Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Ayr State High School has congratulated its 2026 student leadership team, who have already been carrying out their duties since their induction at last year’s Academic Awards ceremony. The school acknowledged the students’ commitment and leadership, recognising the important role they play in representing their peers and contributing to school life. Leading the 2026 cohort are School Captains Caitlyn Cheyne and Ayden Barnett, supported by School Vice Captains Karina Guglielmi and Charlie Shears. Other leadership positions include Ashlee Colls as Sports Vice Captain, Allegra Tallis as Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain, Sarah as Cultural Vice Captain, and Tiana Cameron as Community Service Vice Captain. The leaders were formally presented to the school community during the 2025 awards night held last October, marking a proud moment for students, staff and families as the team continues its leadership journey throughout the year. CAPTION: Indigenous Students’ Vice Captain Allegra Tallis, Sports Vice Captain Ashlee Colls, School Vice-Captain Karina Guglielmi, School Captain Caitlyn Cheyne, School Captain Ayden Barnett, School Vice-Captain Charlie Shears, Community Service Vice Captain Tiana Cameron and Cultural Vice Captain Sarah. Photo supplied
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For many Burdekin parents, the phrase “stranger danger” brings back memories of warning children not to talk to unfamiliar adults on the walk home from school. Today, those strangers are no longer confined to parks or shopping centres—they can appear instantly on a child’s phone or tablet screen. The eSafety Commissioner has issued a fresh Online Safety Advisory highlighting the risks posed by anonymous “random chat” apps, where users are paired with strangers for live video or text conversations. Platforms such as Omegle, Chatroulette, HOLLA, Monkey and OmeTV are designed for spontaneity and global connection. While Omegle shut down in late 2023, others remain active and accessible in Australia. The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Anonymous chat apps allow people to connect instantly, often with minimal registration requirements and limited age verification. Users are randomly paired, live video can expose children to explicit material within seconds, and anonymity enables predators to hide their identity and intentions. Conversations may also be recorded and misused without consent. Omegle became notorious for pairing minors with adults engaging in sexual behaviour. In 2022 alone, the platform reportedly flagged more than 500,000 instances of child sexual abuse material. In a high-profile United States case, an 11-year-old girl was coerced into creating explicit content. Omegle later settled legal action for US$22 million before shutting down. Its founder acknowledged the platform had been misused for “unspeakably heinous crimes”. eSafety said the problem is not new, but is worsening. Children now carry video-enabled devices everywhere, pandemic lockdowns increased unsupervised screen time, and evolving technology—including AI and real-time video—makes harmful interactions harder to moderate. Under the Online Safety Act 2021, eSafety has powers to enforce Basic Online Safety Expectations, require companies to improve moderation systems and order the removal of unlawful content within 24 hours. The regulator recently issued a formal warning to OmeTV’s provider for allegedly failing to meet mandatory requirements under Australian law. Apple and Google have also been notified, as both companies are required to act if apps available in their stores breach Australian legislation. Penalties of up to $49.5 million are available under the Act. eSafety’s guidance to families is practical and direct. Parents and carers are encouraged to use device-level parental controls such as Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, block high-risk sites, and consider monitoring tools. Just as importantly, they should talk openly with children about online interactions, reinforce rules about sharing personal information, and ensure young people know how to block and report users. The advisory stresses that responsibility should not fall on families alone. Technology companies are being urged to implement stronger age assurance measures, properly resource moderation teams and design platforms with safety at the forefront. For regional communities like the Burdekin, where children are growing up as digitally connected as their city counterparts, online safety begins at home and requires a united effort from parents, schools, industry and regulators alike. CAPTION: The advisory warns that for children and young people, these platforms can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation and sexual exploitation. Photo source: iStock
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Residents across the Burdekin and Whitsunday Shires, alongside the Molongle Creek Boat Club Inc. (MCBC) and the wider Cape Upstart community are calling on the State Government to honour its 2021 commitment to provide and maintain all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The Molongle Creek access channel is the only marine gateway to Cape Upstart, home to approximately 240 private properties that are accessible by sea only. Despite decades of volunteer investment and a formal handover to the government, thousands of locals are pushing for action, stressing the integral role the channel plays in connecting Cape Upstart with essential services and access to the mainland. Surveys have exhibited 15,000 to 20,000 vessels annually utilise the channel, which includes locals, visitors, fishers and caravan park users. Despite its importance, locals say the channel no longer provides reliable all-tide access, contrary to commitments made during the 2016 state election and formalised during a 2021 handover. “The lack of all-tide access severely restricts people’s access to their properties at Cape Upstart,” highlighted Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore, Ken Betteridge. Currently, there’s no alternative all-tide public boating access between Townsville and Bowen, making Molongle Creek critical regional infrastructure. A Facility Built by Volunteers The Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) was formed in 1962, with the aim of improving boating access for both members and the wider public. Over the past several decades, the facility has been developed and maintained almost entirely through volunteer labour, private funding and club-owned machinery. Early attempts to maintain access involved reshaping natural channels, with club members using dozers, excavators and, in some cases, explosives to create viable passage through shifting sands. When those efforts failed due to natural sediment movement, the club established the current channel alignment, again through volunteer work. MCBC volunteers have carried out annual maintenance for years using a Komatsu swamp dozer owned by the club, however, increasing environmental restrictions, permit changes and rising costs eventually made self-maintenance untenable. Election Promise and Handover In the lead-up to the 2016 state election, both major parties committed to delivering an all-tide access channel at Molongle Creek. That commitment culminated in a tri-party Deed of Agreement between the State Government, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Molongle Creek Boat Club. As part of the agreement, the club was required to surrender its lease and gift all sea- and land-based assets to the State and Local Government, allowing public funds to be spent on the facility. A formal valuation placed the value of those assets at $2.84 million. In 2021, the Molongle Boating Facility was officially handed over to State Government control, with the expectation government would develop and maintain the all-tide access channel, boat ramps, pontoon and trailer parking in line with other public boating facilities across Queensland. Design Concerns and Infill Issues According to long-standing club members, concerns were raised during the design phase that the chosen alignment would be vulnerable to flooding and sediment infill from Molongle Creek, particularly during wet seasons. Locals advocated for an alternative alignment further east, or the construction of a protective bund wall to shield the channel from flood flows. Those concerns, they say, were ignored. “Molongle Creek Boat Club’s lobbying secured funding for an all-tide channel, however, due to various government departments, the placement of the channel was restricted to where it is now,” Mr Betteridge said. “The choice presented to us was a channel where it is – or was – or no channel at all. We knew it would be problematic, but MCBC had no choice but to accept. There’s been a lot of money spent, and the result is disappointing to say the least.” Within months of the channel’s completion, wet-season flooding filled the channel with sediment, significantly reducing depth. While bed levelling in 2022 and 2023 temporarily improved access, a major wet season in 2024 again rendered the channel largely unusable. No maintenance funding has been allocated since. As a result, access windows have narrowed dramatically. Club members say the channel was once usable on a 1.7-metre tide; now, small vessels require tides of 2.4 metres or higher, eliminating daylight access on many days. “All-tide access?” one local asked. “It’s anything but.” Safety Concerns Escalate The lack of reliable access has raised serious safety concerns, particularly given the demographics of Cape Upstart and peak holiday periods when usage surges. Over the years, residents have been forced to transport injured or ill people by boat to meet ambulances at Molongle Creek, but only when tides allow. When tides are out, emergency helicopters have been relied upon, though they are not always available. “Over the years, there have been quite a few medical incidences where the access to Molongle Creek was tidally available – if no tide, the emergency helicopter was luckily available,” said Mr Betteridge. In one recent incident, two young boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish at Kingfish Bay, however, fortunately, the tide allowed access back through Molongle Creek, yet locals say the outcome could have been far worse had the tide been out. After Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) crews conducting welfare checks were forced to use Wallace’s Creek instead of Molongle due to the channel’s condition, a longer, more exposed and potentially dangerous route. A spokesperson for the State Emergency Service said the agency remained committed to community safety. “The State Emergency Service (SES) is committed to working with the Molongle Creek and Cape Upstart communities to provide essential services to the region and maintaining community safety,” the spokesperson said. “The SES operates within a broader disaster management framework and works closely with partner agencies to deliver safe and effective responses to the community during severe weather events.” Calls for Practical Solutions The Molongle Creek Boat Club maintains that solutions already exist. Chief among them is the construction of a bund or barrier wall, either from rock or geotextile bags filled with dredged sand, a method already proven at the site, where a small geotextile wall has successfully reduced infill for more than 25 years. Club members argue such a barrier would significantly reduce sediment movement, extend the time between dredging cycles and deliver the year-round access originally promised. “There are approximately 240 dwellings at Cape Upstart that use molongle Creek as their main, and only access port – a 365 day all-tide access channel will definitely improve the safety of the whole community,” said Mr Betteridge. “We need a bund wall sooner rather than later, and MCBC along with the bulk of the public community know that a bund wall is the only solution to keep the channel open 365 days a year.” Local State Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said responsibility for the failed delivery rested with the former government. “The former government went to the 2017 election with a commitment to provide all-tide access at Molongle Creek. The unfortunate reality is that they failed to deliver on their promise,” Mr Last said. “I have supported the campaign for all-tide access since the very beginning, largely based on the need to be able to respond to emergencies quickly, rather than waiting for tides. The assurance that I have given, and stand by, is that I will continue to work with stakeholders for a better outcome for all users of Molongle Creek.” He said concerns raised by the boat club during the design phase were ignored. “Promises were made and expectations were built on those promises. Clearly those expectations were not met and, clearly, the promises made were broken.” Mr Last acknowledged ongoing challenges related to permits and environmental approvals but said Maritime Safety Queensland had committed to working with stakeholders on a long-term management strategy. “There are a range of issues affecting the ability to undertake maintenance at Molongle Creek. If the input from the Molongle Creek Boat Club was given the attention it deserved, many of the issues we face today would not exist,” he said. “Despite the challenges, the Club has been given a direct commitment that Maritime Safety Queensland will work closely with them and key stakeholders to develop and implement a long-term management strategy.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the Molongle Creek boating facility was a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters, particularly for emergency access. “The Molongle Creek boating facility is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Cape Upstart community and regional boaters; it is especially significant for safety, as Volunteer Marine Rescue and residents rely on this channel for emergency transport.” Mr Willcox said the channel continued to face natural challenges due to its geographic location. “The Molongle Creek Channel currently faces ongoing challenges due to its geographic location: the flow at the mouth of the creek frequently causes sand to accumulate and choke the channel.” He said responsibility for maintaining the facility had shifted to the State Government during his time as Whitsunday Mayor, and that a permanent engineering solution was needed. “During my time as Whitsunday Mayor, the State Government assumed responsibility for the maintenance of this facility to ensure its continued operation.” “In my assessment, a permanent infrastructure solution is required to address the siltation issues: this would involve installing sheet piling or a rock wall to protect the channel and keep it open
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Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. The statewide operation saw an extra 51 stores closed during a ten-day blitz from 25 November to 4 December, including Burdekin Tobacco, adding to earlier closures. Experts say this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Australian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Theo Fukkare told the Townsville Bulletin that the closures were a positive step but warned that authorities would need to monitor the stores closely as they prepare to reopen. “We think 200 is maybe a quarter of all of the available stores selling illegal products, so there’s still a long way to go,” he said. “I would suggest that potentially, the authorities have gone for the high-profile ones in high-profile areas, though there are a lot more through the state.” The closure of Burdekin Tobacco was issued under the state’s new tobacco laws, aimed at curbing the sale of illicit cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products. Authorities have seized more than 2.5 million illicit cigarettes, 31,000 vapes, and nearly 39,000 nicotine pouches across Queensland since the crackdown began. Burdekin Tobacco was one of six tobacconists in the region. Located in the Burdekin Plaza, it was a popular option for locals. The closure leaves a gap for residents who regularly purchased legal tobacco products from the Burdekin outlet. Some of the closed stores, including Burdekin Tobacco, could reopen soon, with authorities expected to monitor compliance closely. Authorities say checks will continue to ensure stores operate within the law when they reopen. Mr Fukkare called on the government to ensure there is an authorised officer at the stores on the day or days after they reopen. “Just to make sure that if they do want to run the gauntlet, then they can shut them down again.” CAPTION: Burdekin Tobacco on Edwards Street, Ayr, has been temporarily closed as part of a state government crackdown on illegal tobacco outlets, with almost 200 shops across Queensland shut down since new laws were introduced in November 2025. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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What a wonderful Christmas 2024 and here we are celebrating a new year, ringing in 2025.
Carols in Home Hill Sunday 8th December was well attended, despite the weather and change of venue. It was great to see local recording artist René entertain the crowd along with other talented locals. The evening concluded with Santa arriving with lolly bags greeted by Minty and rounding off with spectacular fireworks.
I had the good fortune to experience the End of Season Golf Classic Friday the 13th December, where the generosity of the Burdekin came to the fore, pardon the golf pun, supporting CORES by raising over thirty thousand dollars. Congrats to Ben, Kelsy and their band of volunteers.
Joyous church celebrations in Ayr at the United Church and in Home Hill at the Catholic Church on the 15th expressed the real meaning of Christmas with thoughtful words and beautiful music.
The Burdekin Youth Council hit the airwaves at Sweet FM on Wednesday the 18th to tell the listeners about themselves and the history which dates back thirty years.
Street festivities on the 19th and tremendous Christmas lighting throughout the Burdekin. Special mention to Leon and Jeff opposite the Golf Club, who go ‘above and beyond’ entertaining young and old.
The day itself was full of cheer, presents, excess food and afternoon siestas.
Despite all the festive cheer, some among us experienced loss and challenges, may we as a community wrap our arms around them to ease the discomfort.
New Year has been celebrated and resolutions made, some already broken, but we are given another year to strengthen what we already have, to change aspects of our life for the better and make a conscious choice to contribute to the Burdekin community.
There are many volunteer organisations crying out for potential members and this may just be the year to make that decision.
Wishing you health and happiness.
Councillor Furnell
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Wow, Christmas and New Year have come and gone in the blink of an eye! For many of us, the festive season is a time for family, laughter, and reflection. Coming from a big family myself, it’s rare that we’re all able to gather in one place, but I was grateful to spend Christmas Day in Townsville with my family members who could make it.
It was particularly special to have my mum, who lives with dementia, enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It’s a day we will all treasure - full of joy, love, and memories to hold close.
At our Christmas table, we often welcome more than just family. We’ve made it a tradition to include what I lovingly call “our orphans” - friends who might be on their own or whose partners are working during the holiday season. Their presence adds a unique dynamic to the day, with plenty of laughter and stories that make the celebration even more meaningful.
As we step into 2025, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope this year brings you everything you dream of and more.
I am excited for what lies ahead and look forward to working alongside my fellow Councillors to ensure the Burdekin continues to thrive.
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make 2025 a remarkable year for the Burdekin!
Stay safe and take care of yourself. 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.
Burdekin Potters Inc. has been a cornerstone of creativity and community spirit in the Burdekin region since its establishment in 1975. With 2025 marking its 50th anniversary, the club has seen tremendous growth in recent years, increasing its membership from just 10 members four years ago to 62 in 2024. From young individuals just starting out to those in their mid-70s, the club embraces potters of all ages, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for creativity to flourish.
The Burdekin Potters play an active role in the community, offering pottery classes for both adults and children throughout the year. The club also provides valuable support to indigenous groups, special needs communities, and local schools, helping them incorporate pottery into their curricula. Teachers receive advice and guidance, while the club supplies clay and fires the students’ creations in the club’s kiln.
In addition to its local outreach, the Burdekin Potters regularly hosts beginner courses to encourage new members to join the club. The club’s diverse and growing membership includes everyone from aspiring artists to seasoned potters, creating a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
In their efforts to ensure the club’s long-term sustainability, the Burdekin Potters sought out support through the Bendigo Bank Community Grant program, which has been instrumental in helping local clubs achieve their goals. The club was successful in securing a grant of $9,450 to refresh its clubhouse, ensuring it looks its best as it celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.
The exterior of the clubhouse in Plantation Park was given a fresh coat of paint, significantly enhancing its appearance and making a lasting impression on the community with Club President, Debra Ferraris more than excited for what’s to come.
“It was awesome to be successful in gaining the funding to achieve this project,” shared Debra.
“To have a big-ticket item crossed off our wish list, allows us to focus our funds (from sales of clay and membership fees) on maintaining and purchasing equipment for the club, as well as paying for general expenses like rates, electricity, and insurance.”
The club’s continued success and growth are a testament to the hard work of its volunteers and members, and the support of the community. As the club celebrates its 50th anniversary, they hope to inspire even more individuals to join and experience the joy of pottery!
Members of the Burdekin Potters receiving a cheque from the Bendigo Bank Community Grant program. Photo supplied
The Lower Burdekin Scout Group held a Christmas Raffle for the first time in the last 5-7 years. The Scouts would like to thank “Beaver” who is one of our Adult Helpers for coming up with the fundraising idea and doing all the leg work. This fundraiser will assist us in keeping our membership fees the lowest in our region.
We especially would like to thank the following local organisations who supported us by donating vouchers and gifts, which enabled us to create 12 packages of gifts as prizes:
Home Hill News & Coffee, Pathway to Holistic Health, Home Hill, Marzays, Home Hill
The Prawn Shop, Home Hill, Dee & Vees Takeaway, Home Hill, Fit Gym, Home Hill, Coles, Ayr, Woolworths, Ayr, Lilly May’s Flowers & Gifts, Home Hill and Tattoo Lotus, Ayr.
We would also like to thank Harvey Norman and Woolworths, for allowing the Scouts to sell the raffle tickets outside their stores. Harvey Norman also additionally supported the Scouts by allowing us to run a BBQ and sell raffle tickets on Thursday, 19 December.
The Lower Burdekin Scouts sold 479 tickets at $1 each to local families and visitors, and there were 12 prize packages.
The raffle and BBQ were the last Scouting activity in 2024, which has been a busy year for our Scouts.
Some of the activities were: Australia Day, swimming, Anzac Day, abseiling, camping, hiking, sailing, Harvest Festival, Ayr Show, Water Festival, visiting local Emergency Services and movie night.
The 2025 program has been developed and there will be lots of activities like there was in last year. 2025 starts with the Jamboree in Maryborough from the 5–16th of January.
People who would like to try Scouting, can come along in 2025 for four nights at no cost or more information, simply call Rikki on: 0419 104 035.
The Lower Burdekin Scouts wish all the readers, our supporters and members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lower Burdekin Scouts, Corey and Rikki, setting up for the BBQ. Photo: Supplied
The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Incorporated will soon celebrate its 35th anniversary within the region, with the committee’s rich agricultural history dating back to 1990.
John Trace held the position of 1990 Burdekin Shire Chairman and decided to establish a Landcare steering committee within the community, issuing an official meeting on the 28th of February. A year later, following on from Councillor Ron Brennan chairing the first public meeting of the committee, April of 1991 saw the announcement of President, Bob Whitson, Vice President, Maree Cameron, Secretary, Mike Franettovich, and Treasurer, Pat Neville as well as the renaming of the group to Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Incorporated. As June of 1992 rolled around, Les Searle was elected Chairperson, and actioned scouting for tree planting sites in both Ayr and Home Hill, and the rest, as they say, is history.
With over three decades of achievements and milestones, 2024 has seen the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association encourage a new generation into the fold through the launch of a wonderful Junior Landcare program. Chairwoman, Deb Calligaro, notes the program as a celebratory accomplishment, warmly thanking Keith Kiloh for his instrumental role in launching the initiative, wishing him all the best ahead of his retirement.
“Keith has done an amazing job as our previous Chairman and has really set us up for a bright future,” shared Deb.
“We thank Kieth immensely for all his hard work, dedication and leadership during his time as our leader and wish him all the very best in life.”
Along with the successful introduction of the Junior Landcare program, the Association celebrated both National Tree Day 4 Kids, and National Tree Day throughout 2024 along with a selection of improvements to their International Road facility. With 2025 underway, Lower Burdekin Landcare plans to continue advancing the Association’s reach within the community and increase volunteer numbers, with Deb inviting the community to see the work they carry out firsthand.
“We would like to create a mental health hub where anyone can come to the nursery and sit amongst nature and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with us,” added Deb.
“We would love for people to come into our nursery and see what we do and what is involved in being a volunteer or a member.
As a volunteer you don’t have to come every day that we are open nor do you have to stay the whole four hours, we are happy for any time that anyone can spare.”
Deb and the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association committee invite the community to either visit the nursery located at 57 International Road, Ayr or reach out via 07 3543 0477 or 0407 333 927 for more information.
The Burdekin region is set to cultivate the next generation of agricultural talent with the return of the much-anticipated Burdekin’s Sweetest School competition. This unique event invites local schools to roll up their sleeves and showcase their skills in sugarcane cultivation while fostering a sense of pride and collaboration across the community.
The competition, beginning in April, promises an exciting journey for participating schools as they learn the intricacies of sugarcane farming. From planting to nurturing their crops, students will gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and witness the vital role the sugarcane industry plays in the region's economy.
By embracing this challenge, students and teachers alike will delve into environmentally conscious farming practices, nurturing both their crops and a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication required in agriculture. The initiative is designed to spark a passion for farming among the younger generation while promoting teamwork and innovation in the classroom.
Schools will cultivate their crops over 12 months, with industry experts evaluating the sugarcane for quality and growth. The competition will culminate in May 2025, aligning with the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival, where the winning school will be announced during the Australian Hand Cutting Championships.
The victorious school will not only take home a $1,000 prize, proudly sponsored by CANEGROWERS Burdekin, but also a trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights.
This grassroots initiative continues to inspire students and highlight the importance of agriculture in the Burdekin community, ensuring that the region’s sweetest industry has a bright and sustainable future.
Grower advocacy group, CANEGROWERS, have said that Queensland's sugarcane farming families have spent Christmas counting the cost of yet another delayed harvest. It claims that updated industry analysis has found that poor milling performance throughout the year has caused crushing to continue into the wet season, which could cost growers over one-hundred million dollars in 2024.
The analysis by CANEGROWERS has revealed that as of 14 December more than 1.8 million tonnes of cane, worth a staggering $179 million, remained unharvested across Queensland.
“Some mills are still crushing, so it’s too early to tell how many tonnes will remain unharvested when the season finally ends, but that could happen any day given the continuing wet weather we’re experiencing across the state,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said.
“What’s clear is that growers and harvesting contractors are going to take a huge financial hit this year due to delays that they have no control over.”
The challenges are compounded by the downstream effects of standover cane and late-harvested ratoons, which threaten to erode grower profits well into 2025.
While mills also face financial setbacks from the extended crush, growers bear the lion’s share of costs, Mr Menkens said.
“As the crush drags past mid-November, rising temperatures and the onset of the rainy season create a triple blow – reduced sugar content in the cane, higher harvesting costs, and damage to wet paddocks, which require expensive remediation.”
The disparity in financial losses is stark.
“Obviously mills lose out too, but of that $179 million, the cost to growers and harvesting contractors is $115 million, so the growing sector is by far the hardest hit,” Mr Menkens said.
“We’re not supposed to be harvesting at this time of year, it’s as simple as that, and farmers are frustrated by the situation, which many feel is preventable.
“This frustration is reflected in tension across the industry, but arguments alone won’t solve the issue.”
Underlying these delays are systemic problems. Queensland’s sugar mills, many of which are ageing, urgently require significant investment to meet modern standards.
Workforce shortages compound the issue, with mill workers, harvester operators, and truck drivers in short supply.
Mr Menkens emphasised the need for unity and transparency to overcome these challenges.
“The future of our industry hinges on collaboration. Fixing systemic issues requires growers, millers, and government to work together, but we also need transparency.
“Every year the milling sector tells us the vast sums that they spend on maintenance and capital expenditure, but we don’t actually know what the true cost of bringing our mills up to speed might be.
“Spending $40-$50 million on capex sounds impressive, but if the true cost is $100 million then suddenly it doesn’t seem like nearly enough. So, transparency is essential.”
While historical tensions and mistrust between growers and millers persist, the industry’s survival depends on building trust and working toward shared goals, Mr Menkens said.
“Confidence to spur capital investment, shared strategic planning, and workforce development must be priorities.”
“It’s time to move beyond blame and focus on solutions. With cooperation, we can realign our seasons and position Queensland’s sugarcane industry for a stronger future.”
Photo supplied: CANEGROWERS
The Get Set for Work program, run by Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), targets 15-19-year-olds who have dropped out of school and provides them with a Certificate II in skills for work and vocational pathways.
The program includes resume and cover letter assistance, first aid, RSA, and white cards, and features guest speakers on topics like budgeting, mental health, workers' rights, road safety, indigenous culture, and drug and alcohol awareness.
“Our Get Set for Work program is for youth aged 15 to 19 and is part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The program aims to guide youth who have dropped out of school towards gaining employment,” explains Rowan Scott, PCYC Program Coordinator.
The Get Set for Work program is free, runs five days a week, and starts up again on January 28. Success stories include participants landing jobs in travel agencies, engineering, and hospitality.
The program aims to build confidence and employable skills.
PCYC’s most recent program in December, saw a 100% success rate, with all five participants completing the program. Past graduates often return to share their employment successes with the participants.
“Seeing the participants come in at the start, they’re a little nervous, a bit immature and unsure. By the end of the 10-week program, however, we start to see big changes in them when they complete their Certificate II, or find work for example. It's a small reward for us but a big deal for them,” Rowan says with pride.
“Here at PCYC we also run a ‘Break the Cycle’ program, which helps participants obtain their 100 hours towards their learner's license. Like Get Set for Work, it’s free! We also provide a pick-up and drop-off service, which runs five days a week, from 9am to 3pm,” he says.
Both programs are designed to give participants more freedom and flexibility, while giving them a greater sense of self-worth and purpose. PCYC continues to support their participants even after the courses have concluded, providing ongoing assistance.
Businesses are encouraged to participate in the programs, with many seeing great success as a result of hiring entry-level workers.
Interested participants and businesses, can contact Rowan Scott or Tamara Kemp for more information on: 06 4783 1009.
Rowan Scott (Program Coordinator) and Tamara Kemp (Social Worker). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
We are checking in with you all!
How are we all going?
How did Christmas go for everyone?
A relaxing time spent with those that matter, or did it feel more like a dumpster fire?
As we reflect on the past year, there comes a moment to release the challenges of 2024. Tonight presents a wonderful opportunity to shift our focus toward planning and setting intentions for the new year. It’s a time for manifestation and envisioning what we want to create in 2025.
No matter how your experiences have shaped you, this moment allows for growth and renewal. Letting go of the difficulties faced lets us clear space for new opportunities and aspirations. This is not merely about resolution-making but about truly contemplating the direction we wish to take moving forward.
The significance and history of New Year's celebrations can be traced back thousands of years and vary widely across different cultures and regions.
In 46 BC, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which established January 1 as the beginning of the year. This choice was related to January being named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, and time, symbolically looking back at the past and forward to the future. Regardless of the specific date or customs, the essence of welcoming a new year resonates universally, transcending cultural barriers.
New Year's celebrations represent hope, renewal, and the collective desire for a better future, making it one of the most significant and widely celebrated occasions around the globe.
We are excited to welcome everyone back to the Centre from Monday 6th January 2025.
Our programs and services will be available from this date.
Our groups' start-up dates:
Crochet Group – Monday, 13th January starting at 1pm. We are opening the group up to other crafters. If you would like to join the group and be around like-minded crafters like yourself – get in touch with us to find out more.
Presentation of Grief – Wednesday, 29th January 10.30am. An interactive education session on what grief looks like, how to support someone who is grieving and ideas on self-care.
Burdekin Dementia Support Group – Tuesday, 4th February at 10.00am
Burdekin Senior Computer Club – Thursday, 6th February at 9.30am
Burdekin Parkinsons Support Group - Friday, 28th February at 9.30am
So, as the clock ticks down, let’s embrace this moment to renew our focus, heal from past difficulties, and cultivate hope for the future.
Until next time
The Team at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
The final Honour Board event of 2024, Constable & Taylor Day, was held on Saturday, December the 7th, drawing an impressive 56 participants eager to embrace the tradition at the Ayr Golf Club. Despite the rainy weather earlier in the week, the course was in fantastic condition, thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and greenkeeper with their hard work ensuring a seamless event.
Captain Sandra Wight shared a heartfelt moment during the event, reflecting on her visit last year with Dr. Bill Taylor, just before his passing. During their discussion, Dr. Taylor spoke fondly of how both his father, Dr. Taylor, and Dr. Constable were passionate about fostering new friendships through randomly drawn partners. This vision of inclusivity has become a cherished tradition, making Constable & Taylor Day a special occasion each year.
The day was filled with excitement and friendly competition, culminating in a thrilling playoff to determine the next names to grace the Honour Board. The crowd gathered around the playoff hole to witness some exceptional putting, with Patron Pat Lawson delivering a clutch putt for par to secure the victory by a single shot.
Congratulations to Geoff Munro and Pat Lawson, the 2024 Constable & Taylor Day champions! A special mention also went to the runners-up, Donna Reid and Lenny Phillips, who both played brilliantly, with their teams finishing with 44 stableford points.
Equal third place was claimed by Mike Casey and Ross McLaughlin, as well as Charlie Coles and Phil Johnstone, who both scored 42 points. In a tie for fourth place, with 39 points each, were Trevor Jones & Ann Phelan, Robert Potter & Vin Sorbello, and Marion Chappell & Jon Lena.
On 11 December, The Home Hill Surgery was thrilled to celebrate a milestone – their 10th anniversary – since the irrepressible and lovable, Dr Tata, has taken over the practice.
It has been an incredible journey, and one they couldn’t have done without the local community’s support, who’ve seen the practice go from one doctor, to two, to now six! Quite remarkable when you consider that most regional and rural areas are lucky to have one doctor, and even then that’s usually a locum – a temporary or visiting GP.
“It’s a passion and honour of mine, to practice,” Dr. Tata says when he discusses the centre’s 10th anniversary. He gave much thanks to his wife, family, and his other doctors, as well as his many supporters, presenting those in attendance with special awards for their support on the day.
Dr. Tata celebrating with friends and family. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
In the time since Dr. Tata took over the clinic, he’s not only been able to increase the number of doctors in the region from one to six, but brought on other practitioners, including the newly arrived physiotherapist, Joshi Kota, who has only been in the Burdekin area since early October.
Named a finalist for GP of Australia in 2019, along with being named the best GP in all of Queensland, it’s a testament to Dr. Tata and his Home Hill Surgery, long considered to be one of the friendliest general practices around.
The Home Hill Surgery also offers other services not found in other regional areas, including the new procedural room, which was opened by Dr Tata and Mayor Dalle Cort on the day. That now means patients can have some minor procedures taken care of, while still being close to home, and family and friends, rather than visit Townsville or travel to bigger hospitals much further away.
“We work like a small family here,” Dr Tata says. It’s something that is reiterated among not only his doctors and staff, but the wider community, with many grateful for Dr. Tata for not only taking over the surgery, but adding real value and quality service in a region that really needed it.
Many people came to join him and his staff for a special celebration to mark this significant occasion, as they looked back on the memories, honoured the achievements, while looking forward to many more exciting years ahead.
He also received hundreds of wonderful emails and video messages congratulating him on his 10th anniversary and continued success in the community, including from MP Dale Last.
Dr Tata perhaps summed up the occasion and mood best when he says, “We may be a small dot on the map, but we’re big on heart.”
Judging by the number of people in attendance, and the numerous video messages from key organisations and prominent positions within the Burdekin, it’s easy to see why.
For all your medical needs, go visit the Home Hill Surgery, on 67 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill, and check out the vast array of services on offer, as well as the new procedural room.
Dr. Tata thanks his family and supporters. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
Dr Tata with his wife Pavani Ganapathi, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and his supporters, cut the 10th Anniversary cake. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen
Ready to brighten your day and support a great cause? Then head on down to 12 Patricia Road, Ayr, where you can pick your own sunflowers for a donation, with all the money collected going into research for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Australia.
Started up by a local man who wanted to remain anonymous, during a brief conversation, he said he was doing it after one of his good friends lost their child to CDH.
“Basically, anything I can do that might help save a life, whether it’s money for research into CDH which can possibly save other child’s lives, felt like the thing to do,” he said.
When asked if he’d repeat this beautiful display again next year, he was unsure, but if the genuine, heartfelt response from the community is anything to go by, you can expect that there’ll be a nice donation amount being sent to CDH Australia after it’s all done.
The display has seen a great response and participation from the local Burdekin community, who has taken up the challenge and come armed with snips or scissors, cutting their own sunflowers to take and decorate their home or give as gifts to others, while leaving generous donations for the cause.
Bring your own snips, snap some fun photos, post on social media, all while taking home a gorgeous bloom!
Your donation helps CDH Australia support families impacted by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, raising awareness and funding for life-saving research and support.
Local sunflower display now on display to support CDH Australia. Photo credits: Mark T. Rasmussen
So as another year is almost over, last minute Chrissie gifts are checked off, and we step into 2025 (how did we get there so quickly?), from me, Trish, Chelsea and the rest of the Burdekin Life team, we want to thank everyone from the local community, the Burdekin Shire Council, community and support groups, sports teams and clubs, and especially advertisers, for your continued support and commitment to the paper. Without it, the Burdekin Life Newspaper would cease to exist.
In my short time here, me and my own little family – which will be extended by one next April – have nothing but gratitude for the welcome and support we’ve been given. When you’ve been on the road as long as we have (19 months), across two countries, simply looking to put down roots, it’s that kind of care and camaraderie, that makes the world of difference.
As we all look forward to a vibrant 2025, may your festive season be one of joy, delight, and wonderful memories. To those who may have lost loved ones throughout the year, let’s gather around them and let them know they are not alone.
A strong, healthy, and compassionate community, can only be as good as everyone is willing to contribute. Doesn’t matter whether it’s their services, time, or support, we can each do something to lift the Burdekin community up and make it a shining example across Queensland and Australia.
I look forward to meeting many more of you next year, hearing your own great personal stories, and sharing the delights of them within these pages.
For now, have yourselves a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and here’s hoping Santa Claus brings you all what you want most. Ho Ho Ho!
Staff at the Ayr Hospital took time to recognise some of their longest serving staff with a special morning tea function on Friday, 13th December, last week.
Eight staff across the whole nursing, medical, operational and administration service groups, were presented with certificates and commemorative pins by Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, highlighting their milestone years of service.
Notably, clinical nurse, Suzette Marano, who primarily works within the emergency department, was awarded her certificate for 35 years of service to the health service.
Ayr Health Service director of nursing, Tracey Gabiola, said Ms Marano was one of the most experienced and invaluable members of the team.
“Suzette is a shining example of a rural generalist nurse who is competent across much of our service,” Tracey said.
“While she primarily works in emergency, she also provides support to all our nursing and medical staff within the acute ward and perioperative when required.”
“As a clinical nurse, Suzette provides an advanced level of assessment and emergency response skills and has provided quality leadership within our nursing team over her long career here at the Ayr hospital,” Tracey concluded.
Other staff who were recognised for Ayr Health Service length of service awards on the day included:
◦ Mary Anne Fraser 30 years
◦ Kathy Dunn 25 years
◦ Helen Fraser 15 years
◦ Jade Nielsen 10 years
◦ Colin De Wit 10 years
◦ Sandra Boccalatte 10 years
◦ Katrina Moretto 10 years
Clinical nurse, Suzette Marano with Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Photo: Supplied
L-R: Sandra Boccalatte (10 years), Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Colin De Wit (10 years), Suzette Marano (35 years), Jade Nielsen (10 years). Photo: Supplied
It may have been the tenth year of Member for Burdekin Dale Last's Christmas Appeal, but the generosity of Burdekin residents has again left him both humbled and proud to represent such a great community.
Hopes of ensuring the tenth year of the Christmas appeal could be the biggest yet have been exceeded with donations of non-perishable food and toys pouring in over recent weeks at the Burdekin Electorate Office.
Mr Last said despite costs of living continuing to impact family budgets it was incredibly humbling to see the generosity of residents ignite for a tenth festive season.
"2024 has been an incredibly tough year for many community members and knowing that these items will go to those people who may not have otherwise been able to afford to have a few presents under the tree or enjoy some festive treats is incredibly heartwarming," Mr Last said.
"Whether it was your first time or your tenth time popping into the Burdekin Electorate Office to provide a donation to the appeal, I'd like to offer my deepest gratitude on behalf of the recipients for your generosity.”
Mr Last said it was not only individuals who had taken the time to give to the appeal but also community groups, with the Burdekin Men’s Shed once again supporting the appeal.
“Each and every year of my appeal has seen an array of cherished toys and additional donations from our local shedders and woodcraftsmen, which I know are incredibly special for the children who receive them on Christmas morning,” Mr Last said.
“The Salvation Army’s volunteers will now put together hampers based on the needs of the families they are supporting. It’s a great effort by those volunteers as well because it means that families get the support they need, and every single donation is used in a way that will make a real difference.”
“The festive season is now well underway and with the end of a busy year approaching, it’s a timely reminder to us all that while this season can bring joy to many, it can be difficult for others.”
“Sharing a smile, a few kind words or donating some time to charity doesn’t cost a cent but may mean the world to someone else, after all that is the true spirit of Christmas.”
Christmas appeal with Charles Ford and Gwen of The Salvos, with Dale Last. Photo: Supplied.
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