
Massive delays to road projects across the country as a result of a 90-day review of all infrastructure projects is causing safety concerns locally as flood season approaches and risks to flood prone areas increases.
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In hindsight, I must confess that I used to take our local newspaper for granted. But not anymore. The new Burdekin Life Newspaper exemplifies the significance of supporting local businesses.
Read moreIn the local community, Council’s Works Department plays a vital role in keeping our roads safe and accessible. Did you know that Council maintains an extensive network of roads?
Read moreFour Catholic parishes from the Burdekin region came together as one last Tuesday, October 31 to ritualise the formation of Burdekin Catholic Parish.After many hours of consultation with parishes and their communities, recommendations were made by Catholic Bishop of Townsville Bishop Tim Harris to combine the parishes of Ayr, Giru, Home Hill and Burdekin Valley into one.
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George will be quick to make himself right at home in your home, with his cuddly nature and love of all things warm, be it a warm bed, sunny blankets, or his human’s lap. He loves attention, and is always ready for a play, with toys or with kids, it doesn’t bother George.
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Calling all students of the Home Hill State High School year 8 class of 1964!In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the opening of Home Hill State High School, a group of former students are planning a reunion to gather and catch up with their fellow classmates.
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10 years ago, Demi Russell took a maternity relief role in the Honeycombes warehouse with little to no knowledge of the industry she was entering.Now, she’s one of the most respected Parts Interpreters in Burdekin agriculture, expanding her experience and sharing it with newcomers to the business.“I’ve lived here all my life, so I kind of knew about different agricultural concepts, but I hadn’t looked at a harvester or anything before I started here, so I was quite green,” she said.
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In the heart of Burdekin, where agriculture has long been the lifeblood of the community, one remarkable woman is taking to the skies to redefine the role of women in the agriculture industry. Meet Brooke Tudehope, the co-owner of Dwyer Aviation Services, a helicopter business that has been an integral part of the region's farming landscape since 1980.
Read moreWomen in Sugar & Ag Burdekin Inc is a non-profit, non-political organisation with the aim to form a supportive network to unite and support all women in the agricultural sector. The organisation has an executive committee comprising of President Frances Besterman, Vice President Lisa Pozzebon, Secretary Annalea Matthews and Treasurer Rebecca Love who strive to meet regularly to share knowledge of the industry, along with matters of interest for their members and community.
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Looking back over her career, Ashley Corradi thanks her uninterrupted view of her home town, in one of the biggest industries fuelling the region.Stepping into Wilmar Sugar and Renewables in 2013 in the laboratory, Ashley moved into the Safety Advisor role at Pioneer Mill after a few years, which is a role she loves, and has her learning firsthand the day-to-day operations of the facility.
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Passionately working to provide Burdekin cane farmers with confidence in the quality and quantity of their cane is a team of independent auditors employed by Burdekin Cane Audit Services (BCAS) to oversee all facets of cane weighing and analysis. Comprised predominantly of committed women, you can be rest assured that if the mills are crushing, the auditors are checking. BCAS works diligently to ensure validity in all data included for cane payment.
Read moreAgriculture can seem an intimidating industry for anyone to enter, but Melissa Boulter is redefining what it means to work in ag. As Office Manager with Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR), Melissa heads the daily operations of the organisation’s office and service offerings to growers across the state. She says that not owning a farm herself is one point of difference between her and others in the industry, but she doesn’t consider it a disadvantage; it’s her passion for sugar cane,
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Nutrien Ag Solutions is backed by a strong team of women who are all as passionate about agriculture as the next. From the agronomists assisting the region’s farmers in the field to the administration officers providing support to the business, each play an integral role in one of the Burdekin’s key ag businesses, helping to grow this fundamental industry and paving the way for the future of women in ag.
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The Chair of AgriFutures Australia, Ms Cathy McGowan AO has welcomed the appointment of four new non-executive directors to the Board of AgriFutures by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon. Murray Watt.
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Small business in any industry can be a challenge and as owners of Burdekin Growers Services, Eileen List and Jenny Cook know what it means to roll up their sleeves and work across a variety of roles in the business. The business will celebrate 30 years in 2024 and the mother daughter duo have managed to navigate the many ups and downs in both the business and their personal lives to reach this major milestone in an industry they say can be challenging, undervalued and unrepresented.
Read moreCelebrating an impressive 20 years in business this year, Ellsley Metals has expanded significantly since they first moved into the Industrial Estate over two decades ago.A second-generation family business, Sabina and Lloyd Ellsley initially took the business over from Lloyd’s parents.Back then it was a small operation, very different to the large-scale enterprise it is today.When they took over, Sabina and Lloyd only had one staff member and operated one small truck from one small shed.
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Led by a passionate crew of locals for the past three generations, McCathies Furniture Plus is a vibrant store dedicated to bringing the community a range of quality furniture.“We pride ourselves on good old-fashioned service,” said third generation owner Kari Ravizza.
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The Feast Day of St. Colman was celebrated with a dinner and fun-filled entertainment on Friday, October 20 at St Colman's Catholic School, Home Hill.The audience was entertained with Samoan dancers, comedy skits by Home Hill Choral Society – which left the crowd with sore cheeks from laughter, a crowd immersion into a "Pub Choir", trivia and poetry from a local farmer.
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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre recently held their Annual General Meeting, a time for members to reflect on achievements and lessons learnt over the past year. Reports were presented by President Kay Duggan, Treasurer Elvie Dickinson and Centre Coordinator Natalie Saroglia, as well as committee members Bev Garioch, Leonie Harch and Mary Pattinson attending the AGM.
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Last Saturday saw the Burdekin Potters hold its final Adult Beginner Hand-building course for 2023. Seven enthusiastic ladies took part and enjoyed creating some unique handmade pieces.
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Students from Home Hill State High School were recently given new insight into North Queensland’s key agricultural industries thanks to a new initiative from The Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) in partnership with the AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program.
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Ayr State High School’s annual Academic Awards was held on Thursday, October 19 at the Burdekin Theatre. The night was a showcase of all the great work that students and staff do together every day to ensure our students have the opportunity to excel.Students were acknowledged for their academic excellence and a range of prestigious Special Awards were presented.
Read moreOn Tuesday, October 24, some St Francis Catholic School TECH students participated in the annual Townsville Grammar School's LEGO Robotics competition. The group of students were presented with an unfamiliar challenge and had to use their knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills as well as creativity to produce a moving car which they called the Next Generation Green Machine.
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Tucked away in the heart of the Burdekin, Charlie's Hill stands as a historical monument, offering locals a unique picnic experience that seamlessly blends nature and history. Constructed in 1943, the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie's Hill played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline. Its primary mission was to provide early warnings about approaching enemy aircraft, ensuring the safety of the region during challengi
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Known as one of Australia’s best Barra impoundments, Lake Proserpine is just a two-hour drive south of the Burdekin, and not only is it a favourite spot for avid fishers, it is also a popular destination for a range of outdoor pursuits.
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