The first Burdekin Industry Breakfast for 2024 was held earlier this week welcoming two guest speakers to illuminate the morning event.  

The Burdekin business community gathered at the Burdekin Theatre on Wednesday, February 21 to hear from Rhian Aguirre, the Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance of Ark Energy Corporation and Ranee Crosby, CEO of Port of Townsville.

Mr Aguirre discussed Ark Energy’s goals, completed projects and future plans for the company, outlining the importance of opportunities for the involvement of north Queensland businesses.  

Established in 2021, Ark Energy has become a leader in Australian renewable energy company specialising in wind, solar, and hydrogen, and is dedicated to the decarbonisation of the energy supply of their parent company, Korea Zinc Co.  

Following Mr Aguirre, Ms Crosby provided an overview of the Port of Townsville, of current and future projects, and of how the Port influences and supports the Burdekin region and its industries.

The Port of Townsville is Northern Australia’s largest container and vehicle port, and the country’s leader in export of copper, zinc, lead, sugar, fertiliser, and molasses.

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Caption 1: Ark Energy Corporation Senior Manager – Operations & Maintenance Rhian Aguirre, Burdekin Shire Councillor and Emcee Kaylee Boccalatte and Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby

Caption 2: Ranee Crosby and Michael Kern

Caption 3: David Jackson and Pierina Dalle Cort

Caption 4: Eusebio and Laura Aguirre

Caption 5: Jarrod Vassalini and David Pedley

Caption 6: Kaylee Boccalatte

Caption 7: Rhian Aguirre

Caption 8: Ranee Crosby

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Leaders’ Investiture

Congratulations to Home Hill State High School’s leaders for 2024 who were sworn in at a ceremony on Tuesday, February 20.

Senior Secondary School Captains: Saelym Poli and Jacob Machin

Junior Secondary School Captains: Lucy Young and Alex Swinney

Junior Secondary Vice Captain: Kalen Linton

Indigenous Captain: Graycee Messer-Watego

Indigenous Vice Captiain: Blaize Palmer

Beachmount House Captains: Sienna Heron and Meleik Billy

Inkerman House Captains: Rian Berryman and Geoffrey Terare

Upstart House Captains: Chloe Blacklock and Maliq Ogomeni

Student Council Executive

President: Sean Phayre-Leung

Vice President / Treasurer: Maliq Ogomeni

Secretary: Sharni Smerdon

Student Council Form Class Representatives: Dontaii Clubb, Emily Power, Alex Hayne, Jaydon Srisoongnoen, Katie Krug, Ashlyn Poli, Kiara Werda, Luke Blacklock, Rowen Petersen, Cheyenne Worland, Jack Srisoongnoen, Milly Berryman, Campbell Cooke, Grace Ogomeni, Cruz Torkington, Khiara Turner and Bridget Zimmerlie

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Caption 1: Senior Secondary School Captains Saelym Poli and Jacob Machin

Caption 2: The HHSHS class of 2024

Caption 3: L-R Senior Secondary School Captains Jacob Machin and Saelym Poli, Indigenous Captain Graycee Messer-Watego, Junior Secondary School Captains Lucy Young and Alex Swinney and Junior Secondary Vice Captain Kalen Linton (Absent: Indigenous Vice Captiain Blaize Palmer)

Caption 4: L-R Upstart House Captains Maliq Ogomeni and Chloe Blacklock, Inkerman House Captain Rian Berryman and Beachmount House Captains Meleik Billy and Sienna Heron (Absent: Inkerman House Captain Geoffrey Terare)

Caption 5: HHSHS’s 2023 School Dux was awarded to Talitha Carroll by Glenn Nicolson of Wilmar

Caption 6-7: Student Council Form Class Representatives

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Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $425

DOB: 31/12/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Staffy Cross

Kid Friendly: Older Kids

Cat Friendly: Untested

Other Dogs: Yes with Slow Introduction

Fences: 5ft

Oddish is a friendly and loveable boy whose favourite thing to do is spend time with his people. He is food motivated and knows how to sit and is keen to learn new tricks.

He walks well on a harness but can pull out of excitement when people walk past.

Oddish would be best suited to a home with older kids as he isn’t aware of his size yet. With some more love and training Oddish will become the perfect pooch.

Oddish is available for adoption, has been desexed, micro-chipped, is up to date on his vaccinations, has been flea, tick and intestinal worm treated, and is on heartworm preventative.

To schedule a meet and greet with oddish, complete and submit an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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Brigitte Davies, the recipient of the Tom Kruger Award, Year 12 Dux of Burdekin Catholic High School in 2023, has not only excelled academically but has also exemplified remarkable dedication in every facet of her life. Her stellar ATAR of 99.55 is testament to her efforts. The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding results. Brigitte was one of six students at Burdekin Catholic High School who received an ATAR of 90 or above, and 47% received an ATAR of 80 and above.

Brigitte's academic achievements and those of her fellow year 12 students were acknowledged at the 2023 Awards Night held this year. She was awarded the top of subject in an array of subjects including Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Chemistry, Study of Religion, and Physics.

Brigitte Davies has left a lasting mark on our school community. As the School Captain, she seamlessly blended her leadership responsibilities with her academic pursuits, setting a shining example for her peers and the whole Burdekin Catholic School community. There is a song that is played at graduation ceremonies called “Standing on the Shoulders.” The message is about overcoming life’s challenges, persevering, and finding inspiration from those who came before us. Brigitte and the class are 2023 are truly an inspiration.

Beyond her academic commitments, Brigitte was a valued part time employee to Woods’ Newsagent. Her ability to balance academics, leadership roles, and employment is an example of her time management skills and resilience.

Brigitte's was accepted by the University of Queensland in a dual degree, Bachelor in Engineering and Design. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Brigitte's intellectual prowess.

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Contributed by BCHS

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Caption: The recipient of the Tom Kruger Award for Year 12 Dux of BCHS 2023, Brigitte Davies

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Burdekin Christian College has welcomed their 2024 Student Leaders at their official Student Leadership Induction Ceremony.

These students embody the values of the College, showing grace, dignity, and confidence in everything they do.

At the Official Ceremony earlier this year, the students were presented with their leadership badges by honoured guest, 2023 College Captain, Emily Holmes, who returned for the event.

Senior Leadership Team

College Captain – Brent Dingle

College Captain – Shanay Arroita

College Vice-Captain – Jayden Shelton

Collage Vice-Captain – Laney Lando

College Vice-Captain – John Grabs

College Vice-Captain – Faith Luke

Cultural Captain – Emily Pacey

Christian & Pastoral Care Captain – Danelle Laubscher

Sports Captain – Erica Gongora

Luke House Captain – Ezrah Henaway

Mark House Captain – Pouhila Finau

Matthew House Captain – Michael Mayor

Junior Leadership Team

Junior College Captain – Cooper Cordie

Junior College Captain – Adison Robertson

Junior College Captain – Amelia Dwyer

Junior College Vice-Captain – Lincoln Tunbridge

Junior College Vice-Captain – Chelsea Cordie

Junior Cultural Captain – Dakota Dixon

Junior Cultural Captain – Kadie Wilson

Junior Sports Captain – Lakirra Offord

Luke House Captain – Francheisca Dela Cruz

Mark House Captain – Jahzelle Harman

Matthew House Captain – Charles Dyball

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The Burdekin Christian College Student Leadership Team. Photo supplied

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Ayr State High School’s leaders were formally introduced to theschool community at their recent Investiture Ceremony last week.

Despite theinclement weather, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and excitementof the Student Executive, lead by school captains Layla Kelly andNoah Arboit, as they introduced over 90 student leaders.

House Captains,LIP Leaders, House Family representatives, QATSIF recipients, Year 7and 11 scholarship awardees, and elected Student Council and Interactcommittee members were presented to the community and pledged theircommitment to the student body, the school community, and the LearnerCode.

Afterwards,student leaders, parents/carers, invited guests and community membersadjourned to the newly refurbished Resource Centre for lightrefreshments, before progressing through to the front of A Block forcommemorative photos.

Many thanks toour invited guests, including: Councillor Lyn McLaughlin, Mayor ofthe Burdekin Shire Council; Mr Lloyd Shepherd, Vice-President AyrState High School’s P & C Association; Mr Chris Wicks,Principal of East Ayr State School, and Pastor Les Henaway for theirongoing support of the Ayr High family.

Contributed withthanks to Ayr State High School.

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Caption:

1: Ayr High Student Leaders

2: Principal Whittred with school captains, Layla Kelly and Noah Arboit.

3: Principal Craig Whittred with the Ayr High Student Executive. L-R: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Seanna Chapman, Cultural Vice Captain Ashka Thorne, School Vice Captain Georgia Tomasetig, School Captain Layla Kelly, School Captain Noah Arboit, School Vice Captain Cooper Raitelli, Community Service Vice Captain Maddy Geitz, School Sports Captain Charley Ruskin.

4: Ayr High House Captains LtoR: Banks House Captains Amanda Brown and Charley Ruskin; Cook House Captains Matthew Kolb and Lacy Horan; Macquarie House Captains Jayla Tinus and Tyreese Murray; Phillip House Captains Khyla Cursio and Blake Walker.

Photos supplied

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Looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat in round 11, Crowned Mongrels delivered a strong performance in a very close affair against Guardian Pharmacy at Barry Richards Field last weekend.

Guardian won the toss and sent Mongrels in to bat, with opener Ayden Marano getting to work immediately with 41 runs from 21 balls, assisted by Joel Hanson with 23 from 18 and Casper Licciardello with 19 from 26 not out.

Daniel Olditch took an impressive 3/7 from two overs for Guardian while Andrew Cardillo took two wickets and Isaac Cardillo, Kent Batchelor, Kate Lyne and Jamie Grabs all took one.

One player down, Mongrels were bowled out after 21.4 overs at 9/155.

Daniel Olditch’s fine form continued with the bat when Guardian came to the crease, retiring not out on 50 from 50 while opener Isaac Cardillo scored 24 from 26 and Jd Wilkins scored 16 from 20.

The batting side was closing in on their target but fell short, finishing their 25 overs on 7/149.

Joel Hanson shone with the ball for Mongrels finishing with 3/8 from three overs with Jay Leckenby taking two wickets and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro and Ayden Marano both taking one.

Guardian Pharmacy will back up this weekend, taking on Peto’s Marine on Saturday at Barry Richards Field.

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Caption: Joel Hanson and Daniel Olditch both took three wickets and scored vital runs for their team on the weekend. Photo supplied

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The recipients of the 2024 Australia Day Awards were proudly announced by Burdekin Shire Council at a rescheduled ceremony on Monday, February 12, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and groups in the community.

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L-R Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Burdekin Citizen of the Year 2024 John Woods and Councillors John Furnell and Kaylee Boccalatte. Photo supplied: Burdekin Shire Council

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Australia Day Awardees Announced

Australia Day Awardees Announced

The Burdekin community gathered at Burdekin Memorial Hall on Monday, February 12 to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals at Burdekin Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony.

Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said the Australia Day Awards serve as a commendable event each year to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions, achievements, and selflessness of individuals in our community.

“I want to commend all Australia Day Award nominees for being nominated by their peers for their dedication in their relevant areas, and especially congratulate all winners for their significant contribution to our community,” Mr Brennan said.

The 2024 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to John Woods who has a significant history in his volunteering efforts throughout the entire community.

John has volunteered for and held vital roles in organisations including Home Hill Kindergarten, Burdekin Singers, Queensland Cancer Council Home Hill, Burdekin Meals on Wheels, Home Hill Primary School P&C, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, St Helen’s Church, Home Hill Harvest Festival, and the Home Hill Choral Society.

From 1982 to 1994 John was a Councillor for Burdekin Shire Council and served as the first Shire Mayor for 10 years from 1994.

The 2024 Young Citizen of the Year Award went to Eddie Jones, a young leader and role model who has been involved in the Burdekin Shire Youth Council (BSYC) for six years.

Eddie’s involvement in the Burdekin Shire Youth Council displays a proactive approach to staying informed about local events and actively participating in community initiatives.

Eddie has also volunteered for many community organisations, such as Meals on Wheels, Lions Club and Rotary Club.

The 2023 Australia Day Awards also included the announcement of Volunteer, Cultural, Sporting and Event Awards.

Four individuals, Xiaoxia Li, Mohammadhashem Samiraninazhad, Karen Sullivan and Judith Wilson, were also granted Australian citizenship on the night as part of the Burdekin Shire Council’s Citizenship Ceremony.

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Burdekin Shire Council’s 2024 Australia Day Award Recipients:

Citizen of the Year: John Woods

Young Citizen of the Year: Eddie Jones

Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award: Emily Holmes

Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award: Martina Bojack

Community Event of the Year: Jeffrey Lunn & Leon McCormack – 2023 Community Lights Display

Community Event of the Year Achievement Award: Millaroo Social Club – Cathrine Britt’s Bush Pubs Tour 2023

Volunteer of the Year:  Leanne Gudge

Lifetime of Service Gold Award: Charlie Barbagallo

Lifetime of Service Bronze Award: Leanne Gudge, Gary Edwards, Shirley Chard, Robin Blundell

Senior Cultural Award: Irene Richards

Junior Cultural Award: Emily Holmes

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Ky Mitchell

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Caption 1: Awardees and new citizens were recognised at the Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Monday. Photo supplied: Burdekin Shire Council

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Hi readers

I have exciting news! Next Tuesday, I’ll be making my debut on Sweet FM with my very own show!

I started volunteering for community radio station 4CRM while living in Mackay where I would host ‘The Prekend’ on Thursday nights, a show where I aimed to shine a light on local musical talent while bringing fresh, contemporary independent music from all over the world to Mackay's airwaves.

I had no radio experience prior to this but, as I’ve mentioned plenty of times, moving to the regions was an opportunity to try things I never would have tried while living in the big city, and this was one of those things (other examples include understanding politics and line dancing).

‘The Prekend’ ran for just over a year, right up to my move to the Burdekin, and in that time, I had built a small but loyal following of local musicians and music fans and felt like a growing part of the Mackay music scene.

I got a thrill from giving local bands their first play on the radio, knowing how much it would mean to me if I wrote music and someone was to play my songs on the radio.

Plus, I played songs I loved, so every Thursday was an excuse to chill out in the studio and pump my favourite tunes knowing that they were being broadcast throughout the region for all to enjoy.

Now, it’s time to grow my passion at a new station, in a new area with a new audience and, with Charlie Scuderi’s help, I’m ready to kick things off.

Tune in to 97.1 Sweet FM next Tuesday, February 20 from 7:00pm to hear the debut of my new show, ‘The Home Hill Happy Hour’.

I’m excited to get back into radio, play a few tunes for you and have a good time!

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The magic of the Little Mermaid was not lost on anyone at the recent Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company production.

When Billy found out his school teacher, Olivia Licciardello, was playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid, he asked his mum to buy tickets. With his hearing impairment, Billy has difficulty distinguishing between different sounds, and has never been to the theatre before, but he wished to support his teacher and just watch and enjoy the show’s fantastic imaginary and amazing acting.

However, when Ms Licciardello heard that he was coming to the show, she reached out to Dave Luscombe, Burdekin Theatre’s sound technician, to see if he could whip up some magic.

And Dave managed to do more than expected!

Figuring out how to connect the theatre’s sound system to Billy’s cochlear sound processor, Billy was able to enjoy the show, hearing each and every sound with crystal clear clarity. Billy was able to hear every note, every sound, and caught all the magic of the music.

This was groundbreaking for Dave and the Burdekin Theatre, being able to connect to an individual’s sound processor and streamline the productions sound straight to an individual.  

This inclusivity is exciting for the Burdekin Theatre, who wish to expand their inclusive shows and share the joy of the theatre with more individuals.

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Billy with Olivia Licciardello and Dave Luscombe, and his mum, after the show, The Little Mermaid. Photo supplied

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Are you ready to get your business to stand out from the crowd, to attract more contracts and achieve essential government and industry tenders?

This workshops, hosted by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DSDILGP), will aid businesses in improving their chances of securing tenders, of putting together a concise and comprehensive capability statement, and marketing your business to attract tenders.

An effective and up-to-date capability statement outlines your businesses capabilities and experience, promoting the decisive services of your business, and the appropriateness of your business to key government and industry decision makers.

This workshop will also addresses outlining why a capability statement is important, how to use the capability stamen to market your business, how to use your capability statement in conjunction with your contract tender submission, best practice fundamentals for developing and drafting a powerful capability statement, and how to access the latest information on Queensland’s supply chain opportunities.

The workshop will conclude with ten top tips to help improve your chances on tendering success.

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WHAT: Capability Statement and Tendering Tips Workshop
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21, 9am to 11am

TICKETS: $50 and include tea, coffee and morning tea
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3OyokrU. 

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Home Hill State High School's agriculture and horticulture students will soon benefit from upgraded facilities as a new deadline has been set for the delivery of this project.

Burdekin MP Dale Last has voiced dissatisfaction with the state government's handling of the project, highlighting a concerning three-year delay.

“Just days before the government reshuffle we had confirmation that a tender for the construction of the facility had been awarded,” Mr Last said. 

“The latest advice is that the project will be completed late this year and that’s a commitment that needs to be honoured.”

Mr Last added that the students and teachers at Home Hill High are doing their best but are being held back due to poor planning at a higher level. 

“We have been offered a shopping list of excuses but, frankly, the delays are due to poor planning from the start,” he said.

“The only positive to come from these delays is the fact that now, according to the advice I have received, further consultation was undertaken with relevant industries.”

Mr Last said he shared the frustrations felt by students, parents and industry with regards to the project.

“The Burdekin and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of these industries,” he said. 

“The fact we have needed to fight for years to have these facilities built is indicative of the current government’s disconnect from regional communities and key industries.”

Mr Last said that the facility gives students the ability to learn hands-on and graduate with skills that can be put to use to help grow the industries we rely on.

“In financial terms this is not a huge project but from the point of view of supporting local students and key industries, it is invaluable,” he said.

“If you look at it from a wider perspective it also has an effect on our food security and even national security. 

“From a local point of view, however, it’s about honouring a promise to our kids and allowing them to secure their future and the district’s future.”

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Supporting the future: Dale Last with 2023 school leaders from Home Hill State High, Ayr State High, Burdekin Catholic High and Burdekin Christian College

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A Burdekin local, I moved to Clare upon marrying my husband Peter Hall in 1993. We have four children, Lachlan, Jacob, Connor and Meggan. Actively involved in the following community events: Recipient of Ralph Jackson Memorial Courtesy Award, Rotary Queen Entrant Home Hill Harvest Festival, Woolworths Queen Entrant Ayr Water Festival, Miss Australia Quest Entrant, winning title of Miss Sugar Industry 1988. Currently Secretary LNP Burdekin SEC and Vice Chair LNP Dawson FDC. My love for the Burdekin is my strongest qualification.

I would ensure that each area and town in the Burdekin Shire had equal and effective representation. I would actively work to make this happen.

I believe people want a Council who will listen to them and who will act in the town’s best interest. Projects are being stonewalled with Government red tape and this needs to be addressed. As elected representatives, Councillors need to ask the hard questions in Chambers and stay strong in their convictions.

The first 100 days would be filled with educating myself on Council and Local Government procedures. I would make myself available to people as much as possible and would welcome any issues or concerns that they may have.

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I am a born and bred Burdekin boy. I am husband and a father of 3 children aged between 6 and 12 who are very active within the community. I believe being self-employed, running 2 local businesses together with my wife and assisting local sporting and community clubs has given me some skills that can help me make informed decisions to make positive change to the whole Burdekin district.

It’s a cliché but reducing red tape on development and the current housing shortage needs to be addressed by all levels of government. If the council can speed up development in any way it needs to be done.

I guess most ratepayers right now would love to see council tighten its belt a little and improve efficiency the same way every other business and family has had to with the recent skyrocketing inflation.

My first 100 days will probably look not too different to right now. I don’t have some unrealistic plan to make big, fast changes that are felt instantly. Council need to be strategic and calculated in every decision made. If elected I will have over 1400 days to encourage change that will see the Burdekin be a much safer and liveable community that continues to deliver major projects, provide great community events, but does so in a way that is affordable.

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I was born and raised in the Burdekin and have lived here all of my life.  I have been employed at the Ayr Police Station for 25 years. In that time I have seen and have been involved in a lot of situations that has given me the experience to be able to help resolve any issues that are presented. My goal if elected; I would commit to helping and fighting for the residents of the Burdekin Shire ensuring that their voice is heard.

Drainage has been a big part of the problems in the town. I would endeavour to discuss the drainage issues with the appropriate section to achieve a result that is favourable to the town residents. Community safety is another issue, I would work actively with individuals and agencies, all law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all my constituents to help them to feel safe in their own homes.

I think the people want to be heard. They are who will be electing the Councillors and we are there for them. I want to be their voice in Council. There is a lot of problems in the area that need to be addressed. I would listen and endeavour to do my best to fight for them in Council.  

The first 100 days will be a very big learning time for me. I will be working out how to best listen and help the community in Council. I have never been in local Government and I will be finding my feet. I will be getting to know my other Councillors so together we will do what’s right for the local community.

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