The Lower Burdekin Scouts started 2025 early in January, when two members attended the Jamboree at Maryborough – a 10-day camp packed with fun and activities. This was followed by a night for our Group in Plantation Park, and a walk around Ayr to visit some of the Heritage sites.
A few days later, several of the Scouts and adults attended the Australia Day Awards ceremony at the Burdekin Theatre on Australia Day.
People aged 5 to 85 can come “Try Scouts” for four nights for free and begin to learn valuable Life Skills, explore the outdoors and develop lifelong memories.
People of all ages, even adults, join Scouting and develop such skills as resilience leadership, respect and confidence. It’s a great place to form friendships and share in a love of the outdoors.
Our Scouting program and badge-work is based around four challenge areas:
   • Community
   • Outdoors
   • Creative
   • Personal Development
The month of February program has an Aquatics theme, with three nights at local swimming pools and then a region swimming day in Townsville at the end of the month.
The Lower Burdekin Scouts meet on a Thursday night at 57-59 Twelfth Ave Home Hill (behind the swimming pool). Come join in the fun and be part of something special.
Ages 5-8 years 4-5pm
Ages 8+ Years 5:30-7:30pm

WHAT: Lower Burdekin Scouts
WHEN: Every Thursday
WHERE: 57-59 Twelfth Ave Home Hill

Chris, Harper and Aaliyah, outside the 2025 Australia Day Awards.

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The 109 Squadron Burdekin Air Force Cadets is now recruiting for 2025, offering young individuals an exciting opportunity to grow in confidence, leadership, and teamwork. If your child is turning 13 this year, in at least Grade 7, and under 15 years of age, this program could be the perfect fit for them.

Air Force Cadets is a youth-oriented organisation supported by the Royal Australian Air Force. Cadets engage in an array of activities, including aerospace training, field skills, survival techniques, and firearms safety. They also have the chance to fly, learn navigation, and participate in camps and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, all within a military-based framework.

Recruitment interviews commence on Friday, 31 January 2025, when the squadron resumes activities at the Tsimba Ridge Training Depot, 46 Little Drysdale Street, Ayr. Interviews will also be held every Friday night until recruiting closes on 31 March 2025.

To access additional details, visit www.airforcecadets.gov.au or contact the Commanding Officer on 0438 107 059.

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Recruitment has begun for the 109 Squadron Burdekin Air Force Cadets

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The Rotary Club of Home Hill is dedicated to making a positive impact in our Home Hill community and beyond. Through service projects, fundraising efforts, and community events, they work together to support local initiatives, assist those in need, and contribute to global humanitarian efforts.
Rotary is more than just a club—it’s a network of individuals who believe in giving back. Whether it’s supporting local schools and clubs, improving community facilities and ways of life, or raising funds for important causes, our members are committed to creating meaningful change.
Joining Rotary offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, develop skills, make friends and take part in rewarding service projects. The Rotary Club welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference. Even if you can’t commit to becoming a member, there are many ways to support their efforts. Attending fundraising events, volunteering for a project, or making a donation can help them continue their vital work.
By supporting the Rotary Club of Home Hill, you are investing in a stronger, more vibrant community. Together, we can tackle local challenges and contribute to a better future for all.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, we invite you to attend one of our meetings or reach out to us. Phone Alf on 0419-477-084 or Garry on 0408-441-055, or like our Facebook page facebook.com/rotaryclubofhomehill.
Your time and support can help change lives, starting right here in Home Hill. 
Get involved today and be a part of something bigger!
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Contributed with thanks by Rotary Club Home Hill

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The Arch Dunn Memorial Park playground, Home Hill, a Rotary Club Home Hill project. Photo: Supplied

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BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues.
 
The Service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of:
   • Food parcels
   • Toiletries
   • Vouchers (food, clothes, chemist, transport)
   • Prepaid cards
   • Payment of third-party accounts
 
Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.
 
Burdekin Community Pantry
 
We are requesting donations for our Community Pantry. The items most needed are:
   • Fruit
   • Vegetables
   • Non-perishable food (e.g. canned vegetables or fruit, canned spaghetti or baked beans, long life milk, tea/coffee/sugar, pasta)
   • Sanity items
   • Toiletries
If possible, please deliver your donation to the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr.  Your help is very much appreciated.
 
Burdekin Community Recovery
 
Did you know that the BCA plays a significant role in Burdekin Community Recovery?  The team and I help to provide Human and Social community recovery planning and operations.  We work with council, state government agencies, other service providers and community groups to provide recovery assistance to affected members of the community during and post a disaster event.  This may include emotional, social and physical well-being services.  
 
Both the BCA Support Centre (130 Queen St Ayr) and Burdekin Centre for Rural Health (12a Chippendale St Ayr) are designated Burdekin Community Recovery Hubs.  Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support.
 
During and after the storm season we recommend that you prepare and stay up-to-date by monitoring the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Management website, Bureau of Meteorology website, 630AM ABC radio and 97.1 SweetFM radio.
http://www.bom.gov.au/
https://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/
 
For Community, Health and Wellbeing Services, information or support please contact our Team:
The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744
Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, 12A Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 2711
Email: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Website: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bca1975

BCA provides financial and material assistance for adults experiencing personal, family, relationship and/or financial issues.
 
The Service assists adults and children with basic needs in times of financial hardship, through the provision of:
   • Food parcels
   • Toiletries
   • Vouchers (food, clothes, chemist, transport)
   • Prepaid cards
   • Payment of third-party accounts
 
Please note that a Centrelink Income Statement is required unless you are affected by domestic and family violence and not receiving a Centrelink payment.
 
Burdekin Community Pantry
 
We are requesting donations for our Community Pantry. The items most needed are:
   • Fruit
   • Vegetables
   • Non-perishable food (e.g. canned vegetables or fruit, canned spaghetti or baked beans, long life milk, tea/coffee/sugar, pasta)
   • Sanity items
   • Toiletries
If possible, please deliver your donation to the Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr.  Your help is very much appreciated.
 
Burdekin Community Recovery
 
Did you know that the BCA plays a significant role in Burdekin Community Recovery?  The team and I help to provide Human and Social community recovery planning and operations.  We work with council, state government agencies, other service providers and community groups to provide recovery assistance to affected members of the community during and post a disaster event.  This may include emotional, social and physical well-being services.  
 
Both the BCA Support Centre (130 Queen St Ayr) and Burdekin Centre for Rural Health (12a Chippendale St Ayr) are designated Burdekin Community Recovery Hubs.  Community Recovery Hubs are a place where residents who are experiencing hardship can apply for grants and obtain emotional and wellbeing support.
 
During and after the storm season we recommend that you prepare and stay up-to-date by monitoring the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Management website, Bureau of Meteorology website, 630AM ABC radio and 97.1 SweetFM radio.
http://www.bom.gov.au/
https://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/
 
For Community, Health and Wellbeing Services, information or support please contact our Team:
The Support Centre, 130 Queen St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 3744
Burdekin Centre for Rural Health and Burdekin Community Rehabilitation Centre, 12A Chippendale St, Ayr. Ph: 4783 2711
Email: bca@bcaburdekin.org.au
Website: www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bca1975

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How can we talk about anything else but the weather?  However, we would like to approach it from the perspective of resilience.

We send our thoughts to our regional communities who are baring the brunt of this weather event.

For seasoned Nth Qlder’s, a rainy summer is par for the course, a larger than normal downfall is always on the cards and to be prepared for.  We all have a duty to look out for each other and help where we are able.  

We also have a duty to ourselves to build our resilience.  Building resilience is essential for adapting to challenges and bouncing back from setbacks.

Here are some effective strategies to help develop resilience:

1. Develop a Strong Support Network: Cultivate relationships with family, friends, and community members. A strong support system provides emotional support and practical help when needed.

2. Practice Self-Care: Prioritise your physical and mental health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga.

3. Foster a Positive Mindset: Focus on positive thinking and self-talk. Practice gratitude by acknowledging the good things in your life, even during tough times.

4. Set Realistic Goals: Break down larger goals into manageable tasks. Achieving small milestones can boost confidence and resilience.

5. Embrace Change: Accept that change is a part of life. Being flexible and adaptable can help you cope more effectively with unexpected challenges.

6. Learn Problem-Solving Skills: Improve your ability to approach issues logically and creatively. This will enable you to find solutions more effectively when problems arise.

7. Develop Emotional Awareness: Recognise and accept your emotions. Understanding how you feel can help you manage your reactions and respond more effectively to stress.

8. Seek Professional Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to counsellors or therapists. Professional support can be invaluable in building resilience.

9. Engage in Community Activities: Get involved in your community. Volunteering or participating in local events can strengthen your connections and sense of belonging.

10. Reflect on Past Experiences: Learn from previous challenges. Reflecting on how you coped with past difficulties can provide valuable insights and strengthen your resilience for future challenges.

Why are we writing about all of this?  At the Neighbourhood Centre we can help you along your journey to building your resilience – not only for weather events but for life in general!  Come in and chat to our friendly team!

Until Next Time
The Team at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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Debra Harwood, a 57-year-old mother of three and grandmother to 14, has lived in Ayr and the Burdekin area for over 30 years. Originally born in Mackay, Debra, who works at the Ayr State Primary School tuck shop by day, and Woolies at night stocking shelves, is surrounded by children almost 24/7.

“I was a volunteer at the tuck shop for a couple of years first before I eventually took it over, but since then it’s just been me. Though, I’ve just handed over tuck shop duties to my youngest daughter, which is great as I also work at Woolies on night fill. That’s going on 18 years. Then I also run around after the grandkids, because I'm raising two,” Debra exclaims.

A woman that works days and nights, has three older kids, 14 grandkids, two of which she looks after, you’d think she must wear a superhero cape under her outfit, but no that’s not the case.

“Ha, no, no cape, I don't know, I just keep going doing what I do. It’s okay but it does tire me out sometimes. But yeah, I keep on keeping on,” Debra smiles.

Even the very best superheroes have off days, wearing their battle scars as badges of honour. In Debra’s case, she’s currently carrying a Plantar fasciitis ailment, but it doesn’t stop her. And just as Batman, the caped crusader is known to do in his comics, Debra’s getting by on minimal sleep.

“I'm suffering with my own little hassles and medical things, like most of us, and while this plantar fasciitis in my heels is killing me, I get by on just three to four hours of sleep each night,” she says plainly.

So, what’s Debra’s secret? How does she do it when so few struggle, and on much more sleep than she gets? Surely she has a secret or hidden superhero power of some kind?

“Na, I get support all over, so it’s not all me. I’ve been doing it for years, so you just get used to it.”

Debra has also not been static either. With four kids and 10 grandkids, how can you be? Just as our favourite superheroes and heroines invariably do, she’s also travelled far and wide.

“I've been to several places, such as Brisbane, Alpha, Jericho, and other places and interstate. I used to live out there in Alpha with foster parents for a time. The other places I’ve lived such as Brisbane, I was with my mum where I grew up for a while.”

Debra enjoys the quiet town life of Ayr and what the Burdekin offers, and despite one her daughter’s suggestion to move up Townsville to be closer to her, she has no plans to do so.

“You always have problems no matter where you go, but I like it here. I quite enjoy it really. I don't think I'll move,” Debra states.

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Debra Harwood, doing great things is a superhero for many. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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We all have our stories or adventures that we tell, but for Sweet FM’s historian, Glenis Cislowski, telling stories brings on a whole new level. You see Glenis goes back in time, getting lost among the old stories told from a bygone era and bringing them back into the now. It’s something she thrives on, and has done since she first became interested in the stories of others and their history.

Part of what was formerly called ‘Nostalgia Hour,’ these days you’ll find Glenis regaling listeners with ‘Those Were The Days’ on Mondays at 10am. So popular is her segment, she’s also branched out beyond the radio to share her incredible storytelling among these very pages at times.

She has written for various publications, including the Burdekin Advocate and the BCA newsletter since 2002, covering diverse topics such as cyclones, shipwrecks, and local infrastructure changes, Glenis is a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and little, fun, unknown facts that enlighten many.

“I present a bit of history of the area. It can be with people, it can be floods, it can be the irrigation that we have here. I do a bit on everything. Might be a ball or something that I've read in the paper, just to create an interest of what went on in the district over the years,” Glenis reveals.

Not only has Glenis been presenting at the station for nearly five years, but she herself, has a great personal history. Her ancestors came to the Burdekin in the 1890s, while she’s lived here all her life.

“I have always enjoyed listening to old people's stories and my grandparents' stories, and I just got interested in family history. It's amazing what history you get from family that you can then get the history of the place. I just like some of the stories around the place, they're really fascinating,” Glenis beams.

Glenis's passion for history, coupled with her personal experiences and community connections, make her a valuable local historian, and much loved Sweet FM radio presenter. At 76, there’s no slowing Glenis down, driven to discover and uncover many more stories and histories, of people, the Burdekin, and more.

“I just observe what is going on around me, and I love reading, particularly about this area. It’s amazing what was going on in this area, and how it’s not that much different today. I was reading in the 1920s in the Home Hill observer, that they were all whinging about the roads and how they were. And while I was reading it I was thinking, they’re still whinging about the same roads,” Glenis laughs.

Check out Glenis’ ‘Those Were The Days’ on Monday mornings from 10am. If you’d like to join the station as a presenter, contact Sweet FM on: (07) 4782-8394 or email: admin@sweetfm.com.au.

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Glenis Cislowski, a woman full of history. Photo: Mark T. Rasmussen

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With 11,000+ Visitors In 2024, What Would You Suggest Someone Visiting The Burdekin In 2025 Do Or See?

Robert: “The park down there in Ayr, Plantation Park, that’d be one place I really recommend a tourist go visit. It not only looks really nice with that small river system running through it, which also cascades but it’s very, very tropical. I’ve been there myself and enjoy it. Alva Beach is also a great place to go and see. You can go fishing out there or swim, it’s a good spot to visit if you go there as it’s a quiet little beach town. They'd be the two places I’d suggest new visitors go and see.”

Troy: “If someone was to come to Home Hill and Ayr and the Burdekin, I would recommend they go up and see Inkerman Lookout. That gives a great view right out over the area from high up there. It’s incredible. I also think the pool in Ayr with its water park, is a good spot to go when it’s hot and humid. And go fishing! There are lots of good fishing spots around. That and the beaches where you fish, that sounds good.”

Patricia: “Well, they could go and have a look at the Burdekin Bridge, which they can cross by foot, and get to stand directly over the Burdekin River. In Home Hill, there’s lots to have a look at there, because there's different plaques placed down into the concrete with information that highlights the area, the old buildings, early pioneers etc. Here in Ayr, there is a butterfly shop that's open on occasion, that’s lovely. There's also the gem place over at Home Hill, where you can look at all these beautiful and different gemstones, that’s nice. We have got a lovely picture theatre here that they're doing from a shed because the theatre got damaged. You can watch a full movie, have a beautiful meal, and the children can run around this little garden that's got all these gnomes. It’s like a little children's wonder garden. If you go to the information centres here, the volunteers will tell you everything else that can be found.”

Wendy: “The actual shopping precinct here is fantastic. We get a lot of women come shopping here from other towns such as Townsville, Charters Towers, those sorts of places, because we've got all the nice little boutique shops here. As far as tourist attractions, I really haven't been here long enough to answer that one. I know a lot of the people here have huts and stuff. They spend a lot of time fishing and enjoying some of the local beaches. Oh, we’ve been crabbing! That's pretty good. We go mud-crabbing in Plantation Creek, where we’ll go down early to the beach and go. It’s different but a lot of fun.”

Joseph: “If someone was coming here to visit the Burdekin, first, just say hi mate! Then they should they go to the lookout down past Home Hill, or go take a walk over the bridge. I would also recommend them to go and just see this area by walking around the two towns and check out stuff, you know. Like the beach, the river, the park, that kind of thing.”

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On Saturday 1st February, the Ayr Golf Club had planned a big day of golf and a 95th anniversary dinner at night. Weather conditions way out of our control cancelled the golf play during the day but the dinner went ahead as planned.
Not only was it an anniversary dinner, but the Ayr Club agreed at the annual general meeting to honour Karrie Webb, with Honorary Membership and it was presented at the dinner.
There was plenty of memorabilia on display from past members for guests to ponder over. It showed how far the Ayr Golf Club had come from starting as a 9-hole course in 1930 to an 18-hole course by 1980. The current clubhouse was opened in 1988. All this was achieved with members volunteering time and labour to accomplish a very impressive country Golf Club.
Included during the night was a question-and-answer interview with Karrie, and conducted by Peter Andersen, a past president of the Club. The people who were present at the dinner learnt firsthand how Karrie went from learning to play golf in Ayr to No. 1 in the world in 1999/2000. By the age of 25, she had earned her way into LPGA Hall of Fame and also the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Winning European Rookie of the year in 1995, then 1996 LPGA Rookie of the year, Karrie has won 41 LPGA tournaments, 15 on Ladies European tour, 13 on Australian LPGA, 3 on Japanese LPGA and 3 on other tours. She won 7 major tournaments in those wins.
Since 2006 Karrie has provided two scholarships for the top two female amateurs in Australia to gain experience overseas, and last year a scholarship was established with the help of Nippon Shaft, for the top female coach to add value to her coaching credentials.
In all, all guests that attended had an enjoyable night.

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Karrie Web with two budding juniors, Oscar and Evelyn Mahoney. Photo: Supplied
Guests at the Ayr Golf Club’s 95th Anniversary dinner. Photo: Supplied
Karrie Webb with Ayr Golf Treasurer, Janet Tresize, and Peter Andersen after presentation of Honourary Membership. Photo: Supplied

Contributed with thanks by Ayr Golf Club

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In late June of 2024, the Whittles family spent the night camping near the Burdekin River as part of their travels around Australia, and felt inspired to send up their drone to capture footage of the magnificent Burdekin Bridge.

“I’m not really one to find bridges all that fascinating, but there’s something about this bridge that intrigues me,” shared Mark Whittles.

“I’m not sure what it is that I find intriguing about it, it’s a big ugly metal structure, it is one of Australia’s biggest bridges, but it is absolutely PLAGUED with orb spiders!”

The Whittles have been travelling around the country for just over two years, capturing and sharing videos and photos of their adventures across various social media platforms. Along with these extraordinary photos, the Whittles shared a YouTube video of their adventures in both Bowen and the Burdekin region, which has attracted almost 4,000 views!

“I did learn it’s the only bridge in Australia to be built on sand, so that’s kind of interesting – either way, it made for something cool to take photos of!”

Hundreds of people have interacted with the post published on ‘Our Whittle Adventure’s’ social media pages, commenting their own experiences with the Burdekin Bridge, from both a local and travellers’ perspective.

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The Whittles family’s drone photos are nothing short of impressive

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As part of Clare State School’s 75th anniversary celebrations, staff have been dedicating their time to publishing a beautiful book to officially mark the milestone and acknowledge the school’s rich history.

One of the sections will list past and present Clare State School teacher aides, cleaners, and administration assistants, however the school has shared they are having difficulty locating the names of some people who previously worked in these roles.

Clare State School has kindly asked the community to email tpatt104@eq.edu.au or comment on the school’s recent Facebook post if you can help! The full list of names the school has accumulated to date can be found on their Facebook page.

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Clare State School as it stood in 1952

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1938, a year of historically significant headlines, including German troops marching into Austria (March), the signing of the Munich Pact (September), the birth of Judy Blume (February), and the release of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (February).

A 1938 photo picturing an Ayr State School Grade 1 class has been shared online, with many reminiscing on the traditions of the time, noting how far the school’s uniform has evolved over the past 86 years. Can you name any of these students?

The Burdekin Life Newspaper thanks Jennifer Thomas for sharing this photograph.

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Who can you recognise?

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A sudden incident involving juvenile offenders has left the Burdekin community on high alert and extremely concerned following suspicions the area will continue to experience a frightening crime wave. 
 
In 2022 – 2023, 82,677 offenders were prosecuted against by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), a 2% increase from the previous yearly period, and the first increase since 2015. The quantity of car thefts, breaking and entering incidents, and traffic incidents that have circulated online over the past 12 months, has locals fearful of the impending 2024 Australian Bureau of Statistics report expected to be released next month. 
 
Last week’s incident occurred at approximately 5:30am on Tuesday the 21st of January, after police were called to Sandsdown Street in Alva Beach, following reports a white Hyundai hatchback had collided with an electricity pole.  
 
One adult and four juveniles were arrested at the scene and as of Wednesday the 22nd of January, charges were filed against all five parties as confirmed by a QPS spokeswoman.  
 
“The group of five allegedly left the scene on foot and attempted to evade police but were arrested a short time later at a local caravan park,” a QPS spokeswoman said. 
 
A 13-year-old Home Hill girl, a 14-year-old Home Hill boy, a 15-year-old Home Hill girl, and a 17-year-old Home Hill girl were all charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle – use in company and appeared in the Ayr Children’s Court on Wednesday the 29th of January. 
 
The fifth offender, an 18-year-old Home Hill man has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle – use in company, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing utensils or pipes that had been used, and breach of bail offences. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on Monday the 10th of February. 
 
The vehicle was reported stolen from an address close to Home Hill State School the morning of Monday the 20th of January. Locals took to online platforms to demand harsher consequences for offenders with many members of the community saddened to learn the car belonged to a Home Hill grandmother. 
 
Reports have emerged of witnesses sighting the stolen vehicle driving recklessly at around 11pm on Monday night around Soldiers and Horseshoe Bay Road in Bowen, with locals warning their neighbours to take precaution and sharing CCTV footage online. 
 
“Warning Bowen residents – there is a stolen car from Ayr making its way around Bowen, a white hatchback, lock your cars and doors, police have been notified,” shared one concerned Bowen resident. 
 
The QPS advises car owners to consider a range of precautions to deter thieves from targeting their vehicles including parking in a secured location, installing a car alarm and other antitheft devices like steering wheel locks, install a GPS tracker to the vehicle, and promptly secure garage doors or front gates. 

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The car was left extremely damaged after the ordeal

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The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival (BRWF) was a festival unlike any other in the area. Drawing acclaimed Australian authors and a wide audience from both Queensland and interstate, tourism and local businesses flourished in the Burdekin as a result.

However, like most events in Australia and around the world, covid hit, forcing organisers to cancel the 2020 event, despite having several prominent writers who’d accepted and were keen to attend.

Before covid scuppered the 2020 BRWF, the festival had fired up the hearts & minds of authors and the Burdekin alike it seemed. The BRWF had been full steam ahead, lining up even more great authors and shaping to be a massive boon for the region again.

Then due to a lack of extra organisers to share the load, the 2022 event never quite got off the ground. Since then, despite repeated calls from authors, publicists, local businesses and council, along with plenty of interest from an eager public to return, the BRWF has been languishing since.

If no one picks up the baton, the festival, and the untold benefits it brings the Burdekin, cease.

Mickey McKellar (pictured) and The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival committee, ignited minds and fired up the Burdekin region. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

Reigniting The Burdekin Readers & Writers Festival

Mickey McKellar, a member of the Burdekin Readers and Writers Association, discusses the association’s formation in 2013, which first got its start with an initial funding of $320.

“The formation of the festival came about from a group of ladies who were in a local book club that also morphed into a writing group. We used to travel each year to Brisbane to go visit the Brisbane Writers Festival,” Mickey says.

“Because I was also involved in the hotel industry, I was one of those people curious by other people's ideas, be it menus or festivals. They're all built on somebody else's concept. So I put it to the ladies, ‘You know, we could do a festival like this at home. You just work it in with your community and your facilities.’ Well, they all ducked for cover, except for two but that didn't stop us.”

“We finished up with eight ladies originally. Then to register as a not-for-profit organisation we needed money, so we popped in $40 each. With a grand total of $320, off we went,” Mickey laughs.

That first festival eventually kicked off in July of 2015. It featured eight authors, including David Hunt and Matthew Condon, and received significant local business support while being a win for the region.

“Because we were an unknown, the hardest thing of all was trying to attract authors. We had a list of would-be guests and we were going through them and having absolutely no success. But then David Hunt, who wrote Girt, well he was the first to respond and said he'd love to come. Shortly after followed Matthew Condon, a journalist with the Courier Mail, but also an author who wrote stories relating to crime and corruption in Queensland.”

“Then it all happened so quickly that I remember saying to one of the women, ‘It's like they've got a network. The minute one responds, another does.’ Before we knew it, we finished up with eight authors that first year,” Mickey extols.

“Amazingly, there'd never been a literary festival in this town before, but we got a good response from the local business community. It enabled us to pay for authors’ flights, accommodation, and give them a speaking fee. I know our fees were more than what ASA (Australian Society of Authors) recommended, but we knew that they'd have to take a couple of flights just to get here, so we went over and above what they expected to get.”

And it worked! Because at the very next festival (2016) the BRWF managed to secure around 12-14, authors, including kids book authors!

“The first festival was extremely successful, and Matthew Condon, who was still writing for the Courier Mail, contacted me about six weeks out from the 2016 festival and said he'd like to do a story. Honestly, what he put together about the first festival, as far as advertising goes, we would never have been able to achieve that. He didn't only write about the festival, he wrote about the community. It was very well done,” Mickey proclaims.

On the back of two highly successful festivals, someone recommended BRWF do it every second year, so they skipped 2017 and went straight to 2018. As a result the festival expanded to 20 authors and attracted over 3,500 attendees – a boon for both local businesses and the Burdekin as a result.

“For the 2018 festival we mixed it up and instead of the school kids coming to the Burdekin Theatre, we took the authors to them! That was a masterstroke. The authors did workshops, which was a great success thanks to a couple of committee members who were former teachers.”

With 20 authors, big attendances, 2018 was a smash, while the community fully came on board.

“The fact of the matter is that it costs a lot of money to run a festival. While we did get grants, the business community really supported us and came aboard. We got private sponsorship of about $28,000 that year, which was amazing,” Mickey exclaims.

The festival had fired up the hearts & minds of authors and the Burdekin alike it seemed. The BRWF were full steam ahead planning for 2020, lining up even more great authors… then covid hit.

“It was too risky for the committee to book flights not knowing if the authors would be able to fly or whether we’d be able get a refund if flights got cancelled. A not-for-profit can't exist on airline credit,” Mickey says.

Sadly, that’s where things ended. There hasn’t been another festival since, while the BRWF committee has remained in limbo.

“You lose momentum in so many ways, and that's what happened. We've thought about many things. We've got money in the bank, but what do we with do it? We've now got grandkids and the people who've been there since the beginning like myself, they're tired, they don't want to be doing it anymore. We're sort of in limbo at the moment.”

“I understand all of the people that want it to happen again, from council to community, authors and publicists, and maybe I shouldn’t go on record here, but I'm going to say it anyway. The suggestion for me to contact you came from the Mayor because she said the new journalist in town is an author. Then the former mayor, Lyn McLaughlin, also contacted me to say I should reach out. And I appreciate them thinking that, but just because someone new comes to town who is an author doesn't mean to say that it's going to happen again. They don't seem to understand that there's a lot of work involved. No one wants to give their time anymore.”

If no one picks up the baton and uses the incredible foundation that Mickey and her BRWF committee members have laid, the festival, and the untold benefits it brings the region, cease. It’s as simple as that.

In what shapes as a do or die moment come February 19, the BRWF committee may well be meeting for the very last time. They’re appealing to the public to attend and become part of something that means so much to the community.

“Whether it's a Writers Festival or a Water Festival, if you want them to continue, then get involved. I'm 77, you know. It's time for younger ones to step up otherwise we have to wind it up. It’s so much easier than when we started with nothing. We have community support, we have business support, we have council support, and most importantly, we have authors support. Everything works. As long as you approach it in the right manner, you can't go wrong,” Mickey concludes with a hopeful smile.

The BRWF are meeting at 11:30am, 19 February, at the Burdekin Library, Ayr. If you want to revive this popular festival, attend, participate, otherwise this once great festival is gone forever. For more info email Mickey: mck4247@bigpond.net.au

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Authors on a panel enjoying themselves during Burdekin Readers Writers Festival. Photo: Supplied
BRWF volunteers, were a core reason the festival was a success. Photo: Supplied
The BRW festival has plenty of local support. Photo: Supplied
The festival was attended by big crowds. Photo: Supplied
A novel Garden Party with author and attendees. Photo: Supplied
Professor Roly Sussex speaking at the Burdekin Theatre during the BRW festival. Photo: Supplied

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On Sunday, 26 January, The Burdekin Shire Council announced their Australia Day Award winners in front of a near full house at the Burdekin Theatre. The event, which was also open to the public, celebrated the achievements of many individuals and organisations, who have all benefitted the Burdekin in one form or another through significant contributions.

All the honourees, special guests, friends and family, waited in the foyer as the Burdekin Brass Band belted out beautiful tune after beautiful tune, before all made their way into the auditorium.

Once the flag presentation ceremony was done by the Air Force cadets, young talent, Alaya Magic, sang the national anthem, before Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort opened proceedings with the Australian Citizenship ceremony. The Burdekin welcomed five new Aussies into the fold, each presented with their certificates and swearing their oaths.

The Mayor then handed over to special guest, Australia Day Ambassador, Dr. Bob McGregor, who spoke of his own journey as an Australian, regaling those in attendance with keen observations as well as a funny story on how he met his wife.

Then the moment arrived – announcing the names of the Australia Day Award winners.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year went to Ashlee Colls, while the Senior Sportsperson of the Year was tied, with both Jennifer Fotinos and Kristy Wassmuth unable to be split.

Next came the Junior Cultural Award, awarded to popular, Jacob Machin, who would also go on to nab the Young Citizen of the Year Achievement Award as well. Community Event of the Year Achievement Award went to the 2024 Burdekin Water Festival’s 'Bring It Back’, while Community Event of the Year was taken out by Giru State School for their ‘100 Year Fete’.

Volunteer of the Year Achievement Award, was taken out by Mark Vass, with Volunteer of the Year be awarded to the Lawry family (Ben, Kellie, and Bella Lawry) for their tireless efforts at Alva Surf Lifesaving Club.

Lifetime of Service Silver Awards were handed out to: Joan Andersen, Shirley Gilmore, and Linda Scott. With Lifetime of Service Gold Awards being given to: Betty Durrant and Gwen Marshall.

Finally, after much applause for the worthy recipients, the big one – Citizen of the Year. Nicole Cervoni won the Young Citizen of the Year for actively promoting and participating in Arts events, including choir, vocal groups, drama performances, art exhibitions, and musicals, along with youth council.

Lastly, a surprised and very humble, Scott McLean, took out the main gong, winning Citizen of the Year. Scott, who has been a dedicated volunteer coach at Rock Solid Boxing Club in Home Hill, where he regularly travels across Queensland for tournaments and has been instrumental in NQ Games and Queensland Titles, mentors youth and adults. He proved a popular and worthy winner.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort closed proceedings before the crowd went out to celebrate with the winners and nominees, to enjoy a bit of Australia Day cake and recognition.

Well done and congratulations to all winners, nominees, and all special guests and attendees on the day, for making this year’s 2025 Australia Day Awards one to remember!

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2025 Australia Day Award winners and nominees, on stage celebrating so many achievements in the community. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen

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