Senior Plant Pathologist Jenny Morrison has been given a remarkable accolade: a newly discovered species of fungus has been named after her.
It all started in north Queensland in 2019, when Jenny was one of 26 scientists from around Australia who took part in the ‘Pathoblitz’ workshop on plant disease.
The workshop gave participants the opportunity to observe, collect and identify diseased plant samples from the Atherton Tablelands—a unique environment with savannah, rainforest, horticulture and agricultural ecosystems, all within a 50 km radius.
The various plant disease samples that Jenny collected included leaves from Freycinetia scandens, a species of climbing plant. Jenny noticed that some of the leaves had spots on them, which were grey in the centre and pale brown towards the margins and then made isolations.
Hundreds of samples were collected by the workshop participants, (which included several of Jenny’s plant pathology colleagues in DAFF) and lodged with the Queensland Plant Pathology Herbarium for further examination.
Five years later, Jenny was surprised to hear from the Principal Scientist at the Queensland pathology herbarium. She learned that her isolations from Freycinetia scandens had led to the discovery of a new Zasmidium fungus species, confirmed by molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. They named the species in her honour.
Jenny, who has worked for DAFF for the past 17 years, has now been immortalised in mycology with an entry on Zasmidium morrisoniae appearing in the Index of Australian Fungi. Finally, her children are taking an interest in her career, thanks to the ability to claim this fungus was named after them too.

Collecting at Baldy Mountain Forest Reserve
Senior Plant Pathologist Jenny Morrison 

‍

Queensland Seniors Month provides opportunities to promote positive community attitudes towards older people and ageing by facilitating community participation and enhancing community connections, aligning with the Queensland Government’s vision of building age-friendly communities in Queensland.
In 2024, Queensland Seniors Month is celebrated from Tuesday 1 October to Thursday 31 October.
Queensland Seniors Month includes United Nations International Day of Older Persons (1 October) and National Grandparents Day (27 October), days that recognise the important contribution of older people in their families and communities.
For more information about Seniors Month, visit the Queensland Seniors Month website.  Source: www.qld.gov.au
Burdekin Community Association has once again developed a Burdekin Seniors Month Program that lists just some of the events that organisations and groups have planned for community members in October.
Please see our latest Community Connections Magazine or visit the Support Centre, Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, our Facebook page or website for the BURDEKIN SENIORS WEEK PROGRAM.
UPDATED LAYOUT BELOW -------------------------------
The BCA’s events will include:
Tuesday 15th October
BCA Be Tech and Scam Savvy Open Day
How to avoid scams presentation and Tutoring on your electronic device
Venue: Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr
Cost: Free
Ph: 4783 3744 for bookings
 
Wednesday 30th October
BCA Let’s Celebrate Seniors Excursion
Bus Trip and Roast Lunch
Where: Molongle Creek Caravan Park
Cost: $10 per person
Ph: 4783 3744 for bookings
 
Contributed with thanks to Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)

‍

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, conveniently located at 40 Chippendale St, plays a crucial role in the local community by providing access to information and referrals for community members. It serves as a hub for residents, ensuring that assistance and support are within easy reach in various aspects of their lives.

One of the key functions of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre is to serve as a valuable resource for individuals and families in need of information. Whether it's about local services, government assistance programs, or community events, the Centre offers a wealth of information to help community members stay informed and connected. We encourage the community to use our notice boards for community events. We are also happy to help spread the news about community initiatives on our Facebook page.

In addition to providing information, the Centre serves as a vital point of contact for referrals to other support services within the community.  By understanding the diverse needs of community members, the Centre can effectively connect individuals with the appropriate resources and services available to them. This network of referrals ensures that people can access the specific help they require, whether it's related to health, employment, education, or other areas of well-being.

Overall, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre stands as a pillar of support for the local community, providing a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can access the information and referrals they need to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to empowering community members and, most importantly, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Until next time,
The Team
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

‍

Sweet FM, Burdekin’s beloved community radio station, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special dinner at the Ayr RSL on Saturday night. The event capped off a day of festivities that included a lively morning broadcast and a sausage sizzle in Ayr’s town centre.
The morning kicked off with a live broadcast from the Ayr CBD, where Sweet FM’s charismatic presenters entertained listeners with special programming, community interviews, and a nostalgic look back at the station’s history. Locals gathered around the sausage sizzle, enjoying the opportunity to meet their favourite radio personalities in person while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The celebrations continued into the evening at the Ayr RSL, where long-time supporters, volunteers, and station staff came together for a night of reflection, laughter, and music. The dinner marked a significant milestone for the station, which has played a vital role in connecting the Burdekin community for a quarter of a century.
Sweet FM’s 25-year journey has seen it grow from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the Burdekin community, providing a platform for local voices, promoting regional talent, and supporting countless community events.
As the night came to a close, attendees toasted to the future of Sweet FM, with hopes for many more years of broadcasting and community connection. The 25th-anniversary celebrations were a resounding success, serving as a testament to the station’s enduring place in the hearts of Burdekin locals.
Sweet FM is officially celebrating its 25-year reunion on March 22, and they want to bring together everyone who has been a part of their journey. If you've volunteered with Sweet FM, whether in the past or currently, they would love to hear from you. Please contact Charlie at Sweet FM to get involved in this special milestone event.

‍

Tony Goddard on the decks
Tony Goddard and Charlie Scuderi
The team at Sweet FM
Tony Goddard and Lyn McLachlan
Chris Nissen

‍

DOB: 1/05/2022
Sex: Female
Breed: Kelpie x
Kid friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Untested
Other dogs: Yes
Fences: 6ft

Are you looking for a loyal, fun and loving companion to join your family?

Well, look no further than Dorothea, she might just be the perfect fit for you!

Dorothea is a Cattle Dog and she loves the great outdoors, almost as much as she likes spending time with her humans.

Going on walks are her absolute favourite, she loves exploring and smelling everything.

When she’s not out adventuring, Dorothea enjoys chilling with her favourite people, soaking up all the love and attention.

Do you want to meet Dorothea? Fill in an inquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

Included in her adoption fee of $450 Dorothea is desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations and is flea/tick/intestinal worm treated. She is also on ProHeart medication.

‍

The Burdekin Shire Council has launched an exciting competition as part of the upcoming Get Ready Burdekin Week, running from 7-11 October 2024. Local primary school students are invited to participate in naming the region’s new Disaster Management Mascot and the campaign is aimed at fostering awareness around disaster preparedness.
The initiative is designed to engage young people in the Shire’s disaster management efforts through creativity and education. In addition to naming the mascot, students will also have the opportunity to join a colouring-in competition. Both activities aim to teach students about disaster safety in a fun, hands-on way.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort expressed her enthusiasm for the program, emphasising the importance of getting younger generations involved.
“The new mascot will play a key role in engaging the community about safety and preparedness, and we’re thrilled to have local students help us choose its name,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“Council is looking forward to the wonderful creativity in the colouring-in competition and seeing the names that our primary school students come up with.”
The competition is an opportunity for both students and schools to make a significant contribution to the community. The school that submits the winning mascot name will receive a prize of $1,000 worth of resources of their choice. This not only encourages participation but also supports local schools by providing valuable educational materials.
Supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland Program, the initiative aligns with state-wide efforts to prepare communities for natural disasters. The Burdekin Shire Council hopes the program will inspire long-term awareness and understanding of disaster preparedness among young people, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to stay safe.
The competition will run through to Friday, 1 November 2024, with the winning mascot name set to be announced in November. Local schools are encouraged to get involved, with Council looking forward to seeing the creative entries from Burdekin’s students.
For further information or to participate, schools can contact the Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

What is the new Disaster Management Mascot called? You decide!

‍

Brian Giddy, a familiar voice on Sweet FM, has been a radio host for four years. His journey into broadcasting began with a suggestion from his friend Cheryl, leading him to a post-retirement passion that perfectly blended his love for music with community service.
“I always wanted to do something when I retired, and I love music,” Brian reflects. His involvement in the choral society and a fondness for classic tunes from his youth laid the groundwork for his on-air presence.
“I enjoy playing the old music that we grew up with, the songs we understand.”
When asked about his favourite musicians, Brian’s love for country and western is immediately clear.
“I love Kristofferson and Patsy Cline’s ‘Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,’” he shares. His musical journey includes playing the saxophone in a band for several years, and he’s also sung and played keyboard for the sick and elderly at respite.
“I love sharing music with the disabled and elderly,” Brian says, reinforcing his deep connection with the community through music.
One of his most memorable moments on air was an interaction with two nurses from Townsville Hospital. After playing "Pray for Me," Brian received a heartfelt request from their father to play the song during the nurses' break, making a profound connection through music.
“We also had a couple in Italy tuning in,” he fondly recalls, a testament to the station’s wide-reaching impact.
Brian’s preparation for a live show is a thoughtful process, meticulously selecting Australian songs to share. His advice for aspiring radio hosts?
“If you want to do something for the public and you like music, do it. You might make somebody’s day with a song.”
Engaging his audience is Brian’s speciality. “I encourage people to ring in, pick a song, or just say hello. I’d love to hear from people,” he adds, always closing his show with a warm message: “God bless you all.”

‍

At just 16 years old, Beau Easton of the Burdekin has made waves in the international bull riding community by securing third place at the World Bull Riding Championship in the United States.

However, despite his impressive accomplishment, the young cowboy remains as humble as ever, according to his mother, Jolene Easton.

“Beau doesn’t like the attention,” Jolene shared. “He’s a man of few words, so if you asked him how it feels, he’d probably just say it was alright.”

While Beau may be modest, his achievement is nothing short of remarkable. Competing in a foreign country for the first time, against unfamiliar bulls and surrounded by new faces, he remained focused and determined. The Easton family, unable to accompany Beau on his overseas journey, watched from home with bated breath.

“He went over with friends, and it was a very new experience for him,” Jolene explained.

“The atmosphere in America was something we’ve never experienced before, but Beau just focused on what he had to do. He listens to music to keep his nerves in check and stays in that mindset – you can’t interrupt him when he’s like that!”

For Beau, bull riding is more than a competitive sport; it’s a lifelong passion that began when he could barely walk. Growing up in rural North Queensland, he’s been around livestock his entire life. His father was a bull rider before him, and Beau naturally followed in his father’s footsteps.

From a young age, he’s displayed a unique style of riding, one that hasn’t been altered even by his time in America.

“He’s got his own way of doing things,” Jolene said.

“Beau rides square on and has a neat, distinctive style. It’s a pleasure to watch him ride.”

Though Beau faced many challenges in America – from unfamiliar stock to competing on foreign soil – he took it all in stride. According to Jolene, Beau is happiest when he’s on the back of a bull, no matter the circumstances.

“He came home after the competition and rode another ten bulls just for the sake of it,” Jolene laughed.

“He’s always been like that – riding bulls is something he loves, and that’s what drives him.”

Back home, Beau’s success has sparked pride across the local bull riding community. Family, friends, and fans have all rallied around him to celebrate his achievement.

“Our hearts were bursting with pride when we watched him compete from home,” Jolene said.

“Everyone wants to shake his hand and congratulate him. He’s been an inspiration to so many kids, and he always takes the time to help them or answer their questions.”

Looking ahead, Beau has no plans to slow down. With more competitions on the horizon, including one in Clermont next month, he’s already setting his sights on next year’s world competition.

“He doesn’t do it for the recognition; he does it for the love of the sport,” Jolene said.

“We’re really proud of him, and we’re just excited to see what he does next.”

For Beau Easton, the journey to the top of the bull riding world has only just begun.

‍

16 years old, Beau Easton secures third place at the World Bull Riding Championship in the United States. Photo sourced: Facebook

‍

Hi Everyone,

I thought I’d jump on here this issue to say a big thank you to all of you for supporting this newspaper for a full year!

Yep, this issue officially clocks-up our first trip around the sun and we wouldn’t be here without all of you.

What started with a phone call from local resident Neil Williams asking us to bring back a local community to the Burdekin has resulted in such a meaningful connection with all of you.

The support of both loyal readers and local businesses mean we can produce this newspaper for you every week.

Right from the beginning we have really wanted you to feel a sense of ownership and pride for this newspaper, we simply produce it for you, but you are the people that send in your stories, invite us to events and make this newspaper part of the fabric of the community.

We would like to sincerely thank you for being so welcoming to our journalists Sam and now Miah, and also to the rest of our team that you’ve encountered along the way – from the friendly face that books your ads to the distributors that drop your paper around town.

It is an absolute honour bringing you this newspaper and the warm reception we receive each week makes all our dedicated efforts worthwhile.

A few months ago, we received a call from the Mayor of the Hinchinbrook because he had seen a copy of Burdekin Life Newspaper – he was calling to ask us to bring a local newspaper back to his region too.

As I’m sure you can imagine, starting a new newspaper is a big job, but when we arrived in Ingham we felt the resounding heartbeat of the local community again – the community in fact reminded us a lot of the Burdekin and so we felt called to go ahead.

By the end of November, we will be welcoming Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper to Life Publishing Group family and, the communities of Ingham, Cardwell and Rollingstone will have a dedicated local paper back.

This all started because of you, so thank you all very much.

Rach

‍

I would like to share my good news experience that happened to me.
My name is Valarie Edwards, and I am 96. In November I will be 97.
I have asked Rita Quagliata from BCA to help me to share my story for me.

I wanted to share this because it is worth mentioning and for people in our community to know, that help is out there when or if you need it.

I had just come out of hospital, and was home only a few days, when I started feeling sick again. But I ignored it. I thought nothing of it.

My support workers from BCA came to shower me.

Immediately they noticed that I wasn’t my bubbly self and that I didn’t look well.

My support workers were very concerned, that they couldn’t move onto their next client because they were too worried for me.

They decided to call the ambulance.

When I was back in the hospital, my doctors carried out more tests.

As a result of those tests, they discovered I had a rare and nasty infection.

I was hospitalised and, on a drip, and required antibiotics 3 times a day for 10 days.

My girls, my two angels (yes, I call them my angels) they saved my life.

If they didn’t call the ambulance, who knows what would have happened to me.

I want to thank Burdekin Community Association for their wonderful service.

I wanted to let people in our community know, that help is always out there.

I would like to thank everyone, the BCA, my angels from BCA, the hospital, and the doctors for taking good care of me and bringing me back to my usual bubbly self.

I want this message to go out across to the community, because of the care, love and concern I received from some wonderful people. 

‍

Grassroots netball in the Burdekin has received a massive boost with the announcement of $3.5 million in funding from the LNP, a lifeline for the Burdekin Netball Association as it continues to grow the sport and support its local players.
The funding will enable the association to install new courts, upgrade the lighting, and construct a new clubhouse and seating, addressing safety issues that have plagued the facility in recent years. The improvements are critical to ensuring the sport’s future in the region.
"It means everything to our club,” a representative from the Home Hill Netball Association shared. “Without this, we wouldn’t have been able to run next season; we would have had to fold because our courts are unsafe. We just need to look after our members so we can grow.”
Dale Last, Member for Burdekin and LNP representative, praised the association’s efforts to secure the necessary funds after years of hard work and determination.
“Netball is one of the most popular sports in the Burdekin, and the Burdekin Netball Association has been endeavouring to secure the necessary funds to upgrade their facility for several years, doing everything they can,” Last said.
“Full credit to them, they went to a lot of trouble preparing their business case, conducting their research, and it’s a real feather in their cap that they’ve managed to pull together a proposal that we were more than happy to support.”
Mr Last emphasised that these infrastructure upgrades are part of the LNP’s broader commitment to supporting communities and providing the services Queenslanders deserve.
“The Burdekin Netball Association has a plan to ensure the health and mental health benefits of netball are available to people in the Burdekin for the next 50 years, and that’s a plan the LNP is proud to support,” he said.
With these new funds, netball in the Burdekin is set to thrive, ensuring a bright future for players across the region.

All Smiles at the Home Hill Netball Association. Photo Credit: Miah Lampard

‍

National Police Remembrance Day, held every September, is a heartfelt occasion to honour the courageous Police Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This year, ceremonies will be held throughout Queensland and across the nation, reflecting our deep respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

On Friday, 27th September 2024, the National Police Remembrance Day Service will take place at 10:00 am at the Burdekin Community Church in Ayr.

During this solemn gathering, facilitators will read the Roll of Honour, a tribute to the Officers lost. It’s a meaningful moment for our community to remember and recognise their bravery.

Guests will have the chance to lay flowers and wreaths as symbols of gratitude and remembrance. There will also be a collection to support Police Legacy, an organisation dedicated to helping the families of fallen Officers, ensuring they are never forgotten.

After the service, everyone is invited to gather in the Church Hall for light refreshments. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect and foster a sense of community among Police Officers, their families, and the public.

As we approach this day, the Queensland Police Service encourages everyone to participate and reflect on the sacrifices made by our local heroes. National Police Remembrance Day is a powerful reminder of the vital role police play in our lives and the deep gratitude we owe them.

WHAT: Police Remembrance Day
WHERE: Burdekin Community Church in Ayr
WHEN: Friday, 27th September at 10am

‍

Burdekin Shire Council invites all community members to come and celebrate a whopping 30 Years of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council on Saturday 12 October from 3:00 pm.
Reflecting on the last three decades, the Burdekin Shire Youth Council has played a pivotal role in providing a voice for young people from all high schools and townships in the Burdekin, and often guide Council’s decision making around matters related to youth.
The Burdekin Shire Youth Council was founded in 1994 under the leadership of then-Mayor Beth Honeycombe and has continued to thrive under the guidance of Council’s Community Development department.
Over the years, the Youth Council has played a pivotal role in a range of community initiatives, including the development of the Anzac Park Skate Park, the establishment of Burdekin PCYC, and the Burdekin Aquatic Centre.
The Youth Council has also been behind a series of successful events such as the Mayor's Disco, Battle of the Bands, and most recently, the highly popular Fast Track Talent Showcase.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said this has been the longest consecutive running Youth Council in North Queensland.
“For 30 years, the Burdekin Shire Youth Council has been empowering our young people to contribute meaningfully to our community,” Mayor Dalle Cort stated.
“This celebration is a chance to recognise the contributions of Burdekin’s youth and to look forward to the continued success of the Burdekin Shire Youth Council.”
Light refreshments will be provided at the event, for catering purposes please secure your free tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/CVHUD .
Following these formal celebrations, guests are invited to join the Connect & Celebrate wellbeing event in the Theatre forecourt from 4:00pm.

‍

What: 30 year Burdekin Youth Council Celebration
When: Saturday 12th October, 3pm onwards
Where: Burdekin Theatre Forecourt, Queen Street, Ayr

‍

Burdekin Youth Council Is Getting Ready to Celebrate 30 years!

‍

Selectability has officially opened a dedicated mental health facility, a space that aims to provide essential services for mental health and suicide prevention. The inspiration behind this much-needed facility stemmed directly from the community.

“Before Selectability moves into an area, we conduct a survey. In this case, 93% of respondents said they needed a dedicated facility to support mental health and suicide prevention,” said Bryn Hicks, Regional Coordinator.

The facility offers a variety of services, ranging from NDIS support to group programs and Clubhouse memberships. What sets this centre apart is its open-door policy—no referral is necessary, everyone is welcome.

While it’s not a crisis service, the team is always prepared to refer individuals to the appropriate groups. Their services extend beyond typical offerings, as the centre also provides transport for participants and serves as a multi-use space for organisations and community groups.

Training and development are a priority for the staff.

"We provide ongoing training, practice supervision, and mentorship to ensure our team is well-equipped to handle a wide range of mental health issues," Hicks explained.

This is part of Selectability’s commitment to supporting the community with experienced and empathetic staff.

To tackle mental health stigma, simply being present in the community is a huge step.

“Just having a facility like this shows people that mental health is something we can talk about. It’s out in the open, and that visibility helps to break down barriers,” he added.

Accessibility is also central to their mission. Selectability embraces diversity within its workforce and in its policies, ensuring inclusivity for First Nations people, the LGBTQIA+ community, and linguistically diverse groups.

There’s also a special focus on the elderly, who, as Hicks highlighted, suffer from some of the highest rates of suicidality due to loneliness.

Ultimately, the goal is to spark conversations around mental health in the community.

“Having these conversations makes people feel safe,” emphasised Hicks.

When people visit the facility, they can expect a warm welcome, a cup of tea or coffee, and someone to help them navigate their challenges.

For those interested in accessing services or joining community-led groups, the facility is ready to assist, providing a supportive space for all.

‍

The anticipation and excitement surrounding the 2024 Queensland Country Bank Home Hill Harvest Festival has reached new heights with the recent announcement of the celebration’s seven impressive 2024 Queens.

Being a Harvest festival Queen stands as a prestigious role and an incredible opportunity for each of the young women to engage with the heart of their community in a deeply meaningful way. The 2024 Queens will make their official debut on Sunday 29 September at the Harvest Festival Launch and Ephemera event set to be held at the Lloyd Mann Gardens in Home Hill. With many of the young ladies having already begun their fundraising for their respective organisations, the Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee is beyond excited to kick off the 2024 celebrations in style next weekend and provide the region with the unique opportunity to meet each of the Queens in a wonderful community setting.

MEET THE HOME HILL HARVEST FESTIVAL QUEENS

Martina Bojack – Home Hill Community Sports Club
Martina Bojack, 18, is proudly representing the Home Hill Community Sports Club. Currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at James Cook University in Townsville. With a focus on Accounting and Financial Advising, Martina skilfully juggles her academic commitments with a part-time role at Cormack and Company Accountants in Ayr. Martina is excited to be a participant in this year’s Harvest Festival Queen program, viewing it as a fantastic opportunity to engage with her community and form meaningful connections with her fellow contestants. When she’s not studying, she enjoys catching up on the latest NRL matches.

Sophie Brosnan – Get Fit Home Hill
Representing Get Fit Home Hill with pride is Sophie Brosnan, 27. Originally from Germany, Sophie settled in the Burdekin at 22 after arriving as a backpacker and meeting her husband, Clinton. Now fully immersed in the community, she balances her time as a student nurse and fitness enthusiast. By the end 2024, she will become a registered nurse and plans to dedicate her career to caring for others at Regis Home Hill and local hospitals. Known for her love of animals and participation in bodybuilding competitions, Sophie’s passion for health and wellness shines through in everything she does. Around town, she's affectionately called “the girl with the dog,” often seen with her loyal companion, Oreo, by her side during her shifts at the aged care home.

Harmony Fletcher – Home Hill Rotary Club
Harmony Fletcher, 18, is proudly representing the Home Hill Rotary Club, an organisation she deeply admires for its commitment to generosity and kindness. A recent Home Hill High School graduate, Harmony now works full-time in the bakery department at IGA. Through this year’s festival, she looks forward to connecting with her fellow entrants and engaging more with the community. When she’s not at work, Harmony enjoys staying active at the gym or relaxing at home with her cherished dog, Hazel.

Tegan Johnson – Burdekin Rugby League Club
Proudly representing the Burdekin Rugby League Club is Tegan Johnson, 28.  A lifelong Burdekin resident, Tegan runs a thriving fashion hire business, catering to both local and interstate clients. Two years ago, she embraced rugby league, joining the Hens team, and has loved every moment on the field since. Her entrepreneurial drive and passion for fashion are equally matched by her dedication to fitness, soccer, and community involvement. Tegan is excited to represent Burdekin Rugby League in this year’s Harvest Festival and looks forward to celebrating with her community.

Danelle Laubscher – Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club
Danelle Laubscher, 18, is honoured to represent the Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club. Originally from South Africa, Danelle has made the Burdekin her home since 2022. Now in Year 12 at Burdekin Christian College, she’s eager to become more involved in the community and make new connections. As she continues to explore the Burdekin, her appreciation for the region has only grown. Danelle is excited to represent the Lions Club in this year’s festival and looks forward to making the most of this memorable experience.

Marnie Skipper – Home Hill Community Kindergarten
At 19, Marnie Skipper is proudly representing the Home Hill Community Kindergarten, where she now works after earning her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Currently pursuing her diploma, Marnie balances her time between two additional roles as an assistant educator and a dance teacher. Her lifelong passion for working with children, influenced by her years of dancing and teaching, makes her an ideal fit for this role. Having attended the kindergarten herself, Marnie is thrilled to give back and raise funds for a service that holds a special place in her heart.

Madison Mainwaring-Samwell – Burdekin Netball Association
Madison Mainwaring-Samwell, 20, is proudly representing the Burdekin Netball Association. A long-time member, Madison has contributed to the club in various roles, from player and umpire to coach, and now serves as the Social Media Officer. Her dedication to the organisation is unwavering, and she is excited to raise funds for the club that played a significant role in her upbringing. Madison looks forward to forming new connections with her fellow queens and the wider community as she takes part in this year’s festival.

‍

Marnie Skipper, Danelle Laubscher, Sophie Brosnan, Harmony Fletcher, Martina Bojack, Madison Mainwaring-Samwell, and Tegan Johnson.

‍