With Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that Council has partnered with Burdekin Life Newspaper as a Founding Advertising Partner?

Burdekin Life Newspaper is set to deliver important local news and stories, marking a significant milestone for the Burdekin.

Council's collaboration will ensure that the community remains well-informed about local events, services, and initiatives, while fostering unity and support within the region.

The partnership with Burdekin Life Newspaper will be instrumental in supporting and boosting community engagement.

As a founding advertising partner, Council not only provides advertising support but will also share crucial community updates and information.

Looking ahead, Council will provide valuable content each week, including a comprehensive page advertisement, a dedicated ‘Councillor Column’ and a ‘Did You Know?’ column.  

I am confident that Burdekin Life Newspaper will thrive, introducing a fresh and distinctive perspective to the Burdekin community.

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Congratulations Burdekin Life on your first ever issue! It’s fantastic to see there’s still an appetite for local, community driven news.

As a Bowen boy, and your Federal Member for Dawson, I have always enjoyed getting out and about in the Burdekin.

Whenever I’m in town or sometimes passing through, I make sure to stop in at 97.1 Sweet FM to have a chat with Charlie to let everyone know what issues I’m fighting for that affect the people of the Burdekin.

I hold a close working relationship with your Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin, and all the Councillors to ensure we are fighting for the issues affecting your community.

I also enjoy visiting local farmers and the various industry bodies in the area. Farming and agriculture are an essential industry, providing all the food and fibre for the country, and as the biggest cane growing area, the name Bountiful Burdekin rings true!

It is my job to fight for the needs of the Burdekin community, and I take my job very seriously.

I want to see the Labor government reverse their decision on the ban of commercial gillnets, which is going to have some serious negative consequences for our beautiful region.

I want to see a Headspace facility open, and I am working hard to gain 24-hour access to the CT machine in the Burdekin, so no one has to travel to Townsville and lose time for important lifesaving services.

I also want to know what issues are important to you, so please, visit my website and complete Dawson’s Biggest Survey.

Visit my website at www.andrewwillcox.com.au/biggest-survey

Your Federal Member

Andrew Willcox

Opinion Piece

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The Ayr Chamber of Commerce met at Helloworld Travel Ayr last Thursday, September 21, where crime in the community was put in the spotlight.

Officer In Charge of Ayr Police Station, Senior Sergeant Steve Barton, was invited to address the Chamber and spoke about property crime, domestic and family violence and copper theft.

Senior Sergeant Barton shared his tips, advising to always lock your car and house and to report crime to police as opposed to sharing footage on social media.

Afterwards, enthusiastic discussion ensued.

President of the Ayr Chamber of Commerce Leigh Kefford thanked Senior Sergeant Barton for his presentation.

“Every month we have a Chamber Connect event where we go around to different businesses to showcase their business as well as have a guest speaker from different organisations,” Mr Kefford said.

“Crime is one of the major concerns that affects nearly all businesses.”

Burdekin Regional Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin provided an update on Council happenings before Burdekin Life Journalist Sam Gillespie introduced the publication to the group.

Striving to deliver advocacy, networking, education, economic development and community development to the Burdekin, the Ayr Chamber of Commerce is always welcoming new members, meeting on the third Tuesday of each month.

“The Ayr Chamber of Commerce is about advocating for local businesses on different issues and supporting members, either through issues they’re having and providing benefits to the community as a whole,” Mr Kefford said.

“Get involved in your Chamber, because the Chamber is there to benefit the members themselves.”

Visit www.ayrchamber.com.au to find out more.

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Officer In Charge of Ayr Police Station Senior Sergeant Steve Barton and President of the Ayr Chamber of Commerce Leigh Kefford. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Queensland Police Service have “Home Security Audit” forms that can be accessed at the QPS website https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/homeSecurity/Homesecurityauditchecklistandfactsheet.htm

Anecdotally, the majority of unlawful entry offences are committed on residences or vehicles that are unlocked and/or have valuables in plain sight.  Locking your house and car and securing valuables including money, keys, wallets and mobile phones will deter opportunistic thieves.  

If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after-hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.

Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, please contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.

Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it

If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.

Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.

You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys?

Car keys – treat them like cash!

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At Home Hill Chamber Of Commerce Meeting

The loyal attendees of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce’s September Social and Networking Event were wowed when President David Jackson revealed a historic book of meeting minutes dating back to 1930.

The book, titled ‘Foundation Minutes 1930-1935’, charts the inception of the Home Hill Community Sports Club and was recently discovered at the clubhouse by Trevor Elton.

The Chamber met last Wednesday, September 20 at the clubhouse and invited Executive Committee Member Meg Wilson to speak about her role as Grower Marketing Consultant with Wilmar Sugar.

Lilibeth and Jun Myles, who purchased the Malpass Hotel in April, introduced themselves to the group before Journalist Sam Gillespie was welcomed to explain the new publication Burdekin Life.

The next Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event will be held at the Home Hill Community Sports Club on Wednesday, October 18 from 5:30pm.

To find out more, visit homehillchamber.com.au.

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Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson, Treasurer John Clarke and Secretary Robert Antoniazzi

Lilibeth and Jun Myles of the Malpass Hotel

Jim Ashworth of Ashworths Home Hill and Councillor Max Musumeci

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Member and Meg Wilson and Vice President Uli Liessmann

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Within the local Burdekin region, a remarkable journey of community support began in 2012, led by the Rotary Club of Ayr.

The Community Raffle, fully funded by the Rotary Club, includes prize money exceeding $17,000, has emerged as a potent catalyst for positive change.

Over the past decade, it has empowered more than 40 local organizations to collectively raise over $500,000.

In 2012, the Rotary Club of Ayr after much discussion and planning, conceptualized the Community Raffle as a sustainable way to support the many local organisations in need.

Unlike many other community initiatives, the Community Raffle is unique in that it is entirely funded by the Rotary Club of Ayr.

This includes the prize money, which has consistently exceeded $17,000 each year.

This financial commitment from Rotary has been pivotal in allowing the raffle to thrive and grow.

Money to fund this initiative was raised through the yearly production of the Rotary Phone book.

Local community businesses that advertise in this phone book are in fact achieving much more than having their business profiled each year, they are inadvertently contributing to community organisations through the Community Raffle portal.

The Community Raffle's impact is nothing short of transformative.

Over $500,000 has been distributed among more than 40 local organizations, spanning Home Hill, Brandon, Ayr, Giru, Clare, and Jerona.

These funds have breathed new life into schools, community organisations, church groups, and sporting clubs and many other local groups.

Change is a natural part of any long-running community initiative, and the 2012 Community Raffle is no exception.

While this year may see a smaller number of participating organisations, the raffle's ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to its enduring spirit.

Over 8,000 tickets have been distributed, demonstrating that the community's enthusiasm for this initiative remains as strong as ever.

The drawing of this year’s raffle will take place at a venue to be announced on November 11, all participating organisations and community members will be invited to attend the free event as a celebration of another successful year.

Contributed by Narelle Hibberd

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The Rotary Club of Ayr. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Member for Burdekin Dale Last and past Rotary Club of Ayr members Jack Slaney and Robert Antoniazzi who were on the original committee that started the raffle. Photo supplied

Steeped in history and engaged with community, Burdekin Motor Group is passionate about giving back to the Burdekin.

The dealership had been established for over 30 years before it joined Pickerings Group of Companies in 2000, becoming Burdekin Motor Group.

Dealer Principal James Jensen has been a part of the business for nearly 30 years and leads a team of long-term locals embedded in their community.

The team is like a family, welcoming everyone who walks through the doors and offering that classic country service that everyone values.

“We talk to people, we’re hands on, we know the community and there’s a familiarity,” James said.

“We have generations of families buying cars off of us who have been dealing with us for nearly 30 years.”

A genuine one-stop-shop, Burdekin Motor Group is the only multi-franchise dealership in the region, the sales staff cross-trained across Nissan, Isuzu Ute, Mitsubishi, Kia, and Suzuki brands.

“We’ve got options to give people,” James said.

“There’s not many places you can talk to the same salesman about five different car brands.”

On top of sales, Burdekin Motor Group offers spare parts and careful and attentive servicing, providing consistency and continuity of care to all customers.

The dealership proudly trains and employs local school-based apprentices, giving the young people of the Burdekin employment opportunities in their hometown.

Giving back to the community is important to James and the team, as they are continually involved in grassroots sport and local charities through sponsorship and fundraising.

It’s this community focus that inspired Burdekin Motor Group to join Burdekin Life as a Founding Partner.

“It’s to do with getting involved in the local community and giving them back their paper, because it is vital in a lot of ways,” James said.

“It’s good to see what’s happening and what people are doing, whether it be kids or sport.

“We want to support the paper and give it an opportunity to grow.”

Visit www.burdekinmotors.com.au to find out more.

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Burdekin Motors Dealer Principal James Jensen and General Manager David Briggs. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

At Tosh’s Convenience Store

Whether you are looking for some fresh fruit and veggies, butcher quality meats or an excuse to sit down and enjoy a delicious coffee or homemade burger, you will find all your needs met at Tosh’s Convenience Store located at 9 Chippendale Street in Ayr.

Renowned for its good old-fashioned service, the quaint and personal grocery store is a local community hub, a place people come to gather, share stories and enjoy good company.

Sit outside on the comfortable café seating, enjoy the sunshine and say hello to fellow residents as they come by.

Sit and relax, sip on a cup of Rounded Coffee, which is reportedly amongst the best in town, or grab a cool drink and refresh.

Choose from a milkshake, thick shake or slushie, or head to the drink fridge and take your pick from the extensive range of ice-cold beverages.

For those looking for a lunchtime meal or a snack, head inside and browse the plentiful hot food display box, plus pies and pasties.

You could also indulge yourself with one of Tosh’s signature burgers, with the lot, perfect for that well-deserved treat.

Alternatively, go light and healthy with their selection of delicious freshly made sandwiches and wraps.

Inside Tosh’s Convenience Store, customers are invited to relax and enjoy a comfortable grocery shop experience where they can browse at their leisure and pick up a bargain along the way.

Freshly baked bread, locally grown fruit and veggies when available, and a range of quality meats with an extensive selection of deli products awaits.

There are also homemade cakes and biscuits and a variety of confectionary and ice-creams – the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

For those looking for a quick and easy dinner time solution, Tosh’s also stock a variety of Frozen Masala Curry or Pasta Dinner Packs.

Owned by local couple, Anne and Neil Williams, for the past 10 years, the convenience store has been well-looked after and has a popular following amongst locals.

“We are happy people and have a welcoming customer service,” said Neil.

“We may be a little bit further for some, but it is worth that extra distance, for that lovely take -away - give us a try - you’ll be glad you did!”

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Neil and Anne Williams outside their convenience store. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Burdekin Cane Organisation's Transformation Signals Growth

In a rebranding move that mirrors its exceptional expansion and commitment to its members, the Burdekin Cane & Agriculture Organisation has unveiled its new identity as Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR). This rebrand isn't just about nomenclature; it underscores the organisation's visionary journey towards a sustainable future for Queensland's sugar industry.

Panikos Spyrou, QCAR's CEO, said the rebrand signifies rapid growth and unification among members, propelled by a proactive collaboration with AgForce and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA).

“We are more than a mere collective; we epitomise forward-thinking, underpinned by a commercially-driven ethos that generously rewards growers who embrace technology and innovation,” he said.

The statistics bear witness to this transformation. Over the past year, QCAR's tonnage has surged from 1.3 million tonnes to an impressive 4.2 million tonnes. While QCAR's roots remain firmly entrenched in the Burdekin, its membership aims to span from the Daintree in the north to the Gold Coast in the south, encompassing Queensland's entire sugar-growing coastline.

Spyrou elaborated, "Our focus isn't just on our past achievements; we are resolutely oriented towards the future. Renewables are the linchpin of the cane industry's tomorrow, and QCAR desires to be at the forefront of this evolution.

“As the world focuses on decarbonisation, we are delving into the conversion of cane byproducts into commodities, along with exploring renewable energy prospects during the milling process."

What truly sets QCAR apart is its steadfast commitment to maximising grower profits and advancing efficiency without curtailing high achievers. This approach not only augments growers' earnings but also contributes to thriving local communities.

"A flourishing industry is great for the local community, and this ethos has already attracted some of Australia's most substantial producers to QCAR,” Mr Spyrou said.

“QCAR is unique in the sense that it has links to three state bodies and also federal advocacy which allows us to give focus to a superior local service while we expand into other areas with the same ‘hands-on’ member focused issues that bring service back to our growers which effectively transforms their financial levy contribution from a cost to an investment into their families’ and local communities’ future.  

“Direct access to various State based representation plays a great role, not only for Cane specific issues, but also for all Agricultural matters which directly affect our underlying farmer members.”

QCAR collaborates closely with sugar mills, focusing on cooperative solutions to industry hurdles. Rather than casting blame, the organisation works hand in hand with mills and logistics to streamline processes and expedite cane from paddock to mill. Members' concerns receive prompt and efficient attention, nurturing swifter growth and prosperity that reverberates through community development.

The preliminary launch of this rebrand aligns with the introduction of this publication, Burdekin Life newspaper, following comprehensive approvals from the board and members. As QCAR strides resolutely into this new chapter, it remains unwaveringly dedicated to its core tenets of unity, sustainability, and prosperity for all stakeholders.

The future gleams with promise, and QCAR is at the helm, hand in hand with its growers and partners, steering Queensland's sugar industry towards a more vibrant, profitable and sustainable future.

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QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou

● Applications are open now for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award until 25 October 2023.

● The Rural Women’s Award supports Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

● The AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is open to provide professional development support to rural women to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

Applications are now open for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, a platform designed to empower women engaged in rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. The recent national gala event in Canberra witnessed the representation of Queensland's own Emma-Louise Gibbons, this year's Queensland Rural Woman Award winner.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the awards are a fitting tribute to the many women providing leadership and inspiration across our rural communities.

“Our Queensland finalist, Emma-Louise Gibbons, is a fine example of what is being achieved by so many women in the agriculture sector right across our state,” he said.

Nikki Davey, a visionary tech entrepreneur and innovator from Victoria, claimed the national title, epitomizing the award's mission to honour courageous leadership by rural women.

John Harvey, the Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, emphasised the award's significance, stating, "The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities, and can open doors to professional development and Alumni networks."

For over 15 years, Westpac has been a dedicated platinum sponsor of the Rural Women’s Awards. The Queensland winner is set to receive a $15,000 grant to advance their work and has the opportunity to vie for an additional $20,000 grant at the national level.

The newly appointed state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women’s Association, will offer a $2,000 grant to Queensland’s finalists, in addition to facilitating access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Alongside the Rural Women’s Awards, AgriFutures Australia extends the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant as a valuable leadership and development opportunity for rural women who may not yet be ready to apply for the award. This grant provides a bursary of up to $7,000, fostering professional development and spurring innovation within rural industries, businesses, and communities.

Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will remain open until Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

“I encourage Queensland women in agriculture and other rural industries to have a look at the inspiring stories of our previous winners and consider putting their hands up for next year’s awards,” Minister Furner said.

For comprehensive details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the AgriFutures website.

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Victorian rural tech entrepreneur, Nikki Davey, has been named the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner with NSW Artistic Director Michelle Leonard announced as National Runner Up

Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

We are very pleased to be a foundation member of the Burdekin Life newspaper. It is great to see a new venture in the Burdekin and we wish the business every success.

The launch of this local newspaper ties in well with our own business within the Wilmar Marketing team.

We recently appointed Fiona Villis as a full-time Grower Marketing Consultant, based at Inkerman Mill.

Fiona, with her husband Paul, have owned and operated cane farms in the Burdekin for nearly 20 years, so she is well versed in the day-to-day challenges of managing a busy farm business. Many growers may have spoken to Fiona through her previous role with Lower Burdekin Water where she worked part time for the past four years.

Fiona joins Meghan Wilson who is also launching into a new phase in her career as she completes her internship with Wilmar Grower Marketing.

Meg joined the business as a graduate a year ago and has made her mark in the Burdekin with her boundless enthusiasm and cheerful nature.

She has acquired a tremendous amount of knowledge over the past year and is looking forward to helping growers understand the vagaries of sugar pricing and how best to use Wilmar’s products and services to maximise income.

And what a year it has been for sugar prices and consequent cane returns. Many of you who attended our international trader roadshow at the beginning of the production season heard Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham talk about the risk the sugar world faced with a tight trade balance sheet and low stock levels. Add in the prospect of an El Nino, and the case for higher prices was made from a fundamental viewpoint.

Luckily for global trade, the Brazilian harvest has progressed with hardly a glitch and near-term demand can be met. It will be when the Indian and Thai crops are needed that will tell if we are in for an historic price rise or not.

Fortunately, Wilmar’s 2023 pools are well positioned to take advantage of any price spikes while being well protected from significant price falls. Additionally, our advanced physical sales schedule for the current crop has allowed us to confidently advance secured premiums to Target price growers through the Allocation Account, which is well ahead (A$16/T Net Actual) of our competitor’s offering in the Shared Pool.

For more information, please contact our Burdekin Grower Marketing consultants Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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Meghan Wilson (left) and Fiona Villis are Wilmar’s Grower Marketing consultants in the Burdekin

Garden looking a bit shabby? Plants wilting in the heat? Need a screen to separate your property from your neighbour perhaps?

Or maybe you need some native colours to add life to your landscaping?

Well look no further as the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association nursery is the place to solve all your plant problems.

Catering for a large range of native plants, collected from seeds sourced in the Burdekin Region, the nursery provides seedlings and mature trees for domestic gardens, large project work, and small acreage plantings.

All nursery native stock can be found in the LBLCA publication of the Burdekin Delta Tree Guide, for sale at the nursery, and customers will find all tube stock very reasonably priced.

The nursery is serviced totally by enthusiastic volunteers and overseen by a knowledgeable, helpful, and experienced nursery manager.

Come in and browse the increasing number of ornamentals as well as the large variety of native plants to beautify your garden, create some shade or to give life to your space.

The nursery is situated on International Road, Ayr, and occupies the site of the old Brothers clubhouse.

Bring along your cash but if not LBLCA offers a direct debit transfer option.

The Landcare group looks forward to seeing many of the general public soon.

Who knows, if you like what you see, you may even take out a membership for the cheap rate of $10 per person or $20 per family per year.

Just ask one of the helpful volunteers when visiting.

Now there’s food for thought!

Nursery opening times are Monday-Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00am until midday.

Contributed by the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association

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In a time of growing concern for the agricultural community, the charity, Rural Aid, is extending a helping hand to farmers.

As the Bureau of Meteorology confirms the arrival of an El Niño event, the organisation is calling on farmers to proactively seek support.

El Niño, a meteorological phenomenon synonymous with scorching temperatures and prolonged dry spells, has the potential to plunge regions into drought conditions.

With the threat of this weather pattern looming, Rural Aid is stepping up its efforts to provide essential aid to those facing the brunt of its impact.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the Bureau’s announcement confirmed many producers’ fears.

“The announcement of the El Nino weather pattern will bring a lot of unwelcome memories to the surface for our farmers, who’ve been anxiously watching land and waterways dry up,” Mr Warlters said.

“Thousands of farmers are already managing their land with a view to drought, but the Bureau’s announcement makes that approach all the more important.”

“The past drought was regarded as the worst in living memory for the majority of the country, and it’s understandable that many farmers are scared of going through that again,” Mr Warlters said.

“We’re encouraging farmers to reach out and register with Rural Aid now.”

Rural Aid offers primary producers a range of assistance measures including financial, hay, drinking water, counselling, and volunteer assistance.

“We’ve already seen a huge increase in requests for emergency hay and household drinking water from farmers right across the country,” Mr Warlters said.

“In the past four months, requests to Rural Aid for emergency drinking water have increased by 240 per cent, and our free water tank offer was exhausted in just four hours with more than 95 applications. We’re aiming to deliver another 50 water tanks by the end of this year to meet demand.

“I’m encouraging farmers who are finding themselves overwhelmed to give our rurally based counselling team a call for a free chat, to make sure they’re in the best possible position they can be to take on the upcoming seasons,” Mr Warlters said.

Primary producers are urged to register online at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Rural Aid’s counsellors can be reached at 1300 175 594.

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The spirit of Clare State School has been immortalised in song and video thanks to Golden Guitar-winning Australian country musician Josh Arnold.

‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’ is a collaboration between Mr Arnold and students, staff, and P&C from the school, debuting at the Fancy Dress Ball at the start of the month.

The school received a grant from the Pacific Blue Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund, enlisting the services of Mr Arnold who has focussed his country music career on working with regional communities.

“One of the benefits of being a small school was that everyone was involved,” Clare State School Principal Troy Patti said.

“We’ve got 17 students and they all got to have their turn at helping write the lyrics.”

The aim of the song and music video is to share what it means to come from Clare, with iconic symbols including cane fires, fertiliser bag rides, the Burdekin River, and the shops of the small town included in the video.

Mr Patti contacted local businesses, families, and farm owners before filming commenced.

“I didn’t have to ask twice; everyone was eager to help out,” he said.

“The kids were very proud, especially the ones who’s farms we visited, and I think the families were very proud too.”

Not only was the video a valuable cultural experience for the community, but the work of the students counted towards their music grade.

“In the music curriculum, it looks at the way you compose lyrics, your performance, being able to tell a story through song and the way you perform and collaborate with others,” Mr Patti said.

“It’s all about providing different opportunities.

“I think this is something students will remember for a very long time, something that we’re all exceptionally proud of.

“This could go with them for the rest of their lives.”

‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’ by Josh Arnold and the Clare State School is available to stream on music streaming platforms and the music video can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.

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Clare State High School students, staff and members of the community starred in the music video ‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’. Photo supplied

For almost 50 years, the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has been providing support and guidance to the region, originating from a small information centre that still stands in Queen Street today.

In 1975, a group of locals noticed people needed more access to community information.

“They started an information centre with volunteers and some council support and then after a few years, they added in-home support for people coming out of hospital,” said BCA Chief Executive Officer Debra Cochran.

“From that, they got funding after seven years and they were able to put on paid staff and they’ve kept growing and growing, adding services ever since.

“Where there’s been a need in the community, we’ve sorted the funding from there.”

With over 80 staff and 60 volunteers, BCA provides the Burdekin with a huge array of services across the Support Centre in Queen Street, the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and the Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre as well as home care services, housing and community support services and volunteer services.

Always adapting to meet the unmet needs of the community, Ms Cochran said the Burdekin faces similar issues to other areas including cost of living and homelessness, domestic and family violence, social isolation, and a shortage of support workers.

BCA works to address these needs, providing support and directing people to other specialty services both locally and in Townsville.

“The difference with us I think is our staff and our volunteers and even the quality and experience of our management committee,” Ms Cochran said.

“That’s where I think we make a difference, where the people are just very caring, very talented, and very good at helping people.

“Whether it’s navigating a crisis or a challenge, we’re very good at helping people to find services but also helping people to be independent as much as possible.”

Ms Cochran moved to the Burdekin 23 years ago, starting with the BCA in home care.

“One of the first things I was taken aback by was how friendly people are,” she said.

“There’s an awful lot of pride in people in the shire.”

10 years later, she was promoted to the role of CEO and has thrived for the last 13 years.

“There’s always going to be some challenges and change in human services, but it’s really rewarding to help other people,” she said.

“With all of the staff and volunteers, we’re all driven by trying to help other people and focussing on the Burdekin community.”

Find a calendar of events below for BCA’s upcoming Burdekin Seniors Month.

BCA also publishes a quarterly newsletter, Community Connections, which shares helpful information, contacts, news, photos and more.

To find out more, visit www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au or drop into the Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr.

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Burdekin Community Association Chief Executive Officer Debra Cochran. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie