Townsville’s Reid Park became an agricultural hub last week as Rotary NQ Field Days brought hundreds of exhibitors and visitors together.
The Rotary Clubs of Townsville, the Burdekin and surrounding districts proudly hosted the 2024 NQ Field Days from April 4-5, showcasing best practices in all avenues of farming, agribusiness, and all other relevant industries.
The profits made from Rotary NQ Field Days will go directly back into the local Townsville, Burdekin and regional communities.
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP attended the event alongside some of his colleagues, giving him the opportunity to keep abreast of both local agricultural developments and the needs of his constituents.
"It's an event where the city meets the country and country people from all over the region came to have a look at the equipment and innovation on offer," Mr Willcox said.
"It was a fantastic opportunity for me to meet up with people from all over the electorate.
“One of the highlights for me was chatting to the Jurgens who have drones that drop beneficiary insects over land so farmers can stop using so many chemicals – it was very cool to see what they've got going on.”

Exhibitors, visitors and special guests enjoyed two days of agricultural excellence at the Rotary NQ Field Days in Townsville. Photos supplied

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years? Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence.
With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get online and increase your digital literacy and feel more connected.
Our tutors can help you to use a personal computer or your mobile phone, laptop or iPad. Perhaps you would like to do online banking, access information, videos or movies, set up an online account, use social media or email to feel more connected to your friends and the community reducing loneliness and isolation etc.
To learn more, make a booking or become a Tutor, please contact the Team at The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr.  Ph: 4783 3744.  E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au.

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Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)

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Buddha tells us ‘That the only constant in life is change’.  Henry Ford says, ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’.  They are certainly not wrong.

Change is one of the big things we are always navigating here at the Neighbourhood Centre. In the last couple of weeks, we have been presented with a possible big change for our operations, and it got us thinking: How do we work through this change, what are our options, and the big one—how do we feel about changing?

While embracing change as an opportunity for growth and improvement, we recognise that navigating change can be challenging.  

We invite you to Google the Küblar-Ross Change Curve. It shows that change is a cycle—each event has a beginning and an end.  Is that at all helpful?  We think so!

For any event in our lives, the Kübler-Ross Change Curve can give us a general map of where we might be sitting. The progression of change is different for everyone, and as a community, we strive to be accepting of each other and of our particular journeys.

Neighbourhood and Community Centres can play a significant role in peoples’ journeys, as it doesn’t really matter where on the curve we engage people – we can accept them and adapt our work so that we may be a positive influence on them moving forward.

We can all learn something from someone else – a perspective, a skill, a story. These only come from change and the circumstances we experience.  It is only when we stop and listen that we can truly hear and appreciate the value of these experiences.  

The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that Burdekin Shire Council actively seeks feedback from the public on various projects and initiatives that affect the local community and the future development of the region?
Council has many processes and activities that involve the public in education and sharing of information. While it is not possible or effective to consult with the community on every issue, Burdekin Shire Council engages the community to enhance Council’s decisions and to facilitate well-informed community participation in policy, plans, programs and service levels.
Community engagement plays an important role in the planning and delivery of Council services and facilities and for shaping the future of our shire.
The Burdekin Shire Council values the input of the community on projects and strives to create meaningful opportunities for the public to engage in the decision-making processes.
You can find more information on current and past Community Consultations and Surveys on Councils website burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Ayr had three Air Raid Shelters. Home Hill had two. These were known as Surface Air Raid Shelters with a floor above ground, while the Trench Shelter is a covered trench or tunnel below ground. The latter was to be used in Schools and household gardens.  
World War II was declared on September 1, 1939, and by September and October of that year, authorities were already establishing Air Raid Precautions (ARP), with emphasis on Air Raid Wardens, their duties and construction of Air Raid Shelters in Australia and Queensland. The Ayr Shire Council (Burdekin Shire Council) were discussing air raid shelters for folks of the district, firefighting and health services. This included Air Raid signals as well.
Sometime in 1940, people of the shire were given a model for constructing their own air raid shelters. Ayr’s model Trench Air Raid Shelter was to be constructed in Ayr ANZAC Memorial Park by the Wardens. The model for the Home Trench Air Raid Shelter was built in the grounds adjoining the Home Hill Police Station. This was seven feet below the surface, twelve feet long by eight feet wide, lined and sealed with timber with a further two feet of soil over the top. This shelter was prepared by the Home Hill Police. The public were asked only to be familiar with the construction of the shelter but not to build it yet.  During 1940-41 there were various visits from ARP officials giving lessons on dealing with Air Raid Shelters, dismantling bombs and grenades.
By the end of 1941 and beginning of 1942, the war with Japan was getting closer to our shores and the Air Raid Shelters and Slit trenches were being built. The three Air Raid Shelters of Ayr were built. One was in the middle of  Mackenzie Street beside the Ayr Police Station, One in Young Street in the middle of the street near the Post Office  and the Electric Power Station where the Burdekin Singers are today and one in the middle of Edward Street between what was once Coutts shopping centre and the Bank of New South Wales of today, on the other side of the street. Home Hill’s two air raid shelters were in Eighth Avenue on the railway side. At one end of Eighth Avenue near where Malpass & Co had a fuel depot, closer to the Home Hill Post Office and the other end opposite the IGA building of today. Probably in the vicinity of George & Kerry McAllister’s Carrying Co. The Council also provided six stretchers and tools for the demolition squad to use. It is interesting to note that when the Home Hill Air Raid Shelters were being built in January 1942, they had labourers from Ayr to carry out the work and the Home Hill people complained. The trenches for the Home Hill Schools were being dug at the same time. People were also digging their own private trenches around the Ayr and Home Hill districts. There is no evidence in the papers of Giru having Air raid Shelters but I suspect the citizens to that district were also busy digging their Air Raid Shelters as well.
There was a continuing struggle between the Government and Council about who would pay for the construction of these air raid shelters as well as the demolition of the air raid shelters at the end of the war. One time the Government was to pay half, but I think the Council ended with a loan from the Government and they had 12 months to pay it off.
All businesses with glass windows fronting the main streets had to be made shatterproof with sandbags and taped windows the order of the day. Schools in February had not opened for pupils because of the threat of invasion. In March, the children were back at school.
In March, the Ayr Hospital was being built and the boiler room of the hospital became the air raid shelter as well. The room measured 30ft by 20ft by 8ft deep. The rails were bricked in and a roofing 15 inches thick was provided. There was an outcry of brown outs as the lighting was stopped. You could not even use the lights from the vehicle to see your way.
Hand air raid sirens were used at first but soon became electrified. The police were in charge of using the sirens. On a Sunday and Tuesday, the drill of the air raid sirens was carried out. There was one siren for going into the nearest Air Raid Shelter and one when it was all over. By the way, Brandon and Kalamia had their own Air Raid Trenches. Brandon had acquired a hand held siren Senior Sergeant Sproule advised that on hearing Air Raid Siren sounding all people except wardens were to move to the public and private shelters provided and if insufficient or not available the people were to move to the nearest government building or business houses. The business houses were to remain open for that purpose. The drivers of vehicles will drive their vehicle outside of the main street to the side street, park them and take cover. Horses in horse drawn vehicles were to be tied up in a safe place and not left in the shafts of the vehicles. Hospital patients and children at schools to take cover in the shelters provided. Remember that fuel for vehicles was rationed so it was back to the horse and wagon stage. The butcher shops in Ayr and it could have been in the other towns of the shire stopped delivering meat, because of fuel rationing. Listening to folks of the time, I should say the Black Market was thriving.
Sometime in 1943, the threat of air raids in Queensland had passed. As early as January 1945, discussions of what would be done to remove the Air Raid Shelters from the Ayr-Burdekin Shire. The end of war arrived September 2, 1945 and still much talking went on as to the removal of the Air Raid Shelters in the town areas of Ayr and Home Hill. One suggestion was that the Air Raid Shelter in Young Street near the Post Office and Electric Power House be turned into a shelter for the bus stop. The buses of the district picked up and delivered their passengers here. That was not to be. It was not until 1947-48 that the air raid shelters of Ayr and Home Hill were finally demolished. On the Ayr side of the Burdekin River, some of the air shelters were used as road fill at Pfitzenmaier’s Crossing on the road to Phillip’s Camp (a fishing place on Ana Branch). The Home Hill shelters were removed to a lagoon just past the Home Hill Golf Course.  
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Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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In February 2017, eleven people climbed the steep stairs at the Burdekin Library in Ayr. Beginners and experienced writers alike, they dreamed of novels, family histories, memoirs, anthologies and children’s stories. They sought a group of like-minded individuals who would inspire and encourage their creativity. From that meeting, Scratchy Scribblers was formed. Over the next six years, the group changed names and meeting locations multiple times. Members and partnerships came and went, but, throughout it all, the goal of the group stayed the same.
Burdekin Creative Writers is a welcoming space for writers to share their words, find encouragement and advice, enhance their literary skills, and have fun creating new things with only a pen and their imagination.
Because of this group, members have entered short story competitions and been published in anthologies. They have created newsletters, judged writing competitions, and learned to interview notable people in the community. They have written dozens of stories and poems and challenged themselves to write things they never would’ve created on their own.
In 2023, the group published their own anthology, an assortment of stories and poems from the members of Burdekin Creative Writers and Burdekin Night Writers. Burdekin Life is proud to share some of the work from this anthology.

The Blue Dress
by Elizabeth Tudehope

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What dress shall I wear when we go to the show?
I have many to choose from, I really don’t know.
Come to my wardrobe and help me to pick
Some are quite old, but they’re still in good nick.
There are plain ones and floral, with long or short sleeves
Straight through or waistbands, ones down to my knees.
Short, long or wrap style, pleats or soft falls
Collars or collarless, I have them all.
Here’s the black one that’s strapless which I wore last year
Remember Joe stumbled and sprayed me with beer?
My bare skin felt sticky for the rest of the day
If I wear it and see Joe, I’ll turn right away.
The red frock is pretty, sexy and bold
But I’m thinking that really I might be too old
To wear such a colour amongst women I know
They’ll gossip about me when I turn to go.
Then I have this green floral. I wear it a lot
Because it fits well and makes me look hot
With my high heels and handbag I could look okay
What do you reckon? What do you say?
Oh! Here is the blue dress you always admired
I suddenly know what to wear, I’m inspired
I’ll accept the invite now I know what to wear
We’ll have fun together if we go as a pair.
You in your white dress, my dearest young girl
And me in my blue dress, white hair in a whirl.
Your beauty and youth will make you shine
As we walk in together, granddaughter of mine.

To find out more about the Burdekin Creative Writers, contact George Venables 0407 105 950.

Writers From the Burdekin Creative Writers and Night Writers Groups will read a selection of their pieces from the Anthology at the Home Hill branch of the Burdekin Library on Wednesday, June 12 from 10:30am.

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Automated irrigation demonstrations, the Inkerman Mill and the Tassal Prawn Farm in Bowen were all on the agenda when fourteen members of the Proserpine Young Farmers (PYF) group recently toured the Burdekin.

The group took the opportunity to share knowledge and compare regional operations and practices with Burdekin growers both young and old.
The young farmers got to see and hear about some of the automation technologies being used by a Burdekin grower and also two other systems located on Wilmar’s Stockham Road farm and Farmacist’s Research farm.

The group also got to see the diffuser set-up at Inkerman Mill and, on the final day, travelled to Tassal Prawn Farm.
After a tour of the hatchery, ponds and control centre, the growers ended the tour at the production building where Tassal were kind enough to provide a feed of prawns.
“It was really great to see another industry and how they operate,” one of the young farmers commented.

"The Proserpine Young Farmers tour to the Burdekin was organised by CANEGROWERS Proserpine with funding support from the Queensland Government."

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Fourteen members of the Proserpine Young Farmers group recently toured the Burdekin. Photos supplied: Canegrowers Proserpine

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

This time last year, post the annual Dubai sugar conference, there was a reasonably consistent view that the market had upside potential on supply constraints. In effect, the fundamentals played out for most of the year and the speculative money helped push prices to record highs. This spectacularly unwound at the end of our season, and we are now in the mid to lower end of last year’s trading range.

The views this year are much more two sided.

The Brazilian crop is obviously the primary focus, and we will soon start to see some results as the dry period for February and March allowed for an early start to harvest. Recent forecast of rain may be viewed as a short-term positive for the market, as it will delay harvest output.

It is early in the 24/25 season and global production and consumption forecasts are very contingent on a few key variables. With Brazil providing around 80% of the global raw sugar trade, the focus is rightly on the expected Brazilian cane tonnage, ATR, and sugar mix, which will be driving expected change in global raw sugar stocks.

Wilmar is currently forecasting a reduced crop, from the record 665 million tonne crop harvested last year, of more than 600 million tonnes. This, combined with an increase in the sugar to ethanol mix of over 50%, results in a sugar make not unlike last year’s record sugar production.

In addition, there has been a supply response in the mid-tier production countries with Russia, Ukraine, and the EU all seeing an increase in sugar beet production, as the economics stack up against a depressed wheat and corn price.

Likewise, China is expected to increase sugar beet production for the same reasons.

By adding half a million tonnes here and there around the globe, the supply total creeps up. As underlying demand or consumption is expected to increase its relentless rise at roughly 1.5-2.0 million tonnes a year, the supply total needs to creep up.

The period of sustained high sugar prices last year did little to erode this momentum.

Currently, we are forecasting a small surplus of stock for 24/25 season which will keep global sugar prices under pressure. This is contrary to many other trade house views around the world who forecast a more bullish outlook.

As noted, it is early days and a small change in one of the key assumptions around Brazilian output can have a significant effect on the market in either direction - so nothing is assured at this point.

Growers will need to have their risk management hat on this year as we are likely to see a more volatile market as opposed to the one-way traffic we enjoyed last year – until we didn’t!

For more information, please get in touch with your local Grower Marketing consultant.

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Sugar price movements over the last two years

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Burdekin Community Garden is looking forward to inviting the community to its Open Day on Monday, April 15.
The garden provides a safe space where members can gather, interact, build friendships and enjoy the garden.
Everyone is welcome to visit the garden anytime, while visitors are invited to join every Monday morning from 9:00am to 12:00pm for a cuppa and a chat – weeding the garden is optional – starting from Monday, April 15.
2024 is the Burdekin Community Garden’s third year of operation, providing a place for all members of the local community to meet for a chat in the outdoors.
The group grows fruit and vegetables that are distributed free of charge to the local community.
To find out more and to get involved, contact Burdekincommunitygarden@gmail.com.

WHAT: Burdekin Community Garden Open Day
WHEN: Monday, April 15 from 9:00am to 12:00pm
WHERE: Burdekin Community Garden, Lot 23, International Road, Ayr (behind the Burdekin Community Church)
CONTACT: Burdekincommunitygarden@gmail.com

Burdekin Community Garden is hosting an Open Day next week. Photos supplied

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Burdekin Race Club has revealed the 2024 Faces of the Races in the lead up to next month’s Burdekin Growers Race Day.
Loyal patrons Colin and Brittany Bauer and Gianna O'Brien and Chris Tapiolas have been announced as the 2024 Faces of the Races.
“We genuinely appreciate the support we receive from these avid race goers who are at almost every race meeting we hold,” Burdekin Race Club said.
“We cannot thank you enough and look forward to working with you in the lead up to Burdekin Growers Race Day.”
Taking over the Burdekin Race Club on Saturday, May 18, the Burdekin Growers Race Day is well known as the premier social event on the Burdekin’s calendar with thousands of locals and visitors flocking for the event.
Featuring six highly competitive races, the event is more than just a race day: the Fashions of the Field are also hotly contested amongst race goers with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs throughout the day.
The event celebrates local horse racing, fashion, mega prize draws, super bets, live music and more, and attendees will even receive a free box of fresh fruit and vegetables, so everyone leaves a winner!

WHAT: Burdekin Growers Race Day
WHEN: Saturday May 18 from 11:00am to 9:00pm
WHERE: Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill
TICKETS: On sale soon, visit Burdekin Race Club on Facebook

Colin and Brittany Bauer and Gianna O'Brien and Chris Tapiolas have been announced as the 2024 Burdekin Race Club’s Faces of the Races. Photo supplied

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“That was a game we should have won and threw it away with our handling letting us down badly,” said Burdekin Roosters A grade coach Steve Lansley after seeing his team go down by just 2 at 24 - 22 to Western Lions at the RLTD grounds in Townsville last Sunday.
“It was a game we should have won by at least four tries.”
While the coach was critical of the way his team respected the ball, he did say that he could not fault their effort.
Lansley thought the forwards were dominant but dropped ball cost them.
“I thought Rhett Williams had a good game controlling the rucks and giving his big forwards room to move while lock Kali Nauque played a good tough match,” the coach said.
Lansley also added Lachlan Shepherd was also dangerous in the forwards.
He added that Dylan Doak is a smart five eight while Jones Munro at fullback could not be faulted.
Luke Russell, Ethan Hagarty, Lachlan Shepherd and Jeremiah Matuata scored tries with Dyland Doak kicked 3 goals.
In other A grade games Souths def Herbert River in Ingham 22 - 12, Brothers beat Centrals 12 - 10 while Charters Towers were too good for Norths in the Towers by 44 – 12.
In a game they should have won, the reserves went down 30 - 22 after the Lions had lead at the break 26 – 6.
Had the reggies played the first half like they played the second the win would have gone to the Roosters.
It was as though two different teams were on the paddock with Roosters jerseys on.
The first half saw dropped ball and missed tackles the order of the day with the Lions allowed to dominate.
In the second session the defence became as it should have been with the attack also improved.
Coach Chris Perry said we were too generous with giving away possession first half and we were not sharp in defence.
Perry said the care factor was back second half and we were unlucky not to come away with a win.
The coach singled out Beady Horan and Brody Ferguson as two of his better players with Caleb Noah dangerous.
The two French players Wassine Mauhuli and Paul Meryl showed enough to look for better things in the future even though both boys were severely affected by the humidity.
Meryl did show plenty of speed in scoring a 70 metre try first half.
In other reserves matches Centrals beat Brothers 24 - 6, Bowen beat Charters Towers 44 - 4 and Souths beat Herbert River 40 - 18 with Norths on a bye.
Hens coach Anita Hagarty praised her girls for their efforts after going down to Western Lions 44 – 12.
Three-time premiers the Lions lead by only 16 - 8 at the break but size and experience told second half.
“We have not had many training runs and our young team acquitted themselves very well against a team of premiership players who have also picked up some players from the runners last year, Centrals,” the coach said.
Anita said she thought Abby King and Mckenzie Hatch with Alekah Heron, Kezzia Lammon and Talisha Bulgarelli stood out.
She also praised Tamara White who put her hand up to help out.
Kezzia Lammon, Martina Monday, Toni Daisy scored tries
In other matches Centrals beat Brothers 20 - 12 and Charters Towers beat Norths 24 - 4
This Sunday the Roosters are away again to Souths at the Old Bindall grounds in reserve and A grade with the Reserves at 1:30pm and the A grade at 3:00pm.
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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Hi readers
Another long weekend has come and gone, so, whatever you found yourself getting up to, I hope you enjoyed it.
I saw this long weekend as an opportunity to explore and headed north.
My plan was to explore the Tablelands region, an area that has been at the top of my list for many years.
I found a motel nearby at Bramston Beach that would allow the perfect combination of proximity to the Tablelands while also providing a relaxing homebase at which I could chill when I pleased.
I departed Home Hill on Friday morning, my first stop was a visit to a friend in Ingham, before checking out towns like Cardwell and Tully and exploring nearby lookouts, waterfalls and swimming holes.
Saturday was a day of relaxation spent between the shores of Bramston Beach, the motel pool and the couch.
Then, feeling recharged and ready to go, I embarked on a day trip on Sunday travelling between the towns of Ravenshoe, Innisfail, Yungaburra and Gordonvale, stopping at as many waterfalls, swimming holes and landmarks as I could.
Of course, there is way too much to cram into a day in that region, but I feel like I made the most of my day and ticked plenty of spots off the list while still taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the area.
Driving between these destinations through the rolling green hills was a particular highlight, the weather toing and froing between cloudy and sunny.
Monday was spent making my way back to the Burdekin after checking out Babinda Boulders where I saw only the second cassowary I’ve ever seen in my life.
Other highlights throughout the weekend included Josephine Falls, Tchupala Falls, Mount Hypipamee, Lake Eacham and a swim at Mission Beach on the way home.
I certainly had a full, yet refreshing long weekend of adventure and relaxation and I hope you did too.

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A free activity aiming to engage the youth of the Burdekin is being implemented by PCYC Burdekin between Home Hill and Ayr.
The Drop-In Program is a free program typically provided to ages 12-18 to engage high school aged students in a semi-structured activity after school.
The program involves a refurbished entertainment trailer, which houses three television screens and three PlayStation 4s as well as equipment to hold external events like discos and outdoor movie nights.
PCYC Burdekin Branch Manager Andrew Sherrington started the program before the school holidays, taking the trailer to Home Hill’s Watson’s Green recently.
The program will continue after the school holidays, being held on Thursday afternoons from 3:00pm, alternating between Home Hill and Ayr each week.
“The ideal outcome is building up a rapport with QPS,” Mr Sherrington said.
“Local officers will attend and engage as well so, ideally, it’s all about youth development, building up those relationships with local police, and, more importantly, addressing any youth related issues or providing any support they might need.”
The program will also involve other games, sports and activities to engage the students for the afternoon.
“My role here with the PCYC is to provide programs for youth engagement, so with that, there are crime prevention models where you try and guide the youth to make the right choices,” Mr Sherrington said.
“That’s where the relationship works really well.”
Keep an eye on the PCYC Burdekin Facebook page for more information.

PCYC Burdekin’s Drop-In Program involves video games, food, sport and activities to engage school students after school. Photo supplied

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A teenager was airlifted to Townsville Hospital over the weekend after a car rolled over in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 30.
Three people in their late teens were in the vehicle when it rolled over Beach Road, near Alva.
A Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) spokesperson confirmed that QAS was engaged at 12:05am on Saturday, March 30.
One female patient sustained significant pelvic injuries and was transported to Ayr Hospital by ambulance in a serious condition before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by helicopter.
Another female patient in her teens was transported to Ayr Hospital by ambulance in a stable condition having suffered a minor head injury.
Another female in her late teens suffered back injuries and was transported to Ayr Hospital by ambulance in a stable condition.

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Over 80 parishioners of the Burdekin Catholic Parish met at the top of Mt Inkerman on Friday March 22 to walk the steps of Jesus through the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Fr Manoj and Fr Truong led the congregation through a moving spiritual reflection.
Parishioners from all four parishes attended the event being Ayr, Home Hill, Giru and Clare.
The afternoon ended with a shared supper and gorgeous views of the Burdekin region.  
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Contributed by Lisa Sarri

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Burdekin Catholic Parish took to Mount Inkerman for a special service. Photos supplied

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