On the 17th, the Home Hill Rotary Club hosted a successful barbecue at Funny Dunny Park in Wunjunga, bringing together locals and campers to celebrate the community's dedication to recycling and the environment. The event, held at the park just 2 kilometres from the peaceful spot known as "Wunjunga," was a warm gathering that highlighted the area's strong community spirit.

The barbecue was organized to thank everyone who has supported the 10-cent cash-for-cans recycling program, a key initiative that has helped maintain the park's cleanliness and beauty. The Rotary Club, known for its commitment to local causes, expressed its deep gratitude to those who have played a part in keeping Funny Dunny Park a welcoming space for both residents and visitors.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious barbecue and a selection of cakes, all provided as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the recycling efforts. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as locals and campers alike shared stories, enjoyed the food, and reflected on the positive impact their actions have had on the park.

Funny Dunny Park, designed to be a haven for bushwalking and fishing enthusiasts, continues to serve as a vital community space. The park's amenities, including a water tank, rubbish bins, clean toilets, and the unique "Seat of Knowledge," provide visitors with comfort and convenience while they connect with nature.

The event was not only a celebration of recycling but also of the community's collective effort to preserve this beautiful spot. The success of the barbecue underscored the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship and demonstrated the Rotary Club's ongoing commitment to enhancing local spaces.

As the sun set on the day, the smiles and laughter of those who attended the barbecue echoed through the park, reinforcing the strong sense of community that makes Funny Dunny Park more than just a place of peace—it's a place where the community comes together to support one another and the environment. The Rotary Club's barbecue was a fitting tribute to the shared efforts that keep Funny Dunny Park a cherished part of Wunjunga.

The Cash For Cans Project
Wunjunga Park
Karen Nagle and Mee-kah
Emma Rogers at the seat of knowledge
Mike Newton and Rod Alford cooking up a storm

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Brielle Astorquia, was introduced to the role of ambassador for the Water Festival through Kari Ravizza from the festival committee. Brielle’s involvement began when she was approached at Nutrien Harcourts and McCathie’s Real Estate, where she was recruited for the ambassador position.

The primary objectives of this year's Water Festival include boosting confidence, fostering friendships, and raising funds for the Charlie Teo Foundation. Additionally, the festival serves as a platform for local businesses to gain exposure. The festival’s theme, "Bring it Back," aligns with these goals by celebrating tradition and community involvement.

One of the highlights of this year's festival is the bowling event, which plays a significant role in fundraising and community engagement. Brielle shared that the event brought together both junior and senior participants, allowing them to mingle and showcase their support for the festival on social media. The event created a sense of unity and excitement, further emphasising the festival's community-focused spirit.

As for future plans, Brielle is excited about activities such as visiting Regis Home Care and the parade with floats, which promises to be a significant event. She is committed to preserving the festival’s original charm and looks forward to seeing future queens experience the same joy she has.

Brielle also reflects on her personal growth, having overcome the challenges of organising the bowling event in a short time. Her experience has fuelled her passion for the festival, and she hopes to continue her involvement, eventually joining the committee to guide future ambassadors.

Support for the Water Festival extends beyond attending events. Brielle encourages community members to participate in the parade, long lunch, and festival meetings, emphasising that everyone is welcome to contribute. The festival thrives on community spirit, and Brielle is grateful for the overwhelming support from local businesses and attendees. The success of the bowling event, which featured fun activities like bowling with non-dominant hands and a video from Charlie Teo, highlighted the importance of spreading awareness for brain cancer while bringing the community together.

Senior Ambassadors Brielle Astorquia, Mia Kelly, Sasha Previtera, Demi O’Shea
Junior Ambassadors Cole Pontifes, Dakota Dixon, Eden Godfrey, Stella Borellini, Francheisca Dela Cruz

Kayla Steiner bowls a spare
Cassie Mottin, John Mottin, Candice Dyball, Josh Dyball, Dale Hockey
Shane Reardon, Sam Nucifora, Joseph Nucifora, Arianna Nucifora, Maria McCoy
Warren Johnston, Lena Nucifora, Gina Calligaro
Brielle Astorquia

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DOB: 26/01/24

Sex: Female

Breed: DSH

Kid friendly: Soft hands only

Cat Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Slow introduction

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors only

Meet Marinette, a curious and playful young lady who loves to cuddle up on your bed at night. During the day, she transforms into a quirky ball of energy, always eager to voice her opinions.

Marinette is a delight to have around her foster mum can't understand why she's still searching for her forever home.

Adoption days are not Marinette’s favourite, if you would like to get to know her, a visit to her foster mum’s home is the best place to meet her.

Does Marinette sound like the perfect companion for you?

If the answer is yes, just fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html. 

Included in her adoption fee of $195 Marinette is desexed, micro-, up to date on vaccinations and is flea/tick/intestinal worm treated.

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Meet Bruce Smith, a dedicated security control room operator who skilfully balances his full-time job with the demanding role of being an auxiliary firefighter.

As a shift worker with the council, Bruce spends his days ensuring the safety and security of the community, a responsibility that requires constant vigilance. Due to the nature of his primary job, he can only respond to fire calls during his off shifts. However, this limitation hasn’t dampened his passion for helping others—a passion that led him to join the State Emergency Service (SES) six years ago and become an auxiliary firefighter three years later.

Bruce’s inspiration to serve as a firefighter came from a deep desire to give back to his community. Although balancing these two demanding roles isn’t easy, the support of his partner and three children makes it possible.

“I’m not allowed to leave my primary job, so I’m only available on my days off. But it’s not too bad,” Bruce says, emphasising the importance of a strong family support system.

A typical callout for Bruce can range from smoke alarm activations to road traffic accidents and hazardous material incidents. The unpredictability of the calls, especially those involving children, can be stressful. However, the presence of a support system within the fire service helps mitigate the emotional strain.

Training is rigorous and ongoing, with sessions every Monday night covering everything from road crash rescues to electrical incident management. Bruce advises those considering the role to be prepared for the unpredictability of the job, including the possibility of missing personal events.

Outside of work, Bruce copes with the stress through hobbies like gaming, fishing, and camping—activities that offer a much-needed escape from the demands of firefighting. Despite the challenges, his commitment to helping others remains unwavering, making Bruce Smith a true community hero.

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Bruce Smith

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By day, he's a skilled cabinet maker, crafting cupboards and installing timber doors. By night, he's ready to jump into action as an auxiliary firefighter. For Brayden Arroita the balance between these two roles is a challenging yet rewarding experience.
From a young age, Braydon dreamed of becoming a firefighter:
"Ever since I was three, I always wanted to be a firefighter," he recalls.
When the opportunity arose, Brayden didn't hesitate to pursue his childhood dream. Now, he juggles his primary job with the unpredictable demands of firefighting, which can range from calm weeks to nights filled with multiple callouts.
His work as an auxiliary firefighter involves responding to various emergencies, from house fires to car crashes. The role comes with its challenges, especially when he faces the possibility of knowing the victims involved. However, a robust support system, including debriefs and counselling, helps him navigate the emotional toll.
One of his most memorable experiences was being deployed to the Tara bushfires early in his firefighting career. The experience, surrounded by seasoned firefighters, significantly impacted his growth and maturity in the role.
Despite the demands, Braydon remains passionate about both his jobs. His advice to anyone considering joining the ranks of auxiliary firefighters? "Just go for it—the sky’s the limit."

Brayden Arroita

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The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is actively recruiting part-time auxiliary firefighters to join their dedicated team in the Burdekin Local Government Area, including stations in Ayr, Giru, and Home Hill. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to contribute to their local community whilst balancing other commitments.

Local Auxiliary Fire Fighters Brayden and Bruce. Photo supplied

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The CEO of Business Chamber Queensland, Heidi Cooper, highlighted the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by businesses across the state at a recent meeting during her visit to the Burdekin.

"We spend a lot of time listening to the Queensland business community because we want to ensure the business environment is the right one for them," she emphasised. This approach involves engaging with regional and North Queensland businesses to advocate for the best possible outcomes.

One of the key issues facing Queensland businesses is workforce management. "Workforce is the number one issue for Queensland businesses, about accessing and retaining the right staff," the CEO stated. She pointed out that businesses are struggling with high wages, energy costs, and insurance expenses. Housing availability also poses a significant challenge, making it difficult for businesses to employ staff without adequate living arrangements.

The Business Chamber Queensland offers various support programs to assist businesses of all sizes across the state. These programs include online services, help desks, and other resources to ensure accessibility regardless of location. A notable initiative is the EcoBiz program, which helps businesses implement sustainable practices. Heidi shared a success story from Cairns, where a tourism operator reduced energy and waste consumption, leading to cost savings and improved sustainability.

The chamber actively engages with regional communities through meetings, conversations, and surveys. "I encourage any regional businesses to get involved in our pulse surveys and election surveys on our website. The more engagement, the better we can advocate," Heidi urged. These surveys help address the specific issues businesses face, with workforce management being a primary concern.

To support workforce diversity and retention, the chamber has launched an initiative called Workforce Evolve. This program assists business owners in diversifying their workforce and provides HR support, particularly beneficial for smaller businesses. "We know that workforce is the biggest issue," Heidi reiterated, emphasising the importance of chamber membership for accessing these resources.

The chamber's core purpose, as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, is to support the Queensland business community. They host events, often in partnership with local chambers, to foster connections and address economic challenges. Despite low confidence levels across the state, Heidi remains optimistic about opportunities in regional Queensland.

"Our election platform focuses on bringing the voice of regional Queensland to state government, advocating for policies and regulations that enable business success," Heidi concluded. They encouraged business owners to join local chambers and the Business Chamber Queensland to benefit from a supportive network, emphasising that thriving businesses contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.

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David Jackson President of Home Hill Chamber of Commerce, Heidi Cooper CEO of Business Chamber Queensland and Leigh Kefford President of Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meet at Home Hill Newsagents for a Chamber of Business meeting. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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Stephen Tunbridge, one of Burdekin’s local volunteer heroes, has been with Burdekin Community Association Inc for 7 years. During his time with BCA, Stephen has always been prepared to help with whatever is required of him, within the organization and the community.
Stephen originally was a business man and owned Shoelites Footware for many years.
When his shop closed down, he decided to become a volunteer and give back to the community and wanted to use his time helping others. Stephen has been a valuable asset for the residents and organizations within the Burdekin.
For 6 years Stephen volunteered 6 days a week for the Salvation Army however then he turned his attention to BCA and approached the BCA Volunteer Service Manager Rita Quagliata.
Stephen is warmly known and much loved and has brightened the lives of the elderly clients he visits as a visitor for the ACVVS Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. He is a caring and compassionate man, a perfect person for this role. He provides companionship, laughter and has gained a strong rapport with all he meets. He always enjoys doing something for others. Stephen also does some fundraising for BCA and volunteers at the Community Information Centre two days a week.
Stephen uses his time each day to improve the quality of life of others and to embrace a sense of community.
Stephen is always ready to help and ‘yes’ is his favorite word.

Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Community Association Inc

Local Hero Stephen Tunbridge

Welcome to this edition of our newspaper, where we continue to bring you the stories that matter most to our vibrant Burdekin community. As I settle into my new role here in Home Hill, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received from residents, businesses, and community leaders alike.

Home Hill is a place where the sense of community is palpable, where people take pride in their town, and where traditions and innovations walk hand in hand. The Burdekin region, with its rich agricultural heritage and thriving local businesses, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day dynamism. It's a place where stories abound, from the thriving community events to the serene banks of the mighty Burdekin River.

In this edition, we delve into the heart of what makes Home Hill and the wider Burdekin region so special. We feature stories that celebrate the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that define this area. Whether it’s highlighting the achievements of local heroes, exploring the challenges facing our region, or showcasing the cultural events that bring us together, we aim to reflect the diversity and richness of life here.

As I continue to get to know the ins and outs of this wonderful town, I’m eager to hear your stories and share them with our readers. After all, it’s your experiences, your challenges, and your triumphs that shape the narrative of our community. Please feel free to reach out with your ideas, news tips, or just to say hello.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I look forward to being a part of Home Hill and the Burdekin region for many years to come.

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OPINION PIECE
Member for Burdekin Dale Last has lashed out at the state government as seafood shop owners and marine businesses in the Burdekin are left as collateral damage in the government’s decision to gut the commercial fishing industry.
Mr Last said while the introduction of a heavily restricted commercial gillnet licence symbol NX, should have been an opportunity to allow our commercial fishers to continue to supply our state’s seafood consumers and support flow-on small businesses, its proven to be tied up in red tape and left fishers fearful to work under the new regulations.
“If the Minister had taken the time to listen to stakeholders at the rally in the Burdekin last year he would know the devastating flow-on effect the changes imposed on the commercial gillnet fishing industry would have on our marine businesses and seafood shop operators,” Mr Last said.
“Not only have we seen the livelihoods of commercial fishermen sent into turmoil, we are now seeing communities and the businesses that operate within them left as collateral damage.”
“While the Minister may have people think compensation packages are there to support impacted businesses, the harsh reality is the amount needed to diversify their small business would actually far outweigh the support being offered.”
Mr Last said already within the first months of implementing the new NX licences for commercial fishers, it was clear there had been no consultation with the industry around the conditions that would be forced upon them.
“Despite commercial gillnet fishers jumping through every hoop to obtain an NX licence, Labor is still insistent on treating them as criminals when the vast majority just want to ensure that seafood consumers still have access to locally caught produce.”
“It’s an absolute disgrace by both state and federal Labor that not only have they bound another primary industry in unworkable red tape but that they have been quite happy to turn a blind-eye to the wider impacts on those businesses that support local jobs and our community’s economy.”
“Just like we have seen with regulation imposed on our sugarcane farmers, once again this community and the small businesses that make its backbone are sacrificed in an effort for Labor to appease the Green vote.”
“If the Minister really was the ‘farmers friend’ he would be making every effort to work with our primary industries and the communities that rely on them, rather than standing by and watching small businesses shut shop at the hand of haphazard regulation.”
Contributed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is no stranger to the Bruce Highway and has launched a campaign, Back Our Bruce, Back Our People.
 
The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through the electorate of Dawson, from Mackay up into Townsville, has been identified as the most dangerous section of the entire highway, with the worst identified as the 100km stretch between Bowen and Home Hill.
 
“As someone who spends a lot of time on the Bruce Highway, travelling to meet with businesses and constituents in my electorate, I’ve experienced the dangers of the Bruce firsthand,” Mr Willcox said.
 
“How many fatal or near-fatal crashes must happen on the Bruce Highway before the State Labor and Federal Labor Governments start taking this issue seriously?

“They’ve cut the funding ratio from 80/20 being 80 per cent from the federal government and 20 per cent from the state to 50/50 which has never been done before, with no funding at all being allocated in the recently released budget and no future plans for the Dawson section of the Bruce Highway.
 
“While Labor is busy investing millions of dollars in the southeast corner to secure votes, innocent lives in my electorate are being lost, and frankly it’s disgusting.
 
“The lives of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the electorate and through this section of the Bruce Highway are just as important as those living in capital cities, and we deserve to be able to confidently travel on our roads and arrive at our destination, or home to our families, safely.
 
Mr Willcox said this is why he launched this campaign and urges everyone to visit his website and sign the petition.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in the electorate or if you’re a truckie or a tourist driving through, if you’ve travelled this part of the Bruce and experienced the appalling state of it, please join us in the fight to fix our highway,” he pleaded.
 
“The more signatures we have, the louder our voice and the stronger our message will be to those who currently have the power to do something about this and make the highway safer.
 
“This isn’t about politics or political agendas; this is about the safety of my people and of the people travelling through our region.
 
“Regional Queensland contributes enormously to our economy, through mining royalties and agriculture. I’m not asking for the moon; I’m simply asking for our fair share and to lift the standard of this section of the highway.
 
“Dawson deserves better,” Mr Willcox said.

Mr Willcox was joined at the launch by local transport business owner, John Warren, who travels the Bruce every day and is concerned for the safety of his drivers and the cost to his business from the damage the highway does to his trucks.

“For 32 years I have been driving this section of the Bruce Highway and the road was better back then than what it is now.

“I spend in excess of $40,000 per month in fuel tax and $12,000 per truck in road registration. We have to have road worthy trucks, how about some truck worthy roads,” Mr Warren said.
 
In a report released last week, it was revealed that the Bruce Highway failed basic safety ratings, sections in regional Queensland being ranked the worst danger zones, with the stretch between Bowen and Home Hill having the worst pothole density with 88 per 100 kilometres.
 
To sign the petition, visit www.andrewwillcox.com.au/back-our-bruce
 
“I encourage everyone to get involved and help support this campaign. If people have any experiences they’d like to share, please contact my office via either Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au or on 07 4944 0662,” Mr Willcox said.

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John Warren from Warren Transport and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox are fighting for federal funding to fix North Queensland’s horror stretches of the Bruce Highway

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The region is set to experience a significant boost to connectivity with the introduction of direct flights from Whitsunday Coast Airport to Adelaide launching on September 1st. This new route, developed in partnership with major airline Jetstar, is strategically designed to open the region to new markets while providing an affordable and convenient travel option for visitors.

The decision to add Adelaide as a direct destination was driven by the airport's goal to expand beyond traditional eastern coast markets like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Director of Commercial Businesses for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner, highlighted that this move allows the entire region to reach a broader demographic, with the inaugural flight already seeing strong demand, evidenced by 156 bookings and expected to be fully booked.

The economic implications of this new route are substantial, especially following the loss of Bonza. The direct flights from Adelaide are expected to fill this gap, bringing in new visitors and creating fresh opportunities for local businesses. Craig emphasised that this influx of tourists would not only support hotels and restaurants but also generate jobs for residents, including recent school graduates.

Moreover, the new route offers residents easier and more affordable access to South Australia's attractions, such as the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Kangaroo Island. This increased connectivity is expected to strengthen ties between the two regions, making it easier for people to visit family and friends.

Despite the potential increase in passenger traffic, Craig affirmed that the impact on airport operations would be minimal. The flights are scheduled to arrive at 6:20pm and depart at 6:55 PM, a timing that fits well within the airport's existing infrastructure. The route is expected to attract over 40,000 passengers annually, with load factors projected to exceed 80%.

This new service aligns with the airport’s broader strategic goals of identifying and establishing direct flights to new destinations. The airport has undertaken extensive data analysis and strategic planning to ensure the success of this route. According to Craig, decisions like these are not made lightly; they are backed by rigorous research and collaboration with airline partner Jetstar.

To promote the new Adelaide-Whitsundays flights, the airport has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign. This campaign, developed in partnership with Adelaide Airport, Tourism Whitsundays, and the South Australian Tourism Commission, includes newspapers, billboards, social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations, all of which are already showing positive results.

Passengers on the new route can look forward to a comfortable experience aboard Jetstar’s Airbus A320, with a flight time of approximately three hours. The airport is committed to maintaining high service standards to ensure a positive travel experience.

In terms of environmental responsibility, the airport is actively working with airlines to minimise the impact of increased flights. This includes ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, such as maintaining extensive green spaces on the airport's 370 hectares.

The success of this new route will be measured by load factors above 80% and the overall economic benefits to the region. The airport is optimistic that this new connection will drive the Whitsundays' economy and is already considering potential future expansions based on the route's performance.

This new direct flight route strengthens the region’s ties with Adelaide, providing a direct gateway to one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

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Every year on August 18th, the Burdekin community comes together to honour the sacrifices and bravery of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Long Tan. This day, now synonymous with Veterans' Day in the region, has been a significant event for over 30 years.

The ceremony, initially held annually in Ayr, has found a more permanent home at Deep Creek Veteran’s Retreat, for the past two decades, welcoming many visiting veterans from out of town. The ceremony begins at 11 am, and members of the public are encouraged to join.

The Battle of Long Tan, which took place in 1966, holds a special place in the hearts of many, including those who arrived in Vietnam shortly after. "I got there in November 1967, more than a year after the battle. I didn't know much about it at the time, but it has since become very significant," reflects one veteran, Don Bailey.

The ceremony has evolved over the years, incorporating new elements to keep the remembrance alive and engaging. Traditionally featuring a parade and service by the creek, the event occasionally includes a catafalque party from the Townsville military or the local air cadets. This year, attendees can look forward to a performance by the Burdekin Brass Band, echoing the past where up to four buglers have played the Last Post, a tribute steeped in solemnity and respect.

Remembering the soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War, the ceremony is a poignant commemoration held on the anniversary of Long Tan. The involvement of the local veteran group from Deep Creek, though dwindling in numbers, remains steadfast. It is supported by associate veterans from other conflicts. However, engaging younger generations in these ceremonies has proven challenging. "We’ve been invited to schools a few times, but no one wants to take up the offer like the RSLs that have been invited," Don notes.

Despite these challenges, the ceremony's organisation faces minimal financial hurdles. The event, funded through modest means, includes snacks and drinks for attendees, sustaining itself with community support. Looking ahead, the hope is that the torch of remembrance will be passed forward, ensuring that this significant day continues to unite the community in paying respect to its veterans.

The Long Tan ceremony remains a vital tradition, a day for the community to gather, remember, and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served. As plans are made for future ceremonies, the commitment to preserving this legacy endures, reflecting the profound respect held for those who have given so much.

WHERE: Deep Creek Veteran’s Retreat
WHAT: Long Tan Ceremony
WHEN: 18th August, 11am

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Don Bailey in Vietnam
Catafalque Party at the Long Tan Ceremony in previous years

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Tourists are flocking to the Big Mango and Bowen Tourist Information Centre, with the iconic gateway to the town proving to be a popular stopping point where motorists are encouraged to venture into Bowen for the day or even longer.

The popularity of the centre has reached new levels this year with record-breaking visitor numbers announced.
 
Bowen Tourism and Business released figures this week confirming they welcomed more visitors than ever before during the 2023/34 financial year.

This included more than 51,000 at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway and a further 5000 visitors at the Information Booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the new financial year had also started strongly with 7002 visitors in July.

That is an average of 225 visitors every day.

“We became an official Driver Reviver station in recent months so that has also contributed to our high numbers,” she said.

“People certainly appreciate the free tea, coffee and biscuits and we are proud to be contributing to road safety.”

Leanne said more than half of the people who stopped at the Visitor Information Centre spent a day or more in Bowen.

Chair of Bowen Tourism and Business, Jenn Honnery congratulated the Bowen Tourism and Business team on setting yet another record.

“I’m very proud of the team of staff and volunteers at the Big Mango Visitor Information Centre on achieving record visitor numbers once again.”

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Bowen Tourism and Business volunteer Pete at the Visitor Information Centre with the Moore family visiting from the UK

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After more than a decade working in the power line industry, George Downward took a leap of faith in 2013 by establishing his own vegetation service company.
With a background as an operations manager for a nationwide contracting firm, George had the foresight to anticipate changes in the industry. When his former employer transitioned to a subcontractor model, he recognised the potential risks and decided to forge his own path.
"We started small, contracting for Ergon Energy and Queensland Energy, focusing on remote and isolated areas," George recalls. His company's specialty lies in tree and vegetation management, particularly around power lines—a skill set that sets them apart from competitors. "We’re highly qualified, with a 19 metre telescopic elevated work platform and fully trained climbers capable of working safely around power lines."
The company's expertise in the power line industry allows them to perform jobs more efficiently, safely, and often at a lower cost than less experienced competitors. "Our team is young, enthusiastic, and highly qualified. We don't aim to make millions, just a genuine living by offering superior service to the Burdekin area," George explains.
George's crew has extensive training but is still able to provide the service at a lower cost for clients. "It's a significant investment, but it ensures the job is done efficiently, safely, and correctly," he notes. George emphasises the importance of safety and quality, offering services that are fully insured and backed by comprehensive risk assessments.
Reflecting on his experiences, George shares that his work has taken him across Queensland, from Maryborough to Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands. His company has also completed projects for various councils, showcasing their wide range of expertise. "We constantly update our knowledge, with regular refreshers on first aid, CPR, climbing, chainsaw operation, and more. Staying current is crucial in this industry," George says.
Environmental responsibility is another priority for George’s company. "We’re all inducted into World Heritage Wet Tropics, and our environmental policies are ingrained in our operations. As an arborist and a fauna and flora spotter, I ensure our practices are environmentally friendly," he adds.
George is also committed to supporting the local community. For the past 15 years, he has exclusively used local businesses for mechanical repairs and fabrication. "I believe in contributing to the local economy wherever possible," he affirms.
Looking to the future, George hopes to pass the torch to the younger generation. "I’m getting older, and I want the young guys in the Burdekin to keep going, make a life for themselves, and continue the work we've done for the past 24 years," he says.
His ultimate goal is to build a business that serves the local area, reducing the need for extensive travel and allowing for a better work-life balance.

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