The Ayr Health Service has shared their gratitude with the Rotary Club of Ayr following two donations across the last two years totalling $7,000.

Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola said the funds will go towards new patient monitoring equipment and thanked one member in particular for her efforts.

“Our community is very fortunate to have the Rotary Club of Ayr support many organisations ,” she said.

“We’re also fortunate to have Amanda (Norton) who’s been an active member in that group for many years and she’s acutely aware of the various items of equipment that we need in our service, so she’s been the conduit between what Rotary can offer, whether it be support for activities or financially.”

Ms Norton works as a Clinical Nurse at Ayr Health Service while filling the role of President with Rotary Club of Ayr, saying money was raised through raffles and the iconic annual Duck Race.

“We need to help our local hospital because we know they need equipment,” she said.

“We’ve definitely had an increase in demand for our services over the past couple of years “added Ms Gabiola.

“Fortunately for us we have organisations such as Rotary who are willing to provide this service to the entire community. “

“These members are volunteers, so we’re always very grateful for any donation.”

‍

Ayr Health Service Clinical Nurse / Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton and Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

There are often typical circumstances which occur prior to a home being unlawfully entered. An offender will usually act on easy or tempting opportunities, especially when it is evident no one is home or the risk of being caught is low.

What you can do:

• Ensure doors are always locked with a key, even when you are home.

• Ensure that all external doors, including your garage, of your home are solid and fitted with quality deadlocks.

• Consider fitting security screen doors, designed and installed to Australian Standards.

• Install a door viewer that allows you to see the person before you open the door.

• Fit secure locks to your windows which meet Australian Standards and never leave the keys in the window lock.

• Ensure security grills and shutters are properly installed and allow an exit in case of an emergency.

• Consider installing an intruder alarm system and security camera system that covers all external doors, windows and garage.

• Always ensure car keys and house keys, together with mobile phones, handbags and wallets, are stored out of sight and not on the kitchen table or bench.

• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to allow visibility to your property and your house number is clearly visible.

• Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden implements such as ladders. Always keep your garage or shed door closed and locked with a key.

• Consider installing perimeter security lighting including sensor lights.

• Have an emergency evacuation plan and review it regularly.

• Don’t keep car keys or cash in cars.

Queensland Police encourage you to conduct regular audits of your home security.

Check out the following:

• Security doors in good working order with triple locks and finger guards installed.

• Main doors are solid and patio bolts installed on sliding doors.

• Windows have key operated locks.

• Home is well-lit with sensor lighting installed to deter intruders from entering the home.

• Keep an up-to-date inventory list recording serial numbers, makes, models and descriptions of your property.

• Wheelie bins secured in a location which prevents an intruder using them to climb into your home.

• Valuable items outside the home secured in a garage or shed.

Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it

Snr Sgt Steve Barton

OIC Ayr

‍

Aligning values with the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020, The Burdekin Shire Council is effectively monitoring and managing the presence and activities of flying foxes in Kidby’s Gully, Home Hill.

Flying foxes are nocturnal creatures, foraging at night and roosting in the early hours of the morning.

Residents can deter flying foxes by creating noise or placing visual deterrents. These activities have proven most effective within a 45-minute timeframe before sunrise.

The main concern of Burdekin Shire Council is to ensure a co-existence in harmony, between local wildlife and our community, particularly the black flying foxes, said Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

After careful consideration of factors including legislative requirements, fruiting and flowering seasons of trees, birthing periods and environmental conditions including temperature, the Council has initiated a scheme to address the presence of flying foxes.

“We are striving to strike a balance that safeguards both the natural habitat and the comfort of residents,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Council has transitioned from recent active disturbance activities to a monitoring and public education stance until January 2024, at which point flying fox numbers and activity will be reassessed.

"Flying foxes generally deliver offspring between September and November, followed by the creching phase during which adults supervise young one’s incapable of sustaining flight until January, management responses will be planned to align with the natural lifecycle of these creatures."

The Burdekin community is urged to promptly report sick or injured wildlife to authorised wildlife carers or contact RSPCA Queensland at 1300 264 625.

‍

Flying foxes are active in Kidby Gully, Home Hill

A group of passionate Burdekin residents are working hard as the link between the community and the public health system, keeping the people of the Burdekin informed with the region’s hospital happenings.

The Burdekin Community Advisory Network (CAN) is one of five networks in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service catchment area.

Consisting of members of the community, services like police and ambulance and local organisations, CAN meets monthly to discuss and advocate for funding, awareness, and efficiency in the health system.

Burdekin CAN, along with the other networks, is represented at the Consumer Advisory Council which looks at issues across the entire Townsville Hospital and Health Service catchment area from a consumer and community perspective.

Barbara Stockdale is a community member who was appointed to the board of CAN since retiring after 41 years of working with the local council.

“I wanted to be involved in something in the community but didn’t know what was already out there in terms of organisations and support providers,” she said.

“I’m still learning something at every meeting and it’s good to see what goes on in the background because I think a lot of people don’t realise how much is actually involved in the running of a hospital.”

CAN are currently campaigning to secure a CT scanner for Ayr Hospital, a campaign that has been ongoing for over three years.

The campaign has received the support of State Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP and over 2,500 locals thanks to a recent petition.

CAN will be hosting a movie night, a premiere of ‘About My Father’, on Thursday, October 26 to raise awareness for the cause.

“The aim is to get the word out to the community to make them aware and have them backing us like they did through the petition,” Ms Stockdale said.

“Even though they know they can’t assist too much, it’s just a matter of them understanding that the community needs a CT scanner to hopefully save a lot of time for the hospitals and a lot of heartache for patients having to travel to Townsville.

“If we’ve got the public understanding why we need it and they know there’s a need for it, then I think that helps the push from the political side of things as well.”

For more information, email THHS_BurdekinCAN@health.qld.gov.au.

WHAT: Burdekin Community Advisory Network Movie Night – ‘About My Father’

WHEN: Thursday, October 26 from 6:00pm

WHERE: Cinema Galaxy, Ayr

TICKETS: Available from Butterfly Blue, Ayr

‍

Members of the Burdekin Community Advisory Network. Back row L-R Councillor John Furnell, Medical Superintendent Dr Ben Lawry, CAN Chair Kaylee Boccalatte, Barbara Stockdale, Senior Sargeant Steve Barton. Front L-R Joanne Barbagallo, Joan Howie, CAN Secretariat Ana Mooney, Rosemarie McLean, Ayr Hospital Director of Nursing/Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola, Karisa Bojack

‍

On Sunday September 30, members of the Ayr and District Orchid and Allied Plant Society (ADOAPS) met at the home of President Sharon Kenny for their Annual General Meeting.  

Most executive members were re-elected unopposed, but Charles Lee was elected as President and Sharon was elected to a well-deserved rest as Vice President after 13 years of guiding the society.

An ordinary meeting, chaired by the new President Charles, followed the closing of the AGM.

In his opening remarks, Charles stated that he wished to keep the formal meetings short and concise.

“After all, the reason we meet is to discuss and learn about orchids and other green house plants,” he said.  

It was decided that ADOAPS would hold another market stall at the Plantation Creek Markets on Sunday, November 19.    

It was also decided to offer a year's free membership to all members of the general public who bought a plant from our stall.

Charles hopes to have a schedule of topics for the ensuing 12 months for publication at the next meeting on 5th November.    

He also asked members to nominate topics for discussion that are of interest to them.    

The theme of the next meeting will be 'potting mixes for specific genera'.

After the meeting closed, members enjoyed an afternoon tea and a wander around Sharon's garden and orchid houses.

The members of ADOAPS extend an invitation to anyone interested in orchids or gardening in general to join.    

Meetings usually starts with a short business meeting followed by a technical talk and discussion before the raffle is drawn.  

Afternoon tea, a bit of socialising and casting popular vote on plants tabled is next.    

After smoko there is commentary on the plants tabled by one of their more knowledgeable members.    

The meeting concludes around 4:30 pm.  

ADOAPS meet at the CWA hall in Ayr at 2:00pm on the first Sunday of the month (excluding January).

For up-to-date information on activities, please refer to the 'Ayr and District Orchid and Allied Plant Society' Facebook page.

‍

Councillor Michael Detenon

Chances are, you've witnessed the initial groundwork commencing along the highway opposite the show grounds, signalling the commencement of the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion.

One of my key priorities as Councillor was to see further economic development in the Shire. In 2020 Council established an Economic Development Advisory Group to serve in an advisory capacity to Council in relation to key strategies, projects and initiatives related to economic development. I am fortunate to have been appointed as the Councillor representative on this group. This group provides ongoing support to assist and guide Council in the implementation of the Burdekin Economic Development Strategy and Burdekin Tourism Strategy. The group also facilitates and promotes significant economic and tourism opportunities for the Burdekin Shire which lead to increased employment opportunities, new industry development, growth and retention of existing business, attraction of new residents and increased visitor activity.

Council has been lobbying for funding for the Industrial Estate expansion for many years, recognising its potential to redefine the economic landscape of the community that will offer benefits that stretch far beyond business growth.

The expansion will create new industrial allotments, through a staged development, adjoining the existing Ayr Industrial Estate. The project will allow for both existing businesses to expand as well as attracting new business and investment in the shire. This expansion will provide much needed industrial land for Ayr and the surrounding region, establish new services, create local employment opportunities and enable economic development delivering significant social and economic benefits for the community.

I envisage a future where local businesses thrive, job opportunities multiply and existing and new residents are encouraged to live, work, play, visit and invest in this wonderful part of North Queensland.

The Industrial Estate expansion, due to be completed at the end of 2024, is more than just an economic development project; it's a catalyst for positive change and growth within the Burdekin Shire.

I am excited to be part of a Council that sees the benefits of investing in this significant project. Congratulations to the team at Burdekin Life, it is great to have a local paper back in our community and thank you to the businesses for supporting this publication and helping it come to life.

‍

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

The Burdekin Shire Council's cultural venues play a crucial role in fostering artistic expression and community unity. The Burdekin Theatre, Ayr Showgrounds and Burdekin Memorial Hall are dynamic spaces that host artists and performers from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a vibrant cultural tapestry and promote cross-cultural understanding within the community.

During the 2022/23 financial year, the impact of the cultural venues was substantial. The Burdekin Theatre alone welcomed over 18,000 guests, while the Burdekin Memorial Hall hosted an additional 6,600 guests across a diverse range of events that strengthens social connections and contributes to the local economy. The Ayr Showgrounds hosted 23 events, including the renowned Burdekin Show, as well as dog training, birthdays, weddings, wakes, and various community meetings.

The Burdekin Shire Council takes pride in the extensive utilisation of these facilities by numerous local organisations which offer valuable opportunities for performers, technical support staff and stage managers, among others.

To explore the enriching experiences available at these cultural venues, visit Council’s website burdekin.qld.gov.au.

‍

Over the weekend, Australia’s decision resounded around the country and with over 80% of the people in the electorate of Dawson voting no, it was a clear result.

The Albanese Labor Government proposed an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and while highlighting the issues of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, is extremely important, I am fundamentally opposed to dividing the country on the basis of race.

What Labor failed to do was provide enough detail to the people of Australia on how the Voice would work, what power they would have, and who would hold that power.

Instead, they chose to spend hundreds of millions of dollars during a cost-of-living crisis and try to convince the public to vote on a vibe and guilt, telling us to vote yes because it was the right thing to do and if we didn’t, we were racist.

As a result, we are now dealing with a divided and emotional country and there is a lot of healing that needs to be done.

Prime Minister Albanese might not like the way Australia voted because he believes he knows better, however voters are never wrong, and what all Australian’s want most is equity and a fair go.

Moving forward, we need to work together. There needs to be an audit on the billions of dollars of taxpayer money that is spent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that is currently not making it to the rural and regional communities who need it most.

We also need to get back to basics. The government needs to address the cost-of living crisis, the growing rate of crime, the poor road infrastructure in rural and regional areas like Dawson, and the crumbling healthcare system that North Queenslanders are currently suffering through.

As your Federal Member, I focus on the issues affecting all of the people of Dawson, and this week in Parliament I am loudly reminding the Prime Minister and his Labor Government to get back to basics and listen to the Australian people.

Andrew Willcox MP

Federal Member for Dawson

Opinion Piece

‍

The Ayr Chamber of Commerce held their AGM last Thursday, October 12, reflecting on the previous year and discussing changes to promote the Chamber’s profile in the future.

President Leigh Kefford was elected for a second term and, reflecting on his first term, said mistakes were made.

“The executive team has recognised that, and we’ve got the foundations now set ready to go into the future,” he said.

“Everyone’s happy, energetic, and in the next few years, the chamber will thrive.”

Linda Butler and Laurinda George were both re-elected in their respective positions of Vice President and Secretary, while Lisa Kefford was elected as the incoming Treasurer.

“Congratulations to the Chamber on a successful year and thank you for your promotion of the business community,” said Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin.

Mr Kefford hopes to double the membership by this time next year, with the discussion of a name change hoping to promote a more inclusive Chamber.

A motion to change the Ayr Chamber of Commerce Incorporated’s trading name to Burdekin Chamber was carried unanimously by the executive committee.

“It shows us as the chamber for the Burdekin,” Mr Kefford said.

“Giru and Brandon don’t have a chamber at the moment, so we want to support the businesses in those areas as well.”

Mr Kefford said the Chamber has opted to omit the words ‘of Commerce’ from the name to appeal to a wider variety of not-for-profit organisations.

“Even though not-for-profits aren’t for commerce, they are wanting to be a part of the business community so it’s important for them to have membership as well,” he said.

During the AGM, a letter was read on behalf of Home Hill Chamber of Commerce opposing the name change.

“We want to keep our individual identity and we felt that having them change their name to Burdekin, it would encompass the whole Burdekin region,” Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Secretary Robert Antoniazzi said.

“That would mean that they would be involved in issues in Clare, Giru and Home Hill and they’re certainly not.

“We’ve had new members join so people want to become part of the Chamber.”

While corresponding with Mr Kefford, Mr Antoniazzi proposed that the two Chambers meet annually.

“I thought it would be good if, once a year, the two Chambers get together for a combined meeting, just meet each other and discuss common issues,” he said.

At their most recent counts, the Ayr Chamber of Commerce had 94 paid members and Home Hill 27.

Mr Kefford hopes to have the name change and rebrand in effect early in the new year.

‍

Ayr Chamber Of Commerce President Leigh Kefford, Vice President Linda Butler, Executive Member Marissa Zanella and Treasurer Lisa Kefford

‍

The FC Caledonia highland dance studio has been busy, seeing seven Burdekin youth dancers to Canberra to compete in the Canberra Highland Dancing Championships, Titles, and Highland Competition.

It was clear that the calibre of the Burdekin youth dancers is impressive, returning home with a sweep of prizes and awards for their efforts.

“While dancers from north Queensland don’t often compete against dancers from NSW and Victoria, it was wonderful to receive recognition that the standard of Highland dancing in the Burdekin is so high,” explained Fiona Christie, dance teacher of FC Caledonia.

The dancers particularly enjoyed wearing their woollen kilts and velvet vests during the unexpected cold snap that plunged through Canberra over the championships.

“We were all missing the cold weather, but we are straight back into work, preparing for our annual National Dancing Association of Australia Highland Dancing examinations early next month,” explained Fiona.

Joining the dancers was bagpiper Michelle Hodder, who often joins FC Caledonia at local community events.

Michelle competed in the Bagpipe Solo Competition, taking out the title of B Grade Champion Piper.

The dancers would like to thank the Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association for their generous sponsorship which allowed dancers to experience a Highland Dancing competition similar to those held in Scotland every year.

For those wishing to find out more about FC Caledonia, find them on Facebook, or ring Fionna on 0409 973 567.

‍

Group photo: (Back L-R) Evie Bello, Scotia Oats, Andria Reinke, Issy Littlefield. (Front L-R) Ferne Antoniazzi, Ravenna Davies

Trio photo: Melissa Payne (born and bred in the Burdekin and now living in Canberra), FC Caledonia teacher Fiona Christie, Taylor Res

Single photo: Michelle Hodder. Photos supplied

‍

Mr Simon Yim, the Founder of SKY Renewables, has set his sight on utilizing local sugarcane waste as feedstock for renewable energy since his first trip to the Burdekin in 2018 and meeting with the leadership of Burdekin Renewable Fuels (BRF). As a visionary first mover, his plan was to process the fibre locally into biomass pellets for export to Japan.

Mr Yim also recognized very early on that biomass pellets are the only form of renewable fuel which is exportable and importable in its original form and economically across continents for years to come. And unlike the intermittent nature of wind and solar, biomass power is dispatchable baseload 24/7 renewable power.

Japan imports over 90% of its energy, including 42% of Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and one-third of Australia’s coal. The Japanese Government encourages biomass power generation as baseload renewable power through offering high feed-in-tariffs in excess of Yen equivalent of $250 per MWh under 20 years of “take-or-pay” power purchase agreements with the generators.

Japan has no meaningful domestic biomass resources. Approximately 25% of global export of wood pellets of 21m tons in 2022 found its way to Japan. Japan also imports the same amount of palm kernel shell from Southeast Asia as biomass fuel, but that volume is going to shrink substantially when the sustainability requirement imposed by the Japanese Government coming into effect in April next year.  

SKY Renewables approached the canegrowers from the demand side as early as 2019 by bringing the Japanese market here through written expressions of interests from Japanese end-users. This complements very well with BRF’s strategy.

Unfortunately, SKY Renewables’ pursuit was interrupted by Covid, just like everybody else. Japan and Australia have both committed to Net Zero in 2020 and 2022, respectively. However, with very limited renewable resources and a large reduction in nuclear generation, Japan has to keep relying on coal and natural gas for power generation. As a long-term mitigation measure, the Japanese Government requires all coal-fired units to co-fire coal with renewable fuel such as biomass pellets in order to reach its mandatory efficiency standard of 43% by 2030. Together with co-firing demand, Japan will need more than 60m tons of biomass pellets by 2030. To address the huge supply shortfall, the Japanese Government has in April this year approved sugarcane waste as feedstock under the FIT scheme. Both Mr. Yim and BRF’s vision have proven correct.

The other black swan event was the war in Ukraine. Newcastle coal price reached a high-water mark of USD435 per ton in September 2022. Even though it has eased to the USD140-160 range in recent months, it is still a far cry from the ~USD70 per ton range just before the war. When the price of coal and biomass pellets have substantially narrowed, using biomass pellets to substitute for coal is a no-brainer.

‍

Mr Simon Yim

Burdekin Renewable Fuels is a local company owned by sugarcane growers that was formed in 2017 to explore the development of new products and sources of revenue from sugarcane.

Burdekin Renewable Fuels Chair Greg Rossato said, “Sugar crystal continues to be an important product and source of cashflow for the industry, but we are totally reliant upon it which is pure risk and whilst the price is great at the moment, this may not always be the case and can change quickly. For this reason, it is vital that the industry looks towards developing alternative products and markets to diversify our business revenues and enhance our long-term sustainability.”

Burdekin Renewable Fuels is actively pursuing diversification opportunities and is involved in several innovative projects that will diversify and enhance the sustainability of the sugarcane industry.

These projects include the pelletisation of tops and trash for export to Japan to co-fire in coal-fired power stations and the development of a contaminant removal system to reduce contaminant levels in tops and trash to enable further processing.

Tops and trash has also been provided to Licella as part of a feasibility study part funded by the Queensland Government's Biofutures program and was successfully converted into a synthetic crude oil or "biocrude". This biocrude was then upgraded to demonstrate that it was possible to manufacture a Sustainable Aviation Fuel from sugarcane residues. Further work is now being undertaken to have this pathway certified as a sustainable Jet Fuel.

Burdekin Renewable Fuels recently completed a techno-economic feasibility study funded by Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia, Burdekin Renewable Fuels shareholders and Sugar Research Australia investigating taking the whole crop to make bioglycols and sustainable aviation fuels.

“It is important for growers to be actively involved in determining the future of their industry. Growers need to realise that they own the resource and the land on which it is grown and with the global push into renewables to reduce carbon emissions, the sugarcane industry is well placed to benefit from this shift which is gaining momentum by the day. Burdekin Renewable Fuels has been working with Simon Yim from SKY Renewables Pty Ltd for 5 years and we see the pelletisation option for power generation as a logical first step in diversifying revenue streams for growers and we can then build from there.” said Greg Rossato.

“The sugarcane industry with its sustainable biomass is ideally placed to help address climate change and meet the needs of new product markets emerging out of the bioeconomy. The sugarcane industry’s SugarPlus initiative is a positive step forward that provides the opportunity to open doors for the milling and growing sectors to work together on building a bright future for the industry and continue to underpin regional economies.”

‍

Burdekin Renewable Fuels travelled to Japan to provide key stakeholders an update on their pelletisation project. Photo supplied

With ELA Solutions

From humble beginnings, ELA Solutions has become a big player in the local commercial cleaning industry, expanding both its workforce and its product range to deliver an exciting range of cleaning services to the Burdekin.

At its helm are local couple, Seb and Laura Aguirre, who are celebrating their first official year in business this year, an achievement that is backed by six years of dedication that has seen them move from domestic bond cleaning to significant commercial projects.

Overcoming challenges, including Seb’s six-month battle with his health, the couple have raised their two teenage children and grown the business from a one-man enterprise to a flourishing company which now employs 14 contractors.

It was 2018 that Seb decided to start a cleaning service as a hobby and the couple remember when the operation used to include a pull along Henry vacuum cleaner with everything transported around in their Mazda CX9.  

“We did our time doing bond cleans and residential work, working sometimes seven days a week and long hours every day,” explains Laura.

The hard work definitely paid off as the couple’s reputation for quality results spread near and far, soon big commercial partnerships were formed with Council and many other local businesses.

In 2020, the couple decided to restructure the business and became a trust.

Then, a year ago they secured a new premises, moving business operations out of the home office and into a large complex with room to grow.

Initially, they wanted to use the area for storage and lease the rest of the complex out to a third party, but they quickly realised that the local market was calling for other services that they could offer.

“We were constantly being asked about our products,” said Laura.

“A lot of our products are natural, not chemical based, and they work really well.”

Determined to bring their own revolutionary products to the region, Seb and Laura took a trip down to Brisbane where they found a supplier was prepared to manufacture their own chemical under their own brand.

“This is where we created Solutions @ ELA, and everything kind of rolled on from there,” said Laura.

“When we unloaded all of our chemical from the delivery truck and put it on the shelf, seeing it with our own branded product label on it was a really big moment for us.”

Eager to fill the gap in the market and offer customers one central place to find all cleaning products, the couple decided to use all the available space and opened a retail store on the site.

“We sell Makita products – blowers and vacuums,” said Seb.

“People don’t need to go to different shops for all their cleaning supplies and equipment anymore, they can just come to us!”

While operating a busy retail store and managing the overall operation of the business, Seb and Laura are still very much hands-on, overseeing the quality of each contract.

“That’s what makes us successful – we have a really good team, and we all clean the way we like it to be cleaned at home,” said Laura.

“All our staff clean to the same standard and we work in the business, so do our kids! It’s a real family effort and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”

“We have been very lucky to have the support of our local community as well as the Burdekin Shire Council.

“The support and encouragement as well as the introduction to the Smart Precinct has been invaluable.”

Recently the business has also diversified again, becoming the Mount Elliot water suppliers delivering everything from 600 ml bottles right through to 15 litres.

As the ELA Solutions team reach for the sky, everyone in the Burdekin benefits.

‍

Time is running out to apply for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, a program celebrating and empowering the inclusive and courageous leadership of women in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 25 October 2023, at 11.59 pm AEDT.

The Award acts as a springboard, inspiring and nurturing Australian women to harness their skills for the betterment of their industries and communities, while simultaneously unlocking doors to crucial funding opportunities for existing projects and businesses.

Beyond recognition, the Award also provides a pathway for personal and professional growth, offering not only access to vital funding but also a doorway to extensive professional development opportunities and a cherished Alumni network.

State and territory winners are awarded a $15,000 grant generously sponsored by Westpac. Importantly, the program welcomes applications from women across Australia, irrespective of their location.

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey said AgriFutures are committed to the future growth and advancement of the Award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women.

“If you are passionate about creating impact, innovating, and making a difference in rural and regional Australia, we want to hear from you,” Mr Harvey said.

“By participating in this program, you will become part of a dynamic network of over 350 accomplished women who have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to rural industries and rural and regional Australia.”

AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant

AgriFutures also runs a program called the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration grant. While this runs separately, it compliments the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The aim is to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who are not quite ready to apply for the Award.

Each year, seven Australian women will be granted with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now, and into the future.

For more information and to apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, visit our website at https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/.

For more information on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant visit http://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/acceleration-grant/

‍

In the year 2000, three Kalamia Mill cane inspectors happened to retire from the sugar industry at the same time as each other, leaving a massive hole in their organisation.

Don King, Ray Saldumbide and Hockey Vernon, a trio who became known as the Three Amigos, stepped away after over 120 years collectively spent in the industry.

“We didn’t plan to all retire at the same time … it just sort of happened that way,” Hockey told the Ayr Advocate in the article ‘Three amigos call it a day!’ published on September 27, 2000.

Over 23 years later, the trio are still close mates, regularly catching up and reminiscing about the good old days.

Don, Ray and Hockey all grew up in the area which they say gave them an innate interest and understanding of the sugar industry.

Ray started his career in the sugar industry back in 1955, when Kalamia was known as the Australian Estates Mill, starting as a junior office clerk before transferring to the team of cane inspectors 10 years later.

Don started his career straight out of school, entering the industry in 1962 as a junior cane inspector while, a year earlier, Hockey got his start working on locomotives before joining Kalamia’s cane inspection department in 1970.

The three men witnessed change upon change in their time in the industry but say they had “the best days”.

“There was office work involved, but every day, we went out into the cane lands to see the farmers and contractors, see how things were operating out there and give them a bearing of what we were doing,” Ray said.

“We had some very good relationships with the growers and the contractors and even in the earlier days with the canecutters, which was really interesting.”

“The job’s changed quite a bit with the advent of continuous crushing, too,” added Don.

“Before, you had the same contractors working five-day weeks and they had the weekends off when mills did their maintenance and everything.

“Now, they have a program to cut back on deliveries, but that’s part of the job; they take it as moving forward.”

The three of them agreed that, since they’ve retired, the industry is almost unrecognisable.

“Technology’s taken over – it’s a different world out there,” said Ray.

“It’s all behind us now and all we can do is reminisce.”

Travel seemed to be a common activity for the three men post-retirement, as well as the occasional hit of golf.

“Nothing too flash, but it was enjoyable,” laughed Don.

Don and his wife, who passed away a few years ago, loved to travel through different parts of Australia with a couple of trips abroad.

Ray also travelled overseas, particularly enjoying Scotland, Britain and the United States.

A cricket fanatic, he’ll never miss a test match when Australia plays in Brisbane.

Hockey remains a busy man, heavily involved in the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club and his local church.

With 11 grandkids, he and his wife often travel to catch up with family, and they too have been overseas a few times.

They all enjoy retired life in the Burdekin where they can keep in touch with old mates.

“Being such a small town, there’s always a harvesting contractor or farmer who wants to know how we’re going,” said Hockey.

“We always keep in touch, too, us Three Amigos, we’ve been mates for a long time.

“We haven’t agreed on everything, but we always solve the problem.”

‍

Don King, Ray Saldumbide and Hockey Vernon in 2000. Photo supplied: Ayr Advocate

Don King, Ray Saldumbide and Hockey Vernon in 2023. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie