It’s all about school spirit at Ayr State High School with each of the athletic and swimming carnivals preceded by a special Spirit Stick event where each House Group vies for the prestigious title.

This week the Spirit Stick competition took the theme of a dance-off and students were tasked with creating a performance around ‘Battle of the Decades’ where each House Group was given a specific decade to use as inspiration.

Groups of performers were made up of every age-group from Year 7 right through to Year 12 and they each took to the stage to dance and lip-sync from their chosen decade.

The event culminated in each group chanting their war cry and gearing up some good-natured competition ahead of the carnival at the end of the week.

Deputy Principal Courtney Carrigan said she loved the event and appreciated everyone participating.

“It was great to see everyone get involved and showcase their spirits,” she said.

There are almost 560 students at Ayr State High School and there are four house groups - Banks, Cook, MacQuarrie and Phillip.

The Spirit Stick will be awarded this Friday at the Athletics Carnival to the House Group that showed the most spirit.

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The future of farming is steering towards a revolution driven by autonomous machines, poised to transform crop cultivation worldwide.

In a recent report titled "Global Agtech in Focus," Rabobank explores the evolving landscape of agricultural technology, emphasising the potential of autonomous machines to enhance productivity, precision, and operational ease.

According to Rabobank's analysis, while autonomous machines represent a significant advancement in crop farming, their integration into mainstream agriculture will unfold gradually. The report underscores these machines, equipped with capabilities ranging from autonomous steering to more complex decision-making processes, are set to revolutionise various stages of crop production.

Doriana Milenkova, a farm inputs analyst at RaboResearch, highlights that current agricultural practices are already benefiting from automation, which enables faster and more precise operations while reducing resource consumption.

“These machines must be capable of stand-alone diagnosis, decision-making, or task performance in changing environments, without a human operator or on-site supervisor,” explained Ms Milenkova.

However, she notes that achieving full autonomy across all farming tasks will require successive technological advancements and widespread market acceptance.

Vitor Pistoia, an ag tech analyst at Rabobank Australia, has highlighted that Australian farmers are leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, lower input costs, and simplify farm operations.

"Australia is a nation known to be early adopters of technology and this is no different in the ag tech space where our innovative farmers, supported by the large scale of their farms and paddocks, are well-advanced users of technology in their farm machinery which helps to increase efficiency, lower the use of farm inputs, save costs and simplify tasks for operators,” said Mr Pistoia.

“Australia is an important market for most global farm machinery companies and new technology releases or even trials of technology are taking place on Australian farms.

Those technologies range from traditional machinery that is enhanced by technology like sensors, all the way to more recently introduced innovative technologies, like drones and the use of artificial intelligence, to help convert a vast amount of data collected on farm into insights for the operator or for use by the machine itself for innovative weed control.”

The journey towards autonomous farming is marked by incremental advancements and collaborative efforts within the agtech industry. While the journey towards fully autonomous farming may be gradual, Rabobank's report highlights the future of agriculture is increasingly intertwined with advanced technologies that promise to redefine the industry's landscape.  

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RaboResearch analyst Vitor Pistoia.

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Since 2005, Dave, Alissa, and their dedicated team at Burdekin Motorcycles have been proudly serving the Burdekin community as the local dealer for Yamaha motorcycles, Yamaha golf buggies, Yamaha WaveRunners, Toro, Bushranger, and now Landini tractors. Together, the team offers their customers a diverse range of products to suit every need and passion.

Over the past 19 years, Burdekin Motorcycles has garnered multiple awards for both sales and service excellence from Yamaha, underscoring their commitment to delivering top-notch customer satisfaction. Their reputation for aftersales service is unmatched, ensuring that every customer not only finds the perfect product but also enjoys ongoing support and maintenance.

As true locals, Dave, Alissa, and their team take pride in having nurtured talent by training numerous apprentices over the years. The pair are dedicated to supporting local events and initiatives whenever possible, contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the Burdekin community.

Whether you're looking to hit the open road with a Yamaha motorcycle, explore the waters with a Yamaha WaveRunner, manage your property with a Landini tractor, or enhance your leisure time with a Yamaha golf buggy, Burdekin Motorcycles is your go-to destination. Top of Form

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A rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week.  

“This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is 'in safe hands',” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said.  

“Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most.” 

“We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.” 

Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their lives and businesses before, during and after disaster events – be it drought, bushfire or flood.  

“Rural Aid’s mental health and wellbeing team do a fantastic job of heading on-farm to chat with primary producers, at no cost to the farmer," Mr Warlters said. 

“Our financial, water and fodder assistance provides urgent relief for farmers in need. 

“And our Farm Recovery Events supply farmers with a team of volunteers, ready to tackle farming jobs post-disaster,” Mr Warlters said. 

Rural Aid’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager, Myf Pitcher, said it takes strength to reach out for help.  

“We want farmers to treat themselves as their most precious business asset and be open to receiving help with their busy workload,” Ms Pitcher said.  

“One conversation at the right time with the right person can change everything”. 

“More than 18,000 primary producers are “in safe hands”, already registered with Rural Aid,” Ms Pitcher said.  

“Registering with Rural Aid means we can support farmers when they need it, now or in the future, and it helps us support rural communities as well.” 

“Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to see how we can help.” 

To register with Rural Aid, visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624. 

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Since its inception in 1982, Rural Quip has stood as a pillar in the community, renowned for its steadfast commitment to the steel industry. Nestled within the Burdekin, their business stands as a beacon for customers seeking both bulk steel solutions and meticulous 'cut to length' orders, with Robert Oar and his celebrated team catering to diverse project requirements with unparalleled expertise.

Rural Quip distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of steel products and services designed to meet every need. The skilled team excels in shaping steel plates and bending reinforcing rods, ensuring precise specifications for construction applications. Additionally, operating with precision, Rural Quip ensures that each piece of steel meets exacting standards, from intricate hole punching to advanced processing capabilities and paired with the experienced and knowledgeable staff, the business provides its customers with expert guidance throughout both quoting and ordering processes.

In addition to the business’ robust steel offerings, Rural Quip provides an extensive selection of building materials essential for diverse projects in the areas of roofing, concreating, fencing and more. Going the extra mile, the dedicated team offers dependable delivery options, utilising a crane truck and a 45-foot semi-trailer to ensure prompt and secure transportation of materials to the job site.

Overall, from embarking on a major construction project or a simple renovation, Rural Quip stands ready to deliver superior steel solutions and building materials tailored to your specifications. Visit Robert, and the team to experience firsthand their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

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Unions negotiating a new enterprise agreement with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables are consulting with members on a company suggestion that the parties accept an invitation from the Fair Work Commission for the assistance of a Commissioner in resolving issues remaining in dispute.
The invitation for assistance was extended by a Commission Vice President after a hearing of the Full Bench in Sydney earlier this month (5 July).
During last week’s talks between the company and union representatives, the company put forward the suggestion of taking up the Commission’s offer in order to move on from the continuing stalemate.
A company spokesman said: “We have been willing from the beginning to explore all options to reach a fair and reasonable outcome acceptable to all parties, and we have welcomed the Commission’s assistance in the past.
“We hope that union members agree with us that the Commission’s invitation is an opportunity to move forward.”
Company and unions representatives discussed a number of options to close the gap between their positions. However, progress was limited to log items and not the key issue of the increase in wages employees might receive.
The discussion between the company and union representatives had been proposed by Wilmar before the Full Bench hearing.

Meanwhile, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ mills reportedly hit a sweet spot on the weekend, with strong factory performance and improved cane supply.
Group Manager Operations (Sugar) James Wallace said Wilmar’s eight sugar factories averaged above 85 per cent crush time over the weekend, following a challenging start to the season.
“Our factories have settled in and we’re seeing some good daily totals,” Mr Wallace said.
“The Burdekin region recorded above-budget throughput last week.”
Mr Wallace said the Wilmar group had now processed about 10 per cent of the estimated 15.59M tonne crop.
“Despite the interruptions to the crush thus far, we are only a week behind our initial throughput targets. We remain optimistic that, with a continued good run, we will process this year’s crop in a timely manner.”
Mr Wallace said the factories had experienced some stops and starts in the first few weeks of the season due to industrial action and wet weather.
“Thankfully, we’ve now got dry conditions and good cane supply in most of our regions.
“The main cane supply gaps are in the Herbert region where there are still some wet paddocks, but conditions are improving every day.”
Mr Wallace acknowledged the efforts of employees across the business in maximising weekly throughputs and sugar production.
“Our people are pulling together and working hard to get this crop through the factories for the sake of local growers and communities.
“Unfortunately, we are faced with notices of industrial action from unions this Thursday, which will force us to shut down the boilers and stop production at all sites for up to 16 hours,” he said.
“Our Operations and Cane Supply teams are managing the impacts as best they can but this industrial action will hurt harvesting operators, growers and communities at a time when we need to maximise production.”
Latest production statistics:
Herbert region – 214,000 tonnes processed
Burdekin region – 1.2M tonnes processed
Proserpine Mill – 115,000 tonnes processed
Plane Creek Mill – 98,000 tonnes processed

Group Manager Operations (Sugar) James Wallace

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Ayr State High School’s cultural fire was burning “Loud and Proud” at their annual NAIDOC day held last week on 11 July.

Led by Indigenous Captain Seanna Chapman, the event commenced with a traditional Welcome and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Randal Ross. The day also saw Year 7 students engage in cultural games, craft Message Sticks, and immerse themselves in traditional Dreamtime stories with the guidance of Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah Tabo.

“It was a privilege to have Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah Tabo helping with the cultural games, along with other elders and families attending to support the day,” shared Ayr State High School.

During the afternoon lunch break, the entire school community and honoured guests came together for a Cultural Feast, where the aromas of coconut, curry, and freshly baked damper filled the air, tantalising everyone's senses and transporting them on a culinary journey.

The festivities culminated in a special NAIDOC assembly, where the school community and guests were treated to captivating performances of traditional dances by talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The assembly provided an interactive and memorable conclusion to the cultural journey of NAIDOC 2024, with staff and students joining in on the dancing in a fitting way to end the school’s annual celebration.

Photos supplied

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By August 1933, the Burdekin River had not had a flood since 1927 and the underground water level had diminished somewhat.  The Shire Council along with the farmers and townsfolk were getting worried about the water supply. Mr R. E. Shaw, assistant engineer of the Irrigation branch of the government addressed the Council.  The Plantation Creek, (a delta mouth of the Burdekin River) was selected to replenish the underground water supply.
The Burdekin River water would be diverted through a tunnel from the river into Plantation Creek. A survey was to be undertaken to include a pumping plant in the Delta, their capacity, distance to water and depth of drift at various points along the creek. It was ascertained from this survey that Plantation Creek was once the main channel for the Burdekin River to enter the sea.
The Burdekin River water would enter Plantation Creek through a pipe line that will be about 644 feet long and 5 feet above the bed of the river.  From here Plantation Creek was a well watercourse (with high scrub covered banks) to Cameron’s Waterhole (at the junction of Giddy Road Plantation Creek and Maidavale Roads). At the entrance to Plantation Creek much dirt would have to be excavated. The water would then flow down to what was known as the Klondyke Lagoon, (once known as Gilmore’s Lagoon and now Hutching’s Lagoon). Klondyke means a very rich source of wealth - it can refer to a card game, mining such as gold, or in this case, untold water.  Klondyke Lagoon is not only a part of Plantation Creek but it has beneath its bed a spring of water that bubbles away timelessly. There were to be 12 pumping plants between the river and Klondyke Lagoon.
Between March and April in 1934, the Plantation Scheme was established after the Council had voted for it to go ahead.  The estimated cost was £19,000 with the Government paying subsidising half and the shire to pay the other half. It was depression years and 75% of the labourers were to be chosen among relief workers and the other 25% labourers to be chosen by the Ayr Shire Council. As usual the estimated cost to the scheme would run over the £19,000. Sometime in 1934-35 tenders were called for the construction of the pipe line and the successful tenderers were Super Pipe and Construction Companies of Brisbane and Sydney, the local manager of the firm was Mr E H Bishop.  The pipe line was 644 feet long, 7 feet high and 7 feet wide.  It was constructed of reinforced concrete the tops and bottoms being 11 inches in thickness and sides 6 inches.  Some 240tons of cement was required and 43 tons of steel for the job and 700 cubic yard   of concrete will comprise the pipe and conduit. The bottom will be 5 feet above the bed of the river, and when the flood water of the Burdekin is level with the rails at Inkerman Rail Bridge, the conduit will be running full bore.
As a safe guard against erosion of the river bank, the first 120 feet of the conduit will be laid after tunnel laid for that distance.  This work was well in hand by October-November 1935. The remainder of the conduit was laid in an open cut approximately 24 feet in depth.  For the work of excavating this huge trench, a Bucyrus Excavator was employed, working three shifts of eight hours each.  The soil removed in a day of 24 hours is from 800 to 1000 cubic yards. The excavator steam shovel did an excellent work and had previously been used in the Theodore area during the irrigation works there. The conduit laid in the open cut will be covered after the completion with the soil which has been excavated. At one portion of the tunnel the floor will be approximately 27 feet underground.
As a further safeguard against erosion, the banks of the river from the bed to the top in vicinity of the intake was to be stone faced.  To prevent large timber and other debris from entering the pipe, the face was provided with a grid consisting of three-inch trash bars 15inches apart. In order to ensure that the water flowing into the pipe will all find its way to the creek and not be lost when the river commences to recede, a flood gate was provided near the intake. This will result in impounding all the water in the pipe when a flood is at its peak.  This flood gate was worked on a screw known as Archimedes Screw which is very simple to operate.
On account of the low level of pipes there will be 22,000 cubic yar of excavation between the outlet and the end of the conduit and Cameron’s Waterhole, a distance of eleven miles of open drain. This work was not completed until sometime in late 1936. This Plantation Replenishment Scheme was an experiment as authorities did not know if pumping water from the Burdekin River into Plantation Creek and into the underground would work. It has proved to be a success over the years as will be shown.
It is interesting to note the names of some of the road crossings along Plantation Creek to Cameron’s Waterhole. There is Gilligan’s Culvert near the river and Plantation Creek entrance.  Gilligan was bailiff for North Queensland Pastural Co which had property from Inkerman Station to the Burdekin River on the Southern side and on the Northern side of the river,  Jarvisfield and along Plantation Creek. The Clare Crossing on Clare Road, then we come to Old Clare Road, known as Laun’s Crossing.  Laun’s had a farm there which previously had been in the Rossiter Family and now Bugeja’s. Burnett’s Crossing at Giddy Road and Maidavale Road and down to Craig’s Crossing at the junction of Robertson’s Road and Maidavale Road. Craig’s Farm was previously owned by Spelta, and after Craig it became Whitson’s Farm.

Sometime towards the end of 1938, a cutting in Plantation Creek between Cameron’s Waterhole and Klondyke Lagoon to remove debris and certain obstructions along the Creek give Plantation Creek uninterrupted flow were submitted to the Department of Irrigation and Water Supply.  It was not until the floods of 1940, that the Plantation Replenishment Scheme proved to be a success.
For two or three days after the flood in the Burdekin River, the 7 by 7 feet conduit at the entrance to Plantation Creek from the river, the Creek ran full bore and the water reached the town boundary.  During the water’s progress, the large lagoons and water courses were all filled and immense quantities have penetrated the sandy soil to the underground storage.  The original scheme cost about £19,000 with the shire paying half on a 50-50 loan subsidy.
By 1945 the river ran into the creek for about 2weeks every year and growers using the irrigation plants along the bed of the creek noticed an improved supply of underground water since the installation of the diversion roughly ten years ago from 1935 onwards. One of the old hands that worked and irrigated along the creek gauged the depth of Hutchings Lagoon by the number of turtles sunning themselves on an old tree log in the creek. The depth being two turtles down to 4 turtles or maybe 5 turtles on the tree log.
This Replenishment Scheme which began in 1934-35 is noticed in the underground from the entrance to Plantation Creek down past Norham Road today.  A fish ladder has been installed at the culvert on Cislowski Road, Ayr town water is pumped from Plantation between Hutchings Lagoon and Cislowski Road. Plantation Park and its recreation facilities benefit from the Scheme also. Down towards the mouth of Plantation Creek which once acted a port for the Ayr District, an embankment has been built to stop the Salt from the ocean penetrating to far up the creek. Yes, the Plantation Replenishment scheme has been a success.
Note:  Much fishing has taken place along the banks of the Plantation Creek where Barramundi and other fish has been caught over the years.  Crocodiles have been known to lurk in the creek between Robertson and Cislowski Roads.  Swimming and kayaking have been another favourite pastime of the locals in the creek. Another pastime that was carried on by the young folk of the district was swimming through the culvert on Cislowski Road when the stream was flowing. Perhaps this was carried on at other crossings along Plantation Creek as well.

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The sky again is overcast; it’s threatening to rain.
The farmer gazes at the clouds; He has to burn his cane
And “ Will it rain or clear away? What will the weather do?”
‘Tis Sunday afternoon and dull; The farmer’s in a stew.
“Perhaps another break I’ll push and burn a little less.
Then if I’m caught by lots of rain, there won’t be such a mess!”
The time of year that should be wet was very, very dry
And harvest time’s supposed to have a cloudless, sunny sky,
But round here in the Burdekin, the harvest’s been delayed.
The crushing’s held up by the wet, and farmers are afraid
The mill won’t have capacity to crush the sugar crop
Because that rain, unseasonal, has caused the mill to stop.
The farmers try their very best to cut the soggy cane,
The haul-outs bog, the harvester has skidded In a drain.
The farmer’s thoughts turn back a bit, he ponders once again
On seasons, crops and harvesting, as happens now and then.
The farmer’s thoughts swing back again, he’s in the present now,
Decisions must be made and soon; a frown is on his brow.
“It’s overcast again,” he says, “I’ll have a smaller burn
And hope that soon again I’ll see the sunny days return.

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Kay Duggan is a ‘born and bred’ local in Ayr, and a volunteer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre where she is President and life member of the committee.

Having grown up and lived in Ayr for her whole life and attending St Francis Catholic School as a child, Kay knows the Burdekin community especially well.

She has been volunteering at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since retiring in 1995 and became president in 2010. Before this, Kay was a minute secretary for the organisation.

While she is president, Kay insists that the Neighbourhood centre is a team:

“We're a team, I'm not into being the boss.”

Explaining why she loves the work she does, kay emphasised that the committee have become valued friends to her, and the centre is made to feel like a “house,” to invite community members in.

Kay assists people around the centre and said she has always had good interpersonal skills.

“I feel that if I meet somebody, I like to know how they are, what they're doing and why they're doing it,” said Kay.

Alongside her duties at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Kay also is involved in the Hockey association in Burdekin, obtaining life membership in 1982, as well as becoming a life member for the squash association in 1981.

Speaking about her highlight from the year, the Burdekin ‘Biggest Morning Tea,” Kay stated:

“Donations came from in town, from the Community, from the business houses and also private people, they all donated with no worries whatsoever, the community is very, very generous.”

Coordinator at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Natalie Saroglia said, “Kay is one of those people that will get in and do things and where she excels is that she will take people as they are, she doesn't try to change them.”

The Neighbourhood centre is looking for a new volunteer secretary, if you are interested in joining Kay and the team, please contact the Centre below:

Ph: (07) 4783 4243

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President Kay and Treasurer Elvie being awarded lifetime membership for their long and outstanding contributions to the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Photo supplied

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I was asked for advice on how to move on in mid-life after divorce. A woman in her mid 50s has found herself divorced after 28 years of marriage. Her children are grown, there was no other woman. She simply decided that she was absolutely miserable in her marriage and at the age of 54 took stock of her life.

She was at a crossroads, she could carry on with her life, stay unhappy but not have to face the world alone. Or she could leave and start a new life for herself. Obviously, she took the second option and left. She told me that she struggles to navigate this new path. She is discovering what her likes and dislikes are and it’s been so long since she thought about herself she had forgotten!

She binge-watches Bridgerton with the volume up in bed at night while eating chocolate (which she loves!) but she also feels the ache of loneliness in her heart when she sees couples holding hands or shopping or having a cuppa. 

She is middle aged and what if she never finds love again? What if the car gets a puncture, what if her ex remarries? 

I asked her to close her eyes and imagine her husband moving back into her house with her.

What was the first thing she felt?

She replied, sadness.

I was just finding myself, finding my feet in my new life and that was gone. The peace, calm and freedom was lost. I felt grief that the bits and pieces of me that were returning would be lost all over again and I might never find them.

She looked at me and smiled.

The fleeting pangs of ‘what ifs’, ‘maybes’ and doubts might always be there but it was worth it for the peace and calm she had found. 

Life is fleeting, weeks go by in a blink. Grab any chance of happiness you can. Laugh at the absurdities in life.

I've had the privilege in my nursing career of caring for people who were at the end of their journey in this life. Without exception the last conversations and memories involved were how much they loved and were loved. Be kind to each other and especially to yourselves.

Mary Torpey 

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We are excited to share some important updates about our team. With Sue Perry moving into New Home Sales and Jo Gabiola retiring, we've had the opportunity to promote two of our dedicated staff members to sales agent roles. Amber Hornsby brings five years of industry experience to her new position. Known for her personalized approach and superior local market knowledge, Amber is committed to providing exceptional service to all our clients.
Candice Dyball, with three years of industry experience, also steps into her new role with enthusiasm. Candice’s excellent communication skills and deep understanding of industry practices, means she will be a valuable asset to our team. Both Amber and Candice are excited to continue servicing our clients with the same dedication and professionalism you’ve come to expect from Nutrien Harcourts McCathies.
Brielle Astorquia and Mikaela Casella continue their roles as assistant to the sales team ensuring every transaction matters. John Mottin plays a crucial role in the business, with over 25 years of agricultural experience and 17 years of real estate experience, John specializes in rural and lifestyle property sales, auctions and clearing sales.
Established since 1965 and rooted in local ownership, Nutrien Harcourts McCathies is deeply connected to the Burdekin community, treating every client like family. As the foremost agency in the region, we promise unparalleled local expertise, thorough industry insight, and unwavering dedication to delivering a seamless buying and selling experience.
The market in the Burdekin over the last financial year has been productive. We have seen an increase in growth over the last year in Ayr and Home Hill. However, the interest in units in the Home Hill area has been very slow moving. 19.6% of our buyers have been local, from the Burdekin area. Our rental yield for investment properties has remained consistent in Ayr at 6.7% and averaging slightly higher in Home Hill at 8.6% for houses and 8.8% for Units. The number of days on market has also decreased, averaging 50-70 days, which means properties are selling faster.
Nutrien Harcourts McCathies office has remained the top agency for the area in 2023- 2024, with an estimated market share of 55% for Sales Volume and Value. As trusted advisors to sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, we would love to discuss your property goals.
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Please call 07 47831911 to speak to an agent.
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Contributed by, with thanks to Paula Mottin

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Home Hill Ayr Lions Club 2023 Harvest Festival Queen entrant, Alli-Jo Farry has made a celebrated donation to the Home Hill Kindergarten and to St. Colman’s Primary School.

Alli-Jo made the donations following her successful fundraising over the 2023 Harvest Festival Season in conjunction with the Lions Club, donating $1000 to the Home Hill Kindergarten, and another $500 to St. Colman’s Primary School.

Alli-Jo’s donation comes as another great accomplishment the Home Hill Ayr Lions Club has celebrated her following winning Miss Personality at last November’s Rotary Ball Harvest Festival Celebration.

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Alli-Jo presenting the Home Hill Kindergarten with their $1000 donation.

Alli-Jo in the 2023 Harvest Festival parade wearing her Miss Personality sash.

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Happy first week back at school everyone! Both Ayr and Brisbane had a rainy start to Monday, solidifying my theory that it always rains on the first day back at school after holidays.

As you may already know, I went to Ayr State High School, and graduated in 2021. If you’re familiar with the lay of the land there, you’ll know that no matter what, if it’s been raining, you’re sure to have to make some extraordinary leaps around the library / office area to avoid soggy socks!

I remember always having new shoes ready to go for the new school year after the Christmas school holidays, only to have Mum make me wear last year’s fossils to save my new ones from getting muddy and destroyed. Although devastating at the time, saving their debut until the following week was always exciting, and the white on my shoes stayed white a little longer. Don’t let her know, but it’s safe to say Mum is always right.

This week I’ve been sort of back to school myself. O Week for Trimester 2 has begun, and I’ve been completing orientation tasks, planning my assessment blocks, and finalising my timetable, all in preparation for my final 13ish weeks of university (maybe) forever!

Everyone’s back in the swing of things, and routines are set! As always, feel free to send me a message to say hi and have a chat! Enjoy the read, and I’ll chat to you soon.

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On Saturday, 22 June five members of the Burdekin Men’s Shed teamed up with Harvey Norman in Ayr to fundraise for the Lower Burdekin Scouts.

Outside the store, they hosted a lively Sausage Sizzle, which was generously supported by Harvey Norman which donated bread, sausages, and onions. The Men’s Shed volunteers cooked and sold delicious sausages on bread, alongside refreshments, with all proceeds dedicated to the Lower Burdekin Scout Group in Home Hill.

President of the Burdekin Men’s Shed, Rob Ritchie, expressed their strong commitment to bolstering the local Scouting community, aiming to revive its historical strength in engaging young people in healthy outdoor activities. Ritchie emphasised the Shed’s close ties with the Scouts, having taken over their former premises in Ayr in 2011 after they relocated to Home Hill.

The Men’s Shed committee expresses great gratitude to Harvey Norman for their generous sponsorship in supplying both the food and venue for the event, along with Butcher on Queen, Bendigo Bank for their celebrated support and to the members who ran the sausage sizzle. Collectively, the Burdekin Men’s Shed have begun sponsoring the Lower Burdekin Scouts in hopes the scouting group will strengthen within the Burdekin community, acknowledging the work they do in encouraging younger generations to engage in outdoor activities.

“We look forward to conducting more Harvey Norman sausage sizzles for the Scouts in the future,” shared the Burdekin Men’s Shed.

Lower Burdekin Scout Group Leader, Chris Berkery, explained the scouting group has grown in numbers since January of 2023 from three members to fifteen. The group has set a recruitment target of twenty, and hopes to reach this total by the conclusion of 2024, with a long-term target of fifty hopefully on the horizon. The Scouts, who meet weekly in Home Hill, invite youths aged 5 to 15 for a complimentary trial period to experience activities like camping, archery, and community service.

Chris additionally welcomed support from other local organisations and individuals interested in sponsoring or volunteering with the Scouts. Scouting promotes healthy outdoor adventures and community involvement, offering a valuable experience for young people.

“Scouting is the largest youth organisation in the world promoting healthy outdoor activities for children,” shared Chris.

In appreciation of the joint effort by Harvey Norman and the Burdekin Men’s Shed, a $400 donation was presented to the Scouts, contributing to their annual operational expenses.

For more information about joining or supporting the Lower Burdekin Scouts, please contact Chris Berkery at 0419 104 035.

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Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie presenting a $400 Bendigo Bank cheque to Scout Group Leader Chris Berkery. L to R Men’s Shed member Ed Chandler, Scout Group Leader Chris Berkery, M. Gill of Harvey Norman Home Appliances, Gary Roser of Harvey Norman Computers, Burdekin Men’s Shed President Rob Ritchie & member Alvin Thomas.

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