On an evening of transformation, innovation and new beginnings, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) launched their new brand at the Queens Hotel last Thursday, October 19.

QCAR CEO Paniko Spyrou welcomed members of the sugar cane and agriculture industries before leading a panel discussion with AgForce Cane Limited President Russell Hall, QCAR Chair Charles Quagliata and Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) Chair Don Murday on the future of the business and the industry.

“The decision to rebrand from Burdekin Cane Agriculture Organisation to Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables signifies our broader strategic vision and expanded focus that aligns with evolving industry dynamics and a need for sustainable development,” Mr Spyrou said.

“Shifting from a regional identity to a statewide one reflects a desire to encompass Queensland’s coastal cane and agricultural landscape.

“This widens the organisation’s reach and allows us to address issues and opportunities at a much larger scale.

“QCAR’s emphasis on renewables aligns with a global shift towards sustainable energy sources, enabling growers and communities to be part of a greener and more resilient future.”

Mr Spyrou also announced the addition of a new role, introducing Michael Kern as QCAR's incoming Chief Strategy Officer.

“There clearly are amazing opportunities for the industry lying ahead,” Mr Kern said.

“I think it (QCAR) has the real potential to provide a platform to go forward and really change the industry … and I’m grateful that the board has the confidence to ask me to help in that regard.”

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AgForce Cane Limited President Russell Hall, QCAR CEO Paniko Spyrou, QCAR Chair Charles Quagliata, QCAR CSO Michael Kern and ACFA Chair Don Murday

Laraine Sgroi, Bernadette Rehbein and Melissa Boulter

Michael Roncato, Chris Punzell, Meg Wilson and Barb Colls

John Grasso, Kayleen Walsh and Peter Papadimitriou

Loretta Hall and Cathy Patroni

John Quagliata and Pardeep Kumar

Michael Kern, Casie Scott and Renee Gardner

Mark Vass, Laurence Dal Santo and Russell Campbell

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

For some, the end of October excitement is around the Halloween celebration. For others it signals the

end of Year 12 with exams and the completion of their school education. For us at Wilmar Marketing it is

the closing of the nomination period for GEI Sugar marketing nominations.

In short, October 31 is the last chance for all cane growers to choose which marketer they will use to

price their GEI Sugar exposure for the 2024 season.

Depending on your pricing circumstances, and even if you have previously nominated a marketer, you

can change your nomination right up until midnight October 31.

Even if you have previously signed up for three years, you can change your 2024 nomination.

Even if you have previously nominated and priced some of your 2024 season GEI Sugar exposure, you

can split your nomination.

For any growers who are exclusive Harvest Pool users, you can still choose to price your GEI Sugar

through the Wilmar Production Risk Pool for 2024 season right up until October 31.

We dedicate significant resources towards maximising returns in our Production Risk Pool. When you

look at the comparative outcomes (see graph), we think the results speak for themselves. While pool

performance is not guaranteed, the accompanying chart may help with your decision making.

Instead of being spooked into making a decision around ghosts and ghouls, we encourage you to

channel your rational self and make an informed decision around what is best for your business.

Remember, you have a choice of marketers, or you can split your nomination. And you have until

midnight on Tuesday, 31 October.

To find out more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or

Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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Cane toads in Australia have undergone a startling transformation in the 86 years since their introduction to the continent, the noxious pests so numerous they have developed a taste for one another. These toxic and invasive amphibians have become highly cannibalistic, exhibiting behaviour not observed in their South American counterparts. Researchers are intrigued by this rapid and extreme evolutionary shift in behaviour, as it usually takes place over a much longer timescale.

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) were initially brought to Australia in 1935, with the intention of controlling cane beetles that were damaging sugarcane plantations. However, these giant toads failed to reduce the beetle population but succeeded in reproducing prolifically. Their highly poisonous skin, coated in bufotoxins, made them free of natural predators, and they spread throughout the northern and eastern regions of the country.

While adult cane toads grow up to 25 centimetres in length and are formidable creatures, it is their tadpoles that exhibit cannibalistic behaviour. Groups of tadpoles can consume more than 99% of the hatchlings from a single clutch. This behaviour prompted scientists to investigate whether it was widespread among all cane toads or specific to the Australian population due to their invasive nature.

To understand this phenomenon, researchers collected cane toads from Australia and French Guiana, breeding them to produce hatchlings and older tadpoles. They conducted experiments exposing a single tadpole to 10 hatchlings from its group, originating either from Australia or South America. The results showed that invasive Australian tadpoles were 2.6 times more likely to cannibalize hatchlings than their South American counterparts.

The research also unveiled that Australian tadpoles are attracted to hatchlings due to the scent of the younger animals' toxic skin. This was evident in experiments, with Australian tadpoles displaying a strong preference for swimming towards traps containing hatchlings. In contrast, South American tadpoles showed no such preference.

What is most striking about this evolutionary shift is the speed with which it occurred. Even more surprising is the rapid development of a defence mechanism against cannibalism by the toads. Researchers observed that invasive Australian hatchlings sharing a tank with older tadpoles from the same group had a shorter developmental period compared to South American hatchlings. This adaptation may limit the time spent in a vulnerable stage and prevent cannibalism, even if it eventually affects the toads' growth.

Scientists believe that the differences in behaviour between invasive Australian toads and their native South American counterparts are likely genetically based. This fascinating shift raises many questions that researchers are eager to explore.

One thing is certain: the cane toads currently found in Australia are significantly different from those first introduced to the continent. This rapid transformation in their behaviour provides valuable insights into the adaptability of invasive species and the mechanisms behind such evolutionary changes.

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Sugar cane plantations were established in the Brandon region in the early 1880s, however initially struggled due to the lack of adequate rainfall. While the plantations had access to several open water lagoons in the region, using them for irrigation proved very expensive. Relief came in 1886 when vast underground aquifers were discovered.

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A sugar cane train on route to the Pioneer Sugar Mill, near Brandon in the Burdekin. Photo credit: QSL sourced from the State Library of Queensland

• Overview: Despite not reaching new highs, it was another strong week for the ICE 11 sugar market with almost the entire futures curve now trading above 20 USc/lb as the future supply outlook remains extremely tight. The prompt March contract traded to a high of 27.28 USc/lb on Monday to a low of 26.30 USc/lb on Thursday before recovering to close the week at 27.03 USc/lb.

• India: In the lead up to the harvesting season, which is set to start in early November, the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions are experiencing hot and dry conditions following some much-needed rain in September. The Indian government is yet to publicly release a statement on an export quota for the 2023/2024 season, however most analysts are penciling in zero exports as food security and domestic food prices become the primary focus for India's government.

• Brazil: The Brazilian sugar cane industry group, UNICA, continue to report strong harvesting figures due to favourable harvesting weather conditions. In the second half of September the Centre-South region harvested 44.7 million tonnes of cane and produced 3.35 million tonnes of sugar, bringing the season-to-date totals to 493 million tonnes crushed and 32.6 million tonnes of sugar produced. Sugar mix remains above 50% for the fortnight and brings the total sugar mix to 49.5%. UNICA's first half of October will show the severity of the recent rain event in the Centre-South,and if harvesting has slowed as well as if TRS (Total Recoverable Sugar) has fallen.

• Oil: The news of ongoing conflict in Israil saw Brent Crude Oil surge more than 5% to above $90/ barrel on Friday. This has led some analysts to warn that prices well above $100/ barrel may be possible if the conflict spills over into other middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia. Sugar has been the beneficiary of the rising prices and will likely be susceptible to any further movements, be it positive or negative.

• Commitment of Traders: As of 10 October speculators increased their net long position by 10,500 contracts to 175,500 net-long. Open interest surprisingly fell 6,000 contracts despite the late week rally.

Currency  

• Overview: The Australian Dollar (AUD) still faces plenty of headwind as evidenced by weaker than expected US inflation data last week. The AUD traded from a high of 64.45 US cents on Wednesday before falling to lows of 62.86 US cents on Friday.

• US CPI: Annual inflation in the United States was reported as unchanged at 3.7% in September, against expectations of a small reduction. While the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is not till end of this month, The Fed is still trailing behind its 2% target and rates are likely to hold due to the cautious tone from its September meeting.

• Israel: As the Gaza war continues markets have begun to react with Crude Oil surging following the Hama organisation's attack on Israil. The initial attack posed a risk of logistical impacts as some shipping ports are located in the surrounding areas in the Gaza region. Global markets appear cautious of any potential involvement or sanctions from the United States, which would likely hamper risk appetites in global markets.

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Confident and cheerful, that is Oddish.

Oddish is a Staffy Cross, and is an attention seeker, always wanting to share his love with anyone and everyone. He is very food motivated, and loves a good treat when learning new tricks. He loves going on walks, walking great in a harness, but does get excited when people walk past.

Oddish is best suited to a home with older children, who can tire him out of his energy, and who is always ready for a play.

With some love and attention, Oddish will fit into the family home well, a much loved addition to the home.

Oddish is available for adoption, and is desexed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on his vaccines, flea, tick, and intestinal work treatment, and on heartworm prevention.

To meet Oddish, complete an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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FAST FACTS:

Rehoming Fee: $425

DOB: 31/12/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Staffy X

Kid Friendly: Older Kids

Cat Friendly: Untested

Other Dogs: Yes, but slow introduction

Fences: Five ft

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A Burdekin father-son duo is bringing passion, skill and new ideas to the local agricultural industries as one of the region’s newest and most exciting hydraulic repair businesses.

Murray and his son Harry established Muzdraulics over three years ago when Harry completed high school and embarked on his apprenticeship, and their client base has been steadily growing ever since.

Murray followed a similar path, inspired by his diesel-fitter father to complete an apprenticeship in which he learnt to manufacture and design hydraulic cylinders.

“It’s a skill that I wasn’t aware would be so valuable when I did my apprenticeship but moving into the future and working in different areas of fitting, from the mines, earthmoving and industrial hydraulics, those trade skills that I learnt as a young apprentice, they’ve really been a huge asset to my career,” Murray said.

Specialising in sales, system design, installation, service and repairs to all hydraulic components, Muzdraulics is built on decades of unique experience, allowing Murray to grow his skills into areas he’s since realised are incredibly valuable to him and his clients.

Starting his apprenticeship in Toowoomba in 1996, Murray developed relationships with the country’s largest hydraulic companies, growing his experience by working with the industry-leaders.

He was told he has a natural gift for hydraulics, and he says the same thing about Harry.

“I’ve always had a natural interest in hydraulics and as I furthered my training in that area, I developed a passion for all of the latest progressions in hydraulics and now we’re bringing that to the Burdekin,” he said.

“We’re a fairly new company with new ideas but we’ve got the support of the larger companies plus my knowledge and experience.

“I never dreamed of owning my own hydraulics business, but this is where we found ourselves, in the Burdekin, a place full of opportunities.”

A company based in the Burdekin and solely servicing the Burdekin, Murray and Harry are up to the task of supporting the agricultural hub now and into the future.

For more information, visit Muzdraulics on Facebook, email muznq79@yahoo.com.au or phone 0487 487 442.

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Muzdraulics is fully equipped for remote area repairs

The Burdekin Football Club has marked its golden jubilee with a grand celebration, the Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner, last weekend.

The club, steeped in history and tradition, extended invitations to life members, past and present players, committee members, coaches, managers, sponsors, and dedicated supporters for an unforgettable evening of reminiscing and festivities.

Guest speakers reflected on each decade of the club’s history, ably led by emcees Michael Taylor, Monica Licciardello and Callan Sunderland, while attendees listened and laughed along.

The Burdekin Memorial Hall was a room filled with passion and pride last Saturday, October 14 as Burdekin FC celebrated 50 years of club football.

Laughs were shared and tears were shed as guest speakers told stories from the last 50 years, with some attendees coming from as far as Western Australia to join their former teammates for the celebration.

“The night was an opportunity to recognise our life members, all committees, coaches, players, sponsors and volunteers,” said Burdekin FC President Laurence Dal Santo.

“From the early beginnings, the club has had strong membership and community spirit which has been achieved by our success on and off the field.

“As we look to the future, we have gone back to our original club colours of black and white for our playing strip which looks awesome.

“We continue to have the best ground in north Queensland and are looking at upgrading both our junior and senior amenities in the coming year.”

The night adopted a chat show format where emcees Michael Taylor and Monica Licciardello invited special guests to the stage to reflect on each decade of the club’s history, while ‘roving reporter’ Callan Sunderland ran amok interviewing members of the audience.

Hugh Montgomery and Richard Samwell were first to reflect on the club’s foundation years before Graeme Ferguson and Tracey Walker (Power) took to the stage to discuss 1983-1992, Felix Gabiola and Catherine West (Roncato) discussed 1993-2002, Michael Lequerica, Chris Achille and Emily Christie (Saxby) spoke on 2003-2012 and Angelo Licciardello, Kate Southern (Castelanelli), Lyndsay Gabiola and Maddison Dal Santo talked about the last decade.

Alan Chatfield and Mark Grasso spoke about the legacy of junior football at the club while Richard Samwell and Ramon Oar reflected on Masters.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin also took to the stage to congratulate the club.

“Burdekin FC has been an integral part of the community for the past 50 years, fostering unity, teamwork and a love for sports,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“The club has provided a platform for skill development, healthy competition, and social bonding. Their efforts have enhanced community spirit and brought joy to both young and old.

“On behalf of Council and the Burdekin community, I congratulate the thousands of people, including committee members, life members, club members, all players past and present, sponsors and supporters who have made the Burdekin FC one of the very successful sporting associations in the Burdekin.

“The dedication, passion and hard work have made the club a beacon of excellence, providing excellent facilities, great competitions and very importantly a welcoming, friendly environment to play either a competitive or social game.”

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Back row L-R Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin with the organising committee Callan Sunderland, Kyle Taylor, Joshua Valle, Kate Southern, Alison Oar, Ramon Oar, Michael Taylor, Laurence Dal Santo. Front row L-R Carla Dal Santo, Maddison Dal Santo, Monica Licciardello and Sian Reardon. Photo credit: Ruby Gorlick

Burdekin FC Life Members. Front row L-R Hugh Montgomery, Carlo Capuzzi, Gino Giachin, Charlie Nucifora, Richard Samwell, Beni Ballao, James McLean. Back row L-R Connor Johansen on behalf of Felix Siandri, Josh Valle on behalf of Ray Coppo, Michael Gabiola on behalf of Peter Gabiola, Noel Walker, Alan Chatfield, Graeme Ferguson, Graham Hutley and Ramon Oar. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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I’ve only lived in the Burdekin for a month and I’m already feeling pride for the region, but I can’t compare it to the pride I sense from the locals I meet every day.

Burdekin pride was well and truly on display last Saturday night at Burdekin FC’s 50 Year Gala Dinner, where those associated with the club gathered, some coming from as far as Western Australia, to celebrate the memories, achievements, and mateships of the club.

I loved the chat show format of the evening where emcees Michael Taylor and Monica Licciardello riffed through the night while Callan Sunderland roamed through the crowd trying to get old anecdotes out of the crowd members: the saucier, the better.

The room was full of love for Burdekin FC and the life members, committee and players clearly appreciated an opportunity to relive the memories.

It made me wonder if I’ll ever become a life member of a sporting organisation and based on what I saw on the weekend, I certainly hope I do.

Speaking of Burdekin pride, Gracie Hosie is back in town!

I’m sure many of you will be familiar with Gracie from her work with the Water Festival, Youth Council and her many other ventures while living in the Burdekin.

Gracie moved to Brisbane this year for university but has been helping me out this week with some work experience.

Make sure to keep an eye out for some of her stories in this edition and next.

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Burdekin’s local All Saints Anglican Church and Ladies Guild generously donated a total of twelve priest stoles to seasonal workers of the Solomon Islands.

Every Sunday morning, several Solomon Islanders, who travel to Ayr for seasonal work, take to the pews of Ayr’s All Saints Anglican Church to participate in services, donate to missions, and assist the parish in their worship. These small good deeds have not gone unseen, in fact, Karen Allen, the priest in charge, states, "Their presence in the church makes our worship so much more inclusive.”  

Over the years the group of seasonal workers has grown, and so has their presence in the church. Every Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening, the group performs their own service and have regularly expressed to the parish the challenges their community faces in locating resources and sacred items, such as stoles, for services back home.

Stoles are a silk vestment worn over the shoulders of a priest during service. In the calendar of Christianity there are four seasons, and within those four seasons, a priest’s stoles change from green, purple, red and white. Within the twelve stoles donated by the Parish and Ladies Guild, four sets were provided covering the Christian seasons and special occasions. The Solomon Islanders expressed great appreciation and are eager to bring home the stoles to their community parish.

The All Saints Anglican Church expresses great gratitude towards the participation of the Solomon Islanders and extends a welcoming invitation to all to their services each Sunday at 8:30am and Thursday at 9:00am.

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Photo supplied: Karen Allen

Following years of campaigning for a $2.86 million CT scanner at Ayr Hospital, the Minister for Health, Shannon Fentiman, has responded positively to requests by opening a Business Case submission on the matter.

A public letter outlining plans was sent last week with the Minister stating that she understands “that each rural community and its population needs are unique”.

“Each requires a tailored model in order to provide appropriate health care services to reduce the need for residents to travel for health care,” she said.

“We understand that health emergencies often happen outside of business hours, which is why it is so important that a CT scanner is available to Ayr locals through Queensland Health, 24 hours per day.”

Currently, there is one privately owned CT scanner at Ayr Diagnostic Imaging (ADI), and although this services the community during work hours, it is closed in the evenings.

As a result, up to 15 patients a week are transported to Townsville Hospital for emergency CT scans.

Most of these patients are suffering from symptoms of a stroke or a significant injury and they need to travel one hour to receive a CT scan.

They are largely transported to Townsville by the Ayr ambulance and a paramedic, which removes these valuable services from the region during that time.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said that while the recent news from the Health Minister is a step in the right direction, “we won’t hear the sound of champagne corks popping, yet”.

“The celebrations are definitely on hold until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans here in Ayr - that’s when we will know we have succeeded,” he said.

“By acknowledging the importance of a CT scanner 24 hours a day, the Minister has indicated that we have proven a need for the scanner and that is always a difficult hurdle to clear.

“It is an acknowledgement that would not have happened without community support.”

“We aren’t across the finish line and, rather than celebrating, I’ll be focussing on ensuring community support is maintained.  

“The fact that we already have staff who can operate the scanner means we have a strong business case, but it still comes down to a decision by the Minister.”

Ayr Hospital is the largest level three facility in Queensland currently without a CT scanner.

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Health Minister responds to requests for a $2.86 million CT scanner at Ayr Hospital. Photo: Stock image

During this month's Parliamentary session, Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, delivered an impassioned speech directed towards the Federal Government. His address focused on the recent prohibition of commercial gillnet fishing.

In a display of frustration, the MP vehemently expressed his concern that the Federal Government's actions are stripping away the livelihoods and economic opportunities of over 90 licensed fishermen in the North Queensland region.

“In June, a joint media release from Federal and Queensland Governments have said they’re going to ban gillnet fishing… no consultation with the community, no consultation with our fishermen, and short time frames! This is going to happen by the end of this year,” Mr Willcox said.

“I was talking to one of these fishermen, and he happened to have a daughter who’s in grade 12, a straight A student who wants to go to university to become a doctor, a GP, and we certainly need more of those in rural and regional Australia.

“And now, with the stroke of a pen from Canberra, this dream is being taken away. It’s absolutely disgraceful!”

Mr Willcox also questioned Parliament about the effects on the communities, detailing that it’s not just the fishermen’s lives who would be negatively impacted.

“As we know, the fishermen operate in a tough environment, out in the sun and out in the salt. So, they need a lot of shackles, ropes, floats, anchors, all those sorts of things. Without this, the chandlery shops are going to go out of business, and the ice producers.

“The boatbuilders, the repairers, they’re all going to go out of business. The outboard sales and service, going out of business.

“When you take the supply out, the price will go up. So, then, we’ll be relying on more imported fish. So, rather than having fish from our pristine waters… we’ll be importing lesser-quality fish, and prices will be skyrocketing!”

Mr Willcox exclaimed that he will “not be taking this lying down” and has written to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, on this issue.

“I’m calling on Minister Plibersek to come to my electorate, do some community consultation, talk to the fishermen, have a discussion, and see how the fishermen fish!”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following story contains images and names of deceased persons.

Ayr man Billy Smallwood was reported missing on Monday, October 17 with Queensland Police confirming on Tuesday, October 18 that he had been located deceased.

Queensland Police reported that Mr Smallwood was last seen around 10:40pm on October 12 at a Cameron Street address.

Mr Smallwood spoke to family on the phone at 1:00pm the following day and had not been seen or heard from since.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

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Ayr man Billy Smallwood

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Home Hill State High School was broken into over the weekend with the Department of Education confirming the break-in occurred overnight on Sunday, October 15, with damage discovered to the school property on Monday morning.

The incident caused much inconvenience to the school as it was to celebrate its Sports Recognition Parade on Monday morning, forcing the Parade to be postponed to this morning, Thursday, October 19 at 8:45am.

Access to the office was also limited, meaning the school was unable to accept payments and take queries throughout the day.

“The school’s administration building suffered damage to windows and interior furniture such as filing cabinets,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education said.

“No classrooms were affected, and lessons continued as normal.

“The Queensland Police Service has been contacted and the Department will continue to work closely with them as investigations continue.”

Administration staff were relocated to another area of the school while police investigated and cleaning and repairs were undertaken, although regular office administration resumed by Monday afternoon.

“Schools are important community assets that deserve to be protected,” the spokesperson said.

“We want the community to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity to police or contact the School Watch hotline 13 17 88.”

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On Sunday October 15, a team of seven Home Hill State High School students were named state champions for the Opti-MINDS media communications category. The students travelled to Brisbane on Friday the 13th after winning the regional level competition, automatically qualifying the team for the state finals where they competed against schools across the state.

Opti-MINDS is a program that is offered to kids in school between preschool to year twelve, providing the opportunity to embark on a proposed challenge in one of the four categories: Language literature, media communications, science engineering and social sciences.

When competing in the regional competition the students were given six weeks to prepare a solution to a proposed stimulus, whilst at the state competition the team only had a total of three hours to tackle the prompt; “influence has its own voice”. One of the team's favourite parts of the solution process was “the light bulb moment one of us had to then kick start our solution process,” Martina Bojack stated. The team’s ten minute presentation was marked on humour, creativity, audience engagement and unpredictability, all areas the students successfully excelled in.

The team had a number of support networks who assisted in sponsoring travel and guiding the team through this opportunity.

“We would like to thank Ms Flynn, Mrs Young and Mr Kingma as well as the local organisations and businesses that assisted with the cost of our travel,” said Jacob Machin on behalf of the team.

The school and the region are extremely proud of the students' efforts and to have walked away as state champions is more than what the students were expecting to get out of this experience.

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Ms Victoria Flynn (Facilitator), Saelym White, Mitchell Cooke, Sean Phayre-Leung (Holding the state trophy), Martin Bojack (Holding the regional trophy), Jasmine Styles, Jacob Machin and Lucy Young. Photo Credit: Gracie Hosie