Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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Close to 40 disadvantaged young people and job seekers will be given a head start in gaining the skills, confidence and support needed to secure sustainable employment in the Burdekin Electorate. Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s $215,500 investment in the Burdekin PCYC’s successful Get Set for Work program and the $146,800 investment into WhitsundaySuccess Pathways’ Work Skills Traineeships program to be delivered in Bowen. Included in the $46.2 million round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program, the two projects are among 166 across Queensland targeted towards skills shortages in priority industries in our community and region. “The Burdekin PCYC’s Get Set for Work program has already proven a success in our community and this round will see a further 36 disadvantaged young adults receive skills industry-recognised training including First Aid, White Card, RSA, RSG and driver licensing support,” Mr Last said. “By providing the additional wrap around support as part of both the Get Set For Work and the Whitsunday Success Pathways programs, disadvantaged young adults will receive a holistic experience tailored to each of their needs.” “We have already seen the successful results in our community with past participants becoming the skilled workers we need in priority industries like construction, health, community services and hospitality.” Mr Last said the state government funded program had the ability to provide real impacts on communities in regional Queensland that often faced significant skills shortages. “In order to grow our local workforce and bolster our region’s economy, we need to be able to retain young adults in our community and that means ensuring there are positive career pathways available and the ability to obtain the skills needed in our towns,” Mr Last said. “Programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s focus of providing better outcomes for workers, employers and local communities.” “This is a great outcome for Burdekin and Bowen communities whose economies ultimately benefit from the addition of skilled, local young workers.” Supplied by the Office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP.
Read the full storyA draft 20-year plan released for North Queensland has pledged to protect the Burdekin's productive agricultural land while planning for new housing, infrastructure and economic growth. Burdekin Shire is one of just five council areas directly covered by the North Queensland Regional Plan, meaning decisions made through the planning process will help shape the district's future development. The draft plan is accompanied by a North Queensland Infrastructure Plan, bringing future land use together with planning for transport, water, energy, digital connectivity and social and community infrastructure. For the Burdekin, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said protecting productive land must remain central to decisions about future growth. “The Burdekin is an agricultural powerhouse and an important contributor to Queensland’s economy and protecting our productive land must remain a priority as the region grows,” Mr Last said. “This draft plan provides an opportunity for local communities, farmers, businesses and industry to have their say on how North Queensland grows over the next two decades.” The regional planning framework is particularly significant for agricultural communities because Queensland's planning system recognises priority agricultural and strategic cropping areas when managing competing land uses. Alongside protecting established industries, the North Queensland planning process is focused on housing supply and economic development and will provide direction for future local planning and development assessment. That gives Burdekin residents and industry an opportunity to weigh in on how growth should be accommodated while retaining the productive land and economic strengths already supporting the district. Farmers, businesses, industry groups and residents can make submissions on the draft plan during the public consultation period. Feedback closes on Tuesday 29th September.
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Long before Max Tavasci became a fixture at Lions Club fundraisers and children’s eye screenings across Outback Queensland, he was a young North Queensland swimming star making Australian sporting history. A 1970 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, former sugar cane farmer, and dedicated volunteer, Max passed away suddenly on the 29th of July while traveling out west with his caravan to bring vision screening to school children in Mount Isa and the Gulf country. He was 72. Born and raised in Ayr to Italian farming parents, Battista and Margaret Tavasci, Max grew up on the family property. Encouraged by his mother to stay active, he developed into an elite swimmer alongside his siblings, training in local waters and rubbing shoulders with visiting athletes. His hard work culminated in 1970 when he represented Australia at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, claiming a silver medal in the 1500m freestyle while his father served as a race timekeeper. His legacy endures in his hometown, where the 'Max Tavasci Trophy' is still presented annually at the Ayr School Swimming Carnival. Following his athletic success, Max worked on the family farm, laboured in Tasmania and Maryborough, and drove trucks before returning to North Queensland. Known for his love of colourful shirts, fast cars—which his son fondly noted he rarely drove fast—and Meat Loaf records, Max lived a full and colourful life. "He had the heart of a champion, handed down from my dad," said his sister, Paula Dowson. "He died doing what he loved to do." In the second half of his life, Max found a renewed sense of purpose through Lions Australia. Over 18 years of service with the Burnie City, Cleveland Bay, and Townsville Castle Hill Lions Clubs, he became a tireless community worker. Alongside his partner of more than 20 years, former District Governor Michael MacLaren, Max traveled across Queensland conducting paediatric vision checks, running raffles for Lions Assistance Dogs, delivering meals for Eat Up Australia, and assembling disaster relief hampers for flood-affected regions. Remembered by peers as a "true gentleman" and a stable, calm presence on the regional Lions cabinet, Max devoted his final years entirely to service. "I feel Dad found himself and his place with Michael, Lions Australia and the church, evidenced by the lasting happiness he displayed over the last two decades,” said his son, Scott Tavasci. Max is survived by his partner, Michael MacLaren; his son, Scott; his granddaughters, Scarlett and Eloise; his sister, Paula; and his extended family. His funeral was held at Kirwan Uniting Church on the 20th of August. CAPTION: Remembered by peers as a "true gentleman" and a stable, calm presence on the regional Lions cabinet, Max Tavasci devoted his final years entirely to service. Photo:
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The Kalamia Hotel is turning 100, and it wants the Burdekin there to celebrate. After a century of beers, meals, friendships and memories, ‘The Locals’ Local’ is marking the milestone with a massive day of entertainment, music, prizes and family fun. CAPTION: A century, extensive renovations and multiple ownership changes later, the Kalamia still stands at its original location on Queen Street. Photo: Jacob Casha.
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The spirit of Clare State School has been immortalised in song and video thanks to Golden Guitar-winning Australian country musician Josh Arnold.
‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’ is a collaboration between Mr Arnold and students, staff, and P&C from the school, debuting at the Fancy Dress Ball at the start of the month.
The school received a grant from the Pacific Blue Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund, enlisting the services of Mr Arnold who has focussed his country music career on working with regional communities.
“One of the benefits of being a small school was that everyone was involved,” Clare State School Principal Troy Patti said.
“We’ve got 17 students and they all got to have their turn at helping write the lyrics.”
The aim of the song and music video is to share what it means to come from Clare, with iconic symbols including cane fires, fertiliser bag rides, the Burdekin River, and the shops of the small town included in the video.
Mr Patti contacted local businesses, families, and farm owners before filming commenced.
“I didn’t have to ask twice; everyone was eager to help out,” he said.
“The kids were very proud, especially the ones who’s farms we visited, and I think the families were very proud too.”
Not only was the video a valuable cultural experience for the community, but the work of the students counted towards their music grade.
“In the music curriculum, it looks at the way you compose lyrics, your performance, being able to tell a story through song and the way you perform and collaborate with others,” Mr Patti said.
“It’s all about providing different opportunities.
“I think this is something students will remember for a very long time, something that we’re all exceptionally proud of.
“This could go with them for the rest of their lives.”
‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’ by Josh Arnold and the Clare State School is available to stream on music streaming platforms and the music video can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.
Clare State High School students, staff and members of the community starred in the music video ‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’. Photo supplied
For almost 50 years, the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has been providing support and guidance to the region, originating from a small information centre that still stands in Queen Street today.
In 1975, a group of locals noticed people needed more access to community information.
“They started an information centre with volunteers and some council support and then after a few years, they added in-home support for people coming out of hospital,” said BCA Chief Executive Officer Debra Cochran.
“From that, they got funding after seven years and they were able to put on paid staff and they’ve kept growing and growing, adding services ever since.
“Where there’s been a need in the community, we’ve sorted the funding from there.”
With over 80 staff and 60 volunteers, BCA provides the Burdekin with a huge array of services across the Support Centre in Queen Street, the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and the Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre as well as home care services, housing and community support services and volunteer services.
Always adapting to meet the unmet needs of the community, Ms Cochran said the Burdekin faces similar issues to other areas including cost of living and homelessness, domestic and family violence, social isolation, and a shortage of support workers.
BCA works to address these needs, providing support and directing people to other specialty services both locally and in Townsville.
“The difference with us I think is our staff and our volunteers and even the quality and experience of our management committee,” Ms Cochran said.
“That’s where I think we make a difference, where the people are just very caring, very talented, and very good at helping people.
“Whether it’s navigating a crisis or a challenge, we’re very good at helping people to find services but also helping people to be independent as much as possible.”
Ms Cochran moved to the Burdekin 23 years ago, starting with the BCA in home care.
“One of the first things I was taken aback by was how friendly people are,” she said.
“There’s an awful lot of pride in people in the shire.”
10 years later, she was promoted to the role of CEO and has thrived for the last 13 years.
“There’s always going to be some challenges and change in human services, but it’s really rewarding to help other people,” she said.
“With all of the staff and volunteers, we’re all driven by trying to help other people and focussing on the Burdekin community.”
Find a calendar of events below for BCA’s upcoming Burdekin Seniors Month.
BCA also publishes a quarterly newsletter, Community Connections, which shares helpful information, contacts, news, photos and more.
To find out more, visit www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au or drop into the Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr.
Burdekin Community Association Chief Executive Officer Debra Cochran. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Millaroo State School hosted their annual Scholastic Book Fair from September 5 to 16.
Students and staff dressed up as their favourite book character for a Book Fair Parade, held on Tuesday, September 12.
Prizes were awarded to best dressed, with Kindy to Year 3 first place going to Chelsea Cavanagh and second place to Delta Burrell; and Years 4 to 6 first place to Jacob Hoare and second place Chace Pyott.
Students were also returned the artworks they entered in the Burdekin Art Society Art Show.
Students pictured at their Mad Hatters Tea Party
Students pictured with their paintings from the Burdekin Art Show. Photos supplied
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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