People living with renal failure in the Burdekin are now able to access treatment locally thanks to the expansion of the dialysis unit at the Home Hill Health Service facility.

The newly expanded service opened last week and is able to treat double the number of patients, with a total of 16 people now receiving treatment there each week.

Home Hill Hospital has been providing a satellite dialysis service for the past 30 years, opening a three-bed service back in 1991.

The recent expansion has now extended services to include eight fully operational dialysis machines with two new rostered staff able to run the ward six days per week.

Previously, some patients were required to travel to Townsville Hospital for treatment because, although the ward had the ability to service more people, the hospital did not have the staff to provide the service.

Patients undergoing renal dialysis attend dialysis sessions three times a week, with each session lasting approximately five to six hours.

Adding additional travel time to Townsville meant each patient was spending an extra two hours in transit each week.

One of these locals is Angelo Loizou who has been receiving renal dialysis for just over three years.

He and his wife Kelli have been campaigning for an increased local service since the beginning and, although frustrated it took a long time to achieve, are now grateful to see it finally become a reality.

“Back then we thought it would be an easy fix, but we got shut down,” said Ms Loizou.

“It’s the first time I realised we are at a disadvantage living in a regional community, this wouldn’t happen in Brisbane, we would never be told we had to drive to the Gold Coast for treatment.

“There is a divide and inequity between the city and country.”

Fortunately, with tireless campaigning from the couple and dedicated efforts from Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, the service has now expanded, and Mr Loizou can receive treatment in his home town.

“He used to miss out on so much and we used to have to plan our days around it,” said Ms Louzou.

“But now, even though it’s only been a week, there is a sense of calm, ease, it really takes the pressure off.

“He used to drive himself to Townsville and I am also not having to worry about him on the road – he is in and out and often done by lunchtime.”

Local Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said he is thrilled to see more equity in access to health care in the region.

“Three years ago, I took up for the fight for an increase in dialysis services at the Home Hill Hospital,” Mr Last said.  

“There’s been a few false starts but the recent expansion of services means fewer people from the Burdekin making the trip to Townsville several times a week.”

“Whilst there will be some patients who, due to their individual circumstances, will still need to travel to Townsville, we have successfully reduced that number by working together.  

“That’s great news for the patients and their families.”

Mr Last reiterated that previously “equipment and facilities were sitting underutilised at the Home Hill Hospital due to staffing”.

“We literally had people driving past that hospital on their way to Townsville for treatment,” he said.

“Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for governments to announce buildings or equipment but forget about the people who are needed to deliver for smaller communities like ours.  

“There is a huge boost for patients’ mental health when they can maintain their connection to the community and, for some, continue to work.  

It’s almost impossible to do those things when you are spending hours on the road several times a week for treatment.”

“Getting to where we are now has been a tough fight, especially for the people who need treatment and their families.

“I made a commitment to them that I would keep fighting and, despite the setbacks, that joint effort has achieved a great result.”

‍

What a weekend of sport that was.

I’ve been a diehard Broncos fan for as long as I can remember, and I know I’m not the only one, so I’m sure you can imagine how I’ve been feeling this week.

Watching the NRL grand final on Sunday night was an emotional rollercoaster - from an early eight-point lead to the Panthers to the exhilarating second half hat-trick from Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam to the heart sinking Nathan Cleary try in the 76th minute.

With the Broncos up 24-8, I’ll admit I was already picturing life as a winner; I was already thinking about what I’d be writing here, how I’d be singing their praises, so it stung when the Provan-Summons Trophy was snatched from the Broncos’ fingertips with mere minutes to go.

It’s a fate that is, unfortunately, not unfamiliar to Broncos fans, with their last grand final appearance in 2015 remaining a sore point of discussion for many.

Despite all this, I’d be mad not to continue singing their praises.

I don’t think I’ve ever been filled with as much Broncos pride as I was throughout the 2023 season.

Of course, it’s easy to love your team when they’re winning, and that love did waver throughout the Broncos’ less-successful years, but I’ve always stuck with my team and am elated with their performance no matter the result.

A special mention must also go to the Gold Coast Titans NRLW side who went down in their grand final by six points and to the Brisbane Lions AFL side who went down by four – it was a tough weekend for Queensland sport fans.

As the footy seasons comes to a close and the mercury continues to rise, it can only mean cricket season is right around the corner and I for one am looking forward to getting out there and rolling the arm over this summer.

Check out the back of the paper to see what’s been happening in the Home Hill Cricket Association’s preseason, plus plenty more sport stories from a packed weekend of sport.

‍

When we experience good service it can transform our day, make our hearts sing and put a big smile on our faces.

This was true for one visiting family over the weekend who loved the friendly service at the local Woolworths supermarket so much that they took to the Burdekin Community Hub group on Facebook to congratulate local staff.

“To the all staff at Woolworths Ayr, your customer service is amazing!” said Christine Oldman from Townsville.

“Everyone that worked there this morning had smiles on their faces and were all very welcoming - your Manager should be proud.”

This one post garnered over 20 comments with locals sharing their own connection with the local store and its staff.

One lady said her daughter had enjoyed working at the store for the past 21 years, another said her mum had been an employee for 15 years.

Another commenter said he found the deli team particularly friendly and then Peta-Anne Bevilacqua from the deli team saw the post and replied.

“Thank you, it is very nice to hear this as we don't get enough recognition,” she said.

“Also, nice to know that customers understand about waiting when we are so very busy.”

It is connections and complements like these that keep our community strong and thriving, allowing everyone to feel good about themselves and the contribution they make to society, both big and small.

Do you have a story similar to this one that you’d like to share? If so, please write to editorial@burdekinlife.com for your chance to be included in the Good Deed Feed. Whether you’d like to give a shout out to a local business, tell the community about a random act of kindness or simply share an experience that made you smile – we would love to hear from you.

‍

Burdekin Shire Council proudly announced the completion of a new modern kiosk and upgraded entrance at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre in Ayr.

Reopening at the start of September, the new kiosk and entry aim to provide modern amenities and enhance recreational experiences for the local community.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said construction works began in January 2023 and Council is excited to be welcoming visitors this swim season.

“Envisioned in the 2019 Anzac Park Masterplan, the kiosk serves as a central hub featuring a covered seating area and café-style service options offering clear visibility across the aquatic facility and water park,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“The adjacent Macmillan Street entrance has also been upgraded with a reconstructed two-way road, additional parking, pedestrian footpaths and a shared crossing zone.

“The final artistic screen, being manufactured locally, to the entrance will be installed in the coming months.”

The upgrades were jointly funded by Burdekin Shire Council and Australian Government funding of $1.2 million through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.

“This is an exciting development for the community and I am sure people will be impressed with the new design and associated works that are set to significantly enhance the community's recreational experiences,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for their contribution as the grant Council received is instrumental in enabling the vision of this development come to life.”

The upgrades come after the opening of the Burdekin Aquatic Centre’s aquatic play park at the end of 2022.

Ms McLaughlin said an official reopening will be held at the end of the year.

‍

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Mr Willcox hopes the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program will continue to fund community infrastructure projects like the Burdekin Aquatic Centre upgrades

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

After Government’s Gillnet Ban

A local fisherman is working to protect the rights of his industry after the federal and Queensland governments announced a ban on the use of gillnets in commercial fishing in north Queensland.

Alva’s Neil Green is a second-generation fisherman, in the industry for 47 years and using gillnets throughout the duration of his career.

He said the ban, which will see the use of gillnets phased out and completely banned on the Great Barrier Reef by mid-2027, will remove 30% of his income, impact other businesses throughout the community and put unnecessary pressure on other areas of the waterways.

“It’ll be a struggle to continue,” Mr Green said.

“Small businesses in small towns don’t need these impacts.

“I’d be very concerned if we weren’t net fishing because of the pressures put on the other fisheries trying to make up what you’ve lost out of net fishing.”

UNESCO’s recommendation to ban gillnets came into the spotlight in April when a series of photos taken over 12 years at Wunjunga showed threatened species including dugongs, narrow sawfish and green turtles dead on the beach or entangled in gillnets, however Mr Green said the devastation found on Wunjunga Beach was caused by onshore net fishing, a practise unrelated to his.

“When we fish outside along the coastlines, we’re right on our nets and if we’re using the right net, dugongs are just going to go over, under or around it,” he said.

“It’s completely different to the onshore nets that are a lot longer and have nothing to do with us.

“I think that was the fishery that UNESCO wanted to shut down and for some reason, we were dragged in.”

Mr Green received a visit from Independent Senator David Van who was in north Queensland earlier this week on a “fact finding mission”.

“I’m passionate about the environment but I’m also passionate about the fishers and the farmers who make a living on the land up here,” Mr Van said.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also shared his concern for the ban’s adverse impacts on local fisherman, regional businesses, and Dawson residents.

“With hundreds employed within the fishing industry right here in Dawson, this shock ban has blindsided our local fishing industry and will leave many people jobless,” Mr Willcox said.

“The gillnet ban will inevitably lead to a lower amount of sustainably caught wild fish being available to Australian consumers, which will drive prices up.”

Mr Green’s passionate campaign against the ban saw him and his daughter, Sienna, lead a rally in Home Hill and Ayr in July before travelling to Brisbane to present in front of a government task force and protest outside Parliament House.

Presenting on where he thought the alternatives were, his message was to the Government was: “You have no choice but to buy out all licenses, all symbols and all the quota attached to them.

“To satisfy UNESCO, they’ve done that, but in doing that they need to create another symbol to let some fishers continue fishing for the next three years.

“I think I’ve got their ear and hopefully we’ll get something.”

‍

Alva Fisherman, Neil Green

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (CWA) hosted the Ayr and District Orchids and Allied Plants Society and the Patchwork and Quilters Groups for a Seniors Month display earlier this week.

All three organisations are currently seeking new members and hold meetings and gatherings at the hall regularly.

The Ayr CWA hold bingo every Friday from 8:30am, craft every Tuesday from 9:00am, and meetings every second Wednesday of every second month; contact 07 4783 7901 for more information.

The Ayr and District Orchids and Allied Plants Society host meetings at the hall on the first Sunday of the month, excluding January, from 2:00pm; contact Secretary Robin Juffs on 0419 477 381 for more information.

The Patchwork and Quilters Groups hold social days on the first, third and fifth Saturdays of the month from 9:00am; contact 07 4783 7901 for more information.

‍

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The community gathered to remember and honour Queensland police officers who have been killed in the line of duty at a National Police Remembrance Day service in Ayr last Friday, September 29.

The service also honoured retired police officers and those across Pacific jurisdictions whose deaths did not occur as a consequence of their duty.

“The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of all staff members who have died since National Police Remembrance Day in 2022,” said Senior Sergeant Steve Barton.

“In doing so, we remember them and honour their diligent service.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, a former police officer himself, said every officer bears the scars of the situations that Police sometimes face.

“Police Remembrance Day is the day that all Queenslanders, regardless of where they live, show their appreciation for the brave men and women who work every day to protect our communities,” he said.

“Whilst today we acknowledge every officer, we especially acknowledge those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice either in the course of their duty or as a result of their service to the community.”

‍

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Former students at Home Hill State School recently gathered at Hotel Brandon for a bi-monthly reunion.

Despite being held every two months for the last two years, the reunion held on Tuesday, October 3 was the largest with over 50 people attending, travelling from Shepparton, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Gordonvale, Mackay, and Townsville.

The regular reunion started in May 2021 when an old school friend of organiser Elizabeth Ann Edwards’ visited from the Gold Coast.

Upon her friend’s arrival, Elizabeth surprised her with a reunion of over 45 people from the Home Hill State School.

“We all found it therapeutic once we caught up,” said Elizabeth.

“It’s interesting how we’ve reconnected through school.”

Elizabeth completed her schooling at Home Hill State School in the early 1960s and said it was a good place to grow up.

“We had dances on the weekends at one of the halls and there was sport, it was a good safe community to grow up,” she said.

“Once you’re a Home Hill-ite, you’re always a Home Hill-ite.”

‍

Over 50 former Home Hill State School students gathered at Hotel Brandon earlier this week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Getting one’s driver’s license is a vital step toward adolescent independence, but some children find it more difficult to complete the required driving hours than others.

Whatever the reason may be, programs like Burdekin PCYC’s Braking the Cycle (BTC) assist those kids to complete their hours and gain that independence.

BTC is a volunteer driver mentor program supporting learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their logbook hours by pairing them with a volunteer driving mentor.

“The target group we work with are 16-25 and people who are in situations where they need urgent support, they don’t have that parental support, the parents might not have a vehicle or a license, they’re the number one category,” said Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Manager Andrew Sherrington.

“It’s not only them getting their hours up and getting support, but the other component is also building on a relationship with their mentors.

“You can see where over time they’ve got to know these people and they become like part of the family to some degree, so building on those relationships are important.”

The BTC program fits into a network of programs at Burdekin PCYC, including Lessons for Learners and Get Set for Work.

BTC Program Coordinator Gavin Neal leads a team of five volunteers but is always looking for more mentors.

He said the program has had seven children go through to get their license on the first occasion since the program’s introduction to the region just over a year ago.

“We’re not a driving school but we’re certainly a notch or two above the average mum or dad,” he said.

“We don’t just want to see kids get their hours up and get their license, we want to see them do that and be safe drivers at the same time.”

The program is also open to learner drivers outside the age bracket who have difficulty achieving their driving hours.

For more information and to volunteer, visit contact Burdekin PCYC on 07 4783 1009 or email burdekin@pcyc.org.au.

‍

L-R Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Manager Andrew Sherrington and BTC Program Coordinator Gavin Neal. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Manager of Community Services for Burdekin Shire Council, Tony Blackwell, has introduced the new and improved Burdekin Community Directory, an online hub of information to help you spring into life in the Burdekin!

The Burdekin Community Directory is a website built with the community in mind, originally launched in July 2023.

With some kinks to work out in the beginning, the website struggled to be interactive, making it hard for users to fully engage.

The realisation was that the website needed to be rebuilt and brought back to life.

Tony Blackwell stated, “What we’ve done is developed a more customer-centric piece of software that takes you to a front-page where you can search by topic or area of interest.”

The website features a host of clubs, organisations, community groups and services.

There is also an ability to set a boundary of kilometres, which is helpful for organisations that will periodically provide outreach services, such as medical screenings.

The first month of data indicated that the website began with roughly forty organisations, now with up to around five hundred local organisations being captured.

On top of that, around eight hundred more organisations offering online services have been added to the directory.

Mr. Blackwell commented that, “Let’s say you can’t get to a GP when you need to, there’s now GP’s online, a lot of services are online now so you can get to them, in the region and potentially across the country.”

Around 20 per cent of the Burdekin community do not have internet access, and for this reason, the Burdekin Shire Council have ensured the website is downloadable, so you can get a real-time copy through the library or council office.

Being a new initiative, the Council are kicking off with a whole range of activities during Spring, with an upcoming Health and Wellbeing Luncheon for older people on 23rd October.

Mr. Blackwell stated that, “We want to create a vibrant community in the Burdekin and there’s a whole range of activities going on that are worthy of support.”

Visit mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Queensland/Burdekin to see all that the Burdekin has to offer.

‍

Burdekin Community Directory is an online hub of information helping you find clubs, organisations, community groups and services

MyPets Rural is your one-stop, Burdekin shop to access a range of quality products for your furry and feathered friends.

MyPets Rural is a complete pet and stockfeed store, selling a massive range of supplies including pet food, health supplies, supplements and stockfeed.

The business also has a complete live fish area and doubles as a pet grooming salon, the only service of its kind offered to the Burdekin region.

As part of a large buying group designed to support independent stores and a local trucking company, this allows MyPets Rural to keep their pricing competitive, stock regular, fresh and up-to-date all while satisfying individual needs of every valued customer.

MyPets Rural have an everchanging array of products, as stockists of Toowoomba saddlery and unique items including raised steel-framed dog kennels and mobile chook feeders.

They also sell and install dog containment fences, barking collars and remote trainers, as well as a huge assortment of flea and tick treatments.

With over twenty years’ experience in business, owner Ross Tapiolas is proud to offer MyPets Rural as a unique service in Ayr.

Ross is excited about further growing his business to stock new lines and services, which is updated and expanded every week.

He comments that his favourite thing about his business is ‘assisting animal owners with their pet and stock requirements’.

Ross is committed to customer service at the highest level, operating the store from 7am until 5:30pm on weekdays and 7am until 12:30pm on Saturdays.

The MyPets Rural store has old-fashioned carry out service, plentiful parking spaces, delivery options and an easy load area on the side of Munro Street.

Get your animals acquainted with the evolving range of pet supplies and services that MyPets Rural has to offer, find them on 119 Railway Street, located in Ayr.

‍

Councillor Kaylee Boccalatte

The Burdekin is a remarkable community, and I am incredibly proud to be part of it.

Council has made significant progress toward securing a prosperous future characterised by long-term economic growth and social sustainability. Ensuring we have a strong foundation creates a stable platform upon which we can continue to build.

Economy: Development of the new industrial estate is currently underway. This project is anticipated to play a key role in driving economic growth in our Shire.

Water: The construction of new reservoirs in both Home Hill and Ayr, increases storage capacity and enhances water security.

Wastewater: Recently, we have seen construction commence on the ground-breaking Macro-Algae Bioremediation system, a project poised to support our community now and its growth into the future.

Consultation: During this term, Council has established Community Connect Sessions. These sessions are all about listening to you, the community, and fostering partnerships for a better future.

Liveability: Creating a liveable community benefits both existing residents and those considering relocation. A prime example of this progress is the recent upgrades to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre.

Many of the projects are thanks not only to this council but also to the visionary efforts and commitment of previous councils.

As a councillor, my days are often filled with meetings and prep work – not usually front-page news but essential. My commitment to the community, however, extends beyond my role as a councillor. I have the privilege of representing the Burdekin across various platforms, advocating for our Shire, and underscoring the significance of rural communities like ours and our people. Each day, I strive to bring about positive change and progress.

We really have a lot to offer in the Burdekin. This is in part, because we have such a strong community and so many individuals going above and beyond in their respective fields.

Supporting our community and planning for the future allows us to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

I love my job, thank you for the honour.

For updates and to stay informed, you can follow my public Facebook page, Kaylee Boccalatte – Burdekin.

‍

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that it is Get Ready Burdekin month?

Burdekin Shire Council is proactively collaborating with State, District, and local agencies to coordinate disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

This strategic partnership is focused on one primary goal: reducing the impact of disaster events on residents in our community.

The council is actively developing more than 500 new resident packages to ensure the community is adequately prepared. Updated Emergency Action Guides are also available to assist residents in preparing for the disaster season. You are encouraged to view the Action Guide online at bit.ly/emergencyactionguide or a hardcopy can be collected at the Burdekin Shire Council Service Desk. It's essential to be prepared.

The Get Ready Burdekin campaign is in full swing, helping you stay informed and ready.

Together, we're building a safer and more resilient community. Stay tuned for more initiatives that will make a difference in our disaster readiness.

‍

The vast majority of assaults reported to Ayr Police are between parties known to each other.  Many occur in private residences between family members which may constitute domestic violence or friends and acquaintances.    

Other assaults occur in the street or licenced premises, where, once again, the involved parties are usually known to each other.

It is a not uncommon occurrence to see news reports where people are assaulted, fall back, hit their head and die.  One punch can kill.

“It’s Okay to Walk Away” – that’s the message Ayr police want to send to reduce the number of assaults both when people go out but also in the home.    

A split-second decision could change your life forever and have an impact on many people, including your family and friends.  

Remember - One punch can kill is a shocking reality that simple acts of violence can have tragic consequences.  The consequences of assault don’t stop at injury or death.

▪ A single punch is all it takes to seriously assault someone and in some circumstances may cause death. The consequences of such acts devastate the lives of so many people and leads to a lifetime of regret and unfulfilled dreams.

▪ Assaults can steal your future, and your actions could result in negative impacts on your family; your employment; overseas travel, the guilt of taking another person’s life and could possibly result in a criminal record.

▪ Victims of assault don’t always walk away with just a bruise. Permanent disability, ongoing care by family and friends, employment and future prospects can be jeopardised from one senseless act.

From a perspective of personal safety, be aware of your surroundings and alert to what is going on around you.  Go out with friends and stay with your group.  If you are going to be drinking, just make sure someone in the group is not going to drink and can look after his or her mates and steer them clear of trouble and walk away from violence.  Unfortunately too many “good nights out” end poorly due to being assaulted, losing belongings, etc.

Police would like to remind people that “It’s okay to walk away” and “One punch can kill”.

Snr Sgt Steve Barton

OIC Ayr

‍

As Queensland enters a potentially volatile season, the importance of disaster preparedness looms large. With the bushfire season already upon us and summer rainfall and cyclones on the horizon, authorities are calling on primary producers to take proactive steps in safeguarding their families, employees, and livestock.

This year's warmer winter weather has heightened the risk of bushfires, underlining the need for comprehensive preparation. Disaster guides are now readily available, offering invaluable information to empower Queenslanders in the face of these impending natural challenges.

By taking steps now, producers can reduce the risk of disaster damage and financial loss.

The Queensland Government has disaster guides to help primary producers get ready for disaster season.

Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster.

Producers should also ensure livestock have access to higher ground or are moved to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water ahead of an event.

Make sure you’ve got a financial plan including having adequate insurance cover, reviewing how you will manage orders, refunds and cancellations, and keeping financial reserves and emergency cash.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months.

“As a primary producer it’s critical you have plans to help support your business during a bushfire, as well as cyclones and floods,” Mr Furner said.

He urged pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.

“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape,” he added.

“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.

“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.”

For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, contact your local council.

Information on disasters for small business including primary producers is available at business.qld.gov.au/disaster-hub.

Primary producers who have been impacted by a natural disaster can report the impacts in the Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey.

The survey helps DAF to contribute quickly to applications for assistance under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Assistance Arrangements.

‍