Welcome to this week’s Mayor’s Update. Each week, we look to keep you informed about the latest Council developments, events, and initiatives. Your engagement and feedback are valuable; please see the details at the end of this notice if you would like to get in touch with myself or another divisional councillor.
The Dead Man’s Penny (Memorial Plaque Medallion)
On Saturday, 12 October 2024, the Eidsvold and District Historical Society Incorporated held its Annual General Meeting at the Eidsvold Museum Complex. The Society revealed it has been donated a “Dead Man’s Penny.”
The history of the “Dead Man’s Penny” began in 1916 when the British Government realised that some official token of gratitude should be given to the bereaved next of kin to fallen service men and women. In 1917, the government announced a competition with a prize of £250 to design a suitable plaque. There were 800 entries from all over the Empire
. The chosen design was a 12-centimetre diameter disk, cast in bronze, incorporating Britannia and her lions, two dolphins representing Britian’s sea power, and the emblem of Imperial Germany’s eagle being torn to pieces by another lion. Britannia holds a spray of oak leaves and acorns. The space in which the deceased’s name was engraved gave no rank as all were considered equal in their sacrifice. On the other edge of the disk were the words, “He Died for Freedom and Honour.” A parchment scroll of 27 x 17 cm headed by the Royal Coat of Arms accompanied the plaque.
“He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those that come after see that his name is not forgotten.”
Our community is privileged to be the custodians of this fascinating memorial plaque medallion, and it is a pleasure to share this part of history.
Australian Red Cross – Understanding Psychological First Aid
The Australian Red Cross is hosting free workshops to teach valuable skills, including how to help people affected by an emergency, disaster, or trauma, how to reduce initial distress and promote flexible coping, and how to encourage adjustment.
These face-to-face workshops will be conducted in three locations within our region, designed to give participants an understanding of support and how and when to provide psychological first aid.
- Mount Perry: Mount Perry Sports Complex – Tuesday, 5 November 2024, from 9am to 4pm
- Mundubbera: Mundubbera Community Hall – Thursday, 7 November 2024, from 9am to 4pm
- Biggenden: Biggenden Memorial Hall – Saturday, 9 November 2024, from 9am to 4pm
Register your interest at events.humanitix.com/host/nbrc or contact Council on 1300 696 272.
Online Payments Now Available
Council now provides the ability for customers to make payments online via our website using their credit card. Customers can pay:
- Rates
- Animal registrations
- Debtor invoices.
Simply enter your assessment number for rates payments, owner number for animal registrations, or account number for debtor payments, and follow the prompts. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Council on 1300 696 272.
Biggenden Women’s Shed Quiz Night
The Biggenden Women’s Shed held a lively, well-attended and fun Quiz Night on Saturday, 19 October 2024 at the Biggenden Memorial Hall. The evening was full of excitement and laughter as attendees arrived in creative fancy dress, adding a festive atmosphere to the event. Participants teamed up to compete in a series of quiz rounds, with prizes awarded to the top-performing groups. The event not only provided an opportunity for fun but also served as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the important work of the local Women’s Shed.
The night was a great success, highlighting the strong sense of community and commitment to supporting local initiatives in Biggenden.
Australia Day Nominations Opening Soon
Keep an eye out on Council’s social media and website for the announcement that the 2025 Australia Day nominations are open! If you know a person, community group, or a quiet achiever who makes an extraordinary contribution, this is a great way to say thanks by nominating them for an award.
Nominations will be accepted for:
- North Burnett Citizen of the Year
- North Burnett Young Citizen of the Year
- North Burnett Volunteer of the Year
- North Burnett Community Organisation of the Year
- North Burnett Cultural Award
- North Burnett Sportsperson of the Year
- North Burnett Service to Sport
In addition to the regional awards, a Local Legend Award will be presented to a citizen from each town of Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mundubbera, and Mount Perry, recognising individuals right across our region who make a lasting and positive impact in their local communities.
Civil Works Schedule
Below the Maintenance Schedule for week commencing 21 October 2024 – weather permitting.
Maintenance Grading –
- Zone 1: Goodys Road
- Zone 2: Folley Gully Road
- Zone 3: Aberfeldie Road, Jones Road and Netz North Branch Road
- Zone 4: Sunday Creek Road to Sandy Camp Road
- Zone 5: Yerilla Road
- Zone 6: Assisting Zone 7
- Zone 7: Redvale Road to Gravel Pit Access Road
- Zone 8: Emergent Works – Coonambula- Eidsvold Road, Riverleigh Station Road, Crisps Road, O’Bil O’Bil Road
Construction Crew –
- North: Monto Town Streets – Pavement Repairs
- South: Gayndah-Mount Perry Road – Maintenance Grade
Councillor Contacts
As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly on 0458 696 272, or cr.les.hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au or your Divisional Councillor, if you would like to address any concerns. Our contact details can be found on Council’s website: https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/meet-your-councillors.