Birthed from a profound need for personalised care and empowerment, Burdekin Support Coordination helps people to achieve their goals. Tara Harding, the owner-operator, radiates dedication to her community, striving to bridge the gap in support services since the business's inception approximately six months ago.

Tara’s journey began when she bought acreage in the Burdekin and moved to the block in April, discovering a lack of support in the region for those on the NDIS.

“I decided to offer my experience and knowledge of the NDIS to the community by starting my own Support Coordination business,” she said. “I am only taking on a limited number of individuals, ensuring that I am providing a personalised, quality service.”

As a Support Coordinator, Tara connects individuals with the right supports to achieve their goals in every aspect of life, whether it be health, training, employment, social, or housing. She works alongside providers, community and mainstream organisations across the region to provide customised care and support to maximise an individual’s NDIS funds. Tara can be found attending community events and meetings, networking with other professionals in the field and staying up to date on best practices, her collaboration with others enabling her to develop successful working relationships with many different stakeholders across the region.

Tara was met by the community with open arms and has since developed strong relationships with individuals and families by listening to their needs and providing clear communication. Her approach involves a solution-driven mindset to tackle the challenges posed by the intricate NDIS system, saying it’s her job to stay abreast of changes within the scheme and how individuals may be affected.

“Helping people reach their NDIS and personal goals is extremely rewarding to me, as is empowering people to take control of their lives through education and choice,” she said. “Getting the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis is my idea of a dream job!”

Burdekin Support Coordination weaves together support, empowerment, empathy and community for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

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Tara Harding of Burdekin Support Coordination

St Francis Catholic School’s annual Awards Day was held on Wednesday November 30. It was a chance for the school community to reflect upon the incredible journey that they shared throughout 2023 as well as a time to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of students throughout the year. From academic achievements to artistic endeavours, athletic triumphs to community service initiatives, St Francis Catholic School students consistently demonstrated their dedication, passion and resilience throughout the year.

At St Francis Catholic School, students are continually encouraged to strive and aim for excellence and on Awards Day we were reminded that there is no one measure for excellence. Aiming for excellence is about the personal goals, growth, resilience and character development that occurs throughout the year and in 2023, St Francis Catholic School students strived to put their best foot forward and they certainly aimed for excellence.

Contributed by St Francis Catholic School

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Year 6 Awards

Cultural Award - Maggie Chandler and Zara Scovazzi

Burdekin MLA Youth Achievement Award - Asha Licciardello and Popi Loizou

St Vincent de Paul Award - Chloe Bowen

Jan Martin Good Samaritan Award - Paityn Coleman-Blakoe

CWL Community Service Award - Stephanie Nolan

Br Bill McAvoy Sports Award - Lily Ahern

Sportsperson of the Year Award - Nate Giddy

St Francis Academic Achievement Award - Asha Licciardello

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Maggie Chandler and Zara Scovazzi

Asha Licciardello and Popi Loizou

Chloe Bowen

Paityn Coleman-Blakoe

Stephanie Nolan

Lily Ahern

Nate Giddy

Asha Licciardello

Photos supplied

As 2023 draws to a close, many reflect on a sugar cane season that was filled with highs and lows, making plans to ensure more prosperous seasons in years to come.

A fundamental issue facing the industry has been the timely supply of sugar cane from grower to mill, with Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) focussing efforts on restoring the harmonious supply of sugar cane to sugar mills.

QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said the prosperity of the sugar cane industry relies on a timely supply chain.

“When the industry, the growing fraternity and the harvest sector have the ability to supply cane to a miller in a safe and timely manner, it allows adequate time for new crop regrowth to take place,” he said.

“There’s been substantial work completed by a plethora of scientists and a multitude of research organisations who have all identified that cane supplied prior to October has the best opportunity to produce an optimum regrowth or ratoon crop which will give us the best production going forward, and naturally greater quantities of sugar being produced overall.

“As a result of inadequate timely supply of cane, amongst a myriad of social, safety and financial consequences, it has a direct impact on the grower’s sugar content, particularly in burnt cane districts where cane could be unduly delayed in a burnt state for excessive periods of time.

“Through constructive collaboration, we find ways to bridge that gap and remedy the various situations as they arise.”

Acting as the intermediary between the field sector and the milling field departments, QCAR approaches the issue with compassion and empathy, understanding that it can be cause for anxiety and frustration for many in the industry.

“There is no doubt, the timely and efficient supply of sugar cane to a factory is one of the most important issues for our growers and their respective farming operations,” Mr Spyrou said.

“We’re working to restore the harmonious supply of sugar cane to sugar mills and we’re experiencing really good relationships with individual Cane Suppliers, Milling Cane Supply Managers and their respective Field Department personnel.

“Acknowledging that things are by no means rosey across the board, we are striving to remedy this situation.

“We engage, we find solutions and we work with the various stakeholders; collaboration is key.”

Mr Spyrou said restoring the timely supply of sugar cane to sugar mills will allow growers to thrive and ensure the retention of farmers, contractors and employees across all sectors.

“Our target is to see that sugar mills are achieving very high availability and reliability rates and, in turn, optimal crush rates,” he said.

“We want to get back to nice, tight and timely season lengths.

“That, in turn, will see our production increase accordingly and we start moving towards meeting our district targets as set by our various regional productivity services.”

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QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pioneer Mill brought an end to the 2023 production season in the Burdekin on Sunday morning.

Wilmar’s four Burdekin sugar factories processed a total of 8.03 million tonnes of sugarcane this season, manufacturing about 1.18 million tonnes of raw sugar.

Group Manager Operations James Wallace said Wilmar’s Kalamia Mill was the first to finish on Friday, November 17.

Inkerman Mill crushed out on Wednesday, November 29 followed by Invicta Mill on Thursday, November 30.

Pioneer Mill crushed the last cane at 7.04am Sunday, December 3.

Wilmar staff provided the Burdekin Women in Sugar group with a firsthand look at the sugar manufacturing process when the group attended a private tour of Wilmar’s Invicta Mill recently.

The visit was hosted by three women from the Wilmar Sugar and Renewables business: Group Manager Asset Management Systems Sharon La Spina and Invicta Mill process improvement engineers Claire Dowling and Jessica Wilson.

Mrs La Spina said the eight participants enjoyed seeing how sugarcane was transformed into raw sugar.

“Most of them had never been inside a mill, or hadn’t been since they were in primary school, so they really appreciated the opportunity,” she said.

“As well as getting insight into the milling process, they got to sample some of the products along the process – from massecuite to molasses and raw sugar.”

The November 17 tour wrapped up with afternoon tea at the Giru CWA Hall.

While Wilmar doesn’t offer public tours of its factories, Grower Marketing consultants Meghan Wilson and Fiona Villis team can facilitate private tours for grower suppliers to give them a firsthand look at where the sugarcane they supply is manufactured into raw sugar for the world market.

Growers who wish to express interest in attending a factory tour in 2024 are asked to contact Meghan on 0437 669 118 or Fiona on 0437 297 978.

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Pictured at the Invicta Mill tour are, from left, Kylie Sibson, Sharon Stockham, Lisa Pozzebon, Sharon La Spina, Claire Dowling, Jessica Wilson, Barbara Cole, Fiona Villis and Judy McDermott

Wilmar’s Claire Dowling (left) and Jessica Wilson (second from left) led the private mill tour for Women in Sugar Burdekin

Photos supplied

Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $195

DOB: 3/5/2023

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Other Cats: Yes

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors

Named for her beauty, poise and charm, Aphrodite encapsulates being a Greek goddess.

Incredibly playful and full of love, Aphrodite is looking for a family that can give her absolutely all the attention she deserves. She loves being cuddled, pet and held.

However, Aphrodite is also an independent lady, who does enjoy her own company and can amuse and entertain herself while home alone, with her family at school or work.

Coming from a busy foster home, Aphrodite is used to anything, and will transition into any home seamlessly.

Aphrodite is available and is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations, and is flea, tick and worm treated.

To schedule a meet and greet, please submit an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

A trial conducted by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables on a 130ha cane farm in the Burdekin region has yielded promising outcomes through its complete automation in irrigation, implemented since the farm's early planting last year on Stockham Road.

Agricultural Productivity Manager Peter Larsen said the first-year results showed the volume of water applied was reduced by one-third compared to traditional irrigation methods, and there was a significant reduction in nitrate runoff and losses to groundwater.

Importantly, cane yield was 136t/ha – the same as what was achieved on the areas under traditional irrigation.

“These are very good results for the first year of the trial and we’re keen to see if they can be repeated in future years of the crop cycle,” he said.

The automated irrigation system was installed as a joint project with Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and other industry partners, and is known as the Burdekin Irrigation Project.

“It uses state-of-the-art technology to automate turning pumps on and off, and opening and closing valves – tasks that would typically be carried out by a farmer or farmhand,” Mr Larsen said.

“This means irrigation sets can be changed automatically, anytime of the day or night, without someone having to drive down to the farm to open and close valves. Instead, they can control the irrigation schedule remotely, from a computer, a smartphone or a tablet.”

Wilmar Farmhand Robert McArdle, who oversees the irrigation at the Stockham Road farm, said the technology was easy to use and created greater efficiencies.

“With this system, we can change water in shorter sets, manually or automatically, using an iPad. You can control the irrigation from anywhere in Australia or the world. As long as you’ve got internet, you can do it.”

SRA Burdekin District Manager Terry Granshaw said the Wilmar farm was an ideal trial site because it had even row lengths and similar soils across the whole farm.

“We’ve set this farm up as a demonstration site, with the aim of creating a greater understanding of how technology such as this can benefit the sugar industry through improved irrigation efficiencies, reduced run-off and deep drainage to groundwater,” Mr Granshaw said.

“By working closely with the Wilmar Farms team to analyse the results of the trial over the five-

year crop cycle, we will collect good, commercial-scale data to share with other farmers.”

Wilmar’s General Manager Agriculture Ian Davies said the use of technological innovation underpinned Wilmar’s drive towards more efficient and sustainable farming operations.

He said Wilmar Farms was extremely happy with the results so far and was developing a capital program to roll out automated irrigation across its Burdekin operations.

Work is currently under way to install automatic irrigation on two more farm blocks, totalling 250ha, next year.

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Wilmar Farmhand Robert McArdle says the technology is easy to use and creates greater efficiencies

The irrigation schedule can be controlled from a tablet

Automation has reduced water applied by one-third in the first year of the trial. There has also been a significant reduction in nitrate runoff and losses to groundwater

Helene Holmes Sponsored our last playing day Tuesday, November 28.

Winners were Raylene Hervey, Betty Schultz and Pam Power defeating Ruth Moore, Carolyn Jones, Karen Page and Irene Wilson. Runners up and also winners of the jackpot were Katarina Stuckler, Di Lindridge, Heather Jorgensen and Sandra Stidston defeating Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon, Beryl Cornford and Dot Cutting.

Wednesday night November 29

Winners on the night were Katharina Stuckler and David Burt and in 2nd place were Tricia Achille and Joe Grabbi.  Just a reminder, our final night for this year is on December 13.  Come along for a fun filled night.

Men’s Club Competition 2023 Winners

A Grade Singles Winner- M. Parravicini

Honeycomb Open Mixed Singles Winner - M. Parravicini

B Grade Singles Winner - D. Burt

A Grade Pairs winners - M. Power and R. Soper

A&B Pairs Winners - J. Grabbi and L. Stidston

Mixed Open Pairs Winners - S. Darwen and M. Parravicini

Open Triples Winners - J. Papale, S. Caltabano and G. Pearce

Open Club Fours Winners - B. Walker, S. Caltabano, L. Stidston and G. Pearce

Open Club Mixed Fours Winners - V. Edwards, J. Hall, S. Darwen and M. Parravicini

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

The Burdekin Unit of the SES has appointed a new Local Controller to lead the Clare, Giru, Rita Island, Home Hill and Ayr units for the next three years.

Warren Francis took over the role at a presentation on Monday, November 28 as John Winn stepped down after a three-year term.

SES Regional Director Daryl Camp congratulated Mr Francis on his appointment.

“He has so much ability,” Mr Camp said.

“He brings a huge lifetime of skills and knowledge to the position and will now take this unit forward.”

Newly appointed SES Burdekin Unit Local Controller Warren Francis has been involved in the SES for five years, most recently serving as Deputy Local Controller, and brings over 37 years of police, marine rescue and emergency experience to the role.

“It’s very rewarding work, being able to help people in the community, in particular vulnerable people and people who can’t help themselves in sometimes serious situations,” he said.

“This is hard, dirty work and you generally get called out at the most inconvenient time, but it is rewarding.

“The vulnerable people in the town need it and supported by council, we achieve it.”

Mr Francis’ new role will involve collaborating with council and representing the SES in the Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group.

Burdekin Shire Council Manager for Client Services and Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi said Mr Francis’ appointment provides security for the future and growth of the SES.

“John’s done a wonderful job and we can’t be grateful enough to have his commitment for the past few years, but having a change of guard brings a new aspect to the SES, some new ideas and a whole new era,” she said.

Mr Francis said his biggest focus in his new role will be recruitment and was happy to welcome two new members, Jordyn Brooker and Reed Wood, on Monday night.

“The more we can get these young fellas in and get them trained up into those specialised skills, the better,” he said.

“Our membership is the most important thing to us; without people, we’ve got nothing.

“We need to work on recruitment and we need to work on retention of the people we do get in.

“We’re trying to find non-traditional ways because recruiting volunteers is becoming much harder.”

To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.

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L-R SES Regional Director Daryl Camp, Burdekin Shire Council’s Eileen Devescovi, outgoing SES Burdekin Unit Local Controller John Winn and newly appointed Local Controller Warren Francis. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Mr Francis welcomed new members Jordyn Brooker and Reed Wood to the SES

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Welcome to the tenth edition of Burdekin Life – we made it to double figures!

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the excellent feedback you’ve been providing and let you know that it’s appreciated by me and the team, to whom I endeavour to pass on this feedback at every opportunity.

I’ve worked in many marketing, administration and sales jobs across many industries since graduating university in 2017.

Before then, I was a pizza delivery driver, I worked in a fruit shop and I waited in a Chinese restaurant, and I have to say that this is easily the most fun, rewarding and challenging role of my career – with delivering pizzas being a close second.

It’s your feedback about my work here at the newspaper, however, that lets me know this publication is worthwhile and my role in the Burdekin community is appreciated.

I’ve been reflecting on this lately and I sincerely feel that my job is making a difference in the community, but I couldn’t do it without the support of you all and the support of the rest of the Core Publishing team.

Similarly, any constructive feedback is appreciated and implemented wherever possible to make the product you hold in your hands each week better and better.

As always, feel free to get in touch with any notes, feedback or story recommendations – everything is valued and taken on board.

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There are renewed calls from state and national dental organisations for the Queensland Government to mandate fluoridated water across the state, with Burdekin Shire Council being one of 51 Queensland councils without fluoridated water.

A statement from the Australian Dental Association Queensland (ADAQ) said community fluoridation is one of the simplest, safest and most inexpensive preventative health measures.

“ADAQ supports the re-introduction of state government-led water supply fluoridation in Queensland now,” the statement said.

“All Queenslanders should be able to access fluoridated water, regardless of age, social status, or where they live.  

“Community fluoridation is one of the cornerstones of modern preventive dentistry.”

Local dentist Dr Ramon Oar agreed, saying there is no debate that water fluoridation reduces levels of tooth decay.

“We are big supporters of fluoridating community water supplies because it is a cost-effective measure to reduce tooth decay across the whole population,” he said.

“Everyone has access to drinking water out of the tap, irrespective of their socio-economic situation, so everyone benefits.”

A media statement from Burdekin Shire Council said that while the council acknowledges the benefits of fluoridation, it has never added fluoride to the Burdekin’s water supply, nor does it plan to in the future.

The statement said that the Burdekin has four separate water source schemes, each with multiple input Bore Sources that differ widely in natural fluoridation levels across the schemes.  

“In the Burdekin, the cost of individual dosing and control points for this would be very costly taking the natural levels into account,” the statement read.

“There is also WHS (workplace health and safety) issues with the management of fluoride dosing with repeated exposure to operations due to occupational exposure and must be carefully managed by suitably skilled staff which are difficult to access in rural and regional areas.”

The council estimates the costs of fluoride dosing to be in excess of $50,000 per annum plus upfront infrastructure costs for the scheme of approximately $60,000 per site for at least eight individual sites, plus operational and chemical costs.  

“Many residents in rural areas, like the Burdekin, are opposed to ‘Mass Medication’, where families, residents like to choose to fluoridate children through tablets, toothpaste, or other choices,” the statement continued.

“Burdekin Shire Council’s position would not change even if the State Government would pay for infrastructure upgrades and operational costs.”

Fluoride was first added to drinking water in Australia in 1953 in Beaconsfield, Tasmania.

Townsville’s water supply has been fluoridated since 1964 with the majority of southeast Queensland fluoridating its water since 2008 when the Queensland Government, then led by Premier Anna Bligh, legislated for mandatory fluoridation of drinking water supplies.

Councils were then able to opt out of water fluoridation when Campbell Newman’s government scrapped the mandate in 2012.

While the state government offered to provide funds for the initial infrastructure required for water fluoridation, Burdekin councillors at that time voted against the offer as they deemed the ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs unjustifiable.

“The politics curbed what would have been a great initiative in the Burdekin,” Dr Oar said.

“The cost-benefit was going to help the state government, who pay the public health bills, but the local councils had to find money in their budget to keep the town’s water fluoridated for no return on that investment, so they didn’t support it and it never happened.”

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In an unexpected and heartwarming gesture, students and staff from Maidavale State School brought joy to the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre with a delightful surprise.

Earlier in November, students and staff from the school graced the centre's staff with a batch of delectable cupcakes as part of their lessons in random acts of kindness.

A letter attached to the cupcakes read, “Thank you for providing our community with a great service!

“Enjoy these yummy muffins from the Maidavale State School community.”

“We hope you enjoyed those delicious chocolate muffins for all the great work you all do in helping the community,” the school added on social media.

The thoughtful visit left the centre staff pleasantly surprised and immensely grateful.

“What a great surprise!” Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre shared on social media.

“We really appreciate your visit and for thinking of us!”

The Community Connect initiative by the students and staff of Maidavale State School not only showcased their understanding of kindness but also illuminated the power of small, thoughtful gestures in brightening someone's day.

If you have a Good Deed to share with the community, contact us at editorial@burdekinlife.com.

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Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre were pleasantly surprised with a visit from Maidavale State School staff and students. Photo supplied

Following the recent spate of youth crime in the Burdekin, victims are urged to come forward and share their stories in order to better inform decisions made by a newly announced Youth Justice Reform Select Committee.

This Queensland Government committee will consist of three government, three opposition members and an independent representative and is set-up to examine the youth justice system including support for victims and reducing re-offending.

Community members have until January 10 to submit their own stories so they can better inform the committee on how locally experienced acts of youth crime are affecting our region.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said that this is an opportunity for victims to speak up and create change in policies affecting both the Burdekin and the State.

“Our community has seen more than its fair share of youth crime,” Mr Last said.  

“It is an issue affecting the whole state and it is important that victims, and people with ideas to help, are heard no matter where they live.

“We have seen youth crime result in tragedies and, each and every time, there is an outpouring of anger followed by a government announcement.  

“The fact is that, every single day, we are seeing people’s lives affected and they also deserve to be heard and their stories need to be told.

“I’ve been called a scaremonger for talking about the experience of victims and the fact that people are scared and I hope this committee process will result in an end to the denial and name-calling so that the rights of victims are finally recognised.

“You can’t fix a problem by denying it exists and then by downplaying its effects. If me calling on people to have their say results in positive change that puts an end to people feeling scared and frustrated, then that’s a win for the community.

“If, on the other hand, victims speak up and the government refuses to act, it will send a clear message about the government’s priorities.  

“This cannot be a talk-fest that doesn’t produce results but, if it is, people will know that the only way to get the issue addressed is via the ballot box.”

Mr Last said more information on how to make a submission is available via his webpage and social media pages or by contacting his office on 4767 0500.

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On Thursday, November 16 and Friday, November 17, Ayr Health Service welcomed a team from Clinical Excellence Queensland (CEQ), which included an obstetrician, midwives and a project officer who met with staff and members of the community to talk about the hospital’s maternity service.

Following the recent announcement by the Minister for Health regarding expansion and improvements in maternity services in regional Queensland, the team conducted meetings with medical, midwifery, nursing and health worker staff.    

During these discussions, CEQ were able to hear from local staff on a variety of topics including models of care, workforce, education and training.  

Local women and mothers who have birthed at the Ayr Health Service, including Kaylee Garner and Mikaela Drain, enjoyed morning tea with the team, where they were able to provide feedback on their experiences and offer suggestions for improvement.  

Following this visit, the information will be used to compile a draft report, including recommendations.

The draft will again be shared with the team to ensure it remains valid prior to a final report being presented to the THHS executives and Department of Health.

Contributed by Ayr Health Service

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Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola, Kaylee Garner holding Amelia Brix, Mikaela Drain holding Heidi D’Alessandro and Nurse/Midwife Chloe Brunner

Employees of Wilmar Sugar Australia have rejected a proposed pay increase as negotiations, which have been occurring since March, continue.

The sugar giant, which is a subsidiary of the Singapore-based company Wilmar International and operates four sugar mills in the Burdekin, put their latest offer out to a ballot of employees earlier in November, with 80.5 per cent of respondents voting against the company’s offer.

Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said that Wilmar’s offer isn’t sweet enough.

“While sugar prices surge and remain at a high we haven’t seen in decades, Wilmar continue to pay their workers at some of the worst rates in the industry,” Mr Wilson said.

“This is a foreign-owned, multinational corporation making record profits off the back of local communities in this region – it’s time they gave something back.”

Wilmar most recently offered pay rises of 5 per cent in the first year, 3.75 per cent in the second year and 3 per cent in the third year.

AWU said factoring inflation, this increase will take workers backwards and are calling for pay rises of 12 per cent, 8 per cent and 5 per cent.

Leading up to the ballot, Mr Wilson accused Wilmar of acting aggressively to stop workers from voting against the deal.

“We are seeing every grubby tactic under the sun from Wilmar to try to stop their workers from learning about and voting against this terrible offer,” he said.

“We have seen union information removed from crib rooms and notice boards, managers making threats to workers who tell other workers to vote no - they are even denying workers in control rooms from accessing union officials during their lunch breaks.

“Wilmar are even threatening to pull their commitment to converting a number of seasonal employees to permanency, something they clearly have had no intention of ever doing.”

“Our members see this for what it is – bullying tactics from a desperate employer who has lost control of this situation.”

A Wilmar Sugar Australia spokesperson denied these allegations.

“We have not received complaints from any employee of bullying or intimidation related to the EA (employment agreement) negotiation process,” they said.

The spokesperson said negotiations will continue “in good faith”.

“Our EA proposal offered pay increases of 11.75 per cent over three years, back pay for permanent and seasonal workers, and permanency for 71 seasonal employees,” they said.

“Our seasonal employees are covered by the same EA as our permanent employees, and are remunerated accordingly.

“Given our offer was rejected, we will continue to negotiate in good faith, honestly and openly.

“We have responded to a request from unions to meet with them, and are now waiting for all union bargaining agents to respond.”

Wilmar workers are represented by AWU, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU).

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Wilmar’s Invicta Mill, Giru. Photo supplied