A five-year regional initiative has wrapped up with a lasting legacy of 187 newly qualified Water Industry Workers and Treatment Operators across North Queensland, including several from the Burdekin.

The Water Industry Worker Program (WIWP), first launched in 2019, was developed to address the growing need for skilled water industry professionals across regional Queensland. Delivered by training specialists Simmonds & Bristow, the program began as a pilot with five councils: Mackay, Townsville, Whitsunday, Cairns and the Burdekin.

Simmonds & Bristow trainer Liz Millan said Burdekin’s participation in the pilot program helped shape what would grow into one of Queensland’s largest-scale training efforts.

“I had been talking to Townsville City Council about a Water Industry program since around April 2018,” Ms Millan said.

“Despite lots of discussions throughout the year for North Queensland training clusters, it amounted to nothing as the councils struggled to consolidate their needs.”

By September 2019, training in Townsville had officially begun. Participants from the Burdekin trained locally on the same infrastructure they would eventually work on, ensuring their learning was directly relevant to their future roles.

Following the pilot’s success, the program expanded to 11 councils across the state, running for five rounds and achieving a 90% completion rate.

Burdekin Shire Council’s continued involvement demonstrated the region’s commitment to investing in a skilled, local workforce to manage critical water and wastewater infrastructure.

The program has not only strengthened council capabilities but also provided long-term job security for regional workers, cementing Burdekin’s part in a statewide success story.

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Approximately 200 newly qualified Water Industry Workers and Treatment Operators for north Queensland have entered the workforce (Photo Supplied)

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One of the region’s most well-supported charity fundraising events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, will be held on Saturday the 7th of June at Home Hill’s Greek Hall.

Annually, members of the community come together in support of the Cancer Council’s initiative to honour every soul touched by cancer and raise vital funds to one day achieve a cancer free future. Almost 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and the Cancer Council exists as the only charity that works across every area of cancer from research to prevention and support.

The Burdekin’s Biggest Morning Tea event will run from 9am to 2pm and attendees can enjoy a plethora of market stalls, a selection of raffles and taste plenty of delicious food all in good company.

Tickets to the fundraiser can be purchased for $15 directly from The Little Craft & Gift Shop before the 26th of May. Each and every dollar raised at the event and through ticket sales helps support those impacted by cancer and the amazing work of the Cancer Council.

For further inquiries or for more information call 0473 865 712.

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Home Hill will host its Biggest Morning Tea event this June

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Aircraft enthusiasts will be in for a treat next weekend as the beloved Woodstock Wings & Wheels event lands at the Donnington Airpark! From 8am to 12pm on Sunday the 18th of May, the community is invited to enjoy a selection of delicious hot food, coffee and ice cream vans as well as plenty of wonderful market stalls in support of Queensland’s Royal Flying Doctor Service.

As a special Sunday treat, pilots and members of the public are granted free entry to the airpark and there will be no landing fees for the strip across the entire day.

All types of aircrafts and display vehicles are warmly invited to attend the morning for a diverse showcase for the community to admire.

Ample parking for aircrafts and vehicles will be available as well as under-wing and public camping opportunities at 3467 Flinders Highway, Woodstock.

For further inquiries and more information, call Christian on 0418 636 727.

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Market stalls, aircrafts, display vehicles, food, coffee and ice cream, what more could you ask for? (Photo Credit: Woodstock Wings & Wheels)

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On Sunday the 25th of May, the terrific talents of fiber artist Billie Lee and artist Coral Colquhoun will be on show at 170 Arts on The Avenue for all to enjoy.

Over the course of two and a half hours, the pair will host an exquisite opening celebration of a unique Fabrics & Art Exhibition featuring both Billie and Coral’s creative creations.

With celebrated reputations in the artistic sphere, both Billie and Coral bring an ocean of experience, knowledge and expertise to textile art and traditional works to impress and intrigue onlookers.

Coral’s pieces have been featured and commended on numerous occasions at the annual Ayr Show, and her portraits of local infrastructures have also received much praise within the local community and beyond.

Having practiced craft since she was five years old, Billie has been an active member of the Burdekin Artisans for many years, and her passion for sharing art with others has led her to host a weekly Crafty Thursdays workshop for others to come together for a morning of artistic expression, and socialisation.

The showcase will be held at 170 Eighth Avenue in Home Hill, the home of the Burdekin Artisans, and for a $5 entry fee, attendees are welcome to enjoy an evening of artwork accompanied by a glass of wine and afternoon tea from 5pm to 7:30pm.

All bookings are essentials and reservations can be made by contacting 0427 821 065.

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What: Fabric & Art Exhibition
When: Sunday, 25th of May, 5pm to 7:30pm
Where: 170 Arts on the Avenue, Home Hill

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The Burdekin Water Festival has officially sounded the call for 2025 Junior and Senior Ambassadors to come forward and nominate for what is shaping up to be another outstanding festival!

Burdekin based organisations, schools, businesses and groups are encouraged to nominate an Ambassador for the celebrated program and attend an information evening at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club from 6pm on the 19th of May.

The evening invites both potential ambassadors and supporting organisations to attend where Burdekin Water Festival Committee members will share all there is to know about the event’s official Ambassador Program and how to be involved in one of the region’s most cherished traditions.

Ambassador nominations will officially open from Monday the 19th of May and more details on the process will be discussed across the information evening.

“We want to share information with organisations on how they can benefit from nominating an Ambassador and boost their profile within the community,” shared Ambassador Coordinator and Burdekin Water Festival Committee member, Kari Ravizza.

“Information on our newly strengthened Ambassador Program will also be shared as for the Ambassadors themselves; we have introduced additional workshops to support them with their own personal development and growth.”

RSVPs must be made by the 16th of May by emailing info@burdekinwaterfestival.com.au or by contacting Kari on 0437 832 932.

What: Burdekin Water Festival Information Evening
When: Monday 19th May, 6pm
Where: Ayr Anzac Memorial Club

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2024's Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassadors were Sasha Previtera, Macy Grabs, Charlotte Horsfall, Zimyra Monday, Brielle Astorquia, Demi O'Shea and Mia Kelly (Photo Credit: Sharon Bozzetto)

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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) have made more than 4,200 youth arrests and laid over 18,000 charges in the first quarter of 2025 as part of an intensified crackdown on youth crime.

While no individual breakdown was provided for the Burdekin district, nearby areas including Townsville and the Mackay - Whitsunday region reported 464 and 59 youth arrests respectively, further suggesting youth crime remains a pressing concern for North Queensland communities.

The State Flying Squad, backed by $32.4 million in government funding, was deployed 22 times into crime hotspots between January and March, focusing on repeat youth offenders in both regional and metropolitan areas.

Premier David Crisafulli said the results mark the beginning of a new chapter in restoring community safety.

“Stronger laws, more police, early intervention and rehabilitation are all part of the fresh start for a safer Queensland,” Premier Crisafulli said.

Police also conducted over 12,000 wandings under Jack’s Law, seizing 112 deadly weapons in the process. Amendments have been introduced to make Jack’s Law permanent and expand police search powers further.

Locally, Burdekin residents are being urged to continue reporting suspicious activity and to stay engaged with community crime prevention initiatives.

“Queenslanders deserve safety and police deserve support, and we are delivering on both to turn the tide on Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis,” Minister Purdie said.

Members of the community are able to report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting offences online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

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The Ayr Railway Station once stood as a bustling hub of life and transport in the Burdekin. Trains rolled in and out, carrying passengers, goods, and countless stories, many of which remain close to the hearts of local families today.

Though quieter now, the station still holds a special place in our town’s history. It was more than just a stop along the tracks it was where soldiers said goodbye, families reunited, and cane was carted to market.

What are your memories of the Ayr Railway Station? We’d love to hear your stories, whether it was catching your first train, farewelling a loved one, or simply watching the locomotives roll through town.

Send your reflections and photos to editorial@burdekinlife.com to be featured in an upcoming piece celebrating this treasured landmark.

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The Ayr Railway Station as it stood in 1923 (Photo Source: Jennifer Thomas)

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In the midst of another busy day at North Queensland Green Solutions Ayr, Rach and her dedicated team counted their 50 millionth container at the Ayr Depot, marking a mammoth milestone.

Celebrating with a deliciously extra special cake, the team took a moment to reflect on the amazing work they have all achieved for the Burdekin community in the way of supporting local sustainability and statewide recycling initiatives.

“To my recycling superstars, I’m so incredibly proud of you all – it takes a very special team to be able to achieve numbers like you do day in, and day out - you are all such amazing humans, and I’m so blessed to be on this journey with you,” shared Rach.

“To all our customers in the Burdekin, thank you so much for your support – without it we couldn’t reach 50 million!”

Since the Containers for Change initiative launched in November of 2018, over 10 billion containers have been returned for recycling across the state, returning more than $1 billion to Queenslanders pockets.

As part of the scheme, most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible for a 10-cent refund at local container refund points statewide.

Once the containers are collected, refund point operators sort them into material types before they’re transported for processing and recycling by accredited recyclers to be transformed into something new again.

More information on the Queensland Government initiative is available online at www.containersforchange.com.au.

“Cheers to 50 million, and 50 million more!”

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In between a lineup of cars, the team were able to celebrate the huge recycling milestone (Photo Credit: NQ Green Solutions)
Recycling superstars! NQ Green Solutions' team were congratulated for their hard work (Photo Credit: NQ Green Solutions)

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Burdekin Bowl is turning up the lights and the fun with a Glow in the Dark Theme Night on Saturday, the 31st of May, and the whole community is invited to join in!

Families, friends, school groups, work socials, mum squads or cousin crews, everyone is welcome to get a lane together for a night of laughter, strikes, and glowing good times.

The fun kicks off at 6pm, with entry just $12 for adults and $10 for children, including shoe hire.

Get your glow sticks ready and dress in your best glow-in-the-dark attire as there are prizes to be won and a licensed café and bar on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the night.

Each lane can host up to six people, and bumpers are available for those who need them!

Bookings are essential, so crack your glow sticks and secure your spot by calling 4783 3332 or messaging the Burdekin Bowl Facebook page.

Let the good times roll!

What: Glow & Roll at Burdekin Bowl
When: Saturday 31st May, 6pm
Where: Burdekin Bowl

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In a thoughtful act of community kindness, Woolworths Ayr lent a helping hand to SES Burdekin during the recent flooding event by supplying snacks to keep volunteers going during their long and challenging shifts.

The simple but generous gesture provided a much-needed morale boost for the SES crew, who worked tirelessly to assist the community throughout the emergency.

“Thank you, Woolworths, for your care of the volunteers when times got tough,” SES Burdekin shared.

Across Queensland, State Emergency Service volunteers have had a demanding start to 2025, stepping up time and time again in the face of severe weather and community need. From devastating floods in the state’s north to the widespread impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred and record-breaking inundation across Central and South Western Queensland, these dedicated individuals have been on the ground helping wherever they are needed most.

Now, as the weather begins to ease, there’s a moment to pause and recognise the extraordinary work these volunteers continue to do. Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), set for the 21st of May, will offer Queenslanders the chance to say thank you.

Falling during National Volunteer Week, which runs from the 19th to the 25th of May, WOW Day is a national initiative that celebrates SES volunteers and the crucial role they play in times of crisis.

Getting involved is simple. You can add a splash of orange to your outfit, attend a local event or celebration, or post a photo of yourself in orange to social media using the hashtags #thankyouSES and #WOWDAY. It’s a small but powerful way to show appreciation.

For more information and ideas on how to get involved in WOW Day, visit www.ses.qld.gov.au/wow.

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SES Burdekin volunteers thanked Woolworths Ayr for their generosity over the festive season (Photo Source: SES Burdekin)

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Earlier this May, curiosity and creativity were in full bloom as students, teachers, and parents from Home Hill Primary School crossed the river for a special excursion to the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Inc.

The visit was part of the school’s exciting new sensory garden project - an initiative designed to engage students’ senses through nature. To help bring their garden to life, the students were invited to explore and handpick plants they’d love to see grow, and Lower Burdekin Landcare members were beyond delighted with the student’s choices.

“What a selection they made!” shared proud members of the Lower Burdekin Landcare team.

“They chose plants that they could see, taste, smell and hear – well done kids!”

With the warm guidance of Landcare’s wonderful volunteers, the children also got their hands dirty planting a variety of flower and veggie seeds to take back to school, ready to nurture, water, and watch grow.

“Thank you so much for visiting Landcare today, we loved having you here!”

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Home Hill Primary School students engaged in a variety of educational activities led by Lower Burdekin Landcare Association volunteers (Photo Credit: Mrs Loring)

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While many were busy egg-hunting over the Easter Weekend, the Home Hill Choral Society were singing their hearts out at this years North Queensland Eisteddfod in Townsville—and earning silverware in the process.

The Eisteddfod, which runs from Good Friday to Easter Sunday each year, invites both small and big choirs from Mackay all the way through to Cairns to compete across a wide range of vocal categories.

The Home Hill Choral Society—a team of 14 this year—competed in the Small Choir category, performing A Celtic Song of Thanks and An Irish Blessing in the Sacred Works section on Friday—performances which saw them bring home the winners trophy.

“We are very proud to have attended the Eisteddfod and represent our district,” says Music Director of the group, Cheryl Platt.

As well as competing at events like the NQ Eisteddfod, the Home Hill Choral Society rehearse twice a week, and often perform at various local events over the calendar year.

“We do shows around the year, and they’re usually theatre-restaurant shows. We do a variety of choral pieces as well as unison pieces and some fun pieces, and then we do some little skits,” says Platt.

“We also do a lot of community work—we sung at Anzac Day at the cemetery this year, and  sometimes we do the Dawn Service.”

The group has also performed at many premier venues across Australia throughout its rich history, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

Now in its 94th year, the Home Hill Choral Society continues to proudly represent the Burdekin, serving as a true cornerstone of the local arts scene.

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While many were busy egg-hunting over the Easter Weekend, the Home Hill Choral Society were singing their hearts out at this years North Queensland Eisteddfod. Photo supplied

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If you’re on the hunt for bargains, looking to lighten your load at home, or simply keen to enjoy a relaxed morning out, mark your calendar for Saturday, the 14th of June for the beloved Arts on the Avenue Car Boot Sale!

Held on the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting, the event will once again transform the Ashworths Rock Shop Carpark into a lively community marketplace from 8am to 12pm. Shoppers can expect a mix of pre-loved clothing, second-hand treasures, handmade crafts, plants, and more.

More than just a place to shop, the Car Boot Sale champions sustainable living as by buying second-hand and giving unwanted items a new life, locals are helping to reduce landfill, lower consumption, and minimise waste, one purchase at a time.

Hosted by the Burdekin Artisan Community Association, the sale not only supports the environment but also contributes to the local arts community. With sites priced at just $10, it’s a low-cost way for stallholders to participate, whether you’re a creative looking to share your wares, or just decluttering your garage.

To book a site or find out more, call 0497 356 355.

Bring your reusable bags, sip on a coffee, and join in the friendly atmosphere this June!

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What: Car Boot Sale
When: Saturday the 14th of June
Where: Ashworths Rock Shop Carpark, Home Hill

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Burdekin Catholic High School warmly invites prospective students and their families to our Open Twilight Evening on Monday, May 26, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. This special event offers a valuable opportunity to explore the heart of our vibrant school community, meet our passionate staff, and experience first-hand what sets BCHS apart.

The Open Twilight Evening is more than just a tour — it's a window into your child’s future. Families will have the chance to see our modern learning environments, explore subject displays, and talk to current students about their experiences. Staff will be available to answer questions about curriculum, student wellbeing, extracurricular opportunities, and the school’s strong Catholic values that guide everyday life at BCHS.

Choosing the right secondary school is a significant decision. Attending this evening gives families the information and confidence needed to make that choice with clarity. BCHS prides itself on nurturing students academically, spiritually, and socially, preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We encourage all prospective families to come along and discover the welcoming atmosphere and quality education that Burdekin Catholic High School has to offer.

All are welcome — please register at https://www.bchs.catholic.edu.au/quicklinks/twilight-open-evening/

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Ayr State High School’s Sophie Robertson has been selected to attend the esteemed 44th Professor Harry Messel International Science School, to be held at the University of Sydney from the 7th to the 18th of July later this year.

Chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 450 applicants nationwide, Sophie is one of just 44 students across Australia to receive a coveted scholarship to the program. Sophie was also only one of five Year 11-12 students selected across Queensland and her place is fully funded by the University of Sydney’s Physics Foundation.

The International Science School offers high-achieving science students the chance to immerse themselves in two weeks of cutting-edge learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Sophie will join like-minded peers from around the globe, including China, India, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Throughout the program, students will tour state-of-the-art laboratories, take part in hands-on experiments, and have the rare opportunity to meet Nobel Prize laureates. Beyond the science, participants will enjoy a dynamic social calendar including a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, designed to build friendships and networks across continents.

Ayr State High School could not be prouder of Sophie’s remarkable achievement and wishes her all the best as she embarks on what is sure to be an unforgettable and inspiring scientific journey.

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Ayr State High School student, Sophie Robertson will soon travel to attend the 44th Professor Harry Messel International Science School (Photo Supplied)

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