(L - R) – Shae Laidlow, Kirryn Laidlow, Kaydee Miller, Brayden Becke. Photo supplied

‍

Opening doors to university, trades and employment, Ayr State High School is helping Burdekin students build bright futures.

‍

The senior years represent an exciting chapter in a young person's education. Whether a student dreams of attending university, pursuing a trade, entering the workforce, or exploring an entirely different pathway, the right opportunities can make all the difference. At Ayr State High School, students can explore their interests, develop new skills and prepare for life beyond school through a diverse range of academic, vocational and employment pathways.

‍

As a leader in STEM education, Ayr High provides outstanding facilities, specialist subjects and co-curricular opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Ayr High students are regularly selected for prestigious programs including SPARQ-ed’s Senior Research Immersion Program, the National Youth Science Forum, and STEM Girl Power Camp. These opportunities are complemented by Ayr High’s exceptional science facilities.

‍

Ayr High’s modern, state-of-the-art science laboratories transform curiosity into understanding, turning lessons into discoveries. In bridging the gap between theory and practice, these facilities enriching learning and ignite curiosity by providing an inspiring environment for practical investigations, collaboration and hands-on learning,

The diverse range of academic learning opportunities on offer at Ayr High are enriched through partnerships with JCU and the Brisbane School of Distance Education. In addition to their suite of subjects and vocational courses, Ayr High also offers additional subjects through distance education. In 2027, senior students will also be able to get a headstart on their tertiary studies by undertaking first year university subjects via JCU Now.

‍

The academic success of Ayr High’s students is reflected in their ATAR outcomes and first round QTAC offers. Our students’ academic achievements are already opening doors, with four Year 12 students recently receiving early university offers for 2027. Congratulations to these students on their outstanding achievement!

‍

Ayr High is also future focused in its education to employment pathways. As a Gateway to Industry School, we offer a diverse range of learning pathways and experiences for students pursuing careers in the health sector. Ayr High is the only school in the Burdekin to offer a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as part of its RTO arrangements. This qualification enables guaranteed entry into several JCU undergraduate courses as well as direct employment in the health sector. Currently, Ayr High has several Certificate III students undertaking traineeships with Queensland Health, combining study with valuable workplace experience.

‍

As the Burdekin’s largest secondary school, Ayr High also responds to the needs of our local workforce through school-based apprenticeships, TAFE in Schools and traineeships. In another first for the region, we have created a pathway for students who wish to be teacher aides, with one of our students securing a traineeship whilst still at school.

‍

At Ayr High, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to find their own path to success. By providing a range of senior school learning opportunities and pathways, Ayr High is preparing young people for the future.

‍

A bright future for our students means a stronger future for the Burdekin—and that is something worth celebrating.

Dry conditions have helped keep the 2026 Burdekin crush moving, with Kalamia Mill expected to be the first Wilmar factory to finish the season. Photo source: Wilmar Sugar Australia

‍

Contributed with thanks by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables

‍

The Burdekin sugar crush is powering towards an October finish, with predominantly dry conditions helping harvesting and transport crews maintain strong progress across the district.

‍

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables reported on September 11th that its eight North Queensland mills had processed 9.24 million tonnes of cane, representing about 66 per cent of its estimated 13.85 million tonne crop.

In the Burdekin, 15 weeks of predominantly dry weather have supported harvesting and cane transport, while sugar content has also been performing better than expected.

‍

Season-to-date Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS), a measure of the recoverable sugar in cane, is tracking 0.51 of a unit above Wilmar's budget.

The stronger CCS result is providing some relief from reduced cane tonnages this season.

‍

With the crush now well advanced, Kalamia Mill is expected to become the first of Wilmar's eight factories to finish for the year, with crush-out currently forecast for mid-October.

‍

The Burdekin's remaining three Wilmar mills are expected to finish by the end of October.

Across Wilmar's other milling regions, conditions have produced mixed results.

‍

In the Herbert, the crop is cutting at 97 per cent of the adjusted estimate, while weekly CCS has climbed to 14.35, more than one unit above budget for this stage of the season.

‍

Further south, Proserpine Mill is approaching one million tonnes crushed, although persistent dry conditions have affected the crop, which is cutting at about 94 per cent of its adjusted estimate.

‍

At Plane Creek, harvesting conditions have remained favourable and CCS is well above budget at a season-to-date average of 14.82. However, Wilmar reported the lack of in-season rainfall was contributing to a significant reduction in yield.

‍

Wilmar expects its first factory to finish crushing in mid-October, with the final mill scheduled to finish by mid-November.

‍

Rehabilitation work is underway along about 1.2 kilometres of eroded Burdekin River bank at Airville following major flooding in 2025. Photo source: NQ Dry Tropics

‍

Work is underway to rehabilitate about 1.2 kilometres of eroded riverbank along the Burdekin River at Airville following major flooding in 2025.

The flooding caused significant erosion at the site and partially damaged an experimental pilefield structure that had been constructed in 2022.

‍

The rehabilitation works are aimed at stabilising the riverbank, reducing further soil loss and helping limit the amount of fine sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef.

The project includes rock protection, reshaping of the damaged bank, revegetation and the installation of timber groynes.

‍

‍

Timber piles recovered from the failed structure are being recycled and used as part of the new works, helping protect the riverbank and surrounding riparian vegetation while making use of materials already on site.

The original pilefield was damaged when floodwaters exceeded its design specifications, highlighting the challenges involved in carrying out rehabilitation work within a dynamic river system such as the Burdekin.

‍

‍

Civil IQ completed the detailed design for the latest rehabilitation work, with input from the Burdekin Shire Rivers Improvement Trust, which is overseeing construction.

The works form part of the six-year Burdekin Landscape Repair project, which focuses on reducing fine sediment from Dry Tropics catchments through targeted gully and streambank repairs, along with improved land management practices.

‍

The project is funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust program.

‍

Further updates are expected as the rehabilitation progresses, including before-and-after images showing how the site changes as the works take shape.

‍

‍

When Geoff Campbell became a Jim’s Mowing franchisee in 2022, he wanted to create something for his daughter Kayleen to sink their teeth into. Photo: Jacob Casha.

‍

When an 80-year-old Geoff Campbell became a Jim’s Mowing franchisee in 2022, his goal was twofold; retire himself and his wife Gayl, and create something for his daughter Kayleen and her husband to sink their teeth into.

‍

He never quite anticipated that four years on, he'd be handing them the keys to a multi-million-dollar operation spanning a large chunk of North Queensland, becoming something of a poster boy for the Jim’s franchise in the meantime.

And after a journey of rapid business growth and national media coverage, Geoff’s finally getting the retirement he originally set out for.

‍

Kayleen and husband Stan joined Geoff in the Burdekin last month, leaving their life in Perth to take the reins of the franchise and finally give her parents a chance to step back.

“We literally packed up our whole life. My husband retired from trucking after 49 years, and now we’re here to try and retire the parents,” Kayleen said.

‍

The couple now have the task of building on everything Geoff has created.

It began as a relatively modest Cannonvale franchise. Within a year, it had clients across Airlie Beach, Townsville and the Burdekin. All the while, Geoff, who had spent most of his life in mining and construction, had become one of Jim’s Mowing’s biggest success stories, appearing on Australian television to tell his story.

‍

And his formula is simpler than you would imagine.

“I’ve never passed an exam in my life,” he quipped.

‍

“Everything I've achieved is through respect, integrity, loyalty, and common sense.”

Kayleen added: “We’ve got big shoes to fill.”

‍

“We’ll just keep it as it’s running and expand as we go. As long as we have [Geoff] still here, we’ll be fine!”

Kayleen steps into Jim’s Mowing with pedigree of her own, having previously run her own Perth cleaning business with 38 private customers before making the move east.

‍

Her experience comes at a time when the business has expanded well beyond its mowing roots, now operating across the region under three Jim’s banners—Mowing, Handyman and, most recently, Window & Pressure Cleaning.

The team handles everything from regular lawn mowing, gardening, pruning and hedging to rubbish removal, weed spraying and gutter cleaning, as well as home and office cleaning and pressure cleaning.

‍

But Kayleen said the business and its services are only as good as the people behind them.

“Our staff are our extended family,” she said.

‍

“If we didn’t have the team we have now, we wouldn’t have the business.”

And with family now steering the ship, Geoff says the business is preparing for “quite a few developments” involving multinational companies.

‍

But for now, he's just “really proud” to have his daughter onboard.

“What parent wouldn’t be?”

‍

For more information on the business and its services, contact Kayleen on 0437 368 060 or Geoff on 0439 799 544

‍

The Burdekin Aquatic Centre has reopened its doors to the public after major upgrades. Photo: Jacob Casha

‍

The Burdekin Aquatic Centre has reopened its doors to the public after major upgrades, with Home Hill Swimming Pool now set to close for its own “critical refurbishments”.

‍

The Ayr pool reopened on Saturday 12th September after an extended winter closure to accommodate the construction of a new amenities block among other upgrades.

The works—supported through the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program—saw the new amenities block relocated closer to the facility’s Macmillan Street entrance to improve accessibility and convenience for users.

‍

The relocation was recommended in the Burdekin Aquatic Centre Masterplan after the new entrance and kiosk left the existing amenities at the opposite end of the site. Community feedback also supported moving the facilities closer to the entrance.

The new block is fitted with modernised male, female and unisex toilets, and leaves the door open for a grassed area along the Queen Street side of the facility.

‍

The upgrade is the latest stage of a decade-long program of improvements at the aquatic centre, which has also included upgrades to its pump and filtration systems, the installation of a multi-million dollar water park and relocation of the primary entrance to Macmillan Street.

Meanwhile, Burdekin Shire Council has announced temporary closures for Home Hill Swimming Pool, which is set for its first major refurbishment since opening in the 1960s.

‍

The pool will close from Wednesday 23rd September to Friday 4th December to allow contractors to “safely undertake a comprehensive program of upgrades to improve the facility's safety, functionality and amenity,” says Council.

The $1.2 million Works for Queensland-funded project will include repairs to the main and toddler pools, new handrails, entry steps and compliant fencing, as well as electrical and safety upgrades.

‍

The works will also deliver a new gazebo and barbecue shelter, additional picnic areas and refurbishment of the pool surrounds and concourse areas.

Council said the project will help ensure the Home Hill pool “remains a safe, welcoming and functional community facility for years to come,” acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the temporary closures.

‍

‍

A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. Photo supplied.

‍

Contributed with thanks by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

‍

A major community project aimed at improving emergency response across the Burdekin is a significant step closer to becoming reality, thanks to a $15,000 contribution from Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr.

‍

The funding will support the Rotary Club of Home Hill's major 2026 project to purchase an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for local Queensland Police, helping officers reach rural and difficult to access locations across the district.

Rotary has set a fundraising target of $40,000 for the project, with the Community Bank contribution providing an important boost as the club moves closer to achieving its goal. The club hopes to present the ATV to local police during October.

‍

Rotary Club of Home Hill President Clive Williams said the idea emerged after local police officers attended one of the club's weekly meetings and spoke about the need for an ATV.

Police had previously sought funding through normal government channels but had been unsuccessful due to budget constraints. Recognising the difference such a vehicle could make locally, Rotary decided it was a project worth getting behind.

‍

The ATV would provide police with greater access during floods, disasters and other incidents, particularly in locations such as cane fields, beaches, river areas and other terrain that can be difficult to reach using conventional vehicles.

‍

Mr Williams said having the equipment based locally was particularly important for the Burdekin.

“For me, it’s about having the right equipment here when our police need it, rather than waiting for an ATV to come from Townsville,” he said.

‍

“The Burdekin has plenty of challenging terrain and, particularly during a flood or other emergency, having those wheels on the ground locally can make a real difference to response times and community safety.”

‍

The project has the potential to benefit people right across the district.

For a community service organisation such as Rotary, Mr Williams said a $15,000 contribution represented an enormous step forward.

‍

Not only does it provide considerable momentum towards the $40,000 target, but it also demonstrates the value local organisations and businesses can have.

The club continues to support local charities and organisations, youth initiatives including the RYDA road safety program, and community events such as the Mega Markets and Home Hill Harvest Festival Rotary Ball. Recent financial support has also been provided to CORES, St Vincent de Paul and the Burdekin Chaplaincy.

‍

“There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that the money raised by local people and businesses stays here and is turned into something that makes a tangible difference to our neighbours, families and the wider community,” Mr Williams said.

‍

With only a few thousand dollars now remaining to reach the target, Rotary Club of Home Hill is encouraging local businesses and community members who would like to support the project to contribute to its GoFundMe campaign.

‍

For Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, supporting the project reflects its commitment to ensuring money generated within the community continues to create benefits for the people who live there.  

‍

It was wonderful to attend the Giru Show last Saturday, which this year also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Giru School of Arts Hall. Standing in a building with such a rich history certainly makes you reflect on the many memories created within its walls over the past century. From weddings and birthday celebrations to community events, the hall has played an important role in the lives of generations of local families.

‍

The anniversary held special meaning for me. My parents were married in Giru, with their wedding reception held in the hall, and I also fondly remember attending the Giru Debutante Ball, which was one of the district's major social events in its day. Congratulations to the Giru Show Committee and all volunteers who continue to keep this wonderful community tradition alive. As I often say, these events simply would not happen without volunteers giving their time and energy for the benefit of the community.

‍

Recently, I joined Regional Development Australia on a two-day road trip to Mount Isa. Along the way, we met with several mayors and discussed the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities. While every region has its own unique circumstances, many of the issues we are tackling are remarkably similar. It was encouraging to see the west looking so vibrant and prosperous, although the state of some roads certainly highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges facing remote Queensland.

‍

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden. Learning that the centre welcomed more than 19,000 visitors in 2025 was a great reminder of the value tourism brings to regional communities. Compared to my last visit, the west is looking stronger than ever.

Finally, a reminder that our library team offers free one-on-one assistance for residents wanting help with their mobile phones, tablets or digital devices. Whether you're learning the basics or need help troubleshooting an issue, our staff are here to assist and are available by appointment on Mondays in Home Hill and Tuesdays to Thursdays in Ayr. Contact your local branch to book an appointment.

‍

Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone at 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

‍

The new Ayr industrial estate is officially open and I can’t be more thrilled. This is a great example of strategic planning for our Burdekin’s future. This was a very difficult project that was not without its engineering challenges that put some of our young engineers through their paces. What a great experience for them and a great outcome for the town. With some blocks under offer and plenty of interest in the remaining blocks, I’m certain that this new land will play host to some great new business and aid some existing businesses to grow and prosper. The Burdekin’s future is bright indeed.

“We cannot lose sight of the bigger issue facing this stretch of highway—flooding.” Photo supplied.

‍

Opinion of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

‍

I welcome the commencement of new overtaking lanes at Goorganga Plains, which will deliver  

an important safety improvement for motorists travelling between Proserpine and Mackay.

I have been advocating for safety upgrades along this section of the Bruce Highway since my  

time as Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council, and I have continued that advocacy since  

being elected as the Federal Member for Dawson.

‍

There simply aren't enough safe opportunities to overtake between Proserpine and Mackay, so  

these new lanes are a welcome step forward.

But we cannot lose sight of the bigger issue facing this stretch of highway, flooding.

‍

The latest announcement confirms that while construction is underway on the overtaking lanes,  

the major flood resilience works are still only at the design stage.

‍

That is disappointing.

‍

The proposed project would raise around 10.6 kilometres of the Bruce Highway, improve  

drainage and deliver new bridges and intersection upgrades to keep this critical connection  

open for longer during major weather events.

‍

After years of flooding, closures and repeated repairs, we should be moving towards  

construction by now, not still designing the solution.

Every wet season that passes means more disruption for local communities, more uncertainty  

for freight operators and tourism, and potentially more taxpayer dollars spent repairing  

infrastructure that we already know needs to be made more resilient.

‍

We have known about the vulnerability of this section of the Bruce Highway for years.

‍

How many more wet seasons do we have to go through before we get on with the job of  

fixing it properly?

‍

I welcome the investment in passing lanes, and I will continue to support practical safety  

improvements along the Bruce.

‍

But the Government needs to provide some clarity on the flood resilience project.

‍

Why is it taking so long to get this critical upgrade from design to construction?

Dawson needs a Bruce Highway that is not only safer to drive on when the sun is shining, but  

one that can keep communities connected when the rain comes.

‍

We don't need another wet season of temporary fixes. We need the long-term  

infrastructure investment this region deserves.

‍

Ayr Police and Ayr CIB, with assistance from Home Hill, Giru and Clare police, have recently been targeting drug offences, with a number of people charged or diverted over the past fortnight.

11th September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]Police executed a search warrant at a residence in Conlan Street, Ayr, where methylamphetamine, cannabis and drug utensils were located.

The 35-year-old male resident was charged with possession of dangerous drugs exceeding schedule, possessing utensils and possessing a weapon.

He was released on bail to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19th October.

7th September — Wunjunga[Text Wrapping Break]A 38-year-old Townsville man was charged with drug driving after being intercepted by police at Wunjunga. The man tested positive to methamphetamine.

6th September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]Police intercepted a vehicle on Queen Street, Ayr, and located drugs during a search.

A 50-year-old Home Hill man was drug diverted in relation to the matter.

5th-7th September — Ayr/Townsville[Text Wrapping Break]A house on Edwards Street, Ayr, was broken into on 5th September and a vehicle was stolen.

On 7th September, two youths were located in possession of the stolen vehicle in Townsville.

A 14-year-old girl was charged with burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, fraud, unlicensed driving and three counts of breach of bail.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, fraud and one count of breach of bail.

Police opposed the youths' bail and both have been remanded in custody.

5th-6th September — Home Hill[Text Wrapping Break]A Home Hill business was broken into late on 5th September and items were stolen.

Police identified the suspects and, on 6th September, charged a 14-year-old Home Hill girl and a 12-year-old Ayr girl with entering premises and committing an indictable offence.

Both youths are now on strict bail conditions pending their upcoming court appearance.

3rd September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]Police observed a 26-year-old man doing a burnout on Queen Street, Ayr. He was subsequently intercepted and charged with drink driving and wilfully making unnecessary noise.

3rd September — Home Hill[Text Wrapping Break]Police intercepted a vehicle on Fourteenth Street, Home Hill. The 42-year-old male driver was charged with drink driving.

2nd September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]A 32-year-old Ayr woman was charged with 13 counts of supplying a dangerous drug, methylamphetamine. The alleged offending occurred between 19th July and 23rd August.

The woman is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on 19th October.

2nd September — Brandon[Text Wrapping Break]Police intercepted a vehicle at Brandon and subsequently located drug paraphernalia during a search.

A 36-year-old woman was issued with a Notice to Appear in Court for possessing drug utensils and unlicensed driving.

1st September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]A couple reported the stealing of a bag containing personal property and $9000 in cash.

Police inquiries immediately identified possible suspects, resulting in an emergent search of a residence in Brisbane Street, Ayr, where the stolen property was located.

Two 45-year-old Ayr women were issued with Notices to Appear in Court for possessing stolen property and possessing a drug utensil.

A 31-year-old Townsville man and a 15-year-old Ayr youth were also located in possession of drug paraphernalia and accepted a drug diversion for possessing a utensil.

1st September — Alva Beach

Police executed a search warrant at an address in Alva Beach and located drugs and utensils.

A 32-year-old man was charged with five drug offences.

1st September — Ayr[Text Wrapping Break]A 57-year-old Sunshine Coast man was charged with drink driving after being intercepted for an RBT on Edwards Street, Ayr.

‍

The Queensland Fire Department reported the roof and second floor of the pub had collapsed. Photo: Jacob Casha.

‍

An Ayr Fire and Rescue crew responded to a blaze that left an unoccupied, heritage-listed Townsville pub partially collapsed last Friday.

‍

The 125-year-old Great Northern Hotel—which had been closed since 2015—went up in flames at roughly 6am, with firefighters bringing the blaze under control by the afternoon.

‍

The Queensland Fire Department reported the pub’s roof and second floor had collapsed, while Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed two people were taken to hospital in stable conditions.

‍

Queensland Police Service is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, with Townsville District Detective Inspector David Barron not ruling out suspicious circumstances.

‍

An Ayr Fire and Rescue spokesperson said the station had sent a single fire appliance as part of a “third-alarm response”.

A fire appliance from Ingham also attended the scene.

‍

The spokesperson said off-duty permanent staff backfilled the Ayr station while the crew was in Townsville, later responding to a double-truck rollover in Guthalungra at approximately 2.20pm, where they cleaned up and mitigated a 200-litre diesel spill.

‍

No injuries were reported in the Guthalungra incident.

‍

‍

Burdekin Shire Council will receive $270,000 through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program to strengthen local compliance, surveillance and enforcement. Photo: Burdekin Shire Council.

‍

Contributed by the Office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP

‍

Illegal dumpers in the Burdekin are being put on notice, with the Crisafulli Government funding a dedicated officer to help Burdekin Shire Council catch offenders and clean up the local community.

Burdekin Shire Council will receive $270,000 through the Fighting Illegal Dumping Partnership Program to strengthen local compliance, surveillance and enforcement.

The funding will support a dedicated Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer focused on identifying illegal dumping, investigating incidents and building cases against offenders.

‍

The three-year tenured position will provide a focused effort of preventing waste materials entering waterways in three main areas along the Burdekin River and Anabranch as well as the northern and southern boundaries.

‍

It is part of a $13.7 million investment over three years by the government to support 52 Queensland councils in the fight against illegal dumping.

Across Queensland, councils cleaned up more than 13,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste last year—equivalent to more than 1,200 garbage truck loads.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said illegal dumping was a scourge on local communities across Queensland.

‍

“Illegal dumping is a scourge on communities like the Burdekin. It damages our environment and leaves locals footing the bill to clean it up,” Minister Powell said.

“Queenslanders deserve to live in clean communities and enjoy the lifestyle that makes our State such a great place to live.

‍

“If you think you can dump rubbish in the bush, on the side of the road or in the community and get away with it, think again.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP said empowering Burdekin Shire Council to take proactive action on illegal dumping was a crucial step towards providing cleaner community spaces that everyone can enjoy.

‍

“The new Illegal Dumping Compliance Officer will have the tools at their hands to properly investigate incidents and hold those offenders to account,” Mr Last said.

“It’s no secret the Burdekin is renowned for the lifestyle it provides especially when it comes to our beaches, creeks and river systems. By doing our part to mitigate illegal dumping we ensure our favourite spots to get outdoors with our family remain pristine for generations to come.”

‍

What began as a modest fundraising goal has turned into an incredible show of Burdekin generosity, with $1,403.10 raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

‍

Organiser Kaylee Boccalatte initially hoped the fundraiser might collect around $200, but support from across the community saw the final total climb to more than seven times that amount.

‍

The funds could provide around a fortnight of accommodation for families needing a home away from home while their child receives care.

Community members supported the cause by donating, buying raffle tickets, visiting the fundraising stall and spreading the word.

‍

Local businesses My Vibe Homewares and Slice of Europe also donated prizes, while Burdekin School lent a game board to support the fundraiser.

Kaylee credited the result to the community, saying while her team collected the funds, the generosity behind the $1,403.10 total belonged to the Burdekin.

‍

A small idea, a big heart, and another beautiful example of locals looking out for others.

‍

Hotel Pioneer will welcome locals young and old from 11.30am on Saturday, 19th September for a day of live music, food, beer, and Oktoberfest-themed activities.

‍

We've all heard of Oktoberfest.

‍

We know there's beer. We know there's music. We know there are rowdy Germans in jumpsuits.

‍

While you might have to travel a few thousand kilometres to find the latter, the rest will be at Hotel Pioneer in Brandon next weekend as it celebrates the famous German festival.

‍

The hotel will welcome locals young and old from 11.30am on Saturday 19th September for a day of live music, food, beer, and Oktoberfest-themed activities.

With tunes courtesy of local musician Chris Quagliata, guests will go head-to-head in keg rolling, pretzel-eating competitions and a host of other challenges, with prizes up for grabs in each.

‍

And if you’re feeling extra German (or happen to have some Trachten lying around), rock up to the venue donning your best Oktoberfest outfit for a chance to be crowned “best dressed”.

There’s no pressure to compete at all, though. The event will cater to locals of any age and beer-tolerance, with children’s activities keeping kids busy while taps flow throughout the day.

‍

Traditional German meals will also be available as part of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

While it won’t quite be Munich, Hotel Pioneer General Manager Kirsten Loader said the spirit will be there in full.

‍

“I lived in Germany when I was younger. I wasn’t allowed to partake because I was quite young (laughs), but I’ve seen how much fun they are,” Kirsten said.

“We won’t have the big tents, but we’re going to have a live performer, games, beer, and lots of food, which I think is the main premise.”

‍

Tickets for the event are already available online, each including a special Oktoberfest meal and a beer.

‍

$15 commemorative Hotel Pioneer steins will also be available on the day.

‍

Book now by visiting https://thepioneer.com.au/elementor-1030/ or calling 47 82 5255.

‍

‍

‍

Australia’s agricultural production is forecast to remain close to record levels this financial year, despite challenging seasonal conditions and higher fuel and fertiliser costs.

‍

Australia’s agricultural production is forecast to remain close to record levels this financial year, despite challenging seasonal conditions and higher fuel and fertiliser costs.

‍

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has forecast the gross value of agricultural production will reach $99.4 billion in 2026-27.

‍

The figure would be the second-highest on record, following agricultural production exceeding $100 billion in 2025-26.

When fisheries and forestry are included, the combined value of production is forecast to exceed $105 billion.

‍

ABARES has also forecast the value of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports to reach $80.8 billion in 2026-27, which would be the third-highest result on record.

‍

The forecast comes as producers face higher input costs and difficult seasonal conditions, with the Federal Government saying disruption linked to the war in the Middle East is also affecting fuel and fertiliser costs.

‍

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the forecast demonstrated the resilience of Australian producers.

“This latest forecast shows that despite challenging seasonal conditions and disruption from the war in the Middle East which is impacting globally, our agricultural production value continues to remain strong,” Ms Collins said.

‍

She said the Government would continue working with farmers and producers on trade opportunities and support measures.

Assistant Agriculture Minister Anthony Chisholm said producers were continuing to adapt to changing climate and geopolitical conditions.

‍

The Government said it was investing more than $14 billion through its Strengthening Australia’s Fuel Resilience package, which includes measures aimed at securing fuel and fertiliser supplies.

‍

It is also providing an additional $1 billion in concessional loans through the Regional Investment Corporation from this financial year.

According to the Government, farmers saved about $34 million in interest payments during the first half of 2026 through Regional Investment Corporation lending.

‍

Mr Chisholm said the Government would continue working with industry to improve productivity, expand market opportunities and maintain Australia’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets.