One of the biggest days on the Burdekin’s calendar, the Burdekin Growers Race Day, has come and gone and while frocks were worn and horses were raced, one of the bigger attractions of the day came when attendees got to leave with a free box of Burdekin grown produce.
Local fruitmonger and “mango man” Henry Petersen said 42 bins of produce were cleaned out by 8:00pm the night of the races.
“This was a gimmick I first created 26 years ago,” Henry said.
“Today, it's the race day’s biggest attraction.”
Produce given away on the day included rockmelons, watermelons, capsicums, avocadoes and eggplants, all grown and donated by local Burdekin growers.
“What a sight it was to see,” Henry said.
The day also featured a produce challenge which saw lucky local growers take home cash prizes for their efforts across best capsicum, zucchini, eggplant, melon and box categories.
Free produce giveaways are yet another key element in what makes the Burdekin Growers Race Day such a unique event.
Congratulations to all growers involved and to the Burdekin Race Club for another successful Growers Race Day.
Find all the social photos from the day on pages 20-21.

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Racegoers left the Burdekin Growers Race Day with free boxes of locally grown produce. Photo supplied: Henry Petersen
Photo supplied: Dale Last - Member for Burdekin

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On 11 May 2024 at 8:40am a stolen Isuzu MU-X travelled from Townsville to Home Hill on the Bruce Highway. The vehicle was reported to be travelling at extremely high speeds on the highway. The vehicle was tracked by POLAIR helicopter to Home Hill. The driver of the vehicle crashed into a power pole on Fifth Avenue before decamping on foot into yards. Police located the driver on Eighth Street where he was arrested. A 21-year-old male from Cairns was charged with several property offences and was remanded in custody.  
On 18 May 2024 Home Hill Police conducted a policing operation at the annual Burdekin Growers Raceday. Local officers received assistance from Ayr, Townsville Tactical Crime Squad, Upper Ross Police Facility, Highway Patrol and Townsville District Crime Prevention Unit. Most patrons enjoyed an excellent day out with no incidents reported that required Police. Following the event, operation continued over to licenced premises in Ayr. Police were kept busy in Ayr with one male charged with public nuisance and several persons being issued with infringement notices for public order offences.
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Contributed by Sergeant Sam Pyke
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Officer in Charge Home Hill Police Station

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Four Burdekin veterans were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their service and contribution to Australia’s defence efforts by Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
Mr Willcox made the presentations at a RSL Home Hill Sub Branch meeting on Monday, May 20 and said the Certificates of Appreciation are available under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Program.
“They’re a way of expressing the nation’s gratitude to those who served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces from the Second World War on, or on the home front during the Second World War,” he said.
“We’re very fortunate that we’ve got four recipients in the Burdekin.
“Two, unfortunately, are being presented posthumously and are being represented by their sons.”
The four recipients were presented with Certificates of Appreciation signed by Mr Willcox, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh.
RSL Home Hill Sub Branch President Richard Kelly was one recipient of the certificates having served nine months in Vietnam.
“We’ve received these certificates for appreciation for what we’ve done overseas,” he said
“I was unlucky in one way but lucky in another when I was called up (to serve in Vietnam).
“A lot of people said, ‘Are you going?’ and I said, ‘Why not? I’m going to serve my country.’
“I was proud to serve my country and was one of the lucky ones who got to come home.”
Mr Willcox shared his appreciation with the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch members.
“It’s not lost on me the fact that the freedoms we enjoy today, they’ve been hard fought for,” he said.
“People have actually gone over there, protected our boundaries and made sure that we’re safe and can enjoy each and every day.
“I can’t thank the Australian Defence Force and the veterans enough.”

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Certificate of Appreciation Recipients
   • Andrew Clive for his contribution to the Volunteer Defence Force E Company Ayr 16th Battalion VDC QLD (accepted posthumously by his son Ron Clive)
   • Jack Petersen for his contribution during World War 2 (accepted posthumously by his son Allan Petersen)
   • Richard Kelly for his war service in Vietnam
   • William “Bill” Lowis for his contribution as Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy Vietnam and Indonesian peacekeeping operations

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L-R Richard Kelly, Allan Petersen, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Ron Clive and Bill Lowis

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The formal opening of the new Burdekin Electorate Office on Queen Street pays homage to the community it serves, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.
While it was relocated in February, the Burdekin Electorate Office was formally opened last Friday, May 17 with Clerk of the Queensland Parliament Mr Neil Laurie joining Mr Last and community members to unveil the plaque.  
“To have Mr Laurie join us for the opening on his very first visit to the Burdekin in his role as Clerk of the Parliament is an honour and I know that the work he has put in to ensuring this electorate has an office it can be proud of will not go unnoticed,” Mr Last said.  
“The Burdekin Electorate Office plays an important role within this community, not only as a place where you can meet with me to discuss issues but a safe space where you can attend for assistance with a wide range of issues.
“The first Burdekin Electorate Office was in Young Street and obviously since the 1990s has held a firm place at Centrepoint Arcade, over that time the requirements of that office have changed dramatically and with that the need for more space and functionality has seen the transition to the new office space on Queen Street.”  
Mr Last said it was important that the office was visible and accessible to all members of the public but also acknowledged the vast industries and diverse landscapes that encompass the Burdekin Electorate.  
“The Burdekin Electorate is incredibly diverse from our horticulture and agriculture industries in the Bowen and Burdekin Shire areas, to our National Parks and of course our mining and resources sectors in the Moranbah and wider Isaac region,” Mr Last said.
“Having images of Hoods Lagoon in Clermont, Bowen’s Big Mango, Alligator Creek, the Burdekin Bridge and Collinsville’s Pit Pony is about paying homage to this entire electorate its vast landscapes and of course its iconic scenes.
“Please remember that if you or anyone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to visit the Burdekin electorate Office and find out how my staff and I can assist you.”
Mr Last’s new office can be found at Shop E East End Centre, 54-60 Queen Street, Ayr.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Clerk of the Queensland Parliament Mr Neil Laurie
Mr Last, Mark Stoneman (Member for Burdekin 1983-1998), Rosemary Menkens (Member for Burdekin 2004-2015) and Mr Laurie
Mr Last and Queensland Youth Parliament Member Brent Dingle
L-R Burdekin Shire Councillors John Furnell and Max Musumeci, Mr Last, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Councillors Delfine Vasta and Amanda Hall
The cutting of the cake with Mr Last (right), owner of the building Dr Sarat Tata (centre) and his family
Mr Laurie (left) was presented with a cane knife by Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford (centre) and Mr Last
Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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Utilising his skills from his civilian workplace in the Australian Defence Force Reserve and, indeed, vice versa, Nick O’Connor is a passionate reservist who was recently recognised for his contribution to the Air Force Reserve.
As a civilian, Mr O’Connor can be found at the Burdekin Shire Council chambers filling the role of Director, Corporate & Community Services.
He also works part time with the Air Force Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer and was recently awarded the Prince of Wales Award (POWA) as part of a scheme that recognises ADF reservists and their civilian employers for their ongoing support and contribution to Defence capability.
“It’s targeted at reservists within Army, Navy and Air Force across Australia and it aims to provide up to $10,000 financial assistance to assist an ADF reservist to undertake professional development training, a course, a conference, or formalised study,” Mr O’Connor said.
“It’s a real acknowledgement of the commitment I’ve provided to Air Force, the skills I bring to my role in the ADF, and the great thing about the POWA is the scholarship that’s provided will go towards, for me, a Graduate Certificate in Digital Transformation and completion of that will have direct benefits to me civilian career and my civilian employer.”
With a passion for service, Mr O’Connor commenced his association with the ADF Reserve in 1996 when he joined the Army Reserve as an Infantry Soldier.
After four years, he discharged, got married, started a family and embarked on a civilian career as a journalist in regional Queensland newspapers before turning to local government in 1998.
His desire to serve led him back to the Reserve in 2006 when he commenced as a Part Time Public Affairs Officer in the Air Force Reserve.
“The benefits and the leadership skills developed through my air force career are directly translatable to my civilian career and, indeed, it’s a two-way street,” Mr O’Connor said.
“I’ve been in local government, so there’s that service element in trying to better the local communities in which I’ve worked.
“Then amplifying that out when it comes to my ADF career, what triggered my interest was that real desire to serve, but also the camaraderie and the personal and professional development opportunities.”
Mr O’Connor is one of 17 reservists from across Australia to receive the POWA in 2024 and only one of three Queenslanders.
As the POWA scheme celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024, Head of Joint Support Services Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw commended this year’s recipients and spoke of the skills they will gain through this scheme.
“The Prince of Wales Award scheme is one way that Defence invests in the relationship between reservists, Defence and civilian employers,” Major General Laidlaw said.
“I congratulate the 2024 recipients of the Prince of Wales Award and their supportive civilian employers.”
Mr O’Connor travelled to Brisbane for a presentation held at Government House on Thursday, May 9.
“I’m really chuffed to have won the award; it is a prestigious award and it’s something that I hold in great esteem,” he said.
“It was a wonderful event and a great opportunity to have the achievements formally recognised.
“I want to acknowledge the support I’ve been provided from Burdekin Shire Council
“I think winning the award and undertaking the Graduate Certificate is my and the ADF’s tangible way of giving back to my employer and increasing my knowledge and skillset in quite a dynamic environment will have benefit for not only myself in my civilian career but also my civilian employer.”

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Nick O’Connor was presented with the Prince of Wales Award in recognition of this ADF Reserve contribution by Governor of Queensland Jeannette Young
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Mr O’Connor (left) with his Commanding Officer Peter Croce who flew up from Canberra for the event
Photos supplied

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On Wednesday May 15, the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) called for the community to gather together and remember all of those who are no longer with us due to domestic and family violence.
Joined by Burdekin Shire Council officials, Zonta Club Burdekin members, local Police Service and NQ Domestic Violence Resource Service, we paused for a minute’s silence to respectfully remember the lives of women and children lost to gendered based violence.  
Following on from the candle lighting ceremony, the community was invited to the opening of our art gallery, filled with artwork representing ‘Through Her Eyes’.
Local women, children and men have responded to our call for submissions of artwork displaying the effects and impact of Domestic and Family Violence.  
This artwork will remain on display at the BCA Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr throughout the month of May.
It is a powerful representation of the impact of Domestic and Family Violence and a must see for every member of our community.
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Contributed by the BCA Team

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The Burdekin community gathered last week to hold a Candlelight Vigil and Exhibition of Artwork in honour of victims of Domestic and Family Violence. Photos supplied

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After moving into their newly refurbished premises on Queen Street, Ayr earlier this year, Intersport Ayr hosted the Burdekin Chamber’s May Chamber Connect event on Tuesday, May 21.
Brett Eathorne of Intersport Ayr shared a brief history of the business which reaches back to February 1974 when Brett’s father, Neville, first opened the doors of Eathorne’s Sports Village.
“It was a tiny little shop, it was just himself and a funny note, his first day he made $24, he sold one tennis racquet,” Brett said.
After many changes throughout the years, the business went through a major refurbishment, reopening its 138 Queen St, Ayr location earlier this year.
“It’s ended up really nice,” Brett said.
“Floor space is a premium, so we took out everything that we didn’t need and got rid of it to try and give us as much retail floor area as humanly possible, and it’s made a huge difference.
“Everything’s visible and it’s so much easier for customers.”
Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford said the Chamber took the opportunity to showcase a local business who had recently undergone refurbishment.
“It was good to show a new look for one of our members,” he said.
Leigh also shared details of the Burdekin Chamber’s Marketing Mingle, happening this evening, Thursday, May 30 from 6:00pm at the Kalamia Hotel.
“That should be a great event,” he said.
“It’s open to the public, employees, anyone who has an interest in marketing.”
Head to the Burdekin Chamber’s Facebook page for more information on the Marketing Mingle and on next month’s Chamber Connect event.

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Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford and Brett Eathorne of Intersport Ayr

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On Saturday 25 May, the 2024 Climb 4 CORES fundraising event will have Inkerman crawling with passionate locals walking the track to raise funds and awareness for mental health.

CORES aims to spread mental health awareness and provides Queenslanders with valuable tools, resources, and information to help those struggling with their mental health, and potentially save someone’s life. The work that CORES carries out is completely free and their only source of funding to continue is drawn from community driven fundraisers such as the Climb 4 CORES.

The Climb 4 CORES fundraiser will run from 7am to 11am this Saturday, where participants can enter teams of any number to walk Inkerman Hill with at least one team member on the hill at all times. To ensure the safety of all participants, the Burdekin Shire Council will be closing off Inkerman Hill to general traffic throughout the event. A base camp will be set up and operating at the base of Inkerman’s new goat track where team captains will collect all registration information for their team members and pay the nomination fee of $50 which will go directly towards CORES Queensland. All funds raised from the Climb 4 CORES event will be re-invested locally into the Burdekin community to support CORES’ free suicide intervention training programs which can be run anytime, anywhere in the region.

Janai Giddy, the event’s coordinator, made the decision to run the event following on from her extraordinary fundraising event in 2023 where she walked from Ayr to Townsville and raised over $12,000 for CORES Queensland.

“The day I began the walk, people were already asking me, what’s next, we want to be a part of something to raise money for CORES, so that’s when we came up with the Inkerman walk to make a team event for everyone in the community to get involved and get people talking,” explained Janai.

The event was selected with the challenge of mental health in mind and the important role health and general fitness plays in developing a positive relationship with your mind and body. Janai believes the challenge of walking Inkerman Hill serves as a valuable parallel to the challenges those struggling with mental health experience daily, further raising additional awareness on the important work CORES provides for the region.

The event has established a Go Fund Me page for those unable to participate in the event but still wishing to support the fundraising efforts. All information on how to register and support the event are available on the CORES Queensland Facebook page.

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What: Climb 4 CORES fundraising event
When: Saturday 25 May 2024
Where: Inkerman Hill
More Information: CORES Queensland Facebook page

Janai Giddy (centre) is organising the Climb 4 CORES fundraiser after walking from Ayr to Townsville to raise money for CORES in 2023

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last was the special guest as Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held their May Social and Networking Event on Wednesday, May 15 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club.
With Mr Last running for re-election as the LNP candidate in the October state election, he said it was great opportunity to be able to catch up with the Home Hill community and hear about the latest activities of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce.
“As we see right across the electorate, the diversity of each of the communities, from those in the Bowen Basin like Moranbah and Clermont to the coastal areas of Ayr and Home Hill, means the issues that affect them are incredibly different so chambers play an important role in advocating for their residents and business owners,” Mr Last said.
“With an eight-hour drive from the coast to the western boundary of the electorate it is safe to say time is incredibly important when it comes to ensuring that I can meet with constituents on a regular basis.
“Being able to join the Chamber of Commerce for their meeting means concerns can be raised from across the community and these can be discussed in an open forum.
“Just as we have seen when it comes other issues, the ability for community members to work together to achieve a common goal is a credit to the town’s residents and I know that this will set the example for other communities.
“Of course we also recently opened the new Burdekin Electorate Office which I am proud to say is a community asset that now provides a much improved space in which to work and conduct meetings.”
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce’s next Social and Networking Event will be held on Wednesday June 19 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club where Labor candidate for Burdekin Anne Baker will address the community and Executive Member Meghan Wilson will speak about her USA trip.

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L-R June Bartlett, Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Vice President Uli Liessmann

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Rehoming fee: $195

DOB: 10.08.2023

Sex: Male

Breed: DSH

Kid friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

This beautiful boy still cannot believe no one wants him.

He is a bit shy and can get a bit scared sometimes but his carer says he is a wonderful cat and has lots of love and cuddles to give to his new family.

He is extremely well trained and is used to his litter box too.

If you think you could welcome Jumanji into your home, care for him and love him then please submit an enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Jumanji is available for adoption desexed, microchipped, up to date on vaccines and is flea/tick/worm treated.

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Lower Burdekin Scout Group took part in a Scouting tradition practised all around the world when they went on a hike on the Saturday before Mother's Day.
The event is known as Jamboree of the Trail, where some of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group members joined approximately 200 Scouts of various ages and adults in Townsville on Saturday May 11 to hike from the Jezzine Barracks.
The older Scouts walked to the top of Castle Hill and back while the younger Scouts walked down along the Strand towards the yacht club and back.  
There were several stops along the way for a snack, drink and play.
At the end of the hike, everybody enjoyed a well-earned BBQ before heading home.

Lower Burdekin Scout Group members took part in Jamboree of the Trail in Townsville on Saturday May 11. Photos supplied: Chris Berkery

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Last Friday, the Burdekin Move IT Program came to an end, bringing up a lot of emotions for everyone involved. This program was made possible with the support of North Queensland PHN, Burdekin Shire Council, MoveIT NQ, and NQ Sports Foundation.

We want to express our sincere thanks to the Burdekin Shire Council for giving us the chance to make a positive impact on our community. It's been incredible to witness the changes in everyone over the past 16 weeks. The connections and friendships that have developed among the participants, Andrea, and ourselves have brought genuine joy. The arrival of the Monday and Friday groups at the Centre was always filled with excitement and anticipation. We are truly moved (no pun intended!) by the experience and its positive impact.

Programs like MoveIT don’t just happen on their own, so we have been working behind the scenes to find the right funding to keep the program going, although it will be under a different name. We are still working on this, but the BNC Committee can see the positive impact the program has had and has decided to contract Andrea Piotto to continue with another 8-week program starting on July 8th. This time, there will be a cost, and we hope our community members aged 55 and above will be able to participate. If you would like to participate – don't hesitate to get in touch with the Centre to find out more information and register.

We don’t have a name as yet – and we would love the input of our community in naming the new program. Send us your best suggestion to admin@thebnc.org.au.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Some of our Burdekin MoveIT participants, with instructor Andrea Piotto

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May heralds the beginning of Small Business Month, a time to honour and celebrate the backbone of our local economies. The festivities kicked off at the Burdekin Industry Breakfast, signalling a month filled with recognition and support for small businesses. Central to this celebration is an exciting competition that is currently underway, ‘Snap for Small Business’. As you’re shopping around town, snap a photo in one of your favourite small businesses and upload it to socials, tag @supportlocalburdekin and #snapforsmallbusiness to go in the draw to win 1 of 4 $100 Burdekin Gift Cards. Don’t forget to tag the business!
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Marketing Mingle event in collaboration with the Burdekin Chamber tonight at 6:00pm at the Kalamia Hotel. This event is presented by Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and JCU lecturer in marketing, and is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to gain more knowledge. You will walk away with effective tips that you can immediately implement into your business.
You will have also seen in last week’s paper the newly installed tourist frames located at Lynch’s Beach, Alva and one to be installed at Mt Inkerman. I encourage locals to visit these frames and snap some photos of our beautiful region.
For those who don’t know, Councillors have been going on air with our local Sweet FM every Wednesday at 2:00pm. Be sure to listen in for your weekly update on what is happening around the region.

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Did you know that our kerbside recycling doesn't end up at Kirknie Landfill?  Instead, the recycling truck takes our co-mingled recycling to the Townsville Material Recovery Facility (MRF), where it undergoes processing.
This facility isn't just about sorting recyclables; it's also equipped with an education facility! The Townsville MRF encourages locals to take charge and responsibility for their recycling practices. You can even book tours through Townsville City Council to learn more about the recycling process firsthand. Let's all do our part for a cleaner, greener future.
Knowing what items can go in your yellow lid bin will help make sure we’re recycling as much as we can and doing it right. Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill, which benefits both the environment and our community.
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.

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Giru State School, a cornerstone of the small but vibrant community of Giru, is marking a century of educational excellence with a grand celebration.
The milestone event, featuring a gala dinner and a lively fete, is set to honour the school’s rich history and its enduring legacy in the region.
Giru derives its name from a railway station named on 31 March 1916, based on "goru," a sugarcane variety from New Guinea grown locally.
The Invicta Sugar Mill, originally located on the Richmond River in New South Wales, moved to Bucca in 1906 and then to the Haughton River in 1919, around which the township of Giru developed.
The mill began operations there in 1921 and Giru State School opened three years later on in October 1, 1924.
Jenni Lund, the current principal of Giru State School, encapsulated the spirit of the occasion by reflecting on the school’s journey.
“We’ve grown and we’ve gone through those fluctuations of a small town that’s lost residents and built the residents back up,” Ms Lund said.
“There’s the country atmosphere of the school and the community, but we’re not that far away from Townsville or Ayr; it’s a great location.”
The school has seen significant growth in recent years, transitioning from a two-teacher to a three-teacher school, and currently boasts an enrollment of 74 students across three classes.
Corin Widderick, a teacher, parent, and former student, represents three generations of family ties to the school and emphasised the unique opportunities available at Giru State School.
“We’re proud of what we have to offer; it’s a great little school that offers so many different things,” she said.
“We have tennis courts, a school swimming pool, and we’re able to send our students to play in big sporting tournaments.
“Even though it is such a small, rural school, we still have those opportunities which is really special."
The gala dinner to be help on Friday, July 5 promises to be a highlight, featuring live entertainment, tours of the school, and speeches that reflect on its storied past.
One particularly poignant moment will be the unveiling of a time capsule buried 25 years ago, with plans to bury a new one to be opened by future generations.
The fete, a vibrant community affair, will kick off the next morning with a high tea.
Attendees can look forward to a range of activities including rides, stalls, and displays, as well as bus tours of the Invicta Mill conducted by Wilmar.
The event will also feature a “Giruvian” challenge, where participants can engage in local activities such as putting crab pots together, cutting cane, casting fishing rods, and moving hay bales.
Students have integrated the festivities into their Media and Arts curriculum, creating videos, documentaries, posters, and magazine covers about the school's history, which will be shared on social media and displayed during the event.
A colouring in competition has even been designed by year 2 and 3 students which has been distributed throughout the school and other schools in the area, with entries to be displayed on the weekend.
The fete will also feature a raffle and auction aimed at raising funds to upgrade the school's soundproofing.
The involvement of parents, former students, and community members in organising the event is a testament to the strong community spirit that has kept the school thriving for a hundred years.
“We’ve had so many sponsors help out with putting our event on, so we’re very appreciative of that,” Ms Widderick said.
“It’s really good to see our community getting involved and helping out.”
With people traveling from as far as Perth and Melbourne to join the celebrations, Giru State School’s centenary is set to be a memorable event, celebrating the past while looking forward to a bright future.
Visit the Giru State School Facebook page for more information.

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WHAT: Giru State School 100 Years Gala Dinner
WHEN: Friday, July 5 from 5:00pm
WHERE: Giru State School
TICKETS: Giru State School Facebook page

WHAT: Giru State School 100 Years Fete
WHEN: Saturday, July 6 from 3:00pm
WHERE: Giru State School
ADMISSION: $5 for adults, $2 for children aged 5-12, 4 and under free

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Giru State School’s 2024 cohort
Giru State School is celebrating 100 years in 2024
Photos supplied

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