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Redefining Cane Waste as We Know It

Redefining Cane Waste as We Know It

For Simon Yim, SKY Renewables is much more than a passion project. It’s a mission. Make no mistake—there’s plenty of passion involved. But for Simon, it’s not just about personal fulfilment; it’s about building something meaningful and, in turn, transforming the lives of cane farmers across Australia. After growing up in Hong Kong, Simon studied in Canada and the UK, qualifying as a solicitor in the late 1980s. Over the next three decades, he held senior roles across Asia in law, corporate str

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Drug Operation Sees 11 Charged in Burdekin Police Crackdown

Drug Operation Sees 11 Charged in Burdekin Police Crackdown

Burdekin police conducted a search warrant operation targeting drug offences on the 28th, 29th, 30th July. A total of 12 search warrants were executed within Giru, Ayr and Home Hill. As a result, 11 persons were charged with a total of 39 offences including Produce Drugs, Possess Drugs, Possess Proceeds of Crime along with weapon related offences. Almost 100 grams of methylamphetamine was seized and over 2 grams of cocaine. Two hydroponic setups were located with 76 plants and 1.3 kilograms of

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Hey Flora Blossoms In The Burdekin

Hey Flora Blossoms In The Burdekin

A fresh burst of colour and creativity has landed on Edwards Street, Ayr, with the opening of Hey Flora—a new flower shop now offering delivery, everyday blooms, and arrangements for weddings, funerals, and other large-scale events. Officially opened on June 7, Hey Flora is the creation of Burdekin local Tegan Johnson, who brings six years of floral industry experience to the shop. Her carefully curated selection features blooms sourced from both North Queensland and interstate, with a focus on

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Burdekin’s Bowls Clubs Set To Face Off In Historic Challenge

Burdekin’s Bowls Clubs Set To Face Off In Historic Challenge

The Wilmar Club Challenge is set to unite all four Burdekin bowls clubs for a special community event this September. Marking the first time in decades that the clubs will compete side-by-side, the Challenge celebrates the spirit of bowls and the strong sense of community in the Burdekin region. Each club will field three teams of four players in a round-robin format, with points awarded for wins, losses, and draws. Supported by club leaders, this promises to be a memorable occasion for players

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Keeping the Burdekin Comfy and Colourful

Keeping the Burdekin Comfy and Colourful

August 6, 2025

Over twenty years ago, the Burdekin Patchwork and Quilters found a way to turn their hobby into a way of giving back. Every year since, they've been patching the community with care, creatively repurposing their excess material and generously donating it to local organisations that need it more. This year was no different. On the 23rd of July, the group delivered a trolley full of freshly crafted knee rugs to the Regis Aged Care Centre in Ayr, where they'll bring warmth, colour and joy to

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Jump In With Jacob 7 August

Jump In With Jacob 7 August

August 6, 2025

One of the things I love most about the Burdekin is its diversity—on more levels than you might first think. There’s the sporting culture, for starters. Whether it’s rugby, cricket, netball, bowls, or something a little more niche, there’s always a game being played somewhere. You can wander from one field to another and find entirely different communities, each with its own passion and traditions. Then there’s the people—locals who’ve been here for generations and newcomers from every corner

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Clubs Urged To Kick Off On Sports Vouchers

Clubs Urged To Kick Off On Sports Vouchers

August 6, 2025

Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, is calling on local sporting clubs to register for Play On Sports Vouchers to ensure local kids can enjoy the benefits on offer. When applications opened to families on Monday morning systems were stretched almost to breaking point, but Mr Last believes many families and sporting organisations in the Burdekin may miss out on the opportunity. “From abseiling to gymnastics to Zumba, the range of sports and activities that can participate is almost endless,” Mr

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Local Sporting news & Results

Aidan, Chase & Xavier To Compete In Sunshine Coast Bowling Competition

Aidan, Chase & Xavier To Compete In Sunshine Coast Bowling Competition

August 6, 2025

Three young Burdekin bowlers will put their skills to the test at the 2025 ANC Sunshine Coast Ultimate Tenpin Cup and Ultimate Teams Clash Junior Competitions over the week extending from Thursday the 14th of August until Wednesday the 20th of August. 14-year-old Aidan Butler, 14-year-old Chase Nucifora, and 16-year-old Xavier Jepsen will travel to the Sunshine Coast to compete in the CLS Townsville Jigsaw Team, and the trio could not be more excited to catch up with old friends and make new on

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Get Set For The Burdekin Mixed Touch Football Carnival

Get Set For The Burdekin Mixed Touch Football Carnival

August 6, 2025

Touch footy fans across the region are gearing up for an exciting day of action as the third annual Burdekin Mixed Touch Football Carnival returns to the Ayr touch fields on Saturday, the 23rd of August. A growing highlight on the local sporting calendar, the carnival will welcome teams from Townsville, Bowen, Airlie Beach, and the Burdekin, with three divisions on offer: Mixed Under 16, Mixed Open, and Mixed Seniors (over 39 years). The event promises friendly competition, community spirit, a

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Bendigo Bank Park - How Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is Powering Local Sport

Bendigo Bank Park - How Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is Powering Local Sport

July 31, 2025

Sport plays a vital role with families in the Burdekin community and providing the appropriate facilities and resources is a constant challenge for local clubs. For generations, rugby league has been the beating heart of the Burdekin sporting community. At the centre of this proud tradition stands the Burdekin Roosters – a club forged in 1994, but whose roots go back over a century in local league. Over the years, the Roosters have grown from strength to strength, evolving into a vital part of

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS / GIG GUIDES / SOCIAL PIC GALLERY

Burdekin Potters Celebrate 50 Years of Creativity and Community

Burdekin Potters Celebrate 50 Years of Creativity and Community

July 25, 2025

This month, the Burdekin Potters are celebrating a monumental feat—50 years of friendship, shaping clay, and nurturing creativity at the heart of the community. On July 26 and 27, they’re opening their doors to honour this rich history and the passion that’s kept the club thriving all these years, inviting everyone to come along and join the festivities. The group first met in 1975, when about 20 enthusiasts gathered at Ayr High School to pursue a shared interest in pottery. “We started out meet

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For the Love of Tony & Friends

For the Love of Tony & Friends

August 6, 2025

Chris Lloyds Brings the Classics of Tony Bennett and Other Great Crooners to Burdekin Theatre The smooth sounds of timeless standards will echo through the Burdekin Theatre on Wednesday, August 13, as acclaimed Australian vocalist Chris Lloyds presents Morning Melodies: For the Love of Tony & Friends—a soulful musical salute to the great Tony Bennett and other legendary crooners. Backed by the virtuosic Jamie Rigg Band, Lloyds will take the audience on a nostalgic journey, spotlighting Bennett’

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EVENT GUIDE 7 August

EVENT GUIDE 7 August

August 6, 2025

Friday 8 August Ayve’s DISCO 6pm onwards Start practicing your dance moves for Burdekin Basketball Association’s Junior Ambassador, Ayve Cursio’s Community DISCO at the Den. Expect bright lights, great music, games, prizes, and a fully stocked canteen! The Den, 14-16 Little Drysdale Street, Ayr SATURDAY 9th AUGUST Saturday 8am to 2pm Home Hill Rotary club present their Harvest Festival Mega Markets. Many local and Travelling market holders offering a wide variety of goods featuring local hand

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Burdekin Potters 50th Birthday Celebration Weekend

Burdekin Potters 50th Birthday Celebration Weekend

July 30, 2025

A fantastic weekend was celebrated by the Burdekin Potters to mark half a century of fostering the arts and clay creativity within the Burdekin community. The celebrations were kicked off with an official opening by Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort at 10am on Saturday, followed by a presentation of “Lifetime Certificates”to long-time members Carolyn Starkey and Meredith Modra, and Patron Isobell Cislowski, who then had the honour of cutting the cake. A great crowd of locals and visitors turned up for th

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Your Ultimate Guide To 2025's Burdekin Water Festival Fundraisers!

July 30, 2025

A collection of fabulous fundraising events have begun filling calendars across the community as part of the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival, and with so much to do, see and be part of, here’s our guide for everything you need to know! Jorja’s DISCO Party like you’ve never partied before at a rockin’ Outdoor DISCO on Saturday, the 2nd of August in celebration of Burdekin Junior Rugby League’s Junior Ambassador, Jorja Vasta! Kicking off at Bendigo Bank Park (Rugby Park), the night promises nothing

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