The latest victim of severe staff shortages in the medical industry is the Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre which announced this week that it will close its doors at the end of June.

Over 200 GP clinics in Australia have closed down in the past year, many of them citing the same reason – they simply cannot get enough GPs.

Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre is operated by the Girudala Community Cooperative Society, which is a non-for-profit organisation which predominantly overseas the welfare of Indigenous and South Sea Islander community members.

Since 2010, Girudala has been operating the Medical Centre and they welcome all patients, with more than 2,000 people registered on their books.

When they close their doors on June 30, there will only be two other medical centres in Bowen, servicing a population of over 10,000 people.

Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre was also the last service to offer Bulkbilling to all patients.

The other Bowen GP clinics offer Bulkbilling to pensioners and children under 16, but there was a huge demand to fill the gap for vulnerable people that did not fit that age-bracket.

Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre filled that gap.

The closure of this much-needed medical Centre will put immense pressure not only on the other GP clinics but also Bowen Hospital.

A spokesperson for Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre, Jean Andersen, said they are appealing for help.

“It’s been a really hard decision to close the doors and we’ve been trying to reach out to the government for some kind of support,” she explained.

“We’ve gone through everything we can think of and now we’ve made the decision, our primary focus is to refer our patients onto other health services.

“I’m sure every rural and remote community is crying out for GPs as well; we are asking the government to help us in any way they can – is there any funding to attract doctors here?
“We need a resolution soon and I really hope we can find one.”

For several years, the Bowen Herbert Street Family Medical Centre has been surviving with locum GPs who work at the clinic for short periods.

A few years ago, they had two permanent doctors, but there are now no regular GPs to fill the huge demand and the service simply cannot cope anymore.

“This is a national crisis and governments are failing remote communities like Bowen, who simply cannot afford to pay for doctors,” stated Ms Andersen.

“The closure of Herbert Street will place extreme pressure on health services in the area and we’re calling on local governments, namely local, state and commonwealth to work together with us and with the community to develop a sustainable long-term and viable medical health solution.”

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After six weeks of hard work, artist Glen Gillard is thrilled to have finished the latest of Bowen’s murals and is extremely happy with it.

“It is probably the longest that I have ever spent on a mural,” said Glen.

“I am glad to see the end of it, and I’m happy and think the results are pretty good.

“Everybody's saying how wonderful it is and magnificent, but most of the comments I get is that it’s beautiful and that's what I'm really happy about.”

Glen joked that his favourite part to paint was the end, adding his signature at the end.

Secretary of the Mural Society Heather Skinner, President Josie Tons and Treasurer Marcia Land are over the moon with it and describe it as “Fan-bloody-tastic!”

This mural is of Herbert Street and the Mural Society have plans to extend it, adding additional buildings from Herbert Street on the blank spaces next to the newly finished mural.

This mural would not be possible without Bowen Hire, supplying scaffolding and the Mural Society express a huge thank you to them.

Glen would also like to add that he loves green tree frogs, and he likes to add them into his murals – see if you can spot one!

“This mural here has three Green Tree Frogs which people have to find before they go home,” Glen laughed.

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Glen Gillard in front of his finished mural
Treasurer Marcia Land, Secretary Heather Skinner, President Josie Tons and Artist Glen Gillard

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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By Amanda Wright

Production at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Inkerman Mill in the Burdekin region, which kicked off the 2024 season on Monday, June 10, was abruptly halted on Wednesday due to industrial action.

The shutdown was prompted by union delegates informing the company of a planned one-hour work stoppage at Inkerman Mill and at least two other sites at midday on Wednesday.

While a one-hour stoppage might not typically force a shutdown, the delegates declined to confirm whether this would be the only stoppage at Inkerman on Wednesday. This lack of certainty left Wilmar Sugar and Renewables with no choice but to halt operations.

Mike McLeod, General Manager of Operations, expressed Wilmar’s concerns.
“A safe shutdown usually takes about 12 hours and must be carried out with care and precision. The uncertainty about stoppages presented both operational and safety concerns, leaving us no option but to shut down the mill.”

Members of the local cane growing community along with QCAR representatives. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Photography
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Industrial Action Forces Inkerman Mill Shutdown

McLeod acknowledged the impact on local growers,

“We feel for the growers who had harvested cane and those expecting to harvest in the morning. We have 6,000 tonnes of burnt cane in the Inkerman yard now, and we are told there is another 7,000 tonnes in the paddock,” Mr McLeod said.

“We had planned to be crushing at Inkerman until at least 7:30 Wednesday morning, but without certainty, we are better to stop than risk damage or injury and possibly have the mill out of commission for an extended period,” he added.

The industrial action has sparked significant concern among growers and the local community, who are feeling the brunt of the disruption. Charles Quagliata, QCAR Chair, emphasised the dire consequences.

“It’s the growers and the community who are hurting the most with this industrial action. The growers are being held for ransom and used as collateral in this dispute.”

Christian Lago, QCAR Burdekin District Committee Chairman, highlighted the immediate impact on growers, saying, “The thousands of tonnes of burnt cane in paddocks, rail bins, and on sidings without the prospect of crushing at this time is disastrous for the sugar industry as a whole.

“This shutdown was premature and hurts the growers more than anyone else.”

QCAR also said that at this stage, there has been no indication from Wilmar on whether the growers will be compensated for the loss of sugar concentration in the cane while it sits stagnant.

Stephen Ryan, CEO of QCAR, outlined the broader implications for the industry.

“Our members are directly impacted by the current industrial action, which is causing impaired cash flows across all stakeholders. The local economy is already feeling the pinch, and the Burdekin community will continue to suffer if an agreement isn't reached swiftly.”

Panikos Spyrou, QCAR's Executive Director, expressed concerns about the sustainability of the industry.

“There is a legitimate fear of a repeat of the dark and disastrous 2010 season, where industrial action prevented a timely start during fine weather, leading to a season of supply collapse when untimely wet weather set in.

“For every week lost in perfect weather, the season could be dragged out for an additional month towards the end, potentially meaning cane could stay in fields unharvested.

“The ongoing dispute is unacceptable, and the community is being held to ransom.”

The union action comes within hours of all three unions requesting a resumption of negotiations on a new enterprise agreement. This request follows the recent rejection by a majority of company employees of the company’s latest offer, which included a 14.25 per cent increase over 3.5 years, a $1,500 sign-on bonus, and 50 permanent positions for seasonal and term contract workers.

At the time of print, Wilmar was working to resume crushing cane as soon as possible at its Inkerman Mill in the Burdekin on Wednesday afternoon, and to begin production on Thursday at Invicta and Kalamia mills, despite the threat of continuing industrial action.

The company will make application to the Fair Work Commission for an urgent hearing of its argument for orders to immediately suspend protected action to allow the annual crush to proceed while enterprise agreement (EA) negotiations continue. To date the company has not exercised its right under the Fair Work Act to lock out workers participating in protected industrial action.

Mr McLeod, said that the company welcomed, and shared, the views expressed by union officials that everything possible should be done to avoid harming the interests of cane growers and the community during negotiation of an enterprise agreement.

“We need to get that cane through the mill as soon as we can,” he said.

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Production has begun at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Inkerman Mill in the Burdekin region with the first cane for the 2024 season tipping at 9:28am on Monday 10 June.

Invicta Mill and Kalamia Mill will see production also begin this week with the remaining five other Wilmar mills to start up the week beginning Monday 17 June.

The beginning of what will be an extremely busy season for the Burdekin has been successful with General Manager Operations, Mike McLeod describing the kickoff as off to a good start, thanking the hard work of all employees.

“Today was a great achievement from the whole team,” Mr McLeod explained.

“I want to thank all of our people who worked tirelessly over the past week, and in particular, over the weekend to finalize preparations for start-up.”

A busting time for the region, many Wilmar employees will be scheduled to work well above regular hours, with shift workers hard at work into the night across various sectors.

“We lit up the boilers yesterday afternoon and tipped the first bin just before 9:30am as planned and we look forward to producing the first raw sugar of the season tomorrow (Tuesday 11 June).”

This beginning comes at an active time for Wilmar with the Sarina Distillery resuming their efficient production of bioethanol on Thursday 30 May, following their annual month-long maintenance closure.

Mike McLeod also stated Sugar and Renewables employees covered by the enterprise agreement were set to vote on the company’s EA offer earlier this week, with the vote scheduled for Tuesday at the latest.

Mr McLeod assure Wilmar has been closely monitoring factory operations and start dates, following notifications of further work stoppages and bans planned from Wednesday 12 June.

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Hi everyone,

On his way travelling down the Queensland coast, our recently departed journalist, Sam Gillespie, called into the Whitsundays with his mum, dad and ‘Uncle Chook’ to attend a little farewell afternoon that the team held in his honour.

Sam has been an incredible contributor to Burdekin Life Newspaper and I couldn’t think of anyone with a bigger heart and a love for regional communities that could have guided this newspaper through its first eight months.

He has set a precedent for what we can all expect, and carved a quality that we will all aspire to continue – thank you, Sam!

Of course, Sam was backed by our incredible award-winning team in Mackay and the Whitsundays.

As many of you will know our sister publication, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper recently won ‘Best Free Newspaper in QLD’ and we have always overseen this newspaper with the same dedication.

And while Sam will be notably absent from the region at the moment, I can assure you we will soon be hiring another journalist who will live and work in the Burdekin.

In the interim, a member of the Whitsunday-based team will be coming to the Burdekin each week for one or two days – in fact I am coming this Friday – please feel free to give me a call if you would like to catch up!

Burdekin Local, Chelsea Ravizza, has also accepted a full-time position with us while she is on a study break from finishing her journalism degree in Brisbane.

While Chelsea resides in Brisbane, she grew up in the Burdekin and has been writing for the newspaper for the last six months.

She is a wonderful addition to the team and, while we continue looking for the right person to be on the ground in the community, she has kindly offered to work the extra hours.

Thanks for your understanding while we go through this period of transition folks, I am sure you can understand that it is very important that we find exactly the right person to be ‘the new Sam!’

In the meantime, please enjoy your local newspaper knowing that it is produced with same heart it always has been.

Rachael Smith
Editor In Chief

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Chelsea: “I’m beyond excited to continue sharing the stories of the Burdekin in my new role. Sam has left huge shoes to fill, and I’m extremely grateful to Rachael and the team for this opportunity!”

Your Burdekin Life Team: Ruby Gorlick Sales and Social Media Representative, Crissy Bottrell Office and Production Manager, Rachael Smith Editor In Chief, Lara Moss Junior Graphic Designer and Daniel Heggie Cadet Journalist standing with Sam and his mum and dad. Photo credit: Uncle Chook

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Within the early hours of Thursday 6 June, the motorists of the Burdekin region experienced lengthy delays and major travelling inconveniences following a truck fire on the Burdekin Bridge.

Five emergency service crews responded to calls just after 5am to find a B Double Semi Trailer Truck fully engulfed in flames. The vehicle was transporting pallets of alcohol travelling North along the Bruce Highway when a mechanical failure occurred, and the truck’s tyres burst.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson has advised that the driver, a 50-year-old Moranbah man, was pulled from the vehicle without any injuries.

Several hours following the incident, many motorists were continuing to experience heavy delays with single lane traffic control extending throughout the day. Traffic continued to cause chaos past the Home Hill Racecourse, through back roads and side streets, with travellers making desperate efforts to make their way both to and from work. Numerous businesses remained closed until midday, waiting for staff members to navigate their way through the heavy traffic congestion.

Hundreds of locals took to Facebook to communicate their first-hand accounts of the events. Several commenters explained their frustration at waiting in traffic ques for over two hours, and their annoyance with highway traffic coming to a complete halt.

Many commentors expressed their fears for the region if the Burdekin Bridge ever experiences a permanent closure, calling for the construction of a secondary bridge.

“Might be time for the local government to get some funds to build a second bridge - 2 lanes North, and 2 lanes South,” said one Facebook commentor.

“Imagine the chaos if the bridge has to close – still find it bizarre that they haven’t built a new bridge to cope with today’s traffic – it’s a choke on North Queensland,” said another.

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The Queensland Government has been called out by Member for Burdekin and Shadow Minister for Rural & Regional Affairs Dale Last after increased funding for the Bruce Highway was announced from 2027-28, saying it has “given up when it comes to improving roads in regional Queensland”.
The state government announced it will increase its annual Bruce Highway funding commitment to $250 million per annum from 2027-28 onwards, but Mr Last said this will see safety upgrades on the roads that their constituents use every day delayed by at least three years.
“Again, Labor is publishing a lot of plans and making a lot of noise but not actually doing anything,” Mr Last said.
“If you look at the ‘Safer Roads Sooner’ program, for example, they talk about a forgiving roadside to reduce injuries if a collision occurs.  
“Meanwhile, on large sections of the Bruce Highway, you can’t even pull off the road safely due to trees and rocks; let alone on lesser used roads.”
The state government also released the 15-year Vision and Action Plans for the Bruce Highway and the Safer Bruce 2030 Action Plan, endorsed by the Bruce Highway Trust Advisory Council, and finalised following the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Review in 2023.
“Safety is always our most important priority and I’m pleased to be working with key transport advocates to improve safety on the Bruce,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish.
“The release of the 15-year Vision and Action Plans for the Bruce Highway and the Safer Bruce 2030 Action Plan marks a key milestone for the Bruce Highway.
“We now have a plan for the future of the Bruce Highway which extends beyond the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program commitments.”
Mr Last said regional Queenslanders are screaming for action sooner.
“You really have to ask what it will take to see something done about these roads that are nothing more than goat tracks,” he said.
“Regional Queensland, through resources and agriculture, contribute billions to the state government’s coffers each year but what do we get for it?  
“All we get from Labor is broken promises and misleading statements while we are forced to travel with our families on unsafe roads.”

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The State Budget was announced on Tuesday afternoon, unveiling measures to directly relieve the cost-of-living crisis and help people with everyday expenses.

From discounted car registration to cheaper public transport, the pre-election budget is aimed at creating real change, although several measures are conveniently due to expire just after the State Government election set to take place later this year.

Overall, a total of $11.2b in reductions to Queenslanders were outlined in this week’s budget announcement, which is 31% greater than last year.

Member For Burdekin, Dale Last MP, says he is disappointed with the budget, mainly because the appeal from residents for a CT scanner at Ayr Hospital has been ignored.

“As someone in Brisbane waits to catch a 50-cent train, someone in Ayr will be waiting hours to be transported to Townsville just for a CT scan,” he said.
“Today’s budget could have been an opportunity for this government to demonstrate that it had listened when hundreds of residents in Ayr put pen to paper to call for a CT scanner at their hospital but, instead, we didn’t see a cent.”
Mr Last added that despite a number of glossy re-announcements in the State Budget for parts of the Burdekin electorate, it was clear that major projects this community had advocated for had been ignored. 
“Make no mistake, today’s budget was for the next four months, not the next four years and beyond.”
“We expect our front line services to be able to be afforded every training opportunity possible so that they are as prepared as they can be in times of emergency yet that won’t be the case in Ayr with no funding commitment towards a new fire station.”
“The Treasurer was quick to mention cost of living measures throughout the budget but ultimately those measures mean little in this electorate when you can’t find a home to live in because social housing waitlists have blown out and there is no crisis accommodation available.”

Budget Breakdown

   • 20 per cent reduction in car rego for 12 months.

   • Flat fare of 50 cents across the state’s public transport network for 6 months.

   • Increasing the value of FairPlay vouchers from $150 to $200.

   • $15 million for the School and Community Food Relief Program.

   • Increase the threshold for first home buyer stamp duty concessions by $200,000 to properties valued under $700,000.

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The young blue heeler from Brisbane who has taken the world by storm is now the face of the state as the latest major tourism marketing campaign from Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) kicked off earlier this month.
Building on the global phenomenon of children’s television show Bluey, Queensland will be pitched as ‘Bluey’s world, for real life’, encouraging visitors from around the world to come and live the Bluey lifestyle in Queensland.
Tourism industry representatives gathered at locations right around the state on Monday, June 3, playing a mega game of Keepy Uppy, inspired by one of Bluey’s favourite games where a balloon must be kept in the air as long as possible.
The game was played right throughout north Queensland including the Burdekin, Magnetic Island, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Billabong Sanctuary, Hidden Valley Cabins, Townsville City and Queensland Country Bank Stadium thanks to the involvement of Townsville Enterprise.
Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe emphasised the importance of this campaign
“Townsville Enterprise is proud to be partnering with Tourism and Events Queensland to see the Townsville North Queensland region included in this major global tourism campaign,” said Ms Woolfe.
“In our region, we have so much on offer for families to explore, from the Great Barrier Reef to the rainforest our islands and of course the outback.
“Bluey has become a global sensation so leveraging the world’s love for the Heeler family is an exciting way to put Queensland and Townsville North Queensland at the top of the holiday list for families across the globe.”
The event joined others around the state to form a mega game, while the Australian Book of Records declared a world record was set across multiple locations.

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Keepy Uppy, a game made popular by children’s television show Bluey, was played right across north Queensland earlier this month as part of Tourism and Events Queensland’s latest major tourism marketing campaign. Photos supplied: Townsville Enterprise

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A big thank you to the Burdekin region for being so RV friendly and supportive. Travelling Australia for three years we have seen many places and your region stands out as a shining beacon of welcoming civility.
We love your many camping options and have sampled a few.  
Plantation Creek Boat Ramp free camp near Ayr was a peaceful spot, and the mud crabs caught were very much enjoyed.
Giru free camp is another great spot, the nearby Giru International Hotel always gets our custom for a night out and a great meal.
Brandon van park behind the hotel is a great budget option, with the friendly and welcoming staff ensuring we had a great night by putting on the Matilda’s football game for us to enjoy on the big screen.
Home Hill free camp is always terrific with hot showers, toilets and camp kitchen, and a water refill almost all a traveler needs.
We enjoyed a two night stay at Burdekin Cascades Caravan Park, it’s so handy and central to shops and nearby services.
A great camping option for ex and serving Defence and Emergency services personnel is Deep Creek Retreat near Clare. We’ve stayed here twice; the serenity and stars are spectacular.

Free and easily accessed dump points in Ayr and Home Hill, and convenient laundromats in both Ayr and Home Hill help make travelling life so much easier.

And having all these services and places means we can stop and spend.  Fuel, repairs, groceries, grog and bakeries are always on our lists of must haves and again we had so many great options.
Coffee from the Home Hill Newsagency Café is a great morning starter and the scones and coffee from Alfie Bakery in Ayr made a great lunch one day whilst we waited for our laundry to be done at the Delta Laundry.

Keep doing what you are doing, the travelling public knows a great region when they see one.

Contributed by Rosemary and Martin in ‘Tilly Too’

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On Monday 10 June, over 700 Australians were prestigiously recognised and celebrated under the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List, and among them was the Burdekin Shire Council Chef Executive Officer Terry Brennan.

His dedicated service to the Burdekin community has been honoured with the Public Service Medal to recognise his dedication, and outstanding service to Local Government in Queensland.

Mr Brennan has led an extraordinary 45-year career devoted to Local Government since 1979 when he began his position as a junior administration officer with Toowoomba City Council. For just under half a decade, Mr Brennan has been serving Local Government with a number of Council’s such as Stanthorpe Shire Council, and Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and as a board member of Queensland Local Government Mutual and Local Government Workcare.

His experience and exceptional governance have applied not only at a Council level but also outside Local Government boundaries, playing a key role in projects as part of both the North Queensland and Far North Queensland Regional Organisations of Councils. Mr Brennan’s involvement with community projects and achievements of implementing innovative improvements to programs and services throughout his career has also been celebrated and recognised in receiving a Public Service Medal.

Since 2016, Mr Brennan has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the Burdekin Shire Council, and he has been instrumental in the realisation of a range of high-quality infrastructure projects across the Burdekin Shire including the infamous Burdekin Water Park, and the Ayr / Brandon 10ML Reservoir as well as the associated water supply upgrade.

A career overflowing with many commendable advancements and milestones in various communities that will have a lasting impact, Mr Brennan’s achievements stand as a testament to his continued commitment to exhibiting exemplary service to the communities in which he has served.

As Mr Brennan prepares for his well-deserved retirement this August, the Burdekin Shire Council has expressed their gratitude and congratulations for his time served in the region.

“On behalf of all the staff at Burdekin Shire Council, we would like to congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and contribution to not only the Burdekin community but all the other communities he has served in,” expressed the Burdekin Shire Council.

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In breaking news for the community, the celebrated Burdekin Water Festival will return to the region for 2024 on Saturday 7 September.

The theme for this year’s Burdekin Water Festival will be Bring it Back, a nostalgic theme set to capture the hearts of the entire community.

“The theme, Bring it Back, was based on the committee’s discussions of fond memories of the Water Festival, and things that we used to enjoy when we were growing up and visiting the event every year, so we want to bring back those feelings, bring back those memories, and bring back that sentiment,” explained committee member Kari Ravizza.

In honouring Water Festivals of the years gone by, businesses are strongly encouraged to decorate their shop fronts.

The Burdekin Water Festival for 2024 will make its return to Queen Street with spectacular floats expected to ignite the centre of the community, of course following the heartwarming theme of Bing it Back.

In an exciting announcement, the committee is calling for both junior and senior ambassadors from any corner of the region to be part of the historic event.

“Our ambassadors can come from sporting clubs, schools, community groups, businesses, and anyone who would like to put forward an ambassador is strongly encouraged to contact the Water Festival Committee,” said Kari.

With plans and preparations in action, the committee is on the search for sponsors, expressions of interest from food vendors and entertainment to line the main street and contribute to the festival atmosphere the event is famous for.

“We’re definitely excited to go ahead with preparations for the 2024 Water Festival and we’re in the process of gathering and contacting sponsors for support and are strongly calling for store holders, food vendors, and ambassadors to contact the committee,” expressed Eusebio.

The community can expect updates posted on the Burdekin Water Festival’s Facebook page in the coming days, and strongly encourage anyone interested to contact the committee via email at info@burdekinaterfestival.com.

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What: The Burdekin Water Festival
When: Saturday 7 September 2024
Where: Queen Street Ayr
More Information: Via email info@burdekinaterfestival.com or the Burdekin Water Festival’s Facebook page.

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Treasurer Debbie Szendry, Vice President Frank Nucifora, President Eudebio Aguirre, Secretary Support Colleen Harris and Secretary Bruna Pearson. Photo supplied

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The Queensland Government is hosting an information session for its Cyclone Resilience Programs in Ayr this evening, designed to enhance property resilience in cyclone-prone coastal areas.
This information session, aimed at homeowners, bodies corporate, strata managers, and contractors, will detail the Strata Resilience Program and Household Resilience Program.
Both programs are co-funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and have been developed in collaboration with James Cook University's Cyclone Testing Station to bolster the cyclone resilience of properties in coastal Queensland.
The Strata Resilience Program targets bodies corporate in Central and North Queensland, offering grants of up to 75% of improvement costs, capped at $150,000 per body corporate.
The Household Resilience Program assists eligible homeowners in coastal areas of Central and Northern Queensland, providing grants covering 80% of improvement costs, up to $15,000.
Both programs emphasise the importance of upgrading property features like roofs, windows, and doors to withstand severe weather.
The Strata Resilience Program requires prior participation in the North Queensland Strata Title Inspection Program and a minimum 25% co-contribution from applicants.
The Household Resilience Program supports homeowners living in houses built before 1984, within 50 kilometres of the coastline from Bundaberg to the Queensland/Northern Territory border.
Attendees will learn about the application process, eligibility criteria, and types of improvements covered.
The session aims to educate and encourage property stakeholders to enhance their cyclone preparedness, ensuring safer communities.
Details can be found at www.eventbrite.com.

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WHAT: Queensland Government Cyclone Resilience Programs information session
WHEN: Today, Thursday, June 13 from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
WHERE: PCYC Burdekin, 164 MacMillan Street, Ayr
COST: Free

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After almost a year of campaigning and fundraising, a significant step will be taken in the Burdekin’s journey to honour Jean Morris, a 19-year-old murder victim from 1932, as locals plan to construct a concrete slab for her gravestone on June 17.
The fundraising campaign, led by Henry Petersen and Paula Dawson, recently reached $3,600, marking a pivotal moment in their mission to give Jean a dignified resting place after 93 years in an unmarked grave.
Jean Morris's story is a haunting chapter in Ayr's history.
Arriving in 1932 during the Great Depression, Jean, a sex worker believed to be of Italian descent, sought new opportunities in north Queensland.
Her involvement with the Black Hand crime syndicate and rejection of Vincenzo D’Agostino's advances led to her tragic end, with 43 stab wounds found on her body.
Reviving interest in her story, Mr Petersen, along with Ms Dawson and Amie Griggs of Burdekin Funerals, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the gravestone.
Respect Inc, a Queensland-based organisation advocating for sex workers, has also lent its support.
“She was a human being,” Mr Petersen stated.
“No one deserves to be brutally murdered like that.
“She should be remembered.”
The fundraising campaign was launched in July 2023 and key to its success was the innovative ‘Let's Have Cuppa for Jean’ initiative and Mr Petersen's personal commitment, donating 10 cents from every avocado sold.
“This girl is part of history,” Mr Petersen emphasised.
“Even though she was only in Ayr for seven days, she’s still a part of our history.”
The focus now shifts to the construction of the concrete slab, essential for the next phase of the gravestone project.
This effort not only aims to honour Jean Morris but also hopes to change community attitudes towards sex workers, offering a broader reflection on dignity and respect for all.
Mr Petersen has invited the community to attend the construction of the concrete slab at Ayr Cemetery on the morning of Monday, June 17.
To support the cause, donations can be made at Paula's Place Hair Salon on Queen St, Ayr, or via GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/stiletto-jean-morris-headstone-fundraiser.
For more information, contact Ms Dawson at 0439 333 494 or Mr Petersen at 0428 887 114.

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After almost a year of fundraising, Henry Petersen is inviting the community to attend the laying of a concrete slab to honour Jean Morris

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Jean Morris was murdered in Ayr in 1932 at 19 years of age and lays in an unmarked grave at Ayr Cemetery
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Photos supplied

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While nineties and naughties fashions are making a resurgence in popular culture, so too are some vintage scamming techniques, says Bendigo Bank. As we approach tax season, the Bank is alerting customers about a trend of scammers targeting customers asking recipients to open an attached HTML file to view important changes or to electronically sign a document.

“At this time of year, pre-tax time purchases are on the increase and email traffic peaks, so for criminals, the conditions are perfect for phishing,” said Head of Customer Protection, Jason Gordon.

“Phishing has been around since the mid-90s, and people have been warned about not opening suspicious attachments for many years. But attackers are continuously reinventing themselves,” Mr Gordon said.

“What’s new about these attacks is that they’re now using things like customisation, impersonation tactics and what are now viewed as uncommon file attachments, like HTML, to bypass spam filters and catch you in a time of peak activity,” he said.

A raft of recent scam reports to the Bank show emails malicious HTML attachments and Bendigo Bank images and branding, similar to other impersonation scams the Bank has previously warned customer about.

When clicked, the HTML file may open a fake bank log in webpage or form, from which the scammer can harvest personal and secure information to access devices remotely, harvest pins and logins, or even to gain trust of the victim.

“Do not click the link or open files in these emails. It’s important to treat any link or attachment you are sent as suspicious,” Mr Gordon said.

“Bendigo Bank will never send you a HTML file. Bendigo Bank will never ask you to login to Internet Banking via a link sent in an email,” he said.

“If you have received a suspicious email, please forward it to phishing@bendigoadelaide.com.au for investigation.”

Mr Gordon’s advice to customers who may have fallen victim to a bank impersonation scam is to visit www.bendigobank.com.au/security immediately to report it and get support.  

“Scammers will act quickly to transfer your funds. Bendigo Bank attempts to recover funds lost to scams wherever possible, but it is extremely difficult to recover money that has been transferred to scammers,” Mr Gordon said.  

HOW TO STOP SCAMMERS:

   • STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure.  
Scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like Services Australia, police, government, or a fraud service.  
   • THINK – Ask yourself could the message or call be fake?  
Never click a link in a message. Only contact us, businesses or government using contact information from their official website or through their secure apps. If you’re not sure, say no, hang up or delete.  
   • PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong.  
If you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information, visit www.bendigobank.com.au/security to report it and get support.  

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Head of Customer Protection, Jason Gordon. Photo supplied

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