National Volunteer Week At The Burdekin Community Association

#NVW2025

Burdekin Community Association (BCA) enjoyed their 21st National Volunteer Week celebration on the 21st of May. The event recognised the vital work of our Volunteers and said thank you with a morning tea at the BCA Support Centre. A Luncheon was also held on Friday at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club.

National Volunteer Week (NVW) is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, held from the 19th to 25th of May 2025. The event provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites former volunteers and those currently volunteering to come together.

The BCA’s Volunteer morning tea and luncheon are centred on the 2025 NVW theme, “Connecting Communities” and recognised the vast spectrum of possibilities and the impact that emerges when everyone finds their meaningful role in making a difference.

BCA CEO, Debra Cochran and Volunteer Service Manager, Rita Quagliata express their heartfelt thanks to all of the Volunteers for their time, dedication, and commitment to BCA and the community.

Volunteering can help change everyone’s life. It improves health and well-being, including increased longevity, adoption of healthy lifestyles and reduction in depression and stress. It allows you to develop and use different skills that lead to establishing a real sense of achievement, develops confidence, builds self-esteem and establishes new friendships.

BCA Volunteers help in the Community Information Centre in Queen Street Ayr, in other BCA offices, provide tutoring on the use of devices such as a mobile phone or tablet, visit elderly people at Regis Ayr and Home Hill and in their homes under the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).

BCA’s always in need of more Volunteers, so please don’t hesitate to visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr and have a chat with Rita Quagliata about volunteering or give her a call on 4783 3744.

Contributed with thanks to BCA CEO, Debra Cochrane

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Jo Rogers, Rita Quagliate, Nola Nendick, Joanna Penny
2: Mary Arrate, Dianne Noack
3: Karen Gage, Geraldine Chandler
4: Debra Cochrane, John Furnell
55: Fiona Smith, Brendan Matthews
6: Judith Rich, Sonya Tweedie
7: Beverley Edwards, Carmel Farmer, Joan Andersen
8: Stephen Tunbridge, Gladys Sgarbossa
9: John Bonassi

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n a world full of sickness, disease, and fresh pandemics, breast cancer still remains the most prevalent form of cancer in women in Australia—and the Burdekin Breast Cancer Awareness Group is doing its best to ensure that fact doesn’t get lost in the noise.

At 10am on July 5th, the group will host its first Biggest Morning Tea since before COVID at Dal Santo’s Deli, aiming to raise both funds and awareness for breast cancer research, as well as foster support for local women who struggle or have struggled with the disease.

The event, which was used to seeing packed houses and raising thousands of dollars pre-COVID, will this time feature two guest speakers from the Cancer Council in Townsville, who will provide further information on the Cancer Council’s services and how to access them.

A breast cancer survivor herself, Support Person and Founder of the Burdekin Breast Cancer Awareness Group, Shirley Gilmore, has spearheaded efforts to support the breast cancer community in the Burdekin.

“I started this group 28 years ago. I wanted to raise an awareness of cancer and breast cancer, and just to have answers there for people should they need them,” she says.

Shirley wants everyone to know that each donation helps in our quest for a cure.

“The more money we can raise, the more likely we will be to find a cure one day, I’m sure.”

Tickets for the event are available only at Selections (next-door to Amcal Chemist), and are out now!

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What: Breast Cancer Biggest Morning Tea
When: July 5th, 10am
Where: Dal Santo’s Deli

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Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness of DFV and Coercive control, highlight the support services available and send a clear message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated.  The theme for 2025 is: Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland.

On Saturday the 24th of May, the Burdekin Domestic and Family Abuse Network hosted the 2025 Burdekin Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Walk.

Members of the community, Police, State and local government, Burdekin Area Youth Watch, Zonta club and local and regional service providers gathered at the Anzac Park in Ayr and participated in a Walk to Stand up and say NO to domestic and family violence and raise community awareness about this issue that is affecting so many in our community.

Councillor Fina Vasta officially opened the event and started the Walk, Aicey Zaro did a blessing, Sergeant Dan Dew gave a talk about DFV and I was the emcee on behalf of the Network.

We wish to thank everyone for taking action and raising awareness.

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochrane

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(Incorrect dates in print, please see updated dates in bold.)

It’s all happening this weekend at the Home Hill Showgrounds, as one of the Burdekin’s biggest events returns for two massive days of culture, competition, food and fire.

The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is back and packed with action, starting Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Friday 31 May.

Friday 30 May: Burdekin Cultural Fair & First Fire
Gates open at 5pm, with live entertainment running from 6pm to 11pm.
This vibrant evening brings over eight cultural performances to the Sweet Stage, alongside 20 food, drink and dessert stalls, kids’ activities like arts and crafts, face painting, and a jumping castle, plus live music until late.
At the heart of it all is the lighting of the first cane fire of the 2025 crushing season—a powerful tradition and one of the most iconic sights of the festival.

Saturday 31 May: Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships
Gates open at 10:30am, with competitions running from 11am to 5pm.
The paddock will heat up with eight hand cane cutting events, where top cutters from across the country compete for bragging rights and big prize money. There’s also a live sugar crushing demo by Burdekin Rum, a vintage machinery display by the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists, and the ever-popular Canefield Cook Off—a smoky showdown of the region’s best meat smokers.
Kids are sorted too, with free attractions including a petting zoo, Timmy the Train rides, mini ATVs, and repeat favourites like the jumping castle, face painting, and arts and crafts. Add in another round of live music and stage entertainment, and it’s a full day for the whole family.

Tickets
$10 per adult per event
$15 weekend pass
Kids under 18 are free all weekend
Book online now at www.trybooking.com/CXYWC to save time at the gate.
Note: The event is cashless for entry, bar and merchandise. Some food vendors may accept cash.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of the Burdekin—Sweet Days Hot Nights is on this weekend, and it’s set to sizzle.

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WHAT: Sweet Days Hot Nights
WHERE: Home Hill Showgrounds
WHEN: 30-31 May

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The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is back and packed with action, starting Thursday 30 May with the Burdekin Cultural Fair and First Fire, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Friday 31 May. Photo supplied

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Burdekin Christian College hosted a lively crowd on Friday 23 May for its annual Under 8’s Day Science Fair, bringing science to life for early learners in creative, hands-on ways.

Held from 9:00am to 10:30am, the event featured a variety of themed stations where children explored everything from outer space and forensic science to medical experiments and bug hunting. Activities included fossil digs, stethoscope building, anatomy displays and more—all designed to make science fun and accessible for young minds.

The campus was alive with activity as local emergency services joined in and a Honeycombs tractor display rolled in for a closer look. The Atomic Café was also in full swing, offering snacks and drinks for students, families and visitors.

In a message posted after the event, the school wrote:

“Thank you to the several hundred children and parents who made the day such a special one.”

Next on the calendar is the Burdekin Christian College Open Day, taking place Sunday 8 June from 1pm to 3pm.

Families are invited to explore the Prep–Year 12 campus, meet staff, tour classrooms and check out programs in science, robotics, the arts and more. The afternoon also includes student performances, face painting, cooking demos, and a free sausage sizzle—plus coffee and cream tea for the grown-ups.

Open to the public and free to attend, it’s an ideal opportunity to see what BCC has to offer.

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Burdekin Men’s Shed Hosts Inter-Shed Visits

Burdekin Men’s Shed hosted their first inter-shed visit since COVID on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, with 14 members from Townsville Men’s Shed, 4 members from Vincent Men’s Shed, and 3 members from Rollingstone Men’s Shed visiting our local shed.

On arrival, the guests were treated to morning tea and mingled with members from the other sheds. This was followed by a guided tour of the Burdekin sheds, then a general discussion and Q&A session with all shed members participating—mainly outlining the red tape new sheds have to overcome in obtaining land and securing finances to establish a Men’s Shed.

The Burdekin Shed is fortunate, attributing its success to its office bearers, committee, and the commitment of its members. The extremely strong support from Burdekin Shire Council, local State and Federal Members of Parliament, and the community makes our shed the success it is today.

May General Meeting Focuses on Men’s Health

There is a monthly general meeting on the third Saturday of each month, with a guest speaker on men’s health at the start of the meeting, followed by a sausage sizzle.

At the May general meeting, we had two guest speakers—Physiotherapist Isabelle Ryan and Occupational Therapist Lucy Penny from NQRH (North Queensland Regional Health). Isabelle spoke on men’s pelvic floor muscles and the exercises men can do to strengthen these muscles as they age, along with the associated problems that may arise. She also outlined the effects the prostate can have on men throughout their lives, using anatomical models and a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a Q&A session.

Lucy spoke on the NQRH vision, the areas and towns they cover, the services they can assist with, how to contact them, using existing care plans or creating a new one, how often practitioners can provide home or regional visits, and handed out information booklets. She also fielded questions from the members.

Contributed with thanks to Rob Ritchie, President of BMSA

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Lucy Penny, Isabelle Page from NWRH & Rob Ritchie, President of BMSA
Question & Answer session involving Townsville Men's Shed, Vincent Shed, Rollingston Shed and Burdekin Shed

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The 24th annual Burdekin Enduro tore through the Ayr Rifle Range over the weekend, with more than 50 off-road vehicles battling it out across a challenging course that’s become one of Queensland’s most distinctive racing experiences.

Hosted by the Burdekin Off-Roaders, the two-day event delivered everything fans have come to expect—speed, skill, and clouds of red dust rising off the unique six-terrain track. With hundreds of spectators drifting in and out across Saturday and Sunday, the atmosphere was electric, the air thick with adrenaline and engine noise.

What started in 2001 with just eight cars has evolved into a mainstay of the Queensland Championship calendar, attracting competitors from across the state and beyond.

The Enduro’s course remains a standout, offering a mix of surfaces and technical sections that push both car and driver to the limit. It's this diversity—and the inclusive class system—that keeps bringing people back, whether they're seasoned racers or newcomers to the sport.

Speaking of newcomers—I soon found myself strapped into one of these bad boys—as a passenger, of course. “Let’s just ease into it,” I told Darren, the experienced driver kind enough to take me for a spin. He either misheard me, ignored me, or simply didn’t know what it meant, because a few seconds later, we were airborne, travelling at breakneck speeds through the twists and turns of the sprint circuit.

From the vicious roar and bone-rattling vibration of the engine to the feeling of my internal organs reorganising themselves with every bump, jump and turn, this was definitely an experience I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

Thanks again to the team over at Burdekin Off-roaders Inc., not only for strapping me in and letting me experience the ride firsthand, but for putting on an outstanding event for all drivers, passengers and spectators involved.

Results
First—James and Lizzy Sant
Second—Matthew Lawless
Third—Dan Dunn

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Second place, Matthew Lawless, first place winners, James and Lizzy Sant, and third place, Dan Dunn.

Photo source: Show n Go Photography

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This week was one of intense reflection—albeit somewhat involuntarily.

Battling sickness through Wednesday, I was reduced to the confines of my apartment walls—so as not to infect the whole neighbourhood. And it was while stuck with nothing but myself and my thoughts that my mind began to run wild:

Should I learn the saxophone? Open a food truck? Have I been living in a simulation this whole time? Should I finally start composting? I wonder what became of my Year 4 science teacher. Wait—did I ever reply to that email from two weeks ago…?

Among this series of diverse quandaries was a sharp realisation—a stutter in the chaotic stream of tangents: Have I really just moved across the country by myself?

I mean, I’m no stranger at all to foreign environments—to turning my life upside-down. After all, I have travelled all over the world for football, and did live in Pittsburgh for almost three years.

But this is no Pittsburgh. And it’s no Sydney.

But with that thought came a kinda quiet clarity—a sense of grounded-ness. A genuine gratitude for the opportunity I’ve stumbled into here in the Burdekin.

Because although it’s vastly different to anything I’ve experienced in my life so far, it represents positivity: a positive career step, a positive new beginning, and heaps of positive relationships so far.

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Concerns have been raised about ongoing erosion on the south bank of the Burdekin River, particularly near Home Hill, where experts believe the risk of a channel avulsion—a sudden shift in the river’s course—is at its highest. The erosion has reportedly damaged protective vegetation and riverbank stability, raising questions about the current approach to managing flood and flow-related risks in the Burdekin Delta.

A recent statement by Professor Eric Wolanski (Townsville), Chris Hopper (Townsville), and Chris Canavan (Home Hill) calls for more comprehensive and future-focused planning. The group argues that while the Burdekin River Trust’s $5 million commitment toward bank restoration is a step in the right direction, a more detailed understanding of the river’s physical dynamics is essential.

They suggest that a portion of the funding be used for a full topographic survey of the riverbed and banks, including the underwater terrain. This, they say, would allow for more accurate hydrodynamic modelling and ultimately lead to more reliable long-term solutions. “Waiting for a major flood to trigger significant damage isn’t a viable strategy,” the group noted in their joint statement.

One potential long-term measure put forward is dredging sand from the riverbed to redirect flow and relieve pressure from vulnerable sections of the bank. The group argues that this could be economically viable, as sand is a globally valuable commodity that could be sold to offset operational costs.

The concerns tie into wider research conducted by Wolanski and Hopper on how dams and climate change can accelerate channel avulsion and coastal erosion in river systems such as the Burdekin. Their 2022 paper, published in Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology, highlights the risks posed to Ramsar-listed wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

With the region’s economy and community closely tied to the river, discussions about erosion management and flood mitigation are expected to continue among residents, scientists, and government agencies alike.

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Concerns have been raised surrounding ongoing erosion on Burdekin River

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Queensland’s sugarcane growers have backed Owen Menkens to lead the industry through a pivotal period, re-electing the Burdekin grower for another three-year term as Chairman of CANEGROWERS Queensland.

Mr Menkens was returned to the role by the grower-only Policy Council, which also elected Innisfail grower Joe Marano as Senior Vice Chair and Burdekin’s Steven Marbelli – a newcomer to the state board - as Vice Chair.

“This is a grassroots organisation, run by growers for growers,” Mr Menkens said.

“To be re-elected by my peers is an incredible honour. It shows the trust we’ve built and reflects the important work we still have to do.”

The appointments cap off CANEGROWERS’ triennial election process, which began in February when growers nominated for their local district boards. Those local elections concluded in April, with new district boards officially starting their terms on 1 May.

Each district board then nominated a representative to the Policy Council – one from each mill area. The newly formed Council met in Brisbane today for its first meeting, where it elected the state board, including the Chairman, Senior Vice Chair, Vice Chair, and board members.

This bottom-up structure ensures the organisation remains fully accountable and representative – from paddock to policy – with every leadership role held by a grower elected by fellow growers.

Also elected to the state board were returning members Joseph Borg and Kevin Borg (Mackay), and Michelle Fischer (Rocky Point), alongside three new faces – Glenn Betteridge (Burdekin), Claude Santucci (Tablelands), and Steven Marbelli (Herbert River).

While new to the state board, all three bring deep experience as district directors and Policy Council members, ensuring that this injection of new blood also comes with a solid understanding of the organisation and the issues it faces.

“The strength of this board lies in its mix of continuity and renewal,” Mr Menkens said.

“With experienced leaders like Joe Marano and Kevin Borg alongside committed new board members like Glenn, Claude and Steven, we’ve got the right team to move the industry forward.”

The Policy Council will now establish a series of industry committees to lead focused work on key priorities including mill performance, supply chain efficiency, sustainability, diversification, and grower profitability.

These committees will be made up of grower representatives who bring firsthand experience and deep regional knowledge to the table.

The board also welcomes new Policy Council members Leah Russo (Herbert River), Charles Papale (Burdekin), Brett Leach (Mackay), and Peter McLennan (Isis) joining a number of returning councillors.

“We’ve significant challenges ahead, but just as many real opportunities. This grower-elected leadership team is well positioned to shape a strong, sustainable future for Queensland’s cane industry,” Mr Menkens said.

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Owen Menkens. Photo supplied

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Hello,

I attended the Burdekin Theatre on Friday the 16th May to hand out the awards and certificates for all the winning competitors in the Burdekin Eisteddfod. It was so rewarding to see their little faces as they received their awards. Congratulations to all winners and competitors of the event.

I was honoured to open and lead the BCA Walk for Domestic Violence on Sunday. What an amazing event.  To see everyone standing in solidarity and strength was a very impressive site. We gathered to not only walk but to raise awareness for those who cannot, those who live in fear and those whose lives have been forever changed by domestic and family violence.  It was a powerful event and congratulations to the organisers.

Burdekin Shire Council is inviting the Community for feedback on the upgrade of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre.  We have a draft Masterplan that we would like your feedback on for the next stage of the improvements.  They include:
• Building new amenities in a new location, closer to the Centre’s entry;
• Providing unisex and disabled facilities within the design of the amenities;
• Improving visual contact with the wading pool by relocating the Chatterbox;
• Providing shade in front of the new amenities to provide an area for marshalling during carnivals;
• Moving the grassed area to the Queen Street end of the site.

If you would like to review the Master Plan please go to the Burdekin Shire Council Website and type in Burdekin Aquatic Master Plan. We welcome your opinion.

Hope to see you at the Sweet Days Hot Nights on the weekend.
Event Details are:
Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire
• Date: Friday 30 May 2025
• Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm, Gates open 5:00pm
• Location: Home Hill Showgrounds.

Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships
• Date: Saturday 31 May 2025
• Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm, Gates open 10:30am
• Location: Home Hill Showgrounds.

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Many will recall the ABC series The Black Hand, which told the harrowing story of the Mafia in North Queensland. Among the many confronting moments in that program was the tragic story of Jean Morris, a young woman whose life was cut short by domestic violence and whose grave remained unmarked for nearly a century.Earlier this week I had the privilege of attending the unveiling of her headstone. It was a powerful moment of remembrance, justice, and dignity for a woman who was, for so long, forgotten by history.Sadly, Jean’s story is not just a distant memory. Despite the millions invested in education, awareness, and prevention, domestic and family violence continues to run rampant in today’s world. It is a sobering reminder that we must do more than raise awareness, we must act, every day, to challenge attitudes, support victims, and foster a culture of respect and safety for all.Burdekin Shire Council has recently joined the Not Now, Not Ever. Together. campaign and signed the pledge to work toward a Queensland where everyone is equal and free from violence. This is not just a symbolic gesture, it is our commitment to being part of the solution.As we reflect on this important message, we also come together this weekend to celebrate one of our region’s signature events, the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival. This festival not only showcases our rich cane-cutting heritage but also reminds us of the strength, resilience, and spirit of our Burdekin community. I hope to see many of you there.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

If you’ve ever walked along the main strip of Home Hill, you may have noticed some unique, archival army gear hanging from the ceiling above the walkway. It marks the entrance to Annzack Tradings—a local oddity, institution, and treasure trove of vintage memorabilia, rare collectables, and stories from all over the country and beyond.

Step inside and you’ll likely be greeted by Kenneth Hall—or just Ken, as everyone in town calls him. Owner, collector, conversationalist, and accidental shopkeeper, Ken has been running Annzack Tradings for 13 years. But he’s not just in the business of selling stuff—he’s also hunting for it.

“One of the most important things I want people to know is: bring your stuff in,” Ken says. “I get asked all the time how I stock the shop. Well, a lot of it’s from the internet these days, but even better is when people walk in the door with something from the back shed.”

Ken is passionate about preserving history—not profiting off it. “If you brought in your grandfather’s medals and asked what I’d give you for them, I’d say absolutely nothing. Take them home and keep them,” he says. “But if you want help getting replacement ribbons or a re-mount, I’ll help you with that.”

Growing up in Charters Towers, Ken spent time farming in Collinsville and Gumlu before moving to the Burdekin.

Ken’s love for the vintage world intensified after appearing as an army captain extra in Australia, the Baz Luhrmann film shot in Bowen. He even crashed the premiere in uniform—not out of mischief, but pride. “That’s when I really started chasing military gear, tracking it down from Victoria and beyond.”

Since then, the business has grown in its own quiet way. “It’s pretty static,” Ken says. “But I’ve sold all around the world, and met thousands of people. A lot of them come back every year—grey nomads mostly. They always say, ‘Glad you’re still here.’”

And in a town like Home Hill, being known is its own kind of success. “I walk down the street and everyone says, ‘Hi Ken.’ I couldn’t tell you all their names—there’s too many—but everyone knows me, and that’s a nice thing.”

Annzack Tradings isn’t your typical antique store. It’s part collection, part conversation, and all heart—just like Ken himself.

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“One of the most important things I want people to know is: bring your stuff in!”

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Heating up ahead of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival this weekend, the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday was its usual entertaining mix of guest speakers and lively debate.

Erin Brennan from the Home Hill Choral Society gave the audience a heartfelt and engaging insight into the 94-year history of this dynamic community group of players and performers.

Attendees were delighted by a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos from performances over the years and outlining the impressive efforts of committee members to generate funding and provide a dedicated venue for the group.

Bringing the community together with their regular shows, the Home Hill Choral Society is an exceptional group of community-oriented individuals.

Next to take the stage was Councillor John Furnell, who got everyone excited about the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival.

Handing out event programs and branded balloons, John gave a passionate speech about the upcoming event, which is due to take place at the Home Hill Showgrounds this weekend.

Last to speak on the night was Rachael Smith, Editor of Burdekin Life Newspaper, who presented the latest bi-monthly edition of Core Life and Tripping Magazine.

Core Life is a business networking magazine, and Tripping is a leisure publication. Both are printed within the same book in a flip-format. Printing 15,000 issues every two months, the publications have been running for over 10 years and are distributed from Mackay to Ingham, including the Whitsundays, Burdekin, and Townsville.

During the evening, Rachael also launched the brand-new monthly Home Hill Happenings feature, debuting in the paper this week, and thanked local businesses for their support.

She finished by sharing that the newspaper now has a budget for a local, dedicated Sales Representative to join the team and encouraged interested community members to apply.

The evening came to a close with more conversation and networking opportunities.

Special thanks to the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce committee for presenting a positive and lively evening. Thanks also to Councillors John Furnell and Fina Vasta for attending.

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Uli Liessmann from Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, Erin Brennan from the Home Hill Choral Society and Councillor John Furnell at last week's Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Time may be running out for residents to nominate their Local Legends in the lead up to Queensland Day but Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, wants to be sure the Burdekin’s legends receive the recognition they deserve.

Across the state communities are nominating people that embody the Queensland spirit and those who are awarded legend status will certainly be celebrating Queensland Day in style.

“In every community you have people who just get in and get the job done without any fuss,” Mr Last said.

“Queensland Day is when we celebrate everything that makes Queensland great, and those people
definitely make Queensland great.”

“There are no strict rules for what makes someone a Local Legend in our communities so there are no specific criteria when it comes to nominating them for recognition. Whether it’s someone who patrols the beaches, helps people in need or mows the sporting fields, they make a huge contribution and they deserve our thanks.”

“It can be very easy to focus on the challenges that we face but the reality is we live in the best state in Australia. Shining a light on those unsung heroes is just one way to ensure that, this Queensland Day, every Queenslander can see an example of the people that make our state the best.”

“When you think about what we have achieved as Queenslanders, there is almost always people behind the scenes who have made huge contributions. Unlike other states, we don’t talk ourselves up as Queenslanders but, for one day of the year, I think we can make an exception and make sure those people are recognised.”

Selected Local Legends will be presented with their awards at Suncorp Stadium on Queensland Day when Queensland’s favourite places and produce across 15 categories will also be celebrated.

“Queenslanders work hard but, when the time’s right, we all like to enjoy great food or drinks or even a bit of a getaway,” Mr Last said. “It’s almost impossible to pick the best of those categories so we are asking Queenslanders to have their say and settle the argument.”

“There is a range of categories from best beer to best coffee and best meat pie to best landmark. People can vote for one of the existing contenders or nominate their own.”
“In my job I do a lot of travelling throughout Queensland and, without being biased, I know that there are quite a few places in the Burdekin that would easily be contenders. While it’s a competition to some degree, it really is about having a bit of fun and celebrating the positives.”

“Queenslanders love to compete, especially when we are the underdogs, but we do that with the best spirit and sense of humour. With the last few years being such challenging times, generating some pride in our community and our state is a win for everyone.”
Voting and nominations are now open via www.qld.gov.au/qld day. Nominations for Local Legends close at 11.59pm on Sunday, June 1st.

Contributed with thanks to Member fr Burdekin Dale Last.

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Who are you going to nominate as a Local Legend in the lead up to Queensland Day?

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