“I always wanted to be a chef,” recalled Sonya Mase, the driving force behind Home Hill favourite Marzay’s Corner.

For her, the kitchen has always been a place to create, experiment, and inspire—but her path into the culinary world, though always a dream, wasn’t exactly linear.

Working as a cleaner in South Australia before moving to Queensland with her husband, Tony, cooking had been more of a dream than a serious consideration—a passion simmering on the back burner.

It was during her time with the Brisbane Police Academy that a sergeant, with whom she had formed a close relationship, urged her to follow her culinary dreams.

And with that, her journey in the kitchen began.

At first, it wasn’t about money. It was about getting a foot in the door of the industry she had always admired.

"Going from earning [a proper wage] to $4 an hour was hard. I almost gave up halfway through because it became really tough," she recalled.

"But it was the ticket—something to achieve for myself. So I just stuck with it, and I'm glad I did."

Thirty years and countless meals later, Sonya is a seasoned chef who hangs her hat on her organisation skills, ability to thrive under pressure, and creative knack.

“A lot of times ideas just come to you,” she says. “You wake up in the middle of the night thinking, ‘that could work.’ There’s trial and error, but that’s the fun of it.”

From Marzay’s Corner in Home Hill, Sonya is now using her extensive experience to teach young locals essential kitchen skills—knife handling, time management, budgeting—and watching them grow in confidence.

“It’s not just about cooking. It’s about life skills,” she says. “Parents tell me they’ve noticed a real change in their kids.”

Her goal is to show her young employees that good food doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and that with creativity, patience, and practice, anyone can turn a meal into something they're proud of.

With plans to share her knowledge in local schools, Sonya has become more than just the chef she set out to be. She’s become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of aspiring culinary talent.

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Sonya has become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of local culinary talent. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin community will have the opportunity to celebrate a unique cultural connection when the “Basques in Australia” photographic exhibition arrives at the Masonic Hall and Burdekin Theatre from the 28th of September to the 3rd of October.

Presented by the Basque Club of North Queensland, the exhibition honours the Basque migrants who came to the Burdekin to work in the sugar industry. Their contributions helped shape Ayr and the wider district, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, resilience and family values.

The exhibition coincides with Multicultural Queensland Month in August and “Dia de la Diaspora Vasca” on September 8 – an international celebration recognising Basques living outside their homeland in Spain and France.

Curated in the Basque Country with support from the Basque Government and Euskal Australiar Elkartea, the exhibition comprises 10 large panels covering themes such as cane-cutting, women, community life and recreation. Historic photographs and memorabilia provide a powerful insight into the experiences of Basque families as they built new lives in Australia.

The exhibition has toured extensively throughout the Basque homeland, and its visit to Ayr offers locals the chance to reflect on the multicultural roots of the Burdekin.

Exhibition details, including opening times and associated events, will be posted on the Basque Club NQ Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information, contact Pedro Mendiolea, President of the Basque Club of North Queensland, at basqueclubnq@hotmail.com or phone 0412 410 678.

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As the shire’s sporting season draws to a close across multiple clubs, the Burdekin Rugby Union Club (BRUC) have jumped ahead and claimed the date of their 2025 Presentation Night, marking out Saturday the 27th of September.

The annual extravaganza, set to be held at the Queens Hotel for the second consecutive year, celebrates the outstanding achievements of the club’s players from the smallest toads on the field to the oldest across one huge evening overflowing with festivities.

Prizes are awarded to players across categories including most improved, most consistent, best forward, best back, players player and player of the year across each division. As well as Team Awards, the evening also includes Club Award presentations across the following categories: dedication to players (junior and senior), volunteer contributing the most, player contributing the most, spirit of rugby, and clubman of the year.

After all the presentations are done and dusted, the evening becomes a celebration of the season just past, as players come together to wrap up another successful year on the field.

Additional details of the night will be shared in the coming weeks on the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads’ social media pages, and for any enquires, email brucsecretary@outlook.com.

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Jasmin Kierle, Kiara Krug, Briellen Carter-Mathews, Caitlin Holmes and Aletheia Pacey were celebrated for their achievements at 2024's Burdekin Rugby Union Club's Presentation Night (Photo Source: BRUC)

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Marking 59th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan At Creek Veterans Retreat

On Monday, 18 August, locals, dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Deep Creek Veterans Retreat in Ayr to mark the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Commencing at 11 am, the annual parade commemorated the 1966 battle in Vietnam—one of the key engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War—honouring past veterans with a wreath-laying service, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and a bagpipe performance of Lament.

Among the 50-plus attendees were Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, as well as Burdekin-born-and-bred veteran Stan Hodder, who served at Long Tan.

Willcox Attends Local Veterans Event

After the parade, attendees were invited to stay for light refreshments.

Hosted by the Burdekin sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, the Battle of Long Tan anniversary parade is one of three main commemorative events held by the association, alongside ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

The event offered an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the service and experiences of local veterans.

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Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior Ambassador representing CORES QLD, Mia Galbraith, has taken it upon herself to run a Self Love Night to raise awareness for the importance of mental health and valuable funds for the invaluable work of CORES QLD.

In the lead up to this weekend’s event, Mia has shared several videos and posts online, detailing how important it is to take care of and prioritise your own personal mental health, featuring BWF Committee members as guests on occasion to encourage conversations surrounding mental health awareness.

This Saturday, the 23rd of August, Mia invites the community to come on down to The Vault in Home Hill for an evening of positivity, self-love and family connection from 4:30pm onwards.

The evening will include live entertainment, wonderful guest speakers, drinks, and delicious food as well as plenty of activities, BINGO games and raffles to keep the fun flowing well into the night!

Tickets to the event are priced at just $20 and can be purchased online at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1435594.

All proceeds from the event will be directly donated to CORES QLD, and all attendees are kindly asked to wear bright colours to contribute to the event’s joyful atmosphere!

What: Mia's Self Love Night
When: Saturday 23rd of August, from 4:30pm
Where: The Vault, Home Hill

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Hi Everyone,

It’s great to be back and feeling refreshed after a two-week holiday in Italy with my family.

We stayed in a tiny village called Radicondoli, about three hours north of Rome, with a population of just 950! Our days were spent poolside, playing card games, and wandering into the village for fresh bread in the mornings and a glass of wine (or two!) in the evenings.

It was my second time in Italy—my first visit was in my early twenties—and I’ve fallen in love with the country all over again. The people, the food, the culture, the scenery—absolutely incredible.

I know many of you in the Burdekin share that connection to Europe. With strong Italian heritage in our region, it feels fitting that the upcoming Water Festival has embraced the theme ‘Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe’, complete with highlights like the European Summer Long Lunch.

It certainly takes me right back to Italy—and reminds me how lucky we are to live in such a culturally rich community.

As your local newspaper, we’re proud to be the official media partner of the Water Festival and thanks to our jet-setting journo Chelsea Ravizza, we’ve had fantastic coverage of the event’s build-up. As many of you will know, Chelsea began with us during her university work placement and did such a great job, we couldn’t let her go! She’s now travelling the world—last we heard, she was in Poland—while still contributing to the paper.

Nothing says ‘Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe’ better than that!

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to Mia Galbraith, our new Sales and Social Media Rep, who’s stepping up as a Senior Ambassador for the Water Festival. She’s hosting a fundraising event this Saturday—check out the details next to this article. I hope you’ll show your support!

Rach

Quote of the Week: "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take" (Lewis Carroll)

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Burdekin cane farmers will have the opportunity to contribute in person to an inquiry aimed at growing the industry following the announcement of a public hearing in Townsville.

Announced in June, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP urged local growers to embrace the opportunity and provide much needed input.

“When the inquiry was announced, a commitment was given to dig deep into a wide range of issues affecting the industry,” Mr Last said.  “A thorough investigation is necessary to ensure the brightest future for the industry and for areas like the Burdekin.”

“Those issues include both opportunities and challenges because you need a balanced and fair assessment of what’s possible and what needs to change.  Unfortunately, what we saw in the past was the industry not receiving the support it needs to flourish with farmers labelled as environmental vandals.”

“What we need, instead, is a clear plan to embrace opportunities and to deal with regulatory or legislative barriers that prevent those opportunities being realised.  It’s a ‘warts and all’ look at what needs to be done, and by who, to help the industry and the communities that rely on it.”

Mr Last said the production of biofuels for industries like aviation and boosting the generation of base-load electricity were opportunities worth consideration but that the best opportunity for one area may not be the best for another.

“I really don’t think embracing a single opportunity or solving a single challenge is the answer for growing the industry,” he said.  “There is a myriad of reasons why different opportunities bring more potential for some areas than for others but, regardless, we need to identify those opportunities for everyone’s benefit.”

“What I would like to see come out of the inquiry is a plan, based on industry and stakeholder input, that identifies practical steps that industry and government can take to achieve the best outcome.  We  will achieve very little if the result is based on limited input.”

“The Burdekin is the largest sugar producing region, so it is absolutely vital that concerns for farmers in the Burdekin are addressed.  It is equally as vital that farmers in the Burdekin are able to take advantage of any opportunities identified by the inquiry.”

The hearing will be held on September 10th at the Hotel Grand Chancelor in Townsville.

Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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Ren Pedersen OAM’s fight against the deadliest childhood brain cancer edged closer to a breakthrough when his ‘Million Dollar Mission’ received a $13,000 boost from local businesses, organisations, and dignitaries following last week's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Pedersen, a Burdekin native now residing in Townsville, returned to the region as a special guest at the Chamber meeting, where he challenged 100 local businesses to donate $1,000 each toward his mission to provide accessible, life-saving treatments for sufferers of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)—the deadliest childhood brain cancer in the world.

His appeals were met with immediate support from locals, including Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Further donations followed, including a $10,000 pledge from a well-known Ayr organisation, whose identity remains anonymous.

The recent flurry of contributions leaves the mission just shy of the $200,000 mark—already a fifth of the way to the ultimate $1 million target, which will fund critical DIPG research.

Pedersen is now travelling across Australia as part of his Million Dollar Mission, appealing to 1,000 individuals and businesses to donate $1,000 each. Contributions will support two key projects at the Children’s Cancer Institute, led by Professor David Ziegler and Dr Maria Tsoli, focused on targeting tumour cell survival pathways and mapping the brain microenvironment to develop new treatments.

Ren’s drive stems from the tragic loss of his daughter, Amy—a “spirited little redhead who loved ballet, athletics, singing at school talent shows, and wearing monster teeth.” At just seven years old, Amy was diagnosed with DIPG. Sixteen months later, the disease claimed her life.

“Since we lost Amy, I’ve used every ounce of energy to raise money for research that will find the answers to DIPG,” Pedersen says.

Thanks to the Burdekin’s characteristic generosity, Ren is now closer than ever to uncovering those answers.

“The Burdekin now has her fingerprints all over one of the most important projects in Australia’s medical history, for which embattling brain cancer families are eternally grateful,” he says.

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Ren Pedersen OAM, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and Burdekin Chamber Treasurer Kari Ravizza at Tuesday's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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This past week has been a moving reminder, we are so blessed to have our way of life and we must remember the sacrifices made to have this freedom. Many of us reading this would not have been born but the reminder must be kept alive.
I had the special honour of an invitation to attend events held in Commemorating 80 years since Victory in the Pacific. Listening to the re-enactment of the War is Over Speech brought shivers down my spine. The Joint US/Australian Commemorative Service – 5th USAF Memorial, Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks watching the hand over of the USA flag and listening to its significance was a proud moment.
Saturday’s parade, described as the “Last March for our Veterans,” was especially emotional. It was inspiring to hear the voices of spirited veterans, including one sweet veteran who was disappointed that he was not the oldest but as it turns out, he was the youngest turning 100 next month.
The commemorations continued with a fantastic aircraft flypast, a VP80 Concert featuring the 1 RAR and 5th USAF Bands, and the Pacific Belles bringing the music of the war years to life. The evening concluded with a Sky Salute of fireworks over the Strand, a fitting tribute to a moment in history we must never forget.
On Monday, I also attended a service at Deep Creek Veterans Retreat for Vietnam Veterans Day. We paused to reflect on the Battle of Long Tan, fought on 18 August 1966, where Australian soldiers showed extraordinary courage against overwhelming odds. This day also reminds us of the hardships many Vietnam veterans faced not only during the war but in the years that followed when they returned home.
On behalf of the Burdekin community, I extend heartfelt thanks to all veterans, for your service, your sacrifice, and your enduring contribution to our nation.
Lest We Forget.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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The  Burdekin Brass Band didn’t disappoint on Sunday with their annual concert combined with the Thuringowa Brass Band. It was a very enjoyable afternoon with entertainment from the Home Hill Choral Society who never disappoint. It was chaired by Ricky Romeo who always has the audience captivated. It would be nice to see the event supported by residents of the Burdekin as it is an annual event.I attended the Vietnam Veterans Day Service at Deep Creek Retreat. It is always an honour to attend this service to pay respect to our Veterans. I enjoy talking and listening to their stories, there are quite a few characters amongst them.David Kramer from the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation will be at the Burdekin Theatre on Monday the 25th August to deliver a powerful message of respect, empathy and prevention through the HALT Program. His message is aimed at Parents, Carers, Teachers, Schools to children over 16. He will honour the memory of Hannah Clarke and her children who were victims of Domestic Violence by educating our next generation with the knowledge and confidence to hopefully stop the cycle of Domestic and family Violence in our homes. It will be a very interesting and informative evening and shouldn’t be missed. Tickets are available online at the Burdekin Theatre.We have some great Services in the Burdekin, BCA and the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre who are always willing to help if you are a Victim of Domestic Violence please reach out.Until next time stay safe

Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years?  Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence.

With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get online and increase your digital literacy and feel more connected.

Our tutors can help you to use a personal computer or your mobile phone, laptop or iPad. Perhaps you would like to do online banking, access information, videos or movies, set up an online account, use social media or email to feel more connected to your friends and the community reducing loneliness and isolation etc.

To learn more, make a booking or become a Tutor, please contact the Team at The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr.  Ph: 4783 3744.  E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran

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A Home Hill woman has been charged over an alleged million-dollar fraud spanning six years.

Ayr CIB officers allege the 65-year-old, while employed as a bookkeeper, defrauded an Ayr business of more than $1 million between 2018 and mid-2024. She has been released on bail and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on October 20.

In separate incidents, a 40-year-old Jerona man was charged with mid-range drink driving after being intercepted in Ayr on August 9. He will face court on August 25.

That same day, a 45-year-old Clermont man was charged with drug driving and disqualified driving after a traffic stop in Ayr. His 18-year-old female passenger was cautioned for possessing dangerous drugs and utensils after police allegedly found drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle. He will appear in court on October 7.

On August 10, a 32-year-old woman was charged with drug driving in Jarvisfield and will also face court on October 7.

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Seven years ago, Eusebio “Seb” Aguirre told his wife, Laura, that he was starting a “little hobby cleaning business.” It began with a vacuum in the back of their Mazda CX9, a few bond cleans, and the promise that Laura wouldn’t have to get involved.

Fast forward to today and not only is Laura well and truly involved, but that “hobby” has grown into ELA Professional Solutions, a trusted local name across the Burdekin for commercial cleaning, retail supplies, water distribution, and now, pool care.

ELA has partnered with Maytronics Australia to offer the full Focus Products range, featuring Australian-made, professional-grade oxidisers, balancers, algaecides, and cleaners. This partnership provides ELA customers with access to high-quality pool care solutions, available both in-store and online through ELA’s new website.

But this move was not just about adding another product line. It was a direct response to customer demand.

“We’ve always built the business around what our customers are asking for,” said co-director Laura Aguirre. “When someone walks in with a challenge, we try to find a genuine solution. If enough people are asking, we do the work to source it.”

This approach has shaped everything ELA offers, from cleaning chemicals and Makita tools to eco-friendly catering supplies, PPE gear, and bulk products for local farmers, tradespeople, and community groups.

In 2024, the business officially became a company, marking a new chapter that reflects not only growth but also its values. Sustainability, local support, and quality continue to guide every part of its operations.

“We only sell products we trust and use ourselves,” said Seb. “If we recommend it, it’s because we’ve tested it on the job.”

Rather than stocking generic supplies, the team actively sources reputable Australian suppliers at competitive prices. This helps small businesses, schools, sporting clubs, organisations and primary producers access high-quality products in bulk without the delays or high costs that often come with ordering from out of town.

ELA’s commitment to regional partnerships and sustainability is reflected in their choice to source pool salts from Australian Saltworks’ Bowen depot, keeping supply chains regional and relationships personal.

They also remain the local distributor for Mount Elliot Springs water, offering a range of products from 1 litre and 1.5 litre bottles to 10 litre wine tap casks and 15 litre refillable bottles. The store also stocks Water Works coolers and bottle racks, providing complete hydration solutions for homes, offices, and events.

While the product range continues to evolve, the heart of ELA’s mission stays the same - to support the Burdekin with practical, sustainable solutions that serve both people and the planet. Their solar-powered operations and focus on waste reduction reflect a long-term vision, as does their continued investment in the community. Each year, ELA donates more than $20,000 to local schools, sporting groups, and disability support services.

As pool season returns to North Queensland, ELA Solutions is ready to help locals keep their water crystal clear and their homes running smoothly, with premium products, real-world knowledge, and the kind of service only a local family business can offer. Visit the team in-store or explore the new online shop at www.elasolutions.com.au to learn more.

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Eusebio “Seb” and Laura Aguirre from ELA Professional Solutions. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The global sugar market has been holding steady in recent weeks, with supply fundamentals keeping a lid on prices.

Brazil is now halfway through its crushing season, and analysts are forecasting production between 39 and 40 million tonnes. With that much sugar expected, commercial traders are confident supply will comfortably meet demand through to the first quarter of next year. This has left speculators largely in control of short-term price movements, looking to push prices below 16 US cents per pound before easing back towards 17 US cents. While they hold a large short position, they remain vulnerable to any unexpected news of lower supply.

Here at home, Wilmar Grower Marketing has released its three-year comparative analysis report, following the finalisation of 2024-season pricing on 30 June. The results speak for themselves: Our Production Risk Pool and Allocation Account have consistently outperformed QSL’s Harvest Pool and Shared Pool. Over three years, the difference in total income for an average-sized grower is significant.

We’ve also issued our quarterly update on the 2025 Managed Pool Plus, giving participating growers insight into the hedging strategies we use to maximise returns. This season’s pool includes committed MEI (miller economic interest) tonnes, meaning we’re working hard to deliver the best possible outcome in all market conditions. Against our benchmarks, the pool is performing well despite the softer market. Interest in managed pool pricing is growing, with the 2026 Managed Pool Plus attracting strong commitments before it closed at the end of July.

Outside the office, our team has been busy during show season, supporting local events, presenting awards, and catching up with growers. Most recently, our Plane Creek Grower Relationship Manager Jonathan Reichard joined colleagues from the Plane Creek Mill and AgServices teams at the Sarina Show to host the Wilmar stand – a great opportunity to connect with the community and celebrate our local industries.

We’re also delighted to welcome Misty Bland as our new Grower Relationship Manager in Proserpine. A canegrower herself, Misty understands the realities of farming life and is passionate about supporting growers. She’s also well known for her volunteer work and community involvement – values that are a big part of who we are at Wilmar Grower Marketing.

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Plane Creek Grower Marketing Relationship Manager Jonathan Reichard (right) represented Wilmar at
the Sarina Show with staff from the AgServices and Engineering teams. From left are David Parker,
Pieter Van Vuren, Manju Srinivasalu and Mark Tanizar

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Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has recorded its biggest year of planned burns to date, surpassing its annual target by more than 50 per cent.

Between the 1st of July 2024 and the 30th of June 2025, QPWS carried out 637 planned burns across 968,884 hectares of Queensland’s public protected estate. The burns aim to reduce the risk and severity of bushfires, protect communities and infrastructure, and promote healthy ecosystems across the state’s parks and forests.

The milestone comes as part of the Crisafulli Government’s More Rangers, Better Neighbours initiative, which has invested in additional fire management staff, upgraded equipment, enhanced training, and improved engagement with local communities. This includes restoring funding for 40 specialist fire rangers to strengthen bushfire preparedness and park management.

Planned burns are highly weather-dependent, requiring cooler conditions and minimal wind to create a patchwork of burnt and unburnt areas that support biodiversity and habitat conservation.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell praised the achievement.

“It is fantastic to see Rangers prepare our protected areas for the months and years ahead through the strategic use of fire,” Minister Powell said.

“What they have achieved this year is astounding – bolstered by good weather, strong investment in the QPWS fire program and an increased use of aerial burning techniques to deliver broadscale burning across multiple parts of Queensland when conditions are right.

“I want to congratulate our QPWS rangers and Fire teams for their focus, coordination, and commitment to deliver such an incredible result – protecting Queensland communities and our precious environment.”

QPWS Fire Services Director Troy Spinks said burns would continue over the coming weeks while conditions remain favourable.

“Rangers have done an exceptional job this year, but people can still expect to see smoke on the horizon as crews make the most of these cooler, milder conditions to undertake even more burns within national parks and state forests,” Mr Spinks said.

“These planned burns not only provide a picture-perfect sunset but prepare us for the upcoming bushfire season.

“We thank the community for your support and understanding over the coming weeks as we work to protect our parks and neighbours by delivering these vital planned burns.”

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