Burdekin Catholic High School was abuzz with excitement as they welcomed students back to school for the start of a brand-new school year. With a focus on fostering excellence, supporting student success, and living out Catholic values, the school has been ready to provide a nurturing environment for all learners.

Principal, Lorraine Wolffe, shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead, highlighting the school’s commitment to welcoming new students into the BCHS community.

“Starting a new school year is always a special time. We’ve been thrilled to greet our incoming students and their families and are looking forward to guiding them on this exciting journey. Our mission is to ensure every student feels supported and inspired to achieve their personal and academic goals.”

At BCHS, the staff pride themselves on their dedication and expertise. The team of highly experienced educators is prepared to deliver an engaging curriculum, combining academic rigor with a strong foundation in Catholic faith and values. Through individualised support, innovative teaching practices, and a focus on holistic development, the school aims to help each student reach their full potential.

This year, BCHS is placing an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging, community, and resilience among students. A variety of programs, extracurricular activities, and pastoral care initiatives are in place to ensure all students feel supported, no matter their goals or interests.

As the school community came together for the start of the term, the excitement was palpable. From the energy of new beginnings to the shared commitment to learning and growth, Burdekin Catholic High School is poised to make 2025 a year of inspiration and success for all.

‍

BCHS classrooms are a hive of activity! Source: BCHS
Students and staff attended a Welcome Mass to officially commence the 2025 school year. Source: BCHS

‍

The recent tropical low that struck North Queensland, causing widespread flooding, has likely resulted in significant emotional and financial hardship for the local community.
To assist those affected, Community Recovery Hubs and State and Commonwealth grants are available for individuals who have been impacted by the disaster.
Two recovery hubs have been set up in the Burdekin district, offering support to residents facing hardship, those unable to apply online or by phone, or those in need of emotional and wellbeing assistance.
Residents are also encouraged to apply for State and Commonwealth grants, which provide financial aid to help with recovery from eligible disasters.
This version refines the flow and structure while keeping the key details intact.
Grants include:
Emergency Hardship Assistance
$180 per person (up to $900 for a family of five or more) for people who are unable to meet their immediate essential needs for temporary accommodation, food, essential clothing and medication. It can take up to five days for payments to reach your bank account.

Essential Household Contents Grant
One-off payment for households who are uninsured or unable to claim insurance as a contribution towards replacing or repairing essential household contents. Up to $1,765 for single adults and up to $5,300 for couples/families.

Essential Services Safety & Reconnection Scheme
To help owner/occupied households reconnect essential services that were damaged by a disaster. Up to $200 towards a safety inspection for each essential service needing reconnection (electricity, gas, water and sewerage or septic system) and up to $4,200 towards repair work.

Structural Assistance Grant
One-off payment towards the cost of repairs to uninsured, owner- occupied homes to ensure the home is habitable, secure and safe. Up to $80,000.

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

‍

While sugarcane fields define the Burdekin’s landscape, it’s the region’s property market in 2024 that quietly cultivated sweet success across Regional Queensland.

In 2024, Regional Queensland's property market showed notable growth, with property values increasing by 12.1 per cent over the year. This trend was particularly evident in key regional hubs. According to The Australian Financial Review, Rockhampton led the way with a 9.2 per cent quarterly growth in values, followed by Townsville (8.34 per cent), Gladstone (6.74 per cent), and Mackay (6.19 per cent).

Closer to home, the Burdekin region reflected this upward trend. Known for its rich agricultural heritage, the Burdekin saw steady growth in property values, driven by the ongoing demand for regional lifestyle blocks and family homes. Real Estate Investar reported that Ayr, the region’s main centre, experienced an 8.5 per cent annual rise in median house prices, with increasing interest from both local buyers and those relocating from southern cities. The affordability and strong sense of community in towns like Ayr and Home Hill continue to attract buyers looking for a laid-back lifestyle close to vital amenities.

The demand for property in Regional Queensland was fuelled by several factors. The Australian reported that interstate migration from pricier markets played a key role, as did the appeal of a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. Moreover, the expansion of business operations into regional areas contributed to the surge.

However, not all parts of Queensland experienced the same momentum. For example, The Courier Mail noted a 20.7 per cent drop in building approvals on the Gold Coast, reflecting challenges in the construction sector despite a broader statewide recovery. This decline is a concerning trend, especially given the ongoing housing shortage in the area.

Overall, 2024 marked a significant year for Regional Queensland's property market, with the Burdekin region standing strong amidst the broader boom. Strong demand, limited supply, and economic shifts played key roles in shaping the market’s positive trajectory.

‍

The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is pleased to announce that assistance has been secured to help the community cross the Bruce Highway at Plantation Creek.
 
Queensland Rail will be deploying a 10-seater Rail Bus to assist the community after its successful use in Ingham. This service will help residents travel between Ayr and Home Hill while floodwaters impact road access.
 
Passengers will be bused from the Home Hill Comfort Stop to Mirrigan Road, railed across Plantation Creek, and dropped at Ayr Railway Station. From the station, another bus will transport passengers to Graham Street Bus Depot.

Parking is available at both Graham Street Bus Depot, Ayr, and Home Hill Comfort Stop.

Priority seating is given to patients with medical appointments, emergency services staff, healthcare workers (Hospital, Regis Aged Care, pharmacies), school teachers, and other staff required to attend their work place.

The rail cart will be operating until 8pm from Tuesday and Wednesday night, and on Thursday operating until 5pm and Friday as necessary.

Please ensure you meet at the designated departure points in Ayr and Home Hill to be allowed on the rail cart. Do not go to the railway stations, as you will not be permitted to board. 

Please consider limiting travel unless necessary.

‍

Wow, what a challenging fortnight for North Queensland. The constant rain tested a lot of us to different extents. The Burdekin certainly copped its fair share, to all of you thank you for the spirit you’ve shown, neighbours helping neighbours, strangers assisting strangers and many acts of kindness.
To the emergency services, local and those deployed in, it was reassuring to have you in the shire. To all other agencies who have taken part in the Local Disaster Management Group meetings, your input, practical advice and pertinent suggestions is assisting the Burdekin through the 2025 rain event. Burdekin Shire Council employees in all areas have gone above and beyond in their respective roles. Not wanting to single persons out, I must give a shout out to Eileen Devescovi for steering the Shires response.
With all emergency events there will always be learnings and this one is no different. The learnings will improve and make even more robust our systems in readiness for the next one, not too soon I hope. The important point is not to just build back but to ‘build back better’, to be more resilient in the future.
I want to make a call out to anyone contemplating volunteering. Our SES has stepped up once again, even though small in number they punched well above their weight. If you’re wondering about helping out call their experienced SES leader Warren Francis on 0476 781 902, male/female 18 years ( 16 but need parents permission ) upwards.
Check in on your neighbours/friends and even strangers you may come across. Remember there are agencies to help if you need something more eg Recovery Centres, Burdekin Community Association, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Burdell, your local church, Salvos, Lifeline, Red Cross to name but a few.
Wishing you health, happiness and personal strength in this current challenge.
‍

Councillor John

‍

As we move into the second week of monsoonal rain and flooding, I know many of you are feeling the effects of isolation, low food supplies, and limited movement. It’s understandable that misinformation on social media can be confusing and a bit frightening, especially for our new residents. I encourage everyone to stay safe and stay informed. Please check out the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard for real-time updates and important information: disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au. Having access to accurate and reliable information is so important during these challenging weather events.
I want to take a moment to recognise our amazing Disaster Management team, Operations crews, Water and Wastewater staff, and all the Council employees who are working tirelessly. They’re doing everything they can to provide information, keep essential services running, update road conditions, and help keep our community safe. I’m so proud of the dedication and hard work they’ve shown during this difficult time.
I would also like to thank the Emergency Services and the many volunteers who have contributed and worked together, whether it be sandbagging, sharing information and resources or just being there when needed.
It’s heartwarming to see communities coming together. Many residents in isolated areas are checking in on each other, ensuring that those who can’t get out have the supplies they need. This is truly what community spirit is all about. My heart goes out to the Giru residents who have already faced flooding not once, but twice, and maybe three times.
We’ve also received reports of road signage being removed—please do not tamper with these signs. They are in place for a reason, to warn of hazards and keep everyone safe. Removing them puts peoples’ lives at risk.
Do NOT enter floodwaters—whether walking, driving, or swimming. Floodwaters are dangerous, unpredictable, and often contaminated. Ignoring safety warnings not only puts your life in danger but also the lives of emergency service personnel who may have to rescue you.
Let’s continue looking out for each other and making safety a priority.
Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

‍

Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr is committed to supporting local sports in the Burdekin region. Recently, the bank contributed to the Ayr Golf Club, at the time of their celebrations of the club’s milestone 95th anniversary this year.
The Ayr Golf Club is a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, boasting an 18-hole, 5,861-metre championship course. With a dedicated membership of 200, the club thrives on the generosity of volunteers who contribute their time and effort.
Last year the golf club applied for a grant with the Community Bank targeted at improving our community facilities by providing an on-course toilet block.
The Ayr Golf Club was thrilled to be awarded an $8000 grant from the Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, which will help uphold their shared values while the Club seeks to deliver a more up to date facility, improve player satisfaction and comfort, attract more players, and increase accessibility while providing physical and mental benefits to our community.
With significant distances between some holes and the clubhouse, having a toilet available on the course ensures that players don't have to trek back to the clubhouse if they need to use the facilities.
A spokesperson for the Ayr Golf Club, Angie Baxter, says the welfare of their members and visitors is paramount on the golf course. “Access to an on-course toilet enables players to drink enough fluids from the provided cold water cooler without worrying about being too far from restroom facilities. Provision of restroom facilities on the course enhances the overall experience for golfers by ensuring their comfort and addressing their basic needs.”
She also mentions it promotes good hygiene practices, which are important for the health and wellbeing of players.
“Without on-course toilets, golfers might resort to using natural areas as makeshift restrooms, which can have negative environmental impacts on the course, the surrounding areas, and a player’s self-esteem. Having designated facilities helps minimise this issue and preserves the natural beauty of our course.”, says Angie.
At their recent 95th Anniversary Gala Dinner, the Ayr Golf Club were honoured by the presence of one of their most celebrated players, seven-time Major Championship winner Karrie Webb.
Karrie was awarded an honorary membership as a token of gratitude and admiration for her achievements, including induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Her act of continued support and acknowledging the role a local sporting club had in the formative years of an astonishing career, inspires the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr in supporting community groups which can play a vital role for future success.

‍

Karrie Webb (left), with past president Peter Andersen, and club Treasurer Janet Trezise

‍

With Plantation Park and Bruce Highway affected by flooding most weekend and into Monday, several schools in the Burdekin were forced to take alternative action on account of their teachers and students unable to travel safely to and from school.

Trans North also advised that no school buses would operate in the Ayr, Giru, Woodstock, Rita Island, Airville, Brandon, Alva Beach, Osborne, Gumlu and Inkerman areas on 10 February as a result.

This left some schools with no option but to revert back to covid protocols to run some of their classes.

“With no buses running due to the floods, we’ve all been impacted,” says Sharon O’Neill, the Principal at Home Hill State High School.

“It’s unsettling for our students but we have Q-learn, our online learning portal, while teacher wellbeing is really important. We’ve encouraged anyone not to travel through the floodwaters and asked both our students and teachers to present to their nearest school, whether that’s in Ayr or Home Hill,” she declares.

Thankfully, Ayr State High School and Home Hill State High School, have both worked together to ensure no one misses out on their education or teaching, as Sharon explains.

“It’s been fantastic. All the principals have been in contact with each other and supporting one another. Being partner towns we share staff and support. As a result, we’re able to keep instructions going over all classes,” she adds.

With the constant rains over the weekend that continued Monday morning, many students and teachers were left on opposite sides of the bridge, affecting attendance numbers.

“We have four teachers who live this side in Home Hill, of about our 20 teachers all up. But we also have five Ayr State High School teachers with us and some teacher aides helping out. We then have some of our teachers who live on the north side, working direct out of Ayr State High.”

“It’s great to build a relationship, and keep things going for one another,” Sharon enthuses.

At Burdekin Christian College, Ashlee Butler, Student Services Officer & Marketing, assures it’s business as usual.

“We haven’t been too affected, thanks to our own private bus service and online portal. We’ve currently got students who weren’t able to attend, taking our online safety course, OnGuard. While any teachers unable to come in are conducting their classes in the online space. It’s similar to what we implemented during our covid,” Ashlee states.

‍

As north Queensland’s cane farmers face a disaster of unprecedented scale, CANEGROWERS is urging the State Government to align with other states by assisting growers with the cost of replanting lost crops.
Widespread flooding from Townsville to Cairns, including Australia’s largest cane growing regions around the Burdekin and Herbert River, is expected to decimate recently planted cane.
CANEGROWERS is working closely with the Queensland Government to ensure affected farmers receive the support they need as quickly as possible.
However, disaster recovery grants currently do not cover replanting costs – a critical gap that could leave many growers drowning in debt or out of business entirely as they face the prospect of being unable to meet production commitments for 2025.
“Sugarcane is a hardy crop, but it’s not indestructible. Multiple days submerged will kill recently planted crops, leaving growers with little choice but to start again from scratch,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
"In other states farmers can use disaster recovery grants to help cover the costs of replanting their crops, but successive Queensland governments have failed to implement a similar policy in this state.
"We lead the country in our expertise in disaster resilience and recovery. But for some reason this policy area is sadly lacking.
“Disaster recovery grants are only triggered for growers who can demonstrate significant impact and they are crucial in cleaning up farms. But the objective is to get businesses back up-and-running, and in farming that means getting crops back in the ground.
“We’re urging the government to act now and modify the grant rules to cover replanting so growers can rebuild their livelihoods."
The extent of the flooding has taken many by surprise, with some areas receiving six months' worth of rain in just a few days.
Ingham has been hit particularly hard, with thousands left without power and severe damage expected across the region’s cane farms.
While the rain is easing, floodwaters will take time to recede and the full extent of the damage may not be clear for days or even weeks.
“Growers are no strangers to heavy rain, flooding, and even cyclones, but this is a disaster on another level,” Mr Galligan said.
“In the immediate term we’re urging affected growers to stay safe, be patient, and assess the damage when it is safe to do so.
"CANEGROWERS and our members extend our appreciation to the community, emergency workers and government officials who are deployed across the north of our state working to assist us in assessing damage and recovering from this disaster."

Young cane may not recover after multiple days submerged in flood water

‍

Next month’s ABARES Outlook 2025 conference will be a unique event for the Australian agriculture industry, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in cross-cutting conversations around agriculture’s productivity, sustainability, and the possibilities that are ahead.
Themed ‘Insights for Action: Fostering Growth in a Changing World,’ the conference will bring together influential Australian and international speakers, including industry leaders, government representatives, and experts, to discuss the future of agriculture in the face of global shifts.
Taking place at Hotel Realm Canberra and online on 4-5 March 2025, the conference will feature 12 engaging sessions, designed to foster knowledge exchange, debate, and deliver actionable insights.
Participants will explore key issues such as uncertainty around the future of trade, sustainable productivity and net zero, the evolving role of data, Indigenous agricultural enterprise, farm input security, capital investment, workforce – and more.
ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville will deliver the Economic Outlook for Australian agriculture on opening morning.
“The effects of climate change, resource scarcity, geopolitical instability, and changing market conditions mean we need to seriously consider our responsiveness and adaptability,” Dr Greenville said.
“Understanding economic trends and productivity hurdles is essential for developing resilient agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors and supply chains.”
Dr Greenville said this year also marks 80 years since ABARES was first established a research organisation.
“ABARES has a rich history and a wealth of expertise in applied economic and scientific research used to provide timely input to industry and government decision-making,” Dr Greenville said.
“Insights from ABARES will be shared at the conference alongside expert views from industry, government and academia to highlight some of challenges, evolving needs and solutions for the sector.”
For those unable to attend in person, the conference will be streamed online, allowing a broader audience of industry stakeholders to participate remotely.
For more details about the program, speakers and registration, visit ABARES Outlook Conference 2025 online.

‍

Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli are words sugarcane farmers worldwide would like to see eradicated; they are the scientific name for the bacterium responsible for ratoon stunting disease (RSD).
The bacterium’s potential to wreak havoc is the driving force behind Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR)’s venture to investigate the latest in technologies to combat the disease.  
Recently this involved a cohort travelling west of cane country to the city of Toowoomba consisting of QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, Board Chairman and Burdekin farmer Christian Lago, Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, Board Member and Burdekin farmer Dean Sgroi, and QCAR Herbert Member Michael Penna (also an AgForce Cane Board member).  
The team first visited AgForce’s office to discuss the management of weeds, pests and disease across grain and grazing industries before heading to AgEtal.  
Mr Di Bella, who, when not wearing his QCAR boots, is a Senior Agricultural Technical Officer and founder of Tropical Agricultural Services (TAS) with decades of research experience behind him, said AgEtal is a privately owned and totally independent agricultural seed, pest and disease testing company.
“It provides a wide range of specialist agricultural support and technical services across Australia,” he said.
“While there we toured AgEtal’s laboratory facilities and reviewed its latest research project that uses LAMP diagnostic methods to screen plants for RSD.”
Mr Di Bella said AgEtal had contracted TAS to undertake the field research component of the project and he would present results from the study at the ASSCT Conference in May.
“The new LAMP method allows farmers and agronomists to easily test sugarcane for infection at a significantly lower cost compared to qPCR methods and results are available within an hour of taking samples,” he said.
“We anticipate the LAMP test, when it is rolled out in coming months, will become a vital tool to managing RSD on farms.”
Next, the QCAR and AgForce crew travelled to the Lockyer Valley to meet with a world-leading expert in RSD and disease diagnostics, Associate Professor Anthony Young, at the University of Queensland in Gatton.
“Dr Young developed the LSB qPCR diagnostic method currently used by industry to detect RSD,” Mr Di Bella said.
“He has a keen interest in the evolutionary relationships that underpin symbioses, particularly those involved in plant diseases, and collaborates with international experts on research looking into how bacteria, fungi, oomycetes and viruses affect a range of plants.”
Finally, the team travelled to Brisbane to visit Sugar Research Australia’s (SRA) new labs in Acacia Ridge.
“They’re home to SRA’s tissue culture facilities, biosecurity labs (that include samples of RSD), molecular genetics research and more,” Mr Di Bella said, adding the facility would be adapted in the years to come to enable researchers to drive the sugarcane industry forward.
“Detection is only one method in the management toolkit to combat RSD.
“It is vital to plant disease-free material, practice good crop hygiene, and monitor crops using RSD detection technologies to control the disease.  
“This is why the agricultural industry must investigate novel approaches to better manage the disease, a direction QCAR is pleased to support in our commitment to create sustainable and profitable industry outcomes for our members.”

QCAR Herbert District Member and AgForce Cane Board Member Michael Penna, QCAR Board Member and Burdekin farmer Dean Sgroi, QCAR Board Chairman and Burdekin farmer Christian Lago, QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, AgEtal owner and manager Ken Cunliffe, and QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella at AgEtal in Toowoomba. Photos supplied

QCAR Herbert District Member and AgForce Cane Board Member Michael Penna, QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, Dr Heidi du Clou and QCAR Chairman Christian inside Sugar Research Australia’s new labs at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane

‍

Filipino native, Sisay McLearn, has been calling Ayr home for just on 15 years now. In that time, she floated between Townsville and Ayr, but has been running a successful kebab business in Ayr for the last five years.  

“Sometimes I go to Townsville, but my business is here in Ayr, which is close to five years old. But mostly I live here in Ayr and have done so for 15 years,” Sisay smiles.

Sisay, who’s also been married for 15 years, has one child and a one-year-old grandchild. She lived in the Philippines for 20 years.

“I lived in the Philippines for 20 years before I came here to Australia in 2005. It's beautiful here in Ayr compared to my country. It’s quieter and prettier in the Burdekin than in my home country.”

“Here it's nice in the Burdekin and the people, they’re really, really lovely. I enjoy their company, especially all my customers here, they are really good.”

Prior to living in Ayr, Sisay lived in Townsville for five years, but she’s also travelled to Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, and Canberra before setting up shop in Ayr and starting her business here.

“I don’t travel much now due to business commitments, but before, I visited Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and also Cairns. Nice places but I like it here in Ayr so much more,” she laughs.

What Sisay most loves about Ayr, is not just its beauty as a small country town, but the people. While she’s never faced any problems living here, she finds the people really help each other, especially given the recent rains and floods in the area.

“The people here in Ayr, and the Burdekin, are really nice. They are very helpful. You see it most in times like now with all the rain. I feel very lucky to be here,” Sisay says.

Sisay’s kebab shop is the only business open at night, which has proved to be a very popular spot for locals, as Sisay explains.

“We operate from 10am to 3am, where it is busy on Friday and Saturday nights. We are the only shop open during these hours on weekends. Our customers all come from the three pubs in the area. We enjoy the company of our customers, some I have even made many friends with,” she giggles.

Sisay McLearn, doing her thing for 20 years. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Apricot is an incredibly sweet and playful girl who loves to explore and have a little fun. At just 11 months old, she's already raised her adorable babies and is now ready to enjoy her own kitten phase in a forever home. Full of curiosity, Apricot will keep you on your toes with her lively antics.
Zoomies around the house are her absolute favorite, and she’s always up for a game of chase. If you’re looking for a mischievous feline who will keep you laughing with her playful personality, Apricot is definitely the one for you!
Does she sound too good to be true? Come see for yourself! To meet the gorgeous Apricot fill in an inquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Included in adoption fee of $195, Apricot is DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, with up-to-date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated.

DOB: 01/02/2024
Sex: Female
Breed: DSH
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Slow Introduction
BIN: BIN0000268254643

‍

Kevin Tuffin, a qualified truck mechanic and Sweet FM presenter for two years, discusses his journey in radio, starting with a Thursday night show introduced by friend Brian Giddy.

“I've been a presenter with the radio station for about two years now. You could say, I'm the ‘junior’ member of the team, or what do you call it, the apprentice,” Kevin jokes. “I was introduced to the station by my friend, Brian. He asked me if I wanted to do a show with him on a Thursday night. And I said, ‘Yeah sure, why not,’ I thought, we’ll give it a go. The rest is history,” Kevin grins.

Kevin's passion for music dates back to the 80s when a local youth disco called ‘Sound Shelter’ was run by a former pastor in the Burdekin.

“The Sound Shelter was formed by a local parish priest. I was in the YCW (Young Christian Workers) at the time, and so that's where it all started. It was on Young Street there in Ayr, and I was helping run that for a few years in the early 80s. We were a group of youngsters at that time, so I would have been 18 or 19, but then I was delegated to be one of the DJs. That was a lot of fun.”

“But I always loved playing music. I’ve always had an affection for playing music and watching others have a great time. And I love all types of music, including pop, rock, country & western, heavy metal, all that sort of stuff,” Kevin says.

He alternates hosting duties with Brian, playing a mix of 60s, 70s, and 80s music mostly.

“Sometimes he's (Brian) running it, sometimes me. We do a turnabout. One week, I'll be in the hot seat running the show and he'll be the offsider, where he’s the one looking if people request a song, looking it up etc. Then the following week, he'll be in the host’s chair, and I'll be the offsider. We try and alternate it to mix it up a bit,” Kevin enthuses.

Kevin also runs Tuff’s Mechanical, a business he started in 1985, which is now managed by his son.

“I've had a business for a while that I kicked off officially in 1985, what’s that’s, 40 years ago? I started it from nothing and we're still growing today. My son's virtually taken over the running of it now because I'm getting older,” he laughs.

Does Kevin see any similarities between running a business and running a music show?

“You wouldn’t think there is, but there is. You’ve got to be organised, know what you’ve got, and to be prepared. It’s the same with business. You’ve got to prepare for the day, and in that respect, there's similarities. You want to be efficient, aim high, and as in my business, provide good service.”

Kevin enjoys his role, valuing the community impact with the joy of playing music. He hopes they can attract younger audiences to radio, and into the presenter’s hot seat.

"If you want to get a young audience, you got to play modern music. They’re the future! If you want to keep it (radio) alive, you've got to get young blood in,” Kevin declares.

Listen in to Kevin on Thursday evenings from 7-10pm. If you’d like to join the station as a presenter, contact Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

‍

The “apprentice” Kevin Tuffin (68), still learning, and loving music. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Leeroy: “Listen to the radio so you can stay connected to the news, read the (online) newspaper or watch the television and just keep up to date with what's happening around, because I reckon that's the only way we can find out what's happening around us. There are people going to the communities, reporters and news agencies, and they are the people's eyes and ears, so I recommend everyone should keep their ears and their eyes to the TV and the radio. And first thing would be to take my torch for when it gets dark so I'll be able to see where I can go because I have kids. I'll take my kids and take them to a safe spot, maybe inland up to the mountains.”

Wolfgang: “Get information from the local council or the authorities and go and stock up on some bread and milk and essentials. Just keep an eye on what the weather is doing, and if you're a local, you're usually prepared for what's going to happen. Other than that, it's mostly common sense. Don't panic. Just be aware that if things start getting bad, you can always ask for help. As for the one thing, you have to take your mobile phone and charger, and maybe a grab bag if you keep your personal possessions like money and essential paperwork. If you're a local you usually know the high points, take your car to a high point and leave it there.”

Samantha: “What would I do? Well, I've just been watching movies. That's one thing I've been doing with all this wet weather. But what I also recommend and suggest to somebody if they're kind of new to the area or depending whether they're in low-lying areas and can see the floods are coming, then go to a friend or family if they've got any here, if not then evacuation centres. Actually, I don't know if there are any evacuation centres. I think there's one. The one item I’d take if I had to evacuate quickly, are photos.”

Melanie: “Probably stay out of the rain and stay safe, I reckon. Because honestly we don't get a lot of rain around here, so when it does rain, it's actually pretty nice. But yeah, stay out of the rain and stay safe. And the first thing? That’s a good question. Honestly, I'd probably help take my siblings because I'm one of 12, so yeah, there are a lot of us. Because I don't live at the same house if I was to up and leave, I've practically got nothing at my house, so I’d go straight to my parents, grab my siblings, and leave.”

Clifford: “I’d suggest probably finding someplace high up or going to the highest place possible you can find, where it’s safe. But also listen to the radio and if there's no power, then the best place to go is the evacuation centre. As for one thing to take in a hurry, I recommend taking your important personal belongings. For us foreigners, our passports and documents are important, so definitely those. Then also some first aid kits, and easy, consumable foods like in cans or something like that.”

‍

Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Leeroy Chung recommends listening to the radio and taking a torch.
Wolfgang Iwaszczyn likes information from authorities and having a phone and charger.
Samantha Wallace thinks going to friends or family, and grabbing your photos.
Melanie Aruba reckons stay out of the rain while helping with family.
Clifford Valenzuela suggests going someplace high and to take your passport.

‍