THE tiny Western Downs town of Tara will come alive with colour, culture and camel races next weekend for what organisers anticipate will be the community’s biggest biennial celebration yet.
More than 8,000 tickets to the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races are expected to be snaffled up by the time the festival begins next Friday, meaning the town’s population will more than quadruple throughout the three-day event.
If the novelty of having herds of loping camels pounding around the local racecourse wasn’t enough to attract the crowds, this year the event’s live music bill will be headlined by the crème de la crème of Australian country music.
Some 30 professional racing camels and jockeys will compete at Tara throughout Saturday and Sunday
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The Wolfe BrothersJames Johnston
The Wolfe Brothers, who earlier this year took home two Golden Guitar awards from the Tamworth Country Music Festival, will be supported by James Johnston, one of the industry’s most exciting newcomers whose single Raised Like That last week became an ARIA-certified gold record.
The main event will see roughly 30 professional racing camels and jockeys compete in various sprint races throughout Saturday and Sunday, with teams from the camel racing scene all around Australia.
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The event program also comprises roving cultural performers and entertainers, yabbie races, an afternoon of barefoot bowls, sheep shearing demonstrations, fireworks, markets and a “Fiesta Tropicana” party on the Friday night.
“When the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races was first held 22 years ago, no one could have foreseen that the event would one day grow to this fame and size,” said Kerry Kelly, president of the festival organising committee.
“There is a passionate team of local volunteers who are behind the success of the festival and for us it’s just one more reason we’re so proud of our little town.”
AFTER a seven week forensic investigation, police have criminally charged two young drivers over a crash which hospitalised two teenage girls and left a small Queensland community reeling.
Police will allege two vehicles were racing along Wambo St in Chinchilla about 8.40pm on March 31 when one of the vehicles, a Toyota Landcruiser ute, speared off the road and crashed violently through a front yard fence.
One of the passengers of the Landcruiser, 16-year-old Cassi West, suffered critical head injuries and remains in a Brisbane hospital.
The second passenger, 16-year-old Bree Critch, suffered serious facial injuries. She had to undergo surgery and spent two weeks in hospital in Toowoomba.
16-year-old Cassi West remains at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, seven weeks after the crash. IMAGE: Facebook
Officers from the Forensic Crash Unit have now charged the drivers of both vehicles, an 18-year-old male and a 17-year-old male, with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
The 18-year-old Landcruiser driver’s offence includes the aggravated circumstance of causing grievous bodily harm, while the 17-year-old driver of the second vehicle, a Toyota Prado, has the aggravated circumstance of failing to stop at the scene of a crash to render assistance.
The Caller understands evidence has come from bystanders who came to the injured girls’ aid, and allegedly told police the driver of the Prado returned to the scene minutes after the crash, before leaving again.
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It’s also understood police obtained CCTV footage from multiple angles of the two cars allegedly speeding through the streets of Chinchilla moments leading up to the crash, while numerous witnesses allegedly said they saw the cars driving erratically.
Neither of the drivers were injured.
The Caller understands Police will allege that forensic analysis of the skid marks leading to the crash scene indicate the Landcruiser was likely travelling in excess of 100km/hr.
Both drivers will appear in court in September.
The scene of the crash on Wambo St, Chinchilla. The ute crashed through a front yard fence before coming to a stop beside a brick house. IMAGES: Supplied
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The crash shocked the tight-knit Chinchilla community, which rallied around the West and Critch families through fundraising to help pay for medical costs.
Cassi West and Bree Critch are close friends who are both in Year 11 at Chinchilla State High School.
The Caller reported last month on the gratitude expressed by both families for the community’s support through their harrowing ordeal. The full story can be read HERE.
An imaged posted online by Bree Critch with the caption “Us against the world, forever… You are the strongest girl I know Cass, I love you xx”
A TOOWOOMBA councillor has revealed she’s received several legal threats in the last week over the state of some rural roads, despite Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) not being responsible for their maintenance.
Oestreich Road at Wellcamp (main picture) has been the subject of fresh complaints from residents in recent weeks, fearing for their safety after the black soil track became a boggy hazard due to wet weather.
Councillor Carol Taylor, who chairs TRC’s Infrastructure portfolio, told colleagues about the “concerning” threats during yesterday’s Ordinary Meeting, where councillors ultimately voted to defer any action on the issue to a later date.
“I don’t know what that means for anyone to be honest with you,” Taylor told the Caller.
“This road (Oestreich Rd) is not a Council road. It’s a road reserve which has had a track to those rural properties.
“People have bought that land and built their houses where there is no road. Now the community out there expects our whole community to pay for that.
“Council needs to be aware, there are hundreds of kilometres of road reserve that are put aside and there’s many old historic sub-divisions so what we’re doing here, is something we need to be very very wary of.”
Oestreich Road at Wellcamp
It’s a complex issue Council has grappled with for the last decade, with complaints about Oestreich Road at Wellcamp (main picture) raised in July last year triggering another look at the problem.
Since 2012, upgrades of roads not on Council’s register have to be fully funded by the applicant, unless Council determines a “considerable benefit to the wider community”, in which case it may be listed for consideration in Council’s capital works budget.
The most recent report to Council on the issue, presented at last week’s Committee Meeting, said only three roads had been upgraded through that process in the last 10 years.
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The report also said, “particularly in times of wet weather, Council receives many requests to undertake maintenance of formed, unformed and unopened roads whether maintained by Council or not, where residents and/or road users complain about their circumstances and safety of a particular road but are not prepared to make a formal application for or provide an appropriate contribution to works on that road.”
Possible solutions were discussed back in February this year but a decision was deferred, just as it was again yesterday.
Residents have raised safety concerns again in recent weeks
“I have to respect the Council decision but as Chair I am very disappointed at the lack of clarity and understanding around this whole issue,” Cr Carol Taylor said.
“There’s no clarity around what Council intends to do by deferring it.
“It’s just kicking the tin down the road because nobody wants to face the issue, there’s no money there to do it, that in fact we’re not responsible to do it.
“It’s not about being popular, it’s about being consistent and spending our community’s money wisely.”
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Cr Taylor said the legal threats she’d personally received were very concerning.
“Council needs to hold the line and we need to support our staff. Our teams are doing the very best they can. We are copping it and our people are doing their very very best.
“We either invest more in our road network or we don’t, and we have what we have. Our teams are not magicians.
“No clear message has been sent to anyone and the pursuit of what these people want will continue, including the threats, I believe.”
At the end of yesterday’s vote Mayor Paul Antonio revealed he’d also received strong feedback from the community on the issue.
“I’ve never had a worse time than I’ve had in the last few weeks with – it’s not abuse – but advice I’ve been receiving from many many people,” he said.
“Quite frankly I think there needs to be a lot more discussion about roads in the not too distant future and how best we can get a lot more funding into roads.”
A ROLL call of rodeo royalty is raring to go for the 2022 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, which boasts the sport’s richest prize pool in the Southern Hemisphere for competitors and four days of unrivalled entertainment for punters in the northern outback.
Over the second weekend in August, crowds of up to 40,000 will see four days of rough stock and thrilling horse action in Mount Isa’s iconic rodeo arena, alongside a live music lineup headlined by one of Australia’s biggest pop stars.
With $270,000 in cash up for grabs, the likes of reigning open bull ride champion Troy Wilkinson, barrel race winner Kerrie Holder and bareback bronc king Fred Osman are among 750 cowboys and cowgirls nominating for the event.
Superstar Guy Sebastian will take the stage after dark, supported by indie/blues and roots performers the Pierce Brothers and country music stars McAlister Kemp and James Johnston.
Current Australian Barrel Racing Champion and reigning Mount Isa Mines Rodeo winner Kerrie Holder
“The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is one of the most electrifying events in the country,” said Natalie Flecker, CEO of Isa Rodeo Limited.
“It’s generated millions of dollars in economic benefit to Mount Isa, Outback Queensland and Queensland, and of course, is every cowboy and cowgirl’s favourite event. We can’t wait for August!”
For the first time the event will run over four days this year, beginning with the inaugural Indigenous Rodeo Championships on Thursday, August 11, showcasing the depths of Indigenous rodeo talent.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford said Australia’s best First Nations rodeo riders, including current Australian Champion Bullrider Donovan Rutherford, will be on show.
(L) Current Australian Champion Bull Rider Donovan Rutherford and (R) reigning Mount Isa bareback bronc winner Fred Osman
“Some of Australia’s most legendary bull-riders and bronco-busters are Indigenous and plenty of young talent will be bursting out the gates,” Crawford said.
“The best thing about the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is how it brings communities together from all across the Gulf, the Cape and Outback Queensland. It’s got something for all the family.’’
Not only will the Indigenous Rodeo Championships deliver a new line up of riders to watch, the dedicated rock concert staged that evening will feature multiple ARIA and NIMA award winning star Baker Boy, the rapper raised in Arnhem Land.
WATCH: Country Caller’s coverage of the 2022 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
Admission costs cover all of the world class rodeo action on offer at Mount Isa’s famed Buchanan Park, as well as the rodeo rock concert, live entertainment and access to markets and sideshow alley.
Prices range from $65 for adults and $20 for children 5-17 years for Saturday or Sunday, to $149 for a three-day adult pass or $45 for children.
Family passes, and gold or platinum passes for the best seating are also available.
A COUNTRY Queensland pharmacy is rolling out the red carpet to prospective employees, offering free accommodation and return flights to Brisbane among other significant perks, but after six months the generous offer has failed to lure a pharmacist out west.
The search for someone willing to work in the Central Queensland town of Taroom is an increasing cause for concern for business owner Christie McLennan.
The position has been vacant since January and McLennan fears local healthcare outcomes could be compromised if she’s unable to find a second pharmacist, to keep the service open if she becomes ill or has to take leave.
“It’s very dire to be frank,” she said.
“If you can’t have pharmacists on the ground to provide those basic services then everybody’s health care is at risk.
“Whether it’s infants with paracetamol or end of life care – it could be chaos.”
Pharmacist Christie McLennan providing a vaccine at her Taroom Pharmacy
She said GP shortages in rural communities were putting additional pressure on pharmacies, which are often the only primary health care provider in town.
McLennan’s recruitment strategy has included online advertising, social media, working with two pharmacy recruitment agencies and education providers.
Applicants are being offered above award wages, a four bedroom house, two return flights from Roma to Brisbane per year and registration to a professional conference worth between $800 – $1000.
“It is well above and beyond what I ever would have dreamed of being able to get when I graduated,” McLennan said.
“It used to be the case that a lot of pharmacists would come out west and get experience – it just doesn’t seem to happen anymore.”
Christie McLennan at Taroom Pharmacy
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McLennan has owned Taroom Pharmacy since 2013 and believes a range of factors have contributed to the current situation, including pharmacists not wanting to work full-time because they’re burnt out.
“A lot of pharmacists have decided to leave the industry after being overwhelmed through the pandemic,” McLennan said.
“We’ve never had more registered pharmacists in Australia but there’s a casualisation of the workforce. They want a lot more flexibility.
“Our workforce is about 70% female dominated. With that comes a lot of women taking time off to do the parenting role, so they’re stepping back into more casual roles.”
Banana Shire Councillor for Taroom Terri Boyce said the situation was a worry and that “every industry” was currently having trouble finding staff.
“It’s disappointing that it’s happening but I don’t think we’re the only town being affected,” she said.
“Our local mechanic here, he offers houses to get mechanics too. I think that’s something small country towns are going to have to do to get staff because there’s no rentals here.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia was contacted for comment but didn’t respond by deadline.
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As the search for a pharmacist continues, Christie McLennan said she was wary of the wider impacts Taroom would suffer if people had to travel out of town to source their medications.
“If you can’t get your medication in town you’ll get your groceries elsewhere too,” she said.
“We’re a close knit community and that means we’re all interdependent on each other.
“Any closure of a small business, especially an essential service, means there are knock-on effects for other businesses.
“This is our home too, and we like to provide the best that we can while we’re living in the bush.”
She’s urging anyone interested in the position to get in touch and give country life a go.
“People seem to not want to take a risk and get outside of their comfort zones,” she said.
“You just don’t know the opportunities that are out there until you try it.”
A SURGING third wave of Queensland COVID-19 cases is on track to peak as primary producers from across the state descend on the south east in a fortnight, ahead of what will be the Ekka’s big return after a two-year pandemic hiatus.
While Andrew Sinnamon (pictured below) admitted there was “some anxiety” around the current situation within the Ag industry, the beef cattle steward and RNA Future Directions Committee member was adamant the overwhelming feeling was one of “great optimism” to get back in centre ring.
“A lot of people are keen to get back to Ekka. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our livestock to potential buyers across the country,” he said.
Andrew Sinnamon at the RNA Showgrounds
Last year some cattle were already on the grounds when the Ekka was cancelled for a second year in a row, incurring significant costs and major headaches for exhibitors and organisers alike.
“I know there are some stud masters who aren’t returning to the show because of that,” Sinnamon said.
“But on the whole I feel there’s a great optimism and people are keen to showcase the great produce that we have.
“Will that deter the majority? I hope not. The word I’m hearing is we want to get back out there, especially for interstate breeders.”
He said for a lot of rural people, going to the Ekka was their holiday and chance to catch up with old friends.
“It’s just a good way for them to get out and forget about their troubles for a bit,” he said.
“The mental health aspect to it is massive – a massive benefit.”
The Sinnamon family’s RL Pastoral Company cattle at Casino Beef Week earlier this year
Sinnamon’s family has been showing cattle at Ekka for decades and will be out to impress again this year.
“We’ve got unique genetics from the US and you can’t get them anywhere else, so we’re keen for as many people as possible to see them,” Sinnamon said.
“You might have the judge in the ring – but it’s the judges beside the ring who will be paying the money at the end of the day,” adding: “It’s a good way to show our urban cousins what a beast actually is!”
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With just nineteen days until show time in Brisbane, the Chief Executive of the RNA has assured Queenslanders the “Ekka is 100 percent full steam ahead”.
“After two years without a show, we are looking forward to bringing back this beloved Queensland institution and reuniting the country and city in a celebration of agriculture,” Brendan Christou said.
“As we countdown to Ekka, we are monitoring the situation and working closely with Queensland Health to ensure we meet all Queensland Government health, hygiene, and safety requirements.”
Christou said masks would be encouraged in indoor areas, in line with the state’s most recent health advice. More than 300 hand washing basins and sanitiser stations will be made available throughout the showgrounds.
Guests will have to buy tickets online and nominate which day they’re coming so crowd numbers can be managed.
Beef cattle doing battle at Ekka. IMAGE: Royal Queensland Show.
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Covid isn’t the only virus putting Ekka organisers on high alert this year, with the threat of foot and mouth disease (FMD) front of mind for livestock producers.
Just like those who are feeling sick are being advised to stay home, Andrew Sinnamon recommends anyone who thinks they could present a FMD risk to stay away.
“If you’re coming back from Bali, we suggest you don’t come straight to the Ekka,” he said.
“Clean your shoes, change your clothes, go through those biosecurity channels. If you’re feeling sick, don’t come. If you think there’s a risk, don’t put us at risk.”
Stud cattle on centre ring at the Ekka. IMAGE: Royal Queensland Show
Almost 6700 new covid infections were reported in Queensland in the last 24 hours, with 960 public hospital beds now occupied by people suffering covid or the flu.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the state government would take the advice of the chief health officer on any decision to enforce masks at the Ekka.
“At this stage it is not being recommended, but we encourage it,” D’Ath said.
“I support that move by the organisers of the Ekka to actually have free masks available for people as they’re arriving. We did the same thing at the State of Origin.
“Most of the Ekka is outdoors – but we do know, I’ve been to the Ekka plenty of times – it can get awfully congested, you get into sideshow alley and it can get pretty squished in there on busy days including People’s Day – so it’s just sensible to carry a mask with you and put a mask on, especially as you’re wandering around the pavilions.”
THE Surat Basin’s potential to become the most diverse energy production region in Australia will be explored at a summit in Dalby next month.
The Surat Basin Energy Summit on August 16 will bring together industry leaders to discuss how the region create further investment opportunities and power long-term local economic growth.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) general manager for energy and infrastructure, Lance MacManus, said the Western Downs was the perfect place for the event, located in the heart of the Surat Basin.
“We’re on the cusp of another major investment boom for energy projects in the Surat, and if positioned correctly we could create hundreds of long-term jobs for our region and cement our reputation as the energy capital of Australia,” MacManus said.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise general manager for energy and infrastructure Lance MacManus
“The decades-long security of natural gas and coal, combined with emerging renewables of wind and solar as well as hydrogen and battery storage, offers exciting opportunities for the local sector to bolster our electricity supply.
“With the Olympics set to shine a light on south-east Queensland, we have a global stage to showcase our sustainable energy ecosystem as well as create long-term jobs for regional Australia.”
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Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said that the region was exceptionally well placed to embrace the future of energy production with its natural advantages, great connectivity, powerful high capacity energy transmission network and supportive and collaborative supply chains.
“The Western Downs isn’t a region to shy away from an opportunity and our record of aggressive attraction of investment in energy and renewable development has created our strong energy sector, and lead to the region becoming the energy capital of Queensland,” McVeigh said.
Renewables will be a big focus of the summit as there are currently 34 large-scale renewable projects under development in the Surat Basin, with a total capacity of over 11 GW.
This capacity represents almost 30 percent of all projects under development in Queensland and 7 percent of all projects in the National Energy Market.
The speakers at the forum include leaders from all aspects of the Surat Basin’s energy sector, including traditional energy producers of coal and gas as well as renewables and future energy providers who will discuss the challenges they face in the changing energy landscape and talk about their goals for the future.
Senex Energy CEO Ian Davies speaking recently at the APPEAR Annual Conference
One of the speakers, Senex Energy CEO Ian Davies, said the Surat Basin’s abundant gas resources, talented workforce and collaborative spirit would make the region and economic, energy and jobs powerhouse for year to come.
“The Surat Basin is doing the heavy lifting for the east coast market, providing around three quarters of natural gas supply and propping up southern states during the recent energy shortfall.”
“With the right policy settings, we will continue to contribute more than $1 billion a year of royalties, support over 30,000 jobs in our supply chain and work in partnership with our great host communities,” Davies said.
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Energy Quest Head of Consulting Rick Wilkinson will speak about the future of the Surat Basin’s gas at the Summit, and its role in meeting global energy and emissions targets.
“With solar, wind, gas and coal, the Surat Basin is Australia’s best positioned region to provide short term energy security and long-term low carbon energy for the future,” Wilkinson said.
“Australia’s energy pivot to low carbon energy is a generational challenge – one in which the Surat Basin is ready for with advanced infrastructure and energy support industries.”
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane is facilitating one of the sessions on coal and said the resources sector is keen to play its part in Australia reaching net zero by 2050.
“The resource sector is already investing in renewable energy projects to power their mines and low emission technology for their haul out fleets”, Macfarlane said.
Other speakers at the conference will include the Australian Country Chair of Shell, as well as the leaders of CS Energy, Arrow Energy, APPEA, Powerlink, Helmont Energy, BE Power, UQ Energy, CleanCo, Cubico Sustainable Investments, Stanwell and Energy Synapse.
CROWS Nest cafes and restaurants are setting a new standard for the quality of food and coffee available on Darling Downs menus.
The High Country Hamlets region has seen an explosion of boutique dining options in the last two years, spurred on by a surge in visitor numbers through the pandemic.
Tracey Ford traded in her corporate career in major retail for country life, embarking on a year-long renovation project with her husband Shane, before launching Harpers Country (pictured below) in what was the old Crows Nest Soft Drinks factory in November last year.
The bustling cafe is stocked with gourmet local products like cheese, jams and honey, but it’s their coffee Tracey is most proud of.
“I feel like we’re doing well,” Ford said.
“Shane and I always said we wanted to have the best coffee this side of Brisbane and I reckon we do.
“I honestly can say that with confidence because I think our coffee is really good, people travel out here for it.”
Just a few kilometres away, the Curly Carrot restaurant has also developed a loyal following of local customers and caravaners, who stumbled onto its hearty, seasonal menu while staying at Crows Nest Tourist Park, where the restaurant is located.
Bailey Smith, Kristen O’Brien and Jesse Cole-Smith at the Curly Carrot
“We like going back to basics really, things that you used to have at grandma’s or mums,” chef Jesse Cole-Smith said.
“Things like chocolate cake and crumbles and self-saucing puddings.
“A lot of our winter menu, it’s not steak and vege. It’s a beautiful chowder or the local pork from our butchery topped with some creamy cabbage – wintery, hearty meals.”
Jesse and her husband Bailey have strong relationships with local farmers who ensure a steady supply of fresh ingredients from rhubarb and berries to avocados and winter veggies.
“We have people who just come in the back door and drop us off these monstrous pumpkins or these really weird carrots, beetroot and things like that. So taking advantage of what’s grown here,” Cole-Smith said.
“We’re directed by them, if something’s not available we just shift it and change it.”
Treats at the Curly Carrot
On the other side of town, new bistro Myrtille and the My Little Blueberry bakery are also putting a gourmet spin on local produce, as part of the Nolan’s Block precinct.
Southern Queensland Country Tourism boss Peter Homan said Crows Nest is the wider region’s “tourism hot spot” at the moment.
“Tourists always take their memories and experiences away and those guys are doing an outstanding job – transforming an area that was predominantly a drive through into a destination,” Homan said.
“The food experiences are second-to-none.”
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“Crows Nest was a bit old fashioned, a bit dusty, it almost had that tumbleweed going through town,” Jesse Cole-Smith said.
“Now businesses are painting their shopfronts, they’re cleaning their windows. They’re building the standard of the town up a little and there’s a lot of love.
“This area in particular is buzzing. It’s pulled the socks up of so many other businesses in the area, producers, other restaurants, tourism especially. People are buying more cabins and putting in more motel rooms.
“Businesses are talking to other businesses about how we can feed off each other and thrive.”
That regional renewal is something Tracey Ford has noticed too.
“People are more confident and even the IGA, it has grown. You don’t have to go into Highfields if you don’t want to,” she said.
Beutels LookoutBunnyconnellen near Crows NestCrows Nest National ParkTourism experiences at Crows Nest. IMAGES: Southern Queensland Country
However both business owners would like to see more support for the burgeoning tourist destination, from both the state government and Toowoomba Regional Council.
“I don’t feel that they (Council) sort of recognise the ability that these smaller towns have,” Ford said.
“I think Queensland tourism needs to up their game, honestly.”
“It’s really becoming a destination and it just needs that bit of extra support,” Jesse Cole-Smith said.
“We’ve got our foot in the door with grants but it’s all hard work.”
Kristen O’Brien from foodie directory Dine Darling Downs agreed targeted funding for areas like the High County Hamlets could make a huge difference.
“I think there should be more funding at a state level into micro-communities like this, into small food tourism groups,” she said.
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Toowoomba councillor James O’Shea said community and not-for-profit groups were welcome to apply for funding to assist their project or event, with applications for Council’s next round of community grants open now and due by August 1st.
“Preference is given to applications that fulfil a range of criteria covering community inclusiveness and interaction, a willingness to encourage community partnerships, upgrading facilities or services or establishing a new service, facility or initiative,” O’Shea said.
The Community Economic Development Grants up to $5,000 (or up to $10,000 per applicant, with matched funding) are available to help community organisations deliver programs designed to benefit local businesses and the broader area.
“Council is determined to support our Chambers of Commerce, Progress Associations and other not-for-profit groups who meet the selection criteria to deliver programs and job-creating projects that will benefit local businesses, particularly as our businesses continue to recover from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic,” Mayor Paul Antonio said.
“This funding is aimed specifically at empowering local organisations to deliver the types of projects that they know will support economic growth and opportunities in their own communities.”
Trail riding at Crows Nest. IMAGE: Southern Queensland Country
Peter Homan said Southern Queensland Country Tourism already markets places like Crows Nest as individual areas with their own unique characteristics.
“We take towns, experiences and we take events to market,” he said.
While international tourists have traditionally represented just 5-7 percent of the local visitor market, Homan expects that figure to increase to around 20 percent, as inbound visitation bounces back post-covid.
“We’ve received incredibly high inquiries and the market’s changed – they’re not looking to do tour groups or bus tours – they want to be independent travellers and hire a car,” Homan said.
“They want blue skies, no covid cases, lots of greenery and national parks – that’s what they’re looking for.”
Southern Queensland Country Tourism is working on a new tourism brand called Savour, which will be targeted at international visitors showcasing six key food trails in the region, including country pubs, cellar doors and farm gate produce stores.
COUNTRY CALLER FOOTBALL COVERAGE SPONSORED BY INTURA
By HARRY CLARKE
WHEN young footballer Emily Turnbull takes the field in Toowoomba for the first time tomorrow, she’ll be embarking on her ambition to become a professional rugby league player – a dream that’s developed since her first game only months ago.
The 16-year-old from St George will also be continuing a proud family tradition of sporting prowess.
Turnbull’s great, great uncle was none other than Tom Dancey, the lightning fast Aboriginal runner from Dirranbandi in south west Queensland, who famously won the Stawell Gift footrace in Melbourne in 1910.
Tom Dancey from Dirranbandi, winner of the 1910 Stawell Gift
Tom Dancey has been immortalised with a statue in the main street of Dirranbandi. In 2017 he was the subject of a nice profile piece in the Courier Mail by sports journalist Grantlee Kieza.
Today, St George local Maxine Hicks carries on the story of the generations who’ve followed in Dancey’s fast footsteps. His niece, Pam Dancey, was one of the early participants in women’s rugby league in outback Queensland.
And as Maxine writes, Pam Dancey’s great grand-daughters, Emily and Katie Turnbull, are now turning heads on the football field, doing the St George community proud.
Pam Dancey played rugby league in St George until 1960 and, six decades later, still loves the game aged 82.
By MAXINE HICKS
Pam was a small statue of a girl. She went to school in Dirranbandi until Year-9.
She has always loved rugby league and enjoyed playing with the girls, whether it was at school or just for fun.
Pam came from a family that wasn’t shy of hard work and she too learnt that from a young age.
At the age of 15 or so she was asked if she would like to have a run in the local women’s side. She said yes and from that day forward she played at any given chance.
Her position was wing and sometimes she would play dummy half.
When asked, she recalls that the ladies from Mungindi were a formidable side, but so were the girls from St George.
COUNTRY CALLER FOOTBALL COVERAGE SPONSORED BY INTURA
She recalls she never sustained any injuries, only getting cut up by burs as there was no grass – just the lack of, back then.
Traveling to games away meant it would be a dusty ride as a lot of the roads were not sealed back then.
Pam quickly became a lady to watch because she could run and if given too much of a head start she was very hard to run down.
She continued on playing for a few years more until she decided to call it quits as she had a wedding to plan for.
She was married on the 5th March 1960 at the age of 21 at Dirranbandi. She then settled down to married life having a family of her own, four boys and two girls. Three of her boys continued the Dancey legacy of rugby league until age became a factor.
Then two of Pam’s great grandchildren are taking on the game of women’s rugby league and Pam is so pleased that they too are following their dream.
Today you will find Pam living in St George. She is 83-years-young and takes life at a much slower pace, but still enjoys watching rugby league, whether it’s on the sideline or on the television.
Emily Turnbull charges forward with the footy and (right) geared up for game play with her younger sister, Katie
Emily Turnbull, great grand-daughter of Pam Dancey, comes from a family who loves their rugby league and, as we all know, some of Australia’s best rugby league players come from the bush.
Emily started playing rugby league in primary school, but she never thought much about it until Matt Rogers came to town and had a barbecue with the girls’ team at the St George High School.
He spoke of his travels throughout his career as a rugby league player and now has his own business called Rogers Sports Management. He even had a game of hand ball with the girls and after that day Emily was hooked.
Emily is a high school student and works when she can to cover costs.
COUNTRY CALLER FOOTBALL COVERAGE SPONSORED BY INTURA
Her first game was at St George in October 2021 and little did she know that she was being watched. Emily got picked to go to Gladstone by (NRL Women’s great) Ally Brigginshaw.
Emily’s position is front and second row but she has played centre. Gladstone was her first big taste of rugby league, after she returned back to St George she learned that she was picked by Peter Rafter to go to Barcaldine to play.
After that things went quiet for Emily as there’s no under-16 girls competition out in St George, so her mother and younger sister, Katie, moved to Toowoomba where the pair signed up to play for the Toowoomba Valleys club.
This is a sister act, and Emily is willing to put in the hard yards not to just play at a club. Her aim is higher. She wants to play for Australia and for Queensland.
These two sisters know what they want and they are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and to make their great grandmother and their family proud.
REFLECTING on her country upbringing and “golden age” partying at B&S balls with boarding school mates, Clare Fletcher had no shortage of inspiration for her debut novel “Five Bush Weddings”, launching in Toowoomba next month.
“When I sat down to write the book, it was sort of instinctive to go back to those areas where I grew up,” she said.
“They’re the parties I remember and I felt like I hadn’t seen much of that world in the books I was reading, and I hope I’ve done it justice.”
Considering how the romantic comedy begins it’s fair to say, Clare captured the cheeky spirit of the bush beautifully.
Copies of “Five Bush Weddings” ahead of the official launch
“The opening scene is at a wedding and Eagle Rock starts to play and everyone drops their pants,” Fletcher said.
“I really wondered if the publishers would let it through because it’s not a universal thing!”
But publishing powerhouse Penguin backed Fletcher and her story, centred around a country wedding photographer looking for love.
Fletcher said while she loves the process of writing, her expectations of actually getting published were “very low”.
“I studied journalism and you spend your entire journalism degree being told you won’t get jobs and writing is the same – you get told you’ll get rejected,” she said.
“I fully recognise I’ve been unusually lucky and I feel incredibly lucky my book is being published.
“It’s been the biggest dream of my life and it’s been a very strange period of my life, that it’s about to come true.”
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Fletcher now lives in Sydney but hails from St George and spent her high school years boarding at Toowoomba’s St Ursula’s College.
It was a stint back in her home town in her late 20s which reconnected the avid traveller with her country roots, working for an agronomist and waitressing in town.
“People living on the land have such a precarious life and so much is out of their control,” Fletcher said.
“I have so much respect for people working in agriculture – and when they do get the chance to party, they go hard.
“The best country weddings that I’ve been to – it really brings the community together.”
Ann Hewitt at The Book Tree Toowoomba
The book’s official launch is being hosted by Ann Hewitt from The Book Tree in Toowoomba, who was approached by Penguin with the rare opportunity.
“Obviously we said yes, but we didn’t realise we’d be the actual launch of the book,” Hewitt said.
“We thought we’d have to slot in with whatever other events happened to be organised around that.
“We’re really excited about it. It will be great to get back into the author events after covid, it’s really our first organised event for almost two years.”
Thanks to Fletcher’s strong ties to Toowoomba, Hewitt thinks the August 2nd event will have a reunion feel to it.
“Five Bush Weddings” goes on sale August 2nd
“She knows quite a lot of people and they’re really quite excited to see what the book is going to be like and whether they can identify any people in the book, even though of course, it is strictly fiction,” Hewitt laughed.
When asked if some readers will be able to recognise certain scenes in the book, Fletcher said she “certainly hopes so”.
Ann Hewitt said while hosting the evening was a little nerve wracking, she had enjoyed preparing her questions.
“We’re just going to be in conversation with Clare and find out a bit more about the book, about her writing process. It’s her first book so that’s a real feather in her cap as well, to actually land a contract with Penguin because it’s so competitive at the moment.
“I have started to read the book and I must say I’m right into it, I’m really enjoying it. It’s lighthearted but it’s still got a heart and you really love the characters in that story.”
For more information and to book tickets for the official launch, head to The Book Tree Toowoomba Facebook page.
St George residents will also have the chance to meet Clare at a special event at St George library on Friday August 5th.
