March 16, 2015
by Deb Frecklington
South Burnett Grazing Network
For the last 13 years a group of about 15 local grazing enterprises has been meeting monthly to share knowledge and discuss issues facing the beef cattle sector.
They’re the South Burnett Grazing Network (SBGN), and I had the chance to attend their March meeting at the Kingaroy Research Station.
It was an excellent opportunity for me – as both the local Member and Shadow Minister for Agriculture – to meet with local graziers and hear directly from them.
In particular, we discussed the benefits of the live cattle trade, control of wild dogs and the Tick Line.
The Tick Line almost splits our Electorate of Nanango in half, so it is of great interest to many SBGN members, especially those who live along the line.
The SBGN is also heavily involved in the control of wild dogs. and work closely with the South Burnett Regional Council and the Burnett Mary Regional Group.
It was good to hear the success they have achieved over the past few years.
I would really like to thank President Peter Undery, Michael Carroll, Ray Patroni and the committee for inviting me along.
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Inside The Fence At Tarong
I also appreciated the “Inside the Fence” morning hosted by Stanwell last week.
Stanwell Corporation’s periodic briefings give key community members the opportunity to be updated on the resource and energy sector.
As one of our region’s biggest employers, it’s important for the community to fully understand how the Meandu Mine and Tarong Power Stations are operating, and the current market factors influencing supply and production.
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Pimm’s, Posies and Parasols Garden Party
Credit must go to the Helping Hands committee who organised “Pimm’s Posies and Parasols Garden Party” in the grounds of St John’s Anglican Church in Blackbutt on March 14.
The garden party was held to help raise money for “Helping Hands” an Emergency Food Relief Ministry which is an initiative of St John’s Anglican Church.
Helping Hands opened their doors to help needy people in Blackbutt and surrounding areas two years ago.
Funds helped purchase food items, fuel vouchers, toiletries and pharmacy vouchers.
The event was very well attended, with 165 people enjoying the beautiful South Burnett weather in the garden.
They came from far and wide, and a large contingent of Red Hat Ladies who travelled from Brisbane, Caloundra, Woodford and Ipswich were also in attendance.
Right Reverend Bishop Cameron Venables opened the party with a blessing and organisers Davina Holmes and Denise Ryder said they were thrilled with the result, which looks like it has met their fundraising goal.
They also wanted to especially thank Dianne Squires and the CWA ladies, along with the Helping Hands team and volunteers and musicians who donated their time.
Well done Blackbutt!
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Kumbia Races
Congratulations must also go to Brian Lenihan, Wendy Matthews and their hardworking Kumbia Race Club team for another great race day at Kumbia.
The event was part of the Celebrate Country Series, an initiative of our former LNP State Government which has helped rejuvenate country racing in the Nanango Electorate and right across Queensland.
I believe country racing is the lifeblood of the racing industry, and it plays a huge part of the social fabric of our country towns.
So I was very pleased to be able to support the Kumbia Race Club on Saturday.
There were great crowds and big fields across six races, which all added up to another fantastic day in our beautiful region.
[Photos: Nanango Electorate Office]
