Last week, Brighter Lives, North Queensland’s beloved charity, successfully hosted its annual Giving Day, rallying the local community to raise vital funds for the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. Established in 1989 as the Townsville Hospital Foundation, Brighter Lives has evolved into the official partner charity for the region's health services, now supporting not only the Townsville University Hospital but also 18 public hospitals and two residential aged care facilities.
This year’s Giving Day saw dedicated volunteers stationed at Dal Santo's Deli in Ayr and Home Hill News and Coffee in Home Hill, selling raffle tickets from 8am to 2pm.
The event brought together locals eager to give back, reflecting the charity’s core philosophy: “Locals Supporting Locals.” Every dollar raised will directly benefit patients, visitors, and staff at the Home Hill and Ayr hospitals, ensuring that funds remain within the community.
Brighter Lives is committed to funding essential equipment and enhancing hospital projects, ensuring North Queenslanders receive world-class healthcare close to home. With a region spanning Townsville, Magnetic Island, Ingham, Palm Island, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Hughenden, Richmond, and Cardwell, the impact of Giving Day resonates deeply within the community. As we reflect on the success of this year’s event, Brighter Lives extends heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, demonstrating the incredible spirit of giving that defines North Queensland.

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Joanne Barbagallo is brightening lives one ticket at a time.

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In the Burdekin, nurturing the next generation is more than a goal—it’s a shared commitment. Local organisations like the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) play a vital role in instilling values of responsibility, resilience, and teamwork in young members.
Through lifesaving training and beach patrols, the club equips youth with skills that could one day save lives, fostering confidence and a sense of purpose.
Events such as the King and Queen of the Hill race further showcase the Burdekin’s dedication to uplifting young achievers. These activities give local youth a platform to test their limits, set goals, and develop lifelong skills.
Recently, Ayr State High School held its annual Awards Night, celebrating the achievements of students who have excelled academically, athletically, and in community service. The evening recognised the hard work, dedication, and contributions of students across all year levels, highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded young leaders who will make a positive impact in the community.
By empowering our youth, the Burdekin community builds strong roots that promise a brighter future. With each challenge overcome and skill learned, young people are prepared not only to serve today but also to lead tomorrow, ensuring the Burdekin’s legacy remains in capable, compassionate hands.

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Ruby Sitton will soon embark on an extraordinary new chapter as she prepares to travel to Norway on a twelve-month Rotary Youth Exchange in January of 2025. Currently in her final year of schooling at Burdekin Catholic High School, Ruby will proudly serve as an ambassador for her school, the Rotary Club of Ayr, and the wider Burdekin community during her time spent abroad.

With her travels on the horizon, Ruby’s wonderful achievement was recently marked by a special presentation from Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, who presented her with an Australian flag to carry with pride overseas.

With her final exams underway, the upcoming exchange adds an exciting milestone as she nears graduation this November, a milestone she has the confidence to peruse with thanks to her parents.

“My parents have been my biggest supporters in the process of organising and applying for my exchange year as my mum, Alison, went on exchange to Zimbabwe and my dad to Paraguay – they always talk about how amazing their experiences were,” said Ruby.

The Rotary Club of Ayr, particularly Lex Cox, the club’s Youth Exchange Officer, has been a strong pillar of support throughout Ruby’s application and preparation process. Lex is highly enthusiastic about Ruby’s upcoming role as a cultural ambassador and encourages other students to consider Rotary Youth Exchange for its invaluable experience.

“The Rotary Club of Ayr are long standing supporters of Rotary Youth Exchange, a program to promote world peace through understanding and involvement with other countries and their people,” explained Lex.

“COVID-19 caused a pause, and Ruby is our first student for some years, and she will make an excellent ambassador for Rotary and Australia.

Set to reside in Olso where temperatures drop to just below zero, Ruby cannot wait to immerse herself in the Norwegian culture and has already begun tackling the challenge of learning a foreign language.

“I picked Norway because of its deep history, which is such a flip from Australia where it’s a relatively new country,” shared Ruby.

“I am a little bit nervous and super excited for my year ahead.”

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Youth Exchange Officer, Lex Cox and Andrew Wilcox presenting Ruby Sitton with an Australian Flag to take overseas with her in January 2025 on her Youth Exchange Journey.

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Lyn McLaughlin has been appointed as a member of the Queensland Reconstruction Board, a move that underscores her dedication to regional Queensland and her extensive experience in infrastructure and disaster recovery. With a remarkable tenure of 22 years as a Councillor and Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council, McLaughlin’s appointment highlights her commitment to advocating for regional voices in statewide discussions.
Having previously served on the Queensland Reconstruction Board from 2013 to 2016, Ms McLaughlin expressed her enthusiasm for rejoining the agency responsible for disaster recovery, resilience, and mitigation policy.
“I’m incredibly proud to be rejoining the Board of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority – our state’s lead agency responsible for disaster recovery, resilience and mitigation policy,” she stated.
As a lifelong resident of North Queensland, Ms McLaughlin is well-acquainted with the challenges posed by natural disasters, from floods and cyclones to bushfires and pandemics. Her firsthand experiences equip her to navigate the complexities of disaster preparedness and recovery, ensuring that the unique needs of regional communities are prioritised.
“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority works collaboratively with other agencies and stakeholders to reduce risk and enhance disaster preparedness,” she noted. “I am excited to bring my own expertise into this role, for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”
McLaughlin's leadership will be pivotal as the Board continues to develop strategies to enhance the resilience of Queensland communities. Her appointment not only reinforces the importance of experienced voices in governance but also serves as a beacon of hope for regional areas that face the ongoing threat of natural disasters. With her background and passion for her community, Lyn McLaughlin is poised to make a significant impact on disaster recovery efforts across the state.

Lyn McLaughlin has been appointed as a member of the Queensland Reconstruction Board. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Burdekin Shire Council is advising residents and visitors to exercise caution as the annual magpie swooping season is in full swing. This period, typically spanning from July to December, has seen an uptick in magpie activity across the region, raising concern within the community.
During the breeding season, magpies can become particularly aggressive in defending their nests, often swooping at humans and pets within a 100-metre radius of their nesting sites.
While many magpies are indifferent to people, some perceive humans as threats and act defensively. This defensive behaviour can pose risks, particularly to the eyes and head, as magpie swoops sometimes result in serious injuries.
In response to increased reports of swooping, warning signs have been placed in high-risk areas, including the entrance to the Burdekin Theatre. The Council is urging locals and visitors to heed these warnings and take appropriate precautions when in these zones.
To minimise the chance of attracting magpies to your property or to protect yourself while outdoors, the Council recommends the following:
Avoid feeding magpies: Ensure no food scraps or rubbish are left in your yard, as this can attract magpies.
Remove unnecessary water sources: If magpies are becoming a nuisance, removing water sources from your yard can help.
Don’t disturb nests: Never attempt to remove nests or eggs and avoid approaching young birds. If you are concerned for a young bird’s safety, contact Council’s Native Animal Ambulance on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).
Avoid provoking magpies: Refrain from throwing objects or trying to damage their nests, as this can provoke more aggressive behaviour.
Take precautions: When walking or cycling in areas where swooping has been reported, such as near the Burdekin Theatre, wear protective gear like hats or sunglasses.
The Council encourages residents to report any instances of aggressive magpie behaviour. This information helps to monitor high-risk areas and ensure the safety of the community.
For further details or to report swooping activity, contact Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre at (07) 4783 9800.

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It’s Magpie swooping season, be aware when in public areas with warning signs. Photo: stock image illustration only

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The Burdekin Shire Council has joined forces with Container Exchange to launch a new recycling program aimed at boosting container recycling and cutting down on waste in the region, all while benefiting the local community.

Since the Container Refund Scheme's introduction in 2018, Burdekin residents have recycled over 40 million eligible drink containers. However, with millions of recyclable containers still ending up in landfill across Queensland every year, the Council identified the need for more accessible recycling bins in public spaces.

In response, the Council has begun installing specially designed Containers for Change baskets and vertical recycling channels in popular public locations throughout the region, including parks and boat ramps.

Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Corte praised the initiative as a way for both locals and visitors to make environmentally responsible choices.

“Instead of disposing of an eligible container in a bin destined for landfill, residents and visitors can now place it in a Containers for Change basket,” she said.

“This provides an opportunity for other community members to collect and return the containers to North Queensland Green Solutions Ayr for a 10-cent refund, benefiting both the environment and the community.”

Cr Dalle Corte also noted the success of similar initiatives elsewhere in Australia.

“Similar trials of Containers for Change baskets in other parts of Australia have proven successful, contributing to the national effort to reduce waste," she said.

"We are excited to play our part in continuing the war on waste and reducing unnecessary landfill, while providing safe collection points for committed recyclers.”

To ensure the effectiveness of the initiative, residents are reminded to use the containers strictly for eligible drink items only, with other disposables like coffee cups and takeaway drink containers directed to regular waste bins.

More information on the new Containers for Change bins and recycling locations can be found on the Burdekin Shire Council website or by contacting Customer Service at (07) 4783 9800.

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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort with the Containers for Change basket at Anzac Park. Photo supplied

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Sam Ashkar's journey to becoming a firefighter has been a blend of passion, perseverance, coupled with a desire to serve his community. Growing up with an aquatic background, Sam has always been immersed in helping others.
“I’ve been dealing with people and helping the community since I was young, and I love that aspect,” he shares. As a lifeguard, he was familiar with rescue operations, but he felt limited in his potential for growth. “Firefighting was something I had always wanted to do since I was a little kid,” he recalls.
After applying to become a firefighter multiple times over the span of ten years, Sam finally secured his position. A typical day on the job involves rigorous training and preparation.
“We’re always ensuring everything is ready to go in case of an emergency,” he explains. The unpredictability of the job can be daunting, especially knowing that they could be called to a serious situation at any moment.
“Preparing yourself for the worst is challenging, but our extensive training equips us with the tools we need to handle it.”
Sam’s approach to mental and physical preparation centres around structure and procedures. “There’s a sequence to how we operate, and focusing on that helps me manage the unpredictability,” he notes.
Among the essential skills he’s developed, expertise in road crash rescue gear stands out. “That’s probably our most common call-out, and every firefighter needs to be proficient in those skills.”
Outside of work, Sam strives to maintain balance in his life. He enjoys staying busy on his days off, whether it's catching up with friends, hitting the gym, or playing touch footy.
“Keeping active helps me recharge and stay focused for the demands of firefighting,” he adds.
With his determination and community spirit, Sam is well on his way to making a significant impact in his firefighting career.

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Fireman Sam is on the job! Photo Credit: Miah Lampard

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Domestic Violence is when one person in a relationship uses violence or abuse to maintain power and control over the other person. It often causes the person being abused to live in fear. Domestic violence can include physical, verbal, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse. It can include behaviors like stalking, isolation or controlling what a person does, who they see or even what they wear. Living with domestic violence can have a profound effect on children and young people. There is often more than one victim of abuse. Domestic violence, in all its forms, is unacceptable and a violation of human rights.
 
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) provides counselling and court support services to adults, young people and children who are experiencing (or have experienced) domestic and family violence.  Children and young people are able to access the Service in their own right and their acceptance into the service is not subject to the provision of separate support to their parent or caregiver.
 
Our Domestic and Family Violence Practitioners can provide FREE:
   • Confidential counselling
   • Assist with safety planning and identifying ways that you can increase your safety in the home, work and social environments
   • Refer to services for financial assistance
   • Assist with safety upgrades to your place of residence
 
For information or support, please contact the BCA Team at the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr or 4783 3744, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

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“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create” – Jana Kingsford

For many, life may never be perfectly balanced. However, we can make things easier by being open to change. As we deal with the challenges of everyday life, prioritising our wellbeing while juggling our responsibilities is one of the most important things we can do.

Many individuals are adopting creative solutions to reclaim their time. For some, this means scheduling specific hours for work tasks and fully engaging in family activities or personal hobbies during the off-hours. Others are turning to technology, using apps to track their time and prioritise tasks effectively.
Support from the community is very important. Local groups are starting to provide workshops that help people learn how to handle stress and manage their time better. There are also programs for working families, like shared childcare options and flexible work hours, which are becoming more popular and are making life a little easier for everyone.
Balancing life isn’t just about managing time; it’s about understanding one’s needs. Mindfulness and self-care are essential for our overall well-being. Even just a brief pause for meditation or a quick walk can help clear our minds and boost our concentration.
The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre has social groups that meet there and offer a break from routine or the opportunity to learn new skills or hobbies. We also host information sessions or workshops to assist individuals to prioritise their wellbeing.
In collaboration with Cores Queensland, we offer a self-care workshop. The next workshop is:
What: Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Workshop - facilitated by Cores
Where: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale St, Ayr
Cost: Free
When: Tuesday 12/11/2024
Time: 10am to 12pm
Enquiries: adminqld@kentishrc.com.au
Phone: 0448 894 525
RSVP: https://bit.ly/3St5qEE

Don’t be shy. Come into the Centre and chat with our friendly staff to discover how you can create your balance.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Most of us are familiar with the saying, “you can’t polish a…,” well, you know the rest. This saying recently came to mind when I was speaking with our Water and Wastewater team, who highlighted an issue that’s creating headaches (and blockages) in our sewerage network: wet wipes.
While many suppliers market these wipes as “flushable,” our sewerage team assures me that this isn’t the case. Wet wipes are one of the biggest causes of blockages in the system, creating obstacles that disturb the natural flow, leading to maintenance issues, pipe breakages, and even pump damage. In the end, these issues drive up costs for Council—and, ultimately, for our ratepayers.
A simple way we can all help out? Just pop your wet wipes in the bin rather than flushing them. This small step will make a big difference in reducing blockages, saving on maintenance, and ensuring the efficient operation of our wastewater system.
On another topic: mosquitoes! They’re truly out with a vengeance lately, and Council are well aware of the increase. Council has plans in place and is preparing to conduct interventions to help reduce their numbers in our region. Keep an eye out for Council updates on mosquito management efforts in the coming weeks.
Working together on issues like these helps us keep our community running smoothly.

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Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference. This event provided a unique opportunity to reconnect with colleagues I hadn’t seen in quite some time and form new connections within the local government space.
The conference featured a diverse range of speakers and sessions that addressed current challenges and opportunities facing local Councils.
Networking was a highlight of the event. Engaging with fellow professionals allowed for the exchange of ideas and experiences that I believe will be invaluable as we continue to drive positive change in our communities.
Overall, the LGA Conference was not just an opportunity for learning but also a reminder of the collaborative spirit that exists within local government and reaffirms that we’re all working toward a shared goal: creating vibrant, resilient communities.
This brings me to an issue close to home for us in the Burdekin right now – the recent surge in mosquito populations. With the combination of heavy rain and high tides, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in mosquito activity.
Council is actively working to address this with a permanent, ongoing vector monitoring and treatment program already in place for our public spaces.
If residents encounter mosquitos on their property I encourages you to consider protective measures including using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and possibly implementing barrier treatments. Local suppliers like Nutrien Ag Solutions, Burdekin Growers, and Elders offer barrier treatment products for private use, and pest control services can provide tailored solutions to help reduce mosquito impacts at your home.
Stay safe and take care of yourself. Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Established in 1926, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club (Ayr SLSC) has long been a cornerstone of the Burdekin community. From September through May, the dedicated volunteers patrol Alva Beach, promoting water safety and lifesaving skills to people of all ages. In addition to their beach patrols, Ayr SLSC actively supports community events like the Burdekin Sugar Rush, Norm Perry Rotary Duck Race, Water Festival, and the Harvest Festival.
Kellie Lawry, Junior Activities Coordinator, Registrar, and Social Media Officer for Ayr SLSC, highlights the volunteer-driven nature of the club. “Our club has just shy of 100 members, mostly nippers, and all volunteers,” she shares. This commitment to community service inspired Ayr SLSC to apply for a Bendigo Bank Community Grant, especially after a recent first aid audit revealed that several essential medical supplies were out of date.
The Bendigo Bank Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr granted $3,214 to Ayr SLSC, a contribution that will go directly toward enhancing safety measures. The funding will cover the purchase of a new automated external defibrillator case, a fully stocked first aid kit, and a range of consumables such as bandages, gauze, medical tape, gloves, and masks.
For the club, receiving the grant is both rewarding and impactful.
“It’s always gratifying when a grant application is successful,” Lawry says. “This funding allows us to provide safer conditions at Alva Beach, benefiting both our club members and the wider community who visit the beach.”
Beyond this grant, Kellie acknowledges the significant role Bendigo Bank plays in supporting the Burdekin.
"The Bendigo Bank is extremely important to the local community. Thirty-nine voluntary organisations are now able to give back to the Burdekin Shire community," she explains.
Ayr SLSC remains open to all community members, offering lifesaving skills that can be invaluable in emergencies. Through their efforts, they hope to continue instilling essential skills in their members, nurturing a future generation capable of saving lives.

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John Furnell receives Bendigo Grant on behalf of ASLSC. Photo supplied

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Celebrating two decades of success, Butterfly Blue in Ayr is a cherished local gem.
Founded by Laurice Falco, a dedicated florist with now 45 years of experience, “Butterfly Blue” evolved from her creative passion to making  & creating masterpieces with her hands.

From dried and silk floral arrangements to unique jewellery, scrapbooking, macrame and original head pieces, you name it Laurice has done it!

Laurice always listens to her customers and community needs.

“The next step was to open a craft and gift store,”  Butterfly Blue carries a great range of silk flowers, gift lines, and fashion jewellery, all offered at accessible price points to suit every budget.

Throughout the years, Butterfly Blue had become a gathering spot for creative minds, hosting scrapbook and macramé classes and jewellery workshops for kids.

Laurice fondly remembers some fun nights and afternoons.

“You get to know your customers and share a good laugh in more of a friendly casual atmosphere,” she shared.

Laurice and her staff stay attuned to customer preferences, continually researching and introducing fresh and new products from gift fairs and current trends.

Knowing customers so well, The Butterfly Blue Girls can personally select items that resonate with them, creating a truly tailored shopping experience.

As Butterfly Blue celebrates its 20th anniversary, Laurice expresses her gratitude to the Ayr community for its loyal support.

“It’s all about keeping it local and maintaining that friendly, welcoming spirit,” she says.

To mark the milestone, Butterfly Blue will offer a 20% discount storewide from 4th – 9th November, as a thank-you gesture to the community.

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CANEGROWERS congratulates the Liberal National Party (LNP) and Premier David Crisafulli on their State Election victory.  
 
Premier Crisafulli, who grew up in a cane farming family in Ingham, understands the challenges and opportunities facing Queensland’s sugarcane industry, and will have growers’ best interests at heart, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. 
 
“Congratulations to David and the LNP team. We’re excited to work closely with the new Premier to advance the sugarcane sector, an industry I know is close to his heart,” Mr Galligan said. 
 
The Crisafulli family’s long-standing connection to the industry underscores the Premier’s deep knowledge and positions him well to drive growth and innovation. 
 
Mr Galligan emphasised key issues needing urgent attention, including cutting input costs, reducing regulations, and developing a domestic biofuels industry.  
 
“We have had a very close working relationship with Mr Crisafulli and his team while in opposition and we are eager to work with them in government to deliver on their election commitments of a $30M industry innovation fund, a $50M increase in biosecurity funding, and a $12M package to support the Mossman sugarcane industry in particular.” 
 
"Our industry has bright future, and we need to work on on reducing high water and electricity prices, which limit productivity and profitability. Addressing these costs is vital for regional economies and the international competitiveness of our industry,” Mr Galligan said. 
 
“Reducing red tape will also foster innovation, enabling the sugarcane sector to thrive. But for this to work we need a tailored, locally driven approach to environmental outcomes, with grower input. This is essential for balancing environmental and growth goals.” 
 
Developing a biofuels industry, with sugarcane as a primary feedstock, is also a top priority, Mr Galligan said.  
 
“Queensland has the potential to be a bioenergy powerhouse. There’s real opportunity to establish a biofuels sector that supports sustainable aviation fuels, biodiesel, and other renewables.  
 
“This new industry will complement our expanding domestic and export sugar supply chains, while also enabling industry diversification that will benefit growers, not to mention creating jobs and prosperity in our regions.  
 
“With Premier Crisafulli’s commitment to advancing Queensland and his background in sugarcane, we’re confident of meaningful progress towards a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry and regional communities,” Mr Galligan said. 

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CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan and Premier David Crisafulli. Image source: CANEGROWERS

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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
144,445
2,226,449
Pioneer
80,135
1,042,503
Kalamia
68,968
1,196,209
Inkerman
74,931
1,327,863
Burdekin
368,479
5,793,024
CCS
Invicta
14.54
14.33
Pioneer
14.47
14.31
Kalamia
13.75
13.90
Inkerman
14.33
14.08
Burdekin
14.33
14.18
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
56%
14.59
Q183
8%
14.69
KQ228
13%
13.75
Q208
7%
14.53
Q232
9%
13.50
WSRA17
5%
13.30

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Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 368,000 tonnes of cane for the week. Pioneer had its best weekly throughput for the season, exceeding 80,000 tonnes. Invicta also exceeded the budgeted throughput while Kalamia and Inkerman just met the weekly budget due to a number of unplanned stops.
The season-to-date total is now 5.79M tonnes, which represents 70% of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.33, which is still below budget due to the crop recovering from the wet weather event but CCS is improving as conditions dry up.
The highest CCS, of 17.3, was from a rake of Q240 4R in the Leichardt (Inkerman) productivity district.
Remember to always use your train brain and give way to trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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