Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

We have had several important activities and community moments across the Burdekin Shire recently, and I’m pleased to share some of the updates with you.

On Monday 25 November, a mobile Telstra customer service van will be in the Burdekin from 9.00am to 4.30pm. This is a valuable opportunity for residents to receive face-to-face assistance with their Telstra accounts and services. No appointment is required, and the van will be conveniently located in the vacant block on Queen Street, between Vinnies and K-Hub. I encourage anyone needing support to drop in throughout the day.

We were also fortunate to welcome the Brisbane Broncos to the Burdekin as part of their trophy tour. Two of our local schools, East Ayr State School and St Colman’s School in Home Hill, were selected for the visit. The students’ excitement was truly wonderful to see, and they impressed the players with their thoughtful and entertaining questions. It was a memorable experience for everyone involved.

On 11 November, Councillors and I joined the community at Anzac Park in both Ayr and Home Hill to mark Remembrance Day. It was an honour to stand together as we paid tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

I would also like to remind residents in Ayr and Brandon that water restrictions remain in place as Council undertakes a critical stage of the South Ayr Filtration Plant Upgrade. Your cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated and helps ensure the work can be completed safely and efficiently.

As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss any Council matters, please contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582 or by email at mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

‍

The Burdekin region has long been recognised for its strong sense of community, and that commitment continues to shine through the ongoing support provided by the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr to the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy.

Operated by a local board passionate about community wellbeing, the Community Bank has reaffirmed its support for school chaplaincy services across the region’s eleven state schools. Through dedicated funding and sustained advocacy, the bank is helping ensure chaplains remain a vital source of support for young people.

Acting Branch Manager Jade Bywaters said the board understands just how essential chaplains are in today’s school environment.

“Chaplains play a crucial role in helping students navigate both school life and personal challenges,” Jade said. “They create safe spaces, run programs that build connection, and offer support when students need it most. We’re proud to continue backing a service that delivers such genuine and lasting impact for local families.”

The Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy currently employs seven chaplains who run breakfast programs, lunchtime clubs, mentoring initiatives, and in-class support. They also provide one-on-one care for students facing social, emotional, or family challenges. Many of these services fall outside government funding and rely heavily on community partnerships to continue.

Operating under the umbrella of SU Australia (Scripture Union), the chaplaincy team provides opportunities for young people to build resilience, find connection, and discover hope through positive relationships and supportive programs.

This year, the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr announced a $30,000 grant to the chaplaincy program—an investment that will help ensure its long-term sustainability. The Chaplaincy Committee welcomed the funding, acknowledging that community-backed support is essential for keeping chaplains active in schools.

The Community Bank’s continued partnership reflects its core mission: returning profits to local causes and strengthening the Burdekin community from the ground up.

For more information about the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy or how you can support their work, please contact the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr or visit your local school’s chaplaincy committee.

‍

This year, the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr announced a $30,000 grant to the chaplaincy program—an investment that will help ensure its long-term sustainability. Photo supplied

‍

Whilst out exploring the region, residents have begun to notice several snake sightings in and around the Burdekin Shire, leading the Burdekin Shire Council to implement cautionary signage to warn the community.

With the school holidays and the festive season fast approaching, the community are being reminded to stay alert, especially considering the shire homes just over 70 diverse species of reptiles. As published by the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the majority of the 73 species of reptiles within the Burdekin Shire are considered harmless, however, several venomous snakes are known to inhabit local bushlands, farms, creeks, and even residential backyards during the warmer months of the year.

The Eastern Brown Snake has been confirmed as a common specie in the area and has also been labelled as one of the country’s most venomous reptiles, with locals warned to stay alert near cane paddocks, open grasslands, and on rural properties for the fast-moving and defensive predator. Other common species include the Whipsnake, Green Tree Snake, Carpet Python, and Brown Tree Snake which can be found in gardens, roofs, and bushlands.

With the temperatures rising, snake encounters often become more frequent during this time of the year, and there are several steps you can take to keep you and your family safe these holidays such as:

1. Keeping backyards tidy.
2. Securing homes and sheds.
3. Wearing shoes outdoors.
4. Cautioning your children to never approach or touch a snake.
5. Keeping your pets on leads when walking near creeks or bushland.

If you spot a snake out and about, remember to keep your distance, and if necessary, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care on 0414 717 374 or Jeremy’s Reptile Relocations Townsville on 0403 187 712.

‍

A sign warning the community of snake sightings in the area has been put in place at Plantation Park (Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza)

‍

BURDEKIN artists and cultural groups are set to benefit from more than $24,000 in funding, approved by Burdekin Shire Council under Round 1 of the 2025/26 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council, aimed at fostering creativity and cultural development across the region.

Six local projects received funding this round. The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association will run a Highland Dancing workshop, while the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company will stage the musical We Will Rock You at the Burdekin Theatre. The Burdekin Uniting Church will host the 2026 Gospel Music Festival, and the Burdekin Shire Youth Council will deliver the 2026 NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase and workshops. Additionally, the Burdekin Woodcrafts Association will hold a wood lathe workshop, and Burdekin Potters will offer beginners and intermediate Wheel Throwing workshops.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the funding highlights Council’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

“The RADF program is an important investment in our region’s creativity,” she said. “By supporting these projects, we’re helping artists and cultural groups develop new skills, share their talents, and deliver experiences that bring our community together.”

‍

New Kids’ Song Showcases Queensland’s Sweetest Crop

A catchy new children’s song celebrating Queensland’s sugar industry has taken off online, with Sugarcane Train, a collaboration between George the Farmer and CANEGROWERS, attracting more than 68,000 views in just three days.

The companion educational video, Learn About Sugarcane with George the Farmer, has also proved a hit, drawing over 65,000 views since its release on Friday.

The upbeat tune takes children on a playful journey “from paddock to packet,” showing how sugarcane is planted, grown, harvested and turned into sugar, fuel, electricity and even bioplastics. Designed to make learning fun, the project brings Queensland’s sugar story to life through music, animation and hands-on education.

“Sugarcane is one of Australia’s most vibrant, versatile and sustainable crops, and it’s great to see it come to life through George the Farmer’s unique storytelling,” said CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.

“George’s new tune is fun, factual and might just get stuck in your head for days – and its incredible early success shows just how much kids love learning where their food and fibre come from.

It also continues CANEGROWERS’ long-standing commitment to helping students and teachers understand our industry and its people.”

The Sugarcane Train song and educational video mark the first instalments in a new suite of learning resources developed by George the Farmer in partnership with CANEGROWERS. A full set of curriculum-aligned STEM materials for Prep to Year 4 will be released ahead of the 2026 school year, featuring activities such as designing cane farms, building model harvesters and exploring environmental stewardship.

George the Farmer creator Simone Kain said the response from young viewers has been overwhelming.

“Kids can’t resist singing along – and Sugarcane Train is the perfect way to show how clever, creative and sustainable our farmers really are,” she said.

Teachers, parents and little growers can hop aboard the Sugarcane Train today:

• Watch the video on the George the Farmer YouTube channel
• Stream the song on all major platforms
• Learn more at georgethefarmer.com.au or canegrowers.com.au

‍

CANEGROWERS Education Project Co-ordinator, Shikira Kalatzis, Cairns Region cane farmer Celiamaree Zarins, the George the Farmer team, Shaun, George and Simone, and CANEGROWERS Cairns Region District Manager Joel Teirney (Photo Supplied)

‍

Glen Shane Galbraith was a man whose warmth, humour, and genuine care touched everyone who knew him. Known for his cheeky laugh, love of horses, devotion to family, and generous heart, Glen lived life on his own terms while leaving a lasting impression on the Burdekin community. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend—a quiet achiever whose kindness radiated in both grand gestures and everyday moments.

The following tribute article was sent to the newspaper by Glen’s brother, Paul, and has been lightly trimmed for publication.

"In the words of my Father, “Glen was the most wonderful son”.

In the words that have come forward over this past week from so many friends, family members, and the wider circle, the most repeated words to reflect on Glen are: ‘beautiful, gentle, funny and a happy human’… with a cheeky and unforgettable laugh!

In my words, it’s simple… “Glen was the most amazing younger brother and my closest mate”.
Words don’t seem to be enough to explain how many people have been deeply touched by Glen and his kind disposition over his 62 years.

Glen had a big heart and a genuine and honest soul. Never selfish, never judgemental, never a bad word to say about anyone. Glen was beautifully put together and the unique product of our wonderful parents; Don and Lexene. Glen grew up constantly surrounded by family, an abundance of friends, and embraced by good Burdekin people all of his life.

Mum and Dad – you should be so proud of yourselves for creating and nurturing this gift of light that became Glen Shane Galbraith, on the 25th of October, 1963. Equally, I can honestly say, that Glen was so proud to have Lex and Don as his incredible Mum and Dad. I have experienced and witnessed the unconditional love that was shared between the three of them over his lifetime.

No matter how busy, Glen stopped everything each evening at 7 pm to phone home, just to check in with Mum and Dad. Sometimes these conversations lasted five minutes or up to half an hour. Regardless of the length, this came from his loving and thoughtful nature. Glen was not selfish; it wasn’t duty—it was his care.

Being the youngest of three children, there were very few baby pictures of Glen in the Hillier Street home, so Peter and I often teased that he was adopted! As youngsters, Peter, Glen and I spent much of our time playing with matchbox cars under our Grandparents home at 8 Macmillan Street. Glen would shift the hose pipe to flood the dirt and make a mud pit.

Glen spent his childhood energy on sports—Soccer, Swim Squad, Tennis, Squash, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Nippers—but he was horse mad from a young age. I will never forget him running around the backyard with a leather strap in his hands, pretending it was reins attached to an invisible horse. One Christmas, he woke to a broken halter and horse poo at the bottom of the back stairs—Dad insisting his Christmas present had got away! Mum and Dad soon gave in and purchased his first pony, Happy, who became adored by all. Glen and Happy were the after-school Pied Pipers of the neighbourhood.

Glen joined the Ayr Pony Club and spent countless hours riding, competing, and caring for horses. His riding ability was noticed by the late Bob Bourke and his daughter Tracey, who invited him to ride show ponies. This began a lifelong bond with Tracey, a friendship of love, respect, and mutual support that endured across generations.

As a youngster, Glennie had an innocent baby face but a mischievous side. He stashed cigarettes, put sugar in Pete’s petrol tank, or prawn shells in hubcaps—all in the spirit of harmless pranks.

After school, Glen worked at Crowdies Bakery and developed a love for cooking. Later, he joined me in Brisbane, where he thrived in fashion retail and quickly became top salesperson at Tony Barlow’s Menswear, winning customers with genuine, friendly service rather than a pushy sales pitch.

Eventually, Glen returned to Ayr, working as Night Manager at Woolworths, then relocated briefly to Gympie to fulfill a childhood dream of building his own ranch. Returning to the Burdekin, he became Assistant Manager at Coutts Tavern Bottle Shop (now BWS), where his friendly smile and cheery wave became well-known to regular customers.

Glen’s home in Brandon was his pride and joy. Fiercely independent, he created a stylish, welcoming sanctuary, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Glen was often the glue that held family gatherings together, meticulously planning menus and events weeks in advance. He delivered an incredible speech at Dad’s 90th birthday—a first for him, yet done with ease, humour, and heart.

All Galbraith boys inherited the “Lexene Galbraith OCD clean freak” gene, but Glen’s obsession with cleanliness was legendary. He established his own commercial cleaning business, earning a solid reputation for professionalism and high standards.

Glen was also a wonderful uncle. He played an important role in the lives of nephews Jason and Aaron, and great nephews and nieces, as well as Tina’s children, Callum and Ella, whom he affectionately nicknamed Trevor Dag and Ruth Gumby. Glen’s nature, gentleness, and care touched countless lives.
All Peter and I ask from our Angel now, our little brother, is to look down upon us, wrap his arms around Mum and Dad, and keep their lights shining.

Sixty-two years of a fulfilled life which words seem insufficient to define. Glen was loved, liked, adored, and valued by all.

GLEN will remain with us always.

GLEN will remain forever young.

Rest in peace, our beautiful, beautiful boy.

Please remember, if you are struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Call LifeLine on 13 11 14.

‍

Burdekin Chamber of Commerce members gathered at the Burdekin Bowl on Tuesday, 11 November, for the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, which saw a mix of returning leaders and new faces stepping into key roles.

President Eusebio Aguirre of ELA Solutions retained his position, while Gary Roser of Harvey Norman moved into the Vice President role—his first leadership position within the Chamber. Former Vice President Frank Nucifora, owner of Delta Cleaners & Laundry, transitioned into the Treasurer position, and Kari Ravizza from McCathies Furniture Plus accepted the role of Secretary.

Aguirre said he and the team are energised for the year ahead and committed to listening closely to members’ needs.

"We're looking forward to working closer with the businesses, seeing what they want to do, and trying to accomplish something positive with the [trust] they're putting in us."

He also flagged increasing meeting attendance as a key priority, shifting the usual afternoon meetings to morning sessions, with the added incentive of a free coffee.

"Having more people at these meetings gives us a more diverse understanding of what the members want. The more people we have, the more we can come to a happy medium with our members. It's about them speaking up."

The Chamber’s leadership is confident heading into the new term, with at least five new members expected to join through the upcoming Christmas promotion.

‍

Executive Members Rose Papadimitriou and Jenny Papale, Treasurer Frank Nucifora, President Seb Aguirre, Secretary Kari Ravizza, and Executive Member Paul Benvenuti make up the part of the new leadership group. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

‍

Local schools are being encouraged to submit ideas to improve student travel safety, with nominations now open for the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP).

The Government has committed $4 million this financial year to support new or upgraded road and transport infrastructure around schools. Projects may include improved drop-off zones, shared pathways, pedestrian crossings and bus set-down areas. In its first Budget, the government has allocated $27.5 million over four years to ensure the program continues, following concerns it had been left without future funding.

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O’Connor said the program plays an important role in creating safe and accessible journeys for students.

"The former Labor Government left no ongoing funding for the School Transport Infrastructure Program, but we stepped in to ensure these critical upgrades can continue to be delivered at schools right across our state,” Acting Minister O’Connor said.

“This program delivers real, on-the-ground improvements making school travel safer and more accessible for our kids.

“I encourage school communities to jump online and put forward their ideas to the Department for Transport and Main Roads about how transport networks around their school safer could be improved.

“We have slightly extended the deadline for applications to 17 November to give schools and local governments a bit more time to complete their nominations.”

“I look forward to seeing these projects delivered across the state in 2026 and beyond, providing children with safe and secure journeys to and from school.”

Schools, community members and road authorities can submit ideas. Forms can be completed and emailed to STIP@tmr.qld.gov.au, with guidelines available through the School Transport Infrastructure Program.

‍

Funding is now open for government led safer school travel projects (Photo Source: Unsplash)

‍

Burdekin Catholic High School this week proudly farewell our graduating Class of 2025, a cohort of young people who have led with heart, embraced challenge, and strengthened the spirit of our school community.

Throughout their time at BCHS, this group has been defined by their generosity, spirit, and willingness to step forward as leaders. Whether on the sporting field, in academic pursuits, through service activities, or in the arts, our Year 12 students have left an impression that will echo long after their departure. Their ability to support one another, to rise after setbacks, and to build community has been an inspiration to younger students and staff alike.

Principal Lorraine Wolffe shared her immense pride: “This graduating class has shown us what determination, kindness, and faith in one another can achieve. They leave not only with knowledge and skills, but with the strength of character to shape a future they can be proud of.”

As they now take their next steps, whether into further study, trades, employment, or new adventures, we send them forward with confidence and gratitude. Their achievements belong not only to themselves, but to the families, teachers, and community members who have supported them along the way.

The BCHS community thanks the Class of 2025 for the joy, leadership, and legacy they leave behind. We hold each of them in our prayers as they step into the next chapter, and we look forward to welcoming them back as graduates who continue to live out the Marist values of presence, simplicity, love of work, and family spirit.

Congratulations, Year 12. May the road ahead be filled with purpose, opportunity, and the knowledge that you will always have a home at Burdekin Catholic High School.

‍

FRONT COVER
Eighth Avenue doubled as a festival runway last Saturday afternoon, as Hollywood rolled onto Home Hill’s front doorstep in the form of 38 exuberantly decorated floats for the Harvest Festival Grand Parade.

Large crowds lined the street as organisations, schools, and local businesses from across the Burdekin region rolled, marched and danced their way through Home Hill's main street, embracing the “Hollywood Elegance” theme with glittering costumes and dazzling floats.

The event, together with the Street Party that followed, marked the grand finale of a memorable Home Hill Harvest Festival, rounding out an action-packed calendar of events.

Harvest Festival Ends with a Bang

In the float awards, the Lions Club and Harvest Queen Ellie Woods took out Best Queen Float, while Stardust Theatre secured Best Float in the non-queen category. Ayr Pony and Hack Club claimed Best Trade Float, St Coleman’s won Best School Float, and Brennan’s Tyrepower walked away with Best Theme Float.

The party then flowed into Watsons Green, where a range of rides, food trucks and live music welcomed attendees with open arms. An energetic performance by North Queensland local and community favourite Luke Geiger had the crowd dancing into the night with classic country hits and originals, as proceedings gradually drew to a close.

The Street Party marked the end of the Home Hill Harvest Festival, which commenced in September with the official launch on the 14th. The festival presented a jam-packed schedule of community events, with the Ephemera, Student Ball, Town of Origin, Derby Day Races and Gala Ball among the community's favourites.

The Harvest Festival has been a longstanding tradition in Home Hill for decades, serving as one of the hallmark events of the Burdekin calendar alongside the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and the Burdekin Water Festival. This year's iteration again showcased the strength and unity of the Burdekin community, with sizeable turnouts at each event marking another positive chapter in the history of the festival.

‍

PHOTO CREDIT: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

‍

Well, it's official. My first ever Home Hill Harvest Festival, in the books.

Does that qualify me as a local yet?

Well, whether it does or doesn't, I sure felt proud to be a resident as I paced the packed out streets this weekend, photographing all the amazing floats at the highly anticipated Grand Parade. What a turnout. What an event. And all topped off by a near-perfect sunset and the following Street Party.

The two events rounded off another successful Harvest Festival schedule—an amalgamation of the committee’s hard work and the town’s unwavering community support. These are the events that unite small towns like ours, a town so worthy of celebration.

After all, of all the countries, states, and millions of cities and townships around the world, we all live within the same ~30km radius of each other. Different people, different walks of life, brought together for different reasons, but connected geographically, and in a sense, spiritually.

Just living here for the better part of half a year, I've felt myself gravitating toward local customs, ways of life, and even the accent, apparently. My parents told me on the phone the other day that I'm sounding more and more 'regional' by the day. They also noted my adoption of the "ey" after saying thanks. "Thanks, ey!" Who knows, by the time I return to Sydney for Christmas, I might be rocking Cowboys gear with a suitcase full of sugarcane.

‍

Home Hill State High School has thanked the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch for donating a new water cooler for students.

The school says the contribution is a practical boost, especially in Burdekin heat, giving students reliable access to cold drinking water throughout the year. Staff also noted the donation reflects the strong community support the RSL has consistently shown.

The RSL Sub Branch has a long history of assisting local schools, and this latest gesture reinforces the relationship between the two organisations.

Home Hill State High School publicly thanked the RSL for its ongoing generosity and commitment to local students, saying the support makes a meaningful difference to daily school life.

‍

The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has received a boost in its ongoing efforts to support local residents, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming its annual donation of $40,400.

Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presented the donation at BCA’s Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2025, recognising the organisation’s vital role in providing essential services across the region.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the contribution reflected the Council’s strong partnership with BCA and its long-standing commitment to the community.

“The Burdekin Community Association provides a lifeline for many residents, offering everything from housing and emergency relief to aged care and community wellbeing programs,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“Council is proud to continue its annual support to ensure BCA can keep delivering these critical services to those who need them most.”

For more than 40 years, the Burdekin Community Association has been a cornerstone of support for residents, offering programs across aged care, housing assistance, domestic and family violence services, volunteer coordination, and broader community support.

Council’s ongoing partnership with BCA ensures that these services remain accessible to those who need them, now and into the future. By sustaining this collaboration, the Council continues to strengthen the social fabric of the Burdekin region, helping families and individuals navigate challenges and access vital resources.

The annual donation is a tangible demonstration of local government working hand-in-hand with community organisations to keep essential services alive and thriving in Burdekin.

‍

Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presenting the annual donation. Photo credit: Burdekin Shire Council

‍

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Ayr on Sunday afternoon, 9 November. Emergency services were called to Railway Street at about 3.45pm after reports that a white Kia Sorento had collided with a tree.

The 66-year-old Ayr man driving the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information or dashcam footage is urged to contact police at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or on 131 444 to assist with the investigation.

‍

As the calendar turns to just over a year since the Queensland state election, Member for Burdekin Dale Last says he remains steadfast in ensuring the Burdekin receives its fair share.

Reflecting on the last 12 months, Mr Last said witnessing progress and delivery of projects the Burdekin community had long advocated for was incredibly rewarding.

“Whether it was improving the safety of our community, providing certainty for the Bowen Boat Harbour or securing a CT scanner for our local hospital, I have been proud to stand beside the Burdekin community and fight for the services and infrastructure we deserve,” Mr Last said.

“2025 has marked my tenth year as the Member for Burdekin and it’s a role that I have
been proud to serve in each day.”

“I have always maintained the Burdekin is an economic powerhouse and that sentiment continues unabated. Following the 2024 election my focus was ensuring this electorate saw the results of its own hard work and that started with ensuring our promises were delivered on.”

The Crisafulli Government’s first budget supported every single election commitment made to the Burdekin with key projects no longer a pipe dream and stronger laws to improve community safety.

“We knew how much Queenslanders were hurting after a decade of Labor’s weak youth crime laws and we acted. In a matter of months after the state election we made Adult Crime, Adult Time law in Queensland and the Crisafulli Government’s focus on community safety has not wavered with Daniel’s Law recently passing through Parliament,” Mr Last said.

‍