Hi readers
Let me tell you, working on this edition’s feature about the Canefield Ashes has certainly got me keen for a weekend of cricket.
The concept of a social, family friendly cricket tournament in which generations of teams come together once a year sounds like a dream come true.
I’m expecting a lot of fun to be had on the cricket field but I’m sure a few beers, some roast pork and a bit of live music won’t go astray either.
I’ll be alternating between camera and cricket bat in hand, so make sure to come and say g’day and get your photo taken for next week’s edition.
To find out more, find the feature on pages 31-34.
Speaking of live music, I’ve returned from a weekend spent at Cameron’s Pocket, between Proserpine and Mackay, where I enjoyed a night of live music at Pocket Sessions.
The festival is a little quarterly festival that attracts the most talented and unique musicians and performers for a night of live music in a little pocket of paradise.
You might’ve heard me play some of these artists on my radio show, the Home Hill Happy Hour, which is live on 97.1 Sweet FM every Tuesday from 7:00pm.
Despite the weather, it was a lovely weekend spent with friends and my first exposure to live music in some time which was an absolute treat.
Another excellent segue from me: Sweet FM’s presenter training is also on this Sunday, so you might notice some improvements in my show after I take some notes from that.
I hope you enjoy the read and I’ll see you around!

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Burdekin native bird carer Matt Killeen has taken to social media to thank members of the public for their role in the rescue of an injured bird.
On Thursday, March 28, Matt assisted in the rescue of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo that had hit a barbed wire fence and sustained “some terrible injuries.”
“Members of the public found the bird last night and kept it in a warm, dark, quiet room overnight,” he said.
“They contacted me via this page first thing this morning, I picked it up and rushed it to one of our fantastic local vets, unfortunately it couldn’t be saved, the injuries were too great.
“The people who found it did all the right things and together we were able to end this majestic bird’s suffering and help it pass peacefully.”
Matt’s love for bird photography led him to the world of wildlife care, a decision that has since blossomed into a heartwarming journey of nurturing and protecting the area's feathered inhabitants.
Becoming involved with NQ Wildlife Care through Facebook Group ‘Burdekin Birding’, Matt received training and lots of support to get started as a wildlife carer.
Despite the occasional sad ending, Matt said his work as a carer is incredibly rewarding.
“You’re helping the wildlife and you’re also helping members of the community who need assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife,” he said.
“There is a huge demand for native bird carers and other wildlife carers.”
Visit nqwildlife.org.au to find out more.

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Burdekin native bird carer was contacted to assist an injured Sulphur-crested Cockatoo which unfortunately succumbed to its injuries. Photo supplied

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Hello again! After concluding my internship with the Burdekin Life Newspaper in early March, I was more than grateful to receive a phone call offering me the opportunity to come back and undertake a cadetship! Throughout my time working alongside Sam and the team, I fell further in love with print journalism and solidified my passion for sharing people’s stories through my work and I am beyond excited to pick up where I left off.

As I near the end of my Bachelor of Communications and Journalism degree, I find myself searching for more opportunities to continue building upon my journalistic skills. It'll come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I love to keep busy! As well as prioritizing my studies, and producing additional written pieces, I’ve dabbled in the world of content creation, media management, website development, and have even pitched myself to Vogue! When I’m not immersing myself in all thing’s communication, public relations, and journalism at either Griffith Universities’ Gold Coast or Brisbane campuses, I have been working with and applying to additional organizations for internships and experience. Currently, I hold a position with The Good Guide, a “luxury lifestyle guide” based in both Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. My role entails creating written blog style articles on everything from cheese festivals to where to buy an iced strawberry matcha latte!

After graduating from Ayr State High School in 2021 and setting off to Brisbane as soon as 2022 began, I never imagined I would be writing for my local newspaper from the opposite end of the state, but here I am, and I have been loving every second! In re-joining the Burdekin Life team, I am eager to continue learning, growing my skillsets, and building upon my abilities as a journalist, and I can guarantee you, you’ll see my name in Vogue one day! I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have been granted and honestly cannot wait to continue sharing stories with the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

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Stories of few rental properties available and blown out waiting lists for social housing in the Burdekin have caused Member for Burdekin Dale Last to sound alarm bells, fearing consequences will be far reaching across the rural community.
While images of people sleeping in tents or lining up for rentals in larger city centres were being seen right across the state, Mr Last feared that smaller rural towns like the Burdekin had slipped through the cracks.
Mr Last said for regional areas like the Burdekin, the ability to attract people to live and work in the region was crucial when it came to securing the town’s economy.
“My office has been contacted by families who have been forced to consider moving away from the Burdekin or sleep in farm sheds simply because there isn’t the housing available here for them,” Mr Last said.
“The issue of housing is growing right across the state but in rural areas like the Burdekin where we rely on being able to attract and retain people here for employment opportunities, there needs to be accommodation for that employee, and potentially their family, to live in.”
Mr Last said the LNP had already called for more to be done to unlock more land for housing and encourage investment.
“Sadly, there are currently more than 3,500 people on social housing waiting lists in our region alone,” he said.
“Not only have we seen the state government fail to build social housing, they have also refused to work with private and community sector groups that want to build social housing and demonise owners of rental properties.
“We’ve seen plan after plan, roundtables and a summit when it comes to addressing housing by this government and little action, particularly when it comes to smaller townships like Ayr or Home Hill.”

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Stock image

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Three new faces have joined the Townsville Hospital and Health Board following the appointments of Professor Kunwarjit Sangla, Dr Erin Waters, and Graham Pattel announced by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman last month.
Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney, was also reappointed for another term and said he was delighted to welcome the new members and the wealth of experience and wisdom they would bring to the table.
“I’m delighted that the health service has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable, and well-respected leaders to the Board,” Mr Mooney said.
“All three new board members have already made significant contributions to the people of north Queensland in their chosen fields, and I’m sure they will make a positive impact to healthcare in the region through their new roles on the Board.”
Mr Mooney also congratulated the five current Board members - Michelle Morton, Debra Burden, Nicole Hayes, and Georgina Whelan - who have been reappointed for another term.
“All five will continue to bring their rich professional and industry experience to the Board,” he said.
“Over the past four years, our Board has consistently delivered a surplus budget and more services and treatment innovations to where our patients and consumers need and want them.
“Michelle, who remains as deputy Chair, is a managing partner in a local law firm; she has extensive experience in risk management, regulatory compliance, and public sector governance.
“Debra is currently a member of both the Board’s audit and risk and finance committees where her financial and accounting acumen comes to the fore.
“Nicole is an experienced project manager with a strong background in education, marketing, and youth engagement.
“Georgina has more than 30 years of nursing experience, principally in specialist oncology, and she has a strong focus on equity of access for patients living in regional, rural and remote communities.”
Local hospitality and property businessman Luke Guazzo is a continuing appointment on the Board.
Mr Mooney thanked and acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Board members Danette Hocking and Donald Whaleboat.
He said he was looking forward to the Board’s next term where the focus would remain on developing services that treated patients closer to home, seeing more patients within clinically recommended times, and overseeing the delivery of a multi-million-dollar major capital infrastructure program.
“I’m proud of what has been achieved so far and I’m looking forward to our Board doing more for the people of north Queensland who use and rely on public health services,” he said.

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Chair Tony Mooney (centre) and Board member Debra Burden (left) have been reappointed onto the Townsville Hospital and Health Board alongside three new Board members

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Organisations across the Dawson electorate are encouraged to apply for funding under the Play Our Way Program which has been designed to make sports more welcoming for women and girls.
 
The funding program will run over three years and aims to deliver long-term benefits and improvements that address participation barriers faced by women and girls in sports.
 
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox believes this grant opportunity will make a lasting difference to the communities within Dawson.
 
“Unfortunately, in rural and regional areas, sporting clubs and facilities are underfunded and under resourced,” Mr Willcox said.
 
“This funding is crucial to ensuring our future sports stars aren’t continually disadvantaged to make do with substandard sporting infrastructure.”
 
The funding program is open to applications from local governments, community organisations, not-for-profit organisations, and sporting organisations.
 
Successful grant recipients will use the funding to provide safe, inclusive, quality and sustainable facilities, equipment and initiatives, while helping women and girls to remain involved in sport for life.
 
“I know of a few clubs in my electorate that rely on fundraising activities to maintain and improve their facilities,” Mr Willcox said.

“This grant program will provide a much-needed boost to these fundraising activities, giving our local communities the sporting infrastructure that they need and deserve.”
 
Applications close Monday April 29 at 2pm.
 
For eligibility criteria, or to apply, visit www.health.gov.au/our-work/play-our-way-program.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is encouraging organisations across the electorate to apply for funding under the Play Our Way Program. Photo supplied

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A temporary closure of Queensland’s North Coast rail line, which runs the length of Queensland's coastline from Brisbane to Cairns, has begun as Queensland Rail crews gear up for a mega maintenance project.
Among the maintenance work includes resleepering works on the rail line between Ayr and Home Hill.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional, Scott Cornish said the eight-day closure of the line, from April 9 to 17, would allow for track upgrades at key locations, bolstering the safety and resilience of the vital freight and passenger network.
“Crews will be undertaking a wide range of upgrades in April, including replacing old track and sleepers, building new rail bridges, maintaining signals, and refuelling station works," Mr Cornish said.
“We will also see the completion of our $77 million North Coast line passing loops project, which has enabled longer freight trains to travel between Rockhampton and Townsville, delivering more essential items to regional towns and cities faster.
“Projects like this are vital to ensuring our rail network can continue to support Queensland's rapidly growing population."
Mr Cornish said to ensure the safety of all workers and provide them with undisrupted and continuous access to the rail corridor, the line was required to be closed to rail traffic while works were underway.
“Through consultation with freight partners and customers, we've aligned rail works with major maintenance closures across the Aurizon rail network through Rockhampton, and train-free periods at mine sites connected to the Port of Gladstone, to deliver the most efficient outcome while minimising impacts to supply chains,” he said.
“The closure also coincides with significant changes to South East Queensland train services on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines from 29 March to Sunday 14 April 2024 to allow for crucial Cross River Rail works and Queensland Rail maintenance."
Mr Cornish thanked long distance travel train customers, freight partners and communities along the line for their patience to allow this work to be completed safely and efficiently in the rail corridor.
“Queensland Rail long-distance travel services will be replaced with road coaches or have altered operations during the planned closure," he said.

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WORKS BEING COMPLETED
   • Completion of $77 million North Coast line passing loops project with commissioning works at Mount Ossa
   • Works on Berajondo timber bridge project with the demolition and replacement of three timber bridges with steel and concrete structures between Berajondo and Baffle
   • Rerailing works between Ilbilbie and Koumala, Bloomsbury and Thoopara, Storth to Nome, Partington and Oonoonba to Townsville
   • Resleepering works between Ayr and Home Hill
   • Bridge repairs between Aminungo and Kuttabul
   • Signalling maintenance between Elalie and Ilbilbie
   • Track relaying at Tully
   • Painting works at Johnstone River Bridge
   • Timber bridge works between Bundaberg and Meadowvale
   • Track maintenance between Tamaree and Theebine
   • Track formation repairs at Yaamba​

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Resleepering works are to be conducted between Ayr and Home Hill this week. Photo supplied

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On March 21, a shop stealing was reported from a local Queen Street business. Subsequent inquiries led Police to an address at Ayr where a 52yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for one count of shop stealing and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.
At 10:15pm on Friday March 19, Ayr Police located a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 21yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .105. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on April 22.

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At 9:20am on Sunday March 31, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 29yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on May 27.
At 9:20am on Monday April 1, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Albert Crescent, Ayr. The driver, a 26yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for disqualified driving and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on April 22.  

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At 10:20am on Friday April 5, a disturbance occurred at a business on Young Street, Ayr. As a result, Police attended and a 32yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count of common assault and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on May 27.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR

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‘Police Station On Wheels’
Returns To The Burdekin
Home Hill and Ayr Police Stations have been working hard to put together a Community Connection initiative.  
A part of this initiative will be the deployment of the QPS Mobile Police Beat (MPB).  
The MPB is a significant move towards bolstering community safety and accessibility to law enforcement services.  
This state-of-the-art mobile police station, dubbed the ‘police station on wheels,’ provides a high visibility police presence, which can be strategically deployed at short notice where needed most, responding to changes in crime, trends and community concerns.
Local Police and Townsville Crime prevention officers will be there on the day helping with Crime prevention advice and listening to the community concerns and any queries they may have.
So, bring along the family for a chat.
The MPB will be back in the Burdekin on Saturday April 27, set up at IGA Home Hill from 8:30am to 11am and then at Woolworths Ayr from 11:30am to 2pm.

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Rehoming fee: $185

DOB: 1.07.2020

Sex: Male

Breed: DSH

Kid friendly: Soft hands

Dog Friendly: Yes, slow Introduction

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

Kingsberry’s name says it all. He is a royal man and has a liking for fine dining and treats.

When alone he is nearly always found napping on the top bunk and at night time he brings out the cuddles, everyone knows he loves scratches and head rubs.

He is in foster care with his sister Layla, who is also looking for her forever home, but Kingsberry would still be okay being adopted on his own.

Since being in foster care, he has encountered puppies and kids whom he is fine with, but he does not like loud children that screech, pull his ears and poke him in the eyes.

Kingsberry is looking for his forever home so he can be loved and treated in a way that any handsome royal man should be.

If interested please fill out a form at; https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/blog/kingsbery

He is available for adoption DESEXED, MICROCHIPPED, up to date VACCINES and FLEA/TICK/WORM treated.

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In an attempt to combat youth crime, the Federal Coalition introduced the Crimes and Online Safety Legislation Amendment (Combatting Online Notoriety) Bill 2024 into Parliament last month, seeking to crack down on youth crime by making it illegal to post social media material that glamorises violence and criminal activity.

The bill also provides the eSafety Commissioner with specific powers to require such videos and material to be taken down.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said it was time to get serious on young criminals who seek to highlight their criminal activity on social media.

"The escalating rates of youth crime through parts of my electorate from Mackay all the way up to Townsville demand urgent attention and decisive action from this Government,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton said the Federal Government had a role to play, and it was vital for the Government to play its part in cracking down on this behaviour which glamorised violence and kept the cycle of crime going.
 
“We are putting forward a proposal to deal with this scourge,” he said.

“We need to do all we can to keep our community safe and deter young criminals from doing the wrong thing.

“This is the perfect opportunity for the Government to get on board and support us on this important, commonsense policy, which will keep our community safe.”

The Coalition’s Crimes and Online Safety Legislation Amendment (Combatting Online Notoriety) Bill 2024 will:

   • Introduce a new Commonwealth offence to deal with the increasing use of social media to promote or publicise criminal activity.
   • Include a sentencing measure in the Crimes Act to ensure that as part of the sentencing process, courts are able to prohibit persons who have been convicted of the new offence from using social media for up to two years.
   • Amend the Online Safety Act to specifically empower the eSafety Commissioner to order the removal of such videos from social media and other digital platforms.

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Andrew Willcox MP and Peter Dutton MP

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Home to Queensland’s oldest operating drive-in theatre, the Burdekin was one of the few Queensland communities where residents and visitors could still experience the magic of a movie under the stars at the drive-in.
That was before the destructive winds of Cyclone Kirrily struck, peeling off the sheeting of the screen at Ayr’s Stardust Drive-In Theatre.
The screen has now been completely removed and, with plans to rebuild, Owner Suzzi Jerkic hopes to preserve the experience of the drive-in for generations to come.
“It used to be the place to go,” Suzzi said.
“Many a night, you would come and get turned away because there were so many cars.”
Stardust Drive-In Theatre was built by Reg Hunt who opened it in September 1964.
The theatre changed hands throughout the years, from Birch Carroll and Coyle to the Stanleys to the O’Sheas.
Meanwhile, Frank Jerkic, originally of Mount Isa, was climbing the ranks at the theatre, starting as a groundsman in 1975 and progressing to a casual projectionist.
One fateful night, Suzzi went to the movies with a friend and was introduced to Frank.
The couple eventually married and went on to buy the theatre in 1989.
“I love movies; that’s why I came here that night, I just love movies and Frank loves movies too,” Suzzi said.
“He was already working here, and the O’Shea’s were going to close it down and we thought we’d give it a go.”
Nostalgia for a bygone era draws crowds from the Burdekin, Townsville and Bowen to experience a film under the stars.
Suzzi said blockbusters like ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Barbie’ have been popular hits, but “it’s not like it used to be”.
“It’s a social thing,” she said.
“With your family, your mates, teenagers, whatever group you’re with, it’s a party atmosphere in your own car or outside your car with your camping chairs.
“It’s under the stars, it’s outdoors, it’s amazing.”
Stardust Drive-In Theatre has weathered many a cyclone throughout the years, but none as devastating as 2024’s Cyclone Kirrily which struck the Burdekin on the evening of Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Suzzi and Frank were sitting in the theatre’s café, Silver Screens ‘n’ Coffee Beans, watching the cyclone roll through.
“It was starting to get into the evening, the wind was blowing and we were sitting there watching as a tree fell down first,” Suzzi said.
“Then the wind started to move around behind the screen, and we had two really big gusts.
“That first one just peeled off the screen, we watched it and heard it.”
The screen and supporting posts have now been completely taken down, with Suzzi hoping for insurance to cover a quick rebuild starting after the holidays.
It’s also led Suzzi to investigate where the log posts came from and who installed them, with a tip off leading her to the name Vern Miller.
“I can’t seem to find out what happened there, because we don’t have those sorts of trees here in the Burdekin,” she said.
While the 360-car capacity drive-in theatre remains out of action for the foreseeable future, Frank and Suzzi are still delighting audiences with movie showings at the neighbouring Galazy Cinema.
The café is still open for business as is the complex’s movie-themed mini golf course and secret fairy garden.
Suzzi hopes that audiences will flock back to the theatre when the drive-in is back up and running.
“I don’t know when, but I’m really looking forward to getting it going again,” she said.
“There aren’t a lot of drive-ins and it is different.
“You can go to a town and there’s a cinema there and you think, ‘We don’t need to go to the movies,’ but if there’s a drive in, it’s different and people make that point of staying overnight and experiencing the drive in.
“When we’re back, come on out; it’s the best thing to do on a weekend night.”

L-R Karen Doyle, Jorja Rainbow, Myla Flower and Suzzi Jerkic. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The screen at Stardust Drive-In Theatre was destroyed by destructive winds in Cyclone Kirrily. Photo supplied

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Townsville’s Reid Park became an agricultural hub last week as Rotary NQ Field Days brought hundreds of exhibitors and visitors together.
The Rotary Clubs of Townsville, the Burdekin and surrounding districts proudly hosted the 2024 NQ Field Days from April 4-5, showcasing best practices in all avenues of farming, agribusiness, and all other relevant industries.
The profits made from Rotary NQ Field Days will go directly back into the local Townsville, Burdekin and regional communities.
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP attended the event alongside some of his colleagues, giving him the opportunity to keep abreast of both local agricultural developments and the needs of his constituents.
"It's an event where the city meets the country and country people from all over the region came to have a look at the equipment and innovation on offer," Mr Willcox said.
"It was a fantastic opportunity for me to meet up with people from all over the electorate.
“One of the highlights for me was chatting to the Jurgens who have drones that drop beneficiary insects over land so farmers can stop using so many chemicals – it was very cool to see what they've got going on.”

Exhibitors, visitors and special guests enjoyed two days of agricultural excellence at the Rotary NQ Field Days in Townsville. Photos supplied

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years? Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence.
With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get online and increase your digital literacy and feel more connected.
Our tutors can help you to use a personal computer or your mobile phone, laptop or iPad. Perhaps you would like to do online banking, access information, videos or movies, set up an online account, use social media or email to feel more connected to your friends and the community reducing loneliness and isolation etc.
To learn more, make a booking or become a Tutor, please contact the Team at The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr.  Ph: 4783 3744.  E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au.

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Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)

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Buddha tells us ‘That the only constant in life is change’.  Henry Ford says, ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’.  They are certainly not wrong.

Change is one of the big things we are always navigating here at the Neighbourhood Centre. In the last couple of weeks, we have been presented with a possible big change for our operations, and it got us thinking: How do we work through this change, what are our options, and the big one—how do we feel about changing?

While embracing change as an opportunity for growth and improvement, we recognise that navigating change can be challenging.  

We invite you to Google the Küblar-Ross Change Curve. It shows that change is a cycle—each event has a beginning and an end.  Is that at all helpful?  We think so!

For any event in our lives, the Kübler-Ross Change Curve can give us a general map of where we might be sitting. The progression of change is different for everyone, and as a community, we strive to be accepting of each other and of our particular journeys.

Neighbourhood and Community Centres can play a significant role in peoples’ journeys, as it doesn’t really matter where on the curve we engage people – we can accept them and adapt our work so that we may be a positive influence on them moving forward.

We can all learn something from someone else – a perspective, a skill, a story. These only come from change and the circumstances we experience.  It is only when we stop and listen that we can truly hear and appreciate the value of these experiences.  

The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that Burdekin Shire Council actively seeks feedback from the public on various projects and initiatives that affect the local community and the future development of the region?
Council has many processes and activities that involve the public in education and sharing of information. While it is not possible or effective to consult with the community on every issue, Burdekin Shire Council engages the community to enhance Council’s decisions and to facilitate well-informed community participation in policy, plans, programs and service levels.
Community engagement plays an important role in the planning and delivery of Council services and facilities and for shaping the future of our shire.
The Burdekin Shire Council values the input of the community on projects and strives to create meaningful opportunities for the public to engage in the decision-making processes.
You can find more information on current and past Community Consultations and Surveys on Councils website burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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