Getting kids excited about homework and learning outside of school hours can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a little creativity, parents can turn learning into a fun and engaging experience that kids look forward to. Here are some fun and interactive ways to make homework and learning enjoyable for children.

Gamify Learning

One of the easiest ways to get kids engaged in learning is by turning it into a game. Use educational apps or board games that teach math, spelling, history, or science. You can also create your own games, such as flashcard bingo or trivia nights. Awarding points or small rewards for completing tasks can motivate kids to keep learning while having fun.

Learning Through Cooking

Cooking is a fantastic way to integrate learning into daily activities. Measure ingredients together to practice math skills like fractions, addition, and subtraction. While cooking, you can teach kids about science concepts such as chemical reactions, states of matter, or the nutritional value of different foods. Not only does it make learning fun, but it also encourages children to develop practical life skills.

Incorporate Learning into Outdoor Play

Take advantage of outdoor playtime by incorporating learning into activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, or even gardening. For example, a scavenger hunt can include finding specific types of leaves or rocks, which can turn into an opportunity for learning about different plants or geological formations. Gardening can teach kids about biology, ecosystems, and responsibility as they care for their plants.

Create a Homework Routine with a Twist

Establishing a consistent homework routine is important, but it doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Set up a cosy, distraction-free homework station with fun decorations or a “homework playlist” featuring soothing music. You could even allow your child to choose their favorite snacks or drinks as a reward after completing their tasks. Mixing in positive incentives makes the homework experience more enjoyable.

Involve the Whole Family

Family learning activities are a great way to make education a shared experience. Try setting aside a "family learning night" where everyone participates in a group activity like building a puzzle, reading books together, or doing a DIY science experiment. This shows kids that learning is a lifelong activity and that it’s something to enjoy together.

By incorporating these fun and creative methods into your child’s routine, you can help foster a love for learning that extends beyond school hours. The key is to make learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore.

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Election day is just around the corner! If you're casting your vote in the Burdekin, there are a few convenient locations open across the region.

Voting will take place on Saturday, 3 May, with booths open from 8am to 6pm. Check where you’re voting ahead of time to avoid any last-minute rush.

You’ll be able to vote at any of the following locations across the Burdekin:

Burdekin Sports Club Hall
142 Wickham St, Ayr QLD 4807

East Ayr State School
43-73 Ross St, Ayr QLD 4807

St Colemans Catholic School
96 Eleventh Ave, Home Hill QLD 4806

Giru Branch QCWA Hall
9 Carey St, Giru QLD 4809

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A comprehensive plan to tackle bullying in Queensland schools will not only benefit students but is also a key part of reducing classroom assaults according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Since being announced, the program has received support from Dolly’s Dream, the charity founded following the tragic impact that an extended period of bullying had on Dolly Everett.

“When we spoke about making Queensland safer in the lead up to the election, we committed to a range of programs,” Mr Last said.  “It’s a sad fact that, in the last 10 years, we have seen behavioural issues and classroom assaults skyrocket, and this program is about bolstering support for kids, parents and schools-on.”

“A dedicated squad will be established in each of the 8 regions that make up Education Queensland to ensure all schools have access to on the ground expertise.  If necessary, those squads can fly into regional and remote schools because, to get the best results, access to this program cannot be limited by distance.”

“Those squads will offer family support, mental health assistance and professional development for staff and will be made up of 3 senior guidance officers and support staff.  That means that, in addition to tackling bullying as it happens, we will also improve skills in schools to prevent and address any future bullying.”

“There is updated professional development resources for teachers and a dedicated crisis support line for parents and carers to access free and confidential counselling.  We have lost too many young lives to bullying and we need everyone to play their part in making our schools a safe place for every student.”

Mr Last said the program would evolve over time to ensure that any future trends or issues were addressed and the program stayed relevant and effective.

“The Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group will be led by Professor Donna Pendergrast AM and will provide advice and guidance on further support measures that we can introduce as well as reviewing the program,” Mr Last said.  “You only have to look at how cyber-bullying has increased with the spread of technology to understand that we need to be able to adapt what we do to achieve the best results.”

“While the Reference Group will bring together experts, it will also engage directly with teachers, school staff and parents to ensure that real experiences are factored into any decisions that are made.  Research is important but we are literally talking about people’s lives when we talk about bullying so engagement with real people is an absolute necessity.”

“The approach is quite broad in some ways because it includes additional student wellbeing staff and increased funding for school chaplains as well as the response squads, updated training and the crisis support hotline.  We are leaving no stone un-turned when it comes to putting the spotlight on bullying and taking real action.”

“The message to victims and their families, as well as teachers, is that support is available, and we are with you in fighting to end bullying.  The Crisafulli government has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and we are delivering this nation-leading program as a first step in tackling it.”

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP backs positive change in schools. Photo supplied

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It’s easy to focus on the faces at the front—the speakers at ceremonies, the runners crossing finish lines, the players scoring goals. But behind every event in the Burdekin last week, there was another group at work: the volunteers.

From Anzac Day services to the Sugar Rush fun run, and even weekend sport, dozens of people quietly gave up their time to help things run smoothly. They were setting up chairs before dawn, handing out water bottles in the sun, guiding traffic, collecting rubbish, checking in runners, cooking sausages, and packing it all down when the crowds had gone home. No spotlight, no fanfare—just getting it done.

What stood out most wasn’t the scale of these efforts, but their consistency. Different causes, different crowds, same dependable spirit. The willingness to help, with no expectation of recognition, is part of what holds this region together.

It’s easy to take that for granted, especially when everything seems to run like clockwork. But none of it happens by accident.

This week, the “good deed” wasn’t one action—it was the collective effort of many people, across many events, working behind the scenes to create something memorable for everyone else. It’s a reminder that community spirit doesn’t have to be loud or grand. Often, it’s just a quiet nod, a full bin, or a smooth sign-in desk—and the people who make it happen.

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Question 1:

Many young people in Dawson are looking for opportunities to stay and work locally. What will you do to ensure young people thrive without having to leave the region?

Question 2:

With housing affordability becoming an increasing issue in regional areas like Dawson, what is your plan?

Question 3:

What specific policies will you introduce to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure all residents of Dawson, regardless of location, have equal access to timely and high-quality care?

Andrew Willcox
LNP Candidate For Dawson

Question 1

To keep young people in Dawson and get Australia back on track, we need real skills, real jobs, and a government that backs both. The Coalition has a plan to get more Australians into training, with a target of 400,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships, $260 million for new Australian technical colleges, and wage support for apprentices and trainees. Labor has neglected regional training, and failed to deliver opportunity in places like Dawson. Only the Coalition has a clear plan to build a stronger economy with a skilled workforce, giving our young people every reason to stay, work, and thrive locally.

Question 2

Costs of everything is going up and housing affordability is one of the biggest concerns people in Dawson raise with me. The aspiration of homeownership should be within reach for all Australians, but under Labor, it’s become harder than ever. Their disastrous policy has failed to build a single home in two years. Combined with uncontrolled migration, rents are soaring, and homeownership is slipping further away. The Coalition’s plan is clear: cut red tape, boost supply, and ban foreign ownership. We will free up over 100,000 homes in five years and unlock up to 500,000 more through infrastructure investment.

Question 3

Our plan will bring more GPs, specialists, and nurses to Dawson through regionally targeted incentives and training opportunities for medical professionals to live, work and stay in regional Australia. Under Labor, bulk billing rates have dropped from 88% to 77%, with even worse outcomes in regional areas. The Coalition cares about your health. We’re committing $9 billion to strengthen Medicare, doubling bulk-billed mental health sessions from 10 to 20 with $500 million invested into mental health support. We’ll also increase hospital funding, invest in cancer treatments, medical research, and women’s health. Access to healthcare should never be a luxury, it’s a right.

Neil Wallace
Labor Candidate For Dawson

Question 1:

I understand that we need to continue to create local jobs and opportunities that keep young people in our region. So far more than 1 million jobs have been created under the Albanese Labor Government. Free TAFE has also been a great opportunity for people to get the chance to undertake a course or study that will set them up for a well-paid job. Labor is making free TAFE permanent for Australians to help them gain skills and get ahead.
We have also delivered real wage increases for Australian workers.

Question 2:

Housing is a serious issue that needs addressing. I am open to seeing a range of options put forward to address housing and boost supply. I want to see local, state, and federal governments working together to seriously tackle this issue. Here’s some of what we are doing: From 1 April 2025, we’ve introduced a 2-year ban on foreign residents buying existing properties. Labor will introduce 5% deposits for all first home buyers with no need for lenders mortgage insurance and 100,000 homes will be built exclusively for first home buyers to purchase.

Question 3:

In its first term, the Albanese Labor Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for people who need to see their GP most often - pensioners, concession cardholders, and children - creating an additional 6 million bulk billed GP visits. A re-elected Albanese Government will go further, delivering an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits every year so Australians can see a bulk billing GP. We will also deliver the Mackay Urgent Care Clinic which will be open for extended hours, treating non-life threatening conditions. This will take pressure off our busy hospital and give more locals free healthcare, close to home.

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In the first few months of last year, Demi O’Shea was presented with the wonderful opportunity to represent Campbell’s Jewellery as a Senior Ambassador in 2024’s historic Burdekin Water Festival.

A major pathway for self-development, personal growth and community engagement, Demi accepted the nomination and began one of her most memorable and significant experiences she’ll treasure for years to come.

“On a personal level the Water Festival allowed me to unlock my full potential as it was an experience, I could whole-heartedly throw myself into,” shared Demi.

“Prior to the journey, I lacked a lot of self-confidence, but I soon realised the wealth of a support system I had behind me and I was able to understand the potential that they all saw in me, because I felt it - being around such an outstanding group of people all throughout the experience truly changed me for the better.”

Demi was announced the Burdekin Water Festival’s Winning Senior Ambassador for 2024, and in light of 2025’s event, Demi has joined the official Committee to ensure the Festival’s continuation and future success.

“My journey certainly would not have been the same without our community support, and it means the entire world to me to be your 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Winner,” expressed Demi.

“The hard work, dedication and support that our community puts towards the event is admirable, and to be part of rebuilding that legacy with our amazing Committee is incredibly surreal.”

Reflecting on her journey, Demi believes saying yes, all those months ago was the best decision she could have made, and she strongly encourages those thinking about becoming a 2025 Ambassador to take full advantage of the program.

“I took a chance on myself, and so should you,” explained Demi.

“You owe it to yourself to experience the magic that the Burdekin Water festival not only brings our community, but you as an Ambassador and you deserve to see yourself as the confident and worthy individual you are, and this whole experience will allow you to feel that within yourself.”

In Demi’s time as a 2024 Senior Ambassador, she was fortunate enough to witness the personal development of the Junior Ambassadors firsthand from beginning to end and she encourages the youth of the Burdekin to be brave and put themselves forward for 2025’s Festival.

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2024 Burdekin Water Festival Winning Senior Ambassador, Demi O'Shea, has joined the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Commitee (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)

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With an incredible dream and the support of the entire community, Macy Dabelstein will embark on a lifechanging journey to Nepal this October to provide free medical care to thousands of men, women and children in rural communities.

Earlier this year, both Macy and her college, Josephine Long, decided to participate in World Youth International’s Nurses in Action initiative – a program enabling nurses and allied health professionals to deliver primary healthcare services to those living in remote areas within Kenya and Nepal.

“Since nursing together this year, Josephine and I have expressed a shared interest in taking the next step in our careers to gain more experience and help others,” explained Macy.

“Nursing overseas will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and will provide us with a new perspective on healthcare for those less fortunate and allow us to witness the daily struggles faced by individuals in Nepal dealing with chronic and acute illnesses.”

Macy and Josephine will engage in vital medical projects focusing on improving health services whilst offering healthcare to communities living in extreme poverty for just under a month, impacting the lives of almost 300 people every day.

“We aim to return with new nursing knowledge that we can apply in our careers as rural and remote nurses, along with a greater appreciation for our resources,” Macy added.

“This experience in a resource limited setting will enhance our clinical skills and cultural competence, empowering us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need and strengthening our role as advocates for accessible healthcare in our communities.”

In 2023, Macy graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Nursing and has been a Registered Nurse (RN) at Cloncurry Hospital in North West Queensland for just under three months after completing a graduate program at the Ayr Hospital.

“Working as an RN in a rural setting presents unique challenges, particularly due to limited resources, however, I thrive on the excitement of the unknown where I’m never quite sure what will walk through the Emergency Department doors,” said Macy.

“Cloncurry has a tight-knit community, and establishing therapeutic relationships with our locals allows us to provide compassionate care tailored to their needs and we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and enjoy caring for the residents.”

As part of the program, the pair were to raise $3,700 to fund the work of World Youth International (WYI) across the globe and after reaching out to dear friends, family and the wider Burdekin, Cloncurry, Brisbane and Goondiwindi communities, Macy and Josephine have raised almost $5,000 for the organisation.

“We are overwhelmed by the incredible support we've received since sharing our upcoming trip on social media and thanks to everyone’s generosity, we reached our fundraising goal within 20 hours,” Macy enthused.

“We will continue fundraising in our community, as any additional funds will allow us to contribute to a select project at one of the WYI project sites while volunteering in Nepal.”

To donate to Macy and Josphine’s account with WYI visit https://worldyouth.org.au/volunteers/macy-dabelstein.

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Josephine Long and Macy Dabelstein will travel to Nepal this October as part of the World Youth International’s Nurses in Action initiative (Photo Supplied)

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As students return to the classroom this week, the Queensland Police  Service (QPS) are urging all road users to take extra care - particularly around school zones - following a devastating Easter holiday period on the state’s roads.

Operation X-Ray Easter, which ran from the 4th to the 21st April of, saw QPS officers dedicate over 30,000 hours to enforcement, in a bid to reduce risky behaviour behind the wheel.

Across the state, almost 120,000 roadside breath tests and 7,500 roadside drug tests were conducted where nearly 2,000 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit, and more than 750 drivers returned positive drug test results. Police also issued close to 14,000 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for serious road rule breaches during the operation.

Tragically, 21 lives were lost on Queensland roads during the Easter school holidays -pushing the state’s 2025 road toll to 82.

Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said the figures were heartbreaking.

“The devastating reality is that some families spent their Easter holidays grieving their loved ones, instead of getting to spend time together over the break,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.

“We are doing everything in our power to prevent this from happening, which is why it is disappointing to still see so many people taking risks and making bad decisions on our roads.”

As students return to school, police are also focusing on enforcement and education around school zones to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians.

“It is another busy morning on our roads today as school commences and young children return to the classroom, so please drive slowly in school zones and adhere to the speed limits,” A/Chief Superintendent Channells added.

“I also ask parents to hold their children’s hands around roads and to remind them that roads and carparks are not safe places to play.”

The Queensland Police Service remains committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads and continues to raise awareness about the ‘Fatal Five’ - speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. For more information about staying safe on Queensland roads, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads.

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21 people lost their lives on Queensland roads over the Easter holiday period, taking the total road roll to 82 in 2025 (Photo Source: QPS)

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Following the successful launch of our Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season, we’re pleased to announce that we’re opening nominations earlier for the 2026 season.

Nominations for the Managed Pool Plus open on 1 May and close on 30 June 2025.

We’ve seen strong interest from growers who have experienced a couple of volatile seasons with unpredictable target pricing and are now seeking to share some of that pricing responsibility with Wilmar.

The enhanced Managed Pool Plus aligns grower exposure with miller exposure, creating a balanced risk profile.

Wilmar will contribute 30,000 tonnes of MEI sugar to the pool and will accept grower GEI nominations up to the same volume, ensuring a 1:1 exposure ratio in the final price outcome.

Our global marketing team will manage the pricing exposure throughout the life of the pool which, for the 2026 season, will be extended to two years.

This is an actively managed pool, meaning our team will strategically take positions on futures and currency markets, rather than simply following a passive, incremental hedging strategy. For example, the recent drop in the AUD below 60 cents allowed the 2025 pool to secure favourable currency rates.

While this strategy offers the potential for improved returns, it also carries increased risk. If you’re interested in learning how the Managed Pool Plus might support your pricing strategy, please reach out to your local Grower Marketing team representative.

In other news, we are currently looking to expand our team to strengthen the level of service we offer, as more and more growers choose Wilmar Grower Marketing. Our regional consultants deliver a broad range of services to help growers manage their sugar pricing strategies and we have a position open now in the Burdekin region.

Given that most of our growers forward price a significant portion of their GEI sugar, the most common question we hear is: What’s the sugar price going to do?

While we can’t predict the future, we do share timely insights and market assessments from Wilmar’s global team, highlighting the key factors influencing sugar prices.

Feedback from our recent grower survey showed that this in-field support is considered a valuable resource, and we take pride in providing it.

No two days in the role are the same. Some weeks are filled with grower queries about market movements, while others focus on assisting with cash flow planning or explaining the features of our new Managed Pool Plus.

At times, it can be a challenging role, especially during the pressure of harvest or when market expectations don’t play out. But for someone who genuinely wants to help growers navigate the complexities of sugar pricing, it’s an incredibly rewarding position.

If you have the passion, energy, and drive to succeed in this role, we’d love to hear from you.

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Sugarcane growers and industry stakeholders from across Queensland and beyond have converged on Brisbane earlier this week for Sugar Cubed 2025 – a dynamic, future-focused event set to spark fresh ideas and foster new connections across the cane supply chain.

Hosted by CANEGROWERS at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Show Grounds from 27-29 April, Sugar Cubed brought together growers, manufacturers, researchers, policy makers and innovators for three days of thought-provoking discussion, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on experiences.

With keynote presentations, panel sessions, and field trips exploring everything from cutting-edge on-farm technology to the big global forces shaping agriculture. The event aimed to shine a light on where the sugar industry can go, and how we can work together to get there.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said Sugar Cubed is all about people – listening, learning, and working together for a stronger future.

“Our industry is facing some big challenges, but we’ve also got some incredible opportunities in front of us if we’re willing to think differently, work together, and back ourselves,” Mr Menkens said.

“Sugar Cubed is a space where growers, researchers and industry leaders can come together, share ideas, and be inspired. It’s about creating momentum, not just in terms of innovation, but also in how we think, how we connect, and how we plan for the future.”

Special guests include cricket legend Glenn McGrath, Australia’s renowned “Unbreakable Farmer” Warren Davies, and a suite of industry experts including representatives from the global supply chain group Czarnikow.

The event precedes the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference, which follows directly after at the same venue and attendees were encouraged to stay around and learn about the best available science from the brightest research minds in the industry.

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The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is seeking submissions to inform its review of the Australian chicken meat industry and has released an Issues Paper to assist.

Submissions can be made via 'Have Your Say' online until 30 May 2025, including via written submissions or through a guided portal.

Submissions are open to all interested parties and will not be published. Confidentiality deeds are also available for all submissions.

ABARES was commissioned to conduct an independent review into the relationship between growers and integrated producers in the Australian chicken meat supply chain. The terms of reference for the review are publicly available.

The review will examine whether there is evidence of market failure within the industry, and if so, potential actions that could be introduced, as applicable.

The review will also consider information contained in recent industry inquiries and examine the industry’s evolution over time.

As part of the review, ABARES will conduct stakeholder engagement across all relevant parts of the chicken meat industry.

ABARES will provide a draft report for stakeholder review and comment by mid-2025 with a final report to government due as soon as practicable thereafter.

For more information and to access the online form, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/about/news/hys-chicken-industry-review

ABARES is the research arm of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

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A few rays of sunshine finally broke through in the Burdekin this week – but earlier visits to the Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) clean seed plot found it still too damp to open at the time.

Manager of Kalagro Alan Parker, BPS Field Officers Kristie Casalegno and Jack Edwards, and Farm Manager David Paine were among those checking conditions ahead of the expected opening earlier this week.

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello said there were “plenty of tonnes of Q240 and Q183 and many others available” for growers eager to secure their clean seed cane. Growers were encouraged to place their orders through BPS, with access to the plot anticipated earlier this week, weather permitting. For more information, call (07) 4783 1101 or visit bps.net.au.

Burdekin Productivity Services plays a vital role in supporting the region’s sugarcane industry, providing agronomy advice, research, crop management support and sustainability initiatives to boost on-farm productivity and future-proof the industry. BPS works closely with sugarcane growers, millers, and other stakeholders to enhance the overall viability and competitiveness of the sugarcane industry in the Burdekin.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) has been active across the Burdekin and broader North Queensland, assisting primary producers following last month’s significant rain events.

QRIDA’s Regional Area Manager Angelo Rigano and Head of Client Engagement Georgia Colley met with the QCAR team, including District Manager Angelo Licciardello, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts.

Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants remain open to eligible primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations to help with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement.

For support, contact Angelo Rigano directly on 0408 180 644 or visit qrida.qld.gov.au. For general QCAR enquiries, phone Angelo Licciardello on 0437 401 837.

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Checking conditions at the Burdekin Productivity Services clean seed plot are (from left) Kalagro Manager Alan Parker, BPS Field Officer Kristie Casalegno, Farm Manager David Paine, and BPS Field Officer Jack Edwards. Wet ground delayed the plot’s opening, but growers were keenly awaiting access to fresh clean seed. Photo source: QCAR (Facebook)

2. QRIDA meeting:
On the ground supporting Burdekin growers with disaster recovery are QRIDA’s Regional Area Manager Angelo Rigano and Head of Client Engagement Georgia Colley

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A group of teenage boys were recently recognised on the Burdekin Community Hub on Facebook for their respectful and considerate behaviour while visiting a local water park two weekends ago. Despite clearly being excited to enjoy the slides, the boys demonstrated an admirable level of kindness towards the younger children at the park.

As the younger ones queued for their turn, the teens graciously allowed them to go ahead, ensuring the little ones could enjoy the slides without feeling rushed. They also took extra care, waiting until each child had safely reached the end of the slide and exited before they themselves took their turn. This thoughtful behaviour was a refreshing change and a true display of respect for others, particularly at a busy, bustling venue.

Onlookers were impressed by how the boys prioritised the safety and enjoyment of the younger children, rather than focusing solely on their own fun. It’s a reminder that kindness and patience can make a big difference in any setting, and the actions of these teenagers served as an example for others.

In a time when it can sometimes feel like good deeds go unnoticed, this group of boys stood out for all the right reasons. Their parents should certainly be proud of the positive impact their children made that day. Well done, boys for setting a great example for others to follow!

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Hi Everyone!

Hope you all had a fantastic Easter break :)

With my first week in the Burdekin in the books, I can positively say: I love this place already! You all have made it so easy for me to settle in and find my feet in my new role as your local voice.

I’ve really enjoyed learning and writing about some of your stories this week. After just a couple days on the job, one thing is already unequivocally clear: you guys LOVE your local events—and I’m all for it! It’s refreshing to see a community bound by shared interests and a real sense of pride in where they live.

The Easter break afforded me plenty of time to explore the beautiful Burdekin region and beyond. A key highlight was the beautiful Alva Beach—perfect for a sunset stroll/dip. It’s also been great to take in some of the Burdekin’s hallmarks, like the Burdekin Bridge and the Burdekin River, and to indulge in some of the local pubs and restaurants.

Although I was able to do a bit of exploring over the last week, I’m still very open to any suggestions of what else to do or see. And, as always, if you have a story to tell, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to the week ahead!

Cheers!

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With Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

The ANZAC spirit is alive and well across our region, with attendance at dawn services, marches, and other commemorative events surging in recent years. This ANZAC Day is expected to see even greater numbers, as our community once again comes together to honour those who have served.

Long before I became the Federal Member for Dawson, and my time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, my family and I have always made it a priority to honour the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women.

For me, ANZAC Day is one of the most sacred days on our national calendar. It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and most importantly, to say thank you.

Seeing the younger generation stepping up to embrace our proud national history is incredibly moving. It gives me great hope for the future.

ANZAC Day is for all Australians to come together and pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. It’s a day to acknowledge those who fought in the first World War, those who serve today and all those who have been part of military campaigns in between.

Every person who puts on the uniform does so knowing the risks, yet they do it to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear. We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated servicemen and women keeping us safe.

As the Federal Member for Dawson, I have the honour of presenting veterans with the Australian flag. This is a small but meaningful gesture of appreciation. I have had countless interactions with some remarkable individuals across our region who have proudly served our country. For me hearing from these exceptional people fills me with pride.

This year, as in years past, I’ll be attending multiple ANZAC Day events throughout the region. I hope to see you there. But if you can’t make it to a service, I encourage you to pause in your own way, to reflect, to remember, and to give thanks.

To all our servicemen and women, past and present, and to the loved ones who are connected to them: thank you. Australia is a better place because of your courage and sacrifice.

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