Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Burdekin region faces a potential financial headache as a vital federal funding stream, which has bankrolled major local upgrades from the Ayr Swimming Pool to the Burdekin Memorial Hall, is set to expire on June 30th. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), which has injected millions into projects across the state, will cease at the end of the financial year unless the Federal Government announces an extension in the upcoming May Budget. Burdekin Shire Council has joined the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) in an urgent advocacy campaign, warning that regional communities stand to lose the most if the program is not replaced. “Burdekin Shire Council supports LGAQ’s call for ongoing infrastructure funding that recognises the scale and importance of what councils deliver, particularly in regional areas,” Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Dalle Cort said. “This is about ensuring regional Queenslanders have access to the same opportunities, infrastructure and services as those living in metropolitan areas.” Burdekin Stands Up As Federal Funding Faces Cliff-Edge The Burdekin Shire Council is joining a statewide push for the Federal Government to extend a crucial infrastructure program due to expire on June 30th, warning that local councils face a significant funding gap without a new commitment in the upcoming May Budget. Locally, the original LRCIP funding—in effect since 2020—has been instrumental in delivering practical community assets. Significant projects supported by the program include the refurbishment of the Burdekin Memorial Hall entrance and the installation of a compliant disabled access ramp, upgrades to the Burdekin Water Park at the Ayr Swimming Pool complex, and the revitalisation of Spiller Street’s Brandon Park, which included new playground equipment and amenities. Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Shire relies on predictable funding to maintain the essential infrastructure residents use every day. “Councils across Queensland are responsible for infrastructure that communities rely on every day – from local roads and footpaths to sporting facilities and shared community spaces,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “Programs like LRCIP have allowed councils to deliver practical, community-driven projects that improve safety, connectivity and liveability while also supporting local jobs.” The LGAQ estimates the program has contributed roughly $668 million to the Queensland economy, supporting nearly 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Peak body leadership warns that without a replacement, the loss of this funding will create a "financial black hole" for local governments. LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett stated that regional equity is at the heart of the issue. “People living in regional Queensland should be able to access the same employment, infrastructure and service opportunities as those living in the cities,” Mayor Burnett said. “This program has been used to build roads, sporting grounds and other vital community facilities, and it’s our smallest communities who stand to lose most if funding isn't continued.” For the Burdekin, the uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult, says Mayor Dalle Cort, who emphasised that local councils are now facing “difficult decisions” that could impact the standard of services provided to residents. The LGAQ is pushing for a commitment in the May Budget that goes beyond the LRCIP, calling for an increase in untied Financial Assistance Grant funding to at least 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue to improve long-term financial sustainability. Residents can learn more about the campaign at www.lgaq.asn.au.
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Communities across the Burdekin Shire will come together this ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans, with a full program of dawn services, marches and commemorative ceremonies planned throughout the region. Early risers will have several opportunities to pay their respects, with dawn services commencing at 5:25am at the Memorial Hall in Home Hill, followed closely by 5:30am services at Brolga Park in Giru and ANZAC Park in Ayr. As the morning continues, smaller community services will take place across the district, including an 8am gathering at the Spiller Street Cenotaph in Brandon, before returning to Giru for a 9:30am service at Brolga Park. In Ayr, the annual ANZAC Day parade will step off at 9am, leading into the main service at ANZAC Park at 9:20am, while in Home Hill, the parade will begin at 10:45am, followed by a commemorative service at Memorial Park at 11:20am. The day’s events provide an opportunity for residents of all ages to reflect on the legacy of those who have served, while also reinforcing the strong sense of community across the Burdekin. Locals and visitors are encouraged to attend a service or parade, stand in silence, and take a moment to remember the sacrifices made in the name of peace and freedom.
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Little Leaves Nursery is set to enter an exciting new chapter, with owners Kirsten Loader and Chris Mann announcing they will take over Hotel Brandon, bringing the two much-loved businesses together in one dynamic space designed to create new opportunities for the community, rain, hail or shine. The pair said they had been searching for some time for a larger venue that could offer indoor seating, particularly during the peak heat of summer and periods of wet weather. “We have been looking to address this issue for a while and we’ve always wanted to provide a full breakfast and lunch – but unfortunately our little food van gets far too hot in summer,” Kirsten explained. The idea to purchase Hotel Brandon was first floated by the venue’s former manager; something Kirsten and Chris initially saw as a little far-fetched. Over time, however, the concept began to take root, eventually prompting the couple to take the leap. “We were very fortunate the owner wanted to keep the hotel in local hands, and so here we are,” she said. With plans still taking shape, the pair say they are keen to settle in and get a feel for the venue before making any major changes. In the short term, locals can expect a handful of updates, including the bottle shop transitioning from Star Liquor to Liquor Legends, along with the introduction of a fresh new menu. Looking ahead, Kirsten and Chris hope to undertake renovations to give the hotel a facelift and create a more family-friendly space; a vision shaped by Brandon’s shifting demographics, and they’re also exploring the possibility of a drive-through coffee and hot food service, catering to early risers in search of a quick bite on the go. “We are still working through how we can incorporate Little Leaves Nursery into the hotel without it losing the relaxed atmosphere we have worked so hard to create,” Kirsten said. “Since we opened Little Leaves Nursery, we have watched Brandon’s demographic start to change. We have noticed a lot of young couples and families starting to move into the area, and I think there’s a gap in the market to provide takeaway meals as well as a great in-house menu and kids’ play areas.” Little Leaves Nursey and Hotel Brandon will continue to operate as usual for now, with Kirsten and Chris buzzing with excitement for what’s to come. “We are grateful for the support of the staff who have remained with us at the venue, and we have a lot to learn from them, and from the locals before we make any big changes,” Kirsten said. “There are definitely big plans, and we think the hotel has a lot of potential and look forward to exploring that in the future!” CAPTION: Kirsten Loader and Chris Mann officially became the owners of Hotel Brandon on Monday, 18 April, opening a fresh new chapter for the popular establishment. Photo source: Little Leaves Nursery
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Police are urging Burdekin motorists to slow down and stay alert as students return to school this week, with increased patrols targeting dangerous driving across the region. The warning comes as the Queensland Police Service enters the final stretch of its statewide Easter road safety operation, with officers maintaining a visible presence on local roads during the busy back-to-school period. Drivers can expect a stronger focus on school zones, with police reminding motorists to obey reduced speed limits and watch for children, cyclists and pedestrians during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Statewide figures from the holiday crackdown, recorded 3 and 16 April, highlight ongoing concerns, with more than 10,600 traffic infringement notices issued, including about 4,000 for speeding. Police also conducted more than 75,000 roadside breath tests and 1,800 drug tests, detecting over 1,200 impaired drivers. In the Northern Queensland region, which includes the Burdekin, a total of 512 traffic infringements were recorded—the lowest of any region—with 212 related to speeding. Police conducted more than 5,000 roadside breath tests, detecting 59 drink driving offences, along with 29 drug driving offences from 62 roadside drug tests. Emergency Response and Coordination Command Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said increased enforcement was critical in reducing risky behaviour on the roads. “Every decision made behind the wheel matters,” he said. “With more children back in school zones this week, we’re asking drivers to slow down, stay focused and drive to the conditions.” Police say patrols will continue throughout the week, with road safety a shared responsibility for all motorists. CAPTION: Police are urging Burdekin motorists to slow down and stay alert as students return to school this week, with increased patrols targeting dangerous driving across the region. Photo source: QPS
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On Act of Kindness Day, Ayr State Primary School was privileged to receive a heartfelt and thoughtful donation from Mrs Penny Ford. With creativity and compassion, Mrs Ford transformed scrap materials into stunning library bags, pencil cases, and bookmarks, providing the students with unique, handcrafted items to enhance their learning experience through reading.
The donation, made from upcycled materials, not only promotes sustainability but also serves as a reminder of the power of giving. Each item tells a story of care and dedication, turning what might have been discarded material into something meaningful and useful.
The arrival of the donated items was perfectly timed with Act of Kindness Day, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion. Students were thrilled to receive their new library accessories, which will surely spark even more excitement for reading and learning.
School captains Ruby and Sage personally thanked Mrs Ford for her kind donation, presenting her with a handwritten card from the Birburu class Year 4/5/6 as a token of their appreciation.
In a greater act of kindness, Mrs Ford has plans to create more items for the rest of the school.
Words cannot express how thankful the school is for her generosity and the lasting impact her donation will make in the school.
Ayr State Primary School is fortunate to be part of such a caring community, and they extended their deepest thanks to Mrs Penny Ford for her incredible contribution.
This thoughtful gesture will leave a lasting impact, reminding us of the joy that comes from sharing kindness with others.
Nineteen new apprentices have kicked off their careers with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. The new recruits are based in the Burdekin region, where Wilmar owns four sugar factories.
The apprenticeships are in the electrical, fitting and turning, boilermaking and diesel fitting trades.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said he was pleased to welcome such a high-calibre group of first-year apprentices into the business.
“Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has a long history of developing great tradespeople in our sugar milling regions.
“We’re one of North Queensland’s largest apprenticeship providers, with about 150 apprentices employed across our operations at any one time. Our program is also one of the most successful Australia, with a completion rate of 98 per cent.”
Mr Shipard said this year’s intake included five young women, one of whom had transitioned from a school-based apprenticeship with the company.
“We’ve also signed up five seasonal employees who were keen to get into our apprenticeship program and learn a trade,” he said.
Brooke Smith from the Burdekin was Wilmar’s first school-based apprentice and is now enrolled as an apprentice boilermaker at Pioneer Mill.
She said she was excited to be working full time and developing her trade skills.
“Getting into Wilmar’s apprenticeship program means I’m finally going to get more experience and get more involved in what goes in the workshops. It also means I can really be part of the Wilmar business, instead of just being there one day a week,” she said.
Mr Shipard said the first-year apprentices kicked off their trade training with a two-week Safe Start program in December before beginning work at their respective sites.
“Our Safe Start program equips our apprentices to hit the ground running,” Mr Shipard said.
“It’s a comprehensive introduction that gives them important safety and technical skills, as well as the confidence to thrive in their new roles.”
Jayde Holm and Brooke Smith from the Burdekin region have signed on as first-year boilermaking apprentices with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. Brooke (right), has transitioned from a school-based apprenticeship with the company.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables new Burdekin apprentices, back from left, Casey Calligaro (electrical), David Saunders (electrical), Dominik Arrate (fitting and turning), Jaxon Baldwin (diesel fitting) and Lucas Gabiola (fitting and turning). Front from left, Corey Baker (electrical), Jayde Holm (boilermaking), Cooper Raitelli (electrical), Jayden Shelton (electrical), Brooke Smith (boilermaking), Luca Lago (boilermaking) and Jacob Rossato (fitting and turning). Absent are Samantha Christensen (boilermaking), Brad Patti (boilermaking), Daniel Johnson (electrical), William Ghobrial (fitting and turning) and Dominic Forman (diesel fitting).
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox believes that residents in the electorate of Dawson have again been let down by the Government when it comes to the Bruce Highway being upgraded.
He states that Queenslanders were promised $7.2 billion in funding by the Prime Minister to fix the notoriously dangerous highway.
However, in evidence to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport estimates hearings on Monday, department officials confirmed that just $432 million would be spent on the Bruce Highway in the next three years.
“Again the Labor Government have not been upfront with Queenslanders on when workers could get started to fix the highway,” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.
“Only $30 million out of $7.2 billion will be allocated to the Highway over the next 16 months which is simply not good enough.”
“Tragically 43 lives have been lost on the Bruce Highway last year which has a devastating impact for families.”
“The community have been calling for the road to be fixed with more than 1,000 residents signing my Back Our Bruce petition which has been presented at Parliament.”
“If elected the Coalition has a plan to get Australia back on track and that starts with the restoration of the 80:20 percent funding arrangement for Bruce Highway projects after it was stripped away by Labor.”
In the May Budget, Federal Labor cut $488 million from the Bruce Highway over the Budget forward estimates.
“Now they are “restoring” less at $432 million and expect the people to be grateful and say thank you.”
“I am really concerned the Bruce Highway will be worse off over the next three years.”
“This is just like the broken promise that our energy bills would be reduced by $275 prior to the 2022 election.”
Opinion piece contributed by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox is frustrated by delay in Bruce Highway upgrades. Photo: Supplied
Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club hosted the club’s Youth of the Year Final on Monday 25 February. Four talented students from Home Hill High School submitted applications addressing a range of criteria about their academic results, their school and community involvement, and their aspirations for the future.
On Monday afternoon, the judging panel interviewed them separately. This component is worth 70 marks. That night, at a dinner at the Crown Hotel, the judges, teachers, family members and Lions and their guests were treated to some great public speaking by these four individuals.
Before dinner, each student introduced themselves to the audience, and then it was time for the impromptu speaking. Each student had to speak for a maximum of two minutes to each of the two impromptu topics. What would you say if presented with the topic ‘If you could be a fly on the wall, whose wall would it be?' with no time to prepare.
After dinner, students each had the opportunity to deliver a five minute prepared speech to the audience. The speakers covered a diverse range of topics but all spoke passionately and engaged everyone present with their points of view. The speaking component is worth 30 marks in total.
The judges returned with their verdict. Christiana Bugeja was the winner of the speaking component, while Sam Perina was the overall winner.
Sam will travel to the District Finals in Townsville next month to compete against the winners from the rest of the Lions District, which covers a large part of Queensland from Mackay and all clubs to the north and west.
After district finals, there are State Finals and a National Final. We wish Sam success.
judges and for entrants. John McVeigh, Philip Scuderi, Sam Perina, Cruz Torkington, Grace Ogomeni, Christiana Bugeja, Michelle McVeigh
Overall winner Sam Perina being presented by Zone Chait Saraha Wiseman.
Club President, Laurie Land, the four entrants, Sam Perina, Cruz Torkington, Grace Ogomeni and Christiana Bugeja the the Youth of the Year Club coordinator, Tony Gemellaro.
Zone Chair Saraha Wiseman presenting to Christiana Bugeja who won the Public Speaking section.
Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
February was a positive month for prices with growers using the rally to tidy up 2024 season Target and GMPRS pricing.
Additionally, with 2025 season prices breaking through $650/t, there has been increased scale up selling from Target price growers. There is, however, still plenty of 2025 pricing to go with only about 25 per cent of Target prices locked in at this point.
The rally has also allowed our 2024 season pools to be forecasting higher returns. We have incrementally locked in prices on the rising market to ensure any potential correction will have less impact on final returns for the 2024 season. Likewise, we have initiated hedging on the #11 sugar contract to put a floor under a portion of the new Managed Pool Plus for the 2025 season.
This initial positioning combined with some sub 62 cent currency is providing a good foundation for that pool return. However, there is still a long way to go for 2025 season pool valuations to be finalised. With the focus on 2025 season and beyond, let’s have a quick review of the current outlook.
Most analysts are currently forecasting a small production surplus (Wilmar 3.5m tonnes) for the 2025-26 season based on a large Brazilian and Indian crop. Brazilian forecasts are starting to be scaled back as continued dry weather through February downgrade yield expectations. On the flip side, Indian forecasts are being maintained as high domestic prices encourage crop expansion and a very good monsoon filled storage and moisture profiles.
Nominations for our 2025 season GMPRS pricing mechanism are now open. This remains a popular choice among Target price growers due the flexibility of being able to price all GEI sugar exposure – excluding the US quota proportion – from mid-May in each season. Typically, growers are cautious about pricing too much of the final proportion early in the season as price risk is replaced with production shortfall risk.
During March we will be holding a series of shed meetings to update growers with the latest analysis from Wilmar on the outlook for 2025 season and beyond. Get in touch with your local Wilmar Grower Marketing consultant to find your closest meeting.
Prices rallied in February, providing an opportunity for growers to tidy up 2024 season GMPRS and Target pricing
Almost $600,000 had been committed to help state schools in the Burdekin turn the tide on poor behaviour according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.
The funding, which is in addition to existing funding, will allow schools to tailor solutions focussed on tackling poor behaviour and lifting education outcomes.
“This funding is not only about making our schools safer to help improve attendance rates and education standards, it is also about backing our local principals and teachers,” Mr Last said.
“No one knows better when it comes to outcomes for students than the staff of the school they attend, so we are giving those staff the autonomy to tailor the best decisions.”
“Some schools may need additional staff while others may choose to provide existing staff with mentoring, specialist resources or training. Either way, the focus is on ensuring that students and staff feel safe in the classroom.”
“We know that each child is different when it comes to the best way for them to learn. The reality is that there is also a wide variety of ways to manage behaviour and that a “one size fits all” model would not achieve the outcomes our teachers and students deserve.”
Mr Last said the investment of $44 Million statewide was proof that the concerns of parents and teachers had been heard and an illustration of the state government’s commitment to future generations.
“This additional funding really is an investment in the future because it is focussed on both short and long-term goals,” he said. “We all know that what a student achieves at school can have a huge impact on their future so better outcomes today can also mean better outcomes for those students throughout their life.”
“You don’t achieve those outcomes by focussing only on students or only on teachers and that is why addressing an issue that is affecting both teachers and students was a priority for the government. Students weren’t achieving their full potential and dedicated teachers were walking away from the profession and neither of those results is acceptable.”
“Teaching is a profession that should be celebrated, and our teachers should be leaving at the end of the day feeling respected, not frightened or frustrated. If we don’t back our teachers, we run the risk of losing the positive impacts that dedicated teachers have on students and that is a terrible outcome for our community.”
“I believe that, by giving local principals autonomy, we are sending a clear signal that this government trusts local staff to make the right decisions to deliver the best results for local students. We’ve already reduced red tape for teachers and this investment is about addressing their safety concerns so that teachers can do what they excel at; helping our younger generation achieve their full potential.”
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, believes funding to turn tide on poor behaviour will benefit students and teachers. Photo: Supplied.
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I attended the Industry Breakfast on 26th February with my fellow Councillors. It was a very interesting breakfast. Mick Theobold from Rio Tinto came along and gave a very interesting talk about the Pongamia Farms project.
Rio Tinto are developing seed farms in Australia as part of a new biofuels project. They have partnered with Midway Limited to oversee the planting and management of the Pongamia seed farms in the Townsville and Burdekin areas.
I also attended the launch of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival at the Burdekin Theatre. The festival will take place over two days from Friday 30 May to Saturday 31 May, including the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring the First Fire. It will be a great event not to be missed.
Also Rates are due on or before Monday 10th March. Please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800, if you did not receive your notice and need to obtain a copy. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your Rate Notice and need to organise a payment plan please contact the lovely staff at Customer Service for assistance in helping you set this up.
I would also like to mention Sweet FM will be celebrating their 25 year reunion. They have lots of celebrations happening. On the 5th April from 8am to 1pm they are having an open day at 97.1 Sweet FM, 134-136 Eighth Avenue Home Hill. There will be tours of the facility, interviews with past and present presenters, and market stalls. From 6pm until late they will be having a Reunion Dinner at the Masonic Hall, 120 MacMillan Street Ayr. Tickets will be $50 per person should you wish to attend.
Emergency Relief Program
BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues.
The Service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of:
Journey Coordinator – support for community members and provision of more timely mental health care and coordinated support.
Front Door service – information and support regarding mental health, alcohol and other drugs, social support services
MyndKind services are delivered from the BCA Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, 12a Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph 4783 2711. Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Operating hours: 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Burdekin Shire Council hosted its first Industry Breakfast for 2025 on Wednesday 26 February at the Burdekin Theatre. With a receptive and large crowd who all turned up for the 7am start, they got to hear some great talks all while having a warm cooked breakfast.
Providing local businesses with key insights into emerging opportunities and developments in the region, the breakfast brought together industry leaders and business representatives for a morning of networking and knowledge-sharing.
Mick Theobold, Project Lead at Midway Ltd, gave a fascinating talk about their Pongamia Farms project where they’re working alongside Rio Tinto to help develop the seed farms in Australia, which is part of a new biofuels project. This project holds significant potential for regional economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Emma Peters was next to the lectern, bringing her energy and humour to keep those in attendance entertained. As Head of Engagement at Local Buy, she provided insights into how local businesses can become suppliers through Local Buy’s procurement framework.
Her presentation highlighted opportunities for businesses to engage with government contracts and expand their market reach.
Last to speak was Charlie Scuderi, Station Manager of Sweet FM, who discussed how businesses can advertise and support the station with Sweet FM playing a vital role in keeping the community informed.
With plenty of food and drinks (hot or cold), and insights, the morning once again proved popular.
CANEGROWERS has written to the Federal Government, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to raise the disaster recovery grant threshold to at least $75,000 for primary producers impacted by the recent flooding in north Queensland.
It has been more than two weeks since the government announced recovery assistance packages of up to $25,000 for affected growers.
While growers are grateful for the swift response and the inclusion of replant costs in recovery grants, reports from the ground make it clear that $25,000 is simply not enough to support the worst-affected farming businesses, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
"Growers appreciate the rapid response from both state and federal governments in announcing assistance following these devastating floods. However, as primary producers assess the damage, it’s evident that $25,000 barely scratches the surface for some of the hardest-hit farming businesses,” Mr Galligan said.
"The reality is the cost of recovery has risen dramatically. Prices for goods and services have soared over recent years, and primary producers are facing these higher costs as they work to rebuild their businesses. The level of support must reflect today’s economic conditions.
"We have written to the Prime Minister, urging the Federal Government to act as, we understand the Queensland Government has requested."
Beyond immediate relief, CANEGROWERS is calling for the following actions to help modernise disaster funding:
Updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm ownership, including those with off-farm income.
Ensuring grants are sufficient by indexing them to match rising recovery costs.
Improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods.
Establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.
"These aren’t just feel-good reforms – they are essential for keeping farms, communities, and industries viable after disasters," Mr Galligan said.
“CANEGROWERS, along with our partners at Queensland Farmers’ Federation and other commodity groups, will keep working with the state and federal governments to modernise how we approach disaster recovery.
“But in the meantime, it’s vital the grant threshold is increased. Farmers need this support now so they can get back to growing Australia’s food and fibre."
Photos supplied: CANEGROWERS
Recently a beautiful and rare china tea set, which depicts the Ayr Council Chambers and the Ayr Post Office, made its way to a local radio station. The station is calling on any Burdekin historians or those who might be familiar with the family that donated them, to come forward and help solve a mystery.
“They were sent to Pat Lawson via Victor Cecchin. The Cecchin's had a service station back in the day before they sold it to Romeo motors. After that, I believe it was demolished to become Woolworths,” says Station Manager, Charlie Scuderi.
“These people now live in Sydney, and sent these pieces back up here because this is where they belong. The family doesn't have any emotional connection to them, and that's all we know.”
The fine tea set has now returned “home” to the Burdekin, but it has come with no clues, no answers. Sweet FM is hoping someone in the community can provide more information or context about the tea set as to their history.
“We're looking for somebody who might know the story behind them, such as where they came out, when they came from, and why.”
“Was it an anniversary for a 50 year celebration? Was it something the family had commissioned? If you know please help us,” Charlie pleads.
Two pieces depict the council chambers, the rest depict Ayr post office.
If you can solve the mystery behind this decorative commemorative china tea set, get in touch with Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.
The beautiful fine china tea set. Can you solve the mystery? Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
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Thankfully, Cyclone Alfred has slowly moved on from the Burdekin, though it continues to tease the Queensland coast. While we’ve had significant rainfall, it’s amazing how quickly life has returned to normal. In true Burdekin fashion, our farmers are already back to watering their crops - just another example of the adaptability of our community.This week, we also celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and the ongoing journey toward equality.Did you know that Australian women gained the right to vote in the Federal elections in 1902? This made Australia the second nation in the world to grant women this fundamental right. 123 years later, we’ve made incredible progress.This week let’s celebrate the achievements of the women in our lives and continue to support a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
The Centre is excited to introduce Maddy Darley, who is our new Community Development Officer. Maddy has hit the ground running and is heading up our new community project: Charge Up!
Charge Up! has received funding from the Queensland Government through the Enable Grants Program. This project is a collaboration involving QCOSS (Queensland Council of Social Service), NCQ (Neighbourhood Centres Queensland), and various Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.
Charge Up! aims to help households understand their energy use and support community services in reaching Queensland’s families. Many households struggle with energy costs and navigating the complex energy system, making access to clear information challenging.
The project's goal is to empower families to better understand their energy consumption and connect them with resources for assistance. We are looking for 8-10 local families to connect with Maddy for the Charge Up! project. Together, participants will explore their energy use, identify ways to enhance energy efficiency at home, and gain insights into the energy system.
Additionally, Maddy will facilitate community chats where everyone can access Charge Up! resources and learn more about energy management.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the Centre!
Regional Queensland, Australia – Songs from the Reef are extending applications until March 10. This exciting community songwriting program is for emerging songwriters living along Queensland’s stunning reef, from Townsville to Mackay.
Regional Queensland music makers will take their creativity to new heights with mentorship, community, and a chance to perform at QLD Music Trails – The Reef. Starting in April, 20 songwriters will join a 10-week online program with I Heart Songwriting Club, to sharpen their skills, receive expert mentorship, and write up to 200 songs.
The journey will come to life at QLD Music Trails – The Reef, where participants will showcase their talent at The Reef Sundowner fireside jam in Proserpine on June 12, 2025.
“Queensland’s coast has recently faced some rough weather and the community has been focused on ensuring their homes and families are safe. Songs from the Reef is a relief from that – something fun, uplifting and soul-filling – and we want to ensure that people have a chance to participate,” says founder of I Heart Songwriting Club, Francesca de Valence.
I Heart Songwriting Club is a Queensland business that has empowered over 1,500 members across 30 countries to create over 30,000 songs through its various online programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. They are dedicated to fostering a global songwriting community, promoting artist development, and facilitating connections between songwriters and the music industry.
Songs from the Reef is produced, developed and presented by I Heart Songwriting Club and supported by QMF and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Expressions of Interest for Songs from the Reef are extended till March 10, 2025. For more information, visit I Heart Songwriting Club’s website.
When Lui Populin and his brother, Peter, who were second generation cane farmers developed the Populin Automatic Cane Planter, it forever changed the cane industry worldwide. Fast forward some 50 years, and their popular invention is now on display at the Lions Diorama in Home Hill, to commemorate this once revolutionary machine.
“We had an ordinary planter with a chute, where we would sit at the back and the bin was in the front and we'd get the billets and throw them down like that. I said, there's got to be a better way to do this. And so we had the massive Ferguson Harvester. And I said, if the elevator can carry the cane up, it should be able to carry it down. And that's how it started,” Lui Populin says.
The planter was later sold to contractors and by the time the 80s rolled around, it would eventually be replaced by more efficient machinery. However, there’s no denying, the Populin Automatic Cane Planter made its mark.
“It’s the only one that’s been invented here in Australia in the world and it comes from the Burdekin,” Lui states.
“Lyn McLaughlin who was the mayor at the time, she was friends with me and played netball with my wife. She said to me, ‘Why don’t you put the damn thing on display near the bridge. We’ll put it there for you.’ And so we have.”
Recently it was donated back to Lui, by Nicky Pitiris and Robert Stockdale, who had no qualms donating the planter so that it can be displayed and share its rightful place in cane farming history.
“We used it right up until about the mid 80s. Then it was in the shed for about 20-30 years, which helped preserve it before Lui said he’d buy it off us. I saw Nicky and we just said we’d give it to him. And now here it is on display,” Robert Stockdale says.
The planter's impact on the industry and its innovative design at the time, cannot be underestimated. Check out its new home at the Lions Home Hill Diorama, which highlights its importance to the industry and the region, while providing an historical background.
The industry changing, Populin Automatic Cane Planter. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Caption 2: L-R: Michael Populin (son of Peter), Lui Populin, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Nicky Pitiris and Robert Stockdale who donated it.
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