At 12pm, Tuesday February 13, nominations closed for the upcoming Local Government Election with two mayoral candidates formally confirmed and 13 other candidates vying for six positions on the Burdekin Shire Council.

Pierina Dalle Cort and Lyn McLaughlin have both announced their Mayoral candidacy and will both share their vision in next week’s edition of Burdekin Life.

Meanwhile, the names of 13 candidates were drawn at random on Wednesday February 14, the order of the draw deciding how the candidates will appear on the ballot paper on March 16 election day.

There were also 13 candidates in the 2020 Local Government Election while over 20 people ran for Council in 2016.

Three councillor candidates, Michael Detenon, Max Musumeci and John Furnell, are running for a consecutive term while two councillors, Llewelyn Davies and Mark Haynes, have previously served as councillors of the Burdekin Shire Council.

Councillor candidates represent the far reaches of the Burdekin, with candidates from Ayr, Home Hill, Brandon, Clare, Giru and Alva putting their hands up.

The local government election is due to take place on March 16, with early voting to open from March 4 at the Burdekin Sports Club Hall, 142 Wickham Street, Ayr.

To kick things off, Burdekin Life has introduced a Meet the Candidates feature this week and asked each person the following questions:

   1. Who are you and what do you think qualifies you for the role?

   2. If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?

   3. What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

   4. Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

Read on to hear from your councillor candidates in no particular order and grab next week’s edition of Burdekin Life to hear from your mayoral candidates.

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Mayoral Candidates

   • Pierina Dalle Cort

   • Lyn McLaughlin

Councillor Candidates

   • Amanda Hall

   • Michael Detenon

   • Scott Worlein

   • Michael Fraser

   • Jayson O’Keeffe

   • Delfine Marisa Vasta (Fina)

   • Llewelyn Davies

   • Max Musumeci

   • Michael Backo

   • Mark Haynes

   • John Furnell

   • Warren Francis

   • Callan Oar

(Candidates listed in the order they will appear on the ballot paper)‍

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Meet The Candidates

Mayoral and council candidates have been invited to the following community forums:

   • Ayr – Tuesday, February 20 at the Kalamia Hotel from 6:00pm (hosted by Burdekin Chamber)

   • Home Hill – Wednesday, February 21 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club Inc from 5:30pm (hosted by the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce)

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My wife and I have been involved in two successful businesses, “L Js Pizza Inn” for five years and “Burdekin Swim School” for thirty years. I’ve been involved in many local volunteer organisations in various capacities. Whilst in the Burdekin I have worked in Public Service as a Paramedic for over twenty years and a Registered Nurse. The mix of private enterprise and public service employment helps me understand the pros and cons of both in the local council arena.      

‘Burdekin Safe’– I want people to feel safe in the community, to have community look after community by giving a ‘hand up’ when required. The recent cyclone, Kirrily, demonstrated how community can work together and help their neighbour. Three challenges of community are safety, housing and cost of living which confront governments at all levels. The challenge for me is to work at a local level daily to see what is achievable and work with other tiers of government.

I believe people want a community they can be proud of and enhances community liveability. I believe they want someone who is community focussed.  I believe people want the basics that council provide done well ie roads, rubbish, drainage, recreation, culture  etc. The challenge for me is to work each day on continual improvement to be a better representative for the people of the Burdekin, listen, ask the hard questions and seek advice when needed to make a fair decision.

If elected I will “reassess” ie where I was in 2020, what I have learnt in the last four years at local Council and what can I do better in the next four years. I really don’t look at the first 100 days, I look at each day. I believe in the current ‘strategic planning’ ie having a worthy project, planning and designing, funding and implementing. You may only have ‘one shot’ at getting it right and it needs to benefit the whole shire.

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All my life I have lived and breathed Burdekin. Not only as a former Councillor, but I have also been a business owner, an employee in various industries and had extensive involvement with clubs and associations within the Burdekin region. I have worked across all aspects of industry across the Burdekin. Initially I was a business owner working for the family business in Home Hill and Ayr until going to the mines for 10 years where I worked with Leightons Contractors. 

One of the main issues I would like to address is our local Council’s requirement to utilise funds and resources provided by the Burdekin people to fund and carry out legislation that has been passed down from State and Federal Government.  In particular, I see a lot of red tape, planning and development in the environmental section, that is not only costing our community but also exhausting our local government funding to ensure these legislations are adhered to.  

I believe that one of the important issues for Burdekin residents at the moment is our ever-increasing annual rate charge for property owners. Whilst rate rises are not avoidable in the long term, I would ensure any future rises are proven valid and are attainable for the people of the Burdekin.  

If elected, my first 100 days in council would be to assess the inherited budget adopted by our previous Council and begin preparation by reviewing the upcoming projects and their associated costs. I want to make sure that robust debate is carried out on all areas of discussion before a decision is made to ensure that the best possible outcome of every decision, is the best possible outcome for our community.  It is essential that councillors not be seen as an ornamental cog in the wheel of bureaucracy. 

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I am 58 years old and have lived in the Burdekin since I was three. Together with my partner Jill, we have four adult children and two beautiful grandchildren. I have worked in the Disability Employment sector for over 20 years and am currently CEO of NQ Employment. I secured the Containers for Change contract through NQ Green Solutions to bring a recycling facility to this area. I previously served on local Council for eight years, being Deputy Mayor for four years.

Youth crime is out of control across the region. As I have been a victim of youth crime in the Burdekin I would urge local Council to actively work together with State and Federal levels of government as well as local law enforcement officers and community service providers to help stop the youth crime rate.  

People want to feel safe in their own homes and be able to put food on the table for their family.

They want to review Council operations and identify unnecessary expenditure and put these funds to better use. Look at funding opportunities to run security patrols and perhaps subsidised security devices.

Review the current council’s Strategic Plan and budget. Identify any changes that need to be made.  Listen to the people of the Burdekin and take their voice back to Council.

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I’m a local bloke that wants the best for the community. 

There is a lot of issues that residents want addressed. Until a person is elected and understands how the systems work then a person can’t make changes. It’s no good beating a drum if you aren’t sure you can change anything. 

Straight and simple they want transparency on the decision that is being made for their community. 

The first 100 days will be understanding the workings of being a Councillor and listening to what the residents want.

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Having just completed my first term of council, I still believe I have the qualities necessary to carry out the role of Councillor. I have been farming now for 30 years and in that time, I have worn many hats. These include Real Estate, mining, property development and even a lawn mowing business. I have been a member of the local Community bank board for 10 years now. All these experiences have given me the tools I need to make valid inputs in the council.

Having started the expansion of the Ayr industrial estate in 2023, the next project I would like to see is some industrial land in or south of Home Hill opened up. There are some very successful businesses on the south side of the river and finding them somewhere to grow would be fantastic. Such land is hard to find but it would be fantastic. 

I see the cost-of-living crisis impacting everyone at the moment. Trying to minimise any rate rises is something I have been pushing for and voted against in my term. CPI has impacted everyone and everything including Council operations. However, I believe we can help at a Council level and I will continue to push for this.

The first 100 days will see successful Councillors hit the ground running. It's budget time this time of year at Council and it is a lot of information to take in for anyone. I remember my first day four years ago thinking "you are a long way from the farm now mate!"

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I am an Indigenous Juru South Sea Island man. I have lived in the Burdekin all my life and have worked in the local sugar industry for 20 years and am currently a Union Delegate. I negotiate on a regular basis to make sure that my fellow workers have a safe work environment and are given fair work opportunities within the Industry. I want to contribute to the futures of our next generations.  

I would like to be involved in creating activities for the young people of our community to recognise and develop their skills and allow them to be involved in projects such as protecting and maintaining our estuary and river systems and maintaining the wetlands. I would engage with government agencies and local sugar cane farmers. I would like to be involved with renewable projects that would assist the community with the cost of their energy bills such as solar, hydrogen and battery power.  

Right now I believe that people want to be heard about their day to day issues. I want to sit down face to face with people and listen to what they would like me to raise and help them achieve an outcome that is in the best interest for everybody within the community. I am very aware that people are frustrated with not being able to be heard about issues and that desperately needs to change.

In the first 100 days I will be engaging with all aspects of the community such as rate payers, business owners, community organisations, schools, government agencies, Indigenous Elders and farming organisations to listen to their concerns so that I am able to have an understanding of their expectations. I would like to be able to assess what the Council have been working on and achieved in this last term. I want to be able to report back to the community on a regular basis.

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I am proudly a born and raised Burdekin boy. I've never had intentions to leave and want to continue to contribute to make this a great place to live. I am a local business owner who has been actively involved in the community throughout my life and am now vying for my second term in council to continue to do what I can to help the residents of our great shire. 

I am very passionate and excited about the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion and hope to see it through to completion. Attracting new industries is an integral way to grow our shire generating new jobs and in turn bringing new residents to the Burdekin which has so much to offer for families. Local and national companies, both small and large are looking to expand and I think if we have the suitable land ready to go, the Burdekin will be a great pick.

I believe there has been some great new projects completed over the last few terms of Council and the shire is currently in a good state. With the cost of living rising and people feeling this, I think keeping costs as low as possible is the resident’s main concern. I believe we need to look at just maintaining what we’ve got and keeping our costs as low as possible. 

If I am elected again by the Burdekin community as a representative, It would be business as usual for me with the Council currently approaching budget. This is where I will advocate the ideas above, focusing on trying my best to keep costs as low as possible whilst maintaining the great facilities our shire offers. Whilst I can't promise anything as I am only one representative, I will endeavour to keep our shire growing, continuing to advocate for my community.

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I am a born and bred Burdekin resident who wants our strong community to continue to prosper well into the future. As a current business owner and former sugar industry contractor I have a diverse background and understanding of what drives the Burdekin. I’m prepared to listen to our community and share their ideas and insights.

I would be supportive of any project that helps retain our young families here in the Burdekin and encourages new residents to our shire. Projects that provide enhanced liveability to all residents also help to drive our economy, so are beneficial across the wider sector.

Unfortunately, what most people want currently is greater security and less juvenile crime and this is an area that Local Government has little control of. I would however be supportive of any State Government initiatives that may assist to improve the current situation and restore faith in our justice system.

I imagine the first few months will involve numerous training workshops and plenty of information to understand the processes required within Local Government. This time will enable me to absorb much of what Burdekin Shire Council has planned moving forward and how I am able to contribute and add value over the following four years.

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Three Burdekin youth have been arrested and charged for an alleged stolen vehicle incident in Ayr last Friday morning, February 9.

Police officers were called to a fuel state along Edwards Street, just after 9am, following reports of a stolen car sighting.

Upon police arrival, it will be alleged the Holden Commodore attempted to leave the scene before crashing into a nearby concrete curb and fence.

It will be further alleged the driver tried to leave the scene on foot but was arrested after a brief altercation with police.

Two other people, who were allegedly inside the vehicle at the time, were taken into police custody at the scene.

The Commodore was reported stolen from a Kilrie Road property in Jarvisfield at 3pm on February 8.

A 21-year-old Ayr man has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of motor vehicle, wilful damage, serious assault police officer, driving unlicenced, possess dangerous drugs, possess utensils or pipes, possess property suspected of having been used in drug offence, and stealing.

A 26-year-old Ayr woman has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, obstruct police, fraud relating to a fuel drive off, and possess dangerous drugs.

A 17-year-old Ayr boy has been charged with 20 offences, including 14 counts of enter premises and commit, three counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle, and one count each of stealing, serious assault police officer, and attempted unlawful use of motor vehicle.

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Screenshots of the Police footage of the arrest of the Ayr man. Video supplied

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I was a Police Officer for 37 years and a Search and Rescue specialist. I am the current Local Controller for the Burdekin SES and a core member of the Local Disaster Management Group. As the Disaster Management Officer with Burdekin Shire Council, I am familiar with the daily operations of Council. I am a long-time Emergency Service volunteer and have a passion for assisting the community through training, boat-safe awareness, and in times of need.

Ex-TC Cyclone Kirrily presented some challenges to the community and showed a great community spirit in the way people prepared themselves and their homes for the severe weather event. I witnessed many people assisting friends, neighbours, and relatives to prepare also. I would like to enhance what I witnessed. I would like to progress some community engagement events in an effort to give people more knowledge, skills and ability to improve their resilience in times of severe weather events.

Most community members want transparency, honesty and hard-work from the Councillors to address their issues and concerns. I will strive to be open and accessible to listen to the community. I won’t use jargon to mislead or confuse and will take the time to ensure people understand me and I understand them. If asked a question I will give a forthright reply within the limitations of my position.

Boots on the ground, I will get out amongst the community and listen to people’s concerns and priorities. I will discuss community concerns and expectations with Council and find common ground to work together. I will Give feedback to community, get to know my fellow councillors, share your goals and listen to their feedback while understanding their goals as well. I aim to work as part of a cohesive team to address community concerns and will review my actions and adjust where necessary to achieve my goals.

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Burdekin Shire residents have first-hand experience of living through natural disasters. They also know all too well the importance of good communication during difficult times.

With yet another cyclone threat earlier this month when Kirrily whirled in from the coast, the memories of devastating Cyclone Debbie remain etched in the minds of many.

That’s why local media are supporting an initiative to improve communication between emergency responders and communities in times of disaster.

Burdekin Aware and Prepared is a new innovative partnership between local media and natural hazards experts, which encourages residents to share their experiences of communication awareness-building about natural hazard events.

There will be a community town hall on Saturday February 24, and residents are being urged to join in.

This research project is funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and delivered in partnership with a team of researchers at Deakin University.

“Our research team wants to know how community members receive information before, during, and after natural hazards - and what could be improved,” says the project’s lead researcher, Dr Gabi Mocatta.

“People in the Burdekin Shire are generally well prepared, so we want to find out what the rest of Austalia can learn from them.

“We want to know, for example, how good communication can save lives and property, and where it has helped bring people together.

“We also want to know where there are gaps in education, communication and awareness about natural hazard events.”

Cyclone Debbie –  a category 4 cyclone – crossed the north Queensland coast in 2017 and was the most expensive in Queensland’s history, affecting at least 63,000 properties. The storm resulted in high winds (up to 263 km), heavy rain and flooding. In the wake of Debbie, Burdekin Shire has experienced flooding most summers, including a major rain event in January 2020 that closed the Bruce Highway.

Unfortunately, compound natural hazards – where hazards occur in quick sucession or at the same time – are becoming increasingly common in Australia. Communication and awareness initiatives are key to preparation for future events.

“We are hoping that community members will join in the discussion and help us understand what works well for communicating naural hazards in North Queensland, and what the rest of the country might be able to learn,” says Dr Mocatta.

WHAT: Burdekin Aware and Prepared Community Forum

WHERE: PCYC Burdekin

WHEN: Saturday February 24 from 2:30-4:30pm

To participate in the forum, please sign up here: https://bit.ly/4bjnCIQ

Any questions can be sent to: gabi.mocatta@deakin.edu.au

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Caption: Recent Burdekin River flooding. Photo supplied

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Rehoming fee: $450

DOB: 23/07/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Bull Arab Cross Cattle Dog

Kid Friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Yes

Other Dogs: Yes

Fences: 5 feet

This active little puppy is looking for her forever home, is always up for a cuddle and a play with her furry friends.

While Pickles is still a keen learner for basic commands, she's a quick learner and loves being rewarded.

Pickles loves splashing in water and will always chase after her ball. Pickles particularly enjoys going on long walks and going on fun and exciting adventures with her human.

Currently living with a cat in her foster home, Pickles will seamlessly transition into a home with cats.

Pickles is available for adoption, is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations, is flea, tick, and intestinal worm treated, and is on heartworm preventative.

To schedule a meet and greet, complete and submit an animal enquiry form: at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Approaching its 4th year of running in the Burdekin, Deni Caspanello’s 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia continues to inspire, educate, and bring the community together, raising much needed funds for the Leukemia Foundation. The 2023 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia, like previous years, was another amazing event raising over $7,600 to fund cancer research, treatments, and clinical trial access.

The event was established in 2021, following Deni Caspanello’s diagnosis with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2020. Deni’s diagnosis was treated under the provisions of a recent clinical trial, running on a 4 – 21-day cycle, as opposed to an 8 – 21-day cycle, and unlike traditional methods, her treatment did not conclude with radiation. Producing an overwhelmingly positive outcome for Deni and her loved ones, she worked to create a fundraising event to provide other cancer patients with the same opportunities.

“The money people are donating is working and helping cancer patients like me hear the words complete metabolic response so much quicker and eliminate all other symptoms that arise from radiation and prolonged chemo,” Deni explained.

With another swim event coming to the Burdekin in March of 2025, Deni expressed she continues to be blown away with the community’s support and she’s beyond grateful.

“The interest and support of the community has been phenomenal,” expressed Deni.

“Phenomenal is a word my Doctor, Dr Morris used my entire treatment as everything went to plan for me, and I was extremely lucky.”

Deni and her family would like to express immense gratitude to all the event’s sponsors; McCathies Furniture Plus, WA&KT Farming, Wilmar, Burdekin Car Wash, Home Hill News agency, Tamara Michellin Hair Dressing, Liessmann & Sons, Guardian Pharmacy, Burdekin Snap Fitness, Brett Butler PT, The Shed NQ, Complete Health Pharmacy, Burdekin Torpedoes, Burdekin Tiles & Bathroom, Home Hill Swimming Pool, Home Hill Bakery, Blinds 2U, KMF Crafts, Nutrien, Home Hill & Lions Committee, Queens Hotel, Homewares & Styles, FirstIn Physio Pty,  Don West Toyota, Ellen Marie, Bare + Bird Distillery, Northen Energy Electrical Solutions, Laser Electrical, The Prawn Shop Home Hill, The Crown Hotel, and Blissful Baking.

“All local businesses, musicians, schools, and locals have been amazing and have donated so much to help me raise as much as I can for blood cancer research.”

Preparations are underway for the 2025 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia. With a date yet to be announced, the community can expect another amazing, record-breaking fundraising event in the month of March 2025.

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With many competitions throughout the 12-hour event, Deni would like to congratulate the following winners.

Social: Bob Gould’s Tropical Popsicles with a total lap count of 629.

Competitive: Two time champions, GO H2O with a total lap count of 753.

Spirit: Home Hill High Crushers.

Dash for Cash U18: Chloe Hook and Cruz Torkinton.

Dash for Cash 18+: Stephanie Prizeman and Logan Flannagan.

Dash for Cash 35+: Michelle Scott, and Laurie Crooks.

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The winning team GO H2O: Kristy, Briella, Glenn and Emilee Wassmuth, Michelle Scott, Laurie Crooks, Owen and Logan Flanagan and Dylan Carew. Photo supplied

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BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.

Waste Not Want Not – Coles SecondBite Program

BCA partners with Coles Ayr and SecondBite to provide people in need with access to nutritious food free of charge. The service is available from the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, Monday to Friday from 9am until stock is gone daily.

Please visit or contact us at The Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au W: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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