Were you aware that the Burdekin Shire Council boasts a Parks and Gardens team whose responsibilities extend far beyond mowing grass?

This small dedicated team takes great pride in maintaining over 41 hectares of parks, playgrounds, streetscapes and greenspaces across the Burdekin Shire enhancing the beauty and serenity of the region. A combination of seven 5 Star and 1 Four Star destination parks offer residents a range of engaging playgrounds, skate ramps, half courts and barbeques for families with young children and teenagers to enjoy and spend quality family time hosting birthday parties and other special occasions.

Additionally, the team ensures that public conveniences in Giru, Alva, Brandon, Home Hill and Ayr remain tidy and welcoming for both residents and visitors. They also maintain the public conveniences located at various boat ramps across the shire to make a day on the water that little bit easier for boaties. Most recently you may have noticed members of the Parks team erecting the Christmas trees and decorations in both Ayr and Home Hill.

Not only do they manage parks and gardens, but the team also takes on the duty of overseeing operations at the Ayr and Home Hill Cemeteries and the Plantation Park Bush Chapel by watering, mowing and preparing for funeral services with utmost dignity and respect.

The Parks team consists of 24 staff members with a mix of different roles and specialist skills including flora identification and selection skills, herbicide application and irrigation installation and maintenance. They happily lend a hand to other departments when needed, especially Community Development for events such as the Christmas Carols and Harvest Festival whilst responding to customer service requests as quickly as possible.

Proudly dedicated to serving the Burdekin Shire community, the Parks team strives to create a better environment for everyone. Next time you see them working in one of the parks or facilities, be sure to give them a wave for taking great pride in presenting the community in 5 Star condition.

When Rose Papadimitriou was first employed by Campbell’s Jewellery in 1983, she embarked on a lifelong career with the business, developing its reputation for quality, experience and helping the people of the Burdekin celebrate their special memories. Campbell’s Jewellery was established in 1974, with Rose purchasing the business in 2013. 10 years on, she reflects on many wonderful highlights, from half price sales to VIP nights and Jewellery Roadshows.

Rose says one thing hasn’t changed over those years, and that’s the emotion involved in purchasing quality pieces of jewellery. Couples exchange jewellery to symbolise their eternal love and commitment. Significant life moments like a promotion, new job or graduation are celebrated with a watch or a diamond necklace. Campbell’s Jewellery have been providing the Burdekin with special mementos for generations; symbols of powerful stories, milestones, and occasions.

“This is what makes our job so rewarding,” Rose said. “That we can guide our customers to choose the perfect piece to make their lasting memory.”

Rose is backed by a talented and caring team, bringing a combination of decades of experience and new ideas to the business. Jane, Danae, Kate, Natasha, Ella, and Lacey are all equipped with the care and attention to detail to make your purchasing experience a special one, while inhouse jeweller Allan has worked with the business since 1993 and provides professional repairs, remakes, and replacements to local and visiting customers.

“Having such an experienced team makes my job that much easier and the fact that we can laugh between us is truly amazing,” Rose said. “I feel very lucky and privileged to have been able to work amongst absolutely beautiful jewellery with an amazing, dedicated team.”

Campbell’s Jewellery specialises in fine jewellery consisting of argyle pink, chocolate, and white diamonds as well as a new range of large stone lab-grown diamonds. They also offer an extensive range of watches for every occasion as well as jewellery boxes, crystals, clocks, and figurines – the perfect range of gifts for this Christmas.

As trends come and go, Campbell’s Jewellery pride themselves in stocking the latest modern styles while listening to their customers and sourcing the perfect piece for any occasion. Visit the store on Queen Street, Ayr to browse their extensive range and experience the warm customer service that makes Campbell’s Jewellery so special.

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Jane Goodchild, Rose Papadimitriou, Natasha O’Shea, and Danae Fabbro of Campbell’s Jewellery

For over five decades, Liessmann & Sons has established itself as a stalwart of the Home Hill community, the distinctive yellow and green building a symbol of a business built on trust and dedication. Founded 53 years ago by the Liessmann family, the business has become a cornerstone of reliability and quality service in the Burdekin area.

With a team of 13 dedicated employees, Liessmann & Sons has left an indelible mark on the structural landscape of the Burdekin, contributing to the construction of vital establishments like the Home Hill Hospital, Memorial Hall, the aged care home and even Coles Supermarket in Ayr.

However, the journey has not been without its challenges. The struggle to secure materials has been a persistent obstacle since the pandemic, one that the company has navigated with resilience and adaptability. Despite the adversity, they've remained steadfast, serving as a testament to their unwavering dedication.

From general hardware to gas and plumbing, Liessmann & Sons’ diverse range of products and services provides Home Hill and the Burdekin with a one stop shop. But what truly sets Liessmann & Sons apart is their unwavering focus on customers. The business boasts customers that have been shopping with them for over 50 years and they believe that without their loyal clientele, from anywhere between Bowen and Giru, and as far away as Georgetown and Richmond, there would be no business at all.

The warmth exuded by their friendly staff and their willingness to go the extra mile for their customers shows their commitment to quality service. A visit to the Fourth Street shop guarantees not just top-notch service but also a dose of laughter thanks to their vibrant work culture.

The mantra “nothing is impossible” echoes through the business’s ethos. Their enduring legacy is not merely in the projects they’ve contributed to but in the relationships fostered and the community they've enriched.

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Duncan, Uli and Colin of Liessmann & Sons

In the world of small business, there exist those rooted in heritage and built upon dedication; such is the case with Milburn Painting and Maintenance Services. Founded by Cheyne Milburn, the business carries a legacy from his father’s enterprise, Merv Milburn Painting, and has been flourishing since 2019 under Cheyne’s adept guidance.

Cheyne operates with an unwavering commitment to excellence, evident in the diverse services offered including plastering, sanding, painting walls, ceilings, railings, fixing trims, and skirting.

“I paint different styles of homes and businesses, meet new people in the community, and do repeat work for customers,” he said. “I use the knowledge I have gained over the ten years since working in the painting industry.”

The road to success isn’t without hurdles, as Cheyne candidly acknowledges. Challenges, from fluctuating weather conditions, unexpected price hikes in materials and deadlines, often test the mettle of any painter. Yet, it's in overcoming these challenges that Milburn Painting distinguishes itself. Dedication to deadlines, communication in times of unfortunate weather and a commitment to the quote agreed upon prove Cheyne’s unwavering enthusiasm for customer satisfaction.

“I want to give the best job I can provide to all my customers, he said. “As a sole trader, I work around deadlines and the weather and work to the best of my abilities.”

What truly sets Milburn Painting apart is not just the wealth of experience garnered from a family legacy spanning 50 years but also the unwavering commitment to quality.

“The job's primary focus is preparation, including cleaning, sanding, sweeping, and masking up,” Cheyne said. “The quality services I offer for customers include making sure the paint is of premium quality from Dulux or Taubmans.”

Beyond the brushes and paints, Cheyne’s appreciation for the support he’s received from the Burdekin can be felt in his approach to his work and his business.

“I want to thank the community for choosing Milburn Painting and Maintenance Services to paint their homes and businesses,” he said.

Milburn Painting stands as a testament to tradition, quality, and dedication; a portrait of craftsmanship and commitment painted with the brushes of heritage and passion.

Five years ago, two local brothers joined forces and combined their respective 25 years’ experience in the industry to become one of the Burdekin’s most trusted, professional, and skilled concreters.

Matt and Luke Fallon operate Fallon Constructions and also Fallon Constructions NQ, servicing areas from Ingham to Bowen and everywhere in between.  

“We produce high quality concreting work in a range of finishes,” they said.

“From commercial to residential, encompassing all your residential and commercial shed slabs, pathways, driveways, carparks, stairs and more.”

Priding themselves on the perfect pour, the brothers understand how to provide the most appropriate type of concrete for you at your home or workplace.

Their fully licenced and experienced team are local specialists in plain, exposed, decorative stamped and coloured concrete.

“Whether you want to upgrade your driveway, build that shed you’ve always wanted, add pathways around your house/business or add car parking areas to your office, Fallon Constructions NQ is the team for you.”

While they are proud of every job they deliver, the Fallon Brothers said their most recent meaningful project was the Burdekin Aquatic Centre.

This local project stands as a testament to their commitment to the community and their dedication to delivering top-notch construction services.

“We constructed the concrete stairs and slab for the new kiosk - it was awesome to be part of this local project,” they said.

At the heart of the business is community and a love of supporting other local businesses.

Locally owned and operated business here in the Burdekin, Fallon Constructions NQ sources products and materials from other local businesses, locals supporting locals.  

What sets Fallon Constructions NQ apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. Their time-efficient approach, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to tailor concreting options to meet clients' specific needs make them stand out in the field.

The work culture at Fallon Constructions NQ reflects their upbringing—professional, friendly, and hardworking. This culture has been cultivated over the years, shaping the business into a reliable and customer-focused enterprise.

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L-R: Matt and Luke Fallon from Fallon Constructions NQ. Photo supplied

Over 70 guests joined Brandon State School on Friday, December 1 to celebrate the graduation of the Year 6 students for 2023.

Laughter, tears and memories were shared with families, students, staff and P&C.

“We farewelled our magnificent seven students, whom have achieved in all areas of schooling whilst at Brandon SS,” said Brandon State School Principal Rowan Coffey.

“We wish them the greatest of futures.”

On Wednesday, December 6, the school also hosted its Awards Night and Christmas Concert.

2023 Award Recipients

Contribution Award: Evie Cranston and Charlie McCarthy

Principal’s Award: Koa James

Encouragement Award: Emily Jarvis

All Rounder: Charlie McCarthy

Sportsperson of the Year: Sarina Chinfat

School Dux: Alexis Lindley

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Graduating year 6 students Lillie Bradley Cliff, Charlie McCarthy, Sarina Chinfat, Emily Jarvis, Ms Margie O’Rourke, Koa James, Evie Cranston and Alexis Lindley

Evie Cranston , Lillie Bradley Cliff, Charlie McCarthy, Alexis Lindley, Koa James, Emily Jarvis, Sarina Chinfat cutting the cake

Photos supplied

Millaroo State School held a Community Day last Wednesday, December 6 to celebrate the end of the school year with students, special guests and parents.

“We invite everyone from the community, from Millaroo, Dalbeg and Clare, into our school to play games, have fun with the students and have a look at how good our school is,” said Principal Annette Wellington.

Students took part in games and cricket drills all morning thanks to Queensland Cricket before a visit from Santa had them enchanted.

Fruit was donated by Woolworths while the school’s P&C donated drinks, the sausage sizzle and presents.

Millaroo State School ranges from kindergarten to year 6 and offers playgroup every Friday.

The school had eight enrolments in 2023 and is taking nine students into 2024.

“We have lots of facilities here and cater for all students and all needs,” Ms Wellington said.

“We have a very supportive P&C.

“The kids usually get their tuck shop and food paid for, we give each of the students a healthy snack every day from Woolworths, all excursions and camps are paid for, the school supplies stationery so very little has to be paid for by the parents.

“It’s a small town and a small school, so there’s great one-on-one learning.”

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Jacob Hoare, Carter Vardy, Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Harris Petersen, Lincoln Hoare , Chace Pyott, Delta Burrell, Myer Wyburg, Darcy, Morgan Burrell, Gillian Harris and Ty Pyott. Sitting L-R: Kim Christensen, Willoe Burrell, Clara, Santa, Chelsea Cavanagh, Remi Naughton, Lewis Naughton and Annette Wellington

Standing L-R: Annette Wellington and Anna Hoare. Sitting L-R: Gillian Harris, Santa and Kim Christensen

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Departing year 6 student Chace Pyott has continued a long tradition of Year 6 Projects by painting a mural on the back of the cubbyhouse at Millaroo State School.

“Every year, the year 6 students will leave something behind, and this is Chace’s tribute to the school for this year,” said Millaroo State School Principal Annette Wellington.

The painting depicts Chace and his friends on an adventure on which they went spear hunting, saw and followed wallaby and turkey tracks before retiring to their meeting place to sit around the fire.

“And the one on the top is all the Millaroo kids playing red rover at lunch,” he added.

Chace said he’s sad to be leaving the school, his Year 6 Project displaying his love for the school and the community.

“It’s really good here,” he said.

“Everyone’s friends and we do so much fun stuff like community days and excursions.”

The annual tradition provides year 6 students the opportunity to leave their mark as a tribute to the school.

“There’s lots around our school,” Ms Wellington

“Students can come back in the future and see how the school and the projects are growing, what has happened in our year six projects and who’s left what behind.

“It’s also really good for the new one’s coming in to see what they can do when they leave.”

Other year 6 projects include paintings, sculptures and mosaics, symbols left from students who cherished their time at this small school.

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Millaroo State School Departing year 6 student Chace Pyott and Principal Annette Wellington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riley Trindle and Aaliyah Trembath

Kasey Trindle and Shiradean George

Encouragement Award recipient Wil Bovenkirk

Academic Award recipient Clayton Crisp

Encouragement Award recipient Remmie Shultz

Academic Award recipients Kailey Rowe and Jorja Vasta

Improvement Award recipient Tane Sollitt

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

Photos supplied

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Local Agricultural Success Story

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

Farmers – It’s That Time Of Year Again

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

Why Gypsum?

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

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

Products And Services

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

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

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

New Top End Gypsum

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

Inkerman Lime & Gypsum In The Community

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

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

37 Advantages To Using Gypsum

1. Gypsum improves soil structure

2. Gypsum helps reclaim sodic soils

3. Gypsum prevents crusting of soils and aids seed emergence

4. Gypsum improves low-solute irrigation water

5. Gypsum improves compacted soil

6. Gypsum makes slightly wet soils easier to till

7. Gypsum stops water runoff and erosion

8. Gypsum decreases pH of sodic soils

9. Gypsum increases the pH of acidic soils

10. Gypsum improves swelling clays

11. Gypsum prevents waterlogging of soil

12. Gypsum can help remove excess boron from sodic soil

13. Gypsum increases the stability of soil organic matter

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

15. Gypsum makes excess magnesium non-toxic

16. Gypsum corrects subsoil acidity

17. Gypsum can enhance the values of liming

18. Gypsum improves water-use efficiency

19. Gypsum creates favourable soil EC

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

21. Gypsum decreases dust erosion

22. Gypsum helps plants absorb plant nutrients

23. Gypsum decreases heavy-metal toxicity

24. Gypsum increases value of organics

25. Gypsum improves fruit quality & prevents some plant diseases

26. Gypsum is a source of sulfur

27. Gypsum helps prepare soil for no-till management

28. Gypsum decreases bulk density of soil

29. Gypsum decreases the toxic effect of NaCl salinity

30. Gypsum multiplies the value of other inputs

31. Gypsum can decrease pH of rhizosphere

32. Gypsum keeps clay off tuber and root crops

33. Gypsum decreases loss of fertiliser nitrogen in the air

34. Gypsum can be a source of oxygen for plants

35. Gypsum helps earthworms to flourish

36. Gypsum can increase water retention in soil

37. Gypsum can increase crop yields

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I have been blessed in my career choice.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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