I’d like to begin this column by acknowledging the tragic events that unfolded at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend. Such incidents have no place in our world, let alone in our beautiful country, and I encourage everyone to keep the victims and their grieving families in your thoughts and prayers. It’s tragedies like these that put life into perspective. They make us hug our loved ones a little tighter and question whether the minor inconveniences that normally frustrate us really matter at all. But it’s important to come together during times like this—when it’s all too easy to point fingers. That’s the essence of our nation. That’s being Australian. And there’s no place that embodies it better than the Burdekin. On a brighter note, local Christmas festivities are ramping up, with the Carols proving a blast and the highly anticipated Chamber Street Party just around the corner. Before long, the big man himself will be dropping by with all our presents. Is it too late to start being nice, or is his list already finalised? Maybe I’ll start saying please and thank you more often, as a last-ditch effort to get in the ‘good’ column.
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Local Initiative Brews Connection and Conversation for Mental Health Talika Pegoraro recently unveiled a beautifully heartwarming mental health focused initiative, Cuppa & Chat, in partnership with Fuel Me Up Café to start conversations and foster connections within the community. A proud Burdekin local, Talika hopes to combine her Certificate IV in Mental Health with her love for taking care of those around her to host a casual and relaxed meeting accompanied by a free beverage with whomever would like to connect. “If you’d like to connect, simply send me a private message on Facebook, and we’ll arrange a time and choose a place to meet – no agendas, no scripts, just genuine, open conversation over a coffee,” shared Talika. In the past, Talika has hosted a highly successful Women’s Circle focusing on self-care and wellbeing. “Giving people the opportunity to have a one on one, confidential conversation could make all the difference especially at a time of year where people can feel quite isolated, and I want to use what I’ve learned to connect with the wider community and just bring some happiness to any who would like it,” Talika explained. Manager of Fuel Me Up Café, Cindy Poletti, approached Talika earlier this year to offer a generous donation to support her previous and future initiatives, leading Talika to establish Cuppa & Chat, which has already been warmly welcomed by the wider community. “I’m hoping that people will use this as self-care or something just for them as an induvial. The conversation doesn’t have to be about mental wellbeing, it can be about whatever they want to talk about – however, I am more than willing to discuss some of the heavier topics that may be weighing people down.” Talika cannot wait to connect with more members of the local community and encourages anyone interested in having a Cuppa & Chat to send her a message today. Talika Pegoraro encourages anyone interested in a Cuppa & Chat to message her on Facebook. Photo supplied
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Three familiar faces in Burdekin healthcare are being celebrated for a remarkable milestone, with a combined 135 years of service marking a lifetime of service to the Burdekin community. Support Services Officer Bertilla Scodellaro, Clinical Nurse Joanne McBow, and Enrolled Nurse Jocelyn Tuffin all started as teenage trainees, and have seen the evolution of healthcare in the Burdekin first-hand. For Ms Tuffin, who began her career at just 15 years old, the technology may have changed over the last four decades, but the core of the job has remained consistent. "I just love looking after people and being there for them at, often, the worst time in their lives," Ms Tuffin said. "People really just want a caring, compassionate person to look after them; they remember it, and it gives you a good feeling at the end of the day to know you’ve made a difference." Ms McBow, who trained alongside Jocelyn, said working in a rural facility offered a unique "whole-of-life" career that specialised nursing couldn't match. "I can't imagine being specialised in one particular thing; I like that one minute I can be caring for someone who is ill, and the next minute I could be in theatre helping with a caesarean," Ms McBow said. "It is a privilege to have that trust to care for people you know in the community and be that support for them." While the clinical team keeps patients safe, staff like Ms Scodellaro ensure the hospitals operate smoothly. Working across both Ayr and Home Hill facilities, Ms Scodellaro was described by her colleagues as the “instrumental link” that keeps the service ticking, ensuring equipment and supplies are exactly where they need to be. "Every day is different, and that is what I like about it," Ms Scodellaro said. Together, all three embody the community spirit of the Burdekin, celebrating a rare, long-standing commitment to rural healthcare.
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A year after the Crisafulli Government reinstated the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, Member for Burdekin Dale Last is backing calls for new members to add their voice and knowledge to the future of the national artery. Mr Last said the success of the advisory council over the past twelve months was a testament to the combination of industry stakeholder representatives and local knowledge that only comes from those who travel the highway. “The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a vital role in shaping priorities for the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and the development of a Fatigue Management Strategy,” Mr Last said. “These voluntary positions are a 12-month role for one representative from each of the six regions that intersect the Bruce Highway to join peak body representatives to have their say on the Bruce Highway.” “Since re-establishing the BHAC, we’ve made huge strides in improving safety and reliability, guided by the voices of those who know this highway best.” Chaired by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Bruce Highway Advisory Committee brings together a group of diverse stakeholders from the Pine River up to Far North Queensland to discuss current problems along the Highway and where investment should be prioritised. Mr Last said the advisory council was not just about providing a platform for information about key concerns on the highway and had already brought about significant action. “After a decade of Labor burying their head in the sand when it came to safety issues and flood immunity on the Bruce Highway the Crisafulli Government has turned the tide with more than 40 projects fast-tracked under the Bruce Highway Target Safety Program.” “We are listening and we know there is more to be done and that is why I am encouraging stakeholders in the Northern Region to ensure those crucial concerns around areas prone to flooding, congestion and safety are given the right platform to be heard.”
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Hi everyone, it’s certainly been a minute since I’ve written one of these!
When you read this, I’ll be enjoying the stunning beaches along the coastline of Albania for a little while longer before heading off to country number 34… how insane! It’s certainly been an amazing year, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to jump around the world for so long, writing for you all from three different continents while exploring breathtaking cities, villages and towns. It truly has been a dream!
I’ve loved chatting to you here and there over email or through poorly connected WhatsApp calls (thank you for bearing with me) for interviews, stories, and casual chats. Whenever the people I meet on my travels ask me how I’ve been able to be abroad for so long, and “what’s my secret”, it’s always exciting to tell them about Burdekin Life, and all the other publishments under the Life Publishing Group umbrella – even if they have no idea what or where any of these communities are, or even that there’s more to Australia than just kangaroos and spiders!
Europe has started to get a little too frosty for me, and I’ll never forget the fear I felt when I looked out the bus window on my way to a new city to see SNOW as I’m literally wearing Birkenstocks and a singlet! Soon I’ll be heading off to somewhere far warmer before making my way back to the heat of Australia just in time for my little brother’s high school graduation.
My year of traveling has been entirely spontaneous, and from sandboarding down the dunes of the Sahara Desert to skydiving over the island of O’ahu, it’s been nothing short of UNREAL! I would not have been able to do everything I’m doing if it wasn’t for the support of Rachael, Ruth, Daniel, Jacob and Victoria who have been absolutely amazing, especially considering I’m working in a complete opposite time zone from the other side of the globe - you guys are legends.
Hope you’re all enjoying the warmer weather and hope to chat to you again soon!
Farmers across Outback Queensland are facing yet another major challenge, with swarms of locusts tearing through more than 5.3 million hectares of pastureland, compounding the devastation already caused by this year’s catastrophic floods.
Rural Aid is ramping up its response, providing hay deliveries, financial assistance, and mental health support to affected farming families, and standing ready to scale up operations further as the crisis deepens.
“This is a one-two punch for many farming families,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.
“Earlier this year, floodwaters destroyed homes, fences, feed, and infrastructure. Now, as farmers begin to rebuild, locusts are stripping paddocks bare and threatening the recovery.”
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid had already begun delivering aid to rural communities and was fully prepared to escalate its support as needed.
“Rural Aid is already delivering assistance to rural communities and is fully prepared to step up support in response to this unfolding locust crisis — but we need the public’s help to do it,” he said.
Locust swarms have now been confirmed across the Richmond, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, and Flinders Regional Council areas, with widespread destruction to grazing land and natural feed supplies.
In response, the Queensland Government has announced an additional $4.5 million in funding for statewide locust control efforts, building on the $1 million provided last month under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“Rural Aid welcomes this funding,” said Mr Warlters.
“But we know from experience that Rural Aid will play a crucial role in supporting farmers before, during, and long after this disaster.”
He said the impact of feed loss was mounting quickly, with hay deliveries essential to keeping livestock alive.
“Locusts are destroying thousands of tonnes of natural feed and replacing that with hay is going to require significant support,” Mr Warlters said.
“Rural Aid stands ready to deliver, but to match the scale of what’s unfolding, we’re calling for urgent donations. Every truckload of hay we send is funded by generous Australians who want to keep our farmers going.”
Rural Aid’s Support Efforts
To strengthen its presence in the region, Rural Aid is also recruiting a full-time counsellor to be permanently based in Western Queensland.
“Farmers need to know they’re not alone in this,” Mr Warlters said.
“We’re here. We’re ready. And we’ll respond with everything we’ve got — but we need Australians to stand with us and help make that happen.”
Farmers can register for support by visiting www.ruralaid.org.au or calling 1300 327 624.
Donations to assist farmers affected by the locust outbreak can be made at www.ruralaid.org.au/donate.
Queensland farmers are bracing for another devastating blow, as swarms of locusts rip through more than 5.3 million hectares of pastureland (Photo Supplied)
The potential to transform Burdekin sugar into biofuels is lighting up exciting new opportunities for cane growers across North Queensland, following a recent public hearing in Townsville as part of the Queensland Government’s Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry.
The inquiry, which is exploring the potential for biofuel and value-added sugar production across the state, has sparked valuable discussions about how diversification could benefit not only Queensland’s sugarcane industry but also the broader agricultural sector.
Regional Area Manager for North Queensland, Angelo Rigano, said diversification could play a vital role in boosting sustainability and strengthening farm resilience.
“Diversification can help primary producers boost biodiversity, create additional income streams, and mitigate on-farm risks – which are all also timely considerations as we approach disaster season,” Mr Rigano said.
The shift toward bioenergy represents an opportunity to add long-term value to the sugar industry, opening doors for innovation, employment, and environmental benefits. While the final report into the Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry is expected within the next year, Queensland primary producers are being encouraged to explore diversification opportunities right now.
Mr Rigano outlined five practical ways producers can diversify their operations through QRIDA’s First Start or Sustainability Loans:
For more information, visit QRIDA’s First Start Loan or Sustainability Loan webpages, or call 1800 623 946.
Wilmar Grower Marketing is committed to helping Burdekin growers market with confidence and get more value from every tonne of GEI Sugar.
By combining local knowledge with global reach, Wilmar provides a marketing partnership that’s personal, flexible and backed by international trading strength.
When you choose Wilmar as your GEI Sugar marketer, you’re supported by a professional local team that understands both cane farming and the global sugar industry.
Our Burdekin team members, Fiona Villis and Owen Richards, are based in your community and on hand to provide advice, answer questions and guide you through every step of the marketing process. Their goal is simple: to help you make confident, informed decisions that support your business, your farm and your family.
Fiona and her husband Paul have been farming cane in the Kalamia area for more than 20 years, giving her a deep understanding of the seasonal pressures and long-term decisions that shape farming in the Burdekin. Owen has extensive experience in business development, with a strong focus on supporting growers to make informed and profitable marketing decisions.
Together, they form a well-rounded team that combines commercial insight with genuine local knowledge, delivering practical support and strong outcomes for Burdekin growers.
To deliver even greater value, Wilmar has recently introduced the Wilmar Grower Advantage, a partnership with Elders that gives growers access to exclusive discounts on fertiliser and farm chemicals. The program also provides soil testing, nutrient management plans, BMP fertiliser planning and complimentary agronomy services, helping you lower input costs, improve productivity and simplify decision-making.
This exclusive offer is available to growers who nominate Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI Sugar marketer for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
With the nomination deadline for the 2026 season closing on 31 October 2025, now is the perfect time to secure these valuable benefits for your farm and your future.
To find out more about Wilmar Grower Advantage or to nominate Wilmar as your GEI marketer, please contact Fiona Villis or Owen Richards and see how we can help you market with confidence.
Burdekin Business Development Manager Owen Richards discusses the benefits of choosing Wilmar Grower Marketing with a local grower.
A groundbreaking wastewater treatment project in the Burdekin has taken out the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional) at the Queensland Water Awards.
The award was presented to a collaborative team made up of Burdekin Shire Council, Pacific Biotechnologies Group, and James Cook University (JCU) for their innovative Macro-Algal Bioremediation Facility.
The project showcases a nature-based solution to wastewater treatment, using macro-algae to clean water sustainably while delivering both environmental and economic benefits. By harnessing algae’s natural ability to absorb nutrients and pollutants, the facility improves water quality in an eco-friendly way, offering a model for future regional developments.
Described as a powerful example of collaboration and innovation, the project combines scientific expertise with practical environmental design to support a smarter, greener future for Queensland communities.
The win highlights the potential for regional partnerships to lead the way in sustainable infrastructure, while also recognising the importance of investment in emerging clean technologies.
The Burdekin facility now stands as a benchmark for eco-conscious water management and demonstrates how regional Queensland can contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.
Representatives collecting the award recently. Photo supplied
Over the last few months Council has been identifying areas around Home Hill and across the Shire that could use a little extra care and attention.
We all want our towns to look clean, tidy and welcoming not just for visitors, but for the people who live here and take pride in calling the Burdekin home.
As part of this work, Council has sent letters to some property owners asking them to tidy their premises. Most people have been really responsive, and it’s a simple but effective way we can all play a part in keeping our community looking great.
If you notice an area that needs attention, whether it’s overgrown grass, rubbish, or maintenance concerns, you can let Council know quickly using the Snap Send Solve app. It’s an easy way to report issues straight from your phone and helps our team respond faster.
As we come into October, it’s Get Ready Queensland Month, a great reminder for everyone to start preparing for the upcoming disaster season. While you’re out and about, I encourage you to take part in the Burdekin Disaster Ready Trail. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn how to stay safe and prepared this season. You can also go in the draw to win a generator, fuel vouchers and more!
More information can be found on Council’s website at burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign
Capability, Mr Andrew Willcox MP, said farmers across Dawson have had an enormous win
after Labor retreated on its poorly conceived, reckless, and cruel plan to tax unrealised
gains on farms held in self-managed super funds (SMSFs).
Mr Willcox said Labor had been embarrassingly forced to give in after The Coalition and industry
groups campaigned strongly against the plan, and the government faced a backlash from
farming families across Dawson.
“Labor’s plan to punish Australia’s hardest workers and attack their unrealised gains in
superannuation was shocking from the start and never should have happened,” Mr Willcox said.
He said many farming families across Dawson, including the region’s sugar cane growers, had
set up SMSFs as part of their retirement and succession planning, unaware Labor could attempt
to tax their assets on paper every single year.
“Labor could never even tell us how many primary producers, small and family business owners
would have been impacted. In what parallel universe does a government think it’s okay to tax
on-paper, unrealised gains?” Mr Willcox said.
Mr Willcox said the plan would have forced some farmers to sell their land instead of passing it
on to the next generation, and that such uncertainty had caused unnecessary anxiety in regional
communities.
“Farmers in Dawson deserve certainty, not shifting goalposts from a government that doesn’t
understand regional Australia. This backflip is a win for common sense and for the families who
have worked hard to build something for the next generation,” he said.
He said The Coalition had taken a strong stand to protect regional communities and hold Labor
accountable, ensuring the concerns of rural Australians were heard loud and clear.
“The Coalition led the charge against this unfair policy because we knew what was at stake. This
was never just about tax — it was about livelihoods, retirement security, and keeping family
farms in family hands,” Mr Willcox said.
While welcoming Labor’s retreat, Mr Willcox warned the government not to revisit similar
measures in the future.
“While Labor’s backdown is welcome, it’s also a warning. Every time this government looks for
revenue, it seems they reach for regional Australia first. We’ll keep holding them to account to
make sure they don’t try to sneak this or similar measures back in through the back door,” he
said.
Mr Willcox said Labor should apologise to the farming community for the stress and uncertainty
they caused.
“Our farmers who produce the nation’s food and fibre — from sugar to beef — must be
protected from Labor’s tax grabs.
“The Coalition will always stand up for our farmers, their families, and the future of regional
Australia.”
Andrew Willcox says The Coalition will always back Aussie farmers, defending family farms from unfair taxes and supporting a strong future for regional industries. Photo supplied
For Burdekin Christian College (BCC) student Jessica Holmes, 2026 promises a year unlike any other. Accepted into a 12-month internship with 100% Hope Uganda, Jess will immerse herself in a new culture, assist with primary school teaching, and run interest clubs before and after school—a rare opportunity for a high school graduate to teach, serve, and experience life on a global scale.
Jess first learned about the internship when 100% Hope Uganda visited BCC. When the organisation’s manager announced a gap-year program for Year Twelves, Jess’s interest was immediate. “It immediately caught my attention because I love different countries, and since I hadn’t decided what I wanted to do next year, I thought that’d be great,” she said.
Volunteering abroad isn’t completely new to the year 12 student, having taken part in missions trips to countries including the Philippines in the past. Committing to a whole year, however, is a new challenge for her, though one she has long imagined taking. “I’ve always thought I’d be going over to different countries to help people, in third world countries,” she explains. “The only foreign thing is being there for a whole year.”
In Uganda, Jess will step into a hands-on role as a teaching assistant for Year Three and Four students. She’ll support classroom learning, assist with programs in the school, village, and church, and run co-curricular activities after school. “It’ll give me a sort of taster of being a teacher,” she says. “I’m really excited to meet lots of people and have new experiences.”
Beyond teaching, Jess is motivated by the opportunity to help the community. “I’d love to share what I can do and help out with whatever they need,” she says. She also hopes to represent BCC well abroad, bringing a piece of home with her. “I just hope to be very helpful and hopefully share some of the Burdekin's traditions.”
For Jess, the internship represents a chance to grow, learn, and make a meaningful difference. Friends, family, and the College community are already watching eagerly, knowing that her adventure will be both challenging and transformative. With her curiosity, compassion, and dedication, there’s little doubt she will make the most of every moment in Uganda.
Accepted into a 12-month internship with 100% Hope Uganda, Jess will immerse herself in a new culture during her 12-month internship. Photo supplied
Home Hill State High School is set to showcase its creativity and teamwork at the Opti-MINDS State Finals in Brisbane on 18–19 October 2025 following an outstanding performance at the Regional Championships in Townsville on 31 August, where the junior team, The Misfits, earned an Honours placing and a coveted Wildcard entry.
Opti-MINDS is a nationally recognised competition that challenges students to “Think, Create and Communicate” while solving real-world problems. Home Hill SHS is the only school from the Burdekin region to participate, giving its students a rare opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in Queensland.
At the regional challenge, The Misfits presented a creative play blending live performance and digital media. Their story imagined society 100 years in the future and explored how information can be manipulated by those in power, using humor, drama, and popular culture references to highlight the importance of critical thinking and preserving truth.
Victoria Flynn, the teacher in charge, said the teams prepared through lunch breaks, after school, and even a day during the school holidays, learning invaluable skills along the way. “Each year we’ve had people that have done it before, so they have that experience," she said. "It’s about not questioning what they’re doing and letting them go on whatever tangents they want. Some of these kids are shy, and it gets them out of their shell, showing them that they can do more than what they think.”
Isla Wilkie, a member of The Misfits, echoed this. "[Opti-MINDS] definitely helps with creative thinking and thinking outside the box, and gives you the confidence to speak up,” she said. “It's encouraged us to learn everyone’s unique perspectives on things and use them as a team to get a good result. We all have very different focuses, but we put them together and came up with a good outcome."
This marks the third consecutive year Home Hill SHS has advanced to the State Finals. The Wildcard entry earned by The Misfits is one of only four offered statewide this year, highlighting the team’s exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills.
For rural students, the experience offers much more than competition, says Ms Flynn. “Some of our students haven’t been on a train, some haven’t been on a plane. We go down on the train or fly, and they do things outside their comfort zone. They absolutely love it.”
The school community is invited to support the students’ journey to Brisbane. Contributions towards travel and event costs can be made via the QR code below. Every donation helps Home Hill SHS students take their ideas to the state stage, and prove that small schools can achieve big things.
Photos:
1. Junior Team - The Misfits - prepare for the State Finals -Ashlyn Poli, Talin Poli, Faryn Poli, Isla Wilkie, Cheyanne Worland, Adam Young & Mackenzie Worland
2. Senior Team Participants Sam Perina, Zaine Palmer, Cruz Torkington, Christiana Bugeja & Grace Ogomeni Absent - Zoe Bonanno & Grayson Potter-Geitz
For just a moment on Friday, October 10, Home Hill’s Memorial Hall and its surrounds put on their best Hollywood impression, welcoming more than 200 students with a dazzling red carpet entrance to the annual Harvest Festival Ball.
Organised by Home Hill Harvest Festival in conjunction with the staff and P&C Committee of Home Hill State High School, the event brought together students from Years 10 to 12 across the Burdekin district, blending glamour, celebration, and plenty of dance floor energy from 6pm to 11pm.
The night captured everything the Harvest Festival Ball has come to represent—style, community spirit and a celebration of youth—as students stepped from their cars to cheers from hundreds of spectators, all turning out in true Burdekin fashion.
A Student Ball To Remember
Continued from cover
This year, a range of awards recognised students for their style, confidence, and presence on the night, including Belle and Beau of the Ball, runners-up, Best Dressed Couple, and the ever-popular Sass and Swagger awards.
Top honours went to Belle of the Ball Ashley Fawkes (BCHS) and Beau of the Ball Texas DelleBaite (BCHS), while Vaylee Grabs (ASHS) and Blaize Palmer (HHSHS) were named runners-up. Cameryn Koia and Jayke Marano (BCC) took out Best Dressed Couple, with Grace Ogomeni (HHSHS) and Harrison Lammon (BCHS) winning Sass and Swagger respectively.
Special mentions were awarded to Pascale Crooks (ASHS), Sid Sajan (BCC), Imogen Petersen (BCHS) and Grayson Potter-Geitz (HHSHS).
Organisers praised the students’ conduct and enthusiasm, describing the event as “truly one to remember” and thanking the sponsors, volunteers, and staff who helped make the 2025 Students’ Ball a spectacular success.
Photos courtesy of Hayden Menso Photography
COVER: Belle of the Ball, Ashley Fawkes (BCHS) and Beau of the Ball, Texas DelleBaite (BCHS), pose with their awards. Photo credit: Hayden Menso Photography
1. Belle of the Ball - Ashley Fawkes - BCHS
2. Beau of the Ball - Texas DelleBaite - BCHS
3. Runner up Belle of the Ball - Vaylee Grabs - ASHS
4. Runner up Beau of the Ball - Blaize Palmer - HHSHS
5. Sass - Grace Ogomeni - HHSHS, and Swagger - Harrison Lammon - BCHS
6. Best Dressed Couple: Cameryn Koia - BCC and Jayke Marano - BCC
7. Special Mentions: Pascale Crooks - ASHS, Sid Sajan - BCC, Imogen Petersen - BCHS, Grayson Potter-Geitz - HHSHS
As we move through the seasons in the Burdekin, it's a good time for all of us to step back and reflect on one of the most serious and important aspects of living in North Queensland: disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Cyclones, floods, and severe weather are simply a fact of life here. While our Council and our Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) work year-round on planning, infrastructure, and coordination, our true strength lies in how well prepared every individual household is. Resilience isn't just a Council policy—it's a collective, community-wide effort.
This week, I want to highlight three simple but vital steps you can take today to ensure you, your family, and your neighbours are ready for the unexpected.
We talk about Emergency Kits and Household Plans every year, but have you actually pulled yours out recently? Your Emergency Kit should be easily accessible and contain essentials for 3-5 days of self-sufficiency. Think water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, important documents (copies, not originals), cash, and a battery-powered radio. More importantly, every household needs an Emergency Plan. Take 30 minutes with your family to answer these questions:
Who will contact who? (If phones are down, what is the plan?)
Where is our safe place to shelter within the house?
Where will we go if we need to evacuate, and what is the safest route? (Remember, the best option is always friends or family outside the threatened area.)
In an emergency, reliable and up-to-date information is your most critical tool. That's why I urge every resident to bookmark and familiarise themselves with the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Dashboard at disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au This is your official 'one-stop shop' for all emergency information, and it is updated in real-time by the LDMG. On the Dashboard, you can find: Weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, road closures and conditions, power and utility outages and the location of any activated places of refuge. Knowing where to look for information will save you time and stress when minutes count.
Local resilience starts at your street. Our Council's recovery efforts are guided by the principle of community-led recovery, meaning we rely on local knowledge and goodwill. Get to know your neighbours, especially those who may be elderly, have a disability, or have young children. Can you offer a hand trimming trees, securing property, or checking in on
them after a severe weather event? Small acts of neighbourhood connection build the strength that gets us all through tough times.
The Burdekin Shire Council is continually investing in making our community stronger, but ultimately, our preparedness begins at home. Take the time today to get ready, stay informed, and help us keep the Burdekin a safe and resilient place for everyone.
Ayr State High School has taken advantage of The Queensland Government’s Student technology equity partnership (STEP) which will see the state government invest $152 million, over 4 years across the state. This funding enables Ayr State High School provide a one-to-one laptop roll out for its students in Years 7,8 and 9 over the next 4 Years.
This week the current Year 7 students became the first recipients to receive their laptops enabling them to access to their own allocated laptop across the curriculum.
School Principal Mr Craig Whittred said “this greatly enhances all students access to devices across all year levels. This year’s Year 7 students are the first group to receive laptops in a planned rollout, that will see all students in Years 7,8 and 9 having been allocated their own laptop by 2027. “
The STEP program will run alongside of our current BYOX program or Bring Your Own device program. Which allows students and families to choose to supply their own device to suit their family’s and child’s personal needs.
Mr Whittred explained that the BYOX program will be the focus for our students in Years 10, 11 and 12. He explained that dependant on what particular senior schooling pathway a student was on, impacted the requirement of the devices needed for students to have success in their studies. Mr Whittred said Ayr State High School was still committed to providing communal laptops for students to access for lessons but saw great value in students being involved with the STEP and BYOX programs as it offered students ownership over their laptops and prepared them better for the transition after school into further study and/or the workplace.
Student Gracie Gardina said “it is really good that we will have our own laptop that we can look after and use for our schoolwork. I’m excited and it will really help me complete all my work.”
Year 7 students (L-R Gracie Giardina, Lani Olsen, Jaylen Langbein, Eli Corwell) taking advantage of the new STEP laptops. Photo supplied
As families across the Burdekin begin planning for the future, Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) is inviting parents and carers to consider a school where students are not just educated, but known, nurtured, and encouraged to flourish.
With enrolments open for 2026, BCHS continues its strong tradition of offering a quality Catholic education that supports academic achievement, personal growth, and spiritual development, all in a safe and supportive learning environment.
A Community That Cares
At BCHS, students are more than just numbers. “Our school is a community where every student is valued,” says Principal Lorraine Wolffe. “We aim to develop young people who are confident, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.”
The school is known for its welcoming and inclusive environment, built on Catholic values and a strong sense of belonging. From Year 7 through to Year 12, students are supported by dedicated staff who take the time to understand their individual needs and aspirations.
Excellence in Education
Burdekin Catholic High School offers a broad and balanced curriculum that caters for diverse pathways, from university and further education to trades and employment. With a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, students are equipped with the skills they need for life beyond school.
Modern facilities, technology-rich classrooms, and access to co-curricular programs in the arts, sports, and leadership ensure students receive a well-rounded education.
Faith, Values, and Wellbeing
As a Catholic school, BCHS places strong emphasis on values such as respect, service, and integrity. Religious education and liturgical life are embedded into school culture, helping students grow in faith and character.
Student wellbeing is also a key priority. With dedicated pastoral care programs and access to counselling and support services, BCHS ensures students feel connected and cared for throughout their schooling journey.
Now Taking Enrolments for 2026
Parents and carers considering their child’s high school options are encouraged to book a tour and experience the BCHS difference firsthand.
Information packs and enrolment forms are available via the school office or online at www.bchs.catholic.edu.au
Come and be part of a school community where every student is inspired to believe, belong, and become.
Contributed with thanks to BCHS
At our school, we understand how busy family life can be. Mornings can be rushed, afternoons are full, and balancing work, home and school can be a challenge. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive support program that lightens the load for families and ensures every child arrives at school ready to learn.
Through this program, students receive breakfast, a fruit snack, lunch, and afternoon tea each school day. In addition, all students are provided with their school stationery, a school uniform, and their annual school photos. By taking care of these daily essentials, we help families save time, reduce stress, and make the school routine that little bit easier.
What makes our school truly unique is this strong commitment to supporting both students and their families. By removing barriers and reducing the practical pressures of the school day, we’re creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child can succeed. It’s one of the many reasons our school is a great place to learn — and a great place to enrol your child.
This program is made possible thanks to the generosity and support of Food Bank, Fuel for Schools, the School Food Program, and our incredible P & C Association. Their partnership helps us make a meaningful difference in the lives of families every day.
Together, we’re building a school community where students feel supported, families feel valued, and everyone can flourish.
Contributed with thanks to Ayr State School
Ayr State School students enjoying burgers for lunch on National Burger Day as part of the school's comprehensive support program. Photos supplied
China is, without question, one of Australia’s most significant trading partners. We export vast
amounts of natural resources and agricultural products, and in return, we import vehicles, solar
panels, wind turbines, various technological products, and household goods. But is this
relationship balanced, and are we becoming too dependent?
Recent reports out of the United States have raised serious concerns about the potential for
embedded technologies in imported infrastructure from China. Investigations have identified
backdoor capabilities in Chinese-made inverters and batteries used to connect solar and wind
systems to the American power grid. The implications are seriously concerning. Could these
systems be accessed or disabled remotely?
Here in Australia, the Albanese government is continuing its rapid push for more large-scale
solar and wind projects, many of which use Chinese-built components. Such reports coming
out of the USA should prompt urgent scrutiny.
Chinese-built EVs are also hitting Aussie roads in increasing numbers. Speculation is growing
around whether software in these vehicles contains embedded spyware or remote access
functions. Could data be tracked? Could vehicles be monitored, or even disabled remotely?
This isn’t aimed at alarmism. It’s about exercising caution. We must be fully aware of and
thoroughly investigate what’s entering our country, especially if our government is hell-bent on
tying the future of our energy grid to technologies made overseas. If a conflict arose, could a
foreign power flick the switch to cripple our electricity system and, by extension, our economy?
This isn’t about rejecting renewables or turning our backs on trade. It’s about balance. It’s about
resilience. It’s about protecting the infrastructure that underpins our economy and our way of
life.
Australia’s critical infrastructure, our energy systems, transport networks, and communications
must be secure, scrutinised, and ideally sovereign. Because if another country has the power to
disrupt our systems, then we’ve already handed over the keys. We need them back.
Outside of our grocery stores, mining sites, and engineering hubs, it’s becoming harder to spot
the green and gold Aussie-made logo. The bigger question is, how do we reduce our reliance on
other nations and build our sovereign capabilities?
For decades, we’ve watched smelters, refineries, and coal-fired power stations close, while our
car industry was allowed to disappear. But what if, instead of walking away, we invested in
modernising and building new assets? With advances in AI, robotics, automation and other
technologies, we are more equipped than ever to turn our resources into finished products here
at home, instead of exporting raw materials only to repurchase them at a premium.
Our trading relationship with China must remain respectful and firm. But we also need due
diligence, transparency, and surety.
It’s time to back our manufacturers, boost local production, and make sure that we’re not just
driving the economy, but holding the keys as well.
Contributed with thanks to Andrew Willcox MP
Andrew Willcox says it’s time to back Australian manufacturers and ensure we’re the
ones holding the keys to our nation’s future. Photo supplied
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