The Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr have acknowledged the recent announcement of a national award for Bendigo Bank.It is official that Bendigo Bank home loan customers are the most satisfied in Australia, a survey of more than 45,000 Australians across the nation’s 10 largest banks has found.New findings released by Roy Morgan show Bendigo Bank had the highest home loan customer satisfaction rate in the six months to December last year, sitting at 87.7%.In the announcement, Roy Morgan credited the achievement to the Bank’s “strong focus on customer service.”Chief Customer Officer for Consumer Banking at Bendigo Bank, Taso Corolis, said the result was a credit to the hard work Bendigo Bank team members put in every day to deliver great outcomes for customers.“Whether you are buying your first home or purchasing an investment property or perhaps refinancing, quality products and personalised service matters. That’s why we are so pleased to be recognised as having the most satisfied home loan customers,” Mr Corolis said.Mr Corolis said the result is particularly heartening at a time when overall customer satisfaction among Australia’s top banks had declined 0.6% from the same time the previous year, according to the data that analysed the six month period to December 2024.In addition to having Australia’s most satisfied home loan customers, Bendigo Bank is also Australia’s most trusted bank, and is consistently voted one of the top 20 most trusted brands nationwide.“Our staff are very excited with this announcement as our focus has always been about the customer experience,” says Senior Branch Manager Chantel Michielin.“We thrive on building a relationship with customers as the purchase of a new home can be very stressful time,” says Chantel.Home Loan Specialist for Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr, Jade Bywaters, says you should feel good about who you bank with.“Delivering what local customers want, in the way that they want it, has helped us gain the trust of customers,” says Jade.

Appreciating the finer details in each and every day has been made simple by Visit Burdekin’s exquisite Burdekin Art Trail visual map available at www.visitburdekin.com.au!

The map outlines the plethora of artistic gems displayed around Giru, Brandon, Home Hill, Groper Creek and Ayr to help locals and visitors alike spot and learn more about the region’s beautiful street art collection.

With 30 gorgeous installations to appreciate, exploring the entire list may just be the perfect way to spend your weekend!

Beginning in Giru, there are two works to spot, one titled “Crocodile Fishing” on the corner of Drysdale and Brookes Street, and a steel sculpture known as “The One That Didn’t Get Away” located in Brolga Park on Carey Street.

As you drive into Brandon, keep your eyes peeled for both Memorial Park’s “First World War Soldier” and Spiller Street Park’s “Cat and Mouse” installations to appreciate a mix of playful fun and 1924 history.

Travelling along to Ayr there’s plenty to see including the “Ayr Nature Display” at 119 Wilmington Street. However, one piece which has recently attracted almost 900 interactions online sits at 202 Queen Street and was carefully painted by Jon Electros Avocado in 2021. “Green Tree Frog on Sunflower” depicts a joyful green tree frog holding an umbrella to symbolize the amphibian’s love for singing in the rain which is often heard across the region and beyond following a spot of rainfall.

Jon’s paintbrush touched the Burdekin region many times in 2021. Some of his works include “Liquid Gold” on MacMillan Street, “Goanna” on Edwards Street, “Brolga” at 178 Queen Street, and “Carpet Python” which can be seen on the side of Graham Street’s Salvation Army Store.

Continuing on through Ayr the infamous “S.S Yongala” can be seen at 83 Queen Street which can be closely related to the 1994 “Yongala Memorial” which can be seen as you enter the Burdekin Theatre foyer. The Burdekin Theatre and Burdekin Library are home many extraordinary sights including “Burdekin Dancers” (neighbouring the theatre), “The Painting of Life”, “Stained Glass Window”, “The Scotsman”, and of course the forecourt’s “Living Lagoon” which as glistened in the area since 1985.

Now it’s time to motor on down to Home Hill and enjoy the wide selection of sights installed along the Bruce Highway and into the community’s side streets. As soon as you conclude your journey along the mighty Burdekin Bridge, look to your left and appreciate the Burdekin Diorama’s “Hand Cane Cutter” which was carved from timber by Matty George in 2021.

Lloyd Mann Gardens impressively features the work of Home Hill’s own Uli Liessmann. Visitors can spot four of his remarkable sculptures installed periodically from 2017 through to 2023, titled “The Point Is…”, “Gateway to Home Hill”, “That Is The Question” and “Open To New Ideas”.

The Home Hill Backpackers’ “Party Time”, Eighth Avenue’s “Home Grown”, “The Country Sunset”, “Burdekin Snow” and “Sweet Days Hot Nights”, Sixth Avenue’s outstanding “Canecutters Memorial” and “Wallaby & The Sugarcane Man” on the corner of Seventh Street and the Burce Highway also deserve plenty of love on your artful journey.

Finally, pop on over to Groper Creek to appreciate Jon’s work once again on the wall of Groper Creek’s Public Toilet Block titled “Groper Creek” which pictures a colourful Rainbow Lorikeet as well as the area’s iconic phone booth.

With a world of art to see across the Burdekin region, Visit Burdekin invites the community to set aside a couple of hours to truly explore and appreciate the area’s evolving range of splendid street art!

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The Burdekin Theatre's "Living Lagoon" was installed by Stephen Walker in 1985 (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)
Jon Electros Avocado's "Home Grown" was painted on the wall of 126 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill in 2019 (Photo Source: Visit Burdekin)

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Just six weeks after floodwaters devastated the Burdekin and surrounding regions, local businesses are bouncing back, with 95% of small and family businesses now reopened.

The floods, which forced nearly half of all businesses in North and Far North Queensland to close at various stages, left a lasting impact on communities. However, the resilience of business owners, combined with ongoing government support, has ensured a strong recovery.

Queenslanders are now being encouraged to shop locally and visit flood-affected areas to help boost the economy and support businesses that have worked tirelessly to reopen.
To assist with the recovery, the State and Federal Governments have doubled grant assistance from $25,000 to $50,000, helping businesses repair damage and replace essential equipment. An additional $3.1 million has also been allocated to the Too Great to Wait marketing campaign, which aims to attract visitors back to the region and showcase the Burdekin’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, said the focus remains on ensuring businesses receive the support they need.

“We promised no daylight between response and recovery, and it’s pleasing to see a significant amount of work has already been undertaken to get many small and family businesses back on their feet,” Minister Minnikin said.

“We’ve received 169 grant applications across small business, primary industry and not-for-profit sector and I want to see that number increase as businesses understand the full extent of the damage they’ve received.”

Alongside financial aid, mental health support services have also been made available, ensuring business owners and their employees have access to counselling and wellbeing resources.

With the Burdekin region open for business again, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to spend in the community, helping businesses continue their recovery and build resilience for the future.

For more information on available grants and support services, visit qld.gov.au.

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Plantation Park flooded during February's downfall, disconnecting the Burdekin township (Photo Credit: Burdekin Drones)

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Currently perusing a Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University, Saelym White was celebrated as Home Hill High School’s 2024 Valedictorian earlier this year following on from her graduation held in last November.

Saelym’s schooling journey was nothing short of successful, a triumph she achieved through flexibility and adaptability, especially in times when life would disrupt regularly scheduled routines.

“When I started Year 12, I had this idea that I would stay on top of everything and get things done when they were given to me, but realistically, life happened, and sometimes I just needed a day to breathe,” shared Saelym.

“You need to let a routine find you, because, at least for me, I found that it was easier to do the work when I wasn’t focused on it than if I was sticking to a schedule.”

Along with completing Year 12 at the top of her graduating class, Saelym was the recipient of many prestigious awards and titles across her schooling career. Saelym was Home Hill High School’s School Captain (2024) and Junior Secondary School Captain (2021) and was presented with a plethora of awards including the Zonta Girls Science Encouragement Award (2022), Dale Cooper Memorial Bursary (2021), P&C Award (2024), Under 17 Age Champion Award (2024), and Bendigo Bank Accounting Award (2024).

Prior to beginning her final year of secondary schooling, Saelym integrated learning techniques taught to her by her teachers to gain an understanding of what was to come and fundamentally set herself up for success.

“It’s not even the schoolwork that changes in Year 12, it’s your mindset,” explained Saelym.

“Suddenly you start to see things more seriously, and suddenly the same assessment structure from Year 11 looks like ancient hieroglyphs!”

“If I could give any advice to students in Year 10, 11 and 12, it would be to enjoy your time at school – enjoy the friends you make and the opportunities you’re given,” Saelym shared.

“I know it’s easy to fall into the mindset that your best has to be “the” best, but please remember that everyone is on a different path, and you are the only one who can decide where your path leads.”

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Saelym White was presented with her Valedictorian Award earlier this year (Photo Supplied).

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And the rain continues for North Queensland, reminds me of wet seasons of old. I used to work on South Molle Island in the Whitsundays as a Guest Liaison Officer and it was sometimes hard to find activities to keep people occupied when it rained seven days and nights out of their seven day stay.

It was a pleasure to attend a BBQ at Council to say thank you to some of the wonderful volunteers who assisted with the rain event just recently. I admire those who help the community for no financial reward, so if you see the SES Orange around please offer your thanks.

Home Hill Choral Society wrapped up their first show for 2025. The Irish songs, jokes and lovely supper gave those who came something to remember. If you want to come along, have a sing and a laugh give Erin Brennan a ring on 0428 822 091.

Speaking of singing, Fast Track was on over the weekend and gave the audience a real treat. There were two heats with finals on Saturday night. I’ve got to say it was the best one yet. The quality of talent was very high and special guest Hugh Sheridan really exhibited what a “showman” is all about – thanks to Burdekin Motors for helping bring him to the Burdekin. Gabe Hatherall was runner up overall and really exhibited a developing unique voice.

Adam Harvey is coming up this Friday at the Burdekin Theatre so be quick to get your tickets. Friends of the Theatre held their AGM on Monday night with a new team for 2025/2026. If you like volunteering and enjoy theatre, ‘Friends’ may be what you’re looking for, just ask at the theatre next time your there.

Celebrations continue Saturday night with the Clare School’s 75th anniversary dinner. Jump on-line to see what other activities they are holding Friday/Saturday, hopefully we get a break in the weather. Congrats to the hard-working team who have brought all the activities to fruition.

Budget workshops continue to develop a responsible budget for the Burdekin. Speak to any councillor and I’m sure they’ll tell you it’s a thorough process, looking at all areas of Council line by line, developing services for the Burdekin but keeping cost of living in mind.

It is with great sadness I offer my condolences to Alison Oar and family on the shock passing of Ramon, a truly beautiful man who helped and befriended many Burdekin people. As one man told me, if you wanted your son to model themself on someone, it would be Ramon.

Sincerely yours, Councillor John

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CANEGROWERS welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to Feeding Australia, a national food security strategy that aligns with the long-standing calls from Australian farmers to strengthen our agricultural supply chains.

However, the sugarcane industry urges the Government to go beyond studies and deliver a clear national feedstock strategy – led by both the Queensland and Australian Governments – to unlock the potential of biofuels and position Australia as a leader in sustainable energy.

“The Government’s recognition of the need to examine a biofuels feedstock industry is a step in the right direction, but we need action, not just another study,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

Speaking today from Bioenergy Australia’s Renewable Fuels Week in Sydney, Mr Galligan highlighted the crucial role of the sugarcane industry in Australia’s transition to low-carbon liquid fuels.

“Sugarcane is a proven, sustainable feedstock with the potential to power Australia’s biofuels industry - supporting emissions reduction, fuel security, and regional job creation,” he said.

A report released this week by Bioenergy Australia revealed that 80% of Australia’s liquid fuel is imported, exposing the country to energy security risks.

With the right policies, Australia could produce up to 546 million litres of biofuels annually, reducing our reliance on overseas supply.

“Governments need to commit to a national feedstock strategy that provides the policy certainty and investment signals to drive domestic biofuels production,” Mr Galligan said.

“The sugarcane industry is ready to be part of the solution. Now we need leadership from government to turn potential into reality.”

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QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello has been on the ground assisting local farmers in the wake of recent flooding, with erosion emerging as a key concern. Cane grower Frank Scarabel is among those affected, with floodwaters stripping his irrigation system at Healey’s Lagoon in Giru down to bare earth. Restoring the site will require re-bedding with rock, a challenge many farmers across the Haughton district are now facing.

In addition to flood recovery efforts, Angelo met with Nicole Carrigan from Nutrien Ag Solutions to review the recently developed Nutrient Management Plan for the P&K Farm. The discussion focused on how best to communicate nutrient management options to Burdekin growers, ensuring they have the tools needed to optimise productivity and sustainability.

Farmers needing assistance with flood-related damage or nutrient planning are encouraged to reach out to Angelo at 0437 401 837.

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QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello and Nicole Carrigan from Nutrien Ag Solutions discuss nutrient management strategies for Burdekin growers, ensuring sustainable and productive farming practices. Photos supplied

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello and cane farmer Frank Scarabel inspect flood damage to Frank’s irrigation system at Healey’s Lagoon, where recent floodwaters have washed the area bare, requiring re-bedding with rock

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Queensland’s peak agriculture body— the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its members Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG), and Canegrowers—are calling on the Queensland and Australian Governments to take a long-term approach to support the agriculture sector.

With two significant weather events already hitting Queensland this year and a possible third on its way, climate resilience, preparedness and response are front and centre with Queensland’s farmers who are once again facing devastating losses, including damage to crops, infrastructure, and essential farm resources.

As the sector works to recover, industry leaders are urging the government to review and enhance long-term disaster recovery measures to ensure farm businesses can rebuild quickly and build resilience against future events.

QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said urgent changes to disaster recovery support frameworks are needed to enable farms to build their capacity to prepare for natural disasters and also to return to full operation after an event with minimal disruption.

“Queensland is Australia’s most disaster-prone state and extreme weather events are unfortunately no stranger to our farmers and regional communities. Farmers have done an incredible job in proactively building their resilience and managing risk, but they need targeted, long-term support to recover quickly and prepare for future events. We need to ensure preparedness and response frameworks reflect the realities of modern farming and the weather risks that challenge the agriculture sector,” Ms Sheppard said.

“The cost of recovery is rising, and disaster funding needs to keep pace. We have seen some really positive announcements and reforms from the Queensland and Federal government which have been sincerely welcomed by industry, however further measures are needed so that we can be more effective in the way in which we support Queensland farmers to recover and prepare for future weather events.

“We need a long-term approach and must move away from the start / stop way in which we deal with disasters. QFF and our peak body members have been advocating for many years for the establishment of a ‘spine of resources’ established across the state, skilled resilience and response professionals who are in place all year round to work with farmers in preparing for and managing risks on their farms and to a team that are already in place and ready to respond whenever a weather event takes place. The opportunity to partner with industry to make this happen is there, so let’s keep the momentum going and address the remaining issues that need reform.”

Canegrowers CEO Dan Galligan said the State and Federal governments’ announcement earlier this month to increase disaster recovery funding for primary producers to $75,000 was a step in the right direction.

“We are grateful for both the Federal and Queensland governments’ recognition of the scale of the challenge faced by farmers when it comes to recovery efforts following a natural disaster,” Mr Galligan said.

“This increase reflects the increasing costs of recovery for growers who have been hit hard by recent flooding and will take years to bounce back. This month’s weather events have particularly impacted sugarcane growers at Rocky Point who have had their cane paddocks inundated and who are now playing the waiting game while they wait for flood waters to recede.

“We also welcome recent updates to disaster funding regulations, which formalise new rules allowing growers to use recovery grants for replanting lost crops – a long-standing gap in Queensland’s disaster recovery framework.

“Both of these are crucial steps forward, however there is still a need for a longer-term approach to disaster and recovery funding, with further on-the-ground resources needed.

“For the sugarcane industry, this includes updating the definition of a primary producer to reflect modern farm structures, including those with off-farm income, indexing grants to match rising recovery costs, improving workforce support to help businesses retain staff during recovery periods and establishing a dedicated pool of rural recovery officers embedded within industry groups to expedite recovery efforts.”

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) CEO Rachel Chambers has called for urgent improvements in disaster response and recovery for the horticulture sector following recent extreme weather events.

“Horticulture faces a variety of challenges in disasters—damage impacts can differ widely due to factors such as farm infrastructure, crop types, and workforce structures. The impact on operations can also depend on the size and scale of the business, and in many cases, assessing crop impact particularly in the case of tree crops, can take months or even years,” Ms Chambers said.

“Given that availability of food has once again shown to be at risk in these events, QFVG is calling on behalf of the entire horticultural supply chain for a more resilient transport network along with urging policymakers to ensure that support for growers is timely and fit for purpose.”

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray stressed the need for improved risk management strategies for farmers.

“We need to introduce preparedness grant funding for all natural disasters, similar to existing drought assistance, and remove the 9 per cent stamp duty on crop and parametric insurance to encourage independent risk management,” Mr Murray said.

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Photo supplied

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Last weekend, we had the privilege of hosting a BBQ to thank the incredible volunteers who stepped up during the recent flood event. It was fantastic to see over 50 people come together to recognise the tireless efforts of those who worked around the clock to support our community. We were also joined by our local representatives, Dale Last MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, who showed their support for the Burdekin and the dedicated individuals who make a real difference in times of need.Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and I can’t stress enough how important they are. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, I encourage you to check out local groups and see where you can lend a hand. You’ll not only be giving back but also meeting wonderful people and learning skills you never knew you had.This Saturday, I’m looking forward to supporting NQ FastTrack Talent Showcase, a fantastic event that gives our young local performers a chance to shine. Showcasing youth talent is so important, and I can’t wait to see the next generation of stars take the stage.Meanwhile, our Councillors are deep in budget discussions, ensuring we continue investing in the Burdekin’s future. It’s a busy time, but one that’s crucial for delivering the services and infrastructure our community relies on.Have a great week, and as always, thank you to everyone who helps make the Burdekin such a wonderful place to live.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.

Hi everyone!

I’m excited to introduce myself as I take on the journalist role for Burdekin in the interim. I’ll be in the region multiple times each week, so I’m looking forward to getting to know the community!

I’ve been with Life Publishing Group and Whitsunday Life Newspaper for nearly a year now. While Whitsunday Life has been my main focus, I’ve worked across all our newspapers behind the scenes. Before moving to Australia, I worked in Sky News’ political department in the UK, and during my time in Sydney, I pursued freelance journalism.

Passionate about the environment, I even launched the Ruth 2 Reef feature in Whitsunday Life, covering environmental stories in the Whitsundays. If you have any environmental news you’d love to share, I’d be thrilled to hear from you!

I can’t wait to dive into your beautiful region, both figuratively and literally, as I’m also a keen scuba diver! Knowing that your region boasts one of the world’s best dive sites is especially exciting.

If you see me out and about, please feel free to say hello! I always have time for a chat.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

Happy Reading!

Ruth

"Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction." - Germany Kent.

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Bob: “Well I reckon what they should be doing here is some sort of festival that includes the children and teenage kids that gives them something to do and look forward to. In the modern age it could maybe be something like them four-wheelers where they could ride around the Showgrounds on their quad bikes. It’d be better than just hanging around on their phones doing nothing. When we were growing up we made our fun. Kids today don’t seem to be able to do that but that’s because there’s more restrictions on children today than when I was growing up.”

Rachael: “Probably a music festival like they do in Mareeba in the Cairns hinterland with the big one they have up there called Savannah in the Round. It’s a big music festival over a long weekend. They have lots of bands where they get some big names like Lee Kernaghan, and then there’s a lot of local bands from the Cape, too. They could also get kids from schools and have a battle of the bands perform as well. They could do it over a long weekend. They could put it at the Showgrounds as that’s the most likely place because it’s got a big area for stages and things like that.”

Frank: “I’m from Bowen so I don’t really know what works up here but I love nothing more than the international food festivals. The town could do well out of it. They could get food from all over such as Indian, Chinese, Greek, Middle Eastern, Italian, Latin American, Australian, Korean etc. Just make it affordable so that everybody can go and sample a bit of everything. You could even include wine tasting, boutique beers and microbreweries, and so forth. They could even have music to match the different regions like Indian or Greek music. They could host it near the water where it’s peaceful and people can go and sit in the shade and do their own thing.”

Jo: “An Arts & Crafts festival would be good, anything art really. Painting, craft paints, needlework, macrame, you name it. I think they might do something like that at Memorial Hall, though I haven’t been to one yet. I’m also into classic cars but that’s another thing and they often put on their own shows. The cars could drive up and down the street before they stop somewhere in a park so people can see them and take photos.”

Sid: “A songwriters festival! Because I used to write songs where I’ve got about 90 odd at the moment, though nothing ever published, it’s always been a thrill for me. So I wound’t mind a songwriters festival or competition. It doesn’t have to be a band or a music festival just songwriters who write the songs with chords and a tune. Normally you produce a CD with your song on it but it doesn’t have to be professionally done as long as it’s a songwriter writing. So yeah, a songwriting festival for songwriters that doesn’t necessarily have to be a competition.”

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Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Bob Ness reckons a festival for kids would be a great idea.
Rachael Bass and daughter, Mia, like the idea of a music festival in town.
Frank Lowe loves international food festivals and thinks the town could do well out of it.
Jo Bazeley thinks an arts & crafts or classic cars festival would be nice.
Sid Ruskin would welcome a songwriters festival.

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The Neighbourhood Centre aims to foster a welcoming and supportive environment where community members feel encouraged to engage in open discussions about everyday life. This often includes navigating complex conversations and sharing meaningful experiences to gain valuable insights. These interactions not only enhance our connections but also promote a deep sense of belonging and mutual support within the community.

Two weeks ago, we provided opportunities for locals to present to other locals in two extremely powerful sessions regarding incredibly important subjects that affect our broader community in one way or another.

Our first session was presented by Amie at Burdekin Funerals regarding all the different funeral options available to residents and how we can financially, logistically and emotionally prepare for planning this event with dignity and respect.

Our second session was presented by Kim and Marieanne from the CBA Ayr Branch regarding Staying Safe Online and was directly linking in with scams, fraud, how to identify, report and set yourself up to ensure that you are staying safe online.

After these sessions, a variety of questions emerged from the discussions, opening the conversations for further exploration and dialogue.

We greatly value the insights and experiences of all our community members. If you have a passion for sharing knowledge, or if you have expertise in a particular area that you believe could assist or increase awareness within our community, we urge you to reach out to the team at the Centre. Let’s see what we can do by working together!

Until Next Time
The Team at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held its Annual 2-Day Shoot on Saturday and Sunday, 8th and 9th March, attracting 75 shooters who competed under sweltering conditions. Despite the extreme heat, the event was a great success, thanks to the support of sponsors including B & M Drilling, QMN, John & Gina Calligaro, CVS Mechanical, Russo & Vella, AGnVet, Lui & Inez Populin, NQHF, Glen Rea & Kirknie Station, and Burdekin Air Conditioning & Electrical. Special thanks go to Lui Populin for the raffle prize donation and Ben Beazley & Michael Zabala for providing power.

Burdekin Clay Target Club Shoots To Win

The club’s efforts were greatly appreciated, with the grounds looking impeccable thanks to the hard work of members. Shooters came from all over, demonstrating widespread support for the event. The next competition, the 100 Target Double Barrel, will be held on Sunday, 13th April.

In the event results, the 25 Target Point Score saw Ray Collinson and Joseph Rossato topping AA Grade with perfect scores of 75/75, while Col Edgerton claimed the 30 Target Medley with 74/75 in the Open category. In the 25 Target Single Barrel, Joseph Rossato finished first in the Open with a flawless 38/38.

The Kirknie Station High Gun, sponsored by Glen Rea & Kirknie Station, saw Joe Caruso triumphing with a score of 297/305 in the Open category. Other notable winners included Sarah Sebastiani, who claimed the B Grade title with 275/305, and Aiden Sebastiani, who was the Junior winner with 277/305.

The club looks forward to its next event in April, continuing the tradition of friendly yet competitive shooting.

Contributed by The Burdekin Clay Target Club

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More than 30 people attended the first Burdekin Chamber of Commerce event of the year, held at the Kalamia Hotel in Ayr last Wednesday evening.

A new and enthusiastic committee has stepped forward to lead the Chamber, and Treasurer Kari Ravizza expressed optimism for the year ahead.

"Our aim is to increase the profile of all businesses," she explained. "Our meetings will be more like troubleshooting sessions where everyone can share knowledge and learn how we can all support each other."

The newly formed committee includes President Eusebio Aguirre, Vice President Frank Nucifora, Secretary Thomasina Papadimitriou, and Treasurer Kari Ravizza. Executive members are Jenny Papale, Rose Papadimitriou, Marissa Zanella, and Linda Butler.

The committee is already planning to maximise membership throughout the year and has introduced some innovative strategies. One of the fresh ideas is an Instagram campaign, where a local volunteer will interview business owners to share their stories. Another idea is the creation of a Chamber Catalogue to promote members, and the committee is in talks with the local newspaper to find the most efficient way to implement it.

Additionally, the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a positive and collaborative relationship with the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce.

“Home Hill Chamber of Commerce has been very gracious in allowing our members to attend their meetings, and we have done the same in return,” shared Kari. “This collaborative approach will benefit all businesses across the region.”

The next Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 8th April at the Kalamia Hotel, and future meetings will take place on the second Tuesday of each month.

WHAT: Burdekin Chamber of Commerce Meeting
WHERE: Kalamia Hotel
WHEN: Tuesday, 8th April

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Selecting the right high school for your child is one of the most important decisions a family will make. It is a choice that will influence not just academic success, but also personal development, friendships, and future opportunities. With so many factors to consider—curriculum, values, extracurricular opportunities, and overall school culture—it can be an overwhelming decision for parents and students alike.

In the Burdekin region, families are fortunate to have access to a Catholic high school that understands the significance of this choice. Burdekin Catholic High School (BCHS) has long been dedicated to providing a well-rounded and supportive Catholic education, and it offers two key opportunities for prospective students and their families to make an informed decision: the Taster Day and the Twilight Open Evening.

For Year 5 and 6 students in the Burdekin region, the BCHS Taster Day, 20th May is a unique opportunity to experience life as a high school student before making a final decision. This immersive day allows students to engage in real high school classes, interact with teachers, and get a feel for the school’s environment. By ‘being a BCHS student for a day,’ children gain confidence and insight into what their transition to high school could look like. For many, this experience helps remove uncertainty and replaces it with excitement about their future high school educational journey.

For families, the BCHS Twilight Open Evening, 26th May, is an invaluable event. This guided tour, led by current students, allows prospective families to see the school’s facilities, observe the dynamic learning environment, and speak directly with teachers about the curriculum and support services available. Principal, Lorraine Wolffe, said “whether families are considering BCHS for Year 7 entry or other year levels, this evening provides an open and welcoming space for questions and discussions, ensuring that parents can make a well-informed decision that aligns with their child’s needs and aspirations”.

What sets BCHS apart is its commitment to ensuring families feel supported and informed throughout the high school selection process. By offering these hands-on experiences, BCHS recognises that choosing a high school is about more than just academics—it is about finding a community where students will thrive. The school’s approach highlights its dedication to nurturing young people not only in their studies but also in their personal growth and development.

As families in the Burdekin region navigate the important task of selecting the right high school, BCHS stands as a shining example of how a school can partner with parents and students in making this crucial decision. By attending the Taster Day and Twilight Open Evening, families can gain the knowledge and confidence they need to choose a high school that will set their child up for success, both now and in the future.

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