1:
I am an authentic person who has a demonstrated platform of putting people over politics, I come with 17 years’ experience in local government - the last 12 as Mayor of the Isaac Regional Council. I am capable, confident, and committed to the electorate of Burdekin.
 
2:
Equitable Government funding to the regions/electorates is a major concern for me, it was when I was the Mayor of Isaac, which I made progress on however there is more to do, and it remains a priority of mine. The model of distribution currently is not fit for purpose. I can and will do better.

3:
Based on my local government experience of over 17 years, I have found that good planning and prioritising of time is what will ensure delivery of effective representation of the whole electorate.

4:
I believe people are yearning for genuine representation in their elected MP. They are telling me they are looking for an authentic personality with people skills that represent in a genuine sense and can communicate to get the regional issues on the table with the intent of getting outcomes.
 
5:
Getting Busy straight up. Closely assessing what policies, projects, and priories are already in progress. Assessing and ensuring all are a good fit for the electorate generally are things fit for purpose. Ensuring we are seeing consistency and commitment to our electorate and all the communities in it.

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Prior to becoming the Member for Burdekin, I spent more than 25 years as a Police Officer in regional Queensland as well as serving as a Local Government Councillor and running my own business. That means I bring wide ranging experience and knowledge to this role.  My track record in advocating on behalf of rural and regional Queensland and the Burdekin Electorate speaks for itself and my ability to deliver results is evidence of my passion for representing our community.

2:

The Burdekin Electorate is a powerhouse of the state’s economy thanks to our agriculture, mining and tourism industries as well as the local small businesses. Despite this, across the electorate, we are not seeing a return for our hard work. Ensuring that we see our fair share of the funding pie would mean that our roads were safe, our services received the resources they need and the critical infrastructure that we rely on would be funded accordingly.

3:

To properly engage with people across such a large electorate means a lot of time behind the wheel and very little time at home but I am fortunate to have my family's full support.
As the Member for Burdekin I have been, and continue to be, committed to visiting and meeting the needs of all residents and communities in my electorate, especially schools, hospitals, police stations and community organisations.
 
4:

No matter where you live in Queensland, everyone is feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis as well as issues like youth crime and an overloaded health system. Along with my LNP colleagues I have pledged real action on those issues from day one because Queenslanders, and the people of the Burdekin electorate in particular, deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed as a priority.
  
5:

As I always have in my first 100 days, I plan to hit the ground running. If the LNP secures government, that means rolling the sleeves up and delivering on our commitments to address the issues Queenslanders face. My top priority is, and always has been, delivering for the people of the Burdekin electorate.

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Burdekin FC, deeply rooted in the local community, has long been a pillar of football (soccer) in the Burdekin region. Established in the 1970’s as a formal club, Burdekin FC recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting its enduring commitment to fostering a love for football while giving back to the community. The milestone event, marked by the prestigious Escriva Cup, was a significant moment of pride for the club and its supporters, reflecting the unity and morale within the community.
Football has been a staple in the Burdekin for over a century, with the region’s players engaging in informal matches since the early 1900’s. As the sport evolved, so did the structure of Burdekin FC, which merged its senior and junior football bodies in 2021. This amalgamation provided a new chapter for the club, enhancing opportunities for players of all ages while maintaining the core values that have defined the club for decades: community spirit, physical wellness, and fostering local talent.
Today, Burdekin FC thrives with over 297 junior players and coaches, and 65 senior participants. The club not only provides an opportunity for children as young as five to learn the sport through the Miniroos program, but also offers pathways for older players to compete in local and regional competitions. Through these opportunities, the club plays a vital role in promoting health, fitness, and social interaction, ensuring that players and their families are part of a broader community network.
Looking to the future, Burdekin FC is focused on improving its facilities to accommodate the growing number of visitors, especially the 20-25 Townsville teams who compete weekly at the grounds. Key objectives include expanding seating and shade areas to enhance comfort for players and spectators alike, and upgrading the kitchen facility to provide a safer and more efficient environment for volunteers. These improvements aim to elevate the experience for everyone involved, from players to their families and supporters.
As Burdekin FC continues to grow, its mission to support local talent, encourage healthy lifestyles, and foster community pride remains stronger than ever. The club's commitment to upgrading its facilities further demonstrates their dedication to creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all.

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Photo supplied

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Over the course of last week, the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament held their Sitting Week at Parliament House in Brisbane, and in attendance was the Youth Member for Burdekin, Brent Dingle.

At just 18 years old, Brent’s dedication to his position has shone brightly since he was sworn into the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament in April of this year, a position he applied for with the encouragement of his school principal, Ms Debra Creed, after exhibiting exceptional levels of community involvement. In 2023, Brent’s extraordinary dedication to the Burdekin region was honourably recognised with a Young Citizen of the Year Award, a title Brent carries with pride.

Attending the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament’s Sitting Week from Sunday 22 September to Saturday 28 September hosted the opportunity for each team of Youth Members, representing various electorates, to debate the Youth Bill they have been developing over the past year. Along with the debate, the Youth Members were able to deliver personal statements and were able to gain insight into the work executed by Queensland’s lawmakers.

Brent was one of 86 Youth Members aged 15 to 25 from across Queensland in attendance at the Parliamentary event, and his outstanding commitment to his position was highlighted by both the Youth Premier, and the Youth Opposition Leader in the closing address, a proud moment shared by Brent’s mum, Cristina Dingle.

“Brent has achieved a lot in his 18 years, but this was really something special,” Cristina shared.

“In their closing addresses, both the Youth Premier, and the Youth Opposition Leader mentioned Brent as the Youth Member who had not only made an impact on them but inspired them through his journey.”

Brent’s dedication was then recognised with the prestigious YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Body, Mind and Spirit Award, a terrific award presented to Youth Members who embody the values of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament.

A young man with commendable achievements, Brent will soon graduate next month from the Burdekin Christian College, where he is often called “our Prime Minister of the future”. With pursuing a career in the political sphere certainly on the horizon, Brent plans to attend Griffith University in Brisbane where he will study a double degree in Business and Political Science.

“I have been strongly encouraged by many people to become the Queensland Premier, so it’s become a goal of mine,” explained Brent.

“I am passionate about spreading positive reinforcement, and the message that anything is possible with the right mindset and goals.”

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Brent Dingle with his Youth Parliament Body, Mind, Spirit Award. Photo supplied

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The future of the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce is facing uncertainty as the organisation struggles to fill three crucial leadership roles: president, secretary, and treasurer. With the business support group at a crossroads, the chamber’s operations are in jeopardy unless these vacancies can be urgently filled.
Despite the chamber’s long history of advocating for local businesses and fostering growth in the Burdekin region, the lack of leadership is becoming a pressing issue. Traditionally, these positions have been filled by volunteers, but finding individuals willing to step into these roles has become increasingly difficult. Without a full leadership team, the chamber’s ability to host events, support businesses, and lobby for the community will be severely impacted.
Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort emphasised the importance of the chamber, saying, “The Burdekin Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting our local businesses. It’s essential that the Burdekin Chamber continues to thrive, as it serves as a driver of business growth, networking, and support within our community.” She highlighted the chamber's role in key initiatives such as the Burdekin Gift Card, adding, “The success of initiatives like the Burdekin Gift Card further demonstrates the Burdekin Chamber’s ability to keep local money in local hands, and investments into this initiative are paramount.”
Recognising the critical nature of the situation, the chamber has made a strategic decision to offer a paid position for a business administrator in the hopes of attracting a qualified candidate to help manage its day-to-day operations. The new role is designed to provide stability and ensure the continuity of the chamber’s work, especially as it navigates through this challenging period.
Currently, the search is on for the right person to step into this business administrator position. It is hoped that by offering remuneration, the chamber will find a capable individual who can bring both expertise and enthusiasm to the role. The administrator will work closely with the remaining board members and local businesses, helping to maintain the chamber’s ongoing efforts to advocate for the Burdekin’s economic future.
However, even with a paid administrator, the chamber still needs committed volunteers to take on the essential roles of president, secretary, and treasurer. These positions are pivotal for the organisation’s leadership and strategic direction, and filling them remains a priority to keep the chamber functioning effectively.
Mayor Dalle Cort urged more involvement from the business community, stating, “I encourage more businesses to get involved. We must continue to stand behind the Burdekin Chamber’s efforts and ensure it remains a cornerstone of the Burdekin business community for years to come.”
As the Burdekin Chamber looks to the future, the community’s support will be vital in ensuring its continued presence as a key resource for local businesses. Without these positions filled, the chamber’s future—and by extension, the future of local business advocacy in the region—hangs in the balance.

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A Burdekin Chamber event earlier this year. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Disaster season will soon be upon us, and the Burdekin Shire Council has urged the region to begin preparations to “Get Ready” by taking proactive steps to ensure the community is ready for the weather to come.

In the interest of encouraging early preparations, the Council is now offering residents a chance to win a Yamaha EF2200iS Generator! Members of the community are invited to collect their FREE ticket throughout the month of October at the Ayr and Home Hill Libraries or by visiting the Customer Service Centre at the Council Chambers.

Both the Ayr and Home Hill Libraries will be hosting “Get Ready” stalls on Wednesday 9 October for those interested in learning more about disaster preparedness. The Ayr Library’s stall will be running from 10:30am to 12:30pm, with the Home Hill Library’s stall commencing from 2pm, and concluding at 4pm. The stalls will provide an educational opportunity to increase your chances of being ready for an event, and the Council’s Disaster Management team will be on hand to provide valuable information and answer any questions you may have about staying safe this season.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort encourages all residents to participate, sharing the importance of the community being disaster ready.

“We want everyone to feel confident and prepared for the upcoming disaster season,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“The ‘Get Ready’ campaign is all about empowering our community to take small, practical steps that make a big difference when it comes to being prepared.”

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What: “Get Ready” Stalls.
When: Wednesday 9 October from 10:30am – 12:30pm (Ayr), & 2pm – 4pm (Home Hill).
Where: Ayr & Home Hill Libraries.
More Information: visit burdekin.qld.gov.au or phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

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As the weather heats up, it's the perfect time to look around your yard and start tidying up before storm season arrives. Don't forget, Burdekin residents can dispose of green waste for free at all local transfer stations, as long as no general waste is mixed in.
With the warmer weather, make sure you're sun-safe by wearing a long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and sunscreen before heading out into the garden.
If your yard is already in great shape, take a look through the shed or spare room - you might find items you no longer need. These could be exactly what someone else is after, and it's a great chance to make some extra cash by taking part in the upcoming Burdekin Garage Sale Trail in November.
Check Council’s website for details and how to register, Burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Ephemera and Harvest Festival Launch in Home Hill, where we kicked off the celebrations for one of our region’s most anticipated annual events. The Home Hill Harvest Festival, set to take place on Saturday 9 November 2024, showcases the heart of our agricultural community and the incredible people who work tirelessly to ensure our region flourishes.
The Harvest Festival is more than just an event—it’s a reflection of who we are in the Burdekin: resilient, hardworking, and proud of our rich agricultural heritage. This year’s theme celebrates the unity and strength of our farmers, families, and communities as we come together to honour the harvest season.
Now, as we look ahead to the Harvest Festival, it’s always a joy to see families and visitors flock to Home Hill to take part in the festivities. With the iconic street parade, live entertainment, food stalls, and family activities, there’s something for everyone. I encourage all of you to come along, whether it’s your first festival or you're a regular, and immerse yourself in this vibrant event that brings our entire community together.
In addition to the Harvest Festival, I also had the honour of attending the Police Remembrance Day service last week held at the Burdekin Community Church. A ceremony where we paid our respects to the brave men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their courage and sacrifice are a powerful reminder of the dedication of our police force, and it was a privilege to join our community in honouring their memory.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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On Thursday 12 September, the Burdekin PCYC celebrated the graduation of four more dedicated young students from their current Get Set for Work Program.

Troy Bird, Joshua Walton, Kaiden Cuzner and Christian Tannock learnt many valuable life skills, engaged in many educational sessions, strengthened their confidence, learnt about the Burdekin region though guided excursions and completed numerous qualifications and certifications in preparation to successfully enter the workforce.

Paired with time spent in a classroom setting, Troy, Joshua, Kaiden and Christian visited many iconic locations across the shire and beyond including Charlies Hill, Beachmont, the Townsville Port, Pacific Bio Algae Farm, the Burdekin Preservation Society, Bowen TAFE, Sweet FM, the Townsville Museum, the Rapisarda’s Farm, and the Maritime Museum to further enhance their knowledge of the area and explore possible career pathways.

The Get Set for Work program provides young students aged between 15 to 19 years old with the opportunity to build and grow their skillsets, self-esteem and confidence after finishing their schooling journey. The program works with the Aurora Training Institute to prepare its students with the skills necessary to excel in the workplace, as each student graduates with a Certificate II in Vocational Pathways and Employment Skills, multiple first aid certificates, a Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate, White Card Certifications, and a Learner’s Licence.

Over the course of 10 weeks, the students also participate in a range of activities to continue enhancing their employability. Under the guidance of dedicated members of the Burdekin PCYC including, Rowan Scott (Program Coordinator), Tamara Kemp (Program Youth Worker), Andrew Sherrington (Youth Club Manager), Anna Scott (Club Operations Support Officer), and Gavin Neal (Breaking the Cycle Coordinator), the students are taught numerous facts about the local region through cultural and historical education sessions and activities as well as life skills in the areas of budgeting, cyber security, road safety, and job preparation.

Along with these activities, the program also supports a range of personal development and team building activities to continue supporting the students on their journey into the workplace.

Enquires for enrolling in the next term of the Get Set for Work Program are now open, and those interested are encouraged to contact Rowan Scott on 0448 686 648.

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Christian Tannock, Troy Bird and Joshua Walton celebrated their graduation from the Get Set for Work Program last month.

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From its humble beginnings in 1974 as Ayr Second-hand Dealers to becoming a trusted name in quality furniture, McCathies Furniture Plus has stood the test of time. Now celebrating 50 years in business, Kari and Rob Ravizza, third-generation owners, proudly carry on the legacy of Kari’s grandparents, Milly and Jack McCathie, and parents, Lyndy and John McCathie. Their decision to transition from second-hand dealers to a retailer of new furniture and mattresses in 1998 reflected a changing consumer market—one they continue to cater to today with personalisation and exceptional service.
What sets McCathies apart from competitors is their commitment to quality and local ownership. As the only independent furniture store in the Burdekin, they hand-pick each item in their collection and inspect it for quality before it reaches the showroom. Kari Ravizza shares, “I’ve been to our suppliers’ warehouses and factories, and we inspect every item before selling or delivering it. This ensures our customers get the highest quality furniture and the best price.”
McCathies Furniture Plus also boasts exclusive product ranges, often drawing in customers from Townsville in search of unique items unavailable in larger retail chains.
In terms of trends, McCathies is seeing a rise in demand for Messmate timber furniture and sleek, fluted timber finishes. While they stay current with style trends, the store’s priority remains unwavering: providing high-quality furniture at competitive prices.
Proudly supporting Australian-made products, the store offers a wide selection of mattresses from renowned brands like Therapedic, Tommy Bahama, and A.H. Beard. Customers are encouraged to try them out in-store to find their perfect comfort level, with all products available for immediate delivery.
Looking to the future, McCathies Furniture Plus is excited to announce their new status as a registered NDIS provider. Their wide range of adjustable beds, mattresses, and electric lift chairs now provides more choice for NDIS and My Aged Care clients, allowing them to shop confidently and comfortably. This is just one of the many ways McCathies continues to innovate while staying true to its roots in quality and service.

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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
147,063
1,686,241
Pioneer
76,592
782,611
Kalamia
72,725
922,346
Inkerman
79,050
1,026,332
Burdekin
375,431
4,417,530
CCS
Invicta
14.90
14.19
Pioneer
14.60
14.25
Kalamia
14.23
13.83
Inkerman
14.48
13.96
Burdekin
14.46
14.07
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
55%
14.81
Q208
8%
14.44
KQ228
16%
14.11
WSRA17
4%
14.04
Q183
11%
14.99
Q232
3%
14.12
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 375,000 tonnes of cane for the week, which was just over the budgeted weekly throughput.
Throughput at Pioneer, Invicta and Kalamia was impacted by a number of unplanned stops while Inkerman had an extended maintenance and clean.
The season-to-date total is now 4.42M tonnes. This represents 54% of the Burdekin region’s total forecast crop of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.62, which is still slightly below budget but improving with the ongoing dry conditions.
The highest CCS, of 17.3, was shared between a rake of Q183 1R in the Mulgrave (Invicta) productivity district and a rake of Q240 PL in the Lower Clare (Invicta) productivity district.
It is pleasing that there were no reports of collisions or near misses at cane rail crossings in the Burdekin over the school holiday period.
Remember to always use your train brain and give way to cane trains.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Running a successful farming business in the arid regions of Queensland is tough and maximising the productivity of your land is essential. Nobody knows this like rural business owners Nichole James and Jake and Adam Fietz.
Nichole, Jake and Adam are participating in a field trial being delivered by Central Highlands Regional Resources Use Planning Cooperative (CHRRUP) as part of the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes program. The project aims to demonstrate drought resilient grazing practices that can rehydrate grazing landscapes and improve soils and water on farms. This supports building drought resilience by enhancing total biomass, reducing erosion and contributing to increased productivity of grazing enterprises.
Nichole’s property is one of five included in the project. Glenn Landsberg, a Regeneration Consultant, has been working with Nichole to modify her farm landscape for better water retention, particularly focusing on the restoration of gullies.
‘Recovery here isn't really going to happen until we intervene and make something happen’ Glenn said.
After working with Glenn and employing earthworks to retain water across her property, Nichole has also implemented smaller fenced paddocks and rotational grazing to allow soil and pasture to rest and recover.
‘Now we’ve done earthworks, it'll help make it recover quicker and slow the erosion. Now that I've split the paddock, I can control the grazing pressure even more. With these earthworks, which will also help with slowing the water, we should see a much bigger recovery in a much shorter time’ says Nichole.
At ‘Hiddenvale’ in Queensland, Jake and Adam’s property is also part of the project and already is seeing results through effective water management, which reduces soil erosion and surface run-off.
“The drought over the last 10 years has just knocked us about,” Jake said.
“It's just mind blowing how much it has actually knocked us around, just so much destruction. I don't want to ever be in a nasty situation again where we have to destock. If we have to destock again, we’d have to sell the place basically.”

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Glenn Landsberg shows where the soil height used to be on Nichole’s property

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Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are now open, offering an incredible opportunity for Australian women to develop their skills and make a positive impact in their industries and communities.

The award is designed to empower and celebrate inclusive and courageous leadership by women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities.
It provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

Westpac has been a platinum sponsor of the Rural Women’s Awards for over 15 years. The Queensland winner of the Rural Women’s Award will receive a $15,000 grant to further their work and represent Queensland at the national awards where they have the chance to win an additional $20,000 grant.

Queensland’s new state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women’s Association, will provide a $2,000 grant to Queensland’s finalists. Finalists also gain access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

In addition to the Rural Women’s Awards, AgriFutures Australia offers the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant as a leadership and development opportunity for rural women who feel they are not quite ready to apply for the award.

The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant provides a bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development, driving innovation in rural industries, businesses and communities.
Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will close on Wednesday, 9 October 2024.

See the AgriFutures website for more details. 
agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/

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Tuna entrepreneur Kate Lamason – this year’s Queensland Rural Woman Award winner – represented Queensland at the national Rural Women’s Award gala event in Canberra in August

Kate Lamason is the co-founder and director of Little Tuna, the Cairns-based company manufacturing Australia’s first 100% Australian caught, owned and made preserved tuna.
Kate, alongside her fisher husband Rowan, was shocked to learn 99 per cent of the more than 50,000 tonnes of tuna consumed by Australians each year was imported, so she decided to launch Little Tuna and change the game for tuna lovers right around the world.
Together, they spent years researching the market and developing recipes to spearhead Australia’s first canned tuna company since offshore canning, producing an award-winning product and boosting the profile of the local tuna industry.

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Senior Plant Pathologist Jenny Morrison has been given a remarkable accolade: a newly discovered species of fungus has been named after her.
It all started in north Queensland in 2019, when Jenny was one of 26 scientists from around Australia who took part in the ‘Pathoblitz’ workshop on plant disease.
The workshop gave participants the opportunity to observe, collect and identify diseased plant samples from the Atherton Tablelands—a unique environment with savannah, rainforest, horticulture and agricultural ecosystems, all within a 50 km radius.
The various plant disease samples that Jenny collected included leaves from Freycinetia scandens, a species of climbing plant. Jenny noticed that some of the leaves had spots on them, which were grey in the centre and pale brown towards the margins and then made isolations.
Hundreds of samples were collected by the workshop participants, (which included several of Jenny’s plant pathology colleagues in DAFF) and lodged with the Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium for further examination.
Five years later, Jenny was surprised to hear from the Principal Scientist at the Queensland pathology herbarium. She learned that her isolations from Freycinetia scandens had led to the discovery of a new Zasmidium fungus species, confirmed by molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. They named the species in her honour.
Jenny, who has worked for DAFF for the past 17 years, has now been immortalised in mycology with an entry on Zasmidium morrisoniae appearing in the Index of Australian Fungi. Finally, her children are taking an interest in her career, thanks to the ability to claim this fungus was named after them too.

Collecting at Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve
Senior Plant Pathologist Jenny Morrison 

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Queensland Seniors Month provides opportunities to promote positive community attitudes towards older people and ageing by facilitating community participation and enhancing community connections, aligning with the Queensland Government’s vision of building age-friendly communities in Queensland.
In 2024, Queensland Seniors Month is celebrated from Tuesday 1 October to Thursday 31 October.
Queensland Seniors Month includes United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and National Grandparents Day (27 October), days that recognise the important contribution of older people in their families and communities.
For more information about Seniors Month, visit the Queensland Seniors Month website.  Source: www.qld.gov.au
Burdekin Community Association has once again developed a Burdekin Seniors Month Program that lists just some of the events that organisations and groups have planned for community members in October.
Please see our latest Community Connections Magazine or visit the Support Centre, Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, our Facebook page or website for the BURDEKIN SENIORS WEEK PROGRAM.
UPDATED LAYOUT BELOW -------------------------------
The BCA’s events will include:
Tuesday 15th October
BCA Be Tech and Scam Savvy Open Day
How to avoid scams presentation and Tutoring on your electronic device
Venue: Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr
Cost: Free
Ph: 4783 3744 for bookings
 
Wednesday 30th October
BCA Let’s Celebrate Seniors Excursion
Bus Trip and Roast Lunch
Where: Molongle Creek Caravan Park
Cost: $10 per person
Ph: 4783 3744 for bookings
 
Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)

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