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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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pioneer Mill brought an end to the 2023 production season in the Burdekin on Sunday morning.
Wilmar’s four Burdekin sugar factories processed a total of 8.03 million tonnes of sugarcane this season, manufacturing about 1.18 million tonnes of raw sugar.
Group Manager Operations James Wallace said Wilmar’s Kalamia Mill was the first to finish on Friday, November 17.
Inkerman Mill crushed out on Wednesday, November 29 followed by Invicta Mill on Thursday, November 30.
Pioneer Mill crushed the last cane at 7.04am Sunday, December 3.
Wilmar staff provided the Burdekin Women in Sugar group with a firsthand look at the sugar manufacturing process when the group attended a private tour of Wilmar’s Invicta Mill recently.
The visit was hosted by three women from the Wilmar Sugar and Renewables business: Group Manager Asset Management Systems Sharon La Spina and Invicta Mill process improvement engineers Claire Dowling and Jessica Wilson.
Mrs La Spina said the eight participants enjoyed seeing how sugarcane was transformed into raw sugar.
“Most of them had never been inside a mill, or hadn’t been since they were in primary school, so they really appreciated the opportunity,” she said.
“As well as getting insight into the milling process, they got to sample some of the products along the process – from massecuite to molasses and raw sugar.”
The November 17 tour wrapped up with afternoon tea at the Giru CWA Hall.
While Wilmar doesn’t offer public tours of its factories, Grower Marketing consultants Meghan Wilson and Fiona Villis team can facilitate private tours for grower suppliers to give them a firsthand look at where the sugarcane they supply is manufactured into raw sugar for the world market.
Growers who wish to express interest in attending a factory tour in 2024 are asked to contact Meghan on 0437 669 118 or Fiona on 0437 297 978.
Pictured at the Invicta Mill tour are, from left, Kylie Sibson, Sharon Stockham, Lisa Pozzebon, Sharon La Spina, Claire Dowling, Jessica Wilson, Barbara Cole, Fiona Villis and Judy McDermott
Wilmar’s Claire Dowling (left) and Jessica Wilson (second from left) led the private mill tour for Women in Sugar Burdekin
Photos supplied
Fast Facts:
Rehoming Fee: $195
DOB: 3/5/2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Kid Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Other Cats: Yes
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors
Named for her beauty, poise and charm, Aphrodite encapsulates being a Greek goddess.
Incredibly playful and full of love, Aphrodite is looking for a family that can give her absolutely all the attention she deserves. She loves being cuddled, pet and held.
However, Aphrodite is also an independent lady, who does enjoy her own company and can amuse and entertain herself while home alone, with her family at school or work.
Coming from a busy foster home, Aphrodite is used to anything, and will transition into any home seamlessly.
Aphrodite is available and is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations, and is flea, tick and worm treated.
To schedule a meet and greet, please submit an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.
A trial conducted by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables on a 130ha cane farm in the Burdekin region has yielded promising outcomes through its complete automation in irrigation, implemented since the farm's early planting last year on Stockham Road.
Agricultural Productivity Manager Peter Larsen said the first-year results showed the volume of water applied was reduced by one-third compared to traditional irrigation methods, and there was a significant reduction in nitrate runoff and losses to groundwater.
Importantly, cane yield was 136t/ha – the same as what was achieved on the areas under traditional irrigation.
“These are very good results for the first year of the trial and we’re keen to see if they can be repeated in future years of the crop cycle,” he said.
The automated irrigation system was installed as a joint project with Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and other industry partners, and is known as the Burdekin Irrigation Project.
“It uses state-of-the-art technology to automate turning pumps on and off, and opening and closing valves – tasks that would typically be carried out by a farmer or farmhand,” Mr Larsen said.
“This means irrigation sets can be changed automatically, anytime of the day or night, without someone having to drive down to the farm to open and close valves. Instead, they can control the irrigation schedule remotely, from a computer, a smartphone or a tablet.”
Wilmar Farmhand Robert McArdle, who oversees the irrigation at the Stockham Road farm, said the technology was easy to use and created greater efficiencies.
“With this system, we can change water in shorter sets, manually or automatically, using an iPad. You can control the irrigation from anywhere in Australia or the world. As long as you’ve got internet, you can do it.”
SRA Burdekin District Manager Terry Granshaw said the Wilmar farm was an ideal trial site because it had even row lengths and similar soils across the whole farm.
“We’ve set this farm up as a demonstration site, with the aim of creating a greater understanding of how technology such as this can benefit the sugar industry through improved irrigation efficiencies, reduced run-off and deep drainage to groundwater,” Mr Granshaw said.
“By working closely with the Wilmar Farms team to analyse the results of the trial over the five-
year crop cycle, we will collect good, commercial-scale data to share with other farmers.”
Wilmar’s General Manager Agriculture Ian Davies said the use of technological innovation underpinned Wilmar’s drive towards more efficient and sustainable farming operations.
He said Wilmar Farms was extremely happy with the results so far and was developing a capital program to roll out automated irrigation across its Burdekin operations.
Work is currently under way to install automatic irrigation on two more farm blocks, totalling 250ha, next year.
Wilmar Farmhand Robert McArdle says the technology is easy to use and creates greater efficiencies
The irrigation schedule can be controlled from a tablet
Automation has reduced water applied by one-third in the first year of the trial. There has also been a significant reduction in nitrate runoff and losses to groundwater
Helene Holmes Sponsored our last playing day Tuesday, November 28.
Winners were Raylene Hervey, Betty Schultz and Pam Power defeating Ruth Moore, Carolyn Jones, Karen Page and Irene Wilson. Runners up and also winners of the jackpot were Katarina Stuckler, Di Lindridge, Heather Jorgensen and Sandra Stidston defeating Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon, Beryl Cornford and Dot Cutting.
Wednesday night November 29
Winners on the night were Katharina Stuckler and David Burt and in 2nd place were Tricia Achille and Joe Grabbi. Just a reminder, our final night for this year is on December 13. Come along for a fun filled night.
Men’s Club Competition 2023 Winners
A Grade Singles Winner- M. Parravicini
Honeycomb Open Mixed Singles Winner - M. Parravicini
B Grade Singles Winner - D. Burt
A Grade Pairs winners - M. Power and R. Soper
A&B Pairs Winners - J. Grabbi and L. Stidston
Mixed Open Pairs Winners - S. Darwen and M. Parravicini
Open Triples Winners - J. Papale, S. Caltabano and G. Pearce
Open Club Fours Winners - B. Walker, S. Caltabano, L. Stidston and G. Pearce
Open Club Mixed Fours Winners - V. Edwards, J. Hall, S. Darwen and M. Parravicini
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
The Burdekin Unit of the SES has appointed a new Local Controller to lead the Clare, Giru, Rita Island, Home Hill and Ayr units for the next three years.
Warren Francis took over the role at a presentation on Monday, November 28 as John Winn stepped down after a three-year term.
SES Regional Director Daryl Camp congratulated Mr Francis on his appointment.
“He has so much ability,” Mr Camp said.
“He brings a huge lifetime of skills and knowledge to the position and will now take this unit forward.”
Newly appointed SES Burdekin Unit Local Controller Warren Francis has been involved in the SES for five years, most recently serving as Deputy Local Controller, and brings over 37 years of police, marine rescue and emergency experience to the role.
“It’s very rewarding work, being able to help people in the community, in particular vulnerable people and people who can’t help themselves in sometimes serious situations,” he said.
“This is hard, dirty work and you generally get called out at the most inconvenient time, but it is rewarding.
“The vulnerable people in the town need it and supported by council, we achieve it.”
Mr Francis’ new role will involve collaborating with council and representing the SES in the Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group.
Burdekin Shire Council Manager for Client Services and Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi said Mr Francis’ appointment provides security for the future and growth of the SES.
“John’s done a wonderful job and we can’t be grateful enough to have his commitment for the past few years, but having a change of guard brings a new aspect to the SES, some new ideas and a whole new era,” she said.
Mr Francis said his biggest focus in his new role will be recruitment and was happy to welcome two new members, Jordyn Brooker and Reed Wood, on Monday night.
“The more we can get these young fellas in and get them trained up into those specialised skills, the better,” he said.
“Our membership is the most important thing to us; without people, we’ve got nothing.
“We need to work on recruitment and we need to work on retention of the people we do get in.
“We’re trying to find non-traditional ways because recruiting volunteers is becoming much harder.”
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.
L-R SES Regional Director Daryl Camp, Burdekin Shire Council’s Eileen Devescovi, outgoing SES Burdekin Unit Local Controller John Winn and newly appointed Local Controller Warren Francis. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Mr Francis welcomed new members Jordyn Brooker and Reed Wood to the SES
Welcome to the tenth edition of Burdekin Life – we made it to double figures!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for the excellent feedback you’ve been providing and let you know that it’s appreciated by me and the team, to whom I endeavour to pass on this feedback at every opportunity.
I’ve worked in many marketing, administration and sales jobs across many industries since graduating university in 2017.
Before then, I was a pizza delivery driver, I worked in a fruit shop and I waited in a Chinese restaurant, and I have to say that this is easily the most fun, rewarding and challenging role of my career – with delivering pizzas being a close second.
It’s your feedback about my work here at the newspaper, however, that lets me know this publication is worthwhile and my role in the Burdekin community is appreciated.
I’ve been reflecting on this lately and I sincerely feel that my job is making a difference in the community, but I couldn’t do it without the support of you all and the support of the rest of the Core Publishing team.
Similarly, any constructive feedback is appreciated and implemented wherever possible to make the product you hold in your hands each week better and better.
As always, feel free to get in touch with any notes, feedback or story recommendations – everything is valued and taken on board.
There are renewed calls from state and national dental organisations for the Queensland Government to mandate fluoridated water across the state, with Burdekin Shire Council being one of 51 Queensland councils without fluoridated water.
A statement from the Australian Dental Association Queensland (ADAQ) said community fluoridation is one of the simplest, safest and most inexpensive preventative health measures.
“ADAQ supports the re-introduction of state government-led water supply fluoridation in Queensland now,” the statement said.
“All Queenslanders should be able to access fluoridated water, regardless of age, social status, or where they live.
“Community fluoridation is one of the cornerstones of modern preventive dentistry.”
Local dentist Dr Ramon Oar agreed, saying there is no debate that water fluoridation reduces levels of tooth decay.
“We are big supporters of fluoridating community water supplies because it is a cost-effective measure to reduce tooth decay across the whole population,” he said.
“Everyone has access to drinking water out of the tap, irrespective of their socio-economic situation, so everyone benefits.”
A media statement from Burdekin Shire Council said that while the council acknowledges the benefits of fluoridation, it has never added fluoride to the Burdekin’s water supply, nor does it plan to in the future.
The statement said that the Burdekin has four separate water source schemes, each with multiple input Bore Sources that differ widely in natural fluoridation levels across the schemes.
“In the Burdekin, the cost of individual dosing and control points for this would be very costly taking the natural levels into account,” the statement read.
“There is also WHS (workplace health and safety) issues with the management of fluoride dosing with repeated exposure to operations due to occupational exposure and must be carefully managed by suitably skilled staff which are difficult to access in rural and regional areas.”
The council estimates the costs of fluoride dosing to be in excess of $50,000 per annum plus upfront infrastructure costs for the scheme of approximately $60,000 per site for at least eight individual sites, plus operational and chemical costs.
“Many residents in rural areas, like the Burdekin, are opposed to ‘Mass Medication’, where families, residents like to choose to fluoridate children through tablets, toothpaste, or other choices,” the statement continued.
“Burdekin Shire Council’s position would not change even if the State Government would pay for infrastructure upgrades and operational costs.”
Fluoride was first added to drinking water in Australia in 1953 in Beaconsfield, Tasmania.
Townsville’s water supply has been fluoridated since 1964 with the majority of southeast Queensland fluoridating its water since 2008 when the Queensland Government, then led by Premier Anna Bligh, legislated for mandatory fluoridation of drinking water supplies.
Councils were then able to opt out of water fluoridation when Campbell Newman’s government scrapped the mandate in 2012.
While the state government offered to provide funds for the initial infrastructure required for water fluoridation, Burdekin councillors at that time voted against the offer as they deemed the ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs unjustifiable.
“The politics curbed what would have been a great initiative in the Burdekin,” Dr Oar said.
“The cost-benefit was going to help the state government, who pay the public health bills, but the local councils had to find money in their budget to keep the town’s water fluoridated for no return on that investment, so they didn’t support it and it never happened.”
In an unexpected and heartwarming gesture, students and staff from Maidavale State School brought joy to the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre with a delightful surprise.
Earlier in November, students and staff from the school graced the centre's staff with a batch of delectable cupcakes as part of their lessons in random acts of kindness.
A letter attached to the cupcakes read, “Thank you for providing our community with a great service!
“Enjoy these yummy muffins from the Maidavale State School community.”
“We hope you enjoyed those delicious chocolate muffins for all the great work you all do in helping the community,” the school added on social media.
The thoughtful visit left the centre staff pleasantly surprised and immensely grateful.
“What a great surprise!” Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre shared on social media.
“We really appreciate your visit and for thinking of us!”
The Community Connect initiative by the students and staff of Maidavale State School not only showcased their understanding of kindness but also illuminated the power of small, thoughtful gestures in brightening someone's day.
If you have a Good Deed to share with the community, contact us at editorial@burdekinlife.com.
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre were pleasantly surprised with a visit from Maidavale State School staff and students. Photo supplied
Following the recent spate of youth crime in the Burdekin, victims are urged to come forward and share their stories in order to better inform decisions made by a newly announced Youth Justice Reform Select Committee.
This Queensland Government committee will consist of three government, three opposition members and an independent representative and is set-up to examine the youth justice system including support for victims and reducing re-offending.
Community members have until January 10 to submit their own stories so they can better inform the committee on how locally experienced acts of youth crime are affecting our region.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said that this is an opportunity for victims to speak up and create change in policies affecting both the Burdekin and the State.
“Our community has seen more than its fair share of youth crime,” Mr Last said.
“It is an issue affecting the whole state and it is important that victims, and people with ideas to help, are heard no matter where they live.
“We have seen youth crime result in tragedies and, each and every time, there is an outpouring of anger followed by a government announcement.
“The fact is that, every single day, we are seeing people’s lives affected and they also deserve to be heard and their stories need to be told.
“I’ve been called a scaremonger for talking about the experience of victims and the fact that people are scared and I hope this committee process will result in an end to the denial and name-calling so that the rights of victims are finally recognised.
“You can’t fix a problem by denying it exists and then by downplaying its effects. If me calling on people to have their say results in positive change that puts an end to people feeling scared and frustrated, then that’s a win for the community.
“If, on the other hand, victims speak up and the government refuses to act, it will send a clear message about the government’s priorities.
“This cannot be a talk-fest that doesn’t produce results but, if it is, people will know that the only way to get the issue addressed is via the ballot box.”
Mr Last said more information on how to make a submission is available via his webpage and social media pages or by contacting his office on 4767 0500.
On Thursday, November 16 and Friday, November 17, Ayr Health Service welcomed a team from Clinical Excellence Queensland (CEQ), which included an obstetrician, midwives and a project officer who met with staff and members of the community to talk about the hospital’s maternity service.
Following the recent announcement by the Minister for Health regarding expansion and improvements in maternity services in regional Queensland, the team conducted meetings with medical, midwifery, nursing and health worker staff.
During these discussions, CEQ were able to hear from local staff on a variety of topics including models of care, workforce, education and training.
Local women and mothers who have birthed at the Ayr Health Service, including Kaylee Garner and Mikaela Drain, enjoyed morning tea with the team, where they were able to provide feedback on their experiences and offer suggestions for improvement.
Following this visit, the information will be used to compile a draft report, including recommendations.
The draft will again be shared with the team to ensure it remains valid prior to a final report being presented to the THHS executives and Department of Health.
Contributed by Ayr Health Service
Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola, Kaylee Garner holding Amelia Brix, Mikaela Drain holding Heidi D’Alessandro and Nurse/Midwife Chloe Brunner
Employees of Wilmar Sugar Australia have rejected a proposed pay increase as negotiations, which have been occurring since March, continue.
The sugar giant, which is a subsidiary of the Singapore-based company Wilmar International and operates four sugar mills in the Burdekin, put their latest offer out to a ballot of employees earlier in November, with 80.5 per cent of respondents voting against the company’s offer.
Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said that Wilmar’s offer isn’t sweet enough.
“While sugar prices surge and remain at a high we haven’t seen in decades, Wilmar continue to pay their workers at some of the worst rates in the industry,” Mr Wilson said.
“This is a foreign-owned, multinational corporation making record profits off the back of local communities in this region – it’s time they gave something back.”
Wilmar most recently offered pay rises of 5 per cent in the first year, 3.75 per cent in the second year and 3 per cent in the third year.
AWU said factoring inflation, this increase will take workers backwards and are calling for pay rises of 12 per cent, 8 per cent and 5 per cent.
Leading up to the ballot, Mr Wilson accused Wilmar of acting aggressively to stop workers from voting against the deal.
“We are seeing every grubby tactic under the sun from Wilmar to try to stop their workers from learning about and voting against this terrible offer,” he said.
“We have seen union information removed from crib rooms and notice boards, managers making threats to workers who tell other workers to vote no - they are even denying workers in control rooms from accessing union officials during their lunch breaks.
“Wilmar are even threatening to pull their commitment to converting a number of seasonal employees to permanency, something they clearly have had no intention of ever doing.”
“Our members see this for what it is – bullying tactics from a desperate employer who has lost control of this situation.”
A Wilmar Sugar Australia spokesperson denied these allegations.
“We have not received complaints from any employee of bullying or intimidation related to the EA (employment agreement) negotiation process,” they said.
The spokesperson said negotiations will continue “in good faith”.
“Our EA proposal offered pay increases of 11.75 per cent over three years, back pay for permanent and seasonal workers, and permanency for 71 seasonal employees,” they said.
“Our seasonal employees are covered by the same EA as our permanent employees, and are remunerated accordingly.
“Given our offer was rejected, we will continue to negotiate in good faith, honestly and openly.
“We have responded to a request from unions to meet with them, and are now waiting for all union bargaining agents to respond.”
Wilmar workers are represented by AWU, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU).
Wilmar’s Invicta Mill, Giru. Photo supplied
Seven participants in PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program graduated at a ceremony held at the PCYC on Tuesday, November 28.
The Get Set For Work Program is a Queensland Government-funded initiative through Skilling Queenslanders for Work delivering intensive employment and training assistance to young people.
PCYC Burdekin offers the program to local young people aged between 15-19.
“We assist those disengaged from school who aren’t in work currently,” said PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott.
The 10-week program provides training for young people in small groups of up to 10 participants, giving them the opportunity to improve their skills and increase their chances of employment.
The program offers practical outcomes and accreditation, assisting participants in attaining skills and qualifications including a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, white cards, responsible service of alcohol, first aid and CPR.
Other skills focussed on in the program include team building, work experience, resume and cover letter writing and interview practise.
“The three things we chase for an outcome are either getting a job, going back to school or further training,” Mr Scott said.
“We get guest speakers in to talk about work ethic, what it is employers are looking for, the journeys of our local businesspeople and how they got to where they are today, and we also touch on the Indigenous culture in this area, so they get an understanding of what community is.”
A pick up and drop off service also supports the program while it compliments other programs offered at PCYC Burdekin, giving young people the best chance at employment or study.
“The biggest issue our participants face in getting jobs is a lack of having a license and transport,” Mr Scott said.
“Some of our participants haven’t got that family support so that makes it that little bit more difficult … so we assist the participants in getting registered in the Braking the Cycle program as well.”
Mr Scott congratulated the participants graduating from the last program of the year, telling them to continue to strive into the future.
“Just look for a job to get started, build up the self-confidence, skills and personal development,” he said.
“Just get that first job; it mightn’t be the one you want but at least it’s a start.
“Gain as much knowledge and skills as you can in what you’re doing to move on to the next job.
“From that first job, everything starts to build.”
Building on previous experience in student services, Mr Scott said he finds his role very rewarding.
“The biggest thing for me is seeing the development of the participants, talking to each other more and working as a team,” he said.
“Down the track you hear of participants getting a job or going back to school, so it’s about readjusting their attitude or giving them that confidence to achieve whatever they want.”
PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program will recommence in late January, 2024.
To find out more, contact Mr Scott on 0448 686 648 or email Rowan Scott rowan.scott@pcyc.org.au.
PCYC Youth Worker Tamara Kemp, Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott, Domenik Woodford, Ryland Palmer, Megan Elsum, Kaitlin Post, Ebony Joch and Julia Prezesmycki. Absent: Maddison Davison and Robert Misick. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Last Thursday November 23, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group visited the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station.
Scout Leader Chris Berkery said the visit was a great night and thanked the fire crews for their patience answering the many questions of the inquisitive scouts.
The visit to the fire station followed a visit to Home Hill Police Station the Thursday before.
the Lower Burdekin Scout Group visited the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station last week
The scout group visited Home Hill Police Station the week before
Photos supplied
During the 16 Days of Activism, members of the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc have been engaged in activities to raise awareness in our community to Domestic and Family Violence.
These include placing a Zonta Says No banner on St Francis Catholic School fence, arranging for orange water in Ayr’s town fountain and displaying Orange ladies at select locations across Ayr and Home Hill.
Many people may not realise the scale of violence against women and girls.
Statistics below highlight the magnitude of the problem:
- Globally, 1 in 3 women are affected by gender based violence,
- The number of women reporting domestic violence has risen by 40% in the past few years.
- In Australia, 1 woman per week is killed by a current or previous partner.
Support and counselling is available to women experiencing problems relating to family and domestic violence at 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Contributed by Zonta Club Burdekin Inc.
Zonta Club Burdekin Inc. members placed a banner on the St Francis Catholic School fence last week. Photo supplied
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