Last Wednesday’s Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting proved an eye-opener for many in attendance, as local members gathered to hear from guest speakers Natalie Saroglia of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC), and Jenny Cummings of the Burdekin Shire Council.

Long-time BNC coordinator Saroglia opened the session, outlining the harsh realities of homelessness and unemployment in the local community, and the BNC’s role in addressing them.

Cummings then shared details of the upcoming Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Ready Trail, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October 2025. The community initiative encourages locals to visit participating businesses, collect stamps, and go into the draw for prizes.

In other updates, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort announced that Council has successfully refurbished the exterior of three graffiti-affected properties along Home Hill’s main street. Cr. Dalle Cort also confirmed that Council will proceed with plans to construct a new pump track in Ayr.

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1. Long-time BNC coordinator Natalie Saroglia opened the meeting
2. Jenny Cummings shared details of the upcoming Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Ready Trail, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October 2025
3. Home Hill Chamber Secretary Rob Antoniazzi, President Uli Liessmann, BNC Coordinator Natalie Saroglia, Council representative Jenny Cummings, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Treasurer John Clarke

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill, with dispersal measures underway at Lloyd Mann Park and Arch Dunn Park.

The activities, running between 4:00am and 6:30am as required, are designed to reduce roosting numbers and limit potential negative interactions between wildlife and the community.

Council said only non-harmful techniques are being used, beginning with low-impact visual deterrents such as LED flashing lights. If numbers persist, staff may escalate to include pool noodles, shotgun simulators or pyrotechnics.

The program forms part of Council’s broader Flying-Fox Roost Management Plan, which outlines both short- and long-term strategies for sites at Kidby Gully, Lloyd Mann Park, Arch Dunn Memorial Park and Plantation Creek. The plan aims to balance community wellbeing with environmental responsibility, while conserving flying-foxes and the important ecosystem services they provide.

Two species are known to roost in the Burdekin—the black flying-fox, present year-round, and the little red flying-fox, which arrives seasonally in large numbers. Both are protected under Queensland law and play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal.

Private landholders are permitted to discourage roosting on their property using non-destructive methods such as sprinklers, lights, smoke, or imitation predators. Residents are strongly advised not to handle flying-foxes directly, as they can carry diseases and must only be managed by trained professionals.

Residents living near the parks are advised to secure pets during dispersal times to prevent distress. For further information, visit the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

The Burdekin is now one step closer to becoming a zero-waste region thanks to the installation of new cigarette butt bins throughout the shire.

As part of the Queensland Government’s Let’s Get It Sorted Partnerships Program, Burdekin Shire Council has added 20 bins across the region in a bid to reduce cigarette butt waste—identified as one of the most common forms of litter in Queensland’s public places.

Cigarette butts have been shown to release harmful chemicals and microplastics into natural ecosystems, while also posing major fire hazards if left unextinguished. With tens of thousands of butts discarded every day across the state, they remain one of the most stubborn sources of waste.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort says the initiative is a necessary step in striving toward a safer environment.

“Cigarette butt litter is not just unsightly—it’s harmful to our environment, our wildlife and even our safety,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“By providing more disposal options across the region, Council is helping to change disposal behaviours and protect our natural environment for future generations."

Studies indicate that cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item across Queensland, outnumbering plastics, bottles and other common waste items. The filters, made from cellulose acetate, can take years to break down and often end up in waterways or along roadsides.

Through this initiative, Cr Dalle Cort hopes to make the Burdekin a cleaner and more sustainable community.

"Council's goal is to see a significant reduction in cigarette butt litter across our community. Every small change contributes to a cleaner, safer Burdekin.”

20 cigarette butt bins have been installed across the Burdekin in a bid to reduce cigarette litter. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

Kelly Greaves didn’t plan to be a property manager. In fact, when she took a three-day-a-week back-up role at Ray White 17 years ago, she was expecting something more laidback and predictable. Three weeks later, the property manager quit, and Kelly was full-time, front and centre, with no real estate experience.

"The three-day-a-week job that I was supposed to have suddenly turned full throttle," she says.

What she did have was experience leading people. Years as a local publican had taught her how to manage staff, juggle competing priorities, and stay calm when pressure mounted.
"I've always been in managerial type positions... it's the same wherever you go, really. Just different scenarios," she says.

Her real estate ethos stems from a sense of empathy, shaped by her own disappointing experiences with other agents as an investment owner herself. “I’ve used that philosophy the whole time I’ve been in this job—As an owner myself, what would I want? How would I want my property looked after?”

That approach would propel her to her current role as a senior property manager at Raine & Horne Ayr—a role she's excelled in for the last nine years. She oversees staff, commercial portfolios, new business, and every corner of her department. “I keep my finger in every pie,” she laughs.

Kelly’s success, though, is built on more than just experience. She prides herself on genuinely listening to her clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of every landlord and tenant, commercial or residential. These efforts were rewarded in 2021, when she was a Top 10 Finalist for the REB Property Manager of the Year award.

Before all her success in the industry, Kelly moved to the Burdekin from St Lawrence more than 20 years ago for work purposes. Staying, however, was her choice. "I like it here. It's got everything you need without the hustle and bustle of the larger places," she says.

Outside of work, Kelly is known as the "horse whisperer." Alongside her love for all things equine, she tends a thriving garden—her daughter jokingly calls her “plant obsessed”—and enjoys quiet moments reading or spending time with family.

Asked to describe herself in three words, she chose “bossy, goal orientated, and detail driven"—traits that have allowed her to flourish in her professional role.

"I thrive under stress. The more fast-paced and stressful it is, the better I am," she said. "I love my job... and I love finding people their new home. I wouldn't have been doing it for so long if I didn't."

"I'll be here until they carry me out!" she laughs.

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Kelly prides herself on genuinely listening to her clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of every landlord and tenant, commercial or residential. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Two years ago this week, Burdekin Life Newspaper printed its very first edition. At the time, the Burdekin community had been without a local newspaper for almost three years following the closure of The Burdekin Advocate in 2020.

“We received a call from Neil Williams who was part of the local Economic Development Committee,” recounts Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith.

“He said that he had seen a copy of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper and loved it so much that he asked if we could bring something similar to his community.

“To be honest with you, at the time, we were very busy with our other weekly paper, and I simply couldn’t get my head around producing another newspaper on top of our usual workload.

“Neil, however, had other ideas!

“He called me most weeks to check in, and he was very persuasive! A few months later, we came up to the region, met many people in the community, and completely fell in love with the region.”

Three months later, the first edition of Burdekin Life Newspaper was printed on Thursday 28th September 2023, and it has been part of the weekly fabric of the community ever since.

“Our vision was to bring the community back their free voice in print,” shared owner and publisher Rebecca Douthwaite.

“When we heard that 14 weekly newspapers were being closed down across Queensland overnight, we were devastated. This inspired us to expand on our skillset from producing weekly magazines to also help reignite the newspaper industry. And we are now proud to say we have achieved this.”

In 2024, Burdekin Life’s sister paper, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, won a state award for the Best Free Newspaper of the Year at the Queensland Country Press Association Awards Night.

“That same year, the Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire reached out to ask if we would also bring a newspaper to his region,” said Rachael.

“We were actually at the State Awards that day, and when I received the phone call, it brought tears to my eyes. That night we were also honoured to receive the state award.”

Life Publishing now boasts a total of eight state awards, two of which are for Burdekin Life – Best Locally Produced Advert of the Year and Best Special Feature of the Year.

“But none of this would have been possible without the local business community,” states Rachael.

“This newspaper is for the community and brought to you by the community – your contributions allow the paper to be distributed for free to thousands of locals and help keep local journalism alive and thriving.

“To each and every business that has advertised, partnered with us, or backed us over the past two years: thank you. This paper exists because of you.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox applauded the newspaper for its work in bringing smaller communities together and creating a stronger voice across the wider region.

“Congratulations to Burdekin Life on reaching this important two-year milestone. A strong local paper remains a vital part of regional life. Many people still value the simple ritual of reading the paper with their morning coffee,” he said.

“Over the past two years, Burdekin Life has not only kept our community connected and informed but has also played a critical role during natural disasters such as flooding, providing information when it matters most.

“Well done to the entire team on this achievement.”

Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, said he has been thrilled to support Burdekin Life Newspaper since inception.

“When the Burdekin Life launched, I mentioned the importance of our community having access to reliable information with a local focus. Over the last two years, our community has benefited from that access in both good times and challenging times thanks to the team at Burdekin Life,” he said.

“In addition to the staff that put the paper together each week, I think it is important to thank the businesses and groups that advertise in the Burdekin Life. Without them, we simply would not have a local paper focused primarily on the stories and issues that directly affect the Burdekin.”

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort reiterates this sentiment and has been a strong supporter of Burdekin Life since the beginning.

“Happy Birthday Burdekin Life!” she said.

“Thank you for believing in the Burdekin. I thank all the businesses who have contributed over the past two years for its continued success.”

Photos:
1: Representatives from the Burdekin Life team — Sales Manager Trish Jandt, Journalist Jacob Casha, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith, and former Rural Editor Amanda Wright

2: Former Burdekin Life Journalist Sam Gillespie, Publisher and Owner Rebecca Douthwaite, Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli, and Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith

3: The first-ever front page of Burdekin Life Newspaper, featuring all the local Foundation Advertising Partners

4: The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, and his wife Raylene have always been strong supporters of Burdekin Life Newspaper

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‍Meet the 2025 Harvest Festival Queens

With two months stacked with festival activities, Home Hill Harvest Festival Secretary Carlene Muilwyk is especially optimistic about this year’s program.

"The Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee is thrilled to welcome our community to another exciting year of celebration. This year promises a vibrant program of events that showcase the very best of our region’s spirit, creativity, and hospitality," she said.

"We are especially proud to introduce our wonderful 2025 Harvest Festival Queens, who embody the enthusiasm and community pride that make this festival so special. With their dedication and the support of our generous sponsors and volunteers, we’re looking forward to another unforgettable season of Harvest Festival fun and tradition."

Amelia Pivotto
Home Hill Tennis Association
Amelia Pivotto, 23, is proudly representing the Home Hill Tennis Association. A passionate tennis player since childhood, she especially enjoys the team spirit of the annual Sugar Bowl event, which she has participated in for the past few years. Amelia is also a regular on the pickleball courts—a fun, fast-paced sport growing in popularity in Home Hill. She works as an Agronomist, having completed a three-year degree in Agricultural Science in 2022, which she began while still in Grade 12. In her final year of study, she gained hands-on experience working part-time in the field while completing her degree. Outside of work and sport, Amelia enjoys shooting and reloading, riding motorbikes, and mustering cattle on horseback.

Eden Betteridge
Home Hill Rotary Club
Eden Betteridge, 20, is proudly representing the Home Hill Rotary Club, an organisation she greatly admires for its dedication to service and fellowship. She works full-time in administration at Delta Cleaners & Laundry and plans to resume her studies in 2026. A lover of all things social, Eden enjoys meeting new people and learning new skills, and she believes being a Harvest Festival Queen will provide even more opportunities to do so. Throughout the festival, she hopes to build lasting connections not only with her fellow Queens but also with the wider Burdekin community.Demi Smith – Burdekin Rugby League Club

Ellie Woods
Home Hill–Ayr Lions Club
Ellie Woods, 18, is proudly representing the Home Hill–Ayr Lions Club. She works at Dotty Daisy Flowers and has lived in the Burdekin her entire life. The Lions Club holds a special place in Ellie’s heart, as her grandfather was closely involved, and she is honoured to represent them in the 2025 Harvest Festival. Ellie is looking forward to the experiences and memories she will gain alongside the other Queens.

Demi Smith
Burdekin Rugby League Club
Demi Smith, 18, is proudly representing the Burdekin Rugby League Club, where she has been involved from a young age. From being a ball kid, to helping out at the gate and bar, and now becoming a player, Demi’s passion for rugby league has only grown. Her love for the sport has made her even more eager to give back to both the club and the community that have supported her over the years.

Aaliyah Gibson
Burdekin Netball Association
Aaliyah Gibson, 20, is proudly representing the Burdekin Netball Association. Netball has been a part of Aaliyah’s life for as long as she can remember, and over the years she has contributed through playing, umpiring, and coaching. She currently travels to Townsville each week to compete in the Burdekin Premier League team, demonstrating her commitment and passion for the game. Aaliyah is deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the club that has shaped her into the person she is today. Representing Burdekin Netball is a true honour—made even more special by sharing the Harvest Festival experience with her childhood best friend. She looks forward to creating lasting memories with the other Queens and continuing to support the club and community she loves.

Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

Ayr Fire & Rescue Station has received a major equipment upgrade with the arrival of a new $1.2 million Type 3 Scania P360 appliance, marking a significant step forward for local firefighting capabilities in the Burdekin.

After years of delays, the new fire truck was officially delivered this month as part of the Crisafulli Government’s $134 million investment in the Queensland Fire Department. The vehicle, built by Bell, comes equipped with state-of-the-art technology including a remote roof mount water monitor, pump-and-roll capability, and the latest Holmatro Core road crash rescue equipment. Its 4,700 litres-per-minute pump capacity will enable crews to tackle emergencies with greater speed and effectiveness.

Long-awaited Fire Truck Arrives In Ayr

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the new truck would make a tangible difference to frontline response efforts.

“The delivery of this new appliance has been a long time coming for our local firefighters,” Mr Last said. “The former government made promises time after time but failed to keep them when it came to the new appliance.

“Our local crews respond to a broad range of incidents ranging from fires to road incidents and even technical rescues. Given the distances they cover, it is essential that they have the equipment they need to perform those duties as effectively and safely as possible, and the new appliance makes a huge contribution to achieving that.”

Mr Last said the upgrade addressed long-standing safety concerns about outdated gear and signaled the government’s commitment to further improving facilities.

“In less than 12 months the Crisafulli government has addressed the delivery of the new appliance, and we are well on the way when it comes to the new station that we committed to in the lead up to the October election,” he said. “Just like the community, I am extremely grateful to, and proud of, our local firefighters.”

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the government was determined to reverse what she described as a decade of neglect.

"After 10 years of decline, firies are finally getting the support and resources they deserve,” Minister Leahy said. “This forms part of the more than $134 million we have delivered for modernised facilities, vehicles, and equipment for the Queensland Fire Department, delivering the Fresh Start our hardworking firies deserve.”

“Under Labor, our local firies were being forced to work in outdated stations with ageing equipment and no confidence that things would improve. Within weeks after the election, the plan to deliver a new station and have the new appliance on the ground in the Burdekin was finalised.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Corrie Benson, who oversees the Townsville division, said the truck would deliver direct benefits for both the community and crews.

“For our community, this vehicle represents faster response times, improved capability and greater reliability. Put simply, it means safer homes and safer families,” Superintendent Benson said.

“For our firefighters, this truck provides a safer and more efficient work environment that allows our crews to focus on what matters most: protecting lives and protecting property.”

The new Scania joins the fleet at Ayr Fire & Rescue Station immediately and is expected to enhance response capacity across the Burdekin and surrounding regions.

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Inspector Doug Allom (Townsville Country Command), Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Station Officer Ash Ryder, and Acting Chief Superintendent Corrie Benson (Townsville Division) at the handover of Ayr Fire Station’s new appliance.

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In every town, whether here, across the country or in a completely foreign land, there are a few elements it just couldn't prosper without. Some of those are more apparent to the naked eye than others: essential resources, a stable economy, safety—sure. But it's the unsung heroes operating behind the curtains that are just as crucial in holding the place together.

One of those around this neck of the woods is the Burdekin Community Association. It was as they marked their 50 year anniversary with a celebratory dinner just last weekend that the Honourable Dale Last MP said something that hit home—something along the lines of, 'if every town had an organisation like the BCA, there would be a lot less problems'.

It wasn't until learning more about the organisation, how it works, the hands behind it, and the lives they collectively touch, that Mr. Last's words truly started to resonate. Because thanks to the BCA, someone has food to eat, a place to call home, people to lean on, and a life to live—and that's something absolutely worth celebrating.

So, cheers to the team at BCA for 50 years of just being there—both literally and spiritually. You can read more about their story and current services on pages 16-21.

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Just in the past couple of weeks, a string of random acts of kindness have captured the attention of the entire community, with locals taking to social media to share their thanks and gratitude.

Without exchanging names or even interacting with one another, several members of the shire have helped others in need, from lifting wheely walkers into cars to paying it forward in the drive through.

Earlier this month, the community came together after a concerned local shared the news she had found a very badly injured wallaby who had unfortunately suffered extensive burns after being caught in a cane fire. Unable to assistance the wallaby herself, she called upon the shire to help, and in true Burdekin fashion, many came to the wallaby’s aid, taking the trip to Brandon to search for the animal and contact wildlife carers. The efforts of some, impacted and warmed the hearts of many, with the community praising those who helped the animal online via the Burdekin Community Hub Facebook page.

Everyday within the community, many random acts of kindness occur, and although small, they each have the potential to make a huge difference.

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Opinion Piece - Andrew Willcox

Right now, any Australian can submit a simple request to access non sensitive information from any Australian government agency. We can ask who a minister or government officials has met, what was discussed, and the reasoning behind government decisions. This is a vital lever for holding the government accountable and right now it doesn’t cost a cent to ask the question.

But the Labor government wants to water down these protections, restricting what information the public can request and charging fees to access it. It’s not just a bad look. It raises serious questions about what they’re trying to hide.

Australia’s Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) guarantees public access to government held documents, promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic participation. With the exception of truly sensitive material like national security, personal privacy, or commercial confidentiality, Australia’s Freedom of Information Act allows the public to know what the government is up to. It is how a healthy democracy operates, allowing citizens to scrutinize their leaders without barriers.

So why change a system that already protects sensitive information?

In campaigning during the 2022 election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to lead a more transparent government. Yet now his government is pushing for legislation that would dramatically limit public access to information. I ask why. What secrets does Labor want to keep? What does the government fear the public might discover? Or is the government planning to do something they don’t want anyone knowing about?

The proposed changes were introduced in the last parliamentary sitting week by Attorney General Michelle Rowland. The government proposal would allow government agencies to outright reject requests they claim are too resource intensive. This is a thinly veiled excuse to dodge scrutiny, and it will disproportionately impact journalists, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens seeking the truth on matters of public interest.

Adding insult to injury, the government wants to slap upfront fees on such requests. This creates a paywall for transparency, effectively barring those without resources from accessing vital information. Transparency should not come with a price tag.

The government defends these changes by citing misuse of the system and national security risks, including concerns about anonymous foreign actors submitting requests. But these arguments don’t stack up. Sensitive information is already exempt, and requests of a government agency requires identifying details, preventing anonymous fishing expeditions.

As a Federal Member, I have zero concerned about people knowing who I had coffee with last Tuesday at 11am, let alone a meeting that has public interest. I believe the public has every right to know who ministers meet with and why, especially if those meetings involve parties that stand to benefit from government decisions. The public deserves to know how taxpayer money is being spent and what influences shape political choices.

We should be strengthening transparency, not dismantling it. Our country has always believed in government actions being open to public scrutiny, not hidden behind fees and bureaucratic barriers.

I stand firmly against Labor’s proposed changes. Australians deserve a government that respects the right to know. Keep Freedom of Information free and accessible to keep government open, transparent and accountable.

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Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Winner Molly Julyan
It started as a childhood dream, and now it’s become a crowed reality for 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Winner, Molly Julyan, proudly representing Liessmann and Sons.

Right from the moment she walked on stage, Molly fell in love with the magic of the annual event, and on Saturday, the 30th of August, Molly was prestigiously crowed as the 2025 Senior Ambassador Winner at the beautiful QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch.

“To say I was truly shocked and speechless is a big understatement, I had literally no words and could only say “wow”,” Molly reminisced.

“I feel really proud to have won and to me, being the Winning Ambassador means representing my community with pride, celebrating the traditions of the Burdekin Water Festival, and sharing in the spirit of unity and celebration that the festival brings each year.”

Across the entire course of her journey, Molly represented her organisation with honour and carried herself with grace as she hosted and attended the fundraising and community events of her fellow Junior and Senior Ambassadors, where her attendance was always felt, and warmly welcomed.

Reflecting on how far she has come from the commencement of this year’s Burdekin Water Festival, Molly recalls how excited she felt when the opportunity to become a Senior Ambassador arose.

“My journey started when Seb and Kari came into my work on a busy afternoon and asked me if I was interested in being an Ambassador and I thought it was a perfect opportunity to show everyone the Home Hill side of the Burdekin,” said Molly.

“My dad had been part of the Liessmann and Sons family for over 20 years and all the staff are like family. I asked him if Liessmann and Sons would Sponsor me and they said yes.”

“Being able to bring home the winning title personally means a lot to me because I represented Liessmann and Sons with pride, gratitude, and the chance to represent something bigger than myself is an achievement I’ll always carry with me.”

Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Runner Up Eliza Worlein
On the afternoon of Saturday, the 30th of August, Eliza Worlein, representing the Rotary Club of Ayr, was crowned as the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Runner Up at the beautiful QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch.

Eliza has been a long-time lover of all that’s involved in the annual celebration, and she always hoped she would have the opportunity to grace the stage as a Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador.

“A big factor in motivating me to participate as an Ambassador this year came from being a Junior Ambassador when I was a kid, and I always knew that given the opportunity, I would say yes to being a Senior Ambassador as I know what the experience can be,” explained Eliza.

“While a lot has changed since when I first did it, the morals of friendship and community have remained the same.”

Over the course of her journey as a Senior Ambassador, Eliza felt extremely grateful and honoured to have had the opportunity to represent a treasured organisation within the Burdekin Shire.

“The Rotary Club of Ayr are organisation that is well known in the Burdekin community for their generosity and tireless efforts to carry out humanitarian work throughout the globe,” Eliza said.

“I feel very fortunate to be their ambassador for 2025 and do what I can to give back to an organisation that does so much for everyone else.”

Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner Giulia Sarri
Giulia Sarri's journey to becoming the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Winner stands as nothing short of inspirational, and she feels beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the Burdekin Christian College.

In the beginning of the Ambassador Program, Giulia recalls feeling extremely nervous for what the next few months had in store, however, once the crown was placed on her head on the evening of Saturday, the 7th of September, those feelings completely slipped away.

“I was shocked and excited! I didn’t think that I would win as all the Ambassadors were worthy of winning. I’m very grateful to be crowned the Winner and feel honoured to have been part of an event that I believe is very important to our community,” Giulia shared.

“Just being chosen to represent Burdekin Christian College (BCC) as a Junior Ambassador was an honour and a privilege in itself, so being crowned the Winner was an extra special bonus and a very special moment for me.”

Right from the second she was asked by her school principal, Ms Creed, Giulia represented BCC with pride.

“If it wasn't for Ms Creed and the school believing in me to represent BCC I wouldn’t have had the amazing experience that I did as a Junior Ambassador,” said Giulia.

“In my time at BCC I have been encouraged to find my strengths and supported to challenge myself, so, to have the winning title representing BCC is very special.”

With her crown, sash and robe handy, Giulia cannot wait to spend more time with her fellow Winning Ambassadors over the next year, and she hopes anyone considering the experience puts their hand up ahead of the 2026 Burdekin Water Festival.

“The whole program is the best thing you could possibly do, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. It was fun, challenging and very rewarding! I made new friends with both Junior and Senior Ambassadors, and the program has helped me with my confidence overall and especially in public speaking,” added Giulia.

“It is an experience of a lifetime.”

Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Runner Up Jorja Vasta
2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Runner Up, Jorja Vasta, representing Burdekin Junior Rugby League, was celebratorily crowned on the evening of Saturday the 7th of September – a heart stopping moment she’ll never forget.

“I was so shocked when Kari (BWF Ambassador Coordinator) announced my club, and my name – I just couldn’t believe it – I felt excited and proud,” Jorja enthused.

“Being named Runner Up means so much to me, and it boosts my faith that dreams really do come true as it doesn’t matter where you come from, determination and being true to yourself is success.”

Jorja has been an active member of Burdekin Junior Rugby League for almost three years, and she could not feel more honoured to have represented her club over the course of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival season.

“I was so honoured and proud to represent my club, and I have built confidence, experienced new things and made community connections,” added Jorja.

“This ambassador experience has been filled with a lot of memorable moments like going to events with things I have never done before - playing night golf was definitely an exciting experience and talking to the other Ambassadors both past and present to help calm my nerves has helped me a lot.”

Right from the moment she was asked to become a BWF Junior Ambassador, Jorja knew she wanted to make the most of every moment, and with all the festivities now concluded, she feels nothing but gratitude for the entire experience, and she hopes others will leap at the opportunity to become an Ambassador in the new year.

“I would encourage others to give it a go, and if you have a business or organisation, I encourage you to nominate an ambassador!”

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Senior Ambassador Runner Up Eliza Worlein (Rotary Club of Ayr) & Junior Ambassador Runner Up Jorja Vasta (Burdekin Junior Rugby League) with Junior Ambassador Winner Giulia Sarri (Burdekin Christian College) & Senior Ambassador Winner Molly Julyan (Liessmann and Sons) (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)
Senior Ambassador Winner Molly Julyan (Liessmann and Sons) & Senior Ambassador Runner Up Eliza Worlein (Rotary Club of Ayr) (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)
Junior Ambassador Runner Up Jorja Vasta (Burdekin Junior Rugby League) with Junior Ambassador Winner Giulia Sarri (Burdekin Christian College) (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)

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The Burdekin Shire Council has secured funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) to deliver significant upgrades to the Ayr Industrial Estate road network.

The project aims to improve safety and accessibility, provide more efficient access for heavy vehicles, and enhance parking while strengthening long-term infrastructure capacity.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the investment reflects Council’s commitment to supporting local industry and improving the region’s transport network.

“This upgrade will ensure Ayr’s industrial area can better accommodate heavy vehicles, while also improving safety, accessibility, and infrastructure resilience,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“It’s a significant investment in our region’s future growth and productivity.”

Key features of the project include widening approximately 900 metres of road to 14 metres, installing new kerb and channel, pavement and asphalt surfacing, and upgrading underground drainage systems.

Four intersections will be renewed to improve traffic flow and vehicle safety, while 369 metres of drainage culverts, 12 inlet pits, and six manholes will also be installed.

The Council has thanked the Australian Government for supporting the works through SLRIP, helping to deliver safer and more resilient infrastructure for the community.

Construction will begin once detailed design and procurement processes are complete, with timelines yet to be confirmed.

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Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort at an intersection in the Ayr Industrial Estate. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

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After building a career across India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, physiotherapist Phelps Kota has arrived in the Burdekin—and he’s here to make a difference.

Earlier this month, Kota helped inaugurate Kota's Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic, aiming to reduce long wait times for physiotherapy in the region and provide care that restores mobility, independence, and hope. The clinic offers services across paediatric , orthopaedic, neurology, related conditions and pre and post operative rehabilitation, ensuring patients of all ages can access high-quality care close to home.

Kota’s journey to the Burdekin has been anything but linear. After completing a bachelor’s degree in India and gaining local work experience, he moved to the UK, earning his physiotherapy license at just 24 years old. He worked in NHS clinics, gaining experience across multiple specialties, before pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare and physiotherapy in the United States at Trine University in Detroit, Michigan , United States of America. Along the way, he trained in more than 15+ countries, attending workshops and developing the advanced clinical skills that he now brings to the Burdekin.

“The Burdekin had a clear need,” Kota said. “People here were waiting two to three weeks for physiotherapy. We wanted to give them access sooner and help them regain their lives.”

For Kota, working in regional communities is deeply personal. “I feel at home here. Coming to remote areas reminds me of my hometown in India," he said. "I’m excited to make a difference."

He moves to the region with his wife, a dentist, who also made the leap from India, leaving career opportunities behind to support his mission to keep the Burdekin healthy.

Kota’s approach is rooted in patient independence and care that extends beyond treating injuries. “Physiotherapy is about helping people to not have to depend on others for daily living, even if their condition isn’t fully curable,” he explained. “Even a small candle is enough in a dark room. We want to be that ray of hope for the Burdekin community.”

Since opening, Kota has welcomed patients from across the region, offering faster appointments and personalised treatment plans. His clinic is designed to ensure accessibility and comfort, with a focus on long-term recovery and improved quality of life.

With his clinic now established in the Burdekin, Kota is focused on bringing world-class physiotherapy to the community. Through expertise, dedication, and a commitment to patient care, he aims to offer support, independence, and hope for every patient who walks through his doors.

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“I feel at home here... I’m excited to make a difference," said Kota. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Last week’s Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting drew one of its largest crowds in recent memory, as local business owners kick-started their Thursday morning with coffee, conversation and community planning.

Proceedings were led by Seb Aguirre of ELA Solutions, who steered discussions towards one of the year’s most anticipated highlights—the Burdekin Christmas Street Party.

The agenda sparked plenty of lively debate, particularly around logistics such as preferred dates, potential road closures and whether Queen Street shopfronts should remain open during the festivities. While some members were keen to showcase local businesses, others raised concerns following last year’s disappointing turnout, which was hampered by heavy rain.

Despite differing views, the overall mood was upbeat, with members eager to breathe fresh life into an event that has long been a hallmark of the region’s festive season. Organisers are hopeful that with a strong line-up of stalls, live entertainment and food vendors, this year’s celebration will draw crowds back in true Burdekin fashion.

With planning now well underway, the Burdekin Christmas Street Party promises to deliver plenty of festive cheer—and, hopefully, a dry evening.

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Last week’s Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting drew one of its largest crowds in recent memory. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Burdekin Chamber of Commerce Treasurer Kari Ravizza, Executive Member Jenny Papale, Executive Member Rose Papadimitriou, and President Eusebio Aguirre at last week’s Chamber meeting. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Lives Lived Well is here for the Burdekin, offering practical, non-judgemental therapeutic intervention for people affected by alcohol and other drugs. Our team works across the region, providing free, confidential counselling for adults and young people to help support people to gain the skills to Live Their Lives Well.

If you’re worried about your substance use, our clinicians can help you make sense of what’s happening and create a plan that fits your life. We offer one-on-one counselling in person or by phone. Our therapeutic approach is couched in evidence-based practice, and each session is tailored to the individual and their support needs and can further create connections with additional services such as Mental Health services, Domestic and Family Violence support and general practitioners.

We also offer Drug and Alcohol First Aid training (fee for service) to build community knowledge and basic skills around responding to AOD specific risky situations.

Our clinician travels from Townsville weekly and is based at Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, 12A Chippendale Street, Ayr making it easier for people across the Burdekin to get help close to home.

If you’d like to know more, please contact Lives Lived Well on 1300 727 957 or visit our website www.liveslivedwell.org.au.

We’re part of your community, and we are passionate about the possibilities.

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