A major step has been taken to tackle rising groundwater and salinity issues in the Lower Burdekin, with Sunwater completing significant upgrades to a nearby irrigation channel.

The project, part of a $25 million regional initiative, aims to reduce groundwater levels that threaten local farms and the surrounding environment.

The latest phase of the project involved upgrading and lining a section of the open channel on Cadio Road, Upper Haughton, identified as a likely contributor to rising groundwater. These upgrades aim to reduce channel seepage and help manage the issue.

Sunwater successfully lined 2.6 km of open channel, using 38,480 square metres of impermeable
geomembrane, to prevent water migration from the channel and into the ground.

Additionally, six stormwater outlets and 11 existing concrete structures were modified to accommodate installation of the liner.

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton recognised the magnitude of the issue, and said the company is committed to nullifying the issue.

“Rising groundwater is a complex issue that impacts farmers across the scheme, the broader catchment and the environment, including the nearby Great Barrier Reef,” said Stockton.

“Enhancements to irrigation practices are also critical to reducing drainage impacts and lowering the groundwater levels across the region."

Other project work being undertaken by Sunwater includes installing bores with the intent to remove and redirect water from the aquifer and improving efficiencies of the Gladys Lagoon water distribution system.

“We continue to work with the Queensland Government, local grower groups, agronomists, and scientists to identify sustainable solutions for areas impacted by rising groundwater,” said Stockton.

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Sunwater successfully lined 2.6 km of open channel, using 38,480 square metres of impermeable
geomembrane, to prevent water migration from the channel and into the ground. Photo supplied

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Burdekin mills processed just over 283,000 tonnes of cane in Week Nine of the season, bringing the total crushed to just under 2.8 million tonnes. This represents around 35 per cent of the estimated crop.

The week began with delayed and slow starts following last week’s wet weather event, which hampered throughput across all sites. Another rain system on Thursday night halted production at every factory on Friday. Invicta received the least rain and returned to operations quickly, while Pioneer, Kalamia and Inkerman were stopped for all of Saturday and did not resume until Sunday.

Invicta recorded the highest weekly throughput at 129,695 tonnes, followed by Kalamia with 58,860 tonnes, Pioneer with 50,536 tonnes and Inkerman with 44,163 tonnes.

CCS levels across the region averaged 14.08 for the week, below budget due to the wet conditions. The highest reading came from a rake of Q240 1R in the Jardine productivity district, which achieved 17.2 CCS. The most prominent variety crushed was Q240, making up 49 per cent of the crop with an average CCS of 14.26, followed by KQ228 at 19 per cent and Q183 at eight per cent.

Season-to-date figures show Invicta leading with more than 1.1 million tonnes crushed, Kalamia with 582,713 tonnes, Inkerman with 572,696 tonnes and Pioneer with 534,947 tonnes.

With more than a third of the crop now processed, operators are hopeful for improved weather to maintain crushing momentum.

Parents and carers are reminded to keep children away from the cane railway network, and the public is urged to report any suspicious activity around the rail lines to police.

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Born and raised in the Burdekin, Meagan Morris from MortgageWorks brings over 20 years of experience in banking and lending. She understands what makes North Queensland tick and how that affects local lending. With clients across Australia, her focus remains on helping the north navigate complex finance needs with clarity and care.

“Finance isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Meagan said.

“My job is to help clients fine tune their financial strategy in a way that suits them.

“I work closely with accountants, solicitors and financial planners across all states and this network helps me ensure that the clients receive neutral information.”

A large proportion of the northern population work in seasonal industries, with around 50–60% as PAYG employees and 30–40% self-employed, often in trades or small businesses.

Meagan works across four key areas: property finance, refinancing, first home buying, and lending for renovations or refurbishments.

Properties like kit homes, stump houses or those in cyclone-prone areas often fall outside preferred lender postcodes. Meagan matches clients with lenders who understand local risks and property types.

For first home buyers, she offers guidance on state grants and family guarantee strategies. Meagan also helps young people enter the market without paying lenders mortgage insurance.

Refinancing is often overlooked. Meagan explained that clients may be on the wrong structure or have had changes to their circumstances, and that refinancing can be a perfect reset.  “I recently helped a client consolidate six loans into three, saving them over $300,000 in potential interest,” she said.

Renovation lending is also growing. “More people are choosing to upgrade their existing home rather than move. That might mean funding for extensions, kitchens or structural changes, each with different lending requirements.”

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Meagan Morris can help you with a variety of complex finance needs. Photo supplied

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If you’re looking to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that thrives in Burdekin’s warm subtropical climate, native plants are a fantastic choice. Well-adapted to local conditions, these species require less water, less care, and provide a vital habitat for native birds and pollinators — all while adding natural colour and texture to your outdoor space.

One standout is the Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timorense), a hardy tree producing edible fruit. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it’s remarkably drought tolerant and benefits from occasional pruning to encourage healthy growth.

For colourful flowering shrubs, Correas are a popular pick. Their tubular, nectar-rich flowers attract birds and insects, and they flourish with minimal fuss in Burdekin’s climate. These versatile plants also adapt well to pots and hedges.

Another bird favourite is the Grevillea, known for its striking flowers and drought tolerance. Regular pruning helps keep Grevilleas looking their best and promotes more blooms.

The iconic Bottlebrush (Callistemon) is hardy and low maintenance, offering bright red or pink flowers that attract nectar-feeding wildlife. Plant it in well-drained soil and prune occasionally to maintain shape.

Finally, native Hibiscus species add vibrant colour while requiring little more than regular watering and pruning to flourish.

To ensure success, prepare your soil well, water deeply but infrequently, mulch to retain moisture, and prune to encourage healthy growth. For local native plant stock, the Lower Burdekin Landcare nursery is a great community resource.

By choosing these easy-care natives, Burdekin gardeners can enjoy a thriving, sustainable garden with minimal effort all year round.

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YOU ARE SO WORTH IT

Hi everyone, how’s it going? Ever heard of the acronym HALT? It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. We all go through stress at different times in our lives, just as there are times when the good stuff comes along.

How we react to life is greatly influenced by how we are going both physically & emotionally. How we feel influences what we do.

Our decisions both good & bad are exactly that—OURS. We need to take ownership for all our decisions, learning from our bad ones & enjoying our good ones. Sometimes we forget the basic ways we can change our ability to make better decisions.

Hungry: You are having a busy day, it’s 2pm & you haven’t eaten properly. Your body & brain are sending you messages. You need to listen, stop & have something to eat.

Angry: It’s ok to get angry. It’s what we do with the anger that counts. Our actions will always define us as a person. Our loved ones will remember the actions that come from the anger, not the fact we were angry. Stop & think before you act.

Lonely: We all need connection in our lives. Sometimes just a catch-up with a friend will change our frame of mind.

Tired: Sleep is crucial both physically & mentally but even just giving ourselves a short break during the day will help.

Starting with these simple things will help us with our decisions.

There are between 8 & 9 billion people in the world. There is only one of you & only ever will be one of you. That is the reason for you to take care of yourself because YOU ARE SO WORTH IT.

Take care.

Ross Romeo

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Hearts were pumping, muscles were straining and voices were cheering as students from all of the Burdekin District’s small schools converged on Clare State School for the Combined Burdekin Small Schools’ Athletics Carnival. Rainfall during the week meant that the track was a little soggy but spirits and effort reigned supreme as the students competed in shot put, long jump, sprints, high jump and the 800 metres. The younger student also had a fierce ball games competition with Corner Spry, Captain Ball and Tunnel Ball proving popular with parents and students alike. A great level of sportsmanship and camaraderie was on display throughout the carnival. Well done to the following students and schools:

Age Champions:

9 yrs: Felix Cornish (Giru), Harley Dalton (Giru), Milla Crawford (Giru)
10 yrs: Kasey Trindle (Jarvisfield), Yolanda Heron (Jarvisfield)
11 yrs: Ryan Oats (Kalamia), Rubi Krause (Brandon)
12 yrs: Kyuss Vandermeer (Giru) Natasha Santangelo (Giru)

Aggregate Points: Giru State School
Average Points: Osborne State School
Spirit Award: Clare State School

Contributed with thanks to Troy Patti

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Families considering a high-quality Catholic education options for their children are encouraged to act fast, as limited positions remain for Year 7 enrolments in 2026 at Burdekin Catholic High School.

Enrolment interviews will commence in Week 2 of this term, and with demand growing, families are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Burdekin Catholic High School offers a supportive and dynamic environment for students starting their high school journey. As part of the school's transition program, incoming Year 7 students will benefit from a carefully designed curriculum that sets them up for success both academically and personally.

At the heart of the Year 7 program is a broad and balanced curriculum, delivered by dedicated subject specialists. Students will study six core subjects throughout the year:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities (Geography, History and Civics)
• Religious Education
• Physical Education

In addition to core learning, students will rotate through a variety of elective subjects from the arts, humanities, and technology fields. Elective options include:

• Drama
• Visual Art
• Music
• Digital Technologies
• Design and Technologies: Engineering Principles & Systems, Graphics
• Design and Technologies: Materials and Technologies – Wood
• Design and Technologies: Food Specialisation
• Languages - Auslan

These experiences are designed to ignite curiosity, develop hands-on skills, and introduce students to a wide range of future learning and career paths.

A Supportive Start to Secondary School

Year 7 students at Burdekin Catholic High School are welcomed into a strong community of care. Through the Pastoral Care (PC) program, students are paired with Year 12 “buddies” who help guide and support them throughout their first year.

A Campus Designed for Learning

With access to specialist classrooms and facilities, students enjoy a learning environment that is modern, engaging, and purpose-built. From science labs to art studios and technology workshops, students move throughout the campus to engage in hands-on learning guided by passionate teachers.

ENROL NOW

With limited places available, now is the time to secure your child’s future at Burdekin Catholic High School. Enrolment interviews for Year 7, 2026 commence in Week 2 this term.
For more information or to book an enrolment interview, please contact the school office or visit our website.

Burdekin Catholic High School – Your future starts here.

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Although pet shows and discos have been keeping all 12 of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior and Junior Ambassadors busy over the past couple of months, the overwhelming excitement surrounding the highly anticipated QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch is undeniably contagious.

Preparations are well underway; ticket sales have officially opened up to the public and the Burdekin Water Festival Committee is more than ready for the community to bask in the magic of the European Summer themed event on Saturday the 30th of August.

“The Committee has been working tirelessly to make this one of the finest events of the season,” explained 2024 BWF Winning Senior Ambassador and 2025 BWF Committee Member, Demi O’Shea.

“Expect to indulge yourself in the enchantment of a European Summer as soon as you enter the hall – the decorations and planning are all coming together beautifully.”

2025 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassadors Eliza Worlein, Georgia Tomasetig, Julia Cahill, Mia Galbraith, Molly Julyan and Nicole Cervoni will come together for an afternoon to remember in celebration of another successful BWF Ambassador Program and of course, for the official crowning of the Senior Ambassador Winner and Runner-Up.

“Last year’s Long Lunch was such a magical day for me, and my fellow Senior Ambassadors, so I can’t wait for this year’s Senior Ambassadors to experience the same feeling and crowning the next Senior Ambassador Winner will truly be such an honour,” added Demi.

Set to commence from 12pm on Saturday the 30th of August at Queen Street’s Populin’s Hall, guests dressed in cocktail attire are warmly invited to enjoy the flavours, scenery and unmatched atmosphere of a European Summer. Tickets to the 18+ event are priced at $100 and can be purchased online via the Burdekin Water Festival’s website, burdekinwaterfestival.com.au/events.

The afternoon will overflow with delicious delights like antipasto cups, braised short ribs, caprese chicken, Tuscan sausage rigatoni, seafood paella, patatas bravas, and a range of European dessert delicacies from several local businesses including Fusion Catering, Alfies Bakery, Slice of Europe and Dal Santo’s Deli. Vintage Bar Co. will also be in attendance to keep the good vibes and cocktails flowing well into the late afternoon.

What: QMN Manufacturing Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch
When: Midday, Saturday the 30th of August
Where: Populin's Hall

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Burdekin Water Festival President, Eusebio Aguirre with 2024 BWF Runner Up Brielle Astorquia, 2024 BWF Winner Demi O'Shea and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort at last year's Long Lunch (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)
Just under 200 patrons attended last year's sell out Long Lunch event (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)

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It’s easy to think you know what a music festival is. A vast, dusty field, hours of queuing, and the logistical puzzle of seeing your favourite bands. But in a picturesque corner of the Whitsundays, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music has completely rewritten the script, transforming the concept from a penned-in weekend to a laid-back, three-day music holiday. This isn't just an event; it's an invitation to experience world-class live music in a place that's as much a star of the show as the artists themselves.

The first thing that sets this festival apart is the heart-stopping backdrop. While other festivals offer a view of a stage and a sea of heads, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music main tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club gives you a front-row seat to an endless vista of turquoise water, bobbing boats, and the majestic Whitsunday Islands. It’s an immersion of the senses: the sound of a roaring guitar blending with the gentle lapping of the waves, the energy of the crowd mixed with the relaxed, tropical sea breeze. This is a festival that embraces its location, making every moment feel like a holiday.

The music itself is a carefully curated journey. The festival's lineup is a powerful mix of Australian rock royalty and exciting new talent. From legendary acts that have defined generations to emerging artists discovered through initiatives like the Passport to Airlie (Australia’s largest original music initiative), there’s a genuine thrill of discovery around every corner.

It doesn’t stop there, with 60 acts in 14 venues across town, the music takes over the entire Airlie Beach community. This "town takeover" format means you can wander from a beachfront bar to a cafe, and from a lively pub to the pumping main stage, all without ever losing the rhythm.

And the value? It's unmatched. A 3 day pass grants you access to not only three full days of performances but also the included welcome and after parties, extending the good times from Thursday right through to Monday. With a 3-day pass priced at just $325, you’re looking at a festival experience for less than the cost of three average concert tickets.

The focus here is on creating memories, not logistical headaches. The free bus transport from Whitsunday Transit, helping you hop between venues and home again safely and without a worry all day and into the night.

In an industry of big events in an isolated paddock, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music is an intimate, vibrant, and perfectly paced celebration of sound in one of Australia's most beautiful destinations. It’s more than a festival. It’s the ultimate music holiday, with a range of accommodation packages from camping to 5-star, and it’s calling your name.

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An enthusiastic literary crowd gathered at the Burdekin Library on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, as local writer Denise Neville and former Burdekin Readers & Writers president Mickey McKellar led an intimate conversation on the theme “You’re Never Too Old.” McKellar, an aspiring author herself, guided the discussion as Neville shared her journey from cane fields to the page, offering insights into creativity, resilience, and the life of a late-blooming writer.

For Burdekin-born Denise Neville, the theme could not have been more fitting. Raised on a cane farm in Home Hill, Neville spent much of her career in the sugar industry and public service before a chance involvement in a Mackay local history project unlocked her passion for storytelling.

“While it was a great opportunity and pushed me to get writing, by the time I’d finished the history book, all I wanted to do was write creatively,” she told the audience, reflecting on the turning point that led her to a new chapter in life.

Neville now writes under two pen names: Kayla Danoli, for her evocative Queensland historical sagas, and Neive Denis, for her cosy crime and mystery novels. This dual identity allows her to explore different creative paths without confusing her readers.

“When I retired, I was perhaps carrying some baggage and it was fun to explore the crime genre,” she admitted with a smile. “It was also quite cathartic to write a book where I could kill people off.”

The event coincided with the launch of her latest novel, A Life of Seizing Opportunities, which follows characters through Mackay and the Burdekin during the early days of the sugar industry. Neville blends fictional families with real historical milestones—such as the establishment of local mills and the embryonic Macmillan operations—offering readers a vivid, human connection to the region’s past.

When asked how she generates new ideas, Neville offered a philosophy that drew chuckles from the audience:

“Everyone talks about not having any good ideas to start writing about, but that’s not how it works.

“You can’t just click on Amazon and order a big idea. It’s like gardening—you get a little seed, let it sit in the back of your mind, and give it time to grow.”

Neville also shared her early steps into creative writing. She began with hobby courses through York University in the UK before moving into a full degree. Her breakthrough came during National Novel Writing Month, where she was challenged to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

“I was home alone at the time, so I thought I’d give it a go,” she said. “By the end of November, I’d written 140,000 words. In January, I took 40,000 out, and that became my first novel.”

Neville hopes that A Life of Seizing Opportunities leaves readers with a sense of resilience that embodied the people of the time and something that she sees as much less common today.

“The message with many of my stories and particularly with A Life of Seizing Opportunities is If you have a go, there’s a fair chance you’ll succeed,” she said. “And if not, at least you’re no worse off—just keep trying, or try something new.”

The morning, hosted by Burdekin Readers & Writers, concluded with morning tea and a book-signing session, leaving attendees inspired by the message that in writing, and in life, it’s never too late to seize an opportunity.

For those interested in exploring Neville’s works further, her books are available for purchase through her publishing company, Eaglemount Books.

Contributed with thanks to Kelly Lund

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Denise Neville (Left) and Mickey McKellar led an engaging author talk last week at the Burdekin Library
Neville and McKellar discuss getting started in the writing process

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Meet Zorro!

Zorro is a young feline with a heart full of promise and the opportunity for a bright future. Rescued from the pound, Zorro may initially seem a bit shy, but give him just thirty minutes, and you'll find yourself enchanted by his gentle nature and sweet demeanor. Once he trusts you, he transforms into a dedicated purr machine, letting you know you've won his heart with his melodic symphony of affection.

Though Zorro's beginnings were challenging, his time in foster care has worked wonders, bringing out the best in this charming cat. He's now ready to put the past behind him and embrace the next chapter of his life with a loving new family.

Zorro will do best in an environment where patience and plenty of love are abundant. His progression from a shy feline to an endearing companion makes him a truly rewarding pet to welcome home.

Will you be the one to offer Zorro the loving space to settle and thrive? Please fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Included in adoption fee of $210 DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, up to date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.

DOB: 1/10/2024

Sex: Male

Breed: DSH

Kid friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

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For Simon Yim, SKY Renewables is much more than a passion project. It’s a mission.

Make no mistake—there’s plenty of passion involved. But for Simon, it’s not just about personal fulfilment; it’s about building something meaningful and, in turn, transforming the lives of cane farmers across Australia.

After growing up in Hong Kong, Simon studied in Canada and the UK, qualifying as a solicitor in the late 1980s. Over the next three decades, he held senior roles across Asia in law, corporate strategy, and private equity, working on major infrastructure projects and leading mergers and acquisitions for global firms like industrial giant General Electric.

Turning Waste into Wealth

But after more than 30 years of delivering results for some of the world’s leading corporations, Simon felt it was time to build something of his own.

With that, in 2018, SKY Renewables was born.

“I spent a couple of years looking around, trying to figure out the best sector and region to focus (my start-up) on—then I stumbled into the Burdekin,” says Yim. “I was introduced by a friend who said, ‘these guys are burning their cane waste’. Coming from Asia, I knew there had to be value in it—that’s how it all started.”

SKY Renewables—the brainchild of Yim's extensive research—represents a true trailblazer in renewable energy. Its flagship initiative, Project Lion, aims to commodify sugar cane waste that would otherwise be burned by transforming it into renewable gas and exporting it to energy-hungry markets across Asia.

“On one side, you have places burning waste they think is useless. On the other side, you have countries like Japan and Singapore crying out for clean, renewable energy,” says Yim.

Yim identified the Burdekin region as the perfect launchpad for his world-first project.

“The Burdekin made the most sense,” he says. “Once we can prove it works [in the Burdekin], there's no reason it can't work in other cane regions like Mackay and Cairns and Bundaberg.”

Simon knows that, like all pioneering endeavours, the path is challenging and far from clear-cut—but that hasn’t deterred him or his team of 10 dedicated experts in their pursuit of an unprecedented breakthrough that could forever transform Queensland’s farming industry.

“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” says Yim.

“You’ve got to spend the time and diligence on day one to figure out if this is worth doing. If you decide it is, you just keep doing it.”

“There are distractions and discouragements—If it were easy, others would have done it. But, if we are successful, we’ll be the first in the world to do it."

With the recent backing of more than 70 per cent of Burdekin growers at a town hall meeting in May this year, SKY Renewables is building a formidable force, powering straight toward an untapped gold mine for Australian cane farmers.

The only missing piece of the puzzle is the opportunity to prove the potential.

“All we’re asking is to give us a chance. We’re not tyre-kickers. We’ve invested nearly $5 million of our own money and plenty of sweat equity. We’ve put in the time—seven years of work. So to growers, our government, and investors—give us a chance.”

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Glenn Betteridge, Incoming CBL Chair & Simon Yim, CEO of Sky Renewables. Photo supplied

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Over twenty years ago, the Burdekin Patchwork and Quilters found a way to turn their hobby into a way of giving back. Every year since, they've been patching the community with care, creatively repurposing their excess material and generously donating it to local organisations that need it more.

This year was no different. On the 23rd of July, the group delivered a trolley full of freshly crafted knee rugs to the Regis Aged Care Centre in Ayr, where they'll bring warmth, colour and joy to the residents who call Regis home.

"We use them every day," said Regis Lifestyle Coordinator Kristy. "Our residents really appreciate them. They're just bright, colourful and bring joy to everyone."

In the past, the Burdekin Patchwork and Quilters have donated a vast array of items to organisations and institutions such as Meals on Wheels and Townsville Hospital, among many others.

The group meets regularly at the CWA Centre, stitching together all things from bed covers, to handbags, and plenty more. "We're just a group of ladies that love doing patchwork and handcrafts," says on of its members.

Through the group’s generosity and skilled handiwork, the Burdekin continues to get a little comfier and a lot more colourful.

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One of the things I love most about the Burdekin is its diversity—on more levels than you might first think.

There’s the sporting culture, for starters. Whether it’s rugby, cricket, netball, bowls, or something a little more niche, there’s always a game being played somewhere. You can wander from one field to another and find entirely different communities, each with its own passion and traditions.

Then there’s the people—locals who’ve been here for generations and newcomers from every corner of the country (and the globe). The backpacker culture, in particular, fascinates me. After spending a bit more time chatting with them this week, hearing their incredible stories and what led them to the Burdekin, I’m left with a few lasting impressions.

Firstly, they grant perspective. When you hear about the distances they’ve travelled, the jobs they’ve taken, and the countries they’ve crossed, it makes our own little world here feel both small and precious.

Secondly, they're inspiring. Their willingness to pack up, take risks, and chase opportunity serves as a reminder that life rewards those willing to step outside their comfort zone.

And finally, they make me feel grateful. Grateful to call this place home. Grateful to play a part, however small, in a community that’s a destination in its own right—a varied one at that.

We do our best to capture this diversity in each paper we produce. This week, you'll find the incredible story of Simon Yim, whose story I've touched on before. A journeyman in his own right, Simon's path brought him right here to the Burdekin, where he aims to revolutionise cane waste. You can learn more about that on page 3.

Otherwise, thanks so much for all the support I've received on my own journey so far. I'm loving it, and that's largely thanks to you all.

P.S. No, I haven't forgotten about 'Burdekin To Big-Time'. Keep an eye on next week's issue for that one!

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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on local sporting clubs to register for Play On Sports Vouchers to ensure local kids can enjoy the benefits on offer.

When applications opened to families on Monday morning systems were stretched almost to breaking point, but Mr Last believes many families and sporting organisations in the Burdekin may miss out on the opportunity.

“From abseiling to gymnastics to Zumba, the range of sports and activities that can participate is almost endless,” Mr Last said.  “The program is a great opportunity for kids, but it is also a great opportunity for clubs and organisations to build participation.”

“It’s important that both families and organisations are aware that there is a dedicated allocation for vouchers set aside for regional areas and another allocation set aside for children living with a disability.  The aim for the government is to boost participation throughout the state because we know that participating in sport and activities offers a range of benefits for our kids.”

“Eligibility and flexibility are hallmarks of the program.  Whether it’s a summer or winter activity, all children between 5 and 17 who are named on a Medicare card are eligible for a $200 voucher.”

“There is no doubt that cost of living pressure has an impact when it comes to families being able to afford sport and activities.  Sadly, the former government hadn’t provided long-term funding for the initiative, but the new government has committed to four years of funding because we know that creating healthy habits and providing opportunities doesn’t happen overnight.”

Mr Last said the benefits of participation stretched much further than health-related benefits and were possibly more important than ever.

“Issues like stress and anxiety are affecting our children more and more these days,” Mr Last said.  “Regularly participating in team sports or group activities has been proven to build self-esteem and provide a sense of belonging which both play a key part in helping our kids to tackle challenges.”

“The program is a significant investment but, when you look at the benefits for the kids and the wider community, it’s an investment that pays dividends.  Especially in regional areas, sporting clubs and organisations are a part of the fabric of our communities and make a huge difference to the health of both the participants and the people who play other roles in those clubs and organisations.”

“The $200 voucher can be used for expenses like membership fees and game fees paid to eligible sporting clubs and activity providers.”

“For most clubs and providers, applying for the program will take just a few minutes.  Steps have been taken to ensure the system is as easy possible for everyone involved because we want as many people as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.”

“Applications will be accepted until December 17th unless vouchers are fully allocated before then.  I’d encourage providers and parents to get their applications in as soon as possible so no one misses out.”

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