Fortnightly feature: Beyond the Black Stump comic strip - page 6

INDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO

Blackall’s own community newspaper

Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009

December 4 2009 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

SPORT ON THE BARCOO

The young men were out in style for the final race meet: Harry Noble, Allister Macdonald, Lachlan Krieg, Hugh Macdonald, George Hurst (from Toowoomba) and Andrew Russell

 

RADF FUNDING AVAILABLE The Blackall‐Tambo regional Council invites any person or organisation in Blackall and Tambo to apply for RADF funding to help with the cost of cultural development projects or activities from       1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010.  The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a Queensland Government initiative which supports development of the arts and culture at a local level through out regional Queensland. 

RADF provides funding assistance for: 

• Individual Professional Development • Projects • Skill Development Workshops • Concept Development 

Application forms are available at the Blackall and Tambo Offices or the Council Liaison Officer, Lisa Kings and are to be submitted to the 

Blackall Office or the Tambo Office by Monday 4th January 2010 

For further information contact: 

Lisa Kings, Council Liaison Officer    PO Box 21, Blackall, Qld 4472 Phone:    0746 546481      Email:      mpc@btrc.qld.gov.au 

 

 

Last weekend saw the pairs final played out at the Blackall Bowls Club.

After a good early clash, Col and Mitch Pfingst were only two shots behind John Bowyer and Ross Browning with the scores at 14-12 on 14 ends.

The experience of John and Ross began to show as they went on to win fairly easily 25-12. Congratulations to both teams on a good display of bowls.

In sets of nine ends, Dave Carter and Gary Whitfield had two good sets with Gary being a little too consistent with his draw bowls winning 8-7 and 11-7 to advance to the final.

There are no bowls for the next few weeks due to green renovations. A working bee is required next weekend commencing next Saturday at 6am with scarifying and mowing. All members who can help please turn up to make it easier on everybody. The club would like to thank all members, social players and others who made the 2009 season a good one and hope to see 2010 just as successful.

– Dally Holden

Bowyer and Browning win Pairs for ‘09 A good crowd attended the final

race meet in Blackall for 2009 despite temperatures of more than 40 degrees.

The Leek sisters had a good day out at fashions of the field with Elise taking out the Outback Sound sponsored up to 12 years and older sister Robyn winning the Outback Sound under 17 category. Katrina Austin was awarded the PW Skewes and Dempster Best Hat, while Danielle O’Brien won the Seymour’s Department Store and Andrew, Amanda, Ben and Carly Walker Ladies Fashions of the Field. The Blackall Newsagency Men’s Racewear category was taken out by Paton Fitsimons.

The first race of the day sponsored by Carolan Painting contractors, was won by Craiglea Fury, followed by Kwilatype, Mihorse and Craiglea Astra.

The Blackall Rural Traders class 2 handicap was taken out by Saintes, followed by Je Suis Rockstar, Silent Tornado and Copacabana.

Like A Sequalo took out the Barcoo Hotel open handicap, followed closely by Dee Ceem,

Gidyea Coals and What Is This.Race 4 of the day, sponsored

by the Blackall Motel, was won by I’m Not Guilty, with Go On Greg in second, Magog and Two Generations.

Race 5, Coopers class 4 handicap, was won by Craiglea Chevy, just beating Rusty’s Choice to the line, with Littleboyboo in third and BiQualo in fourth.

With the Blackall racing season over for 2009, race goers can look forward to the first meet in March next year.

Craiglea Chevy pips Rusty’s Choice at the post in race five

Australian scientists are trying to lower the carbon footprint of the nation's livestock by selectively breeding sheep that emit less gas through burping.

Agriculture produces about 16 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions and two-thirds of that is methane produced by farm animals.

It is commonly thought methane produced by sheep is flatulence, but John Goopy from the New South Wales Department of Industry says that is a misconception.

"Ninety per cent of the methane that sheep and cattle and goats produce comes from the rumen, and that's burped out. Not much goes behind; that's horses," he said.

At a research station in Glen Innes in the state's north-west, scientists are focusing on exactly how much each sheep can burp.

Roger Hegarty from the Sheep Cooperative Research Council says by testing 200 animals from 20 different sires, they can work out who produces what.

"I don't know if you have ever been inside a sheep's tummy, but it's the most fascinating part of the ecology," he said.

"There are predators, pathogens, and we're trying to get a handle

Shear science: project curbs burping sheep

Heated race to the finish line for 2009

Local businesses, groups and individuals have shown resounding community spirit this week after a magnificent number of contributions were made to the Combined Churches’ Christmas Tree Festival.

Members of the local churches and the wider community gathered together at the Anglican Church on Sunday evening to mark the beginning of the Christmas season with the festival.

In its seventh year, the event attracted more than 200 people for its opening night with many more visitors viewing the display over the three days and nights following.

In keeping with tradition, the church was gradually illuminated during the Sunday service, with all different themed, shaped and sized Christmas trees and symbols.

Also making a special appearance for the play was Camelot the Camel, led by owner Cathy Wheelhouse from ‘Sylvester’ Blackall.

Reverend Beth O’Neill said that the festival grows bigger each year with more and more contributions from the community.

“It really is an incredible effort by the community.”

“We are so impressed and pleased with the level of involvement in the festival.”

Christmas creations featured at the Anglican Church were made by many local businesses, organisations, churches, schools and individuals.Christmas Tree Festival an opportunity to support Ugandan school

Blackall State School guidance officer Janelle Dickson was recently in Uganda assisting in the implementation of practices to provide social and emotional support for individuals and groups.

Moved by staff and students at a local primary school, Janelle returned from Uganda with the aim to provide them with education materials.

The State School featured a display at the Christmas Tree festival, which asked for donations and pens and pencils to support Bumbo Primary School.

Reverend O’Neill said the initiative was a significant benefit of this year’s festival.

“It is initiatives like this that make this festival all the more important; so that we can help others while enjoying this seasonal celebration.”

Christmas trees light up with community spirit – Rowan Hunnam

on who the organisms are and how we can play the system to get them to produce less methane and more of something useful."

Each sheep is fed, then shepherded into a booth. Over a short period of time, scientists can get an exact reading of their output, then compare the results.

"We find sheep that do sit underneath the line in terms of how much methane they produce compared to predictions, and sheep that are over the top," Mr Hegarty said.

The best indicator of how much methane livestock produce is based on how much they eat.

Cattle produce about 70 kilograms of methane a year and sheep produce about one-tenth of that.

The long-term goal is to genetically breed a sheep that produces less methane.

"Genetically creating sounds a bit scary," Mr Hegarty said.

"[Actually] we're looking for natural variations so we'll steer the population that way." ABC Sun Nov 29

Barcoo Independent TV Guide December 6 - 12ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Wednesday D

ecember 9

4:30 G.P.5:30 Collectors6:00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 National Press Club Address1:30 Bushfire Summer2:00 The Bill3:00 Children’s Programs6:10 The Best in Australia7:00 News7:30 7.30 Report 8:00 My Family8:35 Beautiful People9:05 Creature Comforts9:30 John Safran’s Race Relations10:00 The Omid Djalili Show10:30 Lateline11:10 Answered by Fire12:40 The Sideshow with Paul McDermott1:40 Movie: The Spaniard’s Curse (PG)2:55 Talking Heads: Peter Cosgrove3:25 National Press Club Address

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: The Rats (M)2:00 Murder, She Wrote3:00 Infomercials3:30 The Fairies4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News 5:00 Come Dine With Me5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 The Take6:30 Today Tonight7:00 How I Met Your Mother7:30 Air Crash Investigations8:30 City Homicide9:30 The Take10:30 Band of Brothers11:40 The First 4812:35 Sons and Daughters1:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 The Kingdom of Paramithi4:00 Pyramid4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat6:00 News7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Vid7:30 Two and a Half Men8:00 What’s Good For You8:30 Cold Case10:35 True CSI11:30 News12:00 Danoz Direct 12:30 The Strip1:30 The View2:30 Danoz Direct 3:00 GSD3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Joyce Meyer Ministries5:30 Today

5:30 UEFA Champions League8:00 International News3:30 A Fork in the Mediterranean4:00 Is Your House Killing You?4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour with Jim Lehrer6:00 E2 Energy6:30 World News Australia7:35 Rex in Rome8:30 Are You My Mother?9:30 World News Australia10:00 The Eagle: A Crime Odyssey11:05 Movie: The Cruellest Day (MA)12:50 Movie: How I Spent the End of the World (MA)2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

Thursday Decem

ber 10

4:30 G.P.5:30 Collectors6:00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 Millionaires’ Mission1:30 Stuff2:00 The Bill3:00 Children’s Programs6:00 Journey of Life7:00 News7:30 The 7:30 Report8:00 Francesco’s Mediterranean Voyage8:35 The New Black10:00 Honeymoon in Kabul11:00 Lateline11:35 Live at the Basement12:35 Help me Love my Baby1:30 Movie: A Matter of Life and Death (PG)3:20 Double the Fist3:55 The Glass House

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: Captive (M)2:00 Murder, She Wrote3:00 Infomercials3:30 The Fairies4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News 5:00 Come Dine With Me5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 How I Met Your Mother7:30 Gary Unmarried8:00 Whacked Out Sports8:30 Movie: Face/Off (M)11:20 Movie: Another 48 Hours (M)1:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 The Kingdom of Paramithi4:00 Pyramid4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat6:00 News7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Vid7:30 Getaway8:30 Rescue Special Ops9:30 CSI: NY10:30 E.R.11:30 News12:00 Danoz Direct 12:30 The Alice1:30 The Avengers2:30 Danoz Direct 3:00 GSD3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Joyce Meyer Ministries5:30 Today

5:30 UEFA Europa League8:00 International News3:30 Office Tigers4:00 Versailles Stories4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour with Jim Lehrer6:00 E2 Energy6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam8:00 Oz and James’ Big Wine Adventure8:30 Secrets and Lives9:00 Designer People9:30 World News Australia10:00 UEFA Champions League Hour11:00 Oz12:05 Oz1:05 Movie: The Overeater (M)2:40 Weatherwatch Overnight

Friday Decem

ber 11

4:30 G.P.5:20 Rewind Moments5:30 Collectors6:00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 Wild at Heart1:30 Unlikely Travellers2:00 Monarch of the Glen3:00 Children’s Programs6:00 The National Parks7:00 News7:30 The 7.30 Report8:00 Ben’s Zoo8:30 Wire in the Blood10:05 beached az10:10 John Safran10:35 Lateline11:10 The Sally Lockhart Mysteries12:45 Rage

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: Home Alone 4 (PG)2:00 Murder, She Wrote3:00 Infomercials3:30 The Fairies4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News5:00 Come Dine With Me5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 How I Met Your Mother7:30 Better Homes and Gardens8:30 Movie: The Santa Clause 2 (G)10:40 Movie: Get Shorty (MA)12:40 Movie: Below (M)3:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News12:00 The Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of Our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 The Kingdom of Paramithi4:00 The Saddle Club4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat6:00 News7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show7:30 Motorway Patrol8:00 Rapid Response8:30 Movie: The Bodyguard (M)11:10 News11:40 Movie: Murder at 1600 (M)1:40 Movie: The Amazing Howard Hughes (PG)4:00 Danoz Direct4:30 Good Morning America

5:20 International News1:00 Food Lovers’ Guide to Australia1:30 Breath2:30 The Children’s Crusade3:30 The Brides of Khan4:00 Classical Destinations4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour with Jim Lehrer6:00 E2 Energy6:30 World News Australia 7:30 Top Dogs8:35 Top Gear – Best Of9:30 World News Australia10:05 Erotic Tales10:40 Erotic Tales11:15 Movie: Lolita’s Club (MA)1:00 Movie: Cazuza – Time Doesn’t Stop (M)2:45 Weatherwatch Overnight

Saturday Decem

ber 12

5:00 Rage10:00 Rage: Guest Programmer11:00 Live from Abbey Road12:00 Dynasties12:30 Best of Australian Story1:00 Basketball: WNBL3:00 Football: W-League5:00 Bowls: NSW Open6:00 Nigella Express 6:30 Best of Gardening Australia7:00 News7:30 Hope Springs8:33 News Update8:35 The Bill9:20 News Update9:25 Taggart10:15 Rebus11:25 Rage

6:00 Children’s Programs1:00 V8 Xtra2:00 Motorsport: Fujitsu Series3:00 Rolex Spirit of Yachting3:30 Real Rangers4:00 Stonehenge Decoded5:00 Creek to Coast5:30 Queensland Weekender6:00 News6:30 No Leave, No Life7:00 Borderline7:30 Kingdom8:30 Wallander10:30 Movie: American Beauty (MA)12:55 Movie: Ban Manners (M)2:35 Super Dragons3:30 It is Written4:00 Infomercials5:00 Dateline NBC

6:00 Children’s Programs7:00 Weekend Today12:00 Movie: I was a Rat2:00 Danoz Direct3:00 Rain3:30 4WD TV4:00 Alive and Cooking4:30 The Garden Gurus5:00 Postcards London6:00 News6:30 Wipeout7:30 Crusoe9:30 AFI Awards11:30 Movie: Dirty Deeds (M)1:30 Movie: Poor Cow (M)3:30 Skippy – the Bush Kangaroo4:00 Danoz Direct5:00 4WD TV5:30 Rise and Shine

5:20 International News

1:00 The Kirov Celebrates

Nijinsky

3:00 The Desert Castle

4:00 Portrait of Bernice

Coppieters

4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer

5:30 Humanimal

6:30 World News Australia

7:30 Mythbusters

8:30 Iron Chef

9:20 RocKwiz

10:05 Movie: Tell No One (MAV)

12:20 SOS

1:20 NEWStopia

1:50 Decadence

2:20 Weatherwatch Overnight

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 - Page 11Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009

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Full page/Insert: $125

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and $1.25 per extra line

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

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

Advertising Rates 2009 Contact

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK

It’s on again!The Barcoo Independent Christmas sign competition is on again!Send in your photos of your decorated property sign/mailbox/front gate and be in the running to win a year’s subscription to The Barcoo Independent in 2010.

The winner will be announced via email before the New Year and in the first paper for 2010 on January 29.

WHATS ON in 2009/2010DECEMBER4 Wild Dog Trapping Workshop, Tambo4 Blackall Twilight Community Markets9 Aged Care Christmas Party, McLean Place12 Lancevale Clearing Sale17-21 Christmas Lights Competition Judging18 Final Barcoo Independent for 200918 Blackall Memorial and Sports Club Christmas Party24 Christmas Mardi Gras

JANUARY 2010Australia Day Breakfast and Awards26

First 29 Barcoo Independent for 2010

FEBRUARYPistol Club begins14

MARCHClean Up Australia Day7

APRILBlackall Campdraft National Finals1-24

Last years winners ‘Darracourt’ will be back to the drawing board to back up their big win 12 months ago

Ringrose Button Chartered Accountants are a locally owned and based practice which previously operated as O’Regan & Partners Longreach. Some areas in which we specialize are:

Primary Production and Small Business• Individual Taxation Returns• Professional Taxation & Accountancy advice• Business Planning, advice and compliance• Succession Planning•

We will be attending our Blackall Office in Woods Arcade on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December.For all your Accountancy & Taxation needs contact

Prue Button or Bill Ringrose on 07 4657 4144

December…. How the year has rushed on! Time and tide wait for no man! So it is out with the decorations and plans for a great family Christmas… Peace and Goodwill to all.

The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council has secured new housing for both Tambo and Blackall. Two residences will be relocated to Blackall and Tambo hopefully by the end of January. The residences in Blackall will be for staff housing but there will be details available of requirements for expressions of interest in the two houses in Tambo at the Tambo Branch Office, probably after the Christmas break.

Installation of the new water mains in Thistle Street Blackall has commenced prior to the continuation of upgrading the footpaths. While there is some inconvenience during the process the completed upgrades will certainly see big changes in the delivery of services to the town.

It was pleasing to meet Christian Griffith; back in Blackall to complete the aerosol art at the skate park. While in town, Christian has completed work at the State School with the help of five willing students over the weekend. Christian has included the students in his projects each time he has been here and was impressed to think that of the five who made enquiries all of them turned up on the day of painting.

There is work underway on the Barcoo River Bridge being carried out by the Main Roads Bridge repair team.

The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council have engaged Mike Chuck of Desert Solutions to create a plan for the town commons in the region. Town commons are a rare thing these days in local governments, however, here in the West they still have to be managed environmentally and sustainably. Consultation will commence in the new year.

I was delighted to be present at the St Joseph’s Speech Night where Principal Tim Franzmann presented a detailed account of the school activities for the year and some projections for 2010. The address by school captain Jamee Johnson, giving an overview of the year from a student perspective, was well-received by the audience. The school motto “Effort wins success” and presentation nights certainly allow schools and students to display to their families and the public, success achieved from their efforts over the year. Congratulations on a great year St Joseph’s.

The Advent Christmas Tree display at the Anglican Church was so beautiful. There are some magnificent trees, glorious lighting effects as well as the lovely patchwork wall hangings to see – a children’s paradise!! You never have to really grow up!!! … But of course you do have to grow old!!! I trust everyone enjoyed the display.

Jan Ross, Mayor

Barcoo Independent TV Guide December 6 - 12ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Sunday Decem

ber 6

5:00 Rage6:30 Children’s Programs9:00 Insiders10:00 Inside Business10:30 Offsiders11:00 Asia Pacific Focus11:30 Songs of Praise12:00 Best of Landline1:00 Best of Gardening Australia1:30 Message Stick2:00 Lost Cities of the Ancients3:00 Edge Codes4:15 Rackin’4:30 Artscape5:00 Scene by Scene6:00 At the Movies6:30 Wild Provence7:00 News 7:30 Doctor Who8:30 News Update8:35 Consuming Passion10:05 Compass10:40 Iconoclasts11:25 Movie: Saint Joan1:15 Movie: Ruthless (PG)3:00 Songs of Praise3:30 Talking Heads: Bob Rogers4:00 The Pet Show

6:00 Children’s Programs7:00 Weekend Sunrise10:00 Kochie’s Business Builders10:30 Offshore Powerboat Championships11:00 V8 Supercards4:30 According to Jim5:00 Queensland’s Best Living5:30 Great South East6:00 News6:30 The Zoo7:30 Border Patrol8:00 Outback Wildlife Rescue8:30 Bones9:30 Castle10:30 Band of Brothers11:45 The First 4812:35 The Gibb River Road and Beyond2:30 Infomercials3:30 NBC Meet the Press4:30 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Weekend Today9:00 Gilligan’s Island9:30 Second Test – Australia v West Indies Day 3 AM Session12:00 The Cricket Show12:30 Second Test – Australia v West Indies Day 3 PM Session 5:00 2009 Christmas Pageant6:00 News6:30 Christmas with the Australian Women’s Weekly7:00 What’s Good For You7:30 David Attenborough’s Life in Cold Blood8:30 Movie: The Sentinel (M)10:45 Movie: The Bone Collector (M)1:10 Mad TV2:00 4WD TV3:30 Alive and Cooking4:00 Good Morning America5:00 Joyce Meyer Ministries5:30 Today

6:25 International News

10:00 Fork in the Road

10:30 Ethnic Business Awards

12:30 Futbol Mundial

1:00 Speedweek

3:00 UEFA Europe League

Highlights

3:30 UEFA Champions League

Magazine Program

4:00 Les Murray’s Football

Feature

5:00 The World Game

6:00 E2 Energy

6:30 World News Australia

7:30 A History of Scotland

8:35 Heston’s Feasts

9:30 John Adams

10:50 Movie: Inspector

Montalbano (M)

12:35 Movie: White Palms (M)

2:25 Weatherwatch Overnight

Monday D

ecember 7

4:30 G.P.

5:30 Collectors

6:00 Children’s Programs

12:00 Midday Report

12:30 Movie: Danger Patrol (PG)

1:30 The Occasional Cook

2:00 The Bill

3:00 Children’s Programs

6:00 An Island Parish

6:30 Once a Soldier

7:00 News

7:30 7.30 Report

8:00 Elders with Andrew Denton

8:30 Lillies

9:35 Make ‘Em Laugh

10:30 Lateline

11:10 Playing in the Shadows

12:05 Movie: Penny Serenade

2:05 Movie: The Senator Was

Indiscreet (G)

3:25 Bowls: NSW Open

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: In the Line of Duty: Blaze of Glory (M)2:00 Murder, She Wrote3:00 Infomercials3:30 The Fairies4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News5:00 Come Dine With Me5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 How I Met Your Mother7:30 The Force – Behind the Line8:00 Destroyed in Seconds8:30 Movie: Out of Time (M)10:40 30 Rock11:10 Parks and Recreation11:35 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia12:00 Auction Squad1:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 The Kingdom of Paramithi9:30 Second Test – Australia v West Indies Day 4 AM Session12:00 The Cricket Show12:30 Second Test – Australia v West Indies Day 4 PM Session5:00 Bewitched5:30 Alive and Cooking6:00 News7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show 7:30 Two and a Half Men8:00 The Middle8:30 The Mentalist9:30 Flashpoint10:30 Burying Brian11:30 News12:00 Danoz Direct1:00 Young Lions1:30 WWE Afterburn2:00 Entertainment Tonight2:30 Danoz Direct3:00 Global Shop Direct3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Joyce Meyer Ministries5:30 Today

5:20 International News

1:00 Food Lovers’ Guide to

Australia

1:30 The Dark Years

2:25 Judgement Day

3:30 Foolproof Equations for a

Perfect Life

4:30 The Journal

5:00 The Crew

5:30 Futbol Mundial

6:00 E2 Energy

6:30 World News Australia

7:30 Top Gear Vietnam Special

8:55 Man vs Wild

9:45 World News Australia

10:15 Dead Set

10:45 Movie: Atomik Circus (MA)

12:20 Movie: Immortal Ad Vitam

(MA)

2:10 Weatherwatch Overnight

Tuesday Decem

ber 8

4:30 G.P.5:30 Collectors6.00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 Star Portraits with Rolf Harris1:00 The New Inventors1:30 Dynasties2:00 The Bill3:00 Children’s Programs6:05 Picture Perfect Homes6:15 Gavin Stamp’s Orient Express7:00 News7:30 The 7.30 Report8:00 Jailbirds8:30 Snowdon and Margaret9:25 Family Brat Camp10:10 Lateline11:50 In Our Name11:50 Poirot12:40 Movie: The Admiral was a Lady (G)2:15 Movie: Pop Always Pays (G)3:25 Good Game3:55 Eagle and Evans

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show12:00 Movie: Rites of Passage (FKA: Manhood Ritual) (M)2:00 Murder, She Wrote3:00 Infomercials3:30 The Fairies4:00 It’s Academic4:30 News5:00 Come Dine With Me5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 How I Met Your Mother7:30 Gary Unmarried8:00 Whacked Out Sports8:30 Private Practice9:30 The Amazing Race10:30 30 Rock11:00 Parks and Recreation11:30 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia12:00 Auction Squad1:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 The Kingdom of Paramithi9:30 Second Test – Australia v West Indies Day 5 AM Session12:00 The Cricket Show12:30 Second Test – Australia v West Indies Day 5 PM Session5:00 Airline5:30 Alive and Cooking6:00 News 7:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show7:30 Survivor: Samoa8:30 Movie: Mr and Mrs Smith (M)11:00 Secret Diary of a Call Girl12:00 News12:30 Danoz Direct1:00 20/202:00 4WD TV2:30 Danoz Direct3:00 Global Shop Direct3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Joyce Meyer Ministries5:30 Today

5:20 International News

1:00 Movie: The Stepford Wives

(M)

3:00 Corner Gas

4:00 Wine Lovers’ Guide to

Australia

4:30 The Journal

5:00 Newshour with Jim Lehrer

6:00 E2 Energy

6:30 World News Australia

7:30 Why Do We Dream?

8:30 The Circuit

9:30 World News Australia

10:00 Hot Docs

11:35 Movie: Life is a Miracle (M)

2:15 Weatherwatch Overnight

Programs correct at time of printing but may change owing to unforeseen circumstancesCLASSIFICATIONS: G GeneralClassificationM MatureClassificationRecommendedforviewingbymatureaudiences.PG ParentalGuidanceRecommendedMA MatureAudienceNotsuitableforpeopleunder15yearsofage. AV AdultViolenceClassificationNotsuitableforpeopleunder15yearsofage.

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 - Page 3Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009

ChristmasThanks

We at the Barcoo Independent would like to offer you the opportunity to thank your clients and customers for their business this year, as well as sending a Christmas greeting and other holiday information.

Ad size: 1/6 pageRate: $25

To secure your place in the final edition of the Barcoo Independent for 2009, please contact Rowan Hunnam by December 12 on:Ph/Fax: 4657 6966 or Email: barcooindependent@gmail.com

Don’t miss out!

Twilight Community

Markets5pm, December 4

Short Street

Elwyn and Jenny will be there with Christmas cakes, plum puddings and all their usual delicious cooking.

Andrew and Sam Shale are celebrating

Christmas in the Outback

with a

free giveaway!

Don’t forget to enter at IGA. To be drawn on Wednesday, 23 December

* No Conditions Apply

Following a recent energy audit, Ergon Energy compiled a 16-page report on their findings.

The report highlights the numerous possibilities and methods by which residents of Blackall-Tambo can save energy and therefore money.

The Ergon Energy auditors made it clear in their findings that they felt it was possible to save significant money without sacrificing lifestyle luxuries.

The report states that the biggest area that savings can be made is in building design and management, including garden layout.

A range of points on building design are made in the report; some more expensive than others and many contributing to cooler homes.

The report suggests that if homeowners look at creating better cross-flow ventilation in their homes, they can live comfortably for most of the year without airconditioning; saving the airconditioner for the hottest months. It was also stated that older houses, originally designed for good cross-flow ventilation, were not well suited to reverse cycle airconditioners, without some changes to reduce air flow.

Key issues for building design included ventilating the roof to limit heat accumulation, such as

with whirlybirds. Without vents to allow a flow of air through the roof, whirlybirds will not work efficiently.

A light-coloured roof that will not absorb heat is highly useful. There are a range of effective light-coloured paints or others that have metal flecks to reflect heat.

Roof insulation can help in both summer and winter and there is currently a Commonwealth grant of $1,200 available to assist in this. It should be noted that this was recently reduced from $1,600.

Good curtains can also make a difference throughout the year, however, pelmets above the curtain prevent air flow between the curtain and the window.

Information on window tinting and the benefits of having light-coloured and well-shaded western walls are also in the report.

Greening gardens with a range of trees, shrubs and grass all helps reduce heat from being absorbed.

The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council is encouraging residents to read the full report on the council website (www.btrc.qld.gov.au).

Council is also looking at a range of workshops where these issues can be explored in more detail. More report findings will be discussed in future Barcoo Independent articles.

Building design and cooling your home

The sporting achievements of Blackall State School student Joshua McErlean have been recognised by the Queensland School Sport Foundation, being awarded a North Western Region Future State Great Award for the second year in a row.

The award is designed to highlight the sporting achievements of one primary and one secondary school student from each of the twelve school sporting regions, seen as ‘Future State Greats’ and will receive a $500 bursary.

Swimmer Joshua McErlean won the primary award last year, and despite being a first year secondary student, has collected the North Western secondary student award this year.

Blackall State School Principal Jason Smith said that the award was a prestigous award for Joshua to win.

Lilyana Rayment from the Longreach School of Distance Education was the winner of the primary student award.

Regional School Sport Officer Linda Ashburn said the winners are seen as ambassadors for school sport. Students will be presented with the bursary in Brisbane in February.

Joshua, a “Future State Great”

Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 - Page 9

Following the final sale at the Blackall Municipal Sale Yards

Fred and Daphne Rich

Congratulate all those who contributed towards the conclusion of a very successful cattle selling year.

To the Regional Council for their commitment towards ensuring the future of our sales, by the extensions and improvements to the sale yards

To Dave and Deanne for the manner in which they conducted operations at the sales. And to the yard staff who ensured smooth operation when the sales were in progress

To the agents and their staff for their commitment and cooperation in securing stock and buyers during the year, and for their part in making these sales so successful

To the vendors and buyers and the transport operators, without whom there would be no sales.

We wish to congratulate all these people who have combined to making the past selling year such a successful one, and we look forward towards the commencement of an equally successful 2010 selling year.

  

Position Vacant Re-Advertised 

Road Works ForemanBlackall-Tambo Regional Council is seeking a dynamic self-motivator with excellent skills to join the team as the Road Works Foreman

The successful applicant will be responsible for the control of construction and/or maintenance activities on roads, drainage and related civil construction projects undertaken by the Council Works teams, under the general supervision of the Works Supervisor. The foreman requires a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of road construction and maintenance.

Experience with the Queensland Department of Main Roads construction standards would be highly desirable.

Duties include planning, organising and directing the day-to-day operations of the Works team to meet the objectives and outcomes of Council’s work programs and budgets.

You will be required to provide leadership and support and to foster teamwork within the Works teams.

For more information about this position, please obtain an application package including position description and selection criteria by contacting Carroll Nugent – Human Resources Officer on 07 4621 6600 or emailing reception@btrc.qld.gov.au.

Applications Close Friday, 11TH December 2009

Ken Timms PO Box 136 Chief Executive Officer TAMBO QLD

“Blackall-Tambo Regional Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer” 

KIDS CORNERwith Eddie Emu

G’day kids. Hasn’t it been hot? So hot in fact I wish I was a snow goose and lived somewhere cold and frosty or an artic penguin living on the ice. But no, I am

an Emu, living in one of the hottest continents in the world. So this week I thought we could get into the white Christmas mode…(even though it is 47 degrees outside) with a little bit of frosty the snowman and some snowflake fun (it helps to sit in an air-conditioned room). Keep cool.

EddieComedy Capers (Christmas twist) Q. Why was Santa's little helper depressed?

A. Because he had low elf esteemFrosty the Snowman

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul. With a corncob pipe and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they sayHe was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found. For when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around.O Frosty the snowman was alive as he could beAnd the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and meThumpetty thump thump thumpety thump thumpLook at Frosty goOver the hills of snowFrosty the snowman knew the sun was hot that daySo he said “Let's run and we'll have some fun now before I melt away”

History shows that the average maximum temperature for Blackall in the month of November is 34.7 degrees. However, last month Blackall experienced 19 days over 35 degrees, four days over 40 degrees, and a top of 41.7 degrees on November 18.

My car must enjoy the warmer weather; frequently indicating, and watching me hastily send word around, that the thermometer was at 46 degrees. It seems now, not.

It did, however, cool down to 14.9 degrees in Blackall on November 11, considerably below the average minimum of 20.4 degrees.

Temperatures in Tambo ranged from 14.1 degrees on November 30 to a top of 40.9 on November 18.

Blackall received below-average rainfall in November with a grand total of just 94 points (24mm) recorded throughout the month.

Thirty-three points (8.4mm) were measured on November 11, 29 points (7.4mm) on November 6 and rainfall less than 11 points (3mm) on November 9, 17, 19, 20, 24 and 28.

Since 1880, on average in November, Blackall receives 166 points (42.3mm). The record for the most rain recorded in November was set nine years ago, with 802 points (203.6mm).

Tambo recorded a slightly above-average 231 points (58.7mm) last month, with 102 points (25.8mm) falling on November 9.

The maximum recorded wind gust in Blackall was a 69 km per hour southeasterly on November 5 at 2014 hours.

Heated NovemberLengthy preparation and

organisation culminated in a gathering of over 350 people last Saturday for the St Patrick’s Christmas fete in Banks Park.

Helpers arrived early on Saturday morning, along with the crew from the WORC camp, to do the final set up for the evening. The weather provided a break from the last few weeks, cooling off for an evening of entertainment and fun.

The prep and year one students kicked off the entertainment; singing Christmas carols, followed by singing and entertainment from students from both schools.

The community choir ended the evening with Alison Mobbs and Fiona Stirling performing the final song for the crowd.

Santa came a long way for the children and it was lucky he had his airconditioner with him otherwise all the presents may have melted. Santa had to watch out for the fire engine which also kept the children entertained.

It was a success for two lucky locals who won the ‘horse plop’. Carnival, the Shetland pony, was very eager to plop quickly.

Congratulations to Vera Wilson who won the Grand Horse Plop Prize of $1000 and to Ian Greenhalgh who won $500.

The grand auction opened with the Christmas Hamper and concluded with the champagne, with plenty in between including Broncos, Cowboys, Wallaby’s, and Origin jerseys. The grand prize of Qantas tickets and holiday accommodation was keenly fought over and finally knocked down to Marie Messer.

The tradition of the St Patrick’s Christmas Fete has been going for over 30 years. Fete Convenor Brother Terry Kingston continued in fine style, notching up yet another fantastic night for Blackall.

Many others assisted in the preparation months in advance, and continued right through to the clean up the next morning. St Patrick’s hope that the night was enjoyed by all and offer their thanks to the stall workers, helpers, and the people of Blackall.

May you and your families be filled with the blessings of Christmas.

Fr Matthew Moloney

St Patrick’s Christmas Fete

NOTICE OF

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

In accordance with Section 915 of the Local Government Act 1993 notice is hereby given that Shamrock Street, between Coronation Street and Hawthorn Street, Blackall will be temporarily closed to all traffic between 6.00pm and 12 midnight on Thursday, 24 December, 2009 for the Christmas Mardi Gras. Alternative routes through town are available.

PO Box 21 BLACKALL QLD 4472 Fax: 4657 8855 Email: admin@btrc.qld.gov.au

Ken TimmsCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Phone: 4621 6600Web: www.btrc.qld.gov.au

Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 - Page 5

Clearing Sale Saturday 12th December 2009

Commencing 10.00am

“Lancevale” 80km from Blackall on the Jericho Road HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ANIMAL HEALTH 1 x meat band saw 1 x Allflex NLIS reader1 x large deep freezer 1 x Ruddweigh 200 cattle scales and weigh box AS NEW1 x lounge suite 1 x 3 seater and 2 x 1 seater 6 x stock saddles2 x recliner chairs 2 x Norprim nutrient dispensers1 x 2 door bedroom cupboard 3 x portable race panel bows1 x antique kitchen buffet 1 x heavy portable slide gate 1 x antique 2-door kitchen cupboards 1 x portable cattle loading ramp 1 x golf clubs and buggy 9 x 400L round poly lick troughs 2 x stainless steel sinks

HEAVY MACHINERY WATER 1 x 30,000L diesel tank 2 x rolls of 200m 63mm poly pipe 1 x 20ft one-way disc plough 2 x 1000L poly tanks Various spare parts for Scoopmobile 1 x large poly water trough 1 x PTO rotary hoe 1 x round concrete trough mould 1 x Air buffel seeder 2 x Lincoln welders – tractor packs with engines SMALL MACHINERY1 x Buffel harvester 20ft 1 x small buffel spinner planter 1 x small chisel plough 1 x Bio diesel still + 208 x 20L cotton seed oil 1 x old plough 6 x wool packs of buffel seed 1 x PTO slasher 6ft 1 x Ute canopy 1 x truck chassis trailer 1 x stainless steel roo racks 1 x offset disc plough 10ft 8 x coldroom panels 1 x horse float 1 x fertilizer spreader with electric motor 1 x 10ft buffel tumbler planter with engine VEHICLES1 x small offset disc plough 1 x 1986 Isuzu Truck & Stock Crate 1 x large heavy 2 axle flat top trailer 26ft twin steer, single drive 334,000kms 1 x hydraulic wool press 1 x Scoopmobile loader with forks and bucket 1 x 1977 Mitsubishi body truck with 20ft stock crate WORKSHOP 1 x 1995 Landrover Defender diesel trayback Ute 225,000kms1 x Lincoln 230amp diesel welder on trailer 596 hours 1 x 2007 Honda 230cc motorbile 1 x Uni Mig welder 270amp AS NEW 2 x Suzuki 200 Ag bikes 1 x Arc welder 200 amp 1 x 2007 Honda 680 ATV 566hrs 8000km 1 x Arc welder 245 amp 1 x Honda XR 350 motorbike 1 x cement mixer 240 volt 1 x beach buggy 1 x Ryobi chainsaw 1 x Stihl 004 chainsaw STEEL FENCING1 x PTO cement mixer 12 lengths 4 inch pipe 1 x Homelite petrol generator 4 A-frame shed roof trusses 1 x Dunlite petrol generator 15 lengths 75x75 RHS 1 x whipper smipper 1 railway line cattle grid 1 x wood lathe 8 A-frame shed roof trusses 20ft = 40ft shed 1 x Black & Decker dual height workmate bench 10 assorted heavy beams 20ft Large amounts of various sized NEW nuts and bolts 125 lengths 9m x 45lb railway line

4 rolls 5mm cable 19 lengths 2 inch pipe

9 lengths 3 inch pipe 9 lengths extra heavy railway line 800 NEW 6ft black steel posts (IMPORTED) 200 rolls NEW 1.8HT barb wire 500m long (BELCO)

Contact Landmark Blackall 07 4657 4299 Paul Holm 0429 083 841

Landmark Blackall, 103 Shamrock Street, Blackall 4472 PO Box 105, Blackall 4472

Tel: 07 4657 4299, Fax: 07 4657 4176 ABN 73 008 743 217

DISCLAIMER: The Vendor and / or Agents do not give any warranty as to errors or omissions, if any in these particulars, which they believe to be accurate when compiled.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORWHERE were all the men of

Blackall when the Movember fundraising campaign was on?

Throughout the year we are overrun with pink ribbons and cups of tea and yellow daffodils in aid of breast cancer, organised by the mighty women of our region.

But prostate cancer is nearly as big a killer in men, and depression claims more men in rural areas than anywhere else – these are great causes and ones I would happily give my money to.

But I couldn’t find a local bloke willing to grow a mo for November that I could support.

Come on fellas, I’ll be relying on you next November to give it a go.

Sally CrippsI WRITE this letter in both

disappointment and jubilation.I had the pleasure on Monday

afternoon to witness true community spirit and respect for youth facilities as I watched Adan Wilson, Brody Waine, Scott Hillier and Billy Flynn clean up the aftermath of a good night for some disrespectful community members at the Blackall Skate Park.

Party goers trashed the skate park on the weekend leaving broken chairs, smashed wheelie bins, empty beer cartons, and smashed bottles all over the skate bowl.

The glass was broken to the extent that you couldn’t place your feet on the skate bowl itself without stepping on glass. These four great young people spent the afternoon cleaning up the mess and making “their facility” clean again.

It is young people like these boys that make communities like ours excited about the prospect of tomorrow’s leaders. If you see these boys around town praise them for their efforts and thank them for caring.

I WOULD like to thank Rowan Hunnam for her work and contribution to the Barcoo Independent newspaper during her first twelve months in Blackall.

Rowan took the plunge after graduating as a journalist and left the city for her first official position in the west. She has given us a newsy Barcoo Independent each week, no mean feat, even though she found it hard at times battling our climate conditions.

Thank you Rowan and I look forward to working with you again next year.

I would also like to thank Brian and Margaret Warren whose kitchen bench has been our folding table for the paper each week.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2010 to all our readers and sponsors.

Lynette DavisonBarcoo Independent Treasurer

To the people responsible for the mess in the first place: “Being popular is not a great feat if you do not respect anything nor do your mates respect you for the things you do to be seen as awesome”.

Lisa Goodman

Below: A display of community contributions and the nativity scene at the Christmas Tree Festival this week

‘Camelot’ the Camel made the journey in from ‘Sylvester’ Blackall for a special appearance in the play at the opening of the Combined Churches’ Christmas Tree Festival last Sunday. Photo taken by Natalie McPaul.

Combined Churches’ Christmas Tree Festival - in its seventh year

Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, December 4 2009 - Page 7

Sponsor Dylan Dolinski with sisters Robyn and Elise Leek, winners of the junior fashions of the field prizes

Blackall jockey Rhett Bellert (centre) had his family visiting – Ian and Leanne Spry from Gayndah, his mother Doreen Bellert, Margaret Parker, Geoff Smith and Jamie Smith. Doreen was celebrating her 80th birthday on the weekend

David Rewald checks for his opposition as he passes the winning post in race four

Carly Mlikota enjoyed the afternoon with Sonia and Kristian Pennisi

Joelene Gleeson from Barcaldine with Jodie Cragg and Joe Polkinghorne

Vince Prow with daughter Megan and Matt Ganes

Rob Hayward with Heidi and Damian Howard

Race two sponsor, Trish Macintosh from Blackall Rural Traders with race club president Paul Banks, trainer Mick Hoyling from Noorama, strapper Rosie Kerr and jockey Dennis Baker, with Saintes

Natalie Hayes and Peter France with Noni Frazer from Augathella

Dressed up for the Blackall races were Tegan and Karlia Schluter with Sarah Steer

Blackall Races in November

Right: Blackall State School 2009 Student Council President David Goodman (left) unveils the school’s honour board with Member for Gregory Vaughan Johnson

Right: St Joseph’s school captain and year 7 student Jamee Johnson addresses the school communtiy at Speech Night, thanking her fellow students, staff and parents for a great year

Race photos takenby Sally Cripps

Brother Terry Kingston (right) and Father Matthew Moloney present winner Marie Messer with the Grand Holiday Prize from the St Patrick’s Christmas Fete last Saturday