Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Ayr State High School has congratulated its 2026 student leadership team, who have already been carrying out their duties since their induction at last year’s Academic Awards ceremony. The school acknowledged the students’ commitment and leadership, recognising the important role they play in representing their peers and contributing to school life. Leading the 2026 cohort are School Captains Caitlyn Cheyne and Ayden Barnett, supported by School Vice Captains Karina Guglielmi and Charlie Shears. Other leadership positions include Ashlee Colls as Sports Vice Captain, Allegra Tallis as Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain, Sarah as Cultural Vice Captain, and Tiana Cameron as Community Service Vice Captain. The leaders were formally presented to the school community during the 2025 awards night held last October, marking a proud moment for students, staff and families as the team continues its leadership journey throughout the year. CAPTION: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Allegra Tallis, Sports Vice Captain Ashlee Colls, School Vice-Captain Karina Guglielmi, School Captain Caitlyn Cheyne, School Captain Ayden Barnett, School Vice-Captain Charlie Shears, Community Service Vice Captain Tiana Cameron and Cultural Vice Captain Sarah. Photo supplied
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For many Burdekin parents, the phrase “stranger danger” brings back memories of warning children not to talk to unfamiliar adults on the walk home from school. Today, those strangers are no longer confined to parks or shopping centres—they can appear instantly on a child’s phone or tablet screen. The eSafety Commissioner has issued a fresh Online Safety Advisory highlighting the risks posed by anonymous “random chat” apps, where users are paired with strangers for live video or text conversations. Platforms such as Omegle, Chatroulette, HOLLA, Monkey and OmeTV are designed for spontaneity and global connection. While Omegle shut down in late 2023, others remain active and accessible in Australia. The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Anonymous chat apps allow people to connect instantly, often with minimal registration requirements and limited age verification. Users are randomly paired, live video can expose children to explicit material within seconds, and anonymity enables predators to hide their identity and intentions. Conversations may also be recorded and misused without consent. Omegle became notorious for pairing minors with adults engaging in sexual behaviour. In 2022 alone, the platform reportedly flagged more than 500,000 instances of child sexual abuse material. In a high-profile United States case, an 11-year-old girl was coerced into creating explicit content. Omegle later settled legal action for US$22 million before shutting down. Its founder acknowledged the platform had been misused for “unspeakably heinous crimes”. eSafety said the problem is not new, but is worsening. Children now carry video-enabled devices everywhere, pandemic lockdowns increased unsupervised screen time, and evolving technology—including AI and real-time video—makes harmful interactions harder to moderate. Under the Online Safety Act 2021, eSafety has powers to enforce Basic Online Safety Expectations, require companies to improve moderation systems and order the removal of unlawful content within 24 hours. The regulator recently issued a formal warning to OmeTV’s provider for allegedly failing to meet mandatory requirements under Australian law. Apple and Google have also been notified, as both companies are required to act if apps available in their stores breach Australian legislation. Penalties of up to $49.5 million are available under the Act. eSafety’s guidance to families is practical and direct. Parents and carers are encouraged to use device-level parental controls such as Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, block high-risk sites, and consider monitoring tools. Just as importantly, they should talk openly with children about online interactions, reinforce rules about sharing personal information, and ensure young people know how to block and report users. The advisory stresses that responsibility should not fall on families alone. Technology companies are being urged to implement stronger age assurance measures, properly resource moderation teams and design platforms with safety at the forefront. For regional communities like the Burdekin, where children are growing up as digitally connected as their city counterparts, online safety begins at home and requires a united effort from parents, schools, industry and regulators alike. CAPTION: The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Photo source: iStock
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Residents across the Burdekin and Whitsunday Shires, alongside the Molongle Creek Boat Club Inc. (MCBC) and the wider Cape Upstart community are calling on the State Government to honour its 2021 commitment to provide and maintain all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The Molongle Creek access channel is the only marine gateway to Cape Upstart, home to approximately 240 private properties that are accessible by sea only. Despite decades of volunteer investment and a formal handover to the government, thousands of locals are pushing for action, stressing the integral role the channel plays in connecting Cape Upstart with essential services and access to the mainland. Surveys have exhibited 15,000 to 20,000 vessels annually utilise the channel, which includes locals, visitors, fishers and caravan park users. Despite its importance, locals say the channel no longer provides reliable all-tide access, contrary to commitments made during the 2016 state election and formalised during a 2021 handover. “The lack of all-tide access severely restricts people’s access to their properties at Cape Upstart,” highlighted Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore, Ken Betteridge. Currently, there’s no alternative all-tide public boating access between Townsville and Bowen, making Molongle Creek critical regional infrastructure. A Facility Built by Volunteers The Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) was formed in 1962, with the aim of improving boating access for both members and the wider public. Over the past several decades, the facility has been developed and maintained almost entirely through volunteer labour, private funding and club-owned machinery. Early attempts to maintain access involved reshaping natural channels, with club members using dozers, excavators and, in some cases, explosives to create viable passage through shifting sands. When those efforts failed due to natural sediment movement, the club established the current channel alignment, again through volunteer work. MCBC volunteers have carried out annual maintenance for years using a Komatsu swamp dozer owned by the club, however, increasing environmental restrictions, permit changes and rising costs eventually made self-maintenance untenable. Election Promise and Handover In the lead-up to the 2016 state election, both major parties committed to delivering an all-tide access channel at Molongle Creek. That commitment culminated in a tri-party Deed of Agreement between the State Government, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Molongle Creek Boat Club. As part of the agreement, the club was required to surrender its lease and gift all sea- and land-based assets to the State and Local Government, allowing public funds to be spent on the facility. A formal valuation placed the value of those assets at $2.84 million. In 2021, the Molongle Boating Facility was officially handed over to State Government control, with the expectation government would develop and maintain the all-tide access channel, boat ramps, pontoon and trailer parking in line with other public boating facilities across Queensland. Design Concerns and Infill Issues According to long-standing club members, concerns were raised during the design phase that the chosen alignment would be vulnerable to flooding and sediment infill from Molongle Creek, particularly during wet seasons. Locals advocated for an alternative alignment further east, or the construction of a protective bund wall to shield the channel from flood flows. Those concerns, they say, were ignored. “Molongle Creek Boat Club’s lobbying secured funding for an all-tide channel, however, due to various government departments, the placement of the channel was restricted to where it is now,” Mr Betteridge said. “The choice presented to us was a channel where it is – or was – or no channel at all. We knew it would be problematic, but MCBC had no choice but to accept. There’s been a lot of money spent, and the result is disappointing to say the least.” Within months of the channel’s completion, wet-season flooding filled the channel with sediment, significantly reducing depth. While bed levelling in 2022 and 2023 temporarily improved access, a major wet season in 2024 again rendered the channel largely unusable. No maintenance funding has been allocated since. As a result, access windows have narrowed dramatically. Club members say the channel was once usable on a 1.7-metre tide; now, small vessels require tides of 2.4 metres or higher, eliminating daylight access on many days. “All-tide access?” one local asked. “It’s anything but.” Safety Concerns Escalate The lack of reliable access has raised serious safety concerns, particularly given the demographics of Cape Upstart and peak holiday periods when usage surges. Over the years, residents have been forced to transport injured or ill people by boat to meet ambulances at Molongle Creek, but only when tides allow. When tides are out, emergency helicopters have been relied upon, though they are not always available. “Over the years, there have been quite a few medical incidences where the access to Molongle Creek was tidally available – if no tide, the emergency helicopter was luckily available,” said Mr Betteridge. In one recent incident, two young boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish at Kingfish Bay, however, fortunately, the tide allowed access back through Molongle Creek, yet locals say the outcome could have been far worse had the tide been out. After Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) crews conducting welfare checks were forced to use Wallace’s Creek instead of Molongle due to the channel’s condition, a longer, more exposed and potentially dangerous route. A spokesperson for the State Emergency Service said the agency remained committed to community safety. “The State Emergency Service (SES) is committed to working with the Molongle Creek and Cape Upstart communities to provide essential services to the region and maintaining community safety,” the spokesperson said. “The SES operates within a broader disaster management framework and works closely with partner agencies to deliver safe and effective responses to the community during severe weather events.” Calls for Practical Solutions The Molongle Creek Boat Club maintains that solutions already exist. Chief among them is the construction of a bund or barrier wall, either from rock or geotextile bags filled with dredged sand, a method already proven at the site, where a small geotextile wall has successfully reduced infill for more than 25 years. Club members argue such a barrier would significantly reduce sediment movement, extend the time between dredging cycles and deliver the year-round access originally promised. “There are approximately 240 dwellings at Cape Upstart that use molongle Creek as their main, and only access port – a 365 day all-tide access channel will definitely improve the safety of the whole community,” said Mr Betteridge. “We need a bund wall sooner rather than later, and MCBC along with the bulk of the public community know that a bund wall is the only solution to keep the channel open 365 days a year.” Local State Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said responsibility for the failed delivery rested with the former government. “The former government went to the 2017 election with a commitment to provide all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The unfortunate reality is that they failed to deliver on their promise,” Mr Last said. “I have supported the campaign for all-tide access since the very beginning, largely based on the need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly, rather than waiting for tides. The assurance that I have given, and stand by, is that I will continue to work with stakeholders for a better outcome for all users of Molongle Creek.” He said concerns raised by the boat club during the design phase were ignored. “Promises were made and expectations were built on those promises. Clearly those expectations were not met and, clearly, the promises made were broken.” Mr Last acknowledged ongoing challenges related to permits and environmental approvals but said Maritime Safety Queensland had committed to working with stakeholders on a long-term management strategy. “There are a range of issues affecting the ability to undertake maintenance at Molongle Creek. If the input from the Molongle Creek Boat Club was given the attention it deserved, many of the issues we face today would not exist,” he said. “Despite the challenges, the Club has been given a direct commitment that Maritime Safety Queensland will work closely with them and key stakeholders to develop and implement a long-term management strategy.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the Molongle Creek boating facility was a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters, particularly for emergency access. “The Molongle Creek boating facility is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters; it is especially significant for safety, as Volunteer Marine Rescue and residents rely on this channel for emergency transport.” Mr Willcox said the channel continued to face natural challenges due to its geographic location. “The Molongle Creek Channel currently faces ongoing challenges due to its geographic location: the flow at the mouth of the creek frequently causes sand to accumulate and choke the channel.” He said responsibility for maintaining the facility had shifted to the State Government during his time as Whitsunday Mayor, and that a permanent engineering solution was needed. “During my time as Whitsunday Mayor, the State Government assumed responsibility for the maintenance of this facility to ensure its continued operation.” “In my assessment, a permanent infrastructure solution is required to address the siltation issues: this would involve installing sheet piling or a rock wall to protect the channel and keep it open
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Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. The statewide operation saw an extra 51 stores closed during a ten-day blitz from 25 November to 4 December, including Burdekin Tobacco, adding to earlier closures. Experts say this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Theo Fukkare told the Townsville Bulletin that the closures were a positive step but warned that authorities would need to monitor the stores closely as they prepare to reopen. “We think 200 is maybe a quarter of all of the available stores selling illegal products, so there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “I would suggest that potentially, the authorities have gone for the high-profile ones in high-profile areas, though there are a lot more through the state.” The closure of Burdekin Tobacco was issued under the state’s new tobacco laws, aimed at curbing the sale of illicit cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products. Authorities have seized more than 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 31,000 vapes, and nearly 39,000 nicotine pouches across Queensland since the crackdown began. Burdekin Tobacco was one of six tobacconists in the region. Located in the Burdekin Plaza, it was a popular option for locals. The closure leaves a gap for residents who regularly purchased legal tobacco products from the Burdekin outlet. Some of the closed stores, including Burdekin Tobacco, could reopen soon, with authorities expected to monitor compliance closely. Authorities say checks will continue to ensure stores operate within the law when they reopen. Mr Fukkare called on the government to ensure there is an authorised officer at the stores on the day or days after they reopen. “Just to make sure that if they do want to run the gauntlet, then they can shut them down again.” CAPTION: Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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A pioneering community-led pipeline project is steadily advancing towards its goal of becoming Australia’s first net-zero water infrastructure project, aligning with both Commonwealth Climate Change legislation and the State Government’s carbon reduction goals. This groundbreaking initiative represents not only a leap forward in sustainability but also in technological innovation.
The project’s leaders have successfully secured nearly of the 182-kilometre pipeline alignment, with only a 40-metre stretch across a Sunwater/Water Board channel still pending. This includes five critical pump stations and three laydown areas which will be used for operational purposes.
One of the most significant breakthroughs is the decision to manufacture the pipe on-site. Rather than transporting 8-metre pipe segments from Brisbane, Sydney, or Townsville, the team will bring a specialised machine directly to the construction site. This allows for the production of pipes in lengths exceeding 100 metres, resulting in substantial cost and time savings.
Key benefits of on-site production include a reduction in transport emissions by eliminating the need for transporting shorter pipe segments, avoiding approximately 5 million kilometres of truck movements—equivalent to driving around the Earth 20 times with 10 B-double trucks. The number of welds will be reduced by 90%, which is critical since welds are typically the weakest point in any pipe. On-site production will save an estimated 36,000 hours in welding time, accelerating project completion. This approach is expected to cut costs by 45%, making the project more financially feasible.
The pipeline will utilize cutting-edge, low-pressure technology that has already been proven in countries like New Zealand and the United States, including in Texas and Florida. The technology enables water to move at a controlled pace—roughly the speed of a person walking—allowing for efficient water distribution. Farmers and other users can store and apply the water to their crops at a rate that suits their needs.
The project has garnered support from a wide range of local and national stakeholders. Negotiations are underway with a national/international company that may assist in both operation and joint funding of the pipeline’s construction. Local backing is also strong, with 41 private investors, most of whom reside in the Burdekin and Bowen regions, contributing financially to the project.
Importantly, the traditional owners of the land, the Juru people, are equity partners in the project. This collaboration not only ensures cultural respect and compliance but also fosters economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. As Juru Elder and Chair Trevor Prior emphasized, creating job opportunities through initiatives like this is key to addressing broader social issues, including crime reduction.
The project’s success hinges on timely governmental approval. If Minister Scanlon issues a letter of endorsement before October 1st, 2024, the project will be on track to lodge its Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application—a crucial step toward breaking ground by November 2025 and becoming operational by late 2027. Any delays in this process could cost the region an estimated $300 million per year in lost economic benefits and 1,200 years' worth of wages for North Queensland workers.
Beyond its economic and environmental benefits, the project is deeply committed to giving back to the community. It has already become a sponsor for several local organizations, including the Bowen Netball Association, Bowen Swimming Club, Burdekin Netball Association, and Saltwater Arts Collective. Additional support for Burdekin and Home Hill community groups is in the pipeline.
This project is not just about building infrastructure—it’s about transforming the region, promoting sustainability, creating jobs, and giving back to the community.
The first batch of Townsville based apprentices ready to go. The next step is to secure Burdekin/Home Hill based trainees.
Burdekin Netball Association with Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort
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I want to welcome our new CEO, Matthew Magin. Matthew started with us on Monday and has hit the ground running. In March this year, the community voted for change. Hopefully, with Matthew’s help, we can deliver the outcomes the community expects and deserves.
This is my first column since the Burdekin Water Festival. I would like to congratulate and thank the newly formed Water Festival Committee for all the hard work that went into it. By all reports, it was a huge success. Hopefully, there wasn’t too much volunteer burnout. I have a feeling the team will be already planning a bigger and better Burdekin Water Festival in 2025.
I attended the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting on Tuesday night. Like the Burdekin Water Festival, this group is struggling to fill executive positions. The next general meeting is this Tuesday 24th September at 5.30pm at National PC Ayr, 137 Queen Street. This is another organisation in very real threat of folding. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get on board.
September brings us a lot of sporting finals. Well done to all our sporting codes who excelled in 2024. For a small community, we punch above our weight time and time again.
The Cowboys are off to Sydney this weekend to face the Sharks in week 2 of NRL finals. Hopefully, they are successful. They will need to continue improving if they are to go all the way.
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It’s been an eventful couple of weeks in the Burdekin! I had the pleasure of meeting with the incredible participants from Scootaville, who were on a charity ride raising funds for Legacy and Homeless Veterans. These dedicated riders journeyed from Chermside to Townsville, stopping overnight at the Ayr Showgrounds. I even hopped on a scooter myself and joined them as they rode into town—it was a fantastic experience, all for a worthy cause.
I also had the honour of attending the 70th Anniversary of the Giru Show. It was so wonderful to see such a strong turnout to celebrate this milestone event. The community spirit was truly alive, and I was thrilled to be part of the festivities and share a few words. It was a fantastic day for Giru and all who attended.
This week, we are excited to welcome Matthew Megin as our new CEO. Matthew brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of our organisation. We’re looking forward to the leadership he will bring to help guide us in our ongoing efforts.
Please join me in welcoming Matthew to the Burdekin and be sure to say hello if you see him around town.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Rehoming fee: $450
DOB: 14/09/2023
Sex: female
Breed: Staffy x
Kid friendly: yes
Cat Friendly: no
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 5ft
Betty is a gorgeous girl who absolutely loves being near her humans whenever she can.
She’s a typical puppy with lots of energy to burn.
Betty loves playing with other dogs and would love another doggie friend to play with in her forever home.
Betty enjoys going on daily walks and adventures.
She is going good with training but will need continual training to become the perfect pooch.
Betty is available for adoption desexed, micro-chipped and up to date on vaccinations. She is flea/tick/intestinal worm treated and on heartworm preventative.
If you are interested in meeting Betty please fill out an enquiry form at angelpawsinc.com.au
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The Bowen Seagulls Rugby League, established in 2004, has long been a pillar of the Bowen community, fostering teamwork, fitness, and a sense of belonging. As the largest sporting club in the region, with over 510 registered players and volunteers, the club plays a vital role in shaping the local sporting landscape.
Shane Douglas, the Seagulls’ Grants Coordinator, was at the forefront of securing much-needed funds to ensure the club's continued growth and development.
Recently, the Seagulls were awarded a Bendigo Bank Community Grant of $15,015, which was used to purchase a replacement digital scoreboard for their main field at Denison Park.
This upgrade came at a crucial time, as the club had been grappling with the cost of improvements and capital works.
Douglas emphasised how significant this funding was for the club.
“We were in urgent need of a replacement scoreboard, but with all the improvements going on at Denison Park, we were struggling to afford it. This grant was a godsend, allowing us to implement the new scoreboard before the season ended,” he shared.
The Bowen Seagulls’ relationship with Bendigo Bank has been long-standing and fruitful. In previous years, the club utilised an earlier grant to erect shade structures for spectators, and Bendigo Bank also stepped up as the major sponsor of the Seagulls' highly anticipated Ladies’ Day.
Douglas reflected on the ease of the grant process and how the funds were helping organisations across the Burdekin and Whitsundays region.
“The Bendigo Bank Community Bank in Home Hill and Ayr is doing amazing work. The grant process was simple, and the funds were distributed fairly to where they were needed most. This initiative truly makes a difference in the community,” Douglas shared.
The new digital scoreboard enhanced the game-day experience for both players and spectators, further solidifying Denison Park as the heart of rugby league in Bowen.
The club was eager to showcase the benefits of the grant at events such as their Ladies Day on 15 June and the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Country Round game between the Mackay Cutters and Norths Devils on 27 July.
“We were super chuffed about this grant, and we wanted everyone to come down to Denison Park to see the improvements for themselves. Events like Ladies Day and the Cutters v Norths Devils game were a great opportunity for the community to witness how much the Bendigo Bank Community Grant had benefitted us,” said Douglas.
The Bowen Seagulls continued to be a beacon of community spirit, providing opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the sport. Their dedication, coupled with the support of Bendigo Bank and other local sponsors, ensured the club remained a vital part of Bowen's community fabric.
As the Seagulls prepared for their events, it was clear that the grant was more than just a financial boost—it was an affirmation of the club’s hard work and an investment in its future.
Bowen Seagulls receive their award
Burdekin’s own Karl Moschella was named a finalist for the highly regarded 2024 John Deere Agricultural Service Technician of the Year Award. The experienced harvester specialist, who works at Honeycombes Sales and Service in Ayr, was one of only six finalists across Australia to compete for the coveted title, that was announced at the John Deere Gala Awards on September 5th.
Karl’s journey with Honeycombes Sales and Service began in 2002 when he joined the team as an apprentice. Over the years, his dedication to supporting local farmers, combined with his extensive technical expertise, has made him a well-known figure in the Burdekin region. Whether in the field or in the workshop, Karl’s contributions have been integral to keeping John Deere machinery operating smoothly, particularly during the vital sugar cane harvest.
Growing up in the heart of sugar cane country, Karl’s passion for machinery started at an early age. His hands-on experience began in his father’s automotive workshop, where he learned the intricacies of small engine repair. This early exposure, combined with his love of motorbike racing, set the foundation for his future career as a skilled diesel fitter. His ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical issues quickly earned him a reputation as a go-to expert for both his colleagues and customers.
Now a harvester specialist, Karl has built strong relationships with local farmers, offering them not only his technical expertise but also a deep understanding of their needs. He is known for going the extra mile to ensure farmers can keep their equipment running efficiently, which is crucial during peak seasons. His commitment and knowledge make him a vital part of the team at Honeycombes, a leading John Deere dealership with seven branches across North Queensland.
This year marks Karl’s third time being shortlisted for the John Deere Agricultural Service Technician of the Year Award, having also been a finalist in 2022 and 2023. His continuous high-level performance has earned him recognition as one of the top technicians in the country, though the title has eluded him so far. In 2023, Karl narrowly missed out, but his drive to improve and provide exceptional service has seen him back in the running for 2024.
The John Deere Technician Awards, established in 2021, celebrate the vital role technicians play in supporting Australia’s agricultural, construction, and forestry industries. Technicians like Karl are essential to ensuring that machinery remains operational, helping to sustain the productivity of Australia’s farms and communities. This year, the awards program received 130 nominations from 69 dealerships across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
Burdekin’s own Karl Moschella was named a finalist for the highly regarded 2024 John Deere Agricultural Service Technician of the Year Award. Photo supplied
Applications are now open for 10 more Regional University Study Hubs to be established around Australia, giving more students from rural and regional areas access to tertiary education.
MP Andrew Willcox is throwing his support behind the program which has already supported over 12,000 students in 46 locations across Australia since its establishment.
“Living in rural, regional, and remote areas can create significant barriers of entry for students looking to study at a tertiary level, but this program helps to alleviate these difficulties by bringing the universities closer to where these students live,” Mr Willcox said.
“Where you live shouldn’t dictate whether or not you can access tertiary education, and I strongly encourage eligible organisations in Dawson to apply to establish study hubs to support the students in our electorate.”
For more information on the eligibility criteria and application process, visit: www.education.gov.au/regional-university-study-hubs
Applications close Friday 18 October 2024 at 5:00pm AEDT.
Opinion Piece
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has said that Prime Minster Anthony Albanese refused to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House, ignoring farmers who travelled from across Queensland to plead with the Federal Government to stop an “anti-farming agenda”.
Mr Willcox said the Prime Minister has once again demonstrated complete contempt towards farmers and rural, regional and remote Australia.
“For the Prime Minister to ignore our farmers, many who have spent days on end driving to Canberra from across Queensland, shows that Labor doesn’t care about our agriculture industry,” Mr Willcox said.
“Our Prime Minister isn’t interested in helping or even listening to those who produce our nation’s food and fibre.
“Agriculture Minister Julie Collins didn’t attend the rally either, which is incredibly disappointing given she has only just been appointed as Agriculture Minister.
“All our farmers want is a fair go and to continue feeding the country.”
Mr Willcox pointed out the National Farmer Rally organisers were calling for sensible changes including scrapping the truckie tax, scrapping new taxes for biosecurity and superannuation, scrapping water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin, scrapping unnecessary red tape from emissions reporting, known as Scope 3, and scrapping reckless renewables which will rip up prime agricultural land, protecting the 88-day backpacker visa, as well as overturning the decision to ban live sheep exports by sea.
“These requests are common sense solutions and without changes, Labor will make farming unviable.
“The National Farmer Rally is the biggest in a generation – it has been more than 40 years since Aussie farmers have had to march on Parliament House because a federal government has made them feel so aggrieved.
“The Nationals proudly support those attending the rally. We will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers and will continue to fight for farming and the future of regional, rural and remote Australia.”
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox (right) joined farmers at the National Farmer Rally in Canberra earlier this month. Photo supplied
Queenslanders could now be hit with a $6,452 fine or $483 on the spot fine for discarding food, including fish frames, scraps and bait, in a way that may unintentionally attract crocodiles to a public place such as a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon or camping area.
Deliberately disturbing or feeding crocodiles could leave you with an increased on the spot fine ranging from $483 to $2580, with the maximum court-imposed fine increasing from $6452 to $26,615.
The Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation, Leanne Linard stated:
“Feeding crocodiles increases the risk to public safety as the reptiles loiter around public places such as boat ramps, marinas, and tourist locations waiting for a feed.
“Discarded food sources and habituation to humans can lead to changes in animal behaviour and are the main reasons for the removal of problem crocodiles outside active removal zones.
“These new offences and increased fines are designed to reduce the risks associated with deliberately feeding and interacting with estuarine crocodiles.
“People may think feeding crocs or interacting with them is fun or harmless, but experience shows that doing so increases the risk to public safety.”
Remaining within close proximity to a croc can now also land you an on-the-spot fine of $806 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $16,130.
Conservation officers now also have the power to direct people to move away from a crocodile to avoid any potential human-crocodile interactions.
Next time you consider venturing into croc territory, think twice and remember to always stay croc-wise.
Remember to be croc-wise when in croc territory
In a decisive turn of events, the long-standing and contentious pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and its employees has finally reached a resolution, paving the way for significant wage increases and bonuses. Growers can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the resolution ensures that the threat of disruptive industrial action will no longer jeopardise their crucial crops.
A majority of Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees has voted in favour of a new enterprise agreement (EA) offering an upfront $2,500 bonus and 16 per cent in wage rises. Fifty-five per cent of eligible employees who participated in the ballot voted in favour of the company’s three-year offer.
The two-day ballot closed at 3pm today. The majority yes vote means more than 1,320 employees will receive the bonus and a 12 per cent increase in pay by Christmas, with a further 4 per cent increase next December.
A company spokesman said the positive ballot result brings to a close a challenging and long-running negotiation and associated disruptive industrial action.
“We thank everybody who participated in the ballot, particularly those who voted to accept the company offer,” he said.
“It draws a line under a period that impacted not only our business and our people, but the growers and harvesting operators who are so critical to the sugar supply chain.
“The focus now is on getting this year’s crop harvested and producing high-quality sugar for customers in domestic and export markets.”
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has urged Queensland’s sugarcane industry to pull together, following the resolution of the long-running pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and three unions representing mill workers.
Workers at the company’s nine Queensland sugar mills voted over the past 48 hours to accept a new Enterprise Agreement put forward by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables last week.
“It’s great to have this issue finally resolved in a way that is acceptable to both the workers and the mill,” Mr Menkens said.
“It has dragged on for far too long, has delayed cane crushing across half of the industry, and caused great anxiety to growers and harvesting contractors, so to see an agreement finally in place is a tremendous relief.
“Now it’s time to put it behind us, and for the entire industry to come together, support our mill workers and our contractors, and put our shoulders to the wheel so we can make the 2024 season a success.
“Let’s crush it between now and December.”
As of today, Wilmar’s eight factories have processed about 6.3M tonnes of sugarcane, representing about 40 per cent of the estimated crop.
Last week schools across the region marked R U OK Day with various activities taking place to keep all that attended entertained.
From painting rocks to writing notes Ayr State High School and Burdekin Christian College, started conversations that could potentially save lives.
R U OK Day encourages people to have conversations with others, and aims to inspire everyone to connect with people around them, start a conversation and ask “Are you okay?”
It’s important to check in with people you know but equally as important to spark conversation with strangers, you may even save someone’s life.
Ayr State High School setting up donuts in an ‘R U OK’ arrangement
Ayr State High School Students writing notes
Students of Ayr State High School
Burdekin Christian College students decorating rocks as part of R U OK day
Girls from Burdekin Christian College showing off their rocks
Burdekin Christian College boys in yellow to show their support for R U OK day
Photos supplied
The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Home Care Service delivers a wide range of services for seniors and their carers.
Home Care Packages Program (HCP)
The HCP Program provides support to older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own home. We can offer services to eligible seniors on a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package. Services include in-home support services, transport, home maintenance/repairs/modifications, access to allied health services and other care related services relating to the client’s health, safety and wellbeing.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
The CHSP is an entry level home help program to assist older people who can mostly, but not completely, live and cope on their own and don’t yet need high levels of support at home. Services include domestic assistance, social support (friendly visits/shopping/outings), personal care (showering/bathing/medication monitoring), respite care (support for the carer), transport and home maintenance (lawn mowing/whipper snipping/rubbish removal).
Please contact the Home Care Service Team to discuss services or obtain information on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen St.
bca@bcaburdekin.org.au, www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Contributed with thanks to:
Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)
We've reached the middle of September, and before we know it, 2024 will be over. We can dwell on our coulda, shoulda, and wouldas with self-blame and guilt, or we can take a step back, be kind to ourselves, and refocus our efforts.
We're choosing the latter and aiming to get back on track with our hope to help build a compassionate community here in the Burdekin.
The key word here is "community."
While our BNC Team is considered 'workers,' we are also community members in our own right.
Compassionate Communities are not made up of services and their workers - they are made up of community members coming together to support each other and figure out what would benefit everyone when it comes to death, dying, and grief.
We want to hear from people who have ideas, thoughts, energy, and questions about anything related to death, dying, and grief. Your input is invaluable.
We know there are many people in our community who are helping others in this area. What do you see are the gaps? What can we be doing better as a community?
We have all experienced death and grief in our lives – each one of us can contribute to the conversations. Our shared experiences can help us understand and support each other better.
If this is something you have an interest in, please come along to:
WHAT: Compassionate Community Session
WHERE: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
WHEN: Thursday, 26th September, 5.30pm
Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
I have always enjoyed reading and last week I came by a book, just released this year “The Little Wartime Library” by Kate Thompson. It tells of the Wartime Library at Bethnal Green in East London during World War 11. The library had been bombed in the London Blitz in 1940 and the librarians moved the library to the underground railway for safety and to be a service to the people (over five thousand them) that bedded down for the night in safety of the underground. The Children’s Library was a great success to the children who lived there for five years of their lives. This bought back many memories for me when the Home Hill School of Arts Library ran a free children’s library from 1950 to the 1960’s. Miss Myrtle Keller (later Mrs Beck) opened the library every Saturday morning from 10.00 am to 11.30 am in the main hall of the Memorial School of Arts.
The Home Hill Library began in Home Hill in 1923 in a building opposite the Police Station. It consisted of a room for books and a reading room. Membership was by subscription only. When the Memorial School of Arts was opened in 1927 the library shifted to the new building. The library rooms were at the front of the Memorial School of Arts with a passage way dividing them and steps led upwards into the function room. The library opened every Wednesday and Saturday night from 7.00pm to 9.00pm from the 1940’s on. I joined the adult library in the 1960’s.
When the children’s library began, the books were kept in two long wall cupboards on each side of the function room up above the seating accommodation and the dance floor. Miss Myrtle Keller, an accountant, was the secretary for the library and she ran the library at night as well the children’s library on the Saturday. She laid the books out on the chairs below the cupboards where we chose our books and had them marked off on our library card file.
In December 1949, Mr Cavanagh, (Head Teacher at Iona), addressed the School of Arts Committee asking the Committee to make arrangements for a Children’s library to be established. Before the meeting closed, £10.5/- had been donated. In April 1950, Local support had raised £70, and together with a Government subsidy, there was sufficient money to purchase books and I suspect that the cupboards could have been built also.
The Grand opening of the Children’s Library took place on Saturday afternoon, 21st July 1950. Mr H G McLeod, Deputy Ayr Shire Council, declared the library open. A children’s committee was established to assist in running the affairs of the children’s library. By August 1950, Mr Cavanagh advised there were 91 children who had books out on loan. Reference books were also available. The very young readers could not take books out but could read books at the tables and chairs provided. Two of the older readers would assist in recording the incoming books and the outgoing books on the Saturday. Another £20 of books were on order. £20 or $40 worth of books does not seem much by today’s prices of books, but in the 1950’s, that would have purchased quite a few books.
In December 1950, the Children’s Library was closed down because of a severe outbreak of poli. The Chairman of the committee, Mr Tom Jackson, Secretary Miss Myrtle Keller, and Mr Cavanagh did not reopen the library till after 15th February 1951. By June 1951 a total of 114 books had been purchased for the adult and children’s libraries. There were 4000 books in the libraries. Mr D Cavanagh was profusely thanked for instigating a free Children’s Library for the district. In 1953 members of the CWA were assisting the children’s library on Saturday morning.
In my time at this library, Miss M Keller was running the library on a Saturday morning. Some of the books that were available for reading were Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Secret Sevens. I remember a few of us girls formed our own Secret Seven Club. I cannot remember much more of this club to say how long it lasted but it was fun. Reading matter consisted of Black Beauty, The Billabong Books, Seven Little Australians, the Ann of Green Gables series and the Pollyanna books. The Boys would have read Treasure Island, Cowboy and Westerns, and maybe Moby Dick and the Biggle Books which were flying adventure books. Robinson Crusoe, Swiss Family, Robinson, and Norman Lindsay’s “The Magic Pudding” were also among them, as well as the Scarlet Pimpernel rescuing people from the French Revolution.
Today The Home Hill Library works under the banner of the Burdekin Shire and during school holidays there are activities for our young people. If anyone has a story to tell about the Children’s Library in Home Hill or Ayr, we would enjoy hearing from you.
Contributed with thanks to Glenis Cislowski
On Thursday, 12th September, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group hosted its Annual Reporting Night, a highlight of the scouting calendar. The event was a significant occasion, not only for reviewing the past year's achievements but also for planning the future.
A key moment of the evening was the presentation of a generous $2000 donation by Margaret and Greg from Bluey’s Thrift Shop. The donation, warmly received by the Group’s youth members and Chris, the Group Leader, will be instrumental in purchasing new equipment and supporting a range of adventurous activities for the Scouts. This contribution is a testament to the community's support and the positive impact of local partnerships.
The Annual Reporting Night also provided a platform for announcing the new committee to families and friends, offering transparency and fostering community engagement. The evening included a review of the audited accounts and a discussion on fundraising opportunities, ensuring that all attendees were informed and involved in the Group's financial health and future plans.
Once the formalities were completed, attendees enjoyed a relaxed session of tea and conversation, providing a chance to catch up and share stories. The informal setting allowed for a pleasant end to a productive and celebratory evening.
The Lower Burdekin Scout Group extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported the night.
“Your presence and contributions make a significant difference, helping to ensure a vibrant and successful future for our Scouts.”
Margaret Thorne from Bluey’s Thrift Shop presenting the cheque to youth members. Photo supplied
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