Full throttle on Barcy speedway

BARCALDINE may become a petrol head’s heaven as councillor Morgan Gronold initiates plans to host a number of drag racing events at the town’s aerodrome next year.

"We hope to brand Barcaldine the Central West’s home of motor sport," Cr Gronold announced.
"The plan is to offer drag racing events over 200 metres which will be open to anyone willing to race their car, ute, four-wheel drive or motorbike.


"It’s a great opportunity for car lovers to do some legal racing and have some fun with their vehicles in a safe environment."

The secondary runway at the Barcaldine airstrip is the proposed site for the racing and the first event is scheduled for May Day next year.

"The use of the airstrip has already been approved by the council and, while we’re still in the early days of planning, I’m confident we can make the event happen."

According to Cr Gronold, drag racing’s national body, the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA), has indicated their support.

"ANDRA will fully insure and sanction all of our events so we’ll be completely covered. Drag racing licenses will be offered to participants for the day which will cover them for all public liability.
"The Barcaldine Fire Brigade and Ambulance service will also be in attendance and we’ll have a couple of safety officers on the scene to ensure everything is carried out in a safe manner."

As well as drag racing the event hopes to draw spectators with motor sport celebrities, a ute and car show, burn-out and shine competitions and motoring equipment trade displays.

"If its popularity takes off it may generate quite a lot of economic prosperity for our town."

Cr Gronold said the idea was based on similar events held with great success in towns across Australia.

"A recent racing competition held on Charters Towers airstrip got hundreds of spectators and I imagine we could pull a good crowd from all over the Central West."

Cr Gronold said the benefit of drag racing was that it was a low cost motor sport for both the organisers and the participants.

"We will advertise that you ‘run what you bring’ which means that, as long as the brakes work, then anybody can race.
"It doesn’t matter what vehicle you drive, we want everyone to have fun racing their mates or simply watching the street cars in action."

Cr Gronold said the Barcaldine Motor Sports Association must raise around $20,000 for a concrete burn-out pad, timing lights and other infrastructure to get started.

"We need to ensure that no damage is done to the airstrip," he said.
"We’ll be canvassing the region for prospective sponsors in the coming weeks so hopefully we can raise enough."

ADSL, not wireless, to keep town connected

WHILE Ilfracombe residents have the option of wireless broadband since the launch of Telstra’s Next G network, the council’s CEO Michelle McFayden said it has not resolved the town’s internet woes.

"In terms of speed and cost ADSL broadband still remains the best option for both the council and the community," Ms McFadyen said.

"As yet, it appears that wireless broadband cannot be networked, which means in order for the council to use it each of our computers need new hardware worth several hundreds of dollars.
"On top of that you’ve then got to pay a monthly plan cost for each computer which for unlimited download access is very expensive."

Ms McFadyen acknowledged that wireless broadband will bring benefits to some, but said she did not believe it was the answer.

"I’m in the process of setting up wireless on my laptop because it will be very handy when I travel.
"But it is not a viable option for everyone and our community should have the choice of ADSL.
"We are only 27 kilometres from Longreach and yet we are one of the few shires in the region not to have it."

Ms McFayden said it will cost $120,000 to upgrade Ilfracombe’s telephone exchange and install the required technology for ADSL broadband.

"The council is currently working with Telstra to apply for federal government funding through the Connect Australia plan," Ms McFayden said.

"Last time we applied they only offered us $85,000 so hopefully this round we get the extra $35,000."

The Barcoo Shire Council is similarly hoping their applications for funding through the communications plan will come to fruition.

"We’ve supplied the Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, with a list of our telecommunications needs to help her in the decision-making process," Mayor Bruce Scott said.

"It’s not just about broadband for us.
"We need to expand our terrestrial lines for towns like Birdsville, Bedourie and Windorah and establish mobile phone reception in the shire."

Drought "not unlike a civil war zone" say Salvos

WHEN we think of donating to a charity at Christmas time our thoughts are generally with underprivileged kids doing it tough.

But this year, with seemingly unrelenting drought conditions, the Salvation Army is casting their charity nets wider, hoping to catch some gifts for the parents on the land.

"Quite often the ladies on the properties go without simple toiletries, like hair conditioner, in order to buy their kids a treat or to contribute to the household budget," Neville Radecker from the Longreach Salvation Army said.

"Parents will go without extra food, walk around in rags or invent ways to save on fuel to help their children," Neville’s wife, Lorraine, furthered.

With hundreds of toy donations flooding in from coastal areas -thanks mainly to the national Kmart Wishing Tree charity - the Radecker’s are appealing to local philanthropists to keep mums and dads in mind.

"Even if they don’t believe they need it, spending a few dollars on toiletries or the like and leaving it behind after one of our visits can mean a lot," Neville said.

For the past four years, Mr and Mrs Radecker have toured central and far Western Queensland a month before Christmas, dropping off toys to the children of 17 communities.

Like modern-day Santa Clauses, the Radeckers once again performed their annual ‘troopy pack’ last week, stuffing their vehicle full of donated toys ready for the children of the West.

"This year we received over 60 boxes of toys to supplement what the kids already get," Neville enthused.
"I am always surprised by what’s inside the boxes of donated toys – exotic dolls, complicated computer-type toys – they really are good quality.
"Last year we had a private donation of 40 children’s laptops, which were obviously not a cheap item."

While the devoted couple are able to bring smiles to the face of the small, innocent faces with a token gift, as a counsellor Neville has increasingly noticed the effects of the drought on the more hardened faces of adults.

With countless television stories, newspaper advertisements and radio interviews focused on the ‘worst drought in a 1,000 years’, it is not surprising that Neville and Lorraine have observed a multitude of cracks appear in the most steadfast family units and relationships, especially around Christmas, birthdays or other celebrations.

"This is not unlike a civil war situation," Neville said.

"People are under constant pressure and experience changes in their behaviour and the way they think.
"You get different people saying that they will hang on for just one more season, but it has gone on for so many years now that the conditions are starting to effect relationships.
"What were once minor personality traits come out as strong disorders in some people.
"Spouses feel they don’t know who they are married to anymore – they become strangers and noone wants to live like that."

Lorraine and Neville often provide a distraction for rural families and perhaps a glimmer of hope for those touched by the fingers of drought which can reach well beyond the financial.

"At some stage this drought will end," Neville said.
"It will take a long time and I don’t know if some will ever recover.
"More and more landowners are saying they will walk off the land once it’s over and the land has recovered – they just can’t live with that uncertainty again.
"But overall, people are being quite remarkable and we have taken strength from the community’s tenacity to pull together and get through."

"People can be amazing," Lorraine reflected.
"They still dig deep for a local charity, even when it is quite obvious that they can’t afford it.
"Even though many are facing a desperate situation, there is a great spirit out there with the commitment to get through."

With plenty of toys to be shared among the children of the West – and then some - you can help the Salvos in Longreach by donating gifts aimed at the big kids: mum and dad.

Donations of toiletries, clothes or anything you think may be appreciated, can be either dropped at the Salvation Army at 149 Eagle Street, or dropped off at the Leader office until Friday, December 15.

Where there's a will...

IN what can only be described as a colossal feat, Naomi Burey of Ilfracombe has successfully raised over $21,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, taking out this year’s charity award at the Spirit of Queensland Awards.

Exceeding her own expectations threefold, Ms Burey was presented with the award for raising the most amount of funds at a gala ceremony in Brisbane last Friday evening.

"I said to someone on Friday night that I had no expectations of raising over $21,000, no expectations that I would make it as a finalist in the Spirit of Queensland Awards and no expectations that I would win and take home an award, but look where I ended up," Ms Burey recapped.

Since February, Ms Burey has been relentlessly fundraising, seizing upon dozens of community events to raise some extra cash for the RFDS.

"The biggest donation came from the Yaraka Gymkhana Association which contributed over $6,000, while RM Williams donated $5,000.
"I also staged a number of charity shoots across the district, as well as an Easter raffle and a market day."

Most recently, a clay target shoot was held in Barcaldine on November 11, attracting over 60 seasoned shooters as well as a number of first-timers.

For Naomi, it was a recent accident on an isolated Outback road that once again highlighted the valuable role the flying doctor plays in remote Queensland.

"The accident between Yaraka and Isisford a few months ago really epitomised, for me, what the RFDS is all about.
"It really showed just how much communities out here rely on the RFDS.
"The money raised – nearly half-a-million dollars – from this year’s awards will now go towards helping to improve the services the RFDS can provide to these rural communities – through better equipment, new planes and neonatal equipment."

With her fundraising efforts successfully accomplished, Naomi is now encouraging other people – young and old – to take up the challenge.

"It has been a great experience, which enabled me to improve my public speaking abilities. I have also learnt a lot about self-confidence and what I can and can’t do – basically about my capabilities as a person."

Over $470,000 was raised in this year’s awards, with the main title going to Leanne Pullen of Mackay, the corporate charity award to Lynda Ryan of Mount Isa, outstanding achievement award to Virginia Lambert of Toowoomba and encouragement award to Sherreen Johnston of Georgetown.

Preschool bows out after 33 years

THE memories came flooding back for former students of the Longreach Preschool during the week as they toured their old stomping ground for one last time.

Next year the preschool in Kingfisher Street will become the site of the new Preparatory school year, and past pupils and current preschoolers gathered to bid the 33-year-old institution farewell on Tuesday evening.

Former students and their parents marvelled at the class photographs on the wall, reminiscing on their days in the old preschool.

For Rebecca Fickling – a preschooler in 1990 – she could hardly believe how much the sinks and toilets had shrunk.

"I remember coming back to the preschool when I was in Year 7 and realising just how tiny the bathroom was," Ms Fickling said.
"Just being back in the preschool building after so many years – the memories are starting to come back to me, like how we used to play catch-and-kiss in the yard!"

"I remember ‘the mat’, which was a square piece of lino that you sat on if you were naughty," class of 1989 member Robyn Huddy added.
"As well as those little stickers that you used to match up your cup and towel."

The Longreach State Preschool was established around 1972, after the original Community Kindergarten Association helped build the facilities in Falcon Street.

In 1978, current teacher aide Jean Tanks joined the ranks, while teacher Rosemary Winterbotham came in 1982 – forging a 24-year working relationship.

"It’s sad to see preschool come to an end," Mrs Winterbotham said.

"It has been a fantastic era and an exciting journey.
"There have been so many incredible children and stories.
"It has been great walking around looking at the past photographs on display tonight and remembering all the funny things the children have done."

Vandals target Hall of Fame

THE Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame (ASHoF) and Our Lady’s School suffered an onslaught of vandalism last Sunday, stirring police into bumping up patrols in the area.

For three consecutive weekends vandals have used slingshots to kill animals and smash property in the grounds of the Hall of Fame.

Last Sunday the perpetrators waited for the ASHoF groundskeeper to leave before peppering the windows of the cottage with marbles launched from handheld shooters.

Police arrived at the scene a short time after the vandals set off the ASHoF’s alarm, and found 24 panes of glass shattered, wooden venetian blinds broken and all 18 of the coloured bulbs on Dale’s bar smashed.

The globes on the bar had only just been replaced after being targeted two weekends previously, along with a mirror and eight windows in the ladies toilet block.

The following weekend several outdoor lights around the grounds were shattered and ASHoF staff found a dead duck, goanna and kangaroo as well as a gosling which had been backed into a corner and shot with marbles.

Last Sunday Our Lady’s school became another target as they received smashed windows and had a whiteboard damaged from a marble slingshot.

ASHoF CEO Debbie Erswell said she could not understand why anybody would commit such senseless acts.

"It is absolutely disheartening to think that people could do something like this," Ms Erswell said.

"That kind of mindless vandalism and killing of animals is not on.
"The repair of the damage will be very costly. We are a not for profit organisation with limited resources - we can’t afford these kinds of expenses.
"They did this in broad daylight. Someone must have seen or heard something, or someone’s kids must know something. I ask everyone to let the police know."

Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Neuendorf said police have cast a wide net in order to catch the offenders.

"Vandalism will not be tolerated in the community," Snr Srgt Neuendorf said.

"We believe the offenders are quite young. If parents or members of the community see children using slingshots around town then any information would be appreciated and treated with the strictest confidence. People can also call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

If you've got it, why not waste it?

THREE thousand bottles of Mount Franklin, one-hundred and sixty seven flushes of a toilet, thirty bathtubs of water or one full rainwater tank – that is how much water each resident in Longreach is currently consuming per day, and the council has had enough.

Water restrictions were introduced last month in an effort to curb skyrocketing consumption levels, to absolutely no avail.

"It seems as soon as we introduce the water restrictions, people have this perception that, because it is their watering day, they are obliged to turn the sprinkler on - regardless of whether the lawn actually needs it," Longreach Shire Mayor Pat Tanks said.

"And as a result our water consumption goes through the roof."

At the November council meeting, council engineering services director Gerry Logan revealed that each resident in Longreach was consuming 1,502.5 litres of water per day, over 500 litres more than what is required to meet target levels.

"You would expect the water consumption to increase coming into summer firstly to keep the yards alive and secondly to keep the residents cool," Mr Logan said.

"But if we don’t receive any flow in the river, we predict that we will run out of water by August next year.
"And we know that the river has dried up previously."

During the 1940s the countryside was in the grip of an all too familiar drought and, unthinkably, the venerable Thomson also suffered from its moisture-sapping effects.

"An area past the old bridge – they call it Picnic Point – well you could walk right the way across the river bed," long-time Longreach resident Joe Stevenson reflected.
"At that time the town wasn’t connected to the river water.
"We all relied on tank water and bathed in hot bore water.
"No one had a garden because we didn’t have the water to spare – the goats would have eaten it anyway.
"Gradually over the years, and with the introduction of the river water connections, the town has sprouted trees and lawns."

The council is hoping to appeal to residents to help in reducing the town’s water consumption to four mega litres per day, rather than the staggering 7.8 mega litres that was recorded on October 8.

"The main thing we ask of people is to turn their sprinklers off during the middle of the day and only sprinkle in the hours that the water restrictions allow, and only if your garden needs it," Mr Logan said.

"We get our water from a waterhole – it’s a finite resource and if we take too much it will run dry.
"We are simply encouraging people to be more civic-minded."

Cr Tanks added that the time for warnings about out-of-hours sprinkling was gone.

"Ratepayers need to be aware that council inspectors from this day on will be monitoring closely their watering activities.

"Warnings and fines will be issued irrespective of who you are.
"I want to make it quite plain, if people don’t abide by the rules and if we can’t get the water consumption down we will move to the next level of water restrictions."

Current water restrictions dictate:
The allowable times for use of sprinklers for residential premises are between 6am and 9am and between 4pm and 8pm on the designated days.
Odd numbered houses are permitted to water on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, while properties with even numbers or no numbers can sprinkle on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Hand-held hoses can be used at any time.

Ain't no river wide enough

WITH the eyes of a hawk, from the boat he is able to distinguish a single green rope among the thick bank of smart weed on the edge of the river– something I am unable to see even when we are pulled up mere metres from the target.

"I’ve had plenty of practice," he jokes.

Today I am thrown into life as a fisheries officer. With Gary Muhling as my coach, I am encouraged to use a flimsy branch to steady myself as I lean out of our boat to grasp a submerged trap.

From the depths beneath, a relatively new, untagged crayfish pot, and its catch, are hauled up.

"All people have to do is write their names on the float or on the trap to avoid it being seized," Gary explains.

"But with only four traps allowed for each person, some people think in order to get around that, they can just put in unmarked traps."

Gary helps me haul in the netted snare for confiscation.

"If you do this, don’t be surprised if your traps aren’t where you left them," he says with a grimace.

The Thomson River near Longreach is a saviour for many during the long, hot summer months, providing cool water to dip into, calm water to sail upon and dark reaches from which keen anglers hope to bag a monster.

But let’s spare a thought for those charged with protecting this special waterhole, those who, even on weekends, use their ability, nous and passion to protect the river’s inhabitants’ survival.
For this Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries district officer, his job has seen him rise to embrace many responsibilities, yet also sink with disappointment.

"I have been in this job for ten years, in Longreach for six, promoting the rules and regulations to do with fishing and being on the water.

"People know when they are doing the wrong thing," Gary asserts.

While recalling a recent investigation which seized 30 illegal fishing nets out of a regional waterhole, disappointment filters Gary’s voice.

"It is just incredible, it is so illegal and these people face massive fines.
"I am happy to work with people and give them the benefit of the doubt, but after two or three warnings, sorry, you are going to get fined."

A big part of Gary’s job is acting under the Fisheries Act to seize illegal traps and nets, as well as handing out fines.

"The job is really difficult; in order to fine someone you have to basically catch them red-handed.
"And they are getting really clever about disguising their nets."

Gary explained that ordinarily a dead-give away for illegal nets would be a discarded inflatable tube and a few slack ropes on the side of the riverbank.

"What you find is that people tie the net under the water, using a bit of rope attached to a root or something on the river bank.
"Then using the tube, paddle out to the other side of the river and drop the net, which is usually attached to a brick or a weight."

On patrol last week, Gary sighted what he refers to as "a point of interest" along the northern part of the river.

Gary quickly pulled over to an innocent-looking tube on the bank and a limp piece of string tied off to a nearby tree.

"I will remember this spot now, take note of whether the tyre moves or the line disappears.
"It will be something to keep an eye on."

But despite it’s slings and arrows, Gary reminds himself that the river is ultimately his workplace.

And how many people can claim they work in an outdoor office?

"We spend plenty of nights away from home and work on the weekend, but we get to see and do some amazing things," Gary enthuses.

Brad uses local vocational program to score the job

DECIDING on a career path is not always an easy choice for a young person but, as many know, the Rural Vocational Pathways Program helps by providing interested school students a taste of working life in the automotive and agricultural industries.

Run by Longreach’s Australian Agricultural College Corporation (AACC), the Pathways program offers certificate two training in auto mechanics and agricultural operations to Central West high school students from Years 8, 9 and 10.

In the three years since the program’s creation, several students have gone on to gain fulltime trade employment.

Seven months ago Brad Avery of Longreach was successful in gaining a mechanic traineeship at the AACC after he participated in the vocational program as a Year 10 student.

"I think it put me in front of everyone else in the job interview process because the others hadn’t done anything," Mr Avery said.

"It was pretty good to get out of school and learn a few more practical things.
"If you don’t like school I think it’s a good option."

Other success stories include Year 10 students Brenton Richards and Tony Fitzgerald who have respectively secured apprenticeships at Longreach Motors and O’Brien’s Garage for next year.

AACC training manager Terry Bielenberg said these results are indicative of the program’s success as it assists students entering rural industries.

"It shows employers that they are willing to get into the industry and means they can be useful straight away because they have already received some training," Mr Bielenberg said.

"It is also filling up the skill shortages in the local area because the mines are snapping up a lot of our mechanics. We are training local youth for the local industry."

The Rural Vocational Pathways Program is partially funded by the student fees and receives extra support from Education Queensland and Outback Pathways and Careers.

Augathella's Australian of the Year

THE Australian of the Year is often awarded to doctors, celebrities or sports stars, which is why it came as quite a shock for Augathella station manager Keelan Mailman to be named as one of four finalists for Queensland’s Australian of the Year.

"When I got the phone call and they congratulated me on being a finalist I nearly had a heart attack, it was just mind blowing," Ms Mailman exclaimed.

"There are so many wonderful people that do amazing things and I’m a pretty quiet person, so it made me feel very special to be recognised."

Almost 10 years ago Ms Mailman became the first female Aboriginal cattle station manager when she was given control of the 190,000 acre ‘Mt Tabor’ station, under license of the Bidjara people.

"When I first came out here the place was pretty run down and I didn’t have much experience working on the land.
"I copped some flack, being a single mum and a woman, but that just made me strive harder and get on with it.
"I learnt everything I needed to know from chainsawing to fencing and it’s great to see what we have achieved."

As well as running 2,300 head of cattle, Ms Mailman’s job involves identifying, cataloguing and preserving the many indigenous cultural sites on the property.

She is keen to show other traditional owners how cultural and commercial interests can work together.

"The cattle are a way to self-generate income for the property, to protect the heritage and allow us to be on the land," she said.

But her work doesn’t end with station operations. While caring for her own three children and five foster children, Ms Mailman also helps troubled kids from the Charleville community by letting them stay on the property to learn about the land and indigenous traditions.

"I’ve had a lot of indigenous and non-indigenous kids come out over the years and I try to guide them away from drugs and alcohol," Ms Mailman said.

"The greatest gift I ever got was from my mum. To pass on that traditional knowledge to the kids makes me so proud, they’re always so keen to learn and take it in."

An advocate of reconciliation, Ms Mailman said she tries to set a good example for the children by showing acceptance to all races, even when it is not reciprocated.

"I love Augathella but it’s only a small town and we’ve had to put up with a lot of racial issues.
"I don’t think people realise that their verbal abuse and insults still cut very deep, even to a grown woman.
"My mum always told me that if you want respect you have to give out respect, regardless of who they are, and that’s what I pass on to the kids."

It is not only children who feel the effects of Ms Mailman’s kindness, she has taken in several indigenous elders who expressed a wish to spend their final days on the land.

"They have a spiritual connection with the land. To see their faces glow, knowing they are where they want to be gives you such a good feeling."

Ms Mailman’s willingness to help others and determination to succeed were what prompted her daughter to submit the nomination for the prestigious prize.

"I cried when she read out what she wrote in the nomination," Ms Mailman said.

"It is a great honour to be a finalist and to know that my love, kindness and hard work has touched other people."

The winner of the Queensland Australian of the Year was announced yesterday by Premier Peter Beattie and is now in the running for Australian of the Year against other State finalists.

Mo bros get Pat on the back

THE mayor of Longreach Shire Pat Tanks has commended the men of Longreach participating in the Movember charity event, and urges the town to get behind them by making sponsorship donations.

Movember asks that men grow and groom moustaches for the entire month of November to raise money and awareness for the men’s health issues of prostate cancer and depression.

Having personally felt the tragedy of such illnesses, Mayor Tanks was pleased to learn of the event’s charitable efforts and put his money were his mouth is by donating $50 to the cause.

"Both my father and my uncle died of prostate cancer and I really appreciate any efforts that contribute towards research and treatment of the illness.

"I get myself checked for prostate cancer twice a year and hopefully by raising awareness through events like Movember other men will be more inclined to do the same.
"Similarly, male depression is a taboo subject and if we get people talking about it and aware of the warning signs they may feel more comfortable on seeking advice and treatment."

Next November Mayor Tanks hopes to set a challenge to the male members of the 11 councils in the region to collect as much moustache money as they can.

"If we could get the 80 odd male councillors involved next year it would be a great way to spread the message and have a bit of competition between the councils."

To support this year’s CWQ contingent of moustachioed men, please visit www.movember.com.au and, using the rego number of 6512, enter your credit card details and the amount you wish to donate.

Our sister in the Alice

IN an effort to strengthen Longreach’s sister city relationship with Alice Springs, local government representatives recently travelled to the inland city to broaden their horizons.

Longreach Shire mayor Pat Tanks, councillor Rae Bowden, councillor Mick Bischel and councillor Diana Harris headed west for a three-day trip which included attending the Interland Alliance conference and the Desert Knowledge Symposium.

Cr Tanks said he was feeling inspired after his time away in the red centre.

"This was basically a fact-finding mission, and a great way to share information and ideas with another inland town.

"We discussed how to get this sister city relationship going, including the exchange of shire council flags to promote tourism, as well the possible exchange of staff to broaden their experiences.
"While we discovered that they are dealing with a lot of the same issues as us in the Central West, it is still a very different place, especially in terms of local laws and council responsibilities."

While in town, the quartet headed out to the Alice’s local cemetery hoping to draw inspiration from the facility’s planning.

So inspired by the Alice Springs design, Cr Tanks initiated a tour of Longreach’s cemetery on his return home to share with other councillors ideas garnered from the Northern Territory.

"It was then decided that the engineer would put together a plan, addressing some of these ideas," Cr Tanks reported to The Longreach Leader.

The coouncillors who took part in the Interland Alliance, a 300-plus meeting, said it aimed to strengthen ties across the Australia’s inland.

"[We discussed] combining the forces of all inland towns to lobby the government to appoint a minister for the inland.

"Years ago, under a Labor Government, this portfolio existed.
"Our needs are so different from the eastern seaboard that I think such a position is warranted."
This was the first time the Longreach Shire has sent delegates to Alice Springs for the conferences and, according to Cr Tanks, not the last.

"Of course we will keep in touch with our counterparts in the Northern Territory via tele-meetings, but hopefully the next face-to-face will be in Queensland."

Our Melbourne Cup

THE main street of Longreach was deserted on Tuesday as the focus of the town shifted to the action of the Melbourne Cup race day at Longreach racecourse.

The heat couldn't dampen the excitement down at the track as everyone seemed to be getting caught in the buzz of the nation’s biggest racing event.

Ladies were dressed to impress in beautiful frocks and hats and many of the fellas also found the inspiration to scrub up.

The punters among them were hoping for a big win on a day where gambling feels almost mandatory. At 2pm all eyes were glued to the television for the big race.

Shouts of encouragement frothed forth from the crowd but following the hysteria only a few were left cheering.

Favourite Yeats ran his race before the final straight while the much discussed Tawqueet barely drew the race caller's attention.

To take peoples' minds from the pain of dropping their purses on the nags, the Fashions of the Field were hotly contested. Among the 'fillies' was Brooke Collins, who won for the second year in a row. Runner-up Peta Ann Cooper looked as elegant as ever.

Rob Johnston was the fashion 'Stallion' of the day with Rupert Ballinger runner-up for his smart look.

Maree King took out the 'Mare's' category wearing a silky sequined top and Margaret Harris was awarded runner-up for a lovely lime-coloured ensemble.

The National Rugby League Premiership trophy was another star attraction of the day and let those locals strong enough imagine their ultimate sporting fantasy by holding it above their heads.

By the time the local racing finished many from the crowd were in the right mood to delve feet first into the party and dancing which followed.

Outback showcase at gala party

FROM performers on the wings of the jumbo jet to bagpipers belting out Waltzing Matilda, the 2006 Outback Tourism Awards strived to be more than just another awards
ceremony.

It was an opportunity to showcase the Outback, and award co-ordinators the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (OQTA) took pride in rising to the occasion.

Saturday evening kicked off with drinks under the 747 and entertainment by local musicians Fruit and Nut, and Grant and Lee Millar, and then progressed to the official ceremony on the steps of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

On their arrival over 200 guests were treated to the skilful horsemanship of Australian Agricultural College Students and their tutor John Arnold.

The Longreach Community Choir graced the stage, as did local bagpipe players, before Dean Miller from Channel Seven’s Queensland Weekender took control of the evening’s proceedings.

Mr Miller’s enthusiasm was infectious and soon the Outback Queensland crowd was cheering on their respective nominees.

One after the other, tourism operators, staff and enthusiasts took to the stage to be recognised for their outstanding accomplishments during the past year.

OQTA CEO Barry Duncan congratulated local businesses for once again rising to the occasion and announced that the 2007 tourism awards would be bigger than ever, incorporating a weeklong conference.

The entertainment continued after the awards were handed out with the tin whistle, harmonica and banjo touting Ned and The Kellys from Charleville.

With Murweh Shire Council mayor Mark O’Brien as lead vocalist, the irreverent bush balladers kept the party-goers on the dance floor well past their scheduled midnight curfew.

Hot seat shuffle

THE State Government has once again come under criticism for appointing another new minister to take over the leadership position of one of the most important portfolios for Western Queensland.

In his first ministerial posting, Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace will step into the leader’s shoes for the Natural Resources and Water department, after a fleeting representation by Member for North Toowoomba, Kerry Shine.

Mr Shine has now been appointed the minister assisting the Premier in Western Queensland, as well as the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.

The constant changes have baffled everyone from the most senior political advisor right down to Mr Shine’s office staff, one of whom answered the phone last week with: "Minister for Natural… oh …Attorney-General’s office – sorry I forgot where I was…"

Rural lobby group AgForce has spoken out about the changes, with State president Peter Kenny claiming bureaucrats in the system are looking to cause conflict between his agri-political organisation and the department.

"There are counter forces at work to undermine the relationship developed between us and the government," Mr Kenny said.

Not willing to say what or who these forces are Mr Kenny reiterated that he believed that there were "bureaucrats at different levels beavering away to create conflict."

"The fact is, the department is run by bureaucrats [who are] overseen by the ministers.

"I believe that unless you get a minister with a gut feeling for the job, these bureaucrats have the potential to legislate against the agricultural industry.
"Some of these bureaucrats don’t care about nor understand the industry, they are more concerned with gaining their environmental outcomes at the stake of our viability. [They] believe that if a close working relationship between AgForce and the government is developed then they would lose power.
"They will come up with solutions that are detrimental to the viability and economic outcomes of our farmers."

The Natural Resources and Water portfolio has seen four different leaders since July 2005, a fact which Mr Kenny believes lends support to the likelihood of public servants running the department.

"You have to start out all over again when a new politician comes in. It seems you do a lot of talking with a new minister, they leave and all of that previous talking just gets lost.

"It is frustrating, because we can’t seem to find a resolution for the issues that are affecting the bush."

Admitting that he was yet to meet Mr Shine’s replacement, Mr Kenny said he was looking forward to forging a positive and strong relationship with the ‘new guy’.

"I’m a great believer in working with people, but it is frustrating having all these ministerial changes. But that’s the way life is."

Reacting to claims that the government had once again put the needs of Western Queensland on the back-burner, Mr Wallace was quick to assure the West he would "return them to the front".

"I don’t want to be a Brisbane-based politician, I will be out in Longreach as soon as possible," Mr Wallace said.

"My family has been in the region [North Queensland] since the 1890s, I picked pineapples and bananas to put myself through uni, I’m a passionate Cowboy’s supporter.
"I will be putting the issues of regional and rural Queensland to the fore."

Calls for extention on stock route agistment

A NUMBER of local graziers are challenging the State Government to reconsider stock route legislation that is forcing drought-effected, weakened stock to move off reserves after a twenty-eight-day period.

While the Opposition is calling for State Government to waive stock route fees, the Longreach Shire Council chief executive officer Fred de Waard believes local landholders are more concerned with the period of time they are allowed to agist stock on reserves rather than the cost involved.

"I don’t think the issue is with the fees, I think landholders have an issue with the fact that they can only agist their stock on the stock route for two, 28-day periods," Mr de Waard said.

"After this time they are forced to move on. Property owners are transporting cattle across the shire between reserves.
"The period of time that people can facilitate these reserves is under the act, so unfortunately the council can’t do anything about it."

After approval has been made to agist stock on these council-managed, State-owned parcels of land, graziers can agist their stock for 28 days.

Within that initial period, they can again apply for another 28 days.

If unsuccessful, or after a total of 56 days, the grazier must remove their cattle and apply for agistment on another reserve.

Local grazier Keith Gordon of ‘El Kantara’ near Longreach emphasised that while he could understand the premise of the legislation, he thought that with ensuing drought it was time to change.

"In the past stock routes have been abused and people have got on them and stayed way longer than they were meant to," Mr Gordon said.

"Every area is different and we have heard reports of people outside the Central West, flogging their country so they could get on the stock route.
"But we are people from the area, it is not like our stock are travelling through, and with the drought it is time to create some exceptional circumstances clauses allowing for local landholders with drought-effected stock to stay on these reserves for longer."

Along with three other graziers from the region, Mr Gordon hopes to make some real changes to the legislation by appealing to the government.

"I’ve got no real issue with the fees, I think they are very reasonable.

"But with the drought, you have to get your cattle to the stage where they can travel to agistment or be sold.
"Our 56-day period expires the middle of next month for us. These cattle are in pretty poor condition and could have done with another 28 days.
"This is a big worry for us."

Establishing a balance in power

IN an effort to boost the number of women in local government, the Queensland Government is running a free information seminar in Longreach on November 22.

The Women Into Local Government seminar will explore the benefits, opportunites and support available for women interested in becoming elected representatives on local councils.

"Experienced councillors and CEOs from local governments around the State will share their personal perspectives and experiences and answer questions about election processes and their working lives at the workshops," Minister for Justice and Women, Rod Welford said.

"Women bring diverse perspectives and important skills and expertise to local governments however they make up only 30 per cent of all elected councillors and 15% of mayors throughout Queensland."

In a survey of 14 local governments of the Central West The Longreach Leader found women made up 26 per cent of councillors with three female deputy mayors and no female mayors.
Barcaldine Shire councillor Tina Sullivan said women have a very positive impact of council and encouraged other women to get involved.

"Women bring a balanced approach to local councils and can be very forward thinking. It’s not all roads, rates and rubbish," Cr Sullivan said.

"However for several reasons, such as having kids, it is often easier to get men to stand for council.
"The community must take some responsibility here. If they want to see more women on council they need to get behind some quality candidates and support them to nominate as councillors in local elections.
"I have two kids, my own business and the council work, but with the community supporting you, you don’t mind the extra work because of the positive outcomes you achieve."

All women with an interest in local council are invited to attend the Longreach seminar however numbers are limited. To reserve your place visit www.women.qld.gov.au/seminars or phone 1800 177 577.

The seminar will be held in the Thompson room at Longreach Civic Centre from 6 to 7pm on November 22.

Youth phoenix rises from club ashes

‘A bright and colourful two storey building housing a multitude of government and non-government agencies, serving the recreational and training needs of [...] the community.’

This is the vision for the acre block where the Longreach Youth and Sporting Complex currently stands.

Over the past year the Longreach Youth Club has faced the prospect of closure, but through the remarkable dedication of volunteers and the town’s youth, it has received a new lease on life.

"To start off, we wanted our own space and to keep our Youth Club," Longreach Youth Council mayor and passionate youth lobbyist Nina Ah Wong said.

"But we had to somehow keep the cash coming in. It was decided to source funding through the multi-service tenant program."

Through the Blueprint for the Bush, the Queensland Government has put up for grabs funding through the program.

The government hopes to establish five multi-tenant centres across the State - the youth club committee in Longreach is working towards being one of these recipients.

"It will be about having all of the youth services in the one place, along with other services for seniors, indigenous people and other members of the community," Ms Ah Wong said.

"At the moment Community Health is in two different places, job services are in a different areas and the youth development officer is yet another area."

Ms Ah Wong said while the youth of the town will lose their own exclusive space under the plan, it is a small sacrifice to make in order to maintain their club.

"We are still getting what we need with this plan – our own space.
"I can see that within two years we will have the building off the ground and people moving in.
"I envisage a youth space with a computer area, lounge area, music area as well as a casual sports area with table tennis, pool and air hockey.
"There will also be information available on a variety of topics relevant to youth. It will be a bright and colourful place to just hang out and do whatever."

Coined Central West Community and Youth Hub, the project is now underway with the first phase of a three-step funding process recently completed.

Youth club committee president Ted Burling said it was important to work with a variety of community members to establish a "pathway to funding".

"The youth club obtained a grant with which we have appointed the Remote Area Planning and Development (RAPAD) board as consultants to determine a business case for the Youth Hub project, enabling us to apply for stage two of the process – appointing a project officer for planning the development of the centre," Mr Burling said.

"This is not just an idle dream.
"We are not racing around selling tickets in a chook raffle to fund this idea.
"This is a sign of a new era. Local fundraising is not the solution, the project needs access to real dollars."

The Longreach Youth Club committee appointed a steering committee to direct the project with Ron Beezley at the helm as president.

The steering committee has distributed feedback forms around the town, asking what the community would like to see incorporated into the multi-tenant service centre.

Suggestion boxes are also distributed at a number of locations across Longreach, while letters of support can be forwarded to The Community and Youth Hub Project, c/o RAPAD, PO Box 592, Longreach 4730.

Lucky Luke, miracle foal

A MIRACLE of nature occurred at the Australian Agricultural College Corporation’s (AACC) Longreach campus last week when a mare adopted an abandoned foal and became a proud mother of two.

Lucky Luke was born last Monday night and was given a harsh introduction to the world when his mother, on her maiden birth, refused to suckle him.

Left to fend for himself, fortune then smiled on Luke when super mum Midnight Lady allowed him to share her milk with her own newborn, Ladonna.

Senior horse instructor at the AACC John Arnold said it was very unusual for a mare to naturally adopt a strange foal and continue to suckle her own.

"Sheep and cattle often adopt abandoned newborns without human intervention but I’ve never seen it with horses," Mr Arnold said.

"In the thoroughbred industry foster mothering is pretty common. If a thoroughbred foal is abandoned the horse breeder will get a mother ‘in foal’, such as a draught horse, and replace their foal with the more valuable thoroughbred.
"The smell of the abandoned foal usually needs to be masked by a strong smelling agent such as methylated spirits before the foster mare can be tricked into accepting it.
"We didn’t do any of this with Lucky Luke and that’s why he got his name. Without Midnight Lady he wouldn’t have survived."

Community talking after Barcy proposal

WINTON Shire mayor Bruce Collins has welcomed the move made by the Remote Area Planning and Development board to further discuss - and find a solution to - the region’s current medical situation.

Plagued by under-staffing and the outlaying of dwindling medical services, the Central West region was approached by Queensland Health representatives in May and asked to "come up with your own solutions".

Taking their advice proactively onboard, the Barcaldine Shire Council produced a model of health care that would see the town become a ‘hub’ for medical services across the Central West.

The proposal was presented to RAPAD last week, however it was not endorsed.

Instead the 11 shires plus Jericho resolved to sit down and nut out an inclusive model in December.

"I am more confident now [after the meeting] that we can come up with a medical model," Cr Collins said.

"I didn’t think that the Barcaldine approach was the most co-operative way to go.
"But by sitting down and involving all shires through discussions and debates, I am certain we can come up with a solution."

To ensure that his community’s wishes are best represented at the December meeting, Cr Collins stated that a series of consultations would take place over the next month.

"We really need to sit down with the community and discuss all of these issues.
"I know that a lot of the community will express to have the services they once had.
"The Winton Hospital had full birthing facilities only eight years ago. The doctor before last delivered 100 babies at the Winton Hospital.
"Over the past four or five years we have had a number of services withdrawn. And I know that people are certainly going to take issue with that."

Brushing up in the big smoke

VENTURING east to showcase flourishing Outback artistry, Arts West will open an exhibition next week at a gallery in Brisbane.

Seven of the region’s most prolific artists have put forward their works to go display at the Graydon Gallery, hoping to educate city art lovers about the life of the West through their art.

"This is the first time we have taken an exhibition to the city," Arts West executive officer Julianne Doonar said.

Featuring photography, acrylics, screen prints and water colours, the exhibition features the talents of Jacqueline Curley of Cloncurry, Annabel Tully of Quilpie, Sandra Lloyd of Wandoan, Maree Cameron of Jandowae, Jane Colvin of Longreach, Jenie Fawckner of Roma and Heather Wehl of Blackall.

"This will be the first time I have shown my work outside my local area," Mrs Wehl said.

"It will be a great opportunity for the artists in the West to gain recognition in the city.
"Hopefully the city people will realise what a great area we live in."

While Ms Wehl has always been a passionate woman, like most people, her artistic inclinations dropped off during adulthood.

"I have a background in art and studied commercial art at the Institute of Technology.
"I didn’t paint for a long time there; I was too busy with the property and educating the children.
"But painting has turned into more than just a hobby for me now.
"With the downturn in the weather, de-stocking because of the drought and the rest of it, painting is what I turn to now to help keep the spirits up and to top up the finances."

Ms Doonar said many artists had to grow professionally to accommodate this exhibition for metro audiences.

"This is taking it to another level for these artists.
"They had to incorporate a professional finish to their works. They also had to meet a deadline, which has helped a lot of these artist’s motivation levels."

While all of the art will be for sale, Ms Doonar said the purpose of the exhibition went well beyond making a buck.

"It is vital that as a support and delivery organisation, we seize opportunities like these so that our membership is able to exhibit their work outside their local areas.
"Of course, it is also an excellent opportunity for local Brisbane residents to pop in and view work from regional Queensland that they might not otherwise see.
"We hope this inaugural city exhibition will generate further interest in regional artists and their work – hopefully sparking the interest of a few commercial galleries along the way."

The Collective Exhibition will be open for viewing from November 8 to 18 at the Graydon Gallery in New Farm.

Widespread Flynn files its first candidate

THE Australian Labor Party is the first to name a candidate for the new federal seat of Flynn.
Encompassing a vast area from Gladstone on the coast to Winton in the West, Jennifer Algie of Murgon in the south east believes she has got the goods to best represent this incredibly diverse electorate.

While Mrs Algie has spent the best part of her life in the port town of Gladstone, she has yet to visit the Central West.

"My plan for the campaign would be to visit Longreach, Barcaldine and Winton as early as I can to establish contact and to see what issues are relevant," the mother of two said.

"I think it is important that the elected member doesn’t isolate themselves to the coastal area."

Mrs Algie has pledged to establish a regional office in either Longreach or Barcaldine if she is successful at next year’s federal election.

"The area covered by Flynn is geographically and demographically diverse. The elected member will be serving two sectors of the community.
"Gladstone is a regional, populous and industrious city, its needs are quite different to the needs of Longreach.
"When you talk about regional development in Gladstone you are really talking about creating bigger and better industries, whereas when regional development is spoken about in the bush, it’s about survival and creating viable economies."

In line with Labor party ideals, Mrs Algie has a passion for worker’s rights and believes, with life experience behind her, she can tackle the contrasting needs of the people of Flynn.

"I have worked in a lot of different areas across Queensland, including my own physiotherapy private practice.
"A huge part of my life is dealing with a working family – especially day-to-day things like health care, education and child care.
"I am also an advocate for creating favourable industrial and working conditions for the worker.
"I have the ability to understand what people are going through because we are a working family – we deal with the issues faced by the people of Flynn."

Labor party leader Kim Beazley has welcomed the preselection of Mrs Algie, citing her "strong voice" as her biggest selling point.

"She will be campaigning heavily on the issues of industrial relations and services to one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland," Mr Beazley said.

"Queensland is a key election battleground and we’ll contest it vigorously.
"We are ready and determined to get out there and earn the support of the Flynn community."