Labour Day Public Holiday
Today is Labour Day, a public holiday. Most South Burnett businesses will be closed today or operating on restricted hours. Labour Day first began in the 1860s when a general campaign for an 8-hour working day began to erupt around the civilised world. At that time most Australians were expected to work 60 or more hours a week and the social security net that underpins modern society didn't exist. This meant working conditions for the majority of people were awful, and the inequity between rich and poor inevitably led to widespread civil unrest. Labour Day was originally celebrated in March but this was moved to the first Monday of May in 1893 after the Great Shearer's Strike broke out at Barcaldine two years earlier. Footnote: Even though some workers achieved an 8-hour day by the 1890s, it still took until 1916 before all Queensland workers won the 8-hour day struggle. Decent working conditions and a social security system are something Australians take for granted now - often without a second thought about how much effort our grandparents and great-grandparents put into achieving it. NB: Some regular meetings and events will be running as usual today, and some won't. If you're thinking of attending any of them, it would be wise to phone first to verify they're proceeding as usual.
Widgee Bushman's Campdraft
Organisers of the annual Widgee Campdraft have extended this year's event into a third day because of the number of entries. The action will get under way at the Widgee Campdraft Grounds near Widgee Hall at 7:00am this morning. Admission is free for spectators and everyone is welcome! Camping is available on-site.
Monday Bingo - Blackbutt
- Bingo is played fortnightly on Mondays at the Blackbutt Memorial Hall. Doors open at 10:30am; eyes down at 11:00am.
Beat The Nut - Kingaroy
- Pregnancy support group Eva's Place is holding a fundraising charity running / walking event in Kingaroy's Lions Park (the "Big Peanut Park" in Kingaroy Street) from 7:00am this morning. It is be run as a "last man standing" format with participants running / jogging / walking around a marked 1km loop. There will be a two-minute break between each 1km loop. Laps will get quicker as the event progresses and the aim is to "beat the nut". The last adult and child standing wins, and there will be random prizes up for grabs. Registrations can be made online
Elgin Vale QCWA Meeting
- The Elgin Vale branch of the QCWA will be holding their monthly meeting at the Elgin Vale QCWA Rooms at the corner of Manumbar Road and Porters Road, Nanango from 10:00am to around noon today. The branch meets on the first Monday of each month (except January) and new members are always very welcome! More details? Phone Andrea on 0427-631-700.
