In brief
ALL Year 5 students in Queensland state schools will have to learn a language from 2015.
Currently it is mandatory for all students to learn a language from Years 6 to 8.
State schools will decide which languges to offer in consultation with the community.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said schools were still strongly encouraged to offer languages from Prep to Year 12.
Buckle up
STANTHORPE kids will now buckle up on their trips to school thanks to the government’s Seatbelts on Regional School Buses Program.
Recent statistics from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics show more than 80 per cent of bus passenger fatalities occurred outside major cities.
“Regional school bus routes are longer, travel on roads with a higher speed limit and are often on un-sealed roads so seatbelts play a very important role regarding safety, Federal Maranoa MP Bruce Scott said.”
The Australian Government’s program allows bus operators, on recognised rural and regional school routes, to apply for up to $25,000 to have seatbelts installed in new buses or refitted in existing ones.
Rodeo queen
ENTRIES are now open for the Warwick Rodeo Queen Quest.
Categories include tiny tot boys and girls (5-7 yrs), junior cowgirls (8-13 yrs), rodeo princess (14-17 yrs) and rodeo queens (18-30 yrs).
To enter, head to www.warwickshowandrodeo.com.au or phone 07 4661 9060.
Entries close Friday, 26 September.
Call for dobbers
TENTERFIELD police are asking the community to step up and “dob in a drug dealer” in its war against illegal drugs.
Acting Seargent Mike Eaton said police were aware there were drugs in town and needed the assistance of residents to stamp them out.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling the station on (02) 67361144, or via Crimestoppers 1800 333 000.
Get in quick
ORGANISERS are urging nominees to submit their 2014 Condamine Awards entries before they close at 5pm on Friday, 5 September.
The bi-annual awards event was established in 2012 to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions by individuals and business to the environment around Toowoomba, Warwick, Dalby and Chinchilla. There are nine award categories for contributions to people, water, land, wildlife, research, cultural heritage, media and community. For the first time, a Young Achiever Award will be presented to a person aged 25 years or under who has helped improve, protect or promote the local environment.
