Home Hill State High School has claimed victory at the Opti-MINDS 2024 State Championship in Division II Media Communications, an outstanding achievement in the national competition, which has been running for 36 years. This marks the second year Home Hill has competed, having previously won the Townsville regional finals last year and gone on to claim the Division III Media Communications title at the state level.
In 2024, Home Hill entered two teams into the Townsville regional finals, and both emerged victorious. The junior team, "Nerd Herd," triumphed in Division II Media Communications, bringing home the state title. The challenge theme this year was "Banishing the Bogus," where participants were tasked with interpreting what 'bogus' means to them and delivering a creative pitch. The senior team, "Silly Straws," humorously declared that people who don't believe in dad jokes are bogus, while the junior team took a more playful approach, asserting that the bogeyman was bogus.
The students committed six weeks of preparation, giving up their lunchtimes to brainstorm and develop their ideas. At the state finals in Brisbane, they faced a new challenge: coming up with a fresh pitch in just three hours, a far cry from the six-week regional process.
The senior team earned the honour of being named state finalists, finishing in the top four out of 96 teams, a remarkable accomplishment. The junior team’s victory was especially thrilling, as only one member had competed in Opti-MINDS before. The students were overjoyed to learn they had won, as they faced stiff competition from across the state.
The trip to Brisbane was made possible through the generosity of the local community. Fundraising efforts included a GoFundMe page and a stall at the Water Festival Markets. Home Hill Rotary, Dale Last, RSL Home Hill branch, Sunwater, and Home Hill Lyons were among the sponsors. Vicki Flynn, speaking on behalf of the teams, extended her heartfelt thanks to the community and a special acknowledgement to Julie Young for her invaluable support.

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Cheyenne, Zaine, Lucy, Ashlyn, Ava and Alex smiling proudly after their win

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As the final week of the state election campaign draws to a close Member for Burdekin Dale Last has offered his thanks to residents, community groups and business leaders who he’s worked alongside in his third term.

Mr Last said while the support over recent weeks had been humbling what was important was that the Burdekin had a strong voice on issues and projects that mattered to them. 

“I have said it plenty of times but the Burdekin electorate is a powerhouse for the state’s economy from our agriculture and tourism industries in the east to our coal mines in the west and that needs to be supported so that it is in the best position to thrive well into the future,” Mr Last said.

“Having round the clock access to a new CT scanner at the Ayr Hospital and securing a new home for our firefighters have been projects this community has called for and I am proud to have committed to both of them.”

“There is also plenty to look forward to for sporting groups with a commitment to Burdekin Netball of $3.5 million to fund new courts, upgrade lighting and construct a new clubhouse, while Bowen Seagulls will see upgraded lighting at Denison Park.”

Mr Last said for too long Labor had left front line workers in Ayr without the ability to train at their own station or under added pressure to transport emergent cases an hour away for life saving CT scans.

“Time and time again this community called on Labor to do the right thing for its frontline workers and the residents that rely on it and we continued to see the door slammed in our faces,” Mr Last said.

“As the Member for Burdekin my focus has always been to work for you and part of that has been working with residents who put pen to paper to call for a CT scanner in their hometown or those who expressed their dismay at the circumstances our local firefighters were left with following the detection of PFAS chemicals.”

“With the final week of the campaign coming to a close I’d like to offer my personal thank you to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with during the last eight years as we strived to ensure the Burdekin was best placed for the future.”

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Prepare for an exhilarating day of competition at the King and Queen of the Hill event on October 26th, 2024! From 6am to 8am participants will gather at Mount Inkerman to tackle the challenging course that winds from the bottom of Inkerman Hill to the picturesque lookout and back down again.
This exciting race is designed for runners of all ages, divided into multiple categories, ensuring everyone has a chance to compete for the coveted titles. Participants will test their speed and endurance on this beautiful course, pushing their limits as they race against the clock. The breathtaking views from the top promise to be a rewarding experience for all involved.
In addition to the thrilling competition, attendees can enjoy a variety of food options and a coffee van, perfect for fuelling up before or after the race. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top runners in each age group, adding an exciting incentive to this already action-packed event.
Join in for a day filled with community camaraderie, friendly rivalry, and a shared love for the outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual participant, the King and Queen of the Hill is an event not to be missed. Register on the day and be part of crowning the champions of the Hill!

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The Plantation parkrun held its 300th event on 19th October, marking a wonderful morning of fitness and community spirit. A total of 41 participants ran, jogged, or walked the course, including four first timers and six people who recorded new personal bests.
The event was made special by the contributions of the Lindley family, who provided Zopper Doppers, and Stephen Hervey, who brought 300 balloons to celebrate the milestone. The morning’s success was made possible by seven dedicated volunteers: Jody Lindley, Steve Crouther, John Lindley, Gwenda Crichton, Henrietta Cherry, Flo De Brueys, and Drew Bursey.
Since its start on 17th February 2018, Plantation parkrun has seen 1,059 participants complete 5,687 parkruns, covering a total distance of 28,435 km. Along the way, 952 new Personal Bests have been achieved, and a total of 188 individuals have volunteered 1,683 times.

Photo Supplied: Facebook

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1: This is your final elevator pitch - in 80 words - what makes you the best candidate for the job?
 
2: If successful, what is the one key project/legacy achievement that you will be remembered for?
 
3: What role do you think local newspapers play in regional communities?
 
4: What would you say to someone who has never voted for your party before but is thinking about it?
 

Dale Last
LNP Candidate For Burdekin

1:

No matter whether you live in Middlemount, Giru or anywhere in between, for the past ten years I have listened and taken up the fight for issues that matter to constituents and my hope is to continue to do that in the future. In regional areas we have to fight tooth and nail to secure our fair share and that means having a strong voice to advocate for safer roads, better access to health services and more opportunities for our next generation.
 
2:

Knowing that I have been a strong voice for the Burdekin on issues that matter most will be an honour I will carry with me for years to come. Seeing our netball players competing on new courts, knowing that patients with time-critical health issues are going to get the CT they need at the Ayr Hospital and seeing our firefighters able to train at their own station will be achievements I know this community will be able to be proud of.

3:

The importance of regional newspapers has been emphasised in recent years, particularly in areas of rural and regional Queensland that don’t have reliable access to internet or telecommunications. There is no other place to find out what is happening in the community, to read about the achievements of our best and brightest or to find out who won our local sporting matches. As the State Member, local newspapers are imperative in sharing information about community safety or new legislation.
 
4:

Every Queenslander placing their vote over the past couple of weeks and on Saturday will know exactly what is impacting them the most right now, whether it’s costs of living, crime, housing or accessing health services. These issues are not new and The LNP has outlined a plan and commitments to improve our health services, increase housing, address youth crime and ease cost of living. 

Anne Baker
Labor Candidate For Burdekin

1:

After 17 years successfully putting my heart and soul into representing the Isaac region in local government, the last 12 of those as Mayor of Isaac bringing in over $400M of funding to the region, I understand how the system works and I feel like I can do better for Burdekin. I am ready to stand up for local working families, businesses, agriculture, mining, construction and regional communities. The Burdekin electorate needs a voice that will be heard by State Government.   
 
 
2:
 
I will be remembered for securing $157M in fully committed roads funding as just a candidate, the most funding for roads seen in the last eight years of current representation. I can do so much more if elected, this is just the start.

3:
 
Papers are integral to regional communities and play multiple roles . Newspapers are the glue that connect a community, from news, to birth and engagement notices, real estate, classifieds, social events, sports and more.    
 
4:
 
I would say, please consider voting for me as the person, Anne Baker, as I am the one that will represent you. I have a proven track record and I will work hard for the electorate. 

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Andrew Elborne
One Nation Candidate For Burdekin

1:

There is no better school in the world than travel and life experience, so if you want real solutions to the issues of today you need a new set of eyes and minds on the job and not career politicians that have not been able to fix the issue in the last 10 years without more rights removing legislation.
 
2:

When we fix the money wasting renewable problem we can then concentrate on using the money to fix the local issues, simplifying and removing unnecessary and obtuse legislation that only serves to chain up and hinder the working families of the community - the community safety bill for instance, and its blatant discrimination against farmers and sporting gun owners.
 
3:

The local newspapers play a huge role in regional communities, just as long as they stay a-political and give every party the same respect and time to give their stance on issues. They should be owned by the communities as well and not oversees interests.

4:
 
I would say honestly I am not doing this as a job, I have stood on the side line praying for the government to do the right thing and represent the people, but have come to the realisation that the big parties are now so entrenched with party politics, meaning following overseas influence, that they have forgotten how they got elected and that is by the people, so it’s time someone who is only interested in people politics steps up.

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Last Wednesday, Ryan Jones delivered an engaging and informative speech at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting, focusing on the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust (BSRIT). Established in 1941, the Trust plays a vital role in managing the Burdekin and Haughton rivers, particularly in the aftermath of significant flooding events.
Jones outlined the Trust’s history and evolution, highlighting its formation in response to devastating floods in the 1930s and subsequent improvements aimed at flood mitigation. He detailed recent projects that have successfully repaired riverbank erosion and stabilised critical areas, funded through collaborations with the Australian and State Governments and the Burdekin Shire Council.
Significantly, he discussed the Trust’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the natural river levees and ensuring the health of local ecosystems, which benefits both the agricultural community and the broader environment. The $3.75 million in recent works underlines the Trust's crucial role in safeguarding the region against flooding and supporting sustainable practices.
Overall, Jones' presentation not only shed light on the Trust’s vital work but also underscored the importance of community involvement in these initiatives. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes surrounding the management of the Burdekin Shire’s rivers, making for a compelling and insightful discussion.

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Robert Antoniazzi, Ryan Jones and Meghan Wilson at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce event. Photo supplied

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Council organised a disaster management meeting in preparation for the upcoming disaster season, with 50 attendees present on the day. The disaster management team presented updates to the community ensuring a comprehensive, multipronged communication strategy.
Key speakers included the Executive Officer of the Townsville District Disaster Management Group, part of the Queensland Police Service, and meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology.
They provided a long-range forecast from November to January, noting that Burdekin's historical maximum average temperature of 28.2°C had risen to 28.7°C last month, reflecting an above-average trend seen across most of northern Queensland. Rainfall in the Burdekin was below average, similar to last year, although 2022 saw significantly less rainfall.
Looking ahead to the high-risk weather season, the Burdekin catchment area faces potential flooding risks due to above-average soil moisture levels caused by unseasonal rainfall earlier in the year. Across Queensland, there is a general trend of exceeding maximum temperatures, with a 97% chance of median temperatures surpassing 32°C. Minimum temperatures are also likely to exceed 23°C.
An increased fire warning is in place due to a combination of vegetation growth and weather patterns, including wind and rainfall. Although there is a possibility of exceeding median rainfall, there is expected to be a balance towards the end of the season. Historically, the average rainy season in Ayr brings 824 mm of rainfall, and last year, two minor floods were recorded due to the Burdekin River, while Horton experienced a few moderate floods.
The public can access all the information discussed at the meeting online. The meeting aimed to encourage preparedness for cyclone season and active disaster readiness steps within the community.

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Victor Hewett, Tony Melrose, Luke Shelley, Shaun Byrnes, Brad Bleeker, Jessie Gray, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Eileen Devescovi. Photo Credit: Miah Lampard

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Open Minds is proud to announce that Ross Romeo from Far North Queensland has been awarded the esteemed Jeff Cheverton Individual Award at the 28th Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards. This accolade, sponsored by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on the lives of people living with mental illness.
Ross Romeo, who has been the state coordinator for CORES (Community Owned Response Eliminating Suicide) for over 14 years, has been a driving force in expanding the program's reach across Queensland. Originally developed in Tasmania, the CORES intervention training program teaches communities how to effectively respond to and prevent suicide. Thanks to Ross’s leadership, the initiative has flourished in Queensland, starting in rural areas and growing into a statewide program.
In 2023, CORES expanded into several new communities, including St George, Roma, and remote areas of the Balonne Shire. The program’s growth shows no sign of slowing down, with plans for further expansion into Toowoomba City and Mareeba in 2024.
Ross expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Burdekin community, who have supported CORES from the very beginning. “Our volunteers, who are the backbone of our entire program and the entire community, including family and friends, have been so supportive, from those that have donated funds, to the people who believed in our cause from day one,” he said. "Our endeavour has expanded to other communities as well, and we’re thankful for the ongoing support."
Ross’s dedication to suicide prevention has transformed communities across Queensland, providing vital training and resources where they are needed most. The Jeff Cheverton Individual Award is a fitting recognition of his tireless work and the positive impact he continues to make.

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Ross Romeo accepts his award. Photo supplied
Ross Romeo after being awarded for his hard efforts. Photo supplied

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Last Wednesday morning the councillors and senior staff cooked breakfast for all Council staff in the theatre forecourt. It was a great chance to get the whole team together for an update from our new CEO Matthew Magin.
Matthew explained his vision for Council and also announced who will be filling the two directors' roles. Congratulations and good luck to our directors. It's so good to have local people with great experience filling these senior roles in our Council.

This week I have been down in Brisbane for the Local Government Association Queensland Annual Conference. What an experience it was. The workshops, networking and trade stalls were the three best takeaways from the trip. A lot was learned, and hopefully, some good relationships have been developed.

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I’d like to take a moment to formally welcome our two new homegrown Directors to the team. We welcome Director Infrastructure, Planning, and Environmental Services James Stewart and Director of Corporate and Community Services Kim Olsen.
Both are home grown, have a deep connection to our region and are committed to ensuring Council achieves the best outcomes for our community. I am confident that, with their leadership, we will continue to move forward with our shared vision for a thriving Burdekin.
I had the pleasure of walking up the street recently as part of our Activating Our CBDs campaign. It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved, and I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses. As part of this initiative, we have a survey available online - please take the time to fill it out and share your thoughts.
Council is welcoming input from the community on what they believe will help breathe new life into these critical areas in Ayr and Home Hill. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps shape the future of our CBDs.
Lastly, a reminder that we’re in the peak of magpie swooping season. Please be cautious when out and about, especially near known nesting areas.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Queensland graziers are being urged to keep an eye out for pasture dieback and consider management options.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) principal pasture agronomist Gavin Peck said the condition, which caused premature death of tropical and sub-tropical grasses, spread to new areas last year.

“Previously, pasture dieback generally affected high-yielding sown-grass pastures in regions with more than 600mm of average annual rainfall,” Mr Peck said.

“However, last summer it spread into western districts of southern, central and northern
Queensland where there was good summer rainfall.”

Mr Peck encouraged graziers to check early growth and condition now so they had time to manage towards assisting natural recovery, or to renovate or replace the pasture if required. 

“Initial symptoms of pasture dieback include leaf discolouration and unthrifty growth, before the pasture dies in patches.

“The dead patches are then colonised by broadleaf weeds or legumes—both of which are unaffected by pasture dieback.

“Some grass species recover and re-establish very well from the soil seed bank. Other moresusceptible species such as Kikuyu don’t seed readily and can struggle to recover without intervention.”

Mr Peck said graziers should check dieback-affected pastures for natural recovery and decide if they needed to replace the pasture.

“Paddocks that have surviving plants or good density of new grass seedlings can rapidly recover, especially with the use of broad-leaf herbicides to control weed competition.

“Severely affected pastures that do not have good grass seedling density or have had chronic multi-year pasture dieback can be renovated or replanted to legumes and more tolerant grasses.

“Given the early season break some areas have experienced, there is still time to kill the surviving grass (with chemical or cultivation) and start a fallow to establish a new pasture.”

DAF principal pasture agronomist Stuart Buck, who leads pasture dieback research in Queensland, said the condition was caused by pasture mealybug, a sap-sucking insect which was mostly spread by wind.

“Pasture dieback is likely to occur when pasture mealybugs are present in warm and wet conditions with a dense body of susceptible grass,” he said.

“Suspected pasture dieback can be reported through the Pasture Dieback App, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play, or by calling DAF on 13 25 23.

“Reporting pasture dieback through our app takes less than 5 minutes.

“By uploading photos and describing the pasture species affected, you will help us better understand the spread of dieback.”

DAF has a range of dedicated tools and resources to help graziers identify and manage pasture dieback including the Queensland Pastures newsletter and pasture dieback workshops available on the FutureBeef website.

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Principal pasture agronomist Stuart Buck in dieback-affected pasture in Central Queensland. Photo credit: DAF

Bisset mealybugs

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With just days to go until Queensland votes, Canegrowers is calling on political leaders to commit to meaningful reforms that will reduce crippling power prices and remove unfair stamp duties that stifle farmers' ability to manage risk. 
 
Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan said that Queensland’s sugarcane growers are being squeezed by electricity prices that have skyrocketed by 145% since 2007, putting immense pressure on productivity and competitiveness. General price inflation over the same period was only 56%.  
 
With current tariff structures penalising farmers who use power to grow food and fibre, Canegrowers is demanding a shift to more equitable, consumption-based tariffs.  
 
The organisation has joined with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation in calling for the threshold for large electricity customers to be raised from 100 megawatt hours (MWh) per annum to at least 160MWh/a, ensuring that more growers can access fairer tariffs.
 
“The current demand-based tariffs are designed for constant, year-round use – not for farmers who have to rely on electricity in bursts during the season,” Mr Galligan said. 
 
“What we need is real competition and genuine tariff reform, not cosmetic fixes that leave farmers out in the cold,” he said​. 
 
Canegrowers is also pushing for the abolition of the 9% government stamp duty on crop and parametric insurance products, which remains a barrier to farmers safeguarding their businesses against natural disasters. 
 
“This is a no-brainer,” Mr Galligan said. “By taxing insurance, the government is discouraging farmers from managing their own risks.  
 
“Removing the stamp duty will empower farmers to protect themselves from floods, droughts, and cyclones, reducing reliance on government aid. It’s a win for growers and a win for the state.” 
 
Despite the clear benefits, neither major party has committed to abolishing the stamp duty.  
 
“The lack of political will to address this issue is disappointing,” Mr Galligan said.

“Farmers are being left exposed because a 9% tax makes essential insurance unaffordable for many. Political leaders need to act now, before the next disaster strikes. 
 
“We’re just days away from the election, and neither party has committed to lowering power prices for agriculture or scrapping stamp duty on insurance.  
 
“This is the last chance for leaders to show they’re serious about supporting Queensland agriculture.” 

Contributed by Canegrowers.

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Rural Quip, a staple in the Burdekin community for over four decades, has been locally owned and operated since 1981. With deep roots in the region's agricultural landscape, Robert Oar’s experience and passion for farming has fuelled the success of the dynamic business. From their beginnings in engineering to becoming a key player in the industrial and farming supplies sector, Rural Quip has evolved while maintaining its strong community ties.

Robert’s background in engineering began as a boilermaker at Kalamia Mill, but his entrepreneurial journey truly took off when he purchased Andersen Engineering, later transforming it into Rural Quip. By joining the Australian Industrial Sales (AIS) National Buying Group in 1998, the business gained access to new suppliers and competitive deals, which allowed them to meet the demands of a broad customer base extending from Bowen to Woodstock and Giru.

As the business grew, so did its commitment to customer service. Robert takes pride in his team’s ability to fulfill customers’ orders swiftly, a hallmark of Rural Quip’s operations. Their shelves are stocked with products needed day-to-day, ensuring that customers can rely on the business to have the right tools and supplies on hand.

Notably, to celebrate Rural Women’s Day earlier this month, Rural Quip is proud to highlight the five women who play key roles in its operations, demonstrating the company’s support for women in rural business.

Rhonda Moretto (Office Manager), Karen Muguira (Purchasing Manager), Gabby Body (Despatch and Goods), Chloe Williams (Advertising and Warranty), and Deneal Kratzmann (Retail Sales Assistant).

With their dedication and expertise, the business continues to thrive, adapting to the evolving agricultural landscape while maintaining its focus on customer satisfaction and competitive pricing.

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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
120,922
2,082,002
Pioneer
41,335
962,369
Kalamia
45,416
1,127,241
Inkerman
56,851
1,252,933
Burdekin
264,524
5,424,545
CCS
Invicta
14.34
14.32
Pioneer
14.29
14.30
Kalamia
13.74
13.91
Inkerman
14.20
14.06
Burdekin
14.20
14.17
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
53%
14.45
Q183
8%
14.81
KQ228
17%
13.89
Q208
8%
14.30
WSRA17
8%
12.89
Q232
5%
13.09
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just under 265,000 tonnes of cane for the week. Throughputs were down at all mills this week due to either wet weather impacts or unplanned stops. Inkerman experienced a significant stop following an Ergon power outage.
The season-to-date total is now 5.42M tonnes, which represents 66% of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.20, which is well below budget due to the wet event and subsequent burnt cane left in the paddocks.
The highest CCS, of 17.1, was from a rake of Q240 1R in the Leichardt (Inkerman) productivity district.
Remember to always use your train brain and give way to trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Farmers are often considered the backbone of the Australian economy. Yet with long hours, high demands, and tough conditions it’s easy for them to put their health on the backburner. 

Now, new research from the University of South Australia hopes to provide farmers with a dedicated pain management resource, to help them better manage chronic pain.
 
Currently, there are no farmer-focused chronic pain management resources available to help Australian farmers better manage chronic pain.
 
UniSA PhD student Indika Koralegedera says the new resource will be designed in consultation with farmers and rural-based clinicians.
 
“Agriculture is one of the most perilous occupations due to its high prevalence of chronic diseases, suicide, work-related injuries and accidents, disability, and mortality,” Koralegedera says.
 
“But despite increased risks of injury and chronic pain, research shows that farmers often prefer to deal with problems on their own, rather than seeking professional help.”
 
Researchers are now calling for farmers who have experienced chronic pain (as well as rural pain health experts) to engage in up to three online video workshop discussions to establish and provide feedback on a pain management resource for farming and rural communities.
 
Koralegedera says the study hopes to deliver improved pain management supports for the farming community.
 
“Chronic pain has an immense impact on many communities, so finding ways to optimise pain-management techniques is imperative,” Koralegedera says.
 
“Gaining perspectives from farmers and regional health professionals is key to delivering a valuable support to better manage chronic pain.”

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