Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Ayr State High School has congratulated its 2026 student leadership team, who have already been carrying out their duties since their induction at last year’s Academic Awards ceremony. The school acknowledged the students’ commitment and leadership, recognising the important role they play in representing their peers and contributing to school life. Leading the 2026 cohort are School Captains Caitlyn Cheyne and Ayden Barnett, supported by School Vice Captains Karina Guglielmi and Charlie Shears. Other leadership positions include Ashlee Colls as Sports Vice Captain, Allegra Tallis as Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain, Sarah as Cultural Vice Captain, and Tiana Cameron as Community Service Vice Captain. The leaders were formally presented to the school community during the 2025 awards night held last October, marking a proud moment for students, staff and families as the team continues its leadership journey throughout the year. CAPTION: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Allegra Tallis, Sports Vice Captain Ashlee Colls, School Vice-Captain Karina Guglielmi, School Captain Caitlyn Cheyne, School Captain Ayden Barnett, School Vice-Captain Charlie Shears, Community Service Vice Captain Tiana Cameron and Cultural Vice Captain Sarah. Photo supplied
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For many Burdekin parents, the phrase “stranger danger” brings back memories of warning children not to talk to unfamiliar adults on the walk home from school. Today, those strangers are no longer confined to parks or shopping centres—they can appear instantly on a child’s phone or tablet screen. The eSafety Commissioner has issued a fresh Online Safety Advisory highlighting the risks posed by anonymous “random chat” apps, where users are paired with strangers for live video or text conversations. Platforms such as Omegle, Chatroulette, HOLLA, Monkey and OmeTV are designed for spontaneity and global connection. While Omegle shut down in late 2023, others remain active and accessible in Australia. The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Anonymous chat apps allow people to connect instantly, often with minimal registration requirements and limited age verification. Users are randomly paired, live video can expose children to explicit material within seconds, and anonymity enables predators to hide their identity and intentions. Conversations may also be recorded and misused without consent. Omegle became notorious for pairing minors with adults engaging in sexual behaviour. In 2022 alone, the platform reportedly flagged more than 500,000 instances of child sexual abuse material. In a high-profile United States case, an 11-year-old girl was coerced into creating explicit content. Omegle later settled legal action for US$22 million before shutting down. Its founder acknowledged the platform had been misused for “unspeakably heinous crimes”. eSafety said the problem is not new, but is worsening. Children now carry video-enabled devices everywhere, pandemic lockdowns increased unsupervised screen time, and evolving technology—including AI and real-time video—makes harmful interactions harder to moderate. Under the Online Safety Act 2021, eSafety has powers to enforce Basic Online Safety Expectations, require companies to improve moderation systems and order the removal of unlawful content within 24 hours. The regulator recently issued a formal warning to OmeTV’s provider for allegedly failing to meet mandatory requirements under Australian law. Apple and Google have also been notified, as both companies are required to act if apps available in their stores breach Australian legislation. Penalties of up to $49.5 million are available under the Act. eSafety’s guidance to families is practical and direct. Parents and carers are encouraged to use device-level parental controls such as Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, block high-risk sites, and consider monitoring tools. Just as importantly, they should talk openly with children about online interactions, reinforce rules about sharing personal information, and ensure young people know how to block and report users. The advisory stresses that responsibility should not fall on families alone. Technology companies are being urged to implement stronger age assurance measures, properly resource moderation teams and design platforms with safety at the forefront. For regional communities like the Burdekin, where children are growing up as digitally connected as their city counterparts, online safety begins at home and requires a united effort from parents, schools, industry and regulators alike. CAPTION: The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Photo source: iStock
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Residents across the Burdekin and Whitsunday Shires, alongside the Molongle Creek Boat Club Inc. (MCBC) and the wider Cape Upstart community are calling on the State Government to honour its 2021 commitment to provide and maintain all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The Molongle Creek access channel is the only marine gateway to Cape Upstart, home to approximately 240 private properties that are accessible by sea only. Despite decades of volunteer investment and a formal handover to the government, thousands of locals are pushing for action, stressing the integral role the channel plays in connecting Cape Upstart with essential services and access to the mainland. Surveys have exhibited 15,000 to 20,000 vessels annually utilise the channel, which includes locals, visitors, fishers and caravan park users. Despite its importance, locals say the channel no longer provides reliable all-tide access, contrary to commitments made during the 2016 state election and formalised during a 2021 handover. “The lack of all-tide access severely restricts people’s access to their properties at Cape Upstart,” highlighted Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore, Ken Betteridge. Currently, there’s no alternative all-tide public boating access between Townsville and Bowen, making Molongle Creek critical regional infrastructure. A Facility Built by Volunteers The Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) was formed in 1962, with the aim of improving boating access for both members and the wider public. Over the past several decades, the facility has been developed and maintained almost entirely through volunteer labour, private funding and club-owned machinery. Early attempts to maintain access involved reshaping natural channels, with club members using dozers, excavators and, in some cases, explosives to create viable passage through shifting sands. When those efforts failed due to natural sediment movement, the club established the current channel alignment, again through volunteer work. MCBC volunteers have carried out annual maintenance for years using a Komatsu swamp dozer owned by the club, however, increasing environmental restrictions, permit changes and rising costs eventually made self-maintenance untenable. Election Promise and Handover In the lead-up to the 2016 state election, both major parties committed to delivering an all-tide access channel at Molongle Creek. That commitment culminated in a tri-party Deed of Agreement between the State Government, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Molongle Creek Boat Club. As part of the agreement, the club was required to surrender its lease and gift all sea- and land-based assets to the State and Local Government, allowing public funds to be spent on the facility. A formal valuation placed the value of those assets at $2.84 million. In 2021, the Molongle Boating Facility was officially handed over to State Government control, with the expectation government would develop and maintain the all-tide access channel, boat ramps, pontoon and trailer parking in line with other public boating facilities across Queensland. Design Concerns and Infill Issues According to long-standing club members, concerns were raised during the design phase that the chosen alignment would be vulnerable to flooding and sediment infill from Molongle Creek, particularly during wet seasons. Locals advocated for an alternative alignment further east, or the construction of a protective bund wall to shield the channel from flood flows. Those concerns, they say, were ignored. “Molongle Creek Boat Club’s lobbying secured funding for an all-tide channel, however, due to various government departments, the placement of the channel was restricted to where it is now,” Mr Betteridge said. “The choice presented to us was a channel where it is – or was – or no channel at all. We knew it would be problematic, but MCBC had no choice but to accept. There’s been a lot of money spent, and the result is disappointing to say the least.” Within months of the channel’s completion, wet-season flooding filled the channel with sediment, significantly reducing depth. While bed levelling in 2022 and 2023 temporarily improved access, a major wet season in 2024 again rendered the channel largely unusable. No maintenance funding has been allocated since. As a result, access windows have narrowed dramatically. Club members say the channel was once usable on a 1.7-metre tide; now, small vessels require tides of 2.4 metres or higher, eliminating daylight access on many days. “All-tide access?” one local asked. “It’s anything but.” Safety Concerns Escalate The lack of reliable access has raised serious safety concerns, particularly given the demographics of Cape Upstart and peak holiday periods when usage surges. Over the years, residents have been forced to transport injured or ill people by boat to meet ambulances at Molongle Creek, but only when tides allow. When tides are out, emergency helicopters have been relied upon, though they are not always available. “Over the years, there have been quite a few medical incidences where the access to Molongle Creek was tidally available – if no tide, the emergency helicopter was luckily available,” said Mr Betteridge. In one recent incident, two young boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish at Kingfish Bay, however, fortunately, the tide allowed access back through Molongle Creek, yet locals say the outcome could have been far worse had the tide been out. After Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) crews conducting welfare checks were forced to use Wallace’s Creek instead of Molongle due to the channel’s condition, a longer, more exposed and potentially dangerous route. A spokesperson for the State Emergency Service said the agency remained committed to community safety. “The State Emergency Service (SES) is committed to working with the Molongle Creek and Cape Upstart communities to provide essential services to the region and maintaining community safety,” the spokesperson said. “The SES operates within a broader disaster management framework and works closely with partner agencies to deliver safe and effective responses to the community during severe weather events.” Calls for Practical Solutions The Molongle Creek Boat Club maintains that solutions already exist. Chief among them is the construction of a bund or barrier wall, either from rock or geotextile bags filled with dredged sand, a method already proven at the site, where a small geotextile wall has successfully reduced infill for more than 25 years. Club members argue such a barrier would significantly reduce sediment movement, extend the time between dredging cycles and deliver the year-round access originally promised. “There are approximately 240 dwellings at Cape Upstart that use molongle Creek as their main, and only access port – a 365 day all-tide access channel will definitely improve the safety of the whole community,” said Mr Betteridge. “We need a bund wall sooner rather than later, and MCBC along with the bulk of the public community know that a bund wall is the only solution to keep the channel open 365 days a year.” Local State Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said responsibility for the failed delivery rested with the former government. “The former government went to the 2017 election with a commitment to provide all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The unfortunate reality is that they failed to deliver on their promise,” Mr Last said. “I have supported the campaign for all-tide access since the very beginning, largely based on the need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly, rather than waiting for tides. The assurance that I have given, and stand by, is that I will continue to work with stakeholders for a better outcome for all users of Molongle Creek.” He said concerns raised by the boat club during the design phase were ignored. “Promises were made and expectations were built on those promises. Clearly those expectations were not met and, clearly, the promises made were broken.” Mr Last acknowledged ongoing challenges related to permits and environmental approvals but said Maritime Safety Queensland had committed to working with stakeholders on a long-term management strategy. “There are a range of issues affecting the ability to undertake maintenance at Molongle Creek. If the input from the Molongle Creek Boat Club was given the attention it deserved, many of the issues we face today would not exist,” he said. “Despite the challenges, the Club has been given a direct commitment that Maritime Safety Queensland will work closely with them and key stakeholders to develop and implement a long-term management strategy.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the Molongle Creek boating facility was a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters, particularly for emergency access. “The Molongle Creek boating facility is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters; it is especially significant for safety, as Volunteer Marine Rescue and residents rely on this channel for emergency transport.” Mr Willcox said the channel continued to face natural challenges due to its geographic location. “The Molongle Creek Channel currently faces ongoing challenges due to its geographic location: the flow at the mouth of the creek frequently causes sand to accumulate and choke the channel.” He said responsibility for maintaining the facility had shifted to the State Government during his time as Whitsunday Mayor, and that a permanent engineering solution was needed. “During my time as Whitsunday Mayor, the State Government assumed responsibility for the maintenance of this facility to ensure its continued operation.” “In my assessment, a permanent infrastructure solution is required to address the siltation issues: this would involve installing sheet piling or a rock wall to protect the channel and keep it open
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Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. The statewide operation saw an extra 51 stores closed during a ten-day blitz from 25 November to 4 December, including Burdekin Tobacco, adding to earlier closures. Experts say this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Theo Fukkare told the Townsville Bulletin that the closures were a positive step but warned that authorities would need to monitor the stores closely as they prepare to reopen. “We think 200 is maybe a quarter of all of the available stores selling illegal products, so there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “I would suggest that potentially, the authorities have gone for the high-profile ones in high-profile areas, though there are a lot more through the state.” The closure of Burdekin Tobacco was issued under the state’s new tobacco laws, aimed at curbing the sale of illicit cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products. Authorities have seized more than 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 31,000 vapes, and nearly 39,000 nicotine pouches across Queensland since the crackdown began. Burdekin Tobacco was one of six tobacconists in the region. Located in the Burdekin Plaza, it was a popular option for locals. The closure leaves a gap for residents who regularly purchased legal tobacco products from the Burdekin outlet. Some of the closed stores, including Burdekin Tobacco, could reopen soon, with authorities expected to monitor compliance closely. Authorities say checks will continue to ensure stores operate within the law when they reopen. Mr Fukkare called on the government to ensure there is an authorised officer at the stores on the day or days after they reopen. “Just to make sure that if they do want to run the gauntlet, then they can shut them down again.” CAPTION: Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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Calling all Burdekin businesses! It's time to revive the festival spirit and showcase your creativity by participating in the Burdekin Water Festival's window decorating competition.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Bob Gould Fabrications, you have the chance to win while adding a splash of colour and joy to our community.
This year’s competition encourages local businesses to adorn their windows with vibrant and eye-catching displays that reflect the essence of the Burdekin Water Festival.
This year’s Water Festival theme is ‘Bring it Back’ - all your favourites from yesteryear, and of course ‘Water.’ Whether it's a nod to our agricultural heritage, a celebration of our stunning landscapes, or a creative take on the festival's theme, the possibilities are endless!
Participating is simple. Just visit the website and nominate your business to join the fun at no cost. The winner(s) will be published in Burdekin Life Newspaper and announced at the Water Festival Mardi Gras (Queen Street, Ayr) Saturday 7 September 2024.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses to engage with the community, attract more foot traffic, and become a part of the Burdekin Water Festival tradition.
For more details and to register, visit www.burdekinwaterfestival.com.au/window-competition.
Did you know that it is Loneliness Awareness Week from the 5th to 11th of August?
To help combat loneliness and encourage friendships, our team has implemented the “Letterbox Project”.
The project is a national pen pal program using beautiful handwritten letters to provide support and connection to people all over Australia.
The company BCA has partnered with has assured us that they will screen all letters to ensure complete safety. Participants are asked to complete a Personal Bio form to register which helps the company to pair people up with like-minded individuals (if this is your preference).
If you would like more information or to register for the National Pen Pal Program, please contact the BCA Housing and Community Support Team on P: 4783 3744, E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au or visit the Support Centre at 130 Queen St, Ayr.
Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)
In our fast-paced lives, time seems to rush by, and before we know it, Christmas is just around the corner. As we become increasingly busy, we often overlook the important task of taking care of ourselves.
When we extend support to someone going through tough times, we tend to prioritise their needs over our own. However, this approach can be detrimental to both parties, especially if we are struggling ourselves. To provide effective support, it's essential for us to be in a good state of mental and emotional wellbeing.
To achieve this, it's important to first recognise our limitations and acknowledge when we are not feeling our best. Secondly, we must be willing to say "No" or provide only partial support if that's all we can manage. Lastly, knowing how to replenish our energy and take care of our mental wellbeing is crucial to being able to offer support to others.
The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and CORES Queensland have been collaborating since the start of the year to offer free workshops to the community focusing on “Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing”, and “Suicide Intervention Training”. These workshops aim to provide attendees with the skills and information to create a self-care and mental wellbeing plan, as well as to recognise and support individuals who may be at risk of suicide.
BNC and CORES are offering the following courses:
• Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Monday 19/08/24 17:30 to 19:30
• Suicide Intervention Training Friday 23/08/24 09:00 to 16:00
• Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Thursday 12/09/24 10:00 to 12:00
• Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Monday 14/10/24 17:30 to 19:30
• Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Tuesday 12/11/24 10:00 to 12:00
• Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing Thursday 12/11/24 17:30 to 19:30
All Self-Care workshops will be held at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr, and the Suicide Intervention Training will be held at PCYC, 164 MacMillan Street, Ayr. For further information, please phone CORES on 0448 894 525 or email adminqld@kentishrc.com.au.
Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
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It is crazy to think that we are half-way through August already and are about to say goodbye to winter and enter into spring.
Unfortunately, the weather has not been very kind to our farmers over the weekend. A few mm to settle the dust probably would have been ok, although some areas have received over 100mm and after an already late start to the crushing it will only slow things down. However, there is nothing we can do about the weather so I just hope we see sunny warm days moving forward and the crush back underway as soon as possible.
The rain may have been timely for the Burdekin Landcare as they had just completed National Tree Planting Day a couple of weeks ago. I have to congratulate Keith and his team for coordinating the day not only for the entire community but also a program for the schools where the kids get to help plant over a thousand trees behind the Landcare building which will hopefully now be flourishing after the recent rain. If you are looking for some new plants from flowers to fruit trees make sure you head down to the Burdekin Landcare on International Drive and check out their huge range and see the amazing job the volunteers do there. They are open every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8am till 12pm.
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On the 18th of August each year, we come together as a community to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day, a day of reflection and respect. This day marks the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the most significant battles fought by Australian troops during the Vietnam War.
Our local service will be held on Sunday, at the serene Deep Creek Retreat, located on Ayr Delbeg Road at 11am. This location, leased by the Vietnam Veterans Association, provides a fitting backdrop for us to honour the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women.
As we gather to pay our respects, let us remember the courage and commitment of those who served during the Vietnam War. Their legacy continues to inspire us, and it's our duty to ensure that their contributions are never forgotten.
I encourage everyone in our community to take a moment on this day to reflect on the sacrifices made by our Vietnam veterans and to express our gratitude for their service to our country.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Clare State School is gearing up for its 75th Anniversary Celebrations, scheduled for 28 and 29 March 2025. Excitement is building as the school plans a series of events to commemorate this significant milestone.
The celebrations will kick off on Friday, 28 March, with the school open for self-guided tours from midday to 4pm. In the evening, there will be a Meet and Greet at the Clare Sports and Recreation Club, providing an opportunity for past students, staff, and community members to reconnect.
The festivities will continue Saturday, 29 March, with a morning fete at the school grounds. Mid-morning, guided tours of the school will be available, offering a glimpse into the school’s history and evolution. One of the highlights of the day will be the opening of the time capsule from 2000 to 2025, revealing memories and messages from the past 25 years. The day will conclude with a formal dinner at the Clare Sports and Recreation Club, featuring a roll call to honour those who have been part of the school’s journey.
Clare State School principal, Mr. Troy Patti, expressed the school’s enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations. “We are particularly interested in hearing from any first-day students or their relatives,” he said. The school is eager to connect with past students of all ages who are interested in sharing their memories or attending the event.
Mr. Patti highlighted the community’s anticipation for the event, expressing hope for strong support from past students, staff, families, and the broader community. “We are keen to contact as many past staff and students as possible to create a display showing where they are now and sharing their memories of their time at Clare State School,” he said. Additionally, the school seeks to identify families with three generations of attendees to honour them with a monument.
As the anniversary approaches, Clare State School invites everyone to join in the celebrations and help make this a memorable event.
WHAT: 75th Anniversary Celebrations
WHERE: Clare State School
WHEN: 28 - 29 March 2025
Where it all began – Clare Stater School in 1952
The Reef Guardian Council program, launched in 2007, is a voluntary partnership designed to address key threats to the Great Barrier Reef. This initiative, involving 19 local governments across a vast area of 300,000 square kilometres, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the reef, which was heritage-listed in 1981.
The program targets significant challenges such as water runoff, illegal fishing, climate change, and coral bleaching, all of which pose ongoing risks to the reef's delicate ecosystem. By collaborating with councils, the program aims to implement sustainable practices that help mitigate these threats.
Each participating council receives $920,000 in grants, which are allocated to various environmental projects tailored to the needs of their regions. Some councils have used these funds to install solar panels, contributing to renewable energy initiatives. In the Burdekin region, efforts have been focused on managing feral deer populations and controlling invasive pest weeds, which threaten local biodiversity.
The program's success is attributed to the commitment of these local governments to enact positive change. In October, the program's executive committee will convene in Brisbane to discuss ongoing and future initiatives.
Through this collaborative effort, the Reef Guardian Council program continues to be a vital force in the protection and preservation of the Great Barrier Reef.
Burdekin Shire Council use the Reef Guardian Council program funding to manage feral deer populations and control invasive pest weeds, which threaten local biodiversity. Photo supplied
CANEGROWERS has welcomed the end of industrial action at Tully Sugar Mill, saying it’s an example of what can be achieved when employers and unions negotiate in good faith and are prepared to compromise.
Over the weekend, Tully Sugar Limited announced that mill workers had voted in favour of a pay deal tabled by the mill following recent conciliation talks with unions in Townsville.
“This is a good outcome for the local industry,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said. “It shows that a system exists where workers can be fairly represented, and which enables employers and their employees to negotiate an acceptable pay deal.
“Tully CANEGROWERS representatives have been working diligently behind the scenes with both sides to encourage a resolution, so it’s pleasing to see an agreement that is acceptable to workers at Tully Sugar.”
Tully Sugar Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese agribusiness company COFCO.
It operates one of the largest sugar mills in Australia based in the regional township of Tully, located on the Bruce Highway in Far North Queensland.
Its principal activity is the milling of sugar cane to produce raw sugar and all of its sugar is exported. The molasses it produces is sold into both the domestic cattle feed and the international markets.
Mr Menkens said the Tully deal should serve as an example to Wilmar Sugar and unions who have been locked in an increasingly bitter pay dispute since last year.
“Wilmar and unions also went through a similar non-binding conciliation process but, unlike Tully, no solution has been found. As a result, half of the industry continues to be impacted by threatened strike action.
“We now have widespread rainfall across North Queensland, and it looks like wet weather will delay crushing for the next week or two.
“I’d encourage both sides in the Wilmar-union dispute to use that time wisely, restart negotiations, and find a compromise that can let us get on with the crush when the weather clears up.”
In response, a Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman, “We have been consistent from the outset that we seek a commercially sustainable outcome from enterprise bargaining. That remains our objective and our focus.”
The spokesperson confirmed that Wilmar was meeting with union representatives earlier this week on Tuesday.
Tully Sugar Mill
Burdekin region mills
Week 9, ending 10 August 2024
Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
145,089
947,701
Pioneer
70,238
426,444
Kalamia
76,043
540,157
Inkerman
86,423
625,836
Burdekin
377,792
2,540,138
CCS
Invicta
14.55
14.06
Pioneer
14.69
14.14
Kalamia
14.24
13.80
Inkerman
14.78
13.83
Burdekin
14.57
13.96
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
54%
14.54
SRA23
7%
14.46
KQ228
20%
14.58
WSRA17
5%
13.86
Q183
8%
15.05
Q208
4%
15.06
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just under 380,000 tonnes of cane for the week, which was above budget and the highest weekly throughput for the season to date.
The four mills have now processed more than 2.5M tonnes of cane, which represents 30% of the forecast 8.47M tonne Burdekin crop.
Production was impacted this week by a number of planned and unplanned stops as well as industrial action. The opportunity was taken during the stoppages to carry out necessary maintenance work.
The average weekly CCS was 14.57, which was above budget.
The highest CCS sample of 18.4 was from a rake of Q240-PL in the Mulgrave (Invicta) productivity district.
As always, please remember to take care as you approach cane rail crossings. Our cane trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the season.
John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region
Troubling figures released earlier this week show many illnesses among rural, regional and remote Australians could have been prevented or treated better with accessible primary care, thus avoiding the need for hospitalisation.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), many parts of rural Australia have higher rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations, highlighting the need for early interventions and ongoing care, particularly for non-communicable diseases. Unfortunately, Australia’s rural populations, which make up over 7 million people, often lack access to such preventive measures.
“We often see rural communities neglecting or putting off their health issues due to limited access to primary care, exacerbated by the tyranny of distance and cost of services. This leads to a cascade of problems, including overwhelming an already strained hospital and emergency system,” said the National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
“This brings us to consider the need to increase strategic and fit-for-purpose investment in rural health care.
“Given Australia’s annual health spending deficit of $6.55 billion in rural Australia, as discovered through independent research last year, we strongly advocate for greater investment in rural health care for communities, which enable multidisciplinary and place-based solutions according to needs.
“The Alliance proposes the Primary care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Services (PRIM-HS) model, which is community-led and co-designed to meet the specific health needs of communities to promote the preventative aspect of health.”
Ms Tegen added that the model aims to improve primary healthcare experiences, provide culturally safe, high-quality care which would become a major contributor to reduce the rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations in rural, regional and remote Australia, with federal and state /territory government partnership.
“Government funding to support this model would mean more rural primary care practices could continue to exist or be established in rural areas to provide essential care that many metropolitan communities take for granted,” Ms Tegen said.
National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen
As the first quarter of the 2024 crush season unfolds, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables is reporting a substantial 4.14 million tonnes of cane processed across its eight mills. Despite widespread rainfall halting harvesting and crushing across all regions, the Burdekin stands out with notable progress and performance.
In the Burdekin, the season has been marked by a CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar) of 14.57 this week, with a total of 2.55 million tonnes processed, representing 30 per cent of the total Burdekin crop. The region’s mill performance is showing positive trends, improving across all Burdekin factories. However, the Burdekin crop is currently trending slightly below the initial estimate. The recent heavy rain has impeded harvesting efforts, with field reports suggesting that harvesters may not return to the paddocks for another 10 to 14 days.
Ian Davies, General Manager of Cane Supply and Grower Relations at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, provided insight into the impact of recent weather conditions. “The recent rain has put a temporary halt to our harvesting operations, but our teams are working diligently to assess and manage the situation. We remain optimistic as we work through these challenges,” Davies said.
In the Herbert region, the CCS this week stands at 12.65, with 885,000 tonnes processed, accounting for 22 per cent of the total Herbert crop. The Herbert crop is cutting slightly below estimate, but the CCS is tracking above budget. The wet weather has allowed crews to complete necessary maintenance work. Feedback suggests that harvesting may resume later this week.
Proserpine’s crop is currently cutting about 3 per cent above estimate, with a CCS of 13.78 and 414,000 tonnes processed, representing 24 per cent of the total Proserpine crop. The factory’s overall performance has been strong. Current indications are that harvesting may restart towards the weekend.
In Plane Creek, the CCS is reported at 12.72, with 291,000 tonnes processed, or 22 per cent of the total Plane Creek crop. The crop is cutting above estimate, with an average yield of 85 tonnes per hectare. During the wet weather stop, crews are working to reinstate the master shredder turbine to return to budgeted crush rates. With improved drying conditions, the factory was expected to resume crushing by August 14.
As the season progresses, Wilmar’s focus remains on overcoming weather-related challenges and optimising operations to ensure a successful crush season.
Invicta Mill in the Burdekin region - Australia's largest sugar-producing mill. Boiler Assistant Rory Ironside took the snap on his phone at dusk
This Friday, August 16th, Ayr State High School will host a remarkable student-led fundraising event, spearheaded by school captains Layla Kelly and Noah Arboit. The initiative, organised by the Student Executive, will see teams of students and staff walking non-stop for five hours, from 4pm to 9pm, in a spirited effort to raise money for their chosen charities.
Each team has actively sought sponsorship to support a range of worthy causes, including Autism Awareness Australia, the Laurie’s Love Foundation, RSPCA, Lymphoma Australia, CORES, Ayden Wall’s GoFundMe page, Cerebral Palsy Australia, Ronald McDonald House, and the Cancer Council. These charities reflect the diverse interests and passions of the participants, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact both locally and nationally.
With over 100 registered participants, the event has garnered strong support from the Ayr High Parents and Citizens Association (P&C), which will be providing catering for the evening. The Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) will also be on hand, assisting with lighting to ensure the safety and success of the event.
The organisers hope to raise between $2,000 and $3,000, a testament to the community spirit and dedication of Ayr State High School's students and staff. This event not only highlights the leadership of the school’s captains but also showcases the collective effort of the school community in supporting important charitable causes.
a group of Ayr State High School students preparing for the charity relay Photo supplied
Burdekin Christian College has embraced innovation and sustainability by participating in the Big Ideas Youth Challenge, a competition aimed at encouraging young minds to become entrepreneurs with a focus on the circular economy. The challenge is not just about business; it's about inspiring students to think about the future and how they can be the change-makers in their communities.
The competition is structured to help students develop their ideas from scratch, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Students are encouraged to identify issues within their communities and create innovative solutions. This year, participants tackled various topics, including youth crime and sustainability, with one group proposing the development of a community centre focused on these themes. Felipe Lima-Teixeira, one of the standout participants, delivered a compelling pitch that earned him and his group a spot in the finals. Another student, Heidi, combined her passion for horses with recycling, showcasing the diversity of ideas generated by the students.
The competition is supported by Future Anything, an organization dedicated to helping young people turn their ideas into reality. Participants receive extensive support, including structured guidance, materials, and mentorship from community leaders. The event took place in JCU's new eco-friendly building, which added to the focus on sustainability.
Teacher Lorna Brooks, who accompanied the 16 students from Burdekin Christian College, praised the challenge for its alignment with the curriculum and its ability to get students thinking about their future, not just in terms of careers but in making a real impact in their communities.
Looking ahead, the school hopes to continue participating in the Big Ideas Youth Challenge, with aspirations to see even more students engaged in innovative thinking and entrepreneurship.
TheBig Ideas Youth Challenge (photo supplied)
Burdekin Christian College continues its tradition of hosting an annual careers expo, an event that has seen significant growth and success over the years. Designed to connect students with various industries and professions, the expo provides invaluable insights into the steps needed to pursue their dream careers.
This year, the expo has expanded to include a wider range of organizations, reflecting the growing interest in apprenticeships, IT, and health among students. The expo's evolution has seen participation from younger students, with Grade 8’s now attending to explore future career opportunities.
Local industries are prominently featured, including Wilmar, JCU, Ozmac, and Burdekin Shire Council, emphasizing the college's commitment to fostering employment within the community. By keeping the event locally focused, the college aims to support students in thriving within the Burdekin area.
The expo's timing is strategic, as students in Years 11 and 12 are preparing to select their subjects, with many already applying for apprenticeships. The event offers practical guidance, supplemented by previous experiences like the Townsville Careers Expo and the JCU Open Day.
Feedback from exhibitors and students alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with businesses eager to return each year. The students, while excited about freebies, also value the opportunity to engage with organizations they see in their community.
Looking to the future, the college hopes to continue growing the expo, providing students with more options in both academic and vocational pathways. The event remains a cornerstone in helping students make informed decisions about their career paths.
The careers evening (photo supplied)
For Macy Grabs, being an ambassador is much more than a title—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with her community. “It’s mainly about getting out of my comfort zone and into the community,” she says. Through this role, she’s gained insight into how the water festival is organised and how the Burdekin Shire Council operates, particularly its longstanding connection to the festival. This deeper understanding has enriched her appreciation for the region’s traditions and the importance of community involvement.
Macy’s responsibilities as an ambassador are varied, each task presenting new challenges and opportunities. She first stepped into the spotlight at the festival launch, where she was tasked with writing and delivering a speech on behalf of the council, alongside the other ambassadors. “Now, my responsibility is piecing together a float,” she explains. This creative endeavour allows her to contribute to the festival tangibly, blending traditional elements with her unique vision.
One of the most heartfelt aspects of Macy’s ambassadorship is her commitment to charity work. Ahead of the festival, she has organised a sausage sizzle fundraiser on August 24th, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council, held in the alleyway next to St. Vincent’s and K-Hub in Ayr. This cause is particularly close to Macy’s heart, as her grandfather is currently battling cancer. “A lot of people in my family have experienced cancer; it touches my heart,” she shares, highlighting the personal significance of her charitable efforts. Through this fundraiser, Macy hopes to make a meaningful contribution to cancer research and support, while also raising awareness in her community.
However, Macy’s journey as an ambassador hasn’t been without its challenges. Public speaking, for instance, is something she’s had to overcome. “Getting out of my comfort zone and public speaking—it’s not my favourite thing to do,” she admits. Balancing her full-time traineeship, TAFE studies, and the demands of the ambassadorship has also required a great deal of organisation and time management. Yet, despite these challenges, Macy remains committed to her role and is determined to fulfil her responsibilities with dedication and enthusiasm.
Engaging with the community has been a key part of Macy’s mission. Working in the public library gives her a unique platform to promote the festival and its associated charitable causes. “I try to advertise as much as I can there, and if people don’t understand what the Water Festival is about, I try to teach them,” she says. Her efforts help ensure that the festival’s message reaches a broader audience, encouraging greater community participation and support.
Looking forward, Macy hopes her work as an ambassador leaves a lasting impact. “I just hope that everyone in the community understands that as hard as it is, it is a fun thing to do, and being able to raise money shows an array of charities and opens up opportunities for others to get involved,” she says. Her message is one of encouragement, urging others to see the value in community involvement and charity work.
In Macy Grabs, the Burdekin Water Festival has found not just an ambassador but a true advocate for the community—a young woman determined to step out of her comfort zone and into a role that allows her to give back in meaningful ways.
Macy Grabs, Water Festival Ambassador. Photo credit: Miah Lampard
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