Three vehicles were stolen from Council offices on Wickham Street, Ayr on the night of Friday, December 15 after thieves smashed a window to gain entry to the Vector building and took the keys.

One vehicle was found partially burnt out and another fully burnt out on Saturday morning, whilst another was recovered on Monday, December 18 from Bowen also burnt out.  

Council is working closely with the Police to identify and prosecute the culprits, who were caught on CCTV cameras breaking into the Vector building.

Forensic officers and CIB officers have visited the Council offices to collect footage and evidence which will hopefully lead to the perpetrators being identified and charged.

In addition, the Ayr Swimming Pool Kiosk was also broken into on Sunday night, December 17.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughin said that these crimes are a senseless act of destruction that severely affect Council's ability to provide essential services to the community.

“As Mayor, I am shocked and disappointed by what has occurred,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“Those responsible have shown a total disregard for the law and destroyed public property with absolutely no concern about the impact on the community.

“This is a serious breach of privacy and trust for me and the entire community that supports Council.

“These crimes are not excused by age and must be prosecuted and penalised appropriately.

“Everyone I have spoken to about this incident or other crimes believe they should be punished appropriately, regardless of age, as a deterrent for future offences.

“There is little hope of ever recovering the cost of the damages and once again the Burdekin residents just pick up the bill along with Council’s insurers.

Ms McLaughlin said the Home Hill Primary School also suffered extensive damage over the weekend.

“It is time that these criminals face severe punishments for their actions,” she added.

“Is it the responsibility of the Council to secure all the buildings with fences and steel bars on the windows?

“Who will pay for this, the criminals, their relatives... No, the rate payer.

“They know what they are doing is wrong.  

“Historically the values of respect, love, care and lawful behaviour have been taught in the family.

“This incident and others show that the current system is not working in acting as a deterrent against committing offences of this nature and the impacts it has on everyone.

“Until there are greater consequences for the crimes being committed then nothing will change and the cycle will continue, with respect for the people’s safety and property being continually eroded.

“Perhaps we need to look at how other communities around the world deal with this criminal behaviour and restore some respect for our society’s values and the laws that are designed to protect us all, as clearly the current approach is not working.”

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A Burdekin Shire Council vehicle was set alight after three vehicles were stolen from the Wickham Street offices last week. Photos supplied: Burdekin Shire Council

The Burdekin Men’s Shed members enjoyed their annual Christmas Social on Saturday, December 16.

The members celebrated the festive season and another successful year.

“The Men’s Shed has again reached its objectives of addressing the issues of men’s health such as physical, emotional, and social well-being within the Community,” said Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford.

“We do this by providing a safe and friendly environment where men of all ages can meet, have a chat and a cuppa, make new friends, share and learn new skills, contribute again to the community and avail themselves to men’s health information and the community health resources available.”

The Christmas social was attended by 31 people consisting of official guests, members, guests and partners.

The official part of the Social commenced at 10.00am where the Men’s Shed president Rob Ritchie welcomed the official guests Dale Last MP Member for Burdekin, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Councillor and Men’s Shed committee member John Furnell.

Dale Last MP addressed the gathering and congratulated the members of the Men’s Shed on another successful year.

As part of the Dale Last Christmas Children’s toy appeal 2023 President Rob Ritchie presented Dale with the Men’s Shed contribution to the appeal.

Ms McLaughlin addressed the gathering with her Christmas message and thanked the Men’s Shed for its contribution to the Burdekin Community.

She then presented Certificates of Appreciation to members Alvin Thomas, Edward Chandler, Chris Payard and Ron Coutts who have contributed outstanding service to the Shed.

Councillor John Furnell listed the major 2023 sponsors of the Men’s Shed and thanked members of the general public and community organisations for donations of saleable items to be sold through Facebook and at physical Grage sales at the Men’s Shed.

President Rob Ritchie presented his 2023 report.

Rob thanked and named members of the Management Committee for their support throughout the year.

Changes in 2023 included:

• The introduction of monthly luncheons at various Burdekin venues for member, partners and guests.

• The change of monthly meetings to 10.00am on Saturdays followed by a sausage sizzle.

• The members enjoy a guest speaker at the General Meetings and went on to thank and name the guest speakers in the past year.

• The Members have been involved with assisting the Com. Bank staff with a sausage sizzle for the Clown Doctors.

• The Members have been associated with mentoring student from the Burdekin School which is very rewarding experience.

• The members as a group attends the Choral Society’s shows during the year

• The members attend a Community Prostate Cancer information function in Ayr and a QMSA Seminar in Townsville

• Nickolas Wiseman from the Burdekin Library’s Tech Connect conducted mobile phone sessions each fortnight at the Men’s Shed

• The Men’s shed participated with the Ayr Rotary Club 2023 Community raffle

• Some members accompanied by Rob Ritchie attended smoko visits with the Collinsville Men’s Shed.

Rob thanked all persons for their attendance and wished all present a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Councillor John Furnell presented President Rob with a gift for his report and conducting the Official Ceremony

All persons present enjoyed morning tea followed by a sausage sizzle after the formal ceremony.

Contributed by Burdekin Men’s Shed

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Photos supplied: Burdekin Men’s Shed

Rehoming Fee: $185

DOB: 30/11/2020

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic Short Hair

Kid Friendly: Kids over 12-years

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other Cats: Not Adult Cats

Indoor/Outdoors: Indoors

This sophisticated lady is after her forever home, and she has set herself a part for the job.

Sophie appreciates a well-loved and well-groomed home. Dedicated to ensuring her fur is clean and beautiful, Sophie is quick to groom her loved ones as well.

She is super clean with her litter box and is quick to love.

Sophie loves her food and will be sure to show her love the best way she can. She will sit on your chest and give you head bumps and rubs to show her affection.

Sophie is desexed, microchipped, up to date on her vaccinations and flea, tick and worm treated.

To enquire about Sophie, complete an animal enquiry form, https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

As Christmas nears, RSPCA Queensland is reminding all responsible pet-shoppers to buy smartly.  

RSPCA Queensland Spokesperson Emma Lagoon acknowledged that while shoppers are actively looking for gifts, pets are for life and the gifting of animals should be carefully considered.

“If you’re looking for a pet, giving the gift of a second chance to an animal up for adoption is a wonderful thing to do, but only if you’re ready to offer them life-long commitment,” Ms Lagoon said.

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Top Tips for Responsible Pet Buying

• Watch for online scams. Never pay for a pet sight unseen, as chances are it’s a scam. You should always be able meet the pet at their owner’s home prior to purchase.

• Ensure you’re ready for a pet and can provide their essential care for many years to come.

• Research breed traits and health issues and see which pet suits your lifestyle best.

• Don’t forget training and socialisation for your pet, plus ongoing care costs and veterinary needs into the future.

• Visit your local RSPCA, Petbarn, or reputable rescue group to adopt a pet.

• If you can’t find the pet, you’re after by adopting, look for a reputable breeder.

• Getting a pet should be a decision made by the whole family.

From illuminated Christmas trees singing cheerful carols to reindeer gallivanting across the roof, one Ayr house has once again enthralled the Burdekin with a festive light display.

After a successful Halloween light display and street party, Leon McCormack and Jeff Lunn spent every weekend and each evening after work throughout the month of November setting up for Christmas.

The lights will be up for the rest of December with a Christmas Light Celebration coming up on December 23 and 24.

“It’s a festive thing to do and people enjoy it,” Leon said.

“It’s a good way to meet people.

“We sit out here most evenings and hand out candy canes.

“After handing out candy canes, we got into handing out popcorn, snow cones and fairy floss.”

Leon and Jeff have been setting up Christmas lights every year for the last 17 years, adding to the display with each set up.

“We just started small with a few lights in the windows and, each year, we’ve added a little bit more,” Leon said.

“Actually, we’ve probably added a lot more each year,” he laughed.

Starting with only lights, they decided to add music five years later, with a playlist of festive tunes synchronised to the light display.

“Each of the songs is set up on a sequence in a program called Light-O-Rama,” Leon said.

“The Light-O-Rama control boxes are what run everything.

“We’ve got an SD card with the sequences on it and the MP3s with all the synchronisation with the lights on the card.”

The end result is an audio-visual spectacle that delights locals and visitors alike, these Facebook comments sharing appreciation for Leon and Jeff’s hard work.

“Jeff and Leon, the community get so much joy from these amazing displays, thank you!” one person wrote.

“I love those guys … what a way to bring in the Christmas season,” wrote another.

For Leon and Jeff, Christmas is a time to wind down and appreciate.

“It’s a good time of the year to reflect on community, slow down and catch up with people,” Leon said.

His message to the community is to “have a very happy, joyous and merry Christmas.”

It’s also a time to get in the car and appreciate other light displays around the region, something they got the chance to do earlier in the month.

“It’s good to see what other people are doing and how they’re getting into it; there’s a few good ones around,” Leon said.

“We always like to encourage other people who are getting into it, because every little bit helps bring some festive spirit.”

Popcorn, snow cones, fairy floss and a sausage sizzle will be available at the Christmas Light Celebration, where a visit from Santa is likely, from 7:00pm on December 23 and 24, on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets.

While you’re out and about, make sure to check out the amazing light displays throughout the Burdekin.

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Christmas Light Displays In The Burdekin

Ayr

Albert Cres

Albert St

Brisbane St

Chippendale St

Clayton St

Clements St

Cox St

Darwin St

Hoey St

Ida Ct

Kilrie Road (1.5km up)

King St

Lando St

Lawson St

Lisa Dr

Melbourne St

Methodist Ln

Munro St

Paine St

Parker St

Patricia St

Ross St

Rovert St

Sydney St

Wilmington St

Home Hill

First St

Second Ave

10th Ave

14a Street

14th Ave

Brandon

Bowling Green St

Drysdale St

Sexton Hwy

Toll St

Visit Burdekin on Facebook for more information

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Jeff Lunn and Leon McCormack have been setting up Christmas lights for 17 years

Jack, Jeff and Leon handing out snow cones at a recent Christmas Display Celebration

Their display can be found on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)’s Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program has 3 core operating activities and these are listed below.

1.   Link people with formal and informal supportExamples of activities may include • Providing information or access to technology to assist community members to engage with services and supports themselves • Assisting community members to determine a pathway to meet their needs and navigate social service systems • Warm referrals where the Neighbourhood Centre may assist by contacting services directly on the community members behalf • Engaging community members with local groups for social connection, informal support or opportunities for personal development such as volunteering or learning
2.   Create social connections and inclusionExamples of activities may include • Facilitating community members to participate in a cooking class and share a meal • Opportunities for community members to support each other to develop their digital literacy skills • Events and activities that focus on engaging community members experiencing social isolation and loneliness or new community members to connect and be included • Playgroups or other groups for parents to connect and support each other • Volunteering opportunities
3.   Integrate local community actionExamples of activities may include • Coordinating and supporting community members to design and establish a social enterprise • Facilitating a community-led project to address a social concern raised by people attending the Neighbourhood Centre • Supporting community members who have raised concerns regarding service access due to language to start a project to advocate for better access to translating services • A number of community members have raised a concern about increased litter in an area of the community, the Neighbourhood Centre supports the individuals to join up to consider what action they could take together

** Please ask our Team about the “Make it Happen Lifeskills Group” that’s currently meeting weekly or the “Community Connections Group” that’s starting in early 2024 **

If you are someone you know has a query or requires support, please visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744. E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Debra Cochran Chief Executive Officer

What a wonderful time of the year, with crushing finished, school holidays commenced, Christmas lights shining bright and the town busy with shoppers making Christmas preparations. It is a time to be thankful for the year that was and grateful that Jasper was relatively gentle on our northern neighbours. Let’s hope that was the one and only cyclone for the season.

I hope you have extra time this year to spend with family and friends whether you are venturing away during the festive break or remaining in the Burdekin. Many of us have relatives and visitors arriving during this time and we sometimes overlook the many sights and activities under our noses here in the Burdekin.

If you are entertaining visitors then I implore you to drop into one of our Visitor Information Centres and whilst collecting valuable brochures directing you where to go and what to do, take the time to experience the Yongala Dive Virtual Reality Experience. For many of us that may never scuba dive, it is as close as we will get to feel immersed in the underwater experience that is right on our door step.

Pick up a pocket-sized leaflet with “101 Things to do in the Burdekin” and spend time ticking off the list. Whilst on your travels around the Burdekin be sure to show your visitors the unique fishing village that is Groper Creek and let the kids enjoy the new playground that has been installed recently. Pack your picnic hamper or cheese platter and take a bottle of wine and enjoy the sights from Inkerman Hill on your way home.

Plantation Park is abuzz with locals and visitors over the weekends and with the Juru Walk and Nature Play Space to amuse the children, it is well worth a stopover during your day. With an abundance of fishing and crabbing spots throughout the region, be sure to grab a “Burdekin Fishing Guide” from one of the VIC’s which will direct you to the boat ramps and even provide a couple of sneaky fishing co-ordinates to help you have a successful day on the water.

For those who prefer cultural pursuits, then a trip around the “Burdekin Art Trail” may be for you and your visitors, with dozens of murals and sculptures to enjoy. Not to mention some of the iconic buildings on show, like the Court Houses in Ayr and Home Hill and the Masonic Hall, and a drive over our most prominent architectural masterpiece, the Burdekin Bridge. (The kids will love trying to hold their breath for the entire span, mine did). Plus, there are many natural landmarks worth the visit – Cornford’s Lookout, Cromarty Wetlands and Alva Beach.

We often take for granted all that we have here in the Burdekin, what a great place to live, work, stay and play. I hope you all find plenty to do, enjoy your family and visitors and have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Did you know that the Burdekin Library is a community hub where you can discover new worlds, learn new skills, and connect with other readers? They are a treasure trove of books, both in print and digital formats.

In 2023, the library has loaned out 50,477 print items for the year, covering a diverse range of genres and topics. Some of the most popular print titles were ‘No Plan B’ by Lee Child, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton, ‘Weird History!’ by Anh Do, and ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry.

The Library also offers access to a wide variety of e-books and e-audio books through the BorrowBox app. The library also has a fantastic collection of e-books and e-audio books that you can access anytime, anywhere, through the BorrowBox app. You can choose from hundreds of titles, including some great Australian stories or you can listen to the inspiring memoir of Michelle Obama ‘Becoming’, which was the highest loaned title of the whole library collection.

Whether you're into fiction or non-fiction, reading or listening, the library has something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Burdekin Library branches in person to see what's on offer.

Radar Floors, a stalwart in the flooring industry, continues to leave indelible imprints across Queensland since its establishment in 2001. Founded in Brisbane and later relocated to North Queensland in 2005, the business has steadily cultivated its reputation for quality and reliability. Their recent expansion to a new showroom at 272 Queen Street earlier this year signals a significant stride in their local presence.

Spanning substantial projects across the state ranging from hospitals, nursing homes, schools, mine sites, pubs and clubs, Radar Floors have proven their expertise time and time again. Their most recent triumph involves securing the contract for supplying and installing flooring at the Townsville Youth Foyer for Paynters, underscoring their prowess in the field. More locally, they’ve just completed the flooring for the new Intersport Ayr refurbishment. The history of Radar Floors is dotted with highlights, but opening the new showroom and installing flooring throughout the Burdekin remains the business’s most exciting triumphs.

Radar Floors offers a comprehensive suite of services, including carpeting, vinyl, epoxy floors, and concrete grinding, and is the sole business satisfying this full spectrum of flooring needs in the Burdekin. The team do their best to make the whole process, from choosing the right product for the application, through to the installation, as easy and as quick as possible for their valued customers, using quality products from trusted brands.

Rory, the seasoned professional behind Radar Floors, boasts nearly three decades of industry experience, accumulating a wealth of knowledge in products, installation techniques and industry knowhow. With the recent completion of an apprenticeship by one of their two full-time employees, Radar Floors is poised to continue its legacy of excellence while supporting and skilling the local workforce.

Radar Floors is a local small business punching well above its weight. As they continue to expand their footprint, their commitment to delivering exceptional flooring solutions remains unwavering.

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Adam Da Corte, Jack, Rory, Danica and Sharlie Archibald and Troy Lippitt of Radar Floors

With highly competitive prices, a broad range of direct flights and an experiential fun-focussed terminal, Whitsunday Coast Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice for people living in the Burdekin.

Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that the Council-owned facility is “delivering seamless and cost-effective access” to a range of destinations.

Flying direct to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and also the Gold Coast (as of December 7), the airport hosts Qantas, Virgin, JetStar, and Bonza airlines.

“The Whitsundays is a well-known holiday destination – this makes it cheaper, faster and direct!” said Mr Turner.

“Locals are also buying a seat next to a leisure passenger rather than when they travel from Townsville and are sitting next to a corporate or mine worker which drives the prices up.”

In addition to passenger travel, Whitsunday Coast Airport also has a dedicated Freight Distribution Centre – transporting fish, crabs, and pets all around the country.

They can also transit fresh local produce to population centres quicker than any road or rail transport.

“This is great for local farmers whose produce gets to market as fresh as possible,” Mr Turner explained.

“Not only is the produce worth more, it also looks fantastic!”

While the flights and the freight are definitely setting Whitsunday Coast Airport apart from other regional airports, it is also the terminal experience that has seen Whitsunday Coast win several awards this year.

“We unashamedly promote fun!” said Mr Turner.

From the Heart Reef inspired aquarium at the centre of the departure lounge to the free-form seating, augmented reality screen to entertain the kids and the Taste Whitsundays food and beverage offering – everything is an experience at Whitsunday Coast Airport.

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Whitsunday Coast Airport is taking-off! Photo supplied

Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) encourage the reporting of drug activity within the community.  Community members are often reluctant to report these offences due to being uncertain if the suspicious activity is actually related to an unlawful act, the fear their identity will not remain confidential or the sometimes-incorrect belief police are already aware of these persons and their unlawful activities.  Community members often assume that others are providing this same information to police, however this is often times not the case.  Investigators will always conduct further investigations and inquiries regarding information received from the public to verify the accuracy of the information supplied prior to taking any action, particularly in relation to the application of search warrants.  

Members of the community can personally attend or call a police station to report their suspicions or if they wish to remain anonymous, are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report and are not required to provide their personal details when doing so.  

Measures are taken by Crime Stoppers to ensure a person’s identity remains confidential.  These measures include no phone number being shown on the Crime Stoppers call centre telephones, calls not being recorded and if submitting an online report - Crime Stoppers does not record ones IP address, details of the computer being used or the reporter’s location.  The focus of Crime Stoppers is not on who you are but what you know.  

Under section 119 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986, police are prohibited from disclosing the name of a drug informant or any other particular that may be likely to lead to the informer’s identification.   When executing a search warrant on a person to search their dwelling for drugs, a copy of the search warrant is provided to the occupier however the application for the search warrant which contains the grounds (information) required to have the warrant granted by a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate is not provided to the occupier.  

Detective Sergeant Lisa Shields

Officer in Charge │ Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch

A group of East Ayr State School Year 6 students have excitedly completed the Blue EDGE program, in partnership with Burdekin PCYC, Ayr State High School, and Blue Light Queensland.

Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower) is an eight-week program, designed as a physical training program, in order to help extend a young person’s mind and physical ability.

For the eight-week program, the students of East Ayr State School completed two sets of physical challenges a week, at 7am, with Ayr State School Students, in conjunction with Andrew Sherrington of the Burdekin PCYC.

Blue EDGE also aims to develop the personal relationship and build rapport between students, participants and their families, Police and Queensland Blue Light Association Incorportated (QBLAI) volunteers.

All students have found enhanced physical, personal and social skills through the program and look forward to continuing this growth in 2024.

The overarching intention of the program is to grow and develop the skills and attitudes of young people, to need to take part in society, both now and in the future.

The program encourages good guidance, respect and confidence building within students, and allows for flourishing of students in the community.

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East Ayr State School students, completing Blue EDGE

East Ayr State School students completing the physical exercise. Photos supplied

While Spotify users were enthralled to relive their 2023 music listening habits in last month’s Spotify Wrapped, the Burdekin Library and Burdekin Theatre have used the format to reveal their own statistics from the last year.

According to a Facebook post from Burdekin Library, the libraries loaned 50,477 items in 2023.

One of the latest instalments in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, No Plan B, was the most popular Adult Fiction title in the region this year followed by House of Wolves by James Patterson, I Will Find You by Harlan Coben, Livid by Patricia Cornwell and James Patterson rounding out the top five with 3 Days to Live.

With a Netflix series on the way, Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe still appears to be enchanting the Burdekin as it was the top Young Adult Fiction title loaned in 2023, with Loveless by Alice Oseman, The Killing Code by Ellie Marney, Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare, and The Secret Runners of New York by Matthew Reilly also making up the top five.

The Junior Fiction top five was filled with family favourites including Weird History! by Anh Do, The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, The Birthday Adventure by Enid Blyton and Splashy Weird! By Anh Do.

Lastly, the top five loaned Non-Fiction books show the diversity of the Burdekin readership, including Prince Harry’s Spare in number one position, cookbooks 4 Ingredients Celebrations by Kim McCosker and Pasta Night by Deborah Kaloper, Phycology book Just One Thing by Dr Michael Mosley and memoir The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Emma Carey.

Jumping in on the trend, the Burdekin Theatre shared their statistics from 2023, with a plethora of excellent local productions dominating the results.

The Burdekin Theatre’s top performance of the year was Shrek the Musical by Burdekin Singers & Theatre Co. which sold 2,425 tickets across six performances.

In second spot came Rhythm Nation by Rhythm Edge Dance Studios, which was also the fastest selling performance of the year, selling 96.1% of their total ticket sales (845 tickets) in the first 24 hours.

Perform Music’s production of Changemakers was the third top show of the year while East Ayr State School’s production of Madagascar placed fourth and Burdekin Christian College’s The Sound of Music came fifth.

Burdekin Theatre Box Office & Administration Officer Alana Bradley was also recognised for the highest ticket sales by a staff member, selling 2,277 tickets since January 1, 2023.

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The Burdekin Theatre. Photo supplied

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After 13 years on the Board, Michael Roncato is retiring from his role as Deputy Chair of Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), formerly Burdekin Cane and Agriculture Organisation (BCAO).

A cane farmer of nearly 30 years, Michael was asked to join the board in 2010, then called the Pioneer Cane Growers Organisation Ltd.

He has filled many roles over the years, including Chairman before stepping down to allow Charles Quagliata to take over the role.

“My father, at a rather early age, took a step back to allow me to prosper, so I want to do the same thing at QCAR and go out on a high to allow new blood to come in,” he said.

“I truly believe that every farmer should do a term on the board.

“I have learnt so much, things that you didn’t worry about when you were just farming.

“You need the board.

“When you’re on the board and you see what goes on, you realise how much they do.”

Michael stepped up to his new responsibilities almost immediately as he was heavily involved in the Queensland sugar marketing dispute stemming from the infamous and unprecedented events of the 2010 season.

He also advocated passionately to keep Queensland Sugar Limited in the Burdekin in 2017, providing his membership with a choice of sugar marketer.

Throughout the highs and lows of his tenure, however, Michael’s QCAR legacy will remain, having spearheaded the creation of QCAR through the intuitive collaboration of BCAO and AgForce Cane Limited following efforts to achieve BCAO’s visions for representational unification.

This merger was one of his key goals and was achieved in February 2023, allowing Michael to leave the board on a high.

“This couldn’t have been done without the genuine support of both boards, but especially Charles (Quagliata, QCAR Chair) and Russell (Hall, AgForce Cane Limited President), effectively delivering on what the respective members wanted,” he said.

“We got it to a certain stage but then those two pulled it off.

“It wouldn’t have happened without them, and it needed to happen.”

The QCAR Board farewelled Michael at a Christmas breakup earlier this week where Charles ceremoniously presented him with a framed cane knife gift and thanked him for his service and commitment to the QCAR membership impacting the entire sugar cane industry.

“It’s not an easy job, being a director on the board,” Charles said.

“There’s a lot of unaccounted time that gets put in, especially in the last year with the unification process.

“We’ve already started to see the benefits of building a larger, stronger and more resilient membership base.

“Michael’s supportive vision in being able to see the importance of such benefits  has established the foundations for enhanced representation on a state and national level.

“Such representation now enables us to advocate more effectively for our members as a vital voice playing a pivotal role in fostering the enduring success of Queensland’s agricultural industry.”

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QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato and CEO Panikos Spyrou

L-R AgForce Cane President & QCAR Director Russell Hall, QCAR Director Peter Papadimitriou, QCAR CSO Michael Kern, QCAR CEO Panikos Spyrou, QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata, outgoing Deputy Chairman Michael Roncato, QCAR Director Christian Lago, QCAR and ACFA Director Dean Sgroi and QCAR Director Frank Mugica

Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The market axiom that “high prices cure high prices” has played out with our sugar market over the last month.

The breathtaking collapse of the ICE #11 sugar contract has been one for the record books! Combined with a rising AUD, this has resulted in the 2023 season AUD sugar swap price dropping from a record $950/t to a low $750/t. 2024 season prices are slightly less affected with a fall from a season high of $850/t to just under $700/t.

So, what happened? In simple terms a combination of fundamental news items resulted in cautious selling by the commercial sector, which triggered a technical selling spree from the speculators sitting on a stale long position.

The short-term supply outlook changed as Brazil continued to crush through the November rain and progress shipping at a higher than expected rate. The inverted futures market structure, March 24 higher than May 24, was built on the premise that a first quarter trade deficit existed as conditions precluded Brazil to harvest and ship their estimated record crop of up to 660M tonnes of cane.

The extended crush has pushed out the estimate for Brazilian sugar to over 42M tonnes which has eaten into the deficit for 23/24 season. Moreover, the rain has been welcome for Brazil’s 24/25 production estimate, lifting the forecast up to 43.5M tonnes and eroding the projected trade deficit for next year.

India added fuel to the fire via news the government was discouraging mills to produce ethanol in favour of sugar this season just started. In response to a reduced crop, largely due to a poor monsoon, the government is focusing on sugar production. It is anticipated that this will not result in Indian exports but there had been growing speculation that India would need to import sugar to meet domestic consumption needs.

In other production countries: Chinese production has been upgraded by about 1 million tonnes; similarly Europe, Ukraine and Russia forecasts have been upgraded as beet production has been favourable.

Overall, these supply responses have erased the projected supply and demand deficits for both 23/24 and 24/25 seasons.

The positive news is that projected consumption numbers have largely not been impacted by the period of higher prices. It appears the global appetite for sugar can withstand elevated sugar prices without a significant decrease in demand. Will the current price declines be enough to trigger an uptick in demand as countries move to rebuild depleted stocks?

If you’d like to know more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants, Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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