Cr Column Councillor John Furnell

Councillors recently undertook disaster training focussing on recovery. It’s a timely reminder to start thinking about the upcoming ‘cyclone season’. If you think back to Cyclone Kirrily, ask yourself “what can I start doing in the next few months to better prepare”, eg removing excess vegetation that could cause a problem, look for a portable radio etc. Prior preparation is the best way to survive any natural disaster.
Since 2011, Queensland has experienced around 100 significant natural disasters. In the Burdekin we have felt effects from cyclones near and further afield. Since moving to the Burdekin from Sydney via the Whitsundays for two years, my Cyclone recollections have been Cyclone Charlie March 1988, Cyclone Aivu April 1989, Cyclone Yasi February 2011, Cyclone Debbie March 2017 and recently Cyclone Kirrily.
Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending and singing, with the ‘Home Hill Choral Society’, at the Saint Helen’s Anglican Church Centenary Holy Communion Service. The service was followed by a scrumptious lunch and entertainment by the Soloman Island workers with cultural singing and dancing. Bishop Keith led the service.
Saint Helen’s Church was started by the original settlers in the Home Hill District in the early 1920’s. They were able to have a small church building in place in 1924 for Sunday worship to commence. They then went on to have the second Saint Helen’s Church the following year built by Edward Woodward for $884.00.
Fantastic to see other Church attendees joining in the service and celebrations. There were two lines from ‘The Blessing and Dismissal’ that resonated, “Our worship is ended, let our service now begin”
What a turnaround for the Cowboys …. if they can string form like that for the rest of the season they’ll have a crack at the big one come September. Well done to the NRLW Cowboys for a win on home turf same day.
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Health and Happiness
Cr Furnell

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