So, I’m six weeks into this regional role as your local journo, and I’m seeing trends – some good (most great), and one or two that are disconcerting. Nothing outrageous or an “everyone run-for-hills” kind of thing, just little observations I’ve noticed.

See, as a perennial traveller and someone who was once called ‘The Thinker’ in high school, such was my lifelike pose I’d strike at any time akin to Auguste Rodin’s famous marble statue, I’m forever watching, observing, studying, and generally taking in my surrounds.

If not, then I’m conversing with whoever may be within my vicinity about anything and everything (or nothing). But I’m seeing and hearing the same types of things.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Sweet FM’s Station Manager, Charlie; The Men’s Shed’s Secretary, Charles, Home Hill Chamber’s Secretary, Robert, or other essential Burdekin non-profits, the message is clear – their membership is shrinking, funds and grants are harder to get, and perhaps the biggest of all, it’s a real challenge to get younger people involved.

I’ve seen this countless times, in many places on my sojourns. While most survive through sheer grit, determination, tightening of belts, and the kindness of strangers, some do not.

Community spirit is strong here but without wider support and inventive ways of creating funds, some will be forced to shutter.

If that happens, they’ll leave a big hole.

As your local paper, we do what we can to promote and support such organisations but it’s only one paper, and I’m only one man. We need you, and you, and you, and yes, even you, to show solidarity and make Ayr and Home Hill a beacon for other country towns.

If we all do our bit, things will turn around. If we don’t… well, that won’t happen will it?

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Leaders from the Lower Burdekin Scout Group, Chris Berkery and Narelle Timm, were presented with a generous $2000 cheque by Kerry Lowing, the Secretary of Bluey’s Thrift Shop, on Sunday 5th Jan 2025, at the Uniting Church in Home Hill.
This is the second generous cheque that Bluey’s has presented to the Lower Burdekin Scout Group. The previous donation in 2024 was used to provide scout camps and activities, leadership training for the Youth members, and small First Aid kits for all Scouts, along with some equipment.
“We’ll use some of this very money, which was generously donated from Bluey’s Thrift Shop, to purchase paint so we can brighten the outside of the Den, update some of the group camping and general equipment, and design a group ‘sun safe’ camp shirt,” a very grateful and enthusiastic, Chris says.
This donation will be used to provide 2025 Christmas meals for the homeless and lonely in the community, as well as reduce the cost of membership, camps and activities for the youth members and their families.
“The community supports our Scouts so now we will do this as another way to support our community,” Chris stated.
“On behalf of all our Lower Burdekin Scouts and their families, we would like to give a big thank you to Bluey’s Thrift Shop, for their continued support and all the great work they do in our community.”

Narelle Timm and Chris Berkery, receive their $2000 cheque off Kerry Lowing from Bluey’s Thrift Shop. Photo supplied

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Jo Veneman, a director of North Queensland company Renewable Homes, was recently taken aback by a $1000 bill for her truck to cross the Burdekin Bridge, a key freight route between Ayr and Home Hill on the Bruce Highway. The bridge, which serves both road users and trains, has a unique design that forces full closures when vehicles larger than garbage trucks need to pass.

The Burdekin Bridge, managed by Queensland Rail and Transport and Main Roads, frequently experiences closures - up to 10 to 15 times per day. These closures occur to allow large vehicles to safely cross, with each closure typically costing around $66, adding up to approximately $361,350 annually.

Jo’s situation arose when one of her trucks, carrying a 6-metre wide and 5.2-metre-high load, required a crossing. Queensland Rail, unable to provide an internal track protection officer due to staffing shortages, contracted out the service to another provider. This resulted in a bill exceeding $1000 for the crossing.

Jo expressed frustration at what she sees as a lack of competition for track protection services, stating that with only one approved contractor handling these jobs, prices are inflated, describing the situation as "daylight robbery," highlighting the disproportionate costs for small businesses.

In response to the incident, Queensland Rail explained that safety is their top priority, and track protection officers are needed to ensure the safety of all parties, including the transport crew, rail staff, and infrastructure. While Queensland Rail aims to provide internal officers when given sufficient notice, they acknowledged that sometimes external contractors are necessary due to resource constraints. The cost of these services depends on factors like the size of the load and the required train planning.

Jo’s experience has sparked concerns over the high costs and limited options for small fleet operators, who are left to bear the brunt of the financial burden when crossing the Burdekin Bridge.

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The Federal Labor Government’s backflip on funding for the Bruce Highway has been welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last, just weeks after flooding cut the national highway.

Mr Last said the return of the 80:20 funding arrangement between state and federal governments for the East coast’s deadliest highway was welcome news for many communities in the Burdekin Electorate.

“In the time since Labor axed the 80:20 funding arrangement for the Bruce Highway, we have seen more blood shed, families torn apart, communities left reeling, and at times, travellers stranded due to flooding on our major highway,” Mr Last said.

“In the space of a matter of months since the October election, the Crisafulli Government have achieved what the former state government couldn’t, while the Federal Labor Government have been dragged kicking and screaming to reverse their decision and reinstate the 80:20 funding arrangement.”

“The sad reality is that quite often, the funding investment needed for upgrades on the Bruce Highway isn't about arriving at a location quicker, they are about actually arriving alive,” he said.

Mr Last said the return of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Crisafulli government, went hand-in-hand to mark the start of bringing about a safer Bruce Highway.

“For years we have had to fight tooth and nail for any sort of funding to bring about a safer Bruce Highway, particularly here in the Burdekin Electorate,” Mr Last said.

“We know there is work to be done and already we have brought together strong voices from the regions to help deliver a long-term upgrade plan, which will bring the Bruce Highway up to safety standards,” he said. 

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Not even having a dialysis treatment, stopped this Santa from ensuring he was still able to deliver all those gifts over his busiest period ever, Christmas.
 
Even having dialysis during the hectic gift-giving season, didn’t deter Santa (Ross Whiley), who needed to have it leading into the holiday season last December. If anything, it revitalised him, giving this Santa an extra spring in his step so he could guarantee the children got their presents on time, much to the relief of parents the Burdekin over.

Dialysis is a type of treatment that helps your body remove extra fluid and waste products from your blood when your own kidneys are not able to do so normally, and which keeps safe levels of minerals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate, and also helps to regulate your blood pressure.

Dialysis was first used successfully back in the 1940's and became a standard treatment for kidney failure, starting in the 1970s. Since then, millions of patients have been helped by these treatments, even Santa.

Dialysis can be done in a hospital, a dialysis centre, or at home. In this Santa’s case, he chose the Home Hill Dialysis Unit, so he could continue his work locally within the Burdekin region.

Come Christmas morning, the results were there to be seen on the many faces of so smiling kids. Once back in the North Pole, this Santa recuperated, earning a much-needed break over New Years, before he does it all again next Christmas!

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Santa (aka Ross Whiley) receiving dialysis ahead of his busy gift giving Christmas schedule. Photo: ‘Supplied'

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Plenty of rainfall was experienced across the Burdekin to ring in the new year, and many locals noticed a sad looking Christmas Tree struggling to cope in the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt.

Almost poetic, the photo captured and shared on Wednesday the 1st of January 2025, attracted waves of attention with many members of the community noting it’s a sign to box up the festive season, and welcome in the new year.

Although a sore spot for some, other locals were able to make light of the situation, finding humour and understanding in the fact that storms and heavy rainfall can be expected at this time of year, and nature was simply helping with the “pack up process”.

As the sun shone on Thursday the 2nd of January, the Burdekin Shire Council promptly returned the beautiful new tree to its former glory.

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The Christmas Tree in the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt during recent rainfall. Photo credit : Jacinta Watson

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The Federal Government has announced an additional $7.2 billion investment into the Bruce Highway, marking the single largest funding commitment in the highway’s history. This pledge aims to upgrade Queensland’s critical 1,673 km transport artery to a minimum three-star safety rating, with the Burdekin region poised to benefit from significant improvements.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the importance of the highway for connecting Queenslanders, tourists, and freight, stating, “Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that is what my Government is delivering.”
The total investment now exceeds $17 billion, with the Bowen to Townsville section, identified as a priority for immediate upgrades.
Proposed projects include installing safety barriers, wider centre lines, and rumble strips to reduce accidents. Additional upgrades may feature wider shoulders, improved intersections, better signage, and enhanced sight lines. The plan also includes increasing rest areas and overtaking lanes to improve traffic flow and driver safety.
To address Queensland’s unpredictable weather, a “Build Back Better” strategy will focus on road resilience through resealing and rehabilitating surfaces, helping mitigate flood damage and ensuring accessibility during extreme weather events.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, who spearheaded the "Back Our Bruce" campaign, welcomed the funding but urged clarity on project details and funding distribution.
“This commitment is a step forward, but we need to ensure our region receives its fair share of the upgrades,” he said.
Mr Willcox also emphasised the community’s role in driving the issue to Canberra’s attention.
“The people of Dawson deserve credit for standing up and demanding change through the ‘Back Our Bruce’ campaign. Without their voices, we wouldn’t have seen this result.
“Let’s be clear, this 80:20 is only for this $7bn commitment. A coalition government will fully reinstate the historical 80:20 funding for all highway funding.”
He further highlighted the urgency of action, saying, “It’s about safety and saving lives.”
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald expressed cautious optimism, stressing the need for transparency and immediate action. “Queenslanders deserve better than short-term vote-buying announcements,” she said, calling for detailed costings and timelines for the upgrades.
“Labor at all levels has shown scant regard for Queensland’s regional roads, and it’s sad that the only time Anthony Albanese cares about it is when there’s an election looming. I don’t blame people for treating this announcement with some scepticism.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, stands beside a worn section of the Bruce Highway, highlighting the urgent need for safety upgrades in the Burdekin region. Photo supplied

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Schools, businesses, organisations and community groups across the Burdekin region will soon begin gearing up for Clean Up Australia Day, with many calling for locals to get involved in the fantastic initiative. Scheduled for Sunday the 2nd of March, 2025 will mark the 35th anniversary of the vital environmental event, which has been making a positive impact on Australia’s environment, one piece of litter at a time.

What began 35 years ago as a simple idea from Ian Kiernan who wanted to clean up his own backyard – has since grown into the country’s largest community-based environmental event. Held annually on the first Sunday in March, Clean Up Australia Day has seen over 22 million Australians volunteer their time to help reduce waste and conserve natural spaces across the nation.

In the Burdekin, Clean Up Australia Day provides a unique opportunity for the community to come together and make a real difference. Whether you’re a local school, business, or community group, your participation is vital to ensuring the region remains clean and beautiful for future generations with registration forms available online at www.cleanup.org.au!

What: Clean Up Australia Day 2025
When: Sunday 2 March
Where: Australia Wide
More Information: visit www.cleanup.org.au

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Clean Up Australia Days in the past have seen more than 190kg of rubbish collected from Alva Beach.

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And so the new year begins. As this is my first Councillor column for 2025, I would like to reflect on the past year – and what a year it has been.
Having been overwhelmingly elected by people to represent them in Council, I have tried my best to do so, sometimes garnishing the ire of fellow Councillors and directors. So be it, I fight for what I believe in. It has been a steep learning curve, understanding correct protocol, local laws and Government legislation. It’s not as cut and dried as people may think, and you must work within the scope of it all.  
Decisions have to be made. Sometimes coming to terms with those decisions and the backlash that ensues is cause for a headache. If people disagree with those decisions, I would encourage them to inform themselves as to why they have been made. Pick up the phone and ring a Councillor, our phone numbers are on the Council website. Attend a Council meeting. Become an involved community member.
Hopefully the district can dust itself off and recover from the debacle that was sugar cane harvesting season. Mill disruptions have had a devastating effect on those in the industry.  Mill workers, contractors, and farmers, have all been impacted by the lengthy season through no fault of their own and this flows onto the economy of the Burdekin Shire.  Government needs to recognise and understand this and act accordingly.
With that being said, I hope each and every one of us has had a happy Christmas with their family and friends. A new year brings new hope. A hope for positivity and kindness to our fellow man. A hope for change. God Bless.

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, filled with relaxation, joy and time spent with loved ones. It’s great to see our businesses reopening after a well-deserved break and getting back into action.
As most of us return to work, it’s a good time to reflect on the year ahead. No doubt many of you set New Year’s resolutions, and perhaps a few have already been broken – we’ve all been there!
We are truly blessed that the holiday period was disaster-free, allowing us to enjoy the season in peace. Now, as we step into 2025, I’m excited and optimistic about what lies ahead. There’s much to look forward to, and I’m confident it’s going to be another fantastic year for the Burdekin.
Here’s to making 2025 a year of growth, success and community spirit. Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and continue working together to make our region the best it can be.
Stay safe, stay positive, and let’s make this year a memorable one!
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.

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Introducing the one and only Tones and I – or as her friends call her, Toni! This beautiful tabby with striking markings and captivating green eyes is ready to find her forever home. Despite facing challenges in her young life, including being a young mum, Toni is a resilient little fighter who’s determined to find the love and security she deserves.

Toni is a social and affectionate cat who loves food, attention, and playtime. She’s especially fond of feather wands and will happily engage in a playful chase. Whether it’s getting scratches at the base of her tail, full-body pats, leg rubs, or being picked up and coddled, Toni is always up for some love. Plus, she’s quite the chatterbox and enjoys carrying on a conversation with her humans!

Currently living in a foster home with other cats, Toni has a bit of “sassy little sister” energy and may prefer to be the solo queen of her domain. However, with a slow introduction, she might be open to sharing her space with a confident, friendly feline companion.

If you’re looking for a loving, chatty companion who’s ready to bring joy and affection into your home, Toni could be the perfect fit. Could you offer this determined little lady the forever home she craves?

Adoption Details:
   • Adoption Fee: $195
   • Included in the Fee: Desexed, Microchipped, Up-to-date Vaccinations, Flea/Tick/Intestinal Worm Treatment
   • DOB: 01/04/2023
   • Breed: Domestic Shorthair (DSH)
   • Sex: Female
   • Kid-Friendly: Yes
   • Cat-Friendly: Yes (with slow introduction)
   • Dog-Friendly: Untested
   • BIN: BIN0000268254643

If you’re interested in meeting Toni and offering her the loving forever home she deserves, please submit an adoption enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

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Established in 2011, the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association (BMSA), is a not-for-profit organisation that has been a haven for men to keep up their skills in retirement, engage with others and learn about men’s health issues, while giving back to the community.

The BMSA meets every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am-11.30, where they promote various activities that focus on recreation, skill building, and community projects such as making their popular kid’s toy boxes, and tables and chairs.

“We have five buildings and three workshops – one for woodworking, one for small items of craft, another for welding, metal fabrication and mechanics – and we have another front building where we run garage sales. We have a big stock of furniture and items up there. We also have our own chooks, so we can provide eggs for our members,” Charles Ford, Secretary of the BMSA says.

With monthly general meetings and committee meetings three times a year, the ‘Shed’ has felt like a home away from home for many men, making them feel part of something while offering a place to address health issues in a safe, supportive environment with other blokes.

“We get a guest speaker to come along who speaks about some form of men's health issue, which the guys find informative. After the meeting, we then have a sausage sizzle and drinks and a laugh. We also have monthly luncheons at six different venues within the Burdekin, which is for our members and friends to participate in, along with trips to other Men's Sheds in Far North Queensland,” Charles adds.

The BMSA is responsible for all their expenses, from council rates to site building maintenance and equipment repairs, insurance, electricity, printing and postage etc. However, that gets more difficult with the decline in membership numbers due to members passing on or moving. The BMSA once had 80+ members, today it’s dwindled to half that number.

“For the sustainability of the Men's Shed, we've got to look at trying to recruit younger members of the community, and members who will basically take a position on our management committee.

“It's a good place to be and we want them to come enjoy themselves, as so many do,” Charles adds.

A big selling point about the Men's Shed is that it offers a reprieve for men’s partners and family, instead of them being stuck at home looking up at the ceiling. Once families bring a man down to the Men's Shed, they can then do whatever they want for that short term the men are there.

“When a man comes, participates, and has enjoyed himself, he goes come home and talks about something new and exciting. We’ve seen a lot of benefits for men and their families,” Charles smiles.

Annual membership fees are only $50, but with all the incredible benefits for men’s overall health, well-being and their families, it’s hoped more men will join and contribute.

The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, which relies on fundraising and grants to keep the lights on, welcome donations or sponsorships from businesses and companies, families, and individuals, who wish to support them in addressing men’s health (physical, mental, emotional, social well-being), within the greater Burdekin region.

For donations, sponsorship, or information, call: 0467 083 502, email: burdekinmensshed@outlook.com or better yet, go visit them at 155-157 Young St, Ayr.

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Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary, Charles Ford, and members, Antony, and carpenter, Steve Bridges. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Burdekin Men’s Shed’s only carpenter (at present), Steve Bridges, and BMSA Secretary, Charles Ford, outside one of their sheds. 

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New and improved agricultural levies legislation will replace the existing framework next year, making the levy system more user friendly for participants and making it easier for them to understand their obligations.
More than 50 pieces of legislation governing over 110 levies and charges – across 75 commodities and 18 bodies that receive levies – are being streamlined into five Acts and subordinate legislation.
Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the new legislation would make life simpler for those interacting with it from 1 January.
“From the start of 2025, the new legislation will make obligations clearer for levy payers, collection agents and bodies that receive levies, and better support industries seeking to pursue new or change existing levies," Mr Lowe said.
“More flexible and consistent, it will benefit current and future levy system participants and help industry to get the most out of the levy system.” 
“The streamlined legislation will allow primary industries to continue to invest collectively in research and development, marketing, biosecurity activities and responses, and residue testing.”
“Our agricultural levy system is a long-standing, successful partnership between industry and government to facilitate industry investment in strategic activities, and the new framework will make it stronger and more effective,” he said.
Levies are collected from farmers, producers, processors and exporters, with any proposal for new, or changes to existing, levies requiring majority agreement among levy payers.
In 2023-24, the Research and Development Corporations, Animal Health Australia, Plant Health Australia, and the National Residue Survey, received just over $600 million in levy payments.
The Australian Government contributed an additional $470 million in matching funding for research and development activities. 

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Sugar cane growers in North Queensland are grappling with the dual challenges of rising electricity costs and restricted access to peak-time energy. According to irrigation specialist, Chris Doblo, of Farmacist Pty Ltd, the solution lies in smarter, more efficient practices. Drawing on his extensive experience, Mr Doblo shares practical strategies for growers to future-proof their operations and adapt to these mounting pressures.
One of the most critical steps for growers, Mr Doblo advises, is to evaluate their current irrigation systems. With potential restrictions cutting irrigation time by 20 per cent, it is essential to optimise systems to deliver more water in less time.
Automating For Success
Automation offers significant opportunities for growers to optimise their irrigation processes. With limited irrigation hours and ongoing labour shortages, automated systems can provide precise control over water application, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
“Automation has become more accessible and affordable,” Mr Doblo explains. “It’s an effective option for growers to overcome resource and time constraints.”
Features like automated scheduling and real-time monitoring allow water to be applied during off-peak energy periods, maximising cost savings.
Harnessing Solar Power
Solar energy continues to be one of the most practical investments for sugar cane growers. For pumps of 18.5 kW or larger, installing a solar array can significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity, particularly during daylight hours when energy demand is highest.
Planning For Off-Peak Energy
Aligning irrigation schedules with off-peak energy tariffs, such as Tariff 34, offers growers immediate savings of up to 30 per cent. While these tariffs may face additional restrictions in the future, Mr Doblo emphasises their current value in reducing operational costs.
However, he warns growers to prepare for potential interruptions, as off-peak energy may eventually become a “switchable load” during peak demand periods. Diversifying energy sources and improving irrigation efficiency are essential to navigating these changes.
Adapting to rising electricity prices and shifting energy regulations is no easy task, but the solutions are within reach for North Queensland’s sugar cane growers. As Mr Doblo explains, “Investments in infrastructure, automation, and solar energy are not just beneficial—they are essential for the future of our industry.”
By adopting these strategies and embracing innovation, growers can overcome energy constraints and maintain sustainability.

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Burdekin firefighters spent some time at Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer Mill last month, to do a site familiarisation tour and begin planning a joint emergency exercise drill.
The site familiarisation was led by Operations Superintendent, Dean McNamara, and Safety Advisor, Ashley Corradi.
During the visit, new members of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) team were informed about site-specific risks and where fire safety equipment is located on-site. 
They also met Manager Operations, Matt Norton, Emergency Response Team (ERT) Captain, Patrick Patterson, and ERT member, Ryan Taylor.
Ashley said the site famil was beneficial to both QFES and Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees.
"It is important that new members of the QFES do these visits as it makes the site familiar to them, ensuring a quick response in the case of an incident,” she said.
QFES officers make site visits to our other factories on a regular basis. They also participate in mock emergencies with Wilmar's emergency response teams, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service.

Pictured during the familiarisation tour are, from left, Emergency Response Team Captain Patrick Patterson, Senior Firefighter Peter Felesina, Firefighter Lindsay Wilson, Firefighter Carter Dal Ponte, Station Officer Ash Ryder and Operations Superintendent Dean McNamara. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar and Renewables

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