Burdekin Life

WHO’S GETTING ACTIVE THIS WEEK IN BURDEKIN

L-R: Long-time members, Ernie Rose, Claude Sutcliffe, VMR President Ian Sutcliffe, and Matt Patane, have been saving lives for decades.

Founded in 1971 by a group of local Burdekin boaties and fishermen keen to look after each other, as well as visitors to the region, in a time when private vessels doubled as rescue vessels and the radio building was nothing more than a caravan towed to Alva Beach, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR) has been going strong for over 50 years ever since.

Now a more formal volunteer organisation, VMR

has dedicated rescue boats, while operating out of two modern buildings that house their radio facilities, rescue boats, vehicles, and equipment.

They’ve come a long way from their early days.

Legends of their first rescue boat, the famed ‘Tonya Leigh’ still echo around the Burdekin today. Stories still describe her exceptional performance and reliability during some of the roughest sea rescues in the region, such was her awe and aura.

54 years of hard work and commitment by a small band of dedicated volunteers, has seen VMR Burdekin go from strength to strength.

However, they will soon be taken in by Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ). So what does this mean for VMR Burdekin moving forward?

Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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L.A To Home Hill?

My attention this week turned to Los Angeles, ablaze with severe (out of season) bushfires, with several upscale neighbourhoods turned to nothing but ash, including Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu.

What’s L.A got to do with the Burdekin? Well, there are more similarities than seem obvious at first glance.

I lived in L.A for 4-5 years between 2012-2016. It’s also where I met my wife, so it holds a special place in my heart. To see it go up in flames is tough, especially as we have friends and family there. My wife was also born in Hollywood, and while not a star, to me and our son, she’s the whole galaxy of stars.

So what’s L.A have to do with the regional sugar cane town, Home Hill, which feels a million miles from the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown? More than you think.

We were in L.A for three days last year en route to Australia, and this once fantastic city is in serious decline. When I lived there, it was a fab place to be. Big, wide, clean beaches, canyons and roads that remain

my fave to this day, along with the stunning Griffith Park, the biggest city park in all of the United States.

However, in recent years, once thriving strip shops are seeing very little business or worse, closed and bordered up. While the (in)famous ‘Skidrow’ – a homeless tent city so big (and getting bigger) – it could easily have its own postcode.

While on a smaller scale, the same things exist here. Shops closed, boarded up, or seeing very little custom. Homeless drifting around, though not in numbers like L.A, but rising.

In talks with locals, Home Hill used to be a thriving country town with five cafes, four butchers, two supermarkets, drapery and clothing shops and more. “A great place to live,” many long-term residents tell me.

A few decades on from its glory days, its grandeur has faded.

Will we see Home Hill rise again? I believe so but it’s going to take grit, ingenuity, and belief.

KINDNESS ROCKS

You may have noticed some beautifully decorated rocks popping up around the Burdekin shire. These colourful stones are part of the ‘Kindness Rocks Project’, a heartwarming movement where people—along the East Coast and beyond—paint rocks with uplifting messages and vibrant designs to spread positivity.

The project began in 2015, when Megan Murphy of Cape Cod left a rock on a beach with the message “You’ve got this.” Her simple act of kindness sparked a viral trend that quickly spread. Soon, others began painting rocks with words of encouragement, motivational phrases, or just beautiful artwork, and leaving them for strangers to discover.

What started as a small, local

gesture has now blossomed into a widespread movement, with painted rocks appearing all over the coast and beyond. People often share stories of finding these little gems, and some even collect them, carrying them far from where they were originally placed.

The Kindness Rocks Project continues to touch lives and remind us that a small, thoughtful gesture can make a big difference.

When you are next on your daily stroll, make sure to keep an eye out for these lovely painted rocks and their heartfelt messages or beautiful artwork, or if you want to spread a bit of kindness create your own rock message and place it in the Burdekin community somewhere where it will be found.

Some of the rocks found in the region

Bruce Highway Funding Concerns

The Federal Government’s $7.2 billion pledge to upgrade the notoriously dangerous Bruce Highway has already hit its first set of potholes.

Federal Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher, contradicted the Prime Minister’s claim that funding will be delivered this year. Instead, the Finance Minister admitted the funding won’t be available until after the forward estimates, leaving the region of Dawson waiting until 2028 for crucial upgrades.

“The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister cannot both be correct. The Dawson community deserves to be told the truth,” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said.

“Some 43 lives have been lost on the Bruce Highway over the past year, and it feels like the Prime Minister was more focused on buying votes instead of getting to work and fixing the highway.

“It is time for the Prime Minister to come clean and release the full timing schedule for release of the promised Bruce Highway upgrade funds.

“I am also very concerned that one of the worst sections of highway in my electorate was not deemed a priority by the Albanese government. I will continue to fight for our fair share of funding to get the road fixed.” Mr Willcox said.

The Coalition has promised they will match the funding pledge and reinstate the 80:20 funding split with the State Government if elected, when Queenslanders go to the polls by May 2025.

Prime Minister vs Finance Minister on timing of $7.2 billion Bruce Highway funding: Wednesday 8 January 2025 –Finance Minister on ABC 7.30 Report: Laura Tingle, 7.30 Report: “When was that [Bruce Highway] decision taken and will it actually involve any change in the budget bottom line?”

tom line at the moment?”

Gallagher: “Well the, I think the funding will be come outside of those forward estimates years, um, because it’s a long term project...”

Monday 6 January 2025 – PM interviewed on Radio 4BC:

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher: “Well the costs for that will be reflected in the next budget update as they come into those forward estimate years. Um, so that decision was taken in the normal way through the Cabinet and our own internal processes, um, but it’s...

Tingle: “It’s included in the MYEFO bot-

Reporter: Prime Minister, we know the what, can you tell us the when?

Prime Minister Albanese: Good afternoon. Well, as soon as we can. The funding will be available from this year... we want this to be done as soon as possible, so the funding is available.

Monday 6 January 2025 – Prime Minister’s

Press Conference, Gympie (announcing the funding):

Prime Minister: “...We had to get those measures in place and it’s that discipline that we showed in those budgets that have allowed us to come to the position in MYEFO, we’ve provisioned for this.”

“So what is the truth?” asked Mr Willcox.

Federal MP, Andrew Willcox inspects the Bruce Highway. Photo supplied

Last Welcomes Break Down Of Barriers For Business

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on small businesses in the Burdekin to make their voices heard as the state government embarks on a project designed to unlock the growth potential of the vital sector.

Reducing red tape and providing an improved dispute resolution service, are key elements of the Crisafulli’s government’s aim to ensure small business spends more time providing service to customers rather than servicing government.

the government’s initiatives means we are on the right track,” he said.

Crocodile Sightings Continue To Surge Across North Queensland

Queensland’s waterways are home to one of nature’s most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, making these prehistoric creatures a vital part of the ecosystem. However, they also pose risks to residents and visitors, including those in the Burdekin region.

Crocodiles are an iconic part of North Queensland’s identity, but their presence often sparks debate. Sightings along the coast highlight the challenge of balancing coexistence with managing their potential dangers.

Tourism, Science, and Innovation, highlights the importance of remaining vigilant. While only one sighting was reported in the Burdekin recently, nearby regions like Townsville and Cairns recorded 31 and 43 sightings, just in the past 30 days, according to the crocodile sighting dashboard.

Stay Croc-Safe

The Queensland Government’s “Be Crocwise” initiative provides important guidelines to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks:

• Stay at least five meters from the water’s edge and use barriers like logs or eskies if needed.

“In the Burdekin district 97.3% of local businesses are small businesses,” Mr Last said.

“By supporting small and family business, we not only support existing jobs and creating new ones, but also driving innovation.

“The Premier has made it clear that feedback from small and family business will form the basis of how we reduce red tape. I think the fact that businesses will identify the improvement, means we tackle the actual challenges rather than government claiming to have all the answers.”

Mr Last said that the Small Business Commissioner’s commitment to delivering on the government’s election commitments meant small and family businesses had an even stronger team supporting them.

“The Small Business Commissioner has a vital role in supporting small and family business both in helping them to grow and when they need assistance. Commissioner Lamb has an enviable track record when it comes to the retail sector, so her support of

“As a government, one of our goals is to get out of people’s way and one of the best ways to do that is to reduce unnecessary red tape. We took a comprehensive plan for small and family business to the election, and we are delivering on that plan.

“In communities like the Burdekin, the people behind small and family businesses are more than employers and business owners. Ridding them of unnecessary red tape, means they can spend more time with their families and supporting community or sporting groups, so it’s a winwin for the entire community.”

Mr Last said it was important to recognise that reducing red tape was only one of the government’s commitments when it came to supporting small and family business.

“This is the first step, but we recognise that we need to make it easier for small business to work with government when it comes to the delivery of goods and services. Initiatives like our commitment to paying small businesses faster and reducing the size of contracts to allow more small business to work with government has the potential to supercharge the sector, and that is great news for the Burdekin.”

Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, has advocated for crocodile culls, citing concerns about rising populations putting human lives at risk. Others emphasise education and responsible behaviour, noting that many attacks result from human actions, such as feeding crocodiles or approaching the water’s edge too closely.

Regardless of one’s stance on crocodile culling, recent statistics show a growing number of crocodile sightings across Queensland.

The Burdekin, known for its vibrant fishing culture and outdoor lifestyle, is not immune to these challenges. A recent report from the Department of Environment,

• Dispose of food scraps and bait properly to avoid attracting crocodiles.

• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.

• Avoid using small watercraft in crocodile-prone areas.

• Swim only at patrolled beaches, where crocodiles are less likely to be present.

To report a sighting, use the QWildlife app, visit the website, or call 1300 130 372. In emergencies, dial 000 or 112. By staying alert and following these guidelines, residents and visitors can contribute to the safe management of crocodile populations.

A saltwater croc cruising the waters. Photo credit: David Clode, (Unsplash)

Dale Last on Queen Street in Ayr. Photo supplied

DOROTHEA MCQUALTER: WANDERER AND PUZZLER EXTRAORDINAIRE

At 88, Dorothea (or Thea to her friends), has led an amazing life when she moved to the Burdekin in 2012. Originally from Mareeba, 68 kilometres north of Cairns, Thea is the youngest of nine children, when she first discovered her love of travel.

“My father had a tobacco farm just outside Mareeba, where I grew up. We had one teacher in our bush primary school. When I finished school, I went nursing in Atherton for four years and after training, my sister and I moved down to Innisfail. I worked in the hospital for a few months before I got infected with the wander-bug,” Thea confesses.

“We went down to Wagga Wagga, worked in the hospital there before going fruit picking. We ended up hitchhiking around Tasmania, before I came back to the mainland to work at the Heidelberg Military Hospital, in Melbourne,” she exclaims. While working in Melbourne, she went to a party at a friend’s place, where she met her future husband. They remained married for 60 years before he passed away nine years ago.

“We lived in Melbourne for about six months but my husband always wanted to go north because he’d been born in Bendi-

go, Victoria, and hated the cold. We rode in big semis all the way up to Brisbane, before we caught the train from there to Cairns, where he got work.”

Looking for better jobs, they moved around a lot before having kids, which still didn’t stop them. Thea had eight, but lost two. Her children are scattered across various locations, including Cairns, Gladstone, the Darling Downs, Bundaberg, and America.

“I quit nursing when I started having children. With kids, I had enough patients,” Thea laughs. “We went down to St George, NSW, then back up to Mackay before going over to Darwin. As a family we moved around frequently, always looking for better opportunities,” she explains.

Once the kids were old enough and left the coop, Thea and Jim didn’t slow down, instead continuing their adventures, this time by boat and bus!

“After he took an early retirement, we bought a 40-foot yacht and went sailing for 10 years up and down the coast. We had a mooring in Cairns, and we’d say, ‘Where’s the cyclone going to be this year?’ That’s when we’d decide where to go. After that, I had to have a hip replacement because it’s a bit awkward getting around a boat on

crutches.”

“We sold the boat, came to shore in Bowen, lived on a mango farm, then got a bus. We did it up and travelled all over Australia. We went to every state, including Tassie. We were doing that right up until Jim was too sick to travel,” Thea reflects.

She’s now been in Home Hill and the Burdekin since 2012, where she’s content.

“It was a strange town when I first came here, because if you weren’t three or four generations Burdekinites, they sort of looked at you a bit weird. But it’s lovely now. It’s been tidied up and still has got

great potential,” she enthuses.

With a life lived and well-travelled, Thea remains active by reading, doing puzzles, and attending church with friends.

“I read, and do a lot puzzles now that I don’t travel much. I know the paper’s free but if you take that puzzle out of your newspaper, I won’t buy your newspaper,” Dorothea jokes.

Thea McQualter (88), endless wanderluster and puzzler. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

VMR Burdekin Saving Lives FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Founded in 1971 by a group of local Burdekin boaties and fishermen keen to look after each other, as well as visitors to the region, in a time when private vessels doubled as rescue vessels and the radio building was nothing more than a caravan towed to Alva Beach, Volunteer Marine Rescue Burdekin (VMR) has been going strong for over 50 years ever since.

Now a more formal volunteer organisation, VMR has dedicated rescue boats, while operating out of two modern buildings that house their radio facilities, rescue boats, vehicles, and equipment. They’ve come a long way from their early days.

Legends of their first rescue boat, the

famed ‘Tonya Leigh’ still echo around the Burdekin today. Stories still describe her exceptional performance and reliability during some of the roughest sea rescues in the region, such was her awe and aura.

54 years of hard work and commitment by a small band of dedicated volunteers, has seen VMR Burdekin go from strength to strength with some 600 volunteers on their books. However, VMR will soon be taken in by Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), a state government sea rescue branch. So, what does this mean for VMR Burdekin moving forward? Even their president, Ian Sutcliffe, is unsure.

“We think we will be renamed, ‘Marine Rescue Queensland Burdekin’, but as yet, we haven’t even been told that. So, it’s all

Transportable Solutions

a bit of an unknown to us right now,” Ian declares.

A boilermaker by trade at Inkerman mill, Ian, who has been around the group since his dad was skipper of the rescue boat in the early days, has come a long way when he was just a kid and out fundraising for VMR. Now President, he’s both excited by joining forces with MRQ and sceptical. Excited, because it will mean a lot of the money issues and responsibility of raising funds, will now rest with MRQ. And sceptical because there has been very little consultation or interaction to discuss what the relationship will look like, and how it will work moving forward.

“As far as I know, MRQ are going to be paying for a lot of the repairs on the

boat, and they’re also going to pay for all our running costs. But I’m not too sure whether they’ll also cover the repairs on the truck. I hope they do, because trucks cost money as well,” Ian says.

He speculates, however, that with a lot of VMR’s funding being taken care of, this will invariably free up more time for volunteers, noting that it will reduce the need for fundraising.

“Volunteers have to work for a living as volunteering doesn’t pay. If the government can pay for a lot of stuff to get done around the place, then it just frees us up a lot more. You’d be surprised just how much is involved. If anyone wants to do a fundraising day or something, they ring me, and then I have to coordinate

Malnourishment Discovery Fuels Homicide Inquiry

Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Homicide Investigation Unit and Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch are continuing to investigate the death of a 56-year-old Down syndrome man, Isaac Oar, in Ayr in August 2023.

Around 9.18pm on Thursday,10th of August, 2023, emergency services were called to an Alice Street residence after Isaac, also known as Ikey, was located unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the circumstances, police commenced a suspicious death investigation, and a crime scene was established.

Investigations into the death of Isaac, who has Down syndrome and was non-verbal, have been complex, with detectives conducting extensive and thorough inquiries into his health, care and treatment throughout his life.

Extensive investigations and forensic medical examinations were conducted, including a thorough postmortem, which revealed Isaac was experiencing serious malnourishment weighing just 29kg at the time of his death.

Detective Inspector Jason Shepherd from the Townsville District Crime Services

wanted to assure the public that this is a complex and ongoing criminal investigation.

“We will continue to investigate all aspects of Isaac Oar’s family dynamics, health, care and treatment in the weeks, months and years leading up to his death,” Detective Inspector Shepherd said.

“Detectives are not satisfied that this investigation is complete and will continue to investigate all circumstances surrounding the death of Issac.

“I urge anyone who had contact with Issac or his family over in the months leading to his death to contact police. Any piece of information, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on our investigation.”

L-R: Older members, Ernie Rose, Claude Sutcliffe, VMR President Ian Sutcliffe, and Matt Patane, have been saving lives for decades.

Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

amongst volunteers and set it up. So having government support is a very good thing,” Ian says with relief.

During rescues, VMR Burdekin coordinates with police and other rescue organisations for missions.

“As far as rescues go, a lot of our jobs are police activated. They’re the ones that call in other rescue organisations as to who they deem they want. We also have a duty phone, and that is the first point of contact for VMR Burdekin. Someone will ring and say, ‘Hey look, my husband’s overdue. He’s out at the reef. Can you go and find him?’ So, we’ll organise a crew and head out and find them.”

“Last April, two guys went missing out

in the bay. We were the first ones called to go and start looking for them. Water police then contacted Bowen VMR and also Townsville Coast Guard. Between all three organisations, we did eventually find them,” Ian shares.

While the water police are always in charge of a rescue operation, when it comes to specific areas, the police rely strongly on local knowledge, and cede responsibility. For example, if it’s in VMR Burdekin’s area, then they’re in charge of that area.

While the group has 600 members, only a fraction (maybe 50) participate and contribute their skills and time on a regular basis. With membership costing only $100 annually, which includes one free

tow and offers new members the chance to complete shipboard safety skill set, the real value comes, however, in the form of decades of boating wisdom from their older members, who are all too keen to share their expertise and knowledge. That in itself is priceless!

It’s easy to attend a VMR Burdekin meeting, where you can learn more about them the volunteer opportunities they have, training such as man overboard drills, and fire and motor exercises.

“If we’re coming to rescue you, you need to be confident that we know what we’re doing,” Ian states.

VMR Burdekin is always looking for new and younger members to join. Members

all say, ‘It’s a great, fun place to volunteer,’ and many lifelong friendships are formed. Best of all, you get to save people’s lives.

“The importance of saving lives at sea and the gratitude expressed by those being rescued is unparalleled. There’s an enormous sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve saved a life and helped a family and a community. When there’s no one else around to help them out, they are incredibly grateful.”

“Our role is to save lives at sea, that’s our motto,” Ian smiles.

If you’re keen to become a volunteer for the VMR, email: burdekin@marinerescueqld.org.au or call Ian on: 07 4783 1014. They’d love to have you aboard!

Providing our customers with information

VMR volunteers in front of their insignia. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

L-R: Two rescue boats, 54 years of service, countless lives saved. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

The Great Toad Hunt Begins

Cane toads are everywhere in Queensland, especially in the Burdekin, and with the breeding season upon us action needs to be taken to remove them.

The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge is back again for this year’s Great Cane Toad Bust event with over 50,000 toads removed last year. They hope to match that number and even surpass it this season with your help.

Cane toads are prolific breeders producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time and can live up to 10 years. Being toxic in all stages of their life cycle, when ingested the toads’ skin and poison glands can kill many native animals. They also have a voracious appetite that will devour anything as they are extremely resourceful omnivores, easily destroying ecosystems.

The Great Toad Bust aims to put a stop to their spread, and one day remove them from Australia. You can register your efforts now and join the thousands trying to protect their own communities from this invasion.

The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge website has many helpful tips on how to trap and humanly euthanize the toads, and you can see how others are doing with the seasons total tally updating live.

Studies show control efforts like specialised traps, can remove up to 47% of cane toads from localised populations, which includes in the Burdekin region. If you want to help your local wildlife thrive again or to just keep your own farm’s dam clear from these pests, sign up today for the challenge and receive a free info pack and ID guide at Watergums website: watergum.org/greatcanetoadbust. Happy toad busting Burdekin!

With much talk in the media about upgrading the Bruce Highway, the motorists of today would have much more to complain about if the conditions of the past are anything to go by. Enjoy this historic account shared by local Burdekinite, Glenis Cislowski, and written by William Langford Penny back in 1931.

William Penny was 25 when he and his friend, Raymond Becker (22), departed from Sydney in a Singer Junior 8 h.p. motor car, on Monday 2 February 1931, headed for Townsville.

Nicknamed Rastus, the Singer was overloaded with six large suitcases including auto tent, stretchers and camping equipment. They took the New England Tableland route to reach Brisbane on 17 February, covering 970 miles on 27 gallons of Shell spirit, averaging 36 mpg. Up until then, the road was good to Brisbane and the journey easy.

However, the roads were bad from Brisbane, where they went to Rockhampton via Esk, Nanango, Kingaroy, Goomeri, and Gympie, before arriving at Maryborough, on Monday 2 March. William and Raymond left for Childers Wednes-

day 11 March. The trip from Childers to Rockhampton took 16 days owing to rainy weather and flooded creeks. Passing through Bundaberg, Gin Gin, and Gladstone, they didn’t reach Rockhampton until Friday 27 March. They left Rockhampton on Good Friday, 3 April headed for Townsville.

After getting bogged in St Lawrence, they reached Ilbilbie at dusk under heavy rain showers to find the track slippery. With no accommodation and feeling hungry, they pressed onto Koumala, only to crash into a concealed boggy washaway. The two men camped on soaked stretchers under the stars and endeavoured to sleep with mosquitoes for company.

The Patterson family, who were travelling in a Ford and returning to Rockhampton, gave them breakfast and loaded them with cheese, cakes, guavas and lemons, before helping them out of the bog. Their Singer car arrived in Mackay Easter Sunday, 5 April.

The intrepid travellers left Mackay, Easter Monday for Bowen. The car had no brakes, and because it had small wheel

Cane Toads are a big problem in Queensland and the Burdekin.

tracks, was very hard to navigate on the track. After Bloomsbury, the difficulty of crossing the flooded O’Connell, Andromache, and Thompson Rivers, became a problem where once again they got bogged and needed two draught horses to pull them out.

They camped the night in a shed at the homestead of a gentleman residing on the river bank. Smouldering cow manure

helped to keep the mosquitoes at bay. William and Raymond stayed at Proserpine and left for Bowen, Wednesday 8 April at 2pm.

They arrived at Home Hill about 7.00pm that night. They spent about a few hours in Ayr before making an uneventful run to Townsville, arriving at 5.00pm, Thursday 9 April.

They would then make the long, arduous

Queenslanders Urged To Drive Safely After Record Road Toll In 2024

Queensland has experienced its deadliest year on the roads in 15 years, with 302 lives lost in 2024. This marks a tragic 25-person increase over 2023 and a 33-person rise compared to the five-year average. The state’s worst road toll since 2009 has prompted calls for drivers to be more vigilant, especially as the summer holiday period brings increased traffic.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Brent Mickelberg, emphasised the need for caution.

“At this time of year, we know people typically spend more time on the road than usual,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“There is still no excuse to speed, lose focus, not wear a seat belt properly, or drive when you’re affected by drugs or alcohol – it’s just not worth the risk.”

The major contributing factors to road fatalities remain the Fatal Five: speeding, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), incorrect seatbelt use, and drink and drug driving. Speeding continues to rise as a key factor, particularly among motorcyclists, who made up 77 of the fatalities, a 25.5% increase from the five-year average.

Young drivers aged 16 to 24, who make up 13% of the state’s licence holders, were involved in almost 30% of fatal crashes, while senior drivers accounted for 98 deaths, a 32% increase from previous years.

Regional Queensland, particularly the Southern region and North Coast, saw the highest number of fatalities, with more than 60% of the state’s fatal crashes occurring outside urban areas.

Minister Mickelberg also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve road safety, including advocating for increased federal funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway.

To access more information on road safety, visit https://streetsmarts.initiatives.qld. gov.au/.

return trip all the way back to Sydney. By the time they were done, their 1930 British Model Singer Junior, an 8 horsepower vehicle, had covered 12,000 miles, on the original retread tyres with no punctures, averaging 50 miles per gallon.

Upon being met by Shell Company representatives, the pair described the Bruce as deplorable on account of it being wet season, with William advising anyone, ‘To

think twice before undertaking the trip, and on no account use the road during rain or soon after rain.’

Next time you’re on the Bruce Highway, spare a thought for the men and women who travelled it frequently back in the day, taking days, weeks and sometimes months, to reach their destinations, getting bogged, or finding it completely impassable.

Burdekin Australia Day Celebrations

Australia Day celebrations in Ayr and Home Hill on January 26th each year bring the community together to recognise those who have made a lasting impact.

The Burdekin Shire Council Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to celebrate local residents who have demonstrated exceptional community spirit and significant achievements across various fields.

“Australia Day is a time to reflect on what it means to be Australian, and part of that is acknowledging the incredible contributions of those who work tirelessly to enhance the lives of others in our community,” said Mayor Dalle Cort.

Nominations for the awards is now closed, but the award categories include:

Citizen of the Year Award

This award recognises outstanding achievement and leadership in the local community, including selfless commitment, dedication, and involvement in activities that promote the welfare and wellbeing of the community throughout 2024. Nominees must be 25 years or older on January 26, 2025.

Young Citizen of the Year Award (Under 25)

Recognises young individuals for outstanding achievements and leadership in the community, along with demonstrated commitment and involvement in activities benefiting the community during 2024.

Lifetime Service Award

Awarded to those who have made a significant contribution in a voluntary capacity, with a minimum of 20 years of voluntary service.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Acknowledges significant contributions in a voluntary capacity during the 2024 calendar year.

Community Event of the Year Award

For the most outstanding community event staged by a regional person or group during 2024.

Senior Sports Award

Recognises significant achievements and contributions in non-professional sport during 2024.

2025 ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN!

Experience all that Home Hill State High School has to offer!

Small School, Big Things—where exceptional opportunities meet a supportive community.

We provide a broad curriculum across Junior and Senior Secondary, supported by outstanding facilities, including our state-of-the-art Agricultural Precinct and the finest sporting fields in the Burdekin.

Interested in sports and fitness?

Apply now for our 2025 Sports Excellence Program to take your health, fitness, and sporting goals to the next level!

Save on school fees!

Receive a $50 discount off total 2025 school fees if paid in full by February 28, 2025.

www.homehillshs.eq.edu.au

Junior Sports Award

Recognises achievements and contributions in non-professional sport by a young person during 2024.

Senior Cultural Award

Awarded for significant achievement and contributions in the arts, or involvement with an organisation that fosters the development of arts, culture, and entertainment throughout 2024.

Junior Cultural Award

Recognises achievement and contribution in the arts by a young person or their involvement in an arts or cultural organisation during 2024.

Environment Award

Acknowledges outstanding achievement and contributions in environmental initiatives during 2024.

These awards offer an important opportunity to honour those who make a difference in the community and offer locals to come together to celebrate Australia Day.

WHO: 15yo (and complete Year 10) to 19yo

HOW LONG: 10 weeks

WHAT: Personal development and team building

Referral links to support services

Opportunities for work exposure and hands-on development

Job preparation, resume writing and interview skills

Information about jobs and careers in the local area

Opportunities to move on to work, traineeships, apprenticeships or other training

WHEN: Enrolments open now for 2025!

WHERE: Burdekin PCYC, 164 MacMillan St, Ayr 4807

CONTACT: Rowan Scott – Program Coordinator P: 0448 686 648

E: rowan.scott@pcyc.org.au

Proud Supporter

The Place To Go For Car Troubles

Qualified mechanic and diesel fitter, Raymond Reynolds, has been in and around cars and engines for decades. If there’s something wrong with your car, he’s the go-to guy in the Burdekin to get you back on the road in a jiffy.

Prior to taking over at Burdekin Automotive, Ray spent three successful years in Innisfail. He only came up to Ayr after he found out that former owner, Robert Timms, had passed away in July last year.

“The most recent owner, Robert Timms, shifted over from West Toyota to be here, and he had it going quite well. He was due to sign a new lease the week he sadly passed away.

“Since we’ve taken over ownership in late October, we’ve also added hire cars as well, that because they’re older vehicles, they’re budgeted to price. Primarily though, we do mechanical servicing, mechanical repairs, auto electrical repairs, and mobile auto electrical services. That’s our main business,” Raymond says.

While they have the car rental hire ticking over quite nicely, their main focus is, and always will be, automotive repairs.

“At Burdekin Automotive we do servicing, repairs, brakes, shock absorbers, battery replacement, and wheel alignments. But come March, we will also be selling brand new tyres. It’ll be a one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs,” Ray adds.

For the past 20 years, Ray has been his own boss where he’s seen and done a lot in his time. Originally from Brisbane, Raymond spent time in Papua New Guinea, where he was the manager for Lae Port services, which is the second largest Port in PNG. He’s also done a stint in Afghanistan.

“Basically, I was teaching armoury and mechanical repairs in Afghanistan back in 2014. But then I came back to Australia, where I worked the cane season. From there, I went up to Cairns airport, doing electric hydraulics and all their ground equipment before I started my own business in Innisfail, as a mobile auto electrician,” Raymond smiles.

“It’s been the best thing I ever did,” he declares.

“From the turnover of vehicles we get, to the attitude of customers here, they don’t mess around. They know what they want. They pay without any hassles, and away they go, happy and very satisfied with our work.”

Open Monday to Friday from 8am in the morning till about 6-7pm, and 8am-

2pm on Saturdays, and on-call Sundays (if a customer is desperate), Burdekin Automotive has fast built a great reputation among its many customers. Raymond attributes it to two key factors.

“We have good staff, and we have great customers who know what they want and appreciate our advice and expertise.

“Soon, I’ll have two more boys coming in to help – one that’s a Toyota specialist, the other an auto electrician.”

With customer satisfaction at an all time high and business booming, be sure to get on down to Burdekin Automotive for any car issues. Raymond and his boys will take great care of you and your car’s needs –guaranteed!

Raymond Reynolds, the man to see for your car. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Burdekin Tourism Wraps Up for 2024

The Burdekin Shire’s Visitor Information Centres (VICs) in Ayr and Home Hill have closed the books on a successful 2024, welcoming over 11,000 visitors to the region over 360 days of operation.

The centres saw their busiest month in August, with Ayr hosting over 900 visitors and Home Hill welcoming over 800 through the doors highlighting the Burdekin as a popular stop for drive tourists.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Burdekin Tourism Volunteers play a vital role as ambassadors for the Burdekin.

“Our VICs are often the first point of contact for travellers, and the dedication of our volunteers ensures that every visitor receives a warm welcome and tailored advice on what to explore in the Burdekin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“The Burdekin truly has something for everyone, whether it’s

relaxing on our beautiful beaches, exploring our rich history, or casting a line at one of the many fishing spots.

“The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest times on our roads, with over 300 visitors stopping by our VICs. Hosting programs like Driver Reviver at our VICs not only promotes road safety but also provides travellers with a convenient opportunity to rest and recharge with many visitors stopping to enjoy a free coffee, tea, water, and snack.

“We’re excited to build on this momentum in 2025 and continue welcoming visitors to our beautiful region.”

The 2024 visitor numbers at our VICs highlight

the Burdekin’s rising popularity as a destination that attracts not only locals but also interstate and international visitors.

The Burdekin Visitor Information Centres, operated by passionate and knowledgeable volunteers, continue to be a key resource for tourists, helping to boost the local economy and strengthen the Burdekin’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

For more information on Burdekin Tourism or volunteering opportunities, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4783 9800.

PUBLIC NOTICES

REQUEST FOR TENDERS

Tender for Installation of a Floodway on Thompson Road, Ayr.

Tenders closing at 2.00pm on Friday 7 February 2025 are invited for;

• TBSC/24/024 - Tender for Installation of a Floodway on Thompson Road.

Tender documents are available via Councils online Tender platform, VendorPanel.

To view the Tender documents and make a submission, all respondents must be registered in the VendorPanel Marketplace and have the following categories selected (in the VendorPanel Region: Queensland):

TBSC/24/024 – Installation of a Floodway on Thompson Rd. –6 Building Trade, Repairs, Maintenance or 13 Construction & Operation – Road building products, maintenance and services.

Registration in the VendorPanel Marketplace can be completed by following the link: www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/doing-business-withcouncil and selecting Tender Marketplace.

A non-mandatory tenderers meeting will be held at the site on Thompson Road, Ayr on Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 11:30am.

PLEASE NOTE: Tenders will not be accepted if not lodged electronically via VendorPanel.

REQUEST FOR TENDERS

Tender for Installation of a Drainage Culvert on Patricia Road, Ayr.

Tenders closing Tuesday 4 February 2025 at 2:00pm are invited for • TBSC/24/026 - Tender for Installation of a Drainage Culvert on Patricia Road.

Tender documents are available via Councils online Tender platform, VendorPanel.

To view the Tender documents and make a submission, all respondents must be registered in the VendorPanel Marketplace and have the following categories selected (in the VendorPanel Region: Queensland):

TBSC/24/026 – Installation of a Drainage Culvert on Patricia Rd. – 6 Building Trade, Repairs, Maintenance or 13 Construction & Operation – Road building products, maintenance and services.

Registration in the VendorPanel Marketplace can be completed by following the link: www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/doing-business-withcouncil and selecting Tender Marketplace.

A non-mandatory tenderers meeting will be held at the site on Patricia Road, Ayr on Tuesday 21 January 2025 at 10:30am.

PLEASE NOTE: Tenders will not be accepted if not lodged electronically via VendorPanel.

REQUEST FOR TENDERS

Burdekin Shire Council invites tenders for appointment as Prequalified Suppliers of Trade Services - Instrumentation.

• TBSC/25/001 - Register of Prequalified Suppliers of Trade Services - Instrumentation.

Tender documents are available via Councils online Tender platform, VendorPanel.

To view the Tender documents and make a submission, all respondents must be registered in the VendorPanel Marketplace and have the following categories selected (in the VendorPanel Region: Queensland):

TBSC/25/001 - Register of Prequalified Suppliers - Instrumentation. - 38, IT & Telecommunications, Software support and maintenance. Registration in the VendorPanel Marketplace can be completed by following the link: www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/doing-business-withcouncil and selecting Tender Marketplace.

Tenders must be lodged at VendorPanel Marketplace by 2:00pm on Monday 10 February 2025.

Council reserves the right to invite all tenderers to change their tenders to take account of a change in the tender specification.

Minute with the Mayor Mayor Pierina Dalle

Cort

As we gear up for Australia Day celebrations, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of protocol for this significant day. It is the established practice set by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to display the three flags - the Australian National Flag, the Aboriginal Flag, and the Torres Strait Islander Flag - at Australia Day events. This serves as a symbol of respect and inclusivity, acknowledging the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples alongside the broader Australian community. This year, our celebrations will once again include the naturalisation ceremonies, one of the highlights of Australia Day. I’m looking forward to officially welcoming our newest citizens as they take this important step to join the Australian community.

Meanwhile, many of us are still winding

down from the Christmas break, with more employees returning to work and routines resuming. It’s also worth noting that the crushing season has unfortunately dragged on longer than expected. While the recent showers have been a welcome relief in dampening the ground during this extreme heat, I hope it doesn’t impact the remainder of the crush.

Speaking of heat, it’s a timely reminder for everyone to prioritise their well-being. Make sure you’re staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and looking out for vulnerable members of our community, especially the elderly. Let’s all do our part to stay safe and support one another during this challenging weather.

Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

Councillor Column Councillor

Callan Oar

Well, the silly season is over. Happy New Year to all.

I am not sure if the crushing will be finished by the time this prints which is very sad. So much money that families in this community miss out on. Left in the paddock due to a few different contributing factors, but one main contributor, and it wasn’t the rain.

We are going into our second calendar year for this term of council. February means we start working on the budget again. I would like to hope that during budget, the cost-of-living pressures should be in the minds of every councillor and officer at all times. I know it will certainly be in mine. We still need to deliver the best service we

can for our community, but not if it means a family is forced to reduce their grocery bill to afford rates.

I am hoping that now we are getting more comfortable with each other and in our roles, we can knuckle down and work as a team for our community.

Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist Shares His Forecast For 2025

As rates stayed firmly on hold throughout 2024, Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson says a gradually but steadily improving domestic economy is likely in 2025.

Mr Robertson said Australians can expect rates to start easing in the early part of 2025 as inflation is tamed, forecasting:

• The RBA to deliver interest rate relief by May,

• The unemployment rate to edge higher, mildly,

• That trading conditions and geopolitical tensions will remain tense and potentially even more volatile as US tariffs are imposed, but Australia should be less impacted than almost anywhere.

“While there’s been a growing chorus of opinion encouraging earlier rate cuts and suggesting the RBA is unnecessarily holding rates too high, this view seems to overlook two crucial factors.”

“Firstly, the RBA were later than our peers in hiking rates back in 2022 and the RBA increased rates to a less restrictive level. A neutral cash rate in Australia (where we will likely return to next year) is estimated at 3½%, so we are less than 1% into restrictive territory, unlike other comparable economies.”

jeopardised the ongoing fight against inflation,” Mr Roberson said.

“Secondly, those advocating for earlier cuts to help with cost-of-living pressures also ignore the root cause of the cost-of-living shock, which is inflation itself, so any sustainable solution to these pressures lies in thoroughly taming inflation.”

“Nevertheless, we are getting closer to winning the war on prices with core inflation down to 3.5%, and the next two quarterly reads (on January 29 and then April 30) should give the RBA the evidence it needs to cut in May.”

Mr Robertson also said the latest GDP data confirms that restrictive interest rates are reigning in demand.

“GDP growth in the third quarter picked up marginally from 0.2% to 0.3% (and is at least still growing) but we remain in a per-capita recession and an nualised growth is only 0.8%, its slowest pace since the 1991-recession, outside the pandemic.”

Community Grant Program

When you partner with us, good things happen.

Ron:

“When we get heavy downpours here drainage is a real issue. On New Year’s Day we got a big, heavy downpour all day, and across the road over there, there was a lot of water. Some parts of it were completely cut off. So definitely more drainage would be good. Outside of that, I’d like to see another bridge built or if it’s possible, widening the exisiting one. The current Burdekin bridge is showing its age and become inadequate with lots more trucks and wider loads. It’s not uncommon for many people to miss appointments or be late for work.”

Kristian:

Bella:

“We need more advancements in healthcare here in this region. I think the Ayr hospital needs a CT machine so people can easily have CAT scans. These machines are crucial in modern medical diagnostics and are widely used in hospitals around the world. Having a CT machine would help a lot of people, as you’d be able to treat more people in Ayr, rather than having to send them up to Townsville or down to Mackay or Brisbane. That could result in better outcomes for patients, while also keeping them here locally with their family and friends.”

John:

“The fact that growth is so slow and only being propped up by public spend ing and population growth isn’t in itself a reason to cut rates now, but it is a re minder that monetary policy is doing its job and that rate cuts next year can help the private sector to recover, taking the reins from government spending,” Mr Robertson concluded.

“It’d have to be the drainage situation first, then probably better housing, but I don’t know where a housing development would go. Somewhere where there’s vacant land for the government to put houses on it as there’s a lot of homeless people around here. But mainly I think the drainage, because the other side of the Bruce always floods, and from the post office down to the end of us at the Burdekin Motor Inn, there’s only one drain which holds all that water, and it just backs up all the time. I think if they did that then a lot of people would start opening shops back up across the road. Oh, and something fun and interesting for the kids to go, like a new park with a better playground, or a water park. A free water park in Home Hill would be fantastic for kids in this area.”

Your organisation gets sponsorship, and your banking helps support the community.

“Any earlier cuts to rates could have

Applications close 12th April 2024.

“Well, the Bruce Highway definitely needs some attention with a bit of an upgrade. We’ve just driven on it to get here and there are some pretty bad potholes and broken pieces of road and stuff like that. It’s something that the Bruce highway up and down this part of the coast would benefit from for sure. It’s not in great condition. We’ve just come from Brissy, and the road from Brisbane to Gympie is fantastic. Double lane freeways, barriers, smooth roads, but the Bruce, well, that needs work. That would help people access the local areas and shops better here. It’d provide better infrastructure with all the transport that you need to get your goods in and out of the area, along with more tourists.”

Gladys:“Well, we’re looking for a second bridge to handle the extra traffic and more trucks and their big, wide loads. But also when they’re doing works on the bridge, or something’s happened on the bridge like an accident, you know what, we’re delayed on both sides of it. It gets to be annoying after a while. They’re always doing road works and even though most of the time they do try to them it at night on the bridge, still, you’ve got to plan your travels around that you know if you want to come over to here or vice versa. I thought I heard something about a second bridge, but I probably won’t be here when that finally happens.”

Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson. Photo & story credit: Bendigo Community Bank

Ron Clive (77). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen Bella Linton (18). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Kristian Bellamy (50). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen John Hamilton (52). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Gladys Sgarbossa (68). Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Change starts with Q for QCAR

SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN SUGARCANE FARMERS

Your local QCAR Teams:

Central District - Sonia Ball 0467 573 321 Burdekin - Angelo Licciardello 0437 401 837 Herbert River - Lawrence Di Bella 0448 084 252

Farmers To Lose ‘Staggering’ $83M+ As Only Two Mills Left Standing

Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has estimated more than 1.27m tonnes of cane remains unharvested across Australia’s sugarcane mills, resulting in forecast losses to farmers of more than $83M.

QCAR CEO, Stephen Ryan said most mills had closed the doors on the 2024 crushing season except for Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer and Invicta mills in the Burdekin, with Mackay Sugar Limited advising on Sunday it would no longer accept bins at its Marian Mill past 6pm Monday, 13 January.

“This amount of standover cane is unacceptable,” Mr Ryan said.

“It’s exasperating that for numerous seasons now, farmers have paid the price for poor milling performance,” Mr Ryan said.

“This is so disappointing for growers, and significantly worse considering for some milling regions this is the third and fourth consecutive year for late finishes and poor mill performance resulting in staggering accumulative costs and losses for our growers.”

Mr Ryan said the impacts to growers, contractors, and millers, from wet weather, mill performance, late starts and finishes, and industrial action in Wilmar Sugar

mills, would be felt well into 2025.

QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering, said Mackay Sugar had noted, that with more widespread rain forecasted across the Mackay region and a diminishing supply and quality of cane, it was unviable for the factory to continue crushing.

“This is disappointing, but it means Mackay Sugar can launch straight into maintenance works, and hopefully, we can look forward to vastly improved 2025 crush,”

Mr McKeering said.

Burdekin grower and Chairman of QCAR Christian Lago, said he was just one of many families feeling the pressure of longer seasons, and the wearing effects of having to work through Christmas and New Year in tough and wet conditions.

“You want to have a break but you can’t,” Mr Lago said.

“You’re tied to the farm just in case there is a window of opportunity to harvest, you want to give yourself every opportunity to get this year’s crop off.

“It’s taken a toll on the whole industry, not only farmers but contractors as well.”

Mr Lago said consequences of longer sea-

sons included extra stress on harvesting machinery, and an inability to get plough-outs off, plant fallow crops early, or fertilise effectively.

“It’s put farming rotations totally out of whack, and we can’t lay the foundations for a strong 2025 season.”

QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello, said there was around 400,000 tonnes of 2024 sugarcane still standing in the Burdekin. He said the angst of the longer seasons and struggling to work in wet conditions was being felt across the region.

“Mills starting up just a week later than they should at the beginning of the season would more than likely translate into up to two months of delays at the other end,” Mr Licciardello said.

In the Herbert region, QCAR District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, said his committee was pulling out all stops to prevent a similar disastrous season from occurring again by calling on Wilmar Sugar to start the Herbert River mills by no later than 3 June for the 2025 season.

In the Central District alone (Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek), there was estimated to be up to 750,000 tonnes of unharvested 2024 season cane. QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, said the closure of the Mackay Sugar 2024 season had resulted in a collective sigh of relief to most growers, contractors, and mill workers in the district.

“There is no doubt 2024 is amongst the longest and toughest seasons we’ve seen for a while,” Ms Ball said.

The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) had in May forecast for the 2024 season a crush of 31.24 million tonnes of sugarcane. By November, this had dropped to just shy of 30 million tonnes, and as of November 24, it reported mills had crushed just more than 25.76mt or 85.9 per cent. Mr Ryan said farmers, harvesters, and mill staff, had all persevered through a difficult 2024 season that need not have been that way.

“QCAR will be fighting tirelessly to end the calamities resulting from subpar milling performances, which have greatly strained the sugarcane industry as a whole.”

QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan, said it was exasperating that farmers have had to pay the price for poor milling performance. Photos supplied

The 2024 crush season overlapped with the heavy rains of Queensland’s wet season

Syngenta Initiates Voluntary Recall Of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide

On December 23, 2024, Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 002 933 717) initiated a voluntary recall for specific batches of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide, sold by agricultural retailers between October 1 and December 20, 2024. The recall was made under Section 106 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code, as part of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994.

Reason for Recall: The recall concerns the 20L containers from batches 389865 and 389866, which were found to have not met the required durability specifications. These containers may not be sufficiently robust for handling and use, leading to a potential safety hazard.

Cracking The Code Of Poultry Pathogens

Auniversity-led research initiative is tackling a rapidly spreading pathogen that poses significant challenges to the Australian poultry industry.

Hazard: The affected 20L containers of GRAMOXONE® 360 PRO Herbicide have been identified as having reduced strength. Under certain stress conditions encountered during storage, transport, and use, there is an increased risk that the containers may rupture, posing a hazard to individuals handling the product.

What to Do: If you possess 20L containers from batches 389865 or 389866, it is essential that you do not use the product. These containers should be quarantined in a locked, bunded pesticide storage area to prevent access. Affected customers should contact Syngenta Customer Service for further instructions on the collection and refund process.

For Further Information: If you have any questions or require further details regarding this voluntary recall, Syngenta urges customers to contact their Customer Service team at 1800 022 035.

•

The microorganism, Enterococcus cecorum (EC), is a contagious bacterium responsible for severe health issues in poultry. One of its most debilitating effects is spinal cord compression, commonly referred to as “kinky back,” which can lead to paralysis and increased mortality rates in affected flocks.

The research, titled “Integrated Investigation of Enterococcus cecorum Prevalence, Transmission Routes, Predisposition Factors, Pathogenic Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies in Broilers,” is supported by the AgriFutures Australia Chicken Meat Program. Led by Central Queensland University’s Institute for Future Farming Systems (IFFS), the study aims to explore every aspect of EC’s impact on poultry health and develop strategies to mitigate its effects.

IFFS Molecular Microbiology Cluster Leader, Professor Dana Stanley, highlighted the growing threat of EC to the industry.

“This pathogen has serious implications for the health of birds and the profitability of the industry,” Professor Stanley said.

“We’re working to uncover the role of coinfection and microbial communication, how it spreads, how it causes disease, and, most importantly, how we can stop it.”

The project is leveraging 16 interconnected studies to create the most comprehensive dataset on poultry microbiota ever compiled. Artificial intelligence-assisted prediction and analysis models will be employed to provide an in-depth understanding of EC outbreaks.

“Our work goes beyond identifying the pathogen—we’re uncovering its full genomic blueprint. This is critical for designing interventions that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term,” Professor Stanley explained.

The research involves advanced techniques, including genomics, molecular typing, and co-culture experiments using a continuous culture gut simulator fermentation system.

“The gut simulator allows us to test how EC behaves in the presence of other bacteria and additives like probiotics and prebiotics. This is vital for identifying co-infection mechanisms and designing targeted interventions,” Professor Stanley said. The ultimate goal of the research is to develop effective solutions such as improved biosecurity practices, probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogen-based strategies to ensure the sustainability of broiler farming.

“We’re committed to translating our findings into practical strategies that improve animal welfare, reduce industry losses, and ensure sustainability,” Professor Stanley said.

“This research represents a significant step forward in combating EC. By understanding its behaviour and interactions at a molecular level, we can provide producers with the tools they need to protect their flocks and their livelihoods.”

Professor Dana Stanley. Photo source: CQUniversity

Gaming and Mental Health

Finding Balance During School Holidays

Gaming has become a significant part of young people’s lives, offering a mix of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, gaming fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social connection through online communities.

However, there is a downside. Excessive gaming can negatively impact physical and mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with academic performance or personal relationships. During school holidays, when routines are more relaxed, young people often have more time for gaming, which can lead to prolonged screen time and unhealthy habits.

As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to monitor gaming habits and strike a balance. Encouraging young people to diversify their activities during the holidays can help prevent gaming from becoming excessive.

We’ve gathered some expert tips from Headspace to help guide young people toward healthier gaming habits while supporting their mental health.

So how can you recognise unhealthy gaming?

Headspace advises to keep an eye out for significant changes that last longer than you might expect (at least a few weeks), such as:

• Less interest and involvement in activities they would normally enjoy

• Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns

• Increased irritability or anger

• Decline in performance at school, TAFE, university, or work

• Engagement in risky behaviours they would usually avoid, such as

taking drugs or drinking excessively

• Difficulty with concentration or motivation

• Unusual stress, worry, feeling down, or crying for no apparent reason

• Expression of negative, distressing, or out-of-character thoughts

As a general rule the following are good boundaries to set around screen time:

• Limit screens in bedrooms and turn them off at least one hour before bedtime to avoid disruption to sleep. Encourage activities like reading, journaling, or drawing instead. If using e-devices for reading, ensure ‘night mode’ is activated.

• Get up and move regularly to prevent back, neck, and wrist issues. Incorporate simple stretches and consider optimising your setup for comfort.

• Avoid screens during meal times to promote mindful eating and encourage valuable family interactions.

• Ensure screen time does not interfere with essential or enjoyable activities. Schedule time for these activities before gaming or extended internet use.

By being proactive and maintaining open communication, parents can help young people navigate the challenges of gaming, ensuring it remains a positive part of their lives.

Hits & Memories With Robert

Robert Turner, the presenter of ‘Classic Hits & Memories’ on Sweet FM, has been behind the radio mic since 2019. His popular Saturday afternoon show plays from 2 to 4pm, where he’ll play a mix of music from the fifties through to the nineties.

Robert’s been with the station for nearly six years, and his radio show receives quite a lot of requests on the day. He retired in 2007 after 42 years as a shift supervisor at Inkerman Sugar Mill, before he got started with the station after someone mentioned they were looking for presenters.

“Someone told me that they were looking for presenters. I was down at the paper shop and I thought, ‘Well, I got plenty of time now that I’m retired,’ so I thought I’d give it a go. I came down here, introduced myself, and they gave me an afternoon radio slow. I’ve been doing it ever since,” Robert states.

During his ‘Classic Hits & Memories’ program, it’s common for him to play a vast variety of music styles except rap. He’ll happily play country and western and rock, through to general top 40 songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. He occasionally plays music from the 90s and beyond.

“I like to play most styles of music for variety. The only style of music I won’t play is rap. Sorry, I’ll play anything but that,” he states categorically.

Robert reveals that he doesn’t prepare his playlist in advance like other presenters. Instead, he prefers to decide on the day of the show so that it sounds more natural

and spontaneous.

“I come down here and don’t even know what I’m going to play that day. Unlike other presenters, who put in many hours, for me, I just go through my list and go, ‘Oh, that sounds all right, haven’t played that for a while.’ So, I play it. I also get plenty of requests, so I try to fit in as many as possible,” he adds.

Robert also likes to do some trivia during his show talking about the history of the songs he plays. For example, when it came out, who wrote it if it’s not the artist singing, or if it’s a cover version.

“Sometimes people think that the song they’re hearing is written by that artist, but more often than not that’s not the case. I really enjoy digging in and finding out for myself,” he says excitedly.

Robert’s been at the station for nearly six years and has always presented his programs solo but is open to co-presenting. He supports other people who’d like to present (or co-present) their own show, to come in and give it a go.

“I encourage any aspiring presenters to come down to the station and learn. There’s a lot of people here that are prepared to help you out and show you the ropes. You learn how to talk clearly and fluently, plus it helps build character, which boosts self-esteem,” he smiles.

Check out Robert’s Classic Hits & Memories on Saturday afternoons from 2-4pm. If you’re keen to become a presenter for the station, contact Sweet FM on: (07) 47828394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

Robert Turner, a man happy to be behind the mic playing what he loves.

Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

Thomas Takes Your Heart

Meet Thomas, a super smoochy tabby who loves to meow and cuddle. If he’s not chatting away to you, you’ll find him purring happily, hoping for some lap time to snuggle up. Thomas is currently in foster care and winning the hearts of all the household with his sweet and fun nature.

He shares his foster home with four other cats and a few dogs, including a few playful puppies. He gets along well with other cats, but is still a little unsure about the dogs. That won’t stop him from running on up to you with his tail high if you mention anything about food though.

Thomas is primarily an indoor cat, but does enjoy spending time in a sunny outdoor ‘catio’. He’s laid-back enough to try out a harness if you want to take him on small supervised trips about the garden.

Fill out an inquiry today to come meet him, and he’ll be sure to give you some gentle grooming with his raspy tongue. All his vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatments, are up to date and he can’t wait to play with you in his new forever home.

FAST FACTS:

Rehoming fee: $195

Age: 1 year, 3 months

Sex: Male, Desexed

Breed: Domestic Short Hair Tabby

Other cats: Very friendly

Other dogs: Wary but not scared

Children: Very friendly

Indoor/Outdoor: Indoors

Phone: 0459 757 455

Facebook: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Website: angelpawsinc.com.au

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

If you have been following Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s articles, you may recall our passion for “Compassionate Communities” and our commitment to fostering a better understanding of and support for death, dying, and grief within our beautiful Burdekin community.

We are excited to kick off 2025 with a community chat featuring Jane, the Bereavement Coordinator for the Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth (SPaRTa) Grief and Bereavement Service from Townsville Hospital and Health Services.

We invite all community members interested in an interactive educational session to explore what grief looks like, learn how to support someone who is grieving, and discover ideas for self-care.

Jane will provide handouts and will be available for conversations and discussions following her presentation.

Grief, mourning, and bereavement are deeply personal and natural responses to loss. While we logically understand that all

life has a 100% mortality rate and that we cannot escape death, we often experience a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings related to this universal truth.

The SPaRTa Grief and Bereavement Service offers support to those who are recently bereaved. Additionally, they provide guidance to General Practitioners, nurses, allied health practitioners, and other clinicians who are assisting bereaved individuals and families in their local communities.

We hope you can join us and Jane as we continue our journey toward building a more compassionate community in Burdekin.

Until next time,

The team at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

WHEN: Wednesday, 29th January 2025 10:00 AM

WHERE: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, AYR

WEEKLYTVGUIDE

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Rulla’s Cooking On Country. 10.30 Take 5. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 The Newsreader. 2.00 The Split: Barcelona. 3.00 Back Roads. 3.25 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. 8.30 Murder In Provence. (M) 10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. 10.50 News. 11.05 Grand Designs. 11.55 Long Lost Family. 12.40 Rage New Music. 5.00 Rage.

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 News. 12.25 Beyond Paradise. 1.25 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. 2.25 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.10 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. 4.10 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of The World. 5.00 Eat The Invaders. 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Beyond Paradise. 8.30 Vera. (M) 10.05 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. 11.35 Rage.

6.00 Rage. 7.00 Wknd Breaky. 10.00 Secret Science. 10.30 World This Week. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.25 Landline. 12.55 New Leash On Life. 1.25 Gardening Aust. 2.25 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. 3.25 Long Lost Family. 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. 5.00 Magda’s Big National Health Check. 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 News. 7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. 8.30 Miniseries: Until I Kill You. (M) 10.05 MOVIE: Mystery Road. (2013) 12.05 Rage. 4.05 Gardening Aust. 5.05 The Great Acceleration.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 McCartney 3, 2, 1. 10.30 Vera. 12.00 News. 1.00 Australia’s Open. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00 Back Roads. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Escaping Utopia. 9.00 Hear Me Out, Australia Day. 9.35 Shakespeare: Rise Of A Genius. 10.35 News. 10.50 Lucy Worsley: Agatha Christie Mystery Queen. 11.50 Grand Designs. 12.40 Long Lost Family. 1.30 Rage. 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00 Back Roads. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 8.30 Eat The Invaders. 9.05 Croc Watch. 9.50 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. 10.50 News. 11.10 Murder In Provence. 12.35 Grand Designs. 1.25 Long Lost Family. 2.15 Rage. 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Way We Wore. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Changing Ends. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00 Back Roads. 3.30 Grand Designs. 4.15 Long Lost Family. 5.00 A Bite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Hard Quiz. 7.00 News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Spicks And Specks. 8.30 Live At The Malthouse. 9.40 Planet America. 10.10 Utopia. 11.05 News. 11.20 Aftertaste. 12.25 Grand Designs. 1.10 Long Lost Family. 1.55 Rage. 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 News. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. 10.30 Back Roads. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. 12.00 News. 1.00 Kumi’s Japan. 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? 3.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 3.05 Destination Flavour China. 3.35 The Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. H’lights. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 MOVIE: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008) 10.30 SBS News. 11.00 De Gaulle. 12.00 Kin. 2.40 Make Me A Dealer. 3.30 Peer To Peer. 4.00 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Women’s Weekly Football. 3.00 Aliquam Dive Stories II. 4.00 Forgotten Frontlines. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. H’lights. 6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. 6.30 News. 7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland. 8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With Pam Ayres. 9.20 Great Australian Walks. 10.15 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 11.25 MOVIE: Radioactive. (2019) 1.25 MOVIE: Subjects Of Desire. (2021) 3.20 Love Your Garden. 4.15 Peer To Peer. 4.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Grace Brown: Time For The Rest Of Life. 3.30 Cycling. National Road C’ships. Women’s. H’lights. 4.30 Cycling. National Road C’ships. Men’s. H’lights. 5.30 Forgotten Frontlines. 6.30 News. 7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Roberts. 8.30 One Mind, One Heart. 10.05 Stopping The Steal. 11.45 The Choice 2024: Harris Vs Trump. 1.45 The VP Choice: Vance Vs Walz. 2.45 Love Your Garden. 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. 4.30 Peer To Peer. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 3.10 Destination Flavour China. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain By Beach. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Hunt For Truth: Tasmanian Tiger. 8.30 Jimmy Carr’s I Literally Just Told You. 9.30 Inside Sydney Airport. 10.25 SBS News. 10.55 Clean Sweep. 12.00 Wisting. 12.55 Faking Hitler. 2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. 4.30 Peer To Peer. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain By Beach. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.35 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. 9.55 The Artist’s View. 10.25 SBS News. 10.55 Beyond Signs. 11.55 Christian. 2.55 Home Is Where The Art Is. 3.45 Make Me A Dealer. 4.35 Bamay. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 3.10 Destination Flavour China. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain By Beach. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 The Real Crown: Inside The House Of Windsor. 8.30 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. 9.25 The Night Manager. 10.35 SBS News. 11.05 Pagan Peak. 11.55 Rogue Heroes. 1.00 Soldiers. 2.50 Home Is Where The Art Is. 3.40 Make Me A Dealer. 4.30 Peer To Peer. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. 10.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. ODI. Aust v England. 1.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. ODI. Aust v England. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. BBL. Sixers v Thunder. 9.30 Big Bash League Post-Game. 10.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 11.30 HMP: Behind Bars. 1.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. H’lights. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. 12.00 Horse Racing. January Cup Day, VRC Summer Fun 4.30 Border Security. 5.00 News. 5.30 Creek To Coast. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: International. (PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Kindergarten Cop. (1990) (M) 9.50 MOVIE: True Lies. (1994) (M) 12.50 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. H’lights. 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 It’s Academic. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 MOVIE: Destination Love. (2021) 2.00 Jabba’s Movies. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 4.30 Border Security. 5.00 News. 5.30 Weekender. 6.00 News. 7.00 Cricket. BBL. Stars v Hurricanes. 9.30 BBL Post-Game. 10.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 11.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous. 12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. H’lights. 1.30 Travel Oz. 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. 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mystery: Mortal Mishaps. (2018) 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. 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 1. 9.30 Motorway Patrol. (PG) 10.00 Highway Cops. 10.30 Born To Kill? 11.30 Autopsy USA. 12.30 Wild Tokyo. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mysteries: Murder On The Menu. (2018) 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. 7.30 Cricket. BBL. The Qualifier. 10.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. 10.30 Lockerbie. 11.35 Ambulance: Code Red. 12.35 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. H’lights. 1.35 Travel Oz. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mysteries: A Murder In The Mind. (2019) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Cricket. BBL. The Knockout. 10.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. 10.30 Beat The Chasers UK. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. 12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. H’lights. 1.30 Black-ish. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 10.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 3.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 6. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 6. 11.00 New Amsterdam. (M) 12.00 Casualty 24/7. (M) 1.00 First On Scene. (M) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping.

6.00 Weekend Today. 9.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 10.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 3.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 7. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 7. 11.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+) 12.00 Casualty 24/7. 1.00 Family Law. 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. 2.30

6.00 Weekend Today. 9.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 10.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 3.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 8. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 8. 11.00 New Amsterdam. (M) 12.00 Casualty 24/7. (M)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 10.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 3.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 9. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 11.00 New Amsterdam. (M) 12.00 Casualty 24/7. (M) 1.00 Family Law. (M) 2.00 US Presidential Inauguration. 4.00 Today. 6.00 Drew Barrymore. 7.00 Neighbours. 7.30 Farm To Fork. 8.00 Bold. 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. 9.00 Lingo. 10.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. 1.00

6.00 Today. 10.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 3.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 10. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 10. 11.00 New Amsterdam. (M) 12.00 Casualty 24/7. 1.00 First On Scene. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.30 Our State On A Plate. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of

6.00 Today. 9.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 10.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 3.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 11. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 11. 11.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+) 12.00 Casualty 24/7. 1.00

Lost Family. 9.20 Grand Designs. 10.10 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 10.40 News. 11.00 Escaping Utopia. 12.00 Grand Designs. 12.45 Long Lost Family. 1.30 Rage. 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. 4.30 Gardening Aust. 5.30 7.30.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys. 3.10 Destination Flavour China. 3.40 The Cook Up. 4.10 Britain By Beach. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. 6.00 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 News. 7.35 Outback Adventures In Western Australia. 8.30 Silk Road From Above. 9.30 The Darkness. 10.25 SBS News. 10.55 Divided We Stand. 12.45 Blanca. 2.45 Home Is Where The Art Is. 3.35 Make Me A Dealer. 4.25 Peer To Peer. 4.55 Destination Flavour. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. 12.00 Seven Noon News. 1.00 MOVIE: Morning Show Mysteries: Countdown To Murder. (2019) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust. 6.00 Seven Local News. 6.30 News. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. T20. Aust v England. 9.30 Seven’s Cricket: The Spin. 10.15 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 11.15 Pam & Tommy. 12.15 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. H’lights. 1.15 Black-ish. 2.00 Shopping. 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 9.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 10.30 Tennis. Austn Open. 2.30 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 12. 3.30 Tipping Point. 4.30 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. 6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Austn Open. 10.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 12.

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? (R)

8.25 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

8.50 Robot Wars. (R)

9.50 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

10.40 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

11.05 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)

7.30pm Good Game Spawn Point.

7.55 Movie: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) (G, R)

8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG, R)

9.40 Speechless. (PG, R)

10.00 Officially Amazing. (PG)

10.55 Log Horizon. (PG, R)

11.20 Turn Up The Volume. (R)

11.45 Good Game Spawn Point. (R)

7.35pm Moominvalley.

8.00 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. (R)

8.50 Fresh Off The Boat. (PG, R)

9.35 Speechless. (PG, R)

9.55 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

11.05 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

11.30 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)

12.00am Horrible Histories. (R)

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)

8.05 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)

8.35 Hard Quiz Kids. (R)

9.05 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. (R)

9.50 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

11.00 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)

8.05 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)

8.35 Deadly Predators. (PG, R)

9.05 Secrets Of The Zoo. (PG, R)

9.50 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

10.40 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)

8.05 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)

8.35 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

10.40 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

11.05 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)

11.35 Horrible Histories. (R)

7.35pm Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. (R)

7.50 The Inbestigators. (R)

8.05 Operation Ouch! (PG, R)

8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo.

9.20 72 Cutest Animals. (R)

9.45 Doctor Who. (PG, R)

10.45 Mythbusters

“There’s Your Problem!”. (PG, R)

6.00pm Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer.

8.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

9.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

10.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

11.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

12.30 DVine Living. (PG, R)

1.00 Auction Squad. (R) 2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

6.00pm Dog Patrol. (PG)

6.30 Bondi Vet. (PG, R)

7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

8.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

9.30 I Escaped To The Country. (PG)

10.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. (PG, R)

11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

12.30 My Greek Odyssey. (PG, R)

5.30pm I Escaped To The Country. (PG, R)

6.30 Escape To The Country. (R)

7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. (PG, R)

8.30 Vera. (M, R) 10.30 The Yorkshire Vet. (PG, R)

12.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. (PG, R) 1.00 Vera. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Doc Martin. (M, R)

8.30 Inspector Morse. (M, R)

10.50 Bodyguard. (MA15+, R)

12.00 Bargain Hunt. (R)

1.00 Doc Martin. (M, R)

2.00 Harry’s Practice. (R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Call The Midwife. (M, R)

8.30 Inspector George Gently. (M, R) 10.30 Air Crash Investigations. (PG, R)

11.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 12.30 Inspector George Gently. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Heartbeat. (PG, R)

8.45 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. (M, R)

10.45 Law & Order: UK. (M, R)

11.45 Bargain Hunt. (R)

12.45 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. (M, R)

5.30pm Escape To The Country. (R)

6.30 Bargain Hunt. (R)

7.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

9.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. (M, R)

11.30 Father Brown. (M, R)

12.30 Bargain Hunt. (R) 1.30 Auction Squad. (R)

6.00pm Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 37. Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder.

7.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.30 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R)

8.00 Surveillance Oz. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: In The Line Of Fire. (1993) (M, R)

11.10 Movie: The Empty Man. (2020) (MA15+, R) 2.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

6.00pm Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

6.30 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

7.00 Storage Wars. (PG)

7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. (M, R)

8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. (M, R)

9.30 Air Crash

Investigations: The Accident Files. (PG, R)

10.30 Deep Water Salvage. (PG, R)

6.00pm Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 40. Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

8.30 Movie: 1917. (2019) (MA15+, R) 10.45 Movie: The Game. (1997) (M, R) 1.25 Blokesworld. (PG, R)

6.00pm Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 1. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. (M, R) 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. (PG, R) 9.30 Tougher In Alaska. (PG)

10.30 Frozen Gold. (PG, R) 11.30 Ax Men. (PG)

6.00pm Big Bash League Pre-Game.

6.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier.

7.30 Outback Truckers. (PG, R)

9.30 Kings Of Pain. (M) 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. (M, R)

12.30 Storage Wars. (PG, R)

1.00 American Pickers. (PG, R) 2.00 Pawn Stars. (PG, R)

6.00pm Big Bash League Pre-Game.

6.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout.

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PG, R)

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

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

10.30 Surviving The Moment Of Impact. (M) 11.30 Swamp People. (M)

6.00pm Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia v England. Game 2. 7.30 Pawn Stars Do America. (PG) 8.30 Movie: Spider-Man: Homecoming. (2017) (M, R)

11.15 Movie: Major League. (1989) (M, R) 1.30 American Restoration. (PG, R)

5.00pm Tennis. Australian Open. Night 6. 10.00 Movie: Misery. (1990) (M, R) Kathy Bates, James Caan. 12.10 The Closer. (M, R)

1.10 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R) 1.40 Movie: Ransom. (1975) (M, R)

5.00pm Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7.

10.00 Movie: The Sting. (1973) (PG, R) Paul Newman, Robert Redford.

12.40 Movie: Silver Bears. (1978) (PG, R)

5.30pm All 4 Adventure. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS. (M, R)

10.20 NCIS: Hawai’i. (M, R) 11.15 Bull. (M, R)

12.15 Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Football Tonight.

6.25 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 15. Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory.

9.00 NCIS. (M, R)

9.55 NCIS. (M, R)

10.50 NCIS. (M, R)

11.45 Bull. (M, R)

12.40 Bull. (M, R)

1.35 Bull. (M, R)

5.00pm Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. 7.00 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 7.30 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 8.00 M*A*S*H. (PG, R) 8.30 Movie: Mr & Mrs Smith. (2005) (M, R) Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie. 10.55 Chicago Med. (MA15+, R) 11.55 Movie: Fear In The Night. (1972) (M, R) 1.55 Movie: Loot. (1970) (M, R)

7.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.30 Death In Paradise. (M, R)

8.40 The Good Karma Hospital. (M, R)

9.40 Agatha Raisin. (M, R)

11.40 See No Evil. (M, R)

12.35 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 1.05 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R) 1.35 Movie: The Likely Lads. (1976) (PG, R)

6.00pm Tennis. Australian Open. Night 10. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 To Be Advised.

8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. (M, R) 9.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. (PG, R) 11.40 Killer At The Crime Scene. (M, R) 12.35 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00pm Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.30 To The Manor Born. (R)

8.40 Midsomer Murders. (M, R)

10.40 Queens Of Mystery. (M, R) 12.35 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 1.00 Creflo Dollar Ministries. (PG, R)

5.30pm Diagnosis Murder. (PG, R) 6.30 JAG. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.25 NCIS. (M, R) 9.20 NCIS. (M, R) 10.15 Bull. (M, R) 11.10 Bull. (M, R) 12.05 Bull. (M, R) 1.00 JAG. (M, R) 2.00 JAG. (M, R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R) 6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R) 10.20 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R) 11.15 Bull. (M, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R) 9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R)

10.20 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R) 11.15 Bull. (M, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R) 12.45 Home Shopping. (R) 1.15 Home Shopping. (R) 1.45 Home Shopping. (R)

5.30pm JAG. (PG, R)

6.30 JAG. (PG, R)

7.30 NCIS. (M, R)

8.30 NCIS. (M, R)

9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R)

10.20 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R)

11.15 Bull. (M, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Tennis. Australian Open. Night 12. 7.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. (PG, R) 8.40 Poirot. (M, R) 10.40 Dalgliesh. (M, R) 11.40 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. (M, R) 12.40 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30pm JAG. (PG, R) 6.30 JAG. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 8.30 NCIS. (M, R) 9.25 NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R) 6.30 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)

11.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R)

11.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Friends. (PG, R)

6.30 Friends. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R)

12.30 South Park. (MA15+, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 1.30 South Park. (MA15+, R)

6.00pm Friends. (PG, R) 6.30 Friends. (PG, R)

7.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R)

8.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 10.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 12.30 South Park. (MA15+, R)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

1.30 South Park. (MA15+, R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 Friends. (PG, R)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R) 6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.30 Two And A Half Men. (M, R) 10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R) 11.00 Frasier. (PG, R) 12.00 Impractical Jokers. (M, R) 12.30 Entertainment Tonight. (R)

6.00pm Frasier. (PG, R)

6.30 Neighbours. (PG, R)

7.00 Friends. (PG, R)

8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.30 Frasier. (PG, R) 10.30 Rules Of Engagement. (PG, R)

11.00 Impractical Jokers. (M,

5.50pm Alone. (PG, R)

7.05 Jeopardy! (R)

7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 Love And Sex In Scandinavia. (M, R) 9.35 Secrets Of Penthouse. (MA15+)

10.30 Homeland. (MA15+, R)

11.35 Homeland. (M, R) 1.30 Love And Sex In Israel. (M, R)

5.55pm The MegaBrands That Built The World. (PG) 6.45 The Mega-Brands That Built The World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. (R) 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Spider-Man. (M) 9.25 Icons Unearthed: Spider-Man. (M)

10.20 Hudson & Rex. (M) 12.00 The X-Files. (MA15+, R)

3.30pm Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round 1. 6.30 Queer Sports. (PG, R)

7.30 Abandoned Engineering. (M, R) 8.25 Abandoned Engineering. (M, R)

9.20 Movie: Ascension. (2021) (M, R) 11.05 WWE Legends. (M) 12.40 The X-Files. (MA15+, R) 1.35 The X-Files. (MA15+, R)

5.50pm Alone. (PG, R) 7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R)

8.30 Forged In Fire. (PG) 10.10 The Weekly Football Wrap. 10.40 Everyone Else Burns. (M) 11.40 Am I Being Unreasonable? (M, R) 12.50 Bad Education. (M, R)

5.55pm Alone. (PG, R)

7.05 Jeopardy! (R) 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (M, R) 8.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. (PG) 9.20 Leguizamo Does America. (M) 11.10 Adam Looking For Eve. (MA15+, R) 1.00 Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia. (M, R)

The Greatest Geek Year Ever. (PG) 9.15 Movie: Attack Force Z. (1981) John Phillip Law, Mel Gibson. 11.00 Movie: Son Of A Gun. (2014) (MA15+, R) 12.45 Letterkenny. (M, R) 1.10 Letterkenny. (M, R) 1.40 Letterkenny. (M, R)

NCIS: New Orleans. (M, R)

Home Shopping. (R)

1 Convincing (6)

4 The North Star (7)

7 Belt alternative (10)

11 Trade (6)

12 In a friendly manner (7)

13 Greeting (5)

14 Den (4)

15 Large fleet (6)

18 Island nation east of Mozambique (10)

19 Very long period of time (4)

20 Ebb (6)

21 Absurd (4)

22 Aquatic mammal (5)

24 Country in northeast Africa (8)

27 Collect together (6)

28 Official collection of data on a population (6)

31 Spring (5)

34 Llama-like animal (6)

35 Homerian epic (5)

37 Cat breed (7)

38 Pharmacist (7)

41 Quote (4)

42 Envelop (4)

43 Knit (7)

44 Scurry (7)

45 Verity (5)

47 Burning (6)

48 Exclusive (5)

50 For blinking (6)

52 A long and thin creamfilled pastry (6)

53 Attention (8)

55 Units of computer memory (5)

58 Wimpish (4)

59 Nun (6)

61 Foot covering (4)

63 Transparent sheet (10)

64 Penman (6)

66 Family member (4)

67 Metal alloy of copper, zinc (5)

68 Paint thinner (7)

69 Light aircraft designed to fly without an engine (6)

70 Encoding (10)

71 Famous (7)

72 Latitude (6)

DOWN

2 Unclear (6)

3 Alienate (8)

4 Tartan (5)

5 Ordering off the menu (1,2,5)

6 Grass cutter (6)

7 Project, plan (6)

8 Columns (7)

9 Self-deceiving (10)

10 Astonish (8)

16 Adjust (5)

17 Respiratory disorder (6)

23 Bursar (9)

25 Showing a tendency to be easily angered (9)

26 Type of salami (9)

29 Quick (5)

30 Soft leather (5)

31 Blatant (5)

32 Feeling, emotion (9)

33 Seclude (9)

36 Existence beyond death (9)

39 Publication (5)

40 Vestige (5)

41 Thicket (5)

46 Interpreter (10)

49 Topics (6)

51 Applaud (5)

52 Clear out of (8)

54 Endanger (8)

crossword

56 Californian national park (8)

57 Be left (7)

59 Time of the year (6)

DOWN

2 Unclear (6)

3 Alienate (8)

4 Tartan (5)

60 Plant yielding oil (6)

manner (7) 13 Greeting (5)

62 Form of entertainment (6)

65 Summit (5)

Den (4)

15 Large fleet (6)

18 Island nation east of Mozambique (10)

19 Very long period of time (4)

20 Ebb (6)

21 Absurd (4)

22 Aquatic mammal (5)

24 Country in northeast Africa (8)

27 Collect together (6)

28 Official collection of data on a population (6)

31 Spring (5)

34 Llama-like animal (6)

35 Homerian epic (5)

37 Cat breed (7)

38 Pharmacist (7)

41 Quote (4)

42 Envelop (4)

43 Knit (7)

44 Scurry (7)

45 Verity (5)

47 Burning (6)

48 Exclusive (5)

50 For blinking (6)

52 A long and thin creamfilled pastry (6)

53 Attention (8)

55 Units of computer memory (5)

58 Wimpish (4)

59 Nun (6)

61 Foot covering (4)

63 Transparent sheet (10)

64 Penman (6)

66 Family member (4) Metal alloy of

5 Ordering off the menu (1,2,5)

6 Grass cutter (6)

7 Project, plan (6)

8 Columns (7)

9 Self-deceiving (10)

10 Astonish (8)

16 Adjust (5)

17 Respiratory disorder (6)

23 Bursar (9)

25 Showing a tendency to be easily angered (9)

26 Type of salami (9)

29 Quick (5)

30 Soft leather (5)

31 Blatant (5)

32 Feeling, emotion (9)

33 Seclude (9)

36 Existence beyond death (9)

39 Publication (5)

40 Vestige (5)

41 Thicket (5)

46 Interpreter (10)

49 Topics (6)

51 Applaud (5)

52 Clear out of (8)

54 Endanger (8)

56 Californian national park (8)

57 Be left (7)

59 Time of the year (6)

60 Plant yielding oil (6)

62 Form of entertainment (6) 65 Summit (5)

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

6

7

DEATH NOTICES

ESMAY REICHMAN

LATE OF AYR.

Passed away on 2nd January, 2025, aged 89 years.

Beloved wife of Syd (deceased), Treasured mother and mother-in-law of Terry, Sue and Merv, Debbie and Barry, Judy, Joy and Peter, Loving nana of Jason, Kylie, Luke, Jeffrey, Bradley, Aaron, Brett, Steven, Bruce, Kristy, Maddy, Jesse, Eli, Kael, Jayce, Nate, Josh, Sophie, Riley, Ethan, Emily, Jayce, Eliza, Rhi Rhi, Jaylen, Ryder, Lauren, Amity, Hallie, Mikaela, Kyle, Callum, Brayden, Ruby, Georgia, Noa, Addy, August and Malakai.

She was an elder of our community, adoptive Aunt, Mum and Nana to many.

A service to celebrate the life of ESMAY was held on Tuesday,7th January, 2025 at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ayr. K & S WRIGHT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

Experience and qualifications:

• HR or HC class drivers licence

• Competency in excavators, backhoes, trucks and forklifts

KEVIN BRYAN LYNCH ‘BRYAN’

LATE OF AYR.

Passed away on 11th January, 2025 aged 77 years.

Beloved husband of Patti, Much loved father and father-in-law of Trish and Phil, Bryan and Lyn, Penny and Ben, loving grandfather and great-grandfather of their families.

A service to celebrate the life of BRYAN will commence at 3pm. TOMORROW, FRIDAY,17TH JANUARY, 2025 at The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ayr followed by interment in the Ayr Lawn Cemetery.

K & S WRIGHT

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

RENA KELLY ‘RENE’

LATE OF AYR.

Passed away on 9th January 2025 aged 91 years.

Beloved wife of Alan (deceased), much loved mother of Debbie, loving nana of Rinelle and Malcolm, Rachel and Colin, and great-nana of Ryley, Mckinley, Raidan and Hayne.

In keeping with RENE’S wishes a private family service has been held.

K & S WRIGHT

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

40 FOURTEENTH STREET, HOME HILL PHONE 47821270

• Knowledge of WHS in agricultural and construction environments

• Experience in the operation and maintenance of water infrastructure

• Experience in Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Duties:

• Foster and support a positive safety culture

• Operating machinery

• Water distribution, meter reading and maintenance

• Chemical spraying

• Assist with environmental monitoring

• Investigate and resolve customer queries

To view the full Position Description, please visit www.lowerburdekinwater.com.au.

Permanent full-time position located in the Burdekin 5.00pm on Friday, 21st February 2025

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday, 23rd August 2024 or sooner if position is filled.

Cecil Roy Staff Late of Ayr

12.03.1932 ~ 11.01.2025

Aged 92

Cecil will be Dearly Missed by all who knew him.

All relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Cecil which is appointed to commence at 10:30am on Monday 20thJanuary at Plantation Park Bush Chapel.

There will be no cortege.

EVENTGUIDE

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY

Butterfly Creations School

Holiday Activity

Thursday 11am

Bookings essential https://bit.ly/ burdekinlibraryevents.

Home Hill Library

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY

Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627.

Plantation Park

MONDAY 20 JANUARY

Sand Art Rangoli School Holiday Activity

Monday 11am Bookings essential https://bit.ly/ burdekinlibraryevents.

Home Hill Library

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY

Code Club School Holiday Activity

Tuesday 3pm

Bookings essential https://bit.ly/ burdekinlibraryevents.

Ayr Library

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY

Australia Day Celebration

The Molongle Beach Caravan Park will host live music, an all-day BBQ, crab and cane toad races, raffles and more! Reach out to 0436 372 089 for more information. Molongle Beach Caravan Park

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY

2025 Australia Day Awards Ceremony

Sunday 9:30am

Officially commencing from 9:30am, the Burdekin Shire Council’s 2025 Australia Day Awards Ceremony will include a Citizenship Ceremony, presentation of Awards, and cutting of the Australia Day cake. Burdekin Theatre

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY

Australia Day Social Bowls

Sunday 12:30pm

The Ayr Bowling Club invites the community to wear their favourite Aussie outfits for an afternoon of Australia Day Social Bowls! Sign on at 12:30pm, and begin bowling from 1pm.

101 Young Street, Ayr

WEDNESDAY 29

JANUARY

BNC Presentation of Grief

Wednesday 10:30am

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre will host an interactive education session on what grief looks like, how to support someone who is grieving, and self-care activities.

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

FRIDAY 31 JANUARY

Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company’s Back to the 80’s

Friday 7:30pm

From the era that brought the world the Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes the “totally awesome” musical, Back to the 80’s!

The Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company’s production of Back to the 80’s will be staged across two weekends with the opening night set for Friday 31 January!

Burdekin Theatre

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY

Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

Join Ayr State Primary School for a pictureperfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer!

To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.

Plantation Park

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY

BNC Burdekin Dementia Support Group

Tuesday 10am

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre will

host a support group for those experiencing dementia in their lives.

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

THURSDAY 6 FEBRUARY

BNC Burdekin Senior Computer Club

Thursday 9:30am

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre will host an educational computer club to support seniors’ journey into the digital age.

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY

Annual Alva Beach Golf Day

Saturday Midday

Get your teams together for one of Alva Beach’s most anticipated events of the year! With tee off scheduled for just after lunch, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club annually hosts an action-packed day to remember topped off with live music, prizes, a BBQ and bar!

Alva Beach

SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY

BBQ Breakfast

Sunday 8am

The community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircrafts, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $10 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information.

Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

Join the VVAA for an enjoyable morning overflowing with wonderful market stalls from handmade creations to delicious treats! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4783 6627.

Plantation Park

WEDNESDAY 19

FEBRUARY

Social and Networking Event

Wednesday 5:30pm

The community is invited to attend the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social

and Networking Event for an enriching evening of socialisation.

Home Hill Community Sports Club

FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY

BNC Burdekin Parkinsons

Support Group

Friday 9:30am

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre will host a support group for those experiencing Parkinsons in their lives.

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

SUNDAY 2 MARCH

Clean Up Australia Day

Sunday All Day

Clean Up Australia Day has been helping keep Australia beautiful for over 35 years! Members of the Burdekin community can either check with local groups and organisations or create their own clean-up crew to keep our streets, parklands, beaches, and surrounding areas pristine. For more information, visit www.cleanup.org.au.

Burdekin Area

SUNDAY 2 MARCH

Plantation Park Markets

Sunday 8am

Join Ayr State Primary School for a pictureperfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelling stallholders with everything from home baked treats to handmade creations on offer! To become a stallholder yourself contact 4790 3333.

Plantation Park

FRIDAY 7 MARCH

Creedence Clearwater Collective

Friday 7:30pm

The community is invited to a night of celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered to the songs they wrote for others. Tickets can be purchase on the Burdekin Theatre’s website.

Burdekin Theatre

Burdekin Clay Target Club Monthly Shoot

CLAY SHOOTING

Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday 12th January. Forty-one shooters braved the extreme heat, and the scores were exceptional in all grades. Congratulations to all the winners on the day, with a big thank you to Max and Julie Nicolaides, of Storage Sheds Ayr, for sponsoring event four.

Our next shoot will be on Sunday 9th February, followed by our ‘Come and Try Day’ on Saturday 22nd February.

Event 1-15 Target Medley 15m

AA Grade 1st Ron Clive, Joe Caruso, Ray Collinson 25/25

A Grade 1st David Stitt, Sylvia Rossato 24/25

B Grade 1st Peter Wade 25/25, 2nd Mick Populin 23/25

C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 23/25, 2nd Rob Ness, Laurie Luke 20/25

Event 2-20 Target Double Barrell 15m

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 20/20, 2nd Glen Rea, Ron Clive, Ray Collinson Aaron Lemphers and Wayne Cislowski 19/20

A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani 20/20, 2nd Colin Ferguson, Brontie Rea, Sylvia Rossato, Greg Maltby 19/20

B Grade 1st Sean Russell 20/20, 2nd John Kinni-

month and Mick Populin 19/20

C Grade 1st Rob Ness 19/20, 2nd Peter Delle Baite, Tim Ewens, Laurie Luke & Lynda Potter 18/20

Event 3-25 Target Pointscore 15m

AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 75/75

A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani 87/87

B Grade 1st Alf Gangemi 70/75

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 64/75

Event 4-25 Target Burdekin Single Barrel Championship

Sponsored by Max & Julie Nicolaides-Storage Sheds Ayr

OPEN 1st Ray Collinson 25/25

AA Grade 1st Ray Collinson 25/25

A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani 24/25

B Grade 1st Mick Populin 23/25

C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 21/25

Event 5-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

OPEN 1st Glen Rea 34/35

2nd Rob Mikkelsen 33/35

3rd John Kinnimonth 32/35

Pic 1, Event 3-25 Target Pointscore 15m – Brian Bonanno, Joe Sebastiani, Aaron Lemphers and Alf Gangemi. Photos supplied.

Pic 2, Event 4-25 Target Burdekin Single Barrel Championship (sponsored by Max & Julie Nico-laides Storage & Sheds Ayr) – Raymond Collinson, Joe Sebastiani, Mick Populin and Tim Ewens.

Pic 3, Event 5-25 Target Handicap – Glen Rea, Rob Mikkelsen and John Kinnimonth.

Netball Trials For Next Legacy Players

NETBALL

Back in the 70’s, Margaret and a group of friends formed a team in the newly established, Home Hill Netball Association. They named their team the ‘Bandits’ and set about creating their uniforms. With no professional designers, they bought fabric and used sewing machines to craft their dark green and black tunics.

Margaret played in various teams and represented Home Hill’s Green and Gold at numerous tournaments across Queensland, even travelling to Tasmania for games. Her commitment to the sport set the foundation for the club’s long history.

Fast forward to 2020, Lillea, at just six years old, joined Burdekin Netball, proudly wearing the same green and gold colours as her great-grandmother. As the club continues to thrive, this beautiful connection between generations is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the love for netball.

The Burdekin Netball Association is eagerly preparing for the 2025 season and is excited about the upcoming upgrades to their clubhouse and courts. These improvements will ensure that their facilities continue to support both current players and future generations for many years to come.

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club Weekend Beach Patrol at Alva Beach

SATURDAY 18TH 0F JANUARY

1.00PM TO 5.00PM

( Patrol Group A ) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Wicks.

SUNDAY 19TH 0F JANUARY

9.00AM TO 1.00PM

( Patrol Group B ) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson.

SUNDAY 19TH 0F JANUARY:

1.00PM TO 5.00PM

(Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale. Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.

To start your own legacy, the Silverlinks squad are hosting team trials at the Burdekin Netball Courts beginning on Monday, 27th of January. All positions are open for the Premier League, Division One and 18’s League teams for this year’s upcoming Townsville competitions.

The Burdekin Netball Association’s Annu-

al General Meeting, will be held at 10am, Friday 9 February, at the Burdekin Netball Association courts. All positions are vacant. Members and interested parties are encouraged to attend. For further information, please contact burdekinnetball@ gmail.com

Contributed with thanks by Kelli Loizou.

Welcome to 2025: Exciting Times Ahead For Ayr Bowling Club

The Ayr Bowling Club is rolling into 2025 with plenty of enthusiasm and a packed calendar of events. We’re kicking off the new year by inviting all members and the broader community, to come join us in celebrating Australia Day on Sunday 26 January at 1:00pm. Names down by 12:30pm. $10 a game.

The event promises to be a fantastic afternoon, with a classic Aussie sausage sizzle after the game, great company, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy some friend-

ly lawn bowls. Whether you’re a seasoned player or have never set foot on the green, there’s something for everyone. Wear your best Aussie gear but remember your flat soled shoes.

We’ve already had a fantastic start to the year, with 20 members enjoying a social bowls game under the cover on Saturday, 11th of January. It was a great afternoon filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some impressive bowling action. Winners on the day were: Donna Soper, John Pir-

BOWLS

rone, and Ray Wall.

If you’ve ever thought about giving lawn bowls a try, now’s your chance! We’re encouraging locals of all ages to visit the club on Saturdays or Wednesday nights to get a taste of the sport, in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our friendly members are always on hand to show you the ropes and share their love for the game.

Lawn bowls is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and be part of a fun and inclusive community. Whether you’re

looking to pick up a new hobby, reconnect with friends, or simply enjoy some outdoor time, the Ayr Bowling Club has something to offer.

So, mark your calendar for January 26 and come join the celebration. And remember, Saturday afternoon sessions are the perfect time to roll up and give bowls a go.

For more information, visit Ayr Bowling Club or find us on Facebook. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 on and off the green!

Margaret Gudge and her granddaughter, Lillea Levitt. Photo: Supplied

Netball Trials For Next Legacy Players

NETBALL

In 1970, Margaret Gudge became one of the founding members of the Home Hill Netball Club, later known as Burdekin Netball. Little did she know that five decades later, her great-granddaughter, Lillea Levitt, would join the club, continuing a remarkable family legacy. Lillea became the first-ever great-grandchild of a former player to sign up with Burdekin Netball in 2020.