Burdekin Life newspaper journalist and celebrated author, Mark T. Rasmussen, wowed a packed Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday at the Home Hill Community Sporting Club, as he discussed his award-winning novel, The Journey, and his own life story.

The first meeting of the year for the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce proved to be a popular one, with the full house of attendees treated to a special night to hear about Mark’s novel, his writing, as well as his own journey, which included hearing highlights of his many adventurous travels.

During the night, Mark mentioned that he had visited about 60 countries across six continents, while living in eight major cities around the world: Melbourne, London; Edinburgh; Auckland; Rio de Janeiro; Sydney; L.A; and Toronto, with Rio his favourite.

The audience got to listen in to Mark’s writing process, where he discussed the National Novel Writing Month challenge he undertook in late 2016, which resulted in the 50,000 first draft for his novel, as well as hearing some of his more personal stories.

At the end of his vibrant, honest, and captivating talk, several of the audience waited in line as Mark wrote personal inscriptions for each before selling-out of his popular book on the night.

“Being new-ish here, I never expected such a showing let alone the support I did. It was an honour to speak, and to sell out of my books was an unexpected bonus,” an excited Mark said.

“Huge thanks to Rob Antoniazzi, and the rest of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce for inviting me. I had fun,” Mark proclaimed.

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Award-winning author (and Burdekin Life journalist), Mark T. Rasmussen, stands with his novel The Journey and book poster, after enrapturing a full house of attendees. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The team and I at BCA have been busy helping the community and council with the initial disaster management response and community recovery, due to the recent Monsoonal Trough. Please see information below regarding the Community Recovery Hubs currently open.

Community Recovery Hub Burdekin
Activated locations: entire LGA

If you are suffering hardship or require emotional support as a result of the North and Far North Tropical Low event, help is available. You may be eligible for financial or other assistance to help you get back on your feet.

People are encouraged to apply for financial assistance grants online at www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Community Recovery hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship, unable to apply online or over the phone, or needing emotional or wellbeing support can visit for assistance.

Emotional support
If you’re impacted by the severe weather and are experiencing emotional stress, the dedicated Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline is available.
Confidentially speak to a qualified disaster counsellor on 1800 116 671 for help. Available 24 hours.
Stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out for support during this challenging time.

Community Support Services
The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) is here to serve and providing community support services as always.
For Community, Health and Wellbeing Services, information or support please contact our Team:
The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744
Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, 12A Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 2711
Email: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Website: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bca1975

Visit a Community Recovery Pop-up Hub
Community Recovery Pop-up Hubs are available to provide support, including assistance with grant applications and emotional well-being services.

Home Hill Community Recovery Pop-up Hub

 📍Location: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 98 Edwards Street, Ayr

 📅Dates: Daily until Friday 28 February 2025

 ⏰Operating Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm


For more information on available assistance and eligibility, please visit the Queensland Government's disaster recovery page: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/nq-monsoon-trough-january-2025#hub

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On Wednesday 19 February, the Ayr High Community came together to acknowledge the school leaders for 2025.  A range of leadership positions were acknowledged including the House Family Representatives for each year level, YR 7 and 11 Scholarship recipients, Yr 11 LIP Leaders, QATSIF Awardees, Sporting House Captains and the School Student Executive.

2025 School Captains, Jack Power and Sophie Robertson outlined their vision for the school in an inspiring speech while new School Vice-Captains compered the event.  A special thank you to Deputy Mayor, Max Musumeci for his role in the proceedings.

For many years there has been an accepted tradition of each out going Student Executive member handing forward  ‘the book’ which accompanies each position.  These books contain information and messages from previous year’s members and it is the responsibility for the incoming member to add their story too.

A new initiative this year courtesy of the work of 2024 Indigenous Vice-Captain Sienna Chapman is the Message Stick which will be handed down to each new Indigenous Vice-Captain with the responsibility of adding their story to the stick.  

2025 Indigenous Vice Captain Johben Tabo accepted the Message Stick from Aunty Bernice Zaro on behalf of Sienna  at the school ceremony.

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Indigenous Vice Captain Johben Tabo accepting the Message Stick. Photo supplied

Photos supplied

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Kiera: “I can now get to work – by car! I don't have to get a helicopter or catch the train-bus to work, which is what I was doing for a little while. We were stuck for like a week. And then, well, I was there from Tuesday and we got stuck on Friday, so however long that is. But yeah, I caught a helicopter to Ayr one day, and then on Wednesday and Thursday I caught the Q-Rail-bus from Ayr across Plantation, to then catch the courtesy bus. Because the bus stops across the road at the Comfort Stop, I could then just walk to work. I did that for a few days.”

Lorelle: “I just finished work and now I'm going for lunch, but honestly, not a lot. I’m just waiting for the grass to dry so I can possibly mow it. But mostly I’m just working again after being stuck in Ayr from Saturday to Tuesday. Once the rail-cart bus was up and running, I started taking that to get to work again but that’s about it.”

Spiros: “I’m just travelling home from a week's worth of work down in the Bowen basin. When the roads got cut off, lucky for me I had the vehicle at work on site. So I drove that to Mackay and booked flights from Mackay to Cairns, which were a bit of a mess. With the roads cut off, when it came to flights, the airlines price gouged on the tickets and the prices went up by twice to even three times as much. Usually they’re pretty cheap. That was frustrating and annoying when a lot of the flights automatically went higher but because there was no other way to get around the only way was to fly.”

Jane: “Yeah, we’re cleaning mould off walls. We’re out near Osborne. We had leaks in the roof. While it’s not that bad compared to some places you see, that’s what we’re doing right now. Other than that, we’re also out in the garden where I’m helping out mum. I’m unemployed right now because of epilepsy, so I can’t work. So yeah, we’re just cleaning up the yard, cleaning up the house. It’s a pretty boring life right now.”

Adam & Debbie: “We've got our own pest control business, and the rain basically… well, it didn’t shut us down but I’ve been parked up for three weeks because nothing works in the wet. And we couldn't get across the bridge to come to Home Hill, so at the moment we're just waiting for everything to dry out and then we're back in the business full time. We also had up to go to Townsville after one of my dogs bit my finger. The dogs were fighting over a chicken and silly me put my hand there. He bit through to the bone. But other than that, we’re all right.”

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During a week when Bruce Highway was shut at Plantation Creek, and it didn’t look like the papers would get through, Shae Linton from Home Hill News & Coffee stepped up, got creative, and ensured the local newspaper was delivered.

She devised a plan to get the papers by 6am, which was appreciated by the community, especially the elderly who rely on print media.

“We'd arranged for the papers to come across Plantation on a semi, but he got held up, and they didn't make it here till lunch time. We had everyone wondering where the papers were. So then we devised another plan, and we worked in with somebody doing the bread and we got the papers here by six o'clock each morning, through the flood waters.”

“It made our customers very happy to have them here each morning by the six o’clock in the morning rather than five o’clock in the afternoon,” Shae says.

The store also faced a milk shortage, prompting a trip to Bowen where Woolies donated milk, leading to a free coffee day.

“Because of supply issues, we were having to go to Bowen for milk. One day we went down and the Bowen manager of the Woolworths donated milk to us and John from Home Hill bakery. He gave his away for free, and so we decided to have a free coffee day with our supply of milk. That Tuesday it was pretty crazy in here.”

Shae also arranged for Valentine's flowers, with truckies more than willing to help amidst supply chain disruptions.

“When we realised that it was also Valentine's Day, we caught two semis over to get Valentine's flowers for the Romantics of Home Hill,” she laughs.

“In times like this, you realise how important the local papers still are. I know everyone says you can see everything on Facebook, but not everyone's got Facebook. And the elderly community were still looking for the papers each day to find out what's happening.”

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Shae Linton, an unsung hero who helped get the local paper, Burdekin Life, into stores, onto shelves, ensuring no one went without it. Photo credit: Mark T Rasmussen

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From March 2 there was great flooding in North Queensland, and once again the Burdekin River flooded. Monday, March 4, the Burdekin River was 11ft 6¨ over the railway bridge which was said to be 16 feet high. The Lower Burdekin including Ayr, Giru and Home Hill, were isolated by road and rail to the North, South, and West.

To prove that the Lower Burdekin could be supplied by a sea route from Townsville, two representatives of the Telegraph paper – a reporter and a photographer – joined a party of men, which went from Townsville to Home Hill by fishing boat and dinghy. It was a tough, exciting, and precarious trip, but proved that you could get in or out of the Lower Burdekin River by sea.

The party left Townsville on Tuesday 5 on board fishing boat ‘Seal’, owned and skippered by Byron (Snowy) Whittaker. He was a tough fighter in the boxing ring and a mackerel fisherman on the reef. The Seal and two dories, Sally and Sue, put a tough fight to get to Home Hill.

The Seal was an eight-knot diesel fishing launch of 47ft. The boats had 6 hours going up stream, which was running at a rate from 6-10 knots. It was suggested that the provision of shallow-draught punts with high-power engines in Home Hill and a powerful launch in Groper Creek, would always give Home Hill contact with the outside world.

“When we were going up through the mangroves on our second attempt, we met Mr Rubiola, an Italian cane farmer coming down in a little punt with an outboard motor to see how the launches anchored in Groper Creek were faring. When we left we were accompanied by men going back to their properties by punt through the quiet backwaters in the mangroves.”

A mercy flight of a Tiger Moth aeroplane of the R.A.A.F landed at the Ayr Race Course to deliver penicillin to Home Hill Hospital. The penicillin was handed to Sergeant Dougherty, the officer-in-charge of the Ayr Police Station, who took the drug and arranged for its dispatch by boat across the river to Home Hill Hospital.

Mr Frank Carew, a photographer of the Brisbane Courier, was fortunate to be on board. They were besieged by residents to carry out mail and telegrams for dispatch from Townsville.

The Tiger Moth and its crew became the unofficial postmen. There was also a free delivery of papers dropped by plane in Ayr and Home Hill. The Mail Train from Brisbane had been marooned at Ayr since last Monday, and was still stationed at Ayr Railway Station. There were 100 plus passengers aboard, many of whom have enjoyed the hospitality of Ayr.

According to Sergeant O’Brian of Home Hill police, there was no loss of life, and floodwaters had receded from Home Hill by Friday.

News from Giru on March 7 reported no casualties during the floods. There were two cases of acute appendicitis and they were unable to get away to secure medical attention. The town had been out of meat since the previous weekend. The road to the slaughter yards, which is about a mile away, was impassable that the butcher couldn’t get there.

During the weekend 27 inches of rain were recorded making a total of 69 inches for the year, against an average of 45 to 50 inches.

The Piralko Reed Beds are a mortuary for stock, which got swept away. The stench from them was bad. The Haughton River broke through the banks to Griggs’ farm, then through Pink Lily and Crooked Waterholes, before making it onto the Reed Beds. The debris is still clinging to the lateral struts of railway telegraph poles 11 feet above the ground.

At Alligator Creek the line had been washed 120 yards away. At the approach the first span has been washed about 40 yards down and turned over, girders uppermost, and rails embedded in the sand.

We went to bed and waking in the morning, Plantation Creek was flooded. Monty James delivered bread and meat to the people of Old Clare Road in his punt. That folks, is some of the happenings in the 1946 flood.

Article supplied courtesy of Glenis Cislowski

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Ferry and Train Burdekin River. Photo: Supplied
Army crossing the old Burdekin Bridge. Photo: Supplied

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Well, the rain has given us an overdue break and things are slowly drying out.

I hope everyone impacted by the weather event have not suffered too much.

While clean-up efforts are still in full swing, I would like to remind people of one of the risks associated with these wet muddy conditions.

Melioidosis cases have been on the rise and have very sadly taken the lives of 3 elderly people in the Townsville area. Melioidosis is caused by bacteria in soil that tends to emerge more after heavy rain or flooding. When in or around soil or mud please wear boots, gloves and most importantly do not let any open wounds come into contact with the elements.

One of my councillor duties is acting as the Council representative on the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust. We had our first meeting since the flood on Monday and boy do we have our work cut out. Any work we do will fully depend on external funding.

I hope the Federal and State governments give us our fair share. We all know how eager they would be to put their hands in their pockets if this event happened in the Brisbane River.

Did anyone notice the Cowboys trial on the weekend? I usually don’t take much notice of trial games, but any time we beat Melbourne is worth noting. Cowboys 2025 NRL Premiers!

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In today’s fast-evolving agricultural landscape, sugarcane growers must go beyond traditional farming practices to build resilient and profitable businesses. Recognising this need, CANEGROWERS introduced the Business Essentials workshop series, a comprehensive program tailored to empower sugarcane growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.

Now in its fourth year, the program is more flexible than ever, offering a mix of in-person workshops and online webinars, so growers can tailor their participation to their specific needs.

The series provides practical knowledge, expert insights, and financial support opportunities to help build a profitable, resilient, and future-ready farm business.

With experienced trainers—including specialists from other agricultural sectors like cotton and grains—growers gain fresh perspectives across a wide range of topics, including:

• Building a professional business: Learn to set achievable goals, develop robust strategies, and manage unforeseen risks effectively.

• People management: Gain insights into attracting and retaining the right talent, navigating legal requirements, and fostering harmonious family working relationships.

• Workplace health & safety (WHS): Understand your obligations, establish practical safety protocols, and create a culture of safety on the farm.

• Sugar pricing strategy and industry knowledge: Demystify the complexities of sugar pricing, enabling informed and profitable decision-making. Enhance your understanding of industry-specific terms and practices, such as relative payment systems and Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS) metrics.

• Advanced Bookkeeping: Elevate your financial management skills, including considerations around managing your own Business Activity Statements (BAS).

Growers can choose sessions that align with their specific interests and needs, mixing and matching between in-person workshops and online webinars. This approach ensures that participants can maximise the benefits of the program without compromising their operational responsibilities.

By equipping growers with a comprehensive farm business resilience plan, the program not only enhances operational effectiveness but also positions businesses to secure essential funding and support for future challenges.

The program also offers personalised one-on-one support, helping you develop a comprehensive business plan and implement strategic solutions that drive real, measurable success for your farm.

“There comes a time when you do need to step back and say, right what are our biggest issues, how are we going to get around them, are we going to do something about them or are we just going to ignore them. And look at where you want to be in that five-year or 10-year mark”
Jill Fox (Mackay)

Embrace this opportunity to transform your sugarcane farming business and register your interest today! The Business Essentials workshop & webinar series is more than just a learning experience; it's an investment in the future resilience and profitability of your enterprise.

“You are with your fellow growers. It's an outlet to provide support”
Paul Schembri

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and grow! For more details, workshop dates, and registration, visit canegrowers.com.au.

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This week, Angel-Paws Dog and Cat Rescue is delighted to introduce you to Usher, an incredibly sweet and snuggly tabby boy who’s just waiting to bring joy into a new home. Usher was brought into the care of Angel-Paws when he was just 2 weeks old, along with his siblings.  

He was tiny and malnourished at the time, but with plenty of love and care, he’s since blossomed into a healthy, playful, and affectionate little fellow.

While all of Usher’s siblings have already found their forever homes, this charming boy is still waiting for his chance.  

Usher is a true purr machine and loves nothing more than curling up right by your pillow when it’s time to sleep. When he’s not snuggling, he’s zooming around with his big foster siblings, showing off his energetic side!

Usher is a sweet and playful little man, and Angel-Paws believes he truly deserves a loving family of his own.  

If you think you could be the one to offer him that, please fill out an inquiry form to meet him. He’s just waiting to bring endless love and laughter into your home! https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Don’t let this sweet boy wait any longer – Usher is ready to find his forever home and become part of your family!

Age: 2 weeks old
Sex: Male
Breed: Tabby
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Slow Introduction

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Another week, another organisation interviewed who like everyone else – desperately need volunteers. It’s been a common theme since I took up this role. Whether it’s  the SES, The Men’s Shed, VMR, or Sweet FM, volunteers are in short supply.

We do our best within these pages to support these organisations, whether it’s the above or Lions, Rotary, BNC, BCA, Scouts, etc by giving them exposure, highlighting the great things they do, hoping someone, anyone, walks through their doors to join. Sometimes it works.

I may not be able to give up much of my time (something Warren at the SES says is the greatest thing anyone can give you), to volunteer everywhere, but I can make a difference in other ways. Stay tuned for more on this down the track.

I have picked up the baton for one non-profit, though. The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival was struggling for volunteers when I wandered on up there, but I’m pleased to say it’s been reignited by an enthusiastic new bunch (myself included).

If you caught the story a couple of issues ago, I wrote my heart & soul into that piece. Being an author (outside these pages), it spoke to me on many levels. I’m excited for what’s to come.

I also spoke at the recent Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting, where I discussed my award-winning novel, and my own journey. For a relative newcomer, the turnout and support blew me away. For those who then bought my book on the night, humbled beyond words. Thank You.

Mark

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The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has been active since the onset of the recent floods, providing support for community recovery, including funding for disaster operations and public asset repairs. Recovery is a complex process affecting not just infrastructure but also people's mental health.

Jake Ellwood, CEO of the QRA, was in the Burdekin recently. He discussed the organisation's role in disaster recovery, while giving a recovery timeline as he explains.

“I've seen the impacts from north to south, and people should understand it will be a big job. We think it's really important to make sure that there is a seamless transition from response into recovery. We're already looking at what recovery might look like during the event,” Jake says.

“For some it could be days if the impact is minor, for some weeks, for some others it could be months, while there will be others out there who have been impacted, whether economically or mentally, where it can take some people years to recover from. Additionally, some of those bigger pieces of infrastructure have to be replanned and then executed to roll out. Invariably, there will be some who will bounce back quickly, and some who recover slowly,” Jake emphasises.

Ellwood stresses the need for community support and a collaborative effort involving local councils, state, and federal governments, during this recovery timeline.

“This has been a very significant event. The QRA has been on the ground since the rain began. We make sure that we get appropriate support to communities. We make sure there are activations to provide counter disaster operations funding in a timely fashion, repair of essential public assets, and then we look at a range of measures that may help communities recover. And recovering is hard.”

“Often those who are surrounded by family and friends and community, they're the ones who invariably bounce back better. But if you're struggling, reach out to a friend, family member, council, a community recovery hotline where people are waiting to assist you. Don’t suffer in silence,” Jake stresses.

“From community to council to state and federal government. We only get through these events via a full team effort. Queenslanders are tough, and we will bounce back stronger.”

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CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Jake Ellwood, stresses not to suffer in silence, support is there for those affected. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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The Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr is very excited about celebrating International Women’s Day, by supporting Zonta Club Burdekin Inc IWD Brunch.

Zonta’s International Women’s Day Brunch, to be held at the Masonic Heritage Centre, MacMillan Street, Ayr on Sunday the 9th of March, is a day celebrated globally that recognises women’s achievements and raises awareness about gender equality.

Some more exciting news is that the event has sold out in one day of tickets being released. This brunch will bring together 150 people, including students from the four Burdekin High Schools and visitors to the region.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is the local Zonta club’s major fundraiser for the year, with the funds raised going towards the purchase of 1,000 birthing kits to send to developing countries as their international project.

This year Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr are gold sponsors for the event and will be presented on the day with certificates of appreciation from Birthing Kits Foundation Australia, in recognition for their support of the project and their staff’s assistance assembling the birthing kits. One birthing kit, valued at $5, has the potential to save two lives – both mother and baby.

The inspirational guest speakers include Dr Tracey Ahern, Senior Lecturer and Course Coordinator of James Cook University’s Master of Nursing (Online), and Sarah Chapman, a former Ayr State High School student, Townsville Science Teacher, and recipient of the 2013 Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. She is the founder of STEM Changemakers, and has also helped build a team at Townsville State High School, which has become a magnet for parents and students who want to be prepared for jobs of the future.

Zonta Club Burdekin Inc celebrated their 30th birthday last year. On this IWD, Zonta International celebrates the power of women in STEM and their vital contributions to innovation and progress.

President for the Zonta Club Burdekin, Isabel Stubbs, says the region has great opportunities for women in the future.

“We are proud to support the next generation of female leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the Zonta Women in STEM Award—empowering women to achieve full and equal participation in STEM fields.” Says Isabel.

The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc gives a STEM award annual to Year 10 female students at each of the High Schools to assist with their education.

The Burdekin community spirit shines at events such as these that unite a community for a common goal, while the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr can proudly participate, including staff and their children.

WHAT: Zonta Club of the Burdekin's International Women’s Day Brunch
WHERE: Masonic Heritage Centre, MacMillan Street
WHEN: Sunday 9th March

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Judy Mitchell Chair Zonta Club Burdekin Advocacy Committee, Helen Andrews Woman of Achievement Awardee, Therese Smith Zonta, Area 5 Directo. Photo: Supplied

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Jane Baltzars and Erin Brennan
Eusebio Aguirre (President Burdekin Chamber of Commerce), with Kari Ravizza (Treasurer) Burdekin Chamber of Commerce
Deputy Mayor, Max Musumeci, Councillor Amanda Hall, Peter Hall
Lisa Shepherd, Kate Casswell, Lyn McLaughlin, Norm Bethell
Belinda Mohr, Gwen Marshall all smiles.
Anthony & Carolyn Sturiale
Bryn Hicks, Jim Ashworth
Megan Hippler, Tracy Liotis

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Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) has long been a beacon of educational excellence in our community, and the recent 2024 Awards Night held on Thursday evening, was a testament to the outstanding learning and teaching that take place within its classrooms.

This prestigious evening celebrated the dedication, hard work, and achievements of both students and staff, showcasing the school's commitment to fostering academic success and personal growth.

The Awards Night recognised students who have excelled across various disciplines, from academic achievements to leadership, service, and cultural pursuits. The results from our 2024 graduates further highlight the school’s commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

Many students have secured outstanding results, opening doors to university offers, apprenticeships, and promising career pathways. Their success reflects not only their dedication but also the unwavering support of BCHS educators, who continue to implement innovative, evidence-based teaching practices to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Principal Lorraine Wolffe praised the hard work of students and staff, stating, “At Burdekin Catholic High School, we are committed to creating an environment where every student is encouraged to strive for excellence. Our teachers go above and beyond to provide engaging and effective learning experiences, and the success of our graduates is proof of that commitment.”

Beyond academics, BCHS fosters a nurturing and supportive atmosphere, ensuring that students develop holistically. The school’s focus on faith, values, and community engagement, continues to shape well-rounded individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

As we celebrate the successes of our 2024 students and look to the future, Burdekin Catholic High School remains dedicated to its mission of providing outstanding education, empowering students to achieve excellence, and making a difference in the world.

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Year 7–Year 12 Duxes. Photo. Supplied
Year 11, Level 1 (Gold) Awardees. Photo. Supplied
Years 7–11 JCU Academic Excellence Awardees. Photo. Supplied

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It’s often the unsung heroes – the State Emergency Service (SES) – who are first to respond. First to rescue. First to clean up. First to help. First to support the community any way they can.

During the Burdekin's recent floods, they completed 140 jobs, a similar number to Cyclone Kirrily last year. While they receive plenty of praise, pats on the back, or free food and accommodation, what they need most is more volunteers. In a sign of the times, volunteering nationally is down 10% everywhere!

As the SES’s volunteer base has shrunk and current members are ageing (some are in their 80s), areas such as the Burdekin have some of the lowest turnout numbers in Far North Queensland.

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SES Call For Volunteers
Recent Flooding Event Highlights Need

“At Clare, we've only got three volunteers, but one's since left so that's back to two. Giru has two. Home Hill has six, however, we’ve just had the deputy local controller resign because of his age. He's 85,” states Warren Francis, local controller of the (SES) in Burdekin.

“It's a phenomena. It's something that's happening that we can't control. There are two separate enquiries going at the moment. One is a state level enquiry, and one is a national enquiry about volunteerism. Why can't we get volunteers? Why is it dropping? Why have we had a 10% decrease in volunteers in the last two years?” Warren says.

While it's something that's being looked into by both State and Federal governments, where it’s simply a case of ‘let's see what they come up with’ that doesn’t help the men and women of the local SES units. Whether it’s Ayr, Home Hill, Clare, Giru, or Rita Island, all could use a boost in numbers.

So what’s the answer? What can the community do to rally behind the volunteers in bright orange who do so much for the local communities of the Burdekin?

They’ve got all the latest equipment, from rescue boats, heavy rigid trucks, 4 wheel drives. They offer free training in over 20 courses. They’re backed by the council and government. And above all, they have camaraderie second to none.  

“All the training is free. If you stick around you can get a forklift license, a working at heights elevated platform ticket, Bobcat certification, etc. They're skills you can take anywhere. We try to emphasise that to younger people, that there's rewards and it's all free! They'll feed you, they look after you. If you need accommodation, they'll look after that too,” Warren expresses.

“Look, we really need some extra people. I get it, it's volunteering. It’s not for everyone and I won't tell fibs to people. I'll tell you honestly, when you get a job it's going to be at the worst, most inconvenient time. When you go and do the job, it's going to probably be wet and very uncomfortable. It's going to be miserable,” Warren asserts.

“But it's a great feeling, and it says something of a person that can volunteer their time, because there's nothing more precious than someone's time. If people are prepared to give you their time, that is the biggest thing that they can give you. That speaks volumes to me about the character of people who are prepared to come and do it for free, and do it so they can help their community.”

“We're just grateful for any time that people can give us, whether it's a little bit of time or a lot of time. We're grateful for anyone that can give us their time,” Warren declares.

Newest recruit, Ian Schwerin, didn’t need any convincing. When his boat was hit by a rogue wave and flipped over last year where he and his mate spent 23 long hours in shark infested waters, the first thing he did when he was rescued was walk straight into the nearest SES.

“I went for a weekend fishing trip over at the Cape, and I got hit by a rogue wave, which swamped my boat. My mate and I were stuck in the water for 23 hours and once we got found, I joined the SES to give back to the community for everyone that came looking for me,” Ian says.

While it shouldn’t take a rescue to convince you to join, perhaps a more sobering thought is what happens when the current members reach an age that they can no longer volunteer? Attend a flood or cyclone to lend a hand and clean up? What happens then? Who steps up to help when the helpers can no longer help?

“Burdekin has tremendous units, probably because we get so much work which is done by so few people that, you know, it creates a camaraderie. The satisfaction of helping the community is probably the biggest satisfaction anyone can do,” Warren concludes.

Be part of an organisation that makes all the difference. To join your local SES, simply drop in to your nearest SES branch, sign up, or visit: https://www.ses.qld.gov.au/form/become-an-ses-member and discover why there is no greater reward than helping and saving others.

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