Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
.jpg)
As rural communities wrapped up another year of planting, harvesting and hard work on the land, World Soil Day on 5 December offered an important reminder of the quiet powerhouse beneath our feet — the soil that sustains farms, families and entire regions.
Often taken for granted, soil underpins Australia’s agricultural output, contributing around $90 billion to the national economy each year. It’s also one of the most complex living ecosystems on Earth, home to more than a quarter of the planet’s biodiversity. From tiny microbes to earthworms and insects, healthy soil supports life well beyond what we see on the surface.
Globally, an estimated 95 per cent of food production relies directly or indirectly on soil. For rural communities, that makes healthy soil fundamental not just to local farm productivity, but to long-term food security, economic strength and the resilience of regional landscapes.
World Soil Day — a United Nations initiative held annually on 5 December — aims to raise awareness of soil as a vital natural resource. This year’s theme, Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities, highlights the growing connection between rural food production and urban communities that rely on it.
Here in Australia, efforts to protect and improve soil health continue through the National Soil Strategy and National Soil Action Plan — the country’s first long-term national policy dedicated to soil. Backed by more than $90 million in federal investment, these initiatives support soil monitoring, research, information sharing and on-ground programs across farming regions.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group Deputy Secretary Matt Lowe said soil remains central to Australia’s prosperity and resilience.
“Soil is an integral part of the Australian landscape,” he said.
“It supports us all, no matter where we live, and provides essential ecosystem and production services that contributes to Australia’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing.
“Soil also has cultural significance, and its health impacts biodiversity, water and air quality, human health and plays a vital role in building resilience to natural disasters and adapting to and mitigating climate change.”
As the wet season approaches and preparations begin for the year ahead, World Soil Day serves as a timely reminder: strong, healthy soil is the foundation on which rural Australia grows — and protecting it benefits communities far and wide.
Healthy soil supports thriving farms and communities across rural Australia (Photo Supplied)
Three Blokes Running’s (TBR) Campbell Johnston, Brayden Rawlins and Austin Dewar have once again closed out another stellar November spent fundraising for the Movember Foundation for the second consecutive year.
Across the past month, the trio set themselves the mission of flipping a deck of cards and completing several mystery challenges like swimming laps in the pool and pushing themselves to the limits in the gym all in the interest of raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health.
Campbell, Brayden and Austin took to social media to share daily vlogs, detailing the challenges they each were putting themselves through, and pushing the message, “it ain’t weak to speak” far and wide. With almost 3,000 followers across Instagram and Tiktok paired with tens of thousands of views, TBR have collaborated with other Movember Foundation Ambassadors and individuals spreading mental health awareness to amplify their message across the country.
“Throughout Movember, we took on mystery challenges, hosted fundraisers, ran raffles, and most importantly, started conversations that matter. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: breaking the silence, checking in on your mates, and reminding every bloke out there that it’s okay to not be okay,” shared the boys.
“We’ve seen firsthand how deeply mental health can affect the people around us. That’s why we’re committed to driving the message into our community, sparking honest conversations, raising awareness, and helping build a space where men feel supported to speak up and seek help.”
With the month of November now behind them, the trio have celebrated raising a commendable total exceeding $7,300 for the Movember Foundation, bringing TBR’s lifetime Movember Foundation fundraising total to an outstanding $21,270.
“Every dollar raised and every chat started helps us get one step closer to changing the way we see men’s mental health. Whether you donate, join in a challenge, or simply reach out to a mate, you’re part of this movement with us. Together, we can make a difference.”
Campbell, Austin and Brayden have concluded another month spent fundraising for the Movember Foundation (Photo Credit: Campbell Johnston)
Australia is home to more than 700,000 native plant species, many of which can also be enjoyed as food. Known as bush foods, these plants have long been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for nutrition, medicine, and cultural practices. Here are five edible natives that are both tasty and great for your garden.
Try Them in Your Garden
These edible native plants offer unique flavours and health benefits while supporting local wildlife. If you have space, consider adding them to your garden – they provide food, attract pollinators, and bring a taste of the bush right to your backyard.
Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare) is one of several edible plants you can grow in your own backyard (Photo Supplied)
As the Burdekin Shire begins to gear up for another disaster season, residents may once again face the familiar sight of fallen trees, broken branches, and damaged green spaces. Living on the coast, local residents understand cyclones are an annual challenge, with recent storms such as Jasper, Kirrily, and Tiffany serving as reminders, while major events like Cyclone Yasi have taught important lessons about how our landscapes cope.
One key question emerges: are some trees better equipped to survive cyclones than others?
Lessons from Cyclone Yasi
Following Cyclone Yasi in 2011, Greening Australia and local partners surveyed trees in Townsville to understand which species were most wind-resistant. Several natives stood out:
These species share key traits: deep roots, strong central trunks, flexibility, and adaptation to northern Queensland conditions.
What Makes a Tree Cyclone-Resistant?
Tree survival isn’t just about species. Age, structure, root development, and site exposure all matter. Healthy trees with balanced canopies and deep roots are far more likely to withstand high winds. Traits that increase resilience include:
Species That Struggled
Exotic or ornamental trees often suffered heavy damage:
Maintenance Matters Too
No garden is completely cyclone-proof, but proper care makes a difference. Encouraging deep root growth through deep, infrequent watering and reducing excess foliage through pruning helps trees remain upright during storms.
Planning for the Future
In preparation for disaster seasons to come, planting wind-resilient native species can reduce risk, support biodiversity, and help landscapes recover stronger. Landholders and councils are encouraged to:
Building Resilient Landscapes
By learning from past cyclones and choosing the right species, communities and green spaces can survive and thrive in the face of future storms.
The Melaleuca leucadendra (Weeping Paperbark) is an iconic Australian tree and suited for northern Queensland conditions (Photo Supplied)
As Queensland faces another hot summer and storm season, health authorities are warning residents to avoid handling bats found on the ground. Distressed or dead bats may be encountered more frequently during extreme heat or severe weather, and Queensland Health reminds the community that contact can be dangerous.
Bats can carry Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), a virus closely related to rabies. While human infection is rare, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Very hot temperatures or a mix of heat and humidity can cause bats to become heat-stressed and fall to the ground. Storms and strong winds can also disrupt their normal behaviour, causing bats to fall from trees or seek shelter closer to the ground.
Queensland Health advises people not to attempt rescuing or handling distressed or dead bats and to instead contact a trained wildlife rescuer.
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said ABLV can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or saliva, and avoiding contact is the safest approach.
“All bats have the potential to carry ABLV. While transmission to humans is rare, unfortunately, once symptoms appear, there is no known effective treatment,” Dr McDougall said.
“Prevention is key. The safest thing Queenslanders can do is assume any bat they come across could be carrying ABLV and avoid any contact.
“Even if the bat looks dead, do not touch it.
“If the bat appears to need help, call the RSPCA, local wildlife carers or Queensland’s Bat Conservation and Rescue team.
“I’d also encourage parents to remind their children to never touch a bat they find on the ground.”
Dr McDougall said the safest action for people who come across a bat is to keep children and pets away, and, if safe to do so, place a box or washing basket over the bat until a trained and vaccinated handler arrives.
“If you are bitten, scratched, or have contact with bat saliva, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes,” she added.
“Then apply an antiseptic if available and seek medical care as soon as possible for assessment and post-exposure treatment.”
Residents are urged to report injured or distressed bats to:
For medical advice on bites and exposure, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for 24/7 guidance from registered nurses. For further information, visit the Queensland Government websites on living with bats and Australian bat lyssavirus.
Distressed or fallen bats are more common during extreme heat and storms - Queensland Health urges people to keep their distance and call trained wildlife rescuers (Photo Supplied)
Saturday PM (1-5pm) Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Tramayne Horan PC, Sophia Moloney and Tony Felisina
Sunday AM (9am-1pm) Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, Briella Wassmuth and Emilee Wassmuth
Sunday PM (1-5pm) Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry and Lisa Vivian
The Lower Burdekin will see a significant boost in environmental protection efforts, with the Crisafulli Government announcing a suite of locally delivered projects worth more than $10 million to combat invasive weeds, feral animals and wildfire risks across the region. The investment forms part of the government’s $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, billed as a statewide effort to restore land health and support on-country stewardship.
The funding will flow directly to NQ Dry Tropics and is expected to deliver targeted, practical work across coastal zones, grazing country and vulnerable wetlands that support agricultural production, biodiversity and regional resilience.
The program prioritises “boots-on-the-ground action to restore Queensland’s landscapes” and will focus on threat reduction, ecological repair and fire mitigation. The investment includes $3.7 million to improve the condition of 1,450 hectares of grazing land, native vegetation and wetlands across the Lower Burdekin, as well as $4.4 million to reduce landscape pressure from weeds, pests, fire and community disturbance across more than 120 hectares of land and 30 kilometres of waterways. A further $1.9 million will go toward landholder support in the Townsville Offshore and Lower Burdekin catchments through weed control, feral animal management, low-intensity burning, and coordinated fire planning across 2,000 hectares.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said this level of investment was designed to support both the region’s environment and local employment.
“This region is especially important to me, and it gives me great pride to deliver for the local community and our natural assets,” Minister Last said.
He also made clear that the new approach marks a departure from previous government policy.
“During Labor’s decade of decline, Queensland’s Natural Resource Management groups were left high and dry without the meaningful funding they need to support the great work they do across our state. Through our $117.8 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, the Crisafulli Government is putting local knowledge to work to deliver real results on the ground. These NRM organisations are leading the way in safeguarding our natural resources and that’s why we’re proud to support them and invest in Queensland’s future.”
NQ Dry Tropics CEO Dr Scott Crawford welcomed the commitment, noting the scale of both the opportunity and the responsibility in a region that covers eight per cent of Queensland.
"This investment demonstrates strong government backing for NQ Dry Tropics and its sister natural resource management (NRM) groups across Queensland," Dr Crawford said.
He emphasised that environmental challenges cannot be managed by any one body alone.
"Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility, and the projects we deliver in the region under this funding will be practical, science-based, and founded on strong community partnerships.”
Dr Crawford highlighted three cornerstone initiatives set to accelerate on-ground outcomes.
"For example, the Fighting Invasive Species Together project will strengthen collaboration between graziers and Traditional Owners to better manage the threat of feral animals and invasive weeds.
"The Climate-Ready Coastlines project will repair high-priority coastal habitats and help protect communities from the impact of flood and fire, and the Climate-Ready Rangelands project will support landholders to improve land condition, productivity and biodiversity on grazing properties."
The investment signals a major, multi-year effort to not only stabilise at-risk landscapes but equip the region’s land managers with the tools needed to respond to escalating climate and biosecurity pressures.
The funding will flow directly to NQ Dry Tropics and is expected to deliver targeted, practical work across coastal zones, grazing country and vulnerable wetlands. Photo supplied
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says the Whitsundays is now facing an unprecedented double threat: a proposed wind farm pushed into the heart of rural communities, and growing fears about asbestos contamination that are eroding public trust in government safeguards and environmental protections.
Mr Willcox said residents in Crystal Brook and Kelsey Creek are already living with enormous stress as the Mt Challenger Wind Farm proposal aims to push industrial-scale infrastructure far too close to their homes and farms. Turbines planned less than two kilometres from family bedrooms, backyards and children’s play areas would bring constant noise, shadow flicker, and heavy-vehicle movements on narrow rural roads never designed for hundreds of oversized loads.
“These are small, tight-knit communities that have cared for their land for generations,” Mr
Willcox said.
“They’re not anti-renewables. They’re not activists. They simply expect the same basic protections and planning standards that people in the cities take for granted. Instead, they’re being treated like collateral damage.”
Mr Willcox said the timing of the project also raises serious concerns, given the heightened anxiety across Queensland about asbestos contamination and the government’s failure to control hazardous materials entering supply chains.
“Recent discoveries of asbestos in wind turbine lift brake pads at multiple Australian wind farms, including Clarke Creek in Central Queensland, show that banned hazardous materials are still making their way into critical infrastructure,” he said.
“When people are already questioning whether the government can keep them safe from asbestos turning up in everyday products, it’s no wonder they have zero confidence in a project of this scale being dumped on their doorstep,” he said.
“If the government can’t guarantee safety in what it allows to be imported, how can families trust the safety, quality and environmental impact of hundreds of imported turbine components and thousands of tonnes of materials being brought into the Whitsundays?”
Residents have also raised fears for local wildlife, health risks and the cultural and environmental values of Mt Challenger and the surrounding district; concerns they say have been brushed aside in the push to rush development for political climate target agendas rather than community needs.
Mr Willcox said he will continue to stand with residents every step of the way, ensuring their voices are taken to Canberra, and their concerns are impossible to ignore.
“There is nothing safe, fair or responsible about placing this project in the middle of a rural
community,” he said.
“The location is wrong. The risks are real. The majority of the community is united. And I will not
allow these families to be steamrolled.”
He said regional Australians deserve transparency, proper assessment, real consultation and genuine respect; not to be forced to carry the burden of poor planning and political convenience.
“People in Crystal Brook and Kelsey Creek are telling me clearly: they feel unheard, they feel unprotected, and they feel abandoned,” Mr Willcox said.
“I’m not letting that stand.”
Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
Standing at the peaceful Lake Proserpine, Andrew Willcox says this is exactly what’s at stake in the Whitsundays; the serenity locals cherish being disrupted by a wind farm proposal placed far too close to homes, farms and families. Photo supplied
Member for Burdekin Dale Last has lambasted a federal announcement which sees farmers left as collateral damage in the latest Labor-Greens deal.
Mr Last said last week’s overreach by the Federal Government will see farmers, already meeting world-leading environmental regulations, strangled with more red tape.
“Once again our farmers are being painted as environmental vandals by Labor, except
this time it’s on a federal level,” Mr Last said.
“The passing of the Commonwealth Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 last week signals another Labor-induced sledging on an industry that feeds our nation for the sake of inner-city Green votes.”
“Unlike Labor, the LNP have always backed our farmers because we have seen firsthand the effort they put in to ensure they meet best management practices.”
Mr Last said Queenslanders wouldn’t be taken as fools by Labor’s anti-farming agenda which risked jobs and presented economic uncertainty for communities that relied on agriculture.
“I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with primary producers because regional Queensland has had an absolute gutful of being a scapegoat for Labor’s green agendas.”
“The Labor-Greens deal specifically punishes the sectors that underpin Queensland’s economy and strips Queensland of its ability to manage our own future, risking jobs and economic uncertainty across our regions,” Minister Last said.
“The Greens don’t understand agriculture or mining, and Labor is too weak to say no to them - and regional Queenslanders have been left to pay the price."
Contributed with thanks to the office of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP
On Friday, 5 December, Burdekin Community Association Inc. celebrated International Volunteer Day with our volunteers.
We enjoyed a Volunteer Brunch at the BCA Support Centre. The refreshments were great, and we had Lucky Door prizes and games. BCA is very grateful to all of our exceptional volunteers and thanks them for everything they do for our organisation and the community.
This year, under the inspiring theme “Every Contribution Matters”, International Volunteer Day 2025 takes on historic significance as it marks the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026). This milestone follows a UN General Assembly Resolution calling for a worldwide movement to recognise and amplify the vital role of volunteers in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
For more information on the Burdekin Community Association, visit the BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, phone 4783 3744 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au.
Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran
On Friday the 5th of December Burdekin Community Association Inc celebrated International Volunteer Day with our Volunteers. Photos supplied
Ayr art lovers are in for a treat as Tracey Jane returns to the region with her much-anticipated exhibition, It’s a Circular Thing. The show will be on display on 16th and 17th December, from 10 am to 4 pm, opposite the old movie theatre on Queen Street.
Originally scheduled for Charters Towers in June at the World Theatre, the exhibition was unfortunately cancelled when a storm damaged the venue’s roof. Now, Tracey Jane brings her work closer to home, offering locals a chance to experience her unique artistic vision.
It’s a Circular Thing explores the circle as a central theme—a shape that holds significance not only in art but in geometry, symbolism, and life itself. Visitors can expect to be both visually captivated and intellectually engaged, as Tracey Jane’s pieces invite reflection on the beauty and meaning of this simple yet profound form.
The exhibition is open to all, making it a perfect seasonal outing for art enthusiasts and the curious alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Tracey Jane’s work in person.
The Rotary Club of Home Hill celebrated what was a successful 2025 for the club by doing what it does best: giving back.
The club marked its final meeting of the year by donating a total of $3,500 to three Burdekin-based organisations, selected by both the Rotary Club and it's Home Hill Harvest Festival queen, Eden Betteridge, on the basis of their roles in supporting the community.
Among recipients was CORES Queensland, the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, and the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy, which each received $2,000, $1,000, and $500 respectively.
"It's just about giving," said Rotary Club President Alfio Musumeci. "We chose to donate locally because we see the need in the area."
The meeting played host to a sizeable crowd, and included a wide variety of food options for both dinner and dessert. Beyond the formalities, guests lingered to enjoy the company and jovial chatter.
The occasion rounded off a positive year for the club, which saw them raise $7,000 from this year's Harvest Festival alone. It remains hopeful of continued growth, with a number of prospective members
expressing interest.
If you're interested in joining the Rotary Club of Home Hill, contact the club on 0408 441 055 or at homehillrotary@gmail.com.
CORES Queensland receiving their $2,000 grant. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal representative accepting their $1,000 grant. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy being presented with their $500 grant. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
The Burdekin community will gather in festive spirit on the grounds beside PCYC this Sunday, 14 December, for the Bendigo Community Bank – Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols.
From 5:30pm, families can expect an evening of festive music and fun, beginning with a performance by the Burdekin Brass Band to welcome attendees. Local stage production coordinator Monica Licciardello will lead a programme of favourite carols—with a few surprises—while Santa Claus will make a special appearance to delight the young and young at heart. The event will conclude with a fireworks display lighting up the Home Hill sky.
Young visitors can enjoy free children’s stickers and colouring-in sheets, courtesy of the CWL, as well as face painting, while the Burdekin Chaplains will have glow products available for purchase. Food and drink stalls will offer something for everyone throughout the evening.
Event organisers thank naming rights sponsor Bendigo Community Bank – Home Hill and Ayr, and major sponsor Triple M, which will broadcast the carols live and provide giveaways for attendees.
Bring a blanket, grab a chair, and join your neighbours for a night of music, laughter, and Burdekin community spirit as the festive season officially kicks off.
Easily accessible via both MacMillan and Wickham streets, the PCYC grounds are ready to welcome families and friends for a fun-filled evening of Christmas cheer.
Ayr is gearing up for one of its biggest community events of the year, with the annual Christmas Street Party set to light up the town on Thursday night, 18th December.
This year’s event brings extra excitement, with a massive $25,000 worth of vouchers to be given away to lucky locals. The major prize draw will take place at 8:00pm in front of the BCA building, and residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot.
The Street Party aims to inspire the community to shop locally this Christmas, showing support for small businesses and helping keep local dollars in the Burdekin.
Families can look forward to a night packed with entertainment, including delicious food trucks, market stalls, live music, and plenty for the kids. Santa will make a special appearance for photos and festive fun.
Organisers say the Street Party has become a much-loved local tradition, bringing people together and providing a welcome boost for local traders during the busy Christmas season.
Everyone is invited to come along, enjoy the atmosphere, and be part of the celebrations — and most importantly, to be there for the $25,000 prize draw.
Queensland’s agricultural sector is calling for stronger consultation and clearer regulations as the Federal Government undertakes a major overhaul of Australia’s environmental laws.
The reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act were the focus of Environment Minister Murray Watt’s recent National Press Club address. In response, AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said producers are prepared to engage immediately to ensure the new laws protect the environment without compromising the productivity of one of the nation’s most critical industries.
The EPBC reform bills have been referred to a five-month Senate inquiry, which Mr McCarthy says presents a valuable opportunity for meaningful dialogue with Queensland farmers—who manage the largest portion of Australia’s agricultural land.
There is concern within the sector that Queensland agricultural stakeholders have had limited engagement so far, despite the significance of the reforms. With agriculture contributing more than 5.7 per cent of Australia’s GDP, Mr McCarthy said it is essential that farmers’ insights help shape the revised legislation.
He highlighted several areas of confusion within the current EPBC Act, including duplication with state consent provisions, which can leave producers unintentionally breaching federal law even when they meet Queensland’s regulatory requirements.
“AgForce seeks clarity and certainty for Queensland producers in navigating increasingly complex and sometimes contradictory regulations across different government departments and levels,” he said.
“We are the stewards of much of Queensland’s vast landscapes and feel a deep sense of personal responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations and ensuring the food security and prosperity of this nation. We deserve to have a say in how Australia’s land and water is managed.
“The agricultural opportunity in Queensland is immense, and it is producers who hold the practical knowledge and capacity to deliver the balance between production, sustainability, and food security that the federal government is seeking.
“Farmers and regional communities must be genuinely included and consulted on matters that impact agricultural stability and innovation.”
AgForce continues to call for clearer consultation processes and greater certainty for producers navigating future reforms.
AgForce is Queensland’s peak representative body for rural producers.
Queensland graziers and growers want certainty under new EPBC laws, calling for clearer rules that support both sustainability and food security (Photo Credit: Sandie Peters)
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
