The Burdekin Chamber will host one of the most magnificent marketing events of the year on Thursday May 23 at the Kalamia Hotel.

A part of Small Business Month, the event will be presented by Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University. Natasha is known for her down-to-earth and engaging presentation style as she dives into all things marketing in an educational environment. With over 25 years of experience, Natasha understands the importance of supporting local businesses and is a Certified Practicing Marketer with the Australian Marketing Institute.

Burdekin Chamber President, Leigh Kefford, explained the Chamber has been working to bring an event like the upcoming Marketing Mingle to the Burdekin since January, and he believes small businessowners will greatly benefit from attending.

“The event will benefit small businesses and the community at large mostly teaching businesses owners on how to market their businesses to their local and external communities, and they’ll learn something different from what they think traditional marketing is to further benefit their customers,” explained Leigh.

The event will stand as a highly educational evening where Natasha will explore all areas of business including products, pricing, advertising, customer service, and marketing. Attendees are expected to leave feeling confident with a new toolkit of entrepreneurial strategies to implement into their businesses.

“The event will not purely talk about social media, but everything to do with marketing, because everything is marketing,” said Leigh.

The Burdekin Chamber will provide complimentary food and drinks throughout the free event running from 6pm – 8pm, and all attendees are encouraged to RSVP via the Burdekin Chamber website.

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What: Marketing Mingle: Network and Marketing Night
When: Thursday May 23 from 6pm – 8pm
Where: Kalamia Hotel, Queen Street, Ayr
More Information: www.burdekinchamber.com.au

Natasha Buttler, founder of Boost Marketing Services and marketing lecturer at James Cook University, will present Burdekin Chamber’s Marketing Mingle

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Opinion Piece

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has called Federal Government’s announcement for an extra $467m worth of funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway a “slap in the face” for the people of Dawson.

Mr Willcox said the announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Treasurer is nothing more than a smokescreen, and that he is “insulted and infuriated” on behalf of everyone living and working in Dawson who has once again missed out.

“The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through the electorate of Dawson has been rated the most dangerous section, and this announcement by the Albanese Labor Government sees funding provisions for everywhere but the area that needs it the most,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Prime Minister is on record this week confirming that the Bruce Highway ‘should be’ as good as the M1 between Brisbane and Sydney, so why isn’t he actually doing something about it instead of yet again, hiding behind promises that are entirely political and full of potholes.

“This comes after the Prime Minister cut more than $200m worth of road projects in Queensland following his infrastructure review, as well as lowering the funding contribution provided by the Federal Government to help complete these projects.”

State Member for Burdekin Dale Last agreed with his federal counterpart, saying the so-called budget boost for the Bruce Highway proves that both the state and federal governments have no understanding of regional Queensland’s reliance on the highway.

“While $467 million sounds like a huge investment, very little will change in real terms,” Mr Last said.  

“The Haughton Flood Plain Upgrade alone cost more than the total amount the federal government has allocated to the entire 1,700km of the Bruce Highway.

“It is nothing short of insulting that the federal Treasurer can call this a budget for the Bruce when, in today’s terms, the announcement would bring less than 1% of the highway up to standard.  

“Canberra and Brisbane might think it’s a great announcement but, in regional Queensland, we know it’s nothing short of a hoax.”

“With the current state of the Bruce Highway, there’s barely enough money to fill the potholes, let alone make the road safer.

“In addition to the economic importance of the Bruce it is a fact that lives are being lost on an almost daily basis and the majority of those are in regional Queensland.”

Mr Willcox said the people living and working in Dawson deserve a safe road to drive on to get to work safely and return home safely to their loved ones.

“The roads in Dawson are a necessity; they are how we get our product to market and receive our supplies from the city,” he said.

“Rural and regional areas such as Dawson are the heart of our country, where all our food and fibre is produced.

“Without rural and regional areas, this country wouldn’t be what it is today.

“This current government needs to stop ignoring that reality and start investing in the future of these areas before it is too late.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling for more federal funding for the Bruce Highway

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, inspects the planned upgrades of the Bruce Highway prior to construction of the Haughton Flood Plain project

Photos supplied

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Zonta International members across Queensland, including members of the Zonta Club Burdekin Inc, are calling on all men to be part of the conversation about gender-based violence this May.
Lyn Agnew, Governor of Zonta International District 22, said that the month of May is traditionally recognised as Domestic Violence month in Queensland.
This May, Zonta International and other advocacy groups are demanding that violence against women be declared a national emergency after three women were allegedly killed by men known to them.
“These three femicides are three too many,” Ms Agnew said.
“Their deaths should be seen as a wake-up call to communities.
“This year alone 28 women have died due to gender-based violence.
“This is 14 more compared to this time last year.
“We have seen increased activism against this senseless violence across Australia and throughout Queensland women are speaking out.
“But now is the time for us to see and hear the men in our communities.”
Ms Agnew said simply not enough is being done to prevent the violence.
“We have very good support systems and services for victims of domestic and family violence, but as a community we need to look at ways to stop the violence from happening in the first place,” she said.
“This May, we have an opportunity to raise awareness to the issue and call on men in particular to be part of the solution.”
Many victim survivors advocate that education of young men and women is crucial in the fight against violence.
Education about the power dynamics of abusive relationships, someone's religion, someone's background, disability and socio-economic status affects them and makes them more vulnerable.
"It's really important that men stand up and support women in their communities, talk to their friends, make sure to call out bad behaviour as it happens, recognise the red flags and triggers of an unhealthy relationship, and raise concerns," Ms Agnew said.
“This is everyone’s problem to solve.”

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16 days of Activism - Zonta Club Burdekin Inc club members
Placement of "Zonta Says No"  Banner outside St Francis School - Isabel Stubbs, Debbie Watson, Karen Clark, Judy Mitchell, Judy Sgarbossa and Lyn Butterworth
Plantation Park Walk - Isabel Stubbs, Inez Larsen and Judy Sgarbossa
Church Service - Isabel Stubbs, Judy Sgarbossa and Pastor Karen Ellen
Photos supplied

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At 4.50pm on Tuesday 16 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053. She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 7.20pm on Thursday 18 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. As a result, a 54yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .064. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr. The driver, a 23yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, disqualified driving and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 12.02am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 23yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .148. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 2.25am on Saturday 20 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. The driver, a 35yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 2.35am on Sunday 21 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 19yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .054. He was due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 May.

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At 7.45pm on Sunday 21 April, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Bruce highway, Brandon. As a result, a 24yr old Cairns man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .112. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May. At 9.55pm later that same night, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Ayr said to be drive by the same 24yr old Cairns man, who was issued with a further NTA for drink driving, .089 and driving on a suspended licence, both matters also set down for Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.55pm on Wednesday 24 April, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Seventh Avenue, Home Hill. The driver, a 51yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 4.55pm on Wednesday 24 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Jones Street, Ayr. As a result, a 67yr old Townsville man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .056. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 7.20pm on Thursday 25 April, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. As a result, a 35yr old Ipswich man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .079. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.25am on Saturday 4 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr. As a result, a 65yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .116. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 12.55am on Sunday 5 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bower Street, Ayr. As a result, a 19yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .077. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 27 May.

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At 11.15am on Sunday 5 May, Ayr Police were called to a street disturbance in Munro Street, Ayr. As a result of investigations, a 30yr old Burdekin woman was charged with attempted grievous bodily harm, going armed so as to cause fear and contravening a requirement given by a Police Officer. She is next due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 7 June.

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At 1.55pm on Tuesday 7 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr. The driver, a 60yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.

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At 4.20pm on Thursday 9 May, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacKenzie Street, Ayr. The driver, a 35yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 24 June.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC AYR

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Volunteer organisations in Dawson are set to receive a huge boost in funding as Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced that the region will receive more than $66,000 in funding as part of the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants, which will directly impact 20 local organisations.

Mr Willcox said that these grants are critical in supporting and recognising the role that volunteers play within our community.

“Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities, and their selflessness and dedication to our region deserves recognition and support,” Mr Willcox said.

“Volunteering also provides an effective pathway to get people into jobs, helps break down the barriers of marginalisation and fosters community participation.

“To all the volunteers across the Dawson electorate, I say thank you and congratulations.

“You truly are the backbone of our society.

“This funding is well deserved, keep up the incredible work that you do.”

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants provide organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to benefit the work of their volunteers.

This includes to purchase minor equipment, provide training, cover fuel costs, promote awareness of volunteering opportunities or adjust policies and procedures to strengthen member safety.

Mr Willcox urged any volunteer or community organisation to contact his office via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au to be added to the grant list to receive information about any current or future grants.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Burdekin Men’s Shed

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Did You Know you can help to prevent domestic and family violence (DFV) or support those who are affected by it?
Domestic and Family Violence is a pervasive issue that often remains hidden behind closed doors. Recognizing the signs is crucial to providing support and potentially saving lives. If you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, speaking up is essential. Dial emergency services like 000 when you hear or see Domestic Violence occurring. DFV is not a private issue, the next step is reaching out to organisations like BCA who can offer assistance, information and counselling.
Signs of domestic violence can vary and may include physical injuries, frequent absences from work or social activities, noticeable changes in behaviour or mood, isolation from friends and family, controlling or possessive behaviour from a partner, and fearfulness or anxiety around their partner. When you notice these signs, it's vital to approach the situation with sensitivity and empathy. Express concern for their wellbeing and offer support without judgment. Encourage them to seek help from professionals who are trained to handle such situations safely and confidentially.
Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA) is a local service provider that can offer support services such as counselling, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and legal services, or DV Connect (1800 811 811) who are also available for crisis support 24-7. Both BCA and DV Connect can guide people through the process of seeking help and will provide ongoing support as they navigate their situation.
Remember, domestic and family violence thrives in silence. By speaking up and offering support, you can help break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors to seek the assistance they need to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
For support or information please visit the BCA Support Centre, 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Ph 4783 3744 or Email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
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Rebecca Grogan
Service Manager, Housing and Community Support Service

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As a team, we're shifting our perspective on failures. Instead of dwelling on what we couldn't achieve, we're embracing them as stepping stones towards improvement. We can train our minds to recognise that every failure comes with a valuable lesson. Although we may not have achieved our goal this time, we can learn something from the effort to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Have you ever felt like you're giving your all, but things just don't seem to work out? It's a sign that we need to pause, reflect, and adapt our approach. Remember, the key to success is not repeating the same actions, but in our ability to learn, grow, and improve.

Are you trying to tackle an ‘issue’ on your own? It is so easy to get overwhelmed and not know how to move forward. This is when the community can help. Sharing our experiences often brings forward others who have tackled similar issues. These conversations are opportunities to ‘brainstorm’ possible solutions or alternative methods you haven’t attempted. By taking the initiative to help yourself, you also have the potential to positively impact the person you're talking with.

Sharing experiences with someone who has gone through a similar journey can be a powerful way to begin healing. Conversations often trigger an unconscious reflective process, where both parties share what has worked for them and what hasn't, acknowledging how far they have come and how far they still must go. This exchange of ideas can be beneficial in helping individuals feel less alone in their journey and providing them with effective coping mechanisms.

There are just under 17,000 people in the Burdekin. Somewhere amongst all our community members is someone(s) who has walked a similar path.  It’s finding and making a connection.  All it takes is one step forward by everyone…

Sometimes, failure is not about the action you took; it can be about the action you didn’t.  

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Wow!! What an exciting few weeks the Burdekin has seen. Since the start of April the Burdekin has hosted the Shane Muspratt Cup, Burdekin Rags to Runway, Burdekin Sugar Rush, Home Hill Canefield Ashes - Cricket, Home Hill Sugar Bowl – Tennis, Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, Burdekin Craft Spectacular, Intercity Tenpin Bowling Tournament (the longest running teams event for bowling in Australia which is pretty amazing) and the Justin Scott Fishing Classic just to name a few!

This weekend will see the Burdekin Grower Race Day bring thousands to town. Now in its 26th year, this event is a fantastic showcase of what can be done by a great club and amazing volunteers. The fashions on the day rival any race day in Australia as does the operation, organisation and execution of what is no doubt a mountain of work.

This event, and all the ones previously mentioned (apologies as I’m sure I missed some) are all a reminder of how the mighty Burdekin punches well above its weight when it comes to delivering events of the highest quality. I personally attribute this to the Burdekin’s amazing volunteer base. All these events would not survive without the volunteers who run them and the people and businesses that support them.
I’d like to thank all the clubs and volunteers for all that they do. We certainly can’t say we are starved for entertainment in the Burdekin.

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Did you know that the Burdekin Shire Council is on the lookout for passionate individuals to join its Economic Development Advisory Group? Since its establishment in 2020, this group has been instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of the region, and now it's seeking members to continue its vital work.
According to Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, this advisory group serves as a crucial body, providing insights and recommendations on key economic strategies, projects, and initiatives. The focus is on fostering growth, employment, and prosperity within the Burdekin Shire, with a commitment to implementing the Burdekin Economic Development Strategy and Burdekin Tourism Strategy.
The responsibilities of the Economic Development Advisory Group include offering ongoing advice and support to the Council, facilitating economic and tourism opportunities, and promoting initiatives that lead to increased employment, new industry development, business growth, attraction of new residents, and enhanced visitor activity in the shire.
Interested individuals with expertise and experience in fields such as business, tourism, industry are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for the group. Nomination forms and further information can be found on the Burdekin Shire Council website or by contacting the Council directly.
Nominations close on Friday 14 June 2024, and successful candidates will be appointed following a thorough selection process. Join in shaping the future of economic development in the Burdekin Shire and contribute to building a vibrant and prosperous community for generations to come!
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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In a heartwarming stride towards supporting the educational needs of underprivileged children, the Joyful Foundation was awarded a vital Bendigo Bank Grant from our local community bank, bolstering its ongoing efforts in North Queensland.
Grace Vigar, President of the Joyful Foundation, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasising its impact on the organisation's mission and the local community.
Established in 2012 to honour the legacy of the late educator Joy Donnellan, the Joyful Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to aiding disadvantaged primary school students across North Queensland.
“The Foundation’s mission is to assist disadvantaged students, who for no reason of their own, have it tough,” Ms Vigar said.
“The Joyful Foundation works closely with nearly 100 schools in North Queensland to support the region’s most disadvantaged primary school students to reach their full potential, by providing essentials such as stationery packs, uniforms, school excursions and other opportunities to learn, which they would otherwise go without.”
Chantel Michielin, Manager of our local Bendigo Community Bank, is proud that our community bank can contribute the $1,240 grant which will be instrumental in sustaining the Foundation's annual stationery pack program, benefiting nine local schools in the Burdekin district.
Notably, some recipient schools have enjoyed support from the Joyful Foundation since its inception, with additional contributions such as the installation of ‘Buddy Benches’ aimed at fostering supportive and inclusive school environments.
“As a champion for anti-bullying, the Joyful Foundation has installed close to 80 Buddy Benches in schools across North Queensland to promote a caring, nurturing and supportive learning environment,” Ms Vigar said.
Reflecting on the significance of the grant, Ms Vigar highlighted the invaluable role community support plays in uplifting disadvantaged children.
“The grant allows us to continue our campaign of helping local disadvantaged children makes the efforts of all our volunteers so rewarding, in particular knowing we are continuing to carry on the work that Joy Donnellan started as a local teacher before her life was cut short by cancer in 2011,” she said.
“The public love to see when their local bank is supporting and enabling local charities to continue their work within their community.
“Every child matters, and they should not be put in a position when they miss out on the basics of their education merely because of their financial situation.”
Looking ahead, the Joyful Foundation remains dedicated to its mission of spreading joy through educational support.
Ms Vigar encouraged continued public support for the Foundation's initiatives, underscoring the impact of every contribution.

“The Joyful Foundation is a registered charity, made up of solely volunteers, where 100% of our profits go towards our cause of helping those children in need of the necessary tools of learning and other support,” she said.
“Every donation that we receive will help us continue our important work in the North Queensland community.  
“We rely solely on the generosity of the public, as well as the charity’s efforts in continually fundraising to making a difference in our local community.”
As the Joyful Foundation continues to shine a light on educational equity, their partnership with our local Bendigo Community Bank exemplifies the positive impact of community-driven initiatives in fostering brighter futures for vulnerable students.

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L-R Joyful Foundation President Grace Vigar, Joyful Foundation Burdekin Representative Mike L’Huillier and Joyful Foundation Committee Member Les Keane. Photo supplied

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Financial planning firm, Altitude Wealth Management, has continued its growth trajectory in Townsville and the Burdekin with the recent merging of Grasso Financial Services into its business earlier this month.
Established in Townsville in 2007, Altitude Wealth Management is a boutique financial management and advisory firm specialising in retirement planning, investing, superannuation and insurance.
Founder and Practice Principal, Dennis Di Bartolo, said that consolidation in the industry was important to drive cost efficiencies following years of government interference where the cost to provide advice has spiralled.
“Despite government attempts to make financial planning advice more affordable to everyday Australians, increased regulation, higher insurance costs and the cost of living, is putting pressure on salaries which has only added to the cost of advice,” said Mr Di Bartolo.
“Over the past few years, adviser numbers have fallen by 50 per cent across the country following new education requirements to be enforced by January 2026.
“It comes at a time where quality financial planning advice is more necessary than ever to help people navigate the cost-of-living crisis and plan for a comfortable retirement that is not reliant on government support.
“Integrating the Grasso Financial Services business is a good fit for us as it provides strength and synergies to help combat the industry challenges, ensuring continuity and quality advice to clients.”
“My business partner Mark Tyrell and I have taken pride in building a business based around trust, transparency and quality advice. Our clients are our priority, but our people closely follow them, and we know that John, Tonia and team share our values and will be instrumental in building on the success we’ve had thus far.”
Grasso Financial Services was founded in Ayr by John Grasso 18 years ago, with Tonia Sanderson in a supporting role before she became a business partner eight years later. Together with their team, they continued to grow and open a second office in Townsville in 2013.
“As a former Ayr local myself, John and I are long-time mates and the potential to merge is something we have always talked about,” Mr Di Bartolo said.
Combining the two businesses has bolstered their adviser numbers to seven covering all areas of advice with an additional thirteen support staff across the Townsville and Ayr offices.
“It has been a seamless transition,” said Mr Grasso.
“All our staff are very excited about the next phase, and joining with the Altitude Wealth Management team simply strengthens our service proposition and provides continuity to our clients.”

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Photo Left to Right:
Mark Tyrell, Partner Altitude Wealth Management, Tonia Sanderson from Grasso Financial Services, John Grasso from Grasso Financial Services and Dennis Di Bartolo, Founder and Practice Principal of Altitude Wealth Management. Photo supplied

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The new CEO emerging out of the partnership between two of Australia’s leading cane organisations has hit the road to meet with growers and members and share vital information about the integration.
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined forces with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry.
Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture and has recently completed a roadshow through the Far North Queensland and Herbert regions to explain the recent integration of the two organisations.
“This roadshow is about telling the members what we’re doing, what we intend to do, why we’ve done what we’ve done, how we can help them and what services we’re offering,” Mr Ryan said.
“Some of the comments and feedback we’ve been getting are very interesting, saying there are opportunities to do things differently which we’re trying to do.
“We’ve put together a regional focus from the Burdekin Head Office with a series of district committees and members to be grassroots driven but also have a presence in Brisbane with the Australian Cane Farmers Office.”
A canefarmer originally from northern New South Wales, Mr Ryan has been based in Brisbane and working for ACFA for 25 years.
With decades of experience liaising with growers from a member-based organisation, he looks forward to continuing this work alongside a powerful, local and centralised unit in QCAR.
“I’m what you might call an old hand in the industry now,” he laughed.
“I’ve been through a lot of scrapes and battles, deregulation and things like that.
“My experience is right across the industry in many different areas like policy, contracts, political negotiations and the local farming side of things.”
Mr Ryan has seen the sugar cane industry evolve over those decades and is focused on dealing with stakeholders as a unified organisation.
“It’s so important not to be fragmented,” he said.
“When you’re dealing with global partners, you have to be able to have the weight and the numbers behind you and you need to have enough people with specialties in different policy areas to be able to bring outcomes for the members.
“Different areas want different things, but I think the common thread is that if there are new processes and new products in the near future, they want to be able to have the ability to invest in that, to share in it and be part of the conversation.”
Mr Ryan will continue to hear from growers and members as the Roadshow continues through the Burdekin, Central Queensland and Southeast Queensland regions in coming months.
The final stages of the election and selection of committees have been completed ahead of the first board meeting to be held in the Burdekin today, Thursday May 16.
Chair Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and ACFA as the partnership leverages the collective expertise and resources of both organisations to strengthen the sugarcane industry.
“By joining forces, we are securing a stronger future for the growth of the sugarcane industry across Australia,” he said.
“This marks a pivotal moment for our industry and by combining our strengths, we can better serve our members and drive positive change.”
Mr Ryan concluded by saying the partnership signifies a new chapter for the sugarcane industry.
“We are committed to securing a prosperous future for all stakeholders through collaborative efforts,” he said.
“Together, QCAR and ACFA will spearhead positive change, nurturing industry expansion, and championing innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the sugarcane industry.”

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Stephen Ryan
FNQ meeting in Babinda
FNQ meeting in Innisfail
Photos supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian farmers to fight the Australian Government’s fresh food tax which he said will hurt families and farmers amid a cost-of-living crisis.

A new petition, Stop the Fresh Food Tax, is being launched by the Coalition, alongside industry’s ‘day of action’ to scrap the tax.

Mr Willcox is urging local farmers and families to get behind the campaign and sign the petition to stop the new fresh food tax.

“The Coalition proudly stands with the National Farmers’ Federation today and support our farmers on their day of action to scrap the tax,” Mr Willcox said.

“This is an absolutely ridiculous tax on our farmers who will be paying for their overseas competitors to bring their products into our country.

“We urge families and farmers in Dawson to join us in this fight and to sign the petition to stop Labor’s fresh food tax.

“This new tax will hurt all Australians because farmers will be forced to pass on costs, meaning families will feel more pain at the grocery checkout.

Mr Willcox said the Government has continued to ignore pleas to stop this “senseless new tax”.

“We still don’t know how the tax will be collected or managed,” he said.

“But we do know the tax will go towards consolidated revenue, hurting over 1,500 farmers and farm managers in the electorate of Dawson.

“Sadly, time is now running out to scrap Labor’s fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, forcing farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks of their international importers.

“The new tax makes absolutely no sense, and it will hurt families and farmers who are already under pressure.

“In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the risks their competitors are creating?”

Mr Willcox added Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt have shown contempt by appearing at Rockhampton’s Beef2024, despite preparing to launch a new fresh food tax on families and farmers and failing to settle a live export cattle case from 2011.

To find out more about the petition, visit www.stopthefreshfoodtax.com/#action.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is calling on the Australian Government to ‘scrap the tax’. Photos supplied

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2024 is a year of milestones and celebration for Ayr legal firm Groves and Clark Solicitors who are, most notably, celebrating 90 years of service to the communities of north Queensland. From the humble beginnings of Charles Groves and Frank Clark in 1934, the firm has welcomed many talented legal practitioners, assisted countless members of the community and achieved excellent results for its clients. But it’s the relationships developed amongst staff and clients that Groves and Clark Solicitors has become renowned for, playing an integral role in the Burdekin and beyond. The firm is one that practises around family and a philosophy and ethos to represent its clients professionally, building and maintaining relationships with them into the future.
When two enterprising young lawyers left Brisbane and travelled north in search of a town where they could “hang their shingle” and establish their own legal practice, they built a legacy that is still being celebrated almost a century on. Charles Groves and Frank Clark established Groves and Clark Solicitors in 1934 after identifying Ayr as that town, opening their doors in an old wooden building in Queen Street, Ayr on May 10, 1934; Frank had been admitted as a Solicitor only nine days previously. They quickly established themselves as reputable Solicitors and acquired a number of substantial farming clients among the local community.
Unfortunately, Charles was killed on October 6, 1942, at Milne Bay, New Guinea on active service with the Australian Army in World War II, leaving Frank to continue the pair’s hard work.
“I remember how hard he worked at the very beginning when I was a kid,” said Frank’s daughter Pat Lawson. “He’d come home, have something to eat at night, stay home for a while then he’d go back to work and come home and sleep. He’d go down to the office again before breakfast and then go back and he always wore white clothes in those days, white pants with a white shirt and horrible ironing.
“He liked what he was doing, he was good at it, and it’s gone on for all these years.”
Frank continued in the practice until December 31, 1983, when he retired from full time practice and became a consultant to the firm. He continued to hold a Practising Certificate until he reached his 50th anniversary of his admission as a Solicitor and he is remembered as one the region’s best and most specialised legal professionals.
“Frank was a brilliant solicitor, particularly with sugarcane and the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act when the industry was totally regulated by the government,” said former Groves and Clark Partner Ian Macdonald. “Frank Clark knew every word of the Act, he knew everyone on the local Sugar Cane Prices Board, and he had a reputation far and wide as one of Queensland’s if not the most acknowledged practitioner in the area of the Regulation of Sugar Cane Prices Act.”
During its history, the firm operated from several different premises including its original location at 144 Queen Street and 143 Young Street until in March 1981, it moved into new premises built by the then partners at 98 Macmillan Street, Ayr. The firm boasts a long list of previous partners, solicitors and employees, including J.J. O’Shea, Fred Slattery, John Francis, Ian Macdonald, Tom Bird, John Gaviglio, Barry Jones, Barry Torkington, Bruce Medley, David Lidell, Jim Hunter, Rebecca Fabbro and Majella Meehan, who is considered one of the first women in the region to be named as Partner of a legal firm.
The firm takes pride in the fact that a large number of its current clients are descendants of those first clients gained by Charles Groves and Frank Clark. Groves and Clark is engrained into the fabric of the Burdekin and prides itself on servicing the North Queensland region with pride, professionalism and the values that come from being local. Groves and Clark offers its clients professional service with a down to earth attitude, a philosophy established by the two gentlemen whose names still adorn the doors of the business 90 years on.
“Their names live forever in the name of the firm,” said Ian. “Very often, legal practises would change the name every time a new partner came in. We’re one of the few firms who have never changed our names.”
Read on to hear from some of the current and former partners and employees of the business as they celebrate the following milestones.

Groves And Clark’s 2024 Milestones
The business celebrates 90 years of service
Senior Partner Bruce Medley celebrates 50 years of service
Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro celebrates 25 years of service
Bruce and Rebecca celebrate 20 years of partnership

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Frank Clark
Back Row L-R: Rebecca Fabbro, Bruce Medley, Barry Jones and Jason Pertile. Front Row –L-R: John Gaviglio, Majella Meehan and Barry Torkington. Photo taken May 17, 2000
The team in 2024 L-R: Karli Linton, Eliza Worlein, Maria Lejarraga, Alicia Roncato, Bruce Medley, Lisa Sarri, Denise Tapiolas, Rosanne Grant and Lisa Ferrando. Absent: Rebecca Fabbro and Barbara Briskey

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Alongside Mr Clark, Senior Partner Bruce Medley is one of the longest serving team members in the history of Groves and Clark, celebrating the 50th year of his tenure in 2024. Meanwhile, Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro marks her 25th year, with the pair honouring 20 years of partnership this year as well.
Bruce started with the firm on January 2, 1974, as an Articled Clerk after he was offered a job by Ian McDonald while finishing his studies. He was admitted as a Solicitor in late October 1974 and was offered partnership a week later, becoming a partner on January 1, 1975. A former East Ayr State School and Ayr State High School student, Bruce ironically started grade 8 at ASHS the same year Ian was in his senior year at the same school.
In Bruce’s earlier years in the firm, he specialised in personal injury work, saying he had quite a few successes and some very memorable cases. During his legal career, he has practised in almost every area of Law and says, recently, he’s virtually followed in Mr Clark’s footsteps, practising primarily in matters involving the sugar industry and sugar cane farms, commercial and residential conveyancing, leasing, wills, estates and estate planning although he also handles other matters as required.
“The work has a lot of satisfaction, a lot of frustration, there are some days when you don’t feel like coming to work because you know what’s facing you, but when you’re helping people and getting the results for them, there comes a personal satisfaction with what you’ve done,” Bruce said.
Throughout his career, Bruce has been involved in service clubs and continues to assist local clubs and organisations with honourary work. His community involvement continues as he’s been active with the Australian Air Force Cadets for the last 28 years.
“All the time that I’ve been here, it’s really been like a family rather than a business,” he said. “It’s my hometown, I know most of the people I act for, and the loyalty of the clients has been incredible.”
Rebecca calls it the “Groves and Clark family”, saying, “It’s the people and it’s our long-term clients. There are people who have been clients of the firm forever, we’ve got families who have been with us for multiple generations. I love that sense of history that we have.”
Rebecca’s journey is proof of the Groves and Clark family. As her family’s solicitors, she completed work experience with the firm while at university before starting permanently as an Articled Clerk in 1999, offered a job by her family’s Solicitor at the time, John Gaviglio. She completed her primary and secondary schooling at Airville State School and Burdekin Catholic High School respectively before attending James Cook University where she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce-Bachelor of Laws in 1998. Rebecca then became Partner in 2004 and practises in Residential, Rural & Commercial Conveyancing, Succession Law & Estate Planning.
“I feel proud to be part of something that has been around for so long and hopefully we’ll still be here in another 90 years,” Rebecca said. “You have to have the right sort of personality and temperament to have a successful partnership and I’d like to think that, over the years, the partners at Groves and Clark have all had that temperament and nature that allows people to express their opinion while also being able to listen. There is the respect between all members of staff and its enjoyable to work with people that you like on a day-to-day basis. And, when you’re working in a small town and in a firm like ours, you develop relationships and friendships with your clients and I enjoy that part of what we do.”
Bruce and Rebecca lead a team of four solicitors, also including Alicia Roncato and Lisa Sarri, all of whom are proudly born and raised in the Burdekin.
“We are really proud of the work that we do and the service that we give,” Rebecca said. “The four of us are all born and bred here. We all live and work in our town, our families are growing up in this town, and those connections we have to our community play a huge role in us being able to provide a really good service. The firm does have some strong paths sitting there for the next stage and we have some very experienced people there who form the backbone of what is Groves and Clark today.”

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Senior Partner Bruce Medley and Managing Partner Rebecca Fabbro mark 20 years of business partnership in 2024

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