Lifeline has officially shut its Ayr store, becoming the second Burdekin op shop in just over a year to close its doors permanently. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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Lifeline has officially shut its Ayr store, becoming the second Burdekin op shop in just over a year to close its doors permanently.

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The shop ceased trading on 14 August, announcing the closure through signage which read:

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“To our customers, donors, volunteers and supporters, thank you for your loyalty and support over the years. It has been a privilege to serve the Ayr community.”

The reason for the closure remains unclear, with Lifeline contacted for clarity on the details of the decision.

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The longstanding store has suffered the same fate as its charity counterpart, Salvos, which closed its Ayr store just over a year ago after three decades of operation.

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The double-closure has raised eyebrows amid growing demand for second-hand goods across Australia.

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A 2026 national reuse study found Australians reused around 390 million items in one year, saving households an estimated $2 billion.

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The study found the reuse sector supports roughly 6,300 paid roles and 12,000 volunteer positions nationally.

The closures leave Vinnies as Ayr’s sole remaining major charity op shop.

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Casie Scott- NBN Co, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort Photos supplied.

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Burdekin residents and businesses had the chance to explore local connectivity upgrades when the nbn Local team hosted a community drop-in session at Burdekin Plaza in Ayr.

The free session saw the nbn team answering questions, checking upgrade eligibility and outline Fibre to the Premises and Fixed Wireless options available across the region.

nbn Local Regional Development and Engagement Manager Casie Scott said the upgrades could deliver meaningful benefits for households and businesses in Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon.

“Full fibre gives eligible homes and businesses access to faster, more reliable broadband, helping people work, learn, run businesses and stay connected across multiple devices,” Ms Scott said.

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“For regional communities, network resilience is also critical. Stronger connectivity helps communities remain connected during disruptions and supports recovery when reliable communications matter most.”

Burdekin Shire Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort dropped in to the session, speaking with the nbn Local team and hearing about upgrades progressing across the district.

Ms Scott encouraged locals to check what was available at their address and speak with a preferred internet provider about suitable plans.

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Contributed by nbn Local

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When club member Jayson Farry (centre) was diagnosed with glioblastoma earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods (left) and David DeFranciscis (right), who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.

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Three Brandon Bowls Club members have put their heads together to devise a plan they hope will raise $10,000 for cancer care.

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When club member Jayson Farry was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods and David DeFranciscis, who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough.

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“It motivated us to get off our a***s and do something,” David said.

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Now, the trio have teamed up with two prominent cancer foundations to deliver what they believe is the first event of its kind at the club.

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Set for Saturday 19th of September, the event will welcome locals near and far to Brandon Bowls Club for an evening of barefoot bowls, live music, food, drinks, raffles and an auction.

A barbecue will kick off proceedings from 5.30pm, with teams of four bowlers taking to the greens at 6.30pm for social competition.

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David, who will emcee the night, said non-bowlers should not be deterred.

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“There’ll be something for everyone,” he said.

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“Even if you don’t want to play, we’re having the drinks, the barbecue, the music. It doesn’t matter if you’ve only got $1—come out and show your support.”

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Every cent raised from entry fees, food and beverages, raffle entries and general donations will support Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation's mission to provide a cancer journal to newly diagnosed patients at Townsville University Hospital.

The journal will help patients keep track of appointments, access medical information and record important contacts.

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David said it was an idea he and his team were instantly onboard with.

“Once the doctor tells you you've got cancer, your mind goes blank. Your wife starts to cry. You go numb. You don't remember anything,” he said, reflecting on personal experiences.

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“I've told every cancer patient that I've known the last seven years to bring a journal. So when Brighter Lives said to me, ‘we're looking at fundraising for free journals’, I said, ‘we're in.’”

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David said the event has already garnered an “overwhelming” amount of support, with businesses across the region donating raffle and auction prizes and offering goods and services.

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“[The support so far] has been overwhelming for the club. This was just started as a conversation with three guys having a beer,” he said.

“This is what the Burdekin should be about. It makes you feel proud to live in a town that is giving so much.”

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With the event still two weeks away, David urged local businesses interested in helping the club hit its $10k goal to contact him on 0407 596 608.

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Donations can also be made on the night, with beanies and caps supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation available for purchase.

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Entry is set at $15 per person, with discounted beers set at just $5.

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For Anne Moloney, real estate is less about houses and more about people.

That mantra is the culmination of decades of experience across different industries and a lifelong connection to the Burdekin.

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Anne first entered real estate in the 1990s, selling house and land packages with Honeycombes New Homes under the mentorship of John Honeycombe.

Still young, she eventually stepped away from real estate to travel, becoming a parent shortly after and ultimately choosing to focus on raising her family.

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As her three daughters became more independent, however, Anne realised she had unfinished business.

“I knew I wanted to return to real estate,” she said.

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She succumbed to that pull in 2023, joining Explore Property in Ayr under Principal Kylie Lawson.

Returning to the industry after so long meant reacquainting herself with a profession that had since experienced something of a technological evolution.

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But while the tools had changed, Anne soon realised the foundations of the job had not.

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“I believe communication is everything,” she said.

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“Building trust and strong relationships is at the heart of everything I do.”

Much of that people-centred approach was developed during her 10 years as administrator at Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, where she helped keep the club running behind the scenes while simultaneously volunteering as a patrolling member.

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“Working in community service naturally complements real estate. Both are about people,” she said.

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“I genuinely enjoy connecting with people and listening to their stories.”

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And after spending much of her life in the Burdekin, Anne is eager to help others discover what makes the region such a special place.

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“The Burdekin is an incredible place to call home,” she said.

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“Watching my girls flourish here has made me even more passionate about our region, and I genuinely enjoy helping others discover everything our community has to offer.”

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As a Home Lending Specialist, Jade has the opportunity to be part of some significant milestones in people’s lives. Photo supplied.

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For Jade Bywaters, some of the most rewarding moments in her role at Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr come when months – and sometimes years – of planning finally become a reality for a local customer.

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As a Home Lending Specialist, Jade has the opportunity to be part of some significant milestones in people’s lives, from helping first home buyers take their first steps towards home ownership to supporting local families as their needs and circumstances change.

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“The absolute best part of my role is getting to help our locals bring their property dreams to life,” Jade said.

“It is a true privilege to walk alongside our community members through every stage of their journey.”

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Jade joined the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr team in 2019, bringing with her a strong connection to the region. Born in Portland, Victoria, she moved to Ayr when she was eight and has embraced the Burdekin as home.

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It is that local connection that Jade believes is particularly important when working with customers during what can sometimes be an exciting, but also overwhelming, period of their lives.

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For first-home buyers especially, Jade understands that there can be plenty of questions along the way.

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“My priority is to turn that worry into excitement and confidence,” she said.

“It all starts with a friendly, open chat. I always make sure our customers know that there is no such thing as a silly question and that my door is always open.”

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Rather than simply focusing on the financial details, Jade says one of the most important lessons she has learnt is the value of genuinely listening to the person sitting across from her.

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“Our customers have taught me that real listening goes so much deeper than just looking at the financial details; it is about understanding the heart, the family and the dreams behind the numbers,” she said.

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“A home loan application can show us someone's income, but it cannot capture their dream of hosting backyard family barbecues or building a secure foundation for their kids.”

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For Jade, those conversations are what allow genuine relationships to develop. Keeping in regular contact, explaining each stage clearly and being a familiar local point of contact are all part of helping customers feel comfortable and supported.

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And when the hard work eventually pays off, Jade gets to share in the celebration.

“Buying a home often represents years of hard work, saving and careful planning,” she said.

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“To stand at the finish line with them and see the relief and joy on their faces is a wonderful privilege. When they finally hold those keys, it truly feels like a shared celebration.”

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Outside the branch, Jade enjoys life in the Burdekin with her partner Shaun and daughters Kayley and Larah, along with the family’s much-loved collection of animals.

For Jade, being part of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr is ultimately about people – getting to know local customers, understanding what matters to them and being there for some of the biggest moments in their lives.

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Contributed by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr

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The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the management and harvest strategies for Queensland's coral fishery and marine aquarium fish fishery. Photo: Shutterstock.

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The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the management and harvest strategies for Queensland's Coral Fishery (QCF) and Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery (MAFF).

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Operating in approved areas of the Great Barrier Reef, the QCF and MAFF supply specialised aquarium markets in Australia and overseas.

The updates propose new harvest strategies as well as a severe event response plan, aiming to support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries while meeting Commonwealth export requirements.

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The Queensland Government is inviting feedback on these proposals, which aim to strengthen protection of Great Barrier Reef resources, improve climate resilience, maintain access to export markets, and provide greater transparency and certainty for industry and the broader community.

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DPI Deputy Director - General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said the consultation was an opportunity for Queenslanders to have their say on the future management of the fisheries.

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"Queensland's Coral Fishery and Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery operate in one of the world's most unique marine environments, and it's important our management arrangements continue to support both sustainability and industry viability," Ms Jacob said.

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"Community feedback is an important part of the review process and will help ensure the final documents reflect the views of industry participants, stakeholders, researchers and the wider community.

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"I encourage anyone with an interest in these fisheries to review the proposed arrangements and provide their feedback during the consultation period."

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Consultation closes 24 September 2026.

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Samples from a single deceased shearwater found on Castaways Beach (Sunshine Coast) tested positive for H5 bird flu 24th of August, during initial testing at the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL). Photo: Shutterstock.

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The Department of Primary Industries is responding to its second detection of H5 bird flu in Queensland.

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Samples from a single deceased shearwater found on Castaways Beach (Sunshine Coast) tested positive for H5 bird flu 24th of August, during initial testing at the Queensland Government’s Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory (BSL).

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Samples have been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness for confirmatory testing.

There remains no detection in poultry, nor evidence of large-scale deaths in any animals in Queensland.

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H5 bird flu is not able to be eradicated in wild birds and is expected to remain an ongoing wildlife disease that will require continued monitoring and management.

Department of Primary Industries Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Allison Crook said the bird was found as part of Queensland’s enhanced H5 bird flu surveillance program.

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“A member of the public saw this dead bird and immediately reported it. This is one of more than 3,000 reports in Queensland to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline and I thank the public for their support,” Dr Crook said.

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“If you find sick or dead wild birds or wildlife, avoid contact, keep children and pets away, record what you see, and report immediately to the EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888.”

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Dr Crook said Queensland is well prepared to respond to this latest event and the Department of Primary Industries has an Incident Management Team that is responding swiftly, prioritising heightened surveillance, stakeholder engagement and regular public communication.

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“We are continuing our enhanced passive surveillance program throughout the state and would encourage the community and industry to continue to be vigilant,” Dr Crook said.

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Australia now has confirmed detections of H5 avian bird flu in wildlife across most states.

South Australia has also had mass mortality events in wild birds and for the first time in Australia, a confirmed detection in a marine mammal this week.

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The community is being urged to continue to report sick or dead wild birds.

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It’s all happening in the Burdekin, with plenty of community events and activities taking place across the region.

The Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch was held on Saturday and included the announcement of this year’s winners. It was fantastic to see a record number of Junior Ambassadors participate. I’m certainly glad I wasn’t one of the judges, as every entrant should be proud of putting themselves forward and taking on a leadership role.

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This Saturday, Queen Street will come alive for the Water Festival Grand Procession. It’s always a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends, enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate one of the Burdekin’s most cherished traditions.

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Congratulations also to Meals on Wheels on celebrating another anniversary. Organisations such as this are a reminder of the incredible contribution volunteers make to our community. As the saying goes, “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart, and because they have the heart, they find the time.”

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If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit the Burdekin Theatre and enjoy the latest exhibition from the Burdekin Art Society. The display showcases the talent and creativity of local artists of all ages.

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I’ve also been advised that the sugar cane crushing season is expected to finish around the end of October, which is earlier than many anticipated. We thank our growers, mill workers and everyone involved for their hard work throughout the season.

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Finally, it was wonderful to meet with so many residents during my Coffee and Chat session in Home Hill on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along, share ideas and have a conversation about our community.  

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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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With Minister Ann Leahy visiting the Burdekin this week to officially open our new water treatment plant, I welcome her to the district and thank her for taking the time to visit.

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While the Minister is here, I would also like to again highlight the case for our new Ayr Fire Station to become a permanently staffed 24-hour station.

In 2024, Dale Last raised concerns in Parliament that across 318 callouts, a full crew of four auxiliary firefighters was available just once, while on 79 occasions no auxiliaries were available at all.

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The Mayor and I recently met with the Queensland Fire Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Dale Last, representatives from Minister Leahy's office and fire service representatives to discuss the issue.

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I welcome the investment in a new Ayr Fire Station and appreciate there are competing priorities across Queensland. However, with the challenges surrounding auxiliary availability and after hours response, I strongly believe the caseexists for permanent 24-hour coverage in Ayr.

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If we are building a station to serve our community for decades, I hope the opportunity to provide 24 hour staffing can be reconsidered.

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I also want to clear up some misinformation circulating about Groper Creek Caravan Park. Council is not closing the park. The Home Hill Boat Club, which operates the park, has resolved to cease operating it from 1 January 2027 due to its own circumstances.

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Council has been working constructively with the Club on compliance matters and remains willing to assist. The decision to cease operating the caravan park is the Club's, not Council's.

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Opinion Piece by Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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Most Australians do not spend their days reading tax legislation. They are busy working, raising families, running businesses and trying to put something aside for retirement. That is precisely what the Federal Labor government is counting on, sneaking even more tax changes through in their 2026 Budget.

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The Government promised its new capital gains tax changes would leave superannuation alone. Now the Financial Services Council is warning the fine print could expose $372 billion of Australians’ retirement savings to higher tax, potentially raising more than $55 million a year.

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A hidden super tax.

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There may be no bill in the letterbox, but Australians will still pay. And we all know under this Labor government there’s very little left in the household budget after paying the many taxes they enforce, and now they are coming after your hard-earned superannuation as well.

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The impact could work its way through the investment structures used by super funds. Changes to the way capital losses are applied can mean some investments generate a higher tax bill than they would have, under the existing rules. The industry is warning that, ultimately, those costs can flow through to lower returns for Australians’ super.

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That might sound like a technical argument.

It isn’t.

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If your super earns less because more tax is being taken from its investments, you have less money for retirement.

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You might be 35 and watching your super balance grow. You might be 55 and counting down the years until retirement. You might already be retired, relying on your savings to help pay the bills.

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Every dollar that disappears from your retirement savings is a dollar that will not go towards paying for groceries, electricity or healthcare later in life.

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This Labor Government is very good drumming up stories about what it hands out, and very quiet with what it takes. They love announcements and headlines of what Australians are getting, but behind the scenes, the taxes keep growing, giving with one hand, and taking more with the other.

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The extraordinary part is that the Government has already told Australians that super would be carved out of these changes. If that is what they intended, then why hasn’t the legislation been fixed?

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Do not force Australians to spend precious time reading the fine print to realise another promise made by the Prime Minister and Treasurer has been broken.

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People deserve honest taxes made clear at election time with no surprises down the track.

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Superannuation is not the Government’s money. It belongs to Australians who worked for it, saved it, and were told it would be there when they retire.

The Liberals and Nationals will keep fighting against these toxic taxes and hold this deceitful government to account.

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Australians deserve to be able to keep more of what they earn and have confidence that the money they have saved for retirement will remain theirs.

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Meals on Wheels Lower Burdekin marked National Meals on Wheels Day with a celebration at its kitchen on MacMillan Street, Ayr. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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Meals on Wheels volunteers across the country were recognised last Wednesday for the resilience they showed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges that followed.

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For the Lower Burdekin Committee, that meant a small gathering at its MacMillan Street kitchen in Ayr, where volunteers were joined by Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort in marking the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony.

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Saint Andrews Meals on Wheels Lower Burdekin has serviced the Burdekin region for more than 50 years, preparing and delivering nutritious meals to people requiring assistance at home.

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As well as the Burdekin, Meals on Wheels operations across the country took a hit when COVID diagnoses came to light five years ago, with many volunteers aged 70 and over recommended to self-isolate, while younger volunteers stood up.

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Now, Meals on Wheels Australia President, Sharyn Broer has thanked the 76,000 people who continue to volunteer for the organisation, ensuring older Australians remain nourished and safe at home, not only during a pandemic, but every day.

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“We are so thankful for our volunteers,” Mrs Broer said.

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“Regardless of the emergency—devastating bushfires, or in a pandemic, our volunteers continue to roll up their sleeves and deliver life-changing support.”

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While Mrs Broer particularly commended the MOW Lower Burdekin Committee for their “immense resilience through the pandemic,” she said the ongoing sustainability of the service remains its biggest battle.

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Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Senator Richard Colbeck acknowledged the inequitable distribution of funding and advised Meals on Wheels Australia of an upcoming funding review for meal service providers within the next 12 months.

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“We are pleased the Government has recognised the problem,” Mrs Broer said.

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“However, our concerns remain about the timing of the review and the impact this will have on services that are already struggling to remain financially viable.”

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The Burdekin could be among the regional communities to benefit from a Coalition pledge aimed at unlocking thousands of new homes across rural Australia. Photo: alamy.

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The Burdekin could be among the regional communities to benefit from a Coalition pledge aimed at unlocking thousands of new homes across rural Australia.

The Coalition has committed $1.5 billion of its proposed $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund specifically to regional, rural and remote Australia.

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The fund would pay for foundational infrastructure like roads, water and sewerage needed to support development, with the Coalition saying its broader $5 billion commitment could unlock up to 400,000 homes nationally.

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said regional communities needed greater support to accommodate growth.

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“The regions are doing the heavy lifting for the Australian economy. We should not be told to grow, and then left to work out how to pay for that growth ourselves,” Mr Willcox said.

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“We need houses, but we also need the roads, water, sewerage and other infrastructure that makes those houses possible.”

The pledge comes as the Burdekin continues to grapple with a shortage of housing and development-ready land.

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Burdekin Shire Council has already identified infrastructure as a major barrier to housing growth, lodging a $53 million application through the Queensland Government's Residential Activation Fund to unlock about 1,000 residential lots in Ayr.

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The proposed project would deliver trunk infrastructure to growth areas around Craig Street, Chippendale Street and Beach Road, including roads, water and sewerage.

Council is currently awaiting the outcome of its Round 2 RAF application, having previously secured more than $500,000 through the fund's first round for planning, hydraulic modelling and detailed infrastructure design.

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While the Coalition has not yet outlined how its regional allocation would be distributed, Mr Willcox said investment in housing infrastructure would ultimately determine whether regional communities could continue to grow.

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“If a nurse, teacher, tradesperson or young family cannot find an affordable place to live in Dawson, eventually they will look somewhere else,” he said.

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“Businesses cannot expand if they cannot attract workers. Industries cannot grow if workers have nowhere to live.”

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Registered nurse Katie Federici, registered nurse Sarah Morris, Jun Liu (patient), Donald McRae (patient), Wayne Ace (patient), Ambulatory oncology and medical infusion services acting clinical nurse Taija Kennedy, clinical nurse consultant Ainsley Ferrando, and clinical nurse consultant Eve Eynon (on screen). Photo supplied.

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A new telehealth service means Burdekin cancer patients can now receive chemotherapy in Ayr, cutting hours of travel and easing the burden on patients and their families.

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The service will see patients consult remotely with a doctor from the Townsville Cancer Centre and receive treatment under supervision from a trained nurse at the Ayr Health Service.

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Burdekin local Wayne Ace, who was receiving treatment after having a cancer removed, called the service a godsend for him and his family.

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Mr Ace previously had to travel to Townsville for treatment, meaning he could be out of bed by 5am and not home until after 6pm.

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The trip involved blood tests, a doctor consultation and chemotherapy, while finding someone to accompany him could turn treatment into an exhausting full-day commitment for both.

Now, Mr Ace can receive his treatment in Ayr in just a couple of hours every fortnight.

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“It’s relieved a lot of the stress and anxiety of needing to get the treatment which has been huge for my family and me,” he said.

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Ambulatory oncology and medical infusion services acting clinical nurse consultant Taija Kennedy said the service was already proving successful despite being in its early stages.

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“This is quality of life improvement for our Burdekin oncology patients and their friends and family,” Ms Kennedy said.

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The service is currently limited in the number of patients it can treat each week, but Ms Kennedy said there was capacity for it to grow.

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“A lot of work has gone on in the background to make this possible and it’s exciting to see this important service available for our patients in their hometown.”

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Burdekin residents are being encouraged to lace up and take part in Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows Walk this September, helping remember Australians lost to suicide while raising funds for vital crisis support.

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Held in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10th September, participants are challenged to walk nine kilometres; representing the nine Australians who die by suicide each day.

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Participating in the challenge could not be easier, and the walk can be completed anywhere, anytime, either on 10th September or on a date that suits participants, making it an accessible way for individuals, families, workplaces and community groups to get involved.

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All funds raised through the challenge will help Lifeline continue providing 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services across the country, supporting the 3,600 people who contact Lifeline’s crisis support line each day.

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Participants can walk in memory of a loved one, as a personal tribute, or simply to show support for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Community members can register online via www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au and are able to fundraise individually or form a team and walk together.

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What: World Suicide Prevention Day

When: Thursday 10th September

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Close to 40 disadvantaged young people and job seekers will be given a head start in gaining the skills, confidence and support needed to secure sustainable employment in the Burdekin Electorate.

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Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s $215,500 investment in the Burdekin PCYC’s successful Get Set for Work program and the $146,800 investment into WhitsundaySuccess Pathways’ Work Skills Traineeships program to be delivered in Bowen.

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Included in the $46.2 million round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program, the two projects are among 166 across Queensland targeted towards skills shortages in priority industries in our community and region.

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“The Burdekin PCYC’s Get Set for Work program has already proven a success in our community and this round will see a further 36 disadvantaged young adults receive skills industry-recognised training including First Aid, White Card, RSA, RSG and driver licensing support,” Mr Last said.

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“By providing the additional wrap around support as part of both the Get Set For Work and the Whitsunday Success Pathways programs, disadvantaged young adults will receive a holistic experience tailored to each of their needs.”

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“We have already seen the successful results in our community with past participants becoming the skilled workers we need in priority industries like construction, health, community services and hospitality.”

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Mr Last said the state government funded program had the ability to provide real impacts on communities in regional Queensland that often faced significant skills shortages.

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“In order to grow our local workforce and bolster our region’s economy, we need to be able to retain young adults in our community and that means ensuring there are positive career pathways available and the ability to obtain the skills needed in our towns,” MrLast said.

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“Programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s focus of providing better outcomes for workers, employers and local communities.”

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“This is a great outcome for Burdekin and Bowen communities whose economies ultimately benefit from the addition of skilled, local young workers.”

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Supplied by the Office of Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP.

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