Earlier this week, on Tuesday, June 4, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables advised more than 1,200 waged employees that anyone participating in industrial action from yesterday, Wednesday, June 5 will be locked out until further notice.
Workers have been told that if they are locked out, they will not be paid until the lockout is lifted.
A company spokesman said the decision to lock out was not taken lightly.
“We respect employee rights to union membership and their right to take lawful industrial action,” he said.
“However, the company also has the right under the Fair Work Act to respond to prolonged industrial action to protect its interests.”
The lockout will not affect workers who are not participating in industrial action, or who have been participating in action but wish to attend work and carry out their full duties without imposing any bans or participating in any industrial action from Wednesday.
Members of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and Electrical Trades Union have been imposing work bans and rolling stoppages at the company’s nine factories since mid-May in support of demands for an 18% pay rise, which was recently reduced from 22%.
The Wilmar spokesman said industrial action has delayed completion of essential maintenance and preparatory work at the factories ahead of the 2024 sugar season and has forced the company to push back start of production by more than a week.
“We have willingly engaged with bargaining agents for the employees and encouraged negotiation, even asking the Fair Work Commission to assist,” he said.
“We have made a number of offers to try to reach a fair and reasonable outcome that we can sustain over time.
“However, unions have chosen the industrial action path over negotiation.”
Unions notified intention to continue rolling stoppages and bans, including overtime bans, for at least another week forcing further delay and impact on growers, contractors and others in the community.  
Wilmar has requested a ballot of employees covered by enterprise agreement to be held on June 10 and 11 to vote on the most recent offer of a 14.25% increase over three-and-a-half years, as well as a $1,500 sign-on bonus and a $20 a week allowance for electrical workers using their licence.
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson called the lockout a “disgraceful” attempt to prevent workers from standing up for themselves and their communities, saying these efforts will ultimately be unsuccessful.
“This is a multinational corporation trying to bully and intimidate North Queenslanders to stop us asking for our fair share,” Mr Wilson said.
“These are intimidation tactics of the highest order.”
“Workers won’t take this lying down, and growers won’t accept Wilmar further delaying the crush by locking skilled workers out of their workplaces.
“Workers will continue to take action, we will vote down the newest bad agreement and Wilmar will be back to square one.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables warned its workers that anyone participating in industrial action will be locked out until further notice. Photo supplied

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Opinion piece

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A lack of crisis accommodation units and more than 80 very high-level social housing applications has painted a stark picture of the Burdekin’s housing crisis, according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.
After waiting longer than expected for the Minister to answer a question on notice regarding crisis accommodation in Ayr and Home Hill, new figures have also revealed 82 very high need applications were waiting an average of two years for social housing in the Burdekin.
“As we have seen firsthand in the Burdekin, a lack of private rentals coupled with only a fraction of those urgently seeking social housing actually being provided a home, has resulted in calls for crisis accommodation to soar and the responsibility for that falls squarely on this state government,” Mr Last said.
“In the space of 12 months to June 2022, just 12 allocations were made to social housing properties in the Burdekin equating to a mere fraction of those ‘very high need’ applicants actually being provided with social housing.
“In the meantime, those who miss out are left to seek an alternative roof over their head or even perhaps turn to the five crisis accommodation units in the Burdekin.”
Mr Last said with social housing numbers left to go backwards across the state under the Labor government and waitlists soaring, those most vulnerable in the Burdekin deserved action on crisis accommodation and not another broken promise.
“Recently we heard the Premier promise crisis accommodation for every homeless person in this state, yet clearly what we are actually seeing unfold is increased calls for accommodation and the homelessness services left with no other choice but to issue tents,” Mr Last said.
“The LNP have already called for more to be done by this state Labor government to unlock more land for housing and encourage investment in regions and that applies to regional towns like Ayr and Home Hill.”
“This district cannot afford for Labor to sit on its hands while applicants wait another two years for social housing and more and more people, left with no choice but to seek crisis accommodation, are offered tents because there is simply no where for them to go.”

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I and quite a few other readers of the ‘Burdekin Life’ newspaper are readily counting the “to do” list that Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and his State counterpart for Burdekin State Opposition Minister Dale Last are adding to with every weekly newspaper.
Each major political party, when in Government, has the opportunity to implement their plans for Australians that they had proposed to implement when elected, while those in opposition and the minor parties are able to argue that their own plans are better but are not considered.
Queensland state polling suggests in the up-coming State election that the Labor State Government may lose its position in Government. Then and only then will both Dale, and in some cases Andrew, have the opportunity to right the suggested wrongs of the ALP. However, even in Government, there is no guarantee that Andrew and Dale’s list of wrongs will be corrected. Readers will have to wait and see!
The LNP’s heart isn’t always as big as the ALP’s.
Hopefully Australians will be the ultimate winners.
Yours faithfully,  
T. P. Chandler

A Response From Member For Burdekin, Dale Last
Mr Chandler’s claims that the current government has a big heart simply must be questioned.
I doubt big-hearted is how you’d describe a government that stands by while we have residents living in their car or in a shed with their young family and yet more struggling to pay their power bill.
But, thanks to the government that Mr Chandler describes as having a bigger heart, more heartache is to come.
Along with their mates from the Greens and the KAP, it is this government that lets drug dealers walk away basically scot-free not once or twice, but 3 times before being sent to a diversion service.
Like Mr Chandler, my hope is for a better community. If achieving that by speaking up for the people of the Burdekin means the size of my heart is questioned, then so be it.
Yours sincerely,
Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was also offered the opportunity to respond and politely declined.
If you have any thoughts to share with the editor, please contact editorial@burdekinlife.com with ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the subject line.
Letters to the editor will be printed at the publisher’s discretion.

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Burdekin Mabo Day Committee, in partnership with the Burdekin Library, presents the ‘Remembering Mabo’ display of significant items from the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo.
The display was launched on Tuesday, May 28 with light refreshments taking place on Thursday, May 30.
The display can be found at Burdekin Library’s Ayr branch, as can books and resources providing background information on Eddie Koiki Mabo and the significance of Mabo Day.

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Burdekin Shire Council Cultural Venues Manager Glenn Arboit (left) and Burdekin Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort with representatives from the Burdekin Mabo Day Committee
Ms Dalle Cort with Indigenous employees of Burdekin Shire Council
Adlyne Green with Ms Dalle Cort
The ‘Remembering Mabo’ display features Eddie Koiki Mabo’s personal items donated by local relatives
Photos supplied

Mabo Day is marked annually on June 3 and commemorates Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’. Photo credit: Bethyl Mabo, AIATSIS Collection

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One of the Burdekin’s local boys, Luca Lawry, travelled as part of the Northern School Boys team to Toowoomba to participate in the 2024 Inaugural 10-12 years Boys Netball School State Championships. 

For the first time ever, boys from 10 regions across Queensland converged to take the courts for four days from May 23 to 26, to select a State Team which will later travel to the National Championships in Melbourne. 

With a massive push for boys' netball nationwide, in the lead up to a possible Men's Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2027 to coincide with the Women's Championships, and the possible inclusion of Men's Netball in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, it was amazing to see such a great following of the sport.

The Northern Boys represented our region proudly and showed pure heart and grit in all of their games against some very stiff competition and big boys. They played Peninsula, Capricornia, Wide Bay, Sunny Coast, Met North, Met East, Met West, South Coast and Darling Downs. They achieved a nail-biting win against Capricornia and had some really close games against some of the toughest teams in the competition being up in several games, but unfortunately unable to hold on for the wins.

For anyone interested in joining Netball, contact The Burdekin Netball Association for more information. 

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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

Luca Lawry represented North Queensland at the Inaugural 10-12 years Boys Netball School State Championships

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Elders, youth and members of the local community gathered to commemorate Mabo Day on Monday, June 3. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The release of the first ever Regional Telecommunications Review survey offers rural, regional, and remote Australians another way to give feedback on telecommunications issues.
The Review, which takes place every three years, sees the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee examine the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.
Submissions and face-to-face consultations to date have provided feedback on a range of matters including the suitability of telecommunications during emergency situations, how emerging technologies could improve connectivity, and ways telecommunications can support regional development.
“Access to reliable telecommunication is increasingly important for regional Australians – it is essential for keeping connected with family and friends as well as for business and access to health and education services,” said Alannah MacTiernan, Chair of the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee.
“We need to hear your stories about what is working and what is not.
“While we will be travelling to dozens of sample communities across the country, we want to provide an opportunity for every regional Australian to have their say.
“The online survey is an easy way you can participate.”
The short online survey provides a way for regional, rural and remote Australians to easily provide feedback on how they are experiencing telecommunications in their own communities.
There are two other options for people to have their say: attending a face-to-face consultation in various towns or providing a submission via a website.
Input from the public will assist the Committee make findings and recommendations to Government that address the needs of rural, remote and regional Australia.
Previous Reviews have seen a number of major initiatives announced and delivered, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
The online survey closes on 31 July 2024.
To have your say visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024-regional-telecommunications-review
For more information on the Committee members visit www.rtirc.gov.au.

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In practising ‘service above self’ in their daily lives, many Burdekin residents complete selfless community work every day without seeking any recognition or feedback.
Thanks to Rotary Club of Ayr, two of these people have recently been recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship, with small ceremonies last week acknowledging the work of Gerald Henaway and Gillian Stanbrook.
“We realised we needed to recognise special people, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, exemplifying service above self and going the extra distance,” said Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton.
“We only give a couple away each year, and it’s always to different people, because we know there are a lot of people out in the community who do great work, show that service above self, and they keep on doing it.
“They’re often quiet achievers, they’re very humble people, they just get on and do it.”
Mr Henaway, a local Juru man, has always lived in the Burdekin where he met his wife Olive and had two children and many grandchildren.
His work in the community is focused on giving young people the very best chance at life, most notably through his work as a Police Liaison Officer and the Burdekin Area Youth Watch (BAY-Watch), a program which aims to mentor and guide First Nations youth through childhood and adolescence.
A role model to all young people, Mr Henaway works tirelessly to support First Nations young people through youth and school holiday programs, providing transportation to Sunday School and local sport, as well as driving local youth to Townsville to watch the Cowboys play.
He was named as the 2023 Burdekin Shire Council Citizen of the Year and was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellowship last Thursday, May 30.
After a long career in nursing and midwifery, Ms Stanbrook’s caring personality continued as she served for many years on the Cancer Council and assisted with initiatives including the Terry Fox Fun Run (now known as Relay for Life), Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day and Nurse of the Year.
She leads cohorts of nurses in the Anzac Day Dawn Service each year and collaborates with many other passionate locals, including Shirley Gilmore, in local fundraising events and initiatives benefiting cancer victims and survivors.
She is often found volunteering at the hospital or with Meals on Wheels and is always willing to assist people in need, being surprised with the Paul Harris Fellowship at a morning tea on Friday, May 31.

L-R Rotary Club of Ayr President Amanda Norton, Senior Member Frank Nucifora and Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gerald Henaway
L-R Rotary Club of Ayr Secretary Bruce Edwards, Committee Member John Oar, Paul Harris Fellowship recipient Gillian Stanbrook and President Amanda Norton

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Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) can help you to access community services and get more involved in the Burdekin community.  We offer a very wide range of services, under 36 programs, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Most services are FREE.
Our team is very well qualified and experienced and can provide you with information and/or help you to access local and outreach services.  For example, aged care, disability care, housing, crisis accommodation, financial coaching, social activities and support, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and exercise programs, domestic and family violence services, essential food and toiletries, telehealth, legal services and much more.
You may also be interested in joining our “Make It Happen Life Skills Group” or “Community Connections Group”.  The groups meet weekly at our Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and the members are having fun getting to know each other, making friends, building on their skills in areas like cooking, cleaning, managing money, communication, socializing, looking after their health and wellbeing.
For information on community and health and wellbeing services and being more involved in our community, please contact Burdekin Community Association Inc. on Ph 4783 3744, visit the Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr, Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au or www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au.

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Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer

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This week, the team has been reflecting on how we can often take on the negative thoughts and behaviours of others, causing us to question ourselves, our abilities, and our self-worth. We can lose confidence in our judgement and start down a path towards poor mental health and well-being.

Imagine a situation in which you're bombarded with negative thoughts and emotions, like a snowball rolling towards you, gaining momentum, and engulfing everything in its path. How would you handle it?

   • Try and outrun it?
   • Jump sideways to avoid it?
   • Close your eyes and hope for the best?
   • Ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist?

These are just some of the actions people take when faced with confrontation, and often, they delay the inevitable outcome.  
 
Remember, you hold the reins of your life. You can choose how others' actions and words affect you. If you feel down around certain individuals, prioritising your well-being is within your control. Sometimes, people's actions can affect us deeply and unintentionally. But it's crucial to understand that you are the guardian of your emotional well-being. You have the strength to meet your own needs and manage your emotions.

If you would like to learn more about Self-Care and Wellbeing, Ross Romeo is offering Burdekin community members the free CoRES Self-Care & Wellbeing Workshop in partnership with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.  

Keep an eye out for the next workshop, which will be organised after Ross gets back into the country! Please contact the team at the Centre on (07) 4783 4243 if you would like to register your interest and we can let you know the details once organised.

Surprisingly, we feel that we alone have these thoughts, and it is only by coming together at workshops, such as this, that we discover other community members are in the same situation. We can learn from each other and develop tools that assist us in navigating to safer waters.

If you’re not ready to attend a workshop just yet, please stop by the Centre for a coffee and a chat and see what we're all about.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council actively encourages community participation through various consultations and surveys? This initiative is a crucial aspect of local governance, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Council covers a wide array of topics in the consultations. From infrastructure projects like roadworks and public facilities to social initiatives such as community health and cultural events, there's always something relevant for every resident. This assists Council in ensuring that all aspects of community life are addressed and improved upon based on public input.
Participation is made easy and accessible. Council’s website provides a dedicated section for ongoing and upcoming consultations and surveys. This online platform allows residents to stay informed and contribute their views conveniently. Additionally, the council organises face-to-face meetings and forums for more in-depth discussions.
I encourage you to visit Council’s community consultations and surveys page regularly or keep an eye on Council’s social media pages for upcoming consultations. Your participation is a valuable contribution to the well-being and development of your community.
So next time you come across a survey or a consultation invitation from Council, take a moment to get on board. Your input is essential in building a vibrant and thriving community.
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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As preparations ramp up ahead of the Burdekin Show, the Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association has announced Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) as the naming rights sponsor for the 2024 event.
The QCAR Burdekin Show will take over the Ayr Showgrounds on Wednesday, June 26 for a day of agricultural, community and family fun.
“QCAR is a local organisation and shows, traditionally, are an agriculture-based event,” said Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Association President Chris Lyne.
“Cane is our dominant agricultural commodity in the Burdekin, so QCAR was a perfect fit.”
QCAR Office Manager Melissa Boulter agreed, saying the partnership is part of an exciting period of growth for the organisation.
“It’s an exciting time for QCAR,” she said.
“To be a naming rights sponsor for our local show is fantastic, to get out there and show that we are committed to the Burdekin.
“Our roots are firmly stationed in the Burdekin, and we just want to give back to our growers and their families and show them that we are Burdekin first and foremost.”
Mr Lyne leads a team of eight passionate committee members and countless other volunteers who, following a successful 2023 Burdekin Show that exceeded expectations, are looking forward to an even bigger and better event.
“We’ve got quite a lot this year, so it should be good,” Mr Lyne said.
“There’s something for everyone.”
The QCAR Burdekin Show is excited to welcome celebrity guests Steven Elliot from ABC TV’s ‘Muster Dogs’ and Trent Richardson from ‘Australian Idol’.
The day will also feature muster dog demonstrations, mower racing with the Townsville Mower Club, the annual tractor pull, pet show, dachshund races, grand parade and scarecrow competition.
Family favourites like sideshow alley and the pavilion displays will also be popular among attendees.
The show also features a ‘gate ticket special’, offering entry for $5 for all adults, $2 for all students, and children five and under free between 9:30am and 11:00am before standard prices apply from 11:00am.
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WHAT: QCAR Burdekin Show
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26 from 9:30am until late
WHERE: Ayr Showgrounds
MORE INFORMATION: 0495 831 790, burdekinshow@gmail.com or www.burdekinshow.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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John Azpiri of Elders Ayr

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