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INDEPENDENT THE BARCOO

Blackall’s own community newspaper

SEGMENTS March 5 2010 ISSN 1832-6129 RRP $2.00 Contact: barcooindependent@gmail.com

An Insight to: ManagementPlans “Incredible rain” makes Uniting Church

o Better understand your target market
using psychographics
(wants and needs of people; the way
consumers think and what they like)
PLUS
o Get on line and utilise social networks
o and the how to use the new tourism e-
kit
Haveyoursayinthe
futureofyourtown
common!
The Blackall – Tambo Regional Council
is working in partnership with Desert
Channels Queensland to develop
for a slow start for some
WHILE graziers have been
rejoicing over almost continuous
rain since Christmas, more than
14 inches in two months has
meant that workers in other
industries have had a very quiet
and strained start to the year.
Ray White Rural’s Paton
Fitsimons says everyone is quiet at
the moment, but staying positive,
and that is just how it is.
The first Blackall cattle sale for
2010 was scheduled for February
Barron says – Rowan Hunnam
it is great to have all the rain, but,
“no-one wants to say we’ve had
enough!”
“It will be fairly full on when it
does dry out, we will get decent
prices for cattle.”
“This is unheard of… It has
happened before for one or two
weeks, but not lasted for 5 or 6
weeks.”
Roo shooter Brett Hayman has
been out shooting just 12 times
Ladies Guild donate
over $12, 000
IN 2009 the Blackall Uniting
Church Ladies Guild donated
more than $12, 000 to various
charities and community groups
around the world.
Treasurer Judith Adam said that
it is very rewarding for the five
members of the local ladies guild.
“It is the community who is
making these donations, we are
just the administrators.”
“We feel it is worthwhile to be
able to help.”

Thursday March 11
managementplansfortheBlackalland
Tambotowncommons.
Blackall Cultural Centre
9:00am – 5:30pm Community involvement is being
soughtthrough:
FREE
Fillingoutaquestionnaireavailable
fromtheshireofficesinBlackalland
Meals provided all day TamboandreturningitbyMarch10,
and
All workshop participants are asked to join in
an FREE industry camp oven dinner and Attendingplanningworkshops:
networking opportunity at the Blackall
Woolscour from 6:00pm x WednesdayMarch10,6.30pm
BlackallCulturalCentre
Presented by: Tourism Queensland
11 and it has been cancelled
every week since, due to the wet
weather.
A fat and store sale is now set
down for March 11, and the first
weaner and store sale on March
18, but the agents are unanimous
in saying that it will more likely be
several weeks to give the ground
time to dry out.
“If you can’t get the cattle on a
truck, you just don’t move them,”
Paton said.
“Thirty years ago they might have
walked them in but not now.”
Paton says he would have barely
moved a beast since December
last year.
“By the end of the month I’ll be
down 4000 head on last year, but
those cattle will still be coming
through.”
Grant Daniel Long agent Jeremy
since Christmas.
“There is no income for us at all
at the moment,” he said.
“I’ve been wanting to do a bit
of mustering on the side but it is
even too wet for that.”
On Australia Day Wild Game
Resources started buying
kangaroos again after they closed
their doors due to the Russian
kangaroo meat ban.
“It just keeps going from one
extreme to the other,” Brett said.
“Now that they want them again,
we can’t get them.”
“It is touch and go but don’t get
me wrong, I’d rather be having
wet weather than dry – you can’t
knock that rain.”
A shearer for more than 20
years, Rob Johnstone says that
he had better take a photograph
of his home
continued on page 5
“There are good reasons why we
give to these different places.”
The money has come from
the thrift shop run by the guild,
through the sale of goods that
are donated by members of the
community and local businesses.
Judith Adam says that the
ladies guild is sincerely grateful
to the community for suppling
and recycling their goods, and to
the helpers who keep the shop
running so efficiently.
Throughout 2009, donations of
$1000 or more were made to the
Victorian Bush Fire Appeal, World
Vision (through the sponsoring of
two children), Lifeline Community
Care to assist prison chaplaincy,
the Royal Flying Doctor Service,
the Blackall continued on page 5

Contact: John Hine

x ThursdayMarch11,6.30pm Attention: Local Performers!!
TamboShireHall
(EDO Blackall-Tambo Regional Council)
Local performer to sing, play
M: 0427 446 481 Supperwillbeprovided.
guitar or any other musical instrument.
Forfurtherinformationpleasecontact: Contact Debbie at the
To perform at the Blackall Caravan Park during the tourist season
park on 7 4657 4816
MikeChuk0427427695
mike.chuk@dcq.org.au Good attendance at Shockwave Workshops - page 6
Page 12 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010
WHATS ON in 2010
MARCH Send your dates in!!
5 Blackall Historical Society Annual General Meeting
5 St Patrick’s host World Day of Prayer
6 Shockwave Youth Arts Festival Car Wash
6 Free Human Swine Flu Immunisation, Blackall State Twelve months ago a group of women
School
6 Blackall Races
7 Clean Up Australia Day
Blackall Town Common Management Planning Funds raised will be used to provide both practical and
10 sponsored by the Blackall Tambo Regional Council
Workshop
11 Tambo Town Common Management Planning our public venues and roadways. This day could be
Workshop
12 Tourism Oi! Launch at the Blackall Woolscour
13 Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club
13 Blackall Cultural Association Annual General Meeting
13 West ‘N Breast Support Group Meeting
17 St Patrick’s Day Quiz Night
24 Blackall Girl Guides Annual General Meeting
26 St Joseph’s Catholic School P&F Fete
27 Central West versus Central Highlands Rugby League
27-28 Blackall Dance Group Dance Workshops
APRIL
3 Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club
10 Community Market Day, Short Street
1 Blackall Races
21-24 Blackall National Campdraft Finals
MAY
1 Dressage & Junior Stockman’s Challenge, Blackall Show
1 Woolscour Bush Dinner
2 Blackall Show
5 Woolscour Tour and Dinner
9 Blackall Equestrian Group Jump Club
12 Woolscour Tour and Dinner
14-17 Hebel Artist Workshop
19 Woolscour Tour and Dinner
22 Isisford Sheep and Wool Show
22-23 Shockwave Youth Arts Festival
22-26 Watercolour Workshop
26 Woolscour Tour and Dinner
28-30 Art Show
Subscriptions Available
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Page 2 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
Cyclonic winds in Winton…… 214
points of rain registered at “Byrgenna”
overnight….. Wayward birds at
Blackall….. causing plane delays all
made for a very interesting Monday
morning.
Posters have been distributed
throughout  our towns to advise of the plans for
the annual “Clean Up Australia Day.”  This event is
in an effort to clean up our environment, especially
“Clean Environment Celebration Day” if we all made
sure that all rubbish found its way to the appropriate
disposal areas provided by Council throughout the
year.
Fogging continues for the mosquitoes and sand
flies in both Blackall and Tambo and will do so while
we have this extraordinary season to cope with.   It is
of course a battle to keep up with the grass which is
growing at a mile a minute, however the long grass is
also a harbor for these health hazard insects, hence
the necessity to keep it at a low level.
The Memorial Hall has been a hive of industry
this past weekend as the Creative Pathways team
from “Human” has been working with the young
folk from Blackall  and Barcaldine. The planning
workshops for the 2010 “Shockwave Youth Arts
Festival and the Graphic Design workshops attracted
21 interested  young people to a learning but fun
weekend.
I have taken the opportunity to attend the 40th
ABARE OUTLOOK 2010 Conference in Canberra over
this past week – a conference to provide an economic
overview for Australia’s commodity sector, the global
economy, and the prospects for world economic
growth in 2010 to 2015.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry the Hon Tony Burke MP opened the
conference and former Minister for Primary Industries
John Kerin gave a wonderful address to the conference
dinner guests which was both thought-provoking as
well as humorous. It has been an interesting week to
say the least.
Jan Ross
Subscriptions are available
for the Barcoo Independent
One Year’s Subscription (48 issues) - $144
Cut out form and mail to:
Barcoo Independent,
108a Shamrock Street, Blackall Q 4472
or call 7 4657 6966
Please direct enquiries, suggestions, stories and
barcooindependent@gmail.com
-West’N Breast Support Group- of support. Details of this contact will be in a prominent place
in each centre. The group also plans to keep local contact details
Local support for women & men in local newspapers and community newsletters.
diagnosed with breast cancer. West’N Breast’s affiliation with Breast Cancer Association
of Queensland Support Group, Barcaldine Area means that we
Look for this logo to find the West’N have access to BCAQ funds that are raised within the area, such
Breast contact details in your area. as those funds raised at the upcoming Tough Enough to Wear
Pink Invitational Bullride & Barrel Race being held on 5 June at
from this central western region who have all
Longreach Showgrounds. West’N Breast would like to thank
experienced breast cancer, surgery, treatment, the Longreach Rodeo Association for organising this event.
recovery and subsequent adjustments in life, Please come along & support the night.
met in Barcaldine to discuss the absence of and
obvious need for personal support in rural areas emotional support to those with breast cancer and to hold
to women just diagnosed with breast cancer. The most common community workshops/forums where the group brings in
feeling these women had was wishing they could have talked speakers to cover all aspects of breast cancer in both men &
to someone who was on this journey, who lives out here and women. It has long been a complaint that money raised by
understands where they’re coming from and the many questions
bigger organisations does not get back to our local region, this is
they wanted answers to. one group that will give its fundraising back to the community.
West’N Breast was subsequently formed and has met socially
Mr Mike Cobbold from Towner Raindrop in Toowoomba,
to share journeys, receive information from the Breast Care has donated a 30cm windmill which will be
Nurse and also decide the purpose, structure and goals of the
decorated with a pink tie. Look for this logo to
group in this region. As breast cancer affects men as well as find the West’N Breast contact details in your
women and any man who is diagnosed is also very welcome
area.
to contact West’N’ Breast. The area covered is roughly Alpha Our next meeting will be at the Blackall
to Windorah; Tambo to Winton and most towns in the area will
have a local contact person to talk to about accessing this type Club on Saturday, March 13 at 10.00 am.
A Night Among Roses
On the night of October 10, 2009, a group come together without the support of
of Barcaldine locals banded together to those who donated time, resources and
raise funds for Breast Cancer and put on gifts to help make the night the success
a night of fun and entertainment. With it was. We thank you for your generosity
the help of Greg Conescu, an auction, and commitment! Planning has already
displays and entertainment, the Central commenced for this years event and we
West Community was able to raise hope that all those who enjoyed ‘A Night
$17,000 for Breast Cancer. The money Among the Roses’, and those who missed
raised was kept in the Central West out will join us on Saturday 16th October
area to assist those people who have 2010 at Roses N Things.
faced the Breast Cancer challenge and For further information, or to donate and
to help those who may need assistance be part of this event call Gay on 0427 223
in the future. A night like this doesn’t 930.
Heather and Helen and the ‘Look Good
Here are photos of the $17,000 cheque being handed over to Breast Cancer Feel Better’ presenter from Emerald
Association of Queensland.
A Support Group more than Supports
Fifteen years ago, I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. I was
living and working in Melbourne. I was sacked by my employer, and
had plenty of complications with surgery, infections and chemotherapy,
and just 35. I quickly found support groups which were invaluable for
my mental state, physical recovery and connecting to many others that
helped.
A group known as the Daffodils with its wide group of members at
different stages of the journey, and medical alliances is similar to West‘N
Breast. We would meet and encourage each other, giving tips for certain
conditions and doing lots of listening, and of course crying. When you’re
doing it alone, the toughest of journeys can be so much easier when you
see and talk to those who have come through and are now strong and
Gaye Donaldson presents $17,000 to Vivette White of the
BCAQ sub-committee - proceeds from the Night among the
confident again.
The support group gives you a better understanding of the messy medical
Roses held in Barcaldine
roadmap that you find yourself in, and fellow travellers guide you through
the maze one step at a time. Often, it’s just that light at the end of the dark
tunnel that you are currently in with pain, problems with treatment or
simply just plain scared; the light that is shone by others in the group that
have been there, done that and can with ease encourage you through.
Breast cancer is so indiscriminate and varied in its permutations. When
you’re first diagnosed, it is all very bewildering and confusing. You try
and make sense of it all, try and take back some control. Members of a
support group are fantastic at allowing you to relax whilst you grapple
with these issues. The temporal peace grows and you realize that this new
very different life will sort itself out, learning from other group members
the importance of focusing on the new you.
I encourage all who have experienced breast cancer, of which there are
now many in western Queensland, to join the West’N Breast Group.
The participants and presenters at the Look Good Feel Better And the rest of us, please support the support group when ever you can
workshop at our fundraising events and initiatives.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 - Page 11
 Graziers measure big rainfall in the
ST PATRICK’S new year
THE 409 points (144.2mm) that Blackall received

DAY
throughout January was backed up by a solid month
in February with 643 points (227mm).
Fred and Daphne Rich maintain the monthly

QUIZ NIGHT
rainfall records on their property ‘Tilbury’, which
date back to 1921.
In December 2009, they recorded 766 points
(270mm), a measurement which broke all the
December rainfall records for the last 89 years.
BLACKALL MEMORIAL & Fred Rich measured 1112 points (392mm) in
January this year, the second highest for January
SPORTS CLUB since the records began, followed by a solid 444
points (156mm) last month.
“To put this in context, the average annual rainfall
MARCHȱ17ȱ here is 1860 points (656mm). Last year we had only
756 points (266mm) for an 11 month period until
November.”
“The timing of the rain is what makes the
STARTING 6.30 PM difference,” Fred said on Tuesday after experiencing
severe electrical storms and more rain overnight to
start March off.
“Good rain early in the wet season produces a
(Teams to be registered prior to start) body of grass which means you are not starting from
scratch, and it also prevents a lot of run off.”
QUESTIONS ON EVERYTHING IRISH ‘Manningham’, north of Longreach and part of
the Agricultural College, has received 1656 points
(584mm) since the beginning of the year.
TEAMS OF FOUR PLUS PLAYERS Heather Morton from ‘Neleh Downs’ Isisford said
they have recorded around 936 points (330mm) since
NO ENTRY FEE FOR MEMBERS - $5.00 January 1, after a dry period that lasted for years.
EVERYONE ELSE “We haven’t experienced a really good year like this
one for around 10 years,” she said.
“It really is incredible.”
$50 CASH PRIZE FOR BEST IRISH Bill Cripps said that the 1152 points (406mm)
COSTUME recorded on ‘Melrose’ since January is unbelievable
for the area.
“Most of it is going down the creek now.”
4 ROUNDS OF QUESTIONS “We are very lucky that we didn’t get the rain that
Charleville and Quilpie did because otherwise we’d
PRIZE AWARDED FOR WINNERS be looking at flood levels similar to 1990.”
EACH ROUND “It is a very good summer!”
On average in February, the township of Blackall
receives around 226 points (80mm) in the month,
NOVELTY DRAWS ON THE NIGHT with the most on record set back in 2004 when 1954
points (389.1mm) fell.
The 643 points (227mm) throughout February 2010
$250 CASH PRIZE FOR was recorded on sixteen of the 28 days, compared to
OVERALL WINNING the average of just six.
Temperatures last month ranged between 19.7
TEAM! degrees on February 1 to 34.2 degrees on February
7. 21.9 degrees was the mean minimum temperature
throughout the month, hitting an average maximum
FOOD AVAILABLE of 31.5 degrees.
A maximum wind gust of 48 km/hour was gauged
on three separate occasions on February 5, 8 and 9.
Come in and have Humidity was high throughout the month, reaching
some Irish fun!!!! above 90% humidity on several days, and remaining
above 60% for the majority of the time.
The township of Tambo came within 5mm of
Club telephone 4657 4711 breaking the rainfall record for February, with a
total of 773 points (273mm) for the month. February
19 was the day to thank, with 255 points (90mm)
recorded in one day, close to the highest daily rainfall
recorded of 294 points (104mm) in February 2003.
Temperatures in Tambo ranged between 18 degrees
on February 27 to 34.5 on February 24.
– Rowan Hunnam
Page 10 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 - Page 3
CICADAS on the road for arts Motorists urged to drive
THE CICADAS @ RAPAD team are getting back on the
road. Louise Campbell, Robyn Adams and Julanne Doonar
carefully PUZZLE PAGE !!!
will once again be part of the Arts Queensland Creative MAIN Roads Minister Craig Wallace is urging 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Down 26 A favourite saying (6)
Generators Service Delivery Program. motorists to take care travelling on roads in 8 9
1 Eye affliction (4) 28 Big name in hotels (4)
CICADAS @ RAPAD spokesperson Louise Campbell said flood-affected parts of Queensland. 2 ___ acid (6) 29 Christie's "Death on the
that over the past year they have been working towards Mr Wallace said many roads across the 10 11 12 3 A complete failure (6) ___" (4)
evaluating and improving arts and cultural service delivery state have been affected by rising floodwaters 4 ____ cheese (4) 31 Short for afternoon (4)
across the interior of Queensland. and flash flooding. 5 Roadblock (8) 33 "I had no ___!" (4)
13 14 15 16 17
The team are pleased to report that the ‘Garden of Arts “It’s dangerous and I strongly advise 6 Depose (4)
Strategy’ developed throughout 2009 will soon be released. motorists to avoid crossing any flooded roads, 7 One-dish meal (4)
The strategy will provide a basis for ongoing service delivery causeways and bridges. It’s not worth the 18 19 20 21 22 Crossword Solution
14 Animal house (3) 26 February 2010
in 2010 and ensure a user-friendly document is on-hand to risk,” Mr Wallace said.
15 Drink through a straw (5) Across: 6 Muesli, 7 Diminish, 9 Lilliput,
guide future arts and culture across the region. “There have been a number of nasty
“The ‘Garden of Arts Strategy’ identifies a number of
23 24 25 26
17 Name for the sun (3) 10 Unreel, 11 Tint, 12 Sue, 13 Ark, 15
accidents on the roads during the wet and Needled, 17 Relaxed, 20 Lye, 21 Eat,
initiatives which will be progressed throughout the year and I urge motorists in flood-prone areas to
19 Something to chew (3)
23 Hour, 25 Blanch, 26 Townsman, 27
the team is keen to work across community and industry to postpone any unnecessary travel.
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 20 Boy who delivers Sorcerer, 28 Review.
increase the sector profile,” Louise said. “Don’t drive on roads covered with water. newspapers (8) Down: 1 Fugitives, 2 Isolated, 3 Hippos, 4
The first project is to be the development of a business You never know what’s underneath. There 34 35 22 "Bleah!" (3) Amputate, 5 Anorak, 7 Dither, 8 Suez, 14
strategy for a Creative Industry E-Package. could be large pot poles, some roads may 25 Have possession of (6) Regulated, 16 Eye chart, 18 Adhesive, 19
John Armstrong, the consultant engaged to undertake Renter, 20 Lunacy, 22 Toward, 24 Alto.
have been washed away and others may be
the project, will be visiting the region this month. blocked by debris. Across 20 Recess (5) 8 6 5 4 2 3 1 9 7
“The region has a huge population of creative producers “Even motorists in 4WDs and high- 8 Feeling (7) 21 English singer (4)

26 February 2010
Sudoku Solution
and their input will be invaluable,” Louise said. 9 Utter impulsively (5) 23 Follow without being seen (6) 4 2 7 1 9 6 5 3 8
clearance vehicles aren’t safe in these extreme
“We will again be engaging with communities in 2010 to 10 Dick Francis book "Dead ___" 24 A shoe for walking on snow (8) 3 1 9 7 5 8 6 2 4
conditions,” Mr Wallace said.
continue growing a strong arts and cultural presence.” Mr Wallace said engineering and technical (4) 27 Small songbird (4) 6 7 8 3 4 9 2 1 5
The CICADAS team will also be looking to increase the 11 Barely enough (5) 30 Genius (5) 9 5 3 8 1 2 7 4 6
staff would inspect damaged roads, culverts,
profile of regional artists though developing links to public 12 Pulls (4) 32 Birthplace of seven U.S.
drainage systems and bridges when the 2 4 1 6 7 5 3 8 9
space venues under a program titled OLE Art and inspiring 13 Relief provider (3,5) presidents (4)
weather clears to assess the damage and 1 9 6 5 3 4 8 7 2
the region by showcasing successful projects.
“A dedicated regional website - Letterwing - is also in the
prioritise repairs. 16 Occurring from time to time (6) 34 TV set (5)
18 Metal element (4) 35 The oldness of wines (7) 7 8 4 2 6 1 9 5 3
pipeline for development. The proposed site would aim to be To keep up to date with the latest
road closures across Queensland, visit 5 3 2 9 8 7 4 6 1
an informative, user-friendly one-stop site for the interior,”
said Louise. www.131940.qld.gov.au.
Kids Corner with Eddie Emu
G’day Kids. It is that time of year when children all over Blackall and surrounding towns head outdoors to
play team sports. Football, soccer, netball, swimming and dancing are all in full swing. Learning a new sport is a
great way to meet new friends and get some exercise and fresh air. There is nothing like kicking a ball, splashing
in some water or twirling around the dance floor to lift your sprits and get blood pumping and your muscles
working. If you haven’t signed up already it is not too late, so get down to your sports fields and remember,
have fun!
Eddie
Butterflies Fun Poems and Rhymes
If you have a favourite poem or have written one yourself and would like to see it
in print, please send it into ‘Fun Poems and Rhymes’ at karlaw@internode.on.net.
This week we have a poem written by Sherryl Clark from her picture book ‘Farm
Kid’ and one by local girl Caitlin Johnston.
Cow Logic
Here is 10 year old Caitlin By Sherryl Clark
Johnston’s poem.
CASEY COO Each year Dad names
our new calves
Casey Coo is a catfish. alphabetically.
She’s afraid of calves and cats,
she’s careful with other catfish The oldest cow
she always plays with bats. is Arable.
These new, spindly-legged calves
Abdomen Egg Nectar Casey Coo catches colds. will be Parsley,
Adult Head Net Petunia, Patty and Pancake.
Antennae Insects Pupa
She has a cool car in her
Caterpillars Larva Scales fish tank. Dad knows all the cows’ names,
Cocoon Monarch Thorax how old they are,
Colorful Moths Wings Casey Coo’s friend is a catfish and that Parsley
she has coffee with her at was born to Mint.
the bank.
Logical, huh?
Write your own poem: It’s fun to observe animals, how they behave, how they move,
how different they are from humans. Write a poem about an animal where you What will he do
include some of these observations, and also include yourself in the poem! How are when he gets to X?
you different? The same? Learn more at www.sherrylclark.com.
Page 4 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 - Page 9
Blackall bowls postponed for NWQPHC immunisation bike competition
NORTH and West Queensland Primary Health
another week due to wet weather Care (NWQPHC) are supporting local families in the
BLACKALL bowlers haven’t been able to get back
into the swing of things yet this year, after their first
bowls day on Sunday, February 7. There were no
bowls again last weekend due to the continuing wet
weather. Another attempt will be made for the same
games this Sunday.
Blackall Bowls Club handicap singles will start at
8.30am.
T Hayward to play C Pfingst with spotter R Black, G
Whitfield to play J Blucher with spotter D Carter, R
Doyle to play Woody with spotter J Carter, R Robinson
to play Gumby with spotter D Daly, M Pfingst to play
L Kelly with spotter R Blucher, J Turner to play D
Holden with spotter T Brown.
There will be social play available.
– Dally Holden
Central West through an immunisation competition,
which targets children turning one between January
2010 and December 2010.
Over the past two years NWQPHC has supported
local General Practitioners and families through
the introduction of an immunisation birthday
card reminder system. With ongoing support from
local General Practices and the Commonwealth
Government, the Central West has maintained an
immunisation coverage rate of greater than 90%.
NWQPHC Chair Dr Viney Joshi said the campaign,
which will run the slogan “Immunisation Saves Lives”,
promotes a messages central to the campaign and
added, “this great success has made some parents
believe they can skip or delay having their children
vaccinated because contagious diseases, such as
polio, measles and tetanus, are now so rare.”
Six GPs – Black Stump Medical, Longreach Family
Medical Practice, Winton Medical Practice, Alpha
Flight delayed by over 6 hours

QANTAS passengers were delayed on Monday by
six and a half hours after the aircraft hit a bird on

landing in Blackall.
The flight was initially diverted via Emerald as it
 encountered bad weather on its way from Brisbane.
Qantas spokeswoman Christie McSweeney said
 bird strikes are very common and unavoidable.
“While a bird strike doesn’t necessarily impede the

ability of the aircraft to operate, once it lands it does
 have to be inspected by a licensed engineer.”
 A Qantas engineer was flown out to Blackall from
 Brisbane to inspect the plane before it went on to
Longreach.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW Work quiet while rain continues
continued from page 1
LISTINGS AT because he won’t see it for a while once the rain
stops.
RAY WHITE RURAL BLACKALL

CLASSIFIEDS
THE BARCOO INDEPENDENT Private Surgery, Ash Street Medical and Aramac
Medical Centre – are participating in the competition.
Not only does the competition prompt parents about
timely vaccination, but also gives children an added
‘bravery’ incentive.
Engagement NWQPHC have commenced sending birthday
Muir - Batts reminders and competition entry slips to one year
Barry and Jenny MUIR of Blackall, together with old children at the beginning of January 2010 and
Don BATTS and Naomi MCPAUL, also of Blackall, monthly thereafter.
The competition will be drawn on January 31,
are delighted to announce the engagement of
Samantha and John. 2011. The winners (a boy and a girl) will receive a new
Trike, complete with training wheels, parent handle
Love and congratulations to you both. and helmet.
“We have miles of work to go to, we just can’t get to
it and even if we can, they can’t get the sheep in to
 shear,” he said.
PHONE:(07)46574355 Rob has worked just three weeks since Christmas,
FAX:(07)46576261 whereas in a normal year he would have worked
every week.
EMAIL:rural.blackall.qld@raywhite.com
“This is not a normal occurrence…It is making it
PATONFITZSIMONS0427574355 fairly difficult.”
HELENASPINALL0428316289 “People have financial commitments and it is
 becoming strained. This is affecting the town.”
“In 1990 I lost around 9 weeks of work due to
“PROPERTYPICKOFTHEWEEK” the flooding, but in 2002, I never even lost an hour
because it was so dry.”
MODERNCOMFORTS–RURALLIFESTYLE Pilot Lee Hansen has mustered cattle by helicopter
 for sixteen years.

Hay ‘THEGUMS’$690,000

He worked every day in February 2009 and by this
 time last year he had done more than 200 hours.
“This year we’ve had a couple of runs when there

Contractor
 has been a break in the weather but I would barely
EXPRESSIONOFINTEREST be up to 100 hours.”
isbeingcalledfor  “Every time we get started on a job, it gets

Available
aCOMMITTEEMEMBER cancelled.”
forthe  “I had a very good finish to the year last year so
we’ve had enough to pay the bills but it is just a
REGIONALARTSDEVELOPMENTFUND matter of riding this out for now.”
(RADF)PROGRAM  “It will make for a very good year. It’ll be bedlam
when it does dry out.”
BLACKALLSUBCOMMITTEE
30ft Windrower  “At least when its raining you know it will get
better, as opposed to when its dry, which it is most of
The Regional Arts Development Fund RADF Program is a  the time, and people destock their cattle. It is about
Queensland Government (through Arts Queensland) and local
government partnership to support arts and cultural activities
acrossthestate. 2 Big Square Balers 

finding a happy medium.”

Ladies Guild donate continued from page 1

2 Round Balers Thisnear new3bedroomhomesteadisfullyfencedin
A RADF Committee is a group of informed representatives that
reflectsthediversearts,cultureandgeographyoftheCouncilarea. Hospital Auxiliary and to Uniting World for tsunami
TheprimaryresponsibilitiesofthisCommitteeMemberareto: established gardens and lawn.  This home boasts a relief in Samoa.

Loaders & Trucks spaciouslivinganddiningareaonpolishedfloorboards.

x AttendandparticipateinRADFmeetings
x AssessRADFapplicationsandoutcomereports
x Ensure that funding allocated is aligned with the RADF
Principles, eligibility criteria, and the priorities of the local
council’sculturalplansandpolicies
Localartists,artsandculturalworkers,membersofculturalgroups,
localorganisationsorassociationsandpeopleactivewithinthearts
community are eligible to be a member of their local RADF
Committee.
If you are interested, please contact Lisa Kings, Council Liaison Officer for a
NominationForm.
Phone:0746546481Email:mpc@btrc.qld.gov.au 
NominationscloseFriday12thMarch,2010atmidday. 
Page 8 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010
Themodernkitchenisfullycontainedwithallthelatest
appliancesandfittings.Largebedrooms,bathroomand
laundrymakethishomeabreezetomaintain.FullyairͲ
For all your hay requirements, conditioned with split systems throughout.  A huge
timbered deck leading out into the garden makes
Phone Darryl on entertaining simply a pleasure.  All set on a highly
productive 200 acres 3kms from Blackall CBD with

0427 233 037 bitumenroadfrontage.
Other donations were made to the Isisford Scripture
Union Camp, Frontier Services, Christian Blind
Mission, Uniting World for relief and development
work, the Sumatra earthquake, flood relief assistance
in India, North Korea and Zimbabwe, Mission Without
Borders, Threads of Hope in Manila, Mackay Patrol
(assisting with fuel to keep planes flying) and the
Mackay Patrol Cloncurry (aerial ministry to outback
stations).
Judith Adam says that the ladies guild has also
assisted members of the local community with both
money and goods throughout 2009.
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 - Page 5
Workshops kick off planning process for Shockwave
LAST weekend almost thirty young
people from Blackall, Barcaldine
and Longreach participated in the
first Way Out West workshops for
2010. The series of workshops
focused on visioning and planning
for the second annual Shockwave
Festival and designing posters
to spread the word about the
upcoming event.
The Shockwave Youth Arts
Festival is set to take off on May
22 and 23 this year, with a wide
range of arts workshops and
activities.
“The planning workshops for the
festival were such a great success,”
said program coordinator Steph
Vajda.
“Going from year one to year two
for an event like Shockwave can
be tricky, but with the enthusiasm
shown by all who participated in
the workshops, I know we’re in
for an innovative and entertaining
couple of days.”
With activities and workshops
including stencilling, temporary
tattoos, skate deck art, lantern
making, tie dying, costumed video
blogging, clay animations, dance
and skate skills being scoped for
the festival, organisers are also
looking to find local and headline
performers.
Robyn Adams talks about the possibility of creating an Edgar Towner
brochure at the workshop on Monday in Blackall
Twenty two enthusiastic young people attended the Sunday workshop
Page 6 - The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010
“Myself and David Goodman in
Blackall are working with Steph
to produce the festival,” said
Longreach dancer Claire Rawlins.
“We’re really keen for people to
let us know about local performers
of any type and to give us ideas
about headline bands we can
bring out.”
Coordination of the Shockwave
Youth Arts Festival is supported
by event production crews in both
Blackall and Longreach
with planning
workshops scheduled
during the next stage
of the Way Out West
program from April 7 to
15.
The April workshops
will take place in both
towns and provide skills
and support in graphic
design, visual art,
drama, film, multimedia
and event production.
“We’re also continuing
our work to identify and
support young people who
have business, project
or event ideas, providing
resources and guidance to
turn these ideas into reality,”
said Steph.
For the April Youth Week
Blackall Cultural
Association
events in Blackall and Longreach
and the 2010 Shockwave
Youth Arts Festival, transport,
accommodation and meals are
available for young people who are
keen to participate.
To get involved in the workshops,
events and Shockwave, contact
David Goodman in Blackall, Claire
Rawlins on 0400 754 865, email
cpcw@human.org.au or go to the
Facebook page CPCW Australia.
Position
Vacant
Casual Cleaner
Living Arts Centre
4 hours per week
Contact Lynette Davison
0427 574 337
Blackall State School News
Blackall State School Principal Jason Smith was
recently pleased with the findings of a rigorous
curriculum audit conducted on the school last week.
The Queensland Government introduced the
comprehensive audit requirements for state schools
in the area of teaching and learning.
Throughout 2010 all state schools across
Queensland will be audited. The teaching and learning
audit process places a strong focus on auditing key
curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment
practices of a school.
Auditor, and experienced principal of a Brisbane
school, Barry Starkey focused on eight key aspects of
the operation of the school.
Mr Starkey found that the school leadership team
has established and is driving a strong improvement
agenda for the school, grounded in evidence from
research and practice, and couched in terms of
improvements in measurable student outcomes,
especially in literacy, numeracy and science.
He noted that explicit and clear school-wide targets
for improvement have been set and communicated.
Mr Starkey concluded that the local state school is
driven by the belief that every student is capable of
successful learning.
A high priority is given to building and maintaining
positive and caring relationships between staff,
students and parents.
There is a strong culture of trust and support
among teachers and school leaders. The school works
to maintain a learning environment that is safe,
respectful, tolerant, and inclusive and that promotes
intellectual rigour.
In his audit, Mr Starkey found that the school has
built a professional team of highly able teachers
including those who take an active leadership role
beyond the classroom.
In their day-to-day teaching, classroom teachers
place a high priority on identifying and addressing the
learning needs of individual students.
Teachers closely monitor the progress of individuals,
identify learning difficulties and tailor classroom
activities to levels of readiness and need.
Mr Starkey concluded that the school principal
and other school leaders take a strong leadership
role, encouraging the use of research based teaching
practices in all classrooms to ensure that every student
is engaged, challenged and learning successfully.
The State School is also proud to be taking part in
‘Say No to Bullying Day’ on Friday, March 5.
The day is a joint initiative of The Courier-Mail and
Brisbane’s 97.3FM and aims to shine the spotlight
on bullying and promote ways to reduce its impact in
schools and the community.
The school has been encouraging students and staff
to wear orange to school on Friday, the official colour
of the event.
Principal Jason Smith has reminded parents and
carers of the school’s strong stance on bullying.
“We strive to provide a safe, supportive and disciplined
learning environment for all our students.”
“We do not tolerate bullying in any form at our
school and this is made clear to everyone through our
Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students.”
The Barcoo Independent, Friday, March 5 2010 - Page 7