Local sporting organisations and residents are encouraged to take part in consultation activities to develop a new Sport and Recreation Plan for the Shire.

Burdekin Shire Council has engaged MAK Planning and Design, an external consultant, to develop the plan in partnership with local sporting organisation and community stakeholders, aiming to help Council and the community to plan and deliver better services and infrastructure in the Shire.

Consultation sessions will be held on Monday March 18 from 5:30pm at the Burdekin Theatre Foyer, Ayr and Tuesday March 19 from 5:30pm at the Burdekin Memorial Minor Hall, Home Hill.

Leading the consultation, MAK Planning and Design will also conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local sport and recreation facilities and open space areas to evaluate their quality, provision and adequacy.

Council values the input and feedback of the sport and recreation community and encourages everyone to participate in this important project.

Everyone in the community is welcome to join for either of the two sessions.

You can register online at trybooking.com/CPUNB.

For more information phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800.

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The Burdekin Potters are going from strength to strength, with the local branch of the Bendigo Bank, providing funds to expand storage space for the rapidly growing club.

Bendigo Bank has once again shown their support for ‘not-for-profit’ groups by offering a grant which provided the funds to erect a much-needed storage shed as an addition to their clubhouse.

Located in Plantation Park, The Burdekin Potters have seen a significant increase in membership in the last four years, with almost 60 members currently enjoying the art of creating with clay.

As the membership has grown, so has the need for extra storage for glazes, raw materials, clay, and equipment.

The added storage shed will provide a huge benefit to all members now, and well into the future, allowing more working space for members to create unique clay pieces as well as freeing up more space for classes and community events.  

The ongoing support from Bendigo Bank to local groups, allow small ‘not-for-profit’ clubs, like the potters, to flourish and grow, offering much-needed creative outlets for community members.

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Contributed by Debbie Ferraris

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Caption: L to R Debbie, Nola, Judith, Heidi, Jan and Lee-Anne are only a few potters to benefit from the new storage space. Photo supplied

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Fast Facts:

Rehoming Fee: $850

DOB: 15/04/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Dashshund Cross Cattle Dog (Unconfirmed)

Kid Friendly: Yes

Cat Friendly: Yes, With Time

Other dogs: Yes

Fences: 4ft

This little bundle of fun has been named Major because he gets major FOMO (fear of missing out). Major loves being involved in every interaction and being the centre of attention, and especially loves playing games and having fun.

While Major does love his foster dog siblings, he has yet to grow completely comfortable with his cat foster siblings.

Major is always excited to go on a walk, but does need more practice on the lead, because he is trying hard not to pull on his human.

Major is very loyal to his humans, and loves relaxing in the evening on their lap, or with them as they complete errands or in the office, however Major does also like to bark at new people, so keep that in mind.

Major is a bundle of energy, and loves to run and play, especially in the dog park or with other dogs.

Major is desexed, micro-chipped, up to date on his vaccinations, has been flea, tick and intestinal worm treated and is on heartworm preventative.

To schedule a meet and greet, complete and submit an email enquiry form: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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A local Scout from the Lower Burdekin Scouts planned and organised a camping weekend in Townsville for a small group of Scouts as part of her Leadership training.

Brianna’s planning involved organising the menu, transport, equipment, and activities for the weekend.

After setting up the tents, it was a quick lunch before heading off to the Barra Fun Park for the rest of the day.

On Sunday, the Scouts spent the morning at the rock pools on the Strand in Townsville before having lunch back at the campsite.

A good weekend was had by all thanks to Brianna.

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Contributed by Chris Berkery

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In February 2017, eleven people climbed the steep stairs at the Burdekin Library in Ayr. Beginners and experienced writers alike, they dreamed of novels, family histories, memoirs, anthologies and children’s stories. They sought a group of like-minded individuals who would inspire and encourage their creativity. From that meeting, Scratchy Scribblers was formed. Over the next six years, the group changed names and meeting locations multiple times. Members and partnerships came and went, but, throughout it all, the goal of the group stayed the same.

Burdekin Creative Writers is a welcoming space for writers to share their words, find encouragement and advice, enhance their literary skills, and have fun creating new things with only a pen and their imagination.

Because of this group, members have entered short story competitions and been published in anthologies. They have created newsletters, judged writing competitions, and learned to interview notable people in the community. They have written dozens of stories and poems and challenged themselves to write things they never would’ve created on their own.

In 2023, the group published their own anthology, an assortment of stories and poems from the members of Burdekin Creative Writers and Burdekin Night Writers. Burdekin Life is proud to share some of the work from this anthology.

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Realization to Indignation

by Cherelle Murphy

He stooped to push the mower, under the leafy tree,

He frowned and mumbled and grumbled, he was angry I could see,

His hat was knocked down to the ground, more angry he couldn’t be,

He said I’d have to trim the trees, or he’d forget about me.

He had to have easy access, he was stubborn as a field of mules,

I had to keep things tidy, he was tired of dealing with fools.

So after he had left me, I gathered up my tools,

Clippers, snippers, cutters and saws, he’d already told the rules.

The shrubs and bushes were easy and the palms were just the same,

And half the trees were easy, or so I tried to claim,

I’d cut off all the foliage, but big branches still remained,

With the limited tools that I had; it was becoming a terrible strain.

I needed something higher and the ladder would do the trick,

Poised and ready I began to saw, the branch was way too thick,

I couldn’t push quite hard enough, and the saw began to stick,

A bigger saw was needed, I gave that one the flick.

Armed and dangerous I was back ’cos I had a job to achieve,

I was determined I could do this, or so I did believe,

The branch cracked, began to fall, my reward I would soon receive,

But it hit the ladder, knocked me off, so yes, I’d been deceived.

The other branches stay on the tree, that job I had to rout,

I did the best that I could do, but I didn’t have the clout,

I’ve passed the job to a lopper man, he’s surely much more stout,

He has the tools and knowledge and that’s what it’s about.

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Students from Home Hill State High School took to the pool on Friday, March 1 for the annual interhouse swimming carnival.

Beachmount came out on top after a fun and competitive day of swimming.

Age Champions

Age

Male

Female

12 years

Will Stanton-Cook (Upstart)

Dontaii Club (Inkerman)

13 years

Eli Wilkie (Beachmount)

Emily Power (Inkerman)

14 years

Luke Blacklock (Upstart)

Genevieve Bonanno (Inkerman)

15 years

Nate Weston (Inkerman)

Isla Wilkie (Beachmount)

16 years

Criz Torkington (Beachmount)

Not contended

17+ years

Mark Spalding (Beachmount)

Zoe Bonanno (Inkerman)

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Caption: Smiles all round as Beachmount took out the Home Hill State High School Swimming Carnival. Photos supplied: Home Hill State High School

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In about July to August of 1954, a group of car enthusiasts formed the Ayr Sporting Car Club. Townsville already had a Sporting Car Club, as did Bowen, which formed in 1953. Vehicles in the club were MG TF’s, Austins A90, A70, A40, Vauxhall Sports Cars Velox, Morris Minors, Vauxhall Sedans, Space-Masters and Zephyrs.

The first recorded event for the Ayr club was in the Townsville Daily Bulletin Monday August 23, 1954. On the Sunday Townsville Sporting Club, which consisted of six members, made the trip. At Brandon, a deputation of eight Ayr members met Townsville and proceeded in file through Brandon and Ayr. The procession included two MG TF’s, Austins A40, A70 and A90, Vauxhall Sports Car 2 Vauxhall Velox, Vanguard Spacemaster, Ford Zephyr and some Morris Minors.

Sunday afternoon novelty events included Forward and Reversing test won by G Horward, Townsville-Morris Minor;  the Figure of 8 was won by Neville Thomas, Ayr in his new MG TF; the Paper Soiling Contest which consisted of running the front wheels over four pieces of paper, 10inchs square won by Reg Merrington, Ayr in a Morris Sedan; He also won the Slow Race event which the car had to travel as slow as possible without touching the clutch or stalling. The final event was a Flying lap speed test which was won by Graham Coutts (Secretary of the Ayr Sporting Club) in his Vanguard Spacemaster.

In September 1954 the Townsville Sporting Club had a Road Trial  and some of the Ayr member attended. Suffice to say the course of the trial was a distance of 65miles and the vehicles had to average a speed of 25mph to finish the course in a set time. Course was via Ross River Road, Old Harvey Range Road to Alice River and on to the Ingham Road near the Bohle through suburbia, The Town Common, across the Saltpans.  The trial began at 5:00pm and finished in the dark with lights from Mount Louisa and Castle Hill used as a guide.  The competitors also had maps given to them and many of the roads were just plain dirt. Some members from Ayr competed; D Ferguson-Ford Anglica (yours truly learnt to drive in a Ford Anglica), E Le Feuvre-Austin A40 Ute. G Coutts-Vanguard Spacemaster. Another car trial was held between Townsville and Ayr Sporting Clubs on a World War II disused airstrip where the Standing One Mile  sprint won by D and N Thomas of Ayr with their MG TF’s, J Leonard with his Ford Customline and the Flying Half Mile won by D Thomas and D Leahy. The speeds achieved were 82mph and 76mph.  

The Ayr Sporting Car Club was still going strong in October 1957 according to the Advocate when 16 Cars took place in a Burdekin Trial held on Sunday October 5. It was an all day trial covering 160miles in the Ayr District. It was an arduous day for the drivers as the roads covered were from bitumen to bush tracks and vehicles ranged from Morris Minors to Ford Sedans.

The trial was divided into four sections - two in Ayr in the morning, followed by one hour for the lunch break, followed by two sections in Home Hill for the afternoon. The organisation behind such an event was tremendous with the setting up and manning of 16 control points, during the day in addition to the weeks of route planning and preparation before the actual day. Full marks to be given to the Organisers of the event who were Bob Gray, Cyril McHardie and Don Leahy, a well thought out and efficiently presented trial.  

It attracted visiting cars from Townsville and Bowen to whom full credit was given as well as the All Ladies Crew who stuck to the task and finished the course.

Detailed results were Dan Cormack, Ayr - Holden, Malcom Ferguson, Ayr - Morris Minor, A Slaughter, Townsville - Renault, J Phillips, Townsville   - Holden Chevrolet, N Horton, Townsville - Renault, Ian Ferguson, Ayr - Ford Prefect, S Kickham, Townsville - Holden, Ambrose Cody, Ayr - Ford Consul, F Tooth, Townsville - Ford, D Desailly, Townsville - Morris Minor, D Stajonovic, Ayr - Austin Healing, R Milani, Inkerman - Volkswagen, Cecil Cox, Ayr - Volkswagen, A Rossetti, Ayr - Ford Zephyr, V Betyel, Bowen - Renault.

Participants had to complete between each control point within a certain time otherwise you lost points.

Does anyone remember the Redex Trials of the 1950’s and 60’s? Redex Oil Company supplied additives to the fuel and oil for vehicles supposedly to run better. It was the Redex Oil Company that sponsored the Redex Reliability Australia Trials from 1953 and onwards. 1954 was when these Round Australia Trials captured the Australian Public. The Rally took place between July 3 and 20, 1954 and travelled over 9,600 miles and first prize was £2000. It began in Sydney with 246 cars and ended with 127 passing the finishing line. The trial passed through Brisbane, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Mount Isa, Darwin, Broome, Meekatharra, Madura, Adelaide and Melbourne finishing at Moore Park July 20, 1954. Most of the roads would have been dirt tracks. No doubt this was why the towns of Ayr, Bowen and Townsville began their Sporting Car Clubs. The Townsville Club sponsored a trial at the opening of the Bowen Sports Club in 1953. The cars left Bowen through Home Hill and on to Townsville by the Woodstock Roads. In 1954, the Firm of McKimmon’s Townsville sponsored a round trip from Townsville to Bowen over two days via Woodstock, (the inland route) Giru, Ayr, Bowen and on the return trip it was from Bowen, Ayr, Giru and the coast road back to Townsville.

Does anyone still have photos in their family albums of any of the cars and people of the Ayr Sporting Club? If so, can I copy them for our Burdekin History? Contact can be made through Burdekin Life. The photos will be returned to you. The photos supplied are from the internet. I take this opportunity to thank those people who have supplied me with old Ayr Advocate and Home Hill Observer Clippings which have allowed me to bring Burdekin History alive and renew memories.

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Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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Local

The 2024 local football season got underway at last on Saturday at International Park. Burdekin Panthers played three home games on Saturday against Brothers but had to play on Field 2 because Field 1 was still unplayable. However, it was a successful Saturday, with the Premiers beating Brothers 5-3, and the Reserves drawing 1-1 however, the young and depleted Ladies side lost 0-12.

The Panthers were up against a Brothers team who were last year's minor premiers and grand final winners. The game started at a fast pace and Brothers settled in to take a 1-0 lead early in the first half. This goal served to energise Burdekin who turned up the intensity. Burdekin were awarded a penalty and Matthew Kolb calmly slotted it home to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes. Burdekin's front three of Elliott Dal Santo, Jay Leckenby and Matthew Kolb were causing all sorts of issues for the Brothers back line and the Panthers Burdekin took the lead with Jay Leckenby curling a nice left foot shot into the top corner to give Burdekin a 2-1 lead at half time.

The second half started as the first ended, with Burdekin giving Brothers no time on the ball. Jay Leckenby floated a ball to the back post which Jack Gimson met with a nice header to make it 3-1 and Matthew Kolb, made it 4-1 with about 25 minutes to play. This kicked Brothers attackers into gear, and they started to get involved in the game. With about 10 minutes left they scored a goal to make it 4-2 and a couple of minutes later they scored another to make it 4-3. After a good run from Elliott Dal Santo, Oscar Licciardello, only having come on the field a few minutes earlier (for his first ever premier league minutes no less) scored a fifth goal for Panthers to win 5-3.

Burdekin FC Reserves kicked off in the heat at 3pm running into a strong breeze. It was a bright start with good energy and enthusiasm. Several debutantes to this grade this season and all played their part in a solid performance. Two early chances to score were saved by the Brothers’s keeper and the match settled into a back and forth arm wrestle for most of the first half. A defensive mistake allowed the Brothers striker was able to get clear and score the opening goal around the 30-minute mark.

In the second half the Panthers had the benefit of the wind began to enjoy good field position with Brothers finding it difficult to make scoring chances. The commitment of the midfield to compete for every possession kept Burdekin on top continuing to trouble the Brothers defence. The Panthers kept their effort going for the entire game and after some good lead-up passing were rewarded with a debut goal to Jhett Jones when he found clear space to push the ball past the keeper in the 90th minute. After a few hectic minutes of injury time the final whistle gave Burdekin a well-deserved point against one of last season’s top sides.

The FQPL Ladies kicked off the season against last year's Grand Finalist Brothers FC and a difficult match was expected. Brothers took advantage of the inexperienced and young Burdekin side early on opening the scoring within the first minutes of the game. This unfortunately was not the only goal, and Brothers dominated the first half to lead 6-0 at half time. Some strategic defensive moves allowed Burdekin to apply a more structured and defensive effort and the Ladies opened the second half with a more composed style of football and made Brothers work hard to gain possession. Special mention goes to midfielders Maddy Dal Santo, Charley Ruskin and Kya Quagliata who helped contain the Brothers attack. However, fatigue and lack of fitness due to the lack of subs allowed Brothers to take the advantage using their speed and experience to make the final score 12-0. A disappointing result for the Ladies, however their sportsmanship and attitude will bring this young and inexperienced team hope for growth and development. The ladies welcomed three Premier League debutants, Chayse Feeney, Ava Heatley and Tahlia Lawson who each held their own and show great promise in what is to come. 

Burdekin Panthers Kappa Cup match against JCU Riverway has now been re-scheduled to Tuesday 12 March, 7.00pm kick off at International Park.

This weekend’s features away fixtures against Warriors at Melrose Park. Reserves kick off at 3.00, the Ladies at 5.00 and the Premiers at 7.00. At the time of writing 1st Division appear to have a bye.

Training, at International Park is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30 pm for men and Wednesdays at 6.00 pm for women. New to town? Come down to training and have a run.

Juniors

The final pre-season Saturday has been completed!  The weather was looking a little hairy at times, but we got it in! Teams will be e-mailed out this week, and coaches will be in contact with their team to organise training day and anything else.

Looking forward to first games this Saturday! More information on all this and the draw for Saturday will be out during the week.  A big thanks again to all who have put their hands up to coach the kids, it is much appreciated by everyone and you yourselves will get so much out of it.

Masters

Monday Night Masters had another good roll up and in a game of two halves, not to mention two pitches, Liverpool and Manchester City drew 4-4. Liverpool was ahead 2-0 at one stage but City fought back to go 4-3 up before Liverpool grabbed a last minute equaliser. Goal of the Game goes to John Federici. Old and New players welcome, usual time, usual place, 6.30 at International Park. Treat it as an escape…

National and International

The Young Matildas are in Uzbekistan, playing in the Under 20 Asian Cup. In their final group game, they defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 and have now qualified for the semi-finals. Australia play Japan this Wednesday in Tashkent.

The Socceroos have two matches in March, against Lebanon, in the AFC Asian Qualifiers. The home leg will be played in Sydney on 21 March and then, due to the security aspect in the middle east, the second leg will be played in Canberra on 26 March.

In the A League, only two of the top five teams won. Central Coast beat Macarthur 3-0 to go top of the league as Wellington lost to Melbourne City. Victory moves up to third place two points ahead of Macarthur and Sydney FC stays in fifth spot after a 1-1 draw with Brisbane who drop to eighth place. Western Utd beat Western Sydney but stay bottom of the league.

In the A League Women, leaders Western Utd lost 1-3 to Sydney FC but stay at the top of the ladder two points clear of Melbourne City. Sydney FC stay in third spot and Victory remain in fourth place. Brisbane lost to Central Coast and drops to tenth place.

In the EPL with ten Rounds left it is still very tight at the top of the table with one point separating the top three teams. Liverpool drew 1-1 with Manchester City and with Arsenal winning their match, the Gunners are on top on the goal difference with City a point behind. Aston Villa stay fourth despite being marmelised 0-4 by Spurs. At the foot of the table only Notts Forest won. Burnley and Sheffield Utd are doomed, and Luton Town is in deep trouble.

In Germany, the top six teams all won, Leverkusen still leads Bayern by ten points. Third placed Stuttgart is another four points behind with fourth placed Dortmund a further six points adrift. At the bottom of the league, none of the nine cellar dwellers won and two out of Darmstadt, Mainz and Cologne look due for the drop.

In Italy’s Serie A, only two out of the top nine teams won. Inter and AC Milan were those clubs and Inter leads AC by sixteen points with Juventus a further point behind in third place. Bologna stays fourth and Roma fifth.

In Spain’s, La Liga five of the leading six teams won, only one out of the top ten teams won. Real Madrid leads Girona by seven points and Barcelona by eight. Atletico lost but stays in fourth place six points away. At the foot of the table Almeria is till yet to win a game and has nine points from twenty seven rounds!

Finally, in Ligue1 in France, PSG despite yet another draw is now ten points ahead of Brest. Third placed Monaco is a further point behind, and Lille stays in fourth place. At the foot of the table Clermont look doomed.

The 2nd Leg of the Europe Champions League Quarter finals starts this week, with Arsenal at home to Porto, Barcelona at home to Napoli, Atletico play Inter and Dortmund host PSV.

More importantly Coventry City travel to Wolves in the FA Cup Quarter Finals. I knew you would be interested.

This week’s quote is from Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley "Mind you, I've been here during the bad times too - one year we came second."

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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club held a Family Fun Day and Sock Disco on Saturday March 2. The day was a great success with locals coming down to enjoy the festivities.

The dunk tank was a huge hit with both the young and old taking a turn to sink one of the Lifesavers braving the swing.

Kids braved the slip and slide, and families enjoyed a wide variety of outdoor games, face painting, fairy floss and popcorn.

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Cover Caption: Gabriel Hatherell, Cole Pontifex, Luca Lawry, Jude Lawry, Hoyt Pontifex & Oscar Hayllor. Photo supplied

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Ayr Surf Club’s Family Fun Day

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The Ayr Surf Club would like to thank all that attended and joined in the day.

For anyone interested in joining the club as a nipper or a Bronze Member, please contact our administrator on ayrslsc@gmail.com or via our Facebook page.

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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Caption 1: The Borgonid family

Caption 2: The Gutierrez family

Caption 3: Jax and Katrina Hearn

Caption 4: Zoe Ball, Bentley Favero and Miley Ball

Caption 5: Hoyt Pontifex and Jude Lawry

Caption 6: Front L-R: Laoise, Lillian’s Reilly, Alexander Marshal and Emmett Fraser. Back L-R Jimmy Hayllor, Briella Wassmuth and Alexandra Moloney

Caption 7: Emilee Wassmuth, Julia Rickards, Kristy Wassmuth and Chelsea Crooks

Caption 8: Photos supplied: Kellie Lawry

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Hi readers

I have returned from a wonderful weekend away with Jakita at Paluma Ranges National Park and, I must say, what a beautiful spot.

From swimming in the creeks and waterholes to wandering the tracks and taking in the vistas, it made for a refreshing weekend of exploring a beautiful part of the country that’s essentially right on our doorstep.

We observed a wide variety of bird life with a highlight being sitting on the balcony of a quaint café in the village, eating shepherd’s pie and drinking sarsaparilla after a big hike and watching yellow-faced honeyeaters, new holland honeyeaters and green catbirds flit through the backyard – some of which I had never seen before.

Swimming under the bridge at Little Crystal Creek is a truly unique experience, and, after recent rain, the water was flowing with some mighty force.

The water at all swimming holes felt cool, fresh and clean and was especially refreshing after hiking the trails.

We enjoyed our stay at the Big Crystal Creek camping ground, with the creek a short walk away and the shade of the trees providing a relaxing homebase.

We made a point of taking in the stars each night and, boy, did they put on a show.

We made our way up to the Frosty Mango, those signs just too appealing for us to say no, before heading up to Jourama Falls to find that part of the national park, unfortunately, closed.

There was simply too much to cram into one weekend so I will certainly be returning to Paluma soon.

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With Coles Ayr closing unexpectedly to complete urgent roof repairs, Woolworths has weathered an influx of shoppers to pick up the demand.

Many residents have taken to social media to share their appreciation of the supermarket’s handling of the extra customers.

“I think Woolies in Ayr deserve a big shout out for the amazing job they’ve done dealing with a sudden 100 per cent increase of demand from their store,” one person posted in the Burdekin Community Hub Facebook group.

“Not an easy task logistically and can only imagine the stress involved for all of their staff.”

The post was met with countless comments of support for the supermarket and its staff.

“I’ve been saying the same thing,” read one comment.

“Thank you for Woolworths staff working super hard.”

“The staff in there are so wonderful when you need help, they are so amazing.

“Keep up the good work, good to see people that still respect their jobs,” said another.

“They've been so busy every time I've gone in, but still amazing customer service and friendly smiles,” said another.

Coles, located in Burdekin Plaza in Ayr, suddenly closed in February after heavy rain caused damage to the buildings roof.

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Caption: Woolworths Ayr has seen an influx of customers due to the unexpected closure of Coles in February. Photo supplied

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First Nations organisations are welcome to submit their expression of interest to deliver a new ‘Intensive On Country’ trial program, for young First Nations Queensland engaged with the youth justice system.

Building upon foundations established by the current ‘On Country’ initiative, ‘Intensive On Country’ will include an intensive cultural and residential experience for longer periods of time, education and training opportunities, family support, and in home support.

The ‘On Country’ program boasts early data that young people who participated in the program are less likely to reoffend six months after the program completion, when compared with youth who did not participate.

This trend continued 12 months after the completion of the program, and with notable and significant improvements in behaviour, emotional regulation, effective communication, managing conflict, and family circumstances in youth participants.

Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer explained, “We are firmly committed to helping young people break the cycle of crime by giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around.

“This is why we are investing heavily in intervention and diversionary programs around the state that are proven to be effective in reducing offending.

“Our new initiative will build on from our current On Country program and provide a more intensive service to stop offending by helping young First Nations people to turn their lives.”

Uncle Eddie Smallwood of the Gudjuda Aboriginal Reference Group, based in Home Hill, admits that he had been approached by Governing bodies to facilitate the program in the Burdekin, however he is, “Still considering the implications of taking the program onboard.”

“It’s all well and good to say yes to the program, but you’ve got to consider if you have the right facilities for it,” Uncle Eddie explained.

“This program needs to run properly, or the kids will just reoffend.”

Uncle Eddie also explained that while this program is good, it does lack in some areas.

“We need to look at the parents and understand the home situation of the youth who are offending. A program which brings the parents and youth together would be great, but that can’t always happen,” Uncle Eddie said.

“A program like Earn & Learn is great to teach the youth to respect others, to respect the value of money and of property, but I also believe that such programs need to be delivered through the courts, with youth given the option to complete the program or spend a period of time is prison.”

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Caption: Uncle Eddie Smallwood of the Gudjuda Aboriginal Reference Group

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Coles Ayr reopened yesterday, Wednesday March 6, following its sudden closure over two weeks ago, due to comprised ceiling tiles posing a significant health and safety risk.

The trade of Coles Ayr, in the Burdekin Plaza, was initially suspended due to concerns about the stability of the roof tiles as a result of excess moisture and humidity from the recent heavy rains.

Engaging with the building landlord, a contractor was employed to undertake the necessary works.

Todd Riches, Coles Regional Manager explained that “We’re excited to welcome back the community into our Ayr store from this Wednesday (6 March).

“Our team are busy getting the store ready, after the short two-week closure while the ceiling tiles were replaced.

“To thank our customers for their patience and understanding, we are extending the free delivery offer. Our Ayr community can get free delivery on all orders over $50 until Sunday 10 March 2024.”

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An iron-clad plan must be developed for the local TAFE following a committee report into the services across the state, says Member for Burdekin Dale Last.

Mr Last has called on the Minister to front the Burdekin community to develop the plan after key findings in the report into the delivery of VET in regional, rural, and remote Queensland acknowledged that there was scope for improvement in community involvement in the planning for VET services in regional areas.  

“As we saw with the consultation process into the Infrastructure Strategy, when it comes to community consultation on the delivery of TAFE in their shire, we have to jump through hoops or miss out on a chance to have a say at all,” Mr Last said.

“For years, residents, business owners and chambers of commerce have called for better utilisation of the Burdekin TAFE facility to benefit not just students but the wider community and now this report echoes the need for them to be heard.

“Given the findings, it’s time for the Minister to come to the Burdekin and hear how we want to see our local TAFE facility being used and provide a plan as to how that vision can be brought to fruition.”

Mr Last said having an effective deliverance of TAFE in the Burdekin benefitted the whole region as well as improving the retention of young people from the district.

“Several stakeholders noted in the report the gaps between the training being delivered by TAFE and the skills required by local industries and at a time when the demand for skilled workers is skyrocketing, this should be ringing alarm bells for immediate action,” Mr Last said.

“Right now in the Burdekin we still have a group of young people who are being forced to leave the Burdekin to pursue training options that could be offered here at their local TAFE and at the same time we are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of unfilled positions in vital industries.

“I am calling on the Minister to provide assurances that she isn’t willing to sit on her hands while a rural Queensland community watches its young people leave just to secure the training they need for the career they want to pursue.”

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An Ayr woman has passed away after an incident involving a lawn mower on a private property on Cislowski Road, Ayr.

48-year-old Kylie Walker suffered head and chest injuries after the accident that occurred around 6:00pm on Monday, March 4.

Paramedics were called to the scene where she was assessed in a critical condition before, sadly, passing away.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Ms Walker leaves behind her husband, Darren, and two teenage children who are well-known in the local farming community.

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Caption: Kylie Walker tragically passed away on Monday. Photo: Facebook

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