The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)’s Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program has 3 core operating activities and these are listed below.

1.   Link people with formal and informal supportExamples of activities may include • Providing information or access to technology to assist community members to engage with services and supports themselves • Assisting community members to determine a pathway to meet their needs and navigate social service systems • Warm referrals where the Neighbourhood Centre may assist by contacting services directly on the community members behalf • Engaging community members with local groups for social connection, informal support or opportunities for personal development such as volunteering or learning
2.   Create social connections and inclusionExamples of activities may include • Facilitating community members to participate in a cooking class and share a meal • Opportunities for community members to support each other to develop their digital literacy skills • Events and activities that focus on engaging community members experiencing social isolation and loneliness or new community members to connect and be included • Playgroups or other groups for parents to connect and support each other • Volunteering opportunities
3.   Integrate local community actionExamples of activities may include • Coordinating and supporting community members to design and establish a social enterprise • Facilitating a community-led project to address a social concern raised by people attending the Neighbourhood Centre • Supporting community members who have raised concerns regarding service access due to language to start a project to advocate for better access to translating services • A number of community members have raised a concern about increased litter in an area of the community, the Neighbourhood Centre supports the individuals to join up to consider what action they could take together

** Please ask our Team about the “Make it Happen Lifeskills Group” that’s currently meeting weekly or the “Community Connections Group” that’s starting in early 2024 **

If you are someone you know has a query or requires support, please visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Debra Cochran Chief Executive Officer

What a wonderful time of the year, with crushing finished, school holidays commenced, Christmas lights shining bright and the town busy with shoppers making Christmas preparations. It is a time to be thankful for the year that was and grateful that Jasper was relatively gentle on our northern neighbours. Let’s hope that was the one and only cyclone for the season.

I hope you have extra time this year to spend with family and friends whether you are venturing away during the festive break or remaining in the Burdekin. Many of us have relatives and visitors arriving during this time and we sometimes overlook the many sights and activities under our noses here in the Burdekin.

If you are entertaining visitors then I implore you to drop into one of our Visitor Information Centres and whilst collecting valuable brochures directing you where to go and what to do, take the time to experience the Yongala Dive Virtual Reality Experience. For many of us that may never scuba dive, it is as close as we will get to feel immersed in the underwater experience that is right on our door step.

Pick up a pocket-sized leaflet with “101 Things to do in the Burdekin” and spend time ticking off the list. Whilst on your travels around the Burdekin be sure to show your visitors the unique fishing village that is Groper Creek and let the kids enjoy the new playground that has been installed recently. Pack your picnic hamper or cheese platter and take a bottle of wine and enjoy the sights from Inkerman Hill on your way home.

Plantation Park is abuzz with locals and visitors over the weekends and with the Juru Walk and Nature Play Space to amuse the children, it is well worth a stopover during your day. With an abundance of fishing and crabbing spots throughout the region, be sure to grab a “Burdekin Fishing Guide” from one of the VIC’s which will direct you to the boat ramps and even provide a couple of sneaky fishing co-ordinates to help you have a successful day on the water.

For those who prefer cultural pursuits, then a trip around the “Burdekin Art Trail” may be for you and your visitors, with dozens of murals and sculptures to enjoy. Not to mention some of the iconic buildings on show, like the Court Houses in Ayr and Home Hill and the Masonic Hall, and a drive over our most prominent architectural masterpiece, the Burdekin Bridge. (The kids will love trying to hold their breath for the entire span, mine did). Plus, there are many natural landmarks worth the visit – Cornford’s Lookout, Cromarty Wetlands and Alva Beach.

We often take for granted all that we have here in the Burdekin, what a great place to live, work, stay and play. I hope you all find plenty to do, enjoy your family and visitors and have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Did you know that the Burdekin Library is a community hub where you can discover new worlds, learn new skills, and connect with other readers? They are a treasure trove of books, both in print and digital formats.

In 2023, the library has loaned out 50,477 print items for the year, covering a diverse range of genres and topics. Some of the most popular print titles were ‘No Plan B’ by Lee Child, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton, ‘Weird History!’ by Anh Do, and ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry.

The Library also offers access to a wide variety of e-books and e-audio books through the BorrowBox app. The library also has a fantastic collection of e-books and e-audio books that you can access anytime, anywhere, through the BorrowBox app. You can choose from hundreds of titles, including some great Australian stories or you can listen to the inspiring memoir of Michelle Obama ‘Becoming’, which was the highest loaned title of the whole library collection.

Whether you're into fiction or non-fiction, reading or listening, the library has something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Burdekin Library branches in person to see what's on offer.

Radar Floors, a stalwart in the flooring industry, continues to leave indelible imprints across Queensland since its establishment in 2001. Founded in Brisbane and later relocated to North Queensland in 2005, the business has steadily cultivated its reputation for quality and reliability. Their recent expansion to a new showroom at 272 Queen Street earlier this year signals a significant stride in their local presence.

Spanning substantial projects across the state ranging from hospitals, nursing homes, schools, mine sites, pubs and clubs, Radar Floors have proven their expertise time and time again. Their most recent triumph involves securing the contract for supplying and installing flooring at the Townsville Youth Foyer for Paynters, underscoring their prowess in the field. More locally, they’ve just completed the flooring for the new Intersport Ayr refurbishment. The history of Radar Floors is dotted with highlights, but opening the new showroom and installing flooring throughout the Burdekin remains the business’s most exciting triumphs.

Radar Floors offers a comprehensive suite of services, including carpeting, vinyl, epoxy floors, and concrete grinding, and is the sole business satisfying this full spectrum of flooring needs in the Burdekin. The team do their best to make the whole process, from choosing the right product for the application, through to the installation, as easy and as quick as possible for their valued customers, using quality products from trusted brands.

Rory, the seasoned professional behind Radar Floors, boasts nearly three decades of industry experience, accumulating a wealth of knowledge in products, installation techniques and industry knowhow. With the recent completion of an apprenticeship by one of their two full-time employees, Radar Floors is poised to continue its legacy of excellence while supporting and skilling the local workforce.

Radar Floors is a local small business punching well above its weight. As they continue to expand their footprint, their commitment to delivering exceptional flooring solutions remains unwavering.

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Adam Da Corte, Jack, Rory, Danica and Sharlie Archibald and Troy Lippitt of Radar Floors

With highly competitive prices, a broad range of direct flights and an experiential fun-focussed terminal, Whitsunday Coast Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice for people living in the Burdekin.

Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that the Council-owned facility is “delivering seamless and cost-effective access” to a range of destinations.

Flying direct to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and also the Gold Coast (as of December 7), the airport hosts Qantas, Virgin, JetStar, and Bonza airlines.

“The Whitsundays is a well-known holiday destination – this makes it cheaper, faster and direct!” said Mr Turner.

“Locals are also buying a seat next to a leisure passenger rather than when they travel from Townsville and are sitting next to a corporate or mine worker which drives the prices up.”

In addition to passenger travel, Whitsunday Coast Airport also has a dedicated Freight Distribution Centre – transporting fish, crabs, and pets all around the country.

They can also transit fresh local produce to population centres quicker than any road or rail transport.

“This is great for local farmers whose produce gets to market as fresh as possible,” Mr Turner explained.

“Not only is the produce worth more, it also looks fantastic!”

While the flights and the freight are definitely setting Whitsunday Coast Airport apart from other regional airports, it is also the terminal experience that has seen Whitsunday Coast win several awards this year.

“We unashamedly promote fun!” said Mr Turner.

From the Heart Reef inspired aquarium at the centre of the departure lounge to the free-form seating, augmented reality screen to entertain the kids and the Taste Whitsundays food and beverage offering – everything is an experience at Whitsunday Coast Airport.

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Whitsunday Coast Airport is taking-off! Photo supplied

Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) encourage the reporting of drug activity within the community.  Community members are often reluctant to report these offences due to being uncertain if the suspicious activity is actually related to an unlawful act, the fear their identity will not remain confidential or the sometimes-incorrect belief police are already aware of these persons and their unlawful activities.  Community members often assume that others are providing this same information to police, however this is often times not the case.  Investigators will always conduct further investigations and inquiries regarding information received from the public to verify the accuracy of the information supplied prior to taking any action, particularly in relation to the application of search warrants.  

Members of the community can personally attend or call a police station to report their suspicions or if they wish to remain anonymous, are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report and are not required to provide their personal details when doing so.  

Measures are taken by Crime Stoppers to ensure a person’s identity remains confidential.  These measures include no phone number being shown on the Crime Stoppers call centre telephones, calls not being recorded and if submitting an online report - Crime Stoppers does not record ones IP address, details of the computer being used or the reporter’s location.  The focus of Crime Stoppers is not on who you are but what you know.  

Under section 119 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986, police are prohibited from disclosing the name of a drug informant or any other particular that may be likely to lead to the informer’s identification.   When executing a search warrant on a person to search their dwelling for drugs, a copy of the search warrant is provided to the occupier however the application for the search warrant which contains the grounds (information) required to have the warrant granted by a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate is not provided to the occupier.  

Detective Sergeant Lisa Shields

Officer in Charge │ Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch

A group of East Ayr State School Year 6 students have excitedly completed the Blue EDGE program, in partnership with Burdekin PCYC, Ayr State High School, and Blue Light Queensland.

Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower) is an eight-week program, designed as a physical training program, in order to help extend a young person’s mind and physical ability.

For the eight-week program, the students of East Ayr State School completed two sets of physical challenges a week, at 7am, with Ayr State School Students, in conjunction with Andrew Sherrington of the Burdekin PCYC.

Blue EDGE also aims to develop the personal relationship and build rapport between students, participants and their families, Police and Queensland Blue Light Association Incorportated (QBLAI) volunteers.

All students have found enhanced physical, personal and social skills through the program and look forward to continuing this growth in 2024.

The overarching intention of the program is to grow and develop the skills and attitudes of young people, to need to take part in society, both now and in the future.

The program encourages good guidance, respect and confidence building within students, and allows for flourishing of students in the community.

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East Ayr State School students, completing Blue EDGE

East Ayr State School students completing the physical exercise. Photos supplied

While Spotify users were enthralled to relive their 2023 music listening habits in last month’s Spotify Wrapped, the Burdekin Library and Burdekin Theatre have used the format to reveal their own statistics from the last year.

According to a Facebook post from Burdekin Library, the libraries loaned 50,477 items in 2023.

One of the latest instalments in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, No Plan B, was the most popular Adult Fiction title in the region this year followed by House of Wolves by James Patterson, I Will Find You by Harlan Coben, Livid by Patricia Cornwell and James Patterson rounding out the top five with 3 Days to Live.

With a Netflix series on the way, Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe still appears to be enchanting the Burdekin as it was the top Young Adult Fiction title loaned in 2023, with Loveless by Alice Oseman, The Killing Code by Ellie Marney, Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare, and The Secret Runners of New York by Matthew Reilly also making up the top five.

The Junior Fiction top five was filled with family favourites including Weird History! by Anh Do, The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, The Birthday Adventure by Enid Blyton and Splashy Weird! By Anh Do.

Lastly, the top five loaned Non-Fiction books show the diversity of the Burdekin readership, including Prince Harry’s Spare in number one position, cookbooks 4 Ingredients Celebrations by Kim McCosker and Pasta Night by Deborah Kaloper, Phycology book Just One Thing by Dr Michael Mosley and memoir The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Emma Carey.

Jumping in on the trend, the Burdekin Theatre shared their statistics from 2023, with a plethora of excellent local productions dominating the results.

The Burdekin Theatre’s top performance of the year was Shrek the Musical by Burdekin Singers & Theatre Co. which sold 2,425 tickets across six performances.

In second spot came Rhythm Nation by Rhythm Edge Dance Studios, which was also the fastest selling performance of the year, selling 96.1% of their total ticket sales (845 tickets) in the first 24 hours.

Perform Music’s production of Changemakers was the third top show of the year while East Ayr State School’s production of Madagascar placed fourth and Burdekin Christian College’s The Sound of Music came fifth.

Burdekin Theatre Box Office & Administration Officer Alana Bradley was also recognised for the highest ticket sales by a staff member, selling 2,277 tickets since January 1, 2023.

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The Burdekin Theatre. Photo supplied

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After 13 years on the Board, Michael Roncato is retiring from his role as Deputy Chair of Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), formerly Burdekin Cane and Agriculture Organisation (BCAO).

A cane farmer of nearly 30 years, Michael was asked to join the board in 2010, then called the Pioneer Cane Growers Organisation Ltd.

He has filled many roles over the years, including Chairman before stepping down to allow Charles Quagliata to take over the role.

“My father, at a rather early age, took a step back to allow me to prosper, so I want to do the same thing at QCAR and go out on a high to allow new blood to come in,” he said.

“I truly believe that every farmer should do a term on the board.

“I have learnt so much, things that you didn’t worry about when you were just farming.

“You need the board.

“When you’re on the board and you see what goes on, you realise how much they do.”

Michael stepped up to his new responsibilities almost immediately as he was heavily involved in the Queensland sugar marketing dispute stemming from the infamous and unprecedented events of the 2010 season.

He also advocated passionately to keep Queensland Sugar Limited in the Burdekin in 2017, providing his membership with a choice of sugar marketer.

Throughout the highs and lows of his tenure, however, Michael’s QCAR legacy will remain, having spearheaded the creation of QCAR through the intuitive collaboration of BCAO and AgForce Cane Limited following efforts to achieve BCAO’s visions for representational unification.

This merger was one of his key goals and was achieved in February 2023, allowing Michael to leave the board on a high.

“This couldn’t have been done without the genuine support of both boards, but especially Charles (Quagliata, QCAR Chair) and Russell (Hall, AgForce Cane Limited President), effectively delivering on what the respective members wanted,” he said.

“We got it to a certain stage but then those two pulled it off.

“It wouldn’t have happened without them, and it needed to happen.”

The QCAR Board farewelled Michael at a Christmas breakup earlier this week where Charles ceremoniously presented him with a framed cane knife gift and thanked him for his service and commitment to the QCAR membership impacting the entire sugar cane industry.

“It’s not an easy job, being a director on the board,” Charles said.

“There’s a lot of unaccounted time that gets put in, especially in the last year with the unification process.

“We’ve already started to see the benefits of building a larger, stronger and more resilient membership base.

“Michael’s supportive vision in being able to see the importance of such benefits  has established the foundations for enhanced representation on a state and national level.

“Such representation now enables us to advocate more effectively for our members as a vital voice playing a pivotal role in fostering the enduring success of Queensland’s agricultural industry.”

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QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato and CEO Panikos Spyrou

L-R AgForce Cane President & QCAR Director Russell Hall, QCAR Director Peter Papadimitriou, QCAR CSO Michael Kern, QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou, QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato, QCAR Director Christian Lago, QCAR and ACFA Director Dean Sgroi and QCAR Director Frank Mugica

Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The market axiom that “high prices cure high prices” has played out with our sugar market over the last month.

The breathtaking collapse of the ICE #11 sugar contract has been one for the record books! Combined with a rising AUD, this has resulted in the 2023 season AUD sugar swap price dropping from a record $950/t to a low $750/t. 2024 season prices are slightly less affected with a fall from a season high of $850/t to just under $700/t.

So, what happened? In simple terms a combination of fundamental news items resulted in cautious selling by the commercial sector, which triggered a technical selling spree from the speculators sitting on a stale long position.

The short-term supply outlook changed as Brazil continued to crush through the November rain and progress shipping at a higher than expected rate. The inverted futures market structure, March 24 higher than May 24, was built on the premise that a first quarter trade deficit existed as conditions precluded Brazil to harvest and ship their estimated record crop of up to 660M tonnes of cane.

The extended crush has pushed out the estimate for Brazilian sugar to over 42M tonnes which has eaten into the deficit for 23/24 season. Moreover, the rain has been welcome for Brazil’s 24/25 production estimate, lifting the forecast up to 43.5M tonnes and eroding the projected trade deficit for next year.

India added fuel to the fire via news the government was discouraging mills to produce ethanol in favour of sugar this season just started. In response to a reduced crop, largely due to a poor monsoon, the government is focusing on sugar production. It is anticipated that this will not result in Indian exports but there had been growing speculation that India would need to import sugar to meet domestic consumption needs.

In other production countries: Chinese production has been upgraded by about 1 million tonnes; similarly Europe, Ukraine and Russia forecasts have been upgraded as beet production has been favourable.

Overall, these supply responses have erased the projected supply and demand deficits for both 23/24 and 24/25 seasons.

The positive news is that projected consumption numbers have largely not been impacted by the period of higher prices. It appears the global appetite for sugar can withstand elevated sugar prices without a significant decrease in demand. Will the current price declines be enough to trigger an uptick in demand as countries move to rebuild depleted stocks?

If you’d like to know more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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There was plenty of festive fun and laughter at the Burdekin Theatre last week as nearly 60 growers, extension officers and service providers attended the NQ Dry Tropics End Of Year Sugar Celebration.

It was a chance to come together and raise a glass in recognition of a productive year across a variety of irrigation, nutrient and pesticide efficiency projects taking place in the lower Burdekin.

Staff from NQ Dry Tropics, Sugar Research Australia, Farmacist and Aglantis updated attendees on the progress of various regional initiatives supporting growers to increase their bottom line while minimising water quality impacts.

But the night was mainly about socialising, with the sugar trivia quiz a particular highlight.

NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt said strong partnerships across the sector were helping to ensure funding translated into on-ground success.

“Tremendous progress has been made towards improving irrigation, nutrient and pesticide management on farms across the lower Burdekin,” Mr Hunt said.

“Growers and industry have been enthusiastically engaged in a range of on-ground projects, and all of the delivery partners have been working overtime to guide and assist farmers who are implementing over 400 individual projects on their farms.

“This hard work has borne fruit, with additional investment coming into the region from iconic Queensland Beer brand XXXX, to complement the projects funded through the partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.”

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L-R Sonya and Chris Hesp, Terry Granshaw (Sugar Research Australia) and Arwen Rickert (BBIFMAC)

L-R Chris Doblo (Farmacist), Luke Malan (Aglantis), Michael Hobbs (NQ Dry Tropics)

Denis Pozzebon and Armin Wessel

Amy and Aaron Linton

L-R Brenda Balmer, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin (NQ Dry Tropics Deputy Chair), Sharon Contzonis

L-R Rob Milla (Burdekin Productivity Services), Jack Edwards, Joseph Magatello.

NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt

Peter and Brenda Matthews

Joyce and Jim Richardson

L-R Peter Rubiolo, Armin Wessel, John Gorizio, Brian Gorizio.

L-R Rhonda Mann, Arwin Rickert, Lisa Pozzebon

L-R Sarah Willis (NQ Dry Tropics), with Annie Matthews, Scott Matthews, Peter Matthews and Brenda Matthews

L-R Heath Salter, Fiona Salter, Fiona Villis and Paul Villis

Kay and Frank Scuderi

L-R Ross Parker, Jack Edwards and Joseph Magatelli

NQ Dry Tropics Sugar Team Leader Luke Clark

Photos supplied: NQ Dry Tropics

Following a busy year of art activity, the students who attend the Burdekin Art Society Art Classes welcomed their families to their annual exhibition of work and Christmas party on the December 5 at the McMillan Street Clubhouse.

Over the year, between 18 and 21 primary children have attended Tuesday afternoon classes where they have dabbled in a variety of different painting techniques, drawing, sculpturing, collage, construction and more.

Each child had a ‘gallery’ of their favourite art pieces on display for family to see, including creations from our Home Hill Canefields Ephemera entry.

There were also craft tables of Christmas activities for everyone to participate in.

Barb, Luisa and Georgia would like to thank all the families who have been involved in Art Classes for 2023.

Contributed by Burdekin Art Society

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the Art Class for 2023 with teachers, Luisa, Georgia and Barb at the back

Lola Smith with her artwork display

Families participating in the craft tables

Photos supplied

The Burdekin Art Society held their annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition on November 11, across the road from the Mardi Gras in the Lower Burdekin Water Board building.

It was a colourful display of 82 paintings by members of the club.

The People’s Choice awards for this year, sponsored again by Margaret Mary Spottiswood Bland, went to Luisa Delle Baite with ‘Floral Delight’ (first) and Maria Torrisi with ‘Friendship’ (second).

The winner of our raffle was drawn with Margaret Redweik ‘taking home’ a lovely Australian landscape painting by Graham W Smith.

Burdekin Art Society would like to thank the people of the Burdekin for supporting our exhibition again this year – for coming in to view the display and in painting sales.

Contributed by Burdekin Art Society

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First People’s Choice winner LuisaDelle Baite

Photo supplied

The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Burdekin community gathered at the touch fields in Ayr last Sunday, December 10 for the Community Christmas Carols.

With local entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and a very special visit from Santa, everyone revelled in the Christmas cheer.

Entertainment was provided by The Burdekin Academy, Perform Music, Malia Ma’u, Uniting Church members and so many more, showcasing our region’s talent and passion for the community.

“The Carols are a great way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and to bring the community together,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

“We are very lucky to have such a strong supportive community.”

View the gallery here

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The community gathered on Sunday for the Community Christmas Carols. Photo credit: Melanie Napier

Hi Readers

As promised, I’m back from Brisbane with stories of an epic weekend of live music seeing The War On Drugs and just one regret: I neglected to buy a t-shirt.

I hope those who attended Sunday’s Christmas Carols had an excellent afternoon – from all reports and photos, it looked like a terrific and festive time and proves that Christmas spirit is well and truly in the Ayr.

Flick to page 27 to check out all the photos from the night, and thank you to Melanie Napier for taking some fantastic photos at the event.

If you missed out last weekend or simply can’t get enough Christmas cheer, there are more opportunities this Sunday.

The Burdekin Uniting Church’s Christmas Carols in the Park is happening at Home Hill Park from 4:30pm to 7:30pm where the Burdekin Brass Band and Home Hill Choral Society will be providing music for the community to sing along to, with a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available from the Burdekin Chaplains.

The Burdekin Catholic Parish will also host Christmas Carols from 7:00pm Sunday at St Colman’s Church, Home Hill.

‘Tis the season for Christmas parties and the Burdekin Chamber, Burdekin Shire Council and Burdekin Community Association celebrated their members and volunteers recently with Christmas celebrations – you can see the photos from these on pages 5, 12-13 and 28 respectively.

If your workplace or organisation is hosting a Christmas party, I hope it’s a fun and safe one and a good occasion to reflect on a successful 2023.