The mornings are getting cooler as we approach winter which also means the Cane harvesting season is not far away.One of the Burdekins signature events to kick off the season is the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival which is over the last weekend in May. First on Friday the 30th is the First Fire as well as the Cultural Fair. The cane fire is something that still makes you sit back and watch in awe even when you have seen them your whole life. Accompanied by the Cultural Fair which is a great showcase of the many diverse cultures who call the Burdekin home. This is all backed up on Saturday the 31st with the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships. This Bi-Annual competition is something to see as competitors race the clock to cut cane by hand in the fastest time as well as producing a good cut. When you see how tired and dirty the competitors are at the end of the competition it really gives you some perspective on the generation who had to do that day in and out for months on end before the invention of the cane harvester. With many other fun activities for the whole family throughout the day, The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is one not to be missed so I look forward to seeing you all at the Home Hill showgrounds in the last weekend of May.

Another week, another chance to meet more of you lovely people!

This week was definitely a real “welcome to the industry” kinda week—full-on, non-stop. This followed right through the weekend, with three huge events to cover. But it was great to see the community out in force, embracing each other and making the most of the Burdekin experience.

From a full morning of Anzac Day services on Friday to the Burdekin Sugar Rush on Sunday, each event was busy, spirited, and enjoyable to cover. The Canefield Ashes were definitely a highlight—the vibes were immaculate on Saturday arvo, with entertainment going well beyond the cricket. Drinks flowed, the footy played on the big screen, and a DJ kept the place bouncing 'til late.

I managed to fit in some time this week to watch the boys over at Burdekin FC scrape a 3-2 victory in the rematch of last seasons grand-final, a true showcase of that Burdekin grit as they came back from behind with just nine men. How’s that for free entertainment on a Saturday?

Earlier in the week, I had the chance to chat with Hugh Montgomery—a key figure of Burdekin FC’s history. Hugh's story is quite remarkable, and it was an absolute privilege to be able to pick the brain of an individual so enshrined in not only the club's history, but also within the Burdekin community as a whole. I tried my best to do his story justice in this week's edition of "Golden Oldies."

Looking ahead, I myself am looking to try some new sports this week. I have my sights set on Tuesday night pickleball and Wednesday night bowls (I feel sorry for whoever ends up on my team in either).

Anyways, here’s to another big week!

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The Burdekin community united on Friday, April 25, gathering in droves to honour Australia’s past and present Service People, with Dawn Services, marches, and commemorative ceremonies held across the region.

From the first light of dawn, residents gathered at local memorials to reflect on the sacrifices of the ANZACs. Services were held in Home Hill, Ayr, Giru, and Brandon, each marked by the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute’s silence.

This included an intimate ceremony at Ayr Cemetery, where Flight Lieutenant B.B. Newman, Pilot Officers K.M. MacDonald and J.R. Newman, Flying Officer T.E. Jones, and Sergeant F.G. Bower were specifically honoured for their service.

Large crowds turned out across the Burdekin, lining streets and gathering in parks to pay their respects. The spirit of ANZAC was felt strongly, as generations young and old came together in remembrance.

School students, RSL members, Cadets, and community groups played a proud role in the day’s events, joining marches through town centres and participating in ceremonies that honoured tradition and remembered those who served.

Schools such as Burdekin Catholic, Ayr State Primary and Secondary, Burdekin Christian, and many others laid wreaths at services across the region.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort attended most ceremonies, laying wreaths and addressing the crowds, while Member for Burdekin Dale Last spoke at the Home Hill service that closed the day.

The ceremonies reflected the community’s ongoing recognition of the contributions and sacrifices made by Australia’s service men and women, highlighting the significance of ANZAC Day in the Burdekin region.

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The Whitsunday community was rocked by the news that much-loved business owner, Tim Perkins, had suffered a severe injury after falling 10 metres from a palm tree on the 3rd December.

Tim, who co-owns Whitpro Pty Ltd with his wife Norina, was performing a task he had completed thousands of times before, as an arborist— climbing and cleaning numerous palms on a local property, when the catastrophic accident occurred.

From the rehabilitation centre at the Townsville University Hospital, Tim recalls every moment of the fall, looking up at the head of the palm while plummeting to the earth,
thinking “this is going to hurt”.  Tim landed with such impact, that the force bounced him from his back onto his chest. The impact breaking 26 bones and crushing Tims spinal cord.

Tim instantly realised that he could not feel his legs.

When Norina arrived onsite, she recalls his first words to her “will I walk again?” and she replied, “I don’t know, it’s not looking good”, as Tim’s back had a large visible bulge which she correctly deduced was a broken back.

“What we did not realise at that point was the extent of Tim’s other internal injuries which were worsening by the second,” she explained.

Norina recalls with gratitude, the Whitsunday ambulance and fire brigade crews acting swiftly to get Tim as stable as possible and transporting him to the PCYC where the BMA CQ Rescue helicopter flew in from Seaforth.

On arrival the paramedic reviewed Tim and told Norina that he would not survive the flight and that they would need to operate immediately on location.

“She said I could say goodbye before they got started,” shared Norina, painfully reliving the tragedy.

Tim was placed in an induced coma, and emergency surgery was performed on the grass of the PCYC field, blood that had been flooding his lungs was drained out, saving his life.

Tim was then airlifted to Townsville Hospital and Norina, with the support of their sons, made the long 3.5 hour drive north, not knowing if Tim would survive the flight.

“The paramedic called me when they arrived at Townsville University Hospital to tell me that Tim had made it, that there was a team of doctors waiting as they landed and that Tim was in the best possible hands, he would make it.”

Nearly five months later, Norina has not left Tim’s side since that day.

Tim was fortunate in that there was no brain damage and his cognitive abilities remained intact. After a seven-hour surgery, which took place a few days after the accident, Tim was told he would likely never walk again. The grief of this news still sits heavily with both Tim and Norina, who now spend long days rehabilitating at the Townsville Rehabilitation Unit.  Every day is dedicated to Tim’s recovery, so he can become as mobile and active as possible while Norina supports him through his daily tasks.

The NQSIS (North Queensland Spinal Injury Service) is a team of 10 spinal injury specialists that have given support and knowledge to the rehab team and Tim in his recovery, giving him the best possible outcome and strong foundation for the rest of his life.

Without this team, spinal patients like Tim are not able to stay close to home but rather are sent to Brisbane for rehabilitation.

“Nobody could understand what he’s going through on a daily basis if they have not been on this journey,” Norina explained.

“It’s like being reborn; you’ve got to learn to do so much all over again, even sitting up unassisted has been a challenging exercise.”

The hospital’s rehabilitation department had received a Federal government grant to trial a specialist spinal cord consulting team, who has been integral to Tim’s rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, that funding will end in June.

Tim is one of the last few spinal injury patients fortunate enough to remain in Townsville Hospital Rehabilitation Unit with the NQSIS to be dispersed as of the 30th June due to state funding not being allocated in 2025 - 26 to this specialty service in our region.

Tim and Norina now hope to use their story to help push for this important funding for government support and recognition, that regional Australia in North Queensland need this service.

“North Queenslanders are being sent to Brisbane, over 1,300 Kms away from family, friends, local community and personal resources, at a time when individuals are coming to terms with a life altering injury,” expressed Norina.

“It is demoralising, lonely, depressing and demotivating, not only for patients but for family too and that is going to affect not only health outcomes but also relationships.”

“You can’t change what has already happened to you in life, but you can choose how you deal with it,” she added.

“If what we are going through can help others and can change a system in regional Australia, that lets down spinal and brain injury patients, then at least our heart breaking journey is given a silver lining.”

Tim and Norina are now appealing to you, to lobby the government to fund the specialist spinal consulting team to continue and create a 10 bed dedicated spinal ward at Townsville University Hospital, with specialist spinal medical staff for regional Queenslanders. This would mean families can stay close to their loved ones during recovery knowing they are in safe hands, with strong outcomes, setting the foundation for the best possible life moving forward.

“I resisted going to Brisbane for rehabilitation because I did not want to be separated from my family while I was learning to accept, navigate and re-learn to use my body, for nine months or longer,” shared Tim.

As the Federal Election approaches, Tim and Norina are asking for federal funding promises from candidates including MP Phillip Thompson, they are also reaching out to MP Amanda Camm, Minister for Families, Seniors, and Disability Services, to lobby for urgent funding relief at the state level.

Those who know Tim will fondly recall his big smile, quick wit, and kind personality, always stopping to chat with anyone. As Tim and Norina embark on the long road to recovery, they want everyone to know that Tim still embodies these traits, along with a stubbornness to prevail, a dogged determination to fight, and an unshakeable will to not only survive but to embrace life as a paraplegic, a husband, a father and an active community member.

Together they asked:

“Help make a difference to not only Tim’s recovery but to the next spinal injury in your town, the next mate, friend, family member who never thought a spinal injury would happen to them.”

“We are asking that you, our community be a voice and to get online or use the QR code and sign the petition to lobby for funds to ensure the North Queensland is not neglected when it comes to regional spinal injury health requirements. It is not just the capital cities that should receive the bulk of health funding.

“Join us and have a voice regional Australia, before North Queensland’s Spinal Specialist team are dispersed for good.”

Sign the petition giving your support via the QR code and help Transform lives of people with spinal cord injury.

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Tim Perkins with his wife Norina at the rehabilitation centre in Townsville Hospital
Tim in a coma shortly after the accident
Tim with the friendly medical team at Townsville Hospital

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SIGN THE PETITION HERE: https://chng.it/nQSWGb6XSs

In a major boost for Rugby League in the Burdekin region, Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr has officially signed on as the naming rights sponsor of the local playing fields, which will now proudly be known as Bendigo Bank Park.

This landmark partnership comes as the Burdekin Rugby League precinct undergoes significant upgrades to its facilities, setting the stage for a new era of growth, participation, and community pride in the sport. The improvements include enhanced amenities for players, referees and fans alike — a sign of the exciting times ahead for Rugby League in the region.

The five-year agreement reflects a shared commitment to building strong community ties and supporting grassroots sport. The support of the Community Bank Home & Ayr will help ensure that both junior and senior rugby league continues to thrive in the Burdekin for years to come.

Quote from Darren West, Chairman of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr
“Bendigo Bank is proud to support local sport and the families that make it all possible. This partnership with Burdekin Rugby League is about investing in the future of our community.”

Both the Junior and Senior club are enthusiastic about this long-term partnership which will assist in growing the games from grassroots up.  With the upgrades nearing completion and now with the support of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr they are entering into a whole new chapter.  Both clubs are confident it will provide valuable opportunities for players, volunteers, and the wider sporting community.

The official unveiling of Bendigo Bank Park and the new facilities built with the assistance of funding from the Queensland Government will be announced soon, with celebrations planned to bring together players, supporters, and community leaders.

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Getting kids excited about homework and learning outside of school hours can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a little creativity, parents can turn learning into a fun and engaging experience that kids look forward to. Here are some fun and interactive ways to make homework and learning enjoyable for children.

Gamify Learning

One of the easiest ways to get kids engaged in learning is by turning it into a game. Use educational apps or board games that teach math, spelling, history, or science. You can also create your own games, such as flashcard bingo or trivia nights. Awarding points or small rewards for completing tasks can motivate kids to keep learning while having fun.

Learning Through Cooking

Cooking is a fantastic way to integrate learning into daily activities. Measure ingredients together to practice math skills like fractions, addition, and subtraction. While cooking, you can teach kids about science concepts such as chemical reactions, states of matter, or the nutritional value of different foods. Not only does it make learning fun, but it also encourages children to develop practical life skills.

Incorporate Learning into Outdoor Play

Take advantage of outdoor playtime by incorporating learning into activities like nature walks, scavenger hunts, or even gardening. For example, a scavenger hunt can include finding specific types of leaves or rocks, which can turn into an opportunity for learning about different plants or geological formations. Gardening can teach kids about biology, ecosystems, and responsibility as they care for their plants.

Create a Homework Routine with a Twist

Establishing a consistent homework routine is important, but it doesn’t have to be all work and no play. Set up a cosy, distraction-free homework station with fun decorations or a “homework playlist” featuring soothing music. You could even allow your child to choose their favorite snacks or drinks as a reward after completing their tasks. Mixing in positive incentives makes the homework experience more enjoyable.

Involve the Whole Family

Family learning activities are a great way to make education a shared experience. Try setting aside a "family learning night" where everyone participates in a group activity like building a puzzle, reading books together, or doing a DIY science experiment. This shows kids that learning is a lifelong activity and that it’s something to enjoy together.

By incorporating these fun and creative methods into your child’s routine, you can help foster a love for learning that extends beyond school hours. The key is to make learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore.

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Election day is just around the corner! If you're casting your vote in the Burdekin, there are a few convenient locations open across the region.

Voting will take place on Saturday, 3 May, with booths open from 8am to 6pm. Check where you’re voting ahead of time to avoid any last-minute rush.

You’ll be able to vote at any of the following locations across the Burdekin:

Burdekin Sports Club Hall
142 Wickham St, Ayr QLD 4807

East Ayr State School
43-73 Ross St, Ayr QLD 4807

St Colemans Catholic School
96 Eleventh Ave, Home Hill QLD 4806

Giru Branch QCWA Hall
9 Carey St, Giru QLD 4809

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A comprehensive plan to tackle bullying in Queensland schools will not only benefit students but is also a key part of reducing classroom assaults according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Since being announced, the program has received support from Dolly’s Dream, the charity founded following the tragic impact that an extended period of bullying had on Dolly Everett.

“When we spoke about making Queensland safer in the lead up to the election, we committed to a range of programs,” Mr Last said.  “It’s a sad fact that, in the last 10 years, we have seen behavioural issues and classroom assaults skyrocket, and this program is about bolstering support for kids, parents and schools-on.”

“A dedicated squad will be established in each of the 8 regions that make up Education Queensland to ensure all schools have access to on the ground expertise.  If necessary, those squads can fly into regional and remote schools because, to get the best results, access to this program cannot be limited by distance.”

“Those squads will offer family support, mental health assistance and professional development for staff and will be made up of 3 senior guidance officers and support staff.  That means that, in addition to tackling bullying as it happens, we will also improve skills in schools to prevent and address any future bullying.”

“There is updated professional development resources for teachers and a dedicated crisis support line for parents and carers to access free and confidential counselling.  We have lost too many young lives to bullying and we need everyone to play their part in making our schools a safe place for every student.”

Mr Last said the program would evolve over time to ensure that any future trends or issues were addressed and the program stayed relevant and effective.

“The Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group will be led by Professor Donna Pendergrast AM and will provide advice and guidance on further support measures that we can introduce as well as reviewing the program,” Mr Last said.  “You only have to look at how cyber-bullying has increased with the spread of technology to understand that we need to be able to adapt what we do to achieve the best results.”

“While the Reference Group will bring together experts, it will also engage directly with teachers, school staff and parents to ensure that real experiences are factored into any decisions that are made.  Research is important but we are literally talking about people’s lives when we talk about bullying so engagement with real people is an absolute necessity.”

“The approach is quite broad in some ways because it includes additional student wellbeing staff and increased funding for school chaplains as well as the response squads, updated training and the crisis support hotline.  We are leaving no stone un-turned when it comes to putting the spotlight on bullying and taking real action.”

“The message to victims and their families, as well as teachers, is that support is available, and we are with you in fighting to end bullying.  The Crisafulli government has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and we are delivering this nation-leading program as a first step in tackling it.”

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP backs positive change in schools. Photo supplied

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It’s easy to focus on the faces at the front—the speakers at ceremonies, the runners crossing finish lines, the players scoring goals. But behind every event in the Burdekin last week, there was another group at work: the volunteers.

From Anzac Day services to the Sugar Rush fun run, and even weekend sport, dozens of people quietly gave up their time to help things run smoothly. They were setting up chairs before dawn, handing out water bottles in the sun, guiding traffic, collecting rubbish, checking in runners, cooking sausages, and packing it all down when the crowds had gone home. No spotlight, no fanfare—just getting it done.

What stood out most wasn’t the scale of these efforts, but their consistency. Different causes, different crowds, same dependable spirit. The willingness to help, with no expectation of recognition, is part of what holds this region together.

It’s easy to take that for granted, especially when everything seems to run like clockwork. But none of it happens by accident.

This week, the “good deed” wasn’t one action—it was the collective effort of many people, across many events, working behind the scenes to create something memorable for everyone else. It’s a reminder that community spirit doesn’t have to be loud or grand. Often, it’s just a quiet nod, a full bin, or a smooth sign-in desk—and the people who make it happen.

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Question 1:

Many young people in Dawson are looking for opportunities to stay and work locally. What will you do to ensure young people thrive without having to leave the region?

Question 2:

With housing affordability becoming an increasing issue in regional areas like Dawson, what is your plan?

Question 3:

What specific policies will you introduce to improve healthcare infrastructure and ensure all residents of Dawson, regardless of location, have equal access to timely and high-quality care?

Andrew Willcox
LNP Candidate For Dawson

Question 1

To keep young people in Dawson and get Australia back on track, we need real skills, real jobs, and a government that backs both. The Coalition has a plan to get more Australians into training, with a target of 400,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships, $260 million for new Australian technical colleges, and wage support for apprentices and trainees. Labor has neglected regional training, and failed to deliver opportunity in places like Dawson. Only the Coalition has a clear plan to build a stronger economy with a skilled workforce, giving our young people every reason to stay, work, and thrive locally.

Question 2

Costs of everything is going up and housing affordability is one of the biggest concerns people in Dawson raise with me. The aspiration of homeownership should be within reach for all Australians, but under Labor, it’s become harder than ever. Their disastrous policy has failed to build a single home in two years. Combined with uncontrolled migration, rents are soaring, and homeownership is slipping further away. The Coalition’s plan is clear: cut red tape, boost supply, and ban foreign ownership. We will free up over 100,000 homes in five years and unlock up to 500,000 more through infrastructure investment.

Question 3

Our plan will bring more GPs, specialists, and nurses to Dawson through regionally targeted incentives and training opportunities for medical professionals to live, work and stay in regional Australia. Under Labor, bulk billing rates have dropped from 88% to 77%, with even worse outcomes in regional areas. The Coalition cares about your health. We’re committing $9 billion to strengthen Medicare, doubling bulk-billed mental health sessions from 10 to 20 with $500 million invested into mental health support. We’ll also increase hospital funding, invest in cancer treatments, medical research, and women’s health. Access to healthcare should never be a luxury, it’s a right.

Neil Wallace
Labor Candidate For Dawson

Question 1:

I understand that we need to continue to create local jobs and opportunities that keep young people in our region. So far more than 1 million jobs have been created under the Albanese Labor Government. Free TAFE has also been a great opportunity for people to get the chance to undertake a course or study that will set them up for a well-paid job. Labor is making free TAFE permanent for Australians to help them gain skills and get ahead.
We have also delivered real wage increases for Australian workers.

Question 2:

Housing is a serious issue that needs addressing. I am open to seeing a range of options put forward to address housing and boost supply. I want to see local, state, and federal governments working together to seriously tackle this issue. Here’s some of what we are doing: From 1 April 2025, we’ve introduced a 2-year ban on foreign residents buying existing properties. Labor will introduce 5% deposits for all first home buyers with no need for lenders mortgage insurance and 100,000 homes will be built exclusively for first home buyers to purchase.

Question 3:

In its first term, the Albanese Labor Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for people who need to see their GP most often - pensioners, concession cardholders, and children - creating an additional 6 million bulk billed GP visits. A re-elected Albanese Government will go further, delivering an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits every year so Australians can see a bulk billing GP. We will also deliver the Mackay Urgent Care Clinic which will be open for extended hours, treating non-life threatening conditions. This will take pressure off our busy hospital and give more locals free healthcare, close to home.

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In the first few months of last year, Demi O’Shea was presented with the wonderful opportunity to represent Campbell’s Jewellery as a Senior Ambassador in 2024’s historic Burdekin Water Festival.

A major pathway for self-development, personal growth and community engagement, Demi accepted the nomination and began one of her most memorable and significant experiences she’ll treasure for years to come.

“On a personal level the Water Festival allowed me to unlock my full potential as it was an experience, I could whole-heartedly throw myself into,” shared Demi.

“Prior to the journey, I lacked a lot of self-confidence, but I soon realised the wealth of a support system I had behind me and I was able to understand the potential that they all saw in me, because I felt it - being around such an outstanding group of people all throughout the experience truly changed me for the better.”

Demi was announced the Burdekin Water Festival’s Winning Senior Ambassador for 2024, and in light of 2025’s event, Demi has joined the official Committee to ensure the Festival’s continuation and future success.

“My journey certainly would not have been the same without our community support, and it means the entire world to me to be your 2024 Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Winner,” expressed Demi.

“The hard work, dedication and support that our community puts towards the event is admirable, and to be part of rebuilding that legacy with our amazing Committee is incredibly surreal.”

Reflecting on her journey, Demi believes saying yes, all those months ago was the best decision she could have made, and she strongly encourages those thinking about becoming a 2025 Ambassador to take full advantage of the program.

“I took a chance on myself, and so should you,” explained Demi.

“You owe it to yourself to experience the magic that the Burdekin Water festival not only brings our community, but you as an Ambassador and you deserve to see yourself as the confident and worthy individual you are, and this whole experience will allow you to feel that within yourself.”

In Demi’s time as a 2024 Senior Ambassador, she was fortunate enough to witness the personal development of the Junior Ambassadors firsthand from beginning to end and she encourages the youth of the Burdekin to be brave and put themselves forward for 2025’s Festival.

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2024 Burdekin Water Festival Winning Senior Ambassador, Demi O'Shea, has joined the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Commitee (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)

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With an incredible dream and the support of the entire community, Macy Dabelstein will embark on a lifechanging journey to Nepal this October to provide free medical care to thousands of men, women and children in rural communities.

Earlier this year, both Macy and her college, Josephine Long, decided to participate in World Youth International’s Nurses in Action initiative – a program enabling nurses and allied health professionals to deliver primary healthcare services to those living in remote areas within Kenya and Nepal.

“Since nursing together this year, Josephine and I have expressed a shared interest in taking the next step in our careers to gain more experience and help others,” explained Macy.

“Nursing overseas will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and will provide us with a new perspective on healthcare for those less fortunate and allow us to witness the daily struggles faced by individuals in Nepal dealing with chronic and acute illnesses.”

Macy and Josephine will engage in vital medical projects focusing on improving health services whilst offering healthcare to communities living in extreme poverty for just under a month, impacting the lives of almost 300 people every day.

“We aim to return with new nursing knowledge that we can apply in our careers as rural and remote nurses, along with a greater appreciation for our resources,” Macy added.

“This experience in a resource limited setting will enhance our clinical skills and cultural competence, empowering us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need and strengthening our role as advocates for accessible healthcare in our communities.”

In 2023, Macy graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Nursing and has been a Registered Nurse (RN) at Cloncurry Hospital in North West Queensland for just under three months after completing a graduate program at the Ayr Hospital.

“Working as an RN in a rural setting presents unique challenges, particularly due to limited resources, however, I thrive on the excitement of the unknown where I’m never quite sure what will walk through the Emergency Department doors,” said Macy.

“Cloncurry has a tight-knit community, and establishing therapeutic relationships with our locals allows us to provide compassionate care tailored to their needs and we’re dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and enjoy caring for the residents.”

As part of the program, the pair were to raise $3,700 to fund the work of World Youth International (WYI) across the globe and after reaching out to dear friends, family and the wider Burdekin, Cloncurry, Brisbane and Goondiwindi communities, Macy and Josephine have raised almost $5,000 for the organisation.

“We are overwhelmed by the incredible support we've received since sharing our upcoming trip on social media and thanks to everyone’s generosity, we reached our fundraising goal within 20 hours,” Macy enthused.

“We will continue fundraising in our community, as any additional funds will allow us to contribute to a select project at one of the WYI project sites while volunteering in Nepal.”

To donate to Macy and Josphine’s account with WYI visit https://worldyouth.org.au/volunteers/macy-dabelstein.

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Josephine Long and Macy Dabelstein will travel to Nepal this October as part of the World Youth International’s Nurses in Action initiative (Photo Supplied)

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As students return to the classroom this week, the Queensland Police  Service (QPS) are urging all road users to take extra care - particularly around school zones - following a devastating Easter holiday period on the state’s roads.

Operation X-Ray Easter, which ran from the 4th to the 21st April of, saw QPS officers dedicate over 30,000 hours to enforcement, in a bid to reduce risky behaviour behind the wheel.

Across the state, almost 120,000 roadside breath tests and 7,500 roadside drug tests were conducted where nearly 2,000 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit, and more than 750 drivers returned positive drug test results. Police also issued close to 14,000 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) for serious road rule breaches during the operation.

Tragically, 21 lives were lost on Queensland roads during the Easter school holidays -pushing the state’s 2025 road toll to 82.

Acting Chief Superintendent Garrath Channells said the figures were heartbreaking.

“The devastating reality is that some families spent their Easter holidays grieving their loved ones, instead of getting to spend time together over the break,” Acting Chief Superintendent Channells said.

“We are doing everything in our power to prevent this from happening, which is why it is disappointing to still see so many people taking risks and making bad decisions on our roads.”

As students return to school, police are also focusing on enforcement and education around school zones to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians.

“It is another busy morning on our roads today as school commences and young children return to the classroom, so please drive slowly in school zones and adhere to the speed limits,” A/Chief Superintendent Channells added.

“I also ask parents to hold their children’s hands around roads and to remind them that roads and carparks are not safe places to play.”

The Queensland Police Service remains committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads and continues to raise awareness about the ‘Fatal Five’ - speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. For more information about staying safe on Queensland roads, visit: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/fatal-five-staying-safe-roads.

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21 people lost their lives on Queensland roads over the Easter holiday period, taking the total road roll to 82 in 2025 (Photo Source: QPS)

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Following the successful launch of our Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season, we’re pleased to announce that we’re opening nominations earlier for the 2026 season.

Nominations for the Managed Pool Plus open on 1 May and close on 30 June 2025.

We’ve seen strong interest from growers who have experienced a couple of volatile seasons with unpredictable target pricing and are now seeking to share some of that pricing responsibility with Wilmar.

The enhanced Managed Pool Plus aligns grower exposure with miller exposure, creating a balanced risk profile.

Wilmar will contribute 30,000 tonnes of MEI sugar to the pool and will accept grower GEI nominations up to the same volume, ensuring a 1:1 exposure ratio in the final price outcome.

Our global marketing team will manage the pricing exposure throughout the life of the pool which, for the 2026 season, will be extended to two years.

This is an actively managed pool, meaning our team will strategically take positions on futures and currency markets, rather than simply following a passive, incremental hedging strategy. For example, the recent drop in the AUD below 60 cents allowed the 2025 pool to secure favourable currency rates.

While this strategy offers the potential for improved returns, it also carries increased risk. If you’re interested in learning how the Managed Pool Plus might support your pricing strategy, please reach out to your local Grower Marketing team representative.

In other news, we are currently looking to expand our team to strengthen the level of service we offer, as more and more growers choose Wilmar Grower Marketing. Our regional consultants deliver a broad range of services to help growers manage their sugar pricing strategies and we have a position open now in the Burdekin region.

Given that most of our growers forward price a significant portion of their GEI sugar, the most common question we hear is: What’s the sugar price going to do?

While we can’t predict the future, we do share timely insights and market assessments from Wilmar’s global team, highlighting the key factors influencing sugar prices.

Feedback from our recent grower survey showed that this in-field support is considered a valuable resource, and we take pride in providing it.

No two days in the role are the same. Some weeks are filled with grower queries about market movements, while others focus on assisting with cash flow planning or explaining the features of our new Managed Pool Plus.

At times, it can be a challenging role, especially during the pressure of harvest or when market expectations don’t play out. But for someone who genuinely wants to help growers navigate the complexities of sugar pricing, it’s an incredibly rewarding position.

If you have the passion, energy, and drive to succeed in this role, we’d love to hear from you.

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Sugarcane growers and industry stakeholders from across Queensland and beyond have converged on Brisbane earlier this week for Sugar Cubed 2025 – a dynamic, future-focused event set to spark fresh ideas and foster new connections across the cane supply chain.

Hosted by CANEGROWERS at the Royal International Convention Centre, Brisbane Show Grounds from 27-29 April, Sugar Cubed brought together growers, manufacturers, researchers, policy makers and innovators for three days of thought-provoking discussion, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on experiences.

With keynote presentations, panel sessions, and field trips exploring everything from cutting-edge on-farm technology to the big global forces shaping agriculture. The event aimed to shine a light on where the sugar industry can go, and how we can work together to get there.

CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said Sugar Cubed is all about people – listening, learning, and working together for a stronger future.

“Our industry is facing some big challenges, but we’ve also got some incredible opportunities in front of us if we’re willing to think differently, work together, and back ourselves,” Mr Menkens said.

“Sugar Cubed is a space where growers, researchers and industry leaders can come together, share ideas, and be inspired. It’s about creating momentum, not just in terms of innovation, but also in how we think, how we connect, and how we plan for the future.”

Special guests include cricket legend Glenn McGrath, Australia’s renowned “Unbreakable Farmer” Warren Davies, and a suite of industry experts including representatives from the global supply chain group Czarnikow.

The event precedes the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) Conference, which follows directly after at the same venue and attendees were encouraged to stay around and learn about the best available science from the brightest research minds in the industry.

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