A sudden incident involving juvenile offenders has left the Burdekin community on high alert and extremely concerned following suspicions the area will continue to experience a frightening crime wave. 
 
In 2022 – 2023, 82,677 offenders were prosecuted against by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), a 2% increase from the previous yearly period, and the first increase since 2015. The quantity of car thefts, breaking and entering incidents, and traffic incidents that have circulated online over the past 12 months, has locals fearful of the impending 2024 Australian Bureau of Statistics report expected to be released next month. 
 
Last week’s incident occurred at approximately 5:30am on Tuesday the 21st of January, after police were called to Sandsdown Street in Alva Beach, following reports a white Hyundai hatchback had collided with an electricity pole.  
 
One adult and four juveniles were arrested at the scene and as of Wednesday the 22nd of January, charges were filed against all five parties as confirmed by a QPS spokeswoman.  
 
“The group of five allegedly left the scene on foot and attempted to evade police but were arrested a short time later at a local caravan park,” a QPS spokeswoman said. 
 
A 13-year-old Home Hill girl, a 14-year-old Home Hill boy, a 15-year-old Home Hill girl, and a 17-year-old Home Hill girl were all charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle – use in company and appeared in the Ayr Children’s Court on Wednesday the 29th of January. 
 
The fifth offender, an 18-year-old Home Hill man has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle – use in company, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils or pipes that had been used, and breach of bail offences. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on Monday the 10th of February. 
 
The vehicle was reported stolen from an address close to Home Hill State School the morning of Monday the 20th of January. Locals took to online platforms to demand harsher consequences for offenders with many members of the community saddened to learn the car belonged to a Home Hill grandmother. 
 
Reports have emerged of witnesses sighting the stolen vehicle driving recklessly at around 11pm on Monday night around Soldiers and Horseshoe Bay Road in Bowen, with locals warning their neighbours to take precaution and sharing CCTV footage online. 
 
“Warning Bowen residents – there is a stolen car from Ayr making its way around Bowen, a white hatchback, lock your cars and doors, police have been notified,” shared one concerned Bowen resident. 
 
The QPS advises car owners to consider a range of precautions to deter thieves from targeting their vehicles including parking in a secured location, installing a car alarm and other antitheft devices like steering wheel locks, install a GPS tracker to the vehicle, and promptly secure garage doors or front gates. 

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The car was left extremely damaged after the ordeal

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The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival (BRWF) was a festival unlike any other in the area. Drawing acclaimed Australian authors and a wide audience from both Queensland and interstate, tourism and local businesses flourished in the Burdekin as a result.

However, like most events in Australia and around the world, covid hit, forcing organisers to cancel the 2020 event, despite having several prominent writers who’d accepted and were keen to attend.

Before covid scuppered the 2020 BRWF, the festival had fired up the hearts & minds of authors and the Burdekin alike it seemed. The BRWF had been full steam ahead, lining up even more great authors and shaping to be a massive boon for the region again.

Then due to a lack of extra organisers to share the load, the 2022 event never quite got off the ground. Since then, despite repeated calls from authors, publicists, local businesses and council, along with plenty of interest from an eager public to return, the BRWF has been languishing since.

If no one picks up the baton, the festival, and the untold benefits it brings the Burdekin, cease.

Mickey McKellar (pictured) and The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival committee, ignited minds and fired up the Burdekin region. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Reigniting The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival

Mickey McKellar, a member of the Burdekin Readers and Writers Association, discusses the association’s formation in 2013, which first got its start with an initial funding of $320.

“The formation of the festival came about from a group of ladies who were in a local book club that also morphed into a writing group. We used to travel each year to Brisbane to go visit the Brisbane Writers Festival,” Mickey says.

“Because I was also involved in the hotel industry, I was one of those people curious by other people's ideas, be it menus or festivals. They're all built on somebody else's concept. So I put it to the ladies, ‘You know, we could do a festival like this at home. You just work it in with your community and your facilities.’ Well, they all ducked for cover, except for two but that didn't stop us.”

“We finished up with eight ladies originally. Then to register as a not-for-profit organisation we needed money, so we popped in $40 each. With a grand total of $320, off we went,” Mickey laughs.

That first festival eventually kicked off in July of 2015. It featured eight authors, including David Hunt and Matthew Condon, and received significant local business support while being a win for the region.

“Because we were an unknown, the hardest thing of all was trying to attract authors. We had a list of would-be guests and we were going through them and having absolutely no success. But then David Hunt, who wrote Girt, well he was the first to respond and said he'd love to come. Shortly after followed Matthew Condon, a journalist with the Courier Mail, but also an author who wrote stories relating to crime and corruption in Queensland.”

“Then it all happened so quickly that I remember saying to one of the women, ‘It's like they've got a network. The minute one responds, another does.’ Before we knew it, we finished up with eight authors that first year,” Mickey extols.

“Amazingly, there'd never been a literary festival in this town before, but we got a good response from the local business community. It enabled us to pay for authors’ flights, accommodation, and give them a speaking fee. I know our fees were more than what ASA (Australian Society of Authors) recommended, but we knew that they'd have to take a couple of flights just to get here, so we went over and above what they expected to get.”

And it worked! Because at the very next festival (2016) the BRWF managed to secure around 12-14, authors, including kids book authors!

“The first festival was extremely successful, and Matthew Condon, who was still writing for the Courier Mail, contacted me about six weeks out from the 2016 festival and said he'd like to do a story. Honestly, what he put together about the first festival, as far as advertising goes, we would never have been able to achieve that. He didn't only write about the festival, he wrote about the community. It was very well done,” Mickey proclaims.

On the back of two highly successful festivals, someone recommended BRWF do it every second year, so they skipped 2017 and went straight to 2018. As a result the festival expanded to 20 authors and attracted over 3,500 attendees – a boon for both local businesses and the Burdekin as a result.

“For the 2018 festival we mixed it up and instead of the school kids coming to the Burdekin Theatre, we took the authors to them! That was a masterstroke. The authors did workshops, which was a great success thanks to a couple of committee members who were former teachers.”

With 20 authors, big attendances, 2018 was a smash, while the community fully came on board.

“The fact of the matter is that it costs a lot of money to run a festival. While we did get grants, the business community really supported us and came aboard. We got private sponsorship of about $28,000 that year, which was amazing,” Mickey exclaims.

The festival had fired up the hearts & minds of authors and the Burdekin alike it seemed. The BRWF were full steam ahead planning for 2020, lining up even more great authors… then covid hit.

“It was too risky for the committee to book flights not knowing if the authors would be able to fly or whether we’d be able get a refund if flights got cancelled. A not-for-profit can't exist on airline credit,” Mickey says.

Sadly, that’s where things ended. There hasn’t been another festival since, while the BRWF committee has remained in limbo.

“You lose momentum in so many ways, and that's what happened. We've thought about many things. We've got money in the bank, but what do we with do it? We've now got grandkids and the people who've been there since the beginning like myself, they're tired, they don't want to be doing it anymore. We're sort of in limbo at the moment.”

“I understand all of the people that want it to happen again, from council to community, authors and publicists, and maybe I shouldn’t go on record here, but I'm going to say it anyway. The suggestion for me to contact you came from the Mayor because she said the new journalist in town is an author. Then the former mayor, Lyn McLaughlin, also contacted me to say I should reach out. And I appreciate them thinking that, but just because someone new comes to town who is an author doesn't mean to say that it's going to happen again. They don't seem to understand that there's a lot of work involved. No one wants to give their time anymore.”

If no one picks up the baton and uses the incredible foundation that Mickey and her BRWF committee members have laid, the festival, and the untold benefits it brings the region, cease. It’s as simple as that.

In what shapes as a do or die moment come February 19, the BRWF committee may well be meeting for the very last time. They’re appealing to the public to attend and become part of something that means so much to the community.

“Whether it's a Writers Festival or a Water Festival, if you want them to continue, then get involved. I'm 77, you know. It's time for younger ones to step up otherwise we have to wind it up. It’s so much easier than when we started with nothing. We have community support, we have business support, we have council support, and most importantly, we have authors support. Everything works. As long as you approach it in the right manner, you can't go wrong,” Mickey concludes with a hopeful smile.

The BRWF are meeting at 11:30am, 19 February, at the Burdekin Library, Ayr. If you want to revive this popular festival, attend, participate, otherwise this once great festival is gone forever. For more info email Mickey: mck4247@bigpond.net.au

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Authors on a panel enjoying themselves during Burdekin Readers Writers Festival. Photo: Supplied
BRWF volunteers, were a core reason the festival was a success. Photo: Supplied
The BRW festival has plenty of local support. Photo: Supplied
The festival was attended by big crowds. Photo: Supplied
A novel Garden Party with author and attendees. Photo: Supplied
Professor Roly Sussex speaking at the Burdekin Theatre during the BRW festival. Photo: Supplied

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On Sunday, 26 January, The Burdekin Shire Council announced their Australia Day Award winners in front of a near full house at the Burdekin Theatre. The event, which was also open to the public, celebrated the achievements of many individuals and organisations, who have all benefitted the Burdekin in one form or another through significant contributions.

All the honourees, special guests, friends and family, waited in the foyer as the Burdekin Brass Band belted out beautiful tune after beautiful tune, before all made their way into the auditorium.

Once the flag presentation ceremony was done by the Air Force cadets, young talent, Alaya Magic, sang the national anthem, before Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort opened proceedings with the Australian Citizenship ceremony. The Burdekin welcomed five new Aussies into the fold, each presented with their certificates and swearing their oaths.

The Mayor then handed over to special guest, Australia Day Ambassador, Dr. Bob McGregor, who spoke of his own journey as an Australian, regaling those in attendance with keen observations as well as a funny story on how he met his wife.

Then the moment arrived – announcing the names of the Australia Day Award winners.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year went to Ashlee Colls, while the Senior Sportsperson of the Year was tied, with both Jennifer Fotinos and Kristy Wassmuth unable to be split.

Next came the Junior Cultural Award, awarded to popular, Jacob Machin, who would also go on to nab the Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award as well. Community Event of the Year Achievement Award went to the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival’s 'Bring It Back’, while Community Event of the Year was taken out by Giru State School for their ‘100 Year Fete’.

Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award, was taken out by Mark Vass, with Volunteer of the Year be awarded to the Lawry family (Ben, Kellie, and Bella Lawry) for their tireless efforts at Alva Surf Lifesaving Club.

Lifetime of Service Silver Awards were handed out to: Joan Andersen, Shirley Gilmore, and Linda Scott. With Lifetime of Service Gold Awards being given to: Betty Durrant and Gwen Marshall.

Finally, after much applause for the worthy recipients, the big one – Citizen of the Year. Nicole Cervoni won the Young Citizen of the Year for actively promoting and participating in Arts events, including choir, vocal groups, drama performances, art exhibitions, and musicals, along with youth council.

Lastly, a surprised and very humble, Scott McLean, took out the main gong, winning Citizen of the Year. Scott, who has been a dedicated volunteer coach at Rock Solid Boxing Club in Home Hill, where he regularly travels across Queensland for tournaments and has been instrumental in NQ Games and Queensland Titles, mentors youth and adults. He proved a popular and worthy winner.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort closed proceedings before the crowd went out to celebrate with the winners and nominees, to enjoy a bit of Australia Day cake and recognition.

Well done and congratulations to all winners, nominees, and all special guests and attendees on the day, for making this year’s 2025 Australia Day Awards one to remember!

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2025 Australia Day Award winners and nominees, on stage celebrating so many achievements in the community. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Allan Darwen was working hard under the harsh Queensland sun last month, completing mowing and yard maintenance jobs just like every other workday, when one kind stranger decided to make this hot afternoon a little brighter.

“So this afternoon, a bloke pulls up while we (Allan and Simon) are doing a yard, and I thought, old mate will want a last minute mow… but nope,” shared Allan online.

“He said, mate, I’ve seen you on Facebook, and I see you two blokes around going hard, so I thought I’d shout you both a beer for Christmas!”

After another huge day at work, Allan and Simon were more than appreciative of the gentleman’s offer, and the three of them made their way to the local pub to enjoy a nice cold beer and a good old Aussie yarn together.

“So old mate, sorry I didn’t catch your name cause I was totally chuffed, thank you so much,” added Allan.

“We had a massive day, so they (the drinks) went down very well, thank you!”

Allan shared his heartwarming story online which was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, of over 7,000 interactions and hundreds of locals noting “not all heroes wear capes” and that this story of mateship perfectly captures the true meaning of what it is to be Australian.

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Allan and Simon enjoying a beer as shouted by a kind stranger

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This week I got a lot of calls – the most I’ve had since being the local journo here. Some people called to inform me about the native wildlife.

“There’s no crocs out there… or pigs!” the caller exclaimed. He was calling to express his thoughts about a street interviewee that he thought was incorrect, who mentioned crocs and pigs in Wujunga.

Then yet another one more ringing to tell me that the Telstra shop closing is not good and I should write about that, as well as putting in a story to get a second bridge.

I love it! Why? Because it means after two months, people trust me enough to share their views, whether getting passionate as they do or sharing some honest opinions. It’s terrific (and fun). Means, I’m making inroads.

On the flip side, I’ve also had people reach out with story ideas, some of which I’ve implemented eg: The Post Office turning 100. Keep ‘em coming!

I’ve also had people text or email to congratulate me on a piece I wrote and shared. My Editor’s Note from two weeks ago received a lot of praise for example.

While I can do nothing about the Telstra shop closure (I wish I could), what I can be is your eyes and ears in the hopes you feel seen and heard. Besides, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about big business, sadly, they don’t care about you, only your money. While I may have the power of the written word, you have the power to vote with your wallet.

Something I can do, however, is take on board what you say and act on it. Even though waving a magic wand to have a second bridge is beyond my powers within these pages, if enough people want it, I’ll write about it. A voice for many in the hopes to bring about change.

This isn’t my paper, it’s yours. Keep the calls, texts and emails flowing, and let’s see what we can achieve together.

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In what he describes as a win-win, both agriculture and the environment in the Burdekin will benefit from a funding boost to Regional Natural Resource Management groups according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Mr Last announced the funding, which delivers on an election commitment in his role as Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, but said he was equally as proud of what would be achieved within the Burdekin electorate.

“This funding confirms the Crisafulli government’s focus on ensuring great outcomes for the environment while protecting our landscapes,” Mr Last said.

“By working with the Natural Resource Management groups, we’ve identified and funded programs that find the balance between what is sometimes seen as competing interests.

“For example, programs based around controlling invasive species have an obvious environmental benefit but also play a part in improving grazing land to ensure food production for a growing population. By taking a balanced approach, we ensure more people support the work being done and that means better outcomes.”

Mr Last hailed the announcement as a ‘fresh start’ when it comes to cooperatively addressing environmental issues, while also ensuring the best value for taxpayers.

“Good government is about acting responsibly rather than picking sides or just throwing money at an issue,” he said. “The Crisafulli government committed to taking action within 100 days of the election and we have done that while ensuring real outcomes and accountability.

“This funding is a significant boost, but it is based on the proven track record of the regional Natural Resource Management organisations and tied to practical outcomes being achieved. We are also working with indigenous groups to boost programs like Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers in recognition of their connection with the land, and to create opportunities for future generations.

“We are taking a strategic approach that is based on the best available science and also recognises the know-how of landholders, who in some cases, have knowledge that stretches across multiple generations. That balanced approach where we focus on good outcomes for both the environment and primary industry means we have access to a wider pool of knowledge so that we can actually find suitable solutions instead of demonising primary producers like we saw under the previous government.

“We’ve taken the politics out of this issue because, especially in areas like the Burdekin, people want to see practical outcomes, not grandstanding. Too much time has been lost arguing over who is to blame and I look forward to seeing the positive results that this funding will have for our key industries and for our environment,” Mr Last concluded.

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Dale Last, announcing funding he describes as a win-win for the Burdekin.

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“I am honoured to have been endorsed once again as the LNP Candidate for the seat of Dawson.
It's a privilege to be entrusted by the local party members, with a unanimous vote of confidence, and I am ready to work hard and fight even harder for the betterment of our region and our country.”

“I understand my role is to represent the good people of Dawson in Canberra, and I am determined to fight for our fair share of funding and services.”

“The upcoming federal election is the most important one yet, where Australians will have the opportunity to elect a new and strong government, a Coalition government who will get Australia back on track.”

“No matter where you live in the electorate, if it’s in the southern part of Townsville, in the Northern Beaches of Mackay or some of the beautiful communities in between, I am committed to being a representative of the entire electorate of Dawson, and growing a stronger future for all.”

“I am not prepared to settle. Being the Federal Member is an important position to hold and if I am given the honour of continuing in this role, I will give my all to the community I call home.”

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Federal MP, Andrew Willcox re-endorsed by LNP. Photos supplied.
Federal MP, Andrew Willcox – your man for Dawson and The Burdekin

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The new school year offers many opportunities for growth and learning, it can also present many uncertainties. From children's mental health and wellbeing, to bullying and navigating difficult social situations, going back to school can be stressful for parents and children alike as anxiety mixes with excitement.
The Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) has put together six strategic points to help children and their guardians navigate negative social challenges such as isolation and bullying. When left unchecked the ripple effect is devastating, leading to long-term health issues. Carol Markie-Dadds, a Triple P Director lists these points as a way “To help kids cope, parents and carers play a vital role in helping their children develop resilience and the skills to deal with bullying and unhealthy friendships this school year.”
These strategies are listed as followed: Reinforce resilience and self-esteem, Have regular check-ins with your child, Learn to recognise the signs of bullying, Be a role model for empathy and social skills, Role-play or consider scenarios to teach healthy boundaries, and finally Reach out to the school if you have any concerns.
If your child is experiencing social challenges, it’s important for guardians to remember they are not alone in helping their children navigate them. There are resources available to help families navigate bullying-related issues, such as your school, therapists and counsellors, and Kids Helpline. Let your children know they are valued and loved, and help them when they really need it.

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What are they? Where have they come from? How did they get here? A strange device was discovered along the Alva Beach shoreline by Gavan Lamb last Wednesday, the 22nd of January and the community was left puzzled as to how an echo sounder satellite buoy made its way to the Burdekin.

“I often walk the beach which is where I found this buoy plastic thing,” explained Gavan.

“I dragged it home and pulled it apart and the batteries were corroded so it’s been floating around for a while, so it’s kind of nice to have that rubbish disposed of and not on the beach.”

Gavan discovered the M3i echo sounder satellite buoy was manufactured by Marine Instruments for commercial use to detect and attract fish for foreign fisheries in the South Pacific.

Gavan’s Alva Beach discovery was not a one off. Instead, he has seen echo sounder satellite buoys on multiple occasions both at Alva and Wunjunga Beach and conservationists are becoming increasingly concerned with the number of buoys washing up on Aussie shores.

The Tangaroa Blue Foundation actively works to prevent and remove marine debris from both oceans and beaches across the nation through the use of the Australian Marine Debris Initiative. Beachgoers and boaters who come across echo sounder satellite buoys are able to donate the devices to the foundation to aid in future data analysis and clean up projects. More information on the foundation can be found online at tangaroablue.org.

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Gavan shared a photo of his discovery online
Curious, Gavan opened the buoy to discover plenty of tech inside

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Hi Kids (and Big kids),
Terrylicious, Burdekin Life’s canetoad back again to announce the winners. Well, well, well, seems we had some eagle-eyed little (and big) detectives last week. Maybe I didn’t hide myself well enough? But I was glad to be found seen waving my little Aussie flag ahead in support of Australia Day, especially as no one found me last month.
Winners
Well done to the dynamic duo of Evie (8) & Jai (6) Giardina, who spotted me ahead of everyone else, including adults. This brother-sister sibling act were the first and the fastest, immediately reaching out to my minders to report they found me within one minute! What great little wildlife finders you two make. Thank you!
Both born here and going to East Ayr State School, they get the paper every week, and their fave part – looking at all the people in photos. Now you both get to look at your own photo in the paper. Congrats Evie & Jai!
Until next time, enjoy your Australia Day long weekend everyone. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks. For now, I’ve got some insects to munch on as I prepare to fatten myself up so I can sit and relax this long weekend.
Ribbet! Ribbet! Burp.
Terry

Dynamic duo, Evie & Jai Giardina, were the fastest to find me.

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The Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin team did a double rescue on the weekend within the space of 12 hours.
The first call was from a vessel that sent a triple zero call and had run aground on the beach in front of Plantation Creek. VMR sent a crew out in their RIB (rigid inflatable boat), but unfortunately, they got caught in the tide, so they had to wait for the tide to go out to be able to rescue them.  
The rescue helicopter found the two guys and left them with enough food and water until VMR was able to rescue them. They then safely towed them back to Plantation Creek.  
The second rescue was only a few hours after the first rescue was completed, when there an emergency activation call came in. A call came from town to the water police, that a vessel had broken down and was drifting out to sea.  
The rescue helicopter had a lot of trouble getting out there on account of the rain and heavy thunderstorms in the area. VMR got there first and saw that the people were okay. However, they were unable to get to the shoreline due to the low tide.  
The rescue helicopter was eventually able to get out there to the area with the help of VMR guiding them to the spot before the men were rescued as the poor weather conditions only worsened.  
It was a very successful weekend for Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin. In the space of approximately 12 hours, two rescues were conducted within the same vicinity. The outcome of both rescues was good, with all individuals rescued and safe and healthy.  
President Ian Sutcliffe said, “VMR was glad to help ensure the men got back home safely to their families over the Australia Day long weekend, in what was a busy but successful day for our team.
“And remember, if you run into trouble out on the water, don’t hesitate to call 000 and VMR on: 07 4783 1014. Your very life may depend on it!”

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Happy New Year to you all and I hope this finds everyone getting back into it for another year. School is back (thank goodness say some parents) and business will return to some normality.
The weekend saw us celebrate Australia Day and with that, my fellow councillors and I attended the Australia Day Awards Ceremony. Once again, we were privileged to see and hear what some of our residents have contributed to our community. We have sport stars that have represented us at state and international levels. We celebrated volunteers who have given their time for over 30 and 40 plus years to help clubs and help promote our wonderful Burdekin. We celebrated the events that took place in 2024 and with that the people who organise and run them so efficiently, maintaining the Burdekin’s reputation for putting on events of the highest calibre. The ceremony also saw us welcome five (5) of our residents becoming Australian citizens, in what is always a special occasion.
I would like to congratulate all the nominees for their achievements and their commitment to giving their time to making our community a better place. The stories of what these nominees, young and not so young have done and what they have achieved is truly inspiring. Thank you once again to you all for your contributions and thank you to the people who took time to nominate and give recognition to these people who are truly selfless and truly make our home, the Mighty and Bountiful Burdekin that it is.
Thank you.

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To all who became Australian citizens on Sunday, congratulations on choosing Australia as your home. Whatever the reasons that brought you to our beautiful country, I hope you feel proud to call it your own.
I was reminded of the stories my grandparents shared about their journey to Australia and the hardships they faced along the way. Having travelled extensively myself, I felt deeply grateful that they chose this wonderful nation as our home. I am, and always will be, proud to be an Aussie.
The 2025 Australia Day Awards provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible people who make the Burdekin such a vibrant community.
We are truly fortunate to have passionate individuals and groups dedicated to improving our region and enhancing the lives of those around them.
It was both a privilege and an honour to be part of the celebrations as Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council. As someone born and raised in this community, I deeply appreciate the hard work, commitment, and care each nominee showed towards their chosen sport, cultural endeavour, club, and the wider community.
Congratulations again to all our award nominees and recipients.
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.

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc is seeking Expressions of Interest from people interested in participating in a Healing Waves Mental Health Peer Support Group.  Please refer to the following information and let us know if you are interested.
 
HEALING WAVES
MENTAL HEALTH PEER SUPPORT GROUP
 
A friendly, warm and safe space to share experiences and support one another through the journey of mental health.
 
HEALING WAVES provides a safe space where group members can provide support and insight to one another through the sharing of their lived experience.
 
Group members will also learn about and discuss topics such as self-care, mindfulness, stress management and more.
 
** Now taking expressions of interest for attendance for 2025 **
 
For more information and to register for your place in this group, please call the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health on 07 4783 2711 or visit 12A Chippendale St, Ayr.

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Bendigo Bank is warning the community about remote access scams in which fraudsters gain access to individuals’ computers or devices under false pretences, often resulting in significant financial losses.

Australia-wide, more than $15 million was reported lost from 8,975 remote access scam reports in 2023, according to Scamwatch.

“Scammers will use every trick in the book with the aim of gaining access to your phone or computer,” said Head of Customer Fraud and Scam Protection, Jason Gordon.

“Once access is granted, scammers may install malicious software, steal sensitive information, or initiate unauthorised transactions, leaving victims and their bank accounts vulnerable,” he said.

‘If you did not originate the call and you’re being asked for information or to enable remote access, hang up!”

Almost half of all remote access scams reported to Scamwatch in 2023 were by phone, but these scams can also be via text, social media or email. Scammers establish trust by claiming to work for your bank, a utility company, delivery service, telecommunication services (such as NBN), or a government agency.

“Criminals are getting adept at carefully constructing often complex communications that convincingly mirror those of the brand they are impersonating,” Mr Gordon said.

“A recent scam case reported to the Bank detailed an account of a scammer claiming to be from a company the customer was familiar with. To legitimise the call and their alleged credentials, the scammer had created an authentic-looking LinkedIn profile and directed the victim to it in a successful effort to gain trust.”

“This kind of trickery, combined with other tactics like spoofing – when phone calls appear to come from legitimate numbers and SMS messages appear in the same conversation thread as genuine communications – make it extremely difficult for people to detect genuine communications.”

Bendigo Bank is committed to educating customers and the wider community to be especially wary of calls, text, emails about online banking in which there is a request to:

   • download programs or software that allow screen sharing to be enabled
   • reset your password after a recent series of scam attacks
   • purchase a new modem to fix your internet connection
   • update your account or device with new security features, or
   • provide personal details to verify your account activity.

“The Bank will never ask for your details, or to transfer money, download software or login via a link sent through email or SMS. Bendigo Bank has removed links from all our SMS messages, so customers who receive an SMS that includes a link should treat that as suspicious.” 

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

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