Former Queensland Senator and Burdekin Shire Councillor Ian MacDonald AM was presented with his Australian Honours in Townsville in September after being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division in June.

Mr MacDonald was one of 157 Queenslanders to be recognised in The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List “For significant service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to local government, and to the community of Northern Australia.”

He was presented with his award at an Investiture Ceremony in Townsville on Friday, September 22 by The Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.

“To each of the 157 Queensland honourees in the King’s first Birthday Honours – congratulations,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“It is no small feat to be selected for such an esteemed list, so each recipient should be proud of their achievements.

“The 2023 cohort represent some of the best Queensland has to offer across the fields of healthcare, music, science and the public service.

“Our honourees now leave a lasting legacy for the people of Queensland and for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was also quick to congratulate Mr MacDonald, speaking in Parliament in August.

“Dawson is the home of some amazing people,” he said.

“The Honourable Ian MacDonald AM dedicated his life to the people and Parliament of Australia.”

Mr MacDonald served as a councillor from 1979 to 1990 and was instrumental in renaming the Shire of Ayr to the Shire of Burdekin.

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Ian MacDonald AM. Photo supplied: Governor of Queensland

For well over 30 years, the graduating class of Ayr State High School have been giving back to their local community with the yearly visit during Graduation week to the Regis Ayr Aged Home.  

Students look forward to the opportunity each year to spend the morning with the residents.  

A morning of singing Christmas carols, exchanging Christmas cards with the residents and morning tea is a highlight for both the students and the residents.  

Usually some of the students have family members at the Home which make the visit even more special and again this year that was the case.

It is important for the students as they enter the world beyond the school gate that they have a sense of who has come before them and who are the people in our community that we need to acknowledge and pay respect to.  

In this visit, our students show that they are equipped to be the next generation to take their place in our community.  

Well done students and a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Regis Ayr Aged Home for continuing to support this long held tradition.  

Contributed by Ayr State High School

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Ayr State High School’s graduating class performed Christmas carols at Regis Ayr Aged Home last week. Photos supplied

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With a brand-new premise and over 90 per cent brand-new gym equipment at Get Fit Home Hill, the community were eager to get a glimpse of the new location at the gym’s open day last weekend.

Proud owners, Yvette and Christian Lando were thrilled to welcome many new faces and grateful to some of their existing members for volunteering their time on the day to help show people around.

“We were overjoyed and overwhelmed by the support we received on the day,” said Yvette.

“We have such friendly staff and members, it’s like the ‘cheers bar’ of gyms and hosting the open day allowed everyone to come in and see we are not aliens!

“They could also see all the hard work that we’ve put into the place.”

Ten months in the making, the expansion represents the latest growth in the business which has seen memberships double in the three years since Yvette and Christian took over.

Proud to be delivering a people-focussed, friendly, and vibrant gym to the community, the couple are thrilled to now welcome new and existing members to the new location.

Fitted out with brand new equipment, everyone enjoyed trialling the new pieces of machinery over the weekend with the squat belt machine, Verve Air Runner, and Ski-Erg among the favourites at the open day.

There were also lucky dip prizes up for grabs where attendees could pick a mystery ticket – orange meant they received a prize and red resulted in an exercise-based forfeit.

Great fun for everyone involved the open day was an opportunity for everyone to see the community spirit that abounds at the gym.

Get Fit Home Hill are also proud to host regular Boot Camps and the new premise allows for extra space in a dedicated adjacent area where all group training will take place.

The future is looking bright at Get Fit Home Hill and they would love to welcome you to join them too.

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Proud owners of Get Fit Home Hill, Yvette and Christian Lando. Photo supplied

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With Christmas just around the corner, the Burdekin is rolling out the welcome mat for your family, friends, and extended crew to experience the holiday season Burdekin style.

Picture this: a beachside barbecue, laughter, waterpark adventures, and leisurely strolls through the town. The Burdekin truly has something for everyone, making it the ultimate destination for a festive and memorable Christmas.

Start your adventure by exploring the local shops, where hidden gems and unique treasures await. Whether you're on the lookout for that perfect Christmas gift or just need a bit of retail therapy, you'll discover a variety of options that will leave you anything but empty-handed. From boutiques to markets, the Burdekin shopping scene adds a touch of local charm to your holiday experience.

And let's talk about the feast! When it comes to dining, the Burdekin is a foodie's paradise. From seafood joints serving up the freshest catches to international cuisine or even a pub feed, our array of restaurants, pubs, and cultural dining spots cater to everyone.

So, what's the plan? Round up the relatives, get them packing, and let's turn this into a Burdekin Christmas for the books. Whether you're a waterpark lover, a beach lover, a shopper extraordinaire, or a connoisseur of good food, the Burdekin boasts a Christmas celebration that ticks all the boxes.

Let the festive countdown begin, my family and I will be enjoying the Burdekin's unique holiday spirit. Let's make this holiday season one to remember in the heart of the Burdekin. Remember to eat, drink and stay safe this holiday season.

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Did you know that Council is not only responsible for providing essential services and facilities to the community, but also for ensuring that the development of the Burdekin Shire is sustainable and compliant with relevant legislation and regulations?

Council’s Planning and Development team plays a vital role by overseeing various aspects of planning and building development control. The team assess and determine applications for new planning developments, building works including plumbing and drainage as well as inspect new and existing pools to make sure they meet the safety standards and achieve a perfect 100% compliance rate with the pool fencing legislation.

Council adopted a new Planning Scheme in late 2022 which commenced in March this year and is expected to guide the future growth and development of the Shire over the next ten (10) or so years, in accordance with the Planning Act 2016.

The 2022/23 financial year was a busy year, with Council granting 39 planning approvals as well as issuing over 370 building works and plumbing and drainage approvals.  The volume of applications received for the first quarter of 2023/2024 indicates the team is in for another busy year.

Council's Planning and Development team is committed to delivering a high-quality service to the community, ensuring that the Burdekin Shire remains a great place to live, work, play, visit and invest.

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Burdekin Printers is a local institution having been in operation for over twenty years, with new owners Danae and Jason Richards taking over in the past 21 months.

The business provides an extensive range of services including but not limited to digital and press printing, large format printing, plan and poster printing, business signage, plastic, wire, coil and perfect binding.

They also offer corflute and skybond signs, all custom stickers and frames, mine vehicle magnets, boat and vehicle stickers, wedding stationery, flyers, booklets and brochures, vinyl and paper event banners and business cards.

Known for its quality and precision, Burdekin Printers also provides photo restoration, photocopying, canvas printing, graphic design, laminating, laser cutting and engraving, a scanning and emailing service and shirt and cap printing.

They also stock stationery, ink and laser cartridges and office furniture as well as merchandise such as stubby coolers, coasters, labels and self-inking stamps.

If you are looking for school sports tees, polos or work shirts they are also available at Burdekin Printers.

The team are continuously meeting the needs of customers by evolving their business, providing a one-stop shop and if they don’t have something in store, they strive to source it for their customers.

Over two decades ago, the business started with a commercial printer and a small amount of stationery. They have diversified significantly since then and this year alone, they added trophies, engraving and laser cutting.

Customer service is a number one priority for Burdekin Printers, as they continue to shuffle through jobs and call-in extra staff to cover any urgencies that may come in, as well as getting orders completed on-time.

“Seeing our wonderful customers thank us several times or call in with small gifts like flowers and chocolates to show their appreciation of what we have done for them makes all the staff feel we have made a difference to them in some small way.”

Burdekin Printers thanks their loyal customers for the continued support, wishing everyone a safe, wonderful Christmas.

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The Crucial Role Of Supporting Local Business

In the beating heart of our regional Aussie communities, a commitment to "shop local," build community ties, and champion small businesses is the real deal. As our outback towns navigate the twists and turns of the economic landscape, these principles emerge as the backbone, strengthening the foundations of sustainable growth.

The call to "shop local" isn't just a catchphrase; it's a shout-out to support our own. When we choose the corner store over the big chain, we're giving a leg-up to our local legends. It's about more than grabbing your essentials; it's about keeping our dollars local, supporting our mates, and ensuring our towns stay true to their unique character. Our small businesses are the unsung heroes, offering products as diverse as our landscapes and adding a dash of local flavour to the mix.

Connecting with the community isn't just good; it's a strategic move for our regional businesses. Whether it's a chat with the pub owner or sponsoring the local footy team, building relationships goes a long way. It's not just about transactions; it's about creating a tight-knit crew that sticks together through thick and thin, making our Aussie towns resilient in the face of challenges.

Backing our small businesses isn't charity; it's an investment in the heart and soul of our regional communities. These local legends are the backbone of our towns, creating jobs and stability. When we choose the local mechanic or the family-owned grocery store, we're putting our money where it matters – in the pockets of our neighbours and friends.

In the vast expanse of our country, the strength of regional Aussie communities lies in the collective support of local businesses. As we champion the principles of "shop local," community connection, and small business backing, we're not just making transactions; we're fortifying the heart of our Aussie towns. This ensures a robust and interconnected regional economy that stands tall, showcasing the resilience and mateship that defines the true spirit of Australia's heartland.

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For over 20 years, Selections has been ensuring the very best range of home and kitchen wares and gifts for the Burdekin, under the watchful eye of owner operator, Marisa Zanella.

Steeped in history, the business was founded more than 50 years ago when Marisa’s parents originally established it as a giftshop specialising in Italian gift lines.

It was then known as Amore’s Gift Inn.

Marisa has since taken over the reins and prides herself on the diverse range of products she stocks.

“Quality cookware is what I love to use myself, so it excites me to be the stockist of great brands like Scanpan, Global knives, Swiss Diamond, Cole & Mason and the fabulous Dreamfarm collection, are just some of my favourites.”

“With Christmas fast approaching we have you covered for your pudding steamers, trifle bowls, cookie cutters and fondants, ham bags, cake tins,” Marisa explained.

“Do you need to replace the glassware you broke last Christmas?  Maybe another platter, or cheeseboard would be handy? Pop in and have a look at our range of tableware and barware.”

Selections’ range includes an extensive offering of gifts and homewares, including candles, diffusers, personal care items like spa and pampering products, baby gifts, toys, and milestone gifts.

Marisa and her team ensure the best shopping experience for all their customers.

“We are here to help you, our customers, to service our community and to help keep the retail business alive in our town,” she explained.

“This is a great community, and we want it to keep thriving. We love it when people walk in and simply enjoy browsing around and discovering all the lines that we carry.”

“As an independently owned and managed business, I am able to source stock that best meets our customers’ requirements. Chain store managers don’t have this freedom,” she explained.

“My staff and I listen to our customers and try our best to meet our customers’ needs. We want to offer our service and product knowledge to our customers to make their shopping experience as easy as possible.

“Our free gift-wrapping service means that the customer leaves happily with a beautifully wrapped gift.”

And what is Marisa’s motto:

“Be it, practical or personal you’ll find something at Selections”.

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Marisa Zanella, Sharon Bozzetto, Marie Montafia, Fiona Stenning and Stacey Lawson of Selections

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Stacey & Stacey Optometrists

With a history steeped in health and patient wellbeing, it is no surprise that the Ayr Stacey & Stacey Optometrist’s clinic has been so well received in the Burdekin community.

Focusing on ensuring the very best for every single one of their patients is an easy task for the Stacey & Stacey Ayr team.

Comprising of Sarah and Abbie, with dedicated optometrist Monthon, the Ayr branch runs like a well-oiled machine with cutting-edge technology and procedures that keep the residents of Burdekin looking and seeing best.

Established in Ayr in 2015, Stacey & Stacey Optometrists initially began in 1919 in Townsville.

“Over time we have moved with our valued customers in terms of the optometry services we provide and the eyewear brands we present – reflecting changing tastes, attitudes and access to leading brands from around the world,” explained Sarah Papale, Optical Consultant with Stacey & Stacey Ayr.

“We appreciate how important vision is for Australians, especially people in our local community. So we are always happy to see someone looking after their eye health and feeling confident in new glasses,” Sarah said.

With comprehensive eye care and extensive procedures, Stacey & Stacey Ayr caters to every single resident.

“We offer full eye test services to clients of all ages, helping when spectacles are needed to find the right fit and style at the right budget. We also offer contact lens appointments and fittings for new and existing wearers. We are also here to help with adjusting of glasses and repairs as well,” Sarah said.

“We are a proud part of the Ayr and Burdekin communities, being optometry led we offer great eye care services plus the latest technology in quality lenses and leading brands. Offering Medicare bulk billed eye tests is convenient for customers plus we have great offers that can make getting that special pair of glasses a little bit easier.”

Local to the Burdekin, you can be rest assured that your eye care is in capable and confident hands, by practitioners who know what they’re talking about.

“We have the pleasure of seeing a variety of different people with individual needs, so having a can-do approach is great for us and our customers.”

See the Stacey & Stacey Optometrists Ayr team in store before Dec 31 to enjoy $100 off frames (terms & conditions apply, see www.staceyandstacey.com.au for more details).

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Sarah Papale and Monthon Naksri of Stacey & Stacey Optometrists

North Queensland Water Task Force Present To Ayr Chamber Of Commerce

The future of the Burdekin Falls Dam was the point of the discussion this week as Ayr Chamber of Commerce held their monthly networking event at Home Hill News and Coffee on Wednesday, November 21.

Members of the North Queensland Water Task Force were invited to discuss their advocacy for raising the dam wall by 14.6 metres as opposed to the current proposal from Sunwater to raise the wall by two metres.

“North Queensland Water Task Force reached out wanting to provide their opinion on what the Burdekin Falls Dam Stage 2 project is,” said Ayr Chamber of Commerce President Leigh Kefford.

“We hear about the Government’s stance and Burdekin Shire Council’s so this is a different perspective for the members to think about.”

North Queensland Water Task Force Member Barry Lowe said the group is focused on promoting the “real” completion of Burdekin Falls Dam Stage 2 by raising the wall 14.6 metres.

“If they raise the wall by two metres, they will ruin the dam, because effectively you’ll have to cut off the two metres to raise it again,” he said.

“The two-metre raising is going to increase the storage by about 500,000 megalitres, but if you raise it by the 14.6 metres it was designed and built for, it will increase the storage by over 6 million megalitres and give all that capacity for flood mitigation, because the big floods will come.

“It opens up more areas to irrigation then you’ve got certainty of water and certainty of production.

“Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth, it’s the lowest and flattest, why are we not a nation of dam builders?”

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin also spoke about the Council’s opposition to raising the wall by 14.6 metres, citing economic and environmental concerns.

“Council’s position is that we publicly oppose the 14.6m metres,” she said.

“Our priority is the future and the businesses of the Lower Burdekin.”

Ayr Chamber of Commerce will hold its next networking event and Christmas breakup at Blinds 2 U in Home Hill from 6:00pm, Thursday, December 7.

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North Queensland Water Task Force Member Barry Lowe and Ayr Chamber of Commerce President Leigh Kefford

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After a three-year hiatus, the annual Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend is back and better than ever.

Planning this mammoth weekend of non-stop fishing is Russ McCabbin, who is excited to see the event return.

“Everything is back on track, and this will be an unbelievable weekend,” he said.

The event takes place at the Bowen Foreshore and features a fantastic fishing competition with two chances to win big money in each category.

With 14 different species of fish on the competition list, there is something for everyone, and two specialty prize pools per category.

The participant with the heaviest catch will be rewarded and there will also be a prize for whoever’s catch is closest to the ‘secret’ weight, so you never know if you’ll win big.

Entrants will also be divided into age categories to keep it fair.

While the fishing is the main drawcard, so too is the exciting family entertainment.

There will be live music from The Crack Up Sisters, Sweet Alibis, and Paul Samuels, plus a free dance lesson, amusement park, fireworks, Dash for Cash, and even a sandcastle building competition.

With so much on offer and prizes donated from local businesses worth a good chunk of change, “Everyone will be walking out with a big smile!”

Over previous years, the event attracted over 10,000 people to Bowen and organisers are expecting big numbers of visitors once again.

“This year will be the 29th year of the event,” Russ said.

“And we even have special guest Barefoot Fisherman, Hodgie, (David Hodge) coming on Sunday for the weigh in and a few competitions.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was fantastic that the Bowen Family Fishing Classic was being held again this year.

“This event has not been held since 2019 and we are very pleased that the organisers are making it happen again in 2023,” she said.

“It will provide a great economic boost for Bowen and attracts people from the surrounding areas.

“It is great for all ages and the community really gets behind it. It is expected to be a fun-filled weekend and it is right at the beginning of the school holidays, so we are expecting a bumper weekend in Bowen, right before Christmas.”

WHAT: Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend

WHERE: Front Beach Esplanade and Bowen Soundshell

WHEN: Saturday 9 December and Sunday December 10

TICKETS: Available through various businesses around Bowen, including Mitre 10, Bowen Outdoors, and Grandview Liquor Barn.

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the fishing event of the year is back on! Photos supplied

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Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held its November Social and Networking Event last Wednesday, November 15 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club, inviting special guests to address the business community.

The topic of discussion at this month’s meeting was sugar pricing, with cane grower Max Musumeci and Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Grower Relationship Manager Russell Campbell invited to discuss the industry.

“We just wanted to give growers in the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce a bit of an update on the role QSL plays in the industry and how we help growers with their forward pricing, trying to make it easier for growers to make sure they’re making sustainable pricing decisions in the long term,” Mr Campbell said.

“It was good to talk to the Chamber about how important it is for growers to be able to do forward pricing but also how complicated it is.

“QSL’s looking on track to pay $350 million to growers in the Burdekin region this year, so that money largely goes back to the families and the businesses in the community.

“There were some great questions and, at the end of the day, the more information we can get out into the community around this opportunity, the better.”

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Secretary Robert Antoniazzi said it was a good opportunity for members of the Home Hill business community to understand the industry that keeps our region thriving.

“Some businesses have been involved in the sugar industry for years and years, but don’t realise that the farmers have to price their own sugar, that they’ve got a choice of marketing agents between QSL and Wilmar, so for that fact alone, I thought it was good to get Max and QSL,” he said.

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce will hold its last Social and Networking Event of the year on Wednesday, December 20 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club from 5:30pm where John and Lisa Furnell of Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club have been invited as guest speakers.

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Councillor and cane grower Max Musumeci, QSL Grower Services Graduate Hugh Leeson-Smith, QSL Grower Relationship Manager Russell Campbell and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Secretary Robert Antoniazzi

Home Hill State High School students were granted the opportunity to attend the James Cook University UniX event earlier this week.

20 Year 8 Home Hill State High School students were able to attend the UniX Year 8 event, which helps students identify and construct their ideal futures, aid them in making constructive choices for their school students to achieve their goals, and promote positive learning pathways post-secondary school.

The students were able to sample a range of different subjects, including medicine, nursing, science, engineering, education, social sciences, business, law, and the creative arts, with activities designed to develop and build student experience of their possible futures.

UniX Year 8 also includes comprehensive workplace experiences, so that students can ‘taste’ their potential careers and workplaces.

UniX Year 8 is designed to engage with students prior to selecting their Year 9 and 10 elective subjects, which often determines the tertiary pathway they wish to pursue.

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20 Home Hill State High Hill School students at the JCU UniX event. Photo supplied

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The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is an annual international campaign that runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The above campaign provides an opportunity for us all to challenge the values, attitudes, behaviours and beliefs that lead to Domestic and Family Violence.

Globally, one in three women experience physical and sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner.  Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violences.  Since the outbreak of COVID-19, evidence shows that all gender-based violence, particularly domestic violence, has escalated.

In Australia to date in 2023, 58 women have been killed by an intimate partner or person known to them.

Locally, during the above timeframe, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc will engage in the following activities to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls.

• Place a banner on St Francis School’s fence

• Display Orange ladies in the Ayr Police Station, Library, Dr Tata’s Surgery in Home Hill, and the Ayr Medical Centre

• Water in Ayr’s town fountain will be orange

The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc’s goal during the 16 Days of Activism is to send a clear message that Family and Domestic Violence will not be tolerated in our community.  Zonta envisages a world where no woman lives in fear of violence.

The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc encourages the Burdekin community to participate in the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Violence against women is a complex issue and is perpetrated in many ways.  We cannot solve the issue alone, so please join us in saying NO.

Contributed by Judy Mitchell, Advocacy Committee Chair, Zonta Club Burdekin Inc

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Charles Ford, Inez Larsen, Rob Ritchie, Lyn McLaughlin, Rob Radal and Allan Barber

Back Row L-R: Jenny Andrews, Lynn Butterworth, Isabel Stubbs, Louise Pivotto, Margaret Culpan, Rachel Cornelius and Jan Stirling. Middle Row: Judy Sgarbossa and Inez Larsen. Front Row: Debbie Watson, Karen Clarke, Kathy Jensen, Judy Mitchell, Raelene Grantz and Arina Rada

Photos supplied

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With a wealth of experience exceeding 45 years collectively, the team of John, Kylie, Cassandra, Kathryn and Louise, Elders Insurance Ayr are committed to delivering tailored insurance advice backed by personal service to local communities across Northern Queensland.

Elders Insurance Ayr are known for their support of local farmers, businesses, and the community, which John attributes to the team’s longstanding local history.

“We don’t just work here; we call this place home. With a heritage spanning well over a century, Elders Insurance Ayr has been a consistent, trusted partner, assisting local individuals and businesses with their insurance needs.”

With an extensive network of insurance specialists stationed across more than 200 locations in rural, regional, and metropolitan Australia, John underlines the value of local expertise through Elders Insurance.

"When you engage with Elders Insurance Ayr, you can be confident that you are dealing with a team deeply rooted in your community," John states.

"Our local team are well-versed in current market conditions and genuinely care about the well-being of our community. It's reassuring to have someone in your corner who understands your situation and works with you to devise the best solutions."

Elders Insurance boasts a proud history of supporting rural communities, recognising the unique nature of every farm, business, and home, supporting the diverse requirements of our customers. This is why our insurance products are flexible, designed to accommodate a wide range of circumstances and risks.

“Working with your local experts will prove invaluable, as our team invests the time to understand your individual needs, ensuring that you have the right coverage and safeguards in place.

“If you ever need to file a claim, you’ll deal with the same local team, providing personalised support throughout the process. You can trust that our team will do their best to secure the best possible outcome for you.”

Whether you require coverage for your farm, home, business, car or machinery we strongly advise seeking professional guidance. Elders Insurance Ayr collaborate closely with our clients to tailor coverage that aligns with your precise needs.

Contact your local Elders Insurance office today at 07 4790 2600 or visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au.

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Kylie and Cassandra of Elders Insurance Ayr

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