With a wealth of experience exceeding 45 years collectively, the team of John, Kylie, Cassandra, Kathryn and Louise, Elders Insurance Ayr are committed to delivering tailored insurance advice backed by personal service to local communities across Northern Queensland.

Elders Insurance Ayr are known for their support of local farmers, businesses, and the community, which John attributes to the team’s longstanding local history.

“We don’t just work here; we call this place home. With a heritage spanning well over a century, Elders Insurance Ayr has been a consistent, trusted partner, assisting local individuals and businesses with their insurance needs.”

With an extensive network of insurance specialists stationed across more than 200 locations in rural, regional, and metropolitan Australia, John underlines the value of local expertise through Elders Insurance.

"When you engage with Elders Insurance Ayr, you can be confident that you are dealing with a team deeply rooted in your community," John states.

"Our local team are well-versed in current market conditions and genuinely care about the well-being of our community. It's reassuring to have someone in your corner who understands your situation and works with you to devise the best solutions."

Elders Insurance boasts a proud history of supporting rural communities, recognising the unique nature of every farm, business, and home, supporting the diverse requirements of our customers. This is why our insurance products are flexible, designed to accommodate a wide range of circumstances and risks.

“Working with your local experts will prove invaluable, as our team invests the time to understand your individual needs, ensuring that you have the right coverage and safeguards in place.

“If you ever need to file a claim, you’ll deal with the same local team, providing personalised support throughout the process. You can trust that our team will do their best to secure the best possible outcome for you.”

Whether you require coverage for your farm, home, business, car or machinery we strongly advise seeking professional guidance. Elders Insurance Ayr collaborate closely with our clients to tailor coverage that aligns with your precise needs.

Contact your local Elders Insurance office today at 07 4790 2600 or visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au.

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Kylie and Cassandra of Elders Insurance Ayr

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Whitsunday Auto Group have a Christmas treat for our region, boasting plenty of stock of the 2023 Car of the Year.

Named by Carsales.com.au, the MG4 took out the top spot last week, highlighting the new vehicle for its safety, speed, practical economics, and its unbeatable price point.

Now what makes the MG4 stand apart from the rest?

The MG4 is MG’s first completely electric performance machine, with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating it is extremely reliable with a sleek European design and superior engineering precision.

With a range of seven colours available for all four variants, there is something for everyone.

“This is a powerful machine,” Gary Brenchley, Principal of Whitsunday Auto Group said.

“It can go from zero to 100 kilometres in seconds.”

Being completely electric driven, the MG4 is better suited to the regions where petrol remains costly.

“You can get an entire charge on the MG4 for a maximum of $17 on Grid Charge, and with fast charging at $42 it takes almost no time to get on the road,” Gary explained.

“You can get to Mackay and back on one charge and costing only $17, you can’t beat that!”

With a lower centre of gravity, impressive 50:50 weight distribution, and cutting-edge technology, the MG4 is perfectly equipped for country roads as well as residential city streets, being able to transition seamlessly to any terrain you throw at it.

Director of Content and Editor in Chief of Carsales, Mike Sinclair said, “In terms of assessment, the MG4 successfully fulfils our testing criteria – safety, practicality, and presentation, innovation, and technology, driving performance and cost of new ownership – but more importantly, it’s just a really good car. That its price tag puts new EV ownership within reach of more people is worthy of praise in itself, but the fact that the car is truly engaging and genuinely enjoyable to drive is the MG4’s real achievement.”

And don’t miss the sleek and luxurious interior, with comfortable and ergonomic seating, powerful air conditioning, completely and extensive entertainment system, with CarPlay and keyless start and electric parking brake.

Whitsunday Auto Group is offering comprehensive finance and insurance options, extensive vehicle servicing and hands-on support, you can drive away with this machine in moments, in the colour of your choosing, at a price you can’t beat.

For the base model variant of the MG4, you are looking at $41,165 drive away, with other variants upping the comfort with a wireless phone charger in the centre console, steering wheel heating, 360 degree camera, and two level boot floor.

The MG4 will be available to test drive, from their Bowen Dealership, and in Cannonvale, with the MG4 taking host in Whitsunday Plaza from today till Monday.

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MG4 has been crowned 2023 Car of the Year. Image supplied

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Not surprisingly we spend a lot of time analysing and talking about the sugar market fundamentals. How

is the crush going in Brazil? What is the status of the monsoon in India? Where is ethanol parity? What is

the premium of white sugar over raw?

All this type of analysis, across a range of participants from around the globe, is concentrated into the

ICE #11 sugar contract which forms the basis of price determination for global trade. This price is quoted

in US cents per pound. For Australian cane growers, we convert this back to AUD tonnes of sugar for

pricing purposes, using the AUD/USD exchange rate.

The meteoric rise in prices this year has been a combination of a high #11 price on tight global sugar

supplies, but also a weak AUD relative to the USD. Determining the direction and factors that drive the

short and long term movements in the AUD is an inexact science. Nevertheless significant financial

resources are dedicated to forecasting where the AUD will be trading in the next day, week or year.

There are some fundamental factors that will correlate with movements. A significant factor that has

contributed to the weak AUD has been the relative level of interest rates between Australia and the US.

AUD rates are lower than US which means less demand for AUD from global investors and a weaker

AUD.

The surprise softening of the US inflation numbers recently caused a 1.5c jump in the AUD. This reaction

was based on the revised expectation that the next movement in US interest rates will be down and

potentially more demand for AUD relative to USD.

As a large trading nation, our currency is often linked to the movements in commodity prices. While

agricultural products are an important export earner, it is coal and iron ore that dominant export income

and provide the basis for buying AUD against USD export receipts. If commodity prices are expected to

strengthen this will support a higher AUD.

Then there are the less specific factors that cause the AUD to move. These are more sentiment driven

market factors. When a war breaks out there is usually a flight of global investment to the USD as a safe

haven currency. If there is an expected stimulus package from China the AUD will tend to rally as this will

be good for commodity prices.

From the attached chart we can see the AUD has been trading below 65 cents for some time which has

significantly helped Australian sugar prices. If the US rate tightening cycle is over and Australia’s isn’t; if

we see a continued strength in steel and energy prices; if China announces a significant stimulus

package, then we could see the AUD significantly higher. Lots of “ifs”, but something to keep an eye on

for Australian sugar prices.

If you’d like to know more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437

669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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A third-year mechanical engineering student who grew up in the Burdekin has been awarded a new scholarship with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.

20-year-old Tyler Corlis said he was honoured to receive the Undergraduate Engineering Scholarship, worth $10,000, which includes paid work placements with Wilmar Sugar and a direct application pathway into the company’s Graduate Program.

The scholarship was open to James Cook University Bachelor of Engineering students who were on track to complete their degree in 2024.

Head of Sugar and Renewables Shayne Rutherford congratulated Tyler on winning the scholarship and said he hoped it provided valuable financial and vocational support in Tyler’s final year of study.

“As someone who also received a scholarship while at university, I know how much weight it takes off your shoulders, especially in your final year when you’re doing your thesis,” Mr Rutherford said.

“We’ve designed this scholarship to not only give students financial support, but also access to real-world engineering experience in one of Queensland’s most important industries.”

Tyler will complete two paid work placements at Wilmar mills as part of the scholarship.

He has already spent some time at Macknade Mill in the Herbert region, having started work on his thesis under the supervision of Manager Design Engineering, Paul Britton, and two university lecturers.

“My thesis involves the computational simulation of fitting tapered keys into large mill gears to improve the fitting process,” Tyler said.

“My goal is to develop a more accurate procedure for fitting the keys and, hopefully, improve the reliability of mill gearing.”

Tyler said the scholarship would definitely take some pressure off during his final year at university.

“The financial support means I’ll have more time during the year to learn and study for exams so I’ll take more away from uni.

“I’ll also be able to get involved in some meaningful project work at Wilmar sites.”

Tyler said he was keen to forge a career in the sugar manufacturing sector.

“I’ve always been around the sugar industry and find sugar mills really interesting,” he said.

“There are a lot of different aspects in a mill, so much that goes on and so many different machines.”

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Head of Sugar and Renewables Shayne Rutherford presents Tyler Corlis with his Undergraduate Engineering Scholarship certificate. Photo supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling for an investigation into supermarket meat sale prices from Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.

Mr Willcox said Treasurer Chalmers and Minister Watt must urgently direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to hold a price inquiry.

“According to Meat and Livestock Australia, some sheep and lamb categories have fallen by up to 70 per cent in the saleyards in the last 12 months,” Mr Willcox said.

“Lamb prices have drastically reduced and cattle prices have fallen by about 60 per cent. Yet families at the supermarkets in Dawson have barely noticed a difference in prices.”

Dawson supermarkets are charging an average of $28 per kilo for rump steak, $24 per kilo for beef rump roast and $15 for a kilo of lean beef mince while a farmer’s payment for cattle (eastern young cattle indicator) has fallen from $10.21 per kilo to just $3.65 per kilo over the past 12 months.

Mr Willcox said a competition taskforce recently established by the Australian Government to conduct a review of competition policy settings over a two-year period failed to provide the urgent response that families and farmers required.

“This is impacting family budgets in Dawson right now,” he said.

“It needs an urgent response because families and farmers can’t afford to wait potentially two years for answers.”

Mr Willcox said unlike a review, the ACCC would also have greater power to act.

“Many families are struggling to afford their grocery bill each week so it’s important the government acts swiftly to ensure there’s transparency in meat prices.”

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Two hospitality employees in their teens received non-life-threatening injuries after an armed robbery attempt on a fast-food restaurant on Edwards Street, Ayr over the weekend.

Police allege two staff members at the restaurant received minor injuries during the armed robbery attempt around 8:30pm on the night of Sunday, November 12.

A 35-year-old man has been charged by police following the serious assault incident.

It is alleged the man threatened the staff members with a knife and made demands for money during the incident.

He allegedly left the scene empty-handed, heading towards Edwards Street and Graham Street where he was arrested by police.

The staff members, a 17-year-old girl and a 19-year-old man, received non-life-threatening injuries, and were not transported to hospital.

The 35-year-old man from Horseshoe Lagoon has been charged with two counts of attempted armed robbery and one count each of deprivation of liberty, assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed, common assault and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

He was refused watch house bail and appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 14.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2301892757

When I lived in Mackay, I worked closely with Ken Higgins OAM and the team at the Mackay Sub Branch of RSL Queensland.

I learnt a lot of from Ken and gained a new appreciation for Anzac and Remembrance Days.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the Sub Branch, where I would be met with a cuppa and plenty of conversation, the topics often straying far and wide from the original intention of my visit.

I was honoured to be invited to a meeting of the Home Hill Sub Branch last week – you would have read about that in last week’s edition – and attend the Home Hill Remembrance Day Service on Saturday.

It was a self-confessed small service attended by RSL members, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, school students and members of the community, but it was a meaningful one and from all reports, the Ayr service was much the same – you’ll find more on pages 3-5.

Remembrance Day was one of many events I attended last week, the pages of this newspaper acting as a diary of movements.

I also attended Harvest Festival celebrations, from the Rotary Ball on Friday night to the Grand Parade and Street Party on Saturday, and I must congratulate Mark and the team on bringing our community together for an incredible few months of amazing events.

The Jarvisfield Christmas Fete and Burdekin Machinery Preservationists were two more highlights from the weekend, both taking me back to my childhood of school fetes and Toowoomba and District Old Machinery Society events.

Lastly, I said goodbye to mum and dad on Sunday as they flew home after a week exploring the Burdekin – I want to thank all of you who made them feel welcome.

Just a month ago, Matt Killeen’s love for bird photography led him to the world of wildlife care, a decision that has since blossomed into a heartwarming journey of nurturing and protecting the area's feathered inhabitants.

Becoming involved with NQ Wildlife Care through Facebook Group ‘Burdekin Birding’, Matt received training and lots of support to get started as a wildlife carer.

A few weeks ago, a Tawny Frogmouth, only one or two weeks old, was rescued by a member of the public in Home Hill, reportedly abandoned and covered in ants.

It was taken to a vet who contacted NQ Wildlife to arrange a carer for it and Matt got the call.

He said that since he took it into his care, the bird has nearly doubled in weight, requiring five feeds a day.

“I hope to raise it until it is ready to be released back in to the wild,” he said.

“There is a huge demand for native bird carers and other wildlife carers.

“It’s incredibly rewarding.

“You’re helping the wildlife and you’re also helping members of the community who need assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife.

“If you find a baby bird on the ground the best outcome is to reunite the bird with its parents.”

NQ Wildlife Care are running bird care training on November 25.

For more info contact 0414 717 374 or email info@nqwildlife.org.au.

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Sigourney the scrawny Tawny Frogmouth

Services were held in Ayr and Home Hill last Saturday, November 11 for Remembrance Day, commemorating the end of hostilities in World War I on November 11, 1918.

Special guests, veterans, RSL members and the community gathered in Anzac Park, Ayr and at Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill, with services hosted by Ayr and Home Hill RSL Sub Branches.

“Remembrance Day is for remembering those who paid the supreme sacrifice and those who suffered during the fight for the freedoms that we have become accustomed to today,” said RSL Home Hill Sub Branch President Richard Kelly.

“This year is just as significant, if not more than ever, than it used to be in days gone by.

“Remembrance Day is not a day to condone or glorify war, but a day to remember.”

Mr Kelly said Remembrance Day is an opportunity to recognise the hardships faced by men and women who have returned home wounded from war zones.

“It is also a time to reflect on how their loved ones are affected, all of whom are considered victims of war,” he added.

“This is why we should reflect and pay respect to those brave men and women who have served, sacrificed and suffered for their country.”

People across the country paused at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, observing a minute’s silence dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.

“By the time the guns fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, more than 60,000 Australian sailors, soldiers and aviators had died among about 16 million other combatants and civilians in the Great War,” said Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell.

“In the wars and conflicts since, more than 40,000 Australian men and women have given their lives for our nation.

“To this day, 33,000 Australians are commemorated on Memorials to the Missing.

“On Remembrance Day, we remember all Australians who have served our nation.”

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RSL Home Hill Sub Branch President Richard Kelly. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Councillors John Furnell and Kaylee Boccalatte in Ayr. Photo supplied

The RSL Home Hill Sub Branch collaborated with year five and six students from St Colman’s Catholic School to ‘draw to remember’, an initiative of RSL Queensland to mark Remembrance Day through art.

25 students took to the concrete paths of Home Hill’s Memorial Park with chalk of all colours last Thursday, November 9.

‘Draw to Remember’ invites students to learn about Remembrance Day and prepare their chalk drawings using what they’ve learnt, with over 70 sub branches across the state getting involved.

“We are drawing to remember the people who fought for Australia’s freedom,” said student Eden Godfrey.

“Not just the one’s that died, the one’s that came back as well,” added fellow student Lily Lowis.

RSL Home Hill Sub Branch Secretary Allan Petersen was grateful to St Colman’s Catholic School for getting involved.

“I think it’s a great thing because it shows that you can go to the schools and talk to these kids about this sort of stuff, but when they put it into pictures and they can actually see and touch it, the memory stays even more so,” he said.

“I just love working with kids because they are so honest, good to deal with and respectful; I get a tremendous amount of enjoyment and satisfaction out of working with kids.

“These little ones are the future of this country, so we need to look after them.

“Next year, it’ll probably be bigger again.”

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Bill Lowis and Allan Peterson of RSL Home Hill Sub Branch pictured with students from St Colman’s Catholic School

Students drew their interpretations of Remembrance Day on the paths of Memorial Park last week

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Despite the rising cost of living, Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP believes his annual Christmas Appeal may actually see an increase in donations in 2023.

Mr Last said media attention to the cost-of-living crisis meant more families were more aware of the issue which may inspire more generosity, an outcome that would be widely welcomed.

“The appeal has run every year since 2015 and has had a huge impact on literally hundreds of families,” Mr Last said.  

“For some it’s about being able to put food on the table or a Christmas gift for a young child but, for all of them, it shows they aren’t alone and that their community cares.

“One recipient told of how she would be alone for Christmas and that, due to finances, Christmas day would be ‘nothing special’.  

“In the hamper she received a small Christmas pudding that, she said, made it ‘a real Christmas’ for the first time in many years.

“When I hear of things like that it reminds me how important the appeal really is.”

Mr Last said donations of any kind were welcomed and would be put to good use.

“The Salvation Army have been a key partner in the appeal since it started back in 2015,” he said.  

“That allows us to put together hampers for people based on what they need and that ensures we provide the right help, and it also means that nothing is wasted.”

“We have local groups who support the appeal regularly and individuals who make their contributions in a variety of ways.  

“From hand-made toys to staples for the kitchen cupboard, every single donation makes a real difference.”

“Every donation, big or small, makes a huge difference.”

Donations, including non-perishable food, can be made until December 15 at Mr Last’s office in the Centrepoint Arcade, Ayr.

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Geoff Mains’ regular donation of hand-made toys will make Christmas a little brighter for families assisted by Member for Burdekin, Dale Last’s, annual Christmas appeal. Photo supplied

Students from Burdekin Catholic High School’s year 10 Business class have made a donation to the Burdekin Men’s Shed following a term of fundraising.

The class were tasked with establishing business ventures which involved selling food and drinks to the school community.

From sausage sizzles and soft drinks to chocolate covered strawberries and Oreo mousse, the class raised $502 through their businesses.

“As a Business class, we did business ventures, so we sold stuff to the school community and, as a class, we decided that the donations would go to the Men’s Shed,” said business student Drea Piotto.

“We just want to help out the community and we chose the Men’s Shed because we think it’s a good cause,” added fellow student Kevin Trang.

“Along with trying to deal with the business and seeing what works, it was good to give back to the community, because it stays local,” concluded Drea.

Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie, Secretary Charles Ford and Grant Writer John Furnell attended a school assembly on Wednesday, November 8 to accept the donation.

“They came up with a heap of organisations in the community to distribute that money to and the Men’s Shed was unanimously voted on so we won the raffle,” said Mr Ritchie.

Mr Ritchie said members will decide how the funds will be used at future meetings.

“We’ll try to direct it back into the community,” he said.

“Our membership used to cover insurance once upon a time and now it’s nowhere near it.

“Everything we fundraise goes to pay our bills for the year.

“We stay funded through the generosity of the community so thank you very much to the year 10 students for your generosity.”

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L-R Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford, Burdekin Catholic High School students Drea Piotto and Kevin Trang, Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie and Grant Writer John Furnell

Burdekin Catholic High School students raised money through business ventures throughout the school

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

It’s been over six months since the last drop of fuel was sold in Home Hill, but the wait is now over with a newly refurbished service station opening on Eighth Avenue.

United Service Station Home Hill has been trading since Friday, October 27 and was officially opened by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Councillors Kaylee Boccalatte, John Furnell and Max Musumeci on Friday, November 10.

The former BP site was purchased in April before undergoing a substantial expansion and refurbishment.

“Seeing a redundant site sitting here, there was an opportunity for us to come in and provide something for the local community again,” said United Petroleum Group Manager Fred Noack.

“It provides an actual place to stop in Home Hill for the travellers as well.

“We had to go through a few things to do the expansion project that we did, especially with doubling the retail space and making sure everything was spot on to deliver what we wanted.”

The new service station will employ around 12 staff, including local staff from the previous station and new hires from the community.

“It also gives an opportunity for some local youngsters to come in and get some part time work without having to rely on travelling over the bridge,” Mr Noack said.

“The local community have been very accepting.

“The numbers are well above what we predicted, and feedback has been sensational.”

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said it was a pleasure to open the new service station in Home Hill last week.

“It is exciting for the residents and travellers to have a new service station in Home Hill,” she said.

“This will provide a wide variety of goods, more convenience and economic opportunities for residents and visitors.

“The new service station will create jobs and support local businesses.

“I congratulate the owners and staff of the service station for their hard work and dedication.”

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L-R United Petroleum Group Manager Fred Noack, Franchisee Raj Akkeneni and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Locals celebrated the opening of the new Home Hill service station last Friday

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

In regions like the Burdekin, the smallest communities can have the biggest hearts, and the Kalamia State School community is proving that this Christmas.

The school’s P&C holds an annual Monster Christmas Raffle and, while organising donations from local businesses for the raffle, it became clear that there were families in the community who were in need.

“The people who would benefit from the hamper that we’re raffling off are those who can’t afford to buy the raffle tickets,” said parent Amie Griggs.

“The P&C got together and decided to do up some non-perishable hampers for anyone in need within the Burdekin community.

“Everything donated will go back to the community this year; nothing will be kept for future raffles or hampers.”

The P&C is currently accepting donations of non-perishables food items, gift vouchers, Christmas items, gifts or household items, personal hygiene items, toiletries and cleaning items.

The school is working with a Chaplain, Gwen, who is also involved in the Salvation Army and other community organisations and will direct the hampers where needed, although the school is also asking the community to let them know if they know of a family or persons that are in need this Christmas.

Donations can be taken to Kalamia State School, Burdekin Funerals or dropped to the P&C President Rebekah by texting 0419 040 040.

Rebekah will also pick up click & collect from Coles or Woolworths by prior arrangement.

Monster Christmas Raffle tickets will also be on sale and donations can be made in front of Woolworths on November 15, 16, 18, 22 and 28.

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Payton Stephenson, Claire Griggs and Clayton Griggs. Photo supplied

Queensland schools now have the option to opt for a four-day school week from term 1 2024, with new procedures set in place by the Queensland Department of Education.

The updated policy, effective from January 22, 2024, applies to all Queensland state schools, and outlines the responsibilities and processes for making changes to school hours in state schools.

“The Department of Education has updated its policy to ensure a consistent approach when schools are contemplating changes to school hours,” a spokesperson for the Department of Education said.

“Any changes to school hours must occur in consultation with the school community including parents, staff, students, and other key stakeholders and be approved by a Regional Director.”

Changes that schools can suggest include changes to school hours, such as altering start and end times of the school day, the length of the school day, the number of school days in a week or a fortnight, or a combination of the aforementioned.

Each school must hold a trial period, minimum of one term, to test the feasibility of the changes, before the change is implanted permanently.

The Department of Education will provide approval prior to any school commencing consultation on changes to school hours,” the spokesperson said.

“It will also review the outcome of consultation prior to considering the approval for a trial of modified school hours. Consultation will consider a range of factors with the overwhelming focus of ensuring students are actively engaged in learning for the whole school week. Changes can only occur where the school community determines it provides benefits for students and families.”

Regarding supervision, schools must provide appropriate supervision for students who are at school before the day begins and afterwards.

The spokesperson said, “It is expected that all Queensland state schools continue to operate for five days a week and the new policy does not give schools a green light to implement a four-day week.”