Hello readers and welcome to the very first edition of Burdekin Life!

My name is Sam and I’m the journalist, the man on the ground, and one of the Burdekin’s newest residents. I recently moved to Home Hill from Mackay and have been warmly welcomed by everyone I’ve come across so far, so I thank you for that.

I grew up in a town not too much bigger than Home Hill - southeast Queensland’s Millmerran – so when I was asked if I’d like to relocate to the Burdekin as the newspaper expanded, I almost immediately said yes. I moved from Millmerran to Brisbane when I finished school for further study and, at the start of 2022, moved from Brisbane to Mackay, a move that was drastic and spontaneous at the time, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I needed to escape the rat race and routine of the big city and my move to tropical north Queensland certainly achieved that. Since then, I’ve fallen back in love with life in the regions, where the spirit of community is clear at every turn. I already sense this in the Burdekin and look forward to immersing myself further over coming months.

Sport and music are my two biggest passions, so as I settle into my new home, you’ll find me having a hit of tennis, rolling the arm over at Home Hill Cricket Association, and maybe even playing some of my favourite tunes on Sweet FM. I love the outdoors and already have a list of things to do while I’m here including climbing Mount Inkerman, watching a cane fire and diving the SS Yongala – let me know what else I should add to the list!

I can’t wait to learn more about the region and would love your help. If you’ve got a story, a recommendation, a suggestion for somewhere new to explore, please reach out – you’ll find my contact details to the left. Enjoy our first edition and make sure to say g’day if you see me out and about!

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Dedicated and passionate, that’s how you would describe the remarkable team behind Meals on Wheels Ayr and Home Hill.

With about 80 clients currently on the books, and with many more consistently being added to the roster, the team are busier than ever.

Business Manager Gail Minehan said that with the 100 volunteers, Meals on Wheels is a hive of activity.

“We’ve seen a growth of clients accessing our meals, which is fantastic to see,” she said.

The 100 volunteers are fantastic, with the kitchen team assembling at 6.15am daily to begin to prepare the meals for the day, before the four teams of two delivery volunteers arrive at 10am to begin their delivery rounds.

Functional and professional, the team works like a well-oiled machine.

“We have a four-week menu, with a massive variety of hot meals to choose from, as well as different sides, salads, and sandwiches, for those who don’t want a hot meal.

“There’s also a different desert daily, and we offer frozen meals for clients that we can’t visit daily or who want to stock up on meals,” Gail explained.

Gail’s 100 volunteers are made up of a wide variety of individuals, each stepping forward to help the seniors in their community.

“We have retirees, community service individuals, people with intellectual disabilities with their carers, and even Ayr State High School hospital students.”

To learn more about Meals on Wheels, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Gail on 4783 2659.

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Pictured L-R: Sue Anderson, volunteer, Robyn Barbagallo, Financial officer, Gail Minehan, Business Manager, Terry Chandler, Chairman and Gillan Stanbrook, volunteer. Photo supplied

Six new contracts have been awarded as works progress to improve and raise Burdekin Falls Dam.

The Burdekin Falls Dam Raising Project, managed by Sunwater, proposes to raise the existing dam by two metres to increase water supply and support future water demand in the Burdekin and surrounding regions.

The project received a commitment of a further $440 million downpayment, on top of the $100 million already committed, from the Queensland Government’s 2023-24 Budget.

The contracts will support 80 jobs, with 50 of these in the local region, and are worth a combined $1.7 million.

These involve geotechnical investigations, quarry material sourcing, cultural heritage and native title work and the establishment of a 17-person temporary camp.

Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher said the Government’s funding commitment is being put to good use, ensuring important planning and investigation activities can get underway.

“Raising Burdekin Falls Dam by two metres will significantly boost the amount of water available for future demand, whether that comes from industry, agriculture or urban water supply,” he said.

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the works are key to supporting important survey, approval and planning work for Burdekin Falls Dam.

“This work will ensure we can make vital project decisions, including where to source clay, rock and other aggregate materials and will support ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is appropriately identified, protected and managed during project activities,” he said.

“Planning is progressing well for the improvement and raising projects and we expect to submit a draft of the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) to the Queensland Coordinator-General this year.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP isn’t holding his breath, saying he will treat the Government’s announcement with “a grain of salt” until he sees construction underway.

“As far back as 2016 we were told that a business case was the next step,” he said.

“Seven years later this announcement is centred on planning and investigations so, in reality, we have seen very little in terms of progress.

“Time and time again we have been told the Burdekin Falls Dam was being raised but, almost 30 years after it was built, nothing has changed.”

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Burdekin Falls Dam. Photo supplied: Sunwater

A spike in youth crime has driven the community to take action on a scourge a car robberies many believe are the result of unsupervised children who are allowed to roam the street at night.

A local Home Hill business owner had his Ute stolen in July this year and when he discussed the issue with the community he discovered that it was widespread, with many others coming forward to describe similar incidences.

“It’s becoming common, and it seems to be a similar group of young people each time,” said Karl Vass.

“The police found my Ute dumped - they’d burnt the clutch out, so I think perhaps they didn’t know how to drive a manual!”

The crime was reported to the police, but Mr Vass believes that because many young criminals are let off with just a warning, they behave like they are above the law.

He said that he is confident that the crime was committed by four youth aged 13 to 16.

“I know they’ve been involved with stealing cars before,” he explained.

“The system clears the slate for them when they turn 18 so they just don’t care.

“The community are frustrated as there are no consequences.”

A local police spokesperson said that measures are taken to “conduct bail checks on persons on curfew.”

“We also work with PCYC with their youth programs like Blue Edge, Active Mates and we visit schools on request and officers are heavily engaged with youth both at work and through Burdekin Area Youth watch.”

Mr Vass and other interested parties conducted a special meeting where 200 people gathered at the Home Hill Memorial Gardens to discuss how they could help.

“It was a good turnout but not really, as it was a sign of how many people had been effected,” said Mr Vass.

“95 per cent of the population are good, honest hardworking people – it is just a small percentage that are not.”

“I think there needs to be a lot more emphasis on the parents – perhaps they need to get charged – they definitely need to take more responsibility.”

Mr Vass says the community action group have decided to offer a positive response to the issue.

“A lot of these young people have no home life, they have nothing to do, and we are just trying to communicate with them,” he explained.

“We want to reward those that show good behaviour, incentivise them by taking them on water-skiing trips that sort of thing.

“We want to do things that make them feel part of the community.”

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Karl Vass is allegedly a victim of youth crime, but says he wants to help perpetrators become better people. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Construction has begun on the Burdekin Macro-Algal Treatment Facility, a world first project, which is an innovative partnership set to put Burdekin on the map for environmental sustainability and conservation.

The bioremediation wastewater treatment facility is a joint partnership between Burdekin Shire Council and Pacific Biotechnologies Australia and will use native green algae to treat waste water, remove nutrients that are harmful to waterways, and isolate carbon dioxide.

The entire facility is situated on a six-hectare earth pad, at the Ayr Waste Water Treatment Plant, and will use innovative RegenAqua technologies, which has been specially formulated by Pacific Bio, for use in treatment facilities, aquaculture farms, and in industrial settings.

Pacific Bio and Council have signed two agreements, with the operation and maintenance of the plant secured for 13 years.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the partnership with RegenAqua represents a significant collaboration that underscores Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.

“Burdekin Shire Council and RegenAqua have dedicated over five years to the planning of this project which is one of the two legacy initiatives Council has focused on developing, and we are excited to have finally hit this milestone,” said Mayor McLaughlin.

“Through cutting edge technology and sustainable practices, the partnership is forging a path towards cleaner and safe waterways whilst reducing the environmental impact.

“I would like to acknowledge the State Government for their support, as funding provided by both the State Government and Burdekin Shire Council has been instrumental in propelling the project to come to fruition.”

The facility will employ an initial count of 12 tertiary treatment ponds, with the potential expansion to 16 ponds for future needs.

The ponds not only serve as a fundamental part of the facility but provides the ideal environment for the algae to thrive and best perform their roles in treating the waste water.

“We are excited about this partnership, showcasing innovation and environmental responsibility through a world leading circular, carbon neutral solution,” said Mayor McLaughlin.

“This project will not only create economic opportunities for our community, but it will also help reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment.”

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From left to right; Cr Max Musumeci, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Perry, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Pacific Bio Chairman Graham Wood, Cr John Furnell, Cr Kaylee Boccalatte and Cr Michael Detenon. Absent was Cr John Bonanno. Photo supplied

Support for a new $2.86 million CT scanner for Ayr Hospital is gaining momentum with continued efforts from the Community Advisory Network (CAN), advocacy from State Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, and also a recent petition with overwhelming backing from local residents.

A new CT scanner would allow patients experiencing a mixture of ailments such as symptoms of a stroke or a sporting injury to be assessed quickly and easily in their local hospital rather than travelling to Townsville for treatment.

For the past three years, locals have been actively campaigning for this piece of equipment which would prevent a five-hour round trip for an ambulance and paramedics.

“Up to 15 patients are taken to Townsville each week for CT scans,” said Dale Last MP.

“The lack of a CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital definitely adds to the stress of a medical emergency and it’s quite possible that delays could result in patients not achieving the best outcomes, or even cost lives.”

“In addition, having equipment here in Ayr means hospital staff can be in the hospital helping patients rather than in the back of an Ambulance.”

Councillor Kaylee Boccalatte, who is the Chair of the Community Advisory Network said that no additional employment costs would be required.

“We already have a full-time radiographer and two others trained in how to operate a CT scanner,” she explained.

“Ayr Hospital is the largest level three facility in Queensland without a CT scanner and by being able to provide one for the community we can give everyone equity of access and help overcome barriers to health care.”

Mr Last said he is pleased to see such extensive local support and he believes people power will see the project supported by the Health Minister.

“On behalf of the community, I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition for sending a clear message to the current state government that we deserve the same quality health services as any other area in Queensland,” he said.

“If the Minister’s response is positive, we will welcome it and work cooperatively to get the CT Scanner up and running as soon as possible.  

“But if the Minister says no and thinks we will give up, I think she is in for a rude shock because I have no intention of giving up and neither does the community.”

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A CT scanner at Ayr Hospital will mean that up to 15 people per week can receive a scan locally. Image: Shutterstock

Parents who send their children to one of the smaller local schools can breathe a sigh of relief this week following news that the several schools earmarked for closure, are in fact expected to stay open.

A recent Regional Queensland Summit predicted and named several schools in the state that were expected to close by 2027, one of those was Millaroo.

Access to education was raised as a major issue at the summit and claims were made that some local schools could be temporarily mothballed or closed due to declining enrolments.

Millaroo State School has just seven students, but it is far from the smallest student population in the Burdekin, with Maidavale having just one pupil.

Meanwhile, Airville has just 10 students and Osborne only 13.

Millaroo’s Small Schools Manager Anna Hoare said that despite speculation, enrolments are growing at the school.

“We run a very successful playgroup and already have two kindy enrolments for next year,” she explained.

“Our school has an increase in numbers this year.

“The school is really important in this area and the benefit has a flow-on effect, it is one of the only places where the people socialise and it is a big part of our community.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last agreed, saying that he believes the local schooling system is working well and he is determined to defend it.

In fact, within the past week, our local member has managed to secure a guarantee that all schools in the region are safe.

“Several schools in the Burdekin were included in a list of ‘at risk’ schools in media reports,” Mr Last said.  

“Those closures would have a huge impact on families whose children attend so, as soon as the rumours came to light, I took the issue up with the Education Minister.

“The Minister has confirmed, via a response to a question in Parliament, that there are no plans to close any schools in the Burdekin. That is reassuring for families and staff.”

Mr Last said that the role of the smaller schools in the district extended further than a ‘standard education’, a factor that staff and the school communities should be extremely proud of.

“As demographics have changed and student numbers have declined, several of those schools have made changes to teaching methods and facilities to cater to students who have struggled in larger schools,” he said.

“It’s a huge credit to the staff at those schools that they have identified ways to ensure that all students are engaged and can reach their full potential.  

“In larger centres, you would have schools assigned to those roles but here in the Burdekin, the staff and school communities have taken it upon themselves to ensure a brighter future for students.

“Like other government services, all we have ever asked for when it comes to education is for the same opportunities as people in cities and larger centres.  Now that we have the assurance from the Minister, those schools can confidently get on with what they do best; educating our future generations.”

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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, with the Millaroo School Teacher, Sydney Gane and students. Photo supplied

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Since 2008, Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr has injected more than a million dollars back into the community it serves, with $278,000 of this total donated to 27 different local organisations at a special event in June.

Hundreds of people attended the Grants Night which was held at the Burdekin Theatre and the grateful recipients have since used the money to benefit the community in a multitude of ways.

Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr are dedicated to the betterment of the community especially in the areas of youth service, sporting facilities, mental health and wellbeing support, community and cultural facilities, environment, and employment.

The following groups received financial support at the event in June: Ayr Community Kindergarten Assoc, Ayr Golf Club, Ayr Swimming Club, Ayr Tennis Assoc, Bowen Netball, Bowen Seagulls Junior Football Club, Burdekin Amateur Basketball, Burdekin Brass Band, Burdekin Chaplaincy, Burdekin Community Assoc, Burdekin Football, Burdekin Junior Rugby League, Burdekin Men’s Shed, Burdekin Netball Assoc, Burdekin Potters,  CORES, Home Hill Boat Club, Home Hill Choral Society, Home Hill Cricket Assoc, Home Hill Golf Club, Home Hill Tennis Assoc, Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Assoc, Lower Burdekin Landcare, NQ Employment, ST Stephens Ladies Guild of Home Hill & Ayr, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin, Zonta Burdekin.  

These groups are a strong representation of the areas the bank is committed to supporting.

“Community is at the heart of our business, with the Community Bank model guiding our philosophy as we strive to fulfil our vision to be Australia’s bank of choice,” said Chris Delaney, Customer Relationship Officer.

“The Community Bank  model was created to provide banking services to our communities, to  generate profits that are then distributed back into those communities, often in the form of sponsorships and grants to provide ongoing support and backing for local projects and initiatives.”

At the Grants Night, board member Darren West said that he appreciated every loyal customer, both new and old, who has helped generate this amazing result.

“We paid our first dividend of five cents in 2010 to those 312 community minded people who provided the capital to help start our banking operations,” he said.

“We would like to thank them all for taking the chance and coming along on this journey with us and for having  belief in the steering committee that we could make this work.

“We have over the years, since those humble beginnings, paid dividends nine times to those shareholders and we have after tonight, injected back into our community a total of $1,005,110.00 in Community Grants, Sponsorships and Dividends since 2008.

“This has only been made possible by the support from our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities and those people and organisations that have decided to do their banking with us.”

The funding for the community grants comes from the profits derived from banking operations.

“The total amount to be granted is $278,052.00 and these funds will be utilised for the betterment of your community and your organisations,” said Darren on the Grants Night.

“I would like to give everyone something to think about. If everyone in this foyer and  your friends and colleagues all banked with our Community Bank, just imagine the volume that it could create and how much extra potential funding we could provide to the community going forward.”

Your banking makes good things happen.

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Board Member, Darren West, speaking on Grants Night

Zonta Club Burdekin received $11,000

Bendigo Banks is at the heart of community

Burdekin Basketball were thrilled to receive funding

Home Hill Tennis Association were ecstatic to receive over $27,500

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Deputy Mayor Sue Perry

Welcome to the Councillor Column for the inaugural Burdekin Life publication.

As Deputy Mayor, I am grateful to be able to pen this piece to congratulate those responsible for the production.

From numerous conversations, I know our community will embrace this free, weekly newspaper and support it through readership, contributions, and advertising.

As one of the largest employers in the community, Burdekin Shire Council is a hive of activity at all times, and this local newspaper is the perfect medium to keep residents informed.

Communication is key to understanding your community, be it major projects, strategic plans, the budget, road maintenance, events, and activities.

There are some exciting projects currently underway – the new Industrial Estate, the Macro-Algae Treatment facility, Jerona Causeway rebuild and further development of the Anzac Park Precinct with the water park and new kiosk already being well utilised and enjoyed.

Future editions of Burdekin Life will update residents about these projects as well as inform you of upcoming events.

Advocating for the Burdekin is easy because we have a vast range of facilities and services available within our rural community.  

In my role as a real estate agent, I speak with many new residents who now call the Burdekin home, and they are always complimentary of the variety of activities, events, cultural and recreational pursuits that are provided locally. Our location, only an hour to a major city, two hours to the Whitsundays and just over an hour’s cruise to the amazing reef, is second to none.

We are blessed with some of the best beaches, estuaries, and reef fishing available and are within easy reach to Cape Upstart.

Our community also welcomes the annual pilgrimage of many southern visitors who enjoy our wonderful winter weather.

This time of the year is delightful to enjoy the amazing sunsets, cane fires and cooler nights.

With the progressive development of Plantation Park welcoming both residents and visitors alike, it is tremendous to see the amount of activity generated in that space.

The recent improvements in Watson’s Green and Memorial Park have also led to increased and more diverse usage as well.

Strategic planning which aligns with Council’s Corporate Plan has been a priority during this term, these plans are all accessible on Council’s website.

Once again, congratulations to Burdekin Life newspaper team and I look forward to reading many future editions.

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With Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that Council has partnered with Burdekin Life Newspaper as a Founding Advertising Partner?

Burdekin Life Newspaper is set to deliver important local news and stories, marking a significant milestone for the Burdekin.

Council's collaboration will ensure that the community remains well-informed about local events, services, and initiatives, while fostering unity and support within the region.

The partnership with Burdekin Life Newspaper will be instrumental in supporting and boosting community engagement.

As a founding advertising partner, Council not only provides advertising support but will also share crucial community updates and information.

Looking ahead, Council will provide valuable content each week, including a comprehensive page advertisement, a dedicated ‘Councillor Column’ and a ‘Did You Know?’ column.  

I am confident that Burdekin Life Newspaper will thrive, introducing a fresh and distinctive perspective to the Burdekin community.

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Congratulations Burdekin Life on your first ever issue! It’s fantastic to see there’s still an appetite for local, community driven news.

As a Bowen boy, and your Federal Member for Dawson, I have always enjoyed getting out and about in the Burdekin.

Whenever I’m in town or sometimes passing through, I make sure to stop in at 97.1 Sweet FM to have a chat with Charlie to let everyone know what issues I’m fighting for that affect the people of the Burdekin.

I hold a close working relationship with your Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin, and all the Councillors to ensure we are fighting for the issues affecting your community.

I also enjoy visiting local farmers and the various industry bodies in the area. Farming and agriculture are an essential industry, providing all the food and fibre for the country, and as the biggest cane growing area, the name Bountiful Burdekin rings true!

It is my job to fight for the needs of the Burdekin community, and I take my job very seriously.

I want to see the Labor government reverse their decision on the ban of commercial gillnets, which is going to have some serious negative consequences for our beautiful region.

I want to see a Headspace facility open, and I am working hard to gain 24-hour access to the CT machine in the Burdekin, so no one has to travel to Townsville and lose time for important lifesaving services.

I also want to know what issues are important to you, so please, visit my website and complete Dawson’s Biggest Survey.

Visit my website at www.andrewwillcox.com.au/biggest-survey

Your Federal Member

Andrew Willcox

Opinion Piece

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The Ayr Chamber of Commerce met at Helloworld Travel Ayr last Thursday, September 21, where crime in the community was put in the spotlight.

Officer In Charge of Ayr Police Station, Senior Sergeant Steve Barton, was invited to address the Chamber and spoke about property crime, domestic and family violence and copper theft.

Senior Sergeant Barton shared his tips, advising to always lock your car and house and to report crime to police as opposed to sharing footage on social media.

Afterwards, enthusiastic discussion ensued.

President of the Ayr Chamber of Commerce Leigh Kefford thanked Senior Sergeant Barton for his presentation.

“Every month we have a Chamber Connect event where we go around to different businesses to showcase their business as well as have a guest speaker from different organisations,” Mr Kefford said.

“Crime is one of the major concerns that affects nearly all businesses.”

Burdekin Regional Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin provided an update on Council happenings before Burdekin Life Journalist Sam Gillespie introduced the publication to the group.

Striving to deliver advocacy, networking, education, economic development and community development to the Burdekin, the Ayr Chamber of Commerce is always welcoming new members, meeting on the third Tuesday of each month.

“The Ayr Chamber of Commerce is about advocating for local businesses on different issues and supporting members, either through issues they’re having and providing benefits to the community as a whole,” Mr Kefford said.

“Get involved in your Chamber, because the Chamber is there to benefit the members themselves.”

Visit www.ayrchamber.com.au to find out more.

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Officer In Charge of Ayr Police Station Senior Sergeant Steve Barton and President of the Ayr Chamber of Commerce Leigh Kefford. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Queensland Police Service have “Home Security Audit” forms that can be accessed at the QPS website https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/homeSecurity/Homesecurityauditchecklistandfactsheet.htm

Anecdotally, the majority of unlawful entry offences are committed on residences or vehicles that are unlocked and/or have valuables in plain sight.  Locking your house and car and securing valuables including money, keys, wallets and mobile phones will deter opportunistic thieves.  

If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after-hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.

Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, please contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.

Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it

If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.

Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.

You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys?

Car keys – treat them like cash!

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At Home Hill Chamber Of Commerce Meeting

The loyal attendees of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce’s September Social and Networking Event were wowed when President David Jackson revealed a historic book of meeting minutes dating back to 1930.

The book, titled ‘Foundation Minutes 1930-1935’, charts the inception of the Home Hill Community Sports Club and was recently discovered at the clubhouse by Trevor Elton.

The Chamber met last Wednesday, September 20 at the clubhouse and invited Executive Committee Member Meg Wilson to speak about her role as Grower Marketing Consultant with Wilmar Sugar.

Lilibeth and Jun Myles, who purchased the Malpass Hotel in April, introduced themselves to the group before Journalist Sam Gillespie was welcomed to explain the new publication Burdekin Life.

The next Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event will be held at the Home Hill Community Sports Club on Wednesday, October 18 from 5:30pm.

To find out more, visit homehillchamber.com.au.

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Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson, Treasurer John Clarke and Secretary Robert Antoniazzi

Lilibeth and Jun Myles of the Malpass Hotel

Jim Ashworth of Ashworths Home Hill and Councillor Max Musumeci

Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee Member and Meg Wilson and Vice President Uli Liessmann

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Within the local Burdekin region, a remarkable journey of community support began in 2012, led by the Rotary Club of Ayr.

The Community Raffle, fully funded by the Rotary Club, includes prize money exceeding $17,000, has emerged as a potent catalyst for positive change.

Over the past decade, it has empowered more than 40 local organizations to collectively raise over $500,000.

In 2012, the Rotary Club of Ayr after much discussion and planning, conceptualized the Community Raffle as a sustainable way to support the many local organisations in need.

Unlike many other community initiatives, the Community Raffle is unique in that it is entirely funded by the Rotary Club of Ayr.

This includes the prize money, which has consistently exceeded $17,000 each year.

This financial commitment from Rotary has been pivotal in allowing the raffle to thrive and grow.

Money to fund this initiative was raised through the yearly production of the Rotary Phone book.

Local community businesses that advertise in this phone book are in fact achieving much more than having their business profiled each year, they are inadvertently contributing to community organisations through the Community Raffle portal.

The Community Raffle's impact is nothing short of transformative.

Over $500,000 has been distributed among more than 40 local organizations, spanning Home Hill, Brandon, Ayr, Giru, Clare, and Jerona.

These funds have breathed new life into schools, community organisations, church groups, and sporting clubs and many other local groups.

Change is a natural part of any long-running community initiative, and the 2012 Community Raffle is no exception.

While this year may see a smaller number of participating organisations, the raffle's ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to its enduring spirit.

Over 8,000 tickets have been distributed, demonstrating that the community's enthusiasm for this initiative remains as strong as ever.

The drawing of this year’s raffle will take place at a venue to be announced on November 11, all participating organisations and community members will be invited to attend the free event as a celebration of another successful year.

Contributed by Narelle Hibberd

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The Rotary Club of Ayr. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Member for Burdekin Dale Last and past Rotary Club of Ayr members Jack Slaney and Robert Antoniazzi who were on the original committee that started the raffle. Photo supplied