Rehoming Fee: $195

DOB: 1/1/2023

Sex: Male

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

This playful little tabby is on a quest to find his furever home! Dubbed Harry Potter, he is affectionate and loving, sure to keep his humans spellbound with his stellar personality.

He can magically make your worries (and a whole bowl of food) disappear!

Harry isn’t a fan of Quidditch, but he flies around at top speed chasing his toys.

The Sorting Hat has decided that Harry is definitely a lap cat, who adores being with his human friends.

Harry is available for adoption, is desexed and microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. Harry has also been flea, tick and worm treated.

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

‍

‍

Caption: Talika Pegoraro

‍

Friday, February 23 saw Burdekin Catholic Shire Council (BCHS) lift in rivalry with the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. After a fantastic Spirit Week, the three houses were set to bring their best to the pool. The day was filled with highly competitive races, with BCHS showcasing many great swimmers. Importantly, there was also high participation from our non-competitive races to ensure maximum points were gained towards acquiring the House Trophy.

It was great to see the fantastic spirit of each of the houses led by their incredible House Leaders.  The house chants were most likely heard all around Ayr. The staff at BCHS were well supported by officials from the Burdekin Torpedos. Announcements of the winners and age champions will be at the end of the Commissioning Liturgy on Wednesday morning.

‍

Contributed by Burdekin Catholic High School

‍

Caption: BCHS’s interhouse rivalry returned at the school’s swimming carnival last week. Photos supplied

‍

The first of Burdekin Christian College’s pre-carnival spirit activities was dodgeball, a very popular activity with many students participating.  

Mighty Mathew took out the first event of spirit week.

‍

Caption: Photos supplied: Jarvisfield State School

‍

The start of the 2024 local football season was delayed again due to the very wet weather. All matches in the area were called off and the Kappa Cup 3rd Round game between Burdekin Panthers and JCU Riverway has yet to be rescheduled.

The actual season is due to start this weekend with all five teams playing MA Olympic. The games were due to be played in Townsville, but the Olympic grounds were unplayable and Olympic wanted to play the games in the Burdekin, but after Monday night’s rain, International Park is also unplayable at the time of writing.

Senior registrations are now open and players must be registered by this Friday to be eligible to play weekend fixtures. Training Shirts are now available to collect at Senior trainings.

Jumper preorders are now open. Form is available on Facebook to order. Cut off is March 8th.

Training at International Park will be happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm for men and Wednesdays at 6:00pm for women, should it ever stop raining.

The Juniors are, unfortunately, in the same position. Pre-season Week 1 was postponed. Again, as well. Let’s hope we can get some drying conditions for next week and get the season underway soon.  

Keep an eye out for details regarding the Working Bee and coaches clinic which were also cancelled on the weekend.

Monday Night Masters was cancelled again, so we will have another go at it next Monday assuming there is not too much more rain. So, it’s usual time, usual place, 6:30pm at International Park. New and old players are all welcome. In fact, it doesn’t really matter if you can’t play. Treat it as an escape.

The Matildas played the first leg of their Olympic Qualifier against Uzbekistan last Saturday and won 3-0 in a rather lacklustre performance. The second leg was played in Melbourne on Wednesday and, barring a catastrophe, the Matildas should qualify for the real thing in Paris.

‍

Who are you and what do you think qualifies you for the role?

Born and raised in the Burdekin and with over four decades experience in business, I truly understand the needs and challenges of our community. I have developed a strong understanding of effective governance, including through the completion of a Company Director course. Having previously served as Councillor for 12 years, I will continue to support, and leverage my wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide the region forward. My candidacy reflects my lifelong commitment to empowering the Burdekin and its residents.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

Growth and Development. The 2015/16 Annual Report noted a population of 17,364, with projections reaching 19,500 by 2031. Yet, recent data shows only 16,842 residents. Housing is vital for growth, with pressure on the State Government needed to utilise vacant land. Collaboration with landholders and builders for residential expansion is crucial, especially with the Industrial Estate's ongoing growth and potential future expansions like the Burdekin Dam. Without growth, our rates will only increase, to the detriment of our community.

What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

As a mayor candidate, I recognise the diversity of our community's needs, yet understand the common concern: rising rates impact living pressures. I believe we need to get back to some basics and be discerning about needs versus wants, especially when maintaining existing infrastructure. There is a lack of urgency and efficiency when addressing concerns – this must change, and I will make it my priority to examine the current budget to better support everyday household pressures.

Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

In my initial 100 days, I'll approach each day diligently, starting with collaboration with elected councillors. Henry Ford's words ring true: 'Working together is success. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress'. Listening to and addressing councillors' concerns is vital for our new Burdekin management team. Putting our first budget together by June 30th will be complex—unlike standard Profit and Loss in business. Tightening the Council's budget will be a shared priority as we move forward.

Tell us how you will unite the community and ensure everyone is represented at Council

I am committed to ensuring that both groups and individuals are given opportunity to voice their concerns and are treated with due respect. Currently, there appears to be a deficiency in promptly addressing these matters, which I intend to rectify through a renewed sense of urgency and attentiveness. I will also empower our residents to contribute to development and improvement, not only for a more vibrant and resilient community, but to retain our youth and combat our ageing community.

‍

Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for the role

I have held many roles in my time in the Burdekin: I am a wife, mother, primary school teacher, and proud member of many local sporting, school, church and community associations. Having served as a Councillor for six years, Mayor for 16 years, and as a Board representative on several regional and state bodies, I have a wealth of advocacy and leadership experience. I strongly believe the Burdekin is the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest.

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region, what would it be and how would you go about it?

Ensuring a focus on local government matters, not those managed at a state or federal level. Community resilience remains a key focus, not only in the face of weather events but industry, business and everyday life. Ensuring the Burdekin community has the support, knowledge and resources to flourish, while Council continues to advocate for support and funding from relevant bodies. Examples include the recent Emergency Action Guide (residents), partnership with Smart Hub Burdekin (business) and Pick the Burdekin campaign (industry).

What do you think people want now and how would you give it to them?

Modern local governments no longer only deliver roads, rubbish, water and wastewater: there is a growing focus on liveability, sustainability and community wellbeing. However, essential services and infrastructure will always remain my top priority. Society has an expectation of having everything provided for them, however it is important to ensure our region remains self-sufficient and progressive. I hope Council continues their community consultation sessions in townships, with action plans delivered for Giru, Alva, Rita Island/Jarvisfield and Millaroo/Dalbeg. 

Tell us what your first 100 days will look like if successful?

There will be some new faces in the next term of Council. When I first commenced as a Councillor, I had a lot of questions, so I have always facilitated an informal gathering of elected members once polls are declared. Prior to any formal meetings, Councillors will have the opportunity to meet each other and Council’s senior management, and begin asking questions. Then one of the first formal tasks will be to deliberate and deliver the 2024/25 Burdekin Shire Budget. 

How will you unite the community and ensure everyone is represented?

Council’s Economic Development and Community Development sections are in close consultation with the Chambers of Commerce and key industry, business and community groups. There are several Advisory Groups/Committees who provide feedback on Council decisions, ensuring a broad cross-section of our Shire have a say. People generally aren’t interested until there is an election or affects them personally so I want to emphasise if anyone does have questions or feedback, my door is always open and I happily meet with residents.

‍

In an emotional triumph for the local commercial fishing industry, six restricted licenses have been granted to commercial operators residing in the Burdekin to allow the use of nets to catch barramundi.

The announcement of the new licenses came after primary commercial fishing licences no longer authorised commercial net fishing activities in Queensland from January 1, 2024, in State and Federal Government efforts to phase out gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef by 2027.

Alva fisher Neil Green was granted one of these licenses two days into barramundi season after he and his daughter, Sienna, campaigned passionately against the gillnet ban for the last eight months.

“We just devoted our time to it because we knew it was worth fighting for,” Neil said.

“To get that phone call at the end to say, ‘You’ve been granted a license,’ it was just tears all around.”

‍

Cover Caption: Neil Green, Dale Vener, Sienna and Leanne Green and their fishing dog Bozo. Photo supplied

‍

‍

The Fight Continues

Thanks To Community And Political Support

In June 2023, The Australian and Queensland governments announced plans to phase out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by mid-2027 to better protect threatened and endangered species.

With the ban threatening the livelihoods of commercial fishing operators and related suppliers and industries, father-daughter fishing duo Neil and Sienna Green embarked on an eight-month journey of campaigning which saw them present to the Future Fishing Taskforce in Brisbane, meet with politicians, organise protests and appear on countless media channels to spread the message.

As of January 1, their N2 primary commercial fishing licence no longer authorised commercial net fishing activities.

However, in December last year, a new NX license was announced, which allows the use of gillnets to catch barramundi under strict conditions.

Neil and Sienna’s partner Dale were both issued licences on February 3 which are to expire in mid-2027, but the Greens consider this the consultation period the fishing industry never got.

“We fought so much for the last eight months,” Sienna said.

“Because it was rushed, there are quite a few teething issues, but it’s better than nothing and we’re so prepared to work through it.

“We’ve got to this stage, and I truly believe that we’ll be able to keep fighting and try to get it right.”

Only 40 NX licenses are available, with over half already being issued to Queensland fishing operators who met a series of strict criteria.

The NX license allows the use of nets under strict conditions, including the use of cameras on the boat at all times, observers being present on the boat at certain times, and the closure of fishing areas including Bowling Green Bay and Upstart Bay.

“They’re looking at what we catch,” Neil said.

“We’ve always claimed we’re not having interactions with dugongs and sawsharks to the extent that they’re saying we have.

“I think it’s a positive to have the camera, because it’s going to demonstrate what we don’t catch and that’s what the ‘green’ groups are lobbying on.”

Neil and Sienna intend to use this period to trial new, sustainable means of fishing, although they believe gillnets are the safest and most effective way to make a living as commercial fishers, disputing claims that their nets interact with endangered and threatened species.

“I think we’ve got the right apparatus to catch barra, being a gillnet, particularly in our creeks and rivers, and we need to prove that,” Neil said.

“I’m all for trialling new apparatus, but we’re going to have interactions with those endangered species.

“If there’s something better, then we’ll look at it.”

With a state election around the corner, Neil and Sienna will continue the campaign and meet with all sides of government as well as other primary industry bodies.

Neil and Sienna also thanked the community for their support, driving them to continue the fight to offer fresh, locally caught seafood.

“(The community is) obviously who we go out and fish on behalf of, and it’s just been so heartwarming and overwhelming to have that much support out there,” Sienna said.

“If we didn’t have them behind us, we wouldn’t be at this stage.”

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was one MP who supported Neil and Sienna’s campaign heavily and said the interim NX licenses is a small, temporary win for those in our region.

“The availability of these licenses means that we can keep these hardworking professionals in the industry until we can change this decision or change the current government, because if these operators decide to sell all their gear and move on to something else, it will be exceptionally hard to rebuild this industry in Australia,” he said.

“I am disappointed in the way that this decision has been handed down, the lack of industry consultation, and the lack of communication from these decision makers who are destroying so many livelihoods and running people out of business.

“While the temporary licenses will keep these businesses operating, there is still a long way to go.”

‍

Caption 1: Neil and Sienna Green have started barra season on the water after being granted restricted licenses to continue to use gillnets. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

‍

Hi Readers

I’ve added a new item to my list of new year’s resolutions, and that’s to catch a barra.

I know next to nothing about fishing and when I’ve sat in on conversations with experts talking shop, it seems to me like they’re speaking another language.

But, equipped with a fishing rod and tackle box recovered from my Pa’s shed and a cast net I got for my birthday as a child, I’m determined to reel one in – you could say I’ve got all the gear and no idea.

A couple of people who know a thing or two about fishing are Neil and Sienna Green who you would’ve seen on the cover of this week’s edition alongside Niel’s wife Leanne, Sienna’s partner Dale and their fishing dog Bozo.

I sat down with the father-daughter fishing duo to get an update on the Government’s phasing out of gillnets – you can catch their story on page 4.

I was sure to get some tips and tricks from the experts while I sat down with them and will keep you updated on this venture.

You’ll also find more information about the upcoming local government election in this week’s newspaper, with some photos from Burdekin Chamber’s Candidate Forum on page 6 and some comments from the two mayoral candidates on page 7.

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce also hosted a forum this week, however it was after our print deadline, so you’ll see photos from that in next week’s edition.

Election time always arouses different thoughts, opinions and ideas from members of the community, and we’ve been contacted recently about sharing these views in ‘Letters to the Editor’.

As a locally owned, independent and neutral publication, Burdekin Life is open to receiving and printing Letters to the Editor, however these are printed at the publication’s discretion dependent on space available and the contents of the letter.

So, if you’ve got something to share, feel free to send it in to the email address on your left.

One last update from me: the first instalment of the Home Hill Happy Hour, my new show on Sweet FM, was a lot of fun.

I’m looking forward to integrating the show into my weekly routine, so tune in to 97.1 Sweet FM every Tuesday from 7:00pm to hear some of my favourite tunes that I think you’ll enjoy.

‍

Clare State School Students have been surprised with the joy of comprehensive stationary packs, donated to the school by the Joyful Foundation.

Having met out and about during the school holidays, School Principal Troy Patti welcomed the donation from the Joyful Foundation.

Established over 10 years ago, the Joyful Foundation continues the legacy of their namesake Joylene Donnellan, a teacher and guidance officer who assisted disadvantaged children achieve a better education, by providing school supplies, uniforms, and other school essentials.

The Joyful Foundation gifted Clare State School half a dozen stationary packs, to ensure students are ready for the new school year.

“Anytime that someone is looking to help, we take it,” explained Troy.

“Our school’s P&C provide stationary to all our students, and having these packs donated to us takes the pressure off the P&C and allows us to better equip the school with other improvements for the students.

“We thank the Joyful Foundation for their generosity and look forward to working with them closely for more projects in the future.”

‍

Students of Clare State School with the Joyful Foundation stationary parks. Photo supplied

‍

In his first week as Officer in Charge (OIC) at Home Hill Police Station, Sargeant Samuel Pyke has highlighted the need for clearer avenues of communication and collaboration between police and community.

Sgt Pyke started in the role on Monday, February 12, bringing over a decade of experience from some of Queensland’s busiest beats to Home Hill.

Originally from the Gold Coast, Sgt Pyke joined the police force 12 years ago and has since been posted in Gladstone, Townsville, Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and Ayr.

He worked in Ayr as Shift Supervisor for the last three years and is eager to bring his expertise across the bridge.

“As an officer in charge, I’m in charge of the division, and the staff who are involved in that,” Sgt Pyke said.

“I think everywhere in my policing career has probably given me a good insight into policing issues which are common in any town or policing division that you work in.

“I take a commonsense approach to policing, as do all of the very experienced officers who work here.

“It’s not a 9-5 job and you actually get some hands-on exposure on how to affect people’s lives and change them for the better.”

As youth and property crime continue to dominate word on the street, the incumbent OIC has expressed his desire to meet with key community members to address their concerns and work collaboratively with community groups.

“My hope would be to see a Neighbourhood Watch formed in Home Hill, formally recognised and run by the community with input from the police,” Sgt Pyke said.

“If we had a Neighbourhood Watch then we’ve got a formal entity, a formal place where police can report back to the community.”

Sgt Pyke said his previous dealings with existing local community watch groups have been positive.

“It’s good to see that the community care so much about the community itself, I think that’s important, but it would be good to see a formal structure if a neighbourhood watch was formed as an official entity which provides assistance to the community to prevent crime,” he said.

“Youth crime’s an issue across Queensland, it’s not just specific to this town.

“There’s been some great things that the government and the police have been doing in regards to early intervention, because you can’t arrest your way out of a youth crime issue.

“We’ll always do our best and use every tool in our toolbox to hold offenders to account and we’ll work within the limits of the Youth Justice Act when it comes to it.

“There’s a lot of work being done with youths to try and divert them from going down that path and that’s been ongoing for a number of years but it’s challenging, not just here, but everywhere.”

Sgt Pyke’s advice to the community is to ensure cars and homes are locked and secure at night.

“Most of these crimes are opportunistic,” he said.

“You have to be security conscious yourself to be able to prevent these things happening.

“I hope the community sees us out and about a bit more so they can see us out patrolling and engaging with the community.”

‍

Caption: Home Hill Police Station’s new OIC Sargeant Samuel Pyke

‍

The sudden closure of the Coles Supermarket at Burdekin Plaza in Ayr over the weekend took many residents by surprise.

It is expected that the store will now be shut for two weeks while urgent roof repairs are made.

Todd Riches, Coles Regional Manager, said Coles paused trade over the weekend due to concerns about the stability of the roof tiles as a result of excess moisture and humidity from recent heavy rain.

“We want to thank the community for their continued understanding and patience while our store is temporarily closed. The health and safety of our team members and customers is our number one priority,” he said.

“We are working closely with our landlord, and have engaged a contractor to replace the tiles, which will be completed over the next two weeks.”

While the Ayr store is temporarily closed, residents will still be able to receive home delivery options from Townsville store.

All orders over $50 will receive free delivery and this service begins today, Thursday 22 February.

‍

A group of 16 participants recently completed training facilitated by CORES Queensland, equipping them with the essential skills to identify and respond to a person at risk of suicide.

The training day was held at PCYC Burdekin on Friday, February 9 and CORES Queensland Coordinator and Counsellor Ross Romeo said it taught people the warning signs to look out for in someone they’re concerned about and what to say, what to do and where to go for help.

“It’s very interactive and we design it and deliver it in a way that does make it interactive,” he said.

“We don’t go anywhere telling anybody that we’ve got all the answers, so everyone learns from everybody else in the room.

“We supply the workbooks and the materials, but it’s all about engaging people and getting people to talk amongst themselves in breaks where they connect and form their own networks away from the training.”

The training also incorporates a lot of self-care strategies, teaching participants to take care of themselves.

CORES Queensland training sessions are free and are open to anyone 15 years and over, and Ross said they can be beneficial to anyone in the community.

“Suicide doesn’t discriminate, so everyone’s going to get something out of it, whether it’s in your personal or professional lives,” he said.

“The bit that appealed to me was that it was easy to understand and practical.

“It’s from a personal and community-focused perspective.

“Everyone can do it and we’ve all got a role to play.”

Glen Cornford was one of 16 to take the training earlier in the month, hoping to use the tools in his work with young people as an athletics coach in the Burdekin and Townsville.

“I definitely have an interest in helping all people with their mental health,” Mr Cornford said.

“I work with a lot of teenagers, so that’s a big worry for me, trying to identify when kids get to that point.”

Mr Cornford said he appreciated the interactive element of the training.

“To sit there and be around those people who had so much knowledge, especially the likes of Ross, it was great to take it all in and see other people’s points of view, opinions and ideas,” he said.

“It’s definitely well worth it.

“To learn those skills and to be able to identify that stuff early, that’s definitely valuable information to have.

“It gave me the confidence to be able to talk to people and ask the right questions.”

In a new partnership with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, CORES Queensland is hosting a two-hour self-care and mental wellbeing workshop.

This session will be held at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr, on Tuesday, March 5 from 9:30am.

Email adminqld@kentishrc.com.au for more information.

“When things pop up around the community, I’d encourage everyone to come along because it’s all free and it’s delivered by local people,” Mr Romeo said.

‍

Caption: 16 participants undertook CORES Queensland’s suicide prevention training earlier in February. Photo supplied

‍

A forum was held on Tuesday, February 20 by Burdekin Chamber inviting mayoral and councillor candidates to present to the community and answer their questions.

‍

Caption 1: Pierina Dalle Cort, Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford and Lyn McLaughlin

Caption 2: Lyn McLaughlin, Amanda Hall, Fina Vasta and Kaylee Boccalatte

Caption 3: Llewlyn Davies, John Furnell, Pierina Dalle Cort, Jayson O’Keeffe and Callan Oar

Caption 4: Russell and Linda Kirk and Tiffany and Alissa Muir

Caption 5: Michael Detenon, Max Musumeci and Llewlyn Davies

Caption 6: Tony Goddard, Warren Francis and Charlie Scuderi

‍