Two fishermen who went missing between Wunjunga Beach and Cape Upstart for up to 22 hours have thanked the community for their search and rescue efforts.
Best mates Iane Schwerin and Brett Zunker left their homes at approximately 2:30pm on Saturday, April 13 to go fishing, something they would normally do together whenever they got the chance.
In Iane’s boat, they launched from Wallace Creek boat ramp and headed past Wunjunga in the direction of Cape Upstart.
Upon first inspection, Iane and Brett decided it was too choppy to head across the Bay so they stayed close to Wunjunga Beach, where it was calmer waters.
After about an hour, the pair decided to make a move towards the Cape, when approximately two miles from their destination, disaster struck.
“We were heading over, and a rogue wave came over the stern of the boat and filled the back of the boat up,” Iane said.
“It just went that quick, the bottom end sunk down and we lost it, all the gear floated out of the boat, and it just overturned.”
The pair of experienced fishermen lost all means of communication but focused on staying headstrong and remained calm.
“We stuck with the vessel, it was floating, and it wasn’t going anywhere,” Iane said.
“We didn’t really go too far from where it capsized.”
Alarm bells were raised later that evening by concerned family members who hadn’t heard from either of them since 3:00pm.
An air, sea and land search commenced at approximately 2:00am Sunday morning involving search coordinators Townsville Water Police, Townsville Coast Guard, Maritime Safety Queensland, VMR Burdekin, SES Burdekin, VMR Bowen, RACQ CQ Rescue and AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority, as well as friends, family and community members.
Around 22 hours after they first went missing, the pair were located near Flagstaff Bay clinging to the hull of their overturned boat by Maritime Safety Queensland’s ‘Aquila’.
“The tide was coming in and we made the choice to pull the anchor up and hand paddle with the tide and try to get closer to the Cape,” Iane said.
“We knew if we stayed out again the next night, it was going to be cold and it was going to test us.
“We saw the boat and we didn’t know if they’d see us, but when they finally started coming over, we knew we were good, the relief hit, instant relief.”
The pair were then airlifted from Cape Upstart to Ayr Hospital where they were treated for dehydration and hypothermia.
“We’d just like to thank everyone involved,” Brett said.
“We’re just so grateful for everyone.”
“We’re just glad to be alive,” added Iane.
SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis thanked Townsville Water Police for their coordination of the search.
“Their decisions are extremely critical and, in this case, they were lifesaving,” he said.
“It doesn’t happen without the commitment of all volunteers, it doesn't matter what unit or what colour boat, everyone turned up and worked hard to get a successful result for which the Burdekin community would be extremely grateful.”
Iane and Brett have taken this week to rest and recover and said they’ll be fishing from the shore for the foreseeable future.
“We won’t be going too far,” confirmed Brett.
“22 hours is a long time in the water.”

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Iane Schwerin and Brett Zunker were rescued from their overturned boat after almost a day lost at sea. Photo supplied

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Tools hang mere metres from Toni Gornall and her family every time they go to bed at night, a stark reminder of the fact that no matter how comfortable they attempt to make it, they are living in a shed.
With three children, Addison, Robert and Jada-Rose aged 12, 10 and 6, sharing a queen-sized camp stretcher and Toni and her husband Ty sleeping on a mattress on the floor, Toni described the situation as less than ideal.
The family have found themselves living in a shed approximately 10 metres from a house owned by Ty’s mother and her partner as they desperately search for more stable and appropriate accommodation.
They previously owned a home in Townsville but, after it underwent structural damage that was too costly to repair, they decided to sell and relocate.
“We needed a fresh start,” Toni said.
“The hustle and bustle of the city was hectic, we’d had enough, so we decided to cut our losses and sell the house for what we could get and move to a quieter location.
“My mother-in-law was already here, and they love their grandbabies, so it gave her the opportunity to spend time with them and do school trips and do all the grandma stuff, so it was the perfect opportunity.”
The family moved to Ayr at the end of February 2023 after Toni put a post on Facebook where she was contacted about a rental but, after a year of living in that house, the owners wanted to sell, forcing the family to start looking again.
“Due to the cost of everything, they needed to sell, so she gave us plenty of notice and in that time, I put out numerous posts on Facebook, applied everywhere from Cairns to Mackay for housing and when I had no luck there, I reached out to the community services,” Toni said.
“We got nothing back.
“Addison and Robert both have neurological disabilities and hubby just went through cancer, so it’s not an ideal situation for the five of us.”
That’s when Ty’s mother and her partner took the family in, setting up the shed at the back of their Ayr block.
“I didn’t care, it could be an old shed out the back of your farm, I didn’t mind, a solid roof over the kids’ head is all I need,” Toni said.
The Gornalls certainly don’t appear to be alone, with Burdekin Community Association (BCA) CEO Debra Cochran confirming her understanding is that there is a 0% vacancy rate for rentals in the Burdekin.
BCA delivers the Crisis Accommodation Program, offering participants case-managed support to find "Safe, Sustainable, Suitable" long-term housing with the aim of preventing participants from returning to homelessness.  
“In our view, a misconception is that we do not have a homeless problem in the Burdekin,” Debra said.
“BCA manage five properties under the Crisis Accommodation Program and there are limited exit points for these people.
“Therefore, our capacity to assist people has limitations.
“As there is no funded service in the Burdekin for this, we try to fill the gaps as much as possible.”
Unless there is a vacancy in one of the Crisis Accommodation Program properties, Debra said the best support BCA can provide is limited to assisting and submitting social housing applications, helping to access online private rental applications, advocating for social housing, and the government rent connect program.  
“In addition, we assist people to find options in other locations and use some funds to purchase tents for those at immediate risk of homelessness,” she said.
Facing rejection and the prospect of sleeping rough, Toni said the process has felt like “a constant kick in the guts”.
“We’d been homeowners for the last nine years, perfect record with paying a mortgage, never a fault and always paid our rent when we started renting,” she said.
“I’m a 33-year-old woman, married with three children and I’m living in my mother-in-law’s shed, it’s a horrible feeling as a mum.
“I was at the point of pure anger.
“I felt completely defeated, I was emotional, my mental health was at its lowest point ever, and I just thought I had to say something and speak up.”
Toni contacted Member for Burdekin Dale Last who said there are currently more than 3,500 people on social housing waiting lists in our region alone.
“My office has been contacted by families who have been forced to consider moving away from the Burdekin or sleep in farm sheds simply because there isn’t the housing available here for them,” Mr Last said.
“The issue of housing is growing right across the state but in rural areas like the Burdekin where we rely on being able to attract and retain people here for employment opportunities, there needs to be accommodation for that employee, and potentially their family, to live in.”
The future looks uncertain for the Gornalls as Dani expands her search for accommodation across the state.
“I never thought in a million years I would be in this position, and it just goes to show everyone is at risk,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what money you have, things happen.”

Toni Gornall (centre) lives in her mother-in-law’s shed with her two daughters Addison (left), Jada-Rose (right), husband Ty and son Robert (not pictured)

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The shutdown of existing 3G networks across Australia is fast approaching and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is urging customers to be prepared so they don’t get caught out.
Telstra is due to switch off its 3G network on June 30 with Optus expected to switch off the network in September.
“For those in our community who are still using devices that rely solely on the 3G network, it is really important to contact your telecommunications provider to make sure you have upgraded devices that can continue operating,” Mr Willcox said.
“There are concerns that this switch will leave some customers without any way to contact triple zero in emergencies, but we could see even more impacts in rural and regional areas.
“Products such as boosting equipment, ag tech devices, and even EFTPOS machines could be affected once the 3G networks are switched off.
“If anyone is worried about their devices network connectivity they should contact their telecommunications provider, or alternatively Telstra customers can text ‘3’ to 3498 and should receive a reply advising if there is any action they need to take.”
It is estimated that there are still over 100,000 customers on the Telstra network who are still using old 3G devices, and there are over one million older 4G and 5G phones that are configured to use the 3G networks for Triple Zero calls.
“I encourage anyone who is concerned about the 3G networks being switched off or needs help to find out if they will be affected to contact my office directly on Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.”

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At 9:30am on Wednesday April 10, at the Ayr Branch of the Burdekin Library, six Burdekin writers got ready to share their words with the public. After a brief introduction and Welcome to Country, the writers presented poems and stories. From tales of troubled teens, to glowing babies, from the torments of green frogs to a Bigfoot in need of a little help, from Antarctica to Alva beach, the stories took us far from the Burdekin and our lives, and then brought us right back home.
The Burdekin Creative Writers Anthology is available to read in the local history section, or there is one copy available to borrow from the Ayr branch of the Burdekin Library. In the future there will be a copy available at the Home Hill Branch.
Both the Burdekin Creative Writers and Night Writers groups would like to thank the Burdekin Library for hosting this event, and we look forward to the planned Showcase at the Home Hill Branch on Wednesday July 12 at 10:30am.
Contributed by Tracy Liotis

Back row L-R: Frank White, Tracy Liotis, Megan Hippler and George Venables. Front row L-R: Anne McCubben, Margaret Giffard and Joanna

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Rehoming fee: $545

DOB: 28/12/2023

Sex: Female

Breed: Bullmastiff x Australian Cattle dog

Kid friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Yes

Other dogs: Yes

Fences: 6ft

Lolly is a beautiful girl looking for her forever home. She loves to fetch the ball, play and give lots of cuddles. Lolly is great with kids and other dogs, big and small.

Lolly is going to a big girl and she will benefit from lots of walks and playtime. But she also has the potential to be a couch potato if given the chance .

Lolly is available for adoption desexed, micro-chipped, up to date vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated and on heartworm preventative.

If you’re interested in meeting Lolly please complete an animal enquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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There are often typical circumstances which occur prior to a home being unlawfully entered. An offender will usually act on easy or tempting opportunities, especially when it is evident no one is home or the risk of being caught is low.
What you can do:
   • Ensure doors are always locked with a key, even when you are home.
   • Ensure that all external doors, including your garage, of your home are solid and fitted with quality deadlocks.
   • Consider fitting security screen doors, designed and installed to Australian Standards.
   • Install a door viewer that allows you to see the person before you open the door.
   • Fit secure locks to your windows which meet Australian Standards and never leave the keys in the window lock.
   • Ensure security grills and shutters are properly installed and allow an exit in case of an emergency.
   • Consider installing an intruder alarm system and security camera system that covers all external doors, windows and garage. Ensure the system is installed to Australian Standards for domestic applications.
   • Always ensure car keys and house keys, together with mobile phones, handbags and wallets, are stored out of sight and not on the kitchen table or bench.
   • Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility to your property and your house number is clearly visible.
   • Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden implements such as ladders. Always keep your garage or shed door closed and locked with a key.
   • Consider installing perimeter security lighting including sensor lights.
   • Have an emergency evacuation plan and review it regularly.
   • Don’t keep car keys or cash in cars.
Queensland Police encourage you to conduct regular audits of your home security. Check out the following:
   • Security doors in good working order with triple locks and finger guards installed.
   • Main doors are solid and patio bolts installed on sliding doors.
   • Windows have key operated locks.
   • Home is well-lit with sensor lighting installed to deter intruders from entering the home.
   • Keep an up to date inventory list recording serial numbers, makes, models and descriptions of your property.
   • Wheelie bins secured in a location which prevents an intruder using them to climb into your home.
   • Valuable items outside the home secured in a garage or shed.
Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR

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Bowen Orbital Space Port was officially opened at the start of the month, with dignitaries gathered to mark this significant moment in space industry history.

With final approvals and permits pending, Gilmour Space Technologies are closer than ever to an official launch date which will see this Queensland-based company become the first in Australia to launch a spacecraft.

Bowen is now one of only three dedicated launch sites globally, chosen for its precise location, 20 degrees south of the equator, ideal for quick efficient transport to space.

It’s been an incredible ride for the Gilmour brothers, James and Adam who have, over the last 10 years, propelled their grassroots Gold Coast based company into the largest space tech company in Australia, now valued at $605 million.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction that within a relatively short space of time, starting out with less than a dozen people, we have now become the largest tech company in the country with 194 employees,” said James Gilmour.

“We are on the eve of making Australian history at the Bowen Orbital Space Port!”

Gilmour Space Technologies constructed its 23 metre long, 35 tonnes rocket named Eris in the Gold Coast and it has since been brought up to Bowen where it is being assembled.

From April 29, the Bowen site will be ready for the launch, pending final permits and last-minute testing.

The next significant milestone will be when the rocket is turned into a vertical position which is a symbolically exciting moment for the team.

“We have for so long asked people to imagine what it will look like, now they will actually be able to see it which will bring home the significance and importance if what we’re actually trying to do here,” said James Gilmour.

It is expected that Eris will be launched into low-orbit within the next two months, its ‘payload’ a GS satellite which will fast track enhanced technology road maps.

Gilmour Space Technologies is working with the Australian Defence Force and Space Machines Australia as investors of the initial launch.

Considered to be the Fed-Ex of space transport, the rocket is designed to transport items into space and while it is only a one-way trip for Eris, there is already a second rocket in construction called 002 which is expected to be completed in six to nine months.

Our Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has been a huge supporter of this project since he first worked with the Gilmour brothers in the planning stages when he was Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Since then, he has stayed connected and been a great advocate, eagerly awaiting the big day when Bowen will become the site of the first rocket launch in the country.

“This is good for my electorate and great for Australia!” said Mr Willcox.

“I’ve been down to their head office and witnessed their tech first-hand – it’s incredible! They’ve invented a propulsion system which is world leading and now there is a whole industry being created here that offers technical, higher paid jobs, which is a real boost for the community.”

Investing in both the community and the Whitsunday way of life, James Gilmour is in the process of moving to Bowen and looks forward to continuing to build his team in the region.

“At the moment we have between eight and 10 employees based locally and we are looking to increase that by the end of the year,” he explained.

“We are focussed on the intention to work with the community and want local businesses to grow with us. So far, we have injected $10 million into the community and have worked with many local manufacturers. We’ve also developed supply chains and have ongoing operations within the region.”

Another central part of the Gilmour brothers’ ethos is connecting the country with the sky and since the company’s inception they have worked closely with the local Juru Traditional Landowners.

“The site has its foundation on the land of the Juru people and acknowledging this has been fundamentally important since day one,” said Mr Gilmour.

“We don’t want to be remembered for our words but for our deeds.”

With the launch set to take place within the coming months, community members will be able to witness the moment firsthand from several local vantage points in Bowen.

These include Flagstaff Hill, Queens Beach and Greys Bay.

“Safety is a top priority during a launch campaign,” explained Mr Gilmour.

“We’re going to have safety zones in place during the launch and public information will soon be available on our website with viewing locations and safety guides.”

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor-elect Ry Collins, James and Adam Gilmour Directors of Gilmour Space Technologies, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Thursday, April 4 saw the 35-year anniversary of cyclone Aivu crossing the North Queensland coast, leaving a devasting trail of destruction in Townsville, the Burdekin, and Bowen.

The 1989 severe, late-season tropical cyclone hit the Burdekin coastline, making landfall in Home Hill around 10:30am on April 4, causing over $150 million in damages, and tragically claiming three lives.

35 years on from the tragic event, the Burdekin still remembers the heartache and the destruction Aivu inflicted on the region. Areas of the Burdekin were left with no electricity, communications, or water for just over a week, and many homes were stripped of their walls, verandahs, roofs, and fences.

Jenny Powell was working her shift at the Home Hill Hospital the day cyclone Aivu made landfall, an event she remembers as extremely unpredictable, and nothing short of daunting.

“We didn’t know how the building would hold up, and we knew we couldn’t leave our patients in their rooms because of the large sliding windows,” explained Jenny.

“Most of them could not walk, so we were wheeling them around on beds and wheelchairs to Outpatient procedure rooms.”

Barely managing under the circumstances, Jenny recalls the worst moments came after the power was lost, and the generators failed.

“We had one of our elderly ladies say to me, ‘sister, I’ve got a hurricane lamp down at home if you want to get it,’ and I was a bit stressed, but I said, ‘you think I’m walking outside in this weather just to get a hurricane lamp?!’”

Locals described witnessing trees falling as if they were matchsticks, and roofs flying like sheets of paper as the sky filled with debris moving at the speed of light, and as the eye finally arrived, the Home Hill Hospital was immediately inundated with casualties.

“Our gutters were hanging off the courtyard buildings, and we were so worried they’d become flying missiles that we hadn’t even been thinking about all the casualties about to come in,” recalls Jenny.

“One man had even fallen off a roof, and he had to be transported to Townsville, it was quite a time.”

As well as the devastation, locals reminisce on the community rallying together, with the aid of the Australian Army forces and the SES to lift spirts through neighborhood barbeques and candle lit card games amidst the cleanup.

Cyclone Aivu still stands as one of the region’s largest, and most devastating natural disasters, with locals reminiscing on the unforgettable loss and heartache each anniversary. Even 35 years on from the tragedy, many locals look back on the event and say they cannot believe it was that long ago.

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A sea of yellow will soon be streaming down Plantation Creek as the 2024 Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race approaches.
The annual fundraising event held by the Rotary Club of Ayr will return to Plantation Park on Sunday, May 19 where the community will gather to watch hundreds of ducks race to the finish line.
There are thousands of dollars on the line for the owners of the winning ducks, but the event is all held for a good cause, being one of the club’s top fundraisers every year.
This year, funds raised will go towards Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy (BCC) and Burdekin Community Association (BCA).
“Fundraising is critical for us because times are pretty tough and we have organisations, especially like BCC and BCA, that need as much support as they can get, so we try and spread ourselves as much as possible,” said Rotary Volunteer and Event Organiser John McVeigh.
“For the size of our club, we match any club in Townsville with what we do, and we try as much as possible to put the money back into our community.”
But first, the Rotary Club of Ayr are inviting the community to purchase their lucky ducks and be in it to win it.
Purchasing a duck will ensure that you’re in the running for the thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs on the day, with the owner of the first duck to cross the finish line to be rewarded with $1,000 cash, $750 up for grabs for the second, $500 for the third, $300 for the fourth and $200 for the fifth duck across the line.
“We have a crane empty this crate full of ducks into the water and, because it’s not a straightforward creek with nice clean banks, there’s weed and whatever, so what the ducks do is totally random,” said John.
There are five $50 lucky duck draw prizes available as well as prizes for the best decorated duck and the best duck outfit worn on the day.
Ducks are on sale for $50 each and if punters buy three ducks, they’ll get a fourth duck for free.
Raffle tickets are also on sale for $5 each to go into the running for a firepit built by Rotary member Mike Blakey.
The race day will also feature entertainment from the Burdekin Brass Band as well as a colouring in competition, novelty races and presentations.
Ducks are available for purchase from today, Thursday, April 18 from Ayr Rotary members, Burdekin Cleaners and Laundry and market and street stalls across the Burdekin.
To find out more, visit Rotary Club of Ayr on Facebook or contact John McVeigh on 0409 321 418.

Rotarian Narelle Hibberd and Norm Perry, who was known as the most prolific duck salesman of the club and the Duck Race is now named after

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The NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is known for providing opportunities to regional performers and the 2024 event has done just that for one talented 10-year-old.
Lucas Smith performed at the Showcase held at the Burdekin Theatre on Saturday, March 16 and won the Fast Track to Fame Prize, the biggest and most exclusive prize offered to date.
Sponsored by Yoyo Music, Burdekin Shire Council and Burdekin Shire Youth Council, the prize offered Lucas the opportunity to travel and stay in Melbourne to perform live at the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal held on March 29.
As part of the experience, Lucas and his family got to go behind the scenes of NEP Studios, where the Good Friday Appeal was filmed, including seeing the camera operators, TV producers, artists and hosts at work.
Lucas even had the opportunity to meet some of his idols including Australian Idol contestant Ivana Ilic and TikTok and The Voice star Sean Millis.
“It was amazing to watch the artists do their sound checks,” he said.
“My favourite part of the morning was getting to meet some of the celebrity artists, like Sean Millis from The Voice and Ivana Ilic from Australian Idol!
“They were all so nice to me!
“I even got to sing for Ivana!”
Lucas and his family then went to the Melbourne Convention Centre where he had the opportunity to perform three songs on stage at The Kids Day Out in front of thousands of people.
“I was so nervous, but it was lots of fun,” he said.
“I learned that the music industry can be a lot of hard work, but if you give it your best, you can achieve great things and have so much fun.
“It was really cool to see the artists interacting with their managers and all the behind-the-scenes production and camera work in the studio.”
With this once in a lifetime opportunity coming off the back of his incredible Fast Track performance, Lucas said others wanting to participate in the Showcase should “just give it a go”.
“It's a great opportunity to showcase your talent, meet new people and have fun!”
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Lucas Smith performed in Melbourne after winning the Fast Track to Fame Prize at the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase in Ayr. Photo supplied

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Did you know that Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you with Transport Services locally and to/from Townsville?

You can access shops, cafes, libraries, attend events or medical appointments, visit family and friends etc. Our bus drivers and Support Workers are very friendly and helpful.

Transport services can be provided to people eligible under a government funded program and also if they are not and we have seats available.

We have two buses with wheelchair access as well as other cars. Transport is available Monday to Friday during office hours at very affordable rates. We pick up/drop off door to door in Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru.

When time allows, passengers can go to up to three stops for the one fare. For passengers living in outlying areas, we pick up at a central point in Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru or at an otherwise agreed location.

Please call BCA on 4783 3744, visit the Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr or refer to our website www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au for details.

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At the Neighbourhood Centre, we love providing opportunities for the community to come together to increase their knowledge about various topics and, in turn, inform others about different supports and services available.

We will be offering several community information sessions over the next few weeks. Please call the centre on 47834243 for more information and to register your attendance.

VISITING SERVICE CENTRELINK
Friday, April 19 2024 9am – 11am
Home Care and Aged Care Information Session to help you understand:
   • Aged Care Specialist Officer’s Role
   • Commonwealth Home Support Program
   • Home Care Packages and Fees and Charges
   • Aged Care Fees and Charges

DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA
Tuesday, April 23 2024 10am – 12pm (online presentation)
Understanding Changes in Behaviour suitable for Family Carers and family members of people living with dementia.
   • Provides an introduction to dementia and changes to the brain, effects on behaviour and the impacts of changed behaviour.
   • Introduce problem-solving models, including strategies to minimise and respond to changed behaviour.

Queensland Retirement Village & Parks Advisory Service (QRVPAS)
Thursday, May 16 2024 1.30pm – 3.00pm
Retirement Living Options – This seminar is more general in nature and is designed for people considering where they would like to live in retirement. It canvases a range of different options, including both manufactured home parks and retirement villages, summarising the relevant laws, setting out the benefits of each option and pointing out potential pitfalls or things to consider for each option.
We are excited to let you all know that Self Care & Mental Wellness sessions with CoRES Ross Romeo will be offered monthly from the Centre.  Keep your eyes out on our Facebook page for dates!

Anzac Day is nearly upon us, the Centre’s Crochet Group ladies have crocheted poppies available from the Centre or from Selections. The poppies can be worn as badges, used in craft projects i.e. wreaths etc.  
The money raised from purchases will be donated to the Burdekin Legacy.

The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council offers a variety of opportunities for businesses to work with them?
Whether you want to buy or sell goods and services, lease or develop land, or access smart water advice, Council has a dedicated webpage for doing business with them. The procurement process is the way the Council purchases and sells goods and services in accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012. You can find information on expressions of interest, quotations, tenders, items for sale, procurement process conditions, standard terms and conditions and more.
You can also register your business through the online marketplace VendorPanel. VendorPanel is an online marketplace that allows you to register your business and receive notifications of relevant opportunities from the Council.
For more information on  how you can do business with Council visit Burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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In a bid to enhance their impact in the community and further their mission of empowering women and girls, Zonta Club Burdekin Inc applied for the Bendigo Bank Community Grant – and emerged victorious. The $11,000 grant received in 2023 has significantly bolstered the club's ability to carry out various projects and initiatives aimed at uplifting the Burdekin community.
President of Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, Judy Sgarbossa, expressed her gratitude towards Bendigo Bank, stating, “Our club members were 'over the moon' to receive such wonderful support from Bendigo Bank.
“The Grant has allowed our club more resources to do things professionally and provide support in additional areas of community need,” she said.
Zonta International was founded on November 8, 1919 and supports international service projects that seek to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women around the world. Meanwhile, Zonta Club Burdekin Inc celebrates its 30th Birthday in May this year, with two of the club’s Foundation members, Mary Anne Fraser and Robyn Haller, still active club members today.  Most of the organisation’s 22 current members have in excess of ten years of service and come from various career backgrounds.  
The grant has facilitated the club's endeavours in numerous ways, allowing them to provide top-quality resources to the community. Notably, funds were allocated towards purchasing materials for breast cushion and drainage bag packages, purchasing birthing kits for developing countries, enhancing the value of STEM and Citizenship Awards for Burdekin school students, providing hygiene packs to disadvantaged groups, and assisting with the costs of their International Women’s Day function.
Reflecting on the role of Bendigo Bank Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr branches in the Burdekin community, Judy noted their vital contribution in providing localised, quality service to customers and supporting community needs without requiring residents to travel to larger cities. She underscored the importance of Community Grants in fostering collaboration and enabling not-for-profit organizations like Zonta Club Burdekin Inc to realise their visions for a better community.
“The Community Grants are distributed to various Not for Profit Organisations within the Burdekin community who make a Grant application, which, if successful, supports their future vision and as a result, benefits the local community,” Judith said. “Our club recognises that the opportunity to secure a Bendigo Bank Community Grant allows us to develop, expand, ‘do sooner’, or more professionally, some of our community planned projects and meet some of our club’s goals. The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc also acknowledges that as part of the Grant application, we are forming a valuable partnership with Bendigo Bank.”
As Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. celebrates its successes, they extend a warm invitation to individuals interested in contributing to their cause. For those interested in joining or learning more about Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, inquiries can be directed to bknzonta@gmail.com.

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Zonta Club Burdekin Inc works with other community organisations to support international service projects that seek to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women around the world

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Anne Williams and her family have been the warm, friendly faces behind the counter of Tosh’s Convenience Store for just under a decade. Tosh’s has stood as the Burdekin’s go to for a loaf of bread on Sunday to family burger night for over 50 years, and Anne, her husband Neil and their family are extremely proud of all they have achieved for both the business and the community.

On Monday April 15, Tosh’s Convenience Store officially came under new management and Anne, Neil, their daughter Hayley, and daughter-in-law Shontay look back on their time in the business fondly as they close this chapter.

The family took over the business just under a decade ago when Anne was looking for a career change from her time as midwife at the Ayr Hospital.

“Anne wanted a bit of a change, and then one day she was just walking past Tosh’s and noticed the sign here,” recalled Neil.

“She mentioned it to me, and so I went down to the real estate, and it was ours within three months.”

Hayley and Shontay managed the business for the first two years of operations until Anne left her nursing role after 40 years to take over management. In 2022, Neil officially retired from the building industry and assisted the women of the business in running and managing Tosh’s. Today, the business runs with up to 28 staff members at a time, from full-time employees to school aged casuals learning the ropes of their first ever job.

“We’ve put through over 200 juniors that started here as their first job, and we get a lot of different personalities and most of them tend to enjoy it,” explained Neil.

Tosh’s is infamous for their mouthwatering burgers, attracting attention from both travelers and locals, with many visiting the store regularly to grab a bite.

As the family’s time in the business comes to a close, they feel it’s the people and the regular conversations with both staff and customers they’ll miss the most.

“It’s been lovely to have such really great customers and there’s a lot of people that come here as a meeting place,” Neil recalled.

“There’d be times when people would come out and sit with strangers, and then we’d see them back the next week having a coffee with their new friends,” explained Hayley.

Anne recalled many people expressing they could never find a seat at the ever-full outdoor tables, and especially remembers their regular group of Thursday ladies that prompted the installation of the store’s exterior awnings.

“They actually wrote me a poem which I’ve still got at home about putting shade up,” added Neil.

The Williams family gratefully thanked the community for their support over their time in the business.

“Now is the time for Anne and myself to retire, get in the caravan and head off into the wild blue yonder,” said Neil.

“We wish the new business owners all the best for their future endeavours and thank all of our valued customers over the years for their support.”

L-R Neil Williams, Shontay Williams, Hayley Escriva and Anne Williams

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