It’s been over six months since the last drop of fuel was sold in Home Hill, but the wait is now over with a newly refurbished service station opening on Eighth Avenue.

United Service Station Home Hill has been trading since Friday, October 27 and was officially opened by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Councillors Kaylee Boccalatte, John Furnell and Max Musumeci on Friday, November 10.

The former BP site was purchased in April before undergoing a substantial expansion and refurbishment.

“Seeing a redundant site sitting here, there was an opportunity for us to come in and provide something for the local community again,” said United Petroleum Group Manager Fred Noack.

“It provides an actual place to stop in Home Hill for the travellers as well.

“We had to go through a few things to do the expansion project that we did, especially with doubling the retail space and making sure everything was spot on to deliver what we wanted.”

The new service station will employ around 12 staff, including local staff from the previous station and new hires from the community.

“It also gives an opportunity for some local youngsters to come in and get some part time work without having to rely on travelling over the bridge,” Mr Noack said.

“The local community have been very accepting.

“The numbers are well above what we predicted, and feedback has been sensational.”

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said it was a pleasure to open the new service station in Home Hill last week.

“It is exciting for the residents and travellers to have a new service station in Home Hill,” she said.

“This will provide a wide variety of goods, more convenience and economic opportunities for residents and visitors.

“The new service station will create jobs and support local businesses.

“I congratulate the owners and staff of the service station for their hard work and dedication.”

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L-R United Petroleum Group Manager Fred Noack, Franchisee Raj Akkeneni and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Locals celebrated the opening of the new Home Hill service station last Friday

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

In regions like the Burdekin, the smallest communities can have the biggest hearts, and the Kalamia State School community is proving that this Christmas.

The school’s P&C holds an annual Monster Christmas Raffle and, while organising donations from local businesses for the raffle, it became clear that there were families in the community who were in need.

“The people who would benefit from the hamper that we’re raffling off are those who can’t afford to buy the raffle tickets,” said parent Amie Griggs.

“The P&C got together and decided to do up some non-perishable hampers for anyone in need within the Burdekin community.

“Everything donated will go back to the community this year; nothing will be kept for future raffles or hampers.”

The P&C is currently accepting donations of non-perishables food items, gift vouchers, Christmas items, gifts or household items, personal hygiene items, toiletries and cleaning items.

The school is working with a Chaplain, Gwen, who is also involved in the Salvation Army and other community organisations and will direct the hampers where needed, although the school is also asking the community to let them know if they know of a family or persons that are in need this Christmas.

Donations can be taken to Kalamia State School, Burdekin Funerals or dropped to the P&C President Rebekah by texting 0419 040 040.

Rebekah will also pick up click & collect from Coles or Woolworths by prior arrangement.

Monster Christmas Raffle tickets will also be on sale and donations can be made in front of Woolworths on November 15, 16, 18, 22 and 28.

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Payton Stephenson, Claire Griggs and Clayton Griggs. Photo supplied

Queensland schools now have the option to opt for a four-day school week from term 1 2024, with new procedures set in place by the Queensland Department of Education.

The updated policy, effective from January 22, 2024, applies to all Queensland state schools, and outlines the responsibilities and processes for making changes to school hours in state schools.

“The Department of Education has updated its policy to ensure a consistent approach when schools are contemplating changes to school hours,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education said.

“Any changes to school hours must occur in consultation with the school community including parents, staff, students, and other key stakeholders and be approved by a Regional Director.”

Changes that schools can suggest include changes to school hours, such as altering start and end times of the school day, the length of the school day, the number of school days in a week or a fortnight, or a combination of the aforementioned.

Each school must hold a trial period, minimum of one term, to test the feasibility of the changes, before the change is implanted permanently.

The Department of Education will provide approval prior to any school commencing consultation on changes to school hours,” the spokesperson said.

“It will also review the outcome of consultation prior to considering the approval for a trial of modified school hours. Consultation will consider a range of factors with the overwhelming focus of ensuring students are actively engaged in learning for the whole school week. Changes can only occur where the school community determines it provides benefits for students and families.”

Regarding supervision, schools must provide appropriate supervision for students who are at school before the day begins and afterwards.

The spokesperson said, “It is expected that all Queensland state schools continue to operate for five days a week and the new policy does not give schools a green light to implement a four-day week.”

I actively work to shape our community’s future. Whether this be through research and questions or providing ideas and engaging with the community, I am dedicated to making a positive impact.

While the larger projects and initiatives, such as infrastructure improvements (e.g. water reservoirs, Macroalgae Bioremediation facility, and the new industrial estate) are fundamental, it is important to focus on the smaller yet equally important aspects of community life.

Recently, I had the honour of speaking with another young cohort at one of the fantastic programs run by the Burdekin PCYC. I really enjoy engaging with the youth. While I am not convinced I’m any good at it, I’ll show up and do my best with the hope that by telling my story and providing some of the advice and lessons I have learned, I can inspire one person to believe in themselves. The advice – work hard, prepare and don’t be afraid of failure. The Burdekin PCYC runs some pretty incredible programs, and we are lucky to have such a dedicated group in our community.

We have also had some wonderful community events on the calendar recently. From the Outdoor Movie Night, Seniors Luncheon, and the Kickoff the Conversation evening to the host of Home Hill Harvest Festival events as well as a range of Awards nights, openings and various showcases there is always something to do in the Burdekin. These events form part of the fabric of our community and we are incredibly fortunate to have so many locals dedicating their time to making them possible.

As part of my duties, I am the council-nominated director of Lower Burdekin Water (LBW). LBW replenishes groundwater across the Shire. Did you know, the Burdekin groundwater area is considered the largest replenished coastal aquifer in Australia? LBW has commenced construction of a new river pumping station at Warrens Gully Home Hill to upgrade its system capacity. The $11.5 million project is on track for completion by December 2023.

As always, it has been eventful and rewarding serving the Burdekin Community. Thank you for the privilege of being one of your elected members.

Did you know that Burdekin Shire Council is one of 19 Reef Guardian Councils?

The Reef Guardian Council program is a partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and local governments that aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility for the reef. The program showcases the achievements and initiatives of councils and their communities in protecting and enhancing the reef.

As a Reef Guardian Council, Council actively takes part in efforts to reduce the impact of human activities on the Great Barrier Reef. Council's Reef Action Plan outlines a range of strategies and initiatives designed to promote sustainability, protect water quality, and conserve the ecosystems of the reef.

Council collaborates with Tangora Blue for reef clean-ups and have augmented renewable energy production through the installation of 30Kw and 100Kw solar systems. Annually, Council provides a comprehensive report detailing our actions and showcasing progress.

Council is committed to working together today for a healthier Reef tomorrow. To download a copy of Council’s Reef Guardian Action Plan, visit Council’s website at burdekin.qld.gov.au.

For over 10 years Burdekin Hearing has been looking after the health of locals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to hear clearly and easily with a range of devices and a thorough testing system that can identify issues for any patient.

Sarah Logan took over the business in 2019 and later that year when the pandemic took over the world, she had to change her business model, opening an alternative site at the Home Hill Surgery.

This decision was serendipitous, as it opened the door for Burdekin Hearing to ultimately expand its services to both sides of the river.

“COVID made us seek an alternative location whilst community centres were temporarily closed,” she explained.

“We now have clinic locations on either side of the Burdekin River which makes it a lot easier for clients to receive our services.”

They now operate clinics in both Home Hill and Ayr.

Sarah resides in the Whitsundays where she also owns and operates Whitsunday Hearing.

She travels to the Burdekin every fortnight where she looks after her local clients.

On staff, Sarah has one clinician and three support staff working across the sites.

Priding herself on a high level of personal service, Sarah and the rest of her team deeply care about healthy hearing and helping their patients live the most comfortable life.

“Each hearing loss is unique as is each client,” said Sarah.

“We take an individualised approach, rather than one size fits all to help you gain better quality of life through better hearing and communications with loved ones.”

Burdekin Hearing provides hearing tests and hearing devices to both private clients and pensioners/DVA recipients.

Fully or partially subsidised devices can also be provided to eligible people through the Hearing Services Program.

They also offer workplace hearing tests and testing of children from the ages of four and above.

If you are finding it hard to hear clearly in social settings or are constantly turning the television up, then perhaps it is time you got a hearing test – you will be amazed at how good hearing can transform your life.

Call Sarah and her team on 4946 4906 today.

The trusted faces behind NextGen Renewables are here to make your shed, patio, deck, and carport dreams a reality with their unique custom designs that are a popular choice for property owners across the region.

Owned and operated by locals, Duncan Kerr and Mark Vass, the pair are both skilled and experienced builders whose quality techniques are highly sought after.

Launching the business six years ago, they began selling ground mounts for large solar systems on farms, but the company soon diversified to encompass a range of large steel buildings and structures.

“Between us, we have well over 20 years of experience in the steel manufacturing and shed industry, this has allowed us to refine our shed design down to a bit of an art. Our focus is on buildings that are designed and built top last in North Queensland’s harsh conditions. ” explained Duncan.

“We’re not part of any franchise, we work with our own design program which means we have been able to develop our own shed design and can create custom buildings to suit any of our client’s needs.”

Utilising only the best materials, NextGen use Australian Blue Scope Steel as their standard choice for construction works.

They also offer a more premium product called ZAM, which is a Japanese steel that is highly corrosion resistant, perfect for coastal regions.

Being locally owned and independent also means that NextGen work closely with local suppliers and subcontractors.

For example, windows for sheds are sourced and manufactured from Durrants in Brandon.

From the moment you call NextGen you will receive a personal service, beginning with a consultation with Duncan, where they will establish the type of structure you are looking to build, its purpose and its size.

Someone from the NextGen team will then conduct an initial site visit and then oversee everything from the design, engineering, Council application, concrete slab and build.

This year, NextGen has diversified its offering once again, launching a roof insulation arm to the business. They are offering two insulations products which are suitable for both sheds and also housing or commercial projects.

The insulation has their own product branding and is proving very popular.

If you are looking for a trusted, reliable, and experienced company to build your shed, ground mounted solar stand, deck, patio, or carport, look no further than NextGen.

For more information call Duncan on 0409 578 720.

For four decades, Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning (trading as Laser Electrical Ayr) has stood tall as a testament to local and family business success.

Established and still run by Burdekin locals Richard and Karen Bonato, the essence of Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning lies in its deep-rooted commitment to the community.

From supporting numerous local sporting clubs and groups to providing over 100 apprenticeships in electrical and air conditioning, the Bonato family exemplifies the spirit of community engagement.

Over the years, Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning has evolved from its origins in electrical and air conditioning to offer a comprehensive suite of services.

Beyond traditional offerings, the company specialises in solar, data, refrigeration, and even building services.

The business is also the only ignition integrator in north Queensland, using a software platform for creating custom HMI, SCADA and MES database applications.

It’s not only its extensive range of services that sets Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning apart, but also its large employee base.

With experienced technicians boasting over 30 years of service, the company thrives on a wealth of knowledge with a tightknit crew who pride themselves on their workmanship and quality.

Richard and Karen Bonato's hard work and generosity have left an indelible mark, not only on their employees but also on the relationships forged with clients over the years.

As Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning looks back on 40 years, it stands as a shining example of a local family business deeply embedded in its community, evolving with the times and fostering a legacy of excellence.

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Bonato Electrical & Airconditioning’s Elliot Grant

Your local fitness gurus and personal health experts, Get Fit Burdekin, are expanding, and they’re taking you with them!

Since the early days of the business, over three years ago, owners Christian and Yvette Lando have welcomed every opportunity with open arms.

“We’ve been thrilled with the support that the Burdekin community has given us from the moment we opened our doors,” Yvette explained.

“Since taking on the business, our member numbers have more than doubled, but it has been amazing to see a sense of community being developed within the gym.”

And now, Get Fit Burdekin are embarking on a new evolution, an expansion to a brand-new premise.

“Moving to the new location at 96-98 Eighth Avenue has been huge for us and enabled us to triple our floor space and introduce the latest gym equipment available on the market.”

Ensuring the best for their members, Get Fit has 24-hour access, so you can be sure to get your workout in whenever you get the opportunity.

They also have a fantastic personal training schedule available, a large and separate cardio area, and a great range of free weight and pin weight machines.

“We have the best, friendly, and approachable staff and members, the gym is more like the ‘cheers bar’ of gyms. everyone knows your name and greets you when you walk in,” Yvette explained.

Officially opening the new location this Saturday, November 18, from 9am, get behind Christian and Yvette and the Get Fit Burdekin team for a day of excitement, check out the new space and expanded equipment, and get your membership finalised.

WHAT: Get Fit Open Day

WHERE: 96-98 Eighth Avenue

WHEN: Saturday, 18 November from 9am

Padman Water Solutions has been a distinguished player in the agriculture industry for over 35 years and established in the Burdekin for three, employing local people to support local farmers.

Launched from a shed in Victoria, John Padman created the original ‘Padman Stop’, a precast concrete structure with a hinged watertight rubber flap door, before growing the product range with an ethos of innovation based on customer feedback.

When enquiries for the business’s unique flat bottomed arched culverts started coming in from the Burdekin, John and his son Shawn decided it would be more economical for customers if Padman Water Solutions manufactured locally.

Specialising in the manufacturing of culverts for drainage and irrigation, as well as irrigation gates and erosion control structures, Padman Water Solutions offer unique one-piece arched design culverts that are much quicker and easier to install than traditional pipes and box culverts, saving farmers time in the installation process.

The arch shape results in stronger structural design to be able to hold the weight of large cane harvesters and equipment.

The culverts won’t burn like plastic pipe and are self-cleaning as debris doesn’t get stuck on the bottom of the culvert.

“I love hearing directly from farmers the impact that the Padman products are having on their farming,” said Head of Growth and Ayr Site Manager Kirsty Heather.

As a family owned and operated business with a values-driven culture, the team have a strong emphasis on growth and teamwork, allowing local people the opportunity to grow their skill set.

“We look after our teams and our people, so they can look after our farmers,” Kirsty added.

“We operate with integrity and a genuine desire to help.”

Proudly Australian made and owned, Padman Water Solutions plans to launch the civil arm of the business in the Burdekin region in the new year, bringing design-certified products to Ayr and opening doors to a broader range of applications beyond traditional agriculture.

As Padman Water Solutions continues to innovate, local farmers will continue to reap the rewards of their game changing range of products.

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Ricky Marshall, Johnathan Langridge, John Taylor, Kirsty Heather, Darryl Weaver and Daniel Pacey of Padman Water Solutions

In the thriving agricultural hubs of North Queensland, Tracpower NQ has been a stalwart in the industry since its establishment in 2001.

At the core of Tracpower NQ's philosophy is a commitment to assist the wider north Queensland public.

While farmers remain a vital part of their clientele, Dealer Principal Justin Minuti emphasises that the business is here for everyone, offering a range of sales and services from homeowner battery blowers to powerful 600+hp tractors.

It’s their motto – ‘We not only sell, we service as well!’ – that encapsulates the passion of Tracpower NQ.

“Nothing is too much hassle for our staff, and having three branches in Brandon, Townsville and Ingham, we can get things between our branches quicker to keep our customers working in the paddocks or at their homes,” Justin said.

Reflecting on the company's work culture, Justin highlights the friendly and enjoyable atmosphere at Tracpower NQ.

“I believe having a good culture at work brings the best out of everyone and this then rubs off on the customers who then have a good experience and continue to come back as they enjoy coming in and dealing with us,” he added.

Justin has been with the business for a decade and reflects on his journey marked by dedication to service, growth, and a deep connection with the community.

Growing up on a farm, Justin knew he wanted to be involved in agriculture and, now with 14 years of experience and hard work in the industry, he feels grateful to be in the position he is today.

He took over as Dealer Principal four years ago and the business has experienced great growth since then, a trajectory he hopes to continue.

With goals on the horizon, he remains dedicated to the journey, supported by a team whose commitment has been a cornerstone of the business's success.

Acknowledging the unwavering support and business from the community, Justin and the team at Tracpower NQ look set to continue their legacy of service and growth in the North Queensland agricultural landscape.

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Tracpower NQ Dealer Principal Justin Minuti

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables have embarked on a landmark trial aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its loco fleet, swapping diesel for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

A first for the Australian sugar industry, the renewable diesel trial is a key initiative in Wilmar’s pathway to net zero.

Group Manager for Mobile Carl Schmidt said the company was running its newest loco on HVO for four weeks to compare performance and greenhouse gas emissions against diesel fuel.

“The product we’re using in the trial is made from recycled vegetable oil, which is an entirely renewable fuel source,” Mr Schmidt said.

“It’s considered a straight replacement for diesel and achieves a reportable emission reduction of 99 per cent.

“We’re running the trial from our Victoria Mill in the Herbert region with our new 26-tonne loco, Brisbane, which commenced service in June.

“We will also be trialling HVO in one of our farm tractors, to get an indication of what sort of carbon reductions we can achieve in our agricultural machinery.”

Mr Schmidt said the trial was one of several initiatives being investigated to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Reliability Engineer Jesh Matthews said the Brisbane loco had been moved from cane transport duties to the raw sugar run for the trial, operating between Victoria Mill and the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal.

“We’ve put the loco on the sugar line because it’s a less complex run, which enables us to achieve a more consistent duty,” Mr Matthews said.

“It’s a 44km round trip, hauling 90 sugar boxes, doing two runs each day.

“That will give us good data around performance, fuel efficiency and carbon emissions.”

The project team is measuring the loco’s fuel consumption and engine power on both traditional diesel and renewable diesel.

“This will allow us to verify that HVO gives us the same loco hauling capacity as diesel,” Mr Matthews said.

“We’re also measuring loco exhaust emissions for both fuels.”

The engineering team is also doing engine oil analysis to confirm the engine life is not adversely impacted by HVO.

Wilmar is also exploring the electrification of locos and brake wagons to support its goal of net zero emissions.

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Launching the HVO trial at Wilmar’s Herbert Mill are, from left, Herbert Farm Operations Manager Cameron Barber, Reliability Engineer Jesh Matthews, Group Manager for Mobile Carl Schmidt and Herbert Locomotive Driver Trainer Anthony Marmara

Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is being used instead of diesel in a four-week trial at Wilmar’s Victoria Mill

Photos supplied

Koalas are now on the move looking for love or a new home, with veterinarians and wildlife carers urging all Queenslanders to be extra vigilant and help keep koalas safe this breeding season.

Koalas will be spending more time on the ground as they try to find a mate or establish new territory, and young koalas leave their mothers to find a home of their own.

During this time, koalas are more prone to dog attacks and car strikes and a range of other natural and human-related threats as they move through backyards and on busy roads.

While vets are doing their best to rehabilitate injured koalas, Queenslanders can help avoid these tragic accidents from happening by taking some simple steps this koala breeding season.

This includes:

• Driving carefully, especially between dusk and dawn when koalas are most active, and whenever you see a koala warning or advisory signs

• Keeping your dog inside or contained at night

• Training your dog in wildlife avoidance

• Creating koala-friendly fencing and swimming pools to give koalas an escape route

• Reporting all sick or injured koalas to RSPCA Animal Emergency 1300 ANIMAL hotline by calling 1300 264 625.

Queenslanders can also report all wild koala sightings to DES via the free QWildlife Koala Sighting app, which recently took home the Community Impact award at the 2023 Geospatial Excellence Awards.

Since the app launched in June, it has been downloaded more than 23,000 times, resulting in a 3,700 per cent increase in reported koala sightings, and a 31 per cent increase in the past month.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard said, “Love might be in the air for koalas right now, but during breeding season they actually spend more time on the ground, which is where they are most vulnerable.

“Earlier this year, we launched the now award-winning Koala QWildlife app, which allows members of the public to act as citizen scientists by reporting koala sightings and providing accurate location and population data.”

Pearl is a precious attention seeker, who will keep the affection coming. She will make herself right at home in your home and will be sure to keep the purrs coming and the love spreading. Pearl loves being snuggled and cuddled, and once she is 100 per cent comfortable in her new space, she will become your built-in lap warmer.

While Pearl has her own quirks, she is quick to love and will always dote on her human.

And because of her youthful age, she is always eager for a play with a toy or a human.

Fast Facts:

DOB: 1/11/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Yes

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor

Location: Ayr

Pearl is available for adoption and is desexed and microchipped. She is up to date on her vaccinations, and is flea, tick and worm treated.

To organise a meet and greet, complete and submit an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

This year, Burdekin Machinery Preservationists hosted their Open Day and Inter-club rally where neighbouring machinery clubs were invited to participate.

Towing engines and tractors from Mackay and Townsville is a big ask, but our visiting friends have supported us during this event.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlan, together with her councillors and staff, enjoyed the day.

The Club is very grateful for the support of catering and front of office staff.

Worthy Park Estate, Jamaica, is a long way from the Burdekin and yet we are linked through the sugar industry.

Back in 1655, when the British eased the Spanish out of Jamaica, Worthy Park was gifted to Francis Price, a lieutenant in the British Army.

Worthy Park first produced sugar in about 1720.

The property has only changed hands three times over the centuries.

In 1904, Frank Clark, grandfather of the present manager, ordered a 3’ -0” mill from Mirrlees Watson, Glasgow.

It was in the 1960’s that Inkerman Mill purchased this small mill which was to be used as an experimental mill for other plant trials.

BMP are grateful that Wilmar International trusted the Club to preserve and display the mill for public interest.

While the mill was not installed in the Burdekin, it serves as a reminder of the global reaches of the sugar industry.

Worthy Park Estate still operates today and is famous for its rum.

Now BMP’s Walkers Engine No.1, the air blast fuel injection diesel engine, was built under licence by Walkers Ltd. Maryborough, to the very same Mirrlees Watson, Glasgow.

Anyone familiar with sugar mill machinery will appreciate the connection.

Contributed by Lex Kelly

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The Mirrlees Watson Mill. Photo supplied

John Hanson

Alf Shand

Foxy and Peter

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists hosted their Open Day last weekend. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie