Local

The start of the 2024 local football season was delayed yet again by the inclement weather. Burdekin Panthers Kappa Cup match against JCU Riverway has now been re-scheduled to Tuesday March 12, 7:00pm kick off at International Park. Last weekend’s away fixtures against Olympic were also rained off and are yet to be re-scheduled. This Saturday, March 9, the Panthers host Brothers in three grades. Reserves kick off at 3:00, the Ladies at 5:00 and the Premiers at 7:00.

With the matches against MA Olympic called off last weekend, the Panthers took the opportunity to have a Premier League vs Reserve grade match on Saturday on Field 2 at International Park. This was the first game at match intensity for some of the lads since last season, so it was good to get some minutes under our belt.

The Men’s Coaches this season are, Premiers – Leighton Gallagher, Reserves (Under 23s) – Michael Taylor and Maddy Reid will be coaching the Women’s Premier team. In the Save the Date Department, Female Football Week is May 3-12.

Senior Registrations are now open, and players must be Registered by this Friday to be eligible to play weekend fixtures. Training Shirts are now available to collect at Senior trainings. Jumper pre-orders are now open. Form is available on Facebook to order. Cut off date is March 8.

Training at International Park will be happening on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm for men and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm for women. New to town? Come down to training and have a run.

Juniors

The Juniors season finally got underway last Saturday for pre-season 1. The kids all seemed super keen to finally get into it! Great to see so many new faces joining the club also! There will be a second lot of pre-season games this Saturday, the schedule will be sent out this week. The season proper will then commence the week after, pending no more rain outs!

The fields were marked out Friday morning and finished off Sunday morning. A big thanks to all of those who helped out with this. We are in need of help in the canteen for this Saturday, if you can lend a hand that would be much appreciated.

Keep an eye out for details regarding the Working Bee and coach’s clinic which were also cancelled on the weekend.

Monday Night Masters had quite a good turn out after two weeks off because of the weather. In a very close game Bhutan beat Montserrat in a replay of “The Other Final”. Eugene Burelli scored two goals and the Player of the Night was Sian Reardon who was not averse to getting stuck in. Remember everybody is welcome, new and old players, including the very old. Usual time, usual place, 6.30 at International Park.

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64 players fronted up on Sunday March 3 for the Honeycombes sponsored Opening Day.  

The format was a 2 person Ambrose played only over 16 holes as 6/15 was deemed still too wet for the motorised buggies.

Instead, 6/15 tee to 7/16 green converted to a par 3 was used.

It was a great day with almost perfect weather.  

Nearest the pin shots were on 4/13 A grade was won by Craig and Sibbo; B grade by The Carretts.

7/16 A grade won by Pep and Turtle; B grade by Beth and Catherine.

9/18 A grade won by Owen and Judy; B grade by the Carretts.

The A Grade winners with a handicap of .25 shooting a 54 off the stick were Craig and Sibbo.

2nd place went to Murray and Tim and 3rd place was taken out by Nipper and Cam.

B Grade 1st place was the McCubbens, 2nd place the Smalls with 3rd place going to Eric and Michelle.  

Thanks to Bud from Honeycombes for sponsoring the day.

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Caption 1: Sunday’s winners

Caption 2: James, Mary and Judy waiting at the first tee

Photos supplied: Stephen Doig

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Two Rockhampton based teams have taken the trophies and cash south at the completion of another Whitsunday Civil Bowen Summer Tens carnival last Saturday.

Played at Denison Park in Bowen on two fields, the Annual Carnival attracted 14 mens and six ladies teams.

Matches were played over two ten-minute halves with each team playing three games in their pool.

Semi-finals and finals were played to find the winners of the cash and trophies.

The teams from Rockhampton, Darlz Warriors, proved to be too strong winning both the Tincome mens competition and the Abbot Point Operations ladies competition.

Darlz Warriors had to fight hard to beat Burdekin team Runamucks ten in their semi-final for the right to play Chargers in the final.

Chargers, a team of mates from Bowen, Burdekin and Townsville reached the final by beating Mackay Rugby League team Moranbah Miners in their semi-final.

The Rocky boys handled the final a little better than the combined team running out narrow winners over the Chargers team with players Ethan Hagarty and Riley Horan members.

Darlz Warriors supporters were outnumbered in the cheering department in the ladies final when they met hometown heroes Boonti Busters.

Like the men, though, the Rocky girls were a little too fitter.

Carnival organisers said all ran well with Kids Connecting Parents and the Bowen Seagulls Junior Rugby League collecting some much needed funds.

Three Burdekin mens teams took part ... defending Mens champions Fiji Time with Runamucks and Runamuck 10.

Runamuck also fielded a ladies team.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Caption: Two Rockhampton based teams took out the Whitsunday Civil Bowen Summer Tens carnival last Saturday. Photo supplied

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Hi readers

I can’t believe footy is back.

It doesn’t feel like that long ago that I was taking to page two to lament over the Broncos’ heartbreaking loss in last year’s NRL grand final – and while I’ve learnt to deal with it, that wound is one that will never heal – but I’m excited to see what 2024 has instore for my mighty Broncos.

While I acknowledge that the Pre-Season Challenge means little in the scheme of the competition, a win is a win and I’ve been impressed with the early signs from the team.

Footy coming back to our screens is exciting enough, but I must admit that I’ve been utterly swept up by the hype surrounding the season openers in Las Vegas.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on social media to see what the boys have been getting up to over there and which American athletes and celebrities they’ve found themselves in company with.

I can’t wait to see the spectacle of the Brisbane Broncos taking to the field of Allegiant Stadium on Sunday and hope to see a solid performance against the Roosters to kick their season off the right way.

This edition of Burdekin Life sees the first instalment of our footy tipping competition, so flick to pages 34-35 to check out how the locals see round one panning out.

I’m also looking forward to my first opportunity to catch the Burdekin Roosters in action as their season kicks off soon.

Their A Grade side has been dealt an early blow with the unexpected departure of coach Daniel Beazley ahead of his first season at the helm – flick to page 37 to catch all the details.

And in personal news, my beautiful girlfriend Jakita will be visiting from Brisbane this week, and I’m excited to give her some more insight into my day-to-day up here.

From social lawn bowls in Home Hill to climbing Mount Inkerman and a camping trip over the weekend, I’m keen to give her a quintessential week in the Burdekin.

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A Community Engagement Session was recently hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, providing residents with the opportunity to raise concerns and share ideas on the management of flying foxes in the Shire.

Council has secured the services of Queensland based environmental consultancy company Ecosure Environmental Consulting to assist in developing a long-term flying fox roost management plan after funding was secured earlier this year.

Burdekin Shire Council CEO Terry Brennan said the overarching objective of the project is to create a document defining a clear way forward for staff and the community when managing flying foxes in the future.

“The five-year plan for flying fox management will be designed to prioritise public safety, the protection of flying foxes and the local amenity, and to maintain critical infrastructure,” he said.

“The plan will include short- and long-term strategies for management including community education, vegetation management, and mitigating conflict where human and wildlife interactions occur.”

Ecosure Environmental Consulting Senior Ecologist Dr John Martin said the company will utilise its 20 years of experience in flying fox management and community engagement to work towards a meaningful plan while acknowledging the fact that black flying foxes in town are a native and protected species.

He said a range of dispersal tools can be used, saying Council’s current method of light and sound can deter the animals from roosting in a certain location.

“The bats are moving and there can be different bats in a roost in one day, week or month to the next,” he said.

“If that is a tool that’s utilised in an appropriate way under the relevant permits, what we have seen is that flying foxes will move to other roost sites.

“There are rules around the amount of noise that can be made, the timing, the seasonality in respect to things like breeding, so the idea is that there is actually no harm to the animals, but they actively make a choice to move on.

“This is a very challenging space to get it right and it requires long-term, persistent management that aligns with the state government’s legislation.”

Dr Martin highlighted the flying fox’s importance to the ecosystem, saying they are a protective native species and that the risk of disease transmission, a common misconception associated with flying foxes, is extremely low.

“Think of them like a giant bee,” he said.

“They’re actually out there pollinating the trees, in particular the gumtrees that are so important to our landscape.”

Council’s current planned dispersal activities will continue to be carried out using sound and light, adhering to the State Government permit that ensures minimal harm to flying foxes.

Ecosure will survey the community to develop a draft 5-year plan to be submitted to Council and then the community in April 2024, with the final plan being completed in May 2024.

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Caption: 250-300 flying foxes have been observed roosting in five locations across the Burdekin

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In honour of Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day and the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar, Ayr’s Alfies Bakery sold large pancakes with a scoop of ice cream and maple syrup last Tuesday, February 13, donating a portion of the sales to the local Catholic Women’s League (CWL).

Members and friends of the Burdekin Catholic Parish gathered at the bakery to devour their delicious pancakes on Shrove Tuesday while others called in to the shop and purchased pancakes to take home or to their businesses for morning tea.

After a successful day of pancakes, Alfies Bakery donated $150 to the Ayr branch of the CWL.

The CWL took to social media to thank the bakery and to share that the money will be donated to Caritas Australia as part of Project Compassion during the season of Lent in 2024.

“CWL sincerely thanks Alfies Bakery for their support,” the post read.

“A huge thank you to all who purchased pancakes on the day!

“We will do it all again in 2025.”

As the Catholic Church's international aid and development agency, Caritas Australia works hand in hand with the most marginalised communities in Australia and overseas to confront the challenges of poverty.

Spanning across the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion brings thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters together to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.

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Caption: Members and friends of the Burdekin Catholic Parish gathered at Alfies Bakery for Shrove Tuesday. Photo supplied: Catholic Women's League Sacred Heart Branch AYR

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At about 1.05am on 11 February, Ayr Police were called to a licenced premises in Ayr CBD as a result of a disturbance between a number of persons. As a result, a 24yr old man, a 20yr old man and a 17yr old male youth were all issued infringement notices regarding their behaviour and also served a Police Banning Notice.

At about 12.55am on 18 February, Ayr Police were called to a disturbance at a licenced premises in Ayr CBD. As a result, a 26yr old Sarina man was issued with a public nuisance infringement notice and served a Police Banning Notice.

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Snr Sgt Steve BARTON

OIC AYR

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The Burdekin community’s response in a call to establish CT scanner services at the Ayr Hospital saw thousands sign a petition and a shire-wide campaign last year, as many came forward with their own stories of how the after-hours inaccessibility of a CT scanner had seen them or their loved ones transferred to Townsville.

Six months on from the launch of the petition, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances the project has not fallen on deaf ears.

“With the calendar now reaching six months since the petition was opened for signatures and a promise by the Minister that a business case was being prepared, this community deserves to know that this project hasn’t just been tucked away into a cupboard,” Mr Last said.

“In recent weeks I have written to the Townsville Hospital and Health Services Board calling for an update on the business case, because as this community has made it clear, we are not willing to let this issue lie.

“Let’s not forget that in many cases these CT scans are used to assist in the treatment of potentially time-critical conditions such as strokes, where every second matters.”

Mr Last said with as many as 15 patients a week needing to be transported to Townsville for a CT scan, and the June budget now only months away, time was ticking on ensuring the project received the consideration it deserved and did not become a political football at election time.

“Almost six months ago, I said that I would keep working on this issue until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans in Ayr.  

“I also said I will work cooperatively with the Minister as long as we saw continual progress and I will honour both of those commitments for as long as it takes.

“We know there is added pressure on our hospital and frontline services, so when a simple solution to easing that burden and ensuring that patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible is put forward, there shouldn’t be any obstacles placed in the way.”

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A team of researchers at Deakin University recently partnered with local media and natural hazards experts to deliver the Burdekin Aware and Prepared Community Forum.

The forum, held on Saturday, February 24 at Burdekin PCYC, saw community members come together to share their experiences of living through natural disasters and how information was communicated by different organisations.

The project’s lead researcher, Dr Gabi Mocatta, said the team was grateful for the support of the Burdekin community.

“We’ve done some research on how the Burdekin Shire does disaster communication and how well it’s done here, which is one of the reasons we wanted to come to this community,” she said.

“The council-run Local Disaster Management Group seemingly does an amazing job of getting the community resilient and knowledgeable and that’s perhaps a model that can be emulated across other parts of Australia.

“It is a community service that people have done, for their community but also for other places in Australia, so it’s amazing that people make that effort.”

The forum was one of three held across Australia as part of the Awareness, Education and Communication for Compound Natural Hazards project, funded by the Natural Hazards Research Australia, with a forum already held in Dandenong, Victoria and one to be held later this year in Tenterfield, New South Wales.

The data collected from the forum will be drafted into a communication framework, which will seek the feedback of members from the three communities, before a report will be written for Natural Hazards Research Australia to be made available for emergency managers across Australia.

The project is still seeking feedback in the form of an anonymous survey.

Scan the QR code to complete the survey.

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Caption: L-R Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Pethybridge, LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin, Lead Researcher Gabi Mocatta, Sweet FM Manager Charlie Scuderi, Local Disaster Coordinator Eileen Devescovi and Kirsten Diprose and Erin Hawley of Deakin University

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When reflecting on her role as President of the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference, Kaylene Rinella admitted that the work of the conference can fly under the radar.

Providing assistance to the whole of the Burdekin in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, Kaylene and her team of passionate volunteers provide a hand up, not a handout, and rely on dedicated community support to do this.

“We’re just trying to help people survive, really, help people get through,” Kaylene said.

“We’re seeing so many new families that we haven’t seen before; things are just getting so expensive.

“We just want to be there for those people who are really struggling.”

Kaylene commenced in the role of President five years ago and was vice president prior to that, involved in the conference for over 13 years.

She first signed up to volunteer at Vinnies Ayr when her accounting experience was recognised, and she was invited to work with the conference.

Bringing exuberance to the role, Kaylene has reinvigorated the conference, growing its services and budget to include emergency food relief in collaboration with Burdekin Community Association, emergency accommodation assistance, loans through the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS), clothing, school supplies, car and electricity bill relief, toiletries and more.

St Vincent de Paul relies on the generosity of community to fund these activities, whether it be through fundraising, donations of furniture and goods or volunteering.

Recent donations from Home Hill Rotary Club Inc, Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club and local schools exemplify the Burdekin’s generous spirit.

“We’ve got a great network,” Kaylene said.

“I’ve been doing it for such a long time and people have put so much trust in me, it’s wonderful.

“This work makes me feel good.”

Whether it be for picking up and moving furniture or volunteering at Vinnies Ayr, the St Vincent de Paul Home Hill Conference is always on the look out for volunteers to assist their mission.

For more information on volunteering, joining the conference or donating funds, furniture and goods, email kaylene.rinella@svdpqld.org.au.

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Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running.

Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

Another day, another frustrated rate payer. There is a lack of urgency and efficiency in addressing issues. Surveyors, planners, and their clients are frustrated with the system. I keep hearing it is just too hard to do business with Burdekin Shire Council. Ratepayers have had to endure unnecessary costs. What is council’s legal bill in the last 12 months? Economic development is crucial to Burdekin’s survival. This is the Burdekin, a rural community not Brisbane City Council.

Lyn McLaughlin

Mayoral Candidate

I began my campaign by travelling across our Shire and visiting key projects delivered in the current term of Council. This was a fantastic way of reminding myself that I am a representative for every resident in every township and community, and to see firsthand the difference Council has made across our region. It was also a great opportunity to meet with residents, discuss what they love about our Shire, and areas they believe should be focused on moving forward.

Michael Backo

Councillor Candidate

During the campaign I have attended Community Forums and one message that I had received and have taken on board is that the community feels like they aren't being heard. The reason why I am running is because I want to be a voice for our community. I want to engage with the community and hear their ideas and concerns and vote for what the community wants. I want to be a voice for the community.

Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

In the weeks since announcing my candidacy for Councillor with Burdekin Shire Council, I have had nothing but positive feedback. The recent candidate forums held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr and at the Home Hill Community Sports Club were particularly informative as candidates had a chance to address the community and answer questions. Speaking with people, it is clear they are looking for strong voices and a change within Council and I believe I can deliver both.

Michael Fraser

Councillor Candidate

Attending and sitting in on the past two council meetings, has allowed me to better understand what being a ‘councillor’ means. If elected I would be eager to be part of a progressive team and help to achieve goals. Since deciding to nominate I have received a lot of support from family and friends, which gives me confidence that I would be able to carry out the role as councillor with the Burdekin’s best interest at heart. 

Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

I am pleasantly surprised at the depth of interest the community has in bettering the Burdekin. I see this in their questions and ideas for improvements into our future. I am excited about representing such an enthusiastic group of people with my energy and knowledge from working with the Burdekin Shire Council and the State Emergency Service. We can achieve so much by working together cooperatively towards common goals to sustain and develop the Burdekin’s future.

ELECTION: ON THE FRONT-LINE

Question Of The Week:

Please share with us one personal experience during your campaign trail so far that has really reinforced the reason you are running?

Mark Haynes

Councillor Candidate

I have been overwhelmed by the support given to me by the people of the Burdekin. When I secured the Containers for Change depot for the Burdekin the residents showed that they are keen to support new ventures. Setting this up under the NQ Green Solutions social enterprise model was a great outcome for the Burdekin community as this scheme helps with the cost of living and increased employment opportunities. I’m looking forward to exploring many more opportunities and bringing the voice of the residents to Council.

Max Musumeci

Councillor Candidate

The majority of the people I speak to are happy with what’s been done in my last four years as councillor. One particular experience, however, was a particular conversation I had with a rate payer who I have not been able to help. Hearing him saying he wanted me to return was somewhat surprising and exactly what I needed to hear at that point. He understood that if there was any way I could help him, I would. It was the positive reinforcement that I needed.

Michael Detenon

Councillor Candidate

The Campaign trail so far has reinforced my decision to run as I see how passionate other people are about our great Burdekin Shire. As a proud born and bred local myself it is great to see so many other people, whether they have moved to town or been here all their life, show such interest in the future of all our towns and I like the idea of continuing to be able to put forward the community’s ideas to both grow and improve our region. 

Delfine Vasta

Councillor Candidate

Since starting on my Campaign trail, I was a little nervous about the whole venture but I have been so overwhelmed by the support and guidance I have received from the community; it has reinforced that the reason I am running for Councillor is for the Community and to be their voice in Council. At the end of the day, it is the Burdekin residents who will be electing the next six Councillors and Mayor so our job is to do what is right for them.  

John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

 There has been a multitude of experiences that have inspired me to run for a second term. It’s helping that one person with their individual concern. It’s positive projects completed eg water park, projects underway eg macro algae, industrial estate and new ones to begin eg water filtration plant. My father served in the air force in Townsville so it will be great to see Charlies Hill progressed. The Burdekin has achieved a lot, there is a ‘never end’ to being a continually improving community.

 Scott Worlein

Councillor Candidate

I have had a lot of people ask why I don’t have signs up like most other candidates. The signs seem like a good idea, but I want people to vote for me because they know what I have done for the community for many years now. I’m a person of action, getting things done to keep our community safe and doing good for our community. One of the reasons why I’m running is because I want to help my community.

Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

Since nominating, I have had many people come up to congratulate me. Nearly all these people have in some way exclaimed that “we need change”. This election, change will be inevitable as three existing councillors have not nominated for re-election. I know that I can bring positive change to council. I am not just another yes-man, but can and will work with whoever I need to, to make the best decisions for the whole Burdekin Shire.

Jayson O’Keeffe

Councillor Candidate

Something I’ve noticed in the last few weeks is when people have raised concerns over issues they have, there might not have been any feedback given to the person that has raised that issue. I would like to find out if the person hasn’t followed through or if it simply wasn’t resolved and a response wasn’t given.

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At just 42 years old, Laurence Pavone was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

This set him on a path to give back, make a difference and leave a lasting legacy for his young family in the form of a charity called Laurie’s Love.

In 2019, 10 months on from his diagnosis, Laurence sadly passed away, but Laurie’s Love forged ahead in his absence, continuing his legacy of love, compassion and community spirit.

The much-loved local charity is due to host its biggest event yet next weekend, the Laurie’s Love Gala Ball, and Laurence’s wife Julie is planning a huge celebration to thank the Burdekin community for its support.

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Cover Caption: Julie and Laurence Pavone with their three children Claudia, Mason and Layla. Photo supplied

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“The Infinite Love Is The Cure”

Laurie’s Love Partners With Brain Cancer Centre Ahead Of Gala Ball

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Laurence Pavone made an indelible impact on the Burdekin community.

When he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive, inoperable brain tumour, in December 2018, it inspired him to help others and leave a legacy, founding Laurie’s Love in the hope of not only raising funds for brain cancer research, but also bringing his community together.

“During his pain and anguish and facing certain death, all he could think about was helping someone else so that they don’t have to go through this,” said Laurence’s wife Julie.

“He never once felt sorry for himself.”

Upon launching Laurie’s Love on his birthday in April 2019, Laurence was met with the utmost support and compassion from the Burdekin community.

He gave the foundation a motto that he said encapsulated the love he had received after people heard about his diagnosis: ‘The infinite love is the cure’.

Friends and community members held fundraisers at every opportunity, from sausage sizzles and car washes down the main street to the launch of major events Row for a Cure and the first Gala Ball, both held in the months after Laurence passed away in October 2019.

“Laurence was very community minded and was involved in a lot,” Julie said.

“Given his age, his personality and just who he was, so many people empathised with the situation.

“We were overwhelmed with the support and still are five years on.”

These days, the Laurie’s Love heart logo can be spotted on bumper stickers, shirts and wristbands all across the region.

The foundation’s message has spread into local schools after the annual ‘Day for Laurie’ was launched, held in August each year, where school students are asked to wear red and black or a Laurie’s Love shirt.

“It’s not about Laurence anymore, it’s about the message of giving back to the community, doing something for other people, and the kids and the schools have really taken that on board,” Julie said.

“It’s really teaching the next generation how to be good members of a community and what you can do to make your community a better place.”

After three massive Row for a Cure events, Laurie’s Love is hosting it’s first Gala Ball since 2019 on Saturday, March 9, with tickets very quickly selling out.

The foundation has partnered with the Brain Cancer Centre for the event, with all funds raised to fund a researcher to work on brain cancer research under the Laurence Pavone Post Doctoral Fellowship.

Television personality and brain cancer advocate Carrie Bickmore will speak at the event, sharing her journey and instilling hope in a community that has been affected by this disease too many times.

“Laurence is still bringing the community together through these events, even though he’s not here, so it makes me very proud to be a part of it and be the face of what he started,” Julie said.

“I think he would be blown away but at the same time, I don’t think he’d be surprised at what this town is capable of.

“He’d be very, very proud of our community and I think he’s left a massive legacy on this town.

“He’s passed on the love, and that was his biggest thing.”

To find out more, visit www.laurieslove.org.au.

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Caption 1: Laurence and Julie Pavone. Photo supplied

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Burdekin residents can now access a range of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services under one roof, as not-for-profit charity, selectability, today officially opens the doors to a new Mental Health Hub.

The new facility, located in the previously disused Caledonian Hall, is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program.

selectability Chief Executive Officer Debra Burden said the Mental Health Hub provided a central location for those across the region to connect to vital support.

“We believe that all regional Queenslanders have the right to access high-quality mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services locally,” Debra said.

“Before developing our plans for the Mental Health Hub, we carried out extensive community consultation to understand the service gaps.

“This included a community survey which found 93 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a dedicated mental wellbeing facility.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to partner with the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership Program, which supported the project with an $808,000 grant, to address this unmet need.”

Burdekin-local Regional Coordinator, Karisa Bojack, said the Mental Health Hub would bring huge benefit to the community.

“I am looking forward to working with groups and individuals across the region to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide in the Burdekin,” Karisa said.

“We offer NDIS individual and group support; support coordination and recovery coaching; along with a range of mental wellbeing, suicide prevention and carer support programs.

“No appointment or referral is required, just drop in to see the team at 182 Edward St, Ayr (the former Caledonian Hall).”

The official opening of the Burdekin Mental Health Hub is scheduled for Monday March 11 2024, from 11:00am.

For more information, visit selectability.com.au.

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Caption 1: Regional Coordinator and Burdekin-local Karisa Bojack

Caption 2: selectability has officially opened the doors to its new Mental Health Hub in Ayr. Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) Home Care Service delivers a wide range of services for seniors and their carers.

Home Care Packages Program (HCP)

The HCP Program provides support to older people with complex care needs to live independently in their own home. We can offer services to eligible seniors on a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package. Services include in-home support services, transport, home maintenance/repairs/modifications, access to allied health services and other care related services relating to the client’s health, safety and wellbeing.

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The CHSP is an entry level home help program to assist older people who can mostly, but not completely, live and cope on their own an don’t yet need high levels of support at home. Services include domestic assistance, social support (friendly visits/shopping/outings), personal care (showering/bathing/medication monitoring), respite care (support for the carer), transport and home maintenance (lawn mowing/whipper snipping/rubbish removal).

Please contact the Home Care Service Team to discuss services or obtain information on Ph 4783 3744, The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr, bca@bcaburdekin.org.au, www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au.

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Debra Cochran

Chief Executive Officer

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You don’t know what you don’t know.  Makes sense, right?

But where do you go when you need to know something? Ever thought about popping into the Neighbourhood Centre to ask? We aim to be helpful to anyone who comes into the Centre with an issue.

It takes a lot of courage to walk into somewhere new. When you walk through our door, there is no judgement, no shame. Just friendly faces, a listening ear and a safe space to take a moment to find your direction. And whilst we may not show it – trust us, we will be high-fiving you for taking that big first step.  

Linking community members with services, supports, activities, resources, and information is a huge component of the work at the Centre. It is important for our staff to develop links across all sectors of our community. We work hard to ensure that the information we hold here at the Centre is up to date – it takes a lot of time and effort to do – but it is worth it to see the relief on people’s faces when they know they do not have to keep doing the rounds of information gathering.

Every time you walk through our door is an opportunity for us to learn. As community members ourselves, we don’t have all the answers, however, we will take the time with you to learn together. We can't tell you how many times we have learnt from our community members that have enabled us to pass this on to others.  

So come on in, take a deep breath, and let’s work together.

The Team

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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