As the globe takes strides in its mission to decarbonise and the Australian Government develops its Net Zero 2050 plan, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) is playing its part through its commitment to renewables and sustainable agriculture.

QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said global sustainability standards are at the forefront of the organisation’s mind.

“Whilst the world is in this mode of decarbonisation, the supply of product to marketplace is going to hinge upon how we’re moving towards net zero targets while meeting global sustainability objectives of the international marketplace,” he said.

QCAR aims to support growers by recognising the current environmental stewardship which growers are undertaking, the programs they adopt and the farming practices they apply.

Mr Spyrou recently sat down with Charles Starkings, Nutrien Ag Solutions Sustainability Field Manager for Queensland and New South Wales, which was not only an exchange of ideas; it was a deep dive into global sustainability programs, aligned with the rigorous standards of National and International Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

The insightful discussion was an opportunity to explore the dynamic landscape of sustainability, focusing on QCAR’s commitment to fostering a more eco-friendly, socially responsible, and ethically sound future.

As QCAR navigates these crucial subjects, they aim to decipher how they can collectively contribute to the greater good, aligning their initiatives with ESG standards that resonate on a global scale.

With a variety of sustainability programs being tried and tested in the region, QCAR are committed to exploring and identifying the most appropriate programs for their clients.

“We’re willing to work with all parties,” Mr Spyrou said.

“What’s in the best interest of our QCAR members is what it really comes down to.

“These programs will allow us to demonstrate and quantify the benefits to the environment of our existing proactive farming practices.”

While QCAR have proven their commitment to the future of sustainable agriculture, the organisation is experiencing a rapid period of growth throughout the Burdekin, Mackay and Herbert regions following their recent rebrand from Burdekin Cane Burdekin Cane Agriculture Organisation.

“Our immediate focus is on the season and trying to best remedy the current circumstances for our producers so they can maximise their production,” Mr Spyrou added.

“That means working with sugar millers to best supply cane in a way that optimises their sugar content.

“We’re actively focussed on working with sugar millers to get the 2023 season under our belt.”

As QCAR’s network grows and global sustainability goals near, the organisation aims for its producers to ultimately be appreciated for the value that their product will contribute to the renewable energy market.

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L-R Nutrien Ag Solutions Sustainability Field Manager for Queensland and New South Wales Charles Starkings, QCAR Director Christian Lago and QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou

Firstly, thank you to all who have entrusted us with your GEI marketing nomination for the 2024 season.

For many, this decision was made a long time ago when the 2024 season opened for pricing in July

2021.

At that time, target prices where trading sub $400/t and the thought of $800/t for sugar was a dream. At

the time of writing, we have seen a high of $840/t trade for 2024 season, with hopefully the promise of

more to come.

The reasons for the dramatic rise over the last years are well documented in the persistent deficit of

supply against demand and the consequent running down of global stocks.

Our current average hedge rate for Target price growers in the ’24 season is just under $600 with

approximately 40 per cent of committed tonnes priced. This provides a significant underwriting of next

year’s production and a big buffer for growers if prices were to collapse unexpectedly.

Nevertheless, it is hard to avoid sellers regret when the market moves up so dramatically. We have lots

of conversations with growers who feel like they have lost money by selling too early. In simple terms

there is a loss, as in an opportunity loss.

With perfect knowledge we would all be unhedged and waiting for someone to ring the bell, notifying the

top of the market was here! However, we operate in the space of imperfect knowledge.

Cane growers need to think in risk management terms and not trading terms whereby margin

management is the ultimate goal. It is not about picking the high of the market; it is about taking control of

your income and making decisions that are right for your business. All of us have a different appetite for

risk and therefor there is not a one size fits all when it comes to pricing sugar.

For us in Wilmar Marketing, our goal is to give you the best information we can to help you make the best

decision on pricing given your circumstances. We provide simple yet flexible pricing tools and payment

terms to assist with cash flow.

For those of you who entrust us to price your GEI Sugar through the Production Risk Pool we dedicate

significant resources aiming to maximise returns. Our Production Risk Pool has outperformed QSL’s

Harvest Pool for five years running (see graph).

If you would like more information, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on

0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978

The National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) has launched its largest protest campaign in almost 40 years in response to recent policies enacted by the Australian Government.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that the extraordinary step taken by the NFF is a desperate attempt to save farming from the government who he said has torn up farming confidence in the regions.

“As a third-generation farmer, I can see what this current Labor government is doing to farmers across our region and it’s reckless, senseless, and is going to have dire consequences,” Mr Willcox said.

“I worked the land for most of my life, and I agree with what the new NFF President David Jochinke said at the NFF Conference a week ago; farmers are in the fight of their lives, and it’s only going to get worse if the Labor government don’t do something about it now.

“Every single Australian is feeling the impact of the pain and hurt being put onto farmers.

“The end result of Labor’s bad policies is that families and vulnerable Australians are being forced to pay more for food at the checkout.”

Mr Willcox said that while scrapping the EU trade deal that would have severely disadvantaged Aussie farmers was a good start, farmers are still being punished in every possible way.

“It’s unfortunate that the EU trade deal couldn’t come to a mutually beneficial agreement and walking away was the right thing to do at this time, however it is now time to focus on what the current Australian government is doing that disadvantages our farmers,” he said.

“Instead of taxing international importers for their biosecurity risks, the Labor government wants to make Australian farmers pay more to cover these importers costs.

“The new fresh food tax will impact all farmers and push up food prices.”

Mr Willcox also admonished the Government’s refusal to reinstate the Agriculture Visa after peak food industry bodies warned that agriculture required an additional 172,000 workers.

“Only around 16,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers have come in since Labor got into office, and it’s making it difficult and costly for farmers to get their product from paddock to plate,” he said.

“The PALM scheme has introduced some serious roadblocks for our farmers who are now being forced to offer a minimum of 30 hours per week, despite agriculture work being seasonal and weather dependent.”

Mr Willcox also warned that other policies such as the water buyback scheme, which has the potential to reduce farm production by $9 billion, will hurt regional communities and drive-up food prices.

“Labor’s ideologies are putting our food and fibre production at risk,” he said.

“We need to support, protect, and grow our farming industry.”

To find out more, visit keepfarmersfarming.org.au.

With a dryer and hotter summer than normal looming on the horizon, farmers are urgently seeking donated hay.

In the past month alone, Rural Aid has been inundated with requests for over $1 million worth of hay from farmers.

As devastating bushfires continue to ravage more than 100 locations in Queensland and New South Wales, Rural Aid is preparing for an imminent surge in requests.

Drawing from their experience during the previous drought and the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires of 2019, it's expected that the demand for hay will escalate swiftly as conditions worsen.

“Rural Aid delivered $56 million of hay and other services over a two-year period between 2018-19 when drought and bushfire were ravaging the country,” Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said.

“The drought has already arrived for thousands of farming families. Lower than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures and have plunged families back into financial and emotional turmoil.

“We are seeing that every day through the huge demand for our services and that’s ahead of the hot and dry summer forecast by the bureau.”

Mr Warlters said Rural Aid will need another huge and generous outpouring of support from the Australian community and business sector to meet the rapidly escalating demand for its services.

Rural Aid is asking Australians to dig deep and rally together to help meet the significant challenge ahead.  You can buy a bale by visiting www.buyabale.com.au or calling 1300 327 624.

Queensland cattle producer Betty Johnson, Biggenden, this month received hay from Rural Aid.

“It’s a great service, it really is,” the 84-year-old said.

“It’s wonderful to get a bit of help when I really do need it. If you have a look at my property, there’s not a green speck anywhere.

“We’ve had no rain at all since about January which means that I’ve been feeding stock for ages. If you’re feeding stock, it costs money.”

Mr Warlters said Rural Aid was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

“If the current dry is just the beginning – and that is what the experts are suggesting, then it is going to be an extraordinarily difficult time for our farmers.”

Individual electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats will commence in Queensland from 1 January 2025 as a part of the agreed national initiative.

All states and territories have agreed to work towards mandatory implementation of sheep and goat eIDs, working alongside industry, to improve tracing and support an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak.

The current visual mob-based system is slower and not as accurate as individual electronic tags for tracing sheep and goat movements, particularly if there is an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

An eID is a device with a microchip inside, generally in an ear tag. This technology has been used successfully for cattle in Australia since 2005 and sheep and goats in Victoria since 2017.  

The national eID system has three elements to enable rapid contact tracing:

•    Each location having a property identification code (PIC).

•    Using an ear tag with a microchip inside to identify each animal.

•    Entering the necessary information for each animal into the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

For more information visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/animal/nlis/sheep-and-goat-identification or phone 13 25 23.

Family and friends, relatives old and new, gathered at the Millaroo home of Elizabeth Tudehope last Saturday, November 4 to celebrate the launch of ‘May the Cane Prosper’, a remarkable family history spanning continents and generations.

The book was written by two second cousins, New Zealand based author Pene Greet and Brisbane based researcher Avis-Ann Ballard, who met at a family gathering in 2017 and bonded over their passion for family history.

“I hadn’t seen Pene since 1961 when she was two and I was 10,” Avis-Ann said.

Pene and Avis-Anne share the same great-grandmother, Louise Backhaus, who ventured from Germany to Australia in 1884 and is the central character of ‘May the Cane Prosper’.

“Pene’s grandmother was Louise’s first daughter, my grandmother was the second daughter and then there was a third daughter who had no children,” Avis-Ann said.

The book charts the family’s movements throughout north Queensland, with descendants now residing across the state.

Avis-Ann said her passion for family history came from her father, who loved his family.

“Being a banker, my dad was very particular, very pedantic about everything, and he kept every piece of paper from everywhere,” she said.

“He also looked after his widowed mother, his widowed aunt and his widowed sister and he had all of their papers and photographs so before he died, I had a chance to go through all of his old photos and he’d tell me his stories.

“He always said he had all this family history and in his funeral file, I found a letter he had written to me and my brother explaining where everything is.”

Avis-Ann and her mother would go through her father’s belongings after his death in 2009, keeping the important pieces of history and ultimately creating a family timeline.

After Pene and Avis-Ann’s meeting in 2017, they began collaborating, sharing, and collecting photos and information.

With the two second cousins based on opposite sides of the Tasman Sea; the book was written entirely by electronic correspondence.

“It’s a beautiful book; there are photographs in there from the 1800s and they look great,” Avis-Anne said.

“We did the whole book by emails so I’m very proud of it.

“It didn’t matter how much information I gave Pene, she always wanted more and that became more enjoyable for me; I became addicted to it all.

“The friendships I have made with these other family members that I didn’t know before has been the greatest thing.

“It wasn’t just Pene and I; it’s been a collaborative effort.”  

Book launches were held at locations including the Burdekin, Atherton, Innisfail, and Brisbane, sharing the book and the stories with the far reaches of the family across Queensland.

Copies have been donated to Burdekin Shire Council libraries and are available to purchase from Home Hill resident Anne Kerr.

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Elizabeth Tudehope, Avis-Ann Ballard, Pene Greet and Anne Kerr. Photo credit: Melanie Napier

Miah is still a puppy at heart, full of energy and ready to love her new humans. Her absolute favourite activities include playing fetch and going for swims, but she also loves meeting new dogs.

She loves going on daily adventures and errands and thrives being active and stimulated.

Miah is extremely friendly to people and loves meeting people. She walks well on leash and will be sure to keep you company at all times.

Miah is up to date on her vaccinations, and flea, tick, and intestinal worm treated, and is on heartworm preventative. Miah is also desexed and microchipped.

To schedule a meet and great, complete an animal enquiry form with Angel Paws: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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Fast Facts:

DOB: 24/08/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Kelpie Cross

Kid Friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Untested

Other Dogs: Yes

Fences: 6ft

Rehoming Fee: $450

The Queensland Government earlier this year placed a record $1.1 million on the line to support fishing in Queensland's stocked impoundments, a 16 per cent increase on the 2021-22 financial year.

The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) provides a sustainable freshwater fishing option for recreational fishers, who are required to purchase a permit before line fishing in any of the 63 SIPS impoundments.

Revenue from the sale of permits is used to maintain and improve the impoundments via the stocking of native fish fingerlings and other approved activities that improve fishing.

The scheme is important to regional communities because it helps support tourism and opportunities for recreational fishing, which contributes $333 million to Queensland’s economy every year.

Preliminary data indicates this increase is largely due to the success of the Fish ‘n’ SIP$ tagged fishing competition, which was announced in December last year.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said that Permit sales have increased more than 15 per cent since the Fish 'n' SIP$ competition started in December 2022.

The restocking efforts across the scheme has led to the release of approximately 3.2 million fingerlings by community stocking groups.

"As part of the competition, anglers had the chance to win up to $50,000 by purchasing a SIPS permit and catching a tagged fish at prescribed stocked impoundments, with $12,000 still on the line,” Minister Furner said.

"It’s also an important part of the Queensland Government's Sustainable Fishing Strategy, providing fishers with the opportunity to catch popular species sustainably.”

There were also increased stocking efforts due to an additional flood recovery grant program of $200,000 last financial year for south-west, Murray Darling and some Wide Bay Burnett stocking groups.

Burdekin Dam (Lake Dalrymple) is stocked by the Burdekin Fish Restocking Association Inc. In 2017/18, 19,000 barramundi were stocked from SIPS permit sales.

For more information on SIPS and to obtain one of our trail guides head to https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/dams

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Burdekin Fish Restocking. Source: Facebook

Women are integral to the Burdekin’s agricultural and farming enterprises, contributing significantly to the growth and prosperity of rural industries. They play diverse and pivotal roles, challenging stereotypes that have persisted for too long.

Despite more than 40 per cent of the global agricultural workforce being women, the outdated "farmer's wife" stereotype lingers, undermining the substantial contributions of rural women in agriculture. Their impact is far-reaching, and their influence is essential for the growth and innovation of rural and regional communities.

Our women in agriculture feature in this edition highlights some of the achievements of local women who have made their bread and butter from working the land.

One example is the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Eileen List and Jenny Cook from Burdekin Growers Services. Their 30-year journey exemplifies the resilience and dedication required in this challenging and often undervalued industry.

Lisa MacDonald, Honeycombes’ Senior Service Advisor, plays a vital role in keeping farming machinery running smoothly, providing unwavering support to farmers during critical times.  And Brooke Tudehope from Dwyer Aviation Services has redefined the role of women in agriculture. She has become a qualified Agricultural Drone Pilot and actively participates in aerial agriculture.

These women and so many more represent a broader community of strong, capable, and innovative individuals who continue to shape the future of the agriculture industry. It is high time to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal roles women play in agriculture and empower them to achieve even greater success.

Read about the incredible achievements of local women in agriculture on pages 15-21

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I’m looking forward to welcoming my wonderful parents to the Burdekin for the first time since moving here this weekend.

Although not intentional, they’ve chosen to come at the perfect time with Home Hill Harvest Festival in full swing, and I look forward to experiencing the excitement of the parade and street party, as well as all the other amazing events, next weekend alongside them.

I hope to show them the wonderful locations I’ve navigated so far, like Mount Inkerman, Groper Creek and Alva Beach, and I hope to use their visit to explore some more undiscovered wonders.

I’m sure we’ll patronise a few pubs and cafes – I know they’ll love the brewery in Brandon and they must taste a delicious Home Hill pie.

I want to give them the authentic Burdekin experience so if you have any other recommendations for me and my parents while they’re up here, feel free to let me know!

I’ve been learning a lot about the agriculture industry this week as we’ve been working on our massive Rural Women’s Day feature, which you’ll find on pages 15-21.

It’s been great to hear from these women and learn about their inspiring journeys and their roles in the industry, the variety truly proving there is a role in agriculture for everyone.

Our region is dependent on agriculture and, like all industries, diversity and inclusion is key to its future.

It is heartening to hear how rewarding working in the agriculture industry is.

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It was love at first sight for Lorraine Strathdee when she came across Sofie on Facebook.

Sofie, the cutest black and white fluff ball, available on the Burdekin Pet Rescue Facebook page, was lovable and cuddly, but without her forever home.

However, a few weeks later, when Lorraine saw Sofie in the pages of Burdekin Life Newspaper, she fell in love and decided it was time to bring Sofie home.

Unable to get in touch with Burdekin Pet Rescue, Lorraine rang our head office, and we gave Lorraine’s number to our contact.

From there, the rest is history.

On the first meet and greet, Lorraine said that Sofie was so anxious she didn’t want anything to do with Lorraine.

But now, over a week since Lorraine brought Sofie home, she has been nothing but a bundle of love.

“It took a second for her to settle, and she would hide underneath the bed, but now, she follows me around, meows, loves to knock over photo frames, and she’s discovered she can fit behind the TV cabinet and gets covered in cobwebs.

“She was slow to settle but I was patient, and now I can pick her up and cuddle her.”

Although she did consider changing Sofie’s name, Lorraine decided against this with how nervous Sofie was, but now her nickname is ‘Baby’, which brings a smile to everyone’s face.

“Sofie was just the perfect package.”

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Sofie has made herself right at home in Lorraine Strathdee’s home. Photo supplied

In “Game-Changing” CopperString 2032 Project

Businesses from around the region met at the Burdekin Theatre on Tuesday morning to hear from organisations involved in the delivery of the CopperString 2032 Project and learn about how they can get involved.

It comes after the Queensland Government announced a $1.3 billion package to progress work on the 840km transmission line which will run from outside Ayr to Mount Isa.

“CopperString 2032 is the largest ever economic development project in North Queensland, and the largest expansion to the power grid in Australia,” said Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

The funding is a vital step towards construction commencing in mid-2024 and will enable publicly owned energy cooperation Powerlink, alongside construction partners UGL and CPB, to undertake detailed design and engineering and environmental assessments.

“CopperString 2032 essentially connects the north and northwest, the North West Minerals Province and a whole lot of potential renewable energy development to the national electricity market,” said Powerlink Queensland Manager Stakeholders and Communities Nicole Maguire.

“There are a lot of advantages for the region and it’s a game-changing project for the area in terms of the regional development it’ll bring, the jobs and the contracting and supplier opportunities.

“It’s probably a once in a generation project for the north of the state and we’re excited to be delivering it.”

The Department of State Development along with Powerlink, CPB and UGL presented to businesses in Ayr and other regions inviting contractors or suppliers to express an interest in being a part of the project.

“There are 50 works packages that people can express an interest in being a part of and start the conversation with us about what their capability is and what they can deliver as part of the project,” Ms Maguire said.

“It’s extremely important that we get local suppliers involved in this project; it’s a north Queensland project and we want north Queenslanders a part of it.”

The packages cover a range of activities and services including engineering, construction, environmental management, logistics, camp construction, haulage and communications.

Visit www.powerlink.com.au/projects/copperstring-2032 to learn more and register your business.

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Regional Development Australia NNWQ CEO Wayde Chiesa, Powerlink CopperString2032 Director - Project Delivery Steve Pepper, Powerlink CopperString2032 Manager Stakeholders and Communities Nicole Maguire, UGL Procurement Manager Greg Edmonds, Powerlink CopperString2032 Project Engagement Susannah Greenleaf and DSDILGP Manager Economic Development North Queensland Amy Savage. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Launching a campaign to raise awareness for the need of a CT scanner in the Burdekin, Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN) hosted a movie night at Galaxy Cinema last Thursday, October 26.

The screening ‘About My Father’ saw at least 45 people and was an opportunity to gather the community to launch the campaign and raise funds for the Brighter Lives Foundation.

Councillor and Chair of CAN Kaylee Boccalatte explained the campaign aims to reiterate the importance of a CT scanner in the region.

“What we’re asking people to do more than anything is to communicate with their friends, family and colleagues and pass on the message that we don’t have a CT scanner and this is why it’s important that we do get one,” Ms Boccalatte said.

The night also raised funds for Brighter Lives, the official charity partner of Townsville Hospital and Health Service, with all money raised in the Burdekin to be dedicated to the Ayr and Home Hill hospital services.

CAN has printed corflutes and flyers to place around the region to continue the awareness campaign.

“We’re hoping that most shops and businesses in the community will allow us to place them in their windows or on their front counter so that every time people walk past these flyers they’re going to be reminded of the need for a CT scanner,” Ms Boccalatte said.

“Grassroots advocacy can be the most powerful form of change, so we’re hoping that the more people we can make aware of the need, the reasons behind it and what it would mean for our community, the more support we’re going to garner.”

Scan the QR code to find an information sheet with statistics and further information.

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Kaylee Boccalatte and Joanne Barbagallo

Tracey Gabiola, Fiona Tomarchio, Madolyn Gabiola

Charlie Scuderi and Wesley Boccalatte

Photos supplied

Held annually on the last Friday of October, Day for Daniel honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe, asking all Australians to wear red on the special day.

Daniel Morcombe was a 13-year-old boy from Queensland who was abducted and was labelled as a ‘missing person’ for eight years before police were eventually able to track down his killer in 2003.

Burdekin Special Education School, Burdekin Christian College and Burdekin Family Day care all took part in the Day for Daniel event, with a sea of red flooding the Burdekin in support of the day.

Parents, carers, and educators were encouraged to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety, with schools and early learning centres to conduct child safety education activities.

Day for Daniel is the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s biggest fundraiser each year. With support through fundraising, the foundation continues to develop free resources and programs for parents, carers, and educators to teach children how to stay safe. Funds also contribute to supporting young victims of crime.

You can utilise the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s ‘Keeping Kids Safe’ resources and lesson plans to help educate your children about safety.

Keeping kids safe is vital – Recognise, React and Report!

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Burdekin Family Day Care

Burdekin Christian College

With over 70 Justice of the Peace (JP) and Commissioners for Declarations (Cdec) located in the Burdekin area, there are plenty of community-minded individuals who are happy to help others with officiating a range of documents.

While there are dozens of qualified people, however, there are sometimes only a favoured few used, largely because others are not necessarily known by the wider community.

Thankfully, a newly upgraded website will now allow locals to see the full range of JP’s and Cdec’s in the area so they can find the service closest to them for easy access that spreads the load across the region.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has welcomed the upgrade saying the role played by JP’s and Cdec’s extends far beyond what is known by those who are aware of their services.

Mr Last hopes what he describes as an overdue update will not only demystify these important roles but improve service to the community.

“We have a great service on Tuesdays at the Ayr Library and the community members who provide that service should be applauded,” Mr Last said.  

“Unfortunately, not everyone can access that service and this update ensures access for those people and for urgent matters.”

“A lot of JP’s and Cdec’s perform their duties as part of their job with the support of their employer.  By having a reliable and easy-to-use search facility, we're not burdening a few people with all the work and increasing the options for the people who need their services.

“The old system made finding a JP or a Cdec difficult for a lot of people and, in some cases, the information was out of date.  I am glad to see that the concerns raised by the community have been addressed with the upgrade.”

Mr Last said that the importance of JP’s and Cdec’s was often misunderstood and encouraged people to consider the roles as a way to ‘give back’ to the community.

“JP’s and Cdec’s aren’t just essential members of the community, they are an essential part of the justice system,” he said.  

“From assisting members of the community to assisting Police and even playing a part in court proceedings; they are certainly roles that we should all value.”

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Local JP, Sandra Stidston, receiving her award for 40 years of service from Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin. Photo supplied

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