Burdekin Life

of this years’ Sugar Bowl Men’s

Team: Bruce Butler’s Tea Bags, Presented by trophy donor Ruth Stockdale. Photo supplied

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Hi Readers

I’m back from holidays and feeling ready to get back into it, however I do return with some bittersweet news.

But first, the holiday: I had a wonderful week on Norfolk Island with my family, taking in the layered history, intriguing lifestyle and breathtaking beauty of the incredibly unique place.

My favourite moments came when hiking through the national park, swimming in the pristine waters of Emily Bay and exploring the rugged coastline of the small but diverse island.

There was a plethora of history to absorb, with the ruins of the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area telling a particularly poignant tale.

I found there was slightly too much to cram into an already very busy week, so I certainly hope to return one day.

I would like to share a big thanks to Rachael, Daniel and Chelsea who held the fort while I was away, and I enjoyed flicking through

Sit Down With Sam

a digital copy of last week’s paper while on the island to keep up with what you’ve all been up to.

I’m now back in the Burdekin but must announce that I will be finishing up my role with Burdekin Life and leaving the region in a month’s time.

I used the word “bittersweet” above; I am excited to return to southeast Queensland to take the next steps in my personal and professional journey, however there are most certainly elements of ‘Burdekin life’ that I will miss dearly. My last day on the job is Friday, June 7, so I look forward to making the most of my last month here and seeing you all before then! Please be assured that you are in incredibly safe hands as the team is looking forward to welcoming a fresh face to Burdekin Life who will pick up from where I left off and establish themselves as an equally central part of this wonderful community.

SamMARKETGOERS GET HEART SMART

The bi-monthly Burdekin Plantation Park Markets are a popular place for locals to find handmade treasures, homemade baked goods, beautiful plants and yummy food, but last Sunday, May 5, marketgoers also had the opportunity to receive a free blood pressure check thanks to Mater Private Hospital Townsville.

The team from Mater Private Hospital Townsville set up their market stall in celebration of Heart Week 2024, providing free blood pressure checks, fresh fruit thanks to Lamberts Fresh Produce, and other giveaways.

Heart Week is Australia’s national heart health awareness week held in May each year and runs from May 6 to 12 in 2024.

An initiative of the Heart Foundation, the week provides an opportunity for the Australian public and health professionals to start a conversation about heart health and take positive steps to reduce their heart disease risk.

A spokesperson said this was the second year Mater conducted a Heart Week Roadshow to celebrate the launch of Heart Week, with the first road trip to the Burdekin held in early May last year.

“While our cardiologists run on referrals, their dream is to see less people suffering cardiac events so this was all born out of their desire to ensure more North Queenslanders are aware of the signs and symptoms of heart conditions, and to discuss them with their GP sooner rather than later so that they never suffer an event in the first place,” they said.

“The Burdekin has always had a soft spot in the heart of our clinicians, with a range of our doctors holding clinics in Ayr regularly and a large percentage of our patients in Mater across all specialties from the beautiful bountiful Burdekin, so we’ve always started any planning around Heart Week in particular with opportunities to chat to Burdekin residents at front of mind.”

The team from Mater Private Hospital Townsville celebrated the launch of Heart Week 2024 in Townsville before bringing the party to the Burdekin Plantation Park Markets over the weekend. Photo supplied

40 Years Of Celebrated Service Paddy Carew Retires

Brendon Carew, known by the community as Paddy Carew, officially retired from the Burdekin Police Force earlier this week after 40 years of exceptional service.

Brendon attended the Brisbane Police Academy following the encouragement of a family member, and after graduation, he moved to the Burdekin where he has served 37 years stationed at the Burdekin Police Station.

Brendon looks back on his career as being a long and fantastic journey, and believes the community will be in safe, capable hands as he re-learns how to be a civilian in today’s society.

“I’ll be off travelling with the wife, catching up on a lot of lost time with her and the young fella, spending time with family, and I suppose re-learning how to be a civilian,” explained Brendon.

The Officer in Charge at the Burdekin Police Station, Chris Cohen, looks back on his past year in the

role, and believes Brendon’s standing in the community is second to none.

“On behalf on the whole team here at the station, Brendon’s service has been both long and honourable,” said Chris.

“His service is longer than the ages of most of the officers at the station, and on most jobs, most people only want to speak to Paddy Carew, because of the respect and dignity he has shown in the community for those 37 years.”

Prior to transferring to the Burdekin, Chris was stationed in Townsville, where he often heard much praise of Brendon’s service.

“Everyone enjoys the company of Paddy, and no one else has achieved what he has done for the Burdekin area,” explained Chris.

“It’s been a pleasure serving this community and the state of Queensland, and I wish all the officers that I leave behind all the best,” expressed Brendon.

Chief Inspector Roger Whyte, retiring Police Officer Paddy Carew and The Officer in Charge at the Burdekin Police Station, Chris Cohen. Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

Housing Crisis Questions Left Unanswered

Burdekin residents sleeping in tents and farm sheds are being left without the answers they deserve according to Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

Over a month ago, Queensland Premier Steven Miles promised crisis accommodation for every homeless person in the state.

Mr Last, however, said the fact that his Housing Minister was yet to provide answers on what crisis accommodation was available for use in the Burdekin was a slap in the face to everyone sleeping rough in the region.

“Towns like Moranbah, Ayr, Home Hill and Bowen deserve to have a clear indication as to exactly what crisis accommodation is actually available to them and if the answer is none, then those communities deserve to know exactly what this Minister is actually doing to provide that accommodation,” Mr Last said.

“The fact that the Minister has failed to answer a question on notice on time, sends a clear message to the Burdekin that Labor has no interest in fulfilling promises and,

as a result, families with newborn babies are left to sleep in a tent.”

Mr Last said while the housing crisis remained state-wide, in small regional towns the impact of that lack of housing is far reaching.

“As we know, we have to fight tooth and nail for the housing resources we do have in our regional towns and with the crushing season about to begin and harvesting in our horticulture sector already underway the pressure on our housing stock is only set to go up,” he said.

“While the spotlight on this issue has largely sat over cities in the south-east, small towns like Ayr, Home Hill, Bowen and Moranbah have been left in the dark and as a result we are seeing widespread impacts on our communities.

“If Labor was serious about ensuring everyone in the Burdekin electorate had a roof over their head and a warm bed to sleep in at night, the least they could do is provide an answer to a question on notice about what crisis accommodation is actually available.”

Raising Funds For An Unmarked Grave

In an act of kindness, a team of compassionate locals are currently raising funds to gift a gravestone to a 93-yearold unmarked grave in the Ayr cemetery. The heroes behind the act have recently reached a significant milestone in their fundraising efforts, achieving Stage 1 of the Jean Morris Gravestone Fundraising target with a total of $2500 raised but are needing ongoing community support to fulfill their goal.

This accomplishment is the climax of their dedicated efforts that began in early April when the funds stood just under $2000. The success of the campaign can be attributed to the innovative “Let’s Have Cuppa for Jean” initiative and a personal commitment by co Coordinator, Henry Peterson who donated 10 cents from every avocado he sold in Ayr.

However, the journey to reach this milestone hasn’t been easy. With financial constraints tightening across communities,

charities are experiencing a staggering 50% drop in donations, reflecting the economic challenges faced nationwide. Even school tuckshops are feeling the pinch, witnessing significant declines in sales, underscoring the widespread impact of financial strain.

Attention now turns to Stage 2 of the fundraising efforts set to commence on May 1st. There are deliberations on the preferred approach for the gravestone project, with options including erecting one in two stages on a cement base with a granite top and headstone for $8000, or opting for a single-stage erection with a full granite finish for $13,000.

The decision on which option to pursue lies with the team as they take a collaborative approach to the project. With the groundwork laid for Stage 2, there’s a shared commitment to exploring more creative fundraising ideas to secure the necessary funds. The journey ahead will require continued innovation and dedication from the team to achieve their goals and honour Jean Morris’s memory with a fitting gravestone.

Local donations are welcome and can be dropped off at Paula’s Place Hair Salon on Queen St, Ayr. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for collection at the end of the month. Bank details are also available for direct transfers if preferred.

For further information, please contact Paula at 0439 333 494 or Henry at 0428 887 114.

An example of gravestone they are looking erect. Photo supplied

Henry Peterson is helping to raise money to provide a gravestone for Jean Morris and has donated 10 cents from the sale of each avocado. Photo supplied

Stock Image

A LIFELONG DEDICATION HONORABLY

As part of the 2024 Australia Day Award Ceremony, former Burdekin local, Terri Bradon, was honorably presented with a Medal of the Order of Australia. An award of great prestige, the medal stands to recognise outstanding achievement and service, and Terri has been celebrated for her contributions to the arts in regional Queensland.

When Terri began her journey in the world of the performing arts, she never contemplated the possibility of being presented an award as prestigious as an Order of Australia Medal, yet she feels it’s the perfect way to recognise and honor the work of her mentors and all the influential people who have led her to where she is today.

“It’s a big achievement for everyone involved with the whole company, and I suppose I’m representing the work of a lot of people who have made this happen and all the people in my life that I could not live without,” expressed Terri.

Throughout Terri’s secondary education at Ayr State High School, with the encouragement of dedicated staff and her parents, she found joy in participating in school musicals and the annual Interschool Drama Festival. She often spent her spare time developing small plays where she would cast her friends to act them out.

“It’s funny because when I look at my parents I think, here are two people who were not involved in the arts, and one out of all of their kids just decided she was going to follow this path, but they were so trusting, supportive, and happy that I was having a go and I’m so grateful for them, and I love that I have made them proud,” expressed Terri.

Following graduation, Terri enrolled in James Cook University to pursue a degree in drama, and her passion for the stage continued to flourish throughout her studies with the support of her respected mentor, Jean-Pierre Voos. After completing her tertiary studies, Terri moved to pursue her career in Melbourne, however, following the passing of Jean-Pierre Voos in 2008, Terri found herself drawn to return to the region continue his legacy.

“Jean-Pierre Voos started Townsville’s Shakespear Under the Stars, which is where I first truly feel in love with the work of Shakespear and got my start in theatre,” explained Terri.

“At the time of his passing, I was working for the Australian Shakespeare Company in Melbourne, and because of him, that’s where my life had taken me, and I just felt so passionate about the event staying in honor of Jean-Pierre, and for the little

Recognised

Terri Bradons who might be like me, see one show and go that’s what I want to do.”

With drama education facilities closing their doors, Terri took it upon herself to create opportunities to continue fostering the love of theatre. Her love for the arts turned into determination to keep the industry afloat in regional Queensland and further prompted her to co-found various institutions including the Bridge Project, and TheatreiNQ.

“Being awarded with an Order of Australia Medal to me certainly feels that we’re making a difference and that has been our motto at TheatreiNQ; do something in our lifetime to make a difference, and I think that it’s quite remarkable this award is recognising regional arts,” expressed Terri.

“The outpouring of support and love has been really overwhelming, and the people who have been a part of my whole career are so proud and I just feel so grateful and so lucky that this is my life.”

With 44 teams competing the 43rd Sugar Bowl was destined to be a great weekend of tennis. The Burdekin turned the weather on which was perfect for tennis with cooler mornings and a slight breeze. The new on court shades donated by Bendigo in Home Hill were appreciated by the players.

As usual the results were close with the last round determining the winners. B ladies was won by Cathy Fairburn’s The Odd

Bunch with an average of 51.4 games per session followed by Sharon Mc Dermott 48.25 and Sophie Rickards Home Hill Team Ace Ace Baby on 36.25.

A2 Ladies was won by Sugar Bowl stalwart and dedicated supporter Paula Simpson’s Hack the Planet on 258 games followed by Megan and Riley’s Get Under It and in 3rd place Deb Debondi’s Mackay team “Tam” on 198.

A Ladies was won by defending champions Julie Witty’s M & Ms on 180 games, closely followed by Home Hill’s Hannah Casswell’s 171 and Proserpine’s Elspeth Scotford on 162.

The B Men was won by Brett Campman’s Calen Crew with a few ring-ins from Home Hill on 266, 2nd place was West Teas Brett Thompson on 219 and Home Hill’s Justin Vidler on 217 Here for Beer.

and

Defending champions Bruce Butler’s Tea Bags retained the A Grade Stockdale trophy with 258.

Home Hill’s Andrew Casswell’s The Wallys

Joel Hanson presenting the B Grade trophy donated by the Hanson Family. Cathy Fairburn

Jill Barbagallo Patron and Trophy Donor A 2 Ladies. Paula Simpson Hack the Planet

B Men winners Brett Campman Calen Crew pictured with Casswell family member Andrew who donated this trophy

A2 Men was won by Mareeba’s Carl Martens Tableland Tennis (Carl was born and raised in Home Hill), as was Brett Wheeler with Col’s Crew who took out 2nd place on 219

followed up by Brisbane’s Will Fraser The Bad Hatters on 213.

came in second on 230 and Will Fraser’s Bad Hatters 1 were in 3rd place on 199.

The Woods Team Spirit Trophy was hotly contested with most teams turning out in fantastic team uniforms, displaying great sportsmanship and camaraderie, and showing wonderful support for the clubs.

Special mention to Ace Ace Baby who danced their hearts out on Sunday night, The Teaspoons who cooked up a storm all

weekend, The Shoeys who just had a great weekend all round after the whole team showed up to help set up on the Friday and the Northern All Stars from Ingham who were even seen helping in the kitchen at one point.

Congratulations to Kylie Newman’s Post Card Lifers who proudly held this trophy high.

The club would really like to thank all the

sponsors, volunteers, players, and supporters. The main raffle prize an Air conditioner from Polar Industries was won by Steve Cockfield.

Of special mention is Western Suburbs Tennis Club and Coach Paula Simpson who whole heartedly support the Sugar Bowl. This club bring about 12 teams to the Bowl each year. We love the support of the players, teams, and captains. You are the ones who make this event.

To recognise the contributions of the volunteers this year we had a free volunteers raffle which was won by Carol Rossato. Thanks everyone for helping out. The preparation, delivering the event and cleaning up is huge. Thanks also go to Giru and Ayr Club for their support in hosting many matches over the weekend.

Event wrap-up contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell.

The Odd Bunch

Team Spirit winners donated in memory of founding Teaspoon member David Woods. Post Card Lifers Kylie Newman with Josh Woods

Kylie Newman presenting the trophy on behalf of Pat Anderson trophy donor to the A2 Men Carl Martens Tableland Tennis

A1 Ladies Julie Witty M & Ms. pictured with trophy donor Lex Davies

Sugar Bowl famous defending champions Dallan and Kurtis Gavey have been training to top A Grade once again in their team, the Teabags, and 2023 B Grade champions, Ian Gould’s Golden Aces, competed to defend their title in the A2 Grade for 2024’s event. However, across all divisions, each team was out to take home the legendary Woods Team Spirit Award, named after David Woods, the inaugural captain of the Teaspoons.

Matches kicked off from 8am on Saturday and concluded around 2pm Monday afternoon and in anticipation of the competition, members had been busily tending to their facilities to ensure they’re in first class condition. Numerous working bees were scheduled to prepare the tennis courts across Giru, Home Hill, and Ayr months in advance with fresh coats of paint, and general repairs carried out by volunteers. The weekend brought over 300 visitors to the region, and the 2024 Sugar Bowl saw a coffee stall stationed at the entrance of the Home Hill

Tennis Courts as well as the annually celebrated array of delicious foods including home baked cakes and slices generously donated by members of the community.

After matches concluded on Sunday evening, the community was invited to come along to enjoy dinner and live music with the talents of Tammy Moxom on show from 5pm, and the Teaspoons’ preparations of roast pork rolls on sale along with other tasty treats.

Life members, event sponsors, past and present members, and the Burdekin community attended the competition over the weekend as well as the Monday afternoon presentations to conclude the spectacular weekend. Event organiser, Kate Casswell, believes the event holds a special place in the Burdekin community, with many players participating each year for both the social and competitive appeal.

“Some of the teams that started off as Home Hill teams often have only one or two people in the team who live in Home Hill today but are

full of their mates that live all over Queensland,” expressed Kate.

“Some teams are full of siblings, cousins, second cousins and even father and sons or mothers and daughters, and this is what is special about the Sugar Bowl.

“One of my favourite memories was playing in A grade side with daughter Hannah when she was just 12 playing another mother and daughter team Joan Baillie and Lyn Campbell. That special moment has stayed with me for all these years. It was on Saturday afternoon on Court 6 in Ayr.”

The Ayr, Home Hill and Giru Tennis Associations would like to extend their gratitude and warm thanks to all its volunteers, sponsors, and donors for their generous contributions to the 2024 Sugar Bowl.

“The fact that this event has kept on going for 43 year tells me that we have the format right and what’s most important is the camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship,” explained Kate.

Home Hill Tennis would sincerely like to thank its sponsors, donors, volunteers, players and supporters for making the 43rd Sugar Bowl a sweet success. Without the support of Ayr and Giru Associations this event would not be possible.

• Monday Tennis Fixture 7pm Contact Sheryn 0417617622

• Tuesday Pickleball 7pm Contact Kate 0447384441

• Friday Social Tennis 8.30am Contact Del 0410 014564

• Friday Junior Coaching 3.30pm Contact Tim 047041074

• Friday Cardio 6.00 – 6.45pm Contact Kayla Casual players welcome 0408014066

• Saturday Pickleball 7-8 am Free Come and Try for month of May Contact Kate 0447384441

COME & TRY PICKLEBALL FOR FREE

James Casswell Shoeys and Joel Hanson Duece Bags had a competition within the Sugar Bowl for the Shoe Bags Cup with the Shoeys having a win this year. Kate and Hannah Caswell with Michael Kern from Col’s Crew

100-year-old Life Member Karl Rummeny came down to say hi to his former team members and family the Bojack clan Scott, Alec, Byrin and Archie

One of the Burdekin Sugar Bowl’s most celebrated teams, the Teabags, have stood undefeated for over 16 years. Established in 2010, the team consists of 8 – 9 players spread across Queensland, with each member looking forward to their annual catch up in the Burdekin to reminisce on the past 12 months and make new memories.

“Our team’s success is credit to Kate Casswell, Steve Sunderland, Lex and Pat Anderson for all they have done, and it’s been great to see the Teabags boys turn from kids to fathers,” expressed Teabags’ captain, Bruce Butler.

“It’s good to see the captains each year

like Scott Kittle, Andrew Casswell, Troy Debondi, and Will Fraser because it’s the teams that make the Sugar Bowl, and we’re all great friends on and off the court.”

Described as socialites within the tennis community, the Teabags stand as a team always bringing the laughs on and off the court whilst exuding exceptional A Grade tennis talent.

“When anyone gets to the high grades of any sports, players become very serious, and these fellas still take the Sugar Bowl seriously but also really make a social weekend out of the competition; they’re really good value and a top team,” explained Ayr Tennis Association president,

Kylie Newman has held a racquet at the Burdekin Sugar Bowl since she was 14 years old, an event she has always admired since being coached by the competition’s founders, Lex and Pat Anderson. With a family love for the sport, Kylie reminisces on watching her parents play in the annual Sugar Bowl event, eagerly waiting on the sidelines until she was old enough to join a team herself.

“My whole family plays tennis, and both my parents were in a Sugar Bowl team each year, and I always knew it was a great weekend that I always wanted to play in,” expressed Kylie.

Once Kylie turned 14, she joined a B Grade Sugar Bowl team captained by Rosie Hanson. Running a full circle, Kylie stands as the current captain of 20 years of Rosie’s team, with many of the original players still making the trip back to the Burdekin each year from as far as Brisbane to join in on the Sugar Bowl event.

“Rosie would always give the younger players a go in her team and that’s where we’d get our start, and then as we’d become better players, we would graduate on to join a different team,” explained Kylie.

“The original team was handed to a number of different ladies, and one of them was Tanya Bartlet, and when she moved away, she passed the team to me, and I’ve had it ever since.”

The team has become a family affair with Kylie’s sister and cousins continuing the Stockdale and Davies’ passion for tennis. Like many participants in the Burdekin Sugar Bowl, Kylie looks forward to the event each year for the social aspects more so than the competition.

“Our team is made up of a lovely group of ladies, and we don’t see each other any other time of the year than the Sugar Bowl, and we always have a great catch up over the 3 days.

“I love that you can play a session, be terrible, and it doesn’t matter because every session you start fresh, and the Sugar Bowl is all played in great spirits, and Lex and Pat were always great advocates for good sportsmanship and the friendships that are developed in playing tennis, and the Sugar Bowl is such a wonderful representation of their legacy.”

Many of the event’s organisers commend Kylie for her sportsmanship and captaincy abilities. 30 years on from Kylie’s first Sugar Bowl match, she still rides the highs of her own wins as well as celebrating her friends and family’s achievements, however, if there’s no trophy in her hands at the end of a competition, Kylie swears it’s due to her long-standing vendetta against the Home Hill winds.

Robert Slatcher.

One of the team’s founding members, Dallan Garvey, has been swinging his racquet with many of the Teabags since 2008.

“I’ve been playing with a lot of the guys since we were in the under 10s division, and we’re all best mates who’ve all known each other, and played tennis together for 20 years,” said Dallan.

“We all chat to each other at least once a week, and the Sugar Bowl is such a great chance to catch up, it’s what brings us all together again.”

Coming from all areas of the state, the Teabags cannot commit to team training in the lead up to the annual competition, and many of the members don’t pick up a racquet until the Sugar Bowl each year. However, they believe their continued success is owed to their comradery and friendship above all else.

“As much as it is tennis, we come back each year to have a beer with the boys and almost every year there’s a congratulations moment because

someone has had a kid, and it’s just about getting all of us best mates together, and that’s really how we’ve been so successful,” expressed Dallan.

“You’re definitely there to win when you’re on the court, but it’s all just party hard, play harder.”

Five members of the Davies family make up the Post Card Lifers team! Photos supplied

The Garvey Family who make up the Teabags Team. Photo supplied

Brent Dingle Represents Region

On Saturday 14 April, the Queensland Parliament House hosted a ceremony to swear in the newly appointed members of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, and among them was Burdekin’s very own, Brent Dingle.

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) stands as a highly celebrated

and unique opportunity for young people to create real change in Queensland.

Open to young people aged 15 – 25 across Queensland, Brent has been eager to join the QYP since he was encouraged by his school principal at the Burdekin Christen College.

“My school principal encouraged me to apply for the Queensland Youth Parlia-

ment when I mentioned that I originally wanted to go to university for law, and she believed I would be best suited so she prompted me to apply for the program,” explained Brent.

Brent has been an extremely active member within the Burdekin community for many years. As well as having been appointed as the 2023 Deputy Youth Mayor for the Burdekin Shire Youth Council, Brent continuously volunteers for community service events including CWL, Park Run, and even at an Ambulance Seminar. In 2023, Brent was honourably recoginised for his selfless dedication to community with a Young Citizen of The Year Award, a token he feels perfectly captures what matters to him the most.

“I was awarded the Young Citizen of The Year Award for getting involved, and giving back to my community which is really close to my heart and being a young person with cerebral palsy I have always felt passionate about my community and

for giving young people a voice, especially those with a disability.”

The QYP fosters its Youth Members’ desire to make a difference within their electorates in political areas through educational opportunities and firsthand parliamentary experiences. In mid-April, Brent attended the Launch Weekend event where he was officially sworn into parliament alongside his committee members.

“At the 3-day Launch Weekend, I learnt all the ins and outs of parliament through

Coal royalties help pay for cost-of-living support

Ask any Queenslander and they will tell you we’re number one. Number one for sunshine and lifestyle. We are also number one to benefit from coal royalties.

Coal royalties help to pay for cost-of-living support like electricity rebates and free kindy. They also help pay for infrastructure and services.

Queensland is the world’s largest exporter of coal used to make steel for wind turbines and electric vehicles needed for the global transition to clean energy. This demand means a record 44,000* people have jobs in Queensland coal mines.

Everyone benefits from coal royalties

At Queensland Parliament House

interactive workshops with parliamentary employees, we did a mock debate at Queensland Parliament House, and we started writing our Bill,” explained Brent.

“As part of the parliament, I am in the committee of Health, Mental Health and Emergency Services, Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence and Seniors and Disability Services, and we will develop our Bill over the year long program.”

Brent, alongside his committee members, have begun work to develop a Youth Bill which will be debated and amended throughout the year, and then presented at Parliament House as part of The QYP’s Residential Week in September.

“Over the next 12 months we’ll be split into teams for sponsoring and refuting; sponsoring creates the Bill, and the refuting create amendments to the Bill, and when I go back to Brisbane in September for Residential Week, I’ll go to Parliament House every day to debate my Bill in parliament,” explained Brent.

Once the Youth Bill has been passed, it will be sent to the Officer of Youth, and then

passed to the Queensland Government Minister responsible for the corresponding Portfolio.

“It has been really good to work with people close to parliament, learning the ins and outs on how Queensland runs, and it’s definitely opened my eyes to a new career opportunity.”

With high school graduation approaching at the end of 2024, Brent has been planning out his next few years, and after his time with the QYP, his future career aspirations have slightly shifted.

“I plan to go to Griffith University to study a double degree in Business and Political Science, and following that, I’ve been strongly encouraged by many people to become the Queensland Premier, so it’s become a sort of goal of mine.”

With an inspirational past, present and future, Brent hopes to spread his message to others with similar aspirations.

“I am passionate about spreading positive reinforcement and the message that anything is possible with the right mindset and goals.”

FIRST RELEASE TICKETS FOR WHITSUNDAYS WRITERS FESTIVAL

Early bird tickets for the revitalised Whitsundays Writers Festival are going on sale this week and organisers are expecting them to be snapped-up quickly with some of the most popular ticketed events capped at 100 seats.

Attracting an enticing range of highly-acclaimed authors, this years’ event will welcome big names such as Shankari Chandran, Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kirsty Manning, Christos Tsiolkas, Anne Buist, Graeme Simsion, Karina Kilmore, Melissa Ashley, Jack Roney, Joy Damousi, and Nick Earls.

The Early Bird ticket sales will open on Monday 29 April and include full-program 3-day tickets only.

An exciting line-up awaits with the Friday featuring an author keynote and conversations followed by Poetry Karaoke from 5pm at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Saturday commences with the Whitsundays Literary Heart Award presentations and author conversations at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

This is followed by the Big Book Club High Tea at My Rainbow Bakery and then a lively Saturday Sundowner event in Airlie Beach.

The event culminates with a series of morning workshops at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on the Sunday, followed by the Local Author Long Lunch at the Whitsunday Marine Club.

The action-packed timetable offers attendees a range of diverse events that will not only stimulate the mind but also inspire a love of the Whitsundays, with venues hand-picked to offer stunning views of our region.

Festival Chair, Karen Jacobsen, said she is thrilled to see the event take-off again this year after an eight-year hiatus.

“It’s not often we have the opportunity to meet renowned national and international writers and at the same time, support our local authors,” she said.

“This will be a landmark event for the Whitsundays and a golden opportunity for regional Queensland to add a substantial literary gem to its arts calendar.”

Standard Early Bird tickets for the full program are $320 (plus GST) and $249 (plus GST) for concession card holders and students. Early Bird registrations close 31 May with ticket price increases taking effect 1 June.

Single day, single session, and special event tickets will be released at a later date. For ticket inclusions, terms and conditions, please visit the Festival’s website.

WHAT: The Whitsundays Writers Festival WHEN: 6-8 September

TICKETS: On sale from April 29 www.whitsundayswriters.com

Shankari Chandran Garry Disher

Sally Hepworth Christos Tsiolkas

Barra & Boots Music Festival Where Country Music Meets Nature’s Symphony

Nestled amidst the serene beauty of the Whitsundays region, an intimate new music festival promises an unforgettable experience for country music enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The inaugural Barra & Boots Music Festival is coming to the shores of Lake Proserpine on Saturday, June 15, and is sure to capture the hearts of attendees for years to come.

Drawing from the rich tapestry of Australian country music, the festival boasts a lineup that will enchant audiences all afternoon.

With established legends Adam Brand and

Sara Storer headlining the event and rising stars Andrew Swift, Jayne Denham, Portia Clark and Billie-Jo Porter also joining the party, the lineup promises something for everyone.

What makes the Barra & Boots Music Fes-

tival even more special is its intimate atmosphere set amongst the beauty of Lake Proserpine.

“Our camp area at Lake Proserpine is magnificent,” said Director of Commercial Business for Whitsunday Regional Council, Craig Turner.

“You’re right there looking over the water, you’ve got the mountains, you’ve got the

surrounds.

“It’s a beautiful location and you add to that the amazing Australian country music artists, the opportunity for people to hang out together with friends and family and spend a day or a weekend getting out and enjoying yourself.”

Day passes are available now, granting access to a day filled with music, camaraderie, and unparalleled natural beauty.

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, camping options abound; choose from bush camping nestled amidst the tranquil wilderness or lakeside camping offering breathtaking views of the water.

The stage is positioned within campsite grounds so, wherever you choose to set up, live music is never too far away, providing attendees with the rare opportunity to connect with their favourite artists on a personal level.

“You’re literally going to be face to face with these artists,” Mr Turner said.

“They’re going to be

right there.”

Food vans will tantalise taste buds, while attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enhance the festival experience.

With ticket prices set at $180 for adults, $99 for youth aged 11-17, and complimentary admission for children 10 and under, the festival ensures that everyone can partake in the magic.

Bush camping is priced at $200 per site per night for up to six people and lakeside camping at $300, allowing attendees to create lasting memories around crackling campfires under the starlit sky.

With only 600 concert tickets and 120 campsites available, the Barra & Boots Music Festival promises an exclusive experience for those fortunate enough to secure their place.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event.

WHAT: Barra & Boots Music Festival WHEN: Saturday June 15 WHERE: Lake Proserpine Camping Ground

TICKETS: www.regfest.com.au/whitsunday-event-info.html

Council launches innovative waste bin wraps to promote Smart Water Usage

In a move to educate and encourage sustainable water use, Burdekin

Shire Council is rolling out new waste bin wraps around the Burdekin, de-

WHAT’S IN THE WORKS

WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT, DARWIN STREET, AYR

THE of $880,000 the complete a 740-metre

these school holidays.

Burdekin Shire

out to get your pictures in for the Think Outside Bingo Competition holiday adventure, Burdekin style, designed to get you exploring the best of the Burdekin region these school holidays.

signed to provide smart water advice to the community.

10 entries into the prize draw.

Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said if you are looking for an action-packed adventure to finish the school holidays, residents and visitors are invited to join in on the Bingo Competition.

Think Outside Bingo Competition runs from 16 September to 1 October 2023.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said these wraps are part of a larger initiative to raise awareness about water conservation and to inspire residents to make informed choices about their water usage.

“This initiative is supported by the latest research and strategies from Smart Water Advice, a resource dedicated to promoting water efficiency across Australia and New Zealand.

Replacement of the existing water main servicing Darwin Street is the first of three projects that will see the replacement of the existing water infrastructure. Water mains in Little Crescent and Victoria Street in Parkside will also be replaced by June 2024. The water main replacement program aligns with commitments enshrined in Council’s Customer Service Standards which are available to be viewed on Council’s Website.

Road from junction. The is currently onsite and will and levelling weeks before the sealing takes place. will be limited managed by traffic construction

“The Outside Bingo Competition fantastic way to explore the wonders of the Burdekin, think outside and play for a chance to win one of four $50 Burdekin Gift Cards,” Cr McLaughlin said.

INTERSECTION OF SOPER AND GRAHAM STREETS, AYR

To play along, post your photos between the competition Don’t miss on this exciting opportunity to discover the Burdekin region like never before.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said if you are looking for an action-packed adventure to finish the school holidays, residents and visitors are invited to join in on the Think Outside Bingo Competition.

“The Bingo Adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to dive into the

“The eye-catching wraps will be placed on several waste bins across the Burdekin, serving as a daily reminder of the importance of water efficiency,” Cr Dalle Cort said.

relaxing sun-soaked day at Wunjunga Beach. Capture those special moments, tag #visitburdekin on social media and bingo your way through the play card for a chance to win.

“Council is placing the wraps on bins in prominent locations where people go every day, to encourage everyone to think about taking care of the environment and adopt more efficient water usage habits.”

Works to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Soper and Graham Streets, Ayr continues. Concrete crews are now setting up and pouring pedestrian access ramps with the last of the concrete islands to be poured in the next few weeks before the asphalt surfacing of the road is undertaken on Friday 10 May. The $550,000 project is fully funded by the Australian Government Black Spot Program. Black Spot projects target those road locations with a substantial crash history. A full road closure has been established for the duration of the works which are anticipated to be complete by mid-May. Access for residents will be maintained during these works.

to a single lane, managed by traffic lights during the construction phase.

Home Hill Furniture Upgrades

Upgrades Business District has recently placement of ten arrangements of street

Time is running out, so get your bingo card and finish your school holiday adventure.

“The Think Outside Bingo Competition is a fantastic way to explore the wonders of the Burdekin, think outside and play for a chance to win one of four $50 Burdekin Gift Cards,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Each sticker contains quick tips and facts about water conservation, empowering residents to take actionable steps towards reducing their water consumption and at the same time saving money.

WORKS

“Don’t miss out –there are only a few days left to take part.”

The Central Business District (CBD) in Home Hill has recently witnessed the placement of ten fresh arrangements of street furniture, featuring benches, planter boxes, and litter bins. More of these combinations have been enlisted as part of the ongoing budget initiative and will be set up upon completion of the manufacturing process. These locally produced planter boxes and litter bins reflect our commitment to supporting local businesses, a source of pride for the Council.

Ayr

Here’s how to play:

For more information on the waste bin sticker campaign and to learn more about smart water practices, please visit Council’s website burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

benches, litter bins. combinations as part of the initiative and will completion of the process. These planter boxes and commitment businesses, a the Council. Estate Expansion Estate expansion completed its phase. Sand Macro Algae has commenced In the 2023/24 budget, the Council million to cover construction, infrastructure, and water

“The Bingo Adventure offers a fantastic opportunity to dive into the

Image: Mick the Cane Cutter on a Burdekin Bingo Adventure. Council is seeking

• Pick up your ‘Think Outside Bingo Card’ from either the Ayr or Home Hill Visitor Information Centres, or download • 1 line of equals 1 you complete whole card, 10 entries prize draw. The Outside Competition from 16 September to 1 October To play along, your photos the competition dates. Don’t out on this opportunity discover Burdekin like never Time is running so get your card and your school adventure. Image: Mick Cane Cutter Burdekin Adventure.

Grading Maintenance and re-sheeting is scheduled for the following roads next week – Sandy Camp and Coach Roads in the Woodstock area, Shemlowski Road off Fiveways Road, Wunjunga Road to the south of Inkerman and Cromarty Siding Road in the Giru area.

UPCOMING

Industrial Estate Expansion

The Ayr Industrial Estate expansion site has successfully completed its clearing and grubbing phase. Sand fill transfer from the Macro Algae development site has commenced as part of the project. In the 2023/24 capital works budget, the Council has allocated $2.76 million to cover earthworks, road construction, drainage infrastructure, and water and sewerage service installations.

Two new tourist photo frames are planned to be installed at Mount Inkerman and Alva in the coming weeks. The frames are positioned to capture both rural and oceanic backdrops that stamp the Burdekin as a must visit North Queensland holiday destination.

Mayor. This is a temporary

time or part-time work arrangements

providing executive support for the Chief

and Councillors as

BURDEKIN SHIRE COUNCIL

Councillor Column

With Councillor Callan Oar

With this being my first Councillor Column, I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who showed faith in me to represent the views of the community in council. The election has given us a new council with a mix of experience and new blood. It excites me to see what we can achieve. As most know, local government is complex. Figuring out where a councillor can make positive change is the challenge. Once the new councillors all find their feet, I am sure we will do just that.

We have now completed most of our councillor inductions and are working through the 24/25 budget. Unfortunately, some increases are unavoidable in today’s economic climate, so every item needs to be scrutinised. With the short time between the election and budget due date,

this is challenging. Hopefully, with everyone at council’s full attention, we can reduce unnecessary expenses while providing the service that the community deserve and expect.

One of the biggest changes to daily life in the 27 business days since the swearing in, is the 18 days that I have had to wear appropriate clothing (that isn’t high-vis and covered in grease), contributing to extra washing and ironing that my wife takes good care of for me. Thanks Kristy!

Burdekin residents need to know they can reach out to councillors should they have any issues that they feel we could help them with. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or send an email. Our contact details can be found on the BSC website, www.burdekin.qld.gov.au.

With Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

Have you ever wondered how you can stay informed about what’s happening in your local Council?

Burdekin Shire Council holds meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and the best part is, they’re open to the public. This means you have a fantastic opportunity to stay informed within your community.

But that’s not all – you can also conveniently access meeting agendas and minutes right from the comfort of your own home through Council’s website. This ensures that you’re always in the loop about the decisions being made that directly impact your area.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to phone me on 0447 150 582 or email mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

Meet Mabel

Mabel is looking for a very special home, one full of love, patience, understanding and dedication to help this girl reach her full potential.

Sadly, Mabel arrived at Angel Paws from a very abusive place and because of this she takes a bit of time to trust humans.

However, once she does, she will give you all the love that she has.

It’s taken time for Mabel to understand that her dinner is for her, and she can now eat it without worrying she will get into trouble,

You will need to be someone who has some time to spend with her and to teach her some basic training.

She enjoys sleeping on the couch and

FAST FACTS:

Rehoming fee: $450

DOB: 1/10/2022

Sex: Female

snuggling in bed with her carer whilst giving lots of love and kisses.

She loves her toys and other dogs and is very playful.

Mabel would love a home with another younger dog who is playful as well as she is still young and has lots of energy to burn. It’s time to find her the perfect home so she can settle in properly and flourish. Mabel is available for adoption desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on flea/tick/ intestinal vaccinations, worm treated and currently on heartworm preventative.

If you’re interested in meeting Mabel please complete an animal enquiry form at https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/ forms.html

Breed: Bullarab x Kid friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Untested Other dogs: Yes Fences: 6ft

To schedule a meet and greet with this pet, complete and submit the animal inquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.

18 Community News

Good Thyme To Plant Herbs!

If you are just starting on your plant growing journey or you just don’t have space for a backyard veggie garden, then herbs in a pot are a great way to start growing.

Herbs such as Rosemary and Sage that originated from the Mediterranean regions, enjoy tough growing conditions. Rosemary is a wellknown accompaniment for lamb and sage for chicken and peas. These herbs like to dry out between watering and don’t like being over fed (fertilised) as they are used to growing in poor, stony soil. So don’t over water your pot.

Fun fact: Banana Plants, that grow very well here in the Whitsundays (the photo attached is from my garden), are the biggest herbs in the world.

Hint For Growing Herbs In Pots:

noticed that your Sage and Rosemary are not too happy at the moment. That is due to the cool temperatures and the continual rain we have had of late, not giving the soil time to dry out. As much as our vegetable seedlings are loving it, these herbs are not.

Cut off the dead growth and if you are really concerned you can cover the surrounding soil in a waterproof material to stop the rain from causing more plant die back until our Autumn/Winter starts behaving as it should (clear, blue skies!).

Tropical herbs such as Lemon Grass, Ginger and Turmeric are a completely different kettle of fish. These plants like rich, fertilised soil and like to be kept moist. As the name suggests, they grow very well here in the tropical Whitsundays, in fact once you get these plants established, you’ll be dividing them up, eating them and sharing them for the rest of your gardening life.

Add a couple of teaspoons of lime to your 200mm pot of potting mix before planting.

When planting your Mediterranean herbs, it can help to add coarse sand to your potting mix to improve drainage.

For those gardeners who are growing herbs in your garden, you may have

Not only do we enjoy herbs for cooking, but they are also grown and appreciated for medicinal purposes. Native Herbs have been used by Indigenous Australians to assist in all manner of health-related issues, having an intimate relationship with plants for thousands of years. We have so much to learn.

My Pick Of The Month

Wild Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariifa)

Companion Planting

Producing a striking red flower, on a red stem, they grow happily within the veggie garden, reaching between 1.5 – 2m high and up to1m wide.

They are known to assist with blood pressure and to regulate blood sugar levels. Reported to assist with anxiety and support the nervous system.

They make great jams, syrups, tea and can be added raw to salads.

They grow very happily here. They are a beautiful plant, easy to grow, with great health benefits, a must have.

Hints For Herbs In The Garden

• Do not pick more than 1/3 of a young herb plant at a time and no ore then ½ a mature plant.

• The more you pick the bushier they become, so snip away nightly.

• Don’t over fertilise your herbs, you’ll encourage leaf growth at the expense of their oil production. So, when applying sea sol to your veggies, skip over your herbs regularly.

We cannot talk herbs without talking companion planting, so here are a few ideas to try in your veggie garden now:

Nasturtiums

Great for planting with Kale, Broccoli, radish, cabbage and cauliflower

Basil

A must, to plant with your tomatoes but also with chilli’s, beans and chives

Mint

A good companion for all brassicas repelling cabbage caterpillars

Parsley and Rosemary

Go well with carrots, repelling some flies and attracting beneficial insects

Important Fact To Finish With

The dreaded Cabbage Moth is repelled by Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Sage and Dill

Herbs are yours and your veggie gardens best friends!

• Your herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so the carport or under a tree may not be the best position for them.

Unified Strength: Better Together

QCAR and ACFA are proud to announce a strategic integration, intensifying our combined strengths and capabilities to invigorate the sugarcane industry

Development of 5 Regional District Committees

Far North Queensland

Herbert Burdekin

Central Queensland

South East Queensland and New South Wales

Local representatives in each district

Fostering relationships with growers, millers and local businesses

Advocacy 6-Ways (via our collaborative partners)

QCAR

ACFA

National Famers Federation (NFF)

Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF)

Agforce

Local, State and Federal Government

Expanding our geographical footprint spanning from Mossman in North Queensland to Harwood, New South Wales

Mossman

Harwood

Burdekin

Herbert Central Queensland Far North Queensland South East Queensland

WOOD CRAFTERS BENEFIT FROM RURAL AUSTRALIA GRANTS

The Burdekin Woodcrafts Association Incorporated, in Ayr, have recently been awarded a grant of $9,450 as part of a shared Australia-wide $1.4 million grant for rural areas, from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR). This funding will be utilised to establish an additional storage area for the wood crafters.

The initiative aims to enhance the group’s capacity to support community projects and minimise environmental waste by facilitating the purchase and outfitting of a storage facility for donated wood.

One hundred and twenty-nine community groups, including Ayr, across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing nearly $1.4 million in grants through FRRR’s flagship Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.

Awarded via three streams of funding, SRC grants support small and vital projects, like upgrades to the community pool in Cummins, SA; COVID recovery projects, such as creating of an arts and cultural precinct in the remote community of Tully, QLD; and disaster preparedness or recovery initiatives, like providing culturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for the flood-affected community of Lismore, NSW.

FRRR received a record 450 applications for this round of SRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million.

The team has worked hard to shorten the time between applying and awarding SRC grants, with these grants being awarded just nine weeks after the round closed.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, says that there is an increasing need for FRRR to fill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.

“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when Government and other agencies lean out.

“This access to continued funding opportunities is especially vital in communities that are moving beyond the immediate threats and response to natural disasters and other shocks.

“This round, we have seen increased applications from the organisers of community events, such as local agricultural shows, as some local governments are reducing their annual funding support.

“We also saw increased funding requests from smaller more remote communities that are seeking to boost the local economy by developing activities and events to

encourage overnight stays from visitors who would otherwise pass through,” she said.

In addition to the 129 initiatives awarded grants, there were a further 85 funding-ready projects, requesting more than $900,000, that FRRR did not have the funds to support. This highlights the importance of small grants to remote, rural and regional community groups and is why FRRR is seeking new partners so that the Foundation can fund more projects in the future.

“Given the uncertainty of the current financial landscape, groups have told us that they value having access to timely secured funding to support medium to long term goals, as well as initiatives that respond to present needs and priorities,” Ms Karena added.

A full list of grant recipients is available on FRRR’s website.

Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to re-

view the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available at www.frrr.org.au/src.

Geoff from the Burdekin Woodcrafts Association made this custom glass walled display case made to house an old school bell. The Association recently benefited from a grant from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal

Glastonbury Hall & Recreation Association Inc used their SRC grant, awarded in 2022, to create a safer and more secure space at the Hall by establishing it as a Disaster Centre Hub

EMPOWERING QUEENSLAND’S GROWERS

In the bustling heart of Queensland’s sugar industry, a significant agreement unfolded on April 30, 2024, between QCAR and Mackay Sugar. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for sugarcane growers statewide, as QCAR continues to strengthen its relationships and extend its reach beyond the Burdekin’s borders, staying true to its mission of providing Queensland-wide representation.

As part of this ongoing mission, QCAR has been diligently fostering partnerships and agreements across the state, ensuring that its growing membership benefits from larger-scale collaborations that amplify its collective voice and influence in the sugar industry.

Amidst these efforts, a new Cane Supply and Processing Agreement (CSPA) was forged, shaping the future of cane supplies to Mackay Sugar’s mills in Farleigh, Marian, and Racecourse.

The new agreement sets out a course for how the growth and supply of cane is to take place and observes the ever-changing expectations of consumers and the communities in which we operate.

It is increasingly important to be recognised as ‘environmentally sustainable’ by way of accreditation, holding up the standards which Australian sugar is globally recognised for.

“It has been crucial to us, as a sugar producer and seller of sugar in global markets,

that we have a partner who so clearly states their ambition around sustainable practices,” says Brent Casey, Mackay Sugar’s General Manager, Commercial & Agriculture.

QCAR is dedicated to advocating and empowering Queensland agriculture producers by fostering sustainable farming practices for a prosperous future.

QCAR Director and lead negotiator in the Mackay area, Chris Punzell said, “Mackay growers have been eagerly awaiting an alternative cane supply agreement and enhanced grower representation.

“I was confident that this would materialise, and I am delighted that it has become a reality. By listening to the needs of farmers, we have successfully secured this agreement to benefit the farming community.”

QCAR Executive Director, Panikos Spyrou said, “With this agreement, we have provided our growers in the Mackay Region with contractual certainty – however we will, true to our spirit in Securing a Stronger Future, keep looking at ways to amend the CSPA to the benefit of both the growers we represent and the miller with whom we cooperate.

“Joined in this effort with Mackay Sugar we have pinpointed several mutually advantageous improvements to collaborate on for the 2025 crushing season. Interested growers can access these enhancements through QCAR,” Mr Spyrou said.

Also in recent QCAR news, Panikos Spyrou expressed his enthusiasm regarding Stephen Ryan’s appointment as CEO, following the QCAR board’s approval of his proposal.

The former CEO said, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to focus more intently on strategic initiatives and the specialised work I undertake for QCAR,” Mr Spyrou said.

“This shift allows me the flexibility to engage in additional activities outside the realm of QCAR’s operations.”

An interview with QCAR’s new CEO will be in a future edition of Burdekin Life.

(L-R): QCAR Member Tony Bugeja, Mackay Sugar Limited CEO Jannik Olejas (standing), QCAR Director and Lead negotiator Chris Punzell

Canegrowers Say “Enough Talk” When It Comes To Fire Ants

“The time for talking is over!

“Immediate, large-scale, effective action is what’s required if we’re to have any hope of halting the march of Red Imported Fire Ants,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has said.

Mr Menkens, who has been touring the Burdekin cane-growing region this week with National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke, accused the state and federal governments of failing in their duty to protect Australians from the dangerous invasive species.

“Sugarcane growers have been sounding the alarm on this problem for almost 20 years. Our members in Rocky Point have been on the frontline of this war and they’ve seen firsthand the inadequate and ineffective attempts at containment and eradication to date.”

“It has impacted their lives and their livelihoods, but despite their persistent warnings, the state and federal governments have failed to commit the resources necessary to tackle this problem, and now it may be too late.”

Mr Menkens said other state and territory governments also shared responsibility for the failure to eradicate the pest.

“This is a biosecurity problem with huge ramifications for the entire country, but

until now, other state and territory governments have treated it as a Queensland problem.”

“We are seeing the consequences of that approach now, with fire ants already in New South Wales and on the doorstep of Victoria and South Australia. If they reach SA, how long will it be before they’re in West Australia and the Top End?

“We know these pests can travel huge distances via waterways using a technique known as rafting. Now that they’re west of the Great Dividing Range, in the heart of the Murray Darling Basin, they could quickly spread throughout the whole of eastern Australia.”

Mr Menkens called on all state and territory governments to join with the federal government and commit whatever resources are necessary to finally win the battle against fire ants.

“We need a program that is properly resourced with hundreds, even thousands of boots on the ground every single day seeking out and destroying these nests.”

“We don’t need more reviews and broken funding promises. We need leadership, and real, large-scale containment and eradication action, and we need it immediately.

“Stop talking about it, just do it.”

Queensland Counts Down To AgriFutures evokeAG 2025

Excitement is building as expressions of interest (EOI) to showcase Queensland’s AgTech innovation ecosystem, alongside international agrifood tech and innovation event AgriFutures evokeAG 2025, open in less than a month.

AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 was officially launched last week on April 18, with entrepreneurs, key agricultural stakeholder groups and senior Queensland and Local Government figures coming together to back the event.

AgriFutures evokeAG., to be held in Brisbane on February 18-19 2025, brings together the agrifood tech and innovation community from Australia and across the world.

“Queensland not only has a global reputation for high-quality, sustainable, safe and trusted agricultural products, it is becoming recognised as a powerhouse for AgTech innovation,” said Acting Deputy Director-General of Agriculture Elton Miller.

“A key action under the Queensland Government’s AgTech Roadmap is to showcase Queensland innovation at global agricultural innovation events and attract major conferences to Queensland.

“AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 will provide an international platform to demonstrate that Queensland is a prime destination for the development and export of world-leading AgTech.”

Over two days producers will share their experiences, entrepreneurs will showcase their technology and innovations, scientists will showcase their discoveries and global business leaders and industry experts will share their insights on the future.

The 2024 event held in Perth attracted more than 1,800 delegates from Australia and around the world, and organisers are confident evokeAG. 2025 will continue to grow year-on-year.

Julia Spicer, Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, will host a webinar sharing details about the opportunities to showcase Queensland AgTech and innovation across the State and the EOI process on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 – visit https://www. daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/campaigns/ agtech/news/evokeag-webinar for more information.

AgriFutures evokeAG. 2025 is supported by the Queensland Government, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Platinum Partner Elders.

Time To Get Your Super Sorted

Did you know you can claim a tax deduction for putting up to $27,500 into your super? That means if you put say $10,000 into your super, you could get a tax refund of up to $4,700 depending on what you earn.

Tax deductible contributions into super are taxed at 15% on the way into the fund. You then claim them as a tax deduction in your personal income tax return and if you’re earning between $45,000 and $120,000 than you get a personal tax refund of 34.5%.

If you’re earning under $45,000 the refund is 21% and if earning over $120,000 it’s 39%. That’s pretty handy, it’s like the government giving you an immediate return of 6% to 24% on your money on top of any actual interest it earns. On top of that you’ve put it away where it should grow to fund a good retirement lifestyle, smart.

As always, the devil is in the detail so get some advice. The $27,500 is the current annual cap on tax deductible contributions but remember these include the compulsory super your boss pays in. From 1st July that annual cap goes to $30,000 for the new financial year.

If you super balance is under $500,000, you may also have the option to make ‘catch up concessional contributions’. This allows you to make up for the last 5 years unused concessional contribution cap. I.e., if you’ve only had $10,000 go in per year the extra, unused $17,500 carries forward and you could make a huge contribution in one year.

Your accountant can run a simple ATO report showing what you’ve got available in catch up contributions or you can get it from your MyGov if you have the ATO

Meet Kevin Swanson

As of 1st July 2024, any unused cap from the 2018 Financial Year drops off so you should at least consider catching that up before 30th June, or it’s gone. This is especially true for self-employed people who often neglect their super, which can come back to haunt them at retirement.

The key to making big financial decisions, just like making a big purchase, is doing your homework. You wouldn’t buy a boat or caravan without some research. How much is your boss paying in? What about Salary Sacrifice? What is your carried forward allowance? Are you confident your existing super fund is good value and is getting a good return?

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp. com.au. There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.

Introducing Kevin Swanson, who is the newly appointed Dealer Principal of Burdekin Motor Group, starting in his new position just eight weeks ago.

Kevin’s career spans nearly 38 years and he has recently moved to the area, drawn by the warmer climate of the Burdekin-Townsville region.

A country-boy at heart, Kevin was born and raised in a country town of just 3800 people.

He left when he was 22 and moved to the big smoke of Melbourne Victoria, where he started his career in the automotive business.

After spending such a long time in major city businesses, however, Kevin is now looking forward to a well-balanced work and family lifestyle in a regional town.

“Working and living in Burdekin-Ayr-Townsville region I couldn’t think of a better place,” said Kevin.

“In the short period of time I’ve been here, the local community, the people and staff, everyone has been so welcoming, it’s been so positive thus far.”

Burdekin Motor Group is a strong local business, with top 10 new car brands and with exceptional employees, nearly 50 per cent of the staff have been here between

10-20 years.

In a short period of time, Kevin sees a need to build a larger second-hand vehicle market. He’s noticed that the current used vehicle choice is very low. If it’s not new “What is everyone going to buy/drive?” he asked.

“Most families I’m sure have to go to Townsville to buy a second-hand car - I see that as a missing jigsaw piece for the Burdekin region, and I am excited to grow and support a larger second-hand market for our current buyers and especially for the younger generation coming through.”

Burdekin Motor Group currently has five new car franchises, Mitsubishi, Kia, Isuzu, Nissan, and Suzuki plus the new Burdekin Used Car Centre.

They also have Multi New Car Brands and Used Car Specialist Service Technicians, Parts and Accessory Centre, plus Finance and Insurance Specialists.

Kevin always strives to look ahead and keep abreast of the modern trends, whilst delivering high quality cars and with exceptional customer service.

He looks forward to meeting more local people and being involved in the local community programs-sporting clubs in the region and encourages you to come and say g’day if you haven’t already.

Kevin Swanson in the car dealership

Managing Director of Eclipse Financial Services Justin Butler who is happy to answer any financial questions you have in his monthly column

A Celebration of Cane The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition

The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition has made its exciting debut in the region, standing as an educational event where schools showcase their student’s skills in growing the best sugarcane.

Canegrowers Burdekin (CBL) launched the friendly competition in collaboration with Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS), Sugar Research Australia (SRA), and the Burdekin Shire Council’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival to highlight the agricultural talents of students and staff whilst creating a sense of community pride through collaboration.

Aiming to foster a hands-on learning experience, the competition hopes to promote environmental awareness and build a deeper understanding in young minds of the region’s celebrated farming process.14 Schools across the region have joined the competition to learn the intricacies of sugarcane cultivation, and sustainable farming practices and Manager for CBL, Greg Watson, believes this event will highlight the importance of the sugarcane industry

within the local economy, and as a future career path for students.

“It’s a great opportunity to educate schools and their students on everything involved in growing sugarcane,” expressed Greg.

Each competing school will allow for a 1m x 1m plot for their crop, with BPS and SRA providing 3 – 4 sugar cane billets for the students to plant.

“Each school has a Grower Mentor attached so the students can call on a local grower to come and give them advice to help them tend to and to grow the best plot of sugar cane they possibly can,” explained Greg.

Ayr State School, Airville

State School, Brandon State School, Burdekin Catholic High School, the Burdekin Christian College, the Burdekin School, Clare State School, East Ayr State School, Giru State School, Home Hill State School,

Millaroo State School, Osborne State School, St Colman’s School, and St Francis Primary School have all rolled up their sleeves and entered the competition.

Planting of the sugar cane billets is already underway, and after 12 months, the cane will be harvested and milled at SRA via their small mill to measure the CCS (sugar content), weight, and overall size of the cane produced. Based on these parameters, a winner will be determined and awarded at 2025’s Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival.

The Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition stands as a newly associated award event of the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and the winning school will receive a trophy presented at the festival’s Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships along with a $1,000 prize.

“We’ve been ready pleased with how the schools have gotten behind the Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition, and with how the Burdekin Shire Council has supported it as well, and the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival is such a wonderful celebration of the sugarcane industry in the region, and this competition is just another way to bring more community support, education and awareness,” explained Greg.

BPS staff Asha Gould and Rob Milla, Mick the Canecutter from Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, CBL Director Charlie Papale, Senator Susan MacDonald and CBL Chair Owen Menkens with a group of local school students. Photo supplied

Planting underway at St Colman’s School with CBL Chair Owen Menkens and Mick The Canecutter from Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival. Photo supplied

Home Hill High School students planting billets under the watchful eye of CBL Director Glenn Betteridge. Photo supplied

Planting underway at St Colman’s School with CBL Chair Owen Menkens. Photo supplied

ENERGY BILLS SLASHED

THANKS TO QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT COST OF LIVING INITIATIVE

All Queensland households will receive a $1,000 rebate on their electricity bills from July this year following an announcement from Premier Steven Miles.

This nearly doubles the $550 electricity rebate that was paid to households this financial year.

Mr Miles said the direct return to households recognises the increased pressure on household budgets as a result of growing everyday expenses like mortgage repayments, rent, groceries and fuel.

“Queenslanders tell me that inflation and rising mortgage payments, rents and grocery prices are their biggest concern,” he said.

“I said we would use the budget to deliver cost of living relief but I’ve decided it’s too urgent to wait that long.

“We are delivering the biggest cost of living relief package in Queensland history to back Queenslanders in the fight against inflation.

“The budget will include $1,000 off every Queensland household’s power bill – the biggest direct energy rebate to Queensland households, ever.”

Eligible seniors, pensioners and concession card holders will receive $1,372 off their power bills.

Queensland Government funded support of $325 off power bills will continue for small businesses.

Upfront $1,000 rebates will be applied to households bills from July, meaning most Queenslanders will not pay a single cent on their first power bill of the next financial year and many won’t pay another bill until 2025.

A special appropriation bill will be introduced to bring forward the payment.

"These rebates will be applied to bills in the first quarter of the next financial year (2024-25),” Mr Miles said.

“This follows the success of the current $550 rebate provided to households this

year, which has helped lower electricity bills by 9.5 per cent and bring down inflation.

“A lower energy bill puts more money back in the pockets of Queenslanders.”

Recent data from the ABS shows that the $550 electricity rebates have lowered electricity bills by 9.5%, contributed to inflation in Queensland being lower than the

national average.

Queensland already has the lowest energy bills on the east coast of Australia, as outlined in the ABS data and reported by Canstar Blue.

The $1,000 rebate will nearly halve the average yearly household power bill in Queensland for 2024-25.

The

We have a handful of available properties currently & potential tenants looking for a suitable space to start or continue their business. We still require commercial spaces to suit those tenants still looking. If you have a commercial property vacant & want it leased, we are the agent for you!

As the ‘Rate my Agent’ no. 1 agency in Ayr, we can offer residential, rural, and commercial property sales along with free market and rental appraisals.

We have serviced the Burdekin region for over 60 years and have experienced sales agents with expertise in the local market and current property trends.

At Nutrien Harcourts McCathies we believe that strong communication, a solid work ethic and attention to detail result in successful outcomes for our clients.

codeword

Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?

wordfill

3 LETTERS ADS AGE ALL APE APT BOA COD DIM ELK EVE EYE GEE ION IRE NIL

ODE

OPT

ORE SIT TIP

TON USE WIG YAK

15 = Z, 16 = L, 17 = W, 18 = V, 19 = M, 20 = B, 21 = P, 22 = C, 23 = D, 24 = S

SOLUTIONS: 1 = O, 2 = G, 3 = K, 4 = T, 5 = F, 6 = N, 7 = E, 8 = J, 9 = H, 10 = X, 11 = I, 12 = A, 13 = R,

word search

CHIMICHURRI

4 LETTERS DEEP EBBS ESKY IDEA MUSS SACS SEAS SEED SODS SPED STEM SWAB TOMB TOSS

5 LETTERS ABIDE ADORE AGREE ALTOS ASSET ATONE BEANS BESET BLANK BYTES CABLE CASTE CASTS CLEAN COOED DELIS HAUNT HOSTS IRATE MEDIA MOSSY MUSED MUSTS

9-letter

ONION ONSET PALER PERKS RIOTS SANDS SANGS SARIS SCOPE SEATS SEEDY SIDED SLEDS SMEAR SODAS STALE STAMP STEWS STOKE TRAIT TRIPE TROOP ULTRA UNCLE UNTIE VESTS WAITS

6 LETTERS COASTS CUCKOO HAMMER REUSES

7 LETTERS ACCEDES

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

MEMOIRS NITRATE ROOSTED STARKER TETHERS

SOLUTION

No. 175 E N D L E ST T U

16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 33 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: No. 225

8 LETTERS ABSENTEE ALLERGIC ARTISTIC ATTAINED

SOLUTIONS: duel, duels, eldest, else, elude, eludes, elute,

eluted, elutes, leet, lend, lends, lent, lest, lets, lunette, lust,

lusted, lute, nestle, nestled, nettle, nettled, nettles, settle, settled, sleet, slue, slued, steel, stele, unsettle,

1 Calculator (6)

3 Excellent (8)

6 Obstacle (7)

10 Elaborated idea (7)

12 Sweltering (6)

14 Responding to stimuli (8)

16 Performer (7)

17 Writing on walls (8)

18 Follower (8)

19 Swimming stroke (9)

22 Suffering (8)

24 Put on (6)

25 Of the home (8)

28 Easily agitated or alarmed (7)

31 Flamboyance (7)

34 Operating; energetic (6)

35 Nasty (4)

36 Strained (8)

40 Drinking vessel (6)

41 Arrange a piece of music (11)

44 Burrowing animal; pester (6)

45 Reaction (8)

48 At one time (4)

49 Wattle (6)

52 Dame Joan Sutherland, famously (7)

55 Eeyorian emotion (7)

57 One’s allocated tasks (8)

58 Relish (6)

59 Aversion (8)

62 Period between conception and birth (9)

66 Wild celery (8)

68 Turning (8)

69 Drinking vessels (7)

70 Outside layer of bird product (8)

71 Admission (6)

73 Imagine guilty (7)

74 Body of a dead animal (7)

75 Without interruption (8)

76 Sudden (6)

DOWN

2 Admit (7)

3 Tiredness (7)

4 Muesli grain (3)

5 City silhouette against the horizon (7)

6 Wearied (5)

7 Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9)

8 Sake (6)

9 Expunge (6)

11 Composition (5)

12 Wrap (7)

13 Elevators (5)

15 Refrain (from) (7)

20 House covering (4)

21 Patterned fabric (4)

23 Wholesaler, dealer (8)

26 Comfort (4)

27 Faucets (4)

29 Elevate (5)

30 Steam room (5)

32 Not awake (6)

33 Glut (6)

37 River of southern England (6)

38 Long pin for holding meat (6)

39 Copy a file from online (8)

42 Game of skill (5)

43 Swap (5)

46 Rancid (4)

47 Andamooka gemstone (4)

50 Affectedly dainty (coll) (4)

51 A folded tortilla filled with various mixtures (4)

53 High ranking academic (9)

54 Qantas or Virgin, for example (7)

56 Taxonomic rank (7)

58 Frightened (6)

60 Excel (7)

61 Screen from sun (5)

ACROSS

62 First book in the Christian Old Testament (7)

13 Elevators (5)

15 Refrain (from) (7)

1 Calculator (6)

3 Excellent (8)

63 Expressive breaths (5)

20 House covering (4)

21 Patterned fabric (4)

6 Obstacle (7)

64 Non-professional (7)

23 Wholesaler, dealer (8)

10 Elaborated idea (7)

65 Snuggle (6)

26 Comfort (4)

12 Sweltering (6)

14 Responding to stimuli (8)

67 Book of maps (5)

16 Performer (7)

17 Writing on walls (8)

27 Faucets (4)

29 Elevate (5)

30 Steam room (5)

32 Not awake (6)

18 Follower (8)

72 US intelligence agency (1,1,1)

19 Swimming stroke (9)

22 Suffering (8)

24 Put on (6)

25 Of the home (8)

28 Easily agitated or alarmed (7)

31 Flamboyance (7)

34 Operating; energetic (6)

35 Nasty (4)

36 Strained (8)

40 Drinking vessel (6)

41 Arrange a piece of music (11)

44 Burrowing animal; pester (6)

45 Reaction (8)

48 At one time (4)

49 Wattle (6)

52 Dame Joan Sutherland, famously (7)

55 Eeyorian emotion (7)

57 One’s allocated tasks (8)

58 Relish (6)

59 Aversion (8)

62 Period between conception and birth (9)

66 Wild celery (8)

68 Turning (8)

69 Drinking vessels (7)

70 Outside layer of bird product (8)

71 Admission (6)

73 Imagine guilty (7)

74 Body of a dead animal (7)

75 Without interruption (8)

76 Sudden (6)

33 Glut (6)

37 River of southern England (6)

38 Long pin for holding meat (6)

39 Copy a file from online (8)

42 Game of skill (5)

43 Swap (5)

46 Rancid (4)

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

47 Andamooka gemstone (4)

50 Affectedly dainty (coll) (4)

51 A folded tortilla filled with various mixtures (4)

53 High ranking academic (9)

54 Qantas or Virgin, for example (7)

56 Taxonomic rank (7)

58 Frightened (6)

60 Excel (7)

61 Screen from sun (5)

62 First book in the Christian Old Testament (7)

63 Expressive breaths (5)

64 Non-professional (7)

65 Snuggle (6)

67 Book of maps (5)

72 US intelligence agency (1,1,1)

WEEKLYTVGUIDE

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. 2.00 Queen Of Oz. 2.30 White Fever. 2.55 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.40 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 Gardening Australia. 8.30 Silent Witness. (M) 9.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 10.00 The Weekly. 10.35 White Fever. (M) 11.00 News. 11.20 Grand Designs. (PG) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG) 12.55 Traces. (M) 1.40 Rage. 5.00 Rage.

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) 1.30 Father Brown. (PG) 2.15 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. 3.00 Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens. 4.00 This Is Going To Be Big. (PG) 5.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (M) 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Father Brown. (M)

8.15 Midsomer Murders. (M) 9.50 After The Party. (MA15+) 10.35 Shetland. (M) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia. 4.45 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 News. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 After The Party. 9.20 The Luminaries. 10.15 Shetland. 11.15 Savage River. 12.10 The Messenger. 1.00 Rage Vault. 4.00 Landline. 4.30 Art Works. 5.00 Insiders.

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Landline. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.30 Back Roads. 3.00 Back In Time For Dinner. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.45 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Aust Story. 8.30 Four Corners. 9.15 Media Watch. (PG) 9.35 Q+A. 10.35 News. 10.50 The Business. 11.10 The Weekly. 11.40 Planet America. 12.15 Grand Designs. 1.00 Long Lost Family. 1.45 Monty Don’s French Gardens. 2.50 Rage. 4.30 Landline. 5.00 Art Works. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 After The Party. 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Back In Time For Dinner. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.40 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.25 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 Budget 2024: The Treasurer’s Speech. 8.00 Budget 2024: A 7.30 Special. 8.30 Insiders: Budget Special. 9.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. 9.30 David Stratton’s Stories Of Australian Cinema. 10.30 News. 10.45 The Business. 11.20 Four Corners. 12.05 Q+A. 1.05 Media Watch. 1.25 Parliament. 2.25 Grand Designs. 3.15 Late Programs.

8.20 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Mastermind Aust. 3.00 NITV News: Nula. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 6. Highlights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. 10.00 ABBA In Concert. 11.05 SBS News. 11.35 L’Opera. 3.20 World’s Most Luxurious Holidays. 4.15 Railway Vietnam. 4.45 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 8.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Sailing. SailGP. Round 10. Highlights. 3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.00 Sports Woman. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 7. Highlights. 5.30 War Gamers. 6.30 News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final. 10.00 Rock Legends: ABBA. 10.55 Secrets Of The Royal Palaces. 11.45 Everything You Love. 12.45 While The Men Are Away. 1.15 While The Men Are Away. 1.45 Erotic Stories. 3.55 Railway Vietnam. 4.55 Destination Flavour Bitesize. 5.00 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final.

9.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.55 Blind Sailing. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.00 Sports Woman. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 8. Highlights. 5.30 War Gamers. 6.30 News. 7.30 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final. 12.00 Jimmy Carter: Rock And Roll President. 1.45 My Childhood, My Country. 3.25 Bin Laden: The Road To 9/11. 4.20 Railway Vietnam. 4.50 Destination Flavour. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 WorldWatch. 8.00 WorldWatch. 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 2.05 Destination Flavour Bitesize. 2.15 Heritage Rescue. 3.05 Mastermind Aust. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 9. Highlights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines. 8.25 Secrets Of The Tower Of London. 9.20 24 Hours In Emergency. 10.15 SBS News. 10.45 Christian. 11.40 My Brilliant Friend. 1.40 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 2.05 Destination Flavour Bitesize. 2.10 Heritage Rescue. 3.05 Living Black. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.10 Who Do You Think You Are? 5.00 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Insight. 9.30 Dateline. 10.00 SBS News. 10.30 Living Black. 11.05 The Murdochs: Empire Of Influence. 11.55 Lost Luggage. 1.55 Miniseries: Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. 3.40 Late Programs.

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. 10.45 Q+A. 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Back In Time For Dinner. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.45 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG) 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) 8.30 Gruen. 9.10 White Fever. (M) 9.35 QI. (M) 10.05 Planet America. 10.40 News. 10.55 The Business. 11.10 The Luminaries. (M) 12.05 Superwog. 12.25 Parliament. 1.25 Grand Designs. 2.15 Long Lost Family. 3.05 Rage. 4.30 Landline. 5.00 Art Works. 5.30 7.30. 6.00 WorldWatch. 8.00 WorldWatch. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. 2.30 Insight. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 10. Highlights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.35 Swift Street. 9.30 Concorde: The Race For Supersonic. 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 You Shall Not Lie. 12.00 Black Sands. 2.55 Black Sands. 3.55 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. 4.50 Destination Flavour. 5.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Stuff The British Stole. 1.30 Stuff The British Stole. 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Back In Time For Dinner. 3.55 Long Lost Family. 4.40 Grand Designs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 Budget 2024: Opposition Reply. 8.00 7.30. 8.30 Foreign Correspondent. 9.00 Britain By The Book. 9.50 Antiques Roadshow. 10.50 News. 11.05 The Business. 11.25 Love On The Spectrum. 12.20 Parliament. 1.25 Grand Designs. 2.10 Long Lost Family. 3.00 Rage. 4.30 Landline. 5.00 Art Works. 5.30 7.30. 6.00 WorldWatch. 8.00 WorldWatch. 11.00 The Story Of Beer. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. 3.00 Mastermind Aust. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. Highlights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 DNA Family Secrets. 8.35 Our Law. 9.10 Our Law. 9.45 Blue Lights. 10.50 SBS News. 11.20 Illegals. 12.15 The Responder. 1.15 The Responder. 2.10 Das Boot. 4.00 Das Boot. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: Fatal Flatline. (2020) 2.00 House Of Wellness. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 8.30 MOVIE: This Means War. (2012) (M) Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy. 10.30 To Be Advised. 11.30 Border Security. (PG) 12.00 Celebrity Obsessed. (M) 1.00 Harry’s Practice. 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 Horse Racing. The Coast Race Day, Caulfield Race Day, Hollindale Stakes Day and Goodwood Day. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004) (M) 10.00 MOVIE: Midnight Run. (1988) (M)

12.50 Celebrity Obsessed. (MA15+) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Mystic. 4.30 Tales Of Aluna. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. 12.00 House Of Wellness. 1.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) 8.40 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.40 The Latest: Seven News. 10.10 Code 1: Minute By Minute. (M) 11.10 Quantum Leap. (M) 12.10 Emerald City. (MA15+) 1.05 Parenthood. (PG) 2.00 Shopping. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.40 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. (PG) 2.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) 9.00 9-1-1. (M) 10.00 S.W.A.T. (M) 11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 Police Custody USA. (M) 12.30 Parenthood. (PG) 1.30 Parenthood. (M) 2.30 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.30 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. 2.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PG) 9.05 Miniseries: The Marlow Murder Club. (M) 10.05 The Latest: Seven News. 10.35 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. (M) 11.35 The Real Manhunter. (M) 12.35 Gold Digger. (M) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.35 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam. 2.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG) 8.30 The Front Bar. (M) 9.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PG) 10.30 The Latest: Seven News. 11.00 Talking Footy. 12.00 Parenthood. (M) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Romance At The Vineyard. (2023) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 10. Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.40 MOVIE: The Foreigner. (2017) (MA15+) 12.40 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.35 Pointless. (PG) 2.30 Destination WA. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Postcards. (PG) 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Skippy. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight. 8.30 Neighbours. 9.00 Bold. 9.30 Deal Or No Deal. 10.00 GCBC. 10.30

6.00 Getaway. 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Surfing Australia TV. 12.30 Explore TV. 1.00 Ageless. 1.30 The Pet Rescuers. 2.00 LEGO Masters Aust Vs World. 3.30 The Lap. 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Bohemian Rhapsody. (2018) (M) 11.15 MOVIE: Song To Song. (2017) (M) 1.30 Garden Gurus. 2.00 The Incredible Journey. 2.30 Getaway. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop. 5.30 Helping Hands. 6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 Escape Fishing. 8.00 Charming China. 8.30 Farm To Fork. 9.00 Exploring Off The Grid. 9.30 Food Trail: South Africa. 10.00 Ready Steady Cook. 11.00 MasterChef Aust. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. 2.00 Buy To Build. 2.30 GoRV. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 GCBC.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1.00 Drive TV. 1.30 Mr Mayor. 2.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 10. Gold Coast Titans v North Queensland Cowboys. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Summit. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 The First 48. 11.10 Transplant. 12.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 1.00 World’s Greatest Natural Icons. 2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 Drive TV. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Summit. 1.45 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 The Summit. (PG) 9.10 Paramedics. (M) 10.10 100% Footy. (M) 11.10 9News Late. 11.40 La Brea. (M) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG) 1.30 Pointless. (PG) 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PG) 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight. 8.30 The Yes Experiment. 9.00 Bold. 9.30 Deal Or No Deal. 10.00 GCBC. 10.30 Judge Judy. 11.00 Dr Phil. 12.00 10 News First: Midday. 1.00 Ent. Tonight. 1.30 MasterChef Aust. 3.00 GCBC. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Summit. 1.30 Getaway. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 The Summit. (PG) 8.50 Clarkson’s Farm. (M) 9.50 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. (PG) 10.50 9News Late. 11.20 Chicago Med. (MA15+) 12.05 Tipping Point. 1.00 Pointless. 2.00 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 Everyday Gourmet. 6.30 My Market Kitchen. 7.00 The Talk.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Summit. 1.30 Ageless. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 RBT. (M) 8.30 Ski Rescue Downunder. 9.30 9News Late. 10.00 See No Evil. (MA15+) 11.00 The Equalizer. (M) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG) 12.40 Pointless. (PG) 1.30 Explore TV. 2.00 Drive TV. 2.30 Global Shop. 3.00 TV Shop. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. 4.30 ACA. 5.00 Today Early News.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 11.30 News. 12.00 MOVIE: Dying To Be Perfect. (2022) 2.00 Business Builders. 2.30 Border Security: Int. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 10. Gold Coast Suns v Geelong. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. 11.00 The Latest: Seven News. 11.30 The Amazing Race. (PG) 1.00 Fortitude. (MA15+) 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s State Of Origin. Queensland v New South Wales. Game 1. 9.45 NRL Women’s State Of Origin Post-Match. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: Widows. (2018) (MA15+, R) Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez.

10.35 Movie: Veronica Mars. (2014) (PG, R) Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring.

12.25am Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

1.25 QI. (PG, R)

2.00 Close.

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.00 QI. (PG, R)

8.30 Live At The Apollo. (M, R)

9.20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG, R)

10.05 MythBusters. (PG, R)

10.55 Portlandia. (PG, R)

11.40 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (M, R)

12.15am Upstart Crow. (PG, R)

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.00 QI. (M, R)

8.30 Louis Theroux Interviews... (M)

9.20 You Can’t Ask That. (MA15+, R)

9.50 Movie: Going The Distance. (2010) (MA15+, R)

11.35 Penn & Teller: Fool

Us. (PG, R)

1.00am Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.30 MythBusters. (PG)

9.20 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. (PG)

10.05 Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder In Philadelphia. (M, R)

11.05 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

12.05am QI. (PG, R)

12.35 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG, R)

1.20 Preppers. (M, R)

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.30 White Fever. (M, R)

9.00 The Witchfinder. (MA15+, R)

10.00 Portlandia. (PG, R)

10.40 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

11.40 Movie: Widows. (2018) (MA15+, R) Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez. 1.50am Close.

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.30 Miniseries: Time. (M, R)

9.30 Wreck. (MA15+, R)

11.00 Louis Theroux

Interviews... Anthony Joshua. (M, R)

11.45 Would I Lie To You? (R)

12.45am Whose Line Is It Anyway? (M, R)

1.10 Movie: The Babadook. (2014) (M, R)

7.30pm Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

8.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

9.00 Gruen. (M, R)

9.35 Tomorrow Tonight. (M, R)

10.05 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (M, R)

10.50 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R)

11.50 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (M, R)

12.35am Live At The Apollo. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG)

8.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

12.30 The Real Seachange. (R)

1.00 This Rugged Coast. (R)

2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

6.00pm Heathrow. (PG, R)

6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG)

7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

8.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

12.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Kath & Kim. (PG, R)

7.05 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

8.55 Endeavour. (M, R)

10.55 Hornby: A Model Empire: P2. (PG, R)

11.55 The Vicar Of Dibley. (PG, R)

1.45 Escape To The Perfect Town. (PG, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

8.30 Foyle’s War. (M, R)

10.40 Railroad Australia: The Industrial Race. (PG, R)

11.40 Doc Martin. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers: Best Of. (PG, R)

6.30 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 9. Geelong v Port Adelaide. 10.00 AFL Post-Game Show.

10.45 Armchair Experts. (M)

11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Storage Wars. (PG, R)

6.00pm Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.00 Storage Wars. (PG)

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 9. Gold Coast Suns v North Melbourne.

10.30 Movie: Air America. (1990) (M, R) Mel Gibson.

12.50 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 2.00 Storage Wars. (PG, R)

4.00pm Football. AFL. Round 9. Adelaide v Brisbane Lions.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: John Wick: Chapter 2. (2017) (MA15+, R) 11.00 Movie: Non-Stop. (2014) (M, R) 1.10 Blokesworld. (PG, R) 2.00 Storage Wars: Texas. (PG, R)

12.40 Foyle’s War. (M, R) 5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (PG, R) 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG) 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (PG, R) 10.30 Frozen Gold. (PG) 11.30 Mountain Men. (PG) 12.30 American Restoration. (PG, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Call The Midwife. (M, R)

8.30 A Touch Of Frost. (M, R)

10.40 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. (PG, R) 11.40 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.00 Call The Midwife. (M, R) 2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG, R)

8.45 Judge John Deed. (M, R)

10.45 Air Crash Investigations: Deadly Delivery. (PG, R)

11.45 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.00 Judge John Deed. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

8.30 Shetland. (M, R) 11.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

12.00 Father Brown. (M, R)

1.00 Bargain Hunt. (R)

2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm The Travelling Auctioneers. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Take Me Home. (PG)

8.30 Movie: When Harry Met Sally. (1989) (M, R)

10.30 Movie: Analyze That. (2002) (M, R)

12.30 My Favorite Martian. (R) 1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)

7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 12. Waratahs v ACT Brumbies.

9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match.

9.45 Movie: Sicario. (2015) (MA15+, R)

12.10 Memory Lane. (M, R)

1.30 Movie: The Horror Of Frankenstein. (1970) (M, R)

3.50pm Movie: Khartoum. (1966) (G, R)

6.30 M*A*S*H. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: Inside Man. (2006) (MA15+, R) Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster. 11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+, R) 12.00 Ordinary Joe. (M, R)

1.00 Movie: The Small Back Room. (1949) (PG, R)

5.30pm The Travelling Auctioneers. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)

8.40 Harry Wild. (M)

10.40 London Kills. (M, R)

11.50 Footy Classified. (M) 12.50 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 1.20 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R) 6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R) 7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG, R) 8.30 Aussie Truck Rehab. (PG)

9.30 Mega Mechanics. (PG, R)

10.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M, R) 11.30 American Wreckers. (M)

5.30pm American Pickers. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

8.00 The Force: Behind The Line. (PG, R)

8.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. (M, R)

10.30 Police Code Zero: Officer Under Attack. (M)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 10. Gold Coast Suns v Geelong.

7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. (PG)

8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PG)

9.50 Border Security: International. (PG) 10.50 Movie: Underworld: Evolution. (2006) (MA15+, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 Soccer. A-League Men. Elimination final. 9.45 Bull. (M, R) 10.40 NCIS. (M, R)

11.35 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M, R)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

2.00 Diagnosis Murder. (PG, R)

5.30pm The Travelling Auctioneers. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 New Tricks. (M, R)

8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG, R) 10.40 A Wedding And A Murder. (MA15+) 11.40 New Amsterdam. (MA15+, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.30pm The Travelling Auctioneers. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 As Time Goes By. (R)

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M, R)

10.40 To Be Advised.

11.40 Footy Classified. (M)

12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

1.10 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)

5.30pm The Travelling Auctioneers. (R)

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 Mega Zoo. (PG, R)

8.30 To Be Advised. 10.30 Police After Dark. (M, R) 11.30 Murders At The Boarding House. (M, R)

1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.00 Impractical Jokers. (PG)

10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)

11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG, R)

5.55pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG, R)

6.45 Jeopardy! (R)

7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.35 Adam Eats The 80s: Decade Of Change. (R)

8.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 7. 1.35 QAnon: The Search For Q. (MA15+, R)

6.00pm JAG. (PG, R)

7.00 Soccer. A-League Men. First Semi-Final. First leg. 10.15 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M, R) 12.05 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M, R) 2.00 48 Hours. (M, R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

10.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG, R) 5.45pm The Food That Built The World: Gum Slingers.

6.35 The Food That Built The World: Breakfast Barons. (PG)

7.25 Impossible Engineering: Ford Class. (R)

8.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 8.

1.35 The X-Files. (M, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 11.15 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M, R) 1.10 FBI: International. (M, R)

6.00pm The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

6.25 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG, R) 10.00 South Park. (MA15+, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 Impractical Jokers. (PG, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R) 7.30 Bull. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

10.20 NCIS: Los Angeles. (M, R) 11.15 Evil. (M, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG, R) 10.00 The Neighborhood. (PG) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 1.30 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R) 9.25 FBI. (M, R) 11.15 48 Hours. (M, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R) 7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.30 Two And A Half Men. (PG, R) 10.00 Impractical Jokers. (M)

10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (PG, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 Hawaii Five-0. (M, R)

10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.00 Impractical Jokers. (PG)

10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 Bull. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R)

10.20 Evil. (MA15+, R)

11.20 Diagnosis Murder. (M, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)

10.00 Impractical Jokers. (PG)

10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)

11.00 Frasier. (PG, R)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.45pm Alone Denmark. (PG)

6.55 Abandoned Engineering: The World’s Strangest Disaster Zones. (PG, R) 7.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 9. 1.35 Dark Side Of The 2000s. (M, R)

5.50pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG, R) 6.40 Jeopardy! (R)

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Taskmaster. (M, R) 10.20 Alone Australia. (M, R)

11.20 Over The Black Dot. (R) 1.00 VICE Guide To Film. (MA15+, R) 1.50 South Park. (MA15+, R)

5.45pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG, R)

6.35 Jeopardy! (R)

7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.25 Travel Man: 48 Hours In Antwerp. (PG, R)

8.55 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 10. 1.35 Sex Unlimited. (MA15+, R)

5.45pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG, R) 6.35 Jeopardy! (R) 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. 1.35 PEN15. (M, R)

5.45pm The Curse Of Oak Island. (PG, R) 6.35 Jeopardy! (R)

7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage

12. 1.35 Dark Side Of The Ring. (MA15+, R)

CUMMING, BETTY JEAN

LATE OF AHERN STREET, AYR.

Passed away peacefully on 5th May, 2024 aged 81 years surrounded by her loving family.

Beloved wife of Graham, Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Rachel, Rodney and Elizabeth, Ian and Kay, loving granma and great-granma of their families.

Loved sister, sister-in-law and aunt of Doug and Frances Chappell, Robbie and Marian Chappell, Lenny and Glenda Chappell and their families.

Betty’s ashes will be interred in the Ayr Cemetery at 10am. FRIDAY, 10TH MAY, 2024 followed by a Memorial Service to celebrate her life at 11am.

FRIDAY, 10TH MAY, 2024 at All Saints Anglican Church, Ayr.

K & S WRIGHT

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

COOK, PATRICIA MARY ‘PAT/COOKIE’

LATE OF AYR FORMERLY OF HOME HILL.

Passed away peacefully on 5th May, 2024 aged 97 years.

Beloved wife of Tom (deceased), much loved mother and mother-in-law of Toni and Graham McKaig, John (deceased), Tom (deceased) and Kathy, loving gran and great-gran of their families, and friend to many.

A service to celebrate the life of PAT/COOKIE will commence at 1.30pm. TODAY, THURSDAY, 9TH MAY, 2024 at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ayr.

No cortege.

K & S WRIGHT

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

HINDS, CHRISTINE ANNE

LATE OF GUMLU.

Tragically taken on 30th April, 2024 aged 70 years.

Beloved partner of Percy, Loving mother of Stefan, loved sister, sister-in-law and aunt of the extended Hinds family and dear friend to many.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of CHRISTINE will commence at 4pm. SATURDAY, 11th MAY 2024 at the Gumlu Tavern.

K & S WRIGHT FUNERAL

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

HOME CARERS TO SUPPORT elderly female to remain at home From 1hr to overnight stays

Please send expression of interest outlining availability, skills, and experience to activeathome@proton.me

SECOND YEAR

Are you a budding storyteller with a passion for writing, an eye for detail, and a flair for capturing the essence of local news and events? Core Publishing is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Journalist.

This full-time position offers an excellent opportunity to progress your journalism career and contribute to a range of exciting publications, including Burdekin Life Newspaper, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, Core Life Magazine and Tripping Magazine.

Position requirements:

• Work from home position based in the Burdekin

• Possess an ability to conduct interviews, build relationships

• An interest in current events and meet tight deadlines

• Reliable vehicle, computer and phone

• A keen eye for photography is an advantage

How to apply:

Please submit your resume, a cover letter highlighting your writing passion, and any relevant writing samples to rachael@corelife.com.au

SWIMMING

Burdekin Torpedoes ANZAC Day Club Championships

The Burdekin Torpedoes hit the pool for the last time this season on ANZAC Day with the club championships being held at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre. It was a celebration of some great swimming over the season and on the day; with Age champions being awarded and some prestigious Club Awards.

The pool was pumping with some dance tunes and with Mick McConnachie showing the younger generations some groovin’ dance moves on pool deck the stage was set for some fast, fun swimming.  Club Records were also up for the swimmers to beat and on the day, two were broken by Millie Lyne in the 14yo Girls 50m & 100m Breaststroke. Breaking the 50m record set back in 2016 by 4.9s and breaking the 100m record set back in

1982 by 3.9s.

Club president Ned Bonato and Vice president Gavin Wight presented the swimmers with their awards and thanked the families and swimmers for a fantastic season and are looking forward to the upcoming season after a well-earned winter break.

AGE CHAMPIONS:

7yo Girls: 1st Adele Mial, 2nd Keely

Watson

8yo Girls: 1st Kryssa Mial, 2nd Adelyn

Tapiolas

9yo Girls: 1st Ellanah Searle, 2nd Evie

Totorica

10yo Girls: 1st Maddison Searle, 2nd

Taylor Chapman

11yo Girls: 1st Arabella Sangiuliano, 2nd Harper Nucifora

12yo Girls: 1st Milla Chapman, 2nd Talea Leilua-Kava

13yo Girls: 1st Gabriella Mottin

14yo Girls: 1st Millie Lyne, 2nd Isla

Chapman

16yo Girls: 1st Zoe Bonanno

17yo & over: Heather Desbois

10yo Boys: 1st Nash Christie, 2nd Lincoln Bonnano

11yo Boys: 1st Chase Nucifora

12yo Boys: 1st Nate Giddy, 2nd Brax Wight

13yo Boys: 1st Parker Bonato, 2nd Joe Pappalardo

16yo Boys: 1st David Mottin, 2nd Cruz Torkington

CLUB AWARDS:

2024 Dick Rossiter Memorial Trophy (Highest points Female) - Madison Searle

& Arabella Sangiuliano (122points)

2024 Dick Rossiter Memorial Trophy (Highest points Male) - Brax Wight (124 points)

2024 Jenney Logan Memorial Trophy (Highest overall points) - Brax Wight (124 points)

2024 John Jackson Memorial Fastest Female 100m Freestyle - Millie Lyne1:04.65

2024 John Jackson Memorial Fastest Male 100m Freestyle - John McKaig - 57.55

2024 Torkington Carnival Cup (Highest Points form SNQ Carnivals) - Millie Lyne (28points)

Roy Chapman Memorial Trophy - Clubman 2024 - Frank Nucifora.

Contributed by Kate Lyne

TABLE BOWLS

Photo: Cougars – Ayr

Burdekin Torpedoes made waves and broke records at the ANZAC Day Club Championships. Images supplied

Rugby League Report

RUGBY LEAGUE

Continued from page 40

No club Rugby League was played in the area last weekend with the Townsville Foley Shield team playing in the North Queensland trials in Mackay with Cairns and Mackay.

Fixtures will return this weekend with the Roosters off to play the Miners in Charters Towers on Saturday in three grades, A, Reserve and Ladies.

Three Roosters were in the Townsville team on the weekend in Mackay …. Jeremiah Marutatu, Henry Teuteu and Chris Gale.

Ratu Ravisore was also called in but had to withdraw as he sat 18th man for the Blackhawks where he didn’t get a run.

Coach Steve Lansley will have the services of two Under 19 Hawks this week plus one coming back from the under 19 Cowboys who has been playing with the Cutters.

Half Hayde Munro will join his brother Jones in the A grade squad with both boys expected to show out.

That will mean Joel Mason could move back to fullback, a position two years ago he was regarded as the best in the League. Lansley said he does not know if Jerry and Henry will be available from the Cowboys this week due to their heavy weekend last and if Chris and Ratu will be allowed from the Hawks with some changes expected there after they were well beaten by the Hunters.

The coach does know Cutters winger Luke Rusell will be here as with Hawks big forward Nathan Kennedy.

Should the coach have what he expects, a couple of the A Graders from last week would go back to the reggies.

The Miners have had two wins so far beating Western Lions 19 – 16 and Norths 44 – 12 but they also lost to Brothers 42 – 12 and Herbert River 18 – 12.

The Roosters have had one win beating Brothers 28 – 4 while losing to Western Lions 24 – 22 and Souths twice 40 – 22 and 46 – 20.

The coach said while we are getting players back from the Hawks and Cowboys under 19 so are the Miners so they will field a strong side.

Saturday in Charters Towers is also Ladies Day for their Club.

Reserves coach Chris Perry will wait to see who comes back from A grade before naming his team.

The Miners have one win beating H River by 24 -10 but they have lost to Brothers 36 – 10, Lions 20 – 16 and Bowen 44 – 4.

The Roosters are sitting above the Miners on the ladder with wins of 26 – 24 over Souths and 34 – 28 over Bowen and a draw with Brothers 14 all.

Their only loss has been the first game to Lions 30 – 22, a game they literally threw away.

With Mark Cervoni, Dom Augostis and Zac Campbedll leading the way in the forwards and Riley Horan, Kyle Ferguson and Dom Arrate in the backs Perry has a team that could go further in the premiership.

An added bonus is the addition of the Frenchmen Paul Meryl and Wassime Nauhile who are really starting to hit their straps now that the weather is cooling down.

The Hens go into the game with a win and a loss after beating Brothers 40 – 10 but losing to the Lions 44 – 12.

The Lady Miners have one win and two losses so far beating Norths 34 – 4 but losing to Lions 56 – 4 and Brothers 36 – 4.

The Hens have strengthened their team with the addition of Theo Mosby Nona and Anna Milla Bin Awel, two girls who have a bit of size about them.

They used that method with effect over Brothers scoring eight tries with some girls missing attending a wedding. Several of them should be back this week as well while an addition could be ex Blackhawk Indee Everett who should be close to returning from an A C L injury. Kezzia Lammon and Toni Daisy are two who made the Townsville team for Mackay with others like Logan Roncato, the Monday sisters and Abby King unlucky to miss out.

The Hens will miss Jo Morgan who scored two tries against Brothers but was then diagnosed with a broken wrist.

All Roosters teams will have a bye next week for the Burdekin Growers Race Day returning on Saturday, May 25 for matches with Centrals.

Contributed by Brian Carnes

Coach Anita Hagarty, well-known in Touch circles, has the girls playing to let the ball do the work after a couple of midfield rucks.

XXXX Foley Shield 2024. Cairns v Townsville men. Photo: Jacob Grams/ QRL

XXXX Foley Shield 2024. Cairns v Townsville women. Photo: Jacob Grams/ QRL

Ayr Bowling Club

BOWLS

Tuesday 30th April saw the Ladies Social Bowls kick off the week.

There was a close game of Rinks, winners were Katharina Stuckler, Karen Page, Linda Guimelli & Irene Wilson Def Karen Shepherd, Beryl Cornford, Heather Jorgensen & Betty Schultz. Also on Tuesday, four of our Club members went up to Suburban Bowls Club for the NQDLBA President’s Day.

On Wednesday, Mixed Social Bowls were held during the day. There were two games of Triples and one game of Rinks. Winners were John Pirrone; Gordon (Visitor); Barry Shepherd. During the evening, there were great social games, leading the way in 1st position were Evelyn Wiltshere and Sam Caltabiano.  The team who came in 2nd were Katharina Stuckler, Rob Jorgensen and Ross McLaughlin. Come on down for a game of lawn bowls on Wednesday nights. Phone the bowls club on 47831336 between 6:00pm and 6:30pm to put your name down. We have bowls you can borrow and you will be shown the basics of the game.

The Ladies had a great competition day on Thursday, with Open Singles games. Winners on the day were Dot Cutting defeating Irene Wilson. Pam Power defeating Deslie Olsen. Thursday 9th May will see the final of the Open Singles with Dot Cutting V Pam Power. Good luck to our bowlers.

Coming up is the Ladies’ B Singles. Katarina Stuckler v Robyn McAllister. Heather

Jorgensen v Lorraine Wolffe. Good luck to all the Ladies in this competition.

Saturday saw three games of triples and one of rinks. With Lorraine Wolffe; Sandra Darwen and Mick Olsen coming out the winners. Runners Up were Katarina Stuckler; Margaret Chapman; Rob Garner; Anthony Bull.

Results of competition games - Championship Singles - M. Milan def V. Beitia; B Grade Singles – B. Hewson def J Pirrone; A Grade Pairs – M Power/R. Soper def B. Shepherd/S. Caltabiano.

Upcoming Championship games – Mixed Singles; Mixed Rinks; Mixed Pairs – nominations close 12 May 2024. Thursday 9 May – B Singles – J. Grabbi v B. Hewson (Marker S. Caltabiano) Sunday 12 May, Championship Pairs – R. Garner/W. Coonan v R. Young/C. Essex. B Singles – J. Hall v V. Beitia (Marker – J. Pirrone).

This Friday night is FRIDAY FUN NIGHT starting at 6pm. $10 a game, includes sausage sizzle and a concluding light supper. Sizzle is at 6pm with bowling commencing at 7pm. To enter or find out more information, contact Maurie Power 0412551816 or Pam Power 0458330019. It’s a great night out for all levels of bowlers especially people wanting to give bowling a go!

Contributed by Anthony Bull

Football Matters with Cyclops

Two cases of extremely significant vegetation vandalism will cost the community more than $7000 to remediate, the Mackay Regional Council reported at its ordinary meeting last week.

Local

There were no games last week as it was the May Day weekend. This weekend all four Burdekin teams are in action. On Friday night the Division One Funkies are at home to Estates and on Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Women are all at home to MA Olympic.

Panthers Striker Jay Leckenby has been nominated as Player of the Month for April. Teammate Mattew Kolb was also nominated. Congratulations to both players.

Juniors

The Juniors also had the weekend off because of the Public Holiday long weekend and the Football Queensland Academy in Mackay. Matches for the Under 13 and Under 14/15s will resume this weekend plus the normal Saturday mornings at Honeycombe Park.

Masters

Monday Night Masters also had Monday

FOOTBALL

night off with hostilities resuming next Monday.

National

Nothing new on the Socceroos front except that the match against Bangladesh has now been finalised. They have two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers away to Bangladesh on the 6th of June and then at home to Palestine on the 11th of June.

The Matildas have two matches against China in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. The first is at home on 31st May in Adelaide and the second, in Sydney on 3rd June. In the Paris Olympics, in their group Games, The Matildas play Germany on 26th July followed by Zambia on the 29th of July and the USA on the 1st of August.

In the A-League, Central Coast beat Adelaide 2-0 to finish the season on top of the ladder. Wellington finished in second place with Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, Macarthur and Melbourne City making up the top six for the playoffs. The two Elimination Finals were played over the weekend with Sydney FC defeating Macarthur 4-0 and Melbourne Victory beating Melbourne City on penalties after a 1-1- draw. The semi-finals, a two-leg basis, start this Saturday with Victory playing Wellington and Central Coast playing Sydney FC. The reverse leg will be played next Saturday.

Central Coast won the AFC Cup when they defeated Lebanon’s Al Ahed on Sunday night. The Mariners clinched the title with a hardfought 1-0 win thanks to a crucial goal by substitute Alou Kuol in the 84th minute.

In the A League Women’s Grand Final Sydney FC beat Melbourne City 1-0 to take out the Championship for the second year in a row and their record fifth Championship.

This week’s quote is from Newcastle and England star Alan Shearer “I’ve never wanted to leave. I’m here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well.”

Jay Leckenby

Roosters Players Run Riot In Mackay Winning Foley Shield

Last weekend, the club rugby league scene in the Burdekin took a pause as the Townsville Foley Shield teams ventured to Mackay for North Queensland trials alongside Cairns and Mackay. Among the standout performers were three Burdekin Roosters players, Jeremiah Marutatu, Henry Teuteu, and Chris Gale, who showcased their skills on the field.

In an exhilarating display of rugby league prowess, Townsville emerged triumphant in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the XXXX Foley Shield. The men’s team secured victory by the narrowest of margins, claiming the title on a try countback after all three teams finished equal on wins and differential.

The men’s matches saw intense battles un-

RUGBY LEAGUE

fold, with Cairns defeating Mackay in a closely contested encounter, while Townsville secured wins against both Cairns and Mackay. Notably, Marmin Barba’s hat-trick for Mackay against Cairns and Townsville’s tenacious defence were highlights of the clashes.

In the women’s division, Mackay asserted dominance with a commanding win

over Cairns, while Townsville showcased their prowess with convincing victories over both Cairns and Mackay. The stellar performances of players like Melody Tass and Gagie Mackie Namok underscored Townsville’s triumph in the Foley Shield.

Continued on page 38

XXXX Foley Shield, the winning Townsville team. Photo credit: Marty Strecker