Meet The Ambassadors Of This Years’ Burdekin Water Festival

The Queensland Country Bank Burdekin Water Festival will make its celebrated Queen Street return with an impressive group of both junior and senior ambassadors.

With the September Grand Parade and Mardi Gras on the horizon, each ambassador will make their anticipated debut on Friday 2 August at the Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch and Festival Fashion Parade.

The 2024 event will see 7 Junior Ambassadors and 7 Senior Ambassadors representing numerous businesses and organisations within the Burdekin region.

What: Maria Populin Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch and Festival Fashion Parade.
When: Friday 2 August 6pm.
Where: Populin’s Hall, Queen Street, Ayr.
More Information: Tickets are available at Solutions @ ELA 145 – 147 Mackenzie Street, Ayr.

Junior Ambassadors

Dakota Dixon – Burdekin Christian College

“I nominated to be an ambassador because I watched my sister, Summer participate in 2022, and I think it would be a very worthwhile experience. I love living in Ayr, I also love my school (Burdekin Christian College) and I wanted to represent my school as an ambassador. I also would love to build my confidence in public speaking and would love to make new friends and memories along the way.”

Dakota Dixon will represent the Burdekin Christian College

Cole Pontifex – The Burdekin Academy

“I feel super proud to be involved in such an iconic Burdekin event. I'm keen to put myself out into the community, improve myself, meet new people and help promote the Burdekin Academy - I want to be a relatable role model for other boys thinking of joining gymnastics.”

Cole Pontifex will represent The Burdekin Academy

Eden Godfrey – Burdekin Netball Association
“I was pleased to be asked to represent the Burdekin Netball Association as Junior Ambassador because the organisation plays an important role in my development. Being Junior Ambassador will allow me to return my appreciation to the club, it's tireless committee members and the central role it plays in our community.”

Eden Godfrey will represent the Burdekin Netball Association

Stella Borellini – The Burdekin Academy

“When I was younger, I admired the people on the floats that got to represent their clubs and throw lollies to the spectators. I couldn’t wait to grow up and join them and as soon as I could, I hopped on the Burdekin Academy’s float. Seeing other entrants represent our club and other organisations in the past made me hope to be considered as an entrant one day. I’m really looking forward to all the functions and events, getting to meet new people and raising funds for our awesome club.

Stella Borellini will represent The Burdekin Academy

Olivia Ferguson - The Bur-Del Co-operative Advancement Society Limited

“I would like to represent the Bur-Del Co-operative Advancement Society Limited as the Junior ambassador because Bur-Del helps the community and people and that is something I like to do. Bur-Del does a lot of different jobs and activities to help everyone in the community and I think that is fantastic.”

Olivia Ferguson will represent the Bur-Del Co-operative Advancement Society Limited

Kelsey Laidlow – East Ayr State School

“I always look forward to the Water Festival each year and I am excited to represent my school. East Ayr State School has been a part of the community for a very long time, and I wanted them to be represented in this event. My family owns a cane farm and the abundance of water in the Burdekin should be celebrated. My mother was a queen entrant in the Harvest Festival and spoke about it to me - when the opportunity came up, I thought it would be good to meet new people and have fun.”

Kelsey Laidlow will represent East Ayr State School

Francheisca Dela Cruz – Burdekin Christian College

“The Burdekin Christian College asked us if anyone would be interested in joining the water festival ambassador and I decided to join, not only to represent my school but to show my pride and to give me the chance to give back to the community here at our school and to be a great example to others.”

Francheisca Dela Cruz will represent the Burdekin Christian College

Senior Ambassadors

Demi O’Shea – Campbell’s Jewellery

“I have been a local citizen my entire life, and I am abundantly grateful that I now have the chance to repay the acts of service that this community has not only rewarded me, but all our members. As I broaden my knowledge, experience and perspectives, I also look forward to building new relationships throughout our community, committee and my fellow ambassadors with whom I will be sharing this awaited journey with.”

Demi O’Shea will represent Campbell’s Jewellery

Zimyra Monday – The Bur-Del Co-operative Advancement Society Limited

“I have a passion for helping people in our community, whether it be the younger generation and ranging through to our older generation. I have always been very supportive of my parent’s vision for the Community Organisation, in which I have been involved in many plans behind the scenes of Bur-Del. I am very passionate and have a desire to help make our community a safe and efficient place for our children and families.”

Zimyra Monday will represent The Bur-Del Co-operative Advancement Society Limited

Macy Grabs – Burdekin Shire Council

“I accepted the role as a Water Festival Ambassador as I believe it is a great opportunity to get more involved in the community and extend my social circle. It’s also a great way to meet new people and learn more about the water festival and what goes on behind the scenes to make the festival come together. The Burdekin Shire council has a vision of a prosperous, connected and inclusive community built on the shire’s strong rural foundations.”

Macy Grabs will represent the Burdekin Shire Council

Sasha Previtera – Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved watching the water festival parade and supporting my school and sporting clubs. I decided to nominate as a Water Festival Ambassador as it is a great opportunity to meet new people and contribute to our community. Representing such a respected organisation is a true honour, and I'm eager to give back to the community and support the Lions Club.”

Sasha Previtera will represent the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club

Mia Kelly – Rotary Club of Ayr Inc

“I accepted this role to be a senior ambassador for the Ayr Rotary Club as my grandfather was the president in 1998, and I would like to make him proud. The Rotary Club is a community-based organisation that helps out when they can. They also run the annual duck race every year in memory of Norm Perry. My role is to represent this amazing club to the best of my ability, and I love to help anyone and everyone and learning new things.”

Mia Kelly will represent the Rotary Club or Ayr Inc

Charlotte Horsfall – Ayr Anzac Memorial Club

“Being asked to be an Ambassador for the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club came out of left field, it was humbling to think that I could represent my organisation and meet new people who feel the same way. I’m delighted to be a part of this event and to give back to my organisation the support they have given me.”

Charlotte Horsfall will represent the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club

Brielle Astorquia – Nutrien Harcourts McCathies Real Estate

“I nominated to be an Ambassador for Nutrien Harcourts McCathies Real Estate to put myself out there, meet new people and gain more confidence while stepping out of my comfort zone. McCathies Real Estate was founded by Jack & Milly McCathie in the early 1960’s. The organisation is locally owned and operated for over fifty-five years, we strive to look after all our clients with the up most respect and professionalism.”

Brielle Astorquia will represent Nutrien Harcourts McCathies Real Estate

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