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

Tucked away in the pristine paradise of the Whitsundays, a treasure trove of experiences awaits to be explored. From hidden waterholes to historical remnants and secluded beaches, the Whitsundays offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to every traveller’s desires. Continuing our north Queensland summer holiday, read on to discover the best of the Whitsundays.

Cedar Creek Falls: Nature's Serene Haven

Nestled within the lush embrace of Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls stands as a breathtaking oasis. Its allure transcends seasons, beckoning visitors year-round to witness its beauty. The cascading waters, rejuvenated by rainfall, invite guests to immerse themselves in the cool, refreshing rock pools, providing a serene sanctuary to while away the day. For the adventurous souls, the park offers invigorating hikes through forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, ensuring an awe-inspiring experience.

Cape Gloucester: A Local's Hidden Paradise

A well-kept secret among locals, Cape Gloucester unveils secluded coves and pristine sandy beaches, offering an escape from the bustling Airlie Beach. Located a short distance away, this haven boasts not just natural beauty but also cosy pubs and resorts where one can unwind while relishing the scenic views and gentle ocean breezes. Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach, quaint villages nearby, welcome visitors with warmth, offering opportunities for beachcombing, fishing, and unwinding on the sandy shores.

Lake Proserpine: Nature's Playground

A mere half-hour drive from Proserpine, Lake Proserpine emerges as an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts and avid freshwater anglers. Beyond its aquatic offerings, the lake presents an inviting setting for camping, complete with barbecues and fire pits, inviting friends and families to bask in the traditional Aussie camping experience.

Collinsville’s Coal Face Experience: A Testament to Resilience

Delving into history, the Collinsville’s Coal Face Experience stands as a poignant tribute to the coal miners who toiled amidst adversity. Commemorating the 1954 Collinsville Mine Disaster, this exhibit chronicles the lives lost and the challenges faced by these miners. Through multimedia displays, guests gain insight into the perils and rewards of their profession, underscoring the realities these workers confronted. Moreover, the exhibit underscores the evolution of safety standards, emphasizing the industry's progress while honouring its human cost.

Shute Harbour: Hidden Gem of Tranquillity

Nestled away from the bustling Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour presents itself as a serene enclave within the Whitsundays. Offering unparalleled views of the Coral Sea, this picturesque village boasts a bustling marina, often overlooked by tourists. It serves as a gateway to bareboating and fishing adventures, with charter yachts and sea tours departing from the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Beyond maritime escapades, the area hosts scenic drives through breathtaking landscapes, complemented by hiking trails that invite nature enthusiasts to reconnect with the natural world.

Horseshoe Bay: Bowen At Its Best

In Bowen's coastal repertoire, Horseshoe Bay stands as a testament to natural elegance. Though modest in size, spanning a mere 100 meters, this bay boasts an air of mystique and exclusivity. Adorned with captivating views of the Coral Sea, Horseshoe Bay captures the hearts of locals. Its intimate alcoves, formed by granite and rock formations, provide secluded spots for uninterrupted communion with the bay's serene waters. The allure of Horseshoe Bay isn't confined to its modest dimensions. A haven for swimmers and snorkelers alike, this bay shelters fringing reef ecosystems. Within a stone's throw from the shore, visitors can witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in all its vibrant glory.

Whether you’re planning a week away or a day trip, make sure to make the most of your time these holidays and explore everything on your front door. For those taking the opportunity to travel, the Summer Holiday series will continue next edition with suggestions for ways to spend your holidays throughout north Queensland. Grab the January 11 edition of Burdekin Life to discover your next destination.

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Cedar Creek Falls

Cape Gloucester

Lake Proserpine

Collinsville’s Coal Face Experience

Shute Harbour

Horseshoe Bay

From his home studio in Jarvisfield, where guitars adorn the walls, Mick Thompson writes, records, and rehearses his music.

Mick is a musician moving with the times, utilising the technology and resources available to turn his lifelong passion for guitars into a sustainable career, although he says the learning curve is a steep one.

Mick's love affair with guitars started early; his first musical purchase was a copy of ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ by The Beatles at age five.

It wasn’t until he was 15, growing up in Penrith, NSW, that he first started playing guitar, and he’s virtually had an instrument in his hands ever since.

A builder by trade, Mick has always played music on the side and has worked and performed all over the country.

In the last 12 months, he’s started to diversify his musical skillset and take his passion on fulltime.

“There is playing live, which I do in Townsville and Ayr, but there’s also a whole world of it online,” he said.

“Nothing’s overnight; you’ve just got to keep working at it and the more you work at it the more you get and eventually you turn and around one day and realise you’re making a decent living out of it.”

While Mick performs most live most weekends in his duo RT Souls, his week also involves writing, recording, and rehearsing, whether that be his own music, vocal work for collaborations or backing tracks for licensing and royalty-free music websites for other musicians to purchase.

“You’ve got to keep churning out product, basically, and the product, at the end of the day, is the recording,” he said.

He’s started to upload his own music online, which he describes as anything from adult-oriented pop to country, southern rock, and folk, and now faces the challenge of marketing.

“There’s a whole lot of learning to market it, because you can get it out there, but you’ve got to get people to listen to it,” he said.

“You can release music worldwide at the click of a button and it doesn’t cost you a fortune anymore.

“You don’t need to go to the studio, you don’t need a label, if you can operate a computer and learn the software, you can be as good a producer as anyone.

“And you can distribute to anyone anywhere, it’s just getting that marketing side of it.”

Despite the challenges, he’s never lost his passion for the music.

“My favourite element is actually being able to play guitar for a living,” he said.

“I’m not so much focused on the singing, although I do a fair bit of vocal work, but it’s mainly about playing guitar for me.”

Visit tjaymicproductions.com to discover Mick’s work.

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Jarvisfield Musician Mick Thomspon

Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $300

DOB: 1/07/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Over 12

Dog Friendly: No

Other Cats: No

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

This gorgeous young lady is looking for a caring, loving home where she can be given the freedom to spread her wings and explore while she becomes comfortable.

While she won’t be cuddly straight away, she will quickly warm up and become her human’s little shadow, following and always prepared to pamper with her love.

Muffin Gem is incredibly sweet and placid and enjoys soft pats and rubs while lounging on the couch with her humans.

Muffin Gem loves playing, with either her humans or with toys, she doesn’t mind!

Muffin Gem does find young children and other pets a bit overwhelming, so a quiet home would best suit her.

Muffin Gem is up to date on her vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treated, has been desexed and microchipped.

To enquire about Muffin Gem, please complete the animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Hello, readers, and welcome to the last edition of Burdekin Life for 2023.

What a year it’s been! I always enjoy reflecting on the year that was when it comes to December and this year, like the last couple of years, has been one of massive change for me.

From memory, my new year’s resolution at the end of 2022 was to establish a solid social circle around me in my then home of Mackay. I certainly achieved that and found myself surrounded by lots of lovely people. Having moved to the Burdekin, I find myself starting again, but am well on my way.

The move to the Burdekin will be the decision that defines my 2023. It’s certainly one I wasn’t expecting at the start of the year – sometimes when I’m walking down Eighth Avenue, I take a step back and think, ‘How the hell did I get here?’ – but I’m so glad I made the move and opened myself up to this new experience.

In saying that, I am so incredibly keen to take a break from work and spend the holidays on the Darling Downs with my family and friends. First, a few days in Millmerran where I will enjoy sipping on a beer and eating prawns while floating on the family dam. Then I’m off to spend the rest of the week with my girlfriend’s family near Toowoomba where I believe swimming will also be on the cards. And when December 26 is upon us, I’ll be parked up in front of the tele eagerly anticipating the first ball of the Boxing Day test.

Whatever you’re up to this holiday season, I hope you enjoy it, make the most of your time with your loved ones, and look after those who might not be as fortunate. Have a merry Christmas and I’ll see you next year!

A reminder that there will be no newspaper next Thursday, December 28 and our next edition will hit the stands on Thursday, January 4.

In the spirit of giving this festive season, a heart-warming tradition continues as Wilmar Sugar and Renewables' dedicated team spread joy at Ayr and Home Hill Health Services.

A small and thoughtful team of Wilmar employees delivered cupcakes to Home Hill on Thursday, December 14 and Ayr on Tuesday, December 19, brightening the day of the hardworking hospital staff.

This act of kindness isn't new for Wilmar, as it marks six years of their pre-Christmas goodwill gesture.

Originally starting with a sausage sizzle for Ayr Hospital's team and sweet treats for Home Hill Hospital, the initiative has evolved to solely delivering delightful cupcakes in the face of COVID-19 restrictions.

Expressing their gratitude for the exceptional care provided by frontline health workers, the company has expanded their generosity to Ingham, Proserpine, and Sarina hospitals, ensuring that the festive cheer extends across communities where their sugar mills operate.

This heart-warming gesture highlights the company's commitment to recognising and supporting the invaluable efforts of healthcare heroes during these challenging times.

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L-R Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees John Calligaro and Anthony Bombardieri, Home Hill Hospital employees Sandra Boccalatte, Janelle Black and Cassandra Arboit and Wilmar employees Sarah Harding and Allan Cross. Photo supplied

Future improvements for the Ayr and Home Hill Health Services were put under spotlight last week as members of the Townsville Hospital and Health Board met with locals on Thursday, December 14.

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney and fellow Board member Debra Burden visited Ayr Health Service where they liaised with staff and community to get an understanding of the local issues and assist in future planning.

“I’ve had overwhelming feedback from the community, from consumers, members of the CAN (Community Advisory Network), the mayor and staff; the health service here in Ayr is in good hands,” Mr Mooney said.

“The level of complaints are very, very low, and the standard of care is very, very high.

“The staff here are humming in terms of the service delivery and that’s the message I’m going to be taking back to the Chief Executive and to my board.”

Mr Mooney and Ms Burden also met with the Burdekin CAN where the key priority was the need for a public CT Scanner in the Burdekin.

“I have previously worked with the communities of Charters Towers and Ingham which successfully lobbied the Department of Health and the Government for CT scanners to be funded in those respective communities,” Mr Mooney said.

“I’m now working with the CAN here in the Burdekin to lend whatever support I can to help them in their push for a CT scanner.”

On top of the campaign for a public CT scanner in the Burdekin, Mr Mooney said there are discussions and plans in place for further improvements across the health services including the emergency department, community health, mental health and aged care services.

“It was really pleasing to see the level of positive feedback that I received; that doesn’t mean that we can’t do better,” he said.

Mr Mooney confirmed immediate improvements are in the works for Ayr Health Service, including an increase in staff positions and structural changes to the buildings to improve patient flow.

Meanwhile, Home Hill is subject to consideration for possible refurbishment or rebuild.

“As we look at the strategic expansion here in Ayr and upgrades at Home Hill, there’ll be other challenges coming forward in the future and I’m really excited about the opportunities for new services and improved infrastructure for this community,” Mr Mooney said.

Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola thanked the Board members for their visit and support.

“I also want to thank the whole of the Burdekin community because I can appreciate the fact that they’re all so supportive,” she added.

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L-R Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Member Debra Burden, Burdekin CAN Chair Kaylee Boccalatte Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola

L-R Burdekin CAN Member Rosemarie McLean, Ms Burden, Mr Mooney, Ms Boccalatte, Ms Gabiola, Burdekin CAN Member Joanne Barbagallo, Ms McLaughlin and Burdekin CAN Secretariat Ana Mooney