Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Not every business starts with a blueprint. For some, it begins as a calling… in more ways than one. Burdekin local Robert Hayward had been in the hydraulics industry since he was 18. A diligent worker who loved his job, he quickly built a reputation locally as one of the best in the business. But despite a mutual affinity with the industry that had formed over years, he stepped away in the early 1990s to help his father-in-law maintain a cane property in Clare. Until he received a call. Then another… and another. Rob quickly realised that, despite his brief hiatus, his reputation in hydraulics had not faded. With that, he was pulled back into the game, this time with nothing but a $2,000 ute, a toolbox, and work up to his neck. And the only way to keep himself from drowning in it was, ironically, to go in deeper. “As the Burdekin is, if you do a very good job, word travels quickly between the community. One farmer talked to another, he talked to another, he talked to another… “Until I sat down with my wife one day and said, ‘I think we can make a business out of this.’” His ute would eventually make way for a permanent space—a small sub-shed at Larry Hudson Engineering in the Ayr Industrial Estate that would serve as his headquarters for the following four years. He tackled the first year solo, before demand forced him to put an apprentice on in the second year, and a qualified tradesman in the third. By the end of the fourth, Rob’s work had outgrown its humble base, moving down the road into a new purpose-built shed that would become the home of Hayward Hydraulics. That shed would officially open in 1996, spurring a 30-year legacy sustained by three defining pillars. Growing with the industry “I had no idea how to use computers,” Rob said with a smirk. Admittedly, he hadn’t realised he signed himself up for a three-decade, three-fold evolution between an entire industry, his own business, and himself. What he did know was that he was ready to learn, and eager to grow. It started with the basics. For Rob, that meant wrapping his head around modern computers, attending TAFE courses on emerging welding techniques, and becoming a leader. “I went from being a very good tradesman to having to be an employer,” he said. “You have to be a people's person, you have to treat people the right way, treat your workers the right way. That part I never even thought of until we started getting into it.” Rob treated this evolution as a marathon rather than a sprint, dedicating the business's first decade cementing its reputation as a local leader. After striking up deals with major companies, including Queensland Rail and Wilmar Sugar in the mid-2000s, he decided to take the leap into the mining industry in the early 2010s as a safety net for the unpredictable sugar industry. With that growth, Hayward Hydraulics’ shed would undergo its third structural expansion to accommodate its continuously increasing popularity and modernised technology. He built a habit of gleaning ideas from various online hydraulic magazines, and then building on them to not only keep up with the industry, but to will it into the future himself. “I eventually built a reputation for thinking outside of the square. If somebody's been doing something for 20 years, I'll look at a better way of doing it,” he said. Albeit, he admits he and the business are still evolving today. “I've seen harvesters and planters go from chain and sprocket to hydraulic motors, to hydraulic motors being linked to satellite GPS,” he said. “The industry has changed in leaps and bounds, and you have to keep finding ways to move with it.” Doing it the right way Hayward Hydraulics’ evolution was founded on something Rob didn’t need to be taught. Care. And he makes sure his staff do, too. “I didn't come from a real wealthy family, so we were brought up to work; you work, you do the job right, you get paid,” he said. “So if I'm not happy with something, I'll ask my workers: ‘would you pay for that?’” When the mining industry began to boom in Queensland, Rob admits he had a difficult time retaining workers. To compete, he was forced into paying top-dollar for what he called “good quality workers,” causing financial tension. When asked if compromising staff quality for cost was ever an option, with the conviction of a true-blue purist, he said: “No.” “I've always maintained that a business is only as good as your employees. You can be the best boss in the world, but if you've got workers that people don't like, they don't come through the door,” he said. “My current staff are up there with the best that I've had. I just try to make sure they’re happy to come to work every day.” With quality and care as its engine, Hayward Hydraulics became known not just for technical know-how, but for doing things the right way. As its stature in the industry continued to grow, so did the scope of its customer base. Calls started coming in from as far north as Tully, all the way to Mackay and Western Queensland, all saying the same thing: “We heard you were the guy to talk to about this problem.” Family and community at its heart For the last 10 years especially, the business has made a point of supporting local organisations and sports clubs, most notably the Burdekin Roosters Rugby League Club. Rob described it as a duty to a community that has given so much to him and the company. “The community has been so important to it all. I’ve got some customers that have been with me from day one, and with some, I’m onto the third generation of the same family,” he said. “The’ve given a lot to me. They've helped me grow and supported me, so it's about time I supported them back.” Beneath it all, though, he points to his family as the driving force. “I remember those early days when we were setting up the new workshop, building benches and all that, my two brothers-in-law and my father came out and gave me a hand,” he said. “But my biggest support is my wife. Especially in the early days when I wasn't home, and she solely looked after the kids and everything. “It got to the stage where I was working seven days a week, 12 hour days, and my wife would bring the kids on a Saturday and Sunday, and we'd sit on the shop floor and have lunch. “She's been with me through the lows and the highs, and that I thank her for.” Now, thirty years later, it’s his family pulling him out of the industry. Driven by the desire to make up for lost time with his wife and kids, Rob has loosened his grip on business operations, working four days a week with plans to eventually let his brainchild find its own footing. As for right now, he’s not yet ready to call time on a chapter that was, perhaps, never meant to last this many pages. “I still love what I do,” he said. “The early days come with sacrifices, but when I look back now, it was all worth it. “I remember when it all first started, looking on the ATO website and coming across that statistic that most businesses fail within five years. “When I read it, I said to myself, 'well, I'm gonna make sure I’m not that statistic.’” And that, he did. CAPTION: Rob and his current team. Back L-R: Chase Pearce, Stephan Du Plessis Front L-R: Kade Pearce, Renee Viero, Robert Hayward, Tina Dennis, Bryan Parison Absent: Sam Tomasetig Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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The Burdekin has rallied behind a local family after a sudden medical diagnosis turned their life upside-down. Ryan and Holly Davenport dropped everything when their two-year-old son, Rowen, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last month, temporarily relocating to Brisbane for his ongoing treatment. In response, a GoFundMe fundraiser has since raised over $55,000 in support of the family. Created in late May by Shannon Malone, a close friend of the Davenports, the fundraiser has been shared all over Facebook and Instagram by local organisations, garnering comments of support on top of 271 individual donations. “Words can’t describe how much it means to us to have everyone’s support behind Rowen as he begins his journey,” Ryan said. “They have given us precious time to spend with Rowen without the everyday worries.” The money will help fund hospital stays, travel, time away from work, and ongoing treatment expenses as the Home Hill family navigates a medical journey that began in April. Already on edge after daughter, Ally, underwent brain surgery to have a cavernoma removed just before Easter, Ryan and Holly acted promptly when they noticed a twitch in Rowen’s eye. Following weeks of consultations with Townsville doctors and specialists—which included MRI scans and a Royal Flying Doctors flight—Rowen was eventually diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a slow-growing brain tumour. He has since been transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for chemotherapy, with the couple leaving their two young daughters with their grandparents in the Burdekin to be by his side. In their absence, locals have offered meals, helped on the family’s sugar cane farm, assisted around their home and helped look after their daughters, along with the generous donations. Ryan said the funds raised would not just help relieve the financial burden of Rowen’s treatment, but allow the flexibility to fly their daughters down and spend some time as a family. “(The toughest part has been) the unknown, not having our family together … and watching Rowen go through these traumatic times and … not being able to do anything,” Ryan said. “It has been a very emotional journey so far, and it is hard to believe we are only at the start.” Anyone wanting to support the Davenports is urged to donate using the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-davos-and-little-rowen?attribution_id=sl:75c20475-06e5-4752-8e11-d1b7a07c7728&lang=en_AU&ts=1779705595&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link CAPTION: Funding will allow the family to fly their daughters down and spend more time together during Rowen’s treatment. Photo supplied
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The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has slammed the Albanese Government for an unacceptable ambush on regional communities, accusing the Commonwealth of abandoning disaster-prone areas to balance its own budget. The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, used a late Friday afternoon media release to quietly flag sweeping alterations to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The proposed changes dismantle the long-standing, scalable framework, which historically provided an average of 64 per cent federal coverage and capped support at 75 per cent for catastrophic events. In its place, Canberra intends to implement a rigid 50-50 funding model. This policy shift arrives at the worst possible time for the state; it follows a volatile severe weather season that caused widespread damage across 71 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is warning that the sudden funding shortfall threatens the future viability of essential infrastructure, local water treatment facilities, and emergency evacuation operations. Mr Willcox, drawing on his extensive experience as the former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, stated that the Federal Government is completely detached from the realities of regional recovery. "This decision is a direct hit to the heart of North Queensland," Mr Willcox said. "Canberra is treating natural disasters like a corporate budgeting exercise; however, out here, it is a matter of community survival. To penalise the very regions that drive the nation’s agricultural wealth and mining export revenues is a profound betrayal. "During my time steering the Whitsunday community through the wreckage of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, I learned exactly what it takes to rebuild. We relied heavily on scalable federal assistance to restore our shattered rural road networks. Under a flat 50-50 split, local councils across Dawson would be forced to find millions of dollars in matching revenue; that is a financial burden our regional ratepayer base simply cannot sustain." Mr Willcox emphasised that major historical recovery operations would have been completely unviable under the newly proposed guidelines. "The total reconstruction of the Shute Harbour marine terminal and the $5 million federal package required to replace the decimated Proserpine Entertainment Centre occurred because the previous framework allowed for exceptional circumstances," Mr Willcox said. "Small regional councils do not possess the independent asset base to fund multi-million-dollar rebuilds alone. Furthermore, the historical system guaranteed that funding flowed directly into local economies, ensuring that regional earthmoving businesses and contractors were awarded the repair work. By lowering the funding floor, the Commonwealth is forcing cash-strapped councils to delay vital resilience works; this leaves our communities dangerously exposed before successive wet seasons. "It is a coward’s tactic for the Minister to leave this announcement until the day after the parliamentary sitting concluded, ensuring they avoided any real scrutiny or accountability in Question Time. “This is yet another calculated deception from a government that knows exactly how damaging these cuts are; this is absolutely not what the Australian people voted for, and I truly hope this betrayal is remembered at the next election. "This is yet another chapter in the ongoing federal neglect of regional Australia. The government is hiding behind the cover of an independent review to justify cutting essential frontline services. I call on the Emergency Management Minister to reverse this decision immediately; regional Queenslanders refuse to be treated as second-class citizens.” Supplied by the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox CAPTION: FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP outside Parliament House in Canberra, condemning the Albanese Federal Government's plan to slash scalable disaster recovery funding for regional councils. Photo supplied
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"As the final week approaches for public submissions into the Sugar Code of Conduct, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has renewed his calls for growers to unite and make their voices heard. Mr Last said the public submissions for the sunsetting review of the Sugar Code of Conduct should be an opportunity for sugarcane growers from across the Burdekin to outline the benefits of the code for both farmers and the wider community. “Over recent weeks I have taken the liberty of providing a submission on behalf of the community, because ultimately the flow-on impact from changes in our sugar industry stretch beyond the paddock and the mills,” Mr Last said. “I recently met with several grower representatives which provided the opportunity to bring key stakeholders together, reaffirm my support as the Member for Burdekin and emphasise the need to work collaboratively as the review period unfolds.” Mr Last said while it was important stakeholders took the time to make their voices heard during the public submissions there was no better way to understand the impact of the Sugar Code of Conduct than to visit the area and speak directly to representatives. “A decade ago this district played a central role in bringing this code of conduct to fruition so I would expect our stakeholders receive a seat at the table they deserve,” Mr Last said. “If the Federal Labor Government was serious about consulting with the industry, the responsible Assistant Minister would be looking for every opportunity to listen to those who are most impacted by the Sugar Code.” Anyone wishing to have their say in the review can visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugar-code-review"
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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
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
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
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.
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
Angelo Hercules Panayiotou, was famous across the region and beyond as a fun-loving, vibrant man with one of the kindest hearts you’ll ever come across. Known by all as Angie Baby, he had been labelled as a Water Festival Icon and a living legend in every community he touched.
A Burdekin treasure, his love for entertainment stemmed from his simple desire to light up anyone’s face with a smile. Each year, the community could expect Angie Baby to put on a show as part of the Burdekin Water Festival parade down Queen Street, and many locals recall his outfits to be reflective, glitzy, flamboyant and nothing short of extravagant.
Described as the epitome of an extrovert, Angie Baby’s contagious charisma began from his school days, and has been singing, dancing and performing for as long as anyone can remember. He has been remembered as the kind of person who would never forget your birthday and would often gift a rose to you each year. Annually, the local hospital’s maternity wards would be lined with flowers on Mother’s Day, gifted by Angie Baby as he visited with a basket overflowing with frangipanis. Angie Baby was also a man with a vision, and a strong willingness to help each and every person he came across. From lending $20 to a stranger and never asking for it to be paid back, to joining community groups in the political sphere, his kind-heartedness was like no other.
In Angie Baby’s later years, he spent time in aged care facilities after living contently in a caravan park in Canberra. Angie Baby regularly entertained the patients in the dementia wards, running the same show each week and without fail, continuing to bring plenty of smiles and laughter to his entire audience.
His passing was shared on Facebook by one of his dear friends and has been flooded with hundreds of comments from locals recalling their love for Angie Baby, and their treasured memories on how they were touched by his lovable personality.
A true legend of the Burdekin, a secret saint, and Burdekin Royalty, Angie Baby sadly passed away peacefully on Tuesday 21 May 2024 at the age of 73. His kindness, and pure heart will never be forgotten.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called on the Health Minister to quell fears a CT scanner for the Ayr Hospital will become a political football after Labor failed to commit to the project in the 2024/2025 State Budget.
Almost a year since residents rallied to call for a CT scanner at the Ayr Hospital, Mr Last said the thousands of people who put pen to paper deserved better than being used as a political football ahead of the October state election.
“My understanding is that providing the Ayr Hospital with a CT scanner is a priority project for the health service, yet we saw no mention of the project in the 2024/2025 State budget and since then another CT scanner has been promised to another hospital in the same health service,” Mr Last said.
“This project is a no-brainer with the lack of a CT scanner placing additional pressure on our emergency services and hospital staff who are left transporting patients to Townsville for medical imaging and treatment.”
Mr Last said the fact there was no commitment in the state budget and no mention of the project in the days following was sending a clear message to emergency staff and patients who faced a five hour round trip for a CT scan.
“I was proud to support community efforts last year as we advocated for better health outcomes in our region and you would think that effort would have been rewarded by this government in the budget but we saw nothing,” Mr Last said.
“The15 people a week on average being transferred to Townsville for an after hours CT scan deserve better and I am not about to sit back and let our hardworking emergency staff and patients be the victims of a vote-buying campaign.”
“The lack of commitment from this Labor government sends a clear message to this community that they are more interested in ensuring people in the south east can catch a 50c train than ensuring people in the Burdekin who desperately need a CT scan aren’t faced with a five-hour round trip.”
Opinion Piece Contributed By Dale Last.
The Burdekin Men’s Shed is a marvellous organisation that addresses the issues of men’s health such as physical, emotional and social well-being within Burdekin, through community-based projects. The club has been running for an impressive 10 years and has accumulated around 55 members.
Men’s Shed has recently received a very exciting and generous grant from Bendigo Bank. The club president, Rob Richie, enthused over the donation commenting on how they were able to get a newer and larger compressor from RuralQuip as well as a brand-new battery-powered lawn mower from Honeycombes Power Sports.
Rob excitedly stated how the new compressor and lawn mower would benefit the club. He mentioned how the new compressor would help keep up air capacity to run tools in the shed needed to complete the community projects. Continuing, he discussed that the battery-powered push lawn mower would save the members a lot of time, especially the older club members.
People and organisations from the community can ask the Men’s Shed to assist them in projects, and if the club has the tools and ability to assist they will.
Robert encourages individuals who need work done outside of an organisation to join the club. He pointed out that joining the club allows individuals to utilise the tools themselves while also learning from the more established members of the organisation.
A recent project the Men’s Shed has assisted with is the Red Bench Project. This project aims to raise awareness of domestic violence whilst providing visibility of this important issue. Robert revealed how the Men’s Shed had been painting benches to assist the operation.
Donations, like the ones made by Bendigo Bank, make a huge difference to organisations like the Men’s Shed. They allow these important community-based groups to keep running and improving the lifestyle of inhabitants in the area.
If you are a handy man and would like to join the Men’s Club, call the below number or visit their website:
Phone: +61 (0) 467 083 502
Website: mensshed.org
What: Men’s Shed
Where: 155-157 Young Street Ayr, QLD, 4807
President of Men’s Shed Rob Richie with the compressor and Salesman Billy Poyner from RuralQuip. Photos supplied
President of Men’s Shed Rob Richie with the lawn mower and Salesman Cody Wall from Honeycombes Power Sport. Photos supplied
The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR), and Suncorp Group are inviting local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in remote, rural, and regional Queensland communities impacted by Cyclone Jasper and Kirrily to apply for a share of $300,000 in funding to support ongoing resilience building and recovery efforts.
Grants of up to $20,000 are available through the Rebuilding Futures Program, and are available to NFPs providing community-led activities addressing local prevention, preparedness and recovery needs.
The grant’s announcement comes just over six months since Cyclone Jasper cross the Far North coast on 13 December of 2023, leaving widespread destruction in its path. The Burdekin encouraged to apply for the grant, and Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, believes it is vital disaster-impacted communities are supported to proactively take action.
“The effects of an extreme weather event do not dissipate when the immediate danger is over,” said Ms O’Brien.
“Recovery needs to evolve over the medium to long term, as locals identify ways of building community resilience and reducing the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure.”
Grant applications close at 5pm AEST on 11 July 2024, and more information can be found at Rebuilding Futures | FRRR.
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) seeks volunteers to provide companionship and friendship to older people who may be socially isolated, lonely, or can't leave their homes. Volunteer opportunities consist of visiting people and residents in local aged care facilities.
They are looking for people from all walks of life who can cultivate friendships with vulnerable people within the community, who are at risk of social isolation. Social isolation can affect people from many backgrounds, and a volunteer visitor can be a fantastic contribution to the solution.
Making a difference in an elderly person’s life can be as simple as spending time together, sharing stories over a cuppa or lunch, sharing hobbies, playing games, watching television or just having a chat. All these activities can have a profound impact on their day, make them feel less alone and provide them with a sense of community.
If you would love to make people’s day and help the Burdekin community through volunteer work, please get in touch with the Burdekin Community Centre:
Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 4.00 pm • Phone 07 4783 3744 • Fax 07 4783 3990 bca@burdekin.qld.gov.au • www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
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On Saturday 13 April, Sophie Robertson set off on an international adventure as part of the annual Premier’s Anzac Prize. Sophie was prestigiously awarded the Premier’s Anzac Prize earlier this year and was 1 of 8 Queensland recipients to embark on the two-week-long historic journey.
The award provides an extraordinary opportunity for young Queenslanders to develop a deeper understanding of the Anzac legacy through research, workshops, and visits to respected memorial sites in the United Kingdom, and on the Western Front. Throughout the month of April, Sophie and the other celebrated recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize embarked on the journey of a lifetime undertaking fundraising projects to support returned veterans, learning the history of and commemorating Australian service persons, and participating in a Young Historians Workshop, all whilst touring significant memorial sites in London and the Western Front battlefields in Belgium and France.
The life-changing experience was invaluable to Sophie and will stand as a trip she will never forget.
“The trip was absolutely amazing, I learnt so much and it was great to experience a whole different culture overseas,” explained Sophie.
“It was quite amazing to visit all those World War I sights of significance, and it was definitely an emotional feeling standing there in the cemeteries where there were so many tombstones and it all dawned on me the gravity of World War I and what the ANZACS did for us.”
Sophies travels to the Western Front battlefields was not only a confronting experience but also a highly emotional one as she visited the land on which her Great, Great Uncle Garrett Swanson fought in World War I.
“He has no known grave but I know where he fought, and we went to those battlefields where he lies there in no-mans-land, and I actually stood where he lies, and was directly across from the fields where he still is, and it was so emotional for me because I could provide closure for my family as the first person to visit where he fell,” expressed Sophie.
Prior to Sophie’s travels, she also engaged with Giru State School to share her research and educated the students on the ANZAC spirit as part of her Commemorative Cross Project. Sophie spoke with students in years four to six, and together the students decorated the cross which she then placed at the memorials overseas.
As part of the Premier’s ANZAC Prize, Sophie undertook a Mates for Mates fundraising project where she raised over $1,800 with the help, generosity and support of her school, Ayr State High School, the local community, and her involvement with the Australian Air Force Cadet Squadron.
“I cannot thank the businesses in the Burdekin enough for their support in helping me reach my fundraising goal and I also did a couple of fundraisers at my local Australian Airforce Cadet Squadron, and also at Ayr High.”
Collectively, the group of passionate young awardees raised over $20,000 which will be directed towards funding support for returned veterans. Moving forward, Sophie is now an alumnus and plans to attend the annual School Service in Brisbane in 2025, held the day before ANZAC day. Her experiences as part of receiving such a prestigious award have been celebrated across the community, and she could not be more grateful.
Since November last year Collinsville local, Daniel Honnery, has been on life support at Mackay Base Hospital after a rare illness caused his body to completely shut down.
His sister, Shannon Honnery who resides in Home Hill, is currently appealing for support through a GoFundMe page and other donations to help him on his road to recovery.
Daniel has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a severe and life-threatening neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.
He is experiencing what’s known as ‘locked-in syndrome’ where he is cognisant but unable to communicate. Over the months he has been able to open his eyes and can talk in a very soft whisper, but he is unable to breathe independently.
Guillain-Barre syndrome can take as long as two years to recover, and survivors often experience long-term side-effects.
This means Daniel has a long road ahead and the support of his family and the community is paramount.
Every day his girlfriend sits by his side and his parents, daughter and sister visit as regularly as possible.
Shannon said “he is getting great care” at Mackay Base Hospital and that “they’re looking after him really well”.
Meanwhile, the community and family are rallying around to help.
There will be a multi draw raffle at the Collinsville Workers Club on Friday 19th July where stubby coolers and bumper stickers will also be for sale.
In addition, the Collinsville Bacon Busters event, which Daniel usually attends every year, is donating all the gate fees to help his recovery.
A GoFundMe Page has also been set up for Daniel and so far, $13,495 has been raised out of a $50,000 target.
On the page, friends speak of Daniel’s incredible personality and how much he is loved by those that know him.
“Daniel is an adventurous soul with a heart of gold, known for his lively and fun-loving nature,” it reads.
“He's the kind of guy who lives and breathes pig hunting on his days off, often with his daughter and mates.
“It’s almost certain that you'll find him getting bogged in some remote bush location, embarking on wild missions, or participating in light-hearted debates over a game of pool to determine whose dog reigns supreme.
“His unique talent lies in bringing people together and his contagious laughter is a constant source of joy wherever he ventures.”
In the run-up to the tragic diagnosis, Daniel had COVID and he thought it was taking him a long time to recover before he felt dramatically worse and was subsequently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Shannon said that prior to COVID you would only hear of one case every 10 years in the country.
“Since COVID came around, they’ve had four just in Mackay,” she expressed.
While there is no proven link, this connection does seem to signify there might be more to the story.
Daniel Honnery and his daughter in happier times. Photo supplied
The Molongle Beach Caravan Park has undergone major improvements to modernise the space under the care of Amanda Wood, and Drew Blakeman, and provides a haven for locals and caravaners to enjoy.
The location, although not centralised to the Burdekin, attracts many locals on a Sunday from 10am to 8pm for their spectacular Sunday Funday events with a selection of lucky attendees walking away with a D n S Quality Meats meat tray.
The Sandbar Café was constructed from a Government Grant given to the Molongle Creek Boat Club, and officially opened Easter of 2023. The establishment has since provided locals, visitors and travellers with delicious meals, and a warm, friendly dining atmosphere from Thursday to Sunday. Serving woodfire pizzas as part of an overflowing menu, The Sandbar Café has received extremely positive feedback from the community since its official opening, however over the past couple of years, Amanda and Drew have received calls from the locals to build a community pool.
“The swimming pool itself was something that Drew and I had been constantly asked about since we started managing the park, because you can’t swim out here, so we started fundraising almost two years ago,” explained Amanda.
Plans are underway for the construction of a concrete community pool which will be built at the front of the café area, and the couple have been busily fundraising over the past 24 months.
“We held a boat raffle last year which raised just over $15,000 and we’ve had a few major donations from local businesses, and we also run meat tray raffles here every week with all the profits going directly towards our swimming pool fundraiser,” said Amanda.
Amongst the couple’s numerous fundraising events, Amanda recalls various occasions where businesses, and locals have shown their generosity sporadically, expressing their gratitude and support to the efforts of the pair.
“We had a local family donate $5,000, have received a Sporting and Recreation Grant, and to date from our recycling bins, we have raised over $12,500 from those bottles and cans,” explained Amanda.
The dedication of the Molongle Beach Caravan Park’s managers, Amanda and Drew, in providing a space for their community to enjoy is inspiring and commendable and extends far beyond the park in front of them.
“Once we construct the community pool, we want to start a community fund where any fundraising efforts go towards a family in need and we have already held a fundraising raffle here for a family who lost their home to a house fire which raised over $1,400,” expressed Amanda.
Together with the generosity of the local community, the pair have raised over $80,000 and are in the next stages of organising works to begin on constructing the community pool. Amanda and Drew invite the community to pop down to The Sandbar Café this Sunday for their funday festivities and a bite for tea, and additional information can be found on the Molongle Beach Caravan Park’s Facebook page.
Al-Anon, a support group for individuals who have been impacted by or have cared for family members, friends or people with addictions has re-established in Burdekin after a 15 year hiatus.
The original Burdekin support group ran for 30 years before sadly closing its doors due to losing regular participants. However, the driving force behind the revival is Melanie. Melanie returned to Ayr in February, having lived in the Tablelands for four years and was eager to give the group a new lease of life having experienced a similar group while up in Northern Queensland.
Melanie encourages everyone who has parents, partners, friends and children who are living with a drug or alcohol addiction to join the group and share their experiences. The group emphasises that “not everyone trapped by alcohol is an alcoholic”, and the network and carers behind the scenes need just as much support as those suffering with addiction.
While it can be scary and intimidating to reach out to get support, Melanie states that people can expect a real sense of “community, support and fellowship” when joining. She stresses to anyone that feels hesitant about coming, that the group is anonymous, with no last names shared.
Melanie also reinforced the group's motto which is “Whom you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here.”
Having gone through a tough time herself with family, friends and an abusive partner who struggled with alcohol addiction, Melanie is empathetic to those also caring for and being impacted by individuals with addiction. She added to this stating she recovered “quite quickly” after her breakup, because of this group.
Melanie noted that the sessions “focus on the self,” not the outside aspects, and helps individuals understand that they are not alone.
While there are groups for alcoholics and recovering alcoholics, Melanie affirmed that this one is mainly a support group for the family and friends of problem drinkers.
The group has specific literature to help support you in learning more about alcoholism and how it affects families and friends. It also practices a program of recovery adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous.
Alcohol misuse can destroy familial relationships and cause a divide. It can lead alcohol misusers to spend family budgets, start arguments, neglect or ignore children and otherwise impact the people they love’s welfare and happiness.
In 2022 to 2023, one in five Australians (approximately 4.6 million) age 14 and over, were verbally abused, physically abused or put in fear by someone under the influence of alcohol in the past 12 months. These alarming statistics show how unfortunately common it is to be impacted by someone with an alcohol problem.
If Al-anon is something that you would like to join, please come and join Melanie on a Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre. Al-Anon also has specific groups for teens affected by someone else’s drinking.
Website: al-anon.org.au
Phone: 1300 252 666 – to talk to a member in confidence.
Website for adult children struggling with parents with alcohol addictions and dysfunctional families: adultchildren.org
What:Al-Anon support group for individuals affected by family/friends with addiction
When:Every Tuesday from 4pm to 5pm
Where:Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale St, Ayr QLD 4807
Alcoholics Anonymous Group
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While big banks are cutting services in an industry that is facing significant challenges, a local branch in Burdekin is celebrating its institution's success. Queensland Country Bank, a member-owned institution, is bucking industry trends, adding more accolades to its collection, and demonstrating that the customer-focused approach is a clear winner.
Queensland Country Bank is a multi-award-winning financial institution. The bank has recently secured wins at the WeMoney 2024 Awards, including Customer Owned Bank of the Year, Best Flexibility – Home Loans, Best Rewards Credit Card and Lender of the Year (Customer Owned Bank) – Car Loans.
These awards have bolstered their existing product and service recognition from Canstar, Mozo, and RateCity. Burdekin Area Manager, Debbie Szendrey, reinforces how the ongoing awards from numerous independent bodies in recent years affirm the success of their member-first model.
“In the face of widespread branch closures in regional Queensland, our ability to reinvest profits directly back into the communities we serve instead of paying dividends to shareholders is what sets us apart.” Said Ms. Szendrey.
“In light of the regional banking inquiry and as concerns over cost-of-living escalate, maintaining the trust and reliability of our members has never been more important.”
People are becoming more cautious about their banking choices and Ms. Szendrey congratulates Queensland Country Bank for meeting the growing and evolving needs of the Burdekin community.
“As banking preferences evolve, so do we,” she added. “Our focus on enhancing our online banking services is a direct response to Member feedback and the growing demand for digital banking solutions.”
Despite the more recent surge in online banking, Ms. Szendrey noted that personal interaction remains invaluable, especially in a small regional community like Burdekin.
The busy, bustling queues of Queensland Country Bank are what sets it apart from the empty buildings of other banks in the country and provides a real sense of community, with many locals gathering there to receive their financial support.
“We understand the importance of offering face-to-face services in a close-knit community like the Burdekin, where our members value having the option to visit the branch for that in-person contact,” she added.
Ms Szendrey emphasised how the bank is committed to ensuring the members have access to the financial solutions and support, whether online or in person.
Queensland Country Bank’s people-first approach also extends to its employees, with the bank even earning the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification a second consecutive year.
“The essence of being a member-owned bank is to put people ahead of profits and this extends to our employees who not only live and breathe such values but are also integral members of the Burdekin community,” Ms Szendrey added. She continues by adding that “In this ever-changing financial climate, we’re looking forward to continuing to support the Burdekin community for many years to come.”
Caption: Left to right: Chris Toumazou (Loans Specialist), Debbie Szendrey (Area Manager), Zoe Blakoe (Loans Officer) and Clarke Grogan (Assistant Manager). Photo supplied.
While brainstorming ideas for this week's column, a casual remark sparked a discussion about the assumption that everyone is always in the loop. Our hectic schedules make it rare to be in the office simultaneously.
This week, we want to emphasise the value of personal connections. It is important to touch base with each other and reconnect with people you haven’t spoken with in a while, as these connections truly enrich our lives. Losing touch with others can affect our health and wellbeing and make us feel isolated, lonely and worthless.
How often have you thought, “I haven’t heard from … for a long time,” and then just gone about your business? We are all guilty of this. Next time you have that thought or speak those words, make the time to reconnect, as it may be the highlight of the other person’s day. When we make someone happy, it also makes us happy and improves our well-being.
When we experience these thoughts, it's a sign that our lives may be out of balance. It's important to pay attention to this feeling and make time to reconnect and restore harmony. As social and emotional beings, we naturally seek to build interpersonal connections. Our well-being thrives when we are surrounded by others. When these connections weaken, it can impede our ability to learn and understand, as our social and emotional bonds drive these capabilities.
So next time someone pops into your thoughts, pick up the phone and make time to catch up. It may well be the start of a wonderful journey of discovery for you both.
Until next time,
Contributed with thanks to The Team at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
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There has been quite a bit happening around the area since my last column. Some of the events I have been lucky enough to attend are the Burdekin Grower Race Day, Burdekin Netball Association’s Burdekin Cup, Rotary Club’s Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race, East Ayr State School’s under 8s Day, the Burdekin Chaplaincy Fundraising Breakfast, and also made it along to the Burdekin Theatre to see Dreams – The Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute Show. These types of events don’t happen in small towns like ours without the dedication, hard work and generosity of volunteers. We have been very lucky to have a community that is willing to give back. Hopefully this will continue into the future.
Fingers crossed, at the time this is printed, for the whole communities’ sake, the four Burdekin sugar mills are up and running. Let’s pray for a safe crushing free from unnecessary disruption.
A bit of salt to finish the column.
The day before the 1st Men’s State of Origin, Councillor Furnell pointed out that his team, the cockroaches, were one up. Obviously, he must have been talking about the NSW ladies winning game one of their series. Unfortunately for John, his cockroaches are now down two to one after QLD’s men and ladies' sides both getting wins. The next 2 games are home games also. Off to Townsville for the ladies and Melbourne (that’s in QLD) for the Men. QUEENSLANDER!
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