INDEPENDENTTHE BARCOO

See pages 6 and 7 for Australia Day photosChristmas Road Sign winners - page 4

Blackall’s own community newspaperJanuary 29, 2010 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010

CELEBRATED at the Blackall Woolscour, Australia Day 2010 was an opportunity for residents of Blackall to recognise some of the individuals who have made significant contributions to the local community.

Around 200 people arrived early on Tuesday morning for the breakfast and awards ceremony, hosted by council staff, staff and volunteers of the Blackall Woolscour and Blackall State School year 12 students.

Mayor Jan Ross announced the award winners on the day, saying she felt privileged to be mayor of Blackall-Tambo and able to present the awards to such a wide group of community-minded and spirited people.

Lynette Davison was honoured to be named Blackall’s 2009 Citizen of the Year, with involvement as an active and longterm volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a regular helper at the Living Arts Centre, treasurer of the Barcoo Independent and the Blackall Ladies Bowls Club, and overwhelming entries into the cooking competitions at the Blackall Show with her grandchildren.

Well regarded in the district for her knowledge and skills as a gardener, Lynette is a member of the Blackall Garden Club, has hosted many garden days and for the last two years has been a judge for the Barcaldine Regional Council Garden Competition. Lynette accepted the award saying that she thoroughly enjoys working for the community and with others.

The Blackall Young Citizen of the Year Award was given to Megan Gane for her tireless

and extraordinary contributions to the Blackall community, p a r t i c u l a r l y organising various sporting events.

A qualified Justice of the Peace, last year Megan took on the role of treasurer of the Blackall Kindergarten, and this year has taken on the challenge of treasurer of the Blackall Campdraft Association as they prepare to host the Australian titles in April.

Megan was also actively involved in the Anzac Day celebrations, speaking on the day and volunteering time behind the bar on the Edgar Towner weekend. Megan nominated and ran in the last Council elections with the goal of giving a voice to the youth in Blackall, and was encouraged to do so again.

Clayton O’Brien was pleased to receive the Blackall Sports Award, following a successful year on the professional bull riding circuit in Australia. He finished the year in 8th position in the PBR Australian standings and is currently placed 39th in the 2010 PBR World Qualifier Standings.

Clayton won over $9,000 in prize money throughout the year, winning the first round and placing second overall in the Cunnamulla and Julia Creek Dirt and Dust PBR Bull Rides. Clayton continues to be involved in running and organising local bull rides, serving as an inspiration to other competitors.

Another local sportsperson

Celebrating Australia Day with enthusiasm, face paint and games were Aimee Donohoe, Danielle O’Brien and Chloe Kings.

BLACKALL-TAMBO REGIONAL COUNCIL NOTICE OF ORDINARY MEETINGS

In accordance with Section 464 of the Local Government Act 1993 the Ordinary Meetings of Council for 2010 are scheduled to be held on the following dates in the locations specified:

Date Location

Wednesday, 27 January, 2010 Tambo

Wednesday, 10 February, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 10 March, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 14 April, 2010 Tambo

Wednesday, 12 May, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 9 June, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 14 July, 2010 Tambo

Wednesday, 11 August, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 8 September, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 13 October, 2010 Tambo

Wednesday, 10 November, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 8 December, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 19 January, 2011 Tambo

The Ordinary Meeting of Council’s Works and Finance Standing Committee for 2010 are scheduled to be held on the following dates in the locations specified:

Wednesday, 24 February, 2010 Tambo

Wednesday, 26 May, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 28 July, 2010 Blackall

Wednesday, 24 November, 2010 Tambo

Council Meetings will be held at the Council Chambers at the respective towns commencing at 8.30am.

PO Box 21 BLACKALL QLD 4472

Fax: 07 4657 8855 Email: admin@btrc.qld.gov.au

Ken Timms CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Phone: 07 4621 6600 www.blackall.qld.gov.au

Australia Day at the Woolscour

Blackall ICPA needs input to make education lobby effective

FIONA Russell, the ongoing president of the Blackall branch of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association has put out a call for the local community to make its education concerns known to the group so that help can be sought.

“Those of us driving ICPA locally cannot be aware of every issue,” she told the branch’s annual general meeting. “We need you as members of the community and parents of isolated students to come forward.”

She said that issues relating to small schools and student/teacher ratios, school bus runs, impassable roads, continuity of staffing, and school and work based traineeships were among those relevant to Blackall, and were not going away, and that many others could become prominent at any time.

Fiona was re-elected for a fourth year as branch president at the AGM, while some new faces

Continued on page 2 Continued on page 5

Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 - Page 11

WHAT’S ON in 2010FEBRUARY3 St Josephs swim carnival5 State School swim carnival8 BT Country Education Foundation committee meeting9 Blackall Kindergarten AGM11 Blackall Cattle Sale14 Pistol Club season begins26 Aussie Host training courseMARCH6 Blackall Races7 Clean Up Australia DayAPRIL21-24 Blackall Campdraft National Finals17 Blackall RacesJULY4 Blackall Races

FROM THE MAYOR’S DESKMay I wish you all a very Happy New

Year!The New Year 2010 has started off

well enough with good falls of welcome rain throughout the districts in the region. There have been falls heavier in some areas more than others but generally everyone has had some relief from the dreadful drought conditions we had been experiencing.

Christmas Eve celebrations in Blackall saw the announcement of the Christmas Lights Competition winners: Tracy and Trevor Brown for the Spirit of Christmas, Blackall Tyre Service won the Best Decorated Business House, Sandra Eagle won the Best Home and Garden Award, Harley Kowald-Dawson for Best Illumination, Aimmie Richardson for Best Night Decoration, and Pam Carolan and Billie McCann received the Good Neighbours Award. Congratulations are in order for the tremendous efforts of everyone who entered the competition and well done to the winners.

My thanks to Deputy Mayor Peter Skewes for being available to make the awards on Christmas Eve.

The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council will be advertising for the sale two of their existing houses in Blackall in the near future. Council has accepted delivery of two relocated new staff residences which will be located on Council land in Blackall. There are two similar houses to be located in Tambo. Council will be calling for expressions of interest from the public when they are installed.

The Australia Day Big Breakfast in Blackall was well attended, everyone enjoying the music, the company of friends, the wonderful food cooked by the Historical Woolscour team and well served by the year 12 students of the Blackall State School. It was a very pleasant morning with everyone in good spirits. Congratulations to the Blackall Tambo Regional Council staff for ensuring the program flowed flawlessly.

The program for Australia Day in Tambo was held in the afternoon and evening. Congratulations to all the recipients of the Australia Day Awards this year. It was indeed an honour and a privilege to present such a remarkably community spirited group of people from both Blackall and Tambo with their well deserved awards.

If you are a resident of Blackall or Tambo, to make contact with the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council please call 4621 6600. All correspondence should be addressed to the CEO Ken Timms.

Jan Ross

acknowledged at the Australia Day breakfast was Blackall Pony Club member Sara Aspinall, topping off her Gold medal performance in Malaysia at the Mounted Games. A member of Blackall Pony Club, Blackall Campdraft Association, and team member of Zone 14 Pony Club, in the past Sara has fundraised to allow disabled children the opportunity to enjoy horse riding.

“She is a great role model to the younger generation of pony club riders in Blackall,” Mayor Jan Ross said.

The voice behind the Blackall Community Choir, Alison Mobbs, was an award recipient, recognised for her commitment to local cultural activities and life. Throughout 2009 Alison initiated, developed and performed a range of cultural activities as part of Anzac Day, the Edgar Towner Memorial unveiling, St Patrick’s fete and the Q150 Shed. Alison has also been involved in actively sourcing RADF funding to give local youth the opportunity of weekly dance lessons. Showing leadership in the arts in a variety of aspects of the community, Alison has been instrumental to the development of music and the arts at both the Blackall State School and St Josephs.

The work of the Edgar Towner Committee in commemorating Edgar Towner was highlighted, emphasizing the success of the project and the efforts of all involved. Major Terry Brennan thanked the community for their support of the project

Notable achievement awards went to David Goodman, Greg

Tierney and the Zone 14 Pony Club. David was the 2008 and 2009 President of the Blackall State School Student Council, a key organiser for the Shockwave Youth Arts Festival and a role model to younger students. At the 2009 school presentation night, he was presented with the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award, a Top Achievement in Creative Arts, a Consistent Achievement Award and the School and Community Spirit Award. David also won a Young Entrepreneurs Award for his ideas and development of youth activities and issues in the Central West.

Greg Tierney had 35 years in the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, serving as an auxiliary fireman, deputy captain, lieutenant and captain. A member of the Blackall SES for 34 years, Greg has been President of the Returned Services League, and involved with the Blackall Cultural Association, Apex Club, Blackall Football Club, Blackall Rifle Club, Blackall Darts Club and Civilian Military Forces for the Australian Army. He currently works at the Blackall State School as a teacher aide and modifies equipment for special needs students.

Helen Aspinall accepted a notable achievement award on behalf of the Zone 14 Pony Club for hosting the hugely successful State Showjumping and Equitation Championships in the year which brought 200 competitors to Blackall for the week.

Continued from page 1 Barcoo Independent TV Guide January 31 - February 6ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Wednesday February 3

4:30 Shortland Street5:00 Something in the Air5:30 The Einstein Factor6:00 Children’s Programs11:00 Bodyshock12:00 Midday Report12:30 National Press Club Address1:30 The Cook and Chef2:00 Parliament Question Time3:00 Children’s Programs6:10 The Wild Gourmets in Spain7:00 News7:30 7.30 Report8:00 The New Inventors8:30 Spicks and Specks9:00 The IT Crowd9:25 Chandon Pictures9:55 Review with Myles Barlow10:25 Lateline11:00 Lateline Business11:25 Life on Mars12:25 Outback House1:20 Parliament Question Time2:20 Movie: Girl Rush (PG)3:25 National Press Club Address

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: Dead Gorgeous (M)2:00 Extreme: Celebrity Scandals3:00 Come Dine With Me3:30 Raggs4:00 Go Go Stop4:30 News 5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue8:00 ICU8:30 Criminal Minds9:30 Gangs of Oz10:00 Scrubs 10:30 Family Guy11:00 American Dad11:30 Louis Theroux12:30 Ski Season4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 Morning News12:00 Ellen Degeneres Show2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 Hi-54:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men8:00 Customs8:30 Cold Case10:30 Without a Trace11:30 Nightline12:00 Danoz Direct12:30 Mad TV1:30 Entertainment Tonight2:00 Alive and Cooking2:30 Danoz Direct3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Popoff Ministries5:30 Today

5:00 Weatherwatch and Music5:05 International News1:00 Movie: Little Indian Big City (PG)2:35 Spacefiles2:55 Temple of Dreams4:00 A Fork in Australia: Australia - Wheat4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour with Jim Lehrer6:00 Global Village6:30 World News Australia7:35 Rex in Rome8:30 Inspector Rex9:30 World News Australia10:00 The Eagle: A Crime Odyssey11:05 Movie: The Betrayal (M)12:30 Movie: The Navigators (M)2:10 Weatherwatch and Music

Thursday February 4

4:30 Shortland Street5:00 Something in the Air5:30 The Einstein Factor 6:00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 How The Hell Did We Get Here?1:30 The Cook and the Chef2:00 Parliament Question Time3:00 Children’s Programs6:10 World’s Greatest Homes7:00 News7:30 The 7:30 Report8:00 Gnow or Never8:30 Seven Ages of Rock9:25 Inside the Great Magazines10:15 Lateline10:50 Lateline Business11:20 Spectacle: Elvis Costello With…12:05 Parliament Question Time1:15 Movie: Angel Face (PG)2:55 Artscape: Artists at Work: Josh Yeldham3:25 The Glass House

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: A Walk in Clouds (M)2:00 All Saints3:00 Infomercials3:30 The Fairies4:00 Kid Detectives4:30 News5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 Gary Unmarried8:30 The Amazing Race9:30 TV Burp10:00 Double Take10:30 Family Guy11:00 American Dad11:30 That ’70s Show12:00 Ski Season12:30 Sons and Daughters1:00 Infomercial4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News12:00 Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 Hi-54:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men7:30 Getaway8:30 20 to 1 9:30 CSI:NY11:30 Nightline12:00 Danoz Direct12:30 The Alice1:30 4WD TV3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Popoff Ministries5:30 Today

5:00 Weatherwatch Music5:05 International News1:00 Food Lovers’ Guide1:30 Dead Tired2:30 Cities of Light3:30 Australian Biography4:00 Feast India4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour Jim Lehrer6:00 Global Village6:30 World News Australia7:30 Gourmet Farmer8:00 Oz & James’ Wine8:30 Secrets & Lives9:00 Designer People9:30 World News Australia10:00 Movie: Reprise (MA)11:50 Queer as Folk12:45 Movie: Harry’s Daughters2:35 Weatherwatch

Friday February 5

4:30 Shortland Street5:00 Something in the Air5:30 The Einstein Factor6:00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 Poirot1:30 Spielberg on Spielberg3:00 Children’s Programs6:05 The National Parks7:00 News7:30 Stateline8:00 The Old Guys8:35 Silent Witness10:15 Very Small Business10:45 Lateline11:25 The Graham Norton Show12:15 Rage

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Movie: The Glow (M)2:00 All Saints3:00 Infomercials3:30 All for Kids4:00 Kid Detectives4:30 News5:00 Guide to the Good Life5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 Better Homes and Gardens8:30 AFL10:45 TBA2:05 House Calls to the Rescue3:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 News12:00 Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Yamba’s Playtime3:30 Hi-54:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat6:00 News6:30 Twenty/20 Cricket Aust V Pak9:30 Movie: Executive Decision11:30 Movie: Storytelling1:40 MAD TV2:30 Danoz Direct4:00 Alive and Cooking4:30 Good Morning America

5:00 Weatherwatch Music5:05 International News1:00 The Food Lovers’ Guide to Australia1:30 The Colony2:30 The Rise of Man3:30 Going Bush4:00 Classical Destinations4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour Jim Lehrer6:00 Global Village6:30 World News Australia7:30 James May’s Big Ideas8:30 The Nest9:30 World News Australia10:00 Erotic Tales11:05 Movie: A Tout de Suite (MA)12:50 Movie: A Better Tomorrow 3 2:55 Weatherwatch

Saturday February 6

5:00 Rage10:00 Rage: Guest Programmer: Vampire Weekend11:00 Live from Abbey Road12:00 Stateline12:30 Best of Australian Story1:00 Basketball WNBL3:00 Movie: Sabrina (PG)4:50 The Mechanicals5:00 Monash: The Forgotten Anzac6:00 Nigella Express6:30 Gardening Australia7:00 News7:30 Bed of Roses8:25 News Update8:30 The Bill9:15 Taggart10:00 News Update10:10 Dalziel and Pascoe11:50 Rage

6:00 Children’s Programs8:30 Movie: Johnny Kapahala:Back on Board (G)10:30 Children’s Programs12:00 Eclipse1:00 Better Homes and Gardens2:00 AFL5:30 Queensland Weekender6:00 News6:30 Outback Wildlife Rescue7:30 TBA11:00 Tri Nations: Australia v SouthAfrica1:30 Fast Ed’s Fast Food2:00 House Calls to the Rescue3:00 Auction Squad3:30 It is Written4:00 Home Shopping5:00 Dateline NBC

6:00 Go, Diego, Go6:30 Dora the Explorer7:00 Weekend Today9:00 Children’s Programs12:00 Wide World of Sports3:30 Great Ocean Adventures4:30 The Gurus Explore Canada5:30 Antiques Road Show6:00 News6:30 Wipeout7:30 Movie: Take the Lead (PG)9:55 Movie: Vertical Limit (M)11:25 Movie: Ripley’s Game (M)2:30 Spyforce3:30 Skippy the Bush Kangaroo4:00 Danoz Direct5:00 Global Shop Direct5:30 Rise and Shine

5:00 Weatherwatch and Music5:05 International News1:00 Orpheus and Eurydice2:50 The Chopin Etudes3:00 Once Upon a Time…4:05 Every Picture Tells a Story4:30 Newshour with Jim Lehrer5:30 Equator6:30 World News Australia7:30 Monster Moves8:30 Iron Chef9:20 Rockwiz10:00 Movie: The King11:50 SOS12:50 NEWStopia1:20 Matrioshki: Thai Sex Trade2:20 Weatherwatch Overnight

Community honours individuals

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 - Page 3Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010

Our schools exist not to be different, but to make a difference.

Administration Secretary30 hours per week term-time

St Joseph’s School, Blackall Applications are invited from suitably qualified and enthusiastic people for this position.

St Joseph’s, Blackall is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced person to provide high level, confidential administrative support.

Application packages can be obtained from the School Office at 109 Thistle Street, Blackall.

For further information, please contact: The Principal, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, phone: (07) 4657 4248 or email: sjbl@rok.catholic.edu.au

Applications close Friday 5 February 2010.

www.rok.catholic.edu.auCatholic Education is committed

to best practice in student protection policies and procedures

Catholic EducationDiocese of Rockhampton

A NEW look Blackall-Tambo RADF committee met for the first time on December 10, 2009 at the council chambers in Tambo.

Tracey Lewington, Kiralee Fox and Kim Davidson were selected to represent the Tambo community while Dale Lane, Lorelei Kiernan and Margaret Bailey were selected to represent Blackall. Margaret Bailey has since been transferred from Blackall so fresh applications will be called for her position. Cr Sally Cripps is the council representative and Lisa Kings is the Council Liaison Officer. Kim Davidson was elected chairman by the new committee.

Eight applications were assessed and recommended for funding. The successful applicants included the Tambo Arts Council who received $2455 towards a garden design workshop and associated projects at the new Grasslands@Tambo complex, $3870 for two painting workshops with tutor Metka Skrobar and $2167 towards volunteer training in art gallery management and displays. The Blackall Cultural Association received $1241 towards a five-day patchwork workshop, $2000 for a four-day hebel sculpture workshop and $2300 for a five-day watercolour workshop with Lyn Butchart. The Barcoo Pastoral Society received $677 towards a street art workshop focusing on youth, and the Tambo Arts and Crafts group received $1624 towards a leather bag making workshop with Lyn McIntyre. These applications were ratified by council this week.

RADF training was discussed at the meeting. Liaison Officer Lisa Kings is organising a training workshop for committee members early in 2010. RADF applicants and community groups are also encouraged to attend this training workshop to help them better understand the RADF program and the funding criteria.

The committee also discussed ways of improving the exchange of information and activities between Blackall and Tambo cultural groups and

ways of working together more effectively.

The RADF program was introduced by the Queensland Government in 1991 and is a highly successful state and local government partnership. It has become one of the largest funding programs available to Queensland artists and arts workers. Strong community involvement in the program allows local councils to meet their local arts and cultural priorities.

Applications for Round 2 of the 2009/10 year are now being sought and will close on January 29, 2010. The committee is seeking innovative projects with well managed budgets which will enhance the lives of the Blackall/Tambo community.

– Kim Davidson

New RADF Committee for Blackall-Tambo

Ex-Blackall resident and teacher Margaret Bailey was pleased to receive an Australia Day bronze medallion for Outstanding Service to the Department of Education & Training for her service as a teacher to the Blackall State School and community.

MARGARET Bailey, a resident and Blackall State School teacher last year, received an Australia Day Award for Outstanding Service to the Department of Education & Training for her service as a teacher to the Blackall State School and wider community.

Margaret was nominated by two teacher aides at the State School for opportunities she provided to students at the school throughout the year.

Margaret said that she was surprised to receive the award.

“I don’t think what I do is extraordinary, I just hope that my involvement in schools makes an impact on young rural peoples lives and that they too will learn to give back to their communities.”

Margaret left Blackall to take up a teaching position this year at Marist College in Emerald, teaching Drama and English.

“I am excited to be involved in another rural community, albeit larger than Blackall, but still with the same sense of community and charity.”

Outstanding Service Award, Margaret

Barcoo Independent TV Guide January 31 - February 6ABC SEVEN Imparja SBS

Sunday January 31

5:00 Rage6:30 Children’s Programs9:00 Q&A10:00 Double Happiness10:30 Welcome to Tehran11:30 Songs of Praise12:00 Landline1:00 Best Of Gardening Australia1:30 Message Stick2:00 Battlefield Mysteries3:00 Edinburgh Military Tattoo 20084:30 The Hit Game: Wolfgramm4:55 The Passing Show6:10 Paul Merton in China7:00 News7:30 Whale Shark8:20 News Update8:30 Movie: Romulus, My Father (M)10:10 Compass10:45 A Gooseberry Fool11:40 Movie: Magnificent Doll (PG)1:10 Movie: Race Street (PG)2:35 Artists at Work: Linde Ivimey3:00 MDA: Pas De Deux4:00 The Pet Show

6:00 Children’s Programs7:00 Weekend Sunrise10:00 Kochie’s Business Builders10:30 Bush Doctors11:00 The Animal Extractors12:00 2010 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series2:00 The Most Extreme3:00 Australian Open 20105:00 Destination New Zealand5:30 Great South East6:00 News6:30 Australian Open 20109:30 TBA10:30 Grey’s Anatomy12:30 TBA2:30 Infomercials3:30 NBC Meet the Press4:30 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Go, Diego, Go6:30 Dora the Explorer7:00 Weekend Today10:00 Alive and Cooking10:30 4WD TV11:00 The ARIA Music Show12:00 Nine presents Leona Lewis12:15 Movie: The Wings of Eagles2:30 One Day Cricket – Aust V Pak6:00 News6:30 One Day Cricket – Aust V Pak10:15 Movie: Presumed Innocent12:35 MAD TV1:35 Airport2:00 Skippy the Bush Kangaroo2:30 Danoz Direct3:30 Global Shop Direct4:00 Good Morning America5:00 Pop Off Ministries5:30 Today

5:00 Weatherwatch and Music6:25 International News10:00 A Fork in the Road11:00 In Search of Bony12:00 Australian Mountain Bike Championships 20101:00 Speedweek3:00 2010 FIFA World Cup Magazine3:30 Football Mundial4:00 African Cup of Nations 20105:00 The World Game6:00 Thalassa6:30 World News Australia7:30 Lost Worlds8:30 What Time Is It?9:30 China’s Capitalist Revolution10:25 Movie: The Queen of Sheba’s Pearls (M)12:30 Movie: House of Fools (M)2:25 Weatherwatch Overnight

Monday February 1

4:30 Shortland Street5:00 Something in the Air5:30 The Einstein Factor6:00 Children’s Programs11:00 Landline12:00 Midday Report12:30 Rain Shadow1:30 The Cook and the Chef2:00 The Bill3:00 Children’s Programs6:00 The Sounds of Aus7:00 News7:30 7.30 Report8:00 Elders Isabel Allende8:40 The Great Wall of China10:25 Lateline11:00 Lateline Business11:30 Enemies of Reason12:30 Movie: That’s Right, You’re Wrong2:05 Artists at Work: David Frazer2:35 MDA3:30 Island Life: Torres Strait Islands

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Desperate Housewives1:00 Brothers and Sisters2:00 Extreme: Love Splits3:00 Come Dine With Me3:30 Raggs4:00 Go Go Stop4:30 News5:00 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 My Kitchen Rules8:30 Desperate Housewives9:30 Brothers and Sisters10:30 Royal Pains11:30 30 Rock12:00 Blue Heelers1:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 Morning News12:00 Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of Our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 Hi-54:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men8:00 The Big Bang Theory8:30 The Mentalist (All New)10:30 CSI Miami11:30 Nightline12:30 McLeod’s Daughters1:30 WWE Afterburn2:30 Danoz Direct3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Pop Off Ministries5:30 Today

5:00 Weatherwatch and Music5:05 International News1:00 The Food Lovers’ Guide to Australia1:30 The Traffickers2:30 The Trials of J Robert O3:30 Can GM Food Save the World?4:30 The Journal5:00 The Crew5:30 Futbol Mundial6:00 Global Village6:30 World News Australia7:30 Mythbusters8:35 Man vs Wild9:30 World News Australia10:00 The Fixer10:50 Entourage11:20 Jaquie Brown Diaries11:50 Movie: Harvie Krumpet12:15 Movie: Appleseed (M)2:05 Weatherwatch

Tuesday February 2

4:30 Shortland Street5:00 Something in the Air5:30 The Einstein Factor6.00 Children’s Programs12:00 Midday Report12:30 Cuttlefish: The Brainy Bunch1:30 The Cook and the Chef2:00 Parliament Question Time3:00 Children’s Programs6:05 Ancient Megastructures7:00 News7:30 The 7.30 Report8:00 Bush Slam: Lightning Ridge8:30 Kevin McLeod’s Grand Tour9:30 Mystery Skulls of Palau10:25 Lateline11:00 Lateline Business11:25 Solo12:25 The Chaser’s War on Everything12:55 Parliament Question Time1:55 Poirot2:55 Movie: The Clay Pigeon (PG)3:55 Good Game

6:00 Sunrise9:00 The Morning Show11:30 News12:00 Grey’s Anatomy2:00 Extreme: Celebrity Size 003:00 Come Dine With Me3:30 Raggs4:00 Go Go Stop4:30 News5:00 M*A*S*H5:30 Deal or No Deal6:00 News6:30 Today Tonight7:00 Home and Away7:30 My Kitchen Rules8:30 Grey’s Anatomy10:30 10 Years Younger in 10 Days11:00 My Shocking Story12:00 Blue Heelers1:00 Infomercials4:00 NBC Today5:30 News

6:00 Today9:00 Mornings with Kerri-Anne11:00 Morning News12:00 Ellen Degeneres Show1:00 Danoz Direct2:00 Days of our Lives3:00 Entertainment Tonight3:30 Hi-54:00 Lab Rats Challenge4:30 News5:00 Antiques Roadshow5:30 Hot Seat 6:00 News7:00 Two and a Half Men7:30 Season Final - Survivor9:30 Survivor – Reunion Show10:20 Kitchen Nightmares USA11:20 Nightline 12:30 20/201:30 Entertainment Tonight3:30 Good Morning America5:00 Popoff Ministries5:30 Today

5:00 Weatherwatch Music5:05 International News1:00 The Story of the Weeping Camel2:35 Spacefiles3:00 If Only3:30 Parent Rescue4:00 Wine Lovers’ Guide to Australia4:30 The Journal5:00 Newshour with Jim Lehrer6:00 Global Village6:30 World News Australia7:30 Why Are Thin People Not Fat?8:30 Big Love9:30 World News Australia10:00 Hot Docs11:45 Movie: Living in Fear (M)1:35 Weatherwatch Music

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

BLACKALL State School 2009 graduate Harley Kowald-Dawson welcomed the news that he had won the Bid O’Sullivan scholarship. Harley will be making good use of the scholarship when he starts his four years at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba in March where he will major in Maths and IBT.

Valued at $20,000 and named in honour of a pioneer of the School of the Air, Bid O’Sullivan, the

scholarships are offered annually by the Department of Education and Training to assist year 12 students from rural and remote areas of Queensland who have chosen teaching as their career. The scholarships are aimed to increase the number of rural and remote teachers in Queensland’s education system. The scheme provides financial assistance to the scholarship holder while studying an undergraduate education

course on a full-time basis at a Queensland university.

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 - Page 9Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010

St Joseph’s year 2/3 and Science teacher for 2010 is Andrea Sly from Bundaberg. Andrea studied a Bachelor of Learning Management (early childhood) Catholic strand at CQ University. Having growing up in a home where her mother cared for foster children, Andrea was inspired to help children in some way. Andrea has also been a fire fighter for 5 years, qualified as a fourth officer and training officer.

IT was a wet finish to 2009, with 310 points (109.4mm) hitting Blackall on December 31, the most rain ever recorded on a single day in Blackall in December. The rain continued into the new year, as 281 points (99.2mm) fell during the first 9 days of January, 2010.

A total of 481 points (169.8mm) was recorded in Blackall in December, well clear of the average monthly rainfall of 188 points (66.2mm). The rain arrived mostly in the second half of the month, with substantial amounts falling on December 16, 25 and 26.

Temperatures hit above 40 degrees on six occasions, with a top of 42.3 degrees on December 9. A minimum of 18.1 degrees was recorded on December 2.

A maximum wind gust of 85 km/hour was recorded as the storms arrived on December 22. Lightning was believed to have hit lines and tripped protection equipment in the Barcaldine bulk supply substation, cutting supply from 8pm to around 6000 customers in areas around Blackall, Barcaldine, Longreach and Aramac.

A wet festive season for Blackall

THE pleas for rain that featured on some of the Christmas road signs throughout December around Blackall were heard as an impressive 481 points (169.8mm) of rain was collected in town that month.

The 2009 Christmas road sign decorated by the Davisons at Glendale won them a year’s subscription to the Barcoo Independent.

This year, an independent panel of judges was unanimous in naming Glen, Jo and Lynette Davison as the winners of the annual competition, as they commended it for its originality and “great adaptation of traditional fare”.

The sign at Riverview was highly commended for its elegance and attractiveness, while Lisburne was congratulated for providing a starkly simple seasonal message in a dry dusty landscape.

This is the fourth year the Blackall Newspaper Group has run its Christmas Road Sign competition and was thrilled to see fences, road signs and mail boxes adorned with a great show of Christmas and seasonal spirit.

The Blackall Newspaper Group thanks all who took part and encourages more people to get involved next year.

Christmas road signs plea for rain

If you drove down the Isisford Road before Christmas you would have seen Santa’s plea for rain on the front gate of Glendale. The Davison’s wish came true and they also won themselves a 12-month subscription to the Barcoo Independent in 2010.

Runner-up in the Christmas sign competition were the decorations that adorned the fence at ‘Riverview’.

The Atkinson’s plea for rain sat in the dry, dusty landscape over the Christmas period. Lisburne received six and a half inches of rain (163 mls) during December - their Christmas wish well and truly granted!

Blackall State School has welcomed four new staff to join its ranks for 2010. Far left: Lauren Pritchard has arrived in Blackall from Coombabah State High School on the Gold Coast and will be teaching secondary students English, Drama and Art. Andrew Thoburn will be taking the primary year six class and comes from Barcaldine State School. Vicki Walsh is from Woorabinda and will be teaching a diverse range of classes across the school. Linda Whysall is the newly appointed school chaplain.

This week the Blackall Kindergarten welcomed its new director Stacey Hansen from Brisbane. Stacey moved to Blackall just two weeks ago with her husband Aaron, who works in the mines in Western Australia, and children Seaton and Piper who enjoyed their first day at the State School on Wednesday. Stacey has worked in early childhood for 17 years, 10 of those at the same centre. Having visited good friends in Blackall on two occasions, Stacey said they fell in love with the town compared to the fast paced life in Brisbane.

BSS “Brekky Club”THE Blackall State School Thursday

morning “Brekky Club” has once again commenced in its fourth year. The program aims at encouraging children of different age groups to interact socially over a meal while learning the importance of eating a healthy breakfast.

The children are encouraged to learn good hygiene habits with food preparation and handling. Socially, this time allows the children to become familiar with the volunteers from the churches of the community. This, in turn, provides an outlet for the younger generation to communicate with adults in a friendly and comfortable environment.

The group are grateful to mayor Jan Ross and the Blackall Tambo council for sponsoring the program this year.

– Allen Soxsmith

Harley wins university scholarship

Blackall’s new teaching staff

Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 - Page 5

Letter to the EditorI have restored two WWII

Boomerang fighter aircraft back to flying condition, a task which I commenced in 1976. These are currently the only two flying examples of this Australian-designed and built fighter aircraft to be found worldwide. From a production line of 250 aircraft produced by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation at Fishermens Bend Melbourne between 1942 and 1945, only a handful remain as restoration projects and museum pieces. My first Boomerang is now with the Temora Aviation Museum in central NSW and the second was completed 6 months ago for a South Australian customer. Both were displayed in formation publicly for the first time at Temora in October last year.

I have also made contact with many former RAAF personnel over the years who worked on, and flew these aircraft. My first Boomerang with code letters MH-R with RAAF serial number A46-122 was assigned to No.83 Squadron RAAF which operated from Gove and Milingimbi Island NT during the war. In 1944 the squadron was relocated to Camden NSW, west of Sydney. During the ferry

flight south however, one of the squadron Boomerangs coded MH-A and serial number A46-139 started having engine trouble near Blackall and had no choice but to land at the town. As far as I can ascertain, this occurred on August 20, 1944.

From talking with the squadron pilots, it appears that the Boomerang was taxied under its own power up the main street of Blackall to a local garage or engineering works where it awaited the arrival of a replacement engine. When the engine arrived, the damaged engine was removed from the aircraft and the new one installed. My recent restoration shows what the engine looks like mounted in the front of the Boomerang. This Pratt and Whitney twin row 14 cylinder radial engine develops 1200 horsepower and weighs about 0.6 tonne. As such, it was quite an achievement for the local engineering works to oversee this engine change. The aircraft was then successfully flown out of Blackall to continue its journey down to Camden.

It might be a long shot now, but it would be great if you could publish this story to find out if

any long-term locals can recall this event and perhaps even have some photographs of the aeroplane whilst it was in town.

I have my own website, www.boomerang-flight.com, if you would like to look up more details of my first Boomerang restoration. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Cheers, Matthew DenningSunshine Coastboomerflight@hotmail.com

BLACKALL-TAMBO REGIONAL COUNCIL

REGIONAL SPORT AND RECREATION PLAN

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council has prepared a draft of its Regional Sport and Recreation Plan for public comment. A copy of the plan will be made available for public comment from Friday 22 January to Friday 12 February, 2010. Should you wish to make a comment in regard to the Regional Sport and Recreation Plan a copy may be viewed from the administration offices at both Blackall and Tambo. All submissions must be in writing (detailing the section of the plan that the comment pertains to) and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and must be received by 4pm on Friday 12 February, 2010.

PO Box 21 KL TIMMS BLACKALL QLD 4472 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Fax: 07 4657 8855 Phone: 07 4621 6600 Email: admin@btrc.qld.gov.au www.btrc.qld.gov.au

joined the committee – Natalie McPaul as treasurer and Sarah Pearson as second vice president.

Sally Cripps is the other vice president, Anita Dennis continues as secretary and Kylie Banks remains publicity officer.

The branch once again donated $50 each to presentation ceremonies for the three local schools, the Blackall State School, St Joseph’s School and Longreach School of Distance Education.

It also had interest in its $500 incentive for student teachers completing a rural practicum in Blackall, which goes towards expenses incurred in coming out to a remote area.

Other community initiatives the branch supported in 2009 were representation on the Townhouse Bursary committee, working with Tambo ICPA members to set up a steering committee of the Country Education Foundation of Australia, and liaising with the Heartland Festival committee to find ways to bring new creative

ideas to local young people. Telstra Countrywide’s regional

manager, Matthew Mocatta was invited to the AGM to talk about world communication trends and how rural people can make the most of the changes.

Did you know that if social networking site MySpace were a country, it would be the fifth largest in the world? Or that there are 31 billion searches on Google every month? Or even that China will soon be the largest English speaking nation in the world?

Mr Mocatta used this popular YouTube clip to get people thinking about how the world will interact and to ask them if they were getting the most value from their internet costs.

He said he was willing to conduct signal tests in an area if a group of half a dozen or so people got together to investigate whether they could access Next G.

Prior to his talk, the AGM heard about the branch’s core business, which is taking part in conferences

to make members’ education concerns known.

Blackall had representation at both the federal conference in Longreach and the state conference in Winton in 2009, taking great interest in the long debate over the federal government’s proposed changes to youth allowance.

Branch delegate Sally Cripps said that geographic isolation from tertiary education centres had traditionally led to less rural youth going on to tertiary study and getting qualifications that led to sought-after jobs.

“Not only are rural youth being left behind in the education race, our communities will depend on this youth allowance issue being solved favourably,” she said.

Sally Campbell attended state conference for the branch and said that staffing of small schools was an ongoing concern, with ICPA calling for more teachers and teacher aides to take the pressure off classes with multi-year levels.

- Sally Cripps

ICPA discuss communication trends

THE Tambo community celebrated Australia Day with an afternoon awards ceremony.

Rosemary Bentley and Blair Clifford, both Directors of Nursing at the Tambo Primary Health Care Centre, were named the Tambo Citizens of the Year. Both these individuals were recognised for providing exceptional care and comfort to the community of Tambo.

A Notable Achievement Award was presented to Aaron Ogden for his caring and selfless consideration for the residents of the Tambo Coolibah Village.

Cassie Swanson received the Tambo Australia Day Cultural Award for her dedication to the arts and culture in the community of Tambo.

The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the Tambo Race Club for the Emirates Melbourne Cup visit; a highlight of the year starting at 9am and concluding at midnight.

Myles MacDonnell was pleased to receive the Tambo Junior Sports Award for his good sportsmanship and achievements in pony club events as well as tennis, golf and swimming.

Tambo Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Sharon MacDonnell for her dedication to young riders at the Tambo Pony Club, the Campdraft and Rodeo Clubs and her successful fundraising efforts for the Tambo State School.

Tambo Junior Citizen of the Year was presented to Justin Bailey for his obliging attitude. Justin is a valued member of the Tambo State School community, sporting clubs and the community at large. He was awarded for being an exceptional role model to other young people.

DONs top Tambo Australia Day Awards

Continued from page 1

First Aid & CPR Update TrainingWe are again able to offer you an opportunity to attend our Nationally Accredited First Aid or CPR Update Training in Blackall on Friday 12 February, 2010 at the golf course.

Longreach based, we have been providing aquatic and first aid training to the Central-West for the last 6 years and look forward to continuing to service your training needs in the future.

Book now by calling Kim on 46580608or emailing kim.anderson1@bigpond.com

The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010 - Page 7Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, January 29 2010

Blackall Tambo Regional Council mayor Jan Ross was honoured to announce Lynette Davison as Blackall’s 2009 Citizen of the Year

Blackall celebrates Australia Day!!!

The “Community Event of the Year” commemorating Edgar Towner was accepted by Major Terry Brennan on behalf of the Edgar Towner committee and was presented by mayor Jan Ross.

At the Australia Day celebrations at the Woolscour on Tuesday, Megan Gane was pleased to accept her plaque and certificate, recognising her as Blackall’s Young Citizen of the Year.

Plumbing Apprenticeship

BARCOO PLUMBING

Barcoo Plumbing is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated individual for a plumbing apprenticeship starting in early 2010. The term of the apprenticeship is for a period of four years during which the apprentice will acquire on-the-job experience and TAFE training.

Candidates must have completed Year 10 with satisfactory passes in Maths and English. Please email all resumes or enquiries to:

barcooplumbing@bigpond.comCathie and John Dolinski celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at Cowarrel on December 19, 2009 with family and friends.

The Blackall State School senior cohort, together with Peter Ward, Colleen Morrison and Annette Richardson served the food at the Australia Day breakfast.

Decked out in their best patriotic gear for the national day of celebration were aquatic centre lessee Matt Scanlon and Blackall State School principal Jason Smith.

After 12 inches of rain Jo Cripps was able to get a closer look at the “No Through Road” sign near the main homestead at ‘Melrose’. Photo by Mandy Cripps.

As the crowd of around 200 stood for the national anthem, Elizabeth Harvey raised the Australian flag.

Damien Dolinski handed out thong-throwing tips at the Australia Day games at the Prince of Wales Hotel. All proceeds from the day were donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Mark Wemyss, Matt McLean, Clayton O’Brien and Dave Picone showed true team spirit, blitzing all opposition in the tug-of-war competition at the Prince of Wales on Australia Day.

Far right: The eagle and the nest await the rising flood waters of the Barcoo River over Christmas. Photo by Sue Frost.