Launched over twelve months ago, the Community Fundraising Campaign to establish a monument to honour Jean Morris will see its completion this Spring.

Sage 1 of the project recently saw the placement of a cement slab on top of Jean’s 93-year-old unmarked grave situated in at the Ayr Cemetery. With the first stage of the construction complete, organisers have been eager to launch the last stages of the project. A dream that has been in the pipeline for those behind the initiative will soon become a reality with money tins now available in multiple Burdekin businesses in a final bid to raise another $3,500.

19-year-old Jean Morris was murdered in Queen Street, Ayr on 3 October 1932. Henery Peterson, along with co-organiser, Paula Dawson, wishes the Jean Morris Monument will stand as a reminder of every murdered woman within Australia’s right to a much better life.  

“Stiletto Jean Morris’s murder was one of the most brutal in Australian crime history and still to this day is unsolved,” shared the organisers of the Community Fundraising Campaign.

“Due to this fact alone, we believe Jean Morris’ unmarked grave at the Ayr Cemetery deserves to be acknowledged.

We are fundraising to place a headstone on her grave, so she is not just another unsolved murder statistic.”

Donations towards the Jean Morris Burdekin Community Fundraiser can be made at Paula’s Place Hair Salon on Queen Street, Ayr or online via the “Stiletto Jean Morris Headstone Fundraiser” Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/stiletto-jean-morris-headstone-fundraiser

On Sunday 7 July, another highly successful and memorable Kali’s Cup was held at the Ayr Golf Course in honour of Kali Totorica.

Kali’s Cup stands as an annual event held to promote skin cancer awareness in memory of Kali who tragically passed away from Melanoma when she was just 21 years old.

The 2024 competition received both outstanding levels of community support and attracted record breaking team registrations.

“We had our largest golf competition to date with 22 teams of 4 people registered and many more people come along to purchase goodies from the bake sale, buy raffle tickets or try Nonna's famous pasta at lunch,” explained one of the event organisers, Kali’s sister, Liana Kennedy.

In a Burdekin first, Kali’s Cup 2024 saw the exciting attendance of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation’s Skin Check Truck, and members of the community were encouraged to come along for their free skin check from 10am. Having the truck present provided locals with a representation of where their generous donations are being utilised, and the truck’s attendance was well received by the community, with many locals expressing their appreciation and gratitude towards Kali’s family.

“Having the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation's (ASCF) national skin check truck present on the day was so valuable,” expressed Liana.

“They were able to screen 88 people and identified 13 spots that would require biopsy - this is exactly why we do this.”

The 2024 annual Kali’s Cup event raised an amazing total exceeding $10,000, with Kali’s family extending immense gratitude towards the community for their support.

“We continue Kali's legacy to raise awareness for melanoma and to raise funds for organisations such as the ASCF who are doing such amazing work in this field,” shared Liana.

“We cannot thank the local community enough for getting behind this event and support us every year.”

Kali's family would like to once again thank the local community for their ongoing support and generosity. As always, they urge everyone to get a skin check as early detection may be the influential factor that saves your life.

Kali’s Family raise awareness and urge others to get regular skin cancer checks. Photo supplied

Kali’s Cup saw 22 teams take to the green for a spectacular day of golf
The slow-moes team who lived up to their name on the course
The winning team of Kali’s Cup 2024 celebrating their victory!
The best dressed winners nailing the mad hatter theme

Photos supplied

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Worrying about falling is common. Falls are one of the main reasons older people are admitted to hospital or need to move to a higher level of care.

Whilst looking after your health and staying active is important to reduce your risks of falling, there are ways you can help reduce your risk of falling by adopting the following measures:

   • Ensure your bed is the right height for you and your mattress is firm as this may aide getting in and out of bed easier and safer.
   • Non-slip floorings/mats, especially in wet areas of the house like the shower or bath, can make areas less slippery. Clean up set spills as soon as possible.
   • Use a bath seat or shower chair and a hand-held shower hose to help with unsteadiness.
   • In areas you need additional support, install grab rails.
   • Go to the toilet before going to bed and have a commode or urinal next to your bed.
   • Leave a night light on to aide your vision in the dark.
   • Have fluid and your phone beside your bed, especially at night within easy reach to limit the need to walk around in the dark.
   • Sit on chairs with armrests and that are at right height to assist making getting in and out of easier.
   • Have household items, for example toiletries and food, within easy reach to avoid bending and stretching.
   • A well charged cordless or mobile phone will assist in elimination of some cords and will make using the phone easier.
   • Eliminate trip hazards by removing clutter on the floor, checking for curled edges on mats/rugs.
   • Don’t wear unsafe clothes. For example, clothes that drag on the ground, socks without shoes, or shoes with poor grip.
   • Prepare food while seated to prevent loss of balance.

Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran, Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association 

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In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of getting to know the people around us. Whether it's our colleagues, neighbours, or community members, each person has a unique story and set of experiences that can add depth and meaning to our lives if we take the time to connect.

One of the most important reasons to get to know the people around you is to build a sense of community and belonging. When we take the time to learn about our neighbours and coworkers, we’re creating a bond that can make everyone feel more at home.  By understanding each other's backgrounds, interests, and challenges, we can find common ground and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Learning about others also broadens our perspective and empathy. When we hear about someone else's experiences and challenges, it helps us see the world from different angles and appreciate the diversity of human experiences. This can lead to increased empathy and understanding, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts while fostering a more harmonious community.

Furthermore, taking the time to learn about the people around us can uncover opportunities for collaboration and support. Whether it's helping a neighbour in need, finding a mentor in the workplace, or simply making new friends, the connections we build through understanding and empathy can lead to mutually beneficial relationships.

So, in a nutshell, it's really important to take the time to learn about the people around us. When we do, we create a warmer, friendlier, and more connected community where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Let's all make an effort to reach out, listen, and learn from those around us.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Is it just me, or as we get older, do the days seem to meld into one? Time passes too quickly and sometimes I think we all need to slow down and take stock of what really matters to us. There is a Whitney Huston song called “The Greatest Love of All” and part of the lyrics are:  … “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.”
On Tuesday night, Councillor Fina Vasta and I had the privilege and honour of attending Ayr State High School’s “Voices of the Future” where students delivered an 6-8 minute speech on a particular topic. It is not an easy task to speak in public and these young people did so with both confidence and verve. They spoke on topics that were informative and interesting, at times making those in attendance question themselves. At least that’s how I felt.
To think that this form of public speaking competition was very nearly lost due to Covid. In 2021, in lieu of cancelled Rostrum Voice of Youth statewide events and thanks to an incredibly determined English teacher, Mrs Linda Attard, Ayr State High School hosted their own public speaking competition. It is a testament to the teachers at Ayr State High School through their dedication and care for their students that this event continues today. Congratulations to all students and teachers involved. Overall winners were:
Junior Runner Up:  Parker
Junior Winner:  Chloe
 
Senior Runner Up:  Mahala
Senior Winner:  Sophie
 
Special Awards:
Public Speaking Achievement Award:  Layla
Stan Simpson Encouragement Award: Lee
 
To those students who competed and to all our young people, I say ”Stand tall, stand proud.  Know who you are, know your worth and you will achieve great things”.  Until next time.

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My first 100 days as Burdekin Shire Council Mayor have been a busy start.
It has been such an honour to represent the Burdekin, to advocate to all levels of government and attended over 30 community events.
I have participated in numerous media interviews, ranging from television to radio, attended various school events, spoken at several community gatherings, and met with local businesses and organisations. These interactions have been invaluable in understanding the diverse needs and aspirations of our residents.
Delivering the 2024-25 Budget was a significant achievement not only for myself but for the new team of Councillors. This Budget was all about stretching dollars and strengthening communities. Council has been mindful of the cost-of-living pressures faced by residents and local businesses while committing to a range of initiatives in infrastructure developments, economic growth, and community projects that will benefit the Burdekin now and in the future.
It has been a jam packed 100 days but with much more work to do.
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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The school holidays hosted a memorable ski trip for the Year 10 and 11 students of the Burdekin Christian College.

The students began their adventure way before sunrise, gathering at the school in the chilly hours of the morning. The group of travellers boarded the bus to the Townsville Airport where they departed on a flight to New South Wales to embark on their frosty holiday.

With the dedicated professional supervision and support of Megan Diamond, David Nourdine and Madolyn Gabiola, the students spent their time enjoying the magical atmosphere of the slopes, with some seeing snow for the first time. Together, the students crafted spectacular snow angles, built impressive snowmen and engaged in the occasional snowball fight in between hitting the slopes.

The students began their Perisher mornings with two-hour long ski and snowboarding lessons, followed by free time to put their new skills into action by practising on the slopes. Many enjoyed the warmth of hot chocolates and concluded their action-packed days winding down in the cosy atmosphere of the Ski Rider Hotel with boardgames, arcade games, billiards, card games and movies. After three days at Perisher, the crew boarded a bus to Canberra to enjoy the remainder of their adventure exploring various local sites, enjoying the magnificent views the capital city had to offer.

A selection of the student’s many highlights from their Canberra travels included their trip to the Old Parliament House, which now operates as the Museum of Australian Democracy, and engaging in the heavily interactive Questacon activities at the Science Museum. The staff members of the Burdekin Christian College have expressed their sighting of future politicians, scientists, and engineers following the trip, noting the inspirations encompassed throughout the visit.

“This unforgettable trip has also taught the students many lessons such as responsibility of looking after one’s plane ticket, an appreciation for the cost of a bottle of soft drink back home and the trials and tribulations that come with sharing close quarters with multiple other teenagers (along with the various odours and sounds that also accompany),” shared accompanying staff member Mr Lequerica.

The students are already reminiscing on their time spent on the slopes and thank Miss Megan Diamond for organising the trip, Mr Tony Shaul for driving the students to and from the school, and David and Madolyn for accompanying the students on their travels.

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Year 10 and 11 Burdekin Christian College students enjoyed their frosty journey to NSW for their 2024 Ski Trip.
One of the students’ highlights of their travels was their trip to Canberra.

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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended an educational and enriching LEAP Camp led by Scouts Queensland over the second week of the school holidays.

Scouts Queensland organised two camps, one at Bluewater, north of Townsville, and the other south towards Brisbane. The week from 30 June until 6 July, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the LEAP Camp at Bluewater, along with 100 scouts, and 40 leaders originating from places as far as Rockhampton to Cairns. Together, the scouts and leaders enjoyed a week of camping, fun, and challenging team activities.

LEAP stands for Leadership, Empowerment, Adventure, Patrol. A patrol encompasses a group of 4 to 6 scouts aged between 11 and 18 years old who hold the responsibilities of organising everything camping entails from cooking and eating to participating in games and challenging activities. The week works to develop and empower the leadership abilities amongst the attendees whilst fostering opportunities for adventure within their patrols.

Each of the patrols engaged in a range of outdoor activities including abseiling at Castle Hill, archery, rafting and other water-based activities, STEM challenges, camp cooking challenges, numerous games, and the older patrol groups camped on Magnetic Island. Together, the scouts additionally crafted campfires, organised Night Market stalls, and engaged in an activity called the Townsville Ramble where each patrol was to complete a range of challenges in and around Townsville.

Many of the scouts and leaders will utilise the skills, and knowledge gained over this camp in their preparations for the upcoming 12-day Jamboree which will be held in Maryborough in January of 2025.

Each of the leaders and scouts thoroughly enjoyed the week, with many heading home quite tired, and thankful to all those who had a hand in organising the event.

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Scouts and leaders attending the opening and closing ceremonies
The scouts and leaders abseiling at Castle Hill
The scouts and leaders canoeing at Loam Island

One of the patrol tents and the dining shelters all set up
Preparing for offsite activities in Townsville
STEM activity of building a device to transport a potato along a racetrack
The scouts in Townsville for their activities near Jezzine Barracks
The scouts engaging in archery activities

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It’s all about school spirit at Ayr State High School with each of the athletic and swimming carnivals preceded by a special Spirit Stick event where each House Group vies for the prestigious title.

This week the Spirit Stick competition took the theme of a dance-off and students were tasked with creating a performance around ‘Battle of the Decades’ where each House Group was given a specific decade to use as inspiration.

Groups of performers were made up of every age-group from Year 7 right through to Year 12 and they each took to the stage to dance and lip-sync from their chosen decade.

The event culminated in each group chanting their war cry and gearing up some good-natured competition ahead of the carnival at the end of the week.

Deputy Principal Courtney Carrigan said she loved the event and appreciated everyone participating.

“It was great to see everyone get involved and showcase their spirits,” she said.

There are almost 560 students at Ayr State High School and there are four house groups - Banks, Cook, MacQuarrie and Phillip.

The Spirit Stick will be awarded this Friday at the Athletics Carnival to the House Group that showed the most spirit.

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The future of farming is steering towards a revolution driven by autonomous machines, poised to transform crop cultivation worldwide.

In a recent report titled "Global Agtech in Focus," Rabobank explores the evolving landscape of agricultural technology, emphasising the potential of autonomous machines to enhance productivity, precision, and operational ease.

According to Rabobank's analysis, while autonomous machines represent a significant advancement in crop farming, their integration into mainstream agriculture will unfold gradually. The report underscores these machines, equipped with capabilities ranging from autonomous steering to more complex decision-making processes, are set to revolutionise various stages of crop production.

Doriana Milenkova, a farm inputs analyst at RaboResearch, highlights that current agricultural practices are already benefiting from automation, which enables faster and more precise operations while reducing resource consumption.

“These machines must be capable of stand-alone diagnosis, decision-making, or task performance in changing environments, without a human operator or on-site supervisor,” explained Ms Milenkova.

However, she notes that achieving full autonomy across all farming tasks will require successive technological advancements and widespread market acceptance.

Vitor Pistoia, an ag tech analyst at Rabobank Australia, has highlighted that Australian farmers are leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, lower input costs, and simplify farm operations.

"Australia is a nation known to be early adopters of technology and this is no different in the ag tech space where our innovative farmers, supported by the large scale of their farms and paddocks, are well-advanced users of technology in their farm machinery which helps to increase efficiency, lower the use of farm inputs, save costs and simplify tasks for operators,” said Mr Pistoia.

“Australia is an important market for most global farm machinery companies and new technology releases or even trials of technology are taking place on Australian farms.

Those technologies range from traditional machinery that is enhanced by technology like sensors, all the way to more recently introduced innovative technologies, like drones and the use of artificial intelligence, to help convert a vast amount of data collected on farm into insights for the operator or for use by the machine itself for innovative weed control.”

The journey towards autonomous farming is marked by incremental advancements and collaborative efforts within the agtech industry. While the journey towards fully autonomous farming may be gradual, Rabobank's report highlights the future of agriculture is increasingly intertwined with advanced technologies that promise to redefine the industry's landscape.  

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RaboResearch analyst Vitor Pistoia.

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Since 2005, Dave, Alissa, and their dedicated team at Burdekin Motorcycles have been proudly serving the Burdekin community as the local dealer for Yamaha motorcycles, Yamaha golf buggies, Yamaha WaveRunners, Toro, Bushranger, and now Landini tractors. Together, the team offers their customers a diverse range of products to suit every need and passion.

Over the past 19 years, Burdekin Motorcycles has garnered multiple awards for both sales and service excellence from Yamaha, underscoring their commitment to delivering top-notch customer satisfaction. Their reputation for aftersales service is unmatched, ensuring that every customer not only finds the perfect product but also enjoys ongoing support and maintenance.

As true locals, Dave, Alissa, and their team take pride in having nurtured talent by training numerous apprentices over the years. The pair are dedicated to supporting local events and initiatives whenever possible, contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the Burdekin community.

Whether you're looking to hit the open road with a Yamaha motorcycle, explore the waters with a Yamaha WaveRunner, manage your property with a Landini tractor, or enhance your leisure time with a Yamaha golf buggy, Burdekin Motorcycles is your go-to destination. Top of Form

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A rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week.  

“This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is 'in safe hands',” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said.  

“Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most.” 

“We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.” 

Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their lives and businesses before, during and after disaster events – be it drought, bushfire or flood.  

“Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing team do a fantastic job of heading on-farm to chat with primary producers, at no cost to the farmer," Mr Warlters said. 

“Our financial, water and fodder assistance provides urgent relief for farmers in need. 

“And our Farm Recovery Events supply farmers with a team of volunteers, ready to tackle farming jobs post-disaster,” Mr Warlters said. 

Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Myf Pitcher, said it takes strength to reach out for help.  

“We want farmers to treat themselves as their most precious business asset and be open to receiving help with their busy workload,” Ms Pitcher said.  

“One conversation at the right time with the right person can change everything”. 

“More than 18,000 primary producers are “in safe hands”, already registered with Rural Aid,” Ms Pitcher said.  

“Registering with Rural Aid means we can support farmers when they need it, now or in the future, and it helps us support rural communities as well.” 

“Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to see how we can help.” 

To register with Rural Aid, visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624. 

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Since its inception in 1982, Rural Quip has stood as a pillar in the community, renowned for its steadfast commitment to the steel industry. Nestled within the Burdekin, their business stands as a beacon for customers seeking both bulk steel solutions and meticulous 'cut to length' orders, with Robert Oar and his celebrated team catering to diverse project requirements with unparalleled expertise.

Rural Quip distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of steel products and services designed to meet every need. The skilled team excels in shaping steel plates and bending reinforcing rods, ensuring precise specifications for construction applications. Additionally, operating with precision, Rural Quip ensures that each piece of steel meets exacting standards, from intricate hole punching to advanced processing capabilities and paired with the experienced and knowledgeable staff, the business provides its customers with expert guidance throughout both quoting and ordering processes.

In addition to the business’ robust steel offerings, Rural Quip provides an extensive selection of building materials essential for diverse projects in the areas of roofing, concreating, fencing and more. Going the extra mile, the dedicated team offers dependable delivery options, utilising a crane truck and a 45-foot semi-trailer to ensure prompt and secure transportation of materials to the job site.

Overall, from embarking on a major construction project or a simple renovation, Rural Quip stands ready to deliver superior steel solutions and building materials tailored to your specifications. Visit Robert, and the team to experience firsthand their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

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Unions negotiating a new enterprise agreement with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables are consulting with members on a company suggestion that the parties accept an invitation from the Fair Work Commission for the assistance of a Commissioner in resolving issues remaining in dispute.
The invitation for assistance was extended by a Commission Vice President after a hearing of the Full Bench in Sydney earlier this month (5 July).
During last week’s talks between the company and union representatives, the company put forward the suggestion of taking up the Commission’s offer in order to move on from the continuing stalemate.
A company spokesman said: “We have been willing from the beginning to explore all options to reach a fair and reasonable outcome acceptable to all parties, and we have welcomed the Commission’s assistance in the past.
“We hope that union members agree with us that the Commission’s invitation is an opportunity to move forward.”
Company and unions representatives discussed a number of options to close the gap between their positions. However, progress was limited to log items and not the key issue of the increase in wages employees might receive.
The discussion between the company and union representatives had been proposed by Wilmar before the Full Bench hearing.

Meanwhile, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ mills reportedly hit a sweet spot on the weekend, with strong factory performance and improved cane supply.
Group Manager Operations (Sugar) James Wallace said Wilmar’s eight sugar factories averaged above 85 per cent crush time over the weekend, following a challenging start to the season.
“Our factories have settled in and we’re seeing some good daily totals,” Mr Wallace said.
“The Burdekin region recorded above-budget throughput last week.”
Mr Wallace said the Wilmar group had now processed about 10 per cent of the estimated 15.59M tonne crop.
“Despite the interruptions to the crush thus far, we are only a week behind our initial throughput targets. We remain optimistic that, with a continued good run, we will process this year’s crop in a timely manner.”
Mr Wallace said the factories had experienced some stops and starts in the first few weeks of the season due to industrial action and wet weather.
“Thankfully, we’ve now got dry conditions and good cane supply in most of our regions.
“The main cane supply gaps are in the Herbert region where there are still some wet paddocks, but conditions are improving every day.”
Mr Wallace acknowledged the efforts of employees across the business in maximising weekly throughputs and sugar production.
“Our people are pulling together and working hard to get this crop through the factories for the sake of local growers and communities.
“Unfortunately, we are faced with notices of industrial action from unions this Thursday, which will force us to shut down the boilers and stop production at all sites for up to 16 hours,” he said.
“Our Operations and Cane Supply teams are managing the impacts as best they can but this industrial action will hurt harvesting operators, growers and communities at a time when we need to maximise production.”
Latest production statistics:
Herbert region – 214,000 tonnes processed
Burdekin region – 1.2M tonnes processed
Proserpine Mill – 115,000 tonnes processed
Plane Creek Mill – 98,000 tonnes processed

Group Manager Operations (Sugar) James Wallace

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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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