Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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The 2026 Australia Day Awards recognised Burdekin residents for their outstanding contributions across community service, sport, culture and volunteering, with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort attending the ceremony at the Burdekin Memorial Hall to honour the region's high achievers. From lifetime achievements to emerging young leaders, the event celebrated the people who continue to enrich and strengthen the community.
Long-time community volunteer Frank Nucifora and young achiever Grace Ogomeni have been named Burdekin Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively at Monday's 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony in Home Hill.
The ceremony, which began at 4pm, recognised Burdekin residents for their excellence and contributions across a range of fields, with 42 nominations across 10 award categories.
Citizen of the Year Frank Nucifora’s service to the Burdekin spans more than six decades. After migrating from Sicily in the 1950s, he helped establish local businesses and became a respected community figure.
A 60-year member of the Rotary Club of Ayr, he has served as President, Treasurer, and Foundation Chair, supporting projects including Meals on Wheels, Plantation Park, the Duck Race, and Christmas cake deliveries.
Recognised twice as a Paul Harris Fellow, Frank still volunteers actively at 86 and received a framed aerial photograph of the Burdekin Bridge in honour of his service.
Young Citizen of the Year Grace Ogomeni was recognised for her excellence in academics, sport, and community engagement. She was School and House Captain, earned Dux in multiple subjects, received a Level One Academic Award, and won top sporting honours including Burdekin Secondary Schools Athletic Age Champion and Lloyd Memorial Sportswoman of the Year.
Grace is also active in cultural and community projects, volunteering for Clean Up Australia Day and NAIDOC Day, participating in Stand Up Sleep Out and ANZAC Day ceremonies, and serving on the Student Ball Committee. She has been recognised with an Olympic Change Maker Award, an ADF Leadership Award, and as a Lions Youth of the Year runner-up, and has received an offer to study medicine at James Cook University.
The ceremony also recognised award recipients across sport, culture, volunteering and environmental categories, with Community Event of the Year awarded to the Home Hill State High School Ag Precinct Community Open Day.
Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort congratulated all recipients and nominees, saying the awards highlighted the contribution of volunteers and community leaders across the shire.
“The 2026 Australia Day Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional people who make the Burdekin such a vibrant and supportive place to live,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“I congratulate all our nominees and recipients. Your dedication, leadership and community spirit enrich the lives of those around you, and our region is stronger because of your contributions.”
2026 Australia Day Award recipients
Citizen of the Year — Frank Nucifora
Young Citizen of the Year — Grace Ogomeni
Young Citizen of the Year – Achievement Award — Grayson Potter-Geitz
Community Event of the Year — Home Hill State High School – Ag Precinct Community Open Day
Volunteer of the Year — Trevor Elton
Volunteer of the Year – Achievement Award — John Power
Junior Cultural Award — Cecillia Cason
Senior Cultural Award — Larry Hudson
Senior Cultural Achievement Award — Cheryl Platt
Junior Sportsperson of the Year — Luke Potter-Geitz
Senior Sportsperson of the Year — Karin Thorburn
Environment Award — Anthony Drage
Lifetime Service – Gold Award — Dolores Droguet, John Power, Frank Nucifora
Lifetime Service – Silver Award — Robyn Hewson, Maryann Petersen
Long-time community volunteer Frank Nucifora named Burdekin Citizen of the Year. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography
Long-time community volunteer Frank Nucifora and young achiever Grace Ogomeni have been named Burdekin Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively at Monday's 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony in Home Hill. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography
Australia Day has come and gone again, leaving behind that customary mix of celebration and reflection.
Though amid the controversy that sometimes surrounds the day, one unequivocal positive was the Burdekin Australia Day awards, honouring the citizens of the Burdekin that help the region tick.
I know I've banged on about this a couple times already, but it truly never ceases to amaze me how many high achievers and community legends this place nurtures and produces.
Is it something in the air around here?
Can it rub off on me?
It was as I was sitting front row at the awards next to my colleague, Chelsea, listening on to the bios of each recipient that I felt a sense of inspiration.
It provoked some internal questions. Am I playing my part role in this town? Can I be doing more? If someone can devote 60 years of their life to volunteering for this town, then why can't I pitch in, even just a little bit?
Beyond this quandary, if the awards left me with anything else, it's the assurance that I can sleep well at night knowing my 'Burdekin to Big Time' series won't be running out of candidates any time soon.
Residents have praised Joanna Penny for reaching out to the community after discovering an injured rainbow lorikeet near her home.
While there’s no exact census for rainbow lorikeets in North Queensland, the birds are exceptionally abundant across the state and have been crowned the nation’s most frequently counted bird for over a decade.
In a social media post, Joanna asked for guidance on finding a wildlife carer, and to her delight, numerous locals stepped in to help.
“Many thanks to everyone who responded and tagged the wildlife carers for me – love this community – so helpful,” Joanna wrote in an update on the bird’s welfare.
She cared for the rainbow lorikeet overnight before a North Queensland Wildlife Carer collected it to support its recovery, leaving the community reassured that residents are actively looking out for the region’s wildlife.
“Thank you for taking him in and protecting him,” one local commented.
“Poor thing. Thanks for helping,” shared another.
If you come across an animal in need of support, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care Inc on 0414 717 374.
Rainbow lorikeets are one of the most commonly spotted birds in Australia. Photo source: Shutterstock
As communities across the electorate prepare to celebrate the extraordinary effort of everyday
community members during Australia Day ceremonies, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has offered his appreciation to those who take the time to make their communities a better place to live, work
and play.
Mr Last said with the heart of Australia beating firmly in regional and rural areas including the
Burdekin, Australia Day was an opportunity to recognise our strength, diversity and generosity as
Australians.
“Each and every Australia Day we take the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities, the parents, the volunteers and the sports coaches whose efforts often go unnoticed,”
Mr Last said.
“Whether it is someone who has volunteered at their local Meals on Wheels for years or a young member of our community giving their all on the sporting field, Australia Day ceremonies offer us the
opportunity to recognise and connect with those members of our community.”
Mr Last said while the national day is a chance to come together and recognise those award winners,
it was also a timely reminder that everyday heroes deserve our gratitude.
“Recognising those who devote their lives to improving our communities doesn’t have to be restricted to January 26,” Mr Last said.
“We all know or have known someone who, in our own eyes, epitomises what it means to be Australian, whether it is our frontline emergency services, our health staff or perhaps someone who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Mr Last said while the day was recognised with ceremonies and events across our nation, Australia
Day has come to mean so much more to our nation.
“We are all shaped by our own experiences and as a nation, each Australia Day we come together to
recognise and reaffirm that we live in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are
valued,” Mr Last said.
“It’s about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.”
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List proudly recognises the exceptional service, leadership and commitment to community that exists across the Dawson electorate. This year, Dawson is represented by one outstanding local honoured for distinguished service to the nation, while the Honours List also celebrates former Mackay local and Australian sporting icon Cathy Freeman for her extraordinary contribution to sport, reconciliation and national life.
Warrant Officer Class One Michael Killalea, OAM (Mil) – Medal of the Order of Australia (Military Division)
Warrant Officer Class One Michael Killalea of Annandale, Townsville, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (Military Division) for meritorious performance of duty advancing and fostering the Distribution Specialisation trade. His dedication exemplifies the professionalism and steadfast commitment to excellence that are hallmarks of the Australian Defence Force.
The Honours List also recognises distinguished Australians from a broad array of endeavours, including economic leadership, community service, and sporting excellence.
One of the nation’s most revered sporting figures, former Mackay athletics champion and Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman AC, is among those honoured in this year’s Australia Day list. A proud Kuku Yalanji woman, Freeman has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, recognising her service to athletics and the reconciliation movement, as well as her positive community impact and status as a role model to young people.
Freeman’s historic victory in the 400 metres at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments and a defining chapter in the nation’s Olympic history.
Freeman, born and raised in Mackay’s Slade Point, began her athletics journey racing on local tracks, including the recreation area now named in her honour, where she first demonstrated the talent and tenacity that would later captivate a nation.
More recently, the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre, part of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s multimillion-dollar Stage Two development, has been announced in Mackay as a state-of-the-art training hub designed to inspire and nurture future athletes. The facility carries her name as a lasting legacy to her achievements and her belief in empowering young people to pursue excellence in sport.
Andrew Willcox MP, Member for Dawson, said that Australia Day is a time to honour remarkable Australians whose service, courage and commitment strengthen our nation.
“To see Warrant Officer Class One Michael Killalea recognised for his meritorious military service reflects our deep respect for those who serve with distinction in the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“Townsville, as one of our nation’s strongest garrison cities, has a proud military heritage and a long tradition of producing leaders who embody selfless service and operational excellence.
“And who could forget the inspirational legacy of Cathy Freeman?
“Her breathtaking 400 metres gold medal run at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games united a nation and remains one of our greatest sporting moments of all time. Growing up in Slade Point, she raced on the old athletics ground that today honours her name, and that same spirit of determination is now reflected in the new sports performance centre at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, a facility that will support aspiring athletes for generations.
“It was fantastic to catch up with Cathy last year when she visited the arena, reinforcing how sporting excellence and community pride go hand in hand here in regional Queensland.”
Mr Willcox added that these honourees reflect the best of our community, individuals who serve others, enrich our cultural and sporting landscape, and inspire us all to reach higher.
The Australia Day 2026 Honours List includes 949 Australians recognised across the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and distinguished defence service medals, representing an increase of more than 200 awards from last year’s list.
Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
Police have charged a man and a woman with drug and firearm offences following the execution of a search warrant at a Home Hill property earlier this week.
Around 8.40am on Wednesday 21st January, officers attended an address on Third Avenue as part of an ongoing drug operation involving Home Hill Police Station, Ayr Police Station and the Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch.
During the search, police allegedly located and seized approximately one kilogram of methylamphetamine, 87 grams of MDMA, around $93,000 in cash and a firearm.
Police say the seizure, attributed to good police work, is one of the largest drug hauls recorded in the Burdekin in many years, forming part of continued efforts to disrupt local drug networks through proactive enforcement and intelligence gathering.
A 40-year-old Home Hill man and a 30-year-old Ayr woman were taken into custody at the scene.
The man has been charged with three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing utensils or pipes, and one count of receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying.
No pleas have been entered. The matter was mentioned in Townsville Magistrates Court on Thursday 22nd January and was adjourned to Thursday 12th March. The man was remanded in custody.
The woman has been charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs and one count of possessing utensils or pipes. She has been released on bail and is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on Monday 9th March.
Police confirmed investigations indicate the seized firearm has not yet been linked to any other known incidents.
Police say drug and unlawful firearm offences occur across Queensland and are not unique to the Burdekin, but the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to prevent serious harm locally.
The operation also aligns with Operation Whiskey Firestorm 2025, a statewide initiative targeting illicit firearms and firearm safety, which has already resulted in hundreds of unlawful firearms being removed from communities across Queensland.
Police are urging anyone with information about drug or firearm offences to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, noting that community information plays a critical role in disrupting serious offending and keeping the region safe.
During the search, police allegedly located and seized approximately one kilogram of methylamphetamine, 87 grams of MDMA, around $93,000 in cash and a firearm. Photos supplied by QPS
Emergency services were called to a residential property in Ayr on Tuesday evening after an unexploded ordnance was discovered during routine gardening.
At approximately 6.55pm on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) was requested by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to assist at the scene after the device was uncovered.
Police sought SES support to help secure the area and reduce any potential risk to nearby residents. SES and QPS personnel worked together to construct a sandbag “igloo” containment structure around the item, designed to minimise the impact should the device have detonated.
The area was secured while arrangements were made for specialist assistance. Australian Army explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians were scheduled to attend the property the following day, Wednesday, 21st January, to safely assess and remove the device.
Three SES members responded to the incident: Jenny Cummings, John George and Warren Francis. Mr George and Mr Francis are both former infantry soldiers with extensive experience in the identification and handling of unexploded ordnance.
Authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries, and the incident was managed without further escalation.
SES and QPS personnel worked together to construct a sandbag “igloo” containment structure around the item, designed to minimise the impact should the device have detonated.
A representative image of the type of device located.
Photos supplied
An official citizenship ceremony opened the 2026 Burdekin Australia Day Awards on Monday night, with __ local residents proudly becoming Australian citizens.
Originally hailing from continents across the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe, the newly naturalised citizens were presented with official plaques and commemorative plants by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort.
Mayor Dalle Cort said the Australia Day celebrations were about both recognition and welcome.
“Australia Day is not only a time to recognise the outstanding achievements of our community, it is also a day to celebrate those choosing the Burdekin, and our nation, as their home,” Cr Dalle Cort said.
"I congratulate you all for choosing Australia for whatever reason brought you to our beautiful country."
Member for Burdekin Dale Last, also in attendance, echoed her sentiment.
"We welcome you with open arms, we value your role in our community, and we hope that, going forward, you get to enjoy everything that's great about being an Australian in this country," said Mr Last.
Australia Day remains one of the nation’s most significant occasions for welcoming new citizens.
As of 31st December 2025, more than 25,450 people from over 160 countries had been invited to attend more than 425 citizenship ceremonies held nationally as part of Australia Day celebrations.
Of these, more than 18,800 people from over 150 countries were invited to become Australian citizens on 26th January 2026, at more than 325 ceremonies hosted across the country.
The Burdekin Australia Day citizenship ceremony follows a similar naturalisation event held at the Burdekin Theatre foyer in December, where 10 new citizens from a range of cultural backgrounds were formally welcomed into the community, underscoring the region’s growing cultural diversity.
Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography
By Chelsea Ravizza
A sizeable salty was recently spotted soaking up the long weekend at Ocean Creek Boat Ramp, with locals reminding others to stay alert when launching boats or checking crab pots.
Situated 13 kilometres north of Ayr, the popular state-owned boat ramp draws waves of locals and visitors alike, renowned for its fishing and crabbing opportunities, particularly barra, mangrove jack and mud crabs.
In a post published to a private community group, a resident warned the saltwater crocodile had been spotted, once again, lurking around the main stretch just beyond the boat ramp, recounting initially sighting the reptile earlier in the week.
Multiple locals chimed in online to say they’d also seen the large reptile, describing the “big fella” as far from shy and a nuisance when hauling in crab pots. Others recalled the crocodile seemed unfazed by nearby boats or people, unlike the more cautious behaviour typically seen.
It’s believed the crocodile has been living in the area for years and has been sighted to be around four meters in length.
While residents of the shire are no strangers to spotting crocodiles in local creeks and waterways, concern has been raised in this instance amid reports the reptile may be becoming aggressive toward boaties, with claims it has been stalking people as they retrieve crab pots.
Burdekin Shire Council continues to remind locals to be aware around any natural waterway in croc country, advising residents to report all sightings to the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) via calling 1300 130 372 or through the QWildlife mobile application.
“Crocodiles are highly mobile and the longer you take to report a sighting, the less likely it is that the crocodile will be located,” advises DETSI.
“We encourage you to report any crocodile you have concerns about, even if it’s deceased.”
Residents are becoming increasingly concerned about the behaviors of a large croc at Ocean Creek. Photo credit: Geri Milne
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Popular North Queensland organisation, NQ Wildlife Care, have fired back at the State Government’s decision to retain permits allowing the shooting of flying foxes for crop protection, calling the practice “cruel” and “completely inconsistent with the protection of native species” in a Facebook post published last week.
The decision reverses the government’s previously announced plan to phase out flying fox shooting by 1st July 2026, a measure that was intended to encourage farmers across Queensland—including in the Burdekin, a major fruit-growing region—to adopt non-lethal alternatives such as exclusion netting.
Under the current arrangement, permits issued by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation allow farmers to shoot a limited number of flying foxes each year, including vulnerable grey-headed flying foxes.
NQ Wildlife Care made its opposition of the decision clear.
"As a wildlife care group, we are heartbroken that the Queensland Environment Minister recently allowed the shooting of flying foxes for crop protection to continue," a spokesperson said.
"This practice is cruel: shooting small, moving animals in the dark is fraught and causes massive injuries and rarely, if ever, instant death. Wildlife carers see enough injured, dying animals, we do not need more coming into our care."
It also questioned the effectiveness and humanity of the measure.
"Shooting is not an effective method of crop protection (unlike netting), and it is also completely inconsistent with the protection of native species, including the grey headed flying fox which is a threatened species," said the spokesperson.
The charity organisation's condemnation of the decision has been met by overwhelmingly positive support by the public, with a linked petition receiving more than 1,000 virtual signatures in less than 24 hours.
One Facebook user said, "The Australian kill, kill, kill mentality astounds me. Brumbies, Dingoes Sharks, Flying Fox. Atrocious."
Another commented, "How bloody devastating for the flying foxes. So much for a protected species."
The decision has drawn criticism from wildlife groups and the public alike, highlighting ongoing tension between crop protection and the welfare of native species.
NQ Wildlife Care, have fired back at the State Government’s decision to retain permits allowing the shooting of flying foxes for crop protection, calling the practice “cruel.” Photo source: Wikipedia
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What a wonderful weekend of Australia Day celebrations. On Monday, I had the privilege of attending the Townsville Australia Day Awards, where not even the pouring rain could dampen the spirit of those gathered. Umbrellas went up, but no one moved - everyone stood proudly to show their respect. Hearing the 21-gun salute echo through the rain was incredibly moving, particularly watching our dedicated Army personnel stand steadfast without shifting an inch.
Here at home, our Burdekin celebrations were held in the Memorial Hall in Home Hill. We were honoured to welcome our Members of Parliament, Andrew Wilcox and Dale Last. It is a rare privilege to have representation from all levels of government together, and something I deeply appreciate.
One of the greatest honours of the day was conducting the citizenship ceremony for 11 new Australians. Welcoming them into our community and celebrating their decision to call Australia home is something I will always cherish.
The 2026 Australia Day Awards again showcased the remarkable people who make the Burdekin such a vibrant and caring place to live. We are blessed with individuals and groups who work tirelessly to enrich our region through sport, culture, community service and countless hours of volunteer commitment. As someone born and raised here, I am continually inspired by the pride and passion our community brings to everything they do.
It truly brought tears to my eyes listening to the stories of what our locals contribute. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our Citizen of the Year, Frank Nucifora, for his dedication and service. And while I don’t want to single out anyone, I must acknowledge our oldest participant, Mrs Dolores Droquet, who received a Lifetime Gold Service Award at the extraordinary age of 94. She is an inspiration to all of us and a reminder that age is only a number, there is always more we can give and more we can achieve.
My warmest congratulations to all award nominees and recipients. Your efforts make the Burdekin a better, brighter place.
I am proud to be an Aussie.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
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I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating this glorious country of ours on Australia Day. How lucky are we to be able to acknowledge the many diverse achievements of our forefathers who encompass first nations and immigrants alike, in the creation of the Australia we celebrate today. The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards is one way that we acknowledge and thank those outstanding individuals, community groups and events who make exceptional contributions to our community.
On Monday afternoon, we celebrated our Australia Day Award nominees and I would like to extend my congratulations to all. We as a community rely on the generosity and time these individuals inject into our district by their volunteering efforts and enthusiasm. I would like to pay my deepest respect to the Burdekin’s Citizen of the Year, Mr Frank Nucifora Sr. who came to Ayr in the 1950’s with his brothers from Sicily. As an immigrant to this country, like so many others, he immersed himself in his community, establishing various businesses (and the living lagoon at the Burdekin Theatre) which contributed to the growth and success of the Burdekin and through his involvement in Rotary which spans 60 years this year. Congratulations Mr Nucifora. You are a gentleman and a true inspiration to so many.
Councillor Furnell mentioned the trial hours of the Kirknie, Ayr and Home Hill transfer stations in his column last week. Unfortunately, the Clare transfer station was not mentioned as submissions closed 9th January and ran from 1st December. At my insistence, there was a survey distributed to the Clare area whereby concerned ratepayers could submit their response via a QR code. If you would still like to have your say on the future of the Clare Transfer Station, or for any concerns at all, please either email me at councillor.hall@burdekin.qld.gov.au or phone me on 0427827386. It is a service that the ratepayers of Clare, Millaroo and Dalbeg cannot lose.
Uli Liessman. You’ve got to admire his love of the Burdekin, particularly Home Hill. His proposal for a park at Gardner’s Lagoon in Home Hill as seen in last week’s Burdekin Life newspaper would include a seasonal lagoon, seating, amenities, walkways, biking trails and trees. It would also serve in the:
I think this is a great idea and am fully supportive as I believe it would enhance the livability of the area and provide a space for families and people of all ages…but let’s see what others think. Until next time, stay safe and God Bless.
Australia’s sugarcane industry could play a pivotal role in the development of sustainable aviation fuel, with researchers pointing to the crop’s productivity, scalability, and environmental benefits.
At the ARC Research Hub for Engineering Plants to Replace Fossil Carbon, scientists are working with global technology leaders to develop renewable aviation fuel at the scale the industry requires. Emeritus Professor Robert Henry said sugarcane offers the best chance of success.
“Our mission is ambitious: create economically viable, renewable aviation fuel at the scale this huge industry needs. Plants are the best current source for renewable carbon, and all available evidence suggests sugarcane is the plant offering the best chance of success,” Professor Henry said.
Other potential feedstocks, such as algae and canola, face significant limitations. Algal systems are expensive and difficult to scale, while canola yields are low and much of Australia’s crop is exported for fuel rather than food, raising food security concerns.
“Land use is a critical consideration. So, what crops can you scale? Sugarcane is productive and grown on a relatively small proportion of land. Its small footprint and exceptional productivity make it the standout choice,” Professor Henry explained.
The Hub’s research focuses on improving plant biomass for fuel conversion. Genetic improvements are first tested in rice, then applied to sorghum, and finally transferred to sugarcane, its closest domesticated relative. This tiered approach boosts efficiency and success rates.
Queensland’s established sugarcane industry, strong research capability, and domestic demand for aviation fuel position the state to lead the field. “The challenge now is clear: breed crops with a high proportion of convertible biomass without sacrificing yield. It’s a complex puzzle, but one worth solving. Sugarcane hits the sweet spot. It’s productive, sustainable, and scalable. If we get this right, Australia won’t just be part of the solution; we’ll be leading it,” Professor Henry said.
Queensland’s sugarcane fields could become a key source of sustainable aviation fuel, thanks to new research into plant biomass and renewable carbon. Photo source: QAAFI
Rural landholders impacted by the North and Far North Tropical Low between 29th January and 28th February 2025 are being reminded that financial assistance remains available, with applications for the Rural Landholder Recovery Grant Scheme closing on 13th February 2026.
The scheme provides grants of up to $10,000 to assist eligible landholders with clean-up and reinstatement activities after direct damage to primary production enterprises. The funding is jointly provided by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The grant is designed to help cover the costs of recovery work such as repairing fences, restoring infrastructure, and returning properties to operational condition following the severe weather event.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must own or lease at least 10 hectares of land within a declared disaster area and operate a primary production enterprise. Landholders must also have earned at least $20,000 in gross income from primary production in the financial year before the disaster and hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) at the time of the event.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
How to apply
To apply, landholders within the Burdekin Shire must submit a completed application form along with supporting documentation, including proof of land ownership or lease, five to ten photographs of damage, evidence of expenditure, and insurance details where applicable.
Applications can be submitted online via QRIDA’s Application Portal, or by downloading the application form and submitting it by email or post. Applicants using the paper form are advised to download and save the document before completing it, and to avoid sending original documents by mail.
With just weeks remaining before applications close, eligible rural landholders are encouraged to review the guidelines and apply as soon as possible to access this recovery support and continue rebuilding after the 2025 tropical low event.
Thousands of Australians have already taken their first steps toward a career in agriculture through the Government’s Free TAFE program, with continued support confirmed for 2026.
Since its introduction in 2023, Free TAFE agriculture courses have helped remove cost barriers for students entering one of Australia’s most critical and fast-growing industries. Depending on the qualification and location, students enrolling in popular agriculture courses have saved up to $6,000 in fees.
The Certificate III in Horticulture has emerged as the most popular Free TAFE agriculture qualification, attracting more than 5,000 enrolments nationwide. Strong interest has also been seen in shorter training options, with almost 2,500 enrolments in the Agricultural Chemical Skill Set course.
The growing uptake comes as the latest agricultural outlook forecasts continued strength for the sector. According to the most recent ABARES Agricultural Commodities Report, the gross value of agricultural production is expected to reach $99.5 billion in 2025–26, rising to more than $106 billion when fisheries and forestry are included.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said Free TAFE was helping build a skilled workforce while supporting regional communities.
“Agriculture is a key part of Australia's economy and regional communities – and it’s an industry with a bright future,” she said.
“Our farmers have been clear – they need more skilled workers – the Government’s Free TAFE program is delivering exactly that, while helping Australians of all ages take up new opportunities and secure good jobs close to home.”
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Anthony Chisholm said collaboration across government, industry and unions remained essential.
“We know that workforce challenges will need a range of solutions and a collective effort from governments, industry and unions over the short and long term.”
From 2027, at least 100,000 Free TAFE places will be permanently available each year, ensuring agriculture continues to benefit from a skilled, job-ready workforce.
Students undertaking hands-on agricultural training through Free TAFE, a program helping thousands of Australians gain skills and access new career pathways across the sector. Photo supplied
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