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Sugar Industry Slams Australia–EU Trade Deal As ‘Horrendous Outcome’ Australia’s sugar industry has strongly criticised the outcome of the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement, with CANEGROWERS warning the deal fails to deliver meaningful benefits for cane farmers. CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan described the agreement as a major setback for the industry, particularly for growers across Queensland. “This is a horrendous outcome for Australia’s cane growers,” Mr Galligan said. “For the past decade we have made our needs abundantly clear to the Australian Government and they have not delivered. There is no meaningful commercial access for sugar in this deal. “The market access Australia has achieved is extremely small – less than 2% of Europe’s import requirement and well below what Brazil and its Mercosur partners secured last year, which was around four times larger than Australia’s outcome.” Under the agreement, Australia will receive an additional 35,000 tonnes of sugar quota access over three years, adding to an existing allocation of 9,925 tonnes. However, Mr Galligan said the increase falls far short of what is needed to create real commercial opportunities. “These volumes are not economically meaningful. They will not shift the dial for growers or materially change Australia’s position in the European market. “This is not what genuine market access looks like.” He also criticised the lack of long-term growth opportunities within the agreement. “Compounding this, the agreement delivers no growth, no pathway to expand access and effectively locks growers into a bad deal for the next generation. “It’s a capitulation to protectionist European sugar interests, plain and simple.” Mr Galligan said the outcome was particularly disappointing given Europe’s reliance on imported sugar. “The EU is a net importer of sugar and must bring in significant volumes each year to meet domestic demand. “Australia can help meet that demand with high-quality, sustainably produced sugar, but instead we have been locked out.” He added that the deal does little to address the challenges faced by Australian producers, particularly exposure to volatile global prices. “This deal does nothing to change that position. “We support trade liberalisation, but it has to be meaningful. Growers need outcomes that create genuine opportunity, not agreements that deliver nothing now and take us backwards when it comes to trade liberalisation.” CANEGROWERS said it will continue to review the full details of the agreement while advocating for improved global market access and fairer trading conditions for Australia’s sugar industry.
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Students from the geoscience faculty at James Cook University (JCU) recently headed to the Burdekin River for a hands-on field trip, gaining real-world experience studying the region’s unique geology. The group spent the day examining igneous intrusions and striking magma mingling textures, with conditions requiring them to quite literally get their feet wet. “We had to get our feet wet this year but it was another fantastic geology field trip to the Burdekin River to look at igneous intrusions and spectacular magma mingling textures,” said JCU Senior Lecturer in Geoscience, Helen McCoy-West. Staff and students described the excursion as a valuable learning experience, offering the opportunity to see geological processes up close while exploring one of North Queensland’s key natural features. “Thank you to the staff and students for a great day out!”
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Primary producers across the Burdekin are set to benefit from a new climate tool designed to better predict the end of the northern wet season. Developed through the Northern Australia Climate Program, the Northern Rainfall Retreat (NRR) tool identifies the date of the last significant rainfall before the wet season ends—critical information for farmers managing livestock and crops. The timing of late-season rain can have a major impact on agricultural operations, influencing mustering, livestock transport, stocking rates and crop harvesting. Unseasonal rainfall events can also disrupt harvests, damage infrastructure and affect herd numbers if conditions become extreme. The tool uses historical rainfall data and climate modelling to pinpoint when rainfall typically “retreats” at a specific location. By analysing cumulative rainfall anomalies from the start of the year, it determines the point when rainfall peaks before transitioning into the dry season. Local natural resource management group NQ Dry Tropics is one of several organisations involved in delivering the program, alongside partners including the University of Southern Queensland and the Bureau of Meteorology. The broader program focuses on helping the red meat industry manage drought and climate risk across northern Australia. For Burdekin producers, the NRR tool offers a practical way to reduce uncertainty and make more informed decisions as the region transitions out of the wet season.
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CANEGROWERS has written to the Federal Government, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the disaster recovery grant threshold to at least $75,000 for primary producers impacted by the recent flooding in north Queensland.
It has been more than two weeks since the government announced recovery assistance packages of up to $25,000 for affected growers.
While growers are grateful for the swift response and the inclusion of replant costs in recovery grants, reports from the ground make it clear that $25,000 is simply not enough to support the worst-affected farming businesses, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
"Growers appreciate the rapid response from both state and federal governments in announcing assistance following these devastating floods. However, as primary producers assess the damage, it’s evident that $25,000 barely scratches the surface for some of the hardest-hit farming businesses,” Mr Galligan said.
"The reality is the cost of recovery has risen dramatically. Prices for goods and services have soared over recent years, and primary producers are facing these higher costs as they work to rebuild their businesses. The level of support must reflect today’s economic conditions.
"We have written to the Prime Minister, urging the Federal Government to act as, we understand the Queensland Government has requested."
Beyond immediate relief, CANEGROWERS is calling for the following actions to help modernise disaster funding:
Updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm ownership, including those with off-farm income.
Ensuring grants are sufficient by indexing them to match rising recovery costs.
Improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods.
Establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.
"These aren’t just feel-good reforms – they are essential for keeping farms, communities, and industries viable after disasters," Mr Galligan said.
“CANEGROWERS, along with our partners at Queensland Farmers’ Federation and other commodity groups, will keep working with the state and federal governments to modernise how we approach disaster recovery.
“But in the meantime, it’s vital the grant threshold is increased. Farmers need this support now so they can get back to growing Australia’s food and fibre.”
On Act of Kindness Day, Ayr State Primary School was privileged to receive a heartfelt and thoughtful donation from Mrs Penny Ford. With creativity and compassion, Mrs Ford transformed scrap materials into stunning library bags, pencil cases, and bookmarks, providing the students with unique, handcrafted items to enhance their learning experience through reading.
The donation, made from upcycled materials, not only promotes sustainability but also serves as a reminder of the power of giving. Each item tells a story of care and dedication, turning what might have been discarded material into something meaningful and useful.
The arrival of the donated items was perfectly timed with Act of Kindness Day, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion. Students were thrilled to receive their new library accessories, which will surely spark even more excitement for reading and learning.
School captains Ruby and Sage personally thanked Mrs Ford for her kind donation, presenting her with a handwritten card from the Birburu class Year 4/5/6 as a token of their appreciation.
In a greater act of kindness, Mrs Ford has plans to create more items for the rest of the school.
Words cannot express how thankful the school is for her generosity and the lasting impact her donation will make in the school.
Ayr State Primary School is fortunate to be part of such a caring community, and they extended their deepest thanks to Mrs Penny Ford for her incredible contribution.
This thoughtful gesture will leave a lasting impact, reminding us of the joy that comes from sharing kindness with others.
Nineteen new apprentices have kicked off their careers with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. The new recruits are based in the Burdekin region, where Wilmar owns four sugar factories.
The apprenticeships are in the electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting trades.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said he was pleased to welcome such a high-calibre group of first-year apprentices into the business.
“Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has a long history of developing great tradespeople in our sugar milling regions.
“We’re one of North Queensland’s largest apprenticeship providers, with about 150 apprentices employed across our operations at any one time. Our program is also one of the most successful Australia, with a completion rate of 98 per cent.”
Mr Shipard said this year’s intake included five young women, one of whom had transitioned from a school-based apprenticeship with the company.
“We’ve also signed up five seasonal employees who were keen to get into our apprenticeship program and learn a trade,” he said.
Brooke Smith from the Burdekin was Wilmar’s first school-based apprentice and is now enrolled as an apprentice boilermaker at Pioneer Mill.
She said she was excited to be working full time and developing her trade skills.
“Getting into Wilmar’s apprenticeship program means I’m finally going to get more experience and get more involved in what goes in the workshops. It also means I can really be part of the Wilmar business, instead of just being there one day a week,” she said.
Mr Shipard said the first-year apprentices kicked off their trade training with a two-week Safe Start program in December before beginning work at their respective sites.
“Our Safe Start program equips our apprentices to hit the ground running,” Mr Shipard said.
“It’s a comprehensive introduction that gives them important safety and technical skills, as well as the confidence to thrive in their new roles.”
Jayde Holm and Brooke Smith from the Burdekin region have signed on as first-year boilermaking apprentices with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. Brooke (right), has transitioned from a school-based apprenticeship with the company.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables new Burdekin apprentices, back from left, Casey Calligaro (electrical), David Saunders (electrical), Dominik Arrate (fitting and turning), Jaxon Baldwin (diesel fitting) and Lucas Gabiola (fitting and turning). Front from left, Corey Baker (electrical), Jayde Holm (boilermaking), Cooper Raitelli (electrical), Jayden Shelton (electrical), Brooke Smith (boilermaking), Luca Lago (boilermaking) and Jacob Rossato (fitting and turning). Absent are Samantha Christensen (boilermaking), Brad Patti (boilermaking), Daniel Johnson (electrical), William Ghobrial (fitting and turning) and Dominic Forman (diesel fitting).
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox believes that residents in the electorate of Dawson have again been let down by the Government when it comes to the Bruce Highway being upgraded.
He states that Queenslanders were promised $7.2 billion in funding by the Prime Minister to fix the notoriously dangerous highway.
However, in evidence to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport estimates hearings on Monday, department officials confirmed that just $432 million would be spent on the Bruce Highway in the next three years.
“Again the Labor Government have not been upfront with Queenslanders on when workers could get started to fix the highway,” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.
“Only $30 million out of $7.2 billion will be allocated to the Highway over the next 16 months which is simply not good enough.”
“Tragically 43 lives have been lost on the Bruce Highway last year which has a devastating impact for families.”
“The community have been calling for the road to be fixed with more than 1,000 residents signing my Back Our Bruce petition which has been presented at Parliament.”
“If elected the Coalition has a plan to get Australia back on track and that starts with the restoration of the 80:20 percent funding arrangement for Bruce Highway projects after it was stripped away by Labor.”
In the May Budget, Federal Labor cut $488 million from the Bruce Highway over the Budget forward estimates.
“Now they are “restoring” less at $432 million and expect the people to be grateful and say thank you.”
“I am really concerned the Bruce Highway will be worse off over the next three years.”
“This is just like the broken promise that our energy bills would be reduced by $275 prior to the 2022 election.”
Opinion piece contributed by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox is frustrated by delay in Bruce Highway upgrades. Photo: Supplied
Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club hosted the club’s Youth of the Year Final on Monday 25 February. Four talented students from Home Hill High School submitted applications addressing a range of criteria about their academic results, their school and community involvement, and their aspirations for the future.
On Monday afternoon, the judging panel interviewed them separately. This component is worth 70 marks. That night, at a dinner at the Crown Hotel, the judges, teachers, family members and Lions and their guests were treated to some great public speaking by these four individuals.
Before dinner, each student introduced themselves to the audience, and then it was time for the impromptu speaking. Each student had to speak for a maximum of two minutes to each of the two impromptu topics. What would you say if presented with the topic ‘If you could be a fly on the wall, whose wall would it be?' with no time to prepare.
After dinner, students each had the opportunity to deliver a five minute prepared speech to the audience. The speakers covered a diverse range of topics but all spoke passionately and engaged everyone present with their points of view. The speaking component is worth 30 marks in total.
The judges returned with their verdict. Christiana Bugeja was the winner of the speaking component, while Sam Perina was the overall winner.
Sam will travel to the District Finals in Townsville next month to compete against the winners from the rest of the Lions District, which covers a large part of Queensland from Mackay and all clubs to the north and west.
After district finals, there are State Finals and a National Final. We wish Sam success.
judges and for entrants. John McVeigh, Philip Scuderi, Sam Perina, Cruz Torkington, Grace Ogomeni, Christiana Bugeja, Michelle McVeigh
Overall winner Sam Perina being presented by Zone Chait Saraha Wiseman.
Club President, Laurie Land, the four entrants, Sam Perina, Cruz Torkington, Grace Ogomeni and Christiana Bugeja the the Youth of the Year Club coordinator, Tony Gemellaro.
Zone Chair Saraha Wiseman presenting to Christiana Bugeja who won the Public Speaking section.
Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
February was a positive month for prices with growers using the rally to tidy up 2024 season Target and GMPRS pricing.
Additionally, with 2025 season prices breaking through $650/t, there has been increased scale up selling from Target price growers. There is, however, still plenty of 2025 pricing to go with only about 25 per cent of Target prices locked in at this point.
The rally has also allowed our 2024 season pools to be forecasting higher returns. We have incrementally locked in prices on the rising market to ensure any potential correction will have less impact on final returns for the 2024 season. Likewise, we have initiated hedging on the #11 sugar contract to put a floor under a portion of the new Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season.
This initial positioning combined with some sub 62 cent currency is providing a good foundation for that pool return. However, there is still a long way to go for 2025 season pool valuations to be finalised. With the focus on 2025 season and beyond, let’s have a quick review of the current outlook.
Most analysts are currently forecasting a small production surplus (Wilmar 3.5m tonnes) for the 2025-26 season based on a large Brazilian and Indian crop. Brazilian forecasts are starting to be scaled back as continued dry weather through February downgrade yield expectations. On the flip side, Indian forecasts are being maintained as high domestic prices encourage crop expansion and a very good monsoon filled storage and moisture profiles.
Nominations for our 2025 season GMPRS pricing mechanism are now open. This remains a popular choice among Target price growers due the flexibility of being able to price all GEI sugar exposure – excluding the US quota proportion – from mid-May in each season. Typically, growers are cautious about pricing too much of the final proportion early in the season as price risk is replaced with production shortfall risk.
During March we will be holding a series of shed meetings to update growers with the latest analysis from Wilmar on the outlook for 2025 season and beyond. Get in touch with your local Wilmar Grower Marketing consultant to find your closest meeting.
Prices rallied in February, providing an opportunity for growers to tidy up 2024 season GMPRS and Target pricing
Almost $600,000 had been committed to help state schools in the Burdekin turn the tide on poor behaviour according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.
The funding, which is in addition to existing funding, will allow schools to tailor solutions focussed on tackling poor behaviour and lifting education outcomes.
“This funding is not only about making our schools safer to help improve attendance rates and education standards, it is also about backing our local principals and teachers,” Mr Last said.
“No one knows better when it comes to outcomes for students than the staff of the school they attend, so we are giving those staff the autonomy to tailor the best decisions.”
“Some schools may need additional staff while others may choose to provide existing staff with mentoring, specialist resources or training. Either way, the focus is on ensuring that students and staff feel safe in the classroom.”
“We know that each child is different when it comes to the best way for them to learn. The reality is that there is also a wide variety of ways to manage behaviour and that a “one size fits all” model would not achieve the outcomes our teachers and students deserve.”
Mr Last said the investment of $44 Million statewide was proof that the concerns of parents and teachers had been heard and an illustration of the state government’s commitment to future generations.
“This additional funding really is an investment in the future because it is focussed on both short and long-term goals,” he said. “We all know that what a student achieves at school can have a huge impact on their future so better outcomes today can also mean better outcomes for those students throughout their life.”
“You don’t achieve those outcomes by focussing only on students or only on teachers and that is why addressing an issue that is affecting both teachers and students was a priority for the government. Students weren’t achieving their full potential and dedicated teachers were walking away from the profession and neither of those results is acceptable.”
“Teaching is a profession that should be celebrated, and our teachers should be leaving at the end of the day feeling respected, not frightened or frustrated. If we don’t back our teachers, we run the risk of losing the positive impacts that dedicated teachers have on students and that is a terrible outcome for our community.”
“I believe that, by giving local principals autonomy, we are sending a clear signal that this government trusts local staff to make the right decisions to deliver the best results for local students. We’ve already reduced red tape for teachers and this investment is about addressing their safety concerns so that teachers can do what they excel at; helping our younger generation achieve their full potential.”
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, believes funding to turn tide on poor behaviour will benefit students and teachers. Photo: Supplied.
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I attended the Industry Breakfast on 26th February with my fellow Councillors. It was a very interesting breakfast. Mick Theobold from Rio Tinto came along and gave a very interesting talk about the Pongamia Farms project.
Rio Tinto are developing seed farms in Australia as part of a new biofuels project. They have partnered with Midway Limited to oversee the planting and management of the Pongamia seed farms in the Townsville and Burdekin areas.
I also attended the launch of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival at the Burdekin Theatre. The festival will take place over two days from Friday 30 May to Saturday 31 May, including the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring the First Fire. It will be a great event not to be missed.
Also Rates are due on or before Monday 10th March. Please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800, if you did not receive your notice and need to obtain a copy. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your Rate Notice and need to organise a payment plan please contact the lovely staff at Customer Service for assistance in helping you set this up.
I would also like to mention Sweet FM will be celebrating their 25 year reunion. They have lots of celebrations happening. On the 5th April from 8am to 1pm they are having an open day at 97.1 Sweet FM, 134-136 Eighth Avenue Home Hill. There will be tours of the facility, interviews with past and present presenters, and market stalls. From 6pm until late they will be having a Reunion Dinner at the Masonic Hall, 120 MacMillan Street Ayr. Tickets will be $50 per person should you wish to attend.
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:
Journey Coordinator – support for community members and provision of more timely mental health care and coordinated support.
Front Door service – information and support regarding mental health, alcohol and other drugs, social support services
MyndKind services are delivered from the BCA Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, 12a Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph 4783 2711. Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Operating hours: 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Burdekin Shire Council hosted its first Industry Breakfast for 2025 on Wednesday 26 February at the Burdekin Theatre. With a receptive and large crowd who all turned up for the 7am start, they got to hear some great talks all while having a warm cooked breakfast.
Providing local businesses with key insights into emerging opportunities and developments in the region, the breakfast brought together industry leaders and business representatives for a morning of networking and knowledge-sharing.
Mick Theobold, Project Lead at Midway Ltd, gave a fascinating talk about their Pongamia Farms project where they’re working alongside Rio Tinto to help develop the seed farms in Australia, which is part of a new biofuels project. This project holds significant potential for regional economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Emma Peters was next to the lectern, bringing her energy and humour to keep those in attendance entertained. As Head of Engagement at Local Buy, she provided insights into how local businesses can become suppliers through Local Buy’s procurement framework.
Her presentation highlighted opportunities for businesses to engage with government contracts and expand their market reach.
Last to speak was Charlie Scuderi, Station Manager of Sweet FM, who discussed how businesses can advertise and support the station with Sweet FM playing a vital role in keeping the community informed.
With plenty of food and drinks (hot or cold), and insights, the morning once again proved popular.
CANEGROWERS has written to the Federal Government, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the disaster recovery grant threshold to at least $75,000 for primary producers impacted by the recent flooding in north Queensland.
It has been more than two weeks since the government announced recovery assistance packages of up to $25,000 for affected growers.
While growers are grateful for the swift response and the inclusion of replant costs in recovery grants, reports from the ground make it clear that $25,000 is simply not enough to support the worst-affected farming businesses, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
"Growers appreciate the rapid response from both state and federal governments in announcing assistance following these devastating floods. However, as primary producers assess the damage, it’s evident that $25,000 barely scratches the surface for some of the hardest-hit farming businesses,” Mr Galligan said.
"The reality is the cost of recovery has risen dramatically. Prices for goods and services have soared over recent years, and primary producers are facing these higher costs as they work to rebuild their businesses. The level of support must reflect today’s economic conditions.
"We have written to the Prime Minister, urging the Federal Government to act as, we understand the Queensland Government has requested."
Beyond immediate relief, CANEGROWERS is calling for the following actions to help modernise disaster funding:
Updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm ownership, including those with off-farm income.
Ensuring grants are sufficient by indexing them to match rising recovery costs.
Improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods.
Establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.
"These aren’t just feel-good reforms – they are essential for keeping farms, communities, and industries viable after disasters," Mr Galligan said.
“CANEGROWERS, along with our partners at Queensland Farmers’ Federation and other commodity groups, will keep working with the state and federal governments to modernise how we approach disaster recovery.
“But in the meantime, it’s vital the grant threshold is increased. Farmers need this support now so they can get back to growing Australia’s food and fibre."
Photos supplied: CANEGROWERS
Recently a beautiful and rare china tea set, which depicts the Ayr Council Chambers and the Ayr Post Office, made its way to a local radio station. The station is calling on any Burdekin historians or those who might be familiar with the family that donated them, to come forward and help solve a mystery.
“They were sent to Pat Lawson via Victor Cecchin. The Cecchin's had a service station back in the day before they sold it to Romeo motors. After that, I believe it was demolished to become Woolworths,” says Station Manager, Charlie Scuderi.
“These people now live in Sydney, and sent these pieces back up here because this is where they belong. The family doesn't have any emotional connection to them, and that's all we know.”
The fine tea set has now returned “home” to the Burdekin, but it has come with no clues, no answers. Sweet FM is hoping someone in the community can provide more information or context about the tea set as to their history.
“We're looking for somebody who might know the story behind them, such as where they came out, when they came from, and why.”
“Was it an anniversary for a 50 year celebration? Was it something the family had commissioned? If you know please help us,” Charlie pleads.
Two pieces depict the council chambers, the rest depict Ayr post office.
If you can solve the mystery behind this decorative commemorative china tea set, get in touch with Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.
The beautiful fine china tea set. Can you solve the mystery? Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
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Thankfully, Cyclone Alfred has slowly moved on from the Burdekin, though it continues to tease the Queensland coast. While we’ve had significant rainfall, it’s amazing how quickly life has returned to normal. In true Burdekin fashion, our farmers are already back to watering their crops - just another example of the adaptability of our community.This week, we also celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and the ongoing journey toward equality.Did you know that Australian women gained the right to vote in the Federal elections in 1902? This made Australia the second nation in the world to grant women this fundamental right. 123 years later, we’ve made incredible progress.This week let’s celebrate the achievements of the women in our lives and continue to support a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
The Centre is excited to introduce Maddy Darley, who is our new Community Development Officer. Maddy has hit the ground running and is heading up our new community project: Charge Up!
Charge Up! has received funding from the Queensland Government through the Enable Grants Program. This project is a collaboration involving QCOSS (Queensland Council of Social Service), NCQ (Neighbourhood Centres Queensland), and various Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.
Charge Up! aims to help households understand their energy use and support community services in reaching Queensland’s families. Many households struggle with energy costs and navigating the complex energy system, making access to clear information challenging.
The project's goal is to empower families to better understand their energy consumption and connect them with resources for assistance. We are looking for 8-10 local families to connect with Maddy for the Charge Up! project. Together, participants will explore their energy use, identify ways to enhance energy efficiency at home, and gain insights into the energy system.
Additionally, Maddy will facilitate community chats where everyone can access Charge Up! resources and learn more about energy management.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the Centre!
Regional Queensland, Australia – Songs from the Reef are extending applications until March 10. This exciting community songwriting program is for emerging songwriters living along Queensland’s stunning reef, from Townsville to Mackay.
Regional Queensland music makers will take their creativity to new heights with mentorship, community, and a chance to perform at QLD Music Trails – The Reef. Starting in April, 20 songwriters will join a 10-week online program with I Heart Songwriting Club, to sharpen their skills, receive expert mentorship, and write up to 200 songs.
The journey will come to life at QLD Music Trails – The Reef, where participants will showcase their talent at The Reef Sundowner fireside jam in Proserpine on June 12, 2025.
“Queensland’s coast has recently faced some rough weather and the community has been focused on ensuring their homes and families are safe. Songs from the Reef is a relief from that – something fun, uplifting and soul-filling – and we want to ensure that people have a chance to participate,” says founder of I Heart Songwriting Club, Francesca de Valence.
I Heart Songwriting Club is a Queensland business that has empowered over 1,500 members across 30 countries to create over 30,000 songs through its various online programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. They are dedicated to fostering a global songwriting community, promoting artist development, and facilitating connections between songwriters and the music industry.
Songs from the Reef is produced, developed and presented by I Heart Songwriting Club and supported by QMF and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Expressions of Interest for Songs from the Reef are extended till March 10, 2025. For more information, visit I Heart Songwriting Club’s website.
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