I’ve really been getting into birds lately.

I’ve always appreciated animals and nature, my love of birds probably starting back when I’d watch and feed the family chickens as they humorously clucked around the backyard.

I started to enjoy the call if a bird more and get more of a kick out of watching them flit through the sky or shuffle along the grass.

I bought books, uncovered an old pair of binoculars and went on a few birdwatching walks while I lived in Brisbane and all were enjoyable, but the information never really stuck.

I posed this to Matt Killeen when we went birdwatching on Friday to complete his daily count for the Aussie Bird Count, an initiative of Birdlife Australia allowing them to get an idea of the health and quantity of birds all over Australia.

As someone who has only been into birding for less than six months, Matt seemed to have a wealth of knowledge, and gave me a few handy tips.

Firstly, he said rather than studying books, it could be more effective to start with taking a photo of some birds then going home and researching that specific bird.

He also told me a few hotspots around the Burdekin, particularly Horseshoe Lagoon, so I’m looking forward to packing the binoculars and the camera and going on a bit of an expedition sometime soon.

I’ll be sure to share my newfound passion in the Burdekin Birding Facebook group, where local bird lovers post photos, questions and information about local birdlife.

Flick to page 27 for the full story.

I’d also like to once again thank Gracie Hosie for her time and efforts last week as she engaged in some work experience for Burdekin Life.

Gracie’s provided us with an update of what she’s been up to since leaving the Burdekin, so check out page 15 to hear from her!

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The AGM of the Molongle Creek Boat Club Inc saw the end of an era for the Treasurer, Margaret Linton.

Margaret has held the position for a total of 21 years and diligently kept the financial books of the club.

She has witnessed millions of dollars go in and out of the club over this period of active development of the Molongle Creek Boat Ramp facility.

Recently, the culmination of a Federal Government grant of around one million dollars to build a multi-purpose complex, housing a licenced café club rooms and a manager’s residence, has put the icing on the cake for the facility.

Margaret has been one of those who would make sure every single dollar which passes her hands was accounted for and was able to identify to the other committee members where the money went and whether it was well spent.

After 21 years, she is looking forward to retirement from the club but is concerned that there may not be another willing volunteer to take over for the future, she said.

Commodore Ken Betteridge presented her with a bunch of flowers as a small token of the tireless effort she put in.

Ken has asked members to consider taking this position of treasurer of the club to help the club move forward into the future.    

Contributed by Joe Linton

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Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore Ken Betteridge presented flowers to outgoing Treasurer Margaret Linton after 21 years. Photo supplied

The Burdekin Shire Council’s Capital Works Program is enhancing infrastructure across the Burdekin region, encompassing various completed and ongoing projects, showing an ongoing commitment to strategic investment in new assets, existing asset renewals and upgrades.  

These ongoing initiatives are consistent with the strategic objectives identified in the 2022-2027 Corporate Plan, said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, and Council is taking strides and making progress towards the envisioned goals through both new and upgraded infrastructure.  

Ms McLaughlin said Council has completed a number of projects this year including the Kirknie Landfill production bore, pump and header tank, Garrone Road restoration, Jacks Road extension in Brandon, emergency generators at Home Hill and Brandon sewage pump stations, sewage pump upgrades and replacements, water valve and hydrant replacements and the urban resealing works program.

“In a stride towards improved connectivity and safety, the Barratta Road reconstruction project has recently been completed,” she added.

“The final bitumen seal was applied on Tuesday 26 September enhancing the road’s overall safety, connectivity and drainage.

“The road is now fully reopened to traffic, ensuring a smoother and more secure travel experience for the residents and visitors.

“The new street seat, bin and planter combinations in the Home Hill CBD not only beautify the region but also support local businesses through the manufacture of the new furniture locally.

“The construction of the Burdekin Be-Active Trail in Home Hill is progressing well, aligning with our vision of promoting active living within our community.

“This trail will encourage residents to lead healthier lives by providing safe pedestrian pathways.

“We urge motorists to exercise caution and follow signage, ensuring the safety of all during the works.

“The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is progressing well with the fill soil being transported from the Macro Algae Facility where the soil was used for pre-loading.

“The strategic reuse not only minimises costs but also ensures flood immunity for the new subdivision at the Ayr Industrial Estate.”

The Burdekin Shire Council thanked the community for its continued support and patience during these vital projects, saying these initiatives are pivotal to the growth and prosperity of the region, creating safer, more attractive spaces for residents and visitors.

Burdekin Shire Council continues the Capital Works Program to enhance infrastructure in the region.

For more information on Burdekin Shire Council’s Capital Projects phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800 or visit burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Birds eye view of the Ayr Industrial Estate showing the fill soil which was transported from the Macro Algae Facility

Uli Liessmann has been busy organising the Home Hill Harvest Festival Ephemera while creating his own entries, but another project that goes hand in hand with the Ephemera installations has come into fruition – one that has been over a decade in the making.

Visitors to Lloyd Mann Park will be familiar with the Stonehenge-inspired structure created by local artist Scotty Apelt.

The structure, titled ‘The Gateway to Home Hill’, has now been covered with over 1,300 photos collected from around the town, an effort of Uli and other locals that has taken 15 months to complete.

The photos have been collected from a number of sources, including longtime locals who have shared their photos and memories with Uli.

“There’s a lot of pictures I wanted to get in, but I just couldn’t because of the quality,” Uli said.

“Some of these would date back to the early 1900s, if not older.”

The photos have been printed onto “the best vinyl money can buy,” and is hoped to be in place for at least 10 years.

“I’m extremely pleased with it, I really am,” Uli said.

“I really hope people use it as a photo backdrop for their photos.

“People might walk in and spend hours looking at it, and I really hope they do.

Longtime local and former boatbuilder Barry Dale spent his Thursday afternoon at ‘the Gateway to Home Hill’ exploring the photos and going down memory lane.

“I think it’s fantastic; it’s unbelievable,” Barry said.

“I didn’t think they could do this sort of stuff, it’s fantastic.

“You can go back and you can see the people who used to be old when you were young, it’s lovely.”

‘The Gateway to Home Hill’ joins three other permanent installations at Lloyd Mann Park, ‘That is the Question’, ‘Open to New Ideas’ and ‘The Point Is…’ all by Uli.

Home Hill Harvest Festival’s Ephemera installations are currently in place at the park and will be until the end of the festival.

Find out more about the Ephemera on pages 24-26.

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Uli Liessmann stands in front of ‘the Gateway to Home Hill’ while Barry Dale peruses the photos. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Queensland and Australian Government’s decision to ban commercial gillnet fishing was met with an onslaught of industry outcry as Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, called for an inquiry into the decision alongside Senator Susan McDonald and Senator Jonathon Duniam.

The motion, which was put forward in the Senate on Tuesday last week, would have allowed the industry and the fishers whose licences are at stake to have their say after the decision was made without any prior consultation.

“My Parliamentary colleagues and I put the motion forward last week to hold a Senate Inquiry and disappointingly, the Labor government and the Greens voted no,” Mr Willcox said.

“This decision has silenced the 90 or so licenced fishermen and women in North Queensland whose jobs will be on the chopping block come December this year and refuses to let them make their case.

“This inquiry would have finally given these individuals a voice and the opportunity to have their concerns heard before their lives were changed forever and for no good reason, but Labor and the Greens have taken away any opportunity for this to happen.

Mr Willcox has met with many north Queensland fishers and said the decision to remove their licences is “ridiculous”.

“These hard-working men and women don’t fish anywhere near the Great Barrier Reef, and for some communities here in North Queensland, they rely on these businesses,” he said.

“It’s not only the fishers themselves, but the chandlery shops, ice makers, outboard services and sales businesses, fish mongers, local fish and chip shops, and the Australian public who are going to be impacted.

“They may think they have silenced the fishermen and women who will be affected by this decision, but they haven’t silenced me, and I will continue to fight for the people of Dawson.”

To have your say, head to haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/fisheries-policy-reviews.

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Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A joyride through Sandfly Creek Reserve has landed an adventurous driving enthusiast in a "sticky situation." This environmental escapade, which left extensive damage in its wake, led to the issuance of Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).

Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk said a member of the public provided information to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) about a four-wheel-drive that became bogged in the reserve.

“As part of our investigation, we went to Sandfly Creek Reserve and obtained drone footage of the area,” Mr Dunk said.

“The driver has deliberately driven through the wetland, which is a sensitive environment, and gotten bogged to the axles.

“They have then contacted a towing company for assistance, and our investigation found the company sent two retrieval vehicles into the reserve.”

Mr Dunk added that in trying to find a point to set their winches, the towing company has caused further environmental harm to the wetland.

“They were able to retrieve the four-wheel-drive, and we thank the member of the public for providing us with information,” he said.

“That information allowed us to contact the driver of the vehicle and the towing company, and both admitted to entering the reserve unlawfully.

“When we reviewed the drone footage we were dismayed because the extensive environmental damage looks like scars and could take years to recover.”

Mr Dunk said rangers routinely conducted patrols of reserves under their control and use covert cameras and drones for compliance purposes and members of the community provide another set of eyes.

“Members of the community generally love and respect natural areas and will report any illegal or suspicious activity,” he said.

“We issued the driver of the four-wheel-drive and the towing company with a $1,437 fine, and we make no apologies for that―such areas should not be treated like a four-wheel-drive playground.”

Mr Dunk said that towing companies also need to check with QPWS before they attempt to retrieve any vehicles from its lands, as they may require permits for off-road retrievals.

“Rangers and the Queensland Police Service also intercepted a man leaving Bowling Green Bay National Park in an unregistered side by side vehicle,” he added.

“The man used the national park to access a fishing spot and was issued with a $287 PIN for driving an unregistered vehicle and a $287 PIN for driving off road in the national park.”

Anyone with information about unlawful access to our protected areas, or people causing environmental damage, can report it by calling 1300 130 372.

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Photo credit: Department of Environment and Science

Under the watchful eye of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, the promise of new facilities at Home Hill State High School has been carefully monitored and it has now become apparent that the deadline has not been met.

Mr Last asserts that greenhouses and a shed that were promised to the school were expected to be complete by the second half of 2023, however, the time frame has lapsed and so too have the promises.

“You would think that, in an area like ours, providing the resources to educate students for the ag and horticulture industries would be a priority,” Mr Last said.  

“The reality is the project is three years behind schedule and the Minister’s most recent commitment to the project hasn’t been honoured.”

“In October last year, parents of students at the school raised the issue and I took it straight to the Minister.  

“Minister Grace’s response was that it would be ‘ready for use in the second half of 2023’ but that obviously is not going to happen.”

“The parents, students and school staff deserve answers, not more delays.”

The Burdekin economy is largely dependent on a skilled agricultural workforce with 20 per cent of the population working within the sector.

There are over 1000 sugar and produce growers in the region, with an annual output of $2.1 billion.

With these figures in mind, it is easy to see how essential facilities, like those promised to Home Hill State High, are integral to both students and the future of the broader community.

Mr Last said resources for schools were one of his highest priorities given the need to equip students for future careers, the benefit for the community and the already high workload for teachers and staff.

“Facilities like these are essential for our schools because they mean we have students who graduate with skills they can use locally that also make an impact on the community through primary industries,” he said.  

“Teachers are doing their best but, because they don’t have the resources they need, it means extra work for them and outcomes for students that aren’t as beneficial as they could be.”

“In government terms this isn’t a huge project but the benefits that it will provide for students at Home Hill High are huge.  All we are asking for is for the Minister to honour her commitment and for students in our area to get their fair share.”

“You can’t make promises and not keep them, especially promises about our kids future.”

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Home Hill High students enjoy agricultural lessons and would really benefit from new facilities. Photo supplied

By Gracie Hosie

Over the months of 2023, Burdekin has witnessed some of its local youth truly shine, and Darcy Miller is one of them.

On the night of August 24, Darcy was awarded Service Apprentice of the Year at the annual John Deere Technician Awards in Brisbane.

This achievement is nothing short of spectacular, in fact, a public statement by John Deere stated the service apprentice of the year is one of their “most competitive categories”.

More than 100 nominations were received across all categories within Australia.

In July, Darcy was chosen to represent Queensland and Northern Territory as a finalist in his category, making him one of six finalists across Australia and New Zealand for service apprentice of the year.

From a young age, Darcy knew what he was destined for: “I’ve loved tractors since I was a kid and regularly volunteered for work experience at Honeycombes before starting a school-based apprenticeship which led to full-time work,” he said.

Darcy thanks his grandfather for sharing his love for machinery with him from a young age, which led him to progress from working on mowers to cane harvesters and tractors.

As Darcy progresses towards the end of his apprenticeship, he feels a great sense of gratitude for his passions being rewarded.

“Receiving an award like this reassures me that my efforts and level of work is of a great standard…as well as reassuring that this is an industry for me,” he said.

The Burdekin region is extremely proud of Darcy’s achievements and to have him a part of not only our community but our local agricultural industry confirms that the future of our community is bright.

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Mark Barrett with Darcy Miller and Steve Wright being awarded service apprentice of the year. Photo supplied

When Ross Romeo lost a close friend to suicide in 2005, he went searching for answers, ultimately leading him to his role with Community Response to Eliminating Suicide (CORES).

“At the time, you just go into survival mode, do what you can and get through as best you can and later on, when things settled down, the questions started coming along so I went looking for some answers,” Mr Romeo said.

CORES is a community-based program relying on volunteers to educate members of the community on how to intervene when they encounter a person they believe may be suicidal.

Originating in regional Tasmania, the program held its first training session in the Burdekin in 2008 thanks to Peter Shadforth.

“I went along and found it quite easy to understand and practical,” Mr Romeo said.

“While it didn’t change what had happened, it definitely helped me understand it better.”

A cane farmer of over 30 years, Mr Romeo trained to become a facilitator which led him to his role as Queensland Coordinator and Counsellor.

He now leads the program that provides suicide prevention training and free counselling to the Burdekin and surrounding regions.

“We give people some basic skills to know what to look out for and, more importantly, what to say, what to do and where to go for help,” Mr Romeo said.

“The rural communities are open to it and want to take ownership, so the training gives them some skills to help them recognise that they can’t fix anything for anyone - in the end change has got to come from the individual - our job as a friend or community member is to create the environment for that and help people unlock the tools.”

Up until two years ago, the program was reliant on fundraising and community donations, for which Mr Romeo thanked the Burdekin community.

“While the money raised here stays here, it has helped lift our profile which then gets people wanting more information from different communities and that’s how we’ve been able to spread,” he said.

“What was started here in the Burdekin has reached a long way, so people don’t know what good they’ve done not just for this community but a lot of other communities.”

Being a community-led organisation, CORES relies on volunteers to facilitate its training sessions.

“The volunteers are everything to us,” Mr Romeo said.

“I really admire them; they give up their time simply because they want to give something back and stand in a room and talk to people about such a heavy subject.

“It’s a big job, but we’ve got a lot of terrific facilitators here in the Burdekin and other communities.”

CORES will be holding a training session in the Burdekin before the end of the year.

To learn more, visit cores.org.au/queensland or email coresqld@kentishrc.com.au.

If this story raises any issues, please visit your regular GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, contact CORES on 0427 455 313 or, in a crisis, present to an emergency department.

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CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo

It’s become an annual tradition that has the whole region talking, and the Halloween House is back in 2023.

Held on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets in Ayr, the annual Halloween Party is hosted by Leon McCormack and Jeff Lunn who have been decorating their house for Halloween for six years and for Christmas since 2007.

“Each year we do a big Christmas display, so people suggested we do Halloween as well,” said Leon.

“One year we did it and we were just astounded with the number of people who turned up.

“Before we were doing the party thing, we’d be running the lights and we’d come out and people would be here, so we’d be chatting to them and hand out candy canes, so then we thought we’d do popcorn and snow cones, and it grew from there.”

“It just gets bigger every year,” added Jeff.

“Normally we get about 200 people turn up.”

Leon and Jeff started setting up the lights display at the start of October and will run it for the week leading up to October 31.

They said they enjoy bringing the Halloween spirit to the region, particularly appreciating the effort and creativity of costumes.

“Some of the families who come with their kids, it’s amazing to see how much effort they put in,” said Jeff.

The family friendly event will feature a sausage sizzle provided by the Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club as well as free popcorn, fairy floss and snow cones.

WHAT: Halloween Party

WHEN: Tuesday, October 31 from 6:30pm

WHERE: ‘The Halloween House’, on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets, Ayr

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Do you enjoy creating beautiful and useful items from timber? Would you like to learn how?  

Perhaps Burdekin Woodcrafts is the place for you. They are a mixed group of people who enjoy working with their hands to produce something they can admire and find useful, from cutting boards, to jewellery boxes, to items of furniture.

They offer a warm welcome to all and have a mixed membership of all ages from twelve to early eighties, and they are an active club. Rather than sitting around talking, they are usually busily at work, cutting, planning, sanding, etc. to produce their projects, but are also very quick to offer guidance to new members in a genuine spirit of fellowship.

Their well-stocked workshop has a full range of tools from scroll saws to produce fine and delicate work, through to a “Wood Wizz” for levelling large slabs for table tops. All are available for members’ use at a moderate charge to cover running expenses.

Part of their work is providing services for community needs, creating tables, cupboards, benches, or whatever. They will also help in restoring cherished possessions where economically feasible.

Their workshop is at 30 Little Drysdale Street just before the tennis courts. Call in and see them on Wednesday or Saturday mornings from 8:00am to 12:00pm, phone them on 0409 615 559 or 0409 834 156, or find them on Facebook.

Contributed by Burdekin Woodcraft Association

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Sandy Smith cutting timber

Lance harness at the scroll saw

The Burdekin region has a rich Indigenous history and has been home to the Bindal and Juru Aboriginal people for centuries.

This week, 10 Townsville-based trainees visited the region to learn about the history and culture of its Traditional Owners as part of a traineeship with the Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation.

The traineeship, funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program, is a full-time, paid traineeship opportunity for First Nations participants aged between 17 and 21.

“We are training young First Nations people around land and sea management activities and exposing them to opportunities in the workplace around becoming land and sea rangers,” said Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation Project Manager Leah Saltner.

While in the Burdekin, the trainees interacted with Gudjuda Reference Group’s rangers across a number of projects on country.

They were also guided through the Juru Walk where Bindal Traditional Owner and Gudjuda Reference Group Ranger Eddie Smallwood guided them on a cultural tour of the native plant life.

“I just assist in teaching the younger fellas about bush tucker and what the medicines are for,” Mr Smallwood said.

“Our people have been using medicines for thousands of years so it’s good to see these young people learning about our culture.”

As the trainees learn about trees and vegetation, they’ll move onto reading the landscape and controlling cultural burning.

In the next two weeks, the trainees will then learn about turtle nesting where they will get the opportunity to camp with the rangers at Wunjunga, watch turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs and assist rangers to relocate the eggs away from predators.

They will also complete training and certification in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, scuba diving, cultural fire burning, boat and drone operation and seagrass monitoring throughout the program.

“It’s giving them work experience but it’s also creating a culturally safe space where they can learn and see whether this type of ranger work suits them or not,” said Ms Saltner.

“We’re also giving them opportunities to talk to other employers to see what fits, what they like, what they don’t like, and supporting them in whatever that career choice is going to be.”

“We want to get them career ready, so if they want to look after country, there might be opportunities for ranger jobs as not only Indigenous rangers but non-Indigenous rangers, so we’re looking at trying to skill them up to give them better opportunity in the workforce,” added Mr Smallwood.

“Our elders passed on a lot of stuff to me so it’s important for me to pass it on to our younger generation.”

Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation was established in 1999 to support Traditional Owner groups, becoming a not-for-profit Indigenous social enterprise with a focus on education, employment and training.

The Reference Group run a number of education and land and sea management programs, and Mr Smallwood urges everyone to get involved.

“You don’t have to be a traditional owner to learn all this, you can be a non-Indigenous person too, to work together and learn about what’s out there, what the bush tucker means to us as Indigenous people and what sorts of medicines it is for our people,” he said.

“Try and have a listen and go and have a look around your own backyard.

“Everything’s got a purpose and everything’s got something to say, so just listen to the trees.”

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A group of 10 First Nations Trainees visited the Burdekin this week

Eddie Smallwood of Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation guided a ‘Bush Tukka Tour’ at Juru Walk. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

At 3.25pm on Monday 16 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Jones Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 48yr old Sunshine Coast man, was issued a NTA driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19 December.  

At 6.50pm on Monday 16 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, McDesme.  The driver, a 41yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and unlicenced driving.  He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19 December.  

At about 6.50pm on Tuesday 17 October, Ayr Police attended Sutcliffe Estate, Ayr in relation to an altercation between two persons.  As a result, a 73yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count of common assault and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 14 November.

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In an exciting development for rugby league enthusiasts, the Burdekin Roosters have kicked off preparations for the 2024 season by unveiling their coaching team across all four grades set to compete in the RLTD.

Dan Beazley, a former captain of the Townsville Blackhawks and former Roosters player, is making a return to the club as the A Grade coach. Beazley, who decided to hang up his boots after a career that led him to France, is ready to take the helm after touring Australia in a van. Roosters president Mick Brombal had been pursuing his signature as coach since his return, and now that goal has been achieved. Beazley's wealth of experience will be invaluable for the predominantly young A Grade team.

Working alongside Beazley will be Kieran Dawes, who has already gained coaching experience this year.

The Reserve Grade will continue under the guidance of Chris Perry, who is both a long-term player and a coach. Perry's coaching prowess shone when he led the reserves to the Grand Final in 2022. Though he thought he had retired, the persistent calls from players led to his return to the coaching arena. Perry made a comeback earlier this year when he took over the Hens, proving his dedication to the Roosters.

Joining the coaching lineup is Peter Horan, a former player who once captained the A Grade in the TDRL. Horan relocated to Townsville but returned to the Burdekin this year to guide his son, coached by Ross Olsen, in the under-17 team. His passion for coaching led him to apply for the under-19 position, which he secured. Horan's experience will be a great asset to the Roosters.

The Hens will be under the tutelage of the well-known Townsville Touch coach Anita Hagarty. Hagarty brings a wealth of experience and coaching expertise to the team. She has a strong connection to the Burdekin, with her father being the former Home Hill winger and Burdekin Referee Joe Cantarella. Her son, Ethan Hagarty, was named Ayr Anzac Memorial Club A Grade Player of the Year.

To kick off the season's preparations, a meet and greet session is expected to be arranged soon, with pre-season training schedules to be finalised.

The club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 12, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ayr Anzac Club.

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Daniel Beasley. Photo credit: Mendi Blackhawks

The senior community gathered at the Ayr Showgrounds on Monday for the Seniors Health and Wellbeing Expo and Luncheon.

A day of insights, connections and inspiration, the event was aimed at promoting a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with the assistance of local businesses and the Burdekin Shire Youth Council.

“This event provides a platform for seniors to access valuable resources and connect with essential services, ensuring their wellbeing remains a priority in our community,” Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said.

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Photos supplied: Burdekin Regional Council