Marking 59th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan At Creek Veterans Retreat On Monday, 18 August, locals, dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Deep Creek Veterans Retreat in Ayr to mark the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. Commencing at 11 am, the annual parade commemorated the 1966 battle in Vietnam—one of the key engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War—honouring past veterans with a wreath-laying service, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and a
Read the full storyBurdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior Ambassador representing CORES QLD, Mia Galbraith, has taken it upon herself to run a Self Love Night to raise awareness for the importance of mental health and valuable funds for the invaluable work of CORES QLD. In the lead up to this weekend’s event, Mia has shared several videos and posts online, detailing how important it is to take care of and prioritise your own personal mental health, featuring BWF Committee members as guests on occasion to encourage
Read the full storyHi Everyone, It’s great to be back and feeling refreshed after a two-week holiday in Italy with my family. We stayed in a tiny village called Radicondoli, about three hours north of Rome, with a population of just 950! Our days were spent poolside, playing card games, and wandering into the village for fresh bread in the mornings and a glass of wine (or two!) in the evenings. It was my second time in Italy—my first visit was in my early twenties—and I’ve fallen in love with the country all ov
Read the full storyBurdekin cane farmers will have the opportunity to contribute in person to an inquiry aimed at growing the industry following the announcement of a public hearing in Townsville. Announced in June, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP urged local growers to embrace the opportunity and provide much needed input. “When the inquiry was announced, a commitment was given to dig deep into a wide range of issues affecting the industry,” Mr Last said. “A thorough investigation is necessary to ensure
Read the full storyHome Hill-Ayr Lions Club hosted the club’s Youth of the Year Final on Monday 25 February. Four talented students from Home Hill High School submitted applications addressing a range of criteria about their academic results, their school and community involvement, and their aspirations for the future.
On Monday afternoon, the judging panel interviewed them separately. This component is worth 70 marks. That night, at a dinner at the Crown Hotel, the judges, teachers, family members and Lions and their guests were treated to some great public speaking by these four individuals.
Before dinner, each student introduced themselves to the audience, and then it was time for the impromptu speaking. Each student had to speak for a maximum of two minutes to each of the two impromptu topics. What would you say if presented with the topic ‘If you could be a fly on the wall, whose wall would it be?' with no time to prepare.
After dinner, students each had the opportunity to deliver a five minute prepared speech to the audience. The speakers covered a diverse range of topics but all spoke passionately and engaged everyone present with their points of view. The speaking component is worth 30 marks in total.
The judges returned with their verdict. Christiana Bugeja was the winner of the speaking component, while Sam Perina was the overall winner.
Sam will travel to the District Finals in Townsville next month to compete against the winners from the rest of the Lions District, which covers a large part of Queensland from Mackay and all clubs to the north and west.
After district finals, there are State Finals and a National Final. We wish Sam success.
judges and for entrants. John McVeigh, Philip Scuderi, Sam Perina, Cruz Torkington, Grace Ogomeni, Christiana Bugeja, Michelle McVeigh
Overall winner Sam Perina being presented by Zone Chait Saraha Wiseman.
Club President, Laurie Land, the four entrants, Sam Perina, Cruz Torkington, Grace Ogomeni and Christiana Bugeja the the Youth of the Year Club coordinator, Tony Gemellaro.
Zone Chair Saraha Wiseman presenting to Christiana Bugeja who won the Public Speaking section.
Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
February was a positive month for prices with growers using the rally to tidy up 2024 season Target and GMPRS pricing.
Additionally, with 2025 season prices breaking through $650/t, there has been increased scale up selling from Target price growers. There is, however, still plenty of 2025 pricing to go with only about 25 per cent of Target prices locked in at this point.
The rally has also allowed our 2024 season pools to be forecasting higher returns. We have incrementally locked in prices on the rising market to ensure any potential correction will have less impact on final returns for the 2024 season. Likewise, we have initiated hedging on the #11 sugar contract to put a floor under a portion of the new Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season.
This initial positioning combined with some sub 62 cent currency is providing a good foundation for that pool return. However, there is still a long way to go for 2025 season pool valuations to be finalised. With the focus on 2025 season and beyond, let’s have a quick review of the current outlook.
Most analysts are currently forecasting a small production surplus (Wilmar 3.5m tonnes) for the 2025-26 season based on a large Brazilian and Indian crop. Brazilian forecasts are starting to be scaled back as continued dry weather through February downgrade yield expectations. On the flip side, Indian forecasts are being maintained as high domestic prices encourage crop expansion and a very good monsoon filled storage and moisture profiles.
Nominations for our 2025 season GMPRS pricing mechanism are now open. This remains a popular choice among Target price growers due the flexibility of being able to price all GEI sugar exposure – excluding the US quota proportion – from mid-May in each season. Typically, growers are cautious about pricing too much of the final proportion early in the season as price risk is replaced with production shortfall risk.
During March we will be holding a series of shed meetings to update growers with the latest analysis from Wilmar on the outlook for 2025 season and beyond. Get in touch with your local Wilmar Grower Marketing consultant to find your closest meeting.
Prices rallied in February, providing an opportunity for growers to tidy up 2024 season GMPRS and Target pricing
Almost $600,000 had been committed to help state schools in the Burdekin turn the tide on poor behaviour according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.
The funding, which is in addition to existing funding, will allow schools to tailor solutions focussed on tackling poor behaviour and lifting education outcomes.
“This funding is not only about making our schools safer to help improve attendance rates and education standards, it is also about backing our local principals and teachers,” Mr Last said.
“No one knows better when it comes to outcomes for students than the staff of the school they attend, so we are giving those staff the autonomy to tailor the best decisions.”
“Some schools may need additional staff while others may choose to provide existing staff with mentoring, specialist resources or training. Either way, the focus is on ensuring that students and staff feel safe in the classroom.”
“We know that each child is different when it comes to the best way for them to learn. The reality is that there is also a wide variety of ways to manage behaviour and that a “one size fits all” model would not achieve the outcomes our teachers and students deserve.”
Mr Last said the investment of $44 Million statewide was proof that the concerns of parents and teachers had been heard and an illustration of the state government’s commitment to future generations.
“This additional funding really is an investment in the future because it is focussed on both short and long-term goals,” he said. “We all know that what a student achieves at school can have a huge impact on their future so better outcomes today can also mean better outcomes for those students throughout their life.”
“You don’t achieve those outcomes by focussing only on students or only on teachers and that is why addressing an issue that is affecting both teachers and students was a priority for the government. Students weren’t achieving their full potential and dedicated teachers were walking away from the profession and neither of those results is acceptable.”
“Teaching is a profession that should be celebrated, and our teachers should be leaving at the end of the day feeling respected, not frightened or frustrated. If we don’t back our teachers, we run the risk of losing the positive impacts that dedicated teachers have on students and that is a terrible outcome for our community.”
“I believe that, by giving local principals autonomy, we are sending a clear signal that this government trusts local staff to make the right decisions to deliver the best results for local students. We’ve already reduced red tape for teachers and this investment is about addressing their safety concerns so that teachers can do what they excel at; helping our younger generation achieve their full potential.”
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, believes funding to turn tide on poor behaviour will benefit students and teachers. Photo: Supplied.
I attended the Industry Breakfast on 26th February with my fellow Councillors. It was a very interesting breakfast. Mick Theobold from Rio Tinto came along and gave a very interesting talk about the Pongamia Farms project.
Rio Tinto are developing seed farms in Australia as part of a new biofuels project. They have partnered with Midway Limited to oversee the planting and management of the Pongamia seed farms in the Townsville and Burdekin areas.
I also attended the launch of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival at the Burdekin Theatre. The festival will take place over two days from Friday 30 May to Saturday 31 May, including the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring the First Fire. It will be a great event not to be missed.
Also Rates are due on or before Monday 10th March. Please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800, if you did not receive your notice and need to obtain a copy. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your Rate Notice and need to organise a payment plan please contact the lovely staff at Customer Service for assistance in helping you set this up.
I would also like to mention Sweet FM will be celebrating their 25 year reunion. They have lots of celebrations happening. On the 5th April from 8am to 1pm they are having an open day at 97.1 Sweet FM, 134-136 Eighth Avenue Home Hill. There will be tours of the facility, interviews with past and present presenters, and market stalls. From 6pm until late they will be having a Reunion Dinner at the Masonic Hall, 120 MacMillan Street Ayr. Tickets will be $50 per person should you wish to attend.
Emergency Relief Program
BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues.
The Service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of:
Journey Coordinator – support for community members and provision of more timely mental health care and coordinated support.
Front Door service – information and support regarding mental health, alcohol and other drugs, social support services
MyndKind services are delivered from the BCA Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, 12a Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph 4783 2711. Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Operating hours: 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Burdekin Shire Council hosted its first Industry Breakfast for 2025 on Wednesday 26 February at the Burdekin Theatre. With a receptive and large crowd who all turned up for the 7am start, they got to hear some great talks all while having a warm cooked breakfast.
Providing local businesses with key insights into emerging opportunities and developments in the region, the breakfast brought together industry leaders and business representatives for a morning of networking and knowledge-sharing.
Mick Theobold, Project Lead at Midway Ltd, gave a fascinating talk about their Pongamia Farms project where they’re working alongside Rio Tinto to help develop the seed farms in Australia, which is part of a new biofuels project. This project holds significant potential for regional economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Emma Peters was next to the lectern, bringing her energy and humour to keep those in attendance entertained. As Head of Engagement at Local Buy, she provided insights into how local businesses can become suppliers through Local Buy’s procurement framework.
Her presentation highlighted opportunities for businesses to engage with government contracts and expand their market reach.
Last to speak was Charlie Scuderi, Station Manager of Sweet FM, who discussed how businesses can advertise and support the station with Sweet FM playing a vital role in keeping the community informed.
With plenty of food and drinks (hot or cold), and insights, the morning once again proved popular.
CANEGROWERS has written to the Federal Government, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the disaster recovery grant threshold to at least $75,000 for primary producers impacted by the recent flooding in north Queensland.
It has been more than two weeks since the government announced recovery assistance packages of up to $25,000 for affected growers.
While growers are grateful for the swift response and the inclusion of replant costs in recovery grants, reports from the ground make it clear that $25,000 is simply not enough to support the worst-affected farming businesses, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
"Growers appreciate the rapid response from both state and federal governments in announcing assistance following these devastating floods. However, as primary producers assess the damage, it’s evident that $25,000 barely scratches the surface for some of the hardest-hit farming businesses,” Mr Galligan said.
"The reality is the cost of recovery has risen dramatically. Prices for goods and services have soared over recent years, and primary producers are facing these higher costs as they work to rebuild their businesses. The level of support must reflect today’s economic conditions.
"We have written to the Prime Minister, urging the Federal Government to act as, we understand the Queensland Government has requested."
Beyond immediate relief, CANEGROWERS is calling for the following actions to help modernise disaster funding:
Updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm ownership, including those with off-farm income.
Ensuring grants are sufficient by indexing them to match rising recovery costs.
Improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods.
Establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.
"These aren’t just feel-good reforms – they are essential for keeping farms, communities, and industries viable after disasters," Mr Galligan said.
“CANEGROWERS, along with our partners at Queensland Farmers’ Federation and other commodity groups, will keep working with the state and federal governments to modernise how we approach disaster recovery.
“But in the meantime, it’s vital the grant threshold is increased. Farmers need this support now so they can get back to growing Australia’s food and fibre."
Photos supplied: CANEGROWERS
Recently a beautiful and rare china tea set, which depicts the Ayr Council Chambers and the Ayr Post Office, made its way to a local radio station. The station is calling on any Burdekin historians or those who might be familiar with the family that donated them, to come forward and help solve a mystery.
“They were sent to Pat Lawson via Victor Cecchin. The Cecchin's had a service station back in the day before they sold it to Romeo motors. After that, I believe it was demolished to become Woolworths,” says Station Manager, Charlie Scuderi.
“These people now live in Sydney, and sent these pieces back up here because this is where they belong. The family doesn't have any emotional connection to them, and that's all we know.”
The fine tea set has now returned “home” to the Burdekin, but it has come with no clues, no answers. Sweet FM is hoping someone in the community can provide more information or context about the tea set as to their history.
“We're looking for somebody who might know the story behind them, such as where they came out, when they came from, and why.”
“Was it an anniversary for a 50 year celebration? Was it something the family had commissioned? If you know please help us,” Charlie pleads.
Two pieces depict the council chambers, the rest depict Ayr post office.
If you can solve the mystery behind this decorative commemorative china tea set, get in touch with Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.
The beautiful fine china tea set. Can you solve the mystery? Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
Thankfully, Cyclone Alfred has slowly moved on from the Burdekin, though it continues to tease the Queensland coast. While we’ve had significant rainfall, it’s amazing how quickly life has returned to normal. In true Burdekin fashion, our farmers are already back to watering their crops - just another example of the adaptability of our community.This week, we also celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and the ongoing journey toward equality.Did you know that Australian women gained the right to vote in the Federal elections in 1902? This made Australia the second nation in the world to grant women this fundamental right. 123 years later, we’ve made incredible progress.This week let’s celebrate the achievements of the women in our lives and continue to support a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
The Centre is excited to introduce Maddy Darley, who is our new Community Development Officer. Maddy has hit the ground running and is heading up our new community project: Charge Up!
Charge Up! has received funding from the Queensland Government through the Enable Grants Program. This project is a collaboration involving QCOSS (Queensland Council of Social Service), NCQ (Neighbourhood Centres Queensland), and various Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.
Charge Up! aims to help households understand their energy use and support community services in reaching Queensland’s families. Many households struggle with energy costs and navigating the complex energy system, making access to clear information challenging.
The project's goal is to empower families to better understand their energy consumption and connect them with resources for assistance. We are looking for 8-10 local families to connect with Maddy for the Charge Up! project. Together, participants will explore their energy use, identify ways to enhance energy efficiency at home, and gain insights into the energy system.
Additionally, Maddy will facilitate community chats where everyone can access Charge Up! resources and learn more about energy management.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the Centre!
Regional Queensland, Australia – Songs from the Reef are extending applications until March 10. This exciting community songwriting program is for emerging songwriters living along Queensland’s stunning reef, from Townsville to Mackay.
Regional Queensland music makers will take their creativity to new heights with mentorship, community, and a chance to perform at QLD Music Trails – The Reef. Starting in April, 20 songwriters will join a 10-week online program with I Heart Songwriting Club, to sharpen their skills, receive expert mentorship, and write up to 200 songs.
The journey will come to life at QLD Music Trails – The Reef, where participants will showcase their talent at The Reef Sundowner fireside jam in Proserpine on June 12, 2025.
“Queensland’s coast has recently faced some rough weather and the community has been focused on ensuring their homes and families are safe. Songs from the Reef is a relief from that – something fun, uplifting and soul-filling – and we want to ensure that people have a chance to participate,” says founder of I Heart Songwriting Club, Francesca de Valence.
I Heart Songwriting Club is a Queensland business that has empowered over 1,500 members across 30 countries to create over 30,000 songs through its various online programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. They are dedicated to fostering a global songwriting community, promoting artist development, and facilitating connections between songwriters and the music industry.
Songs from the Reef is produced, developed and presented by I Heart Songwriting Club and supported by QMF and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Expressions of Interest for Songs from the Reef are extended till March 10, 2025. For more information, visit I Heart Songwriting Club’s website.
When Lui Populin and his brother, Peter, who were second generation cane farmers developed the Populin Automatic Cane Planter, it forever changed the cane industry worldwide. Fast forward some 50 years, and their popular invention is now on display at the Lions Diorama in Home Hill, to commemorate this once revolutionary machine.
“We had an ordinary planter with a chute, where we would sit at the back and the bin was in the front and we'd get the billets and throw them down like that. I said, there's got to be a better way to do this. And so we had the massive Ferguson Harvester. And I said, if the elevator can carry the cane up, it should be able to carry it down. And that's how it started,” Lui Populin says.
The planter was later sold to contractors and by the time the 80s rolled around, it would eventually be replaced by more efficient machinery. However, there’s no denying, the Populin Automatic Cane Planter made its mark.
“It’s the only one that’s been invented here in Australia in the world and it comes from the Burdekin,” Lui states.
“Lyn McLaughlin who was the mayor at the time, she was friends with me and played netball with my wife. She said to me, ‘Why don’t you put the damn thing on display near the bridge. We’ll put it there for you.’ And so we have.”
Recently it was donated back to Lui, by Nicky Pitiris and Robert Stockdale, who had no qualms donating the planter so that it can be displayed and share its rightful place in cane farming history.
“We used it right up until about the mid 80s. Then it was in the shed for about 20-30 years, which helped preserve it before Lui said he’d buy it off us. I saw Nicky and we just said we’d give it to him. And now here it is on display,” Robert Stockdale says.
The planter's impact on the industry and its innovative design at the time, cannot be underestimated. Check out its new home at the Lions Home Hill Diorama, which highlights its importance to the industry and the region, while providing an historical background.
The industry changing, Populin Automatic Cane Planter. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Caption 2: L-R: Michael Populin (son of Peter), Lui Populin, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Nicky Pitiris and Robert Stockdale who donated it.
It has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor, especially in regional Queensland under this failing Labor government.
Many GP’s are moving away from bulk billing because the Medicare Rebate is too low. This has resulted in more patients being charged out-of-pocket fees thanks to the Albanese Government.
“Medicare bulk billing rates have dropped by 11 percent and the average out of pocket cost to see a Doctor has skyrocketed by 45 percent which is simply not good enough.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.
“An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest an historic $9 billion into Medicare to fix Labor’s healthcare crisis.”
“This investment builds on the $500 million commitment already announced by the Coalition to restore critical Medicare funding for mental health support, after it was slashed in half by the Albanese Government.”
“The Coalition welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to finally listen to our calls to address the health workforce crisis with a comprehensive package of training measures.”
“It has been no surprise that the Coalition has led the way with our $400 million plan to grow a strong pipeline of GP’s, which will provide junior doctors who choose to train as a GP in the community with financial incentives, assistance with leave entitlements and training support.”
“I have seen first hand medical centres being forced to close such as the centre in Bowen because of a major doctor shortages, resulting in patients having to travel long distances to find another GP.”
“I have visited Murroona Gardens Aged Care facility on a number of occasions and they simply don’t have access to doctors due to these shortages, to care for residents.”
“The Coalition has a strong record on health and we have a plan go get Australia back on track and fix Labor’s healthcare mess.”
Federal MP, Andrew Willcox discusses health with GP. Photo: Supplied
Andrew Willcox meets with a GP. Photo: Supplied
Burdekin Life newspaper journalist and celebrated author, Mark T. Rasmussen, wowed a packed Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday at the Home Hill Community Sporting Club, as he discussed his award-winning novel, The Journey, and his own life story.
The first meeting of the year for the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce proved to be a popular one, with the full house of attendees treated to a special night to hear about Mark’s novel, his writing, as well as his own journey, which included hearing highlights of his many adventurous travels.
During the night, Mark mentioned that he had visited about 60 countries across six continents, while living in eight major cities around the world: Melbourne, London; Edinburgh; Auckland; Rio de Janeiro; Sydney; L.A; and Toronto, with Rio his favourite.
The audience got to listen in to Mark’s writing process, where he discussed the National Novel Writing Month challenge he undertook in late 2016, which resulted in the 50,000 first draft for his novel, as well as hearing some of his more personal stories.
At the end of his vibrant, honest, and captivating talk, several of the audience waited in line as Mark wrote personal inscriptions for each before selling-out of his popular book on the night.
“Being new-ish here, I never expected such a showing let alone the support I did. It was an honour to speak, and to sell out of my books was an unexpected bonus,” an excited Mark said.
“Huge thanks to Rob Antoniazzi, and the rest of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce for inviting me. I had fun,” Mark proclaimed.
Award-winning author (and Burdekin Life journalist), Mark T. Rasmussen, stands with his novel The Journey and book poster, after enrapturing a full house of attendees. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
The team and I at BCA have been busy helping the community and council with the initial disaster management response and community recovery, due to the recent Monsoonal Trough. Please see information below regarding the Community Recovery Hubs currently open.
Community Recovery Hub Burdekin
Activated locations: entire LGA
If you are suffering hardship or require emotional support as a result of the North and Far North Tropical Low event, help is available. You may be eligible for financial or other assistance to help you get back on your feet.
People are encouraged to apply for financial assistance grants online at www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Community Recovery hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship, unable to apply online or over the phone, or needing emotional or wellbeing support can visit for assistance.
Emotional support
If you’re impacted by the severe weather and are experiencing emotional stress, the dedicated Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline is available.
Confidentially speak to a qualified disaster counsellor on 1800 116 671 for help. Available 24 hours.
Stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out for support during this challenging time.
Community Support Services
The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) is here to serve and providing community support services as always.
For Community, Health and Wellbeing Services, information or support please contact our Team:
The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744
Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, 12A Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 2711
Email: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Website: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bca1975
Visit a Community Recovery Pop-up Hub
Community Recovery Pop-up Hubs are available to provide support, including assistance with grant applications and emotional well-being services.
Home Hill Community Recovery Pop-up Hub
📍Location: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 98 Edwards Street, Ayr
📅Dates: Daily until Friday 28 February 2025
⏰Operating Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm
For more information on available assistance and eligibility, please visit the Queensland Government's disaster recovery page: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/nq-monsoon-trough-january-2025#hub