Just 83 years young, Burdekin-born-and-raised Cass Arboit’s name is almost synonymous with Burdekin agriculture. Born into a family of Italian immigrants and raised on the family farm, the values of hard work, efficiency, and discipline formed the foundation of everything Cass would become.

Over a farming career spanning more than 50 years, Cass witnessed firsthand the evolution of rural life, from the pre-electricity era of the 1950s to today’s modern operations.

"We only got electricity in 1957, and mobile phones… well, we had to look up the road to our neighbours if you wanted to ring anyone," he recalls. "I still remember using kerosene lamps in the dark!"

Over the following decades, Cass not only farmed cane but also ran a successful agricultural contracting and machinery business, supplying tractors, farm equipment, and vehicles across Queensland. Alongside his professional work, he played an active role in the local community—serving for years as a director of Queensland Cane Growers and as a member and chairman of the Kalamia Cane Growers. He also lent his leadership to other organisations, including the school P&C and the Junior Farmers Organisation, leaving a lasting impact wherever he contributed.

He eventually made the jump into real estate, armed with a wealth of farming and agricultural knowledge that has helped him sell hundreds of properties over almost 20 years. Within the rural sector, Cass’s experience and expertise in soil, irrigation, and crops make him an invaluable resource for both vendors and buyers navigating important decisions about their land and future.

"I know irrigation, I know different waters. I know what soils grow good cane. I think I have an advantage because I've known the farming industry for 50 years," says Cass.

Outside of work, Cass enjoys spending time with family and friends, gardening, and tending his land. A passionate traveller, he has explored more than 20 countries—visiting family in Europe, exploring Brazil’s sunny coastline, or taking cruises—though he always returns to the Burdekin, the place he has proudly called home his entire life.

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Within the rural sector, Cass’s experience and expertise in soil, irrigation, and crops make him an invaluable resource for both vendors and buyers navigating important decisions about their land and future. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Home Hill Rotary Club and Ayr/Home Hill Lions Club were both recognised at last Wednesday's Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting when they received official honorary memberships for their longstanding commitments to the Burdekin Shire.

"It's about honouring both the individuals and the clubs as a whole for the work they've done," said Home Hill Chamber president Uli Liessmann.

Alf Musumeci of the Home Hill Rotary Club and Nola Nendick of the Lions Club were both in attendance on the night, receiving a certificate to mark the feat. Both shared words with the audience, expressing their gratitude to both the Chamber and the community.

The meeting was well attended, with members of the Ayr community making the trip across the bridge to get involved. Liessman stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the two communities.

"We really want to get away from this Ayr-Home Hill separation," he said. "We're really happy to see so many people from Ayr starting to attend our meetings. It's so good to see the Burdekin combining."

"I want to try to keep building these meetings up until we get to a point where we have to start turning people away. It's all about getting people involved. We are the voice of the public."

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The Home Hill Rotary Club and Ayr/Home Hill Lions Club were both recognised at last Wednesday's Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting when they received official honorary memberships for their longstanding commitments to the Burdekin Shire. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Local seniors looking to stay active, healthy and connected can now join the Active and Social Seniors Group at the Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, located at 12A Chippendale Street, Ayr.

Eligible participants can take part in individual rehabilitation or group exercise sessions delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Scientists in a welcoming, fully equipped environment. Each session is designed to promote strength, mobility and confidence while encouraging social interaction among members.

The program is partially funded through the Older People’s Action Program (OPAP), with a small participant fee of $7.50 per session. Seniors aged 60 and over, and First Nations Australians aged 55 and over, are eligible for OPAP support.

All sessions are supervised by Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs), who ensure exercises are tailored to each person’s goals and health conditions. The team focuses on evidence-based programs that prioritise safety, gradual progress, and sustainable health improvements.

The Active and Social Seniors Group offers support for a wide range of needs, including chronic disease management, post-surgery recovery, cardiac or cancer rehabilitation, arthritis and joint pain management, weight control, and improving strength, balance and cholesterol levels.

Places are limited, so interested residents are encouraged to contact the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health team to register their interest and secure a spot in the program.

Address: 12A Chippendale St, Ayr. P: 4783 2711 E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au W: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au F: www.facebook.com/bca1975

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SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER
King & Queen of the Hill
6am–8am
Race to the top of Inkerman Hill and back in this thrilling test of endurance. Multiple age categories, cash prizes, plus food and coffee vans on site. Register on the day.
Mount Inkerman

FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER
Cocktails & Convo with Award-Winning Author
Friday 6pm
Join Burdekin Readers & Writers Association and award-winning author (and former local), Kim Wilkins, for cocktails and conversation at their pop-up book bar. The author of more than twenty-five books, a Professor of Writing at the University of Queensland, Kim is coming to town to share drinks and talk writing, including her brilliant new historical fiction, The Secret Year of Zara Holt. Everyone is invited. Register at: www.burdekinraw.org.au/events to attend this one-off event and hear from a celebrated wordsmith.
148 Queen St, Ayr

SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Derby Day Races
Gates open 11:30am
Burdekin Race Club presents Derby Day—your traditional black and white fashions and quality racing event. Gather your friends for a classic day at the track.
Burdekin Race Club

SATURDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Writing Workshop
Saturday 9am-3pm
Acclaimed author of over 25 books, and UoQ Professor of Writing, Kim Wilkins, will give a hands-on workshop to writers of all levels. Through practical exercises, you’ll learn how to balance Architecture of Story with Artistry of Writing, to take your writing to the next level! To register for this hotly anticipated event, visit www.burdekinraw.org.au/events. Numbers are strictly limited.
Memorial Hall (Green Room), Home Hill

Sunday 2 November
Plantation Park Markets
Sunday 8am
Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.
Plantation Park

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER
Golf Ambrose
Time TBA
Grab your team for a friendly day on the greens. Whether a seasoned golfer or a novice, enjoy laughter, camaraderie and competition in this social Ambrose event.
Home Hill Golf Club

WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER
Pet Show & Bolt for Bucks
6pm–9pm
Bring your pets to compete in fun categories, then watch the kids dash for prizes in the Bolt for Bucks race. A free family evening of laughter, furry friends and community spirit.
Watson’s Green
Cost: Free

FRIDAY 7 NOVEMBER
Rotary Gala Ball
6:30pm–midnight (Dinner 7pm)
Celebrate the Harvest Festival with a sit-down dinner, music and dancing. The evening crowns the Charity and Personality Queens, honouring community spirit and generosity.
Burdekin Memorial Hall
Cost: $80

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER
97.1 Sweet FM Markets
Saturday 8am-1pm
Join Sweet FM for an entertaining morning jammed full of wonderful market stalls from handmade crafts, sausage sizzle, hot coffee & tea, and sweet treats, on the station's front lawns, all to the background of a live outside radio broadcast (request a song as you browse). To become a stallholder contact 0405 151 864.
97.1 Sweet FM front lawn (old Courthouse), Home Hill

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER
Burdekin Art Society Exhibition
All day
Explore local talent at the Burdekin Art Society’s Art Exhibition during the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Featuring a vibrant display of artworks, the exhibition is set in the South Burdekin Water Board Building, across from Watson’s Green.
South Burdekin Water Board Building, 28 Ninth Street

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The Ayr Bears have gone one up in the Annual Inter-Town Rugby League series against Home Hill, part of the Town of Origin Harvest Festival celebrations. The series, now in its 11th year, sees the two towns compete across Rugby League, Cricket, and Netball.

On Sunday, Ayr won the Cricket 60–59, Home Hill claimed the Netball 40–17, with Krystal Kerr judged best player, and Ayr secured the Rugby League decider 32–4, giving the northern town a 6–5 advantage in the series.

Ayr fielded an experienced side compared to a young Home Hill team, which showed in the scoreboard. Bears coach Chris Perry, however, praised the efforts of two standout young players.

Under-18 half KJ Zaro impressed in both attack and defence, using his speed and willingness to take the ball into the line. He scored a try and kicked three goals for a personal tally of 10 points, earning him the Qld Country Credit Union Man of the Match. Under-18 hooker Harrison Lammon came off the bench to play a leading role, providing smart ball from dummy half and defending strongly.

Outside back Arlvaikasai left the crowd in awe, racing away for three tries, supported by Zaro. Other try-scorers for Ayr were Jones Munro, Caleb Noah, and KJ Zaro, while KJ kicked three goals and Caleb one. Home Hill’s only try came from Jules Arrate.

Coach Perry also praised young utility Justin Cursio for his determination and effort throughout the match.

Players are now looking forward to the rejuvenated Bendigo Bank Club of Origin on Saturday, 29 November at Bendigo Bank Park in Ayr. Teams with connections to the Hornets, Colts, Home Hill, and Brothers clubs will compete for bragging rights and the Bendigo Bank Cup. A Ladies match between Ayr and Home Hill will also be held for the first time in around 60 years. The Club of Origin launch will take place at the Queens Hotel on Saturday, 15 November.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held another successful shoot on Sunday, 12th October, with 28 shooters taking part. The club thanks sponsors Michael and Susy Populin and Torri Davies from Home Hill Engineering, and acknowledges Lui Populin for his continued support in donating meat trays for the raffle. The next shoot is scheduled for Sunday, 9th November.

Event 1, the 25 Target Single Barrel, saw AA Grade winners Phillip Scalia, Benji Micallef and Aaron Lemphers achieve a perfect 15/15, while A Grade was topped by Ron Clive, Bruce McBow and John Cerqui on 14/15. B Grade honours went to Pedro Le Blowitz with 14/15, followed by John Kinnimonth with 13/15, and C Grade was taken by David Russell on 13/15, with Alf Gangemi second on 12/15.

The 30 Target Double Barrel Championship 15m, sponsored by Michael and Susy Populin, produced a perfect score of 58/58 from Alex Scalia in the Open division, with Phillip Scalia taking AA Grade on 57/58 and Alex Scalia also topping A Grade. B Grade went to John Kinnimonth with 28/30, and C Grade to Alf Gangemi with 28/32.

In the 25 Target Double Barrel Handicap, Larry Archer claimed first place with 29/30, followed by Lindsay Groat on 33/35 and John Kinnimonth on 32/35. The 25 Target Burdekin Mixed Target Championship 15m, sponsored by Home Hill Engineering, was dominated by Lindsay Groat, who won both the Open and AA Grades on 34/35. John Cerqui took A Grade on 32/35, Chantal Micallef claimed B Grade with 32/35, and Blake Heffernan won C Grade on 31/35.

The 10 Pair Double Rise 15m event saw AA Grade won by Phillip Scalia on 17/20, with Lindsay Groat second on 16/20. Tony Caruso won A Grade on 16/20, with Glen Rea and Greg Maltby sharing second on 15/20. B Grade went to Larry Archer with 14/20, followed by Mark Simpson on 13/20, and C Grade honours were shared between Ron Clive, Chantal Micallef and David Russell on 15/20.

Raffle prizes, generously donated by Lui Populin, were won by Tony Caruso, Gina Calligaro and Lui Populin himself.

Contributed with thanks to Sylvvia Rossato

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Event 2-30 Target Burdekin Double Barrel Championship 15m Sponsored by Michael & Susy Populin
Phillip Scalia, Alex Scalia, Lui Populin, John Kinnimonth, Alf Gangemi

Event 3- 25 Target Handicap
Larry Archer, Linsday Groat, John Kinnimonth

Event 4-25 Target Burdekin Mixed Target Championship 15m, Sponsored by Home Hill Engineering
Lindsay Groat, John Chequi, Chantal Micallef, Blake Heffernan

Raffle Winners, Donated by Lui Populin
Tony Caruso, Gina Calligaro, Lui Populin

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The inclusion of the Ayr Hospital on a list of 11 locations receiving significant medical imaging upgrades signals another major step forward on the delivery of a CT Scanner at the facility, according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

“It has been a long fight to get to where we are today and I know there will be, literally, thousands of people in the community who will be extremely happy that the project has taken a giant leap forward,” Mr Last said. “Having Premier Crisafulli and the Health Minister commit the funding means work can get underway in earnest.”

“There was never any doubt that the government would deliver on our commitment, but I was concerned that there may be delays due to the state of our health system statewide. Our government was left with a health system full of cost blow-outs and unfunded promises that we needed to address to ensure Queenslanders can access medical services in their time of need.”

“As we have said since we began the campaign for the CT Scanner at Ayr, this project will not just boost health services here in the Burdekin, it will actually help take pressure off the Townsville University Hospital as well. Unfortunately, both of those benefits were overlooked by the previous government but, every time they knocked us back, the community united even more to back this project.”

Mr Last said the progress made on the project in the last 12 months was in stark contrast to what had been seen in the preceding three years and was a credit to a long list of locals.

“Since the Community Advisory Network first raised the issue with me, I could see that this was equipment our community didn’t just need, it was equipment we needed,” Mr Last said. “We went from basically being told there wasn’t enough demand to being told it was an important project but, despite that, it wasn’t funded by the previous government.”

“We endured three frustrating years of being given excuses, responding to those and then being handed another excuse. In the last 12 months, by contrast, we’ve seen planning commence, the Minister engage directly with local staff and now, the funding we need to make this project a reality.”

“Facilities like these do take time to come on-line because it is specialised equipment and we need to make sure that we get it right to ensure the best outcomes for patients and local staff. I’ll keep the celebrating for the opening of the facility but the progress that has been made since the election is staggering.”

“It has taken a joint effort with thousands of locals supporting my petition because this is a logical project. Once complete, it’s up to 15 less Ambulance trips a week, hundreds of staff hours saved and better health services for everyone from newborns right through to the elderly.”

“Because we have staff here that are already trained, I know the CT Scanner will make an impact from day one. It will be a great asset for our local staff as they work hard to save lives and improve quality of life and that makes the fight well and truly worth it.”

Premier David Crisafulli said the investment will help deliver faster and more accessible healthcare for Queenslanders, particularly in rural and regional areas.

“We are delivering easier access to health services so Queenslanders have the care they need, when they need it most,” Premier Crisafulli said.

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Pets Domain Ayr hosted a heartwarming and tail wagging morning last Saturday, the 11th of October for Pets Domain’s Adopt-A-Dog Day!

A joint effort between Pets Domain Ayr, Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc. and Pets Domain Bowen, the day saw plenty of the community’s amazing foster carers and volunteers come together to meet several fun-loving rescue pups searching for their forever homes. Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue were extremely grateful to the community for showing up to the event and cannot thank attendees enough for their donations and support.

“What a beautiful day! Thank you to our amazing fosters and volunteers, the teams at Pets Domain Ayr and Pets Domain Bowen, and the public who showed up to meet our rescues and donate,” shared Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.

The day saw six brave rescue dogs, Poppy, Maisie, Max, Narlyn, Zephyr and Ninja, capture the hearts of locals, with Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue urging the community to reach out to inquire about adoption, fostering, or volunteer opportunities via emailing bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.

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Just last month, the Graduating Class of 1975 came together to celebrate the 50 years that had passed since leaving the grounds of Home Hill State High School (HHSHS).

Over the course of 12 months, Greg McCane and Carmelo Pasquale spearheaded organisational efforts to ensure the reunion would be one to remember, coordinating arrangements down on the gorgeous Gold Coast. HHSHS’ Class of 1975 travelled far and wide to attend the reunion in Southern Queensland to share in three days of laughter, friendship and trips down memory lane.

“So many memories of wonderful times together, and much laughter, it was like we were back at school again, and it did not feel like 50 years had passed,” shared HHSHS’ Class of 1975 graduate, Rosemaree Linton.

Classmates, partners and other family members gathered together to celebrate the occasion, and to the delight of many, Mr Bell and Mr Dawes also joined in on the weekend’s festivities.

Commencing on the evening of Friday, the 12th of September, everyone attended a casual affair at the Burleigh Hotel for dinner, drinks and a wonderful Meet and Greet gathering to kick off the weekend. Saturday saw attendees enjoy a beautiful three-hour-long river and rainforest lunch cruise along the Tweed River before coming together for a celebratory function where many danced the night away to a plethora of 70’s tunes performed by the talented band, Milky Way.

“The cruise down the Tweed River was enjoyable, the weather was lovely, and the scenery was beautiful, however, it was being with old mates that made the trip so memorable,” added Rosemaree.

“On Saturday night, there were no sore hips, feet or knees as we danced all night to music of our era! Milky Way kept us on our feet as we sang and danced to the music of the 70s and 80s with a few modern songs thrown in for good luck!”

With the festivities drawing to a close, HHSHS’ Class of 1975 partook in a good-old-fashioned “Barefoot Bowls Sunday Recovery” at the Burleigh Bowls Club from midday before bidding farewell to one another, and reminiscing on the weekend that was.

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Hi everyone, it’s certainly been a minute since I’ve written one of these!

When you read this, I’ll be enjoying the stunning beaches along the coastline of Albania for a little while longer before heading off to country number 34… how insane! It’s certainly been an amazing year, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to jump around the world for so long, writing for you all from three different continents while exploring breathtaking cities, villages and towns. It truly has been a dream!

I’ve loved chatting to you here and there over email or through poorly connected WhatsApp calls (thank you for bearing with me) for interviews, stories, and casual chats. Whenever the people I meet on my travels ask me how I’ve been able to be abroad for so long, and “what’s my secret”, it’s always exciting to tell them about Burdekin Life, and all the other publishments under the Life Publishing Group umbrella – even if they have no idea what or where any of these communities are, or even that there’s more to Australia than just kangaroos and spiders!

Europe has started to get a little too frosty for me, and I’ll never forget the fear I felt when I looked out the bus window on my way to a new city to see SNOW as I’m literally wearing Birkenstocks and a singlet! Soon I’ll be heading off to somewhere far warmer before making my way back to the heat of Australia just in time for my little brother’s high school graduation.

My year of traveling has been entirely spontaneous, and from sandboarding down the dunes of the Sahara Desert to skydiving over the island of O’ahu, it’s been nothing short of UNREAL! I would not have been able to do everything I’m doing if it wasn’t for the support of Rachael, Ruth, Daniel, Jacob and Victoria who have been absolutely amazing, especially considering I’m working in a complete opposite time zone from the other side of the globe - you guys are legends.

Hope you’re all enjoying the warmer weather and hope to chat to you again soon!

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Farmers across Outback Queensland are facing yet another major challenge, with swarms of locusts tearing through more than 5.3 million hectares of pastureland, compounding the devastation already caused by this year’s catastrophic floods.

Rural Aid is ramping up its response, providing hay deliveries, financial assistance, and mental health support to affected farming families, and standing ready to scale up operations further as the crisis deepens.

“This is a one-two punch for many farming families,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.

“Earlier this year, floodwaters destroyed homes, fences, feed, and infrastructure. Now, as farmers begin to rebuild, locusts are stripping paddocks bare and threatening the recovery.”

Mr Warlters said Rural Aid had already begun delivering aid to rural communities and was fully prepared to escalate its support as needed.

“Rural Aid is already delivering assistance to rural communities and is fully prepared to step up support in response to this unfolding locust crisis — but we need the public’s help to do it,” he said.

Locust swarms have now been confirmed across the Richmond, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, and Flinders Regional Council areas, with widespread destruction to grazing land and natural feed supplies.

In response, the Queensland Government has announced an additional $4.5 million in funding for statewide locust control efforts, building on the $1 million provided last month under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“Rural Aid welcomes this funding,” said Mr Warlters.

“But we know from experience that Rural Aid will play a crucial role in supporting farmers before, during, and long after this disaster.”

He said the impact of feed loss was mounting quickly, with hay deliveries essential to keeping livestock alive.

“Locusts are destroying thousands of tonnes of natural feed and replacing that with hay is going to require significant support,” Mr Warlters said.

“Rural Aid stands ready to deliver, but to match the scale of what’s unfolding, we’re calling for urgent donations. Every truckload of hay we send is funded by generous Australians who want to keep our farmers going.”

Rural Aid’s Support Efforts

• Hay deliveries to support livestock feed shortages
• Financial assistance to help cover household and farm costs
• Free mental health counselling from Rural Aid’s qualified rural counsellors
• Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army
• Long-term recovery and community wellbeing programs

To strengthen its presence in the region, Rural Aid is also recruiting a full-time counsellor to be permanently based in Western Queensland.

“Farmers need to know they’re not alone in this,” Mr Warlters said.

“We’re here. We’re ready. And we’ll respond with everything we’ve got — but we need Australians to stand with us and help make that happen.”

Farmers can register for support by visiting www.ruralaid.org.au or calling 1300 327 624.

Donations to assist farmers affected by the locust outbreak can be made at www.ruralaid.org.au/donate.

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Queensland farmers are bracing for another devastating blow, as swarms of locusts rip through more than 5.3 million hectares of pastureland (Photo Supplied)

The potential to transform Burdekin sugar into biofuels is lighting up exciting new opportunities for cane growers across North Queensland, following a recent public hearing in Townsville as part of the Queensland Government’s Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry.

The inquiry, which is exploring the potential for biofuel and value-added sugar production across the state, has sparked valuable discussions about how diversification could benefit not only Queensland’s sugarcane industry but also the broader agricultural sector.

Regional Area Manager for North Queensland, Angelo Rigano, said diversification could play a vital role in boosting sustainability and strengthening farm resilience.

“Diversification can help primary producers boost biodiversity, create additional income streams, and mitigate on-farm risks – which are all also timely considerations as we approach disaster season,” Mr Rigano said.

The shift toward bioenergy represents an opportunity to add long-term value to the sugar industry, opening doors for innovation, employment, and environmental benefits. While the final report into the Sugar Bioenergy Inquiry is expected within the next year, Queensland primary producers are being encouraged to explore diversification opportunities right now.

Mr Rigano outlined five practical ways producers can diversify their operations through QRIDA’s First Start or Sustainability Loans:

1. Expand into paddock-to-plate: QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can fund value-adding activities such as constructing a commercial kitchen to help expand your farm business into a paddock-to-plate model. See Wide Bay fruit and vegetable growers and QRIDA Sustainability Loan clients Greg and CC Petersen’s success story here.
2. Plant alternative crops and integrate livestock: Whether you’re starting out or expanding, QRIDA’s loans can help diversify into new crops and livestock. Western Queensland goat and beef producer and QRIDA First Start Loan client Ed Wade successfully diversified into goats through this initiative.
3. Buy additional rural properties: QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can assist producers in purchasing more land or entering share-farming or lease-farming arrangements. Central Queensland graziers and QRIDA clients Sam and Casey Alsop used their loans to purchase a second property.
4. Build on-farm packing facilities: Producers can take greater control of their supply chain and minimise risk by constructing their own packing facilities. North Queensland citrus growers, the Bugno family, used a QRIDA Sustainability Loan to install a computerised packing machine on-farm.
5. Construct rural workers’ accommodation: QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can help improve productivity and workforce retention by funding rural workers’ housing. The Spotswood family, who own an organics operation in North Queensland, used their loan to build on-farm accommodation.

For more information, visit QRIDA’s First Start Loan or Sustainability Loan webpages, or call 1800 623 946.

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Wilmar Grower Marketing is committed to helping Burdekin growers market with confidence and get more value from every tonne of GEI Sugar.

By combining local knowledge with global reach, Wilmar provides a marketing partnership that’s personal, flexible and backed by international trading strength.

When you choose Wilmar as your GEI Sugar marketer, you’re supported by a professional local team that understands both cane farming and the global sugar industry.

Our Burdekin team members, Fiona Villis and Owen Richards, are based in your community and on hand to provide advice, answer questions and guide you through every step of the marketing process. Their goal is simple: to help you make confident, informed decisions that support your business, your farm and your family.

Fiona and her husband Paul have been farming cane in the Kalamia area for more than 20 years, giving her a deep understanding of the seasonal pressures and long-term decisions that shape farming in the Burdekin. Owen has extensive experience in business development, with a strong focus on supporting growers to make informed and profitable marketing decisions.

Together, they form a well-rounded team that combines commercial insight with genuine local knowledge, delivering practical support and strong outcomes for Burdekin growers.

To deliver even greater value, Wilmar has recently introduced the Wilmar Grower Advantage, a partnership with Elders that gives growers access to exclusive discounts on fertiliser and farm chemicals. The program also provides soil testing, nutrient management plans, BMP fertiliser planning and complimentary agronomy services, helping you lower input costs, improve productivity and simplify decision-making.

This exclusive offer is available to growers who nominate Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI Sugar marketer for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

With the nomination deadline for the 2026 season closing on 31 October 2025, now is the perfect time to secure these valuable benefits for your farm and your future.

To find out more about Wilmar Grower Advantage or to nominate Wilmar as your GEI marketer, please contact Fiona Villis or Owen Richards and see how we can help you market with confidence.

Burdekin Business Development Manager Owen Richards discusses the benefits of choosing Wilmar Grower Marketing with a local grower.

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A groundbreaking wastewater treatment project in the Burdekin has taken out the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award (Regional) at the Queensland Water Awards.

The award was presented to a collaborative team made up of Burdekin Shire Council, Pacific Biotechnologies Group, and James Cook University (JCU) for their innovative Macro-Algal Bioremediation Facility.

The project showcases a nature-based solution to wastewater treatment, using macro-algae to clean water sustainably while delivering both environmental and economic benefits. By harnessing algae’s natural ability to absorb nutrients and pollutants, the facility improves water quality in an eco-friendly way, offering a model for future regional developments.

Described as a powerful example of collaboration and innovation, the project combines scientific expertise with practical environmental design to support a smarter, greener future for Queensland communities.

The win highlights the potential for regional partnerships to lead the way in sustainable infrastructure, while also recognising the importance of investment in emerging clean technologies.

The Burdekin facility now stands as a benchmark for eco-conscious water management and demonstrates how regional Queensland can contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.

Representatives collecting the award recently. Photo supplied

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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

Over the last few months Council has been identifying areas around Home Hill and across the Shire that could use a little extra care and attention.

We all want our towns to look clean, tidy and welcoming not just for visitors, but for the people who live here and take pride in calling the Burdekin home.

As part of this work, Council has sent letters to some property owners asking them to tidy their premises. Most people have been really responsive, and it’s a simple but effective way we can all play a part in keeping our community looking great.

If you notice an area that needs attention, whether it’s overgrown grass, rubbish, or maintenance concerns, you can let Council know quickly using the Snap Send Solve app. It’s an easy way to report issues straight from your phone and helps our team respond faster.

As we come into October, it’s Get Ready Queensland Month, a great reminder for everyone to start preparing for the upcoming disaster season. While you’re out and about, I encourage you to take part in the Burdekin Disaster Ready Trail. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn how to stay safe and prepared this season. You can also go in the draw to win a generator, fuel vouchers and more!

More information can be found on Council’s website at burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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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