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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Shay Kratzmann has evolved to become a steadfast staple of the McCathies Furniture Plus shopping experience, a friendly face and reliable sales assistant at the front line of the business.
Born in Ayr and raised in Brandon, Shay is through and through a Burdekin girl, something she is quick to declare and happy to share, and for over six years, McCathies Furniture Plus has been her home away from home.
“I honestly don’t think I can see myself doing anything else,” Shay shared.
“Every day is different, and I wake up excited to see what the day has in store for us. All these roles involve a lot of customer interactions and I think I am great at communicating and connecting with customers.”
When not working at McCathies, Shay is fine-tuning her own photography skills, perfecting her craft and looking for that award-winning shot.
One of her photos was published in the American photography book, one of the proudest moments in her life so far.
Shay shares her life with her boyfriend of 16 years, and their two “hairy children”, the couple’s dogs Bull and Ryda.
Star Sign: Virgo
Fav Movie: Law Abiding Citizen and Lion King
Fav Colour: Purple and Black
Fav Holiday Destination: Maldives
Fav Music: Country and Old School (Guns N Roses, The Eagles, AC/DC etc.)
Fav Quote: “It is what it is”
Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I am a Brown Belt, Black Tip in Taekwondo
Residents of the Burdekin will have the opportunity to experienceAfrican Drumming and Blissful Sound Immersion when Alex Salvadore ofthe Rhythm Connection comes to Ayr on the weekend.
Mr Salvadore isholding two events at the QCWA Hall in Ayr on Sunday, February 11.
“TheIntroduction to African Drumming workshop will have residents playingrhythms on authentic West African djembes,” he said.
“The Bliss OutSound Immersion Experience is an hour of relaxation while I playinstruments from around the world including flutes from Armenia,Native America and Slovakia; Singing Bowls, Handpan, ocean drums,chimes and more.”
Mr Salvadore willhost ‘An Introduction to African Drumming’ on Sunday, February 11from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
‘Bliss Out’,a sound immersion and tone chimes experience, will follow from 2:00pmto 3:30pm.
Contact MrSalvadore on 0414 803 666 or email therhythmconnection@gmail.com formore information.
Alex Salvadore is holding two events at the QCWA Hall in Ayr on Sunday. Photo supplied
The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Beach Golf Day is gearing up to be a cracker of an event. Being held this Saturday February 10, with Tee-off from 1pm, teams of four will enjoy a fun filled day out with their clubs. Teams are invited to come in their best team themed outfits, to help add to the energetic atmosphere of the day.
Their Top 100 Club event has also been moved to be aligned with Golf Day. The special event of the draw will take place between 12pm-1.30pm on Saturday 10th, with a ticket purchased gaining entry for 2 people for drinks and lunch and the chance to win $3,000 or $1,000. There are still some numbers available, so if you're interested, please head to the Ayr Surf Club's Facebook page, or contact Kellie Lawry.
The club has organised buses to and from Alva Beach to assist with transportation for the event. The bus will be leaving The Kalamia Hotel in town at 11.30am & 12.30pm and heading back in from the beach at both 8.30pm & 9.30pm.
This is sure to be a great day out for all ages, so get your teams together and come and join in the fun.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Beach Golf Day is happening this Saturday February 10. Photo supplied
The Whitsundays Writers Festival is gearing for a grand comeback, with a schedule jampacked full of immersive celebrations of all things literary.
On the cards is esteemed 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award winner, Shankari Chandran, winner of Australia’s premier literary prize for her debut novel, ‘Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens’.
Alongside Shankari are several other highly regarded, award-winning Australian authors, who are excited to be in sunny Whitsundays for a weekend of literary prowess.
Karen Jacobsen, the Festival President, expressed her excitement, stating, “It's not often we have the opportunity to meet renowned national and international writers. This will be a landmark event for the Whitsundays and a golden opportunity for regional Queensland to add a substantial literary gem to its arts calendar.”
Alongside the schedule of workshops, talks, and luncheons, the weekend will also include the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards. The Heart Awards provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design. Submissions for the Heart Awards open February 14.
“This event will bring together creative minds in the picturesque setting of the Whitsundays. What better place to immerse yourself in the brilliance of Australian literature?” remarked Karen.
“I strongly advise securing your place at the festival and booking accommodation early to fully enjoy the wonders of the Whitsundays while indulging in the myriad of events the festival has to offer.”
Save The Date!
WHAT: Whitsunday Writers Festival
WHEN: Friday, September 6 to Sunday September 8
Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards
Submissions Open February 14
Shankari Chandran confirmed to star in September’s Whitsundays Writers Festival. Photo supplied
Karen Jacobsen, Voice of Siri, is the Whitsunday Writers Festival President. Photo supplied
Local Ergon Energy crews worked tirelessly to reconnect power to thousands of Burdekin customers. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Streets, parks and backyards were littered with fallen trees and branches after ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crossed over the Burdekin last Thursday, January 25, and while damage was considered minimal, the event left large parts of the region without power for days.
The cyclone’s damaging winds had a major effect on north Queensland’s power network, with over 9,000 Burdekin customers losing their power from Thursday night, and the last of those regaining power earlier this week.
Ergon Energy Area Manager Matt Oar said local and visiting crews were out in the field repairing the network as soon is it was safe to return to work after the cyclone passed.
“We had crews working 24/7, not just on call, but actually working around the clock to restore power to customers,” Mr Oar said.
“A lot of these staff who were at work were leaving their families without power at home for a couple of days.
“We’ve turned an event that potentially could have lasted a week into three days.”
On top of 48 local staff, 203 workers travelled into the region from across the state.
“I’m just so thankful and proud of what our crews have done and what they’ve been able to achieve in such a short amount of time,” Mr Oar said.
“The community’s been so positive when we’re out and about, they understand that we’ve got challenges but we’re doing our best to get the power on as soon as we can.”
For the SES, regular natural disaster preparations ramped up on Saturday, January 20 when sandbags became a priority as the cyclone approached.
Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis estimated that over 9,500 sandbags were provided by the SES to residents of the Burdekin.
“This is by far the largest number of sandbags consumed on a single operation,” Mr Francis said.
“I’m very impressed with how the community reacted.”
At least 120 jobs have been logged with the SES throughout the event including sandbagging, one tarp job, and vegetation clearing post-event.
“Our role is to cut an access into a house; if a tree’s fallen down and blocked access to a house or driveway, we’ll clear that, but we don’t go around and clean people’s yards,” Mr Francis clarified.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Lyn McLaughlin said the event was an opportunity to showcase the community’s resilience and preparedness.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the recent weather event," Ms McLaughlin said.
“Thank you to all who volunteered and assisted their family, friends and neighbours.
“To the SES Volunteers, Ergon Energy and the Burdekin Shire Council staff for leaving their homes and giving up their time to help the community.
“Their efforts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.
“The LDMG will continue to monitor the affects from ex-TC Kirrily and will provide regular updates to the public as needed via Council’s website, Disaster Dashboard and the Burdekin Disaster and Emergency Information Facebook page.”
Personal Hardship Assistance Grants are now available to residents in the Burdekin Shire who have been affected by the Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
To check your eligibility and submit an application, visit www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp, phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or visit the Community Recovery pop-up hub at Burdekin Community Association, 130 Queen Street, Ayr.
LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin and Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi
There’s nothing like a natural disaster to bring a community together and, although ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was considered minor in the end, the Burdekin still turned on its community spirit.
Burdekin Life has received many reports of generous and neighbourly deeds, from locals helping each other fill sandbags before the cyclone to helping clean up backyards afterwards.
“I did see some tremendous examples of good community people helping their neighbours, helping their friends, helping their family,” said Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis.
“There were some really good examples of that, and we wish everyone would take up on that.”
Meanwhile, Burdekin SES shared their gratitude to Woolworths Ayr who generously donated lunch to their hardworking volunteers during the cyclone recovery efforts.
“Your support not only nourished them but also warmed our hearts,” Burdekin Unit State Emergency Service shared on social media.
“Thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.”
Ergon Energy crews were also thanked for their efforts in the field according to Area Manager Matt Oar.
“I’m really happy with the response of the Burdekin residents and how accommodating they’ve been; people just couldn’t do enough for us,” Mr Oar said.
“We’d pull up at certain places and people would walk out and give our workers things to drink and eat just because they’re so appreciative and want to give them something to help them along.”
Congratulations, Burdekin, for navigating ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily with preparedness and community spirit.
Woolworths Ayr donated food to Burdekin SES volunteers during cyclone recovery efforts. Photo supplied
In recognition of her academic achievements and commitment, Sophie Robertson of Ayr State High School is one of eight Queensland recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize, awarded by the Queensland Government.
The award recognises the efforts and dedication of young Queenslanders and aims to present students with opportunities to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy. Sophie will embark on a 16-day international adventure touring France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom to explore the ANZAC legacy in April along with seven other Queensland students and two teacher chaperones.
The application process led Sophie to produce a 5-minute video submission on the ANZAC spirit’s interconnectedness, and relevance within today’s society. After being shortlisted, Sophie presented to a large panel of 12 officials, including brigadiers from the Australian Defence Force, where she was successful, and awarded the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize.
Dedicated to upholding the values of this award, Sophie has been busily developing official fundraisers, and the Commemorative Crosses Project, where she will visit a school in the local district to educate students on the ANZAC spirit. Prior to travelling abroad, Sophie has begun engaging in Young Historians Workshops whereby she travelled to Brisbane in January to work alongside the Minister for Education, Grace Grace, and the Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs, Bart Mellish. The workshops will continue throughout the months leading up to the tour in collaboration with the State Library of Queensland, and Ms Grace believes this opportunity will equip Sophie and the other recipients with valuable knowledge and insights they’ll carry with them for life.
“I want to congratulate the eight students set to represent our state abroad, it is thoroughly deserved and I’m sure they will do a remarkable job,” expressed Ms Grace.
This international opportunity will prove to be an invaluable experience for Sophie where she will deliver two eulogies to fallen ANZAC veterans, with one of which being her Great, Great Uncle.
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to deliver this eulogy for him, and while I am over there, I will be the first in my family to visit his memorial,” explained Sophie.
RSL Queensland State President, Major General Stephen Day believes this award presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to its recipients to pass on valuable stories of the ANZACs, and to further educated youth on the important role veterans had on the establishment of Australia.
“The prize is an opportunity for some of our brightest high school students to get out of the classroom, travel to the Western Front and gain a more profound understanding of the commitment and sacrifices of their veterans,” explained Major General Stephen.
Ayr State High School’s Senior Deputy Principal, Anna D’Ilario recognized Sophie’s potential and presented this opportunity to her in 2022, and the Ayr High Family are beyond proud of what Sophie has achieved.
“We are very proud of Sophie,” expressed Ayr State High School’s principal, Mr Craig Whittred.
“She is a fantastic student who has demonstrated great tenacity in her studies and is a well-deserved recipient of this prestigious prize.
“This will be a life-changing experience for Sophie, and we are excited for her to share her experience with us all at Ayr High and the wider Burdekin community.”
Sophie Robertson is one of eight Queensland recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize. Photo supplied
Home Hill residents have called on the state government to fund private security patrols such is their frustration with the spiralling crime rate.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, met with business owners and residents earlier this week and said the fact that they felt there was no alternative but private security to keep them safe was a direct result of the current state government’s many failures.
“People are frustrated and angry due to the actions of a small group of offenders who are running riot in Home Hill,” he said.
“Queenslanders have the right to feel safe no matter where they live and that is a right that this state government has ignored for years now.
“Between July 2022 and December last year we saw Police Officer numbers in Queensland fall by 322.
“Requests for additional Police in Home Hill have fallen on deaf ears and it is the community that is left to pay the price.
“Community safety is a state government responsibility and, just like people throughout the Burdekin, I am sick and tired of this state government’s empty words and broken promises.”
Mr Last said that he has raised business owners and residents’ concerns with senior Police but that additional resources were needed; and needed now.
“We have the situation where a local tradesman no longer takes appointments on a Monday morning because he knows he will spend every Monday morning repairing damage to schools caused by a small group of thugs,” he said.
“That is completely unacceptable anywhere in Queensland, let alone in a community like Home Hill.
“The current Labor government talks about a multi-disciplinary response and working with offenders.
“Ask anyone in the Burdekin and they will tell you that it simply isn’t working.
“These offenders are effectively terrorising our community and they belong in custody.
“We need the Police resources to ensure that offenders are apprehended and taken before a court and, if they are released and offend again, they need to be arrested again.
“It is up to the state government to ensure these offenders are held to account.
“There needs to be consequences for action but, sadly, we are not seeing any action on youth crime from the current government.”
Mr Last posed two options to the state government.
“Either resource our Police adequately to ensure people feel safe or continue to do nothing and stand by as the anger and frustration grows,” he said.
“Repeatedly we have seen this Labor state government forced into taking action following a tragedy such as the loss of a life.
“Our communities shouldn’t have to wait for a tragedy before they can feel safe in their own homes.
“We were promised increased Police resources in response to a recent spike in crime but what we actually saw was young offenders preying on homes and businesses in the middle of a natural disaster.
“We are sick of words, and we are demanding action.
“Responsibility for addressing this issue sits solely with the Labor state government and, if action is not taken soon, I fear that we will have yet another community dealing with a tragedy thanks to Labor’s failure to deal with youth crime.”
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Lyn McLaughlin will run for a final term as Mayor of the Burdekin Shire at the 2024 Local Government Elections on Saturday, March 16.
The announcement comes on the first week of candidate nominations opening, with the incumbent looking to see some of her Council’s long-term projects through to completion.
“I have been fortunate to be Mayor of the Burdekin Shire for the past eight years and in that time, have seen many significant projects take shape,” Ms McLaughlin said.
“This will be the final time I run for Mayor – I love the Burdekin, I have lived here for 47 years, but I’m not done yet.
“I want to see these projects through to completion to ensure our Shire remains resilient long into the future.
“Recently, Council has implemented a range of long-term strategies to future proof not only our Shire’s infrastructure, but our cultural venues and parks, tourism offerings, and more.
“After seeing these strategies go from community consultation to adoption and seeing ground break on some of the major projects we have been advocating for over the past few years, I am now even more passionate about seeing them through to the end.”
Some of these key projects include the expansion of the Burdekin’s Industrial Estate and full-scale Macroalgal Bioremediation Facility, which both broke ground in 2023.
Other long-term strategic projects Ms McLaughlin has seen over her previous term of Council include securing long-term water security with both the 5ML Home Hill Reservoir and 10ML Ayr/Brandon Reservoir and related filtration systems delivered, supported by Queensland Government funding; the Home Hill Memorial Park and Watson’s Green Master Plan; the ANZAC Park Precinct Master Plan; and upgrades to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre and Water Park.
“The Burdekin is the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest, and I have advocated for projects that will further cement our Shire as a desirable place for residents, businesses, tourists and investors,” Ms McLaughlin said.
Local Government elections will be held on Saturday March 16, with more information available at ecq.qld.gov.au.
Lyn McLaughlin will run for Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council in 2024. Photo credit: Marni Hine Photography
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Ayr Health Service has welcomed four graduate nurses to its staff in 2024, bolstering the service’s nursing workforce and the region’s healthcare capabilities.
Three of the new graduates, Macy Davelstein, Dani McFadyen and Nissa Reid, are local to the Burdekin and had been working at the hospital while completing their degrees while Allanis Melvin recently relocated for her new position.
“Historically, Graduate nurses rotated from the Townsville University Hospital and then on completion of their 12-month program returned to Townsville and then we started all over again recruiting to the Graduate positions and training them for our service,” said Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola.
“It soon became obvious that our nursing workforce would become impacted unless a more strategic plan was put in place in regard to succession planning.”
Ayr Health Service has been employing local Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery students in their second and third years as Students in Nursing since 2019.
“Once these students successfully complete their degree, they transition as our Graduates,” Ms Gabiola said.
“This Nursing career pathway has proved invaluable for succession planning and provides me with peace of mind knowing I have nursing staff who are home grown and wanting to continue to live and work within our community.”
Nissa Reid has lived in the Burdekin for most of her life and, despite finishing school 10 years ago, was drawn to the challenge of embarking on a career in nursing.
“I went into the workforce out of school and never wanted to go to uni,” she said.
“It’s funny how it’s all come around 10 years later and it’s worked out really well for me.
“I thought I would fail, and I ended up doing really well, so I’m very proud of myself.”
Ms Reid has purchased a house in the area and has no plans to leave the Burdekin.
“It’s nice to continue with the closeknit community of the area and I think the hospital really reflects that in a lot of ways,” she said.
Fellow graduate Dani McFadyen, originally from Scotland, has lived in Home Hill for 12 years and started her career in aged care 10 years ago, deciding to continue studying nursing externally while working at the hospital.
“The hospital is very welcoming,” she said.
“Nothing’s too much if you ask a question and everyone’s very friendly and helpful and just want the best.”
While living in Townsville for university, Macy Dabelstein would return to her hometown of Ayr to work alongside Ms Reid and Ms McFadyen while studying.
“It worked hand in hand with our degree and helped us out,” she said.
She’s since moved back to her hometown to embark on her career.
“It’s good to be home and have quality time,” Ms Dabelstein said.
“It’s a tightknit community and everything’s very chill down in ED (emergency department).”
Meanwhile, Allanis Melvin grew up in Ingham and, upon graduating, applied to the Townsville Hospital Grad Program with Ayr as a preference.
“I chose Ayr because I’m definitely a small-town girl and it feels more comfortable for me,” she said.
“It was somewhere I hadn’t been before, so it was exciting.”
Ms Melvin is following in the footsteps of her mother and both grandmothers who all worked in nursing.
“I’ve grown up surrounded by excellent nurses and I always knew I wanted to do something to help people in a hospital setting,” she said.
“I’m excited to enhance my skills as a nurse.
“All the staff that I’ve met have been really friendly and really helpful.”
Ms Gabiola said the Graduate program will allow Ayr Health Service to ensure appropriate coverage and delivery of service required for the Burdekin community.
“By the time they commence their Graduate year they are fully orientated and familiar with the hospital, our procedures and their roles,”” she said.
“Having known these women since they commenced their study and work here, I must admit I am always very proud of their achievements and delighted to have them as fully qualified Registered Nurses.”
L-R Ayr Hospital’s newest nursing graduates Allanis Melvin, Dani McFadyen, Macy Dabelstein and Nissa Reid
Two children were injured in a motorcycle crash on a private property on Rita Island Road, Jarvisfield last Wednesday, January 24.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed the incident was reported at 4:17pm that afternoon.
“Paramedics treated two males in their pre-teens, one with a head injury and one with arm and leg injuries,” the Spokesperson said.
“One patient was transported to Ayr Hospital, and the second was airlifted to Townsville Hospital; both were stable.”
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the two boys are believed to be known to each other.
“The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, however the initial investigations indicate the crash is non-suspicious.”
With school recommenced for this term, just a timely reminder for parents who drop their children off at local schools.
Drop off zones are exactly that, pull up and drop off your children then leave. If you intend on walking your child into school, park elsewhere. We don’t want to cause any traffic congestion during an already busy time of the day.
Don’t stop in the lane of travel waiting for vehicles that are parked, picking up children, to leave that space, as this back up and congests traffic unnecessarily.
Also be aware of the school zone speed limits and drive cautiously.
Pedestrian crossings
When approaching pedestrian crossings, what is a driver’s obligation?
The Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation explains
i) A driver must give way to a pedestrian (or the rider of a bicycle) on or entering a pedestrian crossing; and
ii) A driver approaching a pedestrian crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing.
Several offenders committed a series of break and enters in the early hours of January 23, including ram raids using a stolen vehicle.
In the early hours of the January 25, five offenders committed a further series of break and enters and ram raids using other stolen vehicles.
These offences occurred in Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon.
As of Monday, January 29, three of the five offenders had been dealt with by Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch officers with a total of 43 charges between them.
The charges include Enter Premises and Commit Indictable Offence, Burglary, Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle and Arson.
A 14-year-old Ayr youth was dealt with under the Youth Justices Act.
Two of the offenders – an 18-year-old Ayr male and a 15-year-old Home Hill youth – were charged with police opposing their bail.
They were remanded in custody until March.
A 14-year-old Home Hill youth and 17-year-old Ayr youth remain outstanding.
Additionally, in the midst of the cyclone, police responded to several reports of youths attempting to break into units in Queen Street, Ayr.
Progress on the CopperString 2032 project is rapidly powering ahead, with the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs announcing Powerlink will recruit Townsville-based apprentices for the first time.
An additional 22-strong contingent in Townsville will also support work on the 840km transmission line which will run from outside Ayr to Mount Isa.
The announcements for the region come as 35 new apprentices and graduates from across Queensland began their careers with Powerlink earlier in January.
“We’re powering ahead to deliver clean economy jobs for Queenslanders, and by making progress on CopperString, it means we can create more skilled jobs for Queenslanders, while protecting and supporting existing jobs and industries,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni said.
“Not only does this project benefit workers in industries like engineering and construction, but it also means big benefits to small business.
“Powerlink has already injected more than $400,000 into the North Queensland economy, and from local cleaners to caterers, bakers to baristas, the economic benefit of CopperString and projects that deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy will continue to be significant.
“This is a huge year for CopperString and Townsville and the North Queensland community, with the benefits of the Queensland SuperGrid already starting to show.”
The key infrastructure project connects the largest renewable energy zone on the east coast of Australia with half a billion dollars in critical minerals.
“CopperString 2032 essentially connects the north and northwest, the North West Minerals Province and a whole lot of potential renewable energy development to the national electricity market,” said Powerlink Queensland Manager Community and Stakeholders Nicole Maguire.
“It’s probably a once in a generation project for the north of the state and we’re excited to be delivering it.”
Minister de Brenni toured the proposed CopperString route to learn more about how the mammoth project will benefit the north and north-west regions, create new jobs, and protect existing ones.
With dozens of local businesses already involved in the project, a further 450 businesses, including 250 from regional Queensland, have registered their interest to work on the project.
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni met with Mayors and community leaders from Townsville to Mount Isa to discuss CopperString in January. Photo supplied: Mick de Brenni
In early 2022, nine defibrillators were installed in various bay areas of Cape Upstart National Park and Molongle Creek Caravan Park to provide the isolated area with essential, life-saving equipment.
The installation was initiated by the Cape Upstart Community Progress group with the support of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and the Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Grants program. All nine defibrillators, with the aid of the Queensland Country Bank’s grant, were purchase from Megan Jerkic, Advanced Care Paramedic of 12 years with the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Megan, and members of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Ray Pickering and Alex Bojack, installed the defibrillators in the effort of supporting both the isolated community and passing boaters. The restricted tidal access to the popular holiday destination created a high demand for life saving equipment to become accessible to locals and visitors alike, and Ray Pickering believes this installation will enhance the liveability and appeal of Cape Upstart.
“The area has rocky outcrops, and no roads, so we’re bringing the community a lot closer by bringing these defibrillators a lot closer,” explained Ray Pickering.
In recognition of the nature of Cape Upstart, each defibrillator was to be a self-sufficient portable device with a long battery life which Megan, Ray and Alex would easily be able to install into mounted cabinets for convenient access.
“The defibrillators purchased are reusable with an average battery life span of 8 years, and the batteries are replaceable, so each device will continue to be usable past those 8 years,” said Megan.
“Unless they are used, the upkeep is quite simple as the devices run their own self check maintenance.”
Megan Jerkic as part of Insight First Aid will be venturing over to Cape Upstart to service each defibrillator and replace outdated equipment in the coming months.
“The pads need replacing every 2-3 years and the batteries need replacing every 5-8 years depending on the model,” explained Megan.
The installation of each life saving defibrillator marked a memorable moment in the development of the Cape Upstart community. The work of the Cape Upstart Community Progress group, Megan Jerkic, Ray Pickering, and Alex Bojack in moving this project forward is to be commended.
Whitsunday Regional Councillors Mike Brunker and Michelle Wright, Megan Jerkic of Insight First Aid, Alex Bojack and Guilio Rossato. Photo supplied
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