Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Ayr State High School has congratulated its 2026 student leadership team, who have already been carrying out their duties since their induction at last year’s Academic Awards ceremony. The school acknowledged the students’ commitment and leadership, recognising the important role they play in representing their peers and contributing to school life. Leading the 2026 cohort are School Captains Caitlyn Cheyne and Ayden Barnett, supported by School Vice Captains Karina Guglielmi and Charlie Shears. Other leadership positions include Ashlee Colls as Sports Vice Captain, Allegra Tallis as Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain, Sarah as Cultural Vice Captain, and Tiana Cameron as Community Service Vice Captain. The leaders were formally presented to the school community during the 2025 awards night held last October, marking a proud moment for students, staff and families as the team continues its leadership journey throughout the year. CAPTION: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Allegra Tallis, Sports Vice Captain Ashlee Colls, School Vice-Captain Karina Guglielmi, School Captain Caitlyn Cheyne, School Captain Ayden Barnett, School Vice-Captain Charlie Shears, Community Service Vice Captain Tiana Cameron and Cultural Vice Captain Sarah. Photo supplied
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For many Burdekin parents, the phrase “stranger danger” brings back memories of warning children not to talk to unfamiliar adults on the walk home from school. Today, those strangers are no longer confined to parks or shopping centres—they can appear instantly on a child’s phone or tablet screen. The eSafety Commissioner has issued a fresh Online Safety Advisory highlighting the risks posed by anonymous “random chat” apps, where users are paired with strangers for live video or text conversations. Platforms such as Omegle, Chatroulette, HOLLA, Monkey and OmeTV are designed for spontaneity and global connection. While Omegle shut down in late 2023, others remain active and accessible in Australia. The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Anonymous chat apps allow people to connect instantly, often with minimal registration requirements and limited age verification. Users are randomly paired, live video can expose children to explicit material within seconds, and anonymity enables predators to hide their identity and intentions. Conversations may also be recorded and misused without consent. Omegle became notorious for pairing minors with adults engaging in sexual behaviour. In 2022 alone, the platform reportedly flagged more than 500,000 instances of child sexual abuse material. In a high-profile United States case, an 11-year-old girl was coerced into creating explicit content. Omegle later settled legal action for US$22 million before shutting down. Its founder acknowledged the platform had been misused for “unspeakably heinous crimes”. eSafety said the problem is not new, but is worsening. Children now carry video-enabled devices everywhere, pandemic lockdowns increased unsupervised screen time, and evolving technology—including AI and real-time video—makes harmful interactions harder to moderate. Under the Online Safety Act 2021, eSafety has powers to enforce Basic Online Safety Expectations, require companies to improve moderation systems and order the removal of unlawful content within 24 hours. The regulator recently issued a formal warning to OmeTV’s provider for allegedly failing to meet mandatory requirements under Australian law. Apple and Google have also been notified, as both companies are required to act if apps available in their stores breach Australian legislation. Penalties of up to $49.5 million are available under the Act. eSafety’s guidance to families is practical and direct. Parents and carers are encouraged to use device-level parental controls such as Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, block high-risk sites, and consider monitoring tools. Just as importantly, they should talk openly with children about online interactions, reinforce rules about sharing personal information, and ensure young people know how to block and report users. The advisory stresses that responsibility should not fall on families alone. Technology companies are being urged to implement stronger age assurance measures, properly resource moderation teams and design platforms with safety at the forefront. For regional communities like the Burdekin, where children are growing up as digitally connected as their city counterparts, online safety begins at home and requires a united effort from parents, schools, industry and regulators alike. CAPTION: The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Photo source: iStock
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Residents across the Burdekin and Whitsunday Shires, alongside the Molongle Creek Boat Club Inc. (MCBC) and the wider Cape Upstart community are calling on the State Government to honour its 2021 commitment to provide and maintain all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The Molongle Creek access channel is the only marine gateway to Cape Upstart, home to approximately 240 private properties that are accessible by sea only. Despite decades of volunteer investment and a formal handover to the government, thousands of locals are pushing for action, stressing the integral role the channel plays in connecting Cape Upstart with essential services and access to the mainland. Surveys have exhibited 15,000 to 20,000 vessels annually utilise the channel, which includes locals, visitors, fishers and caravan park users. Despite its importance, locals say the channel no longer provides reliable all-tide access, contrary to commitments made during the 2016 state election and formalised during a 2021 handover. “The lack of all-tide access severely restricts people’s access to their properties at Cape Upstart,” highlighted Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore, Ken Betteridge. Currently, there’s no alternative all-tide public boating access between Townsville and Bowen, making Molongle Creek critical regional infrastructure. A Facility Built by Volunteers The Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) was formed in 1962, with the aim of improving boating access for both members and the wider public. Over the past several decades, the facility has been developed and maintained almost entirely through volunteer labour, private funding and club-owned machinery. Early attempts to maintain access involved reshaping natural channels, with club members using dozers, excavators and, in some cases, explosives to create viable passage through shifting sands. When those efforts failed due to natural sediment movement, the club established the current channel alignment, again through volunteer work. MCBC volunteers have carried out annual maintenance for years using a Komatsu swamp dozer owned by the club, however, increasing environmental restrictions, permit changes and rising costs eventually made self-maintenance untenable. Election Promise and Handover In the lead-up to the 2016 state election, both major parties committed to delivering an all-tide access channel at Molongle Creek. That commitment culminated in a tri-party Deed of Agreement between the State Government, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Molongle Creek Boat Club. As part of the agreement, the club was required to surrender its lease and gift all sea- and land-based assets to the State and Local Government, allowing public funds to be spent on the facility. A formal valuation placed the value of those assets at $2.84 million. In 2021, the Molongle Boating Facility was officially handed over to State Government control, with the expectation government would develop and maintain the all-tide access channel, boat ramps, pontoon and trailer parking in line with other public boating facilities across Queensland. Design Concerns and Infill Issues According to long-standing club members, concerns were raised during the design phase that the chosen alignment would be vulnerable to flooding and sediment infill from Molongle Creek, particularly during wet seasons. Locals advocated for an alternative alignment further east, or the construction of a protective bund wall to shield the channel from flood flows. Those concerns, they say, were ignored. “Molongle Creek Boat Club’s lobbying secured funding for an all-tide channel, however, due to various government departments, the placement of the channel was restricted to where it is now,” Mr Betteridge said. “The choice presented to us was a channel where it is – or was – or no channel at all. We knew it would be problematic, but MCBC had no choice but to accept. There’s been a lot of money spent, and the result is disappointing to say the least.” Within months of the channel’s completion, wet-season flooding filled the channel with sediment, significantly reducing depth. While bed levelling in 2022 and 2023 temporarily improved access, a major wet season in 2024 again rendered the channel largely unusable. No maintenance funding has been allocated since. As a result, access windows have narrowed dramatically. Club members say the channel was once usable on a 1.7-metre tide; now, small vessels require tides of 2.4 metres or higher, eliminating daylight access on many days. “All-tide access?” one local asked. “It’s anything but.” Safety Concerns Escalate The lack of reliable access has raised serious safety concerns, particularly given the demographics of Cape Upstart and peak holiday periods when usage surges. Over the years, residents have been forced to transport injured or ill people by boat to meet ambulances at Molongle Creek, but only when tides allow. When tides are out, emergency helicopters have been relied upon, though they are not always available. “Over the years, there have been quite a few medical incidences where the access to Molongle Creek was tidally available – if no tide, the emergency helicopter was luckily available,” said Mr Betteridge. In one recent incident, two young boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish at Kingfish Bay, however, fortunately, the tide allowed access back through Molongle Creek, yet locals say the outcome could have been far worse had the tide been out. After Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) crews conducting welfare checks were forced to use Wallace’s Creek instead of Molongle due to the channel’s condition, a longer, more exposed and potentially dangerous route. A spokesperson for the State Emergency Service said the agency remained committed to community safety. “The State Emergency Service (SES) is committed to working with the Molongle Creek and Cape Upstart communities to provide essential services to the region and maintaining community safety,” the spokesperson said. “The SES operates within a broader disaster management framework and works closely with partner agencies to deliver safe and effective responses to the community during severe weather events.” Calls for Practical Solutions The Molongle Creek Boat Club maintains that solutions already exist. Chief among them is the construction of a bund or barrier wall, either from rock or geotextile bags filled with dredged sand, a method already proven at the site, where a small geotextile wall has successfully reduced infill for more than 25 years. Club members argue such a barrier would significantly reduce sediment movement, extend the time between dredging cycles and deliver the year-round access originally promised. “There are approximately 240 dwellings at Cape Upstart that use molongle Creek as their main, and only access port – a 365 day all-tide access channel will definitely improve the safety of the whole community,” said Mr Betteridge. “We need a bund wall sooner rather than later, and MCBC along with the bulk of the public community know that a bund wall is the only solution to keep the channel open 365 days a year.” Local State Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said responsibility for the failed delivery rested with the former government. “The former government went to the 2017 election with a commitment to provide all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The unfortunate reality is that they failed to deliver on their promise,” Mr Last said. “I have supported the campaign for all-tide access since the very beginning, largely based on the need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly, rather than waiting for tides. The assurance that I have given, and stand by, is that I will continue to work with stakeholders for a better outcome for all users of Molongle Creek.” He said concerns raised by the boat club during the design phase were ignored. “Promises were made and expectations were built on those promises. Clearly those expectations were not met and, clearly, the promises made were broken.” Mr Last acknowledged ongoing challenges related to permits and environmental approvals but said Maritime Safety Queensland had committed to working with stakeholders on a long-term management strategy. “There are a range of issues affecting the ability to undertake maintenance at Molongle Creek. If the input from the Molongle Creek Boat Club was given the attention it deserved, many of the issues we face today would not exist,” he said. “Despite the challenges, the Club has been given a direct commitment that Maritime Safety Queensland will work closely with them and key stakeholders to develop and implement a long-term management strategy.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the Molongle Creek boating facility was a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters, particularly for emergency access. “The Molongle Creek boating facility is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters; it is especially significant for safety, as Volunteer Marine Rescue and residents rely on this channel for emergency transport.” Mr Willcox said the channel continued to face natural challenges due to its geographic location. “The Molongle Creek Channel currently faces ongoing challenges due to its geographic location: the flow at the mouth of the creek frequently causes sand to accumulate and choke the channel.” He said responsibility for maintaining the facility had shifted to the State Government during his time as Whitsunday Mayor, and that a permanent engineering solution was needed. “During my time as Whitsunday Mayor, the State Government assumed responsibility for the maintenance of this facility to ensure its continued operation.” “In my assessment, a permanent infrastructure solution is required to address the siltation issues: this would involve installing sheet piling or a rock wall to protect the channel and keep it open
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Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. The statewide operation saw an extra 51 stores closed during a ten-day blitz from 25 November to 4 December, including Burdekin Tobacco, adding to earlier closures. Experts say this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Theo Fukkare told the Townsville Bulletin that the closures were a positive step but warned that authorities would need to monitor the stores closely as they prepare to reopen. “We think 200 is maybe a quarter of all of the available stores selling illegal products, so there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “I would suggest that potentially, the authorities have gone for the high-profile ones in high-profile areas, though there are a lot more through the state.” The closure of Burdekin Tobacco was issued under the state’s new tobacco laws, aimed at curbing the sale of illicit cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products. Authorities have seized more than 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 31,000 vapes, and nearly 39,000 nicotine pouches across Queensland since the crackdown began. Burdekin Tobacco was one of six tobacconists in the region. Located in the Burdekin Plaza, it was a popular option for locals. The closure leaves a gap for residents who regularly purchased legal tobacco products from the Burdekin outlet. Some of the closed stores, including Burdekin Tobacco, could reopen soon, with authorities expected to monitor compliance closely. Authorities say checks will continue to ensure stores operate within the law when they reopen. Mr Fukkare called on the government to ensure there is an authorised officer at the stores on the day or days after they reopen. “Just to make sure that if they do want to run the gauntlet, then they can shut them down again.” CAPTION: Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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Disaster season will soon be upon us, and the Burdekin Shire Council has urged the region to begin preparations to “Get Ready” by taking proactive steps to ensure the community is ready for the weather to come.
In the interest of encouraging early preparations, the Council is now offering residents a chance to win a Yamaha EF2200iS Generator! Members of the community are invited to collect their FREE ticket throughout the month of October at the Ayr and Home Hill Libraries or by visiting the Customer Service Centre at the Council Chambers.
Both the Ayr and Home Hill Libraries will be hosting “Get Ready” stalls on Wednesday 9 October for those interested in learning more about disaster preparedness. The Ayr Library’s stall will be running from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with the Home Hill Library’s stall commencing from 2pm, and concluding at 4pm. The stalls will provide an educational opportunity to increase your chances of being ready for an event, and the Council’s Disaster Management team will be on hand to provide valuable information and answer any questions you may have about staying safe this season.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort encourages all residents to participate, sharing the importance of the community being disaster ready.
“We want everyone to feel confident and prepared for the upcoming disaster season,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“The ‘Get Ready’ campaign is all about empowering our community to take small, practical steps that make a big difference when it comes to being prepared.”
What: “Get Ready” Stalls.
When: Wednesday 9 October from 10:30am – 12:30pm (Ayr), & 2pm – 4pm (Home Hill).
Where: Ayr & Home Hill Libraries.
More Information: visit burdekin.qld.gov.au or phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.
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As the weather heats up, it's the perfect time to look around your yard and start tidying up before storm season arrives. Don't forget, Burdekin residents can dispose of green waste for free at all local transfer stations, as long as no general waste is mixed in.
With the warmer weather, make sure you're sun-safe by wearing a long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and sunscreen before heading out into the garden.
If your yard is already in great shape, take a look through the shed or spare room - you might find items you no longer need. These could be exactly what someone else is after, and it's a great chance to make some extra cash by taking part in the upcoming Burdekin Garage Sale Trail in November.
Check Council’s website for details and how to register, Burdekin.qld.gov.au.
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Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Ephemera and Harvest Festival Launch in Home Hill, where we kicked off the celebrations for one of our region’s most anticipated annual events. The Home Hill Harvest Festival, set to take place on Saturday 9 November 2024, showcases the heart of our agricultural community and the incredible people who work tirelessly to ensure our region flourishes.
The Harvest Festival is more than just an event—it’s a reflection of who we are in the Burdekin: resilient, hardworking, and proud of our rich agricultural heritage. This year’s theme celebrates the unity and strength of our farmers, families, and communities as we come together to honour the harvest season.
Now, as we look ahead to the Harvest Festival, it’s always a joy to see families and visitors flock to Home Hill to take part in the festivities. With the iconic street parade, live entertainment, food stalls, and family activities, there’s something for everyone. I encourage all of you to come along, whether it’s your first festival or you're a regular, and immerse yourself in this vibrant event that brings our entire community together.
In addition to the Harvest Festival, I also had the honour of attending the Police Remembrance Day service last week held at the Burdekin Community Church. A ceremony where we paid our respects to the brave men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their courage and sacrifice are a powerful reminder of the dedication of our police force, and it was a privilege to join our community in honouring their memory.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
On Thursday 12 September, the Burdekin PCYC celebrated the graduation of four more dedicated young students from their current Get Set for Work Program.
Troy Bird, Joshua Walton, Kaiden Cuzner and Christian Tannock learnt many valuable life skills, engaged in many educational sessions, strengthened their confidence, learnt about the Burdekin region though guided excursions and completed numerous qualifications and certifications in preparation to successfully enter the workforce.
Paired with time spent in a classroom setting, Troy, Joshua, Kaiden and Christian visited many iconic locations across the shire and beyond including Charlies Hill, Beachmont, the Townsville Port, Pacific Bio Algae Farm, the Burdekin Preservation Society, Bowen TAFE, Sweet FM, the Townsville Museum, the Rapisarda’s Farm, and the Maritime Museum to further enhance their knowledge of the area and explore possible career pathways.
The Get Set for Work program provides young students aged between 15 to 19 years old with the opportunity to build and grow their skillsets, self-esteem and confidence after finishing their schooling journey. The program works with the Aurora Training Institute to prepare its students with the skills necessary to excel in the workplace, as each student graduates with a Certificate II in Vocational Pathways and Employment Skills, multiple first aid certificates, a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate, White Card Certifications, and a Learner’s Licence.
Over the course of 10 weeks, the students also participate in a range of activities to continue enhancing their employability. Under the guidance of dedicated members of the Burdekin PCYC including, Rowan Scott (Program Coordinator), Tamara Kemp (Program Youth Worker), Andrew Sherrington (Youth Club Manager), Anna Scott (Club Operations Support Officer), and Gavin Neal (Breaking the Cycle Coordinator), the students are taught numerous facts about the local region through cultural and historical education sessions and activities as well as life skills in the areas of budgeting, cyber security, road safety, and job preparation.
Along with these activities, the program also supports a range of personal development and team building activities to continue supporting the students on their journey into the workplace.
Enquires for enrolling in the next term of the Get Set for Work Program are now open, and those interested are encouraged to contact Rowan Scott on 0448 686 648.
Christian Tannock, Troy Bird and Joshua Walton celebrated their graduation from the Get Set for Work Program last month.
From its humble beginnings in 1974 as Ayr Second-hand Dealers to becoming a trusted name in quality furniture, McCathies Furniture Plus has stood the test of time. Now celebrating 50 years in business, Kari and Rob Ravizza, third-generation owners, proudly carry on the legacy of Kari’s grandparents, Milly and Jack McCathie, and parents, Lyndy and John McCathie. Their decision to transition from second-hand dealers to a retailer of new furniture and mattresses in 1998 reflected a changing consumer market—one they continue to cater to today with personalisation and exceptional service.
What sets McCathies apart from competitors is their commitment to quality and local ownership. As the only independent furniture store in the Burdekin, they hand-pick each item in their collection and inspect it for quality before it reaches the showroom. Kari Ravizza shares, “I’ve been to our suppliers’ warehouses and factories, and we inspect every item before selling or delivering it. This ensures our customers get the highest quality furniture and the best price.”
McCathies Furniture Plus also boasts exclusive product ranges, often drawing in customers from Townsville in search of unique items unavailable in larger retail chains.
In terms of trends, McCathies is seeing a rise in demand for Messmate timber furniture and sleek, fluted timber finishes. While they stay current with style trends, the store’s priority remains unwavering: providing high-quality furniture at competitive prices.
Proudly supporting Australian-made products, the store offers a wide selection of mattresses from renowned brands like Therapedic, Tommy Bahama, and A.H. Beard. Customers are encouraged to try them out in-store to find their perfect comfort level, with all products available for immediate delivery.
Looking to the future, McCathies Furniture Plus is excited to announce their new status as a registered NDIS provider. Their wide range of adjustable beds, mattresses, and electric lift chairs now provides more choice for NDIS and My Aged Care clients, allowing them to shop confidently and comfortably. This is just one of the many ways McCathies continues to innovate while staying true to its roots in quality and service.
Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
147,063
1,686,241
Pioneer
76,592
782,611
Kalamia
72,725
922,346
Inkerman
79,050
1,026,332
Burdekin
375,431
4,417,530
CCS
Invicta
14.90
14.19
Pioneer
14.60
14.25
Kalamia
14.23
13.83
Inkerman
14.48
13.96
Burdekin
14.46
14.07
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
55%
14.81
Q208
8%
14.44
KQ228
16%
14.11
WSRA17
4%
14.04
Q183
11%
14.99
Q232
3%
14.12
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 375,000 tonnes of cane for the week, which was just over the budgeted weekly throughput.
Throughput at Pioneer, Invicta and Kalamia was impacted by a number of unplanned stops while Inkerman had an extended maintenance and clean.
The season-to-date total is now 4.42M tonnes. This represents 54% of the Burdekin region’s total forecast crop of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.62, which is still slightly below budget but improving with the ongoing dry conditions.
The highest CCS, of 17.3, was shared between a rake of Q183 1R in the Mulgrave (Invicta) productivity district and a rake of Q240 PL in the Lower Clare (Invicta) productivity district.
It is pleasing that there were no reports of collisions or near misses at cane rail crossings in the Burdekin over the school holiday period.
Remember to always use your train brain and give way to cane trains.
John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region
Running a successful farming business in the arid regions of Queensland is tough and maximising the productivity of your land is essential. Nobody knows this like rural business owners Nichole James and Jake and Adam Fietz.
Nichole, Jake and Adam are participating in a field trial being delivered by Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Cooperative (CHRRUP) as part of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes program. The project aims to demonstrate drought resilient grazing practices that can rehydrate grazing landscapes and improve soils and water on farms. This supports building drought resilience by enhancing total biomass, reducing erosion and contributing to increased productivity of grazing enterprises.
Nichole’s property is one of five included in the project. Glenn Landsberg, a Regeneration Consultant, has been working with Nichole to modify her farm landscape for better water retention, particularly focusing on the restoration of gullies.
‘Recovery here isn't really going to happen until we intervene and make something happen’ Glenn said.
After working with Glenn and employing earthworks to retain water across her property, Nichole has also implemented smaller fenced paddocks and rotational grazing to allow soil and pasture to rest and recover.
‘Now we’ve done earthworks, it'll help make it recover quicker and slow the erosion. Now that I've split the paddock, I can control the grazing pressure even more. With these earthworks, which will also help with slowing the water, we should see a much bigger recovery in a much shorter time’ says Nichole.
At ‘Hiddenvale’ in Queensland, Jake and Adam’s property is also part of the project and already is seeing results through effective water management, which reduces soil erosion and surface run-off.
“The drought over the last 10 years has just knocked us about,” Jake said.
“It's just mind blowing how much it has actually knocked us around, just so much destruction. I don't want to ever be in a nasty situation again where we have to destock. If we have to destock again, we’d have to sell the place basically.”
Glenn Landsberg shows where the soil height used to be on Nichole’s property
Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are now open, offering an incredible opportunity for Australian women to develop their skills and make a positive impact in their industries and communities.
The award is designed to empower and celebrate inclusive and courageous leadership by women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
It provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.
Westpac has been a platinum sponsor of the Rural Women’s Awards for over 15 years. The Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 grant.
Queensland’s new state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women’s Association, will provide a $2,000 grant to Queensland’s finalists. Finalists also gain access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.
In addition to the Rural Women’s Awards, AgriFutures Australia offers the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant as a leadership and development opportunity for rural women who feel they are not quite ready to apply for the award.
The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant provides a bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development, driving innovation in rural industries, businesses and communities.
Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will close on Wednesday, 9 October 2024.
See the AgriFutures website for more details.
agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/
Tuna entrepreneur Kate Lamason – this year’s Queensland Rural Woman Award winner – represented Queensland at the national Rural Women’s Award gala event in Canberra in August
Kate Lamason is the co-founder and director of Little Tuna, the Cairns-based company manufacturing Australia’s first 100% Australian caught, owned and made preserved tuna.
Kate, alongside her fisher husband Rowan, was shocked to learn 99 per cent of the more than 50,000 tonnes of tuna consumed by Australians each year was imported, so she decided to launch Little Tuna and change the game for tuna lovers right around the world.
Together, they spent years researching the market and developing recipes to spearhead Australia’s first canned tuna company since offshore canning, producing an award-winning product and boosting the profile of the local tuna industry.
Senior Plant Pathologist Jenny Morrison has been given a remarkable accolade: a newly discovered species of fungus has been named after her.
It all started in north Queensland in 2019, when Jenny was one of 26 scientists from around Australia who took part in the ‘Pathoblitz’ workshop on plant disease.
The workshop gave participants the opportunity to observe, collect and identify diseased plant samples from the Atherton Tablelands—a unique environment with savannah, rainforest, horticulture and agricultural ecosystems, all within a 50 km radius.
The various plant disease samples that Jenny collected included leaves from Freycinetia scandens, a species of climbing plant. Jenny noticed that some of the leaves had spots on them, which were grey in the centre and pale brown towards the margins and then made isolations.
Hundreds of samples were collected by the workshop participants, (which included several of Jenny’s plant pathology colleagues in DAFF) and lodged with the Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium for further examination.
Five years later, Jenny was surprised to hear from the Principal Scientist at the Queensland pathology herbarium. She learned that her isolations from Freycinetia scandens had led to the discovery of a new Zasmidium fungus species, confirmed by molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. They named the species in her honour.
Jenny, who has worked for DAFF for the past 17 years, has now been immortalised in mycology with an entry on Zasmidium morrisoniae appearing in the Index of Australian Fungi. Finally, her children are taking an interest in her career, thanks to the ability to claim this fungus was named after them too.
Collecting at Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve
Senior Plant Pathologist Jenny Morrison
Queensland Seniors Month provides opportunities to promote positive community attitudes towards older people and ageing by facilitating community participation and enhancing community connections, aligning with the Queensland Government’s vision of building age-friendly communities in Queensland.
In 2024, Queensland Seniors Month is celebrated from Tuesday 1 October to Thursday 31 October.
Queensland Seniors Month includes United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and National Grandparents Day (27 October), days that recognise the important contribution of older people in their families and communities.
For more information about Seniors Month, visit the Queensland Seniors Month website. Source: www.qld.gov.au
Burdekin Community Association has once again developed a Burdekin Seniors Month Program that lists just some of the events that organisations and groups have planned for community members in October.
Please see our latest Community Connections Magazine or visit the Support Centre, Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, our Facebook page or website for the BURDEKIN SENIORS WEEK PROGRAM.
UPDATED LAYOUT BELOW -------------------------------
The BCA’s events will include:
Tuesday 15th October
BCA Be Tech and Scam Savvy Open Day
How to avoid scams presentation and Tutoring on your electronic device
Venue: Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr
Cost: Free
Ph: 4783 3744 for bookings
Wednesday 30th October
BCA Let’s Celebrate Seniors Excursion
Bus Trip and Roast Lunch
Where: Molongle Creek Caravan Park
Cost: $10 per person
Ph: 4783 3744 for bookings
Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)
The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, conveniently located at 40 Chippendale St, plays a crucial role in the local community by providing access to information and referrals for community members. It serves as a hub for residents, ensuring that assistance and support are within easy reach in various aspects of their lives.
One of the key functions of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is to serve as a valuable resource for individuals and families in need of information. Whether it's about local services, government assistance programs, or community events, the Centre offers a wealth of information to help community members stay informed and connected. We encourage the community to use our notice boards for community events. We are also happy to help spread the news about community initiatives on our Facebook page.
In addition to providing information, the Centre serves as a vital point of contact for referrals to other support services within the community. By understanding the diverse needs of community members, the Centre can effectively connect individuals with the appropriate resources and services available to them. This network of referrals ensures that people can access the specific help they require, whether it's related to health, employment, education, or other areas of well-being.
Overall, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre stands as a pillar of support for the local community, providing a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can access the information and referrals they need to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to empowering community members and, most importantly, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
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Sweet FM, Burdekin’s beloved community radio station, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special dinner at the Ayr RSL on Saturday night. The event capped off a day of festivities that included a lively morning broadcast and a sausage sizzle in Ayr’s town centre.
The morning kicked off with a live broadcast from the Ayr CBD, where Sweet FM’s charismatic presenters entertained listeners with special programming, community interviews, and a nostalgic look back at the station’s history. Locals gathered around the sausage sizzle, enjoying the opportunity to meet their favourite radio personalities in person while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The celebrations continued into the evening at the Ayr RSL, where long-time supporters, volunteers, and station staff came together for a night of reflection, laughter, and music. The dinner marked a significant milestone for the station, which has played a vital role in connecting the Burdekin community for a quarter of a century.
Sweet FM’s 25-year journey has seen it grow from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, providing a platform for local voices, promoting regional talent, and supporting countless community events.
As the night came to a close, attendees toasted to the future of Sweet FM, with hopes for many more years of broadcasting and community connection. The 25th-anniversary celebrations were a resounding success, serving as a testament to the station’s enduring place in the hearts of Burdekin locals.
Sweet FM is officially celebrating its 25-year reunion on March 22, and they want to bring together everyone who has been a part of their journey. If you've volunteered with Sweet FM, whether in the past or currently, they would love to hear from you. Please contact Charlie at Sweet FM to get involved in this special milestone event.
Tony Goddard on the decks
Tony Goddard and Charlie Scuderi
The team at Sweet FM
Tony Goddard and Lyn McLachlan
Chris Nissen
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The Burdekin Shire Council has launched an exciting competition as part of the upcoming Get Ready Burdekin Week, running from 7-11 October 2024. Local primary school students are invited to participate in naming the region’s new Disaster Management Mascot and the campaign is aimed at fostering awareness around disaster preparedness.
The initiative is designed to engage young people in the Shire’s disaster management efforts through creativity and education. In addition to naming the mascot, students will also have the opportunity to join a colouring-in competition. Both activities aim to teach students about disaster safety in a fun, hands-on way.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed her enthusiasm for the program, emphasising the importance of getting younger generations involved.
“The new mascot will play a key role in engaging the community about safety and preparedness, and we’re thrilled to have local students help us choose its name,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“Council is looking forward to the wonderful creativity in the colouring-in competition and seeing the names that our primary school students come up with.”
The competition is an opportunity for both students and schools to make a significant contribution to the community. The school that submits the winning mascot name will receive a prize of $1,000 worth of resources of their choice. This not only encourages participation but also supports local schools by providing valuable educational materials.
Supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland Program, the initiative aligns with state-wide efforts to prepare communities for natural disasters. The Burdekin Shire Council hopes the program will inspire long-term awareness and understanding of disaster preparedness among young people, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe.
The competition will run through to Friday, 1 November 2024, with the winning mascot name set to be announced in November. Local schools are encouraged to get involved, with Council looking forward to seeing the creative entries from Burdekin’s students.
For further information or to participate, schools can contact the Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.
What is the new Disaster Management Mascot called? You decide!
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Brian Giddy, a familiar voice on Sweet FM, has been a radio host for four years. His journey into broadcasting began with a suggestion from his friend Cheryl, leading him to a post-retirement passion that perfectly blended his love for music with community service.
“I always wanted to do something when I retired, and I love music,” Brian reflects. His involvement in the choral society and a fondness for classic tunes from his youth laid the groundwork for his on-air presence.
“I enjoy playing the old music that we grew up with, the songs we understand.”
When asked about his favourite musicians, Brian’s love for country and western is immediately clear.
“I love Kristofferson and Patsy Cline’s ‘Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,’” he shares. His musical journey includes playing the saxophone in a band for several years, and he’s also sung and played keyboard for the sick and elderly at respite.
“I love sharing music with the disabled and elderly,” Brian says, reinforcing his deep connection with the community through music.
One of his most memorable moments on air was an interaction with two nurses from Townsville Hospital. After playing "Pray for Me," Brian received a heartfelt request from their father to play the song during the nurses' break, making a profound connection through music.
“We also had a couple in Italy tuning in,” he fondly recalls, a testament to the station’s wide-reaching impact.
Brian’s preparation for a live show is a thoughtful process, meticulously selecting Australian songs to share. His advice for aspiring radio hosts?
“If you want to do something for the public and you like music, do it. You might make somebody’s day with a song.”
Engaging his audience is Brian’s speciality. “I encourage people to ring in, pick a song, or just say hello. I’d love to hear from people,” he adds, always closing his show with a warm message: “God bless you all.”
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