Burdekin Life - Weekly Local News

IT’S HERE, AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL RIBBON CUT ON LONG-AWAITED ANZAC PARK PUMP TRACK

A seven-year wait for a near million-dollar pump track officially ended last Friday as Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Member for Burdekin Dale Last cut the ribbon on the region's own “city-grade” recreational facility.‍ANZAC PARK PUMP TRACK OFF AND ROLLINGScores of Burdekin locals wasted no time in christening their new $770,000-plus pump track, marking both the asphalt and its official opening at Anzac Park last Friday. Announced as part of the Anzac Park Precinct Master Plan in 2019, its opening ends a seven-year wait for a recreational facility Member for Burdekin Dale Last said rivals those of its city counterparts. “This facility is the equivalent of anything in Brisbane, I can assure you,” Mr Last said at the opening ceremony. “I have absolutely no doubt that it will be a hive of activity over the coming weeks.” The facility features a seven-turn looped design with jumps, berms, rollers and platforms, catering for BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards and mountain bikes. The project's eventual fruition follows years of advocacy from the community, most notably the Burdekin BMX Club. It was subsequently included in last year’s Council Budget as the centrepiece of a broader $2.8 million investment in parks and recreational facilities across the region. The design process was heavily influenced by local input; construction works began in April this year after two community consultations. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the final product was an inclusive community facility built for everyone. “This facility is a reflection of what happens when community voices guide council planning,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “Consultation and the help of residents shaped a design that is inclusive, acceptable, and built for all skill levels. Whether you ride a bike, scooter or skateboard, this track offers a safe, purpose-built space to be active, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors.” The facility was funded primarily by a State Government contribution of $760,000 as part of its Works for Queensland 2024–27 program. The pump track is the first stage of broader Anzac Park upgrades outlined in the precinct master plan, including an outdoor stage, basketball court and youth hangout zones. ‍

TOUCH FOOTY FOR A CAUSE

Rivalries were put aside at the Ayr Touch Fields last Saturday night as 10 teams across two divisions took to the field to raise over $1,000 at Blaize Palmer’s Water Festival fundraising event. The touch football competition hosted six senior teams and four junior teams of up to eight players, with the Crocs and BCH Bulldogs claiming the senior and junior titles respectively. But Blaize, one of four senior ambassadors this year, said the event was more than merely a touch footy competition. “I was really glad to see everyone involved and participating,” he said. “Everyone had fun, everyone was involved and supporting each other … it was great.” Continued on page 25 TRIES GALORE AS TOUCH FOOTY COMP RAISES OVER $1,000 Continued from back cover Water Festival Senior Ambassador Blaize Palmer’s love for touch football helped score more than $1,000 for charity last Saturday night, with 10 teams taking to the Ayr Touch Fields for his community fundraiser. Despite on-field dominance from eventual champions Crocs and BCH Bulldogs, the main winner of the night was Uganda-focused charity 100% Hope Inc., beneficiaries of all money raised throughout the event. Although the final tally had not yet been confirmed, Blaize said the event had already raised up to $1,200 via both the barbecue and his pledge of $5 for every try scored on the night. He said the funds would contribute to food and general support for vulnerable communities in Uganda. The former Home Hill State High School student said the idea for a touch football fundraiser stemmed from his own love for the sport. “I grew up playing touch, especially in my high school years, and I just love it. I enjoy playing it, being able to ref, and watch people play it,” he said. The event formed part of Blaize’s Water Festival Senior Ambassador commitments. Representing Burdekin Motors, he said he has relished the opportunity to grow in his role as Senior Ambassador. “Being involved in the community has helped me to build my confidence. It’s been great to make new friends with the other ambassadors and show what I've got, and how I can run a tournament,” he said. He thanked his ambassador peers for their help on the evening. The final senior ambassador events will take place this weekend, with Ella Pirrone’s Bingo & Bubbles and Olivia Pavone’s Dog Walk pencilled in.

REGIONAL STUDENTS FIND THEIR PATHWAY TO OPPORTUNITY

For students from regional and remote Queensland, choosing a senior school pathway can often mean looking beyond what is available locally. At Tec-NQ in Townsville, students in Years 10 to 12 can complete their senior schooling while building practical trade skills, gaining industry exposure and preparing for apprenticeships, employment, further training or future study. For students like Brandon Pope, that pathway has opened the door to new opportunities. Brandon moved from Mount Isa to Townsville to attend Tec-NQ and boards at Tec-NQ House while completing his senior studies. Now a Year 12 Automotive student, he has completed work experience in truck repairs and has already been offered work for after school. “I found a job, signed up, and I’m good to go when I graduate,” he said. Tec-NQ House plays an important role for families outside Townsville, providing access to Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school while students live in a supervised boarding environment. Located in Rosslea, Tec-NQ House supports regional and remote students with routine, supervision, daily transport to the Douglas campus and support as they build independence away from home. For parents and carers, this means students can access a specialised senior school pathway without losing the structure and care they need during their final years of school. Tec-NQ is an accredited senior school and Registered Training Organisation. Its model brings senior schooling, practical trade training, work placement and industry connection together, giving students a hands-on way to learn and a clearer view of where their education can lead. At the Douglas campus, academic subjects are connected to industry, workshops form part of the everyday learning environment, and students have opportunities to build confidence in practical settings. Students work toward their Queensland Certificate of Education, learn from registered teachers and trade-qualified facilitators, and are supported by student wellbeing, boarding and industry teams. For Charlie Cobb, a Year 12 Automotive student from Chillagoe, the Tec-NQ pathway has also helped create a practical start in industry. After boarding for much of his schooling, Charlie has built experience through casual work and signed into an apprenticeship. “If you’re thinking of doing a trade, this is your best start,” he said. Stories like Brandon’s and Charlie’s show how Tec-NQ can support students who are ready for a senior school environment with a stronger connection to work, industry and future direction. Families interested in learning more will have the opportunity to see Tec-NQ in action at Campus Open Day on Saturday 22 August. The event will give prospective students, parents and community members the chance to tour the workshops, meet staff, speak with industry partners and learn more about Senior School, Tec-NQ House, work placement and Full Time Training pathways. For regional families considering boarding and senior school options for 2027, Open Day is a chance to understand how Tec-NQ connects the steps from school to work. Families who are unable to attend in person can also speak with Tec-NQ’s enrolments team to learn more about senior school options, boarding, entry points and the pathway from learning to work. For students ready to learn differently and build a future beyond the classroom, Tec-NQ offers a practical, supported pathway with real direction. Supplied by Tec-NQ

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Celebrates Personal Banker Role

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is proud to celebrate the promotion of team member Jaz Green to the role of Personal Banker, recognising her commitment to customer service and her passion for helping people achieve their financial goals. Since joining the branch as a Customer Service Officer, Jaz has quickly become known for her welcoming nature and genuine interest in building relationships with customers. Originally from Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Jaz has embraced the Burdekin community and says its friendly, diverse spirit is one of the things she enjoys most about living and working in the region. Her promotion marks an exciting new chapter, allowing her to work more closely with customers as they navigate important financial decisions throughout their lives. "The Personal Banker role is a relationship driven role," Jaz said. "It's not just transactional customer service; it's about partnering with customers to help them understand and secure the financial products they need to achieve their goals." Rather than simply assisting with day-to-day banking, Personal Bankers take the time to understand each customer's individual circumstances and provide guidance on the products and services best suited to their needs. "The benefit for customers is having someone who understands their financial journey, helps simplify complex decisions and ultimately saves them time," she said. Jaz is particularly looking forward to supporting customers through life's important milestones, whether they're purchasing their first home, growing their savings or planning for the future. "I look forward to mentoring people through their financial milestones and guiding them towards the right products. I'm excited to build genuine relationships and see the positive impact my work can have in their lives." For Jaz, working at Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is about far more than banking. "The most satisfying thing about working for a community bank is being part of something bigger than just a company. We help fuel local success and return 80 per cent of our profits back into the communities we serve,” she said. Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Branch Manager Sally Smith said Jaz's promotion reflects both her dedication and the bank's commitment to developing local talent. "Jaz has embraced every opportunity since joining our team, and this promotion is thoroughly deserved,” the said. “Her caring approach, willingness to learn and genuine desire to help others make her an excellent fit for the Personal Banker role. We know our customers will benefit from the relationships she'll continue to build as she supports them through every stage of their financial journey." Supplied by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr CAPTION: Since joining the branch as a Customer Service Officer, Jaz has quickly become known for her welcoming nature and genuine interest in building relationships with customers. Photo supplied.

IT’S HERE, AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL RIBBON CUT ON LONG-AWAITED ANZAC PARK PUMP TRACK

TOUCH FOOTY FOR A CAUSE

REGIONAL STUDENTS FIND THEIR PATHWAY TO OPPORTUNITY

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Celebrates Personal Banker Role

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IT’S HERE, AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL RIBBON CUT ON LONG-AWAITED ANZAC PARK PUMP TRACK

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