I’m a local bloke that wants the best for the community. There is a lot of issues that residents want addressed. Until a person is elected and understands how the systems work then a person can’t make changes. It’s no good beating a drum if you aren’t sure you can change anything. Straight and simple they want transparency on the decision that is being made for their community. The first 100 days will be understanding the workings of being a Councillor and listening to what the resident
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Having just completed my first term of council, I still believe I have the qualities necessary to carry out the role of Councillor. I have been farming now for 30 years and in that time, I have worn many hats. These include Real Estate, mining, property development and even a lawn mowing business. I have been a member of the local Community bank board for 10 years now. All these experiences have given me the tools I need to make valid inputs in the council. Having started the expansion of the
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I am an Indigenous Juru South Sea Island man. I have lived in the Burdekin all my life and have worked in the local sugar industry for 20 years and am currently a Union Delegate. I negotiate on a regular basis to make sure that my fellow workers have a safe work environment and are given fair work opportunities within the Industry. I want to contribute to the futures of our next generations. I would like to be involved in creating activities for the young people of our community to recognis
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I am proudly a born and raised Burdekin boy. I've never had intentions to leave and want to continue to contribute to make this a great place to live. I am a local business owner who has been actively involved in the community throughout my life and am now vying for my second term in council to continue to do what I can to help the residents of our great shire. I am very passionate and excited about the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion and hope to see it through to completion. Attracting new
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I am a born and bred Burdekin resident who wants our strong community to continue to prosper well into the future. As a current business owner and former sugar industry contractor I have a diverse background and understanding of what drives the Burdekin. I’m prepared to listen to our community and share their ideas and insights. I would be supportive of any project that helps retain our young families here in the Burdekin and encourages new residents to our shire. Projects that provide enhanc
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Three Burdekin youth have been arrested and charged for an alleged stolen vehicle incident in Ayr last Friday morning, February 9. Police officers were called to a fuel state along Edwards Street, just after 9am, following reports of a stolen car sighting. Upon police arrival, it will be alleged the Holden Commodore attempted to leave the scene before crashing into a nearby concrete curb and fence. It will be further alleged the driver tried to leave the scene on foot but was arrested after a
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I was a Police Officer for 37 years and a Search and Rescue specialist. I am the current Local Controller for the Burdekin SES and a core member of the Local Disaster Management Group. As the Disaster Management Officer with Burdekin Shire Council, I am familiar with the daily operations of Council. I am a long-time Emergency Service volunteer and have a passion for assisting the community through training, boat-safe awareness, and in times of need. Ex-TC Cyclone Kirrily presented some challen
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Caption 1: L-R Jye, Rob and Kari Ravizza, George Gamia, Adam Smith, Lyndy and John McCathie and Shay Kratzmann Caption 2: Rob, Jye and Kari Ravizza and Lyndy and John McCathie Caption 3: George Gamia, Shay Kratzmann and Adam Smith Caption 4: Brad Jones, Rob Ravizza, Kavette Caspanello and Deni Caspanello Caption 5: Nakita, Amber, Paula and Alysha Caption 6: Neil Jensen and Joe Aguirre Caption 7: Rob and Lena Antoniazzi and Kari Ravizza
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Burdekin Shire residents have first-hand experience of living through natural disasters. They also know all too well the importance of good communication during difficult times. With yet another cyclone threat earlier this month when Kirrily whirled in from the coast, the memories of devastating Cyclone Debbie remain etched in the minds of many. That’s why local media are supporting an initiative to improve communication between emergency responders and communities in times of disaster. Bur
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Rehoming fee: $450 DOB: 23/07/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Bull Arab Cross Cattle Dog Kid Friendly: Yes Cat Friendly: Yes Other Dogs: Yes Fences: 5 feet This active little puppy is looking for her forever home, is always up for a cuddle and a play with her furry friends. While Pickles is still a keen learner for basic commands, she's a quick learner and loves being rewarded. Pickles loves splashing in water and will always chase after her ball. Pickles particularly enjoys going on long walks and
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By Chelsea Ravizza Approaching its 4th year of running in the Burdekin, Deni Caspanello’s 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia continues to inspire, educate, and bring the community together, raising much needed funds for the Leukemia Foundation. The 2023 12 Hour Relay Swim for Leukemia, like previous years, was another amazing event raising over $7,600 to fund cancer research, treatments, and clinical trial access. The event was established in 2021, following Deni Caspanello’s diagnosis with Stag
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BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues. The service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of vouchers, prepaid cards/vouchers, chemist or transport vouchers, payment of third-party accounts, or direct material assistance such as food parcels. Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family vio
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If you were asked the question, “Who is your priority?” where would you place yourself on your list? Putting ourselves before our loved ones and other responsibilities is not always easy. We often hear about the concept of work-life balance, compassion fatigue, and mental well-being. Although we understand how important it is to take care of ourselves, many of us tend to put it off for another time. We might say things like "I'll do it when I have more time," "after I retire," or "I'll take
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Did you know that Council is upgrading residential and commercial water meters in the Burdekin to help you save water and money? The new meters harness solid state technology with no moving parts which offers a minimum 15 years lifetime with no need for meter calibration or replacement. The new smart water meters are more than just devices that measure how much water you use. They use wireless RF technology that enables Council to undertake drive by meter reading whilst providing advanced leakag
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Core members of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) met last week and moved to stand down as Ex-TC Kirrily no longer poses a threat to the region. The LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin thanked the community for their resilience and cooperation during the weather event. "I am proud of how our residents and businesses have supported each other and followed the advice of the authorities,” Ms McLaughlin said. “I also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of emergency services, Ergon, exter
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With some of the Burdekin Race Club’s biggest race days approaching, where speed and agility take centre stage, there's another race happening alongside the track - the race to showcase the most stylish and innovative ensembles at the Fashions on the Field. As we step into 2024, fashion enthusiasts and racegoers alike are in for a treat, with a blend of classic elegance and cutting-edge trends dominating the scene. Consider the below when planning your outfit. Light and Airy Dresses: Embrace th
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In the rural heart of the Burdekin, a small but formidable business has thrived for the past three decades, weathering changes in the agricultural landscape and evolving customer demands. Eileen List and Jenny Cook, the dynamic mother-daughter duo behind Burdekin Growers Services, have not just been witnesses to the transformations in the industry; they have been active participants, adapting and growing their business with an unwavering commitment to quality, independence and community while st
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Staff, customers, suppliers, friends and family joined Eileen and Jenny for a 30th birthday celebration at Burdekin Growers Services last Friday, February 9
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Star Sign: Taurus Fav Movie: Sister Act Fav Colour: Green Fav Holiday destination: Being home Fav Music: Country Fav Quote: “Take one day at a time.” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I can sew and decorate cakes. Describe your personality in three words: Loyal, caring and grateful for the life I have. For someone who has been so passionately immersed in the agricultural industries since she was 17, Eileen List shows no signs of slowing down. Often faced with the quest
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Star Sign: Scorpio Fav Movie: Anything with Hugh Grant Fav Colour: Green Fav Holiday destination: Home – there is really no place like it! Fav Music: Almost any – especially if I can dance to it. Fav Quote: “Your job is bigger than the box you work in.” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I am a real home body – I like to cook meals, clean and keep house. My focus in life is ‘Contentment’. Describe your personality in three words: Serious, quirky, loyal. With a profession
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Star Sign: Capricorn Fav Movie: Hardball Fav Colour: Pastel colours Fav Holiday destination: Fiji Fav Music: 90’s R’n B Fav Quote: “Little by little, a little becomes a lot” Tell Us Something most people don't know about you: I love cooking and baking! Describe your personality in three words: Faith, Gratitude, Respect For Natasha Vodonaivalu, affectionately known as Tash, the move from Brisbane to Ayr soothed her soul, allowing her to find some peace that she welcomed and
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Sugarcane from throughout north Queensland could play an integral role in fuelling the aviation sector as the development of a Townsville Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project progresses. Following the execution of a first-of-a-kind Licence and Engineering Agreement for Australia between businesses Jet Zero and LanzaJet, Project Ulysses is poised to revolutionise the aviation industry by converting agricultural by-products into 102 million litres of SAF annually, which Jet Zero said could meet
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The conclusion of the $25 million capital replacement program of Kalamia Mill is nearing, with the last evaporator being installed at the mill ahead of the 2024 production season. The Kalamia Mill, owned and operated by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, is in its final stage of a three-year program to replace the evaporators; the first evaporator was installed in 2022, and the following two installed in 2023. Utilised at an important early step in the sugar manufacturing process, the evaporators di
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The Burdekin boasts a remarkable rugby league history, with close to 20 internationals playing in the local competitions between the 1920s and 1980s, with this history and more captured in the book ‘A Short History of the Ayr, Home Hill and Burdekin Rugby Leagues’ which was written by rugby league historian Martin Grandelis and published in 2022. Mr Grandelis grew up in the Burdekin in the 1960s in the heyday of rugby league in the Burdekin district. From the great rivalries between clubs to the
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