Alongside Mr Clark, Senior Partner Bruce Medley is one of the longest serving team members in the history of Groves and Clark, celebrating the 50th year of his tenure in 2024. Meanwhile, Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro marks her 25th year, with the pair honouring 20 years of partnership this year as well.
Bruce started with the firm on January 2, 1974, as an Articled Clerk after he was offered a job by Ian McDonald while finishing his studies. He was admitted as a Solicitor in late October 1974 and was offered partnership a week later, becoming a partner on January 1, 1975. A former East Ayr State School and Ayr State High School student, Bruce ironically started grade 8 at ASHS the same year Ian was in his senior year at the same school.
In Bruce’s earlier years in the firm, he specialised in personal injury work, saying he had quite a few successes and some very memorable cases. During his legal career, he has practised in almost every area of Law and says, recently, he’s virtually followed in Mr Clark’s footsteps, practising primarily in matters involving the sugar industry and sugar cane farms, commercial and residential conveyancing, leasing, wills, estates and estate planning although he also handles other matters as required.
“The work has a lot of satisfaction, a lot of frustration, there are some days when you don’t feel like coming to work because you know what’s facing you, but when you’re helping people and getting the results for them, there comes a personal satisfaction with what you’ve done,” Bruce said.
Throughout his career, Bruce has been involved in service clubs and continues to assist local clubs and organisations with honourary work. His community involvement continues as he’s been active with the Australian Air Force Cadets for the last 28 years.
“All the time that I’ve been here, it’s really been like a family rather than a business,” he said. “It’s my hometown, I know most of the people I act for, and the loyalty of the clients has been incredible.”
Rebecca calls it the “Groves and Clark family”, saying, “It’s the people and it’s our long-term clients. There are people who have been clients of the firm forever, we’ve got families who have been with us for multiple generations. I love that sense of history that we have.”
Rebecca’s journey is proof of the Groves and Clark family. As her family’s solicitors, she completed work experience with the firm while at university before starting permanently as an Articled Clerk in 1999, offered a job by her family’s Solicitor at the time, John Gaviglio. She completed her primary and secondary schooling at Airville State School and Burdekin Catholic High School respectively before attending James Cook University where she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce-Bachelor of Laws in 1998. Rebecca then became Partner in 2004 and practises in Residential, Rural & Commercial Conveyancing, Succession Law & Estate Planning.
“I feel proud to be part of something that has been around for so long and hopefully we’ll still be here in another 90 years,” Rebecca said. “You have to have the right sort of personality and temperament to have a successful partnership and I’d like to think that, over the years, the partners at Groves and Clark have all had that temperament and nature that allows people to express their opinion while also being able to listen. There is the respect between all members of staff and its enjoyable to work with people that you like on a day-to-day basis. And, when you’re working in a small town and in a firm like ours, you develop relationships and friendships with your clients and I enjoy that part of what we do.”
Bruce and Rebecca lead a team of four solicitors, also including Alicia Roncato and Lisa Sarri, all of whom are proudly born and raised in the Burdekin.
“We are really proud of the work that we do and the service that we give,” Rebecca said. “The four of us are all born and bred here. We all live and work in our town, our families are growing up in this town, and those connections we have to our community play a huge role in us being able to provide a really good service. The firm does have some strong paths sitting there for the next stage and we have some very experienced people there who form the backbone of what is Groves and Clark today.”

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Senior Partner Bruce Medley and Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro mark 20 years of business partnership in 2024

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Following a unique route into the firm compared to that of some of his counterparts, Barry Torkington joined Groves and Clark in 1989 after years of public service across the state. Originally from Charters Towers, Barry started work in what was then known as the Mining Warden’s office before it became the Justice Department. His work took him across southern Queensland until he was appointed Clerk of the Court in Toogoolawah, moved to Clermont and then Ayr. He spent 18 months as Clerk of the Court in Ayr before he was offered a job at Groves and Clark by Barry Jones in 1989.
“I had no experience whatsoever as a lawyer except for my observations of lawyers as Clerk of the Court, so I had an interest in criminal law at that stage,” he recalled. “I came here raw but I was very fortunate that the partners were able to mentor me through the difficult early years. They were very generous to me and the whole firm, it was like being part of a family, everybody was very loyal.”
Barry became a Partner of the firm on February 1, 1998. With the assistance and guidance of his knowledge peers, he diversified his knowledge and ability to best serve his community.
“My main interest, as a lawyer, was in the criminal area, only because it was something I was familiar with, and I felt comfortable,” he said. “Gradually, I got more experience in other areas of law, and I found it all to be rather fascinating.”
He remained in Ayr until 2003 when the firm opened a Townsville office, offering Barry the opportunity to relocate to be closer to his adult children and their families. The Townsville branch of Groves and Clark closed in 2019, at which point he retired.
“I never regretted any of the years I spent with Groves & Clark,” Barry said. “It’s a terrific firm full of terrific people and it’s good to work with clients who appreciate the effort you’ve put in for them.”
While living in the Burdekin, Barry served in Rotary for 10 years, was actively involved with the P&C committee of his children’s school and also served on the Burdekin Community Association board.

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A former partner who went on to serve his community, state and nation, Ian Macdonald AM started his career with Groves and Clark in 1964 immediately after completing school at Ayr State High School. He says he’d always been interested in law, politics and government, and even wanted to be Prime Minister for a period of his high school years. This led him to serving Ayr State High School as School Captain and House Captain, roles he reflects on proudly.
Ian had travelled to Brisbane in the August holidays of his senior year to seek opportunities upon graduation. His school knew of his ambitions, of course, and one fateful day, he was invited to the principal’s office.
“I went to the principal’s office wondering what I’d done, and Frank Clark was there offering me an opening for an Articled Clerk, which I was very keen to do,” Ian reflected.
He became a qualified Solicitor in 1969, joining the firm’s leadership team as a Junior Partner later that year. He pursued his interest in Government and was elected to the Ayr Shire Council in 1979, playing an instrumental role in renaming the Shire of Ayr to the Shire of Burdekin. He stood unsuccessfully as a state candidate for the Liberal Party in 1983, but his interest in the Liberal Party prevailed.
“I continued my interest in the Liberal Party on the State Executive and stood for preselection for the senate in 1990 and, against all odds, expectations and predictions, I was preselected to lead the Liberal Party senate ticket,” he recalled.
Ian went on to leave Groves and Clark in 1990 before serving as a Senator for Queensland from 1990 to 2019, becoming the longest-serving incumbent member of parliament for the final years of his career. He was also appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours.
“It’s an interesting career,” he recalled of his time with Groves and Clark. “Being able to help people, hard workers who sometimes didn’t understand the language or the law, to have their confidence was a great feeling. Our firm, then and now, had a very good reputation.”

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One of the firm’s longest serving team members, Jean Woodford worked with Groves and Clark from 1962 to 1973, returning again in 1976 and ultimately retiring in 2021. Employed by Mr Clark, Jean originally joined the team as a Stenographer after high school and ultimately diversified her skillset and ended her career in conveyancing. She also attended Ayr State High School and was in the same class as Ian.
“I think one of the reasons I got the job was because I put the apostrophes in the right place,” she laughed.
Jean reflected on fond memories of working at Groves and Clark, also speaking to the firm’s family atmosphere.
“If you had family problems or someone was sick, you could always go home,” she said.
“Everyone was just like family, the bosses were really good, the girls were really good, it was just an easy place to work for.”

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As the proud daughter of Mr Clark, it was inevitable for Pat to work for the firm her father established at some point or another. She worked for Groves and Clark from 1958 to 1972 as a shorthand typist, a career that would take her across the world.
“I did year 11 at school and came to work after that,” Pat laughed. “Dad was short of people, so he pulled his daughter in.”
Later in her career, Pat joined a temp agency in London and was assigned a role with global firm Linklaters & Paines.
“They liked us Aussie girls because we worked hard,” she said. “The English girls in those days didn’t.”
After seeing the work that has gone into the firm that bears her family name, from her father and all others involved, Pat feels proud of everything that has been accomplished by Groves and Clark and proud that the name Frank Clark will be remembered in the Burdekin for generations.
“It’s lovely,” she smiled. “It’s nice to have that connection.”

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Below is a letter written by Charles Groves and addressed to Frank Clark dated May 1, 1934, prior to opening the doors of Groves and Clark Solicitors on May 10, 1934.

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Dear Clarkie
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In confirmation of my wire I have the honour to report that the address at Ayr is Queen St. & the phone No. 307 (office).  I telephoned a good boarding house there which was recommended to me & there will be two vacancies there next week.  The address is Wilmington St. & the phone No. 170.  The cost of board & lodging is 35/- per week each which includes washing.  It is about the best we could possibly do.  Had a marvellous trip up particularly from the social standpoint & was nearly converted by a     C. of E. Parson.     Ted Wood will tell you all about it.  Jim Ruddy is a fine chap & has introduced me to everyone that counts in Townsville.  Met Dr. Kelly the R.C. Priest from Ayr & he will do his best for us.  Met the Royal Italian Consul, Dr. Cheife & he will send us everything he can.  Met the     S.M. in Townsville, Mr. Cameron & he gave some good advice.  Met Tom Bonney the Barrister, numbers of solicitors and dozens of other people here.  Jim has no doubt whatever of our success at Ayr & Home Hill.  He wants us to visit the latter place.  The Italian Consul particularly wishes us to do Home Hill.  Hope you are “hot” on the Court work.  There seems to be plenty of it here.  Jim strongly advises Halsburys so I think we had better get them (the old ones).    Greg Anderson regards them as essential also.  Hope you saw Joe ??  re the statutes etc.   I am still in Townsville & I think I shall go to Ayr tonight or tomorrow morning.  I think that your boat will arrive in Townsville on Sunday night about 8 or 9 o’clock.  I would advise you to stay the night there & when the boat leaves next day stay at Buchanans Hotel.  I think the Monday will be a public holiday so Jim Ruddy will not be in the office, so you had better go along to his home on the Strand, Townsville & see him.  I have told him you will do this.  Townsville is a simple place in which to find your way about.  Their office is in Denham St, just about a few doors up from the corner where the post office is.  All the legal firms are together.  If you follow Denham St. right round you will come out on the Strand.  If you enquire at the presbytery (you can’t miss it, anyone will direct you there – it is on the Strand) they will show you where Jim’s place is.  I told him you would like to spend a day or to with him & he will have all precedents ready.  He advises getting the Workers Compensation Act – Cloth Section,  the Cane Prices Act, the Industrial Arbitration & Conciliation Acts, complete.  Do not forget to pay deposit on typewriter.  [some words in brackets crossed out].  Don’t forget to wire me when you reach Townsville.  We want to start out by the 8th or 9th of May.
See you later
Charles
P.S.   There is one thing I did not fix up & that is the P.O. Box No.  We will have to wait until we get to Ayr & put it on the stationery ourselves.  Jim made numerous inquiries concerning you & I told him you were hot stuff & had tons of experience.
CG

The first of four pages of the letter - the original copy is still in the possession of the firm

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Photo of secretaries taken in the 1950s at the original office in Queen Street
Celebrating Frank Clark’s 40 years of legal practice in 1974. Standing L-R: Brad Robins, Terry Baxter, John Bolton, Alex Baxter, Robert Simeoni, David Liddell, John Gaviglio, Geoff Grady, Keith Kern, Bruce Medley, Roy Dickinson and Barry Jones. Sitting L-R: Justice Kerry Cullinane, Frank Clark, Ian MacDonald, Jim Webb and Brian Baxter.
Current and previous staff of Groves and Clark in 1981-82 when the current building was opened
Frank Clark with his wife Vi, Ian MacDonald and John Gaviglio at the opening of the current office in 1981/82
L-R Jean Woodford, Mary Andersen, Ivana Pivotto, Dianne Edwards, Leanne Sorohan, Majella Zandonadi and Trisha Nielsen in 1990.
Standing L-R: Leanne Sorohan, Rebecca Fabbro, Mary Andersen, Barry  Torkington, June Hartley, Allison Borellini, Bruce Medley and Barry Jones. Sitting L-R: Majella Meehan, Jean Woodford and Amanda Smock. Taken early 2000s

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It has been twelve months since the Burdekin lost another legend. On the 6th May, 2023 Laszlo (Leslie) Voros, better known to his old mates from Inkerman Sugar Mill where he worked as an electrician for forty years as "Yogi", passed away leaving behind his wife of 60 years Andrea, daughter Amanda (Hall) and son Steven who resides in the UK.
Les was born in Budapest, Hungary on 13th February 1938, a year before the start of World War Two. His father, a baker who later became an officer in the Hungarian Army, was killed during the war when Les was quite young and his mother remarried. Upon leaving school at the age of 16, he studied for his electrical apprenticeship under the guidance of his stepfather.
On 23rd October 1956, Russian tanks invaded his native Budapest. Many Hungarians revolted against their own pro-communist Government and the presence of Russian troops in Hungary. Les fought with the partisans as a Freedom Fighter (also known as "The Boys of 'Pest), pelting the tanks with Molotov cocktails, setting them alight and survived three days buried beneath a building which had been demolished in the fighting. In an effort to curb the uprising, authorities imposed a curfew - anyone found out on the streets after 6pm could be shot on sight. Les and a few other Freedom Fighter lads broke curfew, were caught and thrown into a temporary prison - his old school. Having an intimate knowledge of the layout of the school building, Les escaped and after a three day hike, arrived at the Austrian border. From here, he travelled to Italy and secured a job as a deckhand on a ship bound for Australia. The threat of being shot if caught or the alternative of spending twenty years in a salt mine in Siberia, was enough to hasten his departure from Hungary. This meant he never had the chance to say goodbye to his mother, whom he never saw again.  
Upon landing in Bonegilla Victoria in 1957, he was interred at the Bonegilla Migrant Camp for a period of time before finally travelling around Australia, playing soccer and wrestling earning a living as a drummer in various bands. Les eventually made his way to Home Hill where he met Andrea (nee Camer), started his family and made a new life for himself far away from the reaches of tyranny and oppression. He was a proud grandfather of five; Lachlan, Jacob, Connor and Meggan Hall and Arianna Voros.  
By whichever name he was known; Les, Yogi, Bear, Mr 'V', Dad, Papa, Shamuck, Grandad, he was a true character with a wicked sense of humour. Les was a regular at Dal Santo's Deli, The Farmhouse Cafe (then known as The Coffee Club) and the RSL. He loved to socialise and took great joy in his family and friends. He is so very missed every day but his memory lives on in the many stories still told. Rest in Peace Yogi. Szeretlek Papa.
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Contributed by Amanda Hall

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A day for fashion. A day for socialising. A day for horse racing. A day for the Burdekin Growers Race Day.

One of the most anticipated events on the region’s calendar will return to Home Hill’s Burdekin Race Club on Saturday 18 May with the day kicking off from 11am sharp. The event will showcase the talents of Trent Bell, stage the Nextgen Building Co. Produce Challenge, and the Hit 103.1 Mega Prize Draw, as well as provide attendees with free fruit and vegetable produce from 5pm. Various opportunities to walk away with some winnings will be on offer throughout the day, along with the Pick the Local competition with $1000 cash up for grabs.

The 2024 Faces of the Races, Gianna O’Brien, Chris Tapiolas, and Colin and Brittany Bauer have been celebrated and recognised for their commitment and support of the Burdekin Race Club in the event’s promotion in the lead up to the big day.

The fashions on the field are set to impress for another year with bold colours, square toe heals, and business chic predicted to make an appearance along with floral designs drawing inspiration from 2024’s Met Gala. Outstanding styles will be recognised at the event with attendees able to enter themselves in numerous categories including Classic Lady, Contemporary Lady, Best Dressed Couple, and Stylish Gentleman.

Transport to and from the races will be running once again to ensure all attendees arrive and make their way home safely. Courtey buses to the races will operate from two locations; from the former Renown Theatre in Brandon at 12pm and 1pm as well as the Graham Street Bus Stop in Ayr from 12:15pm and 1:15pm. Nearing the event’s conclusion, buses will leave the course from 6pm dropping off patrons to both Ayr and Brandon.

For more information on the Burdekin Growers Race Day and for the purchasing of tickets, visit Tickets.BurdekinTickets.Com.Au.

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What: Burdekin Growers Race Day
When: Saturday 18 May 11am
Where: Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill
More Information: Burdekin Growers Race Day Facebook page, and Tickets.BurdekinTickets.Com.Au.

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Avid fashionistas from across the region are busy creating fabulous designs ahead of the 2024 Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Wearable Arts Parade which is due to take place in August as one of the central events hosted by the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

A popular event, which is a regular stable at the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Wearable Arts has captured the passion of the community.

The event will kick-off with the Wearable Arts Parade on Saturday 3rd August and will culminate in the competition where guest judges will evaluate the entries and select winners across various categories.

These categories include Best Individual Design, Best Team Design, Great Barrier Reef Festival Theme design and Best Accessories.  

With fierce competition and extraordinary talent on display, anticipation runs high as participants vie for recognition and accolades.

Everyone is invited to make their own creations, simply create a fashion item from recycled materials in order to be eligible and register your fabulous masterpiece at greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au.

Wearable Arts takes place in Airlie Beach on Saturday 3rd August, and everyone in the Burdekin is invited to come along and be part of both this event and the broader Great Barrier Reef Festival.

There will be a lantern parade, fireworks display, street parade, family fun day, live music, fairground rides and sideshow ally taking place across a magical weekend where the whole town comes alive with colour and festivity.

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EVENT: Wearable Arts Parade and Competition – August 3
WHAT: Great Barrier Reef Festival
WHERE: Airlie Beach
WHEN: 1-4 August

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Some fabulous creations. Photo supplied

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The bucket-list item on many a people’s list, the annual St. Bebida White on Whitehaven by Fish D’vine Catering is the only long lunch of its kind open to the public on Whitehaven Beach.

This extravagant, decadent and opulent affair invites guests to indulge in a full day on Whitehaven Beach, where you are whisked away to a paradise, that is just a two-hour drive away from your home.

Starting your day aboard an air-conditioned ferry, the party begins as soon as you join the sea of stunning white outfits that form the dress-code for the day.

The vibrant chatter on the scenic ferry ride over to Whitsunday Island soon abates when the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach appear on the horizon.

Guests walk from the boat directly onto the beach and are immediately greeted by a glass of chilled French Champagne and the bluesy beats of the nationally acclaimed six-piece band, The Natural Culture.

The long white tables stretch out along the delicate sands and everyone is invited to sit and enjoy the views while feasting on freshly shucked oysters and sashimi.

Highlighting the freshest local seafood, fine cuts of grass-fed meats, topped with divine sauces and salads, guests are able to watch as the food is cooked on the BBQ and interact with the chefs.

Proudly sponsoring the event is St. Bebida, showcasing their exciting new range of products, including Sparkling Rosé, Flamenco Sangria, and ‘Chello’ Limoncello Spritz, adding a refreshing twist to the event.  

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WHAT: White On Whitehaven
WHERE: Whitehaven Beach
WHEN: 6-8 September  
TICKETS: whiteonwhitehaven.com.au

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Property owners from in the Whitsunday region took part in a free community event earlier this month to hear all about the new Strata legislation that came into effect on the first of May.

This free community information session was hosted by Archers Strata Professionals and their Chief Executive Officer Nicky Lonergan told the room about the upcoming changes.

The new legislation addressed the following changes:

Smoking
Bodies corporate will be able to introduce bylaws that prohibit smoking and vaping, not only on common property and outdoor areas, but also on outdoor exclusive-use areas, including private balconies and patios.

Pets
Body corporates have had their capacity to restrict pets in strata complexes significantly reduced, to the point where they cannot apply blanket bans.

Towing
The dispute resolution process around towing cars parked in violation of bylaws has been considerably streamlined, including the removal of enforcement through the courts.

Scheme termination
A community titles scheme can be terminated with the support of 75% of lot owners in certain circumstances.

Nicky Lonergan explained, the new legislation is not about restricting personal rights, but about aligning with the greater-good approach that is inherent in, and essential to, strata living.

“Being part of a strata community is like living in a share house – just on a larger scale,” she said.

“When you choose to call that community home, you choose to live by a set of rules which form a critical part of the fabric of that community.”

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Queensland Archers Strata Professionals, Nicky Lonergan. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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After being identified as a key growth area in Queensland, one of the largest residential-zoned developments in Townsville, officially launched earlier this year offering 20 homesites in the city’s southwest.
In a strategic move to combat the growing population and new home buyer and investor interest demand in Townsville, property developer Urbex acquired the 80.27-hectare site in mid-2022.
The plans will see 850 homesites at the Somers and Hervey development delivered over the next 15 years.
“Our commitment to delivering well-connected communities across the nation is our specialty and we are proud to not only deliver diverse homesites but an unparalleled living experience for Townsville residents,” Urbex General Manager Peter Sherrie said.
“This is our eighth master planned community in the region after successfully giving life to more than 8,000 dream homesites across the country that have been transformed into ideal living spaces by Australian families who proudly call an Urbex community home.”
Nestled between Mount Stuart and The Pinnacles, the $136 million expansive residential development boasts seamless connectivity with the addition of a new on-ramp from Beck Drive to the Ring Road, bridging residents to essential amenities including James Cook University, Townsville Hospital, and Lavarack Barracks.
Somers and Hervey is expected to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle hub for approximately 2,000 residents.
“We are excited to unveil stage one of Somers and Hervey after acquiring the site in May 2022,” Urbex Realty General Manager Craig Covacich said.
“We are well-versed in delivering diverse communities to North Queensland, and with our eighth community underway and title expected for June this year, Townsville residents can expect an elevated contemporary living experience at Somers and Hervey.”

Photo supplied: Urbex

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The jampacked annual Sugar Bowl returned to the court for its 43rd year in the Burdekin as hosted by the Home Hill Tennis Association. One of the hottest events on the North Queensland tennis calendar, the 2024 Sugar Bowl impressed spectators once again with teams travelling from as far afield as Brisbane and Mareeba to compete in the event from the 4 – 6 of May.

The event made its debut in 1981 when Lex and Pat Anderson invited captains from areas such as Mackay and Ingham to enter teams in the first ever Sugar Bowl. Over four decades later, the Sugar Bowl stands as a highly celebrated and anticipated event for the whole community to enjoy, with 44 teams playing in the competition last weekend.

Continued on page 6
Special feature written by Chelsea Ravizza.

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Men’s Winners of this years’ Sugar Bowl Men’s A Team: Bruce Butler's Tea Bags, Presented by trophy donor Ruth Stockdale. Photo supplied

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Hi Readers
I’m back from holidays and feeling ready to get back into it, however I do return with some bittersweet news.
But first, the holiday: I had a wonderful week on Norfolk Island with my family, taking in the layered history, intriguing lifestyle and breathtaking beauty of the incredibly unique place.
My favourite moments came when hiking through the national park, swimming in the pristine waters of Emily Bay and exploring the rugged coastline of the small but diverse island.
There was a plethora of history to absorb, with the ruins of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area telling a particularly poignant tale.
I found there was slightly too much to cram into an already very busy week, so I certainly hope to return one day.
I would like to share a big thanks to Rachael, Daniel and Chelsea who held the fort while I was away, and I enjoyed flicking through a digital copy of last week’s paper while on the island to keep up with what you’ve all been up to.
I’m now back in the Burdekin but must announce that I will be finishing up my role with Burdekin Life and leaving the region in a month’s time.
I used the word “bittersweet” above; I am excited to return to southeast Queensland to take the next steps in my personal and professional journey, however there are most certainly elements of ‘Burdekin life’ that I will miss dearly.
My last day on the job is Friday, June 7, so I look forward to making the most of my last month here and seeing you all before then!
Please be assured that you are in incredibly safe hands as the team is looking forward to welcoming a fresh face to Burdekin Life who will pick up from where I left off and establish themselves as an equally central part of this wonderful community.

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