Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council continues to work to support the Burdekin as a vibrant visitor destination, offering a mixture of sporting, cultural, natural and leisure based experiences?

Located on the Bruce Highway, the Burdekin is fortunate to have many visitors including those travelling in caravans passing through our towns daily.

Council has implemented a number of priorities and actions in the 5-year Burdekin Tourism Strategy, which was adopted in 2018. One of the key priorities of the strategy was to further develop the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival into a significant destination event for the Burdekin. The Burdekin is the Sugar Cane Capital of Australia and this festival celebrates the people, produce and culture of the Shire.

To help grow awareness of the Shire as a visitor destination and to showcase what is on offer, Council promotes the Burdekin through a variety of platforms including social media, Visit Burdekin website, and marketing and advertising campaigns.  

Burdekin Shire Council operate two Visitor Information Centres (VICs), where visitors can get friendly advice and information on the district. Local businesses can also join the VICs as members and enjoy benefits such as displaying their product information, networking events, workshops, newsletters and website listings.

The VICs are manned by a wonderful team of passionate and dedicated volunteers who welcome visitors to our region. Council is always looking for new volunteers to join the team. The centres are open 7 days a week and volunteers are given the opportunity to participate in famils, workshops, social outings and create new friendships. Those interested in volunteering can contact Council’s Tourism Officer on 4783 9800.  

I am sure many Burdekin Life readers will have visiting friends and relatives over the Christmas and New Year period and I invite you to call into the one of our VICs or visit our website visitburdekin.com.au to find out more on what the Burdekin has to offer.

Following a successful 2023 Burdekin Show that exceeded expectations, the Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association held its Annual General Meeting on Monday, December 4.

Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry declared all committee positions vacant before electing a new committee, with most members being re-elected into their respective positions.

Chris Lyne was elected as President for a fourth term while Vice President Brendan Kolb, Treasurer Serafina Towler and Secretary Pam Christensen will also continue in their roles.

Marilyn Hutley, Sharon Kenny, Meghan Wilson and Carole Harness were elected to the Executive Committee while Lorraine Strathdee will take over as Patron after Rosemary Menkens stepped down from a significant tenure.

The 2023 Burdekin Show saw 5,302 people walk through the gate and Mr Lyne is looking forward to improving on that in 2024.

“Every year, we get more people through the gate, we get more takings from the gate, but the entertainment spectacle of the actual show gets bigger and better,” he said.

“There’s plenty of stuff for people to go and see, the trouble is getting around to it all.”

Recent shows have included fireworks, ring entertainment and a tractor pull with the committee hoping to add sheepdog trials to next year’s event.

The association is also looking to accept exhibit applications online for the first time and will keep the community informed on how this will work.

Mr Lyne said the Burdekin Show thanked the community for their support and sponsorship.

“People come for different reasons, whether it’s catching up with people or getting out and about, but it brings the community together,” he said.

“It’s one thing to put your hand up and say you’ll put this event on, but it’s another for the committee, volunteers, businesses and the general public to support it.”

The Burdekin Show will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Visit burdekinshow.org for more information or like Burdekin Show on Facebook.

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Vice President Brendan Kolb, Treasurer Serafina Towler, Secretary Pam Christensen, President Chris Lyne, Committee Members Marilyn Hutley and Sharon Kenny, Patron Lorraine Strathdee and Committee Members Meghan Wilson and Carole Harness

“The Love of Colours” owner and sole Artist, Amanda Lando has been a business operating in the Burdekin Region for over six years.

Amanda has been Commissioned to do numerous local business murals, including The Burdekin Bridge Motel in Home Hill, Tropical City Motor Inn, The Burdekin School and Burdekin Backpackers in Ayr, Jarvisfield State School and Claredale Pastures Café.

In addition, many private residences have booked her talents.

With these achievements under her belt, Amanda has had her name spread to as far afield as the North, at ECHO Centre for Women in Malanda, and to the South in Bowen, and Gracemere near Rockhampton.

Besides murals, there have been many oil, acrylic and pastels paintings commissioned or purchased from her own collections, on a variety of mediums, including canvas, pottery, and even farming tools.

The preparation for these artworks is very precise and Amanda takes special care to make sure they will be at their best for her clients, to produce a piece that keeps for many decades to come.

Amanda feels she is chosen to do commissions because she is always out there willing to give it a go, and show that no matter what other people think, to never judge a book by its cover.

There have been challenges for this accomplished Artist, but they haven’t stopped her by any means.

Being a sole providore has meant maintaining part-time work in between commissions to get her name out there and doing the best possible to accommodate the diary requirements of clients.

Being self-taught has seen her skill recognised and now there is the desire to do further learning in the field to expand her technique.

Amanda has ignored those that tried to discourage her, like many others before her have experienced, and now she has her own business of which she is very proud, and rightfully should be.

Amanda’s clearest message is to “keep going, never stop, learn new skills in the industry that you want to excel in.”

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Amanda Lando holding some of her recent artwork. Photo supplied

Giving back and re-investing in the community sits at the very heart of the Bendigo Bank ethos, and this is evidenced locally by the incredible donations Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr has made to local community groups over the years.

“Since 2008 we have injected a total of $1,005,110 in community grants, sponsorships and dividends back into our amazing community,” said Chantel Michielin,

Senior Branch Manager.

“This has only been made possible by the support from our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities and those people and organisations that have chosen to do their banking with us.”

“Community banking is based on a 'profit-with-purpose' model, which means our profits are returned directly to the community that has generated them.  You may not think who you bank with matters. But it does. For our customers, their banking is making a real difference”.

It was back in 2003 when a group of community-minded volunteers first formed a steering committee to look at the possibility of operating a Bendigo Community Bank in Home Hill. After much hard work, Community Bank Home Hill opened its doors and, with the support of the community, flourished.

In 2017 a decision was made by the Board to expand into Ayr bringing a different mix of residential and small business and another wave of growth.

“We are a one-stop-shop for all your banking needs and offer business banking, agribusiness personal banking and all lending, including insurance and access to wealth advisors.”

Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Community Banks Home Hill and Ayr are entirely staffed by locals and everyone is invited to walk in and experience the genuine and personal customer service on offer.

“The whole concept of a Community Bank is to provide banking services to our communities and to generate profits that are then distributed back into those communities,”

“The more customers that we have banking with us, the more profits we can put back into our local community via grants and sponsorships as we fulfil our vision to be Australia’s bank of choice,” Ms Michielin concluded.

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Chantel Michielin, Senior Branch Manager (centre) with the rest of the team at Home Hill and Ayr Community Bank. Photo supplied

For over six decades, Burdekin Funerals has been an integral part of our community's support system, guiding families through one of life's most challenging periods. Owned by Neville and Lori Boyle for the past decade, the business continues to provide a beacon of empathy, understanding, and innovation to the Burdekin region.

With a team of four dedicated local staff members alongside Neville and Lori, Burdekin Funerals embodies a commitment to personalised service and community support. Over the years, they've cultivated a deep understanding of diverse cultural beliefs, integrating them seamlessly into funeral services. Their resilience in facing the unpredictable and unexpected showcases their unwavering dedication to serving families during trying times.

Initially met with the challenge of being newcomers to the area, Neville and Lori swiftly earned the community's trust through their extensive industry knowledge and compassionate approach. Their ethos revolves around going above and beyond to honour the departed while supporting grieving families.

The team at Burdekin Funerals emphasise that the best gift you can give your family is to pre-plan your own funeral, taking the stress off your loved ones so they can focus on grieving their loss. Stressing the importance of relieving loved ones from this burden, they advocate for funeral bonds over insurance, underscoring the value of foresight and planning.

Moreover, their recent introduction of ‘The Gentle Way,’ an eco-friendly end-of-life option, reflects their commitment to innovation. This groundbreaking service, available through their sister company Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium promises a zero-carbon footprint, a symbolic ‘tree of life,’ and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional cremation methods.

Burdekin Funerals’ comprehensive service offerings, from various funeral types to personalized memorial books and uniquely designed coffins, highlight their commitment to tailoring each service to individual family needs. Their dedication doesn't stop at service provision; the team creates a supportive atmosphere, understanding firsthand the emotions families experience during such difficult times. Burdekin Funerals stands as a testament to care, adaptability, and community support, setting an exemplary standard in the funeral industry.

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Amie Griggs, Graham Brierley and Fiona Botteon of Burdekin Funerals

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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