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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The Burdekin Artisans Community Association is rallying the community for its eco-friendly extravaganza with Burdekin Rags to Runway, transforming ordinary household items into extraordinary fashion statements.
Tickets are now available for the ultimate fashion event as entrants prepare to showcase their creations at the Burdekin Rags to Runway event on Saturday, April 27.
With entries spanning five categories, from junior to racewear, the event challenges participants to think creatively and outside the box.
“It’s about recycling fabric and other materials into a wearable item of clothing," emphasised Association President Sandi Milani.
“We’re really concentrating recycling castoff either from fashion galleries or the op shops, because so much clothing goes to landfill.
“It’s making people think outside the square."
Since its inception in 2019, Burdekin Rags to Runway has not only showcased remarkable creativity but also served as the primary annual fundraiser for the Burdekin Artisans Community Association.
"We’ve got painters, textile artists, potters, jewellery makers; that’s why we’re called artisans," Ms Milani explained, emphasising the diverse talents the association supports.
As entrants prepare their unique and wonderful creations, join the community in a spectacular showcase on Saturday, April 27, at the Greek Hall in Home Hill to witness the transformation of recycled materials into runway-ready fashion.
Judging will commence at 1:00pm with the community to gather at the Greek Hall in Home Hill from 7:00pm where all entries are to be presented and prizes awarded.
Tickets to the event are $35 each and available from 170 Arts on the Avenue in Home Hill or by messaging the Burdekin Artisans Facebook page where tickets can be paid for by bank transfer and picked up on the night.
As the association continues its mission to promote creativity and sustainability, they extend an invitation to volunteers and potential members alike.
“Anyone who’s got something new and different to teach and sell, we’re always interested," affirmed Ms Milani.
Join the Burdekin’s creative community and witness the magic of recycling at Burdekin Rags to Runway.
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WHAT: Burdekin Artisans Community Association presents Burdekin Rags to Runway
WHEN: Saturday April 27 from 7:00pm
WHERE: Greek Hall, Home Hill
TICKETS: $35

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By Chelsea Ravizza

The Burdekin Craft Spectacular is set to brighten up the Burdekin Memorial Hall for another year with tickets now available. The hall will come alive to showcase the amazing talents of both residents of the Burdekin and surrounding regions from 9am to 2pm on Saturday May 4.

With less than a month to go before the vibrant event returns to the Burdekin, Judy Berryman, along with the rest of the event organizers, have been busily preparing the stalls and additional showcases.

“We’re all very excited, and it’s all come together very well this year,” expressed Judy.

“The hall has been fully booked as far as stalls go and we’re all well on track, well organized, and can’t wait for the community to enjoy this year’s event!”

As well as an extraordinary collection of unique stalls, the day will provide an inclusive children’s treasure hunt, and a handmade Mother’s Day card or gift competition to be submitted on Friday 3 May to raise money for the Burdekin School Chaplains.

Throughout the event, live demonstrations will be on show to further showcase amazing talents and encourage creativity! The community can expect Paula Matthews to host Wire Wrapped Beaded Bracelets, Josephine Edgerton to host Diamond Art Sealing, Janell Rutland to host Fun to Sew and English Paper Piecing, and Shelia Samu-Doig to host Macrame Earrings.

The event will additionally host a decadent cake stall as well as offer beautiful food both in the dining hall and throughout the event using the renowned high tea trolley.

“Our dining room is always set up beautifully and we offer a delicious range of home baked food for morning tea and lunch as well as some special treats available from the High Tea Trolley which roams around the dining room all day,” explained Judy.

With the event running just a week before Mother’s Day, there’s no better time to acquire a gorgeous and unique gift handmade by local and travelling artists.

The event entails a $5 entry fee with discounts and morning tea offered to group bookings of 10 or more attendees, and 2024’s Burdekin Craft Spectacular stands as an unmissable event for the entire family to enjoy as children under 12 are granted free entry.

The community is asked to organize group bookings in advance and to email Judy at burdekincraftspectacular@gmail.com for all ticketing and general enquiries.

WHAT: The Burdekin Uniting Church Craft Spectacular
WHEN: Saturday, May 4 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill
TICKETS: $5

The Burdekin Craft Spectacular returns to Memorial Hall in May

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The keys to a new flood water rescue boat were handed over to the Burdekin Shire Council last Friday, April 5 for use by the State Emergency Services (SES) Burdekin Unit.
The boat was replaced as part of the Flood Boat Replacement Program, funded through the SES Major Equipment Grants, and is the third to be replaced in the region in the last 12 months.
The 5.3m Swift Marine Barge has been modified to suit the needs and requirements of local SES volunteers.
“They’re a very capable boat and really have increased our capability compared to the older boats,” said SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis.
“Our lives are made a lot easier with the good gear and we’re very grateful.”

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SES Volunteers, Burdekin Shire Council staff and special guests gathered last week as the keys to a new flood water rescue boat were handed over. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Burdekin SES Boosts Capabilities

With New Boat

The keys to a 5.3m Swift Marine Barge have been handed over to the Burdekin Shire Council as part of the SES’s Flood Boat Replacement Program.
SES Regional Director Daryl Camp said it’s the third of five boats to be replaced in the Burdekin as part of the program.
“We’ve pointed out that the Burdekin floods frequently, so they required boats quicker than normal, so we were able to get these three boats in this one year which is normally unheard of,” he said.
“Burdekin Shire Council plays a pivotal role, so we gift the ownership of the boats to Council, Council maintains them, and the SES team are the ones who respond in them.”
Mr Camp said the boats have three key functions being flood water rescue, transport of goods and reconnaissance.
“These boats will handle fast flowing water and they’re just as at home in what we would call Stillwater,” he said.
“They’ll float in about 20cm of water so it can be used in flooded streets as well as in rivers.”
SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis said SES offers volunteers an accredited course to become a flood boat operator.
“We train three or four times a year using these boats and it’s about getting to know the equipment, getting to know the boat’s capabilities,” he said.
“We’re directed in marine and land search by the water police, so if there is need for a vessel to do a search, we’ll be called in.”
Since Christmas day, the SES Burdekin Unit has completed over 1,400 unpaid hours completing 141 jobs across the region.
“The volunteer workforce in Australia is the biggest workforce anywhere and I’d really like to point out all of these people at Burdekin SES are all volunteers,” Mr Camp said.
“The time and effort they give is to make this community safer all year round.”
Another boost to the Unit is the return of John Winn who has been appointed Deputy Local Controller alongside Laurinda George after stepping down from the position of Local Controller last year.
“John was recently appointed as a life member of the SES and part of that is to share their experience, so John has stepped up to the plate once again by accepting the role of Deputy Local Controller so that he can mentor, advise and assist all the other volunteers,” Mr Camp said.
“John has been in SES for 37 years, so he knows most of what goes on and he’s been a wonderful mentor,” added Mr Francis.
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.

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L-R Member for Mundingburra Les Walker, SES Ayr Deputy Group Leader John George, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis
SES Regional Director Daryl Camp, SES Burdekin Deputy Local Controller John Winn and SES Burdekin Local Controller Warren Francis

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Hi readers
Let me tell you, working on this edition’s feature about the Canefield Ashes has certainly got me keen for a weekend of cricket.
The concept of a social, family friendly cricket tournament in which generations of teams come together once a year sounds like a dream come true.
I’m expecting a lot of fun to be had on the cricket field but I’m sure a few beers, some roast pork and a bit of live music won’t go astray either.
I’ll be alternating between camera and cricket bat in hand, so make sure to come and say g’day and get your photo taken for next week’s edition.
To find out more, find the feature on pages 31-34.
Speaking of live music, I’ve returned from a weekend spent at Cameron’s Pocket, between Proserpine and Mackay, where I enjoyed a night of live music at Pocket Sessions.
The festival is a little quarterly festival that attracts the most talented and unique musicians and performers for a night of live music in a little pocket of paradise.
You might’ve heard me play some of these artists on my radio show, the Home Hill Happy Hour, which is live on 97.1 Sweet FM every Tuesday from 7:00pm.
Despite the weather, it was a lovely weekend spent with friends and my first exposure to live music in some time which was an absolute treat.
Another excellent segue from me: Sweet FM’s presenter training is also on this Sunday, so you might notice some improvements in my show after I take some notes from that.
I hope you enjoy the read and I’ll see you around!

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Burdekin native bird carer Matt Killeen has taken to social media to thank members of the public for their role in the rescue of an injured bird.
On Thursday, March 28, Matt assisted in the rescue of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo that had hit a barbed wire fence and sustained “some terrible injuries.”
“Members of the public found the bird last night and kept it in a warm, dark, quiet room overnight,” he said.
“They contacted me via this page first thing this morning, I picked it up and rushed it to one of our fantastic local vets, unfortunately it couldn’t be saved, the injuries were too great.
“The people who found it did all the right things and together we were able to end this majestic bird’s suffering and help it pass peacefully.”
Matt’s love for bird photography led him to the world of wildlife care, a decision that has since blossomed into a heartwarming journey of nurturing and protecting the area's feathered inhabitants.
Becoming involved with NQ Wildlife Care through Facebook Group ‘Burdekin Birding’, Matt received training and lots of support to get started as a wildlife carer.
Despite the occasional sad ending, Matt said his work as a carer is incredibly rewarding.
“You’re helping the wildlife and you’re also helping members of the community who need assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife,” he said.
“There is a huge demand for native bird carers and other wildlife carers.”
Visit nqwildlife.org.au to find out more.

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Burdekin native bird carer was contacted to assist an injured Sulphur-crested Cockatoo which unfortunately succumbed to its injuries. Photo supplied

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Hello again! After concluding my internship with the Burdekin Life Newspaper in early March, I was more than grateful to receive a phone call offering me the opportunity to come back and undertake a cadetship! Throughout my time working alongside Sam and the team, I fell further in love with print journalism and solidified my passion for sharing people’s stories through my work and I am beyond excited to pick up where I left off.

As I near the end of my Bachelor of Communications and Journalism degree, I find myself searching for more opportunities to continue building upon my journalistic skills. It'll come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I love to keep busy! As well as prioritizing my studies, and producing additional written pieces, I’ve dabbled in the world of content creation, media management, website development, and have even pitched myself to Vogue! When I’m not immersing myself in all thing’s communication, public relations, and journalism at either Griffith Universities’ Gold Coast or Brisbane campuses, I have been working with and applying to additional organizations for internships and experience. Currently, I hold a position with The Good Guide, a “luxury lifestyle guide” based in both Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. My role entails creating written blog style articles on everything from cheese festivals to where to buy an iced strawberry matcha latte!

After graduating from Ayr State High School in 2021 and setting off to Brisbane as soon as 2022 began, I never imagined I would be writing for my local newspaper from the opposite end of the state, but here I am, and I have been loving every second! In re-joining the Burdekin Life team, I am eager to continue learning, growing my skillsets, and building upon my abilities as a journalist, and I can guarantee you, you’ll see my name in Vogue one day! I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have been granted and honestly cannot wait to continue sharing stories with the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

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Stories of few rental properties available and blown out waiting lists for social housing in the Burdekin have caused Member for Burdekin Dale Last to sound alarm bells, fearing consequences will be far reaching across the rural community.
While images of people sleeping in tents or lining up for rentals in larger city centres were being seen right across the state, Mr Last feared that smaller rural towns like the Burdekin had slipped through the cracks.
Mr Last said for regional areas like the Burdekin, the ability to attract people to live and work in the region was crucial when it came to securing the town’s economy.
“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.”
Mr Last said the LNP had already called for more to be done to unlock more land for housing and encourage investment.
“Sadly, there are currently more than 3,500 people on social housing waiting lists in our region alone,” he said.
“Not only have we seen the state government fail to build social housing, they have also refused to work with private and community sector groups that want to build social housing and demonise owners of rental properties.
“We’ve seen plan after plan, roundtables and a summit when it comes to addressing housing by this government and little action, particularly when it comes to smaller townships like Ayr or Home Hill.”

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Stock image

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Three new faces have joined the Townsville Hospital and Health Board following the appointments of Professor Kunwarjit Sangla, Dr Erin Waters, and Graham Pattel announced by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman last month.
Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney, was also reappointed for another term and said he was delighted to welcome the new members and the wealth of experience and wisdom they would bring to the table.
“I’m delighted that the health service has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected leaders to the Board,” Mr Mooney said.
“All three new board members have already made significant contributions to the people of north Queensland in their chosen fields, and I’m sure they will make a positive impact to healthcare in the region through their new roles on the Board.”
Mr Mooney also congratulated the five current Board members - Michelle Morton, Debra Burden, Nicole Hayes, and Georgina Whelan - who have been reappointed for another term.
“All five will continue to bring their rich professional and industry experience to the Board,” he said.
“Over the past four years, our Board has consistently delivered a surplus budget and more services and treatment innovations to where our patients and consumers need and want them.
“Michelle, who remains as deputy Chair, is a managing partner in a local law firm; she has extensive experience in risk management, regulatory compliance, and public sector governance.
“Debra is currently a member of both the Board’s audit and risk and finance committees where her financial and accounting acumen comes to the fore.
“Nicole is an experienced project manager with a strong background in education, marketing, and youth engagement.
“Georgina has more than 30 years of nursing experience, principally in specialist oncology, and she has a strong focus on equity of access for patients living in regional, rural and remote communities.”
Local hospitality and property businessman Luke Guazzo is a continuing appointment on the Board.
Mr Mooney thanked and acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Board members Danette Hocking and Donald Whaleboat.
He said he was looking forward to the Board’s next term where the focus would remain on developing services that treated patients closer to home, seeing more patients within clinically recommended times, and overseeing the delivery of a multi-million-dollar major capital infrastructure program.
“I’m proud of what has been achieved so far and I’m looking forward to our Board doing more for the people of north Queensland who use and rely on public health services,” he said.

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Chair Tony Mooney (centre) and Board member Debra Burden (left) have been reappointed onto the Townsville Hospital and Health Board alongside three new Board members

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