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. 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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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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Homelessness is often viewed as a “big city” problem, but a group of passionate young leaders from Burdekin Catholic High School set out to challenge that belief – and in doing so, inspired the whole community.
The idea for the school’s Stand Up Sleep Out was sparked when Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort encouraged school captains to think about why events like the Vinnies CEO Sleepout are held in major cities such as Brisbane, but rarely in regional towns like Ayr. For school captain Drea Piotto and her peers, the message was clear – homelessness exists in the Burdekin too, and it’s time to bring the issue into the light.
“Our goal was to open people’s eyes, raise awareness, and generate vital support,” Drea explained. “Homelessness is rarely a choice, and breaking that destructive belief was a driving force behind our event.”
The lead-up to the Sleep Out saw students hear powerful stories from people with lived experience, including those whose lives changed in an instant. For many, it was the first time they truly understood the realities of homelessness – especially in their own backyard.
The event’s success was made possible by the unwavering support of local businesses that included Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. CEOs and community leaders were invited to take part, with an entry donation of $100. Many stepped up, including the Burdekin Shire Council leadership team, showing that leadership extends well beyond the boardroom.
“While it wasn’t the most comfortable night’s sleep, I hope they felt proud knowing they helped create meaningful change,” Drea said.
A key supporter was Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, whose donation ensured more funds could go directly to the Burdekin Community Association, the chosen beneficiary. This local focus meant every dollar raised stayed in the region to support those who need it most.
“We’re especially grateful to Senior Branch Manager, Chantel Michielin for championing the contribution,” Drea said. “Donations like this truly change lives and help spearhead meaningful change.”
For Drea, the night was a lesson in gratitude and empathy. “It reinforced how fragile life can be and how important it is to see the world from someone else’s perspective,” she reflected.
The Stand Up Sleep Out proved that when the community comes together – young people, businesses, and local leaders – real change can happen, right here in the Burdekin.
With the tables set, and the scissors handy, nine members of the Burdekin Netball Association (BNA) will #RockTheChop this Friday, the 29th of August at the club’s Wigs & Wine fundraising party!
The Ponytail Project fundraising event supports the vital work of the Cancer Council Australia and encourages people across the nation to #RockTheChop and donate their hair to create wigs for those diagnosed with cancer. In 2024, the campaign saw more than 15,500 people donate their hair across 1,700 fundraising events, raising over $1.1 million for cancer research projects directed by the Cancer Council Australia.
Cailin Gosling, Aimee Gibson, Kristine Patti, Brittany Bohl, Dominique Gorey, Ella Zabel, Jade Bolam, Tayah Gibson and Tayla McKaig have committed to cutting their hair all in support of those diagnosed with cancer.
“I feel extremely grateful to be part of this Ponytail Project event for Cancer Council hosted by Burdekin Netball,” shared Cailin.
In January of 2021, Cailin cut and donated her hair to Hair with Heart through WA based children’s charity, Variety, and immediately after sending her locks away, she knew she wanted to continue donating her hair to those in need.
“In a meeting we were discussing hosting this event and I didn’t think twice when asked. I’m grateful and blessed I can grow strong, healthy hair to share with others,” Cailin added.
The event will be run in aid of 2025 Harvest Festival Queen Entrant, Aaliyah Gibson, and after the BNA sounded the call for women interested in becoming involved, many saw this as the perfect opportunity to support those they love the most.
“When the opportunity came to be part of a community event that supports not only our local sporting club but also an incredible cause like the Cancer Council, it wasn’t even a decision - it was an instant 'count me in!',” explained Brittany.
“Too many people are affected by this devastating disease, including some very close to my heart and if donating my hair can help even one person feel more confident during such a difficult time, then cutting my ponytail is a small gesture with a big purpose.”
Kristine, like many, has also held the hand of loved ones diagnosed with cancer. After hearing of the BNA’s initiative, she saw it as an excellent opportunity to raise funds for vital research projects and dove in without hesitation.
“Raising funds through this project is equally important to me because the money goes directly towards cancer research, prevention, and support services. Every dollar raised is a step closer to better treatments, more hope for families, and ultimately, a future with less suffering from cancer. Being able to contribute to that, even in a small way, means so much to me.”
The nine women have established their own fundraising pages and have each well and truly exceeded their initial goals, raising over $10,000 for the Cancer Council Australia, with still the funds raised from this Friday’s event yet to be calculated.
“It’s amazing how quickly the community responded to our fundraising, and we sincerely thank each and every one of them for their contributions,” said Cailin.
“Once Burdekin Netball and my fellow teammates began spreading the word, the response was overwhelming. Our community rallied behind us with incredible generosity and support. It’s been truly humbling to witness,” Brittany shared.
“This experience has shown just how deeply cancer has touched all our lives. Whether the contribution is big or small, we all want to help - because when we come together, we make a difference.”
If you would like to make a donation to the girls, visit www.ponytailproject.com.au/fundraisers/BURDEKINNETBALL.
Aimee Gibson, Tayla McKaig, Aaliyah Gibson, Ella Zabel, Kristine Patti, and, Jade Bolam, Cailin Cosling, and Tayah Gibson, among others, have raised over $10,000 for the Cancer Council (Photo Credit: Cailin Gosling)
The Kalamia Hotel extends a warm invitation to the wider community to attend a heartwarming Garden of Hope event this Saturday, the 30th of August to support and fundraise for life-changing cancer research.
Set to commence from 3pm in the venue’s Beer Garden area, the afternoon promises to entertain attendees with the wonderful musical talents of Alexa and keep the fun and good vibes flowing well into the evening with a delicious selection of food included with each ticket purchase. The theme of the event will be pink and purple, and the Kalamia Hotel hopes attendees with dress to impress in these vibrant tones to contribute to the afternoon’s colourful atmosphere.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Longest Table, an organisation committed to raising funds to support the work of The Hospital Research Foundation Group through encouraging establishments to host dinner parties across the nation. In 2025 alone, over 300 groups and establishments have committed to hosting an event, from backyard barbeques to workplace lunchbreaks, all to support one amazing cause.
To learn more about The Longest Table or to make a donation to the Kalamia Hotel’s Garden of Hope fundraising initiative, visit www.thelongesttable.com.au/fundraisers/Kalamiahotel.
What: Kalamia Hotel's Garden of Hope
When: Saturday 30th of August from 3pm
Where: Kalamia Beer Garden
The Kalamia Hotel will host a wonderful fundraising event this Saturday (Photo Credit: Kalamia Hotel)
Lower Burdekin Scouts Take on Sailing and Shooting Adventures
Members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group have been keeping busy with back-to-back outdoor adventures this August.
On August 16, four Scouts from the group joined 10 others from Townsville for a sailing day at the Townsville Sailing Club. Under clear skies and a light breeze, participants started with sailing theory before learning to rig their boats. Once on the water, they rotated through different positions, gaining hands-on experience steering, handling sails, and working as a team. Scouts also spent time in the rescue boat, learning essential safety skills. The day provided a fun and practical introduction to sailing, with everyone enjoying the challenge and camaraderie.
A week later, on August 24, the Lower Burdekin Scouts joined 60 others at the Hervey Range Shooting Grounds for the annual Townsville-area shooting competition. The sunny day with a slight breeze set the scene for the event, which began with registration and a group safety briefing. Safety officers reminded Scouts throughout the competition of important protocols. Each Scout shot two rounds of five shots at targets, with the winner determined by the most shots closest to the centre.
The Lower Burdekin Scout Group meets every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at 12th Avenue, Home Hill. Families interested in joining can try Scouting for free for four weeks. For more information, contact Rikki on 0419 104 035.
Contributed with thanks to Chris Berkery
Rural Aid has launched a powerful new fundraising campaign to secure the future of rural Australia by supporting the next generation of farmers — the children growing up on the land today.
These children are not only the future of their family farms, but also the future custodians of Australia’s food supply. Right now, many are facing significant challenges. From natural disasters to financial stress, country kids often grow up surrounded by uncertainty, with the weight of the farm’s future on their young shoulders.
Rural Aid is raising funds to provide both immediate and long-term support for country kids and their families. Donations will help deliver practical support including hay, domestic water, financial assistance, specialist counselling services, and continued delivery of Rural Aid’s Mustering Growth program — a school-based mental health and wellbeing initiative designed to build resilience and emotional strength in rural students.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the campaign is about much more than providing short-term support.
“If we want to keep young people on the land, we must support them now and from an early age. These kids are growing up in incredibly trying circumstances, but they are also the future of farming in this country,” Mr Warlters said.
“Many of our farms are passed down through generations. When we nurture country kids, when we support their wellbeing, confidence and connection to community, we’re not just helping them today. We’re safeguarding rural Australia’s future.”
For families like Danny and Erin Hutchinson, cattle and cropping farmers from Biddon, NSW, the value of support is deeply felt. Their children — Amelia (8), Ali (6) and Lockie (3) — are growing up with plenty of space to explore, but also with the stress of drought and financial strain close to home.
“We’re just so grateful for the support we received from Rural Aid,” said Ms Hutchinson. “It made a real difference, not just to the farm, but to our whole family’s wellbeing.”
Recent Rural Aid research highlights the scale of the challenge:
41% of farming parents are most concerned about financial stability and meeting their child’s basic needs
57% believe rural children need access to tailored mental health support
83% of farming families have used or would use Rural Aid’s counselling services
The campaign aims to ensure country kids have the support, skills and confidence they need to grow into strong, capable adults who can carry their communities, and the farming sector, into the future.
To help secure the future of our country kids and Australian farming, donate today at www.countrykids.ruralaid.org.au.
Danny and Erin Hutchinson, cattle and cropping farmers, with children Amelia (8), Ali (6) and Lockie (3), say the value of support is deeply felt. Photo supplied
After more than four decades of involvement, Uli Liessmann has officially assumed the role of President of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, as announced by the organisation at its most recent meeting last week.
Liessmann, returning for his second stint as Chamber president, was sworn in before a small crowd during Wednesday night’s proceedings, taking over from David Cooper, who stepped down after eight years in the role.
Liessmann described his election not as a milestone, but as a natural progression. “It just feels like another role in the Chamber,” he said. “I just want to continue to do the very best I can for the Chamber and for Home Hill.”
The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce is an apolitical, member-funded organisation which acts as the independent voice of local businesses, providing networking opportunities, promotional platforms, and connections across the business community.
As president of the Chamber, Liessmann will take on the responsibility of leading future meetings, and serve as a conduit between Home Hill residents and the Burdekin Shire Council.
He stated his commitment to ensuring the Chamber remains an accurate, all-encompassing voice of the public.
"I’ll continue to do my very best for the Chamber," he said. "If someone wants to ask something or find out information, they can come to me, and I’ll do my best to help."
Liessmann highlighted increasing meeting attendance and fostering a more inclusive environment as two of his key priorities while at the helm of the Chamber.
"You don’t have to be in business to attend a meeting—we want as many people as possible to come along, especially more young people and more women. If you’ve got something to say, we’ll give you the time to say it,” he said.
The organisation holds a public meeting every third Wednesday of the month, typically attended by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and CEO Matthew Magin. These meetings provide a platform to discuss local matters and often feature guest speakers.
Chamber Treasurer John Clarke, Rick Romeo, member Erin Brennan, former President David Cooper, Secretary Robert Antoniazzi and new President Uli Liessmann. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Construction has begun on Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail, bringing the town one step closer to a continuous pathway network for residents.
This stage will see a two-metre-wide concrete footpath installed along Seventeenth Street, stretching from Seventh Avenue to Eleventh Avenue. Once complete, work will move directly into Stage 6, extending the pathway along Eleventh Avenue from Seventeenth Street.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the trail is a long-term investment in health, wellbeing and livability for the Home Hill community.
“The Be-Active Trail is about creating safe, accessible spaces that encourage walking, cycling and active lifestyles for all ages,” she said.
“With nine stages planned in total, each step brings us closer to delivering a connected pathway network that links key parts of the community, supports recreation, and improves neighbourhood connectivity.”
When finished, the Be-Active Trail will provide a continuous pathway network designed to promote healthy living, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and enhance the town’s overall amenity.
Construction has begun on Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail. Photo credit: Burdekin Shire Council
Burdekin seniors are invited to celebrate, connect, and access valuable information at the annual Seniors Expo and Luncheon, hosted by the Burdekin Shire Council.
The event will take place on Thursday, 30 October, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Burdekin Memorial Hall.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Expo is an important way to recognise and support the region’s seniors.
“Our seniors play a vital role in shaping the Burdekin community, and this event is a wonderful way to celebrate their contributions while also providing practical support and information,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
For $15, attendees will enjoy a roast lunch with dessert, entertainment hosted by Emcee Ricky Romeo, and the chance to connect with a variety of local organisations offering advice on health, finance, and wellbeing.
Participating stallholders include Regis Aged Care, Ayr Health Service, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdekin Community Association, Bendigo Bank (Ayr & Home Hill), Everglow, McCathie’s Furniture Plus, and more. The Council also thanks Regis Aged Care, the event’s major sponsor, for their support.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, 20 August at 9:00 am and must be pre-purchased via the Burdekin Theatre website or by calling (07) 4783 9880. With limited places available, seniors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Home Hill's beloved Lloyd Mann Gardens, a known tourist hotspot, just became a little brighter and a lot more handy following the erection of a new signpost this month.
The locally manufactured signpost, which cost the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce just shy of $2000 to construct and install, boasts five arrowed signs, each pointing in the geographic direction of a different Home Hill point of interest.
Home Hill Chamber secretary Rob Antoniazzi said the idea behind the project stemmed from a practical need.
"Tourists would often ask 'do you know if there's a bakery around?' or 'do you know where the hospital is?', so we thought 'why not put up a sign?'" he said.
Antoniazzi said the signpost is as aesthetically pleasing as it is convenient.
"It's colourful, it stands out, and it really adds to the aesthetics of the park," he said. "We've already had a lot of positive comments on it."
The new signpost is a small addition that makes a big difference for both locals and visitors.
The locally manufactured signpost boasts five arrowed signs, each pointing in the geographic direction of a different Home Hill point of interest. Photo credit: Robert Antoniazzi
“I always wanted to be a chef,” recalled Sonya Mase, the driving force behind Home Hill favourite Marzay’s Corner.
For her, the kitchen has always been a place to create, experiment, and inspire—but her path into the culinary world, though always a dream, wasn’t exactly linear.
Working as a cleaner in South Australia before moving to Queensland with her husband, Tony, cooking had been more of a dream than a serious consideration—a passion simmering on the back burner.
It was during her time with the Brisbane Police Academy that a sergeant, with whom she had formed a close relationship, urged her to follow her culinary dreams.
And with that, her journey in the kitchen began.
At first, it wasn’t about money. It was about getting a foot in the door of the industry she had always admired.
"Going from earning [a proper wage] to $4 an hour was hard. I almost gave up halfway through because it became really tough," she recalled.
"But it was the ticket—something to achieve for myself. So I just stuck with it, and I'm glad I did."
Thirty years and countless meals later, Sonya is a seasoned chef who hangs her hat on her organisation skills, ability to thrive under pressure, and creative knack.
“A lot of times ideas just come to you,” she says. “You wake up in the middle of the night thinking, ‘that could work.’ There’s trial and error, but that’s the fun of it.”
From Marzay’s Corner in Home Hill, Sonya is now using her extensive experience to teach young locals essential kitchen skills—knife handling, time management, budgeting—and watching them grow in confidence.
“It’s not just about cooking. It’s about life skills,” she says. “Parents tell me they’ve noticed a real change in their kids.”
Her goal is to show her young employees that good food doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and that with creativity, patience, and practice, anyone can turn a meal into something they're proud of.
With plans to share her knowledge in local schools, Sonya has become more than just the chef she set out to be. She’s become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of aspiring culinary talent.
Sonya has become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of local culinary talent. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Burdekin community will have the opportunity to celebrate a unique cultural connection when the “Basques in Australia” photographic exhibition arrives at the Masonic Hall and Burdekin Theatre from the 28th of September to the 3rd of October.
Presented by the Basque Club of North Queensland, the exhibition honours the Basque migrants who came to the Burdekin to work in the sugar industry. Their contributions helped shape Ayr and the wider district, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, resilience and family values.
The exhibition coincides with Multicultural Queensland Month in August and “Dia de la Diaspora Vasca” on September 8 – an international celebration recognising Basques living outside their homeland in Spain and France.
Curated in the Basque Country with support from the Basque Government and Euskal Australiar Elkartea, the exhibition comprises 10 large panels covering themes such as cane-cutting, women, community life and recreation. Historic photographs and memorabilia provide a powerful insight into the experiences of Basque families as they built new lives in Australia.
The exhibition has toured extensively throughout the Basque homeland, and its visit to Ayr offers locals the chance to reflect on the multicultural roots of the Burdekin.
Exhibition details, including opening times and associated events, will be posted on the Basque Club NQ Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information, contact Pedro Mendiolea, President of the Basque Club of North Queensland, at basqueclubnq@hotmail.com or phone 0412 410 678.
As the shire’s sporting season draws to a close across multiple clubs, the Burdekin Rugby Union Club (BRUC) have jumped ahead and claimed the date of their 2025 Presentation Night, marking out Saturday the 27th of September.
The annual extravaganza, set to be held at the Queens Hotel for the second consecutive year, celebrates the outstanding achievements of the club’s players from the smallest toads on the field to the oldest across one huge evening overflowing with festivities.
Prizes are awarded to players across categories including most improved, most consistent, best forward, best back, players player and player of the year across each division. As well as Team Awards, the evening also includes Club Award presentations across the following categories: dedication to players (junior and senior), volunteer contributing the most, player contributing the most, spirit of rugby, and clubman of the year.
After all the presentations are done and dusted, the evening becomes a celebration of the season just past, as players come together to wrap up another successful year on the field.
Additional details of the night will be shared in the coming weeks on the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads’ social media pages, and for any enquires, email brucsecretary@outlook.com.
Jasmin Kierle, Kiara Krug, Briellen Carter-Mathews, Caitlin Holmes and Aletheia Pacey were celebrated for their achievements at 2024's Burdekin Rugby Union Club's Presentation Night (Photo Source: BRUC)
On Monday, 18 August, locals, dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Deep Creek Veterans Retreat in Ayr to mark the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.
Commencing at 11 am, the annual parade commemorated the 1966 battle in Vietnam—one of the key engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War—honouring past veterans with a wreath-laying service, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and a bagpipe performance of Lament.
Among the 50-plus attendees were Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, as well as Burdekin-born-and-bred veteran Stan Hodder, who served at Long Tan.
After the parade, attendees were invited to stay for light refreshments.
Hosted by the Burdekin sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, the Battle of Long Tan anniversary parade is one of three main commemorative events held by the association, alongside ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.
The event offered an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the service and experiences of local veterans.
Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior Ambassador representing CORES QLD, Mia Galbraith, has taken it upon herself to run a Self Love Night to raise awareness for the importance of mental health and valuable funds for the invaluable work of CORES QLD.
In the lead up to this weekend’s event, Mia has shared several videos and posts online, detailing how important it is to take care of and prioritise your own personal mental health, featuring BWF Committee members as guests on occasion to encourage conversations surrounding mental health awareness.
This Saturday, the 23rd of August, Mia invites the community to come on down to The Vault in Home Hill for an evening of positivity, self-love and family connection from 4:30pm onwards.
The evening will include live entertainment, wonderful guest speakers, drinks, and delicious food as well as plenty of activities, BINGO games and raffles to keep the fun flowing well into the night!
Tickets to the event are priced at just $20 and can be purchased online at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1435594.
All proceeds from the event will be directly donated to CORES QLD, and all attendees are kindly asked to wear bright colours to contribute to the event’s joyful atmosphere!
What: Mia's Self Love Night
When: Saturday 23rd of August, from 4:30pm
Where: The Vault, Home Hill
Hi Everyone,
It’s great to be back and feeling refreshed after a two-week holiday in Italy with my family.
We stayed in a tiny village called Radicondoli, about three hours north of Rome, with a population of just 950! Our days were spent poolside, playing card games, and wandering into the village for fresh bread in the mornings and a glass of wine (or two!) in the evenings.
It was my second time in Italy—my first visit was in my early twenties—and I’ve fallen in love with the country all over again. The people, the food, the culture, the scenery—absolutely incredible.
I know many of you in the Burdekin share that connection to Europe. With strong Italian heritage in our region, it feels fitting that the upcoming Water Festival has embraced the theme ‘Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe’, complete with highlights like the European Summer Long Lunch.
It certainly takes me right back to Italy—and reminds me how lucky we are to live in such a culturally rich community.
As your local newspaper, we’re proud to be the official media partner of the Water Festival and thanks to our jet-setting journo Chelsea Ravizza, we’ve had fantastic coverage of the event’s build-up. As many of you will know, Chelsea began with us during her university work placement and did such a great job, we couldn’t let her go! She’s now travelling the world—last we heard, she was in Poland—while still contributing to the paper.
Nothing says ‘Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe’ better than that!
I’d also like to give a special shout-out to Mia Galbraith, our new Sales and Social Media Rep, who’s stepping up as a Senior Ambassador for the Water Festival. She’s hosting a fundraising event this Saturday—check out the details next to this article. I hope you’ll show your support!
Rach
Quote of the Week: "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take" (Lewis Carroll)
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