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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Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony, which was postponed due to the severe weather event, has been rescheduled for Monday, February 12 at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, commencing at 6:00pm.
The Australia Day awards ceremony stands out as a significant event of the year, offering a valuable chance to acknowledge the nominees and award winners.
“Council is looking forward to honouring our Australia Day Award recipients, who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and service in their fields,” acting Chief Executive Officer Mr O’Connor said.
“The event will celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to the community, as well as welcoming new Australian citizens.
“Council is proud to finally welcome our new citizens, who have chosen to make the Burdekin their home.
“I congratulate them on their decision and wish them all the best for their future in Australia."
The Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony has been rescheduled to take place on Monday, February 12 at 6pm.
Members of the public are invited to attend and show their support for the award winners and new citizens.
BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.
BCA partners with Coles Ayr and SecondBite to provide people in need with access to nutritious food free of charge. The service is available from the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, Monday to Friday from 9am until stock is gone daily.
Please visit or contact us at The Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au W: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
With the busy Christmas season behind us, many of us are looking to resume interests and social outings. Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is home to several community groups and activities.
Our very popular Crochet Group is happening on a Monday afternoon, along with the Mahjong Players of the Burdekin. Play 2 Learn Playgroup from 54 Reasons has returned on a Thursday morning, we are looking forward to having our local families make use of our playground and facilities.
MoveIT Burdekin has started and will go for the next 16 weeks on a Monday and Friday morning. This seems to be the hot ticket in town as it was fully booked in three days! We would be interested to know if community members would like a movement program to continue.
Thursday, February 1 sees the return of the Burdekin Seniors Computer Group. This great group of people is determined not to let technology get the best of them. If this sounds like you, we’d love to see you join in; there is lots of learning and laughter together.
Our Dementia Support Group is back on Tuesday, February 6 – they will be having a community information session with Carers Gateway. Parkinson’s Support Group resumes February 23. We urge community members who are living with or caring for someone with Dementia or Parkinson’s to come along and be with people who understand.
Gwen and Angela from our MyTime Program will be welcoming back our families on Wednesday, February 7 here at the Neighbourhood Centre. MyTime is a great supportive program for families with children with a disability.
Did you know that there is a new Dungeon and Dragons campaign happening out of the Centre on a Wednesday evening? Actually, we have a lot of different social, cultural and support groups that make the Centre their home. If you are ready to start filling your social calendar, pop in or give us a call at the Centre.
From the Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
BNC Admin Staff Susan and Marisa
Did you know that you can find useful information on how to deal with natural disasters on the Council webpage?
The Burdekin is a beautiful region, but we also face some serious challenges during the North Queensland summer, such as cyclones and floods. That's why Council has created a range of resources on disaster management and preparedness to help you minimise the impact of a disaster. You can access the Burdekin Emergency Action Guide, which provides practical advice on what to do before, during and after a disaster. You can also visit the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard, which offers reliable and up-to-date information on emergencies in the area and opt-in to receive notifications via email or SMS. Stay safe and informed, visit Councils website at Burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Having played a major role in the infrastructure development in the Burdekin, Bowen and Whitsundays areas over the last 50 years, BQC Quarries has proven its undeniable commitment to quality decade after decade. With all three arms of the business – BQC Quarries, Burdekin Concrete and BQC Sands – celebrating milestones in 2024, Operations Manager Lawrence Fahey reflects on the last half a century with pride in the product and appreciation of loyal customers.
BQC Quarries commenced in 1974, initially operating out of the Rocks Quarry in Clare as well as a civil contracting service undertaking subdivision work and major projects on the Bruce Highway for the Department of Transport and Main Roads. In 1984, the concrete batch plant was established to diversify the business’s offerings and allow it to move away from civil work, with Burdekin Concrete celebrating 40 years in 2024. To top it all off, BQC Sands was established in late 2022 and recently celebrated one year in business.
“Since the quarry’s inception, we have always had a technical representative with a civil engineering background starting with my father, John Fahey,” Mr Fahey said. “This is unusual for family-owned independent quarries and normally something that only the Tier 1 companies could offer. Our advantage has been that we have always been able to offer that technical advice with a small business mentality that offers a collaborative and tailored service.”
Supplying roadbases, cover aggregates, scour rock, structural concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, decorative pebble, screened sand and much more, BQC Quarries prides itself on designing materials to meet bespoke requirements if and when required. Quality is of utmost importance to the business, and nothing leaves its sites unless it passes preapproved NATA endorsed testing.
“It shocks most people when I tell them the amount of third party testing we do to meet specification,” Mr Fahey said. “As a result, we have had to upgrade our sites in recent times. For example, our concrete plant has an automated batching system to ensure a consistent product and a chilled water plant to decrease concrete temperatures.
“Like any industry, it is dynamic and ever changing. You have to be thinking ahead or you will be left behind.”
Now with a team of approximately 50 across the three businesses, Mr Fahey highlighted his appreciation and importance of their staff who he emphasised have always held a high work ethic and a family-based approach to work culture and the customer experience. Giving back to the community is also important to the business because, as Mr Fahey puts it, “without the community, there is no need for a quarry or concrete plant to exist.”
BQC Operations Manager Lawrence Fahey
In a groundbreaking initiative, Burdekin Funerals, in partnership with its sister company Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium, has introduced The Gentle Way, an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial and cremation practices. This innovative process not only honours departed loved ones but also contributes significantly to reducing carbon footprints.
The Gentle Way has already made a substantial impact, saving between 200 to 270 kilograms of carbon dioxide per process. Townsville Funerals has processed 110 loved ones through The Gentle Way, including several from Burdekin Funerals, resulting in the preservation of approximately 26,400 kilograms of carbon dioxide and the planting of 110 new trees – a symbolic "tree of life" presented to each family.
Setting a precedent as the only Environmental Funeral Home in Townsville, Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium distinguishes itself by offering eco-friendly alternatives to families seeking sustainable options for their departed loved ones.
Understanding the Three Processes
Burials: Traditional burials contribute to environmental degradation through the release of ions, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals into the soil and water. The use of embalming solutions and non-biodegradable coffins further compounds the ecological impact.
Cremation: While cremation is a common choice, it poses environmental challenges with air and water pollution. The high temperatures involved release toxins into the air, and the ashes, containing remnants of radiation and chemicals, can contaminate waterways and soils.
The Gentle Way: This revolutionary method employs alkaline and water, completely eliminating pollution. Families can opt to hire a casket at a fraction of the cost of a traditional coffin, and the process allows for a gentle breakdown of the body. The unique feature of The Gentle Way is the opportunity to transform a small portion of the remains into a Desert Rose, symbolizing the "Tree of Life."
While The Gentle Way offers an eco-friendly alternative, Burdekin Funerals and Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium remain committed to providing traditional burials and cremations for families with different preferences. Additionally, for those with existing funeral insurance or bonds with other funeral homes, the option to transfer to Burdekin Funerals for The Gentle Way process is available. As the funeral industry embraces more sustainable practices, The Gentle Way stands out as a compassionate and environmentally friendly choice, offering families a meaningful and responsible farewell option for their loved ones.
Get ready for the rural event of the year, with Burdekin Boars and Barras back on the calendar for 2024!
Speaking to the hobbies and passions of the region, and with something for everyone, get ready to get behind the rod or behind the pistols, and help fundraising efforts for Clare State School.
Fun for the whole family, the event schedule includes the coveted weigh-in presentations, for all pigs, fish and crabs, the well-stocked licensed bar, Rotary food tent, Lillie’s cubby house, live music by non-other than Tammy Moxon, plus face painting and merch stall selling the very best branded clothing and accessories.
With over $7000 worth of prize money on offer, in both junior, senior and open categories across all classes, this is set to be a weekend of fun and excitement.
Register now: burdekin-boars-barras.spiffystores.com
WHAT: Burdekin Boars and Barras 2024
WHERE: Claire Sports and Recreation Club
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, 2nd and 3rd March
TICKETS: $10 Junior, $20 Senior, through
Initial inspections of sugar cane paddocks across the Herbert and Burdekin indicate approximately 5% of crop to have experienced damage following ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily making landfall last week.
Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) Chair Charles Quagliata said he and other members of the QCAR team have been active in the field, liaising with growers, members and other agencies to assess the damage.
“The bigger cane varieties seem to have laid over as it usually does in windy weather,” he said.
“A lot of the ratoons that were cut late have copped the most effect.
“There are a few snapped tops as well.”
With reports of lodged and snapped cane, QCAR Senior Technical Officer said the damage “could have been a lot worse” and believes the crop will be okay, but there are still setbacks to be expected.
“As we all know, when a crop lodges before it is fully grown, it takes some time for the crop to resume its maximum growth rates,” Mr Di Bella stated.
“This stress event could have an impact on cane yields, because the crop will need to divert some of energies from producing biomass into reestablishing itself.”
“It has been a while since we’ve been severely impacted by a cyclone so we can think ourselves lucky but there is most definitely some damage and there will be some setback in the 2024 crop,” Mr Quagliata said.
QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou also pointed out: “When sugar cane is lodged, the plant will use the sugars in the stalk as energy to grow upwards again.”
Mr Di Bella confirmed this stating, “Research findings undertaken over the years has shown that, lodged cane generally has a lower sugar content, when compared to erect crops.
“Also tipped cane stools collected at harvest time can also lower sugar levels when sent to the mill.”
Mr Spyrou continued, stating, “The best thing that can occur is that we have good growing conditions between now and the start of the crush to recover some of the sugars lost.
“Not only has the cane bent over and snapped, but the wind has stripped the leaves and left them in a damaged state.
“Now, all of the chlorophyll has to reform so it’s going to hamper the photosynthesis process of the cane, while having a negative impact on cane yield.”
Mr Quagliata said that while flooding wasn’t an issue, local growers were expecting more rain to come from the cyclone and prepared accordingly.
“It was a very dry cyclone which is a little disappointing in a way,” he said.
“We copped the wind and lodging but didn’t really get the benefit of the rainfall to follow.
“I personally had discussions with some members as the cyclone was approaching and, seeing that a lot of rain was above the system, a lot of growers did pre-water their crop to let it lodge rather than snap.
“The ground was soft, which allowed it to lodge rather than break off at the base.
“Having a cyclone in January rather than April, the cane is at a very brittle stage.
“All you can do is pretty much clean up and hope for the best.”
Additionally, there have been no reports of damage to Wilmar Sugar Mills in the Herbert and Burdekin.
“We’re hoping that they’re still on track with their maintenance schedule and hoping that they’re ready for an early June start and for a really good season crush rate,” Mr Quagliata said.
In reflection, Mr Quagliata identified two elements to the cyclone’s impact.
“One is the lodged and snapped cane, and the second part of it is the cane actually recovering from the blow, which does set the crop back until it’s turned its head and starts growing up again,” he said.
“If the crop is still standing and we have nice rainfall, the crop would be most definitely in a much better position than where it is now.”
QCAR’s Senior Agricultural Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella is available to answer any questions members may have about the state and health of their crop post-cyclone.
Contact 07 4783 2111 for more information.
QCAR Chair Charles Quagliata
Sugar cane has lodged and snapped across the Burdekin following ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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In November of last year, the class of 2023 celebrated the conclusion of their high school careers and began the next chapters of their young-adult lives. For Ayr State High School Valedictorian, Chelsea Scalia, this meant celebrating her outstanding 90s ATAR score achievement, and accepting an offer to enroll in a Bachelors of Speech Pathology at James Cook University.
With the responsibilities of being Ayr State High School’s School Captain, holding a part-time employment position, and maintaining social commitments, Chelsea was grateful she set herself up for success from year 10 in creating a suitable study routine she felt confident in.
“You need to learn how to manage your time well and have a social life to avoid burning yourself out,” explained Chelsea.
Chelsea’s study routine involved acknowledging and understanding her own abilities to maximize productivity without exertion by prioritizing time spent inside the classroom and following up with daily revision and study at home in the hours before dinner.
In the time leading up to final examinations, Chelsea restructured her study routine to ensure she achieved her desired results, and found the ultimate formular, social study.
“It was good to sit with my friends and have a chat about something completely different in-between my studying because when you’re studying and grinding non-stop, you get over it,” explained Chelsea.
“Then you’re doing the same thing when you get home, and you’re by yourself, so I would always chat to my friends and try to study differently.”
Chelsea believes each student should begin exploring all their potential interests from the beginning of their senior schooling (year 10) to ensure they are able to confidently make the right career choices for themselves when the time comes. Chelsea took advantage of all opportunities presented to her to gain industry experience, and undertook work experience periods in the Burdekin, Townsville, and Brisbane of varying pathways.
Subject selection begins at the conclusion of year 9, and although Chelsea didn’t know at the time what degree she wanted to pursue at university, she chose her senior subjects accordingly to keep all doors open.
“I knew I wanted to go to university, so I chose subjects that led me in that direction, and I made sure I did as well as I could in grades 10 and 11 because that only sets you up for success in year 12.”
In leaving Ayr State High School behind as she embarks on her tertiary education journey, she believes she’ll miss the friendships with classmates and teachers dearly.
“The lunchtime conversations and the silly comments in class will be what I’ll miss the most, and also all the teachers because they’re always there to help you regardless, even if it’s not about school, just supporting you in all aspects of life,” explained Chelsea.
Chelsea will commence her 4-year degree program from 29 January, where she is eager to immerse herself in studies focused on her future career prospects and experience all the independence and personalized learning university entails.
ASHS 2023 Valedictorian Chelsea Scalia. Photo supplied
The Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is monitoring the situation as a tropical low continues to develop off the coast of north Queensland.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, chair of the LDMG, said the LDMG encourages all organisations and residents to be prepared for the potential impact of the severe weather event which could bring strong winds, heavy rain and flooding to the region.
"I want to assure residents that the LDMG have been monitoring the weather system and this afternoon (Tuesday) moved to lean forward with the tropical low expected to hit the coast on Thursday," Ms McLaughlin said.
"We have learned from previous weather events that preparation is key to minimising the damage and disruption caused by these events.
“The Home Hill SES, Ayr SES and Giru SES have free sandbags available now and a copy of the Burdekin Emergency Guide is available to download on Council’s website or pick up a copy at Council offices to help you prepare.
“It is also a timely reminder to review your emergency kit and emergency plan if you haven’t done so recently.
“To keep informed about the low system's progress and potential impacts, I encourage residents to check the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard regularly and sign up for notifications at disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au.
“You can phone Council on 4783 9800 or listen to ABC Townsville or Sweet FM 97.1 for further information.”
Meanwhile, Ms McLaughlin is encouraging families to collect any loose items from their loved ones' graves as soon as possible, as a tropical low is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the coast over the coming days.
"We are taking every precaution to protect our cemeteries from the weather event, but we cannot guarantee the safety of personal items as Council staff are unable to collect and store them," she said.
"We ask families to please remove any flowers, photos, ornaments or other items."
Ms McLaughlin said the LDMG will continue to monitor the weather event closely and will provide updates on Council’s social media channels and the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard.
Elected representatives of the Burdekin Shire Council were welcomed back to Council for their first meeting of 2024 on Tuesday, January 23.
The meeting was also Council’s last official meeting before it enters a caretaker period in February ahead of the local government election to be held on Saturday, March 16.
During the caretaker period, Council will be limited from publishing election material and making major policy decisions, ensuring there are no significant policy decisions made near the end of a council term that bind future elected councils.
To contact Burdekin Shire Council during this time, phone 07 4783 9800 or email enquiries@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Councillors Michael Detenon and Kaylee Boccalatte, Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Councillors John Furnell, John Bonanno and Max Musumeci. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Hi readers
I’m writing this on a hot, sunny Monday afternoon knowing the weather could be very different by the time this newspaper gets into your hands.
Kirrily is the name on everybody’s lips this week, a tropical low at the time of writing that is expected to form into a tropical cyclone and cross the north Queensland coast this week.
Of course, it wasn’t too long ago we were preparing for TC Jasper, with its devastating affects still being felt north of here, and I truly hope TC Kirrily takes it a bit easier.
But, it’s vital to be prepared, so flick to page 7 to scrub up on your cyclone preparedness and pay attention to Bureau of Meteorology and Burdekin Shire Council updates for the latest.
On another note, I believe this is the first edition of Burdekin Life that features yours truly.
Yes, my moustache-garnished mug graces page 2 every week, but I’ve also made it onto page 33 this week after a stellar performance from me and Meryl at Home Hill Bowls Club’s Wednesday night bowls.
I’ve been going along since late last year and often impress myself with my abilities on the green.
It’s a fascinating and tactical game and I’ve found myself almost addicted to the thrill of getting a bowl near the jack.
After numerous close losses, last week was my first win since I’ve started going along and, despite the social atmosphere of social bowls, I must admit I enjoyed the victory.
Thanks to Stephen and Trevor for sharing my win with the community and I’ll see you there next week!
Local photographer Marni Hine admits her new book, ‘Ignited’, has been 12 years in the making.
Filled with photos taken over Ms Hine’s 12 years of working as a haul out driver, the book was published in late 2023 thanks to the Burdekin Shire Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund and in way of thanks, Ms Hine has donated a copy to the Burdekin Library’s history collection.
“The Burdekin Shire Council has been amazing in its support and this library is a fantastic library,” Ms Hine said.
“There is a lot of history here, you can come to the library and have a look around to find out more about the sugar industry at the library, so I think this book suits that aspect.
“It’s kind of a modern history of the sugar industry.”
Ms Hine presented the book to Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Burdekin Library Services Manager Kate Wanchap last Thursday, January 18.
“We’ve got a local history collection and we’ve got all sorts of aspects to it, including some photos and things like that, so this book will make another good contribution,” Ms Wanchap said.
The donated copy will remain in the library’s history collection while Ms Wanchap plans to purchase a second copy to make available for lending to the public.
“It’s always exciting, we love seeing this creativity,” she said.
“Local history, bringing it together and compiling it into a product is pretty important because that’s how people need to consume it.”
Local photographer Marni Hine, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Burdekin Library Services Manager Kate Wanchap. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club has recently donated much-needed funds to four charities: three within the Burdekin and the other to the Leukaemia Foundation.
A cheque for $500 was presented to the organiser of the event ‘Swim for a Cure’, Deni Caspanello, in support of the event run at the Home Hill Swimming Pool. The Lions Club cooked and sold the food for this event (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the proceeds from this, along with the money that the ‘Swim for a Cure’ raised was donated to the Leukaemia Foundation in Townsville.
Acknowledging that the Christmas period would be difficult for many Burdekin families, the club decided at their final meeting for the year to donate to three charities that support families more than ever at this time. The club donated $1,000 to St Vincent de Paul Home Hill. This money will be used to support less fortunate people in Home Hill, either by providing hampers for Christmas or assisting families with hardships when getting children ready for the school year. Similarly, $1,000.00 was donated to the Burdekin Community Association to assist them on carrying out the important work that they do and hopefully take some pressure of struggling families at this time of year.
The Club also donated $500 to the local “Meals on Wheels”. This money was used to provide treats for their clients over the Christmas period.
The money donated to these organisations was raised by The Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club through fundraising events run throughout the Burdekin district. The club is very grateful to the public for the support they give the club over the many months it took to raise these funds.
Contributed by Nyree Woods
Deni Caspanello and the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club Treasurer, Nyree Woods.
On the evening of Saturday January 20, one lucky Burdekin gentleman became $708,128.64 richer after winning division one in Saturday Night’s Gold Lotto draw.
Woods News & Lucky Casket Agency was 1 of the 7 winning retailers and owner Anita Comas said the excitement has been felt by each and every customer and staff member since the announcement.
“We are absolutely thrilled and excited for him and also for Ayr, in that the first division prize came to our little town,” expressed Anita.
The $5 million division one prize was equally divided by all 7 winners with Woods News & Lucky Casket Agency being one of two winning Queensland retailers. The remaining winning outlets from Saturday’s draw were in New South Wales (2 winners), Victoria (2 winners), and South Australia (1 winner).
The lucky local man purchased a random, computer-generated quick pick to win his jackpot with the following numbers: 35, 37, 11, 22, 27, and 33 with 8 and 1 as the supplementary numbers.
The gentleman visited the East End Centre Sunday morning to share his exciting news and express deep gratitude to Anita and her staff.
“He was so excited, and he celebrated with every customer who came into the shop,” explained Anita.
“It’s a very exciting time.”
Ellie-May Stevenson, Therese Aplin and Anita Comas. Photo supplied
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