On Monday, May 27, the Home Hill & Ayr Community Banks hosted their annual Community Grants Presentation Night, gathering the community to highlight the bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives and celebrate significant milestones in their journey.
This year, 39 organisations received a total of $369,557 in grants, supporting areas like Youth Services, Sporting Facilities, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Community and Cultural Facilities, Environment, and Employment, on top of an additional $35,750 already distributed throughout the year.
South Burdekin Community Financial Services Limited Chairman Darren West opened the evening by recognising the contributions of his fellow directors, all volunteers, with three having served since the bank's inception.
He also acknowledged Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin, the dedicated staff of both branches, and special guests including Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci, and Councillor John Furnell.
Mr West provided a brief history, recalling the bank's formation in 2003 when a group of community-minded volunteers initiated a steering committee to establish a Bendigo Community Bank in Home Hill.
Despite the challenges of the Global Financial Crisis, the bank steadily grew, gaining a loyal customer base and ultimately took over the last remaining major bank in Home Hill in 2011.
The bank's move to the new Home Hill location in 2015, within the IGA complex, significantly enhanced customer interaction.
In 2016, the bank acquired the Charters Towers portfolio, followed by the purchase of the Ayr branch in 2017, which brought in a diverse customer base.
In 2021, the bank expanded by taking on the Agribusiness portfolio for Ingham, and in 2022, it acquired the Bowen branch, further increasing customer engagement.
Highlighting the essence of a Community Bank, Mr West mentioned the first community contribution in 2008, a modest $1,075, which has since grown substantially.
“The whole idea of a Community Bank is to provide banking services to our communities, to generate profits that are then distributed back into those communities,” he said.
“We have injected a total of $1,491,554 into our community through grants, sponsorships, and dividends.
“This has only been made possible by the support from our Home Hill, Ayr and Bowen communities and those people and organisations that have decided to bank with us.”
Mr West concluded with a call to action, encouraging the community to bank with Community Banks to further increase funding opportunities.
“Imagine the volume we could create and how much extra funding we could provide to the community going forward,” he urged.
The evening then proceeded with the presentation of individual cheques to each organisation, with representatives sharing how the funds will benefit their projects and the community.

The community gathered for the presentation of Home Hill & Ayr Community Banks Community Grants earlier this week. Photo credit: Chantel Michielin

2024 Community Grant Recipients
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce
Ayr Golf Club
Burdekin Art Society Inc
RSL Sub Branch Home Hill
Burdekin Football Club
Millaroo State School P & C Assoc
Ayr Rifle Club
Lower Burdekin Landcare Association
Home Hill Cricket Club
NQ Employment
Burdekin School
Home Hill Tennis
Home Hill Golf Club
Brandon Bowls Club
Home Hill Choral Society
Ayr Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Assoc Inc
Home Hill Boat Club
Burdekin Sub Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc
Rita Island Progress Association
Zonta
Burdekin Netball Association
Burdekin Men's Shed Association Inc
St Stephen's Greek Community of Home Hill & Ayr
Burdekin Potters
Jarvisfield Primary P&C Association
Home Hill Community Kindergarten
Burdekin Artisan Community Association Inc
Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association
Burdekin Community Association
Burdekin Chaplains
Burdekin Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc
Home Hill State School P&C
Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club
Burdekin Brass Band
Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod
Bowen Seagulls Rugby League
Bowen Netball Association
Ayr Tennis Association
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Recent law reforms by the Queensland Government have been by Australia’s foremost breeder of industrial hemp seedstock.
Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout said “good sense” had prevailed when MPs passed the amendments to the Drugs Misuse Act on April 18.
Queensland’s Agriculture Minister Mark Furner introduced the changes, saying they support the continued growth of the state’s industrial cannabis industry.
“The bill will support the industrial cannabis industry in Queensland by clarifying that industrial cannabis seed may be supplied to a seed handler,” he said.
“The amendments also establish a power to enter into information-sharing arrangements with entities, including the Queensland Police Service, to improve the sharing of industrial cannabis industry information under the Act.”
Mr Grout said low-THC hemp does not present the same sort of challenges as medicinal cannabis.
“It is a workhorse product that supplies fibre for building construction and dietary seed for human nutrition,” he said.
“It is also a powerhouse in carbon cycling.
“Hemp possesses the extraordinary ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at an astonishing rate.
“This, coupled with its rapid growth rate, renders hemp a formidable player in our fight against climate change.”
Potential benefits for producers include diversified revenue streams as well as improved soil fertility and less herbicide use, Mr Grout added.
“It is a multitasking marvel: not only does it sequester carbon, but it also undertakes the noble task of soil remediation, effortlessly removing heavy metals from contaminated soils.
“Its deep-reaching root system further enhances this process, enriching the soil and fortifying its structure for future agriculture.
“Peer-reviewed studies resoundingly support hemp's prowess in carbon sequestration and soil remediation.”
The benefits extend to mining, energy and water corporations, he added. “Hemp's ability to absorb heavy metals from soil and its potential for biofuel production positions it as a lucrative venture for eco-conscious corporations.
“By incorporating hemp into supply chains, corporations can bolster their sustainability credentials, tap into burgeoning markets and drive innovation in renewable technologies.
“The potential of industrial hemp to revolutionise our agricultural practices and combat climate change cannot be overstated.”

Hemp Farms Australia CEO Lauchlan Grout

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The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association is inviting kids to learn about the environment with its Junior Landcare Program, happening this Saturday, May 1 and the first Saturday of every month.
The program is aimed at showing kids the love and importance of the local environment while teaching how to cultivate future carers for the land through conservation.
The first Junior Landcare Program ran last month where kids, along with their parents and grandparents, were shown how to assemble a worm farm composting system.
They put together the farm, layered the bedding and introduced the worms before finishing off the morning with a sausage sizzle and cold drinks in the clubhouse.
This Saturday, the program will look at collecting native seeds and planting them to make tubestock, similar to those cultivated and sold in the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association nursery.
The program is totally free to participate and best suited to children aged 6-12, although anyone interested in growing a green thumb is welcome.

WHAT: Junior Landcare Program
WHEN: Saturday, May 1 from 9am to 10am
WHERE: Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Nursery on International Drive, behind the soccer fields
MORE INFORMATION: Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Inc Facebook page

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Last month, Junior Landcare Program attendees were shown how to assemble a worm farm composting system. Photos supplied

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The 2024 sugar production season will be delayed after a meeting with the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday, May 28 was unable to resolve an ongoing pay dispute between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and its employees and union representatives.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson confirmed the company is in the process of notifying growers of revised start dates, which, across Wilmar’s four regions, represent total delays ranging from two to nine days.
“Industrial action has already impacted our 2024 sugar production season, with work stoppages over the past two weeks forcing us to further delay the start of production at a number of our factories,” the spokesperson said.
“These start dates may push back even further if planned industrial action proceeds.”
Following Tuesday’s meeting, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables informed the Fair Work Commission that it would put a fresh proposal directly to employees covered by the enterprise agreement in a ballot planned for Monday, June 10.
Wilmar outlined a new EA package that included a $1,500 sign-on bonus (inclusive of superannuation), permanent jobs offers to 50 fixed-term and seasonal employees, and a $20 a week allowance for employees utilising an electrical licence.
The Commission is expected to report back on the outcome of the ballot and any other developments on Friday, June 21.
A similar offer was taken to ballot in December last year, which was comprehensively rejected by workers, with Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson calling the new offer “a slap in the face to every worker”.
“We will be voting down this deal once again and Wilmar will be back at square one, having angered the workers and cane growers and harmed their own profits,” he said.
“If this deal is voted down by workers, which it will be, the shareholders and executives of this company need to take action on the management of these mills.”
The ballot comes after what Mr Wilson described as an attempt to find a middle ground with Wilmar as workers put forward an ask of an 18% pay rise over three years – a 7% reduction from workers’ original ask of 25%.
“We did that in an attempt to get this resolved and not cause delays to the crush, but Wilmar weren’t interested, they’re just putting out the same agreement,” Mr Wilson said.
“We’ve moved down to significantly less than where we started, and where we started didn’t take us above what others are paying in the sugar industry, it took us to around the top.
“We are not asking for the world in terms of a pay rise, we just want our members to be compensated fairly for the work they do at a time where Wilmar is making record profits.
“This is a battle for our entire industry, and we aren’t giving in.”
Mr Wilson confirmed that industrial action will continue as of yesterday, Wednesday May 29 in the form of rolling stoppages and work bans across all mills, while the AWU, alongside the Electrical Trades Union and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, will run a ‘no’ campaign similar to the one run in December.
The industrial action that workers have voted for includes strike action of one hour, two hours, four hours, eight hours, 12 hours and 48 hours.
It also includes (but is not limited to) work bans on performing overtime, call outs and working with contractors.
“Union representatives would not agree to a request to suspend planned industrial action while the ballot was being conducted and employees were considering the new offer,” the Wilmar spokesperson said.
“We were notified this week of a raft of new work bans and stoppages planned at our sites through to, and including, 3 June.”
“We have written to employees confirming that they will not be paid for periods when they are on strike, or where partial work bans mean they do not perform their full work duties.
“We are grateful to employees who continue to work on completion of essential works ahead of the start of production.”

Growers have been informed of delays to the sugar production season

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Revised Crush Start Dates As Of May 28
   • Invicta Mill – 11 June (total delay so far = 7 days)
   • Pioneer Mill – 10 June (total delay so far = 6 days)
   • Kalamia Mill – 10 June (total delay so far = 6 days)
   • Inkerman Mill – 6 June (total delay so far = 2 days)

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Finding your dream home can be an exhilarating journey, filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for an upgrade, here are some top tips to guide you along the way:

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Define Your Needs and Wants: Start by creating a list of your must-have features versus those you desire. Consider factors like location, size, layout, amenities and style. Knowing what you truly need versus what you can compromise on will help narrow down your search.

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Set a Realistic Budget: Determine your budget early on and stick to it. Factor in not only the purchase price but also ongoing costs like mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Being financially prepared ensures you don't fall in love with a home that's beyond your means.

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Research Neighbourhoods: Explore different neighbourhoods to find the one that best suits your lifestyle. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, shopping centres, parks, and public transportation. Take time to visit each area at different times of the day to get a feel for its ambiance and safety.

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Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor: A reputable real estate agent can be invaluable in your home search. They have access to a wide range of properties, understand market trends and can negotiate on your behalf. Look for an agent who is experienced, responsive and has a good understanding of your preferences.

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Attend Open Houses and Inspections: Take advantage of open houses and property inspections to thoroughly evaluate potential homes. Pay attention to details like the condition of the property, any necessary repairs or renovations and how the space aligns with your needs.
By following these top tips, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the real estate market and find the home of your dreams.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2024 Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race
Winners And Results

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

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

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

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

Raffle Prize: Fire Pit
Ticket #083 Julie Cook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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