An impressive abode overlooking Macmillan Street in Ayr, Zammit House recently hit the market for the first time, changing hands and allowing former owner and granddaughter, Giselle Lennox, to reflect on its incredible history.
The parcel of land at 113-115 Macmillan Street was originally entered into the Land Registry in 1883.  
It was purchased on April 6, 1933 by PJ Mellick and his wife, Nafley, Lebanese migrants for their daughter Lyla and husband Michael as a wedding gift.
The land was in prime location and surrounded by important and significant structures including the Masonic Lodge, Anzac Memorial Park, Ayr Shire Council, Ayr Post Office and Ayr Town Clock.  
“It was to be an impressive modern brick home placed in the centre of the half acre parcel”, Giselle shared.  
“Plans were drawn and building commenced.
“It was to be the Zammit family home.”
One of the first homes in Ayr to showcase architectural styles prominent to the early days of settlement, the Zammit home was designed in a classic English colonial style.
It stood as a brick and concrete building featuring imposing columns and a large wrap around veranda, the red coloured concrete floor of the veranda a modern application for its time.  
The original red and white chequered concrete walkways still lead and invite you into the home.
The entrance to the home is through a large welcoming front door or access from the veranda through the large silky oak French doors, leading you into the formal lounge and dining room.
The house features two generous bedrooms and one extra generous master suite with a particularly modern feature for its day: a connecting door directly into the family bathroom.
The 1930’s art deco styled bathroom still has the original mosaic tiled floor and pedestal basin and the tiled built-in rectangular bathtub would have been considered a luxury back in the day.
A large private kitchen still has the original tiled hearth and chimney.  
The back door from the kitchen allowed access to a similar smaller building that served as the laundry and staff sleeping quarters.  
Original pendant lights, wide pine floors and extensive silky oak detailed joinery all contribute to the classic and stately character of the home; qualities and craftsmanship original to the home and no longer found in contemporary houses.  
Lyla and Michael moved into the home in 1934 with their children, Josephine, Michael “Mickey” and Lorraine.
Michael had migrated from Malta in 1916, had purchased a cane farm in 1920 and also became a registered Bookmaker in 1926.  
He travelled extensively to attend race meets while Lyla was the homemaker and the children attended school.
Josephine was a boarder at St Patricks College Townsville and Mickey and Lorraine went to St Francis School in Ayr.
As the only grandchildren living in Ayr, Mickey and Lorraine spent a lot of time with their grandparents and also in the stores they owned.  
PJ Mellick had also opened a store in Home Hill.
In December 1940, Mickey, aged 10, went to spend time with his grandmother who was managing the store in Home Hill.  
“Always the prankster, he would pull out the seamstresses sewing machine cords when they left to attend the front of store,” Giselle said.  
“Unfortunately, this particular day, a horrible accident resulted, and Mickey received a fatal shock.  
“The family never recovered.”
Lyla was sent to a Sydney hospital to recover and Giselle’s mother, Lorraine, was sent to St Patrick’s College in Townsville to continue her education at the age of 9.  
Her sister Josephine had already finished school and was living in Sydney.
Michael visited Lyla in Sydney and eventually she returned home before they separated in 1944 and divorced in 1946.  
Lyla was awarded the family home and furniture, property and an alimony of 32 pounds per month.
Lorraine returned to Ayr in her 20’s and later married local Italian shoemaker Luigi Lazzarin before Giselle was born in 1965.
“Lyla’s House has been a home to the Zammit, Lazzarin and Lennox families for 90 years: four generations have lived in this house,” Giselle said.
“Lyla’s house was her home until she passed in 1989.
“My Grandmother loved her home and loved sharing it with her family and friends.
“Grandma loved her garden especially her roses and orchids.  
“She hosted bridge games and enjoyed playing her pianola for guests.
“No matter what time of the day you visited, there would always be someone that had just ‘dropped in’, sitting at her kitchen table or on her front veranda waiting for their tea to be poured.
“As the only grandchild and having spent a lot of time in the house growing up, I have wonderful memories of a very happy and beloved Grandmother” Giselle said.  
As the only grandchild, it was expected that Lyla’s house would be the last home Giselle would live in.
However, Giselle has made the decision to pass the house along and leave the Burdekin to be closer to her family, including her own little Granddaughter, Lyla.
“The Zammit House, Lyla’s House, has always had a strong and special association with the Burdekin community as a local landmark”, Giselle said.  
“Even in her 90th year, she is still a majestic and historical piece of the Burdekin and I hope one that will be truly appreciated and treated with the respect her history deserves”.

Michael, Lyla, Lorraine, Mickey and Josephine in front of Zammit House circa 1936

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Rehoming fee: $195
DOB: 01.03.2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Kid friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Slow introduction
Other cats: Slow introduction
Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

Rayne is a young mum and her kittens have recently left the nest so she can now look forward to the next stage of her life, and the loving family that she deserves.
Raine is super sweet and affectionate and adores human company.
She is okay with other pets but will need time to adapt to her new siblings.
Raine is available for adoption desexed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines and is flea/tick/worm treated.

If you would like to meet resplendent Raine, please submit an enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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On Saturday May 25, Inkerman Hill was covered with dedicated and inspiring members of the Burdekin community raising valuable awareness and funds for CORES Queensland.

Climb 4 CORES, organised by Janai Giddy, stood as a moving community event with over 30 participants relaying their way up Inkerman Hill from 7am to 11am.

The day was sunny, inspirational, and moving with perfect weather, plenty of laughter and a touch of friendly hill climbing competition determined who could run their way down Inkerman the quickest.

“It was a really beautiful morning with everyone starting the event together at sunrise and all doing the first lap as a whole group, it gave me goosebumps,” explained Janai.

The event saw some participants walk Inkerman Hill for the first time in their lives, and many taking to the trail for the second time, making for both a challenging and rewarding experience all around.

“It was just the best time; we had music playing at the base camp where we were set up, and then there were lots of conversations around everyone’s mental health, with people sharing their own stories within their little walking groups, and there was so much laughter and fun banter, it was just such a feel-good event, so much so that everyone kept asking can we do this again, so it looks like I’ll be putting an annual event together!” said Janai.

Melanie Napier was on site of the extraordinary event, camera in hand, capturing all the smiles and good vibes.

“Saturday turned out to be a typical beautiful Burdekin morning, and just perfect for a couple of laps of Mt Inkerman,” expressed Mel.

“I would like to congratulate Janai and her awesome support team on yet another great event for our community, as well as the participants who braved the cool Saturday morning to raise funds for such a worthy CORES. 

“It was a privilege to donate my time to be there, to see the determination of the walkers, and to capture their smiles as they conquered the hill.”

The 2024 Climb 4 CORES event has raised just over $2,500 within the two weeks of fundraising, and Janai could not be prouder of the community’s support.

“Just to see everyone enjoying themselves filled my heart and seeing people out there doing something for their mental health and laughing and having a great time, it really was such a feel-good event,” expressed Janai.

Extremely grateful to the community for their support, Janai recalls locals jumping ahead of her to pay for the events supplies at the supermarket checkout throughout the week and believes the way the Burdekin supports events like the Climb 4 CORES is beyond amazing.

With the support of this year’s participants and the community behind her, Janai has begun thinking up plans for 2025.

“It’s for such an amazing organisation and having everyone out there moving their bodies for their mental health and having everyone talking about CORES was amazing,” expressed Janai.

“Our community is pretty special here in the Burdekin and thank you to everyone who supported the event, whether it was a donation of food, a donation of money, or just being a part of the event, and of course a big thank you to Ross Romeo and to CORES Queensland for all the work that they do to support our community.”

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CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo and event organiser Janai Giddy. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

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On May 11, six debutantes and their partners were introduced into society with their family and friends present at the St Colman’s Catholic School Debutante Ball.  
The theme was Pretty in Pink, and the girls and their partners showcased their dancing skills learnt over the previous seven weeks.  
The night started at St Colman's Catholic Church with a small blessing to the debs and partners with their parents present.  
It was a lovely way to start the night before heading over to the hall with 370 people in attendance and dinner provided by Howie's Catering.  
The first dance of the night was the short partner dance and then the debutantes were presented to Parish Priest Father Manoj and Burdekin Major Pierina Dalle Cort.  
After the official presentations and photos, Addison MacDonald and her Partner David Kelly were announced to cut the Cake.  
The second partner dance was then presented followed by the girls dance and to finish off the night, the boys wooed the crowd with their dancing and acrobatics.  
“We had a fantastic group of kids, and we really had a great time at practices,” said Shalon Gibson of St Colman’s Catholic School.
“I think everyone is going to miss Sunday night practices!  
“The night would not have been possible without a great committee and the help of St Colman's Catholic School Parents and Staff who all helped before and on the night of the ball.”  
Thanks was also shared with Home Hill Engineering, Dominiques, The Flower Effect and Howie's for donations of items for the event.  
“To the debs and their families, we hope that you all really enjoyed the night and it will be fondly remembered for years to come,” Ms Gibson concluded.

Back row L-R: Harrison Lammon, Jacob Drain, Cruz Torkington, David Kelly, Dominik Cvjetanovic and Jacob Machin. Front row L-R: Grace Ogomeni, Julea Farry, Christiana Bugeja, Addison MacDonald, Zoe Bonanno and Alexis Hall. Photo supplied

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The Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race brought bright yellow fun to Plantation Park on Sunday, May 19.
Family-friendly activities, including colouring contests and novelty races, started the morning  with plenty of other activities keeping attendees entertained before the big race.
Speaking on Sunday, Organiser and Rotary Club of Ayr volunteer John McVeigh said that 200 ducks were sold for the race and 31 decorated ducks were entered, although it’s too early to tell how much money was raised for Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy and Burdekin Community Association.
“The day was a great success,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Everyone appeared to have a great time and the sellers of ducks and fire pit raffle tickets were kept very busy.”

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Louise Nicholas with Best Duck Outfit winners Everly and Kip Nicholas. Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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2024 Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race
Winners And Results

Top 5 Duck Placings
1st Prize: $1,000 and the 2024 Quack Duck – Duck #75, Des Fenech
2nd Prize: $750 – Duck #80, Real Shed Fabrication
3rd Prize: $500 – Duck #173, Vicki Quirk
4th Prize: $300 – Duck #67, Jennine Symons-Roberts
5th Prize: $200 – Duck #41, Sophie Oar

Lucky Draws: $50 each
1. Duck #182 Bobby Kitson
2. Duck # 51 Terry Deambrosis
3. Duck # 72 Roger Timm
4. Duck #9 Kristian Bellamy
5. Duck #131 Torrie Davies

Best Decorated Duck: $100
$100 – Burdekin Community Association
$30 each – Azahlia Worlein, Nutrien Harcourts McCathies, Kip & Everley Nicholas

Best Duck Outfit: $50 each
Everley Nicholas, Kip Nicholas

Raffle Prize: Fire Pit
Ticket #083 Julie Cook

Caption 1: Adam Perry and Jimmy Hayllor
Caption 2: Member for Dawson Andrew Wilcox and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort
Caption 3: Claire, Jayden, Chris, and Sophie Pirrone
Caption 4: Emma, Hamish and Eden Chapman
Caption 5: Evie Fabbro, Abbie De Wit and Oscar Kelly
Caption 6: Florence Giddy, Gabriella Hibberd and Tarah Giddy
Caption 7: Frank Nucifora on duck duty
Caption 8: Josh Furnell and Jamie Conneely
Caption 9: Kara and Theia Cox, and Shirley and Ian McChesney-Clark
Caption 10: Lyndy McCathie and Jye and Kari Ravizza
Caption 11: Nathan Cook, Brayden Becke, Chloe Hook, Mahala Thorne, Bhree Mclean and Maree Holmes
Caption 12: Nathan Cook, Taj Cogzell, Amanda Brown, Chelsea O'Shea, Maddy Geitz and Lucy Kelly
Caption 13: Remmie Schultz, Emilee Wassmuth and Lani Olsen
Caption 14: Rhegan Koia, Beth Duthie, Xanthie Kohn, Michelle Connolly, Michelle Harris, Biancia and Tyler Hall, Tahlia Connolly and Izaylea Lofts
Caption 15: Rodney Williams and Chalie Nucifora
Caption 16: Taj Cogzell and Chelsea O'Shea
Caption 17: The Burdekin Brass Band
Caption 18-19: Sack race fun and games
Caption 20: Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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Hi readers
It looks like I missed an epic weekend in the Burdekin!
A big thank you to my colleague Chelsea who was in town last weekend and captured all of the social photos from the Burdekin Growers Race Day and the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race – flick to pages 20-23 for all the action.
I returned to Mackay for only the second time since leaving last September on the weekend and had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends and celebrating the engagement of my cousin and her fiance.
I will again be out of town this weekend, this time heading down to the Sunshine Coast for the Queensland Country Press Association Media Excellence Awards.
At last year’s event, I was honoured to bring home third place in the Best Editorial Campaign category for a campaign I wrote and researched on the issue of homelessness in Mackay.
Mackay and Whitsunday Life was also awarded first place last year for the ‘Jenny and Steve’ advertisement that made worldwide headlines, along with another second and third place.
It was a huge first for the team and I was proud and grateful to be involved.
I again have some work nominated in this year’s awards but, no matter the result, I will proudly represent the publication and the region of the Burdekin alongside my Editor In Chief, Rachael, and Publisher, Bec.
Whatever you’re up to this weekend, I hope you have a good one!

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One of the biggest days on the Burdekin’s calendar, the Burdekin Growers Race Day, has come and gone and while frocks were worn and horses were raced, one of the bigger attractions of the day came when attendees got to leave with a free box of Burdekin grown produce.
Local fruitmonger and “mango man” Henry Petersen said 42 bins of produce were cleaned out by 8:00pm the night of the races.
“This was a gimmick I first created 26 years ago,” Henry said.
“Today, it's the race day’s biggest attraction.”
Produce given away on the day included rockmelons, watermelons, capsicums, avocadoes and eggplants, all grown and donated by local Burdekin growers.
“What a sight it was to see,” Henry said.
The day also featured a produce challenge which saw lucky local growers take home cash prizes for their efforts across best capsicum, zucchini, eggplant, melon and box categories.
Free produce giveaways are yet another key element in what makes the Burdekin Growers Race Day such a unique event.
Congratulations to all growers involved and to the Burdekin Race Club for another successful Growers Race Day.
Find all the social photos from the day on pages 20-21.

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Racegoers left the Burdekin Growers Race Day with free boxes of locally grown produce. Photo supplied: Henry Petersen
Photo supplied: Dale Last - Member for Burdekin

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On 11 May 2024 at 8:40am a stolen Isuzu MU-X travelled from Townsville to Home Hill on the Bruce Highway. The vehicle was reported to be travelling at extremely high speeds on the highway. The vehicle was tracked by POLAIR helicopter to Home Hill. The driver of the vehicle crashed into a power pole on Fifth Avenue before decamping on foot into yards. Police located the driver on Eighth Street where he was arrested. A 21-year-old male from Cairns was charged with several property offences and was remanded in custody.  
On 18 May 2024 Home Hill Police conducted a policing operation at the annual Burdekin Growers Raceday. Local officers received assistance from Ayr, Townsville Tactical Crime Squad, Upper Ross Police Facility, Highway Patrol and Townsville District Crime Prevention Unit. Most patrons enjoyed an excellent day out with no incidents reported that required Police. Following the event, operation continued over to licenced premises in Ayr. Police were kept busy in Ayr with one male charged with public nuisance and several persons being issued with infringement notices for public order offences.
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Contributed by Sergeant Sam Pyke
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Officer in Charge Home Hill Police Station

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Four Burdekin veterans were presented with Certificates of Appreciation for their service and contribution to Australia’s defence efforts by Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
Mr Willcox made the presentations at a RSL Home Hill Sub Branch meeting on Monday, May 20 and said the Certificates of Appreciation are available under the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Program.
“They’re a way of expressing the nation’s gratitude to those who served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces from the Second World War on, or on the home front during the Second World War,” he said.
“We’re very fortunate that we’ve got four recipients in the Burdekin.
“Two, unfortunately, are being presented posthumously and are being represented by their sons.”
The four recipients were presented with Certificates of Appreciation signed by Mr Willcox, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh.
RSL Home Hill Sub Branch President Richard Kelly was one recipient of the certificates having served nine months in Vietnam.
“We’ve received these certificates for appreciation for what we’ve done overseas,” he said
“I was unlucky in one way but lucky in another when I was called up (to serve in Vietnam).
“A lot of people said, ‘Are you going?’ and I said, ‘Why not? I’m going to serve my country.’
“I was proud to serve my country and was one of the lucky ones who got to come home.”
Mr Willcox shared his appreciation with the RSL Home Hill Sub Branch members.
“It’s not lost on me the fact that the freedoms we enjoy today, they’ve been hard fought for,” he said.
“People have actually gone over there, protected our boundaries and made sure that we’re safe and can enjoy each and every day.
“I can’t thank the Australian Defence Force and the veterans enough.”

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Certificate of Appreciation Recipients
   • Andrew Clive for his contribution to the Volunteer Defence Force E Company Ayr 16th Battalion VDC QLD (accepted posthumously by his son Ron Clive)
   • Jack Petersen for his contribution during World War 2 (accepted posthumously by his son Allan Petersen)
   • Richard Kelly for his war service in Vietnam
   • William “Bill” Lowis for his contribution as Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Australian Navy Vietnam and Indonesian peacekeeping operations

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L-R Richard Kelly, Allan Petersen, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Ron Clive and Bill Lowis

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The formal opening of the new Burdekin Electorate Office on Queen Street pays homage to the community it serves, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.
While it was relocated in February, the Burdekin Electorate Office was formally opened last Friday, May 17 with Clerk of the Queensland Parliament Mr Neil Laurie joining Mr Last and community members to unveil the plaque.  
“To have Mr Laurie join us for the opening on his very first visit to the Burdekin in his role as Clerk of the Parliament is an honour and I know that the work he has put in to ensuring this electorate has an office it can be proud of will not go unnoticed,” Mr Last said.  
“The Burdekin Electorate Office plays an important role within this community, not only as a place where you can meet with me to discuss issues but a safe space where you can attend for assistance with a wide range of issues.
“The first Burdekin Electorate Office was in Young Street and obviously since the 1990s has held a firm place at Centrepoint Arcade, over that time the requirements of that office have changed dramatically and with that the need for more space and functionality has seen the transition to the new office space on Queen Street.”  
Mr Last said it was important that the office was visible and accessible to all members of the public but also acknowledged the vast industries and diverse landscapes that encompass the Burdekin Electorate.  
“The Burdekin Electorate is incredibly diverse from our horticulture and agriculture industries in the Bowen and Burdekin Shire areas, to our National Parks and of course our mining and resources sectors in the Moranbah and wider Isaac region,” Mr Last said.
“Having images of Hoods Lagoon in Clermont, Bowen’s Big Mango, Alligator Creek, the Burdekin Bridge and Collinsville’s Pit Pony is about paying homage to this entire electorate its vast landscapes and of course its iconic scenes.
“Please remember that if you or anyone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to visit the Burdekin electorate Office and find out how my staff and I can assist you.”
Mr Last’s new office can be found at Shop E East End Centre, 54-60 Queen Street, Ayr.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Clerk of the Queensland Parliament Mr Neil Laurie
Mr Last, Mark Stoneman (Member for Burdekin 1983-1998), Rosemary Menkens (Member for Burdekin 2004-2015) and Mr Laurie
Mr Last and Queensland Youth Parliament Member Brent Dingle
L-R Burdekin Shire Councillors John Furnell and Max Musumeci, Mr Last, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Councillors Delfine Vasta and Amanda Hall
The cutting of the cake with Mr Last (right), owner of the building Dr Sarat Tata (centre) and his family
Mr Laurie (left) was presented with a cane knife by Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford (centre) and Mr Last
Photo credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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Utilising his skills from his civilian workplace in the Australian Defence Force Reserve and, indeed, vice versa, Nick O’Connor is a passionate reservist who was recently recognised for his contribution to the Air Force Reserve.
As a civilian, Mr O’Connor can be found at the Burdekin Shire Council chambers filling the role of Director, Corporate & Community Services.
He also works part time with the Air Force Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer and was recently awarded the Prince of Wales Award (POWA) as part of a scheme that recognises ADF reservists and their civilian employers for their ongoing support and contribution to Defence capability.
“It’s targeted at reservists within Army, Navy and Air Force across Australia and it aims to provide up to $10,000 financial assistance to assist an ADF reservist to undertake professional development training, a course, a conference, or formalised study,” Mr O’Connor said.
“It’s a real acknowledgement of the commitment I’ve provided to Air Force, the skills I bring to my role in the ADF, and the great thing about the POWA is the scholarship that’s provided will go towards, for me, a Graduate Certificate in Digital Transformation and completion of that will have direct benefits to me civilian career and my civilian employer.”
With a passion for service, Mr O’Connor commenced his association with the ADF Reserve in 1996 when he joined the Army Reserve as an Infantry Soldier.
After four years, he discharged, got married, started a family and embarked on a civilian career as a journalist in regional Queensland newspapers before turning to local government in 1998.
His desire to serve led him back to the Reserve in 2006 when he commenced as a Part Time Public Affairs Officer in the Air Force Reserve.
“The benefits and the leadership skills developed through my air force career are directly translatable to my civilian career and, indeed, it’s a two-way street,” Mr O’Connor said.
“I’ve been in local government, so there’s that service element in trying to better the local communities in which I’ve worked.
“Then amplifying that out when it comes to my ADF career, what triggered my interest was that real desire to serve, but also the camaraderie and the personal and professional development opportunities.”
Mr O’Connor is one of 17 reservists from across Australia to receive the POWA in 2024 and only one of three Queenslanders.
As the POWA scheme celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024, Head of Joint Support Services Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw commended this year’s recipients and spoke of the skills they will gain through this scheme.
“The Prince of Wales Award scheme is one way that Defence invests in the relationship between reservists, Defence and civilian employers,” Major General Laidlaw said.
“I congratulate the 2024 recipients of the Prince of Wales Award and their supportive civilian employers.”
Mr O’Connor travelled to Brisbane for a presentation held at Government House on Thursday, May 9.
“I’m really chuffed to have won the award; it is a prestigious award and it’s something that I hold in great esteem,” he said.
“It was a wonderful event and a great opportunity to have the achievements formally recognised.
“I want to acknowledge the support I’ve been provided from Burdekin Shire Council
“I think winning the award and undertaking the Graduate Certificate is my and the ADF’s tangible way of giving back to my employer and increasing my knowledge and skillset in quite a dynamic environment will have benefit for not only myself in my civilian career but also my civilian employer.”

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Nick O’Connor was presented with the Prince of Wales Award in recognition of this ADF Reserve contribution by Governor of Queensland Jeannette Young
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Mr O’Connor (left) with his Commanding Officer Peter Croce who flew up from Canberra for the event
Photos supplied

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On Wednesday May 15, the Burdekin Community Association (BCA) called for the community to gather together and remember all of those who are no longer with us due to domestic and family violence.
Joined by Burdekin Shire Council officials, Zonta Club Burdekin members, local Police Service and NQ Domestic Violence Resource Service, we paused for a minute’s silence to respectfully remember the lives of women and children lost to gendered based violence.  
Following on from the candle lighting ceremony, the community was invited to the opening of our art gallery, filled with artwork representing ‘Through Her Eyes’.
Local women, children and men have responded to our call for submissions of artwork displaying the effects and impact of Domestic and Family Violence.  
This artwork will remain on display at the BCA Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr throughout the month of May.
It is a powerful representation of the impact of Domestic and Family Violence and a must see for every member of our community.
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Contributed by the BCA Team

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The Burdekin community gathered last week to hold a Candlelight Vigil and Exhibition of Artwork in honour of victims of Domestic and Family Violence. Photos supplied

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After moving into their newly refurbished premises on Queen Street, Ayr earlier this year, Intersport Ayr hosted the Burdekin Chamber’s May Chamber Connect event on Tuesday, May 21.
Brett Eathorne of Intersport Ayr shared a brief history of the business which reaches back to February 1974 when Brett’s father, Neville, first opened the doors of Eathorne’s Sports Village.
“It was a tiny little shop, it was just himself and a funny note, his first day he made $24, he sold one tennis racquet,” Brett said.
After many changes throughout the years, the business went through a major refurbishment, reopening its 138 Queen St, Ayr location earlier this year.
“It’s ended up really nice,” Brett said.
“Floor space is a premium, so we took out everything that we didn’t need and got rid of it to try and give us as much retail floor area as humanly possible, and it’s made a huge difference.
“Everything’s visible and it’s so much easier for customers.”
Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford said the Chamber took the opportunity to showcase a local business who had recently undergone refurbishment.
“It was good to show a new look for one of our members,” he said.
Leigh also shared details of the Burdekin Chamber’s Marketing Mingle, happening this evening, Thursday, May 30 from 6:00pm at the Kalamia Hotel.
“That should be a great event,” he said.
“It’s open to the public, employees, anyone who has an interest in marketing.”
Head to the Burdekin Chamber’s Facebook page for more information on the Marketing Mingle and on next month’s Chamber Connect event.

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Burdekin Chamber President Leigh Kefford and Brett Eathorne of Intersport Ayr

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On Saturday 25 May, the 2024 Climb 4 CORES fundraising event will have Inkerman crawling with passionate locals walking the track to raise funds and awareness for mental health.

CORES aims to spread mental health awareness and provides Queenslanders with valuable tools, resources, and information to help those struggling with their mental health, and potentially save someone’s life. The work that CORES carries out is completely free and their only source of funding to continue is drawn from community driven fundraisers such as the Climb 4 CORES.

The Climb 4 CORES fundraiser will run from 7am to 11am this Saturday, where participants can enter teams of any number to walk Inkerman Hill with at least one team member on the hill at all times. To ensure the safety of all participants, the Burdekin Shire Council will be closing off Inkerman Hill to general traffic throughout the event. A base camp will be set up and operating at the base of Inkerman’s new goat track where team captains will collect all registration information for their team members and pay the nomination fee of $50 which will go directly towards CORES Queensland. All funds raised from the Climb 4 CORES event will be re-invested locally into the Burdekin community to support CORES’ free suicide intervention training programs which can be run anytime, anywhere in the region.

Janai Giddy, the event’s coordinator, made the decision to run the event following on from her extraordinary fundraising event in 2023 where she walked from Ayr to Townsville and raised over $12,000 for CORES Queensland.

“The day I began the walk, people were already asking me, what’s next, we want to be a part of something to raise money for CORES, so that’s when we came up with the Inkerman walk to make a team event for everyone in the community to get involved and get people talking,” explained Janai.

The event was selected with the challenge of mental health in mind and the important role health and general fitness plays in developing a positive relationship with your mind and body. Janai believes the challenge of walking Inkerman Hill serves as a valuable parallel to the challenges those struggling with mental health experience daily, further raising additional awareness on the important work CORES provides for the region.

The event has established a Go Fund Me page for those unable to participate in the event but still wishing to support the fundraising efforts. All information on how to register and support the event are available on the CORES Queensland Facebook page.

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What: Climb 4 CORES fundraising event
When: Saturday 25 May 2024
Where: Inkerman Hill
More Information: CORES Queensland Facebook page

Janai Giddy (centre) is organising the Climb 4 CORES fundraiser after walking from Ayr to Townsville to raise money for CORES in 2023

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last was the special guest as Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held their May Social and Networking Event on Wednesday, May 15 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club.
With Mr Last running for re-election as the LNP candidate in the October state election, he said it was great opportunity to be able to catch up with the Home Hill community and hear about the latest activities of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce.
“As we see right across the electorate, the diversity of each of the communities, from those in the Bowen Basin like Moranbah and Clermont to the coastal areas of Ayr and Home Hill, means the issues that affect them are incredibly different so chambers play an important role in advocating for their residents and business owners,” Mr Last said.
“With an eight-hour drive from the coast to the western boundary of the electorate it is safe to say time is incredibly important when it comes to ensuring that I can meet with constituents on a regular basis.
“Being able to join the Chamber of Commerce for their meeting means concerns can be raised from across the community and these can be discussed in an open forum.
“Just as we have seen when it comes other issues, the ability for community members to work together to achieve a common goal is a credit to the town’s residents and I know that this will set the example for other communities.
“Of course we also recently opened the new Burdekin Electorate Office which I am proud to say is a community asset that now provides a much improved space in which to work and conduct meetings.”
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce’s next Social and Networking Event will be held on Wednesday June 19 at the Home Hill Community Sports Club where Labor candidate for Burdekin Anne Baker will address the community and Executive Member Meghan Wilson will speak about her USA trip.

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L-R June Bartlett, Member for Burdekin Dale Last, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Vice President Uli Liessmann

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