Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Not every business starts with a blueprint. For some, it begins as a calling… in more ways than one. Burdekin local Robert Hayward had been in the hydraulics industry since he was 18. A diligent worker who loved his job, he quickly built a reputation locally as one of the best in the business. But despite a mutual affinity with the industry that had formed over years, he stepped away in the early 1990s to help his father-in-law maintain a cane property in Clare. Until he received a call. Then another… and another. Rob quickly realised that, despite his brief hiatus, his reputation in hydraulics had not faded. With that, he was pulled back into the game, this time with nothing but a $2,000 ute, a toolbox, and work up to his neck. And the only way to keep himself from drowning in it was, ironically, to go in deeper. “As the Burdekin is, if you do a very good job, word travels quickly between the community. One farmer talked to another, he talked to another, he talked to another… “Until I sat down with my wife one day and said, ‘I think we can make a business out of this.’” His ute would eventually make way for a permanent space—a small sub-shed at Larry Hudson Engineering in the Ayr Industrial Estate that would serve as his headquarters for the following four years. He tackled the first year solo, before demand forced him to put an apprentice on in the second year, and a qualified tradesman in the third. By the end of the fourth, Rob’s work had outgrown its humble base, moving down the road into a new purpose-built shed that would become the home of Hayward Hydraulics. That shed would officially open in 1996, spurring a 30-year legacy sustained by three defining pillars. Growing with the industry “I had no idea how to use computers,” Rob said with a smirk. Admittedly, he hadn’t realised he signed himself up for a three-decade, three-fold evolution between an entire industry, his own business, and himself. What he did know was that he was ready to learn, and eager to grow. It started with the basics. For Rob, that meant wrapping his head around modern computers, attending TAFE courses on emerging welding techniques, and becoming a leader. “I went from being a very good tradesman to having to be an employer,” he said. “You have to be a people's person, you have to treat people the right way, treat your workers the right way. That part I never even thought of until we started getting into it.” Rob treated this evolution as a marathon rather than a sprint, dedicating the business's first decade cementing its reputation as a local leader. After striking up deals with major companies, including Queensland Rail and Wilmar Sugar in the mid-2000s, he decided to take the leap into the mining industry in the early 2010s as a safety net for the unpredictable sugar industry. With that growth, Hayward Hydraulics’ shed would undergo its third structural expansion to accommodate its continuously increasing popularity and modernised technology. He built a habit of gleaning ideas from various online hydraulic magazines, and then building on them to not only keep up with the industry, but to will it into the future himself. “I eventually built a reputation for thinking outside of the square. If somebody's been doing something for 20 years, I'll look at a better way of doing it,” he said. Albeit, he admits he and the business are still evolving today. “I've seen harvesters and planters go from chain and sprocket to hydraulic motors, to hydraulic motors being linked to satellite GPS,” he said. “The industry has changed in leaps and bounds, and you have to keep finding ways to move with it.” Doing it the right way Hayward Hydraulics’ evolution was founded on something Rob didn’t need to be taught. Care. And he makes sure his staff do, too. “I didn't come from a real wealthy family, so we were brought up to work; you work, you do the job right, you get paid,” he said. “So if I'm not happy with something, I'll ask my workers: ‘would you pay for that?’” When the mining industry began to boom in Queensland, Rob admits he had a difficult time retaining workers. To compete, he was forced into paying top-dollar for what he called “good quality workers,” causing financial tension. When asked if compromising staff quality for cost was ever an option, with the conviction of a true-blue purist, he said: “No.” “I've always maintained that a business is only as good as your employees. You can be the best boss in the world, but if you've got workers that people don't like, they don't come through the door,” he said. “My current staff are up there with the best that I've had. I just try to make sure they’re happy to come to work every day.” With quality and care as its engine, Hayward Hydraulics became known not just for technical know-how, but for doing things the right way. As its stature in the industry continued to grow, so did the scope of its customer base. Calls started coming in from as far north as Tully, all the way to Mackay and Western Queensland, all saying the same thing: “We heard you were the guy to talk to about this problem.” Family and community at its heart For the last 10 years especially, the business has made a point of supporting local organisations and sports clubs, most notably the Burdekin Roosters Rugby League Club. Rob described it as a duty to a community that has given so much to him and the company. “The community has been so important to it all. I’ve got some customers that have been with me from day one, and with some, I’m onto the third generation of the same family,” he said. “The’ve given a lot to me. They've helped me grow and supported me, so it's about time I supported them back.” Beneath it all, though, he points to his family as the driving force. “I remember those early days when we were setting up the new workshop, building benches and all that, my two brothers-in-law and my father came out and gave me a hand,” he said. “But my biggest support is my wife. Especially in the early days when I wasn't home, and she solely looked after the kids and everything. “It got to the stage where I was working seven days a week, 12 hour days, and my wife would bring the kids on a Saturday and Sunday, and we'd sit on the shop floor and have lunch. “She's been with me through the lows and the highs, and that I thank her for.” Now, thirty years later, it’s his family pulling him out of the industry. Driven by the desire to make up for lost time with his wife and kids, Rob has loosened his grip on business operations, working four days a week with plans to eventually let his brainchild find its own footing. As for right now, he’s not yet ready to call time on a chapter that was, perhaps, never meant to last this many pages. “I still love what I do,” he said. “The early days come with sacrifices, but when I look back now, it was all worth it. “I remember when it all first started, looking on the ATO website and coming across that statistic that most businesses fail within five years. “When I read it, I said to myself, 'well, I'm gonna make sure I’m not that statistic.’” And that, he did. CAPTION: Rob and his current team. Back L-R: Chase Pearce, Stephan Du Plessis Front L-R: Kade Pearce, Renee Viero, Robert Hayward, Tina Dennis, Bryan Parison Absent: Sam Tomasetig Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Read the full story
The Burdekin has rallied behind a local family after a sudden medical diagnosis turned their life upside-down. Ryan and Holly Davenport dropped everything when their two-year-old son, Rowen, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last month, temporarily relocating to Brisbane for his ongoing treatment. In response, a GoFundMe fundraiser has since raised over $55,000 in support of the family. Created in late May by Shannon Malone, a close friend of the Davenports, the fundraiser has been shared all over Facebook and Instagram by local organisations, garnering comments of support on top of 271 individual donations. “Words can’t describe how much it means to us to have everyone’s support behind Rowen as he begins his journey,” Ryan said. “They have given us precious time to spend with Rowen without the everyday worries.” The money will help fund hospital stays, travel, time away from work, and ongoing treatment expenses as the Home Hill family navigates a medical journey that began in April. Already on edge after daughter, Ally, underwent brain surgery to have a cavernoma removed just before Easter, Ryan and Holly acted promptly when they noticed a twitch in Rowen’s eye. Following weeks of consultations with Townsville doctors and specialists—which included MRI scans and a Royal Flying Doctors flight—Rowen was eventually diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a slow-growing brain tumour. He has since been transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for chemotherapy, with the couple leaving their two young daughters with their grandparents in the Burdekin to be by his side. In their absence, locals have offered meals, helped on the family’s sugar cane farm, assisted around their home and helped look after their daughters, along with the generous donations. Ryan said the funds raised would not just help relieve the financial burden of Rowen’s treatment, but allow the flexibility to fly their daughters down and spend some time as a family. “(The toughest part has been) the unknown, not having our family together … and watching Rowen go through these traumatic times and … not being able to do anything,” Ryan said. “It has been a very emotional journey so far, and it is hard to believe we are only at the start.” Anyone wanting to support the Davenports is urged to donate using the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-davos-and-little-rowen?attribution_id=sl:75c20475-06e5-4752-8e11-d1b7a07c7728&lang=en_AU&ts=1779705595&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link CAPTION: Funding will allow the family to fly their daughters down and spend more time together during Rowen’s treatment. Photo supplied
Read the full story
The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has slammed the Albanese Government for an unacceptable ambush on regional communities, accusing the Commonwealth of abandoning disaster-prone areas to balance its own budget. The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, used a late Friday afternoon media release to quietly flag sweeping alterations to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The proposed changes dismantle the long-standing, scalable framework, which historically provided an average of 64 per cent federal coverage and capped support at 75 per cent for catastrophic events. In its place, Canberra intends to implement a rigid 50-50 funding model. This policy shift arrives at the worst possible time for the state; it follows a volatile severe weather season that caused widespread damage across 71 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is warning that the sudden funding shortfall threatens the future viability of essential infrastructure, local water treatment facilities, and emergency evacuation operations. Mr Willcox, drawing on his extensive experience as the former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, stated that the Federal Government is completely detached from the realities of regional recovery. "This decision is a direct hit to the heart of North Queensland," Mr Willcox said. "Canberra is treating natural disasters like a corporate budgeting exercise; however, out here, it is a matter of community survival. To penalise the very regions that drive the nation’s agricultural wealth and mining export revenues is a profound betrayal. "During my time steering the Whitsunday community through the wreckage of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, I learned exactly what it takes to rebuild. We relied heavily on scalable federal assistance to restore our shattered rural road networks. Under a flat 50-50 split, local councils across Dawson would be forced to find millions of dollars in matching revenue; that is a financial burden our regional ratepayer base simply cannot sustain." Mr Willcox emphasised that major historical recovery operations would have been completely unviable under the newly proposed guidelines. "The total reconstruction of the Shute Harbour marine terminal and the $5 million federal package required to replace the decimated Proserpine Entertainment Centre occurred because the previous framework allowed for exceptional circumstances," Mr Willcox said. "Small regional councils do not possess the independent asset base to fund multi-million-dollar rebuilds alone. Furthermore, the historical system guaranteed that funding flowed directly into local economies, ensuring that regional earthmoving businesses and contractors were awarded the repair work. By lowering the funding floor, the Commonwealth is forcing cash-strapped councils to delay vital resilience works; this leaves our communities dangerously exposed before successive wet seasons. "It is a coward’s tactic for the Minister to leave this announcement until the day after the parliamentary sitting concluded, ensuring they avoided any real scrutiny or accountability in Question Time. “This is yet another calculated deception from a government that knows exactly how damaging these cuts are; this is absolutely not what the Australian people voted for, and I truly hope this betrayal is remembered at the next election. "This is yet another chapter in the ongoing federal neglect of regional Australia. The government is hiding behind the cover of an independent review to justify cutting essential frontline services. I call on the Emergency Management Minister to reverse this decision immediately; regional Queenslanders refuse to be treated as second-class citizens.” Supplied by the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox CAPTION: FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP outside Parliament House in Canberra, condemning the Albanese Federal Government's plan to slash scalable disaster recovery funding for regional councils. Photo supplied
Read the full story
"As the final week approaches for public submissions into the Sugar Code of Conduct, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has renewed his calls for growers to unite and make their voices heard. Mr Last said the public submissions for the sunsetting review of the Sugar Code of Conduct should be an opportunity for sugarcane growers from across the Burdekin to outline the benefits of the code for both farmers and the wider community. “Over recent weeks I have taken the liberty of providing a submission on behalf of the community, because ultimately the flow-on impact from changes in our sugar industry stretch beyond the paddock and the mills,” Mr Last said. “I recently met with several grower representatives which provided the opportunity to bring key stakeholders together, reaffirm my support as the Member for Burdekin and emphasise the need to work collaboratively as the review period unfolds.” Mr Last said while it was important stakeholders took the time to make their voices heard during the public submissions there was no better way to understand the impact of the Sugar Code of Conduct than to visit the area and speak directly to representatives. “A decade ago this district played a central role in bringing this code of conduct to fruition so I would expect our stakeholders receive a seat at the table they deserve,” Mr Last said. “If the Federal Labor Government was serious about consulting with the industry, the responsible Assistant Minister would be looking for every opportunity to listen to those who are most impacted by the Sugar Code.” Anyone wishing to have their say in the review can visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugar-code-review"
Read the full story
The Rita Island Progress Association (RIPA) has recently formed to promote a sense of community and good fellowship with the people of Rita Island, a small rural farming area just out of Ayr where they can get cut off from the mainland during floods.
Having good neighbours in those times of need and hardship really makes a difference, so we aim to bring everyone here closer together through social gatherings and fund-raisers that will hopefully help fund a central meeting point and recreational area for the locals of the island and general public.
The association has just completed their first fundraiser, a whopping Easter raffle which was a great success, and wonderful to see a huge response from the Burdekin and surrounding communities in the purchasing of tickets and the many businesses who donated prizes for the cause.
Congratulations to Keith Frew, Michelle Briant and Jay Patterson on their prizes, and we'd like to thank all of the sponsors for their generous donations.
A huge thank you goes to Burdekin Distributors, Braddy's Quality Seafood, William Quirk, Butcher On Queen, Star Liquor, RG Customs NQ, SWERVE Surf & Ski, Kathleen Brabon, 2BU Nutrition, Intersport Ayr, Fuel me up Cafe, About Town Bait and Tackle and Burdekin Printers.
The Association would also like to thank Kylie Horan for organising the raffle and all of the members who spent their time selling tickets.
We can't wait to see what comes next for us and our amazing little community here on Rita Island, thanks again for your support Burdekin!
Supplied by Shantelle Ehmann
Emily Shearman, Jeff Pyott and Shantelle Ehmann of the Rita Island Progress Association
.JPG)
Opinion Piece
Legislation on a new fresh food tax has been introduced in Parliament, a move that Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says will increase the cost of living and hurt families, farmers, and food producers throughout Australia.
Mr Willcox said the Government’s biosecurity protection levy will charge Australian farmers for the biosecurity costs of importers bringing their product to Australia.
“These costs to farmers will inevitably be passed onto the consumer, hurting individuals and families who are already struggling with immense cost of living pressures,” he said.
“Labor is treating Australian farmers with contempt.
“We don’t know which producers are going to be charged, and the Department has said they will formally advise industries on their rate in the coming weeks or months.
“This tax is meant to come into effect as of 1 July 2024, it’s now March.
“Our farmers deserve more warning than this.”
Mr Willcox explained the policy follows a disingenuous consultation process and is expensive, confusing, risky, and flawed, putting the entire voluntary levy system at risk.
“It is expected that it’s not just farmers that are captured under this new tax, but also fishers and foresters,” he said.
“If this is true, we can almost say goodbye to Australia’s world-class fishing industry completely, especially after Labor’s announcement to ban commercial gillnet fishing.
“This could destroy the entire fishing industry in our electorate.
“First the Labor Government want to take away our fishers’ ability to catch fish, they now want these fishos to foot the bill for their international competitors to bring their supply to Australia.
“It just doesn’t make sense.
“I will stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers and fight to get rid of this outrageous tax, after all, without farmers, we all starve.”
Burdekin-based father-daughter fisher duo Neil and Sienna Green recently took to Canberra’s Parliament House to prepare fresh Burdekin-caught barramundi for politicians and press.
The barbecue and press event was hosted by Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association to raise awareness of the impacts of banning net fishing in Queensland on both industry and consumer.
“I invited fishers to Canberra to cook barramundi burgers for politicians and journalists to highlight that the wild-caught variety of this fish – a table favourite around the country, especially on Good Friday and Easter – will be more scarce and more expensive because of this net ban,” said Ms McDonald.
Burdekin fishers Dale Vener, Neil Green and Sienna Green joined Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald to cook Burdekin barramundi in Canberra last week. Photo supplied
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald and Queensland seafood identities have warned that feasts of fresh fish are under threat after the State and Federal Government announced a phase out of gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef.
Ms McDonald has been campaigning against the bans since mid-2023 and invited impacted Queensland fishers to Canberra to discuss the issue last Wednesday, March 27, including Burdekin-based Sienna Green who was recently named the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association’s ‘Young Achiever’ for her work publicising the sustainability of net fishing.
“The Queensland Government – with the full support and encouragement of the Federal Government – has rushed to do the bidding of UNESCO and completely ignored the people involved in the industry, the jobs it provides and the regional communities it supports,” said Ms McDonald.
“This is appalling overreach and it’s not backed by the federal Fisheries Research and Development Corporation which lists all the main net-caught species as sustainable on Queensland’s East Coast.”
According to the Queensland Government, “The use of gillnets is being phased out to better protect the threatened, endangered and iconic species of the Great Barrier Reef in keeping with its world heritage status.
“The phase out is being implemented as part of commercial fishing reforms led by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to support sustainable fishing in Queensland, and is one of the commitments to UNESCO to protect the outstanding universal value of the Reef.”
Sienna’s fisherman father, Neil Green, said banning net fishing was an overreaction that would have severe impacts on fishers, consumers and retailers.
“There is no net fishing anywhere near the Great Barrier Reef, and the creeks, rivers and foreshores that are fished make up just 0.2% of reef waters,” Mr Green explained.
“This leaves 99.8% of the world heritage waters closed to net fishing.
“Barramundi licences in Queensland this year have been reduced from over 90 to 23, robbing consumers, restaurants and retailers of wild-caught barramundi.
“It will potentially deny them the opportunity entirely after mid-2027 when these 23 licences expire.”
Mr Green said the phase out is a warning to other primary producers after UNESCO advised the Federal Government that all food production in reef catchments must be further regulated.
“All primary industries and associated businesses in regional and coastal areas of Queensland need to band together before the government comes after them,” he said.
“We’re calling on the government to reverse this net ban and stand up to UNESCO before this and other important food producing primary industries are sent to the wall.”
Queensland Seafood Industry Association chief executive David Bobbermen said the Queensland Government had ignored fishers’ input and the industry’s moves to reduce impacts on non-target species and improve sustainability.
“There is a lot of science that supports the use of gillnets as one of the most targeted and low carbon emitting fishing methods,” he said.
“Many small regional and remote community economies are struggling, and the loss of net fishing is simply another nail in their coffin.”
Mr Green and Sienna’s partner Dale Vener were two of the 23 to be granted restricted NX licenses earlier this year, allowing them to continue to use gillnets to catch barramundi under strict conditions.
These licenses are due to expire in mid-2027.
L-R Normanton businessman Noel Scott, Burdekin fisher Sienna Green, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, Leader of the Federal National Party David Littleproud, Queensland Seafood Industry Association chief executive David Bobbermen and Burdekin fisher Neil Green. Photo supplied
On Wednesday March 27, PCYC Burdekin had eight students graduate from their current Get for Work Program.
The program is for 15-19 year olds looking for work and have finished their schooling journey.
During the course, the students completed a certificate II in Vocational Pathways and Employment Skills, first aid certificates, RSAs and gained their learner's licence.
The students also participated in a range of actives to enhance their employability including cultural and historical awareness, team building, budgeting and cyber security.
Enquiries for next program are now open.
Contact Rowan Scott if interested on 0448 686 648.
Contributed by Tamara Kemp
L-R Rowan Scott, Jake Post, Jake Richardson, Sharni Cragie, Lilly Scutt, Lincoln Chatfield and Tamara Kemp. Absent: Riley Watson, Thomas McCammon and Zjkya Stockham-Boyd. Photo supplied
Rehoming fee: $450
DOB: 15/03/2022
Sex: Male
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Untested
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft
Don’t be alarmed by the name! Hades is actually a bit shy when you first meet him but it doesn’t take long for him to warm up to you and when he does, he has so much love to give.
Despite his young age Hades is very relaxed and chill but when it comes to play time, he will never stop.
His favourite game is fetch and he will play for as long you are willing to throw the ball.
And when play time is over he loves to show affection by resting with his head in your lap. Hades would love to be someone’s lapdog getting loads of cuddles.
Hades is currently on heartworm treatment.
If you are interested in taking home Hades, Please fill out an animal enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html
At 3.35am on Saturday 9 March, Ayr Police located a vehicle on Robertson Road, Brandon. As a result, a 25yr old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for being in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor, .166. He appeared in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 March.
At 8.40am on Saturday 9 March, Ayr Police were called to the local hospital regarding a male wishing to make an assault. It was alleged he was punched in the face then bitten on his nose by a male associate in Parker Street, Ayr around 2.30am. Ayr Police located a 28yr old man at a residence in Ayr and he was subsequently charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance. He was released on conditional Police bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 April.
At 8.00pm on Thursday 14 March, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Drysdale Street, Ayr. As a result, the driver, a 69yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .072. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 April.
At 12.15am on Thursday 21 March, Ayr Police were called to the intersection of Chippendale and Ross Street, Ayr in relation to a disturbance where it was reported a male person was yelling and hitting road sign and power pole with a mailbox and shovel. Patrols located a 29yr old Burdekin man a short distance away allegedly in possession of a mailbox and he was issued a NTA for going arm in public and is to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 April.
On 22 March, a shop stealing was reported from a local Queen Street business. Subsequent inquiries led Police to an address at Home Hill where a 52yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for one count of shop stealing and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 April.
At 8.00pm on Friday 22 March, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Chippendale Street, Ayr. As a result, the driver, an 18yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .029. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 April.
At 9.00pm on Saturday 23 March, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Railway Street, Ayr. As a result, the driver, an 22yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .052. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 8 April.
Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR
.jpg)
After two successful Big Cigarette Butt Hunts in Cairns, thanks to funding from Queensland Gives, No More Butts is now expanding the events to four new locations including right here in the Burdekin.
No More Butts is taking action against cigarette butts, the single biggest contributor to litter in Australia and around the world, holding its first event in 2022 where more than a dozen volunteers picked up 4,500 butts in just under an hour.
In 2023, 20 volunteers from several different organisations and businesses joined forces to comb the streets of Cairns and, after one hour, had collected a total of 10,350 butts.
The success of this event saw two further events held in December 2023 in partnership with the Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign, Rye, Victoria and Surfers Paradise played host to the groups, who picked up more than 14,000 butts.
“Partnering with councils, businesses, local rangers and other like-minded groups is having a great impact,” said No More Butts Executive Director Mr Shannon Mead.
“Although our ultimate goal is to ban plastic cigarette filters, for now, we need to spend a lot of effort on education and prevention, as well as picking up these toxic nasty plastic parcels.”
Jumping into the “butt mobile” in April, No More Butts founder Mr Mead will travel from Innisfail to Mackay to participate in the four events across two weekends.
Identifying hot spots, based on previous visits and community feedback, Mr Mead is optimistic that others may join him in the hunt for as many butts as possible.
Although some essentials will be on hand, participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves, suncream, a hat and a water bottle.
WHAT: Big Cigarette Butt Hunt
WHEN: Sunday, April 7 from 8:30am to 10:00am
WHERE: Beach Park Road, Ayr
MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/nqldbh24 or scan the QR code below
20 volunteers picked up 10,350 butts in one hour in Cairns. Photo: stock image
Have you ever wanted to learn what it takes to become a radio presenter?
Your chance is fast approaching thanks to Sweet FM and the Burdekin Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Sweet FM will be hosting presenter training later this month aimed at anyone from novice to experienced presenters.
The course will provide the unique opportunity to discover the inner workings of Sweet FM, learn about local radio and a presenter’s legal responsibilities, and gain experience with presenting, producing and using the equipment.
Sweet FM Station Manager Charlie Scuderi said this is the first time Sweet FM has applied and been successful in receiving a RADF grant, funding the opportunity to train new and existing presenters.
“It’s a good opportunity to see how a radio station works,” Mr Scuderi said.
“We’re fortunate to have a district of this size with our own radio station staffed entirely by volunteers.
“If you want to get involved in radio, come along.”
Sweet FM has invited Jason ‘Wolfy’ Wolfgram to present the training.
Wolfy has decades of experience in radio and media and specialises in compiling and delivering media workshops covering all aspects of radio broadcasting including program content, media law, emergency preparedness and interview techniques.
Burdekin Shire Council CEO Terry Brennan said the RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Burdekin Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
“RADF grants are very important to the Burdekin community as evidenced by the Sweet FM project,” he said.
“The application fitted within the guidelines and was considered an important opportunity to provide an upskilling opportunity for the valuable volunteers of Sweet FM.
“Of recent times RADF funds have been provided to projects such as the 2024 Gospel Music Festival, a regional highland dancing workshop, attendance by a junior band member at the Queensland Youth Band Development Camp in Brisbane and the completion of sculpture installation with vinyl cladding of images of pioneers of the district.”
RADF applications are invited in two rounds each year, with the next round to be advertised in April for projects to be undertaken the second half of the year.
Sweet FM’s presenter training is free and open to everyone, not just existing Sweet FM presenters, and there is the opportunity to utilise learnings from the training in an ongoing volunteer presenter role at the station.
Attendees are asked to RSVP to admin@sweetfm.com.au by Wednesday April 10 for catering purposes and notify of any dietary requirements.
Lunch is provided; all you need to bring is something to take notes in.
WHAT: Sweet FM Presenter Training
WHEN: Sunday, April 14 from 8:30am to 4:00pm
WHERE: Sweet FM Studio, 134-136 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill
RSVP: Email admin@sweetfm.com.au by Wednesday April 10
Sweet FM Station Manager Charlie Scuderi
Give and take, back and forth, exchanging energy, you only get out what you put in. However you want to say it, creating a vibrant, healthy, and strong community requires effort from everyone involved.
Our Burdekin community is unique and has its own set of strengths, needs, and challenges that should be considered when developing strategies to address our requirements. To do that, all hands are needed on deck.
We believe in working together to identify our community’s strengths, prioritise community needs, and develop solutions tailored to the Burdekin community. Empowering every community member to actively shape where we live, work, and play creates a better future for ourselves and our families. By working together, we can achieve great things.
We are asking the Burdekin community to put some thought around and feedback to us about:
• What issues are important to you?
• What are your unmet needs?
• What energy do you have to contribute to solutions?
Based on last week’s article, #letsgettalking, we have had several people identify that it would be great if there was some way that our community members from a non-English speaking background could get practice in having conversations to improve their English, share stories, culture and decrease isolation.
We love this idea! Does it interest you, too? Would you like to be part of creating a new social connection?
At the Neighbourhood Centre, we know that people are the bosses of their own lives and that they have the solutions to most of the things happening in those lives. Our role is to provide opportunities for those conversations and support the solutions.
Here is some more food for thought:
• Dementia Friendly Community Activities
• Opportunities for Community Physical Wellness Activities
• How do you? aka Adulting (because – let’s face it – it’s hard!)
There needs to be more than one voice in creating solutions – please reach out to us – we really do listen!
Call in at 40 Chippendale St and have a chat with us!
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council offers interest free loans to not-for-profit sporting, cultural and community organisations that want to upgrade their facilities or purchase specialised equipment.
This policy aims to encourage the social, cultural and sporting development of the Burdekin Shire area by supporting community organisations’ initiatives. The loans are subject to eligibility criteria, repayment terms and a maximum amount set by the Council. Applications can be for projects that create permanent improvements or items considered to be fixed to a structure erected on Council owned or controlled land. This includes structural improvements of a fixed nature.
Applications can be for projects to purchase large items of specialised plant or requipment to a value greater than $20,000, such as tractor, mowers and the like, to be used for the purpose of enhancing the activity of the sporting/cultural/community organisations.
If you are interested in applying for an interest free loan, you can find more information on Council's website, burdekin.qld.gov.au.
.jpg)
On Tuesday, March 26, St Colman's Catholic School held their Easter Hat Parade and were joined by Home Hill Community Kindy.
There were so many fabulous hats created by the students of all ages and we thank our families for coming along and supporting the children.
Winners were selected from each class and the judges said it was such a hard task trying to pick a winner.
Contributed by St Colman's Catholic School
Students from St Colman's Catholic School and Home Hill Community Kindy took part in an Easter Hat Parade. Photos supplied
Elders has been announced as Australia’s Most Trusted Agribusiness Brand in Roy Morgan’s inaugural Trusted Agribusiness Brand Awards following an exceptional year garnering high levels of trust, and exceedingly low, or negligible, levels of distrust.
50 brands were measured as part of the study involving surveys with over 1,000 Australian farmers, with Elders claiming the top spot in the Agribusiness Products and Services category and the ‘Best of the Best’ Most Trusted Agribusiness Brand for 2023.
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said Elders’ success can be attributed to five factors: strong customer relationships, good customer service, experienced and knowledgeable staff, long-standing presence, and reliable products and services.
“While its historic roots are in agriculture, today Elders’ diverse business operations cover rural services, real estate, insurance and much more,” Mr Levine said.
“For 185 years Elders has been embedded in the fabric of Australian agriculture and played a key role in rural and regional communities by employing local people and servicing local farming families.”
Farmers interviewed in the study, praised Elders, saying, “Any dealings I have had with them were completed efficiently and in a straightforward manner,” and, “Comprehensive insurance and banking services underpinned by local support.”
The Awards recognised the outstanding levels of trust built up by eight brands across a range of different industries and services including Animal Health, Agribusiness Banks, Chemicals and Fertilisers, Farmers Co-op, Grain Companies, Industry Groups, Stock Feed, and Agribusiness Products and Services generalists.
“When customers trust a brand, they continue buying its products or services, they recommend it to others and remain loyal to the brand,” Me Levine said.
“So trust is the underpinning foundation of brand reputation.
“This is especially important in the farming and agribusiness industries where building and maintaining trust is a key pathway to developing business and personal relationships within this competitive sector.”
.jpg)
While you may not have had the pleasure of meeting her personally, you have most definitely seen her amazing work showcased within the pages of our Burdekin Life and Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspapers.
Lara Moss is one of two graphics designers on our team and while she has only been on board with us since late last September, she is a remarkable asset to the team and is amazing at what she does whilst bringing a cheerful and vibrant personality to the role.
Whilst Lara was born in Townsville, she grew up in the serene surroundings of the Whitsundays her whole life and after spending eighteen years of living in the pristine, laid-back atmosphere of the region, she still admires the beautiful community and unique balance, where it’s not too crowded like a city but not too rural either.
“It’s a happy medium,” as Lara would describe.
Lara attended Proserpine High School and after having a passion for working in the art field, her school recommended her when Mackay and Whitsunday Life were advertising for a designer last year.
Lara expresses gratitude for the way things fell into place, leading her to her current position in graphic design.
“Things just kind of fell into place and I’m very grateful for that,” she said.
She now crafts captivating article layouts as well as eye-catching designs for both advertisements and general publications. With a keen eye for innovation, Lara is always on the lookout for fresh, intricate ideas to elevate our publication to new heights.
Green and purple are her top favourite colours and as an Aquarius, she embodies qualities of creativity and independence, which shine through in both her professional and personal pursuits. She doesn’t necessarily live by a particular quote as she claims that she doesn’t find them to be too sentimental but in her free time, she enjoys doing all things artsy, playing with her adorable and much-loved dog Rosie or listening to alternative, heavy metal rock music.
Lara brings an array of skills to the team and is a valued employee within the walls of Burdekin Life and Mackay and Whitsunday Life.
Primary producers in the Burdekin have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at a series of Rabo Client Council workshops.
The workshops are designed to help provide the financial skills essential to managing an agricultural enterprise and will provide farmers with an opportunity to both upskill and network.
The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council, a group of the bank’s farming clients who volunteer their time implementing programs that contribute to the sustainability of rural and regional communities.
Offered free of charge to participants, the interactive workshops provide practical, hands-on advice for understanding financial statements and banking requirements and explore topics such as taxation versus management accounting, essential business management ratios and understanding key components of a business’s financial profile.
Northern Queensland & Northern Territory Rabo Client Council member and Mackay-based accountant, Tony Olsen said “financial skills are important for our producers and the next generation of producers.
“Many of our next-generation farmers may be highly educated, or have extensive on-farm experience, but understanding financial reporting and banking requirements is often foreign to them which is why these workshops are so valuable,” he said.
Mr Olsen said the workshop content would consider cash flow implications of a variety of enterprises and there will also be a focus on preparing annual cash flow budgets.
He said the content had been specifically tailored for the workshop locations – focusing on beef and sugar enterprises at Mackay and sugar and horticulture operations for Ayr.
“The workshops have been designed so couples and family members can attend together – it is a really valuable opportunity to get away from the farm for the day to take in the same information and develop an understanding of financial reporting together,” he said.
The workshops, limited to 30 participants each, are not restricted to the bank’s clients and will be presented by director of Hudson Facilitation, Tony Hudson.
The workshop will be held in the Burdekin Theatre Loft, Ayr, on Wednesday, April 10 from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
To register to participate, visit rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/financial-skills-workshops/registration/Site/Register.
Morning tea and lunch catering will be provided.
Northern Queensland & Northern Territory Rabo Client Council member Tony Olsen
With cane supply agreements underway across the state, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) continues to fulfil its promises made to the industry and its members.
QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said Cane Supply Agreement negotiations are well underway in the Herbert, while in the Mackay region, negotiations are nearing full completion as QCAR strives to achieve innovative outcomes for its members across the state.
“We are satisfied that we have been able to achieve the desires of our membership as specifically requested by them to us,” Mr Spyrou said.
“We’re feeling quite comfortable that we’ve made some very significant progressive steps and that is very indicative of how a commercial negotiation should take place.”
QCAR has also been approached and chartered by individuals to commence cane supply agreement negotiations in the Plane Creek and Proserpine regions.
Mr Spyrou said QCAR ensures to engage in negotiations in accordance with the requirements of the Sugar Industry Act and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
“Each grower and miller must engage in a Cane Supply Agreement in order to be compliant with the Sugar Industry Act with regards to the supply of sugar cane to a factory,” he explained.
“The sugarcane industry is quite unique in the regard that the Parties are compelled to have a Cane Supply Agreement in place prior to any supply and receival of sugarcane to avoid contravention of the Sugar Industry Act.
“Our role is to prepare, negotiate, draft, review and provide aftercare services throughout the negotiation and term of the Agreement.”
The ongoing negotiations are yet another example of QCAR’s commitment to advocacy for growers across the state.
Meanwhile, Mr Spyrou said he is impressed with QCAR’s Burdekin members who have embraced the organisation’s growth to include farmers from across Queensland.
“Our Burdekin members have allowed this growth to happen by welcoming others with open arms and allowing us to expand resources and spread our time and efforts across multiple regions,” he said.
“That’s a true testament to the Burdekin farmers in this organisation.
“We are a progressive organisation with a very progressive board who are consciously making positive and continual restructures as the evolution of QCAR continues.”
Examples Of QCAR’s Commitment To Ongoing Growth And Support For Queensland Cane Farmers
• Establishing representation across the state of Queensland
• Changing the organisation’s name to Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables to reflect a statewide focus
• Continual collaboration with likeminded and progressive thinking organisations
• Establishing an office and personnel in the Herbert with Senior Agricultural Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella alongside Administration Officer Anna Di Bella driving membership in the region
• The negotiation of cane supply agreements in the Mackay region
• Growing in the Mackay region with the establishment of an office and the hiring of a Central Queensland District Manager
• Assisting members mainly across the Herbert and Burdekin who have been audited by DES (The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)
• Developing a harvest/haulout drivers course with HR license compliance across Herbert and Burdekin regions and facilitation of multiple in-house Driver Pilot/Escort Accreditation Courses
• Supporting and advocating for members with regards to harvest grouping applications, siding access issues and potential capital works for infrastructure upgrades
• Engaging with incumbent sugarcane millers as well as emerging companies such as JetZero and the like working towards QCAR being the preferred underlying sugarcane provider for the raw feedstock required for Sustainable Aviation Fuel plants and other green energy project initiatives which support QCAR’s Circular Bio Economy strategy
• Working with agronomy businesses to assist farmers and members manage their cost of production through input cost procurement programs
• Writing comprehensive submissions and participation in various government and non-government hearings to a suite of critical matters directly impacting members
• Developing Nutrient Management Plans and aftercare assistance to QCAR’s entire membership through Senior Agricultural Technical Officer, Mr Lawrence Di Bella
• And the list goes on!
Pictured is QCAR’s very humble and down to earth CEO hard at work behind the scenes at QCAR Central
QCAR have erected billboards throughout north Queensland
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
