Burdekin Water Festival Brings the World to Queen Street A wave of excitement, community spirit and undeniable creativity washed over the shire on Saturday the 6th of September as the infamous Burdekin Water Festival returned to the region. Exactly 67 years on from the festival’s official debut, the event ignited Queen Street from top to tail, as approximately 4,000 locals and travellers alike flooded to the heart of Ayr to celebrate the Burdekin Shire’s abundance of water and rich sense of com
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When Iris Dingle walks through town, people still stop her with a smile and say, "Oh, Mrs Claus—I remember bringing my kids to your house at Christmas”—a testament to the enduring mark she's left on her community as she approaches her 100th birthday. Iris has long been synonymous with festive cheer, generosity, and a life devoted to family and community. Born in Charters Towers before moving to Home Hill shortly after, Iris grew up in a tight-knit, active family. She and her sisters were known
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September 11, 2025
The Lower Burdekin Landcare Association is celebrating a bright new look for its volunteers, with the arrival of brand-new sun smart club shirts. The shirts, described by members as “amazing,” were made possible thanks to funding from Pacific Blue’s Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund and printing support from Smashed Crab Clothing Co. The Haughton Sustainable Community Fund shares the benefits of the Haughton Solar Farm with the surrounding communities, providing long-lasting social, economi
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September 11, 2025
And breathe. What a whirlwind of a weekend. From the elegant glamour of the Debutante Ball of the Year to the chaotic, colourful atmosphere of Queen Street during the Water Festival Grand Parade—it’s been equal parts dream and nightmare for a journalist trying to capture it all. Don’t get me wrong, I thrive on this. These events remind me, time and time again, of the strength of this community. People show up, celebrate, connect—that’s the essence of rural life. That’s the Burdekin. But then
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September 11, 2025
OPINION PIECE Immigration is important. Our country has been built on it. We would not be the Australia we are today without people choosing to set up their lives here. In Dawson, we have some of the best and most successful examples of what immigrations brings and what it builds over generations. I’m talking about all the people who run farms, workshops and businesses across the region, professionals in our clinics, schools and our offices, the on the ground workers who came looking for a bett
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September 11, 2025
The sound of celebration carried further in Ayr over the weekend, with Burdekin Shire Council’s upgraded Queen Street speaker system put to the test during the Burdekin Water Festival. Originally installed to broadcast Sweet FM programs through the CBD, the stand-alone speakers have long been a feature of Queen Street, helping keep the community informed while supporting local businesses. The recent upgrade introduced a public address function, giving the system new flexibility to deliver anno
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September 11, 2025
The Burdekin Netball Association held its fundraising evening “Wigs and Wine” on Friday, 29th August, drawing strong community support for a cause that blended entertainment, awareness, and local pride. 160 guests embraced the theme by arriving with wigs already on, filling the venue with colour and character. A glass of champagne on arrival and a hearty dinner set the stage for the evening, which combined light-hearted fun with a meaningful purpose. The main focus of the event was the Ponytai
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September 10, 2025
Last Saturday, a talented group of Burdekin riders travelled south to Proserpine to compete at the Whitsunday Motorcycle Club Day, joining a field of around 70 competitors. Across five races for most classes, riders collected points toward their overall placings — and Burdekin competitors made their presence felt. One of the standout performers of the meet was Ky Mitchell, who completely dominated both the 125cc and 250cc (13–16 years) classes. Mitchell’s speed, consistency, and control saw him
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August 28, 2025
The Burdekin Water Festival’s infamous Grand Parade and Mardi Gras will roll into Queen Street on Saturday the 6th of September, and with a world of preparations underway, one wonderful new addition to the timeless celebration deserves to be highlighted! As generously sponsored by Wilmar Sugar, 1,000 brilliant buckets will be given away for children to safely collect and store their lollies during the specular Street Parade next weekend, and when all the fun is done, the kids can take the bucke
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September 3, 2025
Cosentino Brings Magic, Mystery And Mayhem To The Burdekin A decade and a half ago, he announced himself to the nation when he became the first magician to finish runner-up on Australia’s Got Talent. In the years following, he became a global phenomenon, with nine prime-time TV specials seen in over 40 countries, multiple Merlin Awards, sold-out international shows, and even a role alongside Jackie Chan in the blockbuster film Bleeding Steel. And now, international mega-star Cosentino is bring
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September 3, 2025
The countdown is almost complete, and excitement is building as the Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras returns on this Saturday, the 6th of September! This iconic event, beloved by locals for 67 years, promises a dazzling day of fun, food, and festivities for the entire community. Grand Parade – 4:30pm Kicking off at 4:30pm, the Grand Parade will take over Queen Street, showcasing a spectacular fleet of floats decorated to perfection in this year’s theme: “Bon Voyage – Roam The G
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September 4, 2025
Friday, 5th September Burdekin Netball Deb of the Year Beloved DOTY tradition continues under Burdekin Netball Association, with an elegant evening celebrating 2025 debutantes, community spirit, and timeless style. Burdekin Memorial Hall Saturday 6 September Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras Saturday The Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras will ignite the community once again for an extraordinary celebration in Ayr’s Queen Street, with plenty of entertainment, food
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Please join us to celebrate 50 years of the Burdekin Community Association Inc. supporting people in the Burdekin. Everyone is welcome - Clients, members past and present, BCA personnel, friends, organisations, other community members. BCA 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Please join us for an evening filled with celebration and memories! When: Saturday 13.09.25 Where: Hotel Brandon, 54 Drysdale Street, Brandon Time: Doors open at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start Cost: $40.00 per person Entertain
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