International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8 globally, honouring the achievements of women.

Zonta International’s theme for IWD 2024 is, “Count her in: accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment”.  

To celebrate IWD, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc hosted a High Tea at BCHS Marcellin Centre on Sunday, March 10. The afternoon was a wonderful success with guests travelling from Brisbane, Townsville, and the Whitsundays to enjoy the afternoon’s activities.

The venue was elegantly decorated to reflect the club’s theme, “En Blanc with a splash of yellow.” People attending dressed according to the white with a splash of yellow theme.  

Mrs Judy Michell capably emceed the afternoon’s activities which included:

   a) presenting certificates and a small gift to winners of Zonta’s annual STEM (Grace Ogomeni, Cleo Delle Baite) and Citizenship awards (Jessica Holmes, Estelle Wieczorek) female Grade 10 Burdekin Catholic High School, Home Hill State High School, and Burdekin Christian College students

   b) presenting a congratulatory award to Sophie Robertson, Ayr State High School student

   c) acknowledging this year’s Woman of Achievement, Helen Andrews

   d) thanking Sophia Sarri for providing musical entertainment prior to the commencement of the function

   e) presenting birthing kit Non-Zontian Champions with their awards from the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia

   f) Speakers, Zonta Governor, Lyn Agnew, District 22, Director Area, Therese Smith and Guest speaker, Raylene Willcox.

   g) Raffles, including tickets to P!nk Concert in Townsville generously donated by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, money boards, and lucky door, fashion and most interesting teacup prizes.

Funds raised at the function support Zonta’s local and international projects.

The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc extends a special thank you to Zonta’s Major sponsors Bendigo Bank, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and sponsors Fahey and Walsh, Campbell’s Jewellers, Dotty Daisy Flowers, Penny Lane Homewares and the general public for their support.

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Contributed by Zonta Club Burdekin Inc

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Caption 1: Back L-R: Renee Schlieff and BCHS Hospitality Students. Front L-R:  Debbie Watson and Margaret Culpan

Caption 2: Zonta Club Burdekin Inc President Judy Sgarbossa and Guest Speaker Raylene Willcox

Caption 3: Judy Sgarbossa and Sophie Robertson

Caption 4: Sophia Sarri

Caption 5: 2 L-R Burdekin Christian College Citizenship Awardees Estelle Wieczorek and Jessica Holmes

Caption 6: Home Hill State High Students celebrating Grace Ogomeni's STEM award

Caption 7: Judy Mitchell and STEM Awardee Cleo Delle Baite

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Photos supplied

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Meet Kaylee Boccalatte

Of Dal Santo’s Deli

Star sign: Gemini

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav holiday destination: The tropical island destination called Rita

Fav quote: Be the change you wish to see in the world – Mahatma Gandhi

Something most people don’t know about you: I have unwittingly become a collector of unread books – I see them in the shop, buy them and then … they sit on the bookshelf.

Describe your personality in three words: determined, honest and reliable.

Kaylee Boccalatte was born and raised in Home Hill until she moved to Rockhampton where she started a successful water tank business, before returning roughly five years ago to her now home in the Burdekin to raise her four kids with her husband Wes.

A proud mother to four children and wife to Wes, Kaylee was previously elected as councillor in 2020, which she describes as an “unexpected and incredible honour” and is now the soon-to-be owner of Dal Santo’s Deli, always perfecting the illusive work-life balance.

As she begins another exciting business journey, Kaylee aims to deliver more than just a shop, but rather an authentic experience for Burdekin residents.

“It’s a relatively unique shop renowned for its wonderful selection of Italian delicacies, from artisanal pasta to fine cheeses,” she said.

“Dal Santo’s has an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere and passionate staff offering a piece of Italy in the heart of the Burdekin.”

In light of International Women’s Day, Kaylee expresses her appreciation and gratitude towards the people who successfully fought for the rights that women have today as she reflects on the past societal issues.

“It was not too long ago, women weren’t considered worthy of being included in certain rights,” she said.

“Imagine being denied the right to vote, to own property or to work.

“International Women’s Day is implicitly acknowledging that work still needs to be done to achieve a gender equal world, but it also provides an opportunity to recognise how far we have come as a society, the men and women who have fought to get us here and appreciate that we live in a country where women’s rights are recognised and respected.”

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Meet Stefania Scuderi

Of Jetsetter Travel

Star Sign: Taurus

Fav Colour: White

Fav book/movie/podcast/media: Relentless and W1NNING by Tim Grover

Describe your personality in three words: Goofy, thoughtful, resilient.

Born and raised in Ayr, Stefania Scuderi is the proud owner of Jetsetter Travel, a distinguished boutique travel planning service that has been recognised with a myriad of awards. Stefania has created a unique travel experience that tailors to meet the diverse needs of her clientele.

In a world where technology seems to be the most convenient, Stefania underlines the importance of personalised, attentive service. Embracing a by-appointment-only service allows Stefania to dedicate the necessary time and attention to each client.

As the driving force behind Jetsetter Travel, Stefania finds immense gratification in cultivating lasting relationships with her clients. She views each interaction as an opportunity to exceed expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“I understand the value of my clients’ time, desired experience, and finances, and I take great pride in being a responsible steward of these aspects,” she says.

Beyond her professional achievements, in honour of International Women’s Day, Stefania embodies the spirit of women empowerment, drawing inspiration from women who defy societal expectations and pursue their dreams with a strong determination.

“Personally, women empowerment signifies navigating life on your own terms, rejecting limitations and expectations imposed by others, regardless of your age or life stage.”

“As women (and individuals in general), we are the creators of our own destiny, and the potential for growth and change is infinite with continuous personal development.

“It's a beautiful privilege for all of us to remember each day, especially amid the honest life struggles.”

In addition to her thriving career, Stefania's interests include her past stint as a DJ for local events and her passion for living a healthy lifestyle. Balancing the demands of work and personal life, Stefania finds solace in spending quality time with her fiancé and pursuing her fitness goals.

With her infectious enthusiasm, thoughtful approach, and commitment, Stefania Scuderi continues to inspire those around her, encouraging other women to “be a guiding light for others, leave everything better than you found it and enjoy the ride!”

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Meet Brhee Haller

Of LShu on Queen

Star sign:  Aquarius

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav quote: “You get what you give.”

Something most people don’t know about you: Crazy Animal Lover

Describe your personality in three words:  Stubborn, Driven, Loyal

LShu on Queen, a shoe boutique established in 2011, aims to bring the latest range of women’s designer brands and accessory fashions to local customers, carrying a wide array of designs that can’t be found online. Brhee Haller is the backbone of the company and built the business from the ground up with the help of her tradie husband.

Brhee expresses her gratitude for all the support she has received over the years as well as an appreciation to her work team that contributes to the growing successes. As International Women’s Day has come and gone this year, Brhee recognises the profound ability to survive the challenges that business and life throws at you during ownership of a business. It takes great courage and strength and this is something Brhee loves and takes great pride in doing throughout her career.

With a love for fashion, particularly shoes (stemming from such a young age after admiring her mother’s wardrobe collection), Brhee was bound to bring her creativity to life in the form of a boutique. When she’s not helping clients find the perfect pair of shoes, she’s enjoying a ride on the buggy with her family around the river, indulging in nibbles and a cold beverage overlooking the water.

Her family consists of three children, Remy, Ryke and Radha, which are her proudest achievements yet with the support of her loving husband, Luke, whom she married at the age of eighteen. Whether it be at kids’ sporting events, boating, camping or just hanging around the house, Brhee underlines the importance that family is everything.

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Servicing the Burdekin and its surrounding North Queensland regions, ML Partners Pty Ltd has been a beacon of financial expertise since its incorporation in 2013. Founded by directors Peter McKaig and John Licciardello, this accounting and financial services firm boasts a rich history, with both leaders having been integral to the business since 1994 and 1995, respectively. But what sets ML Partners apart is not just its longevity in the industry, but also its commitment to fostering a unique and supportive work culture. With some staff members having dedicated over two decades to the firm and its predecessors, ML Partners values the continuity and experience that these dedicated professionals bring to the table.

The business proudly supports women in the workforce, acknowledging the challenges many face when balancing career and family life. ML Partners actively encourages and sustains a family-friendly workplace, ensuring that women can seamlessly integrate into the workforce after having a family. This commitment reflects a broader understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in creating a thriving and dynamic work environment.

For ML Partners, women empowerment goes beyond rhetoric; it means providing a platform for all staff members to shine in their roles. The company envisions empowerment as the key to unlocking the full potential of their workforce, emphasizing the creation of a safe and supportive workplace for everyone.

In celebrating International Women's Day, ML Partners reflects on the significance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of women within the business. For them, International Women's Day is an opportunity to ensure that every staff member feels valued and rewarded for their contributions. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated.

In a team of approximately 50 staff, with the vast majority being women, the firm embraces a workforce that spans different career stages, from those just starting out to those nearing retirement. This diversity is a testament to ML Partners' belief in the strength that comes from embracing varied perspectives and experiences.

Looking forward, ML Partners anticipates not only celebrating International Women's Day annually but also International Men's Day in November, showcasing their commitment to equality and inclusivity across the board. As they celebrate International Women's Day, the firm continues to champion the empowerment of women in the workplace, recognising the invaluable contributions of all team members. Their dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment sets an inspiring example for businesses aspiring to foster a culture of equality and appreciation for all.

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From tablecloths, doonas, curtains and pillowcases to old electrical cables, earphone wire and aluminium can pull rings, the Burdekin Artisans Community Association is inviting the community to recycle for Burdekin Rags to Runway.

The annual event showcases clothing and accessories made from repurposed materials and calls for entrants to exhibit their creativity by transforming used clothing into fashionable runway pieces.

“It’s about recycling fabric and other materials into a wearable item of clothing,” said Burdekin Artisans Community Association President Sandi Milani.

“We’re really concentrating recycling castoff either from fashion galleries or the op shops, because so much clothing goes to landfill.”

Entries can be made into one of five categories – junior, racewear budget challenge, budget challenge, open section and accessory section – with different budgets and conditions applying to each category.

“It’s making people think outside the square,” Ms Milani said.

“Lots of women buy clothes and change them because they don’t want them to look like everybody else’s, and this is where my idea came for Rags to Runway.

“Lots of people are starting to realise what they can do and it’s not actually about the sewing, it’s about the creative process that they’ve used to change whatever they have picked up.”

Burdekin Rags to Runway has been running since 2019 and is the major annual fundraiser for the Burdekin Artisans Community Association, a group that has been operating since 2014 and is currently raising funds to install air conditioning at its Home Hill space.

“We’ve got painters, textile artists, potters, jewellery makers; that’s why we’re called artisans, because it’s not just paintings and we encourage any of the crafters to become members so they can sell their work and continue learning,” Ms Milani said.

“Unless they go to the markets, it’s really hard for artists to keep doing what they want to do, because if you’re not selling your work, what do you do with it?

“You need that outlet and having a group of people that you can bounce ideas off is really good as well.

“Even if you’re not doing the same craft or art as somebody else, something that they’re doing sometimes sparks an idea in you; you’re just bouncing ideas around.”

Entry forms for Burdekin Rags to Runway must be submitted by this Saturday, March 16.

Forms are available from the Burdekin Artisans store at 170 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill or by contacting the Burdekin Artisans Facebook page.

Judging will commence at 1:00pm, Saturday April 27 with the community to gather at the Greek Hall in Home Hill from 7:00pm where all entries are to be presented and prizes awarded.

Burdekin Artisans are always looking for volunteers and members to join.

“Anyone who’s got something new and different to teach and sell, we’re always interested,” Ms Milani said.

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The Burdekin community had one last chance to hear from mayoral and councillor candidates ahead of Saturday’s local government election at a Q&A forum hosted by Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) last Wednesday, March 6.

Candidates took to the stage of the Burdekin Theatre auditorium where they were impeccably asked carefully considered questions relating both to the agricultural industries and good governance.

The evening took a “speed dating approach” where each candidate was given the opportunity to answer two questions that had been randomly allocated.

Topics covered throughout the evening included rates, services, council budget, use of employees versus consultants, vacant premises, renewable energy, government grants, cash reserves, conflicts of interest and sugarcane haulage.

Members of the audience, which was made up of QCAR members and members of the public, then had the opportunity to ask candidates their questions.

“Key messages were raised this evening, particularly by the producers regarding sugarcane haulage, which allowed the opportunity for the members to state what their underlying concerns are and where they believe council can play a role in remedying the impasse between various stakeholders within the sugarcane industry,” QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said.

“One of the councillor candidates made a particular suggestion tonight and I think we should take it on board and try and introduce council involvement in stakeholder engagement processes, particularly between miller and grower, and let’s get rid of the unnecessary dividing of industries with a view of restoring peace and harmony amongst all parties.”

Queenslanders will go to the polls this Saturday, March 16.

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Caption 1: Back row: L-R Michael Detenon, Llewelyn Davies, Max Musumeci, Pierina Dalle Cort, Amanda Hall, Lyn McLaughlin and QCAR’s Michael Kern. Front row L-R: Callan Oar, Warren Francis, Mark Haynes, Delfine Vasta, John Furnell and Michael Fraser

Caption 2: QCAR Chief Strategy Officer and MC Michael Kern

Caption 3: Pierina Dalle Cort

Caption 4: Lyn McLaughlin

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Ryellen Heliwork was established in 1999 by chief pilot Ryan Jones. As a farmer himself, Ryan knows the costs incurred to the bottom line due to vines in cane.

2024 is shaping up to be a good season for the sugar cane industry in the Burdekin. However, ideal growing conditions for vine has seen a severe outbreak across the district and is likely to cause the upcoming harvest a great deal of stress, by inhibiting harvesters moving through the paddocks. The recent cyclone has also allowed the vines to come up through the crop and cover over the top.  

Ryellen Heliwork has been spraying in the district for 25 years and is committed to helping farmers control this problem and now is the most critical time to eradicate it.

The pilots at Ryellen Heliwork have a combined experience of 38 years in aerial spraying which gives the farmer confidence that their vine problem will be dealt with in a safe and effective manner.

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Caption 1: Dave Nielson and Jason Res

Caption 2: Brett Dal Bello and Vince

Caption 3: Joe and Margaret Linton

Caption 4: Flynn, Ryan and Suzie Brownlie

Caption 5: Mark Elwood and Ian Boyle

Caption 6: Shane O’Flanagan, Scott Haynes and Morgan Lewis

Caption 7: Andrew Franklin, Mark Hudson and Mitch McColl

Caption 8: Gary Lyons, Paul Marano and Jessie Lanyon

Caption 9: Mario Barbagallo, Mark Rossato and Phillip Cardillo

Caption 10: Wayne Squires, Marnie McCullough and Elaine Alker

Caption 11: Volunteers from Burdekin Men’s Shed

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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As the recipients of one of the bank’s community grants, Lower Burdekin Landcare have thanked the Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr for its sponsorship last year.

Lower Burdekin Landcare received a grant of $16,500 which volunteers said will help keep the clubhouse and nursery viable.

The funds were used to install solar panels on the roof of the clubhouse and purchase a Toro Zero Turn mower so volunteers can maintain the nursery without relying on people slashing it for them.

“The transition to solar panels will keep our utilities down, plus contribute to greener energy use,” Lower Burdekin Landcare volunteer Nathan Barrett said.

“Our main use of power is watering the nursery and charging batteries for gardening, which will now be sustainable for the environment and our club.”

Dr Barrett said the club is completely run by volunteers and would not survive without the generosity of local champions like Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr.

“As a result of their support, we have transferred our accounts to their branch and have received fantastic service and support since,” he said.

The Lower Burdekin Landcare nursery is open 8-12 Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays where volunteers mainly cultivate native tube stock and have plenty of herbs, trees, plants and advice for any who wish to come down.

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Caption 1: Lower Burdekin Landcare received a community grant from Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr last year

Caption 2: The grant was used to install solar panels and purchase a mower, pictured with volunteer Nathan Barrett and his daughter

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Photos supplied

Local sporting organisations and residents are encouraged to take part in consultation activities to develop a new Sport and Recreation Plan for the Shire.

Burdekin Shire Council has engaged MAK Planning and Design, an external consultant, to develop the plan in partnership with local sporting organisation and community stakeholders, aiming to help Council and the community to plan and deliver better services and infrastructure in the Shire.

Consultation sessions will be held on Monday March 18 from 5:30pm at the Burdekin Theatre Foyer, Ayr and Tuesday March 19 from 5:30pm at the Burdekin Memorial Minor Hall, Home Hill.

Leading the consultation, MAK Planning and Design will also conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local sport and recreation facilities and open space areas to evaluate their quality, provision and adequacy.

Council values the input and feedback of the sport and recreation community and encourages everyone to participate in this important project.

Everyone in the community is welcome to join for either of the two sessions.

You can register online at trybooking.com/CPUNB.

For more information phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

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The Burdekin Potters are going from strength to strength, with the local branch of the Bendigo Bank, providing funds to expand storage space for the rapidly growing club.

Bendigo Bank has once again shown their support for ‘not-for-profit’ groups by offering a grant which provided the funds to erect a much-needed storage shed as an addition to their clubhouse.

Located in Plantation Park, The Burdekin Potters have seen a significant increase in membership in the last four years, with almost 60 members currently enjoying the art of creating with clay.

As the membership has grown, so has the need for extra storage for glazes, raw materials, clay, and equipment.

The added storage shed will provide a huge benefit to all members now, and well into the future, allowing more working space for members to create unique clay pieces as well as freeing up more space for classes and community events.  

The ongoing support from Bendigo Bank to local groups, allow small ‘not-for-profit’ clubs, like the potters, to flourish and grow, offering much-needed creative outlets for community members.

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Contributed by Debbie Ferraris

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Caption: L to R Debbie, Nola, Judith, Heidi, Jan and Lee-Anne are only a few potters to benefit from the new storage space. Photo supplied

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Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $850

DOB: 15/04/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Dashshund Cross Cattle Dog (Unconfirmed)

Kid Friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Yes, With Time

Other dogs: Yes

Fences: 4ft

This little bundle of fun has been named Major because he gets major FOMO (fear of missing out). Major loves being involved in every interaction and being the centre of attention, and especially loves playing games and having fun.

While Major does love his foster dog siblings, he has yet to grow completely comfortable with his cat foster siblings.

Major is always excited to go on a walk, but does need more practice on the lead, because he is trying hard not to pull on his human.

Major is very loyal to his humans, and loves relaxing in the evening on their lap, or with them as they complete errands or in the office, however Major does also like to bark at new people, so keep that in mind.

Major is a bundle of energy, and loves to run and play, especially in the dog park or with other dogs.

Major is desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on his vaccinations, has been flea, tick and intestinal worm treated and is on heartworm preventative.

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

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A local Scout from the Lower Burdekin Scouts planned and organised a camping weekend in Townsville for a small group of Scouts as part of her Leadership training.

Brianna’s planning involved organising the menu, transport, equipment, and activities for the weekend.

After setting up the tents, it was a quick lunch before heading off to the Barra Fun Park for the rest of the day.

On Sunday, the Scouts spent the morning at the rock pools on the Strand in Townsville before having lunch back at the campsite.

A good weekend was had by all thanks to Brianna.

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Contributed by Chris Berkery

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In February 2017, eleven people climbed the steep stairs at the Burdekin Library in Ayr. Beginners and experienced writers alike, they dreamed of novels, family histories, memoirs, anthologies and children’s stories. They sought a group of like-minded individuals who would inspire and encourage their creativity. From that meeting, Scratchy Scribblers was formed. Over the next six years, the group changed names and meeting locations multiple times. Members and partnerships came and went, but, throughout it all, the goal of the group stayed the same.

Burdekin Creative Writers is a welcoming space for writers to share their words, find encouragement and advice, enhance their literary skills, and have fun creating new things with only a pen and their imagination.

Because of this group, members have entered short story competitions and been published in anthologies. They have created newsletters, judged writing competitions, and learned to interview notable people in the community. They have written dozens of stories and poems and challenged themselves to write things they never would’ve created on their own.

In 2023, the group published their own anthology, an assortment of stories and poems from the members of Burdekin Creative Writers and Burdekin Night Writers. Burdekin Life is proud to share some of the work from this anthology.

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Realization to Indignation

by Cherelle Murphy

He stooped to push the mower, under the leafy tree,

He frowned and mumbled and grumbled, he was angry I could see,

His hat was knocked down to the ground, more angry he couldn’t be,

He said I’d have to trim the trees, or he’d forget about me.

He had to have easy access, he was stubborn as a field of mules,

I had to keep things tidy, he was tired of dealing with fools.

So after he had left me, I gathered up my tools,

Clippers, snippers, cutters and saws, he’d already told the rules.

The shrubs and bushes were easy and the palms were just the same,

And half the trees were easy, or so I tried to claim,

I’d cut off all the foliage, but big branches still remained,

With the limited tools that I had; it was becoming a terrible strain.

I needed something higher and the ladder would do the trick,

Poised and ready I began to saw, the branch was way too thick,

I couldn’t push quite hard enough, and the saw began to stick,

A bigger saw was needed, I gave that one the flick.

Armed and dangerous I was back ’cos I had a job to achieve,

I was determined I could do this, or so I did believe,

The branch cracked, began to fall, my reward I would soon receive,

But it hit the ladder, knocked me off, so yes, I’d been deceived.

The other branches stay on the tree, that job I had to rout,

I did the best that I could do, but I didn’t have the clout,

I’ve passed the job to a lopper man, he’s surely much more stout,

He has the tools and knowledge and that’s what it’s about.

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Students from Home Hill State High School took to the pool on Friday, March 1 for the annual interhouse swimming carnival.

Beachmount came out on top after a fun and competitive day of swimming.

Age Champions

Age

Male

Female

12 years

Will Stanton-Cook (Upstart)

Dontaii Club (Inkerman)

13 years

Eli Wilkie (Beachmount)

Emily Power (Inkerman)

14 years

Luke Blacklock (Upstart)

Genevieve Bonanno (Inkerman)

15 years

Nate Weston (Inkerman)

Isla Wilkie (Beachmount)

16 years

Criz Torkington (Beachmount)

Not contended

17+ years

Mark Spalding (Beachmount)

Zoe Bonanno (Inkerman)

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Caption: Smiles all round as Beachmount took out the Home Hill State High School Swimming Carnival. Photos supplied: Home Hill State High School

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In about July to August of 1954, a group of car enthusiasts formed the Ayr Sporting Car Club. Townsville already had a Sporting Car Club, as did Bowen, which formed in 1953. Vehicles in the club were MG TF’s, Austins A90, A70, A40, Vauxhall Sports Cars Velox, Morris Minors, Vauxhall Sedans, Space-Masters and Zephyrs.

The first recorded event for the Ayr club was in the Townsville Daily Bulletin Monday August 23, 1954. On the Sunday Townsville Sporting Club, which consisted of six members, made the trip. At Brandon, a deputation of eight Ayr members met Townsville and proceeded in file through Brandon and Ayr. The procession included two MG TF’s, Austins A40, A70 and A90, Vauxhall Sports Car 2 Vauxhall Velox, Vanguard Spacemaster, Ford Zephyr and some Morris Minors.

Sunday afternoon novelty events included Forward and Reversing test won by G Horward, Townsville-Morris Minor;  the Figure of 8 was won by Neville Thomas, Ayr in his new MG TF; the Paper Soiling Contest which consisted of running the front wheels over four pieces of paper, 10inchs square won by Reg Merrington, Ayr in a Morris Sedan; He also won the Slow Race event which the car had to travel as slow as possible without touching the clutch or stalling. The final event was a Flying lap speed test which was won by Graham Coutts (Secretary of the Ayr Sporting Club) in his Vanguard Spacemaster.

In September 1954 the Townsville Sporting Club had a Road Trial  and some of the Ayr member attended. Suffice to say the course of the trial was a distance of 65miles and the vehicles had to average a speed of 25mph to finish the course in a set time. Course was via Ross River Road, Old Harvey Range Road to Alice River and on to the Ingham Road near the Bohle through suburbia, The Town Common, across the Saltpans.  The trial began at 5:00pm and finished in the dark with lights from Mount Louisa and Castle Hill used as a guide.  The competitors also had maps given to them and many of the roads were just plain dirt. Some members from Ayr competed; D Ferguson-Ford Anglica (yours truly learnt to drive in a Ford Anglica), E Le Feuvre-Austin A40 Ute. G Coutts-Vanguard Spacemaster. Another car trial was held between Townsville and Ayr Sporting Clubs on a World War II disused airstrip where the Standing One Mile  sprint won by D and N Thomas of Ayr with their MG TF’s, J Leonard with his Ford Customline and the Flying Half Mile won by D Thomas and D Leahy. The speeds achieved were 82mph and 76mph.  

The Ayr Sporting Car Club was still going strong in October 1957 according to the Advocate when 16 Cars took place in a Burdekin Trial held on Sunday October 5. It was an all day trial covering 160miles in the Ayr District. It was an arduous day for the drivers as the roads covered were from bitumen to bush tracks and vehicles ranged from Morris Minors to Ford Sedans.

The trial was divided into four sections - two in Ayr in the morning, followed by one hour for the lunch break, followed by two sections in Home Hill for the afternoon. The organisation behind such an event was tremendous with the setting up and manning of 16 control points, during the day in addition to the weeks of route planning and preparation before the actual day. Full marks to be given to the Organisers of the event who were Bob Gray, Cyril McHardie and Don Leahy, a well thought out and efficiently presented trial.  

It attracted visiting cars from Townsville and Bowen to whom full credit was given as well as the All Ladies Crew who stuck to the task and finished the course.

Detailed results were Dan Cormack, Ayr - Holden, Malcom Ferguson, Ayr - Morris Minor, A Slaughter, Townsville - Renault, J Phillips, Townsville   - Holden Chevrolet, N Horton, Townsville - Renault, Ian Ferguson, Ayr - Ford Prefect, S Kickham, Townsville - Holden, Ambrose Cody, Ayr - Ford Consul, F Tooth, Townsville - Ford, D Desailly, Townsville - Morris Minor, D Stajonovic, Ayr - Austin Healing, R Milani, Inkerman - Volkswagen, Cecil Cox, Ayr - Volkswagen, A Rossetti, Ayr - Ford Zephyr, V Betyel, Bowen - Renault.

Participants had to complete between each control point within a certain time otherwise you lost points.

Does anyone remember the Redex Trials of the 1950’s and 60’s? Redex Oil Company supplied additives to the fuel and oil for vehicles supposedly to run better. It was the Redex Oil Company that sponsored the Redex Reliability Australia Trials from 1953 and onwards. 1954 was when these Round Australia Trials captured the Australian Public. The Rally took place between July 3 and 20, 1954 and travelled over 9,600 miles and first prize was £2000. It began in Sydney with 246 cars and ended with 127 passing the finishing line. The trial passed through Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Mount Isa, Darwin, Broome, Meekatharra, Madura, Adelaide and Melbourne finishing at Moore Park July 20, 1954. Most of the roads would have been dirt tracks. No doubt this was why the towns of Ayr, Bowen and Townsville began their Sporting Car Clubs. The Townsville Club sponsored a trial at the opening of the Bowen Sports Club in 1953. The cars left Bowen through Home Hill and on to Townsville by the Woodstock Roads. In 1954, the Firm of McKimmon’s Townsville sponsored a round trip from Townsville to Bowen over two days via Woodstock, (the inland route) Giru, Ayr, Bowen and on the return trip it was from Bowen, Ayr, Giru and the coast road back to Townsville.

Does anyone still have photos in their family albums of any of the cars and people of the Ayr Sporting Club? If so, can I copy them for our Burdekin History? Contact can be made through Burdekin Life. The photos will be returned to you. The photos supplied are from the internet. I take this opportunity to thank those people who have supplied me with old Ayr Advocate and Home Hill Observer Clippings which have allowed me to bring Burdekin History alive and renew memories.

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Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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