Community Information

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Senior Sports Person of the Year
• Junior Sports Person of the Year
• Sports Administrator Award
• Sportsperson with a Disability Award
• Senior Cultural Award
• Junior Cultural Award

How to nominate:

Please complete the attached form and post or fax it to the address listed below, by 4pm on the closing date of Friday 20th December, 2013.

Burdekin Shire Council
145 Young Street
AYR  QLD  4807
Fax : 4783 9999 

Supporting documentation may also be provided with your nomination form if you feel it will assist the judges in making their decision.  Supporting documentation can include items such as personal references, photographs, samples of work, portfolios, articles etc.

Please do not supply originals of supporting documentation, as all documentation will be retained by the Burdekin Shire Council. 

Eligibility in Categories:

All nominees must be a resident of the Burdekin Shire at the time of nomination

Citizen of the Year
Nominees must be 26 years of age or older as at 26^th January, 2014

Young Citizen of the Year
Nominees must be aged between 16-25 years of age as at 26^th January, 2014

Community Event of the Year
Nominated events must have been held in Burdekin Shire during the calendar year of 2013

Senior Sports Person of the Year
Nominees must be 18 years of age or older as at 26^th January, 2014

Junior Sports Person of the Year
Nominees must be under the age of 18 years as at 26^th January, 2014

Sports Administrator Award
Nominees must be a duly appointed Coach, Official or Administrator

Sportsperson with a Disability
Nominees may be any age with a medically diagnosed disability

Junior Cultural Award
Nominees must be under the age of 18 years as at 26^th January, 2014

Judging Process

Nominations will be reviewed by the appointed judging panel.  The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Award Recipients

Award recipients will be announced at a ceremony during our Australia Day Celebrations to be held at the Burdekin Theatre on Sunday, 26^th January, 2014.

Enquiries

Enquiries should be directed to Tony Vaccaro on 4783 9800.

How can I become an Australian Citizen?

You need to make an application to become an Australian Citizen. The Federal Government Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs is responsible for Australian Citizenship and processes all applications.

How long does the citizenship process take?

Council is not involved in the processing of applications. If you have submitted an application and you would like to check on how it is proceeding, you should contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs on 131 880. The Department will advise you in writing once your application has been approved, and forward your certificate to Council so that you can attend a citizenship ceremony.

Is there a fee involved?

Yes. The fee is payable to the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs. To find out what the current fee is, you should contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs on 131 880.

Where can I obtain a citizenship application form?

Council has application packages available for your convenience. You can obtain a package from Council’s Administration Building or request us to mail one to you. Alternatively, you may contact the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs on 131 880 or visit their website http://www.citizenship.gov.au/The application package contains further information and a guide on how to apply.

Do I have to attend a citizenship ceremony to become a citizen?

Yes. All successful applicants for Australian Citizenship must attend a ceremony and make their pledge to Australia.

When are the citizenship ceremonies held?

Council holds a ceremony, each year on Australia Day, either at the Burdekin Theatre or the Burdekin Memorial Hall in conjunction with other Australia Day festivities. Usually another one or two ceremonies are held throughout the year in the Council Chambers.

Can I bring my family and friends to the ceremony?

Yes. You can bring family and/or friends. Guests for ceremonies held on Australia Day would need to purchase tickets. Numbers are limited for other ceremonies held in the Council Chambers due to the space available. You will also need to let us know the number of guests you will be bringing for catering purposes.

For an information pack call into the Customer Service Centre at the Burdekin Shire Council.

A community contact list of local groups and organisations.

Burdekin Shire Council has a Community Events Sign located in Plantation Park, Ayr on the Bruce Highway.

Its purpose is to assist in the promotion of Burdekin events to the community and tourists.

As part of the Burdekin Shire Council’s commitment to supporting a broad range of community events, the Community Event Sign can be utilised by community and not-for-profit groups conducting events in the Shire.

Please use the following Guidelines and Processes to arrange a community event sign for your organisation.

Application Form

• Your organisation will need to complete a Community Event Sign Application Form. On the Application Form, some background information on the event, the organising body, the time period to display the message, and the wording is required.
• Applications for the use of display space on the Community Events Sign will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Display Board Responsibility

Applicant group is responsible for:

• Providing accurate and complete information on the Application Form;
• Ensuring application is lodged at least two months prior to the event date, including the display board design for approval by Burdekin Shire Council;
• Creation and production of signwriting for display board and all associated costs. (Screen-printing on a sign 2400mm x 1800mm is approximately $400);
• Costs for updating its display board with new dates each year.

Burdekin Shire Council is responsible for:

• Advising of the success of the application or otherwise;
• Supplying the applicant group with the specially manufactured blank display board at no cost;
• Installation and removal of the display board; and
• Storage of the display board.

When not on display, the board will be stored by Burdekin Shire Council for the Group’s use the following year, when the Group will only be required to complete a Community Event Sign Update Form and cover the costs of the dates on the display board to be changed by a local signwriter.

Display Board Specifications

• The board is made from AluGBond (supplied by Burdekin Shire Council);
• The size of the display board is 2400mm x 1800mm (made up of 2 (1200 x 1800mm) panels;
• The board will appear in a standardised way. (2400mm wide by 1800mm high)
• Your group will be required to produce the design to be printed/painted on the display board. It is a requirement that your group does this in conjunction with a local signwriter of your choice, who will also be required to print/paint the design on the display board.
• Burdekin Shire Council MUST approve all display board designs prior to them being printed/painted by a local signwriter.
• Your group will be required to cover the cost of the printing/painting by the local signwriter.
• Burdekin Shire Council will erect your display board, remove it after the event has occurred and will store it.
• For annual events, your group will be required to cover the costs of updating the dates of its event on your display board each year.

Display Time

• The length of time that your group’s display board will be erected will depend on the number of applicants for that period, and will be at the discretion of the Burdekin Shire Council.

Eligibility

To be eligible to display your event message on the Community Event Sign, events must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Completed application form must be received at least two months prior to the chosen display date;
• The event organising body must be based in the Shire or provide services to people within the Shire;
• Events must be open to all residents of the Shire;
• Applicants must hold current Public Liability Insurance sufficient for the proposed event;
• All events promoted on the Community Event Sign must occur within Burdekin Shire.

Priority Groups

In approving applications, Council will consider the following:

• Council-initiated events
• Council-supported events (supported through partnerships or direct funding)
• Community Events

They will be assessed using the following priority criteria:

1. Have the potential to attract large crowds of participants;
2. Involve a wide range of local community groups eg. local arts, cultural and ethnic groups;
3. Have demonstrated the ability to host the event;
4. Offer something significant or entirely new to Burdekin Shire Council residents; and
5. Are accessible to all residents.

Terms and conditions

• Burdekin Shire Council will develop a system of space allocation, based on the priority groups, and take into account previous access to the Community Event Sign.
• The display board message, if accepted, may be complemented with a listing in the Community Calendar or the Burdekin Shire Council website.
• Burdekin Shire Council reserves the right not to accept or promote any events that could involve the Burdekin Shire Council in a controversial issue or expose Council to adverse criticism.
• Should the applicant or any of its sponsors be regarded as inappropriate under the following, then the application for promotion will not be accepted:
• An event that is at odds with local government policy directly or indirectly;
• An event that does not meet the community standards relating to “good taste”;
• Any products or services which are at odds with Burdekin Shire Council’s duty of care, aims or objectives.
• Burdekin Shire Council is responsible for your event sign while it is displayed in Plantation Park.
• In all instances, Burdekin Shire Council reserves the right not to accept an application for space on the Community Event Sign.
• Burdekin Shire Council will not be held responsible for the conduct of the event.

Who to Contact

For additional information about displaying your information on the Community Events Sign…

Please contact the Customer Service Centre using the Online Contact Form.

You can also contact the Customer Service Centre using one of the following methods.

Burdekin’s Community Information Centre is located at 119 Queen Street, Ayr.  Phone contact is 4783 7633.

The council maintains databases of Businesses, Community Organisations and Sports and Recreation Organisations within the area.  There is also a Burial Register that includes details of all the burials and reservations at the Ayr and Home Hill cemeteries.

Disaster preparedness is critical when living in the tropical north, and within these pages you will find all the information you will need to be prepared.

Cyclone, Flood and Storm Tide Disaster Management

During times of disaster such as cyclones, flooding etc. the Burdekin Shire Council Local Disaster Coordination Centre is activated at the discretion of the Chairperson of the Local Disaster Management Group or delegate. The centre may also be activated at the request of the Local Disaster Coordinator or the District Disaster Management Group or the District Disaster Coordinator.

Once the Centre is activated the local contact number for the Burdekin Shire Council will also become the Local Disaster Coordination Centre number. This number is 4783 9800 and will be activated and widely publicised through local radio.

Burdekin Shire Council Local Disaster Management Group

Under the Disaster Management Act 2006 local government must establish a Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) for the local government’s area. The Burdekin Shire Council’s LDMG is chaired by the Mayor of the Burdekin Shire Council, and includes Executive Council Officers, representatives from Police, Fire, Ambulance, SES, health, tourism and other advisory members as required.

Council’s disaster management adviser is the Local Disaster Coordinator. The Local Disaster Coordinator also coordinates the disaster management and disaster risk management planning, development and staff training for the Burdekin Shire.

The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group is responsible to the DDMG for:

• Developing disaster management arrangements and allocating responsibilities
• Coordinating operations
• Preparing disaster management plans for the Burdekin Shire
• Establishing and maintaining a local emergency service.

Burdekin Shire Local Disaster Management Plan

Under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2003, Burdekin Shire Council must prepare a Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP) to address the disaster management needs of the Shire. The Burdekin Shire LDMP ensures that:

1. community risks related to events are effectively managed;
2. risks requiring district level support are identified and communicated to the district level;
3. the local government and local groups comply with their disaster management obligations under the Disaster Management Act 2003 and other obligations related to disaster management that the local government determines.

The plan aims to achieve prevention, preparedness, response and recovery objectives in accordance with the values of the disaster management strategic framework:

• Protecting health, safety, quality of life and economic vitality
• Building and maintaining partnerships and collaboration across all levels of government, community and industry, in all aspects of disaster management
• Protecting our natural and built environment
• Respecting the diversity of Queensland communities
• Ensuring accountability and transparency of the Queensland disaster management arrangements

What type of funding is available for local sporting and cultural organisations and individuals?

Grants for Excellence in Sports and Cultural Activities

Burdekin Shire Council has a policy of providing financial assistance to individuals selected for State or National representation.

The type of assistance is aimed at assisting local juniors who have been selected for representative fixtures or partly assisting with travel costs.

A scale of assistance has been established.

Individual applicants must be residents of Burdekin Shire or full time students whose supporting parents reside in the Burdekin Shire.

An individual is limited to one grant per sport per financial year, unless selected for higher honours.

Applicants must be under the age of 18 years or bonda fide students in full- time education who have been selected for State or National representation.

Applications may be submitted at any time.

Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

Regional Arts Development Fund, run in partnership with Arts Queensland, provides funding for artistic projects, concept development, individual professional development and skills development.

There are two rounds per year.

Additional Information

• Grants and Subsidies Funding Opportunities for Organisations and Business

Who to Contact

Phone Janice Horan for more details on (07) 4783 9800.

Location

Pioneer Avenue is located in the central business district in Eighth Avenue, Home Hill from Sixth Street to Tenth Street.

Who can apply for a plaque?

Person/persons who have settled in the Burdekin Delta Region before 1925.

What is required?

An applicant shall provide appropriate evidence to Council, of settlement prior to 1925. Eg: Extract from a reputable text, Birth, Marriage or Death Certificate.

A brief local history of the pioneer is to be provided.

Cost:

Descendants of the pioneer will be required to make a contribution to the project. The level of contribution is currently $750.00 (per plaque).

Council will co-ordinate the project and carry out ongoing maintenance.

Please contact Eliza Lovell or Tammy Quagliata for any enquiries by phoning 4783 9800 or email .

The Burdekin Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a State and Local Government Partnership in regional arts and cultural development.

Closing dates

There are two funding rounds each year which are advertised in the local newspaper.

Round 1 – May – for projects commencing after 1 August

Round 2 – November – for projects commencing after 1 February

What is RADF

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports arts and cultural development at the local level through regional Queensland. RADF is a partnership between participating local councils and the Queensland Government, improving the quality of life and generating a potent force for regional renewal.

How does RADF work?

Each year Burdekin Shire Council lodges a bid for funding with Arts Queensland. If approved, Arts Queensland provides 60% of the bid, and Council 40%. RADF invites grant applications from the community twice annually – in May and November.

RADF Committee members assess the grant applications according to RADF guidelines and the Council’s art and cultural development policy and recommend which applicants they consider should receive funding and how much. The RADF Liaison Officer presents their recommendations to Council. Council ratifies the committee decisions and the funds are distributed.

Applications for funding must be made to Council on the appropriate RADF form.

Categories of RADF Funding

Developing Regional Skills

For individual professional artists and artsworkers living in regional Queensland to attend professional development seminars or activities; master-classes; mentorships with recognised arts and cultural peers; and placements with recognised arts and cultural organisations.

• RADF grants will support intrastate and interstate activities only.
• Arts Queensland’s Individual Professional Development grants support international activities.
• Assistance is available for up to 65 per cent of the total costs to a maximum of $1000 for Queensland travel and $2000 for national travel.

Councils may also support Quick-Response Grants under this category for:

• opportunities for professional development that unexpectedly become available out of the normal local RADF rounds
• applications usually up to six weeks before the event/activity.

Building Community Cultural Capacity

For community groups to engage a professional artist or artsworker to work with them on developing their arts practice or to run arts development workshops or community projects.

• RADF grants will support travel, accommodation and fees associated with employing professional artists or artsworkers to work on community projects or workshops in the local community.
• Assistance is available for up to 65 per cent of the total costs of the project or workshop.
• This category is also open to councils that wish to assume a co-ordination role for projects.

Interest Free Art Loans

For arts activities that will generate an income greater than the amount of the loan, and where no other funding source is available.

• RADF Interest-free Arts Loans will support activities that can demonstrate a prior commitment from a distributor or producer, e.g. a publisher, gallery or venue that can confirm and substantiate revenue forecasts.
• The total amount of the loan must be paid back at the conclusion of the activity.

Cultural Tourism

For projects and activities that focus on communities’ locally distinct arts, culture and heritage both for members of that community and for visitors.  RADF grants can support initiatives and activities that focus on:

• product development by professional artists, either as individuals or in partnership with individual community members or community groups marketing of professional artistic product.

Contemporary Collections/Stories

To preserve and provide access to locally held collections of significance, and collect and tell local stories from the past and the present that can demonstrate state and/or local significance. The priorities for this category are proposals for post-1960 heritage and Indigenous stories that can demonstrate strong community participation and ownership.

• RADF grants can support:
• Documentation, preservation, interpretation projects and collection management training through community-based workshops community stories, which can be documented in a variety of forms and mediums, including plays, videos, artwork, digital exhibitions, education programs, oral histories and publications.
• Community organisations such as historical societies, museums, libraries, archives, galleries, Indigenous and migrant community groups which collect and provide public access to their cultural heritage collections are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must provide a statement of significance with their applications.

Regional Partnerships

To encourage innovative and energising arts projects where artists, communities and councils work together in their community, or in partnership with another community, to achieve enhanced outcomes from RADF grants.

RADF grants will support projects that can demonstrate a partnership between:

• artists and local industry
• artists and community arts organisations
• artists and non-arts community organisations
• cross-council collaborations.

This category is also open to councils.

Concept Development

To develop arts research ideas and project proposals to the implementation stage and identify funding sources outside of RADF to implement project proposals. RADF grants will support individuals and groups who wish to engage in professional research and the development of ideas and project proposals to the implementation stage. No specific artform product is required. However, the project should demonstrate how it will contribute to future arts development.

Potential funding sources for the implementation of the project must be identified prior to making an application and must be noted in the application form.

This category is also open to councils.

Arts Policy Development and Impementation

To support councils to:

• develop cultural policy, cultural mapping, visioning and planning proposals
• partner on regional cultural policy co-ordination activities
• cross-regional cultural planning
• development of cultural tourism plans
• community consultation, facilitation and preparation of the documents (but not publishing)
• RADF Committee training.

Application Forms

The forms listed below can be filled out and returned to the Burdekin Shire Council. The documents below are in PDF format and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the documents.

Click below to download:

• RADF Applicant Guidlines
• RADF Application Form
• RADF Applicant Outcome Report
• RADF Eligibility Checklist for Professionals & Emerging Professional Artists
• Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Request Form

Who can submit grant applications to the Burdekin RADF committee?

The program supports locally determined regional arts and cultural development opportunities by providing discrete, short term, project based financial assistance.

Individuals and organisations are encouraged to seek assistance for:

• Professional services to amateur arts activity
• Travel costs associated with local artists attending specialised seminars/workshops in major centres for the purpose of individual professional development;
• Professional components of activities such as residencies, productions, commissions, exhibitions, short term workshops, research and promotion;
• Networking, training and professional development for local artsworkers.

Successful Applicants

All successful applicants are required to acknowledge Burdekin Shire Council and Arts Queensland in all publicity. Please be sure to read the Arts Queensland Acknowledgement Protocol.

Arts Queensland Acknowledgement protocol

Arts Queensland logo

Burdekin Shire Council crest

Outcome Report Forms

Successful applicants, upon completion of their project will be required to complete and submit an Outcome Report. It is important for successful applicants to complete the form correctly.

The form below can be filled out and returned to the Burdekin Shire Council. The document is in PDF format and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.

Click below to fill out and or download:

• RADF Applicant Outcome Report

Committee Members

Your Burdekin RADF Liaison Officer is:

Mrs Janice Horan
Phone : 4783 9836
Fax : 4783 9999
Email :

Burdekin Shire Council supports a range of services which foster the social well-being and health needs of the community.  These services are listed below.

The Burdekin Community Association Inc. (BCA)

BCA provides assistance to the aged, families, children and individuals who are suffering hardship and distress in the Burdekin.

BCA’s Vision is “to provide leadership in the field of community services and become the provider of choice by residents and referring agencies when seeking community services in the Burdekin region”.

For further information visit The Burdekin Community Association Inc. website.

Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc. (Member of Zonta International)
“Advancing the Status of Women Worldwide”

Zonta International was founded in 1919 as a network of executives and professionals in business to advance the status of women worldwide. 

The Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc. provides support on women’s health issues and domestic violence related problems.

Looking for SUPPORT for Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence?
24 Hour Help Lines

To find out what is happening in the Burdekin view the local Calendar of Events or read about the following major events in the area.

Major Local Events