Faith Luke has recently celebrated the conclusion of her secondary schooling with pride after graduating from Burdekin Christian College with flying colours as the 2024 Valedictorian.

Over the course of her schooling, Faith exhibited an unwavering commitment to her academics, undertaking subjects including mathematical methods, English, biology, physics, and chemistry, whilst balancing a world of extra-curricular activities, including dancing a plethora of styles offered at Rhythm Edge Dance Studios - often for over fourteen hours each week.

Faith’s work ethic not only allowed her to soar academically but allowed her to achieve countless dance awards and certifications, leading her to become an assistant dance teacher for both beginner and primary students, all whilst dedicating time to her studies.

In the interest of advancing her productivity and results, Faith allowed herself to absorb the advice and guidance of those around her to develop effective study techniques like keeping a detailed study folder with pages for each topic, cards to highlight key terms and practicing repetition.

“Creating a page after each topic you learn in class and adding it to your folder quickly provides you with a great end of year study tool for exams, and the repetition of writing the notes out in an aesthetic manner makes it easier to remember, and easily follow the content,” explained Faith.

As crunch time rolled around, Faith kept committed to her study routines despite the rising pressures of exams, and still managed to find time to attend her regular dance classes to allow her brain a break.

“I was studying each subject in class, and when I had completed an exam, I would use that period to study for my next upcoming exam and I would use the past exams to highlight what my strengths and weaknesses were to identify what I was needing to spend more time revising on,” Faith added.

Faith believes her success also stands as a reflection of the people around her and cannot thank her parents enough for their continued support along with her principal, Debra Creed, teacher Miss Diamond, and dance teachers Jaynai, Lucy and Natasha for providing her with plenty of opportunities and guidance. However, above all else, Faith maintained focus on the success at the end of the tunnel, and in doing so, she has recently completed and submitted her application for the Royal Australian Air Force where she plans to study electrical engineering in 2025 at the ADFA in Canberra.

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“There are going to be times where you feel like giving up, but it will all be worth it in the end, so keep on pushing, and always keep the end goal in sight.”

Faith Luke graduated as Burdekin Christian College’s 2024 Valedictorian in early November, and plans pursue an ADFA career in Canberra in 2025. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin Sports Fishing Club, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and they’re having a special get together to mark the milestone, with former and current members asked to come along.

The club, first founded in 1974, has around 30-40 active members, with Simone Sutcliffe (club treasurer), and her husband Russell (club president), along with the Richard Berryman (club secretary), doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Notable achievements include Russell holding the Queensland, and Australian, record for a queenfish.

Simone, who’s been at the club for 15 years, joined the Burdekin Sports Fishing Club when she first met her husband, Russell.

Members meet up each month, where they each host a weekend fishing trip, which is followed by a barbecue and weigh-in to see which members reeled in the biggest fish.

“Once a month a member picks a weekend out of the month they want to host. We then usually fish from late Friday evening through to Sunday, before then going for a barbecue and a weigh-in at a club members house,” Simone says.

Common catches include barramundi, mangrove jacks, flatheads, trevally, and occasionally reef species like Spanish mackerel.

Emphasising their longevity in celebrating 50 years, The Burdekin Sports Fishing Club has even been involved running inter-club competitions. With a strong sense of community, many long-term friendships have been formed as a result outside of club weekends. They also having a lot of expert knowledge on great fishing spots, which is beneficial for new members, who they encourage to reach out.

“Get in touch with myself, Russell, or someone from the club and come along and meet us. We’re a very social, fun group. We don't take it over overly serious,” Simone laughs.

To RSVP for their 50th celebration event, contact Simone: 0457-974-999

What: Club 50th Anniversary
When: December 14, from 6pm
Where: 5, 18th Avenue, Home Hill (Ron & Judy Berryman’s)

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Burdekin Sports Fishing Club, with Russell and Simone in the middle. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Last Wednesday at 7am, November 27, at the Burdekin Theatre, the Burdekin Shire Council hosted their popular Industry Breakfast. Speaking this month was Jet Zero Australia’s managing director, Ed Mason, Industrial Manager, Adam Douglas, new Burdekin Shire Council CEO, Matthew Magin; and an update from The Home Hill Chamber.

Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort opened the breakfast speeches before inviting keynote speaker, Ed Mason to speak. Mason, spruiked the benefits of Jet Zero Australia’s aviation industry leading sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with many attendees captivated by the innovation of the bio-fuel company founded in 2021 and based in North Queensland.

The project called ‘Project Ulysses’ takes surplus bioethanol, produced from agricultural by-products and converts it into clean, low carbon SAF. With support from Qantas, the Queensland government, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Jet Zero’s future looks bright.

Industrial Manager, Adam Douglas also stepped up to the podium to share his insights and how he believes it can greatly benefit the region.

Newly appointed Burdekin Shire Council CEO, Matthew Magin, shared his vision and outlined key initiatives and priorities for Council, which is aimed at driving both economic development and community growth.

Home Hill Chamber President, David Jackson, stepped up and discussed matters from the Chamber, sharing latest news and insights before Mayor Dalle Cort wrapped up the highly attended breakfast.

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left to right: Adam Douglas, Ed Mason, Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort, Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Adam Douglas answering a question with and Mayor, Pierina Dalle Cort. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Burdekin Shire Council CEO, Matthew Magin. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Jet Zero Australia’s managing director, Ed Mason

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On Saturday 30 November, Austin Dewar, Brayden Rawlins and Campbell Johnston were joined by a few of their close friends and family as they completed the final kilometres as part of their 540km total, officially concluding their mammoth 2024 Three Blokes Running efforts.
“It was a pretty good feeling to see how proud mum, dad, my brother, and my girlfriend were to see me cross that finish line, and to know we can have a rest now feels pretty good too,” said Campbell.
“The reason we’re doing this hits close to home for me and a lot of people we know and after getting through this mentally and physically challenging month running 180kms each, it feels like we’ve made a bit of a change.”
At the beginning of November, Austin, Brayden and Campbell set out to run 180km each to raise both funds and awareness for men’s mental health, echoing the message, “it ain’t weak to speak” across the Burdekin, and beyond.
With the overwhelming and outstanding support of many local businesses and the wider community, the boys were broadcasted across the state with news channels sharing their story, opening the door to a world of praise and words of encouragement.
“To look at the month that has gone by, all the money that we have raised, and the conversations we’ve had, it’s pretty amazing,” added Austin.
Beginning with a humble $540 goal on Friday 1 November, the boys have now raised well over $14,000 in both online donations to their Movember fundraising page, and within the community following last weekend’s Three Blokes Running event.
However, above all else, Austin, Brayden and Campbell reflect on the message they have spread, and how their efforts have prompted others to share their own mental health struggles and experiences to seek support.
“I’m glad to be finished with the running, but meeting new people, the difference we were making and the experience of it all was the highlight,” shared Brayden.
“We’d like to share a huge thank you to everyone who donated or sent us a message of support as it all really motivated us to keep going, and we plan to go bigger and better for next year.”

Austin, Brayden and Campbell ran 540km over the month of November, raising over $14,000 to support men’s mental health.

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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre held their AGM on Wednesday night which I attended. It was good to see such a big turn-out. The Centre offers some great classes ranging from Exercise, Crochet, Mental Health, Parkinson Support Group, Cooking, Bereavement Counselling, Dementia Support, and free Legal Advice plus many more please support this Centre.      
I attended the Burdekin Industry Breakfast on Wednesday 27th November at the Burdekin Theatre. It was a very interesting morning listening to Representatives from Jet Zero Australia North Queensland biofuel Pioneers discuss their aim to develop Australia’s first sustainable Aviation Fuel Alcohol to jet Fuel in Townsville. It was a very informative presentation.
I would also like to comment on the Staff at the Burdekin Shire Council who do not get the thanks that they deserve. From the counter staff front line to behind the scenes in all other departments they all do a great job and help keep the Council functioning and keeping the town running from the water to sewerage to garbage and all other services we take for granted.    
I am looking forward to attending the Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr Christmas Carols on Sunday 8th December starting at 5:30pm.  It’s a great way to get family and friends together and be involved in the Christmas spirit, be sure to go over and see the new Christmas trees in Home Hill and Ayr and capture many happy memories to cherish for years to come.
As this is my last column for the year, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Over the last fortnight, I have had the privilege of attending two significant events that underscore the strength of our local community and the vital connections that shape our future. The Industry Breakfast was a fantastic opportunity to engage with local leaders, businesses and community stakeholders.
On Monday morning, I attended the Port Authority Breakfast, a special event marking the 160th anniversary of our Port. This milestone is a testament to the crucial role the Port has played in our region’s history and its ongoing contribution to our local economy
These events show how important it is for industry leaders, businesses and our community to work together and stay connected.
We have also the pleasure of attending the beautiful tree lighting ceremonies, marking the beginning of the festive season here in the Burdekin. It was fantastic to see so many of you come together to celebrate the magic of Christmas, and I’m proud to be part of such a vibrant and united community. The new modern trees look fantastic and have brought our Christmas decorations into the 21st century.
Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about the Christmas Carols event this Sunday. I can't wait to see everyone come together once again to enjoy the music, the festivities and the sense of community that makes this time of year so special. Whether you're singing along, sharing in the joy, or just soaking in the atmosphere, I’m sure it will be a memorable occasion for all.
A friendly reminder that the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal is still accepting donations until Wednesday 11 December. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already generously contributed items.
Wishing you all a wonderful lead-up to Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for Christmas Carols at the new location, Watson’s Green Home Hill.
Stay safe and take care of yourself. 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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Angelo Licciardello, QCAR Burdekin District Manager

The last two weeks has been a very interrupted period of harvesting and crushing.
The first lot of rain that began on November 20 played the major part to the initial disruption; then with some planned cleaning and stoppages from chokes, the output of factories was greatly reduced.
The rain over the weekend has really highlighted the dramatic affects a late start and a late finish have on a district that so heavily relies on the sugar crop.
Urgent attention to address this in the future must be at the forefront of all our mindsets.
Standover cane is now a real possibility with ratoons unable to be harvested to achieve maximum growth, fallow blocks not getting the attention they require, and the opportunity to plant legume crops rendered almost impossible.
Addressing the resulting reduced incomes that affects families and businesses across the Burdekin district is a worthwhile exercise for us to undertake.
We must get back to a Melbourne Cup finish and celebrate the Home Hill Harvest Festival as it was meant to be!
Week 23
The first week I travelled to the Whitsundays to attend a meet and greet with our Proserpine members.
It is always time well spent engaging with growers in other regions and discussing their concerns and issues as well as their successes. The common themes to emerge at present are growers want to improve their yields, look after their soil, control cane grubs, and of course, the reliability of mills across all regions is a major concern.  
QCAR Connection
   • LBW/ARC linkage water project update
   • GRDC – grains research update
   • JET ZERO – sustainable aviation fuel
   • Farmacist – farm walk, mungbean trials

Upcoming Events
   • BBIFMAC AGM/DAF presentation
   • Sunwater CAC meeting/update
   • Regional water assessment (DRDMW)
Angelo’s Agronomic Tip
Choose the right cover crop for you!!
It’s been proven over many years that legume breaks better balance biology, control root pathogens, biologically fix nitrogen, and improve cane yield and growth.
Topsoil is the farmer’s capital. Sustaining means sustaining the soil resource. Maintaining ground cover in the form of cover crops, mulch or crop residue for as much of the season as possible will help achieve this goal.
Milling Stat
The biggest week of the 2024 season was the week ending September 21 with 395,611 tonnes crushed.
Interestingly in the 2022 season we went over 400,000 tonnes on three occasions.
For more information about QCAR, phone Angelo on 0437 401 837 or email angelo.licciardello@qcar.org.au

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello attended a Farmacist trip to Paul Villis’ farm in Ayr where they are trialling spring-grown mung bean crops. Angelo is pictured with QCAR member/growers Ross Parker, Damon Hesp, and Kelsey Hesp

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello was impressed to see the winter/spring crop of Kuranda soybean soon ready to harvest on the Brandon farm belonging to QCAR Board Chairman Christian Lago

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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As we move into December and the much-anticipated drop off in the Brazilian 2024 crush, the ICE #11 contract continues to trade in shallow downtrend pattern.
The recent UNICA report covering the first half of November crush finally saw the season to date numbers drop below last year’s record cumulative total. The data was roughly in line with expectations and the consensus for total Brazilian sugar out is narrowing into the mid to high 39 million tonne range.
Given the specs’ lack of conviction on pushing the market up or down due to trade resistance on either side, the futures price continues to zig zag sideways. At some point the market will break out of this pattern but we may have to wait a bit longer to get a decisive move.
India has received some focus in the near term with both this year and next in the frame. For the 2024 crush, which is getting under way, the latest Wilmar forecast has been revised down to 26.7M tonnes. This is primarily due to a poor monsoon in 2023 limiting national planting along with recent flooding and disease in Uttar Pradesh.
We remain of the view that India will not be a player in global trade for the immediate future as ethanol production absorbs future sugar juice production. Low sugar stocks this season will build slightly next year thanks to a very good 2024 monsoon, replenishing reservoirs and allowing more widespread planting of cane, which remains a highly viable crop for growers. If the 25/26 crop is as large as expected, India may resume an export campaign in late 2025 to early 2026.
The Thai crop has enjoyed a good growing season and is expected to produce a large crop of 11M tonnes of sugar this year. For the raw sugar market, the expectation is that exports will remain limited as local refining and liquid sugar exports into China absorb the majority of raw sugar consumption.
Overall, the anticipated move higher for sugar futures in the first quarter of next year remains a possibility. The longer-term outlook for the #11 contract looks less encouraging on an anticipated large Indian crop for 25/26 season.

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#11 March 25 Futures Contract (USc/lb) – Daily price movement over the last six months.
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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
91,470
2,830,710
Pioneer
43,063
1,348,788
Kalamia
37,250
1,482,456
Inkerman
68,366
1,693,908
Burdekin
240,149
7,355,862
CCS
Invicta
12.74
14.34
Pioneer
13.16
14.31
Kalamia
11.82
13.82
Inkerman
13.37
14.09
Burdekin
12.85
14.18
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
50%
13.29
Q232
7%
12.06
KQ228
23%
12.42
Q183
7%
14.05
Q208
9%
12.82
WSRA17
2%
11.86
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 240,000 tonnes of cane for the week.
This was below budget as the region was recovering from a wet weather event at the beginning of the week and there was another wet weather event at the end of the week.
Some mechanical issues also contributed to the reduced throughput.
The season-to-date total is now 7.36M tonnes, which represents 90 per cent of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 12.85, which is well below budget due to the wet weather.
The highest CCS of 16.1 was from a rake of Q240 4R in the Darvenizas (INK) productivity district.
Remember to stay alert, use your train brain and always give way to trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Henry Peterson, is better known as the "Mango Man," in Burdekin. He’s been in the mango business for 45 years. When he started back in about 1980-1981, he began by picking mangoes for $1 a bucket before he eventually established his own mango farm.

“When I was in Home Hill, a bloke said, ‘I'll give you $1 a bucket, and then a $1 a tray, to pick that tree’. So I got a ladder, threw it up and went picking. In the end, he gave me $40. I thought, geez, that was easy money, I could make a living out of that. And that's what I did from that day onwards,” Henry says.

While most local residents know him as Mr. Mango, he’s also had other roles over the years, including site manager at Mystic Sands in Far North Queensland. However, he also ran a successful real estate company and a television show.

“I was making a good living in real estate but I walked away from it to come back here. But before I did, I had my own Saturday morning television show called ‘Real Estate today’ because I reckon the real estate people weren't doing a good enough job. So I created a television show. It was a big success, you know,” Henry declares.

He did that for about a year before he came back to the Burdekin in 1990 after selling his house to go start his mango farm, which he ran for 17 years. Now, however, he’s been selling mangoes on the side of the road for the past 10 years.

On any given day he can serve 200 customers, especially when he’s in Proserpine on the Bruce Highway, where it’s non-stop traffic. In Ayr, because he’s on a bypass road just off Queen Street, it’s less traffic but he still manages to sell plenty of mangoes and other produce. And the secret to his success?

“You got to have good fruit! But you also need to have different stuff that you can sell besides just mangoes,” Henry says. “Oh, and shade. You've got to have shade. You don't want to be out in the sun. You’ve got to get good spots where they can drive in off the main road and easily park off to the side, like here in Ayr.”

Currently, he sells mangoes, corn, watermelons, and avocados, where he manages five locations across the wider region with great success, while sometimes causing a sensation.

“I took a young girl with me yesterday to help, and you know what? She caused a tropical heat wave. She said, ‘I'm hot, I'm taking me shirt off,’ and she had one of those sports bra thingies on. She said, ‘Do you think this is too crude?’ I said the customers will tell if it’s too crude or not, but I tell ya, they were like bees to a honeypot. They wouldn't leave. She's beautiful, a real stunning looking girl. I don’t care because she’s really good at the customer level. A bloody great worker,” Henry adds.

Besides causing heatwaves, Henry also has a unique practice of giving away "bonus" mangoes to customers. Because of this generosity, he’s popular with locals. He’s also a big advocate for people growing their own crops to sell.

“If you plant it right, you could grow 4000 cobs of corn. You make $1 a cob, that's $4000. There's your house rates paid for. There's no government restriction stopping you from selling your own produce.”

Henry’s mangoes tend to be the cheapest in region, only bring cash as he doesn’t do credit cards. You can normally find Henry in Ayr, on Thursdays and Sundays, where he does bulk packs of mangoes that contain about 20 to 25 mangoes, for $12.

“I got to be at least 150 to 200% cheaper than a supermarket. I’m a lot cheaper than Woolworths where you'll be lucky to get one mango for $2.50,” he says.

Despite his age (73), Henry plans to continue for two more years before handing over his business to his workers to then retire.

“I think I'm the oldest mango seller in Australia. But I reckon two more years will pull me up.”

And what will Henry do after he does retire? “I’ll just relax,” he smiles.

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Henry ‘Mango Man’ Peterson. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Up to $32.6 million over 4 years will be invested in the future of Australia’s sugarcane industry with research and development projects set to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry.
Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investing in a diverse portfolio of novel and strategic research activities. The new projects will target improved efficiency, competitiveness, sustainability and innovation for Australian sugarcane growers, milling companies, and regional communities.
Funding will be allocated as follows:
• $6 million to create transformational breeding technologies to develop high yielding and disease resistant varieties, and explore the potential for energy cane
• $12.1 million to overcome agronomic production constraints, optimise crop management, and improve the industry’s sustainability credentials to maintain market access for Australian sugar
• $6.8 million to develop sustainable management approaches for pests, weeds and pathogens and biosecurity preparedness
• $5.5 million to optimise operations for enhanced milling efficiency and develop opportunities to diversify revenue streams in the bioeconomy
• $2.2 million to increase adoption of available technologies that increase productivity, profitability and sustainability for sugarcane growers, millers, and regional communities.
SRA and DPI will make the transformational investment following the conclusion of SRA’s 10th Anniversary Research Fund Call, a bursary established in November 2023 to commemorate 10 years since the organisation’s formation.
SRA CEO Mick Bartlett said the rigorous multi-step approval process for applicants ensured that projects with the strongest potential to deliver real change and positive industry-wide outcomes were successful.
“The calibre of submissions was exemplary and represents the strong scientific standing we have in the sugar industry, particularly within SRA,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Each of these projects has the potential to deliver positive change, and whole-of-industry research outcomes capable of being adopted on farm and within the milling sector.”
The successful projects cover a broad spectrum of key industry challenges, from agronomy and farming systems, to crop protection, variety development, growing and milling.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Queensland Government has a long history of supporting research, development and extension (RD&E) activities within the sugarcane industry driving improvements in productivity and profitability.
“We know RD&E is critical to help industry gain improvements in production, leading to longer term prosperity. This helps farmers and also helps local communities,” Minister Perrett said.
“Supporting our key agricultural industries, together with industry partners like SRA, helps our farmers solve critical problems and lets them get on with the job of producing the world’s best food and fibre.
“These projects will help gain a greater understanding of industry problems, apply and adopt advanced technology, and test and implement cutting-edge farming practices to create a stronger, sustainable industry.
“The Crisafulli Government values this important relationship with SRA in supporting one of Queensland’s traditional primary industries and a key pillar in our state’s economy.”
The projects are a mix of new research, as well as extensions to existing projects that can now be further developed.

SRA’s new CEO Mick Bartlett

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Burdekin residents and businesses looking to save energy and money will have an opportunity to consult the experts from Ergon Energy Retail face-to-face next week.

The Ergon Retail team will have a stand outside Home Hill News & Coffee from 8am-12pm on Tuesday 10 December.

Ergon Retail Operations Manager Ryan Lloyd said the team would be sharing practical tips tailored to each customer’s unique situation.  

“If you’re running a farm or business, we can have a chat about tariff options and how you can use My Account’s Energy Analysis tools to your advantage.

“If you’re running a household, we can check what is driving your energy use and share our summer hacks to help you stay cool and save over the hotter months.

“While we have fantastic teams providing advice over the phone at our Customer Service Centres in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Maryborough, there’s nothing like catching up in person, so we encourage anyone who is interested to come along,” Ryan said.    

For people who can’t make it to the 10 December event, there is a wealth of information on Ergon Energy Retail’s website, including their summer hacks to help customers reduce their energy use and cut their power bills:  

   1. Aim for a cool 25 degrees on your aircons – every degree cooler can add 10% to a/c energy use.
 
   2. Use fans instead of aircons when it’s not too hot. $1 pays for approximately 50 hours of ceiling fan use, compared to two hours of aircon.

   3. If you have a pool, install an energy-efficient pump and connect it to an economy tariff.  

   4. If you’re heading off on holidays, unplug your appliances, including any spare fridges that have been emptied.

   5. Using the cold cycle on your washing machine can reduce appliance energy use by 90%.

   6. Register for or log in to Ergon Energy Retail’s My Account to manage your energy costs and usage.

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Mark your calendars for an extraordinary event as the Burdekin Race Club celebrates its 100th anniversary of Home Hill racing on Saturday, 7 December. The milestone stands testament to a rich history of community, tradition, and thrilling race-day action with locals invited to revel in the once-in-a-lifetime celebration this weekend!
Established in 1924, the Burdekin Race Club has stood as a cornerstone within the community, holding five annual race events annually including the Burdekin Growers Race Day, an event attracting hundreds of locals and travellers to the region each May.
The centennial celebration promises an unforgettable day for race enthusiasts and families alike. Guests will enjoy five local races, a vibrant atmosphere with a fully stocked bar and canteen, exciting giveaways, and the ceremonial cutting of a special centenary cake. Adding to the festive spirit, children can indulge in free treats, further ensuring fun for all ages.
Entry is completely free, making this historic day accessible to the entire community, and for those who want a reserved spot to soak in the celebrations, table bookings are available by contacting Leanne at 0438 742 850.

What: Burdekin Race Club 100 Years Celebration.
When: Saturday 7 December from 11:30am.
Where: Burdekin Race Club, Home Hill.
More Information: Call Leanne on 0438 742 850.

The Burdekin Race Club will celebrate their 100 year anniversary on Saturday.

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Darren Kleehammer, who’s been in the Burdekin since 2001, is a well-known local around town after he transitioned from offshore rigging to focus his efforts on providing top-quality maintenance, repairs, and renovations, and he’s never been happier.

“I do house maintenance, interiors and exteriors, and that can vary between painting, tiling, fences, windows, flooring, small concreting jobs... anything to do with the house or maintenance. For example, today, I've got six doors to put on, so I can do mostly everything,” Darren smiles.

He is fully booked until January, relying solely on word-of-mouth for his referrals.

“I'm pretty well booked out till end of January, and that’s all via word of mouth. It’s taken me seven years to get a good name, I'm not going to lose it by saying I can do something that I can’t. If I can't do it, I'll let you know,” he states.

Although he used to do handiwork for real estate companies, these days Darren prefers direct client relationships where he ensures high-quality work and is always available to fix any issues.

“You've got to do a 110% job. I always tell the customer, if you're not happy or anything goes wrong, ring me. Doesn't matter what time, I'll come back and fix it,” he declares.

Darren offers flexible pricing, adjusting his rates based on clients' financial situations, sometimes even working for free.

“If you're a pensioner and struggling, sometimes I do a job for nothing because I just feel that that's what I should do,” Darren adds.

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Darren Kleehammer, Burdekin’s handiest man. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Jim Nuttall, owner of Nuttall’s Garden Centre, has been in the nursery business for 20 years, following a 50-year business legacy started by his father, who ran the local hardware business.

“I love business, I love figures, and I've got an accounting degree, but I started with my father, James Raff Nuttall, back in 1968,” Jim says.

“He actually invented the ‘return spray system’ for cane farmers, and created the cattle spray, ‘Ready Rect’ and got a grant for a mobile spray, which was widely popular back in the day.”

“We already had the land here at 52 Soper Street, and I got the expertise of Peter McLean, who knew all about plants - he came on board as my manager, so that gave me the confidence to go ahead with the nursery - that was 20 years ago,” he says.

Jim emphasises the importance of service and plant care, noting that his daughters significantly contribute to the nursery's success with their marketing skills and plant care expertise.

“The oldest daughter does all the care and maintenance of the plants, the second daughter does all the marketing, and my wife also works here as well sometimes, so it's a family run business,” he says.

While it’s located only an hour's drive from Bunnings in Townsville, the garden centre benefits from Jim's long-standing presence in the community, with plenty of customers seeking his advice and great customer service.

“You've got to be competitive and you've got to give good service,” Jim says.

“That's what we pride ourselves on, it's all about service, and looking after the plants.”

Jim and his wife are involved in community activities, with Jim being the treasurer of the Burdekin Singers for 23 years. Though he no longer performs as a “space filler” when they are short on men, his wife, Pat, still directs the musicals in town, noting that they have always been community-minded, with Jim also helping to get funding for the basketball stadium many years ago.

During December, Nuttall’s Garden Centre is running a “Brilliant Bon Bon" giveaway, where customers who spend $50 or more win a free prize!

Jim has no desire to retire, enjoying being his own boss and running the business, particularly the social aspects of work as he gets to meet new people daily. He much prefers that to sitting at home twiddling his “green” thumbs.

“I'll keep going as long as I can,” Jim says.

Jim and his customers are celebrating the milestone with a party this Saturday, 7 December, at 6pm, at Nuttall’s Garden Centre on 52 Soper Street, Ayr. Call Jim on 0407 832 463 to attend.

Jim Nuttall. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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