Following the recent spate of youth crime in the Burdekin, victims are urged to come forward and share their stories in order to better inform decisions made by a newly announced Youth Justice Reform Select Committee.

This Queensland Government committee will consist of three government, three opposition members and an independent representative and is set-up to examine the youth justice system including support for victims and reducing re-offending.

Community members have until January 10 to submit their own stories so they can better inform the committee on how locally experienced acts of youth crime are affecting our region.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said that this is an opportunity for victims to speak up and create change in policies affecting both the Burdekin and the State.

“Our community has seen more than its fair share of youth crime,” Mr Last said.  

“It is an issue affecting the whole state and it is important that victims, and people with ideas to help, are heard no matter where they live.

“We have seen youth crime result in tragedies and, each and every time, there is an outpouring of anger followed by a government announcement.  

“The fact is that, every single day, we are seeing people’s lives affected and they also deserve to be heard and their stories need to be told.

“I’ve been called a scaremonger for talking about the experience of victims and the fact that people are scared and I hope this committee process will result in an end to the denial and name-calling so that the rights of victims are finally recognised.

“You can’t fix a problem by denying it exists and then by downplaying its effects. If me calling on people to have their say results in positive change that puts an end to people feeling scared and frustrated, then that’s a win for the community.

“If, on the other hand, victims speak up and the government refuses to act, it will send a clear message about the government’s priorities.  

“This cannot be a talk-fest that doesn’t produce results but, if it is, people will know that the only way to get the issue addressed is via the ballot box.”

Mr Last said more information on how to make a submission is available via his webpage and social media pages or by contacting his office on 4767 0500.

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On Thursday, November 16 and Friday, November 17, Ayr Health Service welcomed a team from Clinical Excellence Queensland (CEQ), which included an obstetrician, midwives and a project officer who met with staff and members of the community to talk about the hospital’s maternity service.

Following the recent announcement by the Minister for Health regarding expansion and improvements in maternity services in regional Queensland, the team conducted meetings with medical, midwifery, nursing and health worker staff.    

During these discussions, CEQ were able to hear from local staff on a variety of topics including models of care, workforce, education and training.  

Local women and mothers who have birthed at the Ayr Health Service, including Kaylee Garner and Mikaela Drain, enjoyed morning tea with the team, where they were able to provide feedback on their experiences and offer suggestions for improvement.  

Following this visit, the information will be used to compile a draft report, including recommendations.

The draft will again be shared with the team to ensure it remains valid prior to a final report being presented to the THHS executives and Department of Health.

Contributed by Ayr Health Service

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Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola, Kaylee Garner holding Amelia Brix, Mikaela Drain holding Heidi D’Alessandro and Nurse/Midwife Chloe Brunner

Employees of Wilmar Sugar Australia have rejected a proposed pay increase as negotiations, which have been occurring since March, continue.

The sugar giant, which is a subsidiary of the Singapore-based company Wilmar International and operates four sugar mills in the Burdekin, put their latest offer out to a ballot of employees earlier in November, with 80.5 per cent of respondents voting against the company’s offer.

Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said that Wilmar’s offer isn’t sweet enough.

“While sugar prices surge and remain at a high we haven’t seen in decades, Wilmar continue to pay their workers at some of the worst rates in the industry,” Mr Wilson said.

“This is a foreign-owned, multinational corporation making record profits off the back of local communities in this region – it’s time they gave something back.”

Wilmar most recently offered pay rises of 5 per cent in the first year, 3.75 per cent in the second year and 3 per cent in the third year.

AWU said factoring inflation, this increase will take workers backwards and are calling for pay rises of 12 per cent, 8 per cent and 5 per cent.

Leading up to the ballot, Mr Wilson accused Wilmar of acting aggressively to stop workers from voting against the deal.

“We are seeing every grubby tactic under the sun from Wilmar to try to stop their workers from learning about and voting against this terrible offer,” he said.

“We have seen union information removed from crib rooms and notice boards, managers making threats to workers who tell other workers to vote no - they are even denying workers in control rooms from accessing union officials during their lunch breaks.

“Wilmar are even threatening to pull their commitment to converting a number of seasonal employees to permanency, something they clearly have had no intention of ever doing.”

“Our members see this for what it is – bullying tactics from a desperate employer who has lost control of this situation.”

A Wilmar Sugar Australia spokesperson denied these allegations.

“We have not received complaints from any employee of bullying or intimidation related to the EA (employment agreement) negotiation process,” they said.

The spokesperson said negotiations will continue “in good faith”.

“Our EA proposal offered pay increases of 11.75 per cent over three years, back pay for permanent and seasonal workers, and permanency for 71 seasonal employees,” they said.

“Our seasonal employees are covered by the same EA as our permanent employees, and are remunerated accordingly.

“Given our offer was rejected, we will continue to negotiate in good faith, honestly and openly.

“We have responded to a request from unions to meet with them, and are now waiting for all union bargaining agents to respond.”

Wilmar workers are represented by AWU, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU).

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Wilmar’s Invicta Mill, Giru. Photo supplied

PCYC Burdekin Prepares The Region’s Youth

Seven participants in PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program graduated at a ceremony held at the PCYC on Tuesday, November 28.

The Get Set For Work Program is a Queensland Government-funded initiative through Skilling Queenslanders for Work delivering intensive employment and training assistance to young people.

PCYC Burdekin offers the program to local young people aged between 15-19.

“We assist those disengaged from school who aren’t in work currently,” said PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott.

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 including a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, white cards, responsible service of alcohol, first aid and CPR.

Other skills focussed on in the program include team building, work experience, resume and cover letter writing and interview practise.

“The three things we chase for an outcome are either getting a job, going back to school or further training,” Mr Scott said.

“We get guest speakers in to talk about work ethic, what it is employers are looking for, the journeys of our local businesspeople and how they got to where they are today, and we also touch on the Indigenous culture in this area, so they get an understanding of what community is.”

A pick up and drop off service also supports the program while it compliments other programs offered at PCYC Burdekin, giving young people the best chance at employment or study.

“The biggest issue our participants face in getting jobs is a lack of having a license and transport,” Mr Scott said.

“Some of our participants haven’t got that family support so that makes it that little bit more difficult … so we assist the participants in getting registered in the Braking the Cycle program as well.”

Mr Scott congratulated the participants graduating from the last program of the year, telling them to continue to strive into the future.

“Just look for a job to get started, build up the self-confidence, skills and personal development,” he said.

“Just get that first job; it mightn’t be the one you want but at least it’s a start.

“Gain as much knowledge and skills as you can in what you’re doing to move on to the next job.

“From that first job, everything starts to build.”

Building on previous experience in student services, Mr Scott said he finds his role very rewarding.

“The biggest thing for me is seeing the development of the participants, talking to each other more and working as a team,” he said.

“Down the track you hear of participants getting a job or going back to school, so it’s about readjusting their attitude or giving them that confidence to achieve whatever they want.”

PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program will recommence in late January, 2024.

To find out more, contact Mr Scott on 0448 686 648 or email Rowan Scott rowan.scott@pcyc.org.au.

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PCYC Youth Worker Tamara Kemp, Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott, Domenik Woodford, Ryland Palmer, Megan Elsum, Kaitlin Post, Ebony Joch and Julia Prezesmycki. Absent: Maddison Davison and Robert Misick. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Last Thursday November 23, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group visited the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station.

Scout Leader Chris Berkery said the visit was a great night and thanked the fire crews for their patience answering the many questions of the inquisitive scouts.

The visit to the fire station followed a visit to Home Hill Police Station the Thursday before.

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the Lower Burdekin Scout Group visited the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station last week

The scout group visited Home Hill Police Station the week before

Photos supplied

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM ACTIVITIES

During the 16 Days of Activism, members of the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc have been engaged in activities to raise awareness in our community to Domestic and Family Violence.

These include placing a Zonta Says No banner on St Francis Catholic School fence, arranging for orange water in Ayr’s town fountain and displaying Orange ladies at select locations across Ayr and Home Hill.

Many people may not realise the scale of violence against women and girls.

Statistics below highlight the magnitude of the problem:

- Globally, 1 in 3 women are affected by gender based violence,

- The number of women reporting domestic violence has risen by 40% in the past few years.

- In Australia, 1 woman per week is killed by a current or previous partner.

Support and counselling is available to women experiencing problems relating to family and domestic violence at 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.  

Contributed by Zonta Club Burdekin Inc.

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Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. members placed a banner on the St Francis Catholic School fence last week. Photo supplied

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Local car enthusiast Joe Perakovic believes that the Burdekin is home to more muscle cars and old cars per capita than anywhere else in Australia and with a whopping 26 cars in his collection, he may just be right.

Joe and his wife Sue are active members of the Burdekin Cruisers Car Club, fuelling a passion for these machines that started at an early age.

“I’ve always had a love of cars since I was a young kid,” reminisced Joe.

“In my misspent youth, I used to hot them up, and I did an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic.”

Joe’s automotive chronicle unfolds through a trail of iconic rides – from his inaugural Valiant Charger to a fleeting tryst with a Holden Torana that he said “didn’t go too well”.

“After that, I kept with the Chrysler Pacers and then I went to Fords, and I’ve been working with Fords ever since,” he said.

His collection now proudly boasts a Ford XY Falcon GT, a Chrysler Valiant Charger 770, a Chrysler Valiant Charger E49, a Ford VJR Mustang and one of his many current projects is a Pacer that he bought almost four decades ago.

It’s the process of rebuilding cars that Joe finds the most therapeutic and rewarding.

“Growing up loving cars, it’s just something I feel at home with, and I really enjoy it,” he said.

“I look for something that’s kind of unique and something that, if you put a lot of hard work into it, you can make it worth your while.

“Getting them going is the most enjoyable part; when you start with something that you don’t even think is ever going to work and when the journey’s finished and it starts up, that’s the most enjoyable thing.”

Joe's involvement in the Burdekin Cruisers Car Club mirrors his passion for sharing his automotive escapades.

With monthly meetings, social drives through the region and organising vibrant car shows, he embodies the spirit of a community bonded by their love for classic cars.

Joe also extends his passion and advice with the public, whether at car shows or simply out and about.

“When you’re going down the Bruce Highway and you pull up at a petrol station and people take photos of the cars and have a chat with you, that’s another thing I enjoy,” he said.

“Nothing makes me happier than when people come and have a look at your car and say, ‘Wow’, or the kids say to their parents, ‘That’s the car I want’.”

“It’s a great hobby and, at the moment, any old cars that you can get a hold of, get them and do them up, because they are going to be worth a fortune in years to come.”

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Burdekin car enthusiast Joe Perakovic

Home Hill Police officers established a Mobile Police Beat at Home Hill IGA on Sunday, November 26 following a recent spike in crime in the area.

Senior Constable Dean Wellington of Home Hill Police Station said the police aim to increase their presence and engagement in the town.

“Due to recent break and enters in the Home Hill area, we decided to do some proactive work in the community giving information about home security, business security, personal security, answering any questions that people had, clearing up any misconceptions and identifying any issues that community members have,” he said.

“We were sitting in the centre of town basically to show any would-be offenders that we are there.”

Snr Const Wellington was joined by Senior Constable Jason Robertson and Sargeant Joel Little of Home Hill Police Station, Officer in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch Lisa Shields, Constable Faith Nelson and Constable Kieran Halley of Ayr Police Station and Senior Constable Brett Elton of Ayr Highway Patrol.

He said the response from the community on the day was very positive.

“People were asking questions, and we were answering them which is closing the gap,” Snr Const Wellington said.

“Some people have ideas of what police do from their own experiences in life and social media, so we were putting a face to police and giving them and insight into what we do on a day-to-day basis.

“Home Hill Police would like to thank the community for their ongoing support and interaction at IGA over the weekend.”

Snr Const Wellington said Home Hill Police plan to set up the Mobile Police Beat regularly in the future.

The police’s presence at Home Hill IGA came after an incident on Saturday, November 18 and a subsequent meeting between local business owners and Townsville’s Inspector Roger Whyte.

Karl Vass, who was the victim of vehicle theft in July and is part of a community led action group, invited Insp Whyte to the Burdekin for the meeting last Thursday.

“I voiced a few complaints with the local police and didn’t really feel like they were doing much about it,” Mr Vass said.

“I think it was a really positive meeting.

“We expressed our frustrations; we didn’t feel like there was much presence from the local police and he gave us his word that certain things would be implemented, and we’d see more police presence in the streets.”

Mr Vass said he was happy to see local police establish a presence at the IGA on Sunday.

“I truly hope it’s not just a one-off, but Roger did assure us that it would be ongoing,” he said.

“We were very grateful for Roger to make the trip down here and have this discussion.”

To request the Mobile Police Beat deployment in a particular location, email your name and contact details, location for deployment, preferred days and times and reason for deployment to TownsvilleMPBdeploymentrequest@police.qld.gov.au.

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Home Hill and Ayr police officers manned a Mobile Police Beat in Home Hill on the weekend. Photos supplied

As a Councillor for the Burdekin, I would like to thank all the anglers who have enjoyed the Barra season this year and respected the closed season that started on 1 November. This is an important measure to protect the Barramundi population and ensure their sustainability for future generations. Barramundi are a highly migratory species that form large aggregations in estuaries and rivers during their spawning season. By avoiding fishing for them during this time, we help them reproduce successfully and maintain healthy stocks.

But don't worry, the Burdekin still has plenty of fishing opportunities for you to explore. Whether you prefer fishing in the creeks, on the beaches, or offshore, you will find a variety of fish species that are delicious and fun to catch. Some of my favourites are Mangrove Jack, Whiting, Flathead, Grunter, Fingermark, Coral Trout, Mackerel, and of course, Mud Crabs. These species have different size and bag limits, so make sure you check the rules before you go fishing. You can find them on the Queensland Fisheries website or on the free 'Qld Fishing' app.

If you need some guidance on where to go and what to catch, I recommend you get a copy of the 'Visit Burdekin Fishing Guide' from Council Chambers or Visitor Information Centres, which has useful information and a map of our local waterways and boat ramps. The guide has tips on how to fish safely and responsibly, such as wearing a life jacket, avoiding crocodile habitats, and disposing of your rubbish properly and you can also find it online at visitburdekin.com.au.

Happy fishing and I hope to see you on the water soon!

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Did you know that the Council has a dedicated team of officers who take care of animal control activities?

The animal management team respond to customer requests and patrol problem areas, even outside regular working hours, ensuring the safety and well-being of both people and animals.

Council has a pound facility where stray or lost animals are kept temporarily. The facility is cleaned and disinfected daily to prevent diseases and drop-off cages are checked regularly to make sure that no animal is left unattended. The animal management team also coordinates the transfer of animals from the Council pound to off-site kennels within 24 hours where they are well-cared for in a suitable environment.

Last financial year there was an 86% success rate of rehoming or returning animals to their owners.

If you have lost your pet or want to adopt a new furry friend, you can contact the Council's animal management team. They will help you with the registration and microchipping process, as well as provide you with advice on responsible pet ownership. Council is committed to promoting animal welfare and reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community.

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With AMDETT Services and Plastic Recycling

With close to 10 years of business under their belt and profound knowledge beyond this, AMDETT Services and Plastic Recycling are ensuring that the Burdekin region and the agricultural sector are doing right by the community and right by the earth.

At the helm are Demetrios and Peter Papadimitriou, who established the business in 2014 to address a need they recognised in the area.

“AMDETT loves recycling,” Demetrios explained.

“With the help of our farmers, we are making our environment healthier for the future. We aim to empower and inform our local community on the benefits of recycling for our future generations.”

These blokes know what they’re doing when it comes to agricultural plastic recycling, having become DrumMUSTER and Big Bag Recovery agents in 2015, to further cater to the Burdekin community and their environmental mission.

With DrumMUSTERalone, AMDETT have recycled more than 90,000 chemical and farming drums since 2015, an astonishing figure.

For Big Bag Recycling, “since 2015, AMDETT has collected over 600 tonnes of big bag plastic, saving over 800 tonnes of CO2 emissions and saving the community $1.5M in landfill costs,” Demetrios explained.

“This plastic in particular will be retained in Queensland for remanufacture into new products like school seats.”

One challenge Demetrios and Peter have faced, however, is the Australian Government’s ban on exporting plastic recyclables internationally to be recycled and repurposed overseas.

“This ban meant we have had to find a domestic market for our products to be recycled,” Demetrios explained.

But for AMDETT, Demetrios and Peter, this ban only fuelled their recycling mission.

“The most important message for us is that most agricultural plastics are recyclable and can be kept out of landfill.  Chemical Drums, Fertiliser bags, fluming and drip tape can be recycled,” Demetrios said.

“We offer a free drop off to our depot for most agricultural plastics. We collect the returned fertiliser bags from the resellers, and we just aim to spread the word and help farmers in their efforts to recycle agricultural plastics.”

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Demetrios Papadimitriou of AMDETT. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Burdekin Demolition and Construction Services make it an easy task to bring down any and all of your construction and demolition needs from around the Burdekin region.

Established in late 2020, Burdekin Demo was formed to provide the people of Burdekin with a service that had been previously lacking, a gap that owner-operators Lloyd and Sabina Ellsley recognised.

Now, over three years on, Burdekin Demo is one of the most recognisable teams and operations, performing all their duties with precision, expertise, and caution.

“We are a small local business that strives to give our clients the best service possible,” Lloyd explained.

With a small but powerful team of 10 employees, Burdekin Demo can offer any and all services, including the hire out of boilermakers, riggers, and skilled labourers.

They also offer crane hire of 12 and 25 tonne Franna Cranes, with crane operators and doggers.

“We offer the best quality service we can provide,” Lloyd explained.

“Our workers go above and beyond to make sure the work is completed to a high standard as well as in a timely manner.”

Burdekin Demo does not stop there, with workers and the team able to seamlessly transition into the mining industry and service labour shortages and skill gaps at a moments notice.

This is on top of complete and extensive steel fabrication, design and structural steel installation, for all projects, small and large, from start to finish.

“We also offer Mine Maintenance Services to the mines for shut downs as well as Demolition Services for all clients,” said Lloyd.

With expert workers, who go above and beyond for their workplace and their job they are tasked with, clients can rest assured of the quality and precision.

Lloyd explained, “We provide new workers with training and a great skillset for the demolition and construction industry, so we can offer the best service possible to our clients.”

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Burdekin Motorcycles has been a driving force in the worlds of two-wheel, four-wheel and water sport enthusiasts since Dave and Alissa Muir purchased the local business in 2005. With over 35 years’ experience in motorcycle, speedway and drag racing, it’s no surprise the performance-orientated business has gone from strength to strength for almost 20 years.

With a team of six dedicated staff members, Burdekin Motorcycles has garnered many accolades over the years, being recognised as a Yamaha award winner for national market share in various categories multiple times. Their commitment to excellence and their customers has been unwavering, despite facing significant hurdles.

One such challenge arose from government legislation banning ATVs. However, the resilience and adaptability of Burdekin Motorcycles was evident as they diversified their product offerings, introducing a range of other high-quality items to cater to their loyal customer base. The showroom has one of the most comprehensive ranges of Yamaha motorcycles, watercraft and golf carts in Australia, backed by genuine Yamaha parts sales online and a range of accessories and performance upgrades second to none. Whether you’re after performance on two wheels or practicality on four, Burdekin Motorcycles has the range to suit all needs.

Complimenting their huge range of products is their extensive range of services. Burdekin Motorcycles has a nationwide reputation for quality and service when it comes to servicing and tuning of all manner of road, off road, ATV, SXS and race bikes and are a Yamaha Platinum Service Dealer, meaning there is nowhere better to get your vehicle like new.

Dave and Alissa Muir pride themselves on local knowledge and personalised customer service, proving that nothing beats the experience of local business. The business fosters a culture of expertise, honesty and first-class service. At Burdekin Motorcycles, it's not just about selling; it's about fostering a community of riders and enthusiasts.

Burdekin Motorcycles assures customers that their expertise spans from sales to servicing and performance builds—truly a one-stop destination for all things motorcycles and power products. This unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction cements Burdekin Motorcycles as a cornerstone of the local business landscape.

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Dave and Alissa Muir

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Under the astute leadership of Director Justin Luke, local mobility equipment provider Equip U combines industry expertise, personalised service and dedication to enhancing lives. Justin’s unwavering commitment to independence and tailored solutions echoes through the very ethos of Equip U. This commitment extends beyond sales; it's about understanding individual requirements.

“I'm an independent small dealer,” Justin said. “My relationships are direct with the suppliers, giving us the advantage to sell what best meets our customers' needs. Plus, we’re able to save people money because we do go direct to the supplier.”

Founded in 2020, Equip U has rapidly expanded over the last few months, driven by a mission to revolutionise accessibility. Justin’s journey traces back to his discovery of a pivotal piece of equipment, the Action Trackchair, igniting his passion for aiding those with mobility challenges. This one particular piece of specialised equipment highlights the broad range of products offered by Equip U, offering everything from the most unique and elaborate aids to hospital beds, recliners, mobility scooters, shower chairs, walkers, wheelchairs and hoists.

Growing up in the Burdekin, Justin worked as a police officer for 17 years before entering the allied health sector, expanding his expertise and portfolio of businesses and organisational roles across north Queensland. He said in his role in the police, he liked to stand for what was right, fair and just.

“I think in the disability and mobility fields, it’s very similar in the sense that I believe people should have the same access to what able bodied people have,” he said.

Equip U’s tagline, ‘We come to you,’ epitomises the business’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring aid reaches those who need it, wherever they may be. Justin’s team will travel across the country to wherever they are needed, ensuring everyone has access to the equipment that is going to improve their mobility.

But Equip U isn't just about products; it's about empowerment. Justin passionately advocates for funding accessibility, ensuring every individual knows their entitlements, contributing to the goal of keeping people in their homes longer and enhancing their quality of life.

Equip U serves the community as an embodiment of compassion and a driving force behind inclusivity and independence. With their unwavering commitment and personalised service, they've proven that when empathy meets expertise, lives are transformed.

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Equip U Director Justin Luke

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On Friday November 17, the 2023 Ayr State High School Year 12 graduates entered through the school gate for the last time.  After a beautiful graduation event on Thursday night at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, students were given a final school parade in their honour on Friday followed by a family barbecue.

The parade capped off a busy last week for our students which saw them participate in a range of activities including a fun afternoon at the Ayr Aquatic Centre, guest speaker sessions with community representatives and the long-held tradition of a Christmas morning tea with the residents of Regis Aged Care.

The staff of Ayr High wish all the students the very best in their future endeavours.

Contributed by Ayr State High School

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Ayr State High School’s graduating class of 2023. Photo supplied