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Burdekin Life Articles

Sad Ending, New BeginningsBurdekin Life Article - 23.05.24

Sad Ending, New Beginnings
Burdekin Life Article - 23.05.24

August 21, 2024
Some of our Burdekin MoveIT participants, with instructor Andrea Piotto Last Friday, the Burdekin Move IT Program came to an end, bringing up a lot of...
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Failure is just a step…Burdekin Life Article - 16.05.24

Failure is just a step…
Burdekin Life Article - 16.05.24

August 21, 2024
As a team, we're shifting our perspective on failures. Instead of dwelling on what we couldn't achieve, we're embracing them as stepping stones towards improvement. We...
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If a Community was a Cookie, how would we make it?Burdekin Life Article - 02.05.24

If a Community was a Cookie, how would we make it?
Burdekin Life Article - 02.05.24

August 21, 2024
The new cookies at Home Hill News and Café inspired this week's column. Coffee and Anzac biscuits from Alfie’s Bakery helped the ideas to flow. Basic...
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RipplesBurdekin Life Article - 25.04.24

Ripples
Burdekin Life Article - 25.04.24

August 21, 2024
The recent incident of a boating accident made the team at the Neighbourhood Centre think about the power of communities coming together. Family, friends, strangers, and...
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Mid-month Roundup at the Neighbourhood CentreBurdekin Life Article - 18.04.24

Mid-month Roundup at the Neighbourhood Centre
Burdekin Life Article - 18.04.24

August 21, 2024
At the Neighbourhood Centre, we love providing opportunities for the community to come together to increase their knowledge about various topics and, in turn, inform others...
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Navigating ChangeBurdekin Life Article - 11.04.24

Navigating Change
Burdekin Life Article - 11.04.24

August 21, 2024
Buddha tells us ‘That the only constant in life is change’.  Henry Ford says ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what...
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GIVE and TAKEBurdekin Life Article - 04.04.24

GIVE and TAKE
Burdekin Life Article - 04.04.24

August 21, 2024
Give and take, back and forth, exchanging energy, you only get out what you put in.  How ever you want to say it, creating a vibrant,...
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You MatterBurdekin Life Article - 28.03.24

You Matter
Burdekin Life Article - 28.03.24

August 21, 2024
This week, we wanted to share with you something that comes up a lot at the Neighbourhood Centre.  We often hear people say – “not that...
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The Art of Conversation – #letsgettalkingBurdekin Life Article - 21.03.24

The Art of Conversation – #letsgettalking
Burdekin Life Article - 21.03.24

August 21, 2024
Have you ever been lost for words or not know how to start or conduct a conversation? You are not alone - it happens to us...
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What’s our Role?Burdekin Life Article - 14.03.24

What’s our Role?
Burdekin Life Article - 14.03.24

August 21, 2024
Did you know that the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre links the community with various services, social groups, and community organisations? Neighbourhood Centres are places where people meet...
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Communication is KeyBurdekin Life Article - 07.03.24

Communication is Key
Burdekin Life Article - 07.03.24

August 21, 2024
At the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, we believe that communication is incredibly important for any community to thrive. When people can communicate effectively, they can connect with...
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Where do you go?Burdekin Life Article - 29.02.24

Where do you go?
Burdekin Life Article - 29.02.24

August 21, 2024
You don’t know what you don’t know.  Makes sense, right? But where do you go when you need to know something?  Ever thought about popping into...
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What makes a Compassionate Community?Burdekin Life Article - 22.02.24

What makes a Compassionate Community?
Burdekin Life Article - 22.02.24

August 21, 2024
A couple of weeks ago, we touched on the idea of a Compassionate Community and rallying around to provide a support network for people experiencing challenges...
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Who is Your Priority?Burdekin Life Article - 15.02.24

Who is Your Priority?
Burdekin Life Article - 15.02.24

August 21, 2024
If you were asked the question, “Who is your priority?” where would you place yourself on your list? Putting ourselves before our loved ones and other...
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What is the RIGHT help – can we work together to make our community resilient?Burdekin Life Article - 08.02.24

What is the RIGHT help – can we work together to make our community resilient?
Burdekin Life Article - 08.02.24

July 22, 2024
The start of 2024 has been a bit of a wild ride for all of us.  We have come out from ex-TC Kirrily with a few...
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Groups are ready to go for 2024Burdekin Life Article - 01.02.24

Groups are ready to go for 2024
Burdekin Life Article - 01.02.24

July 22, 2024
BNC Admin Staff - Susan and Marisa With the busy Christmas season behind us, many of us are looking to resume interests and social outings.    Burdekin...
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What is Community Development?Burdekin Life Article - 25.01.24

What is Community Development?
Burdekin Life Article - 25.01.24

July 22, 2024
Community Development is many things to many people.  However, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre embodies a system of bringing people together to encourage conversations that lead to...
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Can you Move It?Burdekin Life Article - 18.01.24

Can you Move It?
Burdekin Life Article - 18.01.24

July 22, 2024
Keep yourself fit and healthy by joining the "Move It Burdekin" program, offered by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in collaboration with Burdekin Shire Council. This program...
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Do You Have What We Are Looking For?Burdekin Life Article - 11.01.24

Do You Have What We Are Looking For?
Burdekin Life Article - 11.01.24

July 22, 2024
The Neighbourhood Centre is looking for community members who would like to help us make a positive impact in the Burdekin community. We need people with...
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Social Interaction and WellbeingBurdekin Life Article - 04.01.24

Social Interaction and Wellbeing
Burdekin Life Article - 04.01.24

April 24, 2024
Are you thinking of making a New Year's resolution to improve your overall well-being? Why not make being more sociable your goal? Numerous studies have shown...
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Vice President: Kay Duggan

Kay has been an active member of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since 1995 when she began volunteering in the Centre's Vacation Care Program. Kay has a background in administration and worked for CSR (now Wilmar). Her love for sports led her to play hockey and squash, and she is a Life Member of the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association (1982) and the Ayr Squash Rackets Association (1981), and she continues to be involved with the juniors in Burdekin hockey. Kay has served as the President of the Burdekin Neighborhood Centre from 2010 - 2024.

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Treasurer: Elvie Dickinson

Elvie Dickinson has been associated with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since 1993. She served as the first paid Coordinator of the Centre from 1994 to 1998 and has been an active member of the Managing Committee since her retirement. In recognition of her service to the community through the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Elvie was awarded the Centenary Medal for Service by the Queensland Governor General in 2001. Elvie played a key role in establishing the Parkinson's Support Group in Ayr, which meets at the Centre monthly. Since 2001, she has held the position of Treasurer of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.

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Cr Fina Vasta

Fina was elected as a counsellor to the Burdekin Shire Council in 2024 and joined our Committee at the same time. She has been employed at the Ayr Police Station in an Administrative role since 1998. She was born and raised in Ayr and has a vast knowledge of the community. She hopes to bring some of that knowledge to the Centre. Fina enjoys walking and cooking.

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Bev Garioch

Since 2008, Bev has been actively involved with Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and has assumed various roles within the Committee over the years. Having garnered a wealth of experience in the retail sector of the district, she has been associated with the family jewellery business for 23 years. Additionally, she has co-owned and operated a Convenience Store. Bev has been a committee member of the Burdekin Basketball Association, Squash, and is currently associated with Lawn Bowls. She has also worked with APEX and volunteered at Meals on Wheels. At our Centre, Bev is a part of the Crochet Group and volunteers her time, sharing her talent and knowledge with others.

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Centre Coordinator: Natalie Saroglia

Natalie has been with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since 1997, occupying various positions such as Committee Member, Volunteer, Administration Officer, and Coordinator. Initially, a music teacher, Natalie joined the Board as a Youth Advisory member. In 2003, Natalie assumed the role of Coordinator, and since then, she has acquired a Cert IV in Frontline Management and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management. Natalie has held several roles in the sector at the local, regional, and state levels. She finds joy in the community engagement aspect of her position at the Centre. Natalie has a keen interest in photography and endeavours to incorporate it into her work wherever possible.

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Finance Administration: Kim Williams

Kim has served as the Finance Administration Officer since 1995. She holds a Diploma in Children's Services and has worked in the Childcare Industry for many years. In addition to her roles as an administrator at the Ayr Community and Home Hill Community Kindergartens, Kim spends four afternoons a week with the kindy cherubs at the Home Hill Kindergarten. Kim enjoys spending time outside of work with her adult children and spoiling her two grandchildren.

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Frontline Administration: Susan Holznagel

Susan has been employed as a Frontline Administration Officer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since January 2014. A lifelong resident of the Burdekin region, Susan's prior administrative experience was acquired while working as a Medical Administrator for a local Doctor's Surgery. Susan’s forte is her warm personality and instinctive empathy when someone is feeling down.

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Frontline Administration: Marisa O’Shea

Marisa has been employed as a Frontline Administration Officer at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre since August 2021. A lifelong resident of the Burdekin region, Marisa maintains strong ties to the community and is our “go-to” person when working out who is who in the community. Marisa brings an extensive background in administration gained through employment with various financial organisations. Marisa is an excellent organiser and keeps us all on track.

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MyTime Burdekin Coordinator: Gwen Marshall

Gwen has been a part of the MyTime Burdekin Program for 15 years and has recently transitioned to the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in October 2022. Prior to this, MyTime Burdekin was under the banner of CPL. A resident of Burdekin for the last 26 years, Gwen is Chappie at a private primary school. In addition to her current role at the Centre, Gwen also works for the Salvation Army.

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MyTime Burdekin Assistant: Angela Williams

Angela joined the MyTime Burdekin program mid 2023 as a Play Assistant.  Angela has four years of experience as a disability support worker. She is a stay-at-home mum and operates a home-baking business, mostly making birthday cakes. Angela enjoys cooking and baking for her family and the community.

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President: Denise Wallace

Denise has been involved with the Centre since 2021 and has held several roles within the Committee. Denise has over 20 years of experience in the Childcare industry, running her own business within the Kids Club Service Industry. 

Born and raised in the Burdekin, she spent several years interstate & intrastate before returning to raise her family here. In her younger years, she was an active Basketball and Hockey player. 

Denise’s life experiences have instilled in her a strong desire to empower the community to find solutions and make every day as fulfilling as possible. Her wealth of knowledge and expertise make her an asset to the organisation. 

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Mary Pattison

Mary was invited to come along to some Board Meetings during 2023 as a potential board member and was so impressed by the volume of activity in the Centre that she stayed and joined the board at the end of 2023. She credits the warm welcome of the amazing people serving on the board to keep the Centre pumping as a plus for her decision.

Mary has enjoyed a 40-year career as a Primary school teacher here in the Burdekin and now takes an active role in many Community groups.  She is President of the Catholic Women's League in Ayr, helps the Burdekin Singers at their productions each year, and runs a community sing-along each week at the Queens Hotel with her friend Sandra.  Mary is a proud supporter of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre and is keen to promote any activity within the Centre.

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Leonie Harch

Leonie joined the board in late 2023 after attending several meetings as a potential board member. Leonie has over 30 years’ experience in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector and has been self-employed for over 13 years in Ayr.

Leonie’s community activities include volunteering on different junior sports groups and P & C’s, along with Vice-President of the Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations (QCPCA) – Northern Region.

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Patrice Ferguson

Patrice is Burdekin born and bred.  During her working career, Patrice has held a variety of high level local administrative positions.  Patrice holds a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management).  In her personal life, Patrice with her husband Ken, instigated the Eureka Riders Social Club, a local social motor-bike club.  In her leisure time Patrice enjoys getting creative and learning Pottery, Ceramics, Folk Art and Glass Painting.  Since retiring, Patrice is a Volunteer Tourism Adviser at The Burdekin Gateway Visitor Information Centre located on Railway Avenue in Home Hill and The Burdekin Visitor Information Centre located in Plantation Park on the Bruce Highway in Ayr. She looks forward to working with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre.

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Karen Gilmore

Karen has always lived in the Burdekin region and has been involved in various ports and community volunteer organisations. She has held multiple positions, such as Treasurer of the Burdekin Basketball Association, P&C School Committee member, Relay for Life Committee member, Treasurer of the Catholic Women's League Ayr Branch, and Treasurer of the Catholic Women's League Townsville Diocese.

Karen has had an extensive career in administration and has operated her own cleaning industry business. She loves spending time with her family, travelling, walking her dogs, and swimming in the sea.

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