Australia Day Award nominees will be celebrated in Ayr and Home Hill on Sunday 26 January, marking another year that brings the community together, recognising those who have made a lasting impact in the Burdekin.

“It’s great to be nominated for our 2024 Canefield Ashes. It was actually the 20th anniversary of the Canefield Ashes, so it feels really good to be nominated for a milestone event in our cricket club's history, Tiffany Olditch states, nominated for The Community Event of the Year.

Jennifer Fotinos, who is nominated for Junior Sports Person of the Year in three disciplines including futsal, soccer and boxing, and has competed for state, Australia, or both, appreciates the recognition, noting that she doesn't often receive such appreciation for her efforts.

“It’s not often I get appreciated or honoured for my efforts, so I'm pretty grateful to be nominated, to be honest. I feel so incredibly humbled. If I won it would mean a lot as this nomination really means a lot to me,” Jennifer says.

Scott McLean, a school chaplain and volunteer boxing trainer for 15 years, including for Jennifer above, is humbled by the nomination. He enjoys seeing people thrive in sports, including taking a few people to national titles and even winning a few over the years.

“I've been a volunteer boxing trainer for about 15 years, and enjoy what I do. It's pretty humbling to be nominated, but I really enjoy what I do and seeing people thrive in their sports. So yeah, from a little town like this with such a great community, it feels pretty good. While it's great to be acknowledged, I do it because I love seeing the changes in people,” Scott declares.

Gwen Marshall, nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award, finds it humbling to be nominated, expressing surprise and gratitude.

“If I won, I would be blown away because this community is full of so many wonderful contributors and volunteers. Like everyone here, I would be humbled if I were to be honoured in that way,” Gwen says with a smile.

Inez Larsen, a member of Zonta, is overwhelmed by the nomination, having been involved in various voluntary work for a number of years.

“I was pretty overwhelmed to be nominated. I've done voluntary work with Zonta for 11 years and I really love it. I have been doing volunteer tutoring for English as a second language, and I'm also starting up a conversational English group at the library just to bring people in our community together from other countries,” Inez says.

Joan Andersen, a volunteer with the Tourism Association for over 30 years, feels that there are many deserving people and would be lovely to win, especially for her children and grandchildren.

“Oh it'd be lovely if I won, but there are so many more deserving people. If I did win, my daughter and grandkids would think it was wonderful,” Joan says shyly.

“My husband nominated me,” smiles Betty Durrant. “I didn't even know he was doing it. I got two letters from the council, and I just thought that they were sending out double rate notices until I opened them,” laughs Betty.

If Betty won, it would be extra meaningful to her because not only has she been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years, but her husband had a fall before Christmas and has been in hospital since.

Kelsey Shand, who helps organise the End of Harvest Golf Classic, highlights the event's success after also being nominated.

“We ended up raising over $32,000, which was our largest fundraising effort for suicide prevention and really humbling. We didn't know that we were going to be nominated for a community event. Unfortunately, I won’t be here if we win but it'd be very nice to get the phone call to say that we've been selected as the winner,” Kelsey expresses.

With many other nominees, some who couldn’t make it on the day, the 2025 Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards are shaping up to be the best yet.

The Australia Day Awards honour the remarkable contributions and achievements of local residents while welcoming Burdekin’s newest Australian citizens with a special Citizenship Ceremony.

Tickets to the event starting at 9:30am are free, but bookings are essential. Simply visit The Burdekin Theatre website for more information.

‍

Some of the happy and surprised Australia Day Award nominees ahead of this Sunday’s 26 January Ceremony.  Photo credit: Mark T. Rassmussen

‍

The Molongle Creek Boat Club has recently invested over $16,000 in surveillance cameras to enhance security around the trailer parking area, new clubhouse, and licensed café. These cameras are in place to ensure the safety of both club members and the public. The club reminds everyone that any inappropriate behaviour will be recorded and “you will be seen."

Additionally, members and visitors are urged to check that their trailers are properly secured when parked. There have been incidents where trailer ball catches were deliberately disconnected, posing a safety risk.

“The club’s cameras and people are watching,” warns the club, emphasising the importance of following all safety protocols. These measures aim to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all at Molongle Creek Boat Club. The club appreciates everyone’s cooperation in maintaining a safe environment.

‍

The Molongle Creek Boat Club issued the security warning earlier this month

‍

As communities across the electorate prepare to celebrate the extraordinary effort of everyday community members during Australia Day ceremonies, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has offered his appreciation to those who take the time to make their communities a better place to live, work and play.

Mr Last said with the heart of Australia beating firmly in regional and rural areas including the Burdekin, Australia Day was an opportunity to recognise our strength, diversity and generosity as Australians.

“Each and every Australia Day we take the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities, the parents, the volunteers, and the sports coaches, whose efforts often go unnoticed,” Mr Last said.

“Whether it is someone who has volunteered at their local Meals on Wheels for years or a young member of our community giving their all on the sporting field, Australia Day ceremonies offer us the opportunity to recognise and connect with those members of our community.”

Mr Last said while the national day is a chance to come together and recognise those award winners, it was also a timely reminder that everyday heroes deserve our gratitude.

 “Recognising those who devote their lives to improving our communities doesn’t have to be restricted to January 26,” Mr Last said.

“We all know or have known someone who, in our own eyes, epitomises what it means to be Australian, whether it is our frontline emergency services, our health staff or perhaps someone who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Mr Last said while the day was recognised with ceremonies and events across our nation, Australia Day has come to mean so much more to our nation.

“We are all shaped by our own experiences and as a nation, each Australia Day we come together to recognise and reaffirm that we live in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued.”

“It’s about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be,” Mr Last said.

‍

Looking for a way to make a real difference in your community in 2025? Join the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) and help Queensland communities before, during, and after emergencies. With over 5,000 volunteers across the state, the SES plays a crucial role in disaster response, and we need individuals like you to step up and support our efforts.

As an SES volunteer, you’ll respond to various emergencies, including storms, floods, cyclones, rescues, road/rail/air incidents, landslides, and missing person searches. Your skills will directly impact local, state, and national disaster management, helping protect lives, property, and the environment.

Volunteers come from all backgrounds and bring unique skills. Whether you’re quick-thinking, physically fit, or passionate about helping others, there’s a role for you. Volunteers develop emergency skills like flood boat operations, road crash rescue, land search, and more. We also provide ongoing training in first aid, map reading, and emergency operations.

To join, you must be 16 or older, committed to serving your community, and able to activate during emergencies. Volunteers over 18 will undergo a criminal history check and need to apply for a Blue Card to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.

Ready to get involved? Register your interest online now at www.ses.qld.gov.au/form/become-an-ses-member, and start your journey toward becoming an SES volunteer.

‍

Burdekin SES members regularly practise fundamental core skills for development and refinement of emergency response

‍

On Saturday, January 11th, the Alva Beach community was stunned to hear a wave of sirens after the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, and Queensland Ambulance Service were called to a single-vehicle traffic crash.

At approximately 3pm, a Subaru XV crashed into a tree on Torilla Street. The driver, a woman in her 70s, was then transported to the Ayr Hospital for treatment.  

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson has stated there have been no significant updates to the investigation at this stage.

‍

At 2.45am on Saturday the14th of December, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr.  As a result, an 18-year-old Townsville man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .188 and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 13 January.

At 6.50pm on the 2nd of January, a traffic crash occurred on Munro Street, Ayr, when a motorcycle collided with a parked car.  As a result, the driver, a 44-year-old Burdekin man, was issued an NTA for driving whilst under the influence, unlicenced driving, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle, possession of a dangerous drug (heroin) and possession of a controlled drug.  He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 February.

At 11.45pm on Saturday, the 4th of January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Eighth Street, Home Hill. The driver, a 51-year-old Burdekin man, was issued an NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 March.  

At 12.05am on Sunday, the 5th of January, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street Ayr.  The driver, a 48-year-old Bowen man was issued an NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, unlicenced driving and driving an unregistered vehicle.  He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 10 March.  

On the 6th of January, Ayr Police located a 46-year-old Burdekin woman in relation to the alleged theft of a dog in late 2024.  As a result, she was issued an NTA to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on one count of stealing on the 28th of January.

Vehicle Security

From time to time, vehicles are unlawfully entered with belongings stolen and sometimes vehicles are stolen.  
Some easy steps will help avoid being a victim of these types of offences:
   • Lock your car;
   • Do not leave the key in the ignition;
   • Do not leave valuables in the car.
Thieves don’t care whether you think you should have to lock up, they will just take advantage of any lax security.
Prevention and vigilance around your home and property can reduce these opportunistic thefts.  In most cases, locking your vehicles, homes and sheds & securing your belongings appropriately will reduce these thefts.
If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.
Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, pls contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.
------------------------------
Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash
------------------------------
Did you know??
What is a safe distance when passing a bicycle rider??
Motorists passing a bicycle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver must stay wider of bicycle riders by giving a minimum of:
   • 1m when passing a bicycle rider in a 60km/h or less speed zone
or
   • 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h.
Regulation 144A Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009

Home Security Audits
The Queensland Police Service have “Home Security Audit” forms that can be accessed at the QPS website https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/homeSecurity/Homesecurityauditchecklistandfactsheet.htm
Anecdotally the majority of unlawful entry offences are committed on residences or vehicles that are unlocked and/or have valuables in plain sight.  Locking your house and car & securing valuables including money, keys, wallets and mobile phones will deter opportunistic thieves.  
If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.
Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, pls contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.
Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash

‍

‍

The grand and iconic establishment that is the Home Hill Post Office, recently celebrated 100 years on the 3rd of November, and while a party was not thrown, she was, however, recently bought in July of 2024 by new owners keen to keep her tradition going.  

Holding a prominent corner position in the heart of town, nestled on the main street at 58 Eighth Avenue, she is a true testament of character, strength, beauty, and time. Originally low-set, she was raised in 1947 to avoid flood levels, where she’s stood firm over the years. She once held the Postmaster's residence off to one side.  

In the 1990s there were rumours that the post office would be closed. However, eventually the decision was made to privatise it in 1997, where she’s remained ever since.

Post offices remain one of the oldest continuous organisations in Australia. Several have been running for over 200 years, and other than modern conveniences like air conditioning and disability ramps, very little else has changed about them. It’s what makes the Home Hill Post Office special.

The place was once a home but was converted into a post office, where she remains an active member of the community to this day. A well-established and locally owned business, she is fully supported by all who use her. Her iconic beauty and majesty still dazzles visitors today, while contributing to the town in many ways. She is many things to many people.

The Home Hill Post Office’s services include:

   • Banking, Billpay, Western Union International, express money orders,
   • Retail Post Office stationery and assorted greeting cards,
   • 2 Australia Post electronic terminals,  
   • 670 Post Office boxes.

100 years strong, here’s to 100 more long serving years. Hip Hip Hooray!

The plaque commemorating Home Hill Post Office’s opening.  Photo credit: Mark T. Rassmussen
The glorious and magnificent Home Hill Post Office in all her glory. Photo:  Photo credit: Mark T. Rassmussen

‍

The Burdekin Shire’s Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill, have closed the books on a successful 2024, welcoming more than 11,000 visitors to the region over 360 days of operation.

The centres saw their busiest month in August, with Ayr hosting over 900 visitors and Home Hill welcoming over 800 through the doors, highlighting the Burdekin as a popular stop for tourists.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Burdekin Tourism Volunteers play a vital role as ambassadors for the Burdekin.

“Our Visitor Information Centres (VICs) are often the first point of contact for travellers, and the dedication of our volunteers ensures that every visitor receives a warm welcome and tailored advice on what to explore in the Burdekin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“The Burdekin truly has something for everyone, whether it’s relaxing on our beautiful beaches, exploring our rich history, or casting a line at one of the many fishing spots.”

“The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest times on our roads, with over 300 visitors stopping by our VICs. Hosting programs like Driver Reviver at our centres not only promotes road safety but also provides travellers with a convenient opportunity to rest and recharge with many visitors stopping to enjoy a free coffee, tea, water, and snack.”

“We’re excited to build on this momentum in 2025 and continue welcoming more visitors to our beautiful region.”

The 2024 visitor numbers at the Visitor Information Centres, highlight the Burdekin’s rising popularity as a destination that attracts not only locals but also interstate and international visitors.

The Burdekin Visitor Information Centres, operated by passionate and knowledgeable volunteers, continue to be a key resource for tourists, helping to boost the local economy and strengthen the Burdekin’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

The Silver Link (Burdekin Bridge, seen by over 11,000 visitors in 2024. Photo: Shutterstock

Lloyd Mann Gardens and the Big Sardine Can, Home Hill Photo: Shutterstock

‍

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

‍

Welcome to 2025.
Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I’m sure everyone is refreshed after the break and are ready to embrace 2025.
I’m looking forward to attending the Australia Day awards on Sunday 26 January 2025 at the Burdekin Theatre.  The Burdekin is full of so many fantastic people, groups, sporting clubs and community events, it will be rewarding to see they will be recognised at the 2025 Australia Day Awards.  The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards will recognise members of our community who have made an outstanding contribution to the community for their exceptional achievement.  There are several categories in the awards ranging from Citizen of the Year to Environment Award.
Just a reminder that from July 2024 Rates notices were changed from Yearly to Half Yearly. With the first sent out in August 2024 and the second notice to be sent out in February. The rates paid by property owners are vital in providing a wide range of services that enhance the quality of life in our community. These services include mandatory waste management, water and sewerage services, and the maintenance of our parks, beaches and trails.
Ratepayers can continue to prepay rates prior to the due date or can enter in a payment plan to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly to get ahead of next year’s rates.

‍

Last week, I had the opportunity to get a bird's-eye view of our region, thanks to the River Trust. Flying over the area provided a fresh perspective on the beauty and complexity of our local landscape. I even spotted some large crocs sunning themselves along the riverbanks - a true reminder of the rich biodiversity we’re fortunate to have in the Burdekin. It was an incredible experience, and I’d like to extend my thanks to the River Trust for making it possible.
On another note, I was saddened to hear the news that the Telstra shop in Ayr will be closing down. While the internet has made it easier than ever to access goods and services online, the closure of a local store highlights the challenges that small communities face in maintaining essential services. Local businesses are the backbone of our region, and we must continue to support them wherever we can.
As we navigate these changes, it’s important to remember the resilience of our community. We’ve faced challenges before and come through stronger each time. I encourage residents to explore the digital alternatives Telstra is offering.
On a brighter note, we are gearing up for the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Sunday at the Burdekin Theatre. This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the outstanding individuals and groups who contribute so much to our community. It’s also a chance to welcome our newest citizens and celebrate the diverse and inclusive spirit that makes the Burdekin such a special place to live.
I encourage everyone to join us to celebrate our community, its achievements, and its people.
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.

‍

Eyecare Plus optometrist and owner, Shannon Peckham, believes great eye health starts with a routine check up. Doing so can often detect potential eye health issues early on such as glaucoma, macular changes or on rare occasions ocular melanomas, and will help protect your eyes now so you can have your best chance at good eyesight for years to come.

With twenty years of experience as an optometrist, Shannon’s seen and taken care of many people’s eyes across Australia and now calls the Burdekin home. This passionate, warm and friendly optometrist is all for helping people with their vision needs, and the importance of conversations to understand their vision requirements. It’s something she prides herself on.

“I like helping people with their vision and their eyewear needs. Sometimes it's about having a simple conversation to uncover their optimal vision needs. It’s finding out more about the person and what they like to do with their eyes, to see how we can help them to see better, and thus improving their life,” Shannon says.

Shannon, who has been running Eyecare Plus for the last four years as the owner, does so from the most established and recognised optometry practice in the district. It’s a practice that dates back to the 1940s, making it the oldest in town.

“This place has been around since about 1940. When I first came in, we still had paper patient cards, some dating all the way back to the 40s, which was pretty interesting and cool,” she laughs.

This Mareeba born product who studied in Melbourne, earning a Bachelor of Optometry from the University of Melbourne, followed by a postgraduate certificate in ocular therapeutics from the Queensland University of Technology, and is involved with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand, means that she is able to bring the best optometry services to rural areas such as the Burdekin, providing comprehensive eye care.

Not only does Shannon and Eyecare Plus take the very best care of adults eyes, but she also works with families for pre-school testing to ensure children's eyes are functioning well for learning and concentration.

“I check that their eyes are working at their optimum so that when they are in a learning environment they can concentrate and focus, which helps them perform to their best ability.”

“In older people, I deal a lot with cataracts and eye health issues, whereby I’ll do an eye health assessment for things like glaucoma, macular changes or diabetic retinopathy. We also perform driving vision assessments and I get a number of referrals from the GP’s and hospital in town, for foreign body removals such as metal shavings, mostly for farmers!” Shannon states.

Eyecare Plus currently has great promotions like discounts on second pairs and prescription sunglasses, with package deals starting at $149 for complete spectacles. Other promos include a free Mako cap with prescription Mako sunglasses.

“Comprehensive eye care services and the importance of regular checkups, are vital for maintaining good vision. I’d like to think I improve people's lives by helping them see better to do the activities they love,” she smiles.

For your all your eye care needs, be sure to phone: (07) 4783-1361 or email: ayr@eyecareplus.com.au or visit Shannon at 137 Queen Street, Ayr.

‍

Eyecare Plus optometrist and owner, Shannon Peckham, believes good eye health starts with a check up. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

John Cattell, a 71-year-old who originally hails from Glen Innes, in New South Wales, has been living in Home Hill for about four to five years after being homeless in Townsville. After he was placed in a housing unit courtesy of his daughter, John’s been happy to be here ever since.

“I was homeless in Townsville for about three or four years before my daughter helped put me into a housing unit here in Home Hill, through Housing Services. It’s been both great and a big relief,” John says.

Although now retired, John still plans to do some cane hauling, however, he shows the hand where he lost a finger in a cane hook accident four years ago, which he explains further.

“About four years ago, the remote had four buttons but when I pressed it my finger got caught in a cane hook and took the end off of it,” John says. “But it don’t stop me any,” he adds with a grin.

Before retiring, John was a truck driver enjoying his work until a major truck accident forced a career rethink.

“It was just another day like any other when I had a major truck accident at 60… one that ended my career in trucking. I really liked driving trucks but had to move on. I was a senior technician at hospital, and before that was in the car radio game installing air conditioners and radios.”

As it turns out that’s a good background to have, because John needs to install a new air-con compressor for his car so he can go visit his family, all who live on the coast.

“I’ve got two kids – a daughter and a son – then I’ve got three grandkids and two great grandkids, some who I haven’t seen for nearly five years. I’m looking forward to visiting them soon,” he beams.

While John’s only been in Home Hill for five years, he enjoys it in the Burdekin, which he describes as good, despite the prevalence of some drugs in the region.

“Yeah, it’s good here. I stay safe, I obey the law, and above all, I do what I got to do to be happy, have fun, and to have a good time. That’s all anyone can do,” he adds.

‍

John Cattell (71), down a finger but not down on his luck. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Australian sugar cane farmers will soon trade one tropical paradise for another as they explore first-hand the implications of Brazil being ranked number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. 

Queensland sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson is embarking on the 10-day tour for a second time because he is interested in how Brazil’s harvest and mills operate.  

“Brazil is our main competition,” Mr Atkinson said, adding its use of sugar to produce ethanol affected world sugar prices and thus Australia’s own sugarcane industry. 

While sugar may be Australia’s second-largest export crop after wheat, with 3-4 million tonnes (MT) valued at $1.5 to $2.5 billion headed overseas each year, these figures are dwarfed by Brazil’s. 

The South American nation produces about half of the world’s total sugar exports at more than 32MT per year, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), surpassing Australia’s total sugarcane production. 

To put things further into perspective, for every tonne of sugarcane produced down under, Brazil produces about 22 tonnes, with about half of this sugar then being used to make ethanol thanks to the Brazilian government’s mandates on fuel mixes. 

Stephen Ryan, the CEO of Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA), said the Brazil tour would give Aussies opportunities to meet with Brazilian farmers, processors, researchers and more to learn about the dynamics of the agricultural giant’s sugar cane and bio-energy industries. 

“Brazil, as of 2023, had 350 operational sugarcane plants, of which almost two-thirds produced both sugar and ethanol and almost a third were just for ethanol, USDA figures show,” Mr Ryan said. 

“The country made 35.3 billion litres of ethanol in 2023-24, and the demand for biofuel is only likely to increase with the Brazilian government amping up incentives to also produce sustainable aviation fuel to curb the country’s CO2 emissions. 

“But Brazil will be motivated to lean towards non-sugar alternatives like corn to meet the demands for biofuel as current world market prices make exporting sugar more commercially attractive.” 

As Mr Atkinson explained, extra Brazilian sugar on the world market made Australia’s product less valuable as per the mechanisms of supply and demand. 

The Cane Tour to Brazil itinerary includes visiting Sao Paulo, where innovation drives sugarcane cultivation and processing. Sao Paulo is home to the headquarters of Brazil’s largest sugarcane improvement company, the Sugarcane Technology Centre (STC). 

The STC owns the largest germplasm bank in the world, is aiming to double Brazil’s average annual sugarcane yields from 75MT per hectare to 150MT per hectare by 2040 and is working to create a synthetic seed to scrap needing to use sugarcane cuttings for planting.

Other highlights of the tour, organised and led by Australian ex-pat Sally Thomson in collaboration with Nuffield Brazil Farming Network, include a trip to the world’s largest corn bioenergy plant, hearing from startups working on Brazil’s agribusiness problems, and an unforgettable down-day to relish Bonito’s pristine rivers and natural wonders.

The cost is $3440 per person, based on twin-share, which includes all domestic travel, accommodation, meals, and visits. 

The tour, kicking off in late March, is limited to 20 participants to ensure a quality experience for all. 

To register your interest, contact Shirley Norris by phoning 0447 608 158 or emailing farmers700plus@gmail.com

‍

Sugarcane farmer and Australian Cane Farming Association (ACFA) member Paul Atkinson is travelling to Brazil for the second time to gain insights into the country’s agricultural sector, as it boasts being the number one and two in the world for sugarcane and ethanol production. Photo credit: Heidi Petith

Corn is a major feedstock around the world to produce ethanol. Sugarcane farmer Paul Atkinson toured Brazil in 2024, and will again in 2025, to gain insights from Brazil’s agricultural sector and how its ethanol production will impact on Australia’s sugarcane industry. Photo credit: Paul Atkinson

‍

The open road became a classroom for early-career extension officers as they embarked on a two-week, cross-industry bus trip as part of the Agricultural Extension Work Placement Program (AEWPP). Hosted by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), this unique journey was more than a road trip—it was an opportunity for trainees to deepen their understanding of Queensland’s diverse agricultural landscape, showcase their work, and build valuable connections across the sector.

The AEWPP places trainees with host agribusinesses or natural resource management organisations, assisting landholders in Great Barrier Reef catchments in implementing best management practices. Over the past nine months, trainees have worked with organisations such as Aglantis, AgriTech Solutions, Australian Banana Growers Council, Burdekin Productivity Services, Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), and NQ Dry Tropics.

Throughout the bus trip, trainees showcased their organisations, the farming commodities they specialise in, and their regions to peers and QFF representatives. Stops included farms and industry organisations like TAFE Queensland’s Centres of Excellence, Sugar Research Australia, Tassal’s Proserpine Prawn Farm, Kalamia Sugar Mill, and the Department of Primary Industry’s South Johnstone Research Facility.

Alongside professional visits, the itinerary included iconic tourist attractions such as Tinaberries, Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Macadamias Australia, Airlie Beach, The Big Mango, and Big Crystal Creek, adding a touch of local flavour to the experience.

QFF Program Coordinator Tim Bradley described the trip as a dynamic opportunity for trainees to highlight their contributions to the agriculture sector while forging meaningful connections.

“The trip allowed each trainee to showcase their work, collaboration with local producers, and the unique attributes of their regions and host organisations,” he said.

One of the most valuable aspects of the bus trip, Tim noted, was fostering networking opportunities.

“These interactions often lead to the exchange of innovative ideas, exploration of new partnerships, and a broader understanding of the industry as a whole,” he added.

Since its inception in 2018, the AEWPP has graduated over 30 extension officers. The next cohort will commence in February 2025, offering another group of early-career professionals a 15-month placement to drive sustainable agricultural practices.

The AEWPP is funded by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program and delivered by QFF in collaboration with host organisations.

‍

Left-to-right, back-to-front QFF General Manager, Policy and Projects, Adam Knapp, Extension Officer, AgriTech Solutions, Jake Moore, Extension Officer, Aglantis, Kaylaha Malaponte, QFF AEWPP Project Coordinator, Tim Bradley, Extension Officer, Burnett Mary Regional Group, Phoebe Holland, Extension Officer, NQ Dry Tropics, Claire Cornell, Extension Officer, Australian Banana Growers Council, Eleanor Sibree, Extension Officer, Burnett Mary Group, Asha Gould. Photo supplied

‍