OPINION PIECE

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I sit here as a Grower/Contractor in the Burdekin and a Representative in the Sugar Cane Industry bewildered, confused, concerned and very frustrated about where our mighty industry is heading and whether there’s even a future for our children to come back to the farm.
Now most mills in my area and my representative areas are either not performing to what they should be, or even more concerning aren’t going at all. With the agreed set down date to start around early June, in most cases this hasn’t happened and the ones that have, only a small percentage are performing to an acceptable standard. That standard has deteriorated over the last five years and has slipped to a point that is not acceptable for any of us. This scenario doesn’t work for growers, contractors, millers or even community.
The dollars that growers and contractors lose every year due to late finishing seasons is in the millions and those millions don’t flow through the towns to small businesses and everyone is suffering. I would hate to think what the milling company is also losing in processing profit as well as the amount of sugar marketing and trading profit that they are missing out on. Just doesn’t make sense.
The real kicker for me looking from the outside is what is going on at present. The start dates have been put back in some cases 2-3 weeks behind the scheduled start and apparently it has to do with industrial action.
I understand from the information I have received, that the industrial activity to date has only consumed around four days plus a small number of one hour stop work meetings and yet we have 50% of the mills not operating some two weeks after the last hint of any industrial activity.
I’m baffled to understand how mills can lose ground under this scenario.
Not Good Enough.
These small towns have endured hell in the last four years with rats, disease, out of season floods and unprecedented rain events and then added salt to injury with late starts and late finishes from their milling companies. With good sugar prices, my members in most areas can’t make the most of it because of poor yields associated with all the above. With forecasted wet weather looming towards the end of the season. We are once again on the merry go round of another disastrous year where most of my members have lost the opportunity to send cane to their factory in glorious weather conditions.
Our mill workers and broader communities are feeling the effect of this with shop owners closing doors, harvesting contractors considering their future and our kids moving away to find work elsewhere is disheartening.
These workers are the lifeline of our mills and towns, the experience we have in these towns cannot be lost or taken for granted and must be rewarded for their loyalty over a long period of time. From what I can apprehend, it appeared that the unions compromised on a reduction of around 7 percent with very little movement from the other party. That shocked me a little. These workers aren’t looking for mining rates, they’re just asking for what the average rate that is being paid around their towns so they can be home every night with their families. With the skilled labour shortage at the moment and strong employment opportunities in other sectors it worries me that we will lose good people if something doesn’t change.
I do personally support the workers in this battle. We will have to endure some more pain in the short term, but I hope that the whole community sticks together to get through this. We can’t keep giving because soon enough we will have nothing left to give and this is when we will be at our most vulnerable.
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Russell Hall
AgForce Cane President.

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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) has the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health? The Centre was built with the help of government funding and a lot of community support in 2004. It’s been going strong ever since and has helped thousands of community members to improve their health and wellbeing.
Services currently available at the Centre include:
   • BCA Psychological Therapies Program (Free for eligible people and includes suicide prevention) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Private Psychological Counselling (Deepwaters Healing, Lutkin Psychology, Philip Murray) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Bloom Hearing Ph: 1800 027 779
   • Burdekin Hearing Ph: 1800 008 308
   • Centacare NQ (Counselling) Ph: 1300 672 273
   • Clarity Hearing Solutions Ph: 4779 1566
   • NQ Foot & Ankle Centre Ph: 4723 5500
   • Synergy Health Centre (Exercise Physiology, Diabetic Education, Dietician) Ph: 4724 3250
   • Telehealth Hub Services (Free online service to assist with appointments with a health professional) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Consult Room Hire (health & wellbeing services) Ph: 4783 2711
   • Meeting Room Hire (meetings, groups or workshops – capacity 30 people) Ph: 4783 2711
We would love to see you at the Centre, so please call in to 12A Chippendale St, Ayr, Ph: 4783 2711 or E: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Community Association.

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This week saw the adoption of Council's 2024/2025 annual Budget. I would like to thank my fellow Councillors and the Council staff who helped deliver a great budget that aims to stretch the dollars and strengthen our community. Council is very aware of the stress that the cost of living is having on everyone. Without going through it with a microscope, I can tell you that it equates to an increase of $2 per week for residents on the minimum general rate. This small increase combined with rates shifting from annual to biannual, essentially splits your annual payment into 2 instalments and hopefully makes it easier to pay in these tough times. This means your first rates notice will arrive in August and then a second rates notice will arrive in February. For those wanting to still pay your full rates in one instalment, this is still an option.
Rates, fees and charges are one of the least enjoyable parts of our role as councillors, however and unfortunately, Council is required by legislation to practice sustainable financial practices and is not immune to the rising cost of supplying all the services throughout the district.
I hope that by the time you read this, Queensland have won the State of Origin, and the Shire has celebrated another successful Burdekin Show. I'm wary of jinxing the mighty Maroons, but the Burdekin Show is always fantastic thanks to an exceptional committee. I also hope the weather was favourable, and I haven't jinxed the show's success either.
Growing up in an era where there was a show in both Home Hill and Ayr, I personally am very grateful that the Burdekin still has an annual show and not forgetting the Giru Show also. They are a great opportunity for the community and families to come together and create some great memories.
 

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget was adopted on Tuesday?
I am delighted to have presented the Burdekin Shire Council 2024/25 Budget. Our new team of councillors, elected in March 2024, worked closely with staff to deliver this budget on time, focusing on serving our community now and into the future.
Many have asked for no rate increase, but it would be irresponsible to implement a nil increase. Like any business or household, Council has faced cost increases that we had to consider when developing this budget.
I am pleased to announce that we have contained the general rate increase to just 1%. This reflects a mindful approach to the cost-of-living pressures faced by our residents and local businesses. While we are not immune to these pressures, this budget aims to stretch dollars and strengthen our community.
Despite keeping general rate increases minimal, utility charges have seen modest increases to accurately reflect the cost of delivering these essential services to the community.
‘Stretching dollars, strengthening communities’ highlights the essence of the 2024/25 Budget which showcases Council’s commitment to residents and the ongoing development of the Burdekin as a vibrant place to live, work, play and invest.
Council thanks all tiers of government for their contributions which enable significant community initiatives to come to fruition.
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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Good day to you all,

I'm excited to be joining you all and hope you take a few minutes out of your day to relax, have a cuppa and join me for a catch up.

I'm experiencing Burdekin snow (or cane trash depending on who you ask!) for the first time. I know two things for sure - don't put washing out on the line and don't wear white when it's Burdekin snow season!

With this in mind and the fact that there is a lot more smoke about, this time of year can bring out allergies and increase the risk of respiratory infections.

If you have asthma, it's important to see your G.P for an asthma management plan, having an asthma management plan could make all the difference, especially if you live on your own.

We often think of our health only as a physical entity but more and more we are recognising the importance of mental health too. There are a lot of free online courses on meditation, mindfulness etc. 

When I qualified as a Master hypnotist and hypnotherapist a few years ago I witnessed first-hand how powerful the subconscious mind is. 

We have the inate ability to ease our stresses, traumas and mental anguish within ourselves. It's truly humbling to watch a person break free from these chains following a hypnotherapy session. 

You can practice these calming meditation sessions for free, they're all there on the internet. 

In a world of anxiety, disconnectedness and isolation take time to stop, reconnect with friends and family and just breathe. 

Try not to inhale the Burdekin snow though!

Until next time, look after yourselves and each other.
Mary Torpey 

Do you have a health related question to ask Mary? If so, send them in to editorial@burdekinlife.com

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Back for another year of festivity and fundraising, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre held their 23rd Biggest Morning Tea earlier this month and they were once again thrilled with the turnout.

An impressive $2,500 was raised on the day and organisers would like to say a massive thank you to everyone in the community.

“Our most sincere thanks to every single community member that supported our fundraising efforts - whether by attending or donating,” they said.

“To all of our local business houses donating to our massive raffle, our delicious morning tea or making our morning just that little bit special - a very big thank you!

All funds received are on their way to the Cancer Council to help win the fight against Cancer.

Photos contributed.

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By Rachael Smith

A special event in honour of Kali Totorica, the young local who tragically lost her life following a brave battle with Melanoma, is taking place at Ayr Golf Course next week and the whole community is invited to come along and support this worthy cause.

Kali was a passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness and embarked on several fundraising efforts, despite battling the disease herself. It is now her loving family that help continue this legacy in her name.

Kali Totorica sadly passed away from Melanoma at just 21 years of age. Photo supplied

Golf Day And Tea Party
In Kali’s Honour

Determined not to let this young life be lost in vain, the family and friends of Kali Totorica, have held an annual Golf Day and social morning in her name for several years.

Kali sadly passed away from Melanoma in November 2018 at just 21 years of age and this event will be the fourth of its kind.

So far, the events have raised more than $25,000 and every cent goes to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

On attendance on the day will be the free skin check truck and residents are encouraged to come down to Ayr Gold Club to play a round of golf, enjoy some delicious food, a warm social gathering and . . . to get your skin checked for cancer.

“We want everyone and anyone to come down and get a free skin check,” said Kali’s sister Liana.

“It’s also great for people to see where their donations are being used – as it all helps to keep the skin cancer truck on the road.”  

As Kali’s family knows too well, early intervention is key to an early diagnosis which can ultimately save lives and they encourage everyone to take advantage of this free service while it is in town.

Also present on the day will be ‘Melanoma Man’ Jay Allen who is also the co-founder of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

A survivor of both Melanoma and Throat Cancer himself, Jay is a dedicated advocate and fundraiser who is very close to Kali’s family.

He will be there on the day to answer any questions and offer advice.

While skin cancer awareness is at the heart of the entire event, so too is fun! And organisers are pleased to bring you the Matter Hatter Tee Party.

For those who enjoy a game of golf they can ‘Tee’ off with the nine-hole Ambrose which will feature four people per team and cost $20, with some funds donated back to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

For those who would prefer to relax, they can enjoy a cup of ‘Tee’ instead – there will be a large Bake Sale and morning tea held at the site too.

Lunch will be served after the golf is finished and more fun will ensue with raffle prizes, money boards and the auction of a signed Cowboys Jersey.

Kali was a proud member of the Burdekin community. She ran a local business, Lilly May flowers and gifts, and hosted local fundraisers to raise money and awareness for melanoma research, all while enduring her own battle with the deadly disease.

Skin cancer statistics are disheartening and unfortunately have not changed.

Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting Australians aged 20 to 39, with statistics showing that one Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes.

It is estimated that 1300 Australians will die from melanoma this year.

This is the reason it is so important for the community to get behind this important fundraiser.

For regular updates about Kali’s Cup and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party please head to the Kali’s Cup Facebook page.

WHAT: Kali’s Cup
WHERE: Ayr Golf Cup
WHEN: July 7 from 8am

Be Skin Cancer Smart – Get A Free Check!

Look Out For These Symptoms:

   • A new spot on the skin
   • Changes in the size, shape or colour of an existing spot
   • A spot that is itchy or painful
   • A non-healing sore that bleeds or develops a crust
   • A red- or skin-coloured shiny bump on the top of the skin
   • A red rough or scaly spot that you can feel

Kali's Mum, Dad, Aunty and Uncle had the pleasure of meeting up with Jay The Melanoma Man and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation skin check truck in NSW last year. Photo supplied

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Hi everybody! I’m so excited and grateful to Rachael and the team for the opportunity to continue sharing your stories each week in the Burdekin Life Newspaper.

Sam was my no.1 guidance and support over the past 6 months, and in attending events here and there with him in the Burdekin, it was clear how much he was loved and appreciated by each and every person who spoke with him. He’s left huge shoes to fill, and I’ll give it my best shot!

As Rachael mentioned last week, I’ve taken on a full-time position with the team whilst I’m in mid-trimester break from university. I’m currently in my last few months of completing a Bachelor of Communications and Journalism degree at Griffith University and will graduate later this year!

I’ve been keeping busy, like always, and a couple weeks ago, I was interning at Nine News Queensland! I was working alongside the journalists in the Mount Coot-Tha station, out and about in Brisbane, and even shot a couple reports! I sat in on the 4pm and 6pm news bulletins with Melissa Downes, Andrew Lofthouse, Alison Ariotti, and Alisin Kriukelis, and to say I was starstruck is an understatement. It was such an interesting and great experience, and in my travels around the station I passed by the Current Affairs office, waving hi to Burdekin’s Reece D’Alessandro on my way.

I’m extremely grateful for all the mentorship Sam provided me, and thank Rachael for the continued support throughout this transition, and thank you all for welcoming me into the role! Although I’m living, working and studying from Brisbane, you’ll see me pop back here and there to say hi, and I look forward to chatting soon!

Chelsea

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Mount Surround-based Environmental Conservation Organisation, Wildlife Surrounds, recently held its Marine Conservation day, inviting students from The University of Texas at Austin to take part in a new experience at Alva as part of their AUIP Study Abroad program.
The day covered the impacts of marine debris, sediment, herbicide, and pesticide runoff before students took to the beach to collect rubbish, set up quadrats, sift sand for microplastics, and audit debris.
Students also participated in an interactive exercise to calculate their carbon footprint and explore the effects of climate change.  
“A huge thanks to Reef Check Australia for volunteering and sharing their expertise on marine debris and microplastics, as well as entering the valuable data collected into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative,” Wildlife Surrounds shared on social media.
“Shout out to Ayr Surf Life Saving Club for their support and facilities!
“Together, we're making a difference.”
Wildlife Surrounds contributes to conservation of Australian flora and fauna through education, research and collaborative conservation programs.
For more information, visit Wildlife Surround on Facebook.
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Students from The University of Texas recently took to Alva Beach to take part in a series of conservation activities thanks to Wildlife Surround. Photos supplied

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Angelo Hercules Panayiotou, was famous across the region and beyond as a fun-loving, vibrant man with one of the kindest hearts you’ll ever come across. Known by all as Angie Baby, he had been labelled as a Water Festival Icon and a living legend in every community he touched.

A Burdekin treasure, his love for entertainment stemmed from his simple desire to light up anyone’s face with a smile. Each year, the community could expect Angie Baby to put on a show as part of the Burdekin Water Festival parade down Queen Street, and many locals recall his outfits to be reflective, glitzy, flamboyant and nothing short of extravagant.

Described as the epitome of an extrovert, Angie Baby’s contagious charisma began from his school days, and has been singing, dancing and performing for as long as anyone can remember. He has been remembered as the kind of person who would never forget your birthday and would often gift a rose to you each year. Annually, the local hospital’s maternity wards would be lined with flowers on Mother’s Day, gifted by Angie Baby as he visited with a basket overflowing with frangipanis. Angie Baby was also a man with a vision, and a strong willingness to help each and every person he came across. From lending $20 to a stranger and never asking for it to be paid back, to joining community groups in the political sphere, his kind-heartedness was like no other.

In Angie Baby’s later years, he spent time in aged care facilities after living contently in a caravan park in Canberra. Angie Baby regularly entertained the patients in the dementia wards, running the same show each week and without fail, continuing to bring plenty of smiles and laughter to his entire audience.

His passing was shared on Facebook by one of his dear friends and has been flooded with hundreds of comments from locals recalling their love for Angie Baby, and their treasured memories on how they were touched by his lovable personality.

A true legend of the Burdekin, a secret saint, and Burdekin Royalty, Angie Baby sadly passed away peacefully on Tuesday 21 May 2024 at the age of 73. His kindness, and pure heart will never be forgotten.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called on the Health Minister to quell fears a CT scanner for the Ayr Hospital will become a political football after Labor failed to commit to the project in the 2024/2025 State Budget.
Almost a year since residents rallied to call for a CT scanner at the Ayr Hospital, Mr Last said the thousands of people who put pen to paper deserved better than being used as a political football ahead of the October state election.
“My understanding is that providing the Ayr Hospital with a CT scanner is a priority project for the health service, yet we saw no mention of the project in the 2024/2025 State budget and since then another CT scanner has been promised to another hospital in the same health service,” Mr Last said.
“This project is a no-brainer with the lack of a CT scanner placing additional pressure on our emergency services and hospital staff who are left transporting patients to Townsville for medical imaging and treatment.”
Mr Last said the fact there was no commitment in the state budget and no mention of the project in the days following was sending a clear message to emergency staff and patients who faced a five hour round trip for a CT scan.
“I was proud to support community efforts last year as we advocated for better health outcomes in our region and you would think that effort would have been rewarded by this government in the budget but we saw nothing,” Mr Last said.
“The15 people a week on average being transferred to Townsville for an after hours CT scan deserve better and I am not about to sit back and let our hardworking emergency staff and patients be the victims of a vote-buying campaign.”
“The lack of commitment from this Labor government sends a clear message to this community that they are more interested in ensuring people in the south east can catch a 50c train than ensuring people in the Burdekin who desperately need a CT scan aren’t faced with a five-hour round trip.”
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Opinion Piece Contributed By Dale Last.

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The Burdekin Men’s Shed is a marvellous organisation that addresses the issues of men’s health such as physical, emotional and social well-being within Burdekin, through community-based projects. The club has been running for an impressive 10 years and has accumulated around 55 members.
Men’s Shed has recently received a very exciting and generous grant from Bendigo Bank. The club president, Rob Richie, enthused over the donation commenting on how they were able to get a newer and larger compressor from RuralQuip as well as a brand-new battery-powered lawn mower from Honeycombes Power Sports.
Rob excitedly stated how the new compressor and lawn mower would benefit the club. He mentioned how the new compressor would help keep up air capacity to run tools in the shed needed to complete the community projects. Continuing, he discussed that the battery-powered push lawn mower would save the members a lot of time, especially the older club members.
People and organisations from the community can ask the Men’s Shed to assist them in projects, and if the club has the tools and ability to assist they will.
Robert encourages individuals who need work done outside of an organisation to join the club. He pointed out that joining the club allows individuals to utilise the tools themselves while also learning from the more established members of the organisation.
A recent project the Men’s Shed has assisted with is the Red Bench Project. This project aims to raise awareness of domestic violence whilst providing visibility of this important issue. Robert revealed how the Men’s Shed had been painting benches to assist the operation.
Donations, like the ones made by Bendigo Bank, make a huge difference to organisations like the Men’s Shed. They allow these important community-based groups to keep running and improving the lifestyle of inhabitants in the area.
If you are a handy man and would like to join the Men’s Club, call the below number or visit their website:
Phone: +61 (0) 467 083 502
Website: mensshed.org

What: Men’s Shed
Where: 155-157 Young Street Ayr, QLD, 4807

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President of Men’s Shed Rob Richie with the compressor and Salesman Billy Poyner from RuralQuip. Photos supplied
President of Men’s Shed Rob Richie with the lawn mower and Salesman Cody Wall from Honeycombes Power Sport. Photos supplied

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The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR), and Suncorp Group are inviting local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in remote, rural, and regional Queensland communities impacted by Cyclone Jasper and Kirrily to apply for a share of $300,000 in funding to support ongoing resilience building and recovery efforts.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available through the Rebuilding Futures Program, and are available to NFPs providing community-led activities addressing local prevention, preparedness and recovery needs.

The grant’s announcement comes just over six months since Cyclone Jasper cross the Far North coast on 13 December of 2023, leaving widespread destruction in its path. The Burdekin encouraged to apply for the grant, and Nina O’Brien, FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead, believes it is vital disaster-impacted communities are supported to proactively take action.

“The effects of an extreme weather event do not dissipate when the immediate danger is over,” said Ms O’Brien.

“Recovery needs to evolve over the medium to long term, as locals identify ways of building community resilience and reducing the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure.”

Grant applications close at 5pm AEST on 11 July 2024, and more information can be found at Rebuilding Futures | FRRR.

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The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) seeks volunteers to provide companionship and friendship to older people who may be socially isolated, lonely, or can't leave their homes. Volunteer opportunities consist of visiting people and residents in local aged care facilities.
They are looking for people from all walks of life who can cultivate friendships with vulnerable people within the community, who are at risk of social isolation. Social isolation can affect people from many backgrounds, and a volunteer visitor can be a fantastic contribution to the solution.
Making a difference in an elderly person’s life can be as simple as spending time together, sharing stories over a cuppa or lunch, sharing hobbies, playing games, watching television or just having a chat. All these activities can have a profound impact on their day, make them feel less alone and provide them with a sense of community.
If you would love to make people’s day and help the Burdekin community through volunteer work, please get in touch with the Burdekin Community Centre:
Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 4.00 pm • Phone 07 4783 3744 • Fax 07 4783 3990 bca@burdekin.qld.gov.au • www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au

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On Saturday 13 April, Sophie Robertson set off on an international adventure as part of the annual Premier’s Anzac Prize. Sophie was prestigiously awarded the Premier’s Anzac Prize earlier this year and was 1 of 8 Queensland recipients to embark on the two-week-long historic journey.

The award provides an extraordinary opportunity for young Queenslanders to develop a deeper understanding of the Anzac legacy through research, workshops, and visits to respected memorial sites in the United Kingdom, and on the Western Front. Throughout the month of April, Sophie and the other celebrated recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize embarked on the journey of a lifetime undertaking fundraising projects to support returned veterans, learning the history of and commemorating Australian service persons, and participating in a Young Historians Workshop, all whilst touring significant memorial sites in London and the Western Front battlefields in Belgium and France.

The life-changing experience was invaluable to Sophie and will stand as a trip she will never forget.

“The trip was absolutely amazing, I learnt so much and it was great to experience a whole different culture overseas,” explained Sophie.

“It was quite amazing to visit all those World War I sights of significance, and it was definitely an emotional feeling standing there in the cemeteries where there were so many tombstones and it all dawned on me the gravity of World War I and what the ANZACS did for us.”

Sophies travels to the Western Front battlefields was not only a confronting experience but also a highly emotional one as she visited the land on which her Great, Great Uncle Garrett Swanson fought in World War I.

“He has no known grave but I know where he fought, and we went to those battlefields where he lies there in no-mans-land, and I actually stood where he lies, and was directly across from the fields where he still is, and it was so emotional for me because I could provide closure for my family as the first person to visit where he fell,” expressed Sophie.

Prior to Sophie’s travels, she also engaged with Giru State School to share her research and educated the students on the ANZAC spirit as part of her Commemorative Cross Project. Sophie spoke with students in years four to six, and together the students decorated the cross which she then placed at the memorials overseas.

As part of the Premier’s ANZAC Prize, Sophie undertook a Mates for Mates fundraising project where she raised over $1,800 with the help, generosity and support of her school, Ayr State High School, the local community, and her involvement with the Australian Air Force Cadet Squadron.

“I cannot thank the businesses in the Burdekin enough for their support in helping me reach my fundraising goal and I also did a couple of fundraisers at my local Australian Airforce Cadet Squadron, and also at Ayr High.”

Collectively, the group of passionate young awardees raised over $20,000 which will be directed towards funding support for returned veterans. Moving forward, Sophie is now an alumnus and plans to attend the annual School Service in Brisbane in 2025, held the day before ANZAC day. Her experiences as part of receiving such a prestigious award have been celebrated across the community, and she could not be more grateful.

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