The trusted faces behind NextGen Renewables are here to make your shed, patio, deck, and carport dreams a reality with their unique custom designs that are a popular choice for property owners across the region.

Owned and operated by locals, Duncan Kerr and Mark Vass, the pair are both skilled and experienced builders whose quality techniques are highly sought after.

Launching the business six years ago, they began selling ground mounts for large solar systems on farms, but the company soon diversified to encompass a range of large steel buildings and structures.

“Between us, we have well over 20 years of experience in the steel manufacturing and shed industry, this has allowed us to refine our shed design down to a bit of an art. Our focus is on buildings that are designed and built top last in North Queensland’s harsh conditions. ” explained Duncan.

“We’re not part of any franchise, we work with our own design program which means we have been able to develop our own shed design and can create custom buildings to suit any of our client’s needs.”

Utilising only the best materials, NextGen use Australian Blue Scope Steel as their standard choice for construction works.

They also offer a more premium product called ZAM, which is a Japanese steel that is highly corrosion resistant, perfect for coastal regions.

Being locally owned and independent also means that NextGen work closely with local suppliers and subcontractors.

For example, windows for sheds are sourced and manufactured from Durrants in Brandon.

From the moment you call NextGen you will receive a personal service, beginning with a consultation with Duncan, where they will establish the type of structure you are looking to build, its purpose and its size.

Someone from the NextGen team will then conduct an initial site visit and then oversee everything from the design, engineering, Council application, concrete slab and build.

This year, NextGen has diversified its offering once again, launching a roof insulation arm to the business. They are offering two insulations products which are suitable for both sheds and also housing or commercial projects.

The insulation has their own product branding and is proving very popular.

If you are looking for a trusted, reliable, and experienced company to build your shed, ground mounted solar stand, deck, patio, or carport, look no further than NextGen.

For more information call Duncan on 0409 578 720.

For four decades, Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning (trading as Laser Electrical Ayr) has stood tall as a testament to local and family business success.

Established and still run by Burdekin locals Richard and Karen Bonato, the essence of Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning lies in its deep-rooted commitment to the community.

From supporting numerous local sporting clubs and groups to providing over 100 apprenticeships in electrical and air conditioning, the Bonato family exemplifies the spirit of community engagement.

Over the years, Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning has evolved from its origins in electrical and air conditioning to offer a comprehensive suite of services.

Beyond traditional offerings, the company specialises in solar, data, refrigeration, and even building services.

The business is also the only ignition integrator in north Queensland, using a software platform for creating custom HMI, SCADA and MES database applications.

It’s not only its extensive range of services that sets Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning apart, but also its large employee base.

With experienced technicians boasting over 30 years of service, the company thrives on a wealth of knowledge with a tightknit crew who pride themselves on their workmanship and quality.

Richard and Karen Bonato's hard work and generosity have left an indelible mark, not only on their employees but also on the relationships forged with clients over the years.

As Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning looks back on 40 years, it stands as a shining example of a local family business deeply embedded in its community, evolving with the times and fostering a legacy of excellence.

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Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning’s Elliot Grant

Your local fitness gurus and personal health experts, Get Fit Burdekin, are expanding, and they’re taking you with them!

Since the early days of the business, over three years ago, owners Christian and Yvette Lando have welcomed every opportunity with open arms.

“We’ve been thrilled with the support that the Burdekin community has given us from the moment we opened our doors,” Yvette explained.

“Since taking on the business, our member numbers have more than doubled, but it has been amazing to see a sense of community being developed within the gym.”

And now, Get Fit Burdekin are embarking on a new evolution, an expansion to a brand-new premise.

“Moving to the new location at 96-98 Eighth Avenue has been huge for us and enabled us to triple our floor space and introduce the latest gym equipment available on the market.”

Ensuring the best for their members, Get Fit has 24-hour access, so you can be sure to get your workout in whenever you get the opportunity.

They also have a fantastic personal training schedule available, a large and separate cardio area, and a great range of free weight and pin weight machines.

“We have the best, friendly, and approachable staff and members, the gym is more like the ‘cheers bar’ of gyms. everyone knows your name and greets you when you walk in,” Yvette explained.

Officially opening the new location this Saturday, November 18, from 9am, get behind Christian and Yvette and the Get Fit Burdekin team for a day of excitement, check out the new space and expanded equipment, and get your membership finalised.

WHAT: Get Fit Open Day

WHERE: 96-98 Eighth Avenue

WHEN: Saturday, 18 November from 9am

Padman Water Solutions has been a distinguished player in the agriculture industry for over 35 years and established in the Burdekin for three, employing local people to support local farmers.

Launched from a shed in Victoria, John Padman created the original ‘Padman Stop’, a precast concrete structure with a hinged watertight rubber flap door, before growing the product range with an ethos of innovation based on customer feedback.

When enquiries for the business’s unique flat bottomed arched culverts started coming in from the Burdekin, John and his son Shawn decided it would be more economical for customers if Padman Water Solutions manufactured locally.

Specialising in the manufacturing of culverts for drainage and irrigation, as well as irrigation gates and erosion control structures, Padman Water Solutions offer unique one-piece arched design culverts that are much quicker and easier to install than traditional pipes and box culverts, saving farmers time in the installation process.

The arch shape results in stronger structural design to be able to hold the weight of large cane harvesters and equipment.

The culverts won’t burn like plastic pipe and are self-cleaning as debris doesn’t get stuck on the bottom of the culvert.

“I love hearing directly from farmers the impact that the Padman products are having on their farming,” said Head of Growth and Ayr Site Manager Kirsty Heather.

As a family owned and operated business with a values-driven culture, the team have a strong emphasis on growth and teamwork, allowing local people the opportunity to grow their skill set.

“We look after our teams and our people, so they can look after our farmers,” Kirsty added.

“We operate with integrity and a genuine desire to help.”

Proudly Australian made and owned, Padman Water Solutions plans to launch the civil arm of the business in the Burdekin region in the new year, bringing design-certified products to Ayr and opening doors to a broader range of applications beyond traditional agriculture.

As Padman Water Solutions continues to innovate, local farmers will continue to reap the rewards of their game changing range of products.

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Ricky Marshall, Johnathan Langridge, John Taylor, Kirsty Heather, Darryl Weaver and Daniel Pacey of Padman Water Solutions

In the thriving agricultural hubs of North Queensland, Tracpower NQ has been a stalwart in the industry since its establishment in 2001.

At the core of Tracpower NQ's philosophy is a commitment to assist the wider north Queensland public.

While farmers remain a vital part of their clientele, Dealer Principal Justin Minuti emphasises that the business is here for everyone, offering a range of sales and services from homeowner battery blowers to powerful 600+hp tractors.

It’s their motto – ‘We not only sell, we service as well!’ – that encapsulates the passion of Tracpower NQ.

“Nothing is too much hassle for our staff, and having three branches in Brandon, Townsville and Ingham, we can get things between our branches quicker to keep our customers working in the paddocks or at their homes,” Justin said.

Reflecting on the company's work culture, Justin highlights the friendly and enjoyable atmosphere at Tracpower NQ.

“I believe having a good culture at work brings the best out of everyone and this then rubs off on the customers who then have a good experience and continue to come back as they enjoy coming in and dealing with us,” he added.

Justin has been with the business for a decade and reflects on his journey marked by dedication to service, growth, and a deep connection with the community.

Growing up on a farm, Justin knew he wanted to be involved in agriculture and, now with 14 years of experience and hard work in the industry, he feels grateful to be in the position he is today.

He took over as Dealer Principal four years ago and the business has experienced great growth since then, a trajectory he hopes to continue.

With goals on the horizon, he remains dedicated to the journey, supported by a team whose commitment has been a cornerstone of the business's success.

Acknowledging the unwavering support and business from the community, Justin and the team at Tracpower NQ look set to continue their legacy of service and growth in the North Queensland agricultural landscape.

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Tracpower NQ Dealer Principal Justin Minuti

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables have embarked on a landmark trial aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its loco fleet, swapping diesel for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

A first for the Australian sugar industry, the renewable diesel trial is a key initiative in Wilmar’s pathway to net zero.

Group Manager for Mobile Carl Schmidt said the company was running its newest loco on HVO for four weeks to compare performance and greenhouse gas emissions against diesel fuel.

“The product we’re using in the trial is made from recycled vegetable oil, which is an entirely renewable fuel source,” Mr Schmidt said.

“It’s considered a straight replacement for diesel and achieves a reportable emission reduction of 99 per cent.

“We’re running the trial from our Victoria Mill in the Herbert region with our new 26-tonne loco, Brisbane, which commenced service in June.

“We will also be trialling HVO in one of our farm tractors, to get an indication of what sort of carbon reductions we can achieve in our agricultural machinery.”

Mr Schmidt said the trial was one of several initiatives being investigated to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Reliability Engineer Jesh Matthews said the Brisbane loco had been moved from cane transport duties to the raw sugar run for the trial, operating between Victoria Mill and the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal.

“We’ve put the loco on the sugar line because it’s a less complex run, which enables us to achieve a more consistent duty,” Mr Matthews said.

“It’s a 44km round trip, hauling 90 sugar boxes, doing two runs each day.

“That will give us good data around performance, fuel efficiency and carbon emissions.”

The project team is measuring the loco’s fuel consumption and engine power on both traditional diesel and renewable diesel.

“This will allow us to verify that HVO gives us the same loco hauling capacity as diesel,” Mr Matthews said.

“We’re also measuring loco exhaust emissions for both fuels.”

The engineering team is also doing engine oil analysis to confirm the engine life is not adversely impacted by HVO.

Wilmar is also exploring the electrification of locos and brake wagons to support its goal of net zero emissions.

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Launching the HVO trial at Wilmar’s Herbert Mill are, from left, Herbert Farm Operations Manager Cameron Barber, Reliability Engineer Jesh Matthews, Group Manager for Mobile Carl Schmidt and Herbert Locomotive Driver Trainer Anthony Marmara

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is being used instead of diesel in a four-week trial at Wilmar’s Victoria Mill

Photos supplied

Koalas are now on the move looking for love or a new home, with veterinarians and wildlife carers urging all Queenslanders to be extra vigilant and help keep koalas safe this breeding season.

Koalas will be spending more time on the ground as they try to find a mate or establish new territory, and young koalas leave their mothers to find a home of their own.

During this time, koalas are more prone to dog attacks and car strikes and a range of other natural and human-related threats as they move through backyards and on busy roads.

While vets are doing their best to rehabilitate injured koalas, Queenslanders can help avoid these tragic accidents from happening by taking some simple steps this koala breeding season.

This includes:

• Driving carefully, especially between dusk and dawn when koalas are most active, and whenever you see a koala warning or advisory signs

• Keeping your dog inside or contained at night

• Training your dog in wildlife avoidance

• Creating koala-friendly fencing and swimming pools to give koalas an escape route

• Reporting all sick or injured koalas to RSPCA Animal Emergency 1300 ANIMAL hotline by calling 1300 264 625.

Queenslanders can also report all wild koala sightings to DES via the free QWildlife Koala Sighting app, which recently took home the Community Impact award at the 2023 Geospatial Excellence Awards.

Since the app launched in June, it has been downloaded more than 23,000 times, resulting in a 3,700 per cent increase in reported koala sightings, and a 31 per cent increase in the past month.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard said, “Love might be in the air for koalas right now, but during breeding season they actually spend more time on the ground, which is where they are most vulnerable.

“Earlier this year, we launched the now award-winning Koala QWildlife app, which allows members of the public to act as citizen scientists by reporting koala sightings and providing accurate location and population data.”

Pearl is a precious attention seeker, who will keep the affection coming. She will make herself right at home in your home and will be sure to keep the purrs coming and the love spreading. Pearl loves being snuggled and cuddled, and once she is 100 per cent comfortable in her new space, she will become your built-in lap warmer.

While Pearl has her own quirks, she is quick to love and will always dote on her human.

And because of her youthful age, she is always eager for a play with a toy or a human.

Fast Facts:

DOB: 1/11/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Yes

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Location: Ayr

Pearl is available for adoption and is desexed and microchipped. She is up to date on her vaccinations, and is flea, tick and worm treated.

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

This year, Burdekin Machinery Preservationists hosted their Open Day and Inter-club rally where neighbouring machinery clubs were invited to participate.

Towing engines and tractors from Mackay and Townsville is a big ask, but our visiting friends have supported us during this event.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlan, together with her councillors and staff, enjoyed the day.

The Club is very grateful for the support of catering and front of office staff.

Worthy Park Estate, Jamaica, is a long way from the Burdekin and yet we are linked through the sugar industry.

Back in 1655, when the British eased the Spanish out of Jamaica, Worthy Park was gifted to Francis Price, a lieutenant in the British Army.

Worthy Park first produced sugar in about 1720.

The property has only changed hands three times over the centuries.

In 1904, Frank Clark, grandfather of the present manager, ordered a 3’ -0” mill from Mirrlees Watson, Glasgow.

It was in the 1960’s that Inkerman Mill purchased this small mill which was to be used as an experimental mill for other plant trials.

BMP are grateful that Wilmar International trusted the Club to preserve and display the mill for public interest.

While the mill was not installed in the Burdekin, it serves as a reminder of the global reaches of the sugar industry.

Worthy Park Estate still operates today and is famous for its rum.

Now BMP’s Walkers Engine No.1, the air blast fuel injection diesel engine, was built under licence by Walkers Ltd. Maryborough, to the very same Mirrlees Watson, Glasgow.

Anyone familiar with sugar mill machinery will appreciate the connection.

Contributed by Lex Kelly

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The Mirrlees Watson Mill. Photo supplied

John Hanson

Alf Shand

Foxy and Peter

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists hosted their Open Day last weekend. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Non-binding expressions of interest for land in the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion project were officially launched at the Burdekin Industry Breakfast on Wednesday, November 8, where Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Cadet Engineer/Project Manager Coralie Mannea shared the latest developments and future plans for the project.

Ms McLaughlin said the project will support the growth and diversification of the local economy and was a long-term vision of Council that had finally come to fruition after allocating funding in the 2023-24 Budget.

“This is a game-changing project for our region that will create more jobs, investment and opportunities for our local businesses and industries,” she said.

“We have already received a lot of interest from potential buyers and we are now inviting anyone who is interested in securing land in this strategic location to submit their non-binding expression of interest.”

The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion project will deliver approximately 40 new industrial lots through a staged release, with new roads, drainage, water, sewerage, nbn connectivity and underground power infrastructure.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and will complement the existing Ayr Industrial Estate, which is home to more than 30 businesses employing over 200 people.

“The location of the estate expansion is ideal with advantages including Bruce Highway frontage, well located with access to rail, road and port, centrally located between Townsville and Bowen, wide roads, underground power, NBN connectivity, flexible lot sizes with the ability to tender for multiple blocks and an affordable pricing model,” Ms Mclaughlin said.

“In accordance with the Local Government Act and Regulations, Council is required to sell the lots via an auction or tender process.  

“It is anticipated that Council will release tenders for stage 1 in mid-2024.

“Once the tenders close, Council will review tenders received and advise those that are successful.  

“Contracts will then be prepared.  

“Any lots that are not sold during this tender process will be listed publicly for sale.

“We are proud of our region’s diverse and resilient economy and we want to ensure that we have the right infrastructure and land supply to support its future growth and development.

Ms McLaughlin said the project was part of Council’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and prosperous Burdekin.

“We look forward to working with the interested parties and delivering this exciting project for our community.”

To register your non-binding expression of interest or find out more about the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion project, visit www.burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Economic Development Team on (07) 4783 9800 or via email eliza.lovell@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Burdekin Shire Councillors Michael Detenon, Max Musumeci, Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Kaylee Boccalatte and John Furnell. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Cadet Engineer/Project Manager Coralie Mannea

Burdekin Shire Councillors excitedly launched non-binding expressions of interest this week

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Fills Essential Female Health Care Role  

Residents of Home Hill now have a new female doctor available for appointments thanks to the incoming Dr Pavani Ganapathi who has just joined the team of five other doctors at Home Hill Doctors Surgery. Another female doctor in town retired several months ago and many residents are relieved this essential role has now been filled.

It has been a long journey for Dr Pavani and her husband Dr Sarat Tata who have been waiting for the day they can work alongside each other in the surgery they own. And while Dr Pavani is a familiar face to many, today is the first official day of duties for the young and inspiring local GP.

Medical services in Home Hill have just expanded significantly with Dr Pavani Ganapathi becoming another female practitioner in town to be able to cater to female health issues. She joins her husband, Dr Sarat Tata, in the Home Hill Surgery after several years of dedicated study which has seen her specialise in women’s and children’s health.

The couple bought the practice in 2014, but for the past 10 years Dr Sarat has been working as a GP, alongside other doctors, while his wife studied. During this time, he has worked with four doctors on-staff and, by adding Dr Pavani to the team, this will allow the surgery to open up more appointment times and take additional bookings.

It has been a long road for Dr Pavani who has completed years of tireless study. During this time, she undertook a Diploma in Child Health through the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and also holds an Advanced Certificate in Women’s Health.

Most recently, Dr Pavani completed a one-year placement at Sarina Clinic where she gained the experience to now take on her own patients at the Home Hill Surgery. During this period, the couple spent a lot of time apart, visiting each other most weekends. This makes the reunion at their shared practice even more special.

“It’s great to be back and finally able to work in the surgery together,” said Dr Pavani.

“I’ve been here since 2014 so I know a lot of the patients well. I am now excited to meet them all again and see them on my own.”

Dr Sarat said it’s been a long few years and that he is grateful to now work alongside his wife.

“I’m looking forward to working with my wife to improve the services we provide to the community! Also, we won’t be as busy and can take more bookings and walk-in patients” he said.

Dr Sarat and Dr Pavani are originally from India and moved to Australia in 2013 where they spent one year in Western Australia. During their time there, they saw an advertisement for a surgery for sale in Home Hill and jumped at the opportunity of moving to regional North Queensland.

“We are originally from South India, so the weather is the same here as it is back home,” said Dr Sarat.

“I liked the previous owner, Dr Griffiths, as soon as I met him, and I liked the way he ran the surgery.

“I also really liked the community here which is why we decided to move here.”

Dr Sarat said he is thrilled to now be working alongside his wife at last.

“This has been a long time coming and we’ve struggled to get here – it is good for us and good for the community!” he said.

“Please call in, we would love to meet you and look after your medical services. We are good at making you better”

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Dr Pavani is the new female doctor working at the Home Hill Surgery. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Dr Sarat and Dr Pavani own the Home Hill Doctors Surgery. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

On Ken Duncan’s Rita Island farm, hoof marks, pierced plastic mulch and half eaten fruit show signs of unwelcome night-time activity.

Feral deer have long been a problem on the island, but Mr Duncan and his neighbours say the problem is getting worse.

“They’ve been here since I’ve been here, and I’ve always worked with it,” Mr Duncan said.

“This year has just blindsided me; it hasn’t been good at all.”

Mr Duncan has been growing watermelons and pumpkins on the 160-acre property for the last eight years.

He estimates that this year alone, feral deer have caused a minimum of $100,000 worth of damage to his product and infrastructure.

“Because we’re watering the ground, it’s soft on the plastic mulch so when they run, their hooves pierce the plastic and nick the tubing underneath,” Mr Duncan said.

“When we go to water, it’s like a sprinkler, so you lose water efficiency, you lose the ability to distribute the fertiliser to the watermelons.

“Then there’s the eating of the fruit and the squashing of the vine, of course.”

Prime breeding conditions have seen a spike in deer numbers on the island, although the dry weather is driving them to feed on fruit and cane crops.

“Now it’s dry, there’s not enough food to keep them going,” Mr Duncan said.

“They’re getting thinner and thinner, so I feel sorry for the deer.”

While the deer pose one problem to the farmer, they also attract even more unwelcome night-time activity: amateur hunters.

Mr Duncan avoids shooting on his farm due to the proximity of neighbouring houses which have had bullets strike pool fences and kitchen cupboards.

“People come on uninvited and the paddock is surrounded by houses, and they’re all scared, because there’s shooting all night long,” he said.

“I’ve got workers who spray at night-time and sometimes we change irrigation at night-time, so how long until they get hit?”

Mr Duncan and his workers have started conducting nightly patrols of the farm to ward off unwelcome pests and hunters.

He has also installed a gas gun and laser which repel the deer unharmed, and he plans to install fencing around the entire property.

“The last thing I feel like doing is a 1:00am patrol but I do, because this is our farm and we have to protect our crops,” he said.

The Burdekin Shire Council has unveiled a comprehensive Feral Deer Management Plan in response to the recent launch of the Queensland Feral Deer Management Strategy (2022-2027) and the National Feral Deer Action Plan (2023-2028) by the Australian Government.

“The Feral Deer Management Plan reflects Council’s commitment to protect the region's assets and mitigate the damage caused by these invasive animals,” Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughin said.

“The plan, aligned with both strategies, addresses the expanding deer populations in the Burdekin Shire and neighbouring areas and will aid in reducing the impact of feral deer on the environment, agriculture and communities.”

To report a deer sighting or for further information on the Feral Deer Management Plan, contact Burdekin Shire Council at (07) 4783 9800 or visit the website: feralscan.org.au/deerscan.

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Rita Island farmer Ken Duncan. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Who’s keen for Harvest Festival?

It’s been on my radar since moving to Home Hill, so I sure am.

I can’t remember the last time I saw a street parade; I was lucky enough to get a quick sneak peak at some of the floats this week and they look terrific, so I know it’s going to be a great spectacle.

Growing up on the Darling Downs, I have fond memories of street parades, rides, concerts and gardens at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Visiting my grandparents in Chinchilla for the Melon Festival was always a good time.

Plus, although there was no parade involved, my hometown of Millmerran throws a great Camp Oven Festival every two years – if you’re down there in October 2024, check it out!

These festivals, carnivals and celebrations encapsulate the spirit and identity of the communities that host them.

So much hard work and so many volunteer hours go into providing exceptional experiences for us attendees, so it’s important to support these events and the businesses that sponsor them.

With the Gala Ball on Friday night and the Grand Parade and Street Party on Saturday afternoon, I’m excited to see what the Home Hill Harvest Festival has in store for 2023!

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC) has done what it does best, and that’s bringing people together.

A familiar face at BNC, Malcolm has been coming into the Centre for quite a while where he utilises the services of the CPL team based in the Centre.  

Malcolm will always make a point of coming in and chatting to the rest of the BNC staff and, in doing so, gets an insight into the other activities and services in the Centre.  

Recently, Malcolm expressed his desire to have a special rug created by the talented members of the BNC Crochet Group.

Michelle, a dedicated member of the group, immediately volunteered to take on the project.

Michelle decided not only to create the rug but to donate it to Malcolm as a token of her appreciation for his support and presence in the community.

Malcolm returned to the Centre to pass on a thank you to Michelle on a Monday, which happens to be Crochet Afternoon, creating a serendipitous opportunity for him to meet Michelle in person and express his gratitude.

The community members coming together to support one another exemplifies the true spirit of unity and generosity that the Centre fosters.

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Malcolm and Michelle. Photo supplied: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Shirley Gilmore is a dedicated and compassionate individual who has been a pillar of strength for countless women facing the daunting diagnosis of cancer.

With roles at both the Queensland Cancer Council and the Breast Cancer Network in Melbourne, she has made it her life's mission to provide unwavering support to those in need.

Shirley’s cancer support roles follow a career in healthcare and her own breast cancer diagnosis in 1990.

Shirley travelled to Brisbane for treatment, and the support she received from her family and healthcare staff inspired her to extend the same lifeline to others.

“The particular challenges facing rural women in this situation at the time involved lack of information and support,” she said.

In 1994, fit, healthy and back at work, Shirley began her formal commitment to the Queensland Cancer Fund by signing up as an entrant in the Nurse of the Year quest, raising almost $30,000.

“The important thing was that I then had the resources available to hand out to other women,” she said.

In 1995, Queensland Cancer Fund and the community health nurse assisted her to set up a Breast Cancer Support Group, who still meet monthly to this day.

Over the years, Shirley continued to raise funds, again committing to Nurse of the Year in 2002 and later, she became involved in the Breast Cancer Network.

Every month, Shirley and her fellow survivors meet at the Gudjuda Deck Café, creating a sense of companionship and shared experience.

“You meet such wonderful women on that journey; there’s a lot of good people out there,” she said.

“There are a couple of people there who have recently been diagnosed, there are a couple of survivors who have been coming for 25 years.

“There are so many more women diagnosed with breast cancer now but there’s such a big survival rate and that’s all we’ve got to focus on.”

The Breast Cancer Support Group will hold a Christmas breakup at the Gudjuda Deck Café on Thursday, November 30 from 10:00am.

For more information on the group, contact Shirley on 0476 157 571 and to RSVP for the breakup, contact Gudjuda Deck Café on 07 4783 7229.

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Shirley Gilmore fills cancer support roles with both Queensland Cancer Council and Breast Cancer Network. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie