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A since-removed mobile CCTV trailer was redeployed to the Bruce Highway and Giddy Road intersection late July as part of an ongoing review of driver behaviour at the site. Photo: Jacob Casha
A Burdekin intersection responsible for regular “near misses" and "multiple casualty crashes” is back under the microscope as state authorities continue monitoring the notorious location.
A mobile CCTV trailer was redeployed to the Bruce Highway and Giddy Road intersection late July as part of an ongoing review of driver behaviour at the site.
It follows earlier video monitoring efforts which led the Department to recommend a 10km/h speed reduction around the intersection based on professional engineering judgement, contrasting with initial technical reviews that supported maintaining the existing 100 km/h limit.
Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor and Road Safety Committee Chair Max Musumeci was quick to reiterate Council’s opposition to the speed reduction. Councillors instead unanimously passed a motion in June requesting that TMR prioritise funding for the detailed design and construction of an intersection upgrade.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson has since clarified that “no recommendation has been endorsed” at this stage.
"All speed limit changes on the state-controlled road network go through a formal review and endorsement process by the local Speed Management Committee," the spokesperson said.
The regional committee comprises representatives from state transport authorities, Queensland Police, and the Burdekin Shire Council, with Council initiating the current speed review.
Investigations have identified driver behaviour as the primary safety issue—particularly gap acceptance, where a driver misjudges whether a gap in traffic is large enough to safely turn or merge, alongside failure to give way when entering the highway.
The spokesperson said data from the most recent footage will “contribute to the development of a range of treatments to improve safety at this intersection and its approaches.”
“As the review is still underway, TMR is not in a position to comment on potential outcomes,” the spokesperson added.

Queensland has passed new laws increasing penalties for dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, extreme speeding and other high-risk behaviour on the state’s roads. Photo: QPS
Queensland has passed new laws increasing penalties for dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, extreme speeding and other high-risk behaviour on the state’s roads.
The Criminal Code (Dangerous Driving) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 will replace existing dangerous driving offences with a four-category framework covering motor vehicles and alternative modes of transport.
The reforms increase maximum prison terms to up to seven years for some offences where no death or grievous bodily harm occurs, and up to 25 years where death or grievous bodily harm results.
Minimum licence disqualification periods will also increase, with tougher consequences for serious, aggravated and repeat offending.
Mandatory imprisonment will apply in a broader range of circumstances for serious and repeat dangerous driving offences.
Separate changes under the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 will also take effect from 1st December.
Drug-driving penalties will double, while combined drink and drug-driving offences will attract stronger penalties and minimum court-imposed fines.
Drivers caught travelling more than 40km/h over the speed limit will face an immediate six-month licence suspension.
Seatbelt enforcement will also change, allowing drivers to nominate adult passengers so responsibility can be assigned to the appropriate person.
Further changes in 2027 will streamline roadside drug testing and introduce a mandatory drug-driving education program for repeat offenders.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the reforms targeted behaviours contributing to road deaths.
“Queensland’s road toll has been trending upwards for far too long, and our laws target the behaviours killing people on our roads,” he said.

Two people were taken to Townsville Hospital following a two-vehicle crash in Home Hill on Wednesday, 16th September.
The crash occurred about 2.50pm at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Kirknie Road, with one vehicle rolling onto its roof.
Police said initial investigations indicated one of the drivers failed to give way, with inquiries into the cause of the crash ongoing.
Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Police Service responded to the incident.
As of Monday, 21st September, Ayr Police were unable to provide further information about the injuries sustained by the drivers.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP met with veterans at Parliament House who travelled to Canberra to call on the Labor Government to scrap its proposed $5,000 cap on DVA allied health care. Photo supplied
The Federal Government has scrapped a proposed $5,000 annual threshold for veterans’ allied health services after consultation with the veteran community.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced the decision on 17th September, saying the Government had heard concerns about the proposal and would remove the threshold from its planned reforms.
The $5,000 threshold was announced in the 2026 Federal Budget alongside a $169.7 million investment to increase fees paid to allied health providers from July 2027. The original proposal would have replaced the existing requirement for veterans to obtain a new GP referral after every 12 allied health sessions with a review once treatment reached $5,000.
Mr Keogh said the Government would maintain its planned increase to allied health fees while consulting veterans and providers on another way to reduce administrative requirements and maintain oversight of treatment.
“We have been listening carefully and today, the Government is taking the proposed $5,000 threshold off the table,” he said.
“[The Government] has a deep respect for our veterans who have, and who continue to serve our country. Anyone who pulls on our nation's uniform to serve in our name deserves nothing less.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox welcomed the decision, saying he had spoken to veterans across the electorate about their concerns with the proposal.
“This is a win for our veterans,” Mr Willcox said.
“The message from veterans was simple... this cap should never have happened. Today, the Government has finally listened.”
The Coalition MP also criticised the Government for introducing the threshold and said the policy had created “worry and uncertainty” for veterans.
Mr Willcox called for Mr Keogh to stand down over the proposal, with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan also welcoming the Government’s decision.
The Government said it would continue consulting with veterans and allied health providers on the revised arrangements.

The Back to School Boost has already provided more than $36.9 million in funding directly to primary school students so far this year. Photo: Ayr State School
Contributed by the Office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last
As school students continue to soak up holiday fun, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has sounded a reminder for parents that it’s not too late to access school-based cost of living relief.
The Crisafulli Government’s Back to School Boost has already provided more than $36.9 million in funding directly to primary school students so far this year.
Mr Last said the $100 credit for each primary school student was able to be used right throughout the year for school-related expenses including uniforms, stationery and excursions.
“We’re providing real support for families with targeted funding relief while ensuring every child, no matter their circumstances, has the resources they need to succeed at school,” Mr Last said.
“This plan sees $330million in support for families across five years with the Back to School Boost set to increase by 50 per cent in 2027 to $150 per primary student.”
Mr Last said the Crisafulli Government’s efforts to make sure every family had the chance to access the funding when they needed it meant there was not a ‘use it or lose it’ clause.
“While there is still time for families to use their $100 credit in Term 4 we know families face many of those school resourcing costs as we prepare to go back to school for the new year.”
“It’s why the Crisafulli Government has allowed for a students unexpended Back to School Boost to roll over, it means you have the control to use the funding when it benefits your family the most.”
“As we roll in to the final Term of the 2026 school year I want to wish students all the best and offer my thanks to our hardworking principals, teachers, teacher aides, cleaners, administration staff and groundskeepers for their dedication and hard work.”

The Burdekin could not get enough of online sensation ‘Catman’ as he pedalled his way into Ayr last week. Photo: Jacob Casha.
The Burdekin could not get enough of online sensation ‘Catman’ as he pedalled his way down Ayr’s Queen Street last week—the latest leg of a 9,000km journey around the country.
The alter-ego of Japanese traveller Kentaro Jin, Catman made headlines in March after pushing a wheelbarrow of his belongings from Carnarvon, Western Australia to Sydney, amassing over one million social media followers along the two-and-a-half-year hike.
After deciding he wasn’t ready for the expedition to end in Sydney, Kentaro set off once again in his trademark leopard-print onesie, this time cycling his way up the east coast before flipping the kickstand down in Ayr at 11am last Friday.
And it wasn’t long before locals noticed. Within hours of his arrival, Kentaro had been offered meals, drinks, and accommodation for the night in a showing of what he called “fantastic” community support.
“[The kindness] has been amazing,” Kentaro said, admitting he had already become a big fan of the town.
“I got to walk around a little bit, talk to children. It's really great.”
Ayrline Hotel Manager Melissa Hitchcock, who provided Kentaro a complimentary room, said locals had flocked to the site all afternoon to catch a glimpse of the social media star—and her “most famous guest.”
“When he arrived here [at around 1.30pm], we had like, a thousand people come in. Within five minutes, someone ran in and gave him some money and a balloon,” she quipped.
“My kids even rang me: ‘Mum, you’ve got Catman staying at the motel!’”
As a result of that demand, Ms Hitchcock announced a designated meet-and-greet opportunity at Queens Hotel that afternoon, which she said was well-attended.
She called Kentaro's willingness to interact with children “inspirational.”
“He’s just full of life,” Ms Hitchcock said.
"He was so happy to greet the kids … who were knocking on his door every 10 to 15 minutes. He's definitely an inspiration with the following he's got.”
Interestingly, it was the children he has encountered on his cross-country voyage that gave it a real purpose.
It’s an adventure Kentaro said began with no particular goal back in 2023. He arrived in Australia eager to satisfy a long-standing itch to travel, after his then-girlfriend broke off the relationship with him in Japan.
The devastation bred determination, and his aimless voyage across Australia became a fundraiser for childhood cancer research, inspired by the kids and families he met along the way. It has since raised more than $70,000.
Still active today, you can donate to Kentaro's cause here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/catman6701

Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin pipped a statewide field of local government leaders to ‘Manager of the Year’ honours. Photos supplied: Burdekin Shire Council
Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin pipped a statewide field of local government leaders to ‘Manager of the Year’ honours at a ceremony in Brisbane earlier this month.
Presented by Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) at its Annual Local Government Conference on 10th September, the award recognised Mr Magin’s “outstanding leadership and management excellence” and contributions to the Burdekin community.
“Matthew is a highly deserving LGMA Manager of the Year Award winner… [and his] leadership sets a strong benchmark for Queensland local government,” an LGMA spokesperson said.
“He provides clear direction while remaining connected to the people who must deliver it. That is what makes his leadership credible and enduring.”
Having attended the previous 15 LGMA Annual Local Government Conferences with no silverware to show for it, Mr Magin described this year’s recognition as overwhelming, if not a “complete and utter shock.”
“I wasn’t even aware I was a nominee,” Mr Magin said, adding that a trio of nominators—whose identities were “sworn to secrecy”—revealed themselves after his victory.
“I go to these every year, listening to all the other nominations being read out. This year, it was fortunate that it was mine.

“To be up on the stage, looking out at all of the previous winners in the audience and knowing what good managers they are—to be included in that company was incredibly humbling.”
Mr Magin was appointed Burdekin Shire Council CEO in September 2024 after an earlier stint in the role from 2014-2016, with an eight-year spell as CEO of Balonne Shire Council in between.
The past year has seen him oversee the finalisation of the $55 million South Ayr Filtration Plant and the completion of the Anzac Park Pump Track.
However, Mr Magin said the award recognised the entire Council organisation and its engagement with the community rather than “just projects you can cut a ribbon for.”
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the recognition was “fitting and well-deserved.”
“Matthew leads with professionalism, integrity and a genuine desire to achieve the very best outcomes for our community. His leadership extends well beyond the workplace, and his impact can be seen across the community,” she said.
“Although he may not have grown up here, he has embraced the Burdekin as if he has been part of it his entire life. He treats our community with genuine care and respect, and that connection is reflected in everything he does.”

Brandon Bowls Club members Jayson Farry (centre), Jamie Woods (left) and David DeFranciscis (right) on the club greens. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
A whole community stood behind Jayson Farry and the Brandon Bowls Club last weekend as its charity bowls event more than tripled its $10,000 fundraising target. Inspired by Jayson Farry's recent brain cancer diagnosis, the event raised more than $30,000 for two prominent cancer foundations.

(L-R) Brandon Bowls Club members Leo Kenny, Jayson Farry, Jamie Woods, Ben Mills, and David DeFranciscis. Photo: Jacob Casha
A Brandon Bowls Club charity event raised more than $30,000 for cancer care last Saturday, tripling its original $10,000 target as guests enjoyed social bowls under the stars.
Around 300 people packed the club’s Toll Street venue for the event, bowling in support of club member Jayson Farry, who was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year.
Raised through gate fees, beanie and hat sales and a “hugely successful” auction, all proceeds will be sent to the Mark Hughes Foundation and Brighter Lives Townsville—the latter dedicating the funds to journals for cancer patients.
Event organiser and emcee David DeFranciscis said the event was one of the “biggest ever hosted by the club.”
“It was just the Burdekin at its best,” he said.
“It was also the atmosphere. Everyone was laughing and joking, everyone got on with everyone—it was just one big, special night.
David estimated 70 non-bowlers stepped up to the mat on the night, while others enjoyed the live music and social atmosphere.
The event also saw Brighter Lives Townsville representative Stephanie Norton deliver a special address; David said her words were instrumental to the success of the fundraiser and raising awareness for the foundation.
“I think a lot of people were surprised by Brighter Lives and what they do. Stephanie spoke very well and inspired everyone,” he said.
Despite smashing fundraising targets, David said night’s greatest success was bringing the community together for Jayson and his family.
“It was a little bit sad that we had to have a brain cancer diagnosis for everyone to get together,” he said.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if we did something like this just to get together as a community without a reason?”
He said the event’s overall success inspired the to make it an annual affair, although admitted Saturday’s edition set a high bar.
“We’re still recovering from the weekend,” David laughed.
"We will probably do something next year, but it probably won't be as big.”

Year 11 students at Burdekin Catholic High School took the lead on R U OK? Day, hosting a school-wide community BBQ breakfast. Photo: BCHS
Year 11 students at Burdekin Catholic High School took the lead on R U OK? Day on 10th September, hosting a school-wide community BBQ breakfast aimed at fostering connection and highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.
Held annually on the second Thursday of September, R U OK? Day is a national day of action encouraging Australians to connect meaningfully with people in their lives and start conversations that could save a life. The initiative highlights how simple, regular check-ins can support anyone navigating life's ups and downs.
The morning event brought BCHS students and staff together over fresh food, creating an open space to start the day with open dialogue.
“It was so much more than a breakfast,” a school spokesperson said.
"Our students took the time to check in with one another, have conversations and make sure people knew they were not alone.”
School leadership praised the senior students for their initiative, kindness, and leadership, noting that their efforts embodied the college's core values.
While R U OK? Day serves as an annual national benchmark, the school community encouraged everyone across the Burdekin region to make checking in on friends, family, and colleagues a regular habit.

Carla Healy earned her place on the week-long tour after topping Raine & Horne's “The Sky's The Limit” leaderboards, which recognise the network's highest-performing representatives. Photo supplied
Raine & Horne Ayr principal Carla Healy has returned from an exclusive study tour in Singapore after being selected as one of eight top performers from across Australia.
Carla earned her place on the week-long tour after topping Raine & Horne's “The Sky's The Limit” leaderboards, which recognise the network's highest-performing representatives.
The tour gave Carla the chance to explore Singapore's real estate industry, urban planning and property developments while connecting with other Raine & Horne representatives from across the country.
Hosted by Raine & Horne Executive Chairman Angus Raine and CEO Chris Nicholl, the group visited Singapore real estate company Hutton's to learn about local market trends, urban development and business growth.
They also visited the Urban Redevelopment Authority's URA Gallery, as well as developments including Aurea at Golden Mile and W Residences Singapore.
Carla said the experience provided an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day running of her Ayr business and gain a different perspective on the industry.
She described the tour as “an experience like no other”, and said she enjoyed celebrating the achievement alongside the wider Raine & Horne network.
The itinerary also included visits to Sentosa Island and Mandai Wildlife Reserve, along with a guided food and history tour through Geylang and a farewell lunch overlooking the city skyline at Level33.
Carla will now travel to Hamilton Island for Raine & Horne's national conference, joining representatives from across Australia for several days of speakers, events and networking.
“Now off to our Conference which is being held on the glorious Hamilton Island, which will be filled with guest speakers and R&H family Australia-wide,” she said.
“There’s lots to participate in with a celebratory cruise on the MY RASCAL to enjoy. Can't wait!”

Sixteen volunteers got busy sewing in Ayr last Sunday morning, hand-crafting 42 care packs for cancer patients during Zonta Club Burdekin's annual sewing bee. Photos: Jacob Casha.
Sixteen volunteers got busy stitching in Ayr last Sunday morning, hand-crafting 42 breast care cushion sets for cancer patients during Zonta Club Burdekin's annual sewing bee.
The group of volunteers—made up of Zonta members and Friends of Zonta—worked steadily from 9am to produce the sets, each containing a cushion, a drainage or totem bag, and a shower bag.
The sets will be delivered on demand to the Mater’s North Queensland Minimally Invasive Surgery (NQMIS) Consulting Suites and Townsville University Hospital, where they’ll be given to people with breast cancer or melanoma, or those who have undergone a mastectomy or lymph node removal from the armpit or groin.

Breast Cushion Coordinator Karen Clarke said the packs were about “spreading joy to those who are going through treatment.”
“Breast cancer affects everybody. This is just to provide that little bit of comfort,” she said.
“A woman leaves the hospital and she’s in pain. She needs a cushion to put under her arm when she’s watching the television or has a seatbelt on. So this is just a great personal aid.

Some packs this year were made with darker colours for men.
Karen said the packs were often felt well beyond Townsville.
“We often get thank you cards from people who have received them—some from as far as Weipa. It just touches everybody.”

(L-R) Clive Williams, Rita Zappulla, Brien Leibinger, John McVeigh. Photo supplied.
Contributed with thanks by the Rotary Club of Ayr
The Burdekin’s two Rotary clubs proudly welcomed Rotary International District Governor Rita Zappulla last Sunday for a special visit celebrating local service, fellowship and the inspiring contribution Rotarians make to their community.
During her visit, Ms Zappulla met individually with Ayr Rotary President John McVeigh and Home Hill Rotary President Clive Williams before joining a full combined meeting of 23 Rotarians from both clubs at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club.
As District Governor, Ms Zappulla supports 80 Rotary clubs and more than 1,800 members across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste. Her Burdekin visit allowed both presidents to share their clubs’ major projects, milestones and ideas for strengthening Rotary’s contribution to the Burdekin community.
Ms Zappulla said one of the greatest privileges of her role was representing the district and celebrating the remarkable work Rotarians were doing in their communities. She praised the dedication of Burdekin Rotarians and the strong local support helping both clubs turn their ideas into meaningful action.
“I’ve been so gratified by the generosity of Burdekin businesses and individuals who have contributed so handsomely to supporting their projects,” she said. “This community is the very best.”
Ayr Rotary expects three of its major fundraising initiatives—the Community Raffle, Burdekin Phone Book and Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race—to raise a combined $70,000 for local, national and international causes.
Because the club covers the raffle’s operating costs, local not-for-profit organisations keep every dollar from the tickets they sell. Ayr Rotary President John McVeigh said up to $50,000 would go to local sporting clubs, school P&Cs and churches.
“All 10,000 raffle tickets have been distributed,” he said.
“The raffle will be drawn on 14th November.”
Home Hill Rotary is working towards a $40,000 all-terrain vehicle that would help Home Hill and Ayr police officers reach remote areas across the Burdekin. President Clive Williams said the club was building on the successful 18-month tenure of lifelong Rotarian Alfio Musumeci.
“We’re coming home strong,” Mr Williams said.
“With the success of the Harvest Festival Mega Markets and Harvest Festival Queen Maddy Gallagher’s fundraising, we’ll make it.”
Residents who would like to meet new people, share their skills and make a practical difference in the Burdekin are warmly encouraged to connect with either the Ayr Rotary Club or the Home Hill Rotary Club.

With a strong focus on practical skills, industry experience, and employability, Burdekin Catholic High School’s Vocational Learning Program is helping prepare students for successful careers across a wide range of fields Photos supplied
Contributed with thanks by Burdekin Catholic High School
Burdekin Catholic High School continues to lead the way in providing senior students with diverse opportunities through its Vocational Learning Program for Years 10–12. With a strong focus on practical skills, industry experience, and employability, the program is helping prepare students for successful careers across a wide range of fields.
The school offers a suite of dedicated vocational subjects, including Industrial Graphics, Industrial Technologies, Sport and Recreation, Hospitality and Business, which complement Essential English and Mathematics studies. These subjects provide a robust foundation in both academic and practical learning, ensuring students are equipped with the exact knowledge and capabilities needed beyond the classroom.
A key highlight of the program is the delivery of nationally recognised qualifications directly on campus. Students can undertake a CPC20220 Certificate II in Construction Pathways through the school’s specialised Trade Training Centre, gaining hands-on experience in a purpose-built facility. In addition, the SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality is delivered in the school’s industry-standard Hospitality Centre, preparing students for real-world careers in food service and hospitality.
Burdekin Catholic High School also strongly supports students pursuing School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs). Students are engaged in apprenticeships with local employers, combining their classroom learning with valuable workplace experience.

Beyond the school grounds, students benefit from strong regional partnerships. Many attend TAFE Queensland’s Home Hill campus one day per week to study specialised fields such as Automotive and Electrotechnology. These industry partnerships allow students to gain high-demand skills in sectors that are both locally significant and nationally vital.
Principal, Lorraine Wolffe said the Vocational Learning Program reflects the school’s deep commitment to catering to a broad range of post-schooling options.
“Our goal is to ensure every student leaves Burdekin Catholic High School confident in their abilities and equipped with skills that will open doors for their future, whether that be university, further training, or direct employment,” Mrs. Wolffe said.
With a strong blend of classroom learning, industry-standard training, and hands-on workplace experience, Burdekin Catholic High School is proud to provide pathways that prepare students not only for immediate employment, but for long-term, meaningful careers.

“We want our students to be curious, adventurous and willing to have a go.” Photo supplied.
Contributed with thanks by Ayr State School
At Ayr State School, we do things differently — and we are proud of that.
We are serious about learning. Reading is one of our highest priorities. We are committed to ensuring every child develops the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to become a successful reader. Our teachers continually strengthen their practice, use evidence and student data to guide teaching, and work together to make sure every student is supported to make progress.
But we also believe that a great education is about much more than what happens behind a desk.
It is about giving children experiences they will remember.
Recently, our 5/6 students swapped the classroom for fishing rods, campfires and an inflatable water park during an overnight camp at the Barra Fun Park. Earlier, our 3/4s camped at Billabong Sanctuary, getting up close with Australian wildlife and learning in an environment very different from their everyday classroom.
We want our students to be curious, adventurous and willing to have a go. We want them to experience their local and regional community whilst building memories alongside their friends and teachers.
Because some of the most important learning at school doesn't come from a worksheet.
It happens when a child catches a barramundi for the first time, overcoming their nerves and trying something new. When they help a friend, sit around a campfire together or discover an animal they have only seen in a book. They realise, I can do this.
These experiences build something that matters enormously to us at Ayr State: belonging.
We want every child to feel known, valued and connected. Camps, sporting opportunities, celebrations, excursions, house activities and the many other experiences we create throughout the year give students opportunities to form relationships and discover where they fit within our school community.
And when children feel that they belong, they are more willing to participate, take risks, persevere and learn.
That same philosophy sits behind our approach to reading. We don't want children simply to do reading. We want them to see themselves as readers. We celebrate their growth, explicitly teach the skills they need, provide support when learning becomes difficult and keep expectations high.
Our goal is not to create a school where every child has exactly the same experience.
It is to create a school where every child has the opportunity to succeed, to belong and to experience something extraordinary.
That means carefully planned, evidence-informed reading instruction as well as a fishing rod, barramundi or standing beside a crocodile at Billabong Sanctuary!
That's Ayr State School.
We learn. We belong. We have a go. And sometimes, we do school a little differently.