As far north Queensland faced dual disasters towards the end of 2023, and unruly weather continued across the state, the region’s Ergon crews were quick to assist in the recovery.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to the electricity network and cut power to more than 50,000 customers across Far North Queensland, with crews from across the state ensuring the lights were back on for Christmas.

Ergon’s acting Chief Operating Officer Jeff Green said it had been a marathon team effort in the countdown to Christmas.

“We were on track to have power safely restored to everyone impacted by the cyclone in under a week when the flood emergency began and forced us to revise our restoration targets,” he said.

“Our Ergon and Energex teams from across Queensland have worked together in extremely challenging conditions in some devastated communities to ensure the power network is up and running or mobile generation support is available for Christmas.

“The response from those communities and customers has been so uplifting for our crews who are supporting them on the road to recovery.

“We’ve seen children cheering our crews as the convoy left the Cairns Showgrounds, deliveries of home-baked goods and messages of support from people who were grateful to have their power back on – these gestures are humbling for our crews and a reminder of the impact of their work, especially after a natural disaster.”

Ergon and Energex crews are continuing to support the recovery and reconstruction effort.

In areas where major flooding and landslides have altered the landscape and caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure, including poles and wires, the electricity network will need to be redesigned and rebuilt.

“We will be supporting those communities with generation while we work with local authorities to assess how we can build back better or provide alternative energy solutions, like standalone power systems, which we have successfully trialled at the fringe of the grid,” Mr Green said.

“On behalf of Ergon, I’d like to thank all our partners in this disaster response, including emergency services, SES volunteers, disaster management groups, Councils, contractors and community organisations.

“It is always a team effort and we appreciate your support to get our customers and communities back on their feet.”

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Members of the Burdekin crew involved in Ergon’s power restoration effort in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the flooding emergency in Far North Queensland

Burdekin crews worked in Kuranda where landslides, flooding and fallen trees caused damage to the electricity network

Photos supplied

Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr have shared their gratitude with the Burdekin community after another successful Giving Tree initiative in 2023.

Throughout the month of December, both branches set up Giving Trees and accepted gift donations for children between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age, as well as gift vouchers and food donations.

On December 18, the gifts were collected, wrapped and given to the children who attend Burdekin Education Program who were so grateful for the gifts they were given from everyone who took the time to donate something.

“We want to say a massive thank you to all our lovely customers and the local businesses who donated to our 2023 Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr Giving tree for Burdekin Education Program!” Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr shared on social media.

“We couldn’t be any more proud of our Burdekin community and their generous donations.

“The kids involved with the program are going to have a special Christmas this year.

“It has been an honour to be a part of.”

The Burdekin Education Program is a small campus offering an alternative educational program.

Seeking to respond to the needs of young people where they are, the program works on developing a personal learning plan to empower each young person to achieve their goals.  

Burdekin Education Program aims to foster honest and authentic relationships with young people, their families and our community through supporting and celebrating the uniqueness of each person.

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Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr collected donations for Burdekin Education Program throughout December. Photo supplied

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has shared a story that started with an incident over 25 years ago for two very good reasons.

As a Police Officer based in Charters Towers, Mr Last and his partner came across Raymond Abdy in an overturned car and, while the events have changed several lives forever, Mr Last hopes they may also help others.

“That night is burnt into my memory,” Mr Last said.  

“It was late at night on May 15th 1998 when we were patrolling in Charters Towers and came around the corner to see a car had rolled.

“When we stopped the wheels on the car were still spinning so, in a way, our timing couldn’t have been much better.  

“Raymond, 9 days shy of his 18th birthday, was still in the vehicle with the seat belt across his neck restricting his breathing.

“We cut the seatbelt so that Raymond could breathe and the sound of him taking a huge gulp of air is a sound I will never forget.  

“From that point it was a case of providing first aid until an ambulance and firefighters arrived to provide further treatment and get Raymond on his way to hospital.”

“Thankfully Raymond survived but was left with a brain injury and years of intensive rehabilitation due to that incident.  

“The outcome could have been much worse but the fact is Raymond’s life will never be the same and the effect on Raymond’s loves ones is almost immeasurable.”

Mr Last said Ramond’s story highlighted that, in addition to lives lost, the permanent injuries caused by road accidents were a real risk that all drivers faced.

“Up until a week before Christmas almost 270 lives had been lost on Queensland roads,” Mr Last said.  

“You also have to remember that over 7,000 people are hospitalised each year due to road accidents and that, for many of them, their lives are irreversibly changed.

“If you take Raymond as an example, you have a 17 year old with obvious talents both academically and on the sporting field.  

“Drivers, especially young drivers, need to understand that a split second decision can not only take lives, but it can also take away their dreams.

“What Raymond has achieved in his life since the accident is remarkable to say the least.  

“With the unwavering support of his mother, Lorna, Raymond has competed internationally in athletics and travels far and wide sharing the importance of driving safely with young people.”

Last year, Mr Last attended a local Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) Program and said Raymond and Lorna speaking to the students could only be describe as a “breakthrough moment”.  

“Raymond was a similar age to the students when he had his accident and you can see that the students connect with that while also getting a better understanding of what can happen as a result of road accidents,” Mr Last said.

“Raymond and Lorna have taken part in literally hundreds of RYDA Programs, including here in the Burdekin.  

“The RYDA Program encourages young people to take a more responsible attitude and Raymond’s story definitely helps in sharing that message.

“Such is the contribution that Raymond and Lorna have made to the RYDA Program, they were awarded Rotary’s highest honour last year.  

“It was a great honour to be able to see them receive the Paul Harris Fellowship here in the Burdekin.”

“As we approach the start of another school year and another year of young people working towards getting their licence, it’s a great opportunity for parents to look at programs like this.  

“Every parent finds the prospect of their children getting their licence a little daunting but programs like this can definitely help to reinforce the need to drive responsibly.”

In addition to helping make our roads safer for young people, Mr Last said Raymond’s story carried another important message.

“At this time of year, we sadly see an increase in the number of road accidents,” he said.  

“I’d ask people to remember that, at each of those serious accidents, there are emergency services workers whose lives may also be changed by that incident.

“For Police Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters and even some volunteers, the effects are not always immediate.  

“But, despite the dangers and the trauma that come for attending those accidents, those people never hesitate to do it all over again when called on.”

“Over 30% of the people killed on our roads are aged 16 to 24 and it’s a similar figure for hospitalisations.  

“By showing responsibility on the road we are making ourselves safer and setting an example that could play a huge part in reducing the number of young people lost on our roads each year.”

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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, was on hand to celebrate Lorna and Raymond Abdy receiving their Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotarian Tony Goddard. Photo supplied

As we enter 2024, Burdekin Life intern Chelsea Ravizza asked those in our community about their hopes and goals for the new year.

Lisa Furnell

‍Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Volunteer

Live a healthier life and spend more time with the grandkids.

John Furnell

Councillor

Internationally – Peace and Good Will, protection for the vulnerable. Personally – to personally improve holistically, so I may be better for my family, friends, and others. Local Community – to work for continual improvement of the Burdekin for all who live and visit.

Tracey Gabiola

Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager

As a nurse for over 40 years, I have always kept health as one of my New Year’s resolutions. When I am healthy, I can give more to my family, friends, and work. Importantly, this includes my mental health, and in 2024, I will continue to take time to build my mental fitness. My other resolution is to love more. Showing unconditional love for my family and friends and letting them know how special they are will make 2024 truly wonderful.

Jane Cannavan

Home Hill Ambulance Station Officer In Charge

To do more of what is working for me and stop doing the things that are not.

Patrick Shannon

Physiotherapist

• Aim to exercise most days each week.

• Make the start line fit and healthy for at least one running event, ideally the Burdekin Sugar Rush

• Spend lots of time with our kids and horses.

• Not take on any major home or business renovations!

Pierina Dalle Cort

Helloworld Travel Ayr

To take time out and sit as your Mayoral candidate to invest in the Burdekin’s future.

From a hammerhead shark made from a hammer and butter knives to a hand grenade made from trailer bearings and a BMX bike brake lever, Scott Apelt’s mind is full of weird, wonderful and unique creations.

Scott’s been tinkering with scrap metal art for 35 years, utilising his natural understanding of steel to manipulate and create.

While scrap metal art has always been important to him, it’s come to play an even more vital role in his wellbeing in recent years.

Scott completed his boilermaker apprenticeship in Brisbane, where he grew up, and went on to work for heavy transport companies in their research and development departments.

He would always work on scrap metal art in his spare time, even creating armour for medieval reenactments.

His career trajectory was proof of his talent, taking opportunity after opportunity until he found himself working in the marine and boating industry.

Scott finished his working week one day in June 2017, six days before his 41st birthday, and was making his way home on his motorcycle when another motorcycle rider cut him off.

“I overreacted and hit too much front brake, I got catapulted and it wasn’t very nice,” Scott reflected.

“The last thing I remember, I was getting thrown over the handlebars and I remember coming to a complete stop and smelling wet grass and dirt and another person running towards me and I went, ‘Yeah, mate, I know I’m f*cked.’”

Scott spent the next 18 months at Princess Alexandra Hospital, six of those in an induced coma.

“It made a mess of me,” he said.

“It was hard because I was at that pinnacle point, I was at the top of where I wanted to be, and it was because I busted my rear end working hard.”

Scott faced a long road to recovery, spending time in a wheelchair and going to therapy to get his movement back.

He still suffers from chronic PTSD, anxiety and depression as a result of the accident.

“It took me a long time for my hands to talk to my head again, and that was extremely frustrating,” he said.

Throughout his recovery, Scott reignited his passion for music and started playing bass guitar.

He also got back into metalwork, taking on projects to help improve his hand-eye coordination.

After leaving hospital, he met his partner and they moved to Townsville before purchasing a home in Home Hill where Scott focuses on his music and metal and embeds himself in the community.

Scott and his now wife Stacey established SSI Custom Fabrications, a small business that allows Scott the time and the lifestyle to bring his eccentric ideas into fruition.

Scott can be found selling his unique creations at the markets most weekends and plans to expand into Charters Towers and Townsville this year.

His contributions to Home Hill can be seen and felt throughout the town, including entering in the Home Hill Harvest Festival Ephemera, working with the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch in the restoration of unmarked graves, as well as creating the silhouette at the Comfort Stop and the Gateway to Home Hill at Lloyd Mann Park.

“I’ve already got two pieces of my art in a town that I didn’t grow up in, so I’m pretty chuffed about it all,” he said.

“It’s not something that happens overnight; it’s taken a lot of hard work to get back to this mentally, and I have my good days and I have my bad days.”

With a natural ability to read steel, Scott said metalwork is his calling and brings him solace and fulfillment.

“I wanted to give up, because I live in constant pain,” he said.

“It helps me concentrate and it helps me not be so hard on myself, because it was very traumatic.

“It gives me that satisfaction that I’ve still got the eye for it; the hands, the eye and the brain are still talking to each other.

“It’s helped me to find Scott again; I found Scott and I’m happy.”

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Scott Apelt’s love for scrap metal art guided him through his recovery from a traumatic motorcycle accident

Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza have been selected to attend the highly acclaimed Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band Development Camp in Brisbane from Monday 8 January to Friday 12 January 2024.

The pair have been prominent members of the Burdekin Brass Band for over nine years collectively and have been granted the opportunity to attend the QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp in previous years.

Cecillia, Jye, and other local members attend two-hour band sessions every Tuesday evening in Home Hill, with additional one-on-one support if necessary, in the lead-up to upcoming concerts and performances.

The fantastic opportunity to attend the QBA’s development camp is presented to the junior musicians of the Burdekin Brass Band who have been committed members for at least a year.

The Burdekin Brass Band applied for and was generously awarded the Regional Arts Development Grant by the Burdekin Shire Council, which will cover half the costs of Cecillia and Jye’s attendance at the camp, with the Band covering the remaining expenses.

Cecillia has been a valued member of the Burdekin Brass Band for six years, and her talents as a musician are celebrated both across the Burdekin and beyond.

“Burdekin Brass Band has been so welcoming, and I have always felt supported in what I’m doing,” said Cecillia.

The 2024 trip marks Cecillia’s fifth year in attendance of QBA’s Band Camp where her musical talents have been greatly celebrated.

In 2023, Cecillia was awarded as the most improved player, and for 2024, Cecillia has been awarded the prestigious Leonie Marshall Scholarship Award.

“The band camp is such an experience as it forces you to work harder and improve your playing abilities,” said Cecillia.

“This year I hope to improve more on the technical aspect of my musicianship, as well as to make more friends.”

Burdekin Brass Band Committee Member and parent Kari Ravizza, believes this trip presents itself as a great opportunity where her son, Jye, can improve and work on his passion for instrumental music.

“He (Jye) will have the opportunity to work on developing his skills as a musician with very experienced, well-known instrumentalists and conductors from around Australia and the world, surrounded by like-minded students where he can make new friends,” said Ms Ravizza.

Burdekin Brass Band President, Larry Hudson, invited Jye to join the band three years ago, and Jye believes his calibre as a musician has benefited greatly from being in the collaborative environment.

“I’ve never been in anything like this (The Burdekin Brass Band) before, and I really enjoy playing in this environment”, said Jye Ravizza.

“I enjoyed the camp last year, and the week-long practice will give me a chance to improve at playing my instrument and to learn new songs.”

Larry Hudson believes the QBA’s Band Camps are an excellent experience for young musicians, and he greatly encourages all qualifying members of the Burdekin Brass Band to attend.

“It’s our aim that all our junior members that attend our classes will attend the camp as soon as they qualify,” said Larry.

“There are world class tutors at the band camp, so students get tuition well above the levels we can provide.

“They mix with other musicians, and they can see what levels they can reach by seeing other students. They gain a lot from it.”

The five-day intensive camp entails opportunities for young musicians aged 10 to 19 years to immerse themselves in their passion with the guidance of industry professionals, prestigious musical directors and brass and percussion instrumentalist tutors.

The 2024 Queensland Band Association’s Musical Director will be David Bremner, celebrated and experienced musician and current Music Directors of the National Band of New Zealand, and Wellington Brass.

The Burdekin Brass Band encourages anyone interested to join the learner classes which will resume in the new school year for 2024.

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Local musicians Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

Tickets are now available for the region's 2024 Australia Day Awards Ceremony where the community will gather to reflect on the year that was and highlight those who make our region great.

The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise members of the community who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and for their exceptional achievement in a variety of areas.

Award categories range from sporting, cultural and environmental achievements to stand-out community events, dedication to volunteering and the principal titles of Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the Australia Day Awards recognise members of the community who have made an outstanding contribution to the Burdekin and stands as a moment to pay tribute to their selfless endeavours.

“The Burdekin is fortunate to be home to many individuals and this is an opportunity to express our gratitude for their invaluable contributions that often go unnoticed,” Ms McLaughlin said.

The morning will feature the presentation of the Australia Day Awards as well as the Australian Citizenship Ceremony, refreshments and an Australia Day cake.

Tickets are free however bookings are essential.

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WHAT: Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, January 26 from 9:30am. Doors open at 8:30am.

WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill

TICKETS: Online at https://bit.ly/BSCAusDayAwards2024 or call 07 4783 9880

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Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin with 2023 Burdekin Australia Day Award recipients Gerald Henaway (Citizen of the Year), Zavier Wood (Young Citizen of the Year), Brent Dingle (Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award) and Australia Day Ambassador Selina Tomasich. Photo supplied: Burdekin Shire Council

With the summer heat gearing up and the desire to stay cool heightens, residents and visitors are urged to remain safe.

During the frequent heat waves sweeping the region, community members must remain cautious and vigilant of the effects of the soaring temperatures.

Dr Natalie Ly of the Townsville University Hospital said that, “Even though you get used to the heat living in North Queensland it is important to not be complacent about the serious impact severe heat can have on our health.

“During a heatwave or extreme weather, you should look after yourself, stay hydrated, avoid the sun, keep cool and look after others.

“You should never underestimate the dangers of heat-related illness especially for more vulnerable community members including the elderly, young children and people with underlying health conditions.”

Dr Ly said symptoms like a high temperature, a rapid pulse, dizziness, and nausea should be taken seriously.

“If you suspect someone has heatstroke you should seek urgent medical attention” she said.

The Australian Red Cross recommends remaining indoors, and plan to do most activities in the cooler parts of the day, primarily early or late in the day.

Avoid sports and exercise and drink plenty of fluids, even if not thirsty, and to use a combination of fans and air-conditioning to circulate cooler air in homes.

For those flocking to water to stay cool, it is paramount to remain water safe as well.

Dr Ly said the festive season also sees an increase in people flocking to local and backyard pools, creeks, and beaches.

“It’s only natural in the Australian summer for people to seek refuge from the heat but it’s important to remember the basic water safety,” she said.

“Children require close supervision when swimming and this is in any body of water be it the ocean or a small wading pool.

“Young children can drown in water less than 30 centimetres deep, so it is important to not become complacent.”

Dr Ly cautioned that water safety wasn’t just for children.

“Any person can find themselves in a dangerous situation in the water,” she said.

“It’s important to know your limits as a swimmer, and remember that creeks and rivers can be unpredictable, particularly after heavy rains.”

Dr Ly said water safety extended beyond supervision of children and knowing how to swim.

“Jellyfish stings are potentially serious and could result in admissions to an intensive care unit and in some cases, death,” she said.

“The most important thing to do is to only swim inside the stinger nets.

“If you are out snorkelling, surfing or scuba diving, make sure you have a full-length stinger suit that covers your whole body including the neck, hands and face.”

Dr Ly said in the event of a sting, first aid should be administered immediately as well as a call to 000.

“In North Queensland, a sting from a box jellyfish can kill you, so if you don’t know which type of animal has stung you, treat it as though it’s a box jellyfish by applying vinegar to the area and carefully removing the tentacles from the skin,” she said.

“When vinegar is not available, use sea water.”

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Stay summer safe this season. Image: Shutterstock

The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held its final social and networking event of 2023 on Wednesday, December 20, inviting guest speaker Lisa Furnell to speak about the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club.

Ms Furnell spoke about the history of the club, the unique characteristics of the club and its base of Alva Beach and the opportunities and challenges the club faces in the future.

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson then announced Jim and Meg Johnson as the winners of the Home Hill Residential Christmas Decoration Award before thanking attendees for their support and, reflecting on a successful year, said growing membership shows signs of this success continuing into 2024.

“We have a very active executive intent on ensuring the town moves forward and continuing in the same vein with changes in personnel, with Robert Antoniazzi replacing Terry Cross as secretary and the inclusion of Meghan Wilson – a much-needed female voice in the decision-making,” Mr Jackson said.

“The departure of Terry Cross from Home Hill left a big hole for the chamber to fill, but Terry’s efforts have been matched by the input from Robert and his widespread knowledge of, and input into, the Burdekin district as a whole.

“Similarly, Meghan Wilson in her role with the Wilmar Sugar organisation has much to offer the chamber in joining the executive late in 2023.

“Along with Vice President, Uli Liessmann, and his artistic talents and forward-thinking ideas and Treasurer, John Clarke, and his valued IT experience, the executive has made positive decisions on improvements to the town.”

Mr Liessmann led the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce in successfully accessing grants to improve the ‘4806’ sign on Eighth Avenue and arranging for the Chamber to take over the Harvest Festival Ephemera in 2024, while Mr Jackson thanked Mr Clark for his efforts in improving the Chamber’s website and promotions.

Mr Jackson said that while Home Hill develops, the Chamber will continue to advocate for the town.

“Home Hill is fortunate to have businesses based in the town that undertake a major role in developments in other parts of North Queensland, while there are business organisations that are helping the town to take huge steps forward,” he said.

“The town has moved from a period of having no service stations, to a situation where there is a new United Service Station offering its vast range of services, while the former Home Hill Co-Operative Traders building is starting to disappear to make way for another service station facility – much needed businesses, which are adding to the vitality of the southern end of the CBD, and there is more to come.

“The town continues to move forward through new businesses such as True North Interiors, The Prawn Stop, The Home Hill Laundrette and Giovanna’s Cucina.

“While new owners are upgrading the Malpass Hotel, the Commercial Hotel is also gaining a much-improved new look – and the Burdekin Race Club is taking huge steps forward with more race meetings in 2023 and the continued upgrading of its facilities.  

“There is no doubt that Home Hill has much to offer and with the continuing support of our community and the hopeful offerings from all three levels of government, we can continue to take the town forward in a positive direction.”

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Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson, Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteer Lisa Furnell and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Secretary Robert Antoniazzi. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

David Jackson with Home Hill Residential Christmas Decoration Award winners Jim and Meg Johnson. Photo supplied

Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) partners with Coles in Ayr to deliver the SecondBite Community Connect Program.

SecondBite began in 2005 with one couple – Ian and Simone Carson. Gathering a committed group of friends, they would visit market stalls in Melbourne at the end of a day, collect surplus food, and drop it to a local charity that ran a food program. In 2011, Coles and SecondBite formed a national partnership, which led to a rapid expansion of our organisation’s operational scale and reach. SecondBite now works in every state and territory in Australia.

The BCA Team collect donated food directly from Coles in Ayr, Monday to Friday mornings.  They then have it ready for community members in need to access at the Support Centre by 9am.

You can also help others by donating food for the BCA’s ‘Community Pantry’ at 130 Queen Street, Ayr.  Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

Are you thinking of making a New Year's resolution to improve your overall well-being? Why not make being more sociable your goal? Numerous studies have shown that social connections and a sense of community can have a positive impact on mental health, physical health, and even life expectancy. And the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre at 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr is a great place to start!

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre operates with a community development focus. What does that mean? It involves bringing people together. Community development can involve a range of activities, including community organising, advocacy, education, and the development of community-based programs and services. The ultimate goal of community development is to empower individuals and communities to create positive change and improve their quality of life.

Groups and activities in the Centre will recommence for 2024 from next week or in February. Whether you're interested in the Dementia Support Group, Parkinson’s Support Group, Burdekin Seniors’ Computer Club, Crochet Group, or Burdekin Mahjong Players, there's something for everyone. And if you can't find a group or activity that aligns with your interests, the friendly team at the Centre can help you find local clubs or groups that do.

Don't let the lockdowns and isolation of the past couple of years keep you from enjoying the benefits of social interaction. Even if you're not ready to join groups just yet, you can start by making a conscious effort to reach out to friends and family members, being more present in your interactions with others, or attending local events in your community. And if you need some extra support, enlist the help of friends or family members who can hold you accountable and provide encouragement when needed.

Remember, being kind and compassionate towards yourself is important too. Celebrate small wins along the way, and you'll soon see the positive impact that being more sociable can have on your overall well-being.

Natalie Saroglia

Co-Ordinator

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Assoc Inc

Happy 2024!

After a busy lead-up to the Christmas and New Year break, I hope you all had an opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy some downtime over the holiday period.

A new year brings with it a promise of fresh beginnings and renewed hope. Whether it’s personal aspirations or shared community goals, this is a time to set our goals and support each other on the path to success.

As this will be my last column for this term of Council, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for the honour of serving as one of your elected members over the past four years. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility; it has truly been an honour and privilege.

This year will be a big year politically, with the local and state elections scheduled for March and October, respectively. If you are passionate about your community and making a difference, you should consider getting involved or putting your hand up.

In 2024, I wish you the courage to follow your dreams (big and small), learn new things, forgive yourself and become your own best friend. Be an active participant in your life, get involved, work hard and shape your future. May each day bring you reasons to smile and inspire others with your positivity.

Cheers to a year of happiness, success, and endless possibilities.

Kaylee.

P.S. If you would like to keep up to date with what I am up to, please visit my social media pages Kaylee Boccalatte - Burdekin.

Did you know that a community organisation can apply for funding under Burdekin Shire Council’s Environmental Levy?

The Environmental Levy is dedicated to supporting projects that not only enhance the environment but also contribute to the well-being of the local community.

The Environmental Levy welcomes applications that will contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment. Whether it's restocking fish, managing invasive weeds, safeguarding the coastal ecosystem, or any other environmentally beneficial endeavour, the Council encourages proposals that promise significant environmental and community benefits.

One of the recent projects approved by the Council was to support the Burdekin Landcare in their tree planting. The Burdekin Landcare is a volunteer group that works to restore and enhance the natural environment in the region. They plant native trees and shrubs that provide habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, improve water quality and sequester carbon.

Applications are evaluated by the Council based on a comprehensive set of criteria, encompassing the project's environmental and community impact, its potential to attract external funding, aesthetic qualities, and the crucial aspect of awareness raising.

Visit burdekin.qld.gov.au to access the Environmental Levy funding application form and learn more about the eligibility criteria and submission process.

A rebrand, an evolving team and the continual support of Queensland’s sugar cane growers exemplifies a successful year for Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), with the launch of the QCAR brand signifying broader strategic vision and expanded focus for the organisation.

While reflecting on a positive 2023, the QCAR team are quick to look forward, with a variety of industry issues at the forefront of its mission to advocate for members and industry.

Always aligning with evolving industry dynamics, QCAR continue to focus on topical policies to ensure the sustainable development of the industry.

“Being approximately 95 per cent of Australia’s 30 million tonne sugar cane crop, the Queensland sugarcane industry must continually adapt to remain competitive in an environment of rising production costs, climate variability, pests and disease, increasing regulatory burdens and compliance costs,” said QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou.

“Not to forget the exposure to highly volatile global sugar markets which are subject in international trade distortions, mainly at the hands of countries such as India and Brazil.”

Championing the timely and efficient supply of sugar cane to sugar mills is one such policy as QCAR is actively engaged in collaborative efforts to restore this harmonious supply.

Delays in cane supply and transport can also affect the environmental factors of cane farming and, as the globe takes strides in its mission to decarbonise, QCAR plays its part through its commitment to renewables and sustainable agriculture.

“QCAR and its cane membership base desire the concept of a circular bioeconomy where essentially, ‘We grow it, we process it, and then we recycle any waste product back (through a biorefinery) to produce numerous renewable bioproducts and bioenergy,’” Mr Spyrou said.

“Diversifying sugarcane processing away from solely crystal sugar production both spreads financial risk for growers and industry but also offers the potential for greater industry income and regional economic power.  

“Therefore, we are very keen to fully support and vehemently promote any project of such nature.”

The growth of QCAR’s team proves its adaptability and commitment to address key issues facing members such as cane supply and transport, rising farming costs, the bio-circular economy, rising groundwater, water quality and Net Zero by 2030 targets through collaborative efforts with members, farmers, and industry.

“We are actively looking to engage with and support people and projects which are in direct alignment with our underlying objective to promote and develop concepts that integrates sugarcane diversification with values of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Mr Spyrou.

“All the while ensuring the long-term growth, viability, competitiveness, and profitability of the industry for the benefit of our respective farming colleagues and their underlying communities now and into the future.”

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QCAR’s team is constantly evolving to address the needs of its members to include L-R Chief Strategy Officer Michael Kern, Senior Agricultural Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella, and CEO Panikos Spyrou

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has launched a virtual tour of Macknade Mill to mark its 150th birthday.

Macknade Mill in the Herbert region notched up 150 years of operation in August, making it the oldest continuously operating sugar mill in Australia.

Manager Operations Trevor Forde said the virtual tour was developed to commemorate the major milestone and create a public record of the site in its 150th year.

“This virtual tour enables anyone, anywhere, to visit Australia’s oldest sugar factory and get a close-up view of every stage of the sugar manufacturing process.

“It’s built as a 360 spin, so it starts as a distant aerial view of the site, then opens up into a flat site map. You can either put the tour on autoplay, complete with an audio narration, or navigate through the factory manually,” Mr Forde said.

The virtual tour is available on the Wilmar Sugar ANZ website, or by searching ‘Wilmar Sugar virtual tour’.

It’s Wilmar’s second virtual mill tour. The first was of Pioneer Mill in the Burdekin, which was launched in March last year.

Mr Forde said the main celebrations for Macknade Mill’s 150th birthday would be held in May next year.

He said the organising committee was planning a golf day, community night and historical display.

It was long thought that Macknade commenced crushing in 1874 – the date featured on a plaque unveiled at the mill in 1964 to mark the Herbert River District centenary.

However, historical records that were previously not readily available show crushing commenced for the first time in 1873.

Macknade Mill has had several different owners since it was established on the banks of the Herbert River, 12km north-east of Ingham.

There have also been several major upgrades. The sugar factory now processes an average of 1.5 million tonnes of sugarcane a year, to manufacture about 191,000 tonnes of raw sugar.

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Macknade Mill150-year celebrations committee members, from left, Trish Gilbey, Paul Britton,Michael Carr, Kevin Beatts and Trevor Forde. Photos supplied: Wilmar

The virtualtour of Macknade Mill was created to mark the site’s 150th birthday

The virtualtour allows anyone, anywhere to take a close up look at Australia’s oldestcontinuously operating sugar mill. It also creates a public record of what themill looked like in its 150th year