Our Programs and Groups

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre offers ongoing programs to financial members of the organisation.

A membership covers all family members who reside in the same household. Application forms for membership and additional information about the Centre can be obtained from the reception desk during office hours.

2024 Membership Fee:

$11.00 per year (1st January to 31st December)

Office Hours:

Monday to Thursday – 9 am to 4 pm
Friday – 9 am to 12 noon

Free Community Legal Advice

Ph: 07 4783 4243

Residents of Burdekin can access free legal advice through our partnership with local solicitor firms in Ayr. Appointments are available on the first week of every month, either on Tuesday or Thursday (depending on the solicitor firm’s roster).

To schedule an appointment, please call or visit the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Office during office hours.

Please note: Appointments are limited and currently only every two months

Be Connected

Ph: 07 4783 4243

Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative to increase older Australians’ confidence, skills, and online safety in using digital technology. The program adopts a family and community-centred approach to target those aged 50 years and over with minimal or no engagement with digital technology.

In conjunction with the Burdekin Seniors’ Computer Club, the Centre provides free face-to-face sessions with a mentor by appointment only. Please contact the Centre during business hours for an appointment.

My Aged Care Navigator

Ph: 07 4783 4243

Our team of trained My Aged Care volunteers can provide you with valuable information one-on-one or in a group setting. They can also guide and assist you in understanding the registration process, Home Care Packages, and other aspects of the My Aged Care system.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling our Centre or visiting us during office hours.

My Time Burdekin

Ph: 07 4783 4243

MyTime is a program available across Australia that offers support to individuals who care for a child with a disability or chronic medical condition, including mothers, fathers, and grandparents. The program provides a safe and relaxing environment where caregivers can unwind and share their experiences with others in similar situations. A facilitator is available to help caregivers access local services and reliable information.

The MyTime Group meets monthly in various local parks for family outings with a play helper, where the group enjoys morning tea and lunch. The group alternates between carers’ meetings and whole family activities.

For more information, please contact the Centre during business hours. Additionally, the MyTime Group has a Facebook page.

BNC Emergency Relief Assistance

Ph: 07 4783 4243

The Centre has an Emergency Relief Assistance program for vulnerable community members in the Burdekin region. Assistance may be provided to meet basic needs, including food vouchers and contributions to fuel, chemist, and utility bill expenses.

All requests for assistance depend on available funds and are by appointment. At this stage, the centre does not have the capacity to carry stocks of food, clothing, or other household items.

Please contact the centre on (07) 4783 4243 to arrange an appointment.

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre Crochet

Ph: 07 4783 4243

Learn to crochet or share your knowledge in a relaxed and friendly environment. Participate in volunteer projects to donate to local groups and charities in need.

When: Every Monday
Time: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: $2.00 per class, including afternoon tea

Burdekin Dementia Support Group

Ph: 07 4783 4243

Support for carers, families, friends, neighbours, and people with dementia to come together, share and provide information about dementia.

When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $2.00 per session, including morning tea

Burdekin Seniors’ Computer Club

Ph: 07 4783 4243

We encourage the sharing and development of knowledge of computing and digital technologies among senior community members.

When: First & Third Thursday of each month
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Cost: $2.00 per class, including morning tea

Burdekin Support Group of Parkinson’s Qld

Ph: 07 4783 4243

This is a support group for people with Parkinson’s, their carers, family, and friends who are facing similar challenges. It allows everyone to share feelings, resources, and experiences.

When: Fourth Friday of the month
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $2.00 per session, including morning tea

S.H.IN.E – Seniors’ Health & INteractive Exercise Program

Ph: 07 4783 4243

This program promotes health and wellbeing for seniors through movement and social connection opportunities. An accredited instructor facilitates physical activity, including circuit training, shadow boxing, seated yoga, dancing, and brain exercises.

When: Every Monday and Wednesday (8 week block starting 30.09.24)
Time: 11:15 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: $10.00 per session (to be paid upfront). Total cost: 1 day – $80, 2 days – $160

Light refreshments will be provided

New participants in the program will need to fill out a registration form and answer health questions.

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 since 2010.

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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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Community Development Officer: Jenny Cummings

Jenny first started with the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in July 2021, as a student in a 500-hour professional placement program from James Cook University. Following placement, Jenny continued to volunteer and was offered the position of Community Development Officer at the Centre after finishing her studies in early November 2022. Jenny’s academic background includes a Master of Social Work (PQ), and a Bachelor of Communication (Distinction), and she is currently completing a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. Jenny is an Emergency Service volunteer with several organisations. Additionally, Jenny works as a Casual Disaster Management Officer for the Burdekin Shire Council.

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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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Vice 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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Secretary: Patrice Ferguson

Coming Soon.

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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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