Young Magpies winners at Outback Muster

Lachlan Krieg and Blake Carolan were part of the victorious Central West Teamsters under 19 rugby league team that competed at the Outback Muster at Charleville on the weekend. Several Blackall players were selected in both the A grade and under 19 central west teams but due to injuries and work commitments, only Lachlan and Blake were able to take part. The Teamsters played rstly against Mid West, who they beat 28-22. They were then defeated by Mt Isa 22-18 but went on to beat South West 42-0 and came out winners of the whole comp. Along with other central west teams, the Magpies had a rest last weekend due to the Outback Muster. The previous weekend, the Longreach Thomson Tigers travelled to Blackall to battle the Magpies at the showgrounds. Both teams came out strongly, but Longreach was able to put rst points on the board with a try to Beau Nielsen that was converted by Marc Fickling. Blackall made some good moves, but were unable to penetrate the Longreach defence. Longreach scored again around fteen minutes in with Rhys Wiseman going over. Marc Fickling missed the conversion and Longreach was in front 10-0. Both teams attacked strongly but the defence held up until about the 30th minute when Longreachs Matt Cooper scored and his try was converted by Marc Fickling to lead 16-0. Beau Nielsen rubbed salt into the wound shortly after when he raced away for another try, which was converted to take the score to Longreach 22-0 Adam Kempson racked up another four points for Longreach when he scored just before half time, making the score at the break 28-0 to Longreach. Blackall attacked strongly

Sport on the Barcoo

after half time and their efforts were rewarded with a try to Tim Harlow. Guy Elliots conversion was unsuccessful and Blackall was behind 28-4. Longreach was able to add another 20 points with tries to Matt Cooper, Mick Ramsay, Beau Nielsen and Alistair Warren plus two conversions, before Blackall was able to hit back with another try to Tim Harlow which Guy Elliot successfully converted. Not to be outdone, Longreach got in another two tries to Rhys Wiseman and Jarrod Fickling and a conversion to Marc Fickling. Blackall did not give up and John Turlan scored just on the full-time hooter. Guy was unable to convert, giving Longreach victory by 58 points to Blackalls 14. The Magpies next xture will be against Ilfracombe on June 2 at the Ilfracombe Rec Centre.

INDEPENDENT
THE BARCOO
Blackalls own community newspaper

Art show draws the crowds

Over 100 people ocked to the opening of the Heartland Festival art show last Friday, buying more than 50 paintings, photographs and 3D pieces. In the words of Blackall Cultural Association president Lesley Heatley, this result blitzed 2006s sales gures. We sold approximately $17 000 worth of art which is twice as much as last year, she said. New South Wales landscape painter Gordon Rossiter sold the top-priced work, an oil painting titled Afternoon Carnarvon Gorge valued at $2250. A respected art judge and tutor, his works hang in galleries in Sydney, Brisbane and the Hunter Valley. A record number of acquisition sponsors came on board this year as well, with many agreeing to purchase works to be hung in public venues in Blackall and listed on an Art Trail brochure being planned. It will include the Peoples Choice art acquisition made by the Heartland Festival, a textile quilt created by Brisbanes Elaine Campbell. Together with the Heartland Festival itself, the art show and art trail are positioning Blackall as the cultural hub of western Queensland. Local RADF chair Lisa Kings told those at the opening that the increasing success of the festival was bringing Blackall to the

June 1, 2007 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $1.10 Contact: barcooindependent@yahoo.com.au

-- by Sally Cripps

Blackall bowlers sport new look

Sunday, May 25 saw a good rollup for the sponsors of the newlook Blackall Bowls Club shirts, Jeff Pohlner at the Barcoo Hotel and Mark Wearne at Blackall Auto Pro. A very enjoyable morning of social bowls was played with the winners being Rob Doyle and Lew Kelly with a score of 28-13, and this was followed by a barbecue lunch. There was a good turn-up on Sunday, May 20 with ve xtures and one social game being played. Special thanks to the players who went to Barcaldine on Saturday and backed up on Sunday. In pairs John Bowyer and Ross Browning were always in the lead and too solid for Woody and Ray Schluter, winning 33-11. In another pairs game Rob Doyle

and sub Marty Gray did the same to Greg MacNamara and Gary Whiteld, winning 28-11. In something of an upset Alf Cameron, playing after a long break, surprised all by beating Tex Hayward 31-27 in handicap singles. John Carter was too strong for Ron Robinson in B singles, winning 32-10, while in sets of nine ends Lew Kelly and Dave Carter fought a good battle with Lew winning 12-4, 6-8 and 9-5. Next weeks games include: rinks R Schluter, R Doyle, L Kelly and G Whiteld vs J Blucher, P Hayward, C Pngst and D Holden; G McNamara, A Cameron, M Chapman and M Gray vs D Carter, J Bowyer, J Carter and R Browning, with play starting at 9 am.

Answers to puzzles on page 17

Across: 1 Republic, 5 Hallmark, 9 Lenses, 12 Per, 13 Al, 14 Et, 15 Nearly, 16 Am, 17 Pedal, 19 Cu, 20 Trio, 21 Nest, 22 Cue, 23 Pitta, 24 Surreptitiously, 26 Application, 29 Be, 30 Indiscreetly. Down: 2 Eve, 3 Bye, 4 Characteristic, 6 Lea, 7 Anecdotes, 8 Kr, 9 Landing-stage, 10 Structural, 11 Spy, 17 Popcorn, 18 Leafy, 22 Capuchin, 25 Lay-bys, 27 Pair, 28 Omen.

-- by Dally Holden

9 2 1 7 4 5 8 6 3

5 7 4 3 6 8 2 9 1

6 8 3 2 9 1 4 5 7

8 4 2 6 1 3 5 7 9

1 9 5 4 8 7 6 3 2

3 6 7 9 5 2 1 4 8

4 3 8 1 7 6 9 2 5

7 5 6 8 2 9 3 1 4

2 1 9 5 3 4 7 8 6

attention of many. We have had extremely favourable comments from all quarters, Lesley said. The artists were very impressed with the way their works were presented to the public and they will denitely be back. The 187 pieces sent from around the country were curated by Dale Lane with a willing band of assistants. All age groups were represented at the art show with a massive waterthemed mural painted at Under 8s Day in Banks Park stretched along the entrances to Blackalls Cultural Centre, while 60 painted Japanese sh kites made by students from the Blackall State School, St Josephs and LSODE decorated the front of the stage. Works created the previous week by participants in feature artist Jenni Kellys acrylic painting classes were also displayed on the night. There are quite a few budding artists out there, Lesley commented. As well as sipping bright blue Ice on the Water cocktails created specially for the show, patrons watched Terry Brennan take home the ultimate chook rafe, the welded metal rooster made by artist-inresidence Richard Moffatt, while Daphne Rich was announced as the winner of the Lorikeet painting donated by Jenni Kelly. The exhibition remained open until Monday.

To commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Black Stump this year, Doug Campbell produced 120 ceramic black stumps in a 1 metre octagonal installation, which he has generously donated to Ram Park.

BLACKALL SEES RED

A town crier and a red ghost are some of the latest extras being called upon to help the Blackall Action Committee Against Amalgamation (BACAA) press home its denunciation of the state governments forced shire amalgamation plans. The crier will announce the arrival of the ghost of Blackalls hardworking democratic past when she rides into town on Friday, June 8, resplendent in a red Victorian costume to stop Beatties whitewash of our rights in a theatrical vignette in front of the Australian Labor Federation memorial in Short Street. This will take place on a day Continued on page 2

Heartland Festival pics -- pages 12 & 13 Quick Shears -- page 14

Page 24 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

Postcards to help save the shire

Continued from page 1 which is being called Red Friday all round the west and will see a number of western communities painting their towns red. Blackall people will be invited to use red fabric and paper to wrap Shamrock Street bottle trees, the Major Mitchell clock, bollards, shop fronts and more. According to BACAA member Robyn Adams, Tshirts with an SOS Save Our Shire message will soon be available, while the Mums and Dads art group has been busy making a wide range of expressive red merchandise for people to purchase. Robyn said these were just some of the shots in BACAAs arsenal as it prepared to maintain its opposition to amalgamation. She said there had been close to a thousand signatures on the petition to state parliament from the Blackall area alone. And that does not include all those who have gone online and signed the e-petition, she said. A new edition of postcards is about to come out. Similar to those sent to Premier Beattie, Local Government Minister Fraser and the Local Government Reform Commission by shire residents in recent weeks, these will have Save Our Shire across the front with the Blackall emblem, and they will be pre-addressed to Kevin Rudd, Simon Crean, Premier Beattie and the LGRC. By sending these postcards to the aspiring Labor prime minister and his shadow Minister for Local Government Simon Crean, BACAA is hoping the federal labor party, which needs to win seats in Queensland in the election at the end of the year, will apply some pressure to Beattie, Robyn said. She urged community members to send them to friends and family not living in western areas to enlist their help to defeat the looming reformation. A street march is also on the protest agenda in

Fun the name of the game at tennis

(Back)Jesse Minnis, Jessica Harse, April Minnis, David Goodman, (Front) Joshua McErlean, Ronan Robinson, Nicholas Kinsey, Greg Harse, Elizabeth Loveday and Amy Blucher were some of the Blackall State School Students who worked with Jed Cahill (left) in learning the art of lm making. Blackall, on Monday, June 11, following Red Friday activities. It will start at the Memorial Park and move to the showgrounds for addresses by eminent speakers. It is the ideal venue and process to continue to demonstrate to those in the south-east that we out here in central western Queensland are very angry with the state governments forced shire amalgamations, the way we have been treated and the removal of our rights of self-governance, Robyn said. The chant Save Our Shire Bugger Off Beattie will reinforce our message. Following the rally, march and speeches there will be a free sausage sizzle for lunch, with drinks available. The red ghost will make another horseback appearance as well.

JUNE 2 Matilda Highway races 2 Woolscour bush dinner 6 CQACC business breakfast 8 Red Friday 9 Rugby league v Barcaldine 11 Blackall community rally 13 Electricity Council meeting 15 CWA meeting 15 Blackall Historical Society

DATE CLAIMERS
19 25 JULY 7 7 13 14 15 21 AGM Ladies social tennis 60+ Better dance

Races Woolscour bush dinner Blue Light disco BSS P&C Trivia Night Rugby league v Ilfracombe CWA ower arranging/ cookery comp

23 60+ Better dance 26 60+ Better Christmas in 28 Kindy family ball 29 Rugby league v Winton AUGUST 4 P&C rodeo 4 Woolscour bush dinner 5 Run for a Cure 18 P&C auction 24 Daffodil Day 24 St Patricks bush dance

Having an enjoyable morning was the name of the game when ladies tennis recommenced at the Blackall Tennis Club in April, with a crowd of almost 20 attending. Fixtures were organised for those keen on having a social hit and for the onlookers an irresistible morning tea was available while watching the action on court. There were also some fun events such as lucky draws and a rafe. The promotion of ladies tennis has become a priority for the club since the regular weekly xtures had to cease last year due to lack of numbers. The new monthly gatherings will hopefully suit more players and the added social aspect sees ladies that are interested in an outing also enjoying the morning. As the tennis club grounds have a play area and well-kept lawns, it is hoped that more young mothers will be able to attend and perhaps play tennis in the coming weeks. The club aims to run the ladies xtures on the third Tuesday of the month with the next morning organised for Tuesday, June 20 from 9 am to 11.30, weather permitting. Participants are not required to be a member of the club and will only have to pay $3 for ball fees and bring a plate for a shared morning tea if possible. More information is available from Trethella Smith or Anne Lloyd.

WEATHER PREDICTIONS FOR BLACKALL JUNE 2nd- JUNE 30th, 2007 (BY THE MOON) from Ken Ring of www.predictweather.com

This outlook period sees 2-3 main chances of rain times. These are likely at or near June 6th- 7th and 13th-18th. After the19th may be the driest period. The average for maximums may be around 22C and for minimums around 10C. Humidity may be about 82% on average. The barometer may average 1019mbs. Winds may be mostly from north, east and south, with little action from the west Allow 24 hour error for forecasts. At a Glance

Expected rain times at Blackall

25 20 15 10 5
2007 JUNE 10th 2007 JUNE 11th 2007 JUNE 12th 2007 JUNE 13th 2007 JUNE 14th 2007 JUNE 15th 2007 JUNE 16th 2007 JUNE 17th 2007 JUNE 18th 2007 JUNE 19th 2007 JUNE 20th 2007 JUNE 21st 2007 JUNE 24th 2007 JUNE 25th 2007 JUNE 26th 2007 JUNE 27th 2007 JUNE 28th 2007 JUNE 29th 2007 JUNE 22nd 2007 JUNE 23rd 2007 JUNE 30th 2007 JUNE 4th 2007 JUNE 5th 2007 JUNE 6th 2007 JUNE 7th 2007 JUNE 8th 2007 JUNE 2nd 2007 JUNE 3rd 2007 JUNE 9th

The vertical column for rain is in mm. The amounts are not to be taken too literally but are intended to be viewed more as trends increasing or decreasing in amount. It is the timing of the rain that is the more important part of the moon method, as amounts are more determined by prior evaporation rates, which depend more on the sun. Ken Rings books Predict Weather for Australia 2007, Almanac and Isobaric Maps and The Lunar Code (Random House) are available from bookstores.

Rain delays air pistol event

The rst event of the Cowards Earthmoving trophy shoot was held at Blackall on May 13 with air pistol being contested. Due to unexpected rain the standard match was postponed to May 27. Young junior Matthew Allen took out the air pistol event with a handicap score of 673. Runner-up was Doug Church on 607 and third place went to Ross Allen on 594. Other scores were Robyn Lound 590, Bruce Coward 566, and Arthur Elmy 565. Ashley Adams was back after all his travels, which he says are not nished yet, and on May 27 he took out the standard match with a top score of 609 off handicap. Runner-up was Robyn Lound on 596 and Noelene Gleeson third on 584. Other scores were Bruce Coward 573, Arthur Elmy 542, Peter Molle 529, Spencer Astill and Bruce McPaul who both nished with 516, and Lloyd Marsh on 425. Top offpistol was a 521 shot by Ashley. The centre re event went to Arthur Elmy on 591 ahead of Bruce McPaul on 567. Sports pistol was won by Spencer Astill with a score of 626 while runner-up was Bruce Coward on 604. In third place was Noelene Gleeson on 594. Other scores were Robyn Lound 58, Peter Molle 577, Lloyd Marsh 462. Top offpistol scores went to Robyn Lound 521, Bruce Coward 513, and Peter Molle on 510. The Coward family sponsored the event and presentation of trophies on the day. The next ofcial shoot is the Aub and Janet Carter standard match event to be held on June 10, with a practice day on June 3 for those interested in sighting up for the Black Stump Open shoot on July 7 and 8.

UNIVERSAL GARDEN CENTRE & GALLERY

Seeds, Seedlings, Plants,Trees, Fruit trees, Palms. X-Large, Large & Medium Terracotta Pots, Terracotta Roosters, Hens & Chickens, Wall Fountains ~ Garden Statues. And remember to let Peter Beattie know NO AMALGAMATION Were serious about that!

Enjoying a rest at the ladies tennis morning were ? (above) and Margaret Wagstaff ?

Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 23

M A T I L D A H I G H W A Y R ACE S E RIES

Student lm makers get a taste of Hollywood

Imaginations ran wild when Blackall State School students were given the opportunity to make short lms at the end of last week, thanks to a partnership between the In The Bin Short Film Festival and the Blackall Shire Council. The results of their three-day experience of brainstorming, shooting and editing were aired to the public on Saturday night when the showgrounds produce pavilion was turned into a cinema for the evening. The 16 students from years 610 presented four vastly different lms The Cheer Off, The Nerds Revenge, Charlies Idiots, and The Stalker to a very appreciative audience. Jed Cahill, who worked with the students, said they had been very responsive to the lm-making concept and had put a lot of effort into their work. The rst day was a brain drain, the time to get the ideas and look at the theory of how lms are made, he said. On the second day we were shooting lm, and on the third we spent the whole day chewing our nails and sweating over computers. They achieved a huge amount in a very short timeframe, considering most had never made a short lm before. He said the education program was all about sowing the idea of

LADIES OAKSDAY

blackall RACES

Saturday 2
st

nd

june

Complimentary bubbly for the 1 50 ladies through gate foals, fillies and mares fashions of the field

lm-making into the minds of children in regional areas. Now I hope well see more from these kids in the next year or two, he said. The work with the students was complemented by a showing of In The Bins short lm festival, a dozen short features which were screened on Saturday night as well. Around 100 people enjoyed seeing some of the best short lms Australia has to offer. The festival and education program cost approximately $3000 to bring to Blackall and were underwritten by the Blackall Shire Council.

Watermarks display makes its mark

Water, often referred to as liquid gold and the theme of this years Heartland Festival, was the subject of an exhibition mounted by the Blackall Historical Society at the Visitor Information Centre recently. On display were historical photographs of Blackall oods, old artesian bores, dams, water drilling activities, and people bathing and swimming at favourite local waterholes. As well as photographs there were pumps, poly pipe, tin saddle packs, old rain gauges, water bags, and an early washing machine. Of particular interest were photos and items from TA Richardsons ice works, the old Hawthorne St swimming baths sign, and the scrapbooks donated from the estate of the late Cecily Neville. Personal scrapbooks and memoirs are an invaluable source of local history and the Blackall Historical Society is able to care for and use such donations for research, said BHS convenor Christine Campbell. A history of the towns artesian bores written by Fred Rich, a map of the Great Artesian Basin and a hand-drawn map of the shires creeks and rivers were items that received favourable comments from both visitors and local residents.

Butler Grazing Co, Seymours Dept Store, Terrick Terrick Santa Gertrudis + Skewes&Dempster

Best dressed stallion BLACKALL NEWSAGENCY

6 local races, Bookmakers, Skychannel BAR ; P&C Canteen

A great day of fashion ,entertainment and great country racing

Softdrink labels with exotic names such as Queens Toast, Quinine Tonic and Horehound Beer, collected from the early days of TA Richardons Blackall Ice Works, were one of the fascinating items displayed by the Blackall Historical Society for the Heartland Festival. Information on photos was collected from visitors to the exhibition and a group discussion was held on the old mail exchange pubs or watering holes which existed in the early days of coach travel and settlement of the district. A visiting Victorian researcher seeking information on local Chinese market gardens struck gold when he was able to speak to VIC volunteers Bob and Leila Harvey who had a wealth of information on families and gardens to share. The offer of the venue and display boards by the Blackall Shire Council and the cheery assistance of Kayla, Sue and Jodie from the Visitor Information Centre were greatly appreciated by the society.

-- by Christine Campbell

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT SQUEEZED FROM REAL FRUIT

BLACK TOYOTA
Page 22- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

Ray White

Rural & Livestock

IAN KINSEY OUTBACK

PH (07) 4657 4616

CHEMIST

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 3

The Drifters
with Hits like Save the last Dance for Me, Under The Boardwalk,. Like Sister and Brother ,On Broadway With support act Miss Leisa Kerris Appearing at the Blackall Cultural Centre 15th of June Tickets on sale Blackall News Agency

From the USA

Barcoo Independent TV Guide - May 13 - 19 ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Wednesday May 30 Thursday May 31

Pedal power initiative for Blackall police

Like their city cousins, Blackall police are turning to pedal power to patrol the streets of Blackall and have enlisted the support of the Blackall Shire Council. While Brisbanes Bike Squad recently doubled in size to 15 full-time ofcers, Blackall is introducing its rst bike patrol for many years. According to the ofcer in charge of the Blackall station, Sergeant Kevin Ongheen, the patrols will have many benets such as giving members of the public more direct access to police. A trial, using local ofcers own bikes, drew extremely positive feedback for this reason, according to Sergeant Ongheen. He said bike patrols would mean ofcers could demonstrate safe riding techniques in road safety classes at local schools, and they would put a policing practice in place that was unique to Blackall and a point of interest for tourists. It will permit ofcers to silently patrol Blackall streets detecting

activities and offences that might normally go unnoticed when travelling in a motor vehicle, he added. Unlike their urban counterparts, who had their equipment purchased from the Police Department budget, police in Blackall had to turn to the council for nancial assistance. The council agreed to fund the purchase of a bike, helmets and lights at a total cost of approximately $800, saying that it supported the idea of community policing. Mayor Les Wheelhouse handed over the bike and equipment to Sergeant Ongheen at the police station last week.

Where the word of GOD becomes a way of life SUNDAY 9.00am Graham and Meryl Gibson 46574740 Peter Aay 4651 2662 Warren & Marg Lehman 4657 4546 Heather Whiteld 4657 4564

BLACKALL UNITING CHURCH

Friday June 1

Ladies Fellowship Thrift Shop

Saturday June 2

There are some questions that cant be answered by google.

Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9am to 12 noon Flo Moore 4657 4465 Betty Walker 4657 4746

Page 4- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 21

Barcoo Independent TV Guide - May 27 - June 2 ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Blackall Hospitality shines through

Letters to the Editor

where any of their descendants are now. George Andrew Hole married Mary Anne Tracey, daughter of Patrick and Mary Ann (nee Ryan) Tracey in 1906. Their children were George Andrew, born 1907 in Charters Towers, Donald James, born 1909 in Blackall who married a lady named Eva, Vincent Maitland, born 1911 in Blackall, Leonard Placid, born 1912 in Blackall who married a lady named Phyllis, and Lincoln, born 1918. If anyone in Blackall can help me locate them, could they please contact me.

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the hospitality shown to me by the community during the three months spent working in Blackall. I have been spoilt by many a Saturday night meal cooked by Jimmy Baker, not Glory, Sunday roasts cooked by Charlie Goodman, not Narelle, and made to feel welcome from the rst Friday night I arrived by Bec and Beth, with earth-shattering effects on a Saturday morning. Margot and Peter Molle continued to drag me out of my hermit hole and the publican at the Union turned his hearing aids off when I continued to play the same music over and over again on the jukebox. To the management and staff at the Blackall hospital, thanks for the enormous support shown to me. As a community you should be extremely proud of the highclass service delivered by the medical, clinical, operational and administration staff at the Blackall hospital. The community needs to rally behind the Hospital Auxiliary as not only are they a great bunch of people but their fund raising efforts throughout the years have beneted the hospital enormously. My experience here was most enjoyable and will remain fond memories.

proud of. Once again our many thanks to all on the council who had a role in organising the event and hoping that it continues in the future.

Peter Watt, McLean, NSW

Tennis history on court

Page 20 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

Sunday May 27 Monday May 28 Tuesday May 29

Programs correct at time of printing but may change owing to unforeseen circumstances
CLASSIFICATIONS: M Mature Classication Recommended for viewing by mature audiences. MA Mature Audience Not suitable for people under 15 years of age. G General Classication AV PG Parental Guidance Recommended Adult Violence Classication Not suitable for people under 15 years of age.

Robyn Ph: 02 4392 8264 rsanday@exemail.com.au

Words of praise for Heartland

Fiona Harvey, Acting Manager, Blackall Hospital

Family search

I have been doing family history research and I have found that a few of my relations were born in Blackall. I hope that someone in the town may remember them or know

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Heartland Festival as a guest author. This was a particular honour as my novels are set against western and central Queensland and published internationally in many languages. The result is that readers overseas contact me to say that they will be visiting the areas that I have written about, which in turn results in money being spent by those international tourists in outback Queensland. My letter is to thank not only the Blackall Shire Council for having myself and my colleagues attend the writers expo but also to express my admiration for the way it was so professionally managed. I must single out Ms Sally Cripps and all those who assisted her for the work they did and for the true country hospitality extended to us by all the citizens of Blackall and district. Blackalls cultural centre has to rate as one of the best in Queensland and a place to be

May 2011 will mark the centenary of the Edkins shield and 50 years for the Moyse Shield. Longreach will be hosting this event and also a dinner at which we hope to see as many past players and representatives of the families as possible. Mr RR Edkins donated the Edkins shield in 1912 and family members are still taking a keen interest in all activities. Some family members participate in the playing of the event. Each team consists of four men. Five generations of the Edkins family have been associated with the shield. The Moyse shield was donated by the ladies of that family. The name Moyse is well known in tennis circles and the shield was rst competed for in 1962 at Aramac and presented to the winning team by Mrs Barbara Ferguson (nee Moyse). Teams of four ladies compete for this event. Anyone who has any memorabilia or stories they would like to relate regarding either of the above mentioned, could they please contact me at elaineb1@tpg.com. au We already know there were silver ashtrays given to each member of winning teams in the 1920s, as we have one in our possession. Small replica shields were given in the 1930s. We are endeavouring to build a collection for display on the night of the dinner, where it is hoped a power point presentation will take place.

Elaine Britton, Longreach

See our improved range More new fridges & freezes arrived this week - think outside the square!
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 5

THE SHIRE IS OUR HEART DO NOT RIP IT APART SAY NO TO SHIRE AMALGAMATION

Barcoo Independent TV Guide - May 20 - 26 ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Wednesday May 23

SOS
Save Our S h i r e

Continue to send your message to the State Government and their appointed Local Government Reform Commissionaires that you are against forced amalgamations of shires in Central Western Queensland, because of the impact they will have on you, your family and your community of Blackall.

FRIDAY 8TH JUNE RED DAY

Buy your red SOS T-shirt $15.00 Come downtown in the morning and help Paint the Town Red with fabric and paper. At lunch time in Short Street at the Australian Labour Federation Memorial, witness the red ghost ride in and Stop Peter Beatties White Wash of Our Rights

Thursday May 24 Friday May 25

MONDAY 11TH JUNE RALLY AND MARCH

Wear RED Bring your placard Chant Save Our Shire Bugger Off Beattie Assemble 9.30 am Memorial Park Red March to Showgrounds 10.00am to 10.30am Rally Showgrounds Grandstand from 10.30am Followed by Free Sausage Sizzle Drinks Available
Contact: Robyn M ADAMS 07 4651 0939 or Reverend Beth ONEILL 07 4657 4141 Sponsored by BACAA Blackall Action Committee Against Shire Amalgamation
Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

Saturday May 26
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 19

Barcoo Independent TV Guide - May 20 - 26 ABC SEVEN Imparja

SBS

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

PG

Parental Guidance Recommended

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

Funny, I was sure I had heard Premier Beattie and Minister Fraser in interviews about forced shire restructures saying that any rumours of job losses were scaremongering and incorrect. The $12M announced May 22 for shire jobs means that at last, we are guaranteed that we will have job losses from our communities. Im sorry for council workers in my shire because if the $12M for jobs is all that is offered for the two year period then it isnt enough. Using some gures in todays press release and the back of an old rates notice envelope, it looks like this to me - in May 2007 the ABS reported that average national weekly earnings are $55,600. If only 10 per cent of the 37,000 council employees state-wide are affected, the two-year cost is 3,700 people X $55,600 X 2 years = $41,144,000. If the national average wage is a bit high in this case, and annual wage plus costs is more like $35,000 per person, this means a still-enormous cost of $25,900,000. If there are no forced redundancies (promised in the press release), but Voluntary Early Retirements are offered, based on a years wage of $35,000 plus other benets, the cost of 10 per cent of the current workforce who might take VERs comes to $18,500,000. In any scenario the $12M doesnt stack up. And no amount of gratuitous cash subsidy and crocodile tears will make up for the reality of the pain to workers and families forced to relocate in the new shire centres. Some are families that have been in our town for six generations. If the forced amalgamation job restructuring is less than my hypothetical 10 per cent, it isnt even worth bothering about, so why is the Premier forcing this massive restructure at all? Oh, and Mr Beattie, before you offer another entertaining but erroneous statement about the causes of public reaction to your fanatically forced amalgamations, for example, suggesting reactions are driven by councillor vested interests, or by the National Party,

Numbers dont add up for Premier

or possibly next week by little green Martians, I am not, and never have been a councillor, or a shire worker, or a member of the National Party. I am a very concerned Blackall shire resident who has done a bit of voluntary community development in my special shire, and like 99 per cent of workers, ratepayers, and residents living here, I dont want to be part of any super-shire, thanks.

Letters to the Editor

Simon Campbell, Blackall

It appears that Blackall and several other towns in this region have been hit with a double whammy rst a 30 per cent reduction in water allocation from the Great Artesian Basin and then the advice that they would be forcibly amalgamated with other shires in the region. Blackall is renowned for its beautiful gardens and wellmaintained parks and street centres. By reducing water usage by 30 per cent DNR will effectively destroy many of the towns gardens. DNR water ofcer Dave Free is quoted in the Barcoo Independent as comparing the water usage in Blackall with that in Toowoomba and Brisbane. The target in Brisbane is 140 litres per day per person, and that is on level ve restrictions, virtually no water for gardens, and other water use cut to the bone. Mr Free suggests that nearly ten times as much water per person per day should be enough for Blackall residents. How can he get any meaningful comparison between the water requirements for Blackall with that of Brisbane? Besides there being an immense difference between the temperatures and climate of the two centres, there is also the difference between average sizes of gardens. Brisbane with its smaller gardens would need far less water per garden, based on area alone, without factoring in the climatic element and the level ve restrictions. While Blackalls entitlement has

Water whammy

been 1050 ML per annum, its actual usage has been about 1800 ML per year. The recently announced allocation of 1165 ML is a reduction of 30 per cent on historic usage. Why this desire to reduce water usage in the town, when there is so much wastage by other users of water from the basin? There are still 700 free-owing bores drawing water from the basin, seven of them in the Blackall shire. About 5 per cent of the water from free owing bores is used the balance either soaks away or evaporates. Mines use an enormous amount of water and DNR has agged the sale of water licenses from the basin. The news that the shire will almost certainly disappear by way of amalgamation with other shires, combined with the low water allocation, makes it clear that are factors other than drought that have the potential to cause devastation in rural Queensland. The shire amalgamation issue is of such immense gravity that many people have taken their minds off the other important issue of reduced water usage. Both issues will have a critical impact on this and other shires throughout rural Queensland and every effort should be made to have both rectied.

Page 18- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

Sunday May 20 Monday May 21 Tuesday May22

Fred Rich, Blackall

Everyone enjoyed a morning of tennis and refreshments at the recommencement of Ladies Tennis.

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 7

A story of courage from Blackalls pioneering days -- by Colin Duck

Blackall, Birregurra and Drumdoolaghty are places far, far apart on any map but they were all brought together in a moment of tragedy last century. On that day, Wednesday, October 26, 1921, a horse took fright and bolted, tipping a dray on top of its driver, a young fencer named James Andrew Jim Duck. In agony with a compound fracture of his right leg, Jim Duck was 65 miles from the nearest medical help in Blackall. The story of why the young man found himself working on a station outside Blackall, so far from home and family, can be traced back to the infamous potato famine in Ireland, which claimed about one million lives and stripped the country of another two million of its population through emigration. Among those who ed Ireland in the troubled times immediately after the famine was Jamess father, Martin Duck, one of a family of seven or eight children. The Ducks had been tenant farmers, renting a modest holding of 10 acres at Drumdoolaghty, just outside Ennis, the major town of County Clare. There can be little doubt that they lived desperate lives, close to starving, through the famine years, from 1845 to 1850. Certainly many of their friends and neighbours perished from hunger and disease and Martins own father and two brothers may have also been victims of those terrible times. It is impossible to be sure because deaths were so prevalent that few were recorded. What is known is that more than 40 per cent of the population of County Clare died or set sail for foreign lands in the 20 years from 1840 to 1860. Two of Martins sisters, Bridget and Anne, led the family emigration to Australia, making the perilous and lengthy sea journey in the early 1850s. They were followed in 1857 by a brother and sister, John (my great grandfather) and Mary Duck. Then their mother, the widow Mary Duck, and the remainder of her family Martin and his sister Margaret undertook the voyage. Once in Victoria, most of the family became pioneer settlers, buying the rst blocks of land for sale in a town known as Birregurra, just west of Geelong. It must have seemed a welcoming haven, despite the primitive living conditions, because the green paddocks and lush soil could only have reminded them of Ireland. Summer was another matter, when temperatures soared to 40C and the Irish immigrants must have wondered if they had arrived in hell. Martin Duck was in his early 30s, working as a fencer and running a small farm, when he married a 16-year-old Irish girl, Ellen Doyle, whose family had emigrated to Australia when she was just a baby. The Ducks had 15 children, raising them in a large, rambling weatherboard house in Birregurra. When Martin died suddenly from pneumonia and heart failure in 1900, aged 58, his widow Ellen was left with seven children still Continued on page 9

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In Memorium Reginal O Graham 3 July 1920 to 12 June 2002

We do not need a special day, To bring loving thoughts to mind, Our treasured memories of you, Are the everlasting kind. Also loved and remembered. Shirley, Gloria and Family.

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Blackall Combined Agents yarded at total of 798 fat and store cattle at their fortnightly sale held on May 24. The market was fully rm on other sales held that week. Heavy steers from Ruthven Grazing, Isisford topped at 166.2 c/kg with steers over 500 kg averaging 163.4 c/kg. Feeder weight steers in the 400-500 kg weight range sold to a top of 160.2 c/kg for 441 kg ($707) for Woodbine Livestock Trading, Blackall, with the draft averaging 156.3 c/kg. Weaner steers account Bobbie and Jackie ODell, Jericho topped at 192.2 c/kg for 287 kg. Top cows account Mooreld Grazing Co, Blackall sold to 145 c/kg and $889. A draft of 101 cows from Clark & Tait, Boongoondoo Jericho averaged 134 c/kg for 550 kg and $738. Bulls topped at 125 c/kg to average 108 c/kg. The next Blackall cattle sale will be on Thursday, June 7.

Smaller yarding at cattle sale

4 3 5 7 2 6 9 1 9 7

Mandarins $2.97 kg Leg of Lamb $6.97 kg Perfect Choice Deli Ham $8.98 kg Premium Beef Mince $7.97 kg Packham Pears $2.47 kg
Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

BLACKALL IGA

DR JIM COLEMAN DIPLOMA OF DERMATOLOGY

M.B.B.S. (Qld), F.R.A.C.G.P., F.A.N.Z.C.A., Dip. Derm. 12 Munro Street, INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068 Provider no - 003772BW

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1 2 3

2 1
4

Solutions page 24

The Blackall Visitor Information Centre is looking for some enthusiastic people to join the team for some casual work to help provide local information to Tourists & Visitors to Blackall The work will include a couple of Saturdays per month & some Public Holidays If you are interested in this position please contact Kayla at the Centre in Shamrock Street or Phone (07) 4657 4637 for further more information

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13

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Dr Coleman will consult in

SKIN CANCER CHECKS MOLE CHECKS TREATMENT OF ALL SKIN DISEASES

Longreach Shire Council Building THURSDAY 14 JUNE 2007 from 9am Barcaldine, HCC, 13 Willow Street WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE 2007 from 9.00am Blackall HACC cnr Coronation & Rose Sts TUESDAY 12 JUNE 2007 from 9.00am

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Be an Ambassador for Blackall

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No referral is required For appointments & enquiries please phone 38712979

Across 1 French governmental period. (8) 5 Prominent feature. (8) 9 Spectacles. (6) 12 For each. (3) 13 1920s gangster, ___ Capone. (2) 14 Spielbergs alien. (2) 15 Almost. (6) 16 Morning. (2) 17 Bicycle component. (5)

19 Symbol for Copper. (2) 20 Group of three. (4) 21 Financial reserves, ____ egg. (4) 22 Signal. (3) 23 Brightly coloured, noisy bird. (5) 24 Secretly. (15) 26 Purpose. (11) 29 Exist. (2) 30 Carelessly. (12)

Down 2 The night before. (3) 3 A cricketing ball where a run is scored, even though the ball was not hit by the batsman. (3) 4 Trait. (14) 6 Meadow. (3) 7 Biographical accounts. (9) 8 Krypton (Chemistry). (2) 9 Pontoon. (7-5)

10 Tectonic. (10) 11 Agent. (3) 17 Exploded kernels. (7) 18 Good source of antioxidants, green ____ vegetables. (5) 22 Monkey. (8) 25 Down payments. (3-3) 27 Two of a kind. (4) 28 Presage. (4)

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 17

Amalgamation Dont forget that Friday June 8 is RED DAY - lets show the Beattie Government that we mean business and do not want forced amalgamations. Red shirts have been ordered and will be available from the VIC for $15 each. Wild Dog Control Council assistance for wild dog baiting is available on the rst Wednesday of every month. Landholders who wish to bait their properties must provide their own meat and notify Phillip Hayward and their neighbours a minimum of 72 hours before the day of baiting. Phillip can be contacted on phone 0428 507 024. Landholders wishing to take advantage of this scheme are to meet at the council depot at 7.30 am. Westpac In-Store Reminding customers the hours for the Westpac In-Store are Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Leaving Blackall by Plane It is essential that passengers travelling on QantasLink ights from Blackall are checked in 45 minutes prior to the departure Safer Play for Children Injuries are predictable and preventable Did you know? Three out of four serious injuries to young children occur in their home with the most common cause of childhood falls is playground equipment. Safe play hints for children Make sure all play equipment Alcohol & Drug Psychologist Ph: 4652 7951 Child Health Child Health Blackall 4th & 18th June Ph: 4650 7700 Continence Advisor Joanne de VRIES Ph: 4658 3622 Dietitian Ph: 4650 7700 Dermatologist Dr David Leslie, 1st June Ph: 46 57 4766 Emotional and Social Well being Team Ph: 4658 1928 Gastroenterologist 10th July Ph: 4650 7700 Referral required. Gynaecologist 15th June & 13th August. Ph: 4650 7700 Referral required. Ophthalmologist Dr William Glasson Visiting Blackall in October. Ph: 4650 7700 for appointments. Referral

Council News

time on their ticket otherwise they may not be allowed to board the ight. Sale of Land by Tender Council is offering for sale by tender 12 Coronation Drive, Blackall which includes a 3bedroom house on a 987m allotment. This residence is located close to all town amenities. Tenders must be on councils tender form and close with the undersigned at 4.30 pm on Friday June 8, 2007. Tender documents may be obtained from the council ofce, Blackall, or via email: admin@blackall.qld.gov.au. The highest or any tender for the house and land will not necessarily be accepted. Council reserves the right to alter specications with advice to tenderers. Blackall Saleyards Dates for next cattle sales: June 7, June 21 and July 5 Water Restriction Hours From May 1 to September 30 sprinklers are banned between the hours of 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm Monday to Friday. No water restrictions are in force over the weekends. is installed to the manufacturers instructions and regularly maintained. Make sure there is adequate and correct soft falls material under all play equipment. Make sure pool fencing and self closing gates are well maintained. Always supervise children at play. Provide a safe fenced play area on farms and acreage

Application for Position

Applications, closing with the undersigned at 4.30 pm on Friday the 29 June, 2007 are invited for the position of Cleaner for the Blackall Multipurpose Sport and Recreation Clubhouse situated at the Showgrounds. Persons interested in lodging and Application must provide an hourly rate for consideration. For further information, please contact Lisa Goodman on (07) 4657 4222
Lisa Goodman Manager Blackall Multipurpose Sport and Recreation Association PO Box 21, Blackall Qld 4472 Fax: 07 4657 4726 Email: sdo@blackall.qld.gov.au
properties. Ensure play areas are separated from the street and driveway by adequate fencing. Make sure all play equipment is protected by shade (natural and/ or articial). Ensure play areas are free from poisonous plants. For more information, visit www. health.qld.gov.au/Healthyliving/ Injury_P.htm Physiotherapist Andrew Hislop in Blackall 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th & 26th June. Referrals required. Ph: 4650 7700 Relationships Australia Staff located in Longreach and visit Blackall on a needs to basis. Ph:1300 364 277 Social Worker Ph: 4652 7951 Surgeon Dates to be advised. Ph: 4650 7700 Referral required. Speech Therapist Ph: Erika Healy on 4652 7951 Well Womens Clinic Nurse Ms Frankie Calleja / Ms Louise Campbell 19th June Ph: 4650 7700 Well Womens Clinic Doctor Dr Louise Russell 14th June Ph: 4650 7700

Newspaper cutting sheds light on past misfortune

under the age of 14. Undaunted, she decided to turn the family home into a maternity hospital, no doubt drawing on her own immense experience of childbirth to assist other Birregurra mothers bringing their babies into the world. Tragedy seemed to dog the family. Catherine was only 11 when TB took her life in 1902, then an elder brother, Sylvester, died from the same disease while working as a shearer near Warwick in Queensland in 1906. He was 32. The family lost a third member to TB when Edward, a ne athlete and footballer, died two years later at home in Birregurra at the age of 27. Then, in July 1916, Ellen Duck received a cable to ofcially inform her of the death of another son, William Patrick, who had survived Gallipoli only to die in the trenches in France. His brother, Vincent (Dick), had also volunteered for service but went AWOL from the army base in Seymour when he learned of Williams death. It didnt take the army long to catch up with the missing soldier and Vincent Duck was court martialled, dismissed from the service and jailed. Perhaps Jim Duck was suffering from TB himself or was fearful of contracting it when he left Birregurra and went to work in the Blackall district. Certainly there was a strong belief among many that the Queensland climate was well suited to ght off the disease. Working on a family history of the Ducks, I had great difculty in tracing the adult lives of the 15 sons and daughters born to Martin and Ellen. Sylvester and Jim were eventually found through the death records in Queensland, after I had exhausted many other sources of information and had run up a couple of hundred phone calls. Even then, I was frustrated in trying to establish how Jim suffered his fatal accident. Then, by pure chance, last month a member of the Birregurra History Group stumbled on a cutting from the long extinct Birregurra Times, telling the tale in graphic detail:

Clubhouse Cleaner

Health News

Health Specialist Visits

required. Mental Health Nurse Every Wednesday. Ph: Sharon or Angela on 4652 7951 Occupational Therapist Ph: O.T. on 4658 4721 Orthodontist Visits Longreach once a month. Ph: 4658 4735 Orthopaedics Will be in Longreach 6th - 8th June. Ph: 4658 4735 Paediatrician Visits Blackall every six months, next visit August. Ph: 4650 7700 Visits Longreach every three months. Ph: 4658 4735 Podiatrist Longreach once a month. Ph: Maree on 4658 4700 Psychiatrist Blackall once a month. 20th June & 18th July. Ph: Sharon or Angela 4652 7951

Page 16 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

Continued from page 8 he discussed with his friends the A Birregurra Resident questions of the cost of an articial KILLED IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND Under very sad circumstances leg. The Rev Fr McGinley was in an erstwhile Birregurra resident, constant attendance on the Mr James Duck, whose mother still resides in Birregurra, met with his sufferer, both day and night. On death in Central Queensland. He Friday evening a group of Ducks died in the Blackall Hospital at 5 friends were admitted to see him, p.m. on October 29 from injuries and with them he discussed received at Listowel Station, some racing matters with all his oldtime enthusiasm. They all had to 65 miles out. For some years deceased had admire his undoubted pluck, for been employed in and around all save himself knew that he was Blackall, and his manly traits a dying man. Nevertheless he passed a very of character earned for him an unusual popularity. Recently he fair night and the collapse did not took a fencing contract at Listowel set in until Saturday afternoon. Station, owned by Cobbold and The end came very peacefully and, OBrien. In carrying out this work without any struggle, he slipped he was using a horse and dray, the into a comatose state and then dray like all those in the pastoral into the Great Beyond. country being of a heavy-wheeled The funeral took place on type. Sunday forenoon, and was one It is the custom of many of the largest seen in Blackall rural workers engaged in such for a long period. Every available occupations as fencing to dispense motor car and vehicle was packed; with reins and instead to attach others rode on horseback and a short rope to the winkers. This many walked to the peaceful bush course was followed by Duck. cemetery outside the town. While feeding, the horse trod on the The body was interred in the loose rope, and when the animal Roman Catholic portion, and in lifted its head suddenly the rope the presence of a large assemblage, being caught underfoot wrenched Rev Fr McGinley read the burial off the winkers causing the horse service. When the grave was lled to bolt. in the mound was completely The dray after going some covered with immortelles and distance capsized and fell on oral tributes. Ducks right leg causing a bad The deceased was 38 years of fracture below the knee. A motor age, and was highly esteemed, his car had to be sent out from Blackall knowledge of racing matters made and after a long delay and a painful him much sought after especially journey the injured man reached as he had a wonderfully retentive the Blackall Hospital just before memory, and if a turf dispute was daylight on October 27. Dr Malcolm attended the sufferer referred to Jim Duck his decision and it was at once apparent that was always accepted as nal. He there was no hope of saving the made many friends who were leg. Strange to say, Ducks left leg deeply grieved at his sad end. Ellen Duck was 85 when she died in recent years had a slight limp at home in Birregurra, in 1938. a legacy from an attack of typhoid She had lost six of her children to fever. It is feared that owing to the war, disease and accident, and left time occupied in getting him to behind just nine to mourn her. the hospital complications set in. (Colin Duck, author and former On Friday morning Dr Malcolm newspaper editor, is writing a family operated and removed the injured history, called The Ducks of Drumlimb. The doctor, however, knew doolaghty. If anyone in Blackall has that the case was hopeless and, any further information or pictures of indeed, so did the injured mans Jim Duck he would be delighted to friends all except himself. He hear from them. His email address was a cheery and lion-hearted is cduck@bigpond.net.au, mobile patient and so very optimistic that phone 0419 302122.) The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 9

Queensland patient travel subsidy boost announced

Patients required to travel more than 50km to access essential specialist medical services will have their Queensland Government private transport subsidy increased to 15 cents per kilometre. Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the subsidy increase is among new Queensland Health initiatives designed to improve the Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme. Queensland is already spending $29.9 million this year on patient travel subsidies -- up to four times more than being spent by other states and territories, he said. Queensland Health will increase the patient travel subsidy by ve cents per kilometre. The 15 cents per kilometre rate brings Queensland into line with travel subsidies paid in other states and territories. We also have the most generous minimum distance eligibility threshold at 50km compared with up to 200km in other states and territories. The Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy scheme is designed to assist patients to access essential specialist medical services, which are not available in their local area, by providing a nancial subsidy for transport and accommodation costs. The intent of the scheme is to subsidise costs associated with accessing this medical care, not to reimburse and cover entire travel and accommodation costs. Other changes being implemented to improve the PTSS include: Reducing red tape and the number of forms patients need to complete to apply for assistance and reimbursement. Once a patient is entered on the system, the information will be retained, eliminating the need to continually complete forms. Long stay patients and frequent travellers will be agged in the system. Local Health Transport Reference Groups have been established in health districts allowing local transport providers and community representatives to help develop more coordinated patient transport systems. 13 HEALTH hotline (13 432584) will become a one-stop shop for patient enquiries about patient travel subsidy. Queensland Health is also exploring new strategies to support patient accommodation although Queenslands $30 per night subsidy is already in line with other States and territories. Mr Robertson acknowledged it was difcult for patients in rural and regional Queensland to leave their community and family to access some specialist medical services. Thats why were taking steps to better integrate health transport planning with health service planning. For example, were investing a further $2.2 million to upgrade Queensland Healths Statewide Telehealth Network. The network delivers specialist healthcare to patients in rural and regional communities via videoconferencing links at 430 sites throughout Queensland. Upgrading the network will help reduce the need for patients in rural and regional areas to travel long distances to access some

Wanted: inspirational seniors for Premiers awards

Communities across Queensland are encouraged to highlight local seniors who have had a signicant impact on their community. Premier Peter Beattie and Seniors Minister Warren Pitt has called for nominations for the 2007 Premiers Awards for Queensland Seniors, which recognise people aged over 50 for their outstanding voluntary work in local, regional and statewide organisations. Most community service happens out of sight, is uncelebrated and may go unrecognised, but it is this level of commitment that truly makes these older volunteers inspirational, Mr Beattie said. Thats why I present these awards each year, to pay tribute to the inspirational seniors who, every day, make our communities better places to live. Mr Pitt said the Premiers Awards for Queensland Seniors challenged traditional assumptions about older people and growing older. Older volunteers continue to make a signicant contribution that helps to support our families, workplaces, community and the economy, he said. They make an enormous difference to every aspect of society, from the arts and sport to health care, emergency services, social welfare and the environment. I encourage all Queenslanders to nominate anyone over the age of 50 who has used their inuence, experience, wisdom or commitment to make a signicant impact on their local area in a voluntary capacity. Mr Beattie said that since the awards for Queensland seniors started in 1986, 408 older Queenslanders had received an award for their voluntary activities. This year, another 15 older Queenslanders will be honoured, he said. For nomination forms, phone the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 or go to www.communities. qld.gov.au. Nominations close on Tuesday 10 July 2007.

specialist health care services. Mr Robertson said Queensland Health was also preparing a submission to the recently announced Senate Inquiry into Patient Travel Assistance Schemes. The departments submission will highlight the need for the Commonwealth to contribute to patient travel subsidies especially where there is no local private specialist. Queensland Health is also seeking Commonwealth reform to private health insurance legislation to ensure patient transport costs are included in private hospital insurance products. Alternatively, States should be reimbursed the cost of transporting private patients through their public-funded patient travel subsidy schemes, he said.

Junior Masters Tennis

John Hauff was selected as part of the North West schoolboys rugby league team following trials at Blackall last weekend. His tackling and ball distributing skills were on show when he played in the Central West team and then in the Probables v Possibles game.

Madeline Carter from Blackall won the girls 13yrs and under singles.

Blackalls Sam Fletcher had a very successful carnival, winning boys 9yrs and under champion, 9yrs and under doubles champion with brother Tom, and Tennis Qlds best and fairest for the carnival award.

Runner up boys 11yrs and under singles champion, Will Butler from Blackall with Blackall Junior Tennis President, David Carter.

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Barcaldines Keeley Bashford playing in the event she was to win, girls 9yrs and under singles. Bridie Carter 11yrs and under players, Ben Emerick and Hamilton Walker, both from Blackall. Sarah Isaac Augathella 11yrs and [Blackall] playing under girls doubles in girls 11yrs and champions, Deanna under singles. Hubbard and Kate Brassington Photos by Kelley Walker The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 15

Acre rates quoted for ploughing on larger areas. Travel most areas.
Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

GRADING - POLY PIPE LAYING Etc.

Competitive rates.

School News

Hamilton Walker from proudly shows off his nshed kite.

BSS students (back left) David Goodman, Harley Kowald-Dawson, Jessica Harse and (front left) Tammy Waine, Natalie Dendle, April Minnis, Sara Aspinall, Shagun Gandhi had great fun making kites. Under 8s Day was celebrated in Banks Park on Wednesday, May 23. After a parade down the main street, students enjoyed the morning rotating through various activities, with some of the favourites being water bowls, tails, bubbles and the parachute. A sausage sizzle was a great end to a morning lled with lots of fun! *** Year Five LSODE student Holly Sprague has been selected in the schools Opti-minds team, the mindbending challenge which gives kids the chance to think laterally and try their hand at drama, costume making and script writing. Holly and her team will compete against others in the north west region in Mt Isa in coming weeks. *** Two Blackall businesses, Rooneys Contracting and Rural Traders are sponsoring cash prizes in the LSODE footy tipping competition. Colin and Ros Wood have slipped back from a front-running position in recent rounds. *** Blackalls LSODE students are getting ready to take part in the Wally Rae small schools athletics carnival in Isisford on June 15. *** Blackall father Jeff Lloyd is recently home from accompanying year ve LSODE students to their camp on Magnetic Island. Everyone had a lot of fun at the new venue. *** Fiona Russell is one of two new members on Education Queenslands Material Development Forum which is helping develop new curriculum materials for distance education families in the state. *** Education Week came early to the Blackall State School with a focus on art activities to tie in with the Heartland Festival. Poetry, painting and lmmaking were some of the creative choices offered to students. The school ran free art workshops in conjunction with the festival, bringing students from St Josephs, LSODE and the state school together to decorate kites, supervised by BSS art teacher Rebecca Weaver. Water was the theme for the festival so students Page 14 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

LSODE students Holly Sprague, Hilary Wood, Ainsley Walker and Tori Taylor apply their artistic skills in the art of kite making. busied themselves painting and decorating Japanese paper sh kites. Some 70 kites were on display at the festival art shows opening night and were available for purchase. It was a great opportunity to introduce young people to art as a business concept as well as giving them a chance to express themselves and to be a part of the festival. The proceeds from the sale of the kites are going back into the festival to ensure that students continue to have the opportunity to be exposed to the arts. *** The Year 4s at St Josephs have started an orchard group and have learnt about watering, pruning and how to check if the soil is wet enough. They will look after the orchard and when they are in Year 7 they will teach the Year 4s how to look after it. Fruit from the trees will be sold and the money will be used by the Student Council for its projects. *** St Josephs students John Hauff and Tom Butler took part in the North West rugby league selection trials in Blackall recently, playing for the Central West team against Mt Isa, Mid West and Gulf teams. John was selected for the North West team to travel to Mackay on June 18.

The Gathering of the Guns quick shear held at Blackall on the weekend was a huge success, both for the hard-working Kindy committee which stage the event, and for the local shearers who proved too good on the night. Over 20 shearers came from Winton, Longreach and Charleville to compete for more than $3000 in money and prizes under lights at the Blackall showgrounds. Locals Cameron Bird, Shane Bird and David Lipsett competed ercely in the pro event. David had the quickest time on the night in the quarter-nals, shearing his sheep in 39.97 seconds, while Shane made the fastest time in the semi-nal with 41.62 seconds. These were very fast times for merino sheep, with organisers expecting times closer to a minute. Sheep came from the Chandler family at Clover Hills and were brought in by Tommy Lipsett. The fast action, combined with blazing lights, commentary and music supplied by Longreachs Joe Lewis produced a night of entertaining sport for the crowd. The pro nal was one of the highlights of the evening when brothers Cameron and Shane

Blackall guns blitz em at Quick Shear

battled it out for rst and second. Cameron won with a time of 41.02 seconds, Shane nishing a couple of blows behind him with a time of 43.18 seconds. The two brothers and David teamed up for another exciting spectacle, the Trans Tasman challenge, taking on Kiwis Terry Garnham, Trevor Wakeeld and Maverick McDonald. It was sport shearing at its best as shearers and woolrollers worked fast and furiously to deeece 18 sheep between them. The Kiwi boys proved too strong, winning the challenge. In the open event, Kiwi girl Kylie Hamilton top qualied in the heats with a time of 47.20 seconds, only to be knocked out in the semi with a bad pull of the cord getting started. Tetiro Ratima had the best time in the open semi with 57.79 seconds, going through to the nal with Anton Gnys, who won with a time of 45.11 seconds. In the quick throw competition local wool handler Sam Richards competed against eight others to win the event, with the best throw and a time of 4.80 seconds, collecting $100 prize money and a trophy. The kindy committee was very

pleased with the public turnout and is looking towards 2008 when Blackall and the Heartland Festival will celebrate its wool industry heritage with the centenary of the woolscour. A bigger prize purse would attract shearers from interstate and be even more entertaining, organiser Lisa Te Raki said. Gathering of the Guns quick shear results: Pro Shearing 1st) Cameron Bird 2nd) Shane Bird 3rd) David Lipsett 4th) Kep Palmer 5th) Joe Lewis 6th) Matt Day 7th) Terry Garnham 8th) Maverick McDonald Open Shearing 1st) Anton Gnys 2nd) Titiro Ratima 3rd) Scott Millard 4th) Kylie Hamilton 5th) Hohepa Renall 6th) Andy Cooper 7th) Ian Barlow 8th) Jovan Taiki Best Local Shearer: Cameron Bird Quick throw: Sam Richards In the hat: Shane Bird Trans Tasman: New Zealand The Shears by (far blow Quick pro Blackalls Bird who his left) with

nal was won Cameron

went blow for brother Shane.

Having fun at Under 8s Day at the Park Schoolboy rugby league talent John Hauff (centre) with his shing mentor Terry Kingston and father Tony Hauff, following his selection in the North West team after trials in Blackall last weekend.

The action was fast and furious in the Trans Tasman Challenge, won by the Kiwi team (right).

Shane Bird, Cameron Bird and David Lipsett celebrate their win at the Quick Shears. Quick Throw winner Sam Richards It was time to relax after the Quick Shears. The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 11

Heartland Festival Art Show

Sue Doyle caught up with Longreachs Ian Merritt at the art show

Heartland Festival

One of the many expatriates amongst the crowd at the art show was pharmacist Chris Bonner (centre) together with wife Marelle and son Michael.

Kerry Walker and guest gardener Shelley Dark swap stories during the garden expo.

Garden Expo

DCQs Jeff Poole and Sonja Doyle talk about gardening in an arid climate. Trying out the soil testing kits at the garden expo were Sarah Pearson, Longreach Shire Council parks and g a r d e n supervisor Jeff Conaghan, Brigid Price and Lisa Alexander. Wandering down memory lane with sculptor Natalie Billings pictured with her mother Sue Billings. Former school teacher Marie Messer took a quiet moment to reect on her memories of concerts and dances in the past at Blackalls Memorial Hall when she attended the opening of Natalie Billings Wandering the Halls of Memory installation opening during the Heartland Festival. Now a Brisbane-based sculptor, Natalie was once a ve year old with dodgy posture whose mother sent her off to ballet classes in the hall. The Memorial Hall has been a centre for dances, weddings, concerts and fetes in the town. For Natalie, it is a landmark not only on the landscape but also on the people who passed through its doors. Her installation encouraged all to relive and rejoice in these memories. Seeing the hall once again ooded with imagery was the overriding impression of the exhibition, according to many who viewed it. It was something new to Blackall and Im so pleased we hosted it, one person commented. Natalies mother Sue helped her set up the installation and her grandfather Dooley Foster made a special trip back to town to see it.

Terry Brennan beams from ear to ear as he takes Enjoying the art show were Brigid Allan, Angus MacDonald, Fiona Stirling and Anthea Blackburn. Left: Jenni Kelly presents Daphne Rich with the colourful painting of lorikeets rafed for the Heartland Festival possession of Rocky the rooster

Penny Wagstaff (left) was joined by Longreach visitors Manny Firth, Mary-Anne Ringrose and Katie Webb at the garden expo.

Memories fill the hall

Acrylic art students being creative during the Heartland Festival were Sylvia Wheeler, Loreli Kiernan, Sue-Ellen Zahl, Rachel Noble, Tara Luckhurst, Deb Luckhurst, Sally Campbell, tutor Jenni Kelly and Lesley Heatley. Left: Tutor Anna Douglas demonstrates some techniques at the oral art workshop at the arts centre. Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, June 1, 2007 - Page 13