Moreton Border News - 23rd January 2026

BorderNews

PASSION FOR PLANTING

The bright and cheerful gardens planted and tended to by Chrissie and John Turner, bring colour to the grounds of St Brigid’s Catholic Church.

The Rosewood couple’s passion for planting started when they tended to the gardens at Johnston Park in the mid1990s.

They’ve planted beautiful flowers ever since and said gardens were more than just a pretty space, they are a place for connection.

Read the full story on page 9 (Lyle Radford: 529183)

A Catholic Co-Educational Secondary College Year 7 to Year 11 (Year 12 in 2026) LIMITED PLACES in Years 8 to 11 in 2025

WEATHER

Competitions open

By JESS LEIS

CREATIVE talent is thriving in Rosewood and the surrounding districts, with local art groups providing welcoming spaces for skill sharing, learning and connection.

Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) competitions are an opportunity to celebrate the region’s creativity.

Competitions include a range of categories such as cookery, dressmaking, handcraft, knitting, patchwork and photography.

The competitions are open to QCWA members and non members, and accessible to the wider community to encourage participation from people of all experience levels.

For local crafting groups, this initiative offers clear advantages.

Competitions complement existing workshops and craft groups, helping to generate widespread interest in specific activities and encouraging participants to further develop their skills.

Many members already dedicate time to refining their craft, and the competitions like these

The competitions offer the community an opportunity to showcase local talent

provide a platform to showcase that work, and offering recognition.

Participants and those interested are encouraged to check the guidelines for each category carefully as requirements may vary, and for some you do need to be a member.

For craft groups across Rosewood and surrounds, the QCWA competitions offer a meaningful way to enhance existing activities while connecting with a broader creative community.

For details visit qcwa.org.au/ competitions

AUSTRALIA Day brings a flurry of excitement as names of people lauded drip feed into the public domain.

Whether it’s an OAM or local award, it’s recognition of good work well done and it comes from the heart.

Wendye and Barry Gratton were surprised they’d been nominated for Citizen of the Year on Ipswich City Council’s award list.

Read what they had to say on page three.

We revisit the train enthusiasts at Grandchester who have been working hard to make what they do a popular attraction for tourists and locals.

Our cadet journalist Jess Leis spent time with them and her photographs are on pages six and seven.

Culture lovers will enjoy our resident art lover’s article on a Marburg exhibition at a Boonah art studio.

That’s on page thirteen. It’s hot out there and our reptilian friends (or fiends) are seeking out cool spots to take a nap.

Read what a popular snake catcher had to say on page eight.

We love it when our readers get in touch.

Please email all news tips to Lara.Hart@todaynewsgroup.com.au

Community minded Grattons nominated

By LARA HART

FEW people haven’t heard of Barry and Wendye Gratton and their dedication to the Marburg and district community.

The couple work tirelessly and this year their work was lauded with a nomination for Australia day’s Senior Citizen of the Year.

The nomination is backed by the couple’s involvement in the Rosewood Historical Society, Marburg Residents Association, Black Snake Creek Festival, Anzac Day events and Marburg Street Library.

When Moreton Border News spoke to Wendye, she said news of the nomination came as a surprise.

“We found out a couple of weeks ago when we received an email from council,” she said.

“There are so many people out there that do a lot of [good] things in the community, so we are feeling very pleased and proud about it.”

The couple have worked tirelessly for the community for decades and have been a big part of the Marburg and District Residents Association.

In 2008 Wendye was asked

to take on a role organising Marburg’s Anzac Day service, even though she wasn’t a member of the association at the time.

The offer came when the association decided to reinstate Anzac Day services in the community park at the centre of town.

She came to notice because students from the school she worked were part of the service.

Her husband Barry encouraged her to say yes, so she joined the association and took on the

job.

From 2009 to 2025, Wendye, marshalled her group of willing volunteers on an annual basis to run the service and community event.

Last year was the last for Wendye in that capacity and she was given a Coin of Appreciation for outstanding service for the past 17 years.

Wendye is also the secretary of the Black Snake Creek Festival, an event spanning more than 50

years in Marburg.

The festival is held opposite the Marburg Hotel, where the Heritage Centre and Marburg Community Centre are situated.

Wendye and Barry are lovers of history and work hard to keep the district’s history alive.

They’ve been part of the Rosewood Scrub Historical Society with Wendye as its secretary.

“I have [written] a few books about the area because I am very interested in Marburg’s history,” she said.

“When Marburg school had its 125th anniversary, I interviewed a lot of past pupils and wrote their stories.

“I’ve also co-written a book about mining in the area because my father was a miner.

“I knew many miners through him, and we were able to get them together to talk about their experiences.”

The couple’s love for the written word extends to residential roads and they’ve made street libraries to encourage people to read.

The Gratton’s need to wait until Monday to find out if they are recipients of the award.

Rosewood community takes a dive into 2026

By JESS LEIS

ROSEWOOD swimming pool provided relief from the heat last Thursday, as families gathered for the Annual Rosewood Family Fun Day Community Pool Party, hosted by Rosewood and District Supporting Communities Inc. (RADSC).

From 9am until midday, the free-entry event brought together children, parents, and grandparents for a relaxed morning of swimming, activities, and connection.

The Rosewood Community Food Project team were also there and they offered a hands-on workshop that encouraged families to be creatively engaged.

Friends splashed and laughed their way through the morning, with the bomb diving competition proving a standout highlight for children.

“Seeing the kids so engaged and excited makes all the planning worthwhile.” said community project worker Tia Lancaster.

The Family Fun Day marked the first event on the 2026 Rosewood events calendar and set the tone for a year focused on connection, inclusion, and support.

RADSC will continue to deliver free, family-focused events throughout the year, with at least one planned for each school holiday period.

“We know many families are doing it tough,” Ms Lancaster said. “We want to make sure children are able to enjoy the school holidays through participation in activities that are free and easily accessible.

St Brigid’s blossoms with Chrissie and John

By JESS LEIS

ROSEWOOD residents Chrissie and John Turner have brought a burst of colour and life to the grounds of St Brigid’s Catholic Church, and turned the school and the church driveway garden into a little local attraction.

With all the rain had lately, their new garden is thriving, and the sunflowers in particular are turning heads.

“People are talking about them,” Chrissie said.

“A lady asked if it was alright to take a photo because sunflowers were her mother’s favourite flowers.”

The Turners’ love of gardening stretches back decades.

In the mid-1990s, they tended the gardens at Johnston Park, and their passion has continued ever since.

Now, at St Brigid’s, the garden is more than just a pretty space … it’s a place for connection.

“You talk to people you’ve never met before, about sunflowers,” Chrissie said.

“You see kids walk along and point.”

The sunflowers sit among ixoras and gardenias, creating a rich tapestry of colour along the grounds.

When asked what motivated the project, Chrissie explained, “The church driveway was put in a few years ago and I thought it lookedabitordinary,soIthought we’d make it more appealing and inspiring.”

For Chrissie and John, the garden is more than a personal

hobby, it’s a way to brighten the community and spark joy in those who pass by.

Their efforts show how a small patch of earth, tended with care, can become a source of connection, conversation, and happiness for the whole town.

Grandchester gang’s keeping the steam alive

By JESS LEIS

ON a quiet stretch of Grandchester, history is alive. It moves, whistles, and chugs along narrow-gauge tracks, filling the air with the rhythmic click-clack of wheels and the excited squeals of children taking their first train ride.

The Grandchester Model Live Steam Association is one of around 80 clubs across Australia committed to keeping rail history alive in a hands-on, communityfocused way.

On the green lawn beside Ipswich street, the club opens its doors to the public on the first Sunday of every month.

Its collection of scaled down locomotives includes many carefully crafted replicas of Queensland Rail engines.

Rides are affordable, at just $3 for a single ride or $10 for four, making it a fun, cost-effective outing for all ages.

Parents often delight in seeing their children excitedly climb aboard, while grandparents watch on, reconnecting with memories of rail travel from their own childhoods.

“On public running days, when you’re hauling the kids and you see the happy faces, and hear from parents who bring their children back again, that’s worthwhile,” said GMLSA president Peter McGovern.

While the club enjoys steady public interest, attracting younger members is a focus.

The association offers opportunities for newcomers to learn, gain hands-on experience, and even drive locomotives under supervision.

Membership costs $100 per year and gives access to skills that are becoming increasingly rare, along with a chance to be part of a close-knit, supportive community. Current members travel from across the region, including Toowoomba, Brisbane, and Ipswich.

The club is also looking to extend the shed where the trains are stored, giving new and existing members more space to keep

their locomotives onsite.

On Thursdays, members and volunteers gather from around 8am-12pm to maintain the grounds, tinker with locomotives, and enjoy each other’s company.

“It’s for whatever they (members) want to do,” said Peter, “some people do work, some mow, we have a fellow that’s playing with the idea of making concrete sleepers.”

It hasn’t always been sunny skies for the association.

Recent flooding caused significant damage, requiring extensive maintenance and reballasting of tracks.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to restore the grounds and get the trains running safely again.

Across SEQ, curiosity about trains remains strong.

Birthday parties are often held on site, and while the club does not run the parties themselves, they are happy for visitors to

book the shelters for celebrations.

“We give them the space and they do their thing. If they ring up, or they email us through our club email, we can reserve a shelter for them. We have four shelters that can be booked out.” Peter said.

The club also does its bit for the community.

“Every May, we have the Rosewood ladies group out for a can-

cer fundraiser,” he said.

“They come out here and do raffles, and we put a couple of trains out.”

And if you can’t make it in person, keep your eyes peeled for the GMLSA on TV.

“We have Channel 7 Weekender coming out here next week.” Peter said.

Continued page 7

Rocking, rolling, riding makes us all happy

From page 6

When a child steps off a train beaming and reluctant to leave, the members know they’ve done more than run a locomotive; they’ve shared stories, knowledge, and wonder, keeping a living piece of railway heritage on track.

More information can be found at grandchestermodeltrains.com.au or by contacting the club at grandchesterlivesteamers@gmail.com.

Our local community hubs set to reopen

By JESS LEIS

ROSEWOOD, Walloon, and Marburg residents will have easier access to support, services, and community connections when Rosewood and District Supporting Communities (RADSc) hubs reopen from February 2026.

The Rosewood welcome hub, at the Bendigo community hub in the centre of town, is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 11 am.

It’s a casual drop-in space where locals can have a chat, browse community information, or take part in activities like the ongoing community puzzle.

Friendly volunteers welcome people and connect them with local groups, events, and services.

RADSc also runs community pop-up hubs in Walloon and Marburg each month.

(Tia Lancaster: 529519)

Community services worker

Tracey Noll travels to these hubstoprovidesupport,advice, and practical help.

In addition to community support, the pop-up hubs pro-

vide a chance to speak directly with division 4 Councillors David Martin and Jim Madden, who attend regularly.

It is an opportunity to raise local issues, share ideas, or ask

On ya marks, get set... YABBY RACES! RACES!

This 2026 Australia Day long weekend, The Walloon Hotel is brining back the yabbies for a proper good time.

Sunday January 25th - THE MAIN EVENT

questions.

A justice of the peace is available for a signing service of documents, and there is access to other organisations and services throughout the year.

Walloon Hub: First Wednesday of each month, 9 am–11:30 am, Walloon CWA Hall.

Marburg Hub: Second Wednesday of each month, 8:30 am–12 pm, Marburg community centre (green shed).

RADSc project worker Tia Lancaster says the hubs are all about making support easy to access.

“We want everyone in Rosewood, Marburg, and Walloon to know help is available when they need it,” she said.

Residents can keep up with visiting services and hub news on the Rosewood and District Support Centre Inc Facebook page.

Yabby Races & Auctions kick off at 3pm - get there early and bid for your champion. Best Dressed Bogan comp, deadset good raffles from 5pm, live music with Billy Bridge from 5-7pm, and Aussie tucker at mates’ rates all arvo. Bring the crew, bring the kids and settle in for a true-blue Walloon Australia Day.

Monday January 26th - Recovery Mode

Australia Day sausage sizzle from 2pm with Aussie beats pumping all arvo. All proceeds from the Yabby Races, raffles and sausage sizzle go to Rebels Boxing Club - a bloody good cause.

Fill your freezer ‘til the rotten toads are gone

IN every park and every garden, a small creature with devilish intent can be found doing damage to the naturalecosystemandtheanimals that live within it.

Cane toads are pests that reproduce so quickly their numbers are becoming impossible to control

Ipswich City Council have issued a challenge and the mission is yours should you choose to accept.

The challenge is delivered through a partnership with environmental group Watergum Community.

“Between 30 January and 8 February, we want people across Ipswich to pull on some gloves, grab some buckets, collect cane toads and submit the data on their catch to the Ipswich Cane Toad Challenge,” Cr Jim Madden explained.

“You will help tackle one of Australia’s most damaging invasive species, and by participating could also win a prize.”

CrMaddensaidcanetoadscan live more than 10 years in the wild and become more toxic with age.

Anadultcanetoadiscapableof

Ipswich City Council are running a cane toad challenge to remove as many of these pest animals as possible from the environment.

poisoning a medium sized dog in 15 minutes.

“Every cane toad removed counts because female toads can produce up to 35,000 eggs each time she breeds,” he said.

Watergum invasive species manager Emily Straton said all life stages of cane toads counted during the Ipswich Cane Toad Challenge.

“Watergum is leading the way in breaking the cane toad breeding cycle with its world-first tadpole trap and lure system that makes it easy to responsibly catch hundreds to thousands of cane

toad tadpoles before they grow up to cause damage to the environment, with this product now available online and in store,” Ms Straton said.

“For both cane toad adults and tadpoles, we recommend the RSPCA-approved humane euthanasia method of ‘stepped hypothermia’ or fridge and freezer method.

“This involves placing cane toads in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours which puts them in a state like hibernation, then placing them in the freezer for a further 24 to 48 hours for humane euthanasia.”

Watergum have cane toad collection points where these humanely frozen toads can be collected and put to good use in the production of cane toad tadpole lures.

“Watergum is encouraging Ipswich businesses, organisations and individuals to get involved, whether by organising cane toad busts or registering as a cane toad collection point,” she said.

Residents are able to stay updated with the Online Ipswich Cane Toad Challenge page on Facebook.

Snake man’s good oil on slippery customers

By JESS LEIS

SOUTH east Queensland residents need to be on the look out for snakes because summer is when the reptiles are most active.

Snakes can be difficult to spot and most bites occur when people accidentally step too close, place a hand where a snake is resting, or try to interfere.

Harrisson Abeleven from Rapid Snake Catchers 24/7 is an experienced reptile handler and is the person many people call when they stumble across a snake.

“Snakes are looking for cooler spots,” he said.

“If you do get bitten, stay calm, stay seated and call 000.

“The next step is compression bandage, and try not to move from the area.

“Then draw around the bite

Care should be taken to ensure that snakes aren’t around areas that children might play. (Harrisson Abeleven: 529506)

with a pen to help paramedics out.”

Harrisson said that 80 percent of callouts to Rosewood and Walloon were due to eastern browns and he caught snakes from the area every week.

“The biggest was 6 foot,”

he said.

Simple precautions can greatly reduce risk.

Wearing appropriate footwear, watchingwhereyousteporreach, keeping yards clear of debris, and supervising children and pets are all important steps.

Care should be taken to ensure that snakes aren’t around areas that children might play. (529506)

“On rural properties, treat it like a job site and wear enclosed shoes, long pants and long sleeved shirts, because there is always a greater risk,” he said.

Snakes are protected wildlife, if you encounter one on your property and you feel unsafe, contact a licensed snake catcher.

Doors remain shut on Willowbank GP clinic

By BYRON PESZKO

THE shock closure of the WillowbankMedicalPracticeinJuly2025 left a sour taste in the mouths for many locals.

More than six months on, many are now questioning ‘if’ not ‘when’ a new doctor will call the uninhabited centre home.

Last year, Ipswich Tribune Today reported the closure had been attributed in part to Australian Government funding arrangements, known as the so-called Modified Monash Model.

The model is a funding system that defines metropolitan, rural, remote or very remote locations according to ABS data.

The Willowbank site, at 20-28 O’Neills Road is classified MM under the system, down from MM2, as of 2023.

The owner of the nearby Willowbank Pharmacy Jenny Chiem said the search for a doctor to take over the abandoned building remains an uphill battle.

“They were trying to get doctors in and they’re still trying now, but we haven’t had much luck,” Ms Chiem said.

“I don’t know what the issue is. Whether there’s still a doctor shortage, the rent is too high, or too far from the city.”

The rezoning would see the GP attending the clinic, Dr Disna Wakista left with no choice but to close the doors.

“If the Medical Centre was

on the other side of the road, it’s classified as rural. Silly isn’t it,” Ms Chiem remarked.

She says the closure has seen a definite drop in foot traffic.

“As you know, people would come straight out of the doctors down to us.

“Now that it’s closed, we’re losing that traffic, which in a way has impacted business.

Ms Chiem thanks the local, close knit community for keeping her business running strongly.

“We are still very lucky here with repeat customers and patients going to medical centres including Yamanto and Blackstone.

“They come back to us because they are local,” she said.

Now up for lease, Clink Franke, Sales and Leasing Executive from K2 Private Property - Brisbane City told ITT the property is fresh and ready to go.

“There was a little bit of interestwithanotherlocalGPbutthat’s about it,” Mr Franke said.

“There’s obviously a lengthy process in terms of what you do with the space and everything there,” he said.

When asked what could replace the Medical Centre, he said any Allied Health user would be ideal.

“We would want to support the chemist as much as we can by putting a GP back in place, but it could also suit physios and chiro, that sort of thing,” Mr Franke said.

Yabby races, beer, live music and a sausage

By LARA HART

THIS Australia day Walloon Hotel has a lineup that will keep you entertained from sunup to sundown.

On Sunday there’s an action packed schedule that includes yabby races and auctions.

Those kick off at 3pm and it is best to get there early to bid for your champion.

Have a laugh when the competition for the best dressed bogan starts and try to weed out

the impersonators.

There will be raffles with some pretty decent prizes and live music by Billy Bridge from 5pm to 7pm, sets the scene.

There will be mate’s rates all afternoon, so tuck in and fill up for less.

On Monday there’s a sausage sizzle from 2pm and music will be pumping all afternoon.

Money made from the yabby races, raffles and sausage sizzle is being donated to worthy causes.

We’re all in a time warp, even those on TV

By LARA HART

I was at the hairdressers last weekend and overheard a conversation between the barber and the lady doing my hair.

They were talking about someone at a store that sold products but couldn’t recall her name.

“She’s the old one, the old lady,” the barber said, “the one with dark hair.”

The hairdresser couldn’t quite place her and the barber quipped impatiently, ‘the old one, she’s like 40 years old’.

I guess it is all about perspective because I when I was 23, I thought people in their 40s were old too.

The Golden Girls was a sitcom that was very popular in the 1980s and we watched every episode as a family.

As a child, I thought it sweet how these elderly ladies lived together and were not in a nursing home.

The concept of them all being elderly was believable back then which is surprising in itself considering their character ages were around the mid-50s mark.

The only one presenting as elderly was Estelle Getty’s character Sophia Petrillo.

The evolution of age points to a change in society because the Golden Girls concept would be very different had it aired today.

First off, the title would need changing because 50-somethings are not yet in their golden years.

Perhaps just The Girls would do and a script change.

There are many ways celebrities keep their image fresh and youthful while aging.

There were facelifts, hair extensions and false eyelashes in the 80s, but the technology behind all those things has improved and there are modern ways to hold visible aging at bay.

The Girls would be about four ladies that share a home because their children have flown the coop.

They all hold jobs that bring personality to their characters

and talk it out in a coffee shop below their apartment.

Like the sitcom Friends ...

Now, that would be more believable because I don’t think the actors would pass as senior citizens had the Golden Girls aired in 2026.

Blanche would be like Rachel Green, Dorothy would be like Monica Geller and Rose would be like Phoebe Buffay.

They’d have parties, go on

benders and get up to mischief.

Estelle Getty who plays Sophia Petrillo would be the coffee shop’s owner and she’d entertain everyone with her stories that start, ‘Sicily, 1912 ... picture this’.

Looking younger for longer thanks to medical advancements and cosmetic procedures give pause for thought in the context of how women (mostly) appear to younger people.

Ipswich 2026 ... picture this,

a 23-year-old barber thought a woman was old at 40.

Hardly ground breaking news and not something modern women take seriously when it comes from someone so young.

Then again, when I was 11, I thought 23 was old.

That’s why it’s good to have friends because no matter how much milage you have they’ll be there for you and you will be there for them too.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Marburg sends its artistry to a Boonah Gallery

By GLEN SMITH

THE Marburg and District Art Society are having a member’s art exhibition at the Boonah Regional Art Gallery. The exhibition titled, ‘Together in Art’ will demonstrate the power of community, friendship, learning and skill sharing. Marburg and District Art Society has over 30 members, embracing members from rural and regional areas with a full range of art skills and experience. The group’s art reflects various backgrounds, with many members using the local environment (natural and manmade) as inspiration.

The Marburg and District Art Society is a thriving community group which offers:

• A creative space where you can unleash your artistic talents, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned artist.

• A place to connect and socialise with fellow artisans who share your passion.

• Engaging workshops and informal art classes designed to enhance your artistic skills and elevate the quality of your work.

• Exciting opportunities for you to showcase your artwork and gain exposure through exhibitions and displays.

The group strives to foster a supportive, social and inspiring environment for artists. Whether you are seeking a space to create, a chance to learn and grow, or a platform to exhibit your work, MADAS are here to cater to your artistic needs.

The exhibition displays a diversity of styles, mediums and subjects that ensures there will be something that appeals to all the gallery visitors. This curated display is designed to engage with the viewing public, generate discussion and provide insight into local rural and regional environments through the artists’ eyes. The exhibition will run up till the 22 February in the Boonah Regional Art Gallery, High Street, Boonah. Entry is free and family friendly. For more information about this exhibition contact the gallery on 54632999.

Gangbusters in Walloon - but options remain

MARKETED as being located on an ideal lifestyle block, the 1995-built home has three large bedrooms, two with double-size built-in robes, and a family-sized bathroom.

The open plan living and dining area is designed to let in lots of natural light and the kitchen has ample bench and cupboard space, and the view is framed by large windows.

The exceptionally large third bedroom is located at the front of the house and could be repurposed as a second living area, home office or rumpus room.

The toilet is separate to the bathroom and the oversized laundry has direct access to the backyard.

The home has a deep garage and large carport and eight rainwater tanks.

Property infrastructure includes two large dams, four sheds, a brick stable shelter and the space offered by 27 flat, flood free acres.

The home and 10.98ha hectare property sold late last year for $1,250,000.

There is no available previous sale history.

Cricket climax as walls close around Bushies

By CLANCY NUGENT

THE top of the table Fassifern Bushrangers have been hit with just their second loss of the season in the Cricket Ipswich 3rd Division competition, going down to Central Districts in a rain-affected match.

The Kookaburras sent Fassifern in to bat and a good bowling performance had them on the ropes for the entire forty overs.

Both openers fell for single digits before Jack Freeman and Chris Hurlock worked hard to fight from 2 for 22 to 2 for 53 before Freeman fell.

That remained the highest partnership for the Bushrangers all day, with no other pair scoring higher than 25 together.

Number nine Tye Cobbin and number eleven Cole Grimsey scratched and clawed their way to the end of the 40 over innings and to a total of 9 for 139.

There was not much more to Centrals’ innings in reply than opener Max Clift hitting 48 off 49 balls and getting dismissed just as the rain hit.

His innings got Centrals well

ahead on DLS and the match was completed for the day with the Kookaburras 20 runs ahead of their required total at the time when play was called off.

The Bushrangers (90 points) still have a healthy 12-point lead over Brothers Blue in second place, while Central Districts now sit in third on 70 points.

Bushrangers President Ian Pocock said that the loss should not slow them down as they build towards the main goal.

“Obviously any loss is disappointing but it’s still good that we have a bit of breathing room and are sitting at the top of the ladder there,” Pocock said.

“We are still pretty confident heading towards finals, so it’ll be good to see how that pans out.

“We are fairly strong for third grade, and since we’ve been an Ipswich competition, we have featured in finals on a regular basis,” he said.

Theclubalsohasanimportant day next Sunday, supporting one of the biggest charities in cricket with their Pink Stumps fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation.

A fine balance of skills in 40 years of trials

By JESS LEIS

THE Western Districts Trials Club is preparing for another active year, with a focus on welcoming new riders, families and volunteers into what members describe as a close-knit and supportive community.

The club has operated for more than 40 years, and it’s ready to kick off its 2026 season with an open day in Toowoomba on the 7th and 8th of March.

The open day is a chance to introduce newcomers to the sport of moto-trials and to give interested riders a chance to see what the club is all about.

“It’s a family club, and very relaxed.” said club president, Nathan Heck.

“If you are new to the sport, or you’ve already done trials, all skill levels are welcome.”

Jack White is the club’s race secretary and event organiser.

He said the club had a wide variety of ages that participated in the sport.

“We have riders from six right through to 74,” he said.

“In one event I saw a grandson, dad and grandad all riding together.”

Moto-trials is a motorcycle sport where riders focus on balance and control, navigating obstacles and sections without stopping, or touching the ground.

The club’s main riding areas include Grandchester, Esk, Gatton, and Toowoomba, and most events are held at the Fordsdale property.

Fordsdale will also host the Queensland title in June and the event is expected to attract riders from across the state.

There are plans to host events

in Grandchester mid-year to continue the club’s visible presence in the region.

The club is run by volunteers who are actively looking for more people to get involved, both on and off the bike.

“What we really need are officials,” Jack said.

“That includes scrutineers, club stewards and race secretaries.

‘Any help in general is needed, and it’s not hard to do.

“Observers get training in a day. ”

Observers, scrutineers, and club stewards all play key roles in motorcycle trials.

Observers score riders as they navigate sections, scrutineers ensure bikes and safety gear meet regulations, and club stewards oversee the event to ensure it is run fairly and according to the

rules, handling any scoring disputes raised by riders.

For riders in other motorcycling sports, trials offers an advantage.

Many of the skills developed in this technical, lower-speed sport carry over to other types of riding.

“It’s definitely worth it for enduro riders to turn up,” he said.

“I still get the same amount of adrenaline from trials without the high-speed risks, and you don’t need the latest bike either.”

Jack encouraged families, friends and anyone curious about the sport to attend the March open day.

• Enquiries about the Western Districts Trials Association can be made to race secretary Jack White on 0431 883 890 or by visiting wdtc.org.au