The business community gathered at Ayr’s Burdekin Theatre on Wednesday, November 8 for the last Burdekin Industry Breakfast of the year.

Hosted by Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry and Councillor John Furnell, the breakfast connected local businesses with opportunities throughout the region.

With earthworks recently commencing for the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Cadet Engineer Coralie Mannea officially launched the release of non-binding expressions of interest for land at the Industry Breakfast.

“We know that the Burdekin is recognised as having specialist skills in the broad areas of manufacturing, boiler making, fitting and turning, engineering and fabrication and I am proud that local engineers and fabricators are amongst the best in Australia, with some exporting specialised products worldwide,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“By creating more space for industrial activities, the industrial estate expansion project aims to allow existing businesses to expand and attract new businesses and investments, ultimately bolstering the local economy.”

Attendees also heard from Wandarra CEO Steve Tiley who spoek about the business’s development of a vertically integrated industrial hemp cultivation and whole plant utilisation enterprise in north Queensland.

Mr Tiley provided an overview of the company, the project, and the opportunities it presents for the Burdekin.

“This is a catalyst project for north Queensland,” Mr Tiley said.

“Our model is to be a part of the global supply chain.

“When we get going, we’re going to need lots of goods and services.”

Contact Burdekin Shire Council for more information.

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Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, Wandarra CEO Steve Tiley, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Cadet Engineer Coralie Mannea and Councillor John Furnell

Paula, Mikaela, Candice, and Sue of Nutrien Harcourts McCathies

John Ferguson and Rian Swindley

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Burdekin Shire Council Cadet Engineer Coralie Mannea

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Last Thursday, Giru State School’s ‘Playstars Playgroup’ held a very special playgroup morning for Children’s Week.  

The two hour event took place at the school utilising the library, playground and outdoor facilities for an amazing morning of interactive play to celebrate the rights of children, their talents, skills and abilities.  

Playgroup facilitator Emily Hervey was lucky enough to win a grant from Children’s Rights Queensland to help fund and facilitate the morning to include a range of engaging activities and special guests, such as the Burdekin Library, to deliver a very special story time for all of the children.

The event engaged families from all over the Burdekin who stayed and played with their children for Children’s Week.

Contributed by Giru State School

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Giru State School’s “Playstars Playgroup” celebrated Children’s Week in style last week. Photos supplied: Giru State School

One of Australia’s favourite and most respected musicians, Ian Moss, is calling into Airlie Beach for the unmissable Airlie Beach Festival of Music in just under one weeks’ time.

Delivering smooth vocals and unforgettable tunes, the tenacity, clarity and resonating passion that is Ian Moss will ensure the best times for the Festival, both on stage and off.

Beginning his career on the backstreets of Alice Springs, Ian Moss was quick to head to Adelaide and mix in with the boys that would become Cold Chisel.

He travelled regional Australia with the boys in black, building their reputation and by 1980, Cold Chisel was a family name with their rock blues, resonating sounds and deep lyrics.

Despite the unfortunate closure of Cold Chisel in 1983, Ian was quick to launch his budding solo career, and released the phenomenal ‘Tucker’s Daughter’ in 1989. This immediate hit was well received across Australia and projected Ian into newfound solo stardom.

‘Tucker’s Daughter’, along with ‘Soul on West 53rd’, ‘Telephone Booth’ and many other hits on his album ‘Matchbook’, took Ian on a European Tour in 1990, before he returned home and started work on his second album ‘Worlds Away.’

It is no surprise that Ian Moss has evolved to become an Aussie icon, fuelling the Australian narrative since his Cold Chisel days, as he continues to headline across the globe.

And now 50 years on, Ian Moss continues to be an Aussie favourite, with Airlie Beach Festival of Music being one stop on his legendary celebratory tour.

Along with Ian Moss, both Dragon and Ross Wilson are also celebrating 50 years of rock, culminating in these massive Aussie icons calling Airlie Beach home for a weekend of unstoppable music.

Last Saturday saw the Burdekin Potters hold its final Adult Beginner Hand-building course for 2023.

Seven enthusiastic ladies took part and enjoyed creating some unique handmade pieces.

Burdekin Potters Inc., located in Plantation Park, has seen a huge resurgence of interest in the art of clay, with membership soaring from around 10 four years ago, to almost 60 at present.

The Burdekin Potters was established in 1975 and will be celebrating 50 years in 2025.

Our youngest member is 16 with our most experienced potter aged in her mid-70s.

The club is very inclusive and caters to both men and women from the regional communities.

The Pottery Club will be holding a Christmas exhibition, beginning with the Plantation Markets on Sunday, December 3 through to Sunday, December 10.

Drop in during that week to pick up a locally crafted unique pottery piece for that special someone for Christmas.

Any time you see the “Open” flag flying, you’re welcome to drop in and have a browse, or register your interest in participating in a Beginner class next year.

Contributed by Debra Ferraris

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Bev and Joanna

Suzie and Simone

Frances

Photos supplied

Ayr State High School’s annual Academic Awards was held on Thursday, October 19 at the Burdekin Theatre.

The night was a showcase of all the great work that students and staff do together every day to ensure our students have the opportunity to excel.

Students were acknowledged for their academic excellence and a range of prestigious Special Awards were presented.

The quality of our students made the selection process for many of these Special Awards a very difficult task this year.

The major award recipients from Sports Awards and Cultural Awards were also presented to provide the link between all three Awards ceremonies.

Our scholarship holders for Year 7 and Year 11 were also presented to the school community.

Jesse and Chelsea, School Captains, provided a showcase of the year that was, before the final presentations of the evening to the 2023 Student Executive, along with the announcement of the 2024 Student Executive who will lead our school next year.

Congratulations to all award recipients - we are extremely proud of your efforts and successes. We trust that you are too.

Contributed by Ayr State High School

Year Level Duxes

Year 7 Dux – Riley Dobe

Year 8 Dux – Kovi Cursio

Year 9 Dux – Ashlee Colls

Year 10 Dux – Sophie Robertson

Year 11 Dux – Ella Swaffield

Senior Dux – Chelsea Scalia

Special Award Recipients

Citizenship Awards – Caitlyn Cheyne (Junior), Macee Cursio (Senior)

All Rounder Awards – Ashlee Colls (Junior), Zavier Wood (Senior)

Indigenous Award – Wassie Ghee (Junior), Seanna Chapman (Senior)

ADF Long Tan Awards – Chloe Hook (Yr 10), Zavier Wood (Yr 12)

TAFE at School Award – Blake Walker

Ayr Rotary Club Vocational Education Award – Adam Prior, Tiffiny Pegoraro

JCU Rising Star Award – Chelsea Scalia

Excellence in Community Service Award

Sophie Robertson, Chelsea Scalia, Eddie Jones, Tiana Cameron, Noah Arboit, Sarah Shepherd, Caitlyn Cheyne, Zavier Wood, Amaya Boland, Macee Cursio, Chloe Hook, Chloe Becke, Bella Lawry, Briella Wassmuth, Brayden Becke, Layla Kelly, Ryley Sartori

Commitment to Community Service

Sophie Papale, Phoebe Lyons, Maddy Geitz, Lachlan Mills, Ashlee Colls, Ayden Barrett, Georgia Tomasetig, Matilda Wiseman, Max Kelly, Shaize Christie, Lincoln Innes, Addison Bonato, Jorja Ahern, Isla Chapman

Academic Excellence Awards

Year 7 – Chloe Becke, Meggan Laidlow, Sophie Papale, Jarred Laidlow, Parker Bonato, Lincoln Innes, Riley Dobe

Year 8 – Andrew Robertson, Nicholas Cathcart, Ryley Sartori, Amaya Boland, Kovi Cursio, Isla Chapman, Shaize Christie, Aja Olsen, Millie Lyne

Year 9 – Sally Laidlow, Kirryn Laidlow, Hunter Oats, Ashlee Colls, Caitlyn Cheyne, Kelsey Cox, Shae Laidlow

Year 10 – Jessica Boyd, Chloe Hook, Jack Power, Thomas Bach, Meg Fallon, Melody Curro, Addisyn Wiseman, Sophie Robertson

Year 11 – Layla Kelly, Chelsea O’Shea, Noah Arboit, Ella Swaffield, Emma Miller

Year 12 – Amelia Jerkic, Zavier Wood, Chelsea Scalia, Jessica Dolan

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Year Level Duxes Riley Dobe, Kovi Cursio, Ashlee Colls, Sophie Robertson, Ella Swaffield, Chelsea Scalia

Citizenship Awardees Caitlyn Cheyne and Macee Cursio

All Rounder Awardees Ashlee Colls and Zavier Wood

Indigenous Awardees Wassie Ghee and Seanna Chapman

ADF Long Tan Awardees Chloe Hook and Zavier Wood

TAFE at School Awardee Blake Walker

Ayr Rotary Club Vocational Education Awardees Adam Prior and Tiffiny Pegoraro

JCU Rising Star Awardee and Senior Dux Chelsea Scalia

Photos supplied

On Tuesday, October 24, some St Francis Catholic School TECH students participated in the annual Townsville Grammar School's LEGO Robotics competition.

The group of students were presented with an unfamiliar challenge and had to use their knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills as well as creativity to produce a moving car which they called the Next Generation Green Machine.

This challenge involved students not only designing the car but also building it with LEGO and programming it to move.

This was the first time that St Francis participated in this competition and the students did a wonderful job coming away with a trophy for their creativity.

It was an amazing opportunity for our students to take their knowledge and apply it in a new way and an experience they thoroughly enjoyed.

Contributed by St Francis Catholic School

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St Francis Catholic School students Dylan, Chase, Lara, Sam and Harry travelled to Townsville to compete in Townsville Grammar School's LEGO Robotics competition. Photos supplied

Tucked away in the heart of the Burdekin, Charlie's Hill stands as a historical monument, offering locals a unique picnic experience that seamlessly blends nature and history.

Constructed in 1943, the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie's Hill played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline. Its primary mission was to provide early warnings about approaching enemy aircraft, ensuring the safety of the region during challenging times.

For those seeking a distinctive outdoor adventure, Charlie's Hill is just a short six-minute drive south of Home Hill. As you journey along the Bruce Highway, keep an eye out for signs on the left side of the road. Turn onto Charlie's Hill Road, and after about 1.5 kilometres, the hill itself comes into view on the right. Access to the hill is straightforward, with an unsealed track leading from the road.

The historical remnants of the No 211 Radar Station can still be explored at Charlie's Hill. You'll find two above-ground semi-circular igloos constructed from reinforced concrete. These structures, known as igloos, were designed to offer bomb-proof protection for the radar equipment. The radar station played a crucial role in protecting the region, making it a site of historical significance.

While the wooden towers that once supported transmitting and receiving aerials have since been removed, the foundations of various structures near the igloos remain as a testament to the site's historical and military value. The physical remains of the radar station tell a story of dedication and resilience during a challenging period in history.

Visiting Charlie's Hill offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it's a chance to have a truly unique picnic experience surrounded by history.

From the summit of Charlie's Hill, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby islands, including Rita Island and Peters Island, adding to the natural beauty of this unique location.

As you enjoy your meal and the peaceful surroundings, take a moment to reflect on the significance of this site and its role in preserving the safety and security of the North Queensland coast during World War II.

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Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Known as one of Australia’s best Barra impoundments, Lake Proserpine is just a two-hour drive south of the Burdekin, and not only is it a favourite spot for avid fishers, it is also a popular destination for a range of outdoor pursuits.

For a modest $10 entry fee ($5 for children, or $25 for a two child, two adult family pass) Lake Proserpine can be yours to explore and enjoy for a weekend away in nature.

Owned and operated by the Whitsunday Regional Council, Lake Proserpine is a destination for the community to enjoy and visitors to discover.

Director of Commercial Businesses, Craig Turner, said that Lake Proserpine is a hidden gem in the Whitsunday region.

“The beautiful Proserpine Dam has been activated!” he said.

“We have bush camping for all size rigs, non-powered water sports, floating pontoons for fishing and fantastic glamping tents.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy nature-based activities at a very affordable price.”

The facility is also expected to incorporate motorised water sport by the end of the year.

Go Cats Whitsunday are launching specially designed two-seater boats that are similar to a jet ski but have a fishing pontoon on the front.

These versatile vessels are perfect for navigating the different areas of the lake.

Mr Turner says they are also hoping to introduce off-grid eco-cabins soon, the perfect “green footprint” for Council’s carbon neutral goals.

Nearby on-site facilities include toilet blocks, shower amenities and a kiosk operated by a friendly and knowledgeable team.

There are also three pontoons and a jetty installed for ease of access for boaties.

Visitors can stay for up to seven nights at the lakeside bush camping sites or indulge by staying in one of the glamping tents.

Last month over 150 families attended the inaugural Family Fishing Day, and Council now have plans to make this an annual event.

The lake is restocked with 20,000 Barra fingerlings each year, so both amateurs and experienced fishers know they are sure to reel in a good catch!

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Perfectly planned to coincide with his fifth studio album, Tom Curtain, multiple Golden Guitar winner and Australian country artist, is making his way to the Ayr Showgrounds this Friday, for one night of mammoth country music and entertainment.

Bringing his award-winning rural Katherine Outback Experience Show as part of the Why We Live Out Here Tour, this is set to be a night of fantastic live country music and rural life love and passion.

Tom Curtain is a nationally acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, touring with his newest album ‘Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us’.

The first release on this album received international success and it has stayed in the Top Ten of the Country Songs Australian Airplay Charts.

With him, on this tour, Tom is bringing the likes of Chris Matthews, Melissa Fraser, and Laura Frank, creating a night of powerhouse classic Aussie country music.

Tom is also an ambassador with Dolly’s Dream, choosing to spread messages of anti-bullying and donating proceeds gathered from his hit track ‘Speak Up’ featuring Sara Storer to Dolly’s Dream.

Tom’s Katherine Outback Experience blends regional farm life with a professional performance, showcasing real horse training, working dog demonstrations, live music, hilarious tales from the bush and tones of hands-on fun for the kids!

Typically based in Katherine in the dry season, from April to October, the show hits the road over the wetter times with Tom, bringing their passion for rural living across Australia.

What To Bring: Bring your own camp chair or picnic blanket and get comfy for this awesome night!

WHAT: Tom Curtain Why We Live Out Here Tour, with the Katherine Outback Experience Show

WHERE: Ayr Showgrounds

WHEN: Friday November 3, from 6pm

TICKETS: Available at the door on the night, and online: https://bit.ly/3s31gJX

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Students at Home Hill State School now have a clearer picture of the state of their vision thanks to the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP).

The program brought trained Lions volunteers from across north Queensland to the school on Monday, October 30 to conduct a series of eyesight screens on students of all ages.

LEHP is an Australia-wide initiative that has been visiting schools across the country for eight years.

Irene Braddick is the LEHP Facilitator for the north Queensland region, travelling to remote and regional locations with a team of volunteers to complete the screenings.

“Kids don’t know, they think they see the same as everybody else,” Ms Braddick said.

“It’s so important to get to the regional schools because otherwise they miss out.”

Students are led through four different tests; one photographing their eyes with a Welch Allyn vision screener, one testing their ability to identify shapes, one testing their depth perception and one testing their perception of colours.

If volunteers identify anything that needs to be investigated further, the parents are referred to optometrists for further testing.

“We pick up one in five for a referral to an optometrist for a full eye examination and I do ask the schools to follow up those referrals,” Ms Braddick said.

“90 per cent of vision loss is preventable, it’s just a matter of going back for a screening.

“When we come back next year, then we might pick up something new because eyes alter all the time.”

It’s the first time the program has been in the region and Home Hill – Ayr Lions club member and Public Affairs Officer for North Queensland Nick Wiseman is eager to expand it into other schools.

“This is my first time volunteering but it’s something that I and our local Lions club are keen to get rolled out across the area, especially for the smaller schools,” he said.

“We all know kids and even adults get overlooked with all types of health issues, so identifying vision issues early on in their life is extremely important, so I’d love to see as many kids in the Burdekin as possible get the opportunity.”

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LEHP Facilitator Irene Braddick and Home Hill – Ayr Lions club member Nick Wiseman

The eye screening involved a number of tests

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

It’s that time of year again when Jarvisfield State School invite the community to join their annual Christmas Fete which is due to be held on Saturday, November 11.

Organised by the school’s P&C, the event is a fundraiser which not only raises money for a good cause but also brings the region together in Christmas spirit and fun-filled family activities.

On the day, there will be market stalls where attendees can purchase a range of Christmas gifts for loved ones.

There will also be an emergency services display where kids can meet their favourite heroes and learn what it takes to work in the sector.

Live music will entertain the crowd and there will be a range of food and drinks stalls including a coffee van to give the parents a kick-start for the day.

The Jarvisfield State School Christmas Fete is also our opportunity to shop local and support small business, purchase a range of locally grown produce and buy handmade gifts.

With something for the whole family to enjoy, the Fete will include kids amusements and games and also the opportunity for families to get Santa Photos.

There will also be raffle prizes and other opportunities for attendees to donate to the school community.

So, put the date in your diary and head down to the Christmas Fete next Saturday.

WHAT: Jarvisfield Christmas Fete

WHERE: Jarvisfield State School

WHEN: Saturday, November 11

TIME: 8am – 1pm

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Halloween captured the imaginations of young and old on Tuesday night, as the Edwards Street Halloween House became a hive of light, sound and activity.

Costumes varied from Wednesday Addams to Batman, with the exceptionally decorated home of Jeff Lund and Leon McCormack inciting wonder and fright in all attendees.

Snow cones, popcorn, fairy floss and a sausage sizzle from the Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club kept everyone fed on what was a spook-tacular evening.

Keep your eye on the house next month as Jeff and Leon turn their attention to Christmas decorations!

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A last-minute appeal to a Federal Minister and a frantic effort by sugar mill workers to save the crushing are just two of the stories behind the amazing array of machinery that will be on display to the public at the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists’ (BMP) Open Day on 12 November. The Townsville and Mackay Machinery Clubs will also be there, ensuring the display is bigger than ever.  

Among the many attractions is the Marshall tractor.  Built in 1910, it was one of the tractors that replaced bullock teams, signaling a major advance in agricultural technology. When BMP took on the massive restoration task, the tractor had been exposed to 90 years of neglect and exposure. Some parts had to be machined from scratch by Club members. But it almost became a story of lost opportunity when a private collector identified the rare machine before it had been restored and had it packed for shipment to England. It took a last-minute intervention by the then Minister for Environment and Heritage to stop the shipment and refuse the application for export.  

Another popular attraction is the Walker No 1 Engine – the first engine manufactured by Walker’s Engineering in Maryborough in 1927 for Kalamia Mill. During emergencies, power from the engine could be fed down the mains along Beach Road to power the Ayr Hospital. This wonderful old engine last worked in the aftermath of Cyclone Althea to power the mill after the loss of mains power.  Tom Barton tells the story.  

“I worked at Kalamia on instruments between 1970 - 1975 for Hughie Smart and with Reg Edwards,” he said. “Bunny Smith was a senior engineer. Althea was a real test. We got caught with a yard full of cane and all of our steam powered electricity was knocked out. We used No 1 to slowly get our main steam boiler and unit up to restart the mill. We could only use one bagasse feeder or one fan, or one pump at any given time until we had sufficient steam and electricity. We were running around shutting off every use of power down to every light bulb to match load. Thankfully we got there or it would have been a major disaster for the mill and farmers to lose all that cane. No 1 came through!”

When no longer required, Wilmar offered the engine to the BMP.  Weighing around 25 tonnes (the flywheel weighs 7 tonnes), the Club disassembled, moved and restored the massive engine.  Make sure you see and hear this mighty engine at the Open Day.  

See too the steam engines, vintage tractors and Pioneer No 1 and Inkerman No 1 locos. Enjoy the sausage sizzle and appreciate the stories behind these impressive old machines. As you can imagine, the big engines consume a lot of fuel, so BMP is grateful once again to Liberty Rural for their generous support.

BMP was formed in 1984 to restore and preserve the Burdekin district’s machinery heritage and consists of a group of dedicated volunteers. As part of its working museum, the Club operates a fitting shop, a machine shop and a blacksmith shop.  The Club is always looking for new, enthusiastic members of any age so come along to the Open Day and if you would like to work alongside other machinery enthusiasts and learn new skills, ask about becoming a member.  Help to restore and preserve these magnificent machines and become a part of their stories.  

BMP Member Cathy McDonnell

WHAT: Burdekin Machinery Preservationists’ Open Day

WHERE: Brandon Heritage Precinct

WHEN: Sunday, November 12 from 9:00am to 3:00pm

ENTRY: Adults $10 adults, children free

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The Marshall tractor. Photo supplied

Judging for Ephemera took place at the Lloyd Mann Gardens in Home Hill as part of the 2023 Harvest Festival on Sunday.

Inspired by a similar event in Townsville, Ephemera aims to bring the people of Home Hill and the Burdekin together to celebrate art in their region.

“What we’re looking for in the exhibition is ‘way out’ stuff, not the conventional, every day, smooth corners, it can be rough,” said Ephemera organiser and entrant Uli Liessmann.

“The best idea should win based on five criteria including idea, materials and so forth.”

Three judges, all unknown to Uli, completed judging last Sunday with the winner to be announced at the Harvest Festival Street Festival Grand Parade and Street Party on Saturday, November 11.

“I’ve got no idea who the judges are, I don’t even know if the judges know each other, so we’re trying to make it as fair as it possibly can,” said Uli.

Uli thanked the artists for their entries.

“I’m just really thankful that they’ve put the time and effort into it, because they’re all a fair bit of work,” he said.

The community will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite piece to be awarded the People’s Choice award.

Read on to find out more about each of the entries and visit Lloyd Mann Gardens in Home Hill to see the installations for yourself.

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Artist Lou Jezard with Ambush Predators

Name: Ambush Predators

Artist: Lou Jezard

Materials used: Timber and wire frame and two layers of palm leaves

Time spent on the installation: Started in May

Inspiration: “Barramundi is an iconic fish of the Burdekin for sport and table,” Lou said.

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Artist Lou Jezard with Gossips

Name: Gossips

Artist: Lou Jezard

Materials used: Palm leaves and inflorescences over a wire frame

Time spent on the installation: Two weeks of “retiree hours”

Inspiration: “We have a plethora of gossips in Home Hill,” Lou said. “People say, ‘Who did you model it on?’ and I say, ‘Give me a name and I’ll tell you.’ I only ever got three names. Plus, Halloween is coming up at the end of this month, so I thought it was fitting.”

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Artist Uli Liessmann with Peace

Name: Peace

Artist: Uli Liessmann

Materials used: Recycled wooden pallets

Time spent on the installation: Six months

Inspiration: “The verse says, ‘I saw many go and I saw few return’, so it’s a bit of a war thing that fits into what’s happening in Ukraine and now Palestine,” said Uli.

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Artist Uli Liessmann with Whatever

Name: Whatever

Artist: Uli Liessmann

Materials used: Timber and paint

Time spent on the installation: “It takes longer to think about it than it does to put together, so probably a month.”

Inspiration: “Everyone seems to have problems, so I was having a shot at that,” said Uli.

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Burdekin Art Society representative Ruth Rush with Looking for Lunch

Name: Looking for Lunch

Artists: Students of the Burdekin Art Society’s children’s classes

Materials used: Repurposed and recycled bottles, bottle caps, household items, paint and more

Inspiration: “With a focus on repurposing and recycling, the children’s imaginations in repurposing and recycling found objects led to the creation of these amazing pieces,” Burdekin Art Society representative Ruth Rush said. “Students had great fun and learnt many new skills in creating their individual pieces and spent many weeks creating their work ready for Ephemera.”

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Artist Scotty Apelt with Cane is King

Name: Cane is King

Artist: Scotty Apelt

Materials used: Repurposed steel - “I’ve repurposed an old gas tank for the abdomen and used the same sorts of things the farmers use for their bores, so the bore cylinder, bore steel and a little bit of playing around and understanding how steel works,” said Scotty.

Time spent on the installation: Three weeks and three days

Inspiration: “We’re in the Burdekin; cane is king,” Scotty said. “I’ve got another surprise coming not next year but the year after, so I’ll keep everybody in suspense. I have what I’m going to do planned out for the next three years.”

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Artists Maree McKeough and Lorraine Lynch with It’s a Colourful World

Name: It’s a Colourful World

Artists: Maree McKeough and Lorraine Lynch

Materials used: Acrylic wool and abandoned disability equipment

Time spent on the installation: “Hundreds of hours”

Inspiration: “We were both disability support workers,” said Lorraine. “Maree still is, and I’m now on disability myself, so we thought we wanted to try something different. The community will identify and will bring people’s minds into the modern disability world.”

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Piper

Name: Piper

Artists: Home Hill State High School art teacher Simone Pitt and year 9 students Zaiden Coad and Kurt Robinson. Alan Styles assisted with the installation.

Materials used: recycled irrigation pipes, zip ties, a hammock and one plastic piece found on Alva Beach.

Time spent on the installation: six hours

Inspiration: The life size figure is based on Ms Pitt’s measurements.

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Let’s Talk Peace

Name: Let’s Talk Peace

Artist: Sandra Milani

Materials used: Recycled Callistemon (bottle brush) timber, recycled fabric, copper wire, solar lights and a Hebel block.

Time spent on the installation: approximately 50 hours

Inspiration: “It came from everything that’s been going on with The Voice and reconciliation and people rewriting history the way they want it,” Sandra said. “I think we have to move on from today, you can’t rewrite history, you have to put that aside at some stage … we’ve got to have peace.”

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‍Keep an eye on ‘Home Hill Harvest Festival’ on Facebook to find out how to vote.

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On a sunny Friday morning, on the banks of a lagoon outside of Ayr, amateur birdwatcher Matt Killeen is counting birds, saying one breed he’d love to spot is a channel billed cuckoo.

Not 10 minutes later, two flew over the top of him, letting out a mighty screech, and Matt exclaimed with wonder.

Such is the joy birdwatching can bring, a joy he is sharing with the rest of the Burdekin region by starting Facebook group Burdekin Birding, a place for likeminded locals to share photos, tips and information.

Matt’s out on this Friday morning to complete his daily count for the Aussie Bird Count, an initiative of bird conservation organisation Birdlife Australia inviting citizen scientists to take a daily count of the birdlife in their backyard.

“All of that information goes back to the Birdlife scientists who crunch the numbers and get to see a snapshot of what’s going on,” Matt said.

“As well as collecting the data, it’s about trying to get people engaged and to appreciate birds.”

A relative newcomer to the hobby, Matt has been birdwatching for less than six months, but his passion and knowledge is undeniable, saying he’d go out birding most days.

“I’ve always been a bit of a nature lover, but I’ve really got an obsession with these birds now,” he said.

“I combine birdwatching with photography so I’m learning about both things at once.”

The Burdekin is a terrific place to learn about birds, with the region’s lagoons and wetlands attracting a plethora of various birdlife.

Matt’s recommendation for amateur birdwatchers is Horseshoe Lagoon near Giru where the council have constructed a bird hide.

“It’s nice and comfortable, you don’t have to worry about crocs or snakes, there’s always birds there and they’re always close enough to get a decent photo,” he said.

“The biggest thing is to get somewhere with a bit of nature, stand still, be quiet and observe.

“At first, you’ll think there’s no birds around but after a few minutes, you slow down, and you start to see things you couldn’t see before.”

Matt also encourages ethical birding, urging people to be careful not to disrupt birdlife or nests, not enter private property without permission and to be wary of crocodiles and snakes while birding.

The Aussie Bird Count ran from October 16 to 22 and counted over 3,600,000 birds Australia-wide.

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Local birdwatcher Matt Killeen. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A White-faced Heron. Photo credit: Matt Killeen