It’s been a busy start to Term 3 with students returning to classrooms and Council projects progressing across the Shire.
This week, I’d like to shine a light on Burdekin Catholic High School leaders alongside the Burdekin Shire Youth Council, who are collecting donations for the upcoming Stand Up Sleep Out – Youth Against Homelessness event on Friday 8 August.
This initiative, held during National Homelessness Week, gives people the chance to show solidarity with those facing housing insecurity in our region. I’m incredibly proud of our young community members for driving such an important conversation in our community.
I’m proud to be sleeping out in support of this important cause and encourage our community to get behind it. Anyone can take part by simply registering and paying the participation fee.

As part of the event, the community is encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, toiletries, sanitary items, pillows, blankets, and other sleep essentials to support those in need.

Donations can be dropped off between Monday 21 July and Friday 2 August 2025 at the Burdekin Shire Council Chambers, Burdekin Library, Home Hill Library, BCA, and the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.

Monetary donations can also be made by contacting Burdekin Catholic High School on 4783 2366 or by dropping the money into the tins located at the donation points above.
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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Simon Hood – Wilmar Manager, Grower Marketing

Every grower has a different way of handling their GEI sugar price exposure, which affects their final cane price. Some like to keep a close eye on the market, while others prefer a hands-off approach.

We offer a range of pricing options so growers can choose what suits their level of interest and their risk appetite.

We recommend thinking about sugar pricing as a form of risk management. If you're using Target Pricing, it means selling in small steps as the price improves, with the aim of locking in a solid average price over time.

Another pricing option we recently introduced is our Managed Pool Plus. This is an actively managed pool that includes both miller and grower sugar price exposure. Our goal is to outperform the market across the life of the pool. Despite a tough market, the 2025 pool is holding up well.

Due to increased enquiry from growers, we have extended the nomination deadline for the 2026 Season Managed Pool Plus until 31 July. That means there’s still time to allocate some of your 2026 GEI sugar exposure.

We created this pool to help reduce some of the stress around pricing decisions. Some growers dip their toe in by allocating just 10% to see how we perform. Others have put a greater share into the pool. A popular strategy is to split your exposure into thirds – one third into MPP, another third managed through Target Pricing, and the final third left until April to decide between the Production Risk Pool or our Grower Managed Production Risk Scheme.

If you’re not sure how the Managed Pool Plus could work for you, we can help. Our Grower Marketing team can compare different approaches, show how prices have moved, and talk you through possible outcomes under various market conditions. We can also check on any active orders you have and share the latest updates from our global market analysts.

Right now, the market is sitting tight, waiting on more solid data before making any big shifts. Brazil is still the country to watch. Its sugarcane crush is running 15% behind last year. They’re pushing hard on sugar production (over 53% of the crush), but the quality of cane – particularly the sugar content (ATR) – is down more than 5% on last year. That’s a big deal, and something the market is watching closely.

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Our Grower Marketing consultants can compare different pricing approaches and talk you through
different possible outcomes

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables is concerned for the safety of its loco crews and members of the public after three track tampering incidents in the space of a week.

Burdekin Cane Supply Manager John Tait said members of the public had switched the points on three sections of cane rail line in the Burdekin region in the second week of the school holidays, causing two near hits and a derailment. One of the near hits involved children. It’s not known who was responsible for the other incidents.

“We’ve spoken with the parents of three children who were responsible for switching the points near Inkerman Mill in Home Hill on 9 July,” Mr Tait said.

“Fortunately, in that particular case, an outgoing loco driver saw the kids behaving suspiciously near the points and radioed it in.

“When our logistics officer went out to check, he found the points had been switched against the main line. This could have caused the cane train to veer into a cane rail siding on its way back into the mill, potentially colliding with cane bins and causing a derailment.

“While we were lucky on this occasion, I must emphasise how dangerous this sort of behaviour is. Tampering with the track is not a bit of harmless holiday fun – it can cause serious damage to our infrastructure and put our people’s lives at risk.”

Mr Tait said two similar incidents were also reported that week – one in the Invicta Mill area, near Giru, and one in the Kalamia Mill area, near Ayr. One of the drivers was able to pull up in time, avoiding a collision. The other cane train collided with bins on the siding, causing nine bins to derail.

“It’s fortunate that, in all three cases, the loco didn’t derail and no one was hurt. But all of these incidents could have resulted in serious injury or worse.

“Locos hauling cane bins can take up to a kilometre to come to a stop after brakes are applied. They typically travel at speeds of up to 35km an hour on main lines so it’s dangerous to suddenly divert them into a siding, where haulout operators pick up and drop off bins.”

Mr Tait appealed to parents and carers to warn children about the dangers of interfering with Wilmar’s cane rail infrastructure, or playing around cane rail lines.

“Children and other members of the public need to stay well clear of our cane rail network for their own safety and the safety of our loco crews.”

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has issued a strong warning about the dangers of tampering
with its cane rail track following a spate of incidents in the Burdekin. Photo supplied: Wilmar Sugar and Renewables

A major derailment at Clare 2 siding caused significant disruption on the evening of Friday, 18 June 2025, when dozens of full cane bins came off the tracks as a loaded train entered the siding. The force of the derailment tore up sections of the main line, prompting a large-scale recovery effort. Crews worked through the night and into Saturday to clear the wreckage, with most of the damaged bins and track debris removed by 3pm on 19 June. The incident is one of the most serious derailments reported so far this crushing season. Photo credit: Carl Milne

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By CANEGROWERS Chair Owen Menkens

The Queensland Government’s announcement to extend the 15 per cent rural irrigation price discount for another two years is a long-awaited and welcome move—and I reckon most of the farmers I know would say it’s about time.

This is a common-sense decision and one we’ve been calling for loud and clear.

It’s great to see the Crisafulli Government listening to what the agriculture sector has been saying and acting on it. For irrigators like us—especially in high-cost regions such as the Burdekin where I farm—this decision brings a bit of much-needed relief. Water and electricity costs are already through the roof, and they just keep climbing. Having this discount locked in will give growers some breathing room and help us keep water flowing onto crops instead of letting fields dry out because it’s too expensive to pump.

Many farmers have already made significant investments in more efficient irrigation systems to manage rising input costs. But when the price of water keeps going up, even the best systems won’t save a crop if growers can’t afford to use them.

In some areas, people are using less water just to save money, which then hits productivity hard. That’s not good for the farm, the industry, or our regional communities.

More than half of Queensland’s cane crop depends on irrigation, so getting the price settings right isn’t just important—it’s essential. This discount follows the Queensland Competition Authority’s advice and will be available across all 35 irrigation schemes in the state, which is good to see.

From 2025–26, farmers will need to apply to access the discount. It’ll only be available to certified owner-operated irrigating farm businesses, with the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) handling the applications. If you’re not sure what you need to qualify, check the Business Queensland website. The scheme kicks off in September 2025, and if you’ve got questions, shoot an email to irrigationpricing@rdmw.qld.gov.au.

Let’s keep the water flowing and our farms growing.

CANEGROWERS Chair Owen Menkens says the extension of the irrigation discount is a welcome relief for growers battling high input costs. Photo supplied

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Local builder Aaron Cursio has never been afraid of hard work—or a new challenge. After more than two decades working for himself in the Burdekin, the hands-on tradesman is now branching into something he’s been eyeing for years: supplying and installing hot dipped galvanised structural steel sheds at very competitive pricing.

“It’s another opportunity to diversify and grow my business,” Aaron says. “I’ve been doing sheds for a long time, and now we can offer a superior shed at a more competitive price.”

Aaron has teamed up with a supplier, now offering large structural steel farm and machinery sheds at a cost that rivals the common kit options, while continuing to supply and install kit shed options for residential and commercial sectors.

“Structural steel sheds used to be very pricey, but now I’ve sourced a supplier that is cost-effective,” he says. “You’re getting a better-quality product that excels on strength and durability without paying through the nose.”

Born and bred in the Burdekin, Aaron started his apprenticeship in 1994. After eight years on the tools, he struck out on his own in 2002 and hasn’t looked back since.

“Sometimes you just gotta have a go,” he says. “It’s a lot of hard work, but you get out what you put in.”

Since then, he’s built a reputation across the region for quality concreting, renovations, and all manner of building work. His business is a family affair—his eldest son is now his apprentice—and he often works alongside other local builders and mates when big jobs call for it.

“You’ve gotta be a jack of all trades in a country town,” he says. “Here, you get to learn everything—from the footings right through to the fit-out. In the city, you’d just be doing one thing.”

The variety is part of what Aaron loves about the job, along with the camaraderie and easy-going attitude on the worksite.

“My motto’s always been: no one really wants to go to work, so you’ve got to make it fun,” he says.

Aaron says working for people in the Burdekin is rewarding in itself.  “Our customers are friendly and happy-go-lucky. When they’re like that, you want to go above and beyond for them,” he says. “Sometimes just the little things make a big difference.”

Looking ahead, Aaron’s long-term plan is to grow the business to a point where it can support his dream of travelling around Australia—working job to job and seeing the country.

“For now, I’m just keen to see this new offering take off,” he says. “It’s a quality product and I think it’ll be a great fit for the Burdekin.”

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Born and bred in the Burdekin, Aaron started his apprenticeship in 1994. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Home Hill’s The Prawn Shop has become a local seafood sensation—and it all started with four humble prawn rolls.

“We opened with just seafood, but to get people through the door, we started the prawn roll,” owner Melissa Wiles says. “On my first day, I made four. By the end of the week, I was making 40 a day.”

The prawn roll’s popularity skyrocketed, gaining even wider recognition after featuring on Channel 9’s Today Show. Melissa was contacted through the local council about the opportunity, where the roll was sampled live on air. Now affectionately dubbed “the famous prawn roll,” it has helped put Home Hill on the map for food lovers traveling through the region.

“It’s been really exciting,” Melissa says. “Since the TV show aired, business has definitely picked up. We’ve had more visitors, especially grey nomads passing through town.”

The Prawn Shop’s extensive menu includes crab rolls, lobster rolls, gluten-free options, and more. Beyond prepared meals, Melissa takes pride in sourcing local produce and seafood, supporting the Home Hill community wherever possible.

“We sell local honey from a young couple in town, onions from nearby farmers, and even support local schools with vouchers and fundraising merchandise,” Melissa explains. “It’s important to us to keep everything as local and fresh as we can.”

Melissa moved to the Burdekin region 22 years ago from Brisbane, drawn by the opportunities. After working for almost two decades in the seafood industry, she took the leap to open The Prawn Shop, filling a gap she saw in the local food scene.

Behind the scenes, Melissa’s partner Billy handles the cooking, often bringing in fresh catch from local trawlers, which they use to create the shop’s popular meals. They regularly restock depending on availability, keeping the menu vibrant and seasonal.

While the shop has grown steadily, Melissa is happy with its current pace and has no plans to expand aggressively. “We’re just plotting along, enjoying what we do,” she says. “Things are working, so why change it?”

Open seven days a week, The Prawn Shop has become a beloved fixture in Home Hill, serving as the go‑to pit stop for locals and visitors alike.

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Home Hill’s The Prawn Shop has become a local seafood sensation—and it all started with four humble prawn rolls. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Wednesday's Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting was once again full of high spirits, local updates and passionate conversation.

The evening kicked off with Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort providing updates on council affairs, including funds being set aside to address the flying fox issue. She then fielded questions from the audience before handing over to officer Sam Pyke of Home Hill Police, who delivered a local crime update, highlighting the successful seizure of a sizeable quantity of drugs.

Burdekin Shire Council CEO and keynote speaker for the night, Matthew Magin, then captivated the audience with his storied journey, from apprentice butcher to leading one of North Queensland’s most dynamic regional councils.

As proceedings drew to a close, lively conversations continued as attendees stayed and mingled, rounding off another productive Home Hill Chamber meeting.

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Officer Sam Pyke, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and Burdekin Shire Council CEO Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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At just 22, Caleb Hill has already worked a string of jobs—from macadamia plantations to night-fill shifts at Woolworths—but it’s his current role in electrical sales at Harvey Norman Ayr that he calls “the only job I’ve fully enjoyed.”

“I’ve worked in a few different places,” Hill said. “I left school thinking, ‘Oh, I’ll find something to do.’ I worked on a farm, with Ford for a bit, did solar installation, and even night fill at Woolies. But this is genuinely the best thing I’ve done—I’ve actually enjoyed it.”

Hill joined Harvey Norman just over a year ago after spotting an ad online. “I always had the idea of going into sales, but I didn’t know how to start. There’s real estate, cars, all sorts of things. When I saw the job, I thought it might be a good step.”

Though he wasn’t a die-hard tech enthusiast growing up, Hill has found his niche in TVs and audio.

“I was a big gamer as a kid, but I’m not as into tech as some of the other guys here,” he said. “I do love colour, though—I love the TVs. Even just having customers come in and say, ‘I like watching action movies,’ and being able to show them a TV that’s going to blow them away, that’s the fun part.”

Outside of work, Hill describes himself as “funny, open-minded and curious.” Music is a big part of his life—both listening and playing. “I picked up guitar again recently, and I’m big into my music. I’ve been listening to a lot of DMA’s, Fleetwood Mac and Dire Straits.”

Born in Adelaide but raised in the Burdekin, Hill says the region’s sense of community is what makes his job special. “Everyone knows everyone here. You can have a chat with a customer buying a toaster and end up finding out they know someone you know. That doesn’t happen everywhere. It’s one of the best parts of the job!”

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Born in Adelaide but raised in the Burdekin, Hill says the region’s sense of community is what makes his job special. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Library hosted the launch of Doug Sockhill’s memoir on Saturday. Over thirty attendees enjoyed Doug’s stories and video presentations referencing his memoir, “The Franklin River Springs to Life”. Attendees also learnt the back story of the book, met Doug’s publisher, Belinda Walker, from Just Sparkle Books, and were entertained with stories from Doug’s long-term friend and Burdekin Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort. Doug spent over 30 years in the Burdekin and has had an adventurous life both here and around the world.

Dougs’ book takes the reader on a gripping journey rafting down the iconic Franklin River in the world heritage area of wild southwest Tasmania. From bubbling mountain streams, through powerful rapids, to inspirational chasms rising from still waters with magical reflections.

A video photo merge displayed to the audience how fascinating this area really is. Doug also discussed why and how he wrote the book.

Readers will share Doug’s experiences and adventures, as he matches the tempo of the Franklin River with his life story. From low points of jails and courthouses in North Queensland to the highs of soaring through the French alps in a hang glider, to near-fatal experiences whilst diving and yachting off the Queensland coast near Ayr.

Doug’s adventures have shaped his character, from a creative, thrill-seeker living on the edge to a deep-thinking pragmatist.

Doug specifically mentioned that his story is identifying well with young adults and people nearing retirement. Readers are particularly enjoying the light-hearted approach in the book, together with some deeper thought-provoking and challenging commentary.

His memoir is available from Woods Newsagency, Home Hill News, Mary Who? Townsville, Amazon books (paper and e-book) and Booktopia.

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Belinda Walker of Just Sparkle Books and author of “The Franklin River Springs to Life”, Doug Sockhill. Photo supplied

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The community gathered at Regis Aged Care Home, Ayr, on Wednesday, 9 July to celebrate 100 years of beloved Burdekinite Violet “Vi” Liebrecht.

The event welcomed family, friends, and familiar faces from across the region, who were greeted by a vibrant, elegant, and warmly decorated hall.

Among attendees was Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, who was especially proud to celebrate the milestone with Vi.

“Vi is one of our pioneers, and has contributed so much to the Burdekin community,” said Mr Last. “What a great milestone, and what a great day for Violet and her family.”

A Century of Resilience, Care, and Style

“Stoic,” said daughter, Rhonda Sinclair, without much hesitation when asked to describe Vi.

Vi was born in 1925 in Murgon to German settlers Paul and Louisa Holznagel. Raised on a dairy farm alongside 10 siblings, she learnt from a young age the meaning of discipline, resilience and hard work.

“There was no time for any precious moments. It was all about working together and getting the job done,” says Rhonda.

“You supported your siblings... you went to Sunday school. You walked to school… It was very much a healthy lifestyle, of its time,” she added.

These early years shaped Vi into a woman who understood the value of sacrifice and community—values that heavily influenced Vi’s decision to enlist in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) at just 18 years old, amidst the turbulence of World War II. Stationed in Townsville, she found a connection to the north that would forever influence her future.

Returning from service, Vi spent some time in Brisbane before settling in the Burdekin region, marrying Emil Liebrecht and raising five children, including twins. Despite the harsh demands of mid-20th century sugarcane farming in Queensland, she managed it all with great aplomb.

“If needed Mum would put a pair of overalls on and drive the truck beside the harvester, go back up and make coffee or morning and afternoon tea, as they would—then, maybe the next evening put on her very best dress and jewellery and go to a function,” said Rhonda.

She cultivated this love for fashion during her time tailoring mens clothing down south—a love that she passed on to her children.

“She loved dressing up and encouraged us girls to take pride in our appearance,” Rhonda recalls. “There was always fabric around the house, and Mum taught us about deportment— an appreciation for the nicer things in life.”

As a mother, she fostered a no-fuss household environment of confidence and self-respect. Education was encouraged, appearances were valued, and discipline was delivered with purpose. “There wasn’t a lot of warm and fuzzy,” Rhonda says. “But we were always encouraged. If you did something well, it was a shared joy—and you felt it.”

She stayed active in the community through the CWA, church and RSL women’s auxiliary, and with her son Gary’s encouragement, proudly marched in VP commemorations in later life.

Even after losing her husband Emil and later her son Jeff, Vi carried on with the same resilience that had defined her life. Now, at 100, her mind remains sharp and observant, with her spirit content.

“Granny—that’s what we all seem to call her now, and I think that’s where her legacy really lies,” Rhonda reflects. “Not just for me, but for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They’re just beginning to understand who she was and what she lived through. And I think they’ll look back and recognise it.”

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Violet “Vi” Liebrecht celebrated her 100th birthday with friends, family and a special visit from Member for Burdekin Dale Last. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Don West Toyota has thrown its support behind Queensland PCYC's 'Lessons for Learners' driver mentor program, generously donating $5,000 to help sustain its operations.

"We donate every year to organisations that we think are essential to the community," said Dealer Principle Don West. "For the last two years, the target has been the youth."

Lead by QPS Officer Andrew Sherrington, PCYC’s Lessons for Learners program has focused on assisting Burdekin locals between ages 16 and 25 with obtaining their drivers license for the last eight years.

"It's all about getting these young people prepared for the roads and giving them the warnings so that when they're out there on the road, they know all the rules," said Sherrington. "It's been very effective so far."

Sherrington says the generous grant from Don West Toyota will help to deliver training in a more seamless and effective fashion.

"We're extremely grateful to Don West Toyota," said Sherrington. "This funding gives us an opportunity to provide ongoing training to help these young people get their license."

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Lead by QPS Officer Andrew Sherrington, PCYC’s Lessons for Learners program has focused on assisting Burdekin locals between ages 16 and 25 with obtaining their drivers license for the last eight years. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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After taking a break from soccer for a while, I’ve had to start getting creative with my methods of exercise.

I tried jogging up Mount Inkerman the other day. Mate—what on earth was I thinking. I barely made it a third of the way up before reducing myself to a slow, wobbly walk. Not sure how you guys do it! Maybe I’m just THAT out of shape right now.

After that failed mission, I looked for some alternatives. That’s when I stumbled upon Home Hill Swimming Pool. I’ve never been much of a swimmer, but I think it might be the perfect middle ground between strenuous hills and a leisurely walk—as well as a great way to start my days.

After purchasing my membership last week, I plan to start swimming before I clock into work most mornings. So, if you’re ever there at 6:30am and I’m not, I give you permission to spam my phone with calls until I wake up.

I'm also looking to try some new organised sports, so if you have any interesting suggestions, please reach out!

Otherwise, keep on keeping on!

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By Jacob Casha

If there was ever a story to illustrate the essence of the Burdekin, it’s four-month-old Zaleyah Codega’s—in more ways than one.

It was on Christmas Eve that Burdekin locals Kris and Natalie Codega learned during a routine 30-week scan that their unborn baby had congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)—a rare, life-threatening condition that restricts lung development.

“Once we found out, we were sort of left to our own devices to do a bit of research, and to be honest, it was the worst thing I ever did. It didn’t give us as good odds as we hoped,” said Kris.

The news hit hard, and the timing couldn’t have been worse.

“It definitely added stress to the already busy holiday period,” Kris said. “We tried to keep things as normal as we could for our five-year-old, but it was definitely a stressful and pretty wild time for us.”

Amid the whirlwind of emotions and fluctuating optimism, Zaleyah’s chances of survival and recovery ultimately hinged on one thing—her strength. And soon enough, the Codegas discovered their baby was built Burdekin tough.

“We were told she might not breathe or make a noise on her own, but when she was born, she surprised everyone,” Kris said. “She made sounds and started breathing by herself—that was a huge relief. Luckily, she was a bloody superhero!”

Following the successful delivery, doctors suggested an option that would make little Zaleyah a medical milestone: the first keyhole surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) performed in Townsville. “They told us Zaleyah was a really good candidate because she was strong and stable,” Kris explained.

Initially, the idea of such a novel procedure was daunting for the Codegas, but after a successful surgery, the family was home with their little superhero within two and a half weeks.

It wasn’t an easy road, but in true Burdekin fashion, the strength and support surrounding Zaleyah and her family made all the difference.

“Here in the Burdekin, even if people didn’t know our exact situation, word gets around,” Kris said. “That Burdekin spirit—everyone was gunning for us. It made a huge difference.”

With family, friends, and neighbours rallying behind them, the Codegas never felt alone. “The community was constantly checking in with our families to see how we were going. Everyone was offering a hand if needed.”

For Kris, Natalie and their two daughters, the experience has only deepened their appreciation for the place they call home and the people who stood behind them. Zaleyah’s story is one of resilience, medical milestones, and true Burdekin strength—found both in her own fighting spirit and in the unwavering support of the community behind her.

Kris and Natalie Codega with their two daughters
Little Zaleyah was strong and resilient from the start
Zaleyah is now growing into a healthy, vibrant baby girl

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The recent state budget includes $1.8 Billion to extend and expand the Surgery Connect program that has already reduced the waiting list for elective surgery by over 2,500 patients in just one month.

With 30,000 more surgeries expected to be delivered this financial year, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the program provided obvious benefits to patients on the waiting list.

“Over the last decade we have seen the number of Queenslanders waiting for elective surgery more than double,” Mr Last said.  “Action taken by the new state government has made a difference already, but we committed to improving healthcare and Surgery Connect is an important part of honouring that commitment.”

“Due to the scale of what is required, fully implementing our Hospital Rescue Plan will take time.  Boosting staff numbers, expanding hospitals and delivering new hospital beds is not something that happens overnight.”

“In the meantime, Surgery Connect will provide the procedures that patients need in order to improve their quality of life.  There is absolutely no change when it comes to emergency or lifesaving surgeries with this program solely aimed at elective surgeries and procedures.”

Mr Last said that clear goals had been set when it came to providing easier access to health services when Queenslanders needed them the most.

“Although we have made significant inroads into reducing the elective surgery waiting lists there is still a long way to go,” he said.  “While these procedures are more about quality of life, delivering those is an important part of a world-class health service.”

“Quite often these surgeries are about addressing pain and discomfort, but research has proven that long delays waiting for these procedures means symptoms worsen, pain increases and there is a proven impact on the patient’s mental health.  So, we are talking about procedures that can have a huge positive impact on patients and their families.”

“By Christmas the goal is to stabilise the waiting lists because we simply cannot sit back and watch them continue to grow.  Once that is achieved, we should start to see reductions in the pressure on our health services and reductions in the length of time people wait for elective procedures.”

“The results to date are extremely encouraging with 12,000 extra surgery referrals delivered between February and June 30 this year.  That’s 12,000 Queenslanders who were left in limbo, sometimes for years, because of a failure to address capacity and other issues in our public hospitals.”

“Effectively we are tapping into capacity in private hospitals to deliver procedures like hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.  Besides the obvious benefits for patients, Surgery Connect reduces the pressure on our health staff who, through no fault of their own, have been forced to delay surgeries.”

“The Crisafulli government is stepping up to deliver better outcomes for both staff and patients.”

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Kelli, Suzette, Michelle, Simone, & Kellie take on Coastrek

Kelli Dabelstein, alongside her friends, Suzette Wallace, Michelle Oats, Simone Casey, and Kellie Keates, will tackle the mammoth 30km Coastrek Hike in the Sunshine Coast this Friday, the 18th of July in support of Beyond Blue.

Established in 2009, the national fundraising initiative encourages women to take part in a 20km to 50km hike through some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal trails. Over the years, Coastrek has supported over 80,000 hikers, raised over $52 million for some of the nation’s leading charities and transformed millions of lives across the country.

For Kelli, the decision to take part in 2025’s Sunshine Coast Coastrek Hike was simple.

“We (Kelli, Suzette, Michelle, Simone, and Kellie) usually take time out for a girls’ weekend to catch up, but this year we wanted to do something a bit different – something with purpose,” shared Kelli.

“Coastrek felt like the perfect way to challenge ourselves physically, spend quality time together, and give back to a cause that really matters.”

The five ladies have spent the past 12 weeks following an extensive training program designed by Coastrek, and been actively fundraising for Beyond Blue online, a cause close to all of their hearts.

“Fundraising for Beyond Blue is incredibly meaningful to all of us,” Kelli said.

“Mental health touches everyone - whether personally or through someone close - and Beyond Blue does such important work in supporting Australians who are struggling. By doing this walk, we hope to raise not only funds but also awareness, and to show that small steps - whether in walking or in reaching out - can make a big difference.”

Over the month of July, the ladies have been blown away with the support of the local community, with the hike just around the corner, the ladies have smashed their combined fundraising goal of $5,000.

“I’ve been genuinely surprised - and incredibly touched - by the generosity of people in our community. The support has been amazing, and it’s reminded me how willing people are to rally behind a good cause. I have so much appreciation and gratitude for every donation, big or small,” added Kelli.

“Not everyone is able to participate physically in something like Coastrek, and I see their donations as their way of being part of it. It really reinforces that this is a team effort, and every contribution helps make a difference for Beyond Blue and the people they support.”

To learn more about Coastrek or to donate to Kelli, Suzette, Michelle, Simone, and Kellie’s Soul Sista’s fundraising page, visit www.coastrek.com.au/fundraisers/SoulSistas15372.

Simone, Michelle, Suzette, Kelli and Kellie (not pictured) will take on Coastrek this Friday (Photo Supplied)

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