It was an honour to attend the ‘National Police Remembrance Day’ at the Burdekin Community Church last Tuesday morning. The Remembrance Day is held to honour fallen officers who have served community since 1864. The solemn occasion drew local community members, public representatives and serving officers in the Burdekin. Local police work hard to keep the peace and maintain law and order, thank you for your service.  

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A reminder tickets are on sale for the ‘Seniors Expo and Luncheon’ on Friday 30th October at the Burdekin Memorial Hall. Join us and enjoy a roast lunch and desert whilst entertainment is provided. Tickets are only $20 and can be booked at the Burdekin Theatre Box office on 4783 9880.  

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Burdekin Plantation Park Markets take place this Sunday 4th of October, 8am – 12pm.

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Some of our major sporting codes are coming to an end whilst others are starting up. The AFL was exciting to watch and I’m afraid Freo didn’t have a fairytale ending. It was shown that you need to play the game right to the end as the Lions came home with a strong burst to win the title. Newcastle Knights had a hard fought win over Penrith in the preliminary NRL final. It was unfortunate one of the game’s elite players, Nathan Cleary, sustained a compound fracture of his ankle.

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Sport is a popular pastime in the Burdekin from the younger years to older. Sport espouses qualities of teamwork, cooperation, communication, respect and fair play to name just a few.

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Play fair. Wishing you health & happiness.

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The service on Chippendale Street, Ayr screened more than 1,710 local women during its last visit in 2024. Photo: Jacob Casha

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Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) has confirmed there are “no plans to reduce or withdraw” the BreastScreen Queensland mobile screening service in the Burdekin amid rumours it could be axed due to low usage.

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A THHS spokesperson said the Ayr service is “secure” and “one of the most active mobile screening locations in the north Queensland region,” with more than 650 Burdekin women attending appointments since August.

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The service will remain on Chippendale Street until mid-December.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort welcomed the news, calling the service “valuable for our community.”

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“I make it a priority to have a screening every two years when the van visits the Burdekin,” she said.

“The appointment takes only around 15 minutes, it is free, and it could save your life.”

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BreastScreen Queensland has screened more than one million Queensland women since 1991, detecting over 34,000 breast cancers.

The spokesperson encouraged eligible women aged between 50 and 74 to book their screening every two years.

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Appointments can be made by visiting breastscreen.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

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Stronger Communities Programme—Andrew Willcox MP with students and sailing boat. Photo supplied

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Community groups across Dawson can apply for a share of $150,000 in Federal Government funding for local projects.

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available through the Stronger Communities Programme for small capital and infrastructure projects that deliver social benefits to local communities.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the funding could help groups turn long-held plans into reality.

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“Our communities are full of people with great ideas, but sometimes it is the funding that stands between a good idea and getting it off the ground,” Mr Willcox said.

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“The Stronger Communities Programme is about backing those local ideas and helping community organisations deliver projects that will benefit the people they serve.

“That could mean new equipment, improvements to a community facility, creating a better shared space or a project that brings people together.”

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Projects must cost no more than $50,000 and be completed by 31st March 2028.

Eligible organisations must have an Australian Business Number and meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

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Funding can cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs for eligible applicants other than local governing bodies, which can receive up to 50 per cent and must provide matching funding.

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Mr Willcox encouraged local groups to put forward projects that would benefit their members and communities.

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“Local volunteers do an enormous amount with very little, and I know there are plenty of groups across Dawson with projects sitting on a wish list waiting for the opportunity to make them happen,” he said.

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“This is a chance to move some of those projects from the wish list to the work list.”

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Expressions of Interest close at 5pm on Sunday 25th October.

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Police were parked on Graham Street at 4pm when a white Ford Falcon utility—carrying a dog in the tray—allegedly performed the burnout. Photo: QPS

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A 45-year-old Ayr man is facing multiple traffic and animal cruelty charges after allegedly performing a burnout in front of an unmarked police vehicle on Sunday 20th September.

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Police were parked on Graham Street at 4pm when a white Ford Falcon utility—carrying a dog in the tray—allegedly performed the burnout.

Officers intercepted the vehicle on Drysdale Street shortly after. The driver was breath-tested and returned an alleged blood alcohol concentration of 0.198.

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He was subsequently charged with one count each of driving under the influence of liquor, wilfully making unnecessary smoke, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle, unlicensed driving, and animal cruelty.

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Police confiscated the vehicle's registration plates for 90 days.

Senior Sergeant Lisa Shields condemned the alleged actions.

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“This is deliberate driving conduct that can put lives at risk and undermines community safety,” Senior Sergeant Shields said.

“The consequences of this dangerous behaviour can be catastrophic.

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“Ayr Police are committed to targeting dangerous driving offences through high-visibility patrols and strong enforcement action.”

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The man is scheduled to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on 19th October.

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“They can see the potential in Australia. They’re keen, they're reliable, and they realise the opportunities they have here.” Photos: Ayr Backpackers

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Regional communities across the country could be set to lose “millions” under a Federal Government shake-up of the backpacker visa system.

The proposal would introduce caps on second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa places, with applicants now needing to win a ballot—on top of fulfilling the existing regional work requirements—to extend their Australian visit.

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Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who announced the proposal last month, said the changes are part of broader migration reforms that would deliver a “more orderly, fair, and targeted” system.

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Ayr Backpackers hostel owner David Esler called them a “betrayal.”

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“This is unfair to backpackers. It is damaging to employers. It is deeply harmful to regional communities,” he said.

"The deal was very simple and mutually beneficial. Now we’re telling backpackers, ‘go and do the work anyway, and you might get a spot.’

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“We’ve canvassed our [hostel] guests—they’re not going to take that chance … [and] we will lose tens and tens of thousands of workers in regional areas across the country because of this change.”

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The changes would cap second-year WHM visas at 45,000, down from about 57,000 last year, with third-year places plummeting from around 31,000 to 5,000.

The mandatory 88 days of work for a second year—and six months for a third—will remain in place, although will no longer guarantee an extension.

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Swedish working holidaymaker Frida Dellhammar, a hospitality employee completing her regional work in the Burdekin, said her plans to extend for a third year were ultimately deterred by those odds.

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“I love being in this country and I would do a lot of things to extend my visa,” she said.

“But once they [announced the ballot], I thought, ‘there's no way I would spend six months in a very remote place with only a possibility of getting a third year.’”

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Ms Dellhammar is one of around 200 guests currently staying at Ayr Backpackers. According to Mr Esler, the hostel accommodates up to 1,200 travellers across a season, with each guest working in town or on surrounding farms.

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Mr Esler said any reduction could leave an economic gap in the order of millions, citing Australian Tourism Export Council research that found WHMs spend “more than $32,000 in Australia” on average, with nearly a quarter of that expenditure occurring in regional towns.

Jim’s Mowing franchisee Geoff Campbell, who will have up to five backpackers on his books later this year, said the Burdekin workforce would also feel the backpackers’ absence.

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Mr Campbell said his maintenance business, which was struggling to attract workers, was on the brink of demise before backpackers stepped in.

“I had to go to backpackers—I couldn't find any local staff. I’ve been through 75 people in four years,” he said.

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“They can see the potential in Australia. They’re keen, they're reliable, and they realise the opportunities they have here.”

Speaking on the reforms, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke argued that no visa category could be exempt from efforts to reach the government’s target of reducing net overseas migration to 225,000.

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He framed the WHM caps as a necessary step to ease nationwide housing pressures and give local infrastructure and housing supply a chance to catch up.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said good intentions would not negate the impact of the changes on communities like the Burdekin.

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“These people need to get out of their four walls and come out to the real Australia," she said.

“This is not just about people entering our country. These are our workers.”

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Ms Dellhammar added: “We’re contributing so much—it’s not like we're just taking and taking.

“We pay taxes. We help out. I don’t know who’s going to fill this void after it gets implemented.”

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Ayr and Home Hill police, along with Ayr CIB, has charged six people with a total of 32 drug offences following an operation targeting drug offences across the Burdekin last week.

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As part of the operation, police executed a search warrant at a Home Hill address on 20th September.

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A 36-year-old man was charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs (methylamphetamine), 23 counts of supplying dangerous drugs and one count of unlawful supply of a firearm.

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Police objected to the man's bail and he was remanded in custody.

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On 24th September, police executed a search warrant at an Ayr address.

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A 62-year-old man was charged with possessing dangerous drugs, supplying dangerous drugs, possessing utensils and possessing proceeds of crime after police located him with $15,000 in cash.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP says regional Australians feel fuel price spikes hardest, with long distances and limited public transport making affordable fuel essential for families, farmers and local businesses. Photo supplied

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A Coalition proposal would halve fuel excise when global oil prices rise above a set threshold, with the party estimating the measure could reduce fuel costs by 27 cents a litre.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP said the proposed Fuel Price Shield would be triggered when the two-week average closing price of Brent crude rises above US$100 a barrel.

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The Coalition estimates the measure would save motorists around $15 on a typical tank of fuel.

Mr Willcox said regional Australians could benefit from the proposal due to the distances often travelled between major centres.

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“Fuel is not optional in Dawson. We have hundreds of kilometres between major centres, limited public transport and families who need their cars to get to work, school, medical appointments, the shops and everything in between,” Mr Willcox said.

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“When fuel prices spike, regional Australians feel it first and feel it hardest. There is simply no easy alternative to driving when you live hundreds of kilometres from the next major centre.”

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He said higher fuel costs also affected agricultural producers and businesses reliant on transport.

“Our farmers feel that pressure right through the supply chain. They need diesel to plant, harvest, irrigate, transport and get Australian produce to market. When the cost of fuel goes up, the cost of getting that food from the paddock to the supermarket goes up with it.”

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Coalition Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said the proposal was intended to provide temporary relief when international oil prices rose sharply.

“Fuel is not a luxury. Australians need it to get to work, take the kids to school and keep their businesses running,” Mr Taylor said.

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“When global events send oil prices through the roof, Australians should know there is a clear automatic safeguard in place to provide temporary and targeted relief.”

“The Fuel Price Shield would provide certainty. When a serious oil shock hits, the tax comes down automatically. When oil prices return to more normal levels, the ordinary rate is restored.”

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Leader of the Nationals and Queensland Senator Matt Canavan said higher fuel prices could also affect the wider economy.

“Higher fuel prices also flow through the entire economy. They increase the cost of moving food, freight and supplies around our country.”

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“The Fuel Price Shield is designed to provide temporary relief when international oil markets experience an exceptional shock, while ensuring the ordinary arrangements return once that shock has passed.”

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Mr Willcox said the proposal would also help address costs associated with transporting goods.

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“This is about more than what people pay at the bowser. Fuel is an input into almost everything we buy in Dawson,” he said.

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“It moves our food, our freight, our building materials and our tourism products. When fuel spikes, those costs don't disappear. They are passed through the economy.”

The Coalition has included the Fuel Price Shield and stronger fuel security as part of its broader economic policy platform.

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Supplied by the office of Federal Member of Dawson Andrew Willcox

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The service on Chippendale Street, Ayr screened more than 1,710 local women during its last visit in 2024. Photo: Jacob Casha

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Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS) has confirmed there are “no plans to reduce or withdraw” the BreastScreen Queensland mobile screening service in the Burdekin amid rumours it could be axed due to low usage.

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A THHS spokesperson said the Ayr service is “secure” and “one of the most active mobile screening locations in the north Queensland region,” with more than 650 Burdekin women attending appointments since August.

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The service will remain on Chippendale Street until mid-December.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort welcomed the news, calling the service “valuable for our community.”

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“I make it a priority to have a screening every two years when the van visits the Burdekin,” she said.

“The appointment takes only around 15 minutes, it is free, and it could save your life.”

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BreastScreen Queensland has screened more than one million Queensland women since 1991, detecting over 34,000 breast cancers.

The spokesperson encouraged eligible women aged between 50 and 74 to book their screening every two years.

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Appointments can be made by visiting breastscreen.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

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A field of 69 players took to the course, which greenkeeping staff and volunteers had prepared extensively throughout the week. Photo source: Ayr Golf Club

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Ann Phelan and Dennis Mondin delivered outstanding performances to capture victory at the historic Clive & Olive Williams Memorial Day at Ayr Golf Club.

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Both golfers carded impressive scores of 41 points to top their respective divisions and claim prestigious Honourboard titles.

A field of 69 players took to the course, which greenkeeping staff and volunteers had prepared extensively throughout the week.

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In the Ladies competition, Phelan narrowly edged out runner-up Betty Durrant and third-place finisher Kathy Cortabitarte, who both posted solid rounds of 38 points. Sharon Bozzetto, Rhonda Martin, Pat Lawson, and Shirley Jones filled out the rundown.

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In the Men's field, Mondin held off a tight challenge from Doug Gudge, who took second place with 40 points, while David McBride secured third with 39 points. Jackson Plate, David Christensen, Garry Spelta, Adam Eathorne, and John Kapeechkin rounded out the top men’s division leaderboard.

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The tournament marked a remarkable milestone for the club, celebrating 58 years of continuous sponsorship from the Williams family. Family members Terry and John Williams attended the presentation, reflecting on the tradition honoring their late parents, Clive and Olive.

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Ladies' pin shot prizes went to Janet Trezise, Sandra Wight, and Pat Lawson. The men's pin shots were awarded to Shane Power, Joe Spelta, Gerald Henaway, John Cockfield, John Reid, Garry Spelta, Joe Henaway, and Dennis Mondin.

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The William Ross State High School Stage Band stopped at Maidavale State Primary School to perform for a combined audience of students from Maidavale State School, Airville State School and Brandon State School. Photo supplied

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Contributed by Burdekin Small Schools

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On Friday, 31st July, The William Ross State High School Stage Band travelled to Mackay to participate in the annual Central Queensland University Jazz Festival. On the way, the band stopped at Maidavale State Primary School to perform for a combined audience of students from Maidavale State School, Airville State School and Brandon State School, all small rural schools in the Burdekin area.

In a delightful outdoor setting under the huge rain trees in the grounds of Maidavale school, the William Ross Stage Band performed a selection of jazz pieces plus presenting introductions to the various instruments and what they sounded like to a very enthusiastic and attentive audience of students from prep to year six, along with staff from the three schools.

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The William Ross students and staff were very positive about the event and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The concert also gave them the opportunity to experience an outdoor performance- the breezes, the wild birds in the background and the school’s pet chickens wandering over for a look!

The event was organised by passionate and dedicated advocate for The Arts, Ms Rose Rush, HOD of The Arts and Languages and Music Co-ordinator at William Ross High, (and former Maidavale student), to extend opportunities to experience live music for rural students and give band members real-life performance opportunities outside the usual, more formal settings.  

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Also, it is an opportunity to inspire young students to become involved in music as well as inspiring band members to use their music skills to bring joy to as wide an audience as possible and to continue their music studies as a lifelong skill.

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The concert was led by Band Master Mr. Barrie Edwards and also playing with the band was Ms Kelly Clarke-Flesser. Both are Instrumental Teachers for the Townsville Cluster of which William Ross is part. Both are also passionate advocates and tireless workers for Music and The Arts in State Schools.

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Many thanks for the keen support of the project by the principals of the small schools involved: Host Principal, Mrs. Erin Alloway, Principal of Airville, Mrs. Marian Bugeja and Principal of Brandon, Ms Annette Wellington. Also, many thanks to Brad Keioskie, Head of Curriculum for Small Schools who keenly supported the initiative and transported the Airville and Brandon students to the venue.

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Thanks also to East Ayr State School for the loan of music stands for the event. William Ross is very keen to continue this initiative, and we are looking forward to them performing again for more Burdekin small schools on their 2027 tour.

The award recognised Mrs Todeschino's (right) work with Pre-Service Teacher Jennifer Fotinos (left). Photos supplied

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Home Hill State High School teacher Lisa Todeschino was rewarded for “exceptional mentorship” at a James Cook University ceremony earlier this month, taking home a Site-Based Teacher Educator Award.

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The award, presented at JCU’s Townsville campus on 11th September, recognised Mrs Todeschino's work with Pre-Service Teacher Jennifer Fotinos, who nominated the long-time educator and mentor after undertaking weeks of placement under her tutelage.

Mrs Todeschino said she felt “honoured” by the nomination, crediting her colleagues and close ones for the success.

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“In my 32 years as a teacher, I’ve been fortunate to learn from and work alongside so many wonderful students, families, colleagues and mentors,” she said.

“I am also grateful for the support of my family and friends throughout my teaching career.”

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She predicted a bright future in the industry for Ms Fotinos, describing her as “a pleasure to mentor.”

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“[Jennifer] has the skills, dedication and enthusiasm to be a wonderful educator in what I believe is one of the most important professions on the planet,” Mrs Todeschino said.

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“[She] worked hard to create a positive learning environment and build relationships with her students. Her thoughtful use of individual rewards and personalised parting gifts, including positive notes to inspire her students, reflected her genuine care for them and commitment to creating a supportive and encouraging classroom.

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“She even baked cupcakes!”

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HHSHS took to social media to express their pride and congratulate Mrs Todeschino.

“This special recognition reflects the genuine care, encouragement and professional guidance Mrs Todeschino provided throughout Jennifer’s placement,” a school spokesperson said.

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“Mentoring the next generation of teachers is a powerful investment in the future of education, and Mrs Todeschino embraces this responsibility with incredible dedication and professionalism.”

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Mrs Todeschino said she was “overwhelmed” by the comments of support beneath the school’s Facebook post.

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Home Hill State High School students are getting hands-on experience in modern horticulture through a melon-growing project supported by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

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The school has spent the past two years working with the DPI Protective Cropping Team as students and staff develop their use of the school’s CRAVO protected cropping facility.

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The project has given students studying agriculture and Certificate II in Production Horticulture the opportunity to work with crops while learning about environmental conditions, fertigation, plant development and production data.

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Home Hill State High School Agriculture Coordinator Louise Nicholas said the partnership had changed how students approached horticulture.

“DPI have helped us look at horticulture in a different way,” she said.

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“They have encouraged us to ask questions, collect and interpret information, monitor our crops carefully and understand the relationship between technology, growing conditions and plant performance.”

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DPI team members have visited the school, worked with students and teachers, provided technical advice and spoken to students as guest speakers.

The current melon project has also involved support from Melons Australia, with seed companies HM Clause and Rijk Zwaan allowing the school to trial their melon varieties.

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Students can monitor the plants as they develop, identify issues and use information collected from the facility to inform decisions about the crop.

The school said the partnership had also provided opportunities for students from other schools, teachers, industry representatives and community members to see the protected cropping facility in operation.

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Its community open day has allowed visitors to tour the facility, speak with students and teachers and learn about the technology being used to grow crops in a regional Queensland setting.

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Ms Nicholas said the facility was developing into more than a school-based learning space.

“This is no longer simply a school greenhouse,” she said.

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“It is becoming a shared regional education space between schools, industry and the community.”

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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, President of BGGA, Carl Walker, BPC Director Sean Brown, and Whitsundays Mayor Ry Collins (WRC) earlier this year. Photo supplied

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Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval provides greater planning certainty for proposed 182-kilometer North Queensland water pipeline

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Contributed by Bowen Pipeline Company

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Bowen Pipeline Company welcomes approval of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) for the Bowen Pipeline Project by the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development,  

Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP.

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The Decision Notice marks an important milestone for the project providing formal recognition for the proposed 182-kilometre water pipeline under Queensland’s infrastructure planning framework.

The Bowen Region produces 1/5th of Australia’s vegetables (over 250 million kilograms sold at the farm gate) and is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area supplying over 90% of some vegetables supplying Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and internationally. The region has no reliable, secure water supply relying on summer rains.

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The approval provides greater planning certainty following extensive technical assessment,  

stakeholder engagement and consultation with government, Traditional Owners, landholders,  

growers, councils, industry participants and regional stakeholders.

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Bowen Pipeline Company Chairman Carl Walker said the decision represented an important step forward for the project and recognised the considerable work undertaken to reach this point.

“This is an important milestone for the Bowen Pipeline Project and for the many people who  

have contributed their time, knowledge and support along the way,” Mr Walker said.

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“A significant amount of work sits behind this decision, from technical studies and planning  

through to engagement with landholders, growers, Traditional Owners, government, councils,  

industry and communities across the region.

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“There is still work ahead, but the MID gives us greater planning certainty as we continue  

progressing the remaining approvals, funding pathways and development work required to  

move the project forward.”

The Bowen Pipeline Project is designed to transfer water from the Burdekin River south towards Bowen providing a reliable long-term water supply to support agriculture, industry, horticulture, aquaculture, citrus, algae, green energy and communities.

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Mr Walker said the significance of the project ultimately lies in what greater water security could make possible for the region. The project’s broader economic case centres on using reliable water infrastructure to enable greater agricultural production, investment and industry development across the Bowen-Burdekin corridor.

Preliminary economic analysis cited by Bowen Pipeline Company indicates the project has the potential to support around $300 million in annual economic output and approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs when operational across agriculture, industry and regional services.

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“For growers, businesses and communities across the region, reliable access to water is  

fundamental to planning for the future. Greater water security has the potential to support  

agricultural production, encourage investment and create new opportunities for the region over  

the long term,” Mr Walker said.

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“That is what we are working towards, and this decision takes us another important step  

forward.”

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Early engagement with prospective water users has demonstrated strong interest in securing  

future water allocations from the Bowen Pipeline Project.

Mr Walker said the response provided further confidence in the need for the project.

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“Over recent weeks we have seen strong interest from prospective water users and new market entrants, reinforcing both the demand for greater water security and the confidence people have in investing in the future of this region.

“Their participation is an important part of building the commercial foundation required to  

progress the project.”

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Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional  

and Rural Development and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said reliable water supply could  

unlock significant opportunities for the region.

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“Where you have water, you have opportunities. It is those opportunities that are the reason I  

support ensuring a reliable water supply for an area that offers so much untapped potential,” Minister Last said.

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“There is 100,000 hectares of arable land in the Burdekin-Bowen-Collinsville area that could be  

used for primary production if there was a reliable source of water. Whether you look at it from  

a self-sufficiency or an export perspective, that is a lot of jobs that could be created and huge  

financial benefit for the region.”

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“The Crisafulli LNP government has set a target to boost Queensland’s primary production  

output to $30 Billion by 2030. To take full advantage of Queensland’s potential when it comes  

to primary production, we need to back the infrastructure the industry needs to turn potential  

into reality.”

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“Approving the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation is a clear sign that the project has received a positive result during public consultation. Whilst the approval does not signal the start of construction, it sends a strong message that the Crisafulli government recognises the potential benefits and has played its part in seeing the project move forward.”

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As the days warm up and that familiar North Queensland humidity begins to creep into the air, we all know what lies around the corner. Storm season isn’t far off, and the best time to prepare for severe weather is always well before the first warning sounds.

A big part of getting storm-ready isn't just checking emergency kits; it’s clearing the yard. Loose sheet metal, overgrown palm fronds, forgotten tools, and odd bits of outdoor furniture quickly turn into dangerous missiles in a high wind. Taking a weekend now to clean out gutters, trim hanging branches, and tidy around the shed makes a world of difference when the skies turn dark.

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If you’re staring down a pile of useful gear during your spring cleanup that’s too good to throw away, you have a timely solution. The Garage Sale Trail is coming up again in November.

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Instead of making endless trips to the transfer station or letting good items sit in the weather, it’s a brilliant opportunity to declutter, make some pocket money, and keep usable goods out of landfill. It is a great community initiative that turns spring cleaning into a social event.

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While you're cleaning up over the coming weeks, keep an eye out for elderly neighbours who might need a hand moving a heavy trailer load or securing their yard.

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A little effort now keeps our properties tidy, our pockets a bit fuller, and our community safe for whatever the weather throws at us this summer.

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The history of St Colman’s Church itself goes back even further, with the original timber church (pictured) dating to 1918. Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Catholic Parish is calling on the community to dig through their family albums and keepsakes as it prepares to celebrate a piece of Home Hill history—the 100th anniversary of St Colman’s Parish.

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All are invited to its celebrations on Sunday October 25th, which mark a century since the formal establishment of St Colman’s Parish and subsequent appointment of Father William O’Reagan as its first parish priest in January 1926.

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The history of St Colman’s Church itself goes back even further, with the original timber church dating to 1918. The building, which cost £1100 and was relocated from Ravenswood, was eventually replaced by its current church in 1968.

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In preparation for the celebrations, a small committee has begun researching the parish’s history and is seeking photographs, memorabilia, recollections and stories to help document its growth over the past 100 years.

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The committee is particularly hoping to find photographs of former Parish Administrators Father Abraham Cheripuram, who served from 2016 to 2018, and Father Sibichan Kaippanplackal, who served from 2019 to 2021.

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Photographs of baptisms or weddings involving either priest would be especially appreciated, while photographs from the parish’s early years between 1926 and the early 1950s are also being sought.

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The committee hopes the material gathered will help tell the story of St Colman’s and the generations of families who have been part of the parish over the past century.

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Anyone with photographs, memorabilia or memories to share is encouraged to contact the Burdekin Catholic Parish Office on 4783 2316.

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