John Cattell, a 71-year-old who originally hails from Glen Innes, in New South Wales, has been living in Home Hill for about four to five years after being homeless in Townsville. After he was placed in a housing unit courtesy of his daughter, John’s been happy to be here ever since.

“I was homeless in Townsville for about three or four years before my daughter helped put me into a housing unit here in Home Hill, through Housing Services. It’s been both great and a big relief,” John says.

Although now retired, John still plans to do some cane hauling, however, he shows the hand where he lost a finger in a cane hook accident four years ago, which he explains further.

“About four years ago, the remote had four buttons but when I pressed it my finger got caught in a cane hook and took the end off of it,” John says. “But it don’t stop me any,” he adds with a grin.

Before retiring, John was a truck driver enjoying his work until a major truck accident forced a career rethink.

“It was just another day like any other when I had a major truck accident at 60… one that ended my career in trucking. I really liked driving trucks but had to move on. I was a senior technician at hospital, and before that was in the car radio game installing air conditioners and radios.”

As it turns out that’s a good background to have, because John needs to install a new air-con compressor for his car so he can go visit his family, all who live on the coast.

“I’ve got two kids – a daughter and a son – then I’ve got three grandkids and two great grandkids, some who I haven’t seen for nearly five years. I’m looking forward to visiting them soon,” he beams.

While John’s only been in Home Hill for five years, he enjoys it in the Burdekin, which he describes as good, despite the prevalence of some drugs in the region.

“Yeah, it’s good here. I stay safe, I obey the law, and above all, I do what I got to do to be happy, have fun, and to have a good time. That’s all anyone can do,” he adds.

‍

John Cattell (71), down a finger but not down on his luck. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Australian sugar cane farmers will soon trade one tropical paradise for another as they explore first-hand the implications of Brazil being ranked number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. 

Queensland sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson is embarking on the 10-day tour for a second time because he is interested in how Brazil’s harvest and mills operate.  

“Brazil is our main competition,” Mr Atkinson said, adding its use of sugar to produce ethanol affected world sugar prices and thus Australia’s own sugarcane industry. 

While sugar may be Australia’s second-largest export crop after wheat, with 3-4 million tonnes (MT) valued at $1.5 to $2.5 billion headed overseas each year, these figures are dwarfed by Brazil’s. 

The South American nation produces about half of the world’s total sugar exports at more than 32MT per year, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), surpassing Australia’s total sugarcane production. 

To put things further into perspective, for every tonne of sugarcane produced down under, Brazil produces about 22 tonnes, with about half of this sugar then being used to make ethanol thanks to the Brazilian government’s mandates on fuel mixes. 

Stephen Ryan, the CEO of Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA), said the Brazil tour would give Aussies opportunities to meet with Brazilian farmers, processors, researchers and more to learn about the dynamics of the agricultural giant’s sugar cane and bio-energy industries. 

“Brazil, as of 2023, had 350 operational sugarcane plants, of which almost two-thirds produced both sugar and ethanol and almost a third were just for ethanol, USDA figures show,” Mr Ryan said. 

“The country made 35.3 billion litres of ethanol in 2023-24, and the demand for biofuel is only likely to increase with the Brazilian government amping up incentives to also produce sustainable aviation fuel to curb the country’s CO2 emissions. 

“But Brazil will be motivated to lean towards non-sugar alternatives like corn to meet the demands for biofuel as current world market prices make exporting sugar more commercially attractive.” 

As Mr Atkinson explained, extra Brazilian sugar on the world market made Australia’s product less valuable as per the mechanisms of supply and demand. 

The Cane Tour to Brazil itinerary includes visiting Sao Paulo, where innovation drives sugarcane cultivation and processing. Sao Paulo is home to the headquarters of Brazil’s largest sugarcane improvement company, the Sugarcane Technology Centre (STC). 

The STC owns the largest germplasm bank in the world, is aiming to double Brazil’s average annual sugarcane yields from 75MT per hectare to 150MT per hectare by 2040 and is working to create a synthetic seed to scrap needing to use sugarcane cuttings for planting.

Other highlights of the tour, organised and led by Australian ex-pat Sally Thomson in collaboration with Nuffield Brazil Farming Network, include a trip to the world’s largest corn bioenergy plant, hearing from startups working on Brazil’s agribusiness problems, and an unforgettable down-day to relish Bonito’s pristine rivers and natural wonders.

The cost is $3440 per person, based on twin-share, which includes all domestic travel, accommodation, meals, and visits. 

The tour, kicking off in late March, is limited to 20 participants to ensure a quality experience for all. 

To register your interest, contact Shirley Norris by phoning 0447 608 158 or emailing farmers700plus@gmail.com

‍

Sugarcane farmer and Australian Cane Farming Association (ACFA) member Paul Atkinson is travelling to Brazil for the second time to gain insights into the country’s agricultural sector, as it boasts being the number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. Photo credit: Heidi Petith

Corn is a major feedstock around the world to produce ethanol. Sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson toured Brazil in 2024, and will again in 2025, to gain insights from Brazil’s agricultural sector and how its ethanol production will impact on Australia’s sugarcane industry. Photo credit: Paul Atkinson

‍

The open road became a classroom for early-career extension officers as they embarked on a two-week, cross-industry bus trip as part of the Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program (AEWPP). Hosted by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), this unique journey was more than a road trip—it was an opportunity for trainees to deepen their understanding of Queensland’s diverse agricultural landscape, showcase their work, and build valuable connections across the sector.

The AEWPP places trainees with host agribusinesses or natural resource management organisations, assisting landholders in Great Barrier Reef catchments in implementing best management practices. Over the past nine months, trainees have worked with organisations such as Aglantis, AgriTech Solutions, Australian Banana Growers Council, Burdekin Productivity Services, Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), and NQ Dry Tropics.

Throughout the bus trip, trainees showcased their organisations, the farming commodities they specialise in, and their regions to peers and QFF representatives. Stops included farms and industry organisations like TAFE Queensland’s Centres of Excellence, Sugar Research Australia, Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm, Kalamia Sugar Mill, and the Department of Primary Industry’s South Johnstone Research Facility.

Alongside professional visits, the itinerary included iconic tourist attractions such as Tinaberries, Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Macadamias Australia, Airlie Beach, The Big Mango, and Big Crystal Creek, adding a touch of local flavour to the experience.

QFF Program Coordinator Tim Bradley described the trip as a dynamic opportunity for trainees to highlight their contributions to the agriculture sector while forging meaningful connections.

“The trip allowed each trainee to showcase their work, collaboration with local producers, and the unique attributes of their regions and host organisations,” he said.

One of the most valuable aspects of the bus trip, Tim noted, was fostering networking opportunities.

“These interactions often lead to the exchange of innovative ideas, exploration of new partnerships, and a broader understanding of the industry as a whole,” he added.

Since its inception in 2018, the AEWPP has graduated over 30 extension officers. The next cohort will commence in February 2025, offering another group of early-career professionals a 15-month placement to drive sustainable agricultural practices.

The AEWPP is funded by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by QFF in collaboration with host organisations.

‍

Left-to-right, back-to-front QFF General Manager, Policy and Projects, Adam Knapp, Extension Officer, AgriTech Solutions, Jake Moore, Extension Officer, Aglantis, Kaylaha Malaponte, QFF AEWPP Project Coordinator, Tim Bradley, Extension Officer, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Phoebe Holland, Extension Officer, NQ Dry Tropics, Claire Cornell, Extension Officer, Australian Banana Growers Council, Eleanor Sibree, Extension Officer, Burnett Mary Group, Asha Gould. Photo supplied

‍

A new venture, Oxitec Australia, is taking on two of the deadliest virus-carrying mosquitos in the Pacific region—Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus —to fight the spread of diseases like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, which claim hundreds of thousands of lives globally each year. 

Oxitec Australia is a collaboration between CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and UK-based Oxitec Ltd, the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests.  

The new venture leverages Oxitec's proven biological Friendly™ platform where genetically engineered male mosquitoes carry a self-limiting gene that ensures only non-biting males survive, reducing pest females and overall mosquito numbers through sustained releases. 

Professor Brett Sutton, Director of Health & Biosecurity at CSIRO, said Oxitec Australia is now seeking partners to accelerate its activities and product development in Australia. 
 
“Oxitec Australia offers a unique opportunity to help combat the growing threat of invasive and exotic pests, some of which are on mainland Australia’s doorstep like Aedes albopictus,” Professor Sutton said. 

“Factors like warmer weather cycles and growing pesticide resistance will only bring greater challenges to the health of Australians and our region via vector-borne diseases.” 

“By investing in new and innovative solutions that complement existing control programs, we can reduce the public health impacts of these exotic and invasive mosquito species.”

“This technology platform could also be used to develop solutions for a wide spectrum of pests that threaten livestock and crops and our food systems.” 

Subject to government and regulatory approvals, Oxitec Australia’s first solution will be a “just-add-water” product using the Friendly™ Aedes aegypti mosquito technology.  

This innovative product allows for the rapid production of Friendly™ non-biting male mosquitoes following the addition of water. 

Oxitec Australia is also developing a solution for the Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) with funding from the CSIRO to help prevent a major invasion risk to mainland Australia. 
The new venture is already working with local communities in the Torres Strait affected by these mosquito and dengue outbreaks. Once completed, it aims to deploy this technology in impacted regions.

Grey Frandsen, CEO of Oxitec, said, “In collaboration with Indigenous communities, leading scientific institutions, industry partners, and farmers, we’re committed to transforming how pest threats to health, food security, and ecosystems are addressed. In doing so, we aim to not only protect lives, livelihoods, and biodiversity but also empower Indigenous communities.”
 
Oxitec Australia is also working to address pests threatening crops, such as the fall armyworm caterpillar.

‍

With an update to the Burdekin Show committee and some positional changes, President Christopher Lyne, is confident that this year’s show will be the biggest and best yet.

“We've got one new member, Stacey Koir, who joined the committee this year, while we've had a few changes. Meghan Wilson has gone from committee member to Vice President, and Brendan Kolb stepped down from Vice President to committee member,” Chris announces.

“We're seeing fresh ideas come to the show, and every year we add something, but we now have the manpower to be able to execute those fresh ideas and make them happen,” he says excitedly.

In 2024 the Burdekin Show introduced a mini ring with a Dachshund race that proved very popular. This year they’re hoping to add to that with a whip cracking competition, while adding even more to the mini ring, including the Townsville Lawnmower Club who are bringing their junior members.

“Last year we had a stage with some performers but we’re also looking to change that around, so it’s more of a community stage. We’re aiming to get local performers come and perform, which will be great for the region,” Chris enthuses.

“We’re also negotiating with the Showman's Guild to expand Sideshow Alley,” he beams.

With brand new attractions and extensions to existing ones, it’s bound to be the Burdekin Show’s best ever, as they aim to surpass their record attendance of 5500.

“We started off with the bare minimum to run a committee, but each year we seem to add someone, without losing anyone. With a fresh burst of youth or energy, we're looking at the biggest and best show yet,” Chris smiles.

Come 25 June, be sure to get along and support The Burdekin Show. For more information, visit their Facebook page for updates for more exciting news.

‍

Sharon Kenny (committee), Fina Towler (Treasurer), Chris Lyne (President), Pam Christensen (Secretary). Front L-R: Meghan Wilson (Vice President), Carole Harness (committee), Marilyn Hutley (committee). Absent: Brendon Kolb & Stacey Koir (committee) Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Vixen, a beautiful 15-month-old dog, has been patiently waiting for her forever home for over 400 days. This energetic and loving girl, weighing in at 25kgs, is ready to fill your life with joy and excitement. With her tall and agile frame, Vixen is the perfect companion for an active household that can match her spirited enthusiasm for toys, long walks, and playful activities.

A social dog, Vixen thrives on human interaction and loves to explore her surroundings. After burning off some energy with a few zoomies, she’s happy to curl up for a cozy cuddle session, making her the ultimate companion for those who appreciate both adventure and relaxation.

After such a long wait, it’s time for Vixen to find the loving home she deserves. While she may show initial excitement during a meet, with the right guidance, she’ll quickly settle in and provide endless love and loyalty in return. If you’re looking for an active, loving, and snuggly addition to your family, Vixen is the one! Come meet her and see why she’s ready to be the perfect fit for your home. Let’s make sure her wait is finally over!

To meet Vixen, please fill out a DOG and PUPPY Animal enquiry form with Angel-Paws at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Vixen's adoption fee is $300 and she will join your home DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, with up-to-date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated and on PROHEART.

Adoption Details:
DOB: 12/07/2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Bullarab x
Kid friendly: Yes - Older
Cat Friendly: Untested
Other dogs: Yes - Very slow introduction
Fences: 6ft
BIN: BIN0000268254643

‍

Thalie: “Well, I have a lot of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander friends, so we don't celebrate Australia Day, but we gather and we tell stories. And in fact, probably my husband and I are probably going to be at home by ourselves that day. But we aim to share stories that reflect their heritage and values and stories of where we're from, and stories of connection, and stories of what's important to us, as all of us are Australians. We view the day as a time for connection, reflection, and hope, discussing potential future changes to the day, such as a name or date change. This practice has been ongoing for six or seven years.”

Jake: “I'm gonna go down to Wunjunga Beach, which is about 35 minutes south of Home Hill and go down to the beach with my family, and my friends. We're gonna spend the day down there. We're gonna go fishing, catch crabs, and probably gonna go hunting for some pigs, too. It’s a beautiful beach down there but it’s full of crocs, so you wouldn't want to sit there too long. But yeah, just hang out with my family and friends for the day.”

David: “Australia Day, obviously, we (my wife and I) support that. It's not a problem. I love the idea of Australia Day. I believe we will relax because we're going back to work at school on Monday. I'll probably just take it easy and enjoy it with a couple of friends. I also plan to fly the Aussie flag because in the past that’s what we did, proudly displaying the Australian flag. I think there’s a growing weariness in the country with divisive issues and I welcome the push for unity on Australia Day. I'm just a bit over all the stuff so it's great that the politicians are now coming out and actually insisting that we come together instead of finding reasons to be pulled apart all the time. It suggests a renewed sense of obligation to participate in the celebrations.”

Kelly: “Well, this year we're fortunate that it's my sister in law's birthday, so we're going down to Airlie Beach, and spend a lot of time looking at the ocean, and hopefully having a few cocktails. We’ll be taking the kids, spending a bit of time with them, and hopefully a little bit of time without them, too. The kids love getting the flags and getting involved with Australia Day ideas but we're probably a little bit more low key traditionally. What we've done before is gather around my parents pool and invite friends over. So yeah, a bit of a relaxed time by the beach with family before the start of school, celebrating a birthday and Australia Day.”

Richard: “To celebrate Australia Day, I reckon just some casual plans for the day, which include having a coffee, smoking, walking around, and possibly going for a drink at the pub. Not too much you know, just happy. I’m happy, for Australia, happy to be here, and happy to celebrate in my own easy way. I have flags in my house. I have an Australian flag. I have a Southern Cross flag. And I have an Australian animal flag, that’s on the side of my house. For me, it's just being around friends.”

‍

Thalie. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Jake Harvey (17). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

David Keyes (66). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Connie (6) and mum, Kelly Lund (42). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Richard Minojlovich (51). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Born and bred in the Burdekin, Sweet FM presenter, Carol Betteridge, has been with the station for a decade now. She started her show after leaving a long-term job and has been hosting Wednesday morning country music shows ever since.

“I lived out of town about eight kilometres south of Home Hill. I lived there until I moved to town 35 years ago, where I've been ever since. Even though I’ve travelled the world, including Ireland, the UK, South Africa, New Zealand (five to six times), and I’ve travelled Australia, Home Hill is always home,” Carol announces.

“I left a job that I had been in for a while, and I was looking for something to occupy my time. So when I left the BCA, I saw Merle Scott, the former station manager here at the radio station. She recruited most of us oldies,” Carol laughs.

“Merle got me into country music because that's what she was doing. I could do her show when she wasn't available on a Wednesday but then I was also doing a Friday night show with general everydaymusic but then I got a shift job. So the Friday night went out the door.”

Carol, 60, has never married nor had children, but used to run the shoe and dress shop in Home Hill called Carol B’s before giving that up. While her current auditor role at Invicta sugar mill bears no resemblance whatsoever to her radio station presenting gig, both jobs started around the same time. As with most long term roles, it has its good days and bad days.

“I started the radio station in September of one year, and then I started auditing in July of the year after that. Some days I play songs and I'm sort of going, ‘That didn't do it for me today.’ But other days I just love it. I love those days where you feel the music” she smiles.

Having grown up in the Burdekin all her life, she recalls how vibrant the area used to be, sharing a fondness for one burger shop in particular.

“Back in the day there were so many great shops here. It had everything you could get, everything you could want. Great Lolly shops, cafes, butchers. And then there was Burger Bills. When I was a little kid, Burger Bills was the burger place in Home Hill. I could go in and order for the whole family, and Bill was so impressed because this little girl could come in and tell him the full order. I loved that place,” Carol says smiling.  

While her approach to her radio show involves playing music she feels like listening to on that day, she’s also happy to takes requests from listeners. Carol also encourages others to volunteer at the radio station, emphasising the ease of presenting on radio.

“Consider volunteering because it’s such a rewarding experience. I can assure anyone that presenting on the radio is not as daunting as it might seem. I compare it to talking into a microphone at home and playing music you enjoy. I just love it,” she says excitedly.

Check out Carol’s Country Music Show on Wednesday mornings from 9am to 12pm. If you’re keen to join Carol as a presenter, contact Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

Carol Betteridge, a woman who loves country music, being a presenter, and Home Hill. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Founded in 1971 by a group of local Burdekin boaties and fishermen keen to look after each other, as well as visitors to the region, in a time when private vessels doubled as rescue vessels and the radio building was nothing more than a caravan towed to Alva Beach, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR) has been going strong for over 50 years ever since.

Now a more formal volunteer organisation, VMR has dedicated rescue boats, while operating out of two modern buildings that house their radio facilities, rescue boats, vehicles, and equipment. They’ve come a long way from their early days.

Legends of their first rescue boat, the famed ‘Tonya Leigh’ still echo around the Burdekin today. Stories still describe her exceptional performance and reliability during some of the roughest sea rescues in the region, such was her awe and aura.

54 years of hard work and commitment by a small band of dedicated volunteers, has seen VMR Burdekin go from strength to strength.

However, they will soon be taken in by Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ). So what does this mean for VMR Burdekin moving forward?

L-R: Long-time members, Ernie Rose, Claude Sutcliffe, VMR President Ian Sutcliffe, and Matt Patane, have been saving lives for decades. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

VMR Burdekin – Saving Lives At Sea!

Founded in 1971 by a group of local Burdekin boaties and fishermen keen to look after each other, as well as visitors to the region, in a time when private vessels doubled as rescue vessels and the radio building was nothing more than a caravan towed to Alva Beach, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR) has been going strong for over 50 years ever since.

Now a more formal volunteer organisation, VMR has dedicated rescue boats, while operating out of two modern buildings that house their radio facilities, rescue boats, vehicles, and equipment. They’ve come a long way from their early days.

Legends of their first rescue boat, the famed ‘Tonya Leigh’ still echo around the Burdekin today. Stories still describe her exceptional performance and reliability during some of the roughest sea rescues in the region, such was her awe and aura.

54 years of hard work and commitment by a small band of dedicated volunteers, has seen VMR Burdekin go from strength to strength with some 600 volunteers on their books. However, VMR will soon be taken in by Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), a state government sea rescue branch. So, what does this mean for VMR Burdekin moving forward? Even their president, Ian Sutcliffe, is unsure.

“We think we will be renamed, ‘Marine Rescue Queensland Burdekin’, but as yet, we haven’t even been told that. So, it’s all a bit of an unknown to us right now,” Ian declares.

A boilermaker by trade at Inkerman mill, Ian, who has been around the group since his dad was skipper of the rescue boat in the early days, has come a long way when he was just a kid and out fundraising for VMR. Now President, he’s both excited by joining forces with MRQ and sceptical.

Excited, because it will mean a lot of the money issues and responsibility of raising funds, will now rest with MRQ. And sceptical because there has been very little consultation or interaction to discuss what the relationship will look like, and how it will work moving forward.

“As far as I know, MRQ are going to be paying for a lot of the repairs on the boat, and they’re also going to pay for all our running costs. But I'm not too sure whether they'll also cover the repairs on the truck. I hope they do, because trucks cost money as well,” Ian says.

He speculates, however, that with a lot of VMR’s funding being taken care of, this will invariably free up more time for volunteers, noting that it will reduce the need for fundraising.

“Volunteers have to work for a living as volunteering doesn't pay. If the government can pay for a lot of stuff to get done around the place, then it just frees us up a lot more. You'd be surprised just how much is involved. If anyone wants to do a fundraising day or something, they ring me, and then I have to coordinate amongst volunteers and set it up. So having government support is a very good thing,” Ian says with relief.

During rescues, VMR Burdekin coordinates with police and other rescue organisations for missions.

“As far as rescues go, a lot of our jobs are police activated. They're the ones that call in other rescue organisations as to who they deem they want. We also have a duty phone, and that is the first point of contact for VMR Burdekin. Someone will ring and say, ‘Hey look, my husband's overdue. He's out at the reef. Can you go and find him?’ So, we'll organise a crew and head out and find them.”

“Last April, two guys went missing out in the bay. We were the first ones called to go and start looking for them. Water police then contacted Bowen VMR and also Townsville Coast Guard. Between all three organisations, we did eventually find them,” Ian shares.

While the water police are always in charge of a rescue operation, when it comes to specific areas, the police rely strongly on local knowledge, and cede responsibility. For example, if it's in VMR Burdekin’s area, then they’re in charge of that area.

While the group has 600 members, only a fraction (maybe 50) participate and contribute their skills and time on a regular basis. With membership costing only $100 annually, which includes one free tow and offers new members the chance to complete shipboard safety skill set, the real value comes, however, in the form of decades of boating wisdom from their older members, who are all too keen to share their expertise and knowledge. That in itself is priceless!

It’s easy to attend a VMR Burdekin meeting, where you can learn more about them the volunteer opportunities they have, training such as man overboard drills, and fire and motor exercises.

“If we're coming to rescue you, you need to be confident that we know what we're doing,” Ian states.

VMR Burdekin is always looking for new and younger members to join. Members all say, ‘It’s a great, fun place to volunteer,’ and many lifelong friendships are formed. Best of all, you get to save people’s lives.  

“The importance of saving lives at sea and the gratitude expressed by those being rescued is unparalleled. There’s an enormous sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve saved a life and helped a family and a community. When there's no one else around to help them out, they are incredibly grateful.”

“Our role is to save lives at sea, that's our motto,” Ian smiles.

If you’re keen to become a volunteer for the VMR, email: burdekin@marinerescueqld.org.au or call Ian on: 07 4783 1014. They’d love to have you aboard!

L-R: Older members, Ernie Rose, Claude Sutcliffe, VMR President Ian Sutcliffe, and Matt Patane, have been saving lives for decades. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

VMR volunteers in front of their insignia. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

L-R: Two rescue boats, 54 years of service, countless lives saved. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

You may have noticed some beautifully decorated rocks popping up around the Burdekin shire. These colourful stones are part of the ‘Kindness Rocks Project’, a heartwarming movement where people—along the East Coast and beyond—paint rocks with uplifting messages and vibrant designs to spread positivity.
The project began in 2015, when Megan Murphy of Cape Cod left a rock on a beach with the message "You've got this." Her simple act of kindness sparked a viral trend that quickly spread. Soon, others began painting rocks with words of encouragement, motivational phrases, or just beautiful artwork, and leaving them for strangers to discover.
What started as a small, local gesture has now blossomed into a widespread movement, with painted rocks appearing all over the coast and beyond. People often share stories of finding these little gems, and some even collect them, carrying them far from where they were originally placed.
The Kindness Rocks Project continues to touch lives and remind us that a small, thoughtful gesture can make a big difference.
When you are next on your daily stroll, make sure to keep an eye out for these lovely painted rocks and their heartfelt messages or beautiful artwork, or if you want to spread a bit of kindness create your own rock message and place it in the Burdekin community somewhere where it will be found.

‍

Some of the rocks found in the region

Kindness rocks

Spreading kindness in the community

‍

The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion pledge to upgrade the notoriously dangerous Bruce Highway has already hit its first set of potholes.

Federal Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher, contradicted the Prime Minister’s claim that funding will be delivered this year. Instead, the Finance Minister admitted the funding won’t be available until after the forward estimates, leaving the region of Dawson waiting until 2028 for crucial upgrades.

“The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister cannot both be correct. The Dawson community deserves to be told the truth,” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said.

“Some 43 lives have been lost on the Bruce Highway over the past year, and it feels like the Prime Minister was more focused on buying votes instead of getting to work and fixing the highway.

“It is time for the Prime Minister to come clean and release the full timing schedule for release of the promised Bruce Highway upgrade funds.

“I am also very concerned that one of the worst sections of highway in my electorate was not deemed a priority by the Albanese government. I will continue to fight for our fair share of funding to get the road fixed.” Mr Willcox said.

The Coalition has promised they will match the funding pledge and reinstate the 80:20 funding split with the State Government if elected, when Queenslanders go to the polls by May 2025.

Prime Minister vs Finance Minister on timing of $7.2 billion Bruce Highway funding: Wednesday 8 January 2025 – Finance Minister on ABC 7.30 Report:

Laura Tingle, 7.30 Report: “When was that [Bruce Highway] decision taken and will it actually involve any change in the budget bottom line?”

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher: “Well the costs for that will be reflected in the next budget update as they come into those forward estimate years. Um, so that decision was taken in the normal way through the Cabinet and our own internal processes, um, but it’s...

Tingle: “It’s included in the MYEFO bottom line at the moment?”

Gallagher: “Well the, I think the funding will be come outside of those forward estimates years, um, because it’s a long term project...”

Monday 6 January 2025 – PM interviewed on Radio 4BC:

Reporter: Prime Minister, we know the what, can you tell us the when?

Prime Minister Albanese: Good afternoon. Well, as soon as we can. The funding will be available from this year... we want this to be done as soon as possible, so the funding is available.

Monday 6 January 2025 – Prime Minister’s Press Conference, Gympie (announcing the funding):
Prime Minister: “...We had to get those measures in place and it's that discipline that we showed in those budgets that have allowed us to come to the position in MYEFO, we've provisioned for this.”

“So what is the truth?” asked Mr Willcox.

‍

Federal MP, Andrew Willcox inspects the Bruce Highway. Photo supplied

‍

My attention this week turned to Los Angeles, ablaze with severe (out of season) bushfires, with several upscale neighbourhoods turned to nothing but ash, including Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu.

What’s L.A got to do with the Burdekin? Well, there are more similarities than seem obvious at first glance.

I lived in L.A for 4-5 years between 2012-2016. It’s also where I met my wife, so it holds a special place in my heart. To see it go up in flames is tough, especially as we have friends and family there. My wife was also born in Hollywood, and while not a star, to me and our son, she’s the whole galaxy of stars.

So, what’s L.A have to do with the regional sugar cane town, Home Hill, which feels a million miles from the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown? More than you think.

We were in L.A for three days last year en route to Australia, and this once fantastic city is in serious decline. When I lived there, it was a fab place to be. Big, wide, clean beaches, canyons and roads that remain my fave to this day, along with the stunning Griffith Park, the biggest city park in all of the United States.

However, in recent years, once thriving strip shops are seeing very little business or worse, closed and boarded up. While the (in)famous ‘Skidrow’ – a homeless tent city so big (and getting bigger) – it could easily have its own postcode.

While on a smaller scale, the same things exist here. Shops closed, boarded up, or seeing very little custom. Homeless drifting around, though not in numbers like L.A, but rising.

In talks with locals, Home Hill used to be a thriving country town with five cafes, four butchers, two supermarkets, drapery and clothing shops and more. “A great place to live,” many long-term residents tell me.

A few decades on from its glory days, its grandeur has faded.

Will we see Home Hill rise again? I believe so but it’s going to take grit, ingenuity, and belief.

‍

Queensland’s waterways are home to one of nature’s most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, making these prehistoric creatures a vital part of the ecosystem. However, they also pose risks to residents and visitors, including those in the Burdekin region.

Crocodiles are an iconic part of North Queensland’s identity, but their presence often sparks debate. Sightings along the coast highlight the challenge of balancing coexistence with managing their potential dangers.

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, has advocated for crocodile culls, citing concerns about rising populations putting human lives at risk. Others emphasise education and responsible behaviour, noting that many attacks result from human actions, such as feeding crocodiles or approaching the water’s edge too closely.

Regardless of one’s stance on crocodile culling, recent statistics show a growing number of crocodile sightings across Queensland.

The Burdekin, known for its vibrant fishing culture and outdoor lifestyle, is not immune to these challenges. A recent report from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, highlights the importance of remaining vigilant. While only one sighting was reported in the Burdekin recently, nearby regions like Townsville and Cairns recorded 31 and 43 sightings, just in the past 30 days, according to the crocodile sighting dashboard.

Stay Croc-Safe

The Queensland Government’s "Be Croc-wise" initiative provides important guidelines to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks:

• Stay at least five meters from the water’s edge and use barriers like logs or eskies if needed.
• Dispose of food scraps and bait properly to avoid attracting crocodiles.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.
• Avoid using small watercraft in crocodile-prone areas.
• Swim only at patrolled beaches, where crocodiles are less likely to be present.

To report a sighting, use the QWildlife app, visit the website, or call 1300 130 372. In emergencies, dial 000 or 112. By staying alert and following these guidelines, residents and visitors can contribute to the safe management of crocodile populations.

‍

This figure initially represents the number of cases (based on sighting reports received) that have been active in the last 30 days or have been declared as problem crocodiles. Image source: Queensland Government, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

A saltwater croc cruising the waters. Photo credit: David Clode, (Unsplash)

Crocodiles can present a problem for unsuspecting locals and visitors who aren’t croc-wise. Photo: Supplied

‍

At 88, Dorothea (or Thea to her friends), has led an amazing life when she moved to the Burdekin in 2012. Originally from Mareeba, 68 kilometres north of Cairns, Thea is the youngest of nine children, when she first discovered her love of travel.

“My father had a tobacco farm just outside Mareeba, where I grew up. We had one teacher in our bush primary school. When I finished school, I went nursing in Atherton for four years and after training, my sister and I moved down to Innisfail. I worked in the hospital for a few months before I got infected with the wander-bug,” Thea confesses.

“We went down to Wagga Wagga, worked in the hospital there before going fruit picking. We ended up hitchhiking around Tasmania, before I came back to the mainland to work at the Heidelberg Military Hospital, in Melbourne,” she exclaims.

While working in Melbourne, she went to a party at a friend's place, where she met her future husband. They remained married for 60 years before he passed away nine years ago.

“We lived in Melbourne for about six months but my husband always wanted to go north because he'd been born in Bendigo, Victoria, and hated the cold. We rode in big semis all the way up to Brisbane, before we caught the train from there to Cairns, where he got work.”

Looking for better jobs, they moved around a lot before having kids, which still didn’t stop them. Thea had eight, but lost two. Her children are scattered across various locations, including Cairns, Gladstone, the Darling Downs, Bundaberg, and America.

“I quit nursing when I started having children. With kids, I had enough patients,” Thea laughs. “We went down to St George, NSW, then back up to Mackay before going over to Darwin. As a family we moved around frequently, always looking for better opportunities,” she explains.

Once the kids were old enough and left the coop, Thea and Jim didn’t slow down, instead continuing their adventures, this time by boat and bus!

“After he took an early retirement, we bought a 40-foot yacht and went sailing for 10 years up and down the coast. We had a mooring in Cairns, and we’d say, ‘Where's the cyclone going to be this year?’ That’s when we’d decide where to go. After that, I had to have a hip replacement because it's a bit awkward getting around a boat on crutches.”

“We sold the boat, came to shore in Bowen, lived on a mango farm, then got a bus. We did it up and travelled all over Australia. We went to every state, including Tassie. We were doing that right up until Jim was too sick to travel,” Thea reflects.

She’s now been in Home Hill and the Burdekin since 2012, where she’s content.

“It was a strange town when I first came here, because if you weren't three or four generations Burdekinites, they sort of looked at you a bit weird. But it's lovely now. It's been tidied up and still has got great potential,” she enthuses.

With a life lived and well-travelled, Thea remains active by reading, doing puzzles, and attending church with friends.

“I read, and do a lot puzzles now that I don’t travel much. I know the paper’s free but if you take that puzzle out of your newspaper, I won’t buy your newspaper,” Dorothea jokes.

‍

Thea McQualter (88), endless wanderluster and puzzler. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on small businesses in the Burdekin to make their voices heard as the state government embarks on a project designed to unlock the growth potential of the vital sector.

Reducing red tape and providing an improved dispute resolution service, are key elements of the Crisafulli’s government’s aim to ensure small business spends more time providing service to customers rather than servicing government.

“In the Burdekin district 97.3% of local businesses are small businesses,” Mr Last said. 

“By supporting small and family business, we not only support existing jobs and creating new ones, but also driving innovation.

“The Premier has made it clear that feedback from small and family business will form the basis of how we reduce red tape.  I think the fact that businesses will identify the improvement, means we tackle the actual challenges rather than government claiming to have all the answers.”

Mr Last said that the Small Business Commissioner’s commitment to delivering on the government’s election commitments meant small and family businesses had an even stronger team supporting them.

“The Small Business Commissioner has a vital role in supporting small and family business both in helping them to grow and when they need assistance. Commissioner Lamb has an enviable track record when it comes to the retail sector, so her support of the government’s initiatives means we are on the right track,” he said.

“As a government, one of our goals is to get out of people’s way and one of the best ways to do that is to reduce unnecessary red tape. We took a comprehensive plan for small and family business to the election, and we are delivering on that plan.

“In communities like the Burdekin, the people behind small and family businesses are more than employers and business owners. Ridding them of unnecessary red tape, means they can spend more time with their families and supporting community or sporting groups, so it’s a win-win for the entire community.”

Mr Last said it was important to recognise that reducing red tape was only one of the government’s commitments when it came to supporting small and family business.

“This is the first step, but we recognise that we need to make it easier for small business to work with government when it comes to the delivery of goods and services. Initiatives like our commitment to paying small businesses faster and reducing the size of contracts to allow more small business to work with government has the potential to supercharge the sector, and that is great news for the Burdekin.”

‍

Dale Last on Queen Street in Ayr. Photo supplied

‍