Tuesday 18 June marked the official opening of the Burdekin Mental Health Hub, with the community now able to access a range of mental wellbeing services under one roof.

More than 100 locals – including service providers, community members and groups – came together to celebrate the opening and find out what was on offer at the new facility.  

selectability Chief Executive Officer, Debra Burden said the Mental Health Hub provided a central location for those across the region to connect to vital support.

“We are committed to ensuring all regional Queenslanders have access to high-quality mental health services locally,” Debra said.

“Before developing our plans to refurbish the disused Caledonian Hall we carried out extensive community consultation to understand the service gaps.

“This included a community survey which found 93 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a dedicated mental wellbeing facility in the region.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program, which supported the project with an $808,000 grant, to address this unmet need.”

Guests were given a tour of the hub and an insight into the services now available to the region … local community radio station Sweet FM,even treated attendees to a live broadcast throughout the event!

Gudja Elder Uncle Eddie Smallwood conducted a Smoking Ceremony, while his sister Professor Gracelyn Smallwood delivered the Welcome to Country.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort spoke at the event, supporting selectability’s expansion to the region.

Newly appointed Burdekin Regional Coordinator, Bryn Hicks, said the Mental Health Hub would bring huge benefit to the community.

“Initially scheduled to open last October, the project faced delays due to construction and weather challenges,” Bryn said.

“However, despite these setbacks, we’re excited to finally open our doors and provide services for the Burdekin community. 

“I am looking forward to working with groups and individuals across the region to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide in the Burdekin.

“Our team specialises in delivering one-on-one and group support through the NDIS and other funded mental wellbeing programs.

“We also provide free services to carers through the Federal Government’s Carer Gateway. part of the Carer Gateway.

 “You don’t need an appointment or referral, just drop in to see the team at 182 Edward St, Ayr (the former Caledonian Hall).”

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Contributed with thanks to selectability.

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The final of the four Wilmar Sugar and Renewable’s Mills in the Burdekin kicked off production on Tuesday 18 June.

General Manager Operations, Mike McLeod was on sight to see the first bit tip at Pioneer Mill at 9:50pm on Tuesday evening along with Pioneer Mill’s Manger Operations, Matthew Norton.

A milestone beginning, Pioneer’s start leaves Wilmar at 50% production across all its mills, with half of their structures now producing sugar, molasses, and renewable electricity.

Leading the way in the Burdekin region was Inkerman Mill, officially beginning the crushing season for the Wilmar group on Monday 10 June. Inkerman has crushed over 77,000 tonnes of cane and has produced approximately 10,000 tonnes of sugar despite the unexpected shutdowns earlier this month. However, unlike Inkerman, Kalamia and Invicta Mills felt the effects of the industrial action, and began crushing a week behind schedule, tipping its first bin on Thursday 13 June.

Overall, crews have been working hard across the board to maintain production levels to ensure growers can continue harvesting while fine weather prevails.

“Everyone in the industry has an eye on the weather at this time of the year, so we can’t afford to lose any time,” said Mr McLeod.

“Our people have worked hard to recover from the earlier stoppages, and delays, and with everything going our way, everyone will have a good season.”

Across Wilmar’s eight mills, an expected 15.59 million tonnes of sugarcane will be processed this year, producing over two million tonnes of raw sugar.

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Manager Operations Matt Naughton was on hand to see the first bin tipped for 2024.

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Queensland is intensifying its battle against Varroa destructor by employing six Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), an Extension and Engagement Coordinator, and establishing new surveillance hives for early pest detection.
While varroa mite Varroa destructor has not yet been detected in Queensland, it is currently in New South Wales and the State Government has identified that Queensland needs to be prepared for this pest.
The varroa mite is an insidious pest that poses a significant biosecurity threat to the common European honeybees whose pollination services add an estimated $14.2 billion to the Australian agricultural and horticultural industries each year.
Following the endorsement of the National Varroa Mite Response Plan earlier this year, Queensland along with other states and territories has shifted from attempting to eradicate varroa mite to managing it.
The newly advertised VDO positions will educate and support beekeepers on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and offer practical support during the transition. Working closely with individual beekeepers and beekeeping clubs, the VDOs will provide hands-on assistance to build skills, understanding and resilience.
This approach aims to mitigate the impact of Varroa destructor on Queensland's beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries when it inevitably arrives.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said that Queensland is intensifying its efforts against varroa mite by appointing six Varroa Development Officers (VDOs) and delivering 19 workshops across the state over the next 12 months.
"We have joined with other states and territories in shifting our focus from eradication to management of varroa mite and will continue to safeguard Queensland's valuable honeybee industry and recreational beekeeping sector from this pest,” Minister Furner said.
Additionally, 19 workshops will be conducted for both commercial and recreational beekeepers. These workshops will focus on enhancing skills in detecting, monitoring, reporting and managing varroa mite for the long term.
"Biosecurity zone provisions under the Biosecurity Act 2014 restricts the movement of bees and bee related equipment into Queensland from a state or territory where varroa mite has been detected,” Minister Furner added.
"Through comprehensive training and practical support, we are fostering a more resilient and well-informed beekeeping community.”
Customised resources for Queensland’s beekeeping industry will be made available online free of charge.
Biosecurity Queensland is also enhancing surveillance along the Queensland-New South Wales border, focusing on the Gold Coast region and high-risk areas of Stanthorpe and Warwick, where pollination events are anticipated in early spring.
To provide early warning for Varro destructor in Queensland, 18 sentinel hives have been established in these key locations.
"This initiative is crucial for protecting our beekeeping and pollination sectors, which play a vital role in the agricultural success of Queensland,” the Minister said.
"It is crucial to continue protecting Queensland's bees, which in turn supports the sustainability of pollination-dependent industries.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has urged unions to seriously consider a suggestion made by the company earlier this week in a Fair Work Commission hearing that the parties meet and explore the possibility of independent voluntary arbitration as a means of concluding a new enterprise agreement on fair and reasonable terms.

However, Wilmar claims that the two unions did not immediately take up the offer while the third rejected the option.

The offer to meet and explore the potential of the option of voluntary arbitration will now be put in writing by the company.

A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the company welcomed the assistance of the Fair Work Commission over recent weeks in trying to bring negotiations to a conclusion.

“It is since the Commission’s involvement that we have been able to close the gap between company and union positions, this week managing to specify the ranges within which each party believes agreement might be reached,” the spokesman said.

“At bargaining talks on Thursday, Sugar and Renewables indicated it was looking to an outcome between 14.25% and 15% over 3.5 years, while unions said they were looking to a range between 18% and 22% for a 3-year agreement.

“Unfortunately in the Commission conference today, the unions withdrew their 18% to 22% range, and instead reverted to a claim of 22%.

“Despite the gap having been expanded by unions, we remain committed to exploring all options to bring negotiations to an outcome, including voluntary arbitration,” he said.

“There are many people and businesses hoping we can reach an agreement without further industrial action. We should be exploring every way to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome quickly.

“If the parties can agree on the parameters for voluntary arbitration, this is a certain way to test the arguments and the data. We have complete confidence in the information on which we have based our offer and we would expect unions would welcome the same opportunity.”

The Australian Worker’s Union (AWU) claimed that Wilmar “Is now not making an offer to their employees, instead offering a “window” which involves removing employees' right to take accrued RDO hours when they choose.”
A union representative said that despite unions providing indisputable data that the cost of living over the last four years has dramatically outpaced the wage increases Wilmar has paid to mill workers, and the published pay rates of surrounding mills, Wilmar has instead stuck to their “discredited, questionable figures” which include aggregate quarterly inflation figures to artificially lower the rate.
“I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that Wilmar has got the figures wrong again, this is a company that claims four days of industrial action have delayed the start of the crush by several weeks,” AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said.
“Despite profits having gone up dramatically, Wilmar is still trotting out the same old disproven lines which have twice failed to fool more than 80% of their workforce.”
The AWU also claimed that at least one mill may have to stop for up to six hours a day due to Wilmar being unable to attract staff at the wages they offer.
“No doubt Wilmar will try to blame this on their workforce as well, and not the below industry standard rates they pay,” Mr Wilson said.
Mayor Dalle Cort has also spoken on the ongoing Wilmar dispute, saying that the Burdekin Shire Council acknowledges the critical role of the sugar industry in sustaining the local economy, and the overall prosperity of the community.

For generations, the sector has been the lifeblood of the Burdekin district’s growth and development, and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort has expressed concern over the ongoing industrial dispute between Wilmar and its workers.

“The recent publicised industrial dispute between Wilmar and its workers is a concern, not only for the parties involved, but the broader Burdekin community,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“While it is not the remit of Council to directly involve itself in the matter, as Mayor, I strongly encourage all parties to work collaboratively in a bid to finalise the dispute for the common good of our community.”

The Commission was also told that there has been constructive discussion on a separate set of log items being negotiated in conjunction with the enterprise agreement. The Deputy President has left it open to the parties to request another report back when they consider it beneficial.

The AWU said it will meet with delegates in the coming days to discuss industrial action moving forward.
At time of print, a date for further bargaining has not been agreed by the parties.

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The Inkerman Mill under full steam last week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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$2 million in funding has just been announced by the Queensland Government in hopes of managing the State’s feral pig problem.

Feral pigs are widespread across Queensland and cause significant harm as pests. They degrade soil and water quality, threaten native species, spread invasive plants, harm agricultural crops and livestock and can even transmit diseases.

More than $2 million in funding has been awarded with four new feral pig management coordinators appointed with a focus on investing in a biosecure future for all Queenslanders. 

Rachel Chay Deputy Director General & Chief Biosecurity Officer said “Feral pigs wreak havoc on agriculture and the environment.

“These grants not only mitigate the impact of feral pests but also create more jobs in regional areas, contributing to the overall economic health of our communities.

The two successful applicants - Desert Channels Queensland and South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils were selected to receive funding through Round 8(a) which will see the employment of four feral pig management coordinators.

These coordinators will support the initiation and delivery of effective feral pig management bolstering local biosecurity efforts.

“This funding of more than $2 million has been dedicated to employing up to four feral pig management coordinators to support the initiation and delivery of effective feral pig management across the state,” Dr Chay added.

"This is a crucial investment in biosecurity and feral pest management in Queenslanders.”

The application period for Round 8(a) - Feral Pig Coordination - Biosecurity Preparedness closed on February 29, 2024.

Applications were received from various Regional Natural Resource Management groups, Regional Organisations of Councils and incorporated industry organisations.

This latest funding round under QFPI brings the Queensland Government’s total investment in controlling invasive plants and animals to more than $29.2 million over eight years. This initiative is further bolstered by a $14 million investment from the Federal Government.

For more information, visit  https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/invasive-plants-animals/qld-feral-pest-initiative

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$2 million has been awarded to combat the issue of troublesome trotters with a focus on investing in a biosecure future for all Queenslanders

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Rural Quip is a dynamic business which has a dedication to providing the Burdekin community with an abundance of materials to ensure each customer can efficiently fulfill their industrial and farming supply needs.

Robert and Annette Oar have owned and operated Rural Quip for 43 years and in coming from a farming background, are highly experienced and knowledgeable on all aspects of the business’s operations, product ranges, and the demands of the Burdekin community.

Rural Quip’s product range holds everything their customers need on a day-to-day basis and more and paired with their connections with the AIS National Buying Group, Rural Quip effectively competes with all levels of business.

Robert began his working life as a boilermaker at Kalamia Mill. After completing his apprenticeship, he purchased Andersen Engineering which he then relocated from Rossiter Street to the Industrial Estate, renaming the business to what its known and loved as today to Rural Quip.

In following the shifting flow of the business landscape, Robert adapted with the economic trends within engineering circles to make a transitional move into the retail industry. Moving forward into the retail sector, the pair made the decision to join the AIS National Buying Group to further grow their business and ultimately benefit their customers.

“Joining the AIS National Buying Group in 1998 was a huge move forward, giving access to new deals, new suppliers, and meeting a network of other retail businesses around Australia,” explained Robert.

With just under a century of experience in the industry, both Robert and Annette have created a business to be celebrated, with a customer base extending from Bowen to Woodstock to Giru.

“The market is strong with this rich agricultural area, and our staff work on a very strong model to have the goods required in stock, carrying on demand for common products and services,” said Robert.

Rural Quip Team, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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OPINION PIECE

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I sit here as a Grower/Contractor in the Burdekin and a Representative in the Sugar Cane Industry bewildered, confused, concerned and very frustrated about where our mighty industry is heading and whether there’s even a future for our children to come back to the farm.
Now most mills in my area and my representative areas are either not performing to what they should be, or even more concerning aren’t going at all. With the agreed set down date to start around early June, in most cases this hasn’t happened and the ones that have, only a small percentage are performing to an acceptable standard. That standard has deteriorated over the last five years and has slipped to a point that is not acceptable for any of us. This scenario doesn’t work for growers, contractors, millers or even community.
The dollars that growers and contractors lose every year due to late finishing seasons is in the millions and those millions don’t flow through the towns to small businesses and everyone is suffering. I would hate to think what the milling company is also losing in processing profit as well as the amount of sugar marketing and trading profit that they are missing out on. Just doesn’t make sense.
The real kicker for me looking from the outside is what is going on at present. The start dates have been put back in some cases 2-3 weeks behind the scheduled start and apparently it has to do with industrial action.
I understand from the information I have received, that the industrial activity to date has only consumed around four days plus a small number of one hour stop work meetings and yet we have 50% of the mills not operating some two weeks after the last hint of any industrial activity.
I’m baffled to understand how mills can lose ground under this scenario.
Not Good Enough.
These small towns have endured hell in the last four years with rats, disease, out of season floods and unprecedented rain events and then added salt to injury with late starts and late finishes from their milling companies. With good sugar prices, my members in most areas can’t make the most of it because of poor yields associated with all the above. With forecasted wet weather looming towards the end of the season. We are once again on the merry go round of another disastrous year where most of my members have lost the opportunity to send cane to their factory in glorious weather conditions.
Our mill workers and broader communities are feeling the effect of this with shop owners closing doors, harvesting contractors considering their future and our kids moving away to find work elsewhere is disheartening.
These workers are the lifeline of our mills and towns, the experience we have in these towns cannot be lost or taken for granted and must be rewarded for their loyalty over a long period of time. From what I can apprehend, it appeared that the unions compromised on a reduction of around 7 percent with very little movement from the other party. That shocked me a little. These workers aren’t looking for mining rates, they’re just asking for what the average rate that is being paid around their towns so they can be home every night with their families. With the skilled labour shortage at the moment and strong employment opportunities in other sectors it worries me that we will lose good people if something doesn’t change.
I do personally support the workers in this battle. We will have to endure some more pain in the short term, but I hope that the whole community sticks together to get through this. We can’t keep giving because soon enough we will have nothing left to give and this is when we will be at our most vulnerable.
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Russell Hall
AgForce Cane President.

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health? The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004. It’s been going strong ever since and has helped thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing.
Services currently available at the Centre include:
   • BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Private Psychological Counselling (Deepwaters Healing, Lutkin Psychology, Philip Murray) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Bloom Hearing Ph: 1800 027 779
   • Burdekin Hearing Ph: 1800 008 308
   • Centacare NQ (Counselling) Ph: 1300 672 273
   • Clarity Hearing Solutions Ph: 4779 1566
   • NQ Foot & Ankle Centre Ph: 4723 5500
   • Synergy Health Centre (Exercise Physiology, Diabetic Education, Dietician) Ph: 4724 3250
   • Telehealth Hub Services (Free online service to assist with appointments with a health professional) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Consult Room Hire (health & wellbeing services) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Meeting Room Hire (meetings, groups or workshops – capacity 30 people) Ph: 4783 2711
We would love to see you at the Centre, so please call in to 12A Chippendale St, Ayr, Ph: 4783 2711 or E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Community Association.

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This week saw the adoption of Council's 2024/2025 annual Budget. I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who helped deliver a great budget that aims to stretch the dollars and strengthen our community. Council is very aware of the stress that the cost of living is having on everyone. Without going through it with a microscope, I can tell you that it equates to an increase of $2 per week for residents on the minimum general rate. This small increase combined with rates shifting from annual to biannual, essentially splits your annual payment into 2 instalments and hopefully makes it easier to pay in these tough times. This means your first rates notice will arrive in August and then a second rates notice will arrive in February. For those wanting to still pay your full rates in one instalment, this is still an option.
Rates, fees and charges are one of the least enjoyable parts of our role as councillors, however and unfortunately, Council is required by legislation to practice sustainable financial practices and is not immune to the rising cost of supplying all the services throughout the district.
I hope that by the time you read this, Queensland have won the State of Origin, and the Shire has celebrated another successful Burdekin Show. I'm wary of jinxing the mighty Maroons, but the Burdekin Show is always fantastic thanks to an exceptional committee. I also hope the weather was favourable, and I haven't jinxed the show's success either.
Growing up in an era where there was a show in both Home Hill and Ayr, I personally am very grateful that the Burdekin still has an annual show and not forgetting the Giru Show also. They are a great opportunity for the community and families to come together and create some great memories.
 

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget was adopted on Tuesday?
I am delighted to have presented the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget. Our new team of councillors, elected in March 2024, worked closely with staff to deliver this budget on time, focusing on serving our community now and into the future.
Many have asked for no rate increase, but it would be irresponsible to implement a nil increase. Like any business or household, Council has faced cost increases that we had to consider when developing this budget.
I am pleased to announce that we have contained the general rate increase to just 1%. This reflects a mindful approach to the cost-of-living pressures faced by our residents and local businesses. While we are not immune to these pressures, this budget aims to stretch dollars and strengthen our community.
Despite keeping general rate increases minimal, utility charges have seen modest increases to accurately reflect the cost of delivering these essential services to the community.
‘Stretching dollars, strengthening communities’ highlights the essence of the 2024/25 Budget which showcases Council’s commitment to residents and the ongoing development of the Burdekin as a vibrant place to live, work, play and invest.
Council thanks all tiers of government for their contributions which enable significant community initiatives to come to fruition.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Good day to you all,

I'm excited to be joining you all and hope you take a few minutes out of your day to relax, have a cuppa and join me for a catch up.

I'm experiencing Burdekin snow (or cane trash depending on who you ask!) for the first time. I know two things for sure - don't put washing out on the line and don't wear white when it's Burdekin snow season!

With this in mind and the fact that there is a lot more smoke about, this time of year can bring out allergies and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

If you have asthma, it's important to see your G.P for an asthma management plan, having an asthma management plan could make all the difference, especially if you live on your own.

We often think of our health only as a physical entity but more and more we are recognising the importance of mental health too. There are a lot of free online courses on meditation, mindfulness etc. 

When I qualified as a Master hypnotist and hypnotherapist a few years ago I witnessed first-hand how powerful the subconscious mind is. 

We have the inate ability to ease our stresses, traumas and mental anguish within ourselves. It's truly humbling to watch a person break free from these chains following a hypnotherapy session. 

You can practice these calming meditation sessions for free, they're all there on the internet. 

In a world of anxiety, disconnectedness and isolation take time to stop, reconnect with friends and family and just breathe. 

Try not to inhale the Burdekin snow though!

Until next time, look after yourselves and each other.
Mary Torpey 

Do you have a health related question to ask Mary? If so, send them in to editorial@burdekinlife.com

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Back for another year of festivity and fundraising, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre held their 23rd Biggest Morning Tea earlier this month and they were once again thrilled with the turnout.

An impressive $2,500 was raised on the day and organisers would like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the community.

“Our most sincere thanks to every single community member that supported our fundraising efforts - whether by attending or donating,” they said.

“To all of our local business houses donating to our massive raffle, our delicious morning tea or making our morning just that little bit special - a very big thank you!

All funds received are on their way to the Cancer Council to help win the fight against Cancer.

Photos contributed.

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By Rachael Smith

A special event in honour of Kali Totorica, the young local who tragically lost her life following a brave battle with Melanoma, is taking place at Ayr Golf Course next week and the whole community is invited to come along and support this worthy cause.

Kali was a passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness and embarked on several fundraising efforts, despite battling the disease herself. It is now her loving family that help continue this legacy in her name.

Kali Totorica sadly passed away from Melanoma at just 21 years of age. Photo supplied

Golf Day And Tea Party
In Kali’s Honour

Determined not to let this young life be lost in vain, the family and friends of Kali Totorica, have held an annual Golf Day and social morning in her name for several years.

Kali sadly passed away from Melanoma in November 2018 at just 21 years of age and this event will be the fourth of its kind.

So far, the events have raised more than $25,000 and every cent goes to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

On attendance on the day will be the free skin check truck and residents are encouraged to come down to Ayr Gold Club to play a round of golf, enjoy some delicious food, a warm social gathering and . . . to get your skin checked for cancer.

“We want everyone and anyone to come down and get a free skin check,” said Kali’s sister Liana.

“It’s also great for people to see where their donations are being used – as it all helps to keep the skin cancer truck on the road.”  

As Kali’s family knows too well, early intervention is key to an early diagnosis which can ultimately save lives and they encourage everyone to take advantage of this free service while it is in town.

Also present on the day will be ‘Melanoma Man’ Jay Allen who is also the co-founder of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

A survivor of both Melanoma and Throat Cancer himself, Jay is a dedicated advocate and fundraiser who is very close to Kali’s family.

He will be there on the day to answer any questions and offer advice.

While skin cancer awareness is at the heart of the entire event, so too is fun! And organisers are pleased to bring you the Matter Hatter Tee Party.

For those who enjoy a game of golf they can ‘Tee’ off with the nine-hole Ambrose which will feature four people per team and cost $20, with some funds donated back to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

For those who would prefer to relax, they can enjoy a cup of ‘Tee’ instead – there will be a large Bake Sale and morning tea held at the site too.

Lunch will be served after the golf is finished and more fun will ensue with raffle prizes, money boards and the auction of a signed Cowboys Jersey.

Kali was a proud member of the Burdekin community. She ran a local business, Lilly May flowers and gifts, and hosted local fundraisers to raise money and awareness for melanoma research, all while enduring her own battle with the deadly disease.

Skin cancer statistics are disheartening and unfortunately have not changed.

Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting Australians aged 20 to 39, with statistics showing that one Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.

It is estimated that 1300 Australians will die from melanoma this year.

This is the reason it is so important for the community to get behind this important fundraiser.

For regular updates about Kali’s Cup and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party please head to the Kali’s Cup Facebook page.

WHAT: Kali’s Cup
WHERE: Ayr Golf Cup
WHEN: July 7 from 8am

Be Skin Cancer Smart – Get A Free Check!

Look Out For These Symptoms:

   • A new spot on the skin
   • Changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing spot
   • A spot that is itchy or painful
   • A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust
   • A red- or skin-coloured shiny bump on the top of the skin
   • A red rough or scaly spot that you can feel

Kali's Mum, Dad, Aunty and Uncle had the pleasure of meeting up with Jay The Melanoma Man and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation skin check truck in NSW last year. Photo supplied

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Hi everybody! I’m so excited and grateful to Rachael and the team for the opportunity to continue sharing your stories each week in the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

Sam was my no.1 guidance and support over the past 6 months, and in attending events here and there with him in the Burdekin, it was clear how much he was loved and appreciated by each and every person who spoke with him. He’s left huge shoes to fill, and I’ll give it my best shot!

As Rachael mentioned last week, I’ve taken on a full-time position with the team whilst I’m in mid-trimester break from university. I’m currently in my last few months of completing a Bachelor of Communications and Journalism degree at Griffith University and will graduate later this year!

I’ve been keeping busy, like always, and a couple weeks ago, I was interning at Nine News Queensland! I was working alongside the journalists in the Mount Coot-Tha station, out and about in Brisbane, and even shot a couple reports! I sat in on the 4pm and 6pm news bulletins with Melissa Downes, Andrew Lofthouse, Alison Ariotti, and Alisin Kriukelis, and to say I was starstruck is an understatement. It was such an interesting and great experience, and in my travels around the station I passed by the Current Affairs office, waving hi to Burdekin’s Reece D’Alessandro on my way.

I’m extremely grateful for all the mentorship Sam provided me, and thank Rachael for the continued support throughout this transition, and thank you all for welcoming me into the role! Although I’m living, working and studying from Brisbane, you’ll see me pop back here and there to say hi, and I look forward to chatting soon!

Chelsea

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Mount Surround-based Environmental Conservation Organisation, Wildlife Surrounds, recently held its Marine Conservation day, inviting students from The University of Texas at Austin to take part in a new experience at Alva as part of their AUIP Study Abroad program.
The day covered the impacts of marine debris, sediment, herbicide, and pesticide runoff before students took to the beach to collect rubbish, set up quadrats, sift sand for microplastics, and audit debris.
Students also participated in an interactive exercise to calculate their carbon footprint and explore the effects of climate change.  
“A huge thanks to Reef Check Australia for volunteering and sharing their expertise on marine debris and microplastics, as well as entering the valuable data collected into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative,” Wildlife Surrounds shared on social media.
“Shout out to Ayr Surf Life Saving Club for their support and facilities!
“Together, we're making a difference.”
Wildlife Surrounds contributes to conservation of Australian flora and fauna through education, research and collaborative conservation programs.
For more information, visit Wildlife Surround on Facebook.
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Students from The University of Texas recently took to Alva Beach to take part in a series of conservation activities thanks to Wildlife Surround. Photos supplied

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