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South Burnett Scoops Tourism Awards
September 19, 2005 - Congratulations to all the South Burnett winners announced at the Fraser Coast South Burnett Regional Tourism Awards dinner in Maryborough on Saturday night:

  • Hillview Cottages (General Accommodation)
  • Bethany Cottages (Hosted Accomodation)
  • Boondooma Homestead (Heritage & Cultural Tourism)
  • Captains Paddock (Wineries)
  • Goomeri Pumpkin Festival (Regional Festivals & Special Events)
  • The Peanut Van (Tourism Retailing)
  • Bunya Forest Gallery (Eateries and Cafes)
  • Wondai Visitor Information Centre (Tourism Associations & Visitor Information Centres; NB. Murgon Visitor Information Centre was highly commended).

  • Chairman's Award for best submission: Bethany Cottages
  • Judge's Award for most improved product: Goomeri Pumpkin Festival
  • QIRC Says No To Sunday Trading
    September 16, 2005 - The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission has rejected the application by the National Retail Association for Sunday trading in regional south-east Queensland (including Kingaroy).

    The QIRC cited a lack of evidence of "economic advantage" for its decision and said there was "no real evidence of increased employment through Sunday trading".

    A survey of members of the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that the overwhelming majority did not want Sunday trading and a public forum hosted by the KCCI (see story March 24) also rejected the proposal.
    Useful Websites For Small Business
    September 15, 2005 - Here's some useful websites recommended by Small Business Field Officer Peter Gregory in the Winter edition of the WBBACC Economic Up-Date:
  • www.business.gov.au - a must for anyone starting, expanding or value-adding to their business; this entry point to on-line government resources covers licences and permits; franchises; superannuation etc
  • www.abr.business.gov.au - ABN look-up ... publicly available information on businesses
  • www.decipher.biz - useful data for anyone connected to the tourism industry
  • www.industrytechlink.com.au - free technology and referral service
  • www.superchoice.gov.au - explains recent superannuation changes and a "super" calculator
  • Community Bank To
    Open On Friday
    September 14, 2005 - After months of hard work, the new Yarraman & District Community Bank will open in Yarraman this Friday.

    The bank is located on the corner of the D'Aguilar Highway and the New England Highway although its address is officially 23 Toomey Street. Shares in the venture are still available for purchase.

    Manager is Anne Woodrow and all banking facilities will be available including loans, insurance and business banking. Opening celebrations, which include morning tea, will run from 9:00am to 11:00am.
    Funeral Questions Answered
    September 13, 2005 - Funeral directors H.P. Virgo and Son - based in Kingaroy but servicing the whole South Burnett - have launched a new website.

    Virgo and Son were established in Kingaroy in 1939 but were purchased earlier this year by another family-based funeral business, Gympie Funerals, and are now managed by Liam Yewdall.

    The website includes information about coping with grief and answers frequently asked questions about organising a funeral.
    Tarong Fund Calls For Applications
    September 12, 2005 - Rio Tinto Coal Australia's Tarong Mine Community Development Fund is calling for applications for its funding round which closes on September 23.

    Since 1999, the fund has distributed almost $1.2 million to community-led projects in Kingaroy, Nanango and the northern part of Rosalie Shire. It aims to assist projects that will help local communities meet economic, social and educational challenges. Guidelines are available from Margie Magnussen on (07) 4160-7231.

    The fund has assisted many worthwhile South Burnett projects get off the ground ... including this website!
    Huge Weekend Ahead!
    September 9, 2005 - It's shaping up to be a HUGE weekend in Kingaroy and Nanango shires ... here's just a few of the events happening:

  • Friday: Elegant Craft Affair (Nanango); Shire Art Gallery official opening (Kingaroy)

  • Saturday: Peanut Festival (Kingaroy); Country Music Muster (Nanango); Big Sing (Kingaroy); Fly-In (Kingaroy); Vintage Machinery Rally (Kumbia); Aquatic Centre opening (Kingaroy); Visitor Information Centre opening (Kingaroy); Mayovale Gallery opening (Kingaroy)

  • Sunday: Fly-In (Kingaroy); Big Sing Combined Choirs Concert (2pm Kingaroy)

    Most of these events could not take place without the strong support of local councils, the business community and teams of volunteers!
  • Central Contact Point
    For Heritage Precinct
    September 8, 2005 - The development of the new Kingaroy Information, Art and Heritage Precinct in Haly Street has created a new central phone contact point for three major Kingaroy institutions.

    The Kingaroy Bicentennial Heritage Museum, the South Burnett Visitor Information Centre and the Kingaroy Shire Art Gallery can now all be reached on (07) 4162-6272.

    The new precinct will be officially opened on Saturday at noon by Federal Minister for Transport and Regional Services (and former Kingaroy mayor) Warren Truss.
    Mayovale Gallery To Open On Saturday
    September 7, 2005 - The first exhibition at the new Mayovale Gallery at The Artists Cottage (opposite Kingaroy Airport) will open on Saturday at 10:00am. It will feature works by six local artists: Diane Woodall, Kelly Thompson, Helen Blythman, Mara Curtis, Karol Oakley and John Baird.

    Four artists' studios at the complex will also be opening, including Nangami Janaiwee "Dream With Me" (Cindy Laws); Earth Bone Creations (Liz Aycock) and Sue's Colour'n Threads (Sue Bradley).

    The Artists Cottage is owned by Garry and Karla Eyre and Cheryl Mallett. Also part of the complex is the outdoor Cafe Nouveau which is open seven days from 10am to 4pm and serves light meals.
    Cruisin' Since 1969
    September 6, 2005 - Kingaroy-based livestock transport business Porters Transport is on the market.

    A report in the Supply Chain Review recently detailed the history of the iconic Queensland company which began in 1969.

    Col and Marie Porter have built up a successful Queensland-wide business from their Kingaroy base and their Cruisin' Without Bruisin' slogan has become as well-known on the highway as their distinctive B-Double rigs.

    Porters have also always supported local community events, a tradition which has continued with this year's Kingaroy Peanut Festival.
    Great Bunya Drive Unveiled
    September 5, 2005 - The new "Great Bunya Drive" tourism brochure will be formally launched at an official function at the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre on September 14.

    The brochure, (right), leads travellers from Toowoomba to Gympie via Kumbia, the Bunya Mountains, Maidenwell and Nanango to Kingaroy, Wondai, Murgon, Goomeri and Kilkivan.

    It includes a map plus details of cellar doors, restaurants, museums, art galleries and accommodation venues along the route. There's also information about annual events, markets and national parks.

    Tourists can pick up a copy of the new brochure at local Visitor Information Centres.
    Several Websites Join Listings
    September 2, 2005 - Several new websites have been added to Southburnett.biz in the past week.

    Shadylane Farm Cottages is located at 293 Weekes Road, about 10km from Kingaroy. John and Marg Boland have opened one farmstay cottage and are developing another two on their working cattle/cropping property. They can be contacted on (07) 4162-2639.

    Kingaroy's Asian/Indian restaurant Burning Beats Cafe located in Kingaroy Street, now has a a web page which includes details of menus, cooking schools and ingredients available from their mini-deli.

    Lorraine Langley has opened a branch of First Class Accounts at 546 Wilson's Road, Kingaroy, 4610. Lorraine can assist with MYOB, QuickBooks and BAS statements. She can be contacted on (07) 4164-1282.
    New Faces at Colonial Motel
    September 1, 2005 - Neil and Pauline Maxwell recently took over as the new owners of the Wondai Colonial Motel.

    The couple, from New Zealand, are proud of the facilities they have to offer. The licensed restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday and is also available for hire for functions and conferences.

    "The rooms are also very large and there's a honeymoon suite with spa bath and private courtyard as well as two extra large family rooms with separate bedrooms," Pauline said. The Wondai Colonial can be contacted on (07) 4168-5633.

    NB. Don't forget ... bookings for the 2005 Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism Awards For Excellence, which are being held in Maryborough on September 17, close tomorrow. Book by phone (07) 4122-3444 or email
    SB Businesses At Ekka
    August 31, 2005 - Kingaroy Cheese has enjoyed its most successful Ekka sales yet - with more stock having to be sent down from Kingaroy twice to restock the shelves, reports manager Chris Ganzer.

    A number of South Burnett businesses were represented at this year's Brisbane Exhibition.

    Kingaroy Cheese, Clovely Estates and Bridgeman Downs took part in the Tasting Queensland Food and Wine display in the Woolworths Pavilion. The Peanut Van and Peanut Company of Australia also had displays.
    Planning To Move On?
    August 30, 2005 - The Department of State Development will be holding a free two-hour seminar entitled "Planning On Moving On" in Kingaroy on Thursday September 8 for small business owners who want to develop a practical succession plan for their business.

    The seminar will be held at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre, 6 Cornish Street, from 5:45pm. It is being conducted by Hayes Knight Brisbane, specialist business advisers in the small medium enterprise market.

    Places are limited so registrations are necessary. To book, phone the State Development Centre on 13-26-50 or email them. For more information download a flyer (253kb PDF)
    South Burnett Drive Itineraries On New Website
    August 29, 2005 - Tourism Queensland recently launched a new website highlighting drive holidays in Queensland - including routes within the
    Fraser Coast / South Burnett tourism region.

    The Drive Queensland website is designed to provide "information and inspiration" for drive tourists, according to Tourism Minister Margaret Keech, with a comprehensive guide to destinations.

    "The website offers 80 ready-made travel itineraries but users can design their own holidays online and print out a map and day-by-day itinerary outlining distances and estimated travel times," she said. "The site streamlines holiday research by providing a full list of things to see and do, simply by clicking on a place name."
    All The Top Gear For Tiny Tots
    August 26, 2005 - Jacaranda View Stables and Accessories was added to the Southburnett.biz database this week.

    Jacaranda View is located at 558 Malar Road, Kingaroy and features custom-made riding apparel for children as well as horse accessories.

    Owner Dianna Kimball can be reached on 0401-365-419 or email
    Groovy Chic Comes To Kingaroy
    August 25, 2005 - Hervey Bay retailer Groovy Chic recently opened a branch of their women's clothing store at 173 Kingaroy Street, Kingaroy (next door to the Club Hotel).

    Groovy Chic features modern women's fashion clothing - both casual and more formal evening wear.

    They can be contacted on (07) 4163-6990 or by email
    Building Design Company Opens Local Office
    August 24, 2005 - The local housing boom has lured Dalby business A.G. Martin Design and Drafting to open a branch office in Kingaroy.

    The office, located next door to Red Rooster in Kingaroy Street, opened on August 1.

    A.G. Martin does residential, commercial and industrial building design and drafting and can be contacted on (07) 4162-8480 or by email
    BiedoComment Sought On
    Draft Economic Strategy
    August 23, 2005 - Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation CEO Linda Silburn has distributed copies of the draft Economic Strategy for the Wide Bay Burnett (146kb PDF) for comment.

    The strategy, prepared by an independent consultant for the Department of Local Government and Planning, covers all South Burnett shires as well as the Wide Bay region.

    Feedback can be emailed to BIEDO. Linda has also distributed copies of her feedback report (35kb PDF) for comment.