Did You Know you can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it?
Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dial emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next step is reaching out to organisations like BCA who can offer assistance, information and counselling.
Signs of domestic violence can vary and may include physical injuries, frequent absences from work or social activities, noticeable changes in behaviour or mood, isolation from friends and family, controlling or possessive behaviour from a partner, and fearfulness or anxiety around their partner. When you notice these signs, it's vital to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy. Express concern for their wellbeing and offer support without judgment. Encourage them to seek help from professionals who are trained to handle such situations safely and confidentially.
Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) is a local service provider that can offer support services such as counselling, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and legal services, or DV Connect (1800 811 811) who are also available for crisis support 24-7. Both BCA and DV Connect can guide people through the process of seeking help and will provide ongoing support as they navigate their situation.
Remember, domestic and family violence thrives in silence. By speaking up and offering support, you can help break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors to seek the assistance they need to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
For support or information please visit the BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph 4783 3744 or Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Rebecca Grogan
Service Manager, Housing and Community Support Service

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As a team, we're shifting our perspective on failures. Instead of dwelling on what we couldn't achieve, we're embracing them as stepping stones towards improvement. We can train our minds to recognise that every failure comes with a valuable lesson. Although we may not have achieved our goal this time, we can learn something from the effort to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Have you ever felt like you're giving your all, but things just don't seem to work out? It's a sign that we need to pause, reflect, and adapt our approach. Remember, the key to success is not repeating the same actions, but in our ability to learn, grow, and improve.

Are you trying to tackle an ‘issue’ on your own? It is so easy to get overwhelmed and not know how to move forward. This is when the community can help. Sharing our experiences often brings forward others who have tackled similar issues. These conversations are opportunities to ‘brainstorm’ possible solutions or alternative methods you haven’t attempted. By taking the initiative to help yourself, you also have the potential to positively impact the person you're talking with.

Sharing experiences with someone who has gone through a similar journey can be a powerful way to begin healing. Conversations often trigger an unconscious reflective process, where both parties share what has worked for them and what hasn't, acknowledging how far they have come and how far they still must go. This exchange of ideas can be beneficial in helping individuals feel less alone in their journey and providing them with effective coping mechanisms.

There are just under 17,000 people in the Burdekin. Somewhere amongst all our community members is someone(s) who has walked a similar path.  It’s finding and making a connection.  All it takes is one step forward by everyone…

Sometimes, failure is not about the action you took; it can be about the action you didn’t.  

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Wow!! What an exciting few weeks the Burdekin has seen. Since the start of April the Burdekin has hosted the Shane Muspratt Cup, Burdekin Rags to Runway, Burdekin Sugar Rush, Home Hill Canefield Ashes - Cricket, Home Hill Sugar Bowl – Tennis, Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, Burdekin Craft Spectacular, Intercity Tenpin Bowling Tournament (the longest running teams event for bowling in Australia which is pretty amazing) and the Justin Scott Fishing Classic just to name a few!

This weekend will see the Burdekin Grower Race Day bring thousands to town. Now in its 26th year, this event is a fantastic showcase of what can be done by a great club and amazing volunteers. The fashions on the day rival any race day in Australia as does the operation, organisation and execution of what is no doubt a mountain of work.

This event, and all the ones previously mentioned (apologies as I’m sure I missed some) are all a reminder of how the mighty Burdekin punches well above its weight when it comes to delivering events of the highest quality. I personally attribute this to the Burdekin’s amazing volunteer base. All these events would not survive without the volunteers who run them and the people and businesses that support them.
I’d like to thank all the clubs and volunteers for all that they do. We certainly can’t say we are starved for entertainment in the Burdekin.

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council is on the lookout for passionate individuals to join its Economic Development Advisory Group? Since its establishment in 2020, this group has been instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of the region, and now it's seeking members to continue its vital work.
According to Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, this advisory group serves as a crucial body, providing insights and recommendations on key economic strategies, projects, and initiatives. The focus is on fostering growth, employment, and prosperity within the Burdekin Shire, with a commitment to implementing the Burdekin Economic Development Strategy and Burdekin Tourism Strategy.
The responsibilities of the Economic Development Advisory Group include offering ongoing advice and support to the Council, facilitating economic and tourism opportunities, and promoting initiatives that lead to increased employment, new industry development, business growth, attraction of new residents, and enhanced visitor activity in the shire.
Interested individuals with expertise and experience in fields such as business, tourism, industry are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for the group. Nomination forms and further information can be found on the Burdekin Shire Council website or by contacting the Council directly.
Nominations close on Friday 14 June 2024, and successful candidates will be appointed following a thorough selection process. Join in shaping the future of economic development in the Burdekin Shire and contribute to building a vibrant and prosperous community for generations to come!
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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In a heartwarming stride towards supporting the educational needs of underprivileged children, the Joyful Foundation was awarded a vital Bendigo Bank Grant from our local community bank, bolstering its ongoing efforts in North Queensland.
Grace Vigar, President of the Joyful Foundation, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasising its impact on the organisation's mission and the local community.
Established in 2012 to honour the legacy of the late educator Joy Donnellan, the Joyful Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to aiding disadvantaged primary school students across North Queensland.
“The Foundation’s mission is to assist disadvantaged students, who for no reason of their own, have it tough,” Ms Vigar said.
“The Joyful Foundation works closely with nearly 100 schools in North Queensland to support the region’s most disadvantaged primary school students to reach their full potential, by providing essentials such as stationery packs, uniforms, school excursions and other opportunities to learn, which they would otherwise go without.”
Chantel Michielin, Manager of our local Bendigo Community Bank, is proud that our community bank can contribute the $1,240 grant which will be instrumental in sustaining the Foundation's annual stationery pack program, benefiting nine local schools in the Burdekin district.
Notably, some recipient schools have enjoyed support from the Joyful Foundation since its inception, with additional contributions such as the installation of ‘Buddy Benches’ aimed at fostering supportive and inclusive school environments.
“As a champion for anti-bullying, the Joyful Foundation has installed close to 80 Buddy Benches in schools across North Queensland to promote a caring, nurturing and supportive learning environment,” Ms Vigar said.
Reflecting on the significance of the grant, Ms Vigar highlighted the invaluable role community support plays in uplifting disadvantaged children.
“The grant allows us to continue our campaign of helping local disadvantaged children makes the efforts of all our volunteers so rewarding, in particular knowing we are continuing to carry on the work that Joy Donnellan started as a local teacher before her life was cut short by cancer in 2011,” she said.
“The public love to see when their local bank is supporting and enabling local charities to continue their work within their community.
“Every child matters, and they should not be put in a position when they miss out on the basics of their education merely because of their financial situation.”
Looking ahead, the Joyful Foundation remains dedicated to its mission of spreading joy through educational support.
Ms Vigar encouraged continued public support for the Foundation's initiatives, underscoring the impact of every contribution.

“The Joyful Foundation is a registered charity, made up of solely volunteers, where 100% of our profits go towards our cause of helping those children in need of the necessary tools of learning and other support,” she said.
“Every donation that we receive will help us continue our important work in the North Queensland community.  
“We rely solely on the generosity of the public, as well as the charity’s efforts in continually fundraising to making a difference in our local community.”
As the Joyful Foundation continues to shine a light on educational equity, their partnership with our local Bendigo Community Bank exemplifies the positive impact of community-driven initiatives in fostering brighter futures for vulnerable students.

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L-R Joyful Foundation President Grace Vigar, Joyful Foundation Burdekin Representative Mike L’Huillier and Joyful Foundation Committee Member Les Keane. Photo supplied

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Financial planning firm, Altitude Wealth Management, has continued its growth trajectory in Townsville and the Burdekin with the recent merging of Grasso Financial Services into its business earlier this month.
Established in Townsville in 2007, Altitude Wealth Management is a boutique financial management and advisory firm specialising in retirement planning, investing, superannuation and insurance.
Founder and Practice Principal, Dennis Di Bartolo, said that consolidation in the industry was important to drive cost efficiencies following years of government interference where the cost to provide advice has spiralled.
“Despite government attempts to make financial planning advice more affordable to everyday Australians, increased regulation, higher insurance costs and the cost of living, is putting pressure on salaries which has only added to the cost of advice,” said Mr Di Bartolo.
“Over the past few years, adviser numbers have fallen by 50 per cent across the country following new education requirements to be enforced by January 2026.
“It comes at a time where quality financial planning advice is more necessary than ever to help people navigate the cost-of-living crisis and plan for a comfortable retirement that is not reliant on government support.
“Integrating the Grasso Financial Services business is a good fit for us as it provides strength and synergies to help combat the industry challenges, ensuring continuity and quality advice to clients.”
“My business partner Mark Tyrell and I have taken pride in building a business based around trust, transparency and quality advice. Our clients are our priority, but our people closely follow them, and we know that John, Tonia and team share our values and will be instrumental in building on the success we’ve had thus far.”
Grasso Financial Services was founded in Ayr by John Grasso 18 years ago, with Tonia Sanderson in a supporting role before she became a business partner eight years later. Together with their team, they continued to grow and open a second office in Townsville in 2013.
“As a former Ayr local myself, John and I are long-time mates and the potential to merge is something we have always talked about,” Mr Di Bartolo said.
Combining the two businesses has bolstered their adviser numbers to seven covering all areas of advice with an additional thirteen support staff across the Townsville and Ayr offices.
“It has been a seamless transition,” said Mr Grasso.
“All our staff are very excited about the next phase, and joining with the Altitude Wealth Management team simply strengthens our service proposition and provides continuity to our clients.”

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Photo Left to Right:
Mark Tyrell, Partner Altitude Wealth Management, Tonia Sanderson from Grasso Financial Services, John Grasso from Grasso Financial Services and Dennis Di Bartolo, Founder and Practice Principal of Altitude Wealth Management. Photo supplied

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The new CEO emerging out of the partnership between two of Australia’s leading cane organisations has hit the road to meet with growers and members and share vital information about the integration.
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined forces with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry.
Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture and has recently completed a roadshow through the Far North Queensland and Herbert regions to explain the recent integration of the two organisations.
“This roadshow is about telling the members what we’re doing, what we intend to do, why we’ve done what we’ve done, how we can help them and what services we’re offering,” Mr Ryan said.
“Some of the comments and feedback we’ve been getting are very interesting, saying there are opportunities to do things differently which we’re trying to do.
“We’ve put together a regional focus from the Burdekin Head Office with a series of district committees and members to be grassroots driven but also have a presence in Brisbane with the Australian Cane Farmers Office.”
A canefarmer originally from northern New South Wales, Mr Ryan has been based in Brisbane and working for ACFA for 25 years.
With decades of experience liaising with growers from a member-based organisation, he looks forward to continuing this work alongside a powerful, local and centralised unit in QCAR.
“I’m what you might call an old hand in the industry now,” he laughed.
“I’ve been through a lot of scrapes and battles, deregulation and things like that.
“My experience is right across the industry in many different areas like policy, contracts, political negotiations and the local farming side of things.”
Mr Ryan has seen the sugar cane industry evolve over those decades and is focused on dealing with stakeholders as a unified organisation.
“It’s so important not to be fragmented,” he said.
“When you’re dealing with global partners, you have to be able to have the weight and the numbers behind you and you need to have enough people with specialties in different policy areas to be able to bring outcomes for the members.
“Different areas want different things, but I think the common thread is that if there are new processes and new products in the near future, they want to be able to have the ability to invest in that, to share in it and be part of the conversation.”
Mr Ryan will continue to hear from growers and members as the Roadshow continues through the Burdekin, Central Queensland and Southeast Queensland regions in coming months.
The final stages of the election and selection of committees have been completed ahead of the first board meeting to be held in the Burdekin today, Thursday May 16.
Chair Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and ACFA as the partnership leverages the collective expertise and resources of both organisations to strengthen the sugarcane industry.
“By joining forces, we are securing a stronger future for the growth of the sugarcane industry across Australia,” he said.
“This marks a pivotal moment for our industry and by combining our strengths, we can better serve our members and drive positive change.”
Mr Ryan concluded by saying the partnership signifies a new chapter for the sugarcane industry.
“We are committed to securing a prosperous future for all stakeholders through collaborative efforts,” he said.
“Together, QCAR and ACFA will spearhead positive change, nurturing industry expansion, and championing innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the sugarcane industry.”

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Stephen Ryan
FNQ meeting in Babinda
FNQ meeting in Innisfail
Photos supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian farmers to fight the Australian Government’s fresh food tax which he said will hurt families and farmers amid a cost-of-living crisis.

A new petition, Stop the Fresh Food Tax, is being launched by the Coalition, alongside industry’s ‘day of action’ to scrap the tax.

Mr Willcox is urging local farmers and families to get behind the campaign and sign the petition to stop the new fresh food tax.

“The Coalition proudly stands with the National Farmers’ Federation today and support our farmers on their day of action to scrap the tax,” Mr Willcox said.

“This is an absolutely ridiculous tax on our farmers who will be paying for their overseas competitors to bring their products into our country.

“We urge families and farmers in Dawson to join us in this fight and to sign the petition to stop Labor’s fresh food tax.

“This new tax will hurt all Australians because farmers will be forced to pass on costs, meaning families will feel more pain at the grocery checkout.

Mr Willcox said the Government has continued to ignore pleas to stop this “senseless new tax”.

“We still don’t know how the tax will be collected or managed,” he said.

“But we do know the tax will go towards consolidated revenue, hurting over 1,500 farmers and farm managers in the electorate of Dawson.

“Sadly, time is now running out to scrap Labor’s fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, forcing farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks of their international importers.

“The new tax makes absolutely no sense, and it will hurt families and farmers who are already under pressure.

“In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the risks their competitors are creating?”

Mr Willcox added Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt have shown contempt by appearing at Rockhampton’s Beef2024, despite preparing to launch a new fresh food tax on families and farmers and failing to settle a live export cattle case from 2011.

To find out more about the petition, visit www.stopthefreshfoodtax.com/#action.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is calling on the Australian Government to ‘scrap the tax’. Photos supplied

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2024 is a year of milestones and celebration for Ayr legal firm Groves and Clark Solicitors who are, most notably, celebrating 90 years of service to the communities of north Queensland. From the humble beginnings of Charles Groves and Frank Clark in 1934, the firm has welcomed many talented legal practitioners, assisted countless members of the community and achieved excellent results for its clients. But it’s the relationships developed amongst staff and clients that Groves and Clark Solicitors has become renowned for, playing an integral role in the Burdekin and beyond. The firm is one that practises around family and a philosophy and ethos to represent its clients professionally, building and maintaining relationships with them into the future.
When two enterprising young lawyers left Brisbane and travelled north in search of a town where they could “hang their shingle” and establish their own legal practice, they built a legacy that is still being celebrated almost a century on. Charles Groves and Frank Clark established Groves and Clark Solicitors in 1934 after identifying Ayr as that town, opening their doors in an old wooden building in Queen Street, Ayr on May 10, 1934; Frank had been admitted as a Solicitor only nine days previously. They quickly established themselves as reputable Solicitors and acquired a number of substantial farming clients among the local community.
Unfortunately, Charles was killed on October 6, 1942, at Milne Bay, New Guinea on active service with the Australian Army in World War II, leaving Frank to continue the pair’s hard work.
“I remember how hard he worked at the very beginning when I was a kid,” said Frank’s daughter Pat Lawson. “He’d come home, have something to eat at night, stay home for a while then he’d go back to work and come home and sleep. He’d go down to the office again before breakfast and then go back and he always wore white clothes in those days, white pants with a white shirt and horrible ironing.
“He liked what he was doing, he was good at it, and it’s gone on for all these years.”
Frank continued in the practice until December 31, 1983, when he retired from full time practice and became a consultant to the firm. He continued to hold a Practising Certificate until he reached his 50th anniversary of his admission as a Solicitor and he is remembered as one the region’s best and most specialised legal professionals.
“Frank was a brilliant solicitor, particularly with sugarcane and the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act when the industry was totally regulated by the government,” said former Groves and Clark Partner Ian Macdonald. “Frank Clark knew every word of the Act, he knew everyone on the local Sugar Cane Prices Board, and he had a reputation far and wide as one of Queensland’s if not the most acknowledged practitioner in the area of the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act.”
During its history, the firm operated from several different premises including its original location at 144 Queen Street and 143 Young Street until in March 1981, it moved into new premises built by the then partners at 98 Macmillan Street, Ayr. The firm boasts a long list of previous partners, solicitors and employees, including J.J. O’Shea, Fred Slattery, John Francis, Ian Macdonald, Tom Bird, John Gaviglio, Barry Jones, Barry Torkington, Bruce Medley, David Lidell, Jim Hunter, Rebecca Fabbro and Majella Meehan, who is considered one of the first women in the region to be named as Partner of a legal firm.
The firm takes pride in the fact that a large number of its current clients are descendants of those first clients gained by Charles Groves and Frank Clark. Groves and Clark is engrained into the fabric of the Burdekin and prides itself on servicing the North Queensland region with pride, professionalism and the values that come from being local. Groves and Clark offers its clients professional service with a down to earth attitude, a philosophy established by the two gentlemen whose names still adorn the doors of the business 90 years on.
“Their names live forever in the name of the firm,” said Ian. “Very often, legal practises would change the name every time a new partner came in. We’re one of the few firms who have never changed our names.”
Read on to hear from some of the current and former partners and employees of the business as they celebrate the following milestones.

Groves And Clark’s 2024 Milestones
The business celebrates 90 years of service
Senior Partner Bruce Medley celebrates 50 years of service
Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro celebrates 25 years of service
Bruce and Rebecca celebrate 20 years of partnership

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Frank Clark
Back Row L-R: Rebecca Fabbro, Bruce Medley, Barry Jones and Jason Pertile. Front Row –L-R: John Gaviglio, Majella Meehan and Barry Torkington. Photo taken May 17, 2000
The team in 2024 L-R: Karli Linton, Eliza Worlein, Maria Lejarraga, Alicia Roncato, Bruce Medley, Lisa Sarri, Denise Tapiolas, Rosanne Grant and Lisa Ferrando. Absent: Rebecca Fabbro and Barbara Briskey

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Alongside Mr Clark, Senior Partner Bruce Medley is one of the longest serving team members in the history of Groves and Clark, celebrating the 50th year of his tenure in 2024. Meanwhile, Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro marks her 25th year, with the pair honouring 20 years of partnership this year as well.
Bruce started with the firm on January 2, 1974, as an Articled Clerk after he was offered a job by Ian McDonald while finishing his studies. He was admitted as a Solicitor in late October 1974 and was offered partnership a week later, becoming a partner on January 1, 1975. A former East Ayr State School and Ayr State High School student, Bruce ironically started grade 8 at ASHS the same year Ian was in his senior year at the same school.
In Bruce’s earlier years in the firm, he specialised in personal injury work, saying he had quite a few successes and some very memorable cases. During his legal career, he has practised in almost every area of Law and says, recently, he’s virtually followed in Mr Clark’s footsteps, practising primarily in matters involving the sugar industry and sugar cane farms, commercial and residential conveyancing, leasing, wills, estates and estate planning although he also handles other matters as required.
“The work has a lot of satisfaction, a lot of frustration, there are some days when you don’t feel like coming to work because you know what’s facing you, but when you’re helping people and getting the results for them, there comes a personal satisfaction with what you’ve done,” Bruce said.
Throughout his career, Bruce has been involved in service clubs and continues to assist local clubs and organisations with honourary work. His community involvement continues as he’s been active with the Australian Air Force Cadets for the last 28 years.
“All the time that I’ve been here, it’s really been like a family rather than a business,” he said. “It’s my hometown, I know most of the people I act for, and the loyalty of the clients has been incredible.”
Rebecca calls it the “Groves and Clark family”, saying, “It’s the people and it’s our long-term clients. There are people who have been clients of the firm forever, we’ve got families who have been with us for multiple generations. I love that sense of history that we have.”
Rebecca’s journey is proof of the Groves and Clark family. As her family’s solicitors, she completed work experience with the firm while at university before starting permanently as an Articled Clerk in 1999, offered a job by her family’s Solicitor at the time, John Gaviglio. She completed her primary and secondary schooling at Airville State School and Burdekin Catholic High School respectively before attending James Cook University where she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce-Bachelor of Laws in 1998. Rebecca then became Partner in 2004 and practises in Residential, Rural & Commercial Conveyancing, Succession Law & Estate Planning.
“I feel proud to be part of something that has been around for so long and hopefully we’ll still be here in another 90 years,” Rebecca said. “You have to have the right sort of personality and temperament to have a successful partnership and I’d like to think that, over the years, the partners at Groves and Clark have all had that temperament and nature that allows people to express their opinion while also being able to listen. There is the respect between all members of staff and its enjoyable to work with people that you like on a day-to-day basis. And, when you’re working in a small town and in a firm like ours, you develop relationships and friendships with your clients and I enjoy that part of what we do.”
Bruce and Rebecca lead a team of four solicitors, also including Alicia Roncato and Lisa Sarri, all of whom are proudly born and raised in the Burdekin.
“We are really proud of the work that we do and the service that we give,” Rebecca said. “The four of us are all born and bred here. We all live and work in our town, our families are growing up in this town, and those connections we have to our community play a huge role in us being able to provide a really good service. The firm does have some strong paths sitting there for the next stage and we have some very experienced people there who form the backbone of what is Groves and Clark today.”

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Senior Partner Bruce Medley and Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro mark 20 years of business partnership in 2024

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Following a unique route into the firm compared to that of some of his counterparts, Barry Torkington joined Groves and Clark in 1989 after years of public service across the state. Originally from Charters Towers, Barry started work in what was then known as the Mining Warden’s office before it became the Justice Department. His work took him across southern Queensland until he was appointed Clerk of the Court in Toogoolawah, moved to Clermont and then Ayr. He spent 18 months as Clerk of the Court in Ayr before he was offered a job at Groves and Clark by Barry Jones in 1989.
“I had no experience whatsoever as a lawyer except for my observations of lawyers as Clerk of the Court, so I had an interest in criminal law at that stage,” he recalled. “I came here raw but I was very fortunate that the partners were able to mentor me through the difficult early years. They were very generous to me and the whole firm, it was like being part of a family, everybody was very loyal.”
Barry became a Partner of the firm on February 1, 1998. With the assistance and guidance of his knowledge peers, he diversified his knowledge and ability to best serve his community.
“My main interest, as a lawyer, was in the criminal area, only because it was something I was familiar with, and I felt comfortable,” he said. “Gradually, I got more experience in other areas of law, and I found it all to be rather fascinating.”
He remained in Ayr until 2003 when the firm opened a Townsville office, offering Barry the opportunity to relocate to be closer to his adult children and their families. The Townsville branch of Groves and Clark closed in 2019, at which point he retired.
“I never regretted any of the years I spent with Groves & Clark,” Barry said. “It’s a terrific firm full of terrific people and it’s good to work with clients who appreciate the effort you’ve put in for them.”
While living in the Burdekin, Barry served in Rotary for 10 years, was actively involved with the P&C committee of his children’s school and also served on the Burdekin Community Association board.

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A former partner who went on to serve his community, state and nation, Ian Macdonald AM started his career with Groves and Clark in 1964 immediately after completing school at Ayr State High School. He says he’d always been interested in law, politics and government, and even wanted to be Prime Minister for a period of his high school years. This led him to serving Ayr State High School as School Captain and House Captain, roles he reflects on proudly.
Ian had travelled to Brisbane in the August holidays of his senior year to seek opportunities upon graduation. His school knew of his ambitions, of course, and one fateful day, he was invited to the principal’s office.
“I went to the principal’s office wondering what I’d done, and Frank Clark was there offering me an opening for an Articled Clerk, which I was very keen to do,” Ian reflected.
He became a qualified Solicitor in 1969, joining the firm’s leadership team as a Junior Partner later that year. He pursued his interest in Government and was elected to the Ayr Shire Council in 1979, playing an instrumental role in renaming the Shire of Ayr to the Shire of Burdekin. He stood unsuccessfully as a state candidate for the Liberal Party in 1983, but his interest in the Liberal Party prevailed.
“I continued my interest in the Liberal Party on the State Executive and stood for preselection for the senate in 1990 and, against all odds, expectations and predictions, I was preselected to lead the Liberal Party senate ticket,” he recalled.
Ian went on to leave Groves and Clark in 1990 before serving as a Senator for Queensland from 1990 to 2019, becoming the longest-serving incumbent member of parliament for the final years of his career. He was also appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours.
“It’s an interesting career,” he recalled of his time with Groves and Clark. “Being able to help people, hard workers who sometimes didn’t understand the language or the law, to have their confidence was a great feeling. Our firm, then and now, had a very good reputation.”

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One of the firm’s longest serving team members, Jean Woodford worked with Groves and Clark from 1962 to 1973, returning again in 1976 and ultimately retiring in 2021. Employed by Mr Clark, Jean originally joined the team as a Stenographer after high school and ultimately diversified her skillset and ended her career in conveyancing. She also attended Ayr State High School and was in the same class as Ian.
“I think one of the reasons I got the job was because I put the apostrophes in the right place,” she laughed.
Jean reflected on fond memories of working at Groves and Clark, also speaking to the firm’s family atmosphere.
“If you had family problems or someone was sick, you could always go home,” she said.
“Everyone was just like family, the bosses were really good, the girls were really good, it was just an easy place to work for.”

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As the proud daughter of Mr Clark, it was inevitable for Pat to work for the firm her father established at some point or another. She worked for Groves and Clark from 1958 to 1972 as a shorthand typist, a career that would take her across the world.
“I did year 11 at school and came to work after that,” Pat laughed. “Dad was short of people, so he pulled his daughter in.”
Later in her career, Pat joined a temp agency in London and was assigned a role with global firm Linklaters & Paines.
“They liked us Aussie girls because we worked hard,” she said. “The English girls in those days didn’t.”
After seeing the work that has gone into the firm that bears her family name, from her father and all others involved, Pat feels proud of everything that has been accomplished by Groves and Clark and proud that the name Frank Clark will be remembered in the Burdekin for generations.
“It’s lovely,” she smiled. “It’s nice to have that connection.”

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Below is a letter written by Charles Groves and addressed to Frank Clark dated May 1, 1934, prior to opening the doors of Groves and Clark Solicitors on May 10, 1934.

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Dear Clarkie
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In confirmation of my wire I have the honour to report that the address at Ayr is Queen St. & the phone No. 307 (office).  I telephoned a good boarding house there which was recommended to me & there will be two vacancies there next week.  The address is Wilmington St. & the phone No. 170.  The cost of board & lodging is 35/- per week each which includes washing.  It is about the best we could possibly do.  Had a marvellous trip up particularly from the social standpoint & was nearly converted by a     C. of E. Parson.     Ted Wood will tell you all about it.  Jim Ruddy is a fine chap & has introduced me to everyone that counts in Townsville.  Met Dr. Kelly the R.C. Priest from Ayr & he will do his best for us.  Met the Royal Italian Consul, Dr. Cheife & he will send us everything he can.  Met the     S.M. in Townsville, Mr. Cameron & he gave some good advice.  Met Tom Bonney the Barrister, numbers of solicitors and dozens of other people here.  Jim has no doubt whatever of our success at Ayr & Home Hill.  He wants us to visit the latter place.  The Italian Consul particularly wishes us to do Home Hill.  Hope you are “hot” on the Court work.  There seems to be plenty of it here.  Jim strongly advises Halsburys so I think we had better get them (the old ones).    Greg Anderson regards them as essential also.  Hope you saw Joe ??  re the statutes etc.   I am still in Townsville & I think I shall go to Ayr tonight or tomorrow morning.  I think that your boat will arrive in Townsville on Sunday night about 8 or 9 o’clock.  I would advise you to stay the night there & when the boat leaves next day stay at Buchanans Hotel.  I think the Monday will be a public holiday so Jim Ruddy will not be in the office, so you had better go along to his home on the Strand, Townsville & see him.  I have told him you will do this.  Townsville is a simple place in which to find your way about.  Their office is in Denham St, just about a few doors up from the corner where the post office is.  All the legal firms are together.  If you follow Denham St. right round you will come out on the Strand.  If you enquire at the presbytery (you can’t miss it, anyone will direct you there – it is on the Strand) they will show you where Jim’s place is.  I told him you would like to spend a day or to with him & he will have all precedents ready.  He advises getting the Workers Compensation Act – Cloth Section,  the Cane Prices Act, the Industrial Arbitration & Conciliation Acts, complete.  Do not forget to pay deposit on typewriter.  [some words in brackets crossed out].  Don’t forget to wire me when you reach Townsville.  We want to start out by the 8th or 9th of May.
See you later
Charles
P.S.   There is one thing I did not fix up & that is the P.O. Box No.  We will have to wait until we get to Ayr & put it on the stationery ourselves.  Jim made numerous inquiries concerning you & I told him you were hot stuff & had tons of experience.
CG

The first of four pages of the letter - the original copy is still in the possession of the firm

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