Members of the NQ Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group (TOMG) took part in a recent workshop, focused on improving the quality of water flowing from the Burdekin catchments to the Great Barrier Reef.

Delivered by NQ Dry Tropics in partnership with Senior Scientist at C2O Consulting, Jane Waterhouse, the workshop provided an opportunity for group members to contribute their knowledge and priorities to the development of a new Burdekin Regional Water Quality Strategy, funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.

This workshop is the first step in an engagement process that will involve farmers, Traditional Owners, scientists, industry and government.

The Strategy will bring together regional goals, priorities and actions to improve reef water quality, and provide clear information to support investment and prioritise interventions to address land-based impacts, such as fine sediment, pesticides and dissolved inorganic nitrogen.

TOMG Chair and Gugu Badhun man, Richard Hoolihan, said the workshop provided an important opportunity to capture Indigenous perspectives on water systems.

He said group members wanted the Strategy to include actions that would translate into jobs on the ground for First Nations people.

“We would like to see the Strategy recommend building the capacity of Traditional Owner groups to deliver the kinds of activities that will improve water quality, such as water sampling, water testing and other fieldwork to inform these scientific processes," Richard said.

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Members of the NQ Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group (TOMG) gather at a workshop to contribute their insights to the Burdekin Regional Water Quality Strategy, aimed at improving water quality flowing from the Burdekin catchments to the Great Barrier Reef. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

The New Year has heralded an unwelcome change in global sugar price sentiment, initially prompted by the world market getting more comfortable that the first quarter supply of sugar was tight but manageable. This resulted in a gradual deterioration of the ICE #11 March 25 futures premium over the May contract.

The speculative money sensed the path of least resistance was down, so they had been getting increasingly aggressive with their short-selling strategies. This was being met with scale-down trade buying. Then the rumour – and now fact – that the Indian government is issuing export licences for 1 million tonnes of white sugar, broke the market to the downside.

India's choice to issue export licences at this time is puzzling. Wilmar has been revising down sugar estimates for the current harvest due to a poor growing season combined with an increase in crop disease, and an increase in ethanol production. This results in a low domestic stock position of what is an important base energy source for a large proportion of the population.

With this harvest approximately 50 per cent complete, production is running behind schedule, and the increased disease is resulting in poor cane quality. Indian domestic sugar prices have rallied and, at current levels, it appears there is no incentive for sugar to be exported. The notion that the government would subsidise exports is a possibility but there appears little incentive for that to occur.

The wrap-up of the 24 season for Brazil is all but done, with the final sugar production estimated to be just under 40mt. Rain in Brazil has been reasonable over the last couple of months so there is some alleviation from the dry growing season of 24.

The current forecast for Brazil's 25 crop is for a large 42.5m tonnes of sugar production. The increase is based largely on the assumption of a 52 per cent sugar to ethanol mix (24 season was 48 per cent).

So after a long period at the end of last year with minimal market news, the New Year has started with a flurry. How this plays out is yet to be determined. The structure of futures prices is relatively flat so the current consensus of the market is an each-way bet.

Fortunately, the AUD has weakened significantly over the past couple of months, which has dulled the impact of the falling futures market. However, at 62 cents, the AUD is at levels that historically have proven good buying, so it could be vulnerable to a rally on the back of USD weakness linked to the changing mood of Trump.

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International stage director and producer, Neil Gooding, recently came to town where he got to look in on proceedings of his smash hit musical, Back To The 80s. Written over 20 years ago, it’s been a trip back in time for this Burdekin native, who now calls New York home.

“I was born and grew up in Ayr and went to Ayr High School. During my time here, we did lots of shows at the Burdekin Theatre with the Burdekin Singers. Then at the end of year,12, I went to Brisbane to study law and commerce at university… and yeah, I never used those degrees,” Neil laughs.

“However, I was doing lots of performing at the time. So when I got my commerce degree, I moved to Sydney at the age of 20 and thought I was going to act. Then over the years I discovered that I loved directing and producing more,” he says.

After leaving Brisbane, Neil lived in Sydney for a number of years, where he worked for a big stage show company. It was here Neil cut his teeth working on many of their shows before the bright lights of New York beckoned.

“I was in Sydney for a number of years where I worked for Jacobsen, who were a big company at the time. I was directing and producing a lot of shows for them. But then I moved to New York in 2019, where I now mostly produce and have global shows that now top around the world.”

For a boy from the Burdekin to end up on the biggest stage of all, Broadway, may feel like a big leap for most. To think it all came about on the back of a simple idea Neil had when he wrote the stage play for then unknown show, Back To The 80s.

“I had this idea for a show that’s basically an amalgamation of every 1980s teen movie and TV shows like The Wonder Years. Shows I grew up watching. I didn't have to do much research because I knew all the stuff, they always had the same characters. All I needed to do is put those characters into a storyline. All the great music was already there. There's not that many shows where you get to sing Footloose or We Are The World, but that’s what keeps it ticking,” Neil smiles.

And tick along it does. Back To The 80s, has now been performed by 1000s of schools and amateur companies around the world since. So what does Neil attribute its success to?

“I think obviously the music and the fact that the ‘80s were far enough away, everybody could look back on them fondly. When I first started writing it, I don't think the 80s had had their resurgence, but I knew it was coming. It happened with the 60s, it happened with the 70s. After an era is done it becomes cool and retro again every 10 to 15 years afterward and that’s what happened. I just got the timing right,” Neil chuckles.

While it seems the 80s are now immortalised, for Neil, it’s full steam ahead. He has upcoming projects, including a production of Shirley Valentine in Melbourne, and roles as a producer on Broadway and the West End.

If he could sum up his experiences and share his wisdom for the kids of the Burdekin with dreams of their own, what would he say?

“You need to love what you do. As I’ve hopped into bigger and bigger ponds, you realise that it's not as different as you would think. When you grow up in the Burdekin, Brisbane seems a long way away, then Sydney, then New York. But it's not that different.”

“Coming back here I remember why I love doing it. Sometimes it's easy to forget. It's about having the fun,” Neil concludes.

To book tickets for Back To The 80s, contact Burdekin Theatre on: (07) 4783 9880 or visit their website at: https://www.burdekintheatre.com

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Neil Gooding, outside where it all began. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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When Home Hill was founded in 1911 on the southern banks of the Burdekin River, it was difficult for settlers of Home Hill to do business, as that required the Services of the Court of Petty Sessions who were based in Ayr. With its unpredictable floods, crossing the river was a hit-and-miss affair.
In August 1923, approval was granted for a Court of Petty Sessions in Home Hill, with the Department purchasing Mr P. M. Jensen’s ‘Boot Palace’ building on the corner of 8th Avenue and 9th Street in June 1924. The building was then shifted next to the Police Station. By the end of August, the Courthouse was open for business.
The Court dealt with traffic infringements, drunkenness, illegal gambling raids, lawsuits for lost wages, defamation, whilst murders were sent to a higher court.
By 1936, it became obvious that a new building was needed. The new courthouse consisted of red bricks with a red tiled roof. The public and private offices were located at the front of the building, with the court room abutting the offices, and two corner rooms at the rear – one for the solicitors, the other the witness room. The new Home Hill Courthouse was officially opened in October 1937, while the old court house was converted into the police station, where it remained in use until 1962.
The new Court House was in use for 54 years before finally closing its doors on January 1, 1991.
The Burdekin Shire Council then began negotiations for the use of the facility and by April 1992 had secured a commitment from the Department for its use. Many photographic exhibitions were held in the court room, while the Burdekin Tourist Association also operated from it until shifting to the Home Hill Railway Station. The Court House was also used as a polling booth for various government elections.
A Certificate of Incorporation was granted in 1999 under the name Burdekin Development Council Inc, and was launched on 25 September 1999, broadcasting from the Shire Chambers. It was formed to be used as a station to broadcast into the district in times of emergencies such as floods and cyclones.
By February 2000 the station was installed in the Home Hill Court House in July 2000, when the defunct Burdekin Development Council Inc then became Radio 97.1, Sweet FM!
There were major renovations done to the building in 2020 by the State government, with further renovations by the Shire Council in 2021. Throughout that time, Sweet FM has been the custodian of the beautiful and historic Home Hill Courthouse.
Sweet FM will mark 25 years on air by holding an event on the front lawns in April, to celebrate. Stay tuned!
Contributed with thanks by Charlie Scuderi and Glenis Cislowski

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The beautiful and historic, Home Hill Courthouse: Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
The Courthouse now home to Sweet FM: Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
Mr P. M. Jensen’s ‘Boot Palace’ building (the first courthouse): Photo. Supplied

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Vixen, a beautiful 15-month-old dog, has been patiently waiting for her forever home for over 400 days. This energetic and loving girl, weighing in at 25kgs, is ready to fill your life with joy and excitement. With her tall and agile frame, Vixen is the perfect companion for an active household that can match her spirited enthusiasm for toys, long walks, and playful activities.

A social dog, Vixen thrives on human interaction and loves to explore her surroundings. After burning off some energy with a few zoomies, she’s happy to curl up for a cozy cuddle session, making her the ultimate companion for those who appreciate both adventure and relaxation.

After such a long wait, it’s time for Vixen to find the loving home she deserves. While she may show initial excitement during a meet, with the right guidance, she’ll quickly settle in and provide endless love and loyalty in return. If you’re looking for an active, loving, and snuggly addition to your family, Vixen is the one! Come meet her and see why she’s ready to be the perfect fit for your home. Let’s make sure her wait is finally over!

To meet Vixen, please fill out a DOG and PUPPY Animal enquiry form with Angel-Paws at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

Vixen's adoption fee is $300 and she will join your home DESEXED, MICRO-CHIPPED, with up-to-date VACCINATIONS, FLEA/TICK/INTESTINAL WORM treated and on PROHEART.

Adoption Details:
DOB: 12/07/2023
Sex: Female
Breed: Bullarab x
Kid friendly: Yes - Older
Cat Friendly: Untested
Other dogs: Yes - Very slow introduction
Fences: 6ft
BIN: BIN0000268254643

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Burdekin Water Festival: “We won the Community Event of the Year Achievement Award, for the Burdekin Water Festival – ‘Bring It Back.’ We're very honoured to get it, considering they were going to shut it down, but it’s been a team effort for all of us. We've got quite a big committee, and they're all dedicated. The festival came together in only 13 weeks, so it was an actual achievement to get it off the ground and bring it back. So yeah, it's a real privilege to win.”

Nicole Cervoni: “This year I was honoured enough to win the Young Citizen of the Year award. It means a lot to me, because I think I have worked quite hard this year. I've put in a lot of effort, but I couldn't have gotten anywhere without all the people in Youth Council and the Millaroo social club, who helped me to do everything that I achieved this year. I also want to thank my mum for driving me to and from Millaroo to Ayr all the time to get me to youth council meetings. And to my entire family for supporting me, thank you.”

Shirley Gilmore: “I’m one of the recipients of the Lifetime of Service Silver Award category. Even though I feel humble about receiving it, it means a lot for all the beautiful women and the occasional men that I've met on my breast cancer journey, and being able to help them. I started the support group because we didn’t have breast cancer nurses like we do now. It was all a foreign thing for me. I still run the support group today on a smaller scale, but I’ve met some wonderful, wonderful women on their journey through this support group. To all of them, thank you.”

Kelly Lawry: “With my husband Ben Lawry, and our daughter, Bella, we won Volunteer of the Year award. It was actually a very proud moment to be up there with my family. Actually, we had five nominations from the Ayr surf club and all five people received an award today, so it was very nice to be recognised for the work we do in the community.”

Jennifer Fotinos: “I won the Senior Sportsperson of the Year award, and winning this award means a lot to me. Coming from the Burdekin, I've had to work a lot harder to reach the same opportunities as those from bigger cities, so this achievement is massive to me. But it's not just about me and my personal success. I think this award is also about being Australian and the values of Australia Day by being resilient, community, and hard work.”

Scott McLean: “I'm humbled to be honest to be presented with the Citizen of the Year Award among so many great people in this community that are deserving of it. It's a real honour to win and I really wasn't expecting to. It’s humbling and overwhelming at the same time. I try to hide away from the spotlight, so today was an emotional thing. I couldn't do it without my amazing wife, who does so much behind the scenes. There’s so many people here today that could have also won that award. To be selected is very humbling.”

Betty Durrant: “I won the Lifetime of Service Gold Award. It's an amazing achievement, really. I’m so proud as I just enjoy volunteering I’ve been doing it over 40 years, but I just love it. My husband is currently in hospital and nominated me without me even knowing, so he's quite shocked. Actually, I’m not sure who is more shocked, me or him? I’m just so grateful.”

Gwen Marshall: “I've amazingly received a Lifetime of Service Gold Award, and it's an incredible honour. I'm incredibly humbled and feel very privileged and very thankful. I am in awe of the wonderful group of people who were nominated, and just so very grateful for everybody's contribution into this community, a community that encourages that desire to commit. I’m also grateful for my husband, he’s such a great blessing. I couldn't do half what I do without his encouragement and wisdom.”

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Three of the Burdekin Water Festival committee. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Nicole Cervoni, Young Citizen of the Year. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Shirley Gilmore and her husband. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Volunteer of the Year winner, Kellie Lawry (middle) with husband Ben Lawry, and daughter, Bella. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Jennifer Fotinos, Senior Sportsperson of the Year. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Citizen of the Year award winner, Scott McLean. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Lifetime of Service Gold Award recipient, Betty Durrant. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Gwen Marshall, Lifetime of Service Gold Award recipient. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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The sweet pea flower is known to symbolise loyalty and friendship – qualities that perfectly describe this loving girl!

Sweet Pea is a cuddly, affectionate cat who adores spending time with her human companions and gets along well with other pets. She’s been a devoted mother to her kittens, and now it’s her turn to be pampered and loved in a forever home.

Ready to meet Sweet Pea? Submit an inquiry form at www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html and discover if this beautiful girl is the perfect addition to your family!

Adoption Details:
   • Fee: $195 includes Desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, and flea/tick/intestinal worm treatment.
   • Date of Birth: 01/12/2023
   • Sex: Female
   • Breed: Domestic Short Hair (DSH)
   • Kid Friendly: Yes
   • Cat Friendly: Yes
   • Dog Friendly: Yes
   • BIN: BIN0000268254643

Sweet Pea is ready to bring endless love and joy into your life, so don’t miss out on the chance to meet her!

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It’s official! The Burdekin Shire Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards nominees have been announced, and there are some excited and very nervous candidates among them. When nominations closed on the 4th of December 2024, a total of 25 surprised recipients were nominated. But they’ll have to sit patiently until Australia Day to find out whether they’ve won.  

Until then, they’re left to wait, some chewing their fingernails. However, for most, it's business as usual, and they take their nomination in stride, thankful for the recognition and honour.

The award categories include: Citizen of the Year Award, Young Citizen of the Year Award (Under 25), Lifetime Service Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, Community Event of the Year Award, Senior Sports Award, Junior Sports Award, Senior Cultural Award, Junior Cultural Award, and Environment Award.

The day includes a Citizenship Ceremony, presentation of the Australia Day Awards, and cutting of the Australia Day cake.  

Special guest, Dr. Robert McGregor, will be the Ambassador for the 2025 Australia Day Awards Ceremony on the day, with the ceremony to take place on Sunday, 26th of January, 2025 at the Burdekin Theatre.

Read what the nominees think about being nominated…

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Burdekin’s Australia Day Awards nominees are all smiles ahead of the upcoming ceremony. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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100! It’s a big number any way you slice it or break it down. 100 years is not just 10 decades, but approximately 36,525 days, where there are 76 common years and typically 24 leap years. That’s almost a full month of extra days!

So why am I discussing 100 years this week? Well, I was recently told about the Home Hill Post Office, which quietly, silently, celebrated 100 years (3 November, 2024) in her own hushed, inauspicious way with barely a mention or celebration held to acknowledge it anywhere. Quite staggering.

Then there was the Burdekin Race Club, which also recently celebrated 100 years in the community, who was at least recognised for its efforts to the community, which was marked by a visit from the mayor, and honoured with special memorabilia and birthday regalia for the event.

And more recently someone mentioned in passing to me that Crowdey’s Bakery in Ayr also turned 100! Though I wished the owners had reached out so we could run a story – we still can (hint hint).

It’s a phenomenal number of establishments reaching 100. I don’t ever recall being in a place with so many centenaries being reached so close to one another. While I’ve been in much older towns over my years (a certain 12th-century French wine region comes to mind), I’ve been blown away by the recent spate of so many 100s all at once.

It’s a truly remarkable feat and surely worthy of much greater recognition and acknowledgement than has befallen some to date. I’m positive there are many more establishments at, or nearing, 100. If so, please let me know.

As a relative new interloper into the area but someone curious by the world around me, I’m always fascinated by a town’s history. If we can celebrate Australia Day, then surely we can also commemorate organisations that turn 100 in the Burdekin, too?

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Got a desire to paint the town red? Or white? Perhaps blue? Maybe purple, green and pink stripes, with yellow and orange polka dots? Then Home Hill is looking for budding artists young and old to get along to Lloyd Mann Park and refresh the current panels.

Anyone is welcome to attend, day or night, and create their own little bit of creative magic, all in the name of public art. The only request, no graffiti or obscenities. Other than that, the five panels that abut up against the fence by the rail line are your canvas to go completely wild and crazy on and have fun with.

It’s a great way for families to bond and connect with the community or some budding artiste or group of artists, to show off their extraordinary talents. Best of all, if you don’t like what you create, you can simply paint over it and start all over again.

Seen from the nearby Bruce Highway, and accompanying the Big Sardine Can, Lloyd Mann Park is a beautiful and friendly spot to stop, where many people go to have a picnic, rest up after a long drive from down south, or simply admire the parklands – and your art!

Whatever your heart and creative mind desires, anything’s possible.

So come contribute and be part of the community to make this public art space in Home Hill the envy of all. Bring your paintbrushes, spray cans, your vivid imagination, and enjoy yourselves.

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A cornerstone within the Burdekin community, the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club’s extraordinary generosity, fundraising efforts and commitment to supporting the shire’s future generations underpins the success of many local organisations, individuals and events.

Over the past twelve months, the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club made valued donations to the Home Hill State High School’s Optic Minds Competition, Zonta Club Burdekin Inc., Movember Australia, the Burdekin Shire Youth Council’s Fast Track Talent Showcase, and supported an entrant and float in both the Burdekin Water Festival and Home Hill Harvest Festival.

One of the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club’s final efforts for 2024 was achieved in conjunction with the Rotary Club and the Home Hill Hospital Benefit Fund, whereby just over $6000 was donated to the Home Hill Hospital to improve facilities and the care provided to patients.

The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club’s current executive consists of President Laurie Land, Secretary John Donald, and Treasurer Nyree Woods, who coordinate the efforts of 26 members in and around the Burdekin district.

Interested members of the community are more than welcome to become part of the fantastic Club through contacting John on 0447-561-790 or attending the Club’s regular meetings held on the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6:30pm at Home Hill’s Crown Hotel.

“We’re always looking for new members and membership is open from anyone aged 18 to 118,” shared John.

“We are chasing younger members to get young people’s ideas as many of us are starting to get a bit older, and you know what happens, you stay in your ways, so if we get younger people into the Club, they might give us a different direction.”

The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club Annual Youth of the Year Quest will be held on Monday the 24th of February, whereby Burdekin students in Year 12 are encouraged to prepare a speech for judgement to eventually represent the district against neighbouring areas.

“The Youth of the Year Quest gives kids the chance to speak publicly in front of people they’ve never spoken to before, and meet the Lions Club members,” added John.

All meetings held by the Club are open to the public, and the Burdekin community is warmly invited to attend the first Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club meeting for 2025 on Monday the 10th of February from 6:30pm onwards at the Crown Hotel, as well as the Youth of the Year Quest on Monday the 24th of February at the same time and location.

What: The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club 2025 Debut Meeting
When: Monday the 10th of February, 6:30pm
Where: Crown Hotel, Home Hill
More Information: call John on 0447 561 790

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Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club members with 2024 Harvest Festival Entrant, Danelle.

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Australia Day Award nominees will be celebrated in Ayr and Home Hill on Sunday 26 January, marking another year that brings the community together, recognising those who have made a lasting impact in the Burdekin.

“It’s great to be nominated for our 2024 Canefield Ashes. It was actually the 20th anniversary of the Canefield Ashes, so it feels really good to be nominated for a milestone event in our cricket club's history, Tiffany Olditch states, nominated for The Community Event of the Year.

Jennifer Fotinos, who is nominated for Junior Sports Person of the Year in three disciplines including futsal, soccer and boxing, and has competed for state, Australia, or both, appreciates the recognition, noting that she doesn't often receive such appreciation for her efforts.

“It’s not often I get appreciated or honoured for my efforts, so I'm pretty grateful to be nominated, to be honest. I feel so incredibly humbled. If I won it would mean a lot as this nomination really means a lot to me,” Jennifer says.

Scott McLean, a school chaplain and volunteer boxing trainer for 15 years, including for Jennifer above, is humbled by the nomination. He enjoys seeing people thrive in sports, including taking a few people to national titles and even winning a few over the years.

“I've been a volunteer boxing trainer for about 15 years, and enjoy what I do. It's pretty humbling to be nominated, but I really enjoy what I do and seeing people thrive in their sports. So yeah, from a little town like this with such a great community, it feels pretty good. While it's great to be acknowledged, I do it because I love seeing the changes in people,” Scott declares.

Gwen Marshall, nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award, finds it humbling to be nominated, expressing surprise and gratitude.

“If I won, I would be blown away because this community is full of so many wonderful contributors and volunteers. Like everyone here, I would be humbled if I were to be honoured in that way,” Gwen says with a smile.

Inez Larsen, a member of Zonta, is overwhelmed by the nomination, having been involved in various voluntary work for a number of years.

“I was pretty overwhelmed to be nominated. I've done voluntary work with Zonta for 11 years and I really love it. I have been doing volunteer tutoring for English as a second language, and I'm also starting up a conversational English group at the library just to bring people in our community together from other countries,” Inez says.

Joan Andersen, a volunteer with the Tourism Association for over 30 years, feels that there are many deserving people and would be lovely to win, especially for her children and grandchildren.

“Oh it'd be lovely if I won, but there are so many more deserving people. If I did win, my daughter and grandkids would think it was wonderful,” Joan says shyly.

“My husband nominated me,” smiles Betty Durrant. “I didn't even know he was doing it. I got two letters from the council, and I just thought that they were sending out double rate notices until I opened them,” laughs Betty.

If Betty won, it would be extra meaningful to her because not only has she been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years, but her husband had a fall before Christmas and has been in hospital since.

Kelsey Shand, who helps organise the End of Harvest Golf Classic, highlights the event's success after also being nominated.

“We ended up raising over $32,000, which was our largest fundraising effort for suicide prevention and really humbling. We didn't know that we were going to be nominated for a community event. Unfortunately, I won’t be here if we win but it'd be very nice to get the phone call to say that we've been selected as the winner,” Kelsey expresses.

With many other nominees, some who couldn’t make it on the day, the 2025 Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards are shaping up to be the best yet.

The Australia Day Awards honour the remarkable contributions and achievements of local residents while welcoming Burdekin’s newest Australian citizens with a special Citizenship Ceremony.

Tickets to the event starting at 9:30am are free, but bookings are essential. Simply visit The Burdekin Theatre website for more information.

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Some of the happy and surprised Australia Day Award nominees ahead of this Sunday’s 26 January Ceremony.  Photo credit: Mark T. Rassmussen

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The Molongle Creek Boat Club has recently invested over $16,000 in surveillance cameras to enhance security around the trailer parking area, new clubhouse, and licensed café. These cameras are in place to ensure the safety of both club members and the public. The club reminds everyone that any inappropriate behaviour will be recorded and “you will be seen."

Additionally, members and visitors are urged to check that their trailers are properly secured when parked. There have been incidents where trailer ball catches were deliberately disconnected, posing a safety risk.

“The club’s cameras and people are watching,” warns the club, emphasising the importance of following all safety protocols. These measures aim to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all at Molongle Creek Boat Club. The club appreciates everyone’s cooperation in maintaining a safe environment.

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The Molongle Creek Boat Club issued the security warning earlier this month

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As communities across the electorate prepare to celebrate the extraordinary effort of everyday community members during Australia Day ceremonies, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has offered his appreciation to those who take the time to make their communities a better place to live, work and play.

Mr Last said with the heart of Australia beating firmly in regional and rural areas including the Burdekin, Australia Day was an opportunity to recognise our strength, diversity and generosity as Australians.

“Each and every Australia Day we take the opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities, the parents, the volunteers, and the sports coaches, whose efforts often go unnoticed,” Mr Last said.

“Whether it is someone who has volunteered at their local Meals on Wheels for years or a young member of our community giving their all on the sporting field, Australia Day ceremonies offer us the opportunity to recognise and connect with those members of our community.”

Mr Last said while the national day is a chance to come together and recognise those award winners, it was also a timely reminder that everyday heroes deserve our gratitude.

 “Recognising those who devote their lives to improving our communities doesn’t have to be restricted to January 26,” Mr Last said.

“We all know or have known someone who, in our own eyes, epitomises what it means to be Australian, whether it is our frontline emergency services, our health staff or perhaps someone who has paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Mr Last said while the day was recognised with ceremonies and events across our nation, Australia Day has come to mean so much more to our nation.

“We are all shaped by our own experiences and as a nation, each Australia Day we come together to recognise and reaffirm that we live in a nation where everyone’s views, beliefs and contributions are valued.”

“It’s about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be,” Mr Last said.

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Looking for a way to make a real difference in your community in 2025? Join the Burdekin State Emergency Service (SES) and help Queensland communities before, during, and after emergencies. With over 5,000 volunteers across the state, the SES plays a crucial role in disaster response, and we need individuals like you to step up and support our efforts.

As an SES volunteer, you’ll respond to various emergencies, including storms, floods, cyclones, rescues, road/rail/air incidents, landslides, and missing person searches. Your skills will directly impact local, state, and national disaster management, helping protect lives, property, and the environment.

Volunteers come from all backgrounds and bring unique skills. Whether you’re quick-thinking, physically fit, or passionate about helping others, there’s a role for you. Volunteers develop emergency skills like flood boat operations, road crash rescue, land search, and more. We also provide ongoing training in first aid, map reading, and emergency operations.

To join, you must be 16 or older, committed to serving your community, and able to activate during emergencies. Volunteers over 18 will undergo a criminal history check and need to apply for a Blue Card to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.

Ready to get involved? Register your interest online now at www.ses.qld.gov.au/form/become-an-ses-member, and start your journey toward becoming an SES volunteer.

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Burdekin SES members regularly practise fundamental core skills for development and refinement of emergency response

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