Qld

Glyn Rees. The excitement is building around Allora, Clifton and the Central Downs as rugby league devotees prepare for this Sunday’s pilgrimage to Toowoomba’s Clive Berghoffer Stadium to support the Wattles Warriors in their bid for 2022 Toowoomba Rugby League premiership glory.

Out now!

Matt Nicholls, Sarah Martin, Samuel Davis. Just 450 people lived in Cooktown when Queen Elizabeth II sailed in on April 22, 1970. It was actually quicker for Her Majesty to travel by sea than road back then, such was the state of the road. Accompanied by His Royal Highness, the late Prince Philip, and their daughter Princess Anne, there was a buzz in the air when the Brittania appeared in the Endeavour River.

Samuel Davis. The legacy of one of Cape York’s most controversial figures is being revisited following a major land handback to traditional owners. Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk returned more than 362,000 hectares to the Gudang/Yadhaykenu, Atambaya and Angkamuthi (Seven Rivers) peoples at Injinoo last week. As part of the agreement, Jardine River National Park has been renamed Apudthama National Park.

Sarah Martin. Glastonbury, Burning Man and Woodford have nothing on the special vibes of Wallaby Creek Festival, according to international didgeridoo and dance music phenomenon Ganga Giri, who is one of the headline acts at the event. The quietly-spoken musician credits his success to energy, his mum, and a dream as a kid.

Out now!

Sunshine Coast migrant residents are invited to apply for their chance to attend low-cost learn-to-swim classes. “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy our wonderful lifestyle and the Migrant Learn to Swim and Beach Safe Program incorporates water safety and water confidence techniques along with basic swimming lessons”: Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law.

Allora Pony Club’s Working Horse Draft and Gymkhana saw Cambooya Pony Club win the March Past and secure the trophy for the club gaining Highest Points ... There were riders from 21 Pony Clubs compete over the weekend, with riders travelling from Mt Mee, Blackbutt, Kumbia, Dalby, Fassifern, Laidley, Goondiwindi and in between.

The Lake Nash Bats could be kicked out of the AFL Mount Isa competition after officials and fans assaulted umpires on Saturday. The violence escalated after the final siren of the grand final, won by the Tigers in an upset, however the trouble was brewing well before then.

An Aboriginal owned and operated company dedicated to representing the voice of the Doomadgee community has been established after 15 years in the making. Goonawoona Jungai Ltd, which is a community-controlled organisation, will play a role between governments and service providers in Doomadgee.

Bob Burow was the only Mount Isa trainer to send a horse to Birdsville and he was duly rewarded when The Brotherhood scored an easy win on Saturday ... The two-day meeting was more like a circus ... The fields were already tiny before Todd Austin had to scratch his horses, but they continued to dwindle as rain hit the region.

Out now!

Out now!

Gold drilling efforts earlier in the year at the Talgai Goldfield have produced some promising signs of future potential, but not all that was hoped for. The inaugural drilling campaign was undertaken by Canadian company Queensland Gold Hills Corporation at the Big Hill property in the historic Talgai Goldfield.

Warwick is just one of ten health care facilities across the Darling Downs to harness the power of the sun, to ensure a more sustainable future. Other regional health care facilities at Stanthorpe, Texas, Inglewood, Taroom, Jandowae, Baillie Henderson, Cherbourg, Miles and Tara are now also tapping into this renewable energy ... “In total, there are nearly 2500 panels across our facilities, which is around 1330 kW.”

A book by two authors, one of them an Allora local, delves into the war years of the brave men of the 2/26 Battalion. Read through the personal interviews, family stories and archive research of the military history and personal history of the men compiled by two dedicated women, daughters of two of the soldiers - Norm Newport and Bill Anderson - who were mates in the 2/26 Battalion.

Out now!

The Sunshine Coast’s newest community water park is set to attract even more visitors to the region’s hinterland heart - offering more than 580 square metres of healthy and active water play for people of all ages and abilities.

The installation of a series of colourful storyboards in parks at Boonah and Beaudesert has marked  a new chapter for Scenic Rim libraries ... the Story Walks at Springleigh Park, Boonah, and Jubilee Park, Beaudesert, aim to encourage children’s early literacy through play while strengthening family connections and the Scenic Rim’s links to its Indigenous heritage.

Weipa residents will be given the chance to buy adjoining vacant land to their properties as Rio Tinto looks to relieve pressure on the town’s housing situation. The land-buy scheme is one of several initiatives released by the mining company as part of its long-awaited housing strategy.

Samuel Davis. “Excuse me brotha, can you help me?” A gentle hand touched my arm and a man with a pained expression met my eyes as I turned. Standing with a credit card in one hand and a sheet of paper in the other, he stood next to an ATM inside a Cairns shopping centre ... The only problem was Caleb’s new credit card wouldn’t work. Reluctantly, I leaned in to see if I could help.