At the Ingham Sugar City Rodeo From the moment the gates opened, the air buzzed with the sound of hooves, cheering crowds, and the anticipation of more than 25 rodeo events. Tiny riders on ponies, fearless juniors, seasoned stock professionals, and the ever-popular charity bull ride had the crowd on their feet. With daring competitors and non-stop entertainment, this year’s rodeo once again proved why it is one of the most exciting events on the northern calendar. Cowboys and cowgirls
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Ergon Energy Network is urging gardeners to carefully consider what they plant near powerlines and other electrical assets, with fast-growing species like bamboo causing thousands of power outages and posing serious safety risks. Ergon Energy Network Area Manager Rick Madden said planting the wrong trees or plants too close to powerlines can lead to dangerous situations, including fallen powerlines, emergency power outages and electric shocks. “Bamboo is one of the worst offenders because it g
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Forrest Beach has always been a place where community and coastline meet, and now it has a new chapter in its real estate story. After more than 40 years of dedicated service, Mary Venables has retired, passing the torch of Venables Real Estate to Richard and Lisa, who have proudly launched Forrest Beach Real Estate. The change marks the end of an era, but also a fresh beginning for the township and its real estate landscape. Mary’s journey in the industry is nothing short of remarkable. Arrivi
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Walter W. Mason’s Book Launch in Ingham Ingham welcomed local author Walter W. Mason for the launch of his two highly anticipated books, Little Girl Beautiful and The Blue Bus, and the event was nothing short of a triumph. The community gathered in high spirits, catching up with Mason, sharing stories, and celebrating a lifetime of connection to the region. By the end of the launch, every copy of The Blue Bus had sold out, and Mason was down to his last box of Little Girl Beautiful. Those who mi
Read the full storyYou've heard of true-blue Aussies who toil out in the heat.
They don't come any truer than Midway's Poet Pete.
Of all the dinkum farmers who breathe the Midway air -
hard yakka beef and cane men -
our Pete was called the Mayor.
Some years the bank was broken by cyclones, drought or rain.
Yet season after season - he'd up and go again.
Pete gifted me the magic - I use it all the time -
of painting Abergowrie by putting words in rhyme.
But waking up this morning - the earth began to shake.
My eyes were filled with water - I felt a gutting ache.
To think of Peter passing - I cannot contemplate.
I never thought I'd lose him, my rhyming bushy mate.
I can't believe it's happened. I can't believe he's gone.
It's hard to find a comfort in Peter passing on.
We've lost the Mayor of Midway, I've my old mate Pete -
I'm not so sure the frothies will ever be as sweet.
I'll see him at the river, and down at Midway Creek,
or way up in the mountains - at Abergowrie’s peak.
I'll see him in the canefields, or when my eyes are shut,
and where we crossed the Herbert - to fish at Brucey’s hut.
When mist descends on Gowrie, and morning light is pale,
I'll feel his spirit with me - where heaven spreads its vale.
We shared a love of Ireland - a place I'd never been.
But Peter’s tales inspired me to see that emerald green.
I'd give up all the poems - I'd give up all the rhymes,
to see him back at Midway - reliving happy times.
His sleep is now eternal, and just to Ingham's west,
by Midway’s rushing water - he'll take his final rest.
But loved ones never leave us - they never can depart
from what we hold inside us - the place we call the heart.
By Jonny Paul of Abergowrie.
Written 28/12/2024.
Author's Note: Peter Sheahan reached out to me when I moved to Abergowrie, took me under his wing - and gave me the gift of poetry.
Thanks for the laughs Pete, thanks for the beers, and thanks for the rhymes. You are dearly missed, though we’ll carry you with us always. Rest in peace my old mate. This poem is for you.
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