Desert Yarns BEDOURIE

Remembrance Day

• November 11 •

LEST WE FORGET Phone 07 4746 1202 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Fax 07 4746 1272 [email protected] Message from the Mayor

Well its only 3 weeks until Christmas!! Where has the year gone, seems only the other day I was getting over last Christmas.

The month started off with the CEO and I spending three days in Longreach attending RAPAD meetings. Some of the topics included futures and mental health, government subsidies on western flights, digital connectivity, renewable energy just to name a few. Also there was a candidate’s forum where some of the candidates for the seat of Gregory met the public who asked questions of the candidates.

As we all know now, Lachlan Millar is now our member for Gregory.

Just returned in time for Remembrance Day. Birdsville had a small service at Anzac Park which went off really well.

Then last week it was back to Longreach for a couple of days for road group, and water alliance meetings. Thing dis- cussed included water security, sewer relining, road funding and transport alliances.

In amongst all this I was fortunate enough to attend the Birdsville State School break up. It was a very pleasant evening and I thank all those that organised the evening for a job well done. It was good to see the confidence shown by the children in front of everyone. As part of the evening, Sharon Pursell read a poem she had written for her Kindy chil- dren. A poem that came from the heart, and I would like to share it with you this month instead of my usual attempt. It is called “Forever in my Heart”.

As this is the last Yarns before Christmas I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe on your break and I look forward to seeing you all next year.

Forever in my Heart. Although I’m not your mother, I care for you each day I cuddle sing and read to you, and watch you as you play I see each new accomplishment, and help you grow and learn I understand your language, and I listen with concern You come to me for comfort, and I wipe away your tears You proudly show your work to me, I give you loudest cheers I am not your mother, but my role is just as strong I nurture you and keep you safe, though not for very long I know the day and time has come, when we now have to part But I know I have cared for you, and you are forever in my heart.

Geoff Morton Mayor

2 Desert Yarns • December 2017 CEO's Comments

Wow, another year has flown by. Where did the days go.

Speaking of years gone by, Council has adopted its Annual Report for the 2016/17 financial year. It’s a great read during your spare time over Christmas between the cricket matches. It is really a year in review setting out the highlights for the year and includes the audited financial statements. It is on Councils website under the publications tab. Use this link to get it: http://www.diamantina.qld.gov.au/council-publications

Council staff recently installed flood monitoring cameras at Browns Creek at Betoota, at ‘Monkira’, at ‘Marion Downs’ and Gilmore Creek at Carcoory. The solar powered camera is pointed at the flood gauge post so that water height can be ascertained. At each site, 3 photos are taken each day at set times although staff can get a photo at any time to get updated readings. Staff can view each crossing via a dedicated website from the office, saving time when road reports are being generated and road closures are pending. This project was funded 80% by the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning with a total cost of $135000. Below is an example of the camera and the image from them at each crossing. I’ll let you work out which photo is where.

Also recently completed was gravel resheeting significant sections of the Springvale Road, Diamantina Lakes – Winton Shire Boundary Rd, Road and Davenport Road. This work, and the installation of a granite columbarium at the Birdsville and Bedourie Cemeteries was funded by the Works for Queensland Program totalling $1,020,000.

With columbariums installed at our cemeteries, the choice now exists for the interment of ashes of those that have been cremated.

Desert Yarns • December 2017 3 The Diamantina Lakes – Winton Boundary Road following upgrade under the Works for Qld Program.

Also complete is the renewal of the sewerage pump station switch- boards in Bedourie and Birdsville. 5 switchboards were renewed in total and they are now connected to telemetry which allows remote monitoring of faults and pump operations.

The official opening of Birdsville Lodge and Birdsville Caravan Park upgrades took place on 6 November with David Littlepround MP, Member for Maranoa doing the official duties along side the Mayor. Also present was Kim Mahoney, Department of Infrastructure Local Government and Planning and Darren Cleland and Richard Austin, Department of State Development. Both Departments were fund- ing partners along with the Australian Government’s Department of Transport and Regional Services.

They were joined by Councillors, staff and interested residents to witness the cutting of ribbons and join for a few nibbles and drinks out of the heat at the Lodge.

It has certainly been a busy year and no doubt everyone is looking forward to a break. Stay safe if you are driving and enjoy your sleep-ins. Have a great Christmas and New Year and I’ll see you in 2018!!

Leon Love

Chief Executive Officer

4 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Diamantina Works & Road Report

Construction Crew have completed resheeting work on the Diamantina Lakes- Davenport road under the Works for Queensland grant, this crew have also completed resheet works on the Davenport Palparara road under the Works for Queensland grant. This crew will end the working year doing shire road maintenance on the Davenport/ Palparara and Davenport/ Diamantina Lakes roads.

Gravel Crew have completed Shire roads flood damage on the Winton/ Diamantina lakes road and Diamantina Lakes/ Springvale road. This crew will end the working year doing shire road maintenance on the Springvale / Diamantina Lakes roads.

Multi Skill Crew have been working on the Bedourie pool upgrade and the Bedourie Hall upgrade. This crew have completed constructing Columbarium’s in Birdsville and Bedourie. This crew has all so completed erecting flood cameras on the Georgina River at Marion Downs/ Diamantina River at Monkira / Browns Creek at Betoota/ Gilmore Creek at Carcory. This crew will complete any concrete repairs to flood damaged structures on shire roads to see out the working year.

Future projects for the Shire Upcoming Projects: • Continuation of Shire Road flood damage restoration works 2015/2016, • Work for Queensland- Shire road maintenance Springvale to Boulia Shire Boundary/ Springvale to Diamantina Lakes/ Diamantina Lakes to Winton Shire Boundary cost of $2million, • Birdsville Caravan Park Upgrade, • Stage 3 & 4, Birdsville Streetscape, • Construction of various sheds at depots, Bedourie Gym and Bedourie Hall Shade, and • Minor Works Performance Contract, reseals Eyre Developmental Road (81A) Bedourie/ Birdsville road, Diamantina Developmental Road /Bedourie (93C), Bedourie/Boulia (93D) $188488.58. Thank you

Trevor Stewart Infrastructure Manager

BEDOURIE POLICE NEWS G’day everyone,

During November I was asked to relieve at Boulia for a couple of weeks. I couldn’t wait to get back to Bedourie!! During December there are a lot of things happening. Whilst travelling please be aware that there are some major road safety operations state wide so please EXPECT to be pulled over for a breath test anytime anywhere. Also please be vigilant with road speed as this does contribute to safety and is a lot of Christmas spending money down the drain! I also know the Mt Isa Traffic police are doing some operations throughout the wider area before and after Christmas and New year. There is still no QGAP agent in Bedourie yet. I have been informed that applications for the position closed in Octo- ber, but getting a panel seems to be an issue?? I will advise when the Bedourie Qgap will be operational. Please call the station first so I can find the best way to assist you. Whether you’re staying in the Diamantina or heading elsewhere for the holidays, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year!

Senior Constable Kurt Dunlop. Bedourie Police Station Urgent/Emergency: 000 Non urgent: 131 444 www.police.qld.gov.au

Desert Yarns • December 2017 5 BIRDSVILLE POLICE NEWS G’Day All We are into the last month of 2017and the festive season is upon us. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Sharon and myself to wish everyone a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. I hope everyone gets an opportunity to catch up or at least contact family and friends over the Xmas and New Year period. Please stay safe on our roads and keep an eye on your mates. We still have a few tourist making the trip out to Birdsville, I again ask that everyone keep an eye on those travelling around the area including locals. It can be hours or even days before someone comes across a broken down motorist or worse and accident.

We will be taking a break and going on an overseas trip over Xmas and into the New Year. I have requested a relieving officer to come down to Birdsville whilst we are away. Kurt will be working at Bedourie over the Xmas, New Year and whilst we are away. Please contact Kurt for local QGAP needs and police matters, 000 for emergencies and 131 444 for non-urgent matters. We look forward to catching up with everyone in the New Year.

Snake Tales I recently spent some time with Rob Edwards from Windorah Police and officers from the Department of Environ- ment, Heritage and Protection in relation to the detection and prosecution of reptile and animal poaching activities and to raise an awareness of the issue.

The Windorah and surrounding areas including Birdsville are well known particularly for the Inland Taipan and other venomous snakes and reptiles. Researchers and enthusiasts often frequent the area to study the animals. However, information has been received that in recent times there have been incidents where people have come onto the properties to try and capture reptiles, particularly the Inland Taipan, without the consent of the managers or owners. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA), these people are committing offences by removing the reptiles. Further offences are also being committed in terms of trespassing and potentially wilful damage; for example, the cutting of fences to access areas.

Not only are individuals committing offences by taking protected wildlife, they also potentially commit offences by taking items from the environment, to simulate environments from where the animals have come from. Financial gain can be made from taking these items and selling them.

There are also concerns in relation to biosecurity issues for graziers, where if vehicles access grazing land without approval and declaring them, potentially can impact on the running of the properties and people’s livelihoods.

These people also put themselves at considerable risk of serious injury and possible death when handling the reptiles and given the remoteness and limited resources, survival is greatly reduced.

To date there have been a number of persons that have engaged in illegal animal poaching activities in South West Queensland that have been charged. Some of these people have engaged in the international trade of animals. There are also some that have had associations with large criminal organisations.

As a result of this recent operation Birdsville, locals have provided information on suspicious travellers that have successfully led to a number of people and vehicles being checked for possible illegal activity. On one occasion a rare Grey Falcon chick (Dead) was located in a vehicle and removed accordingly. The information from locals is invalua- ble and I thank those people for passing on the information. If you see something that may look suspicious or just not right, please let me know. I can always follow up on a registration number or speak with someone without them knowing where the information came from. Thanks again ew Year to All ry Xmas and a Happy N Stephan Pursell Mer Officer in Charge Birdsville Police Station

6 Desert Yarns • December 2017 BIRDSVILLE QGAP NEWS Merry Christmas everyone,

Over the next month I will be away on leave. If you have any QGAP questions B.O.B. is Coming or enquiries please contact Kurt at Bedourie. There will be, hopefully, a Police Officer in town, however they may not be aware of QGAP requirements. So please do not hesitate in contacting Kurt on 4746 1220.

See you next year.

Sharon Pursell Queensland Government Agent Birdsville Police Station 17 MacDonald Street, Birdsville, QLD 4482 Ph: 074656 3310 or 074656 5677 Email: [email protected] QGAP: [email protected]

DIAMANTINA SHIRE SES TRAINING UPDATE

Local Controller Gordon Jones and Mt Isa Area Controller Gordon Graham went to Burketown over the weekend of Friday 10th to Sunday 12th of November to run a Road Crash Rescue Course for Five SES Mem- bers from the Doomadgee Unit and Four SES Members from the Burke- town Group. Apart from the heat and humidity this was a very good week- end which resulted in all attendees passing the course.

On a local level we have wound back our training due to the summer being in full swing, towards the end of February or early March next year I will draft our Local Unit Training calendar for the year with an emphasis on finishing off all the pre-requisite courses for the newer Members so that we can concentrate on our Road Crash Rescue training. I also want to undertake a chainsaw course in about March for all Members who meet the requirements for this course.

It is with much regret that I have received Kylie Scott’s resignation as Dep- uty Local Controller from the Diamantina SES Unit, I wish to pass on my grateful thanks to Kylie for all she has done over the last many years for SES and wish her every success in the future. At this stage Kylie is staying on as a Member of the Unit which is greatly appreciated. Nominations will be called for a replacement to the position of Deputy Local Controller for the Diamantina Unit as well as Group Leaders for both Bedourie and Birdsville Groups as a succession plan for replacing Deputy and Local Controllers in the future.

I wish to thank all Members for their tireless efforts over the past year with training and activations. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very happy New Year and look forward to growing our Membership base and furthering our training next year.

Desert Yarns • December 2017 7 Police from Windorah and surrounding divisions have engaged in an operation in relation to the detection and prosecution of reptile and animal poaching activities and to raise an awareness of the issue. The operation has been run with the assistance of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Protection.

The Windorah and surrounding areas are well known particularly for the inland taipan and other venomous snakes and reptiles. Researchers and enthusiasts often frequent the area to study the animals. However, information has been received that in recent times there have been incidents where people have come onto the properties to try and capture reptiles, particularly the inland taipan, without the consent of the managers or owners. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA), these people are possibly committing offences.

Further offences are also being committed in terms of trespassing and potentially wilful damage; for example the cutting of fences to access areas.

Not only are individuals committing offences by taking protected wildlife, they also potentially commit offences by taking items from the environment, such as sand, rocks and flora to simulate environments from where the animals have come from. Financial gain can be made from taking these items and selling them. For example authorities state that red sand on the market can average $30 for five kgs.

There are also concerns in relation to biosecurity issues for graziers, where if vehicles access grazing land without approval and declaring them, it potentially can impact on the running of the properties and people’s livelihoods.

Not only are people potentially committing offences, but they also put themselves at considerable risk of serious injury and possible death when handling the reptiles and given the remoteness and limited resources, survival is greatly reduced.

Substantial amounts of money can be made in the illegal trade of reptiles and other species of native wildlife in Australia. Due to the iconic and unique species which occur in Western Queensland some of these species can attract significant value. Authorities advise that a reptile may be worth a few hundred dollars on the domestic market, however when it is sent overseas, the value escalates from anywhere from $5000 to $15000 an animal.

There is an animal in Western Queensland which is of significant value. The egg of this animal can receive up to $300 000 Euros on the black market in Europe. This is equivalent to $450 000 Australian Dollars. Hence the financial incentive for poaching this animal is significant.

To date there have been a number of persons that have engaged in illegal animal poaching activities in South West Queensland that have been charged. Some of these people have engaged in the international trade of animals. There are also some that have had associations with criminal motorcycle gangs.

Members of the public are encouraged to relay any information to Police in relation to this matter. Reports can also be made to Department of Environment, Heritage and Protection by ringing 1300 130 372 or alternatively through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you witness or suspect an offence to wildlife, you can notify the department via a wildlife complaint form, found at www.ehp.qld.gov.au/contactus.

Members of the public are encouraged to report incidents of wildlife related crime or incidences where they believe wildlife related crime has occurred.

In Queensland, native animals are protected and taking or possessing them without a permit is against the law, with penalties of up to $378 450 or two years imprisonment for an individual.

Senior Constable R. EDWARDS Officer in Charge Windorah Police Station

8 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Diamantina Shire Council News

Position Available @ Diamantina Shire Council Parks and Gardens/ Horticulture Trainee - Plant Operators – Grader and MC Truck Bedourie Drivers

We are seeking a committed individual to complete Applicants are invited from experienced MC Truck a full time Horticulture Traineeship. This position will Drivers or Grader driver to join us from 22 January require someone who enjoys working outdoors and 2018. We are looking for experienced hard working someone who wants to learn new skills. This exciting operators with hands on experience in high standard opportunity will provide practical experience while you operation of Graders or Type 2 Road Trains. This gives are studying towards a nationally accredited Certificate you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowl- 3 in horticulture. If you are a high school graduate and edge of road construction and maintenance in the want to start a career in parks and gardens then please Diamantina Shire. apply. Mature age applicants are also encouraged to apply. It will be highly regarded if you have 2 or more years of experience driving Graders or Type 2 Road Trains. The base weekly wage for this position, in accordance with the Training Wage Award - State 2012, is between For further information, please contact Trevor Stewart $625 and $705. Council also pays an above Award on 07 4746 1600 or email trevor.stewart@diamantina. payment of 20% of your base wage and locality allow- qld.gov.au. ance of either $138.05 per week or $69.03 per week depending on your circumstances. You will be entitled to six weeks’ annual leave and a comfortable home will Applications close 8 January 2018. be available for rent in Bedourie at subsidised rental. Please find the link below to get to the online For more information, please telephone Jodie Girdler application portal: on 0428 035 184 or email jodie.girdler@diamantina. http://www.diamantina.qld.gov.au/employment-information qld.gov.au

Get Ready Queensland On Saturday the 25th of November the Bedourie SES Group held an open day at the Bedourie SES Shed talk to the community about getting ready for emergencies. One community person came along to learn about how to make yourself safer in the event of an emergency occurring.

The SES Unit is going to put a different emergency guide it the desert yarns once a month to give you some advice on preparing for different emergencies. Don’t forget that if you need the SES for assistance in the event of a flood or storm you can phone 132 500, for any life threatening emergencies always phone 000. To get in contact with your local SES Unit you can call the Shire Council on 4746 1600 or contact the Local Controller, Gordon Jones on 0428751906. I would like to thank two of our new volunteers Jordan Eagleson and Isaac Bens for helping out on the day.

Jordan Eagleson, Dressed to Save

Desert Yarns • December 2017 9 Diamantina Shire Council News New to the Diamantina Shire Name: Michelle Dillon Name: Cheyenne Crombie Occupation within the shire: Records Administration Occupation within the Officer shire: Administration Traineeship Where did you live before joining the DSC? Where did you live Bedourie/Birdsville before joining the DSC? What enticed you to work Brisbane. Boarded in for DSC? Toowoomba for 3 years at The opportunity to gain skills and experience, training, Downlands College. and a career path which creates a great future, I put a lot into what I do, and it’s the type of place that makes What enticed you to it worthwhile. I believe strongly in working with other work for DSC? people towards a common goal. I was just finishing off Grade 12 and I knew it would be a big learning curve for me if I went for a trainee- What do you like most about the shire so far? ship/ job before I went off to Uni. I love our community because I am a part of it...the community always gives back, even when times are What do you like most about the shire so far? tough. The beautiful landscape on which the Shire is built. Certainly your attitude about where you live makes a huge difference. It also has the Best. Sunsets. Ever. What are your interests and hobbies? Amazing starry skies. Books, writing, horse riding and history. Storms are way more impressive. ... When it rains, everyone gets excited and it smells What’s one place where you’d love to travel to? amazing. ... Japan and New Zealand. The vastness is full of secrets, big and small, it holds so much beauty!

What are your interests and hobbies? I love to get out there and take a few chances! I’m an adventure-seeker….my interest & hobbies range from fun family activities to risky challenges like motor- sports/skiing

What’s one place where you’d love to travel to? I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to so many places around the world and Canada would be my next stop.

Bedourie welcomes a new Aussie

On the 20th November 2017, Michelle O’Toole cel- ebrated her Australian Citizenship with many of her friends and co-workers. The Citizenship Ceremony was officiated over by the Mayor, Cr. Geoff Morton.

I think that by the end of the day Michelle had heard quite a number of jokes about not running for politics, like, dual citizenship might be an obstacle on her career path to the Prime Minister’s Lodge. It looks like she had a lot of fun.

Congratulations Michelle.

10 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Diamantina Shire Council News OFFICE CLOSURES CHRISTMAS/ NEWYEAR 2017/18

Council advises that the following offices will be closed from 5:00pm on Friday, 22 December 2017 until 8.30am on Monday, 8 January 2018: • Bedourie Administration Office • Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre.

The Bedourie Outback Visitor Information Centre will be closed from 21 December 2017, and will reopen on the 9th January 2018. The Bedourie Human Services Access Points will also be unavailable during this period.

The Birdsville Human Services Access Points will be unavailable between 23 December 17 and 7 January 18.

Birdsville Pool and Gym keys will be available from the Birdsville Caravan Park while the Wirrarri Centre is closed.

In the event of any Council related emergencies within the shire during this period please contact: • Bedourie Trevor Stewart, Infrastructure Manager on 0407 232 762 • Birdsville Jock McDonald, Town Supervisor on 0407 146 902

Garbage collections will occur on Wednesday 27th December and Tuesday 2nd January.

Council takes this opportunity to wish all residents a safe and happy festive season.

Desert Yarns • December 2017 11 12 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Desert Yarns • December 2017 13 What's on in the Diamantina..

What's on in the Diamantina... Diamantina Events 2018 Merry Christmas

SIMPSON DESERT OASIS HERBERT ST, BEDOURIE. QLD 4829 PHONE 07 47461291 FAX 07 47461208 Email : [email protected] Simpson Desert Oasis Summer Trading Hours (Seven days per week)

The Simpson Desert Oasis will commence its summer trading hours Starting Monday 30th October 2017 and ceasing Monday 12th March 2018

Below are our new trading hours:

Shop 9.0am to 1.0pm / 5.0pm to 8.0pm

Kitchen 9.0am to 1.0pm / 6.0pm to 8.0pm

Bar 10am to 1.0pm / 5.0pm to midnight or earlier if quiet

Workshop 8.0am to 3.0pm Monday to Friday.

Closed on 25th & 26th December 2017 Closed on 1st January 2018

For fuel or urgent matters ring the below number ฀Doug 0407 080 569 ฀Tracy 0419 736 581 ฀Bev 0407 194 495

SIMPSON DESERT OASIS HERBERT ST, BEDOURIE. QLD 4829 PHONE 07 47461291 FAX 07 47461208 and a Safe and Joyful New Year

Congratulations to Andrew Cameron

Andrew Cameron recently received an Award He has also recently released a as an outstanding Alumni from the University of book called “A Nurse On The Queensland. Edge Of The Desert”. ‘A Nurse OnThe edge Of The "Mr Andrew Cameron OAM - A highly decorated Desert’ can be ordered online nurse and humanitarian aid worker who has pro- retail, with free shipping anywhere vided emergency relief, health care and training in Australia from FishPond Books in some of the world’s most volatile conflicts and crises." https://www.fishpond.com.au/ Books/Nurse-on-Edge-of-Desert-An- https://alumni.uq.edu.au/article/2017/08/uq-hon- drew-Cameron/9780994140791 ours-its-outstanding-alumni

14 Desert Yarns • December 2017 What's on in the Diamantina..

Birdsville Transport Still looking for some Christmas gifts? DROP IN FOR SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER Loading Wednesday 13th December 2017 @ Bedourie and Birdsville Info Centre NO LOADING FOR 4 WEEKS Loading 10th January 2018 WE ARE STOCKED WITH TREASURE FOR CHRISTMAS AND BEYOND WE HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRIST- MAS AND ALL THE VERY BEST FOR THE NEW Bedourie: YEAR. BEDOURIE OVENS - TRAVEL COFFE AND TEA PLUNGERS - Thanks so much for all of your support over the year COFFEE MUGS - GROUND COFFEE BEANS - and we look forward to working with you all again POOL TOWELS next year. Birdsville Kind Regards CANOPY CAMP CHAIR (Portable folding camp chair with Jo McKay adjustable canopy and cup holders) Birdsville Transport Service MORE FLUFFY TOYS [email protected] Jokes of the month..... Knock, knock Xmas Dad’s Joke Who's there Q. Why can’t Santa Claus FREE COFFEE TASTING Irish climb down chimneys 11 -15 DEC Irish who anymore? @ Bedourie Info Centre Irish you a merry Christmas A. It has become an Elf Birdsville Playgroup and Safety issue. Birdsville & Bedourie Visitors Centre Stephan Pursell Summer Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

Smart Farming Partnerships Grant

There are pressures on Australia’s natural resources (soil, vegetation and biodiversity) that can limit the viability and productivity of Australia’s farming, fishery, aquaculture and forestry industries. Agricul- tural industries are looking to trial and implement new and innovative technologies and tools, which will reduce these pressures while increasing their productivity and profitability. In response to these needs the Australian Government has established the Smart Farming Partnerships grant program under the Smart Farms initiative, a component of the sustainable agriculture element of the National Landcare Pro- gram (NLP). Grants will be available for experienced and skilled organisations to undertake projects to develop, trial and imple- ment new and innovative tools that support uptake of sustainable agriculture practices across our agricultural, fishing, aquaculture and farm forestry industries. These projects will allow new ideas and technologies to be shared and tested across industries and regions, which will subsequently benefit the nation.

Closing date and time: 2:00 PM AEDT 21 December 2017

To be eligible, activities will contribute to one or more of the following: For more information visit: • soil health www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/ • conserving or restoring Australia’s native biodiversity smart-farming-partnerships • climate change adaptation • greenhouse gas emissions management • sustainable agriculture and natural resource management that supports any of the above.

Funding between $250 000 to $4 million (GST exclusive) per grant is available.

Desert Yarns • December 2017 15 What's on in the Diamantina..

Bedourie Amateur Race Club

The Bedourie Race Club would like to thank all that attended the Melbourne Cup luncheon on the 7th of November. great day was had by all, kicking off with a chicken and champagne brunch followed by sweeps and the Calcutta. After lunch with their bellies full, the cheering began as the big race got under way, as the horses turned for the strait the crowed got louder each punter eager for their horse to win. It was our locals Mona Smith winning the main sweep and Zoe Krause winning the Calcutta. The festivities continued well into the afternoon with the fashions of the field, seafood raffles and local entertainment. The Bedourie Race club would to take this opportunity to thank all its sponsors and volunteers who helped us throughout this year. A special mention to Garth and Kathi Tully for guiding us through the first year as the new committee of the race club, thanks guys! From the Bedourie Race Club have a great Christmas & New Year!

A Cup Cake for One I hope you enjoy this little bit of microwave yumminess.

My sister sent me this recipie for a REAL CUP CAKE. A cake made in a cup appealed to my sense of humour AND I came to Bedourie with no baking tin. This was a win/win. It is kinda cool watching 4 Tbl sp Self-raising flour the mix rise over the cup, do a 4 Tbl sp Sugar little chocolate dance, and than 2 Tbl sp Cocoa settle back down. 1 Egg P.S.Use the biggest Mug you have. 3 Tbl Milk OK maybe it’s a Mug Cake. 3 Tbl sp Oil 3Tbl sp Choc. Chips (Optional) Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas, Splash of Vanilla Essence Jenny and Day.

16 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Community News Bedourie State School

On Friday 10th November, about forty friends and family gathered at the Simpson Desert Oasis Road- house to send Charlea off in fine style to her new venture next year. The night marked the end of Charlea’s Primary schooling – she has been here at Bedourie State School for the past six years. Charlea has worked extremely hard during her Primary Years and has been fortunate enough to secure a Yalari Scholarship that will cover the whole of her Second- ary education. She will be attending St Margaret’s in Brisbane.

On Monday, 13th November, nineteen eager students, along with their teachers and carers arrived in Bedourie to take part in our annual Splash’N’Arts Camp. This year we were lucky enough to have both Birdsville and Windorah State Schools join us. Our theme was Pokemons; and the Pickachu, Squirtle and Charazard groups rotated through four activities each day – Swimming (with Alina), Life Saving (with Helen and Karen), Drama (with Fiona) and Circus (with Alex and Ellie). After afternoon smoko, children could select to either plait with Chappy Pete and Chappy Chris or do some Christmas Craft. The plaiting was addictive, and many a student (and the odd adult) could be seen plaiting at all sorts of strange times over the next couple of days!

On Thursday evening, we showcased our new and improved talents with a Swimming and Life Saving display at the pool, followed by Drama and Circus performances in the hall. It was wonderful to see so many parents and sup- porters turn out to watch these performances and enjoy the BBQ that followed.

Many thanks must go to our many sponsors - not only those who gave such generous monetary support - but also those who gave so generously of their time to help with preparations in the kitchen and at feeding times.

We hope to see you all again next year!

Desert Yarns • December 2017 17 Community News

Birdsville Adventures Playgroup Buzz! Went the Birdsville Flies, Birdsville Around the Crispy Curry Camel Pies. @ Birdsville Community Hall on Adeleide Street Big Red is really cool, MONDAY - FRIDAY: 9am - 12pm But I like the Birdsville Pool. This month at playgroup we have been exploring everything that lives in the ocean. Every year we go to the Races, The children have been busy making collage turtles, There are always lots of new faces. handprint crabs, paper plate fish bowls, seashell wind chimes and working together to make a giant play- If you go to the Open day, at the School, group octopus we named Henry. We ended the month by learning about music and You can buy a cake or two from a pedestal. the different sounds and melodies you can make. The Don’t forget to check out the Pub, children had a ball making musical shakers and playing "copy the melody" as they twirled and danced the Where the staff will serve you some yummy grub! week away. November was also the start of our week- ly library visits, the children love to pick a new book NNNNNNNN! Go all of the planes, each week for playgroup and they especially enjoy Be careful not to hit some rain! visiting the Lovey ladies working there. Just a reminder Birdsville playgroup will close down In the Dusty Diamantina, you will see, over the Christmas period from 20.12.17 and will recommence on the 15.01.18. Lots of locals smiling with glee. by Birdsville State School Students Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and can't wait to see you all in the new year.

Bedourie Playgroup... @ Bedourie Community Centre on Herbert Street MON - THURSDAY: 8.30am - 12.45pm

Well it has been a great month here at the Bedou- rie Playgroup. We had our sea animals week, farm animals week and reptiles week. We had heaps of fun playing with water, rice, playdoh and kinetic sand along with lots of craft activities. We are wait- ing on some craft supplies to arrive in the mail and are looking forward to the creations we can make and adventures we can go on. Playgroup will be closed from the 4th of Decem- ber and will reopen on the 2nd of January 2018.

We hope you have a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

18 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Community News

Big Kids Play... Nov. crossword solution

Little Kids Play... CONNECT AND COLOUR

Desert Yarns • December 2017 19 Community News Bedourie Stories... Day Out

Hello Desert revellers.

The first order of business for me, is to sayMERRY CHRISTMAS ! ! ! ! ! !.

The second is to say a big thank-you to the locals who spotted the inaccuracies in my DAY OUT to find the Afghan Graves. Apparently everyone knows that the No.3 Bore is fifty Ks from Bedourie. And most people who live here know that the detour road, off the Windorah road, (To Birdsville via Lake Machattie) is a stone’s throw past the No.3 Bore and turn right. I will blame the discrepancies in distances traveled on the new-fangled gadgetry in the work Prado, and leave it at that. From now on I will write ISH at the end of all distances.

I have not had the time or inclination (in the heat) to trip off on an outback adventure this week, so instead I am going to share with you, my first visit to Cuttaburra Crossing.

Several weeks after arriving in Bedourie it was suggested that I take the company car and drive down to Birdsville. My instructions were, ‘Check out all the sights, stop at everything, familiarise yourself with the route and don’t forget to stop at Cuttaburra Crossing.’ I had no problem with that.

It was a beautiful winter’s day and I was excited. I had heard about Birdsville for most of my life and now it was part of MY JOB to check it out. How lucky was I?

I left town at10am ish. I cruised slowly across each bridge and checked the creeks for No. 3 Bore approx 30km along water. I was only about 10 minutes out when I spotted a couple of happily active Brolgas in Windorah Road. the bush at Cookawinchika Creek.

I went staight past the Windorah turnoff (22ish Ks) and slowed down at about 51ish Ks to check out the write up on a cairn just before the New Bridge at Eyre Creek. Apparently, prior to this bridge, a rowboat was essential to make it to Bedourie during a flood. The folks at must have done a happy dance when this bridge was completed.

4ish K’s on, as I checked the memorial to Will Hutchinson, it caused me to pause, look around at this great arid land and reflect on the unpredicability of nature in it’s relationship to man. That might sound a bit profound or pompous, but for a young fit man (21) to drown in the desert, due to an unexplained, freak accident, epitomises the indesciminate and harsh realities of life in the outback. Then I cried and moved on.

With one eye on the milage and the other on the road, I passed the 70km mark. Where oh where could that Cuttaburra be? As I was pondering I passed a couple of councill drop dunnys on the left side of the road. I debated whether or not I needed to go. Well, apparently I did. I turned back and pulled in next to the loos and guess what? Ta dah! Cuttaburra Crossing.

Water flowing in the desert all year round. This was my idea of the perfect place to stop for a cuppa and a wander. I am tempted to come back and camp down here for a week or so next year. So, if you know there is no signage and you keep an eye out for the Dunnys you will not only be treated to a shady spot by the river. Cuttaburra is also known as a birdwatcher’s paradise (especially after the floods). I made it to Birdsville, but that’s another story. Wishing you heaps of Good Cheer, HO HO HO See you next year, DAY Cuttaburra Cossing

20 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Community News Clinic News... Bedourie 13th December Nurse Practitioner Clinics 21st December Child Health Clinic & RFDS Clinic Hours Birdsville & Bedourie: Monday to Friday: 9AM -12PM & 2PM - 4PM 4th January Child Health Clinic & RFDS Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed 17th January Nurse Practitioner Clinics 18th January Child Health Clinic & RFDS For general health enquiries, you can also 24th January Nurse Practitioner Clinics dial 13 HEALTH (13 432 584) 31st January Nurse Practitioner Clinics Emergencies: For all medical emergencies, regardless of time of day, you must dial 1st February Child Health Clinic & RFDS OOO

Please contact Bedourie Clinic on 07 4746 1226 to make an appointment Birdsville 15th December Cardiac Outreach Team 22nd December RFDS GP and Child Health Nurse

5th January RFDS GP and Child Health Nurse 19th January RFDS GP and Child Health Nurse 22nd January Nurse Practitioner - Karen 1-5pm 23rd January Nurse Practitioner - Karen 9-5pm

Please contact the Birdsville Clinic on 07 4656 3245 should you wish to make an appointment. Please be advised that the Birdsville Clinic will be closed Monday Dec 25th, Tuesday Dec 26th and Monday Jan 1st but still available for emergencies during this time. Please call 000 or use the intercom at the clinic to dial 000 should you require emergency treatment. From all of us at the Birdsville Clinic we wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year

We are very happy to announce that the Birdsville Clinic in conjunction with QAS has been able to source funding to buy 2 Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). These AEDs are provided for the community to use – which hopefully will not happen! AEDs are extremely valuable in the event that some- one’s heart stops suddenly in the community.

An AED means that anyone can use these to restart some- one’s heart even before an ambulance has arrived. The chance of survival is significantly higher with early access to defibril- lation, even just 1 minute sooner could save their life! You do not require any training to use an AED. Once turned on it will talk to you and instruct you through each step. They are very easy to use!

1 AED has been mounted outside the Wirrari Centre’s main entrance and the 2nd outside the office at the caravan park (as per the photos below). Please familiarise yourself with these locations. The Birdsville Clinic currently has a training device, please come and see Andrew or Jess at the Clinic if you would like to familiarise yourself or practice using one.

Desert Yarns • December 2017 21 Community News

PROGRAMS AVAILABLE DIAMANTINA NOW! CHANGE YOUR LIFE My health for life is a free lifestyle program available to eligible participants who want to improve their health and reduce their risk FOR GOOD of developing chronic disease. Take the first step to good health and contact us today.

LOCAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Organisationand name:health Northgood to and Weststep Remotefirst Healththe (NWRH)Take disease.

Date: 24th - chronic 25th January 2018developing of risk their reduce and

Location: health Bedourietheir and Birdsvilleimprove to want who participants is a free lifestyle program available to eligible eligible to available program lifestyle free a is

My health for life is a free lifestyle program available to eligible participants who want to improve their health and reduce their risk of developing chronic disease. Contact details: Cassandra life Whatley, for NWRH,health (07)My 4652 7100 Contact: NWRH on (07) 4652 7100 or 13 RISK (13 7475) to learn more today!

Find out more at myhealthforlife.com.au or call 13 RISK (13 7475).

From the Diamantina Shire Council

22 Desert Yarns • December 2017 Justice of the Birdsville Shire Profile & Nell Brook JP (Qual) peace Brook Proprietors contact numbers 4656 3252 Cr Geoff Morton Mayor Bedourie Don Rowlands JP (Qual) BH - (07) 4656 3250 AH - (07) 4656 3250  [email protected] Gordon Jones JP (Qual) National Park Office Shire Office 4656 3272 Cr Steve Cramer Deputy Mayor 4746 1202 Geoff Morton JP (Qual) BH - (07) 4746 1236 AH - (07) 4746 1236 Home: 47461070 Roseberth Station  [email protected] Leon Love JP (Qual) 4656 3250 Shire Office David Brook JP (C.Dec) Cr Don Rayment Councillor 4746 1202 Brook Proprietors BH - (07) 4656 3321 AH - (07) 4656 3321 4656 3252 Leanne Hohnke-Jansen JP (Qual)  [email protected] Bedourie State School Andrew Cameron JP (Qual) 4746 1224 Birdsville Clinic Cr Doug Cooms Councillor 4656 3245 BH - (07) 4746 1291 AH - (07) 4746 1205 Lorraine Kath JP (Qual)  [email protected] Mount Leonard/ Birdsville Cr Bev Maunsell Councillor 4656 4949 BH - (07) 47461156 AH - (07) 47461156  [email protected]

If you have any community news/articles or pho- Leon Love Chief Executive Officer tographs that you wish to see in the newsletter BH - (07) 4746 1202 please contact the Wirrarri Visitor Centre on  [email protected] (07)4656 3300 or [email protected] . The content deadline for the January issue Trevor Stewart Infrastructure Manager of Desert Yarns is Friday January 5. BH - (07) 4746 1202 AH - (07) 4746 1021  [email protected]

Diamantina Events 2018 Jessica Greenaway Events And Tourism Manager BH - (07) 4656 3020 Are you planning an event for 2018?  [email protected]

Email council your local event details [email protected]. gov.au to make sure we incude your event in our Diamantina Jock McDonald Events Calendar 2018. Birdsville Town Services Foreman BH - (07) 4656 3350 AH - 0407 146 902  [email protected]

Jodie Girdler Bedourie Town Services Foreman BH - (07) 4746 1202 AH - (07) 4746 1160  [email protected] Camel Races Photo by Shelly Dillion

Desert Yarns • December 2017 23