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Hundreds across the Burdekin region stood still on 25 April to honour ANZAC Day, uniting in solidarity to remember those who served. Dawn Services were held in Ayr, Home Hill, Giru and Groper Creek at around 5:30am, each marked by the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute’s silence as the sun rose over the region. An intimate ceremony at Ayr Cemetery followed, where Flight Lieutenant B.B. Newman, Pilot Officers K.M. MacDonald and J.R. Newman, Flying Officer T.E. Jones, and Sergeant F.G. Bower were honoured for their service. The morning of commemorations continued with an 8am service at Spiller Street in Brandon, before marches in Ayr, Giru and Home Hill at 9am, 9:30am and 10:45am respectively. Each march moved through closed-off streets lined by local crowds, with community groups, emergency services and schools taking part. In Ayr, the march concluded at the ANZAC Memorial, where a commemorative service was held. In Home Hill, participants made their way down Ninth Avenue to Arch Dunn Memorial Park, where a similar service followed. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP addressed crowds at both ceremonies. Mayor Dalle Cort also attended the Giru dawn service and Ayr Cemetery service, while Mr Last attended a dawn service in Bowen. The morning’s events brought together residents from all walks of life in a shared act of remembrance for those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces. CAPTIONS: 1—Hundreds across the Burdekin region stood still on 25 April to honour ANZAC Day, uniting in solidarity to remember those who served. 2—The morning of commemorations continued with an 8am service at Spiller Street in Brandon, before marches in Ayr, Giru and Home Hill at 9am, 9:30am and 10:45am respectively. 3— An intimate ceremony at Ayr Cemetery honoured Flight Lieutenant B.B. Newman, Pilot Officers K.M. MacDonald and J.R. Newman, Flying Officer T.E. Jones, and Sergeant F.G. Bower for their service. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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The Burdekin region faces a potential financial headache as a vital federal funding stream, which has bankrolled major local upgrades from the Ayr Swimming Pool to the Burdekin Memorial Hall, is set to expire on June 30th. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), which has injected millions into projects across the state, will cease at the end of the financial year unless the Federal Government announces an extension in the upcoming May Budget. Burdekin Shire Council has joined the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) in an urgent advocacy campaign, warning that regional communities stand to lose the most if the program is not replaced. “Burdekin Shire Council supports LGAQ’s call for ongoing infrastructure funding that recognises the scale and importance of what councils deliver, particularly in regional areas,” Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Dalle Cort said. “This is about ensuring regional Queenslanders have access to the same opportunities, infrastructure and services as those living in metropolitan areas.” Burdekin Stands Up As Federal Funding Faces Cliff-Edge The Burdekin Shire Council is joining a statewide push for the Federal Government to extend a crucial infrastructure program due to expire on June 30th, warning that local councils face a significant funding gap without a new commitment in the upcoming May Budget. Locally, the original LRCIP funding—in effect since 2020—has been instrumental in delivering practical community assets. Significant projects supported by the program include the refurbishment of the Burdekin Memorial Hall entrance and the installation of a compliant disabled access ramp, upgrades to the Burdekin Water Park at the Ayr Swimming Pool complex, and the revitalisation of Spiller Street’s Brandon Park, which included new playground equipment and amenities. Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the Shire relies on predictable funding to maintain the essential infrastructure residents use every day. “Councils across Queensland are responsible for infrastructure that communities rely on every day – from local roads and footpaths to sporting facilities and shared community spaces,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “Programs like LRCIP have allowed councils to deliver practical, community-driven projects that improve safety, connectivity and liveability while also supporting local jobs.” The LGAQ estimates the program has contributed roughly $668 million to the Queensland economy, supporting nearly 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Peak body leadership warns that without a replacement, the loss of this funding will create a "financial black hole" for local governments. LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett stated that regional equity is at the heart of the issue. “People living in regional Queensland should be able to access the same employment, infrastructure and service opportunities as those living in the cities,” Mayor Burnett said. “This program has been used to build roads, sporting grounds and other vital community facilities, and it’s our smallest communities who stand to lose most if funding isn't continued.” For the Burdekin, the uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult, says Mayor Dalle Cort, who emphasised that local councils are now facing “difficult decisions” that could impact the standard of services provided to residents. The LGAQ is pushing for a commitment in the May Budget that goes beyond the LRCIP, calling for an increase in untied Financial Assistance Grant funding to at least 1 per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue to improve long-term financial sustainability. Residents can learn more about the campaign at www.lgaq.asn.au.
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Communities across the Burdekin Shire will come together this ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans, with a full program of dawn services, marches and commemorative ceremonies planned throughout the region. Early risers will have several opportunities to pay their respects, with dawn services commencing at 5:25am at the Memorial Hall in Home Hill, followed closely by 5:30am services at Brolga Park in Giru and ANZAC Park in Ayr. As the morning continues, smaller community services will take place across the district, including an 8am gathering at the Spiller Street Cenotaph in Brandon, before returning to Giru for a 9:30am service at Brolga Park. In Ayr, the annual ANZAC Day parade will step off at 9am, leading into the main service at ANZAC Park at 9:20am, while in Home Hill, the parade will begin at 10:45am, followed by a commemorative service at Memorial Park at 11:20am. The day’s events provide an opportunity for residents of all ages to reflect on the legacy of those who have served, while also reinforcing the strong sense of community across the Burdekin. Locals and visitors are encouraged to attend a service or parade, stand in silence, and take a moment to remember the sacrifices made in the name of peace and freedom.
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Little Leaves Nursery is set to enter an exciting new chapter, with owners Kirsten Loader and Chris Mann announcing they will take over Hotel Brandon, bringing the two much-loved businesses together in one dynamic space designed to create new opportunities for the community, rain, hail or shine. The pair said they had been searching for some time for a larger venue that could offer indoor seating, particularly during the peak heat of summer and periods of wet weather. “We have been looking to address this issue for a while and we’ve always wanted to provide a full breakfast and lunch – but unfortunately our little food van gets far too hot in summer,” Kirsten explained. The idea to purchase Hotel Brandon was first floated by the venue’s former manager; something Kirsten and Chris initially saw as a little far-fetched. Over time, however, the concept began to take root, eventually prompting the couple to take the leap. “We were very fortunate the owner wanted to keep the hotel in local hands, and so here we are,” she said. With plans still taking shape, the pair say they are keen to settle in and get a feel for the venue before making any major changes. In the short term, locals can expect a handful of updates, including the bottle shop transitioning from Star Liquor to Liquor Legends, along with the introduction of a fresh new menu. Looking ahead, Kirsten and Chris hope to undertake renovations to give the hotel a facelift and create a more family-friendly space; a vision shaped by Brandon’s shifting demographics, and they’re also exploring the possibility of a drive-through coffee and hot food service, catering to early risers in search of a quick bite on the go. “We are still working through how we can incorporate Little Leaves Nursery into the hotel without it losing the relaxed atmosphere we have worked so hard to create,” Kirsten said. “Since we opened Little Leaves Nursery, we have watched Brandon’s demographic start to change. We have noticed a lot of young couples and families starting to move into the area, and I think there’s a gap in the market to provide takeaway meals as well as a great in-house menu and kids’ play areas.” Little Leaves Nursey and Hotel Brandon will continue to operate as usual for now, with Kirsten and Chris buzzing with excitement for what’s to come. “We are grateful for the support of the staff who have remained with us at the venue, and we have a lot to learn from them, and from the locals before we make any big changes,” Kirsten said. “There are definitely big plans, and we think the hotel has a lot of potential and look forward to exploring that in the future!” CAPTION: Kirsten Loader and Chris Mann officially became the owners of Hotel Brandon on Monday, 18 April, opening a fresh new chapter for the popular establishment. Photo source: Little Leaves Nursery
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Over the school holidays, Larrikin Puppets took to the stage to light up the Burdekin Theatre in Ayr, with over 50 attendees from toddlers to teens coming along to enjoy the show.
The Larrikin Puppets are children’s entertainers, travelling Australia and internationally with their band of zany characters, performing colourful shows and catchy songs.
Founder of Larrikin Puppets, Brett Hansen says, “We loved the Burdekin Theatre, everyone was really nice and helpful”.
“They set up the foyer space so nicely for us with black curtain backdrops and lighting for the show. The kids and families were really nice, too.”
Established in 2012, Larrikin Puppets engage with the audience through fast-paced, feel-good entertainment, encouraging audiences to talk, dance, sing and play along.
Larrikin Puppets also run both beginner and advanced puppeteering workshops, giving students the opportunity to learn a range of techniques.
The workshops, led by Brett and his wife/co-puppeteer, Elissa Jenkins, gives the audience a rare chance to learn in a fun, supportive environment that inspires confidence, teambuilding, communication and creativity.
Brett says, “We love touring and travelling to different places that don’t often get puppet shows or workshops, everyone is in good spirits and excited to learn.”
“When we do our library tours, we have 50 puppets to lend out, teaching participants ways to bring these inanimate objects into living, breathing creatures.”
The puppeteering duo have trained in the USA under Jim Henson Puppeteers, who are well-known for their work on The Muppets and Sesame Street television shows.
Brett goes on to say, “Good homework for the kids to do after they’ve attended is to watch [these TV shows], to see how the puppets move and remember some of the skills they learnt in the workshop.”
Larrikin Puppets strive to create a world of ‘bright-eyed wonder’ for children and families everywhere, working each day to make the world a more whimsical, kind and joyful place.
Larrikin Puppets have a jam-packed schedule, with shows across Queensland this month, as well as a Ted Talk in Brisbane on October 14.
Elissa Jenkins and Brett Hanssen bring their unique puppet show to the Burdekin Theatre. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
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