Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has announced a review of its Cane Analysis Program (CAP), following months of advocacy from Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). The decision marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over fibre testing practices at the Victoria and Macknade mills in the Herbert region, which had already drawn sharp reactions from grower groups.
QCAR have said that Wilmar has also agreed to review its CAP in the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions.
The issue first came to light in 2023, when an independent sugarcane auditor allegedly raised concerns during a Herbert River mill tour. The auditor pointed to a clause in Wilmar’s 2017 CAP, which stipulated that fibre sampling was limited to cane from Herbert River District Cane Growers Organisation (HRDCGO) members unless a grower’s bargaining agent represented more than 11% of the district’s Cane Delivery Tonnes.
QCAR Herbert River district committee chairman Matthew Pappin called the clause “anti-competitive” and said it unfairly excluded growers outside the HRDCGO.
QCAR hosted a community meeting at the Station Hotel in Ingham last Friday.
Mr Pappin said he was thrilled to announce that Wilmar, in the hours following the meeting, agreed to review its CAP not only in Herbert, but also for the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions.
“This is about correcting the sins of the past,” Mr. Pappin said.
“We are fighting to ensure fair treatment for all growers, uphold good governance, and guarantee every farmer has the right to make a fair living from their crop.”
In a letter to grower collectives on Friday, Wilmar wrote grower representatives and individual growers not in a collective would get to “put forward changes for consideration during the review”.
“The CAP was last updated in 2017 and consequently contains references and requirements that are no longer relevant … we will be in touch again in coming weeks to tell you more about the timing of the review and how you can be involved,” the letter stated.
It was understood the CAP was due for review in 2022.
Canegrowers Herbert River had defended the integrity of Wilmar’s fibre testing process in a statement made on social media.
Canegrowers Herbert River Chairman Chris Bosworth said the process was outlined transparently in the Cane Supply Agreements, which Canegrowers negotiates to protect its members.
“QCAR’s rushed agreement with Wilmar shows a lack of due diligence,” Mr. Bosworth said.
“Despite boasting about how quickly they secured their deal, they failed to fully scrutinise the Cane Analysis Program and fibre testing aspects.”
Mr. Bosworth maintained there was no evidence of discrepancies in fibre testing and noted that any legitimate concerns should be addressed through appropriate channels, including legal advice.
“Canegrowers brings decades of bargaining power and experience to the table, securing critical protections for members. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure no Canegrowers member is disadvantaged,” he said.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman acknowledged QCAR’s concerns and said the company would continue to engage with grower representative bodies on issues raised.

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Australia’s investment in agricultural research and development has reached almost $3 billion in 2023-24, the latest ABARES release has shown.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reported that this long-term commitment will lead to improvements in agricultural productivity, sustainability and modernisation.
The private sector accounts for the largest growth in investment in the sector, with a nearly 5 per cent annual growth rate from 2005-06.
ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, said ABARES’s latest data, Agricultural research and development (R&D) investment in Australia – 2023-24 update, found total agricultural R&D funding was increasing steadily, largely from the private sector.
“Agricultural R&D investment is what underpins innovation in the sector, and the flow-on benefits for farmers are considerable,” Dr Greenville said.
“We know that every $1 invested in agricultural R&D, generates an almost $8 return for farmers over 10 years, which is a great incentive for the private sector to make these important investments.”
According to ABARES, total agricultural R&D funding has continued to increase gradually, from $2.91 billion in 2022-23 to $2.98 billion in 2023-24.
“Overall, investment in agricultural R&D is increasing steadily, but we’ve seen the private sector just overtake the public sector as the main funder of agricultural R&D investment,” Dr Greenville said.
“There is a healthy mix of public and private R&D investment, reflecting a strong and robust innovation system with a good mix of long-term discovery research and practical commercialisation of technology.
“Private sector investment has the advantage of focussing on commercialising new technologies, so it has far-reaching benefits for Australian farmers.”
Dr Greenville said the strength of Australia’s agricultural R&D system was underpinned by the rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs).
“The RDCs are a unique investment partnership between industry and government, and their funding has grown steadily over the years as productivity has increased,” Dr Greenville said.
“Each RDC delivers tangible, practical improvements for their industries, particularly in terms of productivity and sustainability.”

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Shaun Detenon, his wife, Katrina, and their son, Mick, have been running ‘About Town Bait & Tackle’ a highly successful fishing tackle shop, since 2001. They recently moved from Edward Street to their new, larger premises, at 203 Queen Street, Ayr, which now offers double the floor space.

Shaun, who originally ran a local service station where he used to sell bait and tackle, moved away from cars and petrol and into being a fully fledged fishing shop back in 2001, working alongside his brother.

“I had a service station, and we used to stock tackle in it, which went reasonably well,” he says.
But driven by a lifelong passion for fishing after seeing the success of selling bait and tackle from the service station, Shaun realised a dream and sold the servo to expand into fishing.

“I love fishing and it just made sense to focus on that side of the business rather than petrol. My brother helped me start the business before I eventually bought him out a few years later.”

About Town Bait & Tackle has only been at their new location at 203 Queen Street, for just over a week, but they’re already seeing the positives of the move.

“Firstly, we’ve much more room, just over double the floor size of the old place,” Shaun’s son, Mick declares. “Our new location is also more convenient given it’s right on the main road, plus we have ample car parking, so anyone that’s towing a boat could easily park here,” he adds.

They carry a wide range of fishing products, from entry-level gear right up to high-end equipment. And they still also sell a wide range of bait!

“We cover everything from start out gear, such as basic rods and reels that we sell for $30, and then we go right through to the top of the range for the serious fisherman. We’ve got something for everybody.”

The business has been family-run for over two decades, with Mick joining full time in 2011. The business is described as a special and meaningful venture for the family, highlighting the unique bond they share.

“They say family can't work together, but we've been doing it for over 10 years now, so that proves that some people can. We love what we do, and how we work together. In many ways, being family makes it easier,” Mick says.

About Town Bait & Tackle is currently advertising their new location and will have special deals leading into Christmas. Shimano, Daiwa, Abu, Penn, Jackall, Z-man, Dobyns, Chasebaits and Zerek are just a few of the big name brands you will find throughout the store. You will also find a large range of fishing shirts and other accessories, catering to a broad spectrum of fishing enthusiasts, from beginner to the expert angler.

About Town Bait & Tackle, love to inform the local community about their products and services, but also their fishing gear knowledge, as well tips to help you land your next trophy fish.

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Mick, Shaun and Katrina Detenon outside the new location of their retail store; About Town Bait & Tackle. Photo credit: Mark Rasmussen

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The Burdekin Community Association (BCA) is the worthy recipient of a $20,000 donation from the CommBank Staff Foundation’s 2024 Community Grants program, in its most significant funding year yet.

The Ayr organisation received funding from CommBank to help drive positive change and CEO of BCA, Debra Cochran, couldn’t be more delighted.

“It was fantastic, first to get nominated and then win. It was quite unbelievable because I thought, oh my gosh, our little place. We were amazed and very grateful. It means a lot,” Debra says.

The BCA was nominated for their Rural Health Centre and Rehabilitation Services. The centre employs five staff and serves around 60 clients daily, offering free rehabilitation for adults and children, including those recovering from cancer, strokes, and living with diabetes. The BCA also provides mental health services, tele-health, and hires out rooms to allied health professionals, ensuring local access to essential services.

Commonwealth Bank staff can elect to donate part of their wages to the CommBank Staff Foundation, which has been operating since 1917. The foundation provides annual and smaller grants to various organisations.

Becky Love (CommBank Agri Business Analyst), nominated BCA because, she loved what they do for the community.

“I'm living in a small town and I think sometimes they get forgotten or missed. I chose the Burdekin Community Association, because I know it, from people I know that work here, or have volunteered here,” Becky says.

“They have such a wide scope of services, from Centre for Rural Health, the Community Rehabilitation Centre, the information centre, and BCA Support Centre. It's not one thing. It has a very wide and big impact,” she adds.

“We’re all about keeping people as healthy as possible and helping them with all sorts of rehabilitation. The main aim is to keep them at home, not into hospital and keeping them out of residential care. With this grant, we can now do even more to achieve that,” Debra concludes.

Pictured left to right: Debra Cochran (CEO, Burdekin Community Association), Becky Love CommBank Agri Business Analyst), and Kim Brosnan (Commonwealth Bank Branch Manager)

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Margaret Taylor, recipient of the Moderator's Community Service Medal 2023, has dedicated her life to helping others. Nominated by her church minister, Malia Ma’u, Margaret’s contributions to the church and community have been recognised as exceptional.
Her work spans various areas of community service, including supporting school chaplains through fundraising and cooking, assisting youth groups at the Uniting Church and Community Church, and home visiting with the Burdekin Community Association. Margaret is also a familiar face at cake stalls and other community events. She recalls receiving the Australia Day Lifetime Service Award, which acknowledged over 30 years of dedicated service.
Margaret remains humble about her achievements, saying, “I just enjoy it. I get more out of it than I put in, helping the young ones that need a hand.”
Her passion for helping others extends internationally. Margaret participated in a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) medical boat trip to Papua New Guinea, where she assisted in providing eye and dental care to remote communities.
“You meet lovely people on the ship,” she shares. “You’re sitting beside an eye surgeon, and everyone is on the same level.”
Closer to home, Margaret is preparing for the Craft Spectacular and her annual tradition of baking Christmas cakes and puddings. Her journey into cooking began years ago when her husband, an ambulance officer, transitioned to making garden furniture due to ill health. To cover costs, Margaret started cooking, and her efforts have continued to grow.
Reflecting on her experiences, Margaret praises her church family, saying, “The people at the church are wonderful. If everyone just does a little bit, we’ll make the world a better place.”
Margaret Taylor is a shining example of how dedication, compassion, and community spirit can leave a lasting impact. Her story inspires others to find joy in giving and making a difference.

Margaret Taylor, recipient of the Moderator's Community Service Medal 2023. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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Arts on The Avenue in Home Hill is embracing the festive spirit, thanks to the creative contributions of members Marge and Fred Morcom. For years, the couple has decorated their home with a stunning array of handmade Christmas decorations, and this year, their work has found a new home with the group.
With the help of eight dedicated volunteers, a working bee was held to set up the decorations. Fred crafted all the timber pieces, while Marge created the fabric elements, showcasing their remarkable talents. Some of these decorations are available for purchase, giving visitors the chance to take home a piece of their artistry.
To celebrate, Arts on The Avenue is hosting an Open Day on 30th November, complete with a car boot sale for visitors to enjoy. The group will also have a stall at the Craft Spectacular, providing more opportunities to explore their creative offerings.
The Morcoms’ contribution highlights the vibrant community spirit within Arts on The Avenue, bringing people together to spread holiday cheer. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, admire the decorations, and perhaps find the perfect festive addition for their own homes.
This display is not only a testament to the Morcoms’ skills but also to the power of community collaboration, making the holiday season even brighter in Home Hill.
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WHAT: Arts On The Avenue Open Day
WHERE: 170 Eighth Ave, Home Hill
WHEN: Saturday 30th November

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Members of the Arts on The Avenue group in Home Hill with the festive decorations

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The Burdekin Community Association is calling for the community to come together in support of their 2024 Christmas Appeal to help share the joy of Christmas this festive season. The appeal hopes to provide assistance to locals in need from families experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, to elderly residents experiencing loneliness.

Supporting the BCA’s appeal is simple, with the following items greatly accepted:
   • Bonbons
   • Festive decorations and tableware
   • Toiletries including women's hygiene products
   • Christmas books
   • Sparklers
   • Long life milk and long life custard
   • Tinned fruit and vegetables
   • Gravy
   • Jelly
   • Sunscreen and insect repellent
   • Breakfast cereal
   • Spreads and condiments
   • Tea and coffee
   • Pudding
   • Festive biscuits
   • Tinned protein including tuna, beans, and spam
   • Soft drink or cordial
   • Snacks including chips, nuts, and lollies
   • Pasta, rice and noodles

All donations can be dropped into the Support Centre, Burdekin Community Association at 130 Queen Street, Ayr. Please call or contact the BCA on 4783 3744 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au for more information.

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Donations of non-perishable items can be made at BCA’s Support Centre at 130 Queen Street, Ayr.

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Help us bring the joy of Christmas to the lives of locals this festive season. From families experiencing Domestic and Family Violence, to older persons alone, we are hoping to be able to provide assistance to locals needing a festive lift this holiday season.
 
We would greatly appreciate the following new items:
   • Bonbons
   • Festive decorations
   • Festive tableware 
   • Toiletries including women's hygiene 
   • Christmas books
   • Sparklers
   • Long life milk
   • Tinned fruit & vegies
   • Gravy
   • Jelly
   • Sunscreen/insect repellent 
   • Breakfast Cereal
   • Spreads and condiments
   • Tea
   • Coffee
   • Pudding
   • Long life custard
   • Festive biscuits
   • Tinned protein—Tuna, beans, spam
   • Soft drink or cordial
   • Chips, nuts, snacks, lollies
   • Pasta, rice and noodles
 
Donations can be dropped in to The Support Centre, Burdekin Community Association at 130 Queen Street, Ayr
Please call 4783 3744 or email bca@bcaburdekin.org.au for more information.

Debra Cochran
Chief Executive Officer
Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA)

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Life is a journey filled with endings and new beginnings. Each stage gives us chances to grow and evolve, and how we deal with change is essential for our emotional health and personal growth.

Endings often bring a range of emotions, from sadness to relief. Acknowledging these feelings is essential, allowing us to reflect on our experiences and recognise the lessons learned. Accepting that endings are a normal part of life helps us appreciate what we have achieved while preparing for the future.

Each ending and new beginning provides a unique opportunity. When we accept these changes with an open mind and a positive attitude, we can experience significant personal growth and learn more about ourselves. Building resilience and a positive attitude helps us face life’s changes confidently and prepares us to seize the opportunities that come our way.

At the time of writing this column, the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s team is going through their own endings and beginnings. We say goodbye to Jenny Cummings, our Community Development Officer, as she embarks on her own journey with the Burdekin Shire Council as Disaster Management Officer. Jenny started with the Centre in 2021 as a James Cook University student for her Master of Social Work Placement and continued to volunteer once her placement finished. She joined the team in November 2022 and has worked with us for the last two years.

The Neighbourhood Centre welcomes the opportunity to host students in their placements. It encourages our team to learn and grow through new ideas and fresh perspectives and presents opportunities for the students to learn in a natural working environment. Community Development is a two-way exchange of energy, and this is the first principle students learn on their journey with us.

Although we are sad to see Jenny go, we view it as the natural ebb and flow of people moving in and out of our lives or spaces without the need to cling to and restrain them. When we stifle this movement, we stop people from evolving, and we lose our opportunity to grow. We look forward to collaborating with the Disaster Management Team at the council and welcoming a new staff member sometime in the new year. Like the ripples of a pond, our circle expands outwards with each interaction with the community.

Until next time,
The Team - Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre farewelled Jenny Cummings this week as she moves to a new position with the Burdekin Shire Council.

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Join a transformative Suicide Intervention Training session designed to equip individuals with life-saving skills and knowledge. This free workshop, hosted at PCYC Burdekin, 164 MacMillian Street, Ayr, is tailored to empower community members to recognise and respond to early signs of suicide effectively.  
Participants will learn to recognise the early warning signs of suicide, support individuals at risk by connecting them to available services and encourage help-seeking behaviours to prevent crises. Additionally, the training will help attendees develop their own self-care strategies to maintain well-being while supporting others. This proactive initiative focuses on equipping people with the tools to intervene before a crisis arises, fostering resilience within the community.  
The session, organised by CORES (Community Response to Eliminating Suicide), will take place on Saturday, 7th December 2024, from 9am to 4pm. It is completely free of charge, making it accessible to all. For enquiries, contact 0448 894 525 or email adminqld@kentishrc.com.au. To secure your spot, RSVP at https://bit.ly/3YZeaGl.  
Take this opportunity to be a part of a movement that saves lives and promotes mental health awareness. Organised "By the Community, For the Community," this training underscores the power of collective care.  
Let’s build a supportive, informed community together!
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WHAT: Suicide Prevention Training
WHERE: 164 MacMillian St Ayr
WHEN: Saturday 7th December 2024 9:00am – 4:00pm

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Get into the festive spirit and join the Ayr Presbyterian Church for a magical evening of fun and giving back this Christmas season. The annual Saint Nicholas Day celebration will take place on Friday, 6 December, from 5.30pm to 7pm at the church grounds.

This family-friendly event promises a heartwarming mix of activities and festive cheer, and attendees will learn about the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the inspiration behind the modern-day Santa Claus.

The evening will feature a range of activities, including decorating sugar cookies, creating Christmas crafts, and even making your own Christmas stocking in the “Boot Making” craft session. Younger participants and those young at heart can also design their own Christmas bauble by writing down something they’re grateful for and hanging it on the community tree.

No Christmas celebration would be complete without carols, so bring your singing voice and join in on the festive tunes. To keep everyone energised, there will be a sausage sizzle, along with tea, coffee, and scones available.

Each activity requires just a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Burdekin Community Association to support local families in need during the holiday season.

Bring your family, friends, and festive spirit along to this wonderful community event. Together, let’s spread joy and kindness this Christmas. For more details, visit Ayr Presbyterian Church or follow their Facebook page.

What: Saint Nicholas Day.
When: Friday 6 December from 5:30pm – 7pm.
Where: Ayr Presbyterian Church Grounds.

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The Burdekin sub-branch of Vietnam Veterans has been busy expanding the Deep Creek Veteran Retreat with a new barbecue area to create an even more welcoming space for veterans and their families. Ten members recently gathered for a working bee at the retreat, putting in hours of effort to bring the vision of a third barbecue area closer to completion.
Don Bailey, a key organiser, shared that the team focused on extending the roof area and caring for some freshly planted trees, ensuring the area will eventually offer ample shade and a touch of greenery for visitors.
“We’re just giving those new trees plenty of water in these dry conditions,” Bailey explained.
The working bee attracted both Vietnam Veterans and associate members, part of the wider group of ex-military personnel who value the retreat as a place to relax, socialise, and connect with one another.
Deep Creek Veteran Retreat has long been cherished for its atmosphere of camaraderie, and the new barbecue area will add to this. Once completed, it will provide another setting for events, gatherings, and peaceful moments in nature, strengthening bonds within the veteran community.
The Burdekin sub-branch is grateful for the volunteers who took part in this effort, and they look forward to celebrating this latest improvement with all who visit the retreat.

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Deep Creek Retreat has barbecue stations dotted all across their land. Photo Supplied.

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At 2.20 am on Saturday 2 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Edwards Street.  As a result, a 34-year-old Burdekin man was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for drink driving, .153 and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 25 November.
At 11.35pm on Saturday 2 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on MacMillan Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 27-year-old Townsville woman, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .101 and will appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 November.
At 7.10pm on Wednesday 6 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Fifth Avenue, Home Hill.  The driver, a 29yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in her saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 7 January.
At 10.35am on Wednesday 13 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Eighth Avenue, Home Hill.  The driver, a 45yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 10 February.
At 10.20am on Thursday 14 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Soper Street, Ayr.  The driver, a 51yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 10 February.
At 3.45pm on Thursday 14 November, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Ayr.  The driver, an 47yr old Brisbane man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .057 and unlicenced driving.  He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 9 December.

At 10.25pm on Saturday 5 October, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Burke Street, Ayr.  The driver, an 47yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .078 and will appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 28 October.
At 3.20am on Sunday 6 October, Ayr Police received a complaint that a male had been assaulted at a licenced premises in Queen Street, Ayr.  As a result of investigations, a 24yr old Townsville man was located a short time later and charged with one count of serious assault of a person over 60 years and released on conditional bail.  He is due to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on 29 October.  He was also issued a Police Banning Notice in relation to licenced premises in Ayr.
At 4.05pm on Sunday 6 October, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Ayr-Dalbeg Road, Mount Kelly.  The driver, an 33yr old Burdekin man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .063 and will appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 28 October.
At 11.50pm on Saturday 12 October, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Tenth Street, Home Hill.  As a result, a 40yr old Burdekin woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .111 and is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 28 October.
At 6.55pm on Tuesday 15 October, Police from Ayr Highway Patrol intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Home Hill.  The driver, an 57yr old Townsville man, was issued a NTA for drink driving, .116 and will appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 11 November.

SOCIAL MEDIA
As technology continues to improve, so does our ability to share memories and stay in touch with friends. Social media platforms provide an invaluable opportunity to connect, have questions answered and offer assistance.  
The information available on social media has been successfully used by Ayr Police on more than one occasion to locate stolen property or missing children. An information tool that we embrace, when used for the right reasons.  
This opportunity though is sometimes marred by people in our community that use it to settle vendettas and harass. Some people seem too comfortable in constantly providing perceived problems, but no solutions. It seems to offer a certain amount of anonymity and separation that attracts ‘key board warriors’.    
Before you type: think about the possible ramifications, consider if it may be threatening or harassing, think about if it is fact and contemplate what you are actually trying to achieve.    

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Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash
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Did you know??
What is a safe distance when passing a bicycle rider??
Motorists passing a bicycle that is travelling in the same direction as the driver must stay wider of bicycle riders by giving a minimum of:
   • 1m when passing a bicycle rider in a 60km/h or less speed zone
or
   • 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h.
Regulation 144A Transport Infrastructure (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009

Home Security Audits
The Queensland Police Service have “ Home Security Audit” forms that can be accessed at the QPS website https://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/cscp/homeSecurity/Homesecurityauditchecklistandfactsheet.htm
Anecdotally the majority of unlawful entry offences are committed on residences or vehicles that are unlocked and/or have valuables in plain sight.  Locking your house and car & securing valuables including money, keys, wallets and mobile phones will deter opportunistic thieves.  
If you see someone acting suspiciously AT ANY TIME, ring Ayr Police Station on 4790 3555 or after hours ring 131 444, unless life threatening, then ring 000.
Crime prevention is a community effort.  Police regularly need public assistance and information to help solve criminal offences.  This information can be anonymous to crime stoppers.  If you have any such information, pls contact Crime Stoppers or Ayr Police.
Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime – Lock it or Lose it
If you have any information about crime or illicit drugs, phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.  The more detailed the information you give, the better it will be for all concerned.
Remember to secure your property – “lock it or lose it”.
You wouldn’t leave a dish containing thousands of dollars sitting on your bench or sitting out in the open, so why do this with your car keys
Car keys – treat them like cash

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The Burdekin Theatre’s Friends of the Theatre volunteer group has been guiding patrons to their seats since the theatre was established in the 80s and hold a celebrated role in providing the community with access to live entertainment.
Comprised of approximately twenty dedicated and enthusiastic members, the Friends of the Theatre not only provide the venue with a friendly ushering service, but also contribute to delivering a warm atmosphere for the community to enjoy through a range of fantastic services.
The Friends of the Theatre have been operating the coffee bar and selling chocolates and raffle tickets in the theatre foyer for performance goers to enjoy for just over four decades, and they never fail to provide Morning Melody patrons with a wonderful, complimentary morning tea. Collectively, the group also sponsors buses which transport children to the Burdekin Theatre annually to experience the magic of live theatre for themselves.
John Woods has proudly held the position as Friends of the Theatre president for three years and invites interested community members to join the fantastic group.
“We’re always looking for ways to support the Burdekin Theatre in any way, and we’re always looking for more members,” shared John.
“It’s fun to be involved and work with likeminded people, and the group runs as a great way to maintain a number of skills as all of our volunteers are trained in areas like First Aid, and fire safety.”
Over the past two years, the group has purchased various items for the Burdekin Theatre including an ice machine, new ticket scanners, and foyer televisions to continue elevating the experiences of its guests, with investment totalling to an amazing $13,100.
The group’s generosity certainly does not go unnoticed, with John beyond proud of what the Friends of the Theatre group has been able to achieve.
“We’re very pleased to have made these necessary, and beneficial contributions to the Burdekin Theatre, and we’re proud to continue providing our services to the community.”
Community members with an interest in the magic of the theatre and who would like to learn more on how to become involved in such a fantastic volunteer group are encouraged to contact the Burdekin Theatre Box office on (07) 4783 9880.

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Burdekin Shire Council’s Cultural Venues Manager, Troy Everett and Friends of the Burdekin Theatre President, John Woods with the newly purchased ticket scanners and Foyer TVs

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Established over a century ago, the Delta Tropical Theatre, also known as the Olympia Theatre, opened its Queen Street doors on Friday, 23 September 1910. The beloved Burdekin establishment homed waves of live entertainment from exquisite balls and dancing performances to meetings, and even skating, before introducing the screening of silent movies in 1912.

Built alongside the Delta Hotel, the Delta Tropical Theatre was constructed and designed by David Edwards, and Fred Smith in May of 1910 to host over eight hundred patrons. David carried out additional renovations in 1914 to allow for a total of 1,400 patrons to indulge in the joys and magic of the Theatre.

In 1931, the Delta Theatre was prestigiously considered as the Best Country Theatre in Queensland due to its historical achievement of being the first Country Theatre to be wired for “talking pictures” in 1929 under the management of Mr Robert W. Edwards.

A fond memory reminisced upon by some was sitting on the Delta’s canvas seats, watching the official 1953 crowning of Queen Elizabeth II, or simply meeting with friends each week like clockwork to catch a Friday night movie.

A Saturday night saw Queen Street closed off to traffic to host a wonderful evening of community festivities with locals flooding in to enjoy raffle wheels, the Three Graces Café’s ice cream sundaes, a pastry from Horrie Crowdey’s Pie Cart, and comment on the flash new cars stationed in the centre car parks.

In its later years, the Cinema screened many movie premiers, attracting crowds of locals of all ages, with some premiers held as fundraisers for community-based organisations and schools. Holding a position at the Delta became a first job for many young students, as well as an enjoyable role for retirees, with some picking up a shift, punching tickets, cleaning or serving as a doorman here and there.

The Delta Theatre experienced a thirty-nine-year hiatus in 1961, closing its doors on Saturday 29 July following the screening of “That Kind of Woman” and “Accused of Murder” until Burdekin born, professional Australian golfer, Karri Webb, bought the establishment, re-opening the theatre as the Burdekin Delta Cinemas in 2000.

Karri’s parents, Evelyn and Robert Webb of Webco Builders oversaw and carried out extensive renovations of the building with the support of Asa Suters and Alasdair MacEachern of Progress Consultants.

Coinciding with the retirement of Evelyn and Robert, the Burdekin Delta Cinemas concluded its final screening the week of the 14 July 2021.

Much to the sadness of the community, many took the official closure as an opportunity to share their immense gratitude to the Webb family for continuing the traditions of their childhood for the next generation.
Today, 114 years on from its debut in the Burdekin Shire, many still reminisce on their memories with the infamous Delta, expressing what an amazing, and nostalgic building stands at 145 – 149 Queen Street, Ayr.

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The Delta Theatre as it stood in 1937.
The Delta Theatre’s stunning 1900s interior.
The Delta Theatre building still stands in Queen Street, 114 years on from its establishment.

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