Ayr State High School’s cultural fire was burning “Loud and Proud” at their annual NAIDOC day held last week on 11 July.

Led by Indigenous Captain Seanna Chapman, the event commenced with a traditional Welcome and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Randal Ross. The day also saw Year 7 students engage in cultural games, craft Message Sticks, and immerse themselves in traditional Dreamtime stories with the guidance of Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah Tabo.

“It was a privilege to have Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah Tabo helping with the cultural games, along with other elders and families attending to support the day,” shared Ayr State High School.

During the afternoon lunch break, the entire school community and honoured guests came together for a Cultural Feast, where the aromas of coconut, curry, and freshly baked damper filled the air, tantalising everyone's senses and transporting them on a culinary journey.

The festivities culminated in a special NAIDOC assembly, where the school community and guests were treated to captivating performances of traditional dances by talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The assembly provided an interactive and memorable conclusion to the cultural journey of NAIDOC 2024, with staff and students joining in on the dancing in a fitting way to end the school’s annual celebration.

Photos supplied

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By August 1933, the Burdekin River had not had a flood since 1927 and the underground water level had diminished somewhat.  The Shire Council along with the farmers and townsfolk were getting worried about the water supply. Mr R. E. Shaw, assistant engineer of the Irrigation branch of the government addressed the Council.  The Plantation Creek, (a delta mouth of the Burdekin River) was selected to replenish the underground water supply.
The Burdekin River water would be diverted through a tunnel from the river into Plantation Creek. A survey was to be undertaken to include a pumping plant in the Delta, their capacity, distance to water and depth of drift at various points along the creek. It was ascertained from this survey that Plantation Creek was once the main channel for the Burdekin River to enter the sea.
The Burdekin River water would enter Plantation Creek through a pipe line that will be about 644 feet long and 5 feet above the bed of the river.  From here Plantation Creek was a well watercourse (with high scrub covered banks) to Cameron’s Waterhole (at the junction of Giddy Road Plantation Creek and Maidavale Roads). At the entrance to Plantation Creek much dirt would have to be excavated. The water would then flow down to what was known as the Klondyke Lagoon, (once known as Gilmore’s Lagoon and now Hutching’s Lagoon). Klondyke means a very rich source of wealth - it can refer to a card game, mining such as gold, or in this case, untold water.  Klondyke Lagoon is not only a part of Plantation Creek but it has beneath its bed a spring of water that bubbles away timelessly. There were to be 12 pumping plants between the river and Klondyke Lagoon.
Between March and April in 1934, the Plantation Scheme was established after the Council had voted for it to go ahead.  The estimated cost was £19,000 with the Government paying subsidising half and the shire to pay the other half. It was depression years and 75% of the labourers were to be chosen among relief workers and the other 25% labourers to be chosen by the Ayr Shire Council. As usual the estimated cost to the scheme would run over the £19,000. Sometime in 1934-35 tenders were called for the construction of the pipe line and the successful tenderers were Super Pipe and Construction Companies of Brisbane and Sydney, the local manager of the firm was Mr E H Bishop.  The pipe line was 644 feet long, 7 feet high and 7 feet wide.  It was constructed of reinforced concrete the tops and bottoms being 11 inches in thickness and sides 6 inches.  Some 240tons of cement was required and 43 tons of steel for the job and 700 cubic yard   of concrete will comprise the pipe and conduit. The bottom will be 5 feet above the bed of the river, and when the flood water of the Burdekin is level with the rails at Inkerman Rail Bridge, the conduit will be running full bore.
As a safe guard against erosion of the river bank, the first 120 feet of the conduit will be laid after tunnel laid for that distance.  This work was well in hand by October-November 1935. The remainder of the conduit was laid in an open cut approximately 24 feet in depth.  For the work of excavating this huge trench, a Bucyrus Excavator was employed, working three shifts of eight hours each.  The soil removed in a day of 24 hours is from 800 to 1000 cubic yards. The excavator steam shovel did an excellent work and had previously been used in the Theodore area during the irrigation works there. The conduit laid in the open cut will be covered after the completion with the soil which has been excavated. At one portion of the tunnel the floor will be approximately 27 feet underground.
As a further safeguard against erosion, the banks of the river from the bed to the top in vicinity of the intake was to be stone faced.  To prevent large timber and other debris from entering the pipe, the face was provided with a grid consisting of three-inch trash bars 15inches apart. In order to ensure that the water flowing into the pipe will all find its way to the creek and not be lost when the river commences to recede, a flood gate was provided near the intake. This will result in impounding all the water in the pipe when a flood is at its peak.  This flood gate was worked on a screw known as Archimedes Screw which is very simple to operate.
On account of the low level of pipes there will be 22,000 cubic yar of excavation between the outlet and the end of the conduit and Cameron’s Waterhole, a distance of eleven miles of open drain. This work was not completed until sometime in late 1936. This Plantation Replenishment Scheme was an experiment as authorities did not know if pumping water from the Burdekin River into Plantation Creek and into the underground would work. It has proved to be a success over the years as will be shown.
It is interesting to note the names of some of the road crossings along Plantation Creek to Cameron’s Waterhole. There is Gilligan’s Culvert near the river and Plantation Creek entrance.  Gilligan was bailiff for North Queensland Pastural Co which had property from Inkerman Station to the Burdekin River on the Southern side and on the Northern side of the river,  Jarvisfield and along Plantation Creek. The Clare Crossing on Clare Road, then we come to Old Clare Road, known as Laun’s Crossing.  Laun’s had a farm there which previously had been in the Rossiter Family and now Bugeja’s. Burnett’s Crossing at Giddy Road and Maidavale Road and down to Craig’s Crossing at the junction of Robertson’s Road and Maidavale Road. Craig’s Farm was previously owned by Spelta, and after Craig it became Whitson’s Farm.

Sometime towards the end of 1938, a cutting in Plantation Creek between Cameron’s Waterhole and Klondyke Lagoon to remove debris and certain obstructions along the Creek give Plantation Creek uninterrupted flow were submitted to the Department of Irrigation and Water Supply.  It was not until the floods of 1940, that the Plantation Replenishment Scheme proved to be a success.
For two or three days after the flood in the Burdekin River, the 7 by 7 feet conduit at the entrance to Plantation Creek from the river, the Creek ran full bore and the water reached the town boundary.  During the water’s progress, the large lagoons and water courses were all filled and immense quantities have penetrated the sandy soil to the underground storage.  The original scheme cost about £19,000 with the shire paying half on a 50-50 loan subsidy.
By 1945 the river ran into the creek for about 2weeks every year and growers using the irrigation plants along the bed of the creek noticed an improved supply of underground water since the installation of the diversion roughly ten years ago from 1935 onwards. One of the old hands that worked and irrigated along the creek gauged the depth of Hutchings Lagoon by the number of turtles sunning themselves on an old tree log in the creek. The depth being two turtles down to 4 turtles or maybe 5 turtles on the tree log.
This Replenishment Scheme which began in 1934-35 is noticed in the underground from the entrance to Plantation Creek down past Norham Road today.  A fish ladder has been installed at the culvert on Cislowski Road, Ayr town water is pumped from Plantation between Hutchings Lagoon and Cislowski Road. Plantation Park and its recreation facilities benefit from the Scheme also. Down towards the mouth of Plantation Creek which once acted a port for the Ayr District, an embankment has been built to stop the Salt from the ocean penetrating to far up the creek. Yes, the Plantation Replenishment scheme has been a success.
Note:  Much fishing has taken place along the banks of the Plantation Creek where Barramundi and other fish has been caught over the years.  Crocodiles have been known to lurk in the creek between Robertson and Cislowski Roads.  Swimming and kayaking have been another favourite pastime of the locals in the creek. Another pastime that was carried on by the young folk of the district was swimming through the culvert on Cislowski Road when the stream was flowing. Perhaps this was carried on at other crossings along Plantation Creek as well.

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The sky again is overcast; it’s threatening to rain.
The farmer gazes at the clouds; He has to burn his cane
And “ Will it rain or clear away? What will the weather do?”
‘Tis Sunday afternoon and dull; The farmer’s in a stew.
“Perhaps another break I’ll push and burn a little less.
Then if I’m caught by lots of rain, there won’t be such a mess!”
The time of year that should be wet was very, very dry
And harvest time’s supposed to have a cloudless, sunny sky,
But round here in the Burdekin, the harvest’s been delayed.
The crushing’s held up by the wet, and farmers are afraid
The mill won’t have capacity to crush the sugar crop
Because that rain, unseasonal, has caused the mill to stop.
The farmers try their very best to cut the soggy cane,
The haul-outs bog, the harvester has skidded In a drain.
The farmer’s thoughts turn back a bit, he ponders once again
On seasons, crops and harvesting, as happens now and then.
The farmer’s thoughts swing back again, he’s in the present now,
Decisions must be made and soon; a frown is on his brow.
“It’s overcast again,” he says, “I’ll have a smaller burn
And hope that soon again I’ll see the sunny days return.

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Kay Duggan is a ‘born and bred’ local in Ayr, and a volunteer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre where she is President and life member of the committee.

Having grown up and lived in Ayr for her whole life and attending St Francis Catholic School as a child, Kay knows the Burdekin community especially well.

She has been volunteering at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since retiring in 1995 and became president in 2010. Before this, Kay was a minute secretary for the organisation.

While she is president, Kay insists that the Neighbourhood centre is a team:

“We're a team, I'm not into being the boss.”

Explaining why she loves the work she does, kay emphasised that the committee have become valued friends to her, and the centre is made to feel like a “house,” to invite community members in.

Kay assists people around the centre and said she has always had good interpersonal skills.

“I feel that if I meet somebody, I like to know how they are, what they're doing and why they're doing it,” said Kay.

Alongside her duties at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Kay also is involved in the Hockey association in Burdekin, obtaining life membership in 1982, as well as becoming a life member for the squash association in 1981.

Speaking about her highlight from the year, the Burdekin ‘Biggest Morning Tea,” Kay stated:

“Donations came from in town, from the Community, from the business houses and also private people, they all donated with no worries whatsoever, the community is very, very generous.”

Coordinator at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Natalie Saroglia said, “Kay is one of those people that will get in and do things and where she excels is that she will take people as they are, she doesn't try to change them.”

The Neighbourhood centre is looking for a new volunteer secretary, if you are interested in joining Kay and the team, please contact the Centre below:

Ph: (07) 4783 4243

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President Kay and Treasurer Elvie being awarded lifetime membership for their long and outstanding contributions to the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Photo supplied

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I was asked for advice on how to move on in mid-life after divorce. A woman in her mid 50s has found herself divorced after 28 years of marriage. Her children are grown, there was no other woman. She simply decided that she was absolutely miserable in her marriage and at the age of 54 took stock of her life.

She was at a crossroads, she could carry on with her life, stay unhappy but not have to face the world alone. Or she could leave and start a new life for herself. Obviously, she took the second option and left. She told me that she struggles to navigate this new path. She is discovering what her likes and dislikes are and it’s been so long since she thought about herself she had forgotten!

She binge-watches Bridgerton with the volume up in bed at night while eating chocolate (which she loves!) but she also feels the ache of loneliness in her heart when she sees couples holding hands or shopping or having a cuppa. 

She is middle aged and what if she never finds love again? What if the car gets a puncture, what if her ex remarries? 

I asked her to close her eyes and imagine her husband moving back into her house with her.

What was the first thing she felt?

She replied, sadness.

I was just finding myself, finding my feet in my new life and that was gone. The peace, calm and freedom was lost. I felt grief that the bits and pieces of me that were returning would be lost all over again and I might never find them.

She looked at me and smiled.

The fleeting pangs of ‘what ifs’, ‘maybes’ and doubts might always be there but it was worth it for the peace and calm she had found. 

Life is fleeting, weeks go by in a blink. Grab any chance of happiness you can. Laugh at the absurdities in life.

I've had the privilege in my nursing career of caring for people who were at the end of their journey in this life. Without exception the last conversations and memories involved were how much they loved and were loved. Be kind to each other and especially to yourselves.

Mary Torpey 

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We are excited to share some important updates about our team. With Sue Perry moving into New Home Sales and Jo Gabiola retiring, we've had the opportunity to promote two of our dedicated staff members to sales agent roles. Amber Hornsby brings five years of industry experience to her new position. Known for her personalized approach and superior local market knowledge, Amber is committed to providing exceptional service to all our clients.
Candice Dyball, with three years of industry experience, also steps into her new role with enthusiasm. Candice’s excellent communication skills and deep understanding of industry practices, means she will be a valuable asset to our team. Both Amber and Candice are excited to continue servicing our clients with the same dedication and professionalism you’ve come to expect from Nutrien Harcourts McCathies.
Brielle Astorquia and Mikaela Casella continue their roles as assistant to the sales team ensuring every transaction matters. John Mottin plays a crucial role in the business, with over 25 years of agricultural experience and 17 years of real estate experience, John specializes in rural and lifestyle property sales, auctions and clearing sales.
Established since 1965 and rooted in local ownership, Nutrien Harcourts McCathies is deeply connected to the Burdekin community, treating every client like family. As the foremost agency in the region, we promise unparalleled local expertise, thorough industry insight, and unwavering dedication to delivering a seamless buying and selling experience.
The market in the Burdekin over the last financial year has been productive. We have seen an increase in growth over the last year in Ayr and Home Hill. However, the interest in units in the Home Hill area has been very slow moving. 19.6% of our buyers have been local, from the Burdekin area. Our rental yield for investment properties has remained consistent in Ayr at 6.7% and averaging slightly higher in Home Hill at 8.6% for houses and 8.8% for Units. The number of days on market has also decreased, averaging 50-70 days, which means properties are selling faster.
Nutrien Harcourts McCathies office has remained the top agency for the area in 2023- 2024, with an estimated market share of 55% for Sales Volume and Value. As trusted advisors to sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, we would love to discuss your property goals.
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Please call 07 47831911 to speak to an agent.
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Contributed by, with thanks to Paula Mottin

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Home Hill Ayr Lions Club 2023 Harvest Festival Queen entrant, Alli-Jo Farry has made a celebrated donation to the Home Hill Kindergarten and to St. Colman’s Primary School.

Alli-Jo made the donations following her successful fundraising over the 2023 Harvest Festival Season in conjunction with the Lions Club, donating $1000 to the Home Hill Kindergarten, and another $500 to St. Colman’s Primary School.

Alli-Jo’s donation comes as another great accomplishment the Home Hill Ayr Lions Club has celebrated her following winning Miss Personality at last November’s Rotary Ball Harvest Festival Celebration.

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Alli-Jo presenting the Home Hill Kindergarten with their $1000 donation.

Alli-Jo in the 2023 Harvest Festival parade wearing her Miss Personality sash.

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Happy first week back at school everyone! Both Ayr and Brisbane had a rainy start to Monday, solidifying my theory that it always rains on the first day back at school after holidays.

As you may already know, I went to Ayr State High School, and graduated in 2021. If you’re familiar with the lay of the land there, you’ll know that no matter what, if it’s been raining, you’re sure to have to make some extraordinary leaps around the library / office area to avoid soggy socks!

I remember always having new shoes ready to go for the new school year after the Christmas school holidays, only to have Mum make me wear last year’s fossils to save my new ones from getting muddy and destroyed. Although devastating at the time, saving their debut until the following week was always exciting, and the white on my shoes stayed white a little longer. Don’t let her know, but it’s safe to say Mum is always right.

This week I’ve been sort of back to school myself. O Week for Trimester 2 has begun, and I’ve been completing orientation tasks, planning my assessment blocks, and finalising my timetable, all in preparation for my final 13ish weeks of university (maybe) forever!

Everyone’s back in the swing of things, and routines are set! As always, feel free to send me a message to say hi and have a chat! Enjoy the read, and I’ll chat to you soon.

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On Saturday, 22 June five members of the Burdekin Men’s Shed teamed up with Harvey Norman in Ayr to fundraise for the Lower Burdekin Scouts.

Outside the store, they hosted a lively Sausage Sizzle, which was generously supported by Harvey Norman which donated bread, sausages, and onions. The Men’s Shed volunteers cooked and sold delicious sausages on bread, alongside refreshments, with all proceeds dedicated to the Lower Burdekin Scout Group in Home Hill.

President of the Burdekin Men’s Shed, Rob Ritchie, expressed their strong commitment to bolstering the local Scouting community, aiming to revive its historical strength in engaging young people in healthy outdoor activities. Ritchie emphasised the Shed’s close ties with the Scouts, having taken over their former premises in Ayr in 2011 after they relocated to Home Hill.

The Men’s Shed committee expresses great gratitude to Harvey Norman for their generous sponsorship in supplying both the food and venue for the event, along with Butcher on Queen, Bendigo Bank for their celebrated support and to the members who ran the sausage sizzle. Collectively, the Burdekin Men’s Shed have begun sponsoring the Lower Burdekin Scouts in hopes the scouting group will strengthen within the Burdekin community, acknowledging the work they do in encouraging younger generations to engage in outdoor activities.

“We look forward to conducting more Harvey Norman sausage sizzles for the Scouts in the future,” shared the Burdekin Men’s Shed.

Lower Burdekin Scout Group Leader, Chris Berkery, explained the scouting group has grown in numbers since January of 2023 from three members to fifteen. The group has set a recruitment target of twenty, and hopes to reach this total by the conclusion of 2024, with a long-term target of fifty hopefully on the horizon. The Scouts, who meet weekly in Home Hill, invite youths aged 5 to 15 for a complimentary trial period to experience activities like camping, archery, and community service.

Chris additionally welcomed support from other local organisations and individuals interested in sponsoring or volunteering with the Scouts. Scouting promotes healthy outdoor adventures and community involvement, offering a valuable experience for young people.

“Scouting is the largest youth organisation in the world promoting healthy outdoor activities for children,” shared Chris.

In appreciation of the joint effort by Harvey Norman and the Burdekin Men’s Shed, a $400 donation was presented to the Scouts, contributing to their annual operational expenses.

For more information about joining or supporting the Lower Burdekin Scouts, please contact Chris Berkery at 0419 104 035.

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Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie presenting a $400 Bendigo Bank cheque to Scout Group Leader Chris Berkery. L to R Men’s Shed member Ed Chandler, Scout Group Leader Chris Berkery, M. Gill of Harvey Norman Home Appliances, Gary Roser of Harvey Norman Computers, Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie & member Alvin Thomas.

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Revelations that in the last ten years at least one person has lost their life for every three kilometres of the Bruce Highway in the electorate, has left Member for Burdekin Dale Last questioning how much more blood needs to be shed before desperately needed safety upgrades are funded.

Mr Last said despite community calls over the years for safety improvements the tragic events of recent weeks had shone a spotlight on a fact that regional Queenslanders were all too familiar with - the Bruce Highway is a national disgrace.

“To think that 59 fatal accidents equates to a tragic loss of life every three kilometres along the 187km section of the Bruce Highway in the Burdekin Electorate beggars belief,” Mr Last said.

“The question I have for the Minister is, how many more fatalities will it take before we see serious road investment from this state government?”

“Any life lost on our roads is one too many and as we have seen in recent weeks the wide-spread impact these tragedies have, goes further than the site of the accident.

“It tears at the heart of our community members, first responders and emergency services.”

Despite 36 projects being identified to improve safety from Bowen to Townsville in Labor’s strategic plan for the Bruce, Mr Last said the fact that none had received new funding sent a clear message to regional Queenslanders.

“Action plans and glossy documents won’t do anything to save lives on our roads, that comes down to funding for upgrades and maintenance, something the Minister has clearly forgotten about when it comes to the Bruce Highway in North Queensland,” Mr Last said.

“Perhaps the Minister needs to get in a car and experience for himself the Bruce Highway between Bowen and Townsville.  

“Maybe then he might understand that when we are screaming for road upgrades, we're not looking to get home faster, we are looking to get home alive.”

Opinion Piece from Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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On Wednesday 19 June, 21 school students from years 9 to 12 celebrated their graduation from the Queensland Blue Light Association Incorporated Blue EDGE program.
The Blue Edge program was delivered at Home Hill High School over an 8-week period and works to uphold 4 core principles; educate, develop, grow and empower.
A Blue Light Queensland program, the organisation’s mission is to foster positive outcomes among police, community and young people through early intervention with the vision of every young person reaching their potential, and to live crime free.
The Blue Edge program was ran with the support of the Burdekin PCYC, local police, school staff, and Blue Light Volunteers.
Over the 8-week program, students attended 1.5hr sessions twice a week where they were provided with opportunities to engage in physical training and activities, provided with a simple, healthy breakfast before school, and the chance to learn from motivational guest speakers.
As a result of these activities, each day of the program ensured students would attend school alert, fed, motivated and ready for learning.
As part of their “Final Edge” graduation, the students travelled to Townsville to carry out the last day of the program, where they were rewarded with a tour of the North Queensland Cowboys HQ and enjoyed activities together at KinPin Townsville.
Families were invited to attend the graduation, to celebrate their child’s successful completion of such a comprehensive, and engaging course.

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The graduating class. Photo supplied

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Populins Hall has stood proudly on the ever-bustling Queen Street for decades, and holding a rich history, and special place in the hearts of many within the Burdekin community.

The historic venue was, and forever will be a hive for activity, hosting regular events and occasions with millions of dancing shoes tapping on the classic wooden floors over the years. The space held many specular celebrations, sporting wrap-ups, weddings, dance rehearsals and more, with the balcony, overlooking Queen Street, hosting the official crowning of the Water Festival Queens during the Mardi Gra processions in the 60s.

The 1960s additionally saw the hall host many school dances and social events. St. Francis High School, the Marist Brothers School, and Ayr State High School annually held their highly anticipated, and ever popular dances, providing many students with the opportunity to dress up, and enjoy a formal night of celebration and socialisation.

In the 1970s Saturday nights had the community strapping on their dancing shoes, and donning their starched petticoats, stovepipe trousers, and hair sprayed updos to bust a move to the talented tunes including those produced by Townsville based band, The Squares. Many locals remember asking ladies for their hand to dance to the music of numerous local bands, and artists like Ron and Micky Odgers, Peter Wheelers, Billy Williamson, Norm Adcock, Allan and John Sinclair, and John McCathie.

Hundreds would fill the hall, spilling out to enjoy the popular atmosphere of the balcony, finding much enjoyment in meeting others, and engaging in casual conversations well into the night for what was “the highlight of the week” for most at the time. Many reminisce on having met their partners when indulging in the regular Saturday night happenings, and sharing in a dance for the first time with who would become their future husband or wife.

Populins Hall has homed millions of memories for both Burdekin locals, and travellers over its time, and its timeless structure will continue to welcome many more well into the future. An iconic pillar in the region’s history, Populins Hall has, and forever will be celebrated by the Burdekin community.

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Populins Hall in September of 1967. Photo credit: Doug Thomas

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On Saturday 29 June, many gathered on Groper Creek’s waterfront to celebrate the official opening of the “Our Front Yard” Shelter, a significant moment that completed the dream of Danny Garvey who sadly passed away in 2023 before his plans for the shelter came to fruition.

Over 100 locals, and travellers were in attendance at the event, including Mayor Pierina dale Cort, the region’s Bendigo Bank representative, David Catinzaro and representatives from the Home Hill Boat Club and Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade.

Jeanette Garvey led the official opening, and was accompanied by her family and friends, some of whom travelled far to be present for the significant event to honour Jeanette’s late husband, Danny Garvey.

“Those who knew Danny, knew he always had a project on the go, and he was always proud of his “front yard”, mowing it to perfection, telling people to keep off the grass, and be respectful of our surroundings,” explained Jeanette.

Jeanette and Danny lived in Groper Creek for almost fifteen years, and immersed themselves in the community, quickly becoming active members of the Home Hill Boat Club and Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade. 2016 saw Danny undertake the role of First Officer, and he was in turn, heavily involved in numerous clean-up efforts following the floods.

The pair were then appointed Park Managers in 2019, and despite the unprecedented times of COVID-19, Danny took advantage of his spare time, making valuable improvements to the area.

“Danny was busier than most during Covid times, setting about making improvements here with new fish fileting areas, unit upgrades, concrete pathways, and more,” recalled Jeanette.

“One of Danny’s last projects was to commence planning for this project – a new 10 x 6 metre shade shelter to replace an old Koppers log structure in the public car park area to provide a space for people to gather, picnic, fish or simply reflect by the water.”

In January of 2023, Danny sadly and suddenly passed away, leaving both his family, and members of the Home Hill Boat Club & Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade devastated but determined to complete the “dream project” in his honour.

The Groper Creek Rural Fire Brigade raised substantial funds through Container for Change collections, and Jeanette reminisces on the lengths both herself, and her co-manager Wendy Coplick went to, recalling many dumpster diving instances to make every can count!

“We also thankfully had many visitors and locals who gladly drank more to contribute to the cause and attended our State of Origin and raffle nights,” said Jeanette.

The Home Hill Rotary club generously donated $1000 to the project, which kickstarted initial groundworks, and construction officially began in 2023 following a $10,000 donation from Bendigo Bank. With works underway, April saw the completion of Stage 1, and Jeanette received an amazing message, igniting the plans to begin Stage 2.

“Whilst the tradies were still onsite, we received notification that under this year’s funding round, Bendigo Bank was providing the additional $11,000 we needed to complete the project,” explained Jeanette.

“To receive this final funding amount and see this project completed was just amazing, I don’t know of any other bank which gives back to its community as generously as our Bendigo Bank.

“Danny’s original dream shelter has become a reality; it’s an everlasting legacy in his honour and it’s now here for generations to enjoy in “Our Front Yard” at Groper Creek.”

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The Garvey Family - Dallan, Cas, Jeanette, Kurtis & Siahn Garvey toast the opening of "Our Front Yard Shelter" at Groper Creek.

Danny and Jeannette

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The Savorgnan family are currently experiencing one of the toughest and most unthinkable situations a family can face with their young daughter recently diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Maria, Marty and their beautiful two-year-old daughter, Elenna, have flown from Townsville to Brisbane earlier this week after scans revealed a tumour on Elenna’s brain.

Additional scans have now shown the tumour has spread throughout Elenna's brain, and spinal cord, and the family is now awaiting emergency surgery and treatment.

With the rapid pace of Elenna’s diagnosis paired with the sudden travel and shock, numerous tests and treatments are still needing to occur. The uncertainty surrounding the entire battle ahead additionally leaves the family unaware of how long they will need to remain in Brisbane for.

Expecting their second child this month, the young Home Hill family have been hit with a whirlwind of emotions, expenses, and concerns, however numerous members of the local Burdekin community have provided the family with unwavering support, and a beacon of hope.

Earlier this week, Ashley De-Campo established a Go Fund Me fundraiser for the Savorgnan family to support Maria, Marty and little Elenna during this time.

“If you have the pleasure of knowing Elenna’s parent’s, Maria and Marty, you will know that they’re selfless, supportive, hardworking and kind-hearted people,” shared Ashley.

“Elenna is the absolute light of their life and as any parents could imagine, their whole world has been turned upside down with this news.”

The Go Fund Me page was created with the consent of the Savorgnan family to support them with the financial stressors that come with an event so life changing.

The Burdekin and surrounding community have supported Ashley’s efforts amazingly, with widespread donations now totalling far more than double the initial fundraising goal.

“It is unknown how long Elenna will be receiving treatment in hospital for - they are taking each day as it comes,” added Ashley.

“We kindly ask that their privacy be respected at this time - we truly appreciate everyone who has supported the Go Fund Me and Savorgnan family.”

The fundraising page has attracted over 200 donations and messages of support, with over $20,000 raised for the family.

Donations can be made to “The Savorgnan Family” Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-savorgnan-family.

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Maria and Marty Savorgnan with baby Elenna. Photo supplied

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Local family set to celebrate 6th birthday of young boy who was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy at birth and given just days to live.

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Tia Wall with her five children, Ayden, Anastasia, Andrew, Ainsley, and Azaria. Photo supplied

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Ayden Wall Seeks New Set Of Wheels

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Defying all odds, five-year-old Ayden Wall has continued to persevere far beyond the expectations of medical professionals following his quadriplegic cerebral palsy diagnosis at birth.

His family are now calling on the community to contribute towards a wheelchair that will allow them to transport him easily as he continues to grow.

Ayden was diagnosed following the discovery of an in-utero cranial bleed during a routine scan 32 weeks into his mother, Tia Wall’s, pregnancy. Tia was advised by medical professionals of Ayden’s unlikely survival, and as she was pregnant with twins, surgery was not a safe option.

The twins, Ayden and Azaria, were born prematurely at 35 weeks, and Ayden was immediately placed into the neonatal intensive care unit under palliative care where hope for his survival was slim. After several weeks in hospital, Tia was allowed to take her infant son home to spend his final days with his family.

Almost six years, countless surgeries, hospital stays, and around the clock care later, Ayden will soon be celebrating his sixth birthday.

Ayden will never have the ability to walk or talk, and will continue to require 24-hour care, however with the love and support of those around him, he has been able to enjoy a few of the daily activities every five-year-old should experience. In his first year of prep at the Burdekin Special School, Ayden enjoys being out and about within the local community alongside his family and loves swimming - an integral part of supporting his pain and mobility.

A single mum to five children, Tia, with the support of her family and friends, has been living each day as it comes, working to provide Ayden with the best quality of life possible. Currently the family are raising funds to purchase a safe and reliable wheelchair accessible vehicle to transport Ayden to and from his specialist medical appointments and therapies, as well as in and around the Burdekin community. Living in Ayr, the family often travels to Townsville for Ayden’s medical requirements, making the purchase of such a vehicle all the more essential.

Exhausting all possible opportunities, Tia established a Go Fund Me fundraiser as a last effort to source the funds needed for her son.

“I don’t know where else to turn now to try to get help - I’m desperate to get any sort of help for this little boy, so here we are,” shared Tia.

The Wall family are kindly calling on the community for their support to relieve a little pressure.

“Even a small gesture of kindness can have a big impact,” shared the family.

Donations can be made via the Go Fund Me link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/wheelchair-accessible-vehicle-for-ayden.

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Ayden with his twin sister Azaria
A new wheelchair would enable Ayden’s family to transport him more easily
Ayden with his mum Tia. Photos supplied

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