Burdekin Life - Weekly Local News

$8,000 Donation To Help Our Region’s Most Vulnerable

Abandoned and homeless pets across the Burdekin have received a much-needed helping hand following a significant donation to the pet rescue charity servicing the region. Life Publishing Group met with Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue at Foxtail Boarding Kennels in Ayr last week, where Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith presented a cheque for $8,000 to the charity. The moment marked a significant milestone for Life Publishing Group, the independently owned umbrella company of Life Newspapers, including our local Burdekin Life Newspaper.

Raine & Horne Ayr Punches Above Weight At State Awards

Competing against some of Queensland’s largest metropolitan agencies, Raine & Horne Ayr proved size isn’t everything, collecting six awards at last month’s Queensland/Northern Rivers State Awards in Brisbane. Held annually, the ceremony brought branches from across the state to The Star to recognise excellence across a range of performance-based categories in sophisticated fashion. The Ayr office was one of the night’s standout performers, collecting second place for Top Office Regional Sales GCI, fourth for Top Office Number of Sales Transactions and 10th for Top Office GCI. Team principal Carla Healy also secured a string of individual honours, including Chairmans Club Salesperson – Platinum (the highest level, awarded to only two principals for 2025), first place for Top Principal Number of Sales Transactions and fourth for Top Principal Sales GCI. Carla said she was proud of her team’s success, describing the recognition as a bonus rather than the end goal. “It’s not about winning the race, but when you do win the race, it’s nice to know your hard work has paid off,” she said. “We just make sure that whatever we do, we do it 150 per cent, and the rest of it falls into place. Anybody in the real estate game knows that every day is a Monday. There’s no stopping—it just continues, and if you want to succeed, you’ve got to be there, every day.” She said the results meant even more given the size of the office compared to its metropolitan counterparts. “I knew we were in the running for a couple of awards, but I didn’t think we’d bring home six!” she said. “We’re a small office. We’re in a small area, and we’re competing with offices with mega, mega commissions. So for our office to come 10th overall is just a fantastic feeling, for sure.” “It says everything about our team. My team is my family—I love my team to death, and I’d be lost without them. They’re all brilliant at what they do.” Reflecting on her individual achievements, Carla said she was particularly pleased to claim Top Principal Number of Sales Transactions, edging out friend and mentor Michael Skuse of Raine & Horne Innisfail, who claimed the title last year. “We have this friendly rivalry. I told him, ‘I’ll knock you off your perch this year,’ and I did. Now I’ve got bragging rights till this time next year,” she said. “But he’s a great mentor. He’s a man I ask a lot of questions to, because he’s been there, done that—he’s been in real estate for an exceptionally long time. So it was wonderful to celebrate and catch up with him.” Carla’s performance throughout 2025 also earned her an invitation to Raine & Horne’s International Conference on Hamilton Island in August, though she was quick to credit her team for her individual success. “Success is only the people around you,” she said. “It’s not and never is one person.” Looking ahead, Carla said it would be business as usual for the Ayr office, sticking to the formula that has served the team well since she took the reins in June 2024. “We’re just going to keep doing what we do and do what we do well,” she said. “I’m always of the opinion that if it’s working well, you don’t fix it!”

Burdekin on Alert as Cyclone Risk Looms Amid Ongoing Flooding

The Burdekin Shire is being urged to stay informed as a developing tropical low in the north threatens to intensify into a cyclone later this week, adding to already saturated conditions across Queensland. After weeks of heavy rain and flooding across the state’s north and east, attention has turned to a system in the Gulf of Carpentaria being closely monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology. Tropical Low 31U, currently moving over Gulf waters, has a low chance of developing into a cyclone in the coming days, though forecasters say conditions could shift quickly. Another system, Tropical Low 29U, forming in the Coral Sea, is forecast to move west later this week and could track towards the Queensland coast between Lockhart River and Mackay before potentially moving inland. While the exact path remains uncertain, communities across Northern Queensland, including the Burdekin, are being advised to monitor updates closely. Locally, the Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has transitioned back to ALERT status as a precaution. The Australian Warning System message for the Burdekin Local Government Area currently sits at “Advice – Stay Informed”. Minor flooding has continued along the Burdekin River, with Sunwater confirming the Burdekin Dam was sitting at 3.75 metres and steady above the minor flood level of 3 metres as of Monday, 2 March. At the Inkerman Bridge gauge, river levels are holding at 7.45 metres, also above minor flood level. Both are expected to remain elevated through Thursday and Friday. Currently, no communities are isolated, and no major impacts have been reported. However, further showers and thunderstorms forecast across the catchment could trigger additional river rises in the coming days. Residents of low-lying areas, including Rita Island, are being reminded they may become isolated if water levels increase. “With cyclone season still underway, this is a timely reminder for households across the Burdekin to make sure they are prepared,” Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said. “While there is still uncertainty around this system, being prepared early makes a real difference. I encourage residents to check their emergency plans, ensure their kits are ready, and stay informed through official sources. “Council’s Disaster Dashboard and emergency management pages on our website provide reliable, uptodate information, and are the best places to find advice as conditions change. Visit disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au” Authorities are urging residents not to be complacent. Roads and access points could quickly become impassable, and drivers are reminded never to enter floodwaters. “If it’s flooded, forget it” remains the standing advice. Emergency services are encouraging households to take practical steps now while conditions are stable. Preparation starts with understanding your risk, knowing how flooding or cyclonic winds could impact your home, access roads, workplace and children’s schools. Residents should review or create a household emergency plan, ensuring all family members know evacuation routes, emergency contacts and meeting points. An emergency kit should include at least five days’ worth of drinking water, non-perishable food, medications, pet supplies, torches, batteries and important documents in waterproof packaging. Now is also the time to secure loose outdoor items, trim overhanging branches and check that gutters and drains are clear. Farmers and business owners should consider contingency plans for livestock, equipment and stock. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Burdekin Disaster Dashboard, tune into local radio Sweet FM 97.1, and check the Bureau of Meteorology website for the latest warnings. Road closures can be found via QLD Traffic or by calling 13 19 40. For SES assistance during floods or storms, call 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000). With Queensland no stranger to extreme weather, preparation remains the strongest defence. While the cyclone threat is still developing, authorities stress that communities who act early are best placed to weather whatever the coming days may bring. All information published was current as of Tuesday, 3 March. CAPTION: BOM predicts systems will continue to form over the weekend. Photo source: BOM

Junior Cricket Lights Up Nutrien Ag. Solutions Complex After Wet Spell

The rain stayed away long enough for the Junior Cricket games to go ahead at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex last Friday. After two weeks of wet weather and no games it could be assumed that the Challengers could be a little rusty, though this was not the case as some great cricket skills were on show in the group. Flynn Sullivan top scored with 7 runs and had good awareness in the field to get a couple of runouts, as did Jaxon Watkins. Nicholas Marrinan scored 4 runs from some well-placed shots into the gaps and Doug Cohen bowled very fast and had great energy in the field. Cooper Amos, Oliver Richter and Everly Nicholas also bowled well, with Everly earning one of the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for her nice straight arm. Nash got the other award for his fine batting technique. Continued on page 29 Flynn, Everly and Nash Star in Junior Cricket Comeback Continued from back cover There was plenty of energy in the field in the "Blue Group" with four runouts, and seven wickets taken by the bowlers. Flynn Levitt had the best figures of 2 for 8 runs including one maiden in his overs. Royce Cohen, 2 for 12 and Corbett Cross, 2 for 16 also bowled well. Jardii Russell took one wicket, two runouts and led the way with the bat smashing 2 fours on his way to 16 runs. Henry Cohen was next on 15 runs with 1 four and also a runout. Jake Cullen and Tait Parker also hit a four each and scored 14 runs in their innings, with Jake also taking a catch and a runout. Flynn and Tait got the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for their great bowling and fielding in this game. Only three wickets fell in the "Gold Group" this week and only 2 fours were hit in the whole game. These fours were scored by Marshall Parker who ended his innings of 24 runs not out. Ben Watkins was next highest on 15 but was out LBW on his last ball before retiring, trying a reverse sweep to Kip Nicholas in his first game in this group. Tyler Schultz was next on 13 not out after he took a couple of overs to get going. Ben was very economical and took 1 for 7 when bowling, Oscar Mahoney, 1/10 and Kip, 1/24 snared the other wickets. Ben and Kip earned the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for their overall performances. Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke