Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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If you have ever walked past the membership sign at FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr and wondered whether it was really worth ten dollars, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, for most local families it pays for itself within the very first visit. FriendlyCare Pharmacy is a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation that has been serving the Burdekin region and beyond for over 100 years. Unlike large chain pharmacies, every dollar of profit generated by FriendlyCare is reinvested directly back into the organisation. That means better pricing for members, and community sponsorships and donations that support the groups and events that matter to Ayr residents. It starts with ten dollars Membership costs just $10, and when you sign up you receive a $10 welcome credit to spend in-store straight away. Effectively, your membership pays for itself on the spot. From that point forward, you receive member-only pricing on just about everything in the pharmacy. That includes pharmacy medicines, vitamins and supplements, and all your favourite health and beauty brands. The savings quickly add up, especially for families who rely on their pharmacy regularly. Earn CarePoints every time you shop FriendlyCare Membership also includes access to the CarePoints rewards program. Every dollar you spend in-store or online earns you CarePoints, which you can then redeem to get money off future purchases. It is a simple way to be rewarded for the shopping you are already doing. The more you spend, the more you save over time. CarePoints work alongside your member-only discounts, so you are benefiting in two ways every time you visit. Member-only offers and exclusive extras As a FriendlyCare member you will be the first to hear about promotions, member-only email offers, and exclusive competitions. These are not available to general customers, and they are sent directly to you, so you never miss out. Members also have access to the FriendlyCare App, which helps you manage your medications, request prescription repeats from home, set medication reminders, and stay connected to your pharmacy team without needing to call or come in. You are supporting your community Perhaps the most meaningful part of FriendlyCare membership is what it represents beyond the savings. As a not-for-profit, community-owned organisation, FriendlyCare does not send profits offshore or to shareholders. When you become a member and shop with FriendlyCare, you are helping to sustain a local business that gives back to the community. It is the kind of pharmacy model that is rare in Australia today, and Ayr is fortunate to have it. How to join Signing up takes just a few minutes. Simply visit our friendly team in-store at FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr and they will get you set up on the spot. You can also join online at friendlycare.com.au. As a FriendlyCare member, you’ll receive a $10 welcome credit to spend in-store immediately; exclusive member-only pricing on most products; CarePoints earned on every dollar spent, redeemable for rewards; exclusive member email offers and competitions; and access to the FriendlyCare App to manage your medications. Join today and start saving for the rest of your life. Pop in and see the team at FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr or visit friendlycare.com.au to sign up online. Supplied by FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr CAPTION: Unlike large chain pharmacies, every dollar of profit generated by FriendlyCare is reinvested directly back into the organisation. Photo supplied
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Tangible cost of living relief will be delivered for north Queenslanders who have borne the brunt of soaring power costs as prices fall for the first time in a decade. The Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) final determination has confirmed electricity costs will drop by up to 6.9 per cent for regional households and 8.1 per cent for small businesses from 1 July. Having advocated for a better deal for regional power customers as the local Member, Burdekin MP Dale Last has hailed the reduction in electricity prices a win for the region’s families and small businesses. “I have long called for Queensland’s regional power customers to receive a better deal and I’m proud to see the Crisafulli Government deliver the price cut our families and small businesses need,” Mr Last said. “Following the Queensland Competition Authority’s final determination, our government took action to direct Ergon Energy to pass on the savings in full to regional households and small businesses.” “It’s only right that if the cost of energy falls, bills should too and now couldn’t be a better time with the national affordability crisis putting pressure on Queenslanders’ hip pocket.” The QCA notes higher availability of Queensland coal generators, lower gas prices, and growing investment in batteries and renewables are driving down power bills for Queenslanders. Mr Last said the concerns from families and small businesses around the increase in power prices under the previous Labor government had been heard loud and clear with the Crisafulli Government now delivering. “This is real structural cost of living relief that we are delivering to Queenslanders no matter where you live in this state.” “Under the previous Labor Government households bore the brunt of a 28.7 per cent increase in their power prices, in contrast the Crisafulli Government is bringing down prices with our Energy Roadmap.” Supplied by the office of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP
Read the full storyA Facebook post from a concerned daughter has prompted an overwhelming response from the Ayr community, with more than 30 people offering support to her terminally ill father. The woman shared that her father, who lives in Ayr, is struggling with everyday tasks such as preparing meals and washing dishes due to declining health. She explained that he falls into a “grey area” where he is unable to access certain funded health or aged care services, while his children all live out of town and cannot provide daily assistance. Describing her family as “desperate, exhausted and heartbroken”, she asked the community for advice after unsuccessful attempts to find private help. The response was immediate. Dozens of residents commented on the post, offering practical assistance, recommending local services and sharing their own experiences navigating the health and aged care systems. Some community members even volunteered their time to help with meals, household chores and regular welfare checks. The outpouring of support highlighted the caring nature of the Burdekin community, with many residents determined to ensure the family did not face the challenge alone. What began as a desperate plea for help quickly became a powerful reminder of the strength of community spirit and the willingness of locals to rally around those in need during difficult times.
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Leadership Call For Burdekin Chamber As Executive Roles Open The Burdekin Chamber of Commerce is seeking new executive committee members, with leaders urging fresh volunteers to step forward as key positions become vacant. The call comes after the recent resignation of secretary Kari Ravizza, with president Seb Aguirre also set to step down from his role at the end of his three-year term in September. Mr Aguirre said the positions must be filled in the coming months to ensure the future of the organisation. “We need someone to step up,” he said. “It's too viable, and our membership is amazing. We can’t let all those people down.” According to Mr Aguirre, the Burdekin Chamber found itself in a similar position three years ago, when a lack of interest in executive roles nearly led to its demise. Membership has since grown from about 70 to 121, with the organisation’s flagship Christmas Street Party injecting millions of dollars into local businesses over the last two years. Mr Aguirre said that although membership had seen a steep uptick, interest in the vacant positions had been virtually non-existent. Despite the concerns, Chamber Vice-President Gary Roser said he remains “optimistic” about the organisation’s future. “I don’t think we’re at the stage where it’s going to fold. I think people will step up and it will continue to exist, but to what capacity will be the difference,” Mr Roser said. He said fresh hands at the helm could help to strengthen the organisation moving forward. “We need a changing of the guard to help solidify what we’ve got, and then help take it to the next step,” he said. “I’d hate to see it not bigger and better every year. It’d be disappointing for all the hard work that has been done by many people.” Anyone interested in learning more about vacant executive roles is encouraged to contact either Seb on 0499 197 671 or Gary on 0408 076 064. CAPTION: Executive Members Rose Papadimitriou and Jenny Papale, Treasurer Frank Nucifora, President Seb Aguirre, Secretary Kari Ravizza, and Executive Member Paul Benvenuti, elected at last year's AGM. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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With passion and pride for her hometown of Home Hill, Faye Hall aims to share the untold history of the Burdekin with twists of romance, drama, and intrigue.
The local author has published over 15 titles, all works of fiction, but all inspired by the real stories of the region.
“I feel the Burdekin history gets ignored a lot,” Ms Hall said.
“There’s so much history here, so many families who came here, came from nothing, and made a life here.
“You hear a little bit about Mr (John) Drysdale who started the sugar industry, but the Burdekin’s so much more than sugar cane.”
Ms Hall’s grandparents migrated to the Burdekin, building what she calls the “Australian dream.”
“I grew up on stories of what they went through, the people they lost, the underlying crimes,” Ms Hall said.
“I love the stories of it all and I wanted to make something bigger.”
Inspired to defy a naysaying teacher, Ms Hall started writing romances in high school, getting her first book published soon after.
Her books have been published by various publishing companies both in Australia and America, before she established her own business 4th Avenue Press.
Set in local townships and drawing on history books, state records and national archives, Ms Hall takes creative license with local history.
“You’ve got drama, crime and scandal but there’s also that romantic element that drifts all the way through and pulls the characters along,” she said.
Ms Hall’s newest book is due for release in October and will be available, along with her other titles, to borrow from the Burdekin Library or to purchase from 4thavenuepress.com.au, Amazon, and Kobo.
Local author Faye Hall’s books are available from the Burdekin Library. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Over the school holidays, Larrikin Puppets took to the stage to light up the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr, with over 50 attendees from toddlers to teens coming along to enjoy the show.
The Larrikin Puppets are children’s entertainers, travelling Australia and internationally with their band of zany characters, performing colourful shows and catchy songs.
Founder of Larrikin Puppets, Brett Hansen says, “We loved the Burdekin Theatre, everyone was really nice and helpful”.
“They set up the foyer space so nicely for us with black curtain backdrops and lighting for the show. The kids and families were really nice, too.”
Established in 2012, Larrikin Puppets engage with the audience through fast-paced, feel-good entertainment, encouraging audiences to talk, dance, sing and play along.
Larrikin Puppets also run both beginner and advanced puppeteering workshops, giving students the opportunity to learn a range of techniques.
The workshops, led by Brett and his wife/co-puppeteer, Elissa Jenkins, gives the audience a rare chance to learn in a fun, supportive environment that inspires confidence, teambuilding, communication and creativity.
Brett says, “We love touring and travelling to different places that don’t often get puppet shows or workshops, everyone is in good spirits and excited to learn.”
“When we do our library tours, we have 50 puppets to lend out, teaching participants ways to bring these inanimate objects into living, breathing creatures.”
The puppeteering duo have trained in the USA under Jim Henson Puppeteers, who are well-known for their work on The Muppets and Sesame Street television shows.
Brett goes on to say, “Good homework for the kids to do after they’ve attended is to watch [these TV shows], to see how the puppets move and remember some of the skills they learnt in the workshop.”
Larrikin Puppets strive to create a world of ‘bright-eyed wonder’ for children and families everywhere, working each day to make the world a more whimsical, kind and joyful place.
Larrikin Puppets have a jam-packed schedule, with shows across Queensland this month, as well as a Ted Talk in Brisbane on October 14.
Elissa Jenkins and Brett Hanssen bring their unique puppet show to the Burdekin Theatre. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
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