A Watch and Act warning remains in place after SunWater confirmed Burdekin Falls Dam began spilling significant volumes of water into the Burdekin River on Sunday, 22 February, as catchment levels surged following widespread rainfall across the region. As of Monday morning, 23 February, the dam was sitting at 148.42 per cent capacity and continuing to spill, with authorities warning increased river flows may contribute to localised flooding in the days ahead. According to the Burdekin Shire Council’s Disaster and Emergency Information Dashboard, the Burdekin River at the Burdekin Bridge reached 6.05 metres and was rising slowly. Forecasts indicated the river may reach around 7.50 metres on Monday, exceeding the minor flood level of 7 metres, with further rises possible depending on rainfall. The Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has advised residents of Rita Island to prepare for possible isolation, urging households to ensure they have essential supplies — including food, drinking water, medications and pet food — to last more than five days. Over the past week, Burdekin Falls Dam has experienced a rapid and dramatic rise. Since Sunday, 15 February, storage levels jumped from 107.29 per cent to 145.55 per cent in just seven days. SunWater recorded the largest single increase overnight, with capacity climbing 12.19 per cent between Saturday, 21 February and Sunday, 22 February, just hours before the dam began spilling. Several surrounding dams have also been affected, with Eungella Dam and Julius Dam spilling, while Kinchant Dam commenced planned releases last week before returning to normal operations on Sunday. Floodwaters have already impacted multiple roads across the Burdekin region. As confirmed on Monday morning, affected roads include: Ayr Ravenswood Road / Deighton Street / McMullen Road (TMR closure) Woodstock Giru Road (TMR closure) Five Ways Road, Airville Kilrie Road and Rita Island Road, Jarvisfield Clevale Road and Kelly Road, Brandon Kirknie Road to Home Hill–Kirknie Road, Osborne Ayr Dalbeg Road, Airville Chippendale Street and Adelaide Street, Ayr Coppo Road and Groper Creek Road to Mount Alma Road, Inkerman Sexton Road, Barratta Waterview Road, Airville and Mount Kelly Jerona Road, Jerona Allen Road, Barratta Davidson Road, Clare Barratta Road, Upper Haughton Unplanned power outages were also reported on Monday morning, with supply lost to three customers in Giru and nearly 100 customers in Home Hill due to damaged and fallen power lines. Residents are advised to monitor updates via Ergon Energy’s Outage Finder; www.ergon.com.au/network/outages/outage-finder. Authorities are urging the community to remain alert, monitor conditions closely and stay informed through official channels. Updates are available via SunWater’s dam level tracker; bit.ly/BurdekinFallsStorageLevels, ABC North Queensland 630 AM, and the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster and Emergency Information Dashboard; disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au.
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has warned that North Queensland families are being pushed to a financial breaking point following today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates to 3.85 per cent. The 25-basis-point hike is the first in over two years and signals a deepening cost-of-living crisis that is being directly fuelled by the Albanese Government’s inability to control its own spending. Mr Willcox said the rate rise is a devastating blow for mortgage holders who have already seen an extra $21,000 stripped from their pockets since Labor took office. He noted that while the Prime Minister promised Australians that "life would be cheaper" under a Labor government, the reality in Dawson is an unsettling erosion of the family budget. For many families, the "Australian Dream" is being replaced by an economic nightmare, a daily struggle to balance the books as inflation continues to act as a silent thief. The pressure is particularly acute for those who have young families, navigating the Christmas credit card and "back-to-school" expenses. Recent data shows that education costs have surged by 5.4 per cent, while childcare fees have exploded by an incredible 11.2 per cent. “It is a disgrace that in a country as prosperous as ours, a childcare place can now cost as much as a year at an elite private boarding school,” Mr Willcox said. “These are barriers preventing parents from returning to work, making this cost-of-living nightmare even harder on families.” Mr Willcox argued that these rising costs, combined with higher mortgage repayments and a saturated rental market, are making it nearly impossible for working parents to get ahead. “This economic pain is not an accident, but a direct result of Labor’s record-breaking spending,” Mr Willcox said. New budget data has revealed an unbelievable $50 billion blowout in government spending over just six months; a rate of more than $200 million per day. “While families are being forced to make hard decisions and cut back on essentials, this Labor Government continues to pour fuel on the inflationary fire with taxpayer money,” he added. The Member for Dawson has supported Senator Matt Canavan in calling for the immediate resignation of Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Senator Canavan initiated the call in the Senate today, following revelations of a staggering $50 billion blowout in government spending over just six months, a rate of more than $200 million per day. “I am standing with Senator Canavan in saying enough is enough. “Jim Chalmers has overseen the biggest spending blowout in Australian history, and it is hard-working families who are settling the bill,” Mr Willcox said. Senator Canavan noted that if a CEO in the private sector presided over a $100 billion blowout, they would be sacked on the spot. “We should expect the same standard of accountability for the person holding the nation’s chequebook,” Mr Willcox said. “This crazy level of spending is exactly why interest rates went up today. You cannot pour $200 million of taxpayer money onto the fire every single day and not expect inflation to burn.” Mr Willcox warned that the rate hike would not only hurt mortgage holders but would also place even more pressure on an already suffocating rental market. “It’s never easy under Albanese. “Every time the Treasurer spends, the families in Mackay, the growers in Bowen, the tourism operators in the Whitsundays, the soldiers in Townsville and the workers in the Burdekin pay the price. “My team and I will continue to fight to hold this Government to account for every dollar they waste and every promise they break.”
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Meet Pupperoni Pupperoni is a beautiful boy with a kind heart and lots of love to share. He loves his toys and wants to share all of the fun with you. He loves to be your little shadow and is 100% invested in everything you do. Pup is very intelligent, already knowing how to sit, shake, drop, roll over, spin and wait. He is great with other dogs and would love a home where he could share it with someone who matches his energetic nature, but would also adjust well to being an only dog (he loves being the centre of attention). Pup is toilet trained, learning to walk nicely on a lead and is not destructive—just make sure he has a toy nearby. He is super affectionate and loyal, come and meet him and it will be love at first sight! Pupperoni is a male Cane Corso mix, born 14/08/2025, who is kid-friendly, good with other dogs, untested with cats, toilet trained, and learning to walk nicely on a lead; he would thrive in a home with a 6ft fence, and comes desexed, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations, treated for fleas, ticks and worms, and protected with ProHeart—all included in his $495 adoption fee. If you’re interested in meeting Pupperoni, complete an animal enquiry form at: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html.
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Hello from Mexico! Much to my family’s concern, and after a very quick visit back to the BDK, I’ve set off overseas again — this time to Latin America! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been jumping around the country and have now made my way down to Puerto Escondido to continue chasing the sun and surf along the southwest coastline. I’m absolutely loving my travels so far, Mexico’s UNREAL, and I’m eyeing off crossing over into Guatemala within the next few weeks. Oh, and although proof-of-life photos have been sent and phone calls have been dialled, a quick “she’s fine” for my mum and grandma when you see them would be greatly appreciated! Recently, I’ve been chatting with several members from the Molongle Creek Boat Club to put together a story covering tidal access issues in the Molongle Creek channel. Although the situation has such a deep and complex history, I’m very pleased with how my piece has come together so far, so keep your eyes peeled for that one in publishments to come! If you have any information to share regarding the issue, or any story you believe should be told, please feel free to shoot an email over to me at Chelsea@LifePublishingGroup.Com!
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The Burdekin region has long been recognised for its strong sense of community, and that commitment continues to shine through the ongoing support provided by the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr to the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy.
Operated by a local board passionate about community wellbeing, the Community Bank has reaffirmed its support for school chaplaincy services across the region’s eleven state schools. Through dedicated funding and sustained advocacy, the bank is helping ensure chaplains remain a vital source of support for young people.
Acting Branch Manager Jade Bywaters said the board understands just how essential chaplains are in today’s school environment.
“Chaplains play a crucial role in helping students navigate both school life and personal challenges,” Jade said. “They create safe spaces, run programs that build connection, and offer support when students need it most. We’re proud to continue backing a service that delivers such genuine and lasting impact for local families.”
The Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy currently employs seven chaplains who run breakfast programs, lunchtime clubs, mentoring initiatives, and in-class support. They also provide one-on-one care for students facing social, emotional, or family challenges. Many of these services fall outside government funding and rely heavily on community partnerships to continue.
Operating under the umbrella of SU Australia (Scripture Union), the chaplaincy team provides opportunities for young people to build resilience, find connection, and discover hope through positive relationships and supportive programs.
This year, the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr announced a $30,000 grant to the chaplaincy program—an investment that will help ensure its long-term sustainability. The Chaplaincy Committee welcomed the funding, acknowledging that community-backed support is essential for keeping chaplains active in schools.
The Community Bank’s continued partnership reflects its core mission: returning profits to local causes and strengthening the Burdekin community from the ground up.
For more information about the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy or how you can support their work, please contact the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr or visit your local school’s chaplaincy committee.
This year, the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr announced a $30,000 grant to the chaplaincy program—an investment that will help ensure its long-term sustainability. Photo supplied
Whilst out exploring the region, residents have begun to notice several snake sightings in and around the Burdekin Shire, leading the Burdekin Shire Council to implement cautionary signage to warn the community.
With the school holidays and the festive season fast approaching, the community are being reminded to stay alert, especially considering the shire homes just over 70 diverse species of reptiles. As published by the Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the majority of the 73 species of reptiles within the Burdekin Shire are considered harmless, however, several venomous snakes are known to inhabit local bushlands, farms, creeks, and even residential backyards during the warmer months of the year.
The Eastern Brown Snake has been confirmed as a common specie in the area and has also been labelled as one of the country’s most venomous reptiles, with locals warned to stay alert near cane paddocks, open grasslands, and on rural properties for the fast-moving and defensive predator. Other common species include the Whipsnake, Green Tree Snake, Carpet Python, and Brown Tree Snake which can be found in gardens, roofs, and bushlands.
With the temperatures rising, snake encounters often become more frequent during this time of the year, and there are several steps you can take to keep you and your family safe these holidays such as:
If you spot a snake out and about, remember to keep your distance, and if necessary, contact North Queensland Wildlife Care on 0414 717 374 or Jeremy’s Reptile Relocations Townsville on 0403 187 712.
A sign warning the community of snake sightings in the area has been put in place at Plantation Park (Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza)
BURDEKIN artists and cultural groups are set to benefit from more than $24,000 in funding, approved by Burdekin Shire Council under Round 1 of the 2025/26 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
The RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Council, aimed at fostering creativity and cultural development across the region.
Six local projects received funding this round. The Lower Burdekin Celtic Dancing Association will run a Highland Dancing workshop, while the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company will stage the musical We Will Rock You at the Burdekin Theatre. The Burdekin Uniting Church will host the 2026 Gospel Music Festival, and the Burdekin Shire Youth Council will deliver the 2026 NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase and workshops. Additionally, the Burdekin Woodcrafts Association will hold a wood lathe workshop, and Burdekin Potters will offer beginners and intermediate Wheel Throwing workshops.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the funding highlights Council’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
“The RADF program is an important investment in our region’s creativity,” she said. “By supporting these projects, we’re helping artists and cultural groups develop new skills, share their talents, and deliver experiences that bring our community together.”
A catchy new children’s song celebrating Queensland’s sugar industry has taken off online, with Sugarcane Train, a collaboration between George the Farmer and CANEGROWERS, attracting more than 68,000 views in just three days.
The companion educational video, Learn About Sugarcane with George the Farmer, has also proved a hit, drawing over 65,000 views since its release on Friday.
The upbeat tune takes children on a playful journey “from paddock to packet,” showing how sugarcane is planted, grown, harvested and turned into sugar, fuel, electricity and even bioplastics. Designed to make learning fun, the project brings Queensland’s sugar story to life through music, animation and hands-on education.
“Sugarcane is one of Australia’s most vibrant, versatile and sustainable crops, and it’s great to see it come to life through George the Farmer’s unique storytelling,” said CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan.
“George’s new tune is fun, factual and might just get stuck in your head for days – and its incredible early success shows just how much kids love learning where their food and fibre come from.
It also continues CANEGROWERS’ long-standing commitment to helping students and teachers understand our industry and its people.”
The Sugarcane Train song and educational video mark the first instalments in a new suite of learning resources developed by George the Farmer in partnership with CANEGROWERS. A full set of curriculum-aligned STEM materials for Prep to Year 4 will be released ahead of the 2026 school year, featuring activities such as designing cane farms, building model harvesters and exploring environmental stewardship.
George the Farmer creator Simone Kain said the response from young viewers has been overwhelming.
“Kids can’t resist singing along – and Sugarcane Train is the perfect way to show how clever, creative and sustainable our farmers really are,” she said.
Teachers, parents and little growers can hop aboard the Sugarcane Train today:
CANEGROWERS Education Project Co-ordinator, Shikira Kalatzis, Cairns Region cane farmer Celiamaree Zarins, the George the Farmer team, Shaun, George and Simone, and CANEGROWERS Cairns Region District Manager Joel Teirney (Photo Supplied)
Glen Shane Galbraith was a man whose warmth, humour, and genuine care touched everyone who knew him. Known for his cheeky laugh, love of horses, devotion to family, and generous heart, Glen lived life on his own terms while leaving a lasting impression on the Burdekin community. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend—a quiet achiever whose kindness radiated in both grand gestures and everyday moments.
The following tribute article was sent to the newspaper by Glen’s brother, Paul, and has been lightly trimmed for publication.
"In the words of my Father, “Glen was the most wonderful son”.
In the words that have come forward over this past week from so many friends, family members, and the wider circle, the most repeated words to reflect on Glen are: ‘beautiful, gentle, funny and a happy human’… with a cheeky and unforgettable laugh!
In my words, it’s simple… “Glen was the most amazing younger brother and my closest mate”.
Words don’t seem to be enough to explain how many people have been deeply touched by Glen and his kind disposition over his 62 years.
Glen had a big heart and a genuine and honest soul. Never selfish, never judgemental, never a bad word to say about anyone. Glen was beautifully put together and the unique product of our wonderful parents; Don and Lexene. Glen grew up constantly surrounded by family, an abundance of friends, and embraced by good Burdekin people all of his life.
Mum and Dad – you should be so proud of yourselves for creating and nurturing this gift of light that became Glen Shane Galbraith, on the 25th of October, 1963. Equally, I can honestly say, that Glen was so proud to have Lex and Don as his incredible Mum and Dad. I have experienced and witnessed the unconditional love that was shared between the three of them over his lifetime.
No matter how busy, Glen stopped everything each evening at 7 pm to phone home, just to check in with Mum and Dad. Sometimes these conversations lasted five minutes or up to half an hour. Regardless of the length, this came from his loving and thoughtful nature. Glen was not selfish; it wasn’t duty—it was his care.
Being the youngest of three children, there were very few baby pictures of Glen in the Hillier Street home, so Peter and I often teased that he was adopted! As youngsters, Peter, Glen and I spent much of our time playing with matchbox cars under our Grandparents home at 8 Macmillan Street. Glen would shift the hose pipe to flood the dirt and make a mud pit.
Glen spent his childhood energy on sports—Soccer, Swim Squad, Tennis, Squash, Basketball, Table Tennis, and Nippers—but he was horse mad from a young age. I will never forget him running around the backyard with a leather strap in his hands, pretending it was reins attached to an invisible horse. One Christmas, he woke to a broken halter and horse poo at the bottom of the back stairs—Dad insisting his Christmas present had got away! Mum and Dad soon gave in and purchased his first pony, Happy, who became adored by all. Glen and Happy were the after-school Pied Pipers of the neighbourhood.
Glen joined the Ayr Pony Club and spent countless hours riding, competing, and caring for horses. His riding ability was noticed by the late Bob Bourke and his daughter Tracey, who invited him to ride show ponies. This began a lifelong bond with Tracey, a friendship of love, respect, and mutual support that endured across generations.
As a youngster, Glennie had an innocent baby face but a mischievous side. He stashed cigarettes, put sugar in Pete’s petrol tank, or prawn shells in hubcaps—all in the spirit of harmless pranks.
After school, Glen worked at Crowdies Bakery and developed a love for cooking. Later, he joined me in Brisbane, where he thrived in fashion retail and quickly became top salesperson at Tony Barlow’s Menswear, winning customers with genuine, friendly service rather than a pushy sales pitch.
Eventually, Glen returned to Ayr, working as Night Manager at Woolworths, then relocated briefly to Gympie to fulfill a childhood dream of building his own ranch. Returning to the Burdekin, he became Assistant Manager at Coutts Tavern Bottle Shop (now BWS), where his friendly smile and cheery wave became well-known to regular customers.
Glen’s home in Brandon was his pride and joy. Fiercely independent, he created a stylish, welcoming sanctuary, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Glen was often the glue that held family gatherings together, meticulously planning menus and events weeks in advance. He delivered an incredible speech at Dad’s 90th birthday—a first for him, yet done with ease, humour, and heart.
All Galbraith boys inherited the “Lexene Galbraith OCD clean freak” gene, but Glen’s obsession with cleanliness was legendary. He established his own commercial cleaning business, earning a solid reputation for professionalism and high standards.
Glen was also a wonderful uncle. He played an important role in the lives of nephews Jason and Aaron, and great nephews and nieces, as well as Tina’s children, Callum and Ella, whom he affectionately nicknamed Trevor Dag and Ruth Gumby. Glen’s nature, gentleness, and care touched countless lives.
All Peter and I ask from our Angel now, our little brother, is to look down upon us, wrap his arms around Mum and Dad, and keep their lights shining.
Sixty-two years of a fulfilled life which words seem insufficient to define. Glen was loved, liked, adored, and valued by all.
GLEN will remain with us always.
GLEN will remain forever young.
Rest in peace, our beautiful, beautiful boy.
Please remember, if you are struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Call LifeLine on 13 11 14.
Burdekin Chamber of Commerce members gathered at the Burdekin Bowl on Tuesday, 11 November, for the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, which saw a mix of returning leaders and new faces stepping into key roles.
President Eusebio Aguirre of ELA Solutions retained his position, while Gary Roser of Harvey Norman moved into the Vice President role—his first leadership position within the Chamber. Former Vice President Frank Nucifora, owner of Delta Cleaners & Laundry, transitioned into the Treasurer position, and Kari Ravizza from McCathies Furniture Plus accepted the role of Secretary.
Aguirre said he and the team are energised for the year ahead and committed to listening closely to members’ needs.
"We're looking forward to working closer with the businesses, seeing what they want to do, and trying to accomplish something positive with the [trust] they're putting in us."
He also flagged increasing meeting attendance as a key priority, shifting the usual afternoon meetings to morning sessions, with the added incentive of a free coffee.
"Having more people at these meetings gives us a more diverse understanding of what the members want. The more people we have, the more we can come to a happy medium with our members. It's about them speaking up."
The Chamber’s leadership is confident heading into the new term, with at least five new members expected to join through the upcoming Christmas promotion.
Executive Members Rose Papadimitriou and Jenny Papale, Treasurer Frank Nucifora, President Seb Aguirre, Secretary Kari Ravizza, and Executive Member Paul Benvenuti make up the part of the new leadership group. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Local schools are being encouraged to submit ideas to improve student travel safety, with nominations now open for the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP).
The Government has committed $4 million this financial year to support new or upgraded road and transport infrastructure around schools. Projects may include improved drop-off zones, shared pathways, pedestrian crossings and bus set-down areas. In its first Budget, the government has allocated $27.5 million over four years to ensure the program continues, following concerns it had been left without future funding.
Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Sam O’Connor said the program plays an important role in creating safe and accessible journeys for students.
"The former Labor Government left no ongoing funding for the School Transport Infrastructure Program, but we stepped in to ensure these critical upgrades can continue to be delivered at schools right across our state,” Acting Minister O’Connor said.
“This program delivers real, on-the-ground improvements making school travel safer and more accessible for our kids.
“I encourage school communities to jump online and put forward their ideas to the Department for Transport and Main Roads about how transport networks around their school safer could be improved.
“We have slightly extended the deadline for applications to 17 November to give schools and local governments a bit more time to complete their nominations.”
“I look forward to seeing these projects delivered across the state in 2026 and beyond, providing children with safe and secure journeys to and from school.”
Schools, community members and road authorities can submit ideas. Forms can be completed and emailed to STIP@tmr.qld.gov.au, with guidelines available through the School Transport Infrastructure Program.
Funding is now open for government led safer school travel projects (Photo Source: Unsplash)
Burdekin Catholic High School this week proudly farewell our graduating Class of 2025, a cohort of young people who have led with heart, embraced challenge, and strengthened the spirit of our school community.
Throughout their time at BCHS, this group has been defined by their generosity, spirit, and willingness to step forward as leaders. Whether on the sporting field, in academic pursuits, through service activities, or in the arts, our Year 12 students have left an impression that will echo long after their departure. Their ability to support one another, to rise after setbacks, and to build community has been an inspiration to younger students and staff alike.
Principal Lorraine Wolffe shared her immense pride: “This graduating class has shown us what determination, kindness, and faith in one another can achieve. They leave not only with knowledge and skills, but with the strength of character to shape a future they can be proud of.”
As they now take their next steps, whether into further study, trades, employment, or new adventures, we send them forward with confidence and gratitude. Their achievements belong not only to themselves, but to the families, teachers, and community members who have supported them along the way.
The BCHS community thanks the Class of 2025 for the joy, leadership, and legacy they leave behind. We hold each of them in our prayers as they step into the next chapter, and we look forward to welcoming them back as graduates who continue to live out the Marist values of presence, simplicity, love of work, and family spirit.
Congratulations, Year 12. May the road ahead be filled with purpose, opportunity, and the knowledge that you will always have a home at Burdekin Catholic High School.
FRONT COVER
Eighth Avenue doubled as a festival runway last Saturday afternoon, as Hollywood rolled onto Home Hill’s front doorstep in the form of 38 exuberantly decorated floats for the Harvest Festival Grand Parade.
Large crowds lined the street as organisations, schools, and local businesses from across the Burdekin region rolled, marched and danced their way through Home Hill's main street, embracing the “Hollywood Elegance” theme with glittering costumes and dazzling floats.
The event, together with the Street Party that followed, marked the grand finale of a memorable Home Hill Harvest Festival, rounding out an action-packed calendar of events.
In the float awards, the Lions Club and Harvest Queen Ellie Woods took out Best Queen Float, while Stardust Theatre secured Best Float in the non-queen category. Ayr Pony and Hack Club claimed Best Trade Float, St Coleman’s won Best School Float, and Brennan’s Tyrepower walked away with Best Theme Float.
The party then flowed into Watsons Green, where a range of rides, food trucks and live music welcomed attendees with open arms. An energetic performance by North Queensland local and community favourite Luke Geiger had the crowd dancing into the night with classic country hits and originals, as proceedings gradually drew to a close.
The Street Party marked the end of the Home Hill Harvest Festival, which commenced in September with the official launch on the 14th. The festival presented a jam-packed schedule of community events, with the Ephemera, Student Ball, Town of Origin, Derby Day Races and Gala Ball among the community's favourites.
The Harvest Festival has been a longstanding tradition in Home Hill for decades, serving as one of the hallmark events of the Burdekin calendar alongside the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival and the Burdekin Water Festival. This year's iteration again showcased the strength and unity of the Burdekin community, with sizeable turnouts at each event marking another positive chapter in the history of the festival.
PHOTO CREDIT: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography
Well, it's official. My first ever Home Hill Harvest Festival, in the books.
Does that qualify me as a local yet?
Well, whether it does or doesn't, I sure felt proud to be a resident as I paced the packed out streets this weekend, photographing all the amazing floats at the highly anticipated Grand Parade. What a turnout. What an event. And all topped off by a near-perfect sunset and the following Street Party.
The two events rounded off another successful Harvest Festival schedule—an amalgamation of the committee’s hard work and the town’s unwavering community support. These are the events that unite small towns like ours, a town so worthy of celebration.
After all, of all the countries, states, and millions of cities and townships around the world, we all live within the same ~30km radius of each other. Different people, different walks of life, brought together for different reasons, but connected geographically, and in a sense, spiritually.
Just living here for the better part of half a year, I've felt myself gravitating toward local customs, ways of life, and even the accent, apparently. My parents told me on the phone the other day that I'm sounding more and more 'regional' by the day. They also noted my adoption of the "ey" after saying thanks. "Thanks, ey!" Who knows, by the time I return to Sydney for Christmas, I might be rocking Cowboys gear with a suitcase full of sugarcane.
Home Hill State High School has thanked the Home Hill RSL Sub Branch for donating a new water cooler for students.
The school says the contribution is a practical boost, especially in Burdekin heat, giving students reliable access to cold drinking water throughout the year. Staff also noted the donation reflects the strong community support the RSL has consistently shown.
The RSL Sub Branch has a long history of assisting local schools, and this latest gesture reinforces the relationship between the two organisations.
Home Hill State High School publicly thanked the RSL for its ongoing generosity and commitment to local students, saying the support makes a meaningful difference to daily school life.
The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) has received a boost in its ongoing efforts to support local residents, with Burdekin Shire Council confirming its annual donation of $40,400.
Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presented the donation at BCA’s Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2025, recognising the organisation’s vital role in providing essential services across the region.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the contribution reflected the Council’s strong partnership with BCA and its long-standing commitment to the community.
“The Burdekin Community Association provides a lifeline for many residents, offering everything from housing and emergency relief to aged care and community wellbeing programs,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
“Council is proud to continue its annual support to ensure BCA can keep delivering these critical services to those who need them most.”
For more than 40 years, the Burdekin Community Association has been a cornerstone of support for residents, offering programs across aged care, housing assistance, domestic and family violence services, volunteer coordination, and broader community support.
Council’s ongoing partnership with BCA ensures that these services remain accessible to those who need them, now and into the future. By sustaining this collaboration, the Council continues to strengthen the social fabric of the Burdekin region, helping families and individuals navigate challenges and access vital resources.
The annual donation is a tangible demonstration of local government working hand-in-hand with community organisations to keep essential services alive and thriving in Burdekin.
Deputy Mayor Max Musumeci presenting the annual donation. Photo credit: Burdekin Shire Council
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Ayr on Sunday afternoon, 9 November. Emergency services were called to Railway Street at about 3.45pm after reports that a white Kia Sorento had collided with a tree.
The 66-year-old Ayr man driving the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene. Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information or dashcam footage is urged to contact police at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or on 131 444 to assist with the investigation.
As the calendar turns to just over a year since the Queensland state election, Member for Burdekin Dale Last says he remains steadfast in ensuring the Burdekin receives its fair share.
Reflecting on the last 12 months, Mr Last said witnessing progress and delivery of projects the Burdekin community had long advocated for was incredibly rewarding.
“Whether it was improving the safety of our community, providing certainty for the Bowen Boat Harbour or securing a CT scanner for our local hospital, I have been proud to stand beside the Burdekin community and fight for the services and infrastructure we deserve,” Mr Last said.
“2025 has marked my tenth year as the Member for Burdekin and it’s a role that I have
been proud to serve in each day.”
“I have always maintained the Burdekin is an economic powerhouse and that sentiment continues unabated. Following the 2024 election my focus was ensuring this electorate saw the results of its own hard work and that started with ensuring our promises were delivered on.”
The Crisafulli Government’s first budget supported every single election commitment made to the Burdekin with key projects no longer a pipe dream and stronger laws to improve community safety.
“We knew how much Queenslanders were hurting after a decade of Labor’s weak youth crime laws and we acted. In a matter of months after the state election we made Adult Crime, Adult Time law in Queensland and the Crisafulli Government’s focus on community safety has not wavered with Daniel’s Law recently passing through Parliament,” Mr Last said.
By Chelsea Ravizza
Three Blokes Running (TBR) have once again taken to social media to share a brand-new exciting “game plan” for this month’s Movember Foundation initiative to raise awareness and funds to support men’s mental health!
Campbell Johnston, Brayden Rawlins and Austin Dewar have been on an unstoppable mission to break down stigmas surrounding men’s mental health, pushing the message “it ain’t weak to speak” across the country.
Just last year, the boys debuted their Movember Foundation fundraising team, TBR, online, which attracted thousands of views and messages of support both locally within the Burdekin Shire, and from countless communities across North East Queensland! Over the month of November, Campbell, Brayden and Austin came together to run a mammoth 540 kilometres and collectively raise an outstanding total of $14,000 to support the lifesaving work of the Movember Foundation.
In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, the Movember Foundation prestigiously named Campbell a celebrated Community Ambassador, and nominated TBR for Rookie of the Year, inviting the trio to attend the 2025 Mo Awards in Melbourne.
Now, a year on from TBR’s debut, Campbell, Brayden and Austin have unveiled what’s in store for 2025… “Cards for a Cause”. With a cork board each loaded with a deck of cards listing off mystery challenges ranging from completing a half marathon to swimming kilometres on kilometres in the pool, the trio flip a card each day and get straight into action, vlogging their progress to share online.
“Get behind us boys for another month of running, raising money and starting conversations, and remember, it ain’t weak to speak,” shared Austin.
“We just want to say a massive thank you for all the support, it’s been unreal and keep it coming because we want to get that message out there, raise some awareness and raise some money for some really important research that the Movember Foundation is doing,” said Campbell.
To follow along with the boy’s journey, search Three Blokes Running on social media and to donate to the TBR’s Movember Foundation team visit movember.com/t/three-blokes-running.
Campbell, Brayden and Austin are taking on the Movember Foundation's month-long challenge for the second consecutive year (Photo Source: Movember Foundation)
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