Hello, readers, and welcome to the last edition of Burdekin Life for 2023.

What a year it’s been! I always enjoy reflecting on the year that was when it comes to December and this year, like the last couple of years, has been one of massive change for me.

From memory, my new year’s resolution at the end of 2022 was to establish a solid social circle around me in my then home of Mackay. I certainly achieved that and found myself surrounded by lots of lovely people. Having moved to the Burdekin, I find myself starting again, but am well on my way.

The move to the Burdekin will be the decision that defines my 2023. It’s certainly one I wasn’t expecting at the start of the year – sometimes when I’m walking down Eighth Avenue, I take a step back and think, ‘How the hell did I get here?’ – but I’m so glad I made the move and opened myself up to this new experience.

In saying that, I am so incredibly keen to take a break from work and spend the holidays on the Darling Downs with my family and friends. First, a few days in Millmerran where I will enjoy sipping on a beer and eating prawns while floating on the family dam. Then I’m off to spend the rest of the week with my girlfriend’s family near Toowoomba where I believe swimming will also be on the cards. And when December 26 is upon us, I’ll be parked up in front of the tele eagerly anticipating the first ball of the Boxing Day test.

Whatever you’re up to this holiday season, I hope you enjoy it, make the most of your time with your loved ones, and look after those who might not be as fortunate. Have a merry Christmas and I’ll see you next year!

A reminder that there will be no newspaper next Thursday, December 28 and our next edition will hit the stands on Thursday, January 4.

In the spirit of giving this festive season, a heart-warming tradition continues as Wilmar Sugar and Renewables' dedicated team spread joy at Ayr and Home Hill Health Services.

A small and thoughtful team of Wilmar employees delivered cupcakes to Home Hill on Thursday, December 14 and Ayr on Tuesday, December 19, brightening the day of the hardworking hospital staff.

This act of kindness isn't new for Wilmar, as it marks six years of their pre-Christmas goodwill gesture.

Originally starting with a sausage sizzle for Ayr Hospital's team and sweet treats for Home Hill Hospital, the initiative has evolved to solely delivering delightful cupcakes in the face of COVID-19 restrictions.

Expressing their gratitude for the exceptional care provided by frontline health workers, the company has expanded their generosity to Ingham, Proserpine, and Sarina hospitals, ensuring that the festive cheer extends across communities where their sugar mills operate.

This heart-warming gesture highlights the company's commitment to recognising and supporting the invaluable efforts of healthcare heroes during these challenging times.

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L-R Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees John Calligaro and Anthony Bombardieri, Home Hill Hospital employees Sandra Boccalatte, Janelle Black and Cassandra Arboit and Wilmar employees Sarah Harding and Allan Cross. Photo supplied

Future improvements for the Ayr and Home Hill Health Services were put under spotlight last week as members of the Townsville Hospital and Health Board met with locals on Thursday, December 14.

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney and fellow Board member Debra Burden visited Ayr Health Service where they liaised with staff and community to get an understanding of the local issues and assist in future planning.

“I’ve had overwhelming feedback from the community, from consumers, members of the CAN (Community Advisory Network), the mayor and staff; the health service here in Ayr is in good hands,” Mr Mooney said.

“The level of complaints are very, very low, and the standard of care is very, very high.

“The staff here are humming in terms of the service delivery and that’s the message I’m going to be taking back to the Chief Executive and to my board.”

Mr Mooney and Ms Burden also met with the Burdekin CAN where the key priority was the need for a public CT Scanner in the Burdekin.

“I have previously worked with the communities of Charters Towers and Ingham which successfully lobbied the Department of Health and the Government for CT scanners to be funded in those respective communities,” Mr Mooney said.

“I’m now working with the CAN here in the Burdekin to lend whatever support I can to help them in their push for a CT scanner.”

On top of the campaign for a public CT scanner in the Burdekin, Mr Mooney said there are discussions and plans in place for further improvements across the health services including the emergency department, community health, mental health and aged care services.

“It was really pleasing to see the level of positive feedback that I received; that doesn’t mean that we can’t do better,” he said.

Mr Mooney confirmed immediate improvements are in the works for Ayr Health Service, including an increase in staff positions and structural changes to the buildings to improve patient flow.

Meanwhile, Home Hill is subject to consideration for possible refurbishment or rebuild.

“As we look at the strategic expansion here in Ayr and upgrades at Home Hill, there’ll be other challenges coming forward in the future and I’m really excited about the opportunities for new services and improved infrastructure for this community,” Mr Mooney said.

Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola thanked the Board members for their visit and support.

“I also want to thank the whole of the Burdekin community because I can appreciate the fact that they’re all so supportive,” she added.

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L-R Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Member Debra Burden, Burdekin CAN Chair Kaylee Boccalatte Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola

L-R Burdekin CAN Member Rosemarie McLean, Ms Burden, Mr Mooney, Ms Boccalatte, Ms Gabiola, Burdekin CAN Member Joanne Barbagallo, Ms McLaughlin and Burdekin CAN Secretariat Ana Mooney

The Burdekin community has a reputation for supporting people in need and that reputation has been reinforced by the results of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last’s, Christmas Appeal.

Now in its 8th year, this year’s appeal saw generous locals and groups donate an impressive haul of toys, food and clothing in what Mr Last described as the best result to date.

“It may seem ironic that, as more and more people are affected by increases in the cost of living, we see such generosity,” Mr Last said.  

“To me it’s not ironic; it’s proof of the generosity and community spirit of the Burdekin.

“To say it is an honour to represent a community that supports people who are doing it tough is an understatement.  

“This year we have seen quite a few people making a few smaller donations rather than larger donations and that proves that, even though their budget is being stretched, they still see the value in supporting others in our community who are doing it even tougher.”

Mr Last said that long-term success of the Appeal was a credit to the community and especially to community groups who came together to support the cause.

“Since its inception, the appeal has been strongly supported by the Burdekin Men’s Shed and the Burdekin Woodcrafts association and this year we also saw a generous donation from Burdekin Netball,” Mr Last said.  

“The fact that these three great organisations come together to support people doing it tough is a credit to the organisations and to all the members.

“The Salvation Army’s volunteers will now put together hampers based on the needs of the families they are supporting.  

“It’s a great effort by those volunteers as well because it means that families get the support they need, and every single donation is used in a way that it will make a real difference.

“I know that the appeal makes a genuine difference.  

“We have actually had people come in to make a donation who, in the past, have received support from the appeal and it’s definitely motivating to hear that the generosity of the community has helped people when they need it the most.

“I’d like everyone who donated to know that their generosity is appreciated and that they are making a real difference.”

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Salvation Army stalwart Clarence Sutcliffe and Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, were pleasantly surprised by the community’s donations for Mr Last’s Christmas Appeal

In today’s age, your mobile phone is your life. It contacts beloved photos of friends and family, important passwords, and your internet banking. It connects you to loved ones, allows ease of buying and selling, and keeps you safe in times of emergency.

However, for many people, a phone is a means of control and cohesion.

Formed in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an organisation that is actively working to equip victims of domestic and family violence with a safe phone, to help them connect to services that can support their needs and welcome a better life ahead.

“It is an unfortunate reality that some people live in unsafe situations, and as we get closer to Christmas, we have been handing out even more phones to DV and Law Enforcement agencies across Australia,” explained Nikki Firmin, Head of Community and Corporate Partnerships with DV Safe Phone.

“Just last week, we celebrated handing out our 7,000th phone to people in need, an outstanding result for our young charity.”

The Australia-wide organisation, DV Safe Phone has partnered with over 290 local and community organisations, that directly engage with individuals of domestic and family violence, to hand out the necessary devices.

“Every second-hand phone is matched with a brand-new charger cord, a wall plug, a car plug – because we’ve found that many people in this situation are living out of their cars – a sim card, and a starter card. We want every victim-survivor to have a connection to loved ones, no matter what.” Ms Firmin explained.

How does it work?

DV Safe Phone refurbishes donated phones to assist victims of domestic and family violence.

In the Burdekin, you can drop your old phone at DV Phone Boxes in Member for Burdekin Dale Last’s office, and Department of Transport offices in Bowen and Ayr.

Your phone will be collected from local community organisations and sent to DV Safe Phone’s head office, and your phone will be reconfigured to the necessary specifications and repaired (if needed).

It will then be sent out to community organisations and given to individuals in need.

“The phone can be any brand, and we will fix broken screens, or replace batteries. If we can’t use the phone for parts, we will send the phone to Mobile Muster, Australia’s leading recycler, to properly recycle the device,” Ms Firmin explained.

“We’re also finding older phones are particularly helpful for remote communities, when connectivity isn’t as reliable on newer phones. So, it doesn’t matter the age, brand, or condition of the phone.

“We’re proud of the work we’re doing, of the impact we’re having.

“There are thousands of phones sitting in people’s bottom drawers, and they could save a life.”

DV Safe Phones is currently hosting its Christmas appeal and has seen an increase in the demand for safe phones for people experiencing family and domestic violence.

To learn more or donate, visit www.dvsafephone.org.au

To find DV Safe Phone drop box locations, visit https://dvsafephone.org/donate-phones

For any additional information, please contact Nikki at nikki@dvsafephone.org

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Where To Do Off Your Old Phone:

Department of Transport, Bowen

Department of Transport, Ayr

Member for Burdekin Dale Last’s Office

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DV Safe Phones are available at the office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last

Christmas is fast approaching and the new year following closely behind, it seems like 2023 has gone by in flash.

With the holiday season soon to be in full swing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we should be reminded that it’s not the number of presents under the Christmas tree that counts, but the time spent, and the love shared with family and friends that makes this time of year so special.

I know that everyone has been doing it tough this year. We have seen the cost of everything go up, from energy prices, groceries, interest rates, mortgages, and rent.

That’s why this year it is more important than ever to help each other out and show everyone as much support as possible.

There are more ways than one to do this, from buying your Christmas presents locally and championing family-owned businesses in your community, to donating to a charity, if you can afford to, items such as essential products, nonperishable food items, clothing or small gifts for families who may be doing it a little tougher than most.

To those of you are working this holiday period, I want to thank you for your tireless contribution and for keeping our region running.

So, no matter what you choose to do over this holiday break, whether it be exploring our beautiful region or even travelling further afield interstate or overseas, have a fantastic time and return home safe.  

Or if you’ve chosen to stay home and enjoy some quiet time or have all the family joining you, I hope that everyone has a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing you all in 2024.

At 15 years of age, Karen Healy started a dance school, ultimately inspiring thousands of local students across the Burdekin.

The dance school, KHDancers, finished up in June this year and, 45 years later, Karen looks back on the experience with a strong sense of love and appreciation.

Karen started dancing at age four in Home Hill with dance teacher Anne Fraser.

She danced under a number of teachers over the years and when she was 15 her then teacher left town so, as one of the senior students and with the support of local parents, Karen stepped up and began teaching out of the old School of Arts hall.

“It just started from there and grew over the years,” she said.

“There were only probably half a dozen kids at the beginning.

“I didn’t start holding concerts until about 18 years ago; we just used to do it for fun.”

Over the years, Karen’s students would perform across north Queensland including at fetes, debutante balls, Harvest and Water Festival balls and sport matches.

Mainly focused on jazz, contemporary and hip hop, KHDancers established itself as a pillar of the local community, instilling confidence and friendship in students from ages three to 18.

“There’s been thousands of kids over the years, and I still keep in touch with a lot of them,” Karen said.

“We’re onto the second or third generation with some of them; a lot of my seniors in the last few years, I taught their mums.

“We used to have a lot of kids who were really shy so we’d never make a big deal of the concert and on the night, they’d be out there waving at everybody, and their parents couldn’t believe it.”

While Karen loved dance, her focus was on fun and community and provided a safe space to all children who came under her care.

“I love the fun and excitement and thinking of new things to do and new themes for concerts,” she reflected.

“I loved the kids’ reactions, especially the babies, they’d come out and they’d be learning these dances all year and they’d get out there that night and it was like they were the biggest stars in the world.

“To watch that, that used to really make it fun for me.”

Not only were lessons made accessible and affordable, but Karen would also donate some of the funds from concerts to charities and organisations including local schools, Autism Camps Australia, Camp Quality and National Breast Cancer Foundation over the years.

Karen’s sister Maree was her first assistant dance teacher and was assisted by her son, Jake, and niece, Elli, who were instrumental in the running of the dance school.

In June this year, however, after 45 years, Karen had to call it a day after caring for her sick father, who passed away in January, and other family and health commitments.

“It was really hard, I would have gone on for years if I could have, but it was time,” she lamented.

She holds her memories from over the decades so close to her heart and the friendships she made with her students and families even closer.

“I just can’t thank them enough from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

“Through everything that’s happened, they’ve always been the biggest source of support, and I really mean that.

“Even when dad was sick, they were brilliant.

“The girls who have come back and given me a hand when I’ve needed it, their level of support has been unbelievable.

“I still keep in touch with them and I appreciate them.

“I’ve been very lucky with students and parents – very lucky.”

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Karen Healy (middle) taught thousands of dance students over four and a half decades across the Burdekin

Photos supplied

Three vehicles were stolen from Council offices on Wickham Street, Ayr on the night of Friday, December 15 after thieves smashed a window to gain entry to the Vector building and took the keys.

One vehicle was found partially burnt out and another fully burnt out on Saturday morning, whilst another was recovered on Monday, December 18 from Bowen also burnt out.  

Council is working closely with the Police to identify and prosecute the culprits, who were caught on CCTV cameras breaking into the Vector building.

Forensic officers and CIB officers have visited the Council offices to collect footage and evidence which will hopefully lead to the perpetrators being identified and charged.

In addition, the Ayr Swimming Pool Kiosk was also broken into on Sunday night, December 17.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughin said that these crimes are a senseless act of destruction that severely affect Council's ability to provide essential services to the community.

“As Mayor, I am shocked and disappointed by what has occurred,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“Those responsible have shown a total disregard for the law and destroyed public property with absolutely no concern about the impact on the community.

“This is a serious breach of privacy and trust for me and the entire community that supports Council.

“These crimes are not excused by age and must be prosecuted and penalised appropriately.

“Everyone I have spoken to about this incident or other crimes believe they should be punished appropriately, regardless of age, as a deterrent for future offences.

“There is little hope of ever recovering the cost of the damages and once again the Burdekin residents just pick up the bill along with Council’s insurers.

Ms McLaughlin said the Home Hill Primary School also suffered extensive damage over the weekend.

“It is time that these criminals face severe punishments for their actions,” she added.

“Is it the responsibility of the Council to secure all the buildings with fences and steel bars on the windows?

“Who will pay for this, the criminals, their relatives... No, the rate payer.

“They know what they are doing is wrong.  

“Historically the values of respect, love, care and lawful behaviour have been taught in the family.

“This incident and others show that the current system is not working in acting as a deterrent against committing offences of this nature and the impacts it has on everyone.

“Until there are greater consequences for the crimes being committed then nothing will change and the cycle will continue, with respect for the people’s safety and property being continually eroded.

“Perhaps we need to look at how other communities around the world deal with this criminal behaviour and restore some respect for our society’s values and the laws that are designed to protect us all, as clearly the current approach is not working.”

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A Burdekin Shire Council vehicle was set alight after three vehicles were stolen from the Wickham Street offices last week. Photos supplied: Burdekin Shire Council

The Burdekin Men’s Shed members enjoyed their annual Christmas Social on Saturday, December 16.

The members celebrated the festive season and another successful year.

“The Men’s Shed has again reached its objectives of addressing the issues of men’s health such as physical, emotional, and social well-being within the Community,” said Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford.

“We do this by providing a safe and friendly environment where men of all ages can meet, have a chat and a cuppa, make new friends, share and learn new skills, contribute again to the community and avail themselves to men’s health information and the community health resources available.”

The Christmas social was attended by 31 people consisting of official guests, members, guests and partners.

The official part of the Social commenced at 10.00am where the Men’s Shed president Rob Ritchie welcomed the official guests Dale Last MP Member for Burdekin, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Councillor and Men’s Shed committee member John Furnell.

Dale Last MP addressed the gathering and congratulated the members of the Men’s Shed on another successful year.

As part of the Dale Last Christmas Children’s toy appeal 2023 President Rob Ritchie presented Dale with the Men’s Shed contribution to the appeal.

Ms McLaughlin addressed the gathering with her Christmas message and thanked the Men’s Shed for its contribution to the Burdekin Community.

She then presented Certificates of Appreciation to members Alvin Thomas, Edward Chandler, Chris Payard and Ron Coutts who have contributed outstanding service to the Shed.

Councillor John Furnell listed the major 2023 sponsors of the Men’s Shed and thanked members of the general public and community organisations for donations of saleable items to be sold through Facebook and at physical Grage sales at the Men’s Shed.

President Rob Ritchie presented his 2023 report.

Rob thanked and named members of the Management Committee for their support throughout the year.

Changes in 2023 included:

• The introduction of monthly luncheons at various Burdekin venues for member, partners and guests.

• The change of monthly meetings to 10.00am on Saturdays followed by a sausage sizzle.

• The members enjoy a guest speaker at the General Meetings and went on to thank and name the guest speakers in the past year.

• The Members have been involved with assisting the Com. Bank staff with a sausage sizzle for the Clown Doctors.

• The Members have been associated with mentoring student from the Burdekin School which is very rewarding experience.

• The members as a group attends the Choral Society’s shows during the year

• The members attend a Community Prostate Cancer information function in Ayr and a QMSA Seminar in Townsville

• Nickolas Wiseman from the Burdekin Library’s Tech Connect conducted mobile phone sessions each fortnight at the Men’s Shed

• The Men’s shed participated with the Ayr Rotary Club 2023 Community raffle

• Some members accompanied by Rob Ritchie attended smoko visits with the Collinsville Men’s Shed.

Rob thanked all persons for their attendance and wished all present a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Councillor John Furnell presented President Rob with a gift for his report and conducting the Official Ceremony

All persons present enjoyed morning tea followed by a sausage sizzle after the formal ceremony.

Contributed by Burdekin Men’s Shed

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Photos supplied: Burdekin Men’s Shed

Rehoming Fee: $185

DOB: 30/11/2020

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Kids over 12-years

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Not Adult Cats

Indoor/Outdoors: Indoors

This sophisticated lady is after her forever home, and she has set herself a part for the job.

Sophie appreciates a well-loved and well-groomed home. Dedicated to ensuring her fur is clean and beautiful, Sophie is quick to groom her loved ones as well.

She is super clean with her litter box and is quick to love.

Sophie loves her food and will be sure to show her love the best way she can. She will sit on your chest and give you head bumps and rubs to show her affection.

Sophie is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations and flea, tick and worm treated.

To enquire about Sophie, complete an animal enquiry form, https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

As Christmas nears, RSPCA Queensland is reminding all responsible pet-shoppers to buy smartly.  

RSPCA Queensland Spokesperson Emma Lagoon acknowledged that while shoppers are actively looking for gifts, pets are for life and the gifting of animals should be carefully considered.

“If you’re looking for a pet, giving the gift of a second chance to an animal up for adoption is a wonderful thing to do, but only if you’re ready to offer them life-long commitment,” Ms Lagoon said.

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Top Tips for Responsible Pet Buying

• Watch for online scams. Never pay for a pet sight unseen, as chances are it’s a scam. You should always be able meet the pet at their owner’s home prior to purchase.

• Ensure you’re ready for a pet and can provide their essential care for many years to come.

• Research breed traits and health issues and see which pet suits your lifestyle best.

• Don’t forget training and socialisation for your pet, plus ongoing care costs and veterinary needs into the future.

• Visit your local RSPCA, Petbarn, or reputable rescue group to adopt a pet.

• If you can’t find the pet, you’re after by adopting, look for a reputable breeder.

• Getting a pet should be a decision made by the whole family.

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.

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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

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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

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)’s Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program has 3 core operating activities and these are listed below.

1.   Link people with formal and informal supportExamples of activities may include • Providing information or access to technology to assist community members to engage with services and supports themselves • Assisting community members to determine a pathway to meet their needs and navigate social service systems • Warm referrals where the Neighbourhood Centre may assist by contacting services directly on the community members behalf • Engaging community members with local groups for social connection, informal support or opportunities for personal development such as volunteering or learning
2.   Create social connections and inclusionExamples of activities may include • Facilitating community members to participate in a cooking class and share a meal • Opportunities for community members to support each other to develop their digital literacy skills • Events and activities that focus on engaging community members experiencing social isolation and loneliness or new community members to connect and be included • Playgroups or other groups for parents to connect and support each other • Volunteering opportunities
3.   Integrate local community actionExamples of activities may include • Coordinating and supporting community members to design and establish a social enterprise • Facilitating a community-led project to address a social concern raised by people attending the Neighbourhood Centre • Supporting community members who have raised concerns regarding service access due to language to start a project to advocate for better access to translating services • A number of community members have raised a concern about increased litter in an area of the community, the Neighbourhood Centre supports the individuals to join up to consider what action they could take together

** 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.