Ringo is a young American Bulldog with presence, personality, and just enough cheek to keep life interesting.

At first meeting, he can come on strong with big energy, big enthusiasm, and a clear belief that everyone is already his best friend. Give him a few minutes (and ideally a treat or two) and he quickly softens into a loyal, affectionate companion.

His foster carer lovingly describes him as “a bit of a boof” when excitement kicks in. For this reason, Ringo is not suited to homes with small children, even though his intentions are always gentle.

On the lead, Ringo is generally steady and willing, but he shows his best self in quieter environments where he isn’t overwhelmed by noise and movement. Busy streets and high stimulation can distract him, so continued training and calm exposure will help him build confidence and focus.

He is highly food motivated, which makes him a quick learner during training sessions. However, this also means portion control and supervision around food will be important.

Ringo is currently working on his manners, including waiting patiently for meals and taking treats more gently. With consistency and guidance, he is improving every day.

What Ringo needs now is a patient, kind and committed owner willing to continue his training and help him grow into his best self.

In return, he offers loyalty, charm, and a whole lot of personality packed into one wagging, hopeful package.

Ringo’s adoption fee is $600 and includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatment, and heartworm prevention (or ProHeart).

Contact Angel Paws Inc. on 07 4420 3276 for further information.

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Major safety upgrades along Queensland’s Bruce Highway are continuing to gather pace, with 22 new contracts released under the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program.

The latest package includes five construction procurement and 17 design contracts, covering key sections of the highway between Gympie and Cairns. Works will deliver more than 100 kilometres of wide centre line treatments, 50 kilometres of pavement strengthening and overtaking lanes, and five narrow bridge upgrades in North Queensland.

The program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis, is already underway, with eight projects completed, 17 in progress and a further 13 construction projects set to roll out in 2026.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the latest contracts marked significant progress.

“This latest activity signals significant progress in delivering the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program,” Minister King said.

“The Australian Government is proud to be funding 80 per cent of this $9 billion program, because improving safety on the Bruce Highway will help save lives and support the communities and industries that rely on this critical route.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the State Government was focused on delivering safer roads.

“The Government is getting on with the job of delivering safer roads for Queensland,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“We’re keeping the momentum up with 22 new contracts moving to market to boost safety along the Bruce Highway.

“We told Queenslanders we are committed to fixing the Bruce and works are already making a real difference for motorists, regional communities and freight operators between Gympie and Cairns."

Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said the investment would benefit communities along the entire corridor.

“The Government is delivering record investment to build a better Bruce Highway for Queenslanders,” Senator Chisholm said.

“From here in Burdekin and all the way up to Cairns, we are accelerating the delivery of intersection upgrades, rest area improvements, wide centre line treatments and pavement strengthening.

“These works will make a real difference for drivers, freight operators and regional Queenslanders, and form part of a long-term pipeline of upgrades that will squarely benefit the people who live here.”

Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green said the upgrades were critical for regional connectivity.

“Regional Queenslanders know just how critical the Bruce Highway is for connecting our communities, supporting our industries and getting people home – these upgrades will help ensure safety,” Senator Green said.

“The Government is connecting and protecting the Queenslanders who drive the Bruce every day.”

State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the investment was focused on regional needs.

“With every dollar in this program invested outside the South East Corner, we are building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to support our growing population,” Mr Last said.

“We said we would deliver an upgraded Bruce Highway in an 80:20 split with the Commonwealth, and we are getting on with delivering it.”

State Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa said the upgrades would improve safety for all road users.

“These upgrades represent a major boost for North Queensland,” Mr Chiesa said.

“Strengthening the Bruce Highway means safer trips for locals and visitors alike, and it’s great to see real investment backing the growth of our region and helping keep people safe.”

Contractors are expected to be appointed progressively from April 2026, with construction to follow as the program continues to expand.

CAPTION: The $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program will deliver major safety upgrades along Queensland’s Bruce Highway. Photo supplied.

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Disaster volunteers across Queensland will be able to respond faster in times of crisis, following changes to insurance arrangements aimed at removing long-standing barriers.

The government has introduced a new annual WorkCover agreement, ensuring volunteers are automatically covered for personal injury when activated during declared disasters.

Previously, insurance had to be arranged for each individual event, often causing delays when communities needed urgent help. The new system streamlines the process, allowing volunteers to be deployed more quickly and efficiently.

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the reform was about better supporting those who step up in times of need.

“The Government is delivering on our promise to empower volunteers and cut unnecessary red tape," Minister Leahy said.

“Disaster volunteers step up when Queenslanders need them most, and they deserve a system that back them in, not holds them back. This reform is about certainty for the volunteer sector.”

Minister for Community Recovery Amanda Camm said the changes would strengthen disaster response efforts statewide.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our disaster recovery efforts, and the insurance changes delivered by my department reflects our commitment to protecting and empowering them,” Minister Camm said

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The owner and manager of Arcade Eats in Ayr when it flooded in May of 2023, Amanda Wassmuth was left in a tough spot.

Come October, she was putting her decades of experience in admin and hospitality to use in her new role of Office Administrator at Raine & Horne Ayr, a role she’s held ever since.

“The hospitality experience has definitely been good for my customer service skills, especially as the first point of contact at the office" she said.

She’s now poised to take another giant step, this time into a relatively new space—Sales Assistance.

The step up will see Amanda take on expanded responsibilities across the sales support function, including assisting agents with listings and coordinating client communications, while continuing to oversee key back-office payroll and compliance duties.

She called the opportunity “exciting but nerve-racking,” but remains confident with the support of her team.

“It's like a family," she said.

“Everyone gets along, we all communicate great, and it just makes dealing with things easier on the day-to-day. Everything works itself out 90-per-cent of the time.”

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time on the family farm with her loved ones. She also enjoys cooking, an interest nurtured during her time in hospitality.

“I’ve never been able to cook for one person, so the girls at work get a lot of food," she said.

In her new role, she’ll continue to bring plenty to the table in more ways than one.

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The Federal Government has announced a temporary fuel excise cut set to save motorists up to $20 per tank over the next three months, amid a nationwide surge in fuel prices.

The measure is expected to ease cost-of-living pressures in regional areas, including the Burdekin, with Ayr previously reported as one of the worst-affected towns for fuel prices in the state.

Burdekin locals have been shelling out up to $2.60 per litre for petrol, with diesel prices eclipsing the $3.30 mark.

The excise cut, which takes effect from 1 April, will reduce these prices by about 26c per litre.

“I'm glad that's happened, because there are people who simply can't afford it at the moment, but still need it to go to work. It's as simple as that,” said one Burdekin local.

“If the government or whoever can make it cheaper, that's good!”

Robyn Sherwood of Home Hill said that while the cut is a step in the right direction, more must be done.

"I live out of town, so I've stopped going places that I would normally just jump in the car and go to,” Ms Sherwood said.

“[The cut] will help a little bit, but with the price of everything about to go up, [fuel prices] need to go back to where they were.”

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, welcomed the Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise, describing it as a “hard-won victory” for Australian motorists.

“This is a win for common sense,” Mr Willcox said.

Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, said action should have been taken sooner.

“The LNP Queensland government has … been consistent in raising concerns on behalf of Queenslanders and, frankly, this is a step that should have and could have been taken weeks ago,” Mr Last said.

“The federal government needs to ensure that the full price reduction is passed on to consumers, especially in regional areas. If that means the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) needs more resources, then those resources must be in place.”

Fuel costs remain a key concern for the Burdekin’s sugar industry, the region’s leading economic driver, as the harvesting season approaches.

CANEGROWERS Burdekin chair Glenn Betteridge said while any relief at the bowser was welcome, the cut would have limited direct benefit to growers, who already claim back diesel excise on-farm.

He said diesel was already pushing towards $4 a litre in some cases, with fuel availability and security a bigger concern ahead of harvest.

“The industry needs around 90 million litres between now and November and currently has less than a tenth of that in storage, making availability and fuel security the critical issues,” he said.

“That’s why CANEGROWERS is calling for a national biofuels mandate and the expansion of a domestic biofuels industry – ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel – because every litre produced here is one less litre we need to import.”

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The Queensland Government has opened the second round of its Residential Activation Fund, making $500 million available to councils and landowners to help deliver infrastructure needed for new housing developments across the state.

The funding forms part of the government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, which aims to support the construction of new homes by ensuring essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and power are in place to enable residential development.

To date, the program has helped unlock land for approximately 98,000 homes across Queensland through a combination of construction and planning projects.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the funding would help accelerate housing supply by supporting the infrastructure required for new developments.

“More homes across the State are needed and fast, and a key way we can play our part is to unlock land and break down barriers that have been holding back councils and the industry,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“The Residential Activation Fund is literally making inroads, by providing funding to get the foundations right and generational infrastructure like roads, water, sewerage and power in place, so builders can get building and more Queenslanders have a place to call home.

“Queensland is open for business and we call on councils and landowners to come to us with their projects.”

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith encouraged councils to apply for the funding to help accelerate housing supply in their communities.

"Councils are playing their part to increase housing supply through zonings and approvals, but infrastructure is often the missing ingredient," Ms Smith said.

"Councils had called for enabling infrastructure funding, and the creation of this Residential Activation Fund is helping to meet council needs. Round One has already proven to be a gamechanger that is helping councils to tackle this infrastructure 'gap' and we applaud the State Government for this initiative.”

The second round of funding is open to councils and landowners seeking support for infrastructure that will enable residential developments and support growing communities across Queensland.

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Queensland’s warming climate could bring a surge in serious food-borne illness, with new research linking rising temperatures to an increase in dangerous Salmonella infections.

The study, led by James Cook University PhD candidate and infectious diseases physician Dr Naveen Manchal, analysed a decade of health and climate data to better understand how heat impacts disease patterns.

“We investigated the link between rising temperatures and heatwaves across Queensland and cases of Salmonella and Campylobacter that had progressed to the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteraemia,” Dr Manchal said.

While both bacteria commonly cause gastroenteritis, bacteraemia is far more severe and often requires hospitalisation. Researchers examined more than 1,000 Salmonella cases and 234 Campylobacter cases recorded between 2010 and 2019.

The findings revealed no strong link between temperature and Campylobacter. However, Salmonella infections showed a clear and concerning trend.

“In Southeast Queensland, each 1°C rise in mean temperature increased the risk of Salmonella bacteraemia by 8 to 20 per cent. Maximum temperatures showed a similar pattern, with the risk rising up to 16 per cent,” Dr Manchal said.

“The effect was even stronger in the Tropical North, where a 1°C increase in mean temperature was associated with an 18 per cent rise in cases, peaking at 27.2°C. When maximum temperatures climbed above 28°C, the risk jumped sharply, increasing by 11 to 105 per cent for each additional degree.”

Heatwaves further intensified the risk.

“During extreme heat events, Salmonella bacteraemia rose by 31 per cent for every degree increase in maximum temperature,” Dr Manchal said.

Researchers warn that as temperatures continue to rise, Queensland’s health system may face increasing pressure, highlighting the need for stronger food safety and climate adaptation measures.

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Two new constables have joined the force at Ayr Police Station, officially beginning their policing careers last month.

The pair, 21-year-old Samuel Bostock and 32-year-old Joe Singer, arrive in Ayr as part of a cohort of 19 first-year constables deployed to stations across the Townsville and Mount Isa districts.

Bostock, originally from Beaudesert, joins the station as a General Duties Constable. Inspired by friends in policing, he enters the force eager to “challenge myself and pursue a career where I could make a difference.”

“I’d love to foster as many positive community relationships as I can during my time here,” Bostock said.

“People should feel like police are approachable and ready to assist, so implementing that sense of safety and security is important to me.”

Singer, originally from England and living in Townsville since 2006, will also serve as a General Duties Constable. A dream since he was a child, he hopes to make a difference in his newfound role as a first-year constable.

“I want to build trust with [the community] and be a visible, positive presence in the town. I would like to show that the police make a difference and can be relied on,” he said.

Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields, Officer in Charge of Ayr Police Station, said the Burdekin would offer the pair a unique policing experience.

"The Burdekin is a fantastic place to begin a policing career and the community plays a big part in that experience,” she said.

“Small town policing is unique. It can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. You get to form close connections with residents and see firsthand the impact of your work.”

Bostock and Singer arrive with extensive academy training, selected from a cohort of 123 recruits who graduated from the Oxley Academy in Brisbane in February.

Chief Superintendent of Queensland Police, Chris Lawson, said the first year constables would transition from academy training into operational policing with the close supervision and support of experienced officers.

“These officers have already demonstrated strong dedication throughout their academy training and now begin the next stage of their policing journey here in the Northern Region,” Chief Superintendent Lawson said.

“They will work alongside experienced frontline teams who will mentor them on shift and guide them through the practical realities of operational policing and the nuanced aspects of the communities they will be based in.

“Through a mix of frontline response, community engagement and proactive operations, they will quickly develop the skills, confidence, and judgement required for a long and successful policing career.”

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Burdekin-born Ren Pedersen OAM has dedicated his life to finding a cure for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), one of the deadliest paediatric cancers, after losing his daughter to the disease in 2009.

Last month, he and Home Hill native Megan Law represented the Burdekin at the official opening of the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre (MCCCC) in Sydney, a major cancer research centre that marks a significant step in his long-term mission.

Officially opened on 12 March, the government-funded facility brings clinicians, researchers and educators together under one roof in an Australian-first model designed to integrate childhood cancer research with clinical care.

Personally invited to the event by the Children’s Cancer Institute, Pedersen said the facility will be crucial in bringing cures to the bedsides of children across the country more quickly.

“The Children’s Cancer Institute’s stunning new facility unites the world’s best scientists with invested clinicians to expedite new treatments for North Queensland children,” Pedersen said.

“We are witnessing Australia’s entrance into the epicentre of brain cancer.”

Founder of Ren’s Million Dollar Mission, Pedersen has spent the last year travelling across Australia asking 1,000 individuals and businesses to donate $1,000 each in hopes of raising $1,000,000 that will go straight toward brain cancer research.

“We don’t fund bricks and mortar—that’s been done by the government and other entities. Our donation is going to empower our researchers to act in a better, more wholesome environment,” he said.

“People can now know that if they donate to our cause, it will be going to the premium product in cancer research on the planet.”

Pedersen’s efforts have already yielded over $500,000, with the latest $1,000 arriving courtesy of Home Hill Cricket Association, announced at last week’s Canefield Ashes tournament.

Pedersen said the support from the Burdekin region has been inspiring.

“Donations have primarily been from the Herbert-Burdekin region,” he said.

“In just a year, we’ve been able to crack half a million dollars. That’s largely thanks to fantastic community organisations like the Home Hill Cricket Association, the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Dalle Cort… and the Burdekin locals as well.”

With his sights set on eclipsing the $1 million mark this year, Pedersen is encouraging the Burdekin to maintain its momentum.

“It’s about finding a cure so we can allow future children to sit and have a drink or a hot dog with their families and play cricket. That’s the whole ethos of Ren’s Million Dollar Mission,” he said.

“We’re just calling upon businesses to tap their credit card and give a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 for children who are dying.”

To support the campaign, visit https://www.ccia.org.au/event/rens-million-dollar-mission/home.

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Amid a nationwide lull in volunteering, the Rotary Club of Home Hill has welcomed three new members, giving the longstanding community club a timely boost.

Peter Macaway, Meryl Clarke and Don Clark were sworn in during an intimate ceremony at the Crown Hotel in Home Hill, each receiving a certificate and badge to mark their official entry into the club.

Part of Rotary International, Home Hill Rotary supports local projects, charities, and community initiatives. Club president Alf Musumeci said the additions are invaluable in carrying out the club’s duties, bringing much-needed support to the organisation that has served the Burdekin for decades.

“New members bring new ideas and they are essential to our club's work,” Musumeci said.

“Welcoming new members into our club means we can continue the ideals of Rotary and continue our donations to [Burdekin] entities… and charities. It’s all about giving back to the community.”

The new members will help spread the load within the club, helping with raffle ticket sales, running the club's mega markets, and helping out at events like RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness).

Musumeci hopes the club can continue to build momentum off the back of the new additions.

"We are a club of older members and we need to attract younger members to learn and eventually become knowledgeable and continue our work in the community,” he said.

“We are constantly on the lookout for new projects to help the community where we can. If you have a plan or an idea, put it to us and we can consider it and take it from there.”

The club recently announced its flagship fundraiser of the year, aiming to raise about $40,000 for a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for local police. With added hands, the club is hopeful of reaching that target.

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1—President Elect Clive Williams, new member Peter Macaway, Club President Alf Musumeci at the swearing-in ceremony.

2—Clive Williams and Alf Musumeci with new member Meryl Clarke.

3—Clive Williams and Alf Musumeci with new member Don Clarke.

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce and its members congregated at the Home Hill Community Sports Club in ordinary fashion as the organisation hosted its monthly social networking meeting last Wednesday.

The Chamber’s third meeting of the year saw the evening’s guest speaker, Burdekin Community Association (BCA) CEO Debra Cochran, share insight into the Burdekin’s underlying issues of homelessness, domestic violence, and declining volunteer rates, among others.

Home Hill Chamber Secretary Robert Antoniazzi said the presentation served as a “real eye-opener” for guests.

“Debra gave a great presentation and fielded a lot of questions from the floor," Antoniazzi said.

“When she began presenting all the figures and statistics, people began realising how bad things are and how much the BCA does in our community.

“What they do is great, but it’s unfortunate that there’s still a big need for them in our community.”

The session reinforced the Chamber’s role as a forum for discussion and knowledge sharing, a goal Antoniazzi says has also helped boost attendance.

“My aim in getting speakers is so that we can educate ourselves,” he said.

“Since we started bringing guest speakers in, our meeting attendance has gone from a dozen to 25-30.”

The Home Hill Chamber’s next social networking meeting is set for 15 April, where guest speaker Owen Menkens, President of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG), will present to the gathering.

CAPTION: Guest speaker Debra Cochran with Burdekin Shire Councillor John Furnell. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin’s next generation of farmers, horticulturists, and agronomists are stepping up to shape the region’s agricultural future, having gained hands-on insight through the recent Future Fields Agriculture Inspirations and Horticulture Immersion Program.

From 9th–13th March, 35 students from Charters Towers State High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Catholic State High School, and Ayr State High School took part in the five-day program, designed to expose them to careers in the region’s food and fibre industries.

Students visited farms and local businesses, engaging in hands-on horticulture activities and garnering industry know-how from career sessions with producers, agronomists, and other agricultural professionals.

Through the program, students developed practical skills such as working safely, following procedures, managing equipment, and understanding production systems, while also building reliability, teamwork, resilience, and a willingness to learn, all qualities valued by industry.

Louise Nicholas, Agricultural Science Teacher at Home Hill State High School, said such practical experience is essential for students.

“First-hand experience allows students to see the reality of agriculture beyond classroom,” she said.

“It helps students connect theory to real-world applications, builds confidence, and allows them to develop skills such as problem solving, responsibility, and communication.”

The program highlighted career opportunities close to home, which Nicholas says are crucial both for young locals and the Burdekin’s agricultural industry.

“These programs help young people see that there are meaningful careers available right here in our region… When students feel connected to their local area and can see real opportunities for their future, they are more likely to stay, train, and work locally,” she said.

“We hope students gained a better understanding of how many different careers contribute to the food and fibre industry and that they now see themselves as part of the future of the Burdekin.”

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1—Students listening to Heidi Wiggenhauser from the DPI about the protective cropping structure.

2—Students listening intently to Luke from Aglantis take about the future of Ag Tech.

3—Students from Charters Towers State High School in the HHSHS greenhouse after a busy week of career education.

4—Students observe Coral Coast Barramundi Farm

5—Home Hill, BCHS, Ayr SHS students in the Greenhouse after a busy morning session learning about soils from NQ Dry Tropics.

6—Panel members – Rob Milla (BPS), Damien McKenzie (Muirs), Elizabeth Stockton (Lindsay Rural), Kaylaha Malaponte (Aglantis) and Heidi Wiggenhauser (DPI).

Photos supplied.

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Queenslanders are being encouraged to play a role in the future of the state’s fisheries, with nominations now open for a series of advisory working groups.

The Queensland Government is calling for expressions of interest from stakeholders to join fishery working groups, which provide operational advice on the management of fisheries across the state.

These groups play an important role in bringing together a wide range of voices and helping guide sustainable practices within the industry.

Pauline Jacob said the department was seeking a diverse mix of representatives.

“This is a real opportunity for Queenslanders to play a vital role in the sustainable management of our fisheries, so they continue to grow and thrive,” Ms Jacob said.

“We are looking for people to join 11 working groups, including commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors, conservation representatives and First Nations peoples.

“While these working groups are not decision-making bodies, we rely on the advice of these groups to improve community engagement, prioritisation and our own decision-making,” she said.

The working groups aim to ensure Queensland’s fisheries are managed effectively, both now and into the future.

Nominations are open until 5pm, Tuesday 31 March 2026, with application details, guidelines and terms of reference available online via the Department of Primary Industries engagement hub.

Queenslanders with an interest in fisheries, sustainability or the marine environment are encouraged to apply.

CAPTION: The Queensland Government is seeking expressions of interest from stakeholders to join fishery working groups. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The future of the Burdekin’s energy workforce is looking bright, with local apprentices among those recently inducted into Ergon Energy Network’s Northern Stars Class of 2026.

The new cohort officially began their journey at the Townsville Training Centre, marking the start of their apprenticeships and a hands-on career in the energy sector.

“These faces represent the future of energy across a vast region, including Bowen, the Burdekin, Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Ingham, Innisfail, Mount Isa and Townsville,” Ergon Energy Network said.

The Northern Stars program brings together apprentices from across regional Queensland, equipping them with the technical skills and on-the-job experience needed to support and maintain essential energy infrastructure in their local communities.

For the Burdekin, where reliable power is critical to both agriculture and everyday life, the program represents an important investment in the region’s future workforce.

The apprentices will undergo a combination of classroom-based learning and field training, preparing them for roles that help keep homes, farms and businesses powered.

Ergon Energy Network encouraged the community to get behind the new recruits as they begin their careers, adding: “We wish them all the very best for their apprenticeship and beyond.”

CAPTION: Several Burdekin apprentices were among Ergon Energy’s recently inducted Northern Stars Class of 2026 cohort. Photo source: Ergon Energy Network

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Queensland women looking to re-enter the workforce are being encouraged to apply for the second round of the Government’s Women’s Career Grants, with up to $5,000 available per applicant.

The $20 million program is designed to ease the financial burden of returning to work, covering costs such as childcare, training, recertification, workwear, transport, tools, technology and even relocation.

Following strong demand in the first round, which supported more than 1,000 women, applications have now reopened, offering further opportunities for women across the state to rebuild their careers and improve their economic security.

Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the grants were helping remove barriers that often prevent women from returning to employment.

“Our Women’s Career Grants are breaking down barriers and providing cost-of-living relief to help women with the essentials to get back into work,” Minister Simpson said.

“Having travelled throughout the State listening to women, we’re investing in those who are seeking to re-enter paid work because we recognise that taking some time out of the workforce for whatever reason can be a real barrier.”

The program, delivered in partnership with Future Women, has already seen strong uptake in areas such as training, technology and recertification.

Future Women founder Helen McCabe said many applicants face similar challenges when returning to work.

“Every story is unique, but there are similarities we see often. Highly capable women who took time out of work to raise a family, or because of caring responsibilities or health issues,” she said.

Applications are now open, with full eligibility details available online via  womenscareergrants.com.au.

CAPTION: Round two of applications are now open for Women’s Career Grants. Photo source: Shutterstock

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