The Lower Burdekin Scout Group went above and beyond to get into the ANZAC spirit this year.

Three Scouts slept over in the Den on Wednesday night, the night before ANZAC day and to get in the ANZAC spirit they cooked ANZAC biscuits on an open fire.

The three Scouts, Brianna, Caitlyn and Austin prepared and baked the biscuits.

Some were successful but some were burnt and hard, but nonetheless, the Scouts ate the good ones for supper!

Scout Leader Chris Berkery said next time they may have to make changes to the cooking method.

The Scout group also attended the Ayr Parade and it was the first parade for some of the scouts.

 “They found the day very moving because of the crowds along the walk were clapping, and one of the speakers mentioned that his grandfather and father served in the wars, but died in their early years after returning home,” said Chris.

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Lower Burdekin Scout Group at the Ayr Parade. Photo Credit: Daniel Heggie

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With this being my first Councillor Column, I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who showed faith in me to represent the views of the community in council. The election has given us a new council with a mix of experience and new blood. It excites me to see what we can achieve.
As most know, local government is complex. Figuring out where a councillor can make positive change is the challenge. Once the new councillors all find their feet, I am sure we will do just that.
We have now completed most of our councillor inductions and are working through the 24/25 budget. Unfortunately, some increases are unavoidable in today’s economic climate, so every item needs to be scrutinised. With the short time between the election and budget due date, this is challenging. Hopefully, with everyone at council’s full attention, we can reduce unnecessary expenses while providing the service that the community deserve and expect. 
One of the biggest changes to daily life in the 27 business days since the swearing in, is the 18 days that I have had to wear appropriate clothing (that isn’t high-vis and covered in grease), contributing to extra washing and ironing that my wife takes good care of for me. Thanks Kristy!
Burdekin residents need to know they can reach out to councillors should they have any issues that they feel we could help them with. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or send an email. Our contact details can be found on the BSC website, www.burdekin.qld.gov.au.

 

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Have you ever wondered how you can stay informed about what's happening in your local Council?
Burdekin Shire Council holds meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and the best part is, they're open to the public. This means you have a fantastic opportunity to stay informed within your community.
But that's not all – you can also conveniently access meeting agendas and minutes right from the comfort of your own home through Council's website. This ensures that you're always in the loop about the decisions being made that directly impact your area.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Rehoming fee: $450
DOB: 1/10/2022
Sex: Female
Breed: Bullarab x
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Untested
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft

Mabel is looking for a very special home, one full of love, patience, understanding and dedication to help this girl reach her full potential.

Sadly, Mabel arrived at Angel Paws from a very abusive place and because of this she takes a bit of time to trust humans.

However, once she does, she will give you all the love that she has.

It's taken time for Mabel to understand that her dinner is for her, and she can now eat it without worrying she will get into trouble,

You will need to be someone who has some time to spend with her and to teach her some basic training.

She enjoys sleeping on the couch and snuggling in bed with her carer whilst giving lots of love and kisses.

She loves her toys and other dogs and is very playful.

Mabel would love a home with another younger dog who is playful as well as she is still young and has lots of energy to burn.

It's time to find her the perfect home so she can settle in properly and flourish.

Mabel is available for adoption desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on flea/tick/intestinal vaccinations, worm treated and currently on heartworm preventative.

If you’re interested in meeting Mabel please complete an animal enquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html 

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If you are just starting on your plant growing journey or you just don’t have space for a backyard veggie garden, then herbs in a pot are a great way to start growing.

Herbs such as Rosemary and Sage that originated from the Mediterranean regions, enjoy tough growing conditions. Rosemary is a well-known accompaniment for lamb and sage for chicken and peas. These herbs like to dry out between watering and don’t like being over fed (fertilised) as they are used to growing in poor, stony soil. So don’t over water your pot.

Fun fact: Banana Plants, that grow very well here in the Whitsundays (the photo attached is from my garden), are the biggest herbs in the world.

Hint For Growing Herbs In Pots:

Add a couple of teaspoons of lime to your 200mm pot of potting mix before planting.
When planting your Mediterranean herbs, it can help to add coarse sand to your potting mix to improve drainage.

For those gardeners who are growing herbs in your garden, you may have noticed that your Sage and Rosemary are not too happy at the moment. That is due to the cool temperatures and the continual rain we have had of late, not giving the soil time to dry out.  As much as our vegetable seedlings are loving it, these herbs are not. Cut off the dead growth and if you are really concerned you can cover the surrounding soil in a waterproof material to stop the rain from causing more plant die back until our Autumn/Winter starts behaving as it should (clear, blue skies!).

Tropical herbs such as Lemon Grass, Ginger and Turmeric are a completely different kettle of fish. These plants like rich, fertilised soil and like to be kept moist. As the name suggests, they grow very well here in the tropical Whitsundays, in fact once you get these plants established, you’ll be dividing them up, eating them and sharing them for the rest of your gardening life.    

Not only do we enjoy herbs for cooking, but they are also grown and appreciated for medicinal purposes. Native Herbs have been used by Indigenous Australians to assist in all manner of health-related issues, having an intimate relationship with plants for thousands of years. We have so much to learn.

My Pick Of The Month

Wild Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariifa)
Producing a striking red flower, on a red stem, they grow happily within the veggie garden, reaching between 1.5 – 2m high and up to1m wide.
They are known to assist with blood pressure and to regulate blood sugar levels.  Reported to assist with anxiety and support the nervous system.
They make great jams, syrups, tea and can be added raw to salads.
They grow very happily here. They are a beautiful plant, easy to grow, with great health benefits, a must have.

Hints For Herbs In The Garden

   • Do not pick more than 1/3 of a young herb plant at a time and no ore then ½ a mature plant.

   • The more you pick the bushier they become, so snip away nightly.

   • Don’t over fertilise your herbs, you’ll encourage leaf growth at the expense of their oil production. So, when applying sea sol to your veggies, skip over your herbs regularly.

   • Your herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so the carport or under a tree may not be the best position for them

Companion Planting

We cannot talk herbs without talking companion planting, so here are a few ideas to try in your veggie garden now:

Nasturtiums
Great for planting with Kale, Broccoli, radish, cabbage and cauliflower

Basil
A must, to plant with your tomatoes but also with chilli’s, beans and chives

Mint
A good companion for all brassicas repelling cabbage caterpillars

Parsley and Rosemary
Go well with carrots, repelling some flies and attracting beneficial insects

Important Fact To Finish With

The dreaded Cabbage Moth is repelled by Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Sage and Dill
Herbs are yours and your veggie gardens best friends!

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In the bustling heart of Queensland's sugar industry, a significant agreement unfolded on April 30, 2024, between QCAR and Mackay Sugar. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for sugarcane growers statewide, as QCAR continues to strengthen its relationships and extend its reach beyond the Burdekin’s borders, staying true to its mission of providing Queensland-wide representation.

As part of this ongoing mission, QCAR has been diligently fostering partnerships and agreements across the state, ensuring that its growing membership benefits from larger-scale collaborations that amplify its collective voice and influence in the sugar industry.

Amidst these efforts, a new Cane Supply and Processing Agreement (CSPA) was forged, shaping the future of cane supplies to Mackay Sugar's mills in Farleigh, Marian, and Racecourse.

The new agreement sets out a course for how the growth and supply of cane is to take place and observes the ever-changing expectations of consumers and the communities in which we operate.

It is increasingly important to be recognised as ‘environmentally sustainable’ by way of accreditation, holding up the standards which Australian sugar is globally recognised for. 

“It has been crucial to us, as a sugar producer and seller of sugar in global markets, that we have a partner who so clearly states their ambition around sustainable practices,” says Brent Casey, Mackay Sugar’s General Manager, Commercial & Agriculture.

QCAR is dedicated to advocating and empowering Queensland agriculture producers by fostering sustainable farming practices for a prosperous future.

QCAR Director and lead negotiator in the Mackay area, Chris Punzell said, “Mackay growers have been eagerly awaiting an alternative cane supply agreement and enhanced grower representation.

“I was confident that this would materialise, and I am delighted that it has become a reality. By listening to the needs of farmers, we have successfully secured this agreement to benefit the farming community.”

QCAR Executive Director, Panikos Spyrou said, “With this agreement, we have provided our growers in the Mackay Region with contractual certainty – however we will, true to our spirit in Securing a Stronger Future, keep looking at ways to amend the CSPA to the benefit of both the growers we represent and the miller with whom we cooperate.

“Joined in this effort with Mackay Sugar we have pinpointed several mutually advantageous improvements to collaborate on for the 2025 crushing season. Interested growers can access these enhancements through QCAR,” Mr Spyrou said.

Also in recent QCAR news, Panikos Spyrou expressed his enthusiasm regarding Stephen Ryan's appointment as CEO, following the QCAR board's approval of his proposal.

The former CEO said, “I'm excited to have the opportunity to focus more intently on strategic initiatives and the specialised work I undertake for QCAR,” Mr Spyrou said.

“This shift allows me the flexibility to engage in additional activities outside the realm of QCAR's operations.”

An interview with QCAR’s new CEO will be in a future edition of Burdekin Life.

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(L-R): QCAR Member Tony Bugeja, Mackay Sugar Limited CEO Jannik Olejas (standing), QCAR Director and Lead negotiator Chris Punzell

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The Burdekin Woodcrafts Association Incorporated, in Ayr, have recently been awarded a grant of $9,450 as part of a shared Australia-wide $1.4 million grant for rural areas, from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR). This funding will be utilised to establish an additional storage area for the wood crafters.

The initiative aims to enhance the group's capacity to support community projects and minimise environmental waste by facilitating the purchase and outfitting of a storage facility for donated wood.

One hundred and twenty-nine community groups, including Ayr, across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing nearly $1.4 million in grants through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

Awarded via three streams of funding, SRC grants support small and vital projects, like upgrades to the community pool in Cummins, SA; COVID recovery projects, such as creating of an arts and cultural precinct in the remote community of Tully, QLD; and disaster preparedness or recovery initiatives, like providing culturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for the flood-affected community of Lismore, NSW.

FRRR received a record 450 applications for this round of SRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million. The team has worked hard to shorten the time between applying and awarding SRC grants, with these grants being awarded just nine weeks after the round closed.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, says that there is an increasing need for FRRR to fill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.

“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when Government and other agencies lean out.

"This access to continued funding opportunities is especially vital in communities that are moving beyond the immediate threats and response to natural disasters and other shocks.

“This round, we have seen increased applications from the organisers of community events, such as local agricultural shows, as some local governments are reducing their annual funding support.

“We also saw increased funding requests from smaller more remote communities that are seeking to boost the local economy by developing activities and events to encourage overnight stays from visitors who would otherwise pass through,” she said.

In addition to the 129 initiatives awarded grants, there were a further 85 funding-ready projects, requesting more than $900,000, that FRRR did not have the funds to support. This highlights the importance of small grants to remote, rural and regional community groups and is why FRRR is seeking new partners so that the Foundation can fund more projects in the future.

“Given the uncertainty of the current financial landscape, groups have told us that they value having access to timely secured funding to support medium to long term goals, as well as initiatives that respond to present needs and priorities,” Ms Karena added.

A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.

Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply.

More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.

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Geoff from the Burdekin Woodcrafts Association made this custom glass walled display case made to house an old school bell. The Association recently benefited from a grant from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal

Glastonbury Hall & Recreation Association Inc used their SRC grant, awarded in 2022, to create a safer and more secure space at the Hall by establishing it as a Disaster Centre Hub

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Excitement is building as expressions of interest (EOI) to showcase Queensland’s AgTech innovation ecosystem, alongside international agrifood tech and innovation event AgriFutures evokeAG 2025, open in less than a month.
AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 was officially launched last week on April 18, with entrepreneurs, key agricultural stakeholder groups and senior Queensland and Local Government figures coming together to back the event.
AgriFutures evokeAG., to be held in Brisbane on February 18-19 2025, brings together the agrifood tech and innovation community from Australia and across the world.
"Queensland not only has a global reputation for high-quality, sustainable, safe and trusted agricultural products, it is becoming recognised as a powerhouse for AgTech innovation," said Acting Deputy Director-General of Agriculture Elton Miller.
"A key action under the Queensland Government’s AgTech Roadmap is to showcase Queensland innovation at global agricultural innovation events and attract major conferences to Queensland.
"AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 will provide an international platform to demonstrate that Queensland is a prime destination for the development and export of world-leading AgTech.”
Over two days producers will share their experiences, entrepreneurs will showcase their technology and innovations, scientists will showcase their discoveries and global business leaders and industry experts will share their insights on the future.
The 2024 event held in Perth attracted more than 1,800 delegates from Australia and around the world, and organisers are confident evokeAG. 2025 will continue to grow year-on-year.
Julia Spicer, Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, will host a webinar sharing details about the opportunities to showcase Queensland AgTech and innovation across the State and the EOI process on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 – visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/agtech/news/evokeag-webinar for more information.
AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 is supported by the Queensland Government, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Platinum Partner Elders.

AgriFutures evokeAG 2025 will be hosted in Brisbane in February 2025. Photo supplied

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Introducing Kevin Swanson, who is the newly appointed Dealer Principal of Burdekin Motor Group, starting in his new position just eight weeks ago.

Kevin’s career spans nearly 38 years and he has recently moved to the area, drawn by the warmer climate of the Burdekin-Townsville region.

A country-boy at heart, Kevin was born and raised in a country town of just 3800 people.

He left when he was 22 and moved to the big smoke of Melbourne Victoria, where he started his career in the automotive business.

After spending such a long time in major city businesses, however, Kevin is now looking forward to a well-balanced work and family lifestyle in a regional town.

“Working and living in Burdekin-Ayr-Townsville region I couldn't think of a better place,” said Kevin.

“In the short period of time I’ve been here, the local community, the people and staff, everyone has been so welcoming, it’s been so positive thus far.”

Burdekin Motor Group is a strong local business, with top 10 new car brands and with exceptional employees, nearly 50 per cent of the staff have been here between 10-20 years.

In a short period of time, Kevin sees a need to build a larger second-hand vehicle market. He’s noticed that the current used vehicle choice is very low. If it’s not new “What is everyone going to buy/drive?” he asked.

“Most families I’m sure have to go to Townsville to buy a second-hand car - I see that as a missing jigsaw piece for the Burdekin region, and I am excited to grow and support a larger second-hand market for our current buyers and especially for the younger generation coming through.”

Burdekin Motor Group currently has five new car franchises, Mitsubishi, Kia, Isuzu, Nissan, and Suzuki plus the new Burdekin Used Car Centre.

They also have Multi New Car Brands and Used Car Specialist Service Technicians, Parts and Accessory Centre, plus Finance and Insurance Specialists.

Kevin always strives to look ahead and keep abreast of the modern trends, whilst delivering high quality cars and with exceptional customer service.

He looks forward to meeting more local people and being involved in the local community programs-sporting clubs in the region and encourages you to come and say g’day if you haven’t already.

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Kevin Swanson in the car dealership

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“The time for talking is over!

“Immediate, large-scale, effective action is what’s required if we’re to have any hope of halting the march of Red Imported Fire Ants,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has said.
 
Mr Menkens, who has been touring the Burdekin cane-growing region this week with National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke, accused the state and federal governments of failing in their duty to protect Australians from the dangerous invasive species.
 
“Sugarcane growers have been sounding the alarm on this problem for almost 20 years. Our members in Rocky Point have been on the frontline of this war and they’ve seen firsthand the inadequate and ineffective attempts at containment and eradication to date.”
 
“It has impacted their lives and their livelihoods, but despite their persistent warnings, the state and federal governments have failed to commit the resources necessary to tackle this problem, and now it may be too late.”
  
Mr Menkens said other state and territory governments also shared responsibility for the failure to eradicate the pest. 
 
“This is a biosecurity problem with huge ramifications for the entire country, but until now, other state and territory governments have treated it as a Queensland problem.”
 
“We are seeing the consequences of that approach now, with fire ants already in New South Wales and on the doorstep of Victoria and South Australia. If they reach SA, how long will it be before they’re in West Australia and the Top End? 
 
“We know these pests can travel huge distances via waterways using a technique known as rafting. Now that they’re west of the Great Dividing Range, in the heart of the Murray Darling Basin, they could quickly spread throughout the whole of eastern Australia.”
 
Mr Menkens called on all state and territory governments to join with the federal government and commit whatever resources are necessary to finally win the battle against fire ants.
 
“We need a program that is properly resourced with hundreds, even thousands of boots on the ground every single day seeking out and destroying these nests.”
 
“We don’t need more reviews and broken funding promises. We need leadership, and real, large-scale containment and eradication action, and we need it immediately.
 
“Stop talking about it, just do it.”

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Did you know you can claim a tax deduction for putting up to $27,500 into your super? That means if you put say $10,000 into your super, you could get a tax refund of up to $4,700 depending on what you earn.

Tax deductible contributions into super are taxed at 15% on the way into the fund.  You then claim them as a tax deduction in your personal income tax return and if you’re earning between $45,000 and $120,000 than you get a personal tax refund of 34.5%.  

If you’re earning under $45,000 the refund is 21% and if earning over $120,000 it’s 39%. That’s pretty handy, it’s like the government giving you an immediate return of 6% to 24% on your money on top of any actual interest it earns. On top of that you’ve put it away where it should grow to fund a good retirement lifestyle, smart.

As always, the devil is in the detail so get some advice. The $27,500 is the current annual cap on tax deductible contributions but remember these include the compulsory super your boss pays in. From 1st July that annual cap goes to $30,000 for the new financial year.  

If you super balance is under $500,000, you may also have the option to make ‘catch up concessional contributions’. This allows you to make up for the last 5 years unused concessional contribution cap. I.e., if you’ve only had $10,000 go in per year the extra, unused $17,500 carries forward and you could make a huge contribution in one year.  

Your accountant can run a simple ATO report showing what you’ve got available in catch up contributions or you can get it from your MyGov if you have the ATO linked.  

As of 1st July 2024, any unused cap from the 2018 Financial Year drops off so you should at least consider catching that up before 30th June, or it’s gone. This is especially true for self-employed people who often neglect their super, which can come back to haunt them at retirement.

The key to making big financial decisions, just like making a big purchase, is doing your homework. You wouldn’t buy a boat or caravan without some research. How much is your boss paying in? What about Salary Sacrifice? What is your carried forward allowance? Are you confident your existing super fund is good value and is getting a good return?  

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au. There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.

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The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition has made its exciting debut in the region, standing as an educational event where schools showcase their student’s skills in growing the best sugarcane.

Canegrowers Burdekin (CBL) launched the friendly competition in collaboration with Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS), Sugar Research Australia (SRA), and the Burdekin Shire Council’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival to highlight the agricultural talents of students and staff whilst creating a sense of community pride through collaboration.

Aiming to foster a hands-on learning experience, the competition hopes to promote environmental awareness and build a deeper understanding in young minds of the region’s celebrated farming process.14 Schools across the region have joined the competition to learn the intricacies of sugarcane cultivation, and sustainable farming practices and Manager for CBL, Greg Watson, believes this event will highlight the importance of the sugarcane industry within the local economy, and as a future career path for students.

“It’s a great opportunity to educate schools and their students on everything involved in growing sugarcane,” expressed Greg.

Each competing school will allow for a 1m x 1m plot for their crop, with BPS and SRA providing 3 – 4 sugar cane billets for the students to plant.

“Each school has a Grower Mentor attached so the students can call on a local grower to come and give them advice to help them tend to and to grow the best plot of sugar cane they possibly can,” explained Greg.

Ayr State School, Airville State School, Brandon State School, Burdekin Catholic High School, the Burdekin Christian College, the Burdekin School, Clare State School, East Ayr State School, Giru State School, Home Hill State School, Millaroo State School, Osborne State School, St Colman’s School, and St Francis Primary School have all rolled up their sleeves and entered the competition.

Planting of the sugar cane billets is already underway, and after 12 months, the cane will be harvested and milled at SRA via their small mill to measure the CCS (sugar content), weight, and overall size of the cane produced. Based on these parameters, a winner will be determined and awarded at 2025’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival.

The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition stands as a newly associated award event of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and the winning school will receive a trophy presented at the festival’s Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships along with a $1,000 prize.

“We’ve been ready pleased with how the schools have gotten behind the Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition, and with how the Burdekin Shire Council has supported it as well, and the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is such a wonderful celebration of the sugarcane industry in the region, and this competition is just another way to bring more community support, education and awareness,” explained Greg.

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BPS staff Asha Gould and Rob Milla, Mick the Canecutter from Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, CBL Director Charlie Papale, Senator Susan MacDonald and CBL Chair Owen Menkens with a group of local school students. Photo supplied

Planting underway at St Colman's School with CBL Chair Owen Menkens and Mick The Canecutter from Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival. Photo supplied

Home Hill High School students planting billets under the watchful eye of CBL Director Glenn Betteridge. Photo supplied

Planting underway at St Colman's School with CBL Chair Owen Menkens. Photo supplied

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Thousands of people attended a variety of different Anzac Day events in the region last Thursday. School children learnt the power of history, Veterans remembered their own unique journeys and everyone in the community came together to say thank you to those who gave their lives to defend the freedoms we all enjoy today.

From Ayr to Home Hill, Brandon to Giru, communities came together to remember and pay their respects. Afterwards, games of Two-Up were held and festivity commenced.

The Anzac Day March at Home Hill. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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A woman died in a traffic crash at Inkerman on Tuesday this week at around 1.20pm.

Two cars collided on the Bruce Highway near Wallace Road, approximately 10km south of Home Hill.

The 70-year-old woman from Gumlu, driving the Hyundai I30, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The 61-year-old Ayr woman was injured and transported to Townsville University Hospital by QGAir.

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As many of you know, Sam is on holiday for a couple of weeks so in his absence you will see some of our other team members out and about in the region.

Many of you will be familiar with our Sales Team, Jake Greenfield and Ruby Gorlick, and many of you will have seen our 6-foot red-headed cadet journalist Daniel Heggie taking photos at the Anzac Day events last week.

Daniel is our newest recruit and he brings to the table an impressive background of knowledge and experience, with not only a degree in Journalism, but a Sub-Major in Film, as well as a passion for writing.

Although he was originally born in England, Daniel moved to Australia with his family when he was seven years old, calling Adelaide home since 2007.

Daniel attended Urrbrae Agricultural High School in South Australia, focusing on Agriculture and Science and considered a future career route in the subject as it sparked his interest.

While he was interested in science, however, he later discovered that it wasn’t for him, and soon found his next calling in grade 11 when he began to enjoy English, specifically writing.

Bringing this passion to fruition, Daniel studied Journalism along with Film and graduated university in 2022. He then spent the year of 2023 travelling across Europe as well as the East Coast of Australia.

At the beginning of 2024, he decided it was time to settle into a job and has now been fortunate enough to secure a position here at Core Publishing.

In his spare time, Daniel enjoys mingling with friends, going to the gym, adventuring on a walk and vegging out with a movie or a good book.

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