Ayr State High School has congratulated its 2026 student leadership team, who have already been carrying out their duties since their induction at last year’s Academic Awards ceremony. The school acknowledged the students’ commitment and leadership, recognising the important role they play in representing their peers and contributing to school life. Leading the 2026 cohort are School Captains Caitlyn Cheyne and Ayden Barnett, supported by School Vice Captains Karina Guglielmi and Charlie Shears. Other leadership positions include Ashlee Colls as Sports Vice Captain, Allegra Tallis as Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain, Sarah as Cultural Vice Captain, and Tiana Cameron as Community Service Vice Captain. The leaders were formally presented to the school community during the 2025 awards night held last October, marking a proud moment for students, staff and families as the team continues its leadership journey throughout the year. CAPTION: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Allegra Tallis, Sports Vice Captain Ashlee Colls, School Vice-Captain Karina Guglielmi, School Captain Caitlyn Cheyne, School Captain Ayden Barnett, School Vice-Captain Charlie Shears, Community Service Vice Captain Tiana Cameron and Cultural Vice Captain Sarah. Photo supplied
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For many Burdekin parents, the phrase “stranger danger” brings back memories of warning children not to talk to unfamiliar adults on the walk home from school. Today, those strangers are no longer confined to parks or shopping centres—they can appear instantly on a child’s phone or tablet screen. The eSafety Commissioner has issued a fresh Online Safety Advisory highlighting the risks posed by anonymous “random chat” apps, where users are paired with strangers for live video or text conversations. Platforms such as Omegle, Chatroulette, HOLLA, Monkey and OmeTV are designed for spontaneity and global connection. While Omegle shut down in late 2023, others remain active and accessible in Australia. The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Anonymous chat apps allow people to connect instantly, often with minimal registration requirements and limited age verification. Users are randomly paired, live video can expose children to explicit material within seconds, and anonymity enables predators to hide their identity and intentions. Conversations may also be recorded and misused without consent. Omegle became notorious for pairing minors with adults engaging in sexual behaviour. In 2022 alone, the platform reportedly flagged more than 500,000 instances of child sexual abuse material. In a high-profile United States case, an 11-year-old girl was coerced into creating explicit content. Omegle later settled legal action for US$22 million before shutting down. Its founder acknowledged the platform had been misused for “unspeakably heinous crimes”. eSafety said the problem is not new, but is worsening. Children now carry video-enabled devices everywhere, pandemic lockdowns increased unsupervised screen time, and evolving technology—including AI and real-time video—makes harmful interactions harder to moderate. Under the Online Safety Act 2021, eSafety has powers to enforce Basic Online Safety Expectations, require companies to improve moderation systems and order the removal of unlawful content within 24 hours. The regulator recently issued a formal warning to OmeTV’s provider for allegedly failing to meet mandatory requirements under Australian law. Apple and Google have also been notified, as both companies are required to act if apps available in their stores breach Australian legislation. Penalties of up to $49.5 million are available under the Act. eSafety’s guidance to families is practical and direct. Parents and carers are encouraged to use device-level parental controls such as Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, block high-risk sites, and consider monitoring tools. Just as importantly, they should talk openly with children about online interactions, reinforce rules about sharing personal information, and ensure young people know how to block and report users. The advisory stresses that responsibility should not fall on families alone. Technology companies are being urged to implement stronger age assurance measures, properly resource moderation teams and design platforms with safety at the forefront. For regional communities like the Burdekin, where children are growing up as digitally connected as their city counterparts, online safety begins at home and requires a united effort from parents, schools, industry and regulators alike. CAPTION: The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Photo source: iStock
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Residents across the Burdekin and Whitsunday Shires, alongside the Molongle Creek Boat Club Inc. (MCBC) and the wider Cape Upstart community are calling on the State Government to honour its 2021 commitment to provide and maintain all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The Molongle Creek access channel is the only marine gateway to Cape Upstart, home to approximately 240 private properties that are accessible by sea only. Despite decades of volunteer investment and a formal handover to the government, thousands of locals are pushing for action, stressing the integral role the channel plays in connecting Cape Upstart with essential services and access to the mainland. Surveys have exhibited 15,000 to 20,000 vessels annually utilise the channel, which includes locals, visitors, fishers and caravan park users. Despite its importance, locals say the channel no longer provides reliable all-tide access, contrary to commitments made during the 2016 state election and formalised during a 2021 handover. “The lack of all-tide access severely restricts people’s access to their properties at Cape Upstart,” highlighted Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore, Ken Betteridge. Currently, there’s no alternative all-tide public boating access between Townsville and Bowen, making Molongle Creek critical regional infrastructure. A Facility Built by Volunteers The Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) was formed in 1962, with the aim of improving boating access for both members and the wider public. Over the past several decades, the facility has been developed and maintained almost entirely through volunteer labour, private funding and club-owned machinery. Early attempts to maintain access involved reshaping natural channels, with club members using dozers, excavators and, in some cases, explosives to create viable passage through shifting sands. When those efforts failed due to natural sediment movement, the club established the current channel alignment, again through volunteer work. MCBC volunteers have carried out annual maintenance for years using a Komatsu swamp dozer owned by the club, however, increasing environmental restrictions, permit changes and rising costs eventually made self-maintenance untenable. Election Promise and Handover In the lead-up to the 2016 state election, both major parties committed to delivering an all-tide access channel at Molongle Creek. That commitment culminated in a tri-party Deed of Agreement between the State Government, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Molongle Creek Boat Club. As part of the agreement, the club was required to surrender its lease and gift all sea- and land-based assets to the State and Local Government, allowing public funds to be spent on the facility. A formal valuation placed the value of those assets at $2.84 million. In 2021, the Molongle Boating Facility was officially handed over to State Government control, with the expectation government would develop and maintain the all-tide access channel, boat ramps, pontoon and trailer parking in line with other public boating facilities across Queensland. Design Concerns and Infill Issues According to long-standing club members, concerns were raised during the design phase that the chosen alignment would be vulnerable to flooding and sediment infill from Molongle Creek, particularly during wet seasons. Locals advocated for an alternative alignment further east, or the construction of a protective bund wall to shield the channel from flood flows. Those concerns, they say, were ignored. “Molongle Creek Boat Club’s lobbying secured funding for an all-tide channel, however, due to various government departments, the placement of the channel was restricted to where it is now,” Mr Betteridge said. “The choice presented to us was a channel where it is – or was – or no channel at all. We knew it would be problematic, but MCBC had no choice but to accept. There’s been a lot of money spent, and the result is disappointing to say the least.” Within months of the channel’s completion, wet-season flooding filled the channel with sediment, significantly reducing depth. While bed levelling in 2022 and 2023 temporarily improved access, a major wet season in 2024 again rendered the channel largely unusable. No maintenance funding has been allocated since. As a result, access windows have narrowed dramatically. Club members say the channel was once usable on a 1.7-metre tide; now, small vessels require tides of 2.4 metres or higher, eliminating daylight access on many days. “All-tide access?” one local asked. “It’s anything but.” Safety Concerns Escalate The lack of reliable access has raised serious safety concerns, particularly given the demographics of Cape Upstart and peak holiday periods when usage surges. Over the years, residents have been forced to transport injured or ill people by boat to meet ambulances at Molongle Creek, but only when tides allow. When tides are out, emergency helicopters have been relied upon, though they are not always available. “Over the years, there have been quite a few medical incidences where the access to Molongle Creek was tidally available – if no tide, the emergency helicopter was luckily available,” said Mr Betteridge. In one recent incident, two young boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish at Kingfish Bay, however, fortunately, the tide allowed access back through Molongle Creek, yet locals say the outcome could have been far worse had the tide been out. After Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) crews conducting welfare checks were forced to use Wallace’s Creek instead of Molongle due to the channel’s condition, a longer, more exposed and potentially dangerous route. A spokesperson for the State Emergency Service said the agency remained committed to community safety. “The State Emergency Service (SES) is committed to working with the Molongle Creek and Cape Upstart communities to provide essential services to the region and maintaining community safety,” the spokesperson said. “The SES operates within a broader disaster management framework and works closely with partner agencies to deliver safe and effective responses to the community during severe weather events.” Calls for Practical Solutions The Molongle Creek Boat Club maintains that solutions already exist. Chief among them is the construction of a bund or barrier wall, either from rock or geotextile bags filled with dredged sand, a method already proven at the site, where a small geotextile wall has successfully reduced infill for more than 25 years. Club members argue such a barrier would significantly reduce sediment movement, extend the time between dredging cycles and deliver the year-round access originally promised. “There are approximately 240 dwellings at Cape Upstart that use molongle Creek as their main, and only access port – a 365 day all-tide access channel will definitely improve the safety of the whole community,” said Mr Betteridge. “We need a bund wall sooner rather than later, and MCBC along with the bulk of the public community know that a bund wall is the only solution to keep the channel open 365 days a year.” Local State Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said responsibility for the failed delivery rested with the former government. “The former government went to the 2017 election with a commitment to provide all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The unfortunate reality is that they failed to deliver on their promise,” Mr Last said. “I have supported the campaign for all-tide access since the very beginning, largely based on the need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly, rather than waiting for tides. The assurance that I have given, and stand by, is that I will continue to work with stakeholders for a better outcome for all users of Molongle Creek.” He said concerns raised by the boat club during the design phase were ignored. “Promises were made and expectations were built on those promises. Clearly those expectations were not met and, clearly, the promises made were broken.” Mr Last acknowledged ongoing challenges related to permits and environmental approvals but said Maritime Safety Queensland had committed to working with stakeholders on a long-term management strategy. “There are a range of issues affecting the ability to undertake maintenance at Molongle Creek. If the input from the Molongle Creek Boat Club was given the attention it deserved, many of the issues we face today would not exist,” he said. “Despite the challenges, the Club has been given a direct commitment that Maritime Safety Queensland will work closely with them and key stakeholders to develop and implement a long-term management strategy.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the Molongle Creek boating facility was a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters, particularly for emergency access. “The Molongle Creek boating facility is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters; it is especially significant for safety, as Volunteer Marine Rescue and residents rely on this channel for emergency transport.” Mr Willcox said the channel continued to face natural challenges due to its geographic location. “The Molongle Creek Channel currently faces ongoing challenges due to its geographic location: the flow at the mouth of the creek frequently causes sand to accumulate and choke the channel.” He said responsibility for maintaining the facility had shifted to the State Government during his time as Whitsunday Mayor, and that a permanent engineering solution was needed. “During my time as Whitsunday Mayor, the State Government assumed responsibility for the maintenance of this facility to ensure its continued operation.” “In my assessment, a permanent infrastructure solution is required to address the siltation issues: this would involve installing sheet piling or a rock wall to protect the channel and keep it open
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Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. The statewide operation saw an extra 51 stores closed during a ten-day blitz from 25 November to 4 December, including Burdekin Tobacco, adding to earlier closures. Experts say this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Theo Fukkare told the Townsville Bulletin that the closures were a positive step but warned that authorities would need to monitor the stores closely as they prepare to reopen. “We think 200 is maybe a quarter of all of the available stores selling illegal products, so there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “I would suggest that potentially, the authorities have gone for the high-profile ones in high-profile areas, though there are a lot more through the state.” The closure of Burdekin Tobacco was issued under the state’s new tobacco laws, aimed at curbing the sale of illicit cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products. Authorities have seized more than 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 31,000 vapes, and nearly 39,000 nicotine pouches across Queensland since the crackdown began. Burdekin Tobacco was one of six tobacconists in the region. Located in the Burdekin Plaza, it was a popular option for locals. The closure leaves a gap for residents who regularly purchased legal tobacco products from the Burdekin outlet. Some of the closed stores, including Burdekin Tobacco, could reopen soon, with authorities expected to monitor compliance closely. Authorities say checks will continue to ensure stores operate within the law when they reopen. Mr Fukkare called on the government to ensure there is an authorised officer at the stores on the day or days after they reopen. “Just to make sure that if they do want to run the gauntlet, then they can shut them down again.” CAPTION: Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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A comprehensive plan to tackle bullying in Queensland schools will not only benefit students but is also a key part of reducing classroom assaults according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.
Since being announced, the program has received support from Dolly’s Dream, the charity founded following the tragic impact that an extended period of bullying had on Dolly Everett.
“When we spoke about making Queensland safer in the lead up to the election, we committed to a range of programs,” Mr Last said. “It’s a sad fact that, in the last 10 years, we have seen behavioural issues and classroom assaults skyrocket, and this program is about bolstering support for kids, parents and schools-on.”
“A dedicated squad will be established in each of the 8 regions that make up Education Queensland to ensure all schools have access to on the ground expertise. If necessary, those squads can fly into regional and remote schools because, to get the best results, access to this program cannot be limited by distance.”
“Those squads will offer family support, mental health assistance and professional development for staff and will be made up of 3 senior guidance officers and support staff. That means that, in addition to tackling bullying as it happens, we will also improve skills in schools to prevent and address any future bullying.”
“There is updated professional development resources for teachers and a dedicated crisis support line for parents and carers to access free and confidential counselling. We have lost too many young lives to bullying and we need everyone to play their part in making our schools a safe place for every student.”
Mr Last said the program would evolve over time to ensure that any future trends or issues were addressed and the program stayed relevant and effective.
“The Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group will be led by Professor Donna Pendergrast AM and will provide advice and guidance on further support measures that we can introduce as well as reviewing the program,” Mr Last said. “You only have to look at how cyber-bullying has increased with the spread of technology to understand that we need to be able to adapt what we do to achieve the best results.”
“While the Reference Group will bring together experts, it will also engage directly with teachers, school staff and parents to ensure that real experiences are factored into any decisions that are made. Research is important but we are literally talking about people’s lives when we talk about bullying so engagement with real people is an absolute necessity.”
“The approach is quite broad in some ways because it includes additional student wellbeing staff and increased funding for school chaplains as well as the response squads, updated training and the crisis support hotline. We are leaving no stone un-turned when it comes to putting the spotlight on bullying and taking real action.”
“The message to victims and their families, as well as teachers, is that support is available, and we are with you in fighting to end bullying. The Crisafulli government has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and we are delivering this nation-leading program as a first step in tackling it.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP backs positive change in schools. Photo supplied
It’s easy to focus on the faces at the front—the speakers at ceremonies, the runners crossing finish lines, the players scoring goals. But behind every event in the Burdekin last week, there was another group at work: the volunteers.
From Anzac Day services to the Sugar Rush fun run, and even weekend sport, dozens of people quietly gave up their time to help things run smoothly. They were setting up chairs before dawn, handing out water bottles in the sun, guiding traffic, collecting rubbish, checking in runners, cooking sausages, and packing it all down when the crowds had gone home. No spotlight, no fanfare—just getting it done.
What stood out most wasn’t the scale of these efforts, but their consistency. Different causes, different crowds, same dependable spirit. The willingness to help, with no expectation of recognition, is part of what holds this region together.
It’s easy to take that for granted, especially when everything seems to run like clockwork. But none of it happens by accident.
This week, the “good deed” wasn’t one action—it was the collective effort of many people, across many events, working behind the scenes to create something memorable for everyone else. It’s a reminder that community spirit doesn’t have to be loud or grand. Often, it’s just a quiet nod, a full bin, or a smooth sign-in desk—and the people who make it happen.
Question 1:
Many young people in Dawson are looking for opportunities to stay and work locally. What will you do to ensure young people thrive without having to leave the region?
Question 2:
With housing affordability becoming an increasing issue in regional areas like Dawson, what is your plan?
Question 3:
What specific policies will you introduce to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure all residents of Dawson, regardless of location, have equal access to timely and high-quality care?
Andrew Willcox
LNP Candidate For Dawson
Question 1
To keep young people in Dawson and get Australia back on track, we need real skills, real jobs, and a government that backs both. The Coalition has a plan to get more Australians into training, with a target of 400,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships, $260 million for new Australian technical colleges, and wage support for apprentices and trainees. Labor has neglected regional training, and failed to deliver opportunity in places like Dawson. Only the Coalition has a clear plan to build a stronger economy with a skilled workforce, giving our young people every reason to stay, work, and thrive locally.
Question 2
Costs of everything is going up and housing affordability is one of the biggest concerns people in Dawson raise with me. The aspiration of homeownership should be within reach for all Australians, but under Labor, it’s become harder than ever. Their disastrous policy has failed to build a single home in two years. Combined with uncontrolled migration, rents are soaring, and homeownership is slipping further away. The Coalition’s plan is clear: cut red tape, boost supply, and ban foreign ownership. We will free up over 100,000 homes in five years and unlock up to 500,000 more through infrastructure investment.
Question 3
Our plan will bring more GPs, specialists, and nurses to Dawson through regionally targeted incentives and training opportunities for medical professionals to live, work and stay in regional Australia. Under Labor, bulk billing rates have dropped from 88% to 77%, with even worse outcomes in regional areas. The Coalition cares about your health. We’re committing $9 billion to strengthen Medicare, doubling bulk-billed mental health sessions from 10 to 20 with $500 million invested into mental health support. We’ll also increase hospital funding, invest in cancer treatments, medical research, and women’s health. Access to healthcare should never be a luxury, it’s a right.
Neil Wallace
Labor Candidate For Dawson
Question 1:
I understand that we need to continue to create local jobs and opportunities that keep young people in our region. So far more than 1 million jobs have been created under the Albanese Labor Government. Free TAFE has also been a great opportunity for people to get the chance to undertake a course or study that will set them up for a well-paid job. Labor is making free TAFE permanent for Australians to help them gain skills and get ahead.
We have also delivered real wage increases for Australian workers.
Question 2:
Housing is a serious issue that needs addressing. I am open to seeing a range of options put forward to address housing and boost supply. I want to see local, state, and federal governments working together to seriously tackle this issue. Here’s some of what we are doing: From 1 April 2025, we’ve introduced a 2-year ban on foreign residents buying existing properties. Labor will introduce 5% deposits for all first home buyers with no need for lenders mortgage insurance and 100,000 homes will be built exclusively for first home buyers to purchase.
Question 3:
In its first term, the Albanese Labor Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for people who need to see their GP most often - pensioners, concession cardholders, and children - creating an additional 6 million bulk billed GP visits. A re-elected Albanese Government will go further, delivering an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits every year so Australians can see a bulk billing GP. We will also deliver the Mackay Urgent Care Clinic which will be open for extended hours, treating non-life threatening conditions. This will take pressure off our busy hospital and give more locals free healthcare, close to home.
In the first few months of last year, Demi O’Shea was presented with the wonderful opportunity to represent Campbell’s Jewellery as a Senior Ambassador in 2024’s historic Burdekin Water Festival.
A major pathway for self-development, personal growth and community engagement, Demi accepted the nomination and began one of her most memorable and significant experiences she’ll treasure for years to come.
“On a personal level the Water Festival allowed me to unlock my full potential as it was an experience, I could whole-heartedly throw myself into,” shared Demi.
“Prior to the journey, I lacked a lot of self-confidence, but I soon realised the wealth of a support system I had behind me and I was able to understand the potential that they all saw in me, because I felt it - being around such an outstanding group of people all throughout the experience truly changed me for the better.”
Demi was announced the Burdekin Water Festival’s Winning Senior Ambassador for 2024, and in light of 2025’s event, Demi has joined the official Committee to ensure the Festival’s continuation and future success.
“My journey certainly would not have been the same without our community support, and it means the entire world to me to be your 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Winner,” expressed Demi.
“The hard work, dedication and support that our community puts towards the event is admirable, and to be part of rebuilding that legacy with our amazing Committee is incredibly surreal.”
Reflecting on her journey, Demi believes saying yes, all those months ago was the best decision she could have made, and she strongly encourages those thinking about becoming a 2025 Ambassador to take full advantage of the program.
“I took a chance on myself, and so should you,” explained Demi.
“You owe it to yourself to experience the magic that the Burdekin Water festival not only brings our community, but you as an Ambassador and you deserve to see yourself as the confident and worthy individual you are, and this whole experience will allow you to feel that within yourself.”
In Demi’s time as a 2024 Senior Ambassador, she was fortunate enough to witness the personal development of the Junior Ambassadors firsthand from beginning to end and she encourages the youth of the Burdekin to be brave and put themselves forward for 2025’s Festival.
2024 Burdekin Water Festival Winning Senior Ambassador, Demi O'Shea, has joined the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Commitee (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)
With an incredible dream and the support of the entire community, Macy Dabelstein will embark on a lifechanging journey to Nepal this October to provide free medical care to thousands of men, women and children in rural communities.
Earlier this year, both Macy and her college, Josephine Long, decided to participate in World Youth International’s Nurses in Action initiative – a program enabling nurses and allied health professionals to deliver primary healthcare services to those living in remote areas within Kenya and Nepal.
“Since nursing together this year, Josephine and I have expressed a shared interest in taking the next step in our careers to gain more experience and help others,” explained Macy.
“Nursing overseas will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and will provide us with a new perspective on healthcare for those less fortunate and allow us to witness the daily struggles faced by individuals in Nepal dealing with chronic and acute illnesses.”
Macy and Josephine will engage in vital medical projects focusing on improving health services whilst offering healthcare to communities living in extreme poverty for just under a month, impacting the lives of almost 300 people every day.
“We aim to return with new nursing knowledge that we can apply in our careers as rural and remote nurses, along with a greater appreciation for our resources,” Macy added.
“This experience in a resource limited setting will enhance our clinical skills and cultural competence, empowering us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need and strengthening our role as advocates for accessible healthcare in our communities.”
In 2023, Macy graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Nursing and has been a Registered Nurse (RN) at Cloncurry Hospital in North West Queensland for just under three months after completing a graduate program at the Ayr Hospital.
“Working as an RN in a rural setting presents unique challenges, particularly due to limited resources, however, I thrive on the excitement of the unknown where I’m never quite sure what will walk through the Emergency Department doors,” said Macy.
“Cloncurry has a tight-knit community, and establishing therapeutic relationships with our locals allows us to provide compassionate care tailored to their needs and we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and enjoy caring for the residents.”
As part of the program, the pair were to raise $3,700 to fund the work of World Youth International (WYI) across the globe and after reaching out to dear friends, family and the wider Burdekin, Cloncurry, Brisbane and Goondiwindi communities, Macy and Josephine have raised almost $5,000 for the organisation.
“We are overwhelmed by the incredible support we've received since sharing our upcoming trip on social media and thanks to everyone’s generosity, we reached our fundraising goal within 20 hours,” Macy enthused.
“We will continue fundraising in our community, as any additional funds will allow us to contribute to a select project at one of the WYI project sites while volunteering in Nepal.”
To donate to Macy and Josphine’s account with WYI visit https://worldyouth.org.au/volunteers/macy-dabelstein.
Josephine Long and Macy Dabelstein will travel to Nepal this October as part of the World Youth International’s Nurses in Action initiative (Photo Supplied)
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As students return to the classroom this week, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) are urging all road users to take extra care - particularly around school zones - following a devastating Easter holiday period on the state’s roads.
Operation X-Ray Easter, which ran from the 4th to the 21st April of, saw QPS officers dedicate over 30,000 hours to enforcement, in a bid to reduce risky behaviour behind the wheel.
Across the state, almost 120,000 roadside breath tests and 7,500 roadside drug tests were conducted where nearly 2,000 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit, and more than 750 drivers returned positive drug test results. Police also issued close to 14,000 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for serious road rule breaches during the operation.
Tragically, 21 lives were lost on Queensland roads during the Easter school holidays -pushing the state’s 2025 road toll to 82.
Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said the figures were heartbreaking.
“The devastating reality is that some families spent their Easter holidays grieving their loved ones, instead of getting to spend time together over the break,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.
“We are doing everything in our power to prevent this from happening, which is why it is disappointing to still see so many people taking risks and making bad decisions on our roads.”
As students return to school, police are also focusing on enforcement and education around school zones to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians.
“It is another busy morning on our roads today as school commences and young children return to the classroom, so please drive slowly in school zones and adhere to the speed limits,” A/Chief Superintendent Channells added.
“I also ask parents to hold their children’s hands around roads and to remind them that roads and carparks are not safe places to play.”
The Queensland Police Service remains committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads and continues to raise awareness about the ‘Fatal Five’ - speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. For more information about staying safe on Queensland roads, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads.
21 people lost their lives on Queensland roads over the Easter holiday period, taking the total road roll to 82 in 2025 (Photo Source: QPS)
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Following the successful launch of our Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season, we’re pleased to announce that we’re opening nominations earlier for the 2026 season.
Nominations for the Managed Pool Plus open on 1 May and close on 30 June 2025.
We’ve seen strong interest from growers who have experienced a couple of volatile seasons with unpredictable target pricing and are now seeking to share some of that pricing responsibility with Wilmar.
The enhanced Managed Pool Plus aligns grower exposure with miller exposure, creating a balanced risk profile.
Wilmar will contribute 30,000 tonnes of MEI sugar to the pool and will accept grower GEI nominations up to the same volume, ensuring a 1:1 exposure ratio in the final price outcome.
Our global marketing team will manage the pricing exposure throughout the life of the pool which, for the 2026 season, will be extended to two years.
This is an actively managed pool, meaning our team will strategically take positions on futures and currency markets, rather than simply following a passive, incremental hedging strategy. For example, the recent drop in the AUD below 60 cents allowed the 2025 pool to secure favourable currency rates.
While this strategy offers the potential for improved returns, it also carries increased risk. If you’re interested in learning how the Managed Pool Plus might support your pricing strategy, please reach out to your local Grower Marketing team representative.
In other news, we are currently looking to expand our team to strengthen the level of service we offer, as more and more growers choose Wilmar Grower Marketing. Our regional consultants deliver a broad range of services to help growers manage their sugar pricing strategies and we have a position open now in the Burdekin region.
Given that most of our growers forward price a significant portion of their GEI sugar, the most common question we hear is: What’s the sugar price going to do?
While we can’t predict the future, we do share timely insights and market assessments from Wilmar’s global team, highlighting the key factors influencing sugar prices.
Feedback from our recent grower survey showed that this in-field support is considered a valuable resource, and we take pride in providing it.
No two days in the role are the same. Some weeks are filled with grower queries about market movements, while others focus on assisting with cash flow planning or explaining the features of our new Managed Pool Plus.
At times, it can be a challenging role, especially during the pressure of harvest or when market expectations don’t play out. But for someone who genuinely wants to help growers navigate the complexities of sugar pricing, it’s an incredibly rewarding position.
If you have the passion, energy, and drive to succeed in this role, we’d love to hear from you.
Sugarcane growers and industry stakeholders from across Queensland and beyond have converged on Brisbane earlier this week for Sugar Cubed 2025 – a dynamic, future-focused event set to spark fresh ideas and foster new connections across the cane supply chain.
Hosted by CANEGROWERS at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Show Grounds from 27-29 April, Sugar Cubed brought together growers, manufacturers, researchers, policy makers and innovators for three days of thought-provoking discussion, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on experiences.
With keynote presentations, panel sessions, and field trips exploring everything from cutting-edge on-farm technology to the big global forces shaping agriculture. The event aimed to shine a light on where the sugar industry can go, and how we can work together to get there.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said Sugar Cubed is all about people – listening, learning, and working together for a stronger future.
“Our industry is facing some big challenges, but we’ve also got some incredible opportunities in front of us if we’re willing to think differently, work together, and back ourselves,” Mr Menkens said.
“Sugar Cubed is a space where growers, researchers and industry leaders can come together, share ideas, and be inspired. It’s about creating momentum, not just in terms of innovation, but also in how we think, how we connect, and how we plan for the future.”
Special guests include cricket legend Glenn McGrath, Australia’s renowned “Unbreakable Farmer” Warren Davies, and a suite of industry experts including representatives from the global supply chain group Czarnikow.
The event precedes the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference, which follows directly after at the same venue and attendees were encouraged to stay around and learn about the best available science from the brightest research minds in the industry.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is seeking submissions to inform its review of the Australian chicken meat industry and has released an Issues Paper to assist.
Submissions can be made via 'Have Your Say' online until 30 May 2025, including via written submissions or through a guided portal.
Submissions are open to all interested parties and will not be published. Confidentiality deeds are also available for all submissions.
ABARES was commissioned to conduct an independent review into the relationship between growers and integrated producers in the Australian chicken meat supply chain. The terms of reference for the review are publicly available.
The review will examine whether there is evidence of market failure within the industry, and if so, potential actions that could be introduced, as applicable.
The review will also consider information contained in recent industry inquiries and examine the industry’s evolution over time.
As part of the review, ABARES will conduct stakeholder engagement across all relevant parts of the chicken meat industry.
ABARES will provide a draft report for stakeholder review and comment by mid-2025 with a final report to government due as soon as practicable thereafter.
For more information and to access the online form, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/hys-chicken-industry-review
ABARES is the research arm of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
A few rays of sunshine finally broke through in the Burdekin this week – but earlier visits to the Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) clean seed plot found it still too damp to open at the time.
Manager of Kalagro Alan Parker, BPS Field Officers Kristie Casalegno and Jack Edwards, and Farm Manager David Paine were among those checking conditions ahead of the expected opening earlier this week.
QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello said there were “plenty of tonnes of Q240 and Q183 and many others available” for growers eager to secure their clean seed cane. Growers were encouraged to place their orders through BPS, with access to the plot anticipated earlier this week, weather permitting. For more information, call (07) 4783 1101 or visit bps.net.au.
Burdekin Productivity Services plays a vital role in supporting the region’s sugarcane industry, providing agronomy advice, research, crop management support and sustainability initiatives to boost on-farm productivity and future-proof the industry. BPS works closely with sugarcane growers, millers, and other stakeholders to enhance the overall viability and competitiveness of the sugarcane industry in the Burdekin.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) has been active across the Burdekin and broader North Queensland, assisting primary producers following last month’s significant rain events.
QRIDA’s Regional Area Manager Angelo Rigano and Head of Client Engagement Georgia Colley met with the QCAR team, including District Manager Angelo Licciardello, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts.
Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants remain open to eligible primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to help with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement.
For support, contact Angelo Rigano directly on 0408 180 644 or visit qrida.qld.gov.au. For general QCAR enquiries, phone Angelo Licciardello on 0437 401 837.
Checking conditions at the Burdekin Productivity Services clean seed plot are (from left) Kalagro Manager Alan Parker, BPS Field Officer Kristie Casalegno, Farm Manager David Paine, and BPS Field Officer Jack Edwards. Wet ground delayed the plot’s opening, but growers were keenly awaiting access to fresh clean seed. Photo source: QCAR (Facebook)
2. QRIDA meeting:
On the ground supporting Burdekin growers with disaster recovery are QRIDA’s Regional Area Manager Angelo Rigano and Head of Client Engagement Georgia Colley
A group of teenage boys were recently recognised on the Burdekin Community Hub on Facebook for their respectful and considerate behaviour while visiting a local water park two weekends ago. Despite clearly being excited to enjoy the slides, the boys demonstrated an admirable level of kindness towards the younger children at the park.
As the younger ones queued for their turn, the teens graciously allowed them to go ahead, ensuring the little ones could enjoy the slides without feeling rushed. They also took extra care, waiting until each child had safely reached the end of the slide and exited before they themselves took their turn. This thoughtful behaviour was a refreshing change and a true display of respect for others, particularly at a busy, bustling venue.
Onlookers were impressed by how the boys prioritised the safety and enjoyment of the younger children, rather than focusing solely on their own fun. It’s a reminder that kindness and patience can make a big difference in any setting, and the actions of these teenagers served as an example for others.
In a time when it can sometimes feel like good deeds go unnoticed, this group of boys stood out for all the right reasons. Their parents should certainly be proud of the positive impact their children made that day. Well done, boys for setting a great example for others to follow!
Hi Everyone!
Hope you all had a fantastic Easter break :)
With my first week in the Burdekin in the books, I can positively say: I love this place already! You all have made it so easy for me to settle in and find my feet in my new role as your local voice.
I’ve really enjoyed learning and writing about some of your stories this week. After just a couple days on the job, one thing is already unequivocally clear: you guys LOVE your local events—and I’m all for it! It’s refreshing to see a community bound by shared interests and a real sense of pride in where they live.
The Easter break afforded me plenty of time to explore the beautiful Burdekin region and beyond. A key highlight was the beautiful Alva Beach—perfect for a sunset stroll/dip. It’s also been great to take in some of the Burdekin’s hallmarks, like the Burdekin Bridge and the Burdekin River, and to indulge in some of the local pubs and restaurants.
Although I was able to do a bit of exploring over the last week, I’m still very open to any suggestions of what else to do or see. And, as always, if you have a story to tell, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Looking forward to the week ahead!
Cheers!
The ANZAC spirit is alive and well across our region, with attendance at dawn services, marches, and other commemorative events surging in recent years. This ANZAC Day is expected to see even greater numbers, as our community once again comes together to honour those who have served.
Long before I became the Federal Member for Dawson, and my time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, my family and I have always made it a priority to honour the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women.
For me, ANZAC Day is one of the most sacred days on our national calendar. It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and most importantly, to say thank you.
Seeing the younger generation stepping up to embrace our proud national history is incredibly moving. It gives me great hope for the future.
ANZAC Day is for all Australians to come together and pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. It’s a day to acknowledge those who fought in the first World War, those who serve today and all those who have been part of military campaigns in between.
Every person who puts on the uniform does so knowing the risks, yet they do it to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear. We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated servicemen and women keeping us safe.
As the Federal Member for Dawson, I have the honour of presenting veterans with the Australian flag. This is a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation. I have had countless interactions with some remarkable individuals across our region who have proudly served our country. For me hearing from these exceptional people fills me with pride.
This year, as in years past, I’ll be attending multiple ANZAC Day events throughout the region. I hope to see you there. But if you can’t make it to a service, I encourage you to pause in your own way, to reflect, to remember, and to give thanks.
To all our servicemen and women, past and present, and to the loved ones who are connected to them: thank you. Australia is a better place because of your courage and sacrifice.
The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, 16 April. Guest speakers included Police Officer in Charge Sam Pyke, Labor candidate for Dawson, Neil Wallace and Burdekin Life Newspaper Sales Manager Trish Jandt.
Officer Pyke provided an update on local policing matters, identifying that sdaly domestic violence as the most prevalent crime in the Burdekin Shire. He also addressed questions from attendees about the operations and priorities of the local police force.
Labor candidate Neil Wallace followed with an overview of his campaign policies ahead of the upcoming election. A three-time President of the North Mackay Rotary Club, Mr Wallace shared his commitment to advocating for greater investment in local health services, expanded skills and training to support local employment, and increased housing development to improve access to affordable and reliable accommodation.
Trish Jandt from Burdekin Life newspaper introduced the publication’s new journalist, Jacob Casha, who also took the opportunity to stand and share a little about himself with the community, where he explained his excitement for taking on the new role.
Fina Vasta, Robert Antoniazzi, Kari Ravizza, Linda Butler
Megan Wilson and Trish Jandt
Fina Vasta, Uli Liessmann and Bruce McBow.
Sam Pyke—officer in charge, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Will Stewart
Peter Hall, Amanda Hall and Matthew Magin
Uli Liessmann, Neil Wallace, Pierina Dalle Cort
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is encouraging local chambers of commerce and industry representative groups to apply for funding to improve skills and service delivery in the region.
The Local Skills Solution program is aimed at leveraging ‘on the ground’ knowledge to identify gaps in currently available training and to fill those gaps with suitable training subsidised by the Queensland government.
“This a great opportunity for the retail sector and key industries to access subsidised face-to-face training,” Mr Last said. “And just as importantly, it is training that targets gaps identified locally by people directly affected.”
“In the past, industry groups and employers have been asked what is missing but their responses have never really been acted on. We will always encourage people to obtain qualifications but it’s undeniable that there is far more value in qualifications that are actually relevant.”
“With up to $250,000 available per project I know we can tackle training that usually would be out of reach, especially for a single business. This funding, for example, makes it financially viable to bring in a trainer from a major centre or even interstate where needed.”
“For some industries, highly valued skills can be skills that aren’t taught traditionally like customer service or even sales skills. That’s why we have included mentoring and learning support as options because we know there are skills that require practical hands-on guidance that can’t be learnt effectively from a book or a website.”
Mr Last said the state government had opted to take an individual approach, rather than a ‘cookie cutter’ approach, to ensure the best outcomes and said the additional work would be worth it.
“It’s very easy for government to offer funding for a training course but that investment doesn’t represent value for money if the training isn’t appropriate,” he said.
“The Crisafulli government gave commitments to work with industry and to ensure value for money for the taxpayer and we are doing exactly that with this funding.”
“The individual approach means that stakeholders can nominate training which may not normally be subsidised because they have identified a skill gap or an opportunity. It also means that, except where there are safety requirements, eligibility restrictions may not necessarily apply.”
“There is no doubt that issues like increased regulation and the growth in e-commerce has had a huge impact on a range of businesses. Instead of ignoring those threats, the Crisafulli government is helping businesses and industry to tackle those challenges because it’s the right thing to do for those individual businesses and their employees as well as our community and the state as a whole.”
“In the Burdekin retail and agriculture, for example, are industries that have been challenged but they are also industries that are vital to the economy and our future. Rather than just acknowledging the challenge we are working with industries to identify ways to overcome those challenges and prosper because that is what good governments do and it’s what Queenslanders deserve.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP at the Burdekin Shire Council Manufacturing Roundtable. Photo supplied
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