Empty supermarket shelves in Gladstone and throughout the country (due to Covid) are a timely reminder of how fragile our supply chains can be. Almost everything we eat, buy and use has been produced and transported a very long way using fuels such as diesel and aviation fuel.

One of the Joys of my role at QER is being able to support some wonderful volunteer work in our community, which goes towards making Gladstone the special place it is.

Last weekend I managed to get a leave pass to head off with a few of my QER and ex-QER mates and our trusty steeds for an overnight at the beautiful Royal Hotel at Gayndah. It was a great trip. I’ve never seen the country looking so green.

We recently set off for the Gold Coast for a couple of weeks of well-earned holiday. I’d pictured the idyllic setting in my mind. . . that first morning cuppa beside the van, looking out over tranquil waters under infinite blue skies; connecting with family; enjoying sunset beers at the waters edge with not a care in the world.

Recently we carried out a carefully controlled hazard reduction burn at our Yarwun site. Hazard reduction burning helps reduce the risk of potentially damaging, uncontrolled summer wildfires. Managing a controlled burn is a science and an art, requiring meticulous planning and careful management.