Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Back (from left): Tracey Gabiola, Ainsley Ferrando, Helen Kross, Carolyn Bell, Dr Ben Lawry. Front (from left): Tamika Crank & Rayf Pugh, Ayla Armstrong & Callie Armstrong, Chantel Ferrando & Maverick Rush, Stacey Butler & Remi Malaponte, Laura Cowan & Freya Cowan, Jessamy Nicolaides & Ava Nicolaides. Photo supplied. The Burdekin is booming with babies after six newborns arrived in less than four days at Ayr Hospital. The new Burdekinites are among 30 babies born at the hospital between May and July, making it the region’s busiest baby boom in more than half a decade.Baby Boom Sets Six-Year Record At Ayr HospitalA four-day birthing spree at Ayr Health Service has capped off the facility’s busiest maternity period in over five years, with six infants arriving in under 96 hours. The maternity unit welcomed a total of 30 newborns between May and July, marking the highest three-month tally at the facility since 2020. The total represents eight more births than the local average for the same period over the past six years. Director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said she could not remember a time when the local maternity service had been as busy. “While it has been an extremely busy time for our staff, particularly during a hectic few days at the end of May where six newborns arrived in less than 96 hours, staff enjoy working in a service where they can share in the joy of welcoming babies and supporting parents,” she said. “These are incredibly special moments, and we feel very privileged to be involved.” Ms Gabiola commended the adaptability of the health service workforce. “Whether responding to an emergency or assisting with the delivery of a baby, the team always steps up and I am incredibly grateful to them for always rising to the challenge.” Local mother Stacey Butler, who gave birth to daughter Remi Malaponte during the May delivery cluster, said it was important to be able to give birth in her hometown. “We are very fortunate to have the facility and the staff here so we can have our babies in our community,” Ms Butler said. “I really didn’t want to have to leave home and be away from my family and friends to give birth to my little girl. “She is perfect, and it means the world to me that she was able to be born in her hometown and surrounded by her loved ones.” CAPTION: 1—A four-day birthing spree at Ayr Health Service has capped off the facility’s busiest maternity period in over five years, with six infants arriving in under 96 hours. 2— The maternity unit welcomed a total of 30 newborns between May and July, marking the highest three-month tally at the facility since 2020. Photos supplied.
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Cancer Council Australia’s Daffodil Day is returning this month for the 40th time, and among those embracing the occasion in bright yellow is Raelene Grantz and her Burdekin Delta Diner team. Daffodil Day is held each August to raise money for cancer research, prevention and support services, with the daffodil symbolising hope in the ongoing fight against cancer. That fight is personal for Raelene. After being diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago—and watching her twin sister battle it around 12 years prior—Raelene has made a point of doing her bit to support the cause. Her latest effort has seen the Delta Diner decorated in yellow over the last month as Daffodil Day approaches on the 20th. As well as posters and daffodils, Raelene has also put out a donation collection box with QR codes linking to a donation page. She said the endeavour was her “little way of helping.” “Cancer has touched my husband, my family, myself and some of our staff members over the years,” she said. “It’s an ongoing [battle], and it’s not letting up. We just have to keep doing our little bit with fundraising and supporting people through their journeys, and this is our way of doing it.” Raelene said the support so far had been overwhelmingly positive and encouraged others to get behind the cause by making a donation at the store. CAPTION: Cancer Council Australia’s Daffodil Day is returning this year for the 40th time, and no one in the Burdekin is embracing the occasion quite like Raelene Grantz and her Delta Diner team. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.
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Australia should start building its biofuels industry now—creating regional jobs, investment and fuel security at home instead of sending Australian dollars and opportunities overseas, CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan has said. Welcoming the Federal Government’s newly released consultation paper on a national demand mechanism for low-carbon liquid fuels, Mr Galligan called it the most significant step forward in national policy on this issue in decades. However, he also warned that Australia cannot wait until 2029 for action while overseas competitors race ahead. “Australia has talked about biofuels for decades, and it's been five years since the Federal Government released it first bioenergy roadmap, yet while we analyse and assess, other countries have built industries,” Mr Galligan said. “The decision by the Federal Government to consult on the implementation of a demand-side policy to support a low-carbon liquid fuel sector is warmly welcomed. The direction is right, but the pace matters. Investment decisions are being made now and industry needs certainty now.” The consultation paper proposes an initial national volume requirement for cleaner fuels, potentially commencing in 2029, before a proposed transition to a carbon-intensity system from 2035. Importantly, it proposes covering petrol and recognises ethanol as an eligible fuel. However, imported cleaner fuels could also satisfy the requirement, with no guarantee that the resulting demand would support Australian production. “If we move too slowly or allow the massive new global demand for low-carbon liquid fuels to be satisfied largely through imports, Australian dollars will help fund factories, jobs and regional development overseas while available capacity here remains underused,” Mr Galligan said. “We should not replace our dependence on imported fossil fuels with a new dependence on imported cleaner fuels. That risks leaving Australian families, businesses and essential industries exposed again when the next global shock disrupts supplies and drives up prices.” More than 90% of the liquid fuels used in Australia are either imported directly or refined locally from imported crude. Yet Australia has abundant agricultural feedstocks, established regional processing capacity and growers ready to play their part. The government’s paper identifies 360 million litres of operational ethanol capacity in Australia. The sugar industry processes around 30 million tonnes of sugarcane in a typical year, and industry estimates suggest it could ultimately produce more than 2.5 billion litres of ethanol a year – equivalent to approximately 14% of Australia’s petrol needs. “We are not starting from scratch,” Mr Galligan said. “Australia already has the feedstock, infrastructure, expertise and production capacity to make more bioethanol today. We should use what we have now while building what we need next. “Sugarcane is a major renewable biomass resource. It can make an immediate contribution through ethanol, while its biomass can also support the development of advanced fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. “It can deliver real fuel security, real emissions reduction and real regional jobs – but that will not happen without clear policy settings that create demand for Australian-made fuels.” Mr Galligan said Australia must learn from the past and keep more of the value created from its agricultural resources in the country. “For too long, Australia has exported raw commodities only to import the higher-value products made from them. We cannot repeat that mistake with cleaner fuels,” he said. “We need a national framework that gives investors confidence to build here, produce here and create value here. Australia has the resources, the growers and the regional capacity. What we need now is the policy certainty to get on with it.” Mr Galligan and CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens are in Canberra this week briefing federal ministers and senior departmental officials on the opportunities biofuels offer Australian agriculture, regional communities and national fuel security. Mr Galligan will also join leaders from the sugar, manufacturing, bioenergy and national-security sectors for a media stand-up at the top of Federation Mall, Canberra, at 2.30pm on Thursday, 20 August. Supplied by CANEGROWERS CAPTION: CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan warns that Australia cannot wait until 2029 for action while overseas competitors race ahead. Photo: CANEGROWERS.
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Burdekin residents and business owners will have the chance to chat directly with the nbn Local team when they visit Ayr on Thursday, August 27. The community drop-in session will run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Burdekin Plaza (116 Edwards Street, Ayr). The event offers locals a practical way to learn about regional connectivity upgrades, including nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Fixed Wireless services. Representatives will be available throughout the day to answer questions, assist residents in checking their eligibility for full fibre, and demonstrate how enhanced digital infrastructure can benefit local households and businesses. Many properties across Ayr, Home Hill, and Brandon may already be eligible to upgrade to full fibre. Transitioning to an FTTP connection unlocks access to faster, more reliable broadband—supporting seamless video calls, high-definition streaming, rapid downloads, and better performance across multiple connected devices simultaneously. The session is free to attend, with no prior bookings required. Locals are encouraged to bring their questions and find out what connectivity options are available at their address. Event Details What: nbn Local Community Drop-in Session When: Thursday, August 27 | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Where: Burdekin Plaza, 116 Edwards Street, Ayr
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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.
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!
With state-of-the-art equipment, outstanding service and a hands-on approach to every project, LiquaForce continue to prove they are shaping the future of fertilising across North Queensland. Servicing the region from Mackay to Mossman, the locally based, family-owned business has built a reputation grounded in reliability, innovation and genuine care for the communities it supports.
For years, LiquaForce has worked alongside local growers, understanding that success in agriculture is not just about products, but about people. Their commitment extends beyond paddocks and production figures, with a strong focus on supporting farming families, regional employment and the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry. This close connection to the community has helped establish deep trust and lasting partnerships throughout the sugarcane and horticulture sectors.
LiquaForce has consistently delivered results by providing tailored liquid fertilising solutions designed to meet the specific needs of North Queensland soils and conditions. Their proven ability to service the agricultural and liquid fertilising requirements of the region has positioned them as a dependable partner during both challenging and prosperous seasons.
Following the acquisition by listed company RLF AgTech Limited in 2024, LiquaForce now offers an expanded range of advanced products and the capacity to support a broader variety of crop types. This growth strengthens their ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the local knowledge and community focus that define the business.
LiquaForce fertilisers deliver measurable benefits, including increased yields, improved sugar production, reduced labour demands and optimised nutrient efficiency. By minimising leaching and downtime, they help growers maximise outputs while protecting their land for future generations, reinforcing LiquaForce’s ongoing commitment to both productivity and community resilience.
Our newspaper is thrilled to announce two special giveaway competitions, thanks to a generous anonymous donor!
Competition 1: The donor has gifted four tickets to each home game of the Cowboys this season. Tickets will go to different winners for each home round, giving more people the chance to experience the excitement live.
Competition 2: In addition, the donor will be providing a $100 grocery voucher each month for the next 10 months, intended to assist those who could use a little extra help.
To nominate someone for either prize, send an 80-word blurb explaining why your nominee deserves or needs it to jacob@lifepublishinggroup.com. Both competitions aim to reach those who need them most, whether it’s someone who’s never been able to attend a game or a family needing extra help with essentials.
Winners will be contacted directly with further details. Don’t miss the chance to bring a little joy and support to someone who truly deserves it. Start nominating today!
At Burdekin Catholic High School, excellence in learning and teaching is not an aspiration, it is a deliberate and sustained commitment. Each year, our community witnesses the outcomes of that commitment in the achievements of our students, the professionalism of our staff, and the strength of the pathways our graduates pursue.
Our recent academic awards celebrations once again highlighted the depth of talent and dedication within our school. Student success at BCHS extends beyond individual awards; it is reflected in consistently strong senior results, diverse post-school destinations, and the growth demonstrated by students at every stage of their learning journey. Graduates continue to secure university placements, apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct employment, clear evidence that our educational model prepares young people not just for examinations, but for life beyond the school gate.
Central to this success is a relentless focus on high-quality teaching practice. Our staff engage in ongoing professional learning, data-informed instruction, and evidence-based pedagogies that ensure every lesson is purposeful and responsive. Differentiation, explicit instruction, formative assessment, and targeted feedback are embedded across subject areas. This strategic approach ensures that high-achieving students are extended, developing learners are supported, and every student is challenged appropriately.
Principal Lorraine Wolffe emphasised that excellence is intentional and community-driven.
“At Burdekin Catholic High School, excellence in learning is never left to chance. It is built through expert teaching, high expectations, and genuine care for every young person entrusted to us. Our staff are deeply committed to evidence-informed practice and continuous improvement, ensuring that each student is both supported and challenged to achieve their personal best. When our students succeed, whether through academic results, apprenticeships, university offers, or personal growth, it reflects the strength of our partnership with families and the dedication of our educators.”
Equally important is the culture that underpins our classrooms. At BCHS, learning is grounded in high expectations, mutual respect, and strong relationships. Students are known, valued, and encouraged to take ownership of their growth. Academic rigour is balanced with pastoral care, ensuring that wellbeing and performance develop hand in hand.
Our Catholic identity further shapes the distinctive character of teaching and learning at BCHS. Faith, service, and our Marist values are integrated into the educational experience, forming graduates who are not only capable students but compassionate contributors to the wider community.
Excellence is never accidental. It is the product of strategic leadership, dedicated educators, supportive families, and students willing to strive. As we look ahead, Burdekin Catholic High School remains firmly committed to continuous improvement, innovation in pedagogy, and the pursuit of outstanding outcomes for every learner.
In partnership with our local community, we will continue to ensure that BCHS is a place where educational excellence is lived daily — and where young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Catholic High School.
Burdekin Shire Council hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting at the Ayr Aerodrome on Wednesday, 11 February, providing an opportunity to engage directly with aerodrome lessees, users and other interested stakeholders.
The meeting enabled Council to share updates on current activities at the aerodrome, gain a clearer understanding of how the facility is being used, and discuss potential opportunities for the future.
The session was intended as an open and constructive forum for information sharing, rather than a decision‑making process.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said Council values the opportunity to meet directly with those who use the aerodrome and to hear firsthand about their experiences.
“The Ayr Aerodrome is an important community asset with a lot of untapped potential, and it’s important that Council takes the time to understand how it’s being used now and where there may be opportunities into the future,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.
Council recognises the importance of managing its assets in a practical and business‑minded way, balancing operational needs with long‑term sustainability and community benefit.
The stakeholder meeting was not about making decisions or commitments, but about sharing information, hearing a range of perspectives, and building a clearer picture of the aerodrome’s current role and future potential within the region.
Feedback received during the meeting will help inform Council’s ongoing considerations regarding the Ayr Aerodrome and how it is viewed and used now and into the future.
Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Shire Council
The meeting enabled Council to share updates on current activities at the aerodrome, gain a clearer understanding of how the facility is being used, and discuss potential opportunities for the future. Photo supplied
The Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc is set to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with its much-anticipated annual Afternoon Tea, bringing together community members for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to women, leadership and connection.
To be held on Sunday, 8 March at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, the event will feature two outstanding guest speakers whose work and lived experience reflect this year’s message of empowerment, resilience and service; journalist and advocate Kathleen Noonan and educator and agricultural leader Louise Nicholas.
This year’s theme, Cruise with Zonta, promises a relaxed and uplifting afternoon celebrating women, friendship and community spirit. Guests are invited to arrive from 1.30pm for a 2pm start, where they will enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, inspiring presentations and a range of engaging activities, all while supporting Zonta’s ongoing mission to build a better world for women and girls.
Kathleen Noonan’s journey began just south of the Burdekin, growing up on a cattle and sugar cane farm at Glenella near Farleigh in the Pioneer Valley outside Mackay. Her career in journalism has spanned three continents, beginning as a cadet with the Mackay Daily Mercury before progressing to roles as a news reporter, sub-editor, chief-of-staff and senior features writer in Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
During her time in South Africa, Kathleen reported on the final years of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela. After relocating to Brisbane, she became a weekly columnist for The Courier-Mail, with her work syndicated nationally for 17 years. Her writing explored topics ranging from music and running to rural life and the quiet beauty of everyday moments.
In 2011, a chance meeting with renowned feminist scholar Dr Dale Spender AM led Kathleen to join the Second Chance Programme; a volunteer-run organisation providing essential support to women and children escaping poverty and domestic violence. For more than 25 years, the group has worked alongside housing services and specialist networks across Queensland to deliver practical assistance that helps women regain safety, dignity and independence.
Joining her is Louise Nicholas, a highly respected Senior Secondary Agricultural Science teacher and Agricultural Coordinator at Home Hill State High School. Louise is recognised for her leadership in strengthening agricultural education and building meaningful school-to-industry pathways for young people in regional Queensland.
Raised on the land and shaped by extensive field experience, Louise currently serves as Vice President of the Queensland Agricultural Teachers Association and is a member of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Alumni. She is deeply committed to ensuring students understand the importance of food and fibre production, while opening doors to diverse and rewarding careers within agriculture through innovation, partnerships and community collaboration.
The work of both guest speakers closely aligns with recent Zonta Club Burdekin Inc initiatives, particularly those addressing family and domestic violence, homelessness affecting women and children, and the transformative power of education; all issues of growing importance within the local community.
Tickets for the popular event went on sale at 8am on Monday, 9 February, with organisers encouraging early bookings as the Afternoon Tea traditionally sells out quickly.
The Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc invites community members to mark the date, gather friends and join in celebrating International Women’s Day in a warm and welcoming setting, while gaining valuable insights from two women whose stories embody the power of giving and the impact individuals can have in shaping a better future for women and girls.
What: Zonta Club Burdekin’s International Women’s Day Celebration
When: Sunday, 8 March 2026 from 1:30pm
Where: Burdekin Memorial Hall
Young book lovers in the Burdekin are being invited to turn the page on a new after-school adventure at Ayr Library with the Library Legends Reading Club.
Carefully designed for primary school-aged children, Library Legends runs as a fun and friendly monthly hang-out for kids who love stories, imagination and sharing a good book with others. The club brings young readers together to discover exciting tales, make new friends and build confidence through reading, all in a relaxed library setting.
The reading club runs on the first Monday of each month, from 3.30pm to 4pm, at Ayr Library, making it the perfect stop after school. Whether your child is a confident reader or just starting to find their reading groove, Library Legends encourages kids to explore books at their own pace and enjoy the magic of stories together.
Library staff say the club is all about creating positive reading experiences and helping kids see the library as a welcoming, fun space, not just a quiet place for books, but somewhere adventures begin!
Parents and carers are encouraged to get in touch with Ayr Library via phoning 4783 9970 for more details or to register their child and come along to the next Library Legends Reading Club on Monday, 2 March!
A wave of nostalgia has swept through the community with the return of the iconic vessel Distraction to the Burdekin Shire, rekindling memories of an ambitious backyard build that became part of local maritime history.
The mighty catamaran was originally constructed over nearly four years, with work beginning in 1994 and culminating in a celebratory launch in December of 1997. The project was led by local boatbuilder Chris Cannavan, alongside his sons Lee and Murray Cannavan, with frequent help from friends.
The vessel’s name, Distraction, was chosen with a smile. The build proved to be a constant diversion from farm work, something Chris often joked about. True to its grassroots beginnings, the design process involved no formal plans. As Chris famously said, “It was a very successful boat build for a toe-in-the-dirt idea,” referring to his habit of sketching concepts in dirt or dust to bring them to life.
The story of Distraction is closely tied to an innovative piece of equipment built a year earlier. In 1993, Chris constructed a custom six-metre press in his shed, using concrete, railway tracks and earth-moving rams, after discovering there were no such facilities north of Brisbane. That press went on to shape several Cannavan-built vessels, including some of the largest ever produced locally.
Among them was Ocean Karma, a 13.8 metre catamaran completed by Lee Cannavan in 2011. Still owned and operated by Lee, the vessel gained international attention after featuring as a water taxi in the 2022 film Ticket to Paradise, starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
Other notable builds include Popeye, a 14 metre catamaran named after Chris’s father, Arthur. Remarkably, Chris continues work on the vessel at 80 years old. At 15 metres, however, Distraction remains the largest of the Cannavan-built boats.
In December 2004, Distraction was sold to a resident of Bowen, where it was lovingly maintained as a pride-and-joy vessel for many years.
On 1 February, 2026, the story came full circle when Distraction was purchased back by Lee and Jane Cannavan, returning the vessel to the family and the region where it was born.
The homecoming carries deep sentimental value, not only for the Cannavans but also for residents of the Burdekin who remember the boat and the extraordinary effort behind its construction. With a range of modifications and improvements planned, the family hopes to see Distraction back on the water within the next two years; a fitting next chapter for a vessel that has always been more than just a boat.
Photos curtesy of Jess Cannavan.
Clare State School was awash with red last week as students and staff proudly showed their support for HeartKids by participating in Sweethearts Day, a special event focused on raising awareness and funds for children living with congenital heart disease.
Students arrived dressed in red, symbolising care, kindness and compassion, and took part in a range of meaningful classroom activities. One of the highlights of the day was the creation of vibrant, multicoloured foil hearts, which were proudly displayed around the school. The shimmering hearts served as a visual reminder of the importance of healthy hearts and the strength of children supported by the HeartKids Foundation.
Throughout the day, teachers led age-appropriate discussions to help students understand the role of HeartKids and why fundraising efforts like Sweethearts Day matter. Students learned how the foundation supports children and families affected by heart conditions through advocacy, education and care programs.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to not only be creative, but also to develop empathy and an understanding of how they can make a positive difference in the lives of others," said Clare State School Principal, Troy Patti.
The event encouraged a strong sense of community, with students enthusiastic about contributing to a cause greater than themselves. By combining learning, creativity and generosity, Clare State School demonstrated that even small actions—like wearing red and making a heart—can have a big impact.
Funds raised from Sweethearts Day will go towards supporting the vital work of HeartKids, helping ensure that children with heart conditions and their families continue to receive the care and support they need.
Contributed with thanks to Clare State School
Clare State School was awash with red last week as students and staff proudly showed their support for HeartKids by participating in Sweethearts Day. Photo supplied
An established school with a proud 140-year history, Ayr State School is entering an exciting new chapter, with significant infrastructure upgrades underway to support growing enrolments and enhance learning and play for today’s students.
The project includes a new blue basketball court, a senior playground designed in a dynamic ninja-course style, and four fully refurbished classrooms. While construction is well advanced, the full suite of upgrades is expected to be completed in Term 2, marking an important milestone in the school’s continued growth.
The new basketball court, finished in blue to reflect the school’s colours, will provide students with a vibrant, high-quality space for physical education, organised sport and recreational play. The court is designed to encourage teamwork, resilience and healthy lifestyles, creating a hub of activity and connection throughout the school day.
The senior playground has been designed with older students in mind and takes the form of a ninja-course style play space. Featuring climbing, balancing and movement-based challenges, the playground promotes strength, coordination and problem-solving while encouraging confidence, perseverance and positive risk-taking in a safe and engaging environment. The design supports both physical wellbeing and social connection, recognising the importance of active play for students of all ages.
Inside the school, four refurbished classrooms have been transformed into modern, flexible learning spaces. These upgrades support contemporary teaching practices and allow staff to cater for diverse learning needs through differentiated and collaborative approaches. The refreshed classrooms ensure the school can continue to deliver high-quality education while welcoming an increasing number of students.
Principal Nikki Schell said the upgrades balance respect for the school’s long-standing history with a strong focus on the future.
“For 140 years, our school has been at the heart of this community,” she said.
“These improvements honour that legacy while ensuring we are ready to welcome new families and provide learning environments that reflect our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and excellence.”
As the project moves toward completion in Term 2, the new facilities represent both a celebration of the past and a confident investment in the next generation of learners.
The project includes four fully refurbished classrooms. Photo supplied
Last week, Ayr State High School (ASHS) celebrated Sweethearts Day, the school’s own take on Valentine’s Day, filling the campus with colour, music and plenty of joy.
Students and staff embraced the spirit of the day as gifts were exchanged, donations were made, and serenades echoed throughout the school grounds. From heartfelt messages to musical performances, the ASHS community came together to share a little extra kindness and fun.
A big thank you was extended to all staff and students who supported the Sweethearts Day stall and helped make the event such a success. Special recognition went to Tiana and her dedicated “band of sweethearts” who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, organising deliveries, running the stall and performing serenades.
The school also acknowledged Mr Dunk for capturing the day as official photographer, along with ASHS School Captain, Ayden Barnett and ASHS School Vice Captain, Charlie Shears, who took on the role of serenading troubadours and brought smiles to many faces.
With hearts well and truly full, Sweethearts Day proved to be a joyful celebration of community spirit at Ayr High.
Photos courtesy of Ayr State High School.
Residents of the Burdekin Shire recently took to social media to voice concerns about the lingering stench that coated the streets of Ayr last week, with all signs pointing to mill mud as the source.
A nutrient-rich byproduct of the sugar cane milling process, mill mud consists of residues left over after sugarcane juice has been clarified and filtered. It is commonly used as a soil conditioner and organic fertiliser to improve soil structure and boost plant growth due to its high nutrient content.
Mill mud has a distinct, often pungent odour, largely because it contains high amounts of organic matter such as bagasse and fibre that begin to decompose, producing a swampy or earthy smell. While the smell can be strong, it is generally considered a normal aspect of the product’s composition.
Wilmar Sugar Australia defines mill mud as a compost or fertiliser byproduct of the sugar extraction process and notes that it is not classified as hazardous under Safe Work Australia criteria. In the past, the company has conducted trials to develop best-practice guidelines for the use of mill mud and mill ash, concluding that mill mud maximises sugarcane yields while minimising the loss of nutrients from farms.
The company also stresses that the product is widely used across the region and is an important contributor to sustainable sugarcane production, despite the occasional odour concerns raised by local residents.
As 2026 gets underway, many Burdekin primary producers are looking ahead with cautious optimism. However, for some, the year has begun under difficult circumstances following Tropical Cyclone Koji and the associated flooding event late last year.
Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) Regional Area Manager for North Queensland, Angelo Rigano, said he has spent recent weeks visiting properties across the region to help producers begin their recovery journey.
“Sadly, I know not everyone has had a smooth start to the year,” Mr Rigano said.
“If you’ve been impacted, it’s okay not to be okay, and I strongly encourage anyone who needs support to reach out for help — including mental health services.”
QRIDA is currently administering disaster financial assistance for eligible primary producers affected by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and severe weather from 24 December 2025. The assistance is aimed at helping producers cover clean-up and reinstatement costs and get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
Eligible producers can now apply for low-interest loans and other disaster recovery support through QRIDA, with guidelines and application forms available on the QRIDA website.
Mr Rigano encouraged producers to regularly check the site as assessments continue and new information becomes available.
“As the government gains a clearer understanding of what communities need, additional assistance may be announced,” he said.
To help fast-track recovery applications, QRIDA has also shared five practical steps for producers affected by Cyclone Koji or recent flooding:
In further positive news, the application deadline for Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 has been extended until 14 August 2026.
“This extension gives producers who have faced multiple disaster events more time to complete clean-up and recovery works,” Mr Rigano said.
Early assessments following Cyclone Koji indicate many North Queensland farms — including those in the Burdekin — have avoided significant damage, with encouraging signs emerging across several agricultural sectors heading into 2026.
Mr Rigano said QRIDA remains committed to supporting Burdekin producers, not only through disaster recovery, but also by helping them improve productivity, expand operations and prepare for future droughts.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with more producers across the region in the coming weeks,” he said.
“QRIDA is here to help — whether that’s recovery, growth or planning for what’s ahead.”
For more information or assistance, producers are encouraged to contact QRIDA directly or complete the Department of Primary Industries’ Disaster Impact Survey if they were affected.
Dark storm clouds developing in the Burdekin during property visits over the past month. Photo supplied
They say experience is the best teacher. For Burdekin local and keen traveller Joan Andersen, more than 30 years spent helping visitors around the region has proven exactly that.
After helping establish the Burdekin Tourism Association decades ago, Joan now volunteers at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre in Ayr, a role she says is equal parts hearing unique stories, learning about North Queensland and beyond, and showcasing what makes the Burdekin special.
“I like meeting new people. I enjoy talking to them, finding where they come from, what they do,” said Joan.
“You're learning just as much as they are from you.”
While many travellers pass straight through the region, Joan sees it as her purpose to encourage them to explore the region.
“A lot of people would bypass us because we’re just a little town. We’re not on the seaside, we’re not a beach resort or anything like that… But we’ve got a lot of hidden gems, and I always enjoy telling people how unique we are.”
But between curious visitors, Joan finds ways to quench her own inquisitiveness.
“I like to take new brochures, skip through them and check what's in there," she said
“There’s so much to learn, not only about Queensland, but the other states as well.”
Council is now encouraging more locals with a passion for the Burdekin to consider joining the Tourism Volunteer team at the Visitor Information Centres in Ayr and Home Hill.
For Joan, the role has provided a flexible and social way to give back to her community while continuing to meet new people and learn about the region.
She believes it would suit anyone who enjoys talking to people and has an interest in local tourism.
“If you’ve got spare time and are looking for something interesting, it’s a great way to learn and expand your enthusiasm for travelling,” she said.
“You help the town, you help the district, and you help the businesses in the town as well. It's much more interesting than sitting and watching your shows on television!”
Residents interested in becoming a volunteer at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres can contact Council’s Tourism team on (07) 4783 9800 or email tourism@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
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