Two of Australia’s leading cane organisations have joined forces, in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry. By combining their strengths, the two organisations aim to better serve their members, advocate for sugarcane farmers, and secure a stronger future for the industry.

Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) Chairman Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA).

“By joining forces, we are securing a stronger future for the growth of the sugarcane industry across Australia. This marks a pivotal moment for our industry and by combining our strengths, we can better serve our members and drive positive change.” Mr. Quagliata said.

“Both QCAR and ACFA are committed to strong advocacy for sugarcane farmers, as well as supporting our growers to ensure they get the best possible outcomes for themselves and the next generation.”

The partnership will leverage the collective expertise and resources of both QCAR and ACFA to strengthen the sugarcane industry.

ACFA Chairman Don Murday said the unified approach will amplify the voice of the industry and enhances advocacy efforts to achieve more for the industry.

“We have a laser-sharp focus on working with both State and Federal Governments to ensure the interests of the industry are being considered and met,” Mr. Murday said.

“As part of that push, we are establishing district committees that will have a focus on enhanced regional representation to address some of those challenges and opportunities that aren’t currently being prioritised. The partnership shows our confidence in our collective credibility and capability to enhance outcomes for our members and the broader industry.”

Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture.

“This signifies a new chapter for the sugarcane industry. We are committed to securing a prosperous future for all stakeholders through collaborative efforts,” Mr. Ryan said. 

“Together, QCAR and ACFA will spearhead positive change, nurturing industry expansion, and championing innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the sugarcane industry.”

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ACFA Chair Don Murday, QCAR ACFA CEO Stephen Ryan and QCAR Deputy Chair Christian Lago

Captions: QCAR and ACFA pre-dinner get-together

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QCAR and ACFA post-general meeting dinner

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By Chelsea Ravizza

After decades of shining a light on the extraordinary talents of the region’s youth, 2024 marks the 40-year anniversary of the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod. The eisteddfod has proudly stood as one of North Queensland’s most celebrated talent showcases for young performers since its establishment in 1983 by President, Marie Finn.

Marie introduced the cherished event to the region with two integral principles: fairness and opportunity, and believes the eisteddfod stands as a precious idea in the Burdekin community.

“The eisteddfod is a precious idea – not a building to be maintained, but a concept to be nurtured and a vehicle for the encouragement of the Burdekin’s children’s talent, unknown to them until someone, usually a teacher, tells them they can do it,” explained Marie.

On the March 7 1983, the first official meeting of the Burdekin District Junior Eisteddfod was held with the executive committee of President Marie Finn, Vice President Ronda Holland, Secretaries Gwen Smith and Delma Schultz, Treasurer Dave Dunn, Publicity Rosemary Menkens, and committee members Joyce Crooks, Jean Nuttall, Rose Moss, Bruno Van der Heide, Rosmary Rowan, and Pat Harris.

The eisteddfod once stood as a two-day event and has exponentially grown into a 12-day showcase, hosting extraordinary performances in the areas of dance, music, speech and drama, Highland dancing, Irish dancing, and visual and literary arts presentations.

Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod President Annette Jorgensen reminisces on Marie’s dedication to the arts, and the long-lasting legacy she created for the region all those years ago.

“Mrs Finn was deeply involved in fostering a rich musical culture in the Burdekin region, starting from her early days as a music specialist to her instrumental role in establishing the Burdekin Eisteddfod,” explained Annette.

“The stories Mrs Finn shared with me about overcoming challenges, forming strong bonds with fellow educators and volunteers, and adapting to changing times, highlights the importance of passion and collaboration in nurturing young talents.”

The 2024 Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod will run from Wednesday May 8 until Sunday May 19, and the committee’s coordinators have been busily preparing since October of the previous year.

“There are over 1,000 competitors this year competing in 12 full on days, and we don’t want to give too much away, but we will have some little surprises for our audience members,” explained Annette.

The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod strives to honour Marie and her founding committee, as well as all past, present, and future event organizers in acknowledgement of their commitment to ensuring the arts continues to thrive in the region.

“Their hard work and vision have helped shape the eisteddfod into the vibrant and inclusive event that it is today; providing a platform for artists, musicians and performers to showcase their talents and for the community to come together in celebration,” explained Annette.

“This whole community is waiting for the magic dust to be sprinkled over it once again,” expressed Marie.

“In the words of the song, there is a time for everything, and with the young vibrant committee you have, this could be the time for hard work to be rewarded, with the eisteddfod taking its rightful place as a beloved community event.”

The Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod committee encourages the community to come along to witness the talents of the region’s young performers and invites volunteers to contact Annette at admin@burdekinjunioreisteddfod.com.au. 

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WHAT: Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod
WHEN: Wednesday May 8 until Sunday May 19
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
MORE INFORMATION: burdekinjunioreisteddfod.com.au

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Front Row: Gwen Smith, Marie Finn, Joyce Crooks, Pat Harris
Back Row: Delma Schultz, Bruno Van der Heide, Rosemary Menkins

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During the previous week, on April 23, a Senate committee discussed the potential effects of Federal Government’s suggested fresh food tax, raising major concerns about its implications, including heightened cost of living and elevated grocery expenses for locals.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP are rallying against the proposal, stating that the fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, is as an attack on families and farmers throughout their electorates.

Mr Willcox questioned the proposal, stating, “In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the risks their competitors are creating?

“The new tax makes absolutely no sense. It will hurt families in our electorate, and right across Australia at a time they can least afford it and farmers who are already under pressure.
  
“Farmers will be forced to pass on costs, meaning families will feel more pain at the grocery checkout.

“This Senate inquiry and its outcome is crucial because this new tax will impact almost every single family and approximately 1,500 farmers and farm managers in our electorate of Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.
 
Local grazier Nicholas Holland emphasised that farmers are already battling significant challenges, and will now have to deal with another layer of bureaucracy hitting their bottom line.

“This Fresh Food Tax is unfair to Australian farmers,” Mr Holland said.

“Why should we be forced to pay for the biosecurity of international competitors?

“The levy will add another layer of pressure to our already tight margins, which inevitably will force the producer to pass the cost onto consumers.”

Ms Landry stands firm on the matter and said that every family and farmer deserved to feel angry that the fresh food tax had already been passed in the House of Representatives.

“The Nationals will continue to fight this senseless new tax,” Ms Landry said.

“We will fight for families and we will fight for farmers, especially when it comes to taxes that impact food prices.”

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Set on the backdrop of sleepy, beautiful Bowen, this beachy town is the perfect retreat in the Whitsundays. Away from the typical hive of activity that sees Airlie Beach flurry, Bowen provides a calmer atmosphere to enjoy a family holiday.
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Visit the Cinema
Summergarden Theatre is perfect for a warm day in North Queensland. Constructed in 1948, the modern films meet classic vintage theatre charm.
Located at Queens Beach, the experience that the Summergarden Theatre offers is special and unique and worth the visit outside the hustle and bustle of Bowen’s town centre.

Visit the Big Mango
An absolute must is paying a visit to the famous Big Mango.
Constructed in 2002, the Big Mango sits at 10 metres tall and states its claim over Bowen at the grounds of the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Iconic and proud, the Big Mango depicts a Kensington Pride mango, also known as a Bowen Special.
Having gone missing two times, the Big Mango has a history of its own, of potentially being upside down (with many believing that the lush orange should be on top, rather than the green), and the story of the elusive ant.
Be sure to grab a fresh mango sorbet from the Bowen Information Centre and have a chat with the team!

Dip into the Azure Waters
Bowen is known for its sheltered and secluded beaches, which are inviting and safe from wild ocean critters. Grays Bay, Murray Bay, and Horseshoe Bay are some of the highlighted spots that are particularly perfect for a cool dip in the ocean.
Grays Bay is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean, and has a boat ramp, BBQ, playground and bathrooms, and is great for a BBQ meal and a gentle swim.
Horseshoe Bay is a smaller bay with large rocks and boulders framing the soft sand. With Rotary Lookout to one side, which provides sweeping views of the bay and the Coral Sea, Horseshoe Bay is particularly great to venture to alongside the community markets.

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The much loved comical, mind-blowing, and wildly entertaining theatrical showcase, the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival, will grace the Burdekin Theatre’s stage on 31 May for its 49th year.

Each of the region’s secondary schools; Ayr State High School, Home Hill State High School, Burdekin Catholic High School, and the Burdekin Christian College are set to perform a one act play in a non-competitive environment to showcase their talents to audiences.

The Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival stands as an annual event hosted by Home Hill High School, and organised by Home Hill High School’s Drama Coordinator, Wendy Viero.

“The Burdekin Interschool Drama festival isn’t a competition, it’s an amazing showcase where the schools can put on a fun performance for over 400 patrons,” explained Wendy.

“The students not only act, but they often produce the pieces, direct them, and they also have the opportunity to run the sound and lighting for their performances under the guidance of the theatre technical staff which is a fantastic and unique opportunity for the students to use the professional equipment with advice from theatre professionals.”

Scheduling around many of the regions celebrated cultural events, the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival had been postponed to the 31 May for 2024 rather than running earlier in the year.

“Everything has been running smoothly and having to push the event back to a later date, our students have had a lot more time to rehearse and prepare for a fantastic show,” shared Wendy.

Although a non-competitive showcase, students’ talents are celebrated with awards for the best actors, supporting actors, and directors and the 2024 Interschool Drama Festival will debut a memorial award in honor of the late Barry Jones.

“Barry jones was a gentleman who had been involved with theatre in the Burdekin for many years, and after receiving funding from the Burdekin Theatre last year, we now have a prize dedicated to his memory called the Barry Jones Award,” explained Wendy.

Wendy and the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival’s organisational committee have been busily preparing for the end of May event, and the community is invited to come along and witness each of the school’s extraordinary talents.

WHAT: Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival
WHEN: Friday 31 May 6:30pm
WHERE: Burdekin Theatre
COST: $25

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Home Hill Police Station counter will be closed for administration related inquiries from 3:00pm 3 May 2024 until 2 June 2024 due to Josie being on leave.
 
For any inquiries relating driver licencing or firearms, please attend –
 
Queensland Transport functions: 
   • Online at - www.tmr.qld.gov.au
   • Ayr QGap (Ayr Courthouse) 163 Queen Street, Ayr - 8:30am – 4:30pm
 
Firearms:
   • Online at - www.police.qld.gov.au
   • New Applications – Australia Post 155 Queen Street, Ayr – 9:00am -5:00pm
   • Renewals - Ayr Police Station 165 Queen Street, Ayr - 8:00am -3pm
 

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A lively audience of 70 people attended the fifth annual Rags to Runway event which was held at the Greek Hall in Home Hill over the weekend.

The event saw creatives all kinds come together to exhibit their extraordinary fashion designs which saw entrants transform everyday items into stunning pieces of clothing.

This eco-friendly extravaganza is an opportunity for the community to repurpose items, sending a message of renewal, while also flexing their creative muscles for all to enjoy.

Sponsored by Bendigo Community Bank, representative Christine Delaney was present on the day and handed out one of the awards.

There were five categories for participants to nominate which varied from racewear to budget, accessories to trendsetter.

Zahli Keating came first in the Junior Up to The Age of 13 Category followed by Elora Keating.

The Junior 14-18 Category was won by Taylor Luke.

Kathy Contzonis came first, and Lyn Luke came second in the Open Category.

Racewear was won by Kathy Contzonis with Desley Jackson coming in second.

Lyn Luke took out the Budget category followed by Desley Jackson who was second.

Trendsetter Racewear Budget first place was awarded to Kathy Contzonis followed by Lyn Luke.

Accessories was won by Desley Jackson and Rebekah Oakes came in second.

Everyone had a fabulous time, and a highlight was when the audience was invited to participate by challenging themselves to create a fashion item using only plastic bags, sticky tape and scissors.

“There were a lot of crazy creations that came out of it, but it was a lot of fun,” said organiser Sandi Milani.

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Some of the amazing creations modelled by some of the Burdekin’s best fashionistas. Photo supplied

The audience was challenged to create a fashion item using only plastic bags, sticky tape and scissors. Photo supplied

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The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club held its major fundraising event on Saturday night. With the theme of ‘Roaring 20s’, Take the Floor 2024 took guests back 100 years to a classy evening out in flapper dresses and feathered headdresses.
The crowd were entertained throughout the evening by the four dancing couples of Mick Fraser & Shirley Marshall, Thom Pickersgill & Jane Olsen, Jimmy Hayllor & Rory Jorgensen, and Leigh Ryan & Julia Nosworthy. They absolutely wowed the audience with their fancy fast feet, tapping toes, challenging carries, enthusiastic energy and catching costumes.
After performing two dances each, a 1920s themed number and a freestyle choice, the judges and viewers made their decisions and crowned the victors. Leigh Ryan and Julia Nosworthy were awarded the overall winner of Take the Floor 2024 and the honour of Viewer's Choice went to Jimmy Hayllor and Rory Jorgensen.
The crowd then partied the night away testing out their own dance moves to live band 'Godfathers of Funk'. The Ayr Surf Club would like to thank all who came along and supported this event.

Back row L-R: Jane Olsen and Thom Pickersgill; Judges Mitchell Pearce, Bronwyn Nucifora and Fanny McHairy, Shirley Marshall and Mick Fraser. Front Row L-R: Leigh Ryan, Julia Nosworthy, Rory Jorgensen and Jimmy Hayllor. Photo credit: Kellie Lawry

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Take The Floor 2024

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Judges Fanny McHairy, Bronwyn Nucifora and Mitchell Pearce
Yana Perry and Kaylah Fraser
Chloe Rehbein, Ashley Toll and Kaitlyn Warren
Kate Caley and Jan Hatherell
Sarah and Steven Shears
Danica Archibald, Kari Millar, Anita Penny and Suzette Wallace
Chris Wicks and Danny Horan
Damien Ricketts, Krystel Giehlick and Danny Horan
Melinda Cosgrove, Jonette and Leigh Ryan
Corryn Innes, Maria Lejarraga, Natasha Becke and Stacey Bonato

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Hi readers
This will be my last ‘editor’s note’ for the next couple of weeks because, as of tomorrow (Thursday), I’ll be on holidays!
Firstly, I’m heading down to Brisbane for a couple of days to spend some time with my girlfriend Jakita and do some last-minute shopping and preparing before I head to Norfolk Island for a week with my mum, dad and sister.
I’ve been talking to a few locals who have been to Norfolk before and hearing their stories has me incredibly excited.
I’m excited to soak in the natural beauty of the islands and explore the beaches, walking trails, and national parks.
Mum and Dad love their history, so we’ll be sure to take in the fascinating past.
Plus, I hear the island is a foodie’s delight – not that I consider myself a foodie, but I’ll be sure to sample some of the delicious food on offer.
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to take a break and spend some much-valued time with the family – it’s been many years since the four of us have taken a holiday like this together!
As for the newspaper, never fear – some colleagues of mine from Airlie Beach will be making their way up to the region throughout my absence, so make sure to say g’day if you see them floating around.
As always, email editorial@burdekinlife.com if you’d like to get in touch.
Enjoy the read and I’ll see you all in a couple of weeks!

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The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce have thrown their support behind local chaplaincy through a donation made to Scripture Union at last week’s Social and Networking Event.
The donation came after Scripture Union School Chaplain John Mackay passionately and emotionally shared his experience as a school chaplain at last month’s event.
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson and Treasurer John Clarke presented a $500 donation to Home Hill State High School Chaplain Jenny Dowie at the event last Wednesday, April 17.
15kg of honey had also been donated to Mr Mackay following his presentation last month by Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Vice President Uli Liessman to be used at ‘breaky club’.
“His (John Mackay) message went across very well, because at the last executive meeting, it was decided that we would make a donation to the chaplains at the Home Hill State High School to help with the work they’re doing at the school,” said Mr Jackson.
Ms Dowie has worked as a chaplain at Home Hill State High School for 17 years and shared her experiences with the Chamber on the night.
“My role as school chaplain is to provide social, emotional and spiritual sport to students, their parents, their carers, and the school teachers and staff,” Ms Dowie said.
“I believe in supporting our students holistically and I’m passionate about helping our students to obtain healthy self-esteem, strong resilience and skills such as conflict resolution and stress management.
“I’m so very happy that Home Hill High continues to place great emphasis on the holistic wellbeing of our students and staff.
“With the amazing support of my school, I try my best to provide the best care practises and support for our school community.
“Home Hill High is truly a caring school community that I’m so very proud to be a part of.”

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Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Treasurer John Clarke, Home Hill State High School Chaplain Jenny Dowie and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson

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The Burdekin Library celebrated its 40th birthday last week, marking four decades of fostering a love for literature and learning within the community.
The Ayr branch of the library officially opened on March 31, 1984 with the Home Hill branch following a week later, opening on April 7, 1984.
Cake-cutting events were held at each of the branches to commemorate the significant milestone, celebrating 40 years of stories at the Ayr Library on Tuesday April 16 and the Home Hill Library on Wednesday April 17
Burdekin Shire Council welcomed the community to revel in the memories, accomplishments and stories that have defined the library’s rich history.
Former staff and loyal patrons were invited to commemorate the remarkable journey of the Burdekin Library over the past four decades.
The Burdekin Libraries serve as dynamic community hub, devoted to fostering lifelong learning, enhancing literacy and nurturing an affection for reading.
Offering an extensive array of resources, programs and services tailored to individuals of all ages and interests, the libraries provide a welcoming space for all to come together.
For more information or to register your interest, phone the Burdekin Library on 4783 9970 or email library@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Library Officer Carli Kovacich and former Library Officer of 27 years Jocelyn Defranciscis

Current and former staff as well as regular patrons gathered at the Home Hill Library last week to celebrate 40 years

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Despite thousands of local residents and business owners putting pen to paper to call for more plain clothes police officers in the Burdekin, Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the Minister has once again left the region with stretched police resources and frustrated residents to fight a surge in youth crime.
More than 3,000 business owners and residents signed the petition for bolstered local police and funding for interim security patrols following soaring crime rates and a community left frustrated by instances of youth crime in the area.
Mr Last said the Minister’s response to the petition was a slap in the face to every victim of crime and front-line police officer in the Burdekin.
“Community safety falls squarely at the feet of this Minister and once again he has demonstrated he’s willing to leave residents and business owners in Ayr and Home Hill to take matters into their own hands,” Mr Last said.
“Over recent months, we’ve seen business owners and residents left to conduct afterhours patrols just to ensure their cars are still in the driveway the next morning and going by the response from the Minister, obviously he considers that acceptable in our small town.
“Not only did the Minister shirk requests for additional security patrols to ensure community safety, he’s ignored calls from within for additional plain clothes officers at Ayr Police Station.”
Mr Last said the Minister’s attempt to side-step the responsibility of providing additional police resources to the Commissioner was a clear sign he wasn’t interested in improving community safety in the Burdekin.
“Queenslanders have seen through the campaign line about increased police numbers in the state and we know that in fact, there were 322 less police officers in Queensland between July 2022 and December last year and that is not good enough,” Mr Last said.
“Despite claiming that allocating resources is a matter for the commissioner, the reality is that the Minister could overrule the commissioner and in fact could have provided the additional plain clothes officers.
“We may not live in a bigger city or regional town, but it doesn’t mean we should be left to feel we need to fend off young offenders on our own because the Minister has ignored calls from within our police and community for more resources.”

Member for Burdekin Dale Last and Steve Wagner. Photo supplied

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At 3:15pm on Monday April 8, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Norham Road, Ayr. The driver, a 52yr old Burdekin man, was issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) for driving with a relevant drug in his saliva, disqualified driving and possessing a drug utensil. He is due to appear in Ayr Magistrates Court on June 24.
At 4:50pm on Tuesday April 16, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Bruce Highway, Inkerman. As a result, a 55yr old Bowen woman was issued a NTA for drink driving, .053.  She is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on May 27.
At 7:20pm on Thursday April 18, Ayr Police intercepted a vehicle on Airdmillan Road, Ayr. As a result, a 54yr old Burdekin man was issued a NTA for drink driving, .064. He is due to appear in the Ayr Magistrates Court on May 7.
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Snr Sgt Steve Barton
OIC Ayr

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The Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the regional regatta day at the Loam Island Scout Group in Townsville on Sunday April 14. The weather was very good for the water activities.  Roughly 100 Scouts aged 5 to 15 years and 30 adults attended the day which involved raft making, canoeing, and land activities. The Lower Burdekin Scouts were members of the crew on the winning raft.
Recently, the Lower Burdekin Scouts were practising their fire lighting and fire safety in preparation for a camp on the coming long weekend on Magnetic Island.
If anybody is interested in trying Scouting for free, they can come along to the Lower Burdekin Scout Den on a Thursday night at Eighth St, Home Hill or ring Rikki on 0419104035 for more detail.

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Contributed by Chris Berkery

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Lower Burdekin Scout Group attended the regional regatta day in Townsville

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The Burdekin Sugar Rush will have the region moving and cheering on Sunday April 28 when it returns for its 22nd year in the region.

The event stands as a spectacle for the entire community to attend, with participants encouraged to run or walk to complete either 5km, 10km or 21km, and onlookers to support by coming along to Anzac Park from 5am.

Once again, the Burdekin Sugar Rush will host the half marathon distance, doubling as the Athletics North Queensland Championship race as well as including various categories suitable for juniors as young as 11 years old to compete in.

Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers President, Patrick Shannon believes this year will be one of Sugar Rush’s best.

“We are expecting a big field of both local runners, and many athletes from right around the North Queensland region,” expressed Patrick.

The half marathon will kick off the spectacular Sunday, with Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Court on hand to ‘ready set go’ the event at 6:30am.

“I’m looking forward to the event and am ready to have some fun by participating myself,” expressed Mayor Dalle Court.

The 10km will begin at 7:15am, followed by the 5km at 7:30am, and the Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers have been busily preparing for the day ahead.

“The Rotary Club will be providing runners and supporters with a cooked breakfast and McDonalds pancakes to keep competitors and supporters fed and fueled,” explained Patrick.

Registrations are still open for the 2024 Burdekin Sugar Rush until 1pm Saturday April 27.

Patrick Shannon and the Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers Club invite the whole community to run, walk and support this amazing event, and encourages those interested to contact the club for more information.

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WHAT: Burdekin Sugar Rush
WHEN: Sunday April 28 from 6:00am
WHERE: Anzac Park, Ayr
REGISTER: burdekinroadrunners.com.au

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Burdekin Road Runners & Walkers are hosting the 2024 Burdekin Sugar Rush this Sunday. Photo supplied

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