In the rural heart of the Burdekin, a small but formidable business has thrived for the past three decades, weathering changes in the agricultural landscape and evolving customer demands. Eileen List and Jenny Cook, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Burdekin Growers Services, have not just been witnesses to the transformations in the industry; they have been active participants, adapting and growing their business with an unwavering commitment to quality, independence and community while staying true to their old-fashioned, family business roots.

“You have got to laugh,” Eileen smiles as she and Jenny flick through newspaper clippings from 30 years ago; the laughter not just a reflection of their shared experiences but a testament to their resilience and ability to navigate the challenges that have come their way.

The Origins

Eileen's journey in the industry started at the age of 17 when she was offered a position with a small business that distributed fuel and fertiliser. She was given a book about fertilisers and chemicals which she studied enthusiastically, but it’s the hands-on knowledge and experience she gained from the people around her, learning in the field from “the best of the best”, that led her to a position she could see a future in.

“People would take me out on the farms and show me how to identify pests and diseases,” Eileen says. “I learnt to be able to identify without going to uni – unless you have hands on experience, you’ll never learn what I learnt. It takes you a long time to learn all that.”

Meanwhile, Eileen would bring baby Jenny to work from the age of six weeks old, thus beginning a strong mother-daughter bond that the success of Burdekin Growers Services was built upon. Jenny gained more insight into the industry working with Eileen after school and on school holidays. Upon finishing high school, she faced the decision of attending university or going into business with her knowledgeable mother, ultimately deciding on the latter and never turning back.

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The Early Years

PIC 1 CAPTION: Jenny and Eileen in 1994, printed in the Ayr Advocate

PIC 2 CAPTION: Eileen and Jenny celebrating one year in business, printed in the Ayr Advocate

As reported in the Ayr Advocate:

“1994 marks a new beginning in the working life of Eileen List.”

After 35 years of working with growers in a variety of agricultural sectors from sugarcane to tobacco, Eileen joined forces with Jenny to create Burdekin Growers Services, first opening on Edwards Street, Ayr. Eileen brought with her those decades worth of knowledge and experience and a reputation to match.

“You’ve got to accumulate a lot of knowledge to be able to go into this type of business,” Eileen says. “It’s not something you can do light-heartedly because you’ve really got to know the companies and the products.”

Eileen would continually impart this knowledge onto an eager Jenny, who was eager to outgrow her mother’s shadow and prove herself to the growers of the Burdekin.

“Everyone used to walk in and say, ‘Is Eileen here? Is your mum here?’” Jenny laughs. “It takes a little while to build confidence in the customers. We’ve all been through that.”

Burdekin Growers Services established itself in 1994 as a business catering to all industries of the Burdekin, whether it be sugarcane or mangoes, tree crops or ground crops. Jenny also brings livestock experience to the business and is passionate about animal health and stockfeed, while Eileen’s passion for home gardening is also reflected in the store’s gardening supplies. The store became a one stop shop, also stocking cleaning and household items for those travelling from out of town to buy in bulk.

“Back when we started, a rural business was a bit of everything, it was that place to get things in bulk,” says Jenny. “If someone was coming into town, they could get most of their household items in bulk as well as the farm products.”

“We stick to the same brands too,” adds Eileen. “We use possibly the best household products you can get, and I know because I use them. You get to know all of the products, and you strive to satisfy.”

The New Shop And Beyond

PIC 3 CAPTION: Eileen and Jenny opened their current location in 1997, printed in the Ayr Advocate

In 1997, Burdekin Growers Services relocated to Railway Street, Ayr, where their store and shed still stands. A small house was demolished, and a shed was built and slowly expanded upon with an office, additional shed and store spaces being added on over the years. The grand opening was a grand affair, with over 400 people attending to show their support.

The longevity of Burdekin Growers Services can be attributed to the deep-rooted relationships they have cultivated over the years. Eileen emphasises, “The customer is the core of our business.” The same customers for the last 30 years, and crossing generations of families, reflect the trust and reliability that define their business. It's not just transactions; it's about knowing their customers, caring for them, and, as Jenny adds, “Over time, they become friends.” Burdekin Growers Services maintains the personal touch of an old-fashioned, family-owned business. They stick to first-class products, receive compliments for their practical bookkeeping system, and express gratitude to the community for their unwavering support.

The Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo

PIC 4 CAPTION: Jenny and Eileen celebrate 30 years of Burdekin Growers Services this year

The enduring partnership of Eileen and Jenny epitomises the strength of their bond and the versatile and unique array of skills, talents and knowledge each brings to the business.

“I love my mum,” Jenny shares. “I don’t find it hard to work with mum at all. We do have our disagreements, but they don’t last very long, they’re pretty direct and to the point, we don’t hold a grudge, we just move on.”

“I think Jenny’s so reliable, that I trust her 100%,” adds Eileen. “If I don’t like something, I say it, if she doesn’t like something, she’ll tell me, and that’s how you adjust the business. Even though we’re mother and daughter, we’re just two people running a business that needs to be successful and it can only be successful if those two people think alike and work alike. We’ve got to be able to complement each other.”

Eileen admits that it took her a while to appreciate the significance of Burdekin Growers Services reaching the 30-year milestone. Thanks to frequent reminders from Jenny and her many loyal customers, she’s come to acknowledge the amazing achievement with appreciation for her loving business partner and the community that supported the business over those decades. With no plans to retire, Eileen and Jenny celebrate the last 30 years while continuing to provide the Burdekin with its agricultural necessities with a smile and some good old-fashioned service.

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Star Sign: Taurus

Fav Movie: Sister Act

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Holiday destination: Being home

Fav Music: Country

Fav Quote: “Take one day at a time.”

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I can sew and decorate cakes.

Describe your personality in three words: Loyal, caring and grateful for the life I have.

For someone who has been so passionately immersed in the agricultural industries since she was 17, Eileen List shows no signs of slowing down. Often faced with the question of retirement, Eileen is quick to reassure that she has no plans to step away from Burdekin Growers, a business she has delicately built with her daughter Jenny over the last 30 years.

“Personally speaking, I think work is about health,” she said. “It keeps you healthy, you’ve got a healthy mind. It keeps you healthy in the mind, it keeps you mobile. I like the fact that if you haven’t seen one of your friends for a while, they can pop in and have a cuppa and a chat.”

The one thing Eileen is more passionate about than Burdekin Growers is her family and community, evident in her everyday dealings with daughter, Jenny, granddaughter, Tash, and the countless customers who walked through the doors of Burdekin Growers for 30 years. She’s surrounded by family and friends whether at work or not.

“Sharing time with the grandchildren and all the family when not at work is a great pleasure,” she said.

One of Eileen’s greatest challenges came 22 years ago when her husband and Jenny’s dad, Joe, passed away. This was a time when her family and community truly stepped up, providing her with invaluable support every step of the way. Eileen is someone who appreciates every day and makes the most of life surrounded by the people she loves.

“My highlight is getting up every day, being able to function every day, and being able to go home at the end of the day still wanting to come to work the next day,” she said. “I think that’s what you call a highlight.”

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Star Sign: Scorpio

Fav Movie: Anything with Hugh Grant

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Holiday destination: Home – there is really no place like it!

Fav Music: Almost any – especially if I can dance to it.

Fav Quote: “Your job is bigger than the box you work in.”

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I am a real home body – I like to cook meals, clean and keep house. My focus in life is ‘Contentment’.

Describe your personality in three words: Serious, quirky, loyal.

With a professional career spanning nearly everything from packing mangoes, hospitality and bar work, to working alongside heads of cattle, and fencing on western properties and power stations, Jenny Cook has called Burdekin Growers Services home for 30 years, and she has never looked back.

Fueled by her passions stemming from her experience in a wide variety of industries, Jenny established Burdekin Growers Services alongside her mother, Eileen, in 1994, which continues to flourish under their leadership.

Jenny has always called Ayr home despite stints in Cloncurry and Mount Isa through her lifetime.

In fact, Jenny met her husband, Peter, in Cloncurry nearly 18 years ago, and she was quick to relocate him back to the Burdekin.

A through and through country girl, Jenny had spent over five seasons working in various positions in mango packing sheds, a number of years studying animal health and cattle husbandry and even started a fencing business with Peter in Mount Isa.

Jenny loves spending time outdoors, with her animals and on the land.

“I love horses, cattle and dogs,” she explained. “Most weekends are spent on or around horses. Work permitting, we try and get to as many camp drafts as possible.

“Peter and I spend most of our time together – sometimes relaxing, mostly working on one thing or another.”

Jenny also enjoys spending time with her great niece and nephew, watching them grow up and experience new things.

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Star Sign: Capricorn 

Fav Movie: Hardball 

Fav Colour: Pastel colours 

Fav Holiday destination: Fiji 

Fav Music: 90’s R’n B

Fav Quote: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot”

Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I love cooking and baking!

Describe your personality in three words: Faith, Gratitude, Respect

For Natasha Vodonaivalu, affectionately known as Tash, the move from Brisbane to Ayr soothed her soul, allowing her to find some peace that she welcomed and continues to encourage in her life.

Moving to Ayr about five years ago, Tash seamlessly fit into the Burdekin lifestyle, and into the communities of Ayr and Home Hill.

With her mother’s side of the family originating from Ayr, and her father’s based in Fiji, Tash welcomed the change of small-town living, where familiar faces greet you at every moment, and there is never a dull moment.

Coming on board with the Burdekin Growers Services team, alongside her aunt, Jenny, and her grandmother, Eileen, Tash primarily works in customer service, helping customers’ needs and getting the best products for them.

“I've always worked in customer service, I really enjoy helping people,” Tash explained.

When she’s not at Burdekin Growers Services, Tash is having quality relaxation time.

“I find peacefulness in the breath-taking beauty of nature, and nothing beats a good sunset. In my alone time I also enjoy shopping, gaming, and going to the gym,” she explained.

Tash also finds immense enjoyment with spending time with her family.

“My two kids are the best thing that's ever happened to me. They are the driving force in my life and at times can be the most challenging.”

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Sugarcane from throughout north Queensland could play an integral role in fuelling the aviation sector as the development of a Townsville Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project progresses.

Following the execution of a first-of-a-kind Licence and Engineering Agreement for Australia between businesses Jet Zero and LanzaJet, Project Ulysses is poised to revolutionise the aviation industry by converting agricultural by-products into 102 million litres of SAF annually, which Jet Zero said could meet the annual jet fuel demands for Cairns and Townsville Airports.

Jet Zero also claimed the SAF produced at the facility has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions on commercial flights by approximately 70 per cent on a net lifecycle basis, relative to traditional fossil-based jet fuel, and will assist the Australian Government’s commitment to achieving its emissions reduction target of 43 per cent of 2005 CO­2 levels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Project Ulysses is also set to make a substantial impact on North Queensland by generating over 100 skilled jobs and creating supply chain opportunities in the region.

Aviation giants Qantas and Airbus have thrown their support behind the project as project partners.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said Queensland is perfectly primed to service the SAF industry.

“North Queensland is in a unique position to provide feedstock for this project, while also being close to the industry partners that are already investing in our state,” he said.

“This is another big step towards 1,000 construction jobs and 100 refinery jobs, bringing opportunities for agriculture, aviation, defence, and tourism.

“Queensland’s renewable energy advantage means we can protect and grow regional jobs in high tech sectors like sustainable jet fuel.”

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The conclusion of the $25 million capital replacement program of Kalamia Mill is nearing, with the last evaporator being installed at the mill ahead of the 2024 production season.

The Kalamia Mill, owned and operated by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, is in its final stage of a three-year program to replace the evaporators; the first evaporator was installed in 2022, and the following two installed in 2023.

Utilised at an important early step in the sugar manufacturing process, the evaporators dispel water from the sugar cane juice, which is concentrated in a syrup, before the sugar crystals are formed.

Senior Project Engineer Chris Lammas said the four new vessels replaced older ones that had reached end of life.

“This work represents an almost total renewal of the evaporator station at Wilmar’s Kalamia Mill, which should deliver improvements to rate and reliability,” Mr Lammas said.

“I’ve lived and breathed this project for four years.

“It’s the biggest and most expensive capital program I’ve worked on.

“It’s involved a lot of people with a multitude of skills from across the business, as well as external contractors.”

All four vessels were engineered, fabricated, and installed in-house, with major components fabricated at Wilmar's Burdekin Centralised Workshop, located at Brandon’s Pioneer Mill, before being transported 16km to Kalamia Mill.

Manager Projects David Innes said the capital replacement program had provided an opportunity to standardise and improve Kalamia Mill’s evaporator station.

“The existing evaporators were of different sizes and capacities. The new ones are all seven metres in diameter and have a heating capacity of 3200sqm. This creates greater efficiencies in design and construction,” he said.

“Approximately 100 tonnes of steel went into the fabrication of this evaporator and a further 33 tonnes of stainless steel tubing is installed on-site,” Mr Innes said.

The fabrication and transport of the last vessel took more than 10,000 labour-hours.

The new evaporators are part of a much larger program to replace end-of-life vessels across Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ eight mills.

More than $200 million is being invested in capital and maintenance work across Wilmar’s sugar factories and cane rail assets this year.

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Senior Project Engineer Chris Lammas has worked on the evaporator replacement program for four years

The bottom cone of the new evaporator is moved through Ayr on its way to Kalamia Mill

The bottom cone of the vessel is set down at Kalamia Mill

Photos supplied

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Are you a local wanting to give back and assist in the medical needs and decisions of the Burdekin region?

Then the Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN), hosted by the Townsville Hospital and Health Service is the group for you.

Specifically designed for community members of provide assistance, advocacy and ensure that health services at met, CAN allows the Townsville Hospital and Health Service know the preferences and needs of the region.

Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said community members should consider getting involved to have their say on important health matters.

“We are looking for energetic and interested people to be the voice for their community and help us ensure we provide the health care the community wants and needs,” Mr Keyes said.

“If you are a resident of the Burdekin and want to make a difference to healthcare in your community, then we are looking for you.”

Completely voluntary, representatives will be a part of the Network for at least two years.

Expressions of interest close on February 14 and applications can be submitted here: https://forms.office.com/r/1wPp3PdUhU

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A long-term flying fox roost management plan will be developed for the region after a grant of $37,100 was secured by Burdekin Shire Council from the Queensland Government.

The plan will help Council and the community to manage the impacts of flying foxes on public health, community safety and amenity, while also protecting the important ecological role of these native animals.

Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan welcomed the funding and said it would enable Council to engage an experienced consultant to develop the plan with input from various stakeholders.

"Council is grateful for this grant, which will allow us to address one of the most challenging environmental issues in our region,” Mr Brennan said.

“Flying foxes can cause problems for residents and businesses when they roost in urban areas so we need a balanced and sustainable approach to manage their presence and minimise their impacts.”

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science Leanne Linard said the Miles Government is committed to supporting local councils to manage the effects of flying foxes on their communities.

“We know that flying foxes can present challenges when they co-exist with residents, but these protected native animals also have a vital ecological role in dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants, as well as keeping our native forests healthy,” Ms Linard said.

“The successful projects in this latest round of grant funding will help to reduce the impacts of urban flying-fox roosts and support local communities to co-exist with flying foxes.”

Mr Brennan said the plan would include a comprehensive analysis of the local context, the available management options, the hierarchy of controls, the decision support framework and the management strategies for different scenarios.

"The plan will provide us with a clear and consistent framework to guide our actions and decisions regarding flying-fox roost management,” he said.

“It will also help us to comply with the relevant legislation and policies, and to align our efforts with the best practices in the field.”

Mr Brennan invited the community to participate in the development of the plan by providing feedback and suggestions through an online survey and a community information workshop.

The online survey will be available on Council's website mid-February and the community information workshop will be held at Burdekin Memorial Hall on February 21 at 6pm.

“Council want to hear from our community members about their views and experiences with flying foxes, and their expectations and preferences for roost management,” he said.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say and contribute to a long-term solution that works for our region.”

Mr Brennan thanked the Queensland Government for its support and said Council looked forward to working with the consultant, the stakeholders and the community to develop and deliver the long-term flying-fox roost management plan.

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Flying foxes began roosting in Home Hill towards the end of 2023. Photo supplied

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As power was restored to the final home in the cyclone-hit zone six days on from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing, Ergon Energy once again shared their appreciation of the community’s support throughout the process.

Posting on social media, Ergon Energy Network said it has been an incredibly tough time for tens of thousands of people, and their teams have been genuinely moved by the kindness of the community.

“Thank you for the cold drinks, the ice blocks, the much-needed coffees and delish baked goods, the offers of pools to cool off in, and the invitations for BBQs and frosty beverages,” the post read.

“Thank you for the friendly waves, the words of encouragement when we had very little left in the tank, and to the people who took the time to say ‘g’day’.

“Thank you for looking out for each other: the very genuine care for your neighbours and for vulnerable members of our community. That Qld spirit shone bright and strong.

“We're so proud of our crews who put in long, long hours in frankly brutal conditions. Mother Nature really turned on a ‘welcome to North Qld!’ summer special for our teams from across the state, and even our long-time locals were feeling the strain.”

Ex-TC Kirrily crossed the north Queensland coast two weeks ago on Thursday, January 25, causing power outages for over 66,000 customers across the cyclone-hit zone including over 9,000 here in the Burdekin.

“I’m really happy with the response of the Burdekin residents and how accommodating they’ve been; people just couldn’t do enough for us,” Ergon Energy Area Manager Matt Oar said.

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Rebecca Grogan from Burdekin Community Association’s Second Bite program with Home Hill’s Leesa Nelson. Photo supplied: Ergon Energy Network

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The Home Hill Comfort Stop is set to receive a makeover as part of Burdekin Shire Council's commitment to enhancing the amenity and attractiveness of the popular rest area.

A total of $105,000 has been allocated to refresh the paved areas and replace the ageing picnic furniture and mosaic at the site.

Council's Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said that the Home Hill Comfort Stop is a valuable asset for the community and visitors and is so popular with visitors to the shire that regular refurbishments are required to keep the facility as a sought-after tourist stop.

“The refurbishment will see the installation of new concrete pavers, grinding and texture coating of the existing concrete and an update of the picnic tables and seating,” Mr Brennan said.

“The upgrade will also create a new water feature to replace the existing mosaic.”

Mr Brennan said the works have commenced and are scheduled to be completed by March.

"The Home Hill Comfort Stop is a well-known and well-used facility that provides a welcome break for locals and travellers,” he said.

“It showcases the history and culture of our region and offers a range of services and amenities.

“We want to ensure that it continues to be a comfortable place for everyone to enjoy.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of the public while we carry out these works.

“Council officers will do their utmost to minimise any disruptions and keep the facility open as much as safely possible during this time."

For more information visit Burdekin.qld.gov.au or phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800.

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Upgrades to the Home Hill Comfort Stop are scheduled to be completed by March

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Burdekin Shire Council has conducted an aerial survey of feral deerpopulations from February 6-7 as part of its Feral Deer ControlProgram.

Carried out bythe Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the survey established abaseline population of feral deer in the region, covering the areasof Woodstock, Giru and Rita Island.

The informationgathered will then assist to inform Council's management strategiesand actions.

Burdekin ShireCouncil’s Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said the survey wasan important step in addressing the environmental and economicimpacts of feral deer.

“Feral deer area serious pest that damage crops, degrade habitats and pose a risk toroad safety,” Mr Brennan said.

“Council iscommitted to reducing the numbers of feral deer and protecting thenatural resources and agricultural industries.

“The aerialsurvey will provide accurate and reliable data on the distributionand abundance of feral deer, which will help to plan and implementeffective control measures.”

You can reportferal deer sightings using Feralscan app or contact Council's PestManagement Officer on 07 4783 9800.

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 King Charles has sent a message to the people of Queensland, sharing his and his wife Queen Camilla’s concern and admiration following recent weather events.

As well as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossing over north Queensland, including the Burdekin, people across Queensland have faced Tropical Cyclone Jasper, southeast Queensland storms on Christmas night and Boxing Day and further rain in the state’s south.

Governor-General David Hurley shared the message from the King on Monday as he and his wife Linda Hurley visited Tamborine Mountain, the Gold Coast, Samford, Murrumba, and Caboolture earlier in the week.

“My wife and I have been deeply concerned by the devastating impacts of recent weather events across Queensland,” the King shared in his message.

“The destructive fires of late last year, and the more recent tropical cyclones which have brought torrential rain and widespread flooding have, I know, brought unbearable pressures on the lives of those in many communities.

“We are full of admiration for those brave rescue crews and all the others who help protect life and defend property in difficult and often very dangerous circumstances.  

“That spirit of mateship and helping those in need reflects the very best of Australian characteristics and makes us so proud of the resilience and determination of the Australian people.

“Our constant thoughts and sympathy are with all Queenslanders who are being continually impacted by these events.”

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The Burdekin Industry Breakfast is back for 2024 and starting with a bang, welcoming two guest speakers to illuminate the morning event.

The first speaker will be Rhian Aguirre, the Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance of Ark Energy Corporation.

Established in 2021, Ark Energy has become a leader in Australian renewable energy company specialising in wind, solar, and hydrogen, and is dedicated to the decarbonisation of the energy supply of their parent company, Korea Zinc Co.

Rhian will discuss Ark Energy’s goals, completed projects and future plans for the company.

The second speaker will be Ranee Crosby, CEO of Port of Townsville.

The Port of Townsville is Northern Australia’s largest container and vehicle port, and the country’s leader is export of copper, zinc, lead, sugar, fertiliser, and molasses.

Ranee will provide an overview of the Port, of current and future projects, and of how the Port influences and supports the Burdekin region.

The Burdekin Industry Breakfast is a highly-popular event, with tickets expected to sell out.

Get your ticket today!

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WHAT: Burdekin Industry Breakfast
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21, from 7am to 8.30am

TICKETS: $15 each and include breakfast
REGISTER: https://www.trybooking.com/CPAPS

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Attendees of the last Industry Breakfast for 2023. Photo supplied

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This past week was spent down in Canberra, holding the Albanese Labor Government to account, fighting for the issues that matter to our communities, and ensuring your voice was heard loud and clear in our nation’s capital.

Beginning this week was a solemn ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, paying my respects to the heroic servicemen and women who have laid down their lives for our nation. The Australian War Memorial is a constant reverent reminder of the importance of the decisions we make in Parliament every day.

Sadly, as we work through this sitting week, I have been utterly disappointed to see the web of lies the Albanese Labor Government are spinning, such as with their Stage Three Tax Cuts backflip. They have proven time and time again their focus is not on everyday Aussies, with no plan to ease the cost-of-living crisis, with more red tape bearing over our farmers’ and fishers’ futures, and with skyrocketing energy prices from Labor’s reckless race to renewables.

Only from pressure by the Coalition, we welcome the announcement of an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) supermarket inquiry into price gouging. I am looking to seeing some fairness for farmers and cattle producers, and most importantly for you at the checkout.

With the recent weather events, I also want to make sure all impacted locals know of the help currently available. The Federal and State Governments have announced three separate grants for Burdekin Shire Council and Townsville City Council residents: the Emergency Hardship Assistance Grants, the Essential Services Hardship Assistance Scheme, and the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grants. Please search www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.disasterassist.gov.au for more information and how to apply.

Thanks for reading folks, and please contact me at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au or phone my office on 4944 0662 if there is anything I can do to best work for you.

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Andrew Willcox

Member for Dawson

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National television audiences were given insight into the charm of the Burdekin last week as ABC aired an episode of ‘Back Roads’ that was filmed across the region in 2023.

The host of the Australian observational documentary series, Heather Ewart, travelled to Home Hill in May last year to film an episode centred around the sugar cane industry and the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.

“Sugar cane is king in this part of the world,” Heather said.

“It’s the reason the town of Home Hill exists, a community that grew up around a sugar cane mill.”

The episode opened with primary school teacher Nikki Vass giving Heather a tour through the town.

“It’s certainly changed a lot since when I was a young child,” Nikki said.

“All of these shops used to be full, with things like furniture stores, hardware shops and my favourite, the material shop.”

Heather then witnessed authentic Burdekin experiences in a cane fire and a cane cutting competition at the festival.

Delving into the region’s cane cutting history and Italian heritage, she then interviewed Alfie Musumeci on his family’s ties to the region before joining Desley Musumeci and her monthly cooking group, Pandemonium.

“Some of them are recipes that our grandmothers had and if they’re not passed on to the future generation, those recipes are going to die with them, so we have to pass our knowledge onto younger people to learn how to do it,” said Pandemonium group member Teresa Scuderi.

Then diving further back into the Burdekin’s past, Heather met Jim Gaston, a Birri Gubba man and Gudjuda Ranger who shared the work of the Gudjuda Reference Group, including cultural tours and “turtle rodeo”, the capturing and tagging of sea turtles off the coast of Bowen.

“When I first went to school, it was always Captain Cook, and when I went to high school, they were teaching us French, and I said, ‘Why can’t we be taught our language?’ and I got the cane for that,” Jim said.

“That made me worse in wanting to get up there and promote our culture and who we are.”

Trekking north to Ayr, the host sat down with Les Henaway and his wife Denese, where Les shared the history of his grandfather who was a victim of ‘Black Birding’, a practice that brought South Sea Islanders to work in the cane fields through coercion and force.

Ms Ewart then returned to the Vass family, where Chris shared his poem ‘Family’ and Gloria prepared the family’s weekly feast.

“I just really believe that this is something we have to do to keep the contact and also make them realise, especially the little one’s coming through, how important it is to have family connections,” Gloria said.

Joining the Vass family for lunch, Heather concluded that Home Hill is about more than sugar cane.

“No matter what their cultures or where people have come from, they’ve laid down firm roots here, and what’s at the heart of it for all of them is family,” she said.

The episode of ‘Back Roads’, titled ‘Home Hill’, is available to stream at iview.abc.net.au.

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Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation Senior Ranger Jim Gaston and Back Roads Host Heather Ewart. Photo supplied: ABCTv

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