Community News

Meet Kristy From Harvey Norman Ayr

Meet Kristy From Harvey Norman Ayr

Born and raised in Ayr, Kristy Grabs knows the value of community—and she brings that local warmth to every interaction in her role as floor manager at Harvey Norman Ayr. With four years at the store under her belt—one in computers, and the last three in electrical—Kristy’s retail career stretches far beyond Harvey Norman. She spent 15 years at Overflow, where she worked her way up into a management position, and helped open Silly Solly’s before joining the Harvey team. “I love interacting wit

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Experience First Class Service At Carmichael Ford

Experience First Class Service At Carmichael Ford

Tucked just off Queen Street lies Carmichael Ford—a powerhouse of automotive knowledge and expertise. And while the building may have changed location, customers still receive the same experience, loyalty and service that has always lived inside. At the helm of this close-knit team is Jenna Heidke, Branch Manager and spare parts interpreter—a title that, she laughs, “means you’ve got to be a bit of a detective!” Jenna joined the company in 2002 as an apprentice parts interpreter in Bowen. It wa

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Neighbourhood Centre Week

Neighbourhood Centre Week

Neighbourhood Centre Week is a nationwide initiative held annually in May to celebrate the vital role and impact of local Neighbourhood and Community Centres. This year, the theme for Queensland is ‘The heart of our community’. From the 12th to 18th May, Neighbourhood Centres celebrated in various ways, from community meals to community murals. The week united communities across Queensland by connecting people in a statewide celebration while saying thank you and encouraging Queenslanders to cel

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Keeping The Flame Alive In The Burdekin

Keeping The Flame Alive In The Burdekin

As the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival draws near, two standout events promise to deliver unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors: the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships (AHCCC) and the iconic First Fire. For long-time competitor and local grower Mark Vass, the championships are about more than just sharp knives and speed. “It’s good tradition,” he says. “We have all these flashy machines now that do everything, so it's good to go back and get a taste of how hard it was.” The

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Autonomous Farming On Display

January 17, 2024

The Burdekin agriculture community gathered to experience the future of farming recently as Sugar Research Australia (SRA) hosted a demonstration of Robotti, a Danish developed autonomous farm vehicle.

The Robboti has been imported by Bundaberg company Farm Concepts and is designed for precision operations such as seeding, weeding and spraying, as displayed by Farm Concepts Director Braden Hellmuth and SRA District Manager Terry Granshaw in a cane field at the SRA’s Burdekin Station, Brandon yesterday, Wednesday, January 15.

Mr Hellmuth demonstrated the vehicle and its capabilities of both the hardware and software.

The machine can operate 24/7 without a driver, solely guided by GPS and cameras.

Robboti, the creation of Danish field robotics company Agrointelli, is in operation on farms throughout Europe and around the world and was first imported to Australia in 2022.

“Automation is growing significantly in Australia and agriculture is an important sector in the country,” said Agrointelli CCO Jakob Bebe at the time.

“Robboti can play a significant role in automating the agricultural processes and therefore, we see Australia as an interesting market.”

To find out more about the innovation, visit https://bit.ly/3tOTNyP.

Robotti in the field. Photo supplied

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MP Calls For Investigation Into Supermarket Prices

January 17, 2024

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is backing calls for an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Inquiry into fruit and vegetable prices to make supermarkets pay their fair share.

“While Coles and Woolworths made record profits of more than $1 billion each last year, the individuals and families living in our electorate of Dawson are struggling with rising grocery costs during a cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Willcox said.

“Over the past 18 months we have seen fuel prices increase, energy prices increase, and now we’re all paying more at the checkout while supermarkets are paying farmers less and it’s not good enough.

“Farmers are integral to Australia, they provide food and fibre to the entire nation, and as a third-generation farmer myself I know just how difficult it can be on our farming families.

“If something doesn’t happen soon, we run the risk of seeing farmers walking away entirely and food security in Australia plummet.”

In November last year Mr Willcox urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to launch an investigation into supermarket meat sale prices and the Dawson MP is now putting the pressure on them to expand that investigation to include fruits and vegetables.

“Something must be done, it’s now a matter of urgency,” Mr Willcox emphasised.

“After 100 days from their announcement for a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, the Prime Minister has only just appointed someone to lead the review and it’s too little too late.

“A review isn’t going to go far enough.

“The ACCC has the expertise and the ability to do something about this issue, and the last thing we need are more politicians who don’t have the intricate understanding of market and pricing policies just sitting around asking questions.

“This is not only impacting family budgets in Dawson it is now starting to impact the health of families living here.

“We’re seeing reports of families bypass the fresh food section in their local supermarkets altogether and instead opt for cheaper, unhealthy pre-packaged meals.

“We are seeing Queenslanders hospitalised for diet deficiencies so severe that they’re leading to diseases such a scurvy and rickets, and if the cost of fruits and vegetables continue to rise this is only going to get worse.

“The Albanese Labor Government must act before it’s too late.

“We need to ensure there is an ACCC Inquiry into supermarket price gouging.

“The families and farmers in our electorate of Dawson deserve an urgent response and I am going to do everything I can to make sure that happens.”

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Your Rural Rodeo Retailers

January 17, 2024

Home-grown Bowen locals Wendy Bickhoff and her family have been the friendly faces behind Corals City 2 Country since 2009. Retailing high quality western wear, fashion, school clothing and saddlery, Wendy’s description of what her business entails brought a smile to our faces.

“We always say, we sell everything from your hat to your hanky,” said Wendy.

With two kids, a dog and a horse, Wendy and her husband are forever busy, working up to six days a week in the Whitsundays and seven when traveling. After all the hours the pair put into the business, it’s the interactions between customers that stand as Wendy’s highlights when reflecting on the past 15 years.

“The people that you meet in the store or on the road make your day, they become like family, and best friends,” explained Wendy.

With western wear still a focus of the business, Corals City 2 Country has begun retailing locally handmade products, as well as offering a Lazer engraving service to personalize customer’s pieces. Opportunities for growth and innovative approaches to business operations are always on Wendy’s mind, with customers and co-workers having never seen her sit still.

“I am always looking for something different to add to the store, and we talk to all our customers to see what they are looking for as well.”

Wendy and her team pride themselves on conducting their business with old fashioned service, and always seek to work above and beyond for their customers.

The team at Coral City 2 Country, Wendy and Mark Bickhoff and Mary, Wendy’s mother

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Cheers To 50 Years With McCathies Furniture Plus

January 17, 2024

Last week, Burdekin Life reported on local business McCathies Furniture Plus celebrating 50 years in 2024.

To reflect this tremendous golden anniversary, Kari and her team warmly invite you to join them at McCathies Furniture Plus on the evening of Thursday, February 8 to enjoy bubbles, memories, and Cheers to 50 Years – this event is not happening today, January 18 as reported last week.

Every customer from Thursday, February 8 to Thursday, February 15 will get $50 in McCathies Money to spend in-store during that week, while there will also be a $500 gift voucher hidden in store for one lucky customer to find.

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Style Your Life With Dominiques

January 17, 2024

Approaching its 16th year of business in the bustling Burdekin region, Dominiques Flowers and Funk has adapted and transformed to suit the ever-changing business landscape whilst keeping true to owner, Jenny’s strong family values.

When the business began in 2008, Dominiques Flowers and Funk stood as a florist and accessory store, with a touch of event styling introduced in later years. In 2020, COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for change among each business in the Burdekin region, and for Jenny, she was prompted to introduce clothing to her retail range, and re-structure the event styling component of the store.

“We passed the event side over to my daughter-in-law, and now we get to relax, and sell beautiful clothing all day long,” said Jenny.

Since the introduction of an online store front for Dominiques Flowers and Funk, Jenny and her team are loving the fast-paced environment and are grateful for being the busiest they have ever been.

“We are forever getting in early, leaving late, responding to people’s messages as soon as we get them, and shipping orders as fast as humanly possible,” explained Jenny.

Jenny believes it’s the dedication to producing the highest quality of customer service that has granted the business 16 years of trading.

“We have 16 years’ experience in listening to our clients, doing our best to give them exactly what they are looking for, and we’re forever changing and trying something new.

“We love seeing people leaving the store feeling great about themselves in their new outfit.”

The friendly team at Dominiques

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Unlocking Your Best Self Building Resilience And Reinvention In The New Year

January 17, 2024

As the calendar resets and the New Year unfolds, it presents an opportune moment for introspection, growth, and personal transformation. The concept of unlocking your best self isn't merely a cliché; it's a journey toward building resilience, fostering self-discovery, and embracing reinvention.

Resilience, the cornerstone of this journey, embodies the ability to bounce back from adversity, navigate life's challenges, and emerge stronger. It's not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with courage, adaptability, and a resilient spirit. The New Year provides a canvas to cultivate this resilience, to fortify the mind, body, and spirit against life's inevitable ebbs and flows.

Building resilience is a multifaceted process that involves various practices and approaches. Here are five steps to cultivate resilience and how they can assist in navigating everyday challenges:

1. Developing a Growth Mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of life and see them as chances to learn. When faced with the challenge of exercising on rainy days, a growth mindset helps reframe it as an opportunity to try indoor workouts, fostering adaptability.

2. Cultivating Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness during difficult times. Recognise that everyone faces challenges, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. When encountering stressful work deadlines, practicing self-compassion helps reduce self-criticism, allowing space to focus on tasks without added mental pressure.

3. Building a Supportive Network

Foster relationships with family, friends, or support groups. Strong social connections provide emotional support and perspective during tough times. When dealing with personal relationship setbacks, a supportive network offers a safe space for discussion, advice, and emotional comfort.

4. Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management

Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into daily routines. Mindfulness helps manage stress, promotes emotional regulation, and enhances mental clarity. When facing everyday stressors, mindfulness techniques assist in maintaining a calm and composed mindset.

5. Setting Realistic Goals and Taking Decisive Action

Break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Prioritise tasks and take proactive steps toward your objectives. When struggling with motivation to exercise or facing work deadlines, setting achievable daily goals creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates consistent progress.

Building resilience equips individuals with the tools to navigate daily challenges:

   • Motivation for Exercise in Adverse Conditions: Resilience fosters adaptability, allowing you to find alternative workout routines or see rainy days as an opportunity for different physical activities, maintaining consistency in your exercise regimen.

   • Handling Stressful Work Deadlines: Resilience encourages a problem-solving attitude, helping break down complex tasks into manageable components. This approach aids in maintaining focus, managing time efficiently, and handling pressure effectively.

   • Navigating Personal Relationship Setbacks: Resilience promotes emotional balance and self-awareness. It enables individuals to process emotions constructively, communicate effectively, and seek support when facing relationship challenges.

Building resilience empowers individuals to navigate life's trials with adaptability, and a positive mindset, making every challenge an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

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Event guide

January 17, 2024

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Verve Dance Festival

January 17, 2024

Five days of dancing has wrapped up at the Burdekin Theatre as the Verve Dance Festival took over the Burdekin from Thursday, January 11 to Monday, January 15.

The competition gives local competitors another opportunity to showcase their talents while bringing people from across north, central, and west Queensland to the Burdekin.

Competitors aged 20 years and under performed in over 100 sections across the weekend.

Read on to find a selection of results.

SECTION: 001 4 years and under Tiny Tots Solo

1st Calayah Ferris

SECTION: 006 9 years Classical Solo

1st Elle Rose Cummings

2nd Summer Keating

3rd Ava Whybird

SECTION: 007 10 years Classical Solo

1st Shiloh Belle Sunnerdale

2nd Gracie Corowa

3rd Emma Maxey

SECTION: 016 6 years and under Demi-Character Solo

1st Frankie Whybird

2nd Arison Deicke

SECTION: 017/018 7 - 8 years Demi-Character Solo

1st Harvey Rose McClelland

2nd Ayllah Ferris

3rd Mackenzie Brown

SECTION: 019 9 years Demi-Character Solo

1st Elle Rose Cummings

2nd Summer Keating

3rd Annabelle Brooks

SECTION: 021/022 11 - 12 years Demi-Character Solo

1st Owen Reed

2nd Izalea Patuwai

2nd Peyton Prothero

3rd Abbie Grace Court

SECTION: 030/031 7 - 8 years Tap Solo

1st Harriet Lawson

2nd Harvey Rose McClelland

3rd Indigo Tranberg

SECTION: 033 10 years Tap Solo

1st Lataf-Elya Tietie

2nd Gracie Corowa

3rd Savannah Large

SECTION: 034 11 years Tap Solo

1st Abbie Grace Court

2nd Izalea Patuwai

3rd Demi Cook

SECTION: 035 12 years Tap Solo

1st Blake Calkin

2nd Charlotte Finch

3rd Ruby Harland

SECTION: 045 12 years Slow or Waltz Tap Solo

1st Charlotte Finch

2nd Brooke Wilkinson

3rd Savannah Jackson

SECTION: 061 6 years and under Jazz Solo

1st Ella Schurmann

2nd Frankie Whybird

3rd Mackenzie McDonald

SECTION: 065 10 years Jazz Solo

1st Gracie Corowa

2nd Emma Maxey

3rd Paityn Sukaserm

SECTION: 066 11 years Jazz Solo

1st Izalea Patuwai

2nd Peyton Prothero

3rd Abbie Grace Court

3rd Paeton Lorraway

SECTION: 079 8 years and under Lyrical Solo

1st Harvey Rose McClelland

2nd Maeve Young

3rd Ayllah Ferris

SECTION: 082 11 years Lyrical Solo

1st Peyton Prothero

2nd Izalea Patuwai

3rd Abbie Grace Court

SECTION: 089 8 years and under Contemporary Traditional Solo

1st Grace Hills

SECTION: 090/091 9 - 10 years Contemporary Traditional Solo

1st Payton Letitia Hills

2nd Brooklyn Keating

3rd Summer Keating

SECTION: 100/101 9 - 10 years Contemporary Commercial Solo

1st Sunny Rowbotham

2nd Radha Haller

3rd Payton Letitia Hills

SECTION: 112 11 - 12 years Hip Hop Solo

1st Paeton Lorraway

2nd Izalea Patuwai

3rd Meela Thornton

SECTION: 116 8 years and under Song & Dance Solo

1st Harvey Rose McClelland

2nd Indigo Tranberg

SECTION: 118 11 - 12 years Song & Dance Solo

1st Paeton Lorraway

SECTION: 129 8 years and under Student Choreography Solo

1st Harriet Lawson

2nd Grace Hills

SECTION: 138 9 - 10 years Acro Solo

1st Mikayla Close

2nd Summer Keating

SECTION: 142 8 years and under Improvisation - Classical Solo

1st Grace Hills

SECTION: 148 8 years and under Improvisation - Jazz Solo

1st Ayllah Ferris

2nd Indigo Tranberg

3rd Grace Hills

SECTION: 150 11 - 12 years Improvisation - Jazz Solo

1st Abbie Grace Court

2nd Izalea Patuwai

3rd Paeton Lorraway

SECTION: 155 9 - 10 years Improvisation - Tap Solo

Sponsored by Wilmar Sugar & Renewables

1st Gracie Corowa

2nd Payton Letitia Hills

3rd Lataf-Elya Tietie

3rd Summer Keating

SECTION: 160 8 years and under Open Duo/Trio

1st Frankie Whybird & Noah Logan

2nd Estelle Mooney & Harriet Lawson

For full results, visit Verve Dance Festival on Facebook.

Photo credit: KR Photos & Videos - Keeara & Reece

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Looking For Something To Do This Weekend?

January 17, 2024

Dedicate a day to exploring the diverse history of the Burdekin. From farming triumphs to the hidden stories of WWII shelters, each place unfolds a unique tale.

Follow along on this one day history tour, courtesy of Visit Burdekin, North Queensland on Facebook:

   • Starting in the small town of Brandon, you will find the Brandon Heritage Precinct, home to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists. Inside you will find a display of old farm machinery including the restored 1910 Marshall C Class Tractor, the only one of its class left in the world.

   • Travel into Ayr to find a number of heritage-listed and restored buildings. Within the Ayr CBD, admire the iconic Town Clock, Council Chambers, Ayr Post Office and Court House. Learn more about the Ayr Historic Town Walk at www.visitburdekin.com.au.

   • Head over the Burdekin Bridge to Home Hill to find Pioneer Avenue, telling the story of the region's pioneering families. The plaques sit under the shady trees in the main street of Home Hill, Eighth Avenue, Bruce Highway.

   • The Silver Link Interpretive Display at the Home Hill Visitor Information Centre houses many photos depicting the history of the region and the construction of the iconic Burdekin Bridge.

   • Just 8km south of Home Hill is the Charlie's Hill WWII site, the No 211 Radar Station was one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline used during World War II.

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Rescue Pet Of The Week Meet Lara

January 17, 2024

Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $425

DOB: 1/1/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Cattle Dog Cross Shepherd

Kid Friendly: Yes, Older Children

Cat Friendly: Untested

Other Dogs: Yes, Slow Introduction

Fences: 6 Foot

This spirited and youthful pup, named Lara, is bursting with energy and is incredibly excited to meet her forever family.

With an affectionate and friendly nature, Lara just loves people and thrives with any sort of human interaction, making her an excellent addition to an active and busy household, who are dynamic and adore their four-legged furry friend.

Due to Lara’s massive energy, she is best suited to a household with older children that she can play with, and that can give her great exercise and stimulation daily. Lara loves puzzles that keep her mind active and enjoys a walk during the day.

Always ready for an adventure, Lara is excited to meet you.

Lara is desexed, microchipped, is up to date on her vaccinations, has been treated for fleas, ticks, and worms, and is on heartworm preventative.

If you are interested to meet Lara, complete and submit an animal inquiry form:

https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfVFbEvYZqF9l.../viewform

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Event guide

January 11, 2024

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50 Years Of Furniture With The McCathies

January 11, 2024

The Golden Anniversary of McCathies Furniture Plus marks half a century of providing high quality service to the Burdekin region and beyond, with third generation owners, Rob and Kari Ravizza, and their team delivering wonderful pieces of furniture all along the East Coast.

In 1974, Kari’s grandparents, Jack and Milly McCathie established the Ayr Secondhand Dealers. Well-known names in the Burdekin region, the pair had introduced many successful businesses to the town including the Supreme Taxi Service, Mac’s Milk Bar, Mac’s Ayr Toyland, McCathies Real Estate, and McCathie & Jones Travel Agency.

In 1978, Kari’s parents, John and Lyndy McCathie, relocated Ayr Secondhand Dealers from its original location, where Burdekin Motors stands today, to its current space a few blocks down at 262 Queen Street. 1998 saw Ayr Secondhand Dealers shift into a retailer of new furniture under numerous variations of business names, all under the McCathie title. In 2013, Kari and Rob relocated back home to the Burdekin and became the new partners in the business, now known as McCathies Furniture Plus.

“The plus means a lot of things, and it’s a running joke having a plus of the day, with it being the occasional goanna wrangling, or dressing up a life-size baby elephant out the front of the shop, but our amazing staff and customers are always my favorite plus,” said Kari.

“If you haven’t been in for a while, it’s definitely time you checked us out in store or online, as we’d love to help you with your new furniture and bedding needs.”

To reflect this tremendous golden anniversary, Kari and her team warmly invite you to join them at McCathies Furniture Plus on the evening of Thursday, January 18 to enjoy bubbles, memories, and Cheers to 50 Years.

Every customer from Thursday January 18 to Thursday January 25 will get $50 in McCathies Money to spend in-store during that week, while there will also be a $500 gift voucher hidden in store for one lucky customer to find.

Lyndy McCathie holding Murphy the dog, Kari Ravizza, Rob Ravizza and John McCathie with a photo of Milly and Jack McCathie

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Justice For Jean The Mission To Honour The Unmarked Grave Of 1930s Murder Victim

January 11, 2024

In 1932, a 19-year-old woman named Jean Morris, widely believed to not be her real name, was brutally murdered in a house she was renting on Queen Street, Ayr.

Jean was buried in an unmarked grave at the Ayr cemetery and, over 90 years later, local man Henry Petersen and his friend Paula Dawson are spearheading a fundraising campaign to ensure Jean’s story is remembered forever.

“This girl is part of history,” Mr Petersen said.

“She died a tragic death.

“Even though she was only in Ayr for seven days, she’s still a part of our history.”

Jean Morris

Ayr man Henry Petersen is leading a fundraising campaign to place a headstone on the unmarked grave of murder victim Jean Morris. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Unsolved Murder Of ‘Stiletto’ Jean

And The Mission To Honour Her Unmarked Grave

When Jean Morris arrived in Ayr, Australia was amidst the Great Depression while north Queensland was fighting its own battle against the Black Hand, an Italian crime syndicate targeting Italian Australian cane farmers and workers.

Jean had been working as a sex worker in Sydney when she moved up the coast, seeking new clients and new streams of income from the more affluent canecutters and Italian immigrants of north Queensland.

“She was of Italian descent, and she was such a good Italian speaker that she came up here where all the canecutters were as they were the only people with money,” said Henry Petersen, an Ayr man leading a fundraising campaign to honour Jean’s memory.

According to an article written and compiled by Queensland Police Museum Volunteer and Crime and Policing Historian Dr Anastasia Dukova, Jean was said to have become involved with the Black Hand while in north Queensland, led by Vincenzo D’Agostino who developed a romantic interest in her.

“D’Agostino was in love with her, and she didn’t like him and refused his advances,” Mr Petersen added.

“At the end of the day, he said she knew too much and had to go.”

Jean arrived in Ayr via Home Hill, Cloncurry, Innisfail, and Cairns on September 29, 1932.

She was last seen alive on the night of October 3 before her body was discovered in her bed in a small two-roomed galvanised iron house in Queen Street by an Electric Light Company employee at 10:00am the next day.

According to the post-mortem examination, Jean sustained 43 stab wounds about half an inch wide and four inches deep.

The inquest showed Jean Morris died about eight hours earlier, with evidence indicating a dagger or stiletto shoe was used to inflict the narrow and deep wounds.

While involvement from the Black Hand was suspected, the murder remains unsolved, with police closing in on a suspect who fled to Italy where he was arrested and hanged himself in an Italian prison.

Jean’s story was recently revitalised in 2023 when a documentary telling of the activities and stories surrounding the Black Hand aired on the ABC, which reignited Mr Petersen’s interest.

With the help of Paula Dawson and Amie Griggs of Burdekin Funerals, he set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a gravestone at her burial site.

“A lot of people question why I’m doing it, and I say, ‘Would you like to be in an unmarked grave? Is that how you want to be remembered?’” Mr Petersen said.

“She was a human being.

“No one deserves to be brutally murdered like that.

“She should be remembered, and people should be able to go and visit her gravesite.”

Mr Petersen was recently contacted by Respect Inc, a non-profit, peer-based organisation focused on protecting and promoting the rights, health, and wellbeing of Queensland sex workers.

Respect Inc State Coordinator Lulu Holiday also became interested in the story after seeing the documentary.

“Being a sex worker was such a big part of Jean’s story,” said Ms Holiday.

“She was up here, working alone, making her way for herself and she was doing really well, but because of the stigma and vilification around sex work, Jean found herself in this situation where she had no support, she couldn’t go to the police, and at the end of the day, that’s a huge part of why she ended up dying.”

After googling Jean, Ms Holiday discovered she had been laid to rest in an unmarked grave and has since thrown her support behind the campaign.

“Respect Inc as an organisation felt like that did no justice for Jean and that didn’t honour her life, so decided we wanted to help Henry and Paula achieve the goal of honouring Jean with the dignity of a headstone,” Ms Holiday said.

“We want to see Jean get the respect and dignity that she deserves but also to see community attitudes change.

“I hear that the Burdekin community has been really supportive of the push to get Jean a headstone and it’s really heartening to see that community attitudes are starting to change towards sex workers.”

Over $1,600 has been raised towards placing a headstone on Jean Morris’ grave.

To find out more about the fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/stiletto-jean-morris-headstone-fundraiser or scan the QR code.

The documentary ‘The Black Hand’ can be viewed on ABC iview.

Paula Dawson is accepting donations for Jean Morris’ headstone at her hair salon.

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Sit Down With Sam

January 11, 2024

Hi readers

While I didn’t mention “reading more” as a new year’s resolution in last week’s ‘Sit Down With Sam’, this is one that goes unsaid as at the end of every year, I find myself unsatisfied with the amount of books I read and failing to reach my ‘Goodreads Reading Challenge’ goals.

These goals are arbitrary, of course, and I’m not going to beat myself up too much for not reaching them, but reading is one thing I’ve looked to do more of every year since I got back into it in lockdown so you’d think setting these goals would keep me on track.

Nevertheless, in the spirit of the Burdekin Library staff sharing their favourite reads of 2023 on page 21, I thought I’d share mine.

For me, a trip to Airlie Beach isn’t complete without a visit to Beach Book Boutique, and it was here in July last year that I stumbled upon ‘Blueback’ by Tim Winton.

Tim Winton is well known for his many Australian literary classics including ‘Cloudstreet’, while his ‘Lockie Leonard’ trilogy has captured the imaginations of generations of teen readers.

I plucked ‘Blueback’ from the often-overwhelming shelves of the store, admittedly drawn in by the small size of the book and my assumption that its size would make it a light, easy holiday read.

While first published in 1997, the edition I found was published in 1999 and is adorned with a beautiful cover illustration by Andrew Davidson; I was enamoured.

The cover depicts the book’s namesake, Blueback, a blue groper befriended by the protagonist, Abel Jackson, whose simple yet hardworking boyhood on the Western Australia coast is threatened by abalone poachers and the passing of time.

The book paints a stunning visual of life on the rugged WA coast and carries a powerful message of protecting our precious oceans.

It’s an easy yet impactful read and one that I’d recommend to readers of all ages.

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Community Rallies Behind Front Line Volunteers

January 11, 2024

The Burdekin Unit of the State Emergency Service (SES) has been engaged for 21 jobs since December 1, with one of the more significant callouts coming before New Year’s Eve.

During the two-day search for Elliot Spinaze, who worked at the Kalamia Hotel, the Hotel delivered food and drinks for lunch on Sunday, December 31 to keep the search workers and volunteers satiated.

“We’re very grateful, the Kalamia Hotel brought down some well-received food and refreshments for lunch on the Sunday,” said Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis.

“We were very grateful for that.

“It was out of the blue, we weren’t expecting it, so the Kalamia was good to us.”

Mr Francis also thanked Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin for taking a personal interest in the welfare of the volunteers.

“We’re supported by Council, even to the point where the Mayor rang to check the welfare of the searchers during the search,” he said.

“She’s that committed to the SES that she rang and asked how everyone’s going because of the heat and humidity.”

The SES is on the lookout for new members and volunteers.

To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.

Find out more about the search on page 3.

Police and SES searchers were well supported by the community during a recent search. Photo supplied

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