Families considering high-quality Catholic education options for their children are encouraged to act fast, as positions are available for Year 7 - 12 enrolments in 2026 at Burdekin Catholic High School.

Enrolment interviews have commenced in Week 2 of this term, and with demand growing, families are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Burdekin Catholic High School offers a supportive and dynamic environment for students starting their high school journey. As part of the school's transition program, incoming Year 7 students will benefit from a carefully designed curriculum that sets them up for success both academically and personally.

At the heart of the Year 7 program is a broad and balanced curriculum, delivered by dedicated subject specialists. Students will study six core subjects throughout the year:

·         English

·         Mathematics

·         Science

·         Humanities (Geography, History and Civics)

·         Religious Education

·         Physical Education

In addition to core learning, students will rotate through a variety of elective subjects from the arts, humanities, and technology fields. Elective options include:

·         Drama

·         Visual Art

·         Music

·         Digital Technologies

·         Design and Technologies: Engineering Principles & Systems, Graphics

·         Design and Technologies: Materials and Technologies – Wood

·         Design and Technologies: Food Specialisation

·         Languages - Auslan

These experiences are designed to ignite curiosity, develop hands-on skills, and introduce students to a wide range of future learning and career paths.

A Supportive Start to Secondary School

At Burdekin Catholic High School, we believe every student’s journey into secondary school should begin with confidence, connection, and care. From day one, our new students are welcomed into a warm and inclusive community where they are known, valued, and supported.

Our dedicated staff and student leaders work closely with each new cohort to ensure every child feels a sense of belonging. Through orientation activities, peer mentoring, and personalised pastoral care, we help students navigate the transition with ease, academically, socially, and emotionally.

In our strong community of care, no student is just a face in the crowd. We take the time to understand each individual’s strengths, interests, and needs, creating a foundation for success that will last well beyond the first year.

At Burdekin Catholic High School, the journey starts with welcome and continues with unwavering support.

A Campus Designed for Learning

With access to specialist classrooms and facilities, students enjoy a learning environment that is modern, engaging, and purpose-built. From science labs to art studios and technology workshops, students move throughout the campus to engage in hands-on learning guided by passionate teachers.

ENROL NOW

With limited places available, now is the time to secure your child’s future at Burdekin Catholic High School. The school is accepting enrolments for Years 7 - 12 in 2026 now.

For more information or to book an enrolment interview, please contact the school office or visit our website.

Burdekin Catholic High School – Your future starts here.

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Joy, laughter and plenty of smiles filled the halls of Chppendale Street’s Regis Aged Care residential home on Sunday, the 10th of August, as the Burdekin Water Festival Junior and Senior Ambassadors delighted residents with a wonderful visit!

An annual event, the Burdekin Water Festival’s High Tea continues to warm the hearts of everyone in the community as both Junior and Senior Ambassadors swap stories with some of the oldest members of the shire over a delicious spread of morning tea favourites.

Over the weekend, the excitement of Regis’ residents was beyond contagious, and the worldly theme of this year’s festival, “Bon Voyage Roam the Globe” left residents feeling nothing but nostalgia as they admired photos of iconic landmarks from far and wide.

Many reminisced on their time spent abroad, with Burdekin Water Festival Committee Member and Ambassador Coordinator, Kari Ravizza, noting photographs and decorations inspired by the scenery of Rome were particularly popular amongst the residents.

Over the course of the morning, the Ambassadors presented a showcase for the residents to enjoy where they each performed a selection of talents including cooking skills, dancing, and singing.

The High Tea stands as one of the most special events on the Burdekin Water Festival calendar, and the entire Committee cannot thank Regis Ayr enough for continuing to welcome the Ambassadors into the home for the magical morning.

As the calendar flicks on over, the Burdekin Water Festival’s dedicated Committee and wonderful Ambassadors are now busily preparing ahead of next Saturday’s momentous QMN Manufacturing Long Lunch and Senior Crowning Event.

Commencing from midday at Populin’s Hall, the afternoon will see the iconic Queen Street venue transform into a magical world overflowing with the flavours and aesthetics of a European Summer as the 2025 Ambassadors and Committee Members toast to tradition and crown the 2025 Winning Senior Ambassador and Runner Up.

Additional details on the event can be found online at burdekinwaterfestival.com.au, and the Burdekin Water Festival Committee encourages the community to stay up to date with all festival news through each of their social media pages.

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Junior Ambassadors Jorja Vasta, Giulia Sarri, Asha Grasso, Charlotte Sgroi, Hunter Oar, and Ayve Cursio with Senior Ambassadors Julia Cahill, Molly Julyan, Georgia Tomasetig, Eliza Worlein, and Nicole Cervoni (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)
BWF Junior Ambassador, Asha Grasso is representing East Ayr State School (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)
BWF Senior Ambassador, Nicole Cervoni is representing Home Hill - Ayr Lions Club (Photo Credit: Sharron Bozzetto)

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On 12 August, the VP-80 crew visited Ayr State School as part of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, marking Japan’s surrender in World War II. The crew delivered a special dispatch from the Mayor of Rockhampton to the Mayor of Townsville, thanking soldiers for their service.

The visit gave students and staff a hands-on connection to Australia’s military history. The crew brought an impressive collection of vintage military vehicles, carefully restored and appearing as though they had driven straight out of the past. Students were drawn to the vehicles’ details and the stories behind them, sparking curiosity about the Pacific theatre and the nation’s wartime efforts.

"We felt it was important to welcome the VP-80 crew to our school because sharing stories and experiences from World War II helps our students connect with history in a real and meaningful way," said Head of Curriculum, Nikky Guilfoyle.

"Learning directly from those who preserve this history ensures that the sacrifices and service of the past are never forgotten, and it inspires our students to value courage, resilience, and community."

The display also included restored Indian and Harley Davidson motorcycles, offering another opportunity to admire the craftsmanship and design of these iconic machines. The mix of vehicles and motorcycles created a lively, interactive experience that combined history, military heritage, and mechanical engineering.

VP-80 commemorations, supported by the Townsville City Council and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, aim to engage communities with Australia’s service and sacrifice during World War II. The visit allowed students to explore that history in a tangible, memorable way, highlighting the contributions of armed forces personnel past and present.

The VP-80 team was thanked for bringing this unique experience to the school and helping students connect with Australia’s military heritage.

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Just last week on Friday, the 15th of August, Ayr State High School (ASHS) dominated the scoreboard against each school in the district at the region’s annual 12 to 19 Years BSS Interschool Track & Field (Athletics) Carnival!

Taking out the top spot for the second consecutive year, the Ayr High Hawks were commended for representing ASHS with exceptional levels of both pride and spirit, leaving the carnival with an impressive 1455 points spread across all categories.

With the event's hosting responsibilities annually shared around to each of the school's of the shire, it just so happens 2025’s Interschool Athletics Carnival was hosted by ASHS themselves, making the win on “home soil” all the more exciting for both students and staff.

The BSS Interschool Athletics Carnival hosts a selection of athletic sports from around 10am through to just before 2pm including 400m, 200m, 100m and relay track events, shot put, triple jump, javelin, long jump, discus and high jump. Annually, an Age Champion across each age division who delivers the best performance will be awarded as well as an Overall Winner, Average Winner and of course, BSS Winning School/Team.

In 2024, ASHS finished first overall in the competitive carnival with a grand total of 1279.5 points, where they also celebrated two Age Champion awardees on their athletic excellence and several students who were selected to attend the North Queensland Track and Field trials.

Previously this year, ASHS finished in second place overall at the annual BSS Interschool Swimming Carnival where a number of excellent team and individual performances were celebrated throughout the event as well as four ASHS Age Champions awardees.

With celebrations and cheers of pride carrying on throughout the ASHS school grounds this week, the challenge of pulling off a hat trick will be the thought on everyone’s mind ahead of next year’s event…

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The Ayr High Hawks are aiming to bag a BSS Interschool Athletics Carnival hat trick in 2026 (Photo Source: ASHS)

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Zac Anderson’s Football Journey

Many young footballers dream of making the game their livelihood—their legacy. Of bursting onto the professional scene as a teenager and never looking back. Of crossing continents, sitting shoulder to shoulder with international stars as the muffled roar of 50,000 fans seeps through the changing room walls.

For Zac Anderson, that dream became reality. But before all that, he was just a boy from the Burdekin.

Born in Ayr to two school teachers completing their country service, Zac lived out his formative years in Australia's sugarcane capital. Although the family migrated south to the Sunshine Coast when he was just five, Zac took with him something that couldn’t be coached: that inbuilt Burdekin doggedness.

“My secret formula... is that I come from a region that instils a hard-working, blue-collar attitude,” said Zac. “It’s a non-negotiable value that you’re kind of brought up with... No one can outwork me.”

It’s that work ethic that would sustain him at every level of the sport.

Starting out at Caloundra United on the Sunshine Coast, Zac quickly rose through the junior ranks, earning his stripes locally before catching the eye of the Brisbane-based Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) at 15 years old. It was then that he was faced with a choice that would shape the rest of his life.

“At that point, my mum and dad were still school teachers on the Sunshine Coast, and they gave me this ultimatum: ‘If you want to make it, you've got to go to boarding school—you’ve got to go to the big smoke.’”

With that, Zac's next chapter began.

His impressive performances with the QAS caught the eye of multiple A-League clubs. Soon after graduating from Brisbane Boys College, he was snapped up by Gold Coast United on an amateur contract, and from there, his path to the top began to crystallise.

“It was those moments training with the first team as an amateur that I realised this is really what I want to do. I didn't want to be at uni—I just wanted to be in the gym. I just wanted to be playing football. I couldn't think about anything else but wanting to be an elite athlete.”

“I was ready to sacrifice everything—and if I didn't make it, at least I knew that I'd given it everything.”

After a year of intense effort and persistence, that determination soon delivered its reward.

“I remember getting the call one day to meet with the coach after training. He said, ‘You’re going to start [for the first team in the A-League] this weekend,’" recalled Zac.

"I couldn't sleep for the rest of the week."

The weekend soon came, and the stage was set—Hindmarsh Stadium, notoriously compact and brimming with hostile Adelaide United fans. With the added challenge of being played out of position, the nerves began to swirl for Zac.

“All I was thinking about was not embarrassing myself," he said.

But once the game started, it flashed by. Gold Coast came away with a point, thanks in no small part to 65 industrious minutes from Anderson—the small-town kid who had finally announced himself on the big stage.

"It was an amazing night for me and my family—something that you work your whole life to be able to achieve.”

“Then you realise it's done—you’ve made your debut. Now you’ve got to try and replicate that as many times as you possibly can.”

Zac went on to make a further 88 domestic appearances, winning the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners before fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing abroad in 2016. After stints in the UAE and Malaysia, Anderson spent 2020 in Singapore with Hougang United, rounding off an overseas chapter he calls “the best decision I ever made.”

After calling time on his playing days shortly after, Anderson took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Brisbane Roar in 2023, bringing an MBA, business acumen, and an undying passion for football to the role he still holds and relishes today.

"I’m still on this journey. After nearly a decade playing professionally, leaving the game meant starting again in many ways. This is my next chapter—growing and learning.”

Yet, through every step of his career—every country, every continent, every role—his foundation has stayed the same.

“Being brought up in [the Burdekin] instils a value set that stays with you for a long time. I think that people in these regions understand the value of hard work. I've got that within me, and I think that’s the reason why I've been able to have the career that I’ve had.”

Because no matter how far he’s travelled, Zac Anderson will always be a boy from the Burdekin.

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From Birmingham To The Burdekin

When John and Linda Gooding left their teaching jobs and comfortable life in Birmingham, England, in the early 1970s, they weren’t entirely sure what they were jumping into. What they did know was this: if an opportunity comes along, you take it—and be prepared to adapt.

More than 50 years later, the couple are still proud to call Ayr home. They've raised their children here, watched the town change, and become a beloved part of the community. And while their accents never faded, their hearts are well and truly Burdekin.

“We always felt like locals from the time we got here,” John said. “It was just whether other people saw us that way.”

The Burdekin welcomed the Gooding's early.

“I remember going to the local electrical shop because I desperately needed an iron,” Linda recalled. “I told the manager I’d come back after the bank opened, but he said, ‘Just take it now. I know who you are—you’re a teacher.’ That kind of trust wouldn’t happen back home.”

But adapting to the new culture, climate and customs of a place a couple of continents and some seas away from their home wasn't always smooth sailing.

"When we first arrived in Ayr, we wanted to explore a bit, so we started walking along Queen Street. We went one way—just cane fields. Turned around—more cane. We tried every direction and eventually just stood in the middle of the road thinking, Oh my goodness.”

Yet, through the barren streets, scorching heat, and relentless mosquito attacks, the Goodings chose to embrace their new surroundings rather than resent them.

"Through music, sport, and theatre, we've made lifelong friends,” said Linda. “We've really loved it here, and it’s been a great place to raise our kids.”

"It's the best decision we've ever made," added John. “It could have gone badly, but life’s what you make it. Be flexible. Take the leap.”

Their story is one of thousands that define the Burdekin—a fusion of cultures and characters who, over generations, have each brought something of themselves to the cane fields and coastal plains. For the Gooding's, the move was a life remade—and a decision that’s aged remarkably well.

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The Gooding's made the most of their time in Australia, raising their children in what they describe as a safe, tight-knit town. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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This week, we asked a few of you two big questions: 'What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you?' and 'What’s on your bucket list?', courtesy of a suggestion by Allan Finn.

Jimmy James
Best thing that's ever happened to you?
"The best thing that's ever happened to me is being around my family and spending time with them."
Bucket list items?
"I really want to go to an NBA game in America."

James and Amber Sutherland
Best thing that's ever happened to you?
James: "When I got to stop mowing the lawn (chuckles). Or scoring a hat-trick in cricket."
Bucket list items?
James:"I've been around Australia, but I regret not turning off to Uluru. So probably to visit Uluru."
Amber: "I'd say mine is to go to Bali. It's just a place I've wanted to go to for a while."

Margaret McDonald
Best thing that's ever happened to you?
"I'd say having my children. They're all gorgeous and they've given me beautiful grandchildren."
Bucket list item?
"To visit Katherine (town) in the Northern Territory. I think I've already been everywhere else!"

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A not so good weekend for the Panthers, winning just two and losing four of the six matches played. On Saturday, away to Brothers the Premiers won 4-1 but the Reserves lost 0-9. On Friday, in Townsville the Ladies lost 2-3 to Brothers and the Division 1 Men lost 2-5 to Brothers. The Division 2 Funkies lost 1-6 to Saints Eagles Souths. And on Wednesday evening the Ladies beat Wulguru 9-1 at home,

This week the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors, the Premiers at 7.30 and the Reserves at 5.30. On Friday, the Division 1 Men and Ladies are at home, the Division 1 Men play Estates at 8.30 and the Ladies are up against Warriors at 6.30.The Division 2 are away to Rebels at 8.30.

Night Soccer kicks off its 46th year on Tuesday 9th September.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers away to Brothers, produced one of their best performances of the season, storming to a 4-1 win that keeps their top four hopes alive. The Panthers got off to a dream start when Ryan Scodellaro unleashed a strike from outside the box inside five minutes. Just moments later, Elliot Dal Santo tore down the wing and whipped in a brilliant cross for Jay Leckenby, who finished first time to make it 2-0. Brothers, chasing the minor premiership, hit back midway through the half, but Burdekin’s defensive intensity kept them at bay. On the stroke of halftime, Jack Gimson played a superb through ball to Leckenby, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1.

The second half saw Burdekin sit in a compact shape, frustrating Brothers while threatening on the break. In the 75th minute, Leckenby completed his hat trick with another clinical finish, sealing the game. The 4-1 victory keeps Burdekin’s finals hopes alive for another week and sends a clear message that they remain serious contenders.

Reserves

Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves travelled to Brothers, short on troops, for an early afternoon game. Expectations were for a good showing and the first half brought that. Despite being under pressure for most of the half, the Reserves were able to put together some passages of good play and create a few half chances. Possession told as Brothers scored a goal twenty minutes in, but Burdekin responded well and were the better force in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the half.

The second half was one to regret and forget. It was a poor start by conceding an opening goal inside the first five minutes. The entire team put in another game full of effort, but poor ball control and passing let us down. Without sustained possession the team was always under pressure and the fatigue really started to show with some playing injured and others having played a full game in Firsts the night before. Brothers picked up their intensity and drove home their advantage in the last quarter of an hour. The match finished at 0-9 to Brothers and was a disappointing result considering the effort and position that had been established by halftime.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Division 1 Men lost 2-5 away to Brothers.

Division 2 Men

The C.A. Contracting Funkies continued their fight for a finals spot when they battled competition leaders Saints on Friday night. In what can only be described as a disappointing first half, Burdekin conceded four goals. It was a strange half with the Funkies having chances and with the ball mostly in Saints half, but when Saints surged forward, they just continued to score.

The second half started with Saints scoring another two goals to lead 6-0 after 55 minutes and an absolute thrashing was looking likely. The Funkies finally stopped the flow of goals and even got a consolation goal through Brad Wright for a final score, a 6-1 defeat. This Friday is the Funkies biggest game of the season vs Rebels ultimately a play-off between 4th and 5th for the last finals spot.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies faced Wulguru on Wednesday night at home and came out firing. Zandi Bonanno set the tone early with two quick goals in the 2nd and 6th minutes. Sienna Lago followed up with a double of her own, scoring in the 8th and 42nd minutes to give Burdekin a commanding lead at halftime. After the break, Wulguru managed to pull one back, but Burdekin quickly regained control, an own goal in the 52nd minute, followed by strikes from Kayla Steiner and Brielle Astorquia. Sienna Lago was not done yet, adding two more goals late in the match to seal a 9–1 victory. A dominant performance, well done, girls!

Then on Friday night the Ladies took on Brothers at High Vista Park. Brothers opened the scoring in the 18th minute, but the early setback only fuelled Burdekin’s determination. Brielle Astorquia struck back in the 25th minute, and Zandi Bonanno followed up with a goal in the 40th to give Burdekin a 2-1 the lead heading into halftime. Early in the second half, Brothers were awarded a penalty and converted to level the score. Despite Burdekin dominating possession Brothers managed to sneak through in the 80th minute to score and win 3-2. A tough result, but a performance full of effort and resilience from the Ladies.

Juniors

On Saturday, our local juniors had inter-club matches, with some very competitive and friendly action on the pitch. We hope all the kids and coaches who ventured to Cairns for the final FQ Academy carnival of the year had a great time and gained a lot of valuable experiences!

Masters

Another good turnout on a featured a replay of Sunday's friendly between Udinese and Twente, at the Burdekin's equivalent of De Grolsch Veste Stadium, a tight 2-2 draw was fought out. Udinese started the match full of running and quickly found the back of the net through some crisp passing, started by StePHen Smith at the back and finished with a superb strike from Bryce Davies. Twente were next to score off the right foot of Tobin Stubbs, which saw the score one all at a hastily convened half time, in lieu of waiting for an Udinese defender to retake his feet after a valiant attempt to thwart said goal. Twente started the better in the second half and took the lead following a goal from Chris Achille. It then took Udinese the balance of the half to return to parity following a strike from Fengil which struck the top bar then bounced off the back of a

Twente central defender into goal. Player of the match: Chris Wicks. Monday Nights at 6.30. Be There!

National and International

The EPL kicked off at the weekend with wins for Manchester City, Liverpool, and Spurs. ManU lost at home to Arsenal! Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Ligue 1 all kick off this weekend.

The Matildas are playing in the ASEAN Women’s Championship in Vietnam. In their first Group game, last Thursday against Myanmar they lost 1-2 but last Sunday they beat the Philippines 1-0. They then beat Timor-Leste 9-0 to get to the semi-finals where they beat Vietnam 2-1. They now meet Myanmar in the final.

The Socceroos next games are not until September when they play New Zealand in two friendlies home and away, on 5th and 9th of September. They then have friendlies away to Canada and the USA in October.

The Quote of the Week is from former Manchester Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “I've never played for a draw in my life.”

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Home Hill Bowls Club Report

Welcome to winter, Burdekin style, to our visitors and new members: Mack Swaine from Maclean NSW, Ray Hollis from Beresfield NSW, Ken Ferguson, Brandon Bowls Club, and new member Rob Dale.

Thursday's winners (pictured) were Ken Ferguson, Dino Poli, and Joe Linton. The raffle was won by Norm Bethell. Next week’s prizes will be $15 for 1st, $10 for 2nd, and $5 for 3rd. With 24 players again, we played 4 games of triples.

Rink 3: Bob Pickard, Ray Hollis, and Alex Bojack finished strongly over Paul Vass, Bruce McCallum, and Norm Bethell.

Rink 4: Ken Ferguson, Dino Poli, and Joe Linton had a good win against Judy Elton, Mack Swaine, and Glen [Bones] Berryman.

Rink 5: Bob Young, Mick Olsen, and Mick McClosky held on against a fast-finishing Warren (Yogi) Bunn, Elaine Young, and Steve Doig.

Rink 6: Margaret Linton, Des Chapman, and Trevor Elton were too strong for Rob Darr, Michael Young, and Terry Feakes.

Monday morning fitness and Tuesday Trimmers are still on. Included in Tuesday morning is Funday Tuesday, starting at 10 am—come along for a bowl and maybe make some new friends! Wednesday morning Kraft Group and Wednesday night Barefoot Bowls and Sausage Sizzle continue as usual. Thursday morning Bingo is followed by social bowls—names in by 1 pm to help with the draw. Saturday afternoon $5 Bowls is also going well.

Until next week, good bowling!

Photo and report by Steve Doig

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Thursday's winners: Ken Ferguson, Dino Poli, and Joe Linton. Photo credit: Steve Doig

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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Max has his boots firmly planted in two very different worlds: the rugged, hands‑on life of a central Queensland cattle station, and the bustling day‑to‑day routine of boarding school in Townsville. “I live on a station north of Clermont called Mazeppa,” Max explained. “When I’m not here at school, I live there with my family.” Home for Max is anything but quiet. Mazeppa Station is a working property that runs both cattle and crops, keeping everyone on their toes year‑round. “We have a mix of cattle and crops, so there’s always plenty to do,” he said. “There’s not really such a thing as a day off on the property.” Max is no stranger to getting his hands dirty. When he’s home, he’s often found helping his dad with jobs around the station, including driving tractors and mustering cattle, to basic maintenance like greasing machinery and checking equipment. Max already has one eye on the future. His goal is to gain trade qualifications that will help him bring even more value to the family business.

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“I think if I can do an apprenticeship as a mechanic or a diesel fitter or something like that, it’ll be great for working on the farm,” he said. When he’s not lending a hand with station work, Max makes time for his own kind of fun. A keen rider, he often jumps on his CRF230 motorbike or catches up with friends. “We like to go pigging on weekends and in the school holidays,” Max said with a grin. Despite the change of pace, Max has taken boarding school life in his stride. At Tec‑NQ House, he’s made strong friendships and settled well into the rhythm of living away from home. “In my free time, I go to Planet Fitness with my mates or watch the Storm play in the NRL,” Max said. “I’m enjoying it so far, it’s much better than regular school.”

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Max is one of many regional students who benefit from Tec‑NQ House, a purpose‑built boys-only boarding facility located in Rosslea, Townsville. Opened in March 2022, it provides accommodation for up to 40 senior school students from regional and remote Queensland, helping them access Tec‑NQ’s unique trade‑focused senior school program. The facility is designed to promote social connection and inclusivity while maintaining a nurturing, homely atmosphere. Students enjoy 24/7 supervised care, air‑conditioned double‑occupancy rooms, modern communal areas, streaming services, computers, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball
court.

Tec‑NQ House balances structure and support. Dedicated staff foster wellbeing and independence, while the onsite professional chef prepares nutritious meals. Students also enjoy after‑hours excursions , sports, and social activities. Daily transport is provided to the Tec‑NQ Douglas co-educational campus and work placements.
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For Max, Tec‑NQ House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a launchpad. With support and pathways into trade careers, students like Max are shaping their own promising futures, firmly grounded in both boots and books.

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Saturday morning saw Ayr's beloved CBD fountain turn pink in support of the 'Step Up to Breast Cancer' fundraising endeavours of two local teams.

At 9am, a small crowd including Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort watched on as pink-coloured solution was poured into the fountain water, transforming it into a symbol of solidarity.

The event—initiated by Zara Frost and Ella Logan of the 'Tata Slides', alongside Kaitlyn Warren, Chloe Rehbien, and Molly Julyan, who operate under the 'Hakuna Ma-Tata' moniker—marked the start of their walk around town as part of the 'Step Up to Breast Cancer' fundraiser.

Together Against Breast Cancer

A National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) initiative, the fundraiser encourages participants to walk or run 58km throughout August to honour the 58 Australians diagnosed daily with breast cancer and to raise vital funds for research.

So far, the teams have covered impressive distances, including 14km from Home Hill High School to Groper Creek, another 14km from Coutts Park to Alva Lookout, and 7km up and down the main street spreading awareness. The walks, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours each, have been fueled by passion, determination, and personal ties to sufferers of breast cancer.

"We just want people to see that a little bit of help could be everything to a person," said Kaitlyn. "I hope more people... get into fundraising or supporting their own cause--creating events that mean more."

As a team, the 'Hakuna Ma-Tata's' have already raised $1,700, with efforts continuing through a raffle held at the end of the month. Tickets are $2 each, featuring prizes like sporting equipment, a 60-litre esky, two pink Yeti coolers, and more.

United by the same mission, these two teams of local heroes continue to embody the spirit and resilience of the Burdekin with each step and stride.

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Saturday morning saw Ayr's beloved CBD fountain turn pink in support of the 'Step Up to Breast Cancer' fundraising endeavours of two local teams. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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In a time when many services are decreasing in smaller communities, the Burdekin has bucked the trend.

The Burdekin MyTime group has been operating for over 20 years. It caters for families with children with special needs and provides regular opportunities for carers to share, encourage, educate and support.

Long-term MyTime coordinator, Gwen Marshall, said that the group’s primary aim was for carers to “meet with friends who understand!” “Our group has elected to have around half of the meetings devoted to family-based activities, which foster friendships and connection.”

Tia Wall, mother of 5, said that “MyTime is a great opportunity for me and my kids to get out. We don’t go out that often as a family. It’s a good time for support and the siblings are now asking to meet up with their friends from MyTime. There’s also food, so I don’t have to think about dinner”.

Gwen Marshall said that MyTime groups are federally funded through the Parenting Research Centre (PRC). In North Qld, it is managed by PlayMatters and locally by the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre. (BNC)

The BNC took on MyTime 3 years ago, and it fits with the Neighbourhood Centre ethos of providing a trusted community service to foster better lives.

“The value of being able to ask questions and get advice from others in the group is a bonus”, says Katrina Paterson, a long-term group member.

Our next meeting is scheduled for:

When: Saturday, 13th of September

Where: Beach Rd Park.

Time: 11 am -3 pm

If you are interested in participating, feel free to come along to the park on the 13th or contact The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre for more information on 07 4783 4243.

Contributed with thanks to Maddy Darley

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Last weekend saw the Burdekin FC Women's teams honoured with the annual 'Ladies Day' event—a fantastic event for a fantastic cause, raising thousands of dollars to fund the upcoming season for the women’s sides.

Events like these are crucial beyond the financial aspect. For a substantial period in history, sports were largely male-dominated. Events like these help to dismantle that outdated concept.

They’re about showing real support for women in the sport—and sport as a whole. It’s about making it clear that women belong in these arenas, and that their role is just as important as anyone else’s in keeping a club alive and thriving.

That’s the great thing about football, and sport more broadly: it’s for everyone. No matter who you are or where you come from, there’s a place for you here.

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the foundation that keeps clubs like Burdekin FC strong and connected.

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On Tuesday, 5 August, a relic of Australian motoring history rolled into the Burdekin Woolworths parking lot: Bubsie—a Citroën 5CV that earned its place in the record books as the first car to circumnavigate the entire continent.

An almost identical replica, its recent arrival in Ayr was part of a national centenary tribute to one of Australia’s boldest road adventures, offering locals the rare chance to admire the vehicle’s ingenious 1920s design up close.

The tribute honours the original 1925 journey by West Australian friends Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies, who took on the continent long before sealed highways, roadside signs, or reliable fuel supplies.

Travelling in the original Bubsie, they endured mechanical failures, scorching heat, and weeks of isolation in the outback, often relying on the kindness of strangers at remote homesteads for a place to sleep.

The replica, owned by The Incredible Journey TV program, was painstakingly rebuilt over 800 hours by three dedicated gentlemen. Every detail was recreated to match the pioneering car as closely as possible, from its lightweight timber frame and minimal bodywork to the quirky four-cylinder engine and unique braking system.

The result is a fully functional homage that not only looks the part but can also handle the kind of rough terrain faced on the original trip.

Now in their 31st week on the road, the Right Around Australia team is prepared to carry the voyage into the new year. Kevin Amos, team leader for the Right Around Australia Bubsie Project, said the tour is about far more than nostalgia.

“It’s to inspire people. Don’t give up when hardship comes,” Mr Amos said.

“They never set out to break a record. They never set out to drive around Australia. All they set out to do was to be a help to other people.”

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Now in their 31st week on the road, the Right Around Australia team is prepared to carry the voyage into the new year. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Bubsie at Plantation Park
Locals were offered the rare chance to admire the vehicle’s ingenious 1920s design up close.

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Four in five Australian small businesses experienced a cyber incident in the last year and Burdekin businesses are also falling victim according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

With costs to deal with cyber incidents increasing to an average of $49,600, Mr Last said a recent state government announcement was both welcomed and timely.

“I’m aware of two local small businesses who have been targeted in the last few weeks, so these attacks aren’t something that is confined to the cities or to big multi-national companies,” Mr Last said. “Helping small business avoid these attacks is a priority for the government because we recognise the importance of small business, especially in areas like the Burdekin.”

“Like most things, prevention is definitely better than a cure when it comes to cyber incidents, especially when a business could face a bill of $50,000 as a result.  For some businesses, a bill like that means the business closes and people lose their jobs.”

“We have teamed up with CyberWardens to offer free training focussed on increasing resilience against attacks and putting in place effective preparations should an attack occur.  During the election campaign we committed to supporting small business and, given the risk cyber incidents pose, helping protect Queensland small businesses and ensuring the training is easily accessible are priorities.”

“By fully funding the training the government is also ensuring that business owners and their staff have access to reduce the chance of ‘weak points’ in a business’s operations.”

Mr Last said the CyberWardens training provided information on a range of topics but focussed heavily on empowering participants to prevent attacks before they happen.

“In addition to regular webinars and a wide range of resources, the CyberWardens program also equips people within the business to take a leadership role when it comes to ensuring staff are doing the right thing,” he said. “Given that a high proportion of cyber incidents can be prevented quite easily, having someone to guide staff and check systems regularly is invaluable.”

“Habits can be extremely hard to break but those habits can leave businesses vulnerable.  Reusing and sharing passwords, for example, not only makes it easier for criminals to gain access but it also means they can cause far more damage.”

“Email and banking fraud are among the highest cyber threats to small business, and we’ve seen local businesses become victims of those types of fraud.  The offenders will gain access to a business’s email system and use that to contact customers and ask them to pay invoices into the offender’s bank account.”

“These types of attacks put businesses in a very difficult position because, usually, the offenders close the account and effectively vanish as soon as they are caught.  That makes it hard for customers to get their money back and leaves the business out of pocket despite having completed the work.”

“Relatively simple steps can reduce the chance of these types of attacks several-fold.  More information on the free CyberWardens program is available at business.qld.gov.au and I’d encourage local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their hard work.”

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