The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is inviting locals to join them for a special Seniors Month morning tea on 14 October, offering a warm welcome with craft, conversation, and of course, scones from 9:30AM.

“We’d love people to come down, see what we do, and maybe even join in afterwards,” said CWA member Jan Juffs. “We’ll have some scones for morning tea as well—it’s just a nice way to spend a Tuesday.”

Last year’s open day was a quiet gathering of members and friends from the local patchwork group, but members are hopeful of a better turnout this year around.

Visitors can expect a mix of activities and demonstrations, with everything from embroidery and patchwork to card making and crochet. “Some ladies bring in glitter, glue and felt for their projects,” CWA Secretary Diana Jones explained. “There’s always something creative happening.”

The branch meets every Tuesday morning from 9am until "everyone has left". While the Seniors Month event is free, regular gatherings are open to everyone for a gold coin donation. Newcomers are encouraged to take part in the crafts, but simply enjoying the company is welcome too.

The group has a long history in the district, though keeping it alive hasn’t always been easy. “When we joined, there were only three members left. It looked like we might lose the hall,” Jones recalled. “I went to my first meeting and walked away as secretary—and I’ve been in the role ever since. Back then, we had only a couple of hundred dollars in the bank and were really struggling.”

Now, the branch has around 14 to 16 members, ranging from their 60s through to their 90s. They’re determined to shake off the image of CWA as “just for older people.”

“The CWA has always been about sisterhood and support. We're all like sisters, and we want new members to come in and be part of that.”

What: Seniors Month Morning Tea
When: 14 October, 9:30am
Where: 117 Young Street, Ayr

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“The CWA has always been about sisterhood and support. We're all like sisters, and we want new members to come in and be part of that.” Photo supplied

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort

This week the Burdekin is proud to host the ‘Basques in Australia’ celebrations. Having a European background myself, I commend the Basque families in our community for keeping their heritage and culture alive, and I pray that future generations continue to embrace it. So many Basque families made the Burdekin their home, contributing greatly to our community over the years. I wish you all the very best for your celebrations.

School holidays are underway and there’s plenty for families to enjoy, including the Burdekin Library’s school holiday programs. From craft and activities to storytime and games, there’s something for the kids to get involved in. I encourage parents and carers to take a look and join in the fun.

Council is also proud to support the establishment of a Country Universities Centre (CUC) here in the Burdekin, which would provide more opportunities for local students to access tertiary education without leaving the district. The CUC Management Committee is seeking community feedback through a survey to better understand the level of interest and support.

I encourage everyone to have their say and complete the survey today and help shape the future of education in the Burdekin. To complete the survey visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/P3PCY62. More information can also be found on Council’s website, Burdekin.qld.gov.au.

If you’d like to reach out, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me by email at mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Councillor Callan Oar

The sound of locos rattling through the Burdekin is a sure sign of harvest, and this year those bins have been moving earlier and faster than usual. With an early start to the crushing, we’re on track to finish before Melbourne Cup, just like the old days. That’s welcome news for our farming families, mill workers and contractors, and it flows right across the community. An early finish means fewer wet season delays, smoother operations, and earlier returns into local businesses. From the hardware store to the butcher, everyone feels the benefit when the crush runs well.

By the time you’re reading this, it will be just 91 days until Christmas. With harvest wrapping up sooner, many families will be able to shift gears earlier and enjoy the festive season with a little more breathing space.

This weekend, during the school holidays, I’m taking my family and the caravan to one of our local beaches for a couple of nights. It’s a good reminder of the fantastic spots we have right here in our backyard. Spending locally, whether at our parks, shops or small businesses, keeps money in the community and helps our region thrive.

Tec-NQ House Year 11 boarder Max has taken a big step toward his future, securing a school-based plumbing apprenticeship with Hilditch Plumbing in Townsville. He splits his week between paid work on real sites, training with Tec-NQ, and the study he needs to complete his Senior Certificate, earning while he’s learning and loving every minute.

“It’s busy and it’s hands-on, which is exactly what I wanted,” said Max. “I’m earning while I learn, and I’m picking up skills on the tools that I can use straight away.”

Right now, Max is working in the civil construction space on local subdivisions. That means early starts, lots of digging, and the practical know-how that comes with preparing ground and pipe for underground services. “There’s a lot of groundwork,” he explained. “We’re trenching, bedding, and laying pipe. It’s hard work, but I’m really enjoying it.”

Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Max’s journey shows how opportunity follows effort. “Max is a great example of what happens when a young person shows up, works hard, and makes a good impression on placement,” Luke said. “Good work experience can turn into paid employment and a school-based apprenticeship, and that’s exactly the vocational pathway we champion.”

Life at Tec-NQ House gives Max the structure to succeed. He leaves for site each morning with a nutritious packed lunch prepared by Don, the on-site chef at the House, then returns to a supportive environment in the afternoon to reset for the next day. “Having Chef Don’s lunches keeps the boys fuelled for long days,” Luke added. “Food, routine, and positive expectations make a huge difference when you’re juggling work and school.”

Max agrees the balance is working. “I go to work during the day, then come back to Tec-NQ House,” he said. “The staff help keep us on track, and the routine makes it easier to manage work, training, and study.”
During school holidays, Max transitions into full-time hours with Hilditch to accelerate his progress. The goal is clear: finish Year 12, move straight into a full-time apprenticeship, and qualify as a tradie with Hilditch Plumbing.

“Holidays are a chance to get more time on the tools,” Max said. “When I finish school, I want to step straight into full-time and keep going until I’m qualified.”

For Luke, Max’s story is exactly why Tec-NQ House exists. “Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” he said. “We set clear expectations around learning and behaviour, and we’re right there to support them with transport, meals, and pastoral care so they can focus on what matters: doing a good job on site and at school.”

He adds that employers notice the difference. “When a student like Max turns up on time, listens, works hard, and takes pride in the basics, employers are eager to invest in them,” Luke said. “That consistency is what leads to apprenticeships and long-term careers."

With Hilditch Plumbing backing his development and Tec-NQ House providing the platform, Max is building momentum one trench, one length of pipe, and one solid day’s work at a time.

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(Picture one - left to right: Peter Landy from Hilditch Plumbing, Max and Luke Papworth who is our Head of Boarding.)

(Picture two: Plumbing Facilitator Dave and Tec-NQ plumbing students)

When Burdekin locals Ken and Shay Linton took the reins of Home Hill News in 2022, they knew they had big shoes to fill, following an 18-year legacy left by Shay’s parents. Three years, a rebrand, and a full expansion of products later, the couple have seen the business blossom into Home Hill News and Coffee—a thriving community favourite now proudly celebrating its third birthday.

The project was set in motion when Ken, a local farmer, and Shay, who had always wanted to own a coffee shop, decided to take a risk.

"There wasn't any coffee shop in Home Hill,” said Ken.

“Ken didn’t see a future staying on the farm, and I had always talked about having a coffee shop, so we just said 'let’s give this a go',” added Shay.

And the rest is history. The Linton's hit the ground running, determined to make their own fresh mark on the long-standing family business.

"We had to diversify," said Shay. "When my mum and dad had it, it was all newspapers, magazines and giftware. We decided to add in the coffee, not knowing how it would go—but it's been amazing."

From there, they rapidly expanded the shop’s giftware offerings, branching out into homeware and even toys. But beyond their products, Home Hill News and Coffee has grown to not only serve good coffee, but also cultivate a reputation as the local hub of connection and conversation.

"We get the regulars, and then especially the travellers—hearing all their stories has been nice. You learn about so many different aspects of life," said Ken.

"It's nice to be able remember people's names and orders, and build a relationship beyond [just a transaction]. And I think that makes customers feel good too," said Shay.

As Home Hill News and Coffee prepares to celebrate its third birthday, the hands behind it remain grateful for the community support that has allowed them to thrive.

They do their best to reflect that gratitude by giving back. This year, they are Silver Sponsors of the Home Hill Harvest Festival and have continued to sponsor and donate to the Burdekin Netball, Home Hill Cricket Association, Home Hill Golf, Burdekin Netball Deb of the Year, Home Hill High Students Ball, and many local schools over the past three years.

"We are proud to be able to give back to our local community through sponsorship. We enjoy being able to support our wonderful community as they have supported us over the years."

While community support has been central to their success, Ken and Shay are quick to point out that their team also plays a huge role in keeping the business thriving.

"None of this would be possible without our hard-working staff members Desley, Louisa, Brea, Mackenzie, Bella, Ruby, Isla and Indi, who turn up for each shift ready to take on whatever the day brings or whatever crazy food idea Shay has thought of overnight."

Since taking over the long-running Home Hill News, Shay and Ken Linton have reimagined it as much more than a place to pick up the paper. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Just days after Burdekin cane farmers outlined opportunities and expressed concerns about the industry, they have also secured a new ally according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

As part of an inquiry charged with identifying growth opportunities for the sugar industry, the Queensland parliament’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee heard from both grower groups and growers who are exploring opportunities in Townsville recently.

“This inquiry represents an opportunity for industry growth and finding solutions to problems that are, or could, hold back future growth,” he said. “The majority of the evidence heard in Townsville was from representatives of the Burdekin, and that is fitting given the contribution that the Burdekin makes to the industry.”

“A range of opportunities to grow the industry were presented and, from a wider point of view, there was a genuine consensus that realising those opportunities was about benefits for the wider community as well as the sugar industry itself.”

The form that support takes is also something that the Committee will pay particular attention to because we need a way forward that is reliable, achievable and is advantageous across the industry, rather than just to one part of it.”

“The Committee is accepting written submissions up until October 8th and, following that, the real work commences. What I’d like to see in the Committee report is a thorough breakdown of the pros and cons of each opportunity so decisions can be made both by industry and the government.”

While not a direct result of the inquiry, Mr Last said the announcement of extended funding and expanded responsibilities for the new Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner could help make major inroads on at least one ongoing issue.

“It’s no secret that growers and millers often disagree on a range of issues when what is actually needed is cooperation,” Mr Last said. “The changes to the responsibilities of the Food Farmers’ Commissioner means farmers now have a new ally to assist them in securing a fair go from millers.”

“Whereas the previous government had only funded the role for 12 months, the Crisafulli government has guaranteed funding for 3 years. That has been done because we know that, in order to bring our Primary Producer’s Prosper blueprint to life, our primary producers need support, advocacy and someone that has the ear of government when issues cannot be resolved easily.”

“We make no apology for throwing our support primarily behind our farmers and the communities they live in because regional Queensland makes a major contribution to Queensland’s prosperity and the people who live and work in regional Queensland must benefit from that prosperity.”

Photo: Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, meets with representatives of QCAR to discuss sugar industry issues including the recent parliamentary inquiry.

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Zonta Club Burdekin Inc (Zonta) and the Burdekin Domestic and Family Abuse Prevention Network (BDFAPN) are coming together to mark the campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a community vigil at the Burdekin Theatre forecourt on Monday, 25 November 2025.

The 16 Days of Activism, commencing on 25 November, is a global campaign that unites individuals and organisations worldwide in calling for the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence in all its forms.

As part of this campaign, Zonta and the BDFAPN will be hosting a series of local initiatives in the lead-up to the vigil, including awareness-raising activities and social media campaigns designed to spark conversation and drive change.

The vigil at the Burdekin Theatre will be held in remembrance for those who have lost their lives as a result of gender-based violence, while also standing in solidarity with survivors and their families.

Zonta’s President, Isabel Stubbs, says that this vigil is an opportunity for our community to come together, reflect, and take a stand against violence.

"We want to do our part in the community by showing our support and helping raise awareness. By doing so, we can help create a culture of respect and safety for all," she said.

"This vigil is a time for reverence, remembering, and determination. We honour the survivors, light candles for the departed, and renew our commitment to building safer communities."

The event is open to all members of the community. We encourage all to attend and show their support.

Event details:

Date: Monday, 25 November 2025

Time: 7pm

Location: Burdekin Theatre Forecourt, 161 Queen Street, AYR

Photo: From Left: Isabel Stubbs (Zonta Club Burdekin Inc); Fina Vasta (QPS); Glenn Arboit (BSC); Natalie Saroglia (BNC); Troy Everett (Burdekin Theatre); Inez Larsen (Zonta Club Burdekin Inc); Rebecca Grogan (BCA)

With Home Hill Sergeant Sam Pyke

Between 1am at 5am 28 August 2025 a Toyota Rav 4 was stolen from a Twelfth Avenue address in Home Hill. At about 1pm the same day, local Police located the stolen vehicle in Ayr. An 18 year old male from Home Hill was arrested for various property offences and remanded in custody. A 15 year old and a 16 year old were also arrested and charged with various offences and granted bail to appear in the Ayr Children Court on a later date.

Since 28 August 2025 and 18 September 2025 there have been 5 break and enter offences reported to police in the Home Hill Police division. This is only a slight increase of property crime overall in the division against offences reported last year.. Police at Home Hill will continue to be committed to holding offenders to account and ensuring our community feels safe. We use every tool in our toolbox to ensure that crime is addressed quickly, investigated professionally and efficiently dealt with.

Having said that, there are steps you can take to better protect yourself and your property. Please secure your homes and be security aware. The majority of break and enters we attend are opportunistic. This means offenders pick easy targets - doors left unlocked, windows open. If you see something or someone that is suspicious, please report it to the Police. There is a lot of information that goes up on Facebook community groups that is never shared with the Police. There is often criticism about Police inaction attached to these posts regarding incidents we are completely unaware of.

We do not monitor these groups for various reasons. If we don’t know about it, we can’t do anything.

Please phone Policelink on 131 444 – This number is 24/7 – 365 days a year. This will ensure local police are aware and can attend to check a situation out.

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Following an impressive cameo with opera superstar Paul Tabone, the Home Hill Choral Society brings their all-new show, Viva La Italia, to The Vault this weekend for a night of song, skits, and snacks, all with an Italian undertone.

With shows from Friday 26 through Sunday 28, the program promises a mix of classic Italian anthems—including a rendition of That's Amore!—along with the group's renowned comedy sketches and a touch of audience participation.

"We like people to become part of the show," says writer and director Erin Brennan. "We just try to create an atmosphere. We class ourselves as a big family, and our audience becomes part of that family."

Viva La Italia will be their third independent production this year, following the Irish-themed Shamrock Shindig in March and their Winter Concert in June. The group began rehearsing three months ago for what will be their first Italian-themed production in over 20 years.

Brennan says the crew are excited to present their work to the public and hopefully put smiles on faces.

"The best thing for us is when people say they had fun and forgot about their troubles and worries for a moment," she says.

Mark your calendars and join the fun at Viva La Italia! Shows run Friday 26 September at 7.30pm, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September at 1.30pm at The Vault, 93 Ninth Avenue. Tickets are $35. For bookings and enquiries, contact Erin Brennan on 0428 822 091.

Brennan says the crew are excited to present their work to the public and hopefully put smiles on faces. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Feeling cramped at home? Clever storage solutions can transform even the smallest spaces, making your rooms feel more organised and spacious without a major renovation.

One simple trick is to utilise vertical space. Floating shelves in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms not only provide extra storage but also draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height. Over-door racks and hooks are another underrated option, perfect for storing shoes, towels, or bags without taking up floor space.

Under-bed storage is a game-changer for bedrooms. Slim containers or rolling drawers can hold everything from seasonal clothing to extra bedding, keeping clutter out of sight. For living rooms, multipurpose furniture works wonders—think ottomans with hidden compartments, coffee tables with shelves, or beds with built-in drawers.

Closets can be maximised with a few simple additions. Hanging organizers, tiered shoe racks, and stackable boxes help separate items and make them easier to access. Clear containers allow you to see contents at a glance, saving time hunting for what you need.

Even small kitchens can benefit from clever storage. Magnetic knife strips, spice racks on cabinet doors, and pull-out pantry baskets free up counter space and keep essentials within reach. For bathrooms, wall-mounted caddies, suction cup hooks, and over-the-toilet shelving add storage without crowding the room.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of decluttering. Regularly reviewing your belongings ensures only the items you truly use take up space, making storage systems more effective.

With a little creativity and strategic planning, every room in your home can be both functional and stylish.

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Last Wednesday’s Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meeting proved an eye-opener for many in attendance, as local members gathered to hear from guest speakers Natalie Saroglia of the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre (BNC), and Jenny Cummings of the Burdekin Shire Council.

Long-time BNC coordinator Saroglia opened the session, outlining the harsh realities of homelessness and unemployment in the local community, and the BNC’s role in addressing them.

Cummings then shared details of the upcoming Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Ready Trail, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October 2025. The community initiative encourages locals to visit participating businesses, collect stamps, and go into the draw for prizes.

In other updates, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort announced that Council has successfully refurbished the exterior of three graffiti-affected properties along Home Hill’s main street. Cr. Dalle Cort also confirmed that Council will proceed with plans to construct a new pump track in Ayr.

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1. Long-time BNC coordinator Natalie Saroglia opened the meeting
2. Jenny Cummings shared details of the upcoming Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Ready Trail, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October 2025
3. Home Hill Chamber Secretary Rob Antoniazzi, President Uli Liessmann, BNC Coordinator Natalie Saroglia, Council representative Jenny Cummings, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Treasurer John Clarke

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill, with dispersal measures underway at Lloyd Mann Park and Arch Dunn Park.

The activities, running between 4:00am and 6:30am as required, are designed to reduce roosting numbers and limit potential negative interactions between wildlife and the community.

Council said only non-harmful techniques are being used, beginning with low-impact visual deterrents such as LED flashing lights. If numbers persist, staff may escalate to include pool noodles, shotgun simulators or pyrotechnics.

The program forms part of Council’s broader Flying-Fox Roost Management Plan, which outlines both short- and long-term strategies for sites at Kidby Gully, Lloyd Mann Park, Arch Dunn Memorial Park and Plantation Creek. The plan aims to balance community wellbeing with environmental responsibility, while conserving flying-foxes and the important ecosystem services they provide.

Two species are known to roost in the Burdekin—the black flying-fox, present year-round, and the little red flying-fox, which arrives seasonally in large numbers. Both are protected under Queensland law and play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal.

Private landholders are permitted to discourage roosting on their property using non-destructive methods such as sprinklers, lights, smoke, or imitation predators. Residents are strongly advised not to handle flying-foxes directly, as they can carry diseases and must only be managed by trained professionals.

Residents living near the parks are advised to secure pets during dispersal times to prevent distress. For further information, visit the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

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Burdekin Shire Council is continuing its daily program to manage flying-fox activity in Home Hill. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

The Burdekin is now one step closer to becoming a zero-waste region thanks to the installation of new cigarette butt bins throughout the shire.

As part of the Queensland Government’s Let’s Get It Sorted Partnerships Program, Burdekin Shire Council has added 20 bins across the region in a bid to reduce cigarette butt waste—identified as one of the most common forms of litter in Queensland’s public places.

Cigarette butts have been shown to release harmful chemicals and microplastics into natural ecosystems, while also posing major fire hazards if left unextinguished. With tens of thousands of butts discarded every day across the state, they remain one of the most stubborn sources of waste.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort says the initiative is a necessary step in striving toward a safer environment.

“Cigarette butt litter is not just unsightly—it’s harmful to our environment, our wildlife and even our safety,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“By providing more disposal options across the region, Council is helping to change disposal behaviours and protect our natural environment for future generations."

Studies indicate that cigarette butts are the most frequently littered item across Queensland, outnumbering plastics, bottles and other common waste items. The filters, made from cellulose acetate, can take years to break down and often end up in waterways or along roadsides.

Through this initiative, Cr Dalle Cort hopes to make the Burdekin a cleaner and more sustainable community.

"Council's goal is to see a significant reduction in cigarette butt litter across our community. Every small change contributes to a cleaner, safer Burdekin.”

20 cigarette butt bins have been installed across the Burdekin in a bid to reduce cigarette litter. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

Kelly Greaves didn’t plan to be a property manager. In fact, when she took a three-day-a-week back-up role at Ray White 17 years ago, she was expecting something more laidback and predictable. Three weeks later, the property manager quit, and Kelly was full-time, front and centre, with no real estate experience.

"The three-day-a-week job that I was supposed to have suddenly turned full throttle," she says.

What she did have was experience leading people. Years as a local publican had taught her how to manage staff, juggle competing priorities, and stay calm when pressure mounted.
"I've always been in managerial type positions... it's the same wherever you go, really. Just different scenarios," she says.

Her real estate ethos stems from a sense of empathy, shaped by her own disappointing experiences with other agents as an investment owner herself. “I’ve used that philosophy the whole time I’ve been in this job—As an owner myself, what would I want? How would I want my property looked after?”

That approach would propel her to her current role as a senior property manager at Raine & Horne Ayr—a role she's excelled in for the last nine years. She oversees staff, commercial portfolios, new business, and every corner of her department. “I keep my finger in every pie,” she laughs.

Kelly’s success, though, is built on more than just experience. She prides herself on genuinely listening to her clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of every landlord and tenant, commercial or residential. These efforts were rewarded in 2021, when she was a Top 10 Finalist for the REB Property Manager of the Year award.

Before all her success in the industry, Kelly moved to the Burdekin from St Lawrence more than 20 years ago for work purposes. Staying, however, was her choice. "I like it here. It's got everything you need without the hustle and bustle of the larger places," she says.

Outside of work, Kelly is known as the "horse whisperer." Alongside her love for all things equine, she tends a thriving garden—her daughter jokingly calls her “plant obsessed”—and enjoys quiet moments reading or spending time with family.

Asked to describe herself in three words, she chose “bossy, goal orientated, and detail driven"—traits that have allowed her to flourish in her professional role.

"I thrive under stress. The more fast-paced and stressful it is, the better I am," she said. "I love my job... and I love finding people their new home. I wouldn't have been doing it for so long if I didn't."

"I'll be here until they carry me out!" she laughs.

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Kelly prides herself on genuinely listening to her clients, taking the time to understand the specific needs of every landlord and tenant, commercial or residential. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

Two years ago this week, Burdekin Life Newspaper printed its very first edition. At the time, the Burdekin community had been without a local newspaper for almost three years following the closure of The Burdekin Advocate in 2020.

“We received a call from Neil Williams who was part of the local Economic Development Committee,” recounts Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith.

“He said that he had seen a copy of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper and loved it so much that he asked if we could bring something similar to his community.

“To be honest with you, at the time, we were very busy with our other weekly paper, and I simply couldn’t get my head around producing another newspaper on top of our usual workload.

“Neil, however, had other ideas!

“He called me most weeks to check in, and he was very persuasive! A few months later, we came up to the region, met many people in the community, and completely fell in love with the region.”

Three months later, the first edition of Burdekin Life Newspaper was printed on Thursday 28th September 2023, and it has been part of the weekly fabric of the community ever since.

“Our vision was to bring the community back their free voice in print,” shared owner and publisher Rebecca Douthwaite.

“When we heard that 14 weekly newspapers were being closed down across Queensland overnight, we were devastated. This inspired us to expand on our skillset from producing weekly magazines to also help reignite the newspaper industry. And we are now proud to say we have achieved this.”

In 2024, Burdekin Life’s sister paper, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, won a state award for the Best Free Newspaper of the Year at the Queensland Country Press Association Awards Night.

“That same year, the Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire reached out to ask if we would also bring a newspaper to his region,” said Rachael.

“We were actually at the State Awards that day, and when I received the phone call, it brought tears to my eyes. That night we were also honoured to receive the state award.”

Life Publishing now boasts a total of eight state awards, two of which are for Burdekin Life – Best Locally Produced Advert of the Year and Best Special Feature of the Year.

“But none of this would have been possible without the local business community,” states Rachael.

“This newspaper is for the community and brought to you by the community – your contributions allow the paper to be distributed for free to thousands of locals and help keep local journalism alive and thriving.

“To each and every business that has advertised, partnered with us, or backed us over the past two years: thank you. This paper exists because of you.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox applauded the newspaper for its work in bringing smaller communities together and creating a stronger voice across the wider region.

“Congratulations to Burdekin Life on reaching this important two-year milestone. A strong local paper remains a vital part of regional life. Many people still value the simple ritual of reading the paper with their morning coffee,” he said.

“Over the past two years, Burdekin Life has not only kept our community connected and informed but has also played a critical role during natural disasters such as flooding, providing information when it matters most.

“Well done to the entire team on this achievement.”

Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, said he has been thrilled to support Burdekin Life Newspaper since inception.

“When the Burdekin Life launched, I mentioned the importance of our community having access to reliable information with a local focus. Over the last two years, our community has benefited from that access in both good times and challenging times thanks to the team at Burdekin Life,” he said.

“In addition to the staff that put the paper together each week, I think it is important to thank the businesses and groups that advertise in the Burdekin Life. Without them, we simply would not have a local paper focused primarily on the stories and issues that directly affect the Burdekin.”

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort reiterates this sentiment and has been a strong supporter of Burdekin Life since the beginning.

“Happy Birthday Burdekin Life!” she said.

“Thank you for believing in the Burdekin. I thank all the businesses who have contributed over the past two years for its continued success.”

Photos:
1: Representatives from the Burdekin Life team — Sales Manager Trish Jandt, Journalist Jacob Casha, Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith, and former Rural Editor Amanda Wright

2: Former Burdekin Life Journalist Sam Gillespie, Publisher and Owner Rebecca Douthwaite, Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli, and Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith

3: The first-ever front page of Burdekin Life Newspaper, featuring all the local Foundation Advertising Partners

4: The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, and his wife Raylene have always been strong supporters of Burdekin Life Newspaper

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