NRL legend to don budgie smugglers for charity - Toowoomba Chronicle

WANT to see Shane Webcke in his budgie smugglers making an "imbecile" of himself?

Then hand over some money to MS Queensland for its upcoming swimathon and your wish will come true.

Michaela Chilcott from MS Queensland said the MS Swimathon was being held to raise money for people with multiple sclerosis

"Our goal is to raise $35,000 so we need the public's help," she said.

"Shane Webcke will be potentially getting in the swim should any corporate sponsors like to see him in his budgie smugglers."

Rugby league icon Shane Webcke said with the "appropriate amount of sponsorship" he would get into the pool and "make an imbecile" of himself.

Shelley Hodges, Shane Webcke and Joanna Leane with Tahlia and Nicole Crismale. Photo Andrew Backhouse / The Chronicle Andrew Backhouse

He said he knew nothing about MS until a friend approached him.

"She explained to me what a debilitating, nasty disease it is," Webcke said.

"Knowing her has given me a real insight into MS and made me want to get involved in fundraising."

Webcke said the best part about the fundraiser was that the money raised in Toowoomba would stay in town.

Toowoomba woman Joanna Leane was diagnosed with MS in 2001.

"I moved to Toowoomba for the cooler climate because the weather affects us a lot," she said.

Ms Leane called on the Toowoomba community to come out and say hello at the MS Swimathon.

The MS Swimathon will be held at the Milne Bay Aquatic Centre from 6am - 6pm on Saturday, November 8.

Visit http://ift.tt/1oxsEmj for more information.

Whitley to keep driving in New Zealand ute series - Toowoomba Chronicle

INVITE: Toowoomba's Alexandra Whitley will drive in the Ssangyong Actyon Racing Series in New Zealand. Ben Drewe

TOOWOOMBA driver Alexandra Whitley will drive in the rest of the Ssangyong Actyon Sport Ute Series in New Zealand after a promising start.

Whitley has been invited to race the rest of the series after adjusting to driving a ute.

The 21-year-old had previously driven karts but made the step to the ute series last weekend.

She came 25th in race one at Taupo after a last-lap spin which saw Whitley drop out of the battle for 10th.

Race two was contested in heavy rain but Whitley managed to improve from 25th on the grid to 20th in the shortened seven-lap race.

The third and final race was cancelled due to technical difficulties as a result of inclement weather but Whitley felt racing earlier in the weekend helped find the right set-up for the ute.

She was now keen to show her skills in the remaining rounds after making the transition from kart racing to a bigger vehicle.

"I am very excited to finish this season and show these Kiwis what I can do," Whitley said.

Round two will be contested on November 1-2.

NRL legend to don budgie smugglers for charity - Toowoomba Chronicle

WANT to see Shane Webcke in his budgie smugglers making an "imbecile" of himself?

Then hand over some money to MS Queensland for its upcoming swimathon and your wish will come true.

Michaela Chilcott from MS Queensland said the MS Swimathon was being held to raise money for people with multiple sclerosis

"Our goal is to raise $35,000 so we need the public's help," she said.

"Shane Webcke will be potentially getting in the swim should any corporate sponsors like to see him in his budgie smugglers."

Rugby league icon Shane Webcke said with the "appropriate amount of sponsorship" he would get into the pool and "make an imbecile" of himself.

Shelley Hodges, Shane Webcke and Joanna Leane with Tahlia and Nicole Crismale. Photo Andrew Backhouse / The Chronicle Andrew Backhouse

He said he knew nothing about MS until a friend approached him.

"She explained to me what a debilitating, nasty disease it is," Webcke said.

"Knowing her has given me a real insight into MS and made me want to get involved in fundraising."

Webcke said the best part about the fundraiser was that the money raised in Toowoomba would stay in town.

Toowoomba woman Joanna Leane was diagnosed with MS in 2001.

"I moved to Toowoomba for the cooler climate because the weather affects us a lot," she said.

Ms Leane called on the Toowoomba community to come out and say hello at the MS Swimathon.

The MS Swimathon will be held at the Milne Bay Aquatic Centre from 6am - 6pm on Saturday, November 8.

Visit http://ift.tt/1oxsEmj for more information.

Whitley to keep driving in New Zealand ute series - Toowoomba Chronicle

INVITE: Toowoomba's Alexandra Whitley will drive in the Ssangyong Actyon Racing Series in New Zealand. Ben Drewe

TOOWOOMBA driver Alexandra Whitley will drive in the rest of the Ssangyong Actyon Sport Ute Series in New Zealand after a promising start.

Whitley has been invited to race the rest of the series after adjusting to driving a ute.

The 21-year-old had previously driven karts but made the step to the ute series last weekend.

She came 25th in race one at Taupo after a last-lap spin which saw Whitley drop out of the battle for 10th.

Race two was contested in heavy rain but Whitley managed to improve from 25th on the grid to 20th in the shortened seven-lap race.

The third and final race was cancelled due to technical difficulties as a result of inclement weather but Whitley felt racing earlier in the weekend helped find the right set-up for the ute.

She was now keen to show her skills in the remaining rounds after making the transition from kart racing to a bigger vehicle.

"I am very excited to finish this season and show these Kiwis what I can do," Whitley said.

Round two will be contested on November 1-2.

NRL legend to don budgie smugglers for charity - Toowoomba Chronicle

Shelley Hodges, Shane Webcke and Joanna Leane with Tahlia and Nicole Crismale. Photo Andrew Backhouse / The Chronicle Andrew Backhouse

WANT to see Shane Webcke in his budgie smugglers making an "imbecile" of himself?

Then hand over some money to MS Queensland for its upcoming swimathon and your wish will come true.

Michaela Chilcott from MS Queensland said the MS Swimathon was being held to raise money for people with multiple sclerosis

"Our goal is to raise $35,000 so we need the public's help," she said.

"Shane Webcke will be potentially getting in the swim should any corporate sponsors like to see him in his budgie smugglers."

Rugby league icon Shane Webcke said with the "appropriate amount of sponsorship" he would get into the pool and "make an imbecile" of himself.

He said he knew nothing about MS until a friend approached him.

"She explained to me what a debilitating, nasty disease it is," Webcke said.

"Knowing her has given me a real insight into MS and made me want to get involved in fundraising."

Webcke said the best part about the fundraiser was that the money raised in Toowoomba would stay in town.

Toowoomba woman Joanna Leane was diagnosed with MS in 2001.

"I moved to Toowoomba for the cooler climate because the weather affects us a lot," she said.

Ms Leane called on the Toowoomba community to come out and say hello at the MS Swimathon.

The MS Swimathon will be held at the Milne Bay Aquatic Centre from 6am - 6pm on Saturday, November 8.

Visit http://ift.tt/1oxsEmj for more information.

Whitley to keep driving in New Zealand ute series - Toowoomba Chronicle

INVITE: Toowoomba's Alexandra Whitley will drive in the Ssangyong Actyon Racing Series in New Zealand. Ben Drewe

TOOWOOMBA driver Alexandra Whitley will drive in the rest of the Ssangyong Actyon Sport Ute Series in New Zealand after a promising start.

Whitley has been invited to race the rest of the series after adjusting to driving a ute.

The 21-year-old had previously driven karts but made the step to the ute series last weekend.

She came 25th in race one at Taupo after a last-lap spin which saw Whitley drop out of the battle for 10th.

Race two was contested in heavy rain but Whitley managed to improve from 25th on the grid to 20th in the shortened seven-lap race.

The third and final race was cancelled due to technical difficulties as a result of inclement weather but Whitley felt racing earlier in the weekend helped find the right set-up for the ute.

She was now keen to show her skills in the remaining rounds after making the transition from kart racing to a bigger vehicle.

"I am very excited to finish this season and show these Kiwis what I can do," Whitley said.

Round two will be contested on November 1-2.

Whitley to keep driving in New Zealand ute series - Toowoomba Chronicle

INVITE: Toowoomba's Alexandra Whitley will drive in the Ssangyong Actyon Racing Series in New Zealand. Ben Drewe

TOOWOOMBA driver Alexandra Whitley will drive in the rest of the Ssangyong Actyon Sport Ute Series in New Zealand after a promising start.

Whitley has been invited to race the rest of the series after adjusting to driving a ute.

The 21-year-old had previously driven karts but made the step to the ute series last weekend.

She came 25th in race one at Taupo after a last-lap spin which saw Whitley drop out of the battle for 10th.

Race two was contested in heavy rain but Whitley managed to improve from 25th on the grid to 20th in the shortened seven-lap race.

The third and final race was cancelled due to technical difficulties as a result of inclement weather but Whitley felt racing earlier in the weekend helped find the right set-up for the ute.

She was now keen to show her skills in the remaining rounds after making the transition from kart racing to a bigger vehicle.

"I am very excited to finish this season and show these Kiwis what I can do," Whitley said.

Round two will be contested on November 1-2.

Whitley to keep driving in New Zealand ute series - Toowoomba Chronicle

INVITE: Toowoomba's Alexandra Whitley will drive in the Ssangyong Actyon Racing Series in New Zealand. Ben Drewe

TOOWOOMBA driver Alexandra Whitley will drive in the rest of the Ssangyong Actyon Sport Ute Series in New Zealand after a promising start.

Whitley has been invited to race the rest of the series after adjusting to driving a ute.

The 21-year-old had previously driven karts but made the step to the ute series last weekend.

She came 25th in race one at Taupo after a last-lap spin which saw Whitley drop out of the battle for 10th.

Race two was contested in heavy rain but Whitley managed to improve from 25th on the grid to 20th in the shortened seven-lap race.

The third and final race was cancelled due to technical difficulties as a result of inclement weather but Whitley felt racing earlier in the weekend helped find the right set-up for the ute.

She was now keen to show her skills in the remaining rounds after making the transition from kart racing to a bigger vehicle.

"I am very excited to finish this season and show these Kiwis what I can do," Whitley said.

Round two will be contested on November 1-2.

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

VIDEO: Car bursts into flames on range - Toowoomba Chronicle

Car catches fire on up section of Toowoomba range. Monday, Sep 29, 2014 . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

TRAFFIC on the up section of the Toowoomba Range was reduced to a crawl after a car burst into flames.

Fire engulfed the engine bay of the silver Mazda after the driver pulled over just below the range saddle.

Emergency services and police arrived on the scene at 3.45 pm.

It took fire crews ten minutes to control the blaze which completely gutted the front end of the vehicle.

Westbound traffic was reduced to one lane as emergency services attended the scene.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was not injured.

Both lanes have now reopened.

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

VIDEO: Car bursts into flames on range - Toowoomba Chronicle

Car catches fire on up section of Toowoomba range. Monday, Sep 29, 2014 . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

TRAFFIC on the up section of the Toowoomba Range was reduced to a crawl after a car burst into flames.

Fire engulfed the engine bay of the silver Mazda after the driver pulled over just below the range saddle.

Emergency services and police arrived on the scene at 3.45 pm.

It took fire crews ten minutes to control the blaze which completely gutted the front end of the vehicle.

Westbound traffic was reduced to one lane as emergency services attended the scene.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was not injured.

Both lanes have now reopened.

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Toowoomba riders in top 10 at state BMX titles - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA riders were able to post top-10 finishes at the BMX State Championships in Brisbane at the weekend.

Mitchell Schoemaker improved on his 2013 result to finish sixth in the 17 years boys final.

Emma Stevens (pictured) was also sixth in the 10 years girls final after just avoiding a crash in the final.

That finish goes with her honour of being under 11 track cycling state champion earlier this year.

Blake McCarroll just missed out on a place in the 19-24 years men's final by one place, with Sheridan Flint in the same situation in the 12 years girls.

Royce Polzin also made the semi-final of the 35-39 men's cruiser division and finished ninth.

There were 15 Toowoomba BMX Club members overall that contested the state championships and each of them rode well.

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Toowoomba's number one in customer service - Toowoomba Chronicle

Burke and Wills functions manager Renae Flowers. Tara Miko

THERE is no such thing as a typical day in hospitality, and that's what Renae Flowers loves about her job.

The Burke and Wills Hotel functions manager has a keen passion for customer service, and that has earned her a spot as a finalist in the Queensland Hotel Association awards.

Although she is pitted against Sofitel Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa staff in the Best Employee - Guest Services division, simply being a finalist is a source of pride for Mrs Flowers.

"It's quite an honour to be put up as a finalist," she said.

"It's great for Toowoomba and great for the hotel."

Mrs Flowers can organise anywhere between 14 and 25 functions a week for events ranging from veterans' conferences to parliamentary hearings. No two days are the same.

"I love the fact it is not the same thing every day," she said.

Handling tricky requests from guests can often take the most time, and dietary requirements top that list.

"The thing that gets us every time is dietary requirements," Mrs Flowers said.

"Five years ago, you'd be lucky to have a gluten free person at a function, but now that is the most common thing."

She recalled one guest would eat only cos lettuce, red grade tomatoes and organic produce.

Toowoomba riders in top 10 at state BMX titles - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA riders were able to post top-10 finishes at the BMX State Championships in Brisbane at the weekend.

Mitchell Schoemaker improved on his 2013 result to finish sixth in the 17 years boys final.

Emma Stevens (pictured) was also sixth in the 10 years girls final after just avoiding a crash in the final.

That finish goes with her honour of being under 11 track cycling state champion earlier this year.

Blake McCarroll just missed out on a place in the 19-24 years men's final by one place, with Sheridan Flint in the same situation in the 12 years girls.

Royce Polzin also made the semi-final of the 35-39 men's cruiser division and finished ninth.

There were 15 Toowoomba BMX Club members overall that contested the state championships and each of them rode well.

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Toowoomba Rangers post huge victory over All Stars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA Rangers were ruthless in their big Pacific League win over rivals All Stars on Sunday.

Rangers beat the Hendra-based team by a whopping 27-0 to post their second win from as many games.

The result also gave Rangers a 1-0 lead in the Luchterhand Shield which is played for between the two clubs each season.

Rangers had a far from ideal preparation for the game when pitcher Phil Vanderneut pulled up sore during his warm-up after pitching eight innings in their 5-2 win over Indians last weekend.

Coach Darryl Luchterhand decided to start with new Canadian import Clark Whelpton on the mound and he threw four shut-out innings before Shaun Clarke took over with three shut-out innings.

The Rangers hitters were also on song as the score suggested.

"Everyone swung the bat really good," Luchterhand said.

"They made a lot of errors. We only scored 12 earned runs."

He was happy with the way his team went on with the job after getting out to an early lead.

"I was really impressed that when we jumped out to a big lead we really drove it home," Luchterhand said.

"(But) we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We've got another tough one this week on the road against Redlands."

Rangers have to wait until October 12 for their first home game when they host Redcliffe.

Solemn service marks National Police Remembrance Day - Toowoomba Chronicle

Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright addresses the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Luke's Anglican Church. Nev Madsen

MARKING the lives of men and women killed while helping their communities was the focus of a Toowoomba National Police Remembrance Day service.

Police and community members filled St Luke's Anglican Church this morning to mark what Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright described as the most significant day on the police calendar.

There have been 140 Queensland police officers killed in the line of duty.

Drayton police officer Constable Matthew Connolly was the first, after he drowned while attempting to cross a creek in the Lockyer Valley on August 29, 1861.

"These men and women who faithfully served the Queensland Police Service will truly be missed," Assistant Commissioner Wright said.

Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said the church service came after a solemn candle-light vigil held at the Toowoomba police memorial on Sunday night.

"National Police Remembrance Day is all about all of us being together as a family, particularly to pay homage to all those police who have lost their lives in the line of duty," Insp. Wheeler said.

"Obviously we would like to never see another name on the police memorial in Canberra.

"Unfortunately the basic fundamental duty of a police officer puts them in harm's way and that gets realised on a daily basis."

He said the day could be an emotional time for police officers.

"It is the one day of the year that is all about police and their families, of course.

"We will see a large contingent of people, members of the public, also members of other government agencies come together to realise and honour the sacrifice people have made in the line of duty."

Sherrington books Oceania title fight at home - Toowoomba Chronicle

LOCK n LOAD: Toowoomba-trained boxer Les Sherrington. Dave Noonan

TOOWOOMBA-trained boxer Les Sherrington will return to where it all began for him in his next fight.

Sherrington (pictured) will fight for the WBA Oceania middleweight title on December 12 at the Burdekin Memorial Hall in north Queensland.

It will be the first time a professional fight night has been held in Sherrington's home-town of Home Hill and he will be the headline act.

"I am very excited to be fighting in front of my home town of Home Hill after spending most of my childhood here in the Burdekin," Sherrington said.

"This is really going to be something special.

"I am fighting for a highly regarded WBA title that is going to boost me up into the world ratings again...so this one is going to be huge."

Sherrington is coming off a unanimous points decision win over Kazuyuki Fukuyama in June and is working his way back up the world rankings after losing to Sam Soliman last year.

Toowoomba Rangers post huge victory over All Stars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA Rangers were ruthless in their big Pacific League win over rivals All Stars on Sunday.

Rangers beat the Hendra-based team by a whopping 27-0 to post their second win from as many games.

The result also gave Rangers a 1-0 lead in the Luchterhand Shield which is played for between the two clubs each season.

Rangers had a far from ideal preparation for the game when pitcher Phil Vanderneut pulled up sore during his warm-up after pitching eight innings in their 5-2 win over Indians last weekend.

Coach Darryl Luchterhand decided to start with new Canadian import Clark Whelpton on the mound and he threw four shut-out innings before Shaun Clarke took over with three shut-out innings.

The Rangers hitters were also on song as the score suggested.

"Everyone swung the bat really good," Luchterhand said.

"They made a lot of errors. We only scored 12 earned runs."

He was happy with the way his team went on with the job after getting out to an early lead.

"I was really impressed that when we jumped out to a big lead we really drove it home," Luchterhand said.

"(But) we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We've got another tough one this week on the road against Redlands."

Rangers have to wait until October 12 for their first home game when they host Redcliffe.

Horse expo draws crowd - Toowoomba Chronicle

Donal Hancock of Double Dan Horsemanship demonstrates roman riding. Kevin Farmer

DONAL Hancock was pretty much born in the saddle, but it wasn't until he was about 19 that he started to take horsemanship seriously.

Now the 25-year-old travels Australia and the United States with Double Dan Horsemanship, and it was the Total Equine Queensland Horse Expo at the weekend that brought him to Toowoomba.

Mr Hancock was one of five renowned demonstrators in the purpose-built indoor arena at the showgrounds for the inaugural event.

"It has been a great weekend here in Toowoomba," he said.

Event organiser Keleigh Newman said about 4000 people walked through the Toowoomba Showgrounds gates at the weekend for the inaugural horse expo.

"The response has been really overwhelming," she said.

"We didn't know what to expect with this being the first year, but people have been really positive about it. It really is something new for the Toowoomba area."

The expo showcased a range of products and services including horse breeds and medical services as well as horsemanship and riding technique demonstrations.

Mrs Newman said plans and discussions were already under way for next year's event.

"This will definitely be an annual event," she said.

Toowoomba Rangers post huge victory over All Stars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA Rangers were ruthless in their big Pacific League win over rivals All Stars on Sunday.

Rangers beat the Hendra-based team by a whopping 27-0 to post their second win from as many games.

The result also gave Rangers a 1-0 lead in the Luchterhand Shield which is played for between the two clubs each season.

Rangers had a far from ideal preparation for the game when pitcher Phil Vanderneut pulled up sore during his warm-up after pitching eight innings in their 5-2 win over Indians last weekend.

Coach Darryl Luchterhand decided to start with new Canadian import Clark Whelpton on the mound and he threw four shut-out innings before Shaun Clarke took over with three shut-out innings.

The Rangers hitters were also on song as the score suggested.

"Everyone swung the bat really good," Luchterhand said.

"They made a lot of errors. We only scored 12 earned runs."

He was happy with the way his team went on with the job after getting out to an early lead.

"I was really impressed that when we jumped out to a big lead we really drove it home," Luchterhand said.

"(But) we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We've got another tough one this week on the road against Redlands."

Rangers have to wait until October 12 for their first home game when they host Redcliffe.

Toowoomba Rangers post huge victory over All Stars - Toowoomba Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA Rangers were ruthless in their big Pacific League win over rivals All Stars on Sunday.

Rangers beat the Hendra-based team by a whopping 27-0 to post their second win from as many games.

The result also gave Rangers a 1-0 lead in the Luchterhand Shield which is played for between the two clubs each season.

Rangers had a far from ideal preparation for the game when pitcher Phil Vanderneut pulled up sore during his warm-up after pitching eight innings in their 5-2 win over Indians last weekend.

Coach Darryl Luchterhand decided to start with new Canadian import Clark Whelpton on the mound and he threw four shut-out innings before Shaun Clarke took over with three shut-out innings.

The Rangers hitters were also on song as the score suggested.

"Everyone swung the bat really good," Luchterhand said.

"They made a lot of errors. We only scored 12 earned runs."

He was happy with the way his team went on with the job after getting out to an early lead.

"I was really impressed that when we jumped out to a big lead we really drove it home," Luchterhand said.

"(But) we're not getting ahead of ourselves. We've got another tough one this week on the road against Redlands."

Rangers have to wait until October 12 for their first home game when they host Redcliffe.