Just days after Burdekin cane farmers outlined opportunities and expressed concerns about the industry, they have also secured a new ally according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

As part of an inquiry charged with identifying growth opportunities for the sugar industry, the Queensland parliament’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee heard from both grower groups and growers who are exploring opportunities in Townsville recently.

“This inquiry represents an opportunity for industry growth and finding solutions to problems that are, or could, hold back future growth,” he said. “The majority of the evidence heard in Townsville was from representatives of the Burdekin, and that is fitting given the contribution that the Burdekin makes to the industry.”

“A range of opportunities to grow the industry were presented and, from a wider point of view, there was a genuine consensus that realising those opportunities was about benefits for the wider community as well as the sugar industry itself.”

The form that support takes is also something that the Committee will pay particular attention to because we need a way forward that is reliable, achievable and is advantageous across the industry, rather than just to one part of it.”

“The Committee is accepting written submissions up until October 8th and, following that, the real work commences. What I’d like to see in the Committee report is a thorough breakdown of the pros and cons of each opportunity so decisions can be made both by industry and the government.”

While not a direct result of the inquiry, Mr Last said the announcement of extended funding and expanded responsibilities for the new Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner could help make major inroads on at least one ongoing issue.

“It’s no secret that growers and millers often disagree on a range of issues when what is actually needed is cooperation,” Mr Last said. “The changes to the responsibilities of the Food Farmers’ Commissioner means farmers now have a new ally to assist them in securing a fair go from millers.”

“Whereas the previous government had only funded the role for 12 months, the Crisafulli government has guaranteed funding for 3 years. That has been done because we know that, in order to bring our Primary Producer’s Prosper blueprint to life, our primary producers need support, advocacy and someone that has the ear of government when issues cannot be resolved easily.”

“We make no apology for throwing our support primarily behind our farmers and the communities they live in because regional Queensland makes a major contribution to Queensland’s prosperity and the people who live and work in regional Queensland must benefit from that prosperity.”

Photo: Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, meets with representatives of QCAR to discuss sugar industry issues including the recent parliamentary inquiry.

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Zonta Club Burdekin Inc (Zonta) and the Burdekin Domestic and Family Abuse Prevention Network (BDFAPN) are coming together to mark the campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a community vigil at the Burdekin Theatre forecourt on Monday, 25 November 2025.

The 16 Days of Activism, commencing on 25 November, is a global campaign that unites individuals and organisations worldwide in calling for the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence in all its forms.

As part of this campaign, Zonta and the BDFAPN will be hosting a series of local initiatives in the lead-up to the vigil, including awareness-raising activities and social media campaigns designed to spark conversation and drive change.

The vigil at the Burdekin Theatre will be held in remembrance for those who have lost their lives as a result of gender-based violence, while also standing in solidarity with survivors and their families.

Zonta’s President, Isabel Stubbs, says that this vigil is an opportunity for our community to come together, reflect, and take a stand against violence.

"We want to do our part in the community by showing our support and helping raise awareness. By doing so, we can help create a culture of respect and safety for all," she said.

"This vigil is a time for reverence, remembering, and determination. We honour the survivors, light candles for the departed, and renew our commitment to building safer communities."

The event is open to all members of the community. We encourage all to attend and show their support.

Event details:

Date: Monday, 25 November 2025

Time: 7pm

Location: Burdekin Theatre Forecourt, 161 Queen Street, AYR

Photo: From Left: Isabel Stubbs (Zonta Club Burdekin Inc); Fina Vasta (QPS); Glenn Arboit (BSC); Natalie Saroglia (BNC); Troy Everett (Burdekin Theatre); Inez Larsen (Zonta Club Burdekin Inc); Rebecca Grogan (BCA)

With Home Hill Sergeant Sam Pyke

Between 1am at 5am 28 August 2025 a Toyota Rav 4 was stolen from a Twelfth Avenue address in Home Hill. At about 1pm the same day, local Police located the stolen vehicle in Ayr. An 18 year old male from Home Hill was arrested for various property offences and remanded in custody. A 15 year old and a 16 year old were also arrested and charged with various offences and granted bail to appear in the Ayr Children Court on a later date.

Since 28 August 2025 and 18 September 2025 there have been 5 break and enter offences reported to police in the Home Hill Police division. This is only a slight increase of property crime overall in the division against offences reported last year.. Police at Home Hill will continue to be committed to holding offenders to account and ensuring our community feels safe. We use every tool in our toolbox to ensure that crime is addressed quickly, investigated professionally and efficiently dealt with.

Having said that, there are steps you can take to better protect yourself and your property. Please secure your homes and be security aware. The majority of break and enters we attend are opportunistic. This means offenders pick easy targets - doors left unlocked, windows open. If you see something or someone that is suspicious, please report it to the Police. There is a lot of information that goes up on Facebook community groups that is never shared with the Police. There is often criticism about Police inaction attached to these posts regarding incidents we are completely unaware of.

We do not monitor these groups for various reasons. If we don’t know about it, we can’t do anything.

Please phone Policelink on 131 444 – This number is 24/7 – 365 days a year. This will ensure local police are aware and can attend to check a situation out.

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Following an impressive cameo with opera superstar Paul Tabone, the Home Hill Choral Society brings their all-new show, Viva La Italia, to The Vault this weekend for a night of song, skits, and snacks, all with an Italian undertone.

With shows from Friday 26 through Sunday 28, the program promises a mix of classic Italian anthems—including a rendition of That's Amore!—along with the group's renowned comedy sketches and a touch of audience participation.

"We like people to become part of the show," says writer and director Erin Brennan. "We just try to create an atmosphere. We class ourselves as a big family, and our audience becomes part of that family."

Viva La Italia will be their third independent production this year, following the Irish-themed Shamrock Shindig in March and their Winter Concert in June. The group began rehearsing three months ago for what will be their first Italian-themed production in over 20 years.

Brennan says the crew are excited to present their work to the public and hopefully put smiles on faces.

"The best thing for us is when people say they had fun and forgot about their troubles and worries for a moment," she says.

Mark your calendars and join the fun at Viva La Italia! Shows run Friday 26 September at 7.30pm, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September at 1.30pm at The Vault, 93 Ninth Avenue. Tickets are $35. For bookings and enquiries, contact Erin Brennan on 0428 822 091.

Brennan says the crew are excited to present their work to the public and hopefully put smiles on faces. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Feeling cramped at home? Clever storage solutions can transform even the smallest spaces, making your rooms feel more organised and spacious without a major renovation.

One simple trick is to utilise vertical space. Floating shelves in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms not only provide extra storage but also draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height. Over-door racks and hooks are another underrated option, perfect for storing shoes, towels, or bags without taking up floor space.

Under-bed storage is a game-changer for bedrooms. Slim containers or rolling drawers can hold everything from seasonal clothing to extra bedding, keeping clutter out of sight. For living rooms, multipurpose furniture works wonders—think ottomans with hidden compartments, coffee tables with shelves, or beds with built-in drawers.

Closets can be maximised with a few simple additions. Hanging organizers, tiered shoe racks, and stackable boxes help separate items and make them easier to access. Clear containers allow you to see contents at a glance, saving time hunting for what you need.

Even small kitchens can benefit from clever storage. Magnetic knife strips, spice racks on cabinet doors, and pull-out pantry baskets free up counter space and keep essentials within reach. For bathrooms, wall-mounted caddies, suction cup hooks, and over-the-toilet shelving add storage without crowding the room.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of decluttering. Regularly reviewing your belongings ensures only the items you truly use take up space, making storage systems more effective.

With a little creativity and strategic planning, every room in your home can be both functional and stylish.

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Last Wednesday’s Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting proved an eye-opener for many in attendance, as local members gathered to hear from guest speakers Natalie Saroglia of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC), and Jenny Cummings of the Burdekin Shire Council.

Long-time BNC coordinator Saroglia opened the session, outlining the harsh realities of homelessness and unemployment in the local community, and the BNC’s role in addressing them.

Cummings then shared details of the upcoming Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Ready Trail, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October 2025. The community initiative encourages locals to visit participating businesses, collect stamps, and go into the draw for prizes.

In other updates, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort announced that Council has successfully refurbished the exterior of three graffiti-affected properties along Home Hill’s main street. Cr. Dalle Cort also confirmed that Council will proceed with plans to construct a new pump track in Ayr.

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1. Long-time BNC coordinator Natalie Saroglia opened the meeting
2. Jenny Cummings shared details of the upcoming Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Ready Trail, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October 2025
3. Home Hill Chamber Secretary Rob Antoniazzi, President Uli Liessmann, BNC Coordinator Natalie Saroglia, Council representative Jenny Cummings, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Treasurer John Clarke

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill, with dispersal measures underway at Lloyd Mann Park and Arch Dunn Park.

The activities, running between 4:00am and 6:30am as required, are designed to reduce roosting numbers and limit potential negative interactions between wildlife and the community.

Council said only non-harmful techniques are being used, beginning with low-impact visual deterrents such as LED flashing lights. If numbers persist, staff may escalate to include pool noodles, shotgun simulators or pyrotechnics.

The program forms part of Council’s broader Flying-Fox Roost Management Plan, which outlines both short- and long-term strategies for sites at Kidby Gully, Lloyd Mann Park, Arch Dunn Memorial Park and Plantation Creek. The plan aims to balance community wellbeing with environmental responsibility, while conserving flying-foxes and the important ecosystem services they provide.

Two species are known to roost in the Burdekin—the black flying-fox, present year-round, and the little red flying-fox, which arrives seasonally in large numbers. Both are protected under Queensland law and play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal.

Private landholders are permitted to discourage roosting on their property using non-destructive methods such as sprinklers, lights, smoke, or imitation predators. Residents are strongly advised not to handle flying-foxes directly, as they can carry diseases and must only be managed by trained professionals.

Residents living near the parks are advised to secure pets during dispersal times to prevent distress. For further information, visit the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

The Burdekin is now one step closer to becoming a zero-waste region thanks to the installation of new cigarette butt bins throughout the shire.

As part of the Queensland Government’s Let’s Get It Sorted Partnerships Program, Burdekin Shire Council has added 20 bins across the region in a bid to reduce cigarette butt waste—identified as one of the most common forms of litter in Queensland’s public places.

Cigarette butts have been shown to release harmful chemicals and microplastics into natural ecosystems, while also posing major fire hazards if left unextinguished. With tens of thousands of butts discarded every day across the state, they remain one of the most stubborn sources of waste.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort says the initiative is a necessary step in striving toward a safer environment.

“Cigarette butt litter is not just unsightly—it’s harmful to our environment, our wildlife and even our safety,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“By providing more disposal options across the region, Council is helping to change disposal behaviours and protect our natural environment for future generations."

Studies indicate that cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item across Queensland, outnumbering plastics, bottles and other common waste items. The filters, made from cellulose acetate, can take years to break down and often end up in waterways or along roadsides.

Through this initiative, Cr Dalle Cort hopes to make the Burdekin a cleaner and more sustainable community.

"Council's goal is to see a significant reduction in cigarette butt litter across our community. Every small change contributes to a cleaner, safer Burdekin.”

20 cigarette butt bins have been installed across the Burdekin in a bid to reduce cigarette litter. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

Kelly Greaves didn’t plan to be a property manager. In fact, when she took a three-day-a-week back-up role at Ray White 17 years ago, she was expecting something more laidback and predictable. Three weeks later, the property manager quit, and Kelly was full-time, front and centre, with no real estate experience.

"The three-day-a-week job that I was supposed to have suddenly turned full throttle," she says.

What she did have was experience leading people. Years as a local publican had taught her how to manage staff, juggle competing priorities, and stay calm when pressure mounted.
"I've always been in managerial type positions... it's the same wherever you go, really. Just different scenarios," she says.

Her real estate ethos stems from a sense of empathy, shaped by her own disappointing experiences with other agents as an investment owner herself. “I’ve used that philosophy the whole time I’ve been in this job—As an owner myself, what would I want? How would I want my property looked after?”

That approach would propel her to her current role as a senior property manager at Raine & Horne Ayr—a role she's excelled in for the last nine years. She oversees staff, commercial portfolios, new business, and every corner of her department. “I keep my finger in every pie,” she laughs.

Kelly’s success, though, is built on more than just experience. She prides herself on genuinely listening to her clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of every landlord and tenant, commercial or residential. These efforts were rewarded in 2021, when she was a Top 10 Finalist for the REB Property Manager of the Year award.

Before all her success in the industry, Kelly moved to the Burdekin from St Lawrence more than 20 years ago for work purposes. Staying, however, was her choice. "I like it here. It's got everything you need without the hustle and bustle of the larger places," she says.

Outside of work, Kelly is known as the "horse whisperer." Alongside her love for all things equine, she tends a thriving garden—her daughter jokingly calls her “plant obsessed”—and enjoys quiet moments reading or spending time with family.

Asked to describe herself in three words, she chose “bossy, goal orientated, and detail driven"—traits that have allowed her to flourish in her professional role.

"I thrive under stress. The more fast-paced and stressful it is, the better I am," she said. "I love my job... and I love finding people their new home. I wouldn't have been doing it for so long if I didn't."

"I'll be here until they carry me out!" she laughs.

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Kelly prides herself on genuinely listening to her clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of every landlord and tenant, commercial or residential. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Two years ago this week, Burdekin Life Newspaper printed its very first edition. At the time, the Burdekin community had been without a local newspaper for almost three years following the closure of The Burdekin Advocate in 2020.

“We received a call from Neil Williams who was part of the local Economic Development Committee,” recounts Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith.

“He said that he had seen a copy of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper and loved it so much that he asked if we could bring something similar to his community.

“To be honest with you, at the time, we were very busy with our other weekly paper, and I simply couldn’t get my head around producing another newspaper on top of our usual workload.

“Neil, however, had other ideas!

“He called me most weeks to check in, and he was very persuasive! A few months later, we came up to the region, met many people in the community, and completely fell in love with the region.”

Three months later, the first edition of Burdekin Life Newspaper was printed on Thursday 28th September 2023, and it has been part of the weekly fabric of the community ever since.

“Our vision was to bring the community back their free voice in print,” shared owner and publisher Rebecca Douthwaite.

“When we heard that 14 weekly newspapers were being closed down across Queensland overnight, we were devastated. This inspired us to expand on our skillset from producing weekly magazines to also help reignite the newspaper industry. And we are now proud to say we have achieved this.”

In 2024, Burdekin Life’s sister paper, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, won a state award for the Best Free Newspaper of the Year at the Queensland Country Press Association Awards Night.

“That same year, the Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire reached out to ask if we would also bring a newspaper to his region,” said Rachael.

“We were actually at the State Awards that day, and when I received the phone call, it brought tears to my eyes. That night we were also honoured to receive the state award.”

Life Publishing now boasts a total of eight state awards, two of which are for Burdekin Life – Best Locally Produced Advert of the Year and Best Special Feature of the Year.

“But none of this would have been possible without the local business community,” states Rachael.

“This newspaper is for the community and brought to you by the community – your contributions allow the paper to be distributed for free to thousands of locals and help keep local journalism alive and thriving.

“To each and every business that has advertised, partnered with us, or backed us over the past two years: thank you. This paper exists because of you.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox applauded the newspaper for its work in bringing smaller communities together and creating a stronger voice across the wider region.

“Congratulations to Burdekin Life on reaching this important two-year milestone. A strong local paper remains a vital part of regional life. Many people still value the simple ritual of reading the paper with their morning coffee,” he said.

“Over the past two years, Burdekin Life has not only kept our community connected and informed but has also played a critical role during natural disasters such as flooding, providing information when it matters most.

“Well done to the entire team on this achievement.”

Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, said he has been thrilled to support Burdekin Life Newspaper since inception.

“When the Burdekin Life launched, I mentioned the importance of our community having access to reliable information with a local focus. Over the last two years, our community has benefited from that access in both good times and challenging times thanks to the team at Burdekin Life,” he said.

“In addition to the staff that put the paper together each week, I think it is important to thank the businesses and groups that advertise in the Burdekin Life. Without them, we simply would not have a local paper focused primarily on the stories and issues that directly affect the Burdekin.”

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort reiterates this sentiment and has been a strong supporter of Burdekin Life since the beginning.

“Happy Birthday Burdekin Life!” she said.

“Thank you for believing in the Burdekin. I thank all the businesses who have contributed over the past two years for its continued success.”

Photos:
1: Representatives from the Burdekin Life team — Sales Manager Trish Jandt, Journalist Jacob Casha, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith, and former Rural Editor Amanda Wright

2: Former Burdekin Life Journalist Sam Gillespie, Publisher and Owner Rebecca Douthwaite, Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli, and Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith

3: The first-ever front page of Burdekin Life Newspaper, featuring all the local Foundation Advertising Partners

4: The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, and his wife Raylene have always been strong supporters of Burdekin Life Newspaper

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‍Meet the 2025 Harvest Festival Queens

With two months stacked with festival activities, Home Hill Harvest Festival Secretary Carlene Muilwyk is especially optimistic about this year’s program.

"The Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee is thrilled to welcome our community to another exciting year of celebration. This year promises a vibrant program of events that showcase the very best of our region’s spirit, creativity, and hospitality," she said.

"We are especially proud to introduce our wonderful 2025 Harvest Festival Queens, who embody the enthusiasm and community pride that make this festival so special. With their dedication and the support of our generous sponsors and volunteers, we’re looking forward to another unforgettable season of Harvest Festival fun and tradition."

Amelia Pivotto
Home Hill Tennis Association
Amelia Pivotto, 23, is proudly representing the Home Hill Tennis Association. A passionate tennis player since childhood, she especially enjoys the team spirit of the annual Sugar Bowl event, which she has participated in for the past few years. Amelia is also a regular on the pickleball courts—a fun, fast-paced sport growing in popularity in Home Hill. She works as an Agronomist, having completed a three-year degree in Agricultural Science in 2022, which she began while still in Grade 12. In her final year of study, she gained hands-on experience working part-time in the field while completing her degree. Outside of work and sport, Amelia enjoys shooting and reloading, riding motorbikes, and mustering cattle on horseback.

Eden Betteridge
Home Hill Rotary Club
Eden Betteridge, 20, is proudly representing the Home Hill Rotary Club, an organisation she greatly admires for its dedication to service and fellowship. She works full-time in administration at Delta Cleaners & Laundry and plans to resume her studies in 2026. A lover of all things social, Eden enjoys meeting new people and learning new skills, and she believes being a Harvest Festival Queen will provide even more opportunities to do so. Throughout the festival, she hopes to build lasting connections not only with her fellow Queens but also with the wider Burdekin community.Demi Smith – Burdekin Rugby League Club

Ellie Woods
Home Hill–Ayr Lions Club
Ellie Woods, 18, is proudly representing the Home Hill–Ayr Lions Club. She works at Dotty Daisy Flowers and has lived in the Burdekin her entire life. The Lions Club holds a special place in Ellie’s heart, as her grandfather was closely involved, and she is honoured to represent them in the 2025 Harvest Festival. Ellie is looking forward to the experiences and memories she will gain alongside the other Queens.

Demi Smith
Burdekin Rugby League Club
Demi Smith, 18, is proudly representing the Burdekin Rugby League Club, where she has been involved from a young age. From being a ball kid, to helping out at the gate and bar, and now becoming a player, Demi’s passion for rugby league has only grown. Her love for the sport has made her even more eager to give back to both the club and the community that have supported her over the years.

Aaliyah Gibson
Burdekin Netball Association
Aaliyah Gibson, 20, is proudly representing the Burdekin Netball Association. Netball has been a part of Aaliyah’s life for as long as she can remember, and over the years she has contributed through playing, umpiring, and coaching. She currently travels to Townsville each week to compete in the Burdekin Premier League team, demonstrating her commitment and passion for the game. Aaliyah is deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the club that has shaped her into the person she is today. Representing Burdekin Netball is a true honour—made even more special by sharing the Harvest Festival experience with her childhood best friend. She looks forward to creating lasting memories with the other Queens and continuing to support the club and community she loves.

Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

Ayr Fire & Rescue Station has received a major equipment upgrade with the arrival of a new $1.2 million Type 3 Scania P360 appliance, marking a significant step forward for local firefighting capabilities in the Burdekin.

After years of delays, the new fire truck was officially delivered this month as part of the Crisafulli Government’s $134 million investment in the Queensland Fire Department. The vehicle, built by Bell, comes equipped with state-of-the-art technology including a remote roof mount water monitor, pump-and-roll capability, and the latest Holmatro Core road crash rescue equipment. Its 4,700 litres-per-minute pump capacity will enable crews to tackle emergencies with greater speed and effectiveness.

Long-awaited Fire Truck Arrives In Ayr

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the new truck would make a tangible difference to frontline response efforts.

“The delivery of this new appliance has been a long time coming for our local firefighters,” Mr Last said. “The former government made promises time after time but failed to keep them when it came to the new appliance.

“Our local crews respond to a broad range of incidents ranging from fires to road incidents and even technical rescues. Given the distances they cover, it is essential that they have the equipment they need to perform those duties as effectively and safely as possible, and the new appliance makes a huge contribution to achieving that.”

Mr Last said the upgrade addressed long-standing safety concerns about outdated gear and signaled the government’s commitment to further improving facilities.

“In less than 12 months the Crisafulli government has addressed the delivery of the new appliance, and we are well on the way when it comes to the new station that we committed to in the lead up to the October election,” he said. “Just like the community, I am extremely grateful to, and proud of, our local firefighters.”

Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the government was determined to reverse what she described as a decade of neglect.

"After 10 years of decline, firies are finally getting the support and resources they deserve,” Minister Leahy said. “This forms part of the more than $134 million we have delivered for modernised facilities, vehicles, and equipment for the Queensland Fire Department, delivering the Fresh Start our hardworking firies deserve.”

“Under Labor, our local firies were being forced to work in outdated stations with ageing equipment and no confidence that things would improve. Within weeks after the election, the plan to deliver a new station and have the new appliance on the ground in the Burdekin was finalised.”

Acting Chief Superintendent Corrie Benson, who oversees the Townsville division, said the truck would deliver direct benefits for both the community and crews.

“For our community, this vehicle represents faster response times, improved capability and greater reliability. Put simply, it means safer homes and safer families,” Superintendent Benson said.

“For our firefighters, this truck provides a safer and more efficient work environment that allows our crews to focus on what matters most: protecting lives and protecting property.”

The new Scania joins the fleet at Ayr Fire & Rescue Station immediately and is expected to enhance response capacity across the Burdekin and surrounding regions.

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Inspector Doug Allom (Townsville Country Command), Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Station Officer Ash Ryder, and Acting Chief Superintendent Corrie Benson (Townsville Division) at the handover of Ayr Fire Station’s new appliance.

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In every town, whether here, across the country or in a completely foreign land, there are a few elements it just couldn't prosper without. Some of those are more apparent to the naked eye than others: essential resources, a stable economy, safety—sure. But it's the unsung heroes operating behind the curtains that are just as crucial in holding the place together.

One of those around this neck of the woods is the Burdekin Community Association. It was as they marked their 50 year anniversary with a celebratory dinner just last weekend that the Honourable Dale Last MP said something that hit home—something along the lines of, 'if every town had an organisation like the BCA, there would be a lot less problems'.

It wasn't until learning more about the organisation, how it works, the hands behind it, and the lives they collectively touch, that Mr. Last's words truly started to resonate. Because thanks to the BCA, someone has food to eat, a place to call home, people to lean on, and a life to live—and that's something absolutely worth celebrating.

So, cheers to the team at BCA for 50 years of just being there—both literally and spiritually. You can read more about their story and current services on pages 16-21.

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Just in the past couple of weeks, a string of random acts of kindness have captured the attention of the entire community, with locals taking to social media to share their thanks and gratitude.

Without exchanging names or even interacting with one another, several members of the shire have helped others in need, from lifting wheely walkers into cars to paying it forward in the drive through.

Earlier this month, the community came together after a concerned local shared the news she had found a very badly injured wallaby who had unfortunately suffered extensive burns after being caught in a cane fire. Unable to assistance the wallaby herself, she called upon the shire to help, and in true Burdekin fashion, many came to the wallaby’s aid, taking the trip to Brandon to search for the animal and contact wildlife carers. The efforts of some, impacted and warmed the hearts of many, with the community praising those who helped the animal online via the Burdekin Community Hub Facebook page.

Everyday within the community, many random acts of kindness occur, and although small, they each have the potential to make a huge difference.

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Opinion Piece - Andrew Willcox

Right now, any Australian can submit a simple request to access non sensitive information from any Australian government agency. We can ask who a minister or government officials has met, what was discussed, and the reasoning behind government decisions. This is a vital lever for holding the government accountable and right now it doesn’t cost a cent to ask the question.

But the Labor government wants to water down these protections, restricting what information the public can request and charging fees to access it. It’s not just a bad look. It raises serious questions about what they’re trying to hide.

Australia’s Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) guarantees public access to government held documents, promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic participation. With the exception of truly sensitive material like national security, personal privacy, or commercial confidentiality, Australia’s Freedom of Information Act allows the public to know what the government is up to. It is how a healthy democracy operates, allowing citizens to scrutinize their leaders without barriers.

So why change a system that already protects sensitive information?

In campaigning during the 2022 election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to lead a more transparent government. Yet now his government is pushing for legislation that would dramatically limit public access to information. I ask why. What secrets does Labor want to keep? What does the government fear the public might discover? Or is the government planning to do something they don’t want anyone knowing about?

The proposed changes were introduced in the last parliamentary sitting week by Attorney General Michelle Rowland. The government proposal would allow government agencies to outright reject requests they claim are too resource intensive. This is a thinly veiled excuse to dodge scrutiny, and it will disproportionately impact journalists, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens seeking the truth on matters of public interest.

Adding insult to injury, the government wants to slap upfront fees on such requests. This creates a paywall for transparency, effectively barring those without resources from accessing vital information. Transparency should not come with a price tag.

The government defends these changes by citing misuse of the system and national security risks, including concerns about anonymous foreign actors submitting requests. But these arguments don’t stack up. Sensitive information is already exempt, and requests of a government agency requires identifying details, preventing anonymous fishing expeditions.

As a Federal Member, I have zero concerned about people knowing who I had coffee with last Tuesday at 11am, let alone a meeting that has public interest. I believe the public has every right to know who ministers meet with and why, especially if those meetings involve parties that stand to benefit from government decisions. The public deserves to know how taxpayer money is being spent and what influences shape political choices.

We should be strengthening transparency, not dismantling it. Our country has always believed in government actions being open to public scrutiny, not hidden behind fees and bureaucratic barriers.

I stand firmly against Labor’s proposed changes. Australians deserve a government that respects the right to know. Keep Freedom of Information free and accessible to keep government open, transparent and accountable.

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