Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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The ICE#11 sugar contract continues to be weighed down by the growing 24/25 forecast global trade surplus.
The early start to the Brazilian harvest, and clear weather, has resulted in record breaking production numbers being posted in the UNICA half monthly production reports for April. Seasonal cane tonnages are up and so is the ratio of sugar to ethanol production, particularly for this early in the season. This is forcing analysts to revise their sugar production numbers for Brazil.
Additionally, much needed rain in Thailand is improving the outlook for this year’s crop to climb back above 10M tonnes of sugar production. Combined with incremental increases in tonnage for Europe, China and Central America, there is a growing consensus around another surplus year in sugar production.
The speculative money has sensed that the path of least resistance has been down, and has consequently moved to net short position on the market to around 50,000 contracts.
The good news is that global stocks are low and demand remains strong. Even with the significant pullback in prices, the forward market still exhibits a slightly inverted structure in which nearby prices are higher than deferred.
Australian sugar is selling well into our traditional Asian markets and the solid physical premiums paid for the 23-season crop look likely to be repeated into this year’s pricing. While Brazilian ethanol parity is still well below current market levels, the import parity for raw sugar into Chinese refineries is resulting in some fresh business and plenty of price checking.
Following the close of the 24 season pricing nomination date (April 30), the grower’s GEI sugar pricing mix has shifted back to traditional pool pricing mechanisms for price management. After a couple of years of record returns for our Production Risk Pool, this is not a total surprise.
Further, the large volatility of prices over the last 18 months has left some growers who forward price feeling a bit whiplashed. As with all choices, there are trade-offs.
For those in the pools you can never be sure of your final price until well after harvest has been completed, whereas forward pricing gives you certainty and control of your own income.

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AUD Sugar Swap Price: 2024 season
AUD Sugar Swap Price: 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons

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As the leaves turn and the weather cools, there's no better time to invest in top-quality water storage solutions. This autumn, Tanks Direct is excited to offer unbeatable deals on their premier water tanks: the 23,280L water tank for just $2,999 (including GST) and the 26,000L tank for $3,300 (including GST). For added convenience, an optional pump is available for only $250.
Tanks Direct is owned by National Poly Industries who has been a trusted name in the industry since 2011. They have built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of their customers. Whether you're looking for water and industrial tanks, or water and feed troughs, Tanks Direct has you covered. Their service area spans far and wide, reaching as far north as Cooktown, out west to Mount Isa, and as far south as Clairview.
What sets Tanks Direct apart from the competition is their commitment to quality and durability. Each tank is crafted using a one-piece construction method, ensuring superior strength and longevity. Their round tanks come with an impressive 25-year warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. Made locally, these tanks are designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate, featuring tapered walls that are thicker at the base for added strength.
The Tanks Direct team is small but mighty, comprising of dedicated office staff, skilled production workers, and reliable delivery drivers. This close-knit team works tirelessly to ensure every customer receives the best possible service and product. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every tank they produce.
One of the standout features of Tanks Direct’s tanks is their robust design. Engineered using finite element analysis, these tanks promise long-term structural integrity. They are also made from 100% food-grade polyethylene, ensuring safe water storage with no BPA, corrosion, or rust. The tanks come with additional accessories, including a stainless steel mosquito-proof screen and overflow, an algae-free cover top, and a brass outlet and valve.
Customers like Leanne O'Sullivan from Bowen have raved about Tanks Direct’s products and service: "Tanks Direct have very neat and sturdy-looking tanks,” Ms O'Sullivan shared. “I appreciated the quick delivery. We found Tanks Direct pricing very competitive.”
Choosing a polyethylene tank from Tanks Direct means choosing a product that is competitively priced, easy to transport and install, and incredibly durable. These tanks require minimal maintenance and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your specific needs. This autumn, take advantage of Tanks Direct’s special offers and invest in a tank that will provide reliable water storage for years to come.
Don't miss out on these fantastic autumn deals. Visit Tanks Direct today at 25 Bird Street, Ayr or contact the friendly team at 1800 642 055 or sales@tanksdirect.com.au to secure your high-quality water tank at an unbeatable price.

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Aiden Contzonis, Corey Marchionie, Ben Perna, Mark Barbagallo, Jole Hanson and Cody Betteridge
Charli Campbell, Alanee Marsh, Gypsy O'Hearn, Maddie Royal, Chayse Barra, Hunter Blomfield and Bailey Pery
Christina Paul, Nikki Bowes, and Kellie Stephenson
Craig Mcgill, Bailey Stibbs, and Brayden Rowlins
Dylan Raitelli, Ryan Kaminski, Hayde Munro, Dustin Priddle, and Harvey Horan
Eliza McMullen and Lily Harris
Isabella Dowling, Maddy Jukes, Bridget Caskey, Logan Cox, Megan Fredrickson, and Shannen Zohn
Jaiden Thomasson and Xander Devow
Jake Healy, James Windsor, Danielle Rehbein, Kelsey Nugent, and Carissa Paske
Kalypso Karagkiozis, Adriana Higgsward, and Skye Plumley
Paige Griggs and Indee Everett
Rebecca Walker, Rosalie Kelly, Katrina French, Kristy Raitelli, Amy Cranitch, Donna Sunderland and Fiona Smith
Sasha and Alannah Previtera, Emmeson Cowan, Lilly Wilms, Holli Arthur and Chumane Botha
Shannon Musumeci, Cassy Bonanno and Chantel Michielin
Tracey Wells, Kristy Nielsen, and Sharni Armstrong
Amiee Gibson and Mark Carrara
Annelise Simpson, Emily Funk, and Abby Wetherell
Blake Jorgensen, Brock Wright and Sarah Booth
Breanna Benedetti and Isabella Russo
Brianna and Sam Whittred
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Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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Ayr’s first electric lighting scheme took place at Pioneer and Kalamia Sugar Mills in the sugar rooms in 1894 and 1895. David Edwards, who owned the Delta Hotel in 1910, built the Delta Theatre virtually next door. He installed a DC Generator at the rear of the Theatre to run an electrical lighting system. This was so successful that David Edwards applied to the Ayr Shire Council to supply electric power for commercial use and town lighting in 1914. It took from 1914 to October 1915 before DC power was able to supply electricity to businesses along Queen Street.
A galvanized iron building or Power House on the corner of Bey (Young Street) and Omar (Graham Street) to supply electricity was built by Mr George Lear of Townsville to the satisfaction of a well-known architect of Ayr, Mr Fred Smith. Mr Pepper, consulting engineer of the firm Kay, MacNicoll and Co. had passed all the work in connection with the electrical department and expressed himself well pleased. As to the staff in general they did very well under the supervision of Mr C Holloway of Melbourne. The relations between employer, employees and Mr Holloway were most harmonious. This building site is now occupied by The Burdekin Singers.
The Power House has an outside measurement of 111 feet in length by 30 feet wide. The front is a handsome brick façade, and the entrance is through impressive silky oak doors under a large and imposing circular door head with fanlight. The first two rooms are the manager’s office and the showroom. The office has silky oak fittings with furniture to match and is well appointed. The showroom is well stocked and replete with all accessories in connection with the electrical plant. The windows to these two rooms are very large and of heavy plate glass. The ceiling is of Wunderlich metal and the height is fourteen feet.
From here we pass into the storage battery room which is 34 feet by 30 feet. The battery is of the latest Tudor plant of 240 cells and the capacity of 290 ampere hours with a nominal discharge rate of 29 ampere for ten hours or a maximum rate of discharge of 72 amperes. The battery itself is erected on the very latest principles, on varnished silky oak bearers, and all of these stands on glass insulators. This room is magnificently lighted, and is beautifully cool. The ceiling is cone shaped and of light corrugated iron and has a maximum height of 17 ft. The walls and ceiling are painted and the whole appearance suggests good taste and skill in the designing.  After Mr Edwards had explained somewhat of the working of the batteries, we open the door and enter the engine room, which is 39 x 30 ft and is structurally almost the same as the battery room.
For some days past, the townspeople have heard the steady cough-cough of an engine which is working well. It is the latest type of Fielding and Platt suction gas engine and is of 70BHP. It is very solidly erected and runs perfectly. This main engine is coupled up to an ECC Generator (25Kilowatts) which gives a voltage of 440-450 on the outers. The booster is also an ECC construction and of BHP capacity, and this used in charging the batteries.
Turning round from the main engine we notice the switchboard, which is of fine workmanship, being a set of beautifully grained marble slabs. The whole has a length of 12 ft 6 ins by a height of 6 ft. On this are erected the mechanical devices for the simple operating of electric current. It is a very complete, and has all the latest style of circuit breakers, rheostats, ampere, hour and voltage meters.
In the corner at the back of the main engine is installed a motor air pump. This being to charge an iron reservoir with compressed air, up to 200lb to the square inch, and anyone who has had any experience of starting a refractory suction gas engine by hand power after compressed air was exhausted, would appreciate this motor pumping principle. There, beside this, is a motor fan for drawing the gas from the producer, direct to the engine, and which is switched off as soon as the engine is going. This again, is a cheap necessary and effective appliance, ensuring as it does a steady draught of gas which is often difficult to obtain by hand method.
That there shall be no mistake in business and results Mr Edwards has made arrangements to put down an auxiliary engine in the other end of the room. There will be his well-known Delta engine, and as he foundation bed is ready, it will be moved to its site as soon as other details are attended to in connection with the main plant. This auxiliary engine will be coupled up to an ECC generator, 12 kilowatts, and the erection of this plant will mean that Mr Edwards will have no fear and little risk of not being able to supply customers in the event of temporary disablement of his main plant.
I might here mention that the floors of the two front offices-the battery and engine rooms are a solid 6inch solid concrete foundation topped by 1/4 inch of cement, giving a perfectly smooth surface. All provision has been made for cables safety, engine piping etc. being in brickwork trenches and covered by heavy checkered boiler plates.
As I pass on to the producer rooms, I notice it is through a sliding iron fireproof door set into a heave brick wall which is the full width of the building (30ft). This acts as a guard against fire and should be quite effective. The Producer Room is 20ft by 30ft and herein is installed a 75hp Cambridge generator of the latest model, with dust catcher and scrubber etc. The motor power from this generator is gas derived from firewood burnt direct. The principle of the generator really being a retort which converts the wood into charcoal whilst making its own gas, and is worked on the down-draught principle. There is no necessity for closing the retort, as it works as well open as shut.
I was curious as to the results of Mr Edwards turned up his chart and the engine and fuel consumed and showed me that the engine running on full load for eight hours test used 820lb of wood averaging 3.7lb of wood for every kilowatt generated. For the BHP generated in the same time 2.46lb of wood: all this showed 0.04 below the firms guarantee. For 40 hours continuous run the average load was .37kilowatts with total consumption of 4450lb wood or 3352lb per unit or 2.38lb BHP.
The whole of the producing plant is on a solid concrete foundation and has all the necessary platforms to enable the staff to do their work. Mr Edwards has a very large amount of firewood handy, and it his intention to at once to install a circular saw bench and thus minimize the cost of wood cutting, as this requires to be of suitable length for the retort.
The distributing mains are of bare hand-drawn copper cable erected on poles varying from 30 to 40ft being well above the Government wires. These mains are conducted through Queen Street and various other streets, and at present the connection is made with many business houses and some private establishments. At the present time the council are arranging for some nine lights in the main street and intersections each 100 candle-power. There is no doubt many more will apply for the light.
In connection with the consumption of light this is checked by Kilowatt meter-Board of Control units-so that any leakage on lines can be located also the consumption of light ascertained. Each consumer will have a meter check on a switchboard showing the amount of energy used.
After going through the technical details, Mr Edwards explained that the plant would have been ready before, but naturally war conditions had a great deal hampered him, and he had felt some anxiety, as he had roughly £1000 at stake in the scheme. However, all was now right, and here would be 40 to 50 consumers of light at an early date and no doubt as soon as times improved, he would be taxed to the maximum. What number of lights can you carry under a full load? I asked – Well 3000 that is to do justice.
Just as I was leaving Mr Edwards showed me a very unique instrument - a Megger Evershed testing set. This is used to find out the slightest leakage in the cables or breakage in insulation, and is an instrument which has received the approval and sanction of the Underwriters’ Association. Briefly, a provision is made for connection by a wire from the cable to the “Megger” All up this enterprise cost around £22,000.
The writer of this article left the premises after thanking Mr Edwards for his courtesy. No doubt Dave Edwards deserves success. This is his own plant on his own premises, and businesses, not only for his own benefit but to the development of the town.
By 1922, a couple of consumers to David Edwards Electricity Enterprise, told a reporter that electricity costs were three pence a unit, and one householder had an electric iron which cost thirteen to fifteen shillings a month to run. At the beginning there were only 20 consumers which increased to 231 in the 1920’s. By 1934 three diesel engines had been added to the original suction gas engine, 470 consumers and there was a staff thirteen. In 1938 the consumers had increased to 697and power was extended to Brandon. By this time as the Ayr Power House had operated on DC Power and because of the greater area to cover with electricity, this DC-Direct Current power was converted to A/C Alternating Current. In January 1939, the Ayr Shire Council bought out the Edwards Electricity Supply at about £26,000. The Ayr Shire presented Mr David Ronald Edwards with a fishing Rod and Reel for his services to supplying Electricity to Ayr.
World War II came and there were shortages of power because The Ayr Power House could not tap into the grid of power supply between Home Hill and Townsville. It was not until 1946 that the Ayr Power House was incorporated into the Townsville Regional Electricity Board-TREB. It was not until 1956 that the Ayr Brandon District was fully converted from DC to AC Electricity. What a legacy of Electricity that David Edwards and his family gave to Ayr and district from 1910 to 1939. David Edwards first supplied electricity in 1910 to his newly built Delta Theatre and by October 1915 to the whole town until 1939 when The Ayr Shire Council took over 24 years.
This article was written with the aid “Partner in Progress” (A history of electricity supply in North Queensland from 1897 to 1987) by Christine Doran Studies in North Queensland History Department of History and Politics James Cook University Townsville 1990 pp46-49.
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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.

RISKY BUSINESS
By Margaret Giffard

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Anna K Ragland obviously was blind to the risks of establishing a retail outlet in the middle 80s. A small country town was not the greatest location for an upmarket formal wear boutique. Was her ambition like walking a tight rope over the flooded Burdekin River with no safety harness in place while fighting off her competitors who would have gladly seen her fall off and go under?
Setting up her business was both fun and challenging. Anna K had to undertake researching and planning her new venture, finding a suitable building, registering a business name etc. She chooses FINE THREADS for her boutique name.
Flying to Brisbane to buy her stock from wholesalers, manufacturers and manufacturers’ agents was a little out of her comfort zone. Anna remembers one wholesaler owner saying, “I am taking my hat off to you”. I reckon he realised that the 1980s was a period of economic downturn that affect much of the world. At this time the sugar prices were low and North Queensland had been through many natural disasters that affected the economy. Anna K was ignorant to all this and all that mattered to her was her passion, vision and determination.
Many joys of managing her own business came to Anna K. Special measurement doing wedding parties were her specialty. She loved being her own boss plus, the creative side like designing the outlay of her shop, doing window displays, designing gowns, and presenting high to low scale fashion parades for many charities and her Church. Anna K evidently did the buying, retailing, consulting, cutting out of the garments and the quality control. An advertisement for a machinist in the local paper brought 73 applications for the job sadly Anna K could only choose one. Her business was registered as a clothing manufacturer hence; she designed garments and then had her machinist sew designs for clients to buy off the peg. Anna K met many interesting people as clients and suppliers.
When staging a fashion parade each section that the models strutted up the cat walk was called stories. Anna K may present around 10 stories at each of her parades with approximately 5 to 6 models in each story for example; “a black and white story, a red formal wears story and a bridal story.”
While Anna K was out of town one day in 1990 the Burdekin River came to her premises that housed the FINE THREADS BOUTIQUE in the way of an unexpected flood. There was no warning to the community of Home Hill. Three feet of water damaged a third of the stock plus, ruining fittings, furnishings and carpets.
With all the negatives and positives Anna K Ragland had no regrets that she established her own business.

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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In the ever-competitive Queensland rental market, tenants are often finding it challenging to secure and maintain a suitable home. With vacancy rates remaining low across the state, here are some top tips for renters to stand out and succeed.

Prepare Thoroughly Before Applying
Before you start your search, gather all necessary documentation. This includes proof of income, references from previous landlords, and identification. Having these ready can speed up the application process and demonstrate your reliability to potential landlords.

Understand Your Budget
Know what you can afford. This means not only considering the monthly rent but also factoring in additional costs such as utilities, internet, and any commuting expenses. Overextending your budget can lead to financial stress, so it’s crucial to stay within your means.

Act Quickly
In hot markets, desirable properties can be snapped up within days or even hours. Monitor listings frequently and be ready to inspect properties and submit applications promptly. Set up alerts on property websites to get notifications of new listings that meet your criteria.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the Queensland rental laws. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) provides resources on tenants' rights and responsibilities, including information on bond lodgement, rental increases, and maintenance requests. Understanding these can help you navigate disputes and protect your interests.

Be Flexible
While it's essential to have a list of must-haves, being flexible with your criteria can increase your chances of finding a suitable property. Consider expanding your search to include nearby suburbs or different types of properties.

Build a Good Relationship with Your Landlord
Once you’ve secured a rental, maintain a positive relationship with your landlord or property manager. Promptly report any maintenance issues and communicate openly about any concerns. A good rapport can lead to smoother tenancy and potential lease renewals.

Navigating the rental market in Queensland can be daunting, but with preparation, flexibility, and a proactive approach, you can increase your chances of securing a home that meets your needs.

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More strike action is planned in the Burdekin and across north Queensland as pay negotiations continue between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees.
Workers represented by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) held strikes near Wilmar’s Inkerman Mill in Home Hill on Thursday, May 9 and Monday, May 13, with the three unions giving notice of intention to engage in another 24-hour strike next Tuesday, May 21.
The sugar giant, which is a subsidiary of the Singapore-based company Wilmar International and operates four sugar mills in the Burdekin, has been in salary negotiations with the unions and their members for over 12 months.

Wilmar workers and unions recently held two strikes in Home Hill, attracting honking horns and waves of support from passersby, with a third planned for next week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

“We Are Not Slowing Down”
Wilmar Workers And Unions Rally Against “Bad Deal”

The start of the annual raw sugar production season is at risk of delay as Wilmar and its workers continue to clash in an ongoing pay dispute.
Despite what has been called a “productive” negotiation meeting on Monday, May 13, Wilmar employees will go on strike for the third time in two weeks next Tuesday, May 21.
The strike action comes after over 12 months of negotiations which, at Monday’s meeting, saw Wilmar table a revised offer of 14.25% in wage increases over 42 months, with the first-year increase of 5% paid from June 2024 and the next increase paid from December 2024.
The three unions then tabled a counter proposal of a 22% pay increase over three years, plus log items equivalent to an aggregate claim of 25%.
ETU State Organiser Liam Sharkey said the unions agreed to reduce the wage increase in the interest of “fair and good faith bargaining” but he “can’t say the same” for Wilmar.
“Predictably, they have asked that workers cease industrial action, which won’t be happening,” Mr Sharkey said.
He said workers voted overwhelmingly to take more strike action before the busy crush season began.
“By taking action before the crush, union members wanted to cause the least interruption to the sugar community and to the farmers as possible,” Mr Sharkey said.
“These workers care about their communities, but they’re sick of being underpaid, underappreciated, and overworked.”
A Wilmar spokesperson said strike action will not only mean striking workers lose another day’s pay, but that third parties may now be affected, including cane growers, harvesting contractors, works contractors, suppliers, employees not involved in the dispute and communities.
“It is disappointing the unions are planning more strike action, despite a productive negotiation meeting yesterday (Monday, May 13) and a commitment to continue talks next week,” the spokesperson said.
“Every stoppage or disruption from now on will further delay completion of the multi-million dollar works program under way to prepare Wilmar’s factories, plant and equipment ahead of the season start, scheduled for June.
“While we continue to be hopeful of a mutually acceptable outcome, we recognise that progress could be slow.”
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said hundreds of workers have participated in strike action across multiple sites and “we are not slowing down”.
“Wilmar executives and their shareholders need to reflect on whether our members will settle for their next offer if they want these mills to keep operating,” Mr Wilson said.
“Wilmar can end this dispute whenever they want.
"Simply come to the bargaining table with a fair offer that reflects the worth of our workers and we’ll get back to work.
“We are hitting Wilmar where it hurts, we are not backing down – and the whole community is standing with us.”
Wilmar and the unions were required to report back to the Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday, May 15.
The three unions have given notice of intention to engage in another 24-hour strike next Tuesday, May 21, with a face-to-face meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, May 22 to progress enterprise agreement negotiations.

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AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson and ETU State Organiser Liam Sharkey. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Hi readers
What a big weekend we have coming up in the Burdekin!
For those eager to dress to the nines for a day at the races, the Burdekin Growers Race Day is the place to be on Saturday.
I have friends from Ingham who, before I moved to Home Hill, told me all about the iconic race day and I’ve certainly been feeling the excitement throughout town.
I’ll sadly miss the big day as I’ll be heading down to Mackay for my cousin’s engagement party (certainly not a sad alternative), but my trusty colleague Chelsea will be there with camera in hand capturing the fun and frocky moments.
Sunday will see a different kind of race, one that the whole family can enjoy: the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race hosted by the Rotary Club of Ayr.
The morning will see family-friendly activities, live music from the Burdekin Brass Band and a sea of yellow racing down Plantation Creek.
If you’re looking for something to do, our Social Life section is the place to go to read all about it; head to pages 24-27.
Lastly, I must thank everyone for sharing their well wishes with me upon my bittersweet announcement last week.
In case you missed it, I’ll be leaving the Burdekin in June as I head back to southeast Queensland to be closer to family and friends.
The community’s response has been an excellent example of how friendly and welcoming the people of the Burdekin really are.

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With the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod well underway, students from Burdekin Christian College have been putting their hospitality skills to the test, preparing and providing food and beverages for the countless volunteers involved in the Eisteddfod.
The school took to social media to share their pride with their students.
“So proud of our Eisteddfod helpers today,” the post read.
“What an amazing job they have been doing to keep all the volunteers fed and watered!”
The school also urged the public to pay a visit to the lobby of the Burdekin Theatre, where the Junior Eisteddfod is being held, to peruse some of the students’ artwork on display.
“Make sure you check out the Burdekin Theatre lobby this week to see the fantastic art displays on site!”
Celebrating its 40th year in 2024, the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod is held from May 8 to May 16, 2024.
The event is held each year and invites the youth of North Queensland, particularly those from the Burdekin, to showcase their talents, increase their self-esteem and further their life experiences.
Visit Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Inc. on Facebook for results and more information.

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Burdekin Christian College have assisted the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod by preparing food and beverages for volunteers. Photo credit: Burdekin Christian College

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Easing cost of living pressures and investing in an Australian-made future are at the forefront of the Australian Government’s 2024-25 budget which was handed down on Tuesday, May 14.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the budget “responsible and restrained”, saying, “This Budget strikes the right balance between keeping pressure off inflation, delivering cost of living relief, supporting sustainable economic growth and strengthening public finances.
“This Budget forecasts a second surplus in 2023–24, which would be the first time a government has delivered back‑to‑back surpluses in nearly two decades,” he continued.
But Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has been left unsatisfied with the results for his electorate, saying “Dawson’s missed out again”.
“When you’ve got an area like ours that contributes so much to the Australian economy, if you’re going to keep people working and contributing, you need to give them services,” he said.
Mr Willcox said he’d hoped for more investment in the Bruce Highway as well as cost-of-living relief in the form of “something that could actually be tangible and would help people”.
The Federal Member said while there has been little investment in his electorate announced, he’s not giving up.
“We’re the biggest sugar growing area in the country and 80% of our sugar is exported,” he said.
“People, at some point, are going to have to wake up; where we get our food and fibre from and where the money is generated is in rural and regional Australia, so if you want to keep that money going and you want to keep food on the table, we need to look after the people in areas like my region of Dawson.
“I’ll be constantly trying to look for what we can do, putting business cases forward and lobbying for my people to make sure we can get our fair share.
“I’ll be following this through and, every time there’s an opportunity to stand up for the people of Dawson, that’s what I’ll be doing.”

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2024-25 Budget Highlights
   • Easing cost of living pressures with tax cuts, energy rebates, rental assistance, student debt cuts and cheaper medicine.
   • Building more homes for Australians with more social and affordable housing, more infrastructure and removal of red tape, better transport for more accessible cities and suburbs and increased housing for students.
   • Investing in a Future Made in Australia and the skills and universities needed to make it a reality with a $22.7 billion investment over a decade to build a stronger and more resilient economy powered by clean energy, creating more well‑paid jobs and facilitating private investment.
   • Strengthening Medicare and the care economy with more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, free access to mental health care for more Australians, additional home care packages, essential funding for in person and online service delivery and provisioning for wage increases for aged care and early childhood education and care workers.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is “disappointed” with the Australian Government’s 2023-24 budget

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The Burdekin Chamber will host one of the most magnificent marketing events of the year on Thursday May 23 at the Kalamia Hotel.

A part of Small Business Month, the event will be presented by Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University. Natasha is known for her down-to-earth and engaging presentation style as she dives into all things marketing in an educational environment. With over 25 years of experience, Natasha understands the importance of supporting local businesses and is a Certified Practicing Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute.

Burdekin Chamber President, Leigh Kefford, explained the Chamber has been working to bring an event like the upcoming Marketing Mingle to the Burdekin since January, and he believes small businessowners will greatly benefit from attending.

“The event will benefit small businesses and the community at large mostly teaching businesses owners on how to market their businesses to their local and external communities, and they’ll learn something different from what they think traditional marketing is to further benefit their customers,” explained Leigh.

The event will stand as a highly educational evening where Natasha will explore all areas of business including products, pricing, advertising, customer service, and marketing. Attendees are expected to leave feeling confident with a new toolkit of entrepreneurial strategies to implement into their businesses.

“The event will not purely talk about social media, but everything to do with marketing, because everything is marketing,” said Leigh.

The Burdekin Chamber will provide complimentary food and drinks throughout the free event running from 6pm – 8pm, and all attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the Burdekin Chamber website.

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What: Marketing Mingle: Network and Marketing Night
When: Thursday May 23 from 6pm – 8pm
Where: Kalamia Hotel, Queen Street, Ayr
More Information: www.burdekinchamber.com.au

Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University, will present Burdekin Chamber’s Marketing Mingle

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Opinion Piece

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has called Federal Government’s announcement for an extra $467m worth of funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway a “slap in the face” for the people of Dawson.

Mr Willcox said the announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Treasurer is nothing more than a smokescreen, and that he is “insulted and infuriated” on behalf of everyone living and working in Dawson who has once again missed out.

“The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through the electorate of Dawson has been rated the most dangerous section, and this announcement by the Albanese Labor Government sees funding provisions for everywhere but the area that needs it the most,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Prime Minister is on record this week confirming that the Bruce Highway ‘should be’ as good as the M1 between Brisbane and Sydney, so why isn’t he actually doing something about it instead of yet again, hiding behind promises that are entirely political and full of potholes.

“This comes after the Prime Minister cut more than $200m worth of road projects in Queensland following his infrastructure review, as well as lowering the funding contribution provided by the Federal Government to help complete these projects.”

State Member for Burdekin Dale Last agreed with his federal counterpart, saying the so-called budget boost for the Bruce Highway proves that both the state and federal governments have no understanding of regional Queensland’s reliance on the highway.

“While $467 million sounds like a huge investment, very little will change in real terms,” Mr Last said.  

“The Haughton Flood Plain Upgrade alone cost more than the total amount the federal government has allocated to the entire 1,700km of the Bruce Highway.

“It is nothing short of insulting that the federal Treasurer can call this a budget for the Bruce when, in today’s terms, the announcement would bring less than 1% of the highway up to standard.  

“Canberra and Brisbane might think it’s a great announcement but, in regional Queensland, we know it’s nothing short of a hoax.”

“With the current state of the Bruce Highway, there’s barely enough money to fill the potholes, let alone make the road safer.

“In addition to the economic importance of the Bruce it is a fact that lives are being lost on an almost daily basis and the majority of those are in regional Queensland.”

Mr Willcox said the people living and working in Dawson deserve a safe road to drive on to get to work safely and return home safely to their loved ones.

“The roads in Dawson are a necessity; they are how we get our product to market and receive our supplies from the city,” he said.

“Rural and regional areas such as Dawson are the heart of our country, where all our food and fibre is produced.

“Without rural and regional areas, this country wouldn’t be what it is today.

“This current government needs to stop ignoring that reality and start investing in the future of these areas before it is too late.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling for more federal funding for the Bruce Highway

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, inspects the planned upgrades of the Bruce Highway prior to construction of the Haughton Flood Plain project

Photos supplied

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Zonta International members across Queensland, including members of the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, are calling on all men to be part of the conversation about gender-based violence this May.
Lyn Agnew, Governor of Zonta International District 22, said that the month of May is traditionally recognised as Domestic Violence month in Queensland.
This May, Zonta International and other advocacy groups are demanding that violence against women be declared a national emergency after three women were allegedly killed by men known to them.
“These three femicides are three too many,” Ms Agnew said.
“Their deaths should be seen as a wake-up call to communities.
“This year alone 28 women have died due to gender-based violence.
“This is 14 more compared to this time last year.
“We have seen increased activism against this senseless violence across Australia and throughout Queensland women are speaking out.
“But now is the time for us to see and hear the men in our communities.”
Ms Agnew said simply not enough is being done to prevent the violence.
“We have very good support systems and services for victims of domestic and family violence, but as a community we need to look at ways to stop the violence from happening in the first place,” she said.
“This May, we have an opportunity to raise awareness to the issue and call on men in particular to be part of the solution.”
Many victim survivors advocate that education of young men and women is crucial in the fight against violence.
Education about the power dynamics of abusive relationships, someone's religion, someone's background, disability and socio-economic status affects them and makes them more vulnerable.
"It's really important that men stand up and support women in their communities, talk to their friends, make sure to call out bad behaviour as it happens, recognise the red flags and triggers of an unhealthy relationship, and raise concerns," Ms Agnew said.
“This is everyone’s problem to solve.”

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16 days of Activism - Zonta Club Burdekin Inc club members
Placement of "Zonta Says No"  Banner outside St Francis School - Isabel Stubbs, Debbie Watson, Karen Clark, Judy Mitchell, Judy Sgarbossa and Lyn Butterworth
Plantation Park Walk - Isabel Stubbs, Inez Larsen and Judy Sgarbossa
Church Service - Isabel Stubbs, Judy Sgarbossa and Pastor Karen Ellen
Photos supplied

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At 4.50pm on Tuesday 16 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 7.20pm on Thursday 18 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. As a result, a 54yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .064. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr. The driver, a 23yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, disqualified driving and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 23yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .148. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 2.25am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 35yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 2.35am on Sunday 21 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 19yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .054. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 7.45pm on Sunday 21 April, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Bruce highway, Brandon. As a result, a 24yr old Cairns man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .112. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May. At 9.55pm later that same night, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Ayr said to be drive by the same 24yr old Cairns man, who was issued with a further NTA for drink driving, .089 and driving on a suspended licence, both matters also set down for Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.55pm on Wednesday 24 April, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Seventh Avenue, Home Hill. The driver, a 51yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 4.55pm on Wednesday 24 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Jones Street, Ayr. As a result, a 67yr old Townsville man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .056. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 7.20pm on Thursday 25 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. As a result, a 35yr old Ipswich man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .079. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.25am on Saturday 4 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 65yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .116. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.55am on Sunday 5 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bower Street, Ayr. As a result, a 19yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .077. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 11.15am on Sunday 5 May, Ayr Police were called to a street disturbance in Munro Street, Ayr. As a result of investigations, a 30yr old Burdekin woman was charged with attempted grievous bodily harm, going armed so as to cause fear and contravening a requirement given by a Police Officer. She is next due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 7 June.

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At 1.55pm on Tuesday 7 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr. The driver, a 60yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 4.20pm on Thursday 9 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr. The driver, a 35yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR

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Volunteer organisations in Dawson are set to receive a huge boost in funding as Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced that the region will receive more than $66,000 in funding as part of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants, which will directly impact 20 local organisations.

Mr Willcox said that these grants are critical in supporting and recognising the role that volunteers play within our community.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, and their selflessness and dedication to our region deserves recognition and support,” Mr Willcox said.

“Volunteering also provides an effective pathway to get people into jobs, helps break down the barriers of marginalisation and fosters community participation.

“To all the volunteers across the Dawson electorate, I say thank you and congratulations.

“You truly are the backbone of our society.

“This funding is well deserved, keep up the incredible work that you do.”

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants provide organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to benefit the work of their volunteers.

This includes to purchase minor equipment, provide training, cover fuel costs, promote awareness of volunteering opportunities or adjust policies and procedures to strengthen member safety.

Mr Willcox urged any volunteer or community organisation to contact his office via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au to be added to the grant list to receive information about any current or future grants.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Burdekin Men’s Shed

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