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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Burdekin Netball Association (BNA) has secured the sponsorship of Bowen Pipeline Company (BPC) with a cheque being handed over on Thursday, May 30.
BPC is the company behind the proposed Bowen Pipeline Project to connect Bowen with the Burdekin River, and BPC Director Sean Brown said the majority of the project’s 41 investors come from the Burdekin and Bowen shires.
“This project is about leaving a legacy so that children and families can stay in these two regions,” Mr Brown said.
“We feel the Burdekin is a wonderful place for kids to grow up and supporting the local netball club is a really positive thing for us to do to benefit the community.”
BPC has also sponsored Bowen Netball Club and Aboriginal Saltwater Arts Community and plans to increase sponsorship in the future should the project gain the necessary ministerial approvals.
“Our goal is to increase our annual sponsorship, but everything is subject to us obtaining our ministerial endorsement hopefully in the next month or two,” Mr Brown said.
BNA Sponsorship Coordinator Glenys Brotto thanked Mr Brown and BPC for its sponsorship.
“BNA are very appreciative of BPC’s support of our association, and we wish them all the best in their project,” she said.

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BNA member Chloe Steel, BNA Sponsorship Coordinator Glenys Brotto, BPC Director Sean Brown, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association President Carl Walker, BNA Selector Shalon Gibson and BNA member Maggie Chandler

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Earlier this week, on Tuesday, June 4, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables advised more than 1,200 waged employees that anyone participating in industrial action from yesterday, Wednesday, June 5 will be locked out until further notice.
Workers have been told that if they are locked out, they will not be paid until the lockout is lifted.
A company spokesman said the decision to lock out was not taken lightly.
“We respect employee rights to union membership and their right to take lawful industrial action,” he said.
“However, the company also has the right under the Fair Work Act to respond to prolonged industrial action to protect its interests.”
The lockout will not affect workers who are not participating in industrial action, or who have been participating in action but wish to attend work and carry out their full duties without imposing any bans or participating in any industrial action from Wednesday.
Members of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and Electrical Trades Union have been imposing work bans and rolling stoppages at the company’s nine factories since mid-May in support of demands for an 18% pay rise, which was recently reduced from 22%.
The Wilmar spokesman said industrial action has delayed completion of essential maintenance and preparatory work at the factories ahead of the 2024 sugar season and has forced the company to push back start of production by more than a week.
“We have willingly engaged with bargaining agents for the employees and encouraged negotiation, even asking the Fair Work Commission to assist,” he said.
“We have made a number of offers to try to reach a fair and reasonable outcome that we can sustain over time.
“However, unions have chosen the industrial action path over negotiation.”
Unions notified intention to continue rolling stoppages and bans, including overtime bans, for at least another week forcing further delay and impact on growers, contractors and others in the community.  
Wilmar has requested a ballot of employees covered by enterprise agreement to be held on June 10 and 11 to vote on the most recent offer of a 14.25% increase over three-and-a-half years, as well as a $1,500 sign-on bonus and a $20 a week allowance for electrical workers using their licence.
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson called the lockout a “disgraceful” attempt to prevent workers from standing up for themselves and their communities, saying these efforts will ultimately be unsuccessful.
“This is a multinational corporation trying to bully and intimidate North Queenslanders to stop us asking for our fair share,” Mr Wilson said.
“These are intimidation tactics of the highest order.”
“Workers won’t take this lying down, and growers won’t accept Wilmar further delaying the crush by locking skilled workers out of their workplaces.
“Workers will continue to take action, we will vote down the newest bad agreement and Wilmar will be back to square one.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables warned its workers that anyone participating in industrial action will be locked out until further notice. Photo supplied

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Opinion piece

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A lack of crisis accommodation units and more than 80 very high-level social housing applications has painted a stark picture of the Burdekin’s housing crisis, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.
After waiting longer than expected for the Minister to answer a question on notice regarding crisis accommodation in Ayr and Home Hill, new figures have also revealed 82 very high need applications were waiting an average of two years for social housing in the Burdekin.
“As we have seen firsthand in the Burdekin, a lack of private rentals coupled with only a fraction of those urgently seeking social housing actually being provided a home, has resulted in calls for crisis accommodation to soar and the responsibility for that falls squarely on this state government,” Mr Last said.
“In the space of 12 months to June 2022, just 12 allocations were made to social housing properties in the Burdekin equating to a mere fraction of those ‘very high need’ applicants actually being provided with social housing.
“In the meantime, those who miss out are left to seek an alternative roof over their head or even perhaps turn to the five crisis accommodation units in the Burdekin.”
Mr Last said with social housing numbers left to go backwards across the state under the Labor government and waitlists soaring, those most vulnerable in the Burdekin deserved action on crisis accommodation and not another broken promise.
“Recently we heard the Premier promise crisis accommodation for every homeless person in this state, yet clearly what we are actually seeing unfold is increased calls for accommodation and the homelessness services left with no other choice but to issue tents,” Mr Last said.
“The LNP have already called for more to be done by this state Labor government to unlock more land for housing and encourage investment in regions and that applies to regional towns like Ayr and Home Hill.”
“This district cannot afford for Labor to sit on its hands while applicants wait another two years for social housing and more and more people, left with no choice but to seek crisis accommodation, are offered tents because there is simply no where for them to go.”

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I and quite a few other readers of the ‘Burdekin Life’ newspaper are readily counting the “to do” list that Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and his State counterpart for Burdekin State Opposition Minister Dale Last are adding to with every weekly newspaper.
Each major political party, when in Government, has the opportunity to implement their plans for Australians that they had proposed to implement when elected, while those in opposition and the minor parties are able to argue that their own plans are better but are not considered.
Queensland state polling suggests in the up-coming State election that the Labor State Government may lose its position in Government. Then and only then will both Dale, and in some cases Andrew, have the opportunity to right the suggested wrongs of the ALP. However, even in Government, there is no guarantee that Andrew and Dale’s list of wrongs will be corrected. Readers will have to wait and see!
The LNP’s heart isn’t always as big as the ALP’s.
Hopefully Australians will be the ultimate winners.
Yours faithfully,  
T. P. Chandler

A Response From Member For Burdekin, Dale Last
Mr Chandler’s claims that the current government has a big heart simply must be questioned.
I doubt big-hearted is how you’d describe a government that stands by while we have residents living in their car or in a shed with their young family and yet more struggling to pay their power bill.
But, thanks to the government that Mr Chandler describes as having a bigger heart, more heartache is to come.
Along with their mates from the Greens and the KAP, it is this government that lets drug dealers walk away basically scot-free not once or twice, but 3 times before being sent to a diversion service.
Like Mr Chandler, my hope is for a better community. If achieving that by speaking up for the people of the Burdekin means the size of my heart is questioned, then so be it.
Yours sincerely,
Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was also offered the opportunity to respond and politely declined.
If you have any thoughts to share with the editor, please contact editorial@burdekinlife.com with ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the subject line.
Letters to the editor will be printed at the publisher’s discretion.

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Burdekin Mabo Day Committee, in partnership with the Burdekin Library, presents the ‘Remembering Mabo’ display of significant items from the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo.
The display was launched on Tuesday, May 28 with light refreshments taking place on Thursday, May 30.
The display can be found at Burdekin Library’s Ayr branch, as can books and resources providing background information on Eddie Koiki Mabo and the significance of Mabo Day.

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Burdekin Shire Council Cultural Venues Manager Glenn Arboit (left) and Burdekin Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort with representatives from the Burdekin Mabo Day Committee
Ms Dalle Cort with Indigenous employees of Burdekin Shire Council
Adlyne Green with Ms Dalle Cort
The ‘Remembering Mabo’ display features Eddie Koiki Mabo’s personal items donated by local relatives
Photos supplied

Mabo Day is marked annually on June 3 and commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Photo credit: Bethyl Mabo, AIATSIS Collection

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One of the Burdekin’s local boys, Luca Lawry, travelled as part of the Northern School Boys team to Toowoomba to participate in the 2024 Inaugural 10-12 years Boys Netball School State Championships. 

For the first time ever, boys from 10 regions across Queensland converged to take the courts for four days from May 23 to 26, to select a State Team which will later travel to the National Championships in Melbourne. 

With a massive push for boys' netball nationwide, in the lead up to a possible Men's Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2027 to coincide with the Women's Championships, and the possible inclusion of Men's Netball in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, it was amazing to see such a great following of the sport.

The Northern Boys represented our region proudly and showed pure heart and grit in all of their games against some very stiff competition and big boys. They played Peninsula, Capricornia, Wide Bay, Sunny Coast, Met North, Met East, Met West, South Coast and Darling Downs. They achieved a nail-biting win against Capricornia and had some really close games against some of the toughest teams in the competition being up in several games, but unfortunately unable to hold on for the wins.

For anyone interested in joining Netball, contact The Burdekin Netball Association for more information. 

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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

Luca Lawry represented North Queensland at the Inaugural 10-12 years Boys Netball School State Championships

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Elders, youth and members of the local community gathered to commemorate Mabo Day on Monday, June 3. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The release of the first ever Regional Telecommunications Review survey offers rural, regional, and remote Australians another way to give feedback on telecommunications issues.
The Review, which takes place every three years, sees the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee examine the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.
Submissions and face-to-face consultations to date have provided feedback on a range of matters including the suitability of telecommunications during emergency situations, how emerging technologies could improve connectivity, and ways telecommunications can support regional development.
“Access to reliable telecommunication is increasingly important for regional Australians – it is essential for keeping connected with family and friends as well as for business and access to health and education services,” said Alannah MacTiernan, Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.
“We need to hear your stories about what is working and what is not.
“While we will be travelling to dozens of sample communities across the country, we want to provide an opportunity for every regional Australian to have their say.
“The online survey is an easy way you can participate.”
The short online survey provides a way for regional, rural and remote Australians to easily provide feedback on how they are experiencing telecommunications in their own communities.
There are two other options for people to have their say: attending a face-to-face consultation in various towns or providing a submission via a website.
Input from the public will assist the Committee make findings and recommendations to Government that address the needs of rural, remote and regional Australia.
Previous Reviews have seen a number of major initiatives announced and delivered, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
The online survey closes on 31 July 2024.
To have your say visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024-regional-telecommunications-review
For more information on the Committee members visit www.rtirc.gov.au.

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In practising ‘service above self’ in their daily lives, many Burdekin residents complete selfless community work every day without seeking any recognition or feedback.
Thanks to Rotary Club of Ayr, two of these people have recently been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship, with small ceremonies last week acknowledging the work of Gerald Henaway and Gillian Stanbrook.
“We realised we needed to recognise special people, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, exemplifying service above self and going the extra distance,” said Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton.
“We only give a couple away each year, and it’s always to different people, because we know there are a lot of people out in the community who do great work, show that service above self, and they keep on doing it.
“They’re often quiet achievers, they’re very humble people, they just get on and do it.”
Mr Henaway, a local Juru man, has always lived in the Burdekin where he met his wife Olive and had two children and many grandchildren.
His work in the community is focused on giving young people the very best chance at life, most notably through his work as a Police Liaison Officer and the Burdekin Area Youth Watch (BAY-Watch), a program which aims to mentor and guide First Nations youth through childhood and adolescence.
A role model to all young people, Mr Henaway works tirelessly to support First Nations young people through youth and school holiday programs, providing transportation to Sunday School and local sport, as well as driving local youth to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play.
He was named as the 2023 Burdekin Shire Council Citizen of the Year and was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellowship last Thursday, May 30.
After a long career in nursing and midwifery, Ms Stanbrook’s caring personality continued as she served for many years on the Cancer Council and assisted with initiatives including the Terry Fox Fun Run (now known as Relay for Life), Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day and Nurse of the Year.
She leads cohorts of nurses in the Anzac Day Dawn Service each year and collaborates with many other passionate locals, including Shirley Gilmore, in local fundraising events and initiatives benefiting cancer victims and survivors.
She is often found volunteering at the hospital or with Meals on Wheels and is always willing to assist people in need, being surprised with the Paul Harris Fellowship at a morning tea on Friday, May 31.

L-R Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton, Senior Member Frank Nucifora and Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gerald Henaway
L-R Rotary Club of Ayr Secretary Bruce Edwards, Committee Member John Oar, Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gillian Stanbrook and President Amanda Norton

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Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community.  We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Most services are FREE.
Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services.  For example, aged care, disability care, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and support, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and exercise programs, domestic and family violence services, essential food and toiletries, telehealth, legal services and much more.
You may also be interested in joining our “Make It Happen Life Skills Group” or “Community Connections Group”.  The groups meet weekly at our Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and the members are having fun getting to know each other, making friends, building on their skills in areas like cooking, cleaning, managing money, communication, socializing, looking after their health and wellbeing.
For information on community and health and wellbeing services and being more involved in our community, please contact Burdekin Community Association Inc. on Ph 4783 3744, visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr, Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au or www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au.

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Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer

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This week, the team has been reflecting on how we can often take on the negative thoughts and behaviours of others, causing us to question ourselves, our abilities, and our self-worth. We can lose confidence in our judgement and start down a path towards poor mental health and well-being.

Imagine a situation in which you're bombarded with negative thoughts and emotions, like a snowball rolling towards you, gaining momentum, and engulfing everything in its path. How would you handle it?

   • Try and outrun it?
   • Jump sideways to avoid it?
   • Close your eyes and hope for the best?
   • Ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist?

These are just some of the actions people take when faced with confrontation, and often, they delay the inevitable outcome.  
 
Remember, you hold the reins of your life. You can choose how others' actions and words affect you. If you feel down around certain individuals, prioritising your well-being is within your control. Sometimes, people's actions can affect us deeply and unintentionally. But it's crucial to understand that you are the guardian of your emotional well-being. You have the strength to meet your own needs and manage your emotions.

If you would like to learn more about Self-Care and Wellbeing, Ross Romeo is offering Burdekin community members the free CoRES Self-Care & Wellbeing Workshop in partnership with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.  

Keep an eye out for the next workshop, which will be organised after Ross gets back into the country! Please contact the team at the Centre on (07) 4783 4243 if you would like to register your interest and we can let you know the details once organised.

Surprisingly, we feel that we alone have these thoughts, and it is only by coming together at workshops, such as this, that we discover other community members are in the same situation. We can learn from each other and develop tools that assist us in navigating to safer waters.

If you’re not ready to attend a workshop just yet, please stop by the Centre for a coffee and a chat and see what we're all about.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council actively encourages community participation through various consultations and surveys? This initiative is a crucial aspect of local governance, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Council covers a wide array of topics in the consultations. From infrastructure projects like roadworks and public facilities to social initiatives such as community health and cultural events, there's always something relevant for every resident. This assists Council in ensuring that all aspects of community life are addressed and improved upon based on public input.
Participation is made easy and accessible. Council’s website provides a dedicated section for ongoing and upcoming consultations and surveys. This online platform allows residents to stay informed and contribute their views conveniently. Additionally, the council organises face-to-face meetings and forums for more in-depth discussions.
I encourage you to visit Council’s community consultations and surveys page regularly or keep an eye on Council’s social media pages for upcoming consultations. Your participation is a valuable contribution to the well-being and development of your community.
So next time you come across a survey or a consultation invitation from Council, take a moment to get on board. Your input is essential in building a vibrant and thriving community.
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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