Long road ahead for Cassi West and her family

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By HARRY CLARKE

SIX months on from an horrific car crash in Chinchilla which hospitalised two teenage girls and shook their tight-knit community, the father of one of the victims has spoken in detail for the first time about the trauma which has turned his daughter’s life, and her family’s, upside down.

Sixteen-year-old Cassi West suffered what’s described medically as a severe penetrating traumatic brain injury on May 31 when the ute she was a passenger in speared off a neighbourhood street and ploughed through a front yard about 8.30pm.

Her close friend, 16-year-old Bree Critch, suffered sever facial injuries and after two weeks in hospital returned an “extremely lucky girl” to life Chinchilla.

The scene of the crash on Wamba St in Chinchilla on May 31 and (INSET) Bree Critch and Cassi West

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But Cassi today remains in full time, intensive rehabilitation at a medical facility on Brisbane’s bayside.

Her brain injury is so severe that she may never remember who her parents and friends are, Cassi’s father Michael West told the Caller.

The 18-year-old male driver of the ute is facing two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.

The 17-year-old driver of a second vehicle allegedly involved is charged with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to remain at the scene of a crash and obtain help.

Both drivers remain before the courts. Police allege the two were racing their vehicles along Wambo St when the crash occurred, travelling in excess of 100km/hr in a 60km/hr zone.

Cassi West

The West family – father Michael, mother Helen and brother Liam – has shared little detail of Cassi’s progress, other than with close family and friends, since the crash occurred.

But as the Chinchilla community prepares to come together to help raise money for her recovery at next weekend’s annual Christmas race meeting, Cassi’s family wished to provide an update and to thank the community for its outpouring of support over the past six months.

“We’d really like to just say thank you to the community. The support has been huge,” Michael said.

“That night absolutely destroyed us, waking up to a police officer in your face saying ‘your daughter’s been in an accident, go to the hospital’.

“It was just shock. Helen was in shock like I’ve never seen before. We were just a mess.

“I was not prepared for what I saw when I got to hospital. It took a long time to get her stable and then I went in the chopper with her to Brisbane. They were operating on her the whole way. They had to do a procedure and some of the things I saw were pretty traumatic.

“It was sort of like everything was in slow motion, seeing it happening in front of me. It was a dream – or a nightmare, more like it. I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it but it was right in front of me so I had no choice.”

Cassi West and her father, Michael

The temporal bone in Cassi’s skull had been smashed and there was severe damage to her left ear canal. She was airlifted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane where she was placed in an induced coma.

“But after about three days she started breathing against the life support, and it was about a week after that the life support was turned off and she was breathing for herself,” Michael said.

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Cassi spent four months in the PA Hospital, during which time her condition transitioned from “post coma unresponsive” to a “minimally conscious” state.

She is now in a separate rehabilitation facility in east Brisbane, where she undergoes daily rehabilitation programs including physio therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to assist with swallowing.

Cassi West’s mother, Helen, has relocated to Brisbane to be permanently by her daughter’s side

“She even has music therapy and she’s really responding to that,” Michael said.

“They say that music therapy opens up neural pathways and you’re more likely to advance. That’s something I never knew about beforehand. 

“She’s always been able to move her left arm but just recently she’s been able to turn her head and she’s now started moving her legs on command. This is a huge improvement and we’re very excited about it. They (doctors) initially said that she wouldn’t be able to move her right side.

“She’s transitioning to yes/no responses with verbal commands. She’s getting regular tests and it’s improving.

“It’s slow progress. This sort of injury takes a long time. It was a severe injury.

“She still has a piece of her skull missing. The temporal bone and around behind her ear is missing. They will be putting in a titanium plate to reconstruct the area and make it safe so that if she does start moving around it’s protected.”

Cassi West and her close friend, Bree Critch, who was also injured in there crash

Following the trauma of his daughter’s injury, Michael has recently returned to work in the Chinchilla district and is now the sole income provider for his family. He’s employed in the resources industry as a gas well site operator.

Cassi’s mother, Helen West, has moved to Brisbane to be by Cassi’s side during her recovery.  She had to leave her job at Chinchilla State High School, where Cassi was a student in Year 11.

“Helen’s been going ok, but she’s not a person to show her feelings so much. She keeps them inside,” Michael said.

“It’s been really difficult. There’s just so much on our minds and it’s just the loss of who Cassi was. 

“Cassi’s lost who she was. We don’t know if she’s going to remember us. It’s all up in the air. We just don’t know, but each time she shows these little bits of progress it gives us hope that she may have some sort of quality of life soon.

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“I don’t want to rush too far ahead and bring her back to Chinchilla before she’s actually ready. We want to get her as far as we can before we bring her home.

“There was no light at the end of the tunnel from the start, but now we’ve got a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

“Your mind always says ‘is this it? Is this as far as we’re going to go?’ and then she’ll surprise you with another little improvement. 

“At the start we were told that she would have no quality of life. We ask the doctors all the time but they don’t say. They say brain injuries are like snow flakes, they’re all different. 

“We don’t know how far she’s going to get and that’s the hard part. You can’t plan for the future.”

Stunning CQ property up for a ‘Walk-In-Walk-Out’ sale

SPONSORED | COLLIERS

Colliers Agribusiness is proud to present the water abundant ‘Kingower’ in Emerald QLD, for sale on a walk-in-walk-out-basis and complete with 2022-23 cotton crop that’s already been planted.

Representing an outstanding opportunity to secure a premium, multi enterprise asset in the highly productive and secure Central Highlands, only minutes North West of Emerald. Kingower is a highly efficient property that has been expertly developed offering 3,2062.17Ha.

The property features 742Ha* of prime Irrigation country of which 580Ha* is flood protected. The property is supported by 4,709ML of secure water entitlements from various licences, plus it has the benefit of significant overland flow from an exceptional upstream catchment area. Given the nature of this property there is a huge opportunity to further expand on the Irrigation and increase the green acres.

Kingower boast abundant water and diverse income streams

Currently offering 774Ha* of dryland farming land. 370Ha* protected from flooding via the levy bank with 404Ha outside of the levy bank. There is also 158Ha* of opportunity cropping across the various surge fields, ensuring the moisture profile in these areas is used effectively when the season allows.

The grazing and stock production aspect of the asset consists of 1,300Ha* of improved pastures and is further supported by an additional 239Ha of natural pasture. The is a 405SCU feedlot already constructed with pens, troughs, grain storage and a feed mill. This aspect of the operation can easily be expanded to 1000SCU.

The property has 370Ha* protected from flooding via a levy bank with 404Ha* outside of the levy bank.

The ability to move water around the property has been expertly considered from all of the entitlements, with much of the irrigation being able to be gravity feed. Ensuring a highly cost-effective production base. Kingower is currently holding its full capacity ready for summer cropping.

Infrastructure across the property is in A+ condition with multiple sheds for workshops and storage, homes for staff, bunkers for commodity storage as well as silo storage.

On offer is a very well-maintained comprehensive list of plant and equipment. This includes farming plant, machinery, auxiliary equipment, vehicles, spare parts, and fully equipped workshop.

Positioned just minutes from the reginal centre of Emerald, Kingower offers a fully operational WIWO opportunity with a 2023 season cotton crop under production. Kingower offers an array of future opportunities while currently boasting a low cost of production base with minimal staffing requirements.

The official property listing can be viewed here on the Colliers website.

Contact agents for further information:
Phillip Kelly – 0436 366 578
Matthew Keeley – 0437 720 885

SLIDESHOW – Kingower

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NFF: Renewables shouldn’t sacrifice food security

SUPPLIED | NFF

THE National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on Australian energy ministers to make sure the transition to renewable energy is overseen by a national code, so we don’t sacrifice food security for energy security.

The NFF has written to the ministers ahead of their meeting on Friday, outlining agriculture’s priorities, backed by the Energy Policy adopted unanimously by NFF members in November.

NFF CEO Tony Mahar said energy, agriculture and food prices were inextricably linked and at a time when food security was high on the agenda, careful consideration had to be given to how the energy and farming industries could work together.

“The transition to renewable energy could mean thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines on agricultural lands,” he said.

“These projects must work in a way that benefits agriculture, rather than creating new challenges and headaches for farmers. Importantly, they must not get in the way of food production and our responsibility to shore up food security.”

The NFF wants the Commonwealth to lead the development of an enforceable code to ensure future transmission lines aren’t implemented without proper consultation, compensation and adversely impacting existing land use. However, Mr Mahar said state governments also had a key role to play, especially where they hold the statutory powers.

“Farmers are on the frontline of climate change, and we support efforts to address this, including through energy transition. It just must be done right and done fairly, so valuable farming land isn’t lost and our ability to produce food and fibre isn’t diminished.

“There is already evidence of farms being impacted by intrusive transmission infrastructure and communities left in the dark about major energy projects changing the landscapes in their backyard.

“It doesn’t need to be this way.”

The NFF has already taken steps to preventing this by working with the Energy Charter to develop the Landholder & Community Better Practice Engagement Guide for early engagement and fair compensation for landowners from electricity infrastructure operators.

With a new government in Canberra focused on delivering its Rewiring the Nation election policy, regional communities wanted to make sure this wasn’t to their detriment.

“A critical measure of success for Rewiring the Nation will be whether landholders, especially farmers, are sidelined through sham consultation mechanisms with predetermined outcomes,” Mahar said.

The NFF also sees opportunity for farmers and rural communities to tap into renewable infrastructure and supports Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines’ 2020 Local Power Plan, which promotes small and community scale renewable generation.

“Farmers are bearing the weight of spiralling input costs while also managing their responsibility for sustainable food production and food security.

“Friday is an opportunity for the ministers to unlock better outcomes for farmers and regional communities.

“Done right, we could see downward pressure on the cost of living for all Australians through energy prices and at the supermarket checkout.”

Balonne’s national award for new education centre

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ONE of the smallest Councils in Australia is proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to creating ingenious solutions that improve living standards for people living in regional Australia.

After receiving numerous local and State awards, Balonne Shire Council has won the National Partnerships and Collaboration award at the Local Government Professionals National Federation Awards event in November 2022 for their collaboration to create ‘The Hub’ in St George.

‘The Hub’ facility provides regional students with the opportunity to follow higher learning opportunities whilst staying in their hometown, close to family and friends via dedicated study and learning spaces, free access to high-speed internet, modern technology and general academic support.

The Hub in St George has was a slew of awards since it was opened in March. IMAGE: BSC

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Balonne Shire Mayor, Samantha O’Toole, expressed her appreciation for the award which recognises Council’s vision to grow educational opportunities within the region and for the community to ‘grow its own’ into the future.

“The Hub is providing an effective space, the right technology and academic support for students in our Shire to focus on and succeed in their studies, without having to move away from home,” Mayor O’Toole said.

“The Hub is continuing to exceed targets and expectations with over 75 students now using the facility, proving the community need for a supported educational experience.

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“This award is an acknowledgement of the work Council is doing to support hard working students across Balonne to achieve their goals and use their skills and knowledge in their own hometown.”

This Award follows on from ‘The Hub receiving the Queensland Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) award for Partnerships & Collaboration in 2022, before the project was entered into the National Federal Awards.

St Hilliers project manager Ryan Canning, Balonne mayor Samantha O’Toole and Maranoa MP David Littleproud at the opening of the The Hub in St George. IMAGE: South West Newspaper Co.

Two police officers shot dead on Western Downs

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By HARRY CLARKE

THREE people including two Queensland police officers have been killed in a shooting in the Wieambilla forest, north of Tara, late this afternoon.

It’s understood four police officers were investigating a missing persons case at a property on Wains Rd at Wieambilla when they were fired upon. News Corp reports the shooters were two men dressed in camouflage gear.

Two officers and a member of the public were killed. Two other officers managed to escape.

It’s understood the shooters remain at large in the vicinity.

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It’s understood the offenders may have obtained the fallen police officers’ weapons.

Multiple police and ambulance crews raced to the scene, where a Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) declaration has been enacted.

Wains Road is closed, and the declaration zone encompasses the area between Chinchilla Tara Rd, Wieambilla Rd, Bennetts School Rd, and Mary Street.

Residents within the declared areas must remain indoors until further notice, and motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area, a police statement said.

More to come.

National winter harvest heads for a near record

SUPPLIED | NFF

AUSTRALIAN farmers yet again show they punch above their weight, with production forecast to hit a near-record $85 billion despite the significant curveballs the season has thrown their way.

The ABARES Agricultural Commodities and Crop Reports show agriculture has forecast farmers will reap the second largest winter crop ever, with bumper crops in some regions offsetting the losses caused by flooding. The livestock sector has also kept the home fires burning.

NFF President Fiona Simson (pictured) said this news aligned with the NFF’s newly released 2022 Report Card, which showed that despite significant seasonal challenges facing farmers, the industry’s performance was holding surprisingly firm.

“These figures put us above $80 billion for the second year running, showing we are making progress against our goal to be Australia’s next $100 billion industry,” Simson said.

“But while our farmers are moving the Australian economy forward, we believe that with the right support we can still unlock huge untapped potential in the sector.

“We acknowledge the good work that has been done so far around biosecurity, telecommunications and climate mitigation, but it’s time to get serious about the other challenges highlighted in our 2030 Report Card.

“A priority must be for all tiers of government to work together get our flood damaged infrastructure back to standard as quickly as possible.

“Our farming sector may have hit a high note, but it’s time to face the music on pockmarked roads and ruined rail.

“We still have farmers left stranded by decimated roads, unable to shift produced beyond the farmgate, while thousands of kilometres of damaged transport infrastructure is slowing down the supply chains from paddock to plate.

The photograph “Dinner Call” by Alisha Readingm, QLD was awarded Runner Up in the NFF’s #AgDayAU photography competition

“We know the job of repairing road and rail infrastructure will take years and many billions of dollars – it needs to start immediately and at a scale to match the level of this crisis.

“We can’t stop natural disasters, but we can mitigate their impacts and our governments need to look at ways to prevent such extreme damage as well as ways to act swiftly to respond and repair.

“Getting these things right is good for our farmers, is good for our economy and it is good for Australian families struggling with the rise in cost of living.”

Columboola Solar Farm to power Griffith University

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By HARRY CLARKE

THE 162MW Columboola Solar Farm outside Miles on Queensland’s Western Downs has begun commercial operations to provide 50 percent of electricity needs for one of the state’s leading universities.

Construction of the Columboola project began in early 2020 on 410ha (1,009 acres) of grazing country about 10km north east of Miles.

The solar farm was connected to the national energy grid in January this year. Reportedly to up 115MW are now being exported from the site.

Up to 115MW of renewable energy are currently being exported from the Columboola Solar Farm. IMAGE: Supplied

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The facility comprises more than 400,000 bifacial solar panels which are expected to produce 440GWh of renewable energy per year, or enough to power 75,000 homes for 35 years.

The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor is Indian renewables giant Sterling & Wilson, which is also behind the mega Western Downs Green Power Hub being built nearby, east of Chinchilla.

Columboola Solar Farm’s owner, a South Korea-based investment manager by the name of Hana Financial Investment, has a 100 percent power purchasing agreement with Queensland Government owned generator CS Energy.

Under a tailored retail energy contract, CS Energy will provide 50 percent of Griffith University’s energy needs across all five of its campuses.

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“Griffith uses about 60 million kilowatt hours annually, contributing to around 70 per cent of the university’s total carbon footprint,” said Griffith University COO Peter Bryant (pictured).

“This will help us be a more sustainable university by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we produce from electricity.

“It will also help us achieve our commitment of halving our 2010 emissions by 2030 and then to net zero emissions by 2050.

“Off-site renewable generation via long-term power purchase arrangements means we can source renewable power when on-site options are insufficient to meet our needs and also provide essential market support for investment in new renewable projects across the State.

“It’s a win-win for Griffith and the planet.”

Half of Griffith University’s electricity needs across its five campuses will come from the Columboola Solar Farm. IMAGE: Supplied

AEC launches “Vote Loud. Vote Proud” campaign

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SUPPLIED | AEC

THE Australian Electoral Commission has launched a month-long advertising and communication campaign aimed at encouraging First Nations Australians to have their say at electoral events.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers said the campaign was aimed at the estimated 101,000 Indigenous Australians who were not enrolled to vote.

“Australia’s estimated Indigenous enrolment rate of 81.7 per cent is the highest it’s ever been, but we’re not going to be satisfied until we’ve closed the gap with the broader national enrolment rate,” Rogers said.

“There is clearly the likelihood of a referendum soon with a topic specific to First Nations Australians, making high levels of enrolment and engagement even more important.

“Given its importance, I’ve asked the Deputy Electoral Commissioner, and the AEC’s Indigenous Champion, Mr Jeff Pope to lead the agency’s continued efforts to have First Nations participation as high as it can possibly be.”

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Deputy Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the AEC would be “pulling out all the stops”.

“This focused advertising campaign is part of a range of continuing engagement efforts we’re undertaking that has seen year-on-year growth in First Nations enrolment since 2017, and the largest rise in estimated First Nations enrolment occur this past year.” he said.

“We have more than 80 current partnerships with government and community organisations aimed at increasing First Nations enrolment and participation, and are trialling new ways to apply the Federal Direct Enrolment and Update program.

“In the past few years I have been to a range of remote Indigenous communities and heard from community elders about the societal challenges that understandably result in electoral participation not being front of mind but it really is just so important as one way for those voices to be heard.

“It is critical that enrolment for all Australians is as high as possible for the proposed federal referendum but this is also a body of work the AEC has been focussing on for many years, and that’s reflected in the roll growth.”

The advertising campaign will run on First Nations-focused television, radio and online media between now and mid-December.

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Removing enrolment barriers

The AEC has also simplified the enrolment process for voters without an accepted identification document.

Mr Rogers said that in the past, voters without ID were required to print a form and have an enrolled voter vouch for their identity in writing.

“We’ve listened to feedback from voters that this was cumbersome and a barrier to enrolling,” Mr Rogers said.

“Now, you’ll be able to have an enrolled voter vouch for your identity entirely online – no printer required.”

Future updates to the system will provide additional flexibility for enrolled voters who are not physically present with people who are enrolling or updating their enrolment.

Barcaldine crew’s “unbelievable” Doomben win

Jockey Les “Bubba” Tilley claims victory on Echo Point in the Country Cups Challenge. IMAGE: Country Caller

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By HARRY CLARKE

A CELEBRATION in outback Queensland continues following an emphatic win in the Country Cups Challenge final by 5-year-old gelding Echo Point, owned by a syndicate from the Barcaldine and Longreach region which almost made the Doomben grandstand shake on Saturday.

Echo Point romped home in what jockey Les “Bubba” Tilley described to the Caller as “the textbook ride” as the horse sped away a length a half clear of Vinasta and Centaur, earning $116,000 and almost doubling the horse’s total prize money in the process.

Part owner Willie Chandler said it was a dream come true for members of the syndicate, most of whom had travelled from Barcaldine to Brisbane to watch the race.

Willie Chandler speaking at Doomben on behalf of Echo Point’s owner syndicate. IMAGE: Country Caller

“He just tried his bloody heart out. It’s unbelievable,” Chandler said.

“That’s why you go into syndication, isn’t it? To get a horse like that and end up in Brisbane. 

“He shotgunned off the corner and we chased him down that grandstand, I can tell ya. It’s huge for us, this type of win. It’s everything. You dream  of it but it doesn’t always happen. The planets have to align, anything can go wrong, but (trainer) Raymond’s had it all set up.”

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The horse joined Raymond Williams’ Emerald-based stable in October under controversial circumstances.

Previously, Echo Point had notched up five wins from nine starts under Barcaldine trainer Todd Austin, who become the subject of a stewards inquiry after allegedly instructing a jockey to use a jigger on a horse at this year’s Birdsville Cup.

Austin was at Doomben, joining in the celebrations with the horse’s connections.

Jockey Les “Bubba” Tilley claims victory on Echo Point in the Country Cups Challenge. IMAGE: Country Caller

“I’ve known Todd and Toni (Austin) for my whole life – 28 years – and they’ve been special people in my life, so it’s so great to be giving something back,” Tilley said.

“That one meant a fair bit. I’ve won a Country Stampede and I’ve won a Country Cups Challenge now, and they’ve been for two great people – Todd and Toni Austin. Today they’ve had the faith in me to put me on the horse, and for me to get the win for them is pretty special.”

In this year’s Country Stampede a thrilling photo finish resulted in Chinchilla-owned galloper Dynamic Verse claiming victory after a sensational ride by jockey Angela Jones.

Dynamic Verse was trained by part owner Leonard “Michael” Mawn in Chinchilla until it was transferred to Pat Webster in Toowoomba only a fortnight ago.

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Country Stampede winner Dynamic Verse and (INSET) Chinchilla-based part owners Jo Raynor and Michael Mawn, who previously trained the horse. IMAGS: Country Caller

Mawn and his wife Jo Rayner have had great success at Doomben, taking out the Battle of the Bush with Hanover Square when they last brought a horse to town three years ago.

“Patty Webster’s done a great job with that horse in the last couple of weeks – fantastic,” Mawn said.

Part owner Tim Turner added: “Michael has done a fantastic job with Dynamic Verse. We call the horse Bart. He came to Michael from the Sunshine Coast and Michael’s really sharpened him up. 

“That’s the way he normally wins his races – he sweeps them in the last 50m to 100m and he did it again today. Good on ya Bart.”

Later on Saturday Jo Raynor was given double the reason to celebrate after another horse she owns, A Pretty Penny, won its first start at Goondiwindi.

Team Dynamic Verse. IMAGE: Country Caller

Allora girl reaches the pinnacle of Queensland sport

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By ROGER DESAILLY

GROWING up in Allora on the Darling Downs, Laura Geitz certainly had the Midas touch when it came to winning gold medals in the sport of netball.

However, it is the simple framed certificate confirming her induction into the Queensland Sports Hall of Fame, presented to her at the Queensland Sports Federation 2022 Awards, that will take pride of place in the family trophy room.

Geitz was first selected to play for Australia in 2008. She won a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a gold medal at the 2011 World Netball Championships and a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games as captain.

Laura Geitz wearing the green and gold. IMAGE: NQ

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The small country town where Geitz played her junior netball has a history of producing sporting greats – Allora can also claim rights to a plethora of other sporting stars at state and national level across rugby league and union, boxing, vigoro and equestrian.

She rose through the representative netball ranks to play for the AIS Canberra Darters and Queensland Firebirds and was capped 71 times for her country.

By the time she retired from the game in 2018 she’d amassed 169 domestic league caps and two Player of the Year awards.

In May 2017 a bronze statue depicting Geitz was unveiled by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondal.

In 2020 a 4-foot tall replica of the full sized bronze statue was unveiled in her hometown of Allora – another proud milestone for a county girl who dreamed big and worked long and hard to chase that dream.

The unveiling of Laura Getiz’s bronze replica statue in Allora. IMAGE: Allora Advertiser

Having traveled the world, played against the best in the world and received countless accolades for her sporting prowess, Geitz says she’s a true Queenslander with maroon blood running through her veins.

It is the realisation that she has now been included amongst the pantheon of Queensland sporting greats in the Hall of Fame that has special meaning to her.

Speaking with the Caller at the Queensland Sports Awards, Geitz said she was now firmly focused on her young and growing family and was keeping busy with her motivational speaking engagements and brand ambassador roles.

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She is also helping out where she can to advance the sport of netball, including advocating for its inclusion as an Olympic sport in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With no immediate plans to become officially involved again in the sport, off court she is very content with life in the ‘SportShine’ State.

She keeps active through the habits she formed from years of daily workouts. She’s a very proud mum to three active young children and goes bush from time to time – back to Allora, the country town where it all started.

Laura also has another dream, to see many more statues of other young country Queensland girls and boys who also worked hard to achieve their sporting goals appear in other country towns across Queensland.

Laura Geitz on her family farm at Allora. IMAGE: Facebook