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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Over the last weekend of school holidays, 33 nippers from the North Barrier Branch descended on the Ayr Surf Club to take part in the annual Camp Alva. This camp is designed for Under 12 and 13 members to work on leadership and team building skills and experience different aspects of the Lifesaving movement that they can progress into over the coming years.
Back cover caption: The Camp Alva Crew. Photo supplied
The participants and assistants at Camp Alva 2024, Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’s annual camp, undertook an Around Alva Adventure race, completing tasks at stations to gain clues, various team building activities, tie-dying, surf sports and other activities.
Everyone had a great time and the current Under 12s are looking forward to returning next year, while the Under 13s will be progressing onto the Branch award camp in September to gain their Surf Rescue Certificate.
The youth members of clubs around the branch are still in training for State Titles held on the Gold Coast in March.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
Team building activities
Pillow fighting fun - Emma Jones and Charlotte Lawry
Photos supplied
With hundreds of people expected to gather in Home Hill’s Memorial Park to commemorate Anzac Day in April, members of the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch have shared their concerns that a colony of flying foxes roosting at the park may cause a safety risk to attendees.
Sub Branch President Richard Kelly and Secretary Allan Petersen recently approached Burdekin Shire Council with their concerns, and while Council confirmed plans to relocate the flying foxes over the next couple of months, Mr Petersen fears it will be too late.
“There is a responsibility that we have, an obligation that we have to meet to provide a safe venue,” Mr Petersen said.
“I’d like to see it earlier and give the park a chance to get cleaned up while we’re getting a bit of rain.
“It’s going to take a little while to clean the park up to be suitable to let people in under those trees.”
RSL Sub Branch President Richard Kelly and Secretary Allan Petersen are concerned flying foxes will derail Anzac Day plans in Memorial Park. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
For the last few months, a colony of flying foxes has resided in Home Hill, most notably in Kidby Gully and Memorial Park, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming that dispersal activities have commenced.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the dispersal activities, part of Council’s approved permit from the Department of Environment, use non-lethal methods such as light and sound devices, gas guns and ammunition shots.
“I want to reassure residents, that Council must adhere to the permit conditions which sees no flying fox be harmed in dispersal activities,” Ms McLaughlin said.
“The methods used by Council officers are humane and effective, and comply with the permit conditions and animal welfare standards.”
Council will not conduct any dispersal activities in the areas where baby flying foxes are present, which causes concern for the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch, who fear the Memorial Park colony will make the venue unsafe come Anzac Day on April 25.
While catching diseases directly from flying foxes is extremely unlikely, and there are no confirmed cases of anyone getting sick from touching flying-fox faeces, urine or blood, the animals are known to carry life-threatening viruses Hendra virus and Australian Bat Lyssavirus.
Sub Branch President Allan Kelly is also concerned about the associated noise and worries that flying foxes will deter attendees.
“They’ve tried elsewhere, and it’s taken them months and months to get rid of them (flying foxes),” he said.
“We’ve got a big ceremony here on Anzac Day and we can’t expect kids and grown ups to come here with this around them.
“We’re going to lose patronage, so they’ve got to do something and do it quick.”
“I’ll give the Council their due, they have reacted very quickly in giving us a response,” added Sub Branch Secretary Allan Petersen.
“They know there’s responsibilities you’ve got to meet with a venue for stuff like this.
“Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance and it’s a very important part of Australia’s behaviour.
“If these things do cause a major issue, we can’t have it here, it’s as simple as that, unless we have people sitting out in the sun.”
Council’s dispersals will be undertaken every Tuesday and Friday from approx. 4:30am to 7:00am until February 2.
Intense dispersal will commence in the first week of February, every day for one week.
After that, subsequent dispersals will be as necessary, depending on the flying fox population.
Burdekin Shire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused throughout the dispersal activities and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the community during the dispersal activities.
For more information, please contact the Council on 4783 9800.
Burdekin Shire Council has commenced flying fox dispersal activities in Kidby Gully, Arch Dunn Park and known roost sites in Home Hill. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Hi readers,
You might have noticed our North Queensland Summer Holiday Series in the last few editions of Burdekin Life.
These have been a pleasure to research and write as I’m still relatively new to North Queensland and am always looking for new adventures and new places to explore.
A large motivation behind my decision to move from Brisbane to Mackay almost two years ago was to explore a part of the country I’d seldom had the opportunity to explore before.
Places like Cape Hillsborough, Eungella, Finch Hatton and the innumerable “secret” swimming and camping spots littered throughout the region opened my eyes to the beauty of North Queensland and are places I largely wouldn’t have considered visiting had I not lived nearby.
The same can be said for living in the Burdekin, giving me access to places like Alva and Wunjunga beaches, Groper Creek, Magnetic Island and Alligator Creek – again, places not necessarily on the top of my list two years ago.
I look forward to capitalising further on the unique location of the Burdekin by heading further north to discover Paluma Range National Park, the Atherton Tablelands and the countless gorges and waterfalls that I’ve heard so many good things about.
I’m also eager to follow the river inland to see what Ravenswood and Charters Towers has to offer.
So, while I’ve built a pretty decent list of locations from researching these stories, please let me know if you have any other recommendations for places I should visit or experiences I should experience in North Queensland.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore this weekend, flick to page 14 to discover our North Queensland Summer Holiday Series for this edition; beautiful Magnetic Island.
At their last meeting of 2023, members of Home Hill Rotary Club were pleased invite Kaylene Rinella of St Vincent de Paul to join them.
Home Hill Rotary Club took the opportunity to present Kaylene with a cheque for $1,500 to support the work of St Vincent de Paul.
At the meeting, Kaylene gave a brief update on the work of St Vincent de Paul and how this donation would be used.
“Thanks to Rotary again this year for assisting Vinnies to provide emergency food relief, not only at Christmas but throughout the year,” Kaylene said.
A post sharing news of the donation on social media was met with comments of congratulations and appreciation.
“Great work Rotary and Kaylene!! Thank you to both organisations for all your hard work in our community,” said on commentor.
“Well done Home Hill Rotary donating to this cause,” said another.
“Well done, Kayleen. You do so much for the community,” said another.
St Vincent de Paul works to combat social injustice by advocating for people who are marginalised or disadvantaged, or at risk of experiencing disadvantages.
Workers and volunteers work to prevent poverty and homelessness, and work to support those experiencing disadvantage to regain sustainable independence by providing them with a hand up, not just a hand out.
Home Hill Rotary Club presented Kaylene Rinella of St Vincent de Paul with a cheque for $1,500. Photo supplied
Burdekin Shire Council wishes to inform the public that scheduled maintenance works on the Home Hill water tower trunk main are planned to commence tonight, Thursday January 18 from 9:00pm and are expected to be complete by Friday January 19 at 2:00am.
While customers in Home Hill and surrounding areas may notice a temporary drop in water pressure during the works, Council does not expect there to be any interruption to supply.
Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the works and thanks the community for their patience and cooperation.
For more information or enquiries, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
An episode of ABC’s ‘Back Roads’ filmed in the Burdekin last year will go to air on Tuesday, January 30, showcasing what the region has to offer to the entire country.
Back Roads is an Australian observational documentary series that takes the road less travelled and visits some of the small towns and communities that make Australia special.
Host Heather Ewart travels to these towns to discover remarkable stories and inspiring people, with her and her crew visiting the Burdekin in May 2023 for the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.
As well as capturing the festival, cane cutting and cane fires, Heather interviewed many locals to hear their stories, including Gloria Vass and her family and Desley Musumeci who was interviewed as the spokesperson of her cooking group, Pandemonium.
“They rang up and said they wanted to come here to see what we were going to cook,” Desley said.
“We made them homemade ricotta, pasta and ravioli.”
Desley’s husband Alf was also interviewed about his family’s origins in the region.
“When they were here filming Alfie, they had Heather sitting across the table from us and they were filming us, and then they had to come behind us and film her asking the same questions,” Desley explained.
“She said, ‘I’ll ask the same questions, but don’t answer,’ well I had to put my hand over Alfie’s mouth because he kept going to answer!
“They were lovely people, the whole four of them.”
The episode will air on ABC on Tuesday, January 30 at 8:00pm and will be available to stream on ABC iview.
“I’m certainly going to tape it,” Desley said.
Back Roads host Heather Ewart visited the Burdekin last year to film an episode of the documentary series. Photo supplied: ABC
Neither a new Premier nor a new year have diverted Member for Burdekin Dale Last’s attention away from much-needed medical facilities and services in the Burdekin.
Thousands of signatures and a campaign that ran for several months saw the state’s Health Minister recognise the importance of the equipment which would mean as many as 15 patients a week would no longer need to transferred to Townsville for CT scans outside business hours.
“The response from the Minister was positive but if the Minister thinks we will now sit and wait then she is sadly mistaken,” Mr Last said.
“This is not the first time we have seen this issue raise its head.
“We were told that a Business Case was being prepared as the next step and our community deserves an update.
“I said in October that I would keep working on this issue until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans in Ayr.
“I also said I will work cooperatively with the Minister as long as we saw continual progress and I will honour both of those commitments for as long as it takes.”
With forecasts of significant rain in coming days, Mr Last said the wet season brought with it yet another reason for the project to be given the green light.
“While we have seen improvements in some areas of the road network that are closed by flooding it’s almost impossible to flood proof the Bruce Highway,” he said.
“When the highway is shut the only option to access CT scans for many patients is via a helicopter transfer.
“In addition to ensuring 24-7 access to scans all year round, the installation of a CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital would mean that, in times of emergency, we are more self-sufficient.
“It also reduces demand on the rescue helicopter to allow it to focus more on the emergency response.
“Every time I talk to people about this project another reason it needs to happen is identified.
“I am confident that the business case will support the project and, if it does, the decision to get the project started comes down to political will.
“My preference is that the business case is completed and that funding for the building and equipment is included in the budget in June.
“Our community deserves access to medical services and facilities that ensure the best outcome and it really shouldn’t take an election to ensure that those services and facilities are on offer.”
Luke O’Brien, formerly of Ayr, has been identified as the victim of a tragic incident that occurred at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's (BMA) Saraji mine on Monday, January 15.
Mr O’Brien and another worker were working in the fuel-bay area of the open-cut mine around midday when an interaction between two vehicles left the 27-year-old with significant crush injuries.
He was taken to Dysart Hospital but later died from his injuries.
Mr O’Brien’s mother, Yvette, shared her heartbreak on social media.
“A piece of my heart has been shattered,” she wrote.
“My baby boy is gone.”
Queensland's regulator for the resources sector, Resources Safety and Health Investigation (RSHQ), has launched an investigation into the incident.
RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said the death will impact the entire Queensland mining community.
"We'd like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the victim, his friends and his co-workers," said Mr Djukic.
"As soon as we were notified of the incident, we launched an investigation sending multiple investigators and inspectors from our Serious Incident Investigation Unit and Coal Inspectorate to the site.
"We're also working closely with BMA to find out what went wrong and prevent this from happening again."
The Mining and Energy Union released a statement saying the whole mining community is shocked and saddened at news of a fatality.
“We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home at the end of their shift,” the statement read.
“Our hearts go out to friends and family.
“We offer our deepest thanks to first responders and support to workmates who may be traumatised.”
The union said safety inspectors were also on site to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We will ensure no stone is left unturned in understanding what has occurred and preventing future fatalities and injuries.”
Former Ayr man Luke O’Brien was killed in an incident at Saraji mine. Photo supplied: Yvette L O'Brien
PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program will assist a new cohort of vulnerable job seekers in 2024 thanks to a renewed funding commitment from the Queensland Government.
The Get Set For Work Program is funded through Skilling Queenslanders for Work, assisting unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders to gain skills, qualifications and experience to either enter or remain in the workforce.
PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott said the funding will allow the Program to build on previous years in assisting the region’s youth.
“It fills that gap for those 15- to 19-year-olds who are disengaged from school and aren’t in work,” he said.
“The three things we chase for an outcome are either getting a job, going back to school or further training.”
The 10-week program provides training for young people in small groups of up to 10 participants, giving them the opportunity to improve their skills and increase their chances of employment.
The program offers practical outcomes and accreditation, assisting participants in attaining skills and qualifications to assist them in the workforce.
Other skills focussed on in the program include team building, work experience, resume and cover letter writing and interview practise.
“We modify it to suit our participants,” Mr Scott said.
“We’re looking at building on what we have got and spending a bit of time looking at what else we can value add to the program in assisting them to get that first job.”
Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum announced a statewide investment of $51.7 million in targeted and tailored training and employment pathways.
“Queensland businesses need skilled employees across the board, and we are committed to delivering the training needed in areas of demand,” Mr McCallum said.
“The organisations receiving fundings understand their communities and their workforce needs and can make vital connections between job seekers and employers.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is helping people overcome the barriers to participation, to acquire new and in-demand skills.”
Enrolments are now open for 2024, with the program due to commence on January 29.
Participants must be 15–19 years of age and able to commit to a 10-week program 5 days a week.
To find out more, contact Mr Scott on 0448 686 648 or email Rowan Scott rowan.scott@pcyc.org.au.
PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott (left) looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of participants to the program in 2024
Tennis in the Burdekin has received a massive boost this month with local junior Adam Walton starring on the international stage.
Television sets across the region have been tuned into Channel Nine as Walton, along with plenty of other Australians, took to the court in the Adelaide International and the Australian Open earlier in January.
The 24-year-old recorded two stunning victories to earn his place in the Adelaide International main draw, defeating world No.70 Pedro Cachin before backing it up with a 6-3 6-2 win over world No.77 Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the final qualifying round.
Having never previously defeated a player inside the top 100, the world No.176 defeated two within 48 hours.
Walton came up against 7th seed Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, January 9, unfortunately going down 6-1 6-3.
Notably, Lehecka went on to win the tournament.
Walton then opened his Australian Open campaign on Sunday, January 14, coming up against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi on Kia Arena.
The Aussie made an encouraging start and found himself serving for the opening set at 6-5 but was unable to hold.
Walton was then overwhelmed by Arnaldi who took command in the tiebreak and never really let go, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4.
The Italian was recently successful in lifting the Davis Cup alongside world No.4 Jannik Sinner in December 2023 after defeating Australian Alexei Popyrin in the opening match of the final.
He also reached the fourth round of last year's US Open before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.
While being eliminated in the early stages of both tournaments, Walton has successfully proven his skill and potential while inspiring the next generation of young North Queensland tennis players following a similar path to his.
Tennis commentators on the Nine Network have praised his developing game during the tournaments, with Lleyton Hewitt’s former coach Roger Rasheed believing the Burdekinite can continue to make a big impact if he can move forward in the court and attack more.
Ayr Tennis Club coach Patrea Bojack said her squad of talented juniors has been inspired by Walton’s performances on international television.
“They are so proud that a local tennis player has made it to a major and it can only help teach them that if you are willing to put in the hard work, you can make it,” Ms Bojack said.
“He deserves every bit of success because he has done it the hard way by building his game in the professional ranks through the American college system.
“I was so pleased when Tennis Australia granted him a Wildcard into the Australian Open as it can help him access tournaments in other places in the world plus at the very least walk away with $120,000 for being a first round competitor at Melbourne Park.”
Walton, currently based in Brisbane, started playing tennis in Home Hill aged five alongside his older brother, Jack.
Taking every opportunity to further their young tennis careers, the brothers both received and accepted tennis scholarships to attend Brisbane school Churchie where they completed their final three years of schooling.
After finishing school, Adam pursued the US college pathway, attending the University of Tennessee and playing college tennis in America for five years before graduating and playing professionally since August 2023.
Walton was one of six Australian tennis players to be awarded coveted main-draw singles wildcards for the 2024 Australian Open.
Adam Walton won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in 2023. Photo supplied: ATP Tour
On the afternoon of Thursday 28 December 2023, Ayr Police received a complaint of damage to an exterior wall at a residence in Munro Street, Ayr. As a result, a 30yr old Burdekin woman was charged with one count of wilful damage and is due to re-appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 14 March 2024.
At 11.20pm on Thursday 28 December, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Burke Street, Ayr. The driver, an 18yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .027 is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January.
At 1.20am on Sunday 31 December, Ayr Police were called to a local licenced premises on Queen Street, Ayr in relation to damage to a glass door. As a result, a 23yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count of wilful damage and commit a public nuisance in a licence premises and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January. He was also issued with a Police Banning Notice relating to licenced premises in Ayr. When Police arrived at the licenced premises, their attention was further drawn to the behaviour of another patron said to be yelling and screaming. As a result, a 23yr old Burdekin woman was subsequently issued a Public Nuisance ticket and also issued with a Police Banning Notice relating to licenced premises in Ayr.
At 2am on Wednesday 3 January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 48yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, possessing a dangerous drug and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 March.
At 8.45pm on Thursday 4 January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce highway, Ayr. The driver, a 37yr old Cairns man, was issued a NTA for unlicenced driving and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January.
On Friday 5 January, Ayr Police were called to Ayr Hospital in relation to the behaviour of a person at that facility. As a result of investigations, a 51yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for one count of public nuisance and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 February.
Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC Ayr
By Chelsea Ravizza
On Friday January 12, Burdekin Brass Band Members Jye Ravizza and Cecillia Cason were a part of the Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band’s outstanding performance at Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens.
Just under 50 young students from bands across the East Coast performed 11 pieces of music for a lively audience in the heart of the botanical gardens, with Cecillia leading with her talents by performing a solo in Celtic Dream.
The QBA’s Youth Band took the audience on an international tour of the decades, beginning with Lionel Richie’s the 1984 Olympic Fan Fair and Theme, to featuring pieces of music from the exotic Amazon and Old Blighty England to then conclude with another iconic Lionel Richie piece, Love is in The Air.
Each piece was introduced by a different member of the band and accompanied by comedic anecdotes directed towards accredited musician and the QBA’s Youth Band’s director, David Bremner.
Jye and Cecillia performed all pieces of music exceptionally, with Cecillia introducing the Band’s Wonders of The World section for the audience.
Surrounded by gorgeous greenery, the Botanical Gardens provided the perfect location and scenery to immerse yourself in the talents of these young musicians.
The performance concluded the pairs’ attendance of the highly acclaimed QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp, where they enriched their musical talents under the guidance of professionals like David Bremner.
“It’s an incredible week for everyone, and the band just gets better and better as the week goes on,” said Mr Bremner.
“We had a great week, with lots of fun, and we played lots of great music, we had a very special time.”
The afternoon closed with the presentation of awards, where Cecillia was awarded the Leonie Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious award which recognises a student’s passion for their community band association, and dedication to excelling in their musical talents.
Both Cecillia and Jye conducted themselves as true musicians by exhibiting such focus and professionalism.
The pair, along with the rest of QBA’s Youth Band, were able to execute an outstanding performance which received a standing ovation.
L-R Jye Ravizza, QBA Youth Band Director David Bremner and Cecillia Cason. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza
CORES Queensland invites members of the Burdekin community to learn how to pick up the early warning signs, know what to say, what to do and where to go for help with its Suicide Prevention Training in February.
The training will provide participants with the essential skills to identify and respond to a person at risk of suicide.
It will give participants the tools to recognise the early warning signs of suicide, learn how to support a person at risk to access readily available services, promote health-seeking behaviour before a crisis occurs while teaching each participant to identify their own self-care strategies.
“We give people some basic skills to know what to look out for and, more importantly, what to say, what to do and where to go for help,” said Queensland Coordinator and Counsellor Ross Romeo.
“The rural communities are open to it and want to take ownership, so the training gives them some skills to help them recognise that they can’t fix anything for anyone - in the end change has got to come from the individual - our job as a friend or community member is to create the environment for that and help people unlock the tools.”
CORES (Community Response to Eliminating Suicide) is a community-based program relying on volunteers to educate members of the community on how to intervene when they encounter a person they believe may be suicidal.
Originating in regional Tasmania, the program held its first training session in the Burdekin in 2008 thanks to Peter Shadforth, which is where Mr Romeo became involved.
“I went along and found it quite easy to understand and practical,” he said.
A cane farmer of over 30 years, Mr Romeo trained to become a facilitator which led him to his role as Queensland Coordinator and Counsellor.
He now leads the program that provides suicide prevention training and free counselling to the Burdekin and surrounding regions.
CORES Queensland will host its Suicide Prevention Training on Friday, February 9 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at PCYC Burdekin, 164 MacMillan Street, Ayr.
The session is free, and participants are asked to bring their own lunch.
To RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/3U1Lri5 or to find out more, email adminqld@kentishrc.com.au or phone 0448 894 525.
Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health?
The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004.
It’s been going strong ever since, helping thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing.
Services currently available at the Centre include:
• BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711
• Private Psychological Counselling (Deepwaters Healing, Lutkin Psychology, Melanie Usher, Philip Murray) Ph: 4783 2711
• Bloom Hearing Ph: 1800 027 779
• Burdekin Hearing Ph: 1800 008 308
• Centacare NQ (Counselling) Ph: 1300 672 273
• Clarity Hearing Solutions Ph: 4779 1566
• NQ Foot & Ankle Centre Ph: 4723 5500
• Synergy Health Centre (Exercise Physiology, Diabetic Education, Dietician) Ph: 4724 3250
• Telehealth Hub Services (Free online service to assist with appointments with a health professional) Ph: 4783 2711
• Consult Room Hire (health & wellbeing services) Ph: 4783 2711
• Meeting Room Hire (meetings, groups or workshops – capacity 30 people) Ph: 4783 2711
We would love to see you at the Centre, so please call in to 12A Chippendale St, Ayr, phone 4783 2711 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Keep yourself fit and healthy by joining the "Move It Burdekin" program, offered by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in collaboration with Burdekin Shire Council. This program is free and is supported by Move it NQ and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).
The 15-week program, facilitated by Andrea Piotto, is for people aged 55 years and above and aims to engage the community in physical activity. The sessions will include low-impact movements, Pilates and yoga, and seated exercises and will cater to different levels of fitness and flexibility.
Andrea is a well-known community figure and is passionate about encouraging people to keep active for a healthier lifestyle. She has a lot of experience in health and fitness – she knows how to make movement fun, and you will be in safe hands with her.
As an added bonus, the program provides opportunities to socialise and learn about ways to improve your well-being. After your movement session, you can enjoy refreshments and a chat. We are offering fun challenges along the way and incentives if you complete the full program.
If you are interested in joining the program, please call the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on 47 834243 or visit our friendly team in person to sign up. Remember, you need to commit to the full 15-week program, and the number of sign-ups received will determine if participants are offered sessions once or twice a week.
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
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