CENTRAL West Rugby League President Brett Harvey said that for a club that has not hosted a day of representative football in a long time, Blackall did extremely well at the cluster day on Saturday.

Junior Rugby League President Peter Hauff said it would be more than thirty years since representative rugby was held in Blackall and the day was designed to get a bit of interest back in the sport, particularly at a senior level.

“There was great representation, from the under 8s, right through to the older grades,” Mr Hauff said.

More than fifty local players took part to kick off the 2010 season. The under 8 to under 12 Blackall Magpies played teams from Longreach, Winton and Barcaldine while the under 14s through to the A grade were matches played between Central West and Central Highland

representative players.Guy Elliott and Mitch Horsten

were the two Blackall players chosen to represent the Central West at A grade level, and shared in the 32-22 victory.

Mr Harvey said that for the first of the year, it was a good game and he was pleased to get the win back from the Central Highlands who have won it for the last two years.

“The boys did very well; they had everyone on the edge of their seats from the beginning.

“It is really good having the continuity in preparation for the Outback Muster in June.”

Senior Blackall rugby league players keen to get their boots muddy in a curtain raiser to the A grade game were disappointed not to play because there was no opposition.

Senior Rugby League President Gwynne Stockwell said Jeremy

A NUMBER of Tambo people added their names to the Blackall Tambo Education Group committee at a meeting held in the town in mid-March.

Stormy weather prevented Tambo people from attending the Blackall launch of the not-for-profit group that helps young people with their career goals, so a gathering was held in Tambo instead to familiarise them with the aims.

The committee has expanded to

include Heather Turnbull, Donna Doyle, Alison Shaw, Nina Mayne, Inge Gajczak, Fay Nugent and Jo Martin.

Lesley Heatley from Blackall has agreed to become the group’s secretary, joining president Kaye Wood, treasurer Sally Campbell, publicity officer Sally Cripps and committee members Fiona Russell, Ros Wood and Jan Ross.

The group is now finalising its application to become incorporated and opening

INDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO

Blackall’s own community newspaper

Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010

April 1 2010 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

continued on page 3

SPORT ON THE BARCOO

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“Be Quick!”

IN A singles at the Blackall bowls club last weekend, Dave Carter had a good game against Woody, 31-19.

A really tough game between underdog Roy Blackall and Gary Whitfield saw Roy leading 14-6 after 13 ends. Gary fought back to be 20-20 on 28 ends. They both bowled good bowls for the next 8 ends, but Roy lost 6 shots on 2 ends to let Gary through with a winning score of 31-26.

In another A singles match, Roland and Julie Blucher were head to head at 6-6 after 10 ends. It looked like a close game, until Julie bowled well while Roland went to sleep, getting beaten 31-8.

In handicap singles, Col Pfingst had no answer to son Mitchell. Although he gave Mitch a 13 to start, Col was well out bowled, losing 31-12.

In pairs Rob Doyle and Gumby Chapman bowled well but never looked like beating Lou Kelly and Tex Hayward, losing 24-12.

Next week there will be social bowls and a bar and barbeque on Sunday, starting at 9.30am.

– Dally Holden

Tambo recruits swell ranks of Education Group

Bowls on the Blackall green

A TEAM of eight girls and a crowd of supporters flocked to the Central West Development Cup for netball in Barcaldine recently.

Girls from the Blackall State School and St Joseph’s School participated in four games on Friday night and were ecstatic to come home as convincing winners of three of the games. In the first, against Barcaldine A, Blackall went down 9-nil, the second was won by Blackall against the Longreach State School A team, the third game against Longreach State School B team was also won, 6-nil, and Blackall finished with another win in the final game against Our Lady’s Longreach.

Coach Cally Hansen was impressed with the girls’ efforts and their improvement over the games.

On Saturday morning three members of the team participated in the Central West selection trials, playing another four games. Louise Ward, Tahlia Gerber and Kate Baillie all played exceptionally well and Kate was chosen as a shadow member of the Central West team.

Thank you to parents who transported, Mrs Gerber for taking photos of the team in action and to Ms Hansen and Mrs Robinson for coaching the team.

– A Mobbs

Netball Development Cup

Blackall’s Netball Development Cup team. Back row: Tessa Doonar (left), Tahlia Gerber, Louise Ward, Kate Baillie and coach Cally Hansen. Front row: Gemma Mobbs, Quinne Carolan, Pagen Arnold and Lauren Butler

Guy Elliot in action against Central Highlands on Saturday

Mitch Horsten (left) and Guy Elliot represented the Central West on Saturday and shared in the 32-22 victory against Central Highlands

Right: Ian Healy with student Josh McErlean receiving his Future State Great Award

BLACKALL State School student Josh McErlean recently competed in the Queensland Secondary Schools’ State Swimming Championships at the Chandler swimming pool in Brisbane. He won first place in the 50m breastroke and second place in 50m freestyle.

Ex-Blackall student Natalie Dendle also competed in the championships, swimming in 9 individual races and making the finals in all. She finished with a gold in the 400m individual medley, silver in the 200m freestyle and bronze medals in the 200m IM, 200m butterfly and 400m freestyle.

Natalie has attended Fairholme College in Toowoomba since the beginning of last year and is now in year 11.

She will swim at the Age National Championships in Sydney this weekend, in three individual and 2 relay races.

SEVENTEEN golfers enjoyed great conditions for last Sunday’s Blackall Rural Traders Medal.

Ladies winner was Ashlee Fry with a very good score of 58 nett, from runner up Katrina Austin with 66 nett. Katrina also won the fourth shot on hole number 14.

Men’s winner was Peter Fry with a four under round and a nett of 64, ahead of the-ever-consistent Joe Walker who defeated Les Williams on a count back, both on a 69 nett.

Pin shots went to Les Williams on hole number 11, Peter Fry on 13 and Joe Walker on 2.

Golf this Easter Sunday is an 18 hole event with hit off at 12.30pm. A safe and happy Easter to all.

– Divot

Fry’s Quinella Medal

Josh and Natalie take on Brisbane

By ROWAN HUNNAM

A rugby league first in over 30 years

Barron had called players in Tambo, Alpha and Augathella but could not find anyone to play against.

“We have got a team; people want to play – we just can’t find an opposition,” she said.

“There is no point in paying around $3,000 for insurance, for one, maybe two, matches in a year.”

At its annual general meeting recently, the senior Blackall league committee discussed getting back on track for the 2010 season.

After talking with people at Blackall and Tambo who all offered sufficient interest in getting league on its feet again, Mr Harvey suggested that the club looked to play in trophy games, or get a composite side together for three or four games throughout the year.

He was reassuring that many clubs found the beginning of the season difficult finding enough players.

The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 - Page 11Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010

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Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories and letters to the editor to: Rowan Hunnam

barcooindependent@gmail.comor post or call at Blackall Visitor Information Centre, 108a Shamrock St, Blackall Phone/fax: 07 4657 6966

Advertising Rates 2010 Contact

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESKSend your dates in!!

WHATS ON in 2010APRIL

Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club3 7-8 Personal Development Workshop with Elizabeth Wilson

Community Market Day, Short Street10 Blackall Hospital Auxiliary Meeting / AGM13

17 Blackall Races21-24 Blackall National Campdraft Finals23 Nominations Close Landmark Beef Cattle Show and Sale24 Whip Cracking Workshop29 Landmark Beef Cattle Show and Sale30 Landmark Cattlemen’s Presentation Dinner

MAY1 Dressage & Junior Stockman’s Challenge, Blackall Show

Woolscour Bush Dinner1 Blackall Show2 Woolscour Tour and Dinner5

8 Blackall Girl Guides Cent Sale8-9 “The Centre within the Course” Helen Everingham, Tambo9 Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club

Woolscour Tour and Dinner12 12 Biggest Morning Tea14-17 Hebel Artist Workshop

Your local taxation specialistwill be attending their

Blackall Office in Woods Arcadeon Wednesday 14 & Thursday 15 April

For all your Accountancy & Taxation needscontact Prue Button on 7 4657 4144.

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CATTLE SALE DATES: Fat & Store Sale – April 15For results, contact Paton

– Your Ray White Specialist Agent –

BLACKALL Combined Agents yarded a total of 3294 head at the first weaner and store sale for the 2010 cattle selling season.

Elders’ agent Matt McLean said the quality of cattle was reflected in the prices, with higher values across all descriptions. A full panel of buyers were present from Meandarra, Quilpie, Mitchell, Tambo and Emerald.

A tremendous run of weaners were drawn from Jericho, Aramac, Barcaldine and Blackall properties. Heifers sold to an extremely buoyant market. Phil and Rickie Walker ‘Westhill’ Blackall sold blue ribbon calves to 190 c/kg, weighing as heavy as 307 kg.

RA and LA Munro ‘Ronleigh’ Blackall sold a pen of Simbrah cross steers for 190.2 c/kg, weighing 334 kg and returning $635 per head. Ben Avery ‘Allandale’ Blackall sold a draft of Charolais cross steers to 183.2 c/kg, 335 kg and returned $615 per head.

Clarenden Cattle Co ‘Clarenden’ Blackall sold Brahman cross heifers at 169.2 c/kg, weighing 310 kg and returning $824 per head. Swan Hill Cattle Co ‘Swan Hill’ Blackall sold a draft of Santa heifers to a top of 187.2 c/kg to average 186.2 c, 320 kg or $595 per head. Granby Grazing Co ‘Granby’ Blackall sold Hereford heifers to a top of 180 c/kg to average 176 c, 239 kg and $422 per head. D A Hardie ‘Dumfries’ Blackall sold Charolais cross heifers topping at 183 c/kg to average 175 c, 216 kg and returning $379 per head.

There will be a break in the sale schedule next week due to the Easter long weekend. A fat and store sale will be held on April 8, and the next weaner and store sale is scheduled for April 22.

Jeff Russell, who plays in the Rockhampton club scene, took part in the under 18 CW side before succumbing to a leg injury Harrison Hauff

Jack Politch on the attack in the under 16 match on Saturday

3294 yarded at Blackall sale

Under 8 (above) and under 10 (above right) Blackall Magpies rev themselves up for the first home game of the season. Photos by Kylie Banks

There has been some relief from the mosquitoes in the past week or so, the ground is drying out rapidly making everyone get back into watering once more. The daytime temperatures have been most pleasant so that is a distinct help with the necessity to water. Now that it is time to make sure everyone gets an Easter egg… sooo much chocolate!!!! Sooo hard to resist!!!!

A few days at home will be heavenly, I can assure you. The past week spent in Brisbane at the Infrastructure

Symposium hosted by the Local Government Association of Queensland was most interesting, with the changes to the Queensland Planning Act really at the forefront of the sessions offered. The Symposium was titled “People, Planning and Pavements, Managing the Mayhem.” The changes from the Integrated Planning Act to the Sustainable Planning Act has meant changes to the way in which development applications are made and progressed as well as to the time frames the applications actually take to process. In high growth council’s these changes have meant wide scale adjustments to the way planning departments are organized.

Minister for Plannning and Infrastructure Stirling Hinchcliffe disputed the assertion that the changes had caused “mayhem” however the tremendous unprecedented growth of the southeast of the state has definitely caused “mayhem” in housing, water, roads and traffic and all associated services which are delivered by councils in that ever expanding area.

In the Blackall Tambo Regional Council area we have had a steadily increasing flow of development applications lodged for approval. I do have to say there are very few building exemptions nowadays, so please check with council staff to ensure you have the necessary approvals in place prior to commencement of your project to avoid unnecessary problems which could arise.

The 2010 Outback Queensland Tourism Awards are back on October 29, 30 and 31!!!

These awards aim to provide recognition to individuals, businesses and events for their industry achievements. In addition they provide councils with the opportunity to showcase their communities and regional attractions.

I understand that many of our local businesses are experiencing adverse trading at this present time after the extended rain event and the effects of the floods. I have no doubt that many folk are feeling the effects of no cash flow for the past 3 ½ months. While we were fortunate enough to miss the inundation, we are experiencing the flow-on effects of long term unemployment due to the weather. I have stressed this effect to every politian who has made contact with me over the past weeks. Please contact me if you are experiencing severe problems, while I am unable to promise any help… unless I am aware of the extent of the problem I am unable to actually do very much at all.

On a brighter note we have a new sign at both Blackall Tambo Regional Council offices. It is clear and bright and looks really good. I am looking forward to the new signage for the regional boundary on all major roads.

In the mean time I hope the Easter Bunny finds each and every one of you! Have a very happy, safe family holiday.

Jan Ross

Robert Bauer (left), Whylie Wilson (far right) and a CW teammate take on Reignbeau Apurwai from Barcaldine in the U18 match. Photos by Sally Cripps

The Blackall Hospital Auxiliary will be holding their AGM on

Tuesday, April 13 at 7pmin the Education Room at the

Blackall Hospital.

Everyone is welcome. The AGM will be followed by a general meeting.

BTEG look for donations to help local youth

The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 - Page 3Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010

continued from page 1Mary Neal

Remedial Massage Therapist

Thursday from 8: 00 amAt Barcoo Living MPS2A Coronation Drive

BlackallPh: 07 4651 0955

Mobile: 042930 9111

Kid’s Corner with Eddie EmuG’day Kids. Easter is upon us again. It seems like Christmas was only a few weeks ago. Where does time fly? No more school for a week… what will you do with yourselves? I know some of you will be going camping with your family and some of you are even going to the beach. How lucky are you!? Even if you are not going away you can have heaps of fun at home. Why not get crafty and make some Easter treats or an Easter bonnet. It is a great way to pass the time and you can give them to your family and friends as gifts. There are just so many things you can do. If you are like me and prefer to spend your time outside instead of indoors, one of my favourites is water balloon fights. You need to make sure you have lots of water balloons and lots of friends ~ the more people, the more fun. Please take lots of great snaps of your holidays and send them in to Kids Corner so we can enjoy them too. Eddie

Easter traditions around the world• Greece: The Greeks give red eggs symbolising the blood of Christ. One person says "Christ is risen" and the other person replies "Truly he is risen".

• Germany: They dye their eggs green in Germany; traditionally this is done on Maundy Thursday.

• Mexico: The Mexicans celebrate Easter by smashing egg's over people's heads during the period of Lent.

• United States: In New York, the Americans hold an Easter parade.

• Bulgaria: In Bulgaria they have egg fights, and the winner is the one who's egg doesn't break!

Q. How many eggs can you put in an empty basket?A. Only one – after that it is not empty anymore!

Q. Why should you never tell an Easter egg a joke? A. It might crack up.

Q. How does the Easter Bunny keep its fur looking fabulous?

A. With hare-spray!

Flood damage to wild dog fencePART of Queensland’s wild dog barrier fence is

under repair following heavy rain in the south-west. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said staff used a helicopter to survey the fence once the water had receded.

They found badly damaged sections along approximately 1100 kilometres between Tambo and the New South Wales border, as well as damage to the Eastern section from Tambo to Jandowae.

“Staff have responded quickly and … have carried out repairs along 250 kilometres of the western section and 1000 kilometres of the eastern section of the fence.”

Biosecurity Queensland general manager Bruce Wilson said the Kenny Report showed wild dogs caused losses to the grazing industry of $67 million annually.

Volunteers for the Support a Reader program at the Blackall State School were presented with certificates of appreciation. From left: Christine Williams, Donna Slone, Anne Hauff, Janine Lawrence, Jodie Fanning, Julie Blucher, Gladys Hayward, Melissa McKay, Seaton Hansen (on behalf of his mother Stacey), Tracey Brown, Paula Parry, Stacey Carter, Elena Malinen (on behalf of her mother Colleen), Mark Hancock, Alison Smith, Mark Whysall and (front) Lional Kennedy.

“AN adventure of a lifetime” is how Dylan Dolinski’s week-long leadership camp at the Outward Bound national centre in the ACT next week has been described.

Currently in Year 11 at the Blackall State School, Dylan will be attending the 2010 Rabobank Young Rural Leaders Summit thanks to the newly-formed Blackall Tambo Education Group.

The group’s formation in early February gave it just enough time to offer Dylan a scholarship valued at $1600 to the leadership program and wilderness expedition after Easter.

BTEG’s parent body, the Country Education Foundation of Australia wanted to develop a program that would allow each of its foundation communities to send a great young leader to a world-class camp.

Over the seven days of the summit, participants will be presented with a variety of challenges and opportunities that will help expand their understanding of themselves and what they can achieve.

They identify a community project they would like to initiate when they return to their school or community, that may be conducted on their own or with others around the country.

Outward Bound supports participants with the creation of their action plan and the local Education Group committee will follow up to mentor the young person when they return.

Dylan said he was really looking forward to the experience and meeting people from all over the country.

“I think it will help my outlook on things that I’d like to achieve, and be a help to the community in the end,” he said.

Doing things for his peers are on his agenda already, with ideas of getting the local cinema going again and running a fitness club.

He’s already had some experience with community ventures, working with his father and brother on a local community radio station for around three years.

He has a lot on his plate at school, taking on the presidency of its Students Council and being a sports captain.

Careers in either PE teaching or working in the media interest him at present.

Rabobank and the Thyne Reid Foundation have supplied $53 000 between them to make the scholarships to the program possible, and the Blackall Tambo Education Group is covering travel costs.

Formed in early February, BTEG aspires to foster the further education, career and personal development opportunities of its youth, through community-based encouragement and financial assistance.

CW Youth WeekTHE next series of activities are

just around the corner for the Way Out West program, as part of Central West Youth Week celebrations, with creative arts workshops and events from April 11 to 15 at the Blackall Memorial Hall. Scheduled for 10am to 3pm on Monday and Tuesday and after school on Wednesday and Thursday, workshops include event production, wearable art, costume making, zine making, drama and performance workshops, clay animations and film technique.

Event production crews will continue to organise the Shockwave Youth Arts Festival which is set to explode on May 22 and 23.

Graphic design workshops will also be conducted in Blackall on April 12 and 13, to produce a brochure for the State School and a poster for the RYMA group.

Dylan is Outward Bound

IN April Blackall students and members of the wider community will enjoy a performance put on by music students from St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Brisbane.

The students will be performing at a number of regional schools between April 18 and 24. This year the boys will travel to Blackall as well as Roma, Charleville, Barcaldine, Emerald, and Biloela.

Performances in Blackall and Barcaldine will stand out from the rest, being functions for the wider community as well as the school.

The community concert will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic School in Blackall on Tuesday, April 20.

St Joseph’s to host community music concert

Comedy Capers

a bank account to get started with fundraising plans.It aims to raise money to provide ‘non-cash’ grants to local youth to assist them with their transition from high school into further education, training or vocations.

Kaye said that being a philanthropic organisation, it relies totally on donations and that no government funding is involved at all.

“Donations do attract tax deductibility and will be gratefully accepted,” she added.

Application forms are also being finalised and will soon be available to download from the internet.

– Sally Cripps

A grade Central West rugby league players watch on while their team mates take on the Central Highlands at a cluster day at the Blackall Showgrounds on Saturday. See pages 11 and 12 for more photographs from the day.

Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 - Page 9

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NOMINATION FORM (Nominations open to grass-fed cattle only) NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 2010

Up to $30,000 available to land managers and community

groups for natural resource management projects

If you’re a land-manager or community group, you may be eligible for grants under DCQ’s ‘Protecting our Future’ initiative.

Desert Channels Queensland provides project funding to land-managers and community groups to assist them in keeping the country in good shape for future generations.

We are now calling for applications from land managers for projects that focus on the following:

Applications close 16 April 2010

For more information, please contact Steve Wilson on 07 4652 7820 or 0427 427 966 or Craig Neuendorf on 07 4652 7814 or 0417 427 333 to discuss your project ideas and to request an application kit.

Small community grants up to $5000 are also available for improving ground cover, capacity building, biodiversity enhancement, strategic weed control (in-side containment lines) and on-ground works that benefi t endangered regional ecosystems.

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By SALLY CRIPPSA WILD Rivers policy consultation

paper for the Lake Eyre Basin released by the Department of Environment and Resource Management last week has been met with a cautious response from stakeholders.

The paper was developed in response to the joint submission made by AgForce and the Remote Area Planning and Development Board in February, following the announcement by the Bligh government that it would extend its Wild Rivers legislation to the Channel Country river systems.

AgForce members were the first to see the discussion paper, at a northern regional meeting at Barcaldine last week.

DERM senior policy advisor, Scott Buchanan said there was recognition from AgForce members that the department had taken on most of the issues raised in the submission.

“We are proud of our record of making changes from feedback received,” he said. “We do listen and I think this shows we are genuine in making sure we have a process everyone can live with.”

The main alteration to the existing legislation, which takes in river systems on Cape York, is a proposal to designate special Floodplain Management Areas to take into account the nature of the river systems in south west Queensland.

The consultation paper notes that these disperse into braided, interconnected flood channels which, though they may extend laterally for many kilometres, are still considered to be part of an individual river.

Concern has been expressed from the region that it would be inappropriate to designate such large areas as High Preservation Areas, which has numerous prohibitions.

Mr Buchanan said that under the proposed new category, the Vegetation Management Act wouldn’t be altered whereas it is under areas categorised as HPA.

“The special floodplain areas identify intensive irrigated agricultural activities as prohibited. In an HPA, agricultural activities that are prohibited are much broader,” he said.

Local graziers said they would need time to digest the full implications of the latest proposals.

Longreach AgForce spokesman John te Kloot said it appeared some of the items in the submission had been dealt with but he was still concerned that there was no 10 year review period, and there were still restrictions on the ability of landholders to appeal.

Christine Campbell, who is one of

a number of concerned producers on the upper Barcoo catchment around Blackall, said she thought there had been little change in the original position of the government.

“For example, the unwillingness to allow a 10 year review indicates that there will be no future change in water allocations policy,” she said. “I think this ‘locks in’ towns that rely on weirs for their water supply.”

A concern that the consultation paper contained no mapping was strongly voiced at the regional AgForce meeting.

Mr te Kloot said it was incumbent on the department to release maps otherwise people would be responding without having the full picture.

According to Mr Buchanan, they would come out closer to the release of the declaration of the Georgina and Diamantina Rivers and Cooper Creek catchment as Wild Rivers.

“They are driven by policy,” he said. “What we’ve got out now is a discussion paper so maps may change, depending on the feedback received.”

“We will certainly look at what we can do.”

Mr te Kloot said he thought the idea of a blade plough register was not feasible.

Under the new proposals, landholders would be asked to notify the department about current a g r i c u l t u r a l activities to develop a register, as under current legislation blade ploughing would be treated as an existing activity and allowed to continue where it is currently practiced.

“People have done it over different time horizons,” Mr te Kloot said. “I will certainly be against a register, irrespective of whether you currently plough or not.

“If it’s a practice that’s appropriate for that area, it should be allowed.”

According to Ms Campbell, there appeared

to be no clarity regarding new or future Property Maps of Assessable Vegetation and what may be allowed.

“What appears clear is that graziers need to put aside any doubts about PMAVs and get their application in before the middle of this year so that it would be caught in the net as an existing authorisation,” she said.

“I would regard this as good risk management for a grazing business.”

The definition of a major tributary, which would be subject to an HPA, was discussed extensively at Barcaldine.

“We look at mean annual flows and good connectivity to ground water systems,” Mr Buchanan said. “We look at long term records and the modelling used for the Water Resources Plan.”

A range of meetings throughout the regions affected by the proposed declaration are planned, and the department is urging all stakeholders to give their feedback to the consultation paper.

Submissions are due on May 14. The likely process after this is for a draft declaration to be made with a formal consultation period of no less than four months.

Cautious reaction to Wild Rivers consultation paper

Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 - Page 5

Dwayne Kangan (left) and Tim Franzmann enjoyed the big rugby cluster day in Blackall on Saturday

Left: Tamara Hardie, Gavin Weymss and Jeremy Barron watched the A grade game between the Central West and Central Highlands

Leanne Griffiths (left) and Linda Negus at the league game

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For all enquiries phone 7 4657 4129DESPITE some promising

forecasts, the rain eased considerably in Blackall last month, with a below average recording of 133 points (47mm) for the month.

On average in March, the Blackall township receives around 178 points (63mm), with the most on record set back in 1963 when 1044 points (368mm) fell.

Temperatures last month ranged between 16.5 degrees in the middle of the month on March 20 to 33.5 degrees on March 7. 19.1 was the

mean minimum temperature throughout the month, rising to an average maximum of 31 degrees.

A wind gust of 59 km/hour was gauged on March 21.

Tambo went the opposite way, recording above average rainfall for March with a total of 206 points (73.3mm).

Temperatures went as low as 13.8 degrees on two occasions on March 16 and March 20, and rose to 32.5 degrees on March 7.

LETTER TO THE EDITORDear Editor,I read with interest and some

trepidation, the article in the March 19 issue of this newspaper regarding new options for wild dog control, wherein a control model from the Paroo shire is being promoted as a possible solution to this ongoing problem. Past experience shows that one size does not fit all; a model which works in Paroo shire within the barrier fence, may not work in Blackall-Tambo shire, with a considerable area outside the barrier fence.

It seems that the onus for wild dog

control is being pushed back onto the landholder with Council only too happy to abrogate their responsibility to the industries which ensure the continuing existence of the townships.

This is an extremely emotive and distressing issue for most landholders, especially sheep and woolgrowers, and I would urge everyone who has an interest in this issue to make time to attend one of the meetings which are to be held after Easter.

Gwynne Stockwell

Rain eases off throughout March

Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Thursday, April 1 2010 - Page 7

Left: Brothers Glen and Dale Davison worked behind the bar at the St Joseph’s Easter Fete on Friday night

Nathan Cameron, Allan ‘Hinzy’ Hinds and Tim Politch

Right: Josh Duncan enjoyed his new-found fatherhood with baby Georgia May

Lisa Alexander, Gaye Van Mossveld, and Lyn Schluter

Andrew Lloyd (left) and Gene Cavanagh

The Easter Bunny was popular entertainment for the kids, loaded with chocolate easter eggs

Lee Hansen and Bill Krieg caught up at the fete

St Joseph’s Easter Fete

Program available on ACA Website www.campdraft.com.auFor more information contact Secretary Carly Walker on 07 46 576 031

Finals will be concluded with the

Queensland Country Life Origin Energy

National Finals Awards Dinner.

The entertainment for the dinner is

proudly brought to you by Westpac and

includes an explosive whipcracking

slapstick performance by the Crack Up

Sisters followed by a DJ.

Dinner Tickets are $35.00 for adults and

$7.00 for children up the 12yrs. Please

contact the Secretary for tickets by

10th April 07 4657 6031.

GOLD SPONSORSRussell Pastoral

CompanyStrathmore Santa

GertrudisRay White Rural

Hair Testing LaboratoryACA

Acton Super BeefOrigin Energy

Choyces TransportKD and EA Spinks

Fencing & Concrete Contractors

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council

Commonwealth BankSILVER SPONSORS

Vanderfield-HinoBentleys Chartered

Accountants

Amadeus Energy PtyO’Dwyers Horseshoes

Topend TanksWestpac

Elders BlackallBRONZE SPONSORS

GDL BlackallGillespie Santa GertrudisRob and Lois Grummitt

Lynette DavisonBallard Freight LinesKevin and Bev Gillies

John BattsSchluters Bakery

Mr and Mrs John MollerPW Skewes and

DempsterJohn and Jenny Turner

JM Allan and SonsOwen & June StockwellAllan and Kelley Walker

Regina JohnsonErgon Energy

Greg & Jill PeckSimon and Christine

CampbellBlackall Rural Traders

K & D GordonCA Hauff & Sons

SPONSORS IN KINDLandmark Blackall

Browndog ContractingEquilibrium Australia

Prydes EasifeedSaunders Transport

ACA MAJOR SPONSORS

ACA SPONSORSRod Kay Bits and Spurs

Black ToyotaQCL

SYDNEY-based motivational speaker Helen Everingham will be conducting a two-day practical course in effective living in Tambo on May 8 and 9.

Helen believes that the course, named ‘The Centre Within’, offers simple tools to create positive outcomes from negatives.

“Even though we can’t necessarily change the world, we can change our attitude to it and by doing so; achieve a healthier approach to life.

“We can learn to live effectively on a day-to-day basis, and learn to cope with whatever life throws us, and sometimes life throws us some pretty curly ones,” she said.

Lisa Kings, coordinator of the Blackall Tambo Regional Council’s Multi Purpose Centre in Tambo, said she was approached by many local residents to bring Helen to Tambo to run the course.

“People in Blackall and Tambo will strongly benefit from this workshop as it provides information to assist people to deal with everyday situations, manage stress, be more relaxed and improve communications,” Lisa said.

For more information contact Lisa Kings on 7 4654 9481.

EACH fortnight a group of year seven students from the Blackall State School donate an hour of their precious after-school time and help to fold the Barcoo Independent newspaper.

The students responded to a request from the local newspaper for volunteers from the community to come forward and complete the task.

Teacher Alison Mobbs said the class had decided to take on community service projects for the year, and had already helped at a number of events including Clean Up Australia Day.

“They are showing their leadership to the primary school students,” she said.

Year seven students Rochelle Robinson, Kaitlyn McErlean and Sarah McPaul fold the ‘Indy’ newspaper

‘The Centre Within’ comes to Tambo

Students take on community project WATERCOLOUR artist Lyn

Butchart is another who will bring her talent to Blackall during May. Lyn draws her inspiration from nature with a unique style; contemporary and abstract.

She undertakes extremely large works on paper, some of the largest in Australia, and incorporates strong vibrant colours to her paintings.

Lyn is a self taught artist with over 25 years tutoring experience. She has participated in many exhibitions, and her work is held in private and corporate collections worldwide.

The Blackall workshop will be held from May 22 to 26. Interested participants should contact Lorelei Kiernan on 7 4657 6403 or 0428 731 390.

Watercolour workshop