Meet Burnett’s most influential people of 2024
From community organisers and lifestyle bloggers to sports stars and musicians, Burnett has been home to many inspiring rural influencers. Meet 20 amazing people making a difference.
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From community-driven social group organisers and lifestyle bloggers to chefs, beauticians, sports figures, and even a children’s musician.
Burnett’s diverse influencers capture the essence of rural life, sharing perspectives on community, agriculture and life itself.
Here we have highlighted 20 of Burnett’s rural influencers making a difference across the region and beyond in no particular order.
Lynda Connolly, Wondai and Surrounds Community Share
Lynda Connolly has made a name for herself in the region for her dedication to the facebook group, Wondai and Surrounds Community Share, which she founded 10 months ago, after moving to South Burnett from a farm in Orkabie (south of Mackay).
“We had barely moved in and started renovations on our run-down farm and house when I decided I was going to create my community; my tribe,” Lynda said.
“So, I started the Facebook page (Wondai and Surrounds Community Share); the backbone of which is ‘to create community through food security’.”
With more than 1500 members, the group has expanded greatly since it started up early last year.
“I guess you could say people of the South Burnett are somewhat concerned about food security and are craving community connection; just like I was,” she said.
“I enjoy inspiring and sharing my knowledge with others and helping guide them towards a life of connection with fellow people, the land and themselves and I feel honoured that so many people nominated me (as one of Burnett’s most influential rural personalities).”
Tee’s Homegrown – Working with Nature
Fostering a community of green enthusiasts since June 2022, the founder of Tee’s Homegrown – Working with Nature, is a self proclaimed permaculture, biodynamic, and bio fermentation guru.
Referred to by her nickname Tee, the South Burnett local started the page to assist people in the region who were interested in growing food organically, especially those unsure about the process.
She wanted to share methods of cultivating food without using fertilisers and chemicals, showing that successful cultivation is possible even in challenging soil conditions like those on the mountain in Wattle Camp.
Now reaching more than 1300 followers on Facebook, Tee feels very humbled by the support she has received from the community.
“I had no idea that the page would actually get more than 50 people; I think there is a need for healthy eating and food production out there and I was able to fill it,” she said.
Kira Young, social media influencer
A Kingaroy-based family and lifestyle TikTok content creator with more than 4400 followers and 160k+ likes, Kira Young is known for offering an authentic and relatable perspective on parenthood, challenging the idealised portrayal often seen on social media.
“I noticed a lot of influencers portrayed the perfect lifestyle and routines, and I wanted to show another side of that, that parenting is hard and it’s okay to be hard sometimes,” Kira said.
“I wanted to create something that the everyday mother can relate to.”
Kira Young kicked off her TikTok during Covid but got serious about it in January 2023.
Now, her videos regularly pull in hundreds of views.
“I was surprised I was nominated because I’m just some random person making TikToks and trying to give an insight into the realities of being a mum in her 30s,” she said.
“I think I was nominated because people like seeing that everyone really is just in the same boat.”
“It’s totally okay to just wing parenthood sometimes, it’s okay to laugh and not take things so seriously all the time and I think that sums me up as a person, what I put on my channel is who I am in my real life.”
Tania Leanne Earle: ReFinding You Professional Organising
Finding inspiration after going on a personal journey of self-discovery following a toxic first marriage, Tania Leanne decided to start up her business, ReFinding You Professional Organising, to help other women in reclaiming their lives and homes after life’s challenges.
“I believe in the holistic and practical approach that we need to get divine order and structure first in the home, then the overflow is the mind and lastly the body,” Tania said.
After launching the Wondai-based David Earle Custom Saddles, gun belts and holsters with her husband 19 months ago, which has garnered more than 4.9k Facebook followers, Tania had to shift her focus primarily to the saddlery in the last year.
“The saddlery has just kept getting bigger and now I find myself virtually full time in here,” she said.
Currently working on growing the saddlery’s Instagram follow, Tania explained that the business’s social media following “has grown to where it is with intention.”
Hoping to refocus her attention onto ‘ReFinding You’ in the near future, Tania has expressed that she would love to expand the business digitally, whether it be by podcast, or virtual sessions. In the past 12 months, she has devoted her spare time to working with a single client, finding it rewarding to witness their growth and progress.
Dev A. Kary: Goomeri Project, Visit Goomeri and the Goomeri Community Group
As the co-founder and administrator of Goomeri Project, Visit Goomeri, and the Goomeri Community Group, alongside his friend Wade Kriesch, Dev A. Kary has provided a platform for the small South Burnett town of Goomeri, fostering community engagement, collaboration, and a sense of unity among its residents.
Starting up the Goomeri Project Facebook page in 2017, with Visit Goomeri and the Goomeri Community Group following suit, Dev and Wade started the project to bring people together “using both online and offline methods.”
With experience in digital marketing, including managing a group with 80,000 members, Dev felt capable of running Goomeri pages but was surprised how well it was received, given it was a smaller local initiative.
“I was content simply engaging with the local community through our pages and had no specific expectations or goals in mind,” Dev said.
“When the Goomeri Community group reached 1,000 members, I was pleased, but never anticipated it would grow to 12,500 members.”
The Goomeri Project and Visit Goomeri page have also pulled in more than 3800 followers collectively.
Matthew Langford: Australian Fishing
More than 13000 Facebook followers have tuned in to watch the journey of Kingaroy sports fisherman, Matthew Langford as he tackles the world of freshwater fishing and leads his business, Australian Freshwater Fishing Charters, into a successful future.
A former schoolteacher at Kingaroy State High School, Matthew Langford decided to transition his love for teaching into teaching his greatest passion, fishing.
“I love encouraging people to experience fishing and see the bush and encourage more people to visit our rural areas,” Matthew said.
Achieving remarkable success in freshwater fishing, Matthew has demonstrated unparalleled skill and dedication through his career, winning the National Bass Angler of the Year five times, representing Australia internationally — ranking in the top 10 — and securing victories in nine professional Australian Bass tournaments.
Matthew also starred in the Australian Fishing Championships on Channel 7 for the past five years, and won the Murgon Australia sportsman of the year award for 2019.
“I’d describe myself as quiet but love showing people what’s on offer when they travel inland,” he said.
“We live in a wonderful country and have so many great things to share especially how good the fishing is.”
Cam and Tilly Griffin: Binowee Family Grazing
Amassing more than 3900 followers, Binowee Family Grazing has quickly found social media success after starting their facebook page up less than two years ago.
Filmed on their Moffatdale property, first generation cattle graziers Cam and Tilly Griffin regularly upload facebook reels and YouTube videos following their lives running a small regenerative grazing farm.
“At Binowee Family Grazing our philosophy is simple, we believe the health of our landscape, livestock and community are a direct reflection of our ability to nurture soil health and graze in nature’s image,” their Facebook page reads.
Michelle Newson: South Burnett Women’s Circle of Friends
Motivated by her own challenges in building connections after moving to the region, Michelle Newson founded the South Burnett Women’s Circle of Friends in November 2023.
Her initiative has not only inspired a thriving community of more than 500 women, playing a key role in cultivating authentic connections and providing support, as well as addressing shared experiences of loneliness and the desire for meaningful friendships within the region.
“My goal when starting our group was to help women connect with one another,” Michelle said.
“I feel very proud when I see our members getting together and enjoying each other’s company.”
“This is not my group but all of our members group, without them we would not have such a diverse circle of friends to connect with.”
Michelle said in the couple of months that the group had been running, she had noticed a heartwarming exchange of support among members, including offers to carpool and accompany to events, conduct workshops, share craft knowledge, pet-sit, and enjoy coffee catch-ups and lunch dates.
Cilla Pershouse: Blue Gum Farm TV
Filmed on a family farm in the North Burnett region, a children’s sing- along program celebrating farm life in the Australian Bush has attracted an audience of more than 20k followers, across Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The brainchild of Cilla Pershouse, Blue Gum Farm TV is a series of online videos and live concert tours that aim to “share Australia’s unique rural heritage and farming culture through a fun, interactive program, complete with costumes, puppets and loveable Aussie characters.”
With more than 16 singalong videos, available on the website, YouTube and on DVD, the program has become a big hit, ranging between 1000-2500 views per video on YouTube.
Cilla has also gained the attention of ABC, featured on the first episode of Muster Dogs, Series 2, alongside her beloved Border Collie, Ash Barky.
Chef Roberta Schablon: The Saucy Fork
Chef Roberta Schablon, based in Cloyna, South Burnett, has made it her mission to highlight all the great produce the region has to offer.
Sharing her delicious creations and lifestyle through social media, Roberta has received more than 1200 followers on her Instagram page, and another 1300 on Facebook for her business, The Saucy Fork, specialising in Functions, Cooking Classes and Catering.
She has also co-founded Wooroolin-based non-profit, Farm 2 Fork Collective, which has amassed more than 2900 followers on its Facebook page since its opening in September 2020.
The organisation is dedicated to fostering regional growth by connecting farmers and consumers, ensuring easy access to locally grown and made food through the Locavore structure.
Julee-anne Bell
A 2021 contestant on the Voice, Julee-anne Bell is a gifted contemporary and classical singer with more than 3800 followers across her Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channel.
Born blind as a result of Lebers Congenital Amaurosis, Julee-anne hasn’t let that hold her back from her dreams and hopes she can inspire visually impaired children and young adults to fight for their place in the spotlight.
With 27 years of teaching music, Julee-anne released her debut album “Love Notes” in 2021 and is currently the managing director for World Access for the Blind Australia.
Liz Barratt Photography
Renowned for her captivating photographs of the South Burnett region, Liz Barratt, a self-proclaimed “Canon girl addicted to photography,” has gained widespread recognition.
Her work has even been shared by major accounts like the Canon Australia page, and her Instagram page has garnered more than 1400 followers.
Lauren K Beauty
Lauren K Beauty, Kingaroy’s top brow and beauty artist and the 2023 Burnett’s Best Beautician runner-up, has made waves in the Burnett region and beyond with more than 2.3k followers on Facebook.
With more than 9 years of experience in the beauty industry, her expertise shines, particularly in her passion for Bridal Makeup.
Nancy Jayde Photography
Nancy Jade, raised as a “free-range farm kid” in South Burnett, is a well known face across the community, capturing moments at various local events.
With 20 plus years of experience, she has earned trust as a professional photographer, with 2900 followers on her Instagram and Facebook pages. Nancy actively contributes to multiple community organisations, showcasing her quirky and energetic personality.
Her website describes her as someone who enjoys being in the thick of the action, cheerfully engaging with crowds in her beloved South Burnett region.
Damien Martoo: The Martoo Review
Pulling in 6300 followers on Facebook and another 1300 on Instagram, Kingaroy based media business, The Martoo Review, has attracted a cult following since its launch in April 2017.
Damien Martoo, the owner and face of the company has become a well-known figure head across the South Burnett region, recognised not just for his thriving business but also for his role as the president of the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to Damien’s LinkedIn profile, The Martoo Review is the fastest growing social media and promotion business in the region.
“By creating promotional videos for social and online modern media formats, we are generating a positive approach to promotion for business and community groups of all sizes,” he said.
Dylan Devitt: BMX rider
Kingaroy ‘daredevil’ Dylan Devitt has smashed his way into social media stardom, sharing videos and photos of his impressive BMX riding, interactive vlogs and adventures around the world.
Accruing a whopping 53,000 followers across his YouTube and Instagram accounts, Dylan is easily one of the biggest names in the Burnett social media game.
After competing in the 2022 Nitro World Games at 20, Dylan has gained international recognition in the BMX community.
Throughout his career, Dylan has ridden with JC Action Sports, received mentorship from BMX legends Ryan Williams and Pat Bowden, and is currently BMX riding with Freestyle Kings Live, touring 9 stops across Australia’s East coast from Hobart to Cairns.
Selwyn Cobbo: Broncos NRL player
Recently shifting from winger to centre for the Brisbane Broncos, 21-year-old Cherbourg talent Selwyn Cobbo is making waves in the NRL.
With more than 78,100 Instagram followers and a Broncos contract until 2025, Selwyn is on the rise in the world of sports.
Taliqua Clancy: Volleyball player/ Olympian
Star beach volleyball player and Olympic silver medallist, Taliqua Clancy, is taking the country and the world by storm.
With more than 36,800 Instagram followers cheering her on, the Kingaroy-born athlete will be heading to the Paris 2024 Olympics later this year, representing Australia for the third time alongside teammate Mariafe Artacho del Solar.
Holly Ferling: Cricketer, commentator, host of the All Rounders podcast
From being a cricket sensation, to a Channel 7 cricket commentator, successful media personality and the host of an up and coming sports podcast, The All Rounders, Holly Ferling has come a long from her humble beginnings in Kingaroy.
Clocking in a whopping 103k followers on her Instagram account, Holly Ferling continues to engage and inspire audiences with her journey in the cricket world and beyond.
Matthew Hayden: Former professional cricket player
Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has taken Australia and the world by storm, achieving household name status across the country.
With his cricketing days now long behind him, Matthew has taken up a new sport in social media stardom, racking in a whopping 2.3 Million followers across his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms.
Matthew Hayden’s online platforms share a glimpse into his retirement adventures, with nostalgic player photos, updates on businesses like The Hayden Way and Storyline, philanthropic efforts, and showcasing his passion for cooking and healthy eating.
“The saying, ‘You can take the boy out of the country but you can never take the country out of the boy’ is certainly applicable to me, Matthew wrote when talking about his love for his hometown, Kingaroy, on his website.
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