Barcoo Independent 200309

INDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO

Blackall’s own community newspaper

Ag Science on offer at State school - page 4Blackall racing figures recognised - page 9

Page 16 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

March 20 2009 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: [email protected]

SPORT ON THE BARCOO

continued on page 4

The Blackall Pony club has started 2009 with an eager buzz of excitement. Many new riders and families have attended the first three rallies, along with members and their families from previous years.

The first rally was a working bee to prepare equipment for the state jumping competition to be held in Blackall from April 14-17 at the show grounds. Seventy-nine rails and all of the jump wings have received a new coat of paint.

Over the past two weekends, there have been many riding events with beginner riders showing both style and enthusiasm. The club was saddened last Sunday when secretary Glory Baker resigned in preparation for the next chapter of her life.

Club members Kaitlyn McErlean, Cody Fanning, Sara Aspinall and Samantha Durietz will be representing zone 14 at the state jumping titles in Blackall after successfully meeting qualifying criteria.

Sara Aspinall has also been short listed to try out for the National Mounted Games team after a successful event at state level in 2008 in Winton. She will travel to Roma on March 13 for the weekend tryouts. If successful, Sara will compete at Horsely Park in Sydney in July.

From l-r: Sara Aspinall, Logan Harlow, Trevor Brown, Charlie Brown, Jaimie Lee Morris, Amanda Schulze, Helen Aspinall, Sarah Read, Kellie Harlow, Neka Boyd, Peter Boyd, Shauna Kangan, Netty Kangan and Elena, Paul, Colleen and Ray Malinen

In ‘A’ singles last Sunday, Ron Robinson got away to a very shaky start to be down 6-2 after four ends against Don Daly. However, with a bit of luck and some help from Don, Ron gradually drew away to win 31-12.

In another ‘A’ singles, John Carter and Col Pfingst had a head to head struggle. The lead changed a few times and sat at 25-25 after 28 ends. Col managed to sneak home 31-26.

In ‘B’ singles, Dave Carter and John Bowyer also had a very good game. It was a lot closer than the score board indicated, with John winning 31-23.

In handicap singles, Tex Hayward was too good for Greg MacNamara who did play some good bowls at times. Tex won 31-20.

Next week on Sunday games will start at 9am.

In pairs J. Bowyer and R. Browning will go up against C. Pfingst and D. Holden. ‘A’ singles will see G. MacNamara v M. Pfingst with spotter Woody Wood. ‘B’ singles, J. Turner v M. Chapman spotter R. Robinson, T. Hayward v R. Blutcher spotter D. Daly, M. McKellar v W. Richardson spotter J. Blutcher.

Nominations are being called for pairs and trebles. Any interested players that are not nominated, please do so now.

– Dally

Last Sunday at the Blackall golf club, a field of 22 players teed off for the second round of match play and the 18 hole stableford. The winner of the stableford was A. Allom with 43 points ahead of M. Hauff who was also on 43 points. Match play winners were C. Williams, M. Hauff, J. Walker, W. Waugh, K. Northduft and P. Fry.

Pin shots of the day went to G. Fry, G. Walker and C. Williams. The golden hole went to S. Robinson.

This Sunday is 4BBB Central Western championships with over 18 holes. Hit off at 10.30am.

– Divot

A willingness to embrace new ideas helped the Blackall Bestprac Group to take out the Rabobank Agribusiness Award for Outstanding Innovation at the Nissan Central West Industry Excellence Awards in Longreach on Saturday night.

The group is made up of seven local properties, Springleigh, Woodbine, Melrose, Amaroo, Tarbarah, Koondoo and Ramsay Park, who operate a range of business enterprises from straight cattle and sheep breeding to specialist Merino production to meat specific sheep production.

They were one of four finalists short listed for the award. Mitchell Grass Meats at Muttaburra were highly commended for their entry.

Operating since 2001, the group has challenged its members through good times and bad to seek the most profitable and sustainable business practices, to help each other have a future in the bush.

Regular meetings are held at which members share information in return for constructive analysis and suggestions on possible directions to pursue.

Members credit the group with providing critical analysis of business decisions in hard times, when it’s most needed, and to help each other look outside the square.

The power of a group has enabled members to explore ideas they would not have had the resources to undertake individually.

It was this willingness to try new things that saw them invest in E-sheep technology last year,

Blackall Bestprac Group wins CW agribusiness award

following a demonstration at a DPI field day.

The group could see many benefits – minimizing labour needs during stock handling operations, better selection tools to identify the best producing animals, electronic data recording – so it applied for and received assistance under the federal Agfund program, to trial the equipment and demonstrate its use around the west.

According to group member Bill Cripps, procedures in the yards are more accurate when human error is removed.

Electronic tags mean that each animal’s performance can be recorded and monitored.

Tied to scales, an electronic pregnancy scanner and an autodrafter, this is a powerful tool, Bill said.

For example, members producing fat lambs can weigh them at intervals to assess gains and sort them via scales, autodrafter and computer.

If lambs are not at an agreed weight, they are drafted out by the machine.

“We can also turn off forward lambs quicker,” said Bill. “It means we can meet more specific market specifications.

“The drafter can be set up for two, three or five ways and be linked to either a weight parameter or to tag numbers, with whatever information you want. Sheep virtually draft themselves.”

The end result is maximised profit and better use of a shrinking labour base.

Twenty-two tee off for second round of golf

Ron pulls through despite a shaky start

Eager start to 2009 pony club seasonImpressive effort for Shave for a Cure

Last Friday, Blackall State School held a fundraiser for the charity Shave for a Cure. It was a lively assembly due to the crazy and colourful hairstyles that the students took on for the day.

Five boys from the school came together to shave or cut their hair. They raised an impressive $2,000 between them.

Aaron Williams was the first to shave, having raised over $800. Everybody was involved in getting Jack Ward’s hair, including his dad Peter who finished it off. Glenn Frost was bold and went for the shortest cut possible. Joshua Paix was the youngest member of the team at the school. Whylie Wilson cut off most of his shoulder length locks, his moustache and facial hair.

“Their effort was outstanding”, said principal Jason Smith.

“It far exceeded my expectations. Everyone rallied behind the students, providing them with both money and support”.

– Sally Cripps

Toni McErlean takes the first cut from Aaron Williams for Shave for a Cure

A very successful Central West junior rugby league development program for 13-16 year boys was held in Blackall over the weekend. Players came from Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall to participate. Level two coaches Mick Roach and David Kerrigan from Barcaldine conducted the course along with Central Queensland junior development officer Andrew Lawrence. Level 1 coaches from Longreach and Winton also helped with the program.

The players were introduced to many different skills and drills, under the watchful eye of the coaches. They worked hard, training until 10pm on the Saturday night to start up again at 6am for a pool session on the Sunday morning. The program finished at around midday on Sunday with a group of very tired but satisfied young men.

All involved thought that it was a great weekend with a combination of fun and skill development. The organisers were impressed

with the exemplary behaviour and manner of the boys who participated, calling them a credit to the clubs they represented.

– Peter Hauff

The under 12 Central West development squad and their coaches

Boys work hard at development program

Barcoo Independent TV Guide March 22 - 28ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Wednesday M

arch 25

4:30 G.P.5:30 Spicks and Specks6:00 Children’s Programs11:00 Jamestown: America’s Birthplace12:00 Midday Report12:30 National Press Club Address1:30 Talking Heads2:00 Parkinson3:00 Children’s Programs6:00 The Queen’s Cavalry6:30 The Cook and the Chef7:00 News7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 The New Inventors 8:30 Spicks and Specks9:00 The Gruen Transfer9:30 Lawrence Leung’s Choose your Own Adventure: Love10:00 At the Movies10:30 Lateline11:05 Lateline Business11:35 Midsomer Murders1:10 Movie: This Land is Mine (PG)2:55 The Healer: Brian Dowd/Pink Black and Beautiful3:25 National Press Club Address

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: Hunter: Return to Justice (M)2:00 All Saints3:00 Infomercial3:30 Larry the Lawnmower4:00 It’s Academic 4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 Australia’s Got Talent8:30 Criminal Minds9:30 Beyond the Darklands10:30 Lost11:30 Disorderly Conduct Caught on Tape12:30 Australia’s Strangest Home Improvements1:00 Infomercial4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

5:30 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News11:30 Home Shopping12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Home Shopping3:30 Hi-54:00 The Shak4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men7:30 The Farmer Wants a Wife8:30 The Mentalist9:30 Cold Case10:30 Cold Case11:30 The Footy Show Late1:30 Home Shopping1:00 The Baron

5:30 International News12:55 Market update1:00 Movie: Pathway to the Clouds (M)2:30 Tales from a Suitcase: Sarshar, Mehraby and Arif3:00 Salam Café3:30 Football Stars of Tomorrow4:00 The Journal4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer5:30 Corner Gas: Hurry Hard5:55 Market update6:00 Global Village: The Log Rafters6:30 World News Australia7:30 Feast India8:00 Trawlermen8:30 Tribe: Penan, Borneo9:30 World News Australia9:55 Market update10:00 Movie: Yolngu Boy (M)11:35 Movie: The Young Lieutenant (M)1:35 Weatherwatch Overnight

Thursday March 26

4:30 G.P.5:30 Spicks and Specks6:00 Children’s Programs11:00 The War12:00 Midday Report12:30 Pilot Guides1:30 Collectors2:00 Parkinson3:00 Children’s Programs6:10 Grand Designs: London7:00 News 7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 Catalyst8:30 Bombora: The Story of Australian Surfing9:30 Q&A10:30 Lateline11:05 Lateline Business11:30 Spectacle: Elvis Costello… with Elton John12:20 Wildside1:10 Movie: Here We Go Again (G)2:35 Movie: Let’s Make Music (G)3:55 The Glass House

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: Birthday Girl (M)2:00 All Saints3:00 Infomercial3:30 Larry the Lawnmower4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News 6:30 AFL: Richmond v Carlton9:30 Grey’s Anatomy10:30 Private Practice11:30 Scrubs12:30 Beauty and the Geek1:30 Infomercial4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

5:30 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News11:30 Home Shopping12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Home Shopping3:30 Hi-54:00 The Shak4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men7:30 Getaway8:30 Adults Only 20 to 19:30 The Footy Show11:00 Movie: Pale Rider (M)1:20 Home Shopping

5:20 International News12:55 Market update1:00 Geisha Girl2:05 Spacefiles: The Universe Unveiled2:30 Dateline3:30 Parent Rescue: Who’s the Boss4:00 The Journal4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer5:30 FIFA Futbol Mundial5:55 Market update6:00 Global Village: Veneto6:30 World News Australia 7:35 Inspector Rex: Baby in Danger8:30 This is Civilisation: Save Our Souls9:30 World News Australia9:55 Market update10:00 Movie: The Bubble (MA)12:05 Queer As Folk1:00 Movie: A Loving Father (MA)2:55 Weatherwatch Overnight

Friday March 27

4:30 G.P.5:30 The Einstein Factor6:00 Children’s Programs11:00 Perfect Disasters12:00 Midday Report12:30 Darling Buds of May1:30 Spicks and Specks2:00 Monarch of the Glen3:00 Children’s Programs6:00 Message Stick6:30 Can We Help?7:00 News7:30 Stateline8:00 Collectors8:30 Rebus: The First Stone9:40 Vincent10:50 Lateline11:30 Triple J tv with the Doctor11:55 Good Game12:25 Rage

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: Someone Like You (M)2:30 The Golden Girls3:00 Infomercial3:30 Larry the Lawnmower4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 Better Homes and Gardens8:30 AFL: Hawthorn v Geelong11:30 Scrubs12:00 Movie: The Order2:00 Infomercial4:00 NBC Today

5:30 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News11:30 Home Shopping12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 The View2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Home Shopping3:30 Hi-54:00 The Shak4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men7:30 Friday Night Football: Titans v Bulldogs9:30 Friday Night Football: West Tigers v Roosters11:30 Movie: Lords of Dogtown (M)1:40 Home Shopping

5:20 International News12:55 Market update1:00 Food Lovers’ Guide to Australia1:30 Insight2:30 The Truth About Cigarettes3:30 Living Black4:00 The Journal4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer5:30 Risking it All: Creco5:55 Market update6:00 Global Village: Lyon and Ecully6:30 World News Australia 7:30 The Fabric of a Dream: The Fletcher Jones Story8:35 As It Happened: Churchill’s Bodyguard: The Sewer Bomb9:30 World News Australia9:55 Market update10:00 The Clitoris11:10 Movie: The Weakness of the Bolshevik (MA)12:55 Movie: Three Suns (MA)2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

Saturday March 28

5:00 Rage10:00 Rage: Guest programmer: Bloc Party11:00 Executive Stress11:30 The Cook and the Chef12:00 Stateline12:30 Australian Story1:00 Foreign Correspondent1:30 Can We Help?2:00 Rugby League: 20094:00 Rugby in the Seventies: Part 15:00 Bowls: PBA World Championships: Semifinal 15:55 News up-date6:00 Totally Frank6.25 Minuscule: Horse Fly6:30 Gardening Australia7:00 News 7:30 New Tricks: Congratulations8:25 News8:30 The Bill10:00 News10:05 Silent Witness: Ghosts11:50 Rage

6:00 Children’s Programs9:00 Movie: The Teacher’s Pet (G)10:30 Children’s Programs12:00 Eclipse1:00 Home Improvement1:30 Motorsport2:30 Movie: Cocoon (PG)5:00 Creek to Coast5:30 Home and Away6:00 News6:30 AFL: St Kilda v Swans10:00 Movie: The Recruit (M)12:25 Movie: Menace (M)2:35 Special: Secrets of the Mangrove3:30 It Is Written4:00 Home Shopping5:00 Dateline NBC

5:30 Christian City TV

6:00 Children’s Programs

12:00 Home Shopping

1:00 Horse Racing: Darley Guineas

3:30 Rain

4:00 Fresh

4:30 The Gurus Explore Ireland

5:00 David Attenborough Tiger-Spy

in the Jungle

6:00 News

6:30 Australia’s Funniest Home

Videos

7:30 Movie: Happy Feet (G)

9:45 Movie: Monster In Law (M)

11:50 Movie: House of Sand and

Fog (MA)

2:20 Home Shopping

5:20 International News1:00 The Love for Three Oranges2:55 The Actresses and the Dancer3:25 Revolucion: Five Visions4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer5:30 The Colony6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Prototype This: Mind-Controlled Car8:30 Iron Chef 9:20 RocKwiz: Sarah Lee Guthrie and Chris Wilson10:10 Movie: Life With My Father (M)12:10 SOS1:10 Bro’ Town: Know Me Before You Haunt Me1:35 Roll2:30 Weatherwatch Overnight

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 15Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009

Barcoo Independent Sponsors

PlatinumMr & Mrs Fred Rich, Barcoo Retirement Village GoldGeorge Bourne & Associates SilverMr & Mrs Barry Muir, Mr & Mrs John Schutt, Ms Lyn Schluter, Mr & Mrs Stewart Campbell, Mr Terry Brennan & Ms Robyn Adams, Warren/Davison families, Barcoo Butchery, Blackall IGA, Blackall Uniting Church Ladies Guild, Ergon Energy, Latrobe Grazing, Rabobank.

BronzeMr & Mrs David Hardie, Mr & Mrs Dougal Atkinson, Mrs Heather Wehl, Mr & Mrs Jack Banks, Mr & Mrs Peter Molle, Mr & Mrs Steve Picone, Mr & Mrs Ted Scholes, Natalie Billing & Matt Middleton, Wood family, Barcoo Amateur Race Club, Blackall Rural Traders, Butler Grazing P/L, Melrose SAMMs, Reliance Petroleum, Seymours Department Store, St Joseph’s School P&F, Thornleigh Grazing Co, Woodbine Livestock

Individual/small sponsorsMr & Mrs Alan Soxsmith, Ms Cathy McCulloch, Mr Andy Cooper, Ms Dale Constant, Mrs Gale Turnbull, Ms Gwynne Stockwell, Mrs Jan Gall, Mr & Mrs Jim McEnlly, Mr John Pay, Mr Keith Jackson, Ms Lavina Anderson, Mr & Mrs Les Frost, Ms Mardi Noonan, Ms Marie Messer, Mr & Mrs Paul Banks, Mr & Mrs Rod Allpass, Mr & Mrs Rod Kings, Mr & Mrs Stephen Hall, Br Terry Kingston, Mrs Trethella Smith, Mr & Mrs Warren Lehmann, 60s+ Better, Banks Bros, Terrick Merinos.

Thank you to the sponsors of theBarcoo Independent

DATE CLAIMERS

MARCH20 Blue Light Disco21 Seven-a-side cricket competition21 Blackall Newspaper Group AGM25 State School P&C AGM25 Open Field Day, “Tralee”27 Blackall Show Wether Trial Shearing28 Blue Light Sportsman’s Dinner

APRIL3 St Joseph’s Easter Fete3-5 Blackall campdraft4 Tambo stock show14-17 State showjumping/equitation titles15 Woolscour Tour and Dinner with Model T-Ford guests17-19 Tambo campdraft18 Tambo race meeting23 Veterans’ Dinner with Colonel Steve Goltz24 Combined Schools Anzac Day Ceremony24 ET Towner Memorial Statue Twilight Unveiling25 Dawn and Day Anzac Services25 Free community Anzac Day lunch26 Woolscour Country Western show30 Beef Cattle Show and Sale30 Landmark Cattlemen’s Presentation Dinner

MAY2 Woolscour Bush Dinner3 Blackall Show4 Labour Day6 Woolscour Tour and Dinner10 Women’s Health Seminar17 Blackall Golf Clubhouse opening22 Heartland Festival begins23-24 Tambo Polocross30 Matilda Highway race meeting, Blackall

JUNE6-8 Shockwave Youth Festival8 Heartland Festival ends13 Tambo race meeting27-28 Streetwise Skating Clinic

JULY4 Blackall race meeting4-5 Ladies Sandgreen championships18 Blackall Cultural Assoc. Market Day26 Qld Music Festival performance

SEPTEMBER5 80th Blackall Anglican Flower Show

OCTOBER5-14 Q150 Document Exhibition17 Blackall race meeting

NOVEMBER3 Melbourne Cup Day7 Blackall Cultural Assoc. Christmas Gallery Day11 Rememberance Day18-20 Q150 shed entertainment28 St Patrick’s Christmas Fete

Barcoo Independent TV Guide March 22 - 28ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Sunday March 22

5:00 Rage6:30 Children’s Programs9:00 Insiders10:00 Inside Business10:30 Offsiders11:00 Asia Pacific Focus11:30 Songs of Praise: Healthy Living12:00 Landline1:00 Gardening Australia1:30 Message Stick2:00 The War of the World3:00 She Stoops to Conquer3:30 Tiwi Islands Grand Final6:30 The Einstein Factor7:00 News 7:30 Rouge Nation: Rights of Passage8:25 News up-date8:30 Agatha Christie: Poirot: Mrs McGinty’s Dead10:05 Compass: Life and Death10:40 In Search of Mozart11:30 Order in the House12:30 Movie: The Gift (PG)2:20 Movie: Shadow of the Eagle(PG)3:55 Eagles and Evans

6:00 Children’s Programs

7:00 Weekend Sunrise

10:00 Gladiators

11:00 Sport Special

1:00 V8 Supercars

2:00 V8 Supercars

5:30 Great South East

6:00 News

6:30 Sunday Night

7:30 Border Security

8:00 Triple Zero Heroes

8:30 City Homicide

9:30 Bones

10:30 Infamous Assassinations

11:00 24

12:30 Movie: Body and Soul (M)

1:50 Home Shopping

3:30 NBC Meet the Press

4:30 NBC Today

5:30 News

5:30 Best of Rise and Shine

6:00 Go, Diego, Go

6:30 Dora the Explorer

7:00 Today on Sunday

10:00 Wide World of Sports

11:00 The Sunday Footy Show

12:00 Sunday Roast

1:00 4WD TV

1:30 Fishing North Australia

2:00 Super League

4:00 Sunday Football: Eagles vs

Warriors

6:00 News

6:30 Domestic Blitz

7:30 60 Minutes

8:30 CSI

9:30 CSI: Miami

10:30 Underbelly

11:30 Body of Evidence

12:00 Movie: Moonlight and

Valentino (M)

6:25 International News10:00 Mythbusters: Concrete Glider11:00 Zucchero: Live in San Siro Milan12:00 Inside Overture 181212:30 World Superbike Championships1:00 Speedweek2:00 FIA World Rally Championship 20093:00 Football Asia3:30 UEFA Champions League Magazine4:00 Les Murray’s Football Feature5:00 The World Game6:00 Thalassa: Island of Saint6:30 World News Australia7:30 Lost Worlds: The Mummy Who Came In from the Cold8:30 Dateline9:30 Movie: Kurt Wallander (M)11:10 Guerrilla Girl12:50 Speaking in Tongues1:20 Weatherwatch Overnight

Monday M

arch 23

4:30 G.P.5:30 Spicks and Specks6:00 Children’s Programs11:00 Landline12:00 Midday Report12:30 Poirot1:30 The Cook and the Chef2:00 Parkinson3:00 Children’s Programs6:00 Landline Extra6:30 Talking Heads: Graeme Base7:00 News7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 Australian Story8:30 Four Corners9:20 Media Watch9:35 The Cut: A Falcons Tail10:35 Lateline11:10 Lateline Business11:35 Who Killed Stalin?12:25 MDA: Rites of Passage1:20 Movie: Rachel and the Stranger (PG)2:55 The Learning Circle3:25 Bowls: Australian Open 2009 Highlights 4

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: The Stepdaughter (M)2:00 All Saints3:00 Infomercial3:30 Larry the Lawnmower4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 How I Met Your Mother8:00 Scrubs8:30 Desperate Housewives9:30 Brothers and Sister10:30 Boston Legal11:30 30 Rock12:00 Medical Incredible1:00 Infomercial4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

5:30 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News11:30 Home Shopping12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 The View2:00 Days of Our Lives3:00 Home Shopping3:30 Hi-54:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men 7:30 Two and a Half Men8:00 Customs8:30 Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities9:30 Crime Investigation Australia10:40 CSI: NY11:30 The Ellen Degeneres Show12:30 Home Shopping1:00 Super League

5:20 International News12:55 Market update1:00 Food Lovers’ Guide to Australia1:30 Indonesia – A Reporter’s Journey: A Difficult Engagement2:30 Dateline3:30 Insight4:30 The Journal5:00 The Crew5:30 Corner Gas: Bingo Night5:55 Market update6:00 Living Black6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Top Gear8:30 Swift and Shift Couriers9:00 Bogan Pride: The Fugly Fringe9:30 World News Australia9:55 Market update10:00 The Mighty Boosh: The Nightmares of Milky Joe10:35 Skins: Chris11:30 Movie: PTU (MA)1:05 Movie: Avalon (MA)2:55 Weatherwatch Overnight

Tuesday March 24

4:30 G.P.5:30 Spicks and Specks6.00 Children’s Programs10:00 Behind the News10:25 Our History10:35 Engineering at the Cutting Edge11:00 Parkinson12:00 Midday Report12:30 The Einstein Factor1:00 The New Inventors1:30 Catalyst2:00 Parkinson3:00 Children’s Programs6:05 Time Team: Sewardsley Prior7:00 News7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 Lead Balloon: Hero8:30 Doctor Who: The Impossible Planet (Rpt)9:15 Doctor Who: Confidential Cutdown: You’ve Got the Look9:30 Foreign Correspondent10:05 Artscape: The Art Life10:35 Lateline11:10 Lateline Business11:35 Four Corners12:25 Media Watch12:40 Parkinson: Mel Gibson1:25 Movie: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (PG)3:25 Triple J tv with the Doctor

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: James Patterson’s Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas (M)2:00 All Saints3:00 Infomercial3:30 Larry the Lawnmower4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue8:00 Find My Family8:30 Packed to the Rafters9:30 All Saints10:30 Eli Stone11:30 Carpoolers12:00 Special: Van Diemen’s Land By Butterfly1:00 Infomercial4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

5:30 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News11:30 Home Shopping12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show 1:00 The View2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Home Shopping3:30 Hi-5 4:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men7:30 Wipeout Australia8:30 Two and a Half Men9:00 Two and a Half Men9:30 Aussie Ladette to Lady10:30 Bridezillas11:30 The Ellen Degeneres Show 12:30 Home Shopping1:00 The Dead Zone

5:20 International News12:55 Market update1:00 The Storm Rages Twice 2:00 Don Matteo: Mysteries and Lies3:00 Here Comes the Neighbourhood3:30 Living Black4:00 The Journal 4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer5:30 Corner Gas: Mosquito Time5:55 Market update6:00 Global Village: Devil’s Land6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Insight8:30 Cutting Edge: Japan’s About-Face9:30 World News Australia 9:55 Market update10:00 Hot Docs: Wings of Defeat11:40 Movie: Ode to Joy (MA)1:40 The Heart-Makers: The Future of Transplant Medicine2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

Programs correct at time of printing but may change owing to unforeseen circumstancesCLASSIFICATIONS: G GeneralClassification PG ParentalGuidanceRecommendedM MatureClassificationRecommendedforviewingbymatureaudiences.MA MatureAudienceNotsuitableforpeopleunder15yearsofage. AV AdultViolenceClassificationNotsuitableforpeopleunder15yearsofage.


A LIFE TIME OF MOURNING

ANNOUNCING

THE DEATH OF MADAM DEMOCRACY

Each year we stop to remember over 102,000 fine Australian men and women gave their lives in defence of the democratic rights of all Australians.

Foreign enemies tried but failed to destroy our democracy which is the basic fundamental right of our freedom.

However, the enemies of democracy from within Australia succeeded on the 17th April 2007 with the announcement of

FORCED AMALGAMATION. QLD LABOR SUCCEEDED

WHERE FOREIGN ENEMIES HAD FAILEDRememberThe Real ENEMY

On the 21st March, REMOVE the WRECKERS OF DEMOCRACY.

Written and paid for by Allen Soxsmith Blackall

The Blackall State School is introducing Agricultural Science to the senior phase curriculum for the first time. Over the course of two years, students in year 11 and year 12 will have the opportunity to study pasture development, the beef industry, native plant production, apiculture, poultry, small crops, the sheep industry and alternative production systems. Students in year 10 will study an introductory course to give them a taste before they choose their subjects for year 11.

The school has been overwhelmed with interest from community members putting their hands up to get involved. Staff and students send out a big thank you to Ian and Kerry Walker of Ravensbourne who have generously supplied the school with two steers for the beef industry unit. Another big thank you goes to Les and Christine Williams of the Coolibah Motel who have kindly offered the use of their vegetable plot for the small crops unit.

The school has also had generous donations of sheep and lambs from Bill Kreig, Reynold Noble and

Bruce Alexander.Allison Diezmann said that “it

would not have been possible without Ken Timms and the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council who have supplied the school with the use of a paddock as well as the fencing expertise of Allan Lawrence”.

The community will be able to view the successes of the Agriculture class at the Blackall Show where students will be running a baby animal nursery. Anyone who would like to get involved or offer advice is encouraged to contact the school.


A 27 year old former Blackall resident, Ann Maris recently pleaded guilty in the Emerald District Court to a number of fraud matters committed between June and October 2005, while she was an employee of Reliance Petroleum in Blackall.

She was charged with over 70 counts of stealing as a servant, making false entries in records and fraudulently falsifying records to steal $19 828 from her employer.

She was arrested in Emerald by officers of the Stock and Rural Crime Squad from Longreach after an investigation which began in February 2006.

The full amount was repaid and she pleaded guilty to all charges. She was convicted and sentenced to two years jail, which was wholly suspended.

Fraud conviction for former Blackall resident

Blackall Bestprac group members Bill Cripps, Lorna Evans, Sally Cripps, Peter Evans, Rick and Jenny Keogh, and Rhonda and Jack Banks with state manager for Rabobank, Brad James.

continued from page 1Members say the project also

has importance as a springboard for central western producers to learn about new technology in general.

“The electronic drafting and weighing technology is also being used and adopted in the cattle industry and this project will support that uptake,” Bill said.

Blackall Bestprac member Jack Banks said the award was a good reward for the dedication put in by members to improving their industry, and recognition for what’s been done over a number of years.

1/2 page: $62 .50

Fu ll page/Insert: $125Classified $5 for 3 lines plus $1.25 per extra line

P lease send your con tribu tions to : [email protected] ost o r o r ca ll in person to : Blackall Visitor Information Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/fax: 4657 6966

1/8 page: $15 .00 1 /6 page: $25 .00 1/4 page: $31 .50 1 /3 page: $43 .50

Advertising Rates 2009 Contributions

Full steam ahead for Blackall State School agriculture

Bestprac rewarded

Agricultural Science students Justin Johnstone and Robyn Leek

Blackall writers groupDo you have a flare for writing

or just like to dabble, whether it be adult fiction, children’s fiction, poetry or fantasy. If writing is your passion then you are invited to join like-minded people once a month for an opportunity for peer-based critique, encouragement and social engagement. For more information, phone Karla on 4657 6624.

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Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 5

The Puzzle Page

Solutions will be in next weeks paper Puzzles submitted by Sue FrostC

rossword

Sudo

ku: H

ard

KIDS CORNER with Eddie Emu

Send your jokes, recipes, poems and photos to Eddie Emu at [email protected] or 108a Shamrock St, Blackall 4472

COOKING CUISINE Cheesy 3-Veg Pasta Bake (serves 4)* 350g shell or penne pasta* 30g butter* 2 tablespoons cornflour* 2 cups (500ml) milk* 2 cups grated cheese* 1 medium carrot, grated* 1 cup fresh or frozen peas* 1 cup fresh or frozen corn*1/2 cup grated parmesanGrease a 2L baking dish. Preheat oven to 180°C. Cook pasta until tender. Meanwhile, melt butter in saucepan, stir in cornflour and cook for 1 minute.Remove from heat, slowly pour in milk. Whisk to make a smooth white sauce. Return to heat, continue stirring until sauce thickens. Drain pasta, return to pot and stir in white sauce. Add cheese and vegetables, stir well to combine. Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and heated through.

G’day. What a busy couple of weeks it has been in Blackall. Have you all been as busy as me? My poor feet feel like they could do with a holiday, I’ve been running here and there with no time to spare. Thank goodness it is only 3 more weeks until Easter, boy I am really looking forward to that. I think I might spend the whole holidays

with my feet up on a stump somewhere. So don’t be surprised if you see me behind the school with my sore swollen claws comfortably balancing on the old black stump. Sounds like heaven to me. Eddie

COMEDY CAPERSA prince came to a small pool where the most beautiful girl in the world was bathing. On her head was a large green frog. What was her name?Why, Lily of course!What has six legs, four ears and a shining suit of armor?A prince on horsebackWhat is the first thing a King or Queen does when they come to the throne?They sit down!When does a prince get very wet? When he becomes the reigning monarch!When is a piece of wood like a King?When it’s a ruler!

WORD Unscramble

lakaoiblyb

knaogoarnhptyoeum

Pet pals: Tim and Georgia Hansen with their gorgeous ponies

Party photos: Joshua McErlean celebrated his 13th birthday with a survival party. Judging by the snaps, everybody had a great time getting down and dirty.

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Across1 A deadly sin (5)4 Label (3)8 Source of iron (3)9 Locked up (10)12 Brings to a close (4)14 Expect, believe, or suppose (6)16 Undertake a journey (8)17 A mix of items etc (11)

21 Giving careful thought to something (13)22 Dinghy propeller (3)23 Surprising greatly (11)26 Get misty-eyed (4)27 Kind of ears (8)28 Greyhound, e.g. (3)29 Give voice to (5)

Down1 Before noon (2)2 Copy that is not the original (12)3 A travelling show (4)4 Not just "a" (3)5 Opposite of stop (2)6 Hodgepodge (4)7 The activity of communicating (14)10 Barren (6)

11 Not real (10)13 "Saturday Night Fever" music (5)15 Lounger's cover-up (6)16 Crocheted or knitted garments (7)18 Getting on (5)19 Free from evil or guilt (8)20 Closer than before (6)24 Low digits (4)25 Little devils (4)

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Blackall Historical Society Annual

General Meeting

Saturday, April 6 2009

at 10.00am

Short Street meeting room

(behind library)

All are welcome

Happy Birthday!Happy 7th birthday Catelyn!

Love Mum and Dad

CLASSIFIEDSTHE BARCOO INDEPENDENT

Emily Kelly celebrated her 92nd birthday at the Barcoo Hotel on Tuesday with Joyce Bornie, Sandra Richardson, Naomi Holloway, Victoria Smith and Maymie Law

Toni McErlean and Margaret Bailey get to work on Jack Ward

Principal Jason Smith does the honours on Whylie’s moustache for Shave for a Cure

In and around Blackall

Looking bold after shaving for a cure: Jack Ward, Aaron Williams, Glenn Frost, Joshua Paix and Whylie Wilson

38% CUT in Fertilitycould be 600% PROFIT

Peter Chilcott from Supergene is presenting a free information day

discussing prevention of low calving rates due to calf losses and general herd fertility.

Open Field DayWhere: “Tralee” , Blackall

When: 10am on Wednesday, March 25.

RSVP Monday, March 23 (for catering purposes)

For further details contact Cameron Schutt on 0427 576 274 or 07 4654 9379

Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 20 2009 - Page 11

Landmark Blackall presents …

The Central QueenslandBeef Cattle Show and Sale.Blackall Saleyards • Thursday, 30 April 2009 • Commencing at 9.00am

Conditions apply to prize winners

• Landmark Fat/Store Sale 9am• Minimum lot size, 10+ head• $10 per lot Entry Fee• Where applicable cattle to be mouthed by

Vendor• Judges decision is fi nal and no

correspondence will be entered into

OTHER PRIZESBest Pen Red Steers $3000 Bull Credit - Billabong Droughtmaster Stud

Best Pen Santa Gertrudis or Santa x Steers $150 Gift Voucher - Santa Gertrudis Breeders Assn

Best Pen Santa Gertrudis or Santa X Females $1000 Bull Credit - Barcoo Santa Breeders Group Inc

Best Pen British or British X Cattle $1000 Bull Credit - Lambert Pastoral Co

Volume Store Buyer of the Day $1000 Freight Rebate - Choyce’s Livestock Transport

LANDMARK GRAND CHAMPION PEN ST (Tom) OrchardMemorial Trophy

Class Killable Classes Winner’s Prize Runner Up Trophy

1NEWPORT APARTMENTS MOOLOOLABABULLOCK

540kg+5 night’s accommodation for 4 people at Newport Apartments Mooloolaba

2 COLONIAL OF NORFOLK HEAVY TRADE STEER

400-540kg 0-4 th

7 night’s accommodation for 2 people at the Colonial of Norfolk, Norfolk Island

3 QANTASLINKPRIME COW

400kg+0 - 8 th

Return fl ight for 2 people to Brisbane

4GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL HEAVY TRADE HEIFER

400-540kg0 - 4 th

2 night weekend getaway for 2 people at Gold Coast International Hotel, Surfers Paradise

Class Store/Feeder Classes Winner’s Prize Runner Up Trophy

5LANDMARK BRISBANE PACKAGE HEAVY FEEDER STEER/HEIFER

380-520kg 0-4 th

2 night weekend getaway packageat a quality Brisbane Hotel/Resort

6METRO MOTEL ROCKHAMPTONFEEDER STEER/HEIFER

280-400kg0 - 2 th

4 night’s accommodation for 2 people at the Metro Motel, Rockhampton

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council

7CLUB CROCODILE AIRLIE BEACHSTORE STEER

0-300kgmt

3 night’s accommodation for 2 people at the Club Crocodile Airlie Beach

8 CATTLE CITYSTORE HEIFER

0-300kgmt

2 night’s accommodation for 2 people in a spa room, inc continental breakfast, at the Cattle City Motor Inn Rockhampton

NOMINATION FORM (Nominations open to grass-fed cattle only) NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, 17 APRIL 2009

For further information contact Landmark Blackall • 07 4657 4299

Blackall Combined Agents yarded a total of 3295 head of cattle at their first weaner and store sale for the year. Prices were firm to dearer, up 5 to 10 cents across all descriptions.

Bloomfield Pastoral Co “Bloomfield” Blackall sold a good line of Droughtmaster steers topping at 185.2 c/kg, averaging 272 kg to return $503.83. They also had an excellent pen of Droughtmaster heifers making 165 c/kg, for 251.4 kg to return $415.36.

Listowel Downs Pastoral Co “Listowel Downs” Blackall sold a line of Brahman cross weaner steers averaging 171.2 c/kg, for 200 kg to return $345.

Banks Brothers “Duneira” Blackall sold a good pen of Santa cross heifers making 155.2 c/kg, for 320 kg to return $500.

Alan and Julie Hay “Eka” Jericho sold Brahman/Charolais cross steers to average 178 c/kg for 301 kg to return $537/head topping at 191 c/kg or $544/head.

Robbie Hay “Kismet” sold Santa cross steers to average 180 c/kg for 283 kg to return $510/head topping at 182 c/kg or $619/head.

M. and A. Seymour “Split Rock” Camooweal sold 360 Brahman steers to average 163 c/kg for 291 kg to return $476/head topping at 172 c/kg or 556 kg.

D.A. Hardie “Dumfries” Blackall sold Brahman cows and calves for $695/unit.

Walker and Co “Tara” Barcaldine sold Santa steers at 207.2 c/kg for 260 kg and $538.2/head.

Peel Pastoral Co “Northampton Downs” Blackall

sold Santa steers at 203.2 c/kg for 323 kg and $657.86/head.

Walker and Co “Tara” Barcaldine sold Santa heifers for 188.2 c/kg and 241ckg for $454/head.

Lucy Park “Lissoy” Blackall sold Brahman cross heifers for 170.2 c/kg for 207 kg and $353/head.

The fat and store sale was held on Thursday, March 19. The next special weaner and store sale is on Thursday, March 26.

3295 yarded at first weaner and store sale

Blackall NewspaperGroup AGM

Everyone who would like to have an input into our community’s newspaper, the Barcoo Independent, is invited to attend and share your ideas.

Saturday, March 21at 1.30pm,

at the National Bistro


School NewsSt Joseph’sAwards went to P/1 Charlie Jones

for being very enthusiastic about all that he is learning. He is listening well and trying his best with all his work. 2/3 Mason Spinks has improved in all areas in leaps and bounds in the last three weeks! He has tried to make the right choices, is listening beautifully in class and trying to work independently. 4/5 Kye Peacock has demonstrated willingness to help others. The principals award went to Annabelle Allpass in recognition of the bravery and persistence she displayed on the abseiling activity at camp.

Last week year 6/7 went to Fairbairn Dam at Emerald for leadership camp. In Emerald they went to see the movie ‘Hotel for dogs’, the Botanical Gardens, the skate park and had dinner at McDonalds. Throughout the camp, the students participated in a range of activities including rock climbing, team challenges, abseiling, canoeing and catapult-making. Canoeing and abseiling were the favoured activities because they were fun but also challenging.

Prep/Year one have settled into their class routines and are loving learning. Mrs V and Miss Suthers are very impressed, particularly with the year ones with their sight words. The preps have been working on their matching, memory and direction-following skills. They enjoy the ‘mystery objects tray’ activity.

***The next general meeting will be held on Tuesday,

April 21 at 5.15pm.***

A representative from CARITAS visited St Joseph’s last week. CARITAS Australia is focused on promoting sustainable development so communities can help themselves out of poverty, responding to emergencies

by providing shelter, nutrition and health care, and working to change the structures which perpetuate poverty. The representative spoke with the students about what the money they raise is put towards. Although the money raised may not seem like much, to poverty-stricken communities it means a lot. She presented two year seven leaders with a CARITAS T-shirt as thanks for the school’s contribution.

7 3 5 4 6 1 8 2 98 6 1 9 2 5 4 3 79 2 4 7 8 3 1 5 62 7 8 5 9 4 3 6 11 4 6 8 3 2 7 9 53 5 9 1 7 6 2 4 85 1 3 6 4 7 9 8 24 8 7 2 5 9 6 1 36 9 2 3 1 8 5 7 4

Across: 1 Circling, 4 Eat, 6 Oil, 7 No, 9 Fear, 10 Imitate, 13 Ski, 14 Dim, 16 Fan, 17 Test, 19 If, 20 Abbreviation, 21 As, 23 Evil, 24 Yesterday, 26 Exits. Down: 1 Cane, 2 Calm, 3 Go, 4 Elf, 5 Traditional, 8 Maintained, 11 Influence, 12 Hi, 13 Sat, 14 Diva, 15 Members, 18 Set, 22 Bye, 23 Eye, 25 To.

AccommodationShort and Long stay

1 & 2 bedroom unitsFurnished or Unfurnished

From $120 per week

No bond /No lease14 Hawthorn Street, Blackall

4657 4224

Crossword and sudoku solutions for previous week: March 13, 2009

PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN MARY(NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruit of the vine, splendorous of heaven.Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea help me and show me herein you are mother.O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me here you are my mother. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary I place this cause in your hands (say three times).Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.This prayer must be said for three days and after that the request will be granted and the prayer must be published.

Nicole Travers Lenten during her visit to St Josephs on behalf of CARITAS Australia


Blackall racing identity, Dick Banks was thanked and congratulated by the western Queensland racing fraternity and the wider community at the Nissan Central West Industry Excellence Awards on Saturday night.

His 50 years of commitment to the racing industry was acknowledged with the presentation of the outstanding contribution and achievement in racing award.

Gary Peoples told the 400 people at the gala dinner that to support any sport for 50 years was a high achievement, but Dick had also undertaken an active voluntary administrator’s role for 45 years, to make a difference for all in the industry in the west.

Dick said it had been very unexpected but he took it as recognition of all the people on committees who work hard for little acknowledgement.

“I think it’s great that racing is recognised as an important industry in the outback, by being part of this gala event,” he said.

“The prize money from races really does help stimulate part time employment in outback towns, is good for produce merchants, and is an important part of the social fabric of the west.

“I also think the RAPAD awards in general are a great stimulus for business in the area, and recognition of those in the community who are our achievers.”

Dick began his association with the Barcoo Amateur Race Club in 1963 as a committee member and has been an active member since then, making him the longest serving living member of the club.

He was president of the Blackall club from 1970 to 1973. In 1974 he was elected to the Central West Queensland Racing Association and served on this regional board until 2003, taking on the chairmanship of it from 1989 to 2003.

One of his major achievements in this time was the creation of the Matilda Highway race series, the feature race day for central western clubs for a number of years, which saw a large injection of prize money into the racing circuit.

In 1991, Dick was appointed to the board of the Queensland TAB by the Governor, through the Minister for Racing, and he served

on that board until 1998.He has also enjoyed

major success as an owner and breeder of race horses, beginning his association with a horse called Radstock, which won several Flying Handicaps in Brisbane and ran second in two Doomben Ten Thousand races.

A number of his horses won over 20 races, including Tapuna, Fine James, Aloura, Just Hunting, Gone Hunting and Come Hunting.

“I’m told the latter won over 50 races which I’m sure must be some type of record,” Gary told the audience.

“All of these horses were bred on his property and their breeding can be traced back for 100 years,” he added.

Probably the best known of Dick’s horses is Miss Petty, who created an Australian racing record by winning 22 consecutive races.

“He has given so much voluntary time to improve the country racing industry for all of us to enjoy,” Gary finished.

Last year the outstanding contribution and achievement in racing award went to another Blackall identity, Charlie Prow.

David Rewald jockey of the yearIn addition to the award for Dick

Banks, Blackall’s David Rewald was announced as the Central West’s jockey of the year at the industry excellence awards night.

His 2008 list of 28 winners from 107 rides, a strike rate of one winner every four rides, is one that every jockey in Australia would be envious of. His efforts last year included riding four winners in the five race program at Blackall in May.

Originally from Taroom, David has been in Blackall for the last 18 months and has linked up with veteran trainer Charlie Prow.

Todd Austin, who was born and raised in Blackall and began his career in the racing industry as an apprentice jockey indentured to his father Ken Austin, was the Central West’s trainer of the year.

He has claimed this title five times in the last six years.

Based at Barcaldine, he also has a strike rate of winners to runners that would be high anywhere in Australia, saddling up 171 horses for 28 winners in the region last year, a win record of 16 per cent.

Todd and wife Toni travelled thousands of kilometres, to Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Charters Towers, Richmond, Roma, Emerald, Quilpie, Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota, and most places in between with their team of 25 to 30 horses.

“For racing to survive in country Queensland, we need young people to become involved,” Gary Peoples said.

“Todd and his wife Toni have played a major role due to their big stable, in the ongoing future of racing in the bush.

“The astounding amount of travel that these two young people do shows their commitment to Queensland country racing.”

Innarto, owned by Barry and Julie Eggerling of Longreach, was announced as the horse of the year.

– Sally Cripps

Dick’s half century to racing recognised at awards night

Gary Peoples makes a presentation to Dick Banks at the Central West Industry Excellence Awards night

Ken Austin (right) congratulated son Todd on another win as the Central West trainer of the year

Landmark Blackall would like to congratulate The Blackall Bestprac Group on winning the Central West Industry Excellence Awards

2009Agribusiness Award for Outstanding

InnovationLandmark Blackall are proud to be involved in the support of Central West Sheep Breeders and helping everyone to achieve their goals through the advancement of technologies.

Costumes a highlight of rocky horror trivia nightLast Sunday night, the Blackall Cultural Centre

became the place for ghosts, bats, blood and pulsing hearts. The Blackall State School P&C rocky horror trivia night fundraiser was hosted by Alison Mobbs. Jason Smith filled the shoes of Quizmaster, Avril Fraser and Colleen Morrison made up the official judging panel and Les Williams, the current P&C president, judged the best dressed.

The night was full of entertainment, particularly the variety in costumes. There were prizes for the best rocky horror costumes. Shane and Gillian Robinson were the costume highlight for the night, taking out ‘most daring couple’. Greg and Glenda Tierney were also highly commended for their efforts. Graham Schluter was the winner of the best dressed male, while Lisa Goodman as the devil was deserving of best female. Alison Mobbs had the best fake hair, while Christine Williams had the best natural hair. The table ‘Naga’ won the prize for ‘too dressed up and nowhere to go’.

Bold participants were invited to step forward to compete for the best witch’s cackle which was won by Wes Waugh. Deanne Richardson and Tina Loveday won the dance off doing a lively version of the ‘Time Warp’.

The trivia included questions about the history of Blackall, the origins of Skippy the kangaroo, the date August 31, 1997, names of songs and the first Australian Olympic gold medallist. Ashley Loveday successfully managed the auctioneering throughout the night. The visiting team from Barcaldine closely pipped the “Wet Blankets” so a rematch is set.

“We were really pleased with the strong show of support from the Blackall community toward the trivia night and our children”, said organiser Alison Mobbs.

The final figure is yet to be confirmed, however

initial calculations indicate that between $4,000 and $5,000 was raised on the night. This is to go toward seeking a matching grant to upgrade the children’s playground with a softfall.

A huge thank you from the P&C goes out to the many contributing sponsors.

For a number of years, families in Blackall have struggled to balance work commitments with suitable care for their children. A small group of people have recognised that the needs of children in Blackall are not being met with the current early childhood facilities on offer at the Blackall Kindy and limited-hours daycare. Mardi Noonan along with Alison Evans and the Kindy committee have started to look at some changes that could be made to offer long-hours daycare to the community.

“We have arrived at the stage where we are in need of support from other interested parties to form a steering committee to make the project a success”, Mardi Noonan said.

The group is holding a meeting at the State School library on Tuesday, March 24 at 6pm. They are hoping for a good turn up to discuss their plans. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

The first step towards long hours daycare

The old preschool building at the State School; the proposed site for long-hours daycare

Barcoo Independent 200309

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