Year 11 student Brooke Smith has two different school uniforms in her wardrobe – one for Ayr State High School and, the other, a set of hi-vis clothing and steel-cap boots for Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.

As part of an initiative to build a diverse and talented workforce, Brooke has become the company’s first school-based apprentice.

Since the start of the second semester, Brooke’s classroom every Thursday is the Pioneer Mill Centralised Workshop in the Burdekin region.

Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the inaugural school-based apprenticeship was another example of Wilmar’s commitment to youth training and development.

“We had a boilermaking apprenticeship still available from our 2023 recruitment drive and thought it would be good to use the position to trial a school-based apprenticeship,” he said.

“We approached Ayr State High School directly and targeted Year 11 students.”

“Candidates were put through a similar recruitment process to that undertaken by our full- time apprentices.”

Mr Shipard said Brooke’s part-time apprenticeship saw her attend Pioneer Mill one day a week and normal school for the rest of the week during school terms.

“When Brooke completes Year 12 next year, the intention is that she will roll straight into a full-time apprenticeship,” he said.

“Typically, a school-based apprenticeship equates to about six months of a full-time apprenticeship, so Brooke will have a good head start into her trade training by the time she finishes school.”

Brooke has long had aspirations of attaining a trade, with her original plan to become a fitter and turner like her dad, Chris, who is also based at Pioneer Mill.

“When the chance to do a school-based boilermaking apprenticeship came up, I thought it was a great opportunity to try something new and learn different skills,” she said.

“I’m excited to be part of the Wilmar team.”

Brooke’s Mum, Casey, also works for Wilmar, as a loco driver at Pioneer Mill.

Mr Shipard said Brooke’s apprenticeship would be monitored closely, with a view to

extending the program to Wilmar’s other milling regions in the future.

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables is one of Queensland’s largest apprenticeship providers. Its apprenticeship program is also one of the most successful in Australia, with an average completion rate of 98 per cent.

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Brooke Smith trades out her school uniform for Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ high-vis clothing and steel-cap boots once a week. Photos supplied: Wilmar

School-based apprentice Brooke Smith does some grinding under the supervision of Pioneer Mill Work Coordinator Alan Chatfield

A proud Chris and Casey Smith with daughter Brooke at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pioneer Mill in the Burdekin region

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RuralQuip began its life as a small steel fabrication business on Rossiter Street in the 1940’s. Following the purchase by Robert Oar in 1982, the business was moved to the industrial estate and renamed “RuralQuip” in 1989.

A small industrial supplies retail outlet was set up in a front room, with the remainder of the building dedicated to steel sales and fabrication.

Following significant growth in retail and steel sales, the fabrication portion of the business was leased out in 1998, allowing for focus to be on the growth of those parts of the business.

This focus resulted in sales figures now being 64 times that of original figures, with year-on-year growth continuing to this day.

Robert is proud to say that RuralQuip “has not had a bad year in the last 40 years.”

This can be attributed to Rural Quip offering a range of products that is not normally seen in a rural town, the aim being to reduce costs incurred to customers when having to source items from all over town and further afield.  

A truck delivery service, special orders and industrial gas outlet are also services provided to support customers both locally and surrounding areas.

The years spent building the business have come with many memorable moments.  

Robert recalls the construction of the Burdekin Dam as one such moment.

“We had a team of over 20 working onsite, demonstrating professionalism and quality of service and workmanship on par with much larger contractors.”

Jobs such as this have served to cement RuralQuip’s reputation in local business, agriculture and heavy industry as reliable and professional.

Check out their range at 3 Bird St, Ayr, with something for everyone.

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The team of RuralQuip. Photo Credit: Sam Gillespie

Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

By choosing Wilmar as your GEI marketer, you are choosing to work with a leading global sugar trader. This gives you direct exposure to insights to the world sugar trade backed by in- depth analysis of international supply and demand fundamentals that ultimately determine price outcomes.

For growers who use Call and Target pricing, access to this research and analysis is a comparative advantage when making pricing decisions for forward crops. This is backed up by an experienced and educated Grower Marketing team who can assist you with understanding the nuance of price determinants. A highlight of the marketing year is the presentation from our global sugar traders, Peter Bingham and Neil Foo, who always draw a large crowd to their events.

For growers who prefer to price their GEI exposure through the pooling mechanisms, Wilmar provides a couple of options. The most popular is the Production Risk Pool which allows growers to commit some, or all, of the GEI tonnes without the concern of washouts if they cannot deliver due to unforeseen circumstances.

For the past couple of years, the Production Risk Pool has returned excellent results, outperforming the comparable competitor pool by $40/t IPS. The 2023 season is shaping up the same way with the current forecast price being $913/t IPS. A Managed Pool is also offered that allows growers to participate in the pool that Wilmar uses to market the GEI exposure from their own farms’ production.

Another popular benefit that is widely used by growers who market with us is the Pre-Season Payment. This facility allows growers to receive a pre-payment of the 2024 crush proceeds from mid-January 2024. The standard advance is $5/t of nominated cane tonnes. So, from 10 January 2024, a 20,000 tonne grower can nominate to receive the payment by checking a box on GrowerWeb and 10 days later $100,000 is deposited in their bank account. Interest is currently advised at 5.25% but will be reviewed on December 1, 2023. The facility is repaid as your crush income is generated.

Remember you have a choice of marketers, or you can split your nomination. If you would like to learn more about our pricing and payment options please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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Growers who market with Wilmar can tap into a global network of sugar market intelligence. Pictured, from left, are Senior Sugar Trader Neil Foo Zhizhou, Manager Grower Marketing Simon Hood, General Manager Commercial Mark Greenwood, Risk Manager Bevan Patterson and Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham

Water is an important part of the Burdekin’s identity, so it’s important to ensure that the health of the waterways is well maintained for generations of fish and fishers to come.

OzFish is a not-for-profit community organisation made up of members of the recreational fishing community collaborating with other organisations and fishers to improve fish habitat.

The organisation’s North Queensland Chapter incorporates waterways in Townsville, the Burdekin and Ingham and has a variety of ongoing projects with the help of local volunteers.

“We predominantly operate in the freshwater and the estuaries, so I’m usually working in the wetlands, the creeks, sometimes in the mangroves,” said OzFish Senior Project Manager North Queensland Dr Geoff Collins.

Dr Collins leads two projects in the Burdekin region, firstly by working with Lower Burdekin Water to monitor their fishways.

A fishway is a construction often made of concrete and rocks to simulate a stream allowing fish to migrate up a system.

“The fishways are important for opening up more habitat upstream so the fish can access more habitat which will basically help to increase their overall capacity in the system and increase the species’ richness in the systems,” said Dr Collins.

“The oldest one in the Burdekin is just north of Brandon straight opposite the mill, that was the first one ever built, but there’s quite a few others now.”

The second major project in the Burdekin involves Dr Collins developing a method to sample fish in the waterways just by collecting water samples.

“We do that by collecting five samples at a waterway, sending them to the lab, they’ll extract the DNA in that sample and amplify it,” he said.

“If you’ve done a good enough representative sample, you can basically get a good picture of what’s in a waterway just by taking a water sample.”

BCF is a major partner with OzFish and BCF Ayr Manager Laurinda George is heavily involved as one of five local volunteers.

“It gives our team that confidence to talk about what is happening in our local waterways and how we can work towards improving the waterways and understand the quality,” Ms George said.

Ms George said the North Queensland chapter is always looking for more volunteers.

“It’s not like we have a lot to be done but more hands would be great,” she said.

To find out more about volunteering or donating to OzFish, visit ozfish.org.au or visit BCF Ayr.

“Every dollar that people donate through BCF, BCF actually matches, and that money goes to supporting OzFish locally,” Ms George said.

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Local volunteers assist in monitoring local waterways. Photo supplied

Servicing a range of heavy vehicles, from large trucks to school buses and garbage trucks, the experienced team at Pyott’s Mechanical can fix and maintain almost any vehicle, keeping you on the road and moving forward.

Priding themselves on the extensive knowledge of their team, Pyott’s can find almost any spare part for your vehicle and can manufacture a range of hoses that will get your hydraulic system back working efficiently again.

A local family business, Pyott’s is owned and operated by Ashley Pyott and his wife Danielle.

Ashley began working at the site as an apprentice when he was just 15 years old and, over the last 13 years, has worked his way up, renting the business at first and, for the past seven years, owning it.

Located on the outskirts of town on a convenient two-acre plot that offers a wide turning circle for larger vehicles, Pyott’s is dedicated to providing an efficient, easily accessible service for all its customers.

“We offer a full service and parts,” said Ashley.

“And we also aim for the quickest turnaround possible which keeps our customers happy.”

The mechanic of choice for both government, local council and large commercial operators, Pyott’s maintains all the local school buses, garbage trucks and Ergon Energy vehicles.

Under Ashley and Danielle’s guidance the business has expanded significantly over the years.

In the beginning they had just two mechanics and now they also have three apprentices, two tradesman, two office staff and two spare parts interpreters.

“We’ve got really experienced staff here,” said Ashley.

“Our tradesmen have been in the business a long time and my dad is also here working as a spare parts interpreter – it’s great to have their wealth of knowledge on the team.”

Pyott’s sell both oil and fuel to a range of vehicles from big to small and invite the community to call in and say hi – from your auto-electrical needs to hydraulic hoses – they’ve got you covered and will always get you back on the road again as soon as possible.

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There are approximately 3,000km between Port Douglas and Adelaide and Giru residents Brad and Kerry Garner plan to complete the trip in seven days.

Not only that, but they’re also doing it in a ‘shitbox’, as part of the Shitbox Rally, raising money for the National Health and Medical Research Council.

“It (the car) can’t be over the value of $1,500, which is why it’s a shitbox,” laughed Brad.

Brad and Kerry, who have called their team ‘Gunn Ado’s’, had already raised over $20,000 at the time of writing, contributing to the Spring 2023 total of over $2 million.

It was around this time last year that Brad and Kerry Garner first came across the Shitbox Rally.

“We passed a heap of cars this time last year coming home from a country race meeting and Googled it, found out about it, found out what they support and thought we’d have a go,” said Kerry.

“We thought it sounded like a bit of fun.”

The Shitbox Rally is a tri-annual event challenging participants to traverse the country in a vehicle worth no more than $1,500 all to raise funds to support cancer research.

“When we saw that it raises money for cancer, that was a big thing for us because we’ve had a lot of people affected, everybody knows someone, and someone’s always being affected,” said Brad.

Brad and Kerry are one of 250 teams taking on the challenge in Spring, leaving Port Douglas on Saturday, October 14.

Brad said they were lucky to get the Shitbox that they did, an old Ford ute.

“The very good people at Griggs Haulage Contractors had this old bomb sitting in the backyard not being used and the minute they heard we were in it the said, ‘Have the car,’” he said.

“We had to get it roadworthy, and we’ve been tweaking it a bit, it’s got new tyres and rims.”

“The air conditioner doesn’t work and we’re going from Port Douglas to Adelaide, inland through Birdsville,” laughed Kerry.

The pair are eager for the challenge, however, and looking forward to making lifelong friends in the process.

“When I have a look at all the other rallies, it just looks like so much fun,” said Brad.

“Even when you break down and everyone helps you, you make friends for life.

“There’s nights where we don’t even have showers, we’re sleeping in a swag every night and we’re used to a caravan so you’re putting yourself outside your comfort zone which is something to look forward to.”

The week also involves an ‘Honour Day’ where participants can honour a friend or family member and Brad and Kerry will be taking pig ropes for Gary Corradi, a friend of theirs who passed away approximately 10 years ago.

“It was such a big thing in this town,” said Kerry.

“He was sick for a long time; his kids grew up with our kids.”

The Giru and Burdekin community spirit has shone through, and Brad and Kerry have thanked everyone for their support while fundraising including Griggs Haulage Contractors, Giru International Hotel, EDMS Australia, the Giru Store, CivilPlus Constructions and Wilmar Sugar.

The avid travellers are looking forward to a trip of a lifetime as well as the challenge that follows: the drive back from Adelaide to Giru.

To learn more and to donate, visit spring2023.shitboxrally.com.au/gunn-ados.

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Brad and Kerry thanked local businesses for their support. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

People living with renal failure in the Burdekin are now able to access treatment locally thanks to the expansion of the dialysis unit at the Home Hill Health Service facility.

The newly expanded service opened last week and is able to treat double the number of patients, with a total of 16 people now receiving treatment there each week.

Home Hill Hospital has been providing a satellite dialysis service for the past 30 years, opening a three-bed service back in 1991.

The recent expansion has now extended services to include eight fully operational dialysis machines with two new rostered staff able to run the ward six days per week.

Previously, some patients were required to travel to Townsville Hospital for treatment because, although the ward had the ability to service more people, the hospital did not have the staff to provide the service.

Patients undergoing renal dialysis attend dialysis sessions three times a week, with each session lasting approximately five to six hours.

Adding additional travel time to Townsville meant each patient was spending an extra two hours in transit each week.

One of these locals is Angelo Loizou who has been receiving renal dialysis for just over three years.

He and his wife Kelli have been campaigning for an increased local service since the beginning and, although frustrated it took a long time to achieve, are now grateful to see it finally become a reality.

“Back then we thought it would be an easy fix, but we got shut down,” said Ms Loizou.

“It’s the first time I realised we are at a disadvantage living in a regional community, this wouldn’t happen in Brisbane, we would never be told we had to drive to the Gold Coast for treatment.

“There is a divide and inequity between the city and country.”

Fortunately, with tireless campaigning from the couple and dedicated efforts from Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, the service has now expanded, and Mr Loizou can receive treatment in his home town.

“He used to miss out on so much and we used to have to plan our days around it,” said Ms Louzou.

“But now, even though it’s only been a week, there is a sense of calm, ease, it really takes the pressure off.

“He used to drive himself to Townsville and I am also not having to worry about him on the road – he is in and out and often done by lunchtime.”

Local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said he is thrilled to see more equity in access to health care in the region.

“Three years ago, I took up for the fight for an increase in dialysis services at the Home Hill Hospital,” Mr Last said.  

“There’s been a few false starts but the recent expansion of services means fewer people from the Burdekin making the trip to Townsville several times a week.”

“Whilst there will be some patients who, due to their individual circumstances, will still need to travel to Townsville, we have successfully reduced that number by working together.  

“That’s great news for the patients and their families.”

Mr Last reiterated that previously “equipment and facilities were sitting underutilised at the Home Hill Hospital due to staffing”.

“We literally had people driving past that hospital on their way to Townsville for treatment,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for governments to announce buildings or equipment but forget about the people who are needed to deliver for smaller communities like ours.  

“There is a huge boost for patients’ mental health when they can maintain their connection to the community and, for some, continue to work.  

It’s almost impossible to do those things when you are spending hours on the road several times a week for treatment.”

“Getting to where we are now has been a tough fight, especially for the people who need treatment and their families.

“I made a commitment to them that I would keep fighting and, despite the setbacks, that joint effort has achieved a great result.”

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What a weekend of sport that was.

I’ve been a diehard Broncos fan for as long as I can remember, and I know I’m not the only one, so I’m sure you can imagine how I’ve been feeling this week.

Watching the NRL grand final on Sunday night was an emotional rollercoaster - from an early eight-point lead to the Panthers to the exhilarating second half hat-trick from Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam to the heart sinking Nathan Cleary try in the 76th minute.

With the Broncos up 24-8, I’ll admit I was already picturing life as a winner; I was already thinking about what I’d be writing here, how I’d be singing their praises, so it stung when the Provan-Summons Trophy was snatched from the Broncos’ fingertips with mere minutes to go.

It’s a fate that is, unfortunately, not unfamiliar to Broncos fans, with their last grand final appearance in 2015 remaining a sore point of discussion for many.

Despite all this, I’d be mad not to continue singing their praises.

I don’t think I’ve ever been filled with as much Broncos pride as I was throughout the 2023 season.

Of course, it’s easy to love your team when they’re winning, and that love did waver throughout the Broncos’ less-successful years, but I’ve always stuck with my team and am elated with their performance no matter the result.

A special mention must also go to the Gold Coast Titans NRLW side who went down in their grand final by six points and to the Brisbane Lions AFL side who went down by four – it was a tough weekend for Queensland sport fans.

As the footy seasons comes to a close and the mercury continues to rise, it can only mean cricket season is right around the corner and I for one am looking forward to getting out there and rolling the arm over this summer.

Check out the back of the paper to see what’s been happening in the Home Hill Cricket Association’s preseason, plus plenty more sport stories from a packed weekend of sport.

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When we experience good service it can transform our day, make our hearts sing and put a big smile on our faces.

This was true for one visiting family over the weekend who loved the friendly service at the local Woolworths supermarket so much that they took to the Burdekin Community Hub group on Facebook to congratulate local staff.

“To the all staff at Woolworths Ayr, your customer service is amazing!” said Christine Oldman from Townsville.

“Everyone that worked there this morning had smiles on their faces and were all very welcoming - your Manager should be proud.”

This one post garnered over 20 comments with locals sharing their own connection with the local store and its staff.

One lady said her daughter had enjoyed working at the store for the past 21 years, another said her mum had been an employee for 15 years.

Another commenter said he found the deli team particularly friendly and then Peta-Anne Bevilacqua from the deli team saw the post and replied.

“Thank you, it is very nice to hear this as we don't get enough recognition,” she said.

“Also, nice to know that customers understand about waiting when we are so very busy.”

It is connections and complements like these that keep our community strong and thriving, allowing everyone to feel good about themselves and the contribution they make to society, both big and small.

Do you have a story similar to this one that you’d like to share? If so, please write to editorial@burdekinlife.com for your chance to be included in the Good Deed Feed. Whether you’d like to give a shout out to a local business, tell the community about a random act of kindness or simply share an experience that made you smile – we would love to hear from you.

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Burdekin Shire Council proudly announced the completion of a new modern kiosk and upgraded entrance at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre in Ayr.

Reopening at the start of September, the new kiosk and entry aim to provide modern amenities and enhance recreational experiences for the local community.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said construction works began in January 2023 and Council is excited to be welcoming visitors this swim season.

“Envisioned in the 2019 Anzac Park Masterplan, the kiosk serves as a central hub featuring a covered seating area and café-style service options offering clear visibility across the aquatic facility and water park,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“The adjacent Macmillan Street entrance has also been upgraded with a reconstructed two-way road, additional parking, pedestrian footpaths and a shared crossing zone.

“The final artistic screen, being manufactured locally, to the entrance will be installed in the coming months.”

The upgrades were jointly funded by Burdekin Shire Council and Australian Government funding of $1.2 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

“This is an exciting development for the community and I am sure people will be impressed with the new design and associated works that are set to significantly enhance the community's recreational experiences,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for their contribution as the grant Council received is instrumental in enabling the vision of this development come to life.”

The upgrades come after the opening of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre’s aquatic play park at the end of 2022.

Ms McLaughlin said an official reopening will be held at the end of the year.

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Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Mr Willcox hopes the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program will continue to fund community infrastructure projects like the Burdekin Aquatic Centre upgrades

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

After Government’s Gillnet Ban

A local fisherman is working to protect the rights of his industry after the federal and Queensland governments announced a ban on the use of gillnets in commercial fishing in north Queensland.

Alva’s Neil Green is a second-generation fisherman, in the industry for 47 years and using gillnets throughout the duration of his career.

He said the ban, which will see the use of gillnets phased out and completely banned on the Great Barrier Reef by mid-2027, will remove 30% of his income, impact other businesses throughout the community and put unnecessary pressure on other areas of the waterways.

“It’ll be a struggle to continue,” Mr Green said.

“Small businesses in small towns don’t need these impacts.

“I’d be very concerned if we weren’t net fishing because of the pressures put on the other fisheries trying to make up what you’ve lost out of net fishing.”

UNESCO’s recommendation to ban gillnets came into the spotlight in April when a series of photos taken over 12 years at Wunjunga showed threatened species including dugongs, narrow sawfish and green turtles dead on the beach or entangled in gillnets, however Mr Green said the devastation found on Wunjunga Beach was caused by onshore net fishing, a practise unrelated to his.

“When we fish outside along the coastlines, we’re right on our nets and if we’re using the right net, dugongs are just going to go over, under or around it,” he said.

“It’s completely different to the onshore nets that are a lot longer and have nothing to do with us.

“I think that was the fishery that UNESCO wanted to shut down and for some reason, we were dragged in.”

Mr Green received a visit from Independent Senator David Van who was in north Queensland earlier this week on a “fact finding mission”.

“I’m passionate about the environment but I’m also passionate about the fishers and the farmers who make a living on the land up here,” Mr Van said.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also shared his concern for the ban’s adverse impacts on local fisherman, regional businesses, and Dawson residents.

“With hundreds employed within the fishing industry right here in Dawson, this shock ban has blindsided our local fishing industry and will leave many people jobless,” Mr Willcox said.

“The gillnet ban will inevitably lead to a lower amount of sustainably caught wild fish being available to Australian consumers, which will drive prices up.”

Mr Green’s passionate campaign against the ban saw him and his daughter, Sienna, lead a rally in Home Hill and Ayr in July before travelling to Brisbane to present in front of a government task force and protest outside Parliament House.

Presenting on where he thought the alternatives were, his message was to the Government was: “You have no choice but to buy out all licenses, all symbols and all the quota attached to them.

“To satisfy UNESCO, they’ve done that, but in doing that they need to create another symbol to let some fishers continue fishing for the next three years.

“I think I’ve got their ear and hopefully we’ll get something.”

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Alva Fisherman, Neil Green

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (CWA) hosted the Ayr and District Orchids and Allied Plants Society and the Patchwork and Quilters Groups for a Seniors Month display earlier this week.

All three organisations are currently seeking new members and hold meetings and gatherings at the hall regularly.

The Ayr CWA hold bingo every Friday from 8:30am, craft every Tuesday from 9:00am, and meetings every second Wednesday of every second month; contact 07 4783 7901 for more information.

The Ayr and District Orchids and Allied Plants Society host meetings at the hall on the first Sunday of the month, excluding January, from 2:00pm; contact Secretary Robin Juffs on 0419 477 381 for more information.

The Patchwork and Quilters Groups hold social days on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month from 9:00am; contact 07 4783 7901 for more information.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The community gathered to remember and honour Queensland police officers who have been killed in the line of duty at a National Police Remembrance Day service in Ayr last Friday, September 29.

The service also honoured retired police officers and those across Pacific jurisdictions whose deaths did not occur as a consequence of their duty.

“The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of all staff members who have died since National Police Remembrance Day in 2022,” said Senior Sergeant Steve Barton.

“In doing so, we remember them and honour their diligent service.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, a former police officer himself, said every officer bears the scars of the situations that Police sometimes face.

“Police Remembrance Day is the day that all Queenslanders, regardless of where they live, show their appreciation for the brave men and women who work every day to protect our communities,” he said.

“Whilst today we acknowledge every officer, we especially acknowledge those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice either in the course of their duty or as a result of their service to the community.”

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Former students at Home Hill State School recently gathered at Hotel Brandon for a bi-monthly reunion.

Despite being held every two months for the last two years, the reunion held on Tuesday, October 3 was the largest with over 50 people attending, travelling from Shepparton, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Gordonvale, Mackay, and Townsville.

The regular reunion started in May 2021 when an old school friend of organiser Elizabeth Ann Edwards’ visited from the Gold Coast.

Upon her friend’s arrival, Elizabeth surprised her with a reunion of over 45 people from the Home Hill State School.

“We all found it therapeutic once we caught up,” said Elizabeth.

“It’s interesting how we’ve reconnected through school.”

Elizabeth completed her schooling at Home Hill State School in the early 1960s and said it was a good place to grow up.

“We had dances on the weekends at one of the halls and there was sport, it was a good safe community to grow up,” she said.

“Once you’re a Home Hill-ite, you’re always a Home Hill-ite.”

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Over 50 former Home Hill State School students gathered at Hotel Brandon earlier this week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Getting one’s driver’s license is a vital step toward adolescent independence, but some children find it more difficult to complete the required driving hours than others.

Whatever the reason may be, programs like Burdekin PCYC’s Braking the Cycle (BTC) assist those kids to complete their hours and gain that independence.

BTC is a volunteer driver mentor program supporting learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their logbook hours by pairing them with a volunteer driving mentor.

“The target group we work with are 16-25 and people who are in situations where they need urgent support, they don’t have that parental support, the parents might not have a vehicle or a license, they’re the number one category,” said Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Manager Andrew Sherrington.

“It’s not only them getting their hours up and getting support, but the other component is also building on a relationship with their mentors.

“You can see where over time they’ve got to know these people and they become like part of the family to some degree, so building on those relationships are important.”

The BTC program fits into a network of programs at Burdekin PCYC, including Lessons for Learners and Get Set for Work.

BTC Program Coordinator Gavin Neal leads a team of five volunteers but is always looking for more mentors.

He said the program has had seven children go through to get their license on the first occasion since the program’s introduction to the region just over a year ago.

“We’re not a driving school but we’re certainly a notch or two above the average mum or dad,” he said.

“We don’t just want to see kids get their hours up and get their license, we want to see them do that and be safe drivers at the same time.”

The program is also open to learner drivers outside the age bracket who have difficulty achieving their driving hours.

For more information and to volunteer, visit contact Burdekin PCYC on 07 4783 1009 or email burdekin@pcyc.org.au.

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L-R Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Manager Andrew Sherrington and BTC Program Coordinator Gavin Neal. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie