Hello!

My name is Miah, and I am your new on-the-ground journalist living and working right here in the Burdekin!

I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey in the world of journalism. My passion for storytelling has been a driving force in my life for as long as I can remember.

My love for journalism began at a young age, with my first article being published in the Cairns Post when I was just 12 years old. That experience ignited a spark in me and solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field. Since then, I have honed my writing skills, delved into various topics, and developed a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

Apart from my journalistic pursuits, I have a deep love for music and cooking. Music has always been a source of inspiration and relaxation for me. Whether it's playing an instrument, attending live concerts, or simply listening to my favourite tunes, music is a significant part of my life. Cooking, on the other hand, allows me to express my creativity differently. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, trying out different cuisines, and sharing delicious meals with family and friends.

In addition to my love for music and cooking, I am also dedicated to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Going to the gym is something I look forward to regularly. It helps me stay fit, boosts my energy levels, and provides a great way to unwind after a busy day.

As I begin my career with Burdekin Life, I am eager to bring fresh perspectives, engaging stories, and a passion for truth to the community. I look forward to learning from experienced journalists, growing in my role, and making a positive impact through my writing.

If you would like to catch up with me in person I would love to meet you, please call me on 0484 501 662.

Miah

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Senior Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador for Campbell’s Jewellery, Demi O’Shea, will host a decadent Cake Stall on Saturday 10 August from 9am.

A nostalgic and classic fundraising activity, the Cake Stall will be run outside Campbell’s Jewellery selling a variety of homemade treats along with raffle tickets for the Burdekin Water Festival’s Diamond Ring Raffle valued at $5000 as donated by Campbell’s Jewellery.

With the celebrated theme of the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival being “Bring it Back”, Demi decided it would be more than fitting to bring back one of the community’s most loved fundraisers.

“Our Cake Stall will bring back so many memories for many people, allowing them to reminisce on the past Water Festivals and the joy they have brought to all,” shared Demi.

“This will be our opportunity to give back to the community in a thoughtful way, as well as getting to see everyone’s wonderful, familiar faces, helping them experience the same joy we feel to ‘Bring it Back’.”

What: Cake Stall Fundraiser.
When: Saturday 10 August from 9am.
Where: Campbell’s Jewellery, 113 Queen Street, Ayr.

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Opinion Piece

Ayr firefighters will be left to put up with a substandard fire station at the epicentre of a town’s toxic chemical contamination under Labor, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has revealed this week.

Mr Last said the commissioner’s response to questions during Estimates proceedings around replacing the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station was a slap in the face to firefighters who have been left exposed to carcinogenic compounds and unable to undertake essential training for years.

“The PFAS contamination in this township has been an ongoing issue for years and for at least four years this government has sat on a report into its origins” he said.

“Now we have not only seen a half-baked solution by this state government, we have now heard the commissioner state that there is no funding or intent to replace the Ayr Fire and Rescue Station,” Mr Last said.

“The extent of the PFAS contamination at the fire station could mean that not only are our firefighters left to operate from an excavation site while remediation works occur but infrastructure at the current site may well still need to be replaced following the completion of those works.”

“To add to this, we then have no certainty that once contractors have finished remediation works our firefighters will be able to conduct full training activities on the site.”

Mr Last said the disgust at the idea of leaving Ayr’s firefighters to operate from a construction zone was only compounded by the fact Labor had cut the ribbon on a $6m fire station in the south-east with full knowledge it would need to bulldozed within ten years to allow for roadway upgrades.

“People who sign up to put their lives at risk in front line services deserve to have a facility that actually allows them to operate at full capacity, not a 65-year-old station that is not only deemed an environmental risk but is no longer fit for purpose.”

“Make no mistake that as this mess continues to unfold, it’s becoming clearer to this community that our firefighters and residents can’t rely on Labor to ensure that our frontline services have the support and resources they need to respond to emergencies.”

Contributed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is actively recruiting part-time auxiliary firefighters to join their dedicated team in the Burdekin Local Government Area, including stations in Ayr, Giru, and Home Hill. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to contribute to their local community whilst balancing other commitments.

QFES is an all-inclusive emergency service agency devoted to ensuring the safety of all individuals and property across Queensland. It comprises of the Fire and Rescue Service, the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service. It also supports volunteer groups and operates with a unique, collaborative approach that integrates fire, rescue, emergency and disaster management services, delivering improved safety outcomes for the community.

QFES offers an inimitable and fulfilling role. The part-time firefighter position is designed to improve community safety through effective prevention, preparation, response, and recovery activities.

Requirements for participation include employer consent to attend incidents and emergencies, to live or work within a reasonable distance of an auxiliary fire station, Australian permanent resident status, and a manual C class driver’s licence.

Commitment requirements include attending 50% of calls a day with a day working routine hour schedule, or 30% of calls as a shift worker with a non-routine hour schedule, 75% attendance of regular drill and training sessions, gaining an MRV licence within 12 months of employment (at personal expense), participation of ongoing skill acquisition and maintenance programs, including first aid/emergency care, compliance with QFES policies and procedures, including code of conduct and safety standards.

Current QFES employees must apply via their internal careers site. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted. Interested candidates can apply through the QFES website, with the process including a fitness assessment, interviews, and background checks.

Becoming a part-time firefighter with QFES is not just a job—it's a commitment to service, excellence, and community. If you have the allegiance to serve and meet the key requirements, QFES invites you to apply and embark on a rewarding path.

For more information on the recruitment process and upcoming information sessions, visit the QFES website.

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By Miah Lampard

The Vernon’s have a deep history with the Townsville to Magnetic Island Swim, with three generations of competitors within their family. The Vernon family legacy begins with Hockey Vernon in the early 1960’s, his son then competed in 2011, and, most recently his grandson in July this year. 
 
Hockey Vernon, at just 18 years of age, became the youngest competitor to attempt the swim in 1964 since the race’s commencement in 1954. He trained at the Ayr swimming pool under the guidance of coach Phil McLeod. Protected by a large cage towed by a boat, McLeod would watch on from a rubber dinghy to observe Vernon compete against five other swimmers, primarily from Gold Coast Surf Clubs. Vernon finished third with an extraordinary finishing time of two hours and one minute. Back then, the finish line was the RAAF pontoon, where onlookers, friends and family would eagerly await the emergence of their competitor.  
 
Hockey reattempted the swim in 1968, this time with Ingham-based Kauka Kaurlia, the very first winner of the race in 1954 as his coach. The fierce competition included coach Phil McLeod’s son Rodney, who finished first with a time of one hour and fifty-seven minutes. Hockey came in second, mere moments behind him with a time of two hours and two minutes. The solidarity and contention between the Burdekin swimmers was apparent, as many from the region have attempted the swim, contributing to the significant history of the event. 
 
Come 2011, the Vernon legacy was defended by 40-year-old Trent Vernon. Trent completed the Magnetic Island Swim in two hours and forty-five minutes, under the coaching and observation of John Moloney from the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club. His effort was a testament to the determination and dedication that had come to define the Vernons' involvement in the swim. 
 
This month, Max Vernon, at just 17 years old, demonstrated that the Vernon flair for open-water swimming has certainly not diminished. Max conquered the swim in just two hours and two minutes, finishing fourth overall and second in the under-17 category. Kylie Deeroy from Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club served as his navigator, ensuring a successful and safe crossing. Max's achievement not only honoured his family's tradition but also showcased the emergence of a new generation of talented swimmers from the Vernon lineage. 
 
The Vernons' involvement in the Magnetic Island Swim is part of a larger tapestry of noteworthy performances by Burdekin swimmers. Rodney McLeod's four-time participation, his sister Robyn's record-setting swim in 1966 with a time of two hours and twenty-eight minutes, and Dulce Andrews' courageous swim in 1959, where she overcame the sweeping tides to finish, all showcasing the tenacity and spirit of the region's athletes. 
 
The legacy was further enriched in 1997 by Home Hill's champion swimmer Josh Santacatarina, who won the swim in a spectacular 1 hour and 34 minutes. These stories of endurance and achievement have cemented the Magnetic Island Swim as a cornerstone of the local sporting calendar. 
 
The three-generation-spanning competitors from the Vernon family in the Magnetic Island Swim represent not just a passion but an aptitude for open-water swimming. From Hockey’s 1960 pioneering swims, to Trent’s impressive finish time, as well as Max’s most recent accomplishment, the Vernon family have continuously contributed to the deep history of this challenging event. Their inspiring story is one of dedication, perseverance, and familial pride, encouraging future generations of swimmers from the Burdekin region and beyond.  

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Trent Vernon, 17-year-old Max Vernon who recently competed in Magnetic Island Swim and Hockey Vernon. Photo supplied

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Burdekin Shire Council is proud to announce the launch of its new cemetery management program OpusXenta in an innovative step towards evolving community access and operational proficiency. The leading-edge program promises to transform how cemetery records are managed and services are provided in the community.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort outlined the numerous benefits that OpusXenta will bring to both council staff and local residents.

“This upgrade facilitates long-term planning and extends the life of our cemetery facilities,” Cr Dalle Cort said.

She emphasised that the new system will modernise cemetery administration, offering a more ordered and accessible experience for all involved.

One of the standout features of OpusXenta is its enhanced search functionality on the Council’s website, allowing users to easily locate specific grave sites, and provide precise burial site information at the click of a button.

The integration of interactive maps further supports this functionality, enabling users to view detailed layouts of the cemeteries and locate graves directly from their smartphones. This revolutionary advancement is expected to make visiting and navigating cemeteries a much more convenient experience for community members.

For those seeking more information about the new cemetery management system, the Burdekin Shire Council encourages residents to contact their Customer Service Centre at (07) 4783 9800. Alternatively, details can be found on the Council’s website at burdekin.qld.gov.au.

This initiative underscores the Council’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public services and community engagement.

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Burdekin Shire Council opts for new cemetery management program OpusXenta. Photo supplied

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As Home Hill prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Anglican church, it’s a moment to reflect on a century of faith, community, and resilience.

Founded in the early 1910s, Home Hill initially faced water scarcity, unlike its neighbouring Ayr. This challenge led to the formation of an irrigation board and the establishment of a powerhouse near the post office, laying the foundation for irrigation and agricultural prosperity.

Farms were allocated through ballots, and wells were installed, turning the region into a thriving agricultural hub.

By the 1920s, the community’s spiritual needs were met with the construction of its first church, operational by 1924.

Built by Edward Woodward for £1,884, this church became the heart of the community. In 1977, a new church was built and paid off by the year’s end, continuing to serve as a spiritual centre for Home Hill.

In its prime, the church saw vibrant participation. Sunday school attracted around 40 children, and community groups like the Mothers’ Union and a ladies’ school flourished.

Fundraising events, including the sale of up to 800 dozen cupcakes, brought the community together. Volunteers meticulously assembled these cupcakes with frosting and coconut in the church kitchen, reflecting the church’s bustling and dedicated spirit.

Beyond Sunday services, the church offered midweek worship and extensive community support through visitation programs for the sick. The youth group, Comrades of St. George, held weekly meetings and annual gatherings in Townsville, focusing on religion, sports, dancing, and singing, producing several ministers who went on to serve the wider community.

Today, the congregation is smaller, with diminished participation from the younger generation. However, dedicated members like Alf Shand, who has attended the church since 1948, continue to uphold its legacy.

Shand, who served as the church’s secretary and treasurer, remains an active member, as well as continuing to come to service and stays hopeful that the younger generation will carry the torch forward.

On August 18th, Home Hill’s Anglican Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a grand event. The celebration will feature a community service at 10am with the bishop and various ministers, followed by a sausage sizzle, performances by the choral society, and Melanesian singing and dancing.
This milestone is a testament to the church's enduring presence and the community's resilience. While no one from the church's inception is around to celebrate, it is up to the current members to honour and uphold this century-old legacy.

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WHAT: Home Hill’s Anglican Church 100th anniversary celebrations
WHEN: Sunday 18 August from 10am

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Alf Shand has attended the church since 1948. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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Pack your bags, and prepare for take-off because from Sunday 1 September, the Whitsunday Coast Airport will offer a selection of brand-new Jetstar flights directly to Adelaide.

Confirmed earlier this year, the flights will take off on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday each week, with the introduction set to significantly boost local tourism in both the Whitsundays and Adelaide.

In celebration of the February announcement, a one-way sale saw fares available from $99 earlier this year, and Jetstar’s Executive Manager, Jenn Armor explained Jetstar’s excitement in offering the new route to customers.

“For the first time ever from 1 September 2024, flying between these two destinations will take just under three hours, continuing Jetstar’s mission to make travel more accessible with great low fares,” said Jenn.

Craig Turner, Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday regional Council that owns Whitsunday Coast Airport, believes Jetstar’s new flight paths will open the region up to a brand-new market of travellers, and this debut has been a long time coming.

“The importance of developing new destinations is critical to the growth of the Whitsundays,” said Craig.

“We’ve relied on Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne traditionally for our interstate visitors but to be able to get Adelaide, South Australia with 1.3million people on three flights a week to the Whitsundays, conveniently, cost effectively and direct is significant.

“This will be an enormous boost for the region for tourism, mining and agriculture and it really is a strategically important route that has taken a long time to achieve, and we’re very excited for the first of September start and Jetstar has told us the load factors are very strong.”

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Direct flights to Adelaide will be running three times a week from September 1. Photos supplied

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BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues.
 
The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of:
   • Food parcels
   • Toiletries
   • Vouchers (food, clothes, chemist, transport)
   • prepaid cards
   • payment of third-party accounts
 
Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.
 
We wouldn’t be able to offer this Service without funding from the State Government and generous donations from community groups, businesses and individuals.
 
On Sunday I had the privilege of attending the Home Hill Burdekin Uniting Church Bluey’s Thrift Shop 50th Birthday celebration.

It was wonderful and humbling to spend time with the warm, caring and hardworking members of the Church Auxiliary and other church members, Thrift Shop volunteers and former Blue Nurses. 

The church auxiliary has donated some of the funds raised in the Thrift Shop for our Emergency Relief and Domestic and Family Violence Support services for a number of years and we are super grateful.
 
Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)

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I would like to talk about one of the Burdekin’s local not for profit organisations, the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, that is actively working on a number of local community projects.  
In the coming months, Zonta, in partnership with the Red Rose Foundation, Burdekin Shire Council and the Men’s Shed, will place a number of Red Benches in prominent locations in Ayr and Home Hill. Keep an eye out for them - you won’t miss them!!
The presence of a Red Bench in a public location aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible.
If you wish to learn more about Zonta and their exciting local community and international work, follow the club activities on Facebook or you can make arrangements to attend a monthly dinner meeting which is held every second Tuesday of the month commencing at 6:00pm at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club.

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Did you know that tenders are now open for an exciting opportunity to secure prime industrial land?
Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Estate Expansion features 19 lots available for tender, offering a fantastic chance for businesses and investors to secure valuable industrial land. Most of these lots are generously sized around 2000m², offering plenty of space to build your dream industrial property or expand your business. The flexible configurations mean that buyers have the option to tender for multiple lots, allowing for customised and expansive developments.
For more information and to access the tender package, be sure to visit Council’s website or contact Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.
This is your chance to explore all the details and find the perfect lot to meet your business needs. Remember, the deadline is approaching fast—tenders close at 5:00pm on Monday 19 August 2024.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au

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This year marks a momentous occasion for Burdekin Catholic High School as it proudly commemorates its 50th anniversary - a testament to half a century of nurturing young minds, fostering community spirit, and upholding a tradition of academic excellence in the Burdekin region.

Built on the shoulders of Edmund Campion College (Marist Brothers) BCHS celebrates the vision that became reality in 1974 when it first opened its doors as a co-educational high school, officially named Burdekin Catholic High School.

From its inception, the school has stood as a beacon of knowledge and values, shaping the lives of countless individuals of the Burdekin region who have passed through its doors.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the dedication and vision of those who founded and shaped our school - reflecting on the transformative impact of Burdekin Catholic High School,” Principal, Mrs Lorraine Wolffe said.

"To our alumni who have carried the values of Burdekin Catholic High School into the world, to our current students who embody the spirit of excellence and community, and to the future generations who will continue this legacy, we extend our heartfelt gratitude."

Such an important time in the life of the school should be celebrated, and an Anniversary Weekend will be held on 16, 17, and 18 August. The anniversary celebrations are not just a reflection on the past but also a testament to the ongoing journey of education and growth.

There is a whole weekend of activities planned and BCHS would love to have their past students and teachers come and celebrate.

The festivities planned for this golden jubilee include a series of events and activities designed to celebrate the school's rich history, honour its achievements, and inspire the community to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Beginning the wonderful weekend, Friday 16 August will see a Twilight Event held at the school. Saturday 17 August will host the Anniversary Gala Dinner set to be held at the Memorial Hall, with tickets available for purchase from the Burdekin Theatre. To conclude the celebrations, an Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 18 August at the school at 9am.

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WHAT: Burdekin Catholic Highschool 50 Year Celebrations
WHEN: 16, 17, 18 August

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School Leaders 2024
The first Burdekin Catholic High School Assembly in 1974

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The Burdekin Shire Council is thrilled to announce that tenders are now open for the newly expanded Ayr Industrial Estate. This expansion offers additional industrial land and infrastructure, aimed at boosting the growth and diversification of our local economy.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed the Council's enthusiasm about this major development, with Stage 1 offering 19 lots.

"The launch of tenders for the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is an exciting step forward," Cr Dalle Cort stated.

"This expansion represents prime real estate strategically positioned to foster industrial growth - it aims to attract a diverse range of new industries to the area, enhance economic grown and also encourage innovation and development within the community.

Not only will the new development provide existing businesses with the opportunity to expand, but it will also ensure the availability of future jobs for our young people.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to secure your businesses future in this wonderful part of North Queensland.”

Tenders are now open for lots in the Industrial Estate expansion. For more information, visit burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact the Council’s Economic Development Team at (07) 4783 9800 or via email at eliza.lovell@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort on site with the Industrial Estate Expansion Prospectus.

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DOB: 01/04/2023
Sex: Male
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Untested
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 5ft

Spud is a lovable Jack Russell terrier with a heart of gold! He is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, always ready for a game.

He has adorable ears and wags his tail none stop, he is sure to bring a smile to your face every day.

Despite his small size, Spud has a big personality. He is incredibly loyal and affectionate, always eager to cuddle up on the couch or snuggle in bed.

Spud is also quite smart and he loves to learn new tricks.

If you're looking for a furry companion who will fill your life with joy and laughter, look no further than Spud the lovable Jack Russell terrier!

To meet Spud, fill in an inquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html. 

Included in adoption fee of $1000 Spud will be desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated, and he is on heartworm preventative.

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CANEGROWERS has welcomed news that Wilmar and unions representing workers at the company's nine Queensland sugar mills have accepted a mediation offer from the Fair Work Commission.
 
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said he hoped the move signalled the beginning of the end for the long-running pay dispute that is affecting half of the industry and threatens to completely derail the season.
 
“Sugarcane farming families have been losing $4 million a day due to strike action at Wilmar mills, and we’ve seen the crush fall up to 20% behind schedule in some districts,” Mr Menkens said.
 
“It's been clear for weeks that the parties had reached a stalemate in negotiations, so it’s well past time that we got this issue resolved.
 
“To make matters worse, communication between the mills and their grower suppliers has been almost non-existent, with growers left in the dark about what may happen from one day to the next. 
 
“Cane harvesters, contractors, farmers and farm workers have been operating in an atmosphere of complete uncertainty, and they have had enough.
 
“There are no winners in this situation, but there are very clear losers, that’s the cane growing families whose livelihoods are being devastated.
 
“I personally know growers who are losing tens of thousands a day during stoppages. These farmers have spent millions of dollars growing this crop and getting it ready to harvest. They face huge bills for fertiliser, chemicals, staffing, machinery, maintenance, and all the other costs associated with farming. So, they are not just losing their income, they are unable to continue servicing those huge debts that farmers must run up just to grow a crop.”
 
The ongoing industrial action is just the latest problem for a milling sector plagued by performance issues that are rapidly dragging down the productivity and profitability of the entire industry, impacting the financial and mental wellbeing of farming families and communities.
 
“Certain parts of the milling sector have been under-performing for years, which has flow-on effects on season length, cane quality, harvesting costs. Every year we are seeing cane left unharvested in the paddock. The inability of some mills to crush the crop in that June to November window is hurting growers, the industry, and the communities that rely on sugarcane for survival," Mr Menkens said.
 
“CANEGROWERS has been working on this problem with many milling companies and other industry organisations. We know how much it is costing the industry. We also know the solution. In fact, it’s pretty simple! Milling companies need to invest for the long term in their factories and infrastructure.
 
“Simply keeping mills ticking over year after year is not enough, because each year they are getting a little bit worse. They need to make significant investments to upgrade and modernise their assets. They must also train and maintain qualified staff.”
 
Mr Menkens pointed out that some milling companies have successfully invested and collaborated with the growing sector and are thriving as a result.
 
“We realise mills, especially older mills, are difficult to run and maintain. And the logistics of moving and crushing 35 million tonnes of cane per year are complex. But it can be done successfully and we need to work together to see this happen.
 
“MSF’s Tableland mill is currently crushing at around 97% capacity. It should be a shining example to those mills struggling to maintain 70-80% availability.
 
“MSF’s Mulgrave mill has even joined forces with Mossman cane growers to ensure they get their cane crushed this year following the closure of Mossman Mill in 2023.
 
“This proves that mills can perform well and work with growers collaboratively if they invest properly in their own business and the industry more widely.”  

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CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens and CANEGROWERS Burdekin Director Rian Swindley with Queensland Premier Steven Miles during a Community Cabinet in Townsville last month

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