During this month's Parliamentary session, Andrew Willcox, the Federal Member for Dawson, delivered an impassioned speech directed towards the Federal Government. His address focused on the recent prohibition of commercial gillnet fishing.

In a display of frustration, the MP vehemently expressed his concern that the Federal Government's actions are stripping away the livelihoods and economic opportunities of over 90 licensed fishermen in the North Queensland region.

“In June, a joint media release from Federal and Queensland Governments have said they’re going to ban gillnet fishing… no consultation with the community, no consultation with our fishermen, and short time frames! This is going to happen by the end of this year,” Mr Willcox said.

“I was talking to one of these fishermen, and he happened to have a daughter who’s in grade 12, a straight A student who wants to go to university to become a doctor, a GP, and we certainly need more of those in rural and regional Australia.

“And now, with the stroke of a pen from Canberra, this dream is being taken away. It’s absolutely disgraceful!”

Mr Willcox also questioned Parliament about the effects on the communities, detailing that it’s not just the fishermen’s lives who would be negatively impacted.

“As we know, the fishermen operate in a tough environment, out in the sun and out in the salt. So, they need a lot of shackles, ropes, floats, anchors, all those sorts of things. Without this, the chandlery shops are going to go out of business, and the ice producers.

“The boatbuilders, the repairers, they’re all going to go out of business. The outboard sales and service, going out of business.

“When you take the supply out, the price will go up. So, then, we’ll be relying on more imported fish. So, rather than having fish from our pristine waters… we’ll be importing lesser-quality fish, and prices will be skyrocketing!”

Mr Willcox exclaimed that he will “not be taking this lying down” and has written to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, on this issue.

“I’m calling on Minister Plibersek to come to my electorate, do some community consultation, talk to the fishermen, have a discussion, and see how the fishermen fish!”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following story contains images and names of deceased persons.

Ayr man Billy Smallwood was reported missing on Monday, October 17 with Queensland Police confirming on Tuesday, October 18 that he had been located deceased.

Queensland Police reported that Mr Smallwood was last seen around 10:40pm on October 12 at a Cameron Street address.

Mr Smallwood spoke to family on the phone at 1:00pm the following day and had not been seen or heard from since.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner.

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Ayr man Billy Smallwood

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Home Hill State High School was broken into over the weekend with the Department of Education confirming the break-in occurred overnight on Sunday, October 15, with damage discovered to the school property on Monday morning.

The incident caused much inconvenience to the school as it was to celebrate its Sports Recognition Parade on Monday morning, forcing the Parade to be postponed to this morning, Thursday, October 19 at 8:45am.

Access to the office was also limited, meaning the school was unable to accept payments and take queries throughout the day.

“The school’s administration building suffered damage to windows and interior furniture such as filing cabinets,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education said.

“No classrooms were affected, and lessons continued as normal.

“The Queensland Police Service has been contacted and the Department will continue to work closely with them as investigations continue.”

Administration staff were relocated to another area of the school while police investigated and cleaning and repairs were undertaken, although regular office administration resumed by Monday afternoon.

“Schools are important community assets that deserve to be protected,” the spokesperson said.

“We want the community to be our eyes and ears and report any suspicious activity to police or contact the School Watch hotline 13 17 88.”

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On Sunday October 15, a team of seven Home Hill State High School students were named state champions for the Opti-MINDS media communications category. The students travelled to Brisbane on Friday the 13th after winning the regional level competition, automatically qualifying the team for the state finals where they competed against schools across the state.

Opti-MINDS is a program that is offered to kids in school between preschool to year twelve, providing the opportunity to embark on a proposed challenge in one of the four categories: Language literature, media communications, science engineering and social sciences.

When competing in the regional competition the students were given six weeks to prepare a solution to a proposed stimulus, whilst at the state competition the team only had a total of three hours to tackle the prompt; “influence has its own voice”. One of the team's favourite parts of the solution process was “the light bulb moment one of us had to then kick start our solution process,” Martina Bojack stated. The team’s ten minute presentation was marked on humour, creativity, audience engagement and unpredictability, all areas the students successfully excelled in.

The team had a number of support networks who assisted in sponsoring travel and guiding the team through this opportunity.

“We would like to thank Ms Flynn, Mrs Young and Mr Kingma as well as the local organisations and businesses that assisted with the cost of our travel,” said Jacob Machin on behalf of the team.

The school and the region are extremely proud of the students' efforts and to have walked away as state champions is more than what the students were expecting to get out of this experience.

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Ms Victoria Flynn (Facilitator), Saelym White, Mitchell Cooke, Sean Phayre-Leung (Holding the state trophy), Martin Bojack (Holding the regional trophy), Jasmine Styles, Jacob Machin and Lucy Young. Photo Credit: Gracie Hosie

The controversial closure of the Millaroo community swimming-pool outraged the small township earlier this year, but headway has now been made thanks to open discussions between Millaroo representatives and the Burdekin Shire Council.

A meeting was held this week to explore alternatives to the swimming-pool, with the Council willing to consider other community centred facilities.

They are, however, firmly sticking to their decision to close the swimming-pool permanently.

Frustrations within the community group have simmered considerably, with many Millaroo residents pleased to be working collaboratively and constructively with Council.

Some, however, are still saddened that they no longer have a local swimming-pool.

It was in May this year that the swimming-pool closed for the winter months, a letter sent to residents informing them of the change.

“Everyone used to gather at the pool,” said local resident Jody MacDonald.

“We’d bring down a Weber and a pack of sausages and we all use to spend time together as a community.”

Residents now have to drive 20 minutes to the closest swimming-pool in Clare and are worried that if rumours are true that Council also plan to close this pool, they will need to drive even further into Ayr.

Thankfully Council have confirmed $150,000 will soon be spent on upgrading the Clare pool.

In regards to the Millaroo pool, however, Council states that because it is about 50 years old and coming to the end of its useful life, there was no guarantee of structural integrity moving forward.

Council asserts that it was closed because of “public safety” and that they engaged with a “specialist sport and recreation firm to undertake a review of all Council’s swimming pools”.

“The decision was backed by relevant information and analysis,” said a spokesperson.

“The unacceptable public safety risk, coupled with relatively low usage and significant works to bring the pool up to an acceptable standard, necessitated immediate action to ensure the well-being of the public.

“In addition to the public safety concerns, the Strategy identified that the pool’s pebblecrete finish had reached the end of its useful life, the pool shell is aging and the chemical dosing equipment needed to be replaced.”

Meanwhile, Ms MacDonald says that it was Council’s responsibility to maintain the pool in the first place to ensure it did not reach this level of disrepair.

She also says that the condition of the pool was the reason it was under-used.

Despite the undercurrent of frustration, however, the community has contributed to positive talks with Council who say they are willing to “design, fund and implement alternate community recreation activities in the township”.

On the table, are other facilities that aim to bring the small rural community together.

These include a stage and soundshell at the site which will provide a location for small music festivals and other community events.

Residents are also keen to encourage more visitation to the township and would like to see comfort facilities established.

These include an Up River Trail between Millaroo and Dalbeg where chairs, BBQs and other amenities will be provided for tourists along the way.

Discussions are still underway with projects well received by Council.

It is hoped these discussions will form the basis of a community action plan for Council to work collaboratively with Millaroo residents to implement.

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The recent council meeting to discuss future plans with Millaroo community members: L-R: Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Gemma Petersen, Gillian Harris, John Bonanno, Michael Detenon, Stephanie Tudehope, David Hurst, Jody Macdonald, Sue Perry, Peter Malpass and Anthony Darouti.

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The Ayr Aerodrome is unveiling a new look, with the new fencing project recently completed, within the budget allotted of $285,243.

Ensuring safety and easing operations of the Ayr Aerodrome, the Fencing Project was partially funded from a $139,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Regional Airports Program Round 3, and $146,242 contribution from Burdekin Shire Council.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the enhanced safety measures achieved through this fencing initiative not only benefits the Royal Flying Doctors, Department of Defence, Ayr Flying Services, commercial helicopter operators and flying enthusiasts but also contributes to the overall resilience of the region.

“The installation of 7125m of 1500mm high stock fence and gates has assured a harmonious environment where aircraft operators and local wildlife, such as macropods and other animals, co-exist without impacting each other within the aerodrome premises,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

“This crucial improvement will also play a vital role during challenging times like flooding, allowing for emergency landings and evacuations when highways are affected.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for working together with Burdekin Shire Council to deliver this critical safety upgrade and improve aerodrome safety for all local, regional, interstate and defence operators.”

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The Ayr Aerodrome Fencing Project complete, ensuring safety and ease of operations for the aerodrome. Photo supplied

Students at Ayr State High School received free pairs of glasses after the school welcomed OneSight, an initiative providing free eye exams and glasses to schools and communities.

The initiative was brought to the school by School-based Youth Health Nurse Cassandra Arboit who is employed by Queensland Health and has worked with the school for over 13 years.

Ms Arboit works within the student support team which also includes the School Chaplain, Behaviour Support Teacher, Psychologist, Guidance Officers and other staff.

“My role in that is social and emotional support and health promotion with a wellbeing focus,” she said.

Ms Arboit reached out to OneSight who conducted vision screening last term, accessible to all year 7 and 10 students.

Students who required glasses were given a free pair on Monday, October 17 while students who required further appointments were given a vouchers.

146 students and 10 staff members where screened.

“Out of that, there were 55 pairs of glasses issued which is pretty awesome,” Ms Arboit said.

“We got a lot of really positive feedback; parents were very grateful.

Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola congratulated Ms Arboit on her efforts at the school.

“Cassandra’s achievement is truly amazing and a great testament to her exceptional initiative and motivation in supporting the students at Ayr High,” she added.

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School-based Youth Health Nurse Cassandra Arboit with Ayr State High School year 10 students Sarah, Tyeasha, Delta, Jhay and Jett. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Ayr Health Service has shared their gratitude with the Rotary Club of Ayr following two donations across the last two years totalling $7,000.

Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola said the funds will go towards new patient monitoring equipment and thanked one member in particular for her efforts.

“Our community is very fortunate to have the Rotary Club of Ayr support many organisations ,” she said.

“We’re also fortunate to have Amanda (Norton) who’s been an active member in that group for many years and she’s acutely aware of the various items of equipment that we need in our service, so she’s been the conduit between what Rotary can offer, whether it be support for activities or financially.”

Ms Norton works as a Clinical Nurse at Ayr Health Service while filling the role of President with Rotary Club of Ayr, saying money was raised through raffles and the iconic annual Duck Race.

“We need to help our local hospital because we know they need equipment,” she said.

“We’ve definitely had an increase in demand for our services over the past couple of years “added Ms Gabiola.

“Fortunately for us we have organisations such as Rotary who are willing to provide this service to the entire community. “

“These members are volunteers, so we’re always very grateful for any donation.”

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Ayr Health Service Clinical Nurse / Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton and Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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There are often typical circumstances which occur prior to a home being unlawfully entered. An offender will usually act on easy or tempting opportunities, especially when it is evident no one is home or the risk of being caught is low.

What you can do:

• Ensure doors are always locked with a key, even when you are home.

• Ensure that all external doors, including your garage, of your home are solid and fitted with quality deadlocks.

• Consider fitting security screen doors, designed and installed to Australian Standards.

• Install a door viewer that allows you to see the person before you open the door.

• Fit secure locks to your windows which meet Australian Standards and never leave the keys in the window lock.

• Ensure security grills and shutters are properly installed and allow an exit in case of an emergency.

• Consider installing an intruder alarm system and security camera system that covers all external doors, windows and garage.

• Always ensure car keys and house keys, together with mobile phones, handbags and wallets, are stored out of sight and not on the kitchen table or bench.

• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility to your property and your house number is clearly visible.

• Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden implements such as ladders. Always keep your garage or shed door closed and locked with a key.

• Consider installing perimeter security lighting including sensor lights.

• Have an emergency evacuation plan and review it regularly.

• Don’t keep car keys or cash in cars.

Queensland Police encourage you to conduct regular audits of your home security.

Check out the following:

• Security doors in good working order with triple locks and finger guards installed.

• Main doors are solid and patio bolts installed on sliding doors.

• Windows have key operated locks.

• Home is well-lit with sensor lighting installed to deter intruders from entering the home.

• Keep an up-to-date inventory list recording serial numbers, makes, models and descriptions of your property.

• Wheelie bins secured in a location which prevents an intruder using them to climb into your home.

• Valuable items outside the home secured in a garage or shed.

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

Snr Sgt Steve Barton

OIC Ayr

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Aligning values with the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020, The Burdekin Shire Council is effectively monitoring and managing the presence and activities of flying foxes in Kidby’s Gully, Home Hill.

Flying foxes are nocturnal creatures, foraging at night and roosting in the early hours of the morning.

Residents can deter flying foxes by creating noise or placing visual deterrents. These activities have proven most effective within a 45-minute timeframe before sunrise.

The main concern of Burdekin Shire Council is to ensure a co-existence in harmony, between local wildlife and our community, particularly the black flying foxes, said Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

After careful consideration of factors including legislative requirements, fruiting and flowering seasons of trees, birthing periods and environmental conditions including temperature, the Council has initiated a scheme to address the presence of flying foxes.

“We are striving to strike a balance that safeguards both the natural habitat and the comfort of residents,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Council has transitioned from recent active disturbance activities to a monitoring and public education stance until January 2024, at which point flying fox numbers and activity will be reassessed.

"Flying foxes generally deliver offspring between September and November, followed by the creching phase during which adults supervise young one’s incapable of sustaining flight until January, management responses will be planned to align with the natural lifecycle of these creatures."

The Burdekin community is urged to promptly report sick or injured wildlife to authorised wildlife carers or contact RSPCA Queensland at 1300 264 625.

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Flying foxes are active in Kidby Gully, Home Hill

A group of passionate Burdekin residents are working hard as the link between the community and the public health system, keeping the people of the Burdekin informed with the region’s hospital happenings.

The Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN) is one of five networks in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service catchment area.

Consisting of members of the community, services like police and ambulance and local organisations, CAN meets monthly to discuss and advocate for funding, awareness, and efficiency in the health system.

Burdekin CAN, along with the other networks, is represented at the Consumer Advisory Council which looks at issues across the entire Townsville Hospital and Health Service catchment area from a consumer and community perspective.

Barbara Stockdale is a community member who was appointed to the board of CAN since retiring after 41 years of working with the local council.

“I wanted to be involved in something in the community but didn’t know what was already out there in terms of organisations and support providers,” she said.

“I’m still learning something at every meeting and it’s good to see what goes on in the background because I think a lot of people don’t realise how much is actually involved in the running of a hospital.”

CAN are currently campaigning to secure a CT scanner for Ayr Hospital, a campaign that has been ongoing for over three years.

The campaign has received the support of State Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP and over 2,500 locals thanks to a recent petition.

CAN will be hosting a movie night, a premiere of ‘About My Father’, on Thursday, October 26 to raise awareness for the cause.

“The aim is to get the word out to the community to make them aware and have them backing us like they did through the petition,” Ms Stockdale said.

“Even though they know they can’t assist too much, it’s just a matter of them understanding that the community needs a CT scanner to hopefully save a lot of time for the hospitals and a lot of heartache for patients having to travel to Townsville.

“If we’ve got the public understanding why we need it and they know there’s a need for it, then I think that helps the push from the political side of things as well.”

For more information, email THHS_BurdekinCAN@health.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Burdekin Community Advisory Network Movie Night – ‘About My Father’

WHEN: Thursday, October 26 from 6:00pm

WHERE: Cinema Galaxy, Ayr

TICKETS: Available from Butterfly Blue, Ayr

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Members of the Burdekin Community Advisory Network. Back row L-R Councillor John Furnell, Medical Superintendent Dr Ben Lawry, CAN Chair Kaylee Boccalatte, Barbara Stockdale, Senior Sargeant Steve Barton. Front L-R Joanne Barbagallo, Joan Howie, CAN Secretariat Ana Mooney, Rosemarie McLean, Ayr Hospital Director of Nursing/Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola, Karisa Bojack

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On Sunday September 30, members of the Ayr and District Orchid and Allied Plant Society (ADOAPS) met at the home of President Sharon Kenny for their Annual General Meeting.  

Most executive members were re-elected unopposed, but Charles Lee was elected as President and Sharon was elected to a well-deserved rest as Vice President after 13 years of guiding the society.

An ordinary meeting, chaired by the new President Charles, followed the closing of the AGM.

In his opening remarks, Charles stated that he wished to keep the formal meetings short and concise.

“After all, the reason we meet is to discuss and learn about orchids and other green house plants,” he said.  

It was decided that ADOAPS would hold another market stall at the Plantation Creek Markets on Sunday, November 19.    

It was also decided to offer a year's free membership to all members of the general public who bought a plant from our stall.

Charles hopes to have a schedule of topics for the ensuing 12 months for publication at the next meeting on 5th November.    

He also asked members to nominate topics for discussion that are of interest to them.    

The theme of the next meeting will be 'potting mixes for specific genera'.

After the meeting closed, members enjoyed an afternoon tea and a wander around Sharon's garden and orchid houses.

The members of ADOAPS extend an invitation to anyone interested in orchids or gardening in general to join.    

Meetings usually starts with a short business meeting followed by a technical talk and discussion before the raffle is drawn.  

Afternoon tea, a bit of socialising and casting popular vote on plants tabled is next.    

After smoko there is commentary on the plants tabled by one of their more knowledgeable members.    

The meeting concludes around 4:30 pm.  

ADOAPS meet at the CWA hall in Ayr at 2:00pm on the first Sunday of the month (excluding January).

For up-to-date information on activities, please refer to the 'Ayr and District Orchid and Allied Plant Society' Facebook page.

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Councillor Michael Detenon

Chances are, you've witnessed the initial groundwork commencing along the highway opposite the show grounds, signalling the commencement of the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion.

One of my key priorities as Councillor was to see further economic development in the Shire. In 2020 Council established an Economic Development Advisory Group to serve in an advisory capacity to Council in relation to key strategies, projects and initiatives related to economic development. I am fortunate to have been appointed as the Councillor representative on this group. This group provides ongoing support to assist and guide Council in the implementation of the Burdekin Economic Development Strategy and Burdekin Tourism Strategy. The group also facilitates and promotes significant economic and tourism opportunities for the Burdekin Shire which lead to increased employment opportunities, new industry development, growth and retention of existing business, attraction of new residents and increased visitor activity.

Council has been lobbying for funding for the Industrial Estate expansion for many years, recognising its potential to redefine the economic landscape of the community that will offer benefits that stretch far beyond business growth.

The expansion will create new industrial allotments, through a staged development, adjoining the existing Ayr Industrial Estate. The project will allow for both existing businesses to expand as well as attracting new business and investment in the shire. This expansion will provide much needed industrial land for Ayr and the surrounding region, establish new services, create local employment opportunities and enable economic development delivering significant social and economic benefits for the community.

I envisage a future where local businesses thrive, job opportunities multiply and existing and new residents are encouraged to live, work, play, visit and invest in this wonderful part of North Queensland.

The Industrial Estate expansion, due to be completed at the end of 2024, is more than just an economic development project; it's a catalyst for positive change and growth within the Burdekin Shire.

I am excited to be part of a Council that sees the benefits of investing in this significant project. Congratulations to the team at Burdekin Life, it is great to have a local paper back in our community and thank you to the businesses for supporting this publication and helping it come to life.

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Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

The Burdekin Shire Council's cultural venues play a crucial role in fostering artistic expression and community unity. The Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Showgrounds and Burdekin Memorial Hall are dynamic spaces that host artists and performers from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a vibrant cultural tapestry and promote cross-cultural understanding within the community.

During the 2022/23 financial year, the impact of the cultural venues was substantial. The Burdekin Theatre alone welcomed over 18,000 guests, while the Burdekin Memorial Hall hosted an additional 6,600 guests across a diverse range of events that strengthens social connections and contributes to the local economy. The Ayr Showgrounds hosted 23 events, including the renowned Burdekin Show, as well as dog training, birthdays, weddings, wakes, and various community meetings.

The Burdekin Shire Council takes pride in the extensive utilisation of these facilities by numerous local organisations which offer valuable opportunities for performers, technical support staff and stage managers, among others.

To explore the enriching experiences available at these cultural venues, visit Council’s website burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Over the weekend, Australia’s decision resounded around the country and with over 80% of the people in the electorate of Dawson voting no, it was a clear result.

The Albanese Labor Government proposed an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and while highlighting the issues of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is extremely important, I am fundamentally opposed to dividing the country on the basis of race.

What Labor failed to do was provide enough detail to the people of Australia on how the Voice would work, what power they would have, and who would hold that power.

Instead, they chose to spend hundreds of millions of dollars during a cost-of-living crisis and try to convince the public to vote on a vibe and guilt, telling us to vote yes because it was the right thing to do and if we didn’t, we were racist.

As a result, we are now dealing with a divided and emotional country and there is a lot of healing that needs to be done.

Prime Minister Albanese might not like the way Australia voted because he believes he knows better, however voters are never wrong, and what all Australian’s want most is equity and a fair go.

Moving forward, we need to work together. There needs to be an audit on the billions of dollars of taxpayer money that is spent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is currently not making it to the rural and regional communities who need it most.

We also need to get back to basics. The government needs to address the cost-of living crisis, the growing rate of crime, the poor road infrastructure in rural and regional areas like Dawson, and the crumbling healthcare system that North Queenslanders are currently suffering through.

As your Federal Member, I focus on the issues affecting all of the people of Dawson, and this week in Parliament I am loudly reminding the Prime Minister and his Labor Government to get back to basics and listen to the Australian people.

Andrew Willcox MP

Federal Member for Dawson

Opinion Piece

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