The much loved comical, mind-blowing, and wildly entertaining theatrical showcase, the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival, will grace the Burdekin Theatre’s stage on 31 May for its 49th year.

Each of the region’s secondary schools; Ayr State High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Catholic High School, and the Burdekin Christian College are set to perform a one act play in a non-competitive environment to showcase their talents to audiences.

The Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival stands as an annual event hosted by Home Hill High School, and organised by Home Hill High School’s Drama Coordinator, Wendy Viero.

“The Burdekin Interschool Drama festival isn’t a competition, it’s an amazing showcase where the schools can put on a fun performance for over 400 patrons,” explained Wendy.

“The students not only act, but they often produce the pieces, direct them, and they also have the opportunity to run the sound and lighting for their performances under the guidance of the theatre technical staff which is a fantastic and unique opportunity for the students to use the professional equipment with advice from theatre professionals.”

Scheduling around many of the regions celebrated cultural events, the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival had been postponed to the 31 May for 2024 rather than running earlier in the year.

“Everything has been running smoothly and having to push the event back to a later date, our students have had a lot more time to rehearse and prepare for a fantastic show,” shared Wendy.

Although a non-competitive showcase, students’ talents are celebrated with awards for the best actors, supporting actors, and directors and the 2024 Interschool Drama Festival will debut a memorial award in honor of the late Barry Jones.

“Barry jones was a gentleman who had been involved with theatre in the Burdekin for many years, and after receiving funding from the Burdekin Theatre last year, we now have a prize dedicated to his memory called the Barry Jones Award,” explained Wendy.

Wendy and the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival’s organisational committee have been busily preparing for the end of May event, and the community is invited to come along and witness each of the school’s extraordinary talents.

WHAT: Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival
WHEN: Friday 31 May 6:30pm
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
COST: $25

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Home Hill Police Station counter will be closed for administration related inquiries from 3:00pm 3 May 2024 until 2 June 2024 due to Josie being on leave.
 
For any inquiries relating driver licencing or firearms, please attend –
 
Queensland Transport functions: 
   • Online at - www.tmr.qld.gov.au
   • Ayr QGap (Ayr Courthouse) 163 Queen Street, Ayr - 8:30am – 4:30pm
 
Firearms:
   • Online at - www.police.qld.gov.au
   • New Applications – Australia Post 155 Queen Street, Ayr – 9:00am -5:00pm
   • Renewals - Ayr Police Station 165 Queen Street, Ayr - 8:00am -3pm
 

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A lively audience of 70 people attended the fifth annual Rags to Runway event which was held at the Greek Hall in Home Hill over the weekend.

The event saw creatives all kinds come together to exhibit their extraordinary fashion designs which saw entrants transform everyday items into stunning pieces of clothing.

This eco-friendly extravaganza is an opportunity for the community to repurpose items, sending a message of renewal, while also flexing their creative muscles for all to enjoy.

Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank, representative Christine Delaney was present on the day and handed out one of the awards.

There were five categories for participants to nominate which varied from racewear to budget, accessories to trendsetter.

Zahli Keating came first in the Junior Up to The Age of 13 Category followed by Elora Keating.

The Junior 14-18 Category was won by Taylor Luke.

Kathy Contzonis came first, and Lyn Luke came second in the Open Category.

Racewear was won by Kathy Contzonis with Desley Jackson coming in second.

Lyn Luke took out the Budget category followed by Desley Jackson who was second.

Trendsetter Racewear Budget first place was awarded to Kathy Contzonis followed by Lyn Luke.

Accessories was won by Desley Jackson and Rebekah Oakes came in second.

Everyone had a fabulous time, and a highlight was when the audience was invited to participate by challenging themselves to create a fashion item using only plastic bags, sticky tape and scissors.

“There were a lot of crazy creations that came out of it, but it was a lot of fun,” said organiser Sandi Milani.

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Some of the amazing creations modelled by some of the Burdekin’s best fashionistas. Photo supplied

The audience was challenged to create a fashion item using only plastic bags, sticky tape and scissors. Photo supplied

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The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club held its major fundraising event on Saturday night. With the theme of ‘Roaring 20s’, Take the Floor 2024 took guests back 100 years to a classy evening out in flapper dresses and feathered headdresses.
The crowd were entertained throughout the evening by the four dancing couples of Mick Fraser & Shirley Marshall, Thom Pickersgill & Jane Olsen, Jimmy Hayllor & Rory Jorgensen, and Leigh Ryan & Julia Nosworthy. They absolutely wowed the audience with their fancy fast feet, tapping toes, challenging carries, enthusiastic energy and catching costumes.
After performing two dances each, a 1920s themed number and a freestyle choice, the judges and viewers made their decisions and crowned the victors. Leigh Ryan and Julia Nosworthy were awarded the overall winner of Take the Floor 2024 and the honour of Viewer's Choice went to Jimmy Hayllor and Rory Jorgensen.
The crowd then partied the night away testing out their own dance moves to live band 'Godfathers of Funk'. The Ayr Surf Club would like to thank all who came along and supported this event.

Back row L-R: Jane Olsen and Thom Pickersgill; Judges Mitchell Pearce, Bronwyn Nucifora and Fanny McHairy, Shirley Marshall and Mick Fraser. Front Row L-R: Leigh Ryan, Julia Nosworthy, Rory Jorgensen and Jimmy Hayllor. Photo credit: Kellie Lawry

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Take The Floor 2024

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Judges Fanny McHairy, Bronwyn Nucifora and Mitchell Pearce
Yana Perry and Kaylah Fraser
Chloe Rehbein, Ashley Toll and Kaitlyn Warren
Kate Caley and Jan Hatherell
Sarah and Steven Shears
Danica Archibald, Kari Millar, Anita Penny and Suzette Wallace
Chris Wicks and Danny Horan
Damien Ricketts, Krystel Giehlick and Danny Horan
Melinda Cosgrove, Jonette and Leigh Ryan
Corryn Innes, Maria Lejarraga, Natasha Becke and Stacey Bonato

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Hi readers
This will be my last ‘editor’s note’ for the next couple of weeks because, as of tomorrow (Thursday), I’ll be on holidays!
Firstly, I’m heading down to Brisbane for a couple of days to spend some time with my girlfriend Jakita and do some last-minute shopping and preparing before I head to Norfolk Island for a week with my mum, dad and sister.
I’ve been talking to a few locals who have been to Norfolk before and hearing their stories has me incredibly excited.
I’m excited to soak in the natural beauty of the islands and explore the beaches, walking trails, and national parks.
Mum and Dad love their history, so we’ll be sure to take in the fascinating past.
Plus, I hear the island is a foodie’s delight – not that I consider myself a foodie, but I’ll be sure to sample some of the delicious food on offer.
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to take a break and spend some much-valued time with the family – it’s been many years since the four of us have taken a holiday like this together!
As for the newspaper, never fear – some colleagues of mine from Airlie Beach will be making their way up to the region throughout my absence, so make sure to say g’day if you see them floating around.
As always, email editorial@burdekinlife.com if you’d like to get in touch.
Enjoy the read and I’ll see you all in a couple of weeks!

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The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce have thrown their support behind local chaplaincy through a donation made to Scripture Union at last week’s Social and Networking Event.
The donation came after Scripture Union School Chaplain John Mackay passionately and emotionally shared his experience as a school chaplain at last month’s event.
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson and Treasurer John Clarke presented a $500 donation to Home Hill State High School Chaplain Jenny Dowie at the event last Wednesday, April 17.
15kg of honey had also been donated to Mr Mackay following his presentation last month by Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Vice President Uli Liessman to be used at ‘breaky club’.
“His (John Mackay) message went across very well, because at the last executive meeting, it was decided that we would make a donation to the chaplains at the Home Hill State High School to help with the work they’re doing at the school,” said Mr Jackson.
Ms Dowie has worked as a chaplain at Home Hill State High School for 17 years and shared her experiences with the Chamber on the night.
“My role as school chaplain is to provide social, emotional and spiritual sport to students, their parents, their carers, and the school teachers and staff,” Ms Dowie said.
“I believe in supporting our students holistically and I’m passionate about helping our students to obtain healthy self-esteem, strong resilience and skills such as conflict resolution and stress management.
“I’m so very happy that Home Hill High continues to place great emphasis on the holistic wellbeing of our students and staff.
“With the amazing support of my school, I try my best to provide the best care practises and support for our school community.
“Home Hill High is truly a caring school community that I’m so very proud to be a part of.”

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Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Treasurer John Clarke, Home Hill State High School Chaplain Jenny Dowie and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson

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The Burdekin Library celebrated its 40th birthday last week, marking four decades of fostering a love for literature and learning within the community.
The Ayr branch of the library officially opened on March 31, 1984 with the Home Hill branch following a week later, opening on April 7, 1984.
Cake-cutting events were held at each of the branches to commemorate the significant milestone, celebrating 40 years of stories at the Ayr Library on Tuesday April 16 and the Home Hill Library on Wednesday April 17
Burdekin Shire Council welcomed the community to revel in the memories, accomplishments and stories that have defined the library’s rich history.
Former staff and loyal patrons were invited to commemorate the remarkable journey of the Burdekin Library over the past four decades.
The Burdekin Libraries serve as dynamic community hub, devoted to fostering lifelong learning, enhancing literacy and nurturing an affection for reading.
Offering an extensive array of resources, programs and services tailored to individuals of all ages and interests, the libraries provide a welcoming space for all to come together.
For more information or to register your interest, phone the Burdekin Library on 4783 9970 or email library@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Library Officer Carli Kovacich and former Library Officer of 27 years Jocelyn Defranciscis

Current and former staff as well as regular patrons gathered at the Home Hill Library last week to celebrate 40 years

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Despite thousands of local residents and business owners putting pen to paper to call for more plain clothes police officers in the Burdekin, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Minister has once again left the region with stretched police resources and frustrated residents to fight a surge in youth crime.
More than 3,000 business owners and residents signed the petition for bolstered local police and funding for interim security patrols following soaring crime rates and a community left frustrated by instances of youth crime in the area.
Mr Last said the Minister’s response to the petition was a slap in the face to every victim of crime and front-line police officer in the Burdekin.
“Community safety falls squarely at the feet of this Minister and once again he has demonstrated he’s willing to leave residents and business owners in Ayr and Home Hill to take matters into their own hands,” Mr Last said.
“Over recent months, we’ve seen business owners and residents left to conduct afterhours patrols just to ensure their cars are still in the driveway the next morning and going by the response from the Minister, obviously he considers that acceptable in our small town.
“Not only did the Minister shirk requests for additional security patrols to ensure community safety, he’s ignored calls from within for additional plain clothes officers at Ayr Police Station.”
Mr Last said the Minister’s attempt to side-step the responsibility of providing additional police resources to the Commissioner was a clear sign he wasn’t interested in improving community safety in the Burdekin.
“Queenslanders have seen through the campaign line about increased police numbers in the state and we know that in fact, there were 322 less police officers in Queensland between July 2022 and December last year and that is not good enough,” Mr Last said.
“Despite claiming that allocating resources is a matter for the commissioner, the reality is that the Minister could overrule the commissioner and in fact could have provided the additional plain clothes officers.
“We may not live in a bigger city or regional town, but it doesn’t mean we should be left to feel we need to fend off young offenders on our own because the Minister has ignored calls from within our police and community for more resources.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Steve Wagner. Photo supplied

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At 3:15pm on Monday April 8, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. The driver, a 52yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, disqualified driving and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on June 24.
At 4:50pm on Tuesday April 16, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053.  She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on May 27.
At 7:20pm on Thursday April 18, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. As a result, a 54yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .064. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on May 7.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC Ayr

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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the regional regatta day at the Loam Island Scout Group in Townsville on Sunday April 14. The weather was very good for the water activities.  Roughly 100 Scouts aged 5 to 15 years and 30 adults attended the day which involved raft making, canoeing, and land activities. The Lower Burdekin Scouts were members of the crew on the winning raft.
Recently, the Lower Burdekin Scouts were practising their fire lighting and fire safety in preparation for a camp on the coming long weekend on Magnetic Island.
If anybody is interested in trying Scouting for free, they can come along to the Lower Burdekin Scout Den on a Thursday night at Eighth St, Home Hill or ring Rikki on 0419104035 for more detail.

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Contributed by Chris Berkery

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Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the regional regatta day in Townsville

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The Burdekin Sugar Rush will have the region moving and cheering on Sunday April 28 when it returns for its 22nd year in the region.

The event stands as a spectacle for the entire community to attend, with participants encouraged to run or walk to complete either 5km, 10km or 21km, and onlookers to support by coming along to Anzac Park from 5am.

Once again, the Burdekin Sugar Rush will host the half marathon distance, doubling as the Athletics North Queensland Championship race as well as including various categories suitable for juniors as young as 11 years old to compete in.

Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers President, Patrick Shannon believes this year will be one of Sugar Rush’s best.

“We are expecting a big field of both local runners, and many athletes from right around the North Queensland region,” expressed Patrick.

The half marathon will kick off the spectacular Sunday, with Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Court on hand to ‘ready set go’ the event at 6:30am.

“I’m looking forward to the event and am ready to have some fun by participating myself,” expressed Mayor Dalle Court.

The 10km will begin at 7:15am, followed by the 5km at 7:30am, and the Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers have been busily preparing for the day ahead.

“The Rotary Club will be providing runners and supporters with a cooked breakfast and McDonalds pancakes to keep competitors and supporters fed and fueled,” explained Patrick.

Registrations are still open for the 2024 Burdekin Sugar Rush until 1pm Saturday April 27.

Patrick Shannon and the Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers Club invite the whole community to run, walk and support this amazing event, and encourages those interested to contact the club for more information.

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WHAT: Burdekin Sugar Rush
WHEN: Sunday April 28 from 6:00am
WHERE: Anzac Park, Ayr
REGISTER: burdekinroadrunners.com.au

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Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers are hosting the 2024 Burdekin Sugar Rush this Sunday. Photo supplied

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Regional Visitor Information Centres are a hub of local knowledge, making significant economic contribution to tourism by providing information to visitors that encourages them to stay longer, spend more money, experience more attractions and revisit.
The volunteers sharing that local knowledge play a vital role and were recently offered the unique opportunity to network, share knowledge and learn from one another right here in the Burdekin.
Burdekin Shire Council proudly hosted the 2024 North Queensland Regional Visitor Information Centre Volunteers Conference, running at the Burdekin Theatre from Wednesday April 17 to Thursday April 18.
Bringing together 65 dedicated volunteers from across the Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers, and Hinchinbrook regions, the conference allowed volunteers to network and explore the diverse experiences and products North Queensland has to offer.
The conference kicked off with a series of presentations from local tourism luminaries such as Fran Rudischhauser from Yongala Dive and Greg Miller from Burdekin Farmstay, followed by a gala dinner at the Burdekin Theatre.
Themed 'Black Snow and Liquid Gold', the evening celebrated the region's status as the Sugarcane Capital of Australia, complete with a performance by Riley Nosworthy and Piper Grogan from Perform Studios and insights from Marni Hine of ProjectRAW.
The second day started in an engaging manner at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre before volunteers set out to explore key local attractions, showcasing the best of what the Burdekin region has to offer.
These attractions included Burdekin Machinery Preservationists, Iron Works Brewery, Burdekin Art Trail, Ayr Nature Display, Ashworths Home Hill, Burdekin Artisans, Home Hill Comfort Stop, Groper Creek Caravan Park, Juru Walk, Stardust Drive-In Theatre and Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre.
The conference was not only a boon for volunteer engagement but also delivered significant economic benefits to the community, with over 45 out-of-town volunteers contributing to the vibrancy of the local accommodation, food and retail sectors.  
Burdekin Shire Council thanked sponsors Paronella Park, Wilmar Sugar and Ayr Backpackers who generously supported the event.

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Volunteers from across north Queensland visited the Burdekin for the 2024 North Queensland Regional Visitor Information Centre Volunteers Conference. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

The nationally and internationally recognised and celebrated professional actor, Anthony Phelan, has returned home to the Burdekin region to live after travelling to purse an outstanding 42 year acting career.

Anthony has led an impressive and highly commended career garnering him numerous prestigious awards and infamous roles in the entertainment industry. Although the Burdekin in the 1970s did not provide a large concentration of acting and theatre opportunities, Anthony discovered his passion through alternative routes and had his first taste of the stage in end of year productions, and later within his role as a school teacher.  

Anthony began his working life as a teacher and made his debut at Home Hill State School in 1977 before he was transferred to Charters Towers Central State School in 1978. He then relocated to Brisbane where he began delving into theatre in education programs, and by working on the curriculum, he found his passion for acting. In 1981, Anthony officially left teaching behind, and began his journey as a professional actor, working with theatre companies like the La Boite Theatre, TN Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre Company in Brisbane, Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company and Belvoir Street Theatre.

“I moved to Sydney to see if I could survive as an actor, and thought if I could survive in Sydney, then I am meant to be in this profession,” explained Anthony.

“Brisbane and Sydney were very important to me and were a very important step of my growth and my exposure as an actor, particularly for learning, but amid all that, there was always this grounding in the Burdekin.

“It has always been home, I was born here and there’s still people here I grew up with.

“I always knew I wanted to come back here to live one day, I just wasn’t sure when that would be,” expressed Anthony.

Anthony’s time spent in Sydney not only garnered him a national standing, but also international recognition as a professional actor.

“Nationally, I have played for every State Theatre company, and internationally I have performed in New York, Washington DC, Vienna, and Amsterdam," expressed Anthony.

“I have also played the Ibsen Festival in Oslo, Norway, in Belvoir Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of 'The Wild Duck’, for which I was awarded a Sydney Theatre Award and Helpmann Award in 2011, for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

“Apart from this the other great career high for me was walking out on the stage in NYC and I thought to myself, here is the boy from Ayr.”

Anthony has also had many roles in both film and television, and most recently his talents featured in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic, Elvis. He’s played roles in Home & Away, The Kettering Incident, Wellmania, Wanted, to name a few, and for Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, he voiced Lama Su, one of the animated characters.

As well as creating many stage and screen roles, Anthony also works as a voice over actor and has had his voice featured in many productions, advertisements, and films.

“You have to be resilient in this profession to survive, and you must be ready, and able to work in many different ways,” explained Anthony.

In recognition of his extraordinary career, Anthony has been presented and nominated for many other prestigious awards including the Brisbane Theatre Critics Matilda Award, and nominations for numerous AACTA Awards. However, Anthony feels his career highlights lie in the art of learning.

“My greatest moments have been learning through the different stages of my growth as an actor, like any apprentice as there is a great celebration in learning something new,” he said.

“The greatest lesson being a professional actor is, you don’t stop working until you drop.

“That’s where the classic saying comes in, if you love what you do, you’re never really working.

“Often people disregard acting as an Art, an art form which will take all of your life to endeavour to get right.

“You can never perfect it.

“I don’t believe you can say an actor is perfection.

“I don’t believe that there is such a thing as the perfect actor.

“Someone might be exactly right for a role, the timbre of their voice, the right look, the right age, but no one is perfect, nothing is perfect, as we know, and the same applies to acting.”

Residing in the region, Anthony has had the opportunity to indulge in the talents of the Burdekin, where he has been blown away by fantastic local productions and performances.

“I am really impressed with local talent, and it’s quite extraordinary the differences between now compared to when I was growing up, because really, the talent has always been here, there just hasn’t been as many opportunities, and guidance, as there is now,” explained Anthony.

Anthony will continue working professionally whilst living back in the Burdekin. He will travel to Sydney in the coming weeks to perform in a production of 'Death Of A Salesman' by Arthur Miller at the Theatre Royal alongside Anthony LaPaglia, and directed by Neil Armfield.

Anthony knew he would always return to the region and is content to be surrounded by his very loving and supportive family, and of course the special friends he has known for most of his life.

“It’s just a draw that has always been there, and this is now home.”

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Professional actor is happy to back in his hometown. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Rehoming fee: $195

DOB: 1/07/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic shorthair

Kid friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: No

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

Callie is a beautiful mumma cat. She arrived at Angel Paws Rescue heavily pregnant and with injuries after being attacked by a dog. Luckily, she did not sustain critical injuries in her delicate condition.

During her first day in care and she gave birth to seven beautiful kittens.

Callie is super sweet and loves to climb up onto her human and to be cuddled like a baby. She loves her pats so much she will even dribble.

Callie can be a bit shy on first meeting, but it doesn’t take long for her to warm up and become very affectionate and become a part of your wonderful family.

Callie is available for adoption desexed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines and is flea, tick and worm treated.

If you’re interested in meeting the gorgeous Callie please complete an animal enquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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Health experts are urging North Queenslanders to get ahead of the ‘flu season and book their annual vaccination as soon as possible.
Commonly known as the ‘flu’, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness which can spread quickly through the community.
Ayr Hospital Director of Nursing Tracey Gabiola said people should also be aware of other contagious respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which are present in the community.
“You can catch influenza at any time of the year but there are usually more cases during cooler months between May and October,” she said.
“It is not the same as a cough or a cold and the virus can lead to complications like pneumonia - especially for vulnerable demographics.
“Sometimes serious cases of influenza can be deadly.”
Ms Gabiola said immunisation is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your whole family from respiratory viruses.
“Everyone aged six months and older can and should get a ‘flu vaccine this year,” she confirmed.
“The latest Influenza vaccine, which covers the four strains circulating in 2024, is quick and available now through most primary health providers including GPs and pharmacies.
“There are special stronger vaccines for people over 65 years.”
With other contagious respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and RSV present in the community, Ms Gabiola said vaccination remains the best way to protect against serious illness, especially for vulnerable people and those aged over 65 who should continue to remain up to date with booster vaccinations at least every year.
“RSV is particularly dangerous for infants in their first year and is the top cause of hospital admissions for babies,” she said.
“For the first time, all newborns in Queensland will be offered a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus immunisation before they leave hospital.
“Precautions like hand washing, staying home if sick, and not coughing on other people will also reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.”
Higher-risk groups include young children, people aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant women.
All Queenslanders aged six months and over can receive a free influenza vaccination until September 30, 2024.

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Ayr Hospital Director of Nursing Tracey Gabiola

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