Cr Column Councillor Fina Vasta

Friday night, the Burdekin had the opportunity to have Sam Childers share his incredible story at the Ayr Community Church. Sams journey has taken him from a life of violent crime to war torn eastern Africa where he has rescued over 1500 children from rebel armies in some of Africa’s most dangerous areas.  He also runs schools, trade-training centres orphanages and farms in Africa all for the children. His life is also the basis of a 2011 movie starring Jerard Butler aptly named Machine Gun Preacher.  What a great night which was very well attended. It was very interesting to hear the difference one man can make. Thank you to Councillor Amanda Hall who made this happen.I want to mention the Planning and Development open days which is held on a Friday in Council Chambers this week it will be on Thursday due to the public holiday.  The Planning and Development and Technical Services team make themselves available for face-to-face consultations for Developers, Property Owner and Community Members with Relevant enquiries offering expert and advice on property development in the Burdekin.  They will assist with any enquiries with you may have before you lodge any applications with those departments assisting with streamlining the process.The Council will also be conducting the Bi-annual Water Supply Meter Reading commencing 14th April 2025. The early commencement of the meter reading is due to the Council changing of the Rates to bi-annually.  Can we please ask that residents clear meters of all obstructions and restrain your dogs to avoid injury to our Staff and unlock your gates. This would be greatly appreciated.The 2025 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships will be held at the Burdekin Showgrounds on the 30th of May. It will be the headline event for the Sweet Days, Hot nights Festival which will be held on that weekend. The weekend will be fun for the whole family with free kids’ activities, including a Petting Zoo, Timmy the Train, Market stalls, also the Burdekin Rum Bar Gudjuda Rangers Turtle viewing. Mechanical Bull and lots more.  It will be a great family event. You can witness skill and stamina of our cane cutters which will compete for some great prize money and the National Title so Save the Date.Hope you all have a safe and Happy Easter.