Moreton Border News - 29th May 2026

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Friday,29May,2026 George is Mr Willowbank PAGE 3

Pony skills

TANIA Elias from Mudapilly with her horse Peptos Grace were in the thick of it at the Super Utility competition in Boonah last week.

Organised by Fiona Finlay from Saddle Up, the event tested riders’ abilities across a range of challenges.

“We are doing these shows once a month using the facilities [at Teviot Park] and I have noticed that a lot of people are coming back into riding after a long hiatus,” Fiona said.

STORY PAGE 15

Tania Elias from Mudapilly with her horse Peptos Grace waiting for her turn on the obstacle course.

(Lyle Radford: 555208)

It’s alleged the threat involved a federal parliamentarian

Ipswich man charged over threat to an MP

AN 53 year-old Ipswich man will face Ipswich Magistrates Court next Monday, after he was charged with allegedly posting threatening messages online in relation to a federal parliamentarian.

The AFP’s National Security Investigations team began an investigation after receiving a notification on 18 May, 2026, of an online threat to kill a parliamentarian.

Police executed a search warrant at a North Ipswich property on Sunday 25 May, seizing an electronic device.

AFP Detective acting Inspector Chris Crawford said the AFP took online threats towards elected officials very seriously.

“Public officials have the same right as everyone else in Australia to do their jobs without being threatened,“Deta/InspCrawford said.

“Individuals are not anonymous nor out of reach of the AFP when posting threats online.

“The AFP has the capability

to identify offenders and bring them before the courts.”

Inquiries revealed further alleged threats on social media attributed to the same account, which were posted between 14 and 18 May, 2026.

The man was charged with three counts of using a telecommunications service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).

The man was granted conditional bail and will appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 1 June.

This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including the targeting of the federal parliamentarians.

MORETON Border News photographer and Rosewood resident Lyle Radford made us proud winning at the recent media excellence awards.

Taking first, second and third prize at the QCPA awards was testament to skills honed over many decades.

One of the awards was for an image he shot of Donna Jackwitz when she was announced as the Rosewood Citizen of the Year.

Donna was on our cover that week and afterwards, people messaged to say how wonderful the image was.

This week we talk to a Rosewood teenager who joinedtheKokodaChallenge last year.

The values he learned aligned with the ethos of his family.

Then there’s the local icon of Willowbank, a retired airforce Warrant Officer George Hatchman.

My Ramblings this week considers the three universal questions asked when meeting someone new.

And in it, I have a bit of fun working outhowtoend beige conversations.

- Lara Hart

George acquires his community service goal

By LARA HART

WHEN it comes to high achieversfewdeservemorerespectthan Willowbank man George Hatchman.

The former air force warrant officer at RAAF Amberley, has long been an advocate for his community, so much so there’s a bush reserve named in his honour.

George was posted to the RAAF Amberley in 1986 and initially settled in base married quarters with his wife Christine and children Jamie, Christie, Kellie and Grant.

But his career started circa 1966 when he was 17 years old.

His rank was corporal and he had an Instrument Fitter trade with the Royal Australian Air Force - a Canberra Bomber T4 Bombsight Specialist.

Around that time, he recalls being summoned to the officer in charge’s office.

“I was absolutely petrified that I was getting some unknown disciplinary action but once there, the OC told me to ‘relax son’, and that all conversations from then on would be secret,” George explained.

“There were two dark suited gentlemen beside his desk he explained as being from the WRE (Weapons Research Establishment).

“He told me that the Prime Minister received a call from the US President requesting support for Vietnam bombing operations by RAAF Canberra bombers, but advice from the CAF (Chief of Air Force) was that the Canberras were a hi-level bomber (up to 52,000’ altitude) and would be

bait if flown at low altitudes.

“I was then tasked by the OC to see if I could modify the T4 Bombsight for capability to zero feet.”

While it was a challenge, George was able to achieve the specification and did WRE bomb run tests.

“My modified T4 was proved accurate but because of computing lag (being an analogue computer), it was not instant target acquisition functional under 7,500,” he said.

“WRE then further developed an interim gearbox between the T4 computer and sight head to accelerate the ordinance ballistic and release data to the sight head target tracking reticule.”

He has an impressive resume and his time spent off base is just

as impressive.

When his children enrolled in Amberley State School, he became an active advocate for the community as P&C president.

In 1988 the family moved into their own home at Willowbank.

When issues arose of coal mining and waste dumps being established in the area, he formed the Willowbank Area Residents Group.

When the Moreton Shire and Ipswich City Council merged in 1995, he was tasked with researching and determining the boundaries of the now Ipswich suburb of Willowbank.

“Livinginacommunitymeans being involved with the community,” George said.

“I am protecting my love of our natural surroundings and

George Hatchman has an impressive military history and is an advocate for the Willowbank community.

giving my commitment to making Willowbank continue to be a better place for our families to live.”

MONDAY - PUB CLASSICS $20 – 200g Rump, Chicken Schnitty or Grilled Barra, all served with chips and salad (Dinner only)

TUESDAY - TWO FOR ONE – Purchase two mains off our selected menu and receive the lesser value meal for free (Dinner only)

WEDNESDAY - PARMY PARTY $20 – Your choice of 6 different Parmy’s served with chips and salad. (Dinner only)

THURSDAY – BLACK ANGUS $20 – 250g Black Angus rump served with chips, salad and sauce. (Dinner only)

FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY – ALL DAY DINING LUNCHES FROM $15 MONDAY-FRIDAY LUNCHES FROM MONDAY-FRIDAY

Kokoda drive takes Rosewood teen to PNG

By LARA HART

A Rosewood State High School student has been recognised not just for completing one of Australia’s toughest endurance events, but for the way he supported others along the journey.

Sixteen-year-old Cameron Loveday began participating in the Kokoda Challenge last year, taking on the gruelling event that tests physical endurance, resilience and teamwork across difficult terrain.

“Last year the school gave me information about the Kokoda Challenge and I was very interested because I align with its four values,” he explained.

“They are endurance, mateship, courage and sacrifice.

“I began reading about soldiers and that inspired me because those were their values.”

His sister Kendra-Lee is one of his biggest supporters, she said participants were banned from using use foul language and using technology.

“If they break the rules they have to do push ups as a punishment,” she said.

“The challenge was also a way for him to be out of school and he discovered doing these big walks helped him to concentrate more in the classroom.

“Quite a few of his teachers recommended him for the challenge and he did really well with the Rosewood team last year, and completed the 48 kilometres easily.”

This year Cameron joined the Ipswich team and in September, they fly to Papua New Guinea to tackle the 96 kilometre long Kokoda trail.

While crossing the finishing lines in the lead up is an achievement, Cameron’s actions during some of the challenges stood out for a different reason.

Last year he was presented with the prestigious Fuzzy

Wuzzy Award after going above and beyond to help fellow participants during the hike.

When some competitors began struggling with fatigue and the weight of their packs, Cameron stepped in to help carry their bags, easing the burden and helping them continue.

“He was still doing fine and that’s why he was able to help them,” Kendra-Lee said.

“That’s why he needs to go on a [longer] walk, he’s able to keep going.”

Cameron also provided encouragement and support throughout the trek, motivating others to keep moving when the challenge became difficult.

The award recognises qualities associated with the famed

‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ of Papua New Guinea, who became known during the Kokoda campaign of World War II for their compassion, courage and willingness to help others.

For Cameron, the recognition reflected the importance of teamwork and looking after those around him.

The Kokoda Challenge is designed to build resilience, leadership and determination in young people, with participants often facing physical and mental tests along the way.

Cameron’s actions showed that while endurance events may be about reaching the finish line, they are also about the people who help others get there.

His efforts highlighted the spirit of mateship and selfless-

ness, proving that some of the most important victories are not measured by time or distance, but by the support shown to others along the way.

While many teens spend their down time playing computer games or attached to their mobile phones, Cameron is busy prepping for September.

The Kokoda Youth Foundation pay participants’ expenses and encourage their community to donate so that all youngsters can participate.

The Lions Club of Rosewood donated $5,000 to help cover some of the costs to get youths to Papua New Guinea and a further $2,000 to help parents cover the costs of the check points during the upcoming 48 and 96 kilometre trails.

Developer seeks approval for 120 lot estate

By WENDY CREIGHTON

PLANS to break up a Rosewood property into a 120 lot housing estate and private endangered woodland reserve are under review by Ipswich City planners.

Hospital Road runs along the 15 hectare property’s western boundary and intersects with the Rosewood Thagoona Road on the southern boundary.

The application on behalf of developer Rosewood Links Pty Ltd also advises of a number of encroachments on the land.

“The site is affected by flooding, environmental areas, undermining and bushfire, however all constraints are resolved in a pragmatic and efficient manner as described in this report and accompanying supporting documents,” it says.

The main environmental area is located in the property’s south western quadrant.

ItcontainsBrigalowwoodland (Category B vegetation) and the

endangered Weeping Paperbark (Melaleuca irbyana), which surrounds a designated local character dwelling.

The home and woodland encompass 6.5 hectares.

Aspartofthedevelopment,an old underground mine airshaft will be remediated and sectioned off from the housing estate allotments.

A 1.15 hectare lot in the south easterncornerwillactasastorm-

Community Catch Up

Tell us what matters to you in Division 4

Wednesday 3 June | 9.00 am – 11.00 am

Walloon CWA Hall, 534 Karrabin Rosewood Road, Walloon

Join us at the RADSc Walloon Community Pop Up Hub

Friday 5 June | 8.00 am – 10.00 am Chapters Bookshop, Cafe and Wine Bar, Karalee Shopping Village, Junction Road, Karalee

Monday 8 June | 9.00 am – 11.00 am Rosewood Library, Event Space, Level 1, 15 Railway Street, Rosewood

Wednesday 10 June | 9.00 am – 11.00 am Marburg Community Centre, 110 Queen Street, Marburg

Join us at the RADSc Marburg Community Pop Up Hub

Wednesday 17 June 9.00 am – 11.00 am Yamanto Coffee Club, Yamanto Central Shopping Centre, 488 Warwick Road, Yamanto

Wednesday 24 June 9.00 am – 11.00 am Funkibuds Cafe (near Aldi), Brassall Shopping Centre, 68 Hunter Street, Brassall

Councillor Jim Madden

Division 4

Phone: (07) 3810 7879

Email: jim.madden@ipswich.qld.gov.au

Councillor David Martin

Division 4

Phone: (07) 3810 6163

Email: david.martin@ipswich.qld.gov.au

12869332-JR21-26

water retention area and native vegetation in the southern portion will be retained and rehabilitated. Almost two-thirds of that allotment falls within the koala habitat overlay.

The developer has already sought approval from the State assessment agency to remove some of vegetation which encroaches on the proposed residential subdivision. Seventy of the 202 Weeping Paperbarks cur-

rently growing on the property were to be removed..

The property is zoned low density residential under the Ipswich Plan 2025.

The housing estate is to include 109 lots ranging in size from 300sqm to 500sqm, nine between 500 and 600sqm and two larger lots.

A traffic impact assessment commissioned by the developer anticipates that the estate would generate up to 780 traffic movements a day and Hospital Road is to be widened and upgraded. Internal roads would be sealed to 16 metres wide.

The company is applying for a material change of use for building envelopes on the 120 allotments when assessed against the flood risk and overland flow overlay and the Mining Influence Overlay.

The application is also to be referred to the State assessment agency (SARA).

Lyle snaps the best photos in QCPA awards

By LARA HART

PHOTOGRAPHER Lyle Radford impressed judges at the 2026 Queensland Country Press Association Media Excellence Awards.

His submissions came from Today Group mastheads Fassifern Guardian, Ipswich Tribune Today and Moreton Border News.

Lyle took out first, second and third place in the Best News Photo category and third in the Best CommunityorPortraitPhotocategory.

The first was for his submission titled Vietnam and WW11 veteransremembered,shotforthe Ipswich Tribune Today.

The judge’s comments included, ‘This photo is a brilliant example of how great timing and storytelling can turn a brief second into a powerful tribute. By catching the bird with its wings perfectly spread, the photographer captured a rare moment of freedomthatmakesthewholeimage feel alive and moving’.

He placed second for his pho-

Lyle Radford’s entry in the Community Photo Category titled ‘Dawn service in Rosewood’ took out third place and was published in the Moreton Border News.

tograph titled Donna Jackwitz is announced the Rosewood Citizen oftheYear,printedintheMoreton Border News.

The judge’s comment’s included, ‘This candid shot captures a heartwarming moment of community recognition. A senior member of the Rural Fire Brigade stands proudly, her expression a mix of humility and joy as she is honoured’.

His third place was for a photograph titled Storm Damage, printed in the Fassifern Guardian.

The judge’s comments included, ‘This image powerfully captures the scale of the disaster by placing the subject directly within the wreckage of his livelihood’.

His third place in the community photo category was for a photograph taken at the dawn service

heldinRosewoodfortheMoreton Border News.

The judge’s comments included, ‘The heavy rain is the main character of this shot. By using slow shutter speed , the photographer has turned individual raindrops into long, vertical streaks of light. This creates a “curtain” effect that wraps the entire scene in a sense of sombre drama’.

Friday 19 June from 8 am * Championship Dog Show *Pavilion judging

Saturday 20 June from 8 am

Dino Encounters with a baby dinosaur. • Juggling Liam - magic shows and clowning around • Urban Reptiles native wildlife, scaly friends, lots to learn • Amazing Animals to Youanimal nursery • Old tractors, vintage machinery… and so much more • 2026 QLD Whip Cracking Titles – heats held throughout the day • Horses, stud beef, miniature goats, poultry – judging • All your favourite show food…. And rides… • Boonah High School and Community Band throughout the day – with ABBA GIRLS closing our day.

From 5 pm – check out the Peak Vets Kalbar Show Dachshund dash heats • Aussie FMX and the Bendigo Community Bank Fireworks at 7 pm

Delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders

The new Queensland Government is unlockingnewhousingsupplytodeliver moreQueenslandersaplacetocallhome.

Before a home can be built, the right foundations need to be laid.

Infrastructure for water, stormwater, roads, sewage, power, and telecommunications all need to be in place.

That’s why the Queensland Government is funding these types of essential infrastructure projects that are ready to start immediately – so more homes can be built sooner.

The $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is part of a range of housing initiatives being delivered across the state, and a key pillar of the Queensland Government’s Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan, unlocking housing supply and ensuring communities have the infrastructure needed to grow.

Alongside the new Residential Activation Fund, the Queensland Government is also:

▶ supporting first home buyers by removing stamp duty on new builds.

▶ extending the $30,000 first home owner grant to 30 June 2026.

▶ delivering a nation-leading Boost to Buy shared equity scheme to help reduce the deposit gap.

▶ unlocking underutilised government-owned land, through the Land Activation Program.

▶ increasing rental availability by lifting subletting restrictions.

▶ delivering one million homes, including 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

To find out more visit aplacetocallhome.initiatives.qld.gov.au

Round one of the Fund is already supporting 98 projects across the state, unlocking land for more than 98,000 new homes.

Boost to Buy bringing ownership dream to reality for more Queenslanders

For first-time home buyers Mitchell and Samantha Stanger, the dream of owning a home felt like a distant reality –until they discovered the new Queensland Government’s nation-leading Boost to Buy shared equity scheme.

Boost to Buy helped the Stangers bridge the deposit gap, turning years of saving into the security of home ownership for their young family.

“Even though we were working hard and saving, the deposit gap kept our goal of owning a home out of reach,” Mr Stanger said.

“With the Government’s equity contribution, we were able to buy and have payments we can manage

and ultimately have the security of knowing we have a place to call home.”

The Stangers’ story highlights the Government’s commitment to unlocking more homes and supporting first home buyers.

Three months since its launch, more than 150 buyers now have the keys to their first home through the scheme.

Round two applications for the scheme are now open, with an additional 500 placements available, and half reserved for regional Queensland.

The Boost to Buy scheme provides a government equity contribution of up to 30 per cent for new homes and

At least half of the $2 billion in funding under Round two is dedicated to fast-tracking land supply for housing in regional Queensland.

25 per cent for existing homes, and to be eligible, home buyers need to have saved a minimum of two per cent deposit for the purchase price of a property up to $1 million.

The Queensland Government has committed $330 million for up to 2000 places in the scheme over three years.

A growing Queensland needs more housing. That’s why the new Queensland Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund is delivering the essential infrastructure needed to build more homes sooner. This includes new water and drainage pipes, new roads and transport links and improved connections to power and telecommunications for more Queenslanders.

Authorised by the Queensland Government, Brisbane.

Projects to change lives across Queensland

Across Queensland, the Residential Activation Fund is unlocking land to get Queenslanders into homes sooner. Flagstone

Projects delivering at least 52,000 new homes across South East Queensland, include:

Ipswich: Two major projects unlocking up to 11,300 homes, including $15.8 million for Fischer Road upgrades (stormwater, lighting, paths) and $57.9 million to transform Ripley Road into a four-lane arterial road with cycle tracks, footpaths, and bus stops.

Moreton Bay: More than 10,300 homes supported by four projects, including a new Caboolture River bridge for Waraba and $24 million for Bellmere Road Corridor upgrades, totalling $45.8 million.

Brisbane & Scenic Rim: $47 million for the Gardner Road Extension in Rochedale unlocking 685 homes, $14.7 million for Rochedale Road and Ford Road stormwater works unlocking 600 homes, and $7.3 million for Beaudesert infrastructure supporting 384 homes.

Sunshine Coast: Over 1800 homes in Maroochydore City Centre supported by $82.9 million in critical upgrades, placing residents close to transport and jobs.

Logan: $135.98 million investment in the Chambers Flat Wastewater Treatment Plant unlocking 20,000 homes, plus $30 million for 8250 homes in Flagstone and nearby areas.

Yarrabilba: $10 million towards a $20 million intersection at Jimbillunga Drive, improving connectivity with a second community access point.

Inside the $2 Billion Residential Activation Fund

The new Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund is delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, supporting one million new homes by 2044, with at least 50 per cent of the overall funding invested in regional, rural and remote Queensland.

The Fund is delivering essential infrastructure like new water and drainage pipes, new roads and transport links, and improved connections to power and telecommunications.

Delivering critical infrastructure is driving housing supply and easing housing pressure, with land unlocked for more than 98,000 new homes for Queenslanders.

Round one of the fund is already supporting 98 projects across the state. With $500 million available in round two, and fifty percent of those allocated to regional Queensland,

more Queenslanders will have a place to call home sooner.

Queensland Property Council Executive Director Jess Caire said the funding had been warmly received by industry.

“The Property Council advocated strongly for this funding due to the obvious feasibility gaps for new housing that were clearly precipitated by a lack of sufficient infrastructure,” she said.

To ensure these projects deliver results quickly, they need to be ready to start within 12 months of the project being announced and completed within three years.

Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Alison Smith said the initiative is delivering game-changing infrastructure that will see thousands of new homes built right across the state.

To find out more visit aplacetocallhome.initiatives.qld.gov.au

Social and Affordable Housing at the heart of Queensland’s

long-term plan

The new Queensland Government is investing $5.6 billion to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044, with $500 million in annual funding locked in from 2029–30. This commitment goes beyond building houses – it’s about providing stability and opportunities for families.

Support for Community Housing Providers is also growing through the $4 million Community Housing Futures Program, helping providers expand and deliver a ordable homes faster.

Julie Saunders, CEO of the Community Housing Industry Association Queensland, said the Government’s long-term funding pipeline is driving real change. QShelter CEO Fiona Caniglia added, “Every dollar of funding turns into more homes for those who need it most.”

The Queensland Government’s A Place to Call Home initiatives are about more than housing – they’re about fostering independence and helping every Queenslander thrive in a safe, secure home.

The nation leading Land Activation Program

A6.4-hectare site in at Banyo - 16km north of Brisbane’s CBD - brought to market, is paving the way for up to 400 new homes through the Queensland Government’s Land Activation Program.

Unlocking underutilised governmentowned land, the program fast tracks housing developments by turning surplus sites into much-needed homes for Queenslanders.

A transforming family-friendly suburb with excellent transport links and amenities, the Banyo site is just one example of the program’s potential.

Developers will also be able to nominate unused government land for consideration, with assessments completed in just 30 business days.

Land supply is critical to meeting the Queensland Government’s one million homes by 2044 target, and with further sites set to be released across the state, Industry leaders welcomed the initiative.

To find out more visit edq.qld.gov.au/land-activation-program

Build winter defences to stop Fireweed threat

WINTER is just around the corner and with the cooling temperatures, residents may soon see fireweed and its distinctive yellow flowers popping up.

To prevent large infestations of the invasive weed, Council is urging landholders to treat fireweed on their properties as soon as it first appears.

“Unfortunately, fireweed has become increasingly abundant in South East Queensland, including the Lockyer Valley,” Pest Management Portfolio Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt said.

“As an invasive weed it grows quickly and produces a lot of seed, competing strongly with pasture, and has the potential to poison livestock if eaten,” she said.

“Early season spraying of fireweed helps get ahead of the seedbank, preventing large bushes from establishing and requiring longer term fireweed control.”

Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) features distinctive

yellow daisy-like flowers and is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risks of invasive plants under their control.

Thismeansalllandowners,including Council, have a General Biosecurity Obligation under the Act to manage fireweed.

Kids with crayons to aid safety on farms

ATTORNEY General,

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, is encouraging Queensland youngsters to get creative and to be part of the 2027 Farm Safety Calendar competition.

The initiative highlights the importance of staying safe on farms and in rural communities, while empowering primary school kids to play an active role in raising awareness.

Twelve artworks created by students will be selected for inclusion in the 2027 calendar, with each piece representing a different farm safety theme for its respective month.

“The annual calendar plays an important role in raising awareness about farm and rural safety hazards

among primary school students, their families and the wider community,” Ms Frecklington said.

The competition is open to Queensland students from Prep to Year 6 until 31 August 2026. The 12 winning entrants will each receive a $250 gift card, with their school awarded $500.

Visit WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.

“Council’s Pest Management team can help landowners identifyandmanagefireweedontheir properties by offering advice and free use of spray equipment,” Cr Steinhardt said.

“We also have a Herbicide Subsidy Program that provides access to herbicide at a 50 per cent subsidised rate that I encourage landholders to take advantage of.

“Smaller infestations of fire-

weed can be hand pulled using gloves, double bagged and disposed of free of charge at the Gatton Landfill on Fords Road only.

“All fireweed must be double bagged and sealed prior to transporttopreventfurtherseedspread, and not placed in wheelie bins.”

Council manages fireweed on roadsides, parks and reserves by undertaking scheduled herbicide spraying programs and hand removal techniques.

Conversation killers questioned

By LARA HART

THERE should be a universal warning label attached to social gatherings: Caution: You may be required to explain your existence to strangers.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re at a wedding, a barbecue, a community event, your child’s sports game, the conversation always follows the same script.

What’s your name?

Fair enough, we should probably establish that before getting too far into things.

Then, where are you from?

Also reasonable, although this can become complicated if you’ve lived in several places.

Then comes question three, the big one ... what do you do?

There it is, the conversational customs officer checking your passport before allowing entry into further discussion.

We don’t ease into it with what makes you laugh, do you enjoy sunsets, or what’s your opinion on pineapple on pizza?

No, straight to occupation.

Apparently before we decide whether to continue talking, we need to know if you’re a teacher, a mechanic, an accountant or someone who professionally tests mattresses.

Some jobs are easy ... I’m a plumber.

People understand plumbing, it’s pipes, water and the occasional emergency involving blocked things nobody wants to discuss in public.

But what about people with unusual occupations, those poor souls are one answer away from becoming the evening’s entertainment.

If you do something like train dogs to appear in television commercials, you’re not attending the event anymore, you are the event and can expect to be peppered with questions.

What breed of dogs? How do dogs learn acting? Do they understand motivation? Do they get stage fright?

The poor person would be standing there two hours later while everyone else had moved on to dessert.

And by this time you’ve also forgotten the first name of every adult that shook your hand.

Imagine your answer being I name paint colours because you’d never escape.

Who came up with Eggshell? Who looked at a beige wall and thought, no, that’s not cream... that’s Summer Linen Whisper? Honestly, paint names de-

& answered

serve investigation because noone goes to a hardware store and says, ‘I’d like a four-litre tin of Mildly Off-White.’

Then there are the jobs that become progressively stranger the more they’re explained.

What do you do? ‘I’m an animal nutrition consultant.

Ask what that involves and you’re trapped in a detailed explanation about digestive systems and feed composition while slowly watching the life drain from the other person’s eyes.

I suspect people with peculiar jobs eventually develop survival strategies or even lie.

What do you do? Oh... accounting.

Conversation over in three seconds because nobody follows up on accounting. Nobody says, tell me more about quarterly reconciliations, Steven.

And absolutely no one leans in and whispers, ‘wow... numbers’.

Accounting is conversational camouflage or perhaps some folk become deliberately vague.

What do you do? I work with people. What sort of people? The human kind.

Conversation dead, or maybe they get even more mysterious.

What do you do? I can’t really talk about it.

That’s the thing about polite conversation with a stranger, halfway through everyone smiles and nods politely while thinking, I have understood absolutely none of this.

We should abolish the third question altogether and replace it with something more interesting like what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Or what useless skill do you possess?

You could discover someone works in banking and learn almost nothing about them.

Meanwhile, the quiet bloke standing beside the barbecue might casually reveal he builds medieval catapults as a hobby.

Still, I suppose the three questions will survive forever because they’ve become part of human interaction.

But if I ever end up with a strange occupation, I know exactly how I’m handling it.

What do you do? I’ll pause for a moment, look thoughtfully into the distance then lower my voice and say, ‘I’m sorry... I’ve already said too much’.

Then walk away and leave them wondering for the rest of the night.

Saddling up for the challenge in utility comp

By LARA HART

TANIA Elias from Mudapilly with her horse Peptos Grace were in the thick of it at Round Two of the Super Utility competition in Boonah last week.

The event at Teviot Park stadium brought together riders of varying ages and experience levels, as competitors tested their abilities across a range of utility-style challenges designed to showcase horsemanship, control and versatility.

The competition was organised by Fiona Finlay from Saddle Up.

“We are doing these shows once a month using the facilities [at Teviot Park] and I have noticed that a lot of people are coming back into riding after a long hiatus,” she said.

“That could be because they’ve been working or there’s family commitments, and they are getting into showing later in life and using our event as a bit of a launching pad.”

The event is loosely based on the extreme cowboy racing style predominant in Victoria.

“It is a good way for riders to work on their relationship with their horse, and their horsemanship,” she said.

“It helps to build and develop trust because while a horse may be wary of an obstacle like a big ball at first, when they realise it won’t hurt them, they have fun.”

Sunday was all about putting Saturday’s learnings into action with a little competition.

Riders navigated courses that demanded quick thinking and a strong partnership with their horses, while supporters lined the arena to cheer on participants as they tackled obstacles and timed events.

“We had a little bit of prize money thanks to few wonderful sponsors, but it’s more about giving people an opportunity to show and have fun,” she said.

“It is a wonderful entry-level show and a pathway into other things like our Stockman’s Challenge series, which we run alongside this one.”