SCHOOL students across rural and regional Queensland have wrapped up another year of a mentoring program with former Brisbane Broncos stars which aims to encourage Indigenous students to engage with education and set goals.
Beyond Broncos is a program not related to rugby league that involves retired footy stars taking on the roles of Broncos Ambassadors and visiting schools to help inspire children to strive for success.
Broncos Ambassadors, including former team captains Scott Prince, Justin Hodges, Alex Glenn and Darius Boyd, periodically make trips to the country to work with kids face to face, while local student support officers conduct the program weekly during the school year.
Beyond Broncos graduate Keysha Tilley with former Broncos captains Scott Prince and Justin Hodges
This year, high achieving students in the Toowoomba and Surat Basin regions were awarded scholarships under a partnership with Arrow Energy to provide resources to help further their education and leadership development.
Scott Prince has been involved as a Beyond Broncos ambassador for nine years and said it was rewarding to see the benefits of the program, which involves 2000 students from 54 participating schools.
Beyond Broncos award winner Georgia Bradley with former Broncos captains Scott Prince and Justin Hodges
“I love what I do,” Prince said.
“I’ve seen students go from Year 7 all the way through to graduating and that’s basically what it’s all about – to see our girls in particular, but also boys, grow and be confident and take anything that they need and throw it in their tool kit for what that wide world has to provide them.
“Hopefully they go on to further study and employment.”
The student support officer for the Western Downs region is Marion Turnbull (Mandandanji), who said she’d seen significant development among the students throughout her first year with Beyond Broncos.
The Beyond Broncos program involves more than 2,000 students from across 54 participating schoolsBeyond Broncos Arrow Energy Scholarship winner Mylah Tighe with former Broncos captains Scott Prince and Justin Hodges
“It’s about encouraging them to stay in school, supporting them academic-wise (and with their school) attendance,” Turnbull said.
“I’ve been supporting students with work experience and gaining school-based traineeships, have yarns with them at lunch time and try to get lunchtime activities for them.
“When I first started a lot of them were a bit mild, a bit shame and pretty much tended to stick to their family or in a certain little group, but throughout the year we’ve noticed they’re expanding out of our activities room and making friends of their own… branching out from family.”
Deagon trainer Pat Duff’s DARE TO SHARE wins by a head in the Critch Automotive Country Stampede Qualifier at Chinchilla. IMAGE: Country Caller
By HARRY CLARKE
NEARLY five decades on from his first win in the town and three weeks on from being inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame, legendary horse trainer Pat Duff was trackside at Chinchilla to watch his powerful gelding DARE TO SHARE secure a spot in next month’s Country Stampede Final at Doomben.
The Critch Automotive Country Stampede Qualifier Open Handicap 1030M held at Chinchilla on Saturday was among the last in a series of lead up races for the Country Stampede, which pits some of the best horses on the bush circuit against one another in a city final each year.
Duff, aged in his 80s and based at Deagon Racecourse in Brisbane’s north, said it was a pleasure to return to Chinchilla and secure a win for what will be his first Country Stampede final.
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“I’ve acquired him (DARE TO SHARE) in the last eight months and he’s a handy horse,” Duff said.
“He won at Kilcoy recently and ran second at the Sunshine Coast, but the mission is to go to the Country Stampede final in town. I haven’t had a runner in that race before so I’m hoping to have a win.
“He can race well. He’s a smart little race horse.”
Pat Duff (jacket) celebrates Country Stampede Qualifier victory with race sponsor representatives (L-R) Jean Mitchell, Chinchilla Race Club president and secretary Don Critch and Kirty Mitchell, and Jenna and Alex Meyer. FRONT: Jockey Emily Lang with young Gemma Critch. IMAGE: Country Caller
Duff was last month inducted into the Queensland Racing Hall of Fame for his decades of service to the industry. He’s hailed as one of the great mentors for young trainers and jockeys and is widely respected among race goers throughout the state.
“I recall winning that first one here in Chinchilla in 1974,” he said.
“It was a horse called BOONA BOY. It was owned by the butcher out at Bell and they were Chinchilla people. He was quite a handsome old horse. I went on to win a race at Eagle Farm with him.”
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The win on DARE TO SHARE at Chinchilla was a great moment also for apprentice jockey Emily Lang, who’s consistently notching up winners early in her career.
“It was a really nice ride. You can tell he’s nice horse,” Lang said.
“I was a bit worried when we began. We got back a bit further than I anticipated and I think they put the pace on for us up front.
“He was just able to get there in the finish. The gap opened up and he just ran over the top of them. He was great today. He definitely showed his class and I was really fortunate to get that ride from Pat.”
DARE TO SHARE trainer Pat Duff and jockey Emily LangJockey Emily Land walking the track before the racesCallide MP and Chinchilla local Bryson Head hosts Fashions on the Field. IMAGE: Country Caller
Experience also shone in the Fashions on the Field competition at the Chinchilla Race Club’s annual November meeting.
Hosted by Member for Callide and Chinchilla local Bryson Head, dazzling outfits included those worn by best dressed lady Verelle O’Shanesy from Jandowae, best dressed local Julieanne Bannister, and men’s winner Brendan Olm.
O’Shanesy, a milliner by profession and Fashions on the Field veteran whose headwear featured ‘flowers’ she made from feathers, said it was an honour to take out the colourful competition.
Fashions on the Field best dressed lady Verelle O’Shanesy with sponsor Petrina O’Sullivan from Petunia’s Fashion. IMAGE: Country Caller
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(L-R) Best dressed local Julieanne Bannister with Kimberley Priem. IMAGE: Country Caller
“I just love putting an outfit together. I make my own hats and make a lot of my outfits. I just love the whole process,” she said.
“I’ve always loved fashion from the time I was four years of age, so just putting and outfit together, and getting up on stage and just coming to the races is great fun.
“You don’t get to dress up too often and the races are a great opportunity to do that. It encourages people who might think about getting dressed up to do so, when they see others doing it.
Fashions of the Field best dressed male Brendan Olm (L) and runner up Peter Osbourne with event organiser Kacey McEwan. IMAGE: Country Caller
Another big win on Saturday came for the Sepoy-sired mare KIKI COCO which won by a nose in the Base Chinchilla Country Cups Challenge Qualifier 1400M.
Similar to the Country Stampede, the Country Cups Challenge brings top country horses together for a final to be held at Doomben on December 3.
The mare’s Toowoomba based trainer, Rochelle Pereira, said it was thrilling to win at Chinchilla after the horse had been a victim of bad lack in recent races at Stanthorpe and Tara.
Trainer Rochelle Pereira (L) and jockey Chris Taylor (R) celebrate victory in the Country Cups Challenge Qualifier with KIKI COCO. IMAGE: Donna Reading
“I’ve had runners in Chinchilla before and have won a few races but this one is probably the most special,” Pereira said.
“I didn’t expect her to be that far back but she can finish off. I was worried about the hard track today. She’s a wet tracker so for her to do that on a hard track today is pretty impressive.
“I’ve had runners in Brisbane before and mid week winners but I haven’t had one on a Saturday so this (Country Cups Challenge) might be the one.”
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Jockey Chris Taylor, a South African expat, added: “I told my agent whenever this horse runs I’d like to put my name forward, so it’s great to come here and get a win”.
“I was just trying to get her balanced. I knew the right horse was in front of me. I was wide but I knew I was travelling well and it was just a case of picking them up from the downhill,” Taylor said.
“Took a little time to get going but once but we straightened up, and thank goodness we got there with enough time in hand.”
The Chinchilla Race Club will host is annual Christmas meeting on December 17.
THE Singapore based company building one of the largest solar farms in Australia has secured finance for the first stage construction, indicating the $650 million project is on track to eventually produce 650MW of renewable power for the national grid.
Vena Energy, a leading green power company operating in the Asia-Pacific region, began building the mega Wandoan South Solar Project earlier this year and has now announced financial closure for its 125MW stage one component.
The announcement follows the completion in August of an adjoining Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which has a capacity of 100 megawatts and can store up to 150 megawatt-hours of energy – equivalent to powering about 57,000 homes annually.
The BESS is connected to Powerlink’s Wandoan South Substation and was handed over to Australia’s largest electricity provider, AGL, on a fixed long-term contract for 15 years.
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Vena Energy’s Battery Energy Storage System, part of the Wandoan South Solar Project. IMAGE: Supplied
“Vena Energy’s partner banks DBS, ING, Intesa Sanpaolo, OCBC Bank, and SMBC have agreed to provide debt and ancillary facilities to the 125 MW Wandoan South Solar Stage 1,” a statement from Vena Energy said.
“The facilities meet the criteria of ‘Green Loan’ financing, which is aligned with Vena Energy’s Green Financing Framework. This is Vena Energy’s third green project financing in Australia.”
Head of Vena Energy Australia, Owen Sela (pictured), said reaching financial close on such a significant project was “instrumental to Vena Energy’s vision to support Australia’s energy transition”.
“Climate change presents a real and ever-present threat to the environment, as well as our way of life, and Vena Energy is committed to accelerating the development of innovative renewable energy projects and generation of clean, sustainable energy in Australia,” Sela said.
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Construction of the first stage of the Wandoan South Solar Project. IMAGE: Supplied
“Wandoan South Solar Stage 1 will make a significant contribution to the local, regional, and national economy throughout its lifespan. With the commencement of construction earlier this year, Vena Energy anticipates a peak workforce of approximately 350 people as well as business opportunities for local companies within the region to support the construction of the project.”
The Wandoan South Solar Project covers a total area of nearly 2,000ha and encompasses the the locality of Woleebee near Wandoan. No date has been announced for when the solar farm will be operational.
THE Darling Downs based subsidiary of Australia’s largest privately owned petrol company is celebrating the return of an immensely popular range of lubricant and oil products used by farmers.
IOR Rural, an arm of the family-owned company IOR Petroleum, has become fully stocked with a suite of the famous Caltex Delo oils and lubricants.
IOR Rural owners Peter and Georgie Hart said there’d been huge relief among agricultural customers that they could finally access Caltex Delo lubricants and oils locally once again.
Larissa Scoin and Myles Hendersen from IOR Rural in Dalby displaying highly sought after Delo products. IMAGE: Country Caller
“Delo really is a premium product. The manufacturers use the highest quality base oils and additives,” Peter Hart said.
“Some of our longstanding customers have been using Delo for 30 years, and they come in and say they only want Delo. It’s an iconic brand in the rural space, that’s for sure, and a lot of people are pleased we now have it back in stock.
“We’re stocked up with the full range of about 200 Caltex Delo products which can be purchased in store or delivered to farms directly.”
Georgie Hart added: “For a premium oil, we were surprised that it’s come back into the market at the price it has. Delo is an awesome product – not just a brand.”
Georgie Hart with a display of Delo products at IOR Rural’s Dalby warehouse. IMAGE: Country Caller
IOR Rural’s Delo range is now available in store at Oakey, Dalby and Goondiwindi, and can also be ordered by phone for delivery.
For a limited time only, customers who purchase 200 litres or more of a Caltex Delo product will also receive a free, high quality Alemlube LED and UV work light which has aircon gas leak detection capabilities.
“We think a lot of farmers out there will be happy to see Delo back on the shelves because it’s such a high quality, versatile product which meets all Original Equipment Manufacture requirements,” Peter Hart said.
For a limited time, purchases 200L+ of Delo products from IOR Rural comes with a free Alemlube work light
For 20 years Peter and Georgie Hart have owned the Oakey-based grain packing, storage and logistics provider Grainhart. In 2018 they decided to branch out, having noticed a demand for a locally operated petrol supplier in the region with a focus on agricultural customers.
In 2020 they entered a partnership with the Queensland based IOR Petroleum to establish IOR Rural, a petrol distributor which services a broad farming region encompassing the Lockyer Valley, Darling Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Balonne and Moree regions.
With fuel depots now in Oakey, Dalby, Goondiwindi, St George and Moree, Peter Hart said their team of 22 staff now supply petrol to thousands of customers throughout the agricultural sector.
Peter Hart, IOR Rural. IOR Rural stock an extensive range of oils and lubricants including Valvoline products. IMAGE: Country Caller
We started out with one truck and over two years we have built that up to four trucks, but fuel is a business where you have to scale significantly if you want to remain competitive with the major companies,” he said.
“IOR Petroleum approached us about setting up and running IOR Rural, which was a great opportunity because it gave our existing customers access to the IOR network sites which are here, there and everywhere.
“That’s made things a lot better logistically because we can have our trucks running more efficiently servicing a wider area.
“About 90 percent of our customers are family owned and operated farms but we also deliver for some corporate farms, feedlots and transport companies.”
In February this year Deputy Premier Stephen Miles announced the commissioning of a new IOR Petroleum diesel terminal which is now under construction at the Port of Brisbane.
At the time IOR Managing Director and CEO Stewart Morland said the $50 million facility would be of huge benefit to Queensland’s fuel supply and security.
“The Lytton Fuel Import Terminal will add an additional 110 million litres of diesel storage to the Queensland economy. It will be the largest diesel only import terminal in Queensland and one of the few in Brisbane with the capability to receive international shipments of diesel via LR2 vessel,” he said.
“IOR proudly fuels Transport, Agriculture, Resources, and several other industries essential to the success of our economy and the livelihoods of all Queenslanders. The Terminal will provide fuel security to these industries and contribute to industry productivity in the years to come.”
THE town which in recent years produced champion sprinter Rothfire and million dollar earner Rudy is celebrating further big smoke racing success, as another exciting new runner notches up its first metro win and a former local bloodstock agent’s purchase lines up for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.
Chinny Boom, bred and owned by Chinchilla’s Mark Pascoe, put to bed any doubt she belonged in the city races when the filly romped home two lengths ahead in the 1000m Canadian Club 3YO QTIS Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
That brings up five wins from five starts for Chinny Boom and also the first city win for the horse’s Rockhampton-based trainer, Clinton Taylor.
It was also the first city win as an outright owner and breeder for Pascoe, who owns Chinny Boom’s mare Imanoremiss and has a share in his sire, Spirit of Boom.
(L-R) Erin Taylor, Corrina Pascoe, jockey Ben Thompson, trainer Clinton Taylor and owner Mark Pascoe. IMAGE: Supplied
“It was a fantastic day. There was a huge crowd at Eagle Farm and we had a ball,” Pascoe said.
“It’s always hard to be confident. We thought she should be able to beat them based on the times she’s been running but you never know, especially when you come down to Brisbane and they’re all a bit faster.
“Clinton’s doing a great job with her and we’re excited to see what happens from here.”
Pascoe and Taylor are now aiming Chinny Boom for the $125,000 Listed Mode Plate at Doomben on December 3.
Meanwhile racing bloodstock agent and former Chinchilla local Jim Clarke is pinching himself as one of his recent international purchases prepares to race in the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.
The 6-year-old gelding Arapaho, which Clarke bought from France at the end of 2020, is trained by Sydney-based Bjorn Baker and has drawn barrier 19 for the race that stops the nation.
Clarke, a former racing manager for Baker and also for Godolphin’s European operation, sources young runners locally and abroad for some of Australia’s top trainers.
Over the past three years he’s had horses shipped from overseas for the likes of Gai Waterhouse and Ciaron Maher, as well as several for Baker.
Clarke said he was thrilled to see one of his purchases in the mix at the pinnacle of racing.
(L) Bloodstock agent Jim Clarke with trainer Bjorn Baker at the Inglis yearling sales and (R) Arapaho wins the Group 3 Premiers Cup at Randwick in August. IMAGES: Supplied
“The first bet I ever had was when my dad put money on Doriemus for me when he won the Melbourne Cup (1995) and that’s what sparked my interest in racing as a kid. I always dreamt of being involved in the race in some fashion,” Clarke said.
“It was a great experience bringing runners from the UK with (Godolphin trainer) Charlie Appleby a few years ago, and to now have Arapaho running is a proud achievement for my first three years as an agent.
On Tuesday afternoon Clarke will have to watch the Cup from his mobile phone at Sydney’s international airport because he’ll be en route at the time to Kentucky for the upcoming Breeders Cup and American broodmare sales.
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“When we bought Arapaho we never really bought him thinking he would be a Melbourne Cup horse because he didn’t really have the distance profile or the pedigree to run two miles,” he said.
“So he’s a bit of a question mark at two miles but it’s sort of uncharted territory until you put them in there and have a go. But it’s a two mile handicap with 24 runners and, as we saw with Prince of Penzance a few years ago, anything can happen in a Melbourne Cup.
“He’s going to have to be at his best to win it but I think he’s a top ten chance.”
Incidentally, these two Chinchilla thoroughbred success stories come as the Chinchilla Race Club prepares to host a big Spring race meeting in the town this Saturday, which will include qualifying races for the 2022 Country Stampede and Country Cups Challenge.
HAVE you ever been struck with a sense of panic when you realise you have left your mobile phone behind?! You are not alone. People are connecting on digital devices now more than ever, with social media platforms being a huge part of people’s lives. And the role of social media in business is just growing and growing.
Western Downs business owners are rapidly adopting various social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. However, using these channels effectively to increase business takes skill and a strategic approach.
An increasing number of businesses have taken up the free digital media coaching services provided by Business Navigator Western Downs. To be able to assist more businesses, the program has recruited another team member. Tim Entwistle joins business coaches Paulene Rorich and Suzanne Wood, and marketing advisor Ailsa Cass to create a team of four.
The Western Downs Business Navigator program is an initiative of Shell QGC’s business which, since 2018, has helped the region’s entrepreneurs perform more effectively in all areas of small business.
The team provides free, tailored coaching and support to local businesses with expertise across strategic planning, product development, pricing strategy, business diversification, scalability and scaling for growth, digital enabling, and both traditional and digital marketing.
Together, Tim and Ailsa possess a wealth of marketing knowledge. IMAGE: Supplied
“The past 18 months has seen a surge in demand for support across all areas of a business but particularly in digital marketing and social media,” said Lead Business Coach, Paulene Rorich.
“This is a good indicator that businesses in the Western Downs are keen to grow and are seeking support to learn new ways of working and connecting with their customers.”
“We are already very fortunate to have our fantastic marketing specialist, Ailsa; the addition of Tim will add a different and ‘digital native’ perspective, so we are able to offer even more value to our clients”.
After years of personal experience in running a small business and keeping up-to-date with digital marketing trends, Tim is very keen to share his learnings with other small business owners.
“I went into marketing because I’m passionate about helping small businesses achieve their goals,” Tim said.
“The trouble is, many small businesses struggle with the costs of outsourcing their marketing and that’s why I think having a free service that helps business owners develop their own business knowledge and skills is such a great concept”.
“I’m a small business owner with a young family myself, and I know the time and dollar pressures that small business owners face,” Tim says, “so I get a huge buzz from helping people get the maximum possible outcome from the time and money they put in to marketing their business.”
As well as being a social media specialist, Tim is an accomplished photographer and videographer – skills which he uses to help business owners create effective social media content to engage new customers.
“Feeling comfortable in front of a camera is a challenge for many people,” says marketing advisor Ailsa Cass, “but great images, engaging reels and authentic stories on social media have such a powerful impact – they really help you connect with customers”.
Ailsa is a highly qualified marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience helping businesses communicate their value to customers through traditional and digital marketing.
“Many people have a love-hate relationship with social media,” Ailsa says, “they see the need for it but, even if they know how to make a post, they often don’t know what to post about. A lot of the work we do is helping people work these things out.”
Recognising that people come to social media with different levels of knowledge and expertise, Business Navigator Western Downs is partnering with Western Downs Regional Council to deliver workshops aimed at building foundational skills in social media. Social Media Basics for Beginners workshops are rolling out across the region in late October and early November. Find more information at https://www.navigatorwesterndowns.com.au/smworkshop.
Among Business Navigator’s recent success stories is Jandowae-based skincare and beauty shop Beauty on the Land, whose founder Jenn Henning worked with Business Navigator to design and create a Shopify eCommerce website for her business.
“I’ve worked with the Business Navigator team for about 12 months and they did huge amounts for me. Digital and social media are definitely not my strong points, but they were massively helpful,” Jenn said.
“The whole design and setup of our Shopify site was done with the support of Business Navigator and things have been going really well since then. There’s definitely been a shift in the business – the website has been a huge help in reaching my clients and making it easier for them.”
Jenn Henning, founder of Jandowae-based online skincare and beauty shop Beauty on the Land. IMAGE: Amelia Wood Photography
Another business to benefit from marketing support is KC Ridge Farm, a producer of free-range, pastured eggs, based in Chinchilla.
“Kevin and Cara have such a great product: sustainably raised, farm fresh, great tasting eggs. Just what customers are looking for!” said Ailsa, ‘they just needed a hand putting their product out there and getting the recognition it deserves.”
Ailsa worked with Kevin and Cara Jackson, owners of KC Ridge Farm, to refine their brand, develop their social media strategy and create content that told their brand story authentically and consistently. KC Ridge has since launched an online egg subscription service and now delivers farm-fresh eggs from Roma through to Toowoomba.
Kevin and Kara Jackson, founders of KC Ridge. IMAGE: Anne Sterling Photography KC Ridge Farm https://kcridgefarm.com.au communicates with customers via Instagram and Facebook
“We had a few challenges up front,” said Kevin, “We had to educate customers about what pastured eggs were, especially compared to ‘free-range’ and organic eggs, and about the sustainable practices we use on our farm, all of which affect our price-point.”
“With help from Ailsa, I think we’ve done a pretty good job of building our brand and connecting with customers though our social media platforms. Our egg subscription service has taken off because people are recognising our brand and seeing the real value of our product.”
Business Navigator Western Downs is supported by Shell’s QGC business and delivered by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. The social investment program, supported by Shell’s joint venture partners Tokyo Gas and CNOOC, contributes to a strong and diverse economy within the Western Downs.
The program was developed in consultation with Western Downs’ business communities, who indicated that a strong, diversified economy that was important to them; Business Navigators was designed to support and enable local small business to grow sustainably.
CHAMPION campdrafter Ben Hall has backed up his eighth Condamine Bell victory with an emphatic win at the 2022 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock, igniting once again the opportunity to become campdrafting’s first ever winner of the elusive Triple Crown.
If Hall and his trusty mare Eltorrio were to succeed in the 2022 Warwick Gold Cup, the 45-year-old would make history by taking out campdrafting’s ‘big three’ events on the same horse in the same year – a feat no drafter has achieved before.
On top of the 100-odd thousand dollars he’d win from the big three circuit alone, Hall and his drafting family would also drive home (back up north to Muttaburra) with a bonus cheque for $30,000.
Trouble is the Warwick draft, originally scheduled for this week, has been temporarily washed out, so Hall and Eltorrio will have to carry the momentum they’ve built on the Western Downs over the past fortnight and be ready for whenever a new Gold Cup date is set.
“It’s good to see some moisture about but it is a shame about the Warwick draft being postponed. Hopefully they put it on soon. We’ll go down there and have a crack,” Hall said.
Bell Hall riding Halls Eltorrio to victory in the 2022 Grandfather Clock open draft. IMAGE: Country Caller
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As heavy weekend rain lashed Chinchilla, Grandfather Clock finals had to be delayed 24 hours while the tireless local committee spent Saturday pumping three inches of water off the loamy local arena.
Hall had notched up 177 points from the first two rounds of open drafting, putting him among the top contenders going into the final.
A soaked surface at Chinchilla showgrounds and a mob of cattle who’d clearly had enough of the wet conditions made for a tough and unpredictable contest for the coveted clock trophy.
Most beasts were prepared to go around the first two pegs but even the best campdrafters in the business had trouble steering them around again and through the gate.
Hall’s final run was almost among those ending in tatters before Eltorrio bumped his stubborn beast back on course to record an 88 point draft and an unbeatable aggregate of 264.
Ben Hall celebrates victory with Halls Eltorrio in the 2022 Chinchilla Grandfather Clock. IMAGE: Country Caller
“He was a handful,” Hall said of the beast he picked. “He wasn’t as easy as I thought he’d be. I thought he looked really good in the camp but he wasn’t that easy. She handled him really well.
“It’s hard to explain. It just happened. She’s a good mare and it all worked out well. These big drafts get harder every time because you’ve got that expectation, so when you do get the win it’s proper good.”
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In a show of how tight the competition can be over three runs in the open draft, second place getter Bill Carey on Telly notched up 263 while Kimberley Sammon on Smith Family Eve and Troy Palmer on Who’s Devine shared third with 262.
Hall also claimed fifth place on Chisums Cash with 261 points.
From the first two legs alone of the Triple Crown series, the decorated drafter from north west Queensland has taken home more than $80,000 in prize money.
Chinchilla campdrafter Kristine Plant celebrates victory on Condet in the 2022 Grandmother Clock ladies draft. IMAGE: Country Caller
Good things came in twos for the Plant family of Chinchilla as Kristina Plant blitzed the final of the ladies Grandmother Clock.
“It feels pretty good. This is something we all aim for – to win one of the big drafts, so I’m very happy,” Kristina Plant said.
“My father-in-law bred this horse and my husband and I have been working on him and we both love him. We like his temperament, his cattle sense, and he’s just really easy to have about.”
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Kristine Plant riding Condet to victory in the Chinchilla Grandmother Clock ladies draft and (INSET: Kristine’s husband, Robert Plant, celebrating victory in the 2021 open draft). IMAGES: Country Caller
Plant was among six drafters sitting on 89 points after the opening round of the ladies draft, making for a hotly contested Grandmother Clock.
She was first up in the final, and her 88 point run for a total of 177 left her well clear of fellow top finishers Kimberly Sammon on Seligmans Ellie (173), Tahlia Dower on Baymak Rango (172) and Bridey Jonas on Sheady Dustry Acres (172).
“My husband picks all my cattle for me, so I’d be lost without him,” Plant said.
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“I was a bit nervous because I’ve been first up in the ladies on him (Condet) before and we were unsuccessful. First isn’t my favourite spot but it came up.
“I was just relieved because all I aimed for was a clean yard and to get the gate. The fact that we got the gate, I was just relieved.
“It’s been a great weekend, seeing friends and just hanging out with friends who we haven’t caught up with for a long time. The win makes it even better.”
Local drafter Peter Knudsen rides to victory on Kilbeggan Kimberley in the Chinchilla restricted open. IMAGE: Country Caller
WATCH: Peter Knudsen seals Restricted Open victory with 88 point final round run off
Local experience also reigned supreme in the Restricted Open as Chinchilla’s Peter Knudsen broke a decades-long family hoodoo to win on his father’s mare Kilbeggan Kimberley.
Knudsen, who said his grandfather Hans Knudsen donated the inaugural Grandfather Clock trophy in the early 1960s, had to beat star drafter Will Durkin on Hazelwood Conspiracy in a final round “run off” after the pair both landed on 179 after two drafts.
Knudsen’s father, Wayne Knudsen, presented him the winning prize.
“It’s been a great campdraft and it means a little bit to win here on Mum and Dad’s horse,” Peter Knudsen said.
“Thanks to the committee, who’s put in a huge effort to get the grounds up to scratch. There’s been some great drafting.”
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Chinchilla Restricted Open winner Peter Knudsen congratulated by his father, Wayne, and daughter, Hayley. IMAGE: Country CallerCampdrafters line up for the final round of the Grandfather Clock open draft. IMAGE: Country Caller
The Chinchilla Showground arena is famous among campdrafters for its ability to maintain condition despite heavy rain.
Some 35mm fell over Chinchilla on Friday night. With the arena already waterlogged from months of rain, nine hours had to be spent pumping water away on Saturday and reorganising cattle to ensure the finals could be held.
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The logistical feat was led by Daniel Lithgow during his first year as president of the Chinchilla Campdraft Committee.
“It’s good to be at this end of the week. There was a couple of days in there that we wouldn’t want to repeat,” Lithgow told the Caller.
“The amount of rain we got in the middle really interfered with the plans but everyone rallied together and it was just a fantastic team effort to keep it going. Every member of the committee just hooked in.”
Lithgow, who took over the president’s position from his father, Greg Lithgow, also had drafting success when he won the saddled cut out competition on his father’s horse, Twice Rapt.
“It’s been a big undertaking (becoming president) but what makes it easier is having the best team you could ask for,” Daniel Lithgow said.
“The committee just loves campdrafting. Everyone’s got the same vision of making it better and making it grow.”
Chinchilla Campdraft Committee president Daniel Lithgow, with a gift for hardworking secretary Jackie Jewell. IMAGE: Country Caller
FORM and experience are reigning supreme on the first leg of the campdrafting Triple Crown series, as veterans of the sport claim the big winning cheques on offer in the Condamine Bell open and ladies divisions.
Backing up from his victory at Condamine in 2021, Ben Hall took out the open draft Saturday night on 15-year-old mare Halls Eltorrio with a total of 266.5 points.
The score was just half a point higher than his father, Terry Hall on Hazelwood Composer, who shared second place with Condamine first timer Lachlan Thompson riding Hoody.
Along with the renowned cowbell trophy, Hall takes home a winning cheque for $60,000, which is up from the $50,000 cheque he won at the same event last year.
Ben Hall from Muttaburra with Halls Eltorrio, winners of the 2022 Condamine Bell open draft. IMAGE: Country Caller
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“It just seems to gel here at Condamine. It’s a good ground with a good setup and they always run good lines of cattle for us – that helps,” Hall said.
“The cutout yard here is much bigger than a lot of them and I think that sets you up for the outside. And it’s a good surface. The horses can gallop and the cattle travel well here too.”
With his noisy homestead in Muttaburra already chiming with eight Condamine Bells and three Chinchilla Grandfather Clocks (and glistening with three Warwick Gold Cups), Hall’s reign continues as one of campdrafting’s most decorated competitors ever.
Hall’s winning horse is by Playrio, the champion stallion owned by him and wife Jaye Hall, which also sired the gelding he rode to victory in Condamine last year.
On the marginal victory over his father, Terry, Hall said: “If you’re going to get beaten by someone I guess it’s better if they’re your family. Dad’s 72 and obviously still mixing it with us, so it’s a pretty big effort. That’s what makes this such a great family sport.”
Louise Comiskey rides Zahara to victory in the 2022 Condamine Bell ladies draft. IMAGE: Country Caller
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It was sixteenth time lucky in the ladies draft for Capella competitor Louise Comiskey, whom the Condamine Bell had always eluded despite her years worth of other successes on the Australian campdrafting circuit.
With a blitzing finals run that ended with Comiskey whooping, hollering and giving the beast she chose a gratuitous slap on the rump, the Central Queensland drafting veteran, riding 12-year-old mare Zahara, amassed a winning total of 178 points.
“It felt really good. Everything just fell into place,” Comiskey said.
“I’ve always dreamt of winning one of these (Condamine Bells) so I’m very happy. I hadn’t had much of a weekend here in the open draft so it was good to do well in the ladies.
The lineup of placegetters in the Condamine Bell ladies draft. IMAGE: Country Caller
“I’ve got a beautiful mare. I purchased her as a three-year-old and I’ve been her only rider ever since. She’s by Sophisticated Cat. She’s won me a lot of ladies drafts and I’ve had lots and lots of fun on her. She’s pretty special.
“Myself and my husband (Steve Comiskey) have been married for sixteen years and I reckon I’ve been coming here ever since I’ve been married – so it’s been a while.
“It’s great coming down here for the three big ones (Condamine, Chinchilla and Warwick). It’s a great time to catch up with everybody – all the people that we don’t see all year round come.
“We all have a good time and show all of our best horses. We love it.”
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Spectators watching the action in the cutout yard at Condamine. IMAGE. Country Caller
THE team behind the Business Navigator Western Down program is holding free workshops beginning at the end of October to help small businesses leverage the power of social media to grow and attract new customers and clients.
Business Navigator, an initiative of Shell QGC, is a free business growth advisory service which assists small business owners throughout the Western Downs take their ventures to new heights.
The new 90-minute Social Media Basics workshops, hosted by 30-year small business veteran Tracy Sheen, will begin in Tara on October 25 and be held in Miles, Wandoan, Jandowae, Chinchilla and Dalby over the ensuing fortnight.
Tracy Sheen, host of Western Downs Business Navigator’s Social Media Basics workshops. IMAGE: Supplied
Tracy, a certified practicing marketer, founder of The Digital Guide and author of Australia’s 2021 business book of the year “The End of Technophobia”, said she was passionate about closing the “digital divide” and showing “technophobes” how to cut through the digital noise.
“We are all at different levels of using tools such as Facebook and Instagram, understanding the platforms, and where they fit in our business’s overall marketing strategy. These workshops cater for the different skill levels of small business owners,” Tracy said.
“You can register for a beginner or intermediate session of the workshops depending on your level of experience. There’ll certainly be something to learn whatever stage you’re at with your social media strategy.”
Beginner sessions, for those relatively new to Facebook, will go through the “mechanics and anatomy” of Facebook and Instagram and how they can be used to reach your ideal clients.
Intermediate sessions will me more focussed on improving your existing plan and strategy, and using social media to build a larger and more engaged audience.
Sessions are free to attend and bookings are limited. Those interested are urged to register as soon as possible via the Business Navigator Western Downs website.
CHINCHILLA thoroughbred trainer Leonard “Michael” Mawn is hoping to once again take a runner to the big smoke by winning the Country Stampede qualifier at his local race club’s meeting on Saturday, November 5.
Mawn, who last weekend took home the Tara Cup with an emphatic win by “Not Liable”, is hoping the gelding’s stablemate, “Dynamic Verse”, can emulate that success in the high stakes qualifier at Chinchilla.
Together with the Country Cups Challenge, the Country Stampede offers big prize money for top horses from across the bush racing circuit – $200,000 and $105,000 respectively, with $30,000 bonuses also up for grabs.
Sixteen qualifier races are held across country Queensland over the months leading up to the finals at Doomben racecourse in Brisbane on December 3.
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Jo Raynor , stablehand Coby Flint and Michael Mawn with Country Stampede hopeful, Dynamic Verse. IMAGE: Country Caller
“These races are the reason we get out there at 5.30am every day,” Mawn said.
“We normally race for $6,500 and that’s flat out paying the bills, whereas if we win one of these it gives us a really good kick.
“Hopefully we can get the job done in Chinchilla next month. It’s always good to win at home. It’s a great race club and you get a bit of recognition out of it in the local community.”
Mawn’s partner, Jo Raynor, added: “And it’s good not to have to travel after the races, too. You can just duck home, put them back in the stables and go back to the racecourse to have a beer!”
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The Country Stampede qualifier will be one of five races held in Chinchilla on November 5.
The local race club is encouraging punters to bring the whole family for a day out, with the bar operating, bookmakers, a members raffle draw and local DJ Damo playing until late.
