(L-R) Former Ayr Rotary president Carl List, Monica Licciardello, John Oar. Photo supplied. 

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A Burdekin local has become the first non-Rotarian in several years to receive one of Rotary’s most distinguished awards. 

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Monica Licciardello was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow at an Ayr Rotary meeting earlier this month, an honour described as a “meaningful tribute to generosity, fellowship, and humanitarian service”. 

The award recognised Ms Licciardello’s decades-long contribution to the region as a musician, teacher and prominent community figure, most notably through her long-standing involvement with the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company. 

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Ms Licciardello was invited to the 9th July meeting under the false pretence of being a guest speaker, with family and friends in attendance fully aware of the ceremony that was about to transpire. 

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“It really took me by surprise,” said Ms Licciardello. 

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She thanked the community for its ongoing support, which has pushed her to continue to “challenge herself” and give back through music. 

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“I remember when I was in grade 12, one of my teachers said, ‘your talent is your gift from God, and what you do with it is your gift back,’” she said. 

“It costs me nothing. You can do so much without getting anything in return. It's really rewarding in that respect.” 

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Ms Licciardello has dedicated more than 30 years to the Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company, where she was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her service. 

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Beginning as a young performer, she has since contributed as a teacher, producer and leader, helping the organisation grow into a major creative outlet for the region.

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“These kids learn discipline, they learn commitment, loyalty. It teaches them life skills that they need and prepares them for the future," she said. 

“We're creating confident people who also give back to the community.” 

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Ms Licciardello has also contributed to the Burdekin Catholic Parish for many years, providing music at Masses and school liturgies, as well as performing at weddings and funerals across the community. 

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Alongside her work as a teacher and Pastoral Leader at Burdekin Catholic High School, she continues to teach private music lessons and contribute to productions with the Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company. 

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Rotary Club of Ayr President John McVeigh said Ms Licciardello was chosen for the award by a small internal committee of members. 

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He said her work had been integral in providing opportunities for the next wave of young local performers. 

“Usually in small communities, a lot of people say you don’t have the opportunities. [Burdekin Singers] gives an opportunity for teenagers and primary school kids to get up on the stage and perform in public,” Mr McVeigh said. 

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“When you’ve got someone like Monica who’s willing to be involved in the teaching and production processes, it gives a wonderful opportunity for younger people. She came through that system and is now paying it back.” 

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TMR data identified multiple casualty crashes at the Bruce Highway/Giddy Road intersection, with Council arguing permanent infrastructure upgrades are needed instead of a speed reduction alone. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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A proposal to reduce the speed limit near the Bruce Highway/Giddy Road intersection has triggered a row between Burdekin Shire Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with a council report calling the measure “the cheapest option available”and an inadequate solution to one of the region’s most persistent road safety concerns.

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PROBLEM BURDEKIN INTERSECTION UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

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Burdekin Shire Council has pushed back against the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) recommendation to decrease the speed limit along a stretch of the Bruce Highway.

The recommendation, a response to mounting safety concerns surrounding the Bruce Highway/Giddy Road intersection, proposed a speed limit reduction from 100km/h to 90km/h along a 3km stretch spanning north of the Ayr Dalbeg Road intersection to south of Conlan Street, Ayr.

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It follows a TMR speed limit review prompted by a serious injury crash and subsequent road safety audit. The review examined crash data and driver behaviour at the location between February 2021 and February 2026, finding multiple casualty crashes and severe intersection collisions involving vehicles entering from adjacent approaches.

Video monitoring and a crash that occurred while the audit team was on-site led TMR to recommend the 10km/h speed reduction, ultimately reversing its own desktop review conducted last year that found the existing 100km/h speed limit was appropriate.

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A report authorised by Council Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Services, James Stewart, has slammed TMR’s proposal, arguing it “serves as a legal liability defence” and “fails to address the underlying deficiencies causing conflict at the intersection.”

Council’s report argued the review’s own assessments supported keeping the existing 100km/h limit, with the lower speed recommendation instead relying on an engineering variation aimed at addressing driver behaviour concerns.

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It identified the intersection’s design as a catalyst for safety concerns, citing nearby overtaking lanes that cause differing entry speeds, visibility issues caused by cane rail flashing signage, and the lack of dedicated acceleration lanes for traffic entering the highway.

The report concluded that a permanent infrastructure upgrade, such as the construction of dedicated acceleration and merge lanes at the intersection, would better serve as a long-term solution to underlying safety concerns.

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Its recommendation to request that TMR prioritise funding for detailed design and construction of the Giddy Road intersection upgrade was unanimously carried by councillors during an ordinary meeting last month.

Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Road Safety Committee, Max Musumeci, said Council had long made its objection clear to TMR.

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“Council has communicated its concerns … to TMR on multiple occasions and in strong terms,” said Mr Musumeci.

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“Council's position has consistently been that long-term safety improvements are more likely to be achieved through infrastructure investment rather than relying solely on reduced speed limits.”

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Despite consistently raising concerns with TMR at both officer and elected representative levels, Mr Musumeci said that, to date, the State Government “has not indicated that any significant upgrade works are planned for the intersection.”

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“Council's concern is if the underlying issues remain unchanged, the location may continue to result in near misses and collisions,” he said.

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“For this reason, Council continues to advocate for further investigation of infrastructure-based improvements that address the intersection's long-term safety performance … [and] remains hopeful that its ongoing advocacy … will ultimately be recognised and acted upon.”

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Mr Musumeci said any major upgrade would generally be funded through an 80/20 arrangement between the Queensland and Commonwealth governments.

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The Department of Transport and Main Roads was contacted for comment, but was unable to provide a response before deadline.

Scouting members from across the Lower Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers, and as far away as Mackay gathered in Townsville for this year's Kennedy Region Nighthawk Hike Challenge. Photo supplied.

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Scouting members from across the Lower Burdekin, Townsville, Charters Towers, and as far away as Mackay gathered in Townsville for this year's Kennedy Region Nighthawk Hike Challenge.

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Around 50 Scouts, aged 11 to 16, joined 25 adult volunteers for the overnight event, which featured 12 activity bases throughout Bicentennial Park. Participants arrived at 4pm to set up tents and shelters before sharing dinner and preparing for the evening'schallenges.

Traditionally held in remote bushland, this year's event took place closer to town while still providing the challenge of navigating and completing activities in the dark. From 6pm, 12 patrols, each made up of four to eight Scouts, set off at 15-minute intervals equipped with torches, compasses and backpacks.

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Each activity base tested a combination of leadership and technical skills, with patrols assessed on tasks including mapping, first aid and traditional Scouting skills.

At the closing morning parade, the highest-scoring patrols in each challenge were recognised before the overall winners were announced and presented with the event plaque.

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Lower Burdekin Scout leaders thanked the Scouts who participated and the adult volunteers whose support helped make the annual challenge possible.

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A free workshop aimed at helping Burdekin residents better understand and cope with loss and grief will be held at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre next month.

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Presented by CORES Queensland, the four-hour ‘Your Heart Will Heal: Understanding Loss and Grief’ workshop will take place on Tuesday, 11 August.

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The session is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, strategies and resources to support themselves and others through experiences of loss and grief. Organisers say the workshop will help attendees build insight into the grieving process while developing skills that promote personal resilience and supportive care.

The workshop will cover topics including recognising the different types of grief, exploring the impact loss can have on individuals, learning how to support someone who is grieving, and developing personal self-care strategies.

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The workshop is open to community members and is free to attend. Organisers noted that while the session offers education and practical support, it is not a crisis service.

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The event forms part of CORES Queensland's ongoing efforts to strengthen community wellbeing by equipping people with the confidence and knowledge to better respond to grief and support those around them.

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Places are available by RSVP, with registrations now open online. Community members seeking further information can contact the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre by emailing coordinator@thebnc.org.au or calling 4783 4243.

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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is located at 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr, with the workshop running from 9.30am until 1.30pm on Tuesday, 11 August.

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Elective surgeries to restore mobility, independence and quality of life will be delivered sooner as the Queensland Government continues its Surgery Connect program.

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Bolstered by a $247 million investment in the 2026/2027 State Budget the Surgery Connect program has already delivered more than 35,000 additional procedures to Queenslanders with the renewed funding adding 11 new service providers across regions including Mackay and Townsville.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the addition of new service providers and bolstered funding was good news for anyone waiting on life changing surgery with thousands of additional procedures supported by the program.

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“Procedures like cataract surgery, joint replacements and ear nose and throat surgeries significantly improve a patient’s quality of life,” Mr Last said.

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“Research has proven that long delays waiting for these procedures means symptoms worsen, pain increases and there is an impact on the patient’s mental health.

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“This is why we are partnering with providers to ensure these patients can access these surgeries sooner.”

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Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s $1.8 billion investment in elective surgery had already provided positive results for patients with elective surgery wait list fell to 58,496 after a decade of Labor decline saw the list skyrocket year-on-year to a high of 66,632.

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“Since February 2025 more than 35,000 procedures have been delivered and in turn helped stabilise the Queensland elective surgery waitlist.”

“Besides the obvious benefits for patients, Surgery Connect reduces the pressure on our health staff who, through no fault of their own, have been forced to delay surgeries.”

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Supplied by the Office of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP

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After 12 wonderful years at Ayr Physiotherapy Clinic, Rachel has made the exciting decision to begin the next chapter of her professional journey by establishing her own physiotherapy clinic. Photo supplied.

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After 12 wonderful years at Ayr Physiotherapy Clinic, Rachel has made the exciting decision to begin the next chapter of her professional journey by establishing In Flow Physiotherapy Clinic, with a special focus on pelvic physiotherapy.

While we are naturally sad to see her leave, we understand that there comes a time to follow your dreams and build something of your own. We are genuinely excited for Rachel as she begins this new venture.

Rachel first walked through our doors as a 21-year-old new graduate. Over the years, we have watched her grow into an exceptionally capable, compassionate and caring physiotherapist and, more importantly, into the wonderful person she is today.

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Between our two families, we have welcomed six children, celebrated many milestones, shared plenty of laughter and supported each other through the challenges of building a practice while raising young families.

Rachel has played an integral role in shaping Ayr Physiotherapy Clinic and has made an enormous contribution to our patients, team and community. We are deeply grateful for her commitment, friendship and dedication.

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Through In Flow Physiotherapy Clinic, Rachel will focus on women’s and men’s pelvic health, an area she is passionate about. We have no doubt she will continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients.

We wish Rachel and her family every happiness and success. Rachel, you will always have a home with us.

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Supplied by Rod & Melinda Hidlebaugh, and Sherri Valle

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Keeping the Burdekin Moving

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While Rachel begins her exciting new chapter, Ayr Physiotherapy Clinic will continue providing experienced physiotherapy care for the wider Burdekin community.

Rod Hidlebaugh will remain available to treat sports injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, and his area of Advanced training, treating dizziness, vertigo and imbalance syndromes.

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Rod is currently developing a men’s exercise group focused on the “Farmer’s Back/Neck Program.” The program will aim to improve mobility, strength and physical resilience while providing practical strategies to help participants manage the demands of farm work and remain active.

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For many local farmers, long days spent bending, lifting, driving machinery and working in awkward positions can take a toll. That nagging back or neck pain may be common, but it does not have to be accepted as simply part of the job.

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Ayr Physiotherapy Clinic remains here to help keep you moving, working and doing the things that matter to you. Call today: 4783 4699.

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Linda Butler shared her decades-long journey through the graphic design industry with attendees. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce welcomed new faces and a sense of renewed optimism last Wednesday, with owners of the town's newest businesses among presenters at its latest social meeting.

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The 5:30pm meeting hosted a healthy turnout of around 20 at the Home Hill Community Sports Centre, with the new attendees signaling forward momentum for the organisation.

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Proceedings commenced with Ayr graphic designer and keynote speaker for the evening, Linda Butler, who shared her journey through the industry before landing back in Ayr.

After a career spanning decades, with notable stints in Sydney, Townsville, Gibraltar, London and Denmark, Ms Butler shared insights into the ever-shifting nature of graphic design and the implications of new-age technology, such as artificial intelligence, on the industry.

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“It’s been an interesting career, and I’ve enjoyed it … I’m just glad I’m near the end and can let the young ones take over,” she quipped.

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First-time attendee Candace Young, who opened Salted Roots on Eighth Avenue with her husband Scott this month, then shared the story of her business’s beginnings with the crowd.

The venture of the two Burdekin locals, who spent two decades away before returning home, offers a range of unique homewares, which Ms Young said had become popular amongst the local community.

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“Everyone thinks it’s the tourists behind us that are supporting us, but it’s actually the locals,” she said.

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“They’re coming in, and then the very next day, they’re coming back in right when you open.”

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Neil Machin and Patricia Thomas from Scrubby's Teahouse also praised the community support, saying their café had quickly become a popular meeting point for locals since opening next door to Salted Roots last month.

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“Food is an essential item, and so is socialisation,” said Ms Thomas.

“We wanted to develop an atmosphere where you can come in, sit down, relax, and watch the world go by.”

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The pair of entrepreneurial ventures have been credited with breathing new life into Home Hill’s Eighth Avenue, with locals eager to see if each business’s early success can help catalyse a sustained rejuvenation effort within the town’s CBD.

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The Home Hill Chamber’s next Social and Networking Event is pencilled in for next month, with local cane farmer and accomplished clay target shooter Joseph Roseate to serve as guest speaker.

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Invicta Mill (pictured) recorded the region’s highest weekly output, processing 157,646 tonnes of cane—its best weekly throughput for the season to date. Photo: Rory Ironside.

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Burdekin sugar mills have surpassed two million tonnes of cane crushed for the 2026 season, with throughput reaching its highest level to date during week six of crushing.

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The region’s four Wilmar-operated mills processed 391,241 tonnes of cane in the week ending July 11, taking the season total to 2,045,917 tonnes.

Wilmar said weekly throughput was well above budget and marked the strongest week of crushing so far this season.

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Invicta Mill recorded the region’s highest weekly output, processing 157,646 tonnes of cane—its best weekly throughput for the season to date.

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Pioneer Mill crushed 75,790 tonnes during the week, while Kalamia processed 78,184 tonnes and Inkerman crushed 79,621 tonnes.

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Sugar quality remained strong across the Burdekin, with the average weekly commercial cane sugar (CCS) level reaching 14.70, nearly one unit above budget.

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Invicta recorded the highest average CCS for the week at 14.78, followed by Pioneer at 15.16, Kalamia at 14.43 and Inkerman at 14.36.

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The highest CCS result for the week came from a rake of Q240 plant cane supplied from the Barratta productivity district, which recorded a CCS of 17.30.

Q183 was the strongest-performing variety for CCS across the region, recording an average of 15.29, followed by KQ228 at 14.77 and Q240 at 14.68.

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Season-to-date, Invicta has processed 794,310 tonnes of cane, Pioneer 404,606 tonnes, Kalamia 417,809 tonnes and Inkerman 429,192 tonnes.

Wilmar said favourable throughput and sugar quality results had helped maintain strong progress through the early stages of the crush.

Canegrowers Burdekin Limited (CBL), QCAR, and Kalagro among North Queensland organisations are set to meet with Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Anthony Chisholm when he arrives in North Queensland. Photo supplied.

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Burdekin grower organisations will have a seat at the table as the Federal Government reviews the future of the Sugar Code of Conduct.

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The review has now entered its consultation phase, with Federal Government officials visiting North Queensland this month to hear directly from growers and industry representatives about their priorities for the Code.

Introduced in 2017, the Code was established to promote fair and transparent trading between growers and millers. It is now undergoing a mandatory review ahead of its scheduled expiry in October 2027, with the process to determine whether it will be extended, amended or replaced.

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Public consultation attracted 283 submissions from across industry, demonstrating strong engagement with the review.

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The Federal Government is now consulting directly with grower collectives, with Canegrowers Burdekin Limited (CBL), QCAR, and Kalagro among North Queensland organisations set to meet with Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Anthony Chisholm when he arrives in North Queensland this month.

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Senator Chisholm said the discussions were part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the industry had the right regulatory settings to remain competitive.

“The sugar industry has played a huge part in our state’s history, and it will continue to play that role into the future,” Senator Chisholm said.

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“Sugar already supports thousands of regional jobs and contributes billions to our economy—we know with the right settings it can grow even further.

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“Sugar is vitally important to rural and regional Queensland, and the Federal Government wants to ensure that the industry has the right settings to thrive.”

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QCAR General Manager Tara Neill said any changes to the Code must recognise the industry’s transition into new opportunities, including renewable energy.

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“We're moving more and more into the renewable space and looking at other ways to add revenue, and that's what we would like to see included in the Code to ensure that growers are party to that discussion in the future," she said.

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“We need to make sure that the Code will be effective not only now, but in another 10 years' time.”

A major Burdekin Delta wetlands restoration project has entered its next phase, with scientists, land managers and Traditional Owners coming together to establish how improvements to local waterways will be measured over coming years. Photo: NQ Dry Tropics.

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A major Burdekin Delta wetlands restoration project has entered its next phase, with scientists, land managers and Traditional Owners coming together to establish how improvements to local waterways will be measured over coming years.

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The Working Wetlands in the Burdekin Delta (WWBD) project recently held its first Steering Committee and Monitoring Advisory Group (MAG) meetings, bringing together project partners to guide the development of a long-term monitoring program.

Led by NQ Dry Tropics, the project is targeting wetlands across Sheep Station Creek, Kalamia Creek and Plantation Creek, with restoration works already underway to improve wetland health and reduce pollutants entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

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The newly formed groups will help oversee the project’s direction, with the Steering Committee providing strategic guidance and the Monitoring Advisory Group providing independent scientific and technical advice.

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NQ Dry Tropics said the meetings marked an important step in establishing a monitoring framework that will allow the environmental benefits of wetland restoration to be measured and modelled.

The project’s monitoring program will track changes across the restoration sites, helping determine how effectively wetlands can capture and process pollutants such as sediment, nutrients and pesticides before they reach the Reef.

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The meetings also included a field visit to project sites across the Burdekin Delta, allowing participants to view restoration areas and discuss future activities.

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The WWBD project is being delivered by NQ Dry Tropics in partnership with local stakeholders, including land managers and Traditional Owners, with funding through the Australian Government’s Reefwise Wetlands Program.

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You may have noticed changes to the rules surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters across Queensland. New e-mobility laws came into effect on 1 July 2026, introducing a range of measures designed to improve safety for riders, pedestrians and other road users.

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One of the key changes is a reduced speed limit of 12 kilometres per hour on footpaths, with riders also required to slow to 12 kilometres per hour when passing pedestrians on shared paths. Riders must continue to obey all signed speed limits and are reminded that personal mobility devices cannot exceed 25 kilometres per hour.

The new laws also introduce stronger penalties for unsafe behaviour, including increased fines for speeding, riding without a helmet and other dangerous practices. Police now have additional enforcement powers, including random breath testing of riders in public places.

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Importantly, new parking rules mean e-bikes and e-scooters must not be left in a way that obstructs pathways or creates hazards for pedestrians. Local government officers now have the authority to issue fines where devices are parked irresponsibly.

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These changes are aimed at ensuring everyone can safely enjoy our shared public spaces. I encourage all riders and families to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and help make our footpaths, parks and shared pathways safer for all members of the community.

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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 quite often (unfortunately) read comments or hear talk of “what do we get for our rates?” or “our rates are higher than (insert much larger towns or cities)”.  Something to bear in mind is that all the hidden infrastructure; sewerage, water, waste, is something we all take for granted but come at a great cost.  

You turn on your tap, you expect water; you flush your toilet, the waste just disappears; you utilize the dump for green waste or other and think nothing of it.  The processes behind these services are complex and costly and the solutions will not suit everyone.  

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That being said, I am very disappointed with the removal of the dump facilities in Dalbeg.  In my opinion, people should not be penalized simply because of where they live.  

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These people will now have at 45km drive to the Clare dump or over an hour drive to the Ayr dump.  I can only hope they do the right thing and there will be no increase in illegal dumping.

If you’re travelling to Townsville or Giru along the Upper Haughton River Road, you will notice some extensive works being carried out between Malone Road and Norris Road.  The works will include lime stabilisation of the subgrade and a three-layer 450mm gravel pavement installation.  

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This is certainly a huge job and well overdue.  Council and contractors are also progressing through unsealed road grading programs approved under the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangements which are subsidised by both the Federal and State Governments.  

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Council workers, in general are a proud lot who do an exemplary job, often copping criticism and ridicule in the process.  I would like to say thank you to each and every one of them for their continued contribution to our Shire.

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I’d like to acknowledge the recent passing of Charlie Nucifora, an immigrant who along with his brothers Sam and Frank have contributed so very much to the Burdekin.  He, like so many others, had a story and it was beautifully told at his service by his daughter, Janine.  May he, and the other members of our community who have passed rest easy in the arms of God.  

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God Bless.

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Vice chair Kaylee Boccalatte (left), former Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens (left-centre), chair Amanda Hall (right-centre), and treasurer/secretary Cathy McDonnell (right). Photo supplied.

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The Burdekin’s inaugural Liberal National Party (LNP) Women executive committee has been officially announced, with local councillor Amanda Hall elected as the branch’s first chair.

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The new branch, which was formally approved by the LNP State Executive in May, held its first annual general meeting last Saturday, appointing Ms Hall to lead the group alongside former Burdekin Shire councillor Dr Kaylee Boccalatte as vice chair.

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Cathy McDonnell was appointed treasurer and will also serve as acting secretary until the secretary position is filled.

The formation of the branch followed strong local interest at an information meeting held in May, where women from across the Burdekin discussed the opportunity to establish a local arm of the LNP Women network.

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With the branch now formally established, Ms Hall said it would provide a platform for women across the region to raise issues and have their voices heard.

“If women want to have their say, if they want to have a voice, this is the place to do it in the Burdekin,” she said.

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The inaugural AGM was conducted by Northern Regional Chair of LNP Women Jean McCubben, with guest speakers including State Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole and former Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last also addressed attendees, providing an update on current issues affecting the region.

Moving forward, Ms Hall said the branch would give local women a direct pathway to contribute to broader party discussions, particularly ahead of future state conventions.

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“If there are any particular issues that are concerning women, or just in general, we want to start having some meetings early so that we can prepare for the state convention, go down there with a strong contingent of women and make our presence felt,” she said.

Ms Hall said the branch would not necessarily meet on a fixed monthly schedule, instead aiming to hold discussions when there were meaningful issues or opportunities for members to engage.

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She said the group hoped to encourage involvement from younger women in the community to ensure a broad range of perspectives were represented.

“I'd really love to get some younger women involved … because I know there's a lot of issues that face young people at the moment,” Ms Hall said.

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“We want to hear the younger women's point of view because their opinions can differ quite substantially, and it's important to hear from everybody.”

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Women interested in joining the branch is encouraged to reach out directly to Ms Hall on +61 427 827 386.

A fire inside Invicta Mill’s compressor room (pictured) was contained by emergency crews on Tuesday afternoon, with no injuries reported and production temporarily halted. Photo: Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Invicta Mill was forced to shut down on Tuesday afternoon after a fire broke out in its compressor room, with emergency crews responding swiftly and bringing the blaze under control within about an hour.

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The incident was reported at the Giru site at about 2.20pm on Tuesday 21st July, prompting a response from Ayr, South Townsville and Home Hill fire crews.

Ayr Fire Station Acting Station Officer Luke Mulcahy said firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire coming from the ground-level compressor room, where the mill’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) had already deployed multiple hose lines in an effort to contain the blaze.

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Fire crews entered the area wearing breathing apparatus and used hose lines to suppress the fire and prevent it from spreading further.

Mr Mulcahy said the evacuation was successfully completed with no injuries to mill staff or emergency responders.

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He said the cause and origin of the fire remained unknown, but confirmed the blaze was contained to the area where it started.

Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service also attended the incident.

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A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson acknowledged the efforts of its ERT and confirmed the factory had been safely shut down, with production halted following the incident.

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The spokesperson said the company would provide further information when more details became available.

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Club members donate countless hours cutting fabric, sewing, stuffing and packaging each set, while annual "Stitch and Stuff" working bees bring together volunteers who share a common goal of supporting women through one of life's most challenging journeys. Photo supplied.

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When someone is facing breast cancer surgery, even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.

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For many women across the Burdekin and North Queensland, that comfort comes in the form of a handmade breast care cushion set, lovingly created by the dedicated volunteers of the Zonta Club Burdekin.

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Each year, the club produces around 150 breast care cushion sets, which are provided free of charge to patients through the Breast Care Nurses at North Queensland Minimally Invasive Surgery and Townsville University Hospital. The sets support people recovering from mastectomies, lumpectomies, breast reduction surgery and melanoma procedures involving lymph node removal.

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Each carefully prepared set includes a specially designed crescent-shaped cushion that provides support and padding around the surgical area, helping to reduce discomfort while resting, travelling in the car or simply going about everyday activities. The sets also include practical tote and shower bags to discreetly carry wound drainage pouches, helping patients maintain both comfort and dignity during recovery.

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Behind every cushion is an extraordinary community effort. Club members donate countless hours cutting fabric, sewing, stuffing and packaging each set, while annual "Stitch and Stuff" working bees bring together volunteers who share a common goal of supporting women through one of life's most challenging journeys.

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This important community project is made possible with the ongoing support of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. Sponsorship from the community bank helps fund essential materials including wadding, fabrics, cottons and other supplies, ensuring the cushions continue to reach local families at no cost.

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Branch Manager Sally Smith said supporting projects like this reflects the bank's commitment to investing back into initiatives that make a genuine difference.

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"One of the things that makes community banking unique is that our success is returned to the communities we serve," Sally said.

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"The Zonta Club Burdekin's Breast Care Cushion project is a wonderful example of local people caring for local people. Knowing our support helps provide comfort, dignity and practical assistance to women during their recovery is something we're incredibly proud to be part of."

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For Zonta Club Burdekin, the partnership allows volunteers to focus on what they do best—creating something with care that offers both physical comfort and emotional reassurance.

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It's another example of how community organisations, volunteers and Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr continue to work together, creating positive outcomes that extend far beyond banking and into the lives of local people when they need it most.

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Supplied by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr