After more than four decades of involvement, Uli Liessmann has officially assumed the role of President of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, as announced by the organisation at its most recent meeting last week.

Liessmann, returning for his second stint as Chamber president, was sworn in before a small crowd during Wednesday night’s proceedings, taking over from David Cooper, who stepped down after eight years in the role.

Liessmann described his election not as a milestone, but as a natural progression. “It just feels like another role in the Chamber,” he said. “I just want to continue to do the very best I can for the Chamber and for Home Hill.”

The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce is an apolitical, member-funded organisation which acts as the independent voice of local businesses, providing networking opportunities, promotional platforms, and connections across the business community.

As president of the Chamber, Liessmann will take on the responsibility of leading future meetings, and serve as a conduit between Home Hill residents and the Burdekin Shire Council.

He stated his commitment to ensuring the Chamber remains an accurate, all-encompassing voice of the public.

"I’ll continue to do my very best for the Chamber," he said. "If someone wants to ask something or find out information, they can come to me, and I’ll do my best to help."

Liessmann highlighted increasing meeting attendance and fostering a more inclusive environment as two of his key priorities while at the helm of the Chamber.

"You don’t have to be in business to attend a meeting—we want as many people as possible to come along, especially more young people and more women. If you’ve got something to say, we’ll give you the time to say it,” he said.

The organisation holds a public meeting every third Wednesday of the month, typically attended by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and CEO Matthew Magin. These meetings provide a platform to discuss local matters and often feature guest speakers.

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Chamber Treasurer John Clarke, Rick Romeo, member Erin Brennan, former President David Cooper, Secretary Robert Antoniazzi and new President Uli Liessmann. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Construction has begun on Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail, bringing the town one step closer to a continuous pathway network for residents.

This stage will see a two-metre-wide concrete footpath installed along Seventeenth Street, stretching from Seventh Avenue to Eleventh Avenue. Once complete, work will move directly into Stage 6, extending the pathway along Eleventh Avenue from Seventeenth Street.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the trail is a long-term investment in health, wellbeing and livability for the Home Hill community.

“The Be-Active Trail is about creating safe, accessible spaces that encourage walking, cycling and active lifestyles for all ages,” she said.

“With nine stages planned in total, each step brings us closer to delivering a connected pathway network that links key parts of the community, supports recreation, and improves neighbourhood connectivity.”

When finished, the Be-Active Trail will provide a continuous pathway network designed to promote healthy living, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and enhance the town’s overall amenity.

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Construction has begun on Stage 5 of the Home Hill Be-Active Trail. Photo credit: Burdekin Shire Council

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Burdekin seniors are invited to celebrate, connect, and access valuable information at the annual Seniors Expo and Luncheon, hosted by the Burdekin Shire Council.

The event will take place on Thursday, 30 October, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Burdekin Memorial Hall.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Expo is an important way to recognise and support the region’s seniors.

“Our seniors play a vital role in shaping the Burdekin community, and this event is a wonderful way to celebrate their contributions while also providing practical support and information,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

For $15, attendees will enjoy a roast lunch with dessert, entertainment hosted by Emcee Ricky Romeo, and the chance to connect with a variety of local organisations offering advice on health, finance, and wellbeing.

Participating stallholders include Regis Aged Care, Ayr Health Service, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdekin Community Association, Bendigo Bank (Ayr & Home Hill), Everglow, McCathie’s Furniture Plus, and more. The Council also thanks Regis Aged Care, the event’s major sponsor, for their support.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, 20 August at 9:00 am and must be pre-purchased via the Burdekin Theatre website or by calling (07) 4783 9880. With limited places available, seniors are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

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Home Hill's beloved Lloyd Mann Gardens, a known tourist hotspot, just became a little brighter and a lot more handy following the erection of a new signpost this month.

The locally manufactured signpost, which cost the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce just shy of $2000 to construct and install, boasts five arrowed signs, each pointing in the geographic direction of a different Home Hill point of interest.

Home Hill Chamber secretary Rob Antoniazzi said the idea behind the project stemmed from a practical need.

"Tourists would often ask 'do you know if there's a bakery around?' or 'do you know where the hospital is?', so we thought 'why not put up a sign?'" he said.

Antoniazzi said the signpost is as aesthetically pleasing as it is convenient.

"It's colourful, it stands out, and it really adds to the aesthetics of the park," he said. "We've already had a lot of positive comments on it."

The new signpost is a small addition that makes a big difference for both locals and visitors.

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The locally manufactured signpost boasts five arrowed signs, each pointing in the geographic direction of a different Home Hill point of interest. Photo credit: Robert Antoniazzi

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“I always wanted to be a chef,” recalled Sonya Mase, the driving force behind Home Hill favourite Marzay’s Corner.

For her, the kitchen has always been a place to create, experiment, and inspire—but her path into the culinary world, though always a dream, wasn’t exactly linear.

Working as a cleaner in South Australia before moving to Queensland with her husband, Tony, cooking had been more of a dream than a serious consideration—a passion simmering on the back burner.

It was during her time with the Brisbane Police Academy that a sergeant, with whom she had formed a close relationship, urged her to follow her culinary dreams.

And with that, her journey in the kitchen began.

At first, it wasn’t about money. It was about getting a foot in the door of the industry she had always admired.

"Going from earning [a proper wage] to $4 an hour was hard. I almost gave up halfway through because it became really tough," she recalled.

"But it was the ticket—something to achieve for myself. So I just stuck with it, and I'm glad I did."

Thirty years and countless meals later, Sonya is a seasoned chef who hangs her hat on her organisation skills, ability to thrive under pressure, and creative knack.

“A lot of times ideas just come to you,” she says. “You wake up in the middle of the night thinking, ‘that could work.’ There’s trial and error, but that’s the fun of it.”

From Marzay’s Corner in Home Hill, Sonya is now using her extensive experience to teach young locals essential kitchen skills—knife handling, time management, budgeting—and watching them grow in confidence.

“It’s not just about cooking. It’s about life skills,” she says. “Parents tell me they’ve noticed a real change in their kids.”

Her goal is to show her young employees that good food doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and that with creativity, patience, and practice, anyone can turn a meal into something they're proud of.

With plans to share her knowledge in local schools, Sonya has become more than just the chef she set out to be. She’s become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of aspiring culinary talent.

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Sonya has become a mentor, using her experience to guide the next generation of local culinary talent. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin community will have the opportunity to celebrate a unique cultural connection when the “Basques in Australia” photographic exhibition arrives at the Masonic Hall and Burdekin Theatre from the 28th of September to the 3rd of October.

Presented by the Basque Club of North Queensland, the exhibition honours the Basque migrants who came to the Burdekin to work in the sugar industry. Their contributions helped shape Ayr and the wider district, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work, resilience and family values.

The exhibition coincides with Multicultural Queensland Month in August and “Dia de la Diaspora Vasca” on September 8 – an international celebration recognising Basques living outside their homeland in Spain and France.

Curated in the Basque Country with support from the Basque Government and Euskal Australiar Elkartea, the exhibition comprises 10 large panels covering themes such as cane-cutting, women, community life and recreation. Historic photographs and memorabilia provide a powerful insight into the experiences of Basque families as they built new lives in Australia.

The exhibition has toured extensively throughout the Basque homeland, and its visit to Ayr offers locals the chance to reflect on the multicultural roots of the Burdekin.

Exhibition details, including opening times and associated events, will be posted on the Basque Club NQ Facebook and Instagram pages. For more information, contact Pedro Mendiolea, President of the Basque Club of North Queensland, at basqueclubnq@hotmail.com or phone 0412 410 678.

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As the shire’s sporting season draws to a close across multiple clubs, the Burdekin Rugby Union Club (BRUC) have jumped ahead and claimed the date of their 2025 Presentation Night, marking out Saturday the 27th of September.

The annual extravaganza, set to be held at the Queens Hotel for the second consecutive year, celebrates the outstanding achievements of the club’s players from the smallest toads on the field to the oldest across one huge evening overflowing with festivities.

Prizes are awarded to players across categories including most improved, most consistent, best forward, best back, players player and player of the year across each division. As well as Team Awards, the evening also includes Club Award presentations across the following categories: dedication to players (junior and senior), volunteer contributing the most, player contributing the most, spirit of rugby, and clubman of the year.

After all the presentations are done and dusted, the evening becomes a celebration of the season just past, as players come together to wrap up another successful year on the field.

Additional details of the night will be shared in the coming weeks on the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads’ social media pages, and for any enquires, email brucsecretary@outlook.com.

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Jasmin Kierle, Kiara Krug, Briellen Carter-Mathews, Caitlin Holmes and Aletheia Pacey were celebrated for their achievements at 2024's Burdekin Rugby Union Club's Presentation Night (Photo Source: BRUC)

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Marking 59th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan At Creek Veterans Retreat

On Monday, 18 August, locals, dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Deep Creek Veterans Retreat in Ayr to mark the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Commencing at 11 am, the annual parade commemorated the 1966 battle in Vietnam—one of the key engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War—honouring past veterans with a wreath-laying service, the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, and a bagpipe performance of Lament.

Among the 50-plus attendees were Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, as well as Burdekin-born-and-bred veteran Stan Hodder, who served at Long Tan.

Willcox Attends Local Veterans Event

After the parade, attendees were invited to stay for light refreshments.

Hosted by the Burdekin sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, the Battle of Long Tan anniversary parade is one of three main commemorative events held by the association, alongside ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

The event offered an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the service and experiences of local veterans.

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Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) Senior Ambassador representing CORES QLD, Mia Galbraith, has taken it upon herself to run a Self Love Night to raise awareness for the importance of mental health and valuable funds for the invaluable work of CORES QLD.

In the lead up to this weekend’s event, Mia has shared several videos and posts online, detailing how important it is to take care of and prioritise your own personal mental health, featuring BWF Committee members as guests on occasion to encourage conversations surrounding mental health awareness.

This Saturday, the 23rd of August, Mia invites the community to come on down to The Vault in Home Hill for an evening of positivity, self-love and family connection from 4:30pm onwards.

The evening will include live entertainment, wonderful guest speakers, drinks, and delicious food as well as plenty of activities, BINGO games and raffles to keep the fun flowing well into the night!

Tickets to the event are priced at just $20 and can be purchased online at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1435594.

All proceeds from the event will be directly donated to CORES QLD, and all attendees are kindly asked to wear bright colours to contribute to the event’s joyful atmosphere!

What: Mia's Self Love Night
When: Saturday 23rd of August, from 4:30pm
Where: The Vault, Home Hill

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Hi Everyone,

It’s great to be back and feeling refreshed after a two-week holiday in Italy with my family.

We stayed in a tiny village called Radicondoli, about three hours north of Rome, with a population of just 950! Our days were spent poolside, playing card games, and wandering into the village for fresh bread in the mornings and a glass of wine (or two!) in the evenings.

It was my second time in Italy—my first visit was in my early twenties—and I’ve fallen in love with the country all over again. The people, the food, the culture, the scenery—absolutely incredible.

I know many of you in the Burdekin share that connection to Europe. With strong Italian heritage in our region, it feels fitting that the upcoming Water Festival has embraced the theme ‘Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe’, complete with highlights like the European Summer Long Lunch.

It certainly takes me right back to Italy—and reminds me how lucky we are to live in such a culturally rich community.

As your local newspaper, we’re proud to be the official media partner of the Water Festival and thanks to our jet-setting journo Chelsea Ravizza, we’ve had fantastic coverage of the event’s build-up. As many of you will know, Chelsea began with us during her university work placement and did such a great job, we couldn’t let her go! She’s now travelling the world—last we heard, she was in Poland—while still contributing to the paper.

Nothing says ‘Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe’ better than that!

I’d also like to give a special shout-out to Mia Galbraith, our new Sales and Social Media Rep, who’s stepping up as a Senior Ambassador for the Water Festival. She’s hosting a fundraising event this Saturday—check out the details next to this article. I hope you’ll show your support!

Rach

Quote of the Week: "In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take" (Lewis Carroll)

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Burdekin cane farmers will have the opportunity to contribute in person to an inquiry aimed at growing the industry following the announcement of a public hearing in Townsville.

Announced in June, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP urged local growers to embrace the opportunity and provide much needed input.

“When the inquiry was announced, a commitment was given to dig deep into a wide range of issues affecting the industry,” Mr Last said.  “A thorough investigation is necessary to ensure the brightest future for the industry and for areas like the Burdekin.”

“Those issues include both opportunities and challenges because you need a balanced and fair assessment of what’s possible and what needs to change.  Unfortunately, what we saw in the past was the industry not receiving the support it needs to flourish with farmers labelled as environmental vandals.”

“What we need, instead, is a clear plan to embrace opportunities and to deal with regulatory or legislative barriers that prevent those opportunities being realised.  It’s a ‘warts and all’ look at what needs to be done, and by who, to help the industry and the communities that rely on it.”

Mr Last said the production of biofuels for industries like aviation and boosting the generation of base-load electricity were opportunities worth consideration but that the best opportunity for one area may not be the best for another.

“I really don’t think embracing a single opportunity or solving a single challenge is the answer for growing the industry,” he said.  “There is a myriad of reasons why different opportunities bring more potential for some areas than for others but, regardless, we need to identify those opportunities for everyone’s benefit.”

“What I would like to see come out of the inquiry is a plan, based on industry and stakeholder input, that identifies practical steps that industry and government can take to achieve the best outcome.  We  will achieve very little if the result is based on limited input.”

“The Burdekin is the largest sugar producing region, so it is absolutely vital that concerns for farmers in the Burdekin are addressed.  It is equally as vital that farmers in the Burdekin are able to take advantage of any opportunities identified by the inquiry.”

The hearing will be held on September 10th at the Hotel Grand Chancelor in Townsville.

Contributed with thanks to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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Ren Pedersen OAM’s fight against the deadliest childhood brain cancer edged closer to a breakthrough when his ‘Million Dollar Mission’ received a $13,000 boost from local businesses, organisations, and dignitaries following last week's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Pedersen, a Burdekin native now residing in Townsville, returned to the region as a special guest at the Chamber meeting, where he challenged 100 local businesses to donate $1,000 each toward his mission to provide accessible, life-saving treatments for sufferers of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)—the deadliest childhood brain cancer in the world.

His appeals were met with immediate support from locals, including Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Further donations followed, including a $10,000 pledge from a well-known Ayr organisation, whose identity remains anonymous.

The recent flurry of contributions leaves the mission just shy of the $200,000 mark—already a fifth of the way to the ultimate $1 million target, which will fund critical DIPG research.

Pedersen is now travelling across Australia as part of his Million Dollar Mission, appealing to 1,000 individuals and businesses to donate $1,000 each. Contributions will support two key projects at the Children’s Cancer Institute, led by Professor David Ziegler and Dr Maria Tsoli, focused on targeting tumour cell survival pathways and mapping the brain microenvironment to develop new treatments.

Ren’s drive stems from the tragic loss of his daughter, Amy—a “spirited little redhead who loved ballet, athletics, singing at school talent shows, and wearing monster teeth.” At just seven years old, Amy was diagnosed with DIPG. Sixteen months later, the disease claimed her life.

“Since we lost Amy, I’ve used every ounce of energy to raise money for research that will find the answers to DIPG,” Pedersen says.

Thanks to the Burdekin’s characteristic generosity, Ren is now closer than ever to uncovering those answers.

“The Burdekin now has her fingerprints all over one of the most important projects in Australia’s medical history, for which embattling brain cancer families are eternally grateful,” he says.

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Ren Pedersen OAM, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and Burdekin Chamber Treasurer Kari Ravizza at Tuesday's Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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This past week has been a moving reminder, we are so blessed to have our way of life and we must remember the sacrifices made to have this freedom. Many of us reading this would not have been born but the reminder must be kept alive.
I had the special honour of an invitation to attend events held in Commemorating 80 years since Victory in the Pacific. Listening to the re-enactment of the War is Over Speech brought shivers down my spine. The Joint US/Australian Commemorative Service – 5th USAF Memorial, Kissing Point, Jezzine Barracks watching the hand over of the USA flag and listening to its significance was a proud moment.
Saturday’s parade, described as the “Last March for our Veterans,” was especially emotional. It was inspiring to hear the voices of spirited veterans, including one sweet veteran who was disappointed that he was not the oldest but as it turns out, he was the youngest turning 100 next month.
The commemorations continued with a fantastic aircraft flypast, a VP80 Concert featuring the 1 RAR and 5th USAF Bands, and the Pacific Belles bringing the music of the war years to life. The evening concluded with a Sky Salute of fireworks over the Strand, a fitting tribute to a moment in history we must never forget.
On Monday, I also attended a service at Deep Creek Veterans Retreat for Vietnam Veterans Day. We paused to reflect on the Battle of Long Tan, fought on 18 August 1966, where Australian soldiers showed extraordinary courage against overwhelming odds. This day also reminds us of the hardships many Vietnam veterans faced not only during the war but in the years that followed when they returned home.
On behalf of the Burdekin community, I extend heartfelt thanks to all veterans, for your service, your sacrifice, and your enduring contribution to our nation.
Lest We Forget.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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The  Burdekin Brass Band didn’t disappoint on Sunday with their annual concert combined with the Thuringowa Brass Band. It was a very enjoyable afternoon with entertainment from the Home Hill Choral Society who never disappoint. It was chaired by Ricky Romeo who always has the audience captivated. It would be nice to see the event supported by residents of the Burdekin as it is an annual event.I attended the Vietnam Veterans Day Service at Deep Creek Retreat. It is always an honour to attend this service to pay respect to our Veterans. I enjoy talking and listening to their stories, there are quite a few characters amongst them.David Kramer from the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation will be at the Burdekin Theatre on Monday the 25th August to deliver a powerful message of respect, empathy and prevention through the HALT Program. His message is aimed at Parents, Carers, Teachers, Schools to children over 16. He will honour the memory of Hannah Clarke and her children who were victims of Domestic Violence by educating our next generation with the knowledge and confidence to hopefully stop the cycle of Domestic and family Violence in our homes. It will be a very interesting and informative evening and shouldn’t be missed. Tickets are available online at the Burdekin Theatre.We have some great Services in the Burdekin, BCA and the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre who are always willing to help if you are a Victim of Domestic Violence please reach out.Until next time stay safe

Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years?  Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence.

With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get online and increase your digital literacy and feel more connected.

Our tutors can help you to use a personal computer or your mobile phone, laptop or iPad. Perhaps you would like to do online banking, access information, videos or movies, set up an online account, use social media or email to feel more connected to your friends and the community reducing loneliness and isolation etc.

To learn more, make a booking or become a Tutor, please contact the Team at The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr.  Ph: 4783 3744.  E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran

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