The Burdekin Chamber will host one of the most magnificent marketing events of the year on Thursday May 23 at the Kalamia Hotel. A part of Small Business Month, the event will be presented by Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University. Natasha is known for her down-to-earth and engaging presentation style as she dives into all things marketing in an educational environment. With over 25 years of experience, Natasha understands the impor
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Opinion Piece Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has called Federal Government’s announcement for an extra $467m worth of funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway a “slap in the face” for the people of Dawson. Mr Willcox said the announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Treasurer is nothing more than a smokescreen, and that he is “insulted and infuriated” on behalf of everyone living and working in Dawson who has once again missed out. “The section of the Bruce Highway th
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Zonta International members across Queensland, including members of the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, are calling on all men to be part of the conversation about gender-based violence this May. Lyn Agnew, Governor of Zonta International District 22, said that the month of May is traditionally recognised as Domestic Violence month in Queensland. This May, Zonta International and other advocacy groups are demanding that violence against women be declared a national emergency after three women were all
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At 4.50pm on Tuesday 16 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May. At 7.20pm on Thursday 18 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. As a result, a 54yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .064. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May. At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Pol
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Volunteer organisations in Dawson are set to receive a huge boost in funding as Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced that the region will receive more than $66,000 in funding as part of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants, which will directly impact 20 local organisations. Mr Willcox said that these grants are critical in supporting and recognising the role that volunteers play within our community. “Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, and their selflessness and dedicatio
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Did You Know you can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it? Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dial emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next st
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As a team, we're shifting our perspective on failures. Instead of dwelling on what we couldn't achieve, we're embracing them as stepping stones towards improvement. We can train our minds to recognise that every failure comes with a valuable lesson. Although we may not have achieved our goal this time, we can learn something from the effort to avoid similar mistakes in the future. Have you ever felt like you're giving your all, but things just don't seem to work out? It's a sign that we need t
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Wow!! What an exciting few weeks the Burdekin has seen. Since the start of April the Burdekin has hosted the Shane Muspratt Cup, Burdekin Rags to Runway, Burdekin Sugar Rush, Home Hill Canefield Ashes - Cricket, Home Hill Sugar Bowl – Tennis, Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, Burdekin Craft Spectacular, Intercity Tenpin Bowling Tournament (the longest running teams event for bowling in Australia which is pretty amazing) and the Justin Scott Fishing Classic just to name a few! This weekend will see th
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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council is on the lookout for passionate individuals to join its Economic Development Advisory Group? Since its establishment in 2020, this group has been instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of the region, and now it's seeking members to continue its vital work. According to Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, this advisory group serves as a crucial body, providing insights and recommendations on key economic strategies, projects, and
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In a heartwarming stride towards supporting the educational needs of underprivileged children, the Joyful Foundation was awarded a vital Bendigo Bank Grant from our local community bank, bolstering its ongoing efforts in North Queensland. Grace Vigar, President of the Joyful Foundation, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasising its impact on the organisation's mission and the local community. Established in 2012 to honour the legacy of the late educator Joy Donnellan, the Joyful Foundation
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Financial planning firm, Altitude Wealth Management, has continued its growth trajectory in Townsville and the Burdekin with the recent merging of Grasso Financial Services into its business earlier this month. Established in Townsville in 2007, Altitude Wealth Management is a boutique financial management and advisory firm specialising in retirement planning, investing, superannuation and insurance. Founder and Practice Principal, Dennis Di Bartolo, said that consolidation in the industry was
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The new CEO emerging out of the partnership between two of Australia’s leading cane organisations has hit the road to meet with growers and members and share vital information about the integration. Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined forces with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry. Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture and has recently completed a roadshow through the F
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian farmers to fight the Australian Government’s fresh food tax which he said will hurt families and farmers amid a cost-of-living crisis. A new petition, Stop the Fresh Food Tax, is being launched by the Coalition, alongside industry’s ‘day of action’ to scrap the tax. Mr Willcox is urging local farmers and families to get behind the campaign and sign the petition to stop the new fresh food tax. “The Coa
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2024 is a year of milestones and celebration for Ayr legal firm Groves and Clark Solicitors who are, most notably, celebrating 90 years of service to the communities of north Queensland. From the humble beginnings of Charles Groves and Frank Clark in 1934, the firm has welcomed many talented legal practitioners, assisted countless members of the community and achieved excellent results for its clients. But it’s the relationships developed amongst staff and clients that Groves and Clark Solicitor
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Alongside Mr Clark, Senior Partner Bruce Medley is one of the longest serving team members in the history of Groves and Clark, celebrating the 50th year of his tenure in 2024. Meanwhile, Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro marks her 25th year, with the pair honouring 20 years of partnership this year as well. Bruce started with the firm on January 2, 1974, as an Articled Clerk after he was offered a job by Ian McDonald while finishing his studies. He was admitted as a Solicitor in late October 1974
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Following a unique route into the firm compared to that of some of his counterparts, Barry Torkington joined Groves and Clark in 1989 after years of public service across the state. Originally from Charters Towers, Barry started work in what was then known as the Mining Warden’s office before it became the Justice Department. His work took him across southern Queensland until he was appointed Clerk of the Court in Toogoolawah, moved to Clermont and then Ayr. He spent 18 months as Clerk of the Co
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A former partner who went on to serve his community, state and nation, Ian Macdonald AM started his career with Groves and Clark in 1964 immediately after completing school at Ayr State High School. He says he’d always been interested in law, politics and government, and even wanted to be Prime Minister for a period of his high school years. This led him to serving Ayr State High School as School Captain and House Captain, roles he reflects on proudly. Ian had travelled to Brisbane in the August
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One of the firm’s longest serving team members, Jean Woodford worked with Groves and Clark from 1962 to 1973, returning again in 1976 and ultimately retiring in 2021. Employed by Mr Clark, Jean originally joined the team as a Stenographer after high school and ultimately diversified her skillset and ended her career in conveyancing. She also attended Ayr State High School and was in the same class as Ian. “I think one of the reasons I got the job was because I put the apostrophes in the right pl
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As the proud daughter of Mr Clark, it was inevitable for Pat to work for the firm her father established at some point or another. She worked for Groves and Clark from 1958 to 1972 as a shorthand typist, a career that would take her across the world. “I did year 11 at school and came to work after that,” Pat laughed. “Dad was short of people, so he pulled his daughter in.” Later in her career, Pat joined a temp agency in London and was assigned a role with global firm Linklaters & Paines. “They
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Below is a letter written by Charles Groves and addressed to Frank Clark dated May 1, 1934, prior to opening the doors of Groves and Clark Solicitors on May 10, 1934. Dear Clarkie In confirmation of my wire I have the honour to report that the address at Ayr is Queen St. & the phone No. 307 (office). I telephoned a good boarding house there which was recommended to me & there will be two vacancies there next week. The address is Wilmington St. & the phone No. 170. The cost of board & lodging
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Photo of secretaries taken in the 1950s at the original office in Queen StreetCelebrating Frank Clark’s 40 years of legal practice in 1974. Standing L-R: Brad Robins, Terry Baxter, John Bolton, Alex Baxter, Robert Simeoni, David Liddell, John Gaviglio, Geoff Grady, Keith Kern, Bruce Medley, Roy Dickinson and Barry Jones. Sitting L-R: Justice Kerry Cullinane, Frank Clark, Ian MacDonald, Jim Webb and Brian Baxter.Current and previous staff of Groves and Clark in 1981-82 when the current building w
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It has been twelve months since the Burdekin lost another legend. On the 6th May, 2023 Laszlo (Leslie) Voros, better known to his old mates from Inkerman Sugar Mill where he worked as an electrician for forty years as "Yogi", passed away leaving behind his wife of 60 years Andrea, daughter Amanda (Hall) and son Steven who resides in the UK. Les was born in Budapest, Hungary on 13th February 1938, a year before the start of World War Two. His father, a baker who later became an officer in the Hu
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On July 13, HIT Productions’ The Sunshine Club will light up the stage at the Burdekin Theatre. Written and directed by Wesley Enoch and showcasing music by John Rodgers, The Sunshine Club is a vibrant, energetic, and thought-provoking musical set in 1946, telling the story of Aboriginal soldier, Frank Doyle as he returns home to Brisbane after serving in World War II. The musical follows Frank and his strong, ambitious desires to transform the attitudes and prejudices within his home as he es
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Saturday 18 May Burdekin Growers Race Day Saturday, from 11am The Burdekin Growers Race Day is the Burdekin's premier 18+ social event of 2024 with thousands of locals and visitors flocking to the Home Hill Race Club. The event is not only about horse racing but also about fashion. The Fashion's on the Field is a hotly contested event amongst race goers. The day is filled with thousands of dollars worth of prize giveaways and every patron receives a free box of locally grown fruit and vegetable
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Offering a morning of bright yellow family fun, the Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race will return to Plantation Park this Sunday, May 19. A bunch of family-friendly activities kick off from 9:30am and will run throughout the morning including the colouring in competition and novelty races, including egg and spoon and sack races. Organisers are inviting attendees to dress themselves or their already-purchased ducks up as creatively as possible to enter the Best Duck Outfit and Best Decorated Duck com
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