Gardeners to tough out dry spell

WITH meteorologists predicting another bout of El Nino weather conditions, many of the Central West’s gardeners are bunkering down for another long and hot summer.

Due to rising temperatures in the Pacific Ocean the trade winds responsible for rainfall across Eastern Australia have weakened.

"After the last El Nino, the regions suffered from a lack of significant rainfall, so we are in an even worse position heading into the current phase," meteorologist Matt Pearce said.

"While we can still expect the odd heavy rain event, generally these events will be less frequent and there will be much drier conditions on average for the rest of the year and into summer."

With such dim forecasts, regional environmental groups are advising communities to increase their water-wise behaviour, especially in the garden.

Longreach couple Alun Hoggett and Vanessa Bailey have taken it upon themselves to create a colourful native garden, despite the fact that the region is experiencing drought conditions.

"The biggest user of water in a garden is the lawn," Alun said.

"So we sat down and really thought about how much lawn we actually needed.
"We realised we only needed a little bit – out the front and round the back – to keep us satisfied."

Alun and Vanessa’s environmentally friendly abode is situated on a quarter acre block and with only a few square metres of lush grass taking up the space, the couple tackled the next problem: filling in the gaps.

"Quite a lot of the area is filled with mulch, like stones and woodchips," Alun said.

"People often think that when they design a native, water-wise garden that they have to fill it up with garden beds and trees, but we have left quite a large area covered with woodchips as an area to play with the dogs."

Featuring native plants and trees including eremophilas, cassias, salt bushes, mulgas, brigalow, lancewood and tea trees, Alun and Vanessa have used the local landscape as inspiration for their garden.

"We have planted a wide range of plants that are native to Western Queensland," Vanessa said.

"We have got about 20 different types of eremophilas planted in our garden.
"They are a really beautiful plant, suited to this environment. Each species has a different coloured flower, ranges from silver to green in leaf colour, and can be a shrub or a tree."

"The mistake people make is that they plant ‘native species’ that are found in the coastal regions," Alun added. "You need to look at your local plants, the ones that are found in your region."

A more traditional garden, with introduced species, tends to require plenty of hours weeding and watering, however with a native garden, Alun and Vanessa believe they can have both an attractive and environmentally-friendly garden for very little effort.

"It takes a bit to set up, but in the long run there is little maintenance," Vanessa said.

"We have used patterns of rock and mulch, pathways and plants to break things up, with variations in rock colour and plant foliage."

And while most gardens are set to wither with the ensuing El Nino weather pattern, Vanessa has every confidence their quarter-acre patch will survive.

"We went away for three months and we had no plant losses.

"Mainly because they are trained to be more tolerant through infrequent watering and timed dripper systems that deliver water locally, forcing the roots to grow deep.
"This also reduces water spreading that can encourage weed growth.
"The lawn has a timer and conservative watering, forcing it to be more hardy and deep-rooted."

Information about how to create and maintain a water wise garden is available from Desert Channels Queensland (DCQ)on 4658 0600 or the Environmental Protection Agency on 4652 7333.

The buck stops here

THE Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is pushing for an enforceable code of practice for rodeos to address animal welfare.

Following an incident in the Northern Territory where a horse with a broken leg was left without veterinary assistance, the President of the AVA Dr Kersti Seksel said the public should not accept the continuation of rodeos where professional care was not immediately provided.

"Incidents such as the one in the Northern Territory recently are simply unacceptable – rodeos should not go ahead where a veterinarian is not present," Dr Seksel said.

Following an example set by South Australia, The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in Blackall are developing an enforceable code of practice for Queensland rodeos, but whether or not the attendance of a veterinarian will be made compulsory is not yet known.

Currently the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) has a Voluntary Code of Conduct which recommends a veterinarian attend.

Executive Chairman of APRA John Osborne said while he supports the presence of a veterinarian, the incidence of animal injury is so small that the cost of getting a vet to attend in remote towns can be a problem.

"I think a vet should be on call and even in attendance if possible, but it just doesn’t wash with Queensland because of logistics," Mr Osborne said.

"Most of the time there are no serious injuries."

A 1994 survey of APRA rodeos found instances where the assistance of a veterinarian was required because the injury to the animal was of less severity were even less at 0.036 per cent or one injury every 2,810 times an animal was used.

However Dr Seksel said a veterinarian ‘on call’ is not good enough and logistics and financial costs are no excuse.

"If you’re four hours away, that’s not really on call, you need to have someone there to administer pain relief and do whatever needs to be done," Dr Sekel said.

"If they can put an event on, organise stock, riders, advertisement and get people through the gates, they should be able to organise a veterinarian.
"The welfare of the animals is what is important, it should have nothing to do with how much it costs."

But according to Mr Osborne the cost would probably affect local charities the hardest because 90 per cent of rodeos in Australia give their profit to charity.

"The rodeo business is a charity driven industry and to make unreasonable demands about paying a veterinarian to sit there all day is only going to take money away from the charities."

The recent RM Williams Longreach Muster held on September 16, gave donations to the Royal Flying Doctor and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Rodeo co-ordinator for the Longreach Muster Glenn Morgan said there was a veterinarian present at the event however he could not supply a name and RM Williams would not comment.

Dr Peter Johnston of Longreach Veterinary Service said neither he nor the other local veterinarian had been contacted by RM Williams.

He said he believes a veterinarian should be placed on call in the event they might be needed.
Despite the differences of opinion, Mr Osbourne said that APRA and AVA have worked closely over many years to ensure the welfare of rodeo stock.

"What a lot of people don’t understand is that the stock is really valuable and contractors don’t want them hurt," Mr Osborne said.

Glenn Morgon agreed that times have changed.

"Thirty years ago conditions were a little lax but now we have rodeos in all of the entertainment centres and have taken it to a new audience so the stock have to be looked after and look good," Mr Morgan said.

"What happened in the Northern Territory was a one-in 10,000 case."

PNG pipeline pullout

THE Papua New Guinea to Australia gas pipeline project has hit a major hurdle, with industry giants Australian Gas Light (AGL) and Petronas hanging up their hats on the $5.3 billion scheme.

After months of public consultations, including a well-attended public meeting in Longreach in May, APC (AGL-Petronas Consortium) project manager Gerard Coggan said the company had announced last month it would "scale back" activities on the Australian component of the pipeline.

"This decision was based upon a lack of committed [end-users] and escalating construction costs," Mr Coggan said.

"Since that announcement, APC has met with the upstream gas producers in Papua New Guinea.
"As matters currently stand, the PNG Queensland gas pipeline project is unlikely to proceed without an alternative ownership structure."

Over the past 18 months, APC project consultants have been travelling across the State, visiting properties which lay in the proposed pipeline path to document landholder concerns and conduct environmental impact studies.

Despite the company looking fairly secure in its initial commitment to the project, APC have been reluctant to firmly secure their position in the deal.

"This isn’t a sure thing," APC public affairs manager Gerard Coggan told The Longreach Leader in May.

"I’ve been on plenty of projects which went way past the community consultation phase that never saw the light of day."

Touted as an initiative which would benefit the State’s interior through employment opportunities and flow-on effects for local businesses, the pipeline was set to pass through the communities of Muttaburra, Longreach and Windorah.

However PNG’s unstable political environment influenced the confidence of investors from the get-go, provoking a tumultuous chain of events that saw the project come in-and-out of the investor spotlight on a number of occasions.

Yet across the Pacific, hope remains high about the pipeline’s viability.

PNG government officials and the main driver of the project, Oil Search, are still confident that the pipeline will one day transfer natural gas from their country’s Southern Highlands to Australia.

But without a company willing to take on the construction of the pipeline in Australia, the project will remain at a stand-still.

Reports have now surfaced suggesting that the pipeline be re-routed to Mount Isa, cutting 400 kilometres off the original route and making use of existing infrastructure which takes gas to Moomba in South Australia.

Country Klancie awes Idol fans

FROM the dusty plains of Outback Queensland to the bright stage lights of Sydney, country girl Klancie Keough has finally found her niche.

Last Monday the 25-year-old from ‘Judith Royl’ near Richmond was named in the top 10 finalists for the reality television show Australian Idol.

A feat that is "surreal" for Klancie’s big sister, Leigh Pickering.

"It’s always been her dream, but you just don’t get the opportunities where we live," Mrs Pickering said.

Mrs Pickering said family and friends were instantly on the phone encouraging Klancie to try out for the gig when Australian Idol announced they were conducting auditions in Mount Isa earlier in the year.

The reality television show professes to give ordinary Aussies the chance at musical stardom, conducting talent searches across the country to seek out gifted singers who ordinarily wouldn’t have the chance to be noticed.

"Her first competition performance was at the Richmond Country Music Festival last year where she was runner-up," Mrs Pickering said on behalf of Klancie who is currently under a total media ban due to Idol regulations.

"We all knew she would be great, but she really didn’t think she would do any good.
"Then family and friends found out about the Idol auditions, everyone really got behind her, encouraging her to try out."

Sticking close to her country roots, Klancie has managed to woo the show’s judges, but most importantly she has charmed the voting public to ensure she remains in the competition.

Singing songs by country artists like Dolly Parton and the Dixie Chicks, Klancie is sharing with a broader audience what rural people know about country lifestyle: it’s not all heartache and lost love.

But for sister Leigh, it’s Klancie personal development, alongside her musical talents, which is impressing her friends and family.

"We are all extremely proud of her.

"She is the baby of the family and has to a certain extent always relied on someone being there for her.
"To do the 800-kilometre round trip just to audition for Idol on her own was a big step for her.
"It’s been surreal though, looking up and seeing Klancie on the TV.
"It’s great to see that she becoming more and more independent. Her confidence is really growing.
"I think Klancie is starting to say, ‘I can do it on my own’."

Up until her Idol call up, Klancie had been working on ‘Judith Royl’ providing educational support for her young nephews. In the past she has tried her hand at accounting, cooking and shearing.

"I had a gut feeling back in March when all the auditions for Idol started that we wouldn’t have Klancie around to teach the children," her sister said. "I was so confident that she would be successful in Idol that I booked a replacement teacher to take over.

"The support has just been incredible.
"We were worried because Imparja doesn’t screen Australian Idol until 11pm on Sunday night, which we thought would affect the voting."

"For the past few weeks, we have been getting at least 20 phone calls on Monday mornings from Klancie’s family and friends asking us to show Australian Idol at an earlier time slot," Imparja program assistant Sharon Bliss explained.

Imparja has now announced that from this Sunday, Australian Idol will be televised at 10pm EST.

The Verdict Show will then also be screened at 10pm EST from Monday, October 2.

Time for IT-phobics to learn new tricks

"MANY people feel that they won’t be able to keep up with the group, are too old or just simply lack the confidence to try something new," believes Learning Network of Queensland’s (LNQ) local trainer Helen Barrett.

But through LNQ’s free computer training workshops Ms Barrett hopes to combat the common fear among the older generation that they are too old to learn new tricks.

Titled the IT Very Remote project (ITVR), it offers small group workshops to teach skills in computer operations and common software applications such as internet, email, word processing and spreadsheets.

Ms Barrett said the training caters for all skill levels and feedback from beginners has been very positive with many surprised at how easy basic computer skills can be learnt.

"The ones that stick out in my mind are the ones that have never touched a computer and think they will hold up the classes but they actually pick it up so quickly that they are able to help others with their problems," she said.

Having trained over 300 people in nine months, Ms Barratt said many participants found the training helpful in gaining employment while others have simply learnt how to keep in touch with relatives via email.

Ms Barrett uses a mobile laptop lab to deliver training in Longreach, Winton, Muttaburra, Jundah, Blackall, Barcaldine and the surrounding areas at times and dates that suit members of the community, including evening classes.

As well as face-to-face training the ITVR project provides a 1800 help-line to assist participants with difficulties they may have practicing their skills or with their computer equipment.

Ms Barrett emphasised participants will be given as much support and training as they require through both the help line and the workshops.

"I ensure that all participants feel comfortable in my workshops and encourage them to give me a call to discuss their concerns," she said.

To register or for further information contact Helen Barrett on 0746581685 or email longreach@lnq.net.au or visit the website at www.itvr.lnq.net.au

Editor's Cut, with Leader editor Tuppy McIntosh

‘THERE’S never been a better time than right now, to get up outta the dirt.’

Hip hop anyone? Well, given the number of hard core Lee Kernaghan fans who entered our ticket giveaways to Saturday night's concert, probably not. No matter. Like many of Lee’s songs, it's the words that have the message.

When I was a kid, Wham was the bomb, and I don't think they had much of a message - unless ‘Wake me up before you go-go’ has some sort of socio-political directive I can’t discern.

Anyway the high quality of contemporary airplay is not really the point of this editorial - although in relation I've got to say good on you to the Diamantina Youth Council for stirring up the status quo and getting some new radio input.

(There’s only so much Lawsy your average free thinking person can take before it rots your teeth and makes you believe that getting blusteringly domineering and butting in on people with one-eyed populist catchcries is a legitimate form of debate.)

Nonetheless I digress and no doubt will again before this column is out.

No, my blag this week is all about this blog: use it or I'll send the boys ‘round.

No, hang on, I mean, welcome to the future folks - it’s motivated by interactive locally-based technology and its all at your fingertips.

‘God forbid’, I can hear my mother cry along with all her old school technophobe mates. ‘Bloody computers make no sense to me.’ (Mum actually doesn’t swear - its for comedic puposes)

I can’t think of a better place than the bush for interactive platforms to go wild - our distance from one another says it all makes sense.

Yet very, very few Central West businesses have an online presence - at a time when it should be our main public presence.

We’ve all got mobiles but according to Telstra (yes I'm paraphrasing Telstra - promise I won't do it again) hardly any of us are texting.

I know you lot. You've all got opinions that'd blister the enamel off a bathtub. (I can see you right now nodding along to Lawsy!)

So where are these opinions? In the back of your head, in the back of the pub, in someone's back?

A healthy democratic society is dependant on a vivacious public debate - if I were to rely on that criteria alone the Central West would be pronounced DOA.

The Leader's circulation has gone up 10 per cent since this time last year and I can see the numbers clocking up on our blog - a lot of you are out there reading. Reading reading, thinking thinking, living living. But no-one’s game to say boo. What’s up?

Go on - the first one to send me a text on the number below making comment on my expensive (and crap) Brisbane haircut will win a dinner for two with Lee Kernaghan - or a novel called Pelagia and the White Bulldog - whatever comes to hand first.

If my haircut doesn't grab you, you could always comment on lack of committee numbers, sports, Howard, declining standards in local media, the bloody (wonderful) council, the next gen, the old gen, the life and times of your local clique, MySpace.com, rabbits in China...

Show success lies with local youth

THE ball has officially started rolling with discussions aimed at overhauling next year’s Longreach Show now underway.

Show attendance around country Australia has been in steady decline since its hey-day when wool was king.

Longreach locals believe now is the time to take the bull by the horns and address our changing demographic.

The Longreach Show Society held its annual general meeting last week, with committee members and office bearers inviting the public to sit in and start the ideas flowing for a 2007 Show revamp.

Many believe it is time to start listening to the youth of Longreach in order to make the Show a success.

"The whole movement of Show societies is made up of old people," Mrs Bowden said.

"They keep telling us that the problem lies in the old people, not willing to let go or help out up-and-coming young people."

Ideas were rushing thick and fast with Mrs Bowden drawing on the success of the Boonah Show which has its own separate junior show committee.

"This junior committee has their own separate show – a whole night that is targeted at youth, with things like poetry competitions, a ute show, local band competitions, mini-motorcross competition, and a pet show.

"The kids were excited about it and brought their parents with them, who in turn spent the money."

Committee member Roley Deane added: "The benefit lies in giving young people something to own.

"Let them know that we are here to help, but it’s their party. Give them that sense of ownership."

For junior vice-president Ben Forrest the next step lies in generating excitement to get more people involved.

"We should be focusing on selling the benefits of being on the committee.

"At the moment there are no incentives to be involved.
"We are asking people to join at a time when the Show is struggling.
"We need to get momentum going again."

Mrs Bowden said it was not just the Longreach Show that recorded lower than usual takings in 2006.

"As a whole, the Show movement is struggling, it’s not just us.

"We all know that we didn’t make as much money this year.
"Maybe next year we can look at sourcing local entertainment. There are some bloody good entertainers in this town, maybe it’s time we asked them along."

Finally, fresh airwaves

IT may have been lost among the commotion in the lead up to the Birdsville Races last month, but if you listened carefully as you passed through Birdsville during race day, you might have noticed something a little bit different bouncing around on the Outback airwaves of the Diamantina Shire.

On August 16, the isolated townships of Bedourie and Birdsville moved that much closer to the pulse of the nation when the ABC’s Triple J and the national SBS radio service burst over the local airwaves.

It’s been a long time coming but, after 150-odd years of settlement and a lifetime of talkback radio, the Diamantina Shire Youth Council said enough was enough and took matters into their own hands.

They successfully lobbied council to purchase a new transmitter to allow Triple J to broadcast where only Radio National and ABC Local have dared tread before.

The community gives many thanks to Diamantina Shire Council. Another big thank-you also goes out to Peter Thompson and N-Com for coming all the way out back to set up the receiver.

Garden shade under threat

FOR Western Queenslanders, trees go beyond aesthetic garden ornaments; they provide essential shelter and shade during long and hot summers.

But a naturally occurring yet deadly fungus has recently revived its grip on certain tree species and is threatening to spread thoughout Longreach streets.

For years avid green thumb Tony Emslie has doted upon his three magnificent Morton Bay figs which line the footpath outside his Galah Street home, providing a barrier from the harsh western sun.

However the fungus Ganoderma has infected two of these trees, with the third more than likely to also succumb to the contagious botanical disease.

"I have more or less accepted that these trees are going to go," Mr Emslie said.

"I don’t like the idea, but you have to accept that [Ganoderma] is spreading along the street."

Over 12 months ago, Mr Emslie noticed the first fig tree dropping its leaves and white ball-like mounds appearing at its base.

Bemused by the discovery, Mr Emslie contacted the Longreach Shire Council parks and gardens supervisor Jeff Conaghan.

It was not Mr Conaghan’s first experience with Ganoderma, having seen it devastate a number of trees at the Longreach swimming pool.

"Most of the time, once you see the problem it is too late to save the tree," Mr Conaghan said.

"Ganoderma results in thinning of the foliage and leaves dropping; eventually what they call a fruiting body comes up out of the ground.
"These fruiting bodies are a white fungus that grows up from the trees roots, they then turn brown and can get quite large."

Mr Conaghan said in the last three years five Morton Bay fig trees had been removed from around the Longreach swimming pool, with another infected tree earmarked for removal.

"The incidence in Galah Street was reported in April," Mr Conaghan said.

"But over the past six weeks we have noticed a marked deterioration in one of the trees."

"I’ve given up trying to rake up all the dropped leaves because I can’t keep up," Mr Emslie added.

Ganoderma has been prevalent along the moist coastal fringes of Queensland and New South Wales for the past 20 years, but has been rarely seen in dry climates like the Central West.

Using the wind to spread its spores as well as root-to-root contact, Ganoderma has been attributed to wiping out Townsville’s poincianas population.

Gardening guru and ABC local radio fixture Tom Wyatt from Rockhampton suggests local gardeners be more attentive to established trees to prevent Ganoderma.

"People need to be more careful when extracting trees or digging trenches so not to cause any root damage," Mr Wyatt said. "If there is root damage, then treat it with a copper-based fungicide, especially along exposed sections on footpaths and road ways."

While a cure for Ganoderma is not yet available, Mr Wyatt recommends Condey’s crystals or Dettol.
"One of the biggest mistakes people make is breaking off or hitting off the fungus, because it opens up the spores. Instead, people should paint on Dettol."

For Mr Wyatt, prevention is the key to fighting off a Ganoderma outbreak.

"Because this fungus is yet to attack forestries, not much has been done about it. It’s brought about by home gardeners injuring their trees.

"It’s recommended to contact your local parks and gardens officer if you notice anything suspicious."

Massive bikers' line-up

LIVE TO RIDE: Steve 'Poindexter' Weight joins the national president of the Southern Cross Association, Grant 'Grunt' McFarlane outside the Hall of Fame last week. The pair, along with over 300 other motorcycle riders, were part of the 2006 Poker Run across Western Queensland, an event which fundraises for charity. While in Winton this year, the troupe attempted to break the world record for the number of motorbikes parked in a straight line.

Goodbye Maranoa

"How do you get to Gladstone from here?" is the question many Western Queenslanders are asking after the Australian Electoral Commission announced on Monday it has gone ahead with plans to redistribute the federal electoral boundary of Maranoa.

It’s a tricky question to answer, given there are no direct roads to the busy port city.

Despite two special AEC meetings, in Longreach and Brisbane, designed to consider opposition to the federal realignment, the shires of Barcaldine, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Jericho, Blackall, Longreach, Winton, Aramac and Tambo have been stripped from the seat of Maranoa to create the new Queensland electorate, Flynn.

The people of the Central West lodged over 90 objections to the proposed redistribution, citing lack of economic and social alignment - and road infrastructure - with the coastal hub as a deterrent to receiving adequate representation in Federal Parliament.

A crowd of over 30 people turned out to support the 13 speakers at the special protest meeting held in in Longreach on August 21, including seven shire mayors.

AEC State manager and Australian Electoral Officer Anne Bright said the commission’s hands were "tied".

"After careful consideration, the commission was unable to make the changes, based on the need to comply with the legislation," she said.

Legislation states that an electorate have between 76,698 and 93,742 electors. Queensland’s ever-rising population requires electorate boundaries to be redrawn every few years to satisfy the number crunchers.

The AEC’s disinterest in redrawing the electorates drew many to conclude the public meetings were a token gesture. Ms Bright responded: "It is disappointing that people think that the [Longreach] meeting was not a genuine part of the process, because it was."

"There are eight shires with a community of interest in the Western part of Flynn - over time this homogeneity will build," she consoled.

On the streets on Longreach earlier this week many people were confused at the need for change.

"Obviously you can’t please everyone, but I can’t understand why they would put us in with Gladstone," one local said. Local doctor David Walker commented: "The new federal member is going to have his hands full trying to cater to everyone’s needs."

The AEC changed the electorate’s suggested name from Wright, after community consultation revealed that people were associating it with disgraced former MP Keith Wright, instead of its intended namesake, poet Judith Wright. John Flynn is the founder of the RFDS.

Kiernan, Johnson in the hot seat

THE voters across Western Queensland headed for the polls on Saturday, electing two very different candidates to represent the Gregory and Mount Isa electorates at a State level.

There were no shocked faces when it was revealed that current Member for Gregory and National Party member Vaughan Johnson would be once again at the helm of the electorate – notching up sixteen-and-a-half years as a member of Parliament – while it took a couple of days for first time Labor candidate Betty Kiernan to be comfortable with her victory at the booths.

"There is a risk that familiarity may breed contempt among my constituents," National Party member Mr Johnson said just days after winning the seat of Gregory.

"But I try to alleviate that by being in close contact with local authorities and by visiting the towns in the electorate.
"Most importantly you need to get out amongst the people to see and understand the issues that affect them."

For close to over a decade, Mr Johnson has been privy to the changing demographics of Western Queensland and burgeoning mining industry.

But while the electorate appears to have matured, Mr Johnson says it hasn’t been without its drawbacks.

"Probably the biggest change in the electorate has been the mining boom in Emerald.

"It’s been compared to the gold rush of the 1880s – everyone’s heading for the Central Highlands to claim their fair share.
"There is nothing wrong with earning a buck, but it has created a void of tradespeople in our communities, which is creating havoc.
"This is something that the government needs to address."

Over the next three years, Mr Johnson plans to increase the profile of Western Queensland, encouraging more people to share in "our great lifestyle".

"I want to see a full-scale promotion of this part of Queensland.

"Life is really great and I want to encourage more people to consider the towns of Western Queensland as great places to live and rear their families."

It was a busy day for both candidates, with Mr Johnson eventually arriving back home in Longreach at 7pm after a full day of travel in and around Emerald.

For Betty Kiernan it was a similar story, with celebrations kicking off after a congratulatory phone call from her predecessor Tony McGrady.

"Tony called me from the tally room in Brisbane, where the figures were coming through," Mrs Kiernan said.

"By around 7.30pm we knew we had won."

Mrs Kiernan admitted it did take a couple of days for the news of her victory to really sink in.

"Probably on the plane down from Mount Isa on Monday for the first round of meetings is when reality set in and I thought to myself ‘I am the new Member for Mount Isa’.

"The results surpassed my expectations.
"I wanted to do well for the Labor party and to certainly retain the seat, but when the results indicated that we actually made ground in Winton and other areas I was thrilled.
"It was an honour, and quite humbling, to receive that kind of support."

Yaraka Jack wins Young Hero of the Year award

THE Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) awarded 12-year-old Longreach boy, Jack Joseland, the prestigious Young Hero of the Year Award for Central Region at a ceremony in Gladstone on Wedsnesday.

Jack made a four kilometre dash for help when involved in a single vehicle accident in which his tutor was severely injured.

Sixty-five-year-old Wendy Blumson was trapped behing the steering column and could not move.

According to Assistant Commissioner of the Far North Region, Rick Stranger, Jack's brave actions saved his teacher's life.

"Jack and Wendy were on a very remote dirt road when the accident occured," Mr Stranger said.

"If it wasn't for Jack running to the nearest property to sound the alert we wouldn't have been able to get there as quickly as we did and be prepared to extricate Wendy out of the vehicle.
"Remembering Jack was also in this accident and was in shock and suffering his own injuries, he still managed to kick open the passenger door and run for help and relay what happened.
"His brave act ensured his teacher is here with us today - he is a hero."

Regional development hinges on Local Gov

ISSUES impeding the growth of rural and remote regions have come under the spotlight of the Australian Farm Institute’s latest edition of the Farm Policy Journal.

"Unfortunately, continuing confusion about the roles of Commonwealth and State Governments, and a lack of any real decision-making power at the regional level, are serious impediments for regions that wish to undertake development initiatives," the executive director of the Australian Farm Institute Mick Keogh reported.

The six papers contained with the journal scrutinise regional development policies, citing strong locally-based decision-making and more equitable services as possible solutions to the population drift away from non-metro centres.

Mr Keogh said the authors of the papers had all mentioned two major factors that have the ability to limit the potential of rural areas.

"Some of the biggest challenges for these regions lie in the ability to access services and infrastructure, like health care, education, social security and support networks.

"This presents a particular challenge in a highly urbanised nation such as Australia, with large distances between many communities and high travel costs.
"Even where there is strong potential for regional growth, poor access to services can be a critical factor limiting development.
"It is difficult attracting skilled workers to service-deficient areas.
"Secondly, government centralisation is having more and more of an influence on regional policy areas.
"The State Government has less control over taxes, so less ability to distribute funds.
"Therefore the Commonwealth Government has a big role in regional development policies, creating all sorts of problems for non-metro areas."

Mr Keogh believes that many important State and Local Government issues are being lost on the Commonwealth.

"The Commonwealth Government has an increased share in resources, however has very little contact with regional areas.

"State and Local issues are slipping through the gaps.
"Local Governments are under increasing pressure from their communities and are experiencing a squeeze in funding.
"They are less able to make decisions, making it difficult to keep local initiatives going."

The journal features papers written by authors of vary backgrounds, including regional policy managers, professors and local government executives.

The journal also compares the Australian Government’s approach to regional development with rural development policies of the European Union.

"Papers contributed by Australian Transport and Regional Affairs Minister Warren Truss and the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Regional Development Marianne Fischer Boel highlight the contrasting policy approaches adopted in these two countries," Mr Keogh said.

"European policy approaches are much more interventionalist, with expenditure focused on assisting regional areas to adjust to changing economic circumstances, reduce regional income disadvantage, foster the development of new industries and improve regional environments.
"Australian policy approaches focus more on building regional capacity indirectly and facilitating regional directives."

Golfers unmask their inner style

GOLF etiquette was traded in for false breasts, running golf swings and superfluous amounts of lycra for the staging of the annual Police Charity Golf Day.

With prizes on offer for the best-dressed team of four, competitors took to the golf course with gusto dressed as netballers, lollipop men, fairies and devils.

While the emphasis may have been taken away from the regal game of golf, the eventual winners were the Three Bakers and an Oven team consisting of Blair Daveson, Shona Daveson, Jamie Muller and Shane Thompson, followed closely by Gringoes (Steve Ramsey, Rob Taylor, Darren Ivers, Justin Lenton) and Boag’s Boys (Alan Scott, Ross Jarrett, Gary Brayley, Les Dakin).

The antics of Paul Jervis, Ian Williamson, Henry Willersdorf and Shane Johnston, who all donned netball skirts, coloured wigs and false body parts, impressed the judges so much that they were presented with the best dressed gong.

The On Safari team of Tony Emslie, Dave Scutt, Michelle Jensen, Beth Ribot and Russell Hotchin came in second for their 1970s inspired safari suits, while Gary Muhling, Rob Cutting, Loren Horn and Matt Baisden from the Lollipop Larrikins claimed third place.

For his sensational tee-shot, that went two inches sideways, Ross Jarrett was presented with the shortest drive award.

Other awards were presented to Blair Davidson and Shona Davidson for the longest drives, Shane Thompson and Anne Wills for the nearest to the pin, and Jamie Muller and Shona Davidson for the best approach shots.

The Longreach Police Charity Golf Day raised $5,600 and the organisers thanked all of their sponsors including The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Mobil Central State Fuels, Ballard Freightlines and Qantas Link.

The Longreach Venturers were also thanked for catering on the day.

Any community organisation interested in sourcing funding from the Longreach Police Charity Golf Day committee is encouraged to contact Alan Scott at the Police Station on 4658 2200.

Head to head for Ag Co's

NOT usually considered a ‘spectator sport’, campdraft tends to only spark the interest of competitors and seasoned horse people.

However, next weekend’s inaugural R M Williams invitational Golden Spurs campdraft is aiming to appeal to a much wider audience.

The event will challenge some of the best campdrafters from agricultural companies across the country to perform different tasks on horseback for their team, with only a moment’s notice.

Veteran campdraft competitor-turned-judge Robert Teague from ‘Nockatunga’ will saddle up for the Consolidated Pastoral team, and believes the format is one-of-a-kind.

"This will be the first time that there has been campdraft competition between different agricultural companies," Mr Teague said.

"We are still not sure what the judges have in mind for us yet.
"All we know is that we ride into the camp, have a look at the cattle for 30 seconds then wait and see what the judges want us to do.
"No doubt the element of surprise will put pressure on the competitors.
"They will be going for broke – there will be some bloody great runs, but there will also be a few stinkers amongst it.
"The challenge now lies in preparing our horses for every situation the judges might throw at us."

Each of the 21 invited campdrafters are to represent their agricultural company, with competitors drawn from Australian Agricultural Company, Acton Land and Cattle Company, Consolidated Pastoral, MDH Pty Ltd, Nap Co, S Kidman and Co and the Williams River Cattle Company lined up to participate.

"Small campdrafts between different station staff happen on properties around the place, but this one will be the first held for the public," Mr Teague said.

"It will also see State versus State.
"Consolidated Pastoral will be represented by myself from Queensland, Joe Atkins from ‘Argyle Downs’ in Western Australia and Tania Klan from ‘Bun Bun’ in the Northern Territory."

Campdraft competitor Geoff Schrader from ‘Sandringham’, 60 kilometres west of Bedourie, will represent S Kidman and Co, and is looking forward to testing his skills in the new campdraft format.

"We will have to take this competition as it comes.

"I know that we can’t look at the cattle until 30 seconds before our run, but I am pretty sure we can’t even watch the other fellas compete.
"It will certainly make for a interesting competition that should appeal the crowd."

The Golden Spurs campdraft is part of the inaugural R M Williams Longreach Muster, which also includes an invitational rodeo and Lee Kernaghan concert.

Lee's, errr, fond Longreach memories

THE last time Lee Kernaghan performed in Longreach, on the steps of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, it was so intense he dropped his dacks in front of the visiting Prime Minister and his wife.

Admittedly the incident was unintentional, but nonetheless it has left the country music star with a formidable memory of Western Queensland.

"I had just finished a fantastic show and was sweating so much that I went backstage, took my clothes off and in walks the PM and his wife," Mr Kernaghan told The Longreach Leader last week.

"I was standing there in my undies and they wanted to congratulate me on a great show!
"I tell you, you learn to keep your trousers on when the PM is in your audience.
"Looking back, that incident is still one of the most embarrassing moments of my life."

Mr Kernaghan, supported by the McClymont Sisters, will perform at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 16 as part of the inaugural RM Williams Longreach Muster.

Alongside rodeo and campdrafting events, Mr Kernaghan promises to set the stage alight with some songs from his latest album, The New Bush, which was released earlier in the year.

"This album, and nearly every song on it, is about this new generation of people living and working on the land.

"The album is basically all about my own personal, life experiences and the stories of others that have had an impact on me.
"And I am glad to be heading out to Longreach to share that with the locals.
"It will be a completely R M Williams experience, the best of the bush will be there in Longreach."

Apparent from your typical dust, dirt and droving, Mr Kernaghan apparently has a special spot for the utility tray back, for reasons beyond its mobility.

"In the last half-dozen years, the ute has reached iconic status.

"And I will probably get in a lot of trouble for saying this, but with a mattress and the right company the ute can become your ultimate love shack.
"Based on that idea, the song Love Shack came about."

Australian country music artists are a hardy bunch, willing to travel to the most far-flung regions to perform a live set for a bunch of passionate locals, and Lee Kernaghan is no different.

Despite selling over one million albums, winning 20 Golden Guitar awards, three Arias and pumping out eight records, Mr Kernaghan is still passionate about sharing his songs with a live audience.

"For me, I can spend a year writing and recording songs, but it comes down to walking on stage and the crowd’s response.

"Traditionally country artists tour more extensively than your typical rock star.
"Just look at Slim Dusty, right up to his passing he was out there touring."

Rejuvenating country Show days

ROLL up, roll up! The Longreach Show Society committee want to hear your grand plans to make next year’s event spectacular.

In an effort to meet the changing needs of the show-going public, a general invite has been issued for next Friday’s annual general meeting at the Longreach Club.

Junior vice president Ben Forrest is keen to hear any suggestions that could make the show even more memorable for the hundreds who go.

"We are finding the trend in Western Queensland is that shows are starting to become a bit quieter so we need to be proactive about making the local Show the event it once was.

"The committee wants to encourage as many people as possible to come to the AGM and bring their ideas.
"We want to hear what will make people flock back not just for one day but all three.
"Personally I think we really need to focus on good entertainment and better marketing of the whole event.
"Things like having show bags and good sideshows; having a lot more depth with entertainment in general but people may have other great ideas.
"The AGM is the only chance we have to kick start ideas and get the ball rolling."

Mr Forrest said he is fully aware of the pressure rural towns are under hosting annual Shows but would hate to see the tradition peter out.

"It is not something we are doing wrong, we just need fresh ideas.

"This is a trend happening in a lot of towns.
"If as many heads come together as possible on Friday, in a couple of hours we should be able to make next year’s show an incredible event."

The committee is also looking to appoint a new show secretary.

Any one interested in applying for the paid position should see Katrina Preston at the AGM or contact her by phone on 0427 581 771.

Where have all the Showgirls gone?

WHILE the Longreach Showgirl for 2006 won’t be required to don her sash in an official capacity until the show rolls around next year, Keisha McLachlan has taken it upon herself to inspire girls to become involved in their community.

Ms McLachlan has just returned from a three-day trip to the Brisbane Exhibition, where she was able to mix it up with the Queensland Parliament speaker Tony McGrady and Governor General Quentin Bryce.

Inspired by the experience of being crowned Longreach’s Showgirl and given the opportunity to represent her home town on a State level, Ms McLachlan now has her sights set on increasing the profile of this ailing tradition.

"Longreach and Cloncurry have been the only two towns from our sub-chamber to have entrants in their respective showgirl competitions for the past two years," Ms McLachlan said.

"Almost every town in Western Queensland has a co-ordinator for a showgirl competition, but they struggle to find entrants.
"Maybe I can visit these towns and speak to some local girls about the benefits of becoming involved in their communities and entering this competition."

The local showgirl competition was once an opportunity for young women to become more involved in their communities, as well as building their self-esteem and confidence.

Nowadays the popularity of the showgirl competition is waning, something which Blackall Showgirl 1986 Anne Sprague believes is a "real shame".

"The showgirl competition used to be quite a prestigious event," Mrs Sprague said from ‘Neverfail’ station, outside Blackall.

"The Blackall Show used to be held over three days, so it meant that all the showgirls had jobs and tasks assigned by the show society, such as presenting ribbons and meeting and greeting people.
"You received a lot of exposure and it was good because it gave us all a great deal of confidence.
"You were seen as doing something for the community."

During her reign, Mrs Sprague said there were a lot more governesses and jillaroos in the district, willing to contest for the crown.

"Many of the bigger properties around Blackall employ half the staff that they used to.
"But there are still a few young girls in town.
"Perhaps the solution lies in offering better prize money and promoting the competition more.
"It sounds as though Keisha is on the right track though– she is born and bred in the local area, she is easy to talk to and her words might just go a long way."

Ms McLachlan thanked the local show society, the community, the sub-chamber and all of her sponsors for giving her the opportunity to participate in the show girl competition.

More information about the competition and how to get involved is available from Ms McLachlan on kmml88@hotmail.com
Let's help Keisha promote pride in our region and keep the showgirl tradition alive.
If you are or know of a former Western Queensland showgirl, no matter which town you're from, we'd love to hear from you.
Please contact editor Tuppy McIntosh on 4658 3855 or email editor@longreachleader.com.au

The Birdsville races 2006

THE prospect of dust storms, blowfly plagues and unseasonably warm weather could not keep the crowds from Birdsville last weekend.

The running of the annual Birdsville Races typically drew in crowds from across the country, all eager to make the pilgrimage across the desert and sample a taste of country racing.

This year marked 125 years since the first race was staged in 1882.

With any milestone used as an excuse to throw a party in Outback Queensland, locals and visitors threw their weight behind the historic first weekend in September.

Revellers arrived earlier this year, with the buzz of a hundred light aircraft filling the sky from as early as last Tuesday.

Getting to Birdsville is part of the fun for most travellers, whether that was in 4WD, single engine aircraft or clapped out old rig.

Both the Variety Club Bash and cystic fibrosis benefactors The Great Escape parked their vintage cars in Birdsville for the weekend, adding even more to the spectacle of the races.

The famous Birdsville Hotel was undoubtedly the most popular watering hole in the Outback over the weekend with thousands of people armed with the venerable can of XXXXGold flowing out onto the street.

However while many were celebrating a win down at the race track or drowning the losses in a can of lager, there was a tinge of sadness in the air for the Birdsville Race Club’s president Derek Trapp.

After two years at the helm of the club, Mr Trapp will head for the coast next week, leaving behind his home for the past six years.

"Look, it was a bit of a sad weekend in a way," Mr Trapp said.
"But I will be back – maybe in another 10 years or so!"

Mr Trapp believes the main challenge for the event over the next 125 years will be to maintain its vibrancy and spontaneity.

"In the last couple of years we have put a lot of time and spent a lot of money on advertising for this event.

"I think it has paid off, with the newly introduced corporate tent selling out on both days.
"That was a great success. We recruited the talents of a chef from the Radisson Hotel on the Gold Coast and she spent a week preparing for the catering.
"Future organisers will have to look at not getting bogged down with just one idea; a bit of foresight and open-mindedness goes a long way."

Diamantina Shire Council chief executive officer Andrew Geddes agreed: "The Birdsville Races seem to have just happened for the past 125 years.

"The Australian persona has changed and we need to look at future-proofing this event to guarantee its continued survival.
"Once it was the norm to stand outside the pub, but I think people nowadays are looking for more of an event."

Young shearers excel on sporting stage

A GROUP of first year Australian Agricultural College Corporation students from the Longreach campus have excelled in their shearing studies, breaking records and astounding those in the industry.

Under the guidance of college instructors, including sports shears competitor and professional shearer Mick Nancarrow, the 11 students have managed to clip 1,900 sheep in a fortnight, breaking the 2002 record of 1,500 sheep shorn by second year pupils.

Spurred on by their success in the sheds, the students decided to head to the Bollon Sports Shears last weekend – a 936-kilometre journey – to test their skills in the sporting arena.

Their successes continued with all 11 college entrants ranking between one and 13 in the novice heats.
Leanne Cook claimed first place in the final, just edging out fellow classmates Bob Elliott, Andrew Ryder and Jake Lacey who picked up second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively.
Among the crowd of aspiring shearers was 17-year-old Geordie Mitchell of Warwick, who modestly believes he did "alright" at Bollon, ranking tenth in the novice heats after shearing for only three weeks.

"My family’s property has sheep, so I have shorn a sheep before, but I suppose I didn’t know how to do it properly before this course."

Geordie admits it is not all hard work and no play for the ag college students in the shed.

"We are just having fun with some good mates.
"We all call him [instructor Mick Nancarrow] ‘Mum’ because he always bosses us around the place.
"He works us hard, but always brings a smile to our faces."

Fellow student 16-year-old Tim Nottage from South Australia has been shearing for the past four weeks, and is already developing the confidence and self-assurance needed to work the sheds.

"I started out shearing one sheep every half-hour, now I can shear six every half-hour.
"As you get better at it, you become more determined to see your numbers increase."

The role of college instructor is new to rugged shearer Mick Nancarrow of Inverell, and his passion for the wool industry is being passed on.

"Their biggest accomplishment, what really put a smile on my dial, was their success at Bollon.

"All of the kids worked really hard in the first couple of weeks of their training. To see them rewarded by making the final 16 in the novice shearers was excellent."

A round with Brophy

THE pure excitement of 300 drunken fans baying for the sight of blood was enough to lure former Winton boxer Belinda Sevil back into the ring at the Birdsville races.

The former 2000 Australian light-heavyweight champ began her career in the legendary Fred Brophy tent.

Last weekend she didn’t need much convincing to take to the mat for another couple of bouts despite having officially retired from the sport.

"I just started doing a bit of boxing with my brother Shaun.

"The Brophy tent came to town and he said, ‘Why don’t you get up and have a go’, so I did.
"It is great to be able to put on a bit of a show and not just leave it to the boys."

While there were more than enough men willing to put their bodies through three rounds of hell with the likes of ‘White Lightening’ and ‘The Cowboy’ the aptly named ‘Blonde Bombshell’ was surprised few women were wanting to take to the ring.

"It is great to see a few women having a go especially when there aren’t too many who put their hand up.

"I expected to see more in Birdsville but I had to sit out the first round because no-one wanted to fight which was disappointing.
"Unfortunately in my first bout I went down to a woman from Roma. I wasn’t on form and she knew Tae Kwon Do.
"It was hard going up against a completely different style of fighting but great fun."

Friends promote Aussie film festival

FOR Australian actor Marcus Graham nothing much compares to a weekend of Aussie films.
So much so, he is jealous of Barcaldine audiences who this weekend have the opportunity to recline in the canvas chairs of the Radio Theatre and immerse themselves in homegrown productions.

The Australian Film Commission’s Big Screen Festival is touring regional towns across the country, stopping off in Barcaldine from today until Monday.

Iconic Australian films such as Kokoda and Picnic At Hanging Rock, will screen alongside modern productions like Josh Jarman and The Proposition.

As the patron of the Big Screen Festival, Mr Graham spoke to The Longreach Leader last week about his hopes and dreams for local film production.

"While a lot of Australian films screen around the major capital cities, they compete against other big American blockbusters," Mr Graham said.

"Because these local productions struggle to bring in the crowds in the cities, they invariably struggle to continue to be screened in regional cities and country towns.
"This festival is a way to introduce Australians to Australian films – great Australian films."

Marcus Graham is most famous for his television roles as Wheels in E Street and the off-beat character of Elvis Maginnis in Good Guys Bad Guys.

More recently, Mr Graham has spread his wings in theatre productions, including playing the lead in Oedipus the King.

"I have been lucky enough to have quite a broad career – E Street and Oedipus the King are poles apart. Luckily, I have never been typecast."

Audiences in Barcaldine will have the opportunity to see Marcus on the silver screen in the 1994 production of Josh Jarman at a opening night screening from 6.30pm at the Radio Theatre.

"I play the lead in the Josh Jarman – a well-meaning, lovely bloke of the same name.
"Writer/director Pip Mushin is a great bloke who raised the cash to finance the film privately.
"Pip and I studied together 22 years ago, so when he approached me to do this film, for probably half the pay that is legally allowed, I couldn’t say no."

Pip Mushin will make an appearance at the Barcaldine Big Screen festival this evening during the gala opening screening of Josh Jarman from 6.30pm.

Variety's big bike giveaway

SQUEALS of delight greeted hundreds of patient parents as over 300 brand new bikes were given out to children from around the West at the Longreach showgrounds on Sunday.

As the primary school-aged kids paraded out of the show pavilion proudly displaying their latest acquisition and rushing to don the added bonus of a viz-vest and helmet, sceptical adults gradually began to believe the giveaway wasn’t a prank.

Queuing in 30-plus degrees did not deter Peta White waiting with baited breath alongside many others for contracted bike-builder extraordinaire John Palmer to unlock the shed containing the pushies.

"I thought I would come down and see whether the giveaway was for real.
"There was such a great excitement building.
"I have never heard of anything like this in Longreach before and the kids just love their new bikes. This really gave them something special to look forward to."

Louise Brown also found it hard to believe that so many bikes were simply being given away but said she was pleased to see it was no joke as she put a shiny new treadlie in the car.

"This has been an absolutely fabulous afternoon. I was driving here thinking there has to be a catch, there just has to be a catch, and there wasn’t.
"Variety has been so generous."

The novelty of the event wasn’t lost on David Searles who, like many parents, couldn’t express enough gratitude to the visiting bashers.

"It is great to see Variety giving away something in a country town. We often see big things like this going on in the city so it is great to see them come out here."

Along with the unmistakable sight of 300 orange and purple bikes hitting the pavements, there was also no missing the 180 cars and 500 wildly-costumed bashers who arrived en masse from Winton on Saturday night.

As well as checking out the rugby union grand final at the showgrounds, all Sunday the streets of Longreach were teeming with decorated cars and drivers as the bashers had a day-off before travelling to Windorah.

Never missing the opportunity to raise a little more cash for their worthy cause, their catch cry of "Do it for the children" saw a small mountain of money thrown into an awaiting Akubra at the Lyceum Hotel that evening.

At stake - for a proper price - were the flowing locks of proprietor Leigh ‘Lethal’ McCracken and the slightly shorter strands of bar manager Larry ‘Bingo’ Smith’s scalp.

After $1,550 was raised in the space of 30 minutes the pair forfeited their heads, beards and moustaches to a clean shave, much to the delight of a cheering, large and generous crowd. Many of the visitors vowed to come back for more Longreach hospitality next year.

Boars' breakthrough

THE Barcaldine Boars have returned to the top of the Western Queensland Rugby Union ladder, after a three-year absence from finals footie.

While the Boars held the premiership shield from 2000 to 2003, they had failed to rate a mention in subsequent semi finals until last weekend, when they downed reigning premiers the Longreach Rustlers.

Coach Tawhai Bartlett emphasised that his team would have to remain confident approaching the game against the in-form Rustlers, a tactic that obviously drove his squad toward victory.

Despite a sloppy start and handing over a number of penalties in the first half, the Barcy boys remained dominant with their strong forward pack once again posing problems for the opposition.

The Rustlers were unable to capitalise on the Boars’ mistakes and their frustrations became evident when key player Adrian McErnny was sent from the field for overly-aggressive rucking.
Two penalty goals by Peter Walker did little to rark up the Rustler’s waning defense, as the tactical kicking of his opposite number Jeff Geurr continued to bolster the confidence of the Boars who snapped up the 2006 premiership with gusto.

The tight and aggressive game proved to be a spectacle for the 2,000-strong crowd that witnessed this year’s grand final.

Grandstands were dragged in close to the sideline, with many supporters heard egging on their team’s bench that was less than a metre away.

Spectator numbers were bolstered by the visiting Variety Club bashers, who drove their vintage rigs in the Longreach Showgrounds and helped celebrate Barcy’s decisive win well into the evening.

Barcaldine 10, Tries: Andrew Pierce and Aaron Von Deest.
Longreach 6, Penalty goals: Peter Walker 2.
Player of the Final:
Barcaldine Boar fullback Jeff Geurr

Film festival lights up Barcy

FILM buffs are in for a treat next weekend as the Australian Film Commission’s touring Big Screen film festival sets up shop in Barcaldine.

Over four days, Australian films including Picnic At Hanging Rock, locally shot The Proposition and kids flick Hildegarde will screen at the Radio Theatre.

Barcaldine Arts Council president Brett Walsh is again looking forward to another film festival, which has previously brought local film connoisseurs out-of-the-woodwork.

"This will be the third year in a row that the Big Screen festival has appeared in Barcaldine," Mr Walsh said.

"It is an exciting weekend for the town, and it will be great to see films like the iconic Picnic At Hanging Rock on the Radio Theatre’s screen.
"It will also be the first time that The Proposition has been shown to an audience in Barcy.
"High School students will also have the opportunity to view Kokoda during the festival for free, which has apparently tied in well with their current studies.
"It will be great for people just to sit back and watch movies all weekend."

The festival gets underway next Friday with a gala opening night screening of Josh Jarman, starring Marcus Graham.

The film’s writer/director, Pip Mushin, will present the film to the audience, no doubt fielding questions from local film enthusiasts.

Other films that will screen during the festival include Oyster Farmer – a story about a 23-year-old Sydney sider who moves to an oyster farm to be close to his sister, Bad Eggs – Mick Molloy stars as the undercover detective, Ben, who along with his dim-witted partner Mike, make it to the headlines of Sydney’s tabloids; Puberty Blues – a gritty drama about being a teenager in the ‘cool group’; The Big Steal – a romantic comedy starring Ben Mendelsohn and Claudia Karvan; and Solo, set in Sydney, is a dark journey into the heart of Australia’s underworld.

Festival programs are available online at www.afc.gov.au/bigscreen or at the Radio Theatre.