Diamantina Shire Council
Desert Yarns
August, 2013 Distributed free to all residents. Volume 4 Issue 65 Upcoming Events
Ordinary Council Meeting - August 19 Message from the Mayor
Youth Council Meeting - August 21 Firstly it is with regret that I have accepted the resignation of our CEO, Betoota Races - August 31 Scott Mason. After six years Scott is moving on and up the local Birdsville Races - September 6/7 government ladder, moving to Central Highlands Regional Council based in Bedourie Races & Rodeo- September Emerald. Scott has been a tireless worker for the shire and leaves the shire 13/14 in a strong position as it faces some challenging years ahead. He is also a Bedourie Ute & Travellers’ Muster - great community person taking on the P&C, wood chopping just to name a September 14 couple. I wish Scott and Alana all the very best for the future and thank Youth Council Wet Fest - October 5 them for all the help given to me and the community. My wife and I had the Diamantina Triathlon - November 16 pleasure of attending Scott and Alana’s farewell in Bedourie, it was a Bedourie Bikekhana - November 30 wonderful evening. People travelled long distances to be with them and it was an event very fitting to Scott and Alana. Seeing the huge pile of gifts they received, and continue to receive, I suspect they’ll have to have a
garage sale before they go. The Mead Perry Group has been employed to secure the recruitment of a
Message from the Mayor 1-2 new CEO. This process is well advanced, with a short list having been decided and interviews getting under way over the next couple of weeks. Writings from the CEO / Media Release 3-6
From the Tourism & Community Desk 7-8 Earlier in July we had the “big Red Run”, a six day seven stage 250km mar- athon, in and to the west of Birdsville. This was an extremely well run Works Report 9-11 event and raised funds for diabetes. 60 odd runners finished the event and Positions Vacant 12 well done to them. The shire welcomes these events into the shire as they Council News 13-30 are a great boost to the local economy. John Williamson performed on top The Arts 31-33 of Big Red as part of the run. I was lucky enough to attend, and I’m sure all Health News 34 who went would agree it was a great evening. Police News 35 Mid-month the ABC came out to Bedourie to do a story around the shire Community Catch Up 36-43 health services and the shortfall in funding. The CEO and I both had our $2 Bedourie Gymkhana Results 44-46 worth, the story will eventually run on the 7.30 report. Further to the
Bedourie Camel Races Results 47 funding shortfall, the CEO and I went to Boulia where we did a presentation DSC Events/Flyers 48-59 before the Central West Hospital and health board, which were visiting Boulia, putting our case for more funding. One can only hope they listened, they did at least stay awake.
Diamantina Shire Council 07 4746 1202 17 Herbert Street 07 4746 1272
BEDOURIE QLD 4829 [email protected] www.diamantina.qld.gov.au
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Birdsville was lucky enough to have a visit from Tedeschi and Cooper, two classical musicians who played the piano and violin. They would be two of the most talented musicians to visit Birdsville and their performance was enjoyed by the 60 odd people who attended the evening, including me. Last week a public meeting was held in Birdsville to find the community views regarding the freshwater crocodile. It was attended via teleconference by Rebecca Williams from the wildlife services. It was a unanimous opinion that the crocodile be humanely relocated, if possible. The permits have been applied for and it is intended to have the crocodile removed by the end of August. In the last week the CEO and I attended the LGAQ Bush Convention in Longreach. This was made up of councils from the bush ie.Palm Island to St George, Boulia to Emerald and all point in between. The convention was attended by Ministers Crisafulli, Emerson, Cripps and McVeigh each of who pledged their willingness to work with local government on issues facing rural and remote communities.
On a sombre note, it is with sadness that I have learned of the death of Charlie Rayment, father of Cr. Rayment. Charlie was a rather colourful character who owned Kurran Station in the far north of the shire and will be missed by many. My sympathies go out to Cr Rayment and his family at this sad time.
Geoff Morton Cr Morton addressing the crowd at the Queensland Mayor Music Festival featuring Tedeschi and Cooper.
Cr Geoff Morton and The Hon. Bruce Scott MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Member for Maranoa at the Meet and Greet in Birdsville on July 8.
Mayor Cr Morton at CEO, Scott Mason’s farewell party.
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Writings from the CEO
Outback Queensland Tourism
I a ended the Outback Queensland Tourism Associa on Board Mee ng held in Mt Isa as a proxy delegate to Mr Brian Mooney (Board Member proper) who was also in a endance. It was a good insight into the tourism industry, through a Regional Tourism Organisa on, at a more strategic level, recognising the dual and at mes, conflic ng aims of the Queensland Government to create efficiencies and savings and to strengthen tourism, it being a pillar of the economy.
The Mee ng spanned two days, was a pleasure to a end and was conducted quite professionally. The Board culture was strong and healthy and all members were passionate and enthusias c about outback tourism. I was able to take back to Diaman na Shire several ini a ves to assist our Far West Tourism Alliance, the rela vely new group comprising Barcoo, Boulia and Diaman na Shires, established to leverage greater tourism industry opportuni es for our region which represents approximately 13% of Queensland.
Deputa ons in Canberra during June, 2013 Diaman na Shire a ended a number of deputa ons in Canberra to progress two key issues: funding for the Diaman na Health Service; and the need for fibre op c telecommunica ons.
Diaman na Health Service June 18, 2013 – The Hon Peter Du on MP, Federal Member for Dickson and Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing June 18, 2013 – Mr Paul Hardcastle, Advisor to Minister Collins who is in charge of the Community Por olio on behalf of Minister Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Health and Disability Reform June 19, 2013 – The Hon Bruce Sco MP, Federal Member for Maranoa and Second Deputy Speaker
Fibre Op c Telecommunica ons June 19, 2013 – The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Federal Member for Wentworth and Shadow Minister for Communica ons and Broadband June 19, 2013 – The Hon Bruce Sco MP, Federal Member for Maranoa and Second Deputy Speaker June 19, 2013 – The Hon Luke Hartsuyker, Federal Member for Cowper June 19, 2013 – Senator Fiona Nash, Senator for New South Wales, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Educa on, Deputy Leader of the Na onals in the Senate
Council was most grateful for the support and assistance provided by Mr Bruce Sco MP, Federal Member for Maranoa and Second Deputy Speaker and his staff for organising deputa ons and for providing his office to us to use as a base while we nego ated the myriad of offices to a end deputa ons.
Impromptu deputa ons were also held with Mr Anthony Albanese MP, Federal Member for Grayndler and now Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Broadband, Communica ons and the Digital Economy and Leader of the House and Mr Warren Truss, Federal Member for Wide Bay and Leader of the Na onals regarding road funding on behalf of the Outback Regional Road Group.
Council has been provided with key points from each of the deputa ons that will be used to leverage be er ser- vices for the people of Diaman na Shire.
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Enterprise Risk Management Workshop – July 10, 2013 Mr Shane Gray of Jardine Lloyd Thompson delivered two Enterprise Risk Management Workshops for Diaman na Shire Council at Bedourie on July 10, 2013. The first was for the Senior Management Team which comprises the Works Manager, the Tourism and Community Manager, the Corporate Services Manager and me. It was an excellent and appropriate Workshop that has mo vated the organisa on to finalise the development of its Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
The second Workshop was for other staff and broadly introduced risk using examples of how important it is for the organisa on to have an appropriate risk management framework in place. It also encouraged employees to take ac on in instances where they believe there are risks or exposures that could impact on Council or on visitors to the community or users of ameni es and facili es.
CEO RESIGNATION I have tendered my resigna on from the posi on of Chief Execu ve Officer for Diaman na Shire Council. I will soon take up the posi on of Chief Execu ve Officer for Central Highlands Regional Council based at Emerald. It is with regret that I will be leaving the community of Bedourie that has been home for the past six years. I have made many friends and learnt so much about Western Queensland and local government through the opportunity afforded me by Diaman na Shire Council mid-2007 when it appointed me as its Chief Execu ve Officer. I sincerely thank the current and past elected members for their support and encouragement that has enabled me to achieve local and regional successes for the Shire. I will commence du es for Central Highlands Regional Council on Monday, August 19, 2013. They have agreed to release me to conduct a proper and full handover to the new Chief Execu ve Officer for Diaman na Shire Council. Once again I thank the Council and the community for making my me here memorable.
CEO Send Off – July 26, 2013 The farewell func on held on July 26, 2013 at Bedourie was well a ended. I thank everyone who a ended especially those who took the me to travel from Windorah, Roma, Boulia, Birdsville, Jundah, Mt Isa, Barcaldine and other places. It was a great night with lots of laughter. Alana and I were humbled by the pleasant words and gi s presented. We will both truly miss the Diaman na Shire and the friends we have made here and in the surrounding areas. It has been an absolute pleasure to be CEO here for the last six years. I Photographs courtesy of Kate Krause thank the Council for organising and hos ng the func on and I par- cularly thank the Mayor for his very kind words.
Trevor Stewart MC, Cr Ian Groves, Barcoo CEO, Bob O’Brien, Mayor Cr Above: Hasting Deering Rep, Tony Tolkie and Scott. Julie Groves, CEO Scott Mason, ex CEO Michael Parker and ex Bruce Scott. Below: Heather Weir from Advance Chartered Accountants presents Scott with a going away gift.
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Approximately 50 concerned Birdsville residents a ended the Public Mee ng held in the Town Hall on July 30, to discuss concerns regarding the Australian Freshwater Crocodile that has recently made its home in the Diaman na River nearby the Town. A telephone conference with Ms Rebecca Williams, Director of Wildlife Services was conducted to provide a endees with op ons available and for the concern of the residents to be conveyed to Government. The Mee ng was facilitated by Mayor Cr Geoff Morton and the overwhelming majority view was for the animal to be humanely relocated as soon as possible. Ms Williams pledged the support of herself and colleague Ms Sally Eagan, Regional Manager, Southern Region to expedite the issuance of a Damage Mi ga on Permit to allow transfer of the animal to occur. If necessary, there will be an op on for the animal to be destroyed. Diaman na Shire Council will work with the Queensland State Government to secure interest by an organisa on such as Australia Zoo or Dream World to assist with the humane capture of the animal with the view that it would be cared for and exhibited by such organisa on.
Outback Regional Road Group (ORRG) Workforce Sustainability and Viability Proposal for 2014/15 and 2015/16
Three Mayors (Boulia, Barcaldine and Diaman na) and I represented the ORRG at a deputa on with Minister Sco Emerson, Minister for Transport and Main Roads in Longreach on July 31, 2013 to seek $10m in financial support to pool with the $3.5m, which represents a $0.5m contribu on by each of the seven member Councils of the ORRG.
The Minister was congratulatory regarding the innova ve nature of the Proposal and cognisant that the Proposal demonstrates leadership for other regions within Queensland.
He commi ed to looking closely at the proposal.
Bush Councils Conven on 2013
The Inaugural Bush Councils Conven on was held in Longreach from July 31 to August 1, 2013. Diaman na Shire Council was represented by its Mayor and Chief Execu ve Officer. It was a success with the main a ribute being presenta ons by four State Ministers followed by a ques on and answer session. The Honorable David Crisafuli MP, Minister for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience The Honorable John McVeigh MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry The Honorable Andrew Cripps MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines The Honorable Sco Emerson MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads
Dingoes Council is implemen ng a change in the process for claiming the $30 bounty. It will require a statement form to be signed by the manager of the ca le sta on to confirm the Dingo was destroyed on the sta on. The reason for this change is due to an alarming quan ty of ears being presented at Birdsville.
I take this opportunity to advise that no one has the permission to shoot or hunt on the Town Commons without the express permission of the Diaman na Shire Council. The prac ce of shoo ng Dingoes on the Birdsville Town Common by Council employees has been stopped to preserve community welfare. Other control methods to curb the Dingo numbers are being pursued.
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From the Tourism & Community Desk
We are now very close to the commencement of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. TV advertising has commenced and the event will be launched officially in mid-August. Final planning is underway for the races in Betoota, Birdsville and Bedourie and full details are available on our web site or social media sites. We have produced some Simpson Desert Racing Carnival merchandise this year and branded ‘stubby-holders’ are available for sale from both vis- itor centres. It looks like being a great racing season.
We can confirm that James Morrison will be performing in Birdsville on 22nd September courtesy of Young at Heart Holidays and this will bring several charter flights from across the country.
The ‘Knauf Insulation project’ is underway and buildings in Birdsville are currently being insulated. Media coverage of the project has already been significant with more to come in the near future. The refurbishment of the Bedourie Clinic is nearing completion and we hope to re-open the renovated building in the near future.
Thanks to both the town services teams for the considerable work that they have done to make the towns ready for the recent and forthcoming events in the shire. This includes assisting with activities to promote Arbour Day in conjunction with Bedourie and Birdsville State Schools.
Significant upgrades to Audio, stage and lighting were recently completed at both Community halls. Residents of both towns attending training on how to use the new equipment and training sheets are available. The work was completed just in time to be utilised for the recent QLD Music Festival performance and Christmas in July events in Birdsville and the lighting looked spectacular.
This month we farewell our CEO, Scott Mason, and I wish him all the very best in his new position in Emerald. Scott has been heavily involved in tourism and community events and will be sorely missed
Until next month!
Steven Baldwin Tourism & Community Manager
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Works Report
CONSTRUCTION CREW The Construction Crew are working on Burrimurra pave and seal project, they have nearly completed base gravel. Prime will be done on August 10, 2013 and bitumen sealing August 13, 2013.
GRAVEL CREW The Gravel Crew have moved on to do shire road flood damages works. They are currently working on the Coorabulka Griffiths Tank Road. Gravel re-sheeting is the majority of work on this road and this job will take few months.
MULTI SKILLED CREW The Multi Skilled Crew have completed the Bedourie Wash-down Bay concrete work. They are now working on the Bedourie – Windorah Road margins. They are also making preparations for the annual council auction in Bedourie on August 23, 2013.
PATROL GRADER CREW This crew has completed patrol grading at the top end of the Shire. They have moved to Birdsville – Windorah Road and started patrol grading from the border in preparation for rac- es.
COUNCIL FLEET Six new light motor vehicles were delivered to Council with a further 10 more to come early next week.
Harin Karra Deputy Works Manager
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Bedourie Residential Subdivision North side of Bedourie town council developing 34 lot residential subdivision. This residential subdivision will be developed in stages two financial years. And it will be available for sale. Part of this development Council engage KAB contracting to divert water mains this been finished. Council Northern view of subdivision have engaged contractors to supply aggregate and bituminous products for the roads. Telstra diverting the line this month. Majority of bulk earth work been finished. All the services will be completed by June 2014.
South view
West view
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Council News
Diamantina Shire Council is currently finalising its’ training schedule for the 2013/14 year. Community members are invited to participate in relevant training events.
Already in the pipe line for September- December are courses in First Aid, Welding, Concreting and 4WD Driving Safety. If you are interested you can obtain further information from Mr Terry Morris, Corporate Service Manager, on telephone 4746 1202. More details to follow!
Below: Workers from the early 90’s Cyril Stewart, Bill Riddiford, Charles Parsons, Barry Yeates and Hasting Deering trainer. Here taking ownership on behalf of Council of a 623 Scraper. Photograph courtesy of Kev Barr Snr
It’s not often that you get something for free, but here in The Diamantina we believe that some things in life should just be free - including recharging your mobile phones & tablets! We know how long it took you to get here and know that when travelling through the Outback keeping in contact with loved ones at home is important, so we recently installed a new free Charge Bar in the Wirrarri Information Centre in Birdsville. With 8 charging cables you’ll be able to charge virtually all handsets and tablets on the market. So stop in next time you’re in town and recharge your batteries.
Desert Yarns
Next Edition - Monday, September 2, 2013 Contributions Close - Thursday, August 29, 2013
You can find the current edition and back issues of Desert Yarns online at the Diamantina Shire Council webpage. The latest edition is posted immediately after completion. www.diamantina.qld.gov.au Important: Diamantina Shire Council will not be responsible for omission of any supplied articles or advertisements.
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All correspondence addressed to: Telephone: (07) 4746 1202 The Chief Executive Officer Facsimile: (07) 4746 1272
17 Herbert Street
BEDOURIE QLD 4829 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au
MEDIA RELEASE
A viable future ahead for the Diamantina
Over the next twelve months the Diamantina Shire Council’s 2013–14 Budget will allocate $39,374,026 in expenditure to commence, continue and complete a range of projects across the Shire. Whilst this year’s budget revenue is down from last year’s, largely due to a significant reduction in funding and grants, this is balanced by a reduction in expenditure.
Diamantina Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Scott Mason is pleased with the budget because it consolidates and strengthens Diamantina Shire Councils financial performance.
“Council has grown its cash reserves by over one million to provide for future responsibilities. It also provides the funding to tackle the big issues like the construction of a new Workshop in the Bedourie Industrial precinct,” he said.
Council rate rises are generally in keeping with the Local Government Cost Index and in the case of utilities, greater in order to gradually diminish the gap to the cost of service provision. Further details are included in the attached Appendix: Diamantina Shire Council 2013/2014 Budget Summary. Council continues its excellent property maintenance programme with a commitment to ensuring valuable assets are protected through scheduled maintenance as well as repair works when needed.
The operational budget allocations reflect Council’s strong commitment to investing in infrastructure, tourism and community development across the Shire. While the capital works programme is ambitious, Council is prepared to make tough decisions in determining which particular projects are to be held back to ensure those projects undertaken are managed within its capacity to pay. Prudent financial management is the foundation of this budget to ensure a sustainable financial position and to protect community assets for now and into the future.
Across the length and breadth of the Shire, Council is building roads and other infrastructure for the future and improving community services which will stand the test of time. Members of the public can access the Budget documents on Council’s web site or in person at the Administration Centre in Bedourie and at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre in Birdsville.
June 13, 2013
Media inquiries:
Cr Geoff Morton, Mayor (email:[email protected]) Ph (07) 4746 1202
Mr Scott Mason, Chief Executive Officer (email: [email protected]) Ph (07) 4746 1202
Appendix: Diamantina Shire Council 2013/2014 Budget Summary IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE: YOUR REFERENCE: FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
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Queensland Music Festival flies in to town
What do you get when you send two virtuosic musicians on a Judy Rayment, Dean Lorenz and Shelley Dillon whirlwind tour across Queensland in a light plane, armed with only a keyboard, a fiddle and a sense of humour? An evening of glitz and glam rarely seen in the Diaman na.
As part of the Queensland Music Fes val tour, Simon Tedeschi (piano) and Ian Cooper (violin), two of the finest classical musicians Australia has to offer, performed at the Birdsville Hall on Monday 22 July. They’ve played for presidents, queens and princesses and performed to audiences of thousands, from Par- is to New York and London to Sydney. But had never played at Birdsville before.
The event was a huge success with the self-proclaimed city slickers entertaining around 90 locals and visitors pain ng a musical landscape encompassing classics, country, jazz, gypsy, swing and blues. As an added bonus the new stage ligh ng installed by MacroSphere had its first big ou ng. A big thank you to the Birdsville Social Club for running the bar and the door for the evening.
Remembering Foxy
On Thursday, July 25 Bedourie residents gathered to insert the plaque on Rodney Bell’s (better known as Foxy) headstone. Foxy passed away on September 24, 2011. This was followed up with drinks at the Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse where everyone was able to gather and remember Foxy.
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The Arts
Minister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts The Honourable Ian Walker
Regional funding creates arts for all Queenslanders Thousands of projects will come alive in one of the state’s most active arts programs, with more than $2 million in funding announced today.
Arts Minister Ian Walker said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a state-wide partnership between the Queensland Government and local councils for arts and cultural projects.
“The Regional Arts Development Fund supports more than 3000 arts and cultural projects each year, with communities choosing projects to meet their own needs and opportunities,” Mr Walker said.
“In 2013–14, the Queensland Government will provide $2.015 million, with another $1.49 million coming from 55 Queensland councils.
“This means $3.5 million for arts and cultural projects across the state.
“The Fund is a great model in partnership funding: partnerships are a primary focus for the way the Queensland Government invests in the arts and they play a central role in the new Arts and Cultural Investment Framework.”
Mr Walker made the announcement in Townsville where he met the participants in Vincentive, which was funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund.
Councillor Jenny Hill, Mayor of the City of Townsville, said the Regional Arts Development Fund was behind a long-term project to galvanise the suburb of Vincent, following a devastating tornado in March 2012.
“The Vincentive Project is giving the community an opportunity to transform the area with a series of murals, mosaics and more to be painted on walls, wheelie bins and telegraph poles,” Ms Hill said.
“People are really keen to be involved with this successful project; coordinated by artist Vonnie van Bemmell working closely with community members and it shows how art can be interactive and healing.” In Townsville in 2013–14 the Fund will provide $53,000 to arts projects, with Townsville City Council providing $55,000. [ENDS] 25 July 2013
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Central & North West Queensland Medicare BEDOURIE AND BIRDSVILLE Local Visit Birdsville - Monday, August 26, 2013 Clinic Opening Hours: Bedourie - Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Monday - Friday Diabetes Educator: Robyn 9am - 12 noon A Diabetes Educator provides 2pm - 5pm education and ongoing support to people at risk of developing diabetes, Saturday newly diagnosed or have been living 9am - 12 noon with the disease.
EMERGENCIES ONLY outside of these Dietitian: Emma times. A Dietitian provides general nutrition and dietary advice to both individuals Telephone: and groups of all ages, assesses individual diets and provides practical dietary advice to help manage and Birdsville - 07 4656 3245 treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, gastrointestinal diseases, food allergies/ Bedourie - 07 4746 1226 intolerances and overweight/obesity.
(PLEASE PUSH EMERGENCY BUTTON – DO NOT Physiotherapist: Blair GO TO PRIVATE RESIDENCE AS ATTENDING The primary role of a physiotherapist NURSE MAY NOT BE HOME) is to assess a patient’s condition and to find the underlying causes of pain, whether it be in the joints, muscles or nerves.
Podiatrist: Aidan The bus will be leaving Thursday, A Podiatrist is a health professional August 15 from Birdsville and qualified todiagnose and treat specific foot and lower limb conditions. appointments are at 11.30am on Common conditions a podiatrist Friday. The bus will then depart Mount would treat include bone and joint disorders, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and sporting Isa after appointments. injuries. For appointments telephone Joyce Crombie on 4746 1113. To make an appointment please contact your local Primary Health Care Centre on 4656 3245 (Birdsville) or 4746 1226. (Bedourie)
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Birdsville Police News
From the Birdsville Cop
The event season has continued with the ‘Big Red’ run being a successful event and will continue to grow. The concert was well patronised and no issues from a Policing perspective. All of Adria Downs & Roseberth Cattle survived the night. However some vehicles required assistance driving in the sand. Not locals!
I, along with National Parks Ranger, Don Rowlands and South Australian Rangers, did a joint patrol through Ethabukka to Craven’s Peak then down the Hay River Track, along the Madigan Line back to Birdsville. It was a very educational and interesting trip and very handy if I ever have to conduct a rescue or search in those areas.
No sooner than when I got back, I travelled to Townsville to pick up a new Police vehicle.
August has a large Variety Rally coming to Town on the 25th of August then the Diamantina Racing Carnival is just around the corner. Time goes fast!
Stay safe! Neale McShane OIC Birdsville Police
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Australian music legend performs on top of Big Red
Much loved Australian music icon John Williamson kick started the first ever Big Red Run charity race with a special sunset concert atop of the Diamantina Shire’s 40-metre high Big Red sand dune on Monday, July 8.
The songwriter who has penned Australian classics such as “True Blue”, “Cootamundra Wattle”, “Rip Rip Woodchip” and “Big Red”, fired up an estimated crowd of more than 500 people to help celebrate the start of the 6 day, 250km stage race.
Diamantina Shire Council Mayor, Cr Geoff Morton, said it was a real coup to secure such a well-known and respected singer to open the event. “John Williamson has a real connection to the Australian bush and Australian’s through songs like Mallee Boy about eradicating rabbits and Diamantina Drover about the droughts and the hardship of the early drovers. I encourage everyone far and wide to take advantage of this once in a lifetime chance to enjoy John Williamson in the environment he so passionately tell stories about in song,” he said.
Based out of Birdsville from Monday, July 8 to Saturday, 13 July, the Big Red Run attracted participants from as far away as Singapore, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The event itself was an outstanding success, with many of the runners and volunteers saying it was a life changing experience for them.
Officially kicking off outside the Birdsville Hotel at 7am on Monday 8 July, the race gave runners and walkers the chance to tackle the famous red sands of the Simpson Desert, participating in either the Big Red Run, a 250km 6 day stage race, the Born to Run 100km or the Big Red Dash 42km.
In total the event has now raised over $150,000 to date with all money raised from the concert and the Big Red Run going towards to Type 1 Diabetes research.
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By Blythe Moore with Bernadette Young 18 July, 2013 10:01AM AEST Wildman by name, wild woman by nature Should we start in Africa? The Ukraine? Birdsville? Ms Wildman, a former writer for the famous Lonely Planet guidebooks, has lived, worked, and travelled in so many places that her stories about faraway lands seem never ending. Perhaps it's best to start this story with how Ms Wildman's passion for travel began. "Oddly enough, I think it was from my family," she says. In high school, Ms Wildman's family hosted 11 exchange students from countries such as Panama, Argentina, the United States and Finland. "And so they kind of instilled that idea that I should get out and travel and see the world," she says. Her first big trip was to the United States, where she worked as a camp counsellor where the children were "very, very spoilt and rich". After that her travels took her to southern Africa. It was the first of many trips to the continent. Ms Wildman says her fascination with Africa started in maths class in high school when she sat with an African exchange student. "And we would sit there and he would tell me about his life in South Africa and how he wasn't able to catch the same bus as everyone else, wasn't able to go to the same schools," she recalls. "It really peaked my interest, it really made me want to go." While at university Ms Wildman was required to organise work experience, so she contacted Lonely Planet in Melbourne. To her surprise, they agreed to have her as an intern for two weeks. The two-week stint led to a job with the Lonely Planet when she finished her studies. She says she came onto the travel writing scene at a time when the Lonely Planet was looking for younger, female writers. "Most writers at that time were men over the age of 40," she says. "A lot more women were out there travelling by themselves. "They (Lonely Planet) threw me in the deep end. "I'd only just graduated from university and I was on the plane off to Romania on my first job, into a place and a country that I knew very little about." Since then Ms Wildman has spent extensive amounts of time in Africa and Eastern Europe. These days though, she calls Birdsville home. She works for the Diamantina Shire Council helping to organise events, like the Birdsville Races. The decision to move to outback Queensland came at a time when Ms Wildman says she was looking for a different career choice. "Being a travel writer is wonderful but you can only live out of a Kim Wildman at at Giraffe Manor in Tanzania (Contributed) backpack for so long," she says. She says "the job, the place, the people, everything" are keeping her happy in one place for now. "(Birdsville) does kind of have that almost ex-pat kind of feel I suppose, which is probably what attracts me as well, having lived overseas," she says. "You kind of feel like you're living this alternate lifestyle." As for that travel bug? "I always have itchy feet."
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The Queensland Government has identified the South Georgina Basin as prospective for both oil and gas. The Government has awarded three Authorities to Prospect (ATP), 909, 911 and 912 to Merlin Energy Pty Ltd a wholly owned subsidiary of Central Petroleum Limited to investigate their potential oil and gas resources.
Who We Are Central Petroleum is an ASX listed (CTP.AX) exploration and production company. We have a long history in central Australia, mostly in the Northern Territory where we have been exploring for onshore hydrocarbons since 2005. Central Petroleum will be the operator, responsible for activities undertaken as part of the program, for the first four years. For the South Georgina Basin Exploration Program, Central Petroleum has formed a joint venture with Total, an international energy company.
The South Georgina Basin Exploration Program The South Georgina Basin Exploration Program is how we refer to our exploration work. For the first one to two years, the program will be collecting sub-surface information so we can develop a geologic model of the area. The first stage of this will be a seismic data acquisition survey, where we will collect geologic information on the structure of the land. The survey will use Hemi 60 vibroseis trucks, sometimes known as thumpers or vibes, which have a noise limiting system and are designed for use off-road.
Central Petroleum and our seismic contractors Terrex plan to conduct the seismic survey between August and early November this year.
At Central Petroleum, we take our landholder, environmental and cultural heritage obligations very seriously. We have engaged highly regarded experts to help assess the flora, fauna and cultural heritage values of the project area, and continue to have detailed discussions with landholders about how we can minimise potential impacts to their properties. We are also working closely with regulatory agencies to ensure we remain fully compliant with our permits and all regulations to avoid or minimise potential impacts on the environment and our stakeholders.
It’s very early days for the South Georgina Basin Exploration Program, but we recognise the quality of our relationship with stakeholders is critical to ensuring the best outcomes for all parties involved. We are committed to open, two-way communication throughout the process.
More Information If you have any questions, or would like further information, you are welcome to contact us via either 1800 551 534 or [email protected] or look on our website for further information: http://www.centralpetroleum.com.au/SGEP.php.
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Celebrating NAIDOC
Diamantina Shire residents and visitors came together in Birdsville on Friday July 19, to celebrate NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) with music, dancing, games and traditional story telling. The day’s festivities started with a Traditional Welcome by the new Meeting Place Sculpture – part of the ‘Sand, Dust and Gibbers’ project which includes sculptures in the Shire’s three towns Bedourie, Birdsville and Betoota. This was then followed by painting and dancing workshops and games for local school children hosted by the region’s Traditional Owners with the aid of special guests from the Central West Aboriginal Corporation from Barcaldine supported by a grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) as well as a trip out to the Big Red sand dune. Come the evening, more than 120 residents and visitors gathered at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre from 6pm for a free community dinner with festivities including traditional dancing, food, music and storytelling.
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Diamantina Shire Students get Planting More than 20 students from Bedourie and Birdsville State Schools in the Diamantina Shire joined forces with Council staff to plant trees and shrubs in honour of Arbour Day. The students hand fun getting their hands dirty planting some 60 odd trees and shrubs in garden beds in the towns of Bedourie and Birdsville.
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Bedourie P & C Key Dates Did you know......
Bedourie State School Parents & Citizens The longest one syllable word in the English key dates to the end of the year are as language is 'screeched'. A squid has 10 tentacles follows; The average American eats 263 eggs a year. P & C Meeting - August 23 @ 5pm In 75% of American households women manage the money and pay the bills. P & C Meeting - September 18 @ 5pm Hypnotism is banned in public schools in San P & C Meeting - October 17 @ 5pm Diego. (U.S.) A third of Americans flush the toilet while Swim Camp - November 11 - 15 they're still sitting on it. P & C Meeting - November 20 @ 5pm You're more likely to get stung by a bee on a windy day than any other. Christmas Tree - December 6 Your right lung takes in more air than your left. Womens hearts beat faster than mens. The atomic symbol for iron is Fe. (the orig- inal name for iron was Ferric) The odds of being stuck by lighting is 280,000 to 1. The average bank teller loses $250 every year. More people are killed by hippopotamuses then by lions, elephants and water buffalos combined. The average person has 10,000 taste buds. Iceland consumes more Coca Cola per capita than any other country. 'Underground' is the only word that begins and ends with the letters 'und'. A woodpeckers tongue can wrap around its head twice. Just another Sunday in The Diamantina. A cam- Snakes can't blink. el train arriving in Birdsville after a 23 day trek Ants don’t like baby powder (talcum across the desert. powder) Employees are more likely to book holidays off work on a Monday that any other week day.
Birdsville boy, Henry Butler, year 8 student who attends St Brendens went to play an AFL game on the Gold Coast and had the chance to meet up with past Broncos player and now Gold Coast Sun’s Reserves player Karmichael Hunt.
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The Big Red Race No. 3 Arpilindika Jimmy Naylon, Traditional Owner
I was asked by the organisers of the Big Red Run if it was okay to use an aboriginal name to name a race after. So it was named after my grandfather Arpilindika, Jimmy Naylon who was a Traditional Owner and King of this Country.
Grandad was a very respected Wangkangurru man also recognised as a min-parru, medicine man, he was born near Dalhousie Springs in the Northern Territory and lived his young life at his Mikirri, Tjilpatha.
Like many others he walked out of the desert to live in the Channel Country and worked with the station people. This is when the name Jimmy Naylon was given to him. He met my Grandmother, Tharpanang -Karda Lizzie and had six children, one of them being my Mum, Ah- linda Crombie. Later in his life he lived with my Mum and Dad, Frank Crombie here in Birdsville. My Grandfather, a great Wangkangurru Warrior now sleeps. Jean Barr Birdsville
Page 44 Desert Yarns Bedourie Gymkhana Club Inc. 2013 Campdraft Results Judge: Andrew Lockyer Winton Event Place Name Horse
st Maiden Campdraft 1 Brad Mourilyan Greer nd 2 Andrew Burnes Tom Cat rd 3 Spin Monaghan Print Out Equal 4th John Paine Jessamine Cameo Darren Lorenz Flag 6th Carolyn Burnes Baby Roc
st Novice Campdraft 1 Whip Degoumois LPR 2nd Andrew Burnes Lena 3rd Steve Cramer Live Wire 4th Steve Cramer Hot Wire th Equal 5 Brad Mourilyan Ernie Carolyn Burnes Baby Roc 2013 Bike Gymkhana Results st Encouragement 1 Draft Andrew Gardner Doomadgee Age nd Group Event Name 2 Tim O'Dwyer Chief Equal 3rd Sarah Malloy Reggie Open Barrel Race Sco Elliot Prue Fargher Hum U15 Aaron Maunsell 5th Chris Sinden Wizard U10 Dean Woods 6th Stephanie Pratt Radish Open Twin Barrel Race Aaron Maunsell Open Bending Race Aaron Maunsell Ladies Campdraft 1st U15 Aaron Maunsell Carolyn Burnes Composers Cowgirl U10 Ty Lasker Equ 2nd Narda Grover Smokey Open Flag Race Brad Smith Narda Grover Lethal U15 Aaron Maunsell Equal 4th Narda Grover Grisham U10 Siobhan Maunsell Bebe Manns Cuffy Open Figure of Eight Brad Smith 6th Amber Monaghan Print Out U15 Aaron Maunsell
st U10 Dean Woods Juvenile Camp- 1 draft Matthew Lorenz Catastrophe Open Musical Cans Jared Prince Equ 2nd Matthew Lorenz Cricket U15 Leah Kath Cassandra Kath Joker U10 Dean Woods Open Thread The Needle Ethan Tindale st Open Bang & Go Back Sco Elliot Junior Campdraft 1 Leah Kath Gidgee U15 Sam Dillon Equ 2nd Lydia Paine Tiny Open Guzzlers Race Dale Lander Siobhan Maunsell Yankee U15 Aaron Maunsell 4th Alice Jansen Pale Face Ty Lasker Equ 5th Beau Cramer Arena Sco Ellio , Brad Smith, Leah Kath Joker Open Relay Race Jared Prince
Open Rescue Race Sco Elliot Open Campdraft 1st Jessamine Charis- John Paine ma Open Key Hole Sco Elliot nd U15 Aaron Maunsell 2 Robert Jansen Kiara U10 Dean Woods 3rd Michael Oeh- Dealer Open 400m Sprint Sco Elliot th Open 600m Sprint Sco Elliot 4 Steve Cramer Blade th Open Wheel Stand Sco Elliot 5 Carolyn Burnes Composers Cowgirl Open Obstacle Wheel Stand Sco Elliot 6th Stephen Bryce Lethal Hiccup Open Barr Express Aaron Maunsell
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2013 Rodeo Results 2013 Horse Gymkhana Results Event Place Name
Friday Night Friday Night Bull- 1st Age Group Event Name ock Ride Jacob Hutteroth Open Barrel Race Spin Monaghan 2nd Wade Daley Mens Michael Oehlmann 3rd Billy Ray Degoumois Ladies Amber Monaghan Friday Night Sta- 1st U15 Cassandra Kath tion Buckjump Brad Mourilyan U10 Alice Jansen 2nd Kingsley Moore U10 Lead Jesse Lorenz 3rd Curtis Brown Open Bending Race Andy Lockyer
Friday Night Chute 1st Mens Clayton Morris Dogging Jacob Hutteroth & Mike Allen Ladies Cassandra Kath 2nd Andrew Gardner & Travis U15 Leah Kath McAlpine U10 Alice Jansen 3rd Angus McPherson & U10 Lead Lace Burnes Saturday Night Open Flag Race Michael Oehlmann Wild Cow Milking 1st Mike Allen, Jacob Hutteroth, Mens Andy Lockyer Dave Woods Ladies Vickie Heslin 2nd Dan Parker, Tim Norris, U15 Cassandra Kath Patrick Murphy U10 Alice Jansen 3rd Tim Farran, Neal McShane, U10 Lead Jesse Lorenz Nathan Blackburn Open Figure of Eight Michael Oehlmann Mens Clayton Morris Buckjump 1st Ladies Cassandra Kath Brad Mourilyan Equ U15 Cassandra Kath 2nd Tim Norris U10 Alice Jansen Patrick Murphy U10 Lead Jesse Lorenz Open Musical Cans Mike Allen Bullock Ride 1st Wade Daley Ladies 2nd Chris Sinden U15 Vanessa Harris 3rd U10 Eboni Lorenz Poddy Ride 1st Izayah Gilby Open Thread The Needle Clayton Morris 2nd Matthew Lorenz U10 Walk, Trot & Lead Chayce Smith 3rd Boof Matheson Open Walk, Trot & Gallop Jocelyn Berry 4th Dean Woods Open 400m Sprint Chute Dogging 1st Open Key Hole Amber Monaghan 2nd U15 Luke Ve a 3rd U10 Siobhan Maunsell
Open Bang & Go Back Jocelyn Berry Bull Ride 1st Wade Daley 2nd Curtis Brown U15 Luke Ve a 3rd Chris Sinden Open Pony Express Mike Allen & Grant Lowe Open Rescue Race Andy Lockyer & Bebe Manns
Pony Express
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Chayce being led by Mum, Beck Smith
Bebe Manns Glengyle Station Aaron Maunsell, Jundah
Brad Mourilyan riding Greer
Jesse Lorenz, Durrie Stn riding Cricket being expertly led by Mike Allen
Leah Kath & Gidgee
Juvenile Draft Winners
Spinny Monaghan
Photos kindly supplied by Lorraine Kath
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Page 50 Desert Yarns 35TH ANNUAL BETOOTA RACE MEETING $59 180 Prizemoney and Trophies $59 180 Saturday 31st August 2013 . 1. 1.30pm BIRDSVILLE HOTEL , IOR ENERGY and GRANT DANIEL AND LONG(QUILPIE) Class 2 Handicap‐ 1200metres Of $7,000 1st $4550 and $300 trophy, (Donated by S.Kidman & Co‐Durrie Station),2nd $1400 3rd $700, 4th $350
2. 2.05pm PE & GC HARRIS and GRANT DANIEL AND LONG QUILPIE CLASS 5 HANDICAP‐ 1200 metres Of $7,000 1st $4550 and $100 trophy, (Sponsored by Tiger Martyr Transport)2nd $1400 3rd $700, 4th $350
3. 2.40pm CORDILLO DOWNS and LANDMARK and JAMES HUMPHRIES ELECTRICAL QTIS MAIDEN PLATE‐100metres QTIS HORSES: Of $11,000 1st $7,350 and $100 trophy (Sponsored by Camrandale Transport) 2nd $2,200 3rd $1,00 4th $350 Non QTIS Horses: Of $7,000 1st $4550 and $100 trophy, (Sponsored by Camrandale Transport)2nd $1400 3rd $700, 4th $350
4. 3.50pm VISITORS FLYING OPEN HANDICAP‐1000metres Sponsored by Merv and Kay Jarvis & Black Toyota Of $13,000 1st $8,450 and $250 trophy,(Sponsored by Camrandale Transport) 2nd $2,600 3rd $1,300 4th $650
5. 4.25pm BIRDSVILLE BAKERY BETOOTA CUP OPEN HANDICAP ‐1600 Metres Of $11,000 1st $7,150 and $500 trophy( Sponsored by Birdsville Bakery) 2nd $2,200 3rd $1,100 4th $ 550
6. 5.00pm BETOOTA CLASS B HANDICAP‐800metres Sponsored by Roseberth Station Of Of $7,000 1st $4550 and $100 trophy, (Sponsored by Rosenberg Plumbing and Drainage)2nd $1400 3rd $700, 4th $350
Live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights MICK LINDSAY
Our thanks to all sponsors for their generous donations and continued support
Conditions: 1. Nominations close 11am Tuesday 27th August 2013 2. Weights declared on Wednesday 28th August 2013 3. Acceptances close NO LATER THAN 10.00 am Thursday 29th August 2013 4. Jockey declarations due NO LATER than 12 noon Thursday 29th August 2013 5. Final Scratchings 7.45 am Saturday 31st August 2013
Trainers bonus $500 sponsored by JWK Pest Control ( For the trainer who wins three races on the day. Should there be a tie, bonus to be divided) Jockeys Bonus $500.00 donated by Champion Contracting ( For the trainer who wins three races on the day. Should there be a tie, bonus to be divided) Leading Trainers Trophy $100 sponsored by Birdsville Fuel Service Leading Jockey Trophy Sponsored by Landmark Quilpie Horse Bonus $4 000 for horse with most points over Betoota, Birdsville, Bedourie Race meetings (Sponsored by Diamantina Shire Council) Food and Beverages available on course from Dinner 30th August to Breakfast 1st September 2013 All Patrons are kindly requested to pay admission at the gate. One owner, Trainers, Bookmakers and Clerk may obtain refunds ( for races only) from the Secretary’s Office on presentation of their admission tickets. PLEASE NOTE: The facilities at the Racecourse will not be operational until Thursday 29th August 2013. All facilities will close 9am Sunday 1st September 2013. Contact Bev Morton Ph(07) 46563 250 Fax (07) 46563 219 www.betootaraces.com
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The Birdsville Race Club (BRC) invites you to a pre-races cocktail party on Thursday 5th September 2013. A new event to the races program, it will showcase the long partnership between the Birdsville Races and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Tickets start from $40 when purchased with a BRC membership or medallion ($60 if purchased without) and include a drink on arrival and cocktail food throughout the evening. A live band will entertain the crowd so why not dust off your heels or put on a shirt and tie and make a night of it at this inaugural event held at the Birdsville Hall. Tickets are limited and can be purchased onlinewww.birdsvilleraces.com. BRC members can choose to purchase tickets in conjunction with their membership payment.
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BEDOURIE-BIRDSVILLE-BETOOTA Contact details: Name Position Business After Hours Email Contact Hours 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]
Scott Mason Chief Executive Officer (07) 4746 1202 (07) 4746 1009 [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
Paul Veal Birdsville Town Services (07) 4656 3350 (07) 4656 3069 [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 95,000 square kilometres includes three towns – Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota. The shire is predominantly a beef producing area containing some of the best contaminant-free natural fattening country in Australia. The Diamantina Shire shares borders with the Northern Territory and South Australia and lies within the region known as the Channel Country. The Diamantina and Georgina Rivers, Cooper and Eyre Creek are the main players in a network in 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 contain numerous waterholes that can vary in depth and length.
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
Burke & 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 Mrs Jo Lewington on 07 4746 1202 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