Issue #

Event guide

Editors note

Hello, readers, and welcome to the last edition of Burdekin Life for 2023. What a year it’s been! I always enjoy reflecting on the year that was when it comes to December and this year, like the last couple of years, has been one of massive change for me. From memory, my new year’s resolution at the end of 2022 was to establish a solid social circle around me in my then home of Mackay. I certainly achieved that and found myself surrounded by lots of lovely people. Having moved to the Burdekin,

Wilmar Sweetens The Holidays For Hospital Staff

In the spirit of giving this festive season, a heart-warming tradition continues as Wilmar Sugar and Renewables' dedicated team spread joy at Ayr and Home Hill Health Services. A small and thoughtful team of Wilmar employees delivered cupcakes to Home Hill on Thursday, December 14 and Ayr on Tuesday, December 19, brightening the day of the hardworking hospital staff. This act of kindness isn't new for Wilmar, as it marks six years of their pre-Christmas goodwill gesture. Originally starting wi

Hospital Board Impressed With Burdekin Health Services

Future improvements for the Ayr and Home Hill Health Services were put under spotlight last week as members of the Townsville Hospital and Health Board met with locals on Thursday, December 14. Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney and fellow Board member Debra Burden visited Ayr Health Service where they liaised with staff and community to get an understanding of the local issues and assist in future planning. “I’ve had overwhelming feedback from the community, from consumers,

Burdekin’s Christmas Spirit Comes To The Fore

The Burdekin community has a reputation for supporting people in need and that reputation has been reinforced by the results of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last’s, Christmas Appeal. Now in its 8th year, this year’s appeal saw generous locals and groups donate an impressive haul of toys, food and clothing in what Mr Last described as the best result to date. “It may seem ironic that, as more and more people are affected by increases in the cost of living, we see such generosity,” Mr Last said. “T

Your Old Phone Could Save A Life

In today’s age, your mobile phone is your life. It contacts beloved photos of friends and family, important passwords, and your internet banking. It connects you to loved ones, allows ease of buying and selling, and keeps you safe in times of emergency. However, for many people, a phone is a means of control and cohesion. Formed in 2020, DV Safe Phone is an organisation that is actively working to equip victims of domestic and family violence with a safe phone, to help them connect to services

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year From Andrew Willcox Opinion Piece

Christmas is fast approaching and the new year following closely behind, it seems like 2023 has gone by in flash. With the holiday season soon to be in full swing, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we should be reminded that it’s not the number of presents under the Christmas tree that counts, but the time spent, and the love shared with family and friends that makes this time of year so specia

45 Years Of Dance Reflected Upon Fondly

At 15 years of age, Karen Healy started a dance school, ultimately inspiring thousands of local students across the Burdekin. The dance school, KHDancers, finished up in June this year and, 45 years later, Karen looks back on the experience with a strong sense of love and appreciation. Karen started dancing at age four in Home Hill with dance teacher Anne Fraser. She danced under a number of teachers over the years and when she was 15 her then teacher left town so, as one of the senior students

Thieves Target Council Chambers, Pool and School As Mayor Calls For Tougher Consequences

Three vehicles were stolen from Council offices on Wickham Street, Ayr on the night of Friday, December 15 after thieves smashed a window to gain entry to the Vector building and took the keys. One vehicle was found partially burnt out and another fully burnt out on Saturday morning, whilst another was recovered on Monday, December 18 from Bowen also burnt out. Council is working closely with the Police to identify and prosecute the culprits, who were caught on CCTV cameras breaking into the

A Merry Men’s Shed Christmas

The Burdekin Men’s Shed members enjoyed their annual Christmas Social on Saturday, December 16. The members celebrated the festive season and another successful year. “The Men’s Shed has again reached its objectives of addressing the issues of men’s health such as physical, emotional, and social well-being within the Community,” said Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary Charles Ford. “We do this by providing a safe and friendly environment where men of all ages can meet, have a chat and a cuppa, ma

Rescue Pet Of The Week Meet Sophie

Rehoming Fee: $185 DOB: 30/11/2020 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Kids over 12-years Dog Friendly: Untested Other Cats: Not Adult Cats Indoor/Outdoors: Indoors This sophisticated lady is after her forever home, and she has set herself a part for the job. Sophie appreciates a well-loved and well-groomed home. Dedicated to ensuring her fur is clean and beautiful, Sophie is quick to groom her loved ones as well. She is super clean with her litter box and is quick to love.

Smart Pet Buying This Festive Season

As Christmas nears, RSPCA Queensland is reminding all responsible pet-shoppers to buy smartly. RSPCA Queensland Spokesperson Emma Lagoon acknowledged that while shoppers are actively looking for gifts, pets are for life and the gifting of animals should be carefully considered. “If you’re looking for a pet, giving the gift of a second chance to an animal up for adoption is a wonderful thing to do, but only if you’re ready to offer them life-long commitment,” Ms Lagoon said.

A Christmas Light Celebration

From illuminated Christmas trees singing cheerful carols to reindeer gallivanting across the roof, one Ayr house has once again enthralled the Burdekin with a festive light display. After a successful Halloween light display and street party, Leon McCormack and Jeff Lunn spent every weekend and each evening after work throughout the month of November setting up for Christmas. The lights will be up for the rest of December with a Christmas Light Celebration coming up on December 23 and 24. “It’s

Burdekin Community Association Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program

The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)’s Burdekin Community Support Neighbourhood Centre Program has 3 core operating activities and these are listed below. 1. Link people with formal and informal support Examples of activities may include • Providing information or access to technology to assist community members to engage with services and supports themselves • Assisting community members to determine a pathway to meet their needs and navigate social service systems • Warm referrals whe

Councillor Column – Cr. Sue Perry

What a wonderful time of the year, with crushing finished, school holidays commenced, Christmas lights shining bright and the town busy with shoppers making Christmas preparations. It is a time to be thankful for the year that was and grateful that Jasper was relatively gentle on our northern neighbours. Let’s hope that was the one and only cyclone for the season. I hope you have extra time this year to spend with family and friends whether you are venturing away during the festive break or rem

Did you Know? Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Did you know that the Burdekin Library is a community hub where you can discover new worlds, learn new skills, and connect with other readers? They are a treasure trove of books, both in print and digital formats. In 2023, the library has loaned out 50,477 print items for the year, covering a diverse range of genres and topics. Some of the most popular print titles were ‘No Plan B’ by Lee Child, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton, ‘Weird History!’ by Anh Do, and ‘Spare’ by Prince Harry. The

Local Flooring Excellence

Radar Floors, a stalwart in the flooring industry, continues to leave indelible imprints across Queensland since its establishment in 2001. Founded in Brisbane and later relocated to North Queensland in 2005, the business has steadily cultivated its reputation for quality and reliability. Their recent expansion to a new showroom at 272 Queen Street earlier this year signals a significant stride in their local presence. Spanning substantial projects across the state ranging from hospitals, nursin

Cheaper, Faster, Direct With Whitsunday Coast Airport

With highly competitive prices, a broad range of direct flights and an experiential fun-focussed terminal, Whitsunday Coast Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice for people living in the Burdekin. Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that the Council-owned facility is “delivering seamless and cost-effective access” to a range of destinations. Flying direct to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and also the Gold Coast (as of December 7), the airport hosts

Inform, Protect, Act Ayr CIB's Initiative To Combat Drug Offenses

Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) encourage the reporting of drug activity within the community. Community members are often reluctant to report these offences due to being uncertain if the suspicious activity is actually related to an unlawful act, the fear their identity will not remain confidential or the sometimes-incorrect belief police are already aware of these persons and their unlawful activities. Community members often assume that others are providing this same information to

Blue EDGE With East Ayr State School

A group of East Ayr State School Year 6 students have excitedly completed the Blue EDGE program, in partnership with Burdekin PCYC, Ayr State High School, and Blue Light Queensland. Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow and Empower) is an eight-week program, designed as a physical training program, in order to help extend a young person’s mind and physical ability. For the eight-week program, the students of East Ayr State School completed two sets of physical challenges a week, at 7am, with Ayr St

A North Queensland Summer Holiday Things To Do In The Beautiful Burdekin

With summer well and truly upon us, most of us are enjoying everything the holidays has to offer. This often includes hosting visiting family and friends, entertaining the kids, or simply finding yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands. From the emerald fields of sugarcane to the magnetic allure of the Burdekin Bridge, the Burdekin beckons explorers to uncover a treasure trove of natural wonders and vibrant experiences. Whether you’re a traveller passing through, in town visiting family

Fast Track Fast Approaching

A spectacular showcase of local and visiting talent is coming to the Burdekin with Fast Track North Queensland 2024 fast approaching. This is the only Fast Track event in North Queensland featuring singers, dancers, musicians and more from across the state, taking place on March 16, 2024 at the Burdekin Theatre. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said registrations for performers will open in early 2024, with limited spots available. “It is fantastic to see a talent event of this s

2023 Wrapped Burdekin Library And Theatre Share Their Top Statistics Of The Year

While Spotify users were enthralled to relive their 2023 music listening habits in last month’s Spotify Wrapped, the Burdekin Library and Burdekin Theatre have used the format to reveal their own statistics from the last year. According to a Facebook post from Burdekin Library, the libraries loaned 50,477 items in 2023. One of the latest instalments in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, No Plan B, was the most popular Adult Fiction title in the region this year followed by House of Wolves by James

Board Member Farewelled After Over A Decade

After 13 years on the Board, Michael Roncato is retiring from his role as Deputy Chair of Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), formerly Burdekin Cane and Agriculture Organisation (BCAO). A cane farmer of nearly 30 years, Michael was asked to join the board in 2010, then called the Pioneer Cane Growers Organisation Ltd. He has filled many roles over the years, including Chairman before stepping down to allow Charles Quagliata to take over the role. “My father, at a rather early age, t

Increased supply drives prices lower

The market axiom that “high prices cure high prices” has played out with our sugar market over the last month. The breathtaking collapse of the ICE #11 sugar contract has been one for the record books! Combined with a rising AUD, this has resulted in the 2023 season AUD sugar swap price dropping from a record $950/t to a low $750/t. 2024 season prices are slightly less affected with a fall from a season high of $850/t to just under $700/t. So, what happened? In simple terms a combination of fu