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Sit Down With Sam

Hi readers and welcome to the first edition of Burdekin Life for 2024. I hope you all had a lovely break and are entering the year feeling refreshed. I had a terrific break, spending most of my time off with family, friends and pets on mum and dad’s farm in Millmerran. Since moving to north Queensland, I’ve seldom had the opportunity to spend longer periods of time relaxing at home, so I valued this time and was sad to leave. But, as of this week, I’m back in the Burdekin and excited for the yea

Burdekin Crews Step Up In Disaster Relief Efforts

As far north Queensland faced dual disasters towards the end of 2023, and unruly weather continued across the state, the region’s Ergon crews were quick to assist in the recovery. Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to the electricity network and cut power to more than 50,000 customers across Far North Queensland, with crews from across the state ensuring the lights were back on for Christmas. Ergon’s acting Chief Operating Officer Jeff Green said it had been a marathon team effort

Community Bank Gives Back

Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr have shared their gratitude with the Burdekin community after another successful Giving Tree initiative in 2023. Throughout the month of December, both branches set up Giving Trees and accepted gift donations for children between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age, as well as gift vouchers and food donations. On December 18, the gifts were collected, wrapped and given to the children who attend Burdekin Education Program who were so grateful for the gifts they we

Attitude Key Factor In Road Safety Battle

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, has shared a story that started with an incident over 25 years ago for two very good reasons. As a Police Officer based in Charters Towers, Mr Last and his partner came across Raymond Abdy in an overturned car and, while the events have changed several lives forever, Mr Last hopes they may also help others. “That night is burnt into my memory,” Mr Last said. “It was late at night on May 15th 1998 when we were patrolling in Charters Towers and came around the

New Year’s Resolutions

As we enter 2024, Burdekin Life intern Chelsea Ravizza asked those in our community about their hopes and goals for the new year. Lisa Furnell Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Volunteer Live a healthier life and spend more time with the grandkids. John Furnell Councillor Internationally – Peace and Good Will, protection for the vulnerable. Personally – to personally improve holistically, so I may be better for my family, friends, and others. Local Community – to work for continual impr

Resilience Forged In Steel Scott Apelt's Journey From Tragedy To Triumph Through Scrap Metal Art

From a hammerhead shark made from a hammer and butter knives to a hand grenade made from trailer bearings and a BMX bike brake lever, Scott Apelt’s mind is full of weird, wonderful and unique creations. Scott’s been tinkering with scrap metal art for 35 years, utilising his natural understanding of steel to manipulate and create. While scrap metal art has always been important to him, it’s come to play an even more vital role in his wellbeing in recent years. Scott completed his boilermaker app

Young Musicians Set Sights On Brisbane By Chelsea Ravizza

Cecillia Cason and Jye Ravizza have been selected to attend the highly acclaimed Queensland Band Association’s (QBA) Youth Band Development Camp in Brisbane from Monday 8 January to Friday 12 January 2024. The pair have been prominent members of the Burdekin Brass Band for over nine years collectively and have been granted the opportunity to attend the QBA’s Youth Band Development Camp in previous years. Cecillia, Jye, and other local members attend two-hour band sessions every Tuesday eveni

Burdekin Prepares For Australia Day

Tickets are now available for the region's 2024 Australia Day Awards Ceremony where the community will gather to reflect on the year that was and highlight those who make our region great. The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards recognise members of the community who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and for their exceptional achievement in a variety of areas. Award categories range from sporting, cultural and environmental achievements to stand-out community events

Soaring Summer Heats Urge For Summer Safety

With the summer heat gearing up and the desire to stay cool heightens, residents and visitors are urged to remain safe. During the frequent heat waves sweeping the region, community members must remain cautious and vigilant of the effects of the soaring temperatures. Dr Natalie Ly of the Townsville University Hospital said that, “Even though you get used to the heat living in North Queensland it is important to not be complacent about the serious impact severe heat can have on our health. “Dur

Home Hill Chamber Of Commerce Look Forward To Growth In 2024

The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce held its final social and networking event of 2023 on Wednesday, December 20, inviting guest speaker Lisa Furnell to speak about the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club. Ms Furnell spoke about the history of the club, the unique characteristics of the club and its base of Alva Beach and the opportunities and challenges the club faces in the future. Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson then announced Jim and Meg Johnson as the winners of the Home Hill Resid

Burdekin Community Association SecondBite Community Connect Program

Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) partners with Coles in Ayr to deliver the SecondBite Community Connect Program. SecondBite began in 2005 with one couple – Ian and Simone Carson. Gathering a committed group of friends, they would visit market stalls in Melbourne at the end of a day, collect surplus food, and drop it to a local charity that ran a food program. In 2011, Coles and SecondBite formed a national partnership, which led to a rapid expansion of our organisation’s operational sca

Starting 2024 The Social Way With Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

Are you thinking of making a New Year's resolution to improve your overall well-being? Why not make being more sociable your goal? Numerous studies have shown that social connections and a sense of community can have a positive impact on mental health, physical health, and even life expectancy. And the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre at 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr is a great place to start! The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre operates with a community development focus. What does that mean? It invol

Cr Column Councillor Kaylee Boccalatte

Happy 2024! After a busy lead-up to the Christmas and New Year break, I hope you all had an opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy some downtime over the holiday period. A new year brings with it a promise of fresh beginnings and renewed hope. Whether it’s personal aspirations or shared community goals, this is a time to set our goals and support each other on the path to success. As this will be my last column for this term of Council, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and

Did you Know? Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that a community organisation can apply for funding under Burdekin Shire Council’s Environmental Levy? The Environmental Levy is dedicated to supporting projects that not only enhance the environment but also contribute to the well-being of the local community. The Environmental Levy welcomes applications that will contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment. Whether it's restocking fish, managing invasive weeds, safeguarding the coastal ecosystem, or

QCAR's Sweet Success Navigating Challenges, Championing Sustainability And Pioneering Change

A rebrand, an evolving team and the continual support of Queensland’s sugar cane growers exemplifies a successful year for Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), with the launch of the QCAR brand signifying broader strategic vision and expanded focus for the organisation. While reflecting on a positive 2023, the QCAR team are quick to look forward, with a variety of industry issues at the forefront of its mission to advocate for members and industry. Always aligning with evolving indus

Australia’s Oldest Sugar Mill Turns 150

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has launched a virtual tour of Macknade Mill to mark its 150th birthday. Macknade Mill in the Herbert region notched up 150 years of operation in August, making it the oldest continuously operating sugar mill in Australia. Manager Operations Trevor Forde said the virtual tour was developed to commemorate the major milestone and create a public record of the site in its 150th year. “This virtual tour enables anyone, anywhere, to visit Australia’s oldest sugar fac

A North Queensland Summer Holiday Unveiling The Paradise Of The Whitsundays

Tucked away in the pristine paradise of the Whitsundays, a treasure trove of experiences awaits to be explored. From hidden waterholes to historical remnants and secluded beaches, the Whitsundays offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to every traveller’s desires. Continuing our north Queensland summer holiday, read on to discover the best of the Whitsundays. Cedar Creek Falls: Nature's Serene Haven Nestled within the lush embrace of Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls stands as a

Event Guide

Inside The Life Of A Modern Music Entrepreneur

From his home studio in Jarvisfield, where guitars adorn the walls, Mick Thompson writes, records, and rehearses his music. Mick is a musician moving with the times, utilising the technology and resources available to turn his lifelong passion for guitars into a sustainable career, although he says the learning curve is a steep one. Mick's love affair with guitars started early; his first musical purchase was a copy of ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ by The Beatles at age five. It wasn’

Rescue Pet of the Week Meet Muffin Gem

Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $300 DOB: 1/07/2022 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Over 12 Dog Friendly: No Other Cats: No Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors This gorgeous young lady is looking for a caring, loving home where she can be given the freedom to spread her wings and explore while she becomes comfortable. While she won’t be cuddly straight away, she will quickly warm up and become her human’s little shadow, following and always prepared to pamper with her love. Muffin Gem

Netball Opportunity Youth Development Squad

Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around. Run and organised by North Queensland’s Netball Academy, netballers of Ayr and Home Hill are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching. There are two distinct squads: the 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with speciality coaching and resources for t

Local Lifeguards Complete Accreditation

Nine Burdekin locals attended a Pool Lifeguard course and update on Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11. The course was facilitated by Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) instructor Lee Smith. “With great pleasure I was invited to conduct a lifeguard course at your pool in Ayr,” Lee said. “RLSSQ cares about water safety and so do I. “We had a wonderful two days discussing the pros and cons of oxygen therapy, spinal boards, CPR, and a multitude of water related scenarios. “The o

Blokes, Boats, and Bountiful Christmas Catches

Some made it to the Christmas table while others were released to fight another day. Photos supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats Ben Hovell and Ethan Bell were happy with landing a 58cm Red Throat, a PB for Ben. Jodie Dingwall’s sons brought home a nice dinner fishing with their dad Paul Quagliata shared a couple of nice fish caught at Groper Creek Queensland Grouper caught by John Chandler Stephen Gort caught this Mangrove Jack in a cast net while chasing bait

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club’s Christmas Raffle

On Christmas Eve, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club announced the winners for their Christmas Raffle for 2023. Anne Pheland won the first prize which was accepted by her granddaughter, Ashlyn Pearce, and second prize was awarded to Viv Haller. Ayr Surf Lifesaving members were stationed outside Woolworths all December long selling raffle tickets to go into the draw to win one of two amazing prizes comprised of generous donations from local businesses. The Club thanks the whole community for their

Millie Takes On State Championships

Local swimmer Millie Lyne, along with her coaches from the Burdekin Torpedoes, Kim and Mick McConnachie, travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland State Swimming Championships which took place at Chandler from December 9-15. Millie represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team along with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach. It was a great learning experience for her, and her coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie put in a huge effort in traini