Less than one year since its inception, Burdekin Life Newspaper is proud to report that it has been recognised with a gold award for the Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign at the Queensland Country Press Awards which were held in the Sunshine Coast last Friday night.

Burdekin Life Journalist, Sam Gillespie, attended the awards and was thrilled to represent the team and the region, securing an award that cemented both the newspaper and the successful launch of the publication into the community.

Burdekin Life Journalist Sam Gillespie with Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli. Photo credit: Samantha Wantling.

Best In State
For Locally Produced Ad

Winners are grinners, and this was certainly the case for Life Publishing Group representatives who brought home three awards at the Queensland Country Press Awards over the weekend.

Burdekin Life Journalist, Sam Gillespie stood proudly with Burdekin Life’s award for Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign for the My Pets Rural ad that graces this very page every week (see below).

Concepted and designed by the team at the central office located in the Whitsundays, these series of ads were a real hit with the judges.

“This series ticks all the boxes!” said the judges report.

“Great pics, great graphics and creative design elements. The message in each advert is clear and humorous. Each advert lists the products and services available at My Pets Rural. The consistency in brand recognition here is outstanding.

“This series is a standout winner.”

Production Manager, Crissy Bottrell was instrumental in designing the award-winning concept, alongside Ruby Gorlick who worked with the client on the initial idea.

“I love anything that makes people smile and shake their head at the same time,” expressed Crissy.

“I came up with my most “dad joke” worthy one-liners and it all rolled on from there.

“This would have to be my most proud achievement. In 30 years of working administration, I’ve had some highlights for sure, but this really tops it.

“Having my terrible sense of humour validated and revered is pretty monumental. My kids will have to think I’m cool now!”

Sam Gillespie said he was thrilled to receive the accolade on behalf of the team.

“Receiving an award of this stature within a year of launching Burdekin Life is a huge achievement and one that I am very proud to be involved in,” he shared.

“It’s not only recognition of the work that I and the team put into this publication every week, but an honour that we share with each and every one of our readers and supporters.

“The support of the community in launching Burdekin Life has been immense and I am very thankful of the assistance, guidance and feedback I receive from you all on a weekly basis.”

Owner and Founder of Life Publishing Group, which also produces Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, Core Life Magazine and Tripping Magazine, said the award was real validation of the success of the newspaper in its early days.

“We were asked by the community to come and start a newspaper because there was a real need for it,” shared Ms Douthwaite.

“So, for Burdekin Life to grow so quickly in just a few months and be recognised for its design that was put together by our team, is a huge achievement for everyone involved.”

At the same awards presentation, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper won gold for Best One-off Commercial Feature and gold for Best Free Newspaper in Queensland.

That publication is produced by the same team that produces Burdekin Life Newspaper and is where Sam Gillespie began his career two years ago as a cadet journalist.

“I’m also very proud of Mackay and Whitsunday Life, the publication with which I began my journalism career, being awarded Best Free Newspaper in Queensland and Best One-off Commercial Feature,” Stated Mr Gillespie.

“Contributing to these publications has been an incredible journey and has offered me so many unique opportunities, for which I am extremely grateful.

“Bringing free, fair, and relevant news to these communities is our passion and receiving this industry recognition is a huge feat for us as a team and one that we celebrate alongside you, our valued readers and supporters.”

Life Publishing Group representatives standing with Opposition Leader David Crisafulli at the Queensland Country Press Awards last Friday night. Sam Gillespie from Burdekin Life Newspaper, Rebecca Douthwaite Founder and Owner of Life Publishing Group, David Crisafulli Leader of the Opposition and Rachael Smith Editor in Chief of Life Publishing Group. Photo credit: Samantha Wantling

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Hi readers
Firstly, I want to thank you for all the messages and comments of congratulations for the awards Burdekin Life and Mackay and Whitsunday Life received at the Queensland Country Press Association Excellence Awards on the weekend.
It was a wonderful evening in Mooloolaba and me, Bec and Rachael were very proud to accept the awards.
You can read more information on that just over the page on page 3.
Next week will be my last week in the Burdekin and brings with it lots of other little ‘lasts’.
Monday night will be my last night of tennis in Home Hill; tennis is up there in the top two of my favourite sports to play (alongside netball), so getting involved with the Home Hill Tennis Association was a no-brainer when I first moved to Home Hill.
I’m looking forward to one final hit and a few laughs on Monday.
Tuesday will be my last show of the ‘Home Hill Happy Hour’, the radio show I’ve been presenting on 97.1 Sweet FM since February.
If you’re free from 7:00pm Tuesday evening, I invite you to tune in on the wireless or online to hear some of my favourite tunes as I send off the show.
Wednesday, of course, is social bowls, where I will farewell the friends I’ve made and caught up with every Wednesday throughout my short but very enjoyable bowls career.
If you’re keen on a bowl, a beer, a sausage and a nice night out, come along to Home Hill Community Sports Club!
Lastly, Friday night will be my last night out at the Burdekin Theatre as I look forward to ending my last day on the job with some Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tunes – maybe I’ll see you there.
I will be sad to farewell the Burdekin, but I look forward to making the most of the time I have left here and hope to see you out and about while I do!

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A group of Home Hill crafters have been busy crocheting blankets, beanies and scarves to be donated to patients at the Home Hill Hospital.
Approximately 20 members from the Friends and Neighbours Craft Group have been working on the projects for most of the year so far, some even starting late last year to have the donations ready for winter.
“The idea came many years ago when we were asked if we could do something for the patients,” Friends and Neighbours Craft Group President, Christine Oats said.
“A lot of the wool gets donated, and we’ve just kept doing it every couple of years.
“We thought we’d better get in and make the donation because it turned cold.”
The crafty and generous group also lend their skills, making other donations throughout the community and even the state.
“Some people in our group make little booties for the babies at Ayr Hospital and another makes toys, and they are sent down to a hospital in Brisbane for the children’s ward,” Christine said.
Approximately 25 crafters make up the group which was started about 30 years ago by Christine’s mother, although craft isn’t always the only thing on the agenda.
“We talk gardening, cooking, health, there’s a whole heap of subjects that we go around,” Christine said.
“It’s a social outing, not just a craft group.”
“Because so many new people come to Home Hill, we’d love to meet them, even if they’re not a really crafty person, they can come and have a cuppa and a chat,” added fellow member June Bartlett.
The Friends and Neighbours Craft Group meet at the Home Hill Community Sports Club every Wednesday from 9:00am.
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Ann, June, Robyn, Gail, Rosalea and Connie from the Home Hill Friends and Neighbours Craft Group

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The men of the Burdekin Men’s Shed have shared their appreciation after receiving funding as part of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants.
The organisation directed the grant towards the purchase of a new mower which President Rob Ritchie said was an immense help.
“Our mower gets used fairly regularly down here; our groundsman uses it every week and he does a fantastic job on the grounds,” Mr Ritchie said.
The new mower, purchased from Honeycombes and handed over last Friday, May 24, will replace a mower that the organisation owned for up to eight years.
“It’s saving us on maintenance on the old mower and we’ve got a good, reliable and safe machine to work with,” Mr Ritchie said.
The new mower will be primarily used by the Men’s Shed groundsman Chris Payard who Mr Ritchie thanked for his service.
“Chris works and he volunteers his time,” he said.
“He does the mowing and the whipper snipping and we take our hat off to him, it’s greatly appreciated.
“The mower provides a pleasant atmosphere to the members here,” added Secretary Charles Ford.
“There’s nothing like a Men’s Shed that’s well-groomed all the time and provides a good atmosphere for the men to participate in.”
The Burdekin Men’s Shed applied for the grant after Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox highlighted their eligibility.
Projects including painting chairs for the Zonta Club, mentoring students from various schools around the region and making and donating toys to Dale Last’s Christmas appeals exemplify the role the Men’s Shed plays in the community.
“I think one of the main reasons we were recognised with a Volunteers Grant is because we became part of the community immediately when we first formed the shed,” Mr Ford said.
“We do jobs for the community, and we are helping people of the community and we’re only volunteers, so that’s why we have a good name.”
Mr Willcox said the grants are critical in supporting and recognising the role that volunteers play within our community.
“Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, and their selflessness and dedication to our region deserves recognition and support,” Mr Willcox said.
“This funding is well deserved, keep up the incredible work that you do.”

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L-R Burdekin Men’s Shed Groundsman Chris Payard, Grant Writer John Furnell, Steven Caltabiano of Honeycombes, President Rob Ritchie and Secretary Charles Ford

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Across the Burdekin region, a lack of suitable transport services has left many elderly residents feeling isolated and struggling to access essential appointments and social activities.
The issue has become particularly pressing for those without family nearby or the ability to drive themselves.
June Bartlett, who cares for her husband aged in his 80s, highlighted the difficulties faced when transport is limited.
“When he became very ill and unable to do much, that’s when we really started to get stuck with transport,” she explained.
“From him needing so many appointments with physios, doctors, at the hospital, I started to meet a lot of older people in the area.”
As an involved community member and regular attendee of the Friends and Neighbours Craft Group, Ms Bartlett has noted firsthand that many in the community, especially older women who have lost their spouses, face similar challenges.
“Lots of people are facing transport problems in the future, not just because they can’t drive, maybe they don’t have a car or it’s broken down,” she said.
“There’s a great need for transport to be available at a lot shorter notice.”
Ms Bartlett acknowledged the “terrific” work of service providers including Burdekin Community Association (BCA), Bur-Del Services and Townsville’s TransitCare.
She also acknowledged the taxi and Uber services available in the Burdekin but cited technological and financial reasons for these not being suitable for everyone.
BCA CEO Debra Cochran said the organisation provides transport services to eligible people under the Home Care Packages Program, Commonwealth Home Support Program, Queensland Community Support Scheme and Burdekin Community Transport Service.
“We also provide transport to people not eligible for the programs, on a one-off basis, if we have a seat available on the bus and we are already transporting a client to the same destination,” she added.
BCA utilises two buses with wheelchair access that can carry eight passengers or, when there is a passenger in a wheelchair, four other passengers.
Bus transport is offered in Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with the bus doing multiple trips to various locations around the towns for shopping, visiting, medical appointments, participation in events etc.
Bus Transport to and from Townsville is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, the priority being to assist clients to access medical services that are not available at local public hospitals.
“We have capacity on our buses to provide transport to more people, eligible for the above programs,” Ms Cochran confirmed.
“Our capacity for Support Workers to provide additional Transport depends on the availability of workers.
“We’re not experiencing a demand to increase Transport services and we’d like to see more people from Home Hill, Brandon and Giru accessing services.”
TransitCare also does daily transport Monday to Thursday for over 65 and under 65 in Ayr, Home Hill and surrounding areas, transporting 30 to 40 clients per week mostly to medical appointments.
Despite this coverage of services, Ms Bartlett said an increase in appointments being booked later in the afternoon and on weekends leaves residents with few options.
“There needs to be a much more flexible and spontaneous system,” she said.
“When appointments get suddenly offered to you that day, it’s very difficult to get to things without having a well organised mind.
“Having an extra transport service here in the hours that the other ones don’t operate would be just terrific for all of the people who need to go to the hospital at 5 o’clock in the afternoon or need to get home from the hospital at 5 o’clock in the afternoon.”
Chrysse Theofanes shared her own struggles since losing her husband three years ago.
“When you lose your partner and there’s one person left in the house, you don’t go out, you don’t have friends, so if you’ve got to go to the doctor, I don’t know how you’re going to get there,” she said.
“Sometimes you don’t want to keep on asking for help; some people want to be independent and be able to do things when they’d like to do things.”
Christine Anderson, a nearly 75-year-old widow from Home Hill, relies heavily on her daughter for transportation.
“I can’t get into Ayr on my own and I can’t afford a taxi every time,” she said.
The weekly craft group is Ms Anderson’s only social outing each week.
“I think it’s very important, because otherwise I’d be sitting at home sleeping or watching TV or doing both at the same time.
“Having transport options is vital because otherwise people just don’t go.”
As Ms Bartlett concluded, "We must look after the people who made this country what it is today.
“People really do get stressed and worried about how they’re going to manage to get to things.”
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June Bartlett and Christine Anderson

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Future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program has been abolished as per the Federal Government’s recent budget with no ongoing funding to be provided for other key regional communications infrastructure programs.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the axing of the Mobile Black Spot in 2026/27 is a major blow for regional communities, with zero dollars allocated for 2027/28.

“For the people of Dawson, there are whole communities that do not have access to mobile connectivity, and some people have to leave their home just to get reception,” he said.

“In 2024, how is this good enough?

“This isn’t just so people can call friends and family for a chat, we’re talking about real life emergency situations where people are getting stranded.”

The Government has also cut funding for the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which covers funding for a range of programs including on-farm connectivity and the Regional Tech Hub.

“It’s no wonder that people in regional Australian communities are feeling isolated,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Budget papers show Labor is going to ramp up funding for mobile connectivity just in time for the coming election year, before it falls away and then comes to a grinding halt.

Funding for the Better Connectivity Plan will more than double in the lead up to the election from $101.8 million in 2023/24 to $228.4 million in 2024/25. 

Funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program will nearly triple ahead of the poll day, from $17.5 million in 2023/24 to $45.9 million in 2024/25. 

But all three programs are to receive zero funding in 2027/28.

“Improving connectivity for people in both the bush and those living on the outskirts of major cities is critical and shouldn’t be at the whim of the Albanese Government’s political strategy,” Mr Willcox said.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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Opinion Piece
As the clock winds down to the rescheduled commencement of the 2024 sugar cane crushing season, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances that the Burdekin won’t be held to ransom during pay disputes.
Mr Last said the community deserved to know that the multinational milling company was fulfilling its commitment to the district it operates in.
“With forecasts of a bumper crop, it is vital the crushing gets underway on schedule," Mr Last said.
"My message to Wilmar Sugar is simple; negotiate in good faith and remember that you have an obligation to do the right thing.
“Obviously businesses must put profits as a priority, but they also need to make this community a priority.  
“The goodwill of the Burdekin community is an important asset for Wilmar so, even from a purely business perspective, it is vital they do the right thing.
“By ensuring there are no further delays, Wilmar has the opportunity to ensure that they, as well as the rest of the community, benefits as much as possible from the predicted bumper crop.  
“If they refuse to negotiate fairly they may have a short term win but at what long term cost?"
Mr Last said he wasn't calling for the multi-national miller to 'cave in' but that he expected leadership from the district's largest employer.
“Wages and conditions are about negotiating for the best outcome for all parties," he said.
"Wilmar must ensure a fair outcome for themselves but the community also expects a fair outcome for the workers and the wider community.
"The flow on effects of delays or standover cane in the paddocks at the end of the crushing ripples through the entire community.  
“Given recent profits it is incredibly easy to make the case that workers deserve a share of the prosperity.
"You only have to look at the big supermarkets to see that market dominance can have a negative effect.  
“This is Wilmar's chance to prove that, despite their monopoly, they are prepared to be a good corporate citizen that deserves the community's support.
“This situation cannot be another example of a multinational company the community to ransom.”

Wilmar’s Invicta Mill, Giru. Photo supplied

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A new program hosted by PCYC Burdekin is inviting those aged 55 and above to get active.
Healthy Active Bodies is a group fitness program tailored for mature adults aged 55 plus.
The program is based on progressive resistance training and incorporates aerobic exercise, balance and flexibility classes.
The classes are circuit based, allowing each participant to exercise at an intensity which is suitable to their needs.
“It’s very important, as we age, to keep as fit and healthy as we can,” said Ayr Health Service Senior Physiotherapist Sarah Searle.
“The stronger you are, the less likely you are to fracture anything if you were to have a fall.
“It’s got lots of great social benefits too, it’s a great way to make new friends and keep active in the community.”
The classes are run by local trainer Joanne Barbagallo and made possible through funding received from the Townsville Hospital and Health Service via the Rural and Remote Medical Benefits Scheme.  
Director of Nursing and Facility Manager at Ayr Health Service, Tracey Gabiola, said the local health service has been redirecting these funds for approximately the last five years to support these health promotion initiatives like Healthy Active Bodies.  
“The programs have a definite primary health care focus and support people across the life span from adolescents to aged persons,” she said.
“Many of the programs are specifically targeted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth which is vitally important for our Burdekin community.”
Burdekin PCYC Youth Club Program Manager Andrew Sherrington thanked the Townsville Hospital and Health Service for the funding.
“Burdekin PCYC is incredibly thankful to Townsville Hospital and Health Service for their ongoing support with funding to deliver this and other programs within the Burdekin community,” he said.
“Without the support of this funding, this program and many others would not be possible and we are forever grateful to Townsville Hospital and Health Service for their generous support.”
Classes are provided at no cost to the local community and are offered every Monday from 10am–11am and Friday from 9am–10am.
Contact Burdekin PCYC on 07 4783 1009 for more information.

The Healthy Active Bodies group with Senior Physiotherapist Sarah Searle (third from left) and Joanne Barbagallo (front)

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At 6.30pm on Saturday 11 May, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr. As a result, a 25yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.  
At 1.00am on Sunday 12 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Beach Road, Ayr. As a result, a 23yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .155 and for unlicenced driving. She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 10 June.
At 9.10pm on Sunday 12 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on McDesme Road, Ayr. The driver, a 51yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.
At 12.35am on Sunday 19 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr. As a result, a 58yr old Townsville man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .099. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 10 June.
At 7.55pm on Sunday 19 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Wilmington Street, Ayr. The driver, a 31yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and possessing a dangerous drug. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.
At 1.25am on Friday 24 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 37yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and she is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 22 July.
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Contributed Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC Ayr

Home Hill Police have concluded an extensive investigation into several break and enters which have occurred at the Home Hill IGA between July 2023 and May 2024. Over the weekend, a 17-year-old juvenile was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act for seven counts of Enter premises and commit indictable offence by break. A 16-year-old juvenile was also dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for five counts of Enter premises and commit indictable offence by break. Home Hill Police encourage member of the community to continue to report suspicious activity to Policelink 131 444.
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Contributed by Sgt Sam Pyke
OIC Home Hill

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A man has died in a quad bike accident on a rural property in the Burdekin.
A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson confirmed the man in his 30s was located deceased on a private property on Jack Road, Colevale, north of Brandon, on Monday, May 27.
QPS were engaged around 12:45pm on Monday afternoon.
“Police will prepare a report for the coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The Forensic Crash Unit will assist in preparing that report.”

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It's common for many of us to plan for our physical assets after we're gone, but we often overlook our digital footprint. While some have prepared a list of online accounts and passwords for their loved ones, it's crucial to consider the broader impact of our digital presence. Should we vanish from the online world completely, or could our social media accounts serve as a platform for our friends and family to navigate their grief? These are important questions worth discussing.

Nowadays, many people of all ages use online platforms to live their lives. It makes sense that they might want to keep communicating even after they die. Some companies offer services for people who want to plan their online afterlives. Although it may seem farfetched and like they are taking advantage of people, giving closure to family and friends can be very comforting.

When someone passes away without organising their Digital Identity, it can cause problems for their family. It can be very difficult for loved ones to regain control of the person's online accounts with some companies. This can create a lot of stress for the family. After someone has passed, their Facebook and Twitter accounts can become targets for hackers, causing additional stress for friends and family or resulting in the family losing control of the account.

If you would like to know more about how to safeguard your Digital Identity, come along to our workshop. Please contact the team on 07 4783 4243 to reserve a spot at the workshop as soon as possible.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

WHAT: Digital Legacy Workshop with Guest Speaker Carly Crompton from nbn Australia  
WHEN: Thursday, July 6 from 11:30am to 12:30pm  
WHERE: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale St, Ayr  
COST: Free

Welcome to my first Councillor Column of the new term of Council. Welcome to our new Mayor and three new Councillors. It’s been a busy start and I’m sure an eye-opening experience for my new colleagues.
We recently had very well attended ANZAC Day ceremonies. I reflected on my forebears who served this country and those left behind to keep the wheels of society turning so we enjoy the freedoms of today. Their sacrifice gave me the privilege of living in this great nation and afforded me the opportunity of playing a part in democracy.
Thank you to those who voted to re-elect me and let me say it’s an honour to represent the Burdekin Shire on Council. Council can be challenging, especially when making ‘the hard’ decisions but I try to keep an open mind and rely on the facts/evidence presented.
I believe in the Burdekin and its people to keep thriving and building. For me it’s about the future. How will my decisions today benefit the community moving forward, what Burdekin community will my children and grandchildren want to live in.    
There is work to do and I’m sure my fellow Councillors, all from different backgrounds and life experience only want what’s best for the community. The differences of background/life experience of each Councillor will add to diversity of opinion.
The Burdekin has untapped potential moving forward but it relies on all of us taking part. Join an organisation, volunteer some time and be the society you want.
Wishing you health and happiness
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Cr John Furnell

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Did you know you can download the prospectus online for the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion project? This is an exciting opportunity for businesses and investors looking to be part of the region’s growth and development.
The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering economic development and creating new job opportunities in the Burdekin region. With ample land and resources available, this expansion aims to enhance the industrial capabilities of our community and support sustainable long-term growth.
Interested parties can access the prospectus and submit their expressions of interest through Burdekin Shire Council's website. This is a unique chance to get involved in shaping the future of our region and contributing to its prosperity.
For more details or to download the prospectus, visit burdekin.qld.gov.au.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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On Monday, May 27, the Home Hill & Ayr Community Banks hosted their annual Community Grants Presentation Night, gathering the community to highlight the bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives and celebrate significant milestones in their journey.
This year, 39 organisations received a total of $369,557 in grants, supporting areas like Youth Services, Sporting Facilities, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Community and Cultural Facilities, Environment, and Employment, on top of an additional $35,750 already distributed throughout the year.
South Burdekin Community Financial Services Limited Chairman Darren West opened the evening by recognising the contributions of his fellow directors, all volunteers, with three having served since the bank's inception.
He also acknowledged Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin, the dedicated staff of both branches, and special guests including Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci, and Councillor John Furnell.
Mr West provided a brief history, recalling the bank's formation in 2003 when a group of community-minded volunteers initiated a steering committee to establish a Bendigo Community Bank in Home Hill.
Despite the challenges of the Global Financial Crisis, the bank steadily grew, gaining a loyal customer base and ultimately took over the last remaining major bank in Home Hill in 2011.
The bank's move to the new Home Hill location in 2015, within the IGA complex, significantly enhanced customer interaction.
In 2016, the bank acquired the Charters Towers portfolio, followed by the purchase of the Ayr branch in 2017, which brought in a diverse customer base.
In 2021, the bank expanded by taking on the Agribusiness portfolio for Ingham, and in 2022, it acquired the Bowen branch, further increasing customer engagement.
Highlighting the essence of a Community Bank, Mr West mentioned the first community contribution in 2008, a modest $1,075, which has since grown substantially.
“The whole idea of a Community Bank is to provide banking services to our communities, to generate profits that are then distributed back into those communities,” he said.
“We have injected a total of $1,491,554 into our community through grants, sponsorships, and dividends.
“This has only been made possible by the support from our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities and those people and organisations that have decided to bank with us.”
Mr West concluded with a call to action, encouraging the community to bank with Community Banks to further increase funding opportunities.
“Imagine the volume we could create and how much extra funding we could provide to the community going forward,” he urged.
The evening then proceeded with the presentation of individual cheques to each organisation, with representatives sharing how the funds will benefit their projects and the community.

The community gathered for the presentation of Home Hill & Ayr Community Banks Community Grants earlier this week. Photo credit: Chantel Michielin

2024 Community Grant Recipients
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce
Ayr Golf Club
Burdekin Art Society Inc
RSL Sub Branch Home Hill
Burdekin Football Club
Millaroo State School P & C Assoc
Ayr Rifle Club
Lower Burdekin Landcare Association
Home Hill Cricket Club
NQ Employment
Burdekin School
Home Hill Tennis
Home Hill Golf Club
Brandon Bowls Club
Home Hill Choral Society
Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Assoc Inc
Home Hill Boat Club
Burdekin Sub Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc
Rita Island Progress Association
Zonta
Burdekin Netball Association
Burdekin Men's Shed Association Inc
St Stephen's Greek Community of Home Hill & Ayr
Burdekin Potters
Jarvisfield Primary P&C Association
Home Hill Community Kindergarten
Burdekin Artisan Community Association Inc
Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association
Burdekin Community Association
Burdekin Chaplains
Burdekin Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc
Home Hill State School P&C
Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club
Burdekin Brass Band
Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod
Bowen Seagulls Rugby League
Bowen Netball Association
Ayr Tennis Association
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Recent law reforms by the Queensland Government have been by Australia’s foremost breeder of industrial hemp seedstock.
Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout said “good sense” had prevailed when MPs passed the amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act on April 18.
Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced the changes, saying they support the continued growth of the state’s industrial cannabis industry.
“The bill will support the industrial cannabis industry in Queensland by clarifying that industrial cannabis seed may be supplied to a seed handler,” he said.
“The amendments also establish a power to enter into information-sharing arrangements with entities, including the Queensland Police Service, to improve the sharing of industrial cannabis industry information under the Act.”
Mr Grout said low-THC hemp does not present the same sort of challenges as medicinal cannabis.
“It is a workhorse product that supplies fibre for building construction and dietary seed for human nutrition,” he said.
“It is also a powerhouse in carbon cycling.
“Hemp possesses the extraordinary ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at an astonishing rate.
“This, coupled with its rapid growth rate, renders hemp a formidable player in our fight against climate change.”
Potential benefits for producers include diversified revenue streams as well as improved soil fertility and less herbicide use, Mr Grout added.
“It is a multitasking marvel: not only does it sequester carbon, but it also undertakes the noble task of soil remediation, effortlessly removing heavy metals from contaminated soils.
“Its deep-reaching root system further enhances this process, enriching the soil and fortifying its structure for future agriculture.
“Peer-reviewed studies resoundingly support hemp's prowess in carbon sequestration and soil remediation.”
The benefits extend to mining, energy and water corporations, he added. “Hemp's ability to absorb heavy metals from soil and its potential for biofuel production positions it as a lucrative venture for eco-conscious corporations.
“By incorporating hemp into supply chains, corporations can bolster their sustainability credentials, tap into burgeoning markets and drive innovation in renewable technologies.
“The potential of industrial hemp to revolutionise our agricultural practices and combat climate change cannot be overstated.”

Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout

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