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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I and quite a few other readers of the ‘Burdekin Life’ newspaper are readily counting the “to do” list that Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and his State counterpart for Burdekin State Opposition Minister Dale Last are adding to with every weekly newspaper.
Each major political party, when in Government, has the opportunity to implement their plans for Australians that they had proposed to implement when elected, while those in opposition and the minor parties are able to argue that their own plans are better but are not considered.
Queensland state polling suggests in the up-coming State election that the Labor State Government may lose its position in Government. Then and only then will both Dale, and in some cases Andrew, have the opportunity to right the suggested wrongs of the ALP. However, even in Government, there is no guarantee that Andrew and Dale’s list of wrongs will be corrected. Readers will have to wait and see!
The LNP’s heart isn’t always as big as the ALP’s.
Hopefully Australians will be the ultimate winners.
Yours faithfully,
T. P. Chandler
A Response From Member For Burdekin, Dale Last
Mr Chandler’s claims that the current government has a big heart simply must be questioned.
I doubt big-hearted is how you’d describe a government that stands by while we have residents living in their car or in a shed with their young family and yet more struggling to pay their power bill.
But, thanks to the government that Mr Chandler describes as having a bigger heart, more heartache is to come.
Along with their mates from the Greens and the KAP, it is this government that lets drug dealers walk away basically scot-free not once or twice, but 3 times before being sent to a diversion service.
Like Mr Chandler, my hope is for a better community. If achieving that by speaking up for the people of the Burdekin means the size of my heart is questioned, then so be it.
Yours sincerely,
Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin
Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was also offered the opportunity to respond and politely declined.
If you have any thoughts to share with the editor, please contact editorial@burdekinlife.com with ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the subject line.
Letters to the editor will be printed at the publisher’s discretion.
Burdekin Mabo Day Committee, in partnership with the Burdekin Library, presents the ‘Remembering Mabo’ display of significant items from the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo.
The display was launched on Tuesday, May 28 with light refreshments taking place on Thursday, May 30.
The display can be found at Burdekin Library’s Ayr branch, as can books and resources providing background information on Eddie Koiki Mabo and the significance of Mabo Day.
Burdekin Shire Council Cultural Venues Manager Glenn Arboit (left) and Burdekin Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort with representatives from the Burdekin Mabo Day Committee
Ms Dalle Cort with Indigenous employees of Burdekin Shire Council
Adlyne Green with Ms Dalle Cort
The ‘Remembering Mabo’ display features Eddie Koiki Mabo’s personal items donated by local relatives
Photos supplied
Mabo Day is marked annually on June 3 and commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Photo credit: Bethyl Mabo, AIATSIS Collection
One of the Burdekin’s local boys, Luca Lawry, travelled as part of the Northern School Boys team to Toowoomba to participate in the 2024 Inaugural 10-12 years Boys Netball School State Championships.
For the first time ever, boys from 10 regions across Queensland converged to take the courts for four days from May 23 to 26, to select a State Team which will later travel to the National Championships in Melbourne.
With a massive push for boys' netball nationwide, in the lead up to a possible Men's Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2027 to coincide with the Women's Championships, and the possible inclusion of Men's Netball in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, it was amazing to see such a great following of the sport.
The Northern Boys represented our region proudly and showed pure heart and grit in all of their games against some very stiff competition and big boys. They played Peninsula, Capricornia, Wide Bay, Sunny Coast, Met North, Met East, Met West, South Coast and Darling Downs. They achieved a nail-biting win against Capricornia and had some really close games against some of the toughest teams in the competition being up in several games, but unfortunately unable to hold on for the wins.
For anyone interested in joining Netball, contact The Burdekin Netball Association for more information.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
Luca Lawry represented North Queensland at the Inaugural 10-12 years Boys Netball School State Championships
Elders, youth and members of the local community gathered to commemorate Mabo Day on Monday, June 3. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The release of the first ever Regional Telecommunications Review survey offers rural, regional, and remote Australians another way to give feedback on telecommunications issues.
The Review, which takes place every three years, sees the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee examine the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.
Submissions and face-to-face consultations to date have provided feedback on a range of matters including the suitability of telecommunications during emergency situations, how emerging technologies could improve connectivity, and ways telecommunications can support regional development.
“Access to reliable telecommunication is increasingly important for regional Australians – it is essential for keeping connected with family and friends as well as for business and access to health and education services,” said Alannah MacTiernan, Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.
“We need to hear your stories about what is working and what is not.
“While we will be travelling to dozens of sample communities across the country, we want to provide an opportunity for every regional Australian to have their say.
“The online survey is an easy way you can participate.”
The short online survey provides a way for regional, rural and remote Australians to easily provide feedback on how they are experiencing telecommunications in their own communities.
There are two other options for people to have their say: attending a face-to-face consultation in various towns or providing a submission via a website.
Input from the public will assist the Committee make findings and recommendations to Government that address the needs of rural, remote and regional Australia.
Previous Reviews have seen a number of major initiatives announced and delivered, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
The online survey closes on 31 July 2024.
To have your say visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024-regional-telecommunications-review
For more information on the Committee members visit www.rtirc.gov.au.
In practising ‘service above self’ in their daily lives, many Burdekin residents complete selfless community work every day without seeking any recognition or feedback.
Thanks to Rotary Club of Ayr, two of these people have recently been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship, with small ceremonies last week acknowledging the work of Gerald Henaway and Gillian Stanbrook.
“We realised we needed to recognise special people, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, exemplifying service above self and going the extra distance,” said Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton.
“We only give a couple away each year, and it’s always to different people, because we know there are a lot of people out in the community who do great work, show that service above self, and they keep on doing it.
“They’re often quiet achievers, they’re very humble people, they just get on and do it.”
Mr Henaway, a local Juru man, has always lived in the Burdekin where he met his wife Olive and had two children and many grandchildren.
His work in the community is focused on giving young people the very best chance at life, most notably through his work as a Police Liaison Officer and the Burdekin Area Youth Watch (BAY-Watch), a program which aims to mentor and guide First Nations youth through childhood and adolescence.
A role model to all young people, Mr Henaway works tirelessly to support First Nations young people through youth and school holiday programs, providing transportation to Sunday School and local sport, as well as driving local youth to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play.
He was named as the 2023 Burdekin Shire Council Citizen of the Year and was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellowship last Thursday, May 30.
After a long career in nursing and midwifery, Ms Stanbrook’s caring personality continued as she served for many years on the Cancer Council and assisted with initiatives including the Terry Fox Fun Run (now known as Relay for Life), Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day and Nurse of the Year.
She leads cohorts of nurses in the Anzac Day Dawn Service each year and collaborates with many other passionate locals, including Shirley Gilmore, in local fundraising events and initiatives benefiting cancer victims and survivors.
She is often found volunteering at the hospital or with Meals on Wheels and is always willing to assist people in need, being surprised with the Paul Harris Fellowship at a morning tea on Friday, May 31.
L-R Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton, Senior Member Frank Nucifora and Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gerald Henaway
L-R Rotary Club of Ayr Secretary Bruce Edwards, Committee Member John Oar, Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gillian Stanbrook and President Amanda Norton
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Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community. We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Most services are FREE.
Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services. For example, aged care, disability care, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and support, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and exercise programs, domestic and family violence services, essential food and toiletries, telehealth, legal services and much more.
You may also be interested in joining our “Make It Happen Life Skills Group” or “Community Connections Group”. The groups meet weekly at our Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and the members are having fun getting to know each other, making friends, building on their skills in areas like cooking, cleaning, managing money, communication, socializing, looking after their health and wellbeing.
For information on community and health and wellbeing services and being more involved in our community, please contact Burdekin Community Association Inc. on Ph 4783 3744, visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr, Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au or www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au.
Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
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This week, the team has been reflecting on how we can often take on the negative thoughts and behaviours of others, causing us to question ourselves, our abilities, and our self-worth. We can lose confidence in our judgement and start down a path towards poor mental health and well-being.
Imagine a situation in which you're bombarded with negative thoughts and emotions, like a snowball rolling towards you, gaining momentum, and engulfing everything in its path. How would you handle it?
• Try and outrun it?
• Jump sideways to avoid it?
• Close your eyes and hope for the best?
• Ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist?
These are just some of the actions people take when faced with confrontation, and often, they delay the inevitable outcome.
Remember, you hold the reins of your life. You can choose how others' actions and words affect you. If you feel down around certain individuals, prioritising your well-being is within your control. Sometimes, people's actions can affect us deeply and unintentionally. But it's crucial to understand that you are the guardian of your emotional well-being. You have the strength to meet your own needs and manage your emotions.
If you would like to learn more about Self-Care and Wellbeing, Ross Romeo is offering Burdekin community members the free CoRES Self-Care & Wellbeing Workshop in partnership with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.
Keep an eye out for the next workshop, which will be organised after Ross gets back into the country! Please contact the team at the Centre on (07) 4783 4243 if you would like to register your interest and we can let you know the details once organised.
Surprisingly, we feel that we alone have these thoughts, and it is only by coming together at workshops, such as this, that we discover other community members are in the same situation. We can learn from each other and develop tools that assist us in navigating to safer waters.
If you’re not ready to attend a workshop just yet, please stop by the Centre for a coffee and a chat and see what we're all about.
Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council actively encourages community participation through various consultations and surveys? This initiative is a crucial aspect of local governance, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Council covers a wide array of topics in the consultations. From infrastructure projects like roadworks and public facilities to social initiatives such as community health and cultural events, there's always something relevant for every resident. This assists Council in ensuring that all aspects of community life are addressed and improved upon based on public input.
Participation is made easy and accessible. Council’s website provides a dedicated section for ongoing and upcoming consultations and surveys. This online platform allows residents to stay informed and contribute their views conveniently. Additionally, the council organises face-to-face meetings and forums for more in-depth discussions.
I encourage you to visit Council’s community consultations and surveys page regularly or keep an eye on Council’s social media pages for upcoming consultations. Your participation is a valuable contribution to the well-being and development of your community.
So next time you come across a survey or a consultation invitation from Council, take a moment to get on board. Your input is essential in building a vibrant and thriving community.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
As preparations ramp up ahead of the Burdekin Show, the Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association has announced Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) as the naming rights sponsor for the 2024 event.
The QCAR Burdekin Show will take over the Ayr Showgrounds on Wednesday, June 26 for a day of agricultural, community and family fun.
“QCAR is a local organisation and shows, traditionally, are an agriculture-based event,” said Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association President Chris Lyne.
“Cane is our dominant agricultural commodity in the Burdekin, so QCAR was a perfect fit.”
QCAR Office Manager Melissa Boulter agreed, saying the partnership is part of an exciting period of growth for the organisation.
“It’s an exciting time for QCAR,” she said.
“To be a naming rights sponsor for our local show is fantastic, to get out there and show that we are committed to the Burdekin.
“Our roots are firmly stationed in the Burdekin, and we just want to give back to our growers and their families and show them that we are Burdekin first and foremost.”
Mr Lyne leads a team of eight passionate committee members and countless other volunteers who, following a successful 2023 Burdekin Show that exceeded expectations, are looking forward to an even bigger and better event.
“We’ve got quite a lot this year, so it should be good,” Mr Lyne said.
“There’s something for everyone.”
The QCAR Burdekin Show is excited to welcome celebrity guests Steven Elliot from ABC TV’s ‘Muster Dogs’ and Trent Richardson from ‘Australian Idol’.
The day will also feature muster dog demonstrations, mower racing with the Townsville Mower Club, the annual tractor pull, pet show, dachshund races, grand parade and scarecrow competition.
Family favourites like sideshow alley and the pavilion displays will also be popular among attendees.
The show also features a ‘gate ticket special’, offering entry for $5 for all adults, $2 for all students, and children five and under free between 9:30am and 11:00am before standard prices apply from 11:00am.
WHAT: QCAR Burdekin Show
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26 from 9:30am until late
WHERE: Ayr Showgrounds
MORE INFORMATION: 0495 831 790, burdekinshow@gmail.com or www.burdekinshow.org
QCAR Office Manager Melissa Boulter and Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association President Chris Lyne
The fate of the annually celebrated Burdekin Water Festival will rest in the hands of the Burdekin community with the annual general meeting (AGM) set for Monday 10 June from 6pm at the Queens Hotel.
The Burdekin Water Festival celebrates the abundance of water in the district, and proudly stands as one of the longest running festivals in Queensland. The festival entails a plethora of events that encompass the entire community, from school students to emergency services, however, following a lack of volunteer support, 2023 sadly did not see the lively festival ignite the region. The future of the Burdekin Water Festival has been a pressing issue the whole community has been behind since the beginning of last year, particularly the issue of the Water Festival lacking a committee entirely.
Actioned by Councillor Amanda Hall, Eusebio Aguirre began contacting community members he believed would be interested in forming a 2024 Water Festival Committee. On Monday 3 June, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and councillors Amanda Hall, and Fina Vasta, joined Eusebio Aguirre along with over 30 members of the local community gathered together to officially formulate a plan for the 2024 event.
The group set the date for an AGM to be held on Monday 10 June from 6pm at the Queens Hotel and extend a warm invite to the public to attend the evening to ensure the continuation of the historic and treasured event with the region.
Following last Monday’s meeting, Mayor Dalle Court and the dedicated attendees hold a highly positive hope and feeling towards the organisation and running of the Burdekin Water Festival later this year, however the true success of establishing an event for 2024 will be determined by committee volunteer numbers.
“We have a very positive feeling that if we get enough volunteers to work together, we can make the Burdekin Water Festival happen this year,” explained committee member Kari Ravizza.
What: Annual General Meeting for the Burdekin Water Festival
When: Monday 10 June at 6pm
Where: The Queens Hotel
Back row L-R: Brett Eathorne, Treena List, Tina Hancock, Danae Richards, Bruna Pearson, Colleen Harris, Debbie Szendry, Suzette Wallace, Juanita Hatch, Eusebio Aguirre, and Fiona Smith. Front row L-R: Frank Nucifora, Scott Morrison, Cr. Fina Vasta, Kari Ravizza, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Glenn Arboit, Cr Amanda Hall, Tony Vaccaro, and Frank Nucifora
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has welcomed the announcement that China will lift its ban on Australian beef exports.
“This is a positive step for Australian beef farmers and producers, with the suspension of five of the bans being lifted immediately,” said Mr Willcox.
“China has always been a valued trading partner for Australian agriculture which is a trade dependent sector, exporting more that 70% of what we produce.
“My concern now is the workforce shortages that our farmers are facing.”
With Australian farmers currently working at just 60 to 70 per cent capacity, Mr Willcox said the Ag Visa desperately needs to be reinstated.
“I welcome the discussion to reinstate the Ag Visa to allow foreign workers into Australia at the right quantities and in the right places, while still having a commonsense migration policy,” he said.
“Myself, along with my National Party colleagues, will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian farmers and our beef industry.”
Farming is a cornerstone of many rural communities, providing food, employment, and a way of life. However, it comes with its unique set of risks and challenges. Fires, cyclones, machinery breakdowns, and accidents can threaten not only the livelihood of farmers but also affect the entire community. It’s therefore crucial to address the importance of farm safety and the role of farm insurance in protecting our assets and ensuring the sustainability of our farming operations.
An unfortunate but common occurrence, farm fires can start from various sources, and their impact can be devastating. John from Elders Insurance Ayr explains, "There are many ways fires can start on farms, and once they start, they can be extremely difficult to contain." This makes vigilance and preventive measures essential.
Harvesting machinery is also a common cause. Research showed that approximately 7% of harvesters contributed to farm fires in 2020 in Australia. High temperatures, dry landscapes, and mechanical failures can easily lead to disaster. Regular maintenance is key. Servicing equipment and ensuring everything is well-greased can significantly reduce fire risks. Inspections for electrical and mechanical issues are equally important. Clearing trash from hot engine parts and monitoring for fire risks can also help prevent such fires.
Adhering to local guidelines on when you can and can’t harvest is crucial. John advises, "Each state and almost every council has different criteria of when you can and can’t harvest." Equip yourself with firefighting tools like extinguishers, knapsack spray pumps, shovels, and rakes. Having water and fire units within the paddock and relocating them with your harvesting equipment as needed is also vital.
Routine farm tasks, whether commercial or domestic, can spark fires. "A small job with an angle grinder may not seem a big deal, but it could easily start a fire," John points out. Maintaining strong safety practices for all farm activities is essential.
Given the myriad risks, having farm insurance is not just a precaution but a necessary consideration. Farms are valuable properties with significant investments in land, property, machinery and livestock. Proper insurance helps to ensure that if something goes wrong, farmers can have the financial protection needed to recover and continue operations.
Working with a knowledgeable insurance partner, like Elders Insurance Ayr, can help farmers assess their needs. John and his team are equipped to guide farmers through the complexities of farm insurance, helping to ensure they have the right coverage to protect against potential adverse events. This includes machinery breakdowns, accidents and liability.
The impact of farm fires and accidents can extend beyond individual farms to the entire community. "Over the years, I’ve seen escaped fires from farms have a devastating effect on the farm itself, the surrounding area and community, and the people involved," John shares. Ensuring all machinery is in good working order, implementing safety measures, and being prepared to respond to emergencies are critical to protecting our community.
By maintaining equipment, following safety guidelines, and regularly reviewing insurance, farmers can significantly reduce the risks on their properties and help improve resilience. These proactive steps protect individual farms and safeguard our entire community from the devastating effects of farm fires and accidents.
This article is part of a paid arrangement.
Seldon Pty Ltd ABN 93 675 197 645 trading as Elders Insurance Ayr is an Authorised Representative of Elders Insurance (Underwriting Agency) Pty Limited (ABN 56 138 879 026, AFSL 340965) (EIUA). EIUA, acting under its own AFSL, is authorized to distribute Elders Insurance products on behalf of QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545), the product issuer.
The advice in this article is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. Visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au to consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and any applicable Target Market Determination to decide if the product is right for you.
John Azpiri of Elders Ayr
Last month, NQ Dry Tropics coordinated a two-day Regional Cultural Fire Workshop on Gugu Badhun Country at Jervoise Station, near Greenvale.
The event was part of the Cultural Fire for Grazing Landscapes project, delivered in partnership between Traditional Owners of the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, WWF-Australia, Firesticks Alliance, and graziers.
Event attendees spanned a wide range of professions, ages, and backgrounds, including representatives from several regional Traditional Owner groups, Gudjuda Rangers and Trainees, Mingga Mingaa Rangers, Wulgurukaba Rangers, Girringun Rangers, graziers, council workers, Qld Rural Fire Service staff and volunteers, and representatives from Firesticks and WWF Australia.
Participants exchanged ideas and learned from Lead Firesticks Practitioner Victor Steffensen and his team about the importance of reading Country prior to using fire to heal sick landscapes.
They visited paddocks previously treated with fire to see how they had regenerated and took part in a cultural burn.
“Thanks to the wonderful Jonsson family for hosting the event,” NQ Dry Tropics shared on social media.
“The atmosphere was fantastic, and the spirit of partnership and respect shown across the board was the epitome of NQ Dry Tropics’ vision that we are all working together to care for Country as custodians of the land for future generations.”
Visit NQ Dry Tropics on Facebook or www.nqdrytropics.com.au for more information.
Photo credit: Photography By Scott Radford-Chisholm
The Federal Government’s backflip on changes to the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Schemes mandatory work hours has been welcomed by Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.
“Last year, the Albanese Labor Government ploughed ahead with unworkable changes to the PALM Scheme, despite numerous warnings from the Coalition and industry bodies, which put our agricultural industry and our foreign relations in jeopardy,” Mr Willcox said.
“The changes forced employers to guarantee 30 hours per week.
“As a farmer by trade, I know firsthand how unworkable the constraints of guaranteed work hours are.
“Farming is seasonal, and weather dependent, which dictates how many hours a worker will be able to work, and forcing farmers to pay each person they employ on the PALM Scheme the mandatory 30 hours, regardless of if they only worked 10, was having a detrimental effect on our hard-working farmers.
“These new changes will see these constraints relaxed, and now 120 hours can be averaged out over 4 weeks per employee, which will be much more workable.”
Mr Willcox said concerns were raised in Senate Estimates, in Questions in Writing to the Minister for the Pacific, and through strong media advocacy which “turned the tide”.
“Thankfully, now the Labor Government has backflipped but only after seeing a decline of 10.2 per cent in short-term workers and 10.4 per cent for all PALM workers in agriculture,” he said.
“These changes will come into effect from July 1, and I will continue to fight against red tape that makes things harder for our farmers and Pacific relations.”
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
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