Bon Voyage – Roam the Globe! What a fitting theme to launch this year’s Burdekin Water Festival. It was heartening to see such an enthusiastic group of Junior and Senior Ambassadors putting themselves forward and embracing the spirit of the Festival. Their dedication along with the incredible support from their families and organisers sets the scene for another vibrant and memorable celebration for our community. Congratulations to the Water Festival Committee for their efforts in kicking off the season in style.As school holidays come to an end, I’m sure many parents, and perhaps a few students, are counting down to the return of routine. We were even treated to a brief cold snap which was just enough to remind us that winter does visit the Burdekin (if only fleetingly!).In recent weeks, I was honoured to be appointed to Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland Committee. This role brings an important opportunity to collaborate with leaders across the region, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I believe strongly that every appointment must serve the interests of our community, and I will continue to advocate to ensure the Burdekin is not overlooked.Too often, we see our metropolitan counterparts struggle to grasp the realities and contributions of rural communities like ours. It is essential that we have strong representation and a clear voice at the table.As I’ve said before, working together is how we get things done. When we join forces, we speak louder and achieve more for our communities whether that’s better infrastructure, more jobs, or a stronger future.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.