Local schools are being encouraged to submit ideas to improve student travel safety, with nominations now open for the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP).

The Government has committed $4 million this financial year to support new or upgraded road and transport infrastructure around schools. Projects may include improved drop-off zones, shared pathways, pedestrian crossings and bus set-down areas. In its first Budget, the government has allocated $27.5 million over four years to ensure the program continues, following concerns it had been left without future funding.

Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O’Connor said the program plays an important role in creating safe and accessible journeys for students.

"The former Labor Government left no ongoing funding for the School Transport Infrastructure Program, but we stepped in to ensure these critical upgrades can continue to be delivered at schools right across our state,” Acting Minister O’Connor said.

“This program delivers real, on-the-ground improvements making school travel safer and more accessible for our kids.

“I encourage school communities to jump online and put forward their ideas to the Department for Transport and Main Roads about how transport networks around their school safer could be improved.

“We have slightly extended the deadline for applications to 17 November to give schools and local governments a bit more time to complete their nominations.”

“I look forward to seeing these projects delivered across the state in 2026 and beyond, providing children with safe and secure journeys to and from school.”

Schools, community members and road authorities can submit ideas. Forms can be completed and emailed to STIP@tmr.qld.gov.au, with guidelines available through the School Transport Infrastructure Program.

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Funding is now open for government led safer school travel projects (Photo Source: Unsplash)

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Burdekin Catholic High School this week proudly farewell our graduating Class of 2025, a cohort of young people who have led with heart, embraced challenge, and strengthened the spirit of our school community.

Throughout their time at BCHS, this group has been defined by their generosity, spirit, and willingness to step forward as leaders. Whether on the sporting field, in academic pursuits, through service activities, or in the arts, our Year 12 students have left an impression that will echo long after their departure. Their ability to support one another, to rise after setbacks, and to build community has been an inspiration to younger students and staff alike.

Principal Lorraine Wolffe shared her immense pride: “This graduating class has shown us what determination, kindness, and faith in one another can achieve. They leave not only with knowledge and skills, but with the strength of character to shape a future they can be proud of.”

As they now take their next steps, whether into further study, trades, employment, or new adventures, we send them forward with confidence and gratitude. Their achievements belong not only to themselves, but to the families, teachers, and community members who have supported them along the way.

The BCHS community thanks the Class of 2025 for the joy, leadership, and legacy they leave behind. We hold each of them in our prayers as they step into the next chapter, and we look forward to welcoming them back as graduates who continue to live out the Marist values of presence, simplicity, love of work, and family spirit.

Congratulations, Year 12. May the road ahead be filled with purpose, opportunity, and the knowledge that you will always have a home at Burdekin Catholic High School.

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FRONT COVER
Eighth Avenue doubled as a festival runway last Saturday afternoon, as Hollywood rolled onto Home Hill’s front doorstep in the form of 38 exuberantly decorated floats for the Harvest Festival Grand Parade.

Large crowds lined the street as organisations, schools, and local businesses from across the Burdekin region rolled, marched and danced their way through Home Hill's main street, embracing the “Hollywood Elegance” theme with glittering costumes and dazzling floats.

The event, together with the Street Party that followed, marked the grand finale of a memorable Home Hill Harvest Festival, rounding out an action-packed calendar of events.

Harvest Festival Ends with a Bang

In the float awards, the Lions Club and Harvest Queen Ellie Woods took out Best Queen Float, while Stardust Theatre secured Best Float in the non-queen category. Ayr Pony and Hack Club claimed Best Trade Float, St Coleman’s won Best School Float, and Brennan’s Tyrepower walked away with Best Theme Float.

The party then flowed into Watsons Green, where a range of rides, food trucks and live music welcomed attendees with open arms. An energetic performance by North Queensland local and community favourite Luke Geiger had the crowd dancing into the night with classic country hits and originals, as proceedings gradually drew to a close.

The Street Party marked the end of the Home Hill Harvest Festival, which commenced in September with the official launch on the 14th. The festival presented a jam-packed schedule of community events, with the Ephemera, Student Ball, Town of Origin, Derby Day Races and Gala Ball among the community's favourites.

The Harvest Festival has been a longstanding tradition in Home Hill for decades, serving as one of the hallmark events of the Burdekin calendar alongside the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and the Burdekin Water Festival. This year's iteration again showcased the strength and unity of the Burdekin community, with sizeable turnouts at each event marking another positive chapter in the history of the festival.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

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Well, it's official. My first ever Home Hill Harvest Festival, in the books.

Does that qualify me as a local yet?

Well, whether it does or doesn't, I sure felt proud to be a resident as I paced the packed out streets this weekend, photographing all the amazing floats at the highly anticipated Grand Parade. What a turnout. What an event. And all topped off by a near-perfect sunset and the following Street Party.

The two events rounded off another successful Harvest Festival schedule—an amalgamation of the committee’s hard work and the town’s unwavering community support. These are the events that unite small towns like ours, a town so worthy of celebration.

After all, of all the countries, states, and millions of cities and townships around the world, we all live within the same ~30km radius of each other. Different people, different walks of life, brought together for different reasons, but connected geographically, and in a sense, spiritually.

Just living here for the better part of half a year, I've felt myself gravitating toward local customs, ways of life, and even the accent, apparently. My parents told me on the phone the other day that I'm sounding more and more 'regional' by the day. They also noted my adoption of the "ey" after saying thanks. "Thanks, ey!" Who knows, by the time I return to Sydney for Christmas, I might be rocking Cowboys gear with a suitcase full of sugarcane.

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Home Hill State High School has thanked the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch for donating a new water cooler for students.

The school says the contribution is a practical boost, especially in Burdekin heat, giving students reliable access to cold drinking water throughout the year. Staff also noted the donation reflects the strong community support the RSL has consistently shown.

The RSL Sub Branch has a long history of assisting local schools, and this latest gesture reinforces the relationship between the two organisations.

Home Hill State High School publicly thanked the RSL for its ongoing generosity and commitment to local students, saying the support makes a meaningful difference to daily school life.

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The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has received a boost in its ongoing efforts to support local residents, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming its annual donation of $40,400.

Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presented the donation at BCA’s Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2025, recognising the organisation’s vital role in providing essential services across the region.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the contribution reflected the Council’s strong partnership with BCA and its long-standing commitment to the community.

“The Burdekin Community Association provides a lifeline for many residents, offering everything from housing and emergency relief to aged care and community wellbeing programs,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“Council is proud to continue its annual support to ensure BCA can keep delivering these critical services to those who need them most.”

For more than 40 years, the Burdekin Community Association has been a cornerstone of support for residents, offering programs across aged care, housing assistance, domestic and family violence services, volunteer coordination, and broader community support.

Council’s ongoing partnership with BCA ensures that these services remain accessible to those who need them, now and into the future. By sustaining this collaboration, the Council continues to strengthen the social fabric of the Burdekin region, helping families and individuals navigate challenges and access vital resources.

The annual donation is a tangible demonstration of local government working hand-in-hand with community organisations to keep essential services alive and thriving in Burdekin.

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Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presenting the annual donation. Photo credit: Burdekin Shire Council

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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Ayr on Sunday afternoon, 9 November. Emergency services were called to Railway Street at about 3.45pm after reports that a white Kia Sorento had collided with a tree.

The 66-year-old Ayr man driving the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information or dashcam footage is urged to contact police at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or on 131 444 to assist with the investigation.

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As the calendar turns to just over a year since the Queensland state election, Member for Burdekin Dale Last says he remains steadfast in ensuring the Burdekin receives its fair share.

Reflecting on the last 12 months, Mr Last said witnessing progress and delivery of projects the Burdekin community had long advocated for was incredibly rewarding.

“Whether it was improving the safety of our community, providing certainty for the Bowen Boat Harbour or securing a CT scanner for our local hospital, I have been proud to stand beside the Burdekin community and fight for the services and infrastructure we deserve,” Mr Last said.

“2025 has marked my tenth year as the Member for Burdekin and it’s a role that I have
been proud to serve in each day.”

“I have always maintained the Burdekin is an economic powerhouse and that sentiment continues unabated. Following the 2024 election my focus was ensuring this electorate saw the results of its own hard work and that started with ensuring our promises were delivered on.”

The Crisafulli Government’s first budget supported every single election commitment made to the Burdekin with key projects no longer a pipe dream and stronger laws to improve community safety.

“We knew how much Queenslanders were hurting after a decade of Labor’s weak youth crime laws and we acted. In a matter of months after the state election we made Adult Crime, Adult Time law in Queensland and the Crisafulli Government’s focus on community safety has not wavered with Daniel’s Law recently passing through Parliament,” Mr Last said.

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Three Blokes Running (TBR) have once again taken to social media to share a brand-new exciting “game plan” for this month’s Movember Foundation initiative to raise awareness and funds to support men’s mental health!

Campbell Johnston, Brayden Rawlins and Austin Dewar have been on an unstoppable mission to break down stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, pushing the message “it ain’t weak to speak” across the country.

Just last year, the boys debuted their Movember Foundation fundraising team, TBR, online, which attracted thousands of views and messages of support both locally within the Burdekin Shire, and from countless communities across North East Queensland! Over the month of November, Campbell, Brayden and Austin came together to run a mammoth 540 kilometres and collectively raise an outstanding total of $14,000 to support the lifesaving work of the Movember Foundation.

In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, the Movember Foundation prestigiously named Campbell a celebrated Community Ambassador, and nominated TBR for Rookie of the Year, inviting the trio to attend the 2025 Mo Awards in Melbourne.

Now, a year on from TBR’s debut, Campbell, Brayden and Austin have unveiled what’s in store for 2025… “Cards for a Cause”. With a cork board each loaded with a deck of cards listing off mystery challenges ranging from completing a half marathon to swimming kilometres on kilometres in the pool, the trio flip a card each day and get straight into action, vlogging their progress to share online.

“Get behind us boys for another month of running, raising money and starting conversations, and remember, it ain’t weak to speak,” shared Austin.

“We just want to say a massive thank you for all the support, it’s been unreal and keep it coming because we want to get that message out there, raise some awareness and raise some money for some really important research that the Movember Foundation is doing,” said Campbell.

To follow along with the boy’s journey, search Three Blokes Running on social media and to donate to the TBR’s Movember Foundation team visit movember.com/t/three-blokes-running.

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Campbell, Brayden and Austin are taking on the Movember Foundation's month-long challenge for the second consecutive year (Photo Source: Movember Foundation)

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Ayr and Home Hill Honour the Fallen

Ayr and Home Hill communities gathered in solemn reflection on Tuesday, 11 November, as Remembrance Day services honoured all who had served and sacrificed for both the region and Australia.

In Ayr, locals assembled at ANZAC Park for the 10.30am ceremony hosted by the Ayr RSL Sub Branch. Fair weather set the backdrop as Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Councillors joined veterans, families and school representatives in marking the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice.

Pastor Peter Holmes delivered a heartfelt address, acknowledging the generations of servicemen and women whose actions shaped the nation. He then led the crowd in prayer before the traditional proceedings commenced. Wreaths were laid by community groups, the Last Post sounded across the park, and attendees observed a minute’s silence at 11am in honour of those who had lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Across the river, Home Hill residents gathered simultaneously at the Home Hill War Memorial for their own service, coordinated with the same 11am pause for reflection. While the events were held separately, both carried equal significance for the district, reinforcing the Burdekin’s enduring commitment to remembrance.

Both gatherings maintained the simple, respectful traditions that continue to define Remembrance Day across the region.

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Pastor Peter Holmes delivered a heartfelt address, acknowledging the generations of servicemen and women whose actions shaped the nation
Wreaths were laid by community groups, the Last Post sounded across the park, and attendees observed a minute’s silence at 11am in honour of those who had lost their lives
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and councillors joined veterans, families and school representatives in marking the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice
While the events were held separately, both carried equal significance for the district, reinforcing the Burdekin’s enduring commitment to remembrance

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Over the weekend, we celebrated the Harvest Festival Ball and Grand Parade, what a fantastic turnout! My heartfelt congratulations go to all the participants, especially those who were crowned during the festivities. Your enthusiasm and community spirit truly made the event memorable.

On Tuesday 25 November, Burdekin Shire Council will hold a Candlelight Vigil to mark the launch of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

The vigil will take place at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt from 7:00pm, and I warmly invite all community members to attend. This is an opportunity for us to stand together in solidarity with survivors of violence and their families, and to remember those who have tragically lost their lives as a result of domestic and family violence.

Attendees are encouraged to light a candle in remembrance and share in a sense of unity and hope for a safer community. A free sausage sizzle will also be provided. I encourage you to come along and be part of this important movement for change.

As we move into the warmer months, I’d also like to remind everyone to begin preparations for the upcoming disaster season. Now is the perfect time to check your emergency plans, secure your property, and ensure you have all necessary supplies on hand. Community safety is our top priority, and staying prepared is key to facing any challenges that may arise.

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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I had the pleasure of attending the Seniors Luncheon at the Burdekin Memorial Hall last week. It was a fantastic event, thoughtfully organised each year by the Burdekin Shire Council Community Development Team – Tammy Quagliata, Melissah Lammon and Sara Smith. After enjoying a delicious lunch provided by Howie’s Catering, we played Bingo and were thoroughly entertained by Ricky Romeo, who had everyone toe tapping and singing along throughout the arvo.

Another great event is the Garage Sale Trail, which runs over two weekends. It kicked off last weekend and continues this weekend, Saturday 15 November 2025, at the Ayr Showgrounds Hall from 8am to 12pm. Come down to the showgrounds and join Burdekin residents in grabbing a bargain. There’ll be clothes, accessories, and a wide range of household goods – I’m sure there’ll be something for everyone. The possibilities are endless.

The Burdekin Community Association, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Zonta, Police, and Burdekin Shire Council are coming together to hold a Candlelight Vigil for the 16 Days of Activism. We will unite for change and commemorate the lives lost to gender-based violence in Australia. Sadly, statistics in 2025 (up to this date) show that 55 women and 20 children have lost their lives to gendered violence in Australia. The vigil will be held at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt on Tuesday 25 November at 7pm. Please feel free to come along and help us remember those who have lost their lives. By working together, we can combat inequality, change culture, and save lives. Hope to see you there.

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Ayr CIB has maintained active enforcement in the Burdekin region over the past two weeks, with multiple charges, court appearances, and diversion notices issued.

On 26 October, a 44-year-old Home Hill man was charged with four counts of possessing child exploitation material. He is scheduled to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 15 December.

Drug-related offences have also been a focus. On 2 November, a 49-year-old Ayr man received a drug diversion after being found in possession of methamphetamine and cannabis. The following day, a 37-year-old Ayr man was issued a Notice to Appear in Court for possession of methamphetamine, while a 43-year-old man received a similar drug diversion.

Other offences included a 39-year-old Ayr woman, issued a Notice to Appear for possession of drug utensils and a knife in a public place, and a 43-year-old Ayr woman charged with weapons offences after being found with knuckledusters. On 4 November, a 49-year-old man was arrested for producing and possessing dangerous drugs, as well as failing to take reasonable care, while a 48-year-old man received a Notice to Appear for cannabis possession.

On 6 November, a 36-year-old Ayr man received a drug warning for possession of dangerous drugs and drug utensils. Police continue to urge community vigilance and compliance with local laws.

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The Burdekin Craft Spectacular Markets will be held on Saturday, 29 November, at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, Ninth Avenue, Home Hill, from 9 am to 2 pm. The event is hosted by the Burdekin Uniting Church and showcases the creativity and talent of local residents.

Visitors can explore a wide range of craft stalls, watch free demonstrations, enjoy a Children’s Treasure Hunt with prizes, and sample food in the dining room, including the popular High Tea Trolley. A cake stall and book stall will also operate on the day.

Adult entry is $5 cash, with children under 12 free. Group bookings of 10 or more are available at a discounted rate, including morning tea, and must be made in advance via email.

The markets provide an ideal opportunity for Christmas shopping or finding unique gifts. Adults and children are invited to enter a creative competition to hand-make a model village or small-town building. Entries should be shoebox-sized or smaller and can use cardboard, wood, clay, paddle pop sticks, or gingerbread. Entry is $2, which counts as the first vote; public voting via gold coin donations will determine the winners. Proceeds go to Burdekin School Chaplains.

Entries should be delivered to the hall on Friday, 28 November between 3–7 pm, or by 8 am on the day.
For more information, email burdekincraftspectacular@gmail.com or call Judy Berryman on 0428 877 883.

WHAT: Burdekin Craft Spectacular Markets
WHEN: Saturday, 29 November, 9am-2pm
WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall, Ninth Avenue, Home Hill

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Thank you to all growers who nominated Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI marketer for the 2026 season.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the growing number of new growers who have chosen Wilmar for the first time. We don’t take any nomination, new or existing, for granted and remain committed to delivering strong returns, flexible products and personalised service to maintain your trust in this vital part of your business.

This year has been particularly challenging on the pricing front. Just 8 months ago, the March 26 futures contract was trading close to 20 USc/lb, with the AUD sugar price above $650/t. We are now facing a $465/t price and futures at 14 USc/lb.

Our recent October Pool results have reinforced our decision to relaunch the Managed Pool as the Managed Pool Plus (MPP) with the key difference being its extended time horizon for price management compared to the Production Risk Pool (PRP).

At the end of October, the MPP was forecast at $560/t Actual versus the PRP at $515/t. During the month, the 2025 Season price fell by about $70/t Actual, while the MPP dropped $40/t and the PRP $60/t, reflecting the MPP’s higher hedge profile.

The Grower Marketing team are fielding lots of enquiries from growers seeking guidance on sugar price outlooks. While no one can predict prices with certainty, our analysts expect global sugar stocks to build over the next 12 to 18 months due to large crops in India and Brazil, assuming normal weather.

Ethanol remains another key factor, with prices influenced by oil markets, relative feedstock prices, and government regulation. The recent dip in sugar prices below 14 USc/lb has already prompted some Brazilian mills to switch from sugar to ethanol, showing price signals are working to rebalance supply and demand.

Across all regions, growers are underpriced for the 2025 season, and even more so for 2026. While that is a challenge shared across the industry, it is important to look ahead. If you could lock in $525/t today for the 2025 season, would you take it? The 2028 season has that price available now, and pricing even a small portion early can help manage risk and secure a solid base as markets evolve.

The AUD Sugar price has dropped considerably since it’s last high in April over $650/t to recent lows under $460/t

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