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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Opinion Piece
“The State and Federal Labor Governments must be held to account for their disastrous and mismanaged phaseout of commercial gillnets across Queensland, which is now seeing our local fishos consider walking away permanently,” Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said.
The local MP has said that the ban on commercial gillnets was announced amid pressure from international activist organisations.
“It was not backed by any scientific reasoning, and there was no consultation with industry experts or the local men and women whose livelihoods are being destroyed,” Mr Willcox added.
“As your Federal Member, I am calling for a review of the unworkable and ludicrous restrictions that are being placed on those who hold a temporary NX fishing licence.
“The introduction of the temporary NX licences were touted as a lifeline for our local fishos, however the restrictions and increased regulatory requirements are seeing an increasing number of people leaving the industry completely.”
Mr Willcox added that these fishermen and women are being pressured out of their industry.
“An industry that has supported them, their families, and entire communities for generations, and we are seeing small businesses who rely on this industry really hurting,” he said.
“Since this ban was announced, I have held extensive consultations with local fishermen and women, I have called for a Senate Inquiry into the ban of commercial gillnets, which the Labor party and the Greens voted against, and I have attended community rallies organised by those whose industry is being shut down.
“I invited the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, and the Prime Minister to visit our electorate and talk to our local fishermen and women, an invitation that they have ignored.
“This decision made by the State and Federal Labor Governments is a betrayal to our regional communities that rely on our fishing industry.
“This harsh government intervention and inadequate rollout of the temporary NX licences is jeopardising the lives of our fishers.
“As your Federal Member, I will continue to do everything in my power to fight for the people living and working in my electorate of Dawson and to hold those in power to account.”
Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox addresses major concerns regarding local fishers potentially facing an uncertain future as government fails to consult on gillnet ban. Image supplied
Over fifty amazing members of the Burdekin community dedicated their time on the morning of Saturday 20 July to support the Zonta Club in assembling 1,000 birthing kits.
The Zonta Birthing Kit project was established in 2003 and involves clubs arranging kit assembly days to put together simple, clean birthing kits which are set internationally to help birthing assistants in developing countries.
Well over a million birthing kits have been sent overseas to date, with each kit including a sheet of plastic, gauze, string, a blade, soap and gloves.
The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. was more than grateful for the community’s support last Saturday, and explained the kits will be sent to developing countries within the next couple of weeks.
“A very big thank you to the 50 + people from our wonderful community who helped with assembling 1,000 birthing kits yesterday morning at the St Francis Samaritan Centre,” shared The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc.
The Zonta Birthing Kit project works to combat the estimated total of 385,000 women who lose their lives each year in childbirth, many from preventable infections. As of mid-2021, 2.4 million women experienced a safer birth due to being able to access clean birthing kits.
“Many hands make light work, and we couldn’t have done it without you – your support and assistance was greatly appreciated.”
The volunteers who helped Zonta Club in assembling 1,000 birthing kits last weekend. Photo supplied
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The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association held a highly successful Highland Dancing Camp at Alva Beach’s Ayr Lifesavers Hut from 5 to 8 July.
Made possible by a generous donation from Regional Advisory Development Funding, 27 Highland Dancers from Mossman, Mackay, Townsville and the Burdekin attended the camp free of charge to engage in numerous sessions and activities.
Over the course of the camp, attendees danced away with a Highland Dancing workshop led by visiting teacher and former Burdekin resident, Grace Cllive.
During the event they learnt the history of clan tartans through tartan making craft sessions, practiced mindfulness and learnt tips for managing stage and competition nerves with Kerry from Hands in Harmony.
They also participated in a strength and conditioning session delivered by Andrea Piotto from NRGIZE Fitness.
Friday saw the families of the dancers join in for a night of Highland games where everyone learnt how to toss a caber, and teams battled it out in an egg and spoon race and tug-o-war.
The evening stood out to attendees as one of the camp’s highlights with dancers and some parents split into four clans; Clan McSkettie, Clan Silverlink, MacBarrafin Clan and McSugarcane Clan, to add a touch of friendly competition.
Clan Silverlink was victorious under the leadership of Fiona Smith, the president of The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association after competing in many enjoyable games.
Saturday night hosted another opportunity for families to join the fun and the dancers learnt many Scottish Country dances like Strip the Winnow, Pride of Erin, and Highland Schottische for the Ceilidh. Traditional Debutant Ball dances, many recalled dancing each of these a couple of decades ago at Deb Balls of the past.
“Everyone learnt something more about Scottish traditions, how to improve mind/body connections and most importantly, everyone had a tonne of fun and made friends with dancers they compete against,” shared Fiona Christie of The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association.
Both the dancers and volunteers in attendance received a Burdekin themed shirt as a memento of the weekend, which was made possible by the funding The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association received from a Bendigo Bank Community Grant.
“The camp organising committee had a great time planning the camp at meetings, and everyone’s superpower was recognised and used to its full advantage,” said Fiona.
The attendees of the Highland Dancing Camp in the Burdekin shirts, ready to enjoy a wonderful weekend filled with fun, dance and activities!
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Originally from the Gold Coast and working briefly on a boat on Hamilton Island 35 years ago, Trish moved permanently to Airlie Beach in 1996, establishing herself as a longstanding member of the local community.
Looking after the advertising needs of businesses based in the Burdekin and Whitsundays regions, Trish is available each Thursday to chat face to face to any local business in the area and available on the phone every other day of the week.
Trish recently worked in administration for a Legal Firm, before realising that her true passion laid in Sales:
“I love sales, that’s why I came back to it, I really missed it.”
Trish is really excited to have joined the team at Burdekin Life Newspaper and is ready to get stuck into meeting more members of the community.
“I’ve always liked that Burdekin Life is community-based, and I've always read it,” she said.
Trish brings a wealth of sales experience to Burdekin Life, gained through roles with various companies Australia-wide. Her background includes positions with a financial company, solar sales, and facilitating for Coles Supermarkets.
When Trish isn’t wearing her sales hat, she is relaxing at home and, “cooking with a glass of wine.”
Trish has been with Burdekin Life for two weeks, and is settling in great, she says the thing she is enjoying most about her new position is the people in the team and the community members she meets:
“I love speaking to people on my rounds, I'm loving the connection with the community, and seeing faces I haven't seen for ages and everyone in the team here is lovely.”
Trish is a wonderful addition to Burdekin Life, with her vibrant and positive energy and extensive sales expertise. If you spot her around, please take a moment to introduce yourself and say hello!
Trish Jandt, Burdekin Life’s new Sales Account Manager – call her on 0499 500 406
As the president of the Burdekin Chamber, I am proud to share one of our most successful initiatives for our members and the community: the Burdekin Gift Cards.
This exclusive program for Burdekin Chamber members is a closed-loop system that allows us to activate and deactivate EFTPOS terminals for our gift cards. This unique feature ensures that the funds remain within our local community, supporting our businesses and fostering economic growth.
The original concept behind the Burdekin Gift Cards was to ensure money is spent within our local community through the “Shop The Burdekin” marketing campaign. This effort has not only kept our economy vibrant but has also strengthened the bonds within our community. Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success directly impacts our collective well-being. By encouraging residents to shop locally, we are investing in our future and ensuring the sustainability of our beloved community.
The success of the Burdekin Gift Cards has been remarkable. Local retailers have seen increased foot traffic and sales, which, in turn, has led to job creation and economic stability. This initiative has fostered a sense of pride and unity among residents, reminding us all of the importance of supporting one another.
I encourage all members to get involved with the Burdekin Chamber. Our next meeting will be a General Meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 5:30 PM, located at National PC Ayr, 2/137 Queen Street, Ayr. Your participation and support are crucial to our success. Together, we can continue to build a thriving, dynamic community.
For more information on how you can join or support our efforts, please visit our website at www.burdekinchamber.com.au. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make Burdekin an even better place to live and work.
Thank you
Leigh Kefford
Do you have a Burdekin Gift Card?
It was another lively evening event for Home Hill Chamber of Commerce as they welcomed their latest guest speaker John Clarke at their monthly gathering last week.
John Clarke shared his life story and how he went from Africa to the Burdekin.
He grew up at Zinyangeni Mission Station and shared what it was like growing up with some of the world’s deadliest snakes, and also his quality of life while living there.
Lifestyle in Africa is extremely different to western countries, after thunder and lightning, John shared that local witchdoctors told the local community that the gods were angry.
Other differences included that, in order to attend school, many students had to walk miles to walk.
After time in Africa, John and his family made a trip to Britain where he met his grandparents for the first time.
John was shocked with the change in lifestyle, in Britain there were no servants! And he couldn’t believe it.
After the trip John was thankful to return back to Africa.
Back in Africa John enjoyed long bike rides in the bush and felt extremely safe, he also noted that there were no other white children around and the locals embraced them, cared for them and treated them like royalty.
After his junior schooling years John began an insurance job in London and hated it.
He disliked leaving home in the dark, returning home in the dark and missed his friends.
To complete his senior schooling, John travelled back home and joined the working world, and began at a bank, there he was offered a job as a programmer.
After years in the job field John found himself back in England but travelled to Kuwait on a two-year contract.
Whilst in Kuwait John started up his own business, John Clarke Computing Ltd (JCC).
It was in Kuwait that John found his love for Australia, he continually visited Australia as it was the closest country he could find that was similar to his upbringing in Africa.
John sold JCC and decided to travel Australia again with his partner Jane, it was on this trip that they found the lovely Burdekin.
Attendees at the chamber meeting enjoyed listening to John’s life story and gained a perspective of life in Africa.
Other guest speakers on the night included Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort who spoke about the budget for 2024 – 2025, Burdekin Community Association needing more volunteers, an upcoming Bowel Cancer screening and an Application for Community Cultural and Sporting Advisory Group members.
Doug Chapple asked about the Cane Cutting Festival and if it can resume on a twelve month basis. There was some discussion on this but not enough time to fully talk about it.
Karin Ravizza spoke on the Ayr Water Festival and said they had 12 Junior and 12 Senior ambassadors and that the event was proceeding very well.
David Jackson closed the meeting and said the next meeting will be the Annual General Meeting and that Darren West would be the guest speaker.
Guest speaker John Clarke
Home Hill isn’t different from any other area around the state when it comes to Domestic and Family Violence (DVF). DFV is a serious and complex social problem within all communities, including our own. If you call police to report a DFV incident that is happening now or has occurred, our first priority will be the safety of all parties involved. Police will conduct a holistic, victim-centric and trauma-informed investigation to:
• Maximise the safety, protection and wellbeing of people who fear or experience DFV, and to minimise disruptions to their lives
• Prevent or reduce DFV and the exposure of children to DFV
• Ensure people who commit DFV are held accountable for their actions and
• Ensure referrals for appropriate support are made available for victim survivors, perpetrators and any person affected by DFV.
Home Hill Police are committed to keeping our community safe from DFV, collaborating with the DFV service sector and partner agencies to deliver integrated service responses that protect victim survivors and hold perpetrators to account.
Every community has the potential to meet its residents' needs to foster well-being, growth, and resilience. Access to resources such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social services can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals and families. Advocating for these resources requires a collective effort to address gaps, promote equity, and build a supportive environment for everyone to thrive.
Understanding a community's specific needs is the first step in advocating for appropriate resources and services. This process involves gathering data through surveys, community meetings, and consultations with local leaders and organisations. Identifying areas such as healthcare, education, housing, transportation, and employment allows advocates to prioritise and effectively address the most pressing issues.
The community’s voice must guide the direction of the consultation. If we, as community members, along with government agencies and services, businesses, and community organisations are to meet community needs, it is essential we speak up and maximise our opportunity to be heard. Sometimes, only the loudest voices are heard, and they may not be the community's consensus.
So, what can you do if you don’t feel heard, don’t feel confident enough to speak up, or feel that your opinion does not matter? The simple answer is to join forces with someone or a group or organisation to help your opinion to be heard.
Advocacy is strengthened through partnerships with various stakeholders, including state and local government officials, non-profit organisations, businesses, and community members. Talk to your local councillors, community organisations, local businesses you frequently visit – pharmacy, coffee shop, etc.- and join forces with like-minded community members.
Working together through these partnerships allows us to combine different viewpoints, knowledge, and resources to create effective solutions. By working together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families within our community.
Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
Did you know that Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you with Transport Services locally and to and from Townsville?
You can access shops, cafes, libraries, attend events or medical appointments, visit family and friends etc.
Our bus drivers and Support Workers are very friendly and helpful.
Transport services can be provided to people eligible under a government funded program and also if they are not and we have seats available.
We have two buses, with wheelchair access as well as other cars.
Transport is available Monday to Friday during office hours at very affordable rates.
We pick up/drop off door to door in Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru.
When time allows, passengers can go to up to 3 stops for the one fare.
For passengers living in outlying areas, we pick up at a central point in Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon and Giru or at an otherwise agreed location.
Please call BCA on 4783 3744, visit the Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr or refer to our website www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au for details.
Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC) has been part of the Burdekin Shire community since 1987. Established by a group of community minded women, the centre stands as a celebrated organisation accessible to all residents of the Burdekin.
Today, BNC operates as an incorporated community-based organisation and registered charity governed by an enthusiastic committee of 7 volunteers. Over the years the Centre has grown and now welcomes, on average, 8,000 people every year who participate in a wide variety of groups and activities.
The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s mission is to make the lives of the people of the Burdekin community better, every day, and has developed strong bonds with both local, regional and state services.
“We see that it is imperative that these links are formed and nurtured to ensure that the local community is not disadvantaged by our location and proximity to a large regional city,” explained the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Association’s Coordinator, Natalie Saroglio.
As a community organisation, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre promotes collaborative working relationships with local and regional organisations and networks to maximise the most effective use of resources in meeting local community needs.
“We aim to provide a service that is Welcoming, Respectful, Accountable & Professional, and all our services, activities and programs are delivered within a community development framework that aims to provide an environment for our community to support and respond to each other's needs.”
The income the centre receives is directed back into delivering services for the community and in turn there are very little funds available for the Association to make purchases to benefit the organisation and the community on a long-term basis. BNC made the decision to reach out to Bendigo Bank for support and were welcomed with a generous donation of $2,600 which will be implemented to purchase and install a Security CCTV System for the centre’s exterior.
“There was a woo-hoo moment after reading the email, and then a real sense of relief that we would be able to move forward with our wish to improve the security of the centre,” said Natalie.
“Having the Bendigo Bank Community Banks in Ayr and Home Hill and their philosophy of being community owned and doing things ‘together’ goes a long way and the Community Grants are an amazing opportunity for the community to continue to improve in significant ways.”
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Established in 1932, the Home Hill Golf Club stands as a 9-hole course situated in the cane fields just outside of Home Hill.
The Club operates with a membership totaling just over 100 dedicated players with golf at the core of the business, and welcoming the occasional wedding, wake or party to the venue. The Home Hill Golf Club additionally holds a wildly successful Ambrose as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival Program, donating part of the proceeds to the Harvest Festival Committee.
Encompassing a core group of volunteers to maintain the course and service administrative needs, the Club relies on the contribution and support of its members in one form or another to keep the Club moving in a positive direction. Observing grants and donations as the lifeblood of small clubs, the Home Hill Golf Club applied for funding through the Bendigo Bank Community Grants Program to support the works underway following 2023’s grant success.
Celebrating their successful grant allocation in 2024, the Club will gratefully utilise the generosity of Bendigo Bank to install solar panels on the existing golf buggy shed and upgrade the course’s meter box. The installation of solar will allow the Club to offset the costs associated with running the cold room and air-conditioners, an opportunity the Club has been looking forward to.
“The Home Hill Golf Club was thrilled to hear that we were successful in gaining this funding, and it will mean a significant saving in ongoing costs and enables the Club to become more energy efficient,” explained the Home Hill Golf Club’s Secretary, Megan Barbagallo.
“Grants allow clubs to expand or upgrade in areas that are not financially viable without help and Bendigo Bank being a community bank that gives back to the community is a real point of difference, and a wonderful addition to the region.”
The Home Hill Golf Club invites the community to attend their upcoming series of “Come & Try” days which have been developed to support women and encourage their participation in everything that the amazing sport of golf has to offer.
The series will extend from July to October, with the club to host the Harvest Festival Ambrose on Sunday 4 November.
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The Home Hill Tennis Association was established in 1932 and holds a rich history, standing as one of the most prominent clubs in North Queensland.
Annually, the Club hosts the highly successful and very popular Sugar Bowl Event, and encompasses twelve tennis courts, and four pickleball courts. The Club operates to provide opportunities for members of the local community as well as travellers and visitors alike to participate in tennis and racquet sports whilst upholding an important social focus within the Home Hill community.
The Committee includes five dedicated members, along with ten subcommittee members, and many volunteers who lend a hand to support the Club at events, working bees, the running of general fixtures, and the continued maintenance of the courts. The Home Hill Tennis Association has been generously allocated $10,000 as part of Bendigo Bank’s Community Grants Program and plans are underway to construct additional on court shaded seating for players to utilise.
“Receiving a grant gives our club a boost,” explained the Home Hill Tennis Association’s Secretary, Kate Casswell.
“We are always looking at ways to improve our facilities, and what we offer at the club.
“Visiting players are always impressed with our facilities and this encourages them to come back and play the next year, bringing more visitors to our community therefore boosting the Burdekin’s economy.”
The Club’s application for Bendigo Bank’s 2024 Community Grants Program was a result of their previous grant success in 2023 which saw the construction of shaded on court seating for six of the Association’s courts.
The Home Hill Tennis Association welcomes the community to attend their weekly events including Monday night fixtures, Tuesday night pickleball, Friday Social Mornings, Friday afternoon coaching and cardio, and Saturday Morning pickleball.
“Tennis and pickleball are sports for all players and all skill levels, and tennis is good for your health - it’s a fact that playing tennis adds up to 10 years onto your life,” said Kate.
“Just ask our life members - Mary Reed who is 101, Karl Rummeny who is 100 and Myrtle Olsen who is in her late 90s!”
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11 proud new Aussies made their pledge to Australia in the citizenship ceremony at the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers this week after Council meeting. I would like to congratulate and welcome each of them into our wonderful community.
On Tuesday, along with my fellow councillors, I attended a community meeting at the Burdekin Theatre to discuss the future of the sugar industry and what impact the milling companies can have on our livelihoods.
The common message coming out of the meeting was the potential for huge benefits to the community that could be achieved with shorter crushing seasons. Some of the benefits of a 5-month crush would mean bigger/better crops and less fatigued harvesting contractors. It was suggested these shorter seasons could be achieved if the millers could get their factories to be 90% efficient.
One take away I took from the meeting was that unfortunately, all stakeholders in this industry are still struggling to pull in the same direction. As everyone knows, there is power in numbers. Until we see more unity with these organisations, I fear we are going to continue getting the same results.
As much as this hurts, I need to congratulate Councillor Furnell on his team's Origin win. It’s nice to give those south of the border that winning feeling now and then. Hopefully, this helps for them to one day “just get origin” like us Qld’ers.
Did you know that animal registrations are due on Wednesday 31 July 2024?
Residents are required to have all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months registered and microchipped. There are strict conditions on owners who breed dogs, those who have dangerous dogs and restricted dog breeds. Council also offers a subsidised dog and cat desexing program, to assist residents in preventing unwanted or additional animals.
Haven't received a registration renewal notice? Phone Burdekin Shire Council Customer Service Centre weekdays between 8am-5pm on (07) 4783 9800 or visit us to have your details updated and complete the renewal.
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
Many older members of the Burdekin community are facing social isolation, loneliness and feelings of abandonment. They need companionship and someone to spend quality time with. That’s where volunteer visitors come in. Anyone from any background can volunteer to build friendships with vulnerable individuals within the community who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Rita Quagliata, Volunteer Service Manager at the Burdekin Community Association, has highlighted the profound benefits volunteer visitors bring to older adults. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can significantly impact health, making individuals more susceptible to health issues. Regular visits not only provide companionship but also help seniors feel valued, cared for, and connected; ultimately improving their overall happiness and long-term health.
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), funded by the Australian Government, seeks volunteers to provide companionship and friendship to older adults who may not receive many visitors or have limited mobility. Volunteers are needed to visit those receiving Home Care Packages, those on the waiting list, or residents in aged care homes.
Volunteer visitors play a crucial role by engaging in activities like reading, sharing news, keeping seniors connected with the community, and simply enjoying conversations over a cup of tea or during a gardening session. These interactions enrich lives and create meaningful relationships.
Benefits of volunteering extend beyond making a difference in someone's life. Volunteers often experience personal growth, develop new skills, expand their social network, and gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Volunteering also contributes to better mental and physical health.
If you’re over 18 and willing to dedicate time to provide companionship to an older person, you are welcome to join. Training and support are provided to ensure volunteers feel confident and comfortable in their role. Essential qualities include empathy, good communication skills, independence, and a commitment to building a meaningful relationship with an older adult.
Rita Quagliata will guide you through the volunteer process, matching your interests and background with a suitable senior. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or month, your contribution can make a significant impact on someone’s life.
Ready to make a difference? Contact Rita Quagliata at Burdekin Community Association on 4783 3744 to learn more about becoming a volunteer visitor. Your time and compassion can brighten someone’s day and improve their quality of life.
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