Cr Column Councillor John Furnell 11 September

What a Weekend in the Burdekin – and a Wake-Up Call Too

What a great Burdekin Water Festival! After months of planning, Queen Street came alive last Saturday as our community celebrated 67 years of tradition. Hats off to the Organising Committee, our hardworking Junior and Senior Ambassadors, and every single volunteer who pitched in – whether in a big way or small.

From the Grand Parade rolling down the street, to the busy Twilight Markets, the tasty delights of Burdekin Eats, and plenty of fun for the kids – there truly was something for everyone.

But as bright as Saturday was, Tuesday 2nd September brought a very different experience – one that hit far too close to home. While I was rehearsing with the Home Hill Choral Society, four young offenders decided to intrude on our home in Ayr.

In the middle of the evening, with lights on and my wife Lisa working at the kitchen table, they came straight through the front screen door. Three of them went into our bedroom, opening drawers, while the fourth wearing a hoodie and backpack waited inside the front door with Lisa in full view. Lisa heard a noise and thought it was me returning, but instead she was confronted by a group of strangers in her own home. With a few strong words, she chased them outside and up the street before returning to the house and phoning 000.

Thank you to our Neighbourhood Watch and local police response and reassurance.

This happened while someone was clearly home, lights on and screen door shut. And sadly, our house wasn’t the only target. I’d heard the Burdekin Aquatic Centre was broken into, and by Sunday morning I visited the Prawn Stop and was told it had been hit overnight, who knows what mayhem in-between ?

Moments like this remind us that community spirit has two sides. On one hand, we see thousands of people celebrating together in the heart of Ayr, showing what’s best about the Burdekin. On the other hand, a small group of young people are causing fear, damage, and division.

We need to back our police, support the victims and work out how we can prevent young people from taking this destructive path. The Water Festival reminded me of the pride and resilience of our community. The break-ins reminded me of the challenges we face. Both are real, but one is worth holding onto, the positive spirit of community.

Health and Happiness Cr John

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