I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, filled with relaxation, joy and time spent with loved ones. It’s great to see our businesses reopening after a well-deserved break and getting back into action.
As most of us return to work, it’s a good time to reflect on the year ahead. No doubt many of you set New Year’s resolutions, and perhaps a few have already been broken – we’ve all been there!
We are truly blessed that the holiday period was disaster-free, allowing us to enjoy the season in peace. Now, as we step into 2025, I’m excited and optimistic about what lies ahead. There’s much to look forward to, and I’m confident it’s going to be another fantastic year for the Burdekin.
Here’s to making 2025 a year of growth, success and community spirit. Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and continue working together to make our region the best it can be.
Stay safe, stay positive, and let’s make this year a memorable one!
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Introducing the one and only Tones and I – or as her friends call her, Toni! This beautiful tabby with striking markings and captivating green eyes is ready to find her forever home. Despite facing challenges in her young life, including being a young mum, Toni is a resilient little fighter who’s determined to find the love and security she deserves.

Toni is a social and affectionate cat who loves food, attention, and playtime. She’s especially fond of feather wands and will happily engage in a playful chase. Whether it’s getting scratches at the base of her tail, full-body pats, leg rubs, or being picked up and coddled, Toni is always up for some love. Plus, she’s quite the chatterbox and enjoys carrying on a conversation with her humans!

Currently living in a foster home with other cats, Toni has a bit of “sassy little sister” energy and may prefer to be the solo queen of her domain. However, with a slow introduction, she might be open to sharing her space with a confident, friendly feline companion.

If you’re looking for a loving, chatty companion who’s ready to bring joy and affection into your home, Toni could be the perfect fit. Could you offer this determined little lady the forever home she craves?

Adoption Details:
   • Adoption Fee: $195
   • Included in the Fee: Desexed, Microchipped, Up-to-date Vaccinations, Flea/Tick/Intestinal Worm Treatment
   • DOB: 01/04/2023
   • Breed: Domestic Shorthair (DSH)
   • Sex: Female
   • Kid-Friendly: Yes
   • Cat-Friendly: Yes (with slow introduction)
   • Dog-Friendly: Untested
   • BIN: BIN0000268254643

If you’re interested in meeting Toni and offering her the loving forever home she deserves, please submit an adoption enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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Established in 2011, the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association (BMSA), is a not-for-profit organisation that has been a haven for men to keep up their skills in retirement, engage with others and learn about men’s health issues, while giving back to the community.

The BMSA meets every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am-11.30, where they promote various activities that focus on recreation, skill building, and community projects such as making their popular kid’s toy boxes, and tables and chairs.

“We have five buildings and three workshops – one for woodworking, one for small items of craft, another for welding, metal fabrication and mechanics – and we have another front building where we run garage sales. We have a big stock of furniture and items up there. We also have our own chooks, so we can provide eggs for our members,” Charles Ford, Secretary of the BMSA says.

With monthly general meetings and committee meetings three times a year, the ‘Shed’ has felt like a home away from home for many men, making them feel part of something while offering a place to address health issues in a safe, supportive environment with other blokes.

“We get a guest speaker to come along who speaks about some form of men's health issue, which the guys find informative. After the meeting, we then have a sausage sizzle and drinks and a laugh. We also have monthly luncheons at six different venues within the Burdekin, which is for our members and friends to participate in, along with trips to other Men's Sheds in Far North Queensland,” Charles adds.

The BMSA is responsible for all their expenses, from council rates to site building maintenance and equipment repairs, insurance, electricity, printing and postage etc. However, that gets more difficult with the decline in membership numbers due to members passing on or moving. The BMSA once had 80+ members, today it’s dwindled to half that number.

“For the sustainability of the Men's Shed, we've got to look at trying to recruit younger members of the community, and members who will basically take a position on our management committee.

“It's a good place to be and we want them to come enjoy themselves, as so many do,” Charles adds.

A big selling point about the Men's Shed is that it offers a reprieve for men’s partners and family, instead of them being stuck at home looking up at the ceiling. Once families bring a man down to the Men's Shed, they can then do whatever they want for that short term the men are there.

“When a man comes, participates, and has enjoyed himself, he goes come home and talks about something new and exciting. We’ve seen a lot of benefits for men and their families,” Charles smiles.

Annual membership fees are only $50, but with all the incredible benefits for men’s overall health, well-being and their families, it’s hoped more men will join and contribute.

The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, which relies on fundraising and grants to keep the lights on, welcome donations or sponsorships from businesses and companies, families, and individuals, who wish to support them in addressing men’s health (physical, mental, emotional, social well-being), within the greater Burdekin region.

For donations, sponsorship, or information, call: 0467 083 502, email: burdekinmensshed@outlook.com or better yet, go visit them at 155-157 Young St, Ayr.

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Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary, Charles Ford, and members, Antony, and carpenter, Steve Bridges. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Burdekin Men’s Shed’s only carpenter (at present), Steve Bridges, and BMSA Secretary, Charles Ford, outside one of their sheds. 

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New and improved agricultural levies legislation will replace the existing framework next year, making the levy system more user friendly for participants and making it easier for them to understand their obligations.
More than 50 pieces of legislation governing over 110 levies and charges – across 75 commodities and 18 bodies that receive levies – are being streamlined into five Acts and subordinate legislation.
Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the new legislation would make life simpler for those interacting with it from 1 January.
“From the start of 2025, the new legislation will make obligations clearer for levy payers, collection agents and bodies that receive levies, and better support industries seeking to pursue new or change existing levies," Mr Lowe said.
“More flexible and consistent, it will benefit current and future levy system participants and help industry to get the most out of the levy system.” 
“The streamlined legislation will allow primary industries to continue to invest collectively in research and development, marketing, biosecurity activities and responses, and residue testing.”
“Our agricultural levy system is a long-standing, successful partnership between industry and government to facilitate industry investment in strategic activities, and the new framework will make it stronger and more effective,” he said.
Levies are collected from farmers, producers, processors and exporters, with any proposal for new, or changes to existing, levies requiring majority agreement among levy payers.
In 2023-24, the Research and Development Corporations, Animal Health Australia, Plant Health Australia, and the National Residue Survey, received just over $600 million in levy payments.
The Australian Government contributed an additional $470 million in matching funding for research and development activities. 

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Sugar cane growers in North Queensland are grappling with the dual challenges of rising electricity costs and restricted access to peak-time energy. According to irrigation specialist, Chris Doblo, of Farmacist Pty Ltd, the solution lies in smarter, more efficient practices. Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr Doblo shares practical strategies for growers to future-proof their operations and adapt to these mounting pressures.
One of the most critical steps for growers, Mr Doblo advises, is to evaluate their current irrigation systems. With potential restrictions cutting irrigation time by 20 per cent, it is essential to optimise systems to deliver more water in less time.
Automating For Success
Automation offers significant opportunities for growers to optimise their irrigation processes. With limited irrigation hours and ongoing labour shortages, automated systems can provide precise control over water application, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
“Automation has become more accessible and affordable,” Mr Doblo explains. “It’s an effective option for growers to overcome resource and time constraints.”
Features like automated scheduling and real-time monitoring allow water to be applied during off-peak energy periods, maximising cost savings.
Harnessing Solar Power
Solar energy continues to be one of the most practical investments for sugar cane growers. For pumps of 18.5 kW or larger, installing a solar array can significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity, particularly during daylight hours when energy demand is highest.
Planning For Off-Peak Energy
Aligning irrigation schedules with off-peak energy tariffs, such as Tariff 34, offers growers immediate savings of up to 30 per cent. While these tariffs may face additional restrictions in the future, Mr Doblo emphasises their current value in reducing operational costs.
However, he warns growers to prepare for potential interruptions, as off-peak energy may eventually become a “switchable load” during peak demand periods. Diversifying energy sources and improving irrigation efficiency are essential to navigating these changes.
Adapting to rising electricity prices and shifting energy regulations is no easy task, but the solutions are within reach for North Queensland’s sugar cane growers. As Mr Doblo explains, “Investments in infrastructure, automation, and solar energy are not just beneficial—they are essential for the future of our industry.”
By adopting these strategies and embracing innovation, growers can overcome energy constraints and maintain sustainability.

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Burdekin firefighters spent some time at Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer Mill last month, to do a site familiarisation tour and begin planning a joint emergency exercise drill.
The site familiarisation was led by Operations Superintendent, Dean McNamara, and Safety Advisor, Ashley Corradi.
During the visit, new members of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) team were informed about site-specific risks and where fire safety equipment is located on-site. 
They also met Manager Operations, Matt Norton, Emergency Response Team (ERT) Captain, Patrick Patterson, and ERT member, Ryan Taylor.
Ashley said the site famil was beneficial to both QFES and Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees.
"It is important that new members of the QFES do these visits as it makes the site familiar to them, ensuring a quick response in the case of an incident,” she said.
QFES officers make site visits to our other factories on a regular basis. They also participate in mock emergencies with Wilmar's emergency response teams, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service.

Pictured during the familiarisation tour are, from left, Emergency Response Team Captain Patrick Patterson, Senior Firefighter Peter Felesina, Firefighter Lindsay Wilson, Firefighter Carter Dal Ponte, Station Officer Ash Ryder and Operations Superintendent Dean McNamara. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar and Renewables

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Social media has transformed the way we explore and share the natural world, but it has also had unintended consequences. Studies show that the rise of social media has contributed to habitat disturbances, impacting native species. Popular wildlife spots often experience increased visitor numbers, which can lead to habitat abandonment, changes in usage patterns, reduced breeding success, and altered feeding behaviours.
If you’re planning to photograph wildlife and share it online, here are some tips to ensure your actions contribute positively to conservation efforts:
Respect Your Surroundings
Be mindful of your environment. Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation or disrupting animals in their natural habitats. Every small action matters when it comes to preserving delicate ecosystems.
Say No to Flash Photography
When photographing nocturnal animals, avoid using flash. The sudden burst of light can startle them, disrupt their behaviours, or even lead to stress, which can have long-term impacts.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Keeping an appropriate distance from wildlife is essential to prevent causing stress or prompting animals to abandon their habitat. Use zoom lenses or binoculars to observe and capture them without interference.
Avoid Playback of Animal Calls
While it might seem like a harmless way to attract wildlife for the perfect shot, playing recorded animal calls can confuse or distress creatures. This can cause them to leave their nests or aggressively defend territory, putting them at risk.
Follow Local Regulations
Abide by local rules, including restricted access areas and opening hours. These guidelines are in place to protect both visitors and wildlife, ensuring a safe coexistence.
Don’t Mark or Promote Hidden Gems
Sharing the location of a special wildlife spot might seem harmless, but it can lead to over-visitation and increased disturbances. Enjoy these places quietly and leave no trace.
Queensland’s unique flora and fauna are worth celebrating, but it’s crucial to do so responsibly.
By being mindful of our actions, we can help ensure these precious environments thrive for future generations to admire.

Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation

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Shay Linton, owner of Home Hill News & Coffee, is set for the back-to-school rush that invariably comes this time of year. With preparations in place, they cater for all the local Burdekin schools by providing book lists and stocking necessary school uniforms and supplies.

They anticipate serving many families in the coming weeks, all who are looking for school uniforms and other supplies. Additionally, they offer non-school related book items also.

“We've had Christmas, and now we're gearing up for the kids to go back to school. It will be a hectic couple of weeks for us, and for parents. We’ll easily have a couple of hundred parents and kids come into the shop for their return to school purchases but we’ve got them all covered.”

“We can do book lists for the schools, where all you need to do is to drop your book lists in and we'll prepare them for you. We also have school uniforms for Home Hill State High and Home Hill Primary, which they can try on or order here. We're also going to have striking new backpacks and lunch boxes coming and cool new book covers for them to cover their books with.”

“And for parents waiting for their kids to choose, with a coffee shop here means they can have a relaxing coffee or tea,” she smiles.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also the extra incentive to pop in and visit Home Hills News & Coffee, because they’ll be holding a prize draw as Shay explains.

“Home Hill News & Coffee will be offering a ‘Shop local’ incentive, which includes a prize draw for everyone who purchases school supplies from us. We have a $200 gift voucher for 1st prize, $100 for second, and $50 for third. The draw will take place on the morning of the 28th of January, right in time for the first day of school.”

“We'd like everyone to think local, shop local, and support local,” Shay expresses.

With that in mind, visit Home Hill News & Coffee for all your back-to-school needs, enter their draw, and be sure to grab yourself a coffee.

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Home Hill News & Coffee owners, Ken & Shay Linton and their daughter, Mackenzie, showcasing several of their back to school supplies. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Sid Ruskin, an 83-years young scallywag, has been part of the Burdekin ever since he first moved here 22 years ago. Born in Paddington, Sydney, his family moved from Captain's Flat to Cobar, a copper mining town in western New South Wales. They then moved to Mount Morgan near Rockhampton, before later going to Collinsville.

Sid attended school in Collinsville, before receiving a teacher scholarship to Kelvin Grove in Brisbane, becoming a primary school teacher. From there he moved to Townsville and joined the Air Force.

“My next door neighbour was in the Air Force at the time. Now that to me, sounded pretty good, so I joined the Air Force, which was in 1964. Being in the Air Force, you got around all over Australia. After 22 years, I went to RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) and became a communications engineer, then became a radio officer in the Air Force. Eventually, after being a ‘baggy bum’, I worked my way up, before eventually retiring as a Squadron Leader in Darwin,” Sid states.

Retiring from the Air Force, Sid then worked at a TAFE College in Townsville, teaching electronics and management before moving to Home Hill to care for his in-laws.

“After leaving Darwin, I got out of the Air Force right around the time these airplanes flew into those big buildings in America, which was my 60th birthday. So, I said to the missus, ‘pack up we’re leaving’. We bought a caravan to go tour Australia, before my wife's mum and dad got sick. We came back to this region and bought a house in Home Hill to look after them. And would you believe it, they both turned their toes up,” Sid jokes.

In his time here, Sid’s been involved in the Burdekin Race Club as Secretary for 10 years, while also being radio announcer on Sweet FM.

“I was Secretary of the Race Club because they couldn't find anyone, so they said, ‘Look, can you look after it for 12 months?’ 10 years later, I was still there. But that's how things happen in the Burdekin. Then for 10 years I was a radio announcer on sweet FM. I still listen to it, he says.

In his time, Sid's known five Australian Prime Ministers including Arthur Calwell.

“Arthur Calwell is the only politician in Australia to have had an assassination attempt. He lived up the road from me in North Melbourne. We were trying to get a new school, because we're right next to a tannery. Anyway, old Arthur came over and he put his support behind us and helped get a new school. I've known five prime ministers,” Sid declares.

Sid has two sons, one who lives in Home Hill, the other in Sydney, who recently visited for a fishing trip.

“He came to visit the other day, and the first thing I got him to do was cut my toenails because I can't reach them,” Sid laughs. “Anyway, he came up and wanted to go fishing. We caught a couple of brim. It's the first time he's been here for 10 years.”

Sid’s content with his current lifestyle volunteering at the Home Hill Visitor Centre, while his wife still keeps him active around the kitchen.

“She still chases me around the kitchen but it doesn't do her any good,” he smiles.

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Sid Ruskin (83), good for a yarn and a joke. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Sophie Robertson has achieved another commendable milestone in her STEM journey, following her outstanding selection to attend the prestigious National Youth Science Forum this January.

The celebrated National Youth Science Forum provides students with a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), across a nine-day session. Sophie will travel to Canberra from the 6th to the 14th of January to live and study on the Australian National University campus to be fully immersed in a world of all things STEM. Along with fellow students from across the nation, Sophie will participate in tours of science and technology facilities, learn about cutting edge research, engage with industry partners, learn about university, training and STEM career pathways, and network with former NYSF participants.

“I am excited to connect with like-minded peers at the NYSF as I’ve made wonderful friends through STEM and have learnt so much from them,” shared Sophie.

“I absolutely love STEM – it encourages me to view our world through a different lens, and always ask why?”

“I became fascinated in STEM as a young girl, when my mother shared her passion for astronomy with me, therefore, my favourite branch of STEM is astrophysics!”

Sophie has participated in many STEM related programs throughout her schooling, including attending the SPARQ-ed Junior Research Immersion Program, the CyberTaipan Young Women’s Career Tour, and the six month long Curious Minds Program.

As the school year commences later this month, Sophie will begin her role as School Captain of Ayr State High School, and with her secondary education coming to a close this November, she plans to continue pursuing her passion for STEM.

“I definitely plan on pursuing a career in STEM,” Sophie says with excitement.

“I intend on studying a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, where my dream is to work on rocket propulsion systems in the Defence Space Command.”

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Sophie Robertson at work and play, applying her knowledge and skills. Photo supplied.

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In a new (and hopefully continuing) segment here at Burdekin Life, we’re hitting the streets to meet you and ask the hard hitting questions. Well, not really, they’ll be easy. But we’re keen to hear your voice, and get your thoughts and opinions.

This week’s question: What New Year’s resolutions do you have, or are there any revelations you learned from last year that you hope to do better and/or grow from for this year?

Barbara: “I'd like to go swimming a lot more than what I have been. I usually go three or four times a week, but lately it’s only been twice as it’s been too hot. That sounds stupid, because the best place to cool off is the pool I know. But to get there, I have to walk to the pool, but once I get there it’s very invigorating. I also volunteer here at the Visitor Information centre twice a week and at the op shop once a month, so I’d like to find more time for myself to do the things I like to do, such as sewing and quilting. Yeah, in short, I want to swim more and find more time for my hobbies,” Barbara enthuses.

Sid: “My new year's resolution for 2025 is a really simple one – and that’s to just keep my toes pointed in the right direction I reckon. And how do I do that? What do I plan to ensure that happens? Easy, to just keep standing up right. Yep, that sounds pretty good for a bloke that’s 83. So that’s all I need or want from this year, is to keep being above ground,” Sid jokes.

Isaac: “My resolutions would be to not only be a better person to myself and my family and my kids, but everyone that I see throughout the day at work and in my home life. I am six months sober. I made some poor choices and mistakes through last year. I'd like to learn and continue to learn from them. I also want to point out to not just for blokes, but females out there too, it's not weak to speak. I went through a rough patch not too long ago last year and if you’ve got something going on, just reach out to family members, and health professionals. They've all been amazing support for me. With mental awareness for other people out there, you know, reach out to somebody before doing anything, radical. That's my resolution, to continue to be a better person,” Issac adds.

Pam: “I don't know how to put this into words, but probably just to do more for me, instead of anybody and everybody else. I've been putting myself kind of second for a while now, but in 2025 I plan to change all that. I want to focus on my own desires and interests for a change, rather than prioritising those of others. I have been neglecting my own needs and I’m ready to shift my attention to more of my own personal fulfilment. I am determined to make positive changes for me in 2025,” Pam declares.

Sage: “I plan to prioritise my family time in 2025, where I am aiming to allocate more time to them after managing multiple facilities for over a year now. The time that we all spend at work, it just consumes your whole life at times. We are now running just one facility here in Home Hill, and the workload is lighter and better. If I can allocate that little bit more time for the surf club and for my family that would be ideal, as I seek to improve my work-life balance by dedicating time to family. So, yeah, that's the main goal for me, to just have more family time,” Sage muses.

Anthony: “My New Year's resolutions are a focus on happiness, health, and prosperity. I think you can always go into a new year with the hope of happiness and health above all. And of course, you have to throw prosperity into that. Everybody needs a bit of prosperity to survive. But health is key, particularly as you get older because you have to really help your body stay healthy. I think a revelation for me for 2025 is to help those less fortunate. More people are less fortunate these days. The economy is straining people. The economy is bruising people. In this economy money is harder to get, and there's an imbalance. So if I can try and help those less fortunate than myself, whether in small amounts or another way, then that can be significant to some people,” Anthony concludes.

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Barbara Sullivan (73). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Sid Ruskin (83). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Isaac Wilson (29). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Pam Murray (70). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Sage Hisatake (52). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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A new artistic talent has emerged in the Burdekin. Jane Baltzars, who hails from the small Welsh town Barry, has called this region home for the past 15 years. She’s now drawing up a storm and garnering praise for her real-life animal depictions.

For someone who recently re-picked up the pencils about 18 months ago despite creating art for 45-50 years, the results have been nothing short of outstanding! Specialising in pencil drawing, Jane uses brands like Faber Castell and Caran d'Ache.

“I always had an interest in art, especially pencils. When I was in school, I drew a detailed picture of a rock pool I was proud of. However, the student next to me splashed water on it and it became blurred. When the teacher saw it, she said it improved the art, but I was upset. They made me feel like my art wasn’t very good, so I concentrated on science subjects instead,” Jane explains.

“Over the years, however, I taught myself oil painting, while I studied watercolours in night classes I took. But I always had a soft spot for drawing in my spare time,” she smiles.

Seeing her talent rise, Jane’s partner John, bought an expensive coloured pencil set for Christmas a few years ago, before she plucked up the courage to join an art group that specialised in animal coloured pencil drawing.

She enjoys drawing wildlife, particularly cheetahs, which are inspired by her volunteer work in Namibia several years earlier.

“My passion is Africa. I've been a number of times. I want to do pictures of elephants and lions, but especially cheetahs because I spent about two- or three-weeks volunteering in Namibia with them. I find them the most fascinating animal.”

The Burdekin isn’t about to lose Jane to Africa, is it?

“No because in our garden we've got agile wallabies, possums, and plenty of bird life. And that's what I love, animals. I see myself drawing more wildlife here,” she enthuses.

Jane advises beginners to start simple, practice regularly, while emphasising having fun and not being too critical of one's own work.

“Start off simple. Do pictures that you can draw. Change it into a simple line art and then just colour, practice, and have fun with it. Just have a go,” she urges would be artists.

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Jane Baltzarswith a small sample of her spectacular pencil drawings. Photo: MarkT. Rasmussen

Cheetah eye by Jane. Image: Supplied.

German Shepherd. Image: Supplied.

Wine been poured into a wine glass. Image: Supplied.

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When Heather Jorgensen started her Sunday radio program with two colleagues at Sweet FM, the station was only five years old. Twenty years on, and both her and the station are still going strong.

Heather, who has lived in the Burdekin region for over 50 years after growing up on a cane farm, has been co-hosting the regular weekly Christian music program since 2005. She was initially inspired to start the program after a priest at her local church sought volunteers.

“We're in church one day, and our priest said they wanted to start a Christian program on the radio, is anybody interested? I just knew I had to do it. It was something I felt called to do,” Heather explains.

The ladies are on a roster, and play a mix of hymns and modern Christian music while incorporating prayers and Bible readings. After transitioning from CDs, they now use USB drives for all their music.

“I started with CDs on a very small console. Now we've got no CDs and a much larger console. That’s been the biggest change in my time here. When we switched over, I searched the internet for all the different artists and songs that I can now easily download onto a single USB stick,” she says.

“We find older listeners relate well to hymns that they would have sung growing up. I also like to find more modern Christian songs, for variety,” Heather states.

Despite not knowing the exact listenership, they have built a good following over the years, with Heather receiving positive feedback from the community who recognise her voice.

“Quite often you're walking down the street and someone will say, ‘Oh, I heard you on the radio on Sunday’, and you think, oh that’s nice. It's lovely to hear,” Heather says joyfully.

She plans to continue the program for some time to come, finding it fulfilling and varied. Heather encourages readers to tune in to the weekly Christian program, which airs from 7:30 to 9:00am every Sunday, which Heather hopes provides a relaxing and uplifting experience.

“It's only an hour and a half and so if people are looking for something relaxing, I find it makes them feel good. It seems to work,” she declares.

If you’re interested in becoming a presenter for Sweet FM, contact the radio station on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

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Heather Jorgensen, one of Sweet FM’s Sunday Christian presenters, outside the radio station office. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Home Hill State High School (HHSHS) are delighted to be the worthy recipients of a brand spanking new horticultural project initiative that’s set to be a massive boon for both the school and the Burdekin region.

The new horticultural protected cropping system is likely the first of its kind at a school in Queensland, offering unique educational opportunities. It’s also a significant investment, not just in cost, but also for the school and the students who will now be able to attain certificates in horticultural studies. The aim is to teach them the benefits of great horticulture which may encourage them to stay in the region to pursue career opportunities.

L-R: HHSHS students, Michael Finn, Eli Wilkie, Principal Sharon O’Neill, Kiarra Werde, Medea Burr, Agricultural teacher Louise Nicholas, Matilda Forbes, Angelina Curro, Teacher Aide Megan Barbagallo, Danny and Alex Kirkwood. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

LOCAL STUDENTS GET SET TO GROW
AT NEW AG PRECINCT

Louise Nicholas, an agricultural science teacher at HHSHS, is passionate about agricultural education and loves seeing the joy in students learning about agriculture. The establishment of the protected cropping structure, also known as an ag precinct, is designed to grow vegetables in a controlled environment, while teaching students.

“The structure which came from Canada, was imported over to allow us to grow vegetables in a protected cropping situation so we can limit the amount of pests and diseases but also control the weather conditions,” Louise says proudly.

The huge complex, which took six months to build, began as a pre-Covid State electoral promise in 2020 before receiving additional funding to move forward. Funded by the Department of Education and Navarro Minerals, who both supplied significant funding, MP Dale Last, also got behind the initiative.

“Dale definitely helped us get it across the line. From there, we had further talks with builders and architects, and then in March, we got the area nice and clean and tidy, and the footings down. We had to wait for the building to be come across from Canada, but then it went up very quickly and was finished around the end of October,” Louise smiles.

The ag precinct is automated and based on weather conditions, adjusting humidity, temperature, and wind speed, and includes a nutrient film technique system and a potting up system for propagation activities.

“We plan to grow cucumbers, lettuce, and other crops, to allow students to experience the whole propagation activity to then see, distribute, cook, and eat their efforts,” she says.

Plants will be trellised to the ceiling, and the structure can grow 1500 lettuce using a nutrient film technique system. The produce will be harvested and stored in a cold room and packed by students for distribution via community outreach.

“We have a cold room and a little packing area for the students to pack up the produce and to keep it nice and fresh to the end point. Then it’s hoped we can supply the local community, such as Meals on Wheels or local retirement homes, like we have in the past, with fresh, clean, healthy produce.”

The school plans to start a Vocational Education Training (VET) course in Certificate II in production horticulture in early February, involving students from both Home Hill and Ayr High state schools. The course aims to teach students about propagation activities and other aspects of horticulture with the aim to inspire students and foster career pathways in agriculture, for them to stay in the Burdekin.

“We've got a partnership with Ayr High for 2025. They'll come here to HHSHS to do the practical side of things, and we'll go to their school to do the theory. Eventually we’ll expand that out to the other high schools in the Burdekin. The goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in agriculture and develop a deeper understanding of food and fibre production,” Louise comments.

“We'll have students from grade seven through to 12 next year engage in agriculture. To have this in the Burdekin is fantastic,” she smiles.

But it’s not just for students, with the local community as a whole getting behind it, it is hoped they will get more involved and help foster and support its growth.

“The community has been very supportive, providing sponsorship and intellectual support from local organisations. The Prawn Stop for example, has been fantastic in supporting our initiative here at school as well. We've also had people who have reached out and provided sponsorship, which we truly appreciate. We've also got the DPI Ayr Research Station, who have been very generous with offering their intellectual ideas and support there. It’s our hope other business and organisations also come on board.”

If you or your business is interested, contact the school’s principal, Sharon O’Neill, to discuss ways to support the program or contribute.

“The school appreciates the community's encouragement and any offers of support. Hopefully we can support the community that supports our school.” Louise concludes.

Back row L-R: students Danny Kirkwood, Eli Wilkie, Michael Finn, Medea Burr, HHSHS Principal, Sharon O’Neill. Front row L-R: Agricultural Science teacher, Louise Nicholas, students, Alex Kirkwood, Matilda Forbes, Angelina Curros, Kiarra Werda. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Inside the impressive new horticultural protected cropping system. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

The cold room and packing area. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

The ag precinct’s two buildings. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

The horticultural protected cropping system is a huge structure. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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2025. We made it! Many of you may still be nursing hangovers, some of you won’t. But all of you will have made some kind of New Year’s resolution. Yet how many will stick to it?

Instead of a resolution, that I won’t invariably keep, I do a New Year’s Revelation. Radical I know. But the last few years my wife and I will sit down on New Year’s Eve and go through our past year to talk about what worked, what didn’t, what we learned, and what we can do moving forward to make the upcoming year greater.

While most shall remain private, I can share what we’re both most looking forward to. Ready?

Settling into Burdekin life so we can start laying roots. With a rambunctious 3-year-old and a baby due in April, all we want for this year is to feel stable, comfortable, and at ease.

When you’ve been on the road as long as we have (19 months), hoping to land but not really finding your “place” it can get pretty tiresome. You start to wonder if you’ll ever find somewhere suitable. Well, that search is over.

Life, either via by divine guidance or dumb luck, has led us here, and here is where we’ll stay for the foreseeable future. So, get used to seeing my face around town, continue sharing your stories, and let’s get more acquainted with one another this year.

Oh, and “if” I had to have any resolutions it’d be: less chocolate, more exercise; join a few local clubs to integrate further; and make the most of my sleep before we go from being three to four.

Happy New Year’s ‘Revelation’ everyone!

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