Community News

Katter Pushes Ethanol Expansion to Support Farmers and Fuel Security

Katter Pushes Ethanol Expansion to Support Farmers and Fuel Security

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Sugar Industry Slams Australia–EU Trade Deal As ‘Horrendous Outcome’

Sugar Industry Slams Australia–EU Trade Deal As ‘Horrendous Outcome’

Sugar Industry Slams Australia–EU Trade Deal As ‘Horrendous Outcome’ Australia’s sugar industry has strongly criticised the outcome of the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement, with CANEGROWERS warning the deal fails to deliver meaningful benefits for cane farmers. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan described the agreement as a major setback for the industry, particularly for growers across Queensland. “This is a horrendous outcome for Australia’s cane growers,” Mr Galligan said. “For the past decade we have made our needs abundantly clear to the Australian Government and they have not delivered. There is no meaningful commercial access for sugar in this deal. “The market access Australia has achieved is extremely small – less than 2% of Europe’s import requirement and well below what Brazil and its Mercosur partners secured last year, which was around four times larger than Australia’s outcome.” Under the agreement, Australia will receive an additional 35,000 tonnes of sugar quota access over three years, adding to an existing allocation of 9,925 tonnes. However, Mr Galligan said the increase falls far short of what is needed to create real commercial opportunities. “These volumes are not economically meaningful. They will not shift the dial for growers or materially change Australia’s position in the European market. “This is not what genuine market access looks like.” He also criticised the lack of long-term growth opportunities within the agreement. “Compounding this, the agreement delivers no growth, no pathway to expand access and effectively locks growers into a bad deal for the next generation. “It’s a capitulation to protectionist European sugar interests, plain and simple.” Mr Galligan said the outcome was particularly disappointing given Europe’s reliance on imported sugar. “The EU is a net importer of sugar and must bring in significant volumes each year to meet domestic demand. “Australia can help meet that demand with high-quality, sustainably produced sugar, but instead we have been locked out.” He added that the deal does little to address the challenges faced by Australian producers, particularly exposure to volatile global prices. “This deal does nothing to change that position. “We support trade liberalisation, but it has to be meaningful. Growers need outcomes that create genuine opportunity, not agreements that deliver nothing now and take us backwards when it comes to trade liberalisation.” CANEGROWERS said it will continue to review the full details of the agreement while advocating for improved global market access and fairer trading conditions for Australia’s sugar industry.

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JCU Geoscience Students Explore Burdekin River on Field Trip

JCU Geoscience Students Explore Burdekin River on Field Trip

Students from the geoscience faculty at James Cook University (JCU) recently headed to the Burdekin River for a hands-on field trip, gaining real-world experience studying the region’s unique geology. The group spent the day examining igneous intrusions and striking magma mingling textures, with conditions requiring them to quite literally get their feet wet. “We had to get our feet wet this year but it was another fantastic geology field trip to the Burdekin River to look at igneous intrusions and spectacular magma mingling textures,” said JCU Senior Lecturer in Geoscience, Helen McCoy-West. Staff and students described the excursion as a valuable learning experience, offering the opportunity to see geological processes up close while exploring one of North Queensland’s key natural features. “Thank you to the staff and students for a great day out!”

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Rain Tool Helps Burdekin Farmers Plan Ahead

Rain Tool Helps Burdekin Farmers Plan Ahead

Primary producers across the Burdekin are set to benefit from a new climate tool designed to better predict the end of the northern wet season. Developed through the Northern Australia Climate Program, the Northern Rainfall Retreat (NRR) tool identifies the date of the last significant rainfall before the wet season ends—critical information for farmers managing livestock and crops. The timing of late-season rain can have a major impact on agricultural operations, influencing mustering, livestock transport, stocking rates and crop harvesting. Unseasonal rainfall events can also disrupt harvests, damage infrastructure and affect herd numbers if conditions become extreme. The tool uses historical rainfall data and climate modelling to pinpoint when rainfall typically “retreats” at a specific location. By analysing cumulative rainfall anomalies from the start of the year, it determines the point when rainfall peaks before transitioning into the dry season. Local natural resource management group NQ Dry Tropics is one of several organisations involved in delivering the program, alongside partners including the University of Southern Queensland and the Bureau of Meteorology. The broader program focuses on helping the red meat industry manage drought and climate risk across northern Australia. For Burdekin producers, the NRR tool offers a practical way to reduce uncertainty and make more informed decisions as the region transitions out of the wet season.

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Burdekin Community Association Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

March 7, 2024

Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) delivers the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) and recruits and supports volunteers to visit socially isolated older community members? Through the ACVVS, we support volunteers to provide friendship and companionship to older people in their home and also at Regis aged care.

Visits are available to anyone who:

   • receives government-subsidised residential aged care or a Home Care Package, including care recipients approved or on the National Priority System for residential or a home care package.

   • is socially isolated.

Why it is important?

Some older people can feel alone for various reasons. This Includes:

   • feeling isolated from their culture and heritage

   • little contact with friends or relatives

   • mobility issues that prevent them from taking part in social or leisure activities

   • being different in some way.

Regular visits from volunteers can help to improve quality of life and help older people feel less isolated.

For information about this FREE service or to find out how to become a Volunteer, please contact the BCA Team on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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Communication Is Key

March 7, 2024

At the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, we believe that communication is incredibly important for any community to thrive. When people can communicate effectively, they can connect with each other, share ideas, and work together towards common goals.

In today's world, there are many ways to communicate, such as phone calls, face-to-face conversations, and online platforms. We're excited to announce that we've launched our new website, which will make connecting with our community even easier.


You can check it out at www.thebnc.org.au.

We understand that not everyone feels comfortable using technology, so we also offer other ways to get in touch with us. You can call us, visit our Centre in person, or even connect with us on Facebook. We always provide a warm and friendly reception, no matter how you choose to communicate with us.

Suppose you're a senior citizen who's not confident with technology. Did you know that the Centre supports the Burdekin Seniors' Computer Club who meets twice a month and is a safe and friendly space where you can learn about computers, phones, and tablets.

We also offer free one-on-one sessions under the BeConnected program.

We want to ensure that everyone in our community can communicate effectively, even if they have lower levels of language, literacy, numeracy, or digital skills. We're exploring ways to help people improve these skills, so if you think this would benefit you or someone you know, please get in contact.

When people can communicate openly and effectively, they're more likely to feel heard and valued, which can lead to a more positive community experience.

The Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you Know? Burdekin Shire Council

March 7, 2024

Did you know that reporting local issues can be as easy as taking a photo and submitting it to ‘Snap, Send, Solve’?

This user-friendly platform is designed to streamline the reporting process, allowing you to select from a list of common issues, add a brief description and location, and submit your report in 30 seconds or less.

To report a local concern to Council, you have two convenient options: you can either download the 'Snap, Send, Solve' app for free or visit the website https://www.snapsendsolve.com/report/queensland. From there, you can fill out a simple online form and attach a photo of the issue.

Whether it's a pothole, a malfunctioning streetlight, or graffiti, you won't need to waste time figuring out who to contact. Plus, you'll receive updates on the status of your report and track how it's being resolved.

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Celebrate Advancements With The 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards

March 7, 2024

The 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards nominations are now open to celebrate the creation of meaningful partnerships, employment opportunities, and efforts made to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities.

Businesses, community groups, schools, sporting clubs, and cultural organisations are encouraged to nominate for the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards, and Minister Leeanne Enoch believes each nominee stands as an inspirational role model in advancing reconciliation.

“The awards provide us with an opportunity to celebrate our shared journey towards reconciliation highlighting initiates and programs that are advancing reconciliation, strengthening relationships, and improving outcomes for Queenslanders,” explained Ms Enoch.

The annual awards have recognized over 100 initiatives and partnerships for fostering a more inclusive Queensland since their inception in 2003. The 2023 Queensland Reconciliation Awards saw the celebration of the Waijungbah Jarjums Service as the winner of the overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award, and the health and wellbeing category. Delivered by Gold Coast Health, the Waijungbah Jarjums service improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families from pregnancy through to childhood.

Once again, this overall Premier’s Reconciliation Award will be awarded to a nominated initiative demonstrating innovative strategies and exceptional outcomes towards advancing reconciliation in Queensland.

Nominations for the 2024 Queensland Reconciliation Awards close 5pm Monday March 18, and recipients will be announced during National Reconciliation week on May 27 to June 3 and will be awarded with a share of $30,000.

For more information on how to apply visit qld.gov.au/reconciliation.

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Locals Caring For Locals Meet The Burdekin Born And Bred Team Behind Oar And Horan Dentists

March 7, 2024

For the first time in the business’s history, Oar and Horan Dentists boasts a team of four Burdekin born and bred dentists caring for their community.

The team is proud to announce the appointment of Dr André Le Feuvre, a Burdekin local who spent his formative years in Giru before moving to Cairns to complete his dental studies.

Graduating in 2017, André gained valuable experience working in Cairns, Townsville, and Central Western Queensland throughout this time, working in private practice until his move back to the Burdekin in 2023 with his lovely wife Rachael and their children.  

André has cultivated a clinical philosophy centred on producing high quality workmanship with a long-term outlook and employs a direct, no-nonsense approach to dental care.

Joining the Oar and Horan Dentists team in December 2023, André is proud to return to his community representing the business alongside principal dentists Dr Ramon Oar and Dr Todd Horan and fellow dentist Dr Sian Blakey.

Driven by a passion for the Burdekin community, the team at Oar and Horan Dentists are dedicated to personal and professional care.

Established in the early 1990s as Pulvirenti & Holmes in Queen Street, Ayr, the practise has undergone a variety of name changes over the years with Ramon and Todd commencing the ‘Oar and Horan’ partnership in 2007.

Ramon was born in Ayr and completed a Bachelor of Dental Science degree at the University of Queensland.  

Upon graduating in 1993, he returned to the Burdekin to commence work at Pulvirenti & Holmes and celebrated 30 years of dental excellence at the practise in 2023.

Also born and bred in the Burdekin, Todd achieved his qualifications from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Dental Science with Honors in 2002.

He immediately returned to Ayr to commence his professional career as a general dentist.

In 2007, Todd entered into partnership with Ramon Oar and Oar and Horan was born.

Sian, meanwhile, grew up in the Burdekin and moved to Cairns to complete her studies.  

She graduated from James Cook University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and started her dental career at Oar and Horan in 2017.

The four dentists each bring their own dental passion to the business while remaining fully committed to helping people with their dental needs well into the future, offering a full range of comprehensive dental services including preventative and restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, whitening, endodontics, oral surgery and implants.

They are ably supported by a talented team of hygienists, Rebecca Horan, Gaynor Ewens and Heather de Abreu, boasting a collective 80 years of dental experience, plus a dedicated team of receptionists and dental assistants who ensure the smooth operations of the practise.

Over the years, the staff at Oar and Horan Dentists has grown from five to close to 20, signifying rapid growth and increased commitment to the dental health and wellbeing of the Burdekin.

This growth ensures that the team can continue to offer appointments to new and existing patients in a timely manner.

Caption: L-R Dr Todd Horan, Dr Sian Blakey, Dr André Le Feuvre and Dr Ramon Oar

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Community Grants Open With Groups Urged To Apply

March 7, 2024

Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr – Bendigo Bank is welcoming Burdekin community organisations to step forward for their 2024 round of Community Grants.

Off the back of a stellar 2023 Community Grant Presentation, where Community Bank-Bendigo reinvested over $278,000 into 28 local Burdekin community groups, Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr are ready to do it all over again.

Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin explained that the grants will work the same as they did last year, with all local community organisations invited to submit their applications.

“I encourage all who apply to include a wish list, so while the one of the first on the list may not be granted, another critical item can be supported,” Ms Michielin explained.

“We are proud of our $278, 052 reinvestment into community groups and organisations last year, and are excited to make another round of significant contributions this year.”

Ms Michielin urges community groups to submit their applications, available from their website as a PDF download, a paper copy from the Branch, or an as email copy for those who inquire.

“Opening March 1, we have allocated six weeks for groups to complete and return their applications, with the Grants closing 5pm April 12,” Ms Michielin explained.

The Community Grant recipients will be presented to groups at an official ceremony on May 27.

To find out more, visit bendigobank.com.au/branch/qld/community-bank-ayr or contact the branch on (07) 4783 3288.

Caption: The Bendigo Bank team at last years’ Community Grant Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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Hijacking The Social Landscape For Your Business

March 7, 2024

By Chelsea Ravizza

The online landscape has provided a space for businesses to grow far beyond expectations and in more ways than imaginable.

Holding an online presence in the form of social media pages, an online website, publishing blog posts or elevating Google Business profiles are all means to increase a business’ reach and push the domain to customers who would never physically walk through the store’s front door. In social media applications like TikTok and Instagram, it’s easy for businesses to take advantage of the algorithm, allowing content to reach not only a larger audience but also a tailored audience, realistically filled with potential customers. Following local businesses, influential community members, and showing consistent support of other business’s content through likes, comments, and shares, are all tasks to elevate a business’s profile and prompt search engines. When audiences grow, sales grow, when sales grow, businesses flourish.

In saying this, a business’s online presence can become much more than a means of attracting customers. In the time where social media has become a part of society’s everyday lives, it’s not surprising to discover those seeking employment use applications like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok similarly to websites like Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn. Businesses presenting an online brand which showcases a personalized approach to operations with photos of staff, the business itself, and customer interactions will evidently become more appealing to future employees in comparison to corporate focused profiles.

To employ techniques for successful online growth of a business’s brand, it’s integral to first evaluate the values of the business and how to portray such values in a way to attract a specifically targeted audience. When complete, it’ll become more than simple to hijack the social landscape for business success.

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Fuelling The Future Through A Circular Bioeconomy

March 7, 2024

Sugarcane’s potential as a renewable source of bioenergy, biofuel and bioproducts continues to grow through the concept of the circular bioeconomy.

Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source.

“We cut it and from the day it starts growing again, it’s creating oxygen and natural capital on your farm and its producing natural energy,” he said.

“Once harvested, it joins the process of fuel, power, plastic, milk, oil, burning modules, it just becomes a whole array of green energy.”

Through the circular bioeconomy, sugarcane can fuel and power the future by utilising existing sugarcane land for sugar production while converting sugarcane waste into bioenergy, biofuel and bioproduct.

QCAR’s commitment to renewables and sustainable agriculture is also seen as a vital opportunity for the industry to capitalise on sugarcane’s unique composition as the globe makes strides in its mission to decarbonise.

Mr Hall recognised the potential for the Burdekin and beyond to participate in this shift by establishing itself as a bioeconomy hub through expansion of land and infrastructure.

“We can be part of the process and get ourselves into the grid by whole crop harvesting, then buy the power, fuel and fertiliser back,” he said.

“Because we’re in the dry tropics, the Burdekin’s got the most sunshine, radiation, the dam, the soil, the water and the infrastructure.

“There’s the first part which is the sugar and molasses process, but if it’s got organic nitrogen, green power and biodiesel or bioethanol, then all of a sudden, that sugar becomes 100% net zero sugar.

“We’re good for the reef, good for the economy and good for the environment, we tick all the boxes.”

This opportunity for the sugarcane industry is seen as a positive for not only farmers and growers, but also for the communities that thrive on the industry.

“The jobs in other renewables are non-existent, whereas sugar mills employ up to 200 people,” Mr Hall said.

“It will expand the industry because, all of a sudden, you’re not sending in 8 million tonne of cane, you’re sending in 12-14 million tonnes of biomass.

“You’re going to building more factories.

“Instead of losing our families, I think there’s enough money in this sort of system to keep young people in the towns.

“The whole community can prosper, whether as a part of it or as a shareholder or even just the supply of cheaper energy and cheaper fuel.

“There’s huge potential for the economy, we’ve just got to have a proactive government on board.”

Mr Hall believes this increased demand will require sugarcane to be cut year-round, seeing a return to Monday to Friday crushing which will again benefit communities and the families who call them home.

“We all know cane is like grass, we don’t have to wait until it gets to 60-70 tonnes to the acre, you can cut it every six months,” he said.

“We want it to be ongoing, Monday to Friday, so when the sun is shining, we can be harvesting cane as a biomass.”

“QCAR is willing to work with incumbent sugar millers to push the concept of a circular bioeconomy.”

Caption: QCAR Director Russell Hall believes the sugarcane to be the only 100% renewable energy source

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Varroa Jacobsoni Discovered Beekeepers Warned To Be Vigilant

March 7, 2024

A single Varroa Mite has been detected during a routine inspection at the Port of Brisbane.

The routine inspection, conducted by Biosecurity Queensland, completed diagnostic testing and confirmed that the mite in Varroa Jacobsoni, not Varroa Destructor.

The Varroa Jacobsoni mite parasitizes Asian honey bees, while the Varroa Destructor targets European honey bees.

While the common honey bee within Australia is the European honey bee, secondary testing is being conducted to determine if the mite is carrying any exotic viruses of honeys bees, or if any other exotic bee pests are present.

Biosecurity Queensland is also undertaking tracing activities to identify the potential source and likelihood of spread.

As a precautionary measure, a movement control order (MCO) is not in place to prevent any potential spread.

These movement restrictions apply to all beekeepers who have hives or have had hives in the areas around port of Brisbane in the last 90 days. These restrictions apply to movement of bees, bee hives, bee products, and used bee keeping equipment.

Queensland Beekeepers Association president Jacob Stevens explained, “The Queensland Beekeepers’ Association Inc is in position and ready to provide meaningful support to our impacted beekeepers in the movement control zones.”

“In recent years we’ve provided our expertise and technical knowledge to Biosecurity Queensland to deliver successful eradications of mites detected in Queensland,” he said.

“Queensland has a history of exotic incursions and the QBA is confident our beekeepers will rise to the challenge acting on our call to action to undertake varroa mite surveillance immediately, reporting all results to Bee 123.”

What Beekeepers Can Do:

All Queensland beekeepers are urged to:

   • continue monitoring hives for varroa mite using the alcohol wash method (at least every 16 weeks)

   • report your hive check using the quick and easy Bee 123 form, even if you do not find any suspect mites

   • immediately report unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, bees with parasites, poor brood patterns and dead brood to Biosecurity Queensland

   • report sightings of Asian honey bees, feral nests/swarms or hives showing symptoms of exotic pests to Biosecurity Queensland

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Influential Women Community Leadership Forum

March 7, 2024

Women in agriculture are invited to attend a two-day leadership forum in Ayr designed to develop leadership skills, personal confidence and be empowered to make future focused decisions to drive a positive change in their communities.

The Influential Women Community Leadership Forum, to be held 19 – 21 March in the Burdekin Theatre Music Loft, has been supported by Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub as part of their commitment to enhancing the skills and capacity of agricultural communities in North Queensland, and is open to female producers, farmers and agriculture service providers.

“This forum is firmly rooted in rural Queensland, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural women. This is a great opportunity to build their skills and confidence to be leaders and drivers of change in their communities,” said Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub Program Lead and forum organiser, Dr Jane Oorschot.

“The forum facilitator, Heather Ellis from Blue Wren Connections, will guide the participants through two days of group and individual activities to learn about different leadership roles, teamwork, adapting to change, understanding personal values, and self-care to achieve work/life balance.

“We piloted this forum last year in the Gulf Savannah region and received extremely positive feedback on how inspired participants felt about contributing to their local communities.”

Home Hill State High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association, Louise Nicholas, said she enrolled in the forum to build more connections and further her leadership development.

“I think women play an enormous role in agriculture and we’re seeing more women in high profile leadership positions,” she said.

“In rural and regional areas, we sometimes feel isolated, so it is great to have those connections and networking opportunities to raise each other up and help us succeed in leadership positions.”

Ms Nicholas is one of four finalists in the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards and said the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum will assist her in achieving the goals she set as part of the application process.

“We had to do a project plan and I believe this course will assist me in delivering ‘Grow Your Own,’ a project that will make connections between school students and industry,” she said.

“It’s about getting the students involved, training them up and making connections in the agricultural industry, and hopefully retaining them in our local areas.

“Any opportunity to develop yourself is of benefit, and I’m excited for the opportunity to attend a leadership forum here in the Burdekin.”

Registrations are limited to 20 participants and priced at just $20.  

Dr Oorschot encourages women in agriculture throughout North Queensland to register now for the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum so they don’t miss out on such a valuable professional and personal development opportunity.

“This course is valued at over $1400, but thanks to our partners BlueWren Connections, NQ Dry Tropics, Growcom and Burdekin Shire Council and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, registration is just $20, with very affordable accommodation available at the Country Ayr Motel.

“Numbers are capped at 20 to ensure participants receive a highly interactive and personalised experience, and the program has been designed to be practical, challenging and fun.

“By supporting the skills and capacity within the agriculture sector, together we can become more drought and climate resilient and build flourishing, sustainable communities equipped to make future focused decisions.”

To register for the Influential Women Community Leadership Forum to be held in Ayr 19 – 20 March, visit the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub website at www.tnqdroughthub.com.au or phone Dr Jane Oorschot on 0481 158 989.

Caption: Home Hill State High School Agriculture Science Teacher and President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association, Louise Nicholas

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Soothe The Soul With A Cool Jazz Night At Colonial Palms Motor Inn, Airlie Beach

March 7, 2024

Considering a weekend getaway? A quick rendezvous to a different location?

Consider venturing out to Airlie Beach’s Colonial Palms, for a cool afternoon of gentle jazz, that soothes the soul and sets your week off right.

Brought to visitors and locals alike by the likes of Motor Inn Managers Greg and Nettie Dunlop, the Jazz on the Deck is a relaxing afternoon, away from the big beats and loud noise typical of main street venues of Airlie Beach.

In fact, the tempered notes of the Jazz perfectly blends with the scenic view over the coral sea and the Port Of Airlie, which sets the Colonial Palms Motor Inn apart from other accommodation providers.

For Managers Nettie and Greg, they knew that live music entertainment on the deck was an aspect they wanted to bring to the business but were eager to set themselves apart from the other venues in Airlie Beach. And found that no other venues in our area offering Live Jazz

House musician, Nick De Gregorio, is a testament to classical and modern jazz music. Nick has studied Jazz at the conservatory of music in Western Australia and has travelled the world playing in Jazz bands throughout Europe, the UK, USA and aboard cruise ships

We are so lucky that Nick is now a local Airlie Beach resident, and brings his amazing musical talent and worldly connections to Airlie.

With Nick at the helm of inviting and welcoming his accompanying musicians on stage with him, the fortnightly jazz performances have a consistent flair of excitement and beautiful Jazz music.

On the next Jazz day on the 17th of March, Nick has invited Melbourne based Jazz Guitarist, Ash DeNeef to join him on the deck- sounds like we are in for a real treat!

As a special for the Burdekin, Greg and Nettie are offering Burdekin residents a special offer:

                                                       Stay, Wine and Dine Package

Stay in the comfortable king room, Bottle of wine and dinner for two at the Palms Restaurant and witness Nick and his guest musician entertain the afternoon away for the Jazz on the Deck.

                                                         Only $350   (per couple)

“And we offer the room on either Saturday or Sunday night, so you can come on Saturday and head home after the Jazz day,” Greg explained.

“Or travel down on Sunday and stay the night, then head home on Monday.”

WHAT: Jazz On The Deck, with Colonial Palms
WHERE: Colonial Palms Motor Inn
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, from 3pm
RESERVE YOUR GETAWAY: https://colonialpalmsmotorinn.com.au/ or call directly on 4946 7166.

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BCHS Inducts New Leaders At Commissioning Liturgy

March 7, 2024

Last Wednesday February 28, Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) celebrated their Commissioning Liturgy to induct all the Year 12 students as leaders of their school community, commission their Student Representative Councillors, First Nation leaders and their Year 12 Student Leaders. The Year 7s, new staff and students were also acknowledged and welcomed to our school. It was a fantastic opportunity for our parents and families to join the students and staff to celebrate and pray that our new leaders be guided by God’s Spirit. One of the most beautiful parts of the liturgy is the ‘pinning’ of leaders’ badges by their parents and caregivers. It was a wonderful time to recognise and launch student leadership for 2024.

Contributed by BCHS

Caption: BCHS celebrated their Commissioning Liturgy last week. Photos supplied

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Brandon Bowls

March 7, 2024

Wednesday February 28 Results For Ladies

This week, the eight ladies got on the green for a bowl with winners of the day Joy Woods, Darelle Pearce, Kaye Garner and Lyn Storrie coming home with the chocolates.

Don’t forget names in by 1:00pm for a 1:30pm start each week.

Friday March 1 Trophy Night

Proudly sponsored by Peto Marine Home Hill.

It has taken three weeks due to poor weather but finally 54 bowlers enjoyed a warm and entertaining evening.

Winners of the night Rhonda Martin, Lyn Storrie, Norm Storrie and Joe Ypinazor.

Second place was Sandra Darween, Henry Hazel, Margaret Chapman and Gary Pearce.

Third place Margaret McLaughlin, Ross McLaughlin and David Harding.

All who attended had a great evening to finish off with once again a great smoko and many thanks to the ladies in the kitchen for your preparation.

Sunday March 3

Under very hot and humid conditions, two Championship games were played.

First game was B grade pairs Glen Woodford and Tony Battglia defeating Neville Dickinson.

And in the other match was A grade singles Lloyd Shepherd defeating Allan Garioch.

Social March 3

Three games of triples were played and the winners were:

Con Sexton, Trevor Elton and Richie Mau

Lyn Storrie, Peter Jorgenson and Hugh Montgomery

Norm Storrie, Ray Paneccasio and Joe Ypinazar

Jackpot was drawn until we got a winner with Lloyd Shepherd and Lenny Feney.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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Football Matters with Cyclops

March 7, 2024

Local

The start of the 2024 local football season was delayed yet again by the inclement weather. Burdekin Panthers Kappa Cup match against JCU Riverway has now been re-scheduled to Tuesday March 12, 7:00pm kick off at International Park. Last weekend’s away fixtures against Olympic were also rained off and are yet to be re-scheduled. This Saturday, March 9, the Panthers host Brothers in three grades. Reserves kick off at 3:00, the Ladies at 5:00 and the Premiers at 7:00.

With the matches against MA Olympic called off last weekend, the Panthers took the opportunity to have a Premier League vs Reserve grade match on Saturday on Field 2 at International Park. This was the first game at match intensity for some of the lads since last season, so it was good to get some minutes under our belt.

The Men’s Coaches this season are, Premiers – Leighton Gallagher, Reserves (Under 23s) – Michael Taylor and Maddy Reid will be coaching the Women’s Premier team. In the Save the Date Department, Female Football Week is May 3-12.

Senior Registrations are now open, and players must be Registered by this Friday to be eligible to play weekend fixtures. Training Shirts are now available to collect at Senior trainings. Jumper pre-orders are now open. Form is available on Facebook to order. Cut off date is March 8.

Training at International Park will be happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm for men and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm for women. New to town? Come down to training and have a run.

Juniors

The Juniors season finally got underway last Saturday for pre-season 1. The kids all seemed super keen to finally get into it! Great to see so many new faces joining the club also! There will be a second lot of pre-season games this Saturday, the schedule will be sent out this week. The season proper will then commence the week after, pending no more rain outs!

The fields were marked out Friday morning and finished off Sunday morning. A big thanks to all of those who helped out with this. We are in need of help in the canteen for this Saturday, if you can lend a hand that would be much appreciated.

Keep an eye out for details regarding the Working Bee and coach’s clinic which were also cancelled on the weekend.

Monday Night Masters had quite a good turn out after two weeks off because of the weather. In a very close game Bhutan beat Montserrat in a replay of “The Other Final”. Eugene Burelli scored two goals and the Player of the Night was Sian Reardon who was not averse to getting stuck in. Remember everybody is welcome, new and old players, including the very old. Usual time, usual place, 6.30 at International Park.

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Home Hill Golf Club Opening Day

March 7, 2024

64 players fronted up on Sunday March 3 for the Honeycombes sponsored Opening Day.  

The format was a 2 person Ambrose played only over 16 holes as 6/15 was deemed still too wet for the motorised buggies.

Instead, 6/15 tee to 7/16 green converted to a par 3 was used.

It was a great day with almost perfect weather.  

Nearest the pin shots were on 4/13 A grade was won by Craig and Sibbo; B grade by The Carretts.

7/16 A grade won by Pep and Turtle; B grade by Beth and Catherine.

9/18 A grade won by Owen and Judy; B grade by the Carretts.

The A Grade winners with a handicap of .25 shooting a 54 off the stick were Craig and Sibbo.

2nd place went to Murray and Tim and 3rd place was taken out by Nipper and Cam.

B Grade 1st place was the McCubbens, 2nd place the Smalls with 3rd place going to Eric and Michelle.  

Thanks to Bud from Honeycombes for sponsoring the day.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

Caption 1: Sunday’s winners

Caption 2: James, Mary and Judy waiting at the first tee

Photos supplied: Stephen Doig

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