I’d like to begin this column by acknowledging the tragic events that unfolded at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend. Such incidents have no place in our world, let alone in our beautiful country, and I encourage everyone to keep the victims and their grieving families in your thoughts and prayers. It’s tragedies like these that put life into perspective. They make us hug our loved ones a little tighter and question whether the minor inconveniences that normally frustrate us really matter at all. But it’s important to come together during times like this—when it’s all too easy to point fingers. That’s the essence of our nation. That’s being Australian. And there’s no place that embodies it better than the Burdekin. On a brighter note, local Christmas festivities are ramping up, with the Carols proving a blast and the highly anticipated Chamber Street Party just around the corner. Before long, the big man himself will be dropping by with all our presents. Is it too late to start being nice, or is his list already finalised? Maybe I’ll start saying please and thank you more often, as a last-ditch effort to get in the ‘good’ column.
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Local Initiative Brews Connection and Conversation for Mental Health Talika Pegoraro recently unveiled a beautifully heartwarming mental health focused initiative, Cuppa & Chat, in partnership with Fuel Me Up Café to start conversations and foster connections within the community. A proud Burdekin local, Talika hopes to combine her Certificate IV in Mental Health with her love for taking care of those around her to host a casual and relaxed meeting accompanied by a free beverage with whomever would like to connect. “If you’d like to connect, simply send me a private message on Facebook, and we’ll arrange a time and choose a place to meet – no agendas, no scripts, just genuine, open conversation over a coffee,” shared Talika. In the past, Talika has hosted a highly successful Women’s Circle focusing on self-care and wellbeing. “Giving people the opportunity to have a one on one, confidential conversation could make all the difference especially at a time of year where people can feel quite isolated, and I want to use what I’ve learned to connect with the wider community and just bring some happiness to any who would like it,” Talika explained. Manager of Fuel Me Up Café, Cindy Poletti, approached Talika earlier this year to offer a generous donation to support her previous and future initiatives, leading Talika to establish Cuppa & Chat, which has already been warmly welcomed by the wider community. “I’m hoping that people will use this as self-care or something just for them as an induvial. The conversation doesn’t have to be about mental wellbeing, it can be about whatever they want to talk about – however, I am more than willing to discuss some of the heavier topics that may be weighing people down.” Talika cannot wait to connect with more members of the local community and encourages anyone interested in having a Cuppa & Chat to send her a message today. Talika Pegoraro encourages anyone interested in a Cuppa & Chat to message her on Facebook. Photo supplied
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Three familiar faces in Burdekin healthcare are being celebrated for a remarkable milestone, with a combined 135 years of service marking a lifetime of service to the Burdekin community. Support Services Officer Bertilla Scodellaro, Clinical Nurse Joanne McBow, and Enrolled Nurse Jocelyn Tuffin all started as teenage trainees, and have seen the evolution of healthcare in the Burdekin first-hand. For Ms Tuffin, who began her career at just 15 years old, the technology may have changed over the last four decades, but the core of the job has remained consistent. "I just love looking after people and being there for them at, often, the worst time in their lives," Ms Tuffin said. "People really just want a caring, compassionate person to look after them; they remember it, and it gives you a good feeling at the end of the day to know you’ve made a difference." Ms McBow, who trained alongside Jocelyn, said working in a rural facility offered a unique "whole-of-life" career that specialised nursing couldn't match. "I can't imagine being specialised in one particular thing; I like that one minute I can be caring for someone who is ill, and the next minute I could be in theatre helping with a caesarean," Ms McBow said. "It is a privilege to have that trust to care for people you know in the community and be that support for them." While the clinical team keeps patients safe, staff like Ms Scodellaro ensure the hospitals operate smoothly. Working across both Ayr and Home Hill facilities, Ms Scodellaro was described by her colleagues as the “instrumental link” that keeps the service ticking, ensuring equipment and supplies are exactly where they need to be. "Every day is different, and that is what I like about it," Ms Scodellaro said. Together, all three embody the community spirit of the Burdekin, celebrating a rare, long-standing commitment to rural healthcare.
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A year after the Crisafulli Government reinstated the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, Member for Burdekin Dale Last is backing calls for new members to add their voice and knowledge to the future of the national artery. Mr Last said the success of the advisory council over the past twelve months was a testament to the combination of industry stakeholder representatives and local knowledge that only comes from those who travel the highway. “The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a vital role in shaping priorities for the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and the development of a Fatigue Management Strategy,” Mr Last said. “These voluntary positions are a 12-month role for one representative from each of the six regions that intersect the Bruce Highway to join peak body representatives to have their say on the Bruce Highway.” “Since re-establishing the BHAC, we’ve made huge strides in improving safety and reliability, guided by the voices of those who know this highway best.” Chaired by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Bruce Highway Advisory Committee brings together a group of diverse stakeholders from the Pine River up to Far North Queensland to discuss current problems along the Highway and where investment should be prioritised. Mr Last said the advisory council was not just about providing a platform for information about key concerns on the highway and had already brought about significant action. “After a decade of Labor burying their head in the sand when it came to safety issues and flood immunity on the Bruce Highway the Crisafulli Government has turned the tide with more than 40 projects fast-tracked under the Bruce Highway Target Safety Program.” “We are listening and we know there is more to be done and that is why I am encouraging stakeholders in the Northern Region to ensure those crucial concerns around areas prone to flooding, congestion and safety are given the right platform to be heard.”
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Local kids got hands-on with nature during another fun-filled Junior Landcare event hosted by the Burdekin Landcare Association Inc.
Participants rolled up their sleeves and embraced the challenge of building their very own native bee and insect houses, attracting future visits from pollinators like bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial bugs. The creativity and effort on display were impressive, with every young participant proudly taking home a handmade habitat to support local biodiversity.
As well as learning about the importance of insect conservation, the children also enjoyed the satisfying task of harvesting fresh produce from their very own veggie garden beds, all grown from seed during earlier workshops! From leafy greens to crunchy legumes, the joy of picking their homegrown produce was a highlight for many.
Burdekin Landcare Association Inc. continues to inspire the next generation to connect with the environment through hands-on activities that make learning about sustainability fun and engaging. To learn more about upcoming Junior Landcare events, email Secretary@LowerBurdekinLandcare.org.au or call 07 3543 0477.
The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association regularly hosts Junior Landcare events for young gardeners (Photo Supplied)
Organisers were impressed once again with the talents of some of the region's youngest gardeners (Photo Supplied)
Queensland is a state built on mateship, resilience, and community spirit and every town and suburb has someone who quietly embodies those values. As Queensland Day approaches, now is the perfect time to give those people the recognition they truly deserve with the newly launched Queensland Day Local Legend Awards!
The initiative has been designed to spotlight the everyday heroes among us, the volunteers, neighbours, and community champions who lend a hand without ever asking for thanks.
“The Local Legends are the ones who don’t ask for credit – they just get in and get the job done – and embody the Queensland spirit,” Premier David Crisafulli said.
These are the people who man the barbecues at local fundraisers, patrol our beaches on hot summer days, mow the local sporting fields before game day, and check in on those doing it tough as their kindness and service are the threads that hold our communities together.
Every Queenslander is encouraged to nominate someone who makes a difference, no matter how big or small the act.
“Every Queensland town or city has someone who makes that community a better place, and this is about giving those people the recognition they deserve,” added Premier Crisafulli.
Award recipients will be announced on the 6th of June, during Queensland Day celebrations at the Dolphins v St George Illawarra Dragons NRL game at Suncorp Stadium. Winners will receive a certificate presented by the Premier himself, along with a pack of limited-edition Bundaberg Brewed Drinks ‘Local Legend’ ginger beer.
This initiative follows the government’s “All the Best” campaign launched earlier last week, inviting Queenslanders to celebrate their favourite places, produce and local icons from the best meat pie to the most-loved beach or pub.
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Sunday the 1st of June, and can be submitted online at www.qld.gov.au/qldday.
Traffic flow along the Bruce Highway was severely impacted on Saturday, the 17th of May, following a single-vehicle traffic crash at Barratta Creek, near Jerona Road.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed emergency services were called to the West Barratta Creek Bridge at approximately 1:15pm, after reports that a bronze Landcruiser Defender, towing a trailer with a white Nissan Patrol, had crashed.
The vehicle was travelling southbound when the incident occurred, causing significant disruptions to traffic along the busy stretch of highway.
The driver, a 17-year-old man from Oak Valley, and two passengers, a 17-year-old Ross River man and an 18-year-old Oak Valley man, were assessed at the scene and found to have escaped injury.
Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Authorities remained on scene throughout the afternoon to manage traffic and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident with official investigations ongoing.
Drivers experienced lengthy delays on Saturday as a result of the incident (Photo Credit: Luke Bozzetto)
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has lashed out at Labor’s proposed superannuation tax, warning it will “rip the guts out of middle Australia” and devastate the farming and small business sectors.
The policy, which proposes taxing unrealised capital gains in superannuation accounts, has drawn heavy criticism from financial and agricultural groups who say it targets everyday Australians rather than the wealthy elite.
“Unrealised capital gains” refer to increases in an asset’s value that haven’t yet been sold. Mr Katter said it was ludicrous to tax “theoretical, paper money,” particularly for rural landholders.
“This policy will have a catastrophic effect on anyone that has a farm, house or similar asset held by a super fund,” Mr Katter said. “If the market value increases, you will get a huge tax bill… you will have to sell the asset to pay this crushing tax bill.”
He warned that farmers and landowners would be hit hard.
“Land appreciation doesn't mean you're rich in cash,” he said. “It means your rates go up, your insurance goes up, and now… your tax goes up too.”
Mr Katter said the policy unfairly punishes those investing in Australia’s future.
“This isn’t going to hurt the big corporates… this is going to break the back of middle Australia.”
Calling for the policy to be scrapped, he said it would worsen the decline in farming numbers and force more people off the land.
“If the government really wanted to do something helpful, it should legislate to require a large portion of super investment in Australian manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and other economy-generating projects.”
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter delivers a fiery spray over Labor’s proposed super tax, warning it will cripple farmers and rural investors. Photo supplied
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has launched a new monthly Values Recognition Program—and Burdekin-based employees were front and centre in the inaugural round of winners.
Four of the six staff recognised in the first intake are from the Burdekin region, showcasing the strength of local leadership, innovation and teamwork across Kalamia, Pioneer, Invicta and Inkerman mills.
The newly established program is designed to celebrate employees who consistently demonstrate Wilmar’s core values of integrity, excellence, passion, innovation, teamwork and safety in their day-to-day work. It’s part of a broader push to embed a values-led culture throughout the business.
Among the first recipients was Deb Calligaro from Kalamia Mill, who was applauded for her dedication and integrity. Cameron Suski from Pioneer Mill was recognised for innovation and a passion for problem-solving, while Natarsha Little from Invicta Mill stood out for her commitment to safety and teamwork. At Inkerman Mill, Bevan Orenshaw was acknowledged for consistently demonstrating excellence in his work and supporting others to do the same.
The remaining two awardees were Scott Gofton from Victoria Mill and Aimee Barratt from Wilmar’s Townsville office, rounding out a diverse group of team members from across the organisation.
“We know people across our business are doing great work every day, and this program is an opportunity for them to be acknowledged and applauded,” a Wilmar spokesperson said.
The company received dozens of nominations in the program’s debut and will continue to run the awards monthly to ensure outstanding contributions don’t go unnoticed.
Congratulations to all the winners—and especially to those helping put the Burdekin mills at the forefront of Wilmar’s values in action.
Deb Calligaro – Kalamia Mill
Deb was recognised for her unwavering integrity and dedication to supporting her team. Her commitment to doing things the right way, every time, sets a strong example for those around her.
Scott Gofton – Victoria Mill
Scott earned praise for his consistent pursuit of excellence and willingness to go above and beyond to deliver high standards in everything he does.
Aimee Barratt – Townsville Office
Aimee was celebrated for her passion and innovative thinking, particularly in how she supports Wilmar’s broader operational goals from behind the scenes.
Cameron Suski – Pioneer Mill
Cameron stood out for his practical innovation and proactive approach to problem-solving, helping improve safety and efficiency on site.
Natarsha Little – Invicta Mill
Natarsha’s dedication to safety and teamwork earned her this recognition, with colleagues commending her collaborative spirit and care for others.
Bevan Orenshaw – Inkerman Mill
Bevan was recognised for his reliable performance and willingness to support his team with excellence and professionalism.
The State Government has taken the first step in planning for Queensland’s future timber supply, with the inaugural Timber Supply Chain Ministerial Roundtable bringing together growers, processors, and industry leaders to help shape a long-term timber action plan.
With growing demand for home construction and infrastructure across the state, particularly in regional areas, the Queensland Future Timber Plan (QFTP) aims to ensure we have a strong, sustainable supply of local timber to meet the target of one million homes by 2044.
The Roundtable includes key representatives from Timber Queensland, AgForce, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Housing Industry Association, Forestry Australia, HQPlantations, the Australian Forest Contractors Association, and some of the state’s leading timber businesses.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the Queensland Government was committed to working alongside industry to reinvigorate the timber sector.
"We’re serious about securing Queensland’s timber future, and that starts by working directly with the people who grow, harvest and process our timber,” Minister Perrett said.
“This is about protecting jobs, building regional economies, and making sure we have the materials needed for the homes and infrastructure of tomorrow.
“The Roundtable will provide practical advice on how we can meet growing construction demand while supporting innovation and sustainability across the supply chain.
“This is a landmark opportunity to rebuild future of one of Queensland’s most important and environmentally sustainable industries starting with the people who know it best.”
Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens welcomed the establishment of the Roundtable and said the QFTP represented a major opportunity to unlock the full potential of the sector.
“The timber industry already plays a key role in ensuring we have local sustainable materials for housing and construction,” Mr Stephens said.
“Through this plan, we aim to unlock the barriers and opportunities to further increase the supply of timber to help meet the Government’s target of one million new homes over the next two decades.”
The Roundtable will meet over the next 12 months to guide the development of the plan, which also aligns with the State’s 25-year blueprint for primary industries — a strategy that aims to lift Queensland’s production output to $30 billion by 2030.
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The Bowen Pipeline Project is edging closer to becoming a reality, with state approval expected in 2025 and construction forecast to begin within the next 12 months.
Bowen Pipeline Company spokesperson Sean Brown recently confirmed the project remains on schedule, with the public advertising phase of its Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application underway since the 4th of April. The application, lodged in December of 2024 and confirmed in March earlier this year, is progressing through the State and Commonwealth approvals process.
The 182-kilometre underground pipeline will transport water from the Burdekin River near Home Hill south to Bowen, supplying water to the Bowen township, Gumlu and Guthalungra.
The project will deliver secure water access to a region responsible for producing one-fifth of Australia’s vegetables and is tipped to boost local agricultural income by $300 million annually, supporting emerging green energy industries, including ammonia, fertiliser, methanol and sustainable aviation fuel, with the potential to generate $1 billion in additional economic activity.
Approximately 200 jobs will be created during construction, with up to 1,200 ongoing full-time roles once operational.
“This is a long-term investment in regional growth,” Mr Brown said.
“The support from the community and stakeholders has been vital, and we are proud to be delivering economic and environmental outcomes for North Queensland.”
Queensland’s first Net Zero pipeline, the project will use world-leading Australian HDPE pipe technology to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The construction will also use green hydrogen from Townsville and Australian-made solar panels.
Backed by 40 grower and community investors from the Bowen and Burdekin regions, the project has raised over $4 million in private funds and secured a $5 million Commonwealth grant. Significantly, the Juru and Bindal Peoples are equity partners, marking a national first in Indigenous participation in agricultural infrastructure.
With support from Burdekin Shire Council, Whitsunday Regional Council and agreements in place with all affected landowners, the Bowen Pipeline is poised to deliver lasting economic, agricultural and environmental benefits to the region.
For more information, visit www.bowenpipeline.com.au.
The Bowen Pipeline Project will unlock major agricultural growth, create hundreds of local jobs, and drive long-term economic benefits for North Queensland (Photo Supplied)
Sunwater recently welcomed four Year 11 students from Ayr State High School to their Clare depot as part of the school’s annual work experience program.
In support of the next generation of water industry professionals, each of the students gained valuable insights into different aspects of Sunwater’s operations under the guidance and supervision of experienced experts.
Jack, Callie and Lucas explored and worked alongside the maintenance and projects teams to assist with pump station maintenance, fabrication, mechanical checks, observe pump repairs and assist with field measurements whilst Ben toured the Burdekin Haughton Water Supply Scheme.
“The experience is helping shape their future careers while fostering a deeper understanding of the essential work we do at Sunwater,” shared a Sunwater spokesperson.
Four Ayr State High School students carried out work experience at Sunwater's Clare depot (Photos Supplied)
A woman has died and two others have been hospitalised following a head-on collision on the Flinders Highway near Charters Towers on yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene at Breddan, just west of Macrossan Bridge, shortly after 4pm on May 14, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.
Initial investigations suggest a Holden Epica and a Hyundai Kona were travelling in opposite directions when they collided head-on.
A woman in her 50s, who was a passenger in the Kona, died at the scene.
The driver of the Epica, a woman in her 40s, suffered critical injuries and was rushed to Townsville Hospital.
The Kona's driver, a man in his 50s, was also taken to Townsville Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the incident and has appealed for anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to come forward.
Investigations are ongoing.
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community. We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services. For example, aged care, disability care, transport, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and support, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and exercise programs, domestic and family violence services, essential food and toiletries, telehealth, legal services and much more.
Home Care Service
Our Home Care Service delivers services for younger people with a disability, or condition that impacts their ability to live safely and independently, and their carers. A few of the great programs offered by the Home Care Service are briefly outlined below.
Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS)
QCSS provides support to people under 65 or under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who with a small amount of help, can maintain or regain their independence, continue living safely in their home and actively participate in the community. Services include Inn-home Supports and Community Connection Support.
Burdekin Community Transport Program (BCT)
BCT provides community transport locally and to Townsville to access medical appointments, do the shopping, attend social activities and venues, visit others etc. Transport under BCT is available for people who experience transport disadvantage and are under 65 and unable to access, or have limited access, to other transport options including public or private transport. Unpaid carers can also travel in their role as carer. Please note that Transport services are also provided to seniors under our other programs such as HCP, CHSP, NDIS.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
NDIS supports a better life for people with a significant and permanent disability and their families and carers. Services include assistance with daily personal activities (showering/bathing/medication monitoring etc), travel/transport arrangements, innovative community participation, development-life skills, household tasks, participating in the community, exercise physiology, personal training and psychological counselling.
Please contact the BCA Team to access services or obtain information on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au, www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
A trusted name in the Burdekin, Pyott’s Mechanical and Hydraulics continues to grow as a leading force in heavy vehicle servicing and hydraulic solutions. Under the leadership of Ashley Pyott since 2017, the business has expanded its focus to include a well-stocked retail store, offering convenience and accessibility for local customers.
“We’ve had the retail store for two years now,” says Ashley. “We have put a lot of extra stock in there. With the oil, there’s stock… like, a lot of stock. You can walk in here and get what you want.”
In addition to hydraulic hoses, auto-electrical supplies, and general truck parts, Pyott’s Mechanical now offers oil delivery across the Burdekin, catering to both large-scale and individual customer needs. “Currently we’re delivering a 1000-litre shuttle of oil to Giru for free,” says Ashley.
Proudly born and raised in Ayr, Ashley values the strong community ties that define the business. “We have a good relationship with most people that come in. It’s not just about serving them and sending them on their way.”
With a reputation built on reliability, service efficiency, and a genuine connection to the local community, Pyott’s Mechanical and Hydraulics continues to be the go-to destination for heavy vehicle and hydraulic needs in the Burdekin.
Born and raised in Ayr, Ashley Pyott says there’s a great sense of pride that comes with serving the local community. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
It’s a song they say has the ability to empower a woman to kick a door off its hinges with enthusiasm and excitement, and the Burdekin Football Club hopes to emulate such extraordinary energy and more at their upcoming Ladies Day extravaganza!
Just last week, the Burdekin FC Inc. announced the theme of their infamous 2025 Ladies Day event will be “Let’s Go Girls” - Denim & White and the wider community could not be more ready to shout the Shania Twain anthem.
Set to be held on the 9th of August at International Park, attendees can expect to be treated to a day of dancing, singing, and delicious refreshments whilst enjoying live music and plenty of awesome soccer matches into the late afternoon and beyond.
In years gone by, the Burdekin Football Club have thrown together a bouquet of spectacular Ladies Day events with wonderful themes like Spring Fling, A Day In Amalfi, 50 Shades of Pink, and NYC Fifth Ave presenting waves of fabulous fashion and socialisation to the Club’s Beach Road fields.
With more details yet to be announced, the community cannot help but feel giddy with anticipation for the Burdekin Panther’s most infamous events on the club’s yearly calendar and those interested are encouraged to keep an eye on the Club’s socials for more information.
2024's magical Ladies Day event was themed Spring Fling! (Photo Credit: Burdekin FC Inc.)
A wave of gratitude has washed over the Burdekin once again after almost 200 members of the community were warmly touched by the kindness of a stranger earlier this month.
Leisa Kenny shared her story online, detailing how a lovely woman set out on a special delivery to return her husband’s phone, cash, ID and important cards which had fallen from his pocket whilst cycling to work.
“Thank you for being a phenomenal, kind and honest person,” expressed Leisa.
“May good karma come your way in bucket loads.”
Leisa took to social media to share her story, with the hopes the anonymous woman would see the post and the community would share in Leisa’s joy. To her delight, almost 200 people have interacted with the post, noting it’s the smallest acts which can have the greatest difference.
“Such a great feeling to know how many good people are out there,” added Leisa.
The school children and the local people of the shire were treated to a demonstration from the RAAF of the Sikorsky Helicopter S-51 Dragonfly, which visited Ayr and Home Hill on Monday, 14 July 1952.
In June 1952, the Shire Council received notice that the RAAF would be paying a promotional visit to the people of the Burdekin in July, bringing one of the first helicopters purchased by the Australian Government. It was decided that the helicopter would land at the Ayr Racecourse, the Home Hill State Rural School, refuel at the Home Hill Showgrounds, and land again at the Ayr State High and Intermediate School grounds. The helicopter required an area about the size of two tennis courts to land.
Students from all schools and other spectators gathered at the Ayr Racecourse on Monday, 14 July 1952, waiting eagerly for the RAAF helicopter from Townsville to land and demonstrate its capabilities. The helicopter landed at 10:45am and amazed the crowd. The crew consisted of four RAAF members: the pilot, Flying Officer McKinn; Squadron Leader Vann; Squadron Leader Foote; and L.A.C. Jones. The helicopter departed around 11:30am.
The Sikorsky helicopter then flew to Home Hill. After circling the town, it arrived at about 11:45am and landed in the grounds of the Home Hill Rural School, providing a treat for the school children and any other spectators. After this demonstration, it landed at the Home Hill Showgrounds to refuel. It’s suspected the crew also had lunch, as the helicopter departed around 2:00pm to land at the Ayr High and Intermediate School before returning to Townsville.
Besides giving the school children of the district a treat, more than half the district's population would have witnessed the demonstrations carried out by the Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly.
This RAAF helicopter was stationed with No. 23 City of Brisbane Squadron at Archerfield and was undertaking an extensive tour of flood-affected areas in North Queensland. Displays were planned for the Townsville Show, Cairns, Innisfail, Ayr and Home Hill, Bowen, Mackay, Rockhampton, and other coastal towns impacted by flooding. The tour was aimed at demonstrating flood relief and rescue procedures to police and local authorities.
The RAAF Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly was used between 1947 and 1964. Another helicopter from Sikorsky Aviation is the Sikorsky S-70A Blackhawk, which was used by the Air Force from 1988–1989 before being transferred to the Australian Army.
Igor Sikorsky was a Russian (born 25 May 1889 in Kiev, Ukraine; died 1972 in Connecticut, USA) who designed his first helicopter in 1909 — both early models were failures. He left Russia in 1918 and, by 1919, was in the United States. Sikorsky founded the Sikorsky Aviation Company (now part of Lockheed Martin) in 1923. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Sikorsky went on to design many aircraft. The Sikorsky H-5/H-6 helicopter first flew on 18 August 1943 and was introduced in February 1945 for use by the U.S. Army Air Forces. He later designed a civilian version under the designation Sikorsky S-51, which began flying in 1946.
In December 1946, an agreement was signed between the British company Westland Aircraft and Sikorsky to produce a British version of the H-5, manufactured as the Westland Sikorsky WS-51 Dragonfly. This is the version supplied to the RAAF and brought to the Burdekin.
As a matter of interest, another German helicopter was in operation during World War II. It was the Focke-Wulf FW-61, designed by Professor Heinrich Focke and engineer Gerd Achgelis in 1936. One of the first test pilots to fly this machine was a woman — Hanna Reitsch — who was born to fly. Born in March 1912 in Silesia and passing in August 1979, she flew almost every German military aircraft, including helicopters and gliders, and once flew a V-1 rocket — disastrously. Her biography, The Sky My Kingdom, is well worth reading.
It’s worth remembering that in 1952, the Korean conflict was underway, and helicopters such as the Bell H-13 Sioux, the Hiller H-23 Raven, and the H-19 Chickasaw were used extensively in all facets of the war — especially for rescue operations. The Korean War spanned from 1950 to 1953.
Today, helicopters are an essential part of warfare and serve crucial roles in civilian rescue operations.
Contributed with thanks to Glenis Cislowski.
The Sikorsky Helicopter S-51 Dragonfly that visited Ayr and Home Hill on Monday, 14 July 1952.
Growing up on a farm 100km from town, Riley Granshaw learned to build, fix, and figure things out the hard way. One day, he decided to put those skills to use—and four years later, what began as a backyard project in his parents’ shed has grown into RG Customs NQ—a one-man customs garage known for its personal touch and elite craftsmanship.
Now located in Ayr, RG Customs NQ has become a local favourite for people seeking custom work on their vehicles. Specialising in 4x4 accessory fitment and customisation, the business offers anything from suspension and GVM upgrades to snorkels, bullbars and side rails.
It’s this wide range of expertise, coupled with his careful, customer-centric approach that has made Granshaw and RG Customs NQ so successful.
“A big thing that I think of is, ‘what if that was my car in someone else’s workshop?’” says Granshaw.
“I really pride myself on my workmanship and the quality of work that people get. Being a one-man band, I really get to focus on what the customer wants and what the customer needs—people really get that one-on-one feel.”
This, along with building a positive reputation, is among Granshaw’s top priorities.
“One of the main things I try to focus on is having a good relationship with people,” he says. “It’s all about building a reputation, and I’m fortunate enough to be successful enough to where I’m getting people coming in from Townsville, Ingham, and even as far as Harvey Bay.”
With a loyal following and a growing reputation, Granshaw is proving that skill, care, and a personal touch never go out of style. As demand continues to roll in from across the region, RG Customs NQ is showing no signs of slowing down.
With a loyal following and a growing reputation, Granshaw is proving that skill, care, and a personal touch never go out of style. Photo. credit: Jacob Casha
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