All articles from our websiteThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueRos Sutton with one of her apple pies Picture: Tourism and Events QueenslandJust off the New England highway right before you reach Stanthorpe (look for the big apple on the other side of the road) Sutton's is an essential stop on the Granite Belt food trail if you're exploring the region or the perfect refuelling break if you're road-tripping through it Ros uses the apples picked straight from their own orchards - a mix of whatever varieties are on the trees; during other months Based on an original Women's Weekly recipe handed down by her mother from her mother each pie contains around 25 apples and weighs a hefty two kilograms the cafe and shop is housed in a rustic corrugated tin packing shed with tables set among pallets of bottles of single varietal apple juices apple cider vinegar and an apple cider made by Ros's self-taught husband Dave an achievement of which he is pretty chuffed but one that is perhaps a little ironic for a man who confesses he "doesn't much like apples" and that his go-to fruit is a "nice juicy mango" Picture: Tourism and Events QueenslandShelves are filled with jars of sauces and there's a menu of wholesome savoury dishes; toasties served warm with a scoop of their own spiced cider ice-cream that draws in daily cafe crowds - more than 800 on the weekends some of whom come for the day from Brisbane or the Gold Coast you'd have to be a mighty keen pie-enthusiast but the proof Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy Sign up to the latest news at Marie Claire By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use Farmer Wants A Wife season 15 has begun and already Farmer Jarrad is finding himself smitten with one of his ladies we’ve had our first group of people leave the series—and some front runners emerge and he’s after a loyal lady who can match his larger-than-life personality In the first week, Jarrad showed a clear interest in Chloe, whom he invited on their first overnight date Here’s what we know about Jarrad’s journey on FWAW Australia Where is Jarrad from? Stanthorpe, QLDHow old is he? Farmer Jarrad is 21 years oldWhat does he farm? Sheep and hempFarmer Jarrad’s Instagram: @itsmejarradwrigley but Jarrad is more than just his young farming career and we’ve already seen him pick up a guitar and serenade his dates He’s also working on a quest of his own: Buying back his grandfather’s farm Jarrad had whittled it down to five “ladies” (to use the lingo of Farmer Wants A Wife) a bartender also from Queensland who seems to share his sense of humour “It meant a lot to be able to cook for her and just for her We’ve got a similar sense of humour and really like being around each other.” “Today has really grounded my feelings for Jarrad,” she said “Fingers crossed they only grow from here.” As the Farmer Wants A Wife crew headed back to Jarrad’s farm in Stanthorpe to begin their journey to love here’s who’s still on the path to partnership: Read the full list of contestant bios Of eight original ladies, only two remain on the series for Farmer Jarrad. Here’s who departed “This date felt like a movie.” It’s safe to say Jarrad’s sights seem to be set on finding love for real as he’s narrowed down his connections to just two remaining ladies: Chloe and Ash But who will he give his heart to in the end It’s looking like we’ll have an answer sooner Rebecca Mitchell is a Senior Writer at Marie Claire Australia She graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2011 with solid media experience already under her belt as a radio presenter and reporter on WIN News Subscribe or renew your current subscription and receive $500 worth of value as part of your membership.  Exclusive access to our monthly LUXE newsletter, special offers, events, content and more!  All articles from our website & appThe digital version of This Week's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxAll articles from the other agricultural news sites in your areaContinueThousands of people poured through the gates "It was great to see the whole community come together and participate," she said "I'd recommend any young women considering the event to have a go." Stanthorpe Shpw president Brett Boatfield said this year's show was a cracker our community has stepped up to make this show a great success," he said Newsletters & AlertsView allDaily Today's top stories curated by our news team Our twice weekly wrap of the latest in rural property sales Our twice weekly wrap of the big news in the red meat sector Industry news from Australia's dairy sector The week's top stories curated by our news team 150 years: Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell and school children at the St Joseph's celebrations IT’S not often that a parish and their school community are able to bask in the joy of two sesquicentenaries When Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell visited the parishioners parents and caregivers of St Joseph’s parish and school in Stanthorpe from February 7 to 9 that’s precisely what occurred – the parish’s 150 years officially clocking over in 2024 and the school’s on February 9 Bishop Howell’s attendance at the school Mass on February 7 the next night’s dinner dance among countless past students and staff and the Mass and parish picnic on February 9 was centred on the arrival of four Mercy Sisters to Stanthorpe and the traditions that continue to be upheld because of their initial leadership and faith in God.  Bishop Howell wondered about the mindset of the “four young Irish sisters who almost didn’t make it” because of a train derailment before Warwick “They began something that has borne much fruit in your community since that day,” he said of St Mary Agnes and her companions who were the initiators of the school in 1875 Pamela Sullivan spoke at the dinner dance event sharing that “because of the Sisters of Mercy the school was successful from its very beginning”.  “They cared for their students and were determined to provide a good education to all children Catholic or not because they realised that a good education was essential to ensure that jobs were accessible to them,” she said on February 8 the sisters were taking them out of poverty and other difficult and sometimes probably dangerous situations by giving them knowledge and challenging them to make a difference for good in the world That’s what happened when I was a student of the sisters and is what is happening at St Joseph’s still today.” Moving to the parish’s official beginnings the previous year Bishop Howell commended Stanthorpe’s first parish priest who is “lorded throughout this district for his pioneering methods and the beginning of the deciduous fruit and vineyard industry that is significant” today “As I prepared for the weekend festivities ‘What on earth would have inspired four Irish Mercy sisters and a young Italian priest to want to offer themselves for mission and ministry on the shores of a country so far from their homeland and how did they cope with the uncertainties of a decision to venture into unchartered waters to a land far from their home?’ Bishop Howell said “It would not have been possible to make such a move without the assurances of faith in God’s promises … (and) we benefit now from something of their courage their passion for the mission of Christ and His Church and for their willingness to risk everything to follow the call.”  Bishop Howell said the sesquicentenary “offers us a moment in time to stop recall and to understand from where we have come” “It can never be a moment for simple reminiscence” but the more we know something of the past the more “we can understand our present and the more we can look to the future”.  Students were involved in re-enactments on February 7 and 8 and the former parish convent was open with displays on February 8 and 9 to allow visitors and locals to enjoy more of the parish and school’s collective and individual history.  Fr Nathan Webb said he was grateful to all parishioners and school community members who helped make the “double sesquicentenary” celebrations as “joyful” as they were “The parish truly came together,” Fr Webb said “… From the cleaners and florist through music in the liturgy to the catering and many helping hands – all those who contributed and supported should be proud of the jubilee festivities.” Fr Webb described the three days as “a raging success,” and a highpoint since his arrival in Stanthorpe in June 2024 “It is a humbling honour to walk in the paths trod by many notable pastors before me,” he said “The challenges that face our present Church are vastly different from those of Father Davadi … (but) nevertheless a similar ingenuity and innovation could well be needed to lead us into the next 150 years “I look forward to walking with the local parish to discern the calling and vision of God for Stanthorpe The Catholic Leader is an Australian award-winning Catholic newspaper that has been published by the Archdiocese of Brisbane since 1929 accurate and balanced Catholic perspective of local national and international news while upholding the dignity of the human person We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation Copyright © All Rights Reserved The Catholic Leader Credit: SuppliedPolice have appealed for public assistance after a 12-year-old boy was reported missing after last being seen at a shopping centre was last seen near a shopping centre on High Street in Stanthorpe on Friday afternoon It is understood that the child was last seen just after 5.30pm on Friday with police believing he may have then gotten into a 2008 Gold Holden Commodore Get the first look at the digital newspaper curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The boy has not had any contact with friends or family “The child is described as Caucasian in appearance They were last seen wearing black hooded jumper and a black cap,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said Police say the boy “may be travelling to the Ipswich area” in a vehicle with QLD registration 660KS5 with the disappearance being described as “out of character” Anyone with information about the boy’s whereabouts is urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T This is probably not the page you’re looking for ABC News News HomeSport Ben Armbruster said he "lost it" when he qualified for the Olympics Link copiedShareShare articleEagle-eyed observers of the men's 50m freestyle at the Australian Olympic Trials on Wednesday night would have noticed something that looked a little out of place In lane five at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre emblazoned with "Armbruster" as is standard It's fair to wonder what a boy from Stanthorpe who trained early in his career in a pool that was only open for six months a year on account of it not being heated is doing with a German national team cap on I met a fellow called Luca Armbruster," Ben said "He's from Germany and that's his cap I was wearing "I think it was a bit of a good luck charm here because he's already made it [to the Olympics] I wanna wear his stuff so I'll go too." Ben Armbruster is embracing his new-found connection with German swimmer Luca Nik Armbruster There is no family relationship as far as Australia's Armbruster is aware but the cap still turned out to be a very effective good luck charm The 22-year-old squeaked into the second spot in the men's 50m freestyle by 0.04 seconds and celebrating by slapping the pool and roaring to his supporters You just can't believe it," he said "It took me a second to be able to read the board "All I saw was a 2 next to my name and I looked across to make sure I made the time "I don't remember because I was just so happy Ben Armbruster will swim at the 2024 Olympic Games ABC Sport is live blogging every day of the Paris Olympics He has every reason to be a mix of thrilled and surprised. "The 50 free wasn't even in my mind," Ben explained. "I trained for 100 fly, so everything that helped me do that was just all the hard work and skills and whatnot, and that's what I really relied on tonight. "Just that skill, that first 15 and my good underwaters. So I just relied on that. And it paid off." Armbruster has history with making teams in events he's not intending to do well in. "I feel like when I made the Commonwealth Games with the 50 back, the 50 free was a race just to get me in something I could do if I swam well, but just to get me in, get the nerves down and something to dust the cobwebs off. "And yeah, history repeats itself." Armbruster has been on the verge of qualifying for Australian teams for a while, a freak rib injury robbing him of the chance to compete at the 2023 World Championships. But getting to the Olympics is something else. ABC Sport Daily is your daily sports conversation. We dive into the biggest story of the day and get you up to speed with everything else that's making headlines. "[It's been the goal for the] Last 22 years of my life," Ben said. "I started swimming when I was four, and even from that really young age, people ask you, are you gonna go to the Olympics?  "Even if they're just joking, that's in your head already. So that's always been the goal." He credits a move to the Sunshine Coast in 2021 as giving him the chance to really push his swimming to new levels. After all, training was somewhat limited in Stanthorpe. "[It's] Pretty damn cold there so not an ideal place for it," Ben said. "But, you know, you don't blame your tools, so you do what you can." AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Today's top stories curated by our news team. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! but are they the best?A tin shed on an apple orchard on the Granite Belt is where you'll find Queensland's most famous apple pie ShareYour pie, with icecream, is served. Picture: Tourism and Events QueenslandBy Natascha MiroschUpdated April 29, 2025, first published July 7, 2023A tin shed on an apple orchard on the Granite Belt is where you'll find Queensland's most famous and arguably best apple pie. Apple farmer Ros Sutton has been baking pies at Sutton's Juice Factory, Cider and Shed Cafe in the state's coldest town since 2008 All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueRos Sutton with one of her apple pies ShareTravel's Top PicksHungry TravellerThe West Hollywood power move isn't booze - it's a healthy breakfast by the poolCelebrities are flocking to it in big numbers. ReviewTucked away in Byron Bay, this stylish stay offers more than just good looksYou'll experience a sense of calm from the moment you arrive. Ditch airport dramas in the UK by travelling by train - here's a guideTurn up the bliss factor by swapping flights with rail journeys. A new cruise ship has scored pole position at the famous Monaco Grand PrixThe glamorous vessel will be used as a floating hotel. In southern Spain time slows down - and the tapas keeps comingSlow travel is on the rise; here's where to experience it Field crew from Southern Downs Regional Council In the heart of Australia’s drought-prone landscape Stanthorpe has faced its fair share of water woes a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Southern Downs Regional Council and Unitywater is changing the narrative What began as a response to the town’s water supply crisis in 2020 has evolved into a pioneering smart water network that is not only safeguarding precious water resources but also saving both money and water for the community Executive Manager Customer Delivery at Unitywater emphasises the significance of this innovative approach “The smart water network enables real-time monitoring of water usage across four suburb-sized district metered areas and using the Takadu Central Event Management system we can combine communication and data analysis information together to quickly identify and address leaks,” Mr Duncan said “Volumetric flow meters use electromagnetic induction to measure liquid velocity at the entry point of each district metered area to capture the flow entering a suburb “This data is compared against actual customer consumption measured through smart meters at each property connection with any difference indicating a potential leak that is then investigated “Being able to act quickly has helped us retain more than 13 Olympic swimming pools of precious water supplies within the local network and delivered big cost savings for the people of Stanthorpe.” Buried beneath layers of earth and worsened by blasted rock the leak was losing approximately 20 litres per minute potentially saving the affected Southern Downs Regional Council community up to $12,000 annually The benefits of the smart water network extend beyond leak detection and prevention By harnessing the power of data transmitted via the network to a monitoring team at Unitywater the council can proactively manage water resources round-the-clock This real-time monitoring not only enhances the accuracy of water billing but also fosters community engagement in water-saving practices data from the Stanthorpe water network is sent across the 5G network to a monitoring team based on the Sunshine Coast who monitor it 24/7 and let Southern Downs Regional Council know when they’ve got a leak so they can fix it faster than ever before The introduction of this technology has delivered real benefits to the Southern Downs Regional Council primarily the ability to immediately identify and investigate abnormally high flow events to determine if the source is a leak Stanthorpe now has one of the smartest water networks in Australia with the ability to provide real-time water monitoring at both the customer and treatment plant levels providing transparency and awareness to the community This comprehensive approach to water management is not only securing Stanthorpe’s water future but also setting a precedent for sustainable water management practices across Australia With its smart water network leading the way Stanthorpe is proving that innovation and collaboration with Unitywater are the keys to overcoming water challenges of today Lessons from Stanthorpe’s experience can inform future initiatives addressing water scarcity communities can build resilience and adaptability in the face of water supply uncertainty the transformative power of innovation in water management offers hope for a sustainable future As the world grapples with the growing challenges around increased climate events initiatives like the smart water network in Stanthorpe exemplify the power of innovation in addressing pressing environmental concerns By harnessing the collective expertise of individuals we can develop solutions that safeguard our most precious resources for generations to come Featured image: field crew from Southern Downs Regional Council utilities are facing increasing pressure to deliver larger projects more often Under a new Construction Services Panel Agreement (CSPA) Transgrid will invite energy provider Genus to tender for a pipeline of.. An Australian-first autonomous robotic piling system is being trialled during construction of ENGIE’s Goorambat East Solar Farm All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE Two men aged in their 20s have been arrested and charged in relation to last week’s double firebombing of a […] Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription Get an all access pass to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription A second suspicious fire has torn through and destroyed a tobacconist in Stanthorpe's CBD just 48 hours after it was […] Solomon Islands swimmer Wendy Charles has led the way as the Stanthorpe Swimming Club “did themselves proud” at Sunday’s Dalby […] Cricket across the Southern Downs and Granite Belt is getting down to the pointy end at both a local and […] Three saints: Fr Franco Filipetto (centre) with semi-retired priest Fr Brian Connolly (left) and Stanthorpe parish priest Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran WHILE the promised cannoli are a certain drawcard it’s the honouring of God through the intercession of the “Three Saints” – Alfio Filadelfo and Cirino – that draws locals and visitors to Stanthorpe parish on the first Sunday in May each year May 5 marked recent celebrations in the regional parish led by Fr Franco Filipetto who represented Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell The Warwick pastor was joined by Stanthorpe parish priest Fr Gonzalo Garcia Duran and Fr Brian Connolly who is semi-retired worshipers were welcomed by Stanthorpe Three Saints Committee president Tony Minuti who said he hoped Saints Alfio Filadelfo and Cirino “would pray for the personal needs and intentions” of those gathered was told by Stanthorpe Three Saints Committee secretary Nita Gasparin She said “many stories have been shared from people who have received gifts of healing through the intercession of the Three Saints” “These testimonies are filled with the spirit of God’s promise to be always with us,” Mrs Gasparin said “It is a spirit of hope and trust in the mercy of God.” the statues of the brothers were transported around the block of the precinct for another praying of the rosary Organisers were anticipating the annual street protest against what is witnessed in the procession especially Mrs Gasparin said that the gathering was and is “a festival for the whole community to share” “(The festival) has continued down the years with a message of heroic faith with a welcome to all those who admire their courage,” she said “We ask the saints to intercede on our behalf for our spiritual welfare.” It has been documented that prior to his death St Alfio said: “I will never cease to give thanks and praise to God in my heart Other celebrations are traditionally held not only in the northern Brisbane suburb of Lutwyche but also in Sydney and Silkwood Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime Previous SlideNext Slide14.5/20How we score about three hours’ drive south-west of Brisbane There’s no wine list in this tiny restaurant but you can bring your own booze and the guy next to us is on his third Vodka Cruiser His partner has discreetly removed her shoes and a bloke in an Akubra has just rocked up with a bottle of rum Fireworks blast a few blocks over at the grape harvest festival and in case all that isn’t enough to remind diners they’re in regional Queensland rain is hammering down on a corrugated iron roof and the four-course set menu starts with focaccia and ends with dessert A copy of Sydney chef Mat Lindsay’s Ester: Australian Cooking sits on the counter next to Elizabeth David’s Book of Mediterranean Food But owner Clarissa Pabst is also writing her own small-town rules ensuring she can serve the food she wants and still turn a profit while one friendly front-of-house manager runs dishes and opens wine The shared menu is $91 per person and vegans cannot be catered for There are just three services a week and bookings are essential that sounds like the dream.” And it kind of is Stanthorpe is a few clicks past the NSW border surrounded by rich farming land and Granite Belt vineyards Pabst was born and raised in the region and worked in health administration for a bit but figured that cooking professionally – like her mum – could be more rewarding After completing an apprenticeship in Melbourne and spending time at Tivoli Road Bakery It’s the kind of comfort cooking you can imagine Stephanie Alexander serving for Sunday lunch Tropea onion and parmesan tart; roast chook with white polenta; lemon thyme panna cotta and Golden Queen peach sorbet When a restaurant offers “caraway seed focaccia with Rising Sun Farm pork schmaltz” I will build my weekend around visiting it any excuse to drive through New England and crank up Tenterfield Saddler cucumber and fried curry leaf.Paul HarrisPabst changes most of her dishes weekly largely depending on what her suppliers are offering and what her mum and brother are farming The just-toasted focaccia is pork fat-free when I visit spread instead with a Tunisian Jewish condiment called bkeila which is made with kale and garlic simmered in oil for many hours Curls of cucumber and fried curry leaf balance the paste’s intensity and Vodka Cruiser guy nods in approval Pumpkin is smoked to the point of submission stuffed inside a thick ribbon of pappardelle and curled into a softball-sized nest Lemon and brown butter bring the pasta to life and there’s crisp sage and hazelnuts for crunch Go-to dish: Smoked butternut pumpkin-filled pappardelle with hazelnuts you may want something punchy and chilled in your glass and the hot tip is to visit nearby Bent Road Winery for a bottle during the day I’m a big fan of its left-of-centre La Petite Mort range which you can also buy to take away at Stonefruit wine bar in Tenterfield There’s kombucha if you forget to bring booze mainly because it’s in a residential backstreet in a vine-covered cottage that was someone’s home and a butcher before it became a restaurant I have no idea why the council figures BYO is fine but on-premise sales are not especially since – as Pabst tells me – some groups come armed with a full carton of beer It’s a wood-fired rib cap of Queensland Angus the inside a vivid purple and glistening with its own juices Roast spuds roll about on the same plate with herby green butter and there’s a side of peak-condition tomatoes and basil leaves perched in baba ghanoush Granny Smith apple tarte tatin with lemon-leaf ice-cream.SuppliedDessert is Granny Smith tarte tatin topped with lemon-leaf ice-cream You can’t fault the country-fresh flavours but purists might prefer their tarte tatin more sticky-sweet and butter-soft It makes me want to open my own small regional dining room serving “whatever looks good at the market” and sitting down with locals to talk about sheep and flowers and dogs but it seems like a smart model in an increasingly high-cost market Build it and they will come – and they might also bring their own Esky Go-to dish: Smoked butternut pumpkin-filled pappardelle with hazelnuts This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine No upcoming meetings are scheduled for this venue For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au The Stanthorpe Gremlins celebrated 100 years of footy on the Border recently with a massive weekend for the past and present members of the proud club Rugby league originally started in Stanthorpe on July 19 1919 when a representative team played Toowoomba Valleys and lost 20-19 They then played a return match in Toowoomba and went on to comprehensively win their first match in the club's 100-year history there have been many changes; from a sole team representing the town to a full local competition which in its peak included up to six teams The last major change occurred back in 1974 when the Gremlins came into fruition The club still proudly competes under this banner in both juniors and seniors and are uniquely the only club of any sport in Australia that has the Gremlin as their logo The weekend kicked off in style with a super Saturday of rugby league at Sullivan Oval The highlight – the Gremlins repeating history to record an emphatic 48-0 win over old foes Valleys to secure a finals berth in Toowoomba’s Second Division competition more than 300 people attended the Centenary Dinner held at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre in a night full of laughs The event included unveiling the Stanthorpe Team of the Century which included several heavyweights of the game that represented the club before going on to achieve higher honours President Lindsay Adams praised committee members David Ball Michael Jensen and Michael Mahoney for their work in compiling the 100-year team He also gave thanks to the Stanthorpe Rugby League committee and community for organising Jordan AtkinsLaurie BonnerBob CookWally CrawfordRussell CrispBrian FullerMichael HancockNeil HansonTony HermanRon LewisPeter 'Mick' MadsenPeter MavinBob NewlandsRob ReevesLes SellarsJohn ScottWesley Smith *Main image courtesy of Gerard Walsh (Stanthorpe's Border Post) Semi-Finals: Weekend Preview - Mal Meninga Cup Mackay and Cairns women eager to dethrone favourites Townsville in Foley Shield Everything you need to know: XXXX Foley Shield 2025 Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time An uncontrollable blaze ripping through the Granite Belt has forced Stanthorpe residents to flee to safety or find shelter The Queensland border town lost power as residents were urged to seek shelter about 6pm to survive the imminent danger of a blaze heading toward the township the "large and fast-moving fire" was impacting Glenlyon Drive It was travelling east towards Nelson Crescent McLeod Court and Michelle Road in Happy Valley The New England Highway was also closed north and south of Stanthorpe "The fire poses a threat to all lives directly in its path," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned "Fire crews may not be able to protect your property You should not expect a firefighter at your door: shelter now "Water and mobile phone service may be lost Power has been lost in the Stanthorpe township and Ergon are assessing the situation." The approaching fire is one of the two most serious among more than 70 burning across Queensland. The other major blaze forced evacuations and destroyed a home in the Gold Coast hinterland on Friday afternoon A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services alert urged residents not to try to leave the area as driving would be extremely dangerous "People in the area are in imminent danger and need to seek shelter now to survive," the alert said Driving now would be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly Murray Gardens Cottages and Motel assistant manager Kerry Edminston said her 24 guests had been evacuated to the fitness centre and she was waiting to go "It's right beside us but luckily the wind is blowing away from us," she said at 7pm Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobbie said a bushfire had taken out a substation and much of Stanthorpe was without power "It's moved very quickly," Cr Dobbie said of the fire But Ergon Energy appeared to suggest a possibly different explanation for the outage "Ergon Energy has de-energised more than 6500 customers in the Warwick and Stanthorpe regions for public safety due to bush fires," the company said "Crews have been sent from the area while emergency services fight the fire but will return and restore power when it's safe." An unattended bed-and-breakfast was also under threat from the blaze Cr Dobbie said residents had been following the directions from firefighters and police Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said no one should leave Stanthorpe because driving would be potentially deadly Cr Dobbie said some people had already evacuated but there were still many there due to the speed at which the fire descended upon them The Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts were on alert as fire danger mounted this week Drought conditions were so bad many dams had run dry "Most rural residents don't have any water in their dams to fight a fire," she said Many people were sheltering in an evacuation centre that was opened at the Stanthorpe Fitness Centre on Talc Street The Bureau of Meteorology said strong gusty winds temperatures in the mid-30s and very low humidity were creating the very dangerous conditions Cooler conditions are forecast in coming days but the fire danger will remain high until the middle of next week the \\\"large and fast-moving fire\\\" was impacting Glenlyon Drive \\\"The fire poses a threat to all lives directly in its path,\\\" Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned \\\"Fire crews may not be able to protect your property \\\"Water and mobile phone service may be lost Power has been lost in the Stanthorpe township and Ergon are assessing the situation.\\\" The approaching fire is one of the two most serious among more than 70 burning across Queensland \\\"People in the area are in imminent danger and need to seek shelter now to survive,\\\" the alert said \\\"It's right beside us but luckily the wind is blowing away from us,\\\" she said at 7pm \\\"It's moved very quickly,\\\" Cr Dobbie said of the fire \\\"Ergon Energy has de-energised more than 6500 customers in the Warwick and Stanthorpe regions for public safety due to bush fires,\\\" the company said \\\"Crews have been sent from the area while emergency services fight the fire but will return and restore power when it's safe.\\\" \\\"Most rural residents don't have any water in their dams to fight a fire,\\\" she said