Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Not every business starts with a blueprint. For some, it begins as a calling… in more ways than one. Burdekin local Robert Hayward had been in the hydraulics industry since he was 18. A diligent worker who loved his job, he quickly built a reputation locally as one of the best in the business. But despite a mutual affinity with the industry that had formed over years, he stepped away in the early 1990s to help his father-in-law maintain a cane property in Clare. Until he received a call. Then another… and another. Rob quickly realised that, despite his brief hiatus, his reputation in hydraulics had not faded. With that, he was pulled back into the game, this time with nothing but a $2,000 ute, a toolbox, and work up to his neck. And the only way to keep himself from drowning in it was, ironically, to go in deeper. “As the Burdekin is, if you do a very good job, word travels quickly between the community. One farmer talked to another, he talked to another, he talked to another… “Until I sat down with my wife one day and said, ‘I think we can make a business out of this.’” His ute would eventually make way for a permanent space—a small sub-shed at Larry Hudson Engineering in the Ayr Industrial Estate that would serve as his headquarters for the following four years. He tackled the first year solo, before demand forced him to put an apprentice on in the second year, and a qualified tradesman in the third. By the end of the fourth, Rob’s work had outgrown its humble base, moving down the road into a new purpose-built shed that would become the home of Hayward Hydraulics. That shed would officially open in 1996, spurring a 30-year legacy sustained by three defining pillars. Growing with the industry “I had no idea how to use computers,” Rob said with a smirk. Admittedly, he hadn’t realised he signed himself up for a three-decade, three-fold evolution between an entire industry, his own business, and himself. What he did know was that he was ready to learn, and eager to grow. It started with the basics. For Rob, that meant wrapping his head around modern computers, attending TAFE courses on emerging welding techniques, and becoming a leader. “I went from being a very good tradesman to having to be an employer,” he said. “You have to be a people's person, you have to treat people the right way, treat your workers the right way. That part I never even thought of until we started getting into it.” Rob treated this evolution as a marathon rather than a sprint, dedicating the business's first decade cementing its reputation as a local leader. After striking up deals with major companies, including Queensland Rail and Wilmar Sugar in the mid-2000s, he decided to take the leap into the mining industry in the early 2010s as a safety net for the unpredictable sugar industry. With that growth, Hayward Hydraulics’ shed would undergo its third structural expansion to accommodate its continuously increasing popularity and modernised technology. He built a habit of gleaning ideas from various online hydraulic magazines, and then building on them to not only keep up with the industry, but to will it into the future himself. “I eventually built a reputation for thinking outside of the square. If somebody's been doing something for 20 years, I'll look at a better way of doing it,” he said. Albeit, he admits he and the business are still evolving today. “I've seen harvesters and planters go from chain and sprocket to hydraulic motors, to hydraulic motors being linked to satellite GPS,” he said. “The industry has changed in leaps and bounds, and you have to keep finding ways to move with it.” Doing it the right way Hayward Hydraulics’ evolution was founded on something Rob didn’t need to be taught. Care. And he makes sure his staff do, too. “I didn't come from a real wealthy family, so we were brought up to work; you work, you do the job right, you get paid,” he said. “So if I'm not happy with something, I'll ask my workers: ‘would you pay for that?’” When the mining industry began to boom in Queensland, Rob admits he had a difficult time retaining workers. To compete, he was forced into paying top-dollar for what he called “good quality workers,” causing financial tension. When asked if compromising staff quality for cost was ever an option, with the conviction of a true-blue purist, he said: “No.” “I've always maintained that a business is only as good as your employees. You can be the best boss in the world, but if you've got workers that people don't like, they don't come through the door,” he said. “My current staff are up there with the best that I've had. I just try to make sure they’re happy to come to work every day.” With quality and care as its engine, Hayward Hydraulics became known not just for technical know-how, but for doing things the right way. As its stature in the industry continued to grow, so did the scope of its customer base. Calls started coming in from as far north as Tully, all the way to Mackay and Western Queensland, all saying the same thing: “We heard you were the guy to talk to about this problem.” Family and community at its heart For the last 10 years especially, the business has made a point of supporting local organisations and sports clubs, most notably the Burdekin Roosters Rugby League Club. Rob described it as a duty to a community that has given so much to him and the company. “The community has been so important to it all. I’ve got some customers that have been with me from day one, and with some, I’m onto the third generation of the same family,” he said. “The’ve given a lot to me. They've helped me grow and supported me, so it's about time I supported them back.” Beneath it all, though, he points to his family as the driving force. “I remember those early days when we were setting up the new workshop, building benches and all that, my two brothers-in-law and my father came out and gave me a hand,” he said. “But my biggest support is my wife. Especially in the early days when I wasn't home, and she solely looked after the kids and everything. “It got to the stage where I was working seven days a week, 12 hour days, and my wife would bring the kids on a Saturday and Sunday, and we'd sit on the shop floor and have lunch. “She's been with me through the lows and the highs, and that I thank her for.” Now, thirty years later, it’s his family pulling him out of the industry. Driven by the desire to make up for lost time with his wife and kids, Rob has loosened his grip on business operations, working four days a week with plans to eventually let his brainchild find its own footing. As for right now, he’s not yet ready to call time on a chapter that was, perhaps, never meant to last this many pages. “I still love what I do,” he said. “The early days come with sacrifices, but when I look back now, it was all worth it. “I remember when it all first started, looking on the ATO website and coming across that statistic that most businesses fail within five years. “When I read it, I said to myself, 'well, I'm gonna make sure I’m not that statistic.’” And that, he did. CAPTION: Rob and his current team. Back L-R: Chase Pearce, Stephan Du Plessis Front L-R: Kade Pearce, Renee Viero, Robert Hayward, Tina Dennis, Bryan Parison Absent: Sam Tomasetig Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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The Burdekin has rallied behind a local family after a sudden medical diagnosis turned their life upside-down. Ryan and Holly Davenport dropped everything when their two-year-old son, Rowen, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last month, temporarily relocating to Brisbane for his ongoing treatment. In response, a GoFundMe fundraiser has since raised over $55,000 in support of the family. Created in late May by Shannon Malone, a close friend of the Davenports, the fundraiser has been shared all over Facebook and Instagram by local organisations, garnering comments of support on top of 271 individual donations. “Words can’t describe how much it means to us to have everyone’s support behind Rowen as he begins his journey,” Ryan said. “They have given us precious time to spend with Rowen without the everyday worries.” The money will help fund hospital stays, travel, time away from work, and ongoing treatment expenses as the Home Hill family navigates a medical journey that began in April. Already on edge after daughter, Ally, underwent brain surgery to have a cavernoma removed just before Easter, Ryan and Holly acted promptly when they noticed a twitch in Rowen’s eye. Following weeks of consultations with Townsville doctors and specialists—which included MRI scans and a Royal Flying Doctors flight—Rowen was eventually diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma, a slow-growing brain tumour. He has since been transferred to Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane for chemotherapy, with the couple leaving their two young daughters with their grandparents in the Burdekin to be by his side. In their absence, locals have offered meals, helped on the family’s sugar cane farm, assisted around their home and helped look after their daughters, along with the generous donations. Ryan said the funds raised would not just help relieve the financial burden of Rowen’s treatment, but allow the flexibility to fly their daughters down and spend some time as a family. “(The toughest part has been) the unknown, not having our family together … and watching Rowen go through these traumatic times and … not being able to do anything,” Ryan said. “It has been a very emotional journey so far, and it is hard to believe we are only at the start.” Anyone wanting to support the Davenports is urged to donate using the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-davos-and-little-rowen?attribution_id=sl:75c20475-06e5-4752-8e11-d1b7a07c7728&lang=en_AU&ts=1779705595&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link CAPTION: Funding will allow the family to fly their daughters down and spend more time together during Rowen’s treatment. Photo supplied
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The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has slammed the Albanese Government for an unacceptable ambush on regional communities, accusing the Commonwealth of abandoning disaster-prone areas to balance its own budget. The Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, used a late Friday afternoon media release to quietly flag sweeping alterations to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The proposed changes dismantle the long-standing, scalable framework, which historically provided an average of 64 per cent federal coverage and capped support at 75 per cent for catastrophic events. In its place, Canberra intends to implement a rigid 50-50 funding model. This policy shift arrives at the worst possible time for the state; it follows a volatile severe weather season that caused widespread damage across 71 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is warning that the sudden funding shortfall threatens the future viability of essential infrastructure, local water treatment facilities, and emergency evacuation operations. Mr Willcox, drawing on his extensive experience as the former Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, stated that the Federal Government is completely detached from the realities of regional recovery. "This decision is a direct hit to the heart of North Queensland," Mr Willcox said. "Canberra is treating natural disasters like a corporate budgeting exercise; however, out here, it is a matter of community survival. To penalise the very regions that drive the nation’s agricultural wealth and mining export revenues is a profound betrayal. "During my time steering the Whitsunday community through the wreckage of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, I learned exactly what it takes to rebuild. We relied heavily on scalable federal assistance to restore our shattered rural road networks. Under a flat 50-50 split, local councils across Dawson would be forced to find millions of dollars in matching revenue; that is a financial burden our regional ratepayer base simply cannot sustain." Mr Willcox emphasised that major historical recovery operations would have been completely unviable under the newly proposed guidelines. "The total reconstruction of the Shute Harbour marine terminal and the $5 million federal package required to replace the decimated Proserpine Entertainment Centre occurred because the previous framework allowed for exceptional circumstances," Mr Willcox said. "Small regional councils do not possess the independent asset base to fund multi-million-dollar rebuilds alone. Furthermore, the historical system guaranteed that funding flowed directly into local economies, ensuring that regional earthmoving businesses and contractors were awarded the repair work. By lowering the funding floor, the Commonwealth is forcing cash-strapped councils to delay vital resilience works; this leaves our communities dangerously exposed before successive wet seasons. "It is a coward’s tactic for the Minister to leave this announcement until the day after the parliamentary sitting concluded, ensuring they avoided any real scrutiny or accountability in Question Time. “This is yet another calculated deception from a government that knows exactly how damaging these cuts are; this is absolutely not what the Australian people voted for, and I truly hope this betrayal is remembered at the next election. "This is yet another chapter in the ongoing federal neglect of regional Australia. The government is hiding behind the cover of an independent review to justify cutting essential frontline services. I call on the Emergency Management Minister to reverse this decision immediately; regional Queenslanders refuse to be treated as second-class citizens.” Supplied by the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox CAPTION: FIGHTING FOR THE NORTH: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP outside Parliament House in Canberra, condemning the Albanese Federal Government's plan to slash scalable disaster recovery funding for regional councils. Photo supplied
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"As the final week approaches for public submissions into the Sugar Code of Conduct, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has renewed his calls for growers to unite and make their voices heard. Mr Last said the public submissions for the sunsetting review of the Sugar Code of Conduct should be an opportunity for sugarcane growers from across the Burdekin to outline the benefits of the code for both farmers and the wider community. “Over recent weeks I have taken the liberty of providing a submission on behalf of the community, because ultimately the flow-on impact from changes in our sugar industry stretch beyond the paddock and the mills,” Mr Last said. “I recently met with several grower representatives which provided the opportunity to bring key stakeholders together, reaffirm my support as the Member for Burdekin and emphasise the need to work collaboratively as the review period unfolds.” Mr Last said while it was important stakeholders took the time to make their voices heard during the public submissions there was no better way to understand the impact of the Sugar Code of Conduct than to visit the area and speak directly to representatives. “A decade ago this district played a central role in bringing this code of conduct to fruition so I would expect our stakeholders receive a seat at the table they deserve,” Mr Last said. “If the Federal Labor Government was serious about consulting with the industry, the responsible Assistant Minister would be looking for every opportunity to listen to those who are most impacted by the Sugar Code.” Anyone wishing to have their say in the review can visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugar-code-review"
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From illuminated Christmas trees singing cheerful carols to reindeer gallivanting across the roof, one Ayr house has once again enthralled the Burdekin with a festive light display.
After a successful Halloween light display and street party, Leon McCormack and Jeff Lunn spent every weekend and each evening after work throughout the month of November setting up for Christmas.
The lights will be up for the rest of December with a Christmas Light Celebration coming up on December 23 and 24.
“It’s a festive thing to do and people enjoy it,” Leon said.
“It’s a good way to meet people.
“We sit out here most evenings and hand out candy canes.
“After handing out candy canes, we got into handing out popcorn, snow cones and fairy floss.”
Leon and Jeff have been setting up Christmas lights every year for the last 17 years, adding to the display with each set up.
“We just started small with a few lights in the windows and, each year, we’ve added a little bit more,” Leon said.
“Actually, we’ve probably added a lot more each year,” he laughed.
Starting with only lights, they decided to add music five years later, with a playlist of festive tunes synchronised to the light display.
“Each of the songs is set up on a sequence in a program called Light-O-Rama,” Leon said.
“The Light-O-Rama control boxes are what run everything.
“We’ve got an SD card with the sequences on it and the MP3s with all the synchronisation with the lights on the card.”
The end result is an audio-visual spectacle that delights locals and visitors alike, these Facebook comments sharing appreciation for Leon and Jeff’s hard work.
“Jeff and Leon, the community get so much joy from these amazing displays, thank you!” one person wrote.
“I love those guys … what a way to bring in the Christmas season,” wrote another.
For Leon and Jeff, Christmas is a time to wind down and appreciate.
“It’s a good time of the year to reflect on community, slow down and catch up with people,” Leon said.
His message to the community is to “have a very happy, joyous and merry Christmas.”
It’s also a time to get in the car and appreciate other light displays around the region, something they got the chance to do earlier in the month.
“It’s good to see what other people are doing and how they’re getting into it; there’s a few good ones around,” Leon said.
“We always like to encourage other people who are getting into it, because every little bit helps bring some festive spirit.”
Popcorn, snow cones, fairy floss and a sausage sizzle will be available at the Christmas Light Celebration, where a visit from Santa is likely, from 7:00pm on December 23 and 24, on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets.
While you’re out and about, make sure to check out the amazing light displays throughout the Burdekin.
Christmas Light Displays In The Burdekin
Ayr
Albert Cres
Albert St
Brisbane St
Chippendale St
Clayton St
Clements St
Cox St
Darwin St
Hoey St
Ida Ct
Kilrie Road (1.5km up)
King St
Lando St
Lawson St
Lisa Dr
Melbourne St
Methodist Ln
Munro St
Paine St
Parker St
Patricia St
Ross St
Rovert St
Sydney St
Wilmington St
Home Hill
First St
Second Ave
10th Ave
14a Street
14th Ave
Brandon
Bowling Green St
Drysdale St
Sexton Hwy
Toll St
Visit Burdekin on Facebook for more information
Jeff Lunn and Leon McCormack have been setting up Christmas lights for 17 years
Jack, Jeff and Leon handing out snow cones at a recent Christmas Display Celebration
Their display can be found on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets
The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)’s Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program has 3 core operating activities and these are listed below.
** Please ask our Team about the “Make it Happen Lifeskills Group” that’s currently meeting weekly or the “Community Connections Group” that’s starting in early 2024 **
If you are someone you know has a query or requires support, please visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Debra Cochran Chief Executive Officer
What a wonderful time of the year, with crushing finished, school holidays commenced, Christmas lights shining bright and the town busy with shoppers making Christmas preparations. It is a time to be thankful for the year that was and grateful that Jasper was relatively gentle on our northern neighbours. Let’s hope that was the one and only cyclone for the season.
I hope you have extra time this year to spend with family and friends whether you are venturing away during the festive break or remaining in the Burdekin. Many of us have relatives and visitors arriving during this time and we sometimes overlook the many sights and activities under our noses here in the Burdekin.
If you are entertaining visitors then I implore you to drop into one of our Visitor Information Centres and whilst collecting valuable brochures directing you where to go and what to do, take the time to experience the Yongala Dive Virtual Reality Experience. For many of us that may never scuba dive, it is as close as we will get to feel immersed in the underwater experience that is right on our door step.
Pick up a pocket-sized leaflet with “101 Things to do in the Burdekin” and spend time ticking off the list. Whilst on your travels around the Burdekin be sure to show your visitors the unique fishing village that is Groper Creek and let the kids enjoy the new playground that has been installed recently. Pack your picnic hamper or cheese platter and take a bottle of wine and enjoy the sights from Inkerman Hill on your way home.
Plantation Park is abuzz with locals and visitors over the weekends and with the Juru Walk and Nature Play Space to amuse the children, it is well worth a stopover during your day. With an abundance of fishing and crabbing spots throughout the region, be sure to grab a “Burdekin Fishing Guide” from one of the VIC’s which will direct you to the boat ramps and even provide a couple of sneaky fishing co-ordinates to help you have a successful day on the water.
For those who prefer cultural pursuits, then a trip around the “Burdekin Art Trail” may be for you and your visitors, with dozens of murals and sculptures to enjoy. Not to mention some of the iconic buildings on show, like the Court Houses in Ayr and Home Hill and the Masonic Hall, and a drive over our most prominent architectural masterpiece, the Burdekin Bridge. (The kids will love trying to hold their breath for the entire span, mine did). Plus, there are many natural landmarks worth the visit – Cornford’s Lookout, Cromarty Wetlands and Alva Beach.
We often take for granted all that we have here in the Burdekin, what a great place to live, work, stay and play. I hope you all find plenty to do, enjoy your family and visitors and have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Did you know that the Burdekin Library is a community hub where you can discover new worlds, learn new skills, and connect with other readers? They are a treasure trove of books, both in print and digital formats.
In 2023, the library has loaned out 50,477 print items for the year, covering a diverse range of genres and topics. Some of the most popular print titles were ‘No Plan B’ by Lee Child, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton, ‘Weird History!’ by Anh Do, and ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry.
The Library also offers access to a wide variety of e-books and e-audio books through the BorrowBox app. The library also has a fantastic collection of e-books and e-audio books that you can access anytime, anywhere, through the BorrowBox app. You can choose from hundreds of titles, including some great Australian stories or you can listen to the inspiring memoir of Michelle Obama ‘Becoming’, which was the highest loaned title of the whole library collection.
Whether you're into fiction or non-fiction, reading or listening, the library has something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Burdekin Library branches in person to see what's on offer.
Radar Floors, a stalwart in the flooring industry, continues to leave indelible imprints across Queensland since its establishment in 2001. Founded in Brisbane and later relocated to North Queensland in 2005, the business has steadily cultivated its reputation for quality and reliability. Their recent expansion to a new showroom at 272 Queen Street earlier this year signals a significant stride in their local presence.
Spanning substantial projects across the state ranging from hospitals, nursing homes, schools, mine sites, pubs and clubs, Radar Floors have proven their expertise time and time again. Their most recent triumph involves securing the contract for supplying and installing flooring at the Townsville Youth Foyer for Paynters, underscoring their prowess in the field. More locally, they’ve just completed the flooring for the new Intersport Ayr refurbishment. The history of Radar Floors is dotted with highlights, but opening the new showroom and installing flooring throughout the Burdekin remains the business’s most exciting triumphs.
Radar Floors offers a comprehensive suite of services, including carpeting, vinyl, epoxy floors, and concrete grinding, and is the sole business satisfying this full spectrum of flooring needs in the Burdekin. The team do their best to make the whole process, from choosing the right product for the application, through to the installation, as easy and as quick as possible for their valued customers, using quality products from trusted brands.
Rory, the seasoned professional behind Radar Floors, boasts nearly three decades of industry experience, accumulating a wealth of knowledge in products, installation techniques and industry knowhow. With the recent completion of an apprenticeship by one of their two full-time employees, Radar Floors is poised to continue its legacy of excellence while supporting and skilling the local workforce.
Radar Floors is a local small business punching well above its weight. As they continue to expand their footprint, their commitment to delivering exceptional flooring solutions remains unwavering.
Adam Da Corte, Jack, Rory, Danica and Sharlie Archibald and Troy Lippitt of Radar Floors
With highly competitive prices, a broad range of direct flights and an experiential fun-focussed terminal, Whitsunday Coast Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice for people living in the Burdekin.
Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that the Council-owned facility is “delivering seamless and cost-effective access” to a range of destinations.
Flying direct to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and also the Gold Coast (as of December 7), the airport hosts Qantas, Virgin, JetStar, and Bonza airlines.
“The Whitsundays is a well-known holiday destination – this makes it cheaper, faster and direct!” said Mr Turner.
“Locals are also buying a seat next to a leisure passenger rather than when they travel from Townsville and are sitting next to a corporate or mine worker which drives the prices up.”
In addition to passenger travel, Whitsunday Coast Airport also has a dedicated Freight Distribution Centre – transporting fish, crabs, and pets all around the country.
They can also transit fresh local produce to population centres quicker than any road or rail transport.
“This is great for local farmers whose produce gets to market as fresh as possible,” Mr Turner explained.
“Not only is the produce worth more, it also looks fantastic!”
While the flights and the freight are definitely setting Whitsunday Coast Airport apart from other regional airports, it is also the terminal experience that has seen Whitsunday Coast win several awards this year.
“We unashamedly promote fun!” said Mr Turner.
From the Heart Reef inspired aquarium at the centre of the departure lounge to the free-form seating, augmented reality screen to entertain the kids and the Taste Whitsundays food and beverage offering – everything is an experience at Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Whitsunday Coast Airport is taking-off! Photo supplied
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Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) encourage the reporting of drug activity within the community. Community members are often reluctant to report these offences due to being uncertain if the suspicious activity is actually related to an unlawful act, the fear their identity will not remain confidential or the sometimes-incorrect belief police are already aware of these persons and their unlawful activities. Community members often assume that others are providing this same information to police, however this is often times not the case. Investigators will always conduct further investigations and inquiries regarding information received from the public to verify the accuracy of the information supplied prior to taking any action, particularly in relation to the application of search warrants.
Members of the community can personally attend or call a police station to report their suspicions or if they wish to remain anonymous, are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report and are not required to provide their personal details when doing so.
Measures are taken by Crime Stoppers to ensure a person’s identity remains confidential. These measures include no phone number being shown on the Crime Stoppers call centre telephones, calls not being recorded and if submitting an online report - Crime Stoppers does not record ones IP address, details of the computer being used or the reporter’s location. The focus of Crime Stoppers is not on who you are but what you know.
Under section 119 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986, police are prohibited from disclosing the name of a drug informant or any other particular that may be likely to lead to the informer’s identification. When executing a search warrant on a person to search their dwelling for drugs, a copy of the search warrant is provided to the occupier however the application for the search warrant which contains the grounds (information) required to have the warrant granted by a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate is not provided to the occupier.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Shields
Officer in Charge │ Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch
A group of East Ayr State School Year 6 students have excitedly completed the Blue EDGE program, in partnership with Burdekin PCYC, Ayr State High School, and Blue Light Queensland.
Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower) is an eight-week program, designed as a physical training program, in order to help extend a young person’s mind and physical ability.
For the eight-week program, the students of East Ayr State School completed two sets of physical challenges a week, at 7am, with Ayr State School Students, in conjunction with Andrew Sherrington of the Burdekin PCYC.
Blue EDGE also aims to develop the personal relationship and build rapport between students, participants and their families, Police and Queensland Blue Light Association Incorportated (QBLAI) volunteers.
All students have found enhanced physical, personal and social skills through the program and look forward to continuing this growth in 2024.
The overarching intention of the program is to grow and develop the skills and attitudes of young people, to need to take part in society, both now and in the future.
The program encourages good guidance, respect and confidence building within students, and allows for flourishing of students in the community.
East Ayr State School students, completing Blue EDGE
East Ayr State School students completing the physical exercise. Photos supplied
While Spotify users were enthralled to relive their 2023 music listening habits in last month’s Spotify Wrapped, the Burdekin Library and Burdekin Theatre have used the format to reveal their own statistics from the last year.
According to a Facebook post from Burdekin Library, the libraries loaned 50,477 items in 2023.
One of the latest instalments in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, No Plan B, was the most popular Adult Fiction title in the region this year followed by House of Wolves by James Patterson, I Will Find You by Harlan Coben, Livid by Patricia Cornwell and James Patterson rounding out the top five with 3 Days to Live.
With a Netflix series on the way, Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe still appears to be enchanting the Burdekin as it was the top Young Adult Fiction title loaned in 2023, with Loveless by Alice Oseman, The Killing Code by Ellie Marney, Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare, and The Secret Runners of New York by Matthew Reilly also making up the top five.
The Junior Fiction top five was filled with family favourites including Weird History! by Anh Do, The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, The Birthday Adventure by Enid Blyton and Splashy Weird! By Anh Do.
Lastly, the top five loaned Non-Fiction books show the diversity of the Burdekin readership, including Prince Harry’s Spare in number one position, cookbooks 4 Ingredients Celebrations by Kim McCosker and Pasta Night by Deborah Kaloper, Phycology book Just One Thing by Dr Michael Mosley and memoir The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Emma Carey.
Jumping in on the trend, the Burdekin Theatre shared their statistics from 2023, with a plethora of excellent local productions dominating the results.
The Burdekin Theatre’s top performance of the year was Shrek the Musical by Burdekin Singers & Theatre Co. which sold 2,425 tickets across six performances.
In second spot came Rhythm Nation by Rhythm Edge Dance Studios, which was also the fastest selling performance of the year, selling 96.1% of their total ticket sales (845 tickets) in the first 24 hours.
Perform Music’s production of Changemakers was the third top show of the year while East Ayr State School’s production of Madagascar placed fourth and Burdekin Christian College’s The Sound of Music came fifth.
Burdekin Theatre Box Office & Administration Officer Alana Bradley was also recognised for the highest ticket sales by a staff member, selling 2,277 tickets since January 1, 2023.
The Burdekin Theatre. Photo supplied
After 13 years on the Board, Michael Roncato is retiring from his role as Deputy Chair of Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), formerly Burdekin Cane and Agriculture Organisation (BCAO).
A cane farmer of nearly 30 years, Michael was asked to join the board in 2010, then called the Pioneer Cane Growers Organisation Ltd.
He has filled many roles over the years, including Chairman before stepping down to allow Charles Quagliata to take over the role.
“My father, at a rather early age, took a step back to allow me to prosper, so I want to do the same thing at QCAR and go out on a high to allow new blood to come in,” he said.
“I truly believe that every farmer should do a term on the board.
“I have learnt so much, things that you didn’t worry about when you were just farming.
“You need the board.
“When you’re on the board and you see what goes on, you realise how much they do.”
Michael stepped up to his new responsibilities almost immediately as he was heavily involved in the Queensland sugar marketing dispute stemming from the infamous and unprecedented events of the 2010 season.
He also advocated passionately to keep Queensland Sugar Limited in the Burdekin in 2017, providing his membership with a choice of sugar marketer.
Throughout the highs and lows of his tenure, however, Michael’s QCAR legacy will remain, having spearheaded the creation of QCAR through the intuitive collaboration of BCAO and AgForce Cane Limited following efforts to achieve BCAO’s visions for representational unification.
This merger was one of his key goals and was achieved in February 2023, allowing Michael to leave the board on a high.
“This couldn’t have been done without the genuine support of both boards, but especially Charles (Quagliata, QCAR Chair) and Russell (Hall, AgForce Cane Limited President), effectively delivering on what the respective members wanted,” he said.
“We got it to a certain stage but then those two pulled it off.
“It wouldn’t have happened without them, and it needed to happen.”
The QCAR Board farewelled Michael at a Christmas breakup earlier this week where Charles ceremoniously presented him with a framed cane knife gift and thanked him for his service and commitment to the QCAR membership impacting the entire sugar cane industry.
“It’s not an easy job, being a director on the board,” Charles said.
“There’s a lot of unaccounted time that gets put in, especially in the last year with the unification process.
“We’ve already started to see the benefits of building a larger, stronger and more resilient membership base.
“Michael’s supportive vision in being able to see the importance of such benefits has established the foundations for enhanced representation on a state and national level.
“Such representation now enables us to advocate more effectively for our members as a vital voice playing a pivotal role in fostering the enduring success of Queensland’s agricultural industry.”
QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato and CEO Panikos Spyrou
L-R AgForce Cane President & QCAR Director Russell Hall, QCAR Director Peter Papadimitriou, QCAR CSO Michael Kern, QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou, QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato, QCAR Director Christian Lago, QCAR and ACFA Director Dean Sgroi and QCAR Director Frank Mugica
Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
The market axiom that “high prices cure high prices” has played out with our sugar market over the last month.
The breathtaking collapse of the ICE #11 sugar contract has been one for the record books! Combined with a rising AUD, this has resulted in the 2023 season AUD sugar swap price dropping from a record $950/t to a low $750/t. 2024 season prices are slightly less affected with a fall from a season high of $850/t to just under $700/t.
So, what happened? In simple terms a combination of fundamental news items resulted in cautious selling by the commercial sector, which triggered a technical selling spree from the speculators sitting on a stale long position.
The short-term supply outlook changed as Brazil continued to crush through the November rain and progress shipping at a higher than expected rate. The inverted futures market structure, March 24 higher than May 24, was built on the premise that a first quarter trade deficit existed as conditions precluded Brazil to harvest and ship their estimated record crop of up to 660M tonnes of cane.
The extended crush has pushed out the estimate for Brazilian sugar to over 42M tonnes which has eaten into the deficit for 23/24 season. Moreover, the rain has been welcome for Brazil’s 24/25 production estimate, lifting the forecast up to 43.5M tonnes and eroding the projected trade deficit for next year.
India added fuel to the fire via news the government was discouraging mills to produce ethanol in favour of sugar this season just started. In response to a reduced crop, largely due to a poor monsoon, the government is focusing on sugar production. It is anticipated that this will not result in Indian exports but there had been growing speculation that India would need to import sugar to meet domestic consumption needs.
In other production countries: Chinese production has been upgraded by about 1 million tonnes; similarly Europe, Ukraine and Russia forecasts have been upgraded as beet production has been favourable.
Overall, these supply responses have erased the projected supply and demand deficits for both 23/24 and 24/25 seasons.
The positive news is that projected consumption numbers have largely not been impacted by the period of higher prices. It appears the global appetite for sugar can withstand elevated sugar prices without a significant decrease in demand. Will the current price declines be enough to trigger an uptick in demand as countries move to rebuild depleted stocks?
If you’d like to know more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.
There was plenty of festive fun and laughter at the Burdekin Theatre last week as nearly 60 growers, extension officers and service providers attended the NQ Dry Tropics End Of Year Sugar Celebration.
It was a chance to come together and raise a glass in recognition of a productive year across a variety of irrigation, nutrient and pesticide efficiency projects taking place in the lower Burdekin.
Staff from NQ Dry Tropics, Sugar Research Australia, Farmacist and Aglantis updated attendees on the progress of various regional initiatives supporting growers to increase their bottom line while minimising water quality impacts.
But the night was mainly about socialising, with the sugar trivia quiz a particular highlight.
NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt said strong partnerships across the sector were helping to ensure funding translated into on-ground success.
“Tremendous progress has been made towards improving irrigation, nutrient and pesticide management on farms across the lower Burdekin,” Mr Hunt said.
“Growers and industry have been enthusiastically engaged in a range of on-ground projects, and all of the delivery partners have been working overtime to guide and assist farmers who are implementing over 400 individual projects on their farms.
“This hard work has borne fruit, with additional investment coming into the region from iconic Queensland Beer brand XXXX, to complement the projects funded through the partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.”
L-R Sonya and Chris Hesp, Terry Granshaw (Sugar Research Australia) and Arwen Rickert (BBIFMAC)
L-R Chris Doblo (Farmacist), Luke Malan (Aglantis), Michael Hobbs (NQ Dry Tropics)
Denis Pozzebon and Armin Wessel
Amy and Aaron Linton
L-R Brenda Balmer, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin (NQ Dry Tropics Deputy Chair), Sharon Contzonis
L-R Rob Milla (Burdekin Productivity Services), Jack Edwards, Joseph Magatello.
NQ Dry Tropics Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager Rob Hunt
Peter and Brenda Matthews
Joyce and Jim Richardson
L-R Peter Rubiolo, Armin Wessel, John Gorizio, Brian Gorizio.
L-R Rhonda Mann, Arwin Rickert, Lisa Pozzebon
L-R Sarah Willis (NQ Dry Tropics), with Annie Matthews, Scott Matthews, Peter Matthews and Brenda Matthews
L-R Heath Salter, Fiona Salter, Fiona Villis and Paul Villis
Kay and Frank Scuderi
L-R Ross Parker, Jack Edwards and Joseph Magatelli
NQ Dry Tropics Sugar Team Leader Luke Clark
Photos supplied: NQ Dry Tropics
Following a busy year of art activity, the students who attend the Burdekin Art Society Art Classes welcomed their families to their annual exhibition of work and Christmas party on the December 5 at the McMillan Street Clubhouse.
Over the year, between 18 and 21 primary children have attended Tuesday afternoon classes where they have dabbled in a variety of different painting techniques, drawing, sculpturing, collage, construction and more.
Each child had a ‘gallery’ of their favourite art pieces on display for family to see, including creations from our Home Hill Canefields Ephemera entry.
There were also craft tables of Christmas activities for everyone to participate in.
Barb, Luisa and Georgia would like to thank all the families who have been involved in Art Classes for 2023.
Contributed by Burdekin Art Society
the Art Class for 2023 with teachers, Luisa, Georgia and Barb at the back
Lola Smith with her artwork display
Families participating in the craft tables
Photos supplied
The Burdekin Art Society held their annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Exhibition on November 11, across the road from the Mardi Gras in the Lower Burdekin Water Board building.
It was a colourful display of 82 paintings by members of the club.
The People’s Choice awards for this year, sponsored again by Margaret Mary Spottiswood Bland, went to Luisa Delle Baite with ‘Floral Delight’ (first) and Maria Torrisi with ‘Friendship’ (second).
The winner of our raffle was drawn with Margaret Redweik ‘taking home’ a lovely Australian landscape painting by Graham W Smith.
Burdekin Art Society would like to thank the people of the Burdekin for supporting our exhibition again this year – for coming in to view the display and in painting sales.
Contributed by Burdekin Art Society
First People’s Choice winner LuisaDelle Baite
Photo supplied
The festive season is well and truly upon us and the Burdekin community gathered at the touch fields in Ayr last Sunday, December 10 for the Community Christmas Carols.
With local entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and a very special visit from Santa, everyone revelled in the Christmas cheer.
Entertainment was provided by The Burdekin Academy, Perform Music, Malia Ma’u, Uniting Church members and so many more, showcasing our region’s talent and passion for the community.
“The Carols are a great way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and to bring the community together,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.
“We are very lucky to have such a strong supportive community.”
The community gathered on Sunday for the Community Christmas Carols. Photo credit: Melanie Napier
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