Jarvisfield State School's presentation day took place on Monday, December 4, incorporating the year 6 graduation, end of year awards and Christmas Concert.

Alfredo Vasta graduated from year 6 after starting prep at the school in 2017, the same year as the current school principal, Lisa Bello.

“Alfredo is a kind, caring and well liked student,” said Ms Bello.

“No matter where he goes, someone always has something nice to say about.

“Even though he will be the only year 6 child going into high school this year, he has many friends joining him at Ayr High.

“Small schools do a great job of ensuring strong friendships are fostered across schools prior to their transition into high school.”

Many awards were also presented to students for attendance, encouragement, sport, improvement and academic efforts.

In addition, the Super J award was awarded to Riley Trindle and Aaliyah Trembath for outstanding behaviour this year.

For the first time ever, the Shiradean George Cultural Award was presented to the most outstanding indigenous student across all areas of school.

Shiradean George was honoured to personally present this year's perpetual award to Kasey Trindle for outstanding academic performance, being a great sportsman, outstanding behaviour and good attendance.

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Jarvisfield State School Principal Lisa Bello, Alfredo Vasta and Burdekin Shire Councillor Kayley Boccalatte

Riley Trindle and Aaliyah Trembath

Kasey Trindle and Shiradean George

Encouragement Award recipient Wil Bovenkirk

Academic Award recipient Clayton Crisp

Encouragement Award recipient Remmie Shultz

Academic Award recipients Kailey Rowe and Jorja Vasta

Improvement Award recipient Tane Sollitt

Gold Attendance Award recipients Jorja Vasta, Mika Bello, Holly McIntosh, Lachlan W, Harper Trembath, Logan Norris and Clayton Crisp

Photos supplied

The value of Australian agriculture production is forecast to fall as increasing global supply and drier conditions impact farmers.

Acting Executive Director of Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) David Galeano said the forecast for total agricultural production values in 2023–24 is $78 billion.

This is $16 billion lower than estimated production values for 2022–23 but would still be the third highest result on record.

“The gross value of production is forecast to fall in 2023–24 as drier conditions impact record-high crop production levels seen in 2022–23,” Mr Galeano said.

“In total, Australian crop production values are expected to fall by $12 billion in 2023–24. Livestock production values are also forecast to decline reflecting recent price falls.

“Falling production values and incomes are also linked to declining global prices that are reflective of higher global supply.

“The past 3 years agriculture has seen record-breaking crop production because of higher rainfall.

“As we enter the El Niño period, we expect to see the national crop production fall from these record highs.

“Crop prospects for winter crops over spring have been mixed, and planting of summer crops in 2023–24 is expected to fall, reflecting below-average rainfall and low soil moisture levels during the early planting window.

“Drier conditions and lower prices mean average broadacre farm cash incomes are forecast to fall strongly in 2023–24.

“However, the past 3 years of high incomes have allowed broadacre farms to build up liquid assets, which should help cushion the forecast downturn.”

The Agricultural Commodities Report contains ABARES forecasts for the value, volume and price of Australia's agricultural production and exports. Underpinning the forecasts contained in the Agricultural Commodities Report are ABARES outlook for global commodity prices, demand and supply.

300,000 doses of a vaccine against the serious cattle virus that causes lumpy skin disease (LSD) have been secured in an agreement that will help Australia prepare for potential future outbreaks.

LSD, which also affects buffalo, has been reported in Indonesia but Australia remains free of this devastating disease.

However, if the disease got a foothold here, quick access to and effective rollout of these vaccines will help keep Australian cattle and buffalo safe.

For now, the doses of the vaccine will be kept safe in a secure overseas location. They will also be made available for producers in our closest neighbours, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, if required.

More information on what the government is doing to prepare, and what will happen if there is an outbreak, is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website.

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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Farmers and growers of the Burdekin received a visit from Water Minister Glenn Butcher last week, with Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables’ (QCAR) water committee securing time with the visiting Minister.

Mr Butcher, the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, met with the QCAR Burdekin Irrigators last Wednesday, December 6 to discuss the issue of rising groundwater as well as issues surrounding the supply and pricing of water in the region.

“It was a really good meeting,” said QCAR Manager Melissa Boulter.

“We discussed everything to do with Gladys Lagoon, the rising ground water, Sunwater, and basically all things water in the Burdekin River Irrigation Area.

“The Minister was very open and engaged with us.”

Mr Butcher said he is committed to visiting the Burdekin again before the end of the year to meet local irrigators and hear their rising groundwater concerns.

“I’m a big believer in getting out on the ground to see things firsthand and hear from local irrigators on their properties,” he said.

“It was great to talk with local irrigators and hear their concerns; and also their views on solutions moving forward.

“The visit was a good opportunity to see Sunwater’s Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Mitigation Project underway, thanks to $12.5 million funding from both the Australian and Queensland Governments.

“This is one of our state’s most important agriculture regions, so we need to work together to tackle this problem.

“Clearly, there needs to be off-farm and on-farm activities in place to tackle this challenge and I’m happy to work with irrigators and other stakeholders to advocate for further support for these works.

“I’m grateful for the generosity of growers who met with me to share their views on this important issue.”

QCAR Burdekin Irrigators is a branch of QCAR’s Board and associated grower support services, advocating for its members throughout Queensland.

The committee is headed by Chair Cy Kovacich alongside members Dean Sgroi and Peter Hall while Ms Boulter supports the committee.

It consists of experienced growers who have, at one point or another, been a Director of an organisation within the sugar and irrigators industries in the local area.

They bring with them a plethora of knowledge and support for our growers.

“We make sure our growers are getting the right services and support,” said Ms Boulter.

A major issue facing the growers of the Burdekin is the rising groundwater in parts of the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme, threatening the productivity and sustainability of agriculture in the Lower Burdekin region.

Sunwater is delivering the Lower Burdekin Rising Groundwater Mitigation Project alongside government, industry, customers and community to respond to rising groundwater in the Lower Burdekin.

A Local Agricultural Success Story

Since 1932, Inkerman Lime & Gypsum has been passionately servicing the agriculture sector of the Burdekin and beyond. The business has always been locally owned and operated, with Robert, Joe and Rosetta Tama of Home Hill currently at the helm. Having lived in the Burdekin for almost half a century, the Tama family are no strangers to the region, its land and its people. With experience and interests in sugar cane, small crops, heavy produce, mangoes, broad acre crops and forestry, the Tama's have been aware of the benefits of lime and gypsum products and have used them extensively over the years. Developing a love for the product, the family took over the business and hope to share this same experience with their customers new and old.

Farmers – It’s That Time Of Year Again

Harvesting is over. The best way to maintain or increase productivity is to ensure your soil is of optimum health for ratooning and planting. Unless your soil is in good health, the full benefits of fertilisers will not be achieved.

Why Gypsum?

Gypsum and lime have been used for more than 200 years as a soil amendment and fertilizer and, for various reasons, can substantially increase crop yields anywhere from 10 to 50 percent. Gypsum is a natural source of calcium sulfate and provides two of the most essential elements of plant life: calcium and sulfur. Regular use of gypsum is essential to the sustainability of most irrigated soils and has numerous advantages and benefits to the soil, the crop and the farmer.

Because of these benefits, it pays, not costs to use Inkerman Lime & Gypsum.

Products And Services

Inkerman Lime & Gypsum are suppliers and spreaders of Natural Earth Lime & Silica, Natural Winton Gypsum, Pulverised Lime, Natural Rock Phosphate and Dolomite. Using their decades of agricultural experience, the team can customise blends to suit your individual needs. They are now sourcing natural gypsum from a different mine site at Winton and, by virtue of it’s physical characteristics, it is much more soluble and readily available to soil and plants.

Inkerman Lime & Gypsum also provide a variety of spreading services with computerised direct drop augers, spinners, orchard spreader applicators and variable rate spreaders, all fitted with GPS navigational systems for a more accurate application. All vehicles have been fitted with the latest state-of-the-art computer technology for a perfect spread every time. They can deliver the product directly to you, frequently delivering to Proserpine, Bowen, Dalbeg, Millaroo, Giru, Townsville, Gumlu, Burdekin, Ayr and Home Hill.

Understanding the unpredictable nature of agriculture, Inkerman Lime & Gypsum has partnered with agPAY Crop Finance and DelayPay to provide its customers with flexible payment plans allowing you to purchase your inputs now and pay for them later or post-harvest.

New Top End Gypsum

Building on the varied benefits of natural gypsum, Inkerman Lime & Gypsum is proud to introduce a game-changing synthetic alternative, Top End Gypsum. Available exclusively through Inkerman Lime & Gypsum, Top End Gypsum is gypsum in its purest form and has been proven by leading labs to be much cleaner, faster and more readily available to plant growth than natural gypsum. Because of its very high analysis, less of the product is required for the same response, accelerating your plant growth, increasing productivity, saving you money and increasing your profits. Contact Robert and the team today to learn more about Top End Gypsum, secure your order and unlock your soil’s full potential.

Inkerman Lime & Gypsum In The Community

When Home Hill celebrated its centenary in 2013, Inkerman Lime & Gypsum were recognised for their long term commitment to the Burdekin, highlighting the business’s role and positive work in the region. Money spent with Inkerman Lime & Gypsum stays in the Burdekin and, each year, the business injects millions of dollars into the local economy for goods and services and provides employment for many members of the community.

Inkerman Lime & Gypsum would like to wish the Burdekin a merry Christmas and looks forward to continuing this ground-breaking work in 2024!

37 Advantages To Using Gypsum

1. Gypsum improves soil structure

2. Gypsum helps reclaim sodic soils

3. Gypsum prevents crusting of soils and aids seed emergence

4. Gypsum improves low-solute irrigation water

5. Gypsum improves compacted soil

6. Gypsum makes slightly wet soils easier to till

7. Gypsum stops water runoff and erosion

8. Gypsum decreases pH of sodic soils

9. Gypsum increases the pH of acidic soils

10. Gypsum improves swelling clays

11. Gypsum prevents waterlogging of soil

12. Gypsum can help remove excess boron from sodic soil

13. Gypsum increases the stability of soil organic matter

14. Gypsum makes water-soluble polymer soil conditioners more effective

15. Gypsum makes excess magnesium non-toxic

16. Gypsum corrects subsoil acidity

17. Gypsum can enhance the values of liming

18. Gypsum improves water-use efficiency

19. Gypsum creates favourable soil EC

20. Gypsum makes it possible to efficiently use low quality irrigation water

21. Gypsum decreases dust erosion

22. Gypsum helps plants absorb plant nutrients

23. Gypsum decreases heavy-metal toxicity

24. Gypsum increases value of organics

25. Gypsum improves fruit quality & prevents some plant diseases

26. Gypsum is a source of sulfur

27. Gypsum helps prepare soil for no-till management

28. Gypsum decreases bulk density of soil

29. Gypsum decreases the toxic effect of NaCl salinity

30. Gypsum multiplies the value of other inputs

31. Gypsum can decrease pH of rhizosphere

32. Gypsum keeps clay off tuber and root crops

33. Gypsum decreases loss of fertiliser nitrogen in the air

34. Gypsum can be a source of oxygen for plants

35. Gypsum helps earthworms to flourish

36. Gypsum can increase water retention in soil

37. Gypsum can increase crop yields

Five long-term teachers at Ayr State High School will soon teach their last class before retiring at the end of the school year.

Teresa Gemellaro, Judy McCallister, Kerry Flynn, Mary Piras-Flynn and Emily Shannon have all decided to end their careers at Ayr State High School after teaching generations of Burdekin students.

“It’s not often as a community we get to celebrate career long achievements of a number of people at the same time,” said Ayr SHS Principal Craig Whittred.

“We are as proud to celebrate their achievements as we are sad to be losing their experience and professionalism.

“Each of these people made important individual contributions not only to the fabric of Ayr High, but to the individuals they worked with, both students and staff.

Five of Ayr SHS’s most respected teachers have hung up the whiteboard markers as they enter retirement at the end of the school year.

Deputy Principal Kerry Flynn said teaching wasn’t his initial direction after leaving school but found his passions in maths and physics at university.

Starting at Ayr SHS in 1990, he said he found a school that made him feel welcome and he never saw the need to leave.

Originally from Charters Towers, Mr Flynn worked as a senior maths/physics teacher and Maths & Science Head of Department before becoming Deputy Principal.

“There are so many wonderful young people in the Burdekin who do amazing things and this has been the case for the 34 years I have taught here,” he said.

“Being involved with these students every day and being part of this great school has been a privilege.”

Science teacher Teresa Gemellaro also explored different career options before deciding on teaching, saying she was drawn to it after helping a fellow classmate who had sustained brain damage at her small two-teacher school.

A chemistry specialist, Ms Gemellaro taught a range of maths and science subjects throughout her 40-year career across Burdekin Catholic High School and Home Hill SHS and before sticking with Ayr SHS since 1997.

“I love seeing the happy expression on students’ faces when they understand something they were struggling with,” she said.

“I also love hearing about the many different pathways students follow after leaving school, whether that be higher study and a professional career, or achieving in the workforce in other ways, and becoming great parents.

“It is quite amazing over the years to have taught the children of many former students, and even a few grandchildren are arriving at the school these days since I began teaching in 1980.”

Mary Piras-Flynn also wasn’t sure which path to follow after school, ultimately taking the suggestion of a guidance officer to pursue teaching and has since taught commerce, Italian, computing and maths.

Ms Piras-Flynn accepted a role in Ayr due to its similarity to her hometown of Ingham, saying she ended up staying for 34 years because of the staff and the students.

“This school is a close-knit community where everyone from teachers, ancillary staff and students get on well together,” she said.

“The best thing about teaching in a country school is you get to know the students as well as the families.

“The thing I will miss the most is getting to know a new set of students each year.”

Originally a vet, Emily Shannon became a teacher after moving to the Burdekin when she married her husband, Evan.

She started in the Maths and Science Department at Home Hill SHS in 1988 before commencing at Ayr SHS in 2001.

“It has been a privilege, and mostly rewarding, to work in education,” Ms Shannon said.

“To me, education is about the love of learning.  

“It’s great when students achieve qualifications that lead to employment, but it is about more than that.”

Lastly, Judy McAllister developed a passion for working with people with diverse needs in a role with the Endeavour Foundation before starting as a Teacher Aide with Ayr SHS’s Special Education Program in 2005.

“I feel privileged to have been a part of so many young people’s lives over the years,” she said.

“I have been blessed in my career choice.”

Upon retiring, Ms McAllister and her husband will relocate to acreage at Mount Fox, near Ingham, while the other four will remain in the Burdekin.

“Generations of young people in the Burdekin have been supported through the tireless efforts and professionalism of these special people, and I certainly wish them the very best as they step into the next phase of life,” added Principal Craig Whittred.

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Retiring Ayr SHS Teachers Teresa Gemellaro, Judy McCallister, Kerry Flynn, Mary Piras-Flynn and Emily Shannon. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

L-R Kerry Flynn, Teresa Gemellaro, Judy McCallister, Mary Piras-Flynn and Emily Shannon. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Craig Hosie On The Highs And Lows Of Policing In His Hometown

Craig Hosie’s 32-year policing journey has led him across north Queensland, from stints in the Gulf of Carpentaria to the regional metropolitan centres of Townsville and Cairns.

He transferred to the Burdekin, where he was born and raised, in 2004 and, nearly two decades later, he’s made the decision to leave his hometown to embrace fresh challenges and new adventures in Mackay.

Born and raised in Home Hill, Craig’s roots run deep in the Burdekin.

In a heartfelt reflection on his journey, he admitted to the challenges of policing in his hometown.

“It’s emotionally challenging to police in a community you’ve grown up in but, by the same token, you use that knowledge and those connections you have with people to build relationships,” he said.

“It has been hard, at times; I’ve seen things, been to fatalities where there’s been people I know involved.

“Seeing people subjected to rough times is hard and that emotion does have a place but when you’ve got to do a policing job, it’s not the case of just switching that emotion off but stemming it to a point where you can do your job but still employ a certain amount of it to be able to show people you care.”

With those lows come unprecedented highs, Craig's tenure seeing him engage actively with the community and relishing moments like leading the Water Festival parades and extending support to those in need.

“Some people have had connections here for years and being able to assist them in their times of need is a privilege,” he said.

“There’s a lot of times when you see people at their worst, but on the flip side of that, we’re able to help those people climb out of the rough they’re in and get them back to a point where they’re improving their lives.”

With a deep connection to the Burdekin and its people, Craig said he will miss the camaraderie he’s built across the station and the region but is excited by the change in scenery as he enters the final five years of his policing career.

“I’ve worked with some really great people here,” he said.

“I think Ayr is very lucky to have these people servicing the region.

“There are a lot of people in the Burdekin I will miss, but, after 19 years, I just felt I needed to have that change and give somewhere else a go.

“I’m excited to get to know everyone (in Mackay) and their expertise, what they’re good at, how I can help them to further their careers, so that’s all exciting.”

Craig worked his last day at Ayr Police Station last Friday, December 1 and was farewelled at a dinner the following Sunday as he prepares to start in his new Shift Supervisor role in Mackay on December 18.

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Craig Hosie worked his final day at Ayr Police Station last Friday

While I’m disappointed to be missing the Christmas Carols and all the other exciting events happening in the Burdekin this weekend, I’m excited to be travelling to Brisbane to see probably my favourite band ever.

I first discovered The War On Drugs in 2014; I still remember helping Dad in the shed one weekend where I would often hijack his ancient wireless to listen to triple j, the choice radio station at the time.

A song called ‘Red Eyes’ came on; with a driving beat, floating synths and an epic guitar riff, I was entranced.

I continued to dig into The War On Drugs; the 2014 album for which ‘Red Eyes’ was the lead single, ‘Lost In The Dream’, became a favourite, filled with mesmerising guitar work, atmospheric synthesisers and beautifully written rock songs.

Then came 2017’s ‘A Deeper Understanding’, an album that I probably enjoyed more than it’s 2014 predecessor, although I consider both perfect records.

It was upon the release of ‘A Deeper Understanding’ that I got my first opportunity to see The War On Drugs live – they headlined Laneway Festival in 2017, sitting atop a stacked lineup that convinced me and my friends to buy tickets almost immediately.

It remains one of my favourite live music experiences and still gives me goosebumps to this day.

The songs that I’d grown to love so dearly were so perfectly recreated on the stage where lead singer and guitarist Adam Granduciel’s talents with the guitar were well and truly on display.

The band announced an Australian tour in May, their first since 2018, and I could barely believe it.

The opportunity to see one of the best bands in the world (my opinion) at the Riverstage with some of the best friends a bloke could ask for (fact) doesn’t come by every day, so I farewell the Burdekin for the weekend and hope to return with stories of an epic evening of live music.

A group of local Burdekin women ‘packed a little joy’ when they made a donation to Hope In A Suitcase Australia last week.

The Ayr Branch of the Catholic Women's League collected items throughout the month of October before donating the items to Hope In A Suitcase, a non-profit organisation providing suitcases for children going into foster care or out-of-home care throughout north Queensland.

“It was wonderful to meet some of the ladies from the Ayr branch of the Catholic Women's League when they dropped off all the beautiful donations they had collected over the last month or so for us,” Hope in a suitcase Australia - North Qld region said on social media.

“We are so grateful for their generosity and thank you to their kind friend who drove it over for us in his ute!”

“Many of these items we were almost completely out of so it was perfect timing!

“They also raised some money which will enable us to purchase suitcases and items as needed - what a huge impact their generosity will have!”

Congratulations to all involved in this thoughtful donation which is sure to make a massive impact!

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The Ayr Branch of the Catholic Women's League donated items to Hope In A Suitcase North Queensland. Photo supplied

A new AVGAS fuel facility has been installed at the Ayr Aerodrome and is now available for 24/7 use.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said that the Council was committed to supporting the airport facility and ensuring its commercial viability.

“We are delighted to have secured this new fuel installation for users of the Ayr Aerodrome, which will benefit the local aviation community and fly-in visitors,” Ms McLaughlin said.

Council was notified in August this year that the former supplier was removing their services from the Ayr Aerodrome.

Ms McLaughlin said Council immediately launched a tender process to find a new provider to ensure minimal downtime.

Woodham Petroleum Services was selected as the successful tender and completed the installation in November 2023.

The new facility, supplied and serviced by Woodham Petroleum Services, will accept Visa/Mastercard, Eftpos and Woodham Petroleum network E Tags for account holders.

An E-Tag is available for use in the Club aircraft VH RTY.

For account/E-Tag inquiries, please contact Woodham Petroleum Services on 02/68281356 or State Operations Manager on 0499 281 356.

A proud Juru man, Rick Dallachy represents his people throughout north Queensland through advocacy, land and sea management and community support.

In his role as CEO of Juru Enterprises Ltd, Rick leads the commercial arm of the Juru people, often collaborating with the Native Title board based in Townsville.

“Juru is our native people,” Rick said.

“We’re a part of the Birri Gubba nation which runs from Townsville halfway out to Charters Towers down to nearly Mackay, taking in all that area.”

Retiring after almost 40 years in the electrical industry, Rick found himself representing his ancestors on the board of Juru Enterprises Ltd before taking on the CEO role after a restructure in 2017.

“Now we’ve got a staff of between 14 and 19 and our sole purpose is on our native title land between Bowen and Home Hill,” he said.

“We do land management on most of the state owned land.

“When people hear an indigenous group like ours have native title to parcels of land, they automatically think we’re coming to take their land, but native title doesn’t work like that.

“Native title is all about unused state land that’s been proven that our ancestors used to live off that land.

“We get exclusive native title rights to that land and part of the sea as well.”

Rick prides himself on offering opportunities to all but will hire fellow Juru people when he can to care for their land.

“If you go back through history, our people have been backburning and managing land all the time,” he said.

“It’s hard yakka but it’s very rewarding; our Juru descendants love working on their ancestors' land, and they really take pride in their work.”

Aside from the native title side of the business, Juru Enterprises Ltd started a pilot program six years ago aiming to drive attendance at Bowen State School by providing breakfast for all students.

The program has a huge success, growing to provide students with breakfast, morning tea, lunch and snacks five days a week, and has since been implemented at Home Hill State High School.

“The kids love it … and attendance is through the roof,” Rick said.

“The teachers are reporting that misdemeanours in the classroom are dropping, and grades are going in the right direction.

Rick also volunteers with children at PCYC Burdekin and used to be heavily involved in junior rugby league and boxing.

“That’s my passion, I just love working with kids,” he said.

“I want to see kids achieve and while I’m healthy enough and able to, I’ll do everything in my power to see kids succeed.”

Supported by North Queensland Bulk Ports, Engage Marine and FOGS Queensland, Rick hopes to see the great work of Juru Enterprises Ltd continue into the future as he plans to step aside in the new year.

While transitioning into retirement, Rick will remain involved as a consultant during the changeover period and continue his role as a valued leader of the Juru people and the Burdekin community.

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Rick Dallachy presenting Home Hill State High School student Blaize Palmer with an Indigenous Pride Award. Photo supplied

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling on the Federal Government to step in when it comes to the youth crime endemic in North Queensland, calling the inaction from both federal and state governments disgraceful.

Addressing Parliament last week, Mr Willcox made a heartfelt plea to the Labor government to protect the victims of crime, protect our children, and restore their personal safety.

“The fact that people in my electorate are thinking twice about taking their kids to the park because they can’t guarantee they’ll make it there and back safely. It’s appalling,” Mr Willcox said.

Stating that these victims need to be protected the MP labelled the long-term trauma felt as a result of these crimes “distressing.”

“Witnessing the escalating levels of criminal activity is distressing.

“The fact that in 2023 the people in my electorate are so afraid for their safety that they are sleeping with weapons beside their bed is unacceptable.”

Speaking on some of the recent crimes in the Dawson electorate, Mr Willcox said that the basic human need for personal safety isn’t being met.

“We need to know that when we’re sitting in our loungerooms watching TV or leaving the house to go to work that we’re safe.

“That the belongings we worked so hard to pay for are safe. That our 74-year-old neighbour won’t be assaulted in his own home.”

The competition emerging online among these young offenders is “fuelled by the desire for notoriety and misguided notions of popularity” exclaimed the impassioned MP.

“This is no longer about a single moment of adrenaline. This has transformed into a contest, not of skills or achievements, but rather a race to commit the most appalling acts, leaving our streets marred with the consequences of their thoughtless actions.”

“If their mate steals a Mazda, they have to steal a BMW. If their mate steels a Porsche, what next?

“Do they have to steal a life?”

In 2015 the Coalition created and funded the Office of the eSafety Commission to protect children from online bullying and harmful content, which was a world first explained Mr Willcox.

“I am now calling on the Labor Government to protect victims of crime by empowering the eSafety Commissioner to explicitly handle online content of criminal activity material in a similar way to how cyber-bullying and cyber-abuse material is treated.”

“[We need to] enhance protections of children and young people online from digital content that depicts criminal activity material and prevent them from a life of crime.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, urges the Federal Government to act on youth crime issues in North Queensland

Two Home Hill State High School students have returned to the region with a clearer vision of what their futures hold after attending the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Young ChangeMakers program.

Maliq Ogomeni and Jacob Machin, who both completed year 11 this year, attended the four-day program in Brisbane last week, providing them with an immersive university experience highlighting different study areas and life as a UQ student.

“The program is about young people that are doing well in school to see what uni life is like and see what they can do at UQ,” said Maliq.

“We learnt about the uni experience, what we can do to get in, what courses we can do and how it opens up to more things, but it was also about connecting with the people around you.”

Maliq and Jacob were accepted into the program after a lengthy application process and said it good to connect with over 200 other participants.

“I’ve always been looking at UQ for after high school, so I thought it’d be a good introduction to the uni and get my name in the ring,” said Jacob.

“I knew there’d be likeminded people going so it was good to meet up with other people with the same interests from all around the country.”

“Brisbane’s huge and UQ’s the most prestigious university in Queensland, so I wanted to go to get the experience of being surrounded by likeminded people,” added Maliq.

Across the four days, participants attended lectures, heard from guest speakers, took part in workshops and explored career expos.

The final night involved a gala dinner and disco where Maliq performed a song with a fellow student he’d met at the program.

Both Maliq and Jacob are excited yet nervous to enter their senior years next year but said the program gave them a clearer idea of what they hope to achieve after finishing school.

Jacob hopes to pursue either a degree in Architecture or Design in the future and Maliq hopes to pursue a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Law.

The pair couldn’t speak highly enough about the program.

“If you get the opportunity, definitely pursue it, because the Young Chamgemakers Program is good as,” said Jacob.

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Jacob Machin and Maliq Ogomeni

Local fire fighters are battling poor conditions at the Ayr Fire Station according to member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, who is imploring the Minister for Fire and Emergency Services to say ‘when’ not ‘if’ a new fire station will be built.

PFAS chemicals have been uncovered at the Ayr Fire Station and these have been found to be leaching into the ground.

These chemicals, which are often used to fight fuel fires, are a dangerous contaminant and management of them is severely impacting the daily function of the fire station.

The fire fighters are unable to train at the facility and have to travel to a new site, they are also having to adopt contamination management processes that cost time and money.

“Currently equipment and personnel have to be transported to a training site where they undertake their training and then all the equipment has to be cleaned before it can be returned to the Ayr station,” said Mr Last.

“Any water used at the station itself cannot be discharged and is collected and stored for treatment.

“There are also implications for the appliances that crews use to respond to emergencies. The latest design of firefighting appliance won’t fit in the existing station so, instead, we have to wait for a specially modified appliance to be delivered.”

There are other sites in the local region that have been found to contain PFAS, but many have been moved to a different location to solve the problem.

Mr Last believes this should be happening with the Ayr Fire Station as well.

“We rely on our local firefighters in our time of need and, frankly, it’s not good enough that they are expected to operate from a sub-standard facility,” said Mr Last.

“I raised the effects of PFAS on staff and volunteers and the need for a replacement appliance with the Minister back in October.

“In his reply the Minister confirmed a new appliance would be delivered in 2024 but, when it came to the PFAS issues, our concerns were completely ignored.”

“What we need to see is a new, purpose-built facility to house not only the staff and auxiliary firefighters, but also as a base for up to date appliances and equipment.”

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At one stage, over 8,000 litres of contaminated water was awaiting collection from Ayr Fire Station. Photo supplied

Back in July 1904, Harry E P MacDonald was editor of the Delta Advocate for a very short time. Upon leaving the district he had the following words to say of living conditions in Ayr.  This was printed in various newspapers- Queensland, New South Wales and the Sun from Kalgoorlie Western Australia.

“Also, we desire to bid a long farewell to Lynch’s Bull, and Irving’s Cow and Edwards’ Heifer.  (Lynch, Irving and Edwards were V.I.P’s of the district).  Furthermore, the insanitary system has provided us with material for paragraphs when more unsavoury subjects were unavailable .  Then Mr Burke and the bailiff, and other sundries have rendered valuable assistance in the production of this journal to all of whom we are grateful, and a peace that passeth all understanding is upon us, together with 8s10pence, which is reserved to bear us hence. Good-bye again, dear friend of ours, and may your prosperity continue through all the years to come. Fight the same fearless battle you have fought so long.  Success will finally crown your efforts, and fortune will smile upon you with kindly eyes, for your heritage is great. Farewell then A word that must be, and has been -sound which make us linger – yet farewell.”  

Then he tore himself away. Sewage -in 1904 was a horse with cart and toilet pans were delivered and taken away from the outside the toilet shed by the night man and his cart. This service was performed in the early hours of the morning before people were up and about going to work etc. This was not a pleasant smelling aroma throughout the town. Just imagine this being written up today in our society. I wonder did the citizens of Ayr know their fame had spread far and wide in our country.

Come forward to October 1931 in the Home Hill notes of the Townsville Bulletin. The town was in the middle of the sugar-cane harvest and nothing much was happening as this was also the Depression years. So, the previous Saturday afternoon, an Italian Man came into town from up river (Osborne) pulling a four wheel buggy to stop beside one of the local hotels, where the excited chattering of a number of Italians proclaimed that something must be happening that they had no knowledge of. Enquiries elicited the fact that the human horse had made a bet with one of his countrymen, and this was the wager- the terms being the man had to pull the four-wheeler into town, a distance of seven miles, load a case of lager into the buggy and pull it home again, all within six hours. The seven miles into town took 2 hours 20 minutes an average of three miles per hour which was very good moving. After loading the case of lager (four dozen large Bottles) and incidentally using a little lubrication taking internally, the return journey was commenced. Word was later received in town that the human horse puller had reached home with just over half -an-hour to spare. Would any of us do this for entertainment today?

Finally fast forward to early 1950’s in Queen Street Ayr. The Shire Council decided to upgrade the footpaths in front of the shops in Queen Street by cementing them and making easy walking for pedestrians. The cementing finished and the footpaths looked great. Then along came the Post Master General’s (PMG) within the space of a couple of weeks and they decided to dig up a section of this newly laid cement footpath to work on laying telephone cables in Queen Street. The lines were duly laid and layers of soil covered up the telephone cables. So much for cement pavements in the main street of Ayr.  Come Saturday morning and local shoppers came to town to find that some wags had planted lettuce, carrots and beetroots in the dirt to make a vegetable garden. There was much laughter. Would this happen today!?

Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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Vegetables were grown in the dirt in the middle of the footpath