As preparations ramp up ahead of the Burdekin Show, the Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association has announced Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) as the naming rights sponsor for the 2024 event.
The QCAR Burdekin Show will take over the Ayr Showgrounds on Wednesday, June 26 for a day of agricultural, community and family fun.
“QCAR is a local organisation and shows, traditionally, are an agriculture-based event,” said Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association President Chris Lyne.
“Cane is our dominant agricultural commodity in the Burdekin, so QCAR was a perfect fit.”
QCAR Office Manager Melissa Boulter agreed, saying the partnership is part of an exciting period of growth for the organisation.
“It’s an exciting time for QCAR,” she said.
“To be a naming rights sponsor for our local show is fantastic, to get out there and show that we are committed to the Burdekin.
“Our roots are firmly stationed in the Burdekin, and we just want to give back to our growers and their families and show them that we are Burdekin first and foremost.”
Mr Lyne leads a team of eight passionate committee members and countless other volunteers who, following a successful 2023 Burdekin Show that exceeded expectations, are looking forward to an even bigger and better event.
“We’ve got quite a lot this year, so it should be good,” Mr Lyne said.
“There’s something for everyone.”
The QCAR Burdekin Show is excited to welcome celebrity guests Steven Elliot from ABC TV’s ‘Muster Dogs’ and Trent Richardson from ‘Australian Idol’.
The day will also feature muster dog demonstrations, mower racing with the Townsville Mower Club, the annual tractor pull, pet show, dachshund races, grand parade and scarecrow competition.
Family favourites like sideshow alley and the pavilion displays will also be popular among attendees.
The show also features a ‘gate ticket special’, offering entry for $5 for all adults, $2 for all students, and children five and under free between 9:30am and 11:00am before standard prices apply from 11:00am.
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WHAT: QCAR Burdekin Show
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26 from 9:30am until late
WHERE: Ayr Showgrounds
MORE INFORMATION: 0495 831 790, burdekinshow@gmail.com or www.burdekinshow.org

QCAR Office Manager Melissa Boulter and Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association President Chris Lyne

The fate of the annually celebrated Burdekin Water Festival will rest in the hands of the Burdekin community with the annual general meeting (AGM) set for Monday 10 June from 6pm at the Queens Hotel.

The Burdekin Water Festival celebrates the abundance of water in the district, and proudly stands as one of the longest running festivals in Queensland. The festival entails a plethora of events that encompass the entire community, from school students to emergency services, however, following a lack of volunteer support, 2023 sadly did not see the lively festival ignite the region. The future of the Burdekin Water Festival has been a pressing issue the whole community has been behind since the beginning of last year, particularly the issue of the Water Festival lacking a committee entirely.

Actioned by Councillor Amanda Hall, Eusebio Aguirre began contacting community members he believed would be interested in forming a 2024 Water Festival Committee. On Monday 3 June, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and councillors Amanda Hall, and Fina Vasta, joined Eusebio Aguirre along with over 30 members of the local community gathered together to officially formulate a plan for the 2024 event.

The group set the date for an AGM to be held on Monday 10 June from 6pm at the Queens Hotel and extend a warm invite to the public to attend the evening to ensure the continuation of the historic and treasured event with the region.

Following last Monday’s meeting, Mayor Dalle Court and the dedicated attendees hold a highly positive hope and feeling towards the organisation and running of the Burdekin Water Festival later this year, however the true success of establishing an event for 2024 will be determined by committee volunteer numbers.

“We have a very positive feeling that if we get enough volunteers to work together, we can make the Burdekin Water Festival happen this year,” explained committee member Kari Ravizza.

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What: Annual General Meeting for the Burdekin Water Festival
When: Monday 10 June at 6pm
Where: The Queens Hotel

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Back row  L-R: Brett Eathorne, Treena List, Tina Hancock, Danae Richards, Bruna Pearson, Colleen Harris, Debbie Szendry, Suzette Wallace, Juanita Hatch, Eusebio Aguirre, and Fiona Smith. Front row L-R: Frank Nucifora, Scott Morrison, Cr. Fina Vasta, Kari Ravizza, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Glenn Arboit, Cr Amanda Hall, Tony Vaccaro, and Frank Nucifora

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has welcomed the announcement that China will lift its ban on Australian beef exports.

“This is a positive step for Australian beef farmers and producers, with the suspension of five of the bans being lifted immediately,” said Mr Willcox.

“China has always been a valued trading partner for Australian agriculture which is a trade dependent sector, exporting more that 70% of what we produce.

“My concern now is the workforce shortages that our farmers are facing.”

With Australian farmers currently working at just 60 to 70 per cent capacity, Mr Willcox said the Ag Visa desperately needs to be reinstated.

“I welcome the discussion to reinstate the Ag Visa to allow foreign workers into Australia at the right quantities and in the right places, while still having a commonsense migration policy,” he said.

“Myself, along with my National Party colleagues, will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian farmers and our beef industry.”

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Farming is a cornerstone of many rural communities, providing food, employment, and a way of life. However, it comes with its unique set of risks and challenges. Fires, cyclones, machinery breakdowns, and accidents can threaten not only the livelihood of farmers but also affect the entire community. It’s therefore crucial to address the importance of farm safety and the role of farm insurance in protecting our assets and ensuring the sustainability of our farming operations.

An unfortunate but common occurrence, farm fires can start from various sources, and their impact can be devastating. John from Elders Insurance Ayr explains, "There are many ways fires can start on farms, and once they start, they can be extremely difficult to contain." This makes vigilance and preventive measures essential.

Harvesting machinery is also a common cause. Research showed that approximately 7% of harvesters contributed to farm fires in 2020 in Australia. High temperatures, dry landscapes, and mechanical failures can easily lead to disaster. Regular maintenance is key. Servicing equipment and ensuring everything is well-greased can significantly reduce fire risks. Inspections for electrical and mechanical issues are equally important. Clearing trash from hot engine parts and monitoring for fire risks can also help prevent such fires.

Adhering to local guidelines on when you can and can’t harvest is crucial. John advises, "Each state and almost every council has different criteria of when you can and can’t harvest." Equip yourself with firefighting tools like extinguishers, knapsack spray pumps, shovels, and rakes. Having water and fire units within the paddock and relocating them with your harvesting equipment as needed is also vital.

Routine farm tasks, whether commercial or domestic, can spark fires. "A small job with an angle grinder may not seem a big deal, but it could easily start a fire," John points out. Maintaining strong safety practices for all farm activities is essential.

Given the myriad risks, having farm insurance is not just a precaution but a necessary consideration. Farms are valuable properties with significant investments in land, property, machinery and livestock. Proper insurance helps to ensure that if something goes wrong, farmers can have the financial protection needed to recover and continue operations.

Working with a knowledgeable insurance partner, like Elders Insurance Ayr, can help farmers assess their needs. John and his team are equipped to guide farmers through the complexities of farm insurance, helping to ensure they have the right coverage to protect against potential adverse events. This includes machinery breakdowns, accidents and liability.

The impact of farm fires and accidents can extend beyond individual farms to the entire community. "Over the years, I’ve seen escaped fires from farms have a devastating effect on the farm itself, the surrounding area and community, and the people involved," John shares. Ensuring all machinery is in good working order, implementing safety measures, and being prepared to respond to emergencies are critical to protecting our community.

By maintaining equipment, following safety guidelines, and regularly reviewing insurance, farmers can significantly reduce the risks on their properties and help improve resilience. These proactive steps protect individual farms and safeguard our entire community from the devastating effects of farm fires and accidents.

This article is part of a paid arrangement.
Seldon Pty Ltd  ABN 93 675 197 645 trading as Elders Insurance Ayr is an Authorised Representative of Elders Insurance (Underwriting Agency) Pty Limited (ABN 56 138 879 026, AFSL 340965) (EIUA). EIUA, acting under its own AFSL, is authorized to distribute Elders Insurance products on behalf of QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545), the product issuer.
The advice in this article is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. Visit www.eldersinsurance.com.au to consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and any applicable Target Market Determination to decide if the product is right for you.

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John Azpiri of Elders Ayr

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Last month, NQ Dry Tropics coordinated a two-day Regional Cultural Fire Workshop on Gugu Badhun Country at Jervoise Station, near Greenvale.
The event was part of the Cultural Fire for Grazing Landscapes project, delivered in partnership between Traditional Owners of the Burdekin Dry Tropics region, WWF-Australia, Firesticks Alliance, and graziers.
Event attendees spanned a wide range of professions, ages, and backgrounds, including representatives from several regional Traditional Owner groups, Gudjuda Rangers and Trainees, Mingga Mingaa Rangers, Wulgurukaba Rangers, Girringun Rangers, graziers, council workers, Qld Rural Fire Service staff and volunteers, and representatives from Firesticks and WWF Australia.
Participants exchanged ideas and learned from Lead Firesticks Practitioner Victor Steffensen and his team about the importance of reading Country prior to using fire to heal sick landscapes.
They visited paddocks previously treated with fire to see how they had regenerated and took part in a cultural burn.
“Thanks to the wonderful Jonsson family for hosting the event,” NQ Dry Tropics shared on social media.
“The atmosphere was fantastic, and the spirit of partnership and respect shown across the board was the epitome of NQ Dry Tropics’ vision that we are all working together to care for Country as custodians of the land for future generations.”
Visit NQ Dry Tropics on Facebook or www.nqdrytropics.com.au for more information.

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Photo credit: Photography By Scott Radford-Chisholm

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The Federal Government’s backflip on changes to the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Schemes mandatory work hours has been welcomed by Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

“Last year, the Albanese Labor Government ploughed ahead with unworkable changes to the PALM Scheme, despite numerous warnings from the Coalition and industry bodies, which put our agricultural industry and our foreign relations in jeopardy,” Mr Willcox said.

“The changes forced employers to guarantee 30 hours per week.

“As a farmer by trade, I know firsthand how unworkable the constraints of guaranteed work hours are.

“Farming is seasonal, and weather dependent, which dictates how many hours a worker will be able to work, and forcing farmers to pay each person they employ on the PALM Scheme the mandatory 30 hours, regardless of if they only worked 10, was having a detrimental effect on our hard-working farmers.

“These new changes will see these constraints relaxed, and now 120 hours can be averaged out over 4 weeks per employee, which will be much more workable.”

Mr Willcox said concerns were raised in Senate Estimates, in Questions in Writing to the Minister for the Pacific, and through strong media advocacy which “turned the tide”.

“Thankfully, now the Labor Government has backflipped but only after seeing a decline of 10.2 per cent in short-term workers and 10.4 per cent for all PALM workers in agriculture,” he said.

“These changes will come into effect from July 1, and I will continue to fight against red tape that makes things harder for our farmers and Pacific relations.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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Living the island life stands as a bucket list dream for many, but Brooklyn Ivory has been living this dream, day in, day out for just over a year.

Brooklyn lives, works, and studies on Hayman Island in the Whitsundays as part of The Hotel School where she is enrolled in an Associate Degree of International Hotel and Tourism Management. The Hotel School allows its students to study on the island campus and combines their academia with hands-on experience to foster a unique work, study and living environment.

“We live in The Village on Hayman Island, and with the resort just a road away and being right near the marina, our view is just amazing, its beach and water every morning,” explained Brooklyn.

After graduating from Ayr State High School in 2021, she chose to take a gap year before commencing her tertiary studies on Hayman Island. Brooklyn has always had a love for the hospitality industry, and after learning of the opportunity in Year 10, she believed the 2-year course would provide many opportunities and career pathways across the world.

“I heard about the program at one of the careers nights in Year 10, and from there I did a lot of research into the Sydney and Melbourne schools, as they had just opened The Hotel School on Hayman Island,” explained Brooklyn.

“I applied and explained I wanted to take a gap year in 2021 and The Hotel School was very understanding and they’re a very flexible university, always looking after their students mental, physical and academic health all at the same time.”

Brooklyn carries out her degree on a fast-tracked university schedule, studying for a 6-week period, with a 2-week break, on a continuous cycle for 4 terms before the summer term commences where she will carry out a resort placement.

“There are definitely ups and downs living the island life, but as a whole it’s been an amazing experience,” expressed Brooklyn.

“For me, taking a year off and then going back to a small town that’s even smaller, I had doubts about if I would meet anybody, and as there are only 250 staff members here at the moment, and 350 at maximum, you get to know everybody very quickly because you live with them, work with them, and do extra-curricular activities with them all the time.”

Once Brooklyn began her island lifestyle, she found the whole process of meeting people and making life-long friends a breeze. Many students from around Australia and the world began their studies along with Brooklyn in March of 2022, and with a quick turn over of island residents, Brooklyn finds herself meeting new people often.

“We’re always meeting new people, and that’s become the joy of it because there are lots of people of different cultures, and I love learning about their backgrounds, and hearing their travel stories,” explained Brooklyn.

With 10 months to go before graduating with her Diploma of Hotel and Tourism Management, Brooklyn has left her horizon open to exploring many opportunities, and believes she’ll find herself traveling internationally in the coming years.

“Anyone interested in the opportunity should enroll, whether you’re looking at doing it to study, or looking at just coming to Hayman to work, 100% do it,” she urged.

“The most important thing you’ll take away is just the experience of living here which is something most people will never experience, and you’ll truly never regret it.”

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Brooklyn Ivory, originally from Ayr, loves living the island life. Photos supplied

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Rehoming fee: $545
DOB: 10/06/2021
Sex: Male
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Yes
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 4ft

Archie is a very social dog, both to people and dogs.

He likes to keep busy, whether that’s sniffing, exploring, eating, playing with toys or spending time with you - he does it all at the same time.

He loves the company of other dogs, but he needs to be fed separately or else he will steal their food.

He’s a total goofball with a great personality and will give you company whenever you need.

He adores his toys, especially fluffy ones, he likes to throw them in the air and catch them and he isn’t against you joining in on the fun.

Archie looks forward to seeing you very soon!

If you’re interested in Archie please complete an animal enquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.htmm

Archie is available for adoption desexed, micro-chipped, and is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick/intestinal worm treated and he is on heartworm preventative.

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The Rita Island Progress Association’s (RIPA) Old Time Dance was a fantastic community evening for those who attended on Saturday, May 25.
It kicked off with dinner at 6:00pm cooked by the Jarvisfield P&C committee and staff, then at 6:30pm the FC Caledonia Highland Dancers showcased their talents on the dance floor as they proceeded through their many different dance routines.
At 7:00pm the band Kiradon started playing and they kept the crowd entertained all evening with adults and children joining in the dancing.
The laughter and chatter from the bar area as old and new friends caught up was great to see, as was the scramble by the children for chocolates as they were spread around the floor and the ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ from the adults and children as smoko was delivered to the tables with a magnificent spread of sandwiches and cakes along with tea and coffee.
The feedback from those present on the night has RIPA seriously thinking about making it a yearly event.
Thank you to all who contributed.

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Contributed by Shantelle Ehmann
Rita Island Progress Association recently held a fantastic Old Time Dance. Photos supplied

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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group joined other Cub Scouts aged 8-10 years old at the top of Castle Hill Townsville for an Abseiling adventure.
There were 36 Cub Scouts and 10 Leaders all set for the challenge as some parents looked on.
The weather was near perfect, with a bit of a breeze every now and again.
Many of the Cubs were slow and cautious at the start, but by the end they were Abseiling like professionals.
A great day was had by all and the view from Castle Hill was spectacular.

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Contributed by Chris Berkery

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Last week, BCHS paused to honour National Sorry Day, gathering for a Flag Ceremony and Prayer.  
“This day reminds us of the Stolen Generations and the pain and loss faced by First Nations peoples,” BCHS shared on social media.
“At BCHS we are committed to fostering understanding, respect, and reconciliation.”

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BCHS held a National Sorry Day ceremony last week. Photos supplied

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St Francis Catholic School in Ayr has proudly announced the completion of newly refurbished Prep classrooms, designed by i4 Architecture and constructed by Simon Bell Construction.
The project, fully funded by the school, aims to create a modern and functional learning environment for the school’s youngest students.
St Francis Catholic School Principal Amanda Jones said the design brief for the project was to create a space that would support the age-appropriate pedagogy of the school, incorporating a range of teaching methods and resources to engage young learners and achieve effective learning outcomes.
“Some features of the new Prep classrooms include a raised stage for interactive learning experiences, a reading nook cut out in the wall for quiet reading time, and open display shelving to showcase the students' work,” Ms Jones said.
“One of the main objectives of the refurbishment was to provide a conducive environment for inside/outside learning and activities.
“This means that students can now access resources such as paint easels, blocks, water troughs, and construction materials at any time throughout the day.
“This not only promotes independent learning but also encourages our students to be creative and engaged in their learning experiences.”
The two prep classrooms have also been given themes to create an even more immersive learning experience: one classroom has a Reef theme, complete with underwater murals and coral reef-inspired soft furnishings, while the other classroom has a Rainforest theme, with lush greenery painted on the walls and flexible seating options to match.
“We believe in developing students' critical and creative thinking skills, including imagination and risk-taking abilities,” Ms Jones said.
“This is a vital part of the Australian Curriculum, and the new Prep classrooms are designed to support this objective.
“By fostering students' curiosity about the world around them, we hope to nurture their love for learning and set them on the path to success.
“The completion of this refurbishment project represents our commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our students.
“We are excited to see how the new Prep classrooms will benefit our young learners and help them reach their full potential.”

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Sometimes I try and think back to five, three, even one year ago and gauge how familiar I was with ‘the Burdekin’. I must admit, while I did know a few people from the region and had driven through, I had no idea what lay beyond the Bruce Highway, and I’m met with a similar sentiment when attempting to explain where I live to out-of-towners – I’m sure you’re all familiar.
Now, after nine months, I can proudly say that the Burdekin and its people will always hold a special place in my heart. When I moved to Mackay at the start of 2022, I knew I wanted a lifestyle change from the corporate work and city life I was living before. Getting a job with Life Publishing allowed this lifestyle change – what better way to get to know a new region than by driving around it, meeting the people and hearing their stories every day? This job has allowed me to do the same right here in the Burdekin and I like to think I know the place pretty well and I’m proud of that fact.
After two and a half years in North Queensland, I am now moving back to Brisbane to move in with my girlfriend, Jakita, and be closer to family and friends. I’m looking forward to taking this exciting step in my personal life, spending weekends on the family property in Millmerran, going to more concerts and Broncos games, and continuing my professional journey in print media down in the big smoke. In saying all of that, there are many, many parts of Burdekin life I will miss.
I want to thank you all again for the huge role you’ve played in my time here and the impact you’ve had on my life, and I want to thank the team at Life Publishing for all of their support and the incredible opportunities they’ve offered me. It’s been a great experience and I look forward to returning to NQ one day soon.
While I’m usually the one with camera in hand, a few people have taken the rare opportunity to capture photos of me in my time here, so I thought I’d share a few of my favourite memories from the past nine months.

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Burdekin Life Co-Editors Amanda (left), Rachael (right) and myself with Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, a supporter of our publication and my work across Mackay and the Burdekin for years
My neighbour Pedro took this photo of me and my parents on our way to the Harvest Festival grand parade last year
Although I only managed to play four games, getting involved with the Home Hill Cricket Association and winning the grand final with Guardian Pharmacy was a highlight of my time in the Burdekin
I won my first game of bowls back in January alongside Meryl Smith and the beer never tasted so sweet
Tracey Gabiola and I at the Laurie’s Love Gala Ball – I don’t think I’ve ever been to as many gala balls as I have in the Burdekin!
My girlfriend Jakita and I at the top of Mount Inkerman, probably my favourite and most frequented spot in the area
Runners Up and Best Dressed team ‘Whatever Works’ from BNA’s Trivia Under Stars
In the Sweet FM studio presenting my weekly show, the Home Hill Happy Hour

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Moving into a new rental property is an exciting yet challenging venture. Whether it's your first rental or a transition from a previous lease, being well-prepared can save you from potential pitfalls. Here are some crucial aspects to consider when moving into a new rental.

Inspect The Property Thoroughly
Before signing any lease agreement, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the property. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as leaky taps, mould, or faulty electrical points. Check that all appliances are in working order and take note of any damages. Document these issues with photos and share them with your landlord to avoid being held responsible when you move out.

Understand The Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Ensure you read it thoroughly. Pay attention to clauses related to rent payment dates, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and termination conditions. If anything is unclear, seek clarification from your landlord or a legal expert to avoid misunderstandings later.

Evaluate The Neighbourhood
The quality of your rental experience is often influenced by its neighbourhood. Spend some time exploring the area. Consider factors such as proximity to public transportation, grocery stores, parks and schools. Check for noise levels and safety conditions. A vibrant community with amenities can significantly enhance your living experience.

Check For Essential Amenities
Ensure that essential amenities like heating, cooling, and plumbing are functioning correctly. Inquire about the availability of internet and cable connections. If the rental includes shared amenities like a gym or laundry facilities, inspect them to ensure they meet your standards.

Plan For Moving Day Logistics
Coordinate your moving day logistics in advance. Reserve a moving truck or professional movers if necessary. Check if the building has any restrictions on move-in times or requires reserving an elevator. Being organised can make your move-in day smoother and less stressful.

Budget For Additional Costs
Rent is not the only cost you’ll incur. Factor in utilities, insurance, and potential maintenance costs. Understanding the full financial picture helps prevent any unwelcome surprises.

By paying attention to these details, you can ensure a smoother transition into your new rental home. A proactive approach will help you avoid common rental pitfalls, allowing you to enjoy your new space with peace of mind.

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Celebrates National Volunteers Week

Burdekin Community Association Inc celebrated their 20th National Volunteers Week celebration on Thursday May 23, recognising the vital work of their volunteers and simply saying “thank you”.

National Volunteer Week is Australia's largest annual celebration of volunteering, held from May 20 to 26.

This special event provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

The volunteer event was centered as per the NVW theme, ‘Something for Everyone’ and recognises the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to volunteering.

Becoming a volunteer is an opportunity to explore the wealth of opportunities available, emphasising that there’s a place for everyone in our community for volunteering.

BCA came together for National Volunteer Week, embracing this theme to showcase the vast spectrum of possibilities and the impact that emerges when everyone finds their meaningful role in making a difference.

BCA volunteers connect with clients and community, through companionship, outings, arts and crafts, games, spiritually and with other community connections.

BCA Volunteer Manager, Rita Quagliata, expressed her heartfelt thank you to all her volunteers for their time, dedication, and commitment and how they truly make a huge difference.  

“In a time-poor world, volunteers bring the most precious gift, the gift of ‘time’,” Rita said.

“Life is short, everyone is busy and the short time that we are here, we should help make a difference.

“Consider making a difference, continue to help others in need with your time.”

Before the formalities were over, the cutting of the cake was drawn and the lucky volunteer to cut the cake was Rosa Torrisi.

Volunteering can help change everyone’s life.

It improves health and well-being, including increased longevity, adoption of healthy lifestyles and reduction in depression and stress.

It allows you to develop and use different skills that lead to establishing a real sense of achievement, develops confidence, builds self esteem and establishes new friendships.

Burdekin Community Association is constantly in need of volunteers.

Don’t hesitate, call in and have a chat with Rita Quagliata about volunteering or give her a call on 47833744.

Contributed by the BCA team

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Back L-R: Bev Edwards, Dianne Noack and Rita Quagliata. Front L-R: Madeline Janiola, Jo Rodgers and Brenda Matthews

Stephen Tunbridge, Sam Caltabiano and Debra Cochran

Rosa Torrisi cutting the cake

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