Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Not every business starts with a blueprint. For some, it begins as a calling… in more ways than one. Burdekin local Robert Hayward had been in the hydraulics industry since he was 18. A diligent worker who loved his job, he quickly built a reputation locally as one of the best in the business. But despite a mutual affinity with the industry that had formed over years, he stepped away in the early 1990s to help his father-in-law maintain a cane property in Clare. Until he received a call. Then another… and another. Rob quickly realised that, despite his brief hiatus, his reputation in hydraulics had not faded. With that, he was pulled back into the game, this time with nothing but a $2,000 ute, a toolbox, and work up to his neck. And the only way to keep himself from drowning in it was, ironically, to go in deeper. “As the Burdekin is, if you do a very good job, word travels quickly between the community. One farmer talked to another, he talked to another, he talked to another… “Until I sat down with my wife one day and said, ‘I think we can make a business out of this.’” His ute would eventually make way for a permanent space—a small sub-shed at Larry Hudson Engineering in the Ayr Industrial Estate that would serve as his headquarters for the following four years. He tackled the first year solo, before demand forced him to put an apprentice on in the second year, and a qualified tradesman in the third. By the end of the fourth, Rob’s work had outgrown its humble base, moving down the road into a new purpose-built shed that would become the home of Hayward Hydraulics. That shed would officially open in 1996, spurring a 30-year legacy sustained by three defining pillars. Growing with the industry “I had no idea how to use computers,” Rob said with a smirk. Admittedly, he hadn’t realised he signed himself up for a three-decade, three-fold evolution between an entire industry, his own business, and himself. What he did know was that he was ready to learn, and eager to grow. It started with the basics. For Rob, that meant wrapping his head around modern computers, attending TAFE courses on emerging welding techniques, and becoming a leader. “I went from being a very good tradesman to having to be an employer,” he said. “You have to be a people's person, you have to treat people the right way, treat your workers the right way. That part I never even thought of until we started getting into it.” Rob treated this evolution as a marathon rather than a sprint, dedicating the business's first decade cementing its reputation as a local leader. After striking up deals with major companies, including Queensland Rail and Wilmar Sugar in the mid-2000s, he decided to take the leap into the mining industry in the early 2010s as a safety net for the unpredictable sugar industry. With that growth, Hayward Hydraulics’ shed would undergo its third structural expansion to accommodate its continuously increasing popularity and modernised technology. He built a habit of gleaning ideas from various online hydraulic magazines, and then building on them to not only keep up with the industry, but to will it into the future himself. “I eventually built a reputation for thinking outside of the square. If somebody's been doing something for 20 years, I'll look at a better way of doing it,” he said. Albeit, he admits he and the business are still evolving today. “I've seen harvesters and planters go from chain and sprocket to hydraulic motors, to hydraulic motors being linked to satellite GPS,” he said. “The industry has changed in leaps and bounds, and you have to keep finding ways to move with it.” Doing it the right way Hayward Hydraulics’ evolution was founded on something Rob didn’t need to be taught. Care. And he makes sure his staff do, too. “I didn't come from a real wealthy family, so we were brought up to work; you work, you do the job right, you get paid,” he said. “So if I'm not happy with something, I'll ask my workers: ‘would you pay for that?’” When the mining industry began to boom in Queensland, Rob admits he had a difficult time retaining workers. To compete, he was forced into paying top-dollar for what he called “good quality workers,” causing financial tension. When asked if compromising staff quality for cost was ever an option, with the conviction of a true-blue purist, he said: “No.” “I've always maintained that a business is only as good as your employees. You can be the best boss in the world, but if you've got workers that people don't like, they don't come through the door,” he said. “My current staff are up there with the best that I've had. I just try to make sure they’re happy to come to work every day.” With quality and care as its engine, Hayward Hydraulics became known not just for technical know-how, but for doing things the right way. As its stature in the industry continued to grow, so did the scope of its customer base. Calls started coming in from as far north as Tully, all the way to Mackay and Western Queensland, all saying the same thing: “We heard you were the guy to talk to about this problem.” Family and community at its heart For the last 10 years especially, the business has made a point of supporting local organisations and sports clubs, most notably the Burdekin Roosters Rugby League Club. Rob described it as a duty to a community that has given so much to him and the company. “The community has been so important to it all. I’ve got some customers that have been with me from day one, and with some, I’m onto the third generation of the same family,” he said. “The’ve given a lot to me. They've helped me grow and supported me, so it's about time I supported them back.” Beneath it all, though, he points to his family as the driving force. “I remember those early days when we were setting up the new workshop, building benches and all that, my two brothers-in-law and my father came out and gave me a hand,” he said. “But my biggest support is my wife. Especially in the early days when I wasn't home, and she solely looked after the kids and everything. “It got to the stage where I was working seven days a week, 12 hour days, and my wife would bring the kids on a Saturday and Sunday, and we'd sit on the shop floor and have lunch. “She's been with me through the lows and the highs, and that I thank her for.” Now, thirty years later, it’s his family pulling him out of the industry. Driven by the desire to make up for lost time with his wife and kids, Rob has loosened his grip on business operations, working four days a week with plans to eventually let his brainchild find its own footing. As for right now, he’s not yet ready to call time on a chapter that was, perhaps, never meant to last this many pages. “I still love what I do,” he said. “The early days come with sacrifices, but when I look back now, it was all worth it. “I remember when it all first started, looking on the ATO website and coming across that statistic that most businesses fail within five years. “When I read it, I said to myself, 'well, I'm gonna make sure I’m not that statistic.’” And that, he did. CAPTION: Rob and his current team. Back L-R: Chase Pearce, Stephan Du Plessis Front L-R: Kade Pearce, Renee Viero, Robert Hayward, Tina Dennis, Bryan Parison Absent: Sam Tomasetig Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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The Burdekin has rallied behind a local family after a sudden medical diagnosis turned their life upside-down. Ryan and Holly Davenport dropped everything when their two-year-old son, Rowen, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last month, temporarily relocating to Brisbane for his ongoing treatment. In response, a GoFundMe fundraiser has since raised over $55,000 in support of the family. Created in late May by Shannon Malone, a close friend of the Davenports, the fundraiser has been shared all over Facebook and Instagram by local organisations, garnering comments of support on top of 271 individual donations. “Words can’t describe how much it means to us to have everyone’s support behind Rowen as he begins his journey,” Ryan said. “They have given us precious time to spend with Rowen without the everyday worries.” The money will help fund hospital stays, travel, time away from work, and ongoing treatment expenses as the Home Hill family navigates a medical journey that began in April. Already on edge after daughter, Ally, underwent brain surgery to have a cavernoma removed just before Easter, Ryan and Holly acted promptly when they noticed a twitch in Rowen’s eye. Following weeks of consultations with Townsville doctors and specialists—which included MRI scans and a Royal Flying Doctors flight—Rowen was eventually diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a slow-growing brain tumour. He has since been transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for chemotherapy, with the couple leaving their two young daughters with their grandparents in the Burdekin to be by his side. In their absence, locals have offered meals, helped on the family’s sugar cane farm, assisted around their home and helped look after their daughters, along with the generous donations. Ryan said the funds raised would not just help relieve the financial burden of Rowen’s treatment, but allow the flexibility to fly their daughters down and spend some time as a family. “(The toughest part has been) the unknown, not having our family together … and watching Rowen go through these traumatic times and … not being able to do anything,” Ryan said. “It has been a very emotional journey so far, and it is hard to believe we are only at the start.” Anyone wanting to support the Davenports is urged to donate using the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-davos-and-little-rowen?attribution_id=sl:75c20475-06e5-4752-8e11-d1b7a07c7728&lang=en_AU&ts=1779705595&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link CAPTION: Funding will allow the family to fly their daughters down and spend more time together during Rowen’s treatment. Photo supplied
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The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has slammed the Albanese Government for an unacceptable ambush on regional communities, accusing the Commonwealth of abandoning disaster-prone areas to balance its own budget. The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, used a late Friday afternoon media release to quietly flag sweeping alterations to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The proposed changes dismantle the long-standing, scalable framework, which historically provided an average of 64 per cent federal coverage and capped support at 75 per cent for catastrophic events. In its place, Canberra intends to implement a rigid 50-50 funding model. This policy shift arrives at the worst possible time for the state; it follows a volatile severe weather season that caused widespread damage across 71 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is warning that the sudden funding shortfall threatens the future viability of essential infrastructure, local water treatment facilities, and emergency evacuation operations. Mr Willcox, drawing on his extensive experience as the former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, stated that the Federal Government is completely detached from the realities of regional recovery. "This decision is a direct hit to the heart of North Queensland," Mr Willcox said. "Canberra is treating natural disasters like a corporate budgeting exercise; however, out here, it is a matter of community survival. To penalise the very regions that drive the nation’s agricultural wealth and mining export revenues is a profound betrayal. "During my time steering the Whitsunday community through the wreckage of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, I learned exactly what it takes to rebuild. We relied heavily on scalable federal assistance to restore our shattered rural road networks. Under a flat 50-50 split, local councils across Dawson would be forced to find millions of dollars in matching revenue; that is a financial burden our regional ratepayer base simply cannot sustain." Mr Willcox emphasised that major historical recovery operations would have been completely unviable under the newly proposed guidelines. "The total reconstruction of the Shute Harbour marine terminal and the $5 million federal package required to replace the decimated Proserpine Entertainment Centre occurred because the previous framework allowed for exceptional circumstances," Mr Willcox said. "Small regional councils do not possess the independent asset base to fund multi-million-dollar rebuilds alone. Furthermore, the historical system guaranteed that funding flowed directly into local economies, ensuring that regional earthmoving businesses and contractors were awarded the repair work. By lowering the funding floor, the Commonwealth is forcing cash-strapped councils to delay vital resilience works; this leaves our communities dangerously exposed before successive wet seasons. "It is a coward’s tactic for the Minister to leave this announcement until the day after the parliamentary sitting concluded, ensuring they avoided any real scrutiny or accountability in Question Time. “This is yet another calculated deception from a government that knows exactly how damaging these cuts are; this is absolutely not what the Australian people voted for, and I truly hope this betrayal is remembered at the next election. "This is yet another chapter in the ongoing federal neglect of regional Australia. The government is hiding behind the cover of an independent review to justify cutting essential frontline services. I call on the Emergency Management Minister to reverse this decision immediately; regional Queenslanders refuse to be treated as second-class citizens.” Supplied by the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox CAPTION: FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP outside Parliament House in Canberra, condemning the Albanese Federal Government's plan to slash scalable disaster recovery funding for regional councils. Photo supplied
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"As the final week approaches for public submissions into the Sugar Code of Conduct, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has renewed his calls for growers to unite and make their voices heard. Mr Last said the public submissions for the sunsetting review of the Sugar Code of Conduct should be an opportunity for sugarcane growers from across the Burdekin to outline the benefits of the code for both farmers and the wider community. “Over recent weeks I have taken the liberty of providing a submission on behalf of the community, because ultimately the flow-on impact from changes in our sugar industry stretch beyond the paddock and the mills,” Mr Last said. “I recently met with several grower representatives which provided the opportunity to bring key stakeholders together, reaffirm my support as the Member for Burdekin and emphasise the need to work collaboratively as the review period unfolds.” Mr Last said while it was important stakeholders took the time to make their voices heard during the public submissions there was no better way to understand the impact of the Sugar Code of Conduct than to visit the area and speak directly to representatives. “A decade ago this district played a central role in bringing this code of conduct to fruition so I would expect our stakeholders receive a seat at the table they deserve,” Mr Last said. “If the Federal Labor Government was serious about consulting with the industry, the responsible Assistant Minister would be looking for every opportunity to listen to those who are most impacted by the Sugar Code.” Anyone wishing to have their say in the review can visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugar-code-review"
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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.
Having just completed my first term of council, I still believe I have the qualities necessary to carry out the role of Councillor. I have been farming now for 30 years and in that time, I have worn many hats. These include Real Estate, mining, property development and even a lawn mowing business. I have been a member of the local Community bank board for 10 years now. All these experiences have given me the tools I need to make valid inputs in the council.
Having started the expansion of the Ayr industrial estate in 2023, the next project I would like to see is some industrial land in or south of Home Hill opened up. There are some very successful businesses on the south side of the river and finding them somewhere to grow would be fantastic. Such land is hard to find but it would be fantastic.
I see the cost-of-living crisis impacting everyone at the moment. Trying to minimise any rate rises is something I have been pushing for and voted against in my term. CPI has impacted everyone and everything including Council operations. However, I believe we can help at a Council level and I will continue to push for this.
The first 100 days will see successful Councillors hit the ground running. It's budget time this time of year at Council and it is a lot of information to take in for anyone. I remember my first day four years ago thinking "you are a long way from the farm now mate!"
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