Diamantina Shire Council

Desert Yarns

March, 2014 Distributed free to all residents. Volume 5 Issue 1 This month’s events Message from the Mayor  5th March: DSC Corporate Plan Community Consultation As stated last month there has been movement on the health services front.  6th March: Bedourie Corporate Plan At our meeting, last month, with Health Minister Lawrence Community Consultation Springborg MP, the minister stated that the Queensland Government was reluctant to put any funding into something they were not in control of. This  8th March: International Women’s Day Celebrations means that if the shire was to continue to control our own health service, it would be without any state funding. With Diamantina Shire Council already  8th March: Betoota Race Club trash and treasure market/movie night/Bingo funding the present shortfall of $309,000 annually, this would be unaffordable. The council has now invited Central West Hospital and Health Service into a  8th-10th March: Birdsville leather Workshops “partnership” with the council to provide health care within the shire. Coun- cil will provide the assets and infrastructure and Central West Health provid-  27th March: Bedourie P&C AGM ing the service and expertise.  28th March: Bedourie movie night. All services that are currently provided will be maintained and the clinics will still be called Diamantina Health Service. The public will notice little differ- ence in service to what they receive now. The minister even pulled out the Message from the Mayor 1 old political chestnut of “no one will be worse off”. From the Tourism & Community Desk 2 To that end the Central West Health and Health Service will be visiting the Works report 3 shire this week to inspect the facilities and meet staff. There will also be com- munity meetings in Bedourie on 4th March and Birdsville on 5th March. I en- Ladies’ pamper days 4 courage everyone to attend. SES news 6 This week, the Diamantina Shire Council’s Corporate Plan is under review. Cathy White obituary 7 Every five years the council develops a plan, or strategy, which will be the foundation for the future direction of the shire over the next five years. This Important community information 8 plan will give guidance to future allocation of funding, will influence the works International Women’s Day 12 program, shape budgets, give priorities to council policies and, who knows - Council news 13 may even make it rain! Birdsville Social Club news 15 Council will spend a day drawing up a plan, which will be followed by public

The Diamantina in photos 17 consultations in Birdsville on Wednesday 5th March and Bedourie on Thurs- day 6th March. Come along have a listen and a say, even if you’re happy with Police news 19 the status quo. Clean Up Day 20 Cricket Challenge 22 Mayor Cr Geoff Morton The Diamantina in the news 23-25 School news 26 If you have any news or photos that you wish to see in Desert Yarns, Diamantina reading 28 contact Kelly Theobald at [email protected]. 2014 Diamantina events 30 Submission guidelines available on page 31.

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

From the Tourism & Community Desk

We’re approaching the start of the 2014 season and Munga-Thirri (Simpson Desert) National Park will be re-opening on the 15th March. We haven’t had much rain lately, but be sure to look at the latest road condition report on either the Diamantina Shire Council website or Facebook page before travelling as other regions have received rain, which is affecting the road conditions.

The Diamantina’s tourism officers attended the Adelaide caravan and camping show and distributed our new brochure and calen- dars. We would like to thank Kylie Scott, from Desert Edge Tours, for helping out on a couple of days. There’s a more detailed report later in this newsletter. Tourism officers will be attending similar shows in Melbourne next week and and Sydney in April, so please let us know if you are able to assist with promoting the Diamantina.

We will soon be updating the information signs that are installed on the roads into Birdsville and Bedourie. We will approach busi- nesses with existing ads on the signs for updates and more space may become available for other businesses. We also need to let people know that the Centrelink facility in Bedourie has now moved to the Bedourie Visitor Centre. A reminder that both visitor centres are now stocking the new brochures and 2014 fridge magnet event Calendars. Our new range of promotional posters should be available soon.

We will have new early childhood coordinators commencing work shortly in both Bedourie and Birdsville and providing a new and exciting program for our youngest residents and their parents/carers. Applications for the seasonal tourism officer in Birdsville have now closed and we hope to appoint the successful candidate in the near future.

Planning and preparation for the Birdsville Races is well underway. Council is looking to expand the tent city facility during the Birdsville Races and is examining a number of possible sites.

Following a successful grant application, new furniture has recently been installed at the Birdsville Library in the Wirrarri Visitor Centre. Thanks to Richard Cooley and Barb Mason for their work towards this project.

The Diamantina Shire Youth Council meets on Wednesday 5th March 2014 to elect office bearers and to plan their projects for the year.

Until next month,

Steven Baldwin Tourism & Community Manager

Right: Our wonderful tourism officers, Barb and Maggie, at the Adelaide Cara- van and Camping Show. Although Adelaide is one of western Queensland’s biggest tourism markets, The Diamantina was one of only three Queensland tourism providers at the Adelaide show. Well done, Barb and Maggie!

Page 3 Desert Yarns

Works Report

The long-awaited rain is finally here, in Bedourie, refresh- ing everything. However, due to channels and creeks running for the first time in many months, some roads have been temporarily closed. Our advice to everyone travelling in the region would be to check the latest road condition report before you travel. These reports can be accessed at the Bedourie Visitor Information Centre and the Birdsville Wirrarri Information Centre.

Council has recently purchased a new Caterpillar tele- handler TH414, which will be painted pink to support the Australian breast cancer foundation and to raise awareness of the illness.

The construction crew is continuing work on the Birds- ville – Windorah road. They’re re-sheeting a section of road approximately 12 kilometres long. This is job nearly finished and we are looking forward to using the new section of road. After finishing the Birdsville-Windorah road, upcoming projects will include a tidy-up of the Bedourie residential sub-division and Bedourie levee bank stabilisation, which will be prepared for seal in March.

The gravel crew has started working on the Bedourie – Windorah road. They are providing maintenance work on sections of this road and, simultaneously, they are re- sheeting the Stony Crossing road, which is due to finish in the next few days. The gravel crew is also carting rock for the Bedourie levee bank.

The multiskill crew is doing a major cleanup on the road network by removing culverts, slabs, pipes and other waste from finished work sites. They have also recently begun work on the Bedourie residential sub-division pipes.

Parks and gardens teams have started beautification pro- jects on the entrances to both Birdsville and Bedourie and we look forward to appreciating the finished pro- jects later in the year.

Harin Karra Assistant Works Manager

Page 4 Desert Yarns

Ladies’ Pamper Days

The communities of the far west took a moment Hummus out to revive their health and wellbeing at the re- You will need: cent Clinic Pamper Days. Women of Birdsville & Bedourie were treated to a 1 cup cooked chickpeas (tinned) day of relaxation when a masseuse visited in late 1 ½ tablespoons lemon jouce February. Providing appointments for a relaxation massage, women were able to take a break and 1 clove garlic indulge in some time for themselves. 2 tablespoons hulled tahini Men, women and children also came together to 1/3 cup olive oil cook healthy snacks, making homemade hummus dip served with veggies for smoko and enjoying 2 tablespoons water bush plum jam with fruit and cheese platters. Mean- Salt while, they chatted about healthy food ideas and how to adapt when you are limited by the frequen- cy of the stores’ truck and your own creativity. Vegetable Sticks At the Birdsville Clinic, local chef Miranda from the 1 carrot Birdsville Hotel shared her tips on hiding veggies in 1 capsicum hamburger patties and fired the BBQ up. Over forty members of the community prepared and dropped 2 celery sticks in to the clinic to enjoy lunch at the Clinic. The 1 cucumber Birdsville school students were also on hand and made peach and yoghurt smoothies. Or, you can really use any veggies you have! By the time Indigenous Health Project Officer, Smoothies Tania Wakefield, and Project Officer, Kristy Method: McGregor, got to Bedourie, they had mastered the Place drained chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, recipe for pear and banana smoothies that were tahini, olive oil, water and salt in a food You will need: popular with both children and adults alike. processor and blend until smooth. 1 large tin pears Remote Area Nurse Madelein van der Knaap says Slice the carrot, pepper, celery and cucum- both days were hugely important for men and ber and serve with the hummus. 5 tablespoons natural yoghurt women in isolated areas to take time out for their 1 banana social and emotional wellbeing. “It brought the communities together to share in- Dash vanilla essence novative food ideas and eat the lunch they had pre- pared,” she said. Method: The Pamper Days were an initiative of the Birdsville Place all ingredients in a blender and and Bedourie Clinics. Birdsville and Bedourie Clinics will be running Pamper Days every second month, blend until smooth. Enjoy! with the next one scheduled for the start of May.

For more information about the Pamper Days, contact the Birdsville or Bedourie clinics.

Page 5 Desert Yarns

Page 6 Desert Yarns

News from the Diamantina’s SES

Australian home-grown vehicle manufacturer, TomCar Australia, recently invited the Diamantina’s SES controller, Kylie Scott, to their facto- ry in Melbourne to test-drive one of their ATVs. On 18th February, Kylie met with TomCar managers and drove one of these unique vehi- cles. Kylie was asked to attend due to her involvement with the Bunyip Riding for a Reason charity quad bike ride through the Simpson Desert, scheduled for mid-April. The quad riders will be raising money for the Diamantina SES as they acknowledge the essential contribution that the SES makes to travellers visiting the region. The SES will be providing support for the ride, as will TomCar, who also appreciate the work of the Diamantina’s SES. TomCar will be sending a number of their ATVs on the ride to act as support vehicles. They are also looking at other events to support. A current media debate questioning the safety of quad bikes has drawn attention to quad bikes being used to assist emergency services and they will be phased out in this capacity. Birdsville and Bedourie SES don’t use quad bikes in their work. However, the region’s rough terrain lends itself to the use of ATVs such as the TomCar.

Road Crash Rescue Training

In November members of the Diamanti- na SES participated in Road Crash Res- cue training. Gordon Graham from QFES in Mt Isa facilitated the training. In at- tendance were Kevin Scott, Bev Morton, Kylie Scott and Ben Leech.

The weekend was well worth the at- tendance as all members were accredit- ed with RCR qualifications. Many thanks to Mayor Morton for the use of a vehi- cle, access to their property and to Bev for providing Lunch.

Page 7 Desert Yarns

To Our Diamantina Family...

Page 8 Desert Yarns

Important community information

Upcoming RAFS Birdsville Visit

RAFS will be joining in with the Birdsville Playgroup on Friday the 7th of March 2014 from 8 30am- 12pm.

Let RAFS staff Bel and Beck know if you would like to borrow a Kindy Kit Box or a Themed Kit box, books/CDs/DVDs from their Children Services Resource Centre or any particular art and craft.

Please also let them know if you would like a copy of their latest Art List. They can package up an art supply order and bring it out with them on their visit.

They will also have their 2014 Enrolment Forms available on the day for you to complete if you have not already done so.

Page 9 Desert Yarns

Page 10 Desert Yarns

Page 11 Desert Yarns

Hall Cleaning Project Requirements

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably experi- enced contractors/local community groups to provide cleaning services during the 2014 Birdsville Rac- es. The area to be cleaned is within the fence boundary sur- rounding the hall and interior as per requirements from the Event Manager. This may include setting up for even- ing events, floors swept and mopped/artists showers, toilets etc. For a full document describing the tender requirements, please contact Prue Fargher, Event Coordinator, on 0407 718 643 or via email: [email protected]. Expressions of interest should be submitted to the Event Coordinator, Prue Fargher, by email

[email protected] by COB 31st March 2014

Page 12 Desert Yarns

International Women’s Day Celebrations

International Women's Day (8th March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Women's equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal. International Women's Day (IWD) celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events now occur worldwide to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media cele- brate the day. IWD is now an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends and colleagues with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day, where chil- dren give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers. Despite this, around the world, women are still severely disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts. Violence against women and girls is rife in many countries and media and pop culture place unfair emphasis one women’s appearance and lifestyle choices. In our own communities, initiatives such as the Birdsville and Bedourie Clinic Ladies’ Pamper Days and Channel Country Ladies’ Day give our local wom- en an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful people they are. The Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN) is also a fabulous organisation formed to connect and inspire rural women. If you are interested in joining the far-west branch of QRRRWN, please contact Kelly Theobald at [email protected] for more information. “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” ― Virginia Woolf “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” ― Brigham Young “In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” ― Margaret Thatcher

Page 13 Desert Yarns

Adelaide Caravan and Camping Trade Show

From the 19th - 23rd February, the Diamantina’s tourism offic- ers attended the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Show. Our stall was well-placed at the entrance of the building and customers had to walk through our pavilion to gain access to the rest of the show. This was an excellent opportunity to access a large number of visitors. A staff member from both the Bedourie and Birdsville offices attended the shows, which enabled us to directly address more people and provide comprehensive information about our shire to interested customers.

Queensland was only represented by The Diamantina, Caravanning Qld and the Capricorn Re- gion, so it was fortunate that the Diamantina staff had excellent knowledge of other western Queensland destinations, which was appreciated by all customers who were considering an out- back holiday. Among other things, we promoted the Birdsville Races, Big Red Bash, Boulia Shire and local Diamantina Shire businesses. Tour operator Kylie Scott, from Desert Edge Tours, assisted at our stand for two mornings over the weekend. We encourage other local businesses to follow Ky- lie’s lead; no one can promote a local business as well as its operator.

This show also provided an excellent opportunity to cement networks with regional SA tourism operators, which is essential for Diamantina staff as a large number of our own visitors explore the region via the Birdsville Track and Simpson Desert. Diamantina staff made contact with SA Station stays, Mt Dare Hotel , Copley tourism, tourism and the staff of SA National Parks.

At The Diamantina stand we personally spoke with 1089 customers and numbers show attend- ance was similar to 2013 records.

New Council Staff The Birdsville Parks and Gardens team and foreman Dave Hannan would like to welcome Kylie Bailey-Hill and Dywayne Rigby to the team. Kylie Bailey-Hill has been living in Birdsville for 18 months but has moved from the childcare sector into the position of town cleaner. From Port Augusta, Kylie is a mother of three and her youngest son, Izayah, attends the Birdsville State School. She is a keen fisherwoman and enjoys music and Birdsville’s popular aqua aerobics classes. Kylie has made a great start in the position and the Birdsville council staff and extended community are very glad to have her on board. Dywayne Rigby moved to Birdsville in January, only shortly after his wedding to new Birdsville State School Principal Tiffany Rigby, née Cook, and has recently joined the Parks and Gardens team. Dywayne has moved to Birdsville from Aramac, where he worked for local council for two years. He is also a keen fisherman and rugby league fan. Foreman Dave Hannan says that Dywayne is already an invaluable team member and we wish him all the best for his new position with the Shire.

Page 14 Desert Yarns

Page 15 Desert Yarns

Birdsville Social Club News

The Birdsville Social Club held their AGM and a gen- eral meeting on Saturday 1st March, with a great turn up. The Birdsville Social Club is instrumental in hosting a number of events in Birdsville and the greater region. Last year, we hosted many different events including inter-town cricket matches, the annual campdraft, ro- deo and bronco branding, horse and motorbike gym- khanas, motorbike enduros and music events. Tedeschi and Cooper, an old-time dance band, and Australian jazz legend James Morrison were highlights.

Last Easter, the Birdsville Social Club raised $1200 for the Birdsville Clinic when we auctioned a Birdsville Social Club shirt at the 4WD Action magazine Birds- ville Bash rally, which celebrated their 200th issue. The Social Club also hosted a great night to celebrate NAI- DOC week in July last year. These events not only bring the community together but also raise much- Birdsville campdraft, rodeo and bronco branding. Photo: Kelly Theobald needed funds for local institutions such as the Birdsville Clinic. With strong membership and support, willing hands and enthusiasm another year of community events is being planned. Last weekend Birdsville competed enthusiastically in the round robin cricket competition in Bedourie. Although they didn't win, they had a good game and enjoyed the day. The next event will be the 'Bunyip - riding for a reason' charity quad bike ride in Birdsville in April. On 3rd May, a ‘Tour for a cure’ cycle challenge is hoping to arrive in Birdsville after an epic ride through Queensland. They hope to arrive earlier if road conditions are favourable. The annual campdraft, rodeo and bronco branding will be bigger and better this year and will be held on 9th, 10th and 11th May. Recent rain at Durrie has given Darren and Dean more confidence in the availability of cattle for the campdraft. This year the draft will kick off on Friday afternoon with the Maiden. The weekend line-up is still being confirmed. On 14th June, the Birdsville Social Club is hosting country music singer Graham Rodger at the Birdsville Community Hall. There will be a bar and BBQ and Graham Rodger will take the gate fee. The annual horse and motorbike gymkhana will be held on 28th and 29th June, to coin- cide with the first weekend of Queensland school holidays. All of these events would not go ahead without the support of the Social Club members and community members who pitch in on the day to make visitors welcome and give them memories of a great Birdsville experience to take home. Don Rayment, President Birdsville Social Club

Queensland School Term Dates 2014 Term 1: Tuesday 28 January - Friday 4 April (10 weeks) Diamantina Shire Council: facebook.com/DiamantinaShireCouncil Term 2: Tuesday 22 April - Friday 27 June (10 weeks) Council and community news for Diamantina Shire residents. Term 3: Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September (10 weeks) The Diamantina: facebook.com/TheDiamantina News, tourism and Term 4: Tuesday 7 October - Friday 12 December (10 weeks) outback travel inspiration for visitors to the Diamantina.

Birdsville Social Club: facebook.com/BirdsvilleSocialClubInc. Updates Outback Photography: facebook.com/ from the Birdsville Social Club about events and activities. channelcountryphotography Beautiful photography from Betoot- based photographer. Betoota Races and Gymkhana: facebook.com/BetootaOutbackQld All the updates about the fabulous events in Australia’s smallest town. Kelly Theobald: facecbook.com/KellyTheobaldWrites Birdsville -based journalist, photographer and author. Birdsville Roadhouse: facebook.com/BirdsvilleRoadhouse Local busi- ness supporting the Birdsville community and Simpson Desert travel. Desert Edge Tours: facebook.com/DesertEdgeTours News, tours and travel inspiration from regional tour operator. Simpson Desert Oasis: facebook.com/simpson.desertoasis Local busi- ness and tourism operator in Bedourie. Birdsville Race Club: facebook.com/birdsvilleraces Updates from the Diamantina’s biggest event, the famous Birdsville Races. Birdsville Bakery: facebook.com/birdsvillebakery All the info about Birdsville Fried Chicken nights and more! Send your facebook page URL to the editor for inclusion.

Page 16 Desert Yarns

Page 17 Desert Yarns

In pictures

Birdsville local Jenna Brook shot this gorgeous photo of Birdsville Hotel staff member Ali, resident ‘camel man’ Rob and his camels for The Courier Mail on a particularly warm January Day. Photo from http://www.couriermail.com.au

Tourism and Events Queensland asked Kelly Theo- bald to take over their Instagram account and blog for a week to share photos of Birdsville. See the blog post at http://blog.queensland.com. A second post will be released in early March.

Outback Queensland Tourism Association recently shared an album of Be- toota photographer Lorraine Kath’s gorgeous photos on their facebook page at www.facebook.com/OutbackQueensland. This one is titled Magic hour at Lake Nappanerica.

Mary-Jane Bell took this gorgeous photo of Eyre Creek flowing at Bedourie in late-February after the creek had been dry for months.

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. Com- bined, 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]

Page 18 Desert Yarns

Birdsville Aqua Aerobics

On Monday and Thursday evenings, at 6pm, Birdsville resi- dents have been enjoying aqua aerobics classes run by life- guard Jenna Brook. The classes provide a great opportunity to engage in fun, physical activity and also an occasion to socialise with each other. Aqua Aerobics increases fitness, muscle strength and coordination and the classes are one of the most popular weekly events in Birdsville. If you would like to get fit and join these fun and relaxed clas- ses, come to the Birdsville pool on Adelaide Street at 6pm on Mondays or Thursdays. Classes are free and will run until the pool closes for winter.

Page 19 Desert Yarns

Bedourie Police News

Hey all,

Not a huge amount to report in this issue. There has been no reported crime in the Bedourie division.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Bedourie police station is now up and running with a new technology known as the in-ter-net.

I can do everything except for licensing (new and renewals) until further notice. I am doing what I can to get it going but in the meantime, don’t hold your breath.

A flyer should have been sent to anyone on the mailing list in relation to a missing person from the Windorah area. This bloke has gone miss- ing presumably between Windorah and Jundah. However, he may have walked this way en route to Ayers Rock. The flyer is attached so please keep an eye out. He may have posted camp away from the road so a sharp eye is needed.

The cricket competition in town was a great day. Colgate put me on Boulia’s team, which happened to take the trophy. If anyone doesn’t like the fact that Boulia won, take it up with Colgate. The festivities that evening were uneventful for police.

I want to remind everyone not to take the risk of drinking and driving. We live in a place where walking home is generally around the block. If you’re from out of town, there are plenty of places to roll out a swag. Drink driving is one thing that I will not tolerate and cannot be justi- fied. If you see me out and you’re at the bar just walk yourself home and save me the paperwork.

I am also working towards obtaining gym equipment for use in Bedourie consisting of a rowing machine and a couple of bikes. This is still a work in progress and I will keep you all updated.

Everyone stay safe (below are some pictures of taxidermy failures)

S/Constable Paul JACKSON Bedourie Police

Page 20 Desert Yarns

Clean Up Australia Day

Diamantina Shire residents participated in Clean Up Australia Day activities in both Bedourie and Birdsville on Sunday 2nd March. They joined Australians the nation over to develop awareness of the damage that rubbish and pollution can inflict on our natural environment. Over 60 Diamantina Shire residents contributed to clean-up efforts in both Birdsville and Bedourie and were treated to a free BBQ lunch for their efforts, supplied by the Diamantina Shire Council. Participants met at 9.30am on Sunday morning, which was a big effort in itself for some. They were issued with garbage bags and gloves and sent to their clean-up sites. In Bedourie, rubbish was collected from the main streets of town while in Birdsville, participants picked up a huge amount of rubbish from the sand dunes behind the town dump. Participants then returned to their town’s respective ANZAC Parks for the community BBQ.

The Diamantina Shire Council would like to thank both the Bedourie and Birdsville parks and gardens teams for facilitating the event and assisting with clean-up site supervision and rubbish disposal. The parks and gardens teams are instrumental in the upkeep of both towns and Clean Up Australia Day is a fantastic way for the community to show their appreciation to parks and gardens for their unfailing dedication to keeping the Diamantina Shire looking wonderful.

Page 21 Desert Yarns

Graham Rodger to tour the Diamantina

Australian country music legend Graham Rodger has announced an outback tour that will include shows in both Bedourie and Birdsville. Graham will be enjoying a fifteen show, fifteen town tour as he zig-zags his way from Miles to Birdsville in May and June. This lengthy tour will target small communities in western Queensland and Graham has invited interested participants to ‘tag-along’ with him on this meandering journey through some of Graham’s favourite landscapes and towns. “I’d like to give back something to the people who have given me so much,” he says. “It is these men and women who have trusted me with their personal and often quite private stories. It is from their generosity and their first hand accounts that I have found the inspiration to write many of my songs including 26 Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards winning ballads. It is a gift and a trust that is not easy to repay.” As he travels through the channel country many of his concerts will contain songs Graham has written about the specific area. He has rec- orded several songs about the Cooper, the Diamantina, Burke and Wills, the Middleton Hotel and the Min Min Lights, just to name a few. “Ten per cent of my shows are probably covers of Slim Dusty, Stan Coster, Tex Morton and other early pioneers of the Australian country music scene,” he says. “The other ninety per cent of what I sing are songs I have written and Australia and Australians are heavily at the fore- front of the themes of these ballads.” Graham was recently admitted to the Hands of Fame at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for his huge contribution to Australian country music. Dianne Lindsay was also admitted on this occasion. Graham will perform in Bedourie on 12th June, 2014 and his tour will conclude in Birdsville with a show on 13th June, 2014. For further information, contact Louise Scouten on 02 9548 2009 or [email protected].

Above: Graham Rodger announces his Miles - Birdsville tour for winter 2014. The tour will reach many of the towns that Slim Dusty has performed in.

Right: Graham inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame at a ceremony at the recent Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Page 22 Desert Yarns

Page 23 Desert Yarns

The Diamantina in the media

An article featuring Birdsville locals Sam Barnes, Kelly Theobald, Mayor Geoff Morton and James Humphries recently appeared on the front page of the Weekend Australian, our national newspaper. The article is a very positive representation of young people in the outback and is the result of The Australian’s journalist Sarah Elks’ visit to the Diamantina.

MELBURNIAN Kelly The- like me who are set in their obald passed up Paris for ways," he said. Birdsville for one simple "But it also helps bridge the reason: she fell in love divide between city and coun- with the outback. try. They come out here and In succumbing to that unex- see we're not all yokels, see pected passion, the 26-year- the way we live, and then they old author is part of a wave of go home and pass their young people refreshing the knowledge of how the bush one-pub bush town, on the runs to their city cousins." Queensland edge of the Simp- Theobald had graduated from son Desert, and other inland a journalism course at Mel- centres dotting the nation. bourne's La Trobe Universi- Children's author Kelly Theobald spurned Paris for Birdsville "I would encourage every ty, backpacked overseas and - along with local boilermaker Sam Barnes and a 1963 VW young Australian to see the enrolled to study a human Beetle. Source: The Australian outback; it's just as amazing rights master's degree in Paris and as diverse as travelling when she arrived in Birdsville home. at building a home in the out- overseas," Theobald said as in April 2011. Mr Barnes, who has lived in back town. the sun set on the flame- She intended to stay in the Birdsville on and off, runs a "We haven't looked back," Mr coloured sands of Big Red, the 120-person town - 1590km thriving boilermaking business Humphries said. "It's not eve- desert's tallest dune. west of Brisbane and 720km from a barn-sized shed on the ryone's cup of tea, but we "Birdsville has a different vibe south of Mount Isa - for four outskirts of town. "I never found they're lovely people to the rest of Australia, even a months, working in its historic planned to come here (to and very welcoming. different language sometimes." pub and saving money for start a business), but I never "People are patient and you For fourth-generation grazier Paris. Easy, she thought, in found anywhere better ... I don't have to rush jobs - Geoff Morton, Mayor of the light of the dearth of restau- guess I'm used to sand in my you're the only one Diamantina Shire that is home rants, wine bars, coffee shops teeth," he said. (electrician) for 700km - but if to Birdsville, the likes of The- and general Parisian je ne sais Business couldn't be better. your service isn't good, you'll obald, who met local boiler- quoi in the outback outpost. "I'm flat out," he said. "There's get the picture and end up maker Sam Barnes, are a wel- But Birdsville got under her enough work here to keep me with no work. (Moving to the come addition to the commu- skin. The locals' broad grins going 365 days a year, if I outback) is not for everyone, nity. and dry humour; the billabong, wanted." but if you've got a trade and Mr Morton reckons more crowded with pelicans; the The town's electrician, 25- you want to build your skills, young people are heading to majesty of Big Red at dusk; year-old James Humphries, it's a good spot to start." the bush to begin their ca- the stories of the bush and its ended up living in Birdsville reers than ever. "Young gibber-plained remoteness. last year after a misfortune. tradies in the city, they're at So Ms Theobald deferred her Four days earlier, he and his Article Paris can wait: young and the bottom of the ladder," Mr Parisian studies and settled fiancee Stephanie Selmes had the restless seduced by Birdsville and Morton said. "But when they down. She fell for Mr Barnes, packed up their lives in Goul- Big Red. come out here, they've got became the town's events co- burn, in southern NSW, and the skills and knowledge we ordinator and even penned a taken off in a caravan to work By: Sarah Elks need and we treat them as children's book, Onslo, about a and explore the country. though they're further up that Birdsville-based Volkswagen Their plans were derailed First published in The Weekend ladder. They become some- Beetle that conquers the when their vehicle broke Australian body in Birdsville." Simpson Desert, inspired by down in Birdsville. While they Available online at Mr Morton said that although her trip with 26-year-old were waiting for parts, Mr www.theaustralian.com.au many stayed for only a couple Barnes across its 1100 dunes Humphries was offered a few of years, when they returned in their 1963 VW. The book is odd jobs as an electrician. to the cities they helped break in its second print run. The pair have since had their down the urban-country di- "We may be in the middle of first baby, Elle, in Birdsville, vide. nowhere, but Birdsville is and Mr Humphries is now at "They come out here with the thriving and a fantastic place the helm of a successful self- If you come across anything latest ideas and new ways of for young people to start their started business that operates about the Diamantina, Birdsville, doing things, and that refresh- own businesses," she said. She across two huge Queensland Bedourie or Betoota in the es the bush; otherwise you hasn't forgotten studying in shires and into South Austral- media, we’d love to see it! just have the old stalwarts Paris, but for now Birdsville is ia. The young family is looking

Page 24 Desert Yarns

Bedourie Public Sport Did you know…?

Tennis: Every Monday, 7pm at the Bedourie tennis courts.  A large percentage of the budget for Monty Python Netball: Every Wednesday, 7pm, at the Bedourie Community and the Holy Grail was donated by members of Hall. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.  Whiskey is clear when it’s distilled. It gets much Sport is free and all equipment is supplied; no experience necessary. of its colour and taste from the oak barrels in All welcome! which it’s aged.  An infant human has about 300 bones, some of which fuse as the child grows. An adult human’s Channel Country Ladies’ Day body typically contains 206 bones.  Koalas don’t drink. They get all of the moisture Channel Country Ladies’ Day is an annual not-for-profit they need from the leaves they ingest. event in western Queensland that connects and celebrates outback women.  Before writing The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, In Australia’s vast inland, women are often isolated in harsh J.R.R. Tolkien worked for the Oxford English Dic- environments, working hard and raising families away from tionary. He specialised in words with a Germanic the conveniences that most Australians take for granted. origin beginning with the letter ‘w’. When the closest supermarket is hundreds of kilometres  The surface of the human skin is 2 square metres. away, the doctor flies in on a plane every so often and the temperature hovers in the mid-40s for most of summer, it’s  Giraffes and rats can last longer without water easy to forget about the gorgeous, feminine women within. than camels. Whether you live on a station or in a town, prefer work  More people are killed each year from bees than boots or stilettos, Channel Country Ladies’ Day is a day to from snakes or sharks. celebrate the strong, beautiful, resourceful women that you  Disneyland opened in 1955. are.  It is illegal to frown at cows in Bladworth, Sas- The 2014 Channel Country Ladies Day will be held in Be- katchewan. toota on 17th-19th October, 2014. For more information,  An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain. go to www.channelcountryladiesday.com.au  It takes 8.5 minutes for light to get from the sun to earth.  Lightening strikes the earth about 8 million times each day. Local Ambulance Committee  The country code for Russia is 007.  Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s highest The Bedourie Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) has been terminated. Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) waterfall at 979 metres. has advised that it isn’t productive or useful in a small  A crocodile’s tongue is attached to roof of its town such as Bedourie. However, the Bedourie Clinic still mouth. requires trained ambulance drivers on a casual voluntary  There are 1792 steps in the Eiffel Tower. basis. If you wish to participate in training and become a volunteer emergency driver, please inform Madeline or  Elephants only sleep for two hours a day. Chris.  Every time you lick a stamp you consume one tenth of a calorie. Regards,

Mary-Jane Bell - President. Birdsville Aqua Aerobics

Ever Monday and Thursday, 6pm, Birdsville Pool (Enter through school grounds on Adelaide Street). Free entry, no bookings required, all welcome!

Page 25 Desert Yarns

Local Profiles

Governess Kate McDonald, at South Galway Station near Windorah, has created a blog and has profiled a number of western Queensland women including numerous Diamantina Shire residents. Below are some excerpts from some profiles of Diamantina women. To read them all, head to lovingtheoutbacklifestyle.blogspot.com.au

Emily McCullagh decided to take a gap year and go and work in the outback. One year has turned into two years and Emily hasn’t looked back. Emily lives and works as a governess on Mt Leonard Station, a cattle station 170km east of Birds- ville. Durrie Station is located 100km east of Birdsville. Na- Emily teaches in the schoolroom from Monday to Friday through Mt Isa School of dine (Dean) Lorenz lives there with her husband Darren the Air. This year Emily only has one child in the schoolroom; Jacob who is in and their three children, Matthew (13), Eboni (9) and grade 4. Last year she had two children, Jacob who was then in grade 3 and Leah Jesse (8). Matthew is currently away at boarding school who was in grade 7. This year Leah moved to boarding school and the schoolroom in Warwick. Eboni and Jesse complete their schooling at has certainly changed with only the one child now. They often try to finish their Durrie through Mt Isa School of Distance Education. work early so they are able to go fishing, play sport or do art. However, their favourite thing to do is get outside and help the men with cattle work. Dean loves being a mother and a wife for her family. However, living on a station requires Dean to undertake Emily loves living in the outback because of all the things you can do and see out many other roles as well. She is a cook, a counsellor, a here that you don’t get the chance to in the city. The amazing landscapes and big nurse, a cleaner, a bookkeeper and an active member of skies are indescribable. Having grown up in the city, the country’s laid back lifestyle her community. Dean is a passionate member of the is something that really stands out along with the huge open spaces. One of Emily’s Birdsville Social Club. Last year Dean under took a mas- favourite things to do is just sit and have a yarn with someone and hear their sto- sive fundraising effort and took part in Shave for a Cure, ries. Since moving out here Emily has learnt to ride horses, motorbikes, help with raising much-needed funds for leukaemia research. cattle work, and so much more – all which she absolutely loves. Kate McDonald, South Galway Station Dean has lived in the Channel Country since 1998. Her first impression upon arriving was “why would anyone live out here?”

Despite her hesitant first impression, Dean has grown to completely love the area, can answer her own question and completely understands why people fall in love with living in the outback and never want to leave! Dean thinks that the people in the outback are just wonderful and so supportive and make living here worthwhile. She feels it is a great place to raise kids and remote living provides the opportunity to understand your own per- sonal strength. Not everyone likes the lifestyle, but eve- ryone should come at least once and check it out.

Dean has many favourite memories of living in the out- back but the most special was when she got married to her husband Darren on 19th May, 2012, in Birdsville. Not only was it a special event for Dean and Darren but it was also a community event. All of their family trav- elled out to Birdsville to share their special day with them and, judging by the photos, the whole town and surrounding area of Birdsville was there too. The wed- ding was even featured in the R.M. Williams OUTBACK magazine. Kate McDonald, South Galway Station

Page 26 Desert Yarns

From the new Birdsville State School Principal—Welcome, Mrs Rigby! Welcome to 2014 I would like to thank the community of Birdsville for their warm welcome. Dywayne and I are very proud to now call the town of Birdsville home and we have high hopes that this lovely town will remain our home for at least the next three years. We made the move from Aramac to Birdsville and we have loved the small town similarities. We recently got married and love the thought that this is our first year as a mar- ried couple along with our first year in Birdsville. Dywayne and I have thoroughly enjoyed our first few weeks in Birdsville; we have made many friends and met a large array of amazing people. I am very proud to have been offered the position of Acting Principal at the school and through many discussions with the wider community have found that I am certainly not alone in believing that Birdsville is a terrific school with hardworking students.

I look forward, with great anticipation, to forging strong relationships as the year continues both within the community, with my students and also my staff. I am excited about working collaboratively with the staff and P&C to ensure that Birdsville State School is achieving the best outcomes for all students and achieving great success in the coming years.

As you will know, the last few years has seen a vast improvement in the curriculum across QLD and the nation with the development of a National Curriculum (Australian Curriculum). We have been following the roll out of subjects over the past few years and 2014 brings an- other subject – Geography. Once again this will see a shuffle in our timetables and we look forward to being able to implement this subject across all year levels.

Having been appointed as the new Acting Principal, I have been working hard to ensure that we, as a school, are working to see improve- ments from all students in all areas. As a staff, we have taken the time to sit down and take a look at where we have come and where we see ourselves going in 2014 and beyond. As a staff we have examined the 2013 Teaching and Learning Audit of Birdsville State School and identi- fied areas of concern for us, we look forward to being able to ensure that consistent teaching practices, collection and analysis of data, sys- tematic curriculum delivery and differentiated classroom learning not only occurs at all times at Birdsville State School but is well document- ed and clearly identifiable. These domains are not just important to us when we have a Teaching and Learning Audit occurring; it is much more important that, for our students to be achieving the best that they possibly can, these things need to be fully ingrained in what we say, do and see, at Birdsville State School EVERY DAY.

I thank the staff, students and parents for a fabulous first five weeks of learning and I look forward to sharing more news later in the term.

Yours in education, Tiffany Rigby Student of the week

Week 2 - George Hannan for: New Website An outstanding effort in both maths and English! Week 3 - Sam Hannan for: I am excited to announce that Birdsville State School has a Enthusiasm in all areas. new website. We were very lucky to have been given the opportunity over the holidays to apply for a free website Week 4 - Alicia Veal for: build. Due to not having been to the school prior to begin- A fabulous effort in all of your subjects-you are trying ning this year, I provided the minimum amount of infor- SO hard! mation required to build the website and over the next few weeks I look forward to being able to go in and update infor- mation. Bookwork award

It is my hope that we will be able to upload newsletters and To these students for: Displaying exceptional bookwork and dedi- run a calendar of events through the website and I encourage cation to Birdsville State School’s Bookwork Policy. parents and the community to have a look and provide feed- back and ideas so that the website can be used to its full Week 2- Izayah Gilby potential. Week 3- Alicia Veal Week 4- Izayah Gilby www.birdsvilless.eq.edu.au

Page 27 Desert Yarns ANZAC DAY Friday 25th April, 2014

Council-organised Activities Dawn Service: ANZAC Park in Bedourie and Birdsville BBQ Breakfast: Following dawn service Parade and Official Service: ANZAC Park in Bedour- ie and Birdsville. Special guests attending service in Birdsville. More information in the next edition of Desert Yarns!

Photo courtesy ABC

Page 28 Desert Yarns

Diamantina Reading

A day in the life of Birdsville in February The rising sun casts a golden glow on the crum- bling façade of a ruined pub. The Royal Hotel has stood in the centre of town for over 100 years and is a reminder of when pre-federation Birdsville had a population of 300 and the need for more than one pub. Usually, visitors wander around it taking photographs of history. Today, the pub stands lonely and resplendent in the sunrise, radiant against a sky of dark, velvety clouds. The clouds are gathering in the sky to the north. Thick, dark, promising clouds. Queens- land is currently in its worst drought in a centu- ry and rain is the topic of every conversation. “When will it rain? It rained over at such and such a place. The prediction says rain. It won’t rain. I wish it would rain.” For weeks the clouds have been gathering – and A storm blows across the Birdsville town common without bringing rain. Photo: Kelly Theobald dispersing. The days have been cooler than in January but the air has been thick with moisture, hanging and suffocating but not bringing relief. A spot of rain here, a short shower there – teasing us all. Out on surrounding properties some have been lucky and a dam or two has filled. But it’s not enough and everyone still yearns for a deluge. A BMX shoots around a corner, its rider heading for school. Excitable dogs bark playfully through the fence as he passes, one of four stu- dents at the town’s only school. He overtakes a bobcat, noisy in the silence of the morning, as it trundles along the otherwise empty road to wherever its job may be. Its fluro-clad driver waves g’day as the bike skids to a halt at the school fence. The sound of the radio at the general store floats through the air and a 4WD pulls up outside. Shopping for groceries is never quick in Birds- ville. People stop and mingle in the aisles of food, catching up on the week’s news and events. Later, over at the post office, a queue forms to collect the day’s mail. Mail is only delivered on Mondays and Thursdays and the last hour of each delivery day is peak hour; parcels and chat- ter fill the small room.

Across the road, cars line the street outside the school grounds. A woman emerges from an open gate, leading a dripping toddler, and turns to wave to the lifeguard as they leave. Inside the pool fence, twelve women are chatting and laughing as they bob in the clear water. Music starts pumping and the lifeguard commands the women to start running in circles in the pool. They giggle as they run, slipping on the sloping pool bottom and waving their arms in the air. An hour of splashing later and aqua aerobics is over for the night. The women are tired but content and disband slowly, car by car, heading back to their families and a warm shower. As they leave, the sun dips below the horizon and the heavy clouds absorb its light, flooding the sky with deep reds and brilliant oranges. The lights of a lone 4WD reflect off the dark bitumen as it slowly crawls into town, circling through the grid of streets and soon resting its lights on the caravan park entrance archway. One by one, stars appear in the darkening sky and it’s not long before it’s awash – a twinkling, comforting blanket of familiarity thrown over the hub of glowing lights that is the tiny town in the middle of the vast, empty blackness.

First published on kellytheobald.com.au as part of a series of blog posts, entitled A Day in the Life, about life in Birdsville throughout the year.

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

Page 29 Desert Yarns

Page 30 Desert Yarns

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]

 Terry Morris Corporate Services Manager (07) 4746 1202 [email protected]

 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 350 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 and . 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 newslet- ter 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 guidelines and style guide.