Delivered by many helping hands, 94 Burdekin households received “Christmas Cheer” support through the Salvation Army this Christmas. The support included gift cards, toys, Christmas and non-perishable foods, household items and fresh produce.
The number of households receiving Christmas Cheer this year increased by 25%. With many in the community who are struggling with homelessness and the cost of living, with some living in tents, couch surfing, or have medical/mental health needs for themselves and their families, this was a wonderful way to help ease their burden.
“We were blessed to have volunteers from nine different churches both in the preparation for and on the day of distribution. The effort from all our terrific volunteer helpers, was a fantastic outpouring of community goodwill and crucial to successfully delivering support to these households,” said Gwen Marshall, Community & Ministry Manager, Salvation Army.
Donations from the community were also a key part of the Christmas Cheer. Much thanks needs to be given to Rapisarda Farms (watermelons); Chapman’s from Rocky Ponds (pumpkins); Church communities (non-perishable foods & household goods); MP Dale Last appeal (food and toys); Men’s Shed and Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort’s Christmas Tree Appeal (toys); K-Mart wishing tree, with special mention to Woolworths for their generous support (Christmas food and chocolates), all of who contributed to the greater good of the community with this incredible initiative.

‍

Some of The Salvo’s volunteers: L-R Michelle McVeigh, Jeanette Gould, Rhonda Matthews, John McVeigh, Felipe Lima, Cathy Crooks, Karina Lima, Seini Mau, Naomi Gould, and Gwen Marshall. Photo: Supplied

‍

What a wonderful Christmas 2024 and here we are celebrating a new year, ringing in 2025.
Carols in Home Hill Sunday 8th December was well attended, despite the weather and change of venue. It was great to see local recording artist René entertain the crowd along with other talented locals. The evening concluded with Santa arriving with lolly bags greeted by Minty and rounding off with spectacular fireworks.  
I had the good fortune to experience the End of Season Golf Classic Friday the 13th December, where the generosity of the Burdekin came to the fore, pardon the golf pun, supporting CORES by raising over thirty thousand dollars. Congrats to Ben, Kelsy and their band of volunteers.  
Joyous church celebrations in Ayr at the United Church and in Home Hill at the Catholic Church on the 15th expressed the real meaning of Christmas with thoughtful words and beautiful music.
The Burdekin Youth Council hit the airwaves at Sweet FM on Wednesday the 18th to tell the listeners about themselves and the history which dates back thirty years.
Street festivities on the 19th and tremendous Christmas lighting throughout the Burdekin. Special mention to Leon and Jeff opposite the Golf Club, who go ‘above and beyond’ entertaining young and old.
The day itself was full of cheer, presents, excess food and afternoon siestas.
Despite all the festive cheer, some among us experienced loss and challenges, may we as a community wrap our arms around them to ease the discomfort.
New Year has been celebrated and resolutions made, some already broken, but we are given another year to strengthen what we already have, to change aspects of our life for the better and make a conscious choice to contribute to the Burdekin community.
There are many volunteer organisations crying out for potential members and this may just be the year to make that decision.
‍

Wishing you health and happiness.
Councillor Furnell

‍

Wow, Christmas and New Year have come and gone in the blink of an eye! For many of us, the festive season is a time for family, laughter, and reflection. Coming from a big family myself, it’s rare that we’re all able to gather in one place, but I was grateful to spend Christmas Day in Townsville with my family members who could make it.
It was particularly special to have my mum, who lives with dementia, enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It’s a day we will all treasure - full of joy, love, and memories to hold close.
At our Christmas table, we often welcome more than just family. We’ve made it a tradition to include what I lovingly call “our orphans” - friends who might be on their own or whose partners are working during the holiday season. Their presence adds a unique dynamic to the day, with plenty of laughter and stories that make the celebration even more meaningful.
As we step into 2025, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope this year brings you everything you dream of and more.
I am excited for what lies ahead and look forward to working alongside my fellow Councillors to ensure the Burdekin continues to thrive.
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make 2025 a remarkable year for the Burdekin!
Stay safe and take care of yourself. 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.

‍

Burdekin Potters Inc. has been a cornerstone of creativity and community spirit in the Burdekin region since its establishment in 1975. With 2025 marking its 50th anniversary, the club has seen tremendous growth in recent years, increasing its membership from just 10 members four years ago to 62 in 2024. From young individuals just starting out to those in their mid-70s, the club embraces potters of all ages, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for creativity to flourish.
The Burdekin Potters play an active role in the community, offering pottery classes for both adults and children throughout the year. The club also provides valuable support to indigenous groups, special needs communities, and local schools, helping them incorporate pottery into their curricula. Teachers receive advice and guidance, while the club supplies clay and fires the students’ creations in the club’s kiln.
In addition to its local outreach, the Burdekin Potters regularly hosts beginner courses to encourage new members to join the club. The club’s diverse and growing membership includes everyone from aspiring artists to seasoned potters, creating a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
In their efforts to ensure the club’s long-term sustainability, the Burdekin Potters sought out support through the Bendigo Bank Community Grant program, which has been instrumental in helping local clubs achieve their goals. The club was successful in securing a grant of $9,450 to refresh its clubhouse, ensuring it looks its best as it celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.
The exterior of the clubhouse in Plantation Park was given a fresh coat of paint, significantly enhancing its appearance and making a lasting impression on the community with Club President, Debra Ferraris more than excited for what’s to come.
“It was awesome to be successful in gaining the funding to achieve this project,” shared Debra.
“To have a big-ticket item crossed off our wish list, allows us to focus our funds (from sales of clay and membership fees) on maintaining and purchasing equipment for the club, as well as paying for general expenses like rates, electricity, and insurance.”
The club’s continued success and growth are a testament to the hard work of its volunteers and members, and the support of the community. As the club celebrates its 50th anniversary, they hope to inspire even more individuals to join and experience the joy of pottery!

‍

Members of the Burdekin Potters receiving a cheque from the Bendigo Bank Community Grant program. Photo supplied

‍

The Lower Burdekin Scout Group held a Christmas Raffle for the first time in the last 5-7 years. The Scouts would like to thank “Beaver” who is one of our Adult Helpers for coming up with the fundraising idea and doing all the leg work. This fundraiser will assist us in keeping our membership fees the lowest in our region.
We especially would like to thank the following local organisations who supported us by donating vouchers and gifts, which enabled us to create 12 packages of gifts as prizes:
Home Hill News & Coffee, Pathway to Holistic Health, Home Hill, Marzays, Home Hill
The Prawn Shop, Home Hill, Dee & Vees Takeaway, Home Hill, Fit Gym, Home Hill, Coles, Ayr, Woolworths, Ayr, Lilly May’s Flowers & Gifts, Home Hill and Tattoo Lotus, Ayr.

We would also like to thank Harvey Norman and Woolworths, for allowing the Scouts to sell the raffle tickets outside their stores. Harvey Norman also additionally supported the Scouts by allowing us to run a BBQ and sell raffle tickets on Thursday, 19 December.
The Lower Burdekin Scouts sold 479 tickets at $1 each to local families and visitors, and there were 12 prize packages.
The raffle and BBQ were the last Scouting activity in 2024, which has been a busy year for our Scouts.
Some of the activities were: Australia Day, swimming, Anzac Day, abseiling, camping, hiking, sailing, Harvest Festival, Ayr Show, Water Festival, visiting local Emergency Services and movie night.
The 2025 program has been developed and there will be lots of activities like there was in last year. 2025 starts with the Jamboree in Maryborough from the 5–16th of January.
People who would like to try Scouting, can come along in 2025 for four nights at no cost or more information, simply call Rikki on: 0419 104 035.
The Lower Burdekin Scouts wish all the readers, our supporters and members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

‍

Lower Burdekin Scouts, Corey and Rikki, setting up for the BBQ. Photo: Supplied

‍

The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Incorporated will soon celebrate its 35th anniversary within the region, with the committee’s rich agricultural history dating back to 1990.

John Trace held the position of 1990 Burdekin Shire Chairman and decided to establish a Landcare steering committee within the community, issuing an official meeting on the 28th of February. A year later, following on from Councillor Ron Brennan chairing the first public meeting of the committee, April of 1991 saw the announcement of President, Bob Whitson, Vice President, Maree Cameron, Secretary, Mike Franettovich, and Treasurer, Pat Neville as well as the renaming of the group to Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Incorporated. As June of 1992 rolled around, Les Searle was elected Chairperson, and actioned scouting for tree planting sites in both Ayr and Home Hill, and the rest, as they say, is history.

With over three decades of achievements and milestones, 2024 has seen the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association encourage a new generation into the fold through the launch of a wonderful Junior Landcare program. Chairwoman, Deb Calligaro, notes the program as a celebratory accomplishment, warmly thanking Keith Kiloh for his instrumental role in launching the initiative, wishing him all the best ahead of his retirement.  

“Keith has done an amazing job as our previous Chairman and has really set us up for a bright future,” shared Deb.

“We thank Kieth immensely for all his hard work, dedication and leadership during his time as our leader and wish him all the very best in life.”

Along with the successful introduction of the Junior Landcare program, the Association celebrated both National Tree Day 4 Kids, and National Tree Day throughout 2024 along with a selection of improvements to their International Road facility. With 2025 underway, Lower Burdekin Landcare plans to continue advancing the Association’s reach within the community and increase volunteer numbers, with Deb inviting the community to see the work they carry out firsthand.

“We would like to create a mental health hub where anyone can come to the nursery and sit amongst nature and enjoy a cuppa and a chat with us,” added Deb.

“We would love for people to come into our nursery and see what we do and what is involved in being a volunteer or a member.

As a volunteer you don’t have to come every day that we are open nor do you have to stay the whole four hours, we are happy for any time that anyone can spare.”

Deb and the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association committee invite the community to either visit the nursery located at 57 International Road, Ayr or reach out via 07 3543 0477 or 0407 333 927 for more information.

‍

The Burdekin region is set to cultivate the next generation of agricultural talent with the return of the much-anticipated Burdekin’s Sweetest School competition. This unique event invites local schools to roll up their sleeves and showcase their skills in sugarcane cultivation while fostering a sense of pride and collaboration across the community.
The competition, beginning in April, promises an exciting journey for participating schools as they learn the intricacies of sugarcane farming. From planting to nurturing their crops, students will gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and witness the vital role the sugarcane industry plays in the region's economy.
By embracing this challenge, students and teachers alike will delve into environmentally conscious farming practices, nurturing both their crops and a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication required in agriculture. The initiative is designed to spark a passion for farming among the younger generation while promoting teamwork and innovation in the classroom.
Schools will cultivate their crops over 12 months, with industry experts evaluating the sugarcane for quality and growth. The competition will culminate in May 2025, aligning with the Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival, where the winning school will be announced during the Australian Hand Cutting Championships.
The victorious school will not only take home a $1,000 prize, proudly sponsored by CANEGROWERS Burdekin, but also a trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights.
This grassroots initiative continues to inspire students and highlight the importance of agriculture in the Burdekin community, ensuring that the region’s sweetest industry has a bright and sustainable future.

‍

Grower advocacy group, CANEGROWERS, have said that Queensland's sugarcane farming families have spent Christmas counting the cost of yet another delayed harvest. It claims that updated industry analysis has found that poor milling performance throughout the year has caused crushing to continue into the wet season, which could cost growers over one-hundred million dollars in 2024.
The analysis by CANEGROWERS has revealed that as of 14 December more than 1.8 million tonnes of cane, worth a staggering $179 million, remained unharvested across Queensland.
“Some mills are still crushing, so it’s too early to tell how many tonnes will remain unharvested when the season finally ends, but that could happen any day given the continuing wet weather we’re experiencing across the state,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said.
“What’s clear is that growers and harvesting contractors are going to take a huge financial hit this year due to delays that they have no control over.”
The challenges are compounded by the downstream effects of standover cane and late-harvested ratoons, which threaten to erode grower profits well into 2025.
While mills also face financial setbacks from the extended crush, growers bear the lion’s share of costs, Mr Menkens said.
“As the crush drags past mid-November, rising temperatures and the onset of the rainy season create a triple blow – reduced sugar content in the cane, higher harvesting costs, and damage to wet paddocks, which require expensive remediation.”
The disparity in financial losses is stark.
“Obviously mills lose out too, but of that $179 million, the cost to growers and harvesting contractors is $115 million, so the growing sector is by far the hardest hit,” Mr Menkens said.
“We’re not supposed to be harvesting at this time of year, it’s as simple as that, and farmers are frustrated by the situation, which many feel is preventable.
“This frustration is reflected in tension across the industry, but arguments alone won’t solve the issue.”
Underlying these delays are systemic problems. Queensland’s sugar mills, many of which are ageing, urgently require significant investment to meet modern standards.
Workforce shortages compound the issue, with mill workers, harvester operators, and truck drivers in short supply.
Mr Menkens emphasised the need for unity and transparency to overcome these challenges.
“The future of our industry hinges on collaboration. Fixing systemic issues requires growers, millers, and government to work together, but we also need transparency.
“Every year the milling sector tells us the vast sums that they spend on maintenance and capital expenditure, but we don’t actually know what the true cost of bringing our mills up to speed might be.
“Spending $40-$50 million on capex sounds impressive, but if the true cost is $100 million then suddenly it doesn’t seem like nearly enough. So, transparency is essential.”
While historical tensions and mistrust between growers and millers persist, the industry’s survival depends on building trust and working toward shared goals, Mr Menkens said.
“Confidence to spur capital investment, shared strategic planning, and workforce development must be priorities.”
“It’s time to move beyond blame and focus on solutions. With cooperation, we can realign our seasons and position Queensland’s sugarcane industry for a stronger future.”

‍

Photo supplied: CANEGROWERS

‍

The Get Set for Work program, run by Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), targets 15-19-year-olds who have dropped out of school and provides them with a Certificate II in skills for work and vocational pathways.

The program includes resume and cover letter assistance, first aid, RSA, and white cards, and features guest speakers on topics like budgeting, mental health, workers' rights, road safety, indigenous culture, and drug and alcohol awareness.

“Our Get Set for Work program is for youth aged 15 to 19 and is part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The program aims to guide youth who have dropped out of school towards gaining employment,” explains Rowan Scott, PCYC Program Coordinator.

The Get Set for Work program is free, runs five days a week, and starts up again on January 28. Success stories include participants landing jobs in travel agencies, engineering, and hospitality.

The program aims to build confidence and employable skills.

PCYC’s most recent program in December, saw a 100% success rate, with all five participants completing the program. Past graduates often return to share their employment successes with the participants.

“Seeing the participants come in at the start, they’re a little nervous, a bit immature and unsure. By the end of the 10-week program, however, we start to see big changes in them when they complete their Certificate II, or find work for example. It's a small reward for us but a big deal for them,” Rowan says with pride.

“Here at PCYC we also run a ‘Break the Cycle’ program, which helps participants obtain their 100 hours towards their learner's license. Like Get Set for Work, it’s free! We also provide a pick-up and drop-off service, which runs five days a week, from 9am to 3pm,” he says.

Both programs are designed to give participants more freedom and flexibility, while giving them a greater sense of self-worth and purpose. PCYC continues to support their participants even after the courses have concluded, providing ongoing assistance.

Businesses are encouraged to participate in the programs, with many seeing great success as a result of hiring entry-level workers.

Interested participants and businesses, can contact Rowan Scott or Tamara Kemp for more information on: 06 4783 1009.

‍

Rowan Scott (Program Coordinator) and Tamara Kemp (Social Worker). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

We are checking in with you all!

How are we all going?
How did Christmas go for everyone?  
A relaxing time spent with those that matter, or did it feel more like a dumpster fire?

As we reflect on the past year, there comes a moment to release the challenges of 2024. Tonight presents a wonderful opportunity to shift our focus toward planning and setting intentions for the new year. It’s a time for manifestation and envisioning what we want to create in 2025.

No matter how your experiences have shaped you, this moment allows for growth and renewal. Letting go of the difficulties faced lets us clear space for new opportunities and aspirations. This is not merely about resolution-making but about truly contemplating the direction we wish to take moving forward.

The significance and history of New Year's celebrations can be traced back thousands of years and vary widely across different cultures and regions.

In 46 BC, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which established January 1 as the beginning of the year. This choice was related to January being named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, and time, symbolically looking back at the past and forward to the future.  Regardless of the specific date or customs, the essence of welcoming a new year resonates universally, transcending cultural barriers.

New Year's celebrations represent hope, renewal, and the collective desire for a better future, making it one of the most significant and widely celebrated occasions around the globe.  

We are excited to welcome everyone back to the Centre from Monday 6th January 2025.
Our programs and services will be available from this date.

Our groups' start-up dates:

Crochet Group – Monday, 13th January starting at 1pm.  We are opening the group up to other crafters.  If you would like to join the group and be around like-minded crafters like yourself – get in touch with us to find out more.

Presentation of Grief – Wednesday, 29th January 10.30am.  An interactive education session on what grief looks like, how to support someone who is grieving and ideas on self-care.

Burdekin Dementia Support Group – Tuesday, 4th February at 10.00am

Burdekin Senior Computer Club – Thursday, 6th February at 9.30am

Burdekin Parkinsons Support Group - Friday, 28th February at 9.30am

So, as the clock ticks down, let’s embrace this moment to renew our focus, heal from past difficulties, and cultivate hope for the future.

Until next time
The Team at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

‍

The final Honour Board event of 2024, Constable & Taylor Day, was held on Saturday, December the 7th, drawing an impressive 56 participants eager to embrace the tradition at the Ayr Golf Club. Despite the rainy weather earlier in the week, the course was in fantastic condition, thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers and greenkeeper with their hard work ensuring a seamless event.

Captain Sandra Wight shared a heartfelt moment during the event, reflecting on her visit last year with Dr. Bill Taylor, just before his passing. During their discussion, Dr. Taylor spoke fondly of how both his father, Dr. Taylor, and Dr. Constable were passionate about fostering new friendships through randomly drawn partners. This vision of inclusivity has become a cherished tradition, making Constable & Taylor Day a special occasion each year.

The day was filled with excitement and friendly competition, culminating in a thrilling playoff to determine the next names to grace the Honour Board. The crowd gathered around the playoff hole to witness some exceptional putting, with Patron Pat Lawson delivering a clutch putt for par to secure the victory by a single shot.

Congratulations to Geoff Munro and Pat Lawson, the 2024 Constable & Taylor Day champions! A special mention also went to the runners-up, Donna Reid and Lenny Phillips, who both played brilliantly, with their teams finishing with 44 stableford points.
Equal third place was claimed by Mike Casey and Ross McLaughlin, as well as Charlie Coles and Phil Johnstone, who both scored 42 points. In a tie for fourth place, with 39 points each, were Trevor Jones & Ann Phelan, Robert Potter & Vin Sorbello, and Marion Chappell & Jon Lena.

‍

On 11 December, The Home Hill Surgery was thrilled to celebrate a milestone – their 10th anniversary – since the irrepressible and lovable, Dr Tata, has taken over the practice.

It has been an incredible journey, and one they couldn’t have done without the local community’s support, who’ve seen the practice go from one doctor, to two, to now six! Quite remarkable when you consider that most regional and rural areas are lucky to have one doctor, and even then that’s usually a locum – a temporary or visiting GP.

“It’s a passion and honour of mine, to practice,” Dr. Tata says when he discusses the centre’s 10th anniversary. He gave much thanks to his wife, family, and his other doctors, as well as his many supporters, presenting those in attendance with special awards for their support on the day.

‍

Dr. Tata celebrating with friends and family. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Growing Health, Caring For Community

In the time since Dr. Tata took over the clinic, he’s not only been able to increase the number of doctors in the region from one to six, but brought on other practitioners, including the newly arrived physiotherapist, Joshi Kota, who has only been in the Burdekin area since early October.

Named a finalist for GP of Australia in 2019, along with being named the best GP in all of Queensland, it’s a testament to Dr. Tata and his Home Hill Surgery, long considered to be one of the friendliest general practices around.

The Home Hill Surgery also offers other services not found in other regional areas, including the new procedural room, which was opened by Dr Tata and Mayor Dalle Cort on the day. That now means patients can have some minor procedures taken care of, while still being close to home, and family and friends, rather than visit Townsville or travel to bigger hospitals much further away.

“We work like a small family here,” Dr Tata says. It’s something that is reiterated among not only his doctors and staff, but the wider community, with many grateful for Dr. Tata for not only taking over the surgery, but adding real value and quality service in a region that really needed it.

Many people came to join him and his staff for a special celebration to mark this significant occasion, as they looked back on the memories, honoured the achievements, while looking forward to many more exciting years ahead.

He also received hundreds of wonderful emails and video messages congratulating him on his 10th anniversary and continued success in the community, including from MP Dale Last.

Dr Tata perhaps summed up the occasion and mood best when he says, “We may be a small dot on the map, but we’re big on heart.”

Judging by the number of people in attendance, and the numerous video messages from key organisations and prominent positions within the Burdekin, it’s easy to see why.

For all your medical needs, go visit the Home Hill Surgery, on 67 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill, and check out the vast array of services on offer, as well as the new procedural room.

‍

Dr. Tata thanks his family and supporters. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Dr Tata with his wife Pavani Ganapathi, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, and his supporters, cut the 10th Anniversary cake. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

Ready to brighten your day and support a great cause? Then head on down to 12 Patricia Road, Ayr, where you can pick your own sunflowers for a donation, with all the money collected going into research for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Australia.

Started up by a local man who wanted to remain anonymous, during a brief conversation, he said he was doing it after one of his good friends lost their child to CDH.

“Basically, anything I can do that might help save a life, whether it’s money for research into CDH which can possibly save other child’s lives, felt like the thing to do,” he said.

When asked if he’d repeat this beautiful display again next year, he was unsure, but if the genuine, heartfelt response from the community is anything to go by, you can expect that there’ll be a nice donation amount being sent to CDH Australia after it’s all done.

The display has seen a great response and participation from the local Burdekin community, who has taken up the challenge and come armed with snips or scissors, cutting their own sunflowers to take and decorate their home or give as gifts to others, while leaving generous donations for the cause.

Bring your own snips, snap some fun photos, post on social media, all while taking home a gorgeous bloom!

Your donation helps CDH Australia support families impacted by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, raising awareness and funding for life-saving research and support.

‍

Local sunflower display now on display to support CDH Australia. Photo credits: Mark T. Rasmussen

‍

So as another year is almost over, last minute Chrissie gifts are checked off, and we step into 2025 (how did we get there so quickly?), from me, Trish, Chelsea and the rest of the Burdekin Life team, we want to thank everyone from the local community, the Burdekin Shire Council, community and support groups, sports teams and clubs, and especially advertisers, for your continued support and commitment to the paper. Without it, the Burdekin Life Newspaper would cease to exist.

In my short time here, me and my own little family – which will be extended by one next April – have nothing but gratitude for the welcome and support we’ve been given. When you’ve been on the road as long as we have (19 months), across two countries, simply looking to put down roots, it’s that kind of care and camaraderie, that makes the world of difference.

As we all look forward to a vibrant 2025, may your festive season be one of joy, delight, and wonderful memories. To those who may have lost loved ones throughout the year, let’s gather around them and let them know they are not alone.

A strong, healthy, and compassionate community, can only be as good as everyone is willing to contribute. Doesn’t matter whether it’s their services, time, or support, we can each do something to lift the Burdekin community up and make it a shining example across Queensland and Australia.

I look forward to meeting many more of you next year, hearing your own great personal stories, and sharing the delights of them within these pages.

For now, have yourselves a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and here’s hoping Santa Claus brings you all what you want most. Ho Ho Ho!

‍

Staff at the Ayr Hospital took time to recognise some of their longest serving staff with a special morning tea function on Friday, 13th December, last week.
 
Eight staff across the whole nursing, medical, operational and administration service groups, were presented with certificates and commemorative pins by Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, highlighting their milestone years of service.
 
Notably, clinical nurse, Suzette Marano, who primarily works within the emergency department, was awarded her certificate for 35 years of service to the health service.
 
Ayr Health Service director of nursing, Tracey Gabiola, said Ms Marano was one of the most experienced and invaluable members of the team.
 
“Suzette is a shining example of a rural generalist nurse who is competent across much of our service,” Tracey said.
 
“While she primarily works in emergency, she also provides support to all our nursing and medical staff within the acute ward and perioperative when required.”
 
“As a clinical nurse, Suzette provides an advanced level of assessment and emergency response skills and has provided quality leadership within our nursing team over her long career here at the Ayr hospital,” Tracey concluded.
 
Other staff who were recognised for Ayr Health Service length of service awards on the day included:
 
       ◦ Mary Anne Fraser    30 years
       ◦ Kathy Dunn              25 years
       ◦ Helen Fraser             15 years
       ◦ Jade Nielsen             10 years
       ◦ Colin De Wit            10 years
       ◦ Sandra Boccalatte    10 years
       ◦ Katrina Moretto       10 years

‍

Clinical nurse, Suzette Marano with Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort. Photo: Supplied

L-R: Sandra Boccalatte (10 years), Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Colin De Wit (10 years), Suzette Marano (35 years), Jade Nielsen (10 years). Photo: Supplied

‍