Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Home Hill resident Karin Thorburn returned home last week after a month spent travelling the world, though it was not exactly your typical sightseeing expedition. The 59-year-old local runner, recognised last year as the first Australian to complete 500 marathons, set off for Cyprus in March for the XM Limassol Marathon—the first of 15 she would run over the following 30 days. Her itinerary took her through major European cities, including Paris, before culminating in the world-famous Boston Marathon, where her strong performance all but guarantees qualification for next year’s race.Home Hill’s 59-Year-Old Marathon Record-Breaker Continued from cover Home Hill runner Karin Thorburn has returned to the Burdekin after successfully completing 15 marathons in 30 days across four countries. Thorburn, a veteran runner who was this year named Burdekin Senior Sportsperson of the Year for her marathoning exploits, ran 14 marathons across Europe in preparation for the Boston Marathon, which rounded out the trip. At 59 years old, Thorburn is currently the Australian record holder for the highest number of marathons completed, with her tally now reaching 547. Despite having just competed in the Sugar Rush half-marathon only six days after returning from the United States, she shows no signs of slowing down, describing her intense schedule as a “lifestyle choice.” “It’s for my mental health, it’s for my physical health, it’s for keeping me in the best shape I can be, for a lady that’s my age," Thorburn said. “I’m not a spring chicken, and there are so many people out there saying I’m too old. I just tell them, I’m just getting started.” The gruelling 30-day itinerary began in Limassol, Cyprus, followed by the “12 in 12” event—12 marathons in 12 days—in the UK, and the Paris Marathon, before finally tackling Boston. The feat was as much a mental battle as a physical one, says Thorburn. “The mind is stronger than the legs,” she said. “Sometimes it plays tricks and says, 'You’ve done enough. Why don't you just stay in bed?' But I knew I could do it.” She explained that the massive volume of racing was a strategic training block designed specifically to conquer the Boston Marathon, an event she considers "the pinnacle.” “I love a challenge," Thorburn said. “Running the other 14 marathons, they were all fantastic, but it all led me to one thing, and that’s the Boston Marathon. That’s the greatest race in the world.” Her run in Boston was the third time she had competed in the event, finishing with a 15-minute buffer which she says effectively “guarantees” her entry into the 2027 race once applications open in September. “I can't even describe how you feel,” Thorburn said. “Getting to the start is one thing, but doing it, finishing it, conquering it again—especially at my age—you feel things you never felt before.” Thorburn has lived and breathed distance running since she started taking it seriously 26 years ago. Her passion has since taken her across the globe, completing all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York—earning her the prestigious official title of “Six Star Finisher.” Her achievements have garnered much local support, but perhaps none greater than from her residents at Ozcare Home Hill. As well as her work with Ozcare, Thorburn helps organise the Magnetic Marathon Series in Townsville, an event that attracts international competitors while also providing a space for athletes looking to kickstart their running careers. Thorburn sees her local events as a platform for others to “have a go”—a mantra that has fuelled her own career for over two decades. “My events are only small events, but they're a stepping stone and people get to run with me and go, ‘Okay, so this is what you do,’” Thorburn said. “I hope I can inspire other women, including those younger than me, to look at what I do and think: ‘If she can do it, I can have a go.’” CAPTIONS: 1— The gruelling 30-day itinerary began in Limassol, Cyprus, followed by the “12 in 12” event—12 marathons in 12 days—in the UK, and the Paris Marathon, before finally tackling Boston. 2—Thorburn successfully completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York—earning her the prestigious official title of “Six Star Finisher.” Photos supplied
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My Vibe Homewares has a growing reputation as your go-to store when searching for that unique, contemporary piece. Since opening its doors in Ayr ten months ago, the store has attracted customers from across North Queensland, building a strong local following in the Burdekin. Boasting a wide range of earthy, textural and timeless homewares, My Vibe offers quality linen, luxury towels and exquisite rugs, all selected to deliver quality at affordable prices right here in the Burdekin. At the heart of the store is a carefully curated range that is hand-picked to provide both functionality and practicality. Every piece is selected with durability and classic design in mind, with owner Sue ensuring that long-lasting quality remains a priority in every decision. Sue’s strong eye for design is supported by her regular attendance at the Sydney and Melbourne gift fairs, where she gains access to the latest seasonal designs and colour updates. This, coupled with her innate ability to coordinate the range to suit most design tastes—from subtle, natural tones through to more textured and statement pieces—ensures the store is continually refreshed with new ideas and inspiration brought back to the Burdekin. The result is a thoughtfully balanced collection that caters to a wide variety of interiors and personal styles, while maintaining a consistent focus on quality and affordability. Supporting the store is a friendly and welcoming team who are always ready to assist and offer advice when required, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience. Located on Queen Street, Ayr, My Vibe Homewares is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm daily, offering a local destination for stylish, practical and contemporary homewares in the heart of the Burdekin.
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If you’re still scratching your head for something meaningful this Mother’s Day, two local arts groups are offering simple, thoughtful options that keep it close to home—and handmade. At the Burdekin Art Society, a special Mother’s Day art sale will be held on Sunday 3 May 2026 at the Art Shed, 154 MacMillan Street (across from the pool), from 8am to 1pm. A wide selection of paintings will be available, with prices starting from just $20, making it easy to find an affordable, locally made gift. For something a little more tactile, the Burdekin Potters Inc in Plantation Park will be open for anyone looking for a unique, handmade gift. The pottery studio regularly opens on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, but visitors are also welcome whenever the doors are open or the “OPEN” flag is flying. Gift vouchers are available, and private visits can be arranged by contacting Debbie on 0428 832 355. Both options offer a chance to support local artists while picking up something with a personal touch—far more memorable than a last-minute petrol station bouquet.
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Australia has everything we need right here at home. We have the resources, the technologies, and the people with the talent. Yet our manufacturing sector and sovereign capability have fallen off a cliff; farmers are being left out in the cold; and Australians across the country, particularly in the regions, are being left behind, while we all pay more for everything. Labor’s Net Zero nonsense is crippling our country, while others not hamstrung by arbitrary targets advance at pace. China, India and the United States are not taking their foot off the pedal, while we send our resources overseas on a dime and buy back the finished product at top dollar. Australian manufacturing has been in decline for decades, but in the last four years under Labor the rate at which manufacturers, smelters, refineries and food processors have closed is truly alarming. We are making far less today and relying more and more on others. We need to turn that trend around before the only thing we are producing is a piece of paper handed out to overseas students. At the heart of this rapid decline in manufacturing? Our weaker and more expensive energy grid. To be blunt, rising electricity costs are forcing manufacturers to close and deterring others from starting up. When I speak to manufacturers, the message is the same: “I don’t know how much longer we can keep going like this.” The simple reality is that weather-dependent power cannot sustain a modern industrial economy on its own. Manufacturers cannot operate on intermittent electricity. Farmers cannot rely on an unstable energy system. And renters and lower-income households, who cannot afford rooftop solar or battery storage, are increasingly left paying the hidden costs of maintaining a complex grid built around intermittent supply. Australia once prided itself on energy independence. Now we are replacing dependable Australian energy with a system dependent on imported wind turbines, solar panels and batteries, many manufactured in China. In doing so, we are hollowing out our own industrial base while increasing our reliance on foreign supply chains. I’ll keep saying it. We need a balanced approach, and all technologies must be part of the energy mix. The other part of the energy story is, of course, fuel. No fuel, no transport, no movement of goods. When faced with the recent fuel supply constraints, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the solution is to buy an electric car. That may suit city commuters, but for many regional Australians travelling long distances and those needing to tow heavy loads, an EV is nothing but an expensive paperweight. Right now, a very bad government is deploying a very bad energy policy that puts international recognition for fairytale emission targets ahead of affordable electricity and fuel security. We need an urgent course correction on our nation’s energy policy. We need an energy mix that supports manufacturers and farmers. We need to be able to better use the resources we have so that we can stand on our two feet. And, we need a government that believes in putting Australians first.
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Ayr State High School’s leaders were formally introduced to theschool community at their recent Investiture Ceremony last week.
Despite theinclement weather, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and excitementof the Student Executive, lead by school captains Layla Kelly andNoah Arboit, as they introduced over 90 student leaders.
House Captains,LIP Leaders, House Family representatives, QATSIF recipients, Year 7and 11 scholarship awardees, and elected Student Council and Interactcommittee members were presented to the community and pledged theircommitment to the student body, the school community, and the LearnerCode.
Afterwards,student leaders, parents/carers, invited guests and community membersadjourned to the newly refurbished Resource Centre for lightrefreshments, before progressing through to the front of A Block forcommemorative photos.
Many thanks toour invited guests, including: Councillor Lyn McLaughlin, Mayor ofthe Burdekin Shire Council; Mr Lloyd Shepherd, Vice-President AyrState High School’s P & C Association; Mr Chris Wicks,Principal of East Ayr State School, and Pastor Les Henaway for theirongoing support of the Ayr High family.
Contributed withthanks to Ayr State High School.
Caption:
1: Ayr High Student Leaders
2: Principal Whittred with school captains, Layla Kelly and Noah Arboit.
3: Principal Craig Whittred with the Ayr High Student Executive. L-R: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Seanna Chapman, Cultural Vice Captain Ashka Thorne, School Vice Captain Georgia Tomasetig, School Captain Layla Kelly, School Captain Noah Arboit, School Vice Captain Cooper Raitelli, Community Service Vice Captain Maddy Geitz, School Sports Captain Charley Ruskin.
4: Ayr High House Captains LtoR: Banks House Captains Amanda Brown and Charley Ruskin; Cook House Captains Matthew Kolb and Lacy Horan; Macquarie House Captains Jayla Tinus and Tyreese Murray; Phillip House Captains Khyla Cursio and Blake Walker.
Photos supplied
Looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat in round 11, Crowned Mongrels delivered a strong performance in a very close affair against Guardian Pharmacy at Barry Richards Field last weekend.
Guardian won the toss and sent Mongrels in to bat, with opener Ayden Marano getting to work immediately with 41 runs from 21 balls, assisted by Joel Hanson with 23 from 18 and Casper Licciardello with 19 from 26 not out.
Daniel Olditch took an impressive 3/7 from two overs for Guardian while Andrew Cardillo took two wickets and Isaac Cardillo, Kent Batchelor, Kate Lyne and Jamie Grabs all took one.
One player down, Mongrels were bowled out after 21.4 overs at 9/155.
Daniel Olditch’s fine form continued with the bat when Guardian came to the crease, retiring not out on 50 from 50 while opener Isaac Cardillo scored 24 from 26 and Jd Wilkins scored 16 from 20.
The batting side was closing in on their target but fell short, finishing their 25 overs on 7/149.
Joel Hanson shone with the ball for Mongrels finishing with 3/8 from three overs with Jay Leckenby taking two wickets and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro and Ayden Marano both taking one.
Guardian Pharmacy will back up this weekend, taking on Peto’s Marine on Saturday at Barry Richards Field.
Caption: Joel Hanson and Daniel Olditch both took three wickets and scored vital runs for their team on the weekend. Photo supplied
The recipients of the 2024 Australia Day Awards were proudly announced by Burdekin Shire Council at a rescheduled ceremony on Monday, February 12, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and groups in the community.
L-R Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Burdekin Citizen of the Year 2024 John Woods and Councillors John Furnell and Kaylee Boccalatte. Photo supplied: Burdekin Shire Council
Australia Day Awardees Announced
The Burdekin community gathered at Burdekin Memorial Hall on Monday, February 12 to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals at Burdekin Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony.
Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan said the Australia Day Awards serve as a commendable event each year to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions, achievements, and selflessness of individuals in our community.
“I want to commend all Australia Day Award nominees for being nominated by their peers for their dedication in their relevant areas, and especially congratulate all winners for their significant contribution to our community,” Mr Brennan said.
The 2024 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to John Woods who has a significant history in his volunteering efforts throughout the entire community.
John has volunteered for and held vital roles in organisations including Home Hill Kindergarten, Burdekin Singers, Queensland Cancer Council Home Hill, Burdekin Meals on Wheels, Home Hill Primary School P&C, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, St Helen’s Church, Home Hill Harvest Festival, and the Home Hill Choral Society.
From 1982 to 1994 John was a Councillor for Burdekin Shire Council and served as the first Shire Mayor for 10 years from 1994.
The 2024 Young Citizen of the Year Award went to Eddie Jones, a young leader and role model who has been involved in the Burdekin Shire Youth Council (BSYC) for six years.
Eddie’s involvement in the Burdekin Shire Youth Council displays a proactive approach to staying informed about local events and actively participating in community initiatives.
Eddie has also volunteered for many community organisations, such as Meals on Wheels, Lions Club and Rotary Club.
The 2023 Australia Day Awards also included the announcement of Volunteer, Cultural, Sporting and Event Awards.
Four individuals, Xiaoxia Li, Mohammadhashem Samiraninazhad, Karen Sullivan and Judith Wilson, were also granted Australian citizenship on the night as part of the Burdekin Shire Council’s Citizenship Ceremony.
Burdekin Shire Council’s 2024 Australia Day Award Recipients:
Citizen of the Year: John Woods
Young Citizen of the Year: Eddie Jones
Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award: Emily Holmes
Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award: Martina Bojack
Community Event of the Year: Jeffrey Lunn & Leon McCormack – 2023 Community Lights Display
Community Event of the Year Achievement Award: Millaroo Social Club – Cathrine Britt’s Bush Pubs Tour 2023
Volunteer of the Year: Leanne Gudge
Lifetime of Service Gold Award: Charlie Barbagallo
Lifetime of Service Bronze Award: Leanne Gudge, Gary Edwards, Shirley Chard, Robin Blundell
Senior Cultural Award: Irene Richards
Junior Cultural Award: Emily Holmes
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Ky Mitchell
Caption 1: Awardees and new citizens were recognised at the Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony on Monday. Photo supplied: Burdekin Shire Council
Hi readers
I have exciting news! Next Tuesday, I’ll be making my debut on Sweet FM with my very own show!
I started volunteering for community radio station 4CRM while living in Mackay where I would host ‘The Prekend’ on Thursday nights, a show where I aimed to shine a light on local musical talent while bringing fresh, contemporary independent music from all over the world to Mackay's airwaves.
I had no radio experience prior to this but, as I’ve mentioned plenty of times, moving to the regions was an opportunity to try things I never would have tried while living in the big city, and this was one of those things (other examples include understanding politics and line dancing).
‘The Prekend’ ran for just over a year, right up to my move to the Burdekin, and in that time, I had built a small but loyal following of local musicians and music fans and felt like a growing part of the Mackay music scene.
I got a thrill from giving local bands their first play on the radio, knowing how much it would mean to me if I wrote music and someone was to play my songs on the radio.
Plus, I played songs I loved, so every Thursday was an excuse to chill out in the studio and pump my favourite tunes knowing that they were being broadcast throughout the region for all to enjoy.
Now, it’s time to grow my passion at a new station, in a new area with a new audience and, with Charlie Scuderi’s help, I’m ready to kick things off.
Tune in to 97.1 Sweet FM next Tuesday, February 20 from 7:00pm to hear the debut of my new show, ‘The Home Hill Happy Hour’.
I’m excited to get back into radio, play a few tunes for you and have a good time!
The magic of the Little Mermaid was not lost on anyone at the recent Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company production.
When Billy found out his school teacher, Olivia Licciardello, was playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid, he asked his mum to buy tickets. With his hearing impairment, Billy has difficulty distinguishing between different sounds, and has never been to the theatre before, but he wished to support his teacher and just watch and enjoy the show’s fantastic imaginary and amazing acting.
However, when Ms Licciardello heard that he was coming to the show, she reached out to Dave Luscombe, Burdekin Theatre’s sound technician, to see if he could whip up some magic.
And Dave managed to do more than expected!
Figuring out how to connect the theatre’s sound system to Billy’s cochlear sound processor, Billy was able to enjoy the show, hearing each and every sound with crystal clear clarity. Billy was able to hear every note, every sound, and caught all the magic of the music.
This was groundbreaking for Dave and the Burdekin Theatre, being able to connect to an individual’s sound processor and streamline the productions sound straight to an individual.
This inclusivity is exciting for the Burdekin Theatre, who wish to expand their inclusive shows and share the joy of the theatre with more individuals.
Billy with Olivia Licciardello and Dave Luscombe, and his mum, after the show, The Little Mermaid. Photo supplied
Are you ready to get your business to stand out from the crowd, to attract more contracts and achieve essential government and industry tenders?
This workshops, hosted by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DSDILGP), will aid businesses in improving their chances of securing tenders, of putting together a concise and comprehensive capability statement, and marketing your business to attract tenders.
An effective and up-to-date capability statement outlines your businesses capabilities and experience, promoting the decisive services of your business, and the appropriateness of your business to key government and industry decision makers.
This workshop will also addresses outlining why a capability statement is important, how to use the capability stamen to market your business, how to use your capability statement in conjunction with your contract tender submission, best practice fundamentals for developing and drafting a powerful capability statement, and how to access the latest information on Queensland’s supply chain opportunities.
The workshop will conclude with ten top tips to help improve your chances on tendering success.
WHAT: Capability Statement and Tendering Tips Workshop
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
WHEN: Wednesday, February 21, 9am to 11am
TICKETS: $50 and include tea, coffee and morning tea
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3OyokrU.
Home Hill State High School's agriculture and horticulture students will soon benefit from upgraded facilities as a new deadline has been set for the delivery of this project.
Burdekin MP Dale Last has voiced dissatisfaction with the state government's handling of the project, highlighting a concerning three-year delay.
“Just days before the government reshuffle we had confirmation that a tender for the construction of the facility had been awarded,” Mr Last said.
“The latest advice is that the project will be completed late this year and that’s a commitment that needs to be honoured.”
Mr Last added that the students and teachers at Home Hill High are doing their best but are being held back due to poor planning at a higher level.
“We have been offered a shopping list of excuses but, frankly, the delays are due to poor planning from the start,” he said.
“The only positive to come from these delays is the fact that now, according to the advice I have received, further consultation was undertaken with relevant industries.”
Mr Last said he shared the frustrations felt by students, parents and industry with regards to the project.
“The Burdekin and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of these industries,” he said.
“The fact we have needed to fight for years to have these facilities built is indicative of the current government’s disconnect from regional communities and key industries.”
Mr Last said that the facility gives students the ability to learn hands-on and graduate with skills that can be put to use to help grow the industries we rely on.
“In financial terms this is not a huge project but from the point of view of supporting local students and key industries, it is invaluable,” he said.
“If you look at it from a wider perspective it also has an effect on our food security and even national security.
“From a local point of view, however, it’s about honouring a promise to our kids and allowing them to secure their future and the district’s future.”
Supporting the future: Dale Last with 2023 school leaders from Home Hill State High, Ayr State High, Burdekin Catholic High and Burdekin Christian College
A Burdekin local, I moved to Clare upon marrying my husband Peter Hall in 1993. We have four children, Lachlan, Jacob, Connor and Meggan. Actively involved in the following community events: Recipient of Ralph Jackson Memorial Courtesy Award, Rotary Queen Entrant Home Hill Harvest Festival, Woolworths Queen Entrant Ayr Water Festival, Miss Australia Quest Entrant, winning title of Miss Sugar Industry 1988. Currently Secretary LNP Burdekin SEC and Vice Chair LNP Dawson FDC. My love for the Burdekin is my strongest qualification.
I would ensure that each area and town in the Burdekin Shire had equal and effective representation. I would actively work to make this happen.
I believe people want a Council who will listen to them and who will act in the town’s best interest. Projects are being stonewalled with Government red tape and this needs to be addressed. As elected representatives, Councillors need to ask the hard questions in Chambers and stay strong in their convictions.
The first 100 days would be filled with educating myself on Council and Local Government procedures. I would make myself available to people as much as possible and would welcome any issues or concerns that they may have.
I am a born and bred Burdekin boy. I am husband and a father of 3 children aged between 6 and 12 who are very active within the community. I believe being self-employed, running 2 local businesses together with my wife and assisting local sporting and community clubs has given me some skills that can help me make informed decisions to make positive change to the whole Burdekin district.
It’s a cliché but reducing red tape on development and the current housing shortage needs to be addressed by all levels of government. If the council can speed up development in any way it needs to be done.
I guess most ratepayers right now would love to see council tighten its belt a little and improve efficiency the same way every other business and family has had to with the recent skyrocketing inflation.
My first 100 days will probably look not too different to right now. I don’t have some unrealistic plan to make big, fast changes that are felt instantly. Council need to be strategic and calculated in every decision made. If elected I will have over 1400 days to encourage change that will see the Burdekin be a much safer and liveable community that continues to deliver major projects, provide great community events, but does so in a way that is affordable.
I was born and raised in the Burdekin and have lived here all of my life. I have been employed at the Ayr Police Station for 25 years. In that time I have seen and have been involved in a lot of situations that has given me the experience to be able to help resolve any issues that are presented. My goal if elected; I would commit to helping and fighting for the residents of the Burdekin Shire ensuring that their voice is heard.
Drainage has been a big part of the problems in the town. I would endeavour to discuss the drainage issues with the appropriate section to achieve a result that is favourable to the town residents. Community safety is another issue, I would work actively with individuals and agencies, all law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all my constituents to help them to feel safe in their own homes.
I think the people want to be heard. They are who will be electing the Councillors and we are there for them. I want to be their voice in Council. There is a lot of problems in the area that need to be addressed. I would listen and endeavour to do my best to fight for them in Council.
The first 100 days will be a very big learning time for me. I will be working out how to best listen and help the community in Council. I have never been in local Government and I will be finding my feet. I will be getting to know my other Councillors so together we will do what’s right for the local community.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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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