SPORT ON THE BARCOO

Off and racing at Blackall

Bowls final win for Woody

Julie Eggerling and stablehands Siobhan Kennedy and Sam Cunningham were happy with Little Mistys race record in the maiden plate on Saturday. They are pictured with Barcoo Race Club secretary Kylie Banks, race sponsor Pat Bredhauer and trainer Mark Oates and son Liam.

The 2011 handicap final was played at the Blackall Bowls Club last weekend with Roland Blucher taking on Woody. It was a very close game all the way, but Woody just managed to get over the line 26-32. In social bowls, Tracy and Judy defeated Leroy and Hazel 30-9, C Pfingst and Gumby defeated R Doyle and J Bowyer 12-9 and Macca and R Black defeated L Cahill and J Blucher 20-15. This Sunday Blackall will face Barcaldine to compete for the Haig Trophy with any available players asked to contact Gary. On Saturday the Blackall Bowls Club will host its Publicans, Sponsors and Business House Afternoon of social bowls starting from 3:30 pm. Anyone interested in putting a team in to play is asked to contact Don on 0427400754. The Blackall Bowls Club AGM will be held on Sunday starting at 9:30am

Dance Blackall prepares for Alice in Wonderland extravaganza

Dance Blackall in association with the Blackall State School P and C have been busy organising their annual concert. On Saturday November 12 the Blackall Cultural Centre will be turned into Wonderland. Alice will take a trip down the infamous rabbit hole with the audience to be treated to a night of magical adventures. The children have been practicing every week this year with the help of Miss

Bob and Pam Carolan (centre) took home the Parraway Pastoral Company trophy for the open handicap with Secrets win on Saturday. Also pictured are race club secretary Kylie Banks, sponsor Geoff Wagstaff and part owner Toni Austin.

Do you have results or information to contribute to the sports section? Contact Victoria Nugent. (07) 4657 6966 barcooindependent@ gmail.com

Bib and Miss Naomi, in tap, ballet and jazz. The doors open at 5pm for a 6pm start. Dinner will be available to purchase and a bar will be operating until late. Ticket prices are $8 for adults $3 for children and pensioners, and free for non school age children, or $20 for a family. Tickets are available to pre purchase at the Blackall State School and Milli Goodwin, Pagen Arnold and Georgia Hansen show off their concert costumes. St Josephs offices.

Page 16- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

INDEPENDENT
THE BARCOO
ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00

Blackalls own community newspaper

Fires blaze across central west

Bushfires have continued to spark across the central west over the past week across a vast area including Blackall, Jericho, Tambo, Aramac, Barcaldine, Yaraka and Windorah. An estimated 650 000 acres of country has been lost in the Blackall district since last Friday, according to Queensland Fire and Rescue, Rockhampton, with considerable losses to rural property infrastructure, such as sheds, tanks, pumps and fencing. Windy conditions over the weekend exacerbated the problem with the largest gust of 52 km per hour measured at Blackall airport at 2pm on Saturday. QFRS assistant commissioner, Neil Gallant said that bushfires on this scale hadnt been seen for a number of years. Given the amount of fuel plus the wind of last Saturday, normal breaks wouldnt have stopped any fire, Mr Gallant said. Mr Gallant said communication regarding fires was improving but he would like to encourage more people to call 000 to report bushfires. Rural people know their patch, but we are a whole of state organisation now and we can bring a lot of resources to support volunteers, Mr Gallant said. Many of the fires were started by lightning strikes with one such fire occurring at Waringbah in the Blackall region last weekend which burnt around 700 acres. Lisa Alexander of Waringbah said the fire started after a lightning strike on Friday, but had been brought largely under

October 21 2011

Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

control before it started up again on Saturday. The wind just picked it up and it jumped two tracks and the main road, Lisa said. The fire wasnt a bad one, but it just moved very fast. Lisa said that she had definitely heard about a large number of fires in the district and thought it was going to be a continuing problem. Because theres so much dry grass about, the fires might keep going for a while until it rains, Lisa said. In the Blackall, Tambo, Jericho and Alpha areas the weekends electrical storms left more than 762 customers without power some for up to three days with 65 power poles burnt to the ground.

Fires have been blazing across the central west district including this one at Waringbah, Blackall on Saturday.

Editorial been Of all the issues that have

discussed across the district in recent times, the one that has stirred up the most community concern is councils recent decision to opt out of the two kilometre mining buffer zone afforded to towns with a population of 1000 or more. The Barcoo Independent has recently published some passionate letters to the editor about the matter and heard yet more general comments from

residents about their concerns. The general consensus seems to be that mining would be detrimental to the region. Already there are issues arising, with one source notifying the newspaper that exploration sites along the Ravensbourne road have churned up the land at the area and left it an eyesore. The Barcoo Independent welcomes more people to come forward with their concerns and queries regarding this matter. If

you are concerned about an issue, only action will help alleviate your worries, with debate encouraging further questioning of the process so that we can be fully informed on what mining companies have planned for our region. Even if we cant stop mining, its time to come up with safeguards for our region so that the spirit of our community and the integrity of the land can be preserved for future generations.

Advertising Rates 2011

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

Contact
Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories and letters to the editor: Victoria Nugent barcooindependent@gmail.com or post or call at Blackall Visitor Information Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/ fax: 07 4657 6966

Classifieds: $5 for 3 lines and $1.25 per extra line. Contact Victoria Nugent for colour advertising rates

The constant quick changes in the weather have certainly put it to us over the past week. Lightning strikes, thunder and very little moisture have all combined to make fire our latest adversary. The fact that there are, at present, far fewer able bodies on properties to actually fight the fires adds to the great difficulty in controlling the infernos whipped along by gale force winds. The Blackall Tambo Regional Council is pleased to assist with manpower and machinery in most cases and has assisted all who have made a request. On Saturday October 15 we were aware of nine fires burning in Blackall and Tambo Districts. The ability to assist was stretched to the max and we are far more fortunate than other areas which have experienced accidental burns to plant operators as well as infrastructure and heavy stock losses. With all the smoke about it is difficult to assess just where fires have started. There have been reports of fires started by lightning and extinguished by most welcome rain. I would like to thank our staff who are engaged in Emergency Services, these men and women have repeatedly left their work and their homes to assist landholders in the protection of their properties. The recent meeting of the Blackall Tambo Regional Council has resolved to demolish the Old Power House Building at the Blackall Tambo Regional Council Depot and to obtain quotations to build a suitable new work area. It was also resolved to purchase suitable firefighting

FROM THE MAYORS DESK

units to be attached to council tractors when slashing roadsides, in case of an emergency. The Blackall Tambo Regional Council will undertake an audit of street lighting in both Blackall and Tambo as there have been reports of inadequate lighting in both towns. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to affect a permanent seal on failures of the bitumen in Arthur Street Tambo, Council has instructed Administration to negotiate with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to gain a solution to this very persistent problem. Recommendations from the meeting of the Friends of Ram Park Advisory Committee held on September 16 were accepted by Council including the appointment of Mr R Doyle to the Committee. Council will commence negotiations to extend the footprint of Ram Park by closing the unmade road on the Northern side and amalgamating the two reserves adjacent to Ram Park for Local Government Historical Purposes under the trusteeship of Council. Council will officially invite the Blackall Historical Society to relocate to Navena Homestead at Ram Park and join with Council in the upgrade and preservation of the site. Funding will be sourced from the Regional Arts Development Fund for assistance to document the collection and provide collection management training with interested persons associated with Ram Park.

--Jan Ross

Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

Fiona Russell talks to Genestar representative Terry Farrell after the sale.

Cassie Evans helped her dad, Peter Evans select their draft of six bulls at Swan Hill.

Lynelle and David Nugent, Tambo were happy with their purchases at Swan Hill.

St Josephs P&F Inaugural Annual Melbourne Cup Day

Date: Tuesday 1st November 2011 Time: 11 am til 4pm Location: McKillop Centre, St Josephs School Cost: Adults $20 (chicken, salad, bread roll and glass of wine) Children $5 (assorted hot foods and ice block) RACes on The big sCReen oRgAniseD ACTiviTies foR The kiDs inCLuDing hobby hoRse RACes AnD A pLAygRounD

indulge yourself at the st Joeys pamper patch!

fashions of the fieldfillys, Mares and Colts

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011 - Page 15

An average price of $4174 was described as a solid result for the Russell family when they conducted their annual on-property bull sale at the start of the Blackall sale circuit this week. The top priced bull, lot 14 was sold to the Sargood family at Manresa, Augathella for $11 000. Bulk buyers included the Evans family at Woodbine, the Nugents

Solid sale for Swan Hill santas

from Tambo and the Britton family at Winton. Ten bulls were passed in. The average was $500 higher than last year. Spokesperson Alexa Russell said the family was happy with the sale, especially with last years selling difficulties still in the memory. The prolonged wet weather meant the sale was postponed

four times and eventually held in mid-December. This year we went a bit earlier to mid-October to be in line with the other Blackall sales, and that had a good response, Alexa said. It helps clients with spring breeding and enabled them to fit everything in to the one visit.

-- Sally Cripps

Pauline Campbell, Prairie Vale, Augathella took home The younger generation of Russells Dominique, Declan, three bulls from Swan Hill with the help of Jason Belz, Charlotte, Conan and Alexa relax after a busy day helping GDL Roma. out in the yards at Swan Hill.

Community Consultation
Draft Operation of Council Cemeteries Policy
In order to provide a systematic and equitable process for dealing with operational matters relative to Council controlled cemeteries, a draft policy has been developed. Council now seeks input from interested members of the Community regarding this draft policy prior to finalisation and adoption. A copy of the Draft Policy is available on the Blackall-Tambo Regional Councils website www.btrc.qld.gov.au and is open for inspection at the Councils public offices at 6 Coronation Drive, Blackall and 21 Arthur Street, Tambo. Further enquiries can be directed to the Council Manager of Business Enterprises, Mr Murray Hilton, who can be contacted by telephone on 4621 6600. Written comments regarding the draft policy will be received until the close of business on Friday 18th November 2011 and are to be forwarded to:The Chief Executive Officer, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, PO Box 21, Blackall Q4472

Page 14- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

Elvis tribute show wows town Blackall set to host

Blackall music lovers got a taste of the King last Saturday night when Elvis impersonator David Cazalet brought his tribute show to town. Mr Cazalet took to the stage alongside the Dance Blackall troupe to perform a range of Elvis hits, with local technical whiz Dylan Dolinski providing lighting and sound for the show. On Sunday morning Mr Cazalet paid a visit to McLean Place to provide an hours worth of entertainment to the towns elderly residents, performing songs in English, French and Chinese and reciting Shakespeare passages. Mr Cazalet said he enjoyed working with the Blackall community to put on the show and was impressed with the quality of the young performers. As an entertainer, flying into a town and not knowing what to expect, its great when youve never met people before but you come together as a team to put on a great show, Mr Cazalet said. Mr Cazalet said he really enjoyed his trip to Blackall and had definite plans to return, hopefully bringing with him a larger group of musicians. Its a town with a really nice feeling to it, Mr Cazalet said. I like how clean the place is and the sense of history thats there.

tourism awards
Awards next weekend,

Blackall is gearing up to host with

the Outback Queensland Tourism representatives from across the tourism industry set to flock to town for the weekends activities. The festivities will start in the evening on Thursday October 27 with a welcome dinner at the Blackall Woolscour. On Friday delegates will attend a range of industry workshops before enjoying an industry progressive dinner in the evening. After the Outback Queensland Tourism Association AGM on Saturday, delegates will have the opportunity to explore Blackall or pay a visit to Tambo. Saturday nights awards will be held at the Blackall Cultural Centre with the evening kicking off with a Quick Shears fundraiser with the money going towards the Blackall State School and St Josephs Primary School. The evening will also include music provided by Brisbane band Who Killed Kenny and a charity auction.

Young Blackall dancers joined David Cazalet on stage to wow the town in Saturday nights Elvis tribute show.

5 Walter Street, BLACKALL

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

47 Thistle Street, BLACKALL

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

85 Rose Street, BLACKALL

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

LJ Hooker 135 Eagle Street PO Box 246 Longreach QLD 4730

Contact Bernardine 07 4658 1122 / 0429 020 540

LJ Hooker 135 Eagle Street PO Box 246 Longreach QLD 4730

LJ Hooker 135 Eagle Street PO Box 246 Longreach QLD 4730

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011- Page 3

WHATS ON in 2011
OCTOBER

22 BTRC Community Services Feel Good-Feel Better Day 28 Red Dog Screening Tambo 29 CWA Think Pink Morning Tea 29 Outback Tourism QLD Awards NOVEMBER 1 St Josephs Melbourne Cup Day 1 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club Melbourne Cup Buffet Luncheon 4-5 Gallery Day 5 Halloween Trick or Treat 5 Halloween Blue Light Disco 7-8 SDE Blackall Swim Camp 12 Dance Blackall Annual Concert 13 Music/ Zine Workshops 15 Blackall State School Awards Night 18 Anglican Ladies Guild Street Stall 20 Blackall Clay Target Monthly Shoot 26 Blackall Races 26 St Patricks Christmas Fete 27 Christmas Tree Festival 29 Christmas Under the Stars Blackall State School DECEMBER 3 Your Amazing Race Gala Dinner 16 Christmas Night Markets 16 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club Members Christmas Party 16 Blackall Clay Target Monthly Shoot 24 Christmas Eve Mardi Gras, Blackall 24 Christmas in the Park, Tambo 31 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club New Years Eve Costume Party

A wonderful day was had by all when Craig Dolinski and Kerri Lee were married at Ridgelands on October 1. They were attended by Sara Howell and Peter Cragg, and their three children Gracie, Jaxson and Heidi.

Wedding Bells

Blackall asked to think pink

Movies, yoga and zumba to help residents feel better

The Blackall Tambo Regional Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Community Services Service, Queensland Health and department is gearing up for an North West Queensland Primary afternoon and evening of fun Health Care will also be on hand activities for Feel Good Feel Better to provide information, answer questions and perform health Day this Saturday. The afternoon will commence at checks. Cassie Moore from North West 4pm at the Mary MacKillop Centre Primary Health at St Josephs Catholic School Queensland with the aim of raising awareness Care will run a zumba workshop of the importance of looking after while Melit Furneaux will guide ones mental health and personal participants in yoga and Sergeant Bruce Trickett will host a Blue wellbeing. Janelle Jeynes, Megan Turner Light boot camp challenge. A barbecue dinner and bar will and Angelique Jones will be available to provide free 15 minute be operated by the St Josephs massages. The Royal Flying Parents and Friends Association Doctor Service, the team from followed by a screening of the Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

The Blackall CWA will host its annual Think Pink Morning Tea next Saturday at Daisy Cottage to raise money for breast cancer. The morning tea will run from 10am-12pm with a cost $10 for coffee and cake. The event will include a prettiest hat competition, lucky door raffles, the chance to buy official merchandise and more. Anyone wanting further information is asked to contact Helen Hansen on 46 576 174. recent Australian movie, Red Dog, rated PG at 7:30pm. The critically acclaimed film has already made over $20 million at the box office making it the most successful Australian film since Baz Luhrmanns Australia in 2008 and the eighth highest-grossing Australian movie of all time. Earlier this week the film won the $100,000 US grand prize at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis in the United States of America, which aims to showcase independent films which promote positive changes in peoples lives.

POSITION VACANT
CASUAL CHILD CARE ASSISTANT TAMBO CHILD CARE CENTRE
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council invites suitably qualified or experienced applicants to fill the Casual Child Care Assistant position with the Tambo Child Care Centre.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of the daily program and care of the children at the Childcare Centre under the guidance and direction of the Coordinator. The right candidate must demonstrate initiative, confidentiality, professionalism and tact.
The successful applicant will be required to possess appropriate qualifications as listed below; Mandatory Certificate III in Childrens Services or willing to undertake study to gain this qualification; Blue Card for Child Related Employment; Current Queensland Drivers Licence; and Current First Aid Certificate. This position will be classified at Yr 1 Unqualified Assistant Childrens Services Worker to Yr 1 Qualified Childrens Services Worker under the Childrens Services Award State 2006 dependant on qualifications. Hours will be determined on a daily basis dependant on attendance of children requiring care between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with a minimum of 10 hours offered per week. The successful applicant will also be required to provide assistance when the Coordinator and Group Leader are on rostered leave. Job Information Packages including position description and selection criteria can be accessed at www.btrc.qld.gov.au or by contacting Councils Human Resources Department on (07) 4621 6600 or via email HR@btrc.qld.gov.au. Written applications addressing selection criteria and marked Private and Confidential should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, PO Box 21, BLACKALL QLD 4472.

Applications close: Friday, 28th October 2011 at 9am

Blackall Tambo Regional Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Ken Timms Chief Executive Officer PO Box 21 BLACKALL QLD 4472

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011 - Page 13

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

1996 - 80 Series - 5 Speed Manual Toyota Landcruiser - Winter Edition Features: 7 seats TJM Bullbar and Towbar Kaymar Rear Bar New Tyres New Suspension and Bushes New Clutch and Fly Wheel New Brake Linings Duel Fuel with new gas condenser Electric and Tinted windows Air-conditioned Power Steering 5 Months Registration Light Blue in Colour Excellent Condition $15,500.00 (Negotiable) For further inquiries Phone: 0448120782

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF MEETING DATE

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF MEETING DATE

In accordance with Section 74 74 the Local Local In accordance with Section of of the Government (Operations) Government (Operations) Regulation 2010, 2010, Regulation notice is hereby given that the the December notice is hereby given that December General Meeting of Council to be General Meeting December 2011 to held held on of Council will be on Wednesday 14 now be Wednesday 14 DecemberNovemberwill now be 2011 held on Tuesday 29 2011 heldcommencing at 8.30am in the Blackall Council 2011 on Tuesday 29 November Chambers. at 8.30am in the Blackall Council commencing Chambers. 21 PO Box KL Timms PO Box 21 Blackall Qld 4472
Blackall Qld 4472 Chief Executive Officer

KL Timms Chief Executive Officer

Page 12- The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

Zine and music workshops bound for Blackall

Blackall is set to get a taste of DIY publishing and music coordination with music and workshops to be held in November. Workshop participants will learn about self publishing and music management with the assistance of the team from Toowoomba based zine, Bizoo. Zines are self-published mini magazines usually reproduced via photocopier. Bizoo editor Jeremy Staples, owner of the Smell Like Zines distribution store in Toowoomba, Eloise Quinlivan and musician Steve Towson will host all day workshops on November 13. Mr Staples said he looked forward to running the Blackall workshops. Ive had a pretty strong connection with Blackall and was involved with initial Shockwave planning, Mr Staples said. Mr Staples said he hoped the workshops would help inspire individuals on a number of different levels. Were working on the concept of creating a monthly zine made by young people, for young people, Mr Staples said. With the music workshops, well be working on doing the pre-planning for a new event to be held a month or two before Shockwave as a sort of leadup to the festival. The all day event will feature a barbecue lunch, vegetarian and vegan snacks and a travelling zine fair. The workshop is part of Bizoos regional tour which will see them visit a range of regional centres including Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairns, Longreach and Roma. The tour coincides with the launch of retrospective zine book, Bizoo: The Best, The Worst and the Trash that Never Made It, which will be available in Blackall in the lead up to the workshops.

Optus comes to Blackall

Blackall residents and visitors are set to gain access to another telephone service provider within the next year, with Optus negotiating with the Blackall Tambo Regional Council to establish a mobile tower in Blackall. At last weeks council meeting, council authorised CEO Ken Timms to execute a lease with Optus over a site in the Blackall Industrial Estate. Mr Timms said the move would be very positive for the town and had been in the planning stages for some time.

The front cover of Bizoo: The Best, The Worst and the Trash that Never Made It, a retrospective book about Toowomba based zine Bizoo that will be available in advance of the Blackall zine and music workshops to be held in November.

Optus have been wanting to put a mobile tower in Blackall for quite a while and now were negotiating a piece of land for the lease, Mr Timms said. Mr Timms said now that an appropriate site had been selected, the process would hopefully continue smoothly and efficiently. Hopefully some time around mid March the new tower will be established, Mr Timms said. It will give people an opportunity to access another service provider, he said.

The

CORRECTION
Barcoo page 11, in the Koeffel

Independent

would like to apologise for an error in last weeks edition. On article was Confusion pets, about over unregistered

Graham

listed as having received a letter unregistered animals. This was incorrect. The article was about his neighbour, Tony (Bopper) Horsten. We would like to sincerely apologise for any misunderstanding caused by its error. or distress

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

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

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

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

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

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011 - Page 5

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

BLACKALL RETRAVISION WEEKLY SPECIAL ASUS Eee Pad Transformer 1GB Memory, 32GB Storage, 10.1 Screen, Android 3.0 Honeycombe, Full QWERETY keyboard, touchpad input with Polaris Office, 16hr long battery life, 2 usb ports, sd and micro sd card readers, 3d stereo with max bass response with SRS premium sound plus much much more. Was $799.00 now $699 save $100

Rural Appeal This three bedroom home has space and functionality for all stages of family life. With its large open plan living area, new modern kitchen, the makings of a new bathroom + Extra Large five bay shed with lock up space, stables and spare land with dual access reasonably close to CBD what more can you ask for... $285,000.00

IN STORE NOW

For all your Real Estate Enquiries Contact :Helen Aspinall - rural.blackall.qld@raywhite.com Ph. 46 574 355 Mobile0428 316 289

VAST HD DIGITAL SATELLITE RECEIVERS $279.00EA

More Than Just The Best Price

Delivering Results

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

YOGA WITH MELIT FURNEAUX (BYO YOGA MAT IF POSSIBLE)

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

(PG)

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

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

Proudly sponsored by:

ATODS

Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday,October 21 2011

OUTWEST Soil Tests. Prompt and

reliable service. PH 0458 532 155.

CLASSIFIEDS

THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT

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

(07) 4657 6966

Birthdays
Happy Birthday Gem
We love you to the moon and back from Pop, Valma and Deni.

Interested in advertising in the Barcoo Independent?

We offer affordable and effective advertising. There are a range of sizes available as well as classifieds, insert options and scheduled colour advertising. Advertising packages are also available. Contact Victoria Nugent on 46 576 966 or by email at barcooindependent@gmail.com to discuss advertising options for your business. Classifieds costs $5 for 3 lines, and $1.25 for each extra line.

Beware of scam letters

Blackall residents are advised to be wary of mail asking for personal details after one resident reported the receipt of a scam letter to the Barcoo Independent. The letter stated it was a national inquiry regarding a new jewellery line and offered to send the recipient a free piece of jewellery in exchange for answering several questions, including their date of birth. The return address for the survey

was located in the Netherlands. Sergeant Bruce Trickett said people should be careful not to reveal any personal details or banking details to people they dont know via mail. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, Sgt Trickett said. They should just disregard anything that requests these details.

Blackall Community Market Christmas Market

This year the Christmas night market will be held in conjunction with the Blackall Tambo Regional Council at the Blackall Showgrounds on Friday 16th December starting from 5.30pm. This is a chance for the community to sell their wares and raise money for their organisations or themselves. As the markets are being held in the Showgrounds the normal stall hire will be waivered. To book a stall call Joy Smith on 4657 4210. This is the third year that the markets have been sponsored by the Barcoo Pastoral Society and they are happy to continue this community event.

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011 - Page 11

Five Star awarded Store of the Year

Staff at Blackalls Five Star Supermarket have plenty to be proud about this month after winning the Five Star Store of the Year award for the second time, after first taking out the accolade in 2009. Store owner Ian Kinsey was presented with the award at the SPAR Gala Awards in Brisbane on October 8. Store manager Lea Mansell said she was incredibly proud and surprised to have received the award. I never in my wildest dreams thought wed win it a second time, Lea said. Im just tickled pink that we got it twice. The award is presented for excellence in a number of areas including shop presentation, store front appearance, cleanliness, staff presentation and food safety. Lea said 5 Star staff Nicky Parry, Netty Kangan, Karen Wilson, Darren Coward and Lavina Anderson were integral in maintaining the standard of the store. Five Star Supermarket staff Nicky Parry, Lea Mansell, Netty They play a big part in keeping the store clean Kangan and Lavina Anderson display the Store of the Year and running well, and we all work well together, certificate and trophy. Lea said.

Wine, women and song awarded

Blackalls Wine Women and Song event has received recognition at the inaugural Arts Queensland Regional Arts and Culture Awards, taking home two awards. The event was held on March 5 at the Blackall Cultural Centre to celebrate 100 years of International Womens Day and raise money for local breast cancer support group, WestnBreast. The evening saw over 60 local performers take to the stage with professional arts development workshops held in the lead up to the sell-out event.

The event received an award in the Regional Arts Development Fund category which recognises an outstanding RADF funded project which develops and delivers quality arts and culture for and with regional communities. Project facilitator Avril Fazel was also honoured in the individual volunteer category, receiving a $2500 professional development bursary. Alison Shaw, Robyn Adams and Louise Campbell attended the awards ceremony in Bundaberg last week.

Trick, Treat or Freak Night.

Halloween Time
Time: 8:00pm till late

Date: 28/10/11
At The POOL
BLACKALL AQUATIC CENTRE

$2 per Person
PS. Dont be scared be VERY SCARED...

Prizes for the best Costumes & Best scary prop. Go on, get creative. No real blood please.

BYO Drinks NO GLASS. NO Swimming sorry. All children to be accompanied by an adult. For your Costume needs call Tracee on 07 4657 6311

FAMILY FRIENDLY LUXURY BEACH APARTMENT - MUDJIMBA, SUNSHINE COAST

Enjoy our luxury penthouse 3 bedroom apartment at Mudjimba (between Maroochydore & Coolum) on the Sunshine Coast. This large apartment features luxury ttings and includes 3 spacious bedrooms which sleep 7 people. There are 2 bathrooms, and 2 large entertaining balconies which o er unrivalled ocean views. There is a bakery, co ee shop and newsagent within strolling distance, and the safe patrolled beach is a 3 minute walk from the apartments. Add to this your own rooftop terrace, with BBQ and heated spa bath what a great place to unwind! For further details, and bookings, ph: 07 5450 6847, or email info@mudjimbaholidayrentals.com.au

Blackall State School vies for philanthropic award

Blackall State School has been chosen as one of two finalists in the SchoolAids Pick - Philanthropic School category in the 2011 Kids Helping Kids Awards. The nomination was for the schools philanthropy work to assist flood affected schools in Jericho and Alpha. The awards are run by SchoolAid, a national

schools-based philanthropy network empowering children to help children in crisis with over 3,560 schools across Australia involved in its programs. Blackall State School was chosen as a finalist from just over 200 schools entered in this years awards. The winner of the award will be announced on November 1.

Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

LETTERS TO THE Eand kicking DITOR Blackall pride still live

In reply to Proud Past Resident - firstly if you are so proud why didnt you sign your complaint? Privately owned buildings which are unoccupied are out of the control of the Blackall residents. Okay it may not look good but if you had been here five years ago you would have seen more vacant buildings! The Show Society is trying to improve the buildings at the showground, but this takes money. Many hours are put into applying for funding and we receive more knock backs than success but we keep asking. While you were looking at Jackie Howes grave did you take the time to pull some weeds? Blackall has a small population and low unemployment which means we all work. We dont have people available to tend to graves and this work is usually done by the WORC crew, but they have been busy cleaning up after the many natural disasters that have

affected Queensland. We are happy to invite you back to set up a lawn cemetery for the diggers that will take time and money - hope you have plenty of both. The art work that Blackall is lucky to have has been achieved by Art funding. We can not use this funding for pot holes, sorry! I am sure I can speak for a lot of the residents of Blackall to say how annoyed I was to read your letter. I have returned to live my latter years in the town I grew up in and I am involved with several organisations which keep our town going. You never mentioned visiting McLean Place to see how Blackall looks after their elders or the many beautiful gardens that grace our streets. Sorry your visit was so unrewarding but we are proud of our town and we work hard to keep it a safe and pleasant town for residents and visitors.

Thank you for the spring fete

Each year you work tirelessly for that one night, the Springtime Fete, where everyone has a great time with great food and music, fun for the children and great entertainment to raise money for our hospital. For months and months you organise, plan, design, wrap, stack and haul and sit on the footpath week in and week out selling raffle tickets to ensure a successful night. Well, Veronica, it was a great success- well done.

Elvis mix up

--Name Withheld

Thank you Proud Past Resident for bringing to light some issues Ive been concerned about for some time. The main street is dirty and unappealing, footpaths are grubby and gutters full of dirt and leaves, some of which are attributed to the overhanging tree full of climbing bougainvillea. I thought this would have been a public nuisance as pedestrians have to walk under these large branches that reach over the width of the footpath. Do we not have a street sweeper other than the two legged kind? In tourist season, the main street should come alive with colour. Planting of petunias, marigolds and pansies would welcome these visitors to our town. I drive past the cemetery twice a week. It never improves, looks uncared for and neglected disgraceful. As for Thistle Street, its an accident waiting to happen. For a designated route for oversize vehicles the give way signs are facing the wrong way. Why would you not let these monsters have

Blackall needs a clean up

--Lorelei Kiernan (Parminter)

right of way when they take how many metres before they can stop? Oh, and the dust. When I voiced my concerns to one councillor, he asked me had I counted the vehicles which passed by my house. Well, I work all week, but on the weekend there is a road train or triple every half hour. The dust swirls into a cloud and descends on every house, just great for the sinus, dust half the year, mud the rest. It makes a dirty, depressing street which tourists also use. If you cant bitumen the centre, move the route to the outskirts of town. The rubbish tip is another eyesore- not being fenced, the rubbish has flown everywhere. Why does it have to be lit? Throwing rubbish away is a smoky, dangerous affair with exploding cans and toxic smoke. I love this town but it does need a good clean up. I dont think wed ever win Best Tidy Town- pity.

--Concerned Ratepayer

I am writing to apologise to those who went to the Elvis Tribute Show at the Cultural Centre last Saturday night expecting to see Dean Vegas perform with my glowing recommendation. I dont know how I got my wires crossed. I was given the impression that the Elvis (Dean Vegas and his backing band, who performed at the Winton Outback Festival), were also performing here. Dean Vegas gives a truer and more convincing impersonation of the King than David Cazalet and if you ever get the chance to see Dean Vegas, then youll see what I mean. However, I think that David Cazalets ability as a sincere, vibrant entertainer is absolutely brilliant. He embraced Blackall with enthusiasm, involving the young dance group and their helpers while Dylan Dolinski with his team and equipment handled the sound and lights extremely well, considering most of the time things would have been ad lib. The evening was very uplifting and entertaining, and I personally felt I got my moneys worth despite not seeing Dean Vegas. The bonus was getting to see our young talent both on and off stage involved with a professional act and acquitting themselves so very well. Congratulations!

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21, 2011 - Page 7

--Barry Muir

Fillys, flutters, frocks and fun

The Dance Blackall contingent at the races Birrali Taking time out from surveying work for Main Roads were Sydney-sider Phil Nixon and Brisbanes Greg ORegan. Schefe, Naomi Dolinski and Luke Stewart.

Hold on to your hats with wind gusts of up to 50 kph on Saturday, Blackall racing patrons were clutching at their headwear, including Bruce Gimm and Sally Peacock.

BLACKALL FLOORING OUTLET

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

Dylan Dolinski presented Ashlii Timms with her 13-17 years racing fashion prize on Saturday.

CARPET - DOMESTIC STOCK SALE @ $119 L/M fully Installed, No Hidden Extras. Book it in now- OCTOBER ONLY Layby Available NOW. - COMMERCIAL CARPET - OUTDOOR CARPET FOR VERANDAHS, BOATS, CARAVANS. CERAMIC TILE NOW 30% OFF OCTOBER ONLY - BATHROOM KITCHEN OR ANYWHERE IN THE HOME. - CERAMIC TILE FOR FLOORS, WALLS, AND DECO FREIZES FOR THAT ADDED TOUCH. VINYL - LINO FOR THE HOME OR COMMERCIAL USE. COME AND SAY GDAY.
Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011

Sonia and Kristian Pennisi were one of the best dressed couples on course at Blackall on Saturday.

Ben Stapleton and wife Lauren Pritchard enjoyed a day at the races.

Elizabeth Allen was in town for the bull sales and caught up with Rebecca and Scott Parry at the races.

Gabi Hemmings came up from Brisbane to visit Mykala Balderson at Blackall for the weekend.

Fashions of the Field winners included Cathering Parfitt (contemporary race wear), her daughter Bella Elliott (12 and under) and Lindy Hardie (classic race wear).

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

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, October 21 2011 - Page 9