April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the challenges faced by people living with Parkinson’s disease and the importance of community support. In the Burdekin, one group is doing just that.

The Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group has become a vital connection point for not only locals navigating the realities of the condition, but anyone seeking to learn more about it.

Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson says the group aims to provide connection, understanding, and offer a place where no one feels alone in their journey.

“It’s about sharing and being together… just sharing different things. And it’s not only sharing the information about Parkinson’s—it’s sharing your togetherness.”

The group meets at 10am on the fourth Friday of every month between February and November in a warm, welcoming space at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.

The group meetings often include educational guest speakers—from Parkinson’s medication specialists to physiotherapists, and even the fire brigade. In other meetings, members can enjoy morning tea outings or supportive in-house chats.

Dickinson says the group has been her way of giving back to the community since it’s inauguration over 10 years ago.

“When I was first diagnosed, I went down to the library here and there was no information. I could see that other people would be in the same boat as I was, and I just thought that [starting the group] was one way that I could do something for the community.”

Including the Burdekin Region, there are over 18,000 sufferers of Parkinson’s disease across Queensland.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s range from subtle early signs like fatigue and slight tremors, to more noticeable issues such as muscle stiffness, slowed movement, balance problems, and changes in speech or facial expression.

Dickinson says that understanding Parkinson’s means recognising just how different the journey can be for everyone involved.

“Parkinson’s is such a diverse disease—we don’t all have the same symptoms. So, by sharing what you’re going through, it helps other people.”

And while the group provides vital support for people living with Parkinson’s, its doors are open much wider than that.

“It’s for anybody; it’s for family, it’s for friends, it’s for carers—it’s for anybody that wishes to come along.”

For more information about the Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group, please contact Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson at 07 4783 1896 or the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre at 07 4783 4243.

WHAT: Parkinson’s Queensland Burdekin Support Group

WHERE: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

WHEN: 10am, 4th Friday of every month between February and November

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Group Co-Ordinator Elvie Dickinson says the group has been her way of giving back to the community since its inauguration over 10 years ago. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin, with its warm climate and fertile soil, is the perfect place to introduce kids to the joys of gardening. Whether you have a large backyard or a small space, there are plenty of simple projects to get kids excited about planting, growing, and caring for their own garden.

Here are some easy and fun gardening projects for kids that thrive in our local climate.

Planting Easy-to-Grow Veggies

North Queensland’s climate is great for growing vegetables, and kids love seeing their efforts turn into something edible. Start with fast-growing plants like tomatoes, beans, and sweet corn. These plants provide quick results to keep kids engaged.

How to do it:

Choose a sunny spot and prepare the soil by loosening it with a spade.

Let kids pick out their favourite veggies.

Show them how to plant seeds at the right depth and water them regularly.

Kids will not only learn how food is grown but will enjoy eating the vegetables they’ve grown.

Creating a Butterfly or Pollinator Garden

A pollinator garden helps kids learn about the importance of bees, butterflies, and other insects. In the Burdekin, a variety of pollinators are naturally attracted to the right plants.

How to do it:

Plant nectar-rich flowers like marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, and native plants such as Grevilleas.

Let kids help with planting seeds or seedlings in containers or garden beds.

Teach them about the role of pollinators, making it a fun scavenger hunt to spot visiting bees and butterflies.

This project is perfect for teaching kids about wildlife and the environment.

Making a DIY Herb Garden

Herbs are a great option for gardening with kids. They grow quickly, are easy to care for, and can be used in cooking. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary thrive in the Burdekin’s climate.

How to do it:

Use small pots or repurposed containers for an upcycled herb garden.

Help kids plant seeds or young plants like basil, parsley, and mint.

Teach them how to water and trim the herbs as they grow.

Kids will take pride in using their own fresh herbs in family meals.

Building a Simple Bird Feeder

A bird feeder is an exciting way for kids to observe local birds up close. It teaches them about the environment and encourages wildlife to visit the garden.

How to do it:

Create a basic bird feeder using a toilet paper roll, peanut butter, and birdseed.

Roll the peanut butter-covered toilet roll in birdseed and hang it from a tree branch or fence.

This activity helps kids connect with nature and learn about bird species common in the Burdekin.

Creating a Sensory Garden

A sensory garden is perfect for younger children. It engages their senses through plants with interesting textures, smells, and colours.

How to do it:

Plant fragrant flowers like lavender, plants with unique textures (such as lamb’s ear), and colourful flowers like marigolds.

Encourage kids to touch, smell, and describe the plants.

This project helps kids appreciate different textures and smells while enjoying the outdoors.

Gardening is a wonderful way for Burdekin families to bond and connect with nature. With our region’s ideal climate, there’s no limit to the projects you can try. Grab a spade and let your kids experience the magic of watching plants grow!

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A $70,000 early intervention youth program was announced as an election promise by Federal Member for Dawson last week, the  the Blue Edge Program in Ayr is set to be a game-changer in the region.

The program, which is run in High Schools across Queensland, supports the Queensland Police Service’s mission to unite policy, community, and the youth in early intervention.

“I am proud to announce that if elected, the LNP will commit $70,000 to funding the Blue Edge Program in Ayr, run by a non-for-profit organisation Queensland Blue Light Association," stated Mr Willcox.

“This vital early intervention program has been very successful in creating respect education and ensuring young people in the community have the opportunity to get back on track and live a life free of crime."

“Early intervention programs like this one are so important in equipping young people with mental and physical skills that help empower them to head down a path that doesn’t involve anti-social behaviours.

"It’s important that communities in Ayr and the Burdekin see programs that are creating a positive impact, and the Blue Edge program is one of those.

“This project will be delivered under the Safer Communities Fund, ensuring the Burdekin region has the best early intervention program for our youth and security infrastructure in place.”

“Getting Australia Back on Track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities.”

Grant Gamlen, Blue Edge State Coordinator, said the eight-week program is designed to teach kids discipline, goal setting, teamwork, physical and mental health tips, decision making, positive peer pressure, and healthy relationships with family, friends, and community.

“We appreciate this generosity and look forward to the program being run in Ayr and the Burdekin.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has made a Federal election announcement for the Blue Edge Youth Program in the Burdekin region. Photo supplied

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Council will commence flying fox dispersal activities in Arch Dunn Memorial Park with the aim to reduce flying fox numbers in preparation for Anzac Day.  The activities will take place over three days from April 22nd to 24th 2025 between 5.30am and 6.30am each day as required.

These non-harmful dispersal activities will include audible deterrents (pyrotechnics, shotgun simulator, pool noodles, LED torches and flashing lights) and therefore residents are advised to take measures to secure their pets during the operation times.

All private landowners are reminded and encouraged that if flying-foxes land in their trees, they are entitled to discourage them from staying by using non-destructive disturbance techniques such as smoke, water sprinklers, visual deterrents such as imitation predators, bright lights, and noise from various commercial or improvised products. Please do not attempt to touch a flying-fox with bare hands.

For further information on what you can and cannot do with flying-foxes, please visit the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation website at www.detsi.qld.gov.au.

For further information about the dispersal activities taking place or to report roosting flying foxes during daylight hours, in numbers greater than 100, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 47839800.

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The Ayr Chamber gathered last Tuesday evening for a catch-up focused on all things advertising, and how the Chamber can best support its members in reaching their target markets.

Rachael Smith, Chief Editor of Life Publishing Group—publisher of Burdekin Life Newspaper, Core Life, and Tripping Magazine—shared insights into the vision behind launching the two magazines in the region.

The magazine, which has had a soft launch in the Burdekin in recent months, aims to showcase business profiles and travel stories, with a growing distribution footprint extending along much of the Queensland coast.

The publication has been operating for almost 14 years and prints 15,000 copies every two months.

It is available from Mackay to Ingham, including Moranbah, the Whitsundays, the Burdekin, and Townsville.

Completely free, Core Life and Tripping Magazine is distributed at more than 1,000 locations, including 60 dedicated distribution stands.

During the meeting, Rachael introduced a special advertising package exclusively for Chamber members.

The offer includes exposure in the Burdekin Life Newspaper and a dedicated annual feature in Core Life Magazine that highlights Burdekin businesses.

Kari Ravizza, Treasurer of the Burdekin Chamber, also presented attendees with a range of additional advertising opportunities.

She spoke about the potential launch of a quarterly catalogue, designed to allow local retailers and businesses to promote special offers to the wider community.

Further details regarding pricing and distribution are expected to be available soon.

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Eusebio Aguirre and Kari Ravizza from Burdekin Chamber of Commerce with Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci

Trish Jandt and Ruth Puddefoot from Burdekin Life Newspaper with Lameez Yunus from NQ Employment Burdekin

Uli Liessmann and Robert Antoniazzi from Home Hill Chamber of Commerce  

Councillor Callan Oar with his wife Kristy Oar

Rachael Smith Chief Editor Life Publishing Group, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Linda Butler from Kdee Designs

Councillor Michael Detenon, CEO of Council Michael Magin and Rose Papadimitriou

Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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The Burdekin Chamber recently closed out the month of March with a commendable achievement in the way of the group’s Shop the Burdekin Gift Cards!

A primary focus of the Burdekin Chamber has always been to encourage and promote “shop local” initiatives to further foster intercommunity networking and development. In doing so, the Chamber introduced Burdekin Gift Cards some years ago as a closed-loop gift card program which can be purchased from and redeemed only at participating local businesses who are also valued members of the Chamber.

Since the program was launched, more than $100,000 has been loaded onto the cards, directly benefiting the local economy and this March, $1,180 worth of Burdekin Gift Cards were purchased within the community!

With over 50 participating local businesses to shop with, Shop the Burdekin Gift Cards are a fantastic way to support the local economy and shop local.

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It’s all hands to the pumps as the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists prepare for their Open Day celebrations on Saturday 10th May at the Brandon Heritage Centre.

President Bruce Munro and fellow Burdekin Machinery Preservationist Peter Smith are reportedly sweating away on the final preparations of the historic Austral Hot Bulb Engine—a quaint old engine made in Australia by Ronaldson and Tippet. The burning question is: Can they get the hundred year old engine ready for Open Day?

This particular engine was donated to the Club by the McMahon Brothers of Bowen. It was then stripped down to the main chassis and meticulously renovated, part by part, by expert artisan Smith, whose motto is “measure twice, cut once.”

There was a palpable sense of excitement a few weeks ago when the engine finally roared to life with a bang and a great cloud of smoke. Following some adjustments to the governor and careful fine-tuning, it’s now operating much more smoothly.

The hot-bulb engine, also known as a semi-diesel or Akroyd engine, is an early type of internal combustion engine that was widely used in agriculture, marine, and stationary applications, and was the link between the steam era and diesel engines. They were simple, versatile and would run on a variety liquid fuel, crude oil, kerosene, old engine oil and even vegetable oil.

The hot-bulb engine is one of a host of different machinery, tractors and other items that will be on show at the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day.

For more information about the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists please call Lex on 0488 366 443 or email us at burdekinmp@outlook.com

What: Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day
Where: Brandon Heritage Centre
When: Saturday 10th of May

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Peter Smith measuring up for the Austral renovation. Photo supplied

The first start of the Austral Hot Bulb Engine. Photo supplied

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In September 1960, the Home Hill Bowls Club began a major upgrade of its green. A sub-committee made up of club members Mr Davies, Mr Adams, Mr Hanson and Mr King was formed to oversee the project, while Mr Adsma and Mr Davies were given the task of organising logistics with Mr Doug Haigh from the Ayr Shire Council.

It was decided that the green would close after games finished on Sunday, 18th September. The very next day, work got underway. It was a huge job – graders, end loaders, trucks, and hardworking volunteers with picks and shovels transformed the green in a flurry of activity.

Once the old surface was removed and the ground was prepared, the levelling of the green began. Artie Adams led the levelling with the help of Stan Asmus. The green was then replanted with South African Couch grass, sourced from the Ayr Bowling Green.

After months of hard work, the green officially reopened on Saturday, 11th February 1961, with a social mixed bowls event held in the afternoon. The success of the upgrade – and the high standard of the green even today – is a lasting tribute to everyone who helped make it happen.

A few years later, at the club’s General Meeting in 1963, members agreed it was time to replace the old clubhouse. The committee at the time – Mr Vaughan Heard (President), Mr Wilburn Figg (Secretary), Mr Gordon Ryan (Treasurer), along with Mr Jim Oats, Mr Frank Boccalatte, Mr Tom Callow, Mr Ral King, Mr Mere Swindley and Mr Peter Ferguson – began making plans.

By February 1963, after reviewing reports, the committee decided to go ahead with building the new clubhouse. They accepted a tender from W. & M. Woodward for £6,987. To help pay for the building, the club issued 300 debentures of £10 each, interest-free for ten years.

The new clubhouse was officially opened on 21st September 1963 by Mr Ian Roberts, who was President of the North Queensland District Bowls Association at the time.

Further improvements continued over the years. In 1979, under the presidency of Mr Bob Young, the bar area was carpeted, tiled and refurnished, giving it a fresh and modern feel.

Today, the Home Hill Bowls Club’s green, clubhouse and surroundings stand as a proud tribute to all those members who have contributed their time, effort and dedication over the decades – building a community space for all to enjoy.

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Two of the original Home Hill Bowls members, Pop Stockdale (left) and Ham McLeod.

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Friday night, the Burdekin had the opportunity to have Sam Childers share his incredible story at the Ayr Community Church. Sams journey has taken him from a life of violent crime to war torn eastern Africa where he has rescued over 1500 children from rebel armies in some of Africa’s most dangerous areas.  He also runs schools, trade-training centres orphanages and farms in Africa all for the children. His life is also the basis of a 2011 movie starring Jerard Butler aptly named Machine Gun Preacher.  What a great night which was very well attended. It was very interesting to hear the difference one man can make. Thank you to Councillor Amanda Hall who made this happen.I want to mention the Planning and Development open days which is held on a Friday in Council Chambers this week it will be on Thursday due to the public holiday.  The Planning and Development and Technical Services team make themselves available for face-to-face consultations for Developers, Property Owner and Community Members with Relevant enquiries offering expert and advice on property development in the Burdekin.  They will assist with any enquiries with you may have before you lodge any applications with those departments assisting with streamlining the process.The Council will also be conducting the Bi-annual Water Supply Meter Reading commencing 14th April 2025. The early commencement of the meter reading is due to the Council changing of the Rates to bi-annually.  Can we please ask that residents clear meters of all obstructions and restrain your dogs to avoid injury to our Staff and unlock your gates. This would be greatly appreciated.The 2025 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships will be held at the Burdekin Showgrounds on the 30th of May. It will be the headline event for the Sweet Days, Hot nights Festival which will be held on that weekend. The weekend will be fun for the whole family with free kids’ activities, including a Petting Zoo, Timmy the Train, Market stalls, also the Burdekin Rum Bar Gudjuda Rangers Turtle viewing. Mechanical Bull and lots more.  It will be a great family event. You can witness skill and stamina of our cane cutters which will compete for some great prize money and the National Title so Save the Date.Hope you all have a safe and Happy Easter.

The results of our grower survey last year made it quite apparent that growers who market with Wilmar believe that the market information we provide is one of the most important services of our Grower Marketing team.

One way we keep growers up to date is via shed meetings and information sessions which we recently held in Proserpine, Ingham and the Burdekin.

It’s always thoroughly enjoyable for the team to get out and about, meeting with growers, learning more about their businesses and hearing what works for them.

With the current turmoil in global markets, it was a timely update given the uncertainty within the world. It was also a great opportunity to have our Risk Manager Bevan Patterson up from Brisbane to review the current Wilmar forecasts on global demand and supply, and try to make some sense of the chaos.

Currently we forecast a small net surplus in sugar for the upcoming season which is highly dependent on Brazil delivering another record crop of 42 million tonnes of sugar. Harvest is about to get under way in Brazil and the dry start to the year may result in yields underperforming current forecasts.

As Brazil accounts for nearly three quarters of global seaborne trade, any slip in production could see a surplus turn into a deficit, and higher prices.

The global market turmoil triggered by the tariff tit for tat has caused the AUD to be extremely volatile as traders analyse the impact on a trading nation like Australia. It is not often that we see the AUD below 60 cents and it has masked some of the drop in the #11 sugar price fall.

In better news, our 2024 season pools and allocation account continue to outperform, and we will soon release our quarterly performance and comparative analysis for January to March. Keep an eye on your inbox for that later this month. The analysis continues to show that growers are significantly better off by marketing with Wilmar, irrespective of the mechanisms used for GEI sugar pricing.

After a few days out of the office and in the regions catching up with our growers, it is great to see the sun shining and the fields drying out. We hope the rainy days are behind us, and we will soon see a hive of activity out on the farms as planting begins.

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Wilmar Grower Marketing Business Development Manager Owen Richards addresses Burdekin growers
at a recent information session. Photo supplied

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Australian plague locusts are an endemic pest that threatens our agricultural industry, devastating crops, and causing losses of up to $30 million.

By harnessing cutting edge science, experts can forecast locust outbreaks with greater accuracy, helping mitigate economic impacts.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) uses advanced analytics to improve early detection and rapid response. However, forecasting locust populations is challenging.

The APLC has been developing a simulation model to predict locust population dynamics across their entire range. This model predicts the development, survival, and behaviour of locusts across all life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults.

However, locusts inhabit a vast range of more than 2 million square kilometres, so deploying the model is challenging. Field surveys alone cannot provide enough coverage to initialise the model.

But artificial intelligence is changing the game. The APLC has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) to develop a new AI-driven model. The machine learning algorithms developed have incorporated 37 years of locust data with high-resolution weather, vegetation, and soil records to generate more accurate short-term forecasts (up to 90%).

These AI models will not only initialise the population dynamics model but also enhance field survey targeting, leading to more reliable on-the-ground surveillance. Additionally, they will support better planning and resource allocation.

Thanks to a growing ecosystem of models, the APLC is now better equipped to predict locust populations, making it easier to forecast their changes in response to Australia's highly variable climate. This will enable governments and industry to prepare and respond more effectively.

The APLC plans to integrate this AI-driven forecasting system into a new online data dashboard. This will further support enhanced locust predictions, enable real-time monitoring, and improve response strategies.

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Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera). Photo credit: P.D. Amara / Flickr

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Fixing a decade-long reduction in housing supply across Queensland, including in the Burdekin, is the aim of a funding program that guarantees support for regional areas.

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has welcomed the program’s commitment to regional Queensland due to details that have been shared with him by Burdekin locals.

“The facts are that, over the last 10 years, housing approvals in Queensland have fallen by nearly 30% and the waiting list for social housing has ballooned,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to families who have no option but to live in sheds and young people who cannot get a rental property due to what is basically a bidding war due to a supply shortage.”

“Our Residential Activation Fund provides funding to Councils and developers to address trunk and essential infrastructure like water supply, sewerage, power and roads. The priority during the first round is shovel-ready projects because our focus is on helping Queenslanders move into a home faster.”

“Applications for the Fund have now opened and I know that Council is well-advanced on their application.  A lot of people think that the housing crisis is only in the cities, but there has been a definite impact here in the Burdekin.”

“In recognition of the broad impact, the government has guaranteed that at least $1Billion of the fund is for projects in regional Queensland. Not only will this provide an opportunity to fast-track construction, but it also provides a boost for the building and construction industry which means supporting local jobs.”

Mr Last said that, in addition to the Residential Activation Fund, the Crisafulli government had also committed to fast-tracking the delivery of additional social and affordable homes.

“Despite all the promises that were made, we’ve seen a reduction in social and affordable housing stocks across Queensland,” he said.

“That reduction means there was more pressure placed on the rental market, reducing availability and increasing prices.”

“Five thousand additional homes are under construction or contracted right across the state. We have been able to fast track those homes by working cooperatively with both the community housing sector and private developers to unlock land and to provide Queenslanders with a roof over their head.”

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On Friday, April 25, the Burdekin community will come together to pay their respects to Australia’s past and present Service People, with local ANZAC services and parades to take place across the region.

In Home Hill, the Dawn Service will kick the day off, commencing at 5:25am at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, followed by the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute's silence at the Home Hill Cemetery Cenotaph.

Attendees will then return to the Burdekin Memorial Hall for the Gunfire Breakfast at 7:00am, with the March commencing at 10:45am on Tenth Avenue in front of the Ambulance Station. A solemn ceremony at 11:20am at Burdekin Memorial Hall will round off the morning.

The Dawn Service in Ayr will take place at Anzac Park, beginning at 5:30am, with the Service taking place at the same location at 9:20am.

School students are encouraged to gather along Queen Street, between Edwards Street and Parker Street, in preparation for the march. RSL members, Cadets, and other community groups will assemble on Parker Street, between Queen Street and Graham Street.

In Giru, commemorations will be held at Brolga Park, starting with a Dawn Service at 5:30am, followed by a morning Service at 9:30am.

Brandon residents will gather at the Spiller Street Cenotaph for an 8:00am Service.

Each ceremony across the Burdekin will provide an opportunity for the community to honour the legacy and sacrifices of the ANZACs, and to reflect on the enduring spirit of service that continues to shape Australia today.

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Each ceremony across the Burdekin will provide an opportunity for the community to honour the legacy and sacrifices of the ANZACs. Image source: Queensland RSL

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Local schoolgirl, Grace Ogomeni, inspired the crowd at her local ANZAC Day ceremony with a heartfelt speech highlighting the importance of the day for both sides of her family.

Grace is a School Captain at Home Hill State High School. A small school of just 200 students, despite its small numbers, it has a proud 60-year history of punching above its weight in terms of its achievements and the outcomes of its students.

With a Papuan father and an Australian mother, Grace spoke passionately about her heritage and the roles both sides of her family played in the conflict in Papua New Guinea during World War II.

Her father was born in the village of Kokoda – famed for the historic Kokoda Track – where the stories of the war are passed down through generations. On her mother’s side, her great-grandfather, a Charters Towers man, served in Papua New Guinea with the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion.

“The Australians and Papuans managed to stem the tide of the Japanese advance and, fighting side by side, sealed a bond of friendship that has endured between our two nations ever since,” Grace said.

“When I think about the ANZAC spirit, I think of this very bond - two worlds brought together, forming mateship and unity that stays strong in tough times.”

“We each have stories within our families - stories that define who we are and how our pasts are connected. Whilst we may not face the same challenges in today’s society compared to those who fought for us, we still have the opportunity to show courage, compassion and unity in our lives.”

“We must uphold these values and keep the ANZAC spirit alive,” she added.

Grace’s message of coming together, forming bonds and showing courage and compassion, is one that could serve us well in these tumultuous times, and it certainly resonated with those present on the day.

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Home Hill State High School Captain Grace Ogomeni delivered a powerful ANZAC Day speech. Photo supplied

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Clare State School has celebrated its 75th anniversary with nearly 500 attendees from the Burdekin community. Despite rain, Principal Troy Patti was delighted with the success of the event, which featured a Roll Call, Friday Night Fete, Time Capsule opening, and a Twilight Feast.

Highlights included a dinner at Home Hill’s Burdekin Memorial Hall, where past students and staff shared memories, and current students led a rendition of the school song. The event also saw the unveiling of a monument honouring three-generation families, marking a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.

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Current and former teachers at Clare State School were honoured on the night. Photo supplied

Find social pics here:

https://tinyurl.com/29r3nvoa

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