By Chelsea Ravizza

On Friday January 12, Burdekin Brass Band Members Jye Ravizza and Cecillia Cason were a part of the Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band’s outstanding performance at Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens.

Just under 50 young students from bands across the East Coast performed 11 pieces of music for a lively audience in the heart of the botanical gardens, with Cecillia leading with her talents by performing a solo in Celtic Dream.

The QBA’s Youth Band took the audience on an international tour of the decades, beginning with Lionel Richie’s the 1984 Olympic Fan Fair and Theme, to featuring pieces of music from the exotic Amazon and Old Blighty England to then conclude with another iconic Lionel Richie piece, Love is in The Air.

Each piece was introduced by a different member of the band and accompanied by comedic anecdotes directed towards accredited musician and the QBA’s Youth Band’s director, David Bremner.

Jye and Cecillia performed all pieces of music exceptionally, with Cecillia introducing the Band’s Wonders of The World section for the audience.

Surrounded by gorgeous greenery, the Botanical Gardens provided the perfect location and scenery to immerse yourself in the talents of these young musicians.

The performance concluded the pairs’ attendance of the highly acclaimed QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp, where they enriched their musical talents under the guidance of professionals like David Bremner.

“It’s an incredible week for everyone, and the band just gets better and better as the week goes on,” said Mr Bremner.

“We had a great week, with lots of fun, and we played lots of great music, we had a very special time.”

The afternoon closed with the presentation of awards, where Cecillia was awarded the Leonie Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious award which recognises a student’s passion for their community band association, and dedication to excelling in their musical talents.

Both Cecillia and Jye conducted themselves as true musicians by exhibiting such focus and professionalism.

The pair, along with the rest of QBA’s Youth Band, were able to execute an outstanding performance which received a standing ovation.

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L-R Jye Ravizza, QBA Youth Band Director David Bremner and Cecillia Cason. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

CORES Queensland invites members of the Burdekin community to learn how to pick up the early warning signs, know what to say, what to do and where to go for help with its Suicide Prevention Training in February.

The training will provide participants with the essential skills to identify and respond to a person at risk of suicide.

It will give participants the tools to recognise the early warning signs of suicide, learn how to support a person at risk to access readily available services, promote health-seeking behaviour before a crisis occurs while teaching each participant to identify their own self-care strategies.

“We give people some basic skills to know what to look out for and, more importantly, what to say, what to do and where to go for help,” said Queensland Coordinator and Counsellor Ross Romeo.

“The rural communities are open to it and want to take ownership, so the training gives them some skills to help them recognise that they can’t fix anything for anyone - in the end change has got to come from the individual - our job as a friend or community member is to create the environment for that and help people unlock the tools.”

CORES (Community Response to Eliminating Suicide) is a community-based program relying on volunteers to educate members of the community on how to intervene when they encounter a person they believe may be suicidal.

Originating in regional Tasmania, the program held its first training session in the Burdekin in 2008 thanks to Peter Shadforth, which is where Mr Romeo became involved.

“I went along and found it quite easy to understand and practical,” he said.

A cane farmer of over 30 years, Mr Romeo trained to become a facilitator which led him to his role as Queensland Coordinator and Counsellor.

He now leads the program that provides suicide prevention training and free counselling to the Burdekin and surrounding regions.

CORES Queensland will host its Suicide Prevention Training on Friday, February 9 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at PCYC Burdekin, 164 MacMillan Street, Ayr.

The session is free, and participants are asked to bring their own lunch.

To RSVP, visit https://bit.ly/3U1Lri5 or to find out more, email adminqld@kentishrc.com.au or phone 0448 894 525.

Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health?  

The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004.  

It’s been going strong ever since, helping thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing.

Services currently available at the Centre include:

   • BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711

   • Private Psychological Counselling (Deepwaters Healing, Lutkin Psychology, Melanie Usher, Philip Murray) Ph: 4783 2711

   • Bloom Hearing Ph: 1800 027 779

   • Burdekin Hearing Ph: 1800 008 308

   • Centacare NQ (Counselling) Ph: 1300 672 273

   • Clarity Hearing Solutions Ph: 4779 1566

   • NQ Foot & Ankle Centre Ph: 4723 5500

   • Synergy Health Centre (Exercise Physiology, Diabetic Education, Dietician) Ph: 4724 3250

   • Telehealth Hub Services (Free online service to assist with appointments with a health professional) Ph: 4783 2711

   • Consult Room Hire (health & wellbeing services) Ph: 4783 2711

   • Meeting Room Hire (meetings, groups or workshops – capacity 30 people) Ph: 4783 2711

We would love to see you at the Centre, so please call in to 12A Chippendale St, Ayr, phone 4783 2711 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

Keep yourself fit and healthy by joining the "Move It Burdekin" program, offered by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in collaboration with Burdekin Shire Council. This program is free and is supported by Move it NQ and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).

The 15-week program, facilitated by Andrea Piotto, is for people aged 55 years and above and aims to engage the community in physical activity. The sessions will include low-impact movements, Pilates and yoga, and seated exercises and will cater to different levels of fitness and flexibility.

Andrea is a well-known community figure and is passionate about encouraging people to keep active for a healthier lifestyle. She has a lot of experience in health and fitness – she knows how to make movement fun, and you will be in safe hands with her.

As an added bonus, the program provides opportunities to socialise and learn about ways to improve your well-being. After your movement session, you can enjoy refreshments and a chat. We are offering fun challenges along the way and incentives if you complete the full program.

If you are interested in joining the program, please call the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on 47 834243 or visit our friendly team in person to sign up. Remember, you need to commit to the full 15-week program, and the number of sign-ups received will determine if participants are offered sessions once or twice a week.

The Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Happy New Year Burdekin! We have seen some New Year Resolutions being spoken about in the last couple of weeks and I think a great resolution for people is to try something different and join a new community club or group in 2024.

The Burdekin has always offered many options when it comes to sporting and community groups. It takes a quick look through the new Burdekin Community Directory website, where it showcases the variety of options available in our region. From artistic pursuits like pottery, woodcrafts and singing, to physical activities like bowling, tennis and clay target shooting, among many others.

If you prefer indoor or outdoor, slow or fast paced you can find something that suits your preferences and interests. You might be surprised by some of the things you didn't know you could do in our region.

There are contact details for all the groups and organisations and I especially encourage anyone who does join something new to help out where you can as they all rely on volunteers and many hands make light work, so even the smallest of contributions goes a long way and keeps these clubs going.

I hope everyone has a great 2024!

Did you know that you can access a wealth of resources, information and advice about water usage on Council’s website?

Whether you want to save money on your water bills, reduce your environmental impact, or simply learn more about this vital resource, you can find helpful tips and tools on the Smart Water Advice webpage.

Council has partnered with The Water Conservancy and other local governments to create this online hub of water efficiency information. You can discover how to use water wisely in your home, garden, laundry, pool, and more and find out how to choose the right mulch for your plants, how to check for leaks, and how to read your water meter.

Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted. By using it more efficiently, we can ensure that we have enough water for our future generations. Visit Burdekin.qld.gov.au for more information.

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Magnetic Island is a north Queensland gem well worth exploring thanks to its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and captivating activities. Resting off the coast of Townsville, a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts and those simply looking to relax on the beach awaits. Whether you're planning a day trip or a multi-day stay, read on to discover some of the top things to do on Magnetic Island.

Take A Hike

Take advantage of Magnetic Island's scenic landscapes by exploring its diverse hiking trails. Trek through the diverse landscapes of the national park, offering various trails suitable for all levels of fitness. Hike to vantage points like Forts Walk to witness breathtaking views of the island and spot native wildlife, including koalas in their natural habitat.

Relax On Magnetic Island’s Stunning Beaches

Enjoy the island’s pristine beaches like Alma Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay. Swim in crystal-clear waters, bask in the sun or indulge in water sports like snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Snorkel The Snorkel Trails

Embark on a snorkelling or diving adventure to explore the wonders of the underwater. Witness vibrant coral gardens, marine life and diverse underwater ecosystems at the Nelly and Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trails. Other places to dive and snorkel include Florence Bay, Arthur Bay, Alma Bay, under the jetty in Picnic Bay and at Bright Point.

Discover The History

Delve into the island’s history by exploring World War II forts on the Forts Walk where you’ll learn about the island’s military past while enjoying panoramic views across the coastline. You can also step into the Island’s colourful past by visiting the Magnetic Museum.

Visit The Magnetic Island Markets

Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the markets held at Horseshoe Bay every Sunday. Jewellery, clothing, art, food and an assortment of treasures are all available at the markets where you’ll meet friendly locals and visitors alike.

Indulge In Local Cuisine

Sample culinary delights at various cafes and restaurants across the island. From fresh seafood to international cuisines, there’s something to suit every palate.

Kayak Through Magnetic Island’s Mangroves

Explore the island’s mangrove ecosystems by kayaking through the peaceful waters. Keep an eye out for unique bird species and marine life in this tranquil environment.

Wonder At Waterfalls

Wet season is the perfect time to get off the beaten track and explore this island’s waterfalls which can be found across Five Beach Bay, Arcadia, West Point and Nelly Bay.

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The Forts Walk

Magnetic Island’s iconic koala

Horseshoe Bay at dusk

Sunday markets

By Owen Menkens, CANEGROWERS Chairman

Happy New Year! I hope readers had a peaceful and relaxing break over the Christmas period and are feeling motivated for all those New Year’s resolutions as we head into 2024.

It’s shaping up to be a big year on the agricultural advocacy front, with local government elections looming in March and the state election just 41 weeks away.

At CANEGROWERS, we remain committed, as we have been for almost one hundred years, to advocating the best outcomes for growers, industry, and the regional communities in which we live, work, and raise our families.

Unfortunately, one of our biggest asks in the upcoming local government elections is, if we’re honest, something you should not have to fight for at all – fair treatment. Sugarcane rates in the Burdekin are the highest in the state on a cents in the dollar basis and whilst we have a good relationship with the Council and have worked collaboratively with them over the years to try and smooth rate increases, we cannot escape that fact that sugarcane farmers in general are often expected to pay much higher rates than other residents and small businesses, while often receiving fewer services.

Council rating practices are established to effectively guarantee an income for our local governments and there is no doubt that our councils need to raise the necessary funds to deliver the local services our communities need, but many of our members experience bill shock whenever a rates notice appears.

Farming can be a perilous business, with significant fluctuations in income as we balance tight margins, unfavorable weather, and the boom-and-bust cycle of the world sugar market and whilst sugar prices have been good, they will not remain so and margins will come under more pressure.  

For many years CANEGROWERS has been working with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation to raise these concerns around equity and fairness.  

As a result, at its state council in October 2023, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conceded there was a problem. In fact, a number of councils sought to have the issues of equity and fairness raised at the state government level.

The simple fact is, when it comes to supporting our regional communities, the agricultural sector does some heavy lifting.

Recently, an independent analysis of the sugarcane industry found that for every $1 worth of cane grown in Queensland, the industry generates $6.42 in income for the state economy and supports over 22,000 jobs and 10,000 businesses.

As growers we need local governments to work with the farming sector to expand and increase production, which will in turn boost regional economies.

Growers are part of the community, and as such we are willing to pay our fair share for the services provided by our local governments, but the rate burden borne by growers needs to change.

Councils and rate payers need fairness in the rating practices that local governments use!

In the lead up to council elections in March, CANEGROWERS will continue to fight for fairness and equity in the development of council rate policy.

The extent to which temporary workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste are supporting essential agricultural and food processing industries has been highlighted by new analysis from the Australia Institute, adding weight to calls for much needed improvements to working conditions for temporary visa holders participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

The analysis finds that PALM workers are equivalent to 10% of the agricultural workforce usually resident in Australia, and equivalent to nearly a quarter (23%) of Australia’s meat processing workforce usually resident in Australia.

Exploitation and poor working conditions of many temporary workers has been revealed in the report which recommends that working conditions meet those afforded to domestic workers.

The conditions imposed on PALM workers place them at the mercy of employers in a way that would be illegal for domestic workers.

Employers are allowed to make deductions from their wages, and workers are unable to leave their employers without going through a rigorous bureaucratic process.

If they chose to leave an abusive employer without approval, they face the threat of having their visa cancelled.

“The numbers show that workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste are keen to take up the opportunity to work in Australia, but being tied down to a specific employer creates problems,” said Dr Alexia Adhikari, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Australia Institute.

“It leaves workers enormously vulnerable to abuse and coercion and seriously reduces their ability to leave exploitative situations.

“While recent reforms to the program are certainly welcome, Australia can do more to ensure the equitable treatment of PALM Scheme visa holders.

“Overseas workers should be able to participate in temporary migration programs and return home with dignity as well as savings.”

Australia Institute research shows that there is strong support amongst the Australian public to provide better conditions for PALM visa workers with polling stating that over two-thirds of Australians believe PALM visa holders should have access to Medicare while working in Australia.

“Australia wants the Pacific region to think of us as a family and the Australian government wants to lean on our neighbourly relationship to establish partnerships for development, security and COP31 (climate summit),” said Dr Adhikari.

“We are asking for the co-operation and trust of Pacific Island nations, but our policies leave their citizens vulnerable to exploitation as they pick the fruit and vegetables that end up on Australian tables.”

Industries within which PALM visa holders are strongly represented make massive profits for the Australian economy.

Last year, the combined earnings from agricultural production ($90 billion) and agricultural export ($75 billion) were worth in excess of $160 billion.

The Burdekin agriculture community gathered to experience the future of farming recently as Sugar Research Australia (SRA) hosted a demonstration of Robotti, a Danish developed autonomous farm vehicle.

The Robboti has been imported by Bundaberg company Farm Concepts and is designed for precision operations such as seeding, weeding and spraying, as displayed by Farm Concepts Director Braden Hellmuth and SRA District Manager Terry Granshaw in a cane field at the SRA’s Burdekin Station, Brandon yesterday, Wednesday, January 15.

Mr Hellmuth demonstrated the vehicle and its capabilities of both the hardware and software.

The machine can operate 24/7 without a driver, solely guided by GPS and cameras.

Robboti, the creation of Danish field robotics company Agrointelli, is in operation on farms throughout Europe and around the world and was first imported to Australia in 2022.

“Automation is growing significantly in Australia and agriculture is an important sector in the country,” said Agrointelli CCO Jakob Bebe at the time.

“Robboti can play a significant role in automating the agricultural processes and therefore, we see Australia as an interesting market.”

To find out more about the innovation, visit https://bit.ly/3tOTNyP.

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Robotti in the field. Photo supplied

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is backing calls for an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Inquiry into fruit and vegetable prices to make supermarkets pay their fair share.

“While Coles and Woolworths made record profits of more than $1 billion each last year, the individuals and families living in our electorate of Dawson are struggling with rising grocery costs during a cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Willcox said.

“Over the past 18 months we have seen fuel prices increase, energy prices increase, and now we’re all paying more at the checkout while supermarkets are paying farmers less and it’s not good enough.

“Farmers are integral to Australia, they provide food and fibre to the entire nation, and as a third-generation farmer myself I know just how difficult it can be on our farming families.

“If something doesn’t happen soon, we run the risk of seeing farmers walking away entirely and food security in Australia plummet.”

In November last year Mr Willcox urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to launch an investigation into supermarket meat sale prices and the Dawson MP is now putting the pressure on them to expand that investigation to include fruits and vegetables.

“Something must be done, it’s now a matter of urgency,” Mr Willcox emphasised.

“After 100 days from their announcement for a review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, the Prime Minister has only just appointed someone to lead the review and it’s too little too late.

“A review isn’t going to go far enough.

“The ACCC has the expertise and the ability to do something about this issue, and the last thing we need are more politicians who don’t have the intricate understanding of market and pricing policies just sitting around asking questions.

“This is not only impacting family budgets in Dawson it is now starting to impact the health of families living here.

“We’re seeing reports of families bypass the fresh food section in their local supermarkets altogether and instead opt for cheaper, unhealthy pre-packaged meals.

“We are seeing Queenslanders hospitalised for diet deficiencies so severe that they’re leading to diseases such a scurvy and rickets, and if the cost of fruits and vegetables continue to rise this is only going to get worse.

“The Albanese Labor Government must act before it’s too late.

“We need to ensure there is an ACCC Inquiry into supermarket price gouging.

“The families and farmers in our electorate of Dawson deserve an urgent response and I am going to do everything I can to make sure that happens.”

Home-grown Bowen locals Wendy Bickhoff and her family have been the friendly faces behind Corals City 2 Country since 2009. Retailing high quality western wear, fashion, school clothing and saddlery, Wendy’s description of what her business entails brought a smile to our faces.

“We always say, we sell everything from your hat to your hanky,” said Wendy.

With two kids, a dog and a horse, Wendy and her husband are forever busy, working up to six days a week in the Whitsundays and seven when traveling. After all the hours the pair put into the business, it’s the interactions between customers that stand as Wendy’s highlights when reflecting on the past 15 years.

“The people that you meet in the store or on the road make your day, they become like family, and best friends,” explained Wendy.

With western wear still a focus of the business, Corals City 2 Country has begun retailing locally handmade products, as well as offering a Lazer engraving service to personalize customer’s pieces. Opportunities for growth and innovative approaches to business operations are always on Wendy’s mind, with customers and co-workers having never seen her sit still.

“I am always looking for something different to add to the store, and we talk to all our customers to see what they are looking for as well.”

Wendy and her team pride themselves on conducting their business with old fashioned service, and always seek to work above and beyond for their customers.

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The team at Coral City 2 Country, Wendy and Mark Bickhoff and Mary, Wendy’s mother

Last week, Burdekin Life reported on local business McCathies Furniture Plus celebrating 50 years in 2024.

To reflect this tremendous golden anniversary, Kari and her team warmly invite you to join them at McCathies Furniture Plus on the evening of Thursday, February 8 to enjoy bubbles, memories, and Cheers to 50 Years – this event is not happening today, January 18 as reported last week.

Every customer from Thursday, February 8 to Thursday, February 15 will get $50 in McCathies Money to spend in-store during that week, while there will also be a $500 gift voucher hidden in store for one lucky customer to find.

Approaching its 16th year of business in the bustling Burdekin region, Dominiques Flowers and Funk has adapted and transformed to suit the ever-changing business landscape whilst keeping true to owner, Jenny’s strong family values.

When the business began in 2008, Dominiques Flowers and Funk stood as a florist and accessory store, with a touch of event styling introduced in later years. In 2020, COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for change among each business in the Burdekin region, and for Jenny, she was prompted to introduce clothing to her retail range, and re-structure the event styling component of the store.

“We passed the event side over to my daughter-in-law, and now we get to relax, and sell beautiful clothing all day long,” said Jenny.

Since the introduction of an online store front for Dominiques Flowers and Funk, Jenny and her team are loving the fast-paced environment and are grateful for being the busiest they have ever been.

“We are forever getting in early, leaving late, responding to people’s messages as soon as we get them, and shipping orders as fast as humanly possible,” explained Jenny.

Jenny believes it’s the dedication to producing the highest quality of customer service that has granted the business 16 years of trading.

“We have 16 years’ experience in listening to our clients, doing our best to give them exactly what they are looking for, and we’re forever changing and trying something new.

“We love seeing people leaving the store feeling great about themselves in their new outfit.”

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The friendly team at Dominiques

As the calendar resets and the New Year unfolds, it presents an opportune moment for introspection, growth, and personal transformation. The concept of unlocking your best self isn't merely a cliché; it's a journey toward building resilience, fostering self-discovery, and embracing reinvention.

Resilience, the cornerstone of this journey, embodies the ability to bounce back from adversity, navigate life's challenges, and emerge stronger. It's not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with courage, adaptability, and a resilient spirit. The New Year provides a canvas to cultivate this resilience, to fortify the mind, body, and spirit against life's inevitable ebbs and flows.

Building resilience is a multifaceted process that involves various practices and approaches. Here are five steps to cultivate resilience and how they can assist in navigating everyday challenges:

1. Developing a Growth Mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of life and see them as chances to learn. When faced with the challenge of exercising on rainy days, a growth mindset helps reframe it as an opportunity to try indoor workouts, fostering adaptability.

2. Cultivating Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness during difficult times. Recognise that everyone faces challenges, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. When encountering stressful work deadlines, practicing self-compassion helps reduce self-criticism, allowing space to focus on tasks without added mental pressure.

3. Building a Supportive Network

Foster relationships with family, friends, or support groups. Strong social connections provide emotional support and perspective during tough times. When dealing with personal relationship setbacks, a supportive network offers a safe space for discussion, advice, and emotional comfort.

4. Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management

Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into daily routines. Mindfulness helps manage stress, promotes emotional regulation, and enhances mental clarity. When facing everyday stressors, mindfulness techniques assist in maintaining a calm and composed mindset.

5. Setting Realistic Goals and Taking Decisive Action

Break larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. Prioritise tasks and take proactive steps toward your objectives. When struggling with motivation to exercise or facing work deadlines, setting achievable daily goals creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates consistent progress.

Building resilience equips individuals with the tools to navigate daily challenges:

   • Motivation for Exercise in Adverse Conditions: Resilience fosters adaptability, allowing you to find alternative workout routines or see rainy days as an opportunity for different physical activities, maintaining consistency in your exercise regimen.

   • Handling Stressful Work Deadlines: Resilience encourages a problem-solving attitude, helping break down complex tasks into manageable components. This approach aids in maintaining focus, managing time efficiently, and handling pressure effectively.

   • Navigating Personal Relationship Setbacks: Resilience promotes emotional balance and self-awareness. It enables individuals to process emotions constructively, communicate effectively, and seek support when facing relationship challenges.

Building resilience empowers individuals to navigate life's trials with adaptability, and a positive mindset, making every challenge an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.