2024 staged the celebrated and triumphant return of the beloved Burdekin Water Festival and following on from such an overwhelmingly positive response from the local and wider community, the Committee cannot wait to host another fantastic event!

Almost a year ago to date, seven junior ambassadors and seven senior ambassadors representing various community groups, schools and businesses with outstanding enthusiasm, leadership and pride touched the hearts of the entire community from the Festival Launch until the Winners and Runners Up were crowned.

Over 40 entries paraded through Queen Street to a crowd of over 7,000 people, and the Burdekin Water Festival’s social media pages attracted over 15,000 public engagements, which was an achievement in itself considering the work the Committee put in behind the scenes to resurrect the treasured celebration from the ground up.

Ahead of this year’s festival, the Committee has hit the ground running, and following last week’s theme announcement, the excitement has continued to build!

“The Community put forward theme ideas on the Festival Facebook page and we also looked back at themes from past festivals to make sure we didn’t replicate,” shared Burdekin Water Festival Secretary, Kari Ravizza.

“The theme “Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe” is a fun, travel-inspired theme that invites people to embrace global exploration, whether through costumes, performances, decorations or cultural displays and we hope to encourage imagination, discovery and appreciation for the diversity of the world!”

With planning well underway, the Committee warmly welcomed a few friendly faces back to the round table this year, with 2024 Senior Ambassadors Charlotte Horsfall, Sasha Previtera and Demi O’Shea putting their hands up to help ensure the festival continues to succeed.

“Our committee are deep into the planning of the events as well as the Ambassador Program as our aim is to build on the success of last year and include more ways for the community to come together to celebrate our unique identity in the Burdekin,” added Kari.

Similarly to 2024’s extravaganza, 2025 will stage a plethora of nostalgic fan favourite events including the Community Lauch and Festival Fashion Parade, Long Lunch and Senior Ambassador Crowning, Window Display Competition, Tug Of War Competition, and Grand Parade and Mardi Gras.

“This year we will also be including the Garden Competition of years gone by so keen green thumbs can get a head start now on preparing their gardens to be looking their best by September,” Kari highlighted.

“Our Ambassadors will also be holding their own public events so watch this space!”

The Burdekin Water Festival’s Community Launch will take place on the 28th of June and the Committee promises there will be plenty of opportunities for locals to get involved right up until the Grand Parade and Mardi Gras on the 6th of September.

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The Burdekin Water Festival's 2025 theme is "Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe"! (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has announced a ground-breaking Regional Australia Future Fund, to deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional, rural and remote Australia.

Mr Willcox said the Fund is in recognition of the contribution regional Australians make in growing our national economy and the unique challenges faced now and into the future.

A Coalition Government will preserve a portion of commodity windfall receipts towards the establishment of Regional Australia Future Fund to grow this Fund to $20 billion.

“This is about putting regional people in Dawson first and leaving a legacy for future generations,” Mr Willcox said.

“Once established the Fund will invest a fair share of the profits created through the hard work of regional Australians back into Dawson. It means we don’t have to fight for funding shortfalls to provide infrastructure in regional areas.

“The Fund will deliver secure and sustainable long-term funding to tackle challenges that hold back regional communities and invest in building the long-term economic foundations of regional Australia to address future challenges.”

The Fund will be legislated in perpetuity, to establish a fiscally responsible way to invest in the future generations of regional Australians.

“It will have clear investment principles and will sit under the Future Fund structure and grow through their proven investment strategy.

“The Fund will be transparent and benchmarked with a legislated State of the Regions review by an independent committee, which will inform each four-year investment plan.”

Following extensive consultations with local communities, the Coalition have identified initial key priorities of the Regional Australia Future Fund, which include:

• Fixing local road and transport networks to save country lives and drive economic productivity.

• Growing the regional health workforce so families can access health and aged care – local and affordable.

• Developing regional industries to drive economic growth and create secure jobs.

• Delivering flexible childcare solutions for families in regional, rural and remote areas.

• Growing tourism industry opportunities for regional communities and economies.

• Supporting regional businesses to market and export their product to new and expanded markets.

• Improving regional mobile and internet services for country communities.

• Building and upgrading economic and community infrastructure, facilities and services.

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The funding stream will supplement – not replace – normal government funding across these critical areas where regional Australia faces unique challenges.

“This is an historic moment for the one third of Australians who live outside the big capital cities – a perpetual fund to future-proof regional Australia against short-termism and governments who leave regions behind.

“This will give confidence to regional communities, by investing in their economic future over coming decades, not just each electoral cycle.

“Geography should not be a determinant of success. Families and businesses in Dawson contribute significantly to our national story and economy. This Fund will ensure Dawson can take advantage of opportunities and overcome the challenges that the coming decades bring.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announces a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund, committing to a guaranteed long-term investment in regional, rural and remote communities. Photo supplied

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Heartwarming, long term love stories are certainly not in short supply when it comes to the Burdekin Shire, and recently one epic tale in particular caught the attention of local support worker, Vanessa Parison.

Harry and Jennifer will soon celebrate 60 wonderful years of marriage and after hearing of the pair’s amazing life journey together, Vanessa was brought to tears as she shared in Harry and Jennifer’s lifetime of happiness and heartache.

The pair’s story began in Newcastle, NSW, when they met one another at a Church Fellowship Group in 1962. A few short years later, when Harry was 22 and Jennifer was 19, the two celebrated their wedding on the 29th of May 1965.

The years to follow provided plenty of professional development opportunities for Harry including a position with the Australian Antarctic Division where he spent 15 months as a carpenter sailing on the Nella Dan Ship to Macquarie Island. The only way the pair could communicate with one another was through coded telegram, however, shortly after, Jennifer found out she was pregnant, and their daughter, Alison was born on the 18th of June 1968.

With hopes of travelling Australia, Harry accepted a position with the Northern Territory Police Force in May of 1971, and on the 3rd of July, 1973, the pair happily welcomed their son Neil into the world. Together, Harry, Jennifer, Alison and Neil lived in many townships over the coming years where Harry served as a policeman including Pine Creek, Maranboy, Papunya, Darwin and Timber Creek.

The constant change of scenery left the family of four feeling both excited for what’s to come, yet isolated in the areas of education and professional development, leaving both Alison and Neil to attend Boarding School elsewhere.

Harry served many long years as a policeman and accumulated a lifetime of wonderful and sad memories before he was appointed the Officer in Charge of the Northern Territory Housing Commission in Tennant Creek after needing to resign from the force due to injury.

In 1988, Harry’s health got the better of him and he was forced to retire which led Harry and Jennifer to embark on a trip around Australia in 1992, however, eight short days into the pair’s travels, Harry was admitted to the Adelaide Hospital. Once he was cleared, Harry and Jennifer set off again only to have Harry needing to be rushed to Bendigo Hospital after his bowel had burst. After a week of fighting for his life in intensive care, Jennifer was determined to have him recover and shared hard words with Harry that night to turn his health around, and the very next day, there was an improvement.

To this day, Jennifer believes her love for Harry helped save his life, and that was the only medicine he needed.

After many more years of travel, the pair settled in Townsville with Neil and his children, however almost four years later, Neil tragically passed away with brain and lung cancer.
It wasn’t until 2019 when the pair made the decision to call Ayr home, and despite a few more health hiccups, both Harry and Jennifer enjoy their life in the Burdekin immensely.

In January of 2024, Harry unfortunately had a stroke which caused him to lose the sight of his right eye, and in February, the pair made the decision to switch support service providers which is when they met Vanessa.

Both Harry and Jennifer agree that they have been blessed to have such a wonderful life together and could easily share stories of their youth until their next anniversary and beyond.

Congratulations on 60 beautiful years of marriage Harry and Jennifer.

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It was a fantastic day of bowls and camaraderie as QRI hosted Home Hill for their recent inter-club match. Club President Trevor Elton praised the strong turnout, with both clubs filling a full eight rinks — a brilliant show of support and spirit from all involved.

The match itself was a close tussle, with Home Hill securing five rink wins in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

Adding a special touch to the day, QRI life member Vic Clough — who has proudly represented the club for over 30 years — spoke about the true heart of QRI. "It's not about the competition," Vic said, "it's about the friendships." He also shared how QRI enjoys travelling throughout North Queensland, supporting the clubs they visit, and that members often have opportunities to play at state and interstate carnivals.

A big shoutout must go to the hardworking team behind the scenes who put on a sensational afternoon tea — refreshing players and visitors alike with a spread that was as warm and welcoming as the bowls.

In other club news, Home Hill's Fours Final was played recently with fantastic attendance and lively support from the community. Congratulations to the winning team — Michael, Norm, Alex, and Margaret — on a well-deserved victory!

Contributed with thanks to Michael Parravicini

Registrations are now open for one of the Burdekin’s most iconic events and with excitement and anticipation building, the countdown is well and truly on! The infamous Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships will impress and entertain the community on the 31st of May as part of the region’s Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival which continues to attract waves of visitors from across the state and beyond.

The legendary, slashing showdown celebrates the Burdekin’s rich cane farming heritage whilst showcasing the grit, determination and skills of some of the Shire’s toughest competitors. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with years of swinging under your belt or a curious first-timer ready to take on the challenge, the Championships are calling!

Held in Home Hill at a historic cane paddock-turned-battlefield, this is more than just a competition, it’s a celebration of the Burdekin community’s, culture, and good old-fashioned hard work.

Multiple competition categories are now accepting registrations such as the Under 35 Years Competition, 35 – 55 Years Competition, Over 55 Years Competition, Ladies Cup, Ladies Novice, Corporate Challenge (3x teams of 4), Cut, Top and Load Relay (4x teams of 4) and the Australian Hand Cand Cutting Championships Final.

With plenty of action set to stun spectators, the day will easily become a memorable Sweet Days, Hot Nights highlight. Gates will be open from 10:30am and plenty of entertainment, food stalls, and loads of fun for the whole family will also be on offer well into the afternoon.

To register, visit www.sweetdayshotnights.com.au, follow the links to the Hand Cane Cutting Championships and don't miss your chance to be a part of something uniquely Burdekin!

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Sibby Saitta started his clothing business in Queen Street, Ayr 72 years ago in 1952. It commenced trade as a basic tailoring shop of which there were several in town at that time. Sibby tailored made-to-measure men’s suits, trousers and other basic apparel, all made from scratch.

As time passed, ready made clothing and fashions became more readily available, so the shop evolved into a retail outlet selling men’s fashions of the day. Work clothing soon became available from factories in Brisbane and Sydney. Women’s wear was introduced as well and at that point the stock was so vast it had outgrown the Queen Street premises. Put simply, the shop was too small to accommodate all this stock.

Almost 50 years ago, it was decided to purchase a shop in Graham Street to house the growing work clothing business. All the work clothing stock was transferred to this shop and the business was named Sibby’s Savers.

Corporate wear and western wear were added to the stock profile eventually.

The Sibby’s Savers Graham Street building was extended around 1990 to house Sibby’s suit hire business.

Although the suit hire business was closed many years ago, the Sibby’s Savers business continued to operate.

"The end of an era has arrived with the sale of the Sibby’s Savers business to Kristy and Callan Oar. We wish them all the best with their new enterprise. Kristy has drive and enthusiasm, and she has a beautiful personality to boot, so the business is definitely in good hands. The store has been renamed to Wild East Western and Workwear."

Rosemary and Mark Rickards would like to thank their many valued customers for their patronage over the last 72 years and encourage them to continue supporting the new owners as the business will continue to operate with the same friendly and helpful service.

The pair would also like to thank their employees for their efforts during 72 years of business. They explained how there are too many to name, however their efforts are truly appreciated.

Rosemary and Mark with new owner Kristy Oar. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot

Rosemary and Mark Rickards standing outside Sibby's Savers

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Ingrained in the history of the Burdekin region as one of the largest construction projects to date, the Burdekin Falls Dam holds the prestigious title of existing as the largest dam in Queensland.

Situated approximately 100 kilometres south of Charters Towers, the Burdekin Falls Dam was completed in 1987 at a cost totalling $125 million to adequately contain the Burdekin River, a catchment area covering about 7% of the state.

The structure can hold a capacity of 1,860,000 mega litres, and historically, the dam has reached a mammoth capacity of 221.15% which was recorded on the 20th of February in 1991, with the dam’s lowest point of 29.83% recoded in early November of 1987 after its official completion.

More recently, the dam has been splashed across headlines following the reconfirmation of the Burdekin Falls Dam Raising Project where the dam’s capacity will increase by an additional two meters with works to begin in 2027.

As outlined in the 2024-2025 Queensland Budget, $540 million in funding has been allocated for the project and as of the 24th of March, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process marked another milestone whereby the Coordinator-General stated a new project declaration lapse date of the 7th of April, 2027.

The Burdekin Dam Raising Project has been a contentious topic of discussion for quite some time now, and the structure itself continues to stir a world of conversation within the Burdekin community and beyond.

A post published in January of 2021 on a community social media page asked locals to recall the wild conspiracy theories they once believed (or may still believe) to be true about the infamous structure. Stories dating back to the dam’s construction of disappearing workers came to the forefront of many local’s minds as well as the tales of a witch calling the dam home alongside a monstrous crocodile.

With both a rich history and a wave of plans for future development, the Burdekin Falls Dam will undoubtably continue to stand as the most impressive and largest water storage asset in Queensland for years to come.

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The Burdekin Falls Dam is the largest water storage facility in Queensland (Photo Source: Sunwater)$125 million was allocated to the dam's initial 1987 construction (Photo Source: William John Rolls)
The Burdekin Falls Dam near completion in 1987 (Photo Source: Fred Morris)

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2025 marks a wonderful milestone in Clare State School’s history, and over the weekend, almost 500 members of the Burdekin community gathered together to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary.

Despite the unfortunate weather conditions, Clare State School Principal, Troy Patti was beyond pleased with the weekend’s events, noting Saturday evening’s Twilight Feast & Timeless Talks was an occasion to remember.

“The weekend was very successful, especially considering the rainfall that we had experienced in the days prior,” shared Mr Patti.

A plethora of events were scheduled across the weekend including a nostalgic Roll Call led by Mrs McMullen, Meet and Greet, Friday Night Fete, and Time Capsule opening which were enjoyed by both past and present staff, students and members of the wider community.

“It was great to see past students and staff rekindling friendships from many moons ago,” Mr Patti recalled.

“We even had two students who enrolled in 1950 (the first year our school opened), John and Peter Shadforth, in attendance as well as our longest serving staff member, Mrs Maureen McMullen who is 95 years old and was a teacher at the school from 1955 – 1987.”

On Saturday evening around 300 guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Home Hill’s Burdekin Memorial Hall, where plenty of memories were shared alongside a beautiful anniversary cake which was cut by John and Peter Shadforth along with two current prep students, Coen Booth (a third-generation student) and Chad Brown.

“Hearing the many stories from the past staff and students was a highlight for all as well as everyone at the Memorial Hall being led by the current day students to sing our school song, “Let the Cane Fires Burn”,” Mr Patti added.

“The students stood on the stage and led everyone in singing the song.”

The 75th Anniversary of Clare State School will be remembered for years to come, and the momentous occasion was officially cemented into the school’s history with the unveiling of a magnificent monument listing the names of six families who have enrolled three generations at the school over the years.

“The response from the community has been very positive,” said Mr Patti.

“Huge congratulations are in order for the 75th anniversary committee, Parents and Citizens’ Association, school staff and community members who have all helped to make this a very successful event.”

“This has been a great event which has seen many members of the Clare community come together with each other and past residents.”

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The beautiful anniversary cake was cut by John and Peter Shadforth along with two current prep students, Coen Booth (a third-generation student) and Chad Brown. Photo supplied

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You know what they say, every cloud has a silver lining, and just last week Morag Burbidge found that timeless saying to be true.

A dear friend of Morag’s had an unfortunate fall which left her both unconscious and with terrible injuries earlier last week, and thanks to the quick thinking of a couple of vigilant locals, Morag’s friend had the help she needed within minutes.

“A young lady waved down a young man and asked for him to sit with my friend while she ran across the road to the hospital to raise the ambos,” shared Morag.

“I don’t know who she is as by the time my friend came too, there were a number of people caring for her.”

Both the woman and gentleman who wish to remain anonymous held Morag’s friend’s hand, keeping her calm and comfortable until emergency services were on the scene.

“Two nurses then came to assist, rang her emergency contact, and waited for the ambulance – all the while the young man stayed with my friend, and held her hand to reassure her.”

Morage took to social media to thank the kind strangers in a post which has since attracted over 300 interactions from both touched and concerned members of the local community.

“People should never be too busy to help someone in need – there are good, beautiful people in the Burdekin,” commented hopeful locals.

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Ivica Murry has mastered the art of intertwining the whimsical world of magic and wonder into her everyday life, and now she hopes to help other members of the community do the same.

Recently, Ivica created an online community titled “The Folk Magick Collective” where she plans to share her wealth of knowledge on the niche practice with the wider Burdekin and beyond.

“Folk Magick is a practical, tradition-based system of magic passed down through generations within communities, often focusing on everyday needs and using locally sourced materials and knowledge,” explained Ivica.

“Folk Magick is generally used to address common problems and desires within a community, such as healing, finding lost items, bringing good harvest, or warding off misfortune and my page is for those who are interested in Folk Magick or are full Practitioners.”

With a year of practice and a lifetime of study behind her, Ivica pulled strength from her ability to comprehend the true power of both the mind and universe to overcome her five-year long battle with chronic depression.

“My journey to healing started with a book I was given, and I won my battle by using a holistic approach using the natural healing energies from crystals, herbs, candles and meditation,” noted Ivica.

“Folk Magick often incorporates local plants, animals, and beliefs, reflecting the specific environment and culture of a particular region and not all Folk Magick is witchcraft - the term "cunning folk" or "wise folk" is often used to describe those who practice Folk Magick for good.”

Ivica hopes to share the benefits of the craft in a judgement free space without a “hierarchy” emphasising “we are all the same and value each other’s knowledge”.

“My message to those out there, is go for it,” Ivica added.

“If you're interested in Folk Magick, don't let what is presumed by the public as bad, deny those of you who truly just want to be yourselves.”

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Ivica hopes to share the artful craft of Folk Magick with the Burdekin community (Photo Credit: Sarah Brown)

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Tracey Jane was born and raised in Melbourne, attending grammar school in Brighton before studying a foundation year in Art and Design at Brighton Technical School in 1976. She began a Graphic Design degree at Caulfield Institute of Technology in 1977.

That same year, she travelled to England by ship and worked in London as an artist and receptionist for a printing company. Her passion has always been drawing, and she has now been a practising artist for over 40 years.

After returning to Australia, Tracey studied gallery administration in Rockhampton, later joining the Townsville Art Society and holding a joint exhibition with Peter L’Hota. In 1997, she had a solo exhibition at the Perc Tucker Gallery and studied photography at James Cook University in Townsville.

Tracey has won numerous awards, including Emerging Artist at Cairns Regional Gallery and multiple first-place honours at Charters Towers art competitions.

She moved to Bundaberg in 2009, exhibiting graphite works at the Gin Gin Courthouse Gallery and Avondale Tavern. This led to her involvement in publishing, resulting in two books: Book of Geometric Designs and Patterns and Weird and Wonderful Graphic Drawings.

In 2012, she returned to Cairns, exhibiting at Tanks Gallery and the Cairns Hilton. From 2016 to 2022, she achieved notable success in Atherton competitions, being named Champion of the Art Show three times.

In 2022, Tracey relocated to Charters Towers and spent a year preparing her upcoming exhibition, It’s a Circular Thing, which will open in June 2025.

She now lives in Ayr, having moved to the Burdekin in August 2023. Last year, she volunteered at Arts on the Avenue in Home Hill, calling it "quite an experience!" Her latest exhibition, Geometrica, is currently showing on Queen Street, Ayr, and focuses on pattern and design.

What: Geometrica Exhibition, Tracey Jane
Where: Queen St opposite Chill Cafe
When:  April 2nd til April 12th th from 11am til 4pm

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The Cecchin Motors story is by Mattero’s son, Vic who now lives at Phagan’s Bay New South Wales.
Cecchin Motors all began in the late 1920’s when Matteo Cecchin, along with his mates- George Populin, Antonio (Tony) Lando, and the father of  Willie Dal Santo came to Ayr from the village of  Porcia near the city of Pordenone in the region of Friuli-Venezia Italy to cut sugar-cane. In the off season (slack season)  from cutting sugar-cane, Matteo used to journey to Port Kembla, New South Wales where he continued with mechanical skills he had learnt in Italy.

Matteo Cecchin married Baviara in 1939 and lived at 19 Parker Street Ayr. The house today is number 27 Parker Street. Cecchin Motors made its humble beginnings in the tin shed in our backyard at the end of the driveway. Electra, my sister was born in 1940 and I was born in 1945. Throughout the war Dad serviced government vehicles such as council, police, and the ambulance. By 1953 Matteo’s business was expanding and he moved Cecchin Motors to the corner of Young and Wickham Streets. The building was built by George Populin, Dad’s mate. (today Burdekin Hire Service.)

As Dad’s main source of income was from cane farmer’s he acquired the agency of Case Tractors and the Peugeot motor car.  He also had the Mercedes Benz Agency and sold the first Mercedes in North Queensland to  Ray Northwood.  Ray Northwood had a service station opposite the old Ayr Baths in Queens Street.

In those days European cars were not in favour so Dad dropped the Peugeot Agency and took on the Standard Motor Company which included Van Gard, Triumph, sports cars and motor bikes and the standard 10 mini sedan. More importantly with that agency came the Ferguson Tractor which was extremely popular  in the tobacco industry with expanding throughout the upper Burdekin areas of Clare, Millaroo and Dalbeg. When that industry finished so did the popularity of Ferguson tractors. He then took on the Chrysler Motor agency which included Dodge, Plymouth, Desoto and eventually Valiant Motor Cars. To replace the Ferguson Tractor, Dad took on the Fiat  David Brown Tractor Agencies.

By the late 50’s Willie Dal Santo’s bought a half share of Cecchin Motors for his  son Willie who had served his apprenticeship at Cecchin Motors. Other staff were Jack McCarthy, Matt Cecchin, Peter Bengoa, Bill Smith Colin Peterson, and Graham Anderson.

In 1958 my sister married and moved to Sydney. Dad sold his half of the business to Willie Dal Santo.  Our family moved to Sydney by 1960.  Cecchin Motors became Dal Santo Motors.

Vic’s son, Mathew was football Rep a few years ago in the area. We are looking for a home for  a three piece  English China Tea Set with the Ayr Post Office building on the cups and sauces and  egg cups and Burdekin Shire Chambers on the plate and little dish.

Evidently  Matteo bought this China tea set sometime in the 1950’s to give to his brother’s family who consisted of three in the family. No one knows if it was for a specific occasion  in the Burdekin that this English tea set was issued. Other people have seen a plate or part there of a tea set and could be purchased through a newsagency here as a souvenir. HRH Queen Elizabeth11 along with the Duke of Edinburgh  did a visit to Australia in 1954 after her coronation and in 1956 Australia held the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956. The Set has never been used and Vic and the family would like it to displayed in the Burdekin. It was sent to his good friend Pat Lawson (nee Clark) who was his neighbour whilst the Cecchin’s lived in Ayr.

Contributed with thanks to Glenis Cislowski.

Cecchin Motors Stand at Ayr Show
Cecchin Motors Stand at Ayr Show
Jack McCarthy, Willie Dal Santo, Matt Cecchin, Peter Bengoa, Bill Smith, Colin Peterson about 1955
Matt Cecchin and Willie Dal Santo

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Jye Olson, now in his second year as an electrical apprentice, is a prime example of Laser Electrical’s hands-on, community-focused approach to training. He initially joined the team for school-based work experience in Year 10 and returned in his own time, demonstrating strong initiative.

By the end of Year 11, Jye had built a solid rapport with the team, earning an apprenticeship offer before completing Year 12—something the company supports for promising candidates.

Laser Electrical typically takes on one apprentice per year, collaborating with local schools and regional towns to provide work experience opportunities. These placements often lead to apprenticeships when a good fit is found.

Apprentices receive formal training through TAFE or Tech-NQ, with block training in Townsville, while gaining hands-on experience alongside qualified tradesmen. Throughout the four-year apprenticeship, a one-to-one ratio ensures each apprentice works directly with a tradesman. In the first year, tasks are closely supervised, and as apprentices gain confidence, they take on more independence, though all work is still checked. By the fourth year, they are skilled but encouraged to continue learning and asking questions.

Laser Electrical fosters a culture of continuous development, where even qualified tradesmen are expected to stay curious and up to date with industry changes.

With services spanning electrical, air conditioning, solar, and building, Laser Electrical is known for supporting its people, valuing local talent, and promoting diversity, including hiring female apprentices. The company’s broad expertise makes it a standout in the industry and a sought-after choice for apprentices seeking varied experience.

Operations Manager Ned Bonato highlights the company’s strong team culture, saying, "We’ve got about 18 guys, and they all work really well together. There's never an issue pairing apprentices and tradesmen based on personalities—they all get along and work as a team."

Ned encourages anyone interested in an apprenticeship to consider Laser Electrical: “As a locally owned company, we’ve always hired many local people, mainly young guys. It’s about giving local talent the chance to become tradespeople in our community, which we take pride in.”

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The Burdekin Readers & Writers Association has been officially rekindled following its Annual General Meeting on March 19. It marks a fresh era for the region’s literary community.

A new committee was elected, with Kelly Lund appointed as President, Mark T. Rasmussen Vice President, Samantha Minuzzo Secretary, and Yvette Lando Treasurer.

Speaking at the meeting, founding member Mickey McKellar, expressed her delight at seeing the association reinvigorated.

“Since its inception, I have enjoyed my time with Burdekin Readers and Writers immensely. I am delighted and thrilled that this organisation will once again become a very important addition to the Burdekin Arts and Cultural program,” expressed Mickey.

“I have no doubt it will be onwards and upwards under this new executive. I look forward to following the association’s future progress, albeit from a distance,” she added.

Incoming President Kelly Lund acknowledged the contributions of McKellar and other founding members, recognising their efforts in keeping the association alive.

“We are fortunate to have such a vibrant arts scene in the Burdekin, and this literary association adds another layer of depth to our creative community,” Kelly said.

She confirmed that the committee is inspired to build on the past successes of the festival, with a particular focus on fostering youth engagement.

“Exploring ways to encourage and support Burdekin’s emerging literary talent will be a key priority. We want to refresh the festival and place a strong emphasis on young writers.”

The association will officially relaunch in June, with a planning day for the committee in the lead-up. Kelly also announced that upcoming events and a new website would be unveiled by mid-year.

“We look forward to bringing top-tier authors to the Burdekin once more, while celebrating our local literary voices and encouraging those who aspire to write,” Kelly stated.

Those interested in joining Burdekin Readers & Writers or contributing to its initiatives can contact Kelly at 0437 677 732.

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The Burdekin Readers & Writers Association ushers in its new executive committee. L-R: Vice President Mark T. Rasmussen, President Kelly Lund, Treasurer Yvette Lando, and Secretary Samantha Minuzzo. Photo supplied

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A warm welcome from the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Inc. (BMP).

This club provides the community with active social involvement. With a membership of around sixty, many of whom are retired machinery enthusiasts, fifteen or sometimes twenty meet weekly to restore and maintain historical machinery and enjoy a good yarn.

The museum and working displays are open and available to the public from 9am-3pm each Monday. During the tourist season (April to September) we are also open on Wednesday and Saturday. You are all welcome to call in during those times and one of our knowledgeable members will be pleased to introduce you to the collection and share a few interesting stories about their history.

BMP Inc. was established in 1984 as a not-for-profit (NFP) group of individual machinery enthusiasts with private collections. The Club leased buildings at the Brandon Heritage Precinct from Burdekin Shire Council, and its charter is to collect and display historic machinery pertaining to the local sugar industry. Notable items in that category include the historic Marshall Colonial Tractor, Pioneer No.1 Steam Locomotive, Inkerman No.1 Steam Locomotive, Walkers No.1 Diesel Alternator Set, Ruston Diesel Alternator Set and 3 Diesel Pumping Engines. Aside from maintaining a working museum, the Club operates well equipped fitting, machine and blacksmith shops.

Each year, we hold an Open Day during which we operate the machinery for the public’s enjoyment. The Club also participates in local agricultural shows, and the hand sugar cane cutting event, during which we display the fascinating antique engines and machinery.

This year, our Open Day will be from 9am to 3pm on Saturday 10th May at the Brandon Heritage Precinct. We extend a cordial invitation to you all – do come and join in the exciting huffing and puffing of the historic steam and diesel engines.

There’s something for everyone – the Iron Works Brewery will be open after 1:00pm - and the old Gardner Engine and furnace will fire up about 3:00pm!

If you would like to know more about the club’s activities or if you are interested in becoming a member, please give Lex a call on 0488 366 443.

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BMP Marshall Colonial Tractor
BMP Marshall Colonial Tractor and Vice President John Hanson. Photos supplied

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