Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce that refurbishment works at the Burdekin Theatre have now been completed, with the venue officially back in operation. The recently completed upgrades included a full refurbishment of the theatre stage and a complete upgrade of the dressing rooms, delivering modern, functional backstage facilities for performers and production crews. Both the stage and dressing rooms were original to the theatre and had not been refurbished since the venue was constructed in 1982, making these improvements a significant milestone for the facility. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the completion of the works marked an exciting new chapter for the Burdekin Theatre. “These upgrades ensure the Burdekin Theatre can continue to support local performers and visiting productions for many years to come,” Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said. “With modernised backstage facilities and a newly refurbished stage, performers will benefit from a safer, more functional environment that reflects the high standard of talent we see in our community.” The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, which commenced on Tuesday 5 May, will be the first major event to utilise the upgraded facilities, with hundreds of local and visiting competitors taking to the stage in the coming weeks. Council is proud to support the strong performing arts culture in the Burdekin and looks forward to seeing the refreshed theatre continue to host a wide range of performances, events and community activities. Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Shire Council CAPTIONS: 1— Burdekin Shire Council is pleased to announce that refurbishment works at the Burdekin Theatre have now been completed, with the venue officially back in operation. 2—The recently completed upgrades included a full refurbishment of the theatre stage and a complete upgrade of the dressing rooms, delivering modern, functional backstage facilities for performers and production crews. 3—The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, which commenced on Tuesday 5 May, will be the first major event to utilise the upgraded facilities, with hundreds of local and visiting competitors taking to the stage in the coming weeks. Photos supplied
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Ringo is a young American Bulldog with presence, personality, and just enough cheek to keep life interesting. At first meeting, he can come on strong with big energy, big enthusiasm, and a clear belief that everyone is already his best friend. Give him a few minutes (and ideally a treat or two) and he quickly softens into a loyal, affectionate companion. His foster carer lovingly describes him as “a bit of a boof” when excitement kicks in. For this reason, Ringo is not suited to homes with small children, even though his intentions are always gentle. On the lead, Ringo is generally steady and willing, but he shows his best self in quieter environments where he isn’t overwhelmed by noise and movement. Busy streets and high stimulation can distract him, so continued training and calm exposure will help him build confidence and focus. He is highly food motivated, which makes him a quick learner during training sessions. However, this also means portion control and supervision around food will be important. Ringo is currently working on his manners, including waiting patiently for meals and taking treats more gently. With consistency and guidance, he is improving every day. What Ringo needs now is a patient, kind and committed owner willing to continue his training and help him grow into his best self. In return, he offers loyalty, charm, and a whole lot of personality packed into one wagging, hopeful package. Ringo’s adoption fee is $600 and includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea, tick and worm treatment, and heartworm prevention (or ProHeart). Contact Angel Paws Inc. on 07 4420 3276 for further information.
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When most people think of their pharmacy, they think of prescriptions and cold and flu remedies. But your local FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr offers much more than that, including services that can save you time and support your health, often without needing to see a doctor at all. Here are three services you may not know are available right here in Ayr. UTI treatment without a GP appointment FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr can now assess and treat eligible patients for uncomplicated UTIs directly, thanks to expanded pharmacy prescribing services in Queensland. Our trained pharmacist will assess whether this service is appropriate for you and, where eligible, can supply the required treatment on the spot. Fast, confidential and convenient. Sick leave and carer's leave certificates FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr can provide certificates for sick leave and carer's leave for eligible patients, recognised under the Fair Work Act. A practical alternative when a GP appointment is not immediately available. Speak with our pharmacist to find out if a certificate is right for your situation. NDSS: Support for people living with diabetes FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr is a registered NDSS access point, giving you access to subsidised testing strips, lancets, insulin pump consumables and other diabetes management products right here in your community. Our pharmacist can also help you register for the scheme and connect you with further support. Pop in and see us. No appointment necessary for most services. Contributed with thanks to FriendlyCare Pharmacy CAPTION: FriendlyCare Pharmacy Ayr offers services that can save you time and support your health, often without needing to see a doctor at all. Photo supplied
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Council have provided their perspective after a question posted to a local online community group sparked lively discussion, with residents divided over how much control councils should have over private property. The Burdekin Community Hub post asked, “Should councils be allowed to control what you do on your property?” prompting nearly 200 interactions from residents sharing a range of perspectives. Many noted that there are situations where council oversight may be necessary, particularly in relation to health, safety, and neighbourhood standards. Others expressed strong support for individual property rights, arguing that councils should have limited authority over private land, and sharing concerns about rates; some suggesting that any oversight should only apply where actions significantly impact neighbours. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said Council can lawfully regulate how private property is used only where specific legislative powers apply; particularly when activities affect neighbours, community health and safety, environmental standards, or local amenity. “Council may become involved where there are genuine health, safety or amenity concerns for example, matters that pose a risk to neighbours, the environment, or public safety,” said Mayor Dalle Cort. “This can include issues like unsafe structures, serious overgrowth attracting pests, unmanaged waste, or activities that could create pollution or fire risk. Even then, Council’s approach is proportionate and guided by legislation.” She emphasised that Council’s role on private land is limited and clearly defined, with no general authority to intervene simply because an issue occurs on private property. Instead, Council can act only where legislation provides explicit powers, such as under local laws, environmental regulations, or public health and safety frameworks. In most cases, its involvement is focused on ensuring minimum standards are met to protect the broader community, rather than directing how individuals use their land. “Respecting individual property rights is extremely important, and Council takes that responsibility seriously,” said Mayor Dalle Cort. “At the same time, Council also has a duty to maintain community standards that protect health, safety and amenity for everyone. Our role is to carefully balance those responsibilities, applying common sense and fairness in each situation. “Council always aim to work with residents, not against them, and to resolve issues in a way that is reasonable, lawful and proportionate.” As the discussion continues, the issue highlights a broader question facing many regional communities; where to draw the line between personal freedom and maintaining standards that protect the wider neighbourhood. Moody Skies Over Burdekin North Queensland Stock Photo 1629379666 | Shutterstock CAPTION: Residents have shared mixed views on how much control councils should have over private property, sparking widespread discussion in the Burdekin community. Photo credit: Callan Lund
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With passion and pride for her hometown of Home Hill, Faye Hall aims to share the untold history of the Burdekin with twists of romance, drama, and intrigue.
The local author has published over 15 titles, all works of fiction, but all inspired by the real stories of the region.
“I feel the Burdekin history gets ignored a lot,” Ms Hall said.
“There’s so much history here, so many families who came here, came from nothing, and made a life here.
“You hear a little bit about Mr (John) Drysdale who started the sugar industry, but the Burdekin’s so much more than sugar cane.”
Ms Hall’s grandparents migrated to the Burdekin, building what she calls the “Australian dream.”
“I grew up on stories of what they went through, the people they lost, the underlying crimes,” Ms Hall said.
“I love the stories of it all and I wanted to make something bigger.”
Inspired to defy a naysaying teacher, Ms Hall started writing romances in high school, getting her first book published soon after.
Her books have been published by various publishing companies both in Australia and America, before she established her own business 4th Avenue Press.
Set in local townships and drawing on history books, state records and national archives, Ms Hall takes creative license with local history.
“You’ve got drama, crime and scandal but there’s also that romantic element that drifts all the way through and pulls the characters along,” she said.
Ms Hall’s newest book is due for release in October and will be available, along with her other titles, to borrow from the Burdekin Library or to purchase from 4thavenuepress.com.au, Amazon, and Kobo.
Local author Faye Hall’s books are available from the Burdekin Library. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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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