On Sunday, December 1 in Ayr, and Monday December 2 at Home Hill, the lighting of two beautiful Christmas trees took centre stage for the Burdekin community with good sized audiences in attendance, to witness it.

Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort, had the honour of flicking the switch for each tree after the crowds counted down from ten to one with her.

Both trees lit up the night skies, despite the prospects of rain, with Sunday’s event held at the Burdekin Theatre forecourt in Ayr, and the Comfort Stop, Home Hill respectively.

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Council and dignitaries turn on christmas lights. L-R: Cr Musumeci, Cr Oar, Mayor Dalle Cort, Santa, Cr Vasta, Cr Hall, CEO Matthew Magin

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Hi Everyone,

You may have noticed a new man around town lately – Mark Rasmussen has joined the team as our journalist and, since he started last week, he has certainly been busy!

As many of you will know by now, Miah has sadly left the company, opting to pursue different career options, and we wish her well with her future endeavours.

In a couple of weeks’ time, we will also be welcoming Chelsea Ravizza back to town. She has been working remotely from Brisbane as our journalist across three of our newspapers for a long time, but as many of you will know, she is originally from the Burdekin.

Now that she has completed her studies she will return to the region for a few months before she departs once again to travel the world.

We look forward to having both Mark and Chelsea, as well as our Sales Manager Trish, working on the ground and attending many events over the next few months and beyond.

In other news, I will be presenting at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Meeting next week, I hope to see you there and look forward to chatting with everyone.

If you have any questions about the newspaper, please make sure you come along!

This evening I am on my way to Ingham for the official launch of Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper and we are honoured to have Premier David Crisafulli attending.

David is from Ingham originally and started his career as a cadet journalist for the Herbert River Express.

We have been very lucky with these two details which are undoubtedly the main reasons he accepted the invitation.

This is a big moment for our team, and for all regional newspapers in Queensland as the Premier is shining a spotlight on our industry.

I am very grateful to be part of it all and to serve all regional communities with free local newspapers, it’s a real honour.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it” (George Bernard Shaw)

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On Thursday 21 November, Paula, Henry and the pioneers behind the Jean Morris fundraising efforts were blown away and left with tears of gratitude by not one, but two extraordinarily generous acts of kindness.

A newly illustrated portrait of Jean Morris created by Trevor Neal of Whitsunday Monuments has encouraged plenty of public attention over the past week, not just online. A regular day at Paula’s salon saw two walk-in donations, one of $200 and another $1000, leaving Paula overcome with gratitude.

“The lady stood at my counter, asked how much more money we needed for the headstone, reached inside her pocket and handed me a roll of $50 notes amounting to $1000, and I just started to cry,” explained Paula.

Both Paula and Henry have been fundraising to honour the 1932 Ayr murder victim for just over sixteen months, personally adding to total themselves along with the generosity of the local and surrounding community.

“We have had some wonderful donations from businesses around the town – Torrie Davies, Burdekin Concreting, Mark Hudson Engineering, and Whitsundays Memorials have all been nothing but exceptional with their time, help and pricing towards our project.”

Find our other article in community news to read more about the community fundraiser and the history of Jean Morris.

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Opinion Piece.

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Having seen the impact years of youth crime has held over North Queensland communities, Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP says the Crisafulli Government’s introduction of the Making Queensland Safer Bill sends a clear message to victims of crime that they had been heard and their safety was a priority.
The Bill includes the legislating of Adult Crime, Adult Time and delivers on a key commitment to Queenslanders to restore community safety and turn the tide on the youth crime crisis right across North Queensland.
Under the proposed laws, the Youth Justice Act 1992 would be amended so young offenders committing particular crimes would be subject to the same penalties as adults. The tough provisions contained in the Bill complement plans for Early Intervention, crime prevention and effective rehabilitation to ensure fewer Queenslanders fall victim to crime.
Mr Last said community consultation on the Bill had begun this week with the committee travelling to communities that had long been considered epicentres for the state’s youth crime crisis.
“This Bill sends a clear message to victims of crime that they have been heard and that their rights to feel safe in their own homes matter,” Mr Last said.
“It also sends a clear message to young offenders that if they choose to commit serious offences, then the courts have the powers to impose the appropriate penalties to meet our communities’ expectations.
“I’m proud to be a part of a government that has taken the concerns raised by locals seriously and has prioritised the safety of people in our region,”
Mr Last said for years, victims of crime had been left feeling helpless and frustrated in the face of surging youth crime in their community.
“Time and time again I heard from victims who had been left physically scarred, emotionally traumatised and financially burdened by young offenders and I know just how much it will mean to those people to know that their rights are put first and that their voices have been heard by this government.”
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Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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On Sunday, December 1, Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort, flicked the switch to light up Ayr’s Christmas tree for the very first time, now at its new location in the forecourt of the Burdekin Theatre.

With a countdown from 10-1 by all those in attendance, the night was a good success despite the heavy rain earlier in the day that threatened to take the shine off the event. Thankfully, it held off long enough during the official tree lighting ceremony, which allowed people to get along and support the night and show their Christmas cheer, with many in Christmas themed colours and outfits.

Santa Claus was also in attendance on the night, having plenty of photos taken with kids (big and small), inside the theatre foyer. There was also a competition for guessing the number of lights, with the winners to be drawn at a later date.

Be sure to go see the beautiful Ayr Christmas tree, located in the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt, at 161 Queen Street.

Santa and two kids at the Burdekin Theatre. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
The line to see Santa stretched the entire length of the foyer. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
The Burdekin Theatre forecourt and the crowd. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Santa with the Deputy Mayor and his wife.  Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Left to right, Cr Musumeci, Cr Oar, Mayor Dalle Dort, Cr Vasta, Santa, Cr Hall, CEO, Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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On Monday, December 2, Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort, lit up Home Hill with the flick of a switch that turned on Home Hill's Christmas tree for the very first time, at its cosy Comfort Stop location.

With the help of a great crowd attendance, Mayor Dalle Cort led a countdown from 10-1 before the lights flicked on and sparkled into action, much to the approval of the many people that turned out, and even a few truck drivers who drove past at the time honking their horns.

Despite the prospects of rain, it held off for this year’s Christmas tree lighting event to occur. Many people attended and supported the night by showing their Christmas cheer, with some even in costume or Christmas themed colours and outfits.

Santa Claus also made a surprise attendance on the evening, having plenty of photos taken with kids (big and small), by the tree once it was lit up. There was also a competition for guessing the number of lights, with the winners to be drawn at a later date.

Get along and check out the beautiful Home Hill Christmas tree, located at the Comfort Stop, on the Bruce Highway (next to Queensland Country Bank)

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Desley Musumeci, Shire Council CEO Matthew Magin, Shannon Musumeci, Alfie Musumeci. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Tracey & Peter Walker with their son, Austiin who dressed up as mini Santa. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Lord Mayor Dalle Cort and Santa. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Left to right, Cr Hall, Mayor Dalle Dort, Santa, Cr Musumeci, Cr Vasta, CEO, Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Santa with big and small kids. Photo Credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

The Home Hill tree all lit up for 2024. Photo Credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Faith Luke has recently celebrated the conclusion of her secondary schooling with pride after graduating from Burdekin Christian College with flying colours as the 2024 Valedictorian.

Over the course of her schooling, Faith exhibited an unwavering commitment to her academics, undertaking subjects including mathematical methods, English, biology, physics, and chemistry, whilst balancing a world of extra-curricular activities, including dancing a plethora of styles offered at Rhythm Edge Dance Studios - often for over fourteen hours each week.

Faith’s work ethic not only allowed her to soar academically but allowed her to achieve countless dance awards and certifications, leading her to become an assistant dance teacher for both beginner and primary students, all whilst dedicating time to her studies.

In the interest of advancing her productivity and results, Faith allowed herself to absorb the advice and guidance of those around her to develop effective study techniques like keeping a detailed study folder with pages for each topic, cards to highlight key terms and practicing repetition.

“Creating a page after each topic you learn in class and adding it to your folder quickly provides you with a great end of year study tool for exams, and the repetition of writing the notes out in an aesthetic manner makes it easier to remember, and easily follow the content,” explained Faith.

As crunch time rolled around, Faith kept committed to her study routines despite the rising pressures of exams, and still managed to find time to attend her regular dance classes to allow her brain a break.

“I was studying each subject in class, and when I had completed an exam, I would use that period to study for my next upcoming exam and I would use the past exams to highlight what my strengths and weaknesses were to identify what I was needing to spend more time revising on,” Faith added.

Faith believes her success also stands as a reflection of the people around her and cannot thank her parents enough for their continued support along with her principal, Debra Creed, teacher Miss Diamond, and dance teachers Jaynai, Lucy and Natasha for providing her with plenty of opportunities and guidance. However, above all else, Faith maintained focus on the success at the end of the tunnel, and in doing so, she has recently completed and submitted her application for the Royal Australian Air Force where she plans to study electrical engineering in 2025 at the ADFA in Canberra.

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“There are going to be times where you feel like giving up, but it will all be worth it in the end, so keep on pushing, and always keep the end goal in sight.”

Faith Luke graduated as Burdekin Christian College’s 2024 Valedictorian in early November, and plans pursue an ADFA career in Canberra in 2025. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin Sports Fishing Club, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and they’re having a special get together to mark the milestone, with former and current members asked to come along.

The club, first founded in 1974, has around 30-40 active members, with Simone Sutcliffe (club treasurer), and her husband Russell (club president), along with the Richard Berryman (club secretary), doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Notable achievements include Russell holding the Queensland, and Australian, record for a queenfish.

Simone, who’s been at the club for 15 years, joined the Burdekin Sports Fishing Club when she first met her husband, Russell.

Members meet up each month, where they each host a weekend fishing trip, which is followed by a barbecue and weigh-in to see which members reeled in the biggest fish.

“Once a month a member picks a weekend out of the month they want to host. We then usually fish from late Friday evening through to Sunday, before then going for a barbecue and a weigh-in at a club members house,” Simone says.

Common catches include barramundi, mangrove jacks, flatheads, trevally, and occasionally reef species like Spanish mackerel.

Emphasising their longevity in celebrating 50 years, The Burdekin Sports Fishing Club has even been involved running inter-club competitions. With a strong sense of community, many long-term friendships have been formed as a result outside of club weekends. They also having a lot of expert knowledge on great fishing spots, which is beneficial for new members, who they encourage to reach out.

“Get in touch with myself, Russell, or someone from the club and come along and meet us. We’re a very social, fun group. We don't take it over overly serious,” Simone laughs.

To RSVP for their 50th celebration event, contact Simone: 0457-974-999

What: Club 50th Anniversary
When: December 14, from 6pm
Where: 5, 18th Avenue, Home Hill (Ron & Judy Berryman’s)

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Burdekin Sports Fishing Club, with Russell and Simone in the middle. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Last Wednesday at 7am, November 27, at the Burdekin Theatre, the Burdekin Shire Council hosted their popular Industry Breakfast. Speaking this month was Jet Zero Australia’s managing director, Ed Mason, Industrial Manager, Adam Douglas, new Burdekin Shire Council CEO, Matthew Magin; and an update from The Home Hill Chamber.

Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort opened the breakfast speeches before inviting keynote speaker, Ed Mason to speak. Mason, spruiked the benefits of Jet Zero Australia’s aviation industry leading sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with many attendees captivated by the innovation of the bio-fuel company founded in 2021 and based in North Queensland.

The project called ‘Project Ulysses’ takes surplus bioethanol, produced from agricultural by-products and converts it into clean, low carbon SAF. With support from Qantas, the Queensland government, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Jet Zero’s future looks bright.

Industrial Manager, Adam Douglas also stepped up to the podium to share his insights and how he believes it can greatly benefit the region.

Newly appointed Burdekin Shire Council CEO, Matthew Magin, shared his vision and outlined key initiatives and priorities for Council, which is aimed at driving both economic development and community growth.

Home Hill Chamber President, David Jackson, stepped up and discussed matters from the Chamber, sharing latest news and insights before Mayor Dalle Cort wrapped up the highly attended breakfast.

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left to right: Adam Douglas, Ed Mason, Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort, Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Adam Douglas answering a question with and Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Burdekin Shire Council CEO, Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Jet Zero Australia’s managing director, Ed Mason

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On Saturday 30 November, Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins and Campbell Johnston were joined by a few of their close friends and family as they completed the final kilometres as part of their 540km total, officially concluding their mammoth 2024 Three Blokes Running efforts.
“It was a pretty good feeling to see how proud mum, dad, my brother, and my girlfriend were to see me cross that finish line, and to know we can have a rest now feels pretty good too,” said Campbell.
“The reason we’re doing this hits close to home for me and a lot of people we know and after getting through this mentally and physically challenging month running 180kms each, it feels like we’ve made a bit of a change.”
At the beginning of November, Austin, Brayden and Campbell set out to run 180km each to raise both funds and awareness for men’s mental health, echoing the message, “it ain’t weak to speak” across the Burdekin, and beyond.
With the overwhelming and outstanding support of many local businesses and the wider community, the boys were broadcasted across the state with news channels sharing their story, opening the door to a world of praise and words of encouragement.
“To look at the month that has gone by, all the money that we have raised, and the conversations we’ve had, it’s pretty amazing,” added Austin.
Beginning with a humble $540 goal on Friday 1 November, the boys have now raised well over $14,000 in both online donations to their Movember fundraising page, and within the community following last weekend’s Three Blokes Running event.
However, above all else, Austin, Brayden and Campbell reflect on the message they have spread, and how their efforts have prompted others to share their own mental health struggles and experiences to seek support.
“I’m glad to be finished with the running, but meeting new people, the difference we were making and the experience of it all was the highlight,” shared Brayden.
“We’d like to share a huge thank you to everyone who donated or sent us a message of support as it all really motivated us to keep going, and we plan to go bigger and better for next year.”

Austin, Brayden and Campbell ran 540km over the month of November, raising over $14,000 to support men’s mental health.

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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre held their AGM on Wednesday night which I attended. It was good to see such a big turn-out. The Centre offers some great classes ranging from Exercise, Crochet, Mental Health, Parkinson Support Group, Cooking, Bereavement Counselling, Dementia Support, and free Legal Advice plus many more please support this Centre.      
I attended the Burdekin Industry Breakfast on Wednesday 27th November at the Burdekin Theatre. It was a very interesting morning listening to Representatives from Jet Zero Australia North Queensland biofuel Pioneers discuss their aim to develop Australia’s first sustainable Aviation Fuel Alcohol to jet Fuel in Townsville. It was a very informative presentation.
I would also like to comment on the Staff at the Burdekin Shire Council who do not get the thanks that they deserve. From the counter staff front line to behind the scenes in all other departments they all do a great job and help keep the Council functioning and keeping the town running from the water to sewerage to garbage and all other services we take for granted.    
I am looking forward to attending the Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols on Sunday 8th December starting at 5:30pm.  It’s a great way to get family and friends together and be involved in the Christmas spirit, be sure to go over and see the new Christmas trees in Home Hill and Ayr and capture many happy memories to cherish for years to come.
As this is my last column for the year, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Over the last fortnight, I have had the privilege of attending two significant events that underscore the strength of our local community and the vital connections that shape our future. The Industry Breakfast was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local leaders, businesses and community stakeholders.
On Monday morning, I attended the Port Authority Breakfast, a special event marking the 160th anniversary of our Port. This milestone is a testament to the crucial role the Port has played in our region’s history and its ongoing contribution to our local economy
These events show how important it is for industry leaders, businesses and our community to work together and stay connected.
We have also the pleasure of attending the beautiful tree lighting ceremonies, marking the beginning of the festive season here in the Burdekin. It was fantastic to see so many of you come together to celebrate the magic of Christmas, and I’m proud to be part of such a vibrant and united community. The new modern trees look fantastic and have brought our Christmas decorations into the 21st century.
Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about the Christmas Carols event this Sunday. I can't wait to see everyone come together once again to enjoy the music, the festivities and the sense of community that makes this time of year so special. Whether you're singing along, sharing in the joy, or just soaking in the atmosphere, I’m sure it will be a memorable occasion for all.
A friendly reminder that the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal is still accepting donations until Wednesday 11 December. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already generously contributed items.
Wishing you all a wonderful lead-up to Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for Christmas Carols at the new location, Watson’s Green Home Hill.
Stay safe and take care of yourself. 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.

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Angelo Licciardello, QCAR Burdekin District Manager

The last two weeks has been a very interrupted period of harvesting and crushing.
The first lot of rain that began on November 20 played the major part to the initial disruption; then with some planned cleaning and stoppages from chokes, the output of factories was greatly reduced.
The rain over the weekend has really highlighted the dramatic affects a late start and a late finish have on a district that so heavily relies on the sugar crop.
Urgent attention to address this in the future must be at the forefront of all our mindsets.
Standover cane is now a real possibility with ratoons unable to be harvested to achieve maximum growth, fallow blocks not getting the attention they require, and the opportunity to plant legume crops rendered almost impossible.
Addressing the resulting reduced incomes that affects families and businesses across the Burdekin district is a worthwhile exercise for us to undertake.
We must get back to a Melbourne Cup finish and celebrate the Home Hill Harvest Festival as it was meant to be!
Week 23
The first week I travelled to the Whitsundays to attend a meet and greet with our Proserpine members.
It is always time well spent engaging with growers in other regions and discussing their concerns and issues as well as their successes. The common themes to emerge at present are growers want to improve their yields, look after their soil, control cane grubs, and of course, the reliability of mills across all regions is a major concern.  
QCAR Connection
   • LBW/ARC linkage water project update
   • GRDC – grains research update
   • JET ZERO – sustainable aviation fuel
   • Farmacist – farm walk, mungbean trials

Upcoming Events
   • BBIFMAC AGM/DAF presentation
   • Sunwater CAC meeting/update
   • Regional water assessment (DRDMW)
Angelo’s Agronomic Tip
Choose the right cover crop for you!!
It’s been proven over many years that legume breaks better balance biology, control root pathogens, biologically fix nitrogen, and improve cane yield and growth.
Topsoil is the farmer’s capital. Sustaining means sustaining the soil resource. Maintaining ground cover in the form of cover crops, mulch or crop residue for as much of the season as possible will help achieve this goal.
Milling Stat
The biggest week of the 2024 season was the week ending September 21 with 395,611 tonnes crushed.
Interestingly in the 2022 season we went over 400,000 tonnes on three occasions.
For more information about QCAR, phone Angelo on 0437 401 837 or email angelo.licciardello@qcar.org.au

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello attended a Farmacist trip to Paul Villis’ farm in Ayr where they are trialling spring-grown mung bean crops. Angelo is pictured with QCAR member/growers Ross Parker, Damon Hesp, and Kelsey Hesp

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello was impressed to see the winter/spring crop of Kuranda soybean soon ready to harvest on the Brandon farm belonging to QCAR Board Chairman Christian Lago

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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As we move into December and the much-anticipated drop off in the Brazilian 2024 crush, the ICE #11 contract continues to trade in shallow downtrend pattern.
The recent UNICA report covering the first half of November crush finally saw the season to date numbers drop below last year’s record cumulative total. The data was roughly in line with expectations and the consensus for total Brazilian sugar out is narrowing into the mid to high 39 million tonne range.
Given the specs’ lack of conviction on pushing the market up or down due to trade resistance on either side, the futures price continues to zig zag sideways. At some point the market will break out of this pattern but we may have to wait a bit longer to get a decisive move.
India has received some focus in the near term with both this year and next in the frame. For the 2024 crush, which is getting under way, the latest Wilmar forecast has been revised down to 26.7M tonnes. This is primarily due to a poor monsoon in 2023 limiting national planting along with recent flooding and disease in Uttar Pradesh.
We remain of the view that India will not be a player in global trade for the immediate future as ethanol production absorbs future sugar juice production. Low sugar stocks this season will build slightly next year thanks to a very good 2024 monsoon, replenishing reservoirs and allowing more widespread planting of cane, which remains a highly viable crop for growers. If the 25/26 crop is as large as expected, India may resume an export campaign in late 2025 to early 2026.
The Thai crop has enjoyed a good growing season and is expected to produce a large crop of 11M tonnes of sugar this year. For the raw sugar market, the expectation is that exports will remain limited as local refining and liquid sugar exports into China absorb the majority of raw sugar consumption.
Overall, the anticipated move higher for sugar futures in the first quarter of next year remains a possibility. The longer-term outlook for the #11 contract looks less encouraging on an anticipated large Indian crop for 25/26 season.

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#11 March 25 Futures Contract (USc/lb) – Daily price movement over the last six months.
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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
91,470
2,830,710
Pioneer
43,063
1,348,788
Kalamia
37,250
1,482,456
Inkerman
68,366
1,693,908
Burdekin
240,149
7,355,862
CCS
Invicta
12.74
14.34
Pioneer
13.16
14.31
Kalamia
11.82
13.82
Inkerman
13.37
14.09
Burdekin
12.85
14.18
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
50%
13.29
Q232
7%
12.06
KQ228
23%
12.42
Q183
7%
14.05
Q208
9%
12.82
WSRA17
2%
11.86
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 240,000 tonnes of cane for the week.
This was below budget as the region was recovering from a wet weather event at the beginning of the week and there was another wet weather event at the end of the week.
Some mechanical issues also contributed to the reduced throughput.
The season-to-date total is now 7.36M tonnes, which represents 90 per cent of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 12.85, which is well below budget due to the wet weather.
The highest CCS of 16.1 was from a rake of Q240 4R in the Darvenizas (INK) productivity district.
Remember to stay alert, use your train brain and always give way to trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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