The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce and its members congregated at the Home Hill Community Sports Club in ordinary fashion as the organisation hosted its monthly social networking meeting last Wednesday.

The Chamber’s third meeting of the year saw the evening’s guest speaker, Burdekin Community Association (BCA) CEO Debra Cochran, share insight into the Burdekin’s underlying issues of homelessness, domestic violence, and declining volunteer rates, among others.

Home Hill Chamber Secretary Robert Antoniazzi said the presentation served as a “real eye-opener” for guests.

“Debra gave a great presentation and fielded a lot of questions from the floor," Antoniazzi said.

“When she began presenting all the figures and statistics, people began realising how bad things are and how much the BCA does in our community.

“What they do is great, but it’s unfortunate that there’s still a big need for them in our community.”

The session reinforced the Chamber’s role as a forum for discussion and knowledge sharing, a goal Antoniazzi says has also helped boost attendance.

“My aim in getting speakers is so that we can educate ourselves,” he said.

“Since we started bringing guest speakers in, our meeting attendance has gone from a dozen to 25-30.”

The Home Hill Chamber’s next social networking meeting is set for 15 April, where guest speaker Owen Menkens, President of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG), will present to the gathering.

CAPTION: Guest speaker Debra Cochran with Burdekin Shire Councillor John Furnell. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin’s next generation of farmers, horticulturists, and agronomists are stepping up to shape the region’s agricultural future, having gained hands-on insight through the recent Future Fields Agriculture Inspirations and Horticulture Immersion Program.

From 9th–13th March, 35 students from Charters Towers State High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Catholic State High School, and Ayr State High School took part in the five-day program, designed to expose them to careers in the region’s food and fibre industries.

Students visited farms and local businesses, engaging in hands-on horticulture activities and garnering industry know-how from career sessions with producers, agronomists, and other agricultural professionals.

Through the program, students developed practical skills such as working safely, following procedures, managing equipment, and understanding production systems, while also building reliability, teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to learn, all qualities valued by industry.

Louise Nicholas, Agricultural Science Teacher at Home Hill State High School, said such practical experience is essential for students.

“First-hand experience allows students to see the reality of agriculture beyond classroom,” she said.

“It helps students connect theory to real-world applications, builds confidence, and allows them to develop skills such as problem solving, responsibility, and communication.”

The program highlighted career opportunities close to home, which Nicholas says are crucial both for young locals and the Burdekin’s agricultural industry.

“These programs help young people see that there are meaningful careers available right here in our region… When students feel connected to their local area and can see real opportunities for their future, they are more likely to stay, train, and work locally,” she said.

“We hope students gained a better understanding of how many different careers contribute to the food and fibre industry and that they now see themselves as part of the future of the Burdekin.”

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1—Students listening to Heidi Wiggenhauser from the DPI about the protective cropping structure.

2—Students listening intently to Luke from Aglantis take about the future of Ag Tech.

3—Students from Charters Towers State High School in the HHSHS greenhouse after a busy week of career education.

4—Students observe Coral Coast Barramundi Farm

5—Home Hill, BCHS, Ayr SHS students in the Greenhouse after a busy morning session learning about soils from NQ Dry Tropics.

6—Panel members – Rob Milla (BPS), Damien McKenzie (Muirs), Elizabeth Stockton (Lindsay Rural), Kaylaha Malaponte (Aglantis) and Heidi Wiggenhauser (DPI).

Photos supplied.

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Queenslanders are being encouraged to play a role in the future of the state’s fisheries, with nominations now open for a series of advisory working groups.

The Queensland Government is calling for expressions of interest from stakeholders to join fishery working groups, which provide operational advice on the management of fisheries across the state.

These groups play an important role in bringing together a wide range of voices and helping guide sustainable practices within the industry.

Pauline Jacob said the department was seeking a diverse mix of representatives.

“This is a real opportunity for Queenslanders to play a vital role in the sustainable management of our fisheries, so they continue to grow and thrive,” Ms Jacob said.

“We are looking for people to join 11 working groups, including commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors, conservation representatives and First Nations peoples.

“While these working groups are not decision-making bodies, we rely on the advice of these groups to improve community engagement, prioritisation and our own decision-making,” she said.

The working groups aim to ensure Queensland’s fisheries are managed effectively, both now and into the future.

Nominations are open until 5pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026, with application details, guidelines and terms of reference available online via the Department of Primary Industries engagement hub.

Queenslanders with an interest in fisheries, sustainability or the marine environment are encouraged to apply.

CAPTION: The Queensland Government is seeking expressions of interest from stakeholders to join fishery working groups. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The future of the Burdekin’s energy workforce is looking bright, with local apprentices among those recently inducted into Ergon Energy Network’s Northern Stars Class of 2026.

The new cohort officially began their journey at the Townsville Training Centre, marking the start of their apprenticeships and a hands-on career in the energy sector.

“These faces represent the future of energy across a vast region, including Bowen, the Burdekin, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Ingham, Innisfail, Mount Isa and Townsville,” Ergon Energy Network said.

The Northern Stars program brings together apprentices from across regional Queensland, equipping them with the technical skills and on-the-job experience needed to support and maintain essential energy infrastructure in their local communities.

For the Burdekin, where reliable power is critical to both agriculture and everyday life, the program represents an important investment in the region’s future workforce.

The apprentices will undergo a combination of classroom-based learning and field training, preparing them for roles that help keep homes, farms and businesses powered.

Ergon Energy Network encouraged the community to get behind the new recruits as they begin their careers, adding: “We wish them all the very best for their apprenticeship and beyond.”

CAPTION: Several Burdekin apprentices were among Ergon Energy’s recently inducted Northern Stars Class of 2026 cohort. Photo source: Ergon Energy Network

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Queensland women looking to re-enter the workforce are being encouraged to apply for the second round of the Government’s Women’s Career Grants, with up to $5,000 available per applicant.

The $20 million program is designed to ease the financial burden of returning to work, covering costs such as childcare, training, recertification, workwear, transport, tools, technology and even relocation.

Following strong demand in the first round, which supported more than 1,000 women, applications have now reopened, offering further opportunities for women across the state to rebuild their careers and improve their economic security.

Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the grants were helping remove barriers that often prevent women from returning to employment.

“Our Women’s Career Grants are breaking down barriers and providing cost-of-living relief to help women with the essentials to get back into work,” Minister Simpson said.

“Having travelled throughout the State listening to women, we’re investing in those who are seeking to re-enter paid work because we recognise that taking some time out of the workforce for whatever reason can be a real barrier.”

The program, delivered in partnership with Future Women, has already seen strong uptake in areas such as training, technology and recertification.

Future Women founder Helen McCabe said many applicants face similar challenges when returning to work.

“Every story is unique, but there are similarities we see often. Highly capable women who took time out of work to raise a family, or because of caring responsibilities or health issues,” she said.

Applications are now open, with full eligibility details available online via  womenscareergrants.com.au.

CAPTION: Round two of applications are now open for Women’s Career Grants. Photo source: Shutterstock

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Communities across Queensland are being encouraged to start planning their NAIDOC Week celebrations, with funding now available to mark a major milestone — 50 years of NAIDOC.

The Crisafulli Government has opened applications for its 2026 NAIDOC Grants program, offering eligible organisations up to $2,500 to host events and activities that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

This year’s theme, “Fifty Years of Deadly,” celebrates five decades of cultural pride, resilience and achievement, with National NAIDOC Week set to run from 5 to 12 July.

The grants can support a wide range of community events, including cultural performances, workshops, educational programs, sporting activities and yarning circles, helping communities come together to celebrate the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the funding would help make this year’s milestone celebrations especially meaningful.

“NAIDOC Week is a time for all Queenslanders to come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Minister Simpson said.

“The Crisafulli Government's NAIDOC Grants will empower communities to host meaningful events and activities which showcase the world’s oldest continuous living cultures during a very special 50 anniversary this year.”

A total of $145,000 is available statewide, with additional flexibility for communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle to ensure they can still access funding.

Reflecting on the milestone, the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation said NAIDOC Week represents a powerful legacy.

“It honours the voices of those who walked before us, the wisdom they carried, and the responsibility we hold to continue caring for country, culture and community,” the Board of Elders said.

Applications close on 10 April 2026. Visit www.qld.gov.au/naidoc for more information.

CAPTION: Ayr State High School hosts a large celebration for NAIDOC Day each year. Photo source: Ayr State High School

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The world of space and aviation has long beckoned Ayr local Sophie Robertson, an obsession born from gazing at the Burdekin night sky with her mother as a child. Last month, she took another significant step toward a career in the field, officially commencing her aeronautical engineering studies at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra.

"I've had my eyes set on this specific program from Year 10 onwards, and it's just so rewarding to now be able to study something that I'm passionate about and have always wanted to learn more about,” Robertson said.

Her official admission into ADFA, a prestigious military academy geared toward training and educating the next generation of military officers, follows the completion of the Academy’s Year One Familiarisation Training.

The demanding five-week induction program introduces new cadets to military life, leadership, and discipline, culminating in the Chief of Defence Force Parade, where the entire intake is formally reviewed by the Chief of Defence Force.

Robertson now begins the full academic and military program at ADFA, which fuses honours aeronautical engineering studies covering the mechanical systems of aircraft and spacecraft with daily intensive physical and military training.

For Sophie, this marks the beginning of a long-held ambition to work in the field of space, specifically with Defence Space Command.

"My mum began introducing me to astronomy when I was probably five years old. She would always buy me these books, and we'd go outside and just watch the night sky together on the farm and… over time, I just became more fascinated,” Robertson said.

“Space is still largely unexplored, so the opportunity for research in this industry is immense. I want to help make the unknown, known in my career… to at least solve one piece of the puzzle that we don't have right now regarding what's out there in space.”

Robertson says her motivation has always been the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, not only to the field of aviation and space, but to the Burdekin community she credits with nurturing her.

“The Burdekin community is actually the reason why I joined the ADF… the opportunity to give back to my community, whether that's during wartime or through humanitarian assistance,” Robertson said.

“I think there's a unique advantage in the fact that we're able to build a really strong sense of community [in the Burdekin].

“Growing up, they've invested so much time and energy in me, and so I feel like the only way that I can show them my gratitude is through the ADF.”

CAPTION:

1—Robertson now begins the full academic and military program at ADFA, which fuses her honours aeronautical engineering studies with intensive physical and military training.

2—ADFA trainee officers during the Chief of the Defence Force Parade, Canberra, ACT.

Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Shire Youth Council has seen a change at the helm, with William Wiseman stepping into the role of Youth Mayor after a successful spell as Deputy Youth Mayor in 2025.

Announced last week, Wiseman will be joined by Alicia Jansen Van Rensburg as Deputy Youth Mayor and Jorda Quagliata as Secretary, forming the council’s executive team for the year ahead.

Wiseman, a student at Burdekin Christian College, has been involved with the Youth Council for four years. Now Youth Mayor for the first time, he hopes to represent the Burdekin youth and encourage more young people to get involved in local initiatives.

“I [put my hand up] to encourage more people join the youth council, and to get more ideas or changes for the youth in our community,” Wiseman said.

“I would like more people help contribute to the next generation.”

Wiseman says he’s hoping to oversee an uptick in community activities aimed at youth.

“We have bowling, but that’s mainly it apart from the sports. I would like to change that by adding more youth-based activities,” he said.

Deputy Youth Mayor Van Rensburg, also a student at Burdekin Christian College, has quickly become an active member of the Youth Council since moving to the Burdekin from New Zealand. She has already made a positive impact on local community projects and initiatives.

Jorda Quagliata, a Year 11 student at Ayr State High School, has been a Youth Council member for five years. Elected Secretary, she brings experience, dedication, and strong organizational skills to support the council’s activities throughout the year.

The newly elected team will lead the Burdekin Shire Youth Council through the year, driving projects and initiatives that give young people a voice in the community.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort congratulated the new Youth Council executive and highlighted the importance of youth leadership in the region.

“Our Youth Council continues to demonstrate the passion, leadership and commitment of young people in the Burdekin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“William, Alicia and Jorda should be very proud of their election, and I look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make alongside the members of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council.

“The Youth Council plays an important role in ensuring young voices are heard, and Council is proud to support opportunities that help develop future leaders within our community.”

CAPTION: Burdekin Shire Youth Council’s new executive: Youth Mayor William Wiseman, Secretary Jorda Quagliata, and Deputy Youth Mayor Alicia Jansen Van Rensburg. Photo supplied

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Volunteers at NQ Wildlife Care are calling on the community to lend a helping hand, one piece of fabric at a time.

Behind the scenes, dedicated volunteers are busy sewing essential items such as bedding, pouches and bat wraps, all designed to keep injured and orphaned wildlife warm, safe and comfortable during their recovery.

To continue this important work, the organisation is seeking donations of suitable fabric. Items must be clean, freshly washed and in good condition, with natural fibres like cotton or linen preferred. Larger pieces, ideally bigger than 30 centimetres by 30 centimetres, are most useful for sewing.

Synthetic materials, heavily worn fabrics, very small scraps or dirty items unfortunately cannot be accepted.

Donations can be dropped off at the group’s shop on Aitken Street in Aitkenvale, which is open on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. Those unsure whether their fabric is suitable are encouraged to get in touch via email for guidance.

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps volunteers continue their hands-on care for North Queensland’s native animals, offering them comfort, protection and a better chance at recovery.

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Burdekin’s reputation as a breeding ground for young talent held true at the 2026 North Queensland Fast Track Talent Showcase, with 39 performers taking to the stage at the Burdekin Memorial Hall.

Acts travelled from as far as Darwin to compete in this year’s iteration, with Townsville’s Lola Lombardi taking top honours. Local performers Milla Licciardello and Alaya Mugica also featured among the major winners, with Mugica earning a career development opportunity through Yoyo Music Management.

More than $7,000 in prizes went to performers on the night, which climaxed with a headline set by global star and special guest Conrad Sewell.

Fast Track Spotlight Falls on Burdekin’s Emerging Talent

Young performers from across North Queensland and beyond touched down on the Burdekin Memorial Hall on Saturday, 21 March, as the 2026 Fast Track Talent Showcase brought 39 unique acts to the local stage.

With competitors travelling from as far as Darwin, the event once again drew a diverse mix of singers and musicians, some as young as just four years old.

10-year-old Townsville native Lola Lombardi claimed first place for her rendition of Never Enough, impressing judges to secure the $1,000 prize.

Burdekin local Milla Licciardello, 16, was awarded runner-up with a soulful performance of Gone by Lianne La Havas, accompanying herself on keyboard.

Another local, 15-year-old Alaya Mugica, was awarded the ‘Fast Track to Fame’ prize, which includes a development opportunity with Yoyo Music Management. Her performance of I Will Survive stood out for its creativity, beginning with a stripped-back guitar arrangement before building to a high-energy finish.

Mugica’s showing drew praise from guest judge and multi-award-winning artist Conrad Sewell, who offered the budding talent a one-on-one songwriting workshop as part of her prize.

Co-Founder of Fast Track and Director of Yoyo Music Management, Ben Brazil, said the showcase continues to highlight the depth of regional talent.

“The NQ Fast Track was another huge success this year, showcasing a wealth of regional and local talent. Our team was thrilled to see so many fresh faces on the stage,” he said.

“We gave away some brilliant prizes this year—worth over $7,000—thanks to our amazing sponsors.

“Conrad Sewell was a highlight for the region, and well done to the team at Burdekin Shire Council for continuing to support the arts and providing upcoming performers with a world-class showcase to be proud of.”

Saturday’s program opened with a performance from local artist Rene LeFeuvre, before Sewell closed the night with a set featuring Firestone, Healing Hands and Start Again.

Now in its 11th year, Fast Track continues to provide a platform for emerging performers, reinforcing the Burdekin’s standing as a hub for developing creative talent.

CAPTIONS:

Cover—Young performers from across North Queensland converged on the Burdekin Memorial Hall on Saturday, 21 March, as the 2026 Fast Track Talent Showcase brought 39 acts to the local stage. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

2—Guest judge Conrad Sewell closed the night with a set featuring Firestone, Healing Hands and Start Again. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

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Amid a nationwide lull in volunteering, the Rotary Club of Home Hill has welcomed three new members, giving the longstanding community club a timely boost.

Peter Macaway, Meryl Clarke and Don Clark were sworn in during an intimate ceremony at the Crown Hotel in Home Hill, each receiving a certificate and badge to mark their official entry into the club.

Part of Rotary International, Home Hill Rotary supports local projects, charities, and community initiatives. Club president Alf Musumeci said the additions are invaluable in carrying out the club’s duties, bringing much-needed support to the organisation that has served the Burdekin for decades.

“New members bring new ideas and they are essential to our club's work,” Musumeci said.

“Welcoming new members into our club means we can continue the ideals of Rotary and continue our donations to [Burdekin] entities… and charities. It’s all about giving back to the community.”

The new members will help spread the load within the club, helping with raffle ticket sales, running the club's mega markets, and helping out at events like RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness).

Musumeci hopes the club can continue to build momentum off the back of the new additions.

"We are a club of older members and we need to attract younger members to learn and eventually become knowledgeable and continue our work in the community,” he said.

“We are constantly on the lookout for new projects to help the community where we can. If you have a plan or an idea, put it to us and we can consider it and take it from there.”

The club recently announced its flagship fundraiser of the year, aiming to raise about $40,000 for a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for local police. With added hands, the club is hopeful of reaching that target.

CAPTIONS:

1—President Elect Clive Williams, new member Peter Macaway, Club President Alf Musumeci at the swearing-in ceremony.

2—Clive Williams and Alf Musumeci with new member Meryl Clarke.

3—Clive Williams and Alf Musumeci with new member Don Clarke.

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Students from Ayr and Home Hill have gained a hands-on look at the science behind agriculture, taking part in an interactive Agricultural Careers Day hosted at Home Hill State High School.

Delivered by NQ Dry Tropics staff, the workshop introduced Year 10–12 students to the fundamentals of soil health and its role in sustainable farming across the Burdekin.

The session moved beyond theory, with students rolling up their sleeves to take part in real-world soil testing activities. They compared soil types, explored how to interpret soil test results and learned practical conservation techniques used across the region.

At interactive stations, students conducted soil dispersion tests, examined soil texture using the “ribbon test” and tested pH levels — all key skills for understanding how land can be managed more effectively.

NQ Dry Tropics Soil Conservation Officer Bernie Claussen said building this knowledge early was essential for the next generation of farmers and land managers.

“Healthy soils have a structure; this means that much of it is air; spaces for plant roots and millions of micro-organisms to live in, all the while fertilising the soil," she said.

“Healthy soils grow healthy crops and pastures while using less inputs. These living soils erode less and improve the long-term resilience of agricultural production systems."

The event formed part of the school’s Future Field Immersion Program, giving students insight into career pathways in grazing, cropping, agronomy and environmental science.

CAPTION: Students get hands-on experience tasing soil pH. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics

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Heavy rainfall and the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle have pushed the Burdekin River to capacity, with floodwaters now running bank to bank across the region.

Earlier this week, Sunwater confirmed the Burdekin Falls Dam had reached 112.44 per cent capacity, underscoring the scale of inflows across the vast catchment.

Stretching more than 800 kilometres, the Burdekin River is one of Queensland’s most significant waterways, draining an area of approximately 130,500 square kilometres. Its extensive system, fed by tributaries including the Suttor, Bowen and Star Rivers, plays a critical role in supporting agriculture across North Queensland.

For the Lower Burdekin, the river is the lifeblood of one of Australia’s most productive farming regions. Intensive irrigation supports a thriving sugarcane industry, which generates an estimated $160 to $180 million annually and delivers the highest cane yields per hectare in the country. The river system also underpins cattle grazing operations further upstream.

As floodwaters continue to move through the system, the Burdekin once again highlights both the strength and complexity of one of Queensland’s most important agricultural regions.

The Burdekin Dam has dropped to an approximate capacity of 112 per cent. Photo credit: Lachlan Allegri

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More than 500 small businesses across Queensland have already benefited from a new apprenticeship support program aimed at strengthening the state’s construction workforce.

The Queensland Government’s $19 million Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program was launched in October and has so far supported 526 small and family-owned businesses employing 579 apprentices in training.

The initiative is designed to help small construction businesses train and retain skilled workers by providing wage subsidies while apprentices attend formal training. Under the program, eligible businesses can receive a subsidy covering 50 per cent of wages for first and second-year apprentices and 25 per cent for those in their third and fourth years during training periods.

The pilot program aims to support up to 2,000 apprentices across the state, with a strong focus on regional Queensland. About one-third of registrations so far have come from small construction businesses located outside south-east Queensland.

Carpentry currently represents the largest share of registrations at 26.3 per cent, followed by electrical trades at 25.3 per cent and plumbing at 15.7 per cent.

Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the program also supports small businesses taking on apprentices.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this is another example of the Crisafulli government putting Small and Family Business first to ensure they have the support they need to take on apprentices and contribute to critical infrastructure projects across the state,” Minister Minnikin said.

“I encourage small construction businesses to apply to secure funding.”

More information is available online at business.qld.gov.au/apprentice-pilot.

CAPTION: Apprenticeships in plumbing, painting, construction and locksmithing are among several eligible for the Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program. Photo source: Next Gen Building Co.

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Wilmar Sugar Australia has developed a 3D printed model of a crushing mill to support hands-on training for trades and operational employees working across its sugar factories.

The model is the first in a planned series designed to help workers better understand equipment components and key operational settings used within the milling process.

Wilmar’s design team began by creating a generic 3D model of a crushing mill using AutoCAD, ensuring it included all the necessary elements for training while remaining suitable for 3D printing.

A Townsville-based 3D printing company was then engaged to produce the final model.

The completed training tool features 75 individual parts connected using rare earth magnets, allowing it to be easily taken apart and reassembled. Despite being designed for repeated use in training environments, the model is also robust enough to withstand long-term handling.

The mill was printed using Polylactic Acid Plus, a plant-based material made from renewable resources including sugarcane.

Wilmar said the model is intended to improve practical learning by giving employees a clear, hands-on understanding of how mill components work together.

Following the success of the project, the company is now considering producing additional 3D printed models of other critical equipment used in sugar processing, including shredders and mud filters.

CAPTION: Design Draftsperson Paris Ogden and Cadet Draftsperson Grace Bach reassembling the printed mill at Pioneer Mill. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited

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