The school children and the local people of the shire were treated to a demonstration from the RAAF of the Sikorsky Helicopter S-51 Dragonfly, which visited Ayr and Home Hill on Monday, 14 July 1952.

In June 1952, the Shire Council received notice that the RAAF would be paying a promotional visit to the people of the Burdekin in July, bringing one of the first helicopters purchased by the Australian Government. It was decided that the helicopter would land at the Ayr Racecourse, the Home Hill State Rural School, refuel at the Home Hill Showgrounds, and land again at the Ayr State High and Intermediate School grounds. The helicopter required an area about the size of two tennis courts to land.

Students from all schools and other spectators gathered at the Ayr Racecourse on Monday, 14 July 1952, waiting eagerly for the RAAF helicopter from Townsville to land and demonstrate its capabilities. The helicopter landed at 10:45am and amazed the crowd. The crew consisted of four RAAF members: the pilot, Flying Officer McKinn; Squadron Leader Vann; Squadron Leader Foote; and L.A.C. Jones. The helicopter departed around 11:30am.

The Sikorsky helicopter then flew to Home Hill. After circling the town, it arrived at about 11:45am and landed in the grounds of the Home Hill Rural School, providing a treat for the school children and any other spectators. After this demonstration, it landed at the Home Hill Showgrounds to refuel. It’s suspected the crew also had lunch, as the helicopter departed around 2:00pm to land at the Ayr High and Intermediate School before returning to Townsville.

Besides giving the school children of the district a treat, more than half the district's population would have witnessed the demonstrations carried out by the Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly.

This RAAF helicopter was stationed with No. 23 City of Brisbane Squadron at Archerfield and was undertaking an extensive tour of flood-affected areas in North Queensland. Displays were planned for the Townsville Show, Cairns, Innisfail, Ayr and Home Hill, Bowen, Mackay, Rockhampton, and other coastal towns impacted by flooding. The tour was aimed at demonstrating flood relief and rescue procedures to police and local authorities.

The RAAF Sikorsky S-51 Dragonfly was used between 1947 and 1964. Another helicopter from Sikorsky Aviation is the Sikorsky S-70A Blackhawk, which was used by the Air Force from 1988–1989 before being transferred to the Australian Army.

Igor Sikorsky was a Russian (born 25 May 1889 in Kiev, Ukraine; died 1972 in Connecticut, USA) who designed his first helicopter in 1909 — both early models were failures. He left Russia in 1918 and, by 1919, was in the United States. Sikorsky founded the Sikorsky Aviation Company (now part of Lockheed Martin) in 1923. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Sikorsky went on to design many aircraft. The Sikorsky H-5/H-6 helicopter first flew on 18 August 1943 and was introduced in February 1945 for use by the U.S. Army Air Forces. He later designed a civilian version under the designation Sikorsky S-51, which began flying in 1946.

In December 1946, an agreement was signed between the British company Westland Aircraft and Sikorsky to produce a British version of the H-5, manufactured as the Westland Sikorsky WS-51 Dragonfly. This is the version supplied to the RAAF and brought to the Burdekin.

As a matter of interest, another German helicopter was in operation during World War II. It was the Focke-Wulf FW-61, designed by Professor Heinrich Focke and engineer Gerd Achgelis in 1936. One of the first test pilots to fly this machine was a woman — Hanna Reitsch — who was born to fly. Born in March 1912 in Silesia and passing in August 1979, she flew almost every German military aircraft, including helicopters and gliders, and once flew a V-1 rocket — disastrously. Her biography, The Sky My Kingdom, is well worth reading.

It’s worth remembering that in 1952, the Korean conflict was underway, and helicopters such as the Bell H-13 Sioux, the Hiller H-23 Raven, and the H-19 Chickasaw were used extensively in all facets of the war — especially for rescue operations. The Korean War spanned from 1950 to 1953.

Today, helicopters are an essential part of warfare and serve crucial roles in civilian rescue operations.

Contributed with thanks to Glenis Cislowski.

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The Sikorsky Helicopter S-51 Dragonfly that visited Ayr and Home Hill on Monday, 14 July 1952.

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Growing up on a farm 100km from town, Riley Granshaw learned to build, fix, and figure things out the hard way. One day, he decided to put those skills to use—and four years later, what began as a backyard project in his parents’ shed has grown into RG Customs NQ—a one-man customs garage known for its personal touch and elite craftsmanship.

Now located in Ayr, RG Customs NQ has become a local favourite for people seeking custom work on their vehicles. Specialising in 4x4 accessory fitment and customisation, the business offers anything from suspension and GVM upgrades to snorkels, bullbars and side rails.

It’s this wide range of expertise, coupled with his careful, customer-centric approach that has made Granshaw and RG Customs NQ so successful.

“A big thing that I think of is, ‘what if that was my car in someone else’s workshop?’” says Granshaw.

“I really pride myself on my workmanship and the quality of work that people get. Being a one-man band, I really get to focus on what the customer wants and what the customer needs—people really get that one-on-one feel.”

This, along with building a positive reputation, is among Granshaw’s top priorities.

“One of the main things I try to focus on is having a good relationship with people,” he says. “It’s all about building a reputation, and I’m fortunate enough to be successful enough to where I’m getting people coming in from Townsville, Ingham, and even as far as Harvey Bay.”

With a loyal following and a growing reputation, Granshaw is proving that skill, care, and a personal touch never go out of style. As demand continues to roll in from across the region, RG Customs NQ is showing no signs of slowing down.

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With a loyal following and a growing reputation, Granshaw is proving that skill, care, and a personal touch never go out of style. Photo. credit: Jacob Casha

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In what will be the 24th annual Burdekin Enduro off-road racing event, racers and fans alike are in for another weekend full of fast cars, red dust, and roaring engines as Queensland’s toughest drivers take on the rugged terrain of the Ayer Rifle Range on the 24th and 25th of this month.

The weekend, organised by the Burdekin Off-Roaders, is set to see upwards of 50 cars from the local region and beyond battle it out for glory—a proportionately large number compared to the eight cars that competed in the inaugural 2001 edition of the event.

Michael Marson, President of the Burdekin Off-Roaders, attributes some of this growth to the inclusivity and increasing exposure of the sport.

“It’s a good sport in that there are different categories and different classes, so you’re not just racing against everyone,” Mr Marson said.

“We try to cater for everyone,” he added.

The event, supported by Rocks Farming Company, has been part of the Queensland Championship for the last eight years, and is set to feature its unique, expertly designed track again this year.

Unlike many off-road circuits that stick to one style of terrain, the track in Ayr has been designed to offer up to six different racing conditions in a single location—a feature that has made it a national standout.

Marson, a longstanding member of the 38-year-old club, has enjoyed a successful career as a racer, competing internationally—namely, in the United States, where he has drawn various elements that have made the Burdekin Off-Roaders one of the most well-equipped clubs in the country.

“The international stuff definitely helps to broaden the race in Ayr,” says Marson.

“Pretty much everything that we race on comes from America.”

Fellow group member Ian Baker added to this, saying: "The growth and advancements that’ve come with those relationships in the United States mean that the club here in the Burdekin is fairly luxurious when compared to some of the other clubs.”

It’s details like these that have slowly made the Enduro a local favourite, drawing hundreds of spectators each year.

“The popularity of the sport has grown a lot, and it’s a good local favourite—people come in and out for a couple of hours on Saturday and Sunday for a look,” Marson said. “It’s a real adrenaline rush—even for spectators, it’s visually pretty cool.”

Whether you’re behind the wheel or just there for the spectacle, the Burdekin Enduro has long been one of the region’s most thrilling, welcoming, and community-driven events—and this year promises to be no different.

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The event is set to see upwards of 50 cars from the local region and beyond battle it out for glory. Photo credit: Show ‘n’ Go Photography

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As the Burdekin’s flagship race day approaches this weekend, now’s the time for you blokes to get your outfit sorted—and Wild East Western and Workwear has you covered.

With a fresh new season of stylish shirts, dress pants and classic hats, Wild East is your one-stop shop for raceday threads that’ll turn heads—or help you blend in with ease. Whether you're aiming for sharp and polished or rugged and relaxed, they’ve got the gear to suit the occasion.

Previously known as Sibby’s Savers, the business rebranded to Wild East earlier this year and hasn’t looked back since. The updated identity reflects its expanded focus on western-style fashionwear, adding some outback flair to its already solid foundation of top-tier workwear.

From stretchy Pilbara jeans to iconic Thomas Cook hats and some fresh threads from Gina Rinehart’s new S.Kidman range, there’s something for everyone—whether you're trackside, on the job or somewhere in between.

And with the cooler months around the corner, the Winter Range has officially landed. The store now boasts a good selection of winter gear, perfect for layering up without sacrificing style.

Beyond their extensive range of premium workwear and western-style clothing, Wild East offer embroidery and alterations, as well as friendly customer service to ensure that you find whatever you need.

So before the big weekend, swing by Wild East in time to get kitted out. Whether you’re backing winners or just there for the cold beers and good company, you’ll look the part doing it.

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With a fresh new season of stylish shirts, dress pants and classic hats, Wild East is your one-stop shop for raceday threads. Photo supplied

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After implementing a range of flying-fox dispersal strategies in the lead-up to this year’s Anzac Day, Burdekin Shire Council has doubled down on its efforts to prevent flying fox roosting locally through a long-term, strategic approach that prioritises both environmental responsibility and community wellbeing.

The initial activities were rolled out across a three-day period from April 22nd to 24th. This strategy incorporated a range of audible deterrents, such as pyrotechnics, shotgun simulator, pool noodles, LED torches and flashing lights.

These measures are part of the Flying Fox Roost Management Plan, which aims to provide Council with a framework to manage issues associated with flying-fox roosts and camps at Kidby Gully, Lloyd Mann Park, and Arch Dunn Memorial Park in Home Hill, and Plantation Creek in Ayr.

The Plan “includes a range of short and long-term options to support private landholders, minimise conflict between humans and flying-foxes, improve awareness, and conserve flying-foxes and the critical ecosystem services they provide.”

While Council considers the program a success so far, it is moving into the next phase with a daily monitoring program set to begin on 1 July 2025—when flying-fox numbers reach a designated threshold, a scaled response will be triggered based on the number of animals present.

In addition, Council will continue to seek funding support from both State and Federal Governments to help reduce the financial burden on the local community.

Two species of flying-fox have been recorded within the Burdekin Shire: the black flying-fox (Pteropus alecto), which is present year-round, and the little red flying fox (Pteropus scapulatus), a seasonal visitor known for arriving in large, noisy groups.

Both species are protected under Queensland law and play a vital role in native ecosystems, particularly in pollination and seed dispersal across long distances. Their presence in urban areas, however, can create challenges for residents, making effective, lawful management strategies essential.

Private landholders are reminded that they are permitted to discourage flying foxes from roosting in their trees, provided only non-destructive methods are used.

These include smoke, water sprinklers, bright lights, noise, or visual deterrents such as imitation predators.

Residents are also strongly advised not to handle flying foxes directly, as they can carry diseases and should only be managed by trained professionals.

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Burdekin Shire Council has doubled down on its efforts to prevent flying fox roosting locally. Photo source: ClimateWatch Australia

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At Ayr State School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door — it leaps into the pool, brushes across a canvas, and even includes wild encounters with native wildlife!

This term, students have enjoyed a range of hands-on and enriching experiences that reflect the school’s commitment to providing a vibrant and well-rounded education. From swimming lessons to engaging art workshops, every opportunity is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and curiosity.

Students recently made a splash during swimming lessons, developing vital water safety skills under the guidance of qualified instructors from the Burdekin Swim School. These sessions not only support physical wellbeing but also build resilience and self-belief.

Meanwhile, budding artists took part in specialised art workshops, where they explored new techniques and created beautiful work. The workshops encouraged students to express themselves and celebrate their unique perspectives.

For many, the highlight of their term will be the school camp to Virginia Park near Charters Towers and the sleepover at school to refine their astronomy skills. These experiences foster independence, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging.

Adding to the excitement, students will travel to Billabong Sanctuary to meet some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife up close. From koalas to crocodiles, the excursion combines curriculum elements of science and sustainability to life in a way that only real-world experiences can.

Principal Nikki Schell said, “We are proud to offer our students rich, meaningful learning beyond the classroom. These experiences help shape confident, capable learners who are ready to take on the world.”

Ayr State School continues to lead the way in creating engaging, student-centred learning opportunities. With community support and dedicated staff, the future is bright for every learner who walks through its doors.

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The Burdekin Art Society recently held its first art workshop of the year with a charcoal drawing class run by visiting Townsville tutor, Carole Howlett. Originally from the UK where she gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art, Carole has won many awards at the annual Townsville Art Society exhibitions; conducts art classes at the Drill Hall; and regularly exhibits at Jezzine Barracks.

Carole took the attendees of the recent class through an array of exercises using a variety of techniques, including ‘smooching’ and ‘tonking’ with black and white charcoals (sticks and pencils) on white, grey and black paper. It was such a feast of learning with the humble tool of charcoal! All the attendees went away with a sleeve of practice examples for framing as well as some of the materials used.

The Burdekin Art Society’s next workshop is with another Townsville artist, Cath Meharry, using mixed media with watercolour on the 21st of June. Cath’s intricate artworks featuring shells or foliage are regularly on display at the Drill Hall. Information about this workshop can be found on the Burdekin Art Society Facebook page.

In the meantime, people are warmly invited to attend the Society’s weekly ‘Come and Paint’ sessions at the Clubhouse on Tuesday mornings from 9:30am to 12:00pm. Bring along your own paint project and enjoy a relaxed, creative morning in good company.

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It’s officially debutante ball season in the Burdekin, with St Colman’s hosting a beautiful evening over the weekend to start off the calendar. Deb Balls are such a unique part of our community’s traditions, elegant, meaningful, and a rite of passage that many locals’ treasure. I know so many people look forward to these events each year, whether it’s to support family or relive fond memories.

Another fantastic local event was the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day. What an incredible showcase of history and heritage! It was a great opportunity for the community to not only see machinery from days gone by, but to meet the passionate locals keeping this history alive. Their dedication is inspiring and a true asset to our region.

Don’t forget - Rotary Duck Day is coming up this Saturday 18 May. It’s fun for all ages and another great example of our volunteer groups creating joy and giving back to the community. Let’s support them and enjoy a quacking good day out!

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.

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On Saturday 10th May 20 keen hikers (Scouts and family members) of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group hiked up and down Mt Inkerman. The day before Mother’s Day each year Scouts around the world undertake a hike called “Trail Jam” or previously known as “Jamboree of the Trail”.

The ages of the hikers ranged from 2-80 years, and the morning started with a small activity involving compasses and maps before tackling the trail. There was a hot BBQ sausage waiting for all the hikers when they got to the top. The Scouts then had to use their compass to find the magnetic bearing of several landmarks from the lookout.

The weather was very mild and the views spectacular. Before heading back down the trail everyone went to look at the spot where the hang-gliders take off and land. Unfortunately, there were no hang-gliders using Mt Inkerman that day.

The Lower Burdekin Scouts meet on a Thursday night in 12th Ave Home Hill, 5–7 years meet 4pm to 5pm and 8-18 years meet 5.30pm to 7.30pm. People can come along for four weeks free to Try Scouting by contacting Rikki on 0419 104 035.

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It’s time for another Councillor column and it has been a very busy period since my last column, with budget meetings, Anzac Day and the election.

I recently completed a three-day Foundations of Directorship Training course in Brisbane through Lower Burdekin Water, of which I am the Council representative director. It was a very intense, insightful three days and I look forward to bringing that knowledge to my positions as both Director and Councillor.

It was wonderful to read the positive social media post regarding the recent upgrade to the Brandon playground park. Thank you for your very kind words Alex Taran.

As requested by a ratepayer, let’s talk recycling. What CAN go in your Recycle bin - ✔Aluminium and steel cans, aerosols, foil, ✔Glass bottles and jars, ✔Hard plastic packaging (e.g. milk and beverage bottles, bathroom, laundry and household cleaning bottles, food containers), ✔Paper and cardboard - Please remember items must be clean, empty, and loose, with lids removed.

What CAN’T go in your Recycle bin - X No plastic bags or packets (No soft plastics), X No clothing or donatable items, X No scrap metal or timber, X No food or garden waste, X No nappies or general waste, X No electronics or batteries.

A comprehensive guide to recycling can be found on Council’s website.

I’d like to stress the importance of being involved in your community and Council. Council meetings are open to the public and are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9.00am.

A few things happening around our Shire:
• Burdekin Growers Race Day this weekend Saturday 17 May
• Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race at Plantation Park 9.30am Sunday 18 May
• FREE Backyard Waste Disposal - Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May (conditions apply)
• Sweet Days, Hot Nights Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire on Friday 30 May & the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Saturday 31 May
Until next time, stay safe and God Bless.

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More than 60 per cent of growers who attended last week’s town hall meeting in Ayr have signed up—either on the spot or within 48 hours—to supply cane waste to SKY Renewables, according to company CEO Simon Yim.

The event, held at the Ayr Showground Hall on Wednesday 7 May, outlined SKY’s plan to convert sugarcane tops and trash into renewable natural gas (Bio-LNG) for export to energy-hungry markets like Singapore, which relies on liquefied natural gas for 95 per cent of its electricity.

SKY Renewables, founded by Yim, has been working with Burdekin canegrowers since 2018 and is positioning itself as a global first mover in producing renewable gas from sugarcane waste. The proposed value chain would pay growers around $15 per green tonne for the waste, with SKY covering all additional harvesting and logistics costs.

“Renewable natural gas is the only recognised way to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of LNG-fired power generation in Singapore,” Yim said. “Singapore industries face the highest carbon tax in Asia and renewable gas is vital for the nation, which has Asia’s highest GDP per capita.”

The meeting featured a panel including Yim, Canegrowers Burdekin Chair Owen Menkens, QCAR Chair Christian Lago, grower Ricky Mio, and former QSL CEO Greg Beashel.

Led by Yim, the meeting outlined SKY’s plan to carry out its vision. The final hour of the meeting saw the panel field questions from the crowd predominantly made up of local farmers.

SKY is now planning shed meetings and mini town halls across the district from 22 May through to the end of the month. Two larger events are confirmed for Inkerman Hall—1:30 pm on 26 May and 6:30 pm on 28 May.

“I would encourage growers to check in with their friends and neighbours so nobody gets left behind before the 31 May deadline,” Yim said.

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SKY Renewables, founded by Simon Yim, has been working with Burdekin Canegrowers since 2018. Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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Burdekin Christian College will transform into a hub of curiosity and creativity on Friday 23 May, when the school welcomes families and community members to its annual Under 8’s Day Science Fair, running from 9:00am to 10:30am.

The event is all about letting kids explore science in fun, hands-on ways—whether that means mixing up colourful chemical reactions, digging for fossils, or cracking a cookie-themed mystery.
“It’s about unleashing scientific thinking through play,” said event organiser Ronda. “We’ll have all kinds of zones—space exploration, forensic science, medical experiments, biology, and more.”

From crafting model lungs and homemade stethoscopes to examining (plastic) human organs and seeing how the human body works, kids will get a taste of life as a real scientist. They’ll also meet a “walking x-ray” and try their hand at bug hunting and dinosaur digs in the biology lab.

Running for over four years, the fair has become a highlight of the school calendar, drawing crowds of eager learners and families. “It’s usually quite buzzing and the kids are having fun, and running around and doing all the different activities,” said co-organiser Ashlee.

The event will also feature guest appearances from Sweet FM’s live radio team, local police and emergency services, and a tractor display by Honeycombs.

After working up a scientific appetite, visitors can head to the Atomic Café for a well-earned snack.

The public is warmly invited to join in the action, with organisers promising a morning full of laughter, discovery, and wide-eyed wonder.

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Under 8's Day at the Christian College was a huge success last year. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Young storytellers across the Burdekin are being encouraged to tap into their imaginations for the 2025 Sweet Days Hot Writes Short Story Competition, with entries now officially open.

Hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, the competition is open to children aged 5 to 17 who live in the Burdekin region. This year’s theme, “Mystery in the Canefield,” invites participants to draw inspiration from the area’s iconic rural landscape and local culture.

Entrants will compete in three age-based categories, each with its own word limit: children aged 5 to 7 can submit stories of up to 200 words, those aged 8 to 11 can write up to 500 words, and teenagers aged 12 to 17 can submit stories of up to 1,000 words.

Winners in each category will receive a cash prize, and their stories will be published in a digital e-book available on the Burdekin Library’s BorrowBox app — a chance for young voices to be shared with the wider community.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the initiative plays an important role in encouraging creative expression and pride in the region.

“Sweet Days, Hot Writes is a wonderful way to nurture creativity in our young people while shining a light on the rich culture and community spirit of the Burdekin,” she said.

“I encourage all children and teenagers to get involved and share their stories.”

Entries close at 5.00pm on Friday 23 May 2025.

More information, including full terms and conditions, is available by contacting Burdekin Library on (07) 4783 9970 or via email at library@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Over $3.65 Million has been committed to sporting and community groups in the last few weeks with Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, describing the funding as illustrating the government’s commitment to grass roots organisations in the district.

Following a commitment in the lead up to the October 2024 election, planning for facility upgrades at Burdekin Netball is now underway while facility and equipment upgrades for 6 community groups have also been given the green light under the provisions of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

“In areas like ours, sporting and community organisations play a key role in connecting people and also in improving health,” Mr Last said.

“The health benefits from sport are obvious but there’s also volumes of research proving that membership of a community group improves health as well.”

“In addition to the netball facility upgrades there is a scoreboard for the swimming club and equipment for the Burdekin Potters, the Burdekin Off-roaders and the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Both the Giru Progress Association and the Burdekin Artisans will be upgrading their facilities, so we have a great mix of short and medium-term projects.”

“Across the state more than 2000 applications were received so competition for funding was tough. I am immensely proud of the effort put in by our local organisations to secure this funding and they certainly deserve our thanks.”

Mr Last urged groups to start preparing for the next round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) with applications now opening on June 9th June and closing on July 18th.

“We have delayed the opening of the next round in recognition of the impact that weather events earlier in the year had on organisations that are largely run by volunteers,” he said. “Grants of up to $100,000 are available and that gives groups the chance to fund major projects that will provide even more benefits to our community.”

“Gambling Community Benefit Fund grants are available to a wide range of not-for-profit groups across the state, with the funding able to be utilised for a wide range of projects. From facility, equipment and accessibility improvements right through to domestic and family violence initiatives; there is funding available, and I would encourage local groups to apply.”

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It was another busy week for news in the Burdekin.

Among the notable events was the re-opening of Stardust Drive-In Cinema, which welcomed customers for the first time in almost a year-and-a-half, after Cyclone Kirrily left its mark on the beloved, long-standing community hub back in January, 2024.

I decided to give it a go at their soft re-launch last Friday, and it did not disappoint. It was also refreshing to see the community turn up in droves to support the venue, which has been a staple in the Burdekin entertainment scene for over over 60 years.

Speaking of entertainment—I also managed to sus out Capone’s Nightclub on Saturday night. Nothing quite like anything back home in Sydney, but still a neat set-up and I imagine it will be packed this weekend following the races.

Which brings me to the Burdekin Growers Race Day—my first one, and I’m looking forward to it. From what I’ve heard, it’s one of those days that starts with the horses but ends up being about everything else. Good stories, loud shirts, a bit of dust, and a crowd that knows how to enjoy itself.

The pace doesn’t seem to be slowing down around here—and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Can’t wait for the week ahead.

And, as always, if you have a story to tell, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

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