There’s nothing like a natural disaster to bring a community together and, although ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was considered minor in the end, the Burdekin still turned on its community spirit.

Burdekin Life has received many reports of generous and neighbourly deeds, from locals helping each other fill sandbags before the cyclone to helping clean up backyards afterwards.

“I did see some tremendous examples of good community people helping their neighbours, helping their friends, helping their family,” said Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis.

“There were some really good examples of that, and we wish everyone would take up on that.”

Meanwhile, Burdekin SES shared their gratitude to Woolworths Ayr who generously donated lunch to their hardworking volunteers during the cyclone recovery efforts.

“Your support not only nourished them but also warmed our hearts,” Burdekin Unit State Emergency Service shared on social media.

“Thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.”

Ergon Energy crews were also thanked for their efforts in the field according to Area Manager Matt Oar.

“I’m really happy with the response of the Burdekin residents and how accommodating they’ve been; people just couldn’t do enough for us,” Mr Oar said.

“We’d pull up at certain places and people would walk out and give our workers things to drink and eat just because they’re so appreciative and want to give them something to help them along.”

Congratulations, Burdekin, for navigating ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily with preparedness and community spirit.

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Woolworths Ayr donated food to Burdekin SES volunteers during cyclone recovery efforts. Photo supplied

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In recognition of her academic achievements and commitment, Sophie Robertson of Ayr State High School is one of eight Queensland recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize, awarded by the Queensland Government.

The award recognises the efforts and dedication of young Queenslanders and aims to present students with opportunities to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy. Sophie will embark on a 16-day international adventure touring France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom to explore the ANZAC legacy in April along with seven other Queensland students and two teacher chaperones.

The application process led Sophie to produce a 5-minute video submission on the ANZAC spirit’s interconnectedness, and relevance within today’s society. After being shortlisted, Sophie presented to a large panel of 12 officials, including brigadiers from the Australian Defence Force, where she was successful, and awarded the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize.

Dedicated to upholding the values of this award, Sophie has been busily developing official fundraisers, and the Commemorative Crosses Project, where she will visit a school in the local district to educate students on the ANZAC spirit. Prior to travelling abroad, Sophie has begun engaging in Young Historians Workshops whereby she travelled to Brisbane in January to work alongside the Minister for Education, Grace Grace, and the Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs, Bart Mellish. The workshops will continue throughout the months leading up to the tour in collaboration with the State Library of Queensland, and Ms Grace believes this opportunity will equip Sophie and the other recipients with valuable knowledge and insights they’ll carry with them for life.

“I want to congratulate the eight students set to represent our state abroad, it is thoroughly deserved and I’m sure they will do a remarkable job,” expressed Ms Grace.

This international opportunity will prove to be an invaluable experience for Sophie where she will deliver two eulogies to fallen ANZAC veterans, with one of which being her Great, Great Uncle.

“I am really grateful for the opportunity to deliver this eulogy for him, and while I am over there, I will be the first in my family to visit his memorial,” explained Sophie.

RSL Queensland State President, Major General Stephen Day believes this award presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to its recipients to pass on valuable stories of the ANZACs, and to further educated youth on the important role veterans had on the establishment of Australia.

“The prize is an opportunity for some of our brightest high school students to get out of the classroom, travel to the Western Front and gain a more profound understanding of the commitment and sacrifices of their veterans,” explained Major General Stephen.

Ayr State High School’s Senior Deputy Principal, Anna D’Ilario recognized Sophie’s potential and presented this opportunity to her in 2022, and the Ayr High Family are beyond proud of what Sophie has achieved.

“We are very proud of Sophie,” expressed Ayr State High School’s principal, Mr Craig Whittred.

“She is a fantastic student who has demonstrated great tenacity in her studies and is a well-deserved recipient of this prestigious prize.

“This will be a life-changing experience for Sophie, and we are excited for her to share her experience with us all at Ayr High and the wider Burdekin community.”

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Sophie Robertson is one of eight Queensland recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize. Photo supplied

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Home Hill residents have called on the state government to fund private security patrols such is their frustration with the spiralling crime rate.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, met with business owners and residents earlier this week and said the fact that they felt there was no alternative but private security to keep them safe was a direct result of the current state government’s many failures.

“People are frustrated and angry due to the actions of a small group of offenders who are running riot in Home Hill,” he said.  

“Queenslanders have the right to feel safe no matter where they live and that is a right that this state government has ignored for years now.

“Between July 2022 and December last year we saw Police Officer numbers in Queensland fall by 322.  

“Requests for additional Police in Home Hill have fallen on deaf ears and it is the community that is left to pay the price.

“Community safety is a state government responsibility and, just like people throughout the Burdekin, I am sick and tired of this state government’s empty words and broken promises.”

Mr Last said that he has raised business owners and residents’ concerns with senior Police but that additional resources were needed; and needed now.

“We have the situation where a local tradesman no longer takes appointments on a Monday morning because he knows he will spend every Monday morning repairing damage to schools caused by a small group of thugs,” he said.  

“That is completely unacceptable anywhere in Queensland, let alone in a community like Home Hill.

“The current Labor government talks about a multi-disciplinary response and working with offenders.  

“Ask anyone in the Burdekin and they will tell you that it simply isn’t working.

“These offenders are effectively terrorising our community and they belong in custody.  

“We need the Police resources to ensure that offenders are apprehended and taken before a court and, if they are released and offend again, they need to be arrested again.

“It is up to the state government to ensure these offenders are held to account.  

“There needs to be consequences for action but, sadly, we are not seeing any action on youth crime from the current government.”

Mr Last posed two options to the state government.

“Either resource our Police adequately to ensure people feel safe or continue to do nothing and stand by as the anger and frustration grows,” he said.

“Repeatedly we have seen this Labor state government forced into taking action following a tragedy such as the loss of a life.  

“Our communities shouldn’t have to wait for a tragedy before they can feel safe in their own homes.

“We were promised increased Police resources in response to a recent spike in crime but what we actually saw was young offenders preying on homes and businesses in the middle of a natural disaster.

“We are sick of words, and we are demanding action.  

“Responsibility for addressing this issue sits solely with the Labor state government and, if action is not taken soon, I fear that we will have yet another community dealing with a tragedy thanks to Labor’s failure to deal with youth crime.”

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Advertising Feature

Lyn McLaughlin will run for a final term as Mayor of the Burdekin Shire at the 2024 Local Government Elections on Saturday, March 16.

The announcement comes on the first week of candidate nominations opening, with the incumbent looking to see some of her Council’s long-term projects through to completion.

“I have been fortunate to be Mayor of the Burdekin Shire for the past eight years and in that time, have seen many significant projects take shape,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“This will be the final time I run for Mayor – I love the Burdekin, I have lived here for 47 years, but I’m not done yet.

“I want to see these projects through to completion to ensure our Shire remains resilient long into the future.

“Recently, Council has implemented a range of long-term strategies to future proof not only our Shire’s infrastructure, but our cultural venues and parks, tourism offerings, and more.

“After seeing these strategies go from community consultation to adoption and seeing ground break on some of the major projects we have been advocating for over the past few years, I am now even more passionate about seeing them through to the end.”

Some of these key projects include the expansion of the Burdekin’s Industrial Estate and full-scale Macroalgal Bioremediation Facility, which both broke ground in 2023.

Other long-term strategic projects Ms McLaughlin has seen over her previous term of Council include securing long-term water security with both the 5ML Home Hill Reservoir and 10ML Ayr/Brandon Reservoir and related filtration systems delivered, supported by Queensland Government funding; the Home Hill Memorial Park and Watson’s Green Master Plan; the ANZAC Park Precinct Master Plan; and upgrades to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre and Water Park.

“The Burdekin is the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest, and I have advocated for projects that will further cement our Shire as a desirable place for residents, businesses, tourists and investors,” Ms McLaughlin said.

Local Government elections will be held on Saturday March 16, with more information available at ecq.qld.gov.au.

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Lyn McLaughlin will run for Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council in 2024. Photo credit: Marni Hine Photography

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Ayr Health Service has welcomed four graduate nurses to its staff in 2024, bolstering the service’s nursing workforce and the region’s healthcare capabilities.

Three of the new graduates, Macy Davelstein, Dani McFadyen and Nissa Reid, are local to the Burdekin and had been working at the hospital while completing their degrees while Allanis Melvin recently relocated for her new position.

“Historically, Graduate nurses rotated from the Townsville University Hospital and then on completion of their 12-month program returned to Townsville and then we started all over again recruiting to the Graduate positions and training them for our service,” said Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola.

“It soon became obvious that our nursing workforce would become impacted unless a more strategic plan was put in place in regard to succession planning.”

Ayr Health Service has been employing local Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery students in their second and third years as Students in Nursing since 2019.

“Once these students successfully complete their degree, they transition as our Graduates,” Ms Gabiola said.

“This Nursing career pathway has proved invaluable for succession planning and provides me with peace of mind knowing I have nursing staff who are home grown and wanting to continue to live and work within our community.”

Nissa Reid has lived in the Burdekin for most of her life and, despite finishing school 10 years ago, was drawn to the challenge of embarking on a career in nursing.

“I went into the workforce out of school and never wanted to go to uni,” she said.

“It’s funny how it’s all come around 10 years later and it’s worked out really well for me.

“I thought I would fail, and I ended up doing really well, so I’m very proud of myself.”

Ms Reid has purchased a house in the area and has no plans to leave the Burdekin.

“It’s nice to continue with the closeknit community of the area and I think the hospital really reflects that in a lot of ways,” she said.

Fellow graduate Dani McFadyen, originally from Scotland, has lived in Home Hill for 12 years and started her career in aged care 10 years ago, deciding to continue studying nursing externally while working at the hospital.

“The hospital is very welcoming,” she said.

“Nothing’s too much if you ask a question and everyone’s very friendly and helpful and just want the best.”

While living in Townsville for university, Macy Dabelstein would return to her hometown of Ayr to work alongside Ms Reid and Ms McFadyen while studying.

“It worked hand in hand with our degree and helped us out,” she said.

She’s since moved back to her hometown to embark on her career.

“It’s good to be home and have quality time,” Ms Dabelstein said.

“It’s a tightknit community and everything’s very chill down in ED (emergency department).”

Meanwhile, Allanis Melvin grew up in Ingham and, upon graduating, applied to the Townsville Hospital Grad Program with Ayr as a preference.

“I chose Ayr because I’m definitely a small-town girl and it feels more comfortable for me,” she said.

“It was somewhere I hadn’t been before, so it was exciting.”

Ms Melvin is following in the footsteps of her mother and both grandmothers who all worked in nursing.

“I’ve grown up surrounded by excellent nurses and I always knew I wanted to do something to help people in a hospital setting,” she said.

“I’m excited to enhance my skills as a nurse.

“All the staff that I’ve met have been really friendly and really helpful.”

Ms Gabiola said the Graduate program will allow Ayr Health Service to ensure appropriate coverage and delivery of service required for the Burdekin community.  

“By the time they commence their Graduate year they are fully orientated and familiar with the hospital, our procedures and their roles,”” she said. 

“Having known these women since they commenced their study and work here, I must admit I am always very proud of their achievements and delighted to have them as fully qualified Registered Nurses.”

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L-R Ayr Hospital’s newest nursing graduates Allanis Melvin, Dani McFadyen, Macy Dabelstein and Nissa Reid

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Two children were injured in a motorcycle crash on a private property on Rita Island Road, Jarvisfield last Wednesday, January 24.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed the incident was reported at 4:17pm that afternoon.

“Paramedics treated two males in their pre-teens, one with a head injury and one with arm and leg injuries,” the Spokesperson said.

“One patient was transported to Ayr Hospital, and the second was airlifted to Townsville Hospital; both were stable.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the two boys are believed to be known to each other.

“The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, however the initial investigations indicate the crash is non-suspicious.”

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With school recommenced for this term, just a timely reminder for parents who drop their children off at local schools.  

Drop off zones are exactly that, pull up and drop off your children then leave. If you intend on walking your child into school, park elsewhere. We don’t want to cause any traffic congestion during an already busy time of the day.

Don’t stop in the lane of travel waiting for vehicles that are parked, picking up children, to leave that space, as this back up and congests traffic unnecessarily.

Also be aware of the school zone speed limits and drive cautiously.

Pedestrian crossings

When approaching pedestrian crossings, what is a driver’s obligation?

The Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation explains

   i) A driver must give way to a pedestrian (or the rider of a bicycle) on or entering a pedestrian crossing; and

   ii) A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.

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Several offenders committed a series of break and enters in the early hours of January 23, including ram raids using a stolen vehicle.  

In the early hours of the January 25, five offenders committed a further series of break and enters and ram raids using other stolen vehicles.  

These offences occurred in Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon.  

As of Monday, January 29, three of the five offenders had been dealt with by Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch officers with a total of 43 charges between them.  

The charges include Enter Premises and Commit Indictable Offence, Burglary, Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle and Arson.  

A 14-year-old Ayr youth was dealt with under the Youth Justices Act.  

Two of the offenders – an 18-year-old Ayr male and a 15-year-old Home Hill youth – were charged with police opposing their bail.  

They were remanded in custody until March.  

A 14-year-old Home Hill youth and 17-year-old Ayr youth remain outstanding.  

Additionally, in the midst of the cyclone, police responded to several reports of youths attempting to break into units in Queen Street, Ayr.

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Progress on the CopperString 2032 project is rapidly powering ahead, with the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs announcing Powerlink will recruit Townsville-based apprentices for the first time.

An additional 22-strong contingent in Townsville will also support work on the 840km transmission line which will run from outside Ayr to Mount Isa.

The announcements for the region come as 35 new apprentices and graduates from across Queensland began their careers with Powerlink earlier in January.

“We’re powering ahead to deliver clean economy jobs for Queenslanders, and by making progress on CopperString, it means we can create more skilled jobs for Queenslanders, while protecting and supporting existing jobs and industries,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni said.

“Not only does this project benefit workers in industries like engineering and construction, but it also means big benefits to small business.

“Powerlink has already injected more than $400,000 into the North Queensland economy, and from local cleaners to caterers, bakers to baristas, the economic benefit of CopperString and projects that deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy will continue to be significant.

“This is a huge year for CopperString and Townsville and the North Queensland community, with the benefits of the Queensland SuperGrid already starting to show.”

The key infrastructure project connects the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia with half a billion dollars in critical minerals.

“CopperString 2032 essentially connects the north and northwest, the North West Minerals Province and a whole lot of potential renewable energy development to the national electricity market,” said Powerlink Queensland Manager Community and Stakeholders Nicole Maguire.

“It’s probably a once in a generation project for the north of the state and we’re excited to be delivering it.”

Minister de Brenni toured the proposed CopperString route to learn more about how the mammoth project will benefit the north and north-west regions, create new jobs, and protect existing ones.

With dozens of local businesses already involved in the project, a further 450 businesses, including 250 from regional Queensland, have registered their interest to work on the project.

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Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni met with Mayors and community leaders from Townsville to Mount Isa to discuss CopperString in January. Photo supplied: Mick de Brenni

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In early 2022, nine defibrillators were installed in various bay areas of Cape Upstart National Park and Molongle Creek Caravan Park to provide the isolated area with essential, life-saving equipment.

The installation was initiated by the Cape Upstart Community Progress group with the support of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and the Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Grants program. All nine defibrillators, with the aid of the Queensland Country Bank’s grant, were purchase from Megan Jerkic, Advanced Care Paramedic of 12 years with the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Megan, and members of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Ray Pickering and Alex Bojack, installed the defibrillators in the effort of supporting both the isolated community and passing boaters. The restricted tidal access to the popular holiday destination created a high demand for life saving equipment to become accessible to locals and visitors alike, and Ray Pickering believes this installation will enhance the liveability and appeal of Cape Upstart.

“The area has rocky outcrops, and no roads, so we’re bringing the community a lot closer by bringing these defibrillators a lot closer,” explained Ray Pickering.

In recognition of the nature of Cape Upstart, each defibrillator was to be a self-sufficient portable device with a long battery life which Megan, Ray and Alex would easily be able to install into mounted cabinets for convenient access.

“The defibrillators purchased are reusable with an average battery life span of 8 years, and the batteries are replaceable, so each device will continue to be usable past those 8 years,” said Megan.

“Unless they are used, the upkeep is quite simple as the devices run their own self check maintenance.”

Megan Jerkic as part of Insight First Aid will be venturing over to Cape Upstart to service each defibrillator and replace outdated equipment in the coming months.

“The pads need replacing every 2-3 years and the batteries need replacing every 5-8 years depending on the model,” explained Megan.

The installation of each life saving defibrillator marked a memorable moment in the development of the Cape Upstart community. The work of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Megan Jerkic, Ray Pickering, and Alex Bojack in moving this project forward is to be commended.

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Whitsunday Regional Councillors Mike Brunker and Michelle Wright, Megan Jerkic of Insight First Aid, Alex Bojack and Guilio Rossato. Photo supplied

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Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, which was postponed due to the severe weather event, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 12 at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, commencing at 6:00pm.  

The Australia Day awards ceremony stands out as a significant event of the year, offering a valuable chance to acknowledge the nominees and award winners.

“Council is looking forward to honouring our Australia Day Award recipients, who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and service in their fields,” acting Chief Executive Officer Mr O’Connor said.

“The event will celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the community, as well as welcoming new Australian citizens.

“Council is proud to finally welcome our new citizens, who have chosen to make the Burdekin their home.

“I congratulate them on their decision and wish them all the best for their future in Australia."

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony has been rescheduled to take place on Monday, February 12 at 6pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend and show their support for the award winners and new citizens.

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Emergency Relief Program

BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.

Waste Not Want Not – Coles SecondBite Program

BCA partners with Coles Ayr and SecondBite to provide people in need with access to nutritious food free of charge. The service is available from the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, Monday to Friday from 9am until stock is gone daily.

Please visit or contact us at The Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au W: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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With the busy Christmas season behind us, many of us are looking to resume interests and social outings.    Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is home to several community groups and activities.  

Our very popular Crochet Group is happening on a Monday afternoon, along with the Mahjong Players of the Burdekin. Play 2 Learn Playgroup from 54 Reasons has returned on a Thursday morning, we are looking forward to having our local families make use of our playground and facilities.

MoveIT Burdekin has started and will go for the next 16 weeks on a Monday and Friday morning. This seems to be the hot ticket in town as it was fully booked in three days! We would be interested to know if community members would like a movement program to continue.

Thursday, February 1 sees the return of the Burdekin Seniors Computer Group. This great group of people is determined not to let technology get the best of them. If this sounds like you, we’d love to see you join in; there is lots of learning and laughter together.

Our Dementia Support Group is back on Tuesday, February 6 – they will be having a community information session with Carers Gateway. Parkinson’s Support Group resumes February 23.  We urge community members who are living with or caring for someone with Dementia or Parkinson’s to come along and be with people who understand.

Gwen and Angela from our MyTime Program will be welcoming back our families on Wednesday, February 7 here at the Neighbourhood Centre. MyTime is a great supportive program for families with children with a disability.

Did you know that there is a new Dungeon and Dragons campaign happening out of the Centre on a Wednesday evening? Actually, we have a lot of different social, cultural and support groups that make the Centre their home. If you are ready to start filling your social calendar, pop in or give us a call at the Centre.

From the Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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BNC Admin Staff Susan and Marisa

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Did you know that you can find useful information on how to deal with natural disasters on the Council webpage?

The Burdekin is a beautiful region, but we also face some serious challenges during the North Queensland summer, such as cyclones and floods. That's why Council has created a range of resources on disaster management and preparedness to help you minimise the impact of a disaster. You can access the Burdekin Emergency Action Guide, which provides practical advice on what to do before, during and after a disaster. You can also visit the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard, which offers reliable and up-to-date information on emergencies in the area and opt-in to receive notifications via email or SMS. Stay safe and informed, visit Councils website at Burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Having played a major role in the infrastructure development in the Burdekin, Bowen and Whitsundays areas over the last 50 years, BQC Quarries has proven its undeniable commitment to quality decade after decade. With all three arms of the business – BQC Quarries, Burdekin Concrete and BQC Sands – celebrating milestones in 2024, Operations Manager Lawrence Fahey reflects on the last half a century with pride in the product and appreciation of loyal customers.

BQC Quarries commenced in 1974, initially operating out of the Rocks Quarry in Clare as well as a civil contracting service undertaking subdivision work and major projects on the Bruce Highway for the Department of Transport and Main Roads. In 1984, the concrete batch plant was established to diversify the business’s offerings and allow it to move away from civil work, with Burdekin Concrete celebrating 40 years in 2024. To top it all off, BQC Sands was established in late 2022 and recently celebrated one year in business.

“Since the quarry’s inception, we have always had a technical representative with a civil engineering background starting with my father, John Fahey,” Mr Fahey said. “This is unusual for family-owned independent quarries and normally something that only the Tier 1 companies could offer. Our advantage has been that we have always been able to offer that technical advice with a small business mentality that offers a collaborative and tailored service.”

Supplying roadbases, cover aggregates, scour rock, structural concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, decorative pebble, screened sand and much more, BQC Quarries prides itself on designing materials to meet bespoke requirements if and when required. Quality is of utmost importance to the business, and nothing leaves its sites unless it passes preapproved NATA endorsed testing.  

“It shocks most people when I tell them the amount of third party testing we do to meet specification,” Mr Fahey said. “As a result, we have had to upgrade our sites in recent times. For example, our concrete plant has an automated batching system to ensure a consistent product and a chilled water plant to decrease concrete temperatures.

“Like any industry, it is dynamic and ever changing. You have to be thinking ahead or you will be left behind.”

Now with a team of approximately 50 across the three businesses, Mr Fahey highlighted his appreciation and importance of their staff who he emphasised have always held a high work ethic and a family-based approach to work culture and the customer experience. Giving back to the community is also important to the business because, as Mr Fahey puts it, “without the community, there is no need for a quarry or concrete plant to exist.”

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BQC Operations Manager Lawrence Fahey

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