Delivering exceptional service with the utmost care and consideration is integral to Eyecare Plus Ayr.

Having been a central service in the Burdekin for over 70 years, Eyecare Plus Ayr is synonymous with meticulous health care and a gentle approach.

And now, with new ownership at the helm of the business as of 2018, Eyecare Plus Ayr continues to provide optometry services to the region.

Shannon Davies is the current owner and Optometrist, who has lived locally for the past decade. Shannon has been an optometrist for 20 years and was Australia’s first indigenous female optometrist, graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2004.  

“As we come into our third year under the current ownership, it has been a pleasure to welcome previous patients and new patients alike into our practice to serve their eye care and eyewear needs,” Shannon explained.

She is joined in her practice by three other team members.

“Our team has two qualified optical dispensers and boasts a combined experience of over 45 years in the optical industry,” Shannon explained.

“Eyecare Plus is the longest servicing optometry practices in Ayr,” and Shannon is proud of the lasting legacy.  

“Given the long serving history of the practice, the first challenge was upgrading the optometry equipment as well as refreshing the sunglasses and spectacles frames to ensure we are providing an optimal optometry service and meeting optical current trends,” she added.

“We are really happy with the results and by all reports our patients are as well!

“We are locally owned and provide a high level of not only optometry care, but our team are trained in optical dispensing,” she said.

“While the practice looks the same from the exterior the upgrading of equipment has allowed us to provide excellent optometric care.”

Offering comprehensive vision and eye health assessments, Eyecare Plus also offers early detection of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, provision of contact lenses, co-care with ophthalmology practices, driving licence vision assessments, diabetic co-management with GPs, removal of foreign bodies and prescription of the therapeutic ocular drops.

"We offer range of latest fashion brands and high quality lens designs and technology as well as an exceptional optometry service.”

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Bronwyn Darwen, Shannon Davies and Sandy Young of Eyecare Plus Ayr

As the temperatures continue to rise and, it becomes more imperative than ever for industries and trade sectors to adapt to the seasonal changes to maintain optimal productivity and employee well-being. Implementing best summer practices is crucial for businesses and their staff to thrive in the warmer months.

   1. Flexible Scheduling: Consider introducing flexible work hours or remote work options. This not only helps employees beat the summer heat but also promotes a healthier work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

   2. Heat Stress Prevention: For industries requiring outdoor work, prioritise employee safety by providing proper training on heat stress prevention. Encourage regular breaks, hydration, and the use of personal protective equipment suitable for warmer conditions.

  3. Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Summer often brings higher energy demands. Implement energy-efficient practices, such as optimising air conditioning systems, using natural light, and adopting eco-friendly technologies, to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

  4. Supply Chain Optimisation: Summer can bring disruptions to supply chains due to weather-related issues. Develop contingency plans, diversify suppliers, and maintain open communication to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure a seamless flow of goods and services.

  5. Employee Engagement Programs: Boost morale and team spirit by organising summer-themed employee engagement programs. This could include team-building events, outdoor activities, or casual dress codes to create a positive and enjoyable work atmosphere.

  6. Inventory Management: Seasonal fluctuations in demand may occur, especially in construction and manufacturing. Optimise inventory management by forecasting demand accurately, adjusting production schedules, and ensuring adequate stock levels to meet customer needs during peak summer periods.

By incorporating these best summer practices, industries and trade sectors can navigate the challenges of the season, enhance employee satisfaction, and maintain efficient operations for sustained success.

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Stay safe on the job this summer. Photo supplied

For almost 43 years, Pierina Dalle Cort of Helloworld Travel Ayr has been the friendly face behind your adventures, and after all those years, her favorite travel advice is to venture with an open mind.

With travelling being one of many popular New Year’s Resolutions within the Burdekin community, Pierina and her team have been busily preparing locals for their next holiday.

“Planning for Christmas and the New Year for 2024/2025 is a hit already as families are wanting a cooler, relaxing environment,” said Pierina.

European destinations are at the top of the list for the new year, along with New Zealand and other gorgeous locations both internationally and within Australia.

“We are doing a little bit of everything these days,” explains Pierina.

“There are also lots of great spots in our own country.”

Pierina advises her clients to not fear travelling, nor to let language barriers deter you from venturing abroad.

“English is a major language spoken by most people as their second language, and there are always people willing to help.”

Of course, we had to know the location Pierina herself loves the most, but asking an owner of a travel agency, what’s your favorite travel destination? mirrors asking Willy Wonka to name his favorite chocolate: a question impossible to answer.

“It’s hard to answer because I just love wherever my journey takes me.

“I don’t compare, and just enjoy the destination for what it has to offer me.”

With COVID-19 border closures becoming a distant memory, there are still fewer planes in the sky. Pierina and her team advise locals to plan their holiday itineraries sooner rather than later.

“Since the opening of boarders after COVID-19, we don’t have the same capacity of airplanes in the sky, so you really need to book early to avoid high flight prices.”

Helloworld Travel Ayr encourages you to adventure more throughout 2024 and beyond. The highly experienced and friendly team handles air, rail, sea, and coach and are ready to assist you with your travel requirements.

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Caption: Pierina Dalle Cort

Entries have opened ahead of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod celebrating its 40th year in 2024.

The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod is a friendly but competitive eisteddfod attracting high quality competitors from all over North Queensland.

With its friendly atmosphere amongst competitors, teachers and parents, the eisteddfod has become a popular venue on the eisteddfod calendar over the last 40 years.

Held every year, the eisteddfod aims to help young people of North Queensland, particularly local Burdekin children, showcase their talents, increase their self-esteem and further their life experiences.

With over 2,000 competitors entering each year, the event is also a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy the local restaurants, wonderful variety of shopping and hospitality the Burdekin has to offer.

The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod is accepting registration across art, dance, Highland dance, Irish dance, literature, music, photography and speech and drama disciplines across all age groups.

Entries close on Friday, March 1 with the eisteddfod to take place from May 8 to 19.

Visit burdekinjunioreisteddfod.com.au for more information.

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Entries are now open for the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod. Photo supplied

Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $185

DOB: 1.07.2020

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Over 10 years old

Dog Friendly: Slow Introduction

Other Cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

Are you looking for a quiet companion that will shower you with affection?

Then Snowy is the cat for you!

This tri-coloured beauty with spectacular golden eyes is looking for her forever home. While she is slow to warm up entirely to new people, once she is comfortable, she makes her affection known.

Snowy loves playing with her foster siblings, but also loves hanging out with humans.

She also loves lounging about in a great patch of sunshine or snuggling on the couch.

Snowy is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations, and has been flea, tick and worm treated.

To schedule a meet and greet with Snowy, complete an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Tropical Townsville

Townsville is a vibrant city boasting a rich history, beautiful beaches and a plethora of exciting activities to keep locals and tourists entertained. Whether you're interested in exploring the outdoors, delving into history and culture or simply enjoying the city's nightlife, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Townsville:

Visit The Strand

The Strand is a picturesque beachfront promenade that offers stunning views of Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. It's the perfect place to take a stroll, have a picnic, take a swim or simply relax and soak up the sun. The Strand is also home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat, do some souvenir shopping and plan your next move.

Learn About The History Of The Nywaigi People

Meet the traditional owners of the lands around Ingham, the Nywaigi Aboriginal people, at Mungalla Station, 90 minutes north of Townsville. On a guided tour of the station and its wetlands, you’ll learn about the history of the homestead originally built by Irishman James Cassady, the brutal confrontation between European settlers and local Aboriginal people and how the Cassady family intervened. You can also try your hand at throwing a boomerang and enjoy a Kup-Murri dinner experience which is cooked underground.

Jezzine Barracks and Kissing Point Fort

Immerse yourself in Townsville's military history at Jezzine Barracks, a heritage-listed site with walking trails, art installations, and panoramic views. Explore Kissing Point Fort, which dates back to the late 1800s and provides a fascinating glimpse into Townsville's past as a defence stronghold.

Seek Out The City’s Street Art

Take a walk and uncover the city’s larger-than-life murals, portraits and thought-provoking pieces, with 25 street artworks commissioned by the council. With a downloadable map available, there’s never been a brighter way to explore the city.

Visit the Billabong Sanctuary

The Billabong Sanctuary is a wildlife park that's home to a variety of Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles. You can take a guided tour of the park to learn about the animals and their habitats, or even have a close encounter with a koala or python.

Explore Castle Hill

Castle Hill is a granite monolith that dominates the Townsville skyline. It's a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. You can take a leisurely stroll along one of the walking tracks or challenge yourself with a more strenuous hike to the summit.

Visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland

The Museum of Tropical Queensland is a fascinating museum that explores the natural and cultural history of North Queensland. It's home to a number of interactive exhibits, including a replica of the HMS Pandora, which sank off the coast of Townsville in 1791.

Discover Magnetic Island

Take a short ferry ride from Townsville and you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty of Magnetic Island. This 52-square-kilometer gem offers an enticing blend of stunning nature and adventure. Pristine beaches, like Alma Bay and Horseshoe Bay, invite sun-soaked relaxation or snorkelling amidst vibrant marine life. Nature trails wind through lush forests, leading to panoramic viewpoints atop its rugged terrain. The island's koala population adds an adorable charm to its conservation parks. Magnetic Island embodies laid-back island living with a touch of adventure—a magnetic pull for travellers seeking serenity intertwined with nature's marvels.

Catch A Cowboys Game

The 2024 NRL season is right around the corner and there’s never been a better time to back the North Queensland Cowboys. After a disappointing 2023 season, the Cowboys will be looking to be rebuilt this year in the quest for their second premiership, with their first home game of the season kicking off on March 16 against the Newcastle Knights. The NRLW Cowboys will be looking to improve in their second season in the competition, with their first home game to take place at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in August against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Whether you’re planning a week away or a day trip, make sure to make the most of your time these holidays and explore everything on your front door. For those taking the opportunity to travel, the Summer Holiday series will continue next edition with suggestions for ways to spend your holidays throughout north Queensland. Grab the January 18 edition of Burdekin Life to discover your next destination.

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The Strand

History Of The Nywaigi People

Jezzine Barracks and Kissing Point Fort

Billabong Sanctuary

Castle Hill

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Photos supplied

Emily Donges, Blake and Luke Ferguson and Sarah Mitchell-Ferguson

Indi MacDonald, Kristy, Tyler, Mazlyn smith and Jodie, Addison and Emily MacDonald

Johan, Josephine and Tyresse Murry

Kirra Womeksley and Lauren Bozetto

Noah, Cassie, April and Darren Tanner

Stephanie and William O’Reilly with Santa

Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

New Year celebrations ran all throughout Cape Upstart with midnight’s fiery red flairs, along with painful sunburns, competitive matches of beach cricket, a touch of fishing, and perfect summer weather.

The sky put on a magnificent show for the final sunset of 2023, as beach-goes watched the last of the light disappear over the ocean.

With only a drizzle of rain in the early hours of the first day of 2024, the Cape served as the perfect place to celebrate the year that was, and welcome in all that the new year will bring.

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Brodie White, Ellie Taylor, Blake Walker, Archer Swindly, Angus McMullan, Farah Barbagallo, Cooper Raitelli and Jarvis Cornford at Flagstaff Bay. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

Celebrations At The Cape

Kai Palmer and JD Wilkins at Flagstaff Bay

Kristy, Darren, Cooper and Lauren Raitelli at Molongle Creek Boat Ramp

Lachlan and James Fry, Alysse Contzonis, Alazay Lane, Kihana Maher and Julian Falco at Flagstaff Bay

Lauren Raitelli, Chelsea Ravizza, Brianna Whittred, Eliza McMullan, Jayda Olsen and Taylah Koutsonis at Flagstaff Bay

Marck Cervoni, Jordan Zabel, Josh Blakey, Andrew Parison and Jayden Cranitch at Flagstaff Bay

Mason Mathews, Riley Christensen and Connor Brown at Flagstaff Bay

Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

Hi readers and welcome to the first edition of Burdekin Life for 2024.

I hope you all had a lovely break and are entering the year feeling refreshed.

I had a terrific break, spending most of my time off with family, friends and pets on mum and dad’s farm in Millmerran.

Since moving to north Queensland, I’ve seldom had the opportunity to spend longer periods of time relaxing at home, so I valued this time and was sad to leave.

But, as of this week, I’m back in the Burdekin and excited for the year ahead.

As you learnt in our last edition, I am someone who loosely sets new year’s resolutions; I enjoy the process of setting goals and take the opportunity to compare with last year’s expectations.

This year, I hope to improve my fitness – I’ve recently enjoyed many morning and afternoon walks to the Home Hill pool for a few laps and look forward to continuing this and improving my stamina and endurance this year.

Another resolution of mine is to become a bit more “handy”.

By this, I mean I want to learn how to make and fix things with nothing but my bare hands, some tools and helpful YouTube tutorials.

I’ve promised my girlfriend a handmade gift for her birthday in July, giving me half the year to conquer this feat.

You’ll find more New Year’s resolutions from those in our community on page 5.

These have been compiled by Chelsea Ravizza who has joined the team as our intern for the next few months.

Chelsea is entering her third year of a Communications and Journalism degree and will be gaining some hands-on experience with Burdekin Life, so keep an eye out for her work in this and future editions.

Happy new year and I’ll see you around!

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As far north Queensland faced dual disasters towards the end of 2023, and unruly weather continued across the state, the region’s Ergon crews were quick to assist in the recovery.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to the electricity network and cut power to more than 50,000 customers across Far North Queensland, with crews from across the state ensuring the lights were back on for Christmas.

Ergon’s acting Chief Operating Officer Jeff Green said it had been a marathon team effort in the countdown to Christmas.

“We were on track to have power safely restored to everyone impacted by the cyclone in under a week when the flood emergency began and forced us to revise our restoration targets,” he said.

“Our Ergon and Energex teams from across Queensland have worked together in extremely challenging conditions in some devastated communities to ensure the power network is up and running or mobile generation support is available for Christmas.

“The response from those communities and customers has been so uplifting for our crews who are supporting them on the road to recovery.

“We’ve seen children cheering our crews as the convoy left the Cairns Showgrounds, deliveries of home-baked goods and messages of support from people who were grateful to have their power back on – these gestures are humbling for our crews and a reminder of the impact of their work, especially after a natural disaster.”

Ergon and Energex crews are continuing to support the recovery and reconstruction effort.

In areas where major flooding and landslides have altered the landscape and caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure, including poles and wires, the electricity network will need to be redesigned and rebuilt.

“We will be supporting those communities with generation while we work with local authorities to assess how we can build back better or provide alternative energy solutions, like standalone power systems, which we have successfully trialled at the fringe of the grid,” Mr Green said.

“On behalf of Ergon, I’d like to thank all our partners in this disaster response, including emergency services, SES volunteers, disaster management groups, Councils, contractors and community organisations.

“It is always a team effort and we appreciate your support to get our customers and communities back on their feet.”

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Members of the Burdekin crew involved in Ergon’s power restoration effort in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the flooding emergency in Far North Queensland

Burdekin crews worked in Kuranda where landslides, flooding and fallen trees caused damage to the electricity network

Photos supplied

Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr have shared their gratitude with the Burdekin community after another successful Giving Tree initiative in 2023.

Throughout the month of December, both branches set up Giving Trees and accepted gift donations for children between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age, as well as gift vouchers and food donations.

On December 18, the gifts were collected, wrapped and given to the children who attend Burdekin Education Program who were so grateful for the gifts they were given from everyone who took the time to donate something.

“We want to say a massive thank you to all our lovely customers and the local businesses who donated to our 2023 Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr Giving tree for Burdekin Education Program!” Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr shared on social media.

“We couldn’t be any more proud of our Burdekin community and their generous donations.

“The kids involved with the program are going to have a special Christmas this year.

“It has been an honour to be a part of.”

The Burdekin Education Program is a small campus offering an alternative educational program.

Seeking to respond to the needs of young people where they are, the program works on developing a personal learning plan to empower each young person to achieve their goals.  

Burdekin Education Program aims to foster honest and authentic relationships with young people, their families and our community through supporting and celebrating the uniqueness of each person.

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Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr collected donations for Burdekin Education Program throughout December. Photo supplied

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has shared a story that started with an incident over 25 years ago for two very good reasons.

As a Police Officer based in Charters Towers, Mr Last and his partner came across Raymond Abdy in an overturned car and, while the events have changed several lives forever, Mr Last hopes they may also help others.

“That night is burnt into my memory,” Mr Last said.  

“It was late at night on May 15th 1998 when we were patrolling in Charters Towers and came around the corner to see a car had rolled.

“When we stopped the wheels on the car were still spinning so, in a way, our timing couldn’t have been much better.  

“Raymond, 9 days shy of his 18th birthday, was still in the vehicle with the seat belt across his neck restricting his breathing.

“We cut the seatbelt so that Raymond could breathe and the sound of him taking a huge gulp of air is a sound I will never forget.  

“From that point it was a case of providing first aid until an ambulance and firefighters arrived to provide further treatment and get Raymond on his way to hospital.”

“Thankfully Raymond survived but was left with a brain injury and years of intensive rehabilitation due to that incident.  

“The outcome could have been much worse but the fact is Raymond’s life will never be the same and the effect on Raymond’s loves ones is almost immeasurable.”

Mr Last said Ramond’s story highlighted that, in addition to lives lost, the permanent injuries caused by road accidents were a real risk that all drivers faced.

“Up until a week before Christmas almost 270 lives had been lost on Queensland roads,” Mr Last said.  

“You also have to remember that over 7,000 people are hospitalised each year due to road accidents and that, for many of them, their lives are irreversibly changed.

“If you take Raymond as an example, you have a 17 year old with obvious talents both academically and on the sporting field.  

“Drivers, especially young drivers, need to understand that a split second decision can not only take lives, but it can also take away their dreams.

“What Raymond has achieved in his life since the accident is remarkable to say the least.  

“With the unwavering support of his mother, Lorna, Raymond has competed internationally in athletics and travels far and wide sharing the importance of driving safely with young people.”

Last year, Mr Last attended a local Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) Program and said Raymond and Lorna speaking to the students could only be describe as a “breakthrough moment”.  

“Raymond was a similar age to the students when he had his accident and you can see that the students connect with that while also getting a better understanding of what can happen as a result of road accidents,” Mr Last said.

“Raymond and Lorna have taken part in literally hundreds of RYDA Programs, including here in the Burdekin.  

“The RYDA Program encourages young people to take a more responsible attitude and Raymond’s story definitely helps in sharing that message.

“Such is the contribution that Raymond and Lorna have made to the RYDA Program, they were awarded Rotary’s highest honour last year.  

“It was a great honour to be able to see them receive the Paul Harris Fellowship here in the Burdekin.”

“As we approach the start of another school year and another year of young people working towards getting their licence, it’s a great opportunity for parents to look at programs like this.  

“Every parent finds the prospect of their children getting their licence a little daunting but programs like this can definitely help to reinforce the need to drive responsibly.”

In addition to helping make our roads safer for young people, Mr Last said Raymond’s story carried another important message.

“At this time of year, we sadly see an increase in the number of road accidents,” he said.  

“I’d ask people to remember that, at each of those serious accidents, there are emergency services workers whose lives may also be changed by that incident.

“For Police Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters and even some volunteers, the effects are not always immediate.  

“But, despite the dangers and the trauma that come for attending those accidents, those people never hesitate to do it all over again when called on.”

“Over 30% of the people killed on our roads are aged 16 to 24 and it’s a similar figure for hospitalisations.  

“By showing responsibility on the road we are making ourselves safer and setting an example that could play a huge part in reducing the number of young people lost on our roads each year.”

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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, was on hand to celebrate Lorna and Raymond Abdy receiving their Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotarian Tony Goddard. Photo supplied

As we enter 2024, Burdekin Life intern Chelsea Ravizza asked those in our community about their hopes and goals for the new year.

Lisa Furnell

‍Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Volunteer

Live a healthier life and spend more time with the grandkids.

John Furnell

Councillor

Internationally – Peace and Good Will, protection for the vulnerable. Personally – to personally improve holistically, so I may be better for my family, friends, and others. Local Community – to work for continual improvement of the Burdekin for all who live and visit.

Tracey Gabiola

Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager

As a nurse for over 40 years, I have always kept health as one of my New Year’s resolutions. When I am healthy, I can give more to my family, friends, and work. Importantly, this includes my mental health, and in 2024, I will continue to take time to build my mental fitness. My other resolution is to love more. Showing unconditional love for my family and friends and letting them know how special they are will make 2024 truly wonderful.

Jane Cannavan

Home Hill Ambulance Station Officer In Charge

To do more of what is working for me and stop doing the things that are not.

Patrick Shannon

Physiotherapist

• Aim to exercise most days each week.

• Make the start line fit and healthy for at least one running event, ideally the Burdekin Sugar Rush

• Spend lots of time with our kids and horses.

• Not take on any major home or business renovations!

Pierina Dalle Cort

Helloworld Travel Ayr

To take time out and sit as your Mayoral candidate to invest in the Burdekin’s future.

From a hammerhead shark made from a hammer and butter knives to a hand grenade made from trailer bearings and a BMX bike brake lever, Scott Apelt’s mind is full of weird, wonderful and unique creations.

Scott’s been tinkering with scrap metal art for 35 years, utilising his natural understanding of steel to manipulate and create.

While scrap metal art has always been important to him, it’s come to play an even more vital role in his wellbeing in recent years.

Scott completed his boilermaker apprenticeship in Brisbane, where he grew up, and went on to work for heavy transport companies in their research and development departments.

He would always work on scrap metal art in his spare time, even creating armour for medieval reenactments.

His career trajectory was proof of his talent, taking opportunity after opportunity until he found himself working in the marine and boating industry.

Scott finished his working week one day in June 2017, six days before his 41st birthday, and was making his way home on his motorcycle when another motorcycle rider cut him off.

“I overreacted and hit too much front brake, I got catapulted and it wasn’t very nice,” Scott reflected.

“The last thing I remember, I was getting thrown over the handlebars and I remember coming to a complete stop and smelling wet grass and dirt and another person running towards me and I went, ‘Yeah, mate, I know I’m f*cked.’”

Scott spent the next 18 months at Princess Alexandra Hospital, six of those in an induced coma.

“It made a mess of me,” he said.

“It was hard because I was at that pinnacle point, I was at the top of where I wanted to be, and it was because I busted my rear end working hard.”

Scott faced a long road to recovery, spending time in a wheelchair and going to therapy to get his movement back.

He still suffers from chronic PTSD, anxiety and depression as a result of the accident.

“It took me a long time for my hands to talk to my head again, and that was extremely frustrating,” he said.

Throughout his recovery, Scott reignited his passion for music and started playing bass guitar.

He also got back into metalwork, taking on projects to help improve his hand-eye coordination.

After leaving hospital, he met his partner and they moved to Townsville before purchasing a home in Home Hill where Scott focuses on his music and metal and embeds himself in the community.

Scott and his now wife Stacey established SSI Custom Fabrications, a small business that allows Scott the time and the lifestyle to bring his eccentric ideas into fruition.

Scott can be found selling his unique creations at the markets most weekends and plans to expand into Charters Towers and Townsville this year.

His contributions to Home Hill can be seen and felt throughout the town, including entering in the Home Hill Harvest Festival Ephemera, working with the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch in the restoration of unmarked graves, as well as creating the silhouette at the Comfort Stop and the Gateway to Home Hill at Lloyd Mann Park.

“I’ve already got two pieces of my art in a town that I didn’t grow up in, so I’m pretty chuffed about it all,” he said.

“It’s not something that happens overnight; it’s taken a lot of hard work to get back to this mentally, and I have my good days and I have my bad days.”

With a natural ability to read steel, Scott said metalwork is his calling and brings him solace and fulfillment.

“I wanted to give up, because I live in constant pain,” he said.

“It helps me concentrate and it helps me not be so hard on myself, because it was very traumatic.

“It gives me that satisfaction that I’ve still got the eye for it; the hands, the eye and the brain are still talking to each other.

“It’s helped me to find Scott again; I found Scott and I’m happy.”

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Scott Apelt’s love for scrap metal art guided him through his recovery from a traumatic motorcycle accident

Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza have been selected to attend the highly acclaimed Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band Development Camp in Brisbane from Monday 8 January to Friday 12 January 2024.

The pair have been prominent members of the Burdekin Brass Band for over nine years collectively and have been granted the opportunity to attend the QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp in previous years.

Cecillia, Jye, and other local members attend two-hour band sessions every Tuesday evening in Home Hill, with additional one-on-one support if necessary, in the lead-up to upcoming concerts and performances.

The fantastic opportunity to attend the QBA’s development camp is presented to the junior musicians of the Burdekin Brass Band who have been committed members for at least a year.

The Burdekin Brass Band applied for and was generously awarded the Regional Arts Development Grant by the Burdekin Shire Council, which will cover half the costs of Cecillia and Jye’s attendance at the camp, with the Band covering the remaining expenses.

Cecillia has been a valued member of the Burdekin Brass Band for six years, and her talents as a musician are celebrated both across the Burdekin and beyond.

“Burdekin Brass Band has been so welcoming, and I have always felt supported in what I’m doing,” said Cecillia.

The 2024 trip marks Cecillia’s fifth year in attendance of QBA’s Band Camp where her musical talents have been greatly celebrated.

In 2023, Cecillia was awarded as the most improved player, and for 2024, Cecillia has been awarded the prestigious Leonie Marshall Scholarship Award.

“The band camp is such an experience as it forces you to work harder and improve your playing abilities,” said Cecillia.

“This year I hope to improve more on the technical aspect of my musicianship, as well as to make more friends.”

Burdekin Brass Band Committee Member and parent Kari Ravizza, believes this trip presents itself as a great opportunity where her son, Jye, can improve and work on his passion for instrumental music.

“He (Jye) will have the opportunity to work on developing his skills as a musician with very experienced, well-known instrumentalists and conductors from around Australia and the world, surrounded by like-minded students where he can make new friends,” said Ms Ravizza.

Burdekin Brass Band President, Larry Hudson, invited Jye to join the band three years ago, and Jye believes his calibre as a musician has benefited greatly from being in the collaborative environment.

“I’ve never been in anything like this (The Burdekin Brass Band) before, and I really enjoy playing in this environment”, said Jye Ravizza.

“I enjoyed the camp last year, and the week-long practice will give me a chance to improve at playing my instrument and to learn new songs.”

Larry Hudson believes the QBA’s Band Camps are an excellent experience for young musicians, and he greatly encourages all qualifying members of the Burdekin Brass Band to attend.

“It’s our aim that all our junior members that attend our classes will attend the camp as soon as they qualify,” said Larry.

“There are world class tutors at the band camp, so students get tuition well above the levels we can provide.

“They mix with other musicians, and they can see what levels they can reach by seeing other students. They gain a lot from it.”

The five-day intensive camp entails opportunities for young musicians aged 10 to 19 years to immerse themselves in their passion with the guidance of industry professionals, prestigious musical directors and brass and percussion instrumentalist tutors.

The 2024 Queensland Band Association’s Musical Director will be David Bremner, celebrated and experienced musician and current Music Directors of the National Band of New Zealand, and Wellington Brass.

The Burdekin Brass Band encourages anyone interested to join the learner classes which will resume in the new school year for 2024.

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Local musicians Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza