Jarvisfield State School

Welcomes Prep Students

Photos supplied: Jarvisfield State School

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First Day Back At St Francis Catholic School

Caption: Photos supplied: St Francis Catholic School

Thursday, January 11 saw 18 players arrive ready for an afternoon of bowls.

Game 1: Tony, Des and Trevor 20 drew with Judy,  Bob and Clinton 20.

Game 2: Paul, Dino and Henry 19 were too strong for Jim, Joe and Mick 9.

Game 3: Margaret, Lloyd and Hugh 20 defeated Conner, John and Gary 12.

16 players turned up to play barefoot bowls on Wednesday night, January 17.  

Winning the night was Meryl and Sam.

Thursday afternoon bowls on January 18 had 19 players turn up to do battle on Rummeny Green.

The winners of the day was the team of Mick McClosky, Jocelyn DeFranciscus and Dino Poli.

Barefoot bowls is on again on Wednesday evening, come along for a feed and a game of bowls in the cool of the evening 6pm for a start at 6:30.

Thursday afternoon bowls names in by 1pm for a start at 1:30.

Afternoon tea approximately 3pm finish at 4:30.  

Bingo on Thursday mornings.  

See you all there.

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Paul, Dino and Henry

Meryl and Sam

Mick, Jocelyn and Dino

Photo credit: Trevor Elton

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Wednesday 17/1/24

1st Prize to Jim Murray, Tony Battaglia and Ray Wall defeated Mick Murison, Arthur Gauvin and Ron Soper.

2nd Prize to George Nixon and Chris Berkery defeated Margaret Chapman and Col Essex.

Saturday 20/1/24 (Bob Murison Memorial Day) was a special day put on by the Murison Family and was very well supported with a full green of bowlers.

1st prize to Bob Pickard/Mick Olsen (shared game), Peter Lejarraga and Lew Stidston defeated Katharina Stuckler, Barry Hewson and Ron Soper.

2nd prize to Mick Murison, Joe Grabbi and Wayne Coonan defeated Ashley Smith, Tony Battaglia and Ray Wall/Happy Horan (shared game).

3rd prize to Margaret Linton, Alan Jones and Arthur Gauvin defeated Paul Vass, Alex Bojack and Ross McLaughlin.

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

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Home Hill Tennis is set to host its Annual Open Day set to coincide with the success of this year’s Australian Open this coming Monday January 29. This year there was much for Burdekinites to cheer about with local tennis star Adam Walton making his Australian Open debut. Playing in singles, doubles and mixed Adam played well and gained a lot of valuable experience. His family were there to cheer him on and couldn’t have been prouder. Many locals followed his matches on Nine Now.

At the Open session there will be free tennis and pickleball for all ages and stages from 6 pm onwards.  Pickleball is a racquet sport played on a smaller court with a light whiffle ball. “It is very easy to play with an underarm serve,” said pickleball organizer Kate Casswell. “Possibly the hardest thing is keeping track of the score.” Pickleball is regularly played on Tuesday nights at 7 pm.  Interested players should contact Kate Casswell on 0447384441. The first night you play is always free. Pickleball begins on January 30.

Besides the tennis and pickleball there will also be a free sausage sizzle and merchandise giveaways. Tennis members will have the opportunity to sign on and pay membership fees which are a bargain at only $60 per adult. Players wishing to join the Monday night competition should message Sheryn on 0417617622 or email homehilltennis@gmail.com. Players paying fees for the whole year in advance will receive a bonus discount and a free drink on the night. This is a great opportunity for all tennis players to get back on the court in preparation for the Annual Sugar Bowl event in May which is always a highlight on the northern calendar.

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The Burdekin cheered on Adam Walton this tennis season

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Over the last weekend of school holidays, 33 nippers from the North Barrier Branch descended on the Ayr Surf Club to take part in the annual Camp Alva. This camp is designed for Under 12 and 13 members to work on leadership and team building skills and experience different aspects of the Lifesaving movement that they can progress into over the coming years.

Back cover caption: The Camp Alva Crew. Photo supplied

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Camp Alva 2024

The participants and assistants at Camp Alva 2024, Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’s annual camp, undertook an Around Alva Adventure race, completing tasks at stations to gain clues, various team building activities, tie-dying, surf sports and other activities.

Everyone had a great time and the current Under 12s are looking forward to returning next year, while the Under 13s will be progressing onto the Branch award camp in September to gain their Surf Rescue Certificate.

The youth members of clubs around the branch are still in training for State Titles held on the Gold Coast in March.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Team building activities

Pillow fighting fun - Emma Jones and Charlotte Lawry

Photos supplied

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With hundreds of people expected to gather in Home Hill’s Memorial Park to commemorate Anzac Day in April, members of the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch have shared their concerns that a colony of flying foxes roosting at the park may cause a safety risk to attendees.

Sub Branch President Richard Kelly and Secretary Allan Petersen recently approached Burdekin Shire Council with their concerns, and while Council confirmed plans to relocate the flying foxes over the next couple of months, Mr Petersen fears it will be too late.

“There is a responsibility that we have, an obligation that we have to meet to provide a safe venue,” Mr Petersen said.

“I’d like to see it earlier and give the park a chance to get cleaned up while we’re getting a bit of rain.

“It’s going to take a little while to clean the park up to be suitable to let people in under those trees.”

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RSL Sub Branch President Richard Kelly and Secretary Allan Petersen are concerned flying foxes will derail Anzac Day plans in Memorial Park. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Council Makes Moves To Disperse Flying Foxes

For the last few months, a colony of flying foxes has resided in Home Hill, most notably in Kidby Gully and Memorial Park, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming that dispersal activities have commenced.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the dispersal activities, part of Council’s approved permit from the Department of Environment, use non-lethal methods such as light and sound devices, gas guns and ammunition shots.

“I want to reassure residents, that Council must adhere to the permit conditions which sees no flying fox be harmed in dispersal activities,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“The methods used by Council officers are humane and effective, and comply with the permit conditions and animal welfare standards.”

Council will not conduct any dispersal activities in the areas where baby flying foxes are present, which causes concern for the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch, who fear the Memorial Park colony will make the venue unsafe come Anzac Day on April 25.

While catching diseases directly from flying foxes is extremely unlikely, and there are no confirmed cases of anyone getting sick from touching flying-fox faeces, urine or blood, the animals are known to carry life-threatening viruses Hendra virus and Australian Bat Lyssavirus.

Sub Branch President Allan Kelly is also concerned about the associated noise and worries that flying foxes will deter attendees.

“They’ve tried elsewhere, and it’s taken them months and months to get rid of them (flying foxes),” he said.

“We’ve got a big ceremony here on Anzac Day and we can’t expect kids and grown ups to come here with this around them.

“We’re going to lose patronage, so they’ve got to do something and do it quick.”

“I’ll give the Council their due, they have reacted very quickly in giving us a response,” added Sub Branch Secretary Allan Petersen.

“They know there’s responsibilities you’ve got to meet with a venue for stuff like this.

“Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance and it’s a very important part of Australia’s behaviour.

“If these things do cause a major issue, we can’t have it here, it’s as simple as that, unless we have people sitting out in the sun.”

Council’s dispersals will be undertaken every Tuesday and Friday from approx. 4:30am to 7:00am until February 2.

Intense dispersal will commence in the first week of February, every day for one week.

After that, subsequent dispersals will be as necessary, depending on the flying fox population.

Burdekin Shire Council apologises for any inconvenience caused throughout the dispersal activities and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the community during the dispersal activities.

For more information, please contact the Council on 4783 9800.

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Burdekin Shire Council has commenced flying fox dispersal activities in Kidby Gully, Arch Dunn Park and known roost sites in Home Hill. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Hi readers,

You might have noticed our North Queensland Summer Holiday Series in the last few editions of Burdekin Life.

These have been a pleasure to research and write as I’m still relatively new to North Queensland and am always looking for new adventures and new places to explore.

A large motivation behind my decision to move from Brisbane to Mackay almost two years ago was to explore a part of the country I’d seldom had the opportunity to explore before.

Places like Cape Hillsborough, Eungella, Finch Hatton and the innumerable “secret” swimming and camping spots littered throughout the region opened my eyes to the beauty of North Queensland and are places I largely wouldn’t have considered visiting had I not lived nearby.

The same can be said for living in the Burdekin, giving me access to places like Alva and Wunjunga beaches, Groper Creek, Magnetic Island and Alligator Creek – again, places not necessarily on the top of my list two years ago.

I look forward to capitalising further on the unique location of the Burdekin by heading further north to discover Paluma Range National Park, the Atherton Tablelands and the countless gorges and waterfalls that I’ve heard so many good things about.

I’m also eager to follow the river inland to see what Ravenswood and Charters Towers has to offer.

So, while I’ve built a pretty decent list of locations from researching these stories, please let me know if you have any other recommendations for places I should visit or experiences I should experience in North Queensland.

If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore this weekend, flick to page 14 to discover our North Queensland Summer Holiday Series for this edition; beautiful Magnetic Island.

At their last meeting of 2023, members of Home Hill Rotary Club were pleased invite Kaylene Rinella of St Vincent de Paul to join them.

Home Hill Rotary Club took the opportunity to present Kaylene with a cheque for $1,500 to support the work of St Vincent de Paul.

At the meeting, Kaylene gave a brief update on the work of St Vincent de Paul and how this donation would be used.

“Thanks to Rotary again this year for assisting Vinnies to provide emergency food relief, not only at Christmas but throughout the year,” Kaylene said.

A post sharing news of the donation on social media was met with comments of congratulations and appreciation.

“Great work Rotary and Kaylene!! Thank you to both organisations for all your hard work in our community,” said on commentor.

“Well done Home Hill Rotary donating to this cause,” said another.

“Well done, Kayleen. You do so much for the community,” said another.

St Vincent de Paul works to combat social injustice by advocating for people who are marginalised or disadvantaged, or at risk of experiencing disadvantages.

Workers and volunteers work to prevent poverty and homelessness, and work to support those experiencing disadvantage to regain sustainable independence by providing them with a hand up, not just a hand out.

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Home Hill Rotary Club presented Kaylene Rinella of St Vincent de Paul with a cheque for $1,500. Photo supplied

Burdekin Shire Council wishes to inform the public that scheduled maintenance works on the Home Hill water tower trunk main are planned to commence tonight, Thursday January 18 from 9:00pm and are expected to be complete by Friday January 19 at 2:00am.

While customers in Home Hill and surrounding areas may notice a temporary drop in water pressure during the works, Council does not expect there to be any interruption to supply.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the works and thanks the community for their patience and cooperation.

For more information or enquiries, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

An episode of ABC’s ‘Back Roads’ filmed in the Burdekin last year will go to air on Tuesday, January 30, showcasing what the region has to offer to the entire country.

Back Roads is an Australian observational documentary series that takes the road less travelled and visits some of the small towns and communities that make Australia special.

Host Heather Ewart travels to these towns to discover remarkable stories and inspiring people, with her and her crew visiting the Burdekin in May 2023 for the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival.

As well as capturing the festival, cane cutting and cane fires, Heather interviewed many locals to hear their stories, including Gloria Vass and her family and Desley Musumeci who was interviewed as the spokesperson of her cooking group, Pandemonium.

“They rang up and said they wanted to come here to see what we were going to cook,” Desley said.

“We made them homemade ricotta, pasta and ravioli.”

Desley’s husband Alf was also interviewed about his family’s origins in the region.

“When they were here filming Alfie, they had Heather sitting across the table from us and they were filming us, and then they had to come behind us and film her asking the same questions,” Desley explained.

“She said, ‘I’ll ask the same questions, but don’t answer,’ well I had to put my hand over Alfie’s mouth because he kept going to answer!

“They were lovely people, the whole four of them.”

The episode will air on ABC on Tuesday, January 30 at 8:00pm and will be available to stream on ABC iview.

“I’m certainly going to tape it,” Desley said.

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Back Roads host Heather Ewart visited the Burdekin last year to film an episode of the documentary series. Photo supplied: ABC

Neither a new Premier nor a new year have diverted Member for Burdekin Dale Last’s attention away from much-needed medical facilities and services in the Burdekin.

Thousands of signatures and a campaign that ran for several months saw the state’s Health Minister recognise the importance of the equipment which would mean as many as 15 patients a week would no longer need to transferred to Townsville for CT scans outside business hours.

“The response from the Minister was positive but if the Minister thinks we will now sit and wait then she is sadly mistaken,” Mr Last said.  

“This is not the first time we have seen this issue raise its head.  

“We were told that a Business Case was being prepared as the next step and our community deserves an update.

“I said in October that I would keep working on this issue until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans in Ayr.  

“I also said I will work cooperatively with the Minister as long as we saw continual progress and I will honour both of those commitments for as long as it takes.”

With forecasts of significant rain in coming days, Mr Last said the wet season brought with it yet another reason for the project to be given the green light.

“While we have seen improvements in some areas of the road network that are closed by flooding it’s almost impossible to flood proof the Bruce Highway,” he said.  

“When the highway is shut the only option to access CT scans for many patients is via a helicopter transfer.

“In addition to ensuring 24-7 access to scans all year round, the installation of a CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital would mean that, in times of emergency, we are more self-sufficient.  

“It also reduces demand on the rescue helicopter to allow it to focus more on the emergency response.

“Every time I talk to people about this project another reason it needs to happen is identified.  

“I am confident that the business case will support the project and, if it does, the decision to get the project started comes down to political will.

“My preference is that the business case is completed and that funding for the building and equipment is included in the budget in June.  

“Our community deserves access to medical services and facilities that ensure the best outcome and it really shouldn’t take an election to ensure that those services and facilities are on offer.”

Luke O’Brien, formerly of Ayr, has been identified as the victim of a tragic incident that occurred at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's (BMA) Saraji mine on Monday, January 15.

Mr O’Brien and another worker were working in the fuel-bay area of the open-cut mine around midday when an interaction between two vehicles left the 27-year-old with significant crush injuries.   

He was taken to Dysart Hospital but later died from his injuries. 

Mr O’Brien’s mother, Yvette, shared her heartbreak on social media.

“A piece of my heart has been shattered,” she wrote.

“My baby boy is gone.”

Queensland's regulator for the resources sector, Resources Safety and Health Investigation (RSHQ), has launched an investigation into the incident.

RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said the death will impact the entire Queensland mining community. 

"We'd like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the victim, his friends and his co-workers," said Mr Djukic. 

"As soon as we were notified of the incident, we launched an investigation sending multiple investigators and inspectors from our Serious Incident Investigation Unit and Coal Inspectorate to the site.

"We're also working closely with BMA to find out what went wrong and prevent this from happening again."

The Mining and Energy Union released a statement saying the whole mining community is shocked and saddened at news of a fatality.

“We are devastated that a coal miner is not returning home at the end of their shift,” the statement read.

“Our hearts go out to friends and family.

“We offer our deepest thanks to first responders and support to workmates who may be traumatised.”

The union said safety inspectors were also on site to conduct a thorough investigation.  

“We will ensure no stone is left unturned in understanding what has occurred and preventing future fatalities and injuries.”

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Former Ayr man Luke O’Brien was killed in an incident at Saraji mine. Photo supplied: Yvette L O'Brien

PCYC Burdekin’s Get Set For Work Program will assist a new cohort of vulnerable job seekers in 2024 thanks to a renewed funding commitment from the Queensland Government.

The Get Set For Work Program is funded through Skilling Queenslanders for Work, assisting unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders to gain skills, qualifications and experience to either enter or remain in the workforce.

PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott said the funding will allow the Program to build on previous years in assisting the region’s youth.

“It fills that gap for those 15- to 19-year-olds who are disengaged from school and aren’t in work,” he said.

“The three things we chase for an outcome are either getting a job, going back to school or further training.”

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 to assist them in the workforce.

Other skills focussed on in the program include team building, work experience, resume and cover letter writing and interview practise.

“We modify it to suit our participants,” Mr Scott said.

“We’re looking at building on what we have got and spending a bit of time looking at what else we can value add to the program in assisting them to get that first job.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum announced a statewide investment of $51.7 million in targeted and tailored training and employment pathways.

“Queensland businesses need skilled employees across the board, and we are committed to delivering the training needed in areas of demand,” Mr McCallum said.

“The organisations receiving fundings understand their communities and their workforce needs and can make vital connections between job seekers and employers.

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is helping people overcome the barriers to participation, to acquire new and in-demand skills.”

Enrolments are now open for 2024, with the program due to commence on January 29.

Participants must be 15–19 years of age and able to commit to a 10-week program 5 days a week.

To find out more, contact Mr Scott on 0448 686 648 or email Rowan Scott rowan.scott@pcyc.org.au.

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PCYC Burdekin Get Set For Work Program Coordinator Rowan Scott (left) looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of participants to the program in 2024

Tennis in the Burdekin has received a massive boost this month with local junior Adam Walton starring on the international stage.  

Television sets across the region have been tuned into Channel Nine as Walton, along with plenty of other Australians, took to the court in the Adelaide International and the Australian Open earlier in January.

The 24-year-old recorded two stunning victories to earn his place in the Adelaide International main draw, defeating world No.70 Pedro Cachin before backing it up with a 6-3 6-2 win over world No.77 Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the final qualifying round.

Having never previously defeated a player inside the top 100, the world No.176 defeated two within 48 hours.

Walton came up against 7th seed Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, January 9, unfortunately going down 6-1 6-3.

Notably, Lehecka went on to win the tournament.

Walton then opened his Australian Open campaign on Sunday, January 14, coming up against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi on Kia Arena.

The Aussie made an encouraging start and found himself serving for the opening set at 6-5 but was unable to hold.

Walton was then overwhelmed by Arnaldi who took command in the tiebreak and never really let go, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4.

The Italian was recently successful in lifting the Davis Cup alongside world No.4 Jannik Sinner in December 2023 after defeating Australian Alexei Popyrin in the opening match of the final.

He also reached the fourth round of last year's US Open before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.

While being eliminated in the early stages of both tournaments, Walton has successfully proven his skill and potential while inspiring the next generation of young North Queensland tennis players following a similar path to his.

Tennis commentators on the Nine Network have praised his developing game during the tournaments, with Lleyton Hewitt’s former coach Roger Rasheed believing the Burdekinite can continue to make a big impact if he can move forward in the court and attack more.

Ayr Tennis Club coach Patrea Bojack said her squad of talented juniors has been inspired by Walton’s performances on international television.

“They are so proud that a local tennis player has made it to a major and it can only help teach them that if you are willing to put in the hard work, you can make it,” Ms Bojack said.

“He deserves every bit of success because he has done it the hard way by building his game in the professional ranks through the American college system.

“I was so pleased when Tennis Australia granted him a Wildcard into the Australian Open as it can help him access tournaments in other places in the world plus at the very least walk away with $120,000 for being a first round competitor at Melbourne Park.”  

Walton, currently based in Brisbane, started playing tennis in Home Hill aged five alongside his older brother, Jack.

Taking every opportunity to further their young tennis careers, the brothers both received and accepted tennis scholarships to attend Brisbane school Churchie where they completed their final three years of schooling.

After finishing school, Adam pursued the US college pathway, attending the University of Tennessee and playing college tennis in America for five years before graduating and playing professionally since August 2023.

Walton was one of six Australian tennis players to be awarded coveted main-draw singles wildcards for the 2024 Australian Open.

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Adam Walton won his first ATP Challenger Tour title in 2023. Photo supplied: ATP Tour

On the afternoon of Thursday 28 December 2023, Ayr Police received a complaint of damage to an exterior wall at a residence in Munro Street, Ayr. As a result, a 30yr old Burdekin woman was charged with one count of wilful damage and is due to re-appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 14 March 2024.

At 11.20pm on Thursday 28 December, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Burke Street, Ayr. The driver, an 18yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .027 is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January.

At 1.20am on Sunday 31 December, Ayr Police were called to a local licenced premises on Queen Street, Ayr in relation to damage to a glass door. As a result, a 23yr old Burdekin man was charged with one count of wilful damage and commit a public nuisance in a licence premises and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January. He was also issued with a Police Banning Notice relating to licenced premises in Ayr. When Police arrived at the licenced premises, their attention was further drawn to the behaviour of another patron said to be yelling and screaming. As a result, a 23yr old Burdekin woman was subsequently issued a Public Nuisance ticket and also issued with a Police Banning Notice relating to licenced premises in Ayr.

At 2am on Wednesday 3 January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 48yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, possessing a dangerous drug and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 March.  

At 8.45pm on Thursday 4 January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce highway, Ayr. The driver, a 37yr old Cairns man, was issued a NTA for unlicenced driving and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 29 January.

On Friday 5 January, Ayr Police were called to Ayr Hospital in relation to the behaviour of a person at that facility. As a result of investigations, a 51yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for one count of public nuisance and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 12 February.

Snr Sgt Steve Barton 

OIC Ayr