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Articles by Jacob Hayden
Coppers enter fire ant fight
11/10/2024 BEAUDESERT NEWS BEAUDESERT RSL SUB BRANCH WOMEN’S AUXILIARY CENT AUCTION Friday 24 November, at The Club William St, Beaudesert. Doors open 10am with cent auction...
Catching echidnas on cam
Have you spotted any echidnas on your property? Wildlife biologist Dr Kate Dutton-Regester is conducting a multi-year study on echidnas […]
Power roars at Lake Dyer
By Jacob Hayden Lake Dyer roared to life on the weekend of 29-30 June with an incredibly successful Lockyer Powerfest attracting powerboat lovers across southeast Queensland Gold Coast Powerboat and Sports Club commodore and event organiser Stuart Arthy said it was a fantastic weekend all-round. “We’ve had fantastic weather and awesome racing one after the other without any major incidents,” Arthy said. ““I think we put on a pretty spanking-good show this weekend.
Charity rodeo bucking fun
By Jacob Hayden Toogoolawah Charity Rodeo welcomed cowboys, cowgirls, bull riders and barrel racers to the showgrounds on Saturday, 29 June. The previously postponed event pushed ahead despite gloomy weather and slight drizzle, much to the delight of rodeo-goers. Cowboys and cowgirls showed off their skills in the rope and tie, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing, horse riding, bull riding and steer wrestling.
Flannels take over the trail
By Jacob Hayden Gravel riders across the country ventured to Esk for a three day festival from Friday to Sunday, 28-30 June. Gravel Cartel founder and owner Kent Beasley promotes the outdoor activity and its tourism benefits, which has culminated in the Gravel and Flannel Festival. “Three years ago we started the Gravel Cartel, which is a new business which is about working with people who love gravel riding and rail trail riding,” Beasley said.
Race Day brings the best
By Jacob Hayden Lockyer Valley Race Day welcomed Gatton locals and visitors to the region for a beautiful day of races, on and off the track. The Mark Currie trained Top Boy won the 2024 Ladbrokes Gatton Cup. Top Boy jumped cleanly and settled mid field before he sprinted clear of the fast finishing top weight Lucky Exchange with Diablo Bolt finishing third. Top Boy started $2.20 favourite and was ridden by apprentice jockey Jace McMurray.
Unapproved depot moved
By Jacob Hayden On 12 June, Somerset Regional Council signed off on a development application for a transport depot in Royston, despite the applicant having commenced operation months in advance. The development at 8 Maroske Road is located on a relatively small rural zoned lot, adjoining a number of other similarly small rural lots.
Rumble fan day visits Esk
By Jacob Hayden Esk Skatepark hosted the Roadshow Rumble Tour on Thursday, 27 June, inviting local skateboarders to learn from the best. The Rumble head of development Donny Fraser said he was excited to bring the Rumble Roadshow to Esk. “We get some of the top opens pro riders and in the lead up to every major event we go out to community, like the Origin fan days,” he said. “The guys come out here, they do a demo and signing, they run a clinic for the kids and give them a heap of board vouchers.
It’s playtime is for all ages
By Jacob Hayden Lowood’s little ones are connecting with local seniors through Able Australia. Able’s Active Living Program held its third session of the Intergen Connections Program art Lowood Early Education Centre and Preschool on Thursday, 27 June. Program coordinator Rachelle Williams said the activity was all about connecting seniors with the kids.
Budget: no news is good
By Jacob Hayden A debt free council is celebrating a ‘responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ budget with a small surplus focused on renewals and maintenance. Lockyer Valley Regional Council handed down its 2024/25 Budget at a special meeting on Wednesday, 26 June. The $115.55M budget provides an operating revenue of $83.00M and an operating expenditure of $82.91M, with a further $32.64M earmarked for capital projects including road network upgrades.
Laidley's best pics needed
By Jacob Hayden Celebrate the history of Laidley and district in 2025 with Laidley Hospital Auxiliary. The auxiliary is hard at work organising a fundraising calendar drive and they need your help. Auxiliary vice president Kerryn Weier has asked Laidley locals to submit their best images for consideration for the 2025 calendar. “We are asking for submissions of photographs of local scenery and landmarks, the chosen photos will be credited with the photographer’s name,” she said.
Purga peers meet for tea
By Jacob Hayden Former students, staff and family from Purga School reunited on Saturday, 22 June to reminisce and connect with friends from past lives over tea and cake. The school opened in 1871 and closed in 1967. Marburg woman Shirley Dance went to Purga from 1953 to 1960 and said there was a great turnout at the reunion. “There would have been 40 people that signed the visitors book,” she said.
Grant brings buzz to kindy
By Jacob Hayden Lowood Early Education Centre and Preschool is buzzing with excitement following a $1,000 grant from the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program. Lowood EECP educational leader and sustainability officer Tamzin Impey said the grant money, received early June, has allowed the centre to plant flowers, native trees and plants, and to introduce a hive of native stingless bees.
Desjardins unite for Irene
By Jacob Hayden Irene Lee’s family gathered at Laidley Pioneer Village on Saturday, 15 June to celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday. Irene Lee (nee Desjardins), 15 June 1924 – 18 October 2023, lived in the Desjardins Cottage in Mt Mort until the age of 18. The Desjardins Cottage, nicknamed the slab hut, is a historically significant building which now resides at the Laidley Pioneer Village. Irene’s daughter, Fay Morris, said it was a beautiful day for the extended Desjardins family.
No support for hailed-out
By Jacob Hayden On 23 and 24 December, 2023, a terrifying hailstorm tore through Gatton properties leaving many with busted roofs and unlivable homes. Shortly after, Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim residents experienced similar hardships from another weather event. Unlike the Lockyer Valley, residents of those council areas were eligible for $1,000 payments per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
Rosewood steps up 2024
By Jacob Hayden Rosewood Show Society steps up its game every year, thanks to its dedicated committee and volunteers. Treasurer Renea Lenihan welcomes the community to celebrate Rosewood’s biggest event over two action-packed days on 28 and 29 June. “Each and every year our show gets bigger and better and we always like to bring some new attractions to the show,” Mrs Lenihan said. The show is taking advantage of the school holidays with more events on Friday, 28 June.
Indoor bowlers unite
By Jacob Hayden Grantham and Laidley indoor bowlers united on Friday, 7 June for casual games at the Gatton Senior Citizens Centre. Lockyer Indoor Bowls Associate president Ken Windolf said the region used to have seven clubs, but numbers have dwindled over the years. “We’re losing numbers, unfortunately,” Mr Windolf said. “About four times a year we come together and we have a meeting of the clubs.
Justeen hears her name
By Jacob Hayden Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger represented her country and the hearing-impaired community at the end of May. The goalkeeper joined Deaf Football Australia’s women’s team and travelled to Denver, Colorado to compete against the USA team. Two games were held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver. “The first one was a smaller side game, just to be able to rotate people through in different positions,” Kruger said. “We did lose that one 3-1.
More patrons, more buses?
By Jacob Hayden The Independent sought clarification from Transport and Main Roads as to whether services in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset would be included in the six month 50 cent fare trial beginning August 5. A spokesperson for TMR said routes included in the 50c fare trial were Route 529 Toogoolawah to Ipswich, Route 539 Rosewood and Helidon, Route 895 Woodford to Morayfield/Caboolture, Route 896 Kilcoy to Morayfield/Caboolture and Route 897 Woodford to Caboolture schools.
Residents fuss over BESS
By Jacob Hayden Hazeldean residents are putting their emotions aside to dispute Enervest’s proposed battery energy storage station (BESS) with facts and reasoning. A BESS is comprised of groups of battery modules housed in containers, connected to power conversion systems, which store electrical energy for later use providing backup power to the energy grid.
Your guide to the 2024 Lowood Show
By Jacob Hayden and Jesse Hamilton The 2024 Lowood Show promises brilliant displays across all sections of the show. Find out what’s in store: — HORSES – GIDDY UP FOR LOWOOD SHOW The Lowood Show will welcome a chief steward with a wealth of experience for its horse section in 2024. Chief steward Sally Rodger will be taking the place of longstanding Ringmaster and show society life member Bruce Vayro for this year’s program.
Growers showcase seeds
By Jacob Hayden Are you making the right decisions for your farming business? The Lockyer Valley Growers Expo, this Friday and Saturday 14-15 June, is the perfect opportunity to compare your product to industry leaders. Hosted by Lockyer Valley Growers Inc, the expo expects more than 2,000 attendees from across Australian and the globe. LVGI president Michael Sippel said the three-yearly expo is always well attended, even during 2021 with travel restrictions in place.
Graduates are fit for work
By Jacob Hayden A cohort of new agricultural experts were released into the job market on Friday, 7 June at Workfit Essentials graduation ceremony in Morton Vale. Bare Essentials farming company co-director Janne Dipple began Workfit Essentials, a first of its kind project, earlier this year.
Leg day for Kokoda kids
By Jacob Hayden Laidley, Lowood and Rosewood students took on the Brisbane Kokoda Challenge at Brookfield on Saturday, 1 June. Eleven Lowood State High School students walked the 30km track over huge hills, toughing it out through mud and rain. Meanwhile, Laidley and Rosewood students participating in Kokoda Youth Foundation’s On The Right Track Program participated in the 18km trek.
Bowls ladies visit Laidley
By Jacob Hayden Laidley Bowls Club hosted its two-day Ladies Carnival on 4-5 June, welcoming clubs from across the region. Ladies president Shirley Reck said the club used the event to raise money for the club. “All the ladies look forward to it every year,” Reck said. Many visiting players complemented the club on its home-cooked meals and hospitality.
Jodie's racing in the mud
By Jacob Hayden Esk hard enduro motorcyclist Jodie Chapman is on the frontline of women’s development in the sport, building her own confidence to race amongst the best in the Australian Hard Enduro Championships (AHEC). Chapman travelled to Murphys Creek on the weekend of 4-5 June for the Queensland Enduro Subcommittee’s Junior and Women’s Enduro Development Series event (JEDS and WEDS), hosted by the Toowoomba Motorcycle Club (TMCC).
Old boys back in the game
By Jacob Hayden The Old Boys of Laidley played on a different field on Sunday, 2 June, coming together to reminisce their footy days over a game of bowls. Laidley Lions Rugby League Club Old Boys hosted its annual Bows Day at Laidley Bowls Club, bringing together former players and coaches to reminisce and raise some funds for good causes. Old Boys president Dan Flanagan said the weather played nice and made for a great day out.
Regions need childcare
By Jacob Hayden Somerset Regional Council has added its voice to the call for more childcare centres in regional and rural towns. At its ordinary meeting on 29 May, SRC approved a development application for a childcare centre in Lowood. Later in the meeting, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke requested council investigate further opportunities for childcare in central Somerset towns.
Toogoolawah Show this weekend
By Jacob Hayden Toogoolawah Show Society invites you to see all the wonderful things the region has to offer this weekend. On Friday, 7 June, the Toogoolawah Showgrounds will host its local horse events, show dogs, pavilion judging and the prime cattle judging and sale. Show Society president Verne Doyle said his favourite section was the cooking. “I hope Deb Frecklington’s putting something in, we’ll have to call her to put some baking in and pressure her into it,” Mr Doyle said.
Triathlon event limit lifted
By Jacob Hayden Lake Wivenhoe will host up to 450 swimmers, runners and cyclists in October after negotiations between Somerset Regional Council (SRC) and Seqwater were resolved last month. In its 8 May ordinary meeting, SRC resolved to write to Minister for Water Glenn Butcher and Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick about the Somerset Multi-Sport Event, a modified triathlon event, following onerous requirements put in place by Seqwater.
Toogoolawah ladies shine
By Jacob Hayden Toogoolawah Show Society discovered its up-and-coming leaders at the Show Ball on Saturday night, 1 June. Brooke Martin was announced as the 2024 Showgirl, with Nikyla Richardson securing runner up and Emily Anderson awarded Junior Rural Ambassador. Miss Martin moved to Toogoolawah in 2014 and has experience in many different industries. “When I was 17 I moved to the Northern Territory for a gap year on a cattle station,” she said.
Sun shines for Qld Day
By Jacob Hayden The sun shined bright for Queensland Day in Gatton on Sunday, 2 June. At the showgrounds, Lockyer Community Centre welcomed large crowds for some classic fun with a pineapple toss and watermelon eating. Meanwhile, at Lake Apex Park, local musicians rocked billy carts rolled down for the Queensland Day Great Billy Cart Challenge, organised by Lockyer Valley Billy Carts Association and Spirit of the Valley Events.
Mulgowie makes it a day
By Jacob Hayden Mulgowie Hotel welcomed over 200 people to its Family Fun Day on Saturday, 1 June to launch the hotel’s new kids club. Mulga manager Wendy Coppo said it was a fabulous day at the pub. “We were absolutely packed with so many families and faces we hadn’t seen, so that was excellent,” she said. Musicians Santo Rae and Peta Pomerenke kept the music moving throughout the day.
Sophia opens for a yarn
By Jacob Hayden Students at Sophia College now have a safe space to share a yarn and connect with the history of the community. The college opened its yarning circle and launched its Reconciliation Action Plan at a special ceremony on Wednesday, 29 May. Sophie College assistant principal Integral Ecology and Faith Margareta Lemon said the students engaged beautifully with the opening ceremony.
Schools prep for Olympics
By Jacob Hayden Three Somerset schools are getting ready to produce the next generation of Olympians. On Tuesday, 28 May, the Queensland Government announced Coominya State School, Patrick Estate School and Toogoolawah State High School as three of 97 Queensland schools sharing in over $30 million in investment for new and improved sporting infrastructure.
Daniel steps up for Pigs
By Jacob Hayden Gatton Black Pigs A grade player Daniel Frannettovich has stepped up to help run the rugby union club as its new president. Franettovich hails from Townsville and came to Gatton to study. “I moved to the area about two years ago now for uni, studying agribusiness and agricultural science, majoring in agronomy,” he said. The hooker and loosehead prop has played A grade with the Black Pigs for two years now and has remained active in the club.
HOGs heroes at Marburg
By Jacob Hayden The Brisbane Harley Owners Group (HOGs) made a special visit to Marburg State School on Sunday, 19 May, raising funds for both Muscular Dystrophy Queensland (MDQ) and the school’s P and C. Brisbane HOGs chapter director Annabelle Biddulph said the riders have supported MDQ for around 28 years as one of its four key fundraising calendar events.
Valley Fest celebrates Qld
By Jacob Hayden Get out to the Gatton Showgrounds this Sunday, 2 June and celebrate being a Queenslander with the Lockyer Community Centre. From 10am to 3pm, Valley Fest is returning for its second year to celebrate Queensland Day with a bigger and better event. Lockyer Community Centre manager and event organiser Linda Roberts said she was excited to showcase the region while celebrating Queensland Day.
Regions receive $9.5 mil
By Jacob Hayden The Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions will receive a combined $9.46 million for critical infrastructure, housing, disaster resilience and community through the State Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP). The $100 million funding for SEQ councils was announced on Wednesday, 22 May by the State Government and coincided with the SEQ Council of Mayors delegation to parliament.
A place for Esk to unwind
By Jacob Hayden The Somerset Baháʼí Faith community has welcomed expressions of interest for a community healing garden in Pipeliner Park, Esk. Mother and daughter Frances Avent and Jane Nicholson supplied the expression of interest form with more than 240 signatures to Somerset Regional Council over the weekend ahead of their 29 May ordinary meeting, but welcomed more members of the community to have their say.
Gatton RE delivers the tea
By Jacob Hayden Gatton Real Estate joined hundreds of businesses and community groups raising funds to support the Cancer Council by hosting the Biggest Morning Tea. Gatton RE principal and director Allison Vinckier said the business has supported the cause for more than 10 years. “All our lives are touched by cancer, I think,” Mrs Vinckier said. “There’s not one person you can talk to that hasn’t had their life touched in some way by cancer.
Toog band takes the gold
By Jacob Hayden Toogoolawah students are playing all the right notes. The high school’s concert band travelled to Centenary Heights State High School on Thursday, 16 May to compete in the state band festival, Fanfare. Toogoolawah SHS instrumental music teacher Adam Smith said the students performed and represented their town well. “We did three songs, ‘Stanley River Overture’, another song called ‘Mango Tango’ and then we did ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’,” Mr Smith said.
Prepping for Cobb and Co
By Jacob Hayden Grantham wagon rider Col Anderson is training her two horses, Bailey and Mr BoJangles, for something very special. Col is participating in the Cobb and Co 100th anniversary 80km ride from Surat to Yuleba in late August, 2024. The festival celebrates the anniversary of the last Cobb and Co mail coach service in Australia, and participating in this bucket list event requires a lot of preparation.
The Lockyer & Somerset Independent
By Jacob Hayden Somerset Art Society Inc (SASI) cordially invites all artists in the region and beyond to take part in the inaugural Somerset Mini Art Challenge. Dr Sandi Hook joined SASI as its new president in August 2023 and is looking to extend the group’s reach through the challenge. “We’ve invited all of Somerset and the surrounding areas, whether they’re SASI members or not, to be a part of this,” Dr Hook said. “The Somerset Mini Art Challenge highlights the fact that small is beautiful.
Ormond's found his home
By Jacob Hayden Jonathan Ormond says he’s found ‘home, sweet home’ at Gatton Ambulance Station. The new officer in charge transferred to Gatton in January 2024 after moving to Mount Tarampa in early 2023. Mr Ormond said he had a great deal of experience with the Queensland Ambulance Service. “I started with Queensland Ambulance in 2009 at Centenary Ambulance Station, in the Oxley area,” he said.
New faces for The Mulga
By Jacob Hayden The Mulgowie Hotel is under new management, and Wendy Coppo and her new chefs are on the same page. Mulga manager Wendy Coppo is a Mulgowie local of six years with her partner Mark Hooper and their eight children. “We are a family unit, therefore we wanted the pub to be that family-friendly environment,” she said. “The kids will be picking up your plates and helping in the kids club and playing games.” Wendy is all about family, and that is what is driving her goals for the hotel.
Trevor loves his Fergies
By Jacob Hayden Trevor Heck has spent the last 12 years of retirement collecting and tinkering with Ferguson and Massey Ferguson tractors. The Glamorgan Vale tractor-lover retired in 2005, and was told by his wife Valetta that he needed a new hobby. He started his collection with the red 135 (far right). “About 12 years ago, the 135 was a farm tractor at my brother Dennis’ farm, and that tractor was bought in 1968,” Mr Heck said.
Finest fruit and veg wins
By Jacob Hayden Esk Show Society fruit and vegetables chief steward Keith Abraham is expecting a strong showing of produce across the board with major and minor exhibitors bringing their all. “Last year one of the major exhibitors, Ricky Norwell, was missing, but many smaller exhibitors made up for the shortfall,” Mr Abraham said. “This year, I believe he will be back so I would think I would have a very good display in the fruit and vegetables.
Never too old for bowls
By Jacob Hayden They may be a little too old for the footy field, but the Laidley Rugby League Old Boys can still bowl on the green. The Old Boys are getting together this Sunday, 2 June for a game of bowls at Laidley Bowls Club. Old Boys president Dan Flanagan welcomed past players to join him for the fundraising event. “We’ve only got a small group of people, but when we call upon some of our past players they all rally to the cause,” Flanagan said.
Life members still racing
By Jacob Hayden Esk Jockey Club (EJC) life members and their families visited the Esk Racecourse on Saturday, 18 May for a very special race meet. EJC secretary Sharon Cowley said the race meet brought familiar faces back to Esk to honour the club’s 13 life members, of which five are still alive. “We honoured the life members, so we had about 75 people together in a tent, so that was very social and successful,” Cowley said.
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