Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
1: I am representing the Liberal National Party (LNP), just as I always have. Since joining the party and as Member for Burdekin I have consistently resonated with and upheld their ideals and policies. These ideals like having freedom of conscience and freedom of expression have been the foundation of my work as the Member for Burdekin, ensuring that no matter where you live or work in the Burdekin, there is an opportunity to raise your concerns, beliefs or desires with me. 2: My priority has
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1: Unlike other political parties, the KAP is a values based party. We believe in fairness for all North Queenslanders and offer common sense solutions to serious problems such as crime, support for businesses and cost of living. 2: Our first priority is to address the crime problem we face in Queensland. This generates so much waste and suffering for individuals and organisations. 3: I like the promise from the liberal party that they will address the issue with youth crime but fear that the
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The Millaroo State School P&C Association, a small but active group of five volunteers, has long been dedicated to supporting the students of Millaroo State School. Despite being a rural community, the P&C strives to give local students access to the same opportunities available to their urban peers. "Our mission is to provide our students with every opportunity despite living in a rural area," says Treasurer Anna Hoare. The association’s efforts, which rely on strong community support, focus o
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As is Murphy’s Law, everything seems to happen all at once. I was very fortunate to attend Home Hill State High School’s Awards night last Thursday night. On behalf of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, I had the honor of presenting the Dawson Medal to Jacob Machin. The Dawson Medal recognises a student who demonstrates both leadership and excellence in attitude and achievement, who is a strong and consistent participant in school and community activities and who exhibits a commitme
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This past week has been a testimony to the strength and spirit of our Burdekin community especially as we mark Mental Health Week. Firstly, I’d like to highlight the Men's Shed and the positive impact it is having on the community. With consistent attendance, this initiative continues to provide a safe space for connection, conversation, and support, reinforcing the importance of well-being in our community. There was a fantastic turnout for the Burdekin Shire Youth Council's 30th Anniversary, w
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Over the October long weekend, the Lower Burdekin Scouts, along with Scout Leader Rikki, joined 52 other Scouts and 10 Leaders for an action-packed Pre-Jamboree camp held at Heatley Secondary School in Townsville. The camp was designed to prepare them for the upcoming Jamboree, which will take place in Maryborough from 6 to 16 January, 2025. The event will bring together 8,000 Scouts and 1,500 Leaders from across Australia, as well as hundreds of international Scouts. The Pre-Jamboree camp gave
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Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) is pleased to announce the securing of funds through the Regional Economics Future Fund for the Bowen Food Futures Precinct. The $2.1 million project is one of three announced for the Greater Whitsunday region focused on economic development, jobs and a renewable future. The Bowen Food Futures Precinct project will be delivered in two stages, beginning with a detailed business case and feasibility study, which will then inform the construction of a pilot
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Burdekin Shire Council is seeking community input on the Draft Update of the Burdekin Sport and Recreation Plan, inviting residents to participate in the consultation process to help shape the future of local sports and recreational services. Following extensive consultations earlier this year, the draft plan has been completed, and Council is keen to ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort highlighted the importance of community engagement in this
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Leaders of some of Queensland’s peak sugar industry bodies – CANEGROWERS and the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) – have come together to discuss the industry’s future and compare their policy positions ahead of the upcoming state election. Representing both growers and millers, the organisations had a clear message for politicians hoping to lead the state from 26 October – the sugar industry, which employs over 20,000 Queenslanders and contributes $4.4 billion to the economy, demands u
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Cane crushed This week Season to date Invicta 120,299 1,961,037 Pioneer 75,185 921,027 Kalamia 79,381 1,081,825 Inkerman 79,784 1,196,089 Burdekin 354,649 5,159,978 CCS Invicta 15.05 14.32 Pioneer 14.66 14.30 Kalamia 14.39 13.91 Inkerman 14.75 14.06 Burdekin 14.75 14.17 Weekly variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q240 57% 14.90 Q183 6% 15.02 KQ228 15% 14.32 WSRA17 5% 13.90 Q208 6% 14.76 Q232 5% 14.49 Comments: The Burdekin mills processed just under 355,000 tonnes of cane f
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A groundbreaking study by CQUniversity has revealed the promising antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties of Gumbi Gumbi (Pittosporum angustifolium), a native Australian plant used for generations in First Nations healthcare. This study, funded by the CQUniversity BHP Chair in Indigenous Engagement, showcases how modern science is backing up traditional medicine. Led by Dr. Mani Naiker from the Bioactive and Functional Foods Research Group, the project was conducted in collaboration with Ghun
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Recently an article appeared in our local newspaper Burdekin Life (Thursday July 11 2024 The Treasured History of Populin’s Hall. This bought back some memories which we would like to share with you. The Ayr Water Festival decided to call this particular Festival in 2024, The Maria Populin Festival in Memory of Maria when Populin’s Hall was opened sixty years ago. Mr. Demetrio Populin and his wife Marie began their building construction business in Ayr in the late 1940’s. George his son has exp
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Simon Hood Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing Wilmar Grower Marketing is excited to announce the launch of a new pool to help growers manage their GEI sugar price exposure in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. The past 18 months have seen unprecedented volatility in the #11 sugar futures which has driven the AUD sugar price to historically high levels, only to rapidly plunge to new lows. Recent price fluctuations underscore the ongoing uncertainty in the sugar price outlook. We know ther
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Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of creativity and inspiration at the annual Burdekin Christian College Arts Evening! This thrilling event promises to showcase the incredible talents of students through an engaging art and performance activity trail, set to ignite your imagination and senses. Prepare to be amazed as you wander through a vibrant exhibition featuring a diverse range of artistic genres. From stunning wearable art that you can help create, to edible art that tantaliz
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Ayr State High School is joining the state-wide celebration of Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) from 15 to 17 October. This annual initiative highlights the importance of mental health and wellbeing, encouraging the community to raise awareness and promote positive mental health practices. Throughout Week 3 of Term 4, the Ayr High Hawks came together to host a series of engaging activities for both students and staff during the first break each day. The events were designed to foster an ope
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The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club warmly invites the community to come along to an evening of fun, socialisation and trivia in support of their 2024 Home Hill Harvest Festival Queen, Danelle Laubscher. Who doesn’t love a night of friendly competition and terrific trivia? Commencing at 6pm onwards at the Burdekin Christian College Hall on Saturday 26 October, the board game themed event will have you and your teammates on the edge of their seats! Saraha Wiseman, coordinator of the event, shared t
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Ayr State High School was thrilled to welcome back pop singer-songwriter René Le Feuvre, who returned to his former stomping ground to share his inspiring journey in the music industry with current students on Friday 4 October. Graduating from Ayr High in 2015, René is widely recognised for his standout appearance on The Voice Australia in 2018, along with the successful music career he has created for himself. During his visit, René engaged with students, offering insights into his musical c
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Warren Mundine’s memoir, In Black + White, offers a raw and deeply personal account of the challenges faced by Australia’s Indigenous people in a predominantly white society. The newly released edition features a compelling chapter on the significance of reclaiming work as a virtue. Mundine passionately argues that viewing work negatively is causing damage to many Australian families and communities. Warren’s impressive résumé, filled with honours, appointments, and awards, is a testament to h
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Come along to the Ayr State School Christmas Cent Sale on Saturday, 30th November 2024! Doors will open at 11 am, and the cent sale will kick off at 12 noon. Don’t miss the chance to win fantastic prizes, including a lucky door prize of a meat voucher from Butcher on Queen, and a kids' lucky door prize featuring a Coles Myers gift voucher. Entry is just $6, which includes afternoon tea, tea and coffee, and a 1 cent sale sheet. Cold drinks will also be available for purchase. The event boasts a j
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Molongle Beach Caravan Park and Sandbar Café is excited to invite the public to a lively family fun day on Saturday, December 1st! The event promises an array of activities for all ages, starting at midday with live music to set the tone for a festive afternoon. Families can enjoy face painting, crab races, and the chance to win some great prizes, including meat tray raffles and a car raffle, drawn live at 2pm. Hungry guests can indulge in a BBQ lunch available throughout the day while sipping o
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Saturday 19th October Wildlife Care and Rescue Workshop Saturday from 10am Join us for an Introduction to Wildlife Care and Rescue workshop to learn essential skills for caring for local wildlife and make a difference! Book now: https://www.trybooking.com/CWCDJ. Neighbourhood Community Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr Sunday 20 October Home Hill Harvest Festival Town of Origin Sunday from 1pm Home Hill High School will host an ultimate showdown between Ayr and Home Hill on Sunday 20 October a
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Tuesday Ladies’ Social bowls kicked the week off and had 14 bowlers competing. Winners were Karen Shepherd, Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon and Dot Cutting def Donna Soper, Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti and Sandra Stidston. Ruth Moore, Rayleen Harvey and Irene Wilson def Linda Guimelli, Karen Page and Mary Poli. Wednesday Mixed Social bowls there were 3 games of triples with lots of fantastic bowls played over the 3 games. Winners on the day were J Pirrone, Col Essex and Chris Berkery def Ra
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The Journey Coordinator is a new BCA service aimed at providing more timely mental health care to Burdekin adults and children. The program is funded by the North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN). The Journey Coordinator works with you as an independent partner in your care journey and can assist with the following: Capacity Building Referrals to local supports and services that meet your needs Advocacy support Delivering group mental health education sessions The Bu
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“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” - Alexander Graham Bell. This quote, or a variation, is frequently used to motivate us during difficult times when we need encouragement to keep going. It reminds us not to dwell on the past, but to focus on a potentially brighter future. It may be that the time you were retrenched from your job allowed you to find another job with better p
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This week our Home Hill junior cricketers, big and small, returned to the fields for the start of the 2024/25 cricket season. Junior cricket sessions are available for children ages 5 and up. The “Rookies” (5-7 yr olds) play Tuesday afternoons from 3:30pm at East Ayr State School. Friday afternoons see the “Challengers” (8-10yr olds) and Juniors (U11’s +) play at the Home Hill Cricket fields from 4pm. All boys and girls are welcome to join in the fun, even if you’re new to cricket. Last wee
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