Desert Yarns

Diamantina Shire Council

Desert Yarns

August, 2014 Distributed free to all residents. Volume 5 Issue 6 This month’s events  5th August: Bedourie P&C meeting

 12th August: Birdsville P&C meeting

 14th August: Great Australian Ride in Birdsville

 16th August: Great Australian Ride in Bedourie

 21st August: Melbourne Cup in Bedourie

 22nd August: Melbourne Cup in Birds- ville and gala dinner

 24th August: Market Day Bedourie

 30th August: Betoota Races

From the Mayor 2 From the Tourism Desk 3 Works Report 4 Diamantina Shire Youth Council 5 Community News and Notices 6

Clinic Notice, Community Profile 10 Way Out West Fashion Quest 11

Birdsville Pub Award 12 Bedourie Campdraft 13 The fist ever Bedourie Pig Races were successfully held in conjunction with the annual Big Red Run and Bash 14 Bedourie Camel Races on 11th July. Well done to everyone involved! Bedourie Pig and Camel Races 16

Melbourne Cup Tour 18 Mayor’s Report on page 2 eKindy, School News 21

From the Cops 22 If you have any news or photos that you would like to see in Desert From the Park Ranger 24 Yarns, contact Kelly Theobald at

In Pictures 25 [email protected]. Event Information 26 Desert Yarns is released on the first Monday of each month. Content Event Calendar 30 is due on the Monday prior to release.

Diamantina Shire Council 07 4746 1202 17 Herbert Street 07 4746 1272

BEDOURIE QLD 4829  [email protected]  www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

Page 2 Desert Yarns Message from the Mayor

The most important thing happening on the local government front this month is that last week the council brought down its 2014/15 budget. As with federal and state budgets, there was little joy in it. But, I believe that we did the best we could with what we had to work with. The rates were particularly difficult due to the shire being revalued. Some properties went up or down by as much as 25%, and a level playing field was hard to achieve. In general terms there has been a rise of 2.6% in rate revenue. There has also been a reduction of $3 million in our cash position. While this is not our preferred position, I believe it is council’s responsibility to stimulate and maintain the community by trying to maintain our core workforce. If the council finances take a hit for the short term, so be it.

Some of the things that are in the budget include new Bedourie subdivision pave and seal, which is costing $500,000; five new houses, costing $800,000; plant replacement costing $2.1 million; Birdsville street scaping, costing $100,000; resealing the Birdsville airstrip, costing $800,000; and main road network work, costing $6.4 million.

Some annual expenses that can easily be taken for granted include maintenance of the Bedourie pool costing $120,000; Birdsville Races costing $350,000; town halls and public conveniences maintenance costing $340,000; workplace health and safety at $190,000; council housing at $640,000; community housing costing $345,000; tourism development costing $800,000; TV and radio provision at $230,000; early childhood programs costing $170,000; Parks and Gardens expensed costing $1 million; and waste management at $280,000.

Late last month I attended the Birdsville Horse and Motorbike Gynkhana. While the numbers of horses was slightly less than usual, there seemed to be plenty of bikes. Regardelss, it was a great weekend and I thank the Birdsville Social Club committee for their effort.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I was unable to attend the two weekends in Bedourie. By all accounts they went off really well. To quote my friend Doug Cooms, they were some of the best weekends had in Bedourie, which is a big call as I’ve had some memorable weekends in Bedourie over the past 50 odd years.

The same commitments also prevented me from seeing the Big Red Run. However, as mayor, I was privileged to be able to address their welcome dinner at the Birdsville Community Hall. I was also lucky enough to be able to attend the first of the two Big Red Bash concerts, which was a truly unique night in a great setting. It is my belief that the Big Red Run and Big Red Bash will develop to become an iconic event in the Birdsville area. Congratulations must go to event organiser Greg Donavan for his belief, commitment and passion to make this event happen.

It has come to council attention that some people are still fraudulently handing in dingo scalps that were not secured within the shire. All scalps being handed in must be accompanied by a form signed by a landholder or manager declaring that the scalps were taken from that property. Given that it is unlawful to shoot on any road, common, reserve or public area, the only people with scalps should be someone connected with a property.

I also attended the Betoota Race Club ‘Christmas in July’ dinner held at the Birdsville Community Hall on 26th July. This was a fundraising event that helps to pay for the entertainment at the Betoota Races. All attendees enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner with all of the trim- mings. I would like to thank the women of the Betoota Race Club for all the time and effort that went into hosting such a wonderful evening.

Geoff Morton Mayor

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From the Tourism and Community Desk

We have had a very busy month in July with numerous events including the Big Red Run and Big Red Bash, as well as the Bedourie Camel Races. These three events generated signifi- cant interest and in its first year the Bash received substantial visitors and positive reviews.

We are now fast approaching the annual Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, which incorporates the Betoota, Birdsville and Bedourie Races. Interest has been ex- tremely high this year and the interest in the corporate marquee at the Birdsville Races has been unprecedented with both days now sold out.

New French Line Cairn opposite the Birdsville Hotel. Photo: Steven Baldwin.

There has also been strong interest from pilots looking to fly to the races and we have just received approval to again create a ‘special events zone’ (SEZ) at the Birdsville Aerodrome so that pilots and passengers can camp near their aircraft. The Ballina Aero Club will be returning for the second year to manage the airport during race week.

There has been strong interest in the public ‘Tent City’ this year and this will be located next to the Birdsville Billabong. Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from community groups who may be able to operate the public showers during race week. Please contact me if you’re interested.

Council will soon be holding public information sessions in both towns to confirm arrangements for delivery of the E-kindy program. If you would like to know more, please contact our Community Development Officer, Nicole Schellback, at [email protected].

At their recent meeting in July, council confirmed ‘in principle’ support for the Aussie Invader world land speed record attempt in the Shire and also confirmed support for the ‘My Diamantina’ photo competition and exhibition with the opening night to be held during Birdsville Race week at the Wirrarri Information Centre gallery.

Until next month Steven Baldwin Tourism & Community Manager

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Works Report

The Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, which is the busiest time of the year, is fast approaching. All crews are busy finishing jobs and preparing for the races so we have another year of successful events.

The new Bedourie residential subdivision is progress- ing well. Water and sewer work is completed and com- munications and electrical work will commence in mid- August.

The construction crew commenced heavy formation work on the Birdsville – Windorah road at Durrie. The patrol grader crew will soon join them to speed up the work and have it completed in time for the heavy traffic that the races brings to our shire.

The gravel crew commenced maintenance work on the Bedourie – Windorah road. This crew will be working on this road for the next few weeks while the multiskill crew start patching the bitumen on town roads in both Bedourie and Birdsville, as well as the Bedourie—Birdsville road. They are also working on signage.

The Birdsville parks and gardens team has done an excellent job assisting with the Big Red Bash and Big Red Run and ensured the event was a very successful one for the shire. They are now working on general maintenance work in the town. The Bedourie parks and gardens team has been busy with the Camp- draft, Gymkhana and Rodeo, cleanup after the camel races and with the new garden at the clinic, which they’ve been working on with the general maintenance crew. They have done a great job with the set up and clean up of the many events that Bedourie has recently hosted.

Once again, please be aware that gravel roads are still corrugated, which is caused by the harsh and dry weather conditions. We advise everyone travelling on gravel roads to be cautious, drive safely and drive according to the road conditions.

Harin Karra Assistant Works Manager

Page 5 Desert Yarns Diamantina Shire Youth Council

The Diamantina Shire Youth Council would like to welcome our new Community Development Officer, Nicole Schellback. We held a face to face meeting in Bedourie on 4thJuly, where the Youth Councillors had the pleasure of meeting Nicole in person. She had been in town for less than 24 hours and was already bombarded with all of our faces and names to remember! It was great that Nicole could take the time to come along to the meeting, even though she hadn’t officially started in her new position and was still adjusting to the new environment. It is so beneficial to put faces to names, especially when the majority of our meetings are teleconferences as many of our council members are at boarding school. On behalf of the Youth Council, I would like to welcome Nicole and wish you all the best in your new role and lifestyle. The Youth Council is very exciting to be working with you. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Baldwin. Steve has been looking after the Youth Council since Jo Lewing- ton’s departure. He has been able to help us with organising our shirts, giving advice on planning our events and has been a big part of finally obtaining the portable grandstands. Thank you Steve for everything you have done for us over the last several months. It is my pleasure to announce that after four years of effort and persistence, the Youth Council has finally received two portable grandstands (similar to pictured) which have arrived safely in Bedourie! Many people would not know how exciting this is however youth councillors such as Cassandra Kath, Cody Cramer and Leah Kath, who have been long-standing members, would know that this has been in the making for a very long time. We are all very excited that it is finally happening. These grandstands seat 30 people and are portable, which will enable them to be moved to where they are needed for different events throughout the shire, providing more seating for spectators. The Youth Council is currently looking into getting awnings for these grandstands so they will be shaded. If you are interested in using these grandstands for any events within the shire, please contact the Youth Council at [email protected]. In other exciting news, dates have been set for two Youth Council events that will be held this year. Firstly, we are planning to hold a sports day in Bedourie on Saturday 27th September. This day will consist of a number of different sports and a BBQ in the afternoon. This will be a day for all ages and we are currently looking for expressions of interest for the types of sports to be played on the day. If anyone has any sports they would like to see on the day can you please email or Facebook the Youth Coun- cil or let one of us know ([email protected]). Our other event for 2014 will be the annual Wet Fest held at Pelican Point in Birdsville on Saturday 4th October. As I’m sure many of you know, the Wet Fest is a day spent at the beach (outback style) where there are novelty events, games and opportunities to win prizes. More information will be sent out about these events soon so please watch this space and save the dates.

Emily McCullagh Alternate Spokesperson Diamantina Shire Youth Council

Wet Fest 2013 photos courtesy Lorraine Kath

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Fruit and Veg Seller

Birdsville: 7-11am Friday 15th August. Bedourie: 3-6pm Friday 15th August. Fortnightly visits to both towns.

More information: Colin Holt - P: 0466 246 077

Community News The Diamantina Shire Council has requested that Bedourie State School P&C future editions of Desert Yarns be produced primarily digitally. Next meeting: Thursday 5th August Bedourie State School

If you are currently receiving a printed copy of Betoota Races Bus Desert Yarns, and would like to instead Departing Bedourie Saturday 30th August receive a digital copy, please contact the editor at Returning Sunday 31st August [email protected] to join the digital To book, contact Shandell Smith mailing list.

Diamantina Shire JPs

Bedourie Birdsville

Gordon Jones JP (Qual) Nell Brook JP (Qual) Kate McDonald JP (C.Dec) Shire Office Brook Proprietors Birdsville Hotel 4746 1202 Ext: 115 4656 3252 4656 3244 Home: 47461070 Don Rowlands JP (Qual) Andrew Cameron (Mag Ct) Leon Love JP (Qual) National Park Office Birdsville Clinic Shire Office 4656 3272 4656 3245 4746 1202 Ext:125 Geoff Morton JP (Qual) Leanne Hohnke-Jansen JP (Qual) Roseberth Station Bedourie State School 4656 3250 4746 1224 David Brook JP (C.Dec) Garth Tully JP (Qual) Brook Proprietors Cluny Station 4656 3252 4746 1219

Changes to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) has announced important changes to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Previously, community groups could access four different funding programs depending on their location and eligibility. This has now been streamlined into a single, state-wide funding program with grants up to the value of $35,000 available to eligible organi- sations.

Application forms and guidelines for the new amalgamated funding program are available on the OLGR website. Applications close 31 August 2014. Remaining rounds for this financial year close 30th November 2014, 28th February 2015 and 31st May 2015.

For more information contact Community Development Officer Nicole Schellback: [email protected]

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Community News

NAIDOC Community Meeting 4pm, Thursday 7 Aug Bedourie Community Hall Residents of Diamantina Shire are invited to attend a community meeting to discuss this year’s NAIDOC activities. Please come and share your thoughts and ideas for celebrating Aborig- inal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. A conference phone will be available for anyone wishing to join the meeting remotely. Please contact Nicole on 4746 1202 ext 108 by 5pm Wednesday if you want to book this facility.

All welcome!

Longreach Races and Desert Channels Group Down Syndrome Fundraising Day Come to the Longreach Races on Saturday 27 September 2014 and be a part of the inaugural Down Syndrome fundraiser, "Trackside 4 321". Join volunteers from Desert Channels Group under the big marquee for deli- cious food catered by DC Events and good company, while watching the races (including the Longreach Cup) and supporting a great cause.

Bring your family and friends for a great day out at the Longreach track, starting at 12:30pm. Please ring Desert Channels Group on 07 4658 0600 or [email protected] to purchase your tickets, make a donation, find out more, or have a chat about how you might help.

Desert Yarns is searching for both regular and casual volunteer columnists. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at writ- ing for the media, please contact the editor on 4656 3050 or at [email protected]. Some basic training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to try something different, develop new skills, communicate your love of the Diaman- tina with a wide audience and develop a portfolio of published material. Columns can be about anything related to the Dia- mantina and residents from Bedourie are particularly encouraged to apply.

Queensland School Term Dates 2014 Term 4: Tuesday 7 October - Friday 12 December (10 weeks)

Birdsville Hotel: facebook.com/theoutbackloop. News and titbits Diamantina Shire Council: facebook.com/DiamantinaShireCouncil from the Birdsville and Innamincka Hotels. Council and community news for Diamantina Shire residents. Outback Photography: facebook.com/ The Diamantina: facebook.com/TheDiamantina News, tourism and channelcountryphotography Beautiful photography from Betoota- outback travel inspiration for visitors to the Diamantina. based photographer. Birdsville Social Club: facebook.com/BirdsvilleSocialClubInc. Up- Kelly Theobald: facecbook.com/KellyTheobaldWrites Birdsville- dates from the Birdsville Social Club about events and activities. based journalist, photographer and author sharing travel inspiration. Betoota Races and Gymkhana: facebook.com/BetootaOutbackQld Desert Edge Tours: facebook.com/DesertEdgeTours News, tours All the updates about the fabulous events in Australia’s smallest town. and travel inspiration from regional tour operator. Birdsville Roadhouse: facebook.com/BirdsvilleRoadhouse Local Birdsville Race Club: facebook.com/birdsvilleraces Updates from business supporting the Birdsville community and desert travel. the Diamantina’s biggest event, the famous Birdsville Races. Simpson Desert Oasis: facebook.com/simpson.desertoasis Local Send your facebook page URL to the editor for inclusion. business and tourism operator in Bedourie. E: [email protected]

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Community News

Tidy Towns Playgroup Bedourie and Birdsville are registered for the annual Tidy Attention all parents and carers. A new booklet with helpful in- Towns awards run by Keep Queensland Beautiful. formation for parents/ carers of children attending playgroup will A tidy town is a community that works together to improve its soon be available. The booklet outlines general information appearance and environment. This year a new accreditation method opens up the opportunity for towns to be recognised for about how playgroup works, what children will learn, and the their individual efforts with categories including; Butt Free responsibilities of parents / carers. Our two playgroups here in Zones, Environmental Innovation, Heritage & Culture, and Diamantina Shire are privileged to have the services of a paid Community Spirit. f you know of a project worthy of nominating Coordinator, however Playgroup is still primarily a parent-run in Tidy Towns 2015 contact the Community Development group which is open to everyone – even visitors to the Shire! Officer on 46746 1202, or Welcome to Playgroup will be distributed to all current and future [email protected] parents/carers of children attending playgroup. Further copies can be requested by contacting: [email protected] or ph: 4746 1202.

Please note that Parks and Gardens teams are setting traps to catch stray animals daily. Ensure that your pets are safely restrained within your property to avoid impounding fees if your ani- mal is caught. For more information, please contact your town foreman. Bedourie: Jodie Girdler. P: 4746 1202 ext 118 Birdsville: Dave Hannan P: 4656 3350 Free to good home: Two pet cats Both desexed, litter trained shorthair domestic cats. Aged 12 and 8 years, mostly used to being outside but would happily live inside. Both have relaxed temperament coming from a home with two small children. ‘Willow’ & ‘Molly’ need a new home as we are moving and unable to have cats in our new location.

Contact Jenny on 0439 993 705

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Page 10 Desert Yarns Community Profile

Name: Ashtyn Krause

Town: Bedourie

Occupation: Administration officer with the Diamantina Shire Council.

Where did you live/work before joining DSC? I grew up in Boulia/ Bedourie and finished year 12 at Blackheath and Thornburgh College last year. What enticed you to work for DSC? It’s a great place to gain skills for the future. What do you like most about the shire? The people and the free- dom. What is your favourite Diaman- tina Shire event? New Year’s activities in Birdsville. What are some of your hob- bies? I don’t mind a drink or two, netball, social media, horse riding and mustering. Where would you like to travel? Europe.

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Local Girls Shine at Fashion Quest

Local girls Vanessa Harris and Eboni Lorenz took out prizes in Lon- greach’s Way Out West Fashion Quest. With over 40 young people from around the region involved in the modelling and fashion work- shops, some local Diamantina girls and boys were excited to learn the ropes of the fashion industry and participate in photographic shoots with a professional fashion photographer.

Windorah’s Vanessa Harris received the Tamblyn Model Challenge encouragement award and the Diamantina’s very own Eboni Lorenz, from Durrie Station near Birdsville, was the overall winner of the Kids Express Yourself Challenge. These girls both have very bright futures ahead of them.

Photos appeared in the Longreach Leader.

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Birdsville Hotel Brings Home More Awards The Queensland Business History Award recognises leadership in collecting, preserving and sharing business history. The annual award encourages businesses and business leaders to elevate the importance of safeguarding their irreplaceable historical material. This year’s recipient, the Birdsville Hotel, is an iconic Queensland business that has a long and colourful history dating back to its establishment in 1884. The hotel’s diverse and voluminous collection is a living archive of the many people that have passed through its doors, and their experience of remote Queensland. The hotel owners, Jo and Kym Fort and Nell and David Brook, along with their staff, demonstrate an intimate knowledge of the collection and use it to connect with their patrons, as the historical material is on display on the hotel’s interior walls. The Birdsville Hotel engages with the community and visitors on a daily basis to promote their collection, encourage others to enjoy it, and even add to it where they can. A visitor’s book in the hotel reception encourages patrons to write about their own experience of the bush and make a contribution to the local shared history.

Photographs, leaflets, brochures, flyers, film, correspondence, donated ledgers, minute books, annual reports and oral histories all play a part in telling Queensland’s narrative. Preserving business records helps co-create Queensland’s memory for future generations and State Library of Queensland encourages all businesses to get on board. The Queensland Business History award acknowledges companies that recognise the value of protecting and promoting their corporate history and heritage collections.

This award also encourages sound collecting practices and aims to raise awareness of the value of good record keeping and preservation. Founding partner, State Library of Queensland plays a vital role in collecting and preserving Queensland business history. State Library’s John Oxley Library holds a variety of business records including receipt books, annual reports, correspondence, maps, archi- tectural plans and cattle station records. These records demonstrate how industries such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism helped shape Queensland’s identity. Preserving business records means preserving Queensland’s business history.

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Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo, Gymkhana and Bikekhana

All photos: Lorraine Kath

Over 500 competitors entered the Bedourie Campdraft, which was held on 4th and 5th July. Venturing from all over western Queensland, northern New South Wales and the Northern territory, the event was one of the biggest in the town’s recent history. The horse gymkhana and rodeo, held on the same weekend, also attracted record numbers. The Bedourie Bikekhana, which has previously been held in Decem- ber, was run on Sunday 6th July with its own fair share of competitors racing against the clock and each other for cash prizes. The campdraft was so popular that the finals had to be run on Sunday morning, which kept spectators’ spirits high, even after a late rodeo on Saturday. Dean Hurley from Nappa Merrie Station took out the Open Campdraft title; one event in the famed Channel Country Circuit, which is a series of campdraft events in various locations around western Queensland’s Channel Country.

After the horse gymkhana, which was forced to run several heats in each category due to the large number of competitors, crowds of spectators arrived for the rodeo. One of the biggest in the channel country, the Bedourie rodeo featured over 30 riders in numerous events including poddy, bullock, bull, bronco and several novelty events. Jacob Hutteroth from Glengyle Station near Bedourie won the bull ride, which was a clear crowd favourite event. Kicking off early on the brisk Sunday morning were gymkhana events of a different kind. The Bedourie Bikekhana club, whose major sponsors are Centretune Motorcycles in Longreach, Simpson Desert Oasis and KABZS Plumbing, ran traditional bikekhana events and a number of novelty events throughout the day. Birdsville’s Tom Mason won open rider of the day award, Winton’s Brodie Campbell won the under 15’s rider of the day award and Dean Woods from Durrie Station near Birdsville won under 10’s rider of the day. The famed 600m flutter was the most competitive and spectacular event and was won by local resident Quinton Parsons. The Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo, Gymkhana and Bikekhana marked the beginning of a busy few months in the small and isolated outback town. The Bedourie Pig and Camel Races were held on the following weekend and the Bedourie Races and Ute and Travellers’ Muster will be held in early September.

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Big Red Run and Big Red Bash

Over 1,200 people descended upon Birdsville and the outlying Simpson Desert for the outback music event of the year, the Big Red Bash. The event saw a huge line up of Australian music legends, including Kasey Chambers, John Williamson, Daryl Braithwaite and James Reyne, who belted out some of their biggest hits with Big Red providing a stunning backdrop to their performances. The lively campsite next to Big Red was filled with people of all ages enjoying the first-class entertainment and the eclectic atmosphere. The performers also had crowds at their feet, singing and dancing along to the famous Aussie anthems. Fans also had the chance to get up close with their musical idols, with the artists meeting and greeting audience members between performances. A number of artists joined each other on stage for jam sessions, displaying a genuine cross-musical experience that crowds lapped up. Country music legend John Williamson was returning for his second performance on Big Red, after pio- neering the concept in 2013. “Being a part of the Big Red Bash and performing on Big Red is one of those career highlights that I won’t ever forget,” he said. “To be able to share my music in such an unforgettable location with likeminded people was a true privilege. There is a great team that put together this special event and it’s definitely one for all Australian’s bucket lists and a true outback experience for any visitor to our shores.” Kasey Chambers was another performer who found the location of the concert to be extraordinary. “The Big Red Bash was one of the best experiences I've ever had” she said. “My long-awaited first trip to Birdsville was everything I'd hoped for and more. The setting for the gig was like none other and is something I'll never forget.” Event organiser, Greg Donovan, was thrilled with the outcome of the event. “The inaugural Big Red Bash was a huge success,” he said. “The combination of iconic Australian artists in an unforgettable location proved to be a winner, with everyone out in Birdsville having a great time. The venue is among the best in Australia for an outdoor music festival, with Big Red making an amazing backdrop to the stage, which was truly spectacular when lit up after dark. There is no doubt that the Bash is set to get bigger and better in 2015.”

Together, the Big Red Run, a 250km ultra marathon across the Simpson Desert, and the Big Red Bash raised almost $200,000 for Type 1 Diabetes research. An impromptu auc- tion at the Big Red Bash raised over $5,000, with punters bidding on the only remaining event T-shirts signed by artists.

Other performers who kept the crowd entertained over two days included Ross Wilson, Joe Camilleri, Bill Chambers, Har- ry Hookey, Ashleigh Dallas, Victoria Edwards and Saxonova. The Big Red Bash was supported by the Queensland Govern- ment through Tourism and Events Queensland as well as Out- back Queensland Tourism and the Diamantina Shire Council.

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Top: Big Red Run tracks and desert camps (courtesy Born to Run photographers); Above: Big Red Run start line with Birdsville local Jenna Brook blowing the starting horn, and finish line (Kelly Theobald). Below: Big Red runners (courtesy Born to Run photographers).

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Bedourie Pig and Camel Races and Camp Oven Cook-Off

For the first time ever, the annual Bedourie Camel Races boasted the addition of an afternoon of pig racing that, combined with Bedourie’s famous camel races and a range of novelty events drew over 500 people to the remote outback town of 140 people. With wood chopping competitions, a camp oven cook-off, foot races, golf putting contests, music, dancing and the hilarious camp oven throwing contest also on the program, the weekend was jam-packed with activities to suit people of all ages and interests. Instigated by local businessman Doug Cooms, the Bedourie Pig Races were held at his establishment, the Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse, on Friday 11th July. “I wanted to introduce another event to Bedourie that I knew would interest people, especially those who come to the outback for a unique experience and a bit of a laugh,” he said. “It was great seeing people get involved and back the pigs, especially as a large part of the proceeds were donated to children’s charity Variety.” Mr Cooms said that the pig races were well-received by travellers and locals alike. “Because it’s such an interesting event, travellers came to Bedourie from all over Australia and were able to mingle with our locals, which meant that there was a very friendly and festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon and night,” he said. Camels were off and racing at the Bedourie Race Track at 11am on Saturday 12th July. Run by a group of hardworking local volunteers of the Bedourie Golf and Leisure Club, the seven race event concluded with the Bedourie Camel Cup, won by Don Anesbury’s Hookmup and the 2014 Bedourie Plate, won by Calico, also owned by Don Anesbury. Between races, the crowd was entertained with a variety of activities, including the hotly-contested putting competition, won by traveller Dawn Thompson who scored the day’s only hole-in-one. President of the Bedourie Golf and Leisure Club, Trevor Stewart, said that the 2014 Bedourie Camel Races were one of the biggest yet, and the event is set to grow even more in future years. “Camel racing is growing throughout the outback and Bedourie, along with Maree and Boulia, is one of the prime race meetings of the camel circuit,” he said. “Now that Bedourie boasts the pig races in addition to the camels, I think we’ll be seeing an increase in crowd numbers every year.” Mr Stewart said that the community of Bedourie is dedicated to supporting the event and seeing its growth. “We’re a completely voluntary group and we couldn’t run this type of event without the support and assistance of our community,” he said. “We’re a very tight-knit community and all have the best interests of our town at heart and that’s an important factor in running a successful event of this scale. Our generous sponsors, including the Diamantina Shire Council, also play a huge role and we can’t thank them enough for their support.” Young cooks came out on top in the camp oven cook-off with Dean Woods, in grade four, taking first place with his tasty damper. Bridey Cramer, also in primary school, came a close second. The other novelty event that caught the crowd’s attention was the camp oven throwing contest. Visiting Mt Isa policeman Jake Lacy won the men’s title with Bedourie local Tegan Hall winning the women’s.

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Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo, Gymkhana and Bikekhana

Mr Stewart said that the camp oven novelty events are a nod to the town’s history. “The Bedourie Camp oven was invented by stockmen in Bedourie and is now a nationally recognised bush icon,” he said. “These events are bringing attention to the Bedourie Camp Oven in a fun and unique way.” With Diamantina Shire events continuing to draw record crowds, despite the ongoing regional drought, the Bedourie Pig and Camel Races continue a trend that locals hope will last until the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, which kicks off in August and travels to all three towns within the Diamantina Shire.

“We’ve had a great run with events this year,” said Mr Stewart. “It’s a great year to come to the outback and we’re here to make anyone’s visit a memorable one. We hope that this year’s Simpson Desert Rac- ing Carnival attracts the large number of people that our other events have because we have some fun surprises in store at all three race meets that make up the carnival.”

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The Diamantina makes the Cup Tour Cut

The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour will be visiting Bedourie on Thursday 21st August, 2014. Activities will include a morning tea and presentation at the Diamantina Shire Council offices, afternoon activities at the Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse and visits to people working within the town. That afternoon the cup and its entourage will fly to Birdsville for the official Simpson Desert Racing Carnival media launch and photographic shoot on the morning of Friday 22nd August at the Birdsville Hotel. The cup will then tour the town and that afternoon the Birdsville Race Club will officially open their new judging tower with a special presentation by the Melbourne Cup ambassador and Birdsville Race Club representatives. Afterwards, celebratory drinks and nibbles will be provided. On the evening of Friday 22nd August, the Betoota Race Club will be hosting a gala dinner in celebra- tion of the Melbourne Cup. The three-course dinner will be held at the Birdsville Community Hall with a dress code of formal/after five. This dinner will raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation and guests can buy tickets from Bev Morton on (07) 4656 3250. The Diamantina Shire is very lucky to be hosting the Melbourne Cup Tour. After a very rigorous application process, supported by all three race clubs associated with the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, the Diamantina was announced as one of only a few selected venues for the 2014 tour. Alt- hough the Melbourne Cup tour has visited Birds- ville in the past, this is the first time that it will visit both Birdsville and Bedourie. For further information about the planned events, or to be involved in any capacity or host an event to celebrate the Cup’s tour to the Diamantina, please contact Kelly Theobald on (07) 4656 3050 or at [email protected]..

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eKindy From the Birdsville State School eKindy is an approved Kindergarten program Welcome back for Term 3, I trust that all parents and students had a fantastic break. I am delivered via distance education designed for very proud to pass on that all students represented Birdsville State School in a very positive children who cannot attend a centre-based manner at last term’s Windorah Sports Camp. I took the time to ask each teacher that was service. looking after our students during the week about the behaviour and attitude of our students and I received very positive comments. One teacher commented that “The Birdsville stu- The program was developed by Brisbane dents are noticeably happier and more excited. The changes in attitude from Windorah School of Distance Education who coordinate Sports Camp from last year to this year are huge”. the delivery of eKindy with the assistance of teachers located in various Schools of Dis- I would like to congratulate Izayah Gilby and Sam Hannan, who were voted by all coaches tance Education. and their camp teachers, the best students of their age groups. Both of these awards required our students to the best behaved in their group, seen to be encouraging all students, This Information Session will cover issues trying their hardest at all sports, interacting with coaches and overall the best student in such as how eKindy might best be delivered in their group across the whole week. Diamantina Shire, how to register for the program, and what the benefits are to the Thank you also to the parents, teachers and coaches for all of their hard work over the children. week. Prue Hannan was kind enough to provide assistance to the Windorah P&C for the week and also provided transport for our students. We would like to thank you for your A representative from Brisbane School of time and support during this week. Birdsville and Bedourie have looked into quotes for a Distance Education will join the meeting (via combined school camp that will be taking place over the last 10 days of Term 3. I am hoping web) to talk about the program and answer to have a meeting with parents to go over all details in the coming weeks. questions families may have. I would like to congratulate the students on a terrific attendance rate for the first semester This meeting is for all interested people in the of 2014. Our students achieved 97.9% for the whole of term 1 and 2. Our students should community but especially relevant to parents / be very proud of this effort as it exceeds the attendance average for our state. Parents are carers of kindergarten aged children. also congratulated on this as it is your consistency and commitment that ensures your child We will also be running a session in Birdsville is at school at every day (unless sick). I’m very proud that the students at Birdsville State in the coming months. School want to be at school and understand the importance of coming to school each day. All welcome! Tiffany Rigby, Principal Birdsville State School

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From the Birdsville Cop

The Big Red Run and Big Red Bash went off without a hitch. The Big Red Bash concert, held over two nights, were very enjoyable and the crowd, as always, were well-behaved. My beanie also came in very handy on those chilly desert evenings!

On the 17th July, I conducted a joint patrol with S/Const Tom Christley, Officer in Charge, Marree Police, South Australia. We ventured through the Simpson Desert. As well as speaking with numerous travellers, we assisted South Australian detectives regarding an incident that occurred at the Mt Dare Hotel. Investigations are continuing.

Queensland and South Australia Police on patrol at Poeppel’s Corner

I would like to remind all residents of the dangers of drink driving. The consequences could and do ruin lives. You could kill or seriously injure yourself or some innocent person. If you are apprehended by police, the consequences are loss of licence and hefty fines. If you are over 0.150% or it is your second conviction, you will lose your licence immediately.

Upon regaining your licence after a lengthy disqualification, you are required to get an interlock device fitted to any vehicle you drive, including work vehicles, motor bikes and machinery. The interlock device means that you have to blow into a machine fitted to the vehicle and register zero alcohol before the vehicle will start. You will need to have this device in your vehicle for 18 months. These devices are at your expense and cost approximately $2500.00 per vehicle. Your license will also be restricted to probationary for a period of time.

If you notice someone who is obviously intoxicated and intends to drive home, stop them. Don’t let them drive. You may save their life or that of an innocent person.

If you think you may consume alcohol, don’t take your vehicle so that you are not tempted to drive under the influence. Arrange for a sober person to drive you home or walk. There is no excuse for drink driving. Police will be conducting late night patrols and will be breath testing drivers. If you are over the limit you, will be caught and prosecuted.

Stay safe! Neale McShane OIC Birdsville Police

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From the Bedourie Cop

The events in town this year went really smoothly. There have been reports from various nomads passing through about how the people down this way are so polite and involved in the community, which is great to hear.

There were no major issues from a policing perspective and most people were smart enough to use the bus provided by the council. It was my first Rodeo and Camel Races (and Pig Races) and I’m already counting down to next year’s event. Congratulations to everyone involved in making it run as well as it did.

Some people were blessed enough to have an encounter (or two) with the boys from the traffic branch who were down here for the festivi- ties. I will give you an inside tip and let you know that they will be doing more frequent trips down this way outside of the festive season as well. These boys are very good at what they do, so stay on your toes. If you think that you may have an issue with your car that could get you in trouble, please come up and see me and I will let you know if it complies or what needs to be fixed.

I also want to reinforce that if you know someone is doing something wrong; don’t hesitate to come up and tell me. I am bound by law to protect the identity of any person that reports a crime to me. This includes noise complaints and other minor offences. I’m here to help the community but can’t do it if I don’t receive the information in the first place.

Tap Out is up and running at the Hall on every afternoon at 5:00pm except Thursday and Sunday. The core group of 6 that started in the first round has grown to about 12. We are applying for more funding for bands and mats as well as other cardio and gym equipment. It won’t happen fast, but if all the planets align, we could have some new equipment before the summer hits again.

The Variety bashers are coming through this month. I will be making a batch of chilli relish to sell at the market day (for the P&C). I put the challenge out there for someone to make a better sauce, chutney, relish or spread. Please support the town and support this market day. The cakes and slices at the last two market days were outstanding.

QGAP is still open every afternoon except Friday from 12:00pm until 3:30pm or you can call if you need an appointment outside these hours.

See you all around the town.

Paul JACKSON Senior Constable

OIC Bedourie Police

Ph: 4746 1220

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From the National Park Ranger

Thank you to the Big Red Run for showing such respect for Country. Footprints were all that was left on this fragile landscape, so well done to organisers. All photographs: Lyn Rowlands

The desert has so much beautify to offer, despite the drought. This flower’s botanical name is Crotalaria Cunninghami and its common name is Regal Bird because the flower resembles a bird attached by its beak to the central stalk of the flower head. Its aboriginal name is Mud- la-Yarri, which means Dog Ears.

Aboriginal people harvested flowers to drink the ‘honey’, stems were stripped to fabricate a sort of ‘footwear’. The sap from the leaves was used to treat eye infections.

It typically grows between unstable sand dunes and along beaches and in Mulga areas. It is pollinated by large bees and by honeyeaters. This plant is named after early 19th century botanist Allan Cunningham.

By the early 1880s Birdsville had three pubs, a police station, a blacksmith, a butcher, a printing press, stables and a cordial factory. This matchbox was also made in Birdsville around the same time and would’ve contained wax safety matches. These wax matches were preferred by early pioneers, ringers and drovers because they were able to withstand getting wet from time to time.

Don Rowlands Park Ranger

The Diamantina in the Media Birdsville’s Big Red Bash made the Courier Mail’s list of the top five reasons to take a holiday in July. Other reasons were Perth’s Kids Won- derland festival, the Adelaide International Guitar Festival, the Australian Superbike Championships at Phillip Island and the Coffs Coast Festi- val of Cycling. Well done to the Big Red Bash for such a high accolade. You can read the full article at http://www.couriermail.com.au/travel/ five-reasons-to-take-a-holiday-in-july-from-music-to-superbikes/story-fnjjuxwa-1226977815914

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In Pictures

“A Diamantina Sunset” by Lorraine Kath of Outback Photography. See more at www.facebook.com/channelcountryphotography. Images taken at Mt Leonard Station, Betoota.

The Diamantina is home to a strong community of talented and prolific photographers. Some of them photograph our beautiful surroundings professionally, while others engage in photography as a hobby. Combined, they showcase a rich and diverse portfolio documenting life in and around the Diamantina Shire.

If you have a photo you would like to contribute to Desert Yarns, please send it to the editor at [email protected]

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Did you know…?

 Insects outnumber humans 100,000,000 to one.  Table tennis balls have been known to travel off the paddle at speeds of up to 160 km/hr  Your tongue is the only muscle in your body that’s attached at only one end.  A duck’s quack doesn’t echo and no one knows why.  The adam’s apple is actually called the thyroid cartilage.  If travel across Russia, you will cross seven time- zones. All train timetables and train station clocks are in Moscow time, even if they’re in a different time zone.  Bangladesh is the most densely populated country (other than city-states) in the world with an average of 1,188 people per square kilometer.  French people eat more cheese than any other country in the world.  There is a city called Rome on every continent.  Donkeys kill more people than plane crashes.  A crocodile can’t stick its tongue out.  Blondes have more hair than dark haired people.

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BEDOURIE, BIRDSVILLE, BETOOTA Name Position Business After Hours Email Contact Hours Contact Contact  Cr Geoff Morton Mayor (07) 4656 3250 (07) 4656 3250 [email protected]

 Cr Garth Tully Deputy Mayor (07) 4746 1219 (07) 4746 1219 [email protected]

 Cr Jody Barr Councillor (07) 4656 3095 (07) 4656 3095 [email protected]

 Cr Don Rayment Councillor (07) 4656 3321 (07) 4656 3321 [email protected]

 Cr Steve Cramer Councillor (07) 4746 1236 (07) 4746 1236 [email protected]

 Leon Love Chief Executive Officer (07) 4746 1202 [email protected]

 Trevor Stewart Works Manager (07) 4746 1202 (07) 4746 1021 [email protected]

 Vacant Deputy CEO (07) 4746 1202

 Steven Baldwin Tourism and Community (07) 4656 3020 (07) 4656 3331 [email protected] Manager 0408 824 179

 Dave Hannan Birdsville Town Services (07) 4656 3350 0407 146 902 [email protected] Foreman

 Jodie Girdler Bedourie Town Services (07) 4746 1202 (07) 4746 1160 [email protected] Foreman

Shire Profile

The Diamantina Shire is the second largest shire in Queensland, with an area of approximately 95,000 square kilometres and a population of 281 people. The Shire is home to three towns – Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota. Our main industries are beef production and tourism. The Diamantina Shire is part of the ‘channel country’, which is some of the best contaminant-free natural beef fattening land in Australia. The Diamantina Shire shares borders with the Northern Territory and South Australia. The Diamantina and Georgina Rivers and the Cooper and Eyre Creeks are the main streams in a network of western Queensland rivers. These three great river systems draw water from an area of 556,000 square kilometres. In the regular dry periods these systems fill numerous semi-permanent waterholes that vary in depth and size.

Points of Interests Betoota Birdsville Bedourie

 Deon’s Lookout  Big Red Sandhill  Aquatic Centre

 Betoota Hotel  Waddi Trees  Mud Hut

 Browns Creek Camping Area  Simpson Desert National Park  Diamantina National Park

 Dreamtime Serpent Sculpture  The Bilby Way  Cuttaburra Crossing

 Carcoory Ruins  Historic Hotel

 Bourke and Wills’ Campsite  Vaughan Johnson Lookout

 The Meeting Place Sculpture  Dust storm Sculpture To add your name to the newsletter mailing/email list, or to change your contact details, please advise Kelly Theobald on (07) 4656 3050 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you may elect to remove your name from the mailing list and access the newsletter via the shire website at www.diamantina.qld.gov.au. Written submissions must be in Mi- crosoft Word format, photographs in JPEG format and flyers in PDF or JPEG format. Please email Kelly Theobald for submission and editorial guidelines and style guide.

The Diamantina Shire Council does not guarantee that submissions will be published and reserves the right to reject content that is not in line with our editorial guidelines.