A group of up to 25 young people meet at the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers every month to collaborate with Council, provide feedback and discuss opportunities for the youth of the Burdekin.

The Burdekin Shire Youth Council is an initiative inviting young people aged 12 to 21 to immerse themselves in the community.

Meetings are held monthly, and members can be seen volunteering at events throughout the community, including the recent Seniors Luncheon and Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.

Burdekin Shire Youth Council Mayor Zavier Wood has been involved in Youth Council for six years.

As he approaches the end of year 12 at Ayr State High School, he reflected on his journey that started with an invitation to join Youth Council.

“I wanted to give back to my community and I knew this was one way of doing so,” Zavier said.

“Having this collaboration gives the youth a voice and helps them to work alongside the council to better the community for everyone.”

Zavier said his roles in Youth Council have given him the opportunity to develop his public speaking and teamwork skills while learning about the structure of meetings and council.

The Youth Council have also hosted workshops and first aid courses, and Zavier thoroughly enjoys volunteering at community events.

“There’s a lot to gain from it,” he said.

“I’d definitely recommend the youth council to anyone who is thinking of joining.”

Burdekin Shire Youth Council is looking forward to celebrating its 30th anniversary next year.

“In 1994, the Youth Council was developed to allow youth a voice into Council,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

“Council was looking at ways to provide entertainment for teenagers and youth that were not old enough for licensed venues but still wanted to experience the atmosphere.

“For several years, Council successfully ran discos while also promoting youth engagement through evening Council meetings.

“These sessions provided youth with a platform to provide feedback on various community issues.  

“It's truly remarkable to see the Burdekin Shire Youth Council thriving 30 years later as we prepare to celebrate this significant anniversary next year.

“Being part of the Youth Council is a wonderful opportunity for our younger residents to express themselves, make new friends and actively engage in the community.

“It's not just about representing our town's young voices; it's a gateway to personal growth and provides a chance to shape the future.

“It's where they can be themselves, establish meaningful connections, and play an active role in building a stronger, more vibrant community.”

Burdekin Shire Youth Council now look towards their Christmas breakup and last meeting of the year next month before submissions open again in February.

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Back row L-R Jorda Quagliata, Byrin Bojack, Haigan MacDonald, Clodagh Liessmann, Sarah Shepherd, Eddie Jones, Michael Lindley. Front row L-R Breanna Wood, Zavier Wood, William Wiseman, Matilda Wiseman and Brent Dingle

One unfortunate boatie on Groper Creek has come home from a day of fishing following a bingle with a large crocodile.

Reporting that the large croc had repeatedly attacked his boat on Wednesday November 1, while he was fishing on Groper Creek close to Pensioners Bend.

The Queensland Government’s Crocwise resource says that when fishing, camping, or boating near any body of water in the region, it is always best to act as if there is a crocodile near.

Crocodiles can be found in fresh and salt waters, including rivers, creeks, swamps, lagoons, beaches, oceans, and waterholes.

To reduce risk of attracting a crocodile, it is best to remain at least five metres from the waters edge. Crocodiles are apex predators that use ambush techniques to catch their prey, and often hunt in the groves of waters edge.

Be sure to dispose of food waste and scraps in a bin or take it home with you, as crocs are attracted by the promise of an easy meal.

Keep pets on leads and away from water, as they are very attractive prey for crocs.

Avoid kayaks, paddleboards, and small water vessels, as they are easy for crocodiles to snatch people off of.

And stay well away from crocodile traps, which are designed to attract crocodiles.

To report any sightings of crocodiles, ring Crocwatch on 1300 130 372

With endless stories to tell and a new appreciation for adventure, Brad and Kerry Gardner have returned from the trip of a lifetime after taking on the Spring 2023 Shitbox Rally.

The Giru couple embarked on the adventure last month, joining a convoy of 250 ‘shitboxes’ travelling from Port Douglas to Adelaide, all while raising money for the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Brad and Kerry, also known as their team name ‘Gunn Ado’s’, arrived in Port Douglas on Friday, October 13 to assemble with the rest of the group and get briefed on the trip.

It was here they met their buddy group, made up of six other teams of two, and Brad said these people quickly became lifelong friends.

“Even still today, we’re still talking, messaging, catching up, sharing our plans for the weekend,” he said.

“It was just a fantastic group of people we had with us which made it all worthwhile.”

The rally began the following day with stops at Einasleigh, Winton, Windorah, Birdsville, Marree and Rawnsley Park before finishing at Adelaide.

After a week of late nights, busted tyres, fuel dramas and plenty of socialising, Brad said arriving in Adelaide on the last day was an emotional and satisfying experience.

“It was probably one of the most fulfilling things we’ve ever done,” he said.

“Being able to raise over $21,000, being able to give back to people and raise that money for cancer, it was fantastic.

“We were out of our comfort zone, sleeping in a swag every night, sometimes not even having a shower, but no one complained, we just went with it.

“It’s pretty emotional at times so you learn a lot about yourself, who you are and the people you’re with.”

Brad and Kerry have embarked on another fundraising journey as they prepare for the Mystery Box Rally out of Airlie Beach in 2024.

“There are so many people who sponsored us, supported us and are still supporting us to this day, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the time and money they put in,” Brad concluded.

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Brad and Kerry Gardner dressed in honour of their friend Gary Corradi who passed away from cancer a decade ago. Photo supplied

School leavers, local businesses and representative groups are being encouraged to help frame the future of TAFE by joining the conversation and being vocal about their needs and wants.

Local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on these groups to make a stand and get involved so the direction of TAFE reflects local needs rather than those of Brisbane-based decision-makers.

Mr Last says he is concerned young people are choosing to leave the region for study opportunities when they could be receiving them here.

He believes that if more relevant courses were held at the local TAFE more skilled youth would remain in the area.

“When I speak to high school students the vast majority of them tell me they intend to leave the district when they graduate,” Mr Last said.  

“Some want to attend university or just spread their wings but there is also a group that leave to pursue training that could be offered here in the Burdekin.”

“In the last few years, we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of unfilled positions in crucial industries. If we don’t take action to improve local training opportunities, that situation is only going to get worse.”

Disappointed that more local consultation on the matter wasn’t offered by the state government, Mr Last is now appealing for people to come forward with ideas and suggestions, so the community doesn’t miss out.

“My message to local businesses and representative groups is that, if they have identified an area where the current training is inadequate, this is their chance to raise those issues.  And for former students, I would ask that they have their say because their experiences allow us to improve what is on offer now and what will be on offer in the future.”

“By proactively taking part we also send a clear message to the Minister that our community will not accept any reduction in services. Our local businesses, and our community as a whole, need our TAFE to fill a key role and we need to take some responsibility in ensuring it does.”

“The Burdekin has a proud history of standing up for what we need, and on this occasion, that is exactly what we need to do. I have no intention of letting Brisbane-based bureaucrats dictate to us and I know that this community won’t stand for it either.”

Meet Burdekin Life’s new Account Sales Manager, Jake Greenfield, an adventurous soul hailing from South of London who embarked on a life-changing journey leading him to beautiful north Queensland.

Jake and his girlfriend left the UK at the start of the year in search of an adventure, without a specific plan or destination in mind.

Their travels took them through Southeast Asia before they bought a one-way ticket to Australia to discover what the Land Down Under had to offer.

The pair ventured up the east coast, with the coastal hubs of Byron Bay, Noosa and Bowen, where Jake saw his first kangaroo, capturing his attention.

“I didn’t realise the diversity of the country,” he said.

“You’ve got everything from sprawling woodlands and tropical rainforests to stunning beaches, I’m blown away.”

True beach lovers, the pair ultimately fell in love with the mesmerising beauty of Airlie Beach.

Jake joins the Burdekin Life team with sales experience born out of his love for people.

Although based in the Whitsundays, he will be travelling to the Burdekin weekly to catch up with people and businesses, friends new and old.

“I love meeting new people and getting to know new people, so I hope to bring a friendly, smiley face to the region and a name that people hopefully remember!” he said.

With a degree in photography, Jake is also excited by the prospect of contributing his creativity to the business.

“I’m in a job that enables me to get creative again and that excites me, so you might find me out and about with my camera now the dust has been blown off it,” he laughed.

With his camera in hand and a warm smile on his face, Jake is excited to continue his exploration of the Burdekin and meet everyone who makes this region great.

Strategic planning has been high on the agenda for Burdekin Shire Council for numerous reasons. As a councillor it is our role to plan for the future of our community and enhance the vibrancy and liveability for all residents. These master plans allow council a greater likelihood of securing State and Federal funding for major projects when they apply.

We have witnessed the improvements in infrastructure recently due to this forward planning – greater water resilience with the reservoirs in Home Hill and Ayr, the expansion of the Industrial estate to enhance economic development, the macro-algae bioremediation treatment plant for improved environmental sustainability, the development of Plantation Park for residents and visitors alike.

These projects add greatly to our liveability and assist with retaining our population throughout the Shire, which had suffered slight declines in past years but has turned a corner and in the last twelve months we’ve witnessed an increase to our resident numbers which is very pleasing.

A very visible project due to its location in the heart of the Ayr town centre is the development of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre, encompassing the water park and new kiosk which recently opened and has been well received and utilised. These improvements are part of a bigger picture, a master plan for the entire Anzac Park Precinct and council have been busy developing a concept plan for this space.

Most recently consultation has occurred in the community through numerous forums and at the local schools to garner ideas and get feedback from our youth regarding the youth zones earmarked within this development. The comments to date have been very positive with our youth being a very important part of the community we wish to retain here in the Burdekin. Initial plans for this development can be located on the council website and I encourage you to take the time to check them out and understand how strategic planning helps to enhance our community.

Did you know that the Shire maintains an extensive network of urban water mains spanning an impressive 302 kilometres?

This extensive infrastructure plays a crucial role in delivering essential water services to homes and businesses.

Maintaining and expanding this water mains network is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and investment. Council has committed more than $5.8 million to operate and maintain water services to its 6,669 customers in the 2023/24 Budget.

In June 2022, a new long-term treated water storage facility in Home Hill was completed, marking a substantial enhancement in water security for the community. This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Queensland Government and the Burdekin Shire Council, which jointly funded the construction of Home Hill's 5ML Reservoir.

A key project completed during the year was the upgrade of the Ayr/Brandon Water Supply through the construction of a new 10 Megalitre reservoir which provides vastly improved treated water storage capacity and greatly improves the resiliency of the system in the event of disruptions or natural disasters. The project was fully funded by the State Government. This key piece of infrastructure was brought into service in December 2022 and is an integral element in enhancing the security and reliability of the Ayr/Brandon Water Supply network.

Council also revised and updated its Drinking Water Quality Management Plan to recognise significant water treatment upgrades in both the Home Hill and Ayr Water Supply’s with the inclusion of new Ultra Violet and Sodium Hypochlorite disinfection infrastructure which enhance the drinking water quality and safety.

In addition, Council has continued its inspection and maintenance program on all water and sewerage network infrastructure, ensuring its reliability into the future.

The 302 kilometres of water mains in the Burdekin are a vital lifeline that ensures the community's access to one of life's most essential resources – clean, safe and reliable water.

In a belated celebration of July’s NAIDOC Week, St Colman's Catholic School spent last Friday morning at Plantation Park with the Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation learning about Indigenous culture.

“Every day is NAIDOC Day, so we’ve brought the kids across and worked with the Gudjuda Rangers so they can learn about the land we stand on,” said Principal Karen Keys.

“It’s very much part of our history of Australia and, in our local area, the First Nations history is such an important part that they need to know about.

“It’s a part of that reconciliation as we move forward, so the children have a better understanding of where we’ve come from and where we need to go in the future.”

Students were taken on a guided tour of the Juru Walk, where they learnt about plants and food, contributed to a mural by the school’s Indigenous Officer, played Indigenous games, practised dadirri (deep listening) and learnt about the Gubulla Munda Dreaming sculpture.

“Indigenous history is all throughout our curriculum, so it fits in beautifully and doing hands-on activity is where students learn more than just sitting in a classroom,” added Ms Keys.

“The Gudjuda Rangers are very much a part of the school community; the kids love learning from them.”

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St Colman's Catholic School spent a morning at Plantation Park where they learnt hands-on about Indigenous culture. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Art students from years 10 and 11 at Burdekin Catholic High School took to Lloyd Mann Park in Home Hill last week to study the installations making up this year’s Ephemera.

The students considered the contemporary contexts of each piece, the intention of each artist, media, techniques, processes and how they are displayed, all of which are studied in their Visual Art class.

“We have an exam coming up and we have to learn how to deconstruct what the artist is talking about in their art,” said year 10 student Mikkena Murray.

“We have to learn how to write that down and what context the art was made in; everyone’s got their own types of art forms.”

Visual Art Teacher Jeananne Ellis said students are analysing artists and their artworks in preparation for creating their own bodies of work in year 11.

“The works exhibited in the ephemera are contemporary works based on the perspectives of artists in Queensland, just like the students,” Ms Ellis said.

“The diversity shown in this exhibition will enable them to broaden their perspective about an artist's intention, contexts, and location of artworks when being displayed or exhibited and the audience's reaction.”

Students were also tasked with photographing two artworks that inspired them before considering how they will display their own resolved artworks.

Neenah Ivory highlighted Uli Liessmann’s ‘Peace’ as a favourite.

“He looks really cool and he’s got lots of geometric shapes that I really like,” she said.

“It’s very inspirational.”

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L-R Burdekin Catholic High School Visual Art Teacher Jeananne Ellis, students Danika Vener, Mikkena Murray, Ashley Fawkes, Neenah Ivory, Erin Dwyer, Layla Caston, Peppah Siandri, Neenah Ivory and Teaching Assistant Sandra Reents

Hugo Antoniazzi

Students considered a variety of concepts while studying the installations

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The District Finals of the annual R.O. & B.M. Colls Memorial Lecturette Competition was held at the Home Hill State School Performing Arts Centre on the evening of Wednesday, November 1.

Competitors, Year 6 students, were to deliver a persuasive speech on a factual topic associated with an area of school study. Students were adjudicated on the content, language use and delivery of their speech. The 11 competitors from five local Primary schools presented topics that ranged from the different impacts of technological advances to the power of speech.

The winner was Asha Licciardello from St. Francis Catholic Primary School, Ayr.

Asha spoke eloquently on Mental Health, a School’s Biggest Downfall, persuading the audience that mental health must be addressed in schools. Through the strategies taught to achieve and maintain self-confidence and self-worth, “one student at a time, in every school”, our community would become a happier, more productive and happier place.

Contributed by Rita Cranitch

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St. Francis Catholic Primary School students Popi Loizou and Asha Licciardello. Photo supplied

For the last 17 years Mark Watson has been looking after the local community’s health needs, offering qualified advice and dispensary services at his pharmacy in Home Hill.

Recently the business changed name from Guardian to Alliance Pharmacy because Mark wanted to represent a brand that aligned with his values of being a local and community-minded health care provider.

“Our motto is – ‘where local health matters’,” said Mark.

“Over the last 17 years it’s been a pleasure serving the community, growing up with the community and being part of it, both in and out of the pharmacy.”

And while the name of the business has changed, Mark would like to let customers know that it is still the same dedicated team, loyal service, and personal experience they have always had.

“Megan has been here for 32 years, Gianna for six years and Yolanda has over 19 years experience in pharmacy,” explained Mark.

“Our signage has changed but everything else is still the same.”

Alliance delivers a range of professional services, from Pharmacist lead vaccinations to their sleep apnoea clinic, plus a host of convenient in-store retail options.

Mark is a proud local having grown up in the Burdekin, undertaken his studies in Townsville before returning to Home Hill when an opportunity arose to purchase the pharmacy.

Mark and his wife are both heavily involved in Rugby League and Netball in the Burdekin community.  In his spare time Mark enjoys going fishing and visiting the local beach with his three children.

Call in a see your local pharmacist today!

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Gianna O’Brien, Yolanda Olsen, Megan Jackson and Mark Watson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Helping the community with their DIY projects for the past 60 years, Inspirations Paint Ayr, also known as known as Gurgo’s Hardware by the locals, are a multi-faceted retail store that not only sells a wide range of paint, but also trade-and-go gas.

As soon as you step in-store you can feel the warmth of the family owned and operated business with an experienced member of staff there to help with any of your DIY needs.

“We service both trade professionals and retail customers,” explained the staff member.

“There are a lot of DIYers in the Burdekin and we can recommend the best paints to suit their needs.”

Gurgos is a Dulux supplier, and their range of products cater for almost any type of surface, from wood to concrete, metal and marine.

They also supply fibreglass, aluminium and stainless steel nuts and bolts.

While paint is a large part of the business, so too is gas, and with over 500 cylinders of varying sizes available, you can see why this section of the business is so popular.

“The trade-and-go gas service is great!” said a staff member.

“You don’t need to rent a bottle, you simply put down a one-off deposit and swap the cylinder over.”

Store Manager Lesley Jordan says the entire team always provide a friendly service.

“We love being part of the community and supporting different clubs – and we become friends with many of our customers.”

As the globe takes strides in its mission to decarbonise and the Australian Government develops its Net Zero 2050 plan, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) is playing its part through its commitment to renewables and sustainable agriculture.

QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou said global sustainability standards are at the forefront of the organisation’s mind.

“Whilst the world is in this mode of decarbonisation, the supply of product to marketplace is going to hinge upon how we’re moving towards net zero targets while meeting global sustainability objectives of the international marketplace,” he said.

QCAR aims to support growers by recognising the current environmental stewardship which growers are undertaking, the programs they adopt and the farming practices they apply.

Mr Spyrou recently sat down with Charles Starkings, Nutrien Ag Solutions Sustainability Field Manager for Queensland and New South Wales, which was not only an exchange of ideas; it was a deep dive into global sustainability programs, aligned with the rigorous standards of National and International Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

The insightful discussion was an opportunity to explore the dynamic landscape of sustainability, focusing on QCAR’s commitment to fostering a more eco-friendly, socially responsible, and ethically sound future.

As QCAR navigates these crucial subjects, they aim to decipher how they can collectively contribute to the greater good, aligning their initiatives with ESG standards that resonate on a global scale.

With a variety of sustainability programs being tried and tested in the region, QCAR are committed to exploring and identifying the most appropriate programs for their clients.

“We’re willing to work with all parties,” Mr Spyrou said.

“What’s in the best interest of our QCAR members is what it really comes down to.

“These programs will allow us to demonstrate and quantify the benefits to the environment of our existing proactive farming practices.”

While QCAR have proven their commitment to the future of sustainable agriculture, the organisation is experiencing a rapid period of growth throughout the Burdekin, Mackay and Herbert regions following their recent rebrand from Burdekin Cane Burdekin Cane Agriculture Organisation.

“Our immediate focus is on the season and trying to best remedy the current circumstances for our producers so they can maximise their production,” Mr Spyrou added.

“That means working with sugar millers to best supply cane in a way that optimises their sugar content.

“We’re actively focussed on working with sugar millers to get the 2023 season under our belt.”

As QCAR’s network grows and global sustainability goals near, the organisation aims for its producers to ultimately be appreciated for the value that their product will contribute to the renewable energy market.

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L-R Nutrien Ag Solutions Sustainability Field Manager for Queensland and New South Wales Charles Starkings, QCAR Director Christian Lago and QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou

Firstly, thank you to all who have entrusted us with your GEI marketing nomination for the 2024 season.

For many, this decision was made a long time ago when the 2024 season opened for pricing in July

2021.

At that time, target prices where trading sub $400/t and the thought of $800/t for sugar was a dream. At

the time of writing, we have seen a high of $840/t trade for 2024 season, with hopefully the promise of

more to come.

The reasons for the dramatic rise over the last years are well documented in the persistent deficit of

supply against demand and the consequent running down of global stocks.

Our current average hedge rate for Target price growers in the ’24 season is just under $600 with

approximately 40 per cent of committed tonnes priced. This provides a significant underwriting of next

year’s production and a big buffer for growers if prices were to collapse unexpectedly.

Nevertheless, it is hard to avoid sellers regret when the market moves up so dramatically. We have lots

of conversations with growers who feel like they have lost money by selling too early. In simple terms

there is a loss, as in an opportunity loss.

With perfect knowledge we would all be unhedged and waiting for someone to ring the bell, notifying the

top of the market was here! However, we operate in the space of imperfect knowledge.

Cane growers need to think in risk management terms and not trading terms whereby margin

management is the ultimate goal. It is not about picking the high of the market; it is about taking control of

your income and making decisions that are right for your business. All of us have a different appetite for

risk and therefor there is not a one size fits all when it comes to pricing sugar.

For us in Wilmar Marketing, our goal is to give you the best information we can to help you make the best

decision on pricing given your circumstances. We provide simple yet flexible pricing tools and payment

terms to assist with cash flow.

For those of you who entrust us to price your GEI Sugar through the Production Risk Pool we dedicate

significant resources aiming to maximise returns. Our Production Risk Pool has outperformed QSL’s

Harvest Pool for five years running (see graph).

If you would like more information, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on

0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978

The National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) has launched its largest protest campaign in almost 40 years in response to recent policies enacted by the Australian Government.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that the extraordinary step taken by the NFF is a desperate attempt to save farming from the government who he said has torn up farming confidence in the regions.

“As a third-generation farmer, I can see what this current Labor government is doing to farmers across our region and it’s reckless, senseless, and is going to have dire consequences,” Mr Willcox said.

“I worked the land for most of my life, and I agree with what the new NFF President David Jochinke said at the NFF Conference a week ago; farmers are in the fight of their lives, and it’s only going to get worse if the Labor government don’t do something about it now.

“Every single Australian is feeling the impact of the pain and hurt being put onto farmers.

“The end result of Labor’s bad policies is that families and vulnerable Australians are being forced to pay more for food at the checkout.”

Mr Willcox said that while scrapping the EU trade deal that would have severely disadvantaged Aussie farmers was a good start, farmers are still being punished in every possible way.

“It’s unfortunate that the EU trade deal couldn’t come to a mutually beneficial agreement and walking away was the right thing to do at this time, however it is now time to focus on what the current Australian government is doing that disadvantages our farmers,” he said.

“Instead of taxing international importers for their biosecurity risks, the Labor government wants to make Australian farmers pay more to cover these importers costs.

“The new fresh food tax will impact all farmers and push up food prices.”

Mr Willcox also admonished the Government’s refusal to reinstate the Agriculture Visa after peak food industry bodies warned that agriculture required an additional 172,000 workers.

“Only around 16,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers have come in since Labor got into office, and it’s making it difficult and costly for farmers to get their product from paddock to plate,” he said.

“The PALM scheme has introduced some serious roadblocks for our farmers who are now being forced to offer a minimum of 30 hours per week, despite agriculture work being seasonal and weather dependent.”

Mr Willcox also warned that other policies such as the water buyback scheme, which has the potential to reduce farm production by $9 billion, will hurt regional communities and drive-up food prices.

“Labor’s ideologies are putting our food and fibre production at risk,” he said.

“We need to support, protect, and grow our farming industry.”

To find out more, visit keepfarmersfarming.org.au.