Recently a beautiful and rare china tea set, which depicts the Ayr Council Chambers and the Ayr Post Office, made its way to a local radio station. The station is calling on any Burdekin historians or those who might be familiar with the family that donated them, to come forward and help solve a mystery.

“They were sent to Pat Lawson via Victor Cecchin. The Cecchin's had a service station back in the day before they sold it to Romeo motors. After that, I believe it was demolished to become Woolworths,” says Station Manager, Charlie Scuderi.

“These people now live in Sydney, and sent these pieces back up here because this is where they belong. The family doesn't have any emotional connection to them, and that's all we know.”

The fine tea set has now returned “home” to the Burdekin, but it has come with no clues, no answers. Sweet FM is hoping someone in the community can provide more information or context about the tea set as to their history.

“We're looking for somebody who might know the story behind them, such as where they came out, when they came from, and why.”

“Was it an anniversary for a 50 year celebration? Was it something the family had commissioned? If you know please help us,” Charlie pleads.

Two pieces depict the council chambers, the rest depict Ayr post office.

If you can solve the mystery behind this decorative commemorative china tea set, get in touch with Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

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The beautiful fine china tea set. Can you solve the mystery? Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Thankfully, Cyclone Alfred has slowly moved on from the Burdekin, though it continues to tease the Queensland coast. While we’ve had significant rainfall, it’s amazing how quickly life has returned to normal. In true Burdekin fashion, our farmers are already back to watering their crops - just another example of the adaptability of our community.This week, we also celebrate International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and the ongoing journey toward equality.Did you know that Australian women gained the right to vote in the Federal elections in 1902? This made Australia the second nation in the world to grant women this fundamental right. 123 years later, we’ve made incredible progress.This week let’s celebrate the achievements of the women in our lives and continue to support a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

The Centre is excited to introduce Maddy Darley, who is our new Community Development Officer. Maddy has hit the ground running and is heading up our new community project: Charge Up!

Charge Up! has received funding from the Queensland Government through the Enable Grants Program. This project is a collaboration involving QCOSS (Queensland Council of Social Service), NCQ (Neighbourhood Centres Queensland), and various Neighbourhood Centres across Queensland.

Charge Up! aims to help households understand their energy use and support community services in reaching Queensland’s families. Many households struggle with energy costs and navigating the complex energy system, making access to clear information challenging.

The project's goal is to empower families to better understand their energy consumption and connect them with resources for assistance. We are looking for 8-10 local families to connect with Maddy for the Charge Up! project. Together, participants will explore their energy use, identify ways to enhance energy efficiency at home, and gain insights into the energy system.

Additionally, Maddy will facilitate community chats where everyone can access Charge Up! resources and learn more about energy management.

If you are interested in participating, please contact the Centre!

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Regional Queensland, Australia – Songs from the Reef are extending applications until March 10. This exciting community songwriting program is for emerging songwriters living along Queensland’s stunning reef, from Townsville to Mackay.

Regional Queensland music makers will take their creativity to new heights with mentorship, community, and a chance to perform at QLD Music Trails  – The Reef. Starting in April, 20 songwriters will join a 10-week online program with I Heart Songwriting Club, to sharpen their skills, receive expert mentorship, and write up to 200 songs.

The journey will come to life at QLD Music Trails – The Reef, where participants will showcase their talent at The Reef Sundowner fireside jam in Proserpine on June 12, 2025.

“Queensland’s coast has recently faced some rough weather and the community has been focused on ensuring their homes and families are safe. Songs from the Reef is a relief from that – something fun, uplifting and soul-filling – and we want to ensure that people have a chance to participate,” says founder of I Heart Songwriting Club, Francesca de Valence.

I Heart Songwriting Club is a Queensland business that has empowered over 1,500 members across 30 countries to create over 30,000 songs through its various online programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. They are dedicated to fostering a global songwriting community, promoting artist development, and facilitating connections between songwriters and the music industry.

Songs from the Reef is produced, developed and presented by I Heart Songwriting Club and supported by QMF and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Expressions of Interest for Songs from the Reef are extended till March 10, 2025. For more information, visit I Heart Songwriting Club’s website.

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When Lui Populin and his brother, Peter, who were second generation cane farmers developed the Populin Automatic Cane Planter, it forever changed the cane industry worldwide. Fast forward some 50 years, and their popular invention is now on display at the Lions Diorama in Home Hill, to commemorate this once revolutionary machine.

“We had an ordinary planter with a chute, where we would sit at the back and the bin was in the front and we'd  get the billets and throw them down like that. I said, there's got to be a better way to do this. And so we had the massive Ferguson Harvester. And I said, if the elevator can carry the cane up, it should be able to carry it down. And that's how it started,” Lui Populin says.

The planter was later sold to contractors and by the time the 80s rolled around, it would eventually be replaced by more efficient machinery. However, there’s no denying, the Populin Automatic Cane Planter made its mark.

“It’s the only one that’s been invented here in Australia in the world and it comes from the Burdekin,” Lui states.

“Lyn McLaughlin who was the mayor at the time, she was friends with me and played netball with my wife. She said to me, ‘Why don’t you put the damn thing on display near the bridge. We’ll put it there for you.’ And so we have.”

Recently it was donated back to Lui, by Nicky Pitiris and Robert Stockdale, who had no qualms donating the planter so that it can be displayed and share its rightful place in cane farming history.

“We used it right up until about the mid 80s. Then it was in the shed for about 20-30 years, which helped preserve it before Lui said he’d buy it off us. I saw Nicky and we just said we’d give it to him. And now here it is on display,” Robert Stockdale says.

The planter's impact on the industry and its innovative design at the time, cannot be underestimated. Check out its new home at the Lions Home Hill Diorama, which highlights its importance to the industry and the region, while providing an historical background.

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The industry changing, Populin Automatic Cane Planter. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Caption 2: L-R: Michael Populin (son of Peter), Lui Populin, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Nicky Pitiris and Robert Stockdale who donated it.

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It has never been harder and more expensive to see a doctor, especially in regional Queensland under this failing Labor government.

Many GP’s are moving away from bulk billing because the Medicare Rebate is too low. This has resulted in more patients being charged out-of-pocket fees thanks to the Albanese Government.

“Medicare bulk billing rates have dropped by 11 percent and the average out of pocket cost to see a Doctor has skyrocketed by 45 percent which is simply not good enough.” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.

“An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest an historic $9 billion into Medicare to fix Labor’s healthcare crisis.”

“This investment builds on the $500 million commitment already announced by the Coalition to restore critical Medicare funding for mental health support, after it was slashed in half by the Albanese Government.”

“The Coalition welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to finally listen to our calls to address the health workforce crisis with a comprehensive package of training measures.”
“It has been no surprise that the Coalition has led the way with our $400 million plan to grow a strong pipeline of GP’s, which will provide junior doctors who choose to train as a GP in the community with financial incentives, assistance with leave entitlements and training support.”

“I have seen first hand medical centres being forced to close such as the centre in Bowen because of a major doctor shortages, resulting in patients having to travel long distances to find another GP.”

“I have visited Murroona Gardens Aged Care facility on a number of occasions and they simply don’t have access to doctors due to these shortages, to care for residents.”

“The Coalition has a strong record on health and we have a plan go get Australia back on track and fix Labor’s healthcare mess.”

Federal MP, Andrew Willcox discusses health with GP. Photo: Supplied
Andrew Willcox meets with a GP. Photo: Supplied

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Burdekin Life newspaper journalist and celebrated author, Mark T. Rasmussen, wowed a packed Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday at the Home Hill Community Sporting Club, as he discussed his award-winning novel, The Journey, and his own life story.

The first meeting of the year for the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce proved to be a popular one, with the full house of attendees treated to a special night to hear about Mark’s novel, his writing, as well as his own journey, which included hearing highlights of his many adventurous travels.

During the night, Mark mentioned that he had visited about 60 countries across six continents, while living in eight major cities around the world: Melbourne, London; Edinburgh; Auckland; Rio de Janeiro; Sydney; L.A; and Toronto, with Rio his favourite.

The audience got to listen in to Mark’s writing process, where he discussed the National Novel Writing Month challenge he undertook in late 2016, which resulted in the 50,000 first draft for his novel, as well as hearing some of his more personal stories.

At the end of his vibrant, honest, and captivating talk, several of the audience waited in line as Mark wrote personal inscriptions for each before selling-out of his popular book on the night.

“Being new-ish here, I never expected such a showing let alone the support I did. It was an honour to speak, and to sell out of my books was an unexpected bonus,” an excited Mark said.

“Huge thanks to Rob Antoniazzi, and the rest of the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce for inviting me. I had fun,” Mark proclaimed.

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Award-winning author (and Burdekin Life journalist), Mark T. Rasmussen, stands with his novel The Journey and book poster, after enrapturing a full house of attendees. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The team and I at BCA have been busy helping the community and council with the initial disaster management response and community recovery, due to the recent Monsoonal Trough. Please see information below regarding the Community Recovery Hubs currently open.

Community Recovery Hub Burdekin
Activated locations: entire LGA

If you are suffering hardship or require emotional support as a result of the North and Far North Tropical Low event, help is available. You may be eligible for financial or other assistance to help you get back on your feet.

People are encouraged to apply for financial assistance grants online at www.qld.gov.au/DisasterHelp or by calling the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Community Recovery hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship, unable to apply online or over the phone, or needing emotional or wellbeing support can visit for assistance.

Emotional support
If you’re impacted by the severe weather and are experiencing emotional stress, the dedicated Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline is available.
Confidentially speak to a qualified disaster counsellor on 1800 116 671 for help. Available 24 hours.
Stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out for support during this challenging time.

Community Support Services
The Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) is here to serve and providing community support services as always.
For Community, Health and Wellbeing Services, information or support please contact our Team:
The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744
Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, 12A Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 2711
Email: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Website: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bca1975

Visit a Community Recovery Pop-up Hub
Community Recovery Pop-up Hubs are available to provide support, including assistance with grant applications and emotional well-being services.

Home Hill Community Recovery Pop-up Hub

 📍Location: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 98 Edwards Street, Ayr

 📅Dates: Daily until Friday 28 February 2025

 ⏰Operating Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm


For more information on available assistance and eligibility, please visit the Queensland Government's disaster recovery page: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/nq-monsoon-trough-january-2025#hub

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On Wednesday 19 February, the Ayr High Community came together to acknowledge the school leaders for 2025.  A range of leadership positions were acknowledged including the House Family Representatives for each year level, YR 7 and 11 Scholarship recipients, Yr 11 LIP Leaders, QATSIF Awardees, Sporting House Captains and the School Student Executive.

2025 School Captains, Jack Power and Sophie Robertson outlined their vision for the school in an inspiring speech while new School Vice-Captains compered the event.  A special thank you to Deputy Mayor, Max Musumeci for his role in the proceedings.

For many years there has been an accepted tradition of each out going Student Executive member handing forward  ‘the book’ which accompanies each position.  These books contain information and messages from previous year’s members and it is the responsibility for the incoming member to add their story too.

A new initiative this year courtesy of the work of 2024 Indigenous Vice-Captain Sienna Chapman is the Message Stick which will be handed down to each new Indigenous Vice-Captain with the responsibility of adding their story to the stick.  

2025 Indigenous Vice Captain Johben Tabo accepted the Message Stick from Aunty Bernice Zaro on behalf of Sienna  at the school ceremony.

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Indigenous Vice Captain Johben Tabo accepting the Message Stick. Photo supplied

Photos supplied

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Kiera: “I can now get to work – by car! I don't have to get a helicopter or catch the train-bus to work, which is what I was doing for a little while. We were stuck for like a week. And then, well, I was there from Tuesday and we got stuck on Friday, so however long that is. But yeah, I caught a helicopter to Ayr one day, and then on Wednesday and Thursday I caught the Q-Rail-bus from Ayr across Plantation, to then catch the courtesy bus. Because the bus stops across the road at the Comfort Stop, I could then just walk to work. I did that for a few days.”

Lorelle: “I just finished work and now I'm going for lunch, but honestly, not a lot. I’m just waiting for the grass to dry so I can possibly mow it. But mostly I’m just working again after being stuck in Ayr from Saturday to Tuesday. Once the rail-cart bus was up and running, I started taking that to get to work again but that’s about it.”

Spiros: “I’m just travelling home from a week's worth of work down in the Bowen basin. When the roads got cut off, lucky for me I had the vehicle at work on site. So I drove that to Mackay and booked flights from Mackay to Cairns, which were a bit of a mess. With the roads cut off, when it came to flights, the airlines price gouged on the tickets and the prices went up by twice to even three times as much. Usually they’re pretty cheap. That was frustrating and annoying when a lot of the flights automatically went higher but because there was no other way to get around the only way was to fly.”

Jane: “Yeah, we’re cleaning mould off walls. We’re out near Osborne. We had leaks in the roof. While it’s not that bad compared to some places you see, that’s what we’re doing right now. Other than that, we’re also out in the garden where I’m helping out mum. I’m unemployed right now because of epilepsy, so I can’t work. So yeah, we’re just cleaning up the yard, cleaning up the house. It’s a pretty boring life right now.”

Adam & Debbie: “We've got our own pest control business, and the rain basically… well, it didn’t shut us down but I’ve been parked up for three weeks because nothing works in the wet. And we couldn't get across the bridge to come to Home Hill, so at the moment we're just waiting for everything to dry out and then we're back in the business full time. We also had up to go to Townsville after one of my dogs bit my finger. The dogs were fighting over a chicken and silly me put my hand there. He bit through to the bone. But other than that, we’re all right.”

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During a week when Bruce Highway was shut at Plantation Creek, and it didn’t look like the papers would get through, Shae Linton from Home Hill News & Coffee stepped up, got creative, and ensured the local newspaper was delivered.

She devised a plan to get the papers by 6am, which was appreciated by the community, especially the elderly who rely on print media.

“We'd arranged for the papers to come across Plantation on a semi, but he got held up, and they didn't make it here till lunch time. We had everyone wondering where the papers were. So then we devised another plan, and we worked in with somebody doing the bread and we got the papers here by six o'clock each morning, through the flood waters.”

“It made our customers very happy to have them here each morning by the six o’clock in the morning rather than five o’clock in the afternoon,” Shae says.

The store also faced a milk shortage, prompting a trip to Bowen where Woolies donated milk, leading to a free coffee day.

“Because of supply issues, we were having to go to Bowen for milk. One day we went down and the Bowen manager of the Woolworths donated milk to us and John from Home Hill bakery. He gave his away for free, and so we decided to have a free coffee day with our supply of milk. That Tuesday it was pretty crazy in here.”

Shae also arranged for Valentine's flowers, with truckies more than willing to help amidst supply chain disruptions.

“When we realised that it was also Valentine's Day, we caught two semis over to get Valentine's flowers for the Romantics of Home Hill,” she laughs.

“In times like this, you realise how important the local papers still are. I know everyone says you can see everything on Facebook, but not everyone's got Facebook. And the elderly community were still looking for the papers each day to find out what's happening.”

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Shae Linton, an unsung hero who helped get the local paper, Burdekin Life, into stores, onto shelves, ensuring no one went without it. Photo credit: Mark T Rasmussen

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From March 2 there was great flooding in North Queensland, and once again the Burdekin River flooded. Monday, March 4, the Burdekin River was 11ft 6¨ over the railway bridge which was said to be 16 feet high. The Lower Burdekin including Ayr, Giru and Home Hill, were isolated by road and rail to the North, South, and West.

To prove that the Lower Burdekin could be supplied by a sea route from Townsville, two representatives of the Telegraph paper – a reporter and a photographer – joined a party of men, which went from Townsville to Home Hill by fishing boat and dinghy. It was a tough, exciting, and precarious trip, but proved that you could get in or out of the Lower Burdekin River by sea.

The party left Townsville on Tuesday 5 on board fishing boat ‘Seal’, owned and skippered by Byron (Snowy) Whittaker. He was a tough fighter in the boxing ring and a mackerel fisherman on the reef. The Seal and two dories, Sally and Sue, put a tough fight to get to Home Hill.

The Seal was an eight-knot diesel fishing launch of 47ft. The boats had 6 hours going up stream, which was running at a rate from 6-10 knots. It was suggested that the provision of shallow-draught punts with high-power engines in Home Hill and a powerful launch in Groper Creek, would always give Home Hill contact with the outside world.

“When we were going up through the mangroves on our second attempt, we met Mr Rubiola, an Italian cane farmer coming down in a little punt with an outboard motor to see how the launches anchored in Groper Creek were faring. When we left we were accompanied by men going back to their properties by punt through the quiet backwaters in the mangroves.”

A mercy flight of a Tiger Moth aeroplane of the R.A.A.F landed at the Ayr Race Course to deliver penicillin to Home Hill Hospital. The penicillin was handed to Sergeant Dougherty, the officer-in-charge of the Ayr Police Station, who took the drug and arranged for its dispatch by boat across the river to Home Hill Hospital.

Mr Frank Carew, a photographer of the Brisbane Courier, was fortunate to be on board. They were besieged by residents to carry out mail and telegrams for dispatch from Townsville.

The Tiger Moth and its crew became the unofficial postmen. There was also a free delivery of papers dropped by plane in Ayr and Home Hill. The Mail Train from Brisbane had been marooned at Ayr since last Monday, and was still stationed at Ayr Railway Station. There were 100 plus passengers aboard, many of whom have enjoyed the hospitality of Ayr.

According to Sergeant O’Brian of Home Hill police, there was no loss of life, and floodwaters had receded from Home Hill by Friday.

News from Giru on March 7 reported no casualties during the floods. There were two cases of acute appendicitis and they were unable to get away to secure medical attention. The town had been out of meat since the previous weekend. The road to the slaughter yards, which is about a mile away, was impassable that the butcher couldn’t get there.

During the weekend 27 inches of rain were recorded making a total of 69 inches for the year, against an average of 45 to 50 inches.

The Piralko Reed Beds are a mortuary for stock, which got swept away. The stench from them was bad. The Haughton River broke through the banks to Griggs’ farm, then through Pink Lily and Crooked Waterholes, before making it onto the Reed Beds. The debris is still clinging to the lateral struts of railway telegraph poles 11 feet above the ground.

At Alligator Creek the line had been washed 120 yards away. At the approach the first span has been washed about 40 yards down and turned over, girders uppermost, and rails embedded in the sand.

We went to bed and waking in the morning, Plantation Creek was flooded. Monty James delivered bread and meat to the people of Old Clare Road in his punt. That folks, is some of the happenings in the 1946 flood.

Article supplied courtesy of Glenis Cislowski

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Ferry and Train Burdekin River. Photo: Supplied
Army crossing the old Burdekin Bridge. Photo: Supplied

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Well, the rain has given us an overdue break and things are slowly drying out.

I hope everyone impacted by the weather event have not suffered too much.

While clean-up efforts are still in full swing, I would like to remind people of one of the risks associated with these wet muddy conditions.

Melioidosis cases have been on the rise and have very sadly taken the lives of 3 elderly people in the Townsville area. Melioidosis is caused by bacteria in soil that tends to emerge more after heavy rain or flooding. When in or around soil or mud please wear boots, gloves and most importantly do not let any open wounds come into contact with the elements.

One of my councillor duties is acting as the Council representative on the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust. We had our first meeting since the flood on Monday and boy do we have our work cut out. Any work we do will fully depend on external funding.

I hope the Federal and State governments give us our fair share. We all know how eager they would be to put their hands in their pockets if this event happened in the Brisbane River.

Did anyone notice the Cowboys trial on the weekend? I usually don’t take much notice of trial games, but any time we beat Melbourne is worth noting. Cowboys 2025 NRL Premiers!

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In today’s fast-evolving agricultural landscape, sugarcane growers must go beyond traditional farming practices to build resilient and profitable businesses. Recognising this need, CANEGROWERS introduced the Business Essentials workshop series, a comprehensive program tailored to empower sugarcane growers with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture.

Now in its fourth year, the program is more flexible than ever, offering a mix of in-person workshops and online webinars, so growers can tailor their participation to their specific needs.

The series provides practical knowledge, expert insights, and financial support opportunities to help build a profitable, resilient, and future-ready farm business.

With experienced trainers—including specialists from other agricultural sectors like cotton and grains—growers gain fresh perspectives across a wide range of topics, including:

• Building a professional business: Learn to set achievable goals, develop robust strategies, and manage unforeseen risks effectively.

• People management: Gain insights into attracting and retaining the right talent, navigating legal requirements, and fostering harmonious family working relationships.

• Workplace health & safety (WHS): Understand your obligations, establish practical safety protocols, and create a culture of safety on the farm.

• Sugar pricing strategy and industry knowledge: Demystify the complexities of sugar pricing, enabling informed and profitable decision-making. Enhance your understanding of industry-specific terms and practices, such as relative payment systems and Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS) metrics.

• Advanced Bookkeeping: Elevate your financial management skills, including considerations around managing your own Business Activity Statements (BAS).

Growers can choose sessions that align with their specific interests and needs, mixing and matching between in-person workshops and online webinars. This approach ensures that participants can maximise the benefits of the program without compromising their operational responsibilities.

By equipping growers with a comprehensive farm business resilience plan, the program not only enhances operational effectiveness but also positions businesses to secure essential funding and support for future challenges.

The program also offers personalised one-on-one support, helping you develop a comprehensive business plan and implement strategic solutions that drive real, measurable success for your farm.

“There comes a time when you do need to step back and say, right what are our biggest issues, how are we going to get around them, are we going to do something about them or are we just going to ignore them. And look at where you want to be in that five-year or 10-year mark”
Jill Fox (Mackay)

Embrace this opportunity to transform your sugarcane farming business and register your interest today! The Business Essentials workshop & webinar series is more than just a learning experience; it's an investment in the future resilience and profitability of your enterprise.

“You are with your fellow growers. It's an outlet to provide support”
Paul Schembri

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and grow! For more details, workshop dates, and registration, visit canegrowers.com.au.

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This week, Angel-Paws Dog and Cat Rescue is delighted to introduce you to Usher, an incredibly sweet and snuggly tabby boy who’s just waiting to bring joy into a new home. Usher was brought into the care of Angel-Paws when he was just 2 weeks old, along with his siblings.  

He was tiny and malnourished at the time, but with plenty of love and care, he’s since blossomed into a healthy, playful, and affectionate little fellow.

While all of Usher’s siblings have already found their forever homes, this charming boy is still waiting for his chance.  

Usher is a true purr machine and loves nothing more than curling up right by your pillow when it’s time to sleep. When he’s not snuggling, he’s zooming around with his big foster siblings, showing off his energetic side!

Usher is a sweet and playful little man, and Angel-Paws believes he truly deserves a loving family of his own.  

If you think you could be the one to offer him that, please fill out an inquiry form to meet him. He’s just waiting to bring endless love and laughter into your home! https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Don’t let this sweet boy wait any longer – Usher is ready to find his forever home and become part of your family!

Age: 2 weeks old
Sex: Male
Breed: Tabby
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: Slow Introduction

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