After a decade, the much-loved Cava Indian Restaurant will close its Queen Street doors on Sunday 23 June. Their closure comes as a surprise to the region, with hundreds of locals taking to Facebook to share their saddened reactions and messages of support.

Jyoti Sharma announced her business’ closure on Tuesday 4 June, explaining the decision was not made lightly, and expressing her immense gratitude to the community, and to the customers who became family since 2014.

Devastating the community, Cava’s closure will leave the Burdekin without a specialty Indian restaurant for residents and travellers to enjoy.

The family will be leaving the Burdekin region towards the end of the month and are planning to move interstate to be closer to relatives in Melbourne.

“The community is very sad about the news, we’ve had lots of people just call up, and send lots of messages, everyone is really sad that we’ll be closing our doors,” explained Cava’s owners.

“Thank you so much for all the support, thank you to the locals and the travellers, and we’ll really miss the community and everyone here but it’s time for us to move on.”

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The RSL Home Hill Sub Branch held its biannual dinner at the Crown Hotel on Thursday, June 6 where President Richard Kelly presented two young achievers with certificates of appreciation.
Sophie Robertson was recognised for her efforts in being awarded the Premier’s Anzac Prize and her fundraising for Australian Defence Force Veterans Charity Mates4Mates, while Ethan Pengelly was recognised for his fundraising efforts for the Sub Branch through selling commemorative merchandise.
“We like to present something to those in the community for what they have done for our club and invite them and their families to our dinner,” Mr Kelly said.
Rocky Hema, Deputy District President for RSL North Queensland and Deputy President for the RSL Thuringowa Sub Branch, was also present to present the pair with medallions for recognition from a district and state level.
“What they’ve done has echoed throughout the districts of North Queensland and also at state level,” Mr Hema said.
“They’ve really set the benchmark for other young, aspiring people in our organisation to do exactly the same.”
Sophie Robertson of Ayr State High School was one of eight recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize, awarded by the Queensland Government, recognising the efforts and dedication of young Queenslanders and aiming to present students with opportunities to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy.
Sophie embarked on a 16-day international adventure touring France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom to explore the ANZAC legacy in April and regaled the dinner attendees with tales of her journey.
She said her interest in military history began when uncovering her family history and discovering an array of relatives who have served.
“I continued investigating and I uncovered all of these amazing stories about what my family members did, and it’s helped piece together a part of who I am which has been so incredibly worthwhile,” Sophie said.
“Especially when I was in the battlefields of Bullecourt where my great-great-uncle Garett Swanson fell, it was so emotional standing there and knowing he lays under those fields and being able to provide that closure for my family as the first one to go overseas and visit where he fell.
“I thank the RSL, the Queensland Department of Education and the Premier’s Anzac Prize for this opportunity because its helping young people like me remember our Anzacs and, moving forward, we will be the ones to carry on this legacy to our younger generations.”
Burdekin Catholic High School student Ethan Pengelly, meanwhile, has been showing his appreciation of the Anzacs by selling merchandise outside his family’s Ayr house for the past four years.
“I’ve always been so appreciative of our Anzacs, so one year I decided I wanted to do something about it,” Ethan said.
“I stood out the front of my house one year with a table and sold rosemary brooches for a dollar and ended up raising over $100 the first year.”
When the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch heard of Ethan’s efforts, they donated more memorabilia for him to sell, with Ethan donating his profits back to the club.
“They’ve looked after me so well, they heard what I’d been doing and they’ve given me a lot of stuff to sell, badges, poppies, a lot of memorabilia, it’s been really good, I thank them a lot,” Ethan said.
“If it wasn’t for those people who went to war, we wouldn’t be standing where we are and having the freedom we have today.
“I feel good because I love to help out as much as I can for those veterans.”
Mr Kelly thanked Sophie and Ethan for their efforts.
“On behalf of the Home Hill RSL, we thank Sophie for what she has done, and I think she’ll do a lot more and go a long way,” Mr Kelly said.
“And we’re quite proud of Ethan for what he’s done for our club, and I hope he keeps it going, and I hope when he gets older, he will continue that type of work for any organisation,” he added.
Burdekin Life journalist Sam Gillespie was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for his involvement in sharing the stories and initiatives of the Sub Branch.

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L-R RSL Home Hill Sub Branch President Richard Kelly, Ethan Pengelly, Sophie Robertson and Deputy District President for RSL North Queensland and Deputy President for the RSL Thuringowa Sub Branch Rocky Hema

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Emergency Relief Program
 
BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. A Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.
 
Waste Not Want Not – Coles SecondBite Program
 
BCA partners with Coles Ayr and SecondBite to provide people in need with access to nutritious food free of charge.  The service is available from the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, Monday to Friday from 9am until stock is gone daily.

Burdekin Community Association also very gratefully accept donations of vegetables and non-perishable food for their Community Pantry. The food is given to Burdekin community members in need from their Support Centre at 130 Queen Street Ayr, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

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Applications have opened for Australia Post’s 2024 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects across Australia. 

Eligible not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities.

Last year’s program saw 72 projects awarded funding across the country, totalling over $500,000, with half of the successful applications awarded in rural and remote locations.
 
“The wide range of organisations and projects that received grants last year demonstrated the need to support projects that help people connect to improve mental health and wellbeing,” said Australia Post General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey.
 
“Each year there is a great diversity of mental health support projects across our Community Grants applications.

“From groups that keep elderly Australians connected, to supporting workers with mental health first aid training and even surf therapy, we encourage applications from all local communities.

“We know that when we connect, we feel better, which is why projects supported by Australia Post share a common thread and a commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing through the power of connection.

“Since 2013, more than 800 projects have been awarded a Community Grant from Australia Post, and we are proud to continue our support of these often-unsung heroes of our communities.”

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the Community Grant guidelines and apply at https://auspost.com.au/about-us/supporting-communities/grants/community-grants-program.

Eligible community organisations are able to apply until 11.59pm on July 1, 2024. 

Successful applicants will be notified in September 2024.  

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Welcome to my second newspaper column.
I am very excited about the possibility of there being a Water Festival later in the year. Thank you to the dedicated locals who attended the meetings to help get the festival going. To the dedicated people who put their hands up to be on the committee, thank you. It is great to see so many people wanting the festival to go ahead so, stay turned for an update and fingers crossed we will see a Water Festival.
I attended the Burdekin Theatre on Friday night and saw the Dreams – The Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Tribute Show.  What an amazing show. It was a full house, and it is great to see so many people in the community attend such a great show. Hats off to the Theatre staff and management for having the production in Ayr for the locals to attend. It was a great night out.  There is a lot of great shows coming up so check out the selection on the event list on the Burdekin Theatre website.
Today is the day for the Biggest Morning Tea which is being organised by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.  I will be attending the morning tea event which is being held at The Catholic Parish Hall Edward Street Ayr feel free to drop in for a cuppa it commences at 10am until 12pm It is a great morning to help raise funds to support those impacted by cancer. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please feel free to drop into the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on 40 Chippendale Street Ayr. All donations greatly appreciated.  
The Centre does great things for the community with only a hand full of staff and volunteers.  Anytime you need hope or support of any kind please feel free to approach the friendly staff for help. They have a variety of services and information brochures available.  

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Did you know Burdekin Shire Council offers community message boards to help promote local events and important information.
As part of the Burdekin Shire Council's commitment to supporting a broad range of community events, advertising on the Community Event Board can be utilised by community and not-for-profit groups conducting events in the Burdekin Shire.
Your organistion will need to complete the Community Event Sign Application Form found on Council’s website and return it to the Community Development team.
Applications for the use of display space on the Community Events Sign will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
There are two types of boards available:
Community Events Sign: Located in Plantation Park, Ayr, this sign is for community and non-profit events. Groups can apply to display their event details, with Burdekin Shire Council handling installation and storage.
Permanent Electronic Message Boards: Located in Home Hill and Giru, these boards display a range of messages, including emergency information, council notices, and community event promotions.
To post a message, you can submit an application to Council, ensuring your event or notice reaches a broad audience. This service is a great way to stay connected and informed about what's happening in your area. To view more information you can visit Council’s website and head to the ‘Community Message Boards’ page.
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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Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has been announced by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) as one of 17 providers that will deliver the redesigned Mental Health Stepped Care service model in North Queensland from July 1, 2024.
As defined by the Department of Health and Aged Care, stepped care is an evidence-based, staged approach to delivering primary mental health care that supports individuals with care tailored to meet their needs.
Stepped care recognises there is a spectrum of needs, and therefore there needs to be a spectrum of services.
Following a review of the North Queensland Mental Health Stepped Care services in 2022, NQPHN partnered with service users, service providers, and GPs to undertake a community consultation and codesign process to update the current stepped care model and improve access, integration, and transitions of care.
The redesigned model includes service offerings, funded by NQPHN, that will ensure community members across the greater Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay regions, including rural areas, have more timely access to mental health care and coordinated support when they need it most.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney said the redesigned model would provide more cohesive, person-centred, culturally safe support from when a person first asks for help and throughout their time of accessing the range of services available.
“We recognise that mental health is one of the biggest health issues facing our community,” Mr Rooney said.
“These redesigned service offerings represent a significant change in NQPHN’s Mental Health Stepped Care model.
“We acknowledge that there is much to do to implement these important service changes and our teams are proactively working with current stepped care service providers to ensure a smooth transition of services.”
Mr Rooney said the existing stepped care model would remain in place until 30 June 2024.
“Providers can continue to make referrals until that time, and current and new service users will also be able to access services until then,” he said.
“Service users will continue to be supported during the transition to ensure they receive continuity of care.
“Further information about the new services will be provided in due course, however, it’s important for people to know that from 1 July, the Connect to Wellbeing intake and assessment service will transition to the existing Head to Health Phone Service.
“Referrals sent to Connect to Wellbeing after this date will be redirected to the Head to Health Phone Service during the transition.”
Following consultation and codesign, NQPHN undertook a two-stage tender process to identify service providers to deliver the redesigned model and service offerings.
Contact BCA on 07 4783 3744 for more information.

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Mental Health Stepped Care service providers gather at the first meeting to discuss the redesigned model and service offerings. Photo supplied

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Celebrating its 27th birthday in the Burdekin region, Optique Eyes stands as a business operating with a centralised focus on serving the community with “exceptional eye care and exquisite eyewear”.

Established in 1997 by Helene Holmes, the Queen Street optometrist has withstood the changing tides of business for almost three decades. Helene established Optique Eyes after moving to the Burdekin to purchase an existing practice to seize an entrepreneurial opportunity. In 2018, the business relocated, and has since transformed the space into the elevated business we see today sitting pretty at number 150 on the ever-bustling Queen Street.

Over the years, Helene and her staff have prided themselves immensely on their dedication to providing their patients with the highest levels of customer service to support them with their eyecare needs. Whilst doing so, Optique Eyes holds an extensive collection of ranges to ensure all their patients see well and are forever stylish, and in keeping that promise, the business is currently running a spectacular sunglass sale!

Extending far beyond optics, the business has held prominent roles in the community, from sponsoring sporting teams to sponsoring the Helene Holmes Optique Eyes Award for Excellence as awarded to a graduate student at the Burdekin Christian College.

The team are extremely experienced, and Helene herself has worked alongside eye specialists in Townsville to elevate her skillset to provide the best possible outcome for her patients’ visual needs. Helene and her experienced team invite you to visit their store, and look forward to seeing you soon.

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Groundbreaking automation for a soil-scanning process developed at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre could be vital to the future of successful broadacre cropping planning.
Electro-magnetic survey scanning has long been used to identify variability in soils, including assessment of salinity, water and clay content.
The process has usually involved a scanning sled being dragged behind an all-terrain vehicle.
However, in a possible world-first, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries team at the Smart Cropping Centre has developed an automated scanning process.
The innovation has the potential to save hundreds of hours on-farm, freeing farmers, staff and resources for other tasks.
The system they have developed brought together SwarmRobot Sunny and an ElectroMagnetic (EM) 38 Survey Unit and analysis service provided by Data Farming, two of Queensland’s stand-out AgTech and Innovation companies.
"The impact of this innovation for farmers to better manage drought conditions and overall farm agronomy is huge," Queensland Smart Cropping Centre senior innovation broker Alicia Dunbar said.
"We can see this becoming a standard add-on to autonomous robots such as SwarmBots that are continually building hyper-accurate soil and moisture maps in real time.
"These units offer a non-invasive, efficient and precise means of assessing and monitoring soil properties and we’re excited to work with industry to make this a widespread tool for producers.
"The technology supports our research and production systems including soil salinity assessment, soil texture and structure analysis, soil moisture content, mapping soil depth and guiding our soil sampling efforts.
"The Smart Cropping Centre in Emerald is producing real-world results, propelling our research capabilities to better manage the uncertainties of the future in broadacre cropping that will help our famers to be more productive and more profitable."

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Griffith University’s Dr Yunying Fang has successfully progressed with a research proposal regarding the Soil CRC’s Round 24-1.

The Soil CRC (CRC for High Performance Soil) works to connect scientists with farmers to uncover practical solutions for Australia’s underperforming soil. The organization aims to enable farmers to increase their overall productivity and profitability levels through providing them with knowledge and tools to improve the performance of their soils.

The success of Dr Fang of Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute will have her leading a new project titled Glasshouse and field evaluation of organic-based nitrogen fertilizers for crop production and soil health, with over $800,000 in funding on a 2-and-a-half-year timeline.

“The outcomes of this project will be organic-based slow-release urea fertilisers, recommendations of usage and placement in farming systems, which will help co-deliver agronomic and economic benefits and ecological sustainability in farming systems," Dr Fang said.

Joining Dr Fang’s research team will be Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS), the Burdekin based organisation working with growers to address productivity, profitability and sustainability in sugar cane systems. Along with BPS, Charles Sturt University, Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), and Central West farming Systems will also hold roles in the project’s research and development.

Urea fertilisers work to improve the nutritional composition of sugarcane silage and trials have been undertaken in Brazil to compare the fermentative characteristics of the addition of protected or conventional urea to sugarcane silage to evaluate its nutritional value.

Dr Fang has been celebrated for the success of her research proposal and the overall benefits her project will offer to farmers to help them in meeting the nutritional needs of their sugar cane crop.

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The Burdekin Football Club is set to host their annual Ladies Day on Saturday 17 August and 2024 will showcase the best fashionable florals yet.

Spring Fling; a theme of vibrancy, a theme of florals, and a theme of fun. Subtly drawing from the fashions of 2024’s Met Gala, the Burdekin Football Club will liven up Beach Road’s International Park from 3:30pm with Spring colours and fabulous florals.

The evening will provide a smorgasbord of raffles, lucky door prizes, and of course the infamous player jersey and profile auctions to add both excitement and a touch of competitiveness to the event. Each ticket entails a 6-hour drinks package running from 4pm to 10pm, as well as a complimentary cup on arrival. With the delicious catering of Creative Platters and Fusion Catering also on offer, you’re sure to be dancing the night away with the talents of Tammy Moxon staged later in the night.

Tickets to the event went on sale to the public on Friday 7 June, and can be purchased from the Burdekin Football Club.

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On the evening of Saturday 8 June, Hotel Brandon hosted a celebratory 50-year school reunion for the Burdekin Catholic High School (BCH)’s graduating class of 1974!

A fabulous night was had by all with the cohort recalling the establishment of BCH in 1974 following the amalgamation of the Marist Brothers and St Francis Xavier Convent High School. Many of the attendees travelled far and wide to catch up with one another, with some travelling from Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Yeppoon, Tin Can Bay, Macky, Townsville, and even New South Wales.

One of the attendees, Rita Quaglita, expressed her joy in reuniting with her old school friends to celebrate such a momentous memorial occasion.

“Catching up with beautiful people that we haven’t seen for 50 years was a golden opportunity for all to welcome back alumni in a nostalgic celebration of such a significant milestone,” expressed Rita.

The evening was led with Angie Wagner sounding the school bell and then joined by Robert Tomarchio to welcome the guests with a commencement speech. Terry Lund and Carmen Dalponte then initiated a remembrance call, and a minute silence for those who had passed.

Teleporting back half a decade, Rita Quaglita and Christine Viero called out the student roll call and toasted to the joyous and memorable occasion, however, the highlight of the evening was the surprise visit of former schoolteacher, Mrs Freshwater. Mrs Freshwater was welcomed by the class with tears and laughter as many reminisced on their time spent with her at BCH.

BCH 1974 school captain, Susan O’Shea held the honourable role of cutting the celebratory cake and the night encompassed various lucky door prizes with many fortunately walking away with a bottle of wine.

The cohort thanks Hotel Brandon, the chef, Kristi, Jess, and all staff for the delicious buffet and service for what was an extraordinary event they’ll remember forever.

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On Friday 7 June, the Burdekin flocked to Alfie’s Bakery to get their hands on a precious round treat for National Doughnut Day!

Deon Crowdy hand-made over 500 delicious doughnuts to satisfy the cravings of hundreds of locals and visitors for one of the biggest events on their calendar.

“It was a huge day, we had lots of support from locals, people from Townsville and other out-of-towners, and we had lots of support from the schools and businesses coming to collect doughnuts to have for smoko, it was very busy,” explained Teresa Crowdy.

Deon was hard at work, crafting his creations from 1am on Friday morning ahead of the bakery’s 5am opening and filled the store with 250 classic and specialty doughnuts. Alfie’s Bakery fully sold out the treats by 8:30am, and Deon was back to whip up another batch just in time for another rush.

“Deon had to turn around and make another 250 doughnuts, and as he makes them by hand, each batch takes about an hour and a half to two hours to make,” explained Teresa.

The community indulged in handmade doughnuts of various flavours including liquorice, cookies and cream, honeycomb, bee sting, vanilla slice, caramel popcorn, Caramilk chocolate, churros, ice cream donuts, lamington, crème brûlée, rocky road and long johns, as well as Nutella and jam-filled doughnuts.

“We had great feedback, it was lovely, and the crème brûlée went fast, so did the honeycomb, Nutella filled, and liquorice, but we sold out of the rocky road doughnuts first!”

The Crowdy family thanks the community immensely for their support and can’t wait to continue serving up tasty treats!

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Billy with his rocky road donut

Lily excited to dig into her donuts

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The recently formed Burdekin Mabo Day Committee hosted celebrations to mark Mabo Day on Monday, June 3.
Mabo Day honours the achievements of Torres Strait Islander Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’.
The day was celebrated by the local Indigenous community with breakfast, a flag raising ceremony, speeches from First Nations elders and youth, traditional games and a ceremonial dinner and dances.
“We’re acknowledging the footprints that our elders have laid as foundations for us to continue fighting for equal opportunities and rights,” said Burdekin Mabo Day Committee and immediate relative of Mr Mabo, Alingai Omey.
“Grandad Koiki achieved remarkable results.
“What he did set precedence not just here in Australia, but internationally.”

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Caption: The Burdekin Mabo Day Committee, special guests, elders and the Burdekin indigenous community gathered to commemorate Mabo Day earlier this week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Mabo Day Committee
Shaping The Future Of The Community

Eddie Koiki Mabo was born in 1936 on the Torres Strait Island of Mer (Murray).
He went on to become a staff member at Townsville’s James Cook University before establishing and becoming director of the Black Community School in Townsville.
It was through his association with JCU humanities and education staff that Mr Mabo became interested in Native Title and in who owned the land on which his people lived.
“He took the challenge to prove that terra nullius (land belonging to no-one) did not exist and fought the system and the Crown to get our culture and land recognised,” said Burdekin Mabo Day Committee member and immediate relative of Mr Mabo, Alingai Omey.
Mr Mabo's legal pursuit of these issues resulted in one of the most significant legal cases in Australian history, completely overturning the idea of terra nullius and challenging traditionally held beliefs about how Australia came into being.
The landmark decision of six Australian High Court judges on June 3, 1992 ruled: The Meriam people are entitled as against the whole world to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of the lands of the Murray Islands [in Torres Strait].
This ruling is celebrated every year on June 3 as Mabo Day, with the Burdekin Mabo Committee forming within the last month to host events to honour and celebrate the Indigenous culture of the region.
“Our initial drive came after sadly hearing that a whole generation of Indigenous kids here in the Burdekin did not know key people who have achieved milestones over the years, they’ve never experienced key events and celebrations,” Ms Omey said.
“Here in the Burdekin and other smaller towns, there are gaps, and I’m hoping to achieve sustainable outcomes in the long run so we can teach children about history, how to move forward in a respectful manner, and include everyone in a more united journey of mutual respect.”
The Burdekin Mabo Committee marked the day, alongside Reconciliation Week (May 27 to June 3) and National Sorry Day (May 26), with a flag raising ceremony, traditional games and feasts, as well as the unveiling of ‘Remembering Mabo’, a collection of Mr Mabo’s personal items displayed at the Burdekin Library.
The Committee also expressed their support for a campaign to establish Mabo Day as a public holiday for all Australians to be celebrated on June 3.
In doing so, Ms Omey hopes to educate and inspire the wider community to carry on the message of culture and community.
“We can’t go back in history, but we can definitely build a greater future, and part of that greater future becomes a level of understanding, acknowledging, educating and fostering a mutual respect within the community,” she said.
“Without having events to commemorate these days, how will people know?
“Our overall aim is looking at engaging stakeholders and hopefully we have more events here, not just to bring people together, but to educate our youth.”

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L-R Burdekin Shire Council Cultural Venues Manager Glenn Arboit, Burdekin Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Alingai Omey of the Burdekin Mabo Day Committee. Photo supplied

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I remember when I was first announced as Burdekin Life’s new and first journalist on the publication’s Facebook page, the post was met with countless comments anticipating my arrival in the beautiful Burdekin.
It was August 2023, I was at a friend’s wedding at the time, and I would read through the comments of support any time I found phone service, getting more and more excited by the opportunity and proudly showing my friends how welcoming my new community would be.
This was an early and extremely accurate insight into the people of the Burdekin.
Since moving here in September last year, everyone has made me feel nothing but welcome: from my neighbours in Home Hill, mayors and councillors past and present, and the volunteers and members of the committees whose meetings I’ve attended to the countless people I’ve interviewed for the newspaper and taken photos of out and about.
This has only increased after announcing my departure from the region, and your kind words and messages of support have honestly meant the world to me and made me feel like an extremely valued part of this community.
I’ve been told quite frequently that I fit into the community quite well, but it helps when the community in question is as welcoming as the Burdekin.
This is the last edition of Burdekin Life that will have my full input, and it’s an edition I’m quite proud of.
I have even been allowed a page on which to reflect and share some of my favourite memories while in the Burdekin, so flick to page 26 if you’re interested.
Enjoy the read and I’m sure I’ll see you all again soon.

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