Liessmann & Son's celebrated another successful year of servicing the Burdekin community on Saturday, 13 December, gathering at the Crown Hotel in Home Hill to reflect on the year that was and prepare for the exciting one ahead.

The business, a long-standing pillar of the Home Hill community, marked its 55th year in operation, with staff enjoying food and conversation from 12pm to 5pm.

Owner and director Uli Liessmann says that a lot of this year's success is a credit to the team behind the operation.

"It's been a good year, and that's mostly down to the team. We all get on together," said Liessmann.
"We've been in business for 55 years, and this crew we have now is probably the best ever."

Liessmann is confident of another positive year for the company in 2026, with the addition of two new apprentices and its extensive gas selection expected to continue growing.

"We've got every type of gas thing you can think of," said Liessmann. "Gas has always been a big seller, and it's only going to continue to grow."

With half a century of service behind them and big plans ahead, Liessmann & Son's is showing no signs of slowing down.

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Japanese Backpacker Completes Hike from Cairns to Melbourne

It was back in May this year that Japanese backpacker Tomoya Matsusaka made a pledge to himself, and after travelling more than 4,000km along Australia’s eastern coastline on foot, he has finally fulfilled it.

Matsusaka arrived in Australia in June with the goal of walking all the way from Cairns to Melbourne, bringing nothing but himself, a trolley containing food and his temporary, portable home, and a determination to meet as many people as possible along the way.

“I came to Australia to walk. I chose to walk because walking is slow, so I thought I could meet a lot of people,” Matsusaka said.

Beginning his journey on the Bruce Highway, Matsusaka made his way over the Burdekin Bridge (pictured) before the long haul south to the Victorian capital, where he was met by a sizeable crowd waiting at the finish line last Monday.

Throughout the 199-day journey, Matsusaka remained active on social media, keeping the more than 50,000 followers he amassed across all platforms updated every step of the way.

His followers frequently offered food, supplies and accommodation, either in hotels or their own homes.

“A lot of people come to see me, and they offer kindness,” he said. “There were times I felt (like quitting), but meeting a lot of Australian people, I got a lot of energy from them to continue.”

After more than half a year of gruelling travel under Australia’s unforgiving sun, Matsusaka crossed the finish line in Fitzroy Gardens to cheers from the large group of Melbournian's waiting to welcome him.

He also received an outpouring of online support, with thousands sharing messages of encouragement along his journey. Facebook user Wendy Atkinson wrote: “I feel so grateful to have spent a little time with Tomoya on his journey. He’s saying to the world, ‘let’s be brave, let’s open our hearts, and let’s try.’”

Matsusaka said he remained deeply grateful for the support he received and for the experiences people helped create along the way.

“Thank you for giving me so many happy memories,” he said. “I love Australia!”

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Beginning his journey on the Bruce Highway, Matsusaka made his way through the Burdekin (pictured) and continued south to the Victorian capital, where he was met by a sizeable crowd waiting at the finish line last Monday. Photo source: Instagram, @mattya_adventure

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The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) has been saving lives across the state for nearly 50 years, marking the milestone on 11 December with an official ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.

The reception commemorated 50 years since the proclamation of the State Counter-Disaster Organisation Act on 11 December 1975, which formally established the Queensland SES.

Representatives from all seven SES regions and headquarters attended the event, including Local Controller of the Burdekin SES Warren Francis, who said the milestone recognised the dedication shown by volunteers across generations, both past and present.

In the Burdekin alone, SES volunteers responded to around 160 deployments throughout 2025, assisting the community through floods, severe weather events and emergency incidents.

Long-serving Burdekin SES Deputy Controller John Winn said the service had evolved significantly over the decades, allowing for more effective and safer responses to emergencies.

“There’s a lot more equipment available now than there ever was,” Mr Winn said. “Our flood boats are bigger and far more capable than the old tin boats we used to use.”

Burdekin SES operates across five sheds in Ayr, Home Hill, Giru, Rita Island and Clare, working alongside other emergency services to deliver land and marine search and rescue, storm damage response and flood assistance across the district.

Mr Winn said volunteers were often the first people residents encountered during disasters.

“Quite often, we’re the first people residents get to speak to,” he said. “Even though we’re not counsellors, we listen, we support people, and we treat everyone with care and dignity in times where they have lost everything.”

That commitment was echoed by Acting Officer in Charge of the Townsville Water Police, Michael Rennie, who highlighted the long-standing partnership between his unit and Burdekin SES.

Mr Rennie, who has served with Townsville Water Police for 12 years, said SES volunteers were indispensable during land-based and marine search operations.

“We absolutely wouldn’t be able to do what we do in times of emergency or during searches without them giving up their time to help,” he said. “When we call, even late at night, they always respond and they always turn up to help the community.”

Want to be part of the team? Burdekin SES is recruiting volunteers—find out more here: https://tinyurl.com/2xmcpwv9

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The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) has been saving lives across the state for nearly 50 years, marking the milestone on 11 December with an official ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.
In the Burdekin alone, SES volunteers responded to around 160 deployments throughout 2025, assisting the community through floods, severe weather events and emergency incidents.

Photos supplied

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The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) has been saving lives across the state for nearly 50 years, marking the milestone on 11 December with an official ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.
In the Burdekin alone, SES volunteers responded to around 160 deployments throughout 2025, assisting the community through floods, severe weather events and emergency incidents.

Photos supplied

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On Thursday, 27 November, a group of Year 8 students from Home Hill State High School participated in the James Cook University (JCU) UniX Program.

The program gives students a chance to experience university-level study across a variety of fields, including medicine, nursing, science, engineering, education, social sciences, business, law, and the creative arts.

During the visit, students took part in hands-on activities designed to build confidence, uncover strengths, and help them understand their skills. They also attended career taster sessions and presentations to explore future study and career pathways.

The UniX Program is part of JCU’s broader initiative to introduce younger students to higher education, helping them make informed decisions about future study options and encouraging engagement in areas they may not have previously considered.

The day offered students a practical insight into what studying at university involves. From participating in interactive workshops to seeing how different disciplines approach problem-solving, students were able to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. The program also provides guidance on potential pathways to tertiary study, including information about prerequisites, course requirements, and career outcomes.

A Home Hill State High School spokesperson said the day was a valuable learning experience for students.

"It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons and dream big about their future pathways. We are so proud of them," they said.

"Thank you... to JCU for providing our students with this fantastic opportunity."

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Health experts are urging Queenslanders to rely on proven medical advice, not social media myths, when it comes to sun safety, as the state continues to record the highest melanoma rates in the world.

Dermatologist Associate Professor Erin McMeniman, from Princess Alexandra Hospital and the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, says misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online at an alarming rate.

“Particularly in Queensland, most people receive enough sun exposure to produce vitamin D simply through their daily incidental activities, such as hanging out the washing or checking the letterbox,” she said.

She warns that unprotected sun exposure remains the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, with 4,085 Queenslanders diagnosed in 2021 and 385 losing their lives.

“Skin damage can occur after 10 minutes exposure when the UV index is at 3 or above. In Queensland, the UV index is 3 or above all year round, even in winter,” she said.

In recent weeks, UV levels have reached 14 and 15, classified as “extreme”, further emphasising the need for regular sun protection.

Despite these well-established risks, a range of myths persist online, including claims that sunscreen causes cancer, that tans prevent sunburn, or that darker-skinned people cannot get skin cancer. Assoc Prof McMeniman says these claims are not only false, but dangerous.

“There is no evidence there is any proven harm from using sunscreen,” she said.

“Unprotected sun exposure has been proven to cause cancer.”

She adds that sunscreen found in make-up is rarely strong enough to provide real protection.

“You need SPF30 or higher rating to be protected against sun exposure,” she said.

“If it’s not SPF30 or above, you should be wearing additional sunscreen under your makeup when you’re in the sun for an extended period.”

Assoc Prof McMeniman says one of the biggest concerns is the rising number of Queensland children experiencing sunburn, with nearly half reporting at least one burn in the past year.

“Sunburn in childhood, frequent sunburn and sunburn that blisters the skin all increase a person’s susceptibility to UV-related cancers,” she said.

Adults over 60 remain the most at-risk group due to limited sun safety education when they were young. However, she says younger generations are benefiting from decades of awareness campaigns, with melanoma rates now slightly declining in those under 40.

As Queensland heads into another Summer of intense UV levels, the message from experts remains clear: slip, slop, slap and slide, every day.

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Health experts statewide are encouraging Queenslanders to slip, slop, slap & slide every day to protect against intense UV levels (Photo Source: Unsplash)

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Australia’s agriculture industry is on track to reach a record value of almost $100 billion this financial year, according to new figures released earlier this month. The latest ABARES Agricultural Commodities Report forecasts the gross value of agricultural production to rise to $99.5 billion in 2025-26, with fisheries and forestry included pushing the total to over $106.4 billion.

Exports are also expected to reach a record $83.9 billion, reflecting strong international demand for Australian produce. Industry leaders credit this milestone to the skill, resilience, and hard work of farmers, alongside ongoing support from the Albanese Labor Government.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said: “It’s been a significant year for our farmers and producers, and thanks to their hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence, the value of our agriculture industry is on track to reach almost $100 billion this financial year.

“Our Government is backing our farmers and producers to reach this record result by expanding trade opportunities, supporting them to boost their climate resilience, and by strengthening our biosecurity system.

“This is supporting our farmers to supply their world-class products to communities across Australia and around the globe, to employ more people in our regions, and to strengthen our local economies.

“Our commitment to working with farmers to progress their priorities and to deliver support when they are facing challenges, particularly during drought conditions, never stops.”

The growth comes amid ongoing efforts to diversify markets, remove red tape, and strengthen biosecurity, while $1 billion in new concessional loan funding through the Regional Investment Corporation aims to support farmers facing financial pressures.

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Farmers across the country are celebrating a record year, with strong exports and robust local production driving Australia’s agriculture sector toward a historic $100 billion valuation in 2025-26. Photo source: Unsplash

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The Burdekin Library has concluded another successful year of its First 5 Forever programs, celebrating early literacy and learning for children aged 0-5. The year’s finale took place at the annual Christmas Party, held in partnership with Play2Learn Burdekin, bringing together families for a morning of crafts, activities, stories, songs, and festive treats — topped off with a special visit from Santa. The event was hosted at the Burdekin Theatre, with organisers thanking the venue for its support.

First 5 Forever is a state-wide family literacy initiative delivered through public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres. The program is designed to provide young children with strong foundations in language and literacy by connecting families with resources, information, and practical ideas to support everyday learning.

Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life are the most rapid period of brain development, with over a million new neural connections forming every second. Programs like First 5 Forever emphasise that simple activities — talking, reading, singing, and playing — can have lasting impacts on a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Through free sessions such as Baby Time, Rhyme Time, and Story Time, parents and caregivers can engage with their children, discover new rhymes and stories, and connect with other families in the community. By nurturing these everyday moments, First 5 Forever helps ensure children in the Burdekin Shire start life with the tools and confidence to succeed.

The Burdekin Library looks forward to welcoming families back to its programs in 2026.

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Young learners got into the festive spirit at the Burdekin Library’s First 5 Forever Christmas Party, enjoying stories, songs, crafts, and a special visit from Santa. Photo supplied

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Flexi Queensland has been spreading festive cheer all month long, and in the interest of supporting the wider Burdekin Shire, the team decided to take part in the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal!

“This year, we have placed a strong focus on strengthening our connections within the wider community, and on how we, as a local organisation can give back – not only to our clients, but to the region as a whole,” explained Flexi Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Teneill Ready.

“We saw this as a valuable opportunity for both our Service Users and staff to be actively involved in giving back to the community and recognising the important role we all play in supporting one another.”

A couple of weeks ago, several members of Flexi Queensland popped down to the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers to donate a wonderful collection of non-perishable food items for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal – a heartfelt initiative dedicated to supporting families in need during the festive season.

“This is our first year participating, and in light of the cost-of-living pressures, we felt it was important to do what we could to support our community,” said Teneill.

“Flexi Queensland is proud to have donated over 50 items, generously contributed by our dedicated staff.”

The heartwarming annual appeal offers a simple yet powerful chance for the community to come together, show kindness, and make a real difference for those who need it most.

“We value our community deeply and are committed to investing in its growth and in supporting the people within it,” added Teneill.

“We encourage businesses and individuals who are in a position to do so to consider making a donation of any size. Even small contributions, when combined, can make a meaningful difference for all.”

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Flexi Queensland spreads festive cheer by donating over 50 items to the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal. Photo supplied

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By Chelsea Ravizza

In the new year, residents of the Burdekin Shire are invited to attend an informative and comprehensive Learn to Tow Safely course to build confidence, learn vital skills, and understand overall road awareness.

Known nationwide as Australia’s best towing course, Learn to Tow has been conducting practical, hands-on towing safety courses for caravans, trailers and campers since 2004. Kimberly Olsen, founder of Learn to Tow, holds several years of experience in towing education, driver training, and working with a wide range of vehicles and caravans in real-world conditions.

“Towing isn’t something you can properly learn from a book or a video alone. You can read all the theory in the world, but until you actually feel how a caravan responds under braking, in crosswinds, on corners, or when something isn’t quite right, it doesn’t sink in,” Kimberly explained.

“Our hands-on approach lets people experience towing in s safe, controlled environment before they’re out on busy highways, or country roads. We deliberately create real-world scenarios – hitching and unhitching, setting up weight distribution, emergency braking, sway awareness, reversing, and tight manoeuvring – so people understand not just what to do, but why it matters.”

Kimberly has delivered courses across the country in both regional and rural areas, and has since become well known for her practical, down-to-earth teaching style and her passion for making towing safer and more accessible, particularly for regional families and travellers.

“We get a real mix of people, which is one of the great things about the course. Some are first-time caravan owners who’ve just picked up a van and want to do it right. Others have been towing for years but know they’ve never had proper training. We also see couples preparing for a big lap, retirees downsizing, and locals who tow horse floats, campers or work trailers,” said Kimberly.

“What they all get out of it is confidence. People leave knowing their setup is correct, understanding their vehicle and caravan limits, and feeling capable instead of anxious, and for many, it’s the first time towing actually makes sense.”

Suitable for both complete beginners and experienced drivers, the courses are designed to cover caravans and trailers up to 4.5 tonnes, including camper trailers and twin-axle vans. With a background in professional driver training, advanced towing instruction, and extensive hands-on experience with caravans, trailers, and 4WD setups, Kimberly will tailor the activities to suit all skill levels so each driver can progress safely to learn and practice skills including:
• Correct hitching and unhitching
• Load distribution and balance
• Reversing and parking techniques
• Sway and braking management
• Pre-trip checks and emergency responses

Set to be held on Friday, the 2nd of January from 9am through to 5pm, interested drivers are encouraged to book their space for the online now at learntotow.rezdy.com.

“You don’t need to be experienced or confident when you arrive to begin the course, that’s what the day is for! We create a supportive, no-judgement environment where people can ask questions, make mistakes, and learn properly,” added Kimberly.

“What we hope people take away is not just skills, but peace of mind. We want them to head off on their travels knowing their setup is safe, their decisions are informed, and they’re protecting themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the on the road.”

What: Learn to Tow Safely Course
When: Friday, 2nd of January, 9am to 5pm
Where: Ayr Showgrounds

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Founder of Learn to Tow Safely, Kimberly Olsen, will lead a practical towing session at the Ayr Showgrounds in January. Photo supplied

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A major new piece of infrastructure at the Kalamia Mill has successfully passed its first annual inspection, marking a strong milestone for the Burdekin region’s sugar industry.

The 72-metre steel boiler stack was installed and commissioned ahead of the 2025 production season, playing a key role in mill operations. An early finish to the season created an opportunity for the project team and principal contractors, EDMS Australia, to complete the stack’s first inspection well ahead of Christmas.

The inspection was completed without issue, with the structure passing all requirements and receiving positive feedback from the inspection team.

To mark the occasion, the EDMS team also presented a name plate for the new boiler stack, which has since been proudly attached to the concrete pedestal at the site.

The successful inspection highlights the quality of the installation and the strong collaboration between mill staff and contractors, setting the facility up well for future production seasons.

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EDMS Project Manager Jamie Hervey, Senior Project Engineer Fabian Sataro, Engineering Superintendent Vito Giarrusso and EDMS Director Construction Tyrone Kraus. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited via LinkedIn
Kalamia Mill’s 72-metre boiler stack has been given the all-clear. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia Limited via LinkedIn

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Over 7.6 million trees have now been planted across Australia as part of a major reforestation effort by Greening Australia, supported by AstraZeneca’s AZ Forest initiative and One Tree Planted. This year alone, more than one million trees were added in South Australia and Western Australia, helping restore endangered habitats and support local biodiversity.

In South Australia, planting crews worked on Eyre Peninsula to protect the critically endangered Drooping Sheoak Woodland and on Fleurieu Peninsula to create feeding and breeding habitat for the endangered Kangaroo Island Glossy Black Cockatoo. Meanwhile, Western Australia accounts for the majority of plantings, including almost 600,000 native trees in the Great Southern region this year.

AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand Country President Ben McDonald said, “It is great to see the enormous progress made with millions of biodiverse and locally appropriate native trees springing up in priority regions across five states. The projects being delivered in Western Australia showcase the positive impact behind the numbers, for local farmers, for communities and especially for biodiversity.”

Local landholders Quentin and Natasha Brown benefited from the initiative, with plantings helping to buffer salinity and improve habitat.

“One of the main issues in this region is creeping salinity. Once the plantings get established, they should be able to hold it at bay,” Natasha said.

For more information about Greening Australia’s landholder programs, visit greeningaustralia.org.au/landholders.

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Greening Australia’s Glen Steven and Natasha examining a direct seeding line. Photo source: Greening Australia

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I’d like to begin this column by acknowledging the tragic events that unfolded at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend. Such incidents have no place in our world, let alone in our beautiful country, and I encourage everyone to keep the victims and their grieving families in your thoughts and prayers.

It’s tragedies like these that put life into perspective. They make us hug our loved ones a little tighter and question whether the minor inconveniences that normally frustrate us really matter at all.

But it’s important to come together during times like this—when it’s all too easy to point fingers. That’s the essence of our nation. That’s being Australian.

And there’s no place that embodies it better than the Burdekin.

On a brighter note, local Christmas festivities are ramping up, with the Carols proving a blast and the highly anticipated Chamber Street Party just around the corner.

Before long, the big man himself will be dropping by with all our presents. Is it too late to start being nice, or is his list already finalised? Maybe I’ll start saying please and thank you more often, as a last-ditch effort to get in the ‘good’ column.

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Local Initiative Brews Connection and Conversation for Mental Health

Talika Pegoraro recently unveiled a beautifully heartwarming mental health focused initiative, Cuppa & Chat, in partnership with Fuel Me Up Café to start conversations and foster connections within the community.

A proud Burdekin local, Talika hopes to combine her Certificate IV in Mental Health with her love for taking care of those around her to host a casual and relaxed meeting accompanied by a free beverage with whomever would like to connect.

“If you’d like to connect, simply send me a private message on Facebook, and we’ll arrange a time and choose a place to meet – no agendas, no scripts, just genuine, open conversation over a coffee,” shared Talika.

In the past, Talika has hosted a highly successful Women’s Circle focusing on self-care and wellbeing.

“Giving people the opportunity to have a one on one, confidential conversation could make all the difference especially at a time of year where people can feel quite isolated, and I want to use what I’ve learned to connect with the wider community and just bring some happiness to any who would like it,” Talika explained.

Manager of Fuel Me Up Café, Cindy Poletti, approached Talika earlier this year to offer a generous donation to support her previous and future initiatives, leading Talika to establish Cuppa & Chat, which has already been warmly welcomed by the wider community.

“I’m hoping that people will use this as self-care or something just for them as an induvial. The conversation doesn’t have to be about mental wellbeing, it can be about whatever they want to talk about – however, I am more than willing to discuss some of the heavier topics that may be weighing people down.”

Talika cannot wait to connect with more members of the local community and encourages anyone interested in having a Cuppa & Chat to send her a message today.

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Talika Pegoraro encourages anyone interested in a Cuppa & Chat to message her on Facebook. Photo supplied

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Three familiar faces in Burdekin healthcare are being celebrated for a remarkable milestone, with a combined 135 years of service marking a lifetime of service to the Burdekin community.

Support Services Officer Bertilla Scodellaro, Clinical Nurse Joanne McBow, and Enrolled Nurse Jocelyn Tuffin all started as teenage trainees, and have seen the evolution of healthcare in the Burdekin first-hand.

For Ms Tuffin, who began her career at just 15 years old, the technology may have changed over the last four decades, but the core of the job has remained consistent.

"I just love looking after people and being there for them at, often, the worst time in their lives," Ms Tuffin said.

"People really just want a caring, compassionate person to look after them; they remember it, and it gives you a good feeling at the end of the day to know you’ve made a difference."

Ms McBow, who trained alongside Jocelyn, said working in a rural facility offered a unique "whole-of-life" career that specialised nursing couldn't match.

"I can't imagine being specialised in one particular thing; I like that one minute I can be caring for someone who is ill, and the next minute I could be in theatre helping with a caesarean," Ms McBow said.

"It is a privilege to have that trust to care for people you know in the community and be that support for them."

While the clinical team keeps patients safe, staff like Ms Scodellaro ensure the hospitals operate smoothly.

Working across both Ayr and Home Hill facilities, Ms Scodellaro was described by her colleagues as the “instrumental link” that keeps the service ticking, ensuring equipment and supplies are exactly where they need to be.

"Every day is different, and that is what I like about it," Ms Scodellaro said.

Together, all three embody the community spirit of the Burdekin, celebrating a rare, long-standing commitment to rural healthcare.

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Burdekin locals Jocelyn Tuffin, Joanne McBow, and Bertilla Scodellaro, were honoured for their combined 135 years of dedication to the Burdekin community's health services. Photo supplied

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A year after the Crisafulli Government reinstated the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, Member for
Burdekin Dale Last is backing calls for new members to add their voice and knowledge to the future
of the national artery.

Mr Last said the success of the advisory council over the past twelve months was a testament to the
combination of industry stakeholder representatives and local knowledge that only comes from
those who travel the highway.

“The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a vital role in shaping priorities for the historic $9
billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and the development of a Fatigue Management
Strategy,” Mr Last said.

“These voluntary positions are a 12-month role for one representative from each of the six regions
that intersect the Bruce Highway to join peak body representatives to have their say on the Bruce
Highway.”

“Since re-establishing the BHAC, we’ve made huge strides in improving safety and reliability, guided
by the voices of those who know this highway best.”

Chaired by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Bruce Highway Advisory Committee brings
together a group of diverse stakeholders from the Pine River up to Far North Queensland to discuss
current problems along the Highway and where investment should be prioritised.

Mr Last said the advisory council was not just about providing a platform for information about key
concerns on the highway and had already brought about significant action.

“After a decade of Labor burying their head in the sand when it came to safety issues and flood
immunity on the Bruce Highway the Crisafulli Government has turned the tide with more than 40
projects fast-tracked under the Bruce Highway Target Safety Program.”

“We are listening and we know there is more to be done and that is why I am encouraging
stakeholders in the Northern Region to ensure those crucial concerns around areas prone to
flooding, congestion and safety are given the right platform to be heard.”

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