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.

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Photo credit: KR Photos & Videos - Keeara & Reece

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.

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

Click for full image

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.

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

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.”

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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

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The Unsolved Murder Of ‘Stiletto’ Jean

And The Mission To Honour Her Unmarked Grave

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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.

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

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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.

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.

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

After an intensive local search effort, the body of Elliot Spinaze, a 22-year-old Ayr man who had been missing since the morning of Saturday, December 30, 2023, was found on Sunday, December 31.

Mr Spinaze was last seen on Graham Street around 3:00am on December 30 before leaving in a grey Hyundai.

The vehicle was located near the Burdekin Bridge later that morning with Police initiating a search of the river involving State Emergency Services (SES) and Mackay’s RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter.

Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis said SES were engaged by police soon after midday on December 30.

“Because it was an urgent matter, we called for assistance from Townsville and Thuringowa,” he said.

“We searched up until nightfall and returned the next day.”

Approximately 20 SES volunteers joined police on both days to assist in the search, relying on drones and ATVs to navigate the river.

“The search was done in heatwave conditions,” Mr Francis said.

“The search was on the riverbank, on the edge of the water, you’re walking in sand the whole time and up the side of the riverbank gets quite difficult,” added Volunteer John Winn.

“It was a direct result of SES searching that led the police to able to narrow down the search area quite considerably,” concluded Mr Francis.

“The police did an excellent job, not only in coordinating the searches but in looking after us as well, so we’re very grateful for their professionalism.”

Mr Spinaze’s death is being treated as non-suspicious.

Remembering Elliot

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 12 to celebrate the life of Mr Spinaze.

Over $18,000 was raised by a GoFundMe set up on behalf of Elliot’s family by Talika Pegoraro to assist in giving him “the send-off he deserves.”

“Elliot was such a beautiful soul, who lit up every life he touched,” Ms Pegoraro said.

“Unfortunately, he lost his battle against the black dog for the last time and was found on the very last evening of 2023.”

Elliot, a former Ayr State High School student, grew up in the Burdekin and was widely recognised as a friendly employee of the Kalamia Hotel.

Elliot’s sister, Charlee, took to social media to thank the community for their overwhelming support.

“Your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed,” Charlee said.

“Left over funds from the GoFundMe will be distributed to different mental health organisations in hopes to raise awareness for anyone else struggling.”

Elliot’s memorial service will take place tomorrow, Friday, January 12 at the Plantation Park Bush Chapel, Ayr, from 2:00pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and attendees are invited to wear a touch of green as a symbol of support for men’s mental health.

For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.gofundme.com/f/elliot-spinaze.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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Elliot Spinaze’s family are holding a memorial service to celebrate his life on Friday

SES utilised ATVs and drones in the search. Photos supplied

Burdekin Shire Council’s Citizen Ceremony will go ahead as part of the Australia Day celebrations on Friday, January 26 despite initial reports, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has confirmed.

Ms McLaughlin said she was surprised to read that Burdekin Shire had been named as one of 80 Councils across Australia not holding its Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on January 26, saying this information is not correct.  

“Councillors and relevant Council staff finalised discussion and confirmed planning and logistics for local Australia Day celebrations and citizenship ceremony in early December 2023,” she said.

“During those discussions, it was confirmed that the Burdekin Shire Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony would be held on Friday January 26.

“The error in reporting has been raised with the relevant publications.”

Ms McLaughlin said Councillors believe that staging the Australia Day Awards and Citizen Ceremony on Australia Day is the most appropriate date for the community.  

“The best way to honour and celebrate the recipients of the Australia Day awards and the new citizens is to hold the official ceremony on the same day as the national holiday,” she said.

“This date reflects the values and aspirations of our community and that it is a meaningful occasion to welcome and acknowledge the achievements of our fellow Australians.

“The Burdekin Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony is a time to honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of local residents to our community, while also formally welcoming new Australians through the official citizenship ceremony.

“It is a time to appreciate Australia's rich and diverse history at a local level.

“On Australia Day, we join as a nation to celebrate what makes Australia and Australians great.

“It's a day to look back on what we have accomplished and what we can take pride in our wonderful nation.

“It's the day for us to renew our commitment to making Australia a better place for the future.”

WHAT: Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, January 26 from 9:30am. Doors open at 8:30am.

WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill

TICKETS: Online at https://bit.ly/BSCAusDayAwards2024 or call 07 4783 9880

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When Allan Petersen began researching for his military history book ‘Home Hill Remembers’, he didn’t realise the number of gravesites in the Home Hill Cemetery that weren’t formally recognised as war service gravesites.

This discovery led the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch on a five year journey to honour these servicepeople which came to an end with the installation of plaques and a Dedication Ceremony in August last year.

“In all, 56 graves had no recognition as a war serviceman’s grave,” Mr Petersen, the Sub Branch Secretary, said.

“There were 25 that had no indication of a burial site – just covered in lawn and appeared to be vacant plots.

“16 had a family monument with no recognition as a war serviceman’s final resting place.”

“Some were just buried in the dirt with no recognition whatsoever, so we decided to do something about it,” added Sub Branch President Richard Kelly.

“The ones who didn’t have any recognition, we’ve given them some recognition.”

Mr Petersen continued his research, dedicating hours to collecting names, ranks, enlistment information and serial numbers of the World War I and Boer War veterans.

Divining rods were used to locate unmarked graves before being cross-checked with cemetery records to trace people’s identities.

Once pinpointed, cement plinths were moulded by members of the Sub Branch and polished headstones and bronze plaques were supplied by local undertaker Ken Wright.

With the help of Mr Wright, the local cemetery sexton and two students from Home Hill State High School, the Sub Branch installed the plaques.

The Sub Branch received a grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs for the project.

“It was a combined effort,” Sub Branch member Uli Liessmann said.

“A lot of people did a lot of different things.”

An official ceremony was held at the cemetery on Saturday, August 26, 2023 to commemorate the Australian veterans who now bear military recognition on their headstones.

“What it has done is provide a record of those people who have served the nation,” Mr Petersen said.

“Prior to that, there was nothing, some were just a bare patch of grass; I don’t think that is any way to recognise service men and women.

“It does recognise, rightfully and respectfully, them forever.”

A further 15 sites were identified as those of British military veterans who immigrated to Home Hill, however the Sub Branch was unable to secure funding for the recognition of these graves.

“A lot of them had no relatives here,” said Sub Branch member Bill Lowis.

“They lived here, came here for work, enlisted, served, and then they came back here as damaged people, passed away and they were buried here.”

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L-R RSL Sub Branch members Allan Petersen, Bill Lowis, Richard Kelly and Uli Liessman. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe festive season and you all enjoyed a well-earned break.

2023 was a big year for Australia, and to say it was tough on everyone would be an understatement.

While the Albanese Labor Government was distracted by their divisive and costly Voice Referendum and the Prime Minister enjoyed what felt like more time overseas than time spent in Australia, the people of Dawson were hit with enormous cost-of-living pressures.

The Coalition and I fought hard in 2023 for the issues that are affecting our hard-working Aussies, such as

   • Calling for an ACCC inquiry into supermarket price gouging.

   • Easing the rising cost of fuel.

   • Pressuring the Albanese Labor Government to address inflation and try to stop interest rates from soaring through the roof.

   • Calling for action on the youth crime endemic.

   • Trying to save crucial infrastructure projects from funding cuts.

All while fighting to save our critical industries following unfair taxes implemented on farmers and miners; the ban on the use of commercial gillnets, which will see the livelihoods of our local fishermen and women severely impacted; and Labor’s proposed fair work amendments that will hurt local small businesses.

It seems that the penny has finally dropped for the Albanese Labor Government who has only just called for ideas from his Treasury and Finance officials on how to curb the cost-of-living pressures.

However, with no real plan and no guaranteed relief, it is my job as your Federal Member for Dawson to make sure that the Albanese Labor Government does what they say they will for the people who live and work in our electorate, and I take that job very seriously.

In 2024 I will continue to fight for cost-of-living relief, for the rights of our farmer’s who supply food and fibre to the entire nation, for local businesses, creating opportunities for tourism, for cheaper and reliable energy for all Australians, and for the safety of our residents who are being hurt by these ruthless young criminals.

I am committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson and I invite you to reach out if you have any federal issues impacting our beautiful region.

You can contact my office on 4944 0662 or via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.

Andrew Willcox MP

Federal Member for Dawson

While welcoming moves to hold supermarkets to account and ensure fair prices for farmers and consumers, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, wants assurances of action; not another talk-fest.

As families face increasing cost of living pressures and farmers lose money on crops, Mr Last said the fact that the big supermarket chains were making billion dollar profits proved the current situation was not sustainable.

“This is not the first time we have seen this issue raise its head,” Mr Last said.  

“In the past there has been a lot of talk and a lot of promises but, as the current situation shows, the problem hasn’t been addressed.

“The importance of this issue in rural and regional Queensland can’t be understated.  

“Not only do people who live here traditionally pay higher prices at the supermarket, there is a huge percentage of the population who either work in, or rely on, the agricultural and horticultural sectors for their work and businesses.

“Woolworths and Coles are claiming that cost increases are the reason for huge mark ups on produce.  

“But, at the same time, they are completely ignoring the fact that producers are also facing massive cost increases.

“The horticultural and agricultural sectors were promised cheaper electricity and water by both the current state and federal governments.  

“So, on one hand they have governments not honouring their promise and, on the other hand, they have the big supermarket chains paying them a pittance and then price gouging the consumer.”

Mr Last said that, in addition to the threats to jobs and businesses in regional Queensland, the issue could also have major implications for our food security.

“When producers are being paid prices that are similar to 1978, they have no option but to look at additional markets to keep their businesses viable,” he said.  

“That means we will have more first class produce headed overseas and Queenslanders will have to rely more and more on imports.

“An inquiry into prices, on face value at least, is a good idea.  

“But that inquiry needs to focus on the best interests of producers and consumers because Coles and Woolworths have had it their own way for too long.

“My concern is that an inquiry and meetings drag on and on and that, at the end of it, we are left with more empty promises.  

“This situation needs to be addressed and it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

“The fact is that the farmers don’t set the price you pay in the supermarket and neither do the local supermarket staff.  

“There is a huge power imbalance that benefits Woolworths and Coles head office in the cities and that power imbalance needs to be addressed.

“There are factors at both the federal and state levels that need to be looked at when coming up with a solution.  

“Energy, diesel and fertiliser prices all contribute to increasing costs as well as layer upon layer of additional red and green tape.”

“For the sake of our primary producers, families and regional Queensland as a whole, we need to see leadership on this issue.  

“All options need to be considered and, most of all, the big supermarket chains need to be held to account.”

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett want to see a fairer deal from major supermarkets for families and local producers like DeDomenicos. Photo supplied

I’m Chelsea Ravizza, a student journalist at Griffith University and current intern at the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

After graduating from Ayr State High School in 2021, I began an internship with the Burdekin Local Newspaper before moving to Brisbane to kick off my university studies in 2022. I am currently in my third and final year of a Bachelor of Communications and Journalism at Griffith University and I am loving every second of what my degree entails. I have developed and broadcasted radio packages and podcasts, produced websites, written media releases and many more journalistic pieces which have allowed me to expand my skills and improve my work.

I have always held a passion for writing and dreamt of being a journalist after watching classic films like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Suddenly 30’ with my mum when I was young. After working in the industry, I have found much enjoyment in interviewing people on the stories that matter most to them, and then having the chance to share these stories with a broader audience.

Currently, I am focusing on my studies, and counting down the days until my graduation in October. Although moving from such a rural area like the Burdekin to a bustling city like Brisbane may seem like a big jump, even the city is starting to feel small to me. After university, I plan to travel both Australia and the world, seeking freelance and remote journalism opportunities whereby I can work externally from gorgeous locations like the Amalfi Coast whilst pursuing my passion for writing.

Having the opportunity to work with Sam and the team behind the Burdekin Life Newspaper will allow me to dive deeper into the workings of developing a newspaper, further broadening my horizon with educated knowledge on various journalistic employment routes. With every opportunity, I am very grateful for the chances I am granted, and I am excited to share the stories of the Burdekin with the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

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As another bustling term for Mayor Lyn McLaughlin comes to a close, I had the pleasure of speaking with her on the year that was, and the future plans for the Burdekin region as we move into a new year.

Mayor McLaughlin reflects on her past year with great appreciation and gratitude as she was able to experience it in good health, surrounded by the strength of her dear friends, and family. Additionally, she believes all the major achievements of the Burdekin community would not have come to fruition if not for everyone working together, and Lyn expressed gratitude for all the opportunities that arose for the Burdekin Shire Council in 2023.

“We’ve got a wonderful community, so much is achieved by other people, and it’s so good to recognise what everyone else does and contributes, both in the Burdekin as well as council,” expressed Mayor McLaughlin.

Particularly, Mayor McLaughlin celebrates one major achievement for the Burdekin region; the $44.88 million Water Treatment Plant for Ayr, as granted by the Palaszczuk Government.

The funding stands as the largest grant the Burdekin has received and will allow the 5-year plan for the Water Treatment Plant to come to fruition in 2025.

“This was a major grant, the largest grant we have ever achieved in the shire, and a major accomplishment for our community,” expressed Mayor McLaughlin.

In addition, Mayor McLaughlin celebrates the commencement of the industrial estate expansion.

“These are two big projects that have been in the pipeline for many years, and to have them started was just outstanding,” she said Mayor McLaughlin.

Mayor McLaughlin believes that although 2023 did not see the completion of the Burdekin’s major projects, she celebrates the finalisation of the Ayr Waterpark, the construction of the new entry to the Ayr Pool and the overall contribution these aspects have made to the youth in the community. Lyn explained the true success of these achievements is due to the Burdekin Shire Council’s strategic planning previously solidified in earlier years, assuring the most beneficial outcomes are produced when applying for and receiving government funding and grants.

Mayor McLaughlin expressed, it’s due to these plans being implemented years in advance, that discussions have begun into the establishment of a youth precent in the area; an idea not yet presented for community consultation. Additionally, strategic planning has been carried out in the areas of road reconstruction, economic development, the renewal of the region’s tourism plan, as well as in the interest of the Ayr Showgrounds.

“It is really important to have a big picture and then work at each project within that,” explained Mayor Mclaughlin.

“There’s always room for improvement, and there’s lots of things we want to do.”

In the interest of completing her term with no distractions, Mayor McLaughlin was not willing to disclose if she will be running in the upcoming election, and explained the community should expect an answer the week of the 29 January.

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Standing L-R John Furnell, Terry Brennan, Max Musumeci, Michael Detenon and John Bonanno. Sitting L-R Kaylee Boccalatte, Lyn McLaughlin and Sue Perry