Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
By Chelsea Ravizza What began as a passion project for Home Hill's Jonathan Caspanello has evolved into a successful fashion and lifestyle brand, with the 23-year-old entrepreneur crediting his regional upbringing for helping shape both the business and the person behind it. “It [Home Hill] was the kind of community where everyone got around each other, supported one another and celebrated each other's successes, and those values have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to influence both who I am and the way I approach business today,” he said. Since launching Caspa Collective at just 21-years-old, Jono has grown the label into a recognised brand with a strong social media presence, loyal customer base and a growing community of supporters. After moving to Brisbane to complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Australian Catholic University, following in the footsteps of his mother, Kavette, Jono discovered a passion for fashion, branding and content creation while working as a teacher aide. “I’ve always enjoyed creating things. Whether it was ideas, projects or content, I liked bringing something from imagination into reality,” he said. His entrepreneurial journey began close to home, inspired by watching his father, Warren, build a successful business from the ground up. Combined with a fascination for social media and the ability of brands to connect with people through storytelling, design and culture, it sparked a desire to create something of his own. While Caspa Collective now operates primarily from Brisbane, the Burdekin remains at the heart of the brand's identity. Even its name carries a personal connection, with "Caspa" derived from Caspanello. “I wanted a name that reflected who I am, where I come from and the journey, I'm on. The word ‘Collective’ was equally important because the brand has never been just about me. It's about the people who support it, wear it, model it and help bring ideas to life.” Over the years, Jono has learned that building a successful clothing brand involves far more than designing apparel. Through a largely self-taught journey into entrepreneurship, he has developed skills across content creation, branding, social media, website development, manufacturer liaison and campaign production. “One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that consistency matters more than perfection,” Jono reflected. “When you're starting out, it's easy to think everything needs to be perfect before you launch something. The reality is that you learn by doing. Every collection, photoshoot, campaign and product release teaches you something new.” Another lesson has been the importance of building genuine connections. “People connect with stories, personalities and communities far more than they connect with products alone,” he said. That support network starts close to home, with his sisters Rylee, Elly and Deni, along with his father and extended family, all playing a role in helping the brand grow. “When you're building something from the ground up, it's often the people closest to you who become your biggest supporters. Their encouragement, willingness to help and belief in what I'm building have been invaluable,” he said. “Every person who wears a Caspa Collective piece, shares a post or recommends the brand to someone else contributes to its growth. That's why community remains at the heart of everything we do.” Looking to the future, Jono believes Caspa Collective is only just getting started. More than a clothing brand, it has become a reflection of his journey, his Burdekin upbringing and the community that helped shape him; a reminder that with hard work, persistence and a willingness to take a chance, even the simplest idea can evolve into something far greater. “If I could offer one piece of advice to other young people from regional communities who have an idea they're passionate about, it would be this: don't let where you come from limit what you believe is possible,” he said. “Growing up in a small town can sometimes make opportunities feel further away, but technology has changed that. Today, you can build a business, launch a brand and connect with people all over the world from almost anywhere. You don't need all the answers before you begin, and you certainly don't need everything to be perfect. “The biggest regret is often not trying at all. Start before you're ready, stay patient, keep learning and trust the process. Small steps taken consistently over time can create opportunities you never imagined possible.” CAPTION: Jono Caspanello and his father, Warren Caspanello. Photo supplied
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It is show season and we should start seeing it all come together over the next week as the party comes to town. The show society has been doing a great job over the years and each year they seem to find a way to keep it fresh and entertaining. Whilst my boys are all grown up and not making me buy show bags anymore. We do still like to go along and check it out. The water festival had its launch last Friday and I’m told it was a great night. Wonderful to see so many entrants participating and getting involved. I look forward to many months of activities and fun things to do. I got myself down to groper creek briefly last week and it was great to see all the nomads in town and set up to enjoy our beautiful weather. The area looked absolutely spectacular and I can see why so many regulars come back every year. Welcome back and thanks for coming to join us again. The crushing is underway and this a timely reminder to use your train brain. I spoke to one farmer this week who got a bit closer to a cane fire than he liked, so I’ll take this opportunity to remind all of us in the industry to where your PPE and take care. It’s very easy to get complacent, especially when everyone is in a rush. Take care everyone.
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Supplied by the Office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox Tax, the three-letter word Labor loves most, goes hand in hand with the other three-letter word Labor does best—lie. It would be mission impossible to count the number of times the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and senior Labor ministers promised there would be “no changes” to Capital Gains Tax or negative gearing. They said ‘no changes’ before the election, after the election and even earlier this year. Literally hundreds of times, they gave Australians the same assurance. Repeatedly challenged by the media, they doubled down every single time. Then, on Budget night, only a few weeks ago, the government announced that the changes would be brought in. These tax changes are not “intergenerational fairness”. They are nothing more than a tax grab designed to fund Labor’s wasteful spending and economic incompetence. And the people who will pay the highest price are young Australians with aspiration. Under Labor’s changes, existing investments will be grandfathered. Those already in the market keep the current rules, while younger Australians looking to build wealth through investment face higher taxes and fewer opportunities. A young couple hoping to invest in a rental property will no longer receive the same negative gearing benefits. A young worker wanting to build a share portfolio, trade crypto, or invest in a small business will face a higher Capital Gains Tax burden than previous generations. Labor claims to stand for fairness, but there is nothing fair about pulling the ladder up behind you. Taxing aspiration is profoundly un-Australian. The economic consequences will also be severe. Labor itself admits these changes will place upward pressure on rents, although it claims the impact will only be around $2 a week. This is the same government that promised households would be $275 better off on their power bills. So, if the government’s own modelling is pointing to increased costs, the reality will be a disaster for renters. With interest rates again marching north and home ownership becoming harder, more Australians, especially younger Australians, are relying on the rental market. Yet Labor is actively discouraging property investment. The economics are simple. Fewer investors mean fewer rental properties, tighter vacancy rates and higher rents. That hurts every Australian renter. These changes will also discourage people from moving investment capital into more productive opportunities. Investors who remain under the existing rules will be reluctant to sell assets because any new investment will fall under Labor’s new tax regime. Flipping houses will become a thing of the past, meaning less stock returning to the market for prospective homeowners. Instead of encouraging economic activity and investment, Labor is creating uncertainty and stagnation. The Coalition opposes these damaging new taxes and will repeal them in government. Australia should be a country that rewards hard work, encourages investment and supports aspiration, not one that punishes people for trying to get ahead and set up their future. Stop the lies – Reverse the Tax. CAPTION: “It would be mission impossible to count the number of times the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and senior Labor ministers promised there would be “no changes” to Capital Gains Tax or negative gearing.” Photo source: Website/Andrew Willcox MP
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Burdekin Shire Council has handed down a $106.9 million budget for 2026/27, introducing a 1.5 per cent general rate rise to fund major upgrades to roads, drainage, and water infrastructure. The “Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow” budget allocates $36.2 million for capital works and $70.7 million for operational activities. While waste services rates will remain steady, residents face a 3 per cent increase in water access charges and a 6 per cent hike in sewerage charges to fund the ongoing delivery of high-quality services. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the budget adopts a practical, forward-looking approach that balances financial pressures on households with the need to maintain essential services. “Sustainable Growth, Security Tomorrow is about investing in the infrastructure our community needs now while preparing for the future,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “We understand the financial pressures many households are facing, and this Budget has been carefully planned to balance those pressures with the need to continue delivering essential services.” More than $24.6 million will flow directly into the region's transport and flood mitigation networks. Key projects include a $5 million road and kerb reconstruction at the Ayr Industrial Estate, a $2.8 million upgrade to Upper Haughton Road, and a $1.15 million sealing project on Thompson Road. The drainage network will also receive a major boost in the form of $3.6 million Ayr Town Drain improvements and a $1.6 million drainage upgrade at Wickham Street Anzac Park. Mayor Dalle Cort said strengthening these networks is critical to the local economy and agricultural productivity. “Our road and drainage networks are essential to the functioning of our community and economy,” she said. “This year’s program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving flood resilience and supporting future growth across the Shire, while also supporting local industry and agricultural productivity through improved access and freight reliability.” Essential water and sewer services comprise another major pillar of the budget. Council has allocated $1.96 million specifically for sewerage infrastructure upgrades alongside significant drinking water investments. Major water utility projects include the $1.5 million South Ayr Water Treatment upgrade, a $1.2 million pipeline augmentation in Home Hill, and a $1 million sewer relining and manhole rehabilitation project. “While often out of sight, these services play a vital role in our community, from supporting public health to protecting the environment and ensuring everything runs safely and reliably,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. Community liveability and lifestyle projects will progress under the budget, backed by state and federal funding programs. Notable allocations include $1.2 million for the Home Hill Swimming Pool upgrades, $500,000 for the Burdekin Be-Active Trail, and $440,000 for the Plantation Park Nature Based Play Area carpark. CAPTION: Burdekin Shire Councillors John Furnell (back-left), Max Musumeci (back-centre), Callan Oar (back-right), Fina Vasta (front-left) and Michael Detenon (front-right) with Mayor Dalle Cort (front-centre) at the conclusion of the 2026/27 budget meeting. Missing: Councillor Amanda Hall. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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Last Thursday, Bendigo Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr celebrated 20 years of serving the community by doing what they do best: serving the community.
The two-decade milestone was marked by a well-attended special event at the Burdekin Theatre, which saw grants totalling $65,000 awarded to five deserving organisations across the Burdekin.
“The whole idea of a Community Bank is to provide banking services to our communities, to generate profits, and to then distribute those profits back into those same communities,” said Chairman Darren West.
“This has only been made possible by the support of our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities, and those people and organisations who decided to bank with us.”
Reflecting on the journey from concept to cornerstone, West shared how far the bank had come since its earliest days.
“We opened in 2005 with a portfolio of $11 million,” he told the crowd. “Today, our book stands at $251 million. That didn’t happen overnight—it happened because people believed in the idea and backed us.”
He also recalled the bank’s very first act of giving back. “Our first contribution to the community was in 2008—just $1,075. We were so chuffed,” he said. “Now, we’ve distributed over $1.5 million across the region.”
The event also saw Special Guest Speaker David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank take the stage, providing guests with valuable market information, including Australia's financial position amongst other global powerhouses and global forecasts for the coming year.
The event signified a momentous milestone, not only for Bendigo Community Bank, but also for the Burdekin as a whole.
Jan Stirling, Paul Benvenuti, Con Christofides, Robyn Haller
Zack Campbell, Elisha Barker, Sean Doyle, Max Musumeci, Bruce Berruti
Susan Catanzaro, Dave Catanzaro, Greg MacElroy
Gloria Vass, Cailin Gosling, Kate Casswell
Paula and John Mottin
The two-decade milestone was marked by a well-attended special event at the Burdekin Theatre.
The event also saw Special Guest Speaker David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank take the stage
Natalie Saroglia and Ross Romeo of CORES Queensland with their grant award
Burdekin Chaplains pictured with their recent grant
Representatives from the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre with their grant
Burdekin Community Association members with their awarded grant
The Burdekin Men’s Shed proudly displaying their grant award
The 2025 Burdekin Show burst to life under mostly clear skies and a soft winter sun, drawing thousands through the gates for a full day of colour, noise and classic country show charm.
From the moment the gates opened, the showgrounds buzzed with the sounds of laughter, engines, livestock and live music. Smoke drifted from food stalls frying onions and churning out steak burgers, while kids chased each other between pavilions, faces sticky with fairy floss.
Side Show Alley roared to life early, with shrieks echoing from the top of the Hurricane ride and the steady thud of mallets hitting high-striker games. In the main ring, the Flare Action Sports team launched their quad bikes skyward, drawing gasps from the crowd as they twisted mid-air. Over at the animal nursery, toddlers squealed with delight at piglets and goats, while parents snapped photos with melting ice creams in hand.
As the afternoon gave way to dusk, a warm orange glow settled across the grounds. Then, as the last of the show entries were judged and the dachshund race crowned its winner, Side Show Alley lit up. Neon lights blinked against the evening sky and the smell of wood chips and hot sugar filled the air. The Fireworks Spectacular wrapped up the night with a booming finale—sparks showering over the crowd, kids perched on shoulders, eyes wide, and hearts full.
Find the social Pics here: https://tinyurl.com/25sydp6y
The Burdekin Water Festival is back for 2025, and it's bigger, brighter, and bursting with excitement! Kicking off this Friday 4 July with the Community Launch at Populin’s Hall, the night will showcase this year’s Junior and Senior Ambassadors under the vibrant theme “Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe”.
From fashion parades to the “European Summer,” Long Lunch on 30 August, and the iconic Grand Parade and Mardi Gras on 6 September, the Water Festival promises months of unmissable moments. Expect dazzling floats, thrilling rides, international street food, and live entertainment for the whole family, not to mention the return of the Tug-O-War and beloved competitions.
The Burdekin Water Festival continues its legacy as one of Queensland’s longest-running celebrations, so pack your bags, mark your calendar and join the journey!
Full program at: www.burdekinwaterfestival.com.au
This week was definitely more relaxing from a professional standpoint—let’s call it the calm in the midst of the storm.
I had Friday off, as a few of my mates from Sydney came up to visit. Our expedition started in Townsville on Thursday, where we spent the night before heading down to Airlie Beach, with a scenic pit stop right here in the Burdekin to show my mates around my new home-town.
Having not known much about the place before arriving, they were pretty pleasantly surprised by North Queensland. We had a blast, and they definitely left with a better understanding of why I speak so highly of this place—and how that admiration goes far beyond not needing to wear three layers in winter.
And for all the fun I had, my coworkers were back in the office picking up my slack. Huge thanks to them for giving me the space to enjoy what felt like a much-needed moment of mental disconnection—and for, in general, helping me grow and flourish as a young journalist over the last few months.
As great as the break was, it’s now back to business. I’m looking forward to what the next few weeks bring.
Have you checked the calendar? The winter school holidays have rolled around once again, marking the halfway point of the 2025 school year, the conclusion of term two, and the commencement of 14 days of endless fun! With so much to do and see in and around the Burdekin Shire, we’ve compiled a list of what’s hot this winter for you and your kids to enjoy…
ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover
Calling all radio enthusiasts and future broadcasters! The Burdekin Library has partnered with 97.1 Sweet FM to debut ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover on Friday, the 4th of July for an exciting opportunity directly in the Home Hill studio. Teenagers aged between 12 and 18 years are invited to take the microphone and learn everything there’s to know about radio production, scriptwriting, and recording with our very own home-grown professionals and special guest, Charlie Scuderi. The opportunity will provide attendees with hands-on media experience, allowing teenagers to learn something a bit different, and possibly broaden their career aspirations. The FREE event is set to run from 10am to 11:30am and bookings are absolutely essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.
Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch
An evening overflowing with community spirit, entertainment, a fabulous fashion show, and good vibes will adorn Populin’s Hall on Friday the 4th of July from 6pm onwards! With a wonderful mix of both Junior and Senior Water Festival Ambassadors set to make their debut, this event will serve as the perfect family night out these school holidays!
DIY Bookmarks
Get crafty with the Burdekin Library’s FREE DIY Bookmarks workshop on Monday, the 7th of July from 10am to 11am at the Ayr Branch on Graham Street! Kids aged 10 years and over are invited to make reading a little more fun and create their own handcrafted bookmark with plenty of markers, stickers, recycled book pages and more ready for imaginative little minds to run wild with! Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.
DIY Board Games
Roll the dice and follow your creative intuition with the Burdekin Library’s DIY Board Game workshop on Wednesday the 9th of July! Set to be hosted at the Home Hill Branch, young crafters aged five years and over are invited to join in for a FREE fun filled session running from 1pm to 2pm! Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.
Circuit Chill & Create
The Burdekin Library’s Circuit Chill & Create FREE workshop will run once again these school holidays but this time round, with a frosty twist! Kids aged eight years and older are encouraged to see where their creativity takes them as they craft winter themed greeting cards and personalised stickers on Thursday, the 10th of July from 10am to 11am at the Burdekin Library’s Ayr Branch. Bookings are essential and must be made online at https://bit.ly/burdekinlibraryevents.
Spend Time in the Sunshine
Although the frosty temperatures may tempt you to keep under the covers these winter school holidays, there are far too many awesome places out within the community, waiting for you and your family to explore! We’d be here until next year covering each and every hidden local gem, however, here are a few notable mentions that will get the blood pumping and warm you up in no time; from a hike up the mighty Mt Inkerman or a brisk walk, run or jog along Alva or Wunjunga Beach to the adrenaline inducing Home Hill Ninja Warrior Park at Watson’s Green!
With your itineraries full, and your energy levels high, it’s time to make the most of these school holidays, right here in the Burdekin Shire!
Craft like you've never crafted before with the Burdekin Library's FREE school holiday activities (Photo Source: Burdekin Library)
Charlie Scuderi will lead teenagers through 97.1 Sweet FM's first ever ON AIR Teen Radio Takeover (Photo Credit: Mark T. Rasmussen)
Give the Home Hill Ninja Warrior Park a crack these school holidays! (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Pay Wunjunga Beach a visit and warm up with a jog along the sand (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Enjoy a family night out at the Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch this Friday evening (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)
Queensland primary producers who have completed a Farm Business Resilience Plan (FBRP) are being invited to participate in a research initiative led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Bureau of Meteorology. The study aims to gather insights on the use of digital tools that provide climate information to support agricultural decision-making.
Eligible participants will engage in confidential interviews discussing their experiences with weather and climate risks, as well as the strategies outlined in their FBRPs. To acknowledge their time and contributions, participants will receive a $100 payment.
This research is part of the broader Climate Services for Agriculture program, which includes tools like My Climate View—a digital platform offering tailored climate projections for various agricultural commodities across Australia. The program is funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and is designed to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector to climate variability and change.
By participating, producers will contribute to the development of more effective climate services and tools, aiding in future drought planning and the refinement of FBRPs. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with practical farming strategies to bolster the sector's adaptability and sustainability.
For more information and to express interest in participating, please visit: https://brnw.ch/21wTj5k.
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By Andrew Willcox MP – Federal Member for Dawson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities
The sugar crush across Dawson is on again, and it’s a timely reminder that cane trains are on the move and caution is needed around level crossings. Please, everyone — stay aware and remain safe on our roads.
As the federal member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, I am incredibly proud of our local sugar industry. Behind wheat, sugar is Australia’s most exported crop, generating around $2 billion in revenue every year — and a significant portion of that is grown right here in Dawson.
The industry provides a livelihood for thousands, with strong flow-on effects to other parts of our local economy. Our region truly is the sugar capital of Australia.
But our industry is more than just the sweet stuff in our coffees. Sugar is also used to generate electricity and in the production of bio-blended fuels — making it a quiet powerhouse in Australia’s renewable energy future.
In my new portfolio role, I’m keen to share the positive stories emerging from our sugar sector to ensure investment and innovation continue to flow into this region.
Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill is home to a 38-megawatt cogeneration plant that transforms cane byproducts — like bagasse — into renewable electricity. The plant currently supplies about 30 per cent of Mackay’s electricity needs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 200,000 tonnes annually.
Right next door, the Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant (MRBPP) is pushing the envelope in research and development. Operated through a collaboration between Mackay Sugar and the Queensland University of Technology, the facility is helping demonstrate how sugarcane biomass can be converted into advanced biofuels, green chemicals, and other commercial-grade bioproducts.
Further south, Wilmar’s Plane Creek Mill — already a household name for its sweet treats — is also Australia’s largest sugar-based manufacturer of ethanol. Its ethanol is used in fuel blends, including emerging applications in aviation, adding another layer of value to the humble cane crop.
It’s a future that excites me. The industry is no longer just about farming and milling — it’s now about research, technology, and new frontiers in clean energy and manufacturing. With so much innovation underway, the potential applications of sugar byproducts are expanding dramatically, opening doors to greater investment and regional opportunity.
So next time you stir sugar into your morning cuppa, take a moment to consider the possibilities. You’re not just sweetening your drink — you’re connecting with one of Australia’s most dynamic and forward-looking industries.
CANEGROWERS Australia Chairman Owen Menkens has been elected President of the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG), marking a proud moment for the Australian sugarcane industry on the final day of the WABCG Conference in Cairns.
The appointment was confirmed during official proceedings last Wednesday, with delegates from around the world endorsing Mr Menkens to lead the peak global body representing sugarcane and beet growers from 38 countries.
“It’s a great honour to be elected to this position and to represent growers from around the world,” Mr Menkens said.
“Sugar producers globally are facing many shared challenges – from trade access and climate change to sustainability and pricing. The WABCG plays an important role in ensuring that growers’ voices are heard and that we learn from one another.”
Last week's gathering in Cairns marked the long-awaited return of the annual WABCG conference to Australia after more than 15 years.
Over three dynamic days, delegates from around the world explored the challenges and opportunities facing the global sugar industry, toured sugarcane farms across Far North Queensland, and experienced the region’s rich culture and warm hospitality.
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said Mr Menkens’ election was a strong endorsement of Australia’s leadership in sustainable, innovative and grower-led sugarcane production.
“Owen is a passionate advocate for farmers and for the future of our industry,” Mr Galligan said.
“His election as WABCG President is a recognition of both his leadership and the role Australian growers play on the world stage.”
The conference wrapped up with a field tour through the Tableland and Gordonvale areas, providing international delegates with a firsthand look at Queensland’s cane farming regions and innovation in the paddock.
A long-serving Burdekin paramedic has been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List, receiving one of the highest accolades in the profession, the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM).
Peter Heron, Acting Officer In Charge (OIC) at Kirwan Ambulance Station and a proud Juru man, is one of only four Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers to receive the honour in 2025.
Officer Heron has served with the QAS for nearly 30 years, working in rural and remote communities across Queensland, from Mount Isa, Julia Creek, Normanton and Mornington Island, to Ingham, the Northern Beaches, Ayr and Home Hill, where he remains a proud local.
In addition to his frontline work as a paramedic, Officer Heron also serves as an Indigenous Liaison Officer and a volunteer Peer Support Officer, dedicating significant time outside his shifts to supporting colleagues.
He said while the honour came as a surprise, it was deeply appreciated.
“I’m not someone generally who likes to have awards presented to me,” Officer Heron said.
“I do my job because I love helping the community and I certainly never expected this but it’s really nice to know someone appreciates what I do as part of the service.”
QAS Commissioner Craig Emery ASM commended Officer Heron’s distinguished service and strong leadership.
“Officer Heron has responded to many cyclones, floods and multi-casualty accidents, during his career,” Commissioner Emery said.
He highlighted Officer Heron’s 2004 deployment to Palm Island during a time of significant community unrest as a standout moment of leadership and dedication.
“In 2004, Officer Heron was deployed to the Palm Island riots following significant community unrest and his exemplary leadership and commitment to the Palm Island community ensured the welfare and safety of QAS officers, and seamless ambulance service delivery within the community during that difficult time.”
Commissioner Emery also praised Officer Heron’s ongoing work in culturally informed support and Indigenous health advocacy.
“Officer Heron is actively involved in the Priority One Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Service, which provides culturally specific advice and support to colleagues and he plays a crucial role in the Indigenous Paramedic Program’s recruitment, education and training," added Commissioner Emery.
"Officer Heron also works tirelessly for his local community, volunteering for the Burdekin Area Youth Watch, which supports local young community members and is a proud member of the Ayr and Home Hill Health Advisory Committee, which focuses on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in the region."
The Ambulance Service Medal is the highest national professional honour a paramedic can receive, awarded for distinguished service and leadership in the ambulance field.
"The QAS is immensely proud of Officer Heron’s tireless work for the service, and we thank him for his work over the years helping us to break down cultural barriers to health access and also to grow our staff ranks to better reflect the communities we serve,"said Commissoner Emery.
Joining Officer Heron on this year’s Honours List are Ian Tarr (Kedron), Wayne Kirk (Warwick), and Patrick Brown (Ingham), each recognised for their own contributions to the Queensland Ambulance Service.
After decades of dedication, Peter Heron was celebrated in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List (Photo Supplied)
Just ask all the wives
When the "Harvesting Season" arrives
They'll tell you how hard their man works
For no extra perks
Off to bed early each night to get a good sleep
Before they fall in a heap
To wake in the morning before sunrise, to then
Do it all over again
Whether driving the harvester or pulling the bins
The pattern is always the same
Cut the cane and fill up the bins
Haul em out, drop em off at the siding
Come back and do the same
When they come home had it, washed up and ready for tea
There's no time for the kids or even me
They eat with gusto then hit the hay
Sleep like logs, to be ready for another big day
When it's all done and the paddocks are bare
When the bins are all full and no longer there
It's a job well done and all are spent
They head on home, having earned every cent
A group of green-thumbed students from Ayr State High School have been getting hands-on with native plants as part of their Certificate II in Production Horticulture studies.
The students recently visited the Lower Burdekin Landcare nursery, where they were guided by experienced volunteers through activities designed to deepen their understanding of local plant species and the vital role native vegetation plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
From identifying native flora to learning how these plants support biodiversity, the visit was a valuable opportunity to blend classroom learning with real-world experience.
Students also spent time at Home Hill State High School, where they practised practical horticultural techniques such as taking plant cuttings and preparing seedling trays—skills they’re eager to put to use in school gardens and agricultural plots.
Ayr High extended a warm thank you to Lower Burdekin Landcare for generously sharing their time and knowledge.
With experiences like these, the future of local horticulture looks bright!
By Chelsea Ravizza
Sarah McDonnell has led an impressive academic career in the pursuit of advocating for women’s health initiatives through magnifying the misunderstood, under-discussed or heavily stigmatised conditions many face, especially in remote communities.
After graduating as Ayr State High School’s School Captain in 2020, Sarah went on to peruse a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville. In late 2026, Sarah will excitingly celebrate her tertiary graduation, and she hopes to lead a career in general practise, a speciality within the medical field in itself, with the option to peruse advanced skills in areas of interest, in particular, women’s health conditions.
“I’m particularly passionate about women’s health and hope to develop additional expertise in obstetrics and gynaecology,” Sarah shared.
“This would allow me to support women in rural and remote communities, providing antenatal care and helping deliver babies - something I see as both a privilege and a meaningful way to make healthcare more accessible.”
In her earlier academic years, Sarah volunteered for a plethora of women’s health initiatives promoting accessibility and education including Share the Dignity, marking the start of a long-term commitment to breaking down stigmas and improving access to care.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue medicine, and as I became more aware of the challenges women face - particularly around stigma, access, and representation in healthcare - my interest in this space only grew stronger,” said Sarah.
“I’ve always been drawn to the idea of helping people in a way that’s meaningful and long-term, which naturally led me to general practice as I love the continuity of care it offers - the opportunity to support someone through various stages of life, build strong therapeutic relationships, and even care for families across generations.”
Over the past five years of her medical studies, Sarah has continued to actively peruse every opportunity to build on her passion from taking elective placements and delivering over 10 babies to being part of several student-led organisations. Currently conducting a research project titled Beyond the Pain: The Psychological Impacts of Adenomyosis in Australia, Sarah hopes the findings will ultimately contribute to a broader understanding of the condition through identifying gaps in care, barriers to diagnosis and the unique challenges faced by different groups.
“My study, Beyond the Pain: The Psychosocial Impacts of Adenomyosis in Australia, is the first of its kind to explore how this condition affects women beyond just the physical symptoms,” explained Sarah.
“We’ve adapted a validated endometriosis quality-of-life tool to examine domains such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, sexual relationships, education, employment, and financial stability and by highlighting the broader impacts of adenomyosis, this project aims to improve understanding, advocate for earlier diagnosis, and push for more holistic, patient-centred care in women’s health.”
Approved by the JCU Human Research Ethics Committee, recruitment for the study has begun and biologically female participants residing in Australia aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of adenomyosis are invited to take an anonymous survey online at https://lnkd.in/dwHSUphe.
Sarah’s current project covers just one of many underrepresented and understudied women’s health conditions she has come across throughout the course of her degree, and with such a long-standing passion for women’s health, her interest and curiosity has continued to deepen.
“My perspective has shifted – not in terms of reducing my passion, but by fuelling a stronger drive to advocate for change.”
“I’ve come to realise how many gaps still exist in the literature, how much more we need to learn, and how often women’s health is reduced to physical symptoms alone. Ultimately, my studies have made me even more determined to push for a more inclusive, holistic, and well-researched approach to women’s health - one that truly reflects the complexity and importance of the lived experience.”
Sarah believes women’s health as a whole has been historically under-researched, further fuelling decades of diagnostic misconceptions, and dismissive attitudes.
“If I could change one thing about how women’s health is approached today, it would be shifting the focus from a purely gynaecological lens to a truly holistic one,” Sarah said.
“Too often, women are given short-term solutions like painkillers or hormonal treatments, without any real acknowledgement of the broader, long-term impact these conditions have on their lives.”
While the nation’s awareness of conditions like endometriosis has begun to grow, Sarah hopes pelvic pain will become a key topic among medical researchers to correct centuries of incorrect and non-existent clinical trials.
“There are many other causes of pelvic pain, including adenomyosis, fibrosis, and anatomical variations, that remain poorly understood and we still know every little about the underlying cause of many of these conditions, and treatment options are often limited, carry side effects or have unknown impacts on fertility – there is a real need for more research, better management pathways, and greater clinical and public awareness around pelvic pain as a whole,” Sarah added.
“Many live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis and endometriosis, for instance, has an average diagnostic delay of around 10 years - that’s a decade of ongoing pain, disruption, and the compounding effects on mental health, relationships, work, and daily life.”
Sarah’s current research project will continue recruiting candidates over the next six months, yet, with her tertiary studies quickly coming to an end, Sarah’s mission to bring awareness, generate research, and facilitate diagnostic tools is only just beginning.
“Through my Honours project and future practice, I hope to contribute to changing this narrative - by advocating for care that recognises and responds to the full psychosocial impact of women’s health conditions, not just the physical symptoms.”
From Ayr SHS School Captain to future GP, Sarah McDonnell continues her mission to make women’s health care more accessible (Photo Supplied)
Currently completing her Honours research at JCU, Sarah is investigating the psychosocial impacts of adenomyosis in Australian women (Photo Supplied)
Sarah is on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery from JCU in late 2026 (Photo Supplied)
Sarah’s research project, Beyond the Pain, is the first Australian study of its kind focused on the psychological effects of adenomyosis (Photo Supplied)
Since she was just eight years old, Molly Julyan dreamt of one day becoming a Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador, and now, at the age of 21, she’s become the girl she used to admire.
“Going to the Grand Parades, seeing the floats go by and then afterwards, enjoying all the fun rides are memories that I’ll cherish forever,” reminisced Molly.
Hailing from Home Hill, Molly will represent Liessmann’s and Sons, and she could not be more excited and honoured to embark on her journey as a Senior Ambassador where she hopes to make many lifelong memories along the way.
“What motivated me to be an Ambassador for this year’s Burdekin Water Festival was to be able to give back to the community, step outside of my comfort zone and try something new,” shared Molly.
Above all else, Molly believes this opportunity will present her with a plethora of opportunities to grow, and for her confidence to flourish, noting she’s eager to support and contribute to the wider Burdekin community however she can both in and outside her role over the next four months.
“What excites me about this experience is getting myself out there by helping our beautiful community, supporting local businesses, forming new friendships with my fellow Ambassadors and supporting each other,” Molly added.
“But all around, I’m most excited to grow as a person, step out of my comfort zone, and give everything a go with a positive attitude.”
Molly Julyan will represent Liessmann’s and Sons as a 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)
CORES Queensland has been saving lives in the Burdekin for over 16 years. The organisation—run largely by volunteers—offers a wide range of mental health and suicide prevention services, quietly operating as the heartbeat of the community. Though, if you ask CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo, he’ll tell you it’s the other way around.
“The Burdekin community are the backbone of our program,” he says. “They are the reason we’ve survived all these years—we’re just so grateful.”
The CORES banner was first raised in rural Tasmania in 2003. It’s introduction to the mainland came in 2008, when Giru farmer Peter Shadforth saw a segment about CORES on TV, sparking the idea to launch the program in the Burdekin.
Since then, the program has evolved to offer counselling services, workplace training, self-care workshops and school presentations, among other forms of suicide prevention education.
Ross Romeo, a former cane farmer who’s been heavily involved in the program since its introduction to the region, says it brings him great joy to connect with and support the local community.
“I enjoy connecting with the community and helping people to learn,” he says. “When you run a workshop or do training and someone comes up to you and says ‘I got something out of that’—that makes it all worthwhile.”
For Ross and CORES, it’s all about everyone playing their part to support each other.
“We’re just one piece of the puzzle. There are so many people in the Burdekin doing great things—not just supporting us,” he says.
“They’re connecting people together in all these different ways, with all the groups and sports clubs—that, to me, is suicide prevention, because they’re supporting people and connecting people together, and that’s probably one of the biggest parts of the puzzle.”
CORES remains committed to educating Queensland in the future, with plans to extend their services further north.
“The long-term goal is to continue supporting the community, reinforcing where we already are as well as exploring opportunities to go into new areas if it’s possible,” says Romeo.
“We’ve recently started pushing further north, starting to deliver training around the Mossman and Daintree area, and we’re gonna head up to Cooktown and further north as well,” he added.
While growth is part of the plan, the heart of the program remains unchanged.
For Ross Romeo and CORES, it’s never been about the plaudits—it's about finding ways to give back to the community that have supported them so generously.
“We always say—even if we help at least one person, that’s more than worth it.”
In 2017, Adam Perakovic came up to the Burdekin for what he thought would be a quick visit to his parents. That short trip turned into a permanent move—one that saw him meet his future wife and business partner, Randall, and build from scratch one of North Queensland’s most successful window covering manufacturers: Blinds2U.
“It started off as just me—I was doing small installs on my own with the help of my dad and father-in-law,” says Adam. “Then we expanded, it all started to grow, and now we manufacture cyclone-rated roller shutters right here in the Burdekin.”
The only cyclone-rated shutter manufacturer in Queensland to date, the team of four prides themselves on their 99% Australian made products.
Alongside two ranges of roller shutters, Blinds2U also offers a selection of roller blinds, slide tracks, outdoor blinds, roller doors, plantation shutters and more—with installation.
Serving the Burdekin since 2019, Blinds2U has managed to build a solid reputation in the region.
“Turnaround time used to be three days—now it's up to three months because of demand,” says Adam.
That community support has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey for the Perakovics.
“People are amazed we actually make the products ourselves. At the start, they didn’t believe it—so we kept the shed wide open. People used to come in just to watch us build roller shutters,” Adam says.
Randall, who eventually joined Blinds2U full-time after working in her brother’s plumbing company, added:
“The support from locals is massive. The people here are very easygoing. That’s the best part.”
In addition to shutters, the team also specialises in custom roller blinds—offering practical, stylish solutions for homes and businesses alike.
Ready to upgrade your windows with quality, locally made products? Drop by Blinds2U at 124–128 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill, or call 0417 559 908 to chat with the team.
The only cyclone-rated shutter manufacturer in Queensland to date, the team of four prides themselves on their 99% Australian made products. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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