Over the weekend, Queen Street hosted an outstanding turnout with well over 100 runners rallying behind Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins and Campbell Johnston in support of the boys’ incredible, Three Blokes Running challenge to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.
Raising an estimated $2,000, Sunday’s event stood as a moving showcase of community spirit highlighting the generosity of both individuals and local businesses. With donations and messages of support flooding in daily, the boys have become beacons of inspiration, raising over $10,000 to fund hundreds of men’s health projects across the world as part of Movember.
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Campbell, Brayden and Austin raised over $10K for men’s health thanks to their Three Blokes Running charity campaign. Photo supplied

The Burdekin Community Unites
For Three Blokes Running

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Queen Street came alive on Sunday 24 November with well over 100 locals in attendance of the outstanding Three Blokes Running Fun Run event to support and celebrate the incredible efforts of Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins, and Campbell Johnston.
Austin, Brayden, and Campbell have committed to running a massive 180km each throughout the month of November to raise both funds and awareness for the health, and wellbeing of all fathers, sons, and brothers within the Burdekin community and beyond.
Attracting attention across the state, the boys set out to share the message “it ain’t weak to speak” to encourage men to speak up and seek help if they’re struggling with mental health challenges – a message that has been amplified with each donation, and act of support shown over the past few weeks.
“When we’re just around town, people we’ve never met before come up to us and say how they’ve seen us in the news, and the support has been massive – it’s pretty cool and everyone has been super supportive as you can imagine being a small community.”
In just 28 days, Austin, Brayden and Campbell have raised over $10,200, incredibly surpassing their initial goal of $540 set at the beginning of the month.
“We never expected this to be honest, and from a goal of $540 that reached over $1,000 in the first 24 hours – we all just looked at each other and thought this could go a lot bigger, and it has - $10,000 is just phenomenal,” shared Austin.
A spectacular showcase of community spirit, Sunday invited the Burdekin to become part of the Three Blokes Running challenge which welcomed over 100 runners, and even more spectators to enjoy an afternoon of comradery and support, raising an additional $2,000 that is yet to be added to the current astounding total.
“Everyone was keen to be there, keen to run, and it was just so awesome that everyone was there to support us,” shared Austin.
With a current total greater than $10,000, the boys’ online fundraising page, https://movember.com/t/three-blokes-running, continues to receive hundreds of additional donations each day.
With the month coming to a close, Austin, Brayden and Campbell could not be more grateful to the community for their support and hopes to go out with a bang as they cross the finish line on Saturday.
“In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to do any of this, and we wouldn’t have to run any kilometres, but we’re just doing what we can, and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support, and us boys are so stoked that we’re making a difference.”

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The whole community rallied arounf to support the Three Blokes Running at a special event on Queens Street over the weekend. Photo credit: with thanks to David Jackson
The Three Bloke Running with some of their friends at the event on Sunday. Photo supplied

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G’day, I’m Mark T. Rasmussen and I’ve just arrived in town having accepted the exciting position of journalist for Burdekin Life Newspaper. Some of you may have seen me on Wednesday morning at the Industry Breakfast (a fantastic event), where I enjoyed getting to know a few people in the community.

You’ll likely see me around town in the coming days, weeks and months, but first I’d like to introduce myself.

I am an award-winning author born by the sea, cultivated in the city, formed via the world. Previously a professional journalist for The Herald Sun; Lonely Planet; Get Lost Travel magazine; and entertainment publication, Buzz Magazine, as well as the Media Officer for the CFMEU in Sydney, and Digital Content Producer at Visit Victoria in Melbourne.

I also write evocative, thought provoking subject matter for my adult fiction novels and screenplays, and fun, captivating, thoughtful books for children. An avid adventurer, I’ve travelled to 60+ countries across six continents, living in eight major cities around the world.

After 12 years overseas, where I pursued my screenwriting dreams in Hollywood, then a four-year stint in Toronto, followed by three years in Mexico, Australia eventually beckoned me home.

I recently moved to the Burdekin area after living in a remote Mexican seaside-jungle village – which had no roads, no cars, and no police – with my beautiful and brilliant, author wife, and youngest son. I found it an idyllic piece of paradise to read, write, and love, and escape life when the world went mad.

With my professional writing background and life experiences, I bring knowledge, wisdom, and a zeal for all things creative and local, having grown up in a similar place in Victoria.

I look forward to meeting you all soon, and if you see me about, please be sure you to say gidday!

Cheers & thanks,
Mark

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Carol Maltby, originally from Brisbane, made Ayr her home in 2001. Despite having lived in the town for over two decades, Carol humbly refers to herself as a “newcomer.”  
Seeking companionship, Carol reached out to the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) a few years ago. A Community Support Officer (CSO) connected her with Rita Quagliata, BCA’s Volunteer Service Manager, who promptly arranged for a volunteer match.  
Enter Joyce Rodgers, affectionately known as Jo. Born in Laidley, near Brisbane, Jo spent 33 years in Adelaide before settling in Ayr in 2017. In April 2018, she joined BCA as a volunteer, driven by her passion for helping others. Her caring and gentle nature made her a perfect match for Carol.  
Over the past three years, Carol and Jo have forged a sister-like bond. Their friendship blossomed through shared moments and mutual support. Carol describes Jo as a “lovely friend” who is not only great company but also a compassionate listener.  
“We whinge about our problems to each other,” they laugh, “and it’s good to have someone who truly listens.”  
Jo’s commitment extends beyond her bond with Carol. She visits four other individuals, bringing joy and comfort to each of them. Her dedication has made a world of difference in their lives, with all eagerly anticipating her visits.  
The story of Carol and Jo is a beautiful reminder of how genuine connections can transform lives. Through volunteering, Jo has not only enriched others' lives but also found a lifelong friend in Carol.

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Carol Maltby and Joyce Rogers at the Burdekin Community Association. Photo Supplied

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Graeme Jarrett, a 74-year-old veteran car enthusiast, has spent 15 years researching a rare 1902 French-made car he owns. This car’s history brings him to the Burdekin region as he hunts for clues to establish the car’s identity.

“The English bought them here. They were the biggest buyers. All the early cars here in Australia were French mostly, and so they were a highly regarded product,” Graeme declares.

The car was produced between 1900 and 1910, during the French "window of glory" in the motoring world, and the company sold cars and parts to various manufacturers. Graeme is convinced the car is from 1902 but needs to establish it, which is a difficult task given it had five previous owners.

Through his detective work, and with help from historians and locals, he’s narrowed it down to the Burdekin region, where he believes the car started its journey. The car, one of about 10 surviving from its era, was likely assembled by French manufacturer, Prunel.

“Prunel, made these cars from 1900 to about 1910, during a time where the French auto industry was the biggest and best manufacturer of motor cars in the world,” Graeme says.

If it is from 1902 as Graeme believes, then the car is worth $150,000. The car's value is significantly higher if it is from 1902, as it can participate in the London to Brighton rally, which is a prestigious event for early vintage cars.

He has collected necessary parts and scours Trove, a digitised newspaper archive to search historical newspapers for clues but has struggled to find specific information to identify the exact manufacturer. While visiting the Burdekin, it’s his hope to uncover the car's history and name, which would legitimise its provenance within the car community.

Although Prunel is no longer an active car manufacturer, its contribution to the early French automotive industry is significant. The company’s history and legacy are preserved through its exhibits in museums and archives, providing a glimpse into the development of the French car industry in the early 20th century. It’s Graeme’s wish to help bring another to the world.

“I'm 74 now, and I've been interested in veteran cars since I was a teenager. If I knew exactly what it was, it would make life a lot easier,” Graeme says.

Graeme is hoping to find anyone who might have a photograph or information about the car or its previous owners. He plans to stay in the area for a week to research in the hopes to discover the car’s origins so that he can proudly publish his findings, but also reach a wider audience who share his love and enthusiasm of motoring history.

If you know of anyone that had a car like those in the photos, or a family that may have driven one back in the day within the greater Burdekin region, Graeme would love to hear from you. Any information would greatly assist Graeme achieve his dream of establishing its identity and solve the mystery.

Phone Graeme on 0455 041 994.

Graeme Jarrett, a 74-year-old veteran car enthusiast, has come to theBurdekin to find answers about a rare car

An old picture depicting what the Prunel would have looked likein the early 1900s

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A warm, and friendly Garvey smile has welcomed locals and travelers alike to the Groper Creek Caravan Park for a little over five years, and although Jeanette Garvey isn’t saying goodbye to the community, she’s made the decision to step out of the management role, and leap into retirement.

In October of 2019, Jeanette and her husband Danny took up the role of Managers of the Groper Creek Caravan Park within the Home Hill Boat Club as soon as the position crossed their radar. After relocating back to the region in 2009, the pair purchased their Groper Creek home in 2010, and immediately fell in love with the laid-back nature of the small, friendly community, through becoming valued and active members of the Home Hill Boat Club. Almost two years ago, Jeanette’s husband, Danny suddenly passed away, leaving Jeanette to continue as Manager on her own until she welcomed her new business partner, fellow community member, and friend, Wendy Coplick, into the fold. Now running and operating the park together, Jeanette and Wendy have worked closely together since 2019 and have established a functional workplace agreement with one another.

“Wendy and I have an agreement – she doesn’t go near my computer, and I don’t touch her mower!” explained Jeanette.

Together, with the unwavering support of Wendy’s husband Dave, Jeanette’s son Dallan, dear family and friends and the Home Hill Boat Club, the pair have raised the standards and reputation of the Groper Creek Caravan Park far beyond the expectations of both locals and travellers.

“Wendy and I both feel confident that we will be leaving Groper Creek Caravan Park in an improved state, and we are always receiving high praises from visitors that the park has never looked so good, the office has never run so professionally, the amenities have never been so clean, and that the managers are so friendly- our WikiCamps reviews have been outstanding!” shared Jeanette.

“We’ve certainly proven those knockers wrong - who would have thought two chicks could have run a caravan park so successfully?”

Jeanette and Wendy can testify its undoubtably true that no day managing a caravan park is the same, however with the sporadic burst of a water pipe aside, the pair both reflect fondly on annual State of Origin rivalries, daily antics and shenanigans, and the long-term friendships they have made with people from across the country.

“We built the park up, gaining Australia wide recognition, named Finalist in the National Grey Nomads Awards’ Small Caravan Park category for three years, and have put Groper Creek well and truly on the tourism map.

We're also extremely proud that we were able to fundraise and see the completion of "Our Front Yard Shelter" in honour of Danny, which we opened earlier this year.”

Once Jeanette welcomes retirement, she plans to remain an active member of the Groper Creek community, and both herself and Wendy are very much looking forward to days filled with sleep ins, walks on the jetty, casting a line, and spending time with family and friends.

“I’ll miss engaging with the varied travellers who role into Groper Creek from across the nation and abroad, everyone always has a story to tell, and people love discovering Groper Creek off the beaten track, initially booking in for a couple of days, then staying for a couple of months.

But then again, I’m not going anywhere – I’ll still be living at Groper Creek, and will just have more time to hear their stories.”

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Wendy Coplick and Jeanette Garvey are excited to soon leap into retirement.

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With the sound of the final school bell on the afternoon of Friday 13 December 2024, a 48-year chapter will close for Mrs Linda Scott, a treasured educator and mentor who has touched the lives of the entire Burdekin region.

After completing her senior education, Linda was faced with the daunting question of, “what’s next?”.

Having taken an academic pathway throughout her schooling rather than a commercial one, Linda was left to think outside the employment box, leading her to pursue her passion for learning and become a primary school teacher.

Linda was successfully awarded a scholarship to attend the Townsville Teacher College (James Cook University) from 1972 to 1975, and upon graduation, she began her career at Mareeba State School where she taught from 1976 to 1978 before she was transferred to East Ayr State School. Over the course of twenty years, Linda taught a range of classes from year three to seven before becoming the Deputy Principal in 2000.

“The biggest lesson I have learnt is the importance of being flexible with an open mind and a desire to keep learning,” shared Linda.

“Being a lifelong learner is so important to ensure that you are exposed to new initiatives, new knowledge and learnings so that students in your care are given every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

With almost half a century of memories, Linda reminisces on a comedic Brisbane based Expo excursion mishap that saw her and her teaching partner lead a line of students in red jumpers (a supervision tactic) through pavilions and street performances to then earn the title of Mr and Mrs Red and the Red Family for the trip’s duration.

“We were at Expo for a couple of days, and became well known and would often hear, “here they are again – Mr and Mrs Red and the Red Family” – it was quite amusing,” explained Linda.

Above all else, Linda cherishes seeing how far her students have come from the beginning to the end of each school year, and the bond she shares with so many families, adding how much she enjoys speaking with past students to hear what they have gotten up to post primary school, and into adulthood.

With a well-earned retirement on the horizon, Linda’s daughter Miss Heather Scott will continue carrying her legacy as an educator herself.

“I don’t know if Mum was an inspiration in my teaching journey, maybe more of an influence - but like anything, if you are around something long enough, you are going to pick things up,” shared Heather.

Having been immersed in the world of teaching her whole life, Heather entered the profession aware of how rewarding, and how challenging the role of an educator can be, and welcomes this new, and unchartered era, explaining her family doesn’t know a life without her mum’s job in it.

“Watching Mum, I have learnt a few things that shaped some of what I do, but there is one thing that Mum and I are firmly aligned on, and that is why we do what we do,” added Heather.

“Everything we do within the profession has the students’ best interest in mind first and for most and not just the students at our respective schools but any student we have met along the way. 

“My journey thus far has been very different to that of my mother’s but like me and 100’s of educators far and wide, we have all gained a little from Mum, and long after she retires, she will continue to walk the halls through the practices and knowledge she has instilled in so many people in education.”

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The 1981 East Ayr State School Staff photo.
Linda graduated from the Townsville Teacher College in 1975.
Like mother like daughter, both Heather and Linda Scott have led successful careers in teaching.
Heather with her parents, Laura and Reno Pacchiardi on graduation day.
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Here in the Burdekin, we rely on the generous financial support of local businesses to keep our clubs, sports teams, and community events running. From youth sports to community events/festivals, these businesses are more than just local service providers—they’re the financial backbone that ensures our town’s social life continues to thrive.
A prime example of this vital support is Laser Electrical, whose recent sponsorship of the Ayr Golf Club event helped make it a great success. It’s these kinds of contributions that remind us how important it is to shop locally and support those who are supporting us.
It’s exciting to see the positive changes unfolding in our town, as new shops open their doors and existing businesses expand. These developments are a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our community.
Christmas is coming!
As this is my last Councillor Column for 2024, I would like the take the opportunity to wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas. Hopefully by the 25th of December the crushing is well and truly over and those in the sugar industry can enjoy a much-deserved break.
Don’t forget the Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols event that kicks off at 5:30pm Sunday 8 December 2024 at the Home Hill State High School oval. Hope to see you all there!

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Recently, I came across a Facebook post that resonated deeply: “Big companies won’t notice your purchase over the next couple of months. But small businesses will, and it might even change their life.”
There’s a buzz in the air as new businesses open and others expand throughout our community. It’s wonderful to see the growing confidence in our region. This festive season, I urge everyone to think local first. Supporting our small businesses not only strengthens our economy but can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
The Christmas spirit is beginning to shine around the Burdekin. Shop windows are embracing the season, and our community Christmas trees will be up this week. Be sure to check out the festive events in Ayr and Home Hill and bring the kids along to meet Santa and capture some precious family memories.
The generosity shown towards the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal has been outstanding. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. For those who haven’t yet, there’s still time—donations will be accepted until Wednesday 11 December 2024. You can find a list of accepted items on Council’s website, burdekin.qld.gov.au.
While many of us celebrate the joys of the season, it’s important to remember that some in our community are struggling. Your donations, big or small, make a world of difference.
Let’s spread kindness and support each other this festive season.
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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The 2024 Annual General Meeting of South Burdekin Community Financial Services Limited was held on 20th November. Chairman Darren West reflected on the achievements of the Home Hill and Ayr Bendigo Community Bank branches during their twentieth year of operation and shared plans for the future.
The bank continued to grow, welcoming new customers and expanding its services. This growth has been driven by increased branch activity, which creates more opportunities for the bank to support the community. West highlighted the importance of keeping this momentum by encouraging more people to visit the branches and explore what the bank has to offer.
Supporting the community remains a top priority. At the annual grants event earlier this year, the bank provided funding to a wide range of groups, including sports clubs, health programs, and cultural initiatives. These grants reflect the bank’s commitment to giving back to organisations that support its work and to benefiting the wider community.
Shareholders were recognised for their patience and support over the years. In return, the board rewarded them with dividends and acknowledged their essential role in helping to create a bank that serves the local community.
Mr West also thanked the branch manager Chantel, the staff, and the Company Secretary and Treasurer Stacie Lovelady for their dedication. He praised the directors, partners, and others who have supported the bank’s success.
In closing, the Chairman encouraged shareholders to spread the word about the bank. By growing its customer base, the bank can increase profits and reinvest even more into the community for everyone’s benefit.

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Stacie Lovelady, Amanda Lowis, Paul Benvenuti, Con Christofides, Robyn Haller, Chantel Michielin, Jan Sterling, Darren West, Lou Loizou, David Catanzaro, Max Musumeci. Photo supplied

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As families look to start packing the car ahead of the festive holiday period a new advisory council for the Bruce Highway will be forming with Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcoming the news for regional road users.
Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s announcement of the re-establishment of a Bruce Highway Advisory Council would bring together key stakeholders and representatives from across all regions to deliver desperately needed upgrades to the Bruce Highway.
“For years we have seen Labor, including the Prime Minister turn a blind eye while our road toll climbs and our communities are left reeling,” Mr Last said.
“While it is a great time to be heading off on a holiday over the festive season there is no denying that as families are packing the car they are also left to consider what they need to do if they are left stranded due to flooding.”
“Bringing together representatives from all regions that intersect with the Bruce Highway is about ensuring projects that will address safety and flooding on our major highway are considered appropriately.”
Mr Last said expressions of interest were currently open for regional representatives with the first meeting scheduled for next month.
“The importance of the Bruce Highway cannot be understated and that is why the Minister is focussing on delivering a long-term upgrade plan to not only address issues we face now but ensure this national highway is able to continue to service our state into the future,” Mr Last said.
“We also know that without funding glossy documents and action plans won’t save lives on our roads and that’s why the Crisafulli Government are advocating for the return of the long standing 80:20 arrangement for the national highway.”

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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
105,794
2,739,240
Pioneer
54,121
1,305,725
Kalamia
49,308
1,445,206
Inkerman
54,056
1,625,543
Burdekin
263,279
7,115,714
CCS
Invicta
14.12
14.40
Pioneer
14.31
14.35
Kalamia
13.35
13.88
Inkerman
13.67
14.12
Burdekin
13.92
14.22
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
52%
14.17
Q208
8%
13.40
KQ228
20%
13.20
Q232
4%
13.39
Q183
13%
14.98
WSRA17
2%
12.13
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 263,000 tonnes of cane for the week. This was below budget due to a wet weather event which impacted harvesting.
The season-to-date total is now 7.12M tonnes, which represents 87 per cent of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 13.92, which continues to trend below budget forecasts.
The highest CCS of 17.5, was from a rake of Q183 2R in the Mona Park (INV) productivity district.
Remember to stay alert, use your train brain and always give way to trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has announced a review of its Cane Analysis Program (CAP), following months of advocacy from Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). The decision marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over fibre testing practices at the Victoria and Macknade mills in the Herbert region, which had already drawn sharp reactions from grower groups.
QCAR have said that Wilmar has also agreed to review its CAP in the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions.
The issue first came to light in 2023, when an independent sugarcane auditor allegedly raised concerns during a Herbert River mill tour. The auditor pointed to a clause in Wilmar’s 2017 CAP, which stipulated that fibre sampling was limited to cane from Herbert River District Cane Growers Organisation (HRDCGO) members unless a grower’s bargaining agent represented more than 11% of the district’s Cane Delivery Tonnes.
QCAR Herbert River district committee chairman Matthew Pappin called the clause “anti-competitive” and said it unfairly excluded growers outside the HRDCGO.
QCAR hosted a community meeting at the Station Hotel in Ingham last Friday.
Mr Pappin said he was thrilled to announce that Wilmar, in the hours following the meeting, agreed to review its CAP not only in Herbert, but also for the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions.
“This is about correcting the sins of the past,” Mr. Pappin said.
“We are fighting to ensure fair treatment for all growers, uphold good governance, and guarantee every farmer has the right to make a fair living from their crop.”
In a letter to grower collectives on Friday, Wilmar wrote grower representatives and individual growers not in a collective would get to “put forward changes for consideration during the review”.
“The CAP was last updated in 2017 and consequently contains references and requirements that are no longer relevant … we will be in touch again in coming weeks to tell you more about the timing of the review and how you can be involved,” the letter stated.
It was understood the CAP was due for review in 2022.
Canegrowers Herbert River had defended the integrity of Wilmar’s fibre testing process in a statement made on social media.
Canegrowers Herbert River Chairman Chris Bosworth said the process was outlined transparently in the Cane Supply Agreements, which Canegrowers negotiates to protect its members.
“QCAR’s rushed agreement with Wilmar shows a lack of due diligence,” Mr. Bosworth said.
“Despite boasting about how quickly they secured their deal, they failed to fully scrutinise the Cane Analysis Program and fibre testing aspects.”
Mr. Bosworth maintained there was no evidence of discrepancies in fibre testing and noted that any legitimate concerns should be addressed through appropriate channels, including legal advice.
“Canegrowers brings decades of bargaining power and experience to the table, securing critical protections for members. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure no Canegrowers member is disadvantaged,” he said.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman acknowledged QCAR’s concerns and said the company would continue to engage with grower representative bodies on issues raised.

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Australia’s investment in agricultural research and development has reached almost $3 billion in 2023-24, the latest ABARES release has shown.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reported that this long-term commitment will lead to improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability and modernisation.
The private sector accounts for the largest growth in investment in the sector, with a nearly 5 per cent annual growth rate from 2005-06.
ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said ABARES’s latest data, Agricultural research and development (R&D) investment in Australia – 2023-24 update, found total agricultural R&D funding was increasing steadily, largely from the private sector.
“Agricultural R&D investment is what underpins innovation in the sector, and the flow-on benefits for farmers are considerable,” Dr Greenville said.
“We know that every $1 invested in agricultural R&D, generates an almost $8 return for farmers over 10 years, which is a great incentive for the private sector to make these important investments.”
According to ABARES, total agricultural R&D funding has continued to increase gradually, from $2.91 billion in 2022-23 to $2.98 billion in 2023-24.
“Overall, investment in agricultural R&D is increasing steadily, but we’ve seen the private sector just overtake the public sector as the main funder of agricultural R&D investment,” Dr Greenville said.
“There is a healthy mix of public and private R&D investment, reflecting a strong and robust innovation system with a good mix of long-term discovery research and practical commercialisation of technology.
“Private sector investment has the advantage of focussing on commercialising new technologies, so it has far-reaching benefits for Australian farmers.”
Dr Greenville said the strength of Australia’s agricultural R&D system was underpinned by the rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs).
“The RDCs are a unique investment partnership between industry and government, and their funding has grown steadily over the years as productivity has increased,” Dr Greenville said.
“Each RDC delivers tangible, practical improvements for their industries, particularly in terms of productivity and sustainability.”

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Shaun Detenon, his wife, Katrina, and their son, Mick, have been running ‘About Town Bait & Tackle’ a highly successful fishing tackle shop, since 2001. They recently moved from Edward Street to their new, larger premises, at 203 Queen Street, Ayr, which now offers double the floor space.

Shaun, who originally ran a local service station where he used to sell bait and tackle, moved away from cars and petrol and into being a fully fledged fishing shop back in 2001, working alongside his brother.

“I had a service station, and we used to stock tackle in it, which went reasonably well,” he says.
But driven by a lifelong passion for fishing after seeing the success of selling bait and tackle from the service station, Shaun realised a dream and sold the servo to expand into fishing.

“I love fishing and it just made sense to focus on that side of the business rather than petrol. My brother helped me start the business before I eventually bought him out a few years later.”

About Town Bait & Tackle has only been at their new location at 203 Queen Street, for just over a week, but they’re already seeing the positives of the move.

“Firstly, we’ve much more room, just over double the floor size of the old place,” Shaun’s son, Mick declares. “Our new location is also more convenient given it’s right on the main road, plus we have ample car parking, so anyone that’s towing a boat could easily park here,” he adds.

They carry a wide range of fishing products, from entry-level gear right up to high-end equipment. And they still also sell a wide range of bait!

“We cover everything from start out gear, such as basic rods and reels that we sell for $30, and then we go right through to the top of the range for the serious fisherman. We’ve got something for everybody.”

The business has been family-run for over two decades, with Mick joining full time in 2011. The business is described as a special and meaningful venture for the family, highlighting the unique bond they share.

“They say family can't work together, but we've been doing it for over 10 years now, so that proves that some people can. We love what we do, and how we work together. In many ways, being family makes it easier,” Mick says.

About Town Bait & Tackle is currently advertising their new location and will have special deals leading into Christmas. Shimano, Daiwa, Abu, Penn, Jackall, Z-man, Dobyns, Chasebaits and Zerek are just a few of the big name brands you will find throughout the store. You will also find a large range of fishing shirts and other accessories, catering to a broad spectrum of fishing enthusiasts, from beginner to the expert angler.

About Town Bait & Tackle, love to inform the local community about their products and services, but also their fishing gear knowledge, as well tips to help you land your next trophy fish.

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Mick, Shaun and Katrina Detenon outside the new location of their retail store; About Town Bait & Tackle. Photo credit: Mark Rasmussen

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The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) is the worthy recipient of a $20,000 donation from the CommBank Staff Foundation’s 2024 Community Grants program, in its most significant funding year yet.

The Ayr organisation received funding from CommBank to help drive positive change and CEO of BCA, Debra Cochran, couldn’t be more delighted.

“It was fantastic, first to get nominated and then win. It was quite unbelievable because I thought, oh my gosh, our little place. We were amazed and very grateful. It means a lot,” Debra says.

The BCA was nominated for their Rural Health Centre and Rehabilitation Services. The centre employs five staff and serves around 60 clients daily, offering free rehabilitation for adults and children, including those recovering from cancer, strokes, and living with diabetes. The BCA also provides mental health services, tele-health, and hires out rooms to allied health professionals, ensuring local access to essential services.

Commonwealth Bank staff can elect to donate part of their wages to the CommBank Staff Foundation, which has been operating since 1917. The foundation provides annual and smaller grants to various organisations.

Becky Love (CommBank Agri Business Analyst), nominated BCA because, she loved what they do for the community.

“I'm living in a small town and I think sometimes they get forgotten or missed. I chose the Burdekin Community Association, because I know it, from people I know that work here, or have volunteered here,” Becky says.

“They have such a wide scope of services, from Centre for Rural Health, the Community Rehabilitation Centre, the information centre, and BCA Support Centre. It's not one thing. It has a very wide and big impact,” she adds.

“We’re all about keeping people as healthy as possible and helping them with all sorts of rehabilitation. The main aim is to keep them at home, not into hospital and keeping them out of residential care. With this grant, we can now do even more to achieve that,” Debra concludes.

Pictured left to right: Debra Cochran (CEO, Burdekin Community Association), Becky Love CommBank Agri Business Analyst), and Kim Brosnan (Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager)

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