Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Back (from left): Tracey Gabiola, Ainsley Ferrando, Helen Kross, Carolyn Bell, Dr Ben Lawry. Front (from left): Tamika Crank & Rayf Pugh, Ayla Armstrong & Callie Armstrong, Chantel Ferrando & Maverick Rush, Stacey Butler & Remi Malaponte, Laura Cowan & Freya Cowan, Jessamy Nicolaides & Ava Nicolaides. Photo supplied. The Burdekin is booming with babies after six newborns arrived in less than four days at Ayr Hospital. The new Burdekinites are among 30 babies born at the hospital between May and July, making it the region’s busiest baby boom in more than half a decade.Baby Boom Sets Six-Year Record At Ayr HospitalA four-day birthing spree at Ayr Health Service has capped off the facility’s busiest maternity period in over five years, with six infants arriving in under 96 hours. The maternity unit welcomed a total of 30 newborns between May and July, marking the highest three-month tally at the facility since 2020. The total represents eight more births than the local average for the same period over the past six years. Director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said she could not remember a time when the local maternity service had been as busy. “While it has been an extremely busy time for our staff, particularly during a hectic few days at the end of May where six newborns arrived in less than 96 hours, staff enjoy working in a service where they can share in the joy of welcoming babies and supporting parents,” she said. “These are incredibly special moments, and we feel very privileged to be involved.” Ms Gabiola commended the adaptability of the health service workforce. “Whether responding to an emergency or assisting with the delivery of a baby, the team always steps up and I am incredibly grateful to them for always rising to the challenge.” Local mother Stacey Butler, who gave birth to daughter Remi Malaponte during the May delivery cluster, said it was important to be able to give birth in her hometown. “We are very fortunate to have the facility and the staff here so we can have our babies in our community,” Ms Butler said. “I really didn’t want to have to leave home and be away from my family and friends to give birth to my little girl. “She is perfect, and it means the world to me that she was able to be born in her hometown and surrounded by her loved ones.” CAPTION: 1—A four-day birthing spree at Ayr Health Service has capped off the facility’s busiest maternity period in over five years, with six infants arriving in under 96 hours. 2— The maternity unit welcomed a total of 30 newborns between May and July, marking the highest three-month tally at the facility since 2020. Photos supplied.
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Cancer Council Australia’s Daffodil Day is returning this month for the 40th time, and among those embracing the occasion in bright yellow is Raelene Grantz and her Burdekin Delta Diner team. Daffodil Day is held each August to raise money for cancer research, prevention and support services, with the daffodil symbolising hope in the ongoing fight against cancer. That fight is personal for Raelene. After being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago—and watching her twin sister battle it around 12 years prior—Raelene has made a point of doing her bit to support the cause. Her latest effort has seen the Delta Diner decorated in yellow over the last month as Daffodil Day approaches on the 20th. As well as posters and daffodils, Raelene has also put out a donation collection box with QR codes linking to a donation page. She said the endeavour was her “little way of helping.” “Cancer has touched my husband, my family, myself and some of our staff members over the years,” she said. “It’s an ongoing [battle], and it’s not letting up. We just have to keep doing our little bit with fundraising and supporting people through their journeys, and this is our way of doing it.” Raelene said the support so far had been overwhelmingly positive and encouraged others to get behind the cause by making a donation at the store. CAPTION: Cancer Council Australia’s Daffodil Day is returning this year for the 40th time, and no one in the Burdekin is embracing the occasion quite like Raelene Grantz and her Delta Diner team. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.
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Australia should start building its biofuels industry now—creating regional jobs, investment and fuel security at home instead of sending Australian dollars and opportunities overseas, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan has said. Welcoming the Federal Government’s newly released consultation paper on a national demand mechanism for low-carbon liquid fuels, Mr Galligan called it the most significant step forward in national policy on this issue in decades. However, he also warned that Australia cannot wait until 2029 for action while overseas competitors race ahead. “Australia has talked about biofuels for decades, and it's been five years since the Federal Government released it first bioenergy roadmap, yet while we analyse and assess, other countries have built industries,” Mr Galligan said. “The decision by the Federal Government to consult on the implementation of a demand-side policy to support a low-carbon liquid fuel sector is warmly welcomed. The direction is right, but the pace matters. Investment decisions are being made now and industry needs certainty now.” The consultation paper proposes an initial national volume requirement for cleaner fuels, potentially commencing in 2029, before a proposed transition to a carbon-intensity system from 2035. Importantly, it proposes covering petrol and recognises ethanol as an eligible fuel. However, imported cleaner fuels could also satisfy the requirement, with no guarantee that the resulting demand would support Australian production. “If we move too slowly or allow the massive new global demand for low-carbon liquid fuels to be satisfied largely through imports, Australian dollars will help fund factories, jobs and regional development overseas while available capacity here remains underused,” Mr Galligan said. “We should not replace our dependence on imported fossil fuels with a new dependence on imported cleaner fuels. That risks leaving Australian families, businesses and essential industries exposed again when the next global shock disrupts supplies and drives up prices.” More than 90% of the liquid fuels used in Australia are either imported directly or refined locally from imported crude. Yet Australia has abundant agricultural feedstocks, established regional processing capacity and growers ready to play their part. The government’s paper identifies 360 million litres of operational ethanol capacity in Australia. The sugar industry processes around 30 million tonnes of sugarcane in a typical year, and industry estimates suggest it could ultimately produce more than 2.5 billion litres of ethanol a year – equivalent to approximately 14% of Australia’s petrol needs. “We are not starting from scratch,” Mr Galligan said. “Australia already has the feedstock, infrastructure, expertise and production capacity to make more bioethanol today. We should use what we have now while building what we need next. “Sugarcane is a major renewable biomass resource. It can make an immediate contribution through ethanol, while its biomass can also support the development of advanced fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. “It can deliver real fuel security, real emissions reduction and real regional jobs – but that will not happen without clear policy settings that create demand for Australian-made fuels.” Mr Galligan said Australia must learn from the past and keep more of the value created from its agricultural resources in the country. “For too long, Australia has exported raw commodities only to import the higher-value products made from them. We cannot repeat that mistake with cleaner fuels,” he said. “We need a national framework that gives investors confidence to build here, produce here and create value here. Australia has the resources, the growers and the regional capacity. What we need now is the policy certainty to get on with it.” Mr Galligan and CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens are in Canberra this week briefing federal ministers and senior departmental officials on the opportunities biofuels offer Australian agriculture, regional communities and national fuel security. Mr Galligan will also join leaders from the sugar, manufacturing, bioenergy and national-security sectors for a media stand-up at the top of Federation Mall, Canberra, at 2.30pm on Thursday, 20 August. Supplied by CANEGROWERS CAPTION: CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan warns that Australia cannot wait until 2029 for action while overseas competitors race ahead. Photo: CANEGROWERS.
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Burdekin residents and business owners will have the chance to chat directly with the nbn Local team when they visit Ayr on Thursday, August 27. The community drop-in session will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Burdekin Plaza (116 Edwards Street, Ayr). The event offers locals a practical way to learn about regional connectivity upgrades, including nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Fixed Wireless services. Representatives will be available throughout the day to answer questions, assist residents in checking their eligibility for full fibre, and demonstrate how enhanced digital infrastructure can benefit local households and businesses. Many properties across Ayr, Home Hill, and Brandon may already be eligible to upgrade to full fibre. Transitioning to an FTTP connection unlocks access to faster, more reliable broadband—supporting seamless video calls, high-definition streaming, rapid downloads, and better performance across multiple connected devices simultaneously. The session is free to attend, with no prior bookings required. Locals are encouraged to bring their questions and find out what connectivity options are available at their address. Event Details What: nbn Local Community Drop-in Session When: Thursday, August 27 | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Where: Burdekin Plaza, 116 Edwards Street, Ayr
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School holidays are a time for family connection, late mornings and plenty of outdoor fun, but for many households, they also bring a noticeable spike in screen time.
Phones, tablets and gaming consoles are now a normal part of childhood, and experts agree that being online isn’t inherently harmful. The challenge for parents is helping children find a healthy balance between digital entertainment and offline activities, particularly during long holiday breaks.
A large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Psychological Bulletin found higher levels of screen use were associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, aggression and attention difficulties in children. The researchers also noted a two-way relationship, where emotional and behavioural difficulties can lead to increased screen use over time.
Australian health authorities recommend moderation rather than elimination. The Australian Government’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines advise limiting recreational screen time to no more than one hour per day for children aged two to five, and no more than two hours per day for children and adolescents aged five to 17. The guidelines also emphasise maintaining consistent sleep routines and regular physical activity.
Sleep is a key factor. Research cited by the Department of Health links evening screen use with delayed sleep onset and poorer sleep quality in children, particularly when devices are used close to bedtime.
Instead of blanket bans, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner recommends active parental involvement and open communication. Staying engaged with what children are doing online—whether watching videos, gaming or chatting with friends—helps parents understand their interests and identify potential issues early.
Creating a family-wide screen time plan can also help. Shared rules around device-free meals, set gaming hours or outdoor time can make limits feel fair and achievable. Many devices and apps offer parental control settings to support these boundaries.
For children under 16, experts stress emotional safety is as important as digital safety. Encouraging honest conversations and listening without judgement can help children develop long-term digital resilience.
Most experts agree the goal is not elimination, but balance—teaching children how to use technology intentionally and responsibly.
A major systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Psychological Bulletin found that higher screen use was associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, aggression and attention difficulties in children. Photo source: Dreamstime
The Lower Burdekin Scout Group brought the spirit of Christmas to Home Hill on Christmas Eve, hosting a free meal for lonely or homeless members of the community at the Home Hill Bowls Club.
Held at the popular local venue, the dinner provided more than just a hot meal, offering a welcoming space filled with conversation, music and festive cheer. Scouts and volunteers worked together from the early stages, setting tables with Christmas decorations, arranging cutlery and preparing the venue before guests arrived. As final preparations were made, young Scouts took on cooking duties, proudly contributing to the evening’s success.
Members of the Uniting Church joined Scouts on the night to help serve food and lead Christmas carols, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. In total, around 36 people, including guests and helpers, shared in the dinner, companionship and singing, making for a memorable Christmas Eve.
This marked the first time the Lower Burdekin Scout Group has organised a Christmas Eve dinner of this kind. Organisers said the experience, combined with the overwhelming goodwill shown by the wider community, has laid strong foundations for the event to grow in coming years, with hopes of an even bigger and better gathering planned for December 2026.
The Scout Group extended heartfelt thanks to the many local organisations, businesses and individuals whose generous donations, time and support helped make the free Christmas Eve meal possible, highlighting the strength of community spirit across the Burdekin.
The Lower Burdekin Scouts meet on a Thursday night in 12th Ave Home Hill, 5–7 years meet 4-00 to 5-00pm and 8-18 years meet 5-30 to 7-30pm. People can come along for four weeks free to Try Scouting by contacting Rikki on 0419 104 035.
The Lower Burdekin Scout Group brought the spirit of Christmas to Home Hill on Christmas Eve, hosting a free meal for lonely or homeless members of the community at the Home Hill Bowls Club. Photo supplied
As the state heads into storm, cyclone and monsoon season, emergency authorities are reminding residents that preparing your home ahead of time is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and property.
Preparing early can significantly reduce damage, stress and risk during severe weather events. It also forms a key part of the Get Ready Queensland campaign, which encourages households to be disaster-ready well before warnings are issued.
A good place to start is general home maintenance. Residents are urged to check the condition of their roof, repairing loose tiles, eaves and screws, and to clean gutters and downpipes so water can drain away quickly during heavy rainfall. Trimming trees and overhanging branches can prevent damage in high winds, while securing loose outdoor items such as furniture, toys and garden equipment can stop them becoming dangerous projectiles.
Households should also take time to prepare for emergencies more broadly. This includes checking that home, contents and car insurance policies are current and provide adequate cover, including debris clean-up and disposal. Identifying the strongest room in the house - usually a small room with few or no windows - can be crucial if residents need to shelter indoors during a severe storm or cyclone. Knowing how to turn off water, electricity and gas mains is also essential.
Emergency essentials should be purchased and kept on hand, including containers for drinking water, spare fuel stored safely, wide masking tape for windows, and sandbags or hessian bags to prevent sewerage backflow through indoor drains during flooding.
For those living in flood-prone areas, additional precautions are recommended. Poisons should be stored well above ground level, and residents should plan which indoor items may need to be raised or moved if floodwaters threaten. Longer-term considerations, such as alternative flooring to carpet and raising power points and electrical sockets, can further reduce damage.
Homes in cyclone or severe storm-prone areas may benefit from window shutters or metal screens, and residents are encouraged to have a professional builder assess their home’s structural strength and recommend improvements to better withstand high winds.
When severe weather warnings are issued, preparation steps become critical. Authorities advise disconnecting electrical appliances and external aerials, securing outdoor items, filling baths and buckets with clean water, and parking vehicles under cover where possible. Families should shelter together in the strongest room with their emergency kit close by, and stay informed by tuning into local radio for updates and safety advice.
Emergency services stress that the best time to prepare your home is before disaster season begins. Taking action now can help families stay safe, reduce damage and recover more quickly when severe weather strikes.
Historic flooding in the Burdekin and Haughton catchments has shaped the region's resilience over time. Photo source: QLD Government
During the wet season, there is no shortage of water flowing through the Burdekin and Haughton catchments. Photo supplied
Residents still recount 1989's Severe Tropical Cyclone Aivu to be the worst weather system to hit the region. Photo supplied
Donnington Airpark will come alive this winter as aviation and motoring enthusiasts unite for a special Wings & Wheels fundraising event in support of Angel Flight Australia.
The event will be held on Sunday, the 28th of June, from 8am to 12pm at Donnington Airpark, following strong community feedback from last year’s gathering. Organisers have opted to trial a winter event this year, hoping cooler conditions will encourage even more aircraft, cars, motorbikes and trucks to attend.
With a $10 donation per vehicle, all funds raised will go directly to Angel Flight Australia, a non-government funded charity that provides free flights for people living in remote and regional areas who need to travel long distances to access essential medical care.
Adding to the day’s momentum, the Townsville Ford Enthusiast Club will be supporting the event through promotion and fundraising efforts. The club will also host a pre-meet at the OOM Service Station in Wulguru, before cruising out to the airpark together.
Open to all makes and models, Wings & Wheels promises a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere celebrating machines on land and in the air, all while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.
Organisers are encouraging the community to mark the date, polish their pride and joy, and help make this winter trial a standout success for Angel Flight.
What: Wings & Wheels for Angel Flight
When: Sunday 28th June
Where: Donnington Airpark
A colourful display of aircraft, cars and motorbikes will fill Donnington Airpark this June. Photo supplied
Pets Domain Ayr is set to welcome animal lovers for a heartwarming Dog Adoption Day and Sausage Sizzle later this month, giving locals the chance to support rescue animals while enjoying a relaxed community event.
Held in conjunction with Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue, the adoption day will take place on Saturday, the 17th of January, from 10am to 2pm at Pets Domain Ayr, 93 Graham Street.
The event will feature a range of friendly rescue dogs who are searching for their forever homes. Attendees are encouraged to come along, meet the dogs, ask questions of the dedicated rescue volunteers and learn more about the adoption process. For those not quite ready to adopt, the day also offers an opportunity to show support, spread awareness and enjoy a classic sausage sizzle.
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue works tirelessly to rehome abandoned, surrendered and at-risk dogs, relying heavily on community support, volunteers and fundraising events like this one. Adoption days not only help find loving homes but also play a vital role in educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of rescue.
Whether you are looking to welcome a new furry family member or simply want to support animal welfare in the region, organisers say everyone is welcome. And who knows — you may just leave with a new best friend!
What: Pet Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle
When: Saturday 17th January
Where: Pets Domain Ayr
Pets Domain Ayr will join forces with Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue to give rescue dogs new homes next Saturday! Photo source: Unsplash
Australia’s manufacturing sector is being steadily weakened under the Albanese Labor Government, not through a single bad decision, but through a pattern of failure. What we are seeing now is not economic management. It is crisis containment. Labor is applying band-aids to a bullet wound, and taxpayers are being handed the bill.
The Government’s decision to bail out Tomago Aluminium is the latest example. This is the same Tomago Aluminium facility Anthony Albanese has been promising to protect for decades. Rather than delivering on those promises by fixing the underlying problem, affordable and reliable energy, Labor has chosen another bailout to paper over the consequences of its own policies.
On 12 December 2025, the Prime Minister announced that Tomago Aluminium would continue operating beyond the end of its current energy contract in 2028. That is welcome news for workers, their families, and the Hunter region. But bailouts are not a solution. They are an admission of failure.
This deal follows a disturbing pattern, as 2025 became the year of government bailouts. A $2.4 billion taxpayer rescue of Whyalla Steelworks. Then interventions in Hobart and Port Pirie. In Queensland, a bailout to keep Glencore’s copper smelting operations afloat, and now, Tomago in NSW. A pattern of failure across the country.
Labor’s energy policy is now so broken that major manufacturers cannot survive without taxpayer life support.
Under the Albanese Labor Government, power prices are up by around 40 per cent. Families are paying roughly $1,300 more on their annual electricity bills. Business investment is stalling. Manufacturing competitiveness is collapsing. And instead of fixing the root causes, high energy prices, punitive regulation, and policy uncertainty, Labor is asking taxpayers to underwrite failure.
Corporate bailouts do not address these issues. They merely delay the reckoning. They are hospital passes that disguise Labor’s failure to confront its own terrible trifecta: soaring energy prices, high taxes, and rigid regulation.
Labor’s broader economic mismanagement compounds the problem. Reckless federal spending has fuelled inflation, pushing up costs across the economy. For energy-intensive industries like manufacturing, that pressure is relentless. When even global multinationals are struggling to operate in Australia, the question must be asked: what chance do our small and medium-sized manufacturers have?
Australia has already reduced emissions at almost double the rate of the developed world since 2005. Yet to meet Labor’s Net Zero 2050 target, emissions reductions would need to double again. Labor is setting targets it cannot realistically meet, at a cost Australia cannot afford.
The result is exactly what we are seeing today: electricity prices spiralling upwards, businesses shutting down or moving offshore, and a nation increasingly reliant on taxpayer-funded bailouts delivered through opaque mechanisms like the National Reconstruction Fund and the so-called Future Made in Australia agenda.
Australians deserve a cheaper, better and fairer solution. They deserve affordable power, responsible emissions reduction, and an energy policy grounded in reality, not ideology. The Coalition believes we can achieve emissions reduction without sacrificing competitiveness, jobs, or living standards; but affordable energy must come first.
Our plan delivers a practical pathway to lower power prices, long-term energy security, and responsible environmental outcomes.
Australians have been let down by this Government. What they need now is a circuit breaker on energy costs and leadership that fixes the system instead of subsidising its failure. That is what the Coalition offers, and that is what Australian manufacturing urgently needs.
Andrew Willcox MP calls for affordable power and leadership as Labor resorts to bailouts across Australia. Photo supplied
2025 now sitting fairly in our tailwinds, this week will see many of us have a chance to come together for the festive season.
As the Member for Burdekin I have the privilege of witnessing the best of humanity in this community,
especially at Christmas time. Each year we see residents take the time to donate to our local
community organisations who provide hampers of non-perishable goods, toys for children or a hot
meal to enjoy on Christmas Day. We also see the generosity of this community in the simple acts- the
time we take to check in on our neighbours a smile or simple gesture of kindness to a stranger. It is
this level of generosity that we must continue to strive for beyond the festive season.
A year that started with much of our state facing significant flooding has brought with it challenges
and opportunities for the betterment of our community.
While our neighbours in the north bared much of the brunt of monsoonal rainfall in February, it is safe to say the Burdekin was not left unscathed. As flood waters receded and our community faced its
own clean-up we saw businesses step up to prepare extra meals and provide essential services while
our emergency services volunteers showed utmost dedication in our community’s darkest hours.
Our ability as a community to advocate for better access to health, improvement of our safety or
providing certainty for projects that matter to us has meant that in the Crisafulli Government’s first year the Ayr Hospital is looking forward to a new CT scanner, crime deterring measures are now in place in our CBD and major steps forward have been taken in the delivery of new facilities at Burdekin Netball.
Before we turn the chapter to 2026 and begin the rush of a new year I hope you and your family have
the chance to enjoy the festive season. Spend time with those you love and celebrate all that 2025
has had to offer while looking towards opportunities for the new year.
If you are packing the car and heading off on a road trip please drive safely and remember the fatal
five. With the festive season coinciding with the North’s severe weather season, it’s a timely reminder to ensure your home is prepared.
My office will be closed from December 22 and will re-open January 5.
Above all else, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Yours
Dale
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As we wrap up another big year, I’d like to take a moment to wish everyone in our community a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to connect with family and friends, enjoy the festive season, and reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past twelve months.
If you’re travelling over the holidays, please take extra care on the roads. Plan ahead, drive safely, and look out for one another so everyone can arrive home safely.
The new year is just around the corner, bringing a fresh start and new opportunities. Whether you’re setting resolutions, starting new projects, or simply looking forward to a positive beginning, I hope 2026 is a year of growth, health, and success for you.
Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and a bright start to the new year.
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.
The festive season has reached its peak in the Burdekin, with the Community Christmas Carols and the Burdekin Chamber Christmas Street Party lighting up the region as Christmas Day draws near.
With carols ringing through the region and locals packing the streets of Ayr CBD, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort says there's no place that does Christmas quite like the Burdekin.
"Christmas in the Burdekin is unique because of its country spirit, [which] truly reflects the heart of our community," said Mayor Dalle Cort.
"Our warm weather, strong community spirit and pride in our Burdekin create a festive season that is centred on connection, generosity and spending quality time with family, friends, and neighbours."
Find the social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/23n6a2bc
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort poses with Santa as Christmas festivities ramp up around the region. Photo credit: Saskia Photography courtesy of Burdekin Shire Council
The Burdekin is expected to see an uptick in housing and business development after Council's adoption of a new Economic Stimulus Policy which will reduce infrastructure costs for new developments.
The policy, approved at the council meeting on Tuesday, the 25th of November 2025, is designed to support new businesses and housing developments in getting off the ground, attracting investment, creating jobs, and increasing housing options across the region.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the move is an important step in supporting the Burdekin community.
“We want to ensure the Burdekin remains an attractive place for investment and development,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“By reducing infrastructure costs for new projects, we are creating opportunities for business growth, housing development and job creation, which will benefit our entire community.”
Council currently charges infrastructure fees to maintain services and avoid burdening ratepayers with the costs of major infrastructure projects. However, officials say balancing these charges with competitive development costs is crucial for growth.
The new policy sets out a consistent and transparent process for developers to apply for incentives or reductions in fees, aligning with the Council’s Corporate Plan 2025–2030 goals. These include supporting business growth, workforce development, diversifying the economy, and boosting housing availability and affordability.
The policy update is the latest of a string of measures that have positioned the shire for major residential growth, following last month's announcement of significant RAF funding expected to bring more than 350 houses to the region.
The Burdekin is expected to see an uptick in housing and business development after Council's adoption of a new Economic Stimulus Policy which will reduce infrastructure costs for new developments. Photo source: Shutterstock
Burdekin workers are facing job losses after Wilmar Sugar and Renewables confirmed redundancies across its North Queensland mills just weeks before Christmas.
“After careful consideration, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has implemented organisational changes to ensure our structure and workforce reflect current business needs,” a Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson said.
“These changes have been necessary to improve alignment with our business objectives and ensure the sustainability of our cost base in the current operating environment.”
According to a Townsville Bulletin report, a source employed at one of Wilmar’s North Queensland mills said the recent redundancies are part of a $50 million operations cost-cutting plan actioned by the company. Wilmar Sugar did not confirm or deny the figure when asked.
The spokesperson added that the business “explored potential redeployment of employees within the company” but was “unable to find suitable redeployment opportunities in all cases,” with a small number of employees leaving as a result.
“We continue to prioritise safety, operational and financial performance, and are now focused on positioning the business strongly for the production season ahead,” the spokesperson said.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables operates eight sugar mills across North Queensland, employing over 2,000 staff during the annual sugar production season. Its Burdekin mills—Invicta, Kalamia, Inkerman and Pioneer—are among the largest in the region, producing a significant portion of Australia’s sugar output.
According to modelled Small Area Labour Market estimates from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, unemployment in the Burdekin remains below the state and national averages, but the latest Wilmar Sugar redundancies are expected to have an impact on the local workforce, given the company’s role as a major regional employer.
Burdekin workers are facing job losses after Wilmar Sugar and Renewables confirmed redundancies across its North Queensland mills just weeks before Christmas. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar via LinkedIn
Queensland Police are ramping up efforts to keep Burdekin roads safe this festive season as part of the state’s annual Christmas and New Year blitz, Operation X-Ray Mistletoe. With 289 lives already lost on Queensland roads in 2025, police are warning motorists that safe choices are crucial.
"Most police will agree that delivering a death notification to a family is the hardest task an officer can perform. I don’t want any of my officers to have that burden this Christmas," said Sgt. Lisa Shields, Officer in Charge at Ayr Police Station.
Sgt. Shields said the operation will see increased patrols across the Burdekin, with a particular focus on the “Fatal 5” offences–speeding, drink and drug driving, driver fatigue, dangerous driving, and failing to wear seatbelts.
"Within the Burdekin, the community will see an increase in police presence, more static RBT sites, and officers patrolling the Bruce Highway," Sgt. Shields said.
Water Police and Fisheries will also increase patrols on local waterways, targeting unsafe boating behaviour during the holiday period.
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski underscored the human cost of road trauma at the launch of Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, where a Christmas tree displayed 289 baubles—each representing a life lost on Queensland roads this year.
"These are just not numbers–these represent a parent, child, partner, mate," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"Their absence is permanent and has profound impacts on their loved ones’ lives."
Sgt. Shields said Ayr Police are aiming for zero fatalities in the Burdekin this Christmas—a target they successfully achieved last year.
"We are committed to keeping our community safe and ensuring everyone is able to spend the holidays with their loved ones," she said.
"I encourage everyone to act responsibly, respect the conditions, and follow rules to prevent tragedies."
The operation begins on 13 December and will continue across the holiday period, with thousands of roadside and on-water tests planned, supported by specialist officers, mobile patrols, and targeted enforcement in high-risk locations across the state.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Guild reiterated the importance of responsible choices for every road user.
"We know that most Queenslanders do the right thing, and I thank those road users who make responsible choices," he said.
"But for those putting themselves, and other road users, at risk–police will be ready to respond the moment you make that choice."
QPS to increase patrols on local roads and waterways this festive season as part of Operation X-Ray Mistletoe. Photo source: QPS
If you've shopped in Woolworths lately and heard an angelic chorus in the next aisle... no, you weren't dreaming.
For the last three weeks, the Home Hill Choral Society has been spreading Christmas cheer to all corners of the supermarket with soulful renditions of classic Christmas carols in what has become a tradition over recent festive seasons.
"We look forward to it every year," said group member Erin Brennan.
"We just enjoy singing... and aim to spread the message of joy."
The group spreads out, popping up in different positions of the store for around an hour each night, offering a peaceful soundtrack to the otherwise frantic last-minute Christmas shopping.
"Some people like to get involved... Others go a different direction," laughed Brennan.
The performances round off a successful year for the Choral Society, which produced and performed four original shows, all of which played to full houses at The Vault in Home Hill. Crowd favourites included the Italian-themed Viva L'Italia, a mix of classic Italian anthems and the group's signature comedy sketches, and 2025—The Year That Was, which combined the Burdekin's favourite songs and sketches from the past year.
The group also accompanied global opera star Paul Tabone during his Viva Pavarotti show at the Burdekin Theatre in September.
The Choral society remains optimistic of more success heading into the new year, with a Neil Diamond tribute in the works to kick 2026 off in style. Further details are not yet available.
For the last three weeks, the Home Hill Choral Society has been spreading Christmas cheer to all corners of the supermarket with soulful renditions of classic Christmas carols in what has become a tradition over recent festive seasons. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The group spreads out, popping up in different positions of the store for around an hour each night, offering a peaceful soundtrack to the otherwise frantic last-minute Christmas shopping. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Choral society remains optimistic of more success heading into the new year, with a Neil Diamond tribute in the works to kick 2026 off in style. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce tied a bow on 2025 at the Home Hill Bowls Club last Wednesday, using its final Social and Networking Event of the year to promote stronger community affiliatio nacross the Burdekin.
The Christmas-themed gathering proved to be a spirited social occasion, with energetic carolling by the Home Hill Choral Society setting the tone for a night of little structure but valuable connection.
Chamber president Uli Liessmann said it was a positive end to the year despite lower-than-usual attendance.
“Just having everyone there, sitting around the table and talking, it was good to see,” Liessmann said.
During the meeting, Liessmann announced plans to incorporate a new segment—titled My Story—into Chamber meetings moving forward. The segment will see one member share a personal monologue detailing their own story, alternating between Ayr and Home Hill residents at each meeting.
He described it as an opportunity to strengthen bonds between members and further connect the Home Hill and Ayr communities.
Liessmann highlighted the social integration of the two Burdekin towns as a key focus of his tenure as president since being sworn in earlier this year, saying significant strides had already been made.
“Having the Burdekin Chamber showing interest in our Chamber meetings has been a big plus,” he said.
“The Burdekin is not big enough to have these separations. We’re much stronger when we unite.”
Liessmann said he was committed to facilitating the Home Hill Chamber’s steady growth in the new year and encouraged anyone interested to attend.
“You don’t have to be in business to attend a meeting—we want as many people as possible to come along, especially more young people and more women,” he said.
“We are the voice of the community, so we want to be as diverse as possible.”
An energetic carolling by the Home Hill Choral Society setting the tone for a night of little structure but valuable connection. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce used its final Social and Networking Event of the year to promote stronger community connection across the Burdekin. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Burdekin Shire Council has extended the nomination period for this year’s Senior Cultural Award and Citizen of the Year until Wednesday, 7 January 2026, allowing the community additional time to honour individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the region.
These honours form part of the council’s longstanding Australia Day Awards program, which has recognised community champions in the Burdekin for over 40 years.
The Citizen of the Year award recognises individuals demonstrating exceptional service to the local community, with 2025 recipient Scott McLean honoured for more than a decade of volunteering with youth at the Rock Solid Boxing Club in Home Hill.
The Senior Cultural Award honours residents aged 60 and over who have made an outstanding contribution to arts, culture, or heritage, with Irene Richards receiving the award in 2024.
Council encourages residents, community groups, and organisations to submit nominations, noting that the awards play an important role in celebrating dedication, service, and commitment that help shape the Burdekin.
“Recognition isn’t just about awards,” a Council spokesperson said. “It’s about honouring those who give their time, skills, and passion to make the Burdekin a better place for everyone.”
For more information about eligibility and to submit nominations, visit: https://bit.ly/AusDay2026_Info or complete the nomination form at: https://bit.ly/AusDay2026_NominationForm.
Council is asking the community to share this opportunity widely to ensure deserving individuals receive the recognition they deserve.
2025 Australia Day Award winners and nominees, on stage celebrating so many achievements in the community. Photo credit: Burdekin Life Newspaper
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