CHEERS TO 100 YEARS

CHEERS TO 100 YEARS

The Kalamia Hotel is turning 100, and it wants the Burdekin there to celebrate. After a century of beers, meals, friendships and memories, ‘The Locals’ Local’ is marking the milestone with a massive day of entertainment, music, prizes and family fun. CAPTION: A century, extensive renovations and multiple ownership changes later, the Kalamia still stands at its original location on Queen Street. Photo: Jacob Casha.

MEET YA ON EIGHTH THE NEW EVENT SET TO REVIVE HOME HILL

MEET YA ON EIGHTH THE NEW EVENT SET TO REVIVE HOME HILL

The couples behind two of Home Hill’s newest businesses have joined forces to launch an ambitious initiative aimed at breathing fresh life into the town’s main street. Salted Roots owner Candace Young pitched the project—dubbed ‘Meet Ya on Eighth’—at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting last week, calling on residents, Council and local traders to rally behind the town’s commercial hub. The proposal, conceived by Candace and her husband Scott alongside Scrubby’s Teahouse owners Neil Machin and Patricia Thomas, would see Eighth Avenue host a monthly evening gathering designed to drive local trade and strengthen community connections. While details are still being ironed out, Candace said the broad plan would include live local music, local makers and market stalls, food vendors and cafes, family-friendly activities, participating businesses trading later and a Community Long Table where people could sit, eat, talk and enjoy the evening together. She also pitched the event as an opportunity to give young local performers a stage to share their talents, with tentative plans to close off a portion of the Eighth Avenue service road to create a mini-market atmosphere complete with a stage. For organisers, it is a chance to build on recent momentum within the town’s commercial sphere. “Like many rural towns, Home Hill has become quieter and empty shopfronts have replaced some of the bustle that once defined our town—but something encouraging is happening,” she said. “New businesses are opening, existing businesses continue to invest, and there is renewed belief in Home Hill. Meet Ya on Eighth – Rediscover Home Hill is an opportunity to build on that momentum and give our community a reason to gather again.” The pitch drew strong backing from attendees at the AGM, securing immediate support across the local business community. Candace said the aim was to have the event up and running before the end of the year, with plans to be formalised and lodged with Council. Organisers hope it can become a Home Hill mainstay, drawing on the town’s golden era while forging a path towards a new future. “Meet Ya on Eighth is not about recreating the past. It is about honouring what made Home Hill special while creating something new for its future,” she said. “Let’s fill our streets with music instead of silence. Let’s replace empty footpaths with friendly conversations. Let’s give people a reason to come back into town, a reason to stay and a reason to be proud of Home Hill again.” CAPTION: 1—Salted Roots owner Candace Young pitched the project—dubbed ‘Meet Ya on Eighth’—at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting last week. 2—The proposal would see Eighth Avenue host a monthly evening gathering designed to drive local trade and strengthen community connections. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.

NEW LOOK EXECUTIVE TEAM TO LEAD HOME HILL CHAMBER FORWARD

NEW LOOK EXECUTIVE TEAM TO LEAD HOME HILL CHAMBER FORWARD

The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce announced it will move forward with a refreshed executive committee following its Annual General Meeting last week. The Wednesday meeting welcomed members to the Home Hill Community Sports Club as officials presented financial reports, recognised member achievements, and confirmed the incoming leadership. While President Uli Liessmann, Vice President David Jackson, and Treasurer John Woods retained their roles, local Lydia Flores stepped in as secretary following the departure of long-serving Robert Antoniazzi. Mr Liessmann said Mr Antoniazzi’s contribution would be missed, but expressed confidence in incoming Ms Flores. Local business owners Scott and Candace Young of Salted Roots, along with Neil Machin and Patricia Thomas of Scrubby’s, filled the remaining executive roles for the year ahead. Despite reporting a marginal financial loss, Mr Woods said the Chamber had performed better than in the previous year. He also announced the organisation’s new website was live. Mr Liessmann presented veteran journalist David Jackson OAM with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Chamber for his 11 years of commitment to Home Hill News. The meeting also heard from three guest speakers, beginning with local clay target shooter Joseph Rossato, who shared his experience representing Australia overseas and captaining the Queensland shooting team. Eddie Smallwood of the Gudjuda Rangers detailed his group’s work and future plans, before Ms Young outlined ambitious plans to rejuvenate the streets of Home Hill (find out more on page 7). CAPTION: 1—While President Uli Liessmann, Vice President David Jackson, and Treasurer John Woods retained their roles, local Lydia Flores stepped in as secretary following the departure of long-serving Robert Antoniazzi. 2—Mr Liessmann presented veteran journalist David Jackson OAM with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Chamber for his 11 years of commitment to Home Hill News. 3—Local clay target shooter Joseph Rossato shared his experience representing Australia overseas and captaining the Queensland shooting team. Photos: Jacob Casha.

“A PROUD MOMENT” Last honoured for 25 years with QPS

“A PROUD MOMENT” Last honoured for 25 years with QPS

Dale Last has been recognised for 25 years of service with the Queensland Police Service, receiving a National Police Service Medal at a special awards ceremony in Brisbane last week. The Member for Burdekin was presented the medal by Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie, honouring his service from 1983 to 2008, which culminated in his role as Officer in Charge of Townsville Police Station. The National Police Service Medal recognises ethical and diligent service by sworn police officers, with a minimum of 15 years’ service required for eligibility. Mr Last spent his police career at stations across regional and remote Queensland, including postings in Indigenous communities and smaller centres, before being appointed OIC of Townsville Police Station in December 2000. He remained in the role until leaving the QPS for local government in March 2008, saying his years as a police officer taught him lessons that continue to shape his work today. “Policing taught me a great deal about service, responsibility, and the importance of standing up for the communities you represent,” he said. “I have been proud to carry those lessons through to my current role as the Member for Burdekin, as I continue to advocate for the services and infrastructure to support our community. “It was an honour to wear the uniform, and I’m grateful to receive this recognition of that service.” CAPTIONS: 1—Dale Last has been recognised for 25 years of service with the Queensland Police Service, receiving a National Police Service Medal at a special awards ceremony in Brisbane last week. 2— Mr Last spent his police career at stations across regional and remote Queensland, including postings in Indigenous communities and smaller centres, before being appointed OIC of Townsville Police Station in December 2000. Photos: Office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP

Burdekin Motors
Advertising Banner

Community News

Burdekin Projects Backed To Skill Locals For Work

Burdekin's Future Growth Plan Puts Farmland In Focus

Commonwealth Medalist, Tireless Servant: Max Tavasci Remembered At 72

CHEERS TO 100 YEARS

A CENTURY OF THE LOCALS’ LOCAL

Entertainment

MEET YA ON EIGHTH THE NEW EVENT SET TO REVIVE HOME HILL

Homegrown Talent To Star In 'The Addams Family’ Production

WATER FESTIVAL LONG LUNCH RETURNS FOR GRAND AMBASSADOR FINALE

Burdekin Life Event Guide

JUDITH MENSO’S 1977 LX TORANA HATCHBACK

Sport

COLTS CROWNED UNDEFEATED MINOR PREMIERS

BURDEKIN NETBALLERS CROWNED GRAND FINAL CHAMPIONS

Roosters A Grade Secure Finals Berth With Round 16 Win

Brennan’s Tyrepower 4BBB Delivers Weekend Of Close Competition

HOME HILL CLAIMS COL CASSWELL SHIELD

Your FREE Voice In Print

Home Hill: Cornetts IGA | United Service Station| Complete Health Pharmacy
Ayr: Woolworths | Coles | Tosh’s Convenience Store | Shell Service Station | Ayr Medical Group | Farmhouse Ayr Coffee & Cafe | Dal Santo’s Deli | Woods Newsagencies  
Brandon: Hotel Brandon | JC’s Cafe
60 + distribution points

Locally Owned. Community Loved.

Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
‍

© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.

Privacy PolicyCode of Conduct