Women in agriculture are invited to attend a two-day leadership forum in Ayr designed to develop leadership skills, personal confidence and be empowered to make future focused decisions to drive a positive change in their communities.

The Influential Women Community Leadership Forum, to be held 19 – 21 March in the Burdekin Theatre Music Loft, has been supported by Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub as part of their commitment to enhancing the skills and capacity of agricultural communities in North Queensland, and is open to female producers, farmers and agriculture service providers.

“This forum is firmly rooted in rural Queensland, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural women. This is a great opportunity to build their skills and confidence to be leaders and drivers of change in their communities,” said Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub Program Lead and forum organiser, Dr Jane Oorschot.

“The forum facilitator, Heather Ellis from Blue Wren Connections, will guide the participants through two days of group and individual activities to learn about different leadership roles, teamwork, adapting to change, understanding personal values, and self-care to achieve work/life balance.

“We piloted this forum last year in the Gulf Savannah region and received extremely positive feedback on how inspired participants felt about contributing to their local communities.”

Home Hill State High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association, Louise Nicholas, said she enrolled in the forum to build more connections and further her leadership development.

“I think women play an enormous role in agriculture and we’re seeing more women in high profile leadership positions,” she said.

“In rural and regional areas, we sometimes feel isolated, so it is great to have those connections and networking opportunities to raise each other up and help us succeed in leadership positions.”

Ms Nicholas is one of four finalists in the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards and said the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum will assist her in achieving the goals she set as part of the application process.

“We had to do a project plan and I believe this course will assist me in delivering ‘Grow Your Own,’ a project that will make connections between school students and industry,” she said.

“It’s about getting the students involved, training them up and making connections in the agricultural industry, and hopefully retaining them in our local areas.

“Any opportunity to develop yourself is of benefit, and I’m excited for the opportunity to attend a leadership forum here in the Burdekin.”

Registrations are limited to 20 participants and priced at just $20.  

Dr Oorschot encourages women in agriculture throughout North Queensland to register now for the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum so they don’t miss out on such a valuable professional and personal development opportunity.

“This course is valued at over $1400, but thanks to our partners BlueWren Connections, NQ Dry Tropics, Growcom and Burdekin Shire Council and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, registration is just $20, with very affordable accommodation available at the Country Ayr Motel.

“Numbers are capped at 20 to ensure participants receive a highly interactive and personalised experience, and the program has been designed to be practical, challenging and fun.

“By supporting the skills and capacity within the agriculture sector, together we can become more drought and climate resilient and build flourishing, sustainable communities equipped to make future focused decisions.”

To register for the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum to be held in Ayr 19 – 20 March, visit the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub website at www.tnqdroughthub.com.au or phone Dr Jane Oorschot on 0481 158 989.

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Caption: Home Hill State High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association, Louise Nicholas

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Considering a weekend getaway? A quick rendezvous to a different location?

Consider venturing out to Airlie Beach’s Colonial Palms, for a cool afternoon of gentle jazz, that soothes the soul and sets your week off right.

Brought to visitors and locals alike by the likes of Motor Inn Managers Greg and Nettie Dunlop, the Jazz on the Deck is a relaxing afternoon, away from the big beats and loud noise typical of main street venues of Airlie Beach.

In fact, the tempered notes of the Jazz perfectly blends with the scenic view over the coral sea and the Port Of Airlie, which sets the Colonial Palms Motor Inn apart from other accommodation providers.

For Managers Nettie and Greg, they knew that live music entertainment on the deck was an aspect they wanted to bring to the business but were eager to set themselves apart from the other venues in Airlie Beach. And found that no other venues in our area offering Live Jazz

House musician, Nick De Gregorio, is a testament to classical and modern jazz music. Nick has studied Jazz at the conservatory of music in Western Australia and has travelled the world playing in Jazz bands throughout Europe, the UK, USA and aboard cruise ships

We are so lucky that Nick is now a local Airlie Beach resident, and brings his amazing musical talent and worldly connections to Airlie.

With Nick at the helm of inviting and welcoming his accompanying musicians on stage with him, the fortnightly jazz performances have a consistent flair of excitement and beautiful Jazz music.

On the next Jazz day on the 17th of March, Nick has invited Melbourne based Jazz Guitarist, Ash DeNeef to join him on the deck- sounds like we are in for a real treat!

As a special for the Burdekin, Greg and Nettie are offering Burdekin residents a special offer:

                                                       Stay, Wine and Dine Package

Stay in the comfortable king room, Bottle of wine and dinner for two at the Palms Restaurant and witness Nick and his guest musician entertain the afternoon away for the Jazz on the Deck.

                                                         Only $350   (per couple)

“And we offer the room on either Saturday or Sunday night, so you can come on Saturday and head home after the Jazz day,” Greg explained.

“Or travel down on Sunday and stay the night, then head home on Monday.”

WHAT: Jazz On The Deck, with Colonial Palms
WHERE: Colonial Palms Motor Inn
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, from 3pm
RESERVE YOUR GETAWAY: https://colonialpalmsmotorinn.com.au/ or call directly on 4946 7166.

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Last Wednesday February 28, Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) celebrated their Commissioning Liturgy to induct all the Year 12 students as leaders of their school community, commission their Student Representative Councillors, First Nation leaders and their Year 12 Student Leaders. The Year 7s, new staff and students were also acknowledged and welcomed to our school. It was a fantastic opportunity for our parents and families to join the students and staff to celebrate and pray that our new leaders be guided by God’s Spirit. One of the most beautiful parts of the liturgy is the ‘pinning’ of leaders’ badges by their parents and caregivers. It was a wonderful time to recognise and launch student leadership for 2024.

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Contributed by BCHS

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Caption: BCHS celebrated their Commissioning Liturgy last week. Photos supplied

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Wednesday February 28 Results For Ladies

This week, the eight ladies got on the green for a bowl with winners of the day Joy Woods, Darelle Pearce, Kaye Garner and Lyn Storrie coming home with the chocolates.

Don’t forget names in by 1:00pm for a 1:30pm start each week.

Friday March 1 Trophy Night

Proudly sponsored by Peto Marine Home Hill.

It has taken three weeks due to poor weather but finally 54 bowlers enjoyed a warm and entertaining evening.

Winners of the night Rhonda Martin, Lyn Storrie, Norm Storrie and Joe Ypinazor.

Second place was Sandra Darween, Henry Hazel, Margaret Chapman and Gary Pearce.

Third place Margaret McLaughlin, Ross McLaughlin and David Harding.

All who attended had a great evening to finish off with once again a great smoko and many thanks to the ladies in the kitchen for your preparation.

Sunday March 3

Under very hot and humid conditions, two Championship games were played.

First game was B grade pairs Glen Woodford and Tony Battglia defeating Neville Dickinson.

And in the other match was A grade singles Lloyd Shepherd defeating Allan Garioch.

Social March 3

Three games of triples were played and the winners were:

Con Sexton, Trevor Elton and Richie Mau

Lyn Storrie, Peter Jorgenson and Hugh Montgomery

Norm Storrie, Ray Paneccasio and Joe Ypinazar

Jackpot was drawn until we got a winner with Lloyd Shepherd and Lenny Feney.

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Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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Local

The start of the 2024 local football season was delayed yet again by the inclement weather. Burdekin Panthers Kappa Cup match against JCU Riverway has now been re-scheduled to Tuesday March 12, 7:00pm kick off at International Park. Last weekend’s away fixtures against Olympic were also rained off and are yet to be re-scheduled. This Saturday, March 9, the Panthers host Brothers in three grades. Reserves kick off at 3:00, the Ladies at 5:00 and the Premiers at 7:00.

With the matches against MA Olympic called off last weekend, the Panthers took the opportunity to have a Premier League vs Reserve grade match on Saturday on Field 2 at International Park. This was the first game at match intensity for some of the lads since last season, so it was good to get some minutes under our belt.

The Men’s Coaches this season are, Premiers – Leighton Gallagher, Reserves (Under 23s) – Michael Taylor and Maddy Reid will be coaching the Women’s Premier team. In the Save the Date Department, Female Football Week is May 3-12.

Senior Registrations are now open, and players must be Registered by this Friday to be eligible to play weekend fixtures. Training Shirts are now available to collect at Senior trainings. Jumper pre-orders are now open. Form is available on Facebook to order. Cut off date is March 8.

Training at International Park will be happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm for men and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm for women. New to town? Come down to training and have a run.

Juniors

The Juniors season finally got underway last Saturday for pre-season 1. The kids all seemed super keen to finally get into it! Great to see so many new faces joining the club also! There will be a second lot of pre-season games this Saturday, the schedule will be sent out this week. The season proper will then commence the week after, pending no more rain outs!

The fields were marked out Friday morning and finished off Sunday morning. A big thanks to all of those who helped out with this. We are in need of help in the canteen for this Saturday, if you can lend a hand that would be much appreciated.

Keep an eye out for details regarding the Working Bee and coach’s clinic which were also cancelled on the weekend.

Monday Night Masters had quite a good turn out after two weeks off because of the weather. In a very close game Bhutan beat Montserrat in a replay of “The Other Final”. Eugene Burelli scored two goals and the Player of the Night was Sian Reardon who was not averse to getting stuck in. Remember everybody is welcome, new and old players, including the very old. Usual time, usual place, 6.30 at International Park.

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64 players fronted up on Sunday March 3 for the Honeycombes sponsored Opening Day.  

The format was a 2 person Ambrose played only over 16 holes as 6/15 was deemed still too wet for the motorised buggies.

Instead, 6/15 tee to 7/16 green converted to a par 3 was used.

It was a great day with almost perfect weather.  

Nearest the pin shots were on 4/13 A grade was won by Craig and Sibbo; B grade by The Carretts.

7/16 A grade won by Pep and Turtle; B grade by Beth and Catherine.

9/18 A grade won by Owen and Judy; B grade by the Carretts.

The A Grade winners with a handicap of .25 shooting a 54 off the stick were Craig and Sibbo.

2nd place went to Murray and Tim and 3rd place was taken out by Nipper and Cam.

B Grade 1st place was the McCubbens, 2nd place the Smalls with 3rd place going to Eric and Michelle.  

Thanks to Bud from Honeycombes for sponsoring the day.

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Caption 1: Sunday’s winners

Caption 2: James, Mary and Judy waiting at the first tee

Photos supplied: Stephen Doig

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Two Rockhampton based teams have taken the trophies and cash south at the completion of another Whitsunday Civil Bowen Summer Tens carnival last Saturday.

Played at Denison Park in Bowen on two fields, the Annual Carnival attracted 14 mens and six ladies teams.

Matches were played over two ten-minute halves with each team playing three games in their pool.

Semi-finals and finals were played to find the winners of the cash and trophies.

The teams from Rockhampton, Darlz Warriors, proved to be too strong winning both the Tincome mens competition and the Abbot Point Operations ladies competition.

Darlz Warriors had to fight hard to beat Burdekin team Runamucks ten in their semi-final for the right to play Chargers in the final.

Chargers, a team of mates from Bowen, Burdekin and Townsville reached the final by beating Mackay Rugby League team Moranbah Miners in their semi-final.

The Rocky boys handled the final a little better than the combined team running out narrow winners over the Chargers team with players Ethan Hagarty and Riley Horan members.

Darlz Warriors supporters were outnumbered in the cheering department in the ladies final when they met hometown heroes Boonti Busters.

Like the men, though, the Rocky girls were a little too fitter.

Carnival organisers said all ran well with Kids Connecting Parents and the Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League collecting some much needed funds.

Three Burdekin mens teams took part ... defending Mens champions Fiji Time with Runamucks and Runamuck 10.

Runamuck also fielded a ladies team.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Caption: Two Rockhampton based teams took out the Whitsunday Civil Bowen Summer Tens carnival last Saturday. Photo supplied

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Hi readers

I can’t believe footy is back.

It doesn’t feel like that long ago that I was taking to page two to lament over the Broncos’ heartbreaking loss in last year’s NRL grand final – and while I’ve learnt to deal with it, that wound is one that will never heal – but I’m excited to see what 2024 has instore for my mighty Broncos.

While I acknowledge that the Pre-Season Challenge means little in the scheme of the competition, a win is a win and I’ve been impressed with the early signs from the team.

Footy coming back to our screens is exciting enough, but I must admit that I’ve been utterly swept up by the hype surrounding the season openers in Las Vegas.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on social media to see what the boys have been getting up to over there and which American athletes and celebrities they’ve found themselves in company with.

I can’t wait to see the spectacle of the Brisbane Broncos taking to the field of Allegiant Stadium on Sunday and hope to see a solid performance against the Roosters to kick their season off the right way.

This edition of Burdekin Life sees the first instalment of our footy tipping competition, so flick to pages 34-35 to check out how the locals see round one panning out.

I’m also looking forward to my first opportunity to catch the Burdekin Roosters in action as their season kicks off soon.

Their A Grade side has been dealt an early blow with the unexpected departure of coach Daniel Beazley ahead of his first season at the helm – flick to page 37 to catch all the details.

And in personal news, my beautiful girlfriend Jakita will be visiting from Brisbane this week, and I’m excited to give her some more insight into my day-to-day up here.

From social lawn bowls in Home Hill to climbing Mount Inkerman and a camping trip over the weekend, I’m keen to give her a quintessential week in the Burdekin.

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A Community Engagement Session was recently hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, providing residents with the opportunity to raise concerns and share ideas on the management of flying foxes in the Shire.

Council has secured the services of Queensland based environmental consultancy company Ecosure Environmental Consulting to assist in developing a long-term flying fox roost management plan after funding was secured earlier this year.

Burdekin Shire Council CEO Terry Brennan said the overarching objective of the project is to create a document defining a clear way forward for staff and the community when managing flying foxes in the future.

“The five-year plan for flying fox management will be designed to prioritise public safety, the protection of flying foxes and the local amenity, and to maintain critical infrastructure,” he said.

“The plan will include short- and long-term strategies for management including community education, vegetation management, and mitigating conflict where human and wildlife interactions occur.”

Ecosure Environmental Consulting Senior Ecologist Dr John Martin said the company will utilise its 20 years of experience in flying fox management and community engagement to work towards a meaningful plan while acknowledging the fact that black flying foxes in town are a native and protected species.

He said a range of dispersal tools can be used, saying Council’s current method of light and sound can deter the animals from roosting in a certain location.

“The bats are moving and there can be different bats in a roost in one day, week or month to the next,” he said.

“If that is a tool that’s utilised in an appropriate way under the relevant permits, what we have seen is that flying foxes will move to other roost sites.

“There are rules around the amount of noise that can be made, the timing, the seasonality in respect to things like breeding, so the idea is that there is actually no harm to the animals, but they actively make a choice to move on.

“This is a very challenging space to get it right and it requires long-term, persistent management that aligns with the state government’s legislation.”

Dr Martin highlighted the flying fox’s importance to the ecosystem, saying they are a protective native species and that the risk of disease transmission, a common misconception associated with flying foxes, is extremely low.

“Think of them like a giant bee,” he said.

“They’re actually out there pollinating the trees, in particular the gumtrees that are so important to our landscape.”

Council’s current planned dispersal activities will continue to be carried out using sound and light, adhering to the State Government permit that ensures minimal harm to flying foxes.

Ecosure will survey the community to develop a draft 5-year plan to be submitted to Council and then the community in April 2024, with the final plan being completed in May 2024.

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Caption: 250-300 flying foxes have been observed roosting in five locations across the Burdekin

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In honour of Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day and the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar, Ayr’s Alfies Bakery sold large pancakes with a scoop of ice cream and maple syrup last Tuesday, February 13, donating a portion of the sales to the local Catholic Women’s League (CWL).

Members and friends of the Burdekin Catholic Parish gathered at the bakery to devour their delicious pancakes on Shrove Tuesday while others called in to the shop and purchased pancakes to take home or to their businesses for morning tea.

After a successful day of pancakes, Alfies Bakery donated $150 to the Ayr branch of the CWL.

The CWL took to social media to thank the bakery and to share that the money will be donated to Caritas Australia as part of Project Compassion during the season of Lent in 2024.

“CWL sincerely thanks Alfies Bakery for their support,” the post read.

“A huge thank you to all who purchased pancakes on the day!

“We will do it all again in 2025.”

As the Catholic Church's international aid and development agency, Caritas Australia works hand in hand with the most marginalised communities in Australia and overseas to confront the challenges of poverty.

Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.

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Caption: Members and friends of the Burdekin Catholic Parish gathered at Alfies Bakery for Shrove Tuesday. Photo supplied: Catholic Women's League Sacred Heart Branch AYR

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At about 1.05am on 11 February, Ayr Police were called to a licenced premises in Ayr CBD as a result of a disturbance between a number of persons. As a result, a 24yr old man, a 20yr old man and a 17yr old male youth were all issued infringement notices regarding their behaviour and also served a Police Banning Notice.

At about 12.55am on 18 February, Ayr Police were called to a disturbance at a licenced premises in Ayr CBD. As a result, a 26yr old Sarina man was issued with a public nuisance infringement notice and served a Police Banning Notice.

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Snr Sgt Steve BARTON

OIC AYR

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The Burdekin community’s response in a call to establish CT scanner services at the Ayr Hospital saw thousands sign a petition and a shire-wide campaign last year, as many came forward with their own stories of how the after-hours inaccessibility of a CT scanner had seen them or their loved ones transferred to Townsville.

Six months on from the launch of the petition, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances the project has not fallen on deaf ears.

“With the calendar now reaching six months since the petition was opened for signatures and a promise by the Minister that a business case was being prepared, this community deserves to know that this project hasn’t just been tucked away into a cupboard,” Mr Last said.

“In recent weeks I have written to the Townsville Hospital and Health Services Board calling for an update on the business case, because as this community has made it clear, we are not willing to let this issue lie.

“Let’s not forget that in many cases these CT scans are used to assist in the treatment of potentially time-critical conditions such as strokes, where every second matters.”

Mr Last said with as many as 15 patients a week needing to be transported to Townsville for a CT scan, and the June budget now only months away, time was ticking on ensuring the project received the consideration it deserved and did not become a political football at election time.

“Almost six months ago, I said that I would keep working on this issue until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans in Ayr.  

“I also said I will work cooperatively with the Minister as long as we saw continual progress and I will honour both of those commitments for as long as it takes.

“We know there is added pressure on our hospital and frontline services, so when a simple solution to easing that burden and ensuring that patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible is put forward, there shouldn’t be any obstacles placed in the way.”

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A team of researchers at Deakin University recently partnered with local media and natural hazards experts to deliver the Burdekin Aware and Prepared Community Forum.

The forum, held on Saturday, February 24 at Burdekin PCYC, saw community members come together to share their experiences of living through natural disasters and how information was communicated by different organisations.

The project’s lead researcher, Dr Gabi Mocatta, said the team was grateful for the support of the Burdekin community.

“We’ve done some research on how the Burdekin Shire does disaster communication and how well it’s done here, which is one of the reasons we wanted to come to this community,” she said.

“The council-run Local Disaster Management Group seemingly does an amazing job of getting the community resilient and knowledgeable and that’s perhaps a model that can be emulated across other parts of Australia.

“It is a community service that people have done, for their community but also for other places in Australia, so it’s amazing that people make that effort.”

The forum was one of three held across Australia as part of the Awareness, Education and Communication for Compound Natural Hazards project, funded by the Natural Hazards Research Australia, with a forum already held in Dandenong, Victoria and one to be held later this year in Tenterfield, New South Wales.

The data collected from the forum will be drafted into a communication framework, which will seek the feedback of members from the three communities, before a report will be written for Natural Hazards Research Australia to be made available for emergency managers across Australia.

The project is still seeking feedback in the form of an anonymous survey.

Scan the QR code to complete the survey.

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Caption: L-R Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Pethybridge, LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin, Lead Researcher Gabi Mocatta, Sweet FM Manager Charlie Scuderi, Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi and Kirsten Diprose and Erin Hawley of Deakin University

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When reflecting on her role as President of the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference, Kaylene Rinella admitted that the work of the conference can fly under the radar.

Providing assistance to the whole of the Burdekin in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, Kaylene and her team of passionate volunteers provide a hand up, not a handout, and rely on dedicated community support to do this.

“We’re just trying to help people survive, really, help people get through,” Kaylene said.

“We’re seeing so many new families that we haven’t seen before; things are just getting so expensive.

“We just want to be there for those people who are really struggling.”

Kaylene commenced in the role of President five years ago and was vice president prior to that, involved in the conference for over 13 years.

She first signed up to volunteer at Vinnies Ayr when her accounting experience was recognised, and she was invited to work with the conference.

Bringing exuberance to the role, Kaylene has reinvigorated the conference, growing its services and budget to include emergency food relief in collaboration with Burdekin Community Association, emergency accommodation assistance, loans through the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), clothing, school supplies, car and electricity bill relief, toiletries and more.

St Vincent de Paul relies on the generosity of community to fund these activities, whether it be through fundraising, donations of furniture and goods or volunteering.

Recent donations from Home Hill Rotary Club Inc, Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club and local schools exemplify the Burdekin’s generous spirit.

“We’ve got a great network,” Kaylene said.

“I’ve been doing it for such a long time and people have put so much trust in me, it’s wonderful.

“This work makes me feel good.”

Whether it be for picking up and moving furniture or volunteering at Vinnies Ayr, the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference is always on the look out for volunteers to assist their mission.

For more information on volunteering, joining the conference or donating funds, furniture and goods, email kaylene.rinella@svdpqld.org.au.

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Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running.

Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

Another day, another frustrated rate payer. There is a lack of urgency and efficiency in addressing issues. Surveyors, planners, and their clients are frustrated with the system. I keep hearing it is just too hard to do business with Burdekin Shire Council. Ratepayers have had to endure unnecessary costs. What is council’s legal bill in the last 12 months? Economic development is crucial to Burdekin’s survival. This is the Burdekin, a rural community not Brisbane City Council.

Lyn McLaughlin

Mayoral Candidate

I began my campaign by travelling across our Shire and visiting key projects delivered in the current term of Council. This was a fantastic way of reminding myself that I am a representative for every resident in every township and community, and to see firsthand the difference Council has made across our region. It was also a great opportunity to meet with residents, discuss what they love about our Shire, and areas they believe should be focused on moving forward.

Michael Backo

Councillor Candidate

During the campaign I have attended Community Forums and one message that I had received and have taken on board is that the community feels like they aren't being heard. The reason why I am running is because I want to be a voice for our community. I want to engage with the community and hear their ideas and concerns and vote for what the community wants. I want to be a voice for the community.

Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

In the weeks since announcing my candidacy for Councillor with Burdekin Shire Council, I have had nothing but positive feedback. The recent candidate forums held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr and at the Home Hill Community Sports Club were particularly informative as candidates had a chance to address the community and answer questions. Speaking with people, it is clear they are looking for strong voices and a change within Council and I believe I can deliver both.

Michael Fraser

Councillor Candidate

Attending and sitting in on the past two council meetings, has allowed me to better understand what being a ‘councillor’ means. If elected I would be eager to be part of a progressive team and help to achieve goals. Since deciding to nominate I have received a lot of support from family and friends, which gives me confidence that I would be able to carry out the role as councillor with the Burdekin’s best interest at heart. 

Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

I am pleasantly surprised at the depth of interest the community has in bettering the Burdekin. I see this in their questions and ideas for improvements into our future. I am excited about representing such an enthusiastic group of people with my energy and knowledge from working with the Burdekin Shire Council and the State Emergency Service. We can achieve so much by working together cooperatively towards common goals to sustain and develop the Burdekin’s future.

ELECTION: ON THE FRONT-LINE

Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running?

Mark Haynes

Councillor Candidate

I have been overwhelmed by the support given to me by the people of the Burdekin. When I secured the Containers for Change depot for the Burdekin the residents showed that they are keen to support new ventures. Setting this up under the NQ Green Solutions social enterprise model was a great outcome for the Burdekin community as this scheme helps with the cost of living and increased employment opportunities. I’m looking forward to exploring many more opportunities and bringing the voice of the residents to Council.

Max Musumeci

Councillor Candidate

The majority of the people I speak to are happy with what’s been done in my last four years as councillor. One particular experience, however, was a particular conversation I had with a rate payer who I have not been able to help. Hearing him saying he wanted me to return was somewhat surprising and exactly what I needed to hear at that point. He understood that if there was any way I could help him, I would. It was the positive reinforcement that I needed.

Michael Detenon

Councillor Candidate

The Campaign trail so far has reinforced my decision to run as I see how passionate other people are about our great Burdekin Shire. As a proud born and bred local myself it is great to see so many other people, whether they have moved to town or been here all their life, show such interest in the future of all our towns and I like the idea of continuing to be able to put forward the community’s ideas to both grow and improve our region. 

Delfine Vasta

Councillor Candidate

Since starting on my Campaign trail, I was a little nervous about the whole venture but I have been so overwhelmed by the support and guidance I have received from the community; it has reinforced that the reason I am running for Councillor is for the Community and to be their voice in Council. At the end of the day, it is the Burdekin residents who will be electing the next six Councillors and Mayor so our job is to do what is right for them.  

John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

 There has been a multitude of experiences that have inspired me to run for a second term. It’s helping that one person with their individual concern. It’s positive projects completed eg water park, projects underway eg macro algae, industrial estate and new ones to begin eg water filtration plant. My father served in the air force in Townsville so it will be great to see Charlies Hill progressed. The Burdekin has achieved a lot, there is a ‘never end’ to being a continually improving community.

 Scott Worlein

Councillor Candidate

I have had a lot of people ask why I don’t have signs up like most other candidates. The signs seem like a good idea, but I want people to vote for me because they know what I have done for the community for many years now. I’m a person of action, getting things done to keep our community safe and doing good for our community. One of the reasons why I’m running is because I want to help my community.

Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

Since nominating, I have had many people come up to congratulate me. Nearly all these people have in some way exclaimed that “we need change”. This election, change will be inevitable as three existing councillors have not nominated for re-election. I know that I can bring positive change to council. I am not just another yes-man, but can and will work with whoever I need to, to make the best decisions for the whole Burdekin Shire.

Jayson O’Keeffe

Councillor Candidate

Something I’ve noticed in the last few weeks is when people have raised concerns over issues they have, there might not have been any feedback given to the person that has raised that issue. I would like to find out if the person hasn’t followed through or if it simply wasn’t resolved and a response wasn’t given.

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