Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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As the spotlight turns to how the state government plans to roll out future funding for services and projects across Queensland, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for a commitment of transparency as Budget Estimates approaches. Mr Last said with allegations already swirling that one state government department had employed and since ceased separate media training ahead of Estimates proceedings, Queenslanders deserved assurances the parliamentary process of Budget Estimates would be held
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Burdekin Shire Council is calling on residents to review and provide feedback on the newly developed Draft Flying-Fox Roost Management Plan. After extensive collaboration with community members, conservationists, and wildlife experts, the Council has crafted a comprehensive plan aimed at managing flying-fox populations in urban roost areas. This critical document is open for public review until 31 July, 2024. Acknowledging the impact flying-foxes can have on residents, Cr Dalle Cort assured t
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The Vietnam Veterans Australia Burdekin Subbranch have secured a significant boost for their Deep Creek Retreat thanks to a successful Bendigo Bank Community Grant application. Situated approximately 45km upstream along the Burdekin River, the retreat spans 7 hectares of leased land from the Burdekin Shire Council. Established to provide a tranquil haven for veterans and their families, the retreat features essential amenities such as caravan and camping facilities, showers, septic toilets, c
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Opinion Piece Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said Labor’s new mandatory emissions reporting is yet another attack on Australian farmers and will impose costly regulatory burdens. “In a cost-of-living crisis, this reckless policy making is going to see an added cost of $2.3 billion to farmers, which will ultimately increase the cost of fresh food and produce nationally, and will be passed onto consumers at the checkout,” Mr Willcox said. Under the new reporting requirements, farme
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Dear Editor, Burdekin LNP member, Dale Last, highlights a section of the Bruce Highway in his electorate that has had a-high number of fatalities over a 10-year period. Dale is quick to point out that the Federal ALP, who have responsibility for Main Roads, have allocated monies to upgrades of the highway but there have has been nothing implemented. However, Dale, in his 10-year time frame, has failed to say the Federal LNP was responsible for 8 of the 10 years highlighted and for a couple of
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Debbie Searle and a group of dedicated friends orchestrated a delightful event at the Ayr Golf Club on 30 June. Their efforts were to host a Biggest Morning Tea, an annual fundraiser that combines the simple pleasures of tea and treats with the noble cause of supporting Cancer Research. Approximately 50 enthusiastic ladies gathered at the Ayr Golf Club to partake in a morning filled with camaraderie and goodwill. Among the highlights of the event was a captivating fashion parade featuring the l
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Launched over twelve months ago, the Community Fundraising Campaign to establish a monument to honour Jean Morris will see its completion this Spring. Sage 1 of the project recently saw the placement of a cement slab on top of Jean’s 93-year-old unmarked grave situated in at the Ayr Cemetery. With the first stage of the construction complete, organisers have been eager to launch the last stages of the project. A dream that has been in the pipeline for those behind the initiative will soon beco
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On Sunday 7 July, another highly successful and memorable Kali’s Cup was held
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Worrying about falling is common. Falls are one of the main reasons older people are admitted to hospital or need to move to a higher level of care. Whilst looking after your health and staying active is important to reduce your risks of falling, there are ways you can help reduce your risk of falling by adopting the following measures: • Ensure your bed is the right height for you and your mattress is firm as this may aide getting in and out of bed easier and safer. • Non-slip floorin
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In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of getting to know the people around us. Whether it's our colleagues, neighbours, or community members, each person has a unique story and set of experiences that can add depth and meaning to our lives if we take the time to connect. One of the most important reasons to get to know the people around you is to build a sense of community and belonging. When we take the time to learn about our neighbours and coworkers, we’re creating a bond
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Is it just me, or as we get older, do the days seem to meld into one? Time passes too quickly and sometimes I think we all need to slow down and take stock of what really matters to us. There is a Whitney Huston song called “The Greatest Love of All” and part of the lyrics are: … “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children's laughter remind us how w
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My first 100 days as Burdekin Shire Council Mayor have been a busy start. It has been such an honour to represent the Burdekin, to advocate to all levels of government and attended over 30 community events. I have participated in numerous media interviews, ranging from television to radio, attended various school events, spoken at several community gatherings, and met with local businesses and organisations. These interactions have been invaluable in understanding the diverse needs and aspirati
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The school holidays hosted a memorable ski trip for the Year 10 and 11 students of the Burdekin Christian College. The students began their adventure way before sunrise, gathering at the school in the chilly hours of the morning. The group of travellers boarded the bus to the Townsville Airport where they departed on a flight to New South Wales to embark on their frosty holiday. With the dedicated professional supervision and support of Megan Diamond, David Nourdine and Madolyn Gabiola, the s
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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended an educational and enriching LEAP Camp led by Scouts Queensland over the second week of the school holidays. Scouts Queensland organised two camps, one at Bluewater, north of Townsville, and the other south towards Brisbane. The week from 30 June until 6 July, the Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the LEAP Camp at Bluewater, along with 100 scouts, and 40 leaders originating from places as far as Rockhampton to Cairns. Together, the scouts and leaders e
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It’s all about school spirit at Ayr State High School with each of the athletic and swimming carnivals preceded by a special Spirit Stick event where each House Group vies for the prestigious title. This week the Spirit Stick competition took the theme of a dance-off and students were tasked with creating a performance around ‘Battle of the Decades’ where each House Group was given a specific decade to use as inspiration. Groups of performers were made up of every age-group from Year 7 right t
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The future of farming is steering towards a revolution driven by autonomous machines, poised to transform crop cultivation worldwide. In a recent report titled "Global Agtech in Focus," Rabobank explores the evolving landscape of agricultural technology, emphasising the potential of autonomous machines to enhance productivity, precision, and operational ease. According to Rabobank's analysis, while autonomous machines represent a significant advancement in crop farming, their integration into
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Since 2005, Dave, Alissa, and their dedicated team at Burdekin Motorcycles have been proudly serving the Burdekin community as the local dealer for Yamaha motorcycles, Yamaha golf buggies, Yamaha WaveRunners, Toro, Bushranger, and now Landini tractors. Together, the team offers their customers a diverse range of products to suit every need and passion. Over the past 19 years, Burdekin Motorcycles has garnered multiple awards for both sales and service excellence from Yamaha, underscoring their
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A rural charity is encouraging farmers to reach out for assistance this Farm Safety Week. “This year’s Farm Safety Week theme is 'in safe hands',” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said. “Rural Aid’s mission is to stand with farmers when they need it most.” “We’re encouraging farmers to register with Rural Aid, so that our organisation and its passionate donors, can support farmers’ wellbeing and safety with a hand-up.” Rural Aid’s range of assistance measures help farmers improve their live
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Since its inception in 1982, Rural Quip has stood as a pillar in the community, renowned for its steadfast commitment to the steel industry. Nestled within the Burdekin, their business stands as a beacon for customers seeking both bulk steel solutions and meticulous 'cut to length' orders, with Robert Oar and his celebrated team catering to diverse project requirements with unparalleled expertise. Rural Quip distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of steel products and services designed
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Unions negotiating a new enterprise agreement with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables are consulting with members on a company suggestion that the parties accept an invitation from the Fair Work Commission for the assistance of a Commissioner in resolving issues remaining in dispute. The invitation for assistance was extended by a Commission Vice President after a hearing of the Full Bench in Sydney earlier this month (5 July). During last week’s talks between the company and union representatives, t
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Ayr State High School’s cultural fire was burning “Loud and Proud” at their annual NAIDOC day held last week on 11 July. Led by Indigenous Captain Seanna Chapman, the event commenced with a traditional Welcome and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Randal Ross. The day also saw Year 7 students engage in cultural games, craft Message Sticks, and immerse themselves in traditional Dreamtime stories with the guidance of Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah Tabo. “It was a privilege to have Uncle Neal and Aunty Leah
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Saturday 20 July Zonta Club Burdekin – Birthing Kit Assembly Saturday from 9.30am The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc welcomes your help to assemble 1,000 birthing kits which are distributed to developing countries (i.e. areas in Africa, New Guinea). Each kit has the potential of saving two lives, mother, and her baby. A scrumptious morning tea is provided by Zonta. It is a fun, feel good morning. We look forward to your company and assistance. Samaritan Centre, St Francis School. Wednesday 1
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By August 1933, the Burdekin River had not had a flood since 1927 and the underground water level had diminished somewhat. The Shire Council along with the farmers and townsfolk were getting worried about the water supply. Mr R. E. Shaw, assistant engineer of the Irrigation branch of the government addressed the Council. The Plantation Creek, (a delta mouth of the Burdekin River) was selected to replenish the underground water supply. The Burdekin River water would be diverted through a tunn
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The sky again is overcast; it’s threatening to rain. The farmer gazes at the clouds; He has to burn his cane And “ Will it rain or clear away? What will the weather do?” ‘Tis Sunday afternoon and dull; The farmer’s in a stew. “Perhaps another break I’ll push and burn a little less. Then if I’m caught by lots of rain, there won’t be such a mess!” The time of year that should be wet was very, very dry And harvest time’s supposed to have a cloudless, sunny sky, But round here in the Burdekin, the h
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Kay Duggan is a ‘born and bred’ local in Ayr, and a volunteer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre where she is President and life member of the committee. Having grown up and lived in Ayr for her whole life and attending St Francis Catholic School as a child, Kay knows the Burdekin community especially well. She has been volunteering at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since retiring in 1995 and became president in 2010. Before this, Kay was a minute secretary for the organisation. While
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