Two Home Hill State High School students have returned to the region with a clearer vision of what their futures hold after attending the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Young ChangeMakers program.

Maliq Ogomeni and Jacob Machin, who both completed year 11 this year, attended the four-day program in Brisbane last week, providing them with an immersive university experience highlighting different study areas and life as a UQ student.

“The program is about young people that are doing well in school to see what uni life is like and see what they can do at UQ,” said Maliq.

“We learnt about the uni experience, what we can do to get in, what courses we can do and how it opens up to more things, but it was also about connecting with the people around you.”

Maliq and Jacob were accepted into the program after a lengthy application process and said it good to connect with over 200 other participants.

“I’ve always been looking at UQ for after high school, so I thought it’d be a good introduction to the uni and get my name in the ring,” said Jacob.

“I knew there’d be likeminded people going so it was good to meet up with other people with the same interests from all around the country.”

“Brisbane’s huge and UQ’s the most prestigious university in Queensland, so I wanted to go to get the experience of being surrounded by likeminded people,” added Maliq.

Across the four days, participants attended lectures, heard from guest speakers, took part in workshops and explored career expos.

The final night involved a gala dinner and disco where Maliq performed a song with a fellow student he’d met at the program.

Both Maliq and Jacob are excited yet nervous to enter their senior years next year but said the program gave them a clearer idea of what they hope to achieve after finishing school.

Jacob hopes to pursue either a degree in Architecture or Design in the future and Maliq hopes to pursue a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Law.

The pair couldn’t speak highly enough about the program.

“If you get the opportunity, definitely pursue it, because the Young Chamgemakers Program is good as,” said Jacob.

‍

Jacob Machin and Maliq Ogomeni

Local fire fighters are battling poor conditions at the Ayr Fire Station according to member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, who is imploring the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services to say ‘when’ not ‘if’ a new fire station will be built.

PFAS chemicals have been uncovered at the Ayr Fire Station and these have been found to be leaching into the ground.

These chemicals, which are often used to fight fuel fires, are a dangerous contaminant and management of them is severely impacting the daily function of the fire station.

The fire fighters are unable to train at the facility and have to travel to a new site, they are also having to adopt contamination management processes that cost time and money.

“Currently equipment and personnel have to be transported to a training site where they undertake their training and then all the equipment has to be cleaned before it can be returned to the Ayr station,” said Mr Last.

“Any water used at the station itself cannot be discharged and is collected and stored for treatment.

“There are also implications for the appliances that crews use to respond to emergencies. The latest design of firefighting appliance won’t fit in the existing station so, instead, we have to wait for a specially modified appliance to be delivered.”

There are other sites in the local region that have been found to contain PFAS, but many have been moved to a different location to solve the problem.

Mr Last believes this should be happening with the Ayr Fire Station as well.

“We rely on our local firefighters in our time of need and, frankly, it’s not good enough that they are expected to operate from a sub-standard facility,” said Mr Last.

“I raised the effects of PFAS on staff and volunteers and the need for a replacement appliance with the Minister back in October.

“In his reply the Minister confirmed a new appliance would be delivered in 2024 but, when it came to the PFAS issues, our concerns were completely ignored.”

“What we need to see is a new, purpose-built facility to house not only the staff and auxiliary firefighters, but also as a base for up to date appliances and equipment.”

‍

At one stage, over 8,000 litres of contaminated water was awaiting collection from Ayr Fire Station. Photo supplied

Back in July 1904, Harry E P MacDonald was editor of the Delta Advocate for a very short time. Upon leaving the district he had the following words to say of living conditions in Ayr.  This was printed in various newspapers- Queensland, New South Wales and the Sun from Kalgoorlie Western Australia.

“Also, we desire to bid a long farewell to Lynch’s Bull, and Irving’s Cow and Edwards’ Heifer.  (Lynch, Irving and Edwards were V.I.P’s of the district).  Furthermore, the insanitary system has provided us with material for paragraphs when more unsavoury subjects were unavailable .  Then Mr Burke and the bailiff, and other sundries have rendered valuable assistance in the production of this journal to all of whom we are grateful, and a peace that passeth all understanding is upon us, together with 8s10pence, which is reserved to bear us hence. Good-bye again, dear friend of ours, and may your prosperity continue through all the years to come. Fight the same fearless battle you have fought so long.  Success will finally crown your efforts, and fortune will smile upon you with kindly eyes, for your heritage is great. Farewell then A word that must be, and has been -sound which make us linger – yet farewell.”  

Then he tore himself away. Sewage -in 1904 was a horse with cart and toilet pans were delivered and taken away from the outside the toilet shed by the night man and his cart. This service was performed in the early hours of the morning before people were up and about going to work etc. This was not a pleasant smelling aroma throughout the town. Just imagine this being written up today in our society. I wonder did the citizens of Ayr know their fame had spread far and wide in our country.

Come forward to October 1931 in the Home Hill notes of the Townsville Bulletin. The town was in the middle of the sugar-cane harvest and nothing much was happening as this was also the Depression years. So, the previous Saturday afternoon, an Italian Man came into town from up river (Osborne) pulling a four wheel buggy to stop beside one of the local hotels, where the excited chattering of a number of Italians proclaimed that something must be happening that they had no knowledge of. Enquiries elicited the fact that the human horse had made a bet with one of his countrymen, and this was the wager- the terms being the man had to pull the four-wheeler into town, a distance of seven miles, load a case of lager into the buggy and pull it home again, all within six hours. The seven miles into town took 2 hours 20 minutes an average of three miles per hour which was very good moving. After loading the case of lager (four dozen large Bottles) and incidentally using a little lubrication taking internally, the return journey was commenced. Word was later received in town that the human horse puller had reached home with just over half -an-hour to spare. Would any of us do this for entertainment today?

Finally fast forward to early 1950’s in Queen Street Ayr. The Shire Council decided to upgrade the footpaths in front of the shops in Queen Street by cementing them and making easy walking for pedestrians. The cementing finished and the footpaths looked great. Then along came the Post Master General’s (PMG) within the space of a couple of weeks and they decided to dig up a section of this newly laid cement footpath to work on laying telephone cables in Queen Street. The lines were duly laid and layers of soil covered up the telephone cables. So much for cement pavements in the main street of Ayr.  Come Saturday morning and local shoppers came to town to find that some wags had planted lettuce, carrots and beetroots in the dirt to make a vegetable garden. There was much laughter. Would this happen today!?

Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

‍

Vegetables were grown in the dirt in the middle of the footpath

At 8.15pm on Friday 17 November, Ayr Police were called to a disturbance at a licenced premises in Queen Street, Ayr.  As a result, a 63yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count each of common assault, failure to leave licenced premises, disorderly on a licenced premises and commit a public nuisance on a licenced premises.  He was released on conditional Police bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December.  He was also issued a Police Banning Notice relating to licenced premises in Ayr.

At 10.40pm on Friday 10 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Lando Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 39yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January, 2024.  

At 2.55am on Saturday 18 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 43yr old Mackay man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, possessing a dangerous drug and failing to dispose of syringe and needle correctly.  He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January, 2024.  

At 8.00pm on Sunday 19 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Ayr.  The driver, a 48yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January, 2024.  

At 10.10pm on Sunday 19 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Soper Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 47yr old Burdekin woman, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January, 2024.  

At 7.50am on Monday 20 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr.  The driver, a 27yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .095 is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December.

At 9am on Wednesday 22 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman.  As a result, the driver, a 26yr old Townsville man, was charged with seven fraud offences relating to fuel drive offs in the Townsville area along with another 30 charges relating to driving unregistered and uninsured vehicles and displaying false and cancelled registration plates.  He was released on Police bail to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 7 December.

At 12.05am on Thursday 23 November, Ayr Police were called to a carpark in Queen Street., Ayr in relation to an incident.  While there, a vehicle pulled into the carpark and the driver, a 26yr old Burdekin man, was spoken to.  As a result, he was charged with one count each of drink driving, .159 and contravention of a Domestic Violence order.  He is due to re-appear in Townsville Magistrates Court at a later date.

On 24 November, Ayr Police located a 41yr old Burdekin woman when attending a residence in Ayr.  As a result of investigations, she was charged with fraud and disqualified driving relating to a fuel drive off from a service station in Ayr in late October 2023 and two counts of unauthorised possession a class S4 medicine.  She was released on conditional bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 December.

At 7.55pm on Sunday 26 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Conlan Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 33yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .024 is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 January, 2024.

At 10.45am on Wednesday 29 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Eighth Avenue, Home Hill.  The driver, a 21yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a suspended driver’s licence and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Cout on 19 December.

At 2.50pm on Wednesday 29 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr.  The driver, a 32yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and possession of a category M weapon.  He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January, 2024.  

At 8.10pm on Wednesday 29 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr.  The driver, a 57yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .200 is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19 December.

At 10.20pm on Thursday 30 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 44yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 February, 2024.  

On the 2nd of December, police charged a 14-year-old and 12-year-old female with the Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle after allegedly stealing a family member's car and driving it from Mackay to Home Hill where they were located by police.  The youths were already on bail in relation to a number of other property related offences, therefore police opposed their bail and they appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on the 4th of December.

‍

Police generally receive an increase in shop stealing offences leading up to the Christmas period.  Business owners / employees are encouraged to report all offences.  Business owners have the right to issue a banning notice to certain customers from their stores to prevent ongoing thefts.

On Friday evening, December 1, Flexi Queensland hosted an event at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre to celebrate International Day of People with Disability, Disability Action Week, and Christmas.

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day held on December 3 each year. In Australia, IDPwD is a joint effort between government, schools, organisations, community groups, businesses, and individuals. The annual Disability Action Week for Queensland commenced on Saturday November 25, and the theme this year is ‘Access Ignites: it’s good for business.’ With events run through local councils and community organisations across the state, everyone is encouraged to get involved by attending events in their region and learning more about inclusion in the workplace.

Local disability service providers were invited to attend Flexi Queensland’s event, including RM Care and Endeavour Foundation, and a range of people with different abilities attended.

Many local businesses kindly donated food on the night, including Butcher on Queen, Alfie’s Bakery, Phelans Pies, Coles, and Woolworths. These businesses are regular supporters of Flexi Queensland events, and their generosity is greatly appreciated.

"It is amazing that different service providers can work together to ensure everyone is able to participate in the community alongside friends old and new,” Lifestyle Support Manager Teneill Ready said.

“And the support of donations we receive is always greatly appreciated."

Flexi Queensland is a NDIS registered service provider, who have been operating in the Burdekin for the past 28 years. Flexi Queensland strives to assist people to become more independent and have inclusion into the community.

‍

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Hi everyone to a very special time of year.

The Christmas spirit at this time of year is one of excitement on the young children’s faces and expressions of wonderment. It’s a shame we can’t ‘bottle it’ and spread it throughout the year. I’ve had the privilege of attending ‘Ayr Community Kindergarten’, ‘Big Birds Nest Child Care Centre’ and the Library’s ‘First Five’s Messy Play’ Christmas function last week and it certainly gladdens the heart to witness the enthusiasm of the children with an early Santa visit with family watching. Congrats to the leaders of these groups and others looking after the care of these special and formative years.

At the other end of the Burdekin demographics it was another successful Christmas lunch for the Burdekin Community Association at the RSL, it was very well attended and great to catch up with so many of more mature Burdekin citizens.  As we race towards Christmas Day let’s not forget those less fortunate than ourselves. If you can help out the many charities and care organizations around the Burdekin I’m sure it will be most appreciative, as is said, the gift of giving is greater than receiving.

On that note, spare a thought for the many voluntary organizations that operate in the Burdekin. It could be a sporting group, cultural, charity, special interest group or one of the many service organizations. The Lions held their 60th celebration of service recently and it was wonderful and inspiring to see the years of service some put in. Lion members travelled from far and wide, a 60th cake was cut by long-time members, Roy Musumeci, Bill Bojack and Sam Harris, well done Lions.

For 2024 in thinking about your New Year resolutions why not consider joining one, or more, of the voluntary groups to help make a positive difference to the Burdekin community.

As Christmas fast approaches the annual ‘Community Christmas Carols’ is on Sunday 10 December in ANZAC Park opposite the Touch fields starting at 5.30pm. The event is free, a variety of food and drinks will be for sale, free face painting, photo booth, Santa and fireworks. Come along and enjoy the evening, remember to bring a rug and chair.

On Sunday 17 December from 4.30pm to 7pm the Burdekin Uniting Church has invited the Burdekin to join them in celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ at a ‘Carols in the Park’ to be held at the Home Hill Memorial Park. Thanks to all the Church groups for your support to the Burdekin Community.

As this will be my last column before the New Year may I wish you Merry Christmas, health and happiness for 2024, peace on earth and goodwill to all.

Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council continues to work to support the Burdekin as a vibrant visitor destination, offering a mixture of sporting, cultural, natural and leisure based experiences?

Located on the Bruce Highway, the Burdekin is fortunate to have many visitors including those travelling in caravans passing through our towns daily.

Council has implemented a number of priorities and actions in the 5-year Burdekin Tourism Strategy, which was adopted in 2018. One of the key priorities of the strategy was to further develop the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival into a significant destination event for the Burdekin. The Burdekin is the Sugar Cane Capital of Australia and this festival celebrates the people, produce and culture of the Shire.

To help grow awareness of the Shire as a visitor destination and to showcase what is on offer, Council promotes the Burdekin through a variety of platforms including social media, Visit Burdekin website, and marketing and advertising campaigns.  

Burdekin Shire Council operate two Visitor Information Centres (VICs), where visitors can get friendly advice and information on the district. Local businesses can also join the VICs as members and enjoy benefits such as displaying their product information, networking events, workshops, newsletters and website listings.

The VICs are manned by a wonderful team of passionate and dedicated volunteers who welcome visitors to our region. Council is always looking for new volunteers to join the team. The centres are open 7 days a week and volunteers are given the opportunity to participate in famils, workshops, social outings and create new friendships. Those interested in volunteering can contact Council’s Tourism Officer on 4783 9800.  

I am sure many Burdekin Life readers will have visiting friends and relatives over the Christmas and New Year period and I invite you to call into the one of our VICs or visit our website visitburdekin.com.au to find out more on what the Burdekin has to offer.

Following a successful 2023 Burdekin Show that exceeded expectations, the Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association held its Annual General Meeting on Monday, December 4.

Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry declared all committee positions vacant before electing a new committee, with most members being re-elected into their respective positions.

Chris Lyne was elected as President for a fourth term while Vice President Brendan Kolb, Treasurer Serafina Towler and Secretary Pam Christensen will also continue in their roles.

Marilyn Hutley, Sharon Kenny, Meghan Wilson and Carole Harness were elected to the Executive Committee while Lorraine Strathdee will take over as Patron after Rosemary Menkens stepped down from a significant tenure.

The 2023 Burdekin Show saw 5,302 people walk through the gate and Mr Lyne is looking forward to improving on that in 2024.

“Every year, we get more people through the gate, we get more takings from the gate, but the entertainment spectacle of the actual show gets bigger and better,” he said.

“There’s plenty of stuff for people to go and see, the trouble is getting around to it all.”

Recent shows have included fireworks, ring entertainment and a tractor pull with the committee hoping to add sheepdog trials to next year’s event.

The association is also looking to accept exhibit applications online for the first time and will keep the community informed on how this will work.

Mr Lyne said the Burdekin Show thanked the community for their support and sponsorship.

“People come for different reasons, whether it’s catching up with people or getting out and about, but it brings the community together,” he said.

“It’s one thing to put your hand up and say you’ll put this event on, but it’s another for the committee, volunteers, businesses and the general public to support it.”

The Burdekin Show will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Visit burdekinshow.org for more information or like Burdekin Show on Facebook.

‍

Vice President Brendan Kolb, Treasurer Serafina Towler, Secretary Pam Christensen, President Chris Lyne, Committee Members Marilyn Hutley and Sharon Kenny, Patron Lorraine Strathdee and Committee Members Meghan Wilson and Carole Harness

“The Love of Colours” owner and sole Artist, Amanda Lando has been a business operating in the Burdekin Region for over six years.

Amanda has been Commissioned to do numerous local business murals, including The Burdekin Bridge Motel in Home Hill, Tropical City Motor Inn, The Burdekin School and Burdekin Backpackers in Ayr, Jarvisfield State School and Claredale Pastures Café.

In addition, many private residences have booked her talents.

With these achievements under her belt, Amanda has had her name spread to as far afield as the North, at ECHO Centre for Women in Malanda, and to the South in Bowen, and Gracemere near Rockhampton.

Besides murals, there have been many oil, acrylic and pastels paintings commissioned or purchased from her own collections, on a variety of mediums, including canvas, pottery, and even farming tools.

The preparation for these artworks is very precise and Amanda takes special care to make sure they will be at their best for her clients, to produce a piece that keeps for many decades to come.

Amanda feels she is chosen to do commissions because she is always out there willing to give it a go, and show that no matter what other people think, to never judge a book by its cover.

There have been challenges for this accomplished Artist, but they haven’t stopped her by any means.

Being a sole providore has meant maintaining part-time work in between commissions to get her name out there and doing the best possible to accommodate the diary requirements of clients.

Being self-taught has seen her skill recognised and now there is the desire to do further learning in the field to expand her technique.

Amanda has ignored those that tried to discourage her, like many others before her have experienced, and now she has her own business of which she is very proud, and rightfully should be.

Amanda’s clearest message is to “keep going, never stop, learn new skills in the industry that you want to excel in.”

‍

Amanda Lando holding some of her recent artwork. Photo supplied

Giving back and re-investing in the community sits at the very heart of the Bendigo Bank ethos, and this is evidenced locally by the incredible donations Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr has made to local community groups over the years.

“Since 2008 we have injected a total of $1,005,110 in community grants, sponsorships and dividends back into our amazing community,” said Chantel Michielin,

Senior Branch Manager.

“This has only been made possible by the support from our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities and those people and organisations that have chosen to do their banking with us.”

“Community banking is based on a 'profit-with-purpose' model, which means our profits are returned directly to the community that has generated them.  You may not think who you bank with matters. But it does. For our customers, their banking is making a real difference”.

It was back in 2003 when a group of community-minded volunteers first formed a steering committee to look at the possibility of operating a Bendigo Community Bank in Home Hill. After much hard work, Community Bank Home Hill opened its doors and, with the support of the community, flourished.

In 2017 a decision was made by the Board to expand into Ayr bringing a different mix of residential and small business and another wave of growth.

“We are a one-stop-shop for all your banking needs and offer business banking, agribusiness personal banking and all lending, including insurance and access to wealth advisors.”

Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Community Banks Home Hill and Ayr are entirely staffed by locals and everyone is invited to walk in and experience the genuine and personal customer service on offer.

“The whole concept of a Community Bank is to provide banking services to our communities and to generate profits that are then distributed back into those communities,”

“The more customers that we have banking with us, the more profits we can put back into our local community via grants and sponsorships as we fulfil our vision to be Australia’s bank of choice,” Ms Michielin concluded.

‍

Chantel Michielin, Senior Branch Manager (centre) with the rest of the team at Home Hill and Ayr Community Bank. Photo supplied

For over six decades, Burdekin Funerals has been an integral part of our community's support system, guiding families through one of life's most challenging periods. Owned by Neville and Lori Boyle for the past decade, the business continues to provide a beacon of empathy, understanding, and innovation to the Burdekin region.

With a team of four dedicated local staff members alongside Neville and Lori, Burdekin Funerals embodies a commitment to personalised service and community support. Over the years, they've cultivated a deep understanding of diverse cultural beliefs, integrating them seamlessly into funeral services. Their resilience in facing the unpredictable and unexpected showcases their unwavering dedication to serving families during trying times.

Initially met with the challenge of being newcomers to the area, Neville and Lori swiftly earned the community's trust through their extensive industry knowledge and compassionate approach. Their ethos revolves around going above and beyond to honour the departed while supporting grieving families.

The team at Burdekin Funerals emphasise that the best gift you can give your family is to pre-plan your own funeral, taking the stress off your loved ones so they can focus on grieving their loss. Stressing the importance of relieving loved ones from this burden, they advocate for funeral bonds over insurance, underscoring the value of foresight and planning.

Moreover, their recent introduction of ‘The Gentle Way,’ an eco-friendly end-of-life option, reflects their commitment to innovation. This groundbreaking service, available through their sister company Townsville Funerals, Cremations & Crematorium promises a zero-carbon footprint, a symbolic ‘tree of life,’ and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional cremation methods.

Burdekin Funerals’ comprehensive service offerings, from various funeral types to personalized memorial books and uniquely designed coffins, highlight their commitment to tailoring each service to individual family needs. Their dedication doesn't stop at service provision; the team creates a supportive atmosphere, understanding firsthand the emotions families experience during such difficult times. Burdekin Funerals stands as a testament to care, adaptability, and community support, setting an exemplary standard in the funeral industry.

‍

Amie Griggs, Graham Brierley and Fiona Botteon of Burdekin Funerals

Birthed from a profound need for personalised care and empowerment, Burdekin Support Coordination helps people to achieve their goals. Tara Harding, the owner-operator, radiates dedication to her community, striving to bridge the gap in support services since the business's inception approximately six months ago.

Tara’s journey began when she bought acreage in the Burdekin and moved to the block in April, discovering a lack of support in the region for those on the NDIS.

“I decided to offer my experience and knowledge of the NDIS to the community by starting my own Support Coordination business,” she said. “I am only taking on a limited number of individuals, ensuring that I am providing a personalised, quality service.”

As a Support Coordinator, Tara connects individuals with the right supports to achieve their goals in every aspect of life, whether it be health, training, employment, social, or housing. She works alongside providers, community and mainstream organisations across the region to provide customised care and support to maximise an individual’s NDIS funds. Tara can be found attending community events and meetings, networking with other professionals in the field and staying up to date on best practices, her collaboration with others enabling her to develop successful working relationships with many different stakeholders across the region.

Tara was met by the community with open arms and has since developed strong relationships with individuals and families by listening to their needs and providing clear communication. Her approach involves a solution-driven mindset to tackle the challenges posed by the intricate NDIS system, saying it’s her job to stay abreast of changes within the scheme and how individuals may be affected.

“Helping people reach their NDIS and personal goals is extremely rewarding to me, as is empowering people to take control of their lives through education and choice,” she said. “Getting the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis is my idea of a dream job!”

Burdekin Support Coordination weaves together support, empowerment, empathy and community for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

‍

Tara Harding of Burdekin Support Coordination

St Francis Catholic School’s annual Awards Day was held on Wednesday November 30. It was a chance for the school community to reflect upon the incredible journey that they shared throughout 2023 as well as a time to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of students throughout the year. From academic achievements to artistic endeavours, athletic triumphs to community service initiatives, St Francis Catholic School students consistently demonstrated their dedication, passion and resilience throughout the year.

At St Francis Catholic School, students are continually encouraged to strive and aim for excellence and on Awards Day we were reminded that there is no one measure for excellence. Aiming for excellence is about the personal goals, growth, resilience and character development that occurs throughout the year and in 2023, St Francis Catholic School students strived to put their best foot forward and they certainly aimed for excellence.

Contributed by St Francis Catholic School

‍

Year 6 Awards

Cultural Award - Maggie Chandler and Zara Scovazzi

Burdekin MLA Youth Achievement Award - Asha Licciardello and Popi Loizou

St Vincent de Paul Award - Chloe Bowen

Jan Martin Good Samaritan Award - Paityn Coleman-Blakoe

CWL Community Service Award - Stephanie Nolan

Br Bill McAvoy Sports Award - Lily Ahern

Sportsperson of the Year Award - Nate Giddy

St Francis Academic Achievement Award - Asha Licciardello

‍

Maggie Chandler and Zara Scovazzi

Asha Licciardello and Popi Loizou

Chloe Bowen

Paityn Coleman-Blakoe

Stephanie Nolan

Lily Ahern

Nate Giddy

Asha Licciardello

Photos supplied

As 2023 draws to a close, many reflect on a sugar cane season that was filled with highs and lows, making plans to ensure more prosperous seasons in years to come.

A fundamental issue facing the industry has been the timely supply of sugar cane from grower to mill, with Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) focussing efforts on restoring the harmonious supply of sugar cane to sugar mills.

QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said the prosperity of the sugar cane industry relies on a timely supply chain.

“When the industry, the growing fraternity and the harvest sector have the ability to supply cane to a miller in a safe and timely manner, it allows adequate time for new crop regrowth to take place,” he said.

“There’s been substantial work completed by a plethora of scientists and a multitude of research organisations who have all identified that cane supplied prior to October has the best opportunity to produce an optimum regrowth or ratoon crop which will give us the best production going forward, and naturally greater quantities of sugar being produced overall.

“As a result of inadequate timely supply of cane, amongst a myriad of social, safety and financial consequences, it has a direct impact on the grower’s sugar content, particularly in burnt cane districts where cane could be unduly delayed in a burnt state for excessive periods of time.

“Through constructive collaboration, we find ways to bridge that gap and remedy the various situations as they arise.”

Acting as the intermediary between the field sector and the milling field departments, QCAR approaches the issue with compassion and empathy, understanding that it can be cause for anxiety and frustration for many in the industry.

“There is no doubt, the timely and efficient supply of sugar cane to a factory is one of the most important issues for our growers and their respective farming operations,” Mr Spyrou said.

“We’re working to restore the harmonious supply of sugar cane to sugar mills and we’re experiencing really good relationships with individual Cane Suppliers, Milling Cane Supply Managers and their respective Field Department personnel.

“Acknowledging that things are by no means rosey across the board, we are striving to remedy this situation.

“We engage, we find solutions and we work with the various stakeholders; collaboration is key.”

Mr Spyrou said restoring the timely supply of sugar cane to sugar mills will allow growers to thrive and ensure the retention of farmers, contractors and employees across all sectors.

“Our target is to see that sugar mills are achieving very high availability and reliability rates and, in turn, optimal crush rates,” he said.

“We want to get back to nice, tight and timely season lengths.

“That, in turn, will see our production increase accordingly and we start moving towards meeting our district targets as set by our various regional productivity services.”

‍

QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pioneer Mill brought an end to the 2023 production season in the Burdekin on Sunday morning.

Wilmar’s four Burdekin sugar factories processed a total of 8.03 million tonnes of sugarcane this season, manufacturing about 1.18 million tonnes of raw sugar.

Group Manager Operations James Wallace said Wilmar’s Kalamia Mill was the first to finish on Friday, November 17.

Inkerman Mill crushed out on Wednesday, November 29 followed by Invicta Mill on Thursday, November 30.

Pioneer Mill crushed the last cane at 7.04am Sunday, December 3.