​In concert with Mackay Council, the Finch Hatton Progress Association Inc. is presently undertaking the rehabilitation of our heritage listed railway station. After protracted consultations and sourcing of quotes, has commenced at our heritage listed rail station house!

F i n c h  C e n t r a l  U P D A T E
By Leila Verban

The railway station has long needed some tender love and care, slowly deteriorating, taking with it great memories shared by community members who spent their childhoods in Finch Hatton. The Finch Hatton progress
Association took on the project a year and a half ago, not fully realizing how much it would take to not only restore the building, but transform it into a hub for the community that can be enjoyed by all ages - both local and travellers passing through. We as a community have risen to the challenge! And are already seeing great results.

For those who missed our project sharing day last May; the railway station, now named “Finch Hatton Central” is being restored to its original colours with some groovy upgrades,
which will facilitate the future goings on that we hope to achieve. Maintaining its authentic heritage facade, the FHPA hopes to create a community space run predominantly by volunteers with arts and crafts, local produce and locally supplied refreshments available. This
space will be open for workshops, markets and fairs as well as an information center for local events, businesses and in the event of emergencies, a place where you can go for support. 

​If you haven’t already seen, the first stages of cleaning and painting the entire building have already begun, giving our community the sense of what we hope to achieve. In the future there will be decking added, gardens restored and final touches to bring the whole project together. Keep an eye on the new Finch Hatton news letter and the Progress Association Facebook pages for further updates, as well as Finch Hatton Central now having its own Facebook page, documenting the journey.

Thank you to all the community members who ​have thus far been involved in bringing this incredible restoration together.

​Being a farmer is physically tough.  The relentless hours spent in tractors, lifting heaving equipment or being in awkward positions to fix machinery all for the aim of farming high-grade produce or product.  Quite often the dedication of farmers means they tend to put themselves last and years of aches and pains can lead to bigger issues and unfortunately the inconvenience of downtime. 
 
I’ve been a Chiropractor in the Mackay Region for over a decade and one of the most common issues growers present with is what we call ‘Farmers Neck’. This can present varying symptoms including: • Stiffness in the neck and difficulty to easily turn the head • Radiating pain down the back, shoulder and arm or up to the head • Headaches • Tingling/weakness that radiates to the shoulders, arms and/or fingertips • Problems with gripping or lifting objects • It can be mild pain or severe enough to interrupt sleep or normal routines and activities.
 

On the 16th of June, Finch Hatton played host to the 56th annual Pioneer Valley Show. While the weather leading up to the show was challenging, the day itself was pleasant enough for the 11000 patrons who attended.
 
​Free entertainment filled the grounds including Gilmore's animal farm and pig races, The Crack up sisters, Bumpkin entertainment, Luke's Wildlife Kingdom and mobile reptile park. FMX Kaos Motocross aerial stunt show and the Horse vs Motorbike Challenge. 
 
The Fine Arts and Horticultural pavilion was packed with outstanding local and regional entries whose quality was a credit to all exhibitors. It created a wonderful display to the constant flow of patrons and excited winners alike. 
 
After a dry end to 2018, the sugarcane section was well supported again this year. Growers supplied good amounts of quality cane creating healthy competition and demonstrating a fine testament to good farming practices.
 
The poultry and pigeon pavilion was filled with the sound of many and varied breeds of all shapes and sizes. The entries for this year were well above previous shows suggesting a resurgence in domestic poultry numbers. (Fresh is best) Qld Shows have started a young judges competition for poultry, so if there is any aspiring youngsters out there please contact the show for more information. 
 
The woodchop was a crowd pleaser again this year with fierce competition between local and out of town choppers alike. The father son relay is one event that ensures the legacy of wood chopping is passed onto the next generation. 
 

​Beef cattle numbers were higher this year with strong competition between a good spread of producers. Judged on confirmation, weight for age and suitability to markets, the stock on hand would have stood up to any other beef competition held around the state. Thank you to all producers for entering your best livestock particularly those battling against unfavourable seasons. 
 
Numbers were slightly down in the caged birds this year, but still provided a wide range of breeds for patrons to browse.  
 
The quality of the stud cattle line up was exceptional this year with a diverse selection of breeds. The young judges and junior paraders stole the show with their devotion to cattle obvious for all to see. Cambil Brahmans from Proserpine, who proudly support our show, recently had great success at the Brisbane EKKA proving the quality attracted to our stud section. 
 
The ring events this year were well attended with some competitors making the long journey to our picturesque grounds. With a full day of competition, patrons were able to sit back and enjoy the horsemanship on display. As usual the riders and horses were all presented extremely well. Congratulations to all. 
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with this years show, no matter how big or small your contribution. Stewards, judges, cleaners; the list goes on but the simple fact is there would be no show without the support of volunteers throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond. Its not by chance that we have the long upheld title of the best one day show in Australia and with ongoing support and hard work we intend to keep living up to it. 
 
Management Committee Member. 
Chris Peoples