On Tuesday, 5 August, a relic of Australian motoring history rolled into the Burdekin Woolworths parking lot: Bubsie—a Citroën 5CV that earned its place in the record books as the first car to circumnavigate the entire continent.

An almost identical replica, its recent arrival in Ayr was part of a national centenary tribute to one of Australia’s boldest road adventures, offering locals the rare chance to admire the vehicle’s ingenious 1920s design up close.

The tribute honours the original 1925 journey by West Australian friends Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies, who took on the continent long before sealed highways, roadside signs, or reliable fuel supplies.

Travelling in the original Bubsie, they endured mechanical failures, scorching heat, and weeks of isolation in the outback, often relying on the kindness of strangers at remote homesteads for a place to sleep.

The replica, owned by The Incredible Journey TV program, was painstakingly rebuilt over 800 hours by three dedicated gentlemen. Every detail was recreated to match the pioneering car as closely as possible, from its lightweight timber frame and minimal bodywork to the quirky four-cylinder engine and unique braking system.

The result is a fully functional homage that not only looks the part but can also handle the kind of rough terrain faced on the original trip.

Now in their 31st week on the road, the Right Around Australia team is prepared to carry the voyage into the new year. Kevin Amos, team leader for the Right Around Australia Bubsie Project, said the tour is about far more than nostalgia.

“It’s to inspire people. Don’t give up when hardship comes,” Mr Amos said.

“They never set out to break a record. They never set out to drive around Australia. All they set out to do was to be a help to other people.”

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Now in their 31st week on the road, the Right Around Australia team is prepared to carry the voyage into the new year. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Bubsie at Plantation Park
Locals were offered the rare chance to admire the vehicle’s ingenious 1920s design up close.

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Four in five Australian small businesses experienced a cyber incident in the last year and Burdekin businesses are also falling victim according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

With costs to deal with cyber incidents increasing to an average of $49,600, Mr Last said a recent state government announcement was both welcomed and timely.

“I’m aware of two local small businesses who have been targeted in the last few weeks, so these attacks aren’t something that is confined to the cities or to big multi-national companies,” Mr Last said. “Helping small business avoid these attacks is a priority for the government because we recognise the importance of small business, especially in areas like the Burdekin.”

“Like most things, prevention is definitely better than a cure when it comes to cyber incidents, especially when a business could face a bill of $50,000 as a result.  For some businesses, a bill like that means the business closes and people lose their jobs.”

“We have teamed up with CyberWardens to offer free training focussed on increasing resilience against attacks and putting in place effective preparations should an attack occur.  During the election campaign we committed to supporting small business and, given the risk cyber incidents pose, helping protect Queensland small businesses and ensuring the training is easily accessible are priorities.”

“By fully funding the training the government is also ensuring that business owners and their staff have access to reduce the chance of ‘weak points’ in a business’s operations.”

Mr Last said the CyberWardens training provided information on a range of topics but focussed heavily on empowering participants to prevent attacks before they happen.

“In addition to regular webinars and a wide range of resources, the CyberWardens program also equips people within the business to take a leadership role when it comes to ensuring staff are doing the right thing,” he said. “Given that a high proportion of cyber incidents can be prevented quite easily, having someone to guide staff and check systems regularly is invaluable.”

“Habits can be extremely hard to break but those habits can leave businesses vulnerable.  Reusing and sharing passwords, for example, not only makes it easier for criminals to gain access but it also means they can cause far more damage.”

“Email and banking fraud are among the highest cyber threats to small business, and we’ve seen local businesses become victims of those types of fraud.  The offenders will gain access to a business’s email system and use that to contact customers and ask them to pay invoices into the offender’s bank account.”

“These types of attacks put businesses in a very difficult position because, usually, the offenders close the account and effectively vanish as soon as they are caught.  That makes it hard for customers to get their money back and leaves the business out of pocket despite having completed the work.”

“Relatively simple steps can reduce the chance of these types of attacks several-fold.  More information on the free CyberWardens program is available at business.qld.gov.au and I’d encourage local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their hard work.”

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Meet Lachlan Dance

Ayr Fire Station has strengthened its ranks with Queensland native Lachlan Dance, who clocked in for his first shift last Monday.

The recruitment follows Dance’s completion of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services intensive 16-week recruit course, which he passed with flying colours.

Dance brings a strong background in community service. After nine years with the Australian Defence Force, posted in nearby Townsville, he says serving others is what drives him.

“Having a sense of purpose in a job is a big thing,” said Dance. “It makes you want to come to work.”

Although only on his first tour, Dance said the transition has been seamless.

“Having experience in the military definitely helped with the recruit course,” he said.

“Since I arrived at the station, senior members have also taken me under their wing. It’s been a good integration so far.”

New to the Burdekin, Dance said he identified the region as an ideal place for him and his wife to settle.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to in the community is really friendly. It’s definitely a good community to be in. People who’ve lived here all their lives speak very highly of it.”

Growing with every day on the job, Dance said he’s eager to earn his stripes in his new role.

“I’m really looking forward to learning the trade as best I can and assisting the community.”

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Ayr Fire Station has strengthened its ranks with Queensland native Lachlan Dance, who punched in for his first day last Monday. Photo supplied

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Australia is blessed with abundant resources — coal, uranium, sunshine, wind, and water. We should have the world’s cheapest and most reliable power in the world. Instead, electricity bills are soaring, reliability is falling, and households are feeling the squeeze. The gap between what we are paying for power and what we should be paying, keeps growing.

Investors are walking away from major wind and hydrogen projects, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. Even members of the government are quietly questioning the current direction of Labor’s energy policy.

The current path isn’t working.

Additionally, a recent CSIRO report has confirmed that coal is in fact the cheapest form of energy in Australia at present.

My views have not changed and my message is clear. We need a balanced energy mix. Our priority must be practical outcomes, that improve livelihoods, create stable electricity and deliver cheaper power prices.

Labor’s wind and solar only approach is not the answer. Their current approach is hurting families, tearing up prime agricultural land, and damaging our natural landscapes, all while falling short of its own climate targets. Yes, the sun and wind are free, but the infrastructure is not. Long-distance transmission lines and battery storage cost billions.

We need to rethink the path we’re on. I’ve long called for a balanced energy mix. That means being open to all technologies - coal, gas, hydro, solar, bioenergy, carbon capture, nuclear. So long as costs are reduced, the natural environments protected, and the lights are kept on, I’m all for it.

Mackay’s Racecourse Mill Co-generation Plant is a great example of clean and cost effective electricity production. The plant generates around 30% of Mackay’s electricity. Why isn’t the government putting innovations like this on the table for similar solutions to operate?

At present I am working with my Coalitions colleagues on an Energy and Net Zero task force, set up to review and identify the best energy mix for the country moving forward and will be presented to the Australian people as the Coalition’s vision for energy in this country. This will become the policy we will advocate for and take to the next election.

Let’s face it, while the world is powering ahead and building stronger energy capacities, Australia is going backwards. We need a course correction, before it becomes too hard to undo, leaving Australians impacted for generations.

We need to put people first. We need to consider the natural environment, and we need to think about how we keep the lights on 24 / 7 in all scenarios. Australia needs a refreshed energy policy and it has to be practical.

Net Zero is about trying to achieve the impossible, rather than doing what sensible. And at what cost? Taxpayers can’t afford to sign a blank cheque.

We must change our course on the national energy mix and find the right balance.

OPINION PIECE.

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An All-Ages Community Event

To mark the beginning of celebrations for 2025 National Skills Week, on Saturday, August 23, North Queensland Senior School and training organisation, Tec-NQ, will throw open its doors for an all-ages Open Day with a difference. With 69 trades currently identified as experiencing a national skills shortage, there is no better time to try out a trade.

Tec-NQ Chief Executive Officer Ross Jorgensen said this year’s Open Day will be an all-ages celebration of everything trade, offering something of interest for the whole family.

“Again in 2025, we’ll have a selection of industry partners displaying unique and emerging technical tools of trade. Teachers, trainers, industry partners and students will also be on hand to talk about undertaking a work-based education at Tec-NQ” he added.

There will be hands-on try-a-trade activities for all ages. Kids can rev up a big diesel motor, teens can wire a circuit board, and everyone can test their welding skills on the augmented reality simulator. Plus, engage in interactive activities and small take-home projects.

Tec-NQ is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), an independent senior secondary school and an accredited boarding school with extensive industry networks to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students. Tec-NQ House, located in Rosslea, accommodates up to 40 male boarding students from remote and rural communities completing their schooling at Tec-NQ.

The Open Day runs from 9am – 12.30pm on Saturday 23rd August at their campus at 54 Discovery Drive in Douglas. Register for a campus tour and information session at tecnq.com.au

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Home Care Service delivers a wide range of services for seniors and their carers.

Home Care Packages Program (HCP)
The HCP Program provides support to older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own home.  We can offer services to eligible seniors on a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package. Services include in-home support services, transport, home maintenance/repairs/modifications, access to allied health services and other care related services relating to the client’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
The CHSP is an entry level home help program to assist older people who can mostly, but not completely, live and cope on their own an don’t yet need high levels of support at home. Services include domestic assistance, social support (friendly visits/shopping/outings), personal care (showering/bathing/medication monitoring), respite care (support for the carer), transport and home maintenance (lawn mowing/whipper snipping/rubbish removal).

Please contact the Home Care Service Team to discuss services or obtain information on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au, www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochrane

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Local residents will have the chance to get involved with Special Olympics when a ‘Come N Try’ day is held in Ayr on Saturday, 30 August, from 10am to midday.

The event is open to anyone in the Burdekin who would like to participate or learn more about the organisation, which has been transforming lives since 1968.

Special Olympics is a global movement dedicated to athletes with intellectual disabilities, supported by hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches around the world.

It provides year-round sports training and competition in Olympic-style events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including a 'World Games' every four years.

Special Olympics Queensland is part of the nationwide Special Olympics Australia community, which delivers sport, joy, and inclusion to people with intellectual disabilities and autism.

The Queensland arm currently offers 15 sports—including athletics, basketball, bocce, cricket, equestrian, football, futsal, golf, gymnastics, sailing, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and tenpin bowling. The sports available in each region vary depending on coaching and volunteer resources. These activities foster physical fitness, courage, joy, and the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship.

While the number of people involved has grown steadily over the decades, there is still a huge need to reach more athletes. That work begins at the local level, right here in the community, where volunteers and athletes first connect.

The ‘Come N Try’ day will offer a friendly, hands-on introduction for anyone curious about becoming involved—whether as an athlete, coach, or volunteer.

The session will be held in Ayr, and everyone is encouraged to attend—whether to take part, cheer on, or find out how they can help.

WHAT: Special Olympics Come N Try Day
WHERE: Ayr
WHEN: Saturday, 30 August, from 10am to midday

Local residents will have the chance to get involved with Special Olympics when a ‘Come N Try’ day is held in Ayr on Saturday, 30 August, from 10am to midday.

Councillor Detenon beat me to the official announcement of the pump track in his column a few issues ago, but I wanted to share an update on what’s happening next and how you can get involved.Council has awarded the contract to Common Ground Trails, and they’ve now started the design phase. The exciting part? They’ll soon be reaching out to the community to help shape how the track looks and functions. If you ride, have kids who do, or just have some good ideas, this is your chance to have a say.We want the final design to reflect the needs of the people who’ll actually use it, from first-time riders to seasoned pros, so community consultation will play a big role before construction begins.It’s also worth highlighting that the entire project is fully funded through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program, meaning no extra cost to our local community. A great outcome for the Burdekin.This pump track is part of a broader vision for Anzac Park to become an inclusive, active space where locals can connect, be outdoors, and have fun. I’ll keep you updated as consultation opportunities open up, and I really encourage you to get involved.If you have any questions or ideas in the meantime, feel free to reach out.

Council has received questions following the removal of trees in the Australia Post Park area beside the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt. Here’s what you need to know:
• A line-of-sight assessment conducted by Queensland Police Service identified that mature trees were blocking essential signal paths between the Ayr Police Station radio tower and the Ayr Water Tower.
• This obstruction posed a risk to public safety and emergency response capability in our district.
• The land is owned by Australia Post, and the project was carried out by QPS and Australia Post.
• The works were fully funded by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) as part of a critical emergency communications project.
• While Council does not own the land, our Parks and Gardens team has consistently maintained it due to its high visibility and value as a public green space for the community.

Council recognises the importance of urban trees and green space. Future planning will include replacement planting and public amenity improvements, where appropriate.
These decisions are never made lightly. But when it comes to protecting the community and ensuring our emergency services can respond quickly and effectively, public safety must come first.
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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In early 2023, Honeycombes Sales and Service Ayr commenced a new chapter in its long history with the addition of Honeycombes PowerSports. Located in the heart of the Burdekin, this dedicated division brings motorbikes, ATVs and power equipment offerings, and expert parts and servicing together under one roof, building on Honeycombes’ reputation for reliability that dates to 1913.

Honeycombes PowerSports partners with trusted names like Honda, Suzuki, and STIHL, offering a broad range of equipment and accessories for work, play, and everything in between. While the showroom might catch the eye, it’s the knowledge and commitment of the people inside that truly define the business.

The sales team take pride in understanding the unique needs of the Burdekin community, whether it’s helping a farmer choose the right bike for the property, matching a family with an ATV for weekend adventures, guiding beginners towards their perfect first ride, or showcasing high-performance machines for competitive riders. Equally important is what happens after the sale.

The Parts and Service departments are equipped with skilled technicians with a range of combined experience. They are capable of providing advice, delivering repairs and servicing on all makes and models of motorbikes and equipment, not just the brands we sell. From scheduled maintenance to complex repairs, they approach every job with precision and pride, ensuring your equipment stays in peak condition. They can also fit out bikes with the extras to suit any work or lifestyle, tailoring them with specific kits designed to protect the bike, extend its life, and make day-to-day work more efficient.

The company’s commitment to quality was recognised recently when Honeycombes PowerSports received the STIHL Technical Achievement Award, an honour given only to dealerships that excel in both training and results across their entire team. It is a reflection of the passion, skill, and dedication the staff bring to every customer.

For locals, it’s another reason to feel confident that when you choose Honeycombes PowerSports, you’re choosing experience, skill, and service that’s here to stay.

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The company’s commitment to quality was recognised recently when Honeycombes PowerSports received the STIHL Technical Achievement Award, an honour given only to dealerships who excel in both training and results across their entire team. Photo supplied

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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is reminding the public to think before calling Triple Zero (000) for non-urgent matters, as demand for emergency assistance continues to climb.

In the first six months of 2025, QPS emergency call takers handled 488,096 inbound calls — an 8.53 per cent increase on the same period last year. Of these, more than 93 per cent (453,764) were Triple Zero emergencies, reflecting a growing demand for immediate police assistance across the state.

Acting Superintendent Neal White from the Police Communications Group said the service continues to invest in people, systems and technology to meet the demand, particularly during major incidents and extreme weather events.

“As Queenslanders continue to face challenges from severe weather to personal crises, the message from QPS is clear. We are here, we are listening and we will always answer the call,” Acting Superintendent White said.

“When it comes to calling Triple Zero (000), we encourage Queenslanders to use this number when a crime is happening now, when life or property is in immediate danger, or during time-critical events such as fires and flooding.”

While QPS has maintained strong emergency response levels, Acting Superintendent White warned that using Triple Zero for non-urgent matters can delay help for those in life-threatening situations.

“Triple Zero is for life-threatening emergencies only,” he said.

“If you need police but it’s not urgent, think Policelink. It’s available 24/7 and ensures emergency resources are preserved for those in immediate danger.

“Non-urgent matters such as if you have lost your wallet, phone or other belongings, if you return home to find your property has been burgled with no persons present, if your car has been stolen and you are in no immediate danger or if your windows have been smashed – Pause. Think. Policelink to report the matter.”

Policelink can be reached via 131 444 or online at www.police.qld.gov.au for matters including lost property, noise complaints, or reporting a break-in after it has occurred.

Extreme weather events, including North Queensland flash flooding, Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and widespread flooding in March, contributed to higher call volumes this year. In addition, Sunday call numbers are now regularly surpassing the traditional Friday and Saturday evening peaks, indicating a shift in when Queenslanders seek urgent assistance.

“Whether it is a cyclone, flood or a call from someone in crisis, our officers are always ready to answer the call,” Acting Superintendent White said.

“This continued increase in emergency calls is a clear reflection of the public’s trust in police and the vital role our call takers and frontline officers play in keeping communities safe.

“Seconds count in an emergency. Making the right call helps ensure everyone gets the help they need, when they need it most.”

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The closing date for applications to the Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure North Queensland Fund has been extended to 1 September 2025.

The four million dollar fund offers grants between thirty thousand and two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, excluding GST, to help tourism businesses in disaster-affected areas strengthen infrastructure and prepare for future natural events. All projects must be completed by 31 March 2027.

Eligible initiatives include flood prevention works, construction of levees or retaining walls, acquisition of equipment to protect assets, installation of early warning systems and alternative power solutions such as solar with battery storage. Projects can exceed two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in value, but applicants must cover any costs beyond the approved grant.

The program is open to tourism-focused businesses and not-for-profit organisations with an established operating base in Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island or Townsville. Applicants must hold an ABN, be registered for GST and have either property ownership or the owner’s written consent.

Funded through the jointly funded Commonwealth and State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the BRTINQ program is part of the six point four three million dollar Tourism Recovery and Resilience Package supporting operators affected by the North Queensland Tropical Low earlier this year.

Applications opened on 20 June 2025 and outcomes will be advised by mid October 2025. The initiative aims to help the region’s tourism industry build back stronger by reducing the risk of damage, minimising operational disruptions and ensuring long term sustainability in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

further information about the BRTINQ Fund, please email: tourismgrants@detsi.qld.gov.au

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A major step has been taken to tackle rising groundwater and salinity issues in the Lower Burdekin, with Sunwater completing significant upgrades to a nearby irrigation channel.

The project, part of a $25 million regional initiative, aims to reduce groundwater levels that threaten local farms and the surrounding environment.

The latest phase of the project involved upgrading and lining a section of the open channel on Cadio Road, Upper Haughton, identified as a likely contributor to rising groundwater. These upgrades aim to reduce channel seepage and help manage the issue.

Sunwater successfully lined 2.6 km of open channel, using 38,480 square metres of impermeable
geomembrane, to prevent water migration from the channel and into the ground.

Additionally, six stormwater outlets and 11 existing concrete structures were modified to accommodate installation of the liner.

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton recognised the magnitude of the issue, and said the company is committed to nullifying the issue.

“Rising groundwater is a complex issue that impacts farmers across the scheme, the broader catchment and the environment, including the nearby Great Barrier Reef,” said Stockton.

“Enhancements to irrigation practices are also critical to reducing drainage impacts and lowering the groundwater levels across the region."

Other project work being undertaken by Sunwater includes installing bores with the intent to remove and redirect water from the aquifer and improving efficiencies of the Gladys Lagoon water distribution system.

“We continue to work with the Queensland Government, local grower groups, agronomists, and scientists to identify sustainable solutions for areas impacted by rising groundwater,” said Stockton.

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Sunwater successfully lined 2.6 km of open channel, using 38,480 square metres of impermeable
geomembrane, to prevent water migration from the channel and into the ground. Photo supplied

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Burdekin mills processed just over 283,000 tonnes of cane in Week Nine of the season, bringing the total crushed to just under 2.8 million tonnes. This represents around 35 per cent of the estimated crop.

The week began with delayed and slow starts following last week’s wet weather event, which hampered throughput across all sites. Another rain system on Thursday night halted production at every factory on Friday. Invicta received the least rain and returned to operations quickly, while Pioneer, Kalamia and Inkerman were stopped for all of Saturday and did not resume until Sunday.

Invicta recorded the highest weekly throughput at 129,695 tonnes, followed by Kalamia with 58,860 tonnes, Pioneer with 50,536 tonnes and Inkerman with 44,163 tonnes.

CCS levels across the region averaged 14.08 for the week, below budget due to the wet conditions. The highest reading came from a rake of Q240 1R in the Jardine productivity district, which achieved 17.2 CCS. The most prominent variety crushed was Q240, making up 49 per cent of the crop with an average CCS of 14.26, followed by KQ228 at 19 per cent and Q183 at eight per cent.

Season-to-date figures show Invicta leading with more than 1.1 million tonnes crushed, Kalamia with 582,713 tonnes, Inkerman with 572,696 tonnes and Pioneer with 534,947 tonnes.

With more than a third of the crop now processed, operators are hopeful for improved weather to maintain crushing momentum.

Parents and carers are reminded to keep children away from the cane railway network, and the public is urged to report any suspicious activity around the rail lines to police.

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Born and raised in the Burdekin, Meagan Morris from MortgageWorks brings over 20 years of experience in banking and lending. She understands what makes North Queensland tick and how that affects local lending. With clients across Australia, her focus remains on helping the north navigate complex finance needs with clarity and care.

“Finance isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Meagan said.

“My job is to help clients fine tune their financial strategy in a way that suits them.

“I work closely with accountants, solicitors and financial planners across all states and this network helps me ensure that the clients receive neutral information.”

A large proportion of the northern population work in seasonal industries, with around 50–60% as PAYG employees and 30–40% self-employed, often in trades or small businesses.

Meagan works across four key areas: property finance, refinancing, first home buying, and lending for renovations or refurbishments.

Properties like kit homes, stump houses or those in cyclone-prone areas often fall outside preferred lender postcodes. Meagan matches clients with lenders who understand local risks and property types.

For first home buyers, she offers guidance on state grants and family guarantee strategies. Meagan also helps young people enter the market without paying lenders mortgage insurance.

Refinancing is often overlooked. Meagan explained that clients may be on the wrong structure or have had changes to their circumstances, and that refinancing can be a perfect reset.  “I recently helped a client consolidate six loans into three, saving them over $300,000 in potential interest,” she said.

Renovation lending is also growing. “More people are choosing to upgrade their existing home rather than move. That might mean funding for extensions, kitchens or structural changes, each with different lending requirements.”

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Meagan Morris can help you with a variety of complex finance needs. Photo supplied

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