The Biloela Beacon

18/09/2023

It's time for The Biloela Beacon to say goodbye. This little cockatoo is ready for a new chapter. I'll be hanging up my community journalist/photographer hat and concentrating on projects with my writing/editing business Beacon Creative Services. Upcoming projects include working on my book for Biloela's Centenary next year, and holding some "Write Your Life Story" workshops with the lovely people at Moving Moments.
But right now I'm having a bit of a break to recharge and enjoy dabbling in some art and writing stories for children.
Thank you to those people who supported the Biloela Beacon and who appreciated the time and effort it took. I'm hoping you'll look me up on Beacon Creative Services here on Facebook so you can follow my adventures there. Best wishes, Jen

16/09/2023

Have you met your sporting hero?

Sir Donald Bradman delights a young fan before a match in Canberra in 1963.

We’re a sporting nation. Find more images that help tell that story: https://bit.ly/3zOLymA

NAA: A1200, L43048

16/09/2023

When John and Elizabeth Campbell, early pioneers of our district, established their property "Kilburnie", they could not have imagined that 140 years later, people would gather from far and wide to celebrate them, their family and descendants and the way they lived. Lives filled with hard work, passion, creativity and ingenuity. Kilburnie has been home to cattle and horse breeders, artists, war heroes and other amazing people over the decades.
This weekend Kilburnie has flung open its gates and welcomed the public to take tours of the homestead, admire art, listen to music, browse markets, eat delicious food, see blacksmithing displays, make damper, take art workshops and much more!

Today saw the official opening of the event (which much hard work and planning has gone into) with a Welcome to Country by Gungulu Elders, moving words by Fiona Hayward (Kilburnie Homestead curator and member of the Campbell clan), Helen Bell (also of the Campbell clan!) and speeches by Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier, and members of the Banana Shire Historical Society. Kilburnie's very special history book "Kilburnie - 140 Years in a Timeless Country" was launched during the official opening by historian and author Marianne Taylor aka The House Detective, with some of the first edition copies presented to special guests.
Another highlight was the unveiling of a beautiful mural of Kilburnie by Herbie LittleSage Goodrick, the first stage of a three-part mural by three Central Queensland artists.

That's a lot to be packed into one day but the good news is that there's more on tomorrow at Kilburnie Homestead! And if you ever wanted to see TWO local homesteads in ONE day, tomorrow is your chance!

Greycliffe Homestead will be open 9am - 4pm, and Kilburnie open from 10 - 4 with a courtesy bus running between the two Homesteads, departing Greycliffe at 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30 approx.

Finding Kilburnie: 531 Argoon Kilburnie Rd - turnoff the Dawson or Burnett Hwys (depending which direction you come from) onto Argoon-Kilburnie Rd.
Then follow Argoon Kilburnie Rd until you see the wooden Kilburnie Homestead banner at the entryway.

Photos by Jen Gourley

16/09/2023

Happy 140 years Kilburnie Homestead! Blacksmithing demonstrations are just one of the many activities to check out this weekend at the Heritage-listed homestead.

16/09/2023

There are no limits when it comes to learning, and Callide Power Station trainee Brady McMillan is living proof.

Brady's been with CS Energy for over 10 years, and in that time has held a number of different roles in different departments, taking the opportunities that appeared to him within the business to develop his own knowledge, skills, and understanding.

Starting out as a cadet, Brady's career with us has seen him travel an interesting journey into Electrical and Instrumentation, Maintenance, and now he's one of five internal trainees learning to become a Plant Operator.

Read more about Brady and his career with CS Energy here 👇 https://www.csenergy.com.au/careers/apprentices-and-trainees/trainee-profile-brady-mcmillan

15/09/2023

15/09/2023

On this weekend!

14/09/2023

Not everyone finds it easy to ask for help; and sometimes the hardest part about checking in on someone is knowing how to reach out, and what to say.

But an everyday conversation may be just what someone needs to help them through, and on this R U OK?Day we’d like to acknowledge the vital role a casual chat in the workplace can play in employee wellbeing.

With the help of counsellors from Bunyarra Wellbeing Co. CS Energy is providing support to workers, and training to leaders, at Callide Power Station - particularly the contractors working on the overhaul, who are away from home for extended periods of time.

“They’re also away from their friends, families, and support networks,” said CS Energy Health and Safety Business Partner Andrew Cashin. “This makes workplace support all the more essential to maintaining their mental and emotional wellbeing.”

Bunyarra founder Michael Sanford said it’s not just people who are struggling that are engaged in conversation - they walk the site and actively engage people in conversation, talking to everyone.

“My team walks around during the shift to talk to people,” Michael said. “We start the conversation so they don’t have to.”

Read more about the initiative here 👉 https://www.csenergy.com.au/safety/health-and-wellbeing/walking-the-talk-on-mental-health

CS Energy also offers free counselling through its Employee Assistance Program, and MATES in Energy.

14/09/2023

13/09/2023

13/09/2023

Four steps to help on R U OK Day (and every other day too).

12/09/2023

11/09/2023

THE SIGN IS UP advertising our Open Day next Sunday 17/09/2023 from 9.00am to 4.00pm. As well as being able to tour Greycliffe Homestead, a courtesy bus will be running to Kilburnie 140 celebrations too. (see previous post for times)

11/09/2023

Sad news today - and condolences to the family and friends of the young man who died.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle traffic crash at Valentine Plains, east of Biloela.

Initial investigations indicate last night around 6pm, a Toyota Hilux was travelling along Lake Callide Drive before it rolled.

A 21-year-old Thangool man, the driver of the vehicle, was transported to Biloela Hospital, where he was declared deceased.

Two passengers in the vehicle, an 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, sustained minor injuries and were transported to hospital.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the incident and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or may have relevant dashcam/CCTV to come forward.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2301517640

Making a report online Some items may not be a police matter, such as: Barking dogsFence disputes To access information and reporting options across multiple government agencies, see:

11/09/2023

The September School Holidays are quickly approaching but they will look a bit different in our library branches this time round…

Instead of sessions that require booking, there will be resources available for independent use. Ask staff when visiting any of the libraries and they will be happy to help you find something that suits 😀

Holiday sessions will return in December!

11/09/2023

11/09/2023

11/09/2023

10/09/2023

Congratulations to the connections of the winner of the Noel Howard Memorial Newmarket Bayerishe. Thanks to the Howard family for their continued support. Also to jockey Chris McIver for his ride.

10/09/2023

Winner of the Eric and Val Nobbs Memorial Thangool Cup. Congratulations to the Connections of the winner Starsonic. Thanks to The Nobbs family for their sponsorship.

10/09/2023

10/09/2023

09/09/2023

09/09/2023

09/09/2023

09/09/2023

Best of luck to
Awatea, Jack & Luke competing in Rocky at the Rocky City Spring meet today

Already we've got a few PB's and a State Sprints Qualifying time for Luke 50m Back

09/09/2023

08/09/2023

Class of 2023... Today is your day! The day you've been counting down to, the day you've been planning for months, it's the day you get to walk the red carpet and make lifelong memories with your classmates. Enjoy your moment!

Please come and support our Year 12 students at the Biloela Heritage Village as they arrive for their formal from 4:15pm today.

07/09/2023

07/09/2023

Entries for the Brigalow Arts Festival close next week. Make sure you don't miss out! Entry forms are available for download from the website link on our page.