With 65 years of dedicated service to the community, McKaig's Hiway Motors has built an unparalleled reputation, earning not only a wealth of experience but also the deep-rooted trust of locals. This family-owned business, which has been passed down through multiple generations, is now in the capable hands of Ray McKaig, who took over the reins from his father and brother. Ray, together with his wife, Karen McKaig, has worked tirelessly to maintain the business’s strong community presence while staying true to its core values.

McKaig's Hiway Motors is proud to be the only workshop in town authorised to issue roadworthy certificates, offering a unique service that sets them apart from competitors.

“We do all types of mechanical work, from vehicle servicing, air conditioning, repairs, and much more.”

Their commitment to excellence, combined with years of experience, has made them the go-to place for vehicle inspections in the area. Despite being a small team of just three, their impeccable reputation and dedication to providing reliable, personalised service have earned them a loyal and ever-growing customer base. This has been further bolstered by the influx of new residents to Home Hill, who have quickly come to appreciate McKaig's Hiway Motors’ exceptional service.

In a strategic move to better serve the community, McKaig's Hiway Motors recently relocated from 9 Eighth Avenue to a new premises at 90 Eighth Avenue, still within the heart of Home Hill. The decision to sell their old building was made with Ray’s future retirement in mind. By selling the property now, Ray has ensured that he won’t face the burden of managing or selling a large commercial property when the time comes to step back from the business.

The new premises boasts a larger workshop with ample outdoor space, making it the perfect setting for McKaig's Hiway Motors to continue providing high-quality service to both regular and new customers. The larger, more modern facility has already been set up and is ready to serve, ensuring that McKaig's Hiway Motors remains a vital part of the local community for years to come.

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Ray and Karen McKaig have moved Hiway Motors from 9 Eighth Avenue to a new premises at 90 Eighth Avenue, still within the heart of Home Hill. Photo credit; Ruth Puddefoot

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Home Hills' highly popular Canefields Ephemera Art Competition upped the ante this year, increasing the first place cash prize significantly from $1500 to an impressive $5000.

This sum does not include the People's Choice Award of $500, bestowed on the artist who receives the most votes on social media, bringing the total amount up for grabs to $5500, a grand jackpot sure to stir the competitive spirit of many artists.

This escalation is a reflection of the competition's evolution from a small community event to a major regional art showcase which will likely lead to a sharp increase in the pressure felt by the creative competitors.

Founded in 2017 and held annually as a component of Home Hill Harvest Festival, the Ephemera transforms Lloyd Mann Gardens into an open air art gallery from late September through to early November, providing a stunning spectacle for locals.

Artists display large scale pieces designed specifically to withstand exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as heat, strong winds and rain. The pieces are intended to be ephemeral, temporary dwellers of the garden, however some do end up becoming permanent residents such as the white question mark sculpture, the sardine can and the white arrow.

From 2017 until now local participation has grown significantly attracting artists from all corners of North Queensland.

The festival itself dates back to 1963, originally a celebration of the sugarcane harvest and Burdekin's agricultural heritage.

Community involvement is critical with festival goers encouraged to vote for their favourite artworks through social media, with the winner of the grand prize being determined by an anonymous assortment of judges who assess the entrees on originality, material use, viability, and overall visual impact.

The upping of the stakes is a symbol not only of the magnified prestige of the competition but also of the Burdekin community’s enduring commitment to uplifting local creativity and culture through this unique and ever evolving medium.

What: Home Hill Harvest Festival/ Canefield Ephemera Art Competition
Where: Lloyd Mann Gardens
When: 8th September to 9th of November

Katya Venter, a talented artist and art teacher from Townsville, claimed the top prize in the prestigious local sculpture competition last year. photo supplied

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Concerns about the dangers posed by the resident flying fox population in Home Hill were addressed by Council at a lively Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last week.

Many locals attended to voice their frustration about the disruptive species, which not only defecate on children's play equipment but also cause noise and pose a potential risk of disease to nearby residents.

Some locals reported that children are unable to use the nearby playground due to the prevalence of these native pests.

For years, various measures have been implemented to relocate the flying fox roosts to less populated and public areas with some success, but this year, the population seems to be larger than usual.

To tackle the issue head-on, Council has enlisted the help of a flying fox expert who successfully implemented similar initiatives in the Hinchinbrook region. The expert has since moved to the Burdekin to share their knowledge and lead the department.

A representative of this department, Paul Day, Manager for Environment and Health Services at Burdekin Shire Council, addressed the Chamber meeting attendees to provide an overview of the department’s plans.

He assured the crowd that Council is well aware of the problem and has developed a staged plan to address the situation.

The flying fox population has spread to areas such as Kidby’s Gully, Memorial Park, Lloyd Mann Park, and 12th Avenue. Burdekin Shire Council has confirmed that it is actively monitoring these four designated sites in Home Hill.

The first stage involves targeted “nudging” — a method using noise and other techniques to encourage the bats to move on. Around eight to 10 Council staff will carry out this work over several days in the lead-up to Anzac Day. However, no activity will take place on Anzac Day itself, out of respect, as the process involves the use of firearms. The aim is to have the key areas looking presentable and as clear as possible for the day’s commemorations.

The second stage will see a larger, more intensive operation aimed at relocating the Flying Foxes from Home Hill entirely. This effort will require between 20 to 24 trained staff, with activities starting as early as 4 am. Given the nature of the work, staff involved in the initiative must hold gun licences, and Council is required to obtain special permits and additional equipment.

Council representatives stated that meetings are already underway to finalise the necessary paperwork and approvals, with applications expected to be submitted immediately. Once a date is confirmed for the large-scale operation, the community will be informed via local and social media channels.

However, Council has warned that despite careful planning, there is no guarantee the Flying Foxes will move as intended. Some may relocate to private properties, but Council has committed to working with affected residents to manage the situation.

Experts from Biodiversity Australia will also be involved, providing oversight to ensure the operation complies with legislation and animal welfare guidelines. Special consideration will be given to the presence of juvenile bats, making the timing of the operation critical.

Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with the community and experts to resolve the issue as quickly and carefully as possible, with residents growing worried that the Flying Foxes would not be removed before Anzac Day.

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Local

All four Burdekin Panthers teams should have been in action last weekend but because of the very wet weather, all NQ Football fixtures were called off. Hopefully, this week’s fixtures will go ahead as planned.

The Premiers and Reserves are at home to Estates on Saturday and the Division One and Ladies are both away on Friday night. The Division One team travel to JCH and the Ladies meet Ingham at Paradise Park in Townsville.

Juniors

No junior fixtures due to the rain and wet fields. Let’s hope the kids can play this weekend.

Masters

Monday Night Masters had to be called off last week as the grounds were too wet. This week’s Master’s has been postponed.

National and International

The Socceroos played Indonesia in Sydney last Thursday in the third round of qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup. They won 5-1 and now play China in Hangzhou on Tuesday night. The Socceroos stay second in the Group one point ahead of Saudi Arabia who beat China 1-0 last week.

The Matildas have two games against South Korea coming up. The first is on 4 April in Sydney and the second game is three days later in Newcastle.

The A League Men had the weekend off as it was another International Week. Normal fixtures should start again this weekend.

In the A League Women, Melbourne City is still top, two points clear of Victory after Victory beat Newcastle 4-3. Adelaide beat Brisbane 3-1 and stay in third place ten points clear of Western Utd and Brisbane drop to sixth spot. Western Sydney Wanderers continue to hold up the table.

The Nations League continues in Europe with some surprising results. Germany beat Italy 5-4 on aggregate and Spain had to. go to penalties to beat Holland. France beat Croatia on penalties. Meanwhile in World Cup Qualifiers England won 2-0 against Albania!

The Quote of the Week is from England Manager Ron Greenwood “Bryan Robson, well, he does what he does and his future is in the future.”

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The Home Hill Bowls Club was a hive of activity last Wednesday night, with more than 40 people attending the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting, eager to hear from two engaging speakers.

First up was Paul Day, Environmental and Health Officer for Burdekin Shire Council, who outlined the Council’s plans to "nudge" the flying foxes away from their roosting sites near the park in Home Hill.

Members of the audience were eager to ask questions about this historically important issue, and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort reminded everyone that while it was a vital initiative, it was also a costly investment for the Council.

Next in the spotlight was Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, who took the time to offer the audience an insight into his experiences in Canberra, sharing his strong work ethic.

He also mentioned that while attending Parliament to voice the issues of his electorate takes up almost half of his time as a representative, he is equally committed to being on the road, visiting his electorate at every possible moment.

With the Federal election approaching in May, Willcox was a charismatic speaker who instantly connected with the local crowd, ensuring he spent time listening to the people.

Also in attendance that night were Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci, Councillor Amanda Hall, Councillor John Furnell, and Councillor Fina Vasta.

Representatives from the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce included Vice President Uli Liessman, Secretary Robert Antoniazzi, and Treasurer John Clarke.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox with his wife Raylene and Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci

Councillor Amanda Hall, Peter Hall, CEO of Council Matthew Magin, Burdekin Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Kari Ravizza, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Trevor Tune

CEO of Council Matthew Magin with guest speaker Paul Day, Environmental and Health Officer for Burdekin Shire Council

Councillor Amanda Hall and Councillor John Furnell

Ruth Puddefoot, Burdekin Life Newspaper journalist, Mayor Pierina Dalle Court, Home Hill Chamber Vice President Uli Liessman, and Burdekin Life Newspaper Editor in Chief Rachael Smith

Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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Tiles have become a preeminent feature of Australian households, and 2025 has seen the emergence of thrilling new tile trends tailored perfectly to the Burdekin lifestyle. Burdekin homeowners have been emphasising designs which harmoniously connect indoor and outdoor areas, creating cohesive living areas well suited to our tropical climate.

The indoor tile scene has witnessed the dominance of large format tiles, which are praised for their minimalist style, simple and easy maintenance, and roomy feel.

Earthy hues such as terracotta, sage, and sandy neutrals reign supreme, reflecting our coastal environment and adding a touch of warmth to homes.

Moroccan-influenced Zellige tiles are also rising stars amongst Australian homeowners, bringing handmade charm and subtle textures into the equation. Porcelain timber look-alike tiles continue to remain a staple, blending the beauty of wood with waterproof durability, a good choice for busy family spaces.

The outdoor tile scene trends towards porcelain pavers which imitate natural stone or timber, delivering beauty and practicality in one package.

They also come with the added benefit of being slip resistant, algae resistant, and easy to maintain—perfect for patios and pool surroundings. Travertine continues to occupy a top spot in Hinchinbrook, keeping cool underfoot even on the most scorching days and bringing a touch of elegance to outdoor entertainment spaces.

In the selection of tiles, functionality and style are essential considerations. Matte or textured finishes offer safety in wet areas, and durable materials like porcelain are desirable for high traffic zones. Natural materials and lighter shades handle the tropical humidity better, remaining cool in the Burdekin heat.

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Hi Everyone,

A big thank you to the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce for welcoming our team to the recent Chamber meeting at the Home Hill Bowls Club.

It’s always so energising to be surrounded by such passionate individuals who are unafraid to voice their thoughts on so many important local issues!

During the evening, I had the privilege of chatting with Chamber Secretary Robert Antoniazzi, who shared a truly moving story about the Choral Society’s most recent event.

Though he didn't name names, Robert recounted how, on three separate occasions, individuals mourning the recent loss of a loved one found a brief moment of solace at the Shamrock Shindig.

Each of them described feeling a sense of relief—a breath of fresh air, the comforting embrace of community spirit, and an overwhelming sense of peace. For the first time in a long while, they were able to focus on something other than their grief.

As our community comes together this week to mourn the sudden passing of a man who was widely respected and loved, I hope we can all find strength in each other.

The loss of anyone, especially someone taken too soon, is truly devastating. The team at Burdekin Life Newspaper extends our deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

With the family’s permission and guidance, we will be publishing a special tribute to Ramon Oar in next week’s edition.

If you would like to send a message of remembrance or share your thoughts about this great man, please reach out to us.

Rach

Quote of the Week: "Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life" (Unknown)

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Sometimes it’s the smallest acts of kindness which have the power to make a world of difference in someone’s day and just last week, one Burdekin resident was beyond delighted when their day was brightened.

Gary Pappalardo shared a post on a local social media group detailing how surprised he was when his morning coffee was paid for ahead of him by one kind stranger.

“A big thank you to the kind person who paid forward a coffee at Little Leaves this morning,” Gary wrote.

“I was the lucky recipient of such a kind act, so I decided to do the same.”

Gary’s post has received just over 100 interactions from members of the community who were also touched by the simple gesture of a kind stranger with one posting, “little acts of kindness go a long long way.”

The art of paying it forward more often than not creates a contagious ripple effect of generosity where people feel empowered to perform an act of kindness without expecting anything in return, further spreading positivity throughout the community.

Whatever inspired the kind stranger who visited Little Leaves before Gary encouraged him to spread a little extra generosity last Monday morning, and in sharing his story online, a chain of kindness was created and carried across the rest of the week and beyond.

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One of Ingham's most infamous street market events will soon kick off for the new year and a warm invitation has been extended to Burdekin stallholders to join in on the action!

Markets at the Mosaic ignites Ingham's Mercers Lane on the third Saturday of each month and will officially commence for 2025 on Saturday the 17th of May. Stallholders flock to the area to retail everything from homemade treats and delights to keychains, candles and clothing.

"At Markets at the Mosaic, we are only about handmade, home grown, home designed and hand built," shared market organisers.

"So if you've got your own little side hustle going with your own creativity on show, we'd love to see you!"

To be part of Markets at the Mosaic stallholders are encouraged to email the organisers directly at admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au to receive all the relevant information and paperwork.

"We're welcoming so many new stalls this year - we're so excited - if you would like to be part of our MATM family, just reach out!"

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What: Markets at the Mosaic
When: Saturday the 19th of April from 8am to 12pm
Where: Mercer Lane
More Information: email admin@hinchinbrookchamber.com.au

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In January of 2001, a memorable weather event tore through the Burdekin, leaving a devastating footprint on the Home Hill community which many locals still recall to this day, almost 25 years later.

Homes were left without rooves and trees were uprooted from street to street as hail fell and thousands of lightning strikes ignited the green washed horizon. Many recall the fear they felt when winds lifted tiles of rooves, snapped power poles like matchsticks and trees toppled over as well as the sorry sight that was “the bakery house” after the building feel victim to an airborne roof from a home nearby.

Reports published online detail Home Hill experienced 26,200 lightening strikes within an hour and locals recall the terrifying ordeal being labelled “a mini tornado” despite the Beaure of Meteorology’s (BOM) inaccurate and untimely warnings.

Crops and sugar cane fields were terribly damaged as were resident’s sheds, trailers, boats and other items left outdoors and many felt frustration with the BOM, noting if they were issued a storm warning earlier in the day, they would have been able to take proper precautions in preparation for the impending event.

“It came out of nowhere, and we had no warning until after the storm had passed,” recalled locals.

“It was certainly a terrifying couple of hours, and I have never seen anything like it since.”

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The Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr have acknowledged the recent announcement of a national award for Bendigo Bank.It is official that Bendigo Bank home loan customers are the most satisfied in Australia, a survey of more than 45,000 Australians across the nation’s 10 largest banks has found.New findings released by Roy Morgan show Bendigo Bank had the highest home loan customer satisfaction rate in the six months to December last year, sitting at 87.7%.In the announcement, Roy Morgan credited the achievement to the Bank’s “strong focus on customer service.”Chief Customer Officer for Consumer Banking at Bendigo Bank, Taso Corolis, said the result was a credit to the hard work Bendigo Bank team members put in every day to deliver great outcomes for customers.“Whether you are buying your first home or purchasing an investment property or perhaps refinancing, quality products and personalised service matters. That’s why we are so pleased to be recognised as having the most satisfied home loan customers,” Mr Corolis said.Mr Corolis said the result is particularly heartening at a time when overall customer satisfaction among Australia’s top banks had declined 0.6% from the same time the previous year, according to the data that analysed the six month period to December 2024.In addition to having Australia’s most satisfied home loan customers, Bendigo Bank is also Australia’s most trusted bank, and is consistently voted one of the top 20 most trusted brands nationwide.“Our staff are very excited with this announcement as our focus has always been about the customer experience,” says Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin.“We thrive on building a relationship with customers as the purchase of a new home can be very stressful time,” says Chantel.Home Loan Specialist for Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, Jade Bywaters, says you should feel good about who you bank with.“Delivering what local customers want, in the way that they want it, has helped us gain the trust of customers,” says Jade.

Appreciating the finer details in each and every day has been made simple by Visit Burdekin’s exquisite Burdekin Art Trail visual map available at www.visitburdekin.com.au!

The map outlines the plethora of artistic gems displayed around Giru, Brandon, Home Hill, Groper Creek and Ayr to help locals and visitors alike spot and learn more about the region’s beautiful street art collection.

With 30 gorgeous installations to appreciate, exploring the entire list may just be the perfect way to spend your weekend!

Beginning in Giru, there are two works to spot, one titled “Crocodile Fishing” on the corner of Drysdale and Brookes Street, and a steel sculpture known as “The One That Didn’t Get Away” located in Brolga Park on Carey Street.

As you drive into Brandon, keep your eyes peeled for both Memorial Park’s “First World War Soldier” and Spiller Street Park’s “Cat and Mouse” installations to appreciate a mix of playful fun and 1924 history.

Travelling along to Ayr there’s plenty to see including the “Ayr Nature Display” at 119 Wilmington Street. However, one piece which has recently attracted almost 900 interactions online sits at 202 Queen Street and was carefully painted by Jon Electros Avocado in 2021. “Green Tree Frog on Sunflower” depicts a joyful green tree frog holding an umbrella to symbolize the amphibian’s love for singing in the rain which is often heard across the region and beyond following a spot of rainfall.

Jon’s paintbrush touched the Burdekin region many times in 2021. Some of his works include “Liquid Gold” on MacMillan Street, “Goanna” on Edwards Street, “Brolga” at 178 Queen Street, and “Carpet Python” which can be seen on the side of Graham Street’s Salvation Army Store.

Continuing on through Ayr the infamous “S.S Yongala” can be seen at 83 Queen Street which can be closely related to the 1994 “Yongala Memorial” which can be seen as you enter the Burdekin Theatre foyer. The Burdekin Theatre and Burdekin Library are home many extraordinary sights including “Burdekin Dancers” (neighbouring the theatre), “The Painting of Life”, “Stained Glass Window”, “The Scotsman”, and of course the forecourt’s “Living Lagoon” which as glistened in the area since 1985.

Now it’s time to motor on down to Home Hill and enjoy the wide selection of sights installed along the Bruce Highway and into the community’s side streets. As soon as you conclude your journey along the mighty Burdekin Bridge, look to your left and appreciate the Burdekin Diorama’s “Hand Cane Cutter” which was carved from timber by Matty George in 2021.

Lloyd Mann Gardens impressively features the work of Home Hill’s own Uli Liessmann. Visitors can spot four of his remarkable sculptures installed periodically from 2017 through to 2023, titled “The Point Is…”, “Gateway to Home Hill”, “That Is The Question” and “Open To New Ideas”.

The Home Hill Backpackers’ “Party Time”, Eighth Avenue’s “Home Grown”, “The Country Sunset”, “Burdekin Snow” and “Sweet Days Hot Nights”, Sixth Avenue’s outstanding “Canecutters Memorial” and “Wallaby & The Sugarcane Man” on the corner of Seventh Street and the Burce Highway also deserve plenty of love on your artful journey.

Finally, pop on over to Groper Creek to appreciate Jon’s work once again on the wall of Groper Creek’s Public Toilet Block titled “Groper Creek” which pictures a colourful Rainbow Lorikeet as well as the area’s iconic phone booth.

With a world of art to see across the Burdekin region, Visit Burdekin invites the community to set aside a couple of hours to truly explore and appreciate the area’s evolving range of splendid street art!

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The Burdekin Theatre's "Living Lagoon" was installed by Stephen Walker in 1985 (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Jon Electros Avocado's "Home Grown" was painted on the wall of 126 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill in 2019 (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)

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Just six weeks after floodwaters devastated the Burdekin and surrounding regions, local businesses are bouncing back, with 95% of small and family businesses now reopened.

The floods, which forced nearly half of all businesses in North and Far North Queensland to close at various stages, left a lasting impact on communities. However, the resilience of business owners, combined with ongoing government support, has ensured a strong recovery.

Queenslanders are now being encouraged to shop locally and visit flood-affected areas to help boost the economy and support businesses that have worked tirelessly to reopen.
To assist with the recovery, the State and Federal Governments have doubled grant assistance from $25,000 to $50,000, helping businesses repair damage and replace essential equipment. An additional $3.1 million has also been allocated to the Too Great to Wait marketing campaign, which aims to attract visitors back to the region and showcase the Burdekin’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, said the focus remains on ensuring businesses receive the support they need.

“We promised no daylight between response and recovery, and it’s pleasing to see a significant amount of work has already been undertaken to get many small and family businesses back on their feet,” Minister Minnikin said.

“We’ve received 169 grant applications across small business, primary industry and not-for-profit sector and I want to see that number increase as businesses understand the full extent of the damage they’ve received.”

Alongside financial aid, mental health support services have also been made available, ensuring business owners and their employees have access to counselling and wellbeing resources.

With the Burdekin region open for business again, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to spend in the community, helping businesses continue their recovery and build resilience for the future.

For more information on available grants and support services, visit qld.gov.au.

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Plantation Park flooded during February's downfall, disconnecting the Burdekin township (Photo Credit: Burdekin Drones)

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Currently perusing a Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University, Saelym White was celebrated as Home Hill High School’s 2024 Valedictorian earlier this year following on from her graduation held in last November.

Saelym’s schooling journey was nothing short of successful, a triumph she achieved through flexibility and adaptability, especially in times when life would disrupt regularly scheduled routines.

“When I started Year 12, I had this idea that I would stay on top of everything and get things done when they were given to me, but realistically, life happened, and sometimes I just needed a day to breathe,” shared Saelym.

“You need to let a routine find you, because, at least for me, I found that it was easier to do the work when I wasn’t focused on it than if I was sticking to a schedule.”

Along with completing Year 12 at the top of her graduating class, Saelym was the recipient of many prestigious awards and titles across her schooling career. Saelym was Home Hill High School’s School Captain (2024) and Junior Secondary School Captain (2021) and was presented with a plethora of awards including the Zonta Girls Science Encouragement Award (2022), Dale Cooper Memorial Bursary (2021), P&C Award (2024), Under 17 Age Champion Award (2024), and Bendigo Bank Accounting Award (2024).

Prior to beginning her final year of secondary schooling, Saelym integrated learning techniques taught to her by her teachers to gain an understanding of what was to come and fundamentally set herself up for success.

“It’s not even the schoolwork that changes in Year 12, it’s your mindset,” explained Saelym.

“Suddenly you start to see things more seriously, and suddenly the same assessment structure from Year 11 looks like ancient hieroglyphs!”

“If I could give any advice to students in Year 10, 11 and 12, it would be to enjoy your time at school – enjoy the friends you make and the opportunities you’re given,” Saelym shared.

“I know it’s easy to fall into the mindset that your best has to be “the” best, but please remember that everyone is on a different path, and you are the only one who can decide where your path leads.”

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Saelym White was presented with her Valedictorian Award earlier this year (Photo Supplied).

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And the rain continues for North Queensland, reminds me of wet seasons of old. I used to work on South Molle Island in the Whitsundays as a Guest Liaison Officer and it was sometimes hard to find activities to keep people occupied when it rained seven days and nights out of their seven day stay.

It was a pleasure to attend a BBQ at Council to say thank you to some of the wonderful volunteers who assisted with the rain event just recently. I admire those who help the community for no financial reward, so if you see the SES Orange around please offer your thanks.

Home Hill Choral Society wrapped up their first show for 2025. The Irish songs, jokes and lovely supper gave those who came something to remember. If you want to come along, have a sing and a laugh give Erin Brennan a ring on 0428 822 091.

Speaking of singing, Fast Track was on over the weekend and gave the audience a real treat. There were two heats with finals on Saturday night. I’ve got to say it was the best one yet. The quality of talent was very high and special guest Hugh Sheridan really exhibited what a “showman” is all about – thanks to Burdekin Motors for helping bring him to the Burdekin. Gabe Hatherall was runner up overall and really exhibited a developing unique voice.

Adam Harvey is coming up this Friday at the Burdekin Theatre so be quick to get your tickets. Friends of the Theatre held their AGM on Monday night with a new team for 2025/2026. If you like volunteering and enjoy theatre, ‘Friends’ may be what you’re looking for, just ask at the theatre next time your there.

Celebrations continue Saturday night with the Clare School’s 75th anniversary dinner. Jump on-line to see what other activities they are holding Friday/Saturday, hopefully we get a break in the weather. Congrats to the hard-working team who have brought all the activities to fruition.

Budget workshops continue to develop a responsible budget for the Burdekin. Speak to any councillor and I’m sure they’ll tell you it’s a thorough process, looking at all areas of Council line by line, developing services for the Burdekin but keeping cost of living in mind.

It is with great sadness I offer my condolences to Alison Oar and family on the shock passing of Ramon, a truly beautiful man who helped and befriended many Burdekin people. As one man told me, if you wanted your son to model themself on someone, it would be Ramon.

Sincerely yours, Councillor John

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