Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Homicide Investigation Unit and Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the death of a 56-year-old Down syndrome man, Isaac Oar, in Ayr in August 2023.

Around 9.18pm on Thursday,10th of  August, 2023, emergency services were called to an Alice Street residence after Isaac, also known as Ikey, was located unresponsive.
He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the circumstances, police commenced a suspicious death investigation, and a crime scene was established.

Investigations into the death of Isaac, who has Down syndrome and was non-verbal, have been complex, with detectives conducting extensive and thorough inquiries into his health, care and treatment throughout his life.

Extensive investigations and forensic medical examinations were conducted, including a thorough postmortem, which revealed Isaac was experiencing serious malnourishment weighing just 29kg at the time of his death.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd from the Townsville District Crime Services wanted to assure the public that this is a complex and ongoing criminal investigation.

“We will continue to investigate all aspects of Isaac Oar’s family dynamics, health, care and treatment in the weeks, months and years leading up to his death,” Detective Inspector Shepherd said.

“Detectives are not satisfied that this investigation is complete and will continue to investigate all circumstances surrounding the death of Issac.

“I urge anyone who had contact with Issac or his family over in the months leading to his death to contact police. Any piece of information, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on our investigation.”

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Queensland has experienced its deadliest year on the roads in 15 years, with 302 lives lost in 2024. This marks a tragic 25-person increase over 2023 and a 33-person rise compared to the five-year average. The state’s worst road toll since 2009 has prompted calls for drivers to be more vigilant, especially as the summer holiday period brings increased traffic.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Brent Mickelberg, emphasised the need for caution.

“At this time of year, we know people typically spend more time on the road than usual,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“There is still no excuse to speed, lose focus, not wear a seat belt properly, or drive when you’re affected by drugs or alcohol – it’s just not worth the risk.”

The major contributing factors to road fatalities remain the Fatal Five: speeding, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), incorrect seatbelt use, and drink and drug driving. Speeding continues to rise as a key factor, particularly among motorcyclists, who made up 77 of the fatalities, a 25.5% increase from the five-year average.

Young drivers aged 16 to 24, who make up 13% of the state’s licence holders, were involved in almost 30% of fatal crashes, while senior drivers accounted for 98 deaths, a 32% increase from previous years.

Regional Queensland, particularly the Southern region and North Coast, saw the highest number of fatalities, with more than 60% of the state’s fatal crashes occurring outside urban areas.

Minister Mickelberg also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve road safety, including advocating for increased federal funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway.

To access more information on road safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/.

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With much talk in the media about upgrading the Bruce Highway, the motorists of today would have much more to complain about if the conditions of the past are anything to go by. Enjoy this historic account shared by local Burdekinite, Glenis Cislowski, and written by William Langford Penny back in 1931.
William Penny was 25 when he and his friend, Raymond Becker (22), departed from Sydney in a Singer Junior 8 h.p. motor car, on Monday 2 February 1931, headed for Townsville.
Nicknamed Rastus, the Singer was overloaded with six large suitcases including auto tent, stretchers and camping equipment. They took the New England Tableland route to reach Brisbane on 17 February, covering 970 miles on 27 gallons of Shell spirit, averaging 36 mpg. Up until then, the road was good to Brisbane and the journey easy.
However, the roads were bad from Brisbane, where they went to Rockhampton via Esk, Nanango, Kingaroy, Goomeri, and Gympie, before arriving at Maryborough, on Monday 2 March. William and Raymond left for Childers Wednesday 11 March. The trip from Childers to Rockhampton took 16 days owing to rainy weather and flooded creeks.
Passing through Bundaberg, Gin Gin, and Gladstone, they didn’t reach Rockhampton until Friday 27 March. They left Rockhampton on Good Friday, 3 April headed for Townsville.  
After getting bogged in St Lawrence, they reached Ilbilbie at dusk under heavy rain showers to find the track slippery. With no accommodation and feeling hungry, they pressed onto Koumala, only to crash into a concealed boggy washaway. The two men camped on soaked stretchers under the stars and endeavoured to sleep with mosquitoes for company.  
The Patterson family, who were travelling in a Ford and returning to Rockhampton, gave them breakfast and loaded them with cheese, cakes, guavas and lemons, before helping them out of the bog. Their Singer car arrived in Mackay Easter Sunday, 5 April.  
The intrepid travellers left Mackay, Easter Monday for Bowen. The car had no brakes, and because it had small wheel tracks, was very hard to navigate on the track. After Bloomsbury, the difficulty of crossing the flooded O’Connell, Andromache, and Thompson Rivers, became a problem where once again they got bogged and needed two draught horses to pull them out.  
They camped the night in a shed at the homestead of a gentleman residing on the river bank.  Smouldering cow manure helped to keep the mosquitoes at bay. William and Raymond stayed at Proserpine and left for Bowen, Wednesday 8 April at 2pm.
They arrived at Home Hill about 7.00pm that night. They spent about a few hours in Ayr before making an uneventful run to Townsville, arriving at 5.00pm, Thursday 9 April.
They would then make the long, arduous return trip all the way back to Sydney. By the time they were done, their 1930 British Model Singer Junior, an 8 horsepower vehicle, had covered 12,000 miles, on the original retread tyres with no punctures, averaging 50 miles per gallon.
Upon being met by Shell Company representatives, the pair described the Bruce as deplorable on account of it being wet season, with William advising anyone, ‘To think twice before undertaking the trip, and on no account use the road during rain or soon after rain.’
Next time you’re on the Bruce Highway, spare a thought for the men and women who travelled it frequently back in the day, taking days, weeks and sometimes months, to reach their destinations, getting bogged, or finding it completely impassable.

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Cane toads are everywhere in Queensland, especially in the Burdekin, and with the breeding season upon us action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge is back again for this year’s Great Cane Toad Bust event with over 50,000 toads removed last year. They hope to match that number and even surpass it this season with your help.
Cane toads are prolific breeders producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time and can live up to 10 years. Being toxic in all stages of their life cycle, when ingested the toads’ skin and poison glands can kill many native animals. They also have a voracious appetite that will devour anything as they are extremely resourceful omnivores, easily destroying ecosystems.
The Great Toad Bust aims to put a stop to their spread, and one day remove them from Australia. You can register your efforts now and join the thousands trying to protect their own communities from this invasion.
The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge website has many helpful tips on how to trap and humanly euthanize the toads, and you can see how others are doing with the seasons total tally updating live.
Studies show control efforts like specialised traps, can remove up to 47% of cane toads from localised populations, which includes in the Burdekin region. If you want to help your local wildlife thrive again or to just keep your own farm’s dam clear from these pests, sign up today for the challenge and receive a free info pack and ID guide at Watergums website: watergum.org/greatcanetoadbust. Happy toad busting Burdekin!

Cane Toads are a big problem in Queensland and the Burdekin.

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Australia Day celebrations in Ayr and Home Hill on January 26th each year bring the community together to recognise those who have made a lasting impact.
The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to celebrate local residents who have demonstrated exceptional community spirit and significant achievements across various fields.
"Australia Day is a time to reflect on what it means to be Australian, and part of that is acknowledging the incredible contributions of those who work tirelessly to enhance the lives of others in our community," said Mayor Dalle Cort.
Nominations for the awards is now closed, but the award categories include:
Citizen of the Year Award
This award recognises outstanding achievement and leadership in the local community, including selfless commitment, dedication, and involvement in activities that promote the welfare and wellbeing of the community throughout 2024. Nominees must be 25 years or older on January 26, 2025.
Young Citizen of the Year Award (Under 25)
Recognises young individuals for outstanding achievements and leadership in the community, along with demonstrated commitment and involvement in activities benefiting the community during 2024.
Lifetime Service Award
Awarded to those who have made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity, with a minimum of 20 years of voluntary service.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Acknowledges significant contributions in a voluntary capacity during the 2024 calendar year.
Community Event of the Year Award
For the most outstanding community event staged by a regional person or group during 2024.
Senior Sports Award
Recognises significant achievements and contributions in non-professional sport during 2024.
Junior Sports Award
Recognises achievements and contributions in non-professional sport by a young person during 2024.
Senior Cultural Award
Awarded for significant achievement and contributions in the arts, or involvement with an organisation that fosters the development of arts, culture, and entertainment throughout 2024.
Junior Cultural Award
Recognises achievement and contribution in the arts by a young person or their involvement in an arts or cultural organisation during 2024.
Environment Award
Acknowledges outstanding achievement and contributions in environmental initiatives during 2024.
These awards offer an important opportunity to honour those who make a difference in the community and offer locals to come together to celebrate Australia Day.

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Qualified mechanic and diesel fitter, Raymond Reynolds, has been in and around cars and engines for decades. If there’s something wrong with your car, he’s the go-to guy in the Burdekin to get you back on the road in a jiffy.

Prior to taking over at Burdekin Automotive, Ray spent three successful years in Innisfail. He only came up to Ayr after he found out that former owner, Robert Timms, had passed away in July last year.

“The most recent owner, Robert Timms, shifted over from West Toyota to be here, and he had it going quite well. He was due to sign a new lease the week he sadly passed away.

“Since we've taken over ownership in late October, we've also added hire cars as well, that because they’re older vehicles, they're budgeted to price. Primarily though, we do mechanical servicing, mechanical repairs, auto electrical repairs, and mobile auto electrical services. That’s our main business,” Raymond says.

While they have the car rental hire ticking over quite nicely, their main focus is, and always will be, automotive repairs.

“At Burdekin Automotive we do servicing, repairs, brakes, shock absorbers, battery replacement, and wheel alignments. But come March, we will also be selling brand new tyres. It’ll be a one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs,” Ray adds.

For the past 20 years, Ray has been his own boss where he’s seen and done a lot in his time. Originally from Brisbane, Raymond spent time in Papua New Guinea, where he was the manager for Lae Port services, which is the second largest Port in PNG. He’s also done a stint in Afghanistan.

“Basically, I was teaching armoury and mechanical repairs in Afghanistan back in 2014. But then I came back to Australia, where I worked the cane season. From there, I went up to Cairns airport, doing electric hydraulics and all their ground equipment before I started my own business in Innisfail, as a mobile auto electrician,” Raymond smiles.

“It’s been the best thing I ever did,” he declares.

“From the turnover of vehicles we get, to the attitude of customers here, they don't mess around. They know what they want. They pay without any hassles, and away they go, happy and very satisfied with our work.”

Open Monday to Friday from 8am in the morning till about 6-7pm, and 8am-2pm on Saturdays, and on-call Sundays (if a customer is desperate), Burdekin Automotive has fast built a great reputation among its many customers. Raymond attributes it to two key factors.

“We have good staff, and we have great customers who know what they want and appreciate our advice and expertise.

“Soon, I’ll have two more boys coming in to help – one that’s a Toyota specialist, the other an auto electrician.”

With customer satisfaction at an all time high and business booming, be sure to get on down to Burdekin Automotive for any car issues. Raymond and his boys will take great care of you and your car’s needs – guaranteed!

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Raymond Reynolds, the man to see for your car. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Well, the silly season is over. Happy New Year to all. 
I am not sure if the crushing will be finished by the time this prints which is very sad. So much money that families in this community miss out on. Left in the paddock due to a few different contributing factors, but one main contributor, and it wasn’t the rain. 
We are going into our second calendar year for this term of council. February means we start working on the budget again. I would like to hope that during budget, the cost-of-living pressures should be in the minds of every councillor and officer at all times. I know it will certainly be in mine. We still need to deliver the best service we can for our community, but not if it means a family is forced to reduce their grocery bill to afford rates. 
I am hoping that now we are getting more comfortable with each other and in our roles, we can knuckle down and work as a team for our community.

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As we gear up for Australia Day celebrations, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of protocol for this significant day. It is the established practice set by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to display the three flags - the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag, and the Torres Strait Islander Flag - at Australia Day events. This serves as a symbol of respect and inclusivity, acknowledging the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples alongside the broader Australian community.
This year, our celebrations will once again include the naturalisation ceremonies, one of the highlights of Australia Day. I’m looking forward to officially welcoming our newest citizens as they take this important step to join the Australian community.
Meanwhile, many of us are still winding down from the Christmas break, with more employees returning to work and routines resuming. It’s also worth noting that the crushing season has unfortunately dragged on longer than expected. While the recent showers have been a welcome relief in dampening the ground during this extreme heat, I hope it doesn’t impact the remainder of the crush.
Speaking of heat, it’s a timely reminder for everyone to prioritise their well-being. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and looking out for vulnerable members of our community, especially the elderly. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and support one another during this challenging weather.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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As rates stayed firmly on hold throughout 2024, Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson says a gradually but steadily improving domestic economy is likely in 2025.

Mr Robertson said Australians can expect rates to start easing in the early part of 2025 as inflation is tamed, forecasting:

   • The RBA to deliver interest rate relief by May,
   • The unemployment rate to edge higher, mildly,
   • That trading conditions and geopolitical tensions will remain tense and potentially even more volatile as US tariffs are imposed, but Australia should be less impacted than almost anywhere.

“While there’s been a growing chorus of opinion encouraging earlier rate cuts and suggesting the RBA is unnecessarily holding rates too high, this view seems to overlook two crucial factors.”

“Firstly, the RBA were later than our peers in hiking rates back in 2022 and the RBA increased rates to a less restrictive level. A neutral cash rate in Australia (where we will likely return to next year) is estimated at 3½%, so we are less than 1% into restrictive territory, unlike other comparable economies.”

“Any earlier cuts to rates could have jeopardised the ongoing fight against inflation,” Mr Roberson said.

“Secondly, those advocating for earlier cuts to help with cost-of-living pressures also ignore the root cause of the cost-of-living shock, which is inflation itself, so any sustainable solution to these pressures lies in thoroughly taming inflation.”

“Nevertheless, we are getting closer to winning the war on prices with core inflation down to 3.5%, and the next two quarterly reads (on January 29 and then April 30) should give the RBA the evidence it needs to cut in May.”

Mr Robertson also said the latest GDP data confirms that restrictive interest rates are reigning in demand.

“GDP growth in the third quarter picked up marginally from 0.2% to 0.3% (and is at least still growing) but we remain in a per-capita recession and annualised growth is only 0.8%, its slowest pace since the 1991-recession, outside the pandemic.”

“The fact that growth is so slow and only being propped up by public spending and population growth isn’t in itself a reason to cut rates now, but it is a reminder that monetary policy is doing its job and that rate cuts next year can help the private sector to recover, taking the reins from government spending,” Mr Robertson concluded.

Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson. Photo & story credit: Bendigo Community Bank

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Ron: “When we get heavy downpours here drainage is a real issue. On New Year’s Day we got a big, heavy downpour all day, and across the road over there, there was a lot of water. Some parts of it were completely cut off. So definitely more drainage would be good. Outside of that, I'd like to see another bridge built or if it’s possible, widening the exisiting one. The current Burdekin bridge is showing its age and become inadequate with lots more trucks and wider loads. It’s not uncommon for many people to miss appointments or be late for work.”

Bella: “We need more advancements in healthcare here in this region. I think the Ayr hospital needs a CT machine so people can easily have CAT scans. These machines are crucial in modern medical diagnostics and are widely used in hospitals around the world. Having a CT machine would help a lot of people, as you'd be able to treat more people in Ayr, rather than having to send them up to Townsville or down to Mackay or Brisbane. That could result in better outcomes for patients, while also keeping them here locally with their family and friends.”

Kristian: “It’d have to be the drainage situation first, then probably better housing, but I don't know where a housing development would go. Somewhere where there's vacant land for the government to put houses on it as there's a lot of homeless people around here. But mainly I think the drainage, because the other side of the Bruce always floods, and from the post office down to the end of us at the Burdekin Motor Inn, there's only one drain which holds all that water, and it just backs up all the time. I think if they did that then a lot of people would start opening shops back up across the road. Oh, and something fun and interesting for the kids to go, like a new park with a better playground, or a water park. A free water park in Home Hill would be fantastic for kids in this area.”

John: “Well, the Bruce Highway definitely needs some attention with a bit of an upgrade. We’ve just driven on it to get here and there are some pretty bad potholes and broken pieces of road and stuff like that. It's something that the Bruce highway up and down this part of the coast would benefit from for sure. It's not in great condition. We’ve just come from Brissy, and the road from Brisbane to Gympie is fantastic. Double lane freeways, barriers, smooth roads, but the Bruce, well, that needs work. That would help people access the local areas and shops better here. It’d provide better infrastructure with all the transport that you need to get your goods in and out of the area, along with more tourists.”

Gladys: “Well, we're looking for a second bridge to handle the extra traffic and more trucks and their big, wide loads. But also when they're doing works on the bridge, or something's happened on the bridge like an accident, you know what, we're delayed on both sides of it. It gets to be annoying after a while. They’re always doing road works and even though most of the time they do try to them it at night on the bridge, still, you’ve got to plan your travels around that you know if you want to come over to here or vice versa. I thought I heard something about a second bridge, but I probably won't be here when that finally happens.”

Ron Clive (77). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Bella Linton (18). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Kristian Bellamy (50). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

John Hamilton (52). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Gladys Sgarbossa (68). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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A university-led research initiative is tackling a rapidly spreading pathogen that poses significant challenges to the Australian poultry industry.
The microorganism, Enterococcus cecorum (EC), is a contagious bacterium responsible for severe health issues in poultry. One of its most debilitating effects is spinal cord compression, commonly referred to as "kinky back," which can lead to paralysis and increased mortality rates in affected flocks.
The research, titled “Integrated Investigation of Enterococcus cecorum Prevalence, Transmission Routes, Predisposition Factors, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies in Broilers,” is supported by the AgriFutures Australia Chicken Meat Program. Led by Central Queensland University’s Institute for Future Farming Systems (IFFS), the study aims to explore every aspect of EC’s impact on poultry health and develop strategies to mitigate its effects.
IFFS Molecular Microbiology Cluster Leader, Professor Dana Stanley, highlighted the growing threat of EC to the industry.
“This pathogen has serious implications for the health of birds and the profitability of the industry,” Professor Stanley said.
“We’re working to uncover the role of coinfection and microbial communication, how it spreads, how it causes disease, and, most importantly, how we can stop it.”
The project is leveraging 16 interconnected studies to create the most comprehensive dataset on poultry microbiota ever compiled. Artificial intelligence-assisted prediction and analysis models will be employed to provide an in-depth understanding of EC outbreaks.
“Our work goes beyond identifying the pathogen—we’re uncovering its full genomic blueprint. This is critical for designing interventions that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term,” Professor Stanley explained.
The research involves advanced techniques, including genomics, molecular typing, and co-culture experiments using a continuous culture gut simulator fermentation system.
“The gut simulator allows us to test how EC behaves in the presence of other bacteria and additives like probiotics and prebiotics. This is vital for identifying co-infection mechanisms and designing targeted interventions,” Professor Stanley said.
The ultimate goal of the research is to develop effective solutions such as improved biosecurity practices, probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogen-based strategies to ensure the sustainability of broiler farming.
“We’re committed to translating our findings into practical strategies that improve animal welfare, reduce industry losses, and ensure sustainability,” Professor Stanley said.
“This research represents a significant step forward in combating EC. By understanding its behaviour and interactions at a molecular level, we can provide producers with the tools they need to protect their flocks and their livelihoods.”
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‍Professor Dana Stanley. Photo source: CQUniversity

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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has estimated more than 1.27m tonnes of cane remains unharvested across Australia’s sugarcane mills, resulting in forecast losses to farmers of more than $83M.
QCAR CEO, Stephen Ryan said most mills had closed the doors on the 2024 crushing season except for Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer and Invicta mills in the Burdekin, with Mackay Sugar Limited advising on Sunday it would no longer accept bins at its Marian Mill past 6pm Monday, 13 January.
“This amount of standover cane is unacceptable,” Mr Ryan said.
“It’s exasperating that for numerous seasons now, farmers have paid the price for poor milling performance,” Mr Ryan said.
“This is so disappointing for growers, and significantly worse considering for some milling regions this is the third and fourth consecutive year for late finishes and poor mill performance resulting in staggering accumulative costs and losses for our growers.”
Mr Ryan said the impacts to growers, contractors, and millers, from wet weather, mill performance, late starts and finishes, and industrial action in Wilmar Sugar mills, would be felt well into 2025.
QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering, said Mackay Sugar had noted, that with more widespread rain forecasted across the Mackay region and a diminishing supply and quality of cane, it was unviable for the factory to continue crushing.
“This is disappointing, but it means Mackay Sugar can launch straight into maintenance works, and hopefully, we can look forward to vastly improved 2025 crush,” Mr McKeering said.
Burdekin grower and Chairman of QCAR Christian Lago, said he was just one of many families feeling the pressure of longer seasons, and the wearing effects of having to work through Christmas and New Year in tough and wet conditions.
“You want to have a break but you can’t,” Mr Lago said.
“You’re tied to the farm just in case there is a window of opportunity to harvest, you want to give yourself every opportunity to get this year’s crop off.
“It’s taken a toll on the whole industry, not only farmers but contractors as well.”
Mr Lago said consequences of longer seasons included extra stress on harvesting machinery, and an inability to get plough-outs off, plant fallow crops early, or fertilise effectively.
“It’s put farming rotations totally out of whack, and we can’t lay the foundations for a strong 2025 season.”
QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello, said there was around 400,000 tonnes of 2024 sugarcane still standing in the Burdekin. He said the angst of the longer seasons and struggling to work in wet conditions was being felt across the region.
“Mills starting up just a week later than they should at the beginning of the season would more than likely translate into up to two months of delays at the other end,” Mr Licciardello said.
In the Herbert region, QCAR District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, said his committee was pulling out all stops to prevent a similar disastrous season from occurring again by calling on Wilmar Sugar to start the Herbert River mills by no later than 3 June for the 2025 season.
In the Central District alone (Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek), there was estimated to be up to 750,000 tonnes of unharvested 2024 season cane. QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, said the closure of the Mackay Sugar 2024 season had resulted in a collective sigh of relief to most growers, contractors, and mill workers in the district.
"There is no doubt 2024 is amongst the longest and toughest seasons we've seen for a while,” Ms Ball said.
The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) had in May forecast for the 2024 season a crush of 31.24 million tonnes of sugarcane. By November, this had dropped to just shy of 30 million tonnes, and as of November 24, it reported mills had crushed just more than 25.76mt or 85.9 per cent. Mr Ryan said farmers, harvesters, and mill staff, had all persevered through a difficult 2024 season that need not have been that way.
“QCAR will be fighting tirelessly to end the calamities resulting from subpar milling performances, which have greatly strained the sugarcane industry as a whole.”

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QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, said it was exasperating that farmers have had to pay the price for poor milling performance. Photos supplied
The 2024 crush season overlapped with the heavy rains of Queensland’s wet season

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On December 23, 2024, Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 002 933 717) initiated a voluntary recall for specific batches of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide, sold by agricultural retailers between October 1 and December 20, 2024. The recall was made under Section 106 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code, as part of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994.
Reason for Recall: The recall concerns the 20L containers from batches 389865 and 389866, which were found to have not met the required durability specifications. These containers may not be sufficiently robust for handling and use, leading to a potential safety hazard.
Hazard: The affected 20L containers of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide have been identified as having reduced strength. Under certain stress conditions encountered during storage, transport, and use, there is an increased risk that the containers may rupture, posing a hazard to individuals handling the product.
What to Do: If you possess 20L containers from batches 389865 or 389866, it is essential that you do not use the product. These containers should be quarantined in a locked, bunded pesticide storage area to prevent access. Affected customers should contact Syngenta Customer Service for further instructions on the collection and refund process.
For Further Information: If you have any questions or require further details regarding this voluntary recall, Syngenta urges customers to contact their Customer Service team at 1800 022 035.

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If you have been following Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s articles, you may recall our passion for “Compassionate Communities” and our commitment to fostering a better understanding of and support for death, dying, and grief within our beautiful Burdekin community.

We are excited to kick off 2025 with a community chat featuring Jane, the Bereavement Coordinator for the Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth (SPaRTa) Grief and Bereavement Service from Townsville Hospital and Health Services.

We invite all community members interested in an interactive educational session to explore what grief looks like, learn how to support someone who is grieving, and discover ideas for self-care.

Jane will provide handouts and will be available for conversations and discussions following her presentation.

Details of our community chat are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 29th January 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, AYR

Grief, mourning, and bereavement are deeply personal and natural responses to loss. While we logically understand that all life has a 100% mortality rate and that we cannot escape death, we often experience a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings related to this universal truth.

The SPaRTa Grief and Bereavement Service offers support to those who are recently bereaved. Additionally, they provide guidance to General Practitioners, nurses, allied health practitioners, and other clinicians who are assisting bereaved individuals and families in their local communities.

We hope you can join us and Jane as we continue our journey toward building a more compassionate community in Burdekin.

Until next time,
The team at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Gaming has become a significant part of young people’s lives, offering a mix of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, gaming fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social connection through online communities.

However, there is a downside. Excessive gaming can negatively impact physical and mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with academic performance or personal relationships. During school holidays, when routines are more relaxed, young people often have more time for gaming, which can lead to prolonged screen time and unhealthy habits.
As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to monitor gaming habits and strike a balance. Encouraging young people to diversify their activities during the holidays can help prevent gaming from becoming excessive.

We’ve gathered some expert tips from Headspace to help guide young people toward healthier gaming habits while supporting their mental health.

So how can you recognise unhealthy gaming?

Headspace advises to keep an eye out for significant changes that last longer than you might expect (at least a few weeks), such as:

   • Less interest and involvement in activities they would normally enjoy
   • Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
   • Increased irritability or anger
   • Decline in performance at school, TAFE, university, or work
   • Engagement in risky behaviours they would usually avoid, such as taking drugs or drinking excessively
   • Difficulty with concentration or motivation
   • Unusual stress, worry, feeling down, or crying for no apparent reason
   • Expression of negative, distressing, or out-of-character thoughts

As a general rule the following are good boundaries to set around screen time:

   • Limit screens in bedrooms and turn them off at least one hour before bedtime to avoid disruption to sleep. Encourage activities like reading, journaling, or drawing instead. If using e-devices for reading, ensure 'night mode' is activated.
   • Get up and move regularly to prevent back, neck, and wrist issues. Incorporate simple stretches and consider optimising your setup for comfort.
   • Avoid screens during meal times to promote mindful eating and encourage valuable family interactions.
   • Ensure screen time does not interfere with essential or enjoyable activities. Schedule time for these activities before gaming or extended internet use.

By being proactive and maintaining open communication, parents can help young people navigate the challenges of gaming, ensuring it remains a positive part of their lives.

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