Meet some of this year’s QLD Day ambassadors, championing the essence and vibrance of Queensland.

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We know Queensland has produced no shortage of rugby league royalty. Wally Lewis AM – also known as “The King” – is the face of his state yet again as a 2026 QLD Day ambassador.

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“I’m a proud Queenslander, born and bred, and I’ve spent a lifetime representing this wonderful state,” Wally said. 

“I’m inspired by everyday Queenslanders, the people who show up for their families, their communities, and each other; that’s the real strength of this state.”

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One of rugby league’s greatest players, Johnathan Thurston AM; former three-time premiership winner for the Brisbane Broncos, Gorden Tallis; and captain of the Broncos, Maroons and Jillaroos, Ali Brigginshaw are also representing rugby this year.

There must be something in the water, with our best swimmers diving in as ambassadors: eight-time Olympic medallist, Cate Campbell OAM; Paralympic gold medallist Alexa Leary OAM; and four-time Paralympic medallist Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson. Netball great Laura Geitz, raised in the Darling Downs town of Allora, joins Gold Coast AFL rising star Ethan Read. 

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One of Australia’s most beloved tennis champions, Pat Rafter said he proudly wears the title of ‘Queenslander’, while he secretly loves having a stadium with his name on it. 

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“I love being a Queenslander, I was brought up in Mount Isa, so I guess there is a fair bit of that country passion in me,” Pat said.

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“Having a stadium with my name on it is so cool. The Queensland tennis crowd is pretty respectful; they enjoy their tennis but appreciate good players with good attitude.”

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From the arts, didgeridoo virtuoso and composer William Barton sits alongside Pub Choir founder Astrid Jorgensen OAM, country music balladeer Lee Kernaghan OAM, and celebrity chef Alastair McLeod. 

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Rounding out the line-up is veteran journalist and child-safety advocate Kay McGrath OAM, a Queensland Great, encouraging all Queenslanders to celebrate the unique spirit of the Sunshine State.

“Queensland Day is a chance for us to come together and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this extraordinary state,” Kay said.

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What ties them together isn’t fame – it’s our state. Each ambassador’s story is rooted in a different patch of Queensland, from outback towns to coastal cities. Together, they paint a portrait of a state that’s as diverse as it is proud.

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QLD Day Ambassadors qld.gov.au/qldday 

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CELEBRATING INCREDIBLE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR STATE GREAT

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The QLD Day Awards shine a spotlight on the Queenslanders who go above and beyond – the community volunteers, local legends, young achievers and those shaping our state’s future. 

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From grassroots changemakers to everyday heroes, these awards celebrate Queenslanders from all walks of life who make Queensland a better place. Announced on QLD Day, the winners reflect a proud tradition of service, generosity and community spirit that has defined our state since 1859. 

Jane Hedger, CEO of Volunteering Queensland, said the awards recognise the Queenslanders who often work behind the scenes to support others.

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 “The QLD Day Awards shine a light on those Queenslanders who quietly make the world go round and give us an opportunity to say thank you,” she said.

For Catherine Lamb, a Meals on Wheels volunteer from Ashgrove, Brisbane, giving back is simply part of who she is. 

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“It’s about the simple things – how good you feel doing something good, and how much it means to the person on the other end,” Catherine said.

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This year’s recipients continue a strong legacy of community champions, following in the footsteps of the 2025 QLD Day Local Legends – all shining examples of the Queensland spirit in action.

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To meet this year’s QLD Day Award winners, visit qld.gov.au/qldday

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Up to $86.7 million has been made available nationally to help strengthen drought preparedness and resilience in regional communities. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Government has launched a new funding round for its Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Hubs program, creating opportunities to further strengthen drought preparedness across agricultural regions including the Burdekin.

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The national initiative will establish seven Drought Resilience Hubs across Australia, supporting farmers and rural communities with practical tools, knowledge and services aimed at improving resilience to future drought conditions.

Following an independent review, the program has been redesigned to place greater emphasis on delivering on-the-ground outcomes and helping producers adopt proven drought-resilient practices.

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A total of $86.7 million will be invested nationally through to June 2032 to support the next phase of the program.

The hubs are intended to act as regional connectors, linking producers with experts, innovations, research and support services while identifying local challenges and opportunities specific to their area.

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The program also aims to strengthen collaboration between industry groups, governments, research organisations and regional communities.

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Applications are now open for eligible organisations interested in operating the hubs, with funding expected to support activities from March 2027 through to June 2032.

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Applications will close on the 10^th of August. Visit www.grants.gov.au for more information.

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Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort says the $53 million project would address the region’s key barriers to growth. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin Shire Council is seeking over $53 million in state funding to unlock roughly 1,000 new residential lots in Ayr, in a bid to ease the region’s ongoing housing shortage.

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The proposal will be submitted under Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, which supports major infrastructure projects needed to open up new housing supply.

If successful, the funding will deliver critical trunk infrastructure including roads, sewer networks, water supply upgrades and treatment plant expansions, targeting long-standing development constraints that have limited new housing construction in the area.

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Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the project would address one of the region’s key barriers to growth.

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“Council recognises that a lack of enabling infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to housing growth in the Burdekin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

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“Through the Residential Activation Fund, we are investing in the essential infrastructure needed to unlock new residential land, reduce development barriers and support future population growth.”

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She said the investment would also strengthen the local economy by improving housing availability for workers.

“This project is not just about housing—it’s about strengthening our local economy, attracting workers and ensuring the Burdekin remains a great place to live, work and invest,” she said.

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Council data shows local housing construction has fallen by 41 per cent since 2021, a decline attributed to a shortage of affordable, development-ready land. High upfront development costs, flooding constraints, rising insurance premiums and a shortage of builders and trades have also contributed to the slowdown.

The $53 million proposal targets infrastructure upgrades and extensions in growth areas including Craig Street, Chippendale Street and Beach Road. The figure includes construction costs, contingency allowances, contractor margins and indirect expenses.

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If approved, council expects enabling works to begin in July 2027 and be completed by December 2028, with housing development to follow as serviced land becomes available.

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The state government has already approved almost $994 million in projects under the Residential Activation Fund to unlock both infill and greenfield housing. Successful projects from Round 2 are expected to be announced from July 2026.

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“When all blocks are in place, there will be a sense of protection for the fields from intruders,” says Club President Peter Knapton. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin community has rallied behind the Burdekin Touch Football Association, rapidly backing a new "Sponsor-a-Block" initiative to protect local sporting grounds following devastating damage last month.

The fundraiser allows local businesses and residents to sponsor heavy concrete barriers recently placed around the Wickham Street complex, each block stencilled with the sponsor's name to serve as a permanent wall of advertising and security.

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A total of 60 blocks have already been sponsored as of 28 May, raising vital funds to secure what are regarded as some of the best in North Queensland.

The immediate response from local businesses, families, individuals, and teams follows an incident where vandals tore through the complex, leaving four fields with considerable damage and forcing a four-week halt to all men’s, women’s, and junior competitions.

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Club President Peter Knapton said the widespread support highlighted local outrage over the vandalism.

"The community is obviously sick of mindless damage and the obvious lack of respect for other people’s property by a small minority,” Mr Knapton said.

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“When all blocks are in place, there will be a sense of protection for the fields from intruders.”

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The committee launched the initiative after discovering that standard rock barriers used by other councils were too expensive. While Ergon Energy initially offered used power poles, the club ultimately sourced the cement blocks from BQC Quarries to create a vehicle-proof barrier.

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The project, which carries a total cost of $10,000, is being funded through a combination of the block sponsorships and club funds. 56 blocks have been positioned at the complex so far, with a further 135 blocks still available for sponsorship.

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Anyone interested in sponsoring a block is encouraged to text Peter on 0427710500.

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Fifty years since the formation of the Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade was commemorated on Sunday, coinciding with National Volunteers Week.

Formed on 24 May 1976, the brigade was presented with a Queensland Fire Department Certificate of Appreciation stating –

“This milestone acknowledges the brigade’s longstanding commitment to protecting lives, property and the community through volunteer service, resilience, teamwork and unwavering dedication during emergencies and times of need”.

Groper Creek Fire Brigade’s First Officer Dave Coplick accepted the recognition from Rural Fire Service Queensland Deputy Chief Officer Northern Region Tony Hazell, who travelled with Townsville Area Manager/Inspector Mick Thomson to thank volunteers for their ongoing service.

“We couldn’t let the date go by without acknowledging the brigade’s 50 years of service to the community of Groper Creek and we would like to thank you for your ongoing commitment to fire safety and disaster management,” Mr Hazell said.

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Queensland has more than 27,000 RFSQ volunteers in the 1,400 rural fire brigades and 2,400 fire warden districts throughout the state.

Brigade First Officer Dave Coplick thanked those who were able to join in the informal foreshore festivities, particularly RFSQ representatives and Dalbeg-Millaroo Brigade members who had travelled for the occasion.

Groper Creek Brigade Secretary Jeanette Garvey paid tribute to those who had previously been involved in the brigade and current voluntary members, who continue to work behind the scenes.

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“The brigade has evolved from the initial ‘bush’ brigade when it was first formed in 1976 and we are continuing to evolve with the latest equipment, resources and support provided by the State,” Ms Garvey said.

“Like many other community groups, we are always looking for more active hands-on volunteers, especially young and fit persons, to train and use brigade equipment. We also welcome all volunteers who are able to support in so many ways.”

To find out more about joining the Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade, contact Jeanette Garvey ph 0421 508 510.

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It was another busy and positive week across the Burdekin, with strong community engagement and continued progress on key initiatives.

Over the weekend, I attended a number of community events, including celebrations for the 100-year milestone of the Burdekin Surf Life Saving Club and the 2026 Burdekin Domestic Violence Walk, which raised awareness for an important cause. These events highlight the strength of our community and recognise the ongoing contribution of volunteers who play a vital role in keeping our region safe and connected.

We have also had some exciting news on the international stage, with Home Hill’s Adam Walton delivering an outstanding performance at the French Open. His success is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for the Burdekin, showcasing the talent that comes from our region. Congratulations to Adam on this remarkable milestone.

Community participation was strong at the recent Free Mulch Day at the Ayr Transfer Station, with residents taking advantage of the opportunity to collect mulch and support sustainable waste practices. It is great to see the community’s ongoing involvement in initiatives that promote environmental responsibility.

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Across our operations, works programs continue to progress well, with road and infrastructure projects advancing across the Shire. Council will continue to keep the community informed as works progress.

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Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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There is no greater gift you can give to others than that of your time.  There is no greater gift to yourself than the pleasure and satisfaction gained from helping others.  We are all quick to complain - it’s human nature, but rather than expend that energy on social media, ring a Councillor.  That’s our job and why we’re on Council.  I’m pleased to say that I receive quite a few phone calls from people who have an issue, who need assistance or simply information and I get the greatest satisfaction from helping them resolve an issue or pointing them in the right direction.  Those phone calls to say thank you mean more than you know and are truly appreciated.  As always, my mobile number is 0427827386.

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Congratulations to Conway and Jo Ganderton of the Ayr and District Orchid and Allied Plants Society for stepping up in the co-organizing of the Plantation Park Markets with Ayr State Primary School.  The ASPS Bush Markets are held on the first Sunday of each month, with the next one being held on 7^th June from 8am to 12noon in Plantation Park.  The Ayr and District Orchid and Allied Plants Society Markets are on the third Sunday of each month with the next being held on 21 June 8am-12noon at Plantation Park.  As always, there will be a myriad of goods for sale with literally something for everyone.  Stallholders can phone 4790 3333 or 4783 6627 to find out more information.

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People who volunteer their time for the many different organisations are such an invaluable part of our community.  I had the pleasure of attending the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce general meeting recently where Margie Ryder was one of the guest speakers.  Margie is Secretary of Volunteering NQ and she is indeed a pocket dynamo.  Her effervescent energy and love of volunteering is captured in the phrase “Without volunteers NOTHING happens”.  This is the absolute truth so thank you to all who volunteer in our community.

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Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival which is on at the Burdekin Theatre Friday 5^th June.  We have some wonderfully talented young people in the Burdekin and this event, along with the recently held Burdekin Eisteddfod and Fast Track showcase these talents beautifully.  I remember being involved as a student at Home Hill State High School, although I was more at home in the background doing props than centre stage. Tickets are $25.00.

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Lastly, should you require the services of a JP, you can find one at the Burdekin Library between 10am and 2pm each Tuesday.

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God Bless and take care.

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The EV Pipe Dream vs. The Factory Floor

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There was a time when walking into an Australian garage meant standing next to something we actually built.

For generations, brands like Holden weren't just names on a tailgate; they were proof that Australia possessed the sovereign grit to shape its own heavy industrial destiny.

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When Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lamented over the death of the Australian-made car, calling it a national "pity," he expects us to ignore the fact that his own government is standing over the body holding the smoking gun.

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But then came the political pivot. Speaking at an industry event, the Prime Minister confidently

declared that "there is no reason why we can’t make electric vehicles here."

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The Prime Minister is banking on the idea that automation will solve everything, assuming that robots don't care about penalty rates or energy bills. But this completely misses the point. You cannot build a heavy automotive industry when the basic foundational costs of doing business in Australia are being driven through the roof.

His theory is an absolute pipe dream, completely detached from the hard mechanical facts, the soaring input costs, and the real-world physics of actually building things on an Australian factory floor.

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I recently hosted a manufacturing roadshow in Mackay, sitting down with local engineering firms, component makers, and fabricators who operate on the frontlines of our regional economy.

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These are self-reliant operators who don't want taxpayer-funded corporate welfare or green

subsidies to generate a good headline, they just want a fair go.

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What they showed me is that this Labor Government is actively widening a sovereignty gap that punishes our local makers. The brutal truth is that any attempt to build sophisticated electric vehicles here will stall long before it ever reaches the assembly line.

To understand why, you have to look past the political rhetoric and look at the basic physics of heavy automotive engineering.

An electric vehicle is essentially an incredibly complex, high-voltage computer on wheels.

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You cannot run the factories of tomorrow on a fragile power grid. The advanced robotics required to assemble modern electric vehicles demand perfect, constant 24/7 power. A short drop in voltage, a mere blink that you wouldn’t even notice at home, is enough to trigger a total shutdown on an automated line. The machinery freezes, precision calibrations are lost, and thousands of dollars bleed out for every single minute the assembly track sits idle.

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Yet, Labor’s rushed, ideologically driven race toward its Net Zero fantasy is driving electricity prices through the roof and leaving the grid structurally vulnerable.

There is also the glaring double standard embedded in our current trade settings.

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Right now, overseas competitors can buy Australian coal and raw minerals, ship them across the ocean, use them to fire up cheap baseload power, and then dump low-cost, substandard hardware right back into our market.

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Local engineering firms at our roadshow pointed out that fully imported Chinese components land in Mackay substantially cheaper per unit than those manufactured locally. How can we dream of manufacturing a 3,000-kilogram electric vehicle when our policy settings make it unviable to competitively produce the nuts and bolts that hold it together?

Additionally, Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism acts as a carbon tax by stealth, slapping a financial handbrake on our heavy component producers and forcing international capital offshore to nations with cheaper, more predictable energy strategies.

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It is precisely why Australia’s share of global resource investment has plummeted from 40% to just 15% over the last decade. Capital goes where there is certainty, and right now, Australia looks like a high-risk zone because the regulatory goalposts change at the stroke of a pen.

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We need a government with the common sense to close the sovereignty gap. That means establishing a National Import Quality Taskforce to stop sub-standard foreign dumping, offering royalty discounts for companies that procure 100% Australian-made items, and overhauling the "Australian Made" logo fees so local workshops aren't charged a premium just to tell the world where their goods were built.

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Most importantly, we must restore sovereign confidence by scrapping the punitive Net Zero targets, removing the Safeguard Mechanism, and focusing heavily on delivering the cheap, stable baseload power that makes Australian industry competitive on the global stage.

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The Coalition has a clear plan to get our energy affordability back on track, back the regions,

reward true technical efficiency, and protect the Australian dream for our workers.

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It is time to swap the green pipe dreams for reality on the factory floor.

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The annual Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness Walk will return to its original home at Ayr’s Plantation Park on 31 May. Photo supplied

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Burdekin residents are being urged to lace up their shoes and wear purple this Sunday to help take a stand against domestic and family violence.

The annual Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness Walk will return to its original home at Ayr’s Plantation Park on 31 May, following years of pandemic disruptions and weather setbacks.

Organised by a host of local organisations, the inclusive event aims to bring locals together to spark crucial conversations, reduce stigma, and show solidarity with victim-survivors.

BCA Chief Executive Officer Debra Cochran said the walk was intentionally designed for maximum visibility to spread its vital message.

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"The DV awareness walk was originally started to encourage greater community engagement and bring people together to raise awareness and gain access to information about domestic and family violence," Ms Cochran said.

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"We intentionally chose a walking route that could be completed safely while also providing strong visibility to the wider community, particularly along the highway where passing traffic can clearly see the event and its message."

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First held in May 2018, the event built strong momentum before COVID-19 restrictions and last year's flooding at Plantation Park disrupted its format. Ms Cochran said the BCA hopes this year's edition will help rekindle momentum and leave a lasting impression on participants.

"We hope attendees leave the DFV Walk with a greater understanding of the impact domestic and family violence has on individuals, families and the wider community," Ms Cochran said.

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"We want victim-survivors to know they are not alone and that there are people and services within the community that care and are available to support them."

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The free community event kicks off from 8:15am on Sunday 31 May at Plantation Park, Ayr, with the walk officially commencing at 9:00am. Participants can enjoy a free BBQ breakfast and kids' activities throughout the morning.

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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC) has recorded its strongest Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea yet, raising more than $2,300 for the Cancer Council.

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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC) has recorded its strongest Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea yet, raising more than $2,300 for the Cancer Council and smashing previous fundraising totals in a show of local generosity that surprised even organisers.

Held on Thursday, 21 May from 10am to 12pm, the annual event drew more than 70 community members to the centre, with organisers saying this year’s turnout and donations marked a clear step up in both engagement and giving.

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The morning featured a generous spread of morning tea options alongside a Lucky Door Prize, Mega Raffle and Special Raffle, with most prizes kindly donated by local businesses and community members.

Attendees shared conversations while MC Councillor John Furnell facilitated the event that featured "plenty of laughter and community spirit” throughout.

said the strong turnout and fundraising result reflected the growing support behind the annual event and its purpose.

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"The main purpose of the event was to bring the Burdekin community together to raise vital funds and awareness for people affected by cancer through the work of the Cancer Council, while encouraging community connection and fundraising by providing a welcoming space, raffles, and food for attendees to enjoy together,” Ms Darley said.

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She said the overwhelming support continued a pattern of overwhelming community generosity that the BNC sees each year.

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“The BNC is absolutely astonished each year by the generosity shown by the community, local businesses, and everyone attending our morning tea event—whether in person or through online donations—to help support anyone affected by cancer," she said.

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“We hope attendees took away a sense of community connection, compassion, and support, while knowing that their attendance, donations, and participation helped make a meaningful difference to people affected by cancer.”

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The BNC extended its thanks to all local businesses and community members who supported the event, including those who contributed food, vouchers, raffle prizes, and other assistance in any form.

The organisation encourages any businesses interested in being involved in the 2027 event to contact the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on  

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Journalist Jacob Casha was awarded Best Young Journalist of the year at the Queensland Country Press Awards

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Burdekin Life’s young journalism duo took home gold and silver at the Queensland Country Press Association Excellence Awards on the Sunshine Coast.

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Life Publishing Group Brings Home 3 Gold And 3 Silver State Awards

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Burdekin Life’s young journalism duo has come away from the Sunshine Coast with gold and silver honours after a strong performance at the Queensland Country Press Association Excellence Awards on Friday, 22 May.

Jacob Casha was announced as Best Young Journalist of the year and also received a silver for Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist, while Chelsea Ravizza, who writes across all Life Publishing Group papers, received a silver in the Best Young Journalist of the Year category.

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Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith said the awards are a strong result for the young journalists and the organisation.

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“Young journalists are the lifeblood of regional journalism,” said Ms Smith.

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“Our journalists learn the ropes fast, attending community events, forming connections and networks, writing and reporting on every aspect of news from sports to events – it is a big job that sets the tone for a dynamic career.

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“To think that two members of our team took out the two top spots in this category is incredibly humbling – and an example of the calibre of writing all our journalists are striving towards.  

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“This was capped off by Jacob receiving a silver award for Best Single Story — it’s fantastic to see him recognised in his first year alongside seasoned journalists who have spent years refining their craft.”

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The editorial achievements rounded off one of Life Publishing Group’s most successful years at the QCPA event, where it also won a further three advertising awards on the night.

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A highlight was receiving gold for Best Print Community Advertising Promotion for the Life Publishing Group Enchanted Garden Charity Event which raised an impressive $56,000 for seven regional charities.

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A second gold was awarded for Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement of the year and was followed by silver for Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign of the year.

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“It makes life easy when you know you have a great team to back you up,” said Hinchinbrook Life Sales Manager Sherie Hensler Adams.

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“At Life Publishing Group, our incredible creative team designs each ad from scratch, working closely with our clients to bring out the best in their business.  

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“We truly care about every client, and you can see this clearly in the love that goes into the design of all the ads and all the pages in every paper.”

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There are more than 60 independent news media publishers registered with Queensland Country Press Association.

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“In 2024 we were thrilled to bring home Best Free Newspaper in Queensland for our sister publication Mackay and Whitsunday Life,” shared Rachael Smith.

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“This was a huge honour, and one we are looking forward to achieving again as we grow our other publications, especially here in Hinchinbrook.

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“2026 represents a year where we have solidified our presence within the newspaper community and are seen as high achievers among our peers – this is something I am truly proud of.

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“Everyone in the team has contributed to the success behind all these awards and they are a result of us all striving for excellence in everything we do.”

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Director of Infrastructure Planning & Environmental Services, James Stewart, provided an overview of the Burdekin Shire Council’s push for a slice of the $55 million Residential Activation Fund (RAF). Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Major infrastructure projects designed to unlock residential land and secure water access took centre stage at the Burdekin Industry Breakfast last Wednesday.

The event, held at the Burdekin Theatre on 20 May, brought together developers, landowners, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss investments shaping the region's economic future.

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Topping the agenda was the Burdekin Shire Council’s push for a slice of the $55 million Residential Activation Fund (RAF). The council has officially applied for Round 2 funding to construct crucial trunk infrastructure, aiming to open up fresh housing developments across the Ayr township, specifically targeting the Beach Road, Chippendale, and Craig Street areas.

Council had already secured Round 1 funding to complete the detailed design work for the infrastructure, positioning the project for immediate progression if the secondary funding application is successful.

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Bowen Pipeline Company director Sean Brown also provided an update on the $700 million Bowen Pipeline Project, a privately funded 182-kilometre water pipeline running from the Burdekin River to Bowen along the Bruce Highway corridor.

Designed to deliver 100,000 megalitres of water to a region historically reliant on unpredictable summer rainfall, the project hit a major milestone just days before the breakfast, with water sales officially commencing on 18 May.

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Local agricultural prospects are also set for a further boost via the North Queensland Food Futures Precinct Project in Ayr.

Spearheaded by the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) using Regional Economies Future Fund grants secured in 2024, BGGA CEO Jenn Honnery said the pilot food processing facility will focus on converting the 30 per cent of fruit and vegetables that fail tomeet market standards into shelf-stable products.

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The breakfast also detailed how the new facility will serve as an innovation space, giving local growers access to specialised commercial processing equipment to value-add their produce.

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It was a privilege to attend the Regional SES Awards Ceremony and 50th Anniversary Celebration over the weekend, recognising the dedication of our SES volunteers. It was great to see members of our Burdekin unit alongside crews from Townsville, Hinchinbrookand Magnetic Island, all coming together to support award recipients.

The SES plays a vital role in keeping our community safe, particularly during severe weather events, and they are always looking for new recruits. I encourage anyone interested to get involved, it’s a meaningful way to give back while learning valuable skills.

Another milestone event this weekend is the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club’s 100th anniversary. This club is defined by its people. While I was not a member, many of my family were, as have generations of Burdekin families. From Nippers and competitions to patrolling Alva Beach, the club has long upheld the values of surf lifesaving.

As Mayor, I see the impact this club has on our region. It builds responsibility, teamwork and courage, brings families together, and keeps our coastline safe. To everyone who has contributed over the past century, this milestone is yours. Here’s to 100 years of service, and to the next 100.

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Council continues to deliver important infrastructure works. Upgrades have commenced at Wunjunga Road and Beachmount Road, along with a new cattle grid installation. Construction of a concrete floodway on Bahr Road is also underway to improve resilience during severe weather.

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I encourage young people and their families to attend the Pathways and Possibilities event on Wednesday 3 June at the Burdekin Theatre Foyer from 5pm. This event will be a great opportunity to hear from local industry speakers, explore real career pathways, and connect directly with employers, training providers and support services.

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Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Community helping Community creates great outcomes.

I had the privilege of attending two events recently where it was an honour to see the spirit of giving to others. The first was when I was MC for ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea 2026’, Burdekin style, organised by the ‘Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’ to support the work of the ‘Cancer Council’, Australia’s leading cancer charity. Around 150,000 Australian’s are diagnosed with cancer every year, if you or others need advice call 13 11 25. I counted thirty four local businesses as well as private citizens who donated prizes, thank you to them all. This is why it’s important to support our local businesses, who are often asked for donations, that support community events.  

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Burdekin Junior Soccer Fields Hall was toe tapping and dancing to ‘Rock The Decades’ by Attori on Saturday night. Rick Romeo and friends donated their time and talent for Burdekin School, whose P&C were raising funds for the school community. Once again Burdekin community members building a better Burdekin.

This weekend sees Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club celebrating 100 years, a milestone of another tremendous voluntary organisation locally and throughout Australia.  The weekend kicks off Friday with a Meet n Greet and book launch at the Kalamia Hotel, Gala Dinner Saturday at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, concluding with a Community Fun Day at the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club. The weekend will see past and present members, friends and community come together for celebration and sharing of stories.

The Cowboys had another fine win over the Bunnies without two of their best, Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter. The game has rallied together after one of South’s best, Jai Arrow, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The Community Raffle raised over fifty thousand dollars to help Jai and his family with his battle.            

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Wishing you all health & happiness

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The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms that would expand repair access for agricultural machinery and support independent repairers. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Federal Government is seeking feedback on proposed Right to Repair reforms aimed at expanding repair options for farmers, drivers and small businesses while helping reduce machinery downtime and maintenance costs.

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Released last Thursday, the discussion paper proposes extending Australia’s existing Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery, alongside improvements to the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, which has operated since 2022.

The current scheme requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information at a fair market price, supporting competition and consumer choice.

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According to the Federal Government, a review of the scheme found it had contributed to a $2.4 billion increase in annual turnover across the independent repair sector.

Under the proposed changes, farmers and regional businesses could gain faster access to repair information for agricultural machinery, helping reduce delays during critical planting and harvest periods.

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The Productivity Commission estimates expanding Right to Repair laws to agriculture could increase annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone by reducing downtime during harvest.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the reforms would give farmers more choice and support regional repair businesses.

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“By extending Right to Repair laws to include agricultural machinery, these changes will help reduce downtime, lower repair costs and keep farm operations moving when it matters most,” Ms Collins said.

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The consultation period is open until Friday, July 3, 2026.

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