As we gear up for Australia Day celebrations, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of protocol for this significant day. It is the established practice set by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to display the three flags - the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag, and the Torres Strait Islander Flag - at Australia Day events. This serves as a symbol of respect and inclusivity, acknowledging the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples alongside the broader Australian community.
This year, our celebrations will once again include the naturalisation ceremonies, one of the highlights of Australia Day. I’m looking forward to officially welcoming our newest citizens as they take this important step to join the Australian community.
Meanwhile, many of us are still winding down from the Christmas break, with more employees returning to work and routines resuming. It’s also worth noting that the crushing season has unfortunately dragged on longer than expected. While the recent showers have been a welcome relief in dampening the ground during this extreme heat, I hope it doesn’t impact the remainder of the crush.
Speaking of heat, it’s a timely reminder for everyone to prioritise their well-being. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and looking out for vulnerable members of our community, especially the elderly. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and support one another during this challenging weather.
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.

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As rates stayed firmly on hold throughout 2024, Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson says a gradually but steadily improving domestic economy is likely in 2025.

Mr Robertson said Australians can expect rates to start easing in the early part of 2025 as inflation is tamed, forecasting:

   • The RBA to deliver interest rate relief by May,
   • The unemployment rate to edge higher, mildly,
   • That trading conditions and geopolitical tensions will remain tense and potentially even more volatile as US tariffs are imposed, but Australia should be less impacted than almost anywhere.

“While there’s been a growing chorus of opinion encouraging earlier rate cuts and suggesting the RBA is unnecessarily holding rates too high, this view seems to overlook two crucial factors.”

“Firstly, the RBA were later than our peers in hiking rates back in 2022 and the RBA increased rates to a less restrictive level. A neutral cash rate in Australia (where we will likely return to next year) is estimated at 3½%, so we are less than 1% into restrictive territory, unlike other comparable economies.”

“Any earlier cuts to rates could have jeopardised the ongoing fight against inflation,” Mr Roberson said.

“Secondly, those advocating for earlier cuts to help with cost-of-living pressures also ignore the root cause of the cost-of-living shock, which is inflation itself, so any sustainable solution to these pressures lies in thoroughly taming inflation.”

“Nevertheless, we are getting closer to winning the war on prices with core inflation down to 3.5%, and the next two quarterly reads (on January 29 and then April 30) should give the RBA the evidence it needs to cut in May.”

Mr Robertson also said the latest GDP data confirms that restrictive interest rates are reigning in demand.

“GDP growth in the third quarter picked up marginally from 0.2% to 0.3% (and is at least still growing) but we remain in a per-capita recession and annualised growth is only 0.8%, its slowest pace since the 1991-recession, outside the pandemic.”

“The fact that growth is so slow and only being propped up by public spending and population growth isn’t in itself a reason to cut rates now, but it is a reminder that monetary policy is doing its job and that rate cuts next year can help the private sector to recover, taking the reins from government spending,” Mr Robertson concluded.

Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson. Photo & story credit: Bendigo Community Bank

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Ron: “When we get heavy downpours here drainage is a real issue. On New Year’s Day we got a big, heavy downpour all day, and across the road over there, there was a lot of water. Some parts of it were completely cut off. So definitely more drainage would be good. Outside of that, I'd like to see another bridge built or if it’s possible, widening the exisiting one. The current Burdekin bridge is showing its age and become inadequate with lots more trucks and wider loads. It’s not uncommon for many people to miss appointments or be late for work.”

Bella: “We need more advancements in healthcare here in this region. I think the Ayr hospital needs a CT machine so people can easily have CAT scans. These machines are crucial in modern medical diagnostics and are widely used in hospitals around the world. Having a CT machine would help a lot of people, as you'd be able to treat more people in Ayr, rather than having to send them up to Townsville or down to Mackay or Brisbane. That could result in better outcomes for patients, while also keeping them here locally with their family and friends.”

Kristian: “It’d have to be the drainage situation first, then probably better housing, but I don't know where a housing development would go. Somewhere where there's vacant land for the government to put houses on it as there's a lot of homeless people around here. But mainly I think the drainage, because the other side of the Bruce always floods, and from the post office down to the end of us at the Burdekin Motor Inn, there's only one drain which holds all that water, and it just backs up all the time. I think if they did that then a lot of people would start opening shops back up across the road. Oh, and something fun and interesting for the kids to go, like a new park with a better playground, or a water park. A free water park in Home Hill would be fantastic for kids in this area.”

John: “Well, the Bruce Highway definitely needs some attention with a bit of an upgrade. We’ve just driven on it to get here and there are some pretty bad potholes and broken pieces of road and stuff like that. It's something that the Bruce highway up and down this part of the coast would benefit from for sure. It's not in great condition. We’ve just come from Brissy, and the road from Brisbane to Gympie is fantastic. Double lane freeways, barriers, smooth roads, but the Bruce, well, that needs work. That would help people access the local areas and shops better here. It’d provide better infrastructure with all the transport that you need to get your goods in and out of the area, along with more tourists.”

Gladys: “Well, we're looking for a second bridge to handle the extra traffic and more trucks and their big, wide loads. But also when they're doing works on the bridge, or something's happened on the bridge like an accident, you know what, we're delayed on both sides of it. It gets to be annoying after a while. They’re always doing road works and even though most of the time they do try to them it at night on the bridge, still, you’ve got to plan your travels around that you know if you want to come over to here or vice versa. I thought I heard something about a second bridge, but I probably won't be here when that finally happens.”

Ron Clive (77). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Bella Linton (18). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Kristian Bellamy (50). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

John Hamilton (52). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Gladys Sgarbossa (68). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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A university-led research initiative is tackling a rapidly spreading pathogen that poses significant challenges to the Australian poultry industry.
The microorganism, Enterococcus cecorum (EC), is a contagious bacterium responsible for severe health issues in poultry. One of its most debilitating effects is spinal cord compression, commonly referred to as "kinky back," which can lead to paralysis and increased mortality rates in affected flocks.
The research, titled “Integrated Investigation of Enterococcus cecorum Prevalence, Transmission Routes, Predisposition Factors, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies in Broilers,” is supported by the AgriFutures Australia Chicken Meat Program. Led by Central Queensland University’s Institute for Future Farming Systems (IFFS), the study aims to explore every aspect of EC’s impact on poultry health and develop strategies to mitigate its effects.
IFFS Molecular Microbiology Cluster Leader, Professor Dana Stanley, highlighted the growing threat of EC to the industry.
“This pathogen has serious implications for the health of birds and the profitability of the industry,” Professor Stanley said.
“We’re working to uncover the role of coinfection and microbial communication, how it spreads, how it causes disease, and, most importantly, how we can stop it.”
The project is leveraging 16 interconnected studies to create the most comprehensive dataset on poultry microbiota ever compiled. Artificial intelligence-assisted prediction and analysis models will be employed to provide an in-depth understanding of EC outbreaks.
“Our work goes beyond identifying the pathogen—we’re uncovering its full genomic blueprint. This is critical for designing interventions that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term,” Professor Stanley explained.
The research involves advanced techniques, including genomics, molecular typing, and co-culture experiments using a continuous culture gut simulator fermentation system.
“The gut simulator allows us to test how EC behaves in the presence of other bacteria and additives like probiotics and prebiotics. This is vital for identifying co-infection mechanisms and designing targeted interventions,” Professor Stanley said.
The ultimate goal of the research is to develop effective solutions such as improved biosecurity practices, probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogen-based strategies to ensure the sustainability of broiler farming.
“We’re committed to translating our findings into practical strategies that improve animal welfare, reduce industry losses, and ensure sustainability,” Professor Stanley said.
“This research represents a significant step forward in combating EC. By understanding its behaviour and interactions at a molecular level, we can provide producers with the tools they need to protect their flocks and their livelihoods.”
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‍Professor Dana Stanley. Photo source: CQUniversity

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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has estimated more than 1.27m tonnes of cane remains unharvested across Australia’s sugarcane mills, resulting in forecast losses to farmers of more than $83M.
QCAR CEO, Stephen Ryan said most mills had closed the doors on the 2024 crushing season except for Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer and Invicta mills in the Burdekin, with Mackay Sugar Limited advising on Sunday it would no longer accept bins at its Marian Mill past 6pm Monday, 13 January.
“This amount of standover cane is unacceptable,” Mr Ryan said.
“It’s exasperating that for numerous seasons now, farmers have paid the price for poor milling performance,” Mr Ryan said.
“This is so disappointing for growers, and significantly worse considering for some milling regions this is the third and fourth consecutive year for late finishes and poor mill performance resulting in staggering accumulative costs and losses for our growers.”
Mr Ryan said the impacts to growers, contractors, and millers, from wet weather, mill performance, late starts and finishes, and industrial action in Wilmar Sugar mills, would be felt well into 2025.
QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering, said Mackay Sugar had noted, that with more widespread rain forecasted across the Mackay region and a diminishing supply and quality of cane, it was unviable for the factory to continue crushing.
“This is disappointing, but it means Mackay Sugar can launch straight into maintenance works, and hopefully, we can look forward to vastly improved 2025 crush,” Mr McKeering said.
Burdekin grower and Chairman of QCAR Christian Lago, said he was just one of many families feeling the pressure of longer seasons, and the wearing effects of having to work through Christmas and New Year in tough and wet conditions.
“You want to have a break but you can’t,” Mr Lago said.
“You’re tied to the farm just in case there is a window of opportunity to harvest, you want to give yourself every opportunity to get this year’s crop off.
“It’s taken a toll on the whole industry, not only farmers but contractors as well.”
Mr Lago said consequences of longer seasons included extra stress on harvesting machinery, and an inability to get plough-outs off, plant fallow crops early, or fertilise effectively.
“It’s put farming rotations totally out of whack, and we can’t lay the foundations for a strong 2025 season.”
QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello, said there was around 400,000 tonnes of 2024 sugarcane still standing in the Burdekin. He said the angst of the longer seasons and struggling to work in wet conditions was being felt across the region.
“Mills starting up just a week later than they should at the beginning of the season would more than likely translate into up to two months of delays at the other end,” Mr Licciardello said.
In the Herbert region, QCAR District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, said his committee was pulling out all stops to prevent a similar disastrous season from occurring again by calling on Wilmar Sugar to start the Herbert River mills by no later than 3 June for the 2025 season.
In the Central District alone (Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek), there was estimated to be up to 750,000 tonnes of unharvested 2024 season cane. QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, said the closure of the Mackay Sugar 2024 season had resulted in a collective sigh of relief to most growers, contractors, and mill workers in the district.
"There is no doubt 2024 is amongst the longest and toughest seasons we've seen for a while,” Ms Ball said.
The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) had in May forecast for the 2024 season a crush of 31.24 million tonnes of sugarcane. By November, this had dropped to just shy of 30 million tonnes, and as of November 24, it reported mills had crushed just more than 25.76mt or 85.9 per cent. Mr Ryan said farmers, harvesters, and mill staff, had all persevered through a difficult 2024 season that need not have been that way.
“QCAR will be fighting tirelessly to end the calamities resulting from subpar milling performances, which have greatly strained the sugarcane industry as a whole.”

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QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, said it was exasperating that farmers have had to pay the price for poor milling performance. Photos supplied
The 2024 crush season overlapped with the heavy rains of Queensland’s wet season

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On December 23, 2024, Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 002 933 717) initiated a voluntary recall for specific batches of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide, sold by agricultural retailers between October 1 and December 20, 2024. The recall was made under Section 106 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code, as part of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994.
Reason for Recall: The recall concerns the 20L containers from batches 389865 and 389866, which were found to have not met the required durability specifications. These containers may not be sufficiently robust for handling and use, leading to a potential safety hazard.
Hazard: The affected 20L containers of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide have been identified as having reduced strength. Under certain stress conditions encountered during storage, transport, and use, there is an increased risk that the containers may rupture, posing a hazard to individuals handling the product.
What to Do: If you possess 20L containers from batches 389865 or 389866, it is essential that you do not use the product. These containers should be quarantined in a locked, bunded pesticide storage area to prevent access. Affected customers should contact Syngenta Customer Service for further instructions on the collection and refund process.
For Further Information: If you have any questions or require further details regarding this voluntary recall, Syngenta urges customers to contact their Customer Service team at 1800 022 035.

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If you have been following Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s articles, you may recall our passion for “Compassionate Communities” and our commitment to fostering a better understanding of and support for death, dying, and grief within our beautiful Burdekin community.

We are excited to kick off 2025 with a community chat featuring Jane, the Bereavement Coordinator for the Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth (SPaRTa) Grief and Bereavement Service from Townsville Hospital and Health Services.

We invite all community members interested in an interactive educational session to explore what grief looks like, learn how to support someone who is grieving, and discover ideas for self-care.

Jane will provide handouts and will be available for conversations and discussions following her presentation.

Details of our community chat are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 29th January 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, AYR

Grief, mourning, and bereavement are deeply personal and natural responses to loss. While we logically understand that all life has a 100% mortality rate and that we cannot escape death, we often experience a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings related to this universal truth.

The SPaRTa Grief and Bereavement Service offers support to those who are recently bereaved. Additionally, they provide guidance to General Practitioners, nurses, allied health practitioners, and other clinicians who are assisting bereaved individuals and families in their local communities.

We hope you can join us and Jane as we continue our journey toward building a more compassionate community in Burdekin.

Until next time,
The team at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Gaming has become a significant part of young people’s lives, offering a mix of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, gaming fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social connection through online communities.

However, there is a downside. Excessive gaming can negatively impact physical and mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with academic performance or personal relationships. During school holidays, when routines are more relaxed, young people often have more time for gaming, which can lead to prolonged screen time and unhealthy habits.
As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to monitor gaming habits and strike a balance. Encouraging young people to diversify their activities during the holidays can help prevent gaming from becoming excessive.

We’ve gathered some expert tips from Headspace to help guide young people toward healthier gaming habits while supporting their mental health.

So how can you recognise unhealthy gaming?

Headspace advises to keep an eye out for significant changes that last longer than you might expect (at least a few weeks), such as:

   • Less interest and involvement in activities they would normally enjoy
   • Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
   • Increased irritability or anger
   • Decline in performance at school, TAFE, university, or work
   • Engagement in risky behaviours they would usually avoid, such as taking drugs or drinking excessively
   • Difficulty with concentration or motivation
   • Unusual stress, worry, feeling down, or crying for no apparent reason
   • Expression of negative, distressing, or out-of-character thoughts

As a general rule the following are good boundaries to set around screen time:

   • Limit screens in bedrooms and turn them off at least one hour before bedtime to avoid disruption to sleep. Encourage activities like reading, journaling, or drawing instead. If using e-devices for reading, ensure 'night mode' is activated.
   • Get up and move regularly to prevent back, neck, and wrist issues. Incorporate simple stretches and consider optimising your setup for comfort.
   • Avoid screens during meal times to promote mindful eating and encourage valuable family interactions.
   • Ensure screen time does not interfere with essential or enjoyable activities. Schedule time for these activities before gaming or extended internet use.

By being proactive and maintaining open communication, parents can help young people navigate the challenges of gaming, ensuring it remains a positive part of their lives.

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Meet Thomas, a super smoochy tabby who loves to meow and cuddle. If he’s not chatting away to you, you’ll find him purring happily, hoping for some lap time to snuggle up. Thomas is currently in foster care and winning the hearts of all the household with his sweet and fun nature.
He shares his foster home with four other cats and a few dogs, including a few playful puppies. He gets along well with other cats, but is still a little unsure about the dogs. That won't stop him from running on up to you with his tail high if you mention anything about food though.
Thomas is primarily an indoor cat, but does enjoy spending time in a sunny outdoor ‘catio’. He’s laid-back enough to try out a harness if you want to take him on small supervised trips about the garden.
Fill out an inquiry today to come meet him, and he’ll be sure to give you some gentle grooming with his raspy tongue. All his vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments, are up to date and he can’t wait to play with you in his new forever home.
Phone: 0459 757 455
Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue
Website: angelpawsinc.com.au
Rehoming fee: $195
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: Male, Desexed
Breed: Domestic Short Hair Tabby
Other cats: Very friendly
Other dogs: Wary but not scared
Children: Very friendly
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors

Thomas the cat with his favourite toy. Photo: Supplied by Angel Paws Dog & Cat Rescue.

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Robert Turner, the presenter of ‘Classic Hits & Memories’ on Sweet FM, has been behind the radio mic since 2019. His popular Saturday afternoon show plays from 2 to 4pm, where he’ll play a mix of music from the fifties through to the nineties.

Robert’s been with the station for nearly six years, and his radio show receives quite a lot of requests on the day. He retired in 2007 after 42 years as a shift supervisor at Inkerman Sugar Mill, before he got started with the station after someone mentioned they were looking for presenters.

“Someone told me that they were looking for presenters. I was down at the paper shop and I thought, ‘Well, I got plenty of time now that I'm retired,’ so I thought I'd give it a go. I came down here, introduced myself, and they gave me an afternoon radio slow. I've been doing it ever since,” Robert states.

During his ‘Classic Hits & Memories’ program, it’s common for him to play a vast variety of music styles except rap. He’ll happily play country and western and rock, through to general top 40 songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. He occasionally plays music from the 90s and beyond.

“I like to play most styles of music for variety. The only style of music I won't play is rap. Sorry, I'll play anything but that,” he states categorically.

Robert reveals that he doesn’t prepare his playlist in advance like other presenters. Instead, he prefers to decide on the day of the show so that it sounds more natural and spontaneous.

“I come down here and don't even know what I'm going to play that day. Unlike other presenters, who put in many hours, for me, I just go through my list and go, ‘Oh, that sounds all right, haven’t played that for a while.’ So, I play it. I also get plenty of requests, so I try to fit in as many as possible,” he adds.

Robert also likes to do some trivia during his show talking about the history of the songs he plays. For example, when it came out, who wrote it if it’s not the artist singing, or if it’s a cover version.

“Sometimes people think that the song they’re hearing is written by that artist, but more often than not that’s not the case. I really enjoy digging in and finding out for myself,” he says excitedly.

Robert's been at the station for nearly six years and has always presented his programs solo but is open to co-presenting. He supports other people who’d like to present (or co-present) their own show, to come in and give it a go.

“I encourage any aspiring presenters to come down to the station and learn. There's a lot of people here that are prepared to help you out and show you the ropes. You learn how to talk clearly and fluently, plus it helps build character, which boosts self-esteem,” he smiles.

Check out Robert’s Classic Hits & Memories on Saturday afternoons from 2-4pm. If you’re keen to become a presenter for the station, contact Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

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Robert Turner, a man happy to be behind the mic playing what he loves. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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Since the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association came to be in 2011, they’ve developed a strong link to the community. Known as a great place for recent or long-time retired men to go and keep up their skills, learn about men’s health issues, build lasting friendships with other blokes, and give back to the community, they’ve long been admired and respected within the region.

However, with their membership numbers falling as a result of many older members passing away or moving, there are concerns that if they don’t find new members to inject much needed lifeblood, they may not last another 14 years.

Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary, Charles Ford, and members, Antony, and carpenter, Steve Bridges. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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POPULAR MEN’S SHED, CALLS FOR NEW MEMBERS FOR BUILDING BETTER, HEALTHIER MEN

Established in 2011, the Burdekin Men’s Shed Association (BMSA), is a not-for-profit organisation that has been a haven for men to keep up their skills in retirement, engage with others, learn about men’s health issues, while giving back to the community.

The BMSA meets every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:00-11:30am, where they promote various activities that focus on recreation, skill building, and community projects such as making their popular kid’s toy boxes, and tables & chairs.

“We have five buildings and three workshops – one for woodworking, one for small items of craft, another for welding, metal fabrication and mechanics – and we have another front building where we run garage sales. We have a big stock of furniture and items up there. We also have our own chooks, so we can provide eggs for our members,” Charles Ford, Secretary of the BMSA says.

With monthly general meetings and committee meetings three times a year, the ‘Shed’ has felt like a home away from home for many men, making them feel part of something while offering a place to address health issues in a safe, supportive environment with other blokes.

“We get a guest speaker to come along who speaks about some form of men's health issue, which the guys find informative. After the meeting, we then have a sausage sizzle and drinks and a laugh. We also have monthly luncheons at six different venues within the Burdekin, which is for our members and friends to participate in, along with trips to other Men's Sheds in Far North Queensland,” Charles adds.

The BMSA is responsible for all their expenses, from council rates to site building maintenance and equipment repairs, insurance, electricity, printing and postage etc. However, that gets more difficult with the decline in membership numbers due to members passing on or moving. The BMSA once had 80+ members, today it’s dwindled to half that number.

“For the sustainability of the Men's Shed, we've got to look at trying to recruit younger members of the community, and members who will basically take a position on our management committee. “It's a good place to be and we want them to come enjoy themselves, as so many do,” Charles adds.

A big selling point about the Men's Shed is that it offers a reprieve for men’s partners and family, instead of them being stuck at home looking up at the ceiling. Once families bring a man down to the Men's Shed, they can then do whatever they want for that short term the men are there.

“When a man comes, participates, and has enjoyed himself, he goes come home and talks about something new and exciting. We’ve seen a lot of benefits for men and their families,” Charles smiles.

Annual memberships fees are only $50, but with all the incredible benefits for men’s overall health, well-being and their families, it’s hoped more men will join and contribute.

The Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, which relies on fundraising and grants to keep the lights on, welcome donations or sponsorships from businesses and companies, families, and individuals, who wish to support them in addressing men’s health (physical, mental, emotional, social well-being), within the greater Burdekin region.

For donations, sponsorship, or information, call: 0467-083-502, email: burdekinmensshed@outlook.com or better yet, go visit them at 155-157 Young St, Ayr.

Burdekin Men’s Shed Secretary, Charles Ford, and their only carpenter (at present), Steve Bridges, outside one of their sheds. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

So, I’m six weeks into this regional role as your local journo, and I’m seeing trends – some good (most great), and one or two that are disconcerting. Nothing outrageous or an “everyone run-for-hills” kind of thing, just little observations I’ve noticed.

See, as a perennial traveller and someone who was once called ‘The Thinker’ in high school, such was my lifelike pose I’d strike at any time akin to Auguste Rodin’s famous marble statue, I’m forever watching, observing, studying, and generally taking in my surrounds.

If not, then I’m conversing with whoever may be within my vicinity about anything and everything (or nothing). But I’m seeing and hearing the same types of things.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Sweet FM’s Station Manager, Charlie; The Men’s Shed’s Secretary, Charles, Home Hill Chamber’s Secretary, Robert, or other essential Burdekin non-profits, the message is clear – their membership is shrinking, funds and grants are harder to get, and perhaps the biggest of all, it’s a real challenge to get younger people involved.

I’ve seen this countless times, in many places on my sojourns. While most survive through sheer grit, determination, tightening of belts, and the kindness of strangers, some do not.

Community spirit is strong here but without wider support and inventive ways of creating funds, some will be forced to shutter.

If that happens, they’ll leave a big hole.

As your local paper, we do what we can to promote and support such organisations but it’s only one paper, and I’m only one man. We need you, and you, and you, and yes, even you, to show solidarity and make Ayr and Home Hill a beacon for other country towns.

If we all do our bit, things will turn around. If we don’t… well, that won’t happen will it?

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Leaders from the Lower Burdekin Scout Group, Chris Berkery and Narelle Timm, were presented with a generous $2000 cheque by Kerry Lowing, the Secretary of Bluey’s Thrift Shop, on Sunday 5th Jan 2025, at the Uniting Church in Home Hill.
This is the second generous cheque that Bluey’s has presented to the Lower Burdekin Scout Group. The previous donation in 2024 was used to provide scout camps and activities, leadership training for the Youth members, and small First Aid kits for all Scouts, along with some equipment.
“We’ll use some of this very money, which was generously donated from Bluey’s Thrift Shop, to purchase paint so we can brighten the outside of the Den, update some of the group camping and general equipment, and design a group ‘sun safe’ camp shirt,” a very grateful and enthusiastic, Chris says.
This donation will be used to provide 2025 Christmas meals for the homeless and lonely in the community, as well as reduce the cost of membership, camps and activities for the youth members and their families.
“The community supports our Scouts so now we will do this as another way to support our community,” Chris stated.
“On behalf of all our Lower Burdekin Scouts and their families, we would like to give a big thank you to Bluey’s Thrift Shop, for their continued support and all the great work they do in our community.”

Narelle Timm and Chris Berkery, receive their $2000 cheque off Kerry Lowing from Bluey’s Thrift Shop. Photo supplied

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Jo Veneman, a director of North Queensland company Renewable Homes, was recently taken aback by a $1000 bill for her truck to cross the Burdekin Bridge, a key freight route between Ayr and Home Hill on the Bruce Highway. The bridge, which serves both road users and trains, has a unique design that forces full closures when vehicles larger than garbage trucks need to pass.

The Burdekin Bridge, managed by Queensland Rail and Transport and Main Roads, frequently experiences closures - up to 10 to 15 times per day. These closures occur to allow large vehicles to safely cross, with each closure typically costing around $66, adding up to approximately $361,350 annually.

Jo’s situation arose when one of her trucks, carrying a 6-metre wide and 5.2-metre-high load, required a crossing. Queensland Rail, unable to provide an internal track protection officer due to staffing shortages, contracted out the service to another provider. This resulted in a bill exceeding $1000 for the crossing.

Jo expressed frustration at what she sees as a lack of competition for track protection services, stating that with only one approved contractor handling these jobs, prices are inflated, describing the situation as "daylight robbery," highlighting the disproportionate costs for small businesses.

In response to the incident, Queensland Rail explained that safety is their top priority, and track protection officers are needed to ensure the safety of all parties, including the transport crew, rail staff, and infrastructure. While Queensland Rail aims to provide internal officers when given sufficient notice, they acknowledged that sometimes external contractors are necessary due to resource constraints. The cost of these services depends on factors like the size of the load and the required train planning.

Jo’s experience has sparked concerns over the high costs and limited options for small fleet operators, who are left to bear the brunt of the financial burden when crossing the Burdekin Bridge.

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The Federal Labor Government’s backflip on funding for the Bruce Highway has been welcomed by Member for Burdekin Dale Last, just weeks after flooding cut the national highway.

Mr Last said the return of the 80:20 funding arrangement between state and federal governments for the East coast’s deadliest highway was welcome news for many communities in the Burdekin Electorate.

“In the time since Labor axed the 80:20 funding arrangement for the Bruce Highway, we have seen more blood shed, families torn apart, communities left reeling, and at times, travellers stranded due to flooding on our major highway,” Mr Last said.

“In the space of a matter of months since the October election, the Crisafulli Government have achieved what the former state government couldn’t, while the Federal Labor Government have been dragged kicking and screaming to reverse their decision and reinstate the 80:20 funding arrangement.”

“The sad reality is that quite often, the funding investment needed for upgrades on the Bruce Highway isn't about arriving at a location quicker, they are about actually arriving alive,” he said.

Mr Last said the return of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Crisafulli government, went hand-in-hand to mark the start of bringing about a safer Bruce Highway.

“For years we have had to fight tooth and nail for any sort of funding to bring about a safer Bruce Highway, particularly here in the Burdekin Electorate,” Mr Last said.

“We know there is work to be done and already we have brought together strong voices from the regions to help deliver a long-term upgrade plan, which will bring the Bruce Highway up to safety standards,” he said. 

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