Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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Hi readers While I didn’t mention “reading more” as a new year’s resolution in last week’s ‘Sit Down With Sam’, this is one that goes unsaid as at the end of every year, I find myself unsatisfied with the amount of books I read and failing to reach my ‘Goodreads Reading Challenge’ goals. These goals are arbitrary, of course, and I’m not going to beat myself up too much for not reaching them, but reading is one thing I’ve looked to do more of every year since I got back into it in lockdown so you
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The Burdekin Unit of the State Emergency Service (SES) has been engaged for 21 jobs since December 1, with one of the more significant callouts coming before New Year’s Eve. During the two-day search for Elliot Spinaze, who worked at the Kalamia Hotel, the Hotel delivered food and drinks for lunch on Sunday, December 31 to keep the search workers and volunteers satiated. “We’re very grateful, the Kalamia Hotel brought down some well-received food and refreshments for lunch on the Sunday,” said B
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After an intensive local search effort, the body of Elliot Spinaze, a 22-year-old Ayr man who had been missing since the morning of Saturday, December 30, 2023, was found on Sunday, December 31. Mr Spinaze was last seen on Graham Street around 3:00am on December 30 before leaving in a grey Hyundai. The vehicle was located near the Burdekin Bridge later that morning with Police initiating a search of the river involving State Emergency Services (SES) and Mackay’s RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter. Burdek
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Burdekin Shire Council’s Citizen Ceremony will go ahead as part of the Australia Day celebrations on Friday, January 26 despite initial reports, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has confirmed. Ms McLaughlin said she was surprised to read that Burdekin Shire had been named as one of 80 Councils across Australia not holding its Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony on January 26, saying this information is not correct. “Councillors and relevant Council staff finalised discussion and confirmed planning and logi
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When Allan Petersen began researching for his military history book ‘Home Hill Remembers’, he didn’t realise the number of gravesites in the Home Hill Cemetery that weren’t formally recognised as war service gravesites. This discovery led the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch on a five year journey to honour these servicepeople which came to an end with the installation of plaques and a Dedication Ceremony in August last year. “In all, 56 graves had no recognition as a war serviceman’s grave,” Mr Peters
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I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe festive season and you all enjoyed a well-earned break. 2023 was a big year for Australia, and to say it was tough on everyone would be an understatement. While the Albanese Labor Government was distracted by their divisive and costly Voice Referendum and the Prime Minister enjoyed what felt like more time overseas than time spent in Australia, the people of Dawson were hit with enormous cost-of-living pressures. The Coalition and I fought hard in 2023
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While welcoming moves to hold supermarkets to account and ensure fair prices for farmers and consumers, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, wants assurances of action; not another talk-fest. As families face increasing cost of living pressures and farmers lose money on crops, Mr Last said the fact that the big supermarket chains were making billion dollar profits proved the current situation was not sustainable. “This is not the first time we have seen this issue raise its head,” Mr Last said.
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I’m Chelsea Ravizza, a student journalist at Griffith University and current intern at the Burdekin Life Newspaper. After graduating from Ayr State High School in 2021, I began an internship with the Burdekin Local Newspaper before moving to Brisbane to kick off my university studies in 2022. I am currently in my third and final year of a Bachelor of Communications and Journalism at Griffith University and I am loving every second of what my degree entails. I have developed and broadcasted radi
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As another bustling term for Mayor Lyn McLaughlin comes to a close, I had the pleasure of speaking with her on the year that was, and the future plans for the Burdekin region as we move into a new year. Mayor McLaughlin reflects on her past year with great appreciation and gratitude as she was able to experience it in good health, surrounded by the strength of her dear friends, and family. Additionally, she believes all the major achievements of the Burdekin community would not have come to fru
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The NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is thrilled to announce two special guests for the 2024 edition: Taylor Henderson and Ethan Beckton. These talented artists will not only perform live at the final showcase, but also attend a workshop with performers prior to them taking the stage. The pair will also judge the finals and share their insights and tips with the aspiring performers. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is the only talent showcase of
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Did you know that the Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) has delivered the ‘Be Connected Program’ to Seniors over 50 for more than 14 years? Our Volunteer Tutors have provided hundreds of seniors with the essential digital skills to get online safely and with confidence. With so many aspects of life now online, from healthcare and government services to finding a job and staying in touch with loved ones and the technology we use changing very quickly, it’s super important that you get on
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The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is looking for community members who would like to help us make a positive impact in the Burdekin community. We need people with skills and experience to help us re-energise our Management Committee and achieve our goals. Don't worry if you don't know everything - we welcome people from all walks of life and value different perspectives, as this is what makes us more relevant to the wider community. We want to collaborate with community members on projects tha
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With the 2024 local government elections being held on 16 March 2024, I would like to share some news with you. I have decided not to run for councillor again next term. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve our community for the past eight years, but I feel it is time for me to step aside and let someone else take on this role. I know that some of you may be interested in running for councillor in the next election. If you are, I encourage you to come and have a chat with me. I would b
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Did you know you there are online resources and educational information on waste management? Explore the Council's website to discover the advantages of recycling, gain insights on proper waste sorting, understand the recyclable and non-recyclable items, and locate the nearest landfill. Download posters and flyers to promote recycling in your school or workplace or get the kids involved in good waste management practices these school holidays. There is some great information about what you can
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Before I take you to the Ballad of The Burdekin Stream, a little history will suffice. North Queensland was first settled in 1861 and the township of Bowen was formed. Settlers spread out over the country and crossing the Burdekin River was an obstacle. Settlers bought their horses, sheep and cattle with them and this caused erosion to the banks of the rivers and creeks (this erosion is mentioned in The Burdekin Stream). In early February 1864, the Burdekin River experienced a great flood and mo
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In the cane fields of the Burdekin, third generation sugarcane farmer Christian Lago has recently completed a Farm Emissions Report with Nutrien Ag Solutions, saying the insights have helped inform his priorities for future emission reduction activities. “The report used our on-farm production data and scientifically verified, governmental and industry approved models to quantify emissions occurring at each step along the production system,” Mr Lago said. “It showed that the majority of our emi
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Following inspections of farms in the Lower Herbert region, Queensland Cane Agriculture & Renewables (QCAR) member Michael Penna and Senior Technical Officer Lawrence Di Bella viewed firsthand the impacts of the recent floods. Visiting members’ farms on December 27, 2023, Mr Penna and Mr Di Bella discovered many blocks to be waterlogged with floodwater still present in some blocks. On some farms, cane trash blankets had shifted due to the flooding occurring just after harvesting and, in some ca
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The Burdekin’s sugar mills have signed on sixteen new apprentices as 34 apprentices officially commence their trade training across the eight Wilmar Sugar and Renewables mills across Queensland. The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program in January, before they began their work at their representative sugar mills. Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills. “It’s ab
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Don West Toyota is pleased to announce the launch of KINTO Rent, to offer expanded mobility services to the Burdekin. KINTO provides customers with the flexibility to book and drive a Toyota vehicle from an hour to a year at attractive rates – all through the KINTO app. Since its launch in March 2021, Toyota vehicles booked through KINTO have been available at on-street locations in Melbourne as well as some Toyota Dealerships. Toyota intends that KINTO – a program of Toyota Finance Australia
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Delivering exceptional service with the utmost care and consideration is integral to Eyecare Plus Ayr. Having been a central service in the Burdekin for over 70 years, Eyecare Plus Ayr is synonymous with meticulous health care and a gentle approach. And now, with new ownership at the helm of the business as of 2018, Eyecare Plus Ayr continues to provide optometry services to the region. Shannon Davies is the current owner and Optometrist, who has lived locally for the past decade. Shannon has
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As the temperatures continue to rise and, it becomes more imperative than ever for industries and trade sectors to adapt to the seasonal changes to maintain optimal productivity and employee well-being. Implementing best summer practices is crucial for businesses and their staff to thrive in the warmer months. 1. Flexible Scheduling: Consider introducing flexible work hours or remote work options. This not only helps employees beat the summer heat but also promotes a healthier work-life bala
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For almost 43 years, Pierina Dalle Cort of Helloworld Travel Ayr has been the friendly face behind your adventures, and after all those years, her favorite travel advice is to venture with an open mind. With travelling being one of many popular New Year’s Resolutions within the Burdekin community, Pierina and her team have been busily preparing locals for their next holiday. “Planning for Christmas and the New Year for 2024/2025 is a hit already as families are wanting a cooler, relaxing envir
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Entries have opened ahead of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod celebrating its 40th year in 2024. The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod is a friendly but competitive eisteddfod attracting high quality competitors from all over North Queensland. With its friendly atmosphere amongst competitors, teachers and parents, the eisteddfod has become a popular venue on the eisteddfod calendar over the last 40 years. Held every year, the eisteddfod aims to help young people of North Queensland, particularly local
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As everyone pronounces their new year’s resolutions, one that can be commonly heard is, “In 2024, I want to read more.” With that in mind, the team at Burdekin Library have shared their favourite reads of 2023 to help get you started. The Black Witch by Laurie Forest “Engaging fantasy. I couldn’t put it down!” – Carli A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas “I finally decided to read A Court of Thorns and Roses, and it’s made a place in my top 5 fantasy books. It’s got everything a fantasy
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Fast Facts: Rehoming Fee: $185 DOB: 1.07.2020 Sex: Female Breed: Domestic Short Hair Kid Friendly: Over 10 years old Dog Friendly: Slow Introduction Other Cats: Yes Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors Are you looking for a quiet companion that will shower you with affection? Then Snowy is the cat for you! This tri-coloured beauty with spectacular golden eyes is looking for her forever home. While she is slow to warm up entirely to new people, once she is comfortable, she makes her affection known. Snowy
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