This week was definitely more relaxing from a professional standpoint—let’s call it the calm in the midst of the storm.

I had Friday off, as a few of my mates from Sydney came up to visit. Our expedition started in Townsville on Thursday, where we spent the night before heading down to Airlie Beach, with a scenic pit stop right here in the Burdekin to show my mates around my new home-town.

Having not known much about the place before arriving, they were pretty pleasantly surprised by North Queensland. We had a blast, and they definitely left with a better understanding of why I speak so highly of this place—and how that admiration goes far beyond not needing to wear three layers in winter.

And for all the fun I had, my coworkers were back in the office picking up my slack. Huge thanks to them for giving me the space to enjoy what felt like a much-needed moment of mental disconnection—and for, in general, helping me grow and flourish as a young journalist over the last few months.

As great as the break was, it’s now back to business. I’m looking forward to what the next few weeks bring.

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Have you checked the calendar? The winter school holidays have rolled around once again, marking the halfway point of the 2025 school year, the conclusion of term two, and the commencement of 14 days of endless fun! With so much to do and see in and around the Burdekin Shire, we’ve compiled a list of what’s hot this winter for you and your kids to enjoy…

ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover
Calling all radio enthusiasts and future broadcasters! The Burdekin Library has partnered with 97.1 Sweet FM to debut ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover on Friday, the 4th of July for an exciting opportunity directly in the Home Hill studio. Teenagers aged between 12 and 18 years are invited to take the microphone and learn everything there’s to know about radio production, scriptwriting, and recording with our very own home-grown professionals and special guest, Charlie Scuderi. The opportunity will provide attendees with hands-on media experience, allowing teenagers to learn something a bit different, and possibly broaden their career aspirations. The FREE event is set to run from 10am to 11:30am and bookings are absolutely essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch
An evening overflowing with community spirit, entertainment, a fabulous fashion show, and good vibes will adorn Populin’s Hall on Friday the 4th of July from 6pm onwards! With a wonderful mix of both Junior and Senior Water Festival Ambassadors set to make their debut, this event will serve as the perfect family night out these school holidays!

DIY Bookmarks
Get crafty with the Burdekin Library’s FREE DIY Bookmarks workshop on Monday, the 7th of July from 10am to 11am at the Ayr Branch on Graham Street! Kids aged 10 years and over are invited to make reading a little more fun and create their own handcrafted bookmark with plenty of markers, stickers, recycled book pages and more ready for imaginative little minds to run wild with! Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

DIY Board Games
Roll the dice and follow your creative intuition with the Burdekin Library’s DIY Board Game workshop on Wednesday the 9th of July! Set to be hosted at the Home Hill Branch, young crafters aged five years and over are invited to join in for a FREE fun filled session running from 1pm to 2pm! Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Circuit Chill & Create
The Burdekin Library’s Circuit Chill & Create FREE workshop will run once again these school holidays but this time round, with a frosty twist! Kids aged eight years and older are encouraged to see where their creativity takes them as they craft winter themed greeting cards and personalised stickers on Thursday, the 10th of July from 10am to 11am at the Burdekin Library’s Ayr Branch. Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.

Spend Time in the Sunshine
Although the frosty temperatures may tempt you to keep under the covers these winter school holidays, there are far too many awesome places out within the community, waiting for you and your family to explore! We’d be here until next year covering each and every hidden local gem, however, here are a few notable mentions that will get the blood pumping and warm you up in no time; from a hike up the mighty Mt Inkerman or a brisk walk, run or jog along Alva or Wunjunga Beach to the adrenaline inducing Home Hill Ninja Warrior Park at Watson’s Green!

With your itineraries full, and your energy levels high, it’s time to make the most of these school holidays, right here in the Burdekin Shire!

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Craft like you've never crafted before with the Burdekin Library's FREE school holiday activities (Photo Source: Burdekin Library)
Charlie Scuderi will lead teenagers through 97.1 Sweet FM's first ever ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover (Photo Credit: Mark T. Rasmussen)
Give the Home Hill Ninja Warrior Park a crack these school holidays! (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Pay Wunjunga Beach a visit and warm up with a jog along the sand (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Enjoy a family night out at the Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch this Friday evening (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)

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Queensland primary producers who have completed a Farm Business Resilience Plan (FBRP) are being invited to participate in a research initiative led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Bureau of Meteorology. The study aims to gather insights on the use of digital tools that provide climate information to support agricultural decision-making.

Eligible participants will engage in confidential interviews discussing their experiences with weather and climate risks, as well as the strategies outlined in their FBRPs. To acknowledge their time and contributions, participants will receive a $100 payment.

This research is part of the broader Climate Services for Agriculture program, which includes tools like My Climate View—a digital platform offering tailored climate projections for various agricultural commodities across Australia. The program is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and is designed to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate variability and change.

By participating, producers will contribute to the development of more effective climate services and tools, aiding in future drought planning and the refinement of FBRPs. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with practical farming strategies to bolster the sector's adaptability and sustainability.

For more information and to express interest in participating, please visit: https://brnw.ch/21wTj5k.

By Andrew Willcox MP – Federal Member for Dawson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities

The sugar crush across Dawson is on again, and it’s a timely reminder that cane trains are on the move and caution is needed around level crossings. Please, everyone — stay aware and remain safe on our roads.

As the federal member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, I am incredibly proud of our local sugar industry. Behind wheat, sugar is Australia’s most exported crop, generating around $2 billion in revenue every year — and a significant portion of that is grown right here in Dawson.

The industry provides a livelihood for thousands, with strong flow-on effects to other parts of our local economy. Our region truly is the sugar capital of Australia.

But our industry is more than just the sweet stuff in our coffees. Sugar is also used to generate electricity and in the production of bio-blended fuels — making it a quiet powerhouse in Australia’s renewable energy future.

In my new portfolio role, I’m keen to share the positive stories emerging from our sugar sector to ensure investment and innovation continue to flow into this region.

Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill is home to a 38-megawatt cogeneration plant that transforms cane byproducts — like bagasse — into renewable electricity. The plant currently supplies about 30 per cent of Mackay’s electricity needs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 200,000 tonnes annually.

Right next door, the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant (MRBPP) is pushing the envelope in research and development. Operated through a collaboration between Mackay Sugar and the Queensland University of Technology, the facility is helping demonstrate how sugarcane biomass can be converted into advanced biofuels, green chemicals, and other commercial-grade bioproducts.

Further south, Wilmar’s Plane Creek Mill — already a household name for its sweet treats — is also Australia’s largest sugar-based manufacturer of ethanol. Its ethanol is used in fuel blends, including emerging applications in aviation, adding another layer of value to the humble cane crop.

It’s a future that excites me. The industry is no longer just about farming and milling — it’s now about research, technology, and new frontiers in clean energy and manufacturing. With so much innovation underway, the potential applications of sugar byproducts are expanding dramatically, opening doors to greater investment and regional opportunity.

So next time you stir sugar into your morning cuppa, take a moment to consider the possibilities. You’re not just sweetening your drink — you’re connecting with one of Australia’s most dynamic and forward-looking industries.

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CANEGROWERS Australia Chairman Owen Menkens has been elected President of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG), marking a proud moment for the Australian sugarcane industry on the final day of the WABCG Conference in Cairns.

The appointment was confirmed during official proceedings last Wednesday, with delegates from around the world endorsing Mr Menkens to lead the peak global body representing sugarcane and beet growers from 38 countries.

“It’s a great honour to be elected to this position and to represent growers from around the world,” Mr Menkens said.

“Sugar producers globally are facing many shared challenges – from trade access and climate change to sustainability and pricing. The WABCG plays an important role in ensuring that growers’ voices are heard and that we learn from one another.”

Last week's gathering in Cairns marked the long-awaited return of the annual WABCG conference to Australia after more than 15 years.

Over three dynamic days, delegates from around the world explored the challenges and opportunities facing the global sugar industry, toured sugarcane farms across Far North Queensland, and experienced the region’s rich culture and warm hospitality.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said Mr Menkens’ election was a strong endorsement of Australia’s leadership in sustainable, innovative and grower-led sugarcane production.

“Owen is a passionate advocate for farmers and for the future of our industry,” Mr Galligan said.

“His election as WABCG President is a recognition of both his leadership and the role Australian growers play on the world stage.”

The conference wrapped up with a field tour through the Tableland and Gordonvale areas, providing international delegates with a firsthand look at Queensland’s cane farming regions and innovation in the paddock.

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A long-serving Burdekin paramedic has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List, receiving one of the highest accolades in the profession, the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).

Peter Heron, Acting Officer In Charge (OIC) at Kirwan Ambulance Station and a proud Juru man, is one of only four Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers to receive the honour in 2025.

Officer Heron has served with the QAS for nearly 30 years, working in rural and remote communities across Queensland, from Mount Isa, Julia Creek, Normanton and Mornington Island, to Ingham, the Northern Beaches, Ayr and Home Hill, where he remains a proud local.

In addition to his frontline work as a paramedic, Officer Heron also serves as an Indigenous Liaison Officer and a volunteer Peer Support Officer, dedicating significant time outside his shifts to supporting colleagues.

He said while the honour came as a surprise, it was deeply appreciated.

“I’m not someone generally who likes to have awards presented to me,” Officer Heron said.

“I do my job because I love helping the community and I certainly never expected this but it’s really nice to know someone appreciates what I do as part of the service.”

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery ASM commended Officer Heron’s distinguished service and strong leadership.

“Officer Heron has responded to many cyclones, floods and multi-casualty accidents, during his career,” Commissioner Emery said.

He highlighted Officer Heron’s 2004 deployment to Palm Island during a time of significant community unrest as a standout moment of leadership and dedication.

“In 2004, Officer Heron was deployed to the Palm Island riots following significant community unrest and his exemplary leadership and commitment to the Palm Island community ensured the welfare and safety of QAS officers, and seamless ambulance service delivery within the community during that difficult time.”

Commissioner Emery also praised Officer Heron’s ongoing work in culturally informed support and Indigenous health advocacy.

“Officer Heron is actively involved in the Priority One Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Service, which provides culturally specific advice and support to colleagues and he plays a crucial role in the Indigenous Paramedic Program’s recruitment, education and training," added Commissioner Emery.

"Officer Heron also works tirelessly for his local community, volunteering for the Burdekin Area Youth Watch, which supports local young community members and is a proud member of the Ayr and Home Hill Health Advisory Committee, which focuses on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in the region."

The Ambulance Service Medal is the highest national professional honour a paramedic can receive, awarded for distinguished service and leadership in the ambulance field.

"The QAS is immensely proud of Officer Heron’s tireless work for the service, and we thank him for his work over the years helping us to break down cultural barriers to health access and also to grow our staff ranks to better reflect the communities we serve,"said Commissoner Emery.

Joining Officer Heron on this year’s Honours List are Ian Tarr (Kedron), Wayne Kirk (Warwick), and Patrick Brown (Ingham), each recognised for their own contributions to the Queensland Ambulance Service.

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After decades of dedication, Peter Heron was celebrated in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List (Photo Supplied)

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Just ask all the wives
When the "Harvesting Season" arrives
They'll tell you how hard their man works
For no extra perks

Off to bed early each night to get a good sleep
Before they fall in a heap
To wake in the morning before sunrise, to then
Do it all over again

Whether driving the harvester or pulling the bins
The pattern is always the same
Cut the cane and fill up the bins
Haul em out, drop em off at the siding
Come back and do the same

When they come home had it, washed up and ready for tea
There's no time for the kids or even me
They eat with gusto then hit the hay
Sleep like logs, to be ready for another big day

When it's all done and the paddocks are bare
When the bins are all full and no longer there
It's a job well done and all are spent
They head on home, having earned every cent

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A group of green-thumbed students from Ayr State High School have been getting hands-on with native plants as part of their Certificate II in Production Horticulture studies.

The students recently visited the Lower Burdekin Landcare nursery, where they were guided by experienced volunteers through activities designed to deepen their understanding of local plant species and the vital role native vegetation plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

From identifying native flora to learning how these plants support biodiversity, the visit was a valuable opportunity to blend classroom learning with real-world experience.

Students also spent time at Home Hill State High School, where they practised practical horticultural techniques such as taking plant cuttings and preparing seedling trays—skills they’re eager to put to use in school gardens and agricultural plots.

Ayr High extended a warm thank you to Lower Burdekin Landcare for generously sharing their time and knowledge.

With experiences like these, the future of local horticulture looks bright!

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Sarah McDonnell has led an impressive academic career in the pursuit of advocating for women’s health initiatives through magnifying the misunderstood, under-discussed or heavily stigmatised conditions many face, especially in remote communities.

After graduating as Ayr State High School’s School Captain in 2020, Sarah went on to peruse a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville. In late 2026, Sarah will excitingly celebrate her tertiary graduation, and she hopes to lead a career in general practise, a speciality within the medical field in itself, with the option to peruse advanced skills in areas of interest, in particular, women’s health conditions.

“I’m particularly passionate about women’s health and hope to develop additional expertise in obstetrics and gynaecology,” Sarah shared.

“This would allow me to support women in rural and remote communities, providing antenatal care and helping deliver babies - something I see as both a privilege and a meaningful way to make healthcare more accessible.”

In her earlier academic years, Sarah volunteered for a plethora of women’s health initiatives promoting accessibility and education including Share the Dignity, marking the start of a long-term commitment to breaking down stigmas and improving access to care.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue medicine, and as I became more aware of the challenges women face - particularly around stigma, access, and representation in healthcare - my interest in this space only grew stronger,” said Sarah.

“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of helping people in a way that’s meaningful and long-term, which naturally led me to general practice as I love the continuity of care it offers - the opportunity to support someone through various stages of life, build strong therapeutic relationships, and even care for families across generations.”

Over the past five years of her medical studies, Sarah has continued to actively peruse every opportunity to build on her passion from taking elective placements and delivering over 10 babies to being part of several student-led organisations. Currently conducting a research project titled Beyond the Pain: The Psychological Impacts of Adenomyosis in Australia, Sarah hopes the findings will ultimately contribute to a broader understanding of the condition through identifying gaps in care, barriers to diagnosis and the unique challenges faced by different groups.

“My study, Beyond the Pain: The Psychosocial Impacts of Adenomyosis in Australia, is the first of its kind to explore how this condition affects women beyond just the physical symptoms,” explained Sarah.

“We’ve adapted a validated endometriosis quality-of-life tool to examine domains such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, sexual relationships, education, employment, and financial stability and by highlighting the broader impacts of adenomyosis, this project aims to improve understanding, advocate for earlier diagnosis, and push for more holistic, patient-centred care in women’s health.”

Approved by the JCU Human Research Ethics Committee, recruitment for the study has begun and biologically female participants residing in Australia aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of adenomyosis are invited to take an anonymous survey online at https://lnkd.in/dwHSUphe.

Sarah’s current project covers just one of many underrepresented and understudied women’s health conditions she has come across throughout the course of her degree, and with such a long-standing passion for women’s health, her interest and curiosity has continued to deepen.

“My perspective has shifted – not in terms of reducing my passion, but by fuelling a stronger drive to advocate for change.”

“I’ve come to realise how many gaps still exist in the literature, how much more we need to learn, and how often women’s health is reduced to physical symptoms alone. Ultimately, my studies have made me even more determined to push for a more inclusive, holistic, and well-researched approach to women’s health - one that truly reflects the complexity and importance of the lived experience.”

Sarah believes women’s health as a whole has been historically under-researched, further fuelling decades of diagnostic misconceptions, and dismissive attitudes.

“If I could change one thing about how women’s health is approached today, it would be shifting the focus from a purely gynaecological lens to a truly holistic one,” Sarah said.

“Too often, women are given short-term solutions like painkillers or hormonal treatments, without any real acknowledgement of the broader, long-term impact these conditions have on their lives.”

While the nation’s awareness of conditions like endometriosis has begun to grow, Sarah hopes pelvic pain will become a key topic among medical researchers to correct centuries of incorrect and non-existent clinical trials.

“There are many other causes of pelvic pain, including adenomyosis, fibrosis, and anatomical variations, that remain poorly understood and we still know every little about the underlying cause of many of these conditions, and treatment options are often limited, carry side effects or have unknown impacts on fertility – there is a real need for more research, better management pathways, and greater clinical and public awareness around pelvic pain as a whole,” Sarah added.

“Many live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis and endometriosis, for instance, has an average diagnostic delay of around 10 years - that’s a decade of ongoing pain, disruption, and the compounding effects on mental health, relationships, work, and daily life.”

Sarah’s current research project will continue recruiting candidates over the next six months, yet, with her tertiary studies quickly coming to an end, Sarah’s mission to bring awareness, generate research, and facilitate diagnostic tools is only just beginning.

“Through my Honours project and future practice, I hope to contribute to changing this narrative - by advocating for care that recognises and responds to the full psychosocial impact of women’s health conditions, not just the physical symptoms.”

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From Ayr SHS School Captain to future GP, Sarah McDonnell continues her mission to make women’s health care more accessible (Photo Supplied)
Currently completing her Honours research at JCU, Sarah is investigating the psychosocial impacts of adenomyosis in Australian women (Photo Supplied)
Sarah is on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery from JCU in late 2026 (Photo Supplied)
Sarah’s research project, Beyond the Pain, is the first Australian study of its kind focused on the psychological effects of adenomyosis (Photo Supplied)

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Representing Liessmann and Sons

Since she was just eight years old, Molly Julyan dreamt of one day becoming a Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador, and now, at the age of 21, she’s become the girl she used to admire.

“Going to the Grand Parades, seeing the floats go by and then afterwards, enjoying all the fun rides are memories that I’ll cherish forever,” reminisced Molly.

Hailing from Home Hill, Molly will represent Liessmann’s and Sons, and she could not be more excited and honoured to embark on her journey as a Senior Ambassador where she hopes to make many lifelong memories along the way.

“What motivated me to be an Ambassador for this year’s Burdekin Water Festival was to be able to give back to the community, step outside of my comfort zone and try something new,” shared Molly.

Above all else, Molly believes this opportunity will present her with a plethora of opportunities to grow, and for her confidence to flourish, noting she’s eager to support and contribute to the wider Burdekin community however she can both in and outside her role over the next four months.

“What excites me about this experience is getting myself out there by helping our beautiful community, supporting local businesses, forming new friendships with my fellow Ambassadors and supporting each other,” Molly added.

“But all around, I’m most excited to grow as a person, step out of my comfort zone, and give everything a go with a positive attitude.”

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Molly Julyan will represent Liessmann’s and Sons as a 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)

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The Story Behind CORES Queensland

CORES Queensland has been saving lives in the Burdekin for over 16 years. The organisation—run largely by volunteers—offers a wide range of mental health and suicide prevention services, quietly operating as the heartbeat of the community. Though, if you ask CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo, he’ll tell you it’s the other way around.

“The Burdekin community are the backbone of our program,” he says. “They are the reason we’ve survived all these years—we’re just so grateful.”

The CORES banner was first raised in rural Tasmania in 2003. It’s introduction to the mainland came in 2008, when Giru farmer Peter Shadforth saw a segment about CORES on TV, sparking the idea to launch the program in the Burdekin.

Since then, the program has evolved to offer counselling services, workplace training, self-care workshops and school presentations, among other forms of suicide prevention education.

Ross Romeo, a former cane farmer who’s been heavily involved in the program since its introduction to the region, says it brings him great joy to connect with and support the local community.

“I enjoy connecting with the community and helping people to learn,” he says. “When you run a workshop or do training and someone comes up to you and says ‘I got something out of that’—that makes it all worthwhile.”

For Ross and CORES, it’s all about everyone playing their part to support each other.

“We’re just one piece of the puzzle. There are so many people in the Burdekin doing great things—not just supporting us,” he says.

“They’re connecting people together in all these different ways, with all the groups and sports clubs—that, to me, is suicide prevention, because they’re supporting people and connecting people together, and that’s probably one of the biggest parts of the puzzle.”

CORES remains committed to educating Queensland in the future, with plans to extend their services further north.

“The long-term goal is to continue supporting the community, reinforcing where we already are as well as exploring opportunities to go into new areas if it’s possible,” says Romeo.

“We’ve recently started pushing further north, starting to deliver training around the Mossman and Daintree area, and we’re gonna head up to Cooktown and further north as well,” he added.

While growth is part of the plan, the heart of the program remains unchanged.

For Ross Romeo and CORES, it’s never been about the plaudits—it's about finding ways to give back to the community that have supported them so generously.

“We always say—even if we help at least one person, that’s more than worth it.”

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In 2017, Adam Perakovic came up to the Burdekin for what he thought would be a quick visit to his parents. That short trip turned into a permanent move—one that saw him meet his future wife and business partner, Randall, and build from scratch one of North Queensland’s most successful window covering manufacturers: Blinds2U.

“It started off as just me—I was doing small installs on my own with the help of my dad and father-in-law,” says Adam. “Then we expanded, it all started to grow, and now we manufacture cyclone-rated roller shutters right here in the Burdekin.”

The only cyclone-rated shutter manufacturer in Queensland to date, the team of four prides themselves on their 99% Australian made products.

Alongside two ranges of roller shutters, Blinds2U also offers a selection of roller blinds, slide tracks, outdoor blinds, roller doors, plantation shutters and more—with installation.

Serving the Burdekin since 2019, Blinds2U has managed to build a solid reputation in the region.

“Turnaround time used to be three days—now it's up to three months because of demand,” says Adam.

That community support has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey for the Perakovics.

“People are amazed we actually make the products ourselves. At the start, they didn’t believe it—so we kept the shed wide open. People used to come in just to watch us build roller shutters,” Adam says.

Randall, who eventually joined Blinds2U full-time after working in her brother’s plumbing company, added:

“The support from locals is massive. The people here are very easygoing. That’s the best part.”

In addition to shutters, the team also specialises in custom roller blinds—offering practical, stylish solutions for homes and businesses alike.

Ready to upgrade your windows with quality, locally made products? Drop by Blinds2U at 124–128 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill, or call 0417 559 908 to chat with the team.

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The only cyclone-rated shutter manufacturer in Queensland to date, the team of four prides themselves on their 99% Australian made products. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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National Recognition For McCathies At 2025 Harcourts HX Conference

The Nutrien Harcourts McCathies office represented the Burdekin with pride at this year’s Harcourts HX Conference, beating out more than 230 agencies to be named the Number One Nutrien Harcourts office in Australia.

“We’re proud to represent our region at national and international level, and to bring these awards home to our team and community who make it all possible,” said Business Owner John Mottin.

Hosted on the Gold Coast late last month, the two-day conference invited Harcourts branches from across Australia to connect, share knowledge, and gain valuable insights through keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

But the McCathies team didn’t just attend—they made their mark.

Waving The Burdekin Flag With Pride

In addition to claiming the top agency honour during the conference's awards ceremony, individual team members secured prestigious, revenue-based rankings at both national and international levels. Mottin placed 5th nationally and 27th internationally among sales consultants, while Amber Hornsby proudly earned 10th place nationally for residential sales.

“I got a shock,” recalled Mottin, looking back on the moment he heard his name called.

But for John, it was the collective efforts of the team behind them that made both his and Hornsby’s victories possible.

“These achievements aren’t just ours,” he said. “They belong to every single person in our office, our incredible clients who trust us with their property journeys, and the Burdekin community who continue to support us every step of the way.”

John’s wife and Business Partner, Paula, said she’s very proud to see the agency receive recognition for the hard work and commitment to their clients.

This isn’t the first time McCathies has been recognised for its outstanding work. Notably, John received the Dick Larkin Memorial Shield in 2018—an award that honours honesty, passion and integrity within the Harcourts organisation.

“It’s incredibly humbling to see my husband receive this award, as it represents the genuine way he treats his clients—with integrity, respect, and a true passion for helping others”, said Paula.

"Our values provide the foundation for our success. People first; Doing the right thing; Being courageous; Fun and Laughter," she added.

With a legacy of service dating back to 1965, McCathies Real Estate continues to evolve with the times while remaining firmly rooted in its founding values: trust, hard work, and genuine care for the community.

"Whether it’s your first home, second home or investment. We are here to help. As trusted advisors to sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, we continue to be dedicated to serving people and providing a first-class client experience," said Paula.

"It’s all thanks to you. Your trust in us pushes us to be the best we can be and recognised through these awards. But it’s not about the awards–it’s about the people. It’s about you."

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The local Nutrien Harcourts McCathies team are the Number One Nutrien Harcourts office in Australia! Photo credit Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

Inside hero option: “These achievements aren’t just ours. They belong to every single person in our office, our incredible clients who trust us with their property journeys, and the Burdekin community who continue to support us every step of the way.” (John Mottin). Photo credit Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

Amanda Tuffin, Candice Dyball, John Mottin, Madison Lamb, Stephanie Wilkie, Amber Hornsby. Photo supplied
Mick Green, Managing Director of Harcourts, and John Mottin receiving the award. Photo supplied #4 – The Nutrien Harcourts Team at the Awards Night
The awards: No.1 Nutrien Harcourts office nationally, and John's individual Top 5 award. Photo supplied
Husband and wife business owners, Paula and John Mottin. Photo credit Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

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If you’re a Burdekin local, chances are you’ve heard of Brennan Tyrepower. If you haven’t? Just ask your parents—or grandparents.

One of the region’s longstanding businesses—rooted in family, quality, and care—Brennan Tyrepower has been keeping the Burdekin rolling for the better part of 75 years.

“It’s a family business—we started out in the early 1950s and moved into tyres in 1969,” says co-owner Erin Brennan, who specialises in sales and administration. “We’ve served the grandchildren of people we used to serve in our earlier days!”

The business started out as an ironworks shop before shifting focus to tyres—a move that’s kept them at the heart of Burdekin life ever since. Erin, who has been a valuable part of the operation for 36 years, says that while the tools and technology have changed, the values haven’t.

“We’ve seen a lot of technical changes. When we first started, everything was manual. Now we have machines to help with just about everything. The technology is a big factor—but so is service. For me, it’s just about being able to provide a service for the people of the Burdekin.”

That service includes everything from everyday car tyres and batteries to tractor tyres, trailer parts and on-site servicing. If they don’t have something in stock? “We’ll get it,” Erin says.

It’s that commitment—and the relaxed, honest atmosphere—that’s kept customers coming back generation after generation.

Steeped in family tradition and driven by a deep-seated connection to the community, Brennan Tyrepower has been—and continues to be—the trusted name in tyres, and a pillar in the Burdekin Community.

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One of the region’s longstanding businesses—rooted in family, quality, and care—Brennan Tyrepower has been keeping the Burdekin rolling for the better part of 75 years. Photo source: Jacob Casha

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Although a whole ocean and a continent away, Giovanna’s Cucina in Home Hill brings you right to Italy’s doorstep with its traditional Sicilian flavour—no passport required.

What started as a modest entrepreneurial venture out of Giovanna Castorina’s own home in 2022, the business has evolved to offer a whole range of authentic Italian meals—including her famous lasagne—and now with it’s own storefront on the main road.

“I started the business at home myself—initially, it was just pasta sauces and lasagnas and I would put it up on Facebook,” says Giovanna. “People would place orders in the comments and it would sell out every week.”

“Now I’ve got a whole range of oven-ready meals—sauces, soups, pizza’s… the lot,” she added.

Being a mother herself, Giovanna says the inspiration behind the idea was to make life easier for those mothers and families with busy schedules.

“I had my daughter, and I had her in daycare one day a week, then two days a week, three days a week—and then I was like… 'I can’t do this,’” she said.

“People just want a good, nutritious homemade meal that they don’t have to cook themselves.”

And that’s exactly what Giovanna’s offers—homemade meals straight out of Nonna’s authentic Sicilian cookbook.

“Ive always been a cook at home. Everything here is either a recipe that’s been handed down from Nonna or something I’ve taught myself,” says Giovanna.

For the Burdekin local, it’s always been a dream to share her authentic Italian recipes with the community, and one that she realised through hard work, perseverance, and—of course—good quality food.

“Having old Italian and Sicilian women who come in here and buy my food—that’s the best compliment,” she says.

“I’ve even found a lot of people travelling through who come back, year after year, and they’re like, ‘we came here last year and we just had to stop in again.’”

Now a staple in the Burdekin community, Giovanna’s Cucina continues to satiate the bellies of families all across the Burdekin, one serving of Sicily at a time.

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Being a mother herself, Giovanna says the inspiration behind the idea was to make life easier for those mothers and families with busy schedules. Photo supplied

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