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.”

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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

The AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program had their schedule jam-packed this week on their ‘Ag Inspirations’ road trip.

Joining TNQ Drought Hub on a three-day adventure, the organisations travelled as far as Townsville and Bowen to offer Burdekin students an opportunity to see what their Agricultural industries have to offer.

Twenty-three students from Home Hill State High School were offered the chance to learn about the ever-evolving opportunities.

Day one began with a venture north to the Townsville plant of JBS Australia. The fascination began with students entering the world of meat processing. With over 440 staff, the plant offered an insight into the abundance of career opportunities, as well as an in-depth tour to give a behind-the-scenes look into the array of career pathways.

The next stop for the group was the Port of Townsville, with a guided tour of the port, consisting of historical and statistical detail including details of roles with over one-hundred and sixty different positions.

Day two consisted of a journey south to the Bowen region, starting at North Queensland Fresh, where students were taught about ‘all things capsicums’. This packing facility provided knowledge on the process of farm-to-table and technological advancements.

Coral Coast Barramundi got the students who are keen fisherman excited, with brood ponds full of amazing fish varieties and hatching sheds to view the feeding and care practises.

The final day consisted of the process of prawn farming at Pacific Reef Fisheries, learning about the spawning cycle, pick and packing and everything in between.

Heading to Queensland’s largest family-owned sugarcane farm, Rocks Farming Company gave a tour of their 2,700-hectare enterprise and how they have developed through using technology advancements in their practices.

With 30 employees, students learnt and got to network with some of these industry professionals to see what a day in their life may look like, even getting a behind the scenes tour of their maintenance shed.

Home Hill State High School represented their school with respect and enthusiasm in their learning over the three-day period, returning to school with a newfound respect for the agricultural industry.

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Photo supplied: AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program - SIPP

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Burdekin Christian College ensure to incorporate the wonders and joy of childhood for their junior school students, where creativity is valued and imagination is encouraged.

Every Prep child is given the opportunity to a full developmental assessment and learning experiences to support each child’s strengths, including extension reading groups, fine motor therapy and language-rich tasks.

The school ranges from the Early Learning Centre right up to Year 12, with the Junior School being a special place for children to have the opportunity to learn in a safe and supported environment.  

The outstanding teacher/student ratios allow students’ learning to be personalised.

With every child having a different learning style, Burdekin Christian College cater for students by using learning activities that incorporate a hands-on approach, visual stimuli and real life simulations.

Burdekin Christian College held their Early Childhood Athletics Carnival this past Friday morning, with the school’s littlest learners experiencing the fun of sport within a play-based environment, assisting them in growing confidence and resilience skills.

The athletic highlight of the morning was the track races and turbo javelin, along with other tabloid games such as scooter board races and magnet fishing.

The children enjoyed their ‘under the sea’ dress-up theme, with coral, fish, sharks, and mermaids as the popular outfit choice. A Best Costume award was also presented.

The morning also included playgroup families and Kindy students from the Early Leaning Centre, making it a wonderful morning for all involved.

Mr Panfilo di Lullo cooked a delicious sausage sizzle for guests, concluding the morning’s activities on a full stomach.

BCC would like to thank the wonderful families who came along to support students, as well as congratulating the student helps and all of the children for their participation.

BCC’s Mary Poppins the Musical is set to light up the stage this October, an exciting event you won’t want to miss.

To find out more about what Burdekin Christian College has to offer your child, get in touch via phone on 07 4783 5552 or email office@burdekincc.qld.edu.au.

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Photo supplied: Burdekin Christian College

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More cattle will be transported along the Mount Isa line, with siding extension works at Maxwelton in Central North Queensland recently completed as part of a $4.26 million State Government investment.  

Queensland Rail’s upgrade has extended the rail siding from 300 metres to approximately 1.4 kilometres in length, allowing more cattle to be transferred off trucks and onto full-length trains without interrupting the main rail line.

This has increased the capacity of the siding by almost five times its previous level, improving the efficiency of freight services in the region.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new infrastructure will enable up to two cattle trains a week into the siding.

“It means it’s now much easier for the cattle industry to make the most of our rail network,” he said.

“To support other long-term freight opportunities, the upgraded loop will also enable the temporary storage of rolling stock at Maxwelton if required.

“This news comes off the back of our recent announcement that the nearby town of Julia Creek will also benefit from a $3 million investment upgrade to its cattle rail siding.”

Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish added that construction crews did an outstanding job to complete this challenging task, working through prolonged wet weather to install new track and signalling infrastructure at Maxwelton.

“In collaboration with Richmond Shire Council, Queensland Rail has helped relocate the cattle loading area approximately 600 metres east of the previous loading area,” he said.

“Our works have laid the groundwork for the establishment of new cattle yards which council will now focus on constructing.

“The full-length siding allows trains to stow and other traffic to pass, increasing the capacity of the rail line while also providing operational flexibility for other services in the area,” Mr Cornish added.

“This upgrade is a big win for freight operators and has helped secure the vital longevity of this line.”

Richmond Shire Council Mayor John Wharton added that with the construction of Grain handling facilities at Maxwelton and the expansion of farming in the region, it is very possible that in the very near future, grain could be loaded on a train at Maxwelton for the Townsville Port.

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An upgrade on a major freight route has been completed as part of a $4.26 million investment

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With storm season approaching, Ergon Energy Network’s vegetation management crews have been out in droves, trimming branches away from powerlines to reduce the risk of outages and they are urging the community not to plant tall tree species near the electricity network.

Trees and branches contacting the power network can be one of the most common causes of outages during severe weather, according to Vegetation Management Officer Tim De Vries.

“Severe weather often brings with it high winds that not only snap branches from trees and fire them like missiles into the electricity network, it can also cause large trees to fall over powerlines,” Mr De Vries said.

“This is why our crews continue to prepare the network for storms by trimming branches, and in some cases removing trees altogether, because if they don’t high-risk vegetation could cause significant network damage and prolonged power outages.

“We also work closely with councils when we carry out these tasks and only use very experienced vegetation management teams and qualified arborists when more intricate jobs are undertaken.”

Mr De Vries said the community can also greatly assist in preventing power outages by never planting tall plant species near or under the electricity network.

“Every year our crews have to attend power outages caused by a tall tree or fast-growing species such as bamboo that someone has planted too close to the network,” he said.

“These not only take out power during severe weather, they can also be a community danger if they bring down powerlines or a child climbs the tree and contacts the electricity network.

“Before people plant trees, we encourage them to take a look at our Plant Smart webpage which shows a wide range of safe species that won’t affect the electricity network and won’t require our crews to prune or remove them at a later date.”

More information about safe species of trees can be found at www.ergon.com.au/plantsmart

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Independent and a little shy at first, Dottie is quick to warm up to her humans. Just give her time in a quiet room to settle in and give everything a good sniff and investigation.

Once settled, Dottie will no doubt explore the rest of her new home, finding all the nooks and crannies that she can find, and all the highest shelfs and ledges so that she can see the entire room from one vantage point.

She particularly loves scratch posts and cat trees, or even just a good cardboard box, to stretch and get her claws going.

Dottie also loves a good chin scratch and will be sure to bump into your hand when you stop.

A little nervous with adventurous little ones, Dottie would suit a home with older kids, who will be able to understand when she wants alone time.

A human who is quiet and understanding about her initial shyness would be best, who is patient and willing to wait for Dottie to fully feel comfortable in her new space.

To organise a meet and greet or enquire about Dottie, please complete the animal inquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

FAST FACTS:

Rehoming fee: $185

DOB: 1/3/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: DSH

Kid friendly: Over 12

Dog friendly: Untested

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

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A local pilot has been recognised by the Burdekin Aero Club for his contribution to local aviation.

Neil Hoffensetz was presented with a handcrafted timber propeller, made by fellow Burdekin Aero Club member Steve Mcguire, to commemorate 20,000 hours flying and 17,000 hours instructing in light aircraft.

Neil trains emerging pilots out of the Ayr Aerodrome and is considered a legend of the club and the industry.

“I’ve done a fair bit of flying over the years,” said Neil.  

“I meet a lot of people and deal with people, so I enjoy meeting the people.”

In the words of an experienced pilot: “The contribution of a person who spends almost their entire career in the right-hand seat of a light aircraft shouldn’t be underestimated.”

This message was echoed recently when the Burdekin Aero Club recognised Neil Hoffensetz for his contributions as an aviation trainer at Ayr Aerodrome.

Neil’s flying career started with training for his private licence in Ingham in 1968.  

He said his love of flying came from sitting in the passenger seat of his mother’s cousin’s plane in Ingham.

“I just took a liking to it,” Neil said.

A commercial licence and instructor rating soon followed, while work as an electrician funded the venture.

In 1975, Neil accepted the position of instructor and charter pilot with the Burdekin Valley Aero Club as it was then known.

Neil left the Aero Club a year later to start Ayr Flying Services with Kevin Campbell, providing charter flight and air work, marrying his wife Toni that same year.

To train in his own right, Neil required a B Grade Instructor Rating which was attained in 1977.

Nowadays, prospective pilots will contact Neil before they embark on their piloting journey.

“I’ll show them in black and white what the requirements are, what the steps are, how to go about it all,” Neil said.

“They do some flying on their own, but most if it is dual training under instruction.”

People have travelled from all over the country to experience Neil’s tutelage, the furthest coming from Western Australia, while many come from southeast Queensland, western Queensland, and Townsville.

Some of Neil’s students have even gone on to become commercial pilots working across the world.

“I feel very proud of them,” Neil said.

“All those guys worked hard for what they achieved.”

Burdekin Aero Club Treasurer Kerry Paronella, a pilot and club member of four years, was trained by Neil.

“Neil made it very easy because there was never any pressure,” he said.

“There was always corrective advice, assistance, and knowledge.

“He’s just a gentleman while training.”

“Every interaction with Neil is a learning experience, whether it is when standing in the hangar hearing a radio call or observing the weather conditions,” added Bill Mein, fellow recreational pilot, and friend of Neil’s.

“The long-term background and the knowledge, from the regulations to the laws of physics, meteorology, and the application of fundamentals, cover it all.

“To echo the often-heard comment, ‘We are so lucky to have Neil here.’”

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Neil Hoffensetz has trained countless pilots, some of whom have gone onto careers with commercial airlines. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

As you may know from our first edition of Burdekin Life, climbing Mount Inkerman was almost at the top of the list of things I wanted to do since moving to Home Hill so when I awoke early last Friday morning, I decided to make the trek for sunrise.

I drove down to the Inkerman store in the dark, passing ominous-looking cane fires and early morning Bruce Highway traffic, and embarked on my ascent.

The well-maintained paths and gradually rising sun made the walk up an absolute treat; it is such a perfect and, in my case, seldom experienced time of the day to spend in nature.

As you may remember, Friday morning was probably the cloudiest and haziest day of the week so when I go to the top, I didn’t quite get the explosion of colour across the sky I was expecting, but I was still very impressed with the facilities up there.

The Rotary Park up the top is incredibly well-kept, with lookouts, picnic tables, toilets and walls of history to read and explore.

Of course, a winding road leads up to the top for those who want to drive up, making it the perfect spot for a picnic, although the hike isn’t too challenging for those who want to lace up the hiking boots.

My Friday morning adventure was one of many I experienced last week, with an excursion to the Ayr Aerodrome being another highlight.

I was welcomed by members of the Burdekin Aero Club who showed me around the facilities and even took me on a short flight across the cane fields.

Being a novice plane enthusiast, it was an incredible morning and may have even inspired a foray into recreational aviation.

You can read about what the Burdekin Aero Club gets up to on pages 6-7 and discover the incredible achievements of one member, Neil Hoffensetz, on page 8.

I feel like the last week or so has been jam packed with authentic Burdekin experiences and I can’t wait to discover more!

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A friendly interaction with a stranger at Woolworths Ayr has left local man Travis Clarence bewildered and blown away with the kindness of his community.

Travis was doing his weekly grocery shop with his family when an elderly man approached him, stopping him for a brief conversation.

“I thought he was going to walk past me at the time but then he stopped to have a conversation with me,” Travis said.

“He told me to have a good one and as he went to walk away, he shook my hand, or what I thought was a handshake, it was actually some money that he placed into my hand.

“I was in shock; I didn’t know what to say.

“I wish I could’ve said more and done more at the time but before I knew it, he was gone.”

Travis went to find the gentleman with no luck.

In absolute disbelief, with no idea who the gentleman was or why he gave him money, Travis took to Facebook, sharing news of the good deed in an attempt to find the man.

“Hopefully he’s seen that post just to let him know that I’m going to pass on that good deed to someone who needs it and hopefully that follows on,” he said.

“I didn’t think there were many people out there like that.

“It hit me for a six, but it made me feel good, it made me feel like there are actually people out there who care and want to see people with a big smile on their face and I want to pass that same feeling on.”

Travis has been searching for the gentleman ever since and hopes to give him a good handshake.

“I’d like to tell him that he’s a good bloke and his message was well received,” Travis said.

“I’d like to sit down and have a cold beer with him if I ever get a chance to.”

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Perfectly timed for northern Queensland spring and summer is the new multi-purpose complex set to make the club a haven for visitors and residents alike.

Funded by grants from the federal government, the complex is now host to an office for the Molongle Creek Boat Club’s caravan park, a licensed café, a new lawn bowling rink, and an event room for club events and dinners, as well as a manager’s residence.

The Molongle Creek Boat Club has humble beginnings, establishing 60 years ago, to improve the area and create a facility for people to use.

Over the years, the Club has overseen various upgrades to the facilities, including boat mooring, catering for trailer boats, and establishing the caravan park.

Ken Betteridge, Commodore of the Molongle Creek Boat Club, explained the driving force behind the recent upgrades.

“During the last 30 years, the major driving force of change has been our project officer Joe and his meticulous numbers girl, his wife Marg.

“We have worn out three ever-ready bunnies trying to keep up with Joe, and the fourth one is nearing retirement,” Ken said.

“The new multipurpose building stands here due to Joe's vision and the incredible help from our then local federal member George Christensen and grant writer Kirsten Lois.

“They were integral in gaining the funding for the project.

“Our managers Drew and Amanda, took over the planning and execution of the build to bring the building to its present high standard of finish.”

An unexpected development was the lawn bowling rink, utilising the lawns that were removed from the Home Hill Bowling Green, who are undergoing their own upgrades.

“This new addition to the services provided at Molongle will be open to everyone including club members, caravan park patrons, Gumlu community and the general public for their enjoyment,” Ken said.

“Not often can you boast sea view while playing lawn bowls.”

The official opening for the new facilities took place on Sunday October 8, with Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall cutting the ribbon.

The Club was also gifted a four-lane boat ramp, parking areas, pontoon, and a mainland boating access channel by the State Government.  

“This park is over flowing during the Gray Nomad period, who love the opportunity to catch a fish of three,” Ken said.

“It serves two purposes, obviously all the profits go back into improving the services and acts as a deterrent to any vandalism and stealing of vehicles parked while at the Cape properties or fishing.

“This facility has been renowned as one of the highest used recreational boating facilities in north Queensland with times like Christmas and easter periods of in excess of 400 trailers parked at these times.”

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall and Molongle Creek Boat Club Project Officer Joe Linton opening the lawn bowling rink at Molongle Creek. Photo supplied

Community Rallies For Leukaemia Swim

Back for the second time, the Burdekin 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukaemia Community Day is taking place soon.

Hosted at the Home Hill Swimming Pool and organised by mother-daughter-duo Deni and Kavette Caspanello, the 12 Hour Relay Swim is a community fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation.

It was back in March 2020, when Deni was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the communities of Ayr and Home Hill rallied behind her, supporting her and her family the best they could.

“And then, when she was better, Deni wanted to give back to the community that supported and got behind her,” Kavette, Deni’s mother, explained.

“We knew about Row For a Cure, and we thought, ‘how about a swim?’”

Kavette explained that the first 12 Hour Relay Swim was amazing, with 14 community teams signing up to participate, raising just over $24,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“This community are quick to support each other and charities, so when we hadn’t announced this year’s date, people were calling for it.”

For Deni, the support was “Phenomenal”.

“The teams ranged from having 10 to 20 people,” Deni explained.

“We had so much support around the event, resulting in it being a huge and successful day. The interest and support of the community has been phenomenal.”

The 2023 event is amping-up, with Dash For Cash and raffle prizes donated by local businesse.

There will also be tea and coffee available, with the community welcome to attend for the entire day, or just for some of the raffles.

“One member from every team will be in the water from 8am to 8pm, but there is so much happening on the day!” Kavette said.

“We even have a competition between some of the school’s, with Deni being a teacher at Ayr State High, it’s great to see the kids get involved.”

Deni said she is excited to see the event come back for the second time.

“The idea of this event is to celebrate the people who have survived the horrible sickness, to remember the people who have passed away from the sickness and to acknowledge the people who have supported and who have also been affected.”

And it isn’t too late to submit a team for this weekend’s event!

“Anyone and everyone can get involved,” Deni said.

“The event caters for all agers and of athletic ability. Everyone is welcomed, even if they are not swimming. There is so much happening on the day. Even if you want to come and have breakfast/lunch/dinner.”

Contact Deni on caspanellodeni@gmail.com for a nomination form.

“Every little bit helps, so get involved!”

Make sure you stop by the Home Hill Pool this Saturday and support the Leukemia Foundation.

WHAT: Burdekin 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukaemia Community Day

WHERE: Home Hill Swimming Pool

WHEN: Saturday, October 14 – 8am – 8pm

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The inaugural event in 2021 raised over $24,000 for the Leukemia Foundation. Photo supplied

Community minded individuals are encouraged to attend the upcoming Queensland Police Recruitment Seminar which is due to take place in Bowen next week.

The event will provide those interested in a career as a police officer with a range of relevant information and it will also give attendees the opportunity to ask questions about the application process.

Facilitated by Senior Constable Steve Smith and Sergeant Nigel Dalton from Mackay Police and Senior Sergeant Craig Shepherd from Bowen Police Station, this is an opportunity to connect with the region’s police force.

Senior Constable Smith said they held a similar seminar in Mackay in September which was very successful and became the impetus to hold another event in Bowen.

This location was chosen because Bowen is a central hub, easily accessible for a range of communities living with the Whitsundays and Burdekin areas.

“We hope this event encourages people from Collinsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Proserpine and Airlie Beach,” he explained.

“The Mackay event was a bit of a litmus test and was huge - 47 people came – one was even from Bloomsbury!”

Senior Constable Smith has been with the police force for 32 years and said that he travelled over 900 kilometres from his hometown of Mount Isa to attend a recruitment event all those years ago.

“The Recruitment Seminars provide a lot more in-depth information that’s not available on the web,” he explained.

The event will give details about the entire process, from checking eligibility through to getting prepared for the academy and sitting exams.

Prior to attending, however, those interested are encouraged to take a self-check test on the police recruitment website where they can check whether they are eligible.

When asked what qualities recruiters are looking for, Senior Constable Smith said they want community orientated people who already show service to the people in different aspects of their lives.

He also said that recruits need to be prepared for a strong study discipline to be introduced into the lives and have a slightly higher than basic level of fitness.

Anyone over the age of 17 can apply, but you need to be 18 to commence work.

“Younger people who have recently left school are familiar with the study,” he said.

“But with the retirement age at 60, we recently took on a 1st year who was 57 and used to be in the army - he gave three years’ service.”  

Open to anyone with a good heart and community conscience, if you are interested in a career in the police force, make sure you attend this recruitment event.

WHAT: Queensland Police Recruitment Seminar

WHERE: PCYC, Queens Beach Bowen

WHEN: Thursday, October 19 from 6pm

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Andrew Willcox

Federal Member For Dawson

How do you think The Voice could benefit the country?

This is a really difficult question to answer because we know nothing about it yet. What would have been much fairer is if The Voice was legislated and all the details were provided, then Australians could make an informed decision as to whether they wanted it enshrined in our constitution.

What do you see as the negatives involved with implementing The Voice?

Australians are being asked to make a major change to the Australian constitution with little to no detail, and I believe The Voice will be legally risky and permanent.

I am fundamentally opposed to dividing Australia on the basis of race. I believe all Australians are equal and should be treated as such.

On a local level, how do you envision The Voice will impact the community?

I’m concerned, I’m already seeing this issue dividing my community.

I think that there will be very little advantages to my local constituents as this is a Canberra based Voice, and I believe the last thing we need is another layer of bureaucracy.

If you don’t agree with The Voice, what do you think could be a better solution?

I believe we should be coming up with solutions and programs for all our disadvantaged and marginalised Australians, and this should not be based on race, gender, or religion. Or anything else for that matter, our Australian anthem states we are one and free.

Do you think the current system is working? How have you seen it develop and evolve over the years?

I don’t believe the current system is working and that’s because its being led by Bureaucrats based in big cities. The money is being chewed up before it even gets to the people in rural and regional areas

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Eddie Smallwood

Bindal Traditional Owner

What are your thoughts on The Voice?

I support The Voice because it is the only advisory group to the government, and it will look at important issues like life expectancy, incarceration, housing, employment, and education. The government have been trying to tell us how to run our lives, we want our people to have the say on how to run our lives, we can do it better, we know what we need.

If you want to know about Indigenous people and listen, then you’ve got to go and talk to them.

How do you think The Voice will improve on what’s already happening?

Most of the Indigenous people who are politicians have got mainstream jobs and are well-off – we need our own Indigenous voice for the whole community of Australia and if we use politicians then they are only advisory to their own party.

It’s like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission that John Howard got rid of in 2005 – we want something permanent that can’t be replaced by anything, any politicians, or any new government.

Do you think The Voice promotes division?

How is it going to create division when it is already happening? Once again, the non-indigenous people are going to get the say on what happens for us. I’d rather see this as just an Indigenous vote.

All the local Indigenous people that I know are voting yes, they know the struggle of their parents and grandparents, there aren’t many opportunities for Indigenous people.

There are a lot of non-indigenous people struggling too, it’s about creating a better lifestyle of living for everyone. I want to encourage the community to vote yes and if they have any queries, talk to an indigenous person.

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On Saturday, October 14 2023, Australians will vote on a single question to change the Constitution.

The question will be about adding words into the Constitution about an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Find out where to vote:

• St Colman’s Catholic School, 96 Eleventh Ave, Home Hill

• Burdekin Sports Club Hall, 142 Wickham St, Ayr

• Ayr East State School, 43-73 Ross St, Ayr

• Giru Branch QCWA Hall, 9 Carey St, Giru

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Members of the Burdekin Aero Club say recreational flying is becoming more and more popular and last month’s Aviation Open Days, which saw over 100 people visit the Ayr Aerodrome over the September 9-10 weekend, was proof.

Unfavourable weather meant October’s open day, held on Sunday, October 8, wasn’t quite as well attended, but loyal pilots flew in from nearby airstrips to enjoy the morning.

“There’s a big swing that’s happened over the last 20 years where general aviation in light aircraft is slowly dying out and there’s a number of reasons for that,” said Burdekin Aero Club Treasurer Kerry Paronella.

“With the advent of recreational aviation, where the aeroplanes are smaller, cheaper and easier to maintain, aviation has suddenly become affordable again.

“As a result, I think that’s seen an upsurge in the club.”

Mr Paronella has been a member of the club for approximately four years and Treasurer for a few months after training with local instructor Neil Hoffensetz.

He said he’s always had a general interest in flying but it wasn’t until he sold his business that he found the time to ignite his passion.

“It’s a whole different ball game to driving on the road,” Mr Paronella said.

“It’s a feeling of freedom and when you do get your license, it’s a feeling of achievement.

“For me, at an older age, it’s a feather in my cap.”

While it can seem a daunting undertaking, Mr Paronella urges anyone with an interest in flying to give it a go.

“Don’t ever be intimidated,” he said.

“There’s a training plane here, there’s a licensed trainer here, and it’s the camaraderie of the club.

“We’re getting more and more members all the time and we’re getting a lot of support.”

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is hosting a training day at Ayr Aerodrome on October 29.

“They come annually for a seminar, and they’ve selected Ayr most years simply because we seem to be the hub of all the local flyers,” Mr Paronella said.

To find out more, contact Burdekin Aero Club Secretary Brian Richardson on 0429 144 921 or join Burdekin Flyers on Facebook.

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Burdekin Aero Club Secretary Brian Richardson with his Jabiru aircraft. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Kody Glindemann-Hodson with a Carbon Cub. Photo credit: Tracy Parsons

Tony Grant and Arthur Johnson with the Carbon Cub. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association hosted its annual Seniors Month morning tea, inviting members of the community to enjoy coffee, tea, and delicious food.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP spoke to attendees while a slideshow displayed the history of the association.

The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association was founded in 2011, rejuvenating old scout buildings on Young Street, Ayr that had been derelict for a decade.

The men meet at the Men’s Shed every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:30am to 11:30am, where they enjoy morning tea before dispersing amongst the five workshops onsite, where men will learn and promote new skills.

The Men’s Shed also hosts meetings every third Saturday of the month, where they invite a guest speaker to talk about men’s health, a management committee meeting once a month and a luncheon once a month.

“What we do is we address men’s health issues, loneliness, isolation, all that type of thing,” said Secretary Charles Ford.

“We all have various ailments and nearly every operation that’s going, but if a person comes down here, he forgets about what he’s got and momentarily it fades away.

“It’s a good place to be and a great reprieve for the partners and the wives when the men come down here.”

The Men’s Shed also has a mentor role in the community, where members collaborate with Burdekin PCYC, East Ayr Primary School, and Burdekin Special School to mentor young people.

“We fit into the community, we’re part of the community, they give us a lot and we give back a lot,” said Charles.

Accepting donations of old furniture, the Men’s Shed relies on the generosity of the community to keep them going.

“Without that generosity from the community, we wouldn’t be in the position we are now,” said President Rob Ritchie.

To find out more about the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, call 0467 083 502 or email burdekinmensshed@outlook.com.

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Ken Hall, Councillor John Furnell, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie

Ron Coutts and Harry Simpson

Zonta Club Burdekin Secretary Inez Larson and President Judith Sgarbossa

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie