Families are invited to lace up and put on their walking shoes to join in a morning of fun, entertainment, and community spirit at this year’s Step Up for Down Syndrome & Intellectual Disability event.

The walk will take place along Townsville's scenic Riverway on Sunday, the 12th of October, from 8am to 12pm, with all funds raised staying in the local region. Money raised will go directly toward providing support, services, and vital information to empower people with Down syndrome and their families.

More than just a walk, Step Up! Townsville is a celebration, a chance for the community to come together, enjoy activities, and show support for inclusion and awareness. Families can look forward to plenty of entertainment and opportunities to connect while stepping up for a great cause.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, free for under 4s, or $35 for a family pass (2 adults, 2 children).

To book your tickets, visit: www.downsyndrome.org.au/.../step-up-townsville.

For more information, contact (07) 3356 6655, email office@downsyndromeqld.org.au, or visit www.downsyndromeqld.org.au.

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What: Step Up! Townsville
When: Sunday, the 12th of October, from 8am to 12pm
Where: Townsville's Riverway

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Guys, it finally happened—I officially laced up the boots again for the first time in what seemed like an eternity when I made my Night Soccer debut a few weeks ago.

It almost felt like a foreign experience. Beyond my clear regression in skill, I genuinely thought I might pass out after the first minute of play, because as enjoyable and relaxing as my time out of the game has been, it's definitely left a huge void in my physical activity. But maybe this experience was the slap in the face I needed to get properly active again.

When I first moved to the Burdekin, I hit the ground running, keen to dip my toe into the array of sports the region has on offer. That eagerness, for whatever reason, plateaued, and I've found myself fully embracing a lifestyle devoid of strenuous activity. Now, I guess it's time to rekindle that enthusiams—and, as aforementioned, what better place to do it?

Beyond showing me first-hand how unfit I am, sport offers a place to connect. In a town with such a love for all things sports, it's no wonder the community is so connected. Whether a spectator or a player, beyond the cheers and jeers, highs and lows, it's crazy how much a ball, white lines and some goals/hoops/nets can bring people together.

Anyways, I hope you guys have been enjoying the paper. As always, please let us know anything we can do to improve, or any stories you may have for us!

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The next generation of Burdekin basketballers had the chance to learn from two of the nation’s finest last Wednesday when Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson and Opals star Tess Madgen visited the region to run a grassroots training camp as part of Basketball Australia’s She Hoops program.

From 9am, around 40 young players were put through a series of drills and games over 90 minutes, sharpening their skills under the guidance of two of Australia’s greatest basketball exports.

She Hoops, led by three-time WNBA MVP and Olympic medallist Jackson, is Australia’s largest resource for women in basketball—an inclusive, one-stop platform designed to empower, educate, and inspire women and girls from grassroots through to elite level, encouraging them to thrive as athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators.

Coming from a country town herself, Jackson stressed the importance of bringing these programs to rural regions.

“More often than not, we go to towns and kids are so passionate, but they don’t understand the opportunities that are present through the sport,” Jackson said.

“Tess and I are from the country ourselves, so we understand the barriers around participating in these areas. We’re just like them, but we just followed our dreams—they can, too.”

Since launching in 2022, She Hoops has already seen a 25% increase in female participation in basketball, with early signs suggesting it is helping reverse the trend of girls dropping out of the sport between the ages of 14 and 16.

Beyond the numbers, Burdekin Basketball representative Courtney Pennisi said the visit was a milestone moment for the community.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think that Lauren Jackson would be visiting us here,” she said. “This town never gets this sort of opportunity, so we’re incredibly lucky to have them both here.”

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Opinion Piece By Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

Coal has powered Australia for generations, and it still does today. Coal is the central reason the lights turn on, the fridge stays cold, and the air con works. Coal remains the cheapest form of electricity in Australia, and without it, our country would be vastly different, in a poorer way.

But it is not just the electricity it provides. Coal provides our country with economic security. It drives investment, and the revenue raised in taxes and exports generates the wealth to fund much of our vital public infrastructure. It is not just the thermal coal that runs our power stations; it is also the metallurgical coal exported around the world to manufacture steel.

In the Bowen Basin alone, there are around 44,000 people employed directly in the coal
industry. That is not counting people employed in service support roles, the ports, the rail and in the businesses that get a boost when these workers spend locally.

As the member for Dawson and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign
Capability, I am acutely aware of the role coal plays not only in our Central Queensland region but in the success of our country. To the workers in the industry and associated businesses, I say thank you. Whether you're driving trucks in the Bowen Basin, welding buckets in Paget, loading ships at the ports, or running a small business that supports the industry, your hard work is what keeps this country powering ahead. Your work matters. Your job matters. You matter.

But, unfortunately, our coal industry is under attack, not from overseas, but from policy
decisions being made in our own backyard. The Albanese Government talks a big game about
jobs and regional Australia, but their actions are driving investment away from the very industry that helped build this nation. In sad news, major miners BHP and Anglo recently made sweeping redundancies on the back of lower confidence and return on investment. My thoughts are with every family touched by this news during this time.

It may be easy to attack the mining companies for these decisions, but we have to ask why
these decisions are made. Under the current Labor government, it's getting harder and harder to justify investment when the goalposts keep shifting and the Prime Minister would rather prop up wind and solar. The truth is, these are businesses with shareholders (including many super fund holders) that are expecting to see a return on investment, and if those returns are not what they should be, then the investment goes elsewhere. Think about this - would you choose to put your money in the bank with the lower or higher interest rate returns?

Not long before these cuts were announced, the heads of BHP and Rio Tinto were meeting with
Trump, and you can probably guess what those meetings were about – "Come and invest in the
USA", where coal, and by and large mining, is not demonised but encouraged. The major mining
companies are being very clear. The investment landscape needs to be more than viable. It
needs to be a safe bet.

Coal is more than a resource. It's a sovereign asset. It's the backbone of regional Queensland. And if we don't protect it, we risk losing not just jobs, but the heartbeat of towns right across Central Queensland and beyond.

Coal keeps the lights on. Australia can not afford for investment in the Coal industry to dry
up. Backing the Coal industry is backing Australia.

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Andrew Willcox MP has highlighted the importance of coal to Australia’s energy,
economy, and regional communities.

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The commitments and achievements of local individuals and groups play a key role in offsetting concerns raised due to national and international events according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

While acknowledging that the effects of horrific events will ripple through our community, Mr Last said it is important to take a balanced approach and that there were many positives which, sometimes, didn’t receive the praise they deserved.

“It is very easy for major events to directly impact the way we feel about ourselves and our own community, even when there might not be a direct impact,” Mr Last said.  “There are definite benefits from the accessibility we now have to all forms of media, but there are also negative effects and it’s more important than ever to take a broader view.”

“You don’t have to cast a net too wide or look too far into the past to see examples of locals making a positive impact on our community.  Regardless of whether you look at regular or one-off events, I think it is vitally important that we acknowledge what the people responsible for those events have achieved.”

“In just the last few weeks we have seen events like the Burdekin Water Festival and the Giru Show attract bumper crowds and, without dedicated volunteers, those events simply don’t happen.  We’ve also seen, for example, the Burdekin Community Association celebrate 50 years and that is something that the community should be immensely proud of.”

“Whilst there will always be people who want to cause harm and divide our community, there are so many more people who make a positive contribution and that includes by volunteering.  The positive impact of volunteers cannot be understated, and I am glad to see that there is more support on its way for those volunteers and the organisations, and communities, they help.”

“The Crisafulli government is holding an inquiry into volunteering because we recognise the positive benefits that volunteering offers; but we also recognise there can be challenges.  The fact that over 570 Queenslanders and organisations have made written submissions to the inquiry shows how much we rely on volunteers.”

The Burdekin’s proud history of volunteering was quite well known but, Mr Last said, some types of volunteering may be overlooked.

“Sporting and service clubs and our volunteer emergency services are well known throughout our community, but those groups aren’t the only options for people interested in improving the community,” he said.  “Groups like our chambers of commerce and industry representative groups contribute thousands of hours to our community and, despite their importance, their achievements can be overlooked.”

“While the inquiry will provide solutions to make volunteering more effective, the essential component is people who are prepared to take on voluntary roles and I would encourage all community members to consider volunteering as a contribution to our community.”

“Not only do they achieve so much for our community, they also play a key role in ensuring we can all remain positive about a brighter future for us all.”

Contributed with thanks to Dale Last MP

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The Basque Club of North Queensland's Basques in Australia exhibition is underway in Ayr, with the official opening at the Masonic Hall on Sunday 28 September drawing a strong local crowd to honour the profound influence of Basque families on the Burdekin community.

The exhibition, which had already been shown in Townsville and Ingham, drew around 80 people to its Ayr opening, many eager to connect with a heritage that has been part of the Burdekin for generations. Ten large panels of photographs and written stories traced the experiences of Basque families who migrated to North Queensland, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. Many of these families settled in Ayr, working in the cane fields and contributing to the region’s growth.

Residents recognised familiar faces in the photographs, sparking conversations and memories about the role of Basques in shaping the local community. The panels highlighted everything from cane-cutting and recreational life to the contributions of women who helped maintain cultural traditions while supporting their families.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the exhibition highlights the lasting impact of Basque families in the region. "So many Basque families made the Burdekin their home, contributing greatly to our community over the years," she said. "I commend the Basque families in our community for keeping their heritage and culture alive, and I pray that future generations continue to embrace it."

The Basque Club of North Queensland, led by President Pedro Mendiolea, coordinated the event. With more than 150 members across the region, the club has long worked to preserve Basque history and share it with wider North Queensland. For the Burdekin, the Ayr launch was an opportunity to acknowledge that history in a very local setting.

The exhibition had particular significance, as it coincided with statewide and international celebrations of culture. August marked Multicultural Queensland Month, while 8 September was the internationally recognised Dia de la Diáspora Vasca, a day when Basque communities worldwide honour their people living outside the traditional homeland on the border of Spain and France.

The launch also reinforced the Basque Club’s ongoing role in keeping cultural ties alive. The club, based in Townsville, regularly hosts lunches and gatherings, and many Burdekin families remain active participants. Sunday’s opening continued that tradition of blending social connection with cultural preservation.

The Basques in Australia exhibition remains on display in Ayr until 3 October, giving residents and visitors the chance to take in the photographs and stories at their own pace. For the Burdekin, it was a moment to look back on the resilience, hard work and community spirit of Basque migrants whose legacy continues to be part of the district today.

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Burdekin Shire Council has officially opened the upgraded Butler Road Floodway, delivering safer and more reliable access for local residents, farmers, and road users.

The new floodway replaces the former structure, which was badly damaged during past flood events. Council says the design will improve water flow management, enhance road safety, and ensure essential access during periods of heavy rain.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the project was a significant investment in rural road infrastructure.

“This project delivers real benefits to the community by improving road safety, reducing maintenance needs, and supporting our rural industries with more reliable access,” Cr Dalle Cort said.

Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the upgrade reflected the Crisafulli Government’s approach to disaster recovery.

“This project delivers meaningful, tangible results for our community, and it’s a shining example of how all levels of government can work to deliver effective disaster recovery,” Ms Leahy said.

The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Burdekin Shire Council thanked the community for their patience during construction and said the upgrade forms part of its broader commitment to maintaining and improving rural road networks across the region.

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The new floodway replaces the former structure, which was badly damaged during past flood events. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

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Ayr police have charged several people over a series of incidents in the district this month, including business and home break-ins, drug driving, and an assault on an officer.

A 23-year-old Ayr man has been charged with entering a Queen Street business, while a 16-year-old Ayr youth was cautioned over the same incident. The man was also charged in relation to two separate house break-ins, with the youth again cautioned.

On September 21, a 31-year-old Ayr man was charged with assaulting a police officer stationed at Ayr.

Two Ayr motorists were issued Notices to Appear in Court after testing positive to methamphetamine and cannabis in separate drug driving incidents. A 25-year-old man, intercepted on September 20, also allegedly had methamphetamine and drug utensils located during a police search. A 31-year-old woman was also intercepted on the same date and tested positive to the same substances.

Meanwhile, a 31-year-old Ayr man has been charged with five counts of entering premises between September 11 and 14. Police say a search warrant executed at his home on September 21 uncovered drug utensils. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on October 20.

In a separate matter, a 34-year-old Home Hill man was charged with drug driving after returning a positive test for methamphetamine on September 18.

Police are reminding the community to take extra care on the roads during the school holidays. Officers will be conducting additional enforcement as part of Operation Spring Break.

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I would like to let everyone know about the great job Meals on Wheels do in our community. I attended the National Meals on Wheels morning Tea in late August. Without them in our community a lot of people would struggle to have wholesome and nourishing food on a daily basis. The quality and variety of the food is amazing. I had the opportunity to have a tour of the kitchen and witness the production line with the cooking, dishing out and packaging the food up for the distribution to the clients. They not only bring their clients food but they are also like a check in service and to some people they are the only company they have. They are always looking for volunteers to help this great cause. If you are interested, please call 47832659 or visit 109 Macmillan Street Ayr.

I attended the BCA 50th Birthday Celebrations both the luncheon and dinner, what an incredible achievement for the Association. We enjoyed a display of BCA Memorabilia and a slideshow that showcased the Associations achievements over the past 5 decades. Ricky Romeo entertained us at the luncheon at the RSL for the BCA Clients volunteers and special guests. I would like to congratulate them on their special milestone

Monday was National Police Remembrance Day. It is held every year to honour Police Officers who have died in the course of their duties. I attended the service at the Burdekin Community Church along with the local Police officers. I had my 2 hats on that day one as a Unsworn member of the Police Station, and as a Councillor. During the Service, the Roll of Honor was read with the names of all Police Officers killed in the course of the duties and wreaths were laid in their honour.

Burdekin Community Association, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Zonta, Police, Burdekin Shire Council are working together to hold a Candlelight Vigil for the16 Days of Activism. We will unite together for change and commemorate the lives lost to gender-based violence in Australia. Statistics in 2025 (up to this date) 51 women and 18 children have lost their lives to gendered violence in Australia. It is to be held at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt on the 25th November 2025 at 7pm. Please feel free to come along and help us remember those who have lost their lives. By working together, we can combat inequality, change culture, and save lives.

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Christmas will be here before we know it, and I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the enormous contribution of our volunteers. Until you find yourself needing support, it can be hard to truly appreciate how valuable these services are.

Organisations such as the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdekin Community Association, Meals on Wheels and SES Burdekin rely on volunteers every day. If you are looking for a way to give back to our community, I encourage you to get involved.

I’d also like to remind residents that new smoke alarm laws will come into effect on 1 January 2027. Every Queensland home, townhouse, unit, caravan and motorhome must have:

· In-date interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms

· Smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway and on every level

· Alarms compliant with AS3786-2014

· Alarms that are hardwired (240v) or powered by a 10-year lithium battery

These changes are about protecting families and saving lives, and fines will apply for non-compliance. Insurance policies may also be affected. Please don’t leave it to the last minute and be ready for 2027.

Finally, with the King’s Birthday long weekend approaching, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break.

If you’d like to reach out, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me by email at mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
Wilmar Grower Marketing’s annual Global Traders Roadshow has wrapped up for another year after a busy week of presentations, starting in Ingham and finishing in Sarina.

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The events brought together growers from across our milling regions to hear first-hand insights into the forces shaping the sugar market. Guest speaker Peter Bingham, Wilmar’s London-based Senior Sugar Trader, provided an in- depth look at the global market, with particular focus on the latest developments in Brazil and India.
Brazil’s record sugar mix and India’s higher production outlook were highlighted as key factors influencing supply, pricing, and trade flows in the months ahead.
Peter also delivered a thought-provoking session on consumer demand, exploring how shifting diets, health concerns, and sustainability trends are reshaping global sugar consumption patterns.

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Local growers also heard from Bevan Patterson, Wilmar Sugar Australia’s Risk Manager, who explained how global politics and currency markets affect returns. He highlighted the role of the Australian dollar, which continues to be influenced by wider geopolitical factors, including trade policy and the impact of recent Trump tariffs.

His session underlined how changes well beyond Australia’s borders can have a direct effect on the value of local sugar. The roadshow once again proved to be a valuable opportunity for growers to connect, ask questions, and walk away with a clearer picture of the opportunities and risks facing our industry. By bringing our global expertise to local communities, the event hopefully helps growers to make informed decisions about pricing their GEI sugar exposure. The Grower Marketing team and I would like to thank all those who attended across the districts and contributed to the conversations. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you to achieve the best results for your farm. As always, if you have any enquiries regarding your marketing or pricing, please contact a member of the team. We are on hand to assist when and where you need it.

Wilmar’s Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham (right) and Risk Manager Bevan Patterson (left)
have just wrapped up our annual Global Traders Roadshow.

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Alluvium Consulting has completed an avulsion risk assessment for the Queensland Government as part of the Burdekin Water Plan, shining a light on the natural processes that shape one of the largest deltas on Australia’s east coast.

An avulsion occurs when a river suddenly changes course, carving a new channel and abandoning its former path. Though uncommon on human timescales, avulsions are a natural and inevitable part of how rivers evolve and they can have far-reaching consequences for communities, agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

To assess the risk in the Lower Burdekin, Alluvium’s team combined historical records, geomorphic analysis, hydraulic modelling, and expert review. By examining past channel movements, sediment dynamics, floodplain interactions, and delta morphology, the study identified potential avulsion pathways and assessed both the likelihood and impacts of such events.

The findings indicate that while the short-term risk is low - largely because the Burdekin River rarely engages with its floodplain - avulsions are inevitable in the long term. In fact, the delta itself holds evidence of several major avulsions within the past 5,000 years, each reshaping the landscape.

The report highlights the importance of understanding these natural processes across coastal river systems. With avulsions certain to occur over time, planning and preparation are essential to mitigate the potential impacts on infrastructure, communities, and the environment.

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James Cook University (JCU) researchers are calling for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from extinction as new and escalating threats push the species closer to the brink.

Despite their reputation as noisy and messy neighbours, spectacled flying-foxes play a vital role in the survival of Australia’s rainforests, travelling vast distances to pollinate flowers and spread seeds at levels unmatched by any other species.

JCU adjunct associate professor Noel Preece said recent research shows long-term threats such as land clearing and human persecution are now being compounded by climate change and invasive ants, leaving the species increasingly vulnerable.

“The spectacled flying fox is a keystone species,” Prof Preece said.

“It’s one of the great travellers in distributing seeds across the wet tropics and Cape York landscapes, and a major pollinator of the forest.

“They can fly over 100km from their roost to find food and return home, flying over 200 kilometres in a single night. They move fruit around, pollinate trees and prevent tree inbreeding, and they have evolved with the rainforest, so they play a vital role in the Wet Tropics.

“It will be truly catastrophic to our rainforests if they are gone.”

CSIRO monitoring has already highlighted a dramatic decline, with numbers dropping 75 per cent between 2004 and 2017. Preece said the lack of consistent government support for monitoring and conservation programs is alarming.

“There’s no indication that the population decline has turned around. There’s nothing to suggest that, and no reason we can think of that it would just turn around,” he said.

“We do need to get the government to support this as a long-term program.”

While flying-foxes have long struggled with public perception, Preece said many issues can be easily managed.

“The problems they cause can be managed, and their ecological value far outweighs the nuisance.”

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JCU-led research researchers calls for urgent government support to protect the spectacled flying-fox from the threat of extinction (Photo Supplied)

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Dabelsteins Tackle 135km Trek for NICF

In October, Kelli and Paul Dabelstein will jet off to Western Australia to take part in a mammoth 135km trek to raise invaluable funds and awareness for the Neonatal Intensive Care Foundation (NICF).

Spearheaded by the Community Broker Network (CBN)’s Charity Challenge initiative, the six-day Cape to Cape trek will support the vital work of NICF volunteers to give hundreds of sick and premature babies a fighting chance.

“We first heard about the trek through the Community Broker Network, which we’re proud to be part of. It’s a wonderful network that’s deeply involved in charity work and supporting the community - which really aligns with our own values,” explained Kelli.

“There’s something so fulfilling about giving back - doing something meaningful for others while pushing yourself to achieve something you never thought possible.”

Moved by the life-changing impact the fundraising campaign will make in the lives of countless families across the country, Kelli and Paul cannot wait to explore the beauty of Western Australia this month.

“I’m inspired to take on this 135km trek for several reasons. Firstly, I’ve never been to Western Australia, and the opportunity to experience such beautiful scenery while challenging myself is really exciting but more importantly, the Neonatal Intensive Care Foundation is a cause that’s very close to our hearts,” Kelli explained.

NICF helps to prevent serious complications like brain and lung damage, cerebral palsy, and blindness in newborn babies through research projects, nurse education and through the funding of medical equipment in several institutions in the ACT, Southern NSW, Riverina and Gippsland in Victoria.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen firsthand through family and friends just how incredible their work is, and it has made us deeply aware of the difference they make.”

Meandering across the breathtaking coastline of the Margaret River Region in the Southwest corner of WA, the 135km Cape to Cape trek has been rated as one of Australian Geographic’s top ten multi-day walks in the whole of Australia.

“I’m really looking forward to the scenery along the way - maybe even spotting whales! I’m also excited to connect with other members of the group who will be completing the trek alongside us.”

“I hope this challenge teaches me that I’m capable of more than I thought possible.”

The pair are required to raise $3,000 for NICF prior to commencing the trek and since sharing the news of their journey with family and friends, Kelli and Paul raised over $2,000 in just two days!

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Paul and Kelli Dabelstein will embark on a 135km Cape to Cape trek in WA this October for NICF (Photo Supplied)

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Home Hill State High School’s Year 11 students kicked off their leadership journey in spectacular fashion at this year’s camp in the Whitsundays. From the very first day, students approached every challenge with enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong desire to grow as emerging leaders.

The camp began with a reflective SWOT analysis, where students explored their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A key focus emerged on improving communication skills, which led to activities such as the classic Human Knot challenge, testing teamwork, problem-solving, and patience—while providing plenty of laughs.

Evening festivities included a fun “Letter P” dress-up night, with students impressing local restaurant-goers with their creativity and energy. Guests, including Mrs O’Neill, offered encouragement and inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on the students.

On the second day, students embraced the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, beginning with a scenic boardwalk walk to the marina before boarding Zigzag Whitsundays for snorkelling at Haselwood Island. They explored vibrant reefs and marine life, enjoyed a buffet lunch, hiked through the Whitsundays, and participated in team-building games on the pristine Whitehaven Beach. A thrilling whale sighting on the return journey added a special touch to the adventure.

The evening wrapped with a two-course dinner at Mantra, positive postcards exchanged between students, the creation of a 2026 leadership mantra, and a lively trivia session.

The Year 11 camp proved to be an unforgettable experience of learning, laughter, and connection. With spirits high and bonds strengthened, students returned home inspired and ready to lead with confidence in the year ahead.

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