In an exciting development for rugby league enthusiasts, the Burdekin Roosters have kicked off preparations for the 2024 season by unveiling their coaching team across all four grades set to compete in the RLTD.

Dan Beazley, a former captain of the Townsville Blackhawks and former Roosters player, is making a return to the club as the A Grade coach. Beazley, who decided to hang up his boots after a career that led him to France, is ready to take the helm after touring Australia in a van. Roosters president Mick Brombal had been pursuing his signature as coach since his return, and now that goal has been achieved. Beazley's wealth of experience will be invaluable for the predominantly young A Grade team.

Working alongside Beazley will be Kieran Dawes, who has already gained coaching experience this year.

The Reserve Grade will continue under the guidance of Chris Perry, who is both a long-term player and a coach. Perry's coaching prowess shone when he led the reserves to the Grand Final in 2022. Though he thought he had retired, the persistent calls from players led to his return to the coaching arena. Perry made a comeback earlier this year when he took over the Hens, proving his dedication to the Roosters.

Joining the coaching lineup is Peter Horan, a former player who once captained the A Grade in the TDRL. Horan relocated to Townsville but returned to the Burdekin this year to guide his son, coached by Ross Olsen, in the under-17 team. His passion for coaching led him to apply for the under-19 position, which he secured. Horan's experience will be a great asset to the Roosters.

The Hens will be under the tutelage of the well-known Townsville Touch coach Anita Hagarty. Hagarty brings a wealth of experience and coaching expertise to the team. She has a strong connection to the Burdekin, with her father being the former Home Hill winger and Burdekin Referee Joe Cantarella. Her son, Ethan Hagarty, was named Ayr Anzac Memorial Club A Grade Player of the Year.

To kick off the season's preparations, a meet and greet session is expected to be arranged soon, with pre-season training schedules to be finalised.

The club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 12, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ayr Anzac Club.

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Daniel Beasley. Photo credit: Mendi Blackhawks

The senior community gathered at the Ayr Showgrounds on Monday for the Seniors Health and Wellbeing Expo and Luncheon.

A day of insights, connections and inspiration, the event was aimed at promoting a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with the assistance of local businesses and the Burdekin Shire Youth Council.

“This event provides a platform for seniors to access valuable resources and connect with essential services, ensuring their wellbeing remains a priority in our community,” Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said.

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Photos supplied: Burdekin Regional Council

Hello Burdekin

It’s wonderful to see a local paper back, congrats to all involved and welcome Sam to the bountiful Burdekin.

My name is John Furnell and I have been a Councillor since being elected in 2020. Having grown up in Sydney where I pursued a teaching degree after completing school, it was a visit to South Molle Island in 1984 with two friends from college that ultimately prompted my relocation to North Queensland. Two years of island life changed in 1986 with a transition to the Burdekin with Lisa Perry and our first business venture “LJs Pizza”. From there Lisa went on to another business venture with sister-in-law Kay Perry in “Fabrics n Décor”.

My journey turned back to the health field by completing my Enrolled Nursing at Ayr Hospital, Registered Nurse training at the old Townsville General Hospital and into the Queensland Ambulance Service for the next twenty years at Ayr Station. During this time I was able to complete a Nursing Degree and Masters in Health Science (majoring in Health Promotion). It was also a chance to return to the Army Reserve achieving the Rank of Captain.  

A medical challenge in 2013 led to three years of rehabilitation and workplace testing before being medically discharged from Queensland Ambulance Service and a reassessment of my future. I was fortunate to be able to return to nursing at Ayr Hospital and continue involvement with our current business, ‘Burdekin Swim School’ led by Lisa Furnell, now nudging 30 years teaching Burdekin children to swim. Lisa is one of the hardest workers I’ve come across, next to my mother Val who raised five children on her own after the death of my father Douglas when I was eight and Lisa’s parents Norm and Maureen Perry.    

We have three adult children, Ryan, Sarah and Joshua who all lived away but have now moved back to the Burdekin. Along with their partners, Jamie, Matt and Brittany they have bought houses and set down roots in the Burdekin. We are now blessed with five grandchildren, Ali 2, Milla 2, Olly 1, Abby 1 and newborn Summer.

This has given me a greater impetus to work towards making Burdekin the best it can be and work towards a liveability we can all be proud of. I find Council a positive way to contribute to the betterment of the Burdekin. My Council areas are the Burdekin Community Association, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group, Community and Cultural Development Advisory Group, Local Authority Waste Management Advisory Committee, North Queensland Resource Recovery Group and Townsville Area Palliative Care Group. Along with my personal interest organisations Ayr SLSC, Burdekin Men’s Shed, Burdekin Youth Council, Friends of the Theatre and the Home Hill Choral Society to name a few, I have the opportunity to interact with many ‘Burdekinites’ of all ages.

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Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Council's Library facilities in Ayr and Home Hill are vibrant hubs for learning and engagement.

The libraries go beyond being places to read books; they offer diverse programs for all ages and interests, focusing on breaking down barriers to access.

The libraries in the Burdekin offer a range of programs to enhance digital literacy and provide crucial computer skills to navigate the digital world effectively.

The First Five Forever program dedicated to children, focuses on early literacy and utilises interactive storytelling, creative play and age-appropriate resources to instil a love for reading and learning in young minds, building a strong foundation for their educational journey.

The Burdekin Library offers robotics and coding courses suitable for all age groups to equip residents with essential skills needed in today's digital era, allowing them to engage with technology in a meaningful and productive manner.

Not forgetting the seniors in the community, the libraries have tailored programs to ensure they remain connected, engaged, and empowered in their later years. The senior programs cater to their unique needs and provide opportunities for continued learning and social interaction.

In the past year, the library facilities have welcomed over 1,500 guests and visitors and have delivered hundreds of sessions, from book launches to board games, school holiday programs and more.

Discover what your library has to offer today — beyond books lie hubs of learning and growth.

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By Gracie Hosie

It’s been 10 whole months since I’ve embarked on my biggest life adventure of moving to Brisbane, and since leaving the Burdekin I’ve been faced with more challenges and opportunities than I expected.

For generations, my family has been lucky enough to call Burdekin home, and it truly makes me happy to represent the region in all that I do, even if that is 1,200km away. Since finishing up my traineeship at the Burdekin Library and concluding my role as Youth Mayor I have commenced my first year of studies in Media and Communications at Queensland University of Technology. Within my first semester, I successfully secured a four-month internship with community radio station 4ZZZ and an employment position with QUT as a Student Ambassador, both positions which heavily utilised my experience in youth council and love for the community. Most recently, I have been selected to volunteer at the Brisbane International Film Festival which I’m thrilled to experience in the coming days as well as gaining work experience with Burdekin Life.

Amongst my studies at QUT, I have been offered several opportunities through assignments to showcase entrepreneurial skills, pitching business ideas to Brisbane based businesses, ranging from social media campaigns, and business solutions to marketing proposals all opportunities that have allowed me to successfully network in the industry.

Since completing my internship at 4ZZZ I have become a casual volunteer on air, mainly working graveyard shifts – 2:00am to 6:00am - as well as creating my own online digital radio show, which is currently in the works.

As the year progresses and my first year comes to a close, I am beyond ecstatic to see what 2024 has to offer. With the opportunities I have secured I hope to inspire others within our region who are hesitant to embark on such a big change.

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Gracie at QUT Kelvin Grove. Photo supplied

Whether you are a homeowner looking for a reliable electrician or a large commercial premises looking for dependable maintenance, NQ Electrical can offer you great service, that will also get you on-track for an energy efficient future.

“We’ve noticed that energy efficiency is slowly becoming a big part of people’s lives,” said NQ Electrical owner, Michael Saunders.

“I’m big on sustainability and helping people reduce their carbon footprint – they also save a lot of money for a small outlay.”

Having opened its doors 10 years ago, NQ Electrical has grown and expanded over the decade to now incorporate a team of 14 qualified staff who provide a flexible workforce that travel between Townsville and Mackay.

With a reliable and timely service, NQ Electrical are always professional and ready to deliver high standards of service, no matter your needs.

“We understand the importance of getting your electrical work done on time, and our team is committed to meeting all deadlines,” said Michael.

“Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance services, we have the expertise to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

“Our focus on timely service delivery sets us apart in the industry, and we take pride in exceeding our commitment to on-time service delivery.”

With his invaluable team at the heart of the business, NQ Electricals’ core values are centred around people and customer service.

A professional initial phone call will establish your needs, and this will be backed up with a timely quote and efficient delivery.

This level of service has garnered a sterling reputation and created many long-term relationships where NQ Electrical is considered the contractor of choice for many national companies.

Bring this five-star service to your door in the Burdekin by giving Michael and the team a call today.

Top Tips

For A Sustainable Future

• Go Electric – remove all gas including hot water and hot plates.

• Install Solar – solar panels will soon generate a return in investment.

• LED Lighting – upgrade all your lighting to energy efficient LED lightbulbs.

• Clean Fuel – buy and electric car and completely remove your fuel bill.

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The future direction of Burdekin TAFE was a central point of discussion this week when interested parties met to open a conversation about a 10-year TAFE infrastructure Strategy.

Topics of conversation included the challenges currently existing within the campus facilities, opportunities for improvement, how the facilities meet the needs of local industry and what impact TAFE has on the local community.

The meeting, however, was only attended by two local business representatives and neither of the Chamber of Commerce were invited, a situation that frustrated Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

“The government has tasked a Brisbane-based consultancy firm with identifying the community’s priorities when it comes to TAFE, but the community hasn’t been invited,” he said.  

“The invite list was provided by a Minister’s office and that should have alarm bells ringing in the community.”

Mr Last asserts that the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce has been calling for better utilisation of the facility for the benefit of students and the community.  

“The fact that the local Chamber of Commerce wasn’t invited is an absolute insult,” he said.

“The meeting was on Wednesday and it was only Monday afternoon that I got the chance to nominate some additional attendees.  I was told that any additional invitees would have to be approved by the Minister’s office, making it virtually impossible.”

Mr Last said the restricted invite list and short notice meant the opportunities to revitalise the facility would almost undoubtedly be missed despite the best efforts of attendees.

“I know that the people who do attend will do their best, but you can’t honestly expect such a small group of representatives to do this alone,” he said.  

“What you need is a broad range of input from businesses, representative groups, teachers, past students, and potential students.

“I’m calling on the Minister to schedule additional face to face consultation and to allow people and groups to nominate to attend so that we get the best outcome.  

“If the Minister refuses to do that we know that the decisions have already been made and that the consultation process is nothing but a smoke screen.”

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Burdekin TAFE offers a range of engineering courses specialising in mechanical trades, fitting and turning, boiler-making, and metal fabrication. Photo supplied

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Small business is the heart of the Burdekin region, keeping our town centres thriving, our engines running and our bellies full, among other things. The small businesses of the Burdekin are also the reason you hold this publication, Burdekin Life, in your hands. Without the support of the Burdekin people, Burdekin Life wouldn’t be the publication it is today. Work experience student Gracie Hosie visited a couple of these great local businesses to share a bit of their story. Make sure to head downtown and support the businesses who support your locally owned, community minded newspaper.

Marissa Zanella of Selections

Marissa Zanella with staff Sharon and Fiona. Photo credit: Gracie Hosie

Since 2000, Selections has been thriving as a houseware, kitchenware, and gift store, owned and managed by Marissa Zanella. The little store located next door to Woolworths on Queen Street has more to offer than you may think.

Selections was a family business for more than fifty years, specialising in Italian porcelain gift lines, formally known as Amore’s Gift Inn. Since taking it on as her own she has added her own touch to the store as well as expanding to houseware, kitchenware, baking goods, and equipment as well as gifts for a range of ages.

Mrs Zanella has a strong passion for what she does, which is evident throughout her work, and she also takes great pride in carrying on her parent’s legacy.

For Marissa, this shop represents more than just a gift store; it's her gift to the Burdekin community, and she and her staff would love to extend this experience to all of you.

David Huckett of Prostart Automotive

David’s son, Daniel Huckett, working on a customer's car. Photo credit: Gracie Hosie

Prostart Automotive is an auto electrical repair workshop covering repairs for trailers, cars, motorhomes, harvesters, and everything in between. David Huckett, Prostart’s current owner, has been along for the ride since 2005.

Mr Huckett has maintained a successful business within the Burdekin, providing the utmost professional service to all who walk through his door.

“I hold not only myself but the service the business provides to a high standard…ensuring we have a good attention to detail, doing the job well the first time to keep our customers coming back,” Mr Huckett stated when reflecting on his business.

David works closely with his son Daniel, and the both of them enjoy witnessing the business grow and succeed in their local community.

To know more about the services David offers and the work he does, head to his Facebook page or visit the workshop at 10 Ross Street in Ayr.

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On an evening of transformation, innovation and new beginnings, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) launched their new brand at the Queens Hotel last Thursday, October 19.

QCAR CEO Paniko Spyrou welcomed members of the sugar cane and agriculture industries before leading a panel discussion with AgForce Cane Limited President Russell Hall, QCAR Chair Charles Quagliata and Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) Chair Don Murday on the future of the business and the industry.

“The decision to rebrand from Burdekin Cane Agriculture Organisation to Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables signifies our broader strategic vision and expanded focus that aligns with evolving industry dynamics and a need for sustainable development,” Mr Spyrou said.

“Shifting from a regional identity to a statewide one reflects a desire to encompass Queensland’s coastal cane and agricultural landscape.

“This widens the organisation’s reach and allows us to address issues and opportunities at a much larger scale.

“QCAR’s emphasis on renewables aligns with a global shift towards sustainable energy sources, enabling growers and communities to be part of a greener and more resilient future.”

Mr Spyrou also announced the addition of a new role, introducing Michael Kern as QCAR's incoming Chief Strategy Officer.

“There clearly are amazing opportunities for the industry lying ahead,” Mr Kern said.

“I think it (QCAR) has the real potential to provide a platform to go forward and really change the industry … and I’m grateful that the board has the confidence to ask me to help in that regard.”

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AgForce Cane Limited President Russell Hall, QCAR CEO Paniko Spyrou, QCAR Chair Charles Quagliata, QCAR CSO Michael Kern and ACFA Chair Don Murday

Laraine Sgroi, Bernadette Rehbein and Melissa Boulter

Michael Roncato, Chris Punzell, Meg Wilson and Barb Colls

John Grasso, Kayleen Walsh and Peter Papadimitriou

Loretta Hall and Cathy Patroni

John Quagliata and Pardeep Kumar

Michael Kern, Casie Scott and Renee Gardner

Mark Vass, Laurence Dal Santo and Russell Campbell

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

For some, the end of October excitement is around the Halloween celebration. For others it signals the

end of Year 12 with exams and the completion of their school education. For us at Wilmar Marketing it is

the closing of the nomination period for GEI Sugar marketing nominations.

In short, October 31 is the last chance for all cane growers to choose which marketer they will use to

price their GEI Sugar exposure for the 2024 season.

Depending on your pricing circumstances, and even if you have previously nominated a marketer, you

can change your nomination right up until midnight October 31.

Even if you have previously signed up for three years, you can change your 2024 nomination.

Even if you have previously nominated and priced some of your 2024 season GEI Sugar exposure, you

can split your nomination.

For any growers who are exclusive Harvest Pool users, you can still choose to price your GEI Sugar

through the Wilmar Production Risk Pool for 2024 season right up until October 31.

We dedicate significant resources towards maximising returns in our Production Risk Pool. When you

look at the comparative outcomes (see graph), we think the results speak for themselves. While pool

performance is not guaranteed, the accompanying chart may help with your decision making.

Instead of being spooked into making a decision around ghosts and ghouls, we encourage you to

channel your rational self and make an informed decision around what is best for your business.

Remember, you have a choice of marketers, or you can split your nomination. And you have until

midnight on Tuesday, 31 October.

To find out more, please contact our Grower Marketing consultants Meghan Wilson on 0437 669 118 or

Fiona Villis on 0437 297 978.

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Cane toads in Australia have undergone a startling transformation in the 86 years since their introduction to the continent, the noxious pests so numerous they have developed a taste for one another. These toxic and invasive amphibians have become highly cannibalistic, exhibiting behaviour not observed in their South American counterparts. Researchers are intrigued by this rapid and extreme evolutionary shift in behaviour, as it usually takes place over a much longer timescale.

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) were initially brought to Australia in 1935, with the intention of controlling cane beetles that were damaging sugarcane plantations. However, these giant toads failed to reduce the beetle population but succeeded in reproducing prolifically. Their highly poisonous skin, coated in bufotoxins, made them free of natural predators, and they spread throughout the northern and eastern regions of the country.

While adult cane toads grow up to 25 centimetres in length and are formidable creatures, it is their tadpoles that exhibit cannibalistic behaviour. Groups of tadpoles can consume more than 99% of the hatchlings from a single clutch. This behaviour prompted scientists to investigate whether it was widespread among all cane toads or specific to the Australian population due to their invasive nature.

To understand this phenomenon, researchers collected cane toads from Australia and French Guiana, breeding them to produce hatchlings and older tadpoles. They conducted experiments exposing a single tadpole to 10 hatchlings from its group, originating either from Australia or South America. The results showed that invasive Australian tadpoles were 2.6 times more likely to cannibalize hatchlings than their South American counterparts.

The research also unveiled that Australian tadpoles are attracted to hatchlings due to the scent of the younger animals' toxic skin. This was evident in experiments, with Australian tadpoles displaying a strong preference for swimming towards traps containing hatchlings. In contrast, South American tadpoles showed no such preference.

What is most striking about this evolutionary shift is the speed with which it occurred. Even more surprising is the rapid development of a defence mechanism against cannibalism by the toads. Researchers observed that invasive Australian hatchlings sharing a tank with older tadpoles from the same group had a shorter developmental period compared to South American hatchlings. This adaptation may limit the time spent in a vulnerable stage and prevent cannibalism, even if it eventually affects the toads' growth.

Scientists believe that the differences in behaviour between invasive Australian toads and their native South American counterparts are likely genetically based. This fascinating shift raises many questions that researchers are eager to explore.

One thing is certain: the cane toads currently found in Australia are significantly different from those first introduced to the continent. This rapid transformation in their behaviour provides valuable insights into the adaptability of invasive species and the mechanisms behind such evolutionary changes.

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Sugar cane plantations were established in the Brandon region in the early 1880s, however initially struggled due to the lack of adequate rainfall. While the plantations had access to several open water lagoons in the region, using them for irrigation proved very expensive. Relief came in 1886 when vast underground aquifers were discovered.

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A sugar cane train on route to the Pioneer Sugar Mill, near Brandon in the Burdekin. Photo credit: QSL sourced from the State Library of Queensland

• Overview: Despite not reaching new highs, it was another strong week for the ICE 11 sugar market with almost the entire futures curve now trading above 20 USc/lb as the future supply outlook remains extremely tight. The prompt March contract traded to a high of 27.28 USc/lb on Monday to a low of 26.30 USc/lb on Thursday before recovering to close the week at 27.03 USc/lb.

• India: In the lead up to the harvesting season, which is set to start in early November, the Maharashtra and Karnataka regions are experiencing hot and dry conditions following some much-needed rain in September. The Indian government is yet to publicly release a statement on an export quota for the 2023/2024 season, however most analysts are penciling in zero exports as food security and domestic food prices become the primary focus for India's government.

• Brazil: The Brazilian sugar cane industry group, UNICA, continue to report strong harvesting figures due to favourable harvesting weather conditions. In the second half of September the Centre-South region harvested 44.7 million tonnes of cane and produced 3.35 million tonnes of sugar, bringing the season-to-date totals to 493 million tonnes crushed and 32.6 million tonnes of sugar produced. Sugar mix remains above 50% for the fortnight and brings the total sugar mix to 49.5%. UNICA's first half of October will show the severity of the recent rain event in the Centre-South,and if harvesting has slowed as well as if TRS (Total Recoverable Sugar) has fallen.

• Oil: The news of ongoing conflict in Israil saw Brent Crude Oil surge more than 5% to above $90/ barrel on Friday. This has led some analysts to warn that prices well above $100/ barrel may be possible if the conflict spills over into other middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia. Sugar has been the beneficiary of the rising prices and will likely be susceptible to any further movements, be it positive or negative.

• Commitment of Traders: As of 10 October speculators increased their net long position by 10,500 contracts to 175,500 net-long. Open interest surprisingly fell 6,000 contracts despite the late week rally.

Currency  

• Overview: The Australian Dollar (AUD) still faces plenty of headwind as evidenced by weaker than expected US inflation data last week. The AUD traded from a high of 64.45 US cents on Wednesday before falling to lows of 62.86 US cents on Friday.

• US CPI: Annual inflation in the United States was reported as unchanged at 3.7% in September, against expectations of a small reduction. While the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is not till end of this month, The Fed is still trailing behind its 2% target and rates are likely to hold due to the cautious tone from its September meeting.

• Israel: As the Gaza war continues markets have begun to react with Crude Oil surging following the Hama organisation's attack on Israil. The initial attack posed a risk of logistical impacts as some shipping ports are located in the surrounding areas in the Gaza region. Global markets appear cautious of any potential involvement or sanctions from the United States, which would likely hamper risk appetites in global markets.

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Confident and cheerful, that is Oddish.

Oddish is a Staffy Cross, and is an attention seeker, always wanting to share his love with anyone and everyone. He is very food motivated, and loves a good treat when learning new tricks. He loves going on walks, walking great in a harness, but does get excited when people walk past.

Oddish is best suited to a home with older children, who can tire him out of his energy, and who is always ready for a play.

With some love and attention, Oddish will fit into the family home well, a much loved addition to the home.

Oddish is available for adoption, and is desexed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on his vaccines, flea, tick, and intestinal work treatment, and on heartworm prevention.

To meet Oddish, complete an animal enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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FAST FACTS:

Rehoming Fee: $425

DOB: 31/12/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Staffy X

Kid Friendly: Older Kids

Cat Friendly: Untested

Other Dogs: Yes, but slow introduction

Fences: Five ft

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A Burdekin father-son duo is bringing passion, skill and new ideas to the local agricultural industries as one of the region’s newest and most exciting hydraulic repair businesses.

Murray and his son Harry established Muzdraulics over three years ago when Harry completed high school and embarked on his apprenticeship, and their client base has been steadily growing ever since.

Murray followed a similar path, inspired by his diesel-fitter father to complete an apprenticeship in which he learnt to manufacture and design hydraulic cylinders.

“It’s a skill that I wasn’t aware would be so valuable when I did my apprenticeship but moving into the future and working in different areas of fitting, from the mines, earthmoving and industrial hydraulics, those trade skills that I learnt as a young apprentice, they’ve really been a huge asset to my career,” Murray said.

Specialising in sales, system design, installation, service and repairs to all hydraulic components, Muzdraulics is built on decades of unique experience, allowing Murray to grow his skills into areas he’s since realised are incredibly valuable to him and his clients.

Starting his apprenticeship in Toowoomba in 1996, Murray developed relationships with the country’s largest hydraulic companies, growing his experience by working with the industry-leaders.

He was told he has a natural gift for hydraulics, and he says the same thing about Harry.

“I’ve always had a natural interest in hydraulics and as I furthered my training in that area, I developed a passion for all of the latest progressions in hydraulics and now we’re bringing that to the Burdekin,” he said.

“We’re a fairly new company with new ideas but we’ve got the support of the larger companies plus my knowledge and experience.

“I never dreamed of owning my own hydraulics business, but this is where we found ourselves, in the Burdekin, a place full of opportunities.”

A company based in the Burdekin and solely servicing the Burdekin, Murray and Harry are up to the task of supporting the agricultural hub now and into the future.

For more information, visit Muzdraulics on Facebook, email muznq79@yahoo.com.au or phone 0487 487 442.

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Muzdraulics is fully equipped for remote area repairs