Burdekin Life - Weekly Local News

FINAL BOW FOR WATER FESTIVAL AMBASSADORS

Back: (L-R) Senior Ambassador runner-up Ella Pirrone, Senior Ambassador winner Blaize Palmer. Front (L-R): Junior Ambassador winner Edith Innes, Junior Ambassador runner-up Lillea Levitt. Photo: Shay Kratzmann.‍The Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Program culminated in a Long Lunch last Saturday, with a cohort of young ambassadors—including two history-makers—farewelled in front of more than 230 guests.‍A HISTORIC YEAR FOR AMBASSADOR PROGRAM ‍Fifteen Burdekin Water Festival Ambassadors have taken their final bow, bringing months of fundraising and community events to a close at last Saturday’s QMN Manufacturing Long Lunch. The annual event, which serves as the culmination of the Ambassador Program, brought more than 230 guests to Populins Hall for the Picnic at Populins-themed celebration, where Blaize Palmer and Edith Innes were crowned Senior and Junior Ambassador winners respectively. Emcees Bronwyn Nucifora and Jasmine Delle Baite led proceedings, putting the Junior Ambassadors through a Q&A that saw both impress and entertain the crowd with their answers. The Senior Ambassadors then reflected on their time in the program, highlighting the camaraderie they developed and the support they received from the community. The occasion was particularly significant for this year’s cohort, with the Junior and Senior Ambassadors coming together at a single event for the first time. Blaize Palmer and Zylon Dallecort also became the first male Senior Ambassadors in the program’s 68-year history. Blaize then went one step further, becoming the first male Senior Ambassador to claim first place. Representing Burdekin Motors, Blaize was recognised for his successful touch footy fundraiser, which raised more than $1,000 for Uganda-focused charity 100% Hope Inc. Senior Ambassador counterparts Olivia Pavone and Ella Pirrone rounded out the cohort, with Pirrone named runner-up following her successful dog-walking fundraiser last month. In the Junior division, Edith Innes claimed top honours from a cohort of 11, with Lillea Levitt named runner-up. The night also saw raffle winner Kari Ravizza walk away with a $5,000 ring generously donated by gold sponsor Campbell’s Jewellery. Guests then took to the dance floor, with Sneaky Beats capping off the night’s entertainment. The Long Lunch now sets the stage for the Water Festival’s finale this weekend, with the Mardi Gras and Street Parade to take over Ayr’s main road on Saturday. View the social pictures on page 18 CAPTIONS: 1—Senior Ambassadors Olivia Pavone, Blaize Palmer, Ella Pirrone and Zylon Dallecort on stage with Peter Jerkin and Eusebio Aguirre. 2—Junior Ambassador winner Edith Innes and Junior Ambassador runner-up Lillea Levitt. Photos: Shay Kratzmann. ‍

BRANDON TRIO’S $10K CANCER MISSION

Three Brandon Bowls Club members have put their heads together to devise a plan they hope will raise $10,000 for cancer care. When club member Jayson Farry was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods and David DeFranciscis, who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough. “It motivated us to get off our a***s and do something,” David said. Now, the trio have teamed up with two prominent cancer foundations to deliver what they believe is the first event of its kind at the club. Set for Saturday 19th of September, the event will welcome locals near and far to Brandon Bowls Club for an evening of barefoot bowls, live music, food, drinks, raffles and an auction. A barbecue will kick off proceedings from 5.30pm, with teams of four bowlers taking to the greens at 6.30pm for social competition. David, who will emcee the night, said non-bowlers should not be deterred. “There’ll be something for everyone,” he said. “Even if you don’t want to play, we’re having the drinks, the barbecue, the music. It doesn’t matter if you’ve only got $1—come out and show your support.” Every cent raised from entry fees, food and beverages, raffle entries and general donations will support Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation's mission to provide a cancer journal to newly diagnosed patients at Townsville University Hospital. The journal will help patients keep track of appointments, access medical information and record important contacts. David said it was an idea he and his team were instantly onboard with. “Once the doctor tells you you've got cancer, your mind goes blank. Your wife starts to cry. You go numb. You don't remember anything,” he said, reflecting on personal experiences. “I've told every cancer patient that I've known the last seven years to bring a journal. So when Brighter Lives said to me, ‘we're looking at fundraising for free journals’, I said, ‘we're in.’” David said the event has already garnered an “overwhelming” amount of support, with businesses across the region donating raffle and auction prizes and offering goods and services. “[The support so far] has been overwhelming for the club. This was just started as a conversation with three guys having a beer,” he said. “This is what the Burdekin should be about. It makes you feel proud to live in a town that is giving so much.” With the event still two weeks away, David urged local businesses interested in helping the club hit its $10k goal to contact him on 0407 596 608. Donations can also be made on the night, with beanies and caps supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation available for purchase. Entry is set at $15 per person, with discounted beers set at just $5. CAPTION: When club member Jayson Farry (centre) was diagnosed with glioblastoma earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods (left) and David DeFranciscis (right), who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS AT THE FORE ON MEALS ON WHEELS DAY

Meals on Wheels volunteers across the country were recognised last Wednesday for the resilience they showed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges that followed. For the Lower Burdekin Committee, that meant a small gathering at its MacMillan Street kitchen in Ayr, where volunteers were joined by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort in marking the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony. Saint Andrews Meals on Wheels Lower Burdekin has serviced the Burdekin region for more than 50 years, preparing and delivering nutritious meals to people requiring assistance at home. As well as the Burdekin, Meals on Wheels operations across the country took a hit when COVID diagnoses came to light five years ago, with many volunteers aged 70 and over recommended to self-isolate, while younger volunteers stood up. Now, Meals on Wheels Australia President, Sharyn Broer has thanked the 76,000 people who continue to volunteer for the organisation, ensuring older Australians remain nourished and safe at home, not only during a pandemic, but every day. “We are so thankful for our volunteers,” Mrs Broer said. “Regardless of the emergency—devastating bushfires, or in a pandemic, our volunteers continue to roll up their sleeves and deliver life-changing support.” While Mrs Broer particularly commended the MOW Lower Burdekin Committee for their “immense resilience through the pandemic,” she said the ongoing sustainability of the service remains its biggest battle. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Senator Richard Colbeck acknowledged the inequitable distribution of funding and advised Meals on Wheels Australia of an upcoming funding review for meal service providers within the next 12 months. “We are pleased the Government has recognised the problem,” Mrs Broer said. “However, our concerns remain about the timing of the review and the impact this will have on services that are already struggling to remain financially viable.”

CHEMO CLOSER TO HOME - NEW TELEHEALTH SERVICE A “HUGE” STRESS RELIEVER

A new telehealth service means Burdekin cancer patients can now receive chemotherapy in Ayr, cutting hours of travel and easing the burden on patients and their families. The service will see patients consult remotely with a doctor from the Townsville Cancer Centre and receive treatment under supervision from a trained nurse at the Ayr Health Service. Burdekin local Wayne Ace, who was receiving treatment after having a cancer removed, called the service a godsend for him and his family. Mr Ace previously had to travel to Townsville for treatment, meaning he could be out of bed by 5am and not home until after 6pm. The trip involved blood tests, a doctor consultation and chemotherapy, while finding someone to accompany him could turn treatment into an exhausting full-day commitment for both. Now, Mr Ace can receive his treatment in Ayr in just a couple of hours every fortnight. “It’s relieved a lot of the stress and anxiety of needing to get the treatment which has been huge for my family and me,” he said. Ambulatory oncology and medical infusion services acting clinical nurse consultant Taija Kennedy said the service was already proving successful despite being in its early stages. “This is quality of life improvement for our Burdekin oncology patients and their friends and family,” Ms Kennedy said. The service is currently limited in the number of patients it can treat each week, but Ms Kennedy said there was capacity for it to grow. “A lot of work has gone on in the background to make this possible and it’s exciting to see this important service available for our patients in their hometown.” CAPTION: Registered nurse Katie Federici, registered nurse Sarah Morris, Jun Liu (patient), Donald McRae (patient), Wayne Ace (patient), Ambulatory oncology and medical infusion services acting clinical nurse Taija Kennedy, clinical nurse consultant Ainsley Ferrando, and clinical nurse consultant Eve Eynon (on screen). Photo supplied.

FINAL BOW FOR WATER FESTIVAL AMBASSADORS

BRANDON TRIO’S $10K CANCER MISSION

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS AT THE FORE ON MEALS ON WHEELS DAY

CHEMO CLOSER TO HOME - NEW TELEHEALTH SERVICE A “HUGE” STRESS RELIEVER

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