North Queensland Wildlife Care (NQ Wildlife Care) is calling on animal lovers to lend a helping hand — and a little space at home — to support possums on their journey back to the wild.

The organisation is currently seeking new pre-release possum carers, with a dedicated training session set to take place on Sunday, 8 February, offering locals the chance to play a vital role in wildlife rehabilitation.

Pre-release care is the final and most important stage before a possum is returned to its natural habitat. During this time, young possums build strength, confidence and essential survival skills, all under the watchful eye of volunteer carers.

Those interested will need space for a 3m x 2m x 2m aviary — which can be supplied if required — along with the time to collect native food, provide one to two daily feeds, and observe the possums as they learn to thrive independently.

NQ Wildlife Care says carers are fully supported throughout the process, with guidance, training and ongoing assistance provided, ensuring volunteers are never tackling the role alone.

The organisation encourages anyone with the space, time and heart to consider getting involved, describing the experience as both incredibly rewarding and undeniably adorable.

Veterinarians, vet staff and veterinary students are also encouraged to participate, with free training available upon registration.

Those interested can find further details and register online at nqwildlife.org.au/training, or contact training@nqwildlife.org.au for more information.

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NQ Wildlife Care are calling for pre-release possum carers. Photo credit: Kathryn Willmott

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By Jacob Casha

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When long-time Burdekin local Frank Nucifora heard his name called as the 2026 Burdekin Citizen of the Year at this year’s Australia Day awards, his first reaction was disbelief.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” Frank said.

That sense of surprise is perhaps the clearest reflection of the humility that has underpinned more than six decades of service to the region.

But as he stood on stage clutching the plaque, visibly emotional, the moment marked a rare pause in a life spent far more focused on giving than receiving recognition.

It represented a proud moment for both him and his family, said son Frank Jr.

“He went there thinking he was getting nothing,” said Frank Jr.

“That just shows the kind of person is. He’s just a good-natured person, and we were all proud of him.”

Ironically, Frank’s journey to the Australia Day awards victory began half a world away.

Born in Sicily, Frank arrived in Australia in the early 1950s at just 12 years of age, settling with his family in the Burdekin at a time when language barriers and cultural differences were more prominent than ever.

He says it was his love for soccer, nurtured in his home country, that helped bridge that gap, serving as a natural segue into community work in the Burdekin.

“We used to kick the ball around in Sicily, but not in a team,” said Frank.

“Then the kids here invited me to play soccer for the club, in the team, and I enjoyed the company. That’s when I started getting involved and helping out, even off the field.”

From there, Frank’s impact in the community grew from strength to strength.

In 1966, Frank joined the Rotary Club of Ayr, where he has served 60 years in roles including President, Treasurer and Foundation Chair, twice earning the Paul Harris Fellow. He’s been instrumental in Meals on Wheels, Plantation Park, the Living Lagoon, youth programs, humanitarian initiatives, and countless community events, while also serving as a parishioner at his local church for over 70 years.

“I always enjoyed the company of these committees,” he said.

“Doing all these things together with the other members brought me a lot of joy.”

Simultaneously, he helped build one of the Burdekin’s longest-standing family enterprises. By 1959, he and his brothers had bought Delta Cleaners & Laundry—still operational to this day—later expanding into a mango farm, ten-pin bowling centre, and manufacturing and engineering operations.

Currently 86 years of age, Frank remains heavily committed to his volunteering endeavours, as well as at Delta, where Frank Jr. says he’s far from ready to loosen the reigns.

“Last year, his brother ran him over with a cherry picker while they were cutting down a tree. He broke a heap of bones in his foot, but he never showed it. He was in a cast for months, even came to work in a wheelchair. He just couldn’t stay away,” said Frank Jr.

Still going strong, Frank continues to raise the bar for what it means to serve.

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A group of senior researchers has raised alarm that the Lower Burdekin River could undergo a major channel shift far sooner than previously projected, directly challenging a government-commissioned assessment by Australian environmental consultancy Alluvium that found a “low short-term risk.”

Known as an avulsion—when a river abruptly abandons its existing channel to carve a new course—the process can have serious consequences for communities, farmland and infrastructure.

Researchers Eric Wolanski, Chris Hopper and Chris Cannavan warn such a shift could occur in the Burdekin within the next 50 years.

“It’s not just a scientific question. It involves lives,” said James Cook University adjunct professor and oceanographer Wolanski.

“It’s like playing Russian roulette with the lives of the people in the Burdekin.”

Researchers Challenge ‘Low Risk’ Claim, Warn of Looming Avulsion

Although rare on human timescales, both the researchers and Alluvium Consulting agree an avulsion is inevitable in the Lower Burdekin; their assessments of its imminence, however, diverge dramatically.

Geological evidence suggests major avulsions in the Burdekin delta have historically occurred roughly every 800 to 1300 years, according to the researchers.

Alluvium Consulting, commissioned under the Queensland Government’s Burdekin Water Plan, reported in 2025 that an avulsion posed no immediate risk to the region.

The assessment drew on aerial LiDAR mapping from 2009 and 2018, hydraulic modelling and geomorphic analysis, concluding the lower Burdekin River was rarely engaging its floodplain and short-term risk was low.

However, Wolanski and his team have challenged both the methods and conclusions of the assessment, citing recent on-ground survey data that indicates significant riverbed aggradation, which they argue could drastically accelerate avulsion risk and bring serious consequences sooner than suggested in the report.

The group argues that major flooding events since the 2018 data used in Alluvium’s assessment—including those in 2019 and 2025—have facilitated approximately 0.7 metres of riverbed aggradation.

The accumulated sediment raises the riverbed—partly due to reduced sand transport from the Burdekin Falls Dam—reducing channel capacity and increasing floodplain connectivity during high flows, which together accelerate the likelihood of the river abandoning its current course.

Wolanski’s team based their conclusions on RTK-GPS surveys along multiple river transects, a technique that can measure elevation changes to within centimetres. Hopper, a volunteer researcher from Townsville, says this method is far better suited than LiDAR for detecting changes to submerged riverbeds in turbid systems like the Burdekin due to its ability to directly measure the actual riverbed under water, rather than relying on surface reflections.

Based on observed rates of aggradation, the group estimates an avulsion could occur within decades rather than centuries, potentially within the lifetime of current residents, in the event of another major flood.

“It could severely impact farmland, houses, roads, and the railway if the river carves a new channel through the area,” said Wolanski.

Cannavan, a Burdekin cane farmer with family roots in the region dating back almost a century, says areas south of Home Hill could be “right in the firing line.”

Despite Wolanski and Cannavan’s concerns, Alluvium Consulting has rejected the group’s suggestion that an avulsion is imminent.

In a written response, the firm said avulsions on the Burdekin are rare events that typically require frequent, high-energy floodplain engagement—conditions it argues do not currently exist.

Alluvium acknowledged claims that LiDAR cannot directly measure submerged riverbeds but said it was used to assess broader reach-scale trends using exposed bars, banks and water-surface elevations during low-flow conditions rather than the riverbed itself.

The consultancy also noted its 2025 assessment predated the major 2025 flood and did not include post-2018 impacts, but said preliminary aerial imagery showed only modest changes and no clear evidence of floodplain scour that would materially alter conclusions.

University of Adelaide professor Kathryn Amos, whose work with the Burdekin River spans decades, said the disparate findings reflect the river’s notorious difficulty to study.

“The challenge with the Burdekin is that it’s extremely difficult to measure,” Amos said.

“It’s dry most of the year, and when the big floods come through, it’s often too dangerous to collect data.

“There have only been a handful of studies that have actually measured how sediment moves through the Burdekin river, which means there’s a lot of uncertainty when we try to predict future behaviour. That uncertainty is why different teams of scientists can look at the same system and come to different conclusions.”

Despite conflicting conclusions, both groups agreed that further research on the Lower Burdekin River was essential.

“In previous work for the Queensland Government, we recommended repeat, ideally annual, channel topographic surveys to detect trends in erosion and deposition,” said an Alluvium Consulting spokesperson.

“Such monitoring would provide the evidence needed to distinguish short-term variability from long-term change. If sustained bed aggradation relative to the floodplain were identified, this would indicate increasing avulsion risk over time and warrant reassessment.”

A spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers said the Burdekin Basin Water Plan is developed using the “best available science and up-to-date hydrological modelling.”

“Alluvium Consulting assessed sediment transport and avulsion risk in the lower Burdekin River and found the likelihood of a shift in any given year or decade is low. The assessment remains appropriate to guide current water planning and regulatory approaches,” they said.

The plan is under review, with ongoing monitoring intended to protect river flows and support sustainable management of the catchment.

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Cecillia Cason’s lifelong dedication to music and the performing arts was proudly recognised at the Burdekin Shire Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards Ceremony, where she was presented with the Junior Cultural Award.

Cecillia first discovered her passion for the arts when she was in Year 2, and ever since, she has continued to flourish in each cultural endeavour she chooses to peruse, shaping a remarkable journey filled with discipline, talent and community support.

Over the years, Cecillia has developed an extraordinary breadth of musical skill, learning to play an impressive range of instruments including the recorder, violin, tambourine, tenor horn, French horn, trumpet, cornet, flugel horn, baritone, flute, clarinet and alto saxophone, along with some violin. However, it has been through her long-standing involvement with the Burdekin Brass Band that her talents have truly flourished.

“In a band, there are so many different types of players from all different backgrounds and playing abilities,” Cecillia said.

“Hearing everyone’s sounds and styles allowed me to copy different aspects of their playing and apply it to my own.”

Cecillia joined the Burdekin Brass Band in Year 4 and credits the guidance of her fellow band members and teachers for helping her discover a deep love for music.

“Learning in the Burdekin Brass Band’s learner classes was really fun,” she explained. “We split our time between playing and theory work, and we’d have small pieces and exercises to practise each week. Those little challenges and the satisfaction of learning a new piece really sucked me in - that’s when I found my passion for music.”

Now a proud member of the Burdekin Brass Band for around nine years, Cecillia has also expanded her experience by joining the Thuringowa Brass Band in 2022 and the Townsville Brass Band in 2024.

Throughout her musical journey, Cecillia has competed in numerous eisteddfods across the Burdekin, Charters Towers and Townsville, collecting a vibrant list of accolades along the way. Among her most notable achievements was being awarded First Place in the Junior Tenor Horn Division at the Australian National Band Championships, earning her a national title.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me for this award,” Cecillia said.

“I’m truly happy that my dedication to what I love has been recognised.”

In addition to competitions, Cecillia has performed extensively across the region, including live performances with the Burdekin Brass Band, school events as both an instrumentalist and vocalist, and productions with the Burdekin Singers, including Shrek, The Little Mermaid and the Burdekin Singers’ 100th anniversary performance.

Her talent has also seen her selected for numerous prestigious programs, including the State Honour Ensemble Programme in Cairns and Townsville, the Queensland Honour Ensemble Programme in Brisbane, and in 2025, the Australian Honour Ensemble Programme, where she performed on French horn. In 2024, Cecillia was also selected to represent Queensland internationally through the Pacific Honours Ensemble Programme, performing with an orchestra in Seattle.

Looking ahead, Cecillia is preparing to move to Brisbane to pursue a Bachelor of Music at the Griffith Conservatorium, with hopes of further refining her musicianship and taking the next step in her chosen career. She will also compete at the upcoming Australian National Band Championships in multiple solo divisions, as well as in the band section with Thuringowa Brass Band.

Congratulations Cecillia!

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Cecillia Cason was awarded the Junior Cultural Award at the BurdekinShire Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards Ceremony. Photo credit:Melanie Napier Photography

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Cleo Delle Baite has been congratulated as Burdekin Catholic High School’s (BCHS) 2025 Valedictorian and will soon commence studies at James Cook University to pursue a future career in medicine and surgery.

With an unadjusted Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 95.7 and an adjusted ATAR of 99.95, Cleo was beyond excited to learn she had earned the title of BCHS’ 2025 Valedictorian, noting her initial feelings of shock and immense pride.

“Graduating as Valedictorian was an amazing achievement for me,” Cleo enthused.

“It kind of caught me by surprise because my grade was filled with really high achievers, but to see all my hard work paying off really gave me a sense of accomplishment.”

Achieving such a feat is no small task, and Cleo credits her academic success to dedication and perseverance, emphasising the importance of discovering study techniques that work best for each individual.

“My study routine might seem a little crazy to some, but it worked for me during high school,” said Cleo.

Cleo’s day would begin at around 5am when she would head to the gym to fit in about an hour of exercise, followed by another hour of light studying before getting ready for the school day ahead. With a commute on her hands, Cleo used her time on the bus to her advantage, squeezing in an additional hour of study to complete any outstanding homework or assignment tasks, freeing up her afternoons for extracurricular activities.

Above all else, Cleo believes there’s one particular study technique that each and every student should endeavour to employ.

“Read. Always be reading,” advised Cleo.

“Whether it be specific to what you’re studying, or some fiction just for enjoyment, reading is something that really helped keep me regulated and allowed me to expand my vocabulary daily.”

Cleo has always had a passion for chemistry and thoroughly enjoyed studying the subject throughout high school, adding that she found particular interest in how neatly each of her subjects intertwined with one another.

“I really loved chemistry through high school; it was my absolute favourite subject, with mathematics pulling a close second as I really enjoyed the applications of chemistry and problem solving,” she recalled.

“Specialist mathematics was a challenging subject, as it was much more difficult than expected due to its overlap with physics. However, over time, I learnt to separate the formulas and techniques so that I could achieve the best marks possible in each subject.”

When asked what wise words of advice she would impart to current and future senior students, Cleo encouraged balance and urged every Year 12 student to find an enjoyable outlet to unwind.

“Whilst I do recommend reading, any hobby that you enjoy and cultivate will help with stress relief and improve other skills that you use in class daily,” explained Cleo.

“Depending on what subjects you are doing, Year 12 can be very difficult at times, so making sure you leave some time for the things you enjoy is absolutely important.”

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Cleo Delle Baite has been celebrated as Burdekin Catholic High School’s 2025 Valedictorian. Photo source: BCHS

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Therehas been plenty happening across the Shire recently, and I want tohighlight a few key items.

Firstly,congratulations to the recipients of this year’sAustralia Day Awards. These awards recognise locals who quietly givetheir time and effort to support others and strengthen our community.Well done to all those acknowledged.

Councilhas also recently installed new audio-visual and video conferencingequipment in the council chambers. This upgrade will allow councilmeetings to be livestreamed in the future, making it easier forresidents to see how decisions are made. Until livestreaming isunderway, I encourage anyone with an interest to attend meetings inperson. Council meetings are held every second Tuesday and are opento the public. If you can’tattend, I encourage you to ask councillors when livestreaming willcommence. Greater visibility and understanding of council processesbenefits everyone.

Communityinput is also being sought for the proposed Pump Track in Ayr. A HaveYour Say –PumpTrack Community Drop-In Session will be held on Thursday 5 Februaryfrom 4:30pm to 5:30pm at Anzac Park (old Soccer Grounds, WickhamStreet). Concept plans will be on display, with council staff andconsultants available to answer questions and collect feedback. Ifyou have an interest in this project, I encourage you to drop in.

Finally,I want to acknowledge the challenges council is facing with capitalworks and building maintenance. In many cases, the limited quotes wereceive are coming in well above budget, sometimes close to double.This leaves council with difficult choices between delaying works orpaying far more than expected. It’san ongoing issue councillors are actively working through.

Stayinginformed and involved helps ensure better outcomes for the wholecommunity.

Minutewith the Mayor

MayorPierina Dalle Cort

TheBurdekin Singers’ performanceof We Will Rock You was absolutely sensational. If you haven’thad the opportunity to attend yet, there are still shows on thisweekend and I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.

Wehave visitors travelling from surrounding areas, and theyconsistently tell me how fortunate we are to have such a beautifulvenue and such dedicated people who work together to deliverproductions of this calibre. Many of us spend considerable moneyattending large shows in capital cities, yet here in the Burdekin weare experiencing performances that stand proudly among them.

Withthe school year now underway, parents are settling back into routine.For some, the first day of pre-school brings a few tears, or perhapstears of joy, as their little ones take their first big step. Theygrow up so quickly, and life certainly changes in the blink of aneye.

Thisweek I heard a concerning statistic on the news: approximately 100cars are stolen each month in Townsville. It was a surprising figure,and one that makes us reflect when we see abandoned vehicles on ourown roads. Unfortunately, we have our own challenges with crime, andit is important that we do not become complacent.

Ourcommunity has always been built on small acts of care - looking outfor one another, being vigilant with our property, and taking pridein the safety and wellbeing of our neighbours. It is this collectiveeffort that sets the Burdekin apart.

Shouldyou wish to reach out, don’thesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feelfree to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Kelton is an irresistibly charming ginger-and-white gentleman with a personality as refined as his looks. Immaculately groomed and wonderfully tidy, Kelton takes great pride in keeping himself—and his space—clean and orderly. Kelton loves other cat for company not keen on the others canines.
While he’s not a fan of being picked up, Kelton is a devoted companion who loves to be nearby. He’ll happily keep you company during a quiet evening, as you relax on the couch. Treats are the way to his heart, and he’ll gently take snacks from your hand, making bonding with him both easy and rewarding.
Kelton may not be a lap cat, but his calm presence and sweet nature bring a comforting, best-friend energy to any home. If you’re looking for an elegant, low-drama cat who shows love in subtle, meaningful ways, Kelton could be your perfect match.
Does it sound too good to be true? Come see for yourself! To meet Kelton, fill in an inquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html
Included in adoption fee of $210 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.
DOB: 15/07/2023
Sex: Male
Breed: DSH
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: No
Indoors/Outdoors:Indoor

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The Burdekin Gift Card program has proven itself as one of the region’s quiet success stories, and despite a recent operational change, its value to local businesses remains as strong as ever.

In 2025 alone, $55,904 worth of Burdekin Gift Cards were purchased, with $37,922.82 already spent in local stores, and as the cards are valid for three years, there’s even more local spending is still to come. Monthly reporting shows the benefits are widely shared, with funds flowing to more than 50 participating businesses, from butchers and jewellers to furniture stores, sporting outlets and even ten-pin bowling.

“It is pleasing to see that the money is shared amongst a variety of participating gift card businesses,” explained Burdekin Chamber Secretary, Kari Ravizza.

“Really everybody on the list has benefitted from participating in the program.”

From 29 January, 2026, changes introduced by the Reserve Bank of Australia, known as the Eftpos ‘same card rule’, have altered how cards can be loaded in-store. While this means Burdekin Gift Cards can temporarily only be purchased from McCathies Furniture Plus, there is no change to how or where cards can be spent.

Importantly, work is underway to restore wider retail loading options, with updates shared via the Burdekin Chamber’s Facebook page.

Looking ahead, organisers hope the program continues to grow.

“I hope that when people are thinking about what to purchase for somebody, they think first of Burdekin Gift Cards,” Kari said.

“It’s such a great gift idea.”

Every Burdekin Gift Card keeps money circulating locally; supporting wages, families and long-term economic resilience. Choosing local isn’t just convenient; it’s an investment in the Burdekin’s future.

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Plans for the Anzac Park Pump Track are moving into their next stage, with Burdekin Shire Council inviting residents to review the proposed designs and help shape the final layout before construction begins.

The Pump Track, which was approved last year, is now at the design refinement stage. To mark that step, Council will hold a community drop-in session on Thursday 5 February, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, at the former junior soccer grounds at Anzac Park on Wickham Street.

The session will be informal, allowing residents to come and go during the hour. Concept plans will be displayed on site, with feedback forms available for those wishing to share ideas or raise concerns. Council staff and project consultants will be present to explain the designs and answer questions about how the track will operate and integrate with the surrounding park space.

The Pump Track will be built within the former junior soccer field, adjacent to the existing skate park, and is intended to cater to a wide range of users. The design accommodates scooters, BMX bikes, skateboards and mountain bikes, with features aimed at both beginners and more experienced riders.

The project is supported by $760,000 from the 2024–27 Works for Queensland Funding Program and forms part of Council’s broader $2.8 million investment in parks and recreational facilities across the shire.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the focus is now on ensuring the facility works for the community.

“Families and individuals can come together to relax, have fun, and stay active,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“The new Pump Track at Anzac Park will be a fantastic addition to our community’s recreational offerings, providing a safe and exciting environment for people of all ages.”

Feedback collected during the drop-in session will be used to finalise the design ahead of construction, with residents encouraged to attend and contribute to the next phase of the project.

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Celebrating Sporting, Cultural and Community Excellence

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Luke Potter-Geitz
2026 Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Luke Potter-Geitz delivered an exceptional sporting year in 2025, excelling across multiple disciplines at school, regional and national levels. He was recognised as the Lloyd Mann Memorial Open Age Champion, Male Senior Sportsperson of the Year, and Home Hill Sportsperson of the Year.

At Home Hill State High School, Luke was named Age Champion in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics, before representing the school at the Burdekin Secondary School Carnivals in all three disciplines. He also earned the Burdekin Secondary Schools Age Champion title for Athletics.

Luke was selected in the Burdekin Secondary Schools Athletics Team, which led to his selection in the North Queensland Athletics Team for High Jump, competing in Townsville. He went on to represent North Queensland in both High Jump and Triple Jump at the 2025 Australian All Schools Championships in Melbourne.

Across the year, Luke demonstrated versatility, consistency and leadership, earning recognition as both an elite young athlete and a positive role model within his school and community.

Karin Thorburn
2026 Senior Sportsperson of the Year

Karin Thorburn is an extraordinary endurance athlete whose achievements place her among Australia’s most accomplished marathon runners. In 2025, she received the Sporting Excellence Award at the North Queensland Sportstar Awards.

Karin became the first Australian to complete 500 official marathons and successfully completed the Magnetic 30 in 30 Challenge, running 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days. She also holds Six Star Major Marathon status, having completed major international marathons in Boston, Tokyo, London, New York, Chicago and Berlin.

Beyond competition, Karin contributes extensively to the running community. She serves as an event coordinator for marathon events across Far North Queensland and is a dedicated volunteer and participant at Plantation Parkrun.

Her achievements, consistency and service reflect unmatched determination and have inspired runners across North Queensland and beyond.

Cecilia Cason
2026 Junior Cultural Award

Cecilia Cason is a highly accomplished multi-instrumentalist and a long-standing member of the Burdekin Brass Band. She performs on Flugel Horn and Tenor Horn with the Thuringowa Brass Band and Townsville Brass, and regularly appears as a soloist and ensemble performer at school and community events.

She is an integral member of local school bands and ensembles, earning multiple musicianship awards at Ayr State High School and Burdekin Christian College. Cecilia has represented the Burdekin at regional, state, national and international levels through competitions, honours programs, music camps and workshops.

In April 2025, Cecilia was named Australian Junior Tenor Horn Champion after competing in Melbourne. She also holds Australian Music Examinations Board qualifications on Tenor Horn, Trumpet and Cornet.
Cecilia has accepted an offer to study at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 2026.

Cheryl Platt
2026 Senior Cultural Achievement Award

Cheryl Platt has dedicated decades of service to performing arts organisations across the Burdekin, contributing leadership, expertise and ongoing commitment to local music and theatre.

She has been a member of the Friends of the Burdekin Theatre for more than 15 years and currently serves as Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator. Cheryl is also a long-standing member of the Home Hill Choral Society, volunteering as Musical Director for over 15 years while continuing to perform with the group.

In addition, she serves the Eisteddfod Association of North Queensland as a Delegate, Registrar and Vice President. Cheryl has also been Secretary of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod Committee since 2017.

Her sustained leadership and passion have strengthened multiple cultural organisations and expanded opportunities for performers of all ages across the region.

Larry Hudson
2026 Senior Cultural Award

Larry Hudson has been a cornerstone of the Burdekin Brass Band for more than 20 years, contributing exceptional service, leadership and commitment to the local music community.

He has maintained an almost perfect attendance record over two decades and is also an active member of the Thuringowa Brass Band in Townsville. As long-standing President, Larry has strengthened the band’s financial position through fundraising, sponsorships and successful grant applications, while overseeing major hall upgrades.

Larry championed the annual Burdekin Brass Live concerts and consistently supports performances through equipment transport, coordination and working bees. His leadership has also created valuable development opportunities for young musicians.

Widely respected for his humility and dedication, Larry’s influence has been so significant that the band is affectionately known as “Larry’s Band.”

Anthony Drage
2026 Australia Day Environment Award

Anthony Drage is a dedicated volunteer and long-serving Nursery Manager with Lower Burdekin Landcare. His leadership has driven significant improvements to the organisation’s nursery operations.

Under Anthony’s care, the nursery has expanded with new greenhouses, upgraded watering systems and improved plant displays with accessible walkways. He works seven days a week to ensure plant stock remains healthy and pest-free, while generously assisting visitors with gardening advice.

Anthony’s expertise is widely respected, with local government, commercial organisations and schools regularly seeking his guidance. He has supported community nursery projects and shared his knowledge to encourage learning and environmental stewardship.

Through his tireless service, Anthony has helped create thriving plant ecosystems and earned deep respect across the Burdekin community.

Home Hill State High School – Ag Precinct Community Open Day
2026 Community Event of the Year

The Home Hill State High School Ag Precinct Community Open Day was recognised for its strong community impact and focus on sustainable, future-focused education.

The event attracted more than 100 visitors and showcased the school’s new agricultural precinct, including its greenhouse and learning facilities. Guests learned how students are being taught to balance environmental responsibility with efficient agricultural production.

The open day highlighted the importance of preparing young people with the skills needed to support the future of farming and sustainability in the Burdekin region.

By opening its facilities to the public, the school strengthened connections between education, industry and the wider community, making the event a deserving recipient of the Community Event of the Year Award.

Robyn Hewson
Silver Lifetime Service Award

Robyn Hewson has contributed more than three decades of volunteer service across numerous Burdekin community organisations.

She has volunteered with the Burdekin Show for over 34 years, Burdekin Relay for Life for more than 20 years, and the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival for the past decade. Robyn has also supported Burdekin Tourism for 11 years and assisted with the Burdekin Fashion Bash in 2014.

In addition, she continues to volunteer at the Lower Burdekin Home for the Aged – Home Hill Hostel, providing support and companionship to residents.

Her long-term commitment reflects genuine care for community events, tourism and the wellbeing of others.

Maryann Petersen
Silver Lifetime Service Award

Maryann Petersen has been a Board Member of Flexi Queensland since its founding more than 30 years ago, contributing significantly to its growth and development.

Her service has supported the delivery of transport buses, supported living homes and a dedicated client hub, recently renamed “The Petersen Hangout” in recognition of her contribution.

Maryann has also served as a Board Member of the Burdekin Brass Band for over 10 years, volunteered as a First Aid Officer with the Burdekin BMX Club, assisted in establishing a Girl Guides clubhouse, and supported numerous Eisteddfods and fundraising events.

Her service reflects a long-standing commitment to inclusion, community support and opportunity.

Dolores Droguet
Gold Lifetime Service Award

Dolores Droguet has dedicated nearly 50 years to volunteer service in the Burdekin. At 93, she continues to volunteer three days a week at the St Vincent de Paul Op Shop in Ayr, where she has served for 47 years.

She has also volunteered for 23 years with both the Burdekin Uniting Church Cuppa Club and Ethnic Community Care Link, and is a long-term volunteer with the Lower Burdekin Home for the Aged Society.

Dolores received the Premier’s Award for Queensland Seniors in 2007 and 2008 and the International Year of Volunteers Award in 2001. She also contributed more than 200 hours to a commemorative mural marking the Olympic Flame’s passage through the Burdekin in 2000.

John Power
Gold Lifetime Service Award & Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award

John Power has provided more than 40 years of volunteer service to the Home Hill Golf Club as its unpaid greenkeeper and machinery maintainer.

He personally oversees course maintenance, mowing greens multiple times weekly, managing turf health and organising pest treatments to professional standards.

John has also volunteered with Rotary and Meals on Wheels in the Burdekin for more than 15 years each, serving in leadership roles within Rotary.

Known for his reliability and work ethic, John’s service has been instrumental to the sustainability of multiple community organisations.

Frank Nucifora
Gold Lifetime Service Award

Frank Nucifora has been a member of the Rotary Club of Ayr for 60 years, serving as President, Treasurer and long-standing Foundation Chair.

He has received Rotary’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow Award, on two occasions. At 86, Frank remains one of the organisation’s most active volunteers and continues to attend work daily.

His decades of leadership and service reflect an enduring commitment to community development and generosity.

Grayson Potter-Geitz
Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award

Grayson Potter-Geitz served as School Captain and House Captain in 2025, demonstrating leadership, reliability and integrity. He earned Level 2 Academic and Sport Awards, the Crusher Spirit Award and the Rotary Award.

He represented his school in volleyball and netball, volunteered at sporting events, and participated in numerous community initiatives including ANZAC Day services, Clean Up Australia Day and Stand Up Sleep Out.

Grayson is a Cadet Under Officer with the Australian Air Force Cadets and was selected as one of four representatives from North Queensland for the AAFC Wing Annual Competition in New South Wales.

Grace Ogomeni
2026 Young Citizen of the Year

Grace Ogomeni demonstrated exceptional achievement across academics, sport and community service in 2025. She served as School Captain and House Captain and received a Level One Academic Award, along with Dux awards in Accounting, Biology, Chemistry and Business Studies.

She earned multiple sporting honours, represented Burdekin Netball at State Age level, and was selected for North Queensland State Netball trials.

Grace has contributed extensively to community initiatives, including NAIDOC Day, ANZAC Day ceremonies, Clean Up Australia Day and youth leadership programs. She was recognised as Lions Youth of the Year Runner-Up, an Olympic Change Maker Award recipient and the ADF Leadership Award winner.

She has received an offer to study Medicine at James Cook University.

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Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/2d9cterr

Queensland Police continue to focus on reducing road trauma as Operations X-Ray Surety and X-Ray Mistletoe conclude, with local police reporting strong enforcement outcomes across the Burdekin district.

Operation X-Ray Surety launched on 3 November 2025 in response to the increased use of e-mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, while Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, launched on 13 December 2025, targeted behaviours most commonly linked to fatal crashes, including speeding and drink and drug driving.

During Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, Queensland Police detected more than 32,100 traffic offences statewide, including 16,000 speeding offences, 300 seatbelt offences, and 200 distracted driving offences.

Police also conducted more than 177,500 roadside breath tests and 7,200 roadside drug tests, detecting more than 1,800 drink drivers and 1,500 drug drivers.

Closer to home, Ayr Police Station reported encouraging results, with just two drink driving charges laid despite 2,851 roadside breath tests being conducted during the period.

The station also issued 32 Traffic Infringement Notices for offences including speeding and mobile phone use, while 11 people were charged with drug driving after testing positive to methylamphetamine.

Operation X-Ray Surety resulted in more than 2,700 infringements issued to e-mobility users statewide, while locally, Ayr police issued warnings to three youths for riding e-bikes during the same period.

While the operations have concluded, Road Policing and Regional Support Command Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said road safety enforcement continues year-round.

“As students return to school, Queenslanders can expect to see police on our roads and in school zones,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.

“Dangerous behaviours such as speeding and drink driving will not be tolerated.”

Ayr Police Station Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields said local police will be paying particular attention to reports of youths riding dirt bikes on public roads.

“Police will be taking enforcement action, with youths receiving official cautions alongside their parents or guardians at the station,” Senior Sergeant Shields said.

“If the offending continues, parents may receive traffic infringement notices for permitting unlicensed riding, and bikes may be seized.”

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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Residents across North Queensland took the opportunity this week to solemnly reflect on one of the worst weather events ever recorded in the state, as communities marked the 15th anniversary of Cyclone Yasi.

On 29 January 2011, Cyclone Yasi developed from a tropical low north-west of Fiji before rapidly intensifying as it tracked west across the Coral Sea. The system was officially named by the Fiji Meteorological Service on 30 January and was upgraded to a Category 5 tropical cyclone on 2 February. Yasi crossed the coast near Mission Beach in the early hours of Thursday, 3 February 2011 before weakening to a tropical low near Mount Isa later that evening.

As the Burdekin Shire braced for impact, local authorities stepped up efforts to support the community. Reports published at the time of the disaster detailed Burdekin SES volunteers responding to countless calls, delivering 400 sandbags filled with 30 tonnes of sand to residents ahead of the system. SES Volunteers recall feelings of anticipation ahead of the event, noting their readiness to respond and support the community.

Authorities in the region, including fire and ambulance crews, experienced a dramatic increase in calls, reporting that on 1 February alone, officials received 500 calls from concerned residents, with several needing to be redirected to the Burdekin Shire Council call centre.

Schools across North Queensland remained closed as the weather continued to intensify, while businesses across the district also closed shop, preparing for what was to come as the system edged closer.

Several Groper Creek residents recall casting a line despite deteriorating conditions in the lead-up to Cyclone Yasi’s landfall, with some locals prioritising the opening of the barra season over seeking shelter.

After making landfall on 3 February, the cyclone’s eye passed over Dunk Island and Mission Beach, delivering destructive winds across a wide section of the North Queensland coast between Cairns and Townsville, directly impacting the Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, and Hinchinbrook.

In the midst of the system, strong winds, currents and waves caused significant erosion along the eastern region of the Burdekin Delta, comparable to the impacts of 1971’s Cyclone Althea, prompting officials to conduct studies focusing on the Paluma Shoals – a section heavily influenced by Burdekin River flood plumes – well into 2014. A Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) report detailed the Burdekin River catchment experienced major flooding, with new river height records set at Macrossan Bridge and on the Haughton River, as the Burdekin River peaked at 18.47 metres on 4 February 2011.

Cyclone Yasi caused widespread devastation across the region, with Ergon Energy reporting 28,000 customers within the Burdekin Shire were left without power. Across North Queensland, more than 170,000 customers were affected, with some communities waiting up to a month for electricity to be fully restored.

Rosemary Menkens, 2011 Member for Burdekin applauded the Burdekin Shire Council’s response to Cyclone Yasi, commending the community on their resilience and preparedness.

“Cyclone preparation is a necessity in North Queensland, but the local disaster management groups really come into their own when cyclones threaten,” Menkens said.

“In the lead-up to Cyclone Yasi, the Burdekin Shire Council set in motion the local disaster management group to bring key agencies together to plan for eventualities and to minimise exposure of residents to any harm or loss of infrastructure.”

An estimated $300 million loss to agricultural production, particularly affecting banana and sugarcane growers across the state was recorded, with insured losses reaching approximately $1.4 billion, eclipsing the damage bill left behind by Cyclone Larry in 2006. In total, the Federal Government processed more than $250 million in recovery payments, with concessional loans made available to cyclone-affected farmers. In the weeks and months that followed, the state government continued to deliver waves of support, including grants totalling up to $25,000 per delivery to primary producers and business owners within the region.

15 years later, the legacy of Cyclone Yasi continues to shape disaster preparedness both locally and statewide, while standing as a testament to the strength and resilience of North Queensland communities.

Woolworths car park on Queen Street was ravaged. Photo source: Burdekin Library
Queen Street was littered with debris. Photo source: Burdekin Library
Authorities were dispatched across the North to communities in need. Photo source: QPS
Cardwell felt the brunt of the system. Photo source: QPS
Flooding across the Bruce Highway left the Burdekin isolated. Photo source: QPS
Rolled semis left the Bruce Highway cut. Photo source: QPS
Trees were uprooted across the region. Photo source: QPS
Crops were ravaged, especially banana plantations in Tully. Photo source: QPS
Businesses boarded up doors and windows to minimise damage. Photo source: Facebook

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By Jacob Casha

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In the wake of several deadly house fires across North Queensland over the past six months, Queensland Fire and Rescue is calling on residents to ensure their homes are fitted with regulation smoke alarms.
 
“In Gladstone, Emerald, and now Townsville, people are either critically injured or have lost their life in a house fire,” said Ayr Station Officer Ash Ryder.
 
“I don’t want to see that in our own community.”
 
Queensland sees over 1,600 house fires each year—about one every five hours—and averages around 10 fire-related deaths annually over the past 25 years.
 
Research shows more than a third of fatal home fires occur in houses without smoke alarms, and 44 percent of fire deaths involve people who were asleep or resting.
 
Station Officer Ryder stressed the importance of early warning systems beyond legislation—in not only saving lives, but mitigating damage.
 
“We’ve had multiple local house fires where you can see the effectiveness of the smoke alarm warning versus houses without smoke alarms, where damage can be much more expensive and life threatening,” he said.
 
“By installing and having a smoke alarm, you’ll have enough time to wake up and either deal with the situation or evacuate your family safely and in time.”
 
New smoke alarm laws will come into effect for all Queensland private homes, townhouses, and units by 1 January 2027. These laws require interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms and living areas so that when one alarm sounds, all alarms in the dwelling activate. Registered caravans and motorhomes must also be fitted with at least one photoelectric smoke alarm.
 
Smoke alarms require regular maintenance, including dusting, vacuuming, and testing, to ensure they function properly. Residents are cautioned against removing batteries or disabling interconnected alarms, even to stop false activations, as this can put families at serious risk. Smoke Alarms now come with a 10-year battery which makes maintaining a smoke alarm easier than ever.
 
Burdekin locals are urged to check their smoke alarms today, record replacement dates, and make sure all devices comply with legislation. Properly maintained smoke alarms save lives and can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

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Queensland’s sugar industry has launched a new on-farm greenhouse gas emissions calculator to help growers meet growing market, financial and regulatory demands for verified sustainability data.

Released by CANEGROWERS through the Smartcane BMP platform, the tool allows farmers to measure total emissions and emissions intensity per tonne of sugar using internationally recognised standards. The calculator captures Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, with all data securely stored under the grower’s control.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said the initiative responds to shifting market expectations.

“Emissions data is now part of the conversation with buyers, mills, refiners, marketers and finance institutions,” he said.

“This gives growers a practical way to generate credible information and remain competitive.”

The tool is voluntary and available to all growers, whether or not they are Smartcane BMP-accredited, forming part of Module 4 of the program, which links on-farm practices to downstream sustainability and reporting requirements.

“This is about providing useful information, not imposing new requirements, and ensuring farm data stays on the farm where it can be used for decision making,” Mr Galligan said.

He noted the calculator builds on decades of efficiency improvements by growers, making productivity gains and input reductions visible to markets when growers choose to share them.

Smartcane BMP, funded by the Queensland Government and industry investment—including proceeds from the first shipment of Smartcane BMP-accredited sugar to UK refiner Tate & Lyle—aims to strengthen Queensland sugar’s position in sustainable global markets.

“That shipment showed there is genuine market demand for sustainably produced Queensland sugar,” Mr Galligan said.

“This tool strengthens the industry’s ability to meet that demand.”

The emissions calculator is now available to all Queensland sugarcane growers via the Smartcane BMP platform.

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Queensland’s sugar industry has rolled out a new on-farm greenhouse gas emissions calculator. Photo source: CANEGROWERS

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A Federal Government review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct could have implications for growers across the Burdekin, one of Queensland’s most productive horticultural regions.

The Albanese Labor Government announced this week that Mr Chris Leptos AO will lead an independent review of the Code, which regulates trade between growers and traders of wholesale unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs, with the aim of ensuring transparency and clarity in transactions.

The Burdekin is home to a thriving horticulture industry, with around 3,400 hectares dedicated to horticultural production. A wide range of crops are grown locally, including avocados, capsicums, chillies, cucumbers, eggplant, lychees, mangoes, melons, pumpkins, squash and zucchini. Supported by extensive water resources, large areas of irrigable land and high levels of sunshine, the region has long been recognised for its ability to support diverse and intensive cropping.

Nationally, horticulture is Australia’s third largest agricultural industry, with production value forecast to reach a record $18.9 billion this financial year. Exports are also expected to hit a new high of $4.4 billion.

The Code of Conduct plays a key role in governing relationships between growers and traders, particularly those supplying central wholesale markets. Around 10,000 growers supply produce to these markets, which are serviced by more than 400 fruit and vegetable wholesalers. Each year, about 4 million tonnes of horticultural produce, valued at more than $8 billion, is traded through central wholesale markets across Australia.

The review will examine whether the Code remains fit for purpose, given changes in the horticulture sector since it was last reviewed in 2015, and will consider potential improvements to competition and regulatory settings.

Mr Leptos will consult with stakeholders across the horticulture supply chain over the coming months. Growers, traders, industry bodies and government agencies are being encouraged to review the consultation paper and provide feedback on how the Code operates and how it could be improved.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the review was an opportunity to ensure the Code continued to protect growers and traders.

“The horticulture sector has changed since the Code was last reviewed in 2015, and we want to understand if the Code is still fit-for-purpose,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said fair competition was essential to a strong horticulture industry.

“The Horticulture Code exists to stop unfair dealing and keep the playing field level,” he said.
A final report from the review is expected to be provided to the Federal Government by the end of April. Stakeholders can find more information and make submissions via the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Have Your Say’ website.

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