Ayr Health Service has welcomed four graduate nurses to its staff in 2024, bolstering the service’s nursing workforce and the region’s healthcare capabilities.

Three of the new graduates, Macy Davelstein, Dani McFadyen and Nissa Reid, are local to the Burdekin and had been working at the hospital while completing their degrees while Allanis Melvin recently relocated for her new position.

“Historically, Graduate nurses rotated from the Townsville University Hospital and then on completion of their 12-month program returned to Townsville and then we started all over again recruiting to the Graduate positions and training them for our service,” said Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola.

“It soon became obvious that our nursing workforce would become impacted unless a more strategic plan was put in place in regard to succession planning.”

Ayr Health Service has been employing local Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery students in their second and third years as Students in Nursing since 2019.

“Once these students successfully complete their degree, they transition as our Graduates,” Ms Gabiola said.

“This Nursing career pathway has proved invaluable for succession planning and provides me with peace of mind knowing I have nursing staff who are home grown and wanting to continue to live and work within our community.”

Nissa Reid has lived in the Burdekin for most of her life and, despite finishing school 10 years ago, was drawn to the challenge of embarking on a career in nursing.

“I went into the workforce out of school and never wanted to go to uni,” she said.

“It’s funny how it’s all come around 10 years later and it’s worked out really well for me.

“I thought I would fail, and I ended up doing really well, so I’m very proud of myself.”

Ms Reid has purchased a house in the area and has no plans to leave the Burdekin.

“It’s nice to continue with the closeknit community of the area and I think the hospital really reflects that in a lot of ways,” she said.

Fellow graduate Dani McFadyen, originally from Scotland, has lived in Home Hill for 12 years and started her career in aged care 10 years ago, deciding to continue studying nursing externally while working at the hospital.

“The hospital is very welcoming,” she said.

“Nothing’s too much if you ask a question and everyone’s very friendly and helpful and just want the best.”

While living in Townsville for university, Macy Dabelstein would return to her hometown of Ayr to work alongside Ms Reid and Ms McFadyen while studying.

“It worked hand in hand with our degree and helped us out,” she said.

She’s since moved back to her hometown to embark on her career.

“It’s good to be home and have quality time,” Ms Dabelstein said.

“It’s a tightknit community and everything’s very chill down in ED (emergency department).”

Meanwhile, Allanis Melvin grew up in Ingham and, upon graduating, applied to the Townsville Hospital Grad Program with Ayr as a preference.

“I chose Ayr because I’m definitely a small-town girl and it feels more comfortable for me,” she said.

“It was somewhere I hadn’t been before, so it was exciting.”

Ms Melvin is following in the footsteps of her mother and both grandmothers who all worked in nursing.

“I’ve grown up surrounded by excellent nurses and I always knew I wanted to do something to help people in a hospital setting,” she said.

“I’m excited to enhance my skills as a nurse.

“All the staff that I’ve met have been really friendly and really helpful.”

Ms Gabiola said the Graduate program will allow Ayr Health Service to ensure appropriate coverage and delivery of service required for the Burdekin community.  

“By the time they commence their Graduate year they are fully orientated and familiar with the hospital, our procedures and their roles,”” she said. 

“Having known these women since they commenced their study and work here, I must admit I am always very proud of their achievements and delighted to have them as fully qualified Registered Nurses.”

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L-R Ayr Hospital’s newest nursing graduates Allanis Melvin, Dani McFadyen, Macy Dabelstein and Nissa Reid

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Two children were injured in a motorcycle crash on a private property on Rita Island Road, Jarvisfield last Wednesday, January 24.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed the incident was reported at 4:17pm that afternoon.

“Paramedics treated two males in their pre-teens, one with a head injury and one with arm and leg injuries,” the Spokesperson said.

“One patient was transported to Ayr Hospital, and the second was airlifted to Townsville Hospital; both were stable.”

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the two boys are believed to be known to each other.

“The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, however the initial investigations indicate the crash is non-suspicious.”

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With school recommenced for this term, just a timely reminder for parents who drop their children off at local schools.  

Drop off zones are exactly that, pull up and drop off your children then leave. If you intend on walking your child into school, park elsewhere. We don’t want to cause any traffic congestion during an already busy time of the day.

Don’t stop in the lane of travel waiting for vehicles that are parked, picking up children, to leave that space, as this back up and congests traffic unnecessarily.

Also be aware of the school zone speed limits and drive cautiously.

Pedestrian crossings

When approaching pedestrian crossings, what is a driver’s obligation?

The Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation explains

   i) A driver must give way to a pedestrian (or the rider of a bicycle) on or entering a pedestrian crossing; and

   ii) A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.

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Several offenders committed a series of break and enters in the early hours of January 23, including ram raids using a stolen vehicle.  

In the early hours of the January 25, five offenders committed a further series of break and enters and ram raids using other stolen vehicles.  

These offences occurred in Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon.  

As of Monday, January 29, three of the five offenders had been dealt with by Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch officers with a total of 43 charges between them.  

The charges include Enter Premises and Commit Indictable Offence, Burglary, Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle and Arson.  

A 14-year-old Ayr youth was dealt with under the Youth Justices Act.  

Two of the offenders – an 18-year-old Ayr male and a 15-year-old Home Hill youth – were charged with police opposing their bail.  

They were remanded in custody until March.  

A 14-year-old Home Hill youth and 17-year-old Ayr youth remain outstanding.  

Additionally, in the midst of the cyclone, police responded to several reports of youths attempting to break into units in Queen Street, Ayr.

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Progress on the CopperString 2032 project is rapidly powering ahead, with the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs announcing Powerlink will recruit Townsville-based apprentices for the first time.

An additional 22-strong contingent in Townsville will also support work on the 840km transmission line which will run from outside Ayr to Mount Isa.

The announcements for the region come as 35 new apprentices and graduates from across Queensland began their careers with Powerlink earlier in January.

“We’re powering ahead to deliver clean economy jobs for Queenslanders, and by making progress on CopperString, it means we can create more skilled jobs for Queenslanders, while protecting and supporting existing jobs and industries,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni said.

“Not only does this project benefit workers in industries like engineering and construction, but it also means big benefits to small business.

“Powerlink has already injected more than $400,000 into the North Queensland economy, and from local cleaners to caterers, bakers to baristas, the economic benefit of CopperString and projects that deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy will continue to be significant.

“This is a huge year for CopperString and Townsville and the North Queensland community, with the benefits of the Queensland SuperGrid already starting to show.”

The key infrastructure project connects the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia with half a billion dollars in critical minerals.

“CopperString 2032 essentially connects the north and northwest, the North West Minerals Province and a whole lot of potential renewable energy development to the national electricity market,” said Powerlink Queensland Manager Community and Stakeholders Nicole Maguire.

“It’s probably a once in a generation project for the north of the state and we’re excited to be delivering it.”

Minister de Brenni toured the proposed CopperString route to learn more about how the mammoth project will benefit the north and north-west regions, create new jobs, and protect existing ones.

With dozens of local businesses already involved in the project, a further 450 businesses, including 250 from regional Queensland, have registered their interest to work on the project.

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Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni met with Mayors and community leaders from Townsville to Mount Isa to discuss CopperString in January. Photo supplied: Mick de Brenni

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In early 2022, nine defibrillators were installed in various bay areas of Cape Upstart National Park and Molongle Creek Caravan Park to provide the isolated area with essential, life-saving equipment.

The installation was initiated by the Cape Upstart Community Progress group with the support of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and the Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Grants program. All nine defibrillators, with the aid of the Queensland Country Bank’s grant, were purchase from Megan Jerkic, Advanced Care Paramedic of 12 years with the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Megan, and members of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Ray Pickering and Alex Bojack, installed the defibrillators in the effort of supporting both the isolated community and passing boaters. The restricted tidal access to the popular holiday destination created a high demand for life saving equipment to become accessible to locals and visitors alike, and Ray Pickering believes this installation will enhance the liveability and appeal of Cape Upstart.

“The area has rocky outcrops, and no roads, so we’re bringing the community a lot closer by bringing these defibrillators a lot closer,” explained Ray Pickering.

In recognition of the nature of Cape Upstart, each defibrillator was to be a self-sufficient portable device with a long battery life which Megan, Ray and Alex would easily be able to install into mounted cabinets for convenient access.

“The defibrillators purchased are reusable with an average battery life span of 8 years, and the batteries are replaceable, so each device will continue to be usable past those 8 years,” said Megan.

“Unless they are used, the upkeep is quite simple as the devices run their own self check maintenance.”

Megan Jerkic as part of Insight First Aid will be venturing over to Cape Upstart to service each defibrillator and replace outdated equipment in the coming months.

“The pads need replacing every 2-3 years and the batteries need replacing every 5-8 years depending on the model,” explained Megan.

The installation of each life saving defibrillator marked a memorable moment in the development of the Cape Upstart community. The work of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Megan Jerkic, Ray Pickering, and Alex Bojack in moving this project forward is to be commended.

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Whitsunday Regional Councillors Mike Brunker and Michelle Wright, Megan Jerkic of Insight First Aid, Alex Bojack and Guilio Rossato. Photo supplied

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Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, which was postponed due to the severe weather event, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 12 at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, commencing at 6:00pm.  

The Australia Day awards ceremony stands out as a significant event of the year, offering a valuable chance to acknowledge the nominees and award winners.

“Council is looking forward to honouring our Australia Day Award recipients, who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and service in their fields,” acting Chief Executive Officer Mr O’Connor said.

“The event will celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the community, as well as welcoming new Australian citizens.

“Council is proud to finally welcome our new citizens, who have chosen to make the Burdekin their home.

“I congratulate them on their decision and wish them all the best for their future in Australia."

The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony has been rescheduled to take place on Monday, February 12 at 6pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend and show their support for the award winners and new citizens.

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Emergency Relief Program

BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.

Waste Not Want Not – Coles SecondBite Program

BCA partners with Coles Ayr and SecondBite to provide people in need with access to nutritious food free of charge. The service is available from the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, Monday to Friday from 9am until stock is gone daily.

Please visit or contact us at The Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au W: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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With the busy Christmas season behind us, many of us are looking to resume interests and social outings.    Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is home to several community groups and activities.  

Our very popular Crochet Group is happening on a Monday afternoon, along with the Mahjong Players of the Burdekin. Play 2 Learn Playgroup from 54 Reasons has returned on a Thursday morning, we are looking forward to having our local families make use of our playground and facilities.

MoveIT Burdekin has started and will go for the next 16 weeks on a Monday and Friday morning. This seems to be the hot ticket in town as it was fully booked in three days! We would be interested to know if community members would like a movement program to continue.

Thursday, February 1 sees the return of the Burdekin Seniors Computer Group. This great group of people is determined not to let technology get the best of them. If this sounds like you, we’d love to see you join in; there is lots of learning and laughter together.

Our Dementia Support Group is back on Tuesday, February 6 – they will be having a community information session with Carers Gateway. Parkinson’s Support Group resumes February 23.  We urge community members who are living with or caring for someone with Dementia or Parkinson’s to come along and be with people who understand.

Gwen and Angela from our MyTime Program will be welcoming back our families on Wednesday, February 7 here at the Neighbourhood Centre. MyTime is a great supportive program for families with children with a disability.

Did you know that there is a new Dungeon and Dragons campaign happening out of the Centre on a Wednesday evening? Actually, we have a lot of different social, cultural and support groups that make the Centre their home. If you are ready to start filling your social calendar, pop in or give us a call at the Centre.

From the Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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BNC Admin Staff Susan and Marisa

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Did you know that you can find useful information on how to deal with natural disasters on the Council webpage?

The Burdekin is a beautiful region, but we also face some serious challenges during the North Queensland summer, such as cyclones and floods. That's why Council has created a range of resources on disaster management and preparedness to help you minimise the impact of a disaster. You can access the Burdekin Emergency Action Guide, which provides practical advice on what to do before, during and after a disaster. You can also visit the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard, which offers reliable and up-to-date information on emergencies in the area and opt-in to receive notifications via email or SMS. Stay safe and informed, visit Councils website at Burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Having played a major role in the infrastructure development in the Burdekin, Bowen and Whitsundays areas over the last 50 years, BQC Quarries has proven its undeniable commitment to quality decade after decade. With all three arms of the business – BQC Quarries, Burdekin Concrete and BQC Sands – celebrating milestones in 2024, Operations Manager Lawrence Fahey reflects on the last half a century with pride in the product and appreciation of loyal customers.

BQC Quarries commenced in 1974, initially operating out of the Rocks Quarry in Clare as well as a civil contracting service undertaking subdivision work and major projects on the Bruce Highway for the Department of Transport and Main Roads. In 1984, the concrete batch plant was established to diversify the business’s offerings and allow it to move away from civil work, with Burdekin Concrete celebrating 40 years in 2024. To top it all off, BQC Sands was established in late 2022 and recently celebrated one year in business.

“Since the quarry’s inception, we have always had a technical representative with a civil engineering background starting with my father, John Fahey,” Mr Fahey said. “This is unusual for family-owned independent quarries and normally something that only the Tier 1 companies could offer. Our advantage has been that we have always been able to offer that technical advice with a small business mentality that offers a collaborative and tailored service.”

Supplying roadbases, cover aggregates, scour rock, structural concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, decorative pebble, screened sand and much more, BQC Quarries prides itself on designing materials to meet bespoke requirements if and when required. Quality is of utmost importance to the business, and nothing leaves its sites unless it passes preapproved NATA endorsed testing.  

“It shocks most people when I tell them the amount of third party testing we do to meet specification,” Mr Fahey said. “As a result, we have had to upgrade our sites in recent times. For example, our concrete plant has an automated batching system to ensure a consistent product and a chilled water plant to decrease concrete temperatures.

“Like any industry, it is dynamic and ever changing. You have to be thinking ahead or you will be left behind.”

Now with a team of approximately 50 across the three businesses, Mr Fahey highlighted his appreciation and importance of their staff who he emphasised have always held a high work ethic and a family-based approach to work culture and the customer experience. Giving back to the community is also important to the business because, as Mr Fahey puts it, “without the community, there is no need for a quarry or concrete plant to exist.”

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BQC Operations Manager Lawrence Fahey

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In a groundbreaking initiative, Burdekin Funerals, in partnership with its sister company Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium, has introduced The Gentle Way, an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial and cremation practices. This innovative process not only honours departed loved ones but also contributes significantly to reducing carbon footprints.

The Gentle Way has already made a substantial impact, saving between 200 to 270 kilograms of carbon dioxide per process. Townsville Funerals has processed 110 loved ones through The Gentle Way, including several from Burdekin Funerals, resulting in the preservation of approximately 26,400 kilograms of carbon dioxide and the planting of 110 new trees – a symbolic "tree of life" presented to each family.

Setting a precedent as the only Environmental Funeral Home in Townsville, Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium distinguishes itself by offering eco-friendly alternatives to families seeking sustainable options for their departed loved ones.

Understanding the Three Processes

Burials: Traditional burials contribute to environmental degradation through the release of ions, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals into the soil and water. The use of embalming solutions and non-biodegradable coffins further compounds the ecological impact.

Cremation: While cremation is a common choice, it poses environmental challenges with air and water pollution. The high temperatures involved release toxins into the air, and the ashes, containing remnants of radiation and chemicals, can contaminate waterways and soils.

The Gentle Way: This revolutionary method employs alkaline and water, completely eliminating pollution. Families can opt to hire a casket at a fraction of the cost of a traditional coffin, and the process allows for a gentle breakdown of the body. The unique feature of The Gentle Way is the opportunity to transform a small portion of the remains into a Desert Rose, symbolizing the "Tree of Life."

While The Gentle Way offers an eco-friendly alternative, Burdekin Funerals and Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium remain committed to providing traditional burials and cremations for families with different preferences. Additionally, for those with existing funeral insurance or bonds with other funeral homes, the option to transfer to Burdekin Funerals for The Gentle Way process is available. As the funeral industry embraces more sustainable practices, The Gentle Way stands out as a compassionate and environmentally friendly choice, offering families a meaningful and responsible farewell option for their loved ones.

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Get ready for the rural event of the year, with Burdekin Boars and Barras back on the calendar for 2024!

Speaking to the hobbies and passions of the region, and with something for everyone, get ready to get behind the rod or behind the pistols, and help fundraising efforts for Clare State School.

Fun for the whole family, the event schedule includes the coveted weigh-in presentations, for all pigs, fish and crabs, the well-stocked licensed bar, Rotary food tent, Lillie’s cubby house, live music by non-other than Tammy Moxon, plus face painting and merch stall selling the very best branded clothing and accessories.

With over $7000 worth of prize money on offer, in both junior, senior and open categories across all classes, this is set to be a weekend of fun and excitement.

Register now: burdekin-boars-barras.spiffystores.com

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WHAT: Burdekin Boars and Barras 2024
WHERE: Claire Sports and Recreation Club
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 2nd and 3rd March

TICKETS: $10 Junior, $20 Senior, through

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Initial inspections of sugar cane paddocks across the Herbert and Burdekin indicate approximately 5% of crop to have experienced damage following ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily making landfall last week.

Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Chair Charles Quagliata said he and other members of the QCAR team have been active in the field, liaising with growers, members and other agencies to assess the damage.

“The bigger cane varieties seem to have laid over as it usually does in windy weather,” he said.

“A lot of the ratoons that were cut late have copped the most effect.

“There are a few snapped tops as well.”

With reports of lodged and snapped cane, QCAR Senior Technical Officer said the damage “could have been a lot worse” and believes the crop will be okay, but there are still setbacks to be expected.

“As we all know, when a crop lodges before it is fully grown, it takes some time for the crop to resume its maximum growth rates,” Mr Di Bella stated.

“This stress event could have an impact on cane yields, because the crop will need to divert some of energies from producing biomass into reestablishing itself.”

“It has been a while since we’ve been severely impacted by a cyclone so we can think ourselves lucky but there is most definitely some damage and there will be some setback in the 2024 crop,” Mr Quagliata said.

QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou also pointed out: “When sugar cane is lodged, the plant will use the sugars in the stalk as energy to grow upwards again.”

Mr Di Bella confirmed this stating, “Research findings undertaken over the years has shown that, lodged cane generally has a lower sugar content, when compared to erect crops.

“Also tipped cane stools collected at harvest time can also lower sugar levels when sent to the mill.”

Mr Spyrou continued, stating, “The best thing that can occur is that we have good growing conditions between now and the start of the crush to recover some of the sugars lost.

“Not only has the cane bent over and snapped, but the wind has stripped the leaves and left them in a damaged state.

“Now, all of the chlorophyll has to reform so it’s going to hamper the photosynthesis process of the cane, while having a negative impact on cane yield.”

Mr Quagliata said that while flooding wasn’t an issue, local growers were expecting more rain to come from the cyclone and prepared accordingly.

“It was a very dry cyclone which is a little disappointing in a way,” he said.

“We copped the wind and lodging but didn’t really get the benefit of the rainfall to follow.

“I personally had discussions with some members as the cyclone was approaching and, seeing that a lot of rain was above the system, a lot of growers did pre-water their crop to let it lodge rather than snap.

“The ground was soft, which allowed it to lodge rather than break off at the base.

“Having a cyclone in January rather than April, the cane is at a very brittle stage.

“All you can do is pretty much clean up and hope for the best.”

Additionally, there have been no reports of damage to Wilmar Sugar Mills in the Herbert and Burdekin.

“We’re hoping that they’re still on track with their maintenance schedule and hoping that they’re ready for an early June start and for a really good season crush rate,” Mr Quagliata said.

In reflection, Mr Quagliata identified two elements to the cyclone’s impact.

“One is the lodged and snapped cane, and the second part of it is the cane actually recovering from the blow, which does set the crop back until it’s turned its head and starts growing up again,” he said.

“If the crop is still standing and we have nice rainfall, the crop would be most definitely in a much better position than where it is now.”

QCAR’s Senior Agricultural Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella is available to answer any questions members may have about the state and health of their crop post-cyclone.

Contact 07 4783 2111 for more information.

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QCAR Chair Charles Quagliata

Sugar cane has lodged and snapped across the Burdekin following ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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In November of last year, the class of 2023 celebrated the conclusion of their high school careers and began the next chapters of their young-adult lives. For Ayr State High School Valedictorian, Chelsea Scalia, this meant celebrating her outstanding 90s ATAR score achievement, and accepting an offer to enroll in a Bachelors of Speech Pathology at James Cook University.

With the responsibilities of being Ayr State High School’s School Captain, holding a part-time employment position, and maintaining social commitments, Chelsea was grateful she set herself up for success from year 10 in creating a suitable study routine she felt confident in.  

“You need to learn how to manage your time well and have a social life to avoid burning yourself out,” explained Chelsea.

Chelsea’s study routine involved acknowledging and understanding her own abilities to maximize productivity without exertion by prioritizing time spent inside the classroom and following up with daily revision and study at home in the hours before dinner.

In the time leading up to final examinations, Chelsea restructured her study routine to ensure she achieved her desired results, and found the ultimate formular, social study.

“It was good to sit with my friends and have a chat about something completely different in-between my studying because when you’re studying and grinding non-stop, you get over it,” explained Chelsea.

“Then you’re doing the same thing when you get home, and you’re by yourself, so I would always chat to my friends and try to study differently.”

Chelsea believes each student should begin exploring all their potential interests from the beginning of their senior schooling (year 10) to ensure they are able to confidently make the right career choices for themselves when the time comes. Chelsea took advantage of all opportunities presented to her to gain industry experience, and undertook work experience periods in the Burdekin, Townsville, and Brisbane of varying pathways.

Subject selection begins at the conclusion of year 9, and although Chelsea didn’t know at the time what degree she wanted to pursue at university, she chose her senior subjects accordingly to keep all doors open.

“I knew I wanted to go to university, so I chose subjects that led me in that direction, and I made sure I did as well as I could in grades 10 and 11 because that only sets you up for success in year 12.”

In leaving Ayr State High School behind as she embarks on her tertiary education journey, she believes she’ll miss the friendships with classmates and teachers dearly.

“The lunchtime conversations and the silly comments in class will be what I’ll miss the most, and also all the teachers because they’re always there to help you regardless, even if it’s not about school, just supporting you in all aspects of life,” explained Chelsea.

Chelsea will commence her 4-year degree program from 29 January, where she is eager to immerse herself in studies focused on her future career prospects and experience all the independence and personalized learning university entails.

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ASHS 2023 Valedictorian Chelsea Scalia. Photo supplied

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