From Where I Sit

At 1.20pm on Sunday 8 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bower Street, Ayr. As a result the driver, a 53yr old Whitsunday man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and possess drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 August.

At 12.30am on Wednesday 11 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr. As a result the driver, a 28yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .139 and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 30 June.

At 6.10pm on Sunday 15 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr. As a result the driver, a 50yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 August.

At 5.01pm on Sunday 15 June, Ayr Police were conducting stationery RBT on Bruce Highway, Greenacres, when they intercepted a vehicle. As a result the driver, a 42yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .054 and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 30 June.

At 10.40am on Thursday 19 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Eighth Avenue, Home Hill. As a result the driver, a 53yr old Townsville woman, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva. She is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 August.

At 2.30pm on Thursday 19 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Eighth Avenue, Home Hill. As a result the driver, a 68yr old Townsville man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 August.

At 12.20am on Friday 20 June, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, McDesme. As a result the driver, a 46yr old Sunshine Coast man, was issued a NTA for disqualified driving and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 14 July.

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It was a successful trip to Bowen last Saturday for two Burdekin sides competing in the latest round of the RLTD, with both the Reserves and Women’s teams claiming solid wins. The A Grade Roosters had the weekend off with a bye.

The Reserves defeated Bowen 32–18, while the Women’s side dominated their opposition 54–0.

The Reserves came up against a large and determined Bowen outfit on their annual Ladies Day, which saw 260 women celebrate with a Country and Western theme.

With a couple of players sidelined due to injury, coach Peter Horan was forced to make changes, shifting Dylan Doak from halfback to hooker and giving Jye Olsen a start in the No. 7 jersey.

While Doak looked unsettled at dummy half, Olsen thrived at halfback, crossing for three tries in the first half to help the Roosters to an 18–10 halftime lead.

Bowen remained competitive throughout but never managed to hit the front.

Coach Horan admitted it wasn’t the cleanest performance, saying: “It wasn’t a pretty win. We made it tough on ourselves with dropped ball being one of the causes. We’ll need to be more focused and switched on when we meet the stronger sides. But today, everyone did their job and that was pleasing.”

The win marked four in a row for the Reserves, who now sit in fourth place.

Horan named Jye Olsen as his best on ground, closely followed by Bokeem Reid, with Adam Camer also impressing.

Try-scorers:

Jye Olsen (3)
Bokeem Reid (2)
Jack Rushton (1)
Goals: Dylan Doak (4)
Burdekin Women Continue Strong Season With Third Win

The Burdekin River women’s team scored their third win of the season with a commanding 54–0 result over Bowen, following previous wins against Norths and Charters Towers and a draw with Brothers.

Despite landing only three goals from 12 tries, the girls made an early statement, with hooker Abby King diving over in the first minute for her first of four tries.

The Bowen side boasted size, but the Burdekin team — wearing their smart new strip for the first time — countered with pace and teamwork.

Halves Toni Daisy and Martina Monday had too much speed for the defence, scoring two and three tries respectively, while Tiana Krutzfeldt and Akayla Weston also made the most of open space.

Abby King praised the team effort, saying: “We combined well and let the ball do the work. Our defence was strong, with more than one player defending together.”

The side had only one substitute, with players from Ingham unavailable due to a wedding.

“We kept going until the end and never let Bowen break our line,” King added, naming Martina and Toni as the standouts, but noting everyone played well.

Try-scorers:

Abby King (4)
Martina Monday (3)
Akayla Weston (2)
Toni Daisy (2)
Tiana Krutzfeldt (1)
Goals: Toni Daisy (2), Martina Monday (1)
RLTD Results

A Grade:

Brothers def. Norths 44–18
Western Lions def. Centrals 22–18
Souths def. Charters Towers 16–10
Burdekin and Herbert River had byes
Reserve Grade:

Burdekin def. Bowen 32–18
Brothers def. Norths 19–18
Western Lions def. Centrals 44–0
Souths def. Charters Towers 50–18
Women’s:

Burdekin def. Bowen 54–0
Brothers def. Norths 24–6
Centrals to play Western Lions
This Weekend’s Fixtures

The Roosters travel to Ingham this Saturday to take on Herbert River in both A Grade and Reserve Grade. These are crucial clashes, with all sides jostling for position among the competition leaders.

Both A Grade teams will be without their Cowboy allocations. Burdekin is expecting Nemia Nawave and Jett Castello to return.

The Crushers’ Reserves will be led by the experienced Mitch Seri, whose kicking game remains a major weapon.

Meanwhile, the Burdekin River Women will face Centrals in Townsville.

Also this weekend:

Centrals host Souths
Brothers travel to Charters Towers
Western Lions face Norths in A Grade and Bowen in Reserves and Women’s

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What an exciting time to live in the Burdekin with the official opening of the world first – (yes, WORLD FIRST, right here in the Burdekin!) Macroalgae Bioremediation Facility by the Honourable Ann Leahy MP, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers on Friday 20 June 2025. The state-of-the-art facility leads the way in algae-based environmental research and is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Congratulations must be extended to the Council for the day who had the foresight to proceed with such an innovative and cutting-edge solution of the wastewater treatment field, and to the project managers and all concerned who made it a reality. It takes a lot to impress me, and waste water isn’t on the top of my list of exciting things, but this facility really is very impressive.

Onto other exciting things…I hope everyone enjoyed the show and had their fill of fairy floss. Well done to the show committee, who through much hard work and elbow grease, always put on such a great event.

The Burdekin Water Festival is in full swing with the Maria Populin Community Launch being held on Friday 4th July, the QMN Manufacturing Long Lunch on Saturday 30th August and the Grand Parade and Mardi Gras on Saturday September 6th. How wonderful to see so many young people stepping up and enjoying the wild ride that is an Ambassador - they really do make the Water Festival go round.

Thank you to the many volunteers who give up their time in organising these events for our community. They don’t do it for the praise, they do it because they are locals who love our town and many are business owners, so….

Let’s support the locals who support us.

Until next time, take care, stay safe and God Bless.

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Last week I was proud to join Minister for Local Government and Water, the Hon. Ann Leahy MP, to officially open the Ayr–Brandon Macroalgae Bioremediation Facility. This event marks a significant milestone in Queensland’s journey towards cleaner, greener technology and we are extremely proud to open this facility right here in the Burdekin. The opening event brought together over 70 attendees with representatives from all levels of government and industry to celebrate the facility’s contribution to environmental innovation and the future potential of macroalgal technology.

We capped off the week with a Community Open Day at the facility on Saturday. It was fantastic to see locals come through to learn more about how this world-leading technology is improving water quality, capturing carbon, and creating circular economy opportunities right here in the Burdekin.

Council adopted the 2025–26 Budget on Tuesday. This budget is focused on maintaining essential services, delivering key infrastructure, and planning responsibly for the future of our growing region. I look forward to continuing to work with our community as we bring these projects to life.

Wednesday brought another community highlight with the annual Burdekin Show. This event is a favourite of mine, and I don’t mind a waffle as it always reminds me of my Nonna when she took me to the show when I was little. From the stalls and local business exhibits to the arts, crafts and rides, there was something for everyone. A huge thank you to all those who worked so hard behind the scenes to bring the Show to life.

Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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The Burdekin Shire Council officially unveiled its cutting-edge Macroalgae Bioremediation Facility in Ayr on Friday 20 June, 2025, with the Honourable Ann Leahy MP, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, leading the momentous occasion.

“This facility is a great example of regional Queensland taking the lead and embracing emerging technology,” said Leahy.

The facility—which cost around $8.3 million—was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Burdekin Shire Council. It uses RegenAqua’s award-winning Macroalgal Bioremediation Technology to naturally treat wastewater with native Australian seaweed, improving water quality before it reaches the Great Barrier Reef catchment and producing a sustainable, natural crop enhancer for agriculture.

“It’s a win-win situation for the whole community,” said Leahy. “It’s a sustainable solution for the beautiful North Queensland environment, delivering value for ratepayers and creating opportunities for local farmers.”

Also present at the official opening was Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, who said that the project delivers wide-ranging benefits.

“Beyond the environmental benefits, the project has created local economic benefits, from employing local businesses during construction to creating exciting new opportunities,” she said.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the region had taken a bold step forward.

“We are extremely proud to open this facility right here in the Burdekin. It positions our region at the forefront of green innovation and demonstrates how regional communities can lead the way in environmental sustainability,” she said.

“I sincerely thank the Queensland Government for their funding support through the Building our Regions and Local Government Grants and Subsidies Programs, and acknowledge Pacific Bio’s vision and commitment to advancing this exciting technology.”

RegenAqua, developed over a decade at James Cook University, uses local macroalgae and sunlight to naturally strip nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. Since its inception in 2021, the Burdekin pre-facility has outperformed expectations, reducing pollutants below global best-practice levels while remaining cost-effective and carbon neutral.

In recognition of its success, RegenAqua won the Conservation accolade at the 2022 Reef Champion Awards. CEO Sam Bastounas said the award highlighted the team’s environmental work, and Australian of the Year and climate scientist Professor Tim Flannery praised the system as “an absolute no-brainer sustainable solution that’s going to change the landscape of industries–for the better.”

Mayor Dalle Cort hopes the Burdekin can serve as the trailblazer of a wide-scale rollout.

"This facility has a great potential to be replicated across other local government areas. We're looking forward to sharing our results with our government colleagues."

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111: Sam Bastounas, CEO of Pacific Biotechnologies (Australia) Pty Ltd, Honourable Ann Leahy MP, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers, and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort at the Macroalgae Bioredmediation Facility Official Opening held this morning.
1: Unveiling of the Ayr/Brandon Macroalgae Bioremediation Facility plaque
2: Honourable Ann Leahy MP, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers addresses the crowd.

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For the first time ever, a team from Burdekin’s own Football Queensland Academy hub will take part in the state’s Junior Cup—a major milestone for the region’s growing football program.

The team of Under-12 boys will join hundreds of players from across Queensland for the Football Queensland Academy Carnival, which kicks off on the Sunshine Coast this week. The carnival features separate formats for different age groups: Under-12s and older compete in the Junior Cup, while Under-9s to 11s play in the Winter Fest carnival.

Burdekin is part of Football Queensland Academy–Northern, and operates its own local hub. Players train weekly in Ayr and have the option of travelling to Townsville for additional sessions with the wider North Queensland squad.

Ready To Go Toe-To-Toe With The Best

“This is the first State Titles where we’ve had a Burdekin hub team,” said head coach Chris Wicks. “It’s a big deal for the region and a huge opportunity for our kids.”

The Under-12 boys will be joined by several other Burdekin players across the age groups, including a strong contingent of girls. Due to limited numbers, the girls will link up with the Townsville Academy to form combined squads, while the boys will play as a standalone Burdekin hub team.

The Burdekin teams will compete in Tier 2 of the carnival’s three-tiered system—a placement based on geography, player base, and coaching accreditation. While Tier 1 clubs typically draw from large metropolitan areas and boast A- or B-licenced coaches, Burdekin fits the Tier 2 category with its smaller talent pool and C Diploma coaching qualifications.

“It’s competitive without being too onerous on the kids,” Wicks explained. “It’s about development, and this is where you really see players improve—when they test themselves against strong academies and clubs from Brisbane.”

The growth of the Burdekin Academy hub has been dramatic. In its first year, only three players were selected to represent North Queensland. Now, in its third year, that number has grown to nearly 50.

“We always say we’ve got skin in the game,” said Wicks. “These are our kids. We’ve got to look after our local kids because we want to see them come through the junior pathways and play for our senior club. Without this work now, the senior club doesn’t survive.”

The commitment required is no small feat—some families will be away for up to nine days, attending both Winter Fest and the Junior Cup.

“It’s like a holiday, but you get to play football as well."

“It’s a big ask, but also a great learning experience—both on and off the pitch.”

After strong performances at recent carnivals in Mackay and Townsville—where the Under-12s lost just once—hopes are high for another step forward.

“It’ll be great to see how we stack up against the southeast corner teams,” Wicks said. “We’re excited to see where we’re at—and even more excited for the kids.”

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After strong performances at recent carnivals in Mackay and Townsville—where the Under-12s lost just once—hopes are high for another step forward. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Ashley and Anna Chatfield are the new husband-and-wife team behind Burdekin Demolition & Construction Services—but they’re no strangers to the business.

The couple officially took over operations this month, following a smooth transition from the previous owner. Ashley had already been managing the business for four years, making the step into ownership a natural one.

“I was managing the business alongside Llyod,” Ashley said. “Then he told me he was getting out of it, and it just felt like a really good opportunity.”

Ashley has worked in the industry since 2009, after he finished school. A qualified boilermaker, he spent years building hands-on experience before eventually overseeing day-to-day operations of the entire business.

“That time let me grow into it,” he said. “I always saw myself maybe having my own business, but I just never had the courage to do it—until now.”

Anna, who now handles administration, came on board six months ago. Though new to the role, she’s adapted quickly with strong support behind the scenes.

Burdekin Demolition & Construction Services provides labour hire for boilermakers, fitters, riggers, and crane operators, and also offers full demolition and fabrication services. All staff have remained with the company through the transition, with Ashley’s leadership style playing a key role in maintaining continuity.

Both Ashley and Anna are lifelong Burdekin locals and say community is at the heart of their business philosophy.

“It’s always good to be able to do it here so people don’t have to source outside,” Ashley said. “We support them—they support us.”

As they begin this next chapter, the Chatfields say they’re grateful for the chance to continue serving the region.

“We just want to thank the Llyod and Sabina for the opportunity, and thank the community for the support,” Anna said.

To get in touch with Burdekin Demolition & Construction Services, call 0432 234 890.

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“We just want to thank the old owners for the opportunity, and thank the community for the support”. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin Race Club is preparing for a special race day at the Home Hill Racecourse this Saturday, featuring a seven-race card and a heartfelt cause. This year’s event is dedicated as “Elenna’s Day,” a fundraiser supporting three-year-old Elenna Savorgnan, a local girl battling brain cancer.

The seven-race program offers a bigger-than-usual lineup, with prize money of $10,000 per race. Alongside the racing, the day will feature family-friendly activities including snow cones, face painting, a cake stall, and more. Entry is $2, with all proceeds going directly to Elenna’s family.

Local businesses have generously donated prizes, and table bookings have been strong, reflecting the Burdekin community’s commitment to rallying around one of their own.

Secretary-treasurer Leanne Gudge said, “It’s going to be a beautiful afternoon. We’re proud to support Elenna and her family. It really shows the strength of the Burdekin spirit.”

Gates open at 11:30am with full bar and canteen facilities available. Bookmakers will be on site, making it a fun day out for racing enthusiasts and families alike.

Come along, enjoy a fantastic day of racing, and help make a difference for Elenna and her family.

WHAT: Elenna's Day Fundraiser
WHERE: Home Hill Racecource
WHEN: Saturday 28th June

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Come on down to Home Hill Racecourse this Saturday and help raise funds for little Ellena who is battling brain cancer. Photo supplied

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For 11 years, Dee & Vee’s Takeaway has been a beloved fixture in Home Hill’s food scene, serving up a classic menu with a generous side of family spirit and community connection.

Owned and operated by Debbie Stevenson and Veronica Melvin, the takeaway shop was proudly built from scratch. “There was nothing here in Home Hill 11 years ago,” Veronica recalls. “People questioned why we’d start a takeaway here, but we were determined. If anything, that motivated us more.”

That dogged determination, combined with hard work and strong family support, has kept the business thriving despite the tough realities many food businesses in the area have faced. “More businesses close than stay open,” Debbie says, frankly. “We’re just two women who thought we could do this—and we have!”

Their menu is simple but satisfying, focusing on the traditional favourites that have kept customers coming back. “We just do fish, chips and burgers. That’s it,” Veronica laughs. “We don’t change it because people don’t want us to.”

The duo credits their loyal customers and the community’s embrace as the cornerstone of their success. “You need return customers,” Veronica explains. “That’s what keeps any small business going.”

Both women feel deeply connected to Home Hill, where they’ve built relationships in store that go beyond simple transactions. “People come in with happy news, sad news—we share those moments with them,” Debbie says. "People have a trust in us."

As they celebrate over a decade in business, Veronica and Debbie want to thank the community for their ongoing support. “We couldn’t have done it without our family and our customers,” they say in unison.

For those craving classic takeaway fare with a local touch, Dee & Vee’s remains a steadfast choice in Home Hill.

Want to taste the tradition? Visit Dee & Vee’s Takeaway at 82 Eighth Ave, Home Hill.

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Both women feel deeply connected to Home Hill, where they’ve built relationships in store that go beyond simple transactions. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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When Raymond Peterson stepped in to take over a closing marine shop in 2010, it wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal mission.

A Burdekin local with saltwater in his blood and a toolbox in hand, Raymond had been working on boats since finishing school in 1996. So when the opportunity came to carry on the region’s boating tradition, he jumped in.

“I’ve always loved boats. It’s what I grew up with—dad was a mad fisherman,” he said. “It was about keeping boating alive in Home Hill.”

Now the Managing Director of the Mercury-certified dealership, Raymond and his team offer repairs, sales, and servicing for all major outboard brands—without losing that hands-on, old-school touch.

“Technology’s changed a lot over the past decade. We’ve had to keep up—Mercury’s digital systems, engine networking, sounders, solar, you name it,” he said. “But I still believe in passing down the basics. Not everyone can afford a new motor. Sometimes it costs me more, but I’ll do what it takes to keep a customer on the water.”

Raymond says the shop has trained several apprentices over the years and has seen the local boating community grow, especially with retirees and grey nomads moving into the region.

“It’s all word of mouth around here. You do the right thing, get people back on the water—that’s what matters.”

With strong relationships across other local dealerships and a shared belief in service over sales, Raymond is proud to be part of a tight-knit industry.

“The Burdekin’s like one big family,” he said. “Same goes for boating. You help each other out.”

Need help getting your boat back in action? Drop into the shop at 15 7A Ave, Home Hill for old-school service and the latest tech know-how.

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Raymond says the shop has trained several apprentices over the years and has seen the local boating community grow. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

As factories across our regions ramp up operations for the production season, the global sugar price remains under pressure.

Recent figures from Brazil, the world's largest sugar producer, show a strong fortnight of crushing activity in the second half of May, according to UNICA.  Brazil is now just 12% behind its 2024 crushing pace.  Its sugar mix reached nearly 52% for the period, bringing the season-to-date balance to an even 50/50 split between sugar and ethanol.  Brazil's CCS levels are finally improving after a slow start.

However, one key piece of the Brazil production puzzle remains uncertain: cane yield, or tonnes of cane per hectare.  This figure is gathered from various sources, but the industry standard often relies on CTC data.  The May report is due soon, and historically, May has marked the peak for yields.  Over the past 23 years, average crop yields haven't surpassed the May benchmark, so this next report will be one to watch.

Ethanol parity is another factor influencing the #11 sugar price.  There's talk the Brazilian government may raise its ethanol blending mandate from 27% to 30% a 10% increase that could support prices.  At the same time, however, Brazil's booming corn ethanol industry continues to add supply, which may offset some of the support for sugar prices.  Oil prices - which impact ethanol demand are on the rise, but they remain volatile due to global macroeconomic events.

In short, the price outlook remains uncertain.  Some market commentators suggest most of Brazil's 2025 export sugar has been hedged at stronger prices, while much of the remaining production, including grower sugar, is still to be priced.  For the first time, we're also hearing murmurs of demand softening, which is notable given sugar prices have fallen nearly 40% since their late 2023 highs.

With market pressure still weighing on prices, we're left hoping the old saying proves true - that low prices eventually cure low prices.

For those wanting to hear more about what is affecting the global sugar market, keep an eye out for our Global Traders Roadshow being held in July.  Wilmar's senior sugar traders Peter Bingham and Neil Foo will be presenting on the current state of play and what will be influencing prices this year.

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Wednesday 2 July
Burdekin Writing Groups – Anthology Showcase
10:30am
Join the Burdekin Writing Groups at Home Hill Library for readings from their latest anthology and a celebration of local writing.
Home Hill Library

Sunday 6 July
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.
Plantation Park

Saturday 12 July
Rags to Runway
07:30 PM - 10:00 PM
The Burdekin Rags to Runway event encourages competitors of all ages to revamp new or second-hand clothing items into a wearable runway outfit within a strict budget. Entrants are required to purchase items either from second-hand organisations, local dress salons’ throw out racks or their own closet and to redesign them into a wearable runway worthy item, you'd be proud to wear.
St Stephen's Greek Orthodox Hall

Sunday 13 July
BBQ Breakfast
Sunday 8am
The community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircrafts, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $10 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information.
Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon

Wednesday 16 July
Social and Networking Event
Wednesday 5:30pm
The community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation.
Home Hill Community Sports Club

Sunday 20 July
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627.
Plantation Park

Saturday 26 July
50 Years Anniversary Celebration Weekend
Market Day & Exhibition to mark 50 years of Pottery in the Burdekin. 10am – Opening Ceremony with birthday cake and morning tea for the public. This will be followed by pottery demonstrations and clay activities for the community, as well as pottery market sales until 4pm.

Sunday 27th July –
‍Raku Firing all day. The public is invited to witness our spectacular annual Raku Firing event.
Many thanks
Debbie Ferraris
President – Burdekin Potters Inc.
H: 0428832355

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In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, the Burdekin is proudly represented by one of its own—Tiffany Olditch, a senior engineer who now oversees some of the most critical water infrastructure projects in regional Queensland.

As Program Delivery Manager North for Sunwater, Tiffany is based at the Clare office but spends much of her time working across Queensland—coordinating major dam maintenance at Burdekin Falls, Peter Faust, Julius and Tinaroo, and managing teams who keep water infrastructure running smoothly across the Burdekin-Whitsunday, Mareeba, and NorthWest pipeline networks.

“No two days or projects are ever the same,” she says. “That’s what makes it exciting. You’re constantly solving problems, travelling, working with great people, and at the end of it, seeing something physical you helped bring to life. That feeling of ‘I made this happen.’”

Tiffany’s pathway into engineering began in Townsville, where she graduated from Thuringowa State High School with dreams of being a marine biologist. But practical realities steered her elsewhere.

“I realised marine biology jobs were limited, and I’d always enjoyed maths and science,” she says. “So, I studied Environmental Engineering at JCU.”

That decision launched a career that’s spanned design, asset management, rail infrastructure, and project leadership—first with Sunwater in Ayr in 2003, then Wilmar Sugar, and now back again at Sunwater in a senior management role.

Her career has included memorable projects like the EWP Southern Extension Pipeline, which she helped design and then saw through to construction. But it’s not just the engineering that’s kept her here—it’s the Burdekin itself.

“It’s a relaxed and friendly community,” she says. “There’s a real lifestyle here—boating, sport, family time. When I first moved here, my Sunwater coworkers became my friends, and they still are today.”

In a traditionally male-dominated field, Tiffany is now one of the region’s leading figures in water infrastructure—and a powerful advocate for diversity in engineering.

“If you enjoy maths and science, if you’ve got organisational skills and you like problem-solving—just go for it,” she says to young women and girls considering the field. “Engineering can take you so many places. There’s always something new to learn.”

International Women in Engineering Day exists to celebrate exactly these kinds of stories. Organised globally by the Women’s Engineering Society, the day recognises the contributions of women in STEM and encourages future generations to take up the mantle.

Tiffany Olditch may not seek the spotlight—but her work has a lasting impact across North Queensland. And whether she’s leading a dam repair project or mentoring her team of engineers, her presence is quietly but powerfully reshaping what leadership in the field looks like.

And from her base in the Burdekin, she’s proving that world-class engineering leadership doesn’t have to come from a capital city.

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Tiffany Olditch may not seek the spotlight—but her work has a lasting impact across North Queensland. Photo supplied

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A plethora of inspiring speakers took to the stage at Burdekin Regional Council's Industry Breakfast, held at the Burdekin Theatre last week.

More than 70 people attended the event, enjoying a hot breakfast on a cool morning and gaining valuable insights from the day’s guest speakers.

First to the stage was Sky Renewables Founder and CEO Simon Yim, whose industry knowledge and passion for renewables kept the entire audience engaged.

He shared how his company, in partnership with Burdekin Renewable Fuels, is working with local farmers to harvest the entire sugarcane crop—including tops and trash—as feedstock to produce renewable energy for the Asian market.

Next was Tracey Holmes from Townsville Enterprise Ltd, who informed attendees about the benefits of the DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement), a program designed to help local businesses recruit skilled workers from overseas.

Tracey's engaging address was followed by a heartfelt presentation from Burdekin Catholic High School students, who spoke about their efforts to combat homelessness in the region.

Piper Grogan, Drea Piotto, Harrison Lammon, and Nicholas Pengally delivered a motivating message, outlining the vital actions they are taking to raise awareness and funds to support those experiencing homelessness in the Burdekin.

The students invited the entire community to participate in a 'Sleep Out' event, where participants use only a sleeping bag and cardboard box to simulate homelessness in a safe environment.

They hope the event will spark conversation, inspire change, and make a lasting difference.

The final speaker was Burdekin Life Editor Rachael Smith, who expressed her gratitude to the community and local businesses for their support over the past two years.

She introduced the local team and welcomed new Sales Assistant Mia Galbraith.

Rachael closed by announcing an upcoming newspaper charity event set for next year, promising that more details would be shared soon.

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As I sit here, writing this, I simultaneously wonder, "as if I've already been here for two months!"

Am I a local yet?

No? What if I start wearing an Akubra hat?

To be honest, I've been contemplating getting one—to round off the whole 'country journalist' bit. Also just to save me from having to do my hair in the morning.

I digress.

It's been another huge week here in the BDK, marked by another personal 'milestone', if you like: my first ever careers day—however, this time on the other side of the desk. It made me feel quite old, to be honest, but also showed me how far I've come. And how annoying I used to be. Kidding, the students were lovely—all four of the ones that showed up for my presentation.

At least I know my job is safe for now.

But, I must say: huge credit to Jan Wekesa and co. for running an awesome event, which I’m sure was very helpful for many of the students present.

And then, of course, the Burdekin Show. Wow. Another momentous occasion on the community calendar, focussed on bringing people together and accentuating a shared love for this beautiful region.

I had a nice chat with Burdekin Show Committee President Chris Lyne, who gave me some food for thought on the Burdekin and what 'resilience' in the community really means. I touch on that briefly with a little more detail later on in this issue.

Otherwise, one more week down the hatch, and many more to go. Rest assured, I'm enjoying every bit of it.

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