Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has formed in the Coral Sea and, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, a “severe impact is likely” between Innisfail and Airlie Beach sometime this week.

The system is expected to become a Category 3 event and its impacts will be felt right across the region.

Burdekin Regional Council urge all its residents to stay updated by using the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard which will keep the community abreast of the most real-time, current information.

The Burdekin Emergency Action Guide is also available for download and it is full of detailed information about how to prepare for a cyclone.

The Burdekin has nine Local Area Wardens appointed and these individuals are a point of contact in each community.

For more information about the Local Area Warden Program or to contact your Warden, phone Burdekin Shire Council on 4783 9800.

Important Websites:

   • disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au

   • burdekin.qld.gov.au

   • BurdekinDisasterInformation

   • bom.gov.au

A History Of Cyclones

Cyclone Debbie

Category 4, crossed between Bowen and Airlie Beach in March 2017, causing major damage to the Whitsunday region. As the cyclone made landfall, extensive flooding occurred South of the cyclone from Mackay in Queensland through to Northern New South Wales.

Cyclone Dylan

Category 2, crossed between Bowen and Proserpine at the end of January 2014. Dylan quickly weakened to below cyclone status after moving over land.
A beachside resort on Great Keppel Island sustained severe damage to many structures after the beach gave way and washed several buildings into the sea. Inundation which was a result of unusually high tides resulted in damage to homes in Townsville and Mackay.

Cyclone Anthony

Category 2, crossed near Bowen in January 2011.

Cyclone Yasi

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Despite growing up in the Burdekin, Marni Hine admits she knew little about the sugar cane industry.

“Unless you’re in a family or in that industry, then it’s very mysterious,” she said.

“After talking to a lot of farmers and finding out more about the inner workings of the industry, I found it to be very interesting.”

Years later, Ms Hine immersed herself in the industry that once bewildered her, gathering stories and photographs that would ultimately become her ‘Project Raw’ exhibition and ‘Ignited’ publication, due for a reprint next month.

Ms Hine left the Burdekin to attend boarding school before relocating overseas where she worked as a fashion photographer in New York.

Upon returning home, she became a haul out driver, initially planning on working in the sugar cane industry for one year but returning season after season for 12.

“I knew that the sugar industry was the biggest industry here and I didn’t know about it so part of it was out of curiosity,” she said.

“It’s got its own beauty.”

Ms Hine found herself combining her passion for photography with her newfound fascination with the industry, taking photos with her phone while out in the paddocks.

Always with projects in mind, she received the Burdekin Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund in 2022, which motivated her to take her camera into the field and capture the moments and the stories of cane growers and contractors.

Thanks to the grant, Ms Hine displayed these photos in an exhibition called Project Raw which was hosted at the Burdekin Theatre in May 2023 in collaboration with Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.

Ms Hine also released a book capturing the heated and beautiful moments of cane fires titled ‘Ignited’, an interim project while she works on her major book project, ‘Raw’.

“The burns are very interesting to people who come through here and it’s hard to see them up close,” she said.

“I’ve been able to get in on fire tractors because it’s part of a contractor’s job to be at some burns.

“That way, you get to go up the breaks and you see the dynamic of it, and you learn how the burns are orchestrated by the farmers.

“Thankfully I had people who were very patient with me putting a camera in front of their faces.”

100 copies of ‘Ignited’ were printed in late 2023 and rapidly sold out.

Ms Hine will have more copies available to purchase in February from Home Hill News and Coffee and Little Leaves Nursery, Brandon.

Visit Project Raw on Facebook for more information.

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Photographer and Author Marni Hine and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin hold a copy of Ms Hines’ ‘Ignited’. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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An online portal has been launched by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) giving unique access to the latest information on active stolen vehicles across the state for the first time, allowing the public to play a crucial role in assisting police in tracking down car thieves.The initiative aims to both inform the public and allow for the timely reporting of location information which can assist police in efficiently and safely locating stolen vehicles to protect the community, return property to its owner and hold perpetrators to account.The online portal lists de-identified information for vehicles reported as stolen, including the make, model, colour, registration number and suburb from which it was stolen, with information updated daily.A search function is also available which allows the public to search for a registration, to confirm if a suspicious vehicle is stolen.Regional Operations and Youth Crime Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said the new feature was designed to empower the community to partner with police and assist with investigations.“Information from the public plays a crucial part in investigations, and this gives the community greater tools to tell police the active movements of stolen vehicles and the actions of those behind the wheel,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.“If you see a suspicious vehicle, members of the community can utilise this webpage, provide information to police and allow officers to take action.”Member for Burdekin Dale Last said more than 20,000 cars were stolen in Queensland last year and given the portal is a part of Police strategy, he thinks it’s worth a try.
“I know from my time as a Police Office that information from the public is invaluable in addressing crime and I hope that the portal will provide additional information that results in our community being safer and offenders being held to account,” Mr Last said.“As I have said since youth crime first started to escalate, the government needs to ensure that Police are adequately resourced to apprehend offenders and hold them to account.
“Especially in smaller communities like ours, a lack of Police staff and resources can have a disastrous effect on community safety.“I have previously called for an increase in Police numbers here in the Burdekin.
“I would encourage everyone to report incidents to Police not only to ensure we have the resources we need but also to assist our local Police in making our communities safer for everyone.”The community is reminded that if a number plate on the vehicle is false or stolen, it may not appear on the stolen vehicle list.If a vehicle or its occupants is behaving dangerously and putting members of the public at imminent risk, always call Triple Zero (000).If the vehicle or its occupants appear suspicious, but the details of the vehicle are not listed on the webpage, police still encourage information to be reported via Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.The active stolen vehicle list can be accessed on the QPS website.

Vehicle Security

From time to time, vehicles are unlawfully entered with belongings stolen and sometimes vehicles are stolen.
Some easy steps will help avoid being a victim of these types of offences:

   • Lock your car;

   • Do not leave the key in the ignition;

   • Do not leave valuables in the car.

Thieves don’t care whether you think you should have to lock up, they will just take advantage of any lax security.Prevention and vigilance around your home and property can reduce these opportunistic thefts.  In most cases, locking your vehicles, homes and sheds & securing your belongings appropriately will reduce these thefts.If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, pls contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose itIf you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keysCar keys – treat them like cash

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Two Burdekin attractions have been recognised amongst Australia’s shining stars who cater best to mature age visitors as the Grey Nomads Awards announced their finalists last week.

Groper Creek Caravan Park and Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival were both nominated in their respective categories, Best Grey Nomad Small Caravan Park and Best Grey Nomad Festival or Event.

The team at Groper Creek Caravan Park said they were honoured to be named alongside Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival to represent the Burdekin on the national stage.

“Thank you to the Grey Nomad Awards for shining a light on tourism experiences for our mature-age travellers and another big thank you to the grey nomads who repeatedly make their pilgrimage to Groper Creek Caravan Park,” their comment read.

The Grey Nomad Awards aim to shine a light on regional and remote Australia, providing opportunities for communities and tourism operators across the country to gain the recognition, promotion, skills and insights to help them flourish.

While doing this, the awards support positive aging through soft adventure and social inclusion.

The Awards see 14 categories, including two new ones, that recognise government, private and not-for-profit organisations that welcome mature age travellers within Australia​, making their lives healthier, happier and safer.

State and national winners will be revealed at a gala dinner as part of the Art of Attraction Tourism Summit on the Sunshine Coast, from March 6-8.

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Groper Creek Caravan Park

Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival

Photos supplied

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Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $195

DOB: 1/04/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Yes

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

This silky, velvet furred beauty is Scooter, who is unafraid to show and share his affections with anyone and everyone.

Scooter’s charisma and his talkative nature leaves no stone unturned, and he is excited to be searching for his loving forever home.

Loving a good chat, Scooter also absolutely adores cuddling and snuggling with people, always sharing gentle head butts, nuzzles and non-stop purring. When lounging on the couch or snuggled up in bed, Scooter will be sure to be right there beside his human, being both the centre of attention and the best cuddler.

Scooter would best suit a home where he can be the centre of attention all the time, perhaps someone who works from home, or a family who are very much home-bodies.

Scooter is desexed, microchipped, up to date on his vaccinations, and has been flea, tick and worm treated.

To schedule a meet and greet with Scooter, complete and submit the animal inquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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Did you know that Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you with Transport Services locally and to and from Townsville?

You can access shops, cafes, libraries, attend events or medical appointments, visit family and friends etc.  

Our bus drivers and Support Workers are very friendly and helpful.

Transport services can be provided to people eligible under a government funded program and also if they are not and we have seats available.

We have two buses, with wheelchair access as well as other cars.

Transport is available Monday to Friday during office hours at very affordable rates.

We pick up/drop off door to door in Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru.

When time allows, passengers can go to up to 3 stops for the one fare.

For passengers living in outlying areas, we pick up at a central point in Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru or at an otherwise agreed location.

Please call BCA on 4783 3744, visit the Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr or refer to our website www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au for details.

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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Community Development is many things to many people. However, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre embodies a system of bringing people together to encourage conversations that lead to actions and solutions determined by the community, not organisations and services.   

Our team loves to be involved with projects facilitated or actively supported by the Centre, designed with rather than for community members to benefit the whole community or a certain group. 

So, what could such projects look like? 

Community members could collaborate to assist local community action determined by the community members themselves.  For example, solutions to combat the rising cost of living or social isolation and loneliness.  It could also involve community members initiating a project while the Neighbourhood Centre provides active support and necessary resources. Some projects are community-led rather than organisation-led, and some involve the Neighbourhood Centre cooperating with community members, other community groups, or organisations to facilitate community-led projects.  

In addition, the Neighbourhood Centre strives to provide opportunities for the community to raise ideas, identify community strengths, identify emerging needs and priorities, and work together to develop local solutions. 
 

Do you have a plan or a dream that could help the people around you, and you want to discuss it with someone? Come and visit our welcoming team. Sharing your ideas with others can be a wonderful way to get new opinions and suggestions. It can also help you spot potential problems or solutions. Talking about your thoughts can strengthen your relationships, improve your communication abilities, and boost your confidence.  Winning!  

The BNC Team 

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre 

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Councillor Max Musumeci

Happy New Year to everyone! The year is off to a great start. The holidays are behind us, the kids are back in school, and the mowers and slashers are working tirelessly.

We've been blessed with fantastic weather – a mix of rain, sun, and heat. As you read this, I’m wondering how the present tropical low off Queensland coast will impact us, cyclone? Flooding? I hope the dam experiences a spill, and the river enjoys a much-needed flow.

Understanding the significance of the Burdekin River running is crucial. It plays a vital role in replenishing the lifeblood of the Burdekin, our aquifer. The river's flow is not only important for sustaining agricultural activities but also has significant implications for the replenishment of fish populations, including barramundi and other species.  Recreational fishing enthusiasts often rely on healthy fish populations, and the proper flow of the Burdekin River plays a key role in supporting abundant and diverse fish stocks.

Let's remain optimistic that the Burdekin catchment receives substantial rainfall this summer, ensuring a prolonged and substantial flow in the river.

Councillor John Furnell

Welcome to my final article before Council moves into Caretaker mode with the local Council elections looming on the 16th of March.

Let me say it has been an honour to represent the Burdekin on Council, not always easy, especially when making difficult decisions but I try to keep in mind what is best for the whole community and keeping the big picture in mind. Just as satisfying are the smaller wins for local ratepayers who have a concern/issue to resolve, big thanks to all Council workers.

All my fellow Councillors have been a pleasure to work with, not always agreeing but could be professional and have a cuppa and chat afterwards. The diversity of background of each Councillor also added to a wide diversity of opinion which is a positive for any group.

I have decided to run again for Council and I’d like to ask for your support with a vote.

The Burdekin has tremendous potential moving forward and let’s all do ‘our bit’ for community, whether that be volunteering, giving someone a hand up or picking up that piece of rubbish blowing by.  

Wishing you all health and happiness

John Furnell

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As the Council enters the caretaker period starting Monday 29 January 2024, this marks the final Mayor's Did you Know for this term. However, the column will continue with Council news.

The Burdekin Shire has a rich history, starting as the Ayr Division on 16 January 1888, carved out of Subdivision 3 of the Thuringowa Division.

It evolved into the Shire of Ayr on 31 March 1903 under the Local Authorities Act 1902 and after persistent efforts, it was renamed the Shire of Burdekin on 12 June 1982.

In the earlier stages of the Shire's governance, Council members were designated to represent specific divisions within the community. However, in March 1994 there were two major changes. The Burdekin Shire Council ran elections on an undivided basis where residents voted for the Councillors and coinciding with a shift in official titles Shire Chairman and Shire Clerk respectively changed to Mayor and Chief Executive Officer.

Council elections occurred every four years from 2000, electing a mayor and ten councillors. Further changes occurred in 2008 where the number of Councillors decreased from ten to six as a result of recommendations made by the Local Government Reform Commission and implemented by the State Government.

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Discover Mackay’s Magic

Mackay’s popularity as a tourist destination is growing rapidly, attracting travellers from all around the world. Known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, Mackay offers visitors plenty of things to do and see. Make sure these activities are on your list for a day in Mackay.

Explore The Islands

Explore the hidden wonders that lay above and below the island waters off the coast of Mackay with Wildcat. Snorkel, paddleboard, swim in crystal clear water then finish the day with a cold beverage for the ride home. A day on the Wildcat will take you to Cockermouth, Brampton, Keswick, St Bees, and Scawfell Islands, as well as some secret, hitherto unexplored spots. Sunset cruises and private charters are also available.

Stroll Through Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is a 25-hectare garden that is home to a wide variety of native and exotic plants. Visitors can explore the different themed gardens, including the tropical display garden, the arid garden, the lagoon area and the rare and threatened plants area. The garden also offers guided tours, educational programs and picnic facilities, as well as an onsite café.

Take A Scenic Drive Through The Valley

Mackay is home to some of the most scenic drives in Australia. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the Pioneer Valley, which is home to sugar cane plantations, lush rainforests and waterfalls, as well as plenty of quaint Valley towns offering wholesome bakeries, classic country pubs and plenty of history.

Traverse Cape Hillsborough

Known for its scenic beauty, Cape Hillsborough is home to a variety of wildlife and is a popular spot for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the region. The most famous attraction of Cape Hillsborough is feeding the kangaroos at sunrise over the beach, which is a spectacular sight to behold. Other popular activities in the area include hiking, bird watching, fishing, kayaking and exploring the nearby Wedge Island.

Explore Eungella

Eungella National Park is a magnificent and diverse natural wonderland located an hour inland from Mackay. Spanning over 50,000 hectares, it is a protected area of pristine rainforest, stunning waterfalls, rugged cliffs and unique wildlife. Eungella is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including the elusive platypus, rare frogs, marsupials and bird species. Visitors to the park can explore the various walking tracks, including the popular "Sky Window" walk, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Pioneer Valley. The park also boasts several stunning waterfalls, including the Wheel of Fire Falls and the Araluen Cascades.

Take A Dip

The Mackay area boasts several safe and beautiful freshwater swimming locations perfect for a relaxing day out. Platypus Beach near Mirani offers a slice of sandy paradise on the banks of the Pioneer River. It's an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking. Cattle Creek, located ten minutes past Platypus Beach towards Eungella, is another local favourite with shallow, rocky and safe waterholes. Finch Hatton Gorge boasts beautiful blue waterholes to swim in between an expanse of rocks to climb. Kinchant Dam and Eungella Dams also offer clear and still waters perfect for swimming, kayaking or boating. With plenty of safe freshwater options, exploring Mackay's swimming holes is a great way to beat the heat.

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With the threat of cyclone imminent, here are our top tips for farmers to cyclone proof your crops and agricultural business.

Plan: As the saying goes, Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail. Have a detailed lock-down plan, with all staff having specific instructions on their individual tasks. Having each individual on a specific task allows each person to not be overwhelmed in an emergency.

Clear: It is best to clear trees and shrubs away from buildings and sheds, as well as ensure that power lines are well cleared to avoid electrical fires.

Livestock: The Burdekin Shire Council Place of Refuge does have a space to shelter pets in a cyclone, however, all animals must present in a cage and have adequate food and water supplies. However, for livestock and paddock animals, ensure that all animals have a form of identification. If transporting to a secondary secure location, ensure that all handlers and drivers are well experienced and that the mew location has plenty of food and water for all the animals. Where relocation or evacuation is not possible, the farmer must consider either turning the livestock loose, to be rounded up later, or moving them into a secure area.

Crops: To best prepare crops, ensure that drains are well maintained, with contour banks and farm waterways to limit flooding and crop damage. Consider windbreaks, crop layout and support structures that are designed to best support the crops. Clear headlands and paddock access points of all potential debris.

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More than $2 million in funding is up for grabs for Queenslanders to help fight feral pigs. In 2021, it was estimated that Queensland had up to 2.3 million feral pigs. They are among Queensland's most widespread and damaging pest animals. Feral pigs spread invasive plants, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases.

Round 8(a) of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) is now open, with $2.16 million available to build local capacity for biosecurity preparedness through feral pig population suppression.

Applications for the Queensland Government funding, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), are open to regional organisations of councils (ROCs), natural resource management (NRM) groups, land and sea ranger groups or Indigenous land councils, state farming organisations, and incorporated industry organisations across Queensland.

Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Rachel Chay said feral pigs cause a huge amount of damage to agriculture and the Queensland environment.

“Funding of more than $2 million will be available to employ up to four feral pig management coordinators to support the initiation and delivery of effective feral pig management across the state,” Dr Chay said.

“As with previous rounds, these grants help reduce the impact of feral pests and support more jobs in the regions.

“This is an important investment in a biosecure future for all Queenslanders.”

Applications can be submitted via qldferalpestinit@daf.qld.gov.au until 29 February 2024.

Successful pitches will incorporate lessons from past projects and be at a regional scale with the potential to achieve an enduring legacy.

This latest round of funding through QFPI takes the Queensland Government’s commitment to control invasive plants and animals to more than $27 million over eight years.

This is complemented by a $14 million investment from the Federal Government.

Applicants should outline any in-kind and cash contributions from partners and councils.

For more details, visit Queensland Feral Pest Initiative | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland (daf.qld.gov.au)

Did You Know?

   • In 2021, it was estimated that Queensland had up to 2.3 million feral pigs.

   • More than $2 million in funding is up for grabs for Queenslanders to help fight feral pigs.

   • Feral pigs spread invasive plants, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases.

   • Applications can be submitted via qldferalpestinit@daf.qld.gov.au until 29 February 2024.

   • Successful pitches will incorporate lessons from past projects and be at a regional scale with the potential to achieve an enduring legacy.

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There are an estimated 2.3 million feral pigs living in Queensland. Photo: Shutterstock

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One million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines have now been provided to Indonesia by the Federal Government, as the fight to protect our cattle industry from disease ramps up again in 2024.

The final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccines arrived in Indonesia late last month.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said aiding control of LSD in the region was a priority.

“LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our neighbours,” Minister Watt said.

“As a result, it is imperative that we do everything we can to support Indonesia as they work to get this outbreak under control.

“Over the course of this year, we have supplied 1 million vaccines to our neighbours in Indonesia – vaccines that are now finding their way into Indonesia’s cattle population and protecting farmers’ livelihoods.

“Previous shipments have already been supplied to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture.”

Minister Watt said LSD is spread by mosquitos, biting flies and ticks, and severely affects cattle and water buffalo.

“It affects milk production and produces sores all over the bodies of infected animals. It can also seriously hamper trade.

“Given that Australia’s beef exports are forecast to be worth over $10 billion and live cattle exports over $1 billion this financial year, it’s vital that we protect our livestock industries.

“I must stress that Australia has never experienced an outbreak of LSD and remains free from this disease.

“It’s important that we work together with our neighbours to get this disease under control, while also taking steps to make sure we keep Australia safe and LSD-free.”

For more information, visit Lumpy skin disease - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au).

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What are the signs of LSD?

Affected cattle can develop a fever of up to 41.5oC and may also have watery eyes, nasal discharge and excess salivation (drooling).

Within 1–2 days, raised nodules up to 50mm in diameter commonly appear around the head, neck, limbs and genitals and may cover the entire body. Scabs form on these nodules and may fall off, leaving large holes in the hide that can become infected.

The brisket and legs may appear swollen and cattle may look lame or be very reluctant to move.

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Building on his 30 plus years of experience in drilling, bores and pumps, Brian Connolly and his wife Michelle have become stalwarts in the Burdekin, their business B&M Drilling offering top-notch services in water bore drilling, pump installation, equipment hire, and more for the past 19 years.

B&M Drilling's journey has been marked by continued partnerships with key entities like Burdekin Shire Council, Ergon Energy, and local Wilmar sugar mills. However, the heart of their success lies in Brian's unparalleled local knowledge of the water supply in the Burdekin district. This expertise ensures that clients receive tailored and effective solutions for their water needs.

B&M Drilling boasts an extensive inventory, including stainless steel fittings, pumps, motors, poly pipe, PVC pipe, and more. This allows them to provide clients with on-demand access to a wide range of quality products, ensuring the success of each project. B&M Drilling's services go beyond water bore drilling, encompassing a comprehensive array of offerings including water bore drilling and cleaning, pump and motor supply and installation, equipment hire (bobcat, auger, trencher, excavator) and bore camera inspections.

The company prides itself on a work culture centred on experience and safety. The experienced crew of eight, fully trained in safety protocols, ensures that projects are executed with precision. Quality, for B&M Drilling, is not just a standard but a reflection of their extensive experience in the field.

With a commitment to excellence and a customer-centric approach, B&M Drilling stands ready to tackle new challenges. Their dedication to understanding the specialised nature of their work positions them as a trusted partner for water solutions in the region. B&M Drilling's legacy is built on a foundation of local expertise, a diverse range of services, and a commitment to quality. For all water bore drilling needs, B&M Drilling remains the go-to choice in the Burdekin and surrounding areas. To explore tailored solutions for your project, contact Brian Connolly on 0418 197 578.

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Burdekin Catholic High School, celebrating 50 years this year as a Catholic co-educational secondary school in the Burdekin District, is delighted to welcome their new Principal, Mrs Lorraine Wolffe.

Lorraine joins the school with more than 38 years’ experience in education, including, 30 years in Senior Leadership positions.

Mrs Wolffe said “I am looking forward to a community that has a strong culture that values learning and places student wellbeing, care and growth at the heart of its vision.

I am very much looking forward to again being part of a College with a Marist charism. I was educated in the Marist way at St Peter Claver College, Riverview and was Assistant Principal of Chanel College, Gladstone for 16 years. Returning to the Marist charism fills my heart with joy. I am inspired by Marcellin Champagnat and his belief ‘to educate children well we must love them, and love them all equally.’

“I am looking forward to working in a co-educational environment where I am committed to supporting our young men and women to take their place in the world with courage and confidence and the ability and will to positively influence their own lives and the world around them.

The high expectations and the academic success of BCHS is to be admired.  The Class of 2023 student achievement was exceptional, with a highest ATAR of 99.55 and 47% of the cohort receiving an 80+ ATAR result reflects a school with a focused academic education.  

In addition, the number of apprenticeships and traineeships gained by students graduating demonstrates the faith employers of this local region have in the young people of BCHS.

I am very excited to meet the young people of BCHS as we welcome them back to school. I see a very bright future for BCHS with an enrolment growth to start 2024.

“My husband and I are excited to begin our new adventure in Ayr and I look forward to getting to know the BCHS and wider Burdekin community.”

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