The Country Caller

“Green Therapy” memorial honours fallen colleagues

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By HARRY CLARKE | EXCLUSIVE

OFFICERS involved in the immediate response to the fatal police shooting in Wieambilla last December have honoured the two young constables killed with the unveiling of a memorial garden during a tearful, sombre and reflective ceremony in Miles which was attended by the family of one of the victims.

Tara Police Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and civilian Alan Dare, were gunned down in a terrorist attack by radicalised Christian extremists during a routine welfare check at a secluded property at Wieambilla on December 12 last year.

Three weeks after Alan Dare was posthumously awarded the Queensland Police Bravery Medal, Constables Arnold and McCrow were commemorated with the unveiling of a “Green Therapy” garden constructed outside the Miles Police Station, where McCrow had served a brief stint before taking up her first permanent posting as a constable in Tara.

“Green Therapy is a recognised, proven psychological healer and a source of enjoyment for many,” said Miles Senior Constable Scott Pogan, who oversaw the memorial garden project.

“For me, a garden offers moments of reflection, the chance to think, a moment to slow and enjoy something simple. Our garden, our permanent memorial for Matt and Rachel, is a small gesture from our staff here at Miles, our Blue and real families.

Memorial garden at the Miles Police Station honouring the sacrifice of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow. IMAGE. Country Caller

Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, police victims of the Wieambilla shooting

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“Our garden is right at the front of the station, the front door of our business, and offers the opportunity for family, friends, community and police to view our memorial, to take a moment and to think of the sacrifices made by our friends and family.

“Matt and Rachel are forever held as members of the Miles police family.”

Miles police, alongside colleagues from Chinchilla and Dalby, were first on the scene of the terrifying shooting at Wieamabilla after Constables McCrow and Arnold were gunned down and Chinchilla Constables Randall Kirk and Keely Brough had to run for their lives into surrounding bushland.

Snr Con Pogan told the Caller that dealing with the trauma of that day and the loss of their colleagues, was “a work in progress”.

“Five months down the track we’re still thinking about it and processing, and that’s what this (garden) is about for me, just a bit of processing and for something that’s a lasting thing for us,” he said.

“It was a terrible thing to go through and the lowest points are where you build that strength, and we’ve all probably come together stronger and better and more unified, I guess, in what we do.”

Miles Police Senior Constable Scott Pogan, who oversaw the memorial garden project. IMAGE: Country Caller

Constable Arnold’s family attended the ceremony in Miles and officially unveiled the memorial garden, which comprises an Illawara flame tree flanked by two sandstone blocks emblazoned with commemorative plaques for the police victims.

“I selected the Illawarra Flame Tree as each December the flame tree bursts with glowing foliage and flowers – a very fitting symbol,” Snr Con Pogan said.

“I also like to think that Matt and Rach would have grown just like our tree – maybe reaching illustrious heights, or maybe settling into a quiet country station and setting down roots there.

“I hope this is a fitting memorial garden that brings us all some peace.”

Miles police commemorating their fallen colleagues at the memorial garden unveiling. IMAGE: Country Caller

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The Miles Police Station “family”. IMAGE: Country Caller

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics and State Emergency Service volunteers involved in the Wieambilla response, as well as QPS Assistant Commissioner Charryse Pond.

Queensland Police Union Vice President Shane Prior gifted artist impression portraits of Constables McCrow and Arnold to officer Matthew Minz, who was the Acting Sergeant of the Tara Police Station during December last year.

“I just want say a deeply felt thanks to Scott and the Miles Police Station, and everyone else involved in this project, for all the time, hard work and love that they’ve put into to it,” Officer Minz said.

“It just shows exactly how much Matt and Rach meant to them. I can’t thank them enough.”

Matthew Minz, former Acting Sergeant of the Tara Police Station. IMAGE: Country Caller

Desperate Devils deliver in pre-season derby final

FOOTBALL COVERAGE SPONSORED BY INTURA

By HARRY CLARKE

THE word is that Dallas Connolly is still being shouted drinks by teammates and Miles locals, a week on from when the young winger slotted a match winning field goal from nearly 40m out – with only seconds left on the clock – to deliver the Devils their first Terry Charles Memorial Shield in six years.

The scores were locked up at 10-all in the Miles-Chinchilla grand final on Saturday when Connolly positioned himself in line with the goal posts just as the Devils made a final, desperate push for the try line.

Bulldogs enforcers Jacob Sommerfeld, Hayden Bender and John Pitt shot out of the defensive line as the ball was fired deep towards Connolly.

The icy winger was pummelled by the trio, but the tackle was a split second too late as Connolly managed to get a perfect strike away to sail the ball through the uprights and put the Devils one point in front.

Devastatingly for the Bulldogs, there still was enough time for them to have one more attack at the other end of the field and attempt a field goal of their own – the ball went through the posts but the final siren had already blown.

WATCH: Winning field goal in Terry Charles Memorial Trophy final. VIDEO: Ashley Steel

“To Chinchilla’s credit, they came back. They actually kicked a field goal but it was after the hooter had sounded. Even if the ball goes through, if time’s elapsed you don’t get the field goal,” Miles Devils president Ken Brown said.

“It was a terrific game. The crowd was absolutely phenomenal – you couldn’t have asked for more. We were overwhelmed with the size of the crowd.

“Some of the boys pulled an all-nighter in celebration, but they’d better not count their chickens too early because we’ve got a whole season to go yet.”

Devils president Ken Brown and Miles local legend Jo Swalling celebrate with the Terry Charles Memorial Trophy. IMAGE: Supplied

FOOTBALL COVERAGE SPONSORED BY INTURA

Miles Devils standout Dallas Connolly scores point early in the Terry Charles carnival. IMAGES: Linda Steinohrt

Miles’ home ground victory in Western Downs rugby league’s annual annual pre-season tournament gives a huge shot of confidence to the battling club, which only last year recorded its first A-grade victory in four years.

But a hardworking, re-invigorated committee and a playing group which is growing in depth and enthusiasm is starting to deliver positive results.

“We’re heading in the right direction. We’ve got a few new players coming into the squad this year and we’ve got a bit of depth in the club. That’s something that the Devils haven’t had for many years,” Ken Brown said.

“We’re getting good numbers to training and there’s a buzz around the team at the moment. We’ve copped a lot of floggings over the last few years but the boys keep coming back.”

Miles Devils captain, dummy half Ryan Raynor. IMAGE Linda Steinohrt

A sizeable local crowd turnout out to Centenary Oval last weekend for the Terry Charles Memorial Shield, contested by the Miles Devils, Chinchilla Bulldogs, Taroom Wandoan Battlers and Tara Panthers.

Terry Charles was a Tara local and a well known and well liked supporter of Western Downs rugby league. He died in a car accident some decades ago and the carnival is held in his memory each year.

Chinchilla beat the Tara Panthers and Miles beat the Taroom Wandoan Battlers to set up the grand final clash between to neighbouring towns, which have shared a friendly rugby league rivalry for decades.

“It was a great win for us and it really sets the scene for the next game between Chinchilla and Miles. That game will be on April 15 for Dagma Gleeson Memorial Trophy in Round 1 at Centenary Oval.”

Bulldogs forwards Llayton Hohn and Kaleb Baker with a big tackle against the Tara Panthers. IMAGE Linda Steinohrt

Spotlight on small business thanks to regional tour

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By CAITLIN CROWLEY

QUEENSLAND’s Chief Entrepreneur and newly appointed Small Business Commissioner will be among the high-profile industry leaders presenting at a new event in Toowoomba next month, designed to support the south west’s growing number of women in small business.

The Breaking Barriers – Regional Women in Business luncheon and regional tour will be hosted by Kat Lynn (pictured below), who is both a small business owner and the Women’s Network Australia ambassador for regional Queensland.

Guests will hear from Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer, Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and branding guru Jessica Ritchie, with a focus on the role Toowoomba can play as a central hub supporting businesses in surrounding regions.

Small business owners Vonnie Meier and Kat Lynn at Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets

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Lynn said she wanted to find a way to bring Women’s Network Australia to regional Queensland and give women from across the south west extra incentive to make the trip to Toowoomba.

“The whole premise of the Women’s Network is supporting women but also teaching them and connecting them with education and self development and MBAs,” Lynn said.

“I’m still a new small business and when you’re a sole trader you are learning constantly.

“When you can have connection with people who have been there, done that, made the mistakes and can actually guide you and are willing to be there and support and lift you, not see you as competition, it’s a beautiful thing.”

***Fresh local produce at Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets***

While the luncheon is on Friday April 21, Lynn told the Caller she “didn’t want it to just be a lunch” so she created a food and wine tour for the day after, which will set off from Toowoomba Farmers’ Markets (pictured above).

The private coach will head to Crows Nest via Pechey Distillery for a gourmet lunch at destination restaurant Myrtille, with stops at The Village Green and Monty Brewing Co. in Highfields on the way back.

Lynn said she wanted to build on Toowoomba’s reputation as a “very supportive, inclusive hub for innovators”.

“Make a weekend of it because there’s so much here,” she said.

For more information on the luncheon and tour, head to the Toowoomba Chamber website.

$40K prize money on offer at Roma sculpting comp

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SPONSORED

AUSTRALIA’S best and most exciting emerging sculpture artists are invited to submit their entries for one of Queensland’s most dynamic outdoor competitions – Sculptures Out Back.

Culminating in an outdoor exhibition on the banks of Roma’s Bungil Creek, this year’s Sculptures Out Back will run from 17 June to 16 September 2023, attracting visitors to the Maranoa region by the droves.

With just shy of $40,000 in prize money on offer, including the APLNG/Origin Open Acquisitive Prize which will see the winning artist take home $20,000 in prize money, Sculptures Out Back is expected to attract Australia’s top artists.

Origin’s Aleta Nicoll, General Manager Asset West, said “it’s great to see the exhibition growing year on year and becoming something sculpture arts look forward to participating in, as well as something visitors add to their journey plan.”

“We are proud to support the event and encourage businesses to dress up their store displays. The true economic benefit of exhibitions such as Sculptures Out Back is a testament to everyone involved.”

Maranoa Regional Council is also one this year’s valuable sponsors and is again offering a total of $20,000 of funding including $10,000 for the Local Artist Acquisitive Prize, while up and coming artists will have the opportunity to take home the Hall Chadwick Emerging Artist Prize worth $5,000.

Council will also provide in-kind assistance in the lead up to the exhibition.

Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Tyson Golder (pictured) said the Local Artist Acquisitive Prize is a fantastic opportunity for emerging artists in the region.

“Council is proud to again sponsor Sculptures Out Back in 2023 and provide a platform for our up- and-coming artists.”

“With the incredible talent that came out of last year’s exhibition, I highly encourage residents and travellers to check out this year’s exhibition that will run until 16 September.”

The Roma on Bungil Gallery is offering $2,000 for the very popular People’s Choice Prize that will be voted for by the public at the opening event on 17 June, 2023.

To enhance the future Sculpture Park there will also be an acquisitive prize for the best garden seat worth $2,000, which has been donated by Roma Wire and Steel.

Sculptures Out Back committee member, Anne Galloway said it has been exciting to see the growing support behind the sculpture competition and public exhibition.

“We’re extremely grateful for the support we have received from our sponsors, many jumping on board again this year after a successful 2022 exhibition,” she said.

“The Seat of Knowledge” by Rod Buckland

Ms Galloway said the artists can use any medium suitable for the outdoors whilst considering safety issues.

“Themes may include celebration of local history, cultural heritage, environment, and community. Judging will take into consideration first impressions, creativity, originality, finish and texture,” she said.

This year the committee also invites local businesses to create a shop front sculpture display, to celebrate the Sculptures Out Back exhibition, with some great prizes on offer.

“Roma’s Rustiest Bottle Tree” by local Roma artist Daniel Ferry

Proudly sponsored by West Wind Energy and Bottle Tree Energy Park, this new addition to the exhibition will help drive excitement and promote all that is good about our region. The best display will receive $2,000 and the most original display will receive $1,000.

“We are very excited to be launching the shop front competition this year because we know the buzz is really building around the exhibition already and we know lots of businesses want to be involved in whatever way they can,” said Ms Galloway.

All entries for the Sculptures Out Back Exhibition will close on Monday, 8 May 2023. All entries for the Shop Front Sculpture Competition will close Monday, 15 May 2023.

All winners will be announced at the gala opening Friday, June 17, 2023. Entry forms and criteria can be found by visiting http://www.romaonbungil.com.au

For further enquiries, image requests and comments, please email sculpture@romaonbungil.com or call Ian Galloway on 0427763507.

“Emu” by Lachlin Lland

Joint call to Feds for $3.2m seniors’ community centre

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SUPPLIED | SOUTHERN CROSS CARE

LOCAL health services, community groups and Western Downs Regional Council are uniting to call for $3.22 million from the Federal Government to fund a new aged care community centre in Chinchilla.

Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) has proposed the creation of an Age Well Community Centre to provide a new community space and additional integrated services to locals of Chinchilla and surrounds.

Western Downs mayor Paul McVeigh, together with leaders from business groups including Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise Group (TSBE), Goondir, Southern Queensland Rural Health and Chinchilla Community Commerce & Industry (CCCI) are all backing the proposal.

Jason Eldering, CEO of Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) said the injection of $3.22m would enable the construction of the centre and deliver critical services for the Western Downs community.

Southern Cross Care Queensland CEO Jason Eldering, speaking commencement ceremony for Illoura Village’s redevelopment. IMAGE: Country Caller

“Connection keeps our communities strong, and our vision for the Age Well Community Centre is that it will be a place of connectivity, to support the social fabric of our regional communities,” Eldering said.

“Older people are in desperate need of support and access to the resources to age in place, and the wider community needs access to allied health and community meeting spaces everyone can use.”

“We know that there are a lot of people in need at the moment – and together we are calling on the Federal Government to support the health and wellbeing of the Chinchilla now and into the future.”

Envisaged to be built at SCCQ’s Illoura Village, the centre would provide spaces for day respite, recreation activities, as well as several flexible, interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces.

“Western Downs Regional Council continues to advocate for effective and quality local health care services that ensure ‘whole of life’ care for our residents,” Cr McVeigh said.

“We are supportive of any investment that seeks to improve the lives of people who choose to call the Western Downs home now, and into the future.”

Western Downs Regional Council mayor Paul McVeigh, speaking commencement ceremony for Illoura Village’s redevelopment. IMAGE: Country Caller

TSBE chief executive Ali Davenport said: “The health industry is a major contributor to our regional economy. Government investment in the Age Well Community Centre in Chinchilla will not only assist in delivering more health services for our older residents but will also create jobs throughout the construction and operation phases. It is a win-win for all involved.”

Floyd Leedie, CEO of Goondir said “this will address the existing health and ageing services challenges we face and will support the best lives for all members of the community, and those satellite communities living in unique regional and rural settings.”

Associate Professor Geoff Argus, Director of SQRH, echoed the range of challenges for this community in accessing health services, particularly allied and preventive care.

“This is an innovative community model that has the potential to effect profound change in rural communities Vwhere healthy ageing and service options are often limited, and we need the Federal Government’s support to ensure it is delivered,” Argus said.

CCCI manager Robyn Haig said: “The Chinchilla community has clearly communicated to us how important quality whole of life health services are to them and their families. Chinchilla is a vibrant growing community and supporting health services must grow in line with this ever-increasing demand.”

“We support organisations seeking to work with our community to deliver these vital services,” Haig said.

Chinchilla Community, Commerce & Industry manager Robyn Haig. IMAGE: Country Caller

Clock ticking to question sky high rural land valuations

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By CAITLIN CROWLEY

LAND valuations in several key farming areas of country Queensland have surged by up to 178% on the back of improved confidence in the sector and favourable seasonal conditions, but the hikes could also see farmers slugged with higher council rates and leasehold fees.

Agforce valuer John Moore told the Caller the new valuations had already generated a lot of inquiries from members, since their release just over a week ago.

“Where it’s going to hurt people the most is where people have leasehold country,” Moore said. “It’s a concern that the leasehold rents are going to rise.

“Unimproved values are done by mass appraisal, meaning your property isn’t individually valued so errors can occur.

“It’s important you object to your new valuation if you believe the unimproved value is too high, because it could result in large savings in rates or rent.”

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Just over 800,000 landowners across 24 local government areas (LGAs) received new valuations including residents in the Balonne, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Cloncurry, Maranoa and Western and Southern Downs council areas.

Land values in Cloncurry saw the most dramatic rise, up 178% overall since the last valuation three years ago.

Balonne Shire wasn’t far behind with valuations up 90% while the Maranoa saw an 85% increase.

Queensland’s Valuer-General Laura Dietrich said the valuations were the result of extensive research and analysis.

“Primary production land values in the western rural areas have shown significant increases in land values since their last revaluation date,” Dietrich said.

She identified several factors which influenced those values including confidence in the rural sector, strong beef and commodity prices coupled with low interest rates at the time of revaluation last year and improved seasonal conditions.

The Valuer-General found rural properties have been selling for record high prices, with family operations and corporates seeking scale and producers looking to expand herds.

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John Moore said he expected the change in valuations to be a catalyst for those with a Grazing Homestead Perpetual Lease (GHPL) to convert to freehold.

“It’s worth considering because the rents will rise,” Moore said.

Agforce President Georgie Somerset also encouraged people to check their valuations closely and identify if there were opportunities to lodge an objection.

“One of the flow on impacts of the increase in the value of land across Queensland is that local government rates have now become a much more significant fixed cost in farm operations,” Somerset said.

“I am aware of some landholders who have saved considerable sums of money on their local government rate bills by successfully objecting to an incorrect valuation,” Maranoa MP Ann Leahy said.

Property owners only have until May 16 to lodge an objection.

The date of revaluation was October 1, 2022 with valuations taking effect from June 30, 2023.

Mount Isa’s new “Road to Rodeo” May event

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By HARRY CLARKE

CULT music hero Shannon Noll, Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss and country music icon Luke Geiger will headline the entertainment bill at a new addition to the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo package this year, as the capital of North West Queensland celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The first Road to Rodeo event was hosted by Longreach in 2022 but this year moves to Mount Isa, giving the city an extra reason to celebrate its centenary.

It was in 1923 that John Campbell Miles signed the mining lease which gave rise to the establishment to Mount Isa as an Outback mini metropolis. Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines operation today remains the second largest copper producer in Australia.

As organisers prepare for the main Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in August, the new Road to Rodeo being held on Sunday May 7 will provide a loud and action-packed appetiser for locals and travellers in the Outback.

“This Road to Rodeo event is being staged especially in Mount Isa in 2023 by Isa Rodeo Limited in partnership with the Mount Isa City Council to celebrate the city’s centennial,” said Isa Rodeo CEO Natalie Flecker.

“For 64 of these years the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo has been an integral part of the city’s growth and identity and we can’t wait to celebrate this special event with the Mount Isa community.”

Rodeo events will include bull tide, saddle bronc ride, bareback bronc ride, team roping, barrel race, steer wrestling, rope and tie, breakaway roping and poddy calf ride as well as the crowd favourite, the op shop barrel race.

WATCH: Country Caller coverage of the 2022 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo

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Mount Isa mayor Danielle Slade said: “This rodeo is for the Mount Isa community and to continue our 100-year celebrations.”

“Mount Isa City Council is proud to support this year’s Road to Rodeo event, which will complement the Back to the Isa Reunion Dinner (May 6 at Buchanan Park) and will guarantee a fantastic weekend of festivities and rodeo action for everyone involved,” she said.

“The inaugural Road to Rodeo held in Longreach last year was very popular and it is a brilliant addition to the events being held as part of Mount Isa’s centenary year this year.”

Road to Road will be hotly contested by competitors on the hallowed red dirt of Buchanan Park, as winners of the May event will be given automatic entry into the Mount Isa Rodeo Mines finals in August.

In a sign of what an important opportunity this can be for cowboys and cowgirls, the winner of the open bull ride at Road to Rodeo in Longreach last year, Barcaldine’s Jackson Gray, went on to win the event at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in August and take home Australian rodeo’s biggest cash prize.

Tickets for Road to Rodeo in May and the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in August are available through the Isa Rodeo Ltd official website.

Inaugural Road to Rodeo open bull ride and 2022 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo open bull ride winner Jackson Gray. IMAGE: Stephen Mowbray

Accused killer fronts court on Miles murder charge

By HARRY CLARKE

ACCUSED murderer Dale Joram Edward Hamilton has been mentioned in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court this morning accused of killing 44-year-old Jonathan Martin in Miles on last Tuesday night.

Hamilton, 26, was arrested in Miles and charged by police on Saturday, accused of causing a fatal chest wound to Martin when Martin and a friend visited the unit where Hamilton lived on Hawkins St about 9.45pm on March 21.

“Investigators from the South West District, working with State Homicide Investigation Unit investigators, have worked diligently since Tuesday night in relation to the death of a 44-year-old Miles man,” Detective Inspector Garry Watts told a press conference in Dalby this morning.

Detective Inspector Garry Watts speaking in Dalby. IMAGE: Country Caller

“As a result of those enquiries police took a 26-year-old Miles man into custody on Saturday and subsequently charged him with the murder,” Watts said.

“We don’t believe any other persons were involved. We’ve spoken to quite a lot of people who were in around the vicinity and also related to the incident.

“As the matter is before the courts, we’re not going to go into great detail about what we’re alleging, but I can say it would appear the altercation developed out of an ongoing neighbourhood dispute.

“The deceased and a friend of his went to the residence and a disturbance developed that night.

“He was suffering from a chest industry. First aid was performed by QAS however the man passed away at the Miles Hospital. I’m not going into the exact nature of the injury.”

Hamilton’s court matter has been adjourned to a later date.

Alleged murder victim *Jonathan Martin with his longterm partner, Sue*

Mr Martin, who’d moved to Miles from Chinchilla only recently, is the stepfather of two young girls and had been in a long term relationship with their mother.

A close friend told the Caller last week that his family was shocked and traumatised by their sudden loss.

“I spent time with his Mum yesterday (March 22) and she’s just devastated. Jono was her baby boy, her only son,” she said.

“(His partner) is not well at all. It’s so tragic for her and their two girls.”

A nephew of Mr Martin has since posted online: “Not only an uncle you were a mate and the memories I have from my child hood in the sawmill with you and Granka will always be cherished!”

A trip down memory lane at the Roma Picnic Races

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Cyril Close from TopX Roma and Roma Picnic Races judge David Jensen organising the Calcutta auction. IMAGE: Country Caller

By HARRY CLARKE

AS AN event which has been running since 1901, attending the Roma Picnic Races is always a trip down memory lane.

That was especially the case this year for Bill and Sally Nutting, a Brisbane couple who met at the event 30 years go and yesterday celebrated the anniversary of their meeting back where it all started, alongside 60 of their nearest and dearest.

“We met here in 1993 and we returned the following year, but we’ve haven’t been since – we started having children and things got busy,” Sally said.

“We decided that 30 years was a good time to return, so we asked 60 of our closest friends to come out and they all said yes. We’re having a fabulous day catching up everyone, talking about the old times over the last 30 years.”

Bill and Sally Nutting (wearing sashes) with some of the 60 friends gathered at Bassett Park to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the day they met. IMAGE: Country Caller

Bill said: “I can still remember exactly when I met Sally at the bar just here. I was dressed in moleskins and RMs and pretending to be a country boy, which course I wasn’t.”

Was it love at first site? the Caller asked, to which Sally replied “No”. But their relationship apparently blossomed quite quickly after that.

The couple were married six weeks after the 1993 Roma Picnic Races. Today they have two adult sons. Sally has retired from a career in education while Bill runs a successful timber and hardware business in Brisbane.

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The Nuttings were crowd favourites in the Fashions on the Field, having been “conned into entering” by their friends, and were runners up in the Best Dressed Couple division.

They sponsored the last race of the day, which was aptly named the When Bill Met Sally Anniversary Ladies Bracelet Open Handicap, and in a symbol of the joyous occasion, a vibrant rainbow appeared as they presented the winning prize to the Wayne Baker stable, which took out the race with 7yo gelding PARKO.

Crowd numbers were noticeably down to about 2,000 at Bassett Park on Saturday but punters were no less enthusiastic than usual. A bit of relief at the bar queue during peak hours was widely welcomed.

Local trainer Craig Smith and jockey Liv O’Donnell dominated the five race program, pairing up to win the Hall Chadwick Charted Accountants QTIS Maiden Plate and the Club Hotel Roma Benchmark 55 Handicap with ROCKYMYDOLLER and COUNTRY BOYZ respectively.

Smith also took out the Morgans Mazars Roma Picnics Class 3 Plate with WINNEBA.

Jockey Sophie Wilcock said she wasn’t surprised the BETTER THAN READY filly dominated with a three-length win.

“She was always going to be hard to beat in that race. You’ve just got to leave her alone. She’s not got the best breathing so you’ve got to make sure she’s travelling comfortably. She got a cruisy run and finished off nicely at the end,” Wilcock said.

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“You never like to be too cocky as a jockey but you definitely have to have the confidence, and I did have the confidence that she was going to win this time.”

Smith said of his stable’s success: “I love the Roma Picnics. I’ve been here as a trainer for 34 or 35 years now, and it’s good to get winners on these sorts of days. There’s good prize money and good country crowds.

“I was pretty confident with that filly. She won well here five or six weeks ago and handles the track well. She’s got the speed and she was well weighted today.”

Craig Smith and Liv O’Donnell, winners of the H&H Builders Trainer and Jockey of the Day awards. IMAGE: Country Caller

Sophie Wilcock rides Winneba to victory in the Morgans Mazars Roma Picnics Class 3 Plate. IMAGE: Country Caller

Courtney Smith, daughter of trainer Craig Smith, receiving the Morgans Mazars Roma Picnics Class 3 Plate from Roma Picnic president Andrew Harland, Morgans rep Peter Clarke and Mazars rep Michael Glasper. IMAGE: Country Caller

In the fashion stakes it was seasoned campaigner Alice Wilkie from Brisbane who took out the coveted Best Contemporary Lady division with a dress by Mackeznie Mode and headwear by Millinery By Mel in the Western Truck Group Fashions on Field, which had a prize pool valued at $15,000.

“I just wanted something bright and colourful because that’s my normal style, and I also love supporting Mel, who lives in Mount Isa,” Wilkie said.

“I go to a lot of race meetings for Fashions and this is only my second win, so I’m feeling very privileged. I love all the people here. Everyone is cheering everyone on. It’s beautiful.”

Fashions on the Field Best Contemporary Lady winner Alice Wilkie, wearing a dress by Mackeznie Mode and headwear by Millinery By Mel. IMAGE: Country Caller

Watching on was Roma-based Warrego MP and bush racing veteran Ann Leahy, who said her home town Picnic Races was her favourite meeting of the year.

“Roma Picnic Races is just a classic country race meeting where you have a lot of fun and you catch up with a lot of people. It’s the biggest social event of the year.

“I go to a lot of race meetings. It’s a great opportunity to talk to people when they’re relaxed and to have a bit more of a chat. And of course the event contributes a lot to the economy of our town.”

SLIDESHOW – Happy snaps from the 2023 Roma Picnic Races

Please tag Country Caller if re-sharing images

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The crowd favourite McAuley Contracting Schooner Race rounds out the official Roma Picnic Races program. IMAGE: Country Caller

The century old constitution of the Roma Picnic Races states that presidents must serve for two years before handing over the reins, meaning current presidents Andrew and Sarah Harland will now make way for Rohan and Sarah Parkinson.

The Parkinsons run a family beef and grains operation at Dulacca but have strong ties to Roma. Sarah was born and bred in the town and her family still lives there, while Rohan hails originally from Cunnamulla.

He said he and his wife were proud to be in charge of the Roma Picnic Races for the events in 2024 and 2025.

“It’s a fairly prestigious race meeting, running for over a hundred years, so to be on the committee is an honour and a privilege” Parkinson said.

“It’s a great community and we’re happy to be a part of it and definitely want to help out. It’s a lot to organise but that’s part of the fun. We just want to maintain the crowds and keep making it a great local event.”

Incoming Roma Picnic Races presidents Rohan and Sarah Parkinson. IMAGE: Country Caller

Man charged with murder over Miles death

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By HARRY CLARKE

UPATE:

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder over the death of 44-year-old Miles man Jonathan Martin on March 21.

It will be alleged at approximately 9.45pm, an altercation occurred outside a Hawkins Street address, where Martin was struck before falling.

Emergency services attended and located him unresponsive, before he was transported to Miles Hospital where he was declared deceased.

The location was declared a crime scene and Operation Victor Decade was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Following extensive investigations, detectives took a 26-year-old Miles man into custody earlier today.

He has been charged with one count of murder and is expected to appear before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, March 27.

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EARLIER:

POLICE have confirmed Miles man Jonathan Martin died of a stab wound suffered at a home on Hawkins St on Tuesday night, as investigators work to determine what led to his death.

QPS Inspector Garry Watts said Mr Martin went to the home with another man about 9.45pm. There was an altercation at the home with a third man, during which Mr Martin suffered a stab wound to the chest.

Police were called just after 11pm and found the alleged victim unresponsive. He was taken to the Miles Hospital but could not be revived.

“There was some sort of altercation – we’re still trying to piece together exactly what transpired – but as a result the deceased suffered an injury to his chest and collapsed,” Insp Watts said.

“He was treated by QAS at the scene and conveyed to the Miles Hospital, but unfortunately he passed away at the Miles Hospital.”

Insp Watts said investigators had spoken to multiple witnesses, and others in the Miles community, but made no further comment on what they believed the altercation related to.

No further description was provided of the implement used in the stabbing.

“The post mortem examination is being undertaken and I’m not prepared to elaborate on the injuries at the moment,” Watts said.

“We don’t have anyone in custody at the moment and we’re seeking the public’s assistance. If anyone knows any information relating to the death they can contact crime stoppers or Miles Police.”

Jonathan Martin with his longterm partner, Sue

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EARLIER:

THE identity of a man whose death in Miles is being treated as suspicious has been revealed as 44-year-old Jonathan Martin.

Mr Martin died on Tuesday night, March 21, after police were called to a home on Hawkins St just after 11pm.

He was found unresponsive at the home and was transported to Miles Hospital, where he was declared deceased.

The Caller understands Mr Martin had suffered stab wounds.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as suspicious.

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Mr Martin, who’d moved to Miles from Chinchilla only recently, is the stepfather of two young girls and had been in a long term relationship with their mother.

A close friend told the Caller his family was shocked and traumatised by their sudden loss.

“I spent time with his Mum yesterday and she’s just devastated. Jono was her baby boy, her only son,” she said.

“(His partner) is not well at all. It’s so tragic for her and their two girls.”

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage from Hawkins St at the time of Mr Martin’s death (about 11pm on Tuesday, March 21) is urged to contact police.