtice and Sarah Taylor. Later in the evening it was time for wheelbarrow races of the human variety as patrons enjoyed the traditional Outback Skills challenge. Louise Martin and Adma Sargood were amongst the happy spectators waiting for the fireworks and local band “Caught in Session” to take to the stage.

Tambo Stock ShowPhotos by Sally Cripps

Good quality cattle at weaner and store sale BLACKALL SHOW PROGRAM 2010

Lucky Gate Prize $50

May 2nd

Wednesday 28th April4pm – Photos to Court House

THURSDAY 29th April2pm – Needlework & Art due at Pavilion

FRIDAY 30th April12noon – Fleeces due at Wool Court

SATURDAY 2nd MAY

Arts & Crafts Pavilion 10.00am – Judging of all Art & Craft

RING PROGRAMRing One 11.00am – Dressage

Ring Two 11.00am – Dressage

Poultry Pavilion 2pm – All birds to be caged 2.30pm – Judging of Poultry & Caged Birds

Blackall Show “IGA” Triathlon Challenge 3.00pm assembly at Blackall Aquatic Centre

SUNDAY 3rd MAY

RING PROGRAMGymkhana Area 7.00am – Gymkhana

Campdraft Arena 9.30am –Centretune-Latrobe Open & Landmark Blackall Novice Stockman’s Challenges – Section 7

9.30am – D&J Atkinson Fencing Junior Stockman’s Challenges – Section 8

Ring One 8.00am – Led Horses – Section 210.00am – Galloways, Hack & Adult Riders – Section 4

Ring Two 8.00am – Led Ponies – Section 3To follow on – Pony and Children’s Hacks & Child Riders – Section 5

Ring Three 10.00am – Show Jumping

Pet Show12noon – assembly for Pet Show on lawn near the Poultry Pavilion

Sheep (behind Secretary’s Office) Flock Merino Sheep – Section 11 Prime Lambs - 13Wool CourtWool Section – Section 14

3pm – Wool Court Lawn Presentation of trophy’s for Sheep sections

3pm Judging of Commercial Replacement Heifers

Pavilion Produce, Art & Craft, Horticulture, Photography and much more. 4pm Presentation of Trophy’s

Industrial Pavilion - Variety of Stalls Kindy Luncheon

Health check van

EntertainmentAerograffix – create your own art

with Christian Griffiths Laser Skirmish – 12pm-5pm Radical Reptiles Mechanical Bull Ride – in arena Tall Poppies – Roving Entertainment African Drummers Whip cracking Baby Animal Nursery – outside Footy change rooms Tug o’ War for Kids & Adults

Night Show (approx times)

5.00pm – Junior Iron Man Challenge John Crook-King Horse display Blackall Pony Club Display 6 Bar Show Jumping Dance Group exhibition African Drummers John Crook-King Horse display Senior Iron Man Challenge Senior Tug-o-war

9pm - Landmark Blackall FireworksFinals for Tug o’ War Finals Senior Iron Man Challenge

Barbeque, Sideshows, Bar and music till late.

“PROPERTY PICK OF THE WEEK”

130 Thistle Street“Freshly Renovated”

This tastefully renovated three bedroom home has built incupboards, refrigerated airconditioning and is situated on alarge ½ acre block. Complimented by a double garage, thehome has been freshly painted, has new floor coverings, arenovated kitchen and is ready and waiting for its new

owners to take ownership….

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LISTINGS AT RAY WHITE RURAL BLACKALL

PHONE: (07) 4657 4355 FAX: (07) 4657 6261EMAIL: [email protected] FITZSIMONS 0427 574 355HELEN ASPINALL 0428 316 289

CATTLE SALE DATES: Fat & Store Sale – May 6

For results, contact Paton – Your RayWhite Specialist Agent


Four generations of the Dickson family came together to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Marj and Bernie Dickson ‘The Lake’ in Aramac. Around 80 guests travelled from as far as Townsville to attend the luncheon at the Desert Tennis Club in Aramac. Special guests included the two bridesmaids from their wedding, Nancy Hay ‘Blairgowrie’ in Jericho and Mavis Moores from Toowoomba. The celebration cake was a smaller version of the five-tier cake made by Bernie’s mother for their wedding at St George’s Anglican Church in Aramac on April 18, 1950. The four generations (from left): Bernard William Dickson, Bernard Cooper Dickson, Kylie and Holly Dickson, Janelle Dickson, Marjorie and Bernard Arthur Dickson, Bernard Clifford Dickson and William Dickson.

Former Blackall resident Marjorie Smith celebrated her 80th birthday with about 50 family and friends at the Kings Beach Tavern in Caloundra on April 10. She is pictured here with family members Christine Hicks and Peter Ross-Smith (twins and eldest daughter and son), and sons Glenn and Jeffery. Missing from the photo is son Ernie.

RESEARCH INTERVIEWERS

Roy Morgan Research one of Australia’s leading research companies is seeking

people with good communication skills to conduct face-to-face interviews on an important social research study in your

area. Applicants will need to have a car - a travel allowance will be paid.

Previous experience preferable but not essential.

Ongoing work on further studies may be made available to successful applicants.

Contact Jill Edwards on 3318 7000

9.30am - 4.00pm weekdays.

Denni and her grandfather Stewart Benson enjoyed the unveiling from atop their horses

Rain didn’t stop a good crowd from attending the unveiling of Cutting Out. The sculpture, celebrating the art and sport of campdrafting, was unveiled by Peter Comiskey Jnr (below right), who won his 16th national campdrafting title last week. Left: Rob ‘Blue’ Harlow and Ian ‘Slim’ Murray

Among those watching the unveiling were Peter Comisky Snr from Capella, Blackall’s Peter Avery, Charne Turner from the Sunshine Coast, Barney Davison from Blackwater and John Davison from Middlemount

The Blackall Pony Club received an RADF grant to develop signs for their club with aerosol artist Christian Griffiths, including an official banner and dazzle boards to decorate jumps. Chief Instructor at the club Helen Aspinall said the kids had a ball working together on the banners. From left: Jaimie-Lee Morris, Tiffany Waine, Kaitlyn McErlean, Helen Aspinall, Christian Griffiths, Codie Fanning, Toni McErlean, Sara Aspinall and Shauna Kangan.

Before the first bore was put down in Blackall, people had to cart water from the river to their homes in a ship’s container on a billy cart. Later these carts were used to collect and transport loads of wood. This job was usually done by the children as can be seen here, in the 1920s; Albert sits atop the load of wood, George is next to his sisters Agnes and Ellen, Jim is beside the goats at the front and Billy Gill is at the head of the team. The children would bring the wood in for the home fire. The father

of these children is George Gill Jnr, born in 1884. Their grandfather is George Thomas Gill, born in 1857 and died in 1940 in pensioner huts on Bouhinia Lane.

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Wood collecting around Blackall, circa 1924

Blackall girl proud to wear winner’s sashLeft: Past Blackall resident Kerrie Lyn, daughter of Shirley and Frank Russell, and pictured here with her partner Bradley Rae, was recently crowned the 2010 Toowoomba Miss Showgirl. Kerrie Lyn, 21, left the Blackall State School in year 10 to attend Rockhampton Girls Grammar. In its 150th year, all the contestants of the Miss Showgirl competition obtained sponsors and raised money to go to the development and improvement of the Toowoomba showgrounds.Between ten contestants, $6000 was raised. Kerrie Lyn was sponsored by her employer AGDATA. She says they have been a great source of encouragement for her. Kerrie Lyn won a laptop, digital camera, cosmetics, a tiara, dinner set, tea set, professional photos and gift vouchers. “I am overwhelmed with excitement at winning the competition. I encourage any young women who are thinking of entering a competition, regardless of what it is, to go for it.”

Champion drafter unveils sculpture

Documents

Barcoo Independent ~ 300410