Volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre, like Patricia Herd

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Age is just a number for 91-year-old Patricia Herd, who has spent the last 15 years volunteering at the Visitor Information Centre in Ayr. Here’s what she has to say about the role:

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What inspired you to volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre?

Fourteen years ago, a friend told me the VIC was looking for volunteers. I thought I would enjoy the role—and I have found it immensely rewarding ever since.

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What’s a typical shift like?

A typical shift is always interesting. I meet visitors from overseas and across Australia, many of whom are enjoying our pleasant winter weather.

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What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the VIC?

I most enjoy sharing my knowledge of local attractions and helping visitors plan the next stage of their journey. Whether they are travelling north or south, I can provide information, brochures and maps highlighting the many attractions North Queensland has to offer.

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What surprised you the most about the role?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy speaking with visitors from many different countries and backgrounds.

Also, the SS Yongala Virtual Reality Experience. By wearing VR goggles, visitors can explore one of the world’s top shipwreck dives without getting wet, while learning about the tragic maritime disaster of 1911.

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What makes a great VIC volunteer?

Dedication, punctuality, reliability and the love of chatting with people of all ages and nationalities.

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Why should someone give volunteering at the VIC a try?

Volunteering at the VIC is a rewarding way to connect with the community and meet people from near and far. It also gives me the opportunity to share my passion for the local area, give back in a meaningful way and show pride in the place I call home.

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Residents interested in becoming a volunteer at the Burdekin Visitor Information Centres can contact Council’s Tourism team on (07) 4783 9800 or email tourism@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Thursday 3 September

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Tech Together Workshop, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition, 10am-4pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

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Friday 4 September

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Art Classes with Anne Walsh, 9am-2pm, 170 Arts on the Avenue, Home Hill

Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition, 10am-4pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Burdekin Netball Association Deb of the Year, additional details will be released closer to the date

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Saturday 5 September

Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition Final Showing & Closing Evening, 10am-9pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras

Saturday, 4:30pm-11pm

Celebrate the Burdekin Water Festival, one of Queensland’s longest-running community events, culminating in a spectacular Grand Parade, Mardi Gras, live entertainment, rides, markets and family fun lighting up Queen Street, Ayr in a vibrant night of community celebration. Visit burdekinwaterfestival.com.au for more information.

Queen Street, Ayr

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Sunday 6 September

Burdekin Plantation Park Markets, 8am-12pm, Plantation Park, Ayr

Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting, 1:45pm-5pm, Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

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Monday 7 September

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Tuesday 8 September

RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Community Gardening Morning Tea, 9am-12pm, Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Zonta Club Burdekin Inc Dinner Meeting

Tuesday, 6:15pm

You are warmly invited to join us at a Zonta Dinner Meeting, an evening of connection, inspiration, and community spirit. Enjoy a delicious meal and connect with like-minded people who are passionate about making a positive difference. Learn more about Zonta’s work in empowering women and girls in our community through advocacy, education, and service.

ANZAC Memorial Club, Ayr

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Thursday 10 September

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

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Friday 11 September

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Saturday 12 September

Car Boot Sale, 8am-12pm, Ashworths Rock Shop Carpark, Home Hill

Giru Show

Saturday, 8am-5pm

Enjoy a true country day out at the Giru Show, featuring local exhibits, market stalls, live entertainment, machinery displays, yard games and family fun, including a lolly drop and sugarcane competition at Brolga Park.

Brolga Park, 11 Carey Street, Giru

Ayr Golf Club Men’s Open Championship, 10:30am, Ayr Golf Club, Ayr

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Sunday 13 September

Ayr Golf Club Men’s Open Championship, 8:30am, Ayr Golf Club, Ayr

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Monday 14 September

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Artists from across Queensland have put their work on display in Ayr, with 187 entries received for the 2026 Annual Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition.

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The exhibition opened at the Burdekin Theatre foyer on Saturday 29^th August, and will remain open from 10am to 4pm each day until Saturday 5^th September, coinciding with the Burdekin Water Festival Mardi Gras and Parade.

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Entry is free, with visitors able to view and purchase works across a range of categories including acrylic, oil, mixed media, pastels, watercolour and drawing.

Kerrie Christensen took out the exhibition’s $1000 Open Prize for her drawing Pretty Little Girl.

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The exhibition also features dedicated categories and prizes for Burdekin artists, as well as a children’s section which attracted strong participation this year.

Generous sponsorship from businesses across the Burdekin and Townsville has allowed the society to offer monetary prizes and attract artists from throughout Queensland.

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The annual exhibition also helps promote the Burdekin as a destination for artists, with entrants travelling to the region to take part.

Exhibition coordinators Tamika Savorgnan and Joanne Barbagallo have worked with the Burdekin Art Society committee since April to organise this year’s event.

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Their preparations included securing sponsors, allocating prize money, distributing and processing entry forms and coordinating the exhibition’s set-up.

Townsville artist Carole Howlett, an accredited external judge, assessed this year’s entries and awarded the prizes.

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Burdekin Art Society members also volunteered to set up and dismantle the exhibition.

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The society was established 55 years ago by Cecilia Spottiswood and a group of artists and community members.

It has since evolved through several meeting places and locations, providing local artists with opportunities to paint, develop their skills and build friendships.

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The society is now based at 154 Macmillan Street, Ayr, where members have painted murals across the building and transformed it into an art gallery showcasing their work.

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Members meet at the gallery every Tuesday from 9.30am to noon to paint, exchange ideas and socialise.

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The society also holds weekend seminars throughout the year, with accredited trainers helping members develop their skills across different artistic mediums.

New members of all skill levels are welcome.

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For more information, contact president Luisa Delle-Baite on 0448 509 927 or email burdekinartsocietyince@gmail.com.

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Contributed by the Burdekin Art Society

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Salted Roots owner Candace Young pitched the project—dubbed ‘Meet Ya on Eighth’—at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting last week. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.

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The couples behind two of Home Hill’s newest businesses have joined forces to launch an ambitious initiative aimed at breathing fresh life into the town’s main street.

Salted Roots owner Candace Young pitched the project—dubbed ‘Meet Ya on Eighth’—at the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting last week, calling on residents, Council and local traders to rally behind the town’s commercial hub.

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The proposal, conceived by Candace and her husband Scott alongside Scrubby’s Teahouse owners Neil Machin and Patricia Thomas, would see Eighth Avenue host a monthly evening gathering designed to drive local trade and strengthen community connections.

While details are still being ironed out, Candace said the broad plan would include live local music, local makers and market stalls, food vendors and cafes, family-friendly activities, participating businesses trading later and a Community Long Table where people could sit, eat, talk and enjoy the evening together.

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She also pitched the event as an opportunity to give young local performers a stage to share their talents, with tentative plans to close off a portion of the Eighth Avenue service road to create a mini-market atmosphere complete with a stage.

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For organisers, it is a chance to build on recent momentum within the town’s commercial sphere.

“Like many rural towns, Home Hill has become quieter and empty shopfronts have replaced some of the bustle that once defined our town—but something encouraging is happening,” she said.

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“New businesses are opening, existing businesses continue to invest, and there is renewed belief in Home Hill. Meet Ya on Eighth – Rediscover Home Hill is an opportunity to build on that momentum and give our community a reason to gather again.”

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The pitch drew strong backing from attendees at the AGM, securing immediate support across the local business community.

Candace said the aim was to have the event up and running before the end of the year, with plans to be formalised and lodged with Council.

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Organisers hope it can become a Home Hill mainstay, drawing on the town’s golden era while forging a path towards a new future.

“Meet Ya on Eighth is not about recreating the past. It is about honouring what made Home Hill special while creating something new for its future,” she said.

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“Let’s fill our streets with music instead of silence. Let’s replace empty footpaths with friendly conversations. Let’s give people a reason to come back into town, a reason to stay and a reason to be proud of Home Hill again.”

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Director Thom Pickersgill said seeing the production take shape after months of Sunday rehearsals has been rewarding. Photo source: Ayr State High School

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The Burdekin is set for a weekend of ghoulish comedy, tangos, and toe-tapping musical numbers as Ayr State High School presents its production of The Addams Family.

Opening at the Burdekin Theatre this Friday evening, the production marks the culmination of months of dedication from student performers and staff, transforming the iconic macabre clan into an energetic theatrical showcase.

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The musical follows Wednesday Addams after she secretly falls for Lucas Beineke, a “normal” boy from Ohio. When her father Gomez promises to keep the secret from Morticia, chaos erupts during a fateful dinner party where two vastly different families collide, forcing the clan to face secrets, change, and acceptance.

Director Thom Pickersgill, involved with ASHS and Burdekin Singers for over a decade, said seeing the production take shape after months of Sunday rehearsals has been rewarding.

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“We're at a point now, a week out from production, where I can see all of the different layers actually come together,” Mr Pickersgill said.

ASHS school captain and lead performer Caitlyn Cheyne said audiences could expect something vastly different to mainstream iterations of the story.

“It isn't like the Addams Family movie or the series on Netflix,” Caitlyn said.

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“The behaviours of the characters are similar, but because this is specifically a musical, it's completely different to the TV shows.”

For her co-lead and fellow school captain Ayden Barnett, stepping into his role as Gomez has meant mastering a Spanish accent.

“This is the first character that I've ever done that had an accent,” Ayden said.

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“It's definitely been through a lot of stages of evolution. At the start, I think you could probably say it was more Jamaican, but now it's got a proper European flair to it.”

The pair of long-time performers round out a tight-knit core cast who have performed together since primary school.

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Mr Pickersgill said watching the group develop even further was his “favourite thing.”

“When I do musicals, I make sure that the kids are the most important thing on stage and that their experience is positive,” he said.

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“It’s all about building up those relationships with each other, relationships with the audience, and the experience overall.”

He hopes crowds can also leave with something after the weekend’s performances.

“I hope audiences leave realising that someone's normal might not necessarily be someone else's normal, that family can be accepted in any shape or form, and that they see the talent we have within our school,” Mr Pickersgill said.

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The show runs at the Burdekin Theatre from Friday, 21 August to Sunday, 23 August, with evening performances at 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and a 12:00 pm matinee on Sunday. Tickets can be booked here:

https://www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/Ayr-State-High-School-presents-The-Addams-Family-School-Edition

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2025 Junior and Senior Ambassadors at last year’s Long Lunch. Photo: Sharon Bozzetto.

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The Burdekin’s next generation of community leaders will take the spotlight when the 2026 Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch returns to Populin’s Hall later this month.

The annual celebration will be held from midday on Saturday, 29th of August, bringing together the festival’s Junior and Senior Ambassadors for the first time.

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This year’s event, proudly presented by QMN Manufacturing, will culminate in the crowning of the 2026 Junior and Senior Ambassador winners and runners-up.

Ambassador Coordinator Kari Ravizza said bringing both programs together would make for a particularly special occasion.

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“I think it’ll be really special having everyone in the same room, celebrating what they’ve achieved and the friendships they’ve made along the way,” she said.

“It’s a lovely way to finish off the Ambassador Program and celebrate them all before we crown our 2026 Junior and Senior Ambassadors.”

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Guests can expect a “River Country, Burdekin Style Picnic at Populin’s”, with the afternoon themed around gathering, grazing and celebrating.

Live entertainment will be provided by Sneaky Beats, while guests are encouraged to embrace a cocktail dress code with “a touch of country, a touch of elegance”.

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The event will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the 2026 ambassadors and the friendships forged throughout the program.

Tickets are priced at $85 and are now available.

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The 2026 Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch will be held at Populin’s Hall from midday on Saturday, 29th of August.

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Thursday 20 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Community Cuppa, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

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Friday 21 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Ayr State High School Presents The Addams Family School Edition, 7pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

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Saturday 22 August

Burdekin Mixed Touch Football Carnival

Saturday, 8am-5pm

Get set for a fast-paced day of action at the Burdekin Mixed Touch Football Carnival, bringing together teams across all ages and skill levels for competitive, high-energy matches, strong community spirit and plenty of exciting footy at the Ayr Touch Fields.

Ayr Touch Fields, 142 Wickham Street, Ayr

Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Monthly Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle, 10am-2pm, Pets Domain Ayr, 93 Graham Street, Ayr

Fresh Off Da Boat, 7pm-12am, Ayr Showgrounds Hall, Ayr

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Monday 24 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Tuesday 25 August

RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Thursday 27 August

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

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Friday 28 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Burdekin Support Group of Parkinsons, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Saturday 29 August

Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition Opening Evening

Saturday, 7pm-10pm

Explore creativity at the Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition, a weeklong celebration of talent showcasing stunning works from artists across Queensland and beyond, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience a vibrant display of colour, skilland inspiration at the Burdekin Theatre.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

QMN Manufacturing Presents Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch, 12pm, Populins Hall, 95-97 Queen Street, Ayr

Kalamia Hotel’s 100th Birthday, TBA, Kalamia Hotel, Queen Street, Ayr

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Sunday 30 August

Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition, 10am-4pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

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Monday 31 August

Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition, 10am-4pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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Born into a household full of Holden diehards, Judith Menso’s love affair with cars was virtually predetermined.

And when a 1977 LX Torana Hatchback came up for sale in town 30 years ago, Judith saw the skeleton of what could be so much more.

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“I always wanted a Torana,” she said.

“My parents didn’t want to drive me to TAFE every day, so they bought me the car and I paid them back so I could make the modifications to it that I wanted to.”

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Those modifications would see the vehicle morph into the award-winning showpiece that it is today.

Originally blue and powered by a four-cylinder Opel engine, it wasn’t long before Judith had a friend install a Holden 308 V8 under the hood.

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But after years of use and several paint jobs, the major rebuild began much later in 2019.

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The car had fallen into disrepair and was rarely being driven, prompting the pair to strip it back and start all over. They completely dismantled the car to a bare shell before rebuilding it from the ground up on a rotisserie.

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Two years later, they unveiled the finished Torana at the inaugural Rockynats in 2021.

Just one year after that, the car was one of the stars of the show at Summernats in Canberra, not only earning a position in the Top 60 Elite Hall, but also cracking the Top 10. It was also invited to the Motorex Superstars Hall in Melbourne, tying off a fruitful year.

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“It was absolutely amazing! Just a car built in the Burdekin,” Judith exclaimed.

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She particularly thanked her husband Rodney, a panel beater and spray painter by trade, for his efforts in building and since maintaining the vehicle.

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“[I hope] people notice the quality of workmanship and our attention to detail,” she said.

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“This was 80% done by Rodney in our own shed.”

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Meet the car that’s been taking social media by storm.

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It was four years ago that Jaidyn’s father noticed a derelict 1998 Commodore sitting under a mango tree, lifeless.

But even then, Jaidyn and his father saw its potential.

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After prizing it from its owner and towing it home, the wheels began turning on the project that would eventually capture the attention of millions.

The car has since undergone a complete mechanical and cosmetic rebuild, including refreshed front and rear cradles, new bushes throughout, Raptor-coated underbody and custom brake and fuel lines.

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Under the bonnet now sits a cammed LS1 with an LSXR intake manifold, producing 410hp at the wheels and controlled by a Haltech Rebel LS ECU.

Finished in Raven Mica Pearl with a two-inch cowl bonnet, 20-inch chrome Walkinshaw wheels and a bagged rear, the exterior is matched by a custom red-and-black suede interior with red Coulson seats and a carbon-fibre steering wheel.

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“What makes this car special to me isn't just the list of modifications. It’s the amount of work that has gone into the parts most people will never see,” said Jaidyn.

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“I hope that people notice the time, effort and passion that has gone into building it … [and] to appreciate not just the finished car, but the journey that went into creating it.”

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But Jaidyn says the project has been about more than merely building a pretty vehicle.

It has given him lifelong memories with his father, built him a fanbase across the world, and introduced him to a community where he belongs.

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“That's one of the best things about being involved in the car community,” he said.

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“It’s not just about the cars. It’s about the people you meet along the way.”

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The McIntosh’s have always been a car family. “Rev heads,” as mother Maria puts it.

It’s an identity that began with her husband Mark and the beloved V8 Torana he piloted back in his teenage years. Decades later, that affinity for cars has extended beyond just himself.

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He and Maria, a Burdekin Motors employee for over 32 years, have raised two kids who never fell far from the tree.

Their son Jaidyn has built a reputation across the state for his fully rebuilt 1998 Commodore, garnering 1.8 million views on a TikTok post featuring the car. Their daughter Bella, who bought Jaidyn’s modified Ford Falcon, is “the ultimate rev head, just like her brother,” Maria says.

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Their common love for cars has taken the family to auto shows all across Queensland, Maria said.

“We used to go to the V8s, drag racing, and car shows all the time,” she said.

“That was just part of our culture with the kids as they grew up.”

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But after years of travelling up and down the state, they thought it was about time the Burdekin had its very own premier auto event.

Enter Burdekin Motor Madness.

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The show is the family’s brainchild, a collision of their love for cars and everything they’ve gleaned from events they’ve attended in the past.

The family are operating as a not-for-profit to bring the event to fruition, with locals Chris and Tayla Quagliata, Jaidyn’s fiancee Ally, and Bella’s partner Jayden pitching in to form a total committee of just eight.

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And after two-and-a-half years of blood, sweat and tears, Maria believes the team has created an event that has never been seen before in the Burdekin.

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“We’d been to other car shows like Rockynats. We wanted to bring something like that to the Burdekin, because we know there are a lot of beautiful cars in our area, and a lot of car enthusiasts here as well,” she said.

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“There have been similar events here in the past, but nothing on this level with the other attractions. Our intention is not to just make it a car show, but a motor show that will have a bit of everything … and benefit the whole of the Burdekin and surrounding areas.”

Now on the home stretch of preparation, Maria praised the efforts of everyone involved in helping the inaugural event find its feet.

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“It still doesn't feel real until the day is actually here,” she said.

“It’s taken lots of phone calls, lots of emails, and many nights up till midnight doing paperwork all while working full time.

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“We are so grateful to anyone that has contributed in any way, financially but also through their support as well. And if it wasn't for our sponsors we would have nothing.

“Hopefully we can attract a high volume of public support ... and put on a bigger show next year.”

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8:00am: PUBLIC GATES OPEN, SHOW ‘N’ SHINE

9:30am: STAGING FOR GO TO WHOA

9:45am:DRIVER’S BRIEFING

10:00am - 12:00pm: GO TO WHOA - ROUND 1, ROUND 2 & FINALS

12:45PM: STAGING FOR SLALOM

1:00PM - 3:00PM: SLALOM - ROUND 1, ROUND 2 & FINALS

4:00PM: SUPER CRUISE

5:00PM: PRESENTATIONS

6:00PM: GATES CLOSE

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The event will showcase everything from exotic Lamborghinis and TikTok-famous custom builds to high-performance bikes, boats and a series of driving events. Photo supplied.

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If the ground begins to tremor in Ayr this Saturday, fear not. That’s just the combined horsepower of North Queensland’s most unique and powerful engines, revving in unison for the first ever Burdekin Motor Madness.

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The Ayr Showgrounds will host the inaugural all-day event on the 15th of August, showcasing everything from exotic Lamborghinis and TikTok-famous custom builds to high-performance bikes, boats and a series of driving events.

Co-organiser Maria McIntosh said the program was built intentionally to cater to both seasoned car enthusiasts and complete newcomers alike.

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“Our intention is not to just make it a car show, but a motor show that will have a bit of everything for everyone,” she said.

“Sometimes you don't know you're a rev head until you go to a show like this!”

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Burdekin Motor Madness will revive a regional tradition, filling a three-year void left by Townsville's former Motor Madness event. It also represents a regional first for the Burdekin, expanding the scope beyond traditional car shows to include all vehicle types.

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Among the madness, the show will feature four main events: the Show N Shine, Go To Whoa, Slalom, and the Super Cruise.

Mrs McIntosh anticipates the Go To Whoa will draw major crowd interest as drivers push high-powered vehicles through three competitive rounds of rapid acceleration and heavy braking.

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The Slalom event will test precision behind the wheel as entrants navigate a course marked by witches hats, while the Show N Shine will evaluate vehicles against strict judging criteria across multiple categories. The driving program concludes with the Super Cruise, featuring a vehicle procession through the streets of Ayr.

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Away from the track, static displays will run across the grounds, headlined by an “elite car” showcase inside the multipurpose hall for pristine, trailer-borne show vehicles.

“The elite class cars mainly get trailered in … and they’re immaculate," Mrs McIntosh said.

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“We've got a Lamborghini coming in, we got a Nissan GTR, we’ve got other exotic and European-style vehicles. These aren’t things that you see every day.”

Framed as a perfect family day, the event will host market stalls, food vendors, and free children’s entertainment, including a jumping castle. Veteran North Queensland automotive commentator Doobie Lister will also host proceedings throughout the day.

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Entrants stand to win prizes including a Repco 176-piece MechPro Tool Kit, a $200 Repco gift card, and a $100 BP Ayr fuel voucher. All general admission spectators will automatically enter a gate draw for a ToolPro 6.5hp petrol pressure washer, donated by Supercheap Ayr.

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Vehicle registration details and further event information are listed on the Burdekin Motor Madness Facebook page.

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Find the full program here: www.burdekinlife.com/article/motor-madness-program

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Green thumbs across the region are being called to put their gardening talents on display as a much-loved Burdekin Water Festival (BWF) tradition makes its return for 2026!

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Now approaching its final days, entries will remain open until Monday 17th August for the official Burdekin Water Festival Garden Competition; a longstanding celebration of creativity and community pride that has featured in festivals dating back to the 1960s.

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In light of strong community interest in last year’s competition, the BWF Committee made the decision to expand the categories in this year’s instalment to provide even more local gardeners the chance to get involved.  

“We had such a good response last year and are hoping to increase the entries this year and have included two additional categories based on feedback from 2025,” said Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Coordinator and Committee Member Kari Ravizza.

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“The committee are always looking for ways for the community to become involved in the Water Festival Celebrations and the garden competition has always been one of those lovely traditions.  What better way to celebrate the abundance of water in our community than by seeing it put to good use in some of the beautiful gardens we have right here in the Burdekin!”

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As sponsored by Nuttall’s Garden Centre and Lower Burdekin Landcare, submissions can be made through the BWF website into the following categories of Tropical Residential Garden, Unit Garden, Commercial Garden and Vegetable Garden.  

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Official judging will conclude on Sunday 23rd August, with the community warmly invited to attend a special Morning Tea Thyme at Nuttall’s Garden Centre on 30th August from 10:30am to celebrate the announcement of the 2026 Garden Competition Winners!

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Kari warmly encourages those interested to give the competition a go, and although submission forms are available online, she invites residents to pop in and see her at McCathies Furniture Plus for assistance with their application.  

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What: BWF Garden Competition Morning Tea Thyme  

When: Sunday 30th August, 10:30am

Where: Nuttall’s Garden Centre, Ayr

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The Robertson Brothers will bring their celebration of The Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison to Ayr on Friday 7th of August, with a two-hour audio-visual spectacular marking 70 years since the music legends first entered the recording studio. Photo supplied.

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They’re the voices behind the Home and Away theme song. They’re ARIA nominees. They’re world tourers.

And their next stop is the Burdekin Theatre.

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The Robertson Brothers will bring their celebration of The Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison to Ayr on Friday 7th of August, with a two-hour audio-visual spectacular marking 70 years since the music legends first entered the recording studio.

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The award-winning vocal duo will join forces with Dean Bourne, recognised as the world’s leading Roy Orbison tribute artist, to recreate the sounds that shaped generations.

Robertson Brothers member Ben Robertson said the production was inspired by the music he and his brother Jeff grew up with.

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The show aims to transport audiences back to the era when hits such as All I Have to Do Is Dream, Crying and Oh, Pretty Woman first captured listeners around the world.

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“The show tries to really trigger the audience’s memories—get them out of the now and back to when they were young tots,” Mr Robertson said.

“That’s why we try to perform the songs as close as we possibly can to the originals—because they want to hear the songs as they know them.”

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Rather than simply delivering a collection of covers, the production is staged as a live radio program, guiding audiences through the artists’ careers in chronological order.

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“We’re not just a band turning up singing the covers,” Mr Robertson said.

“It’s set up like a radio show, and we play the songs in chronological order as they were released, with the DJ explaining the story attached to each one.”

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The performance is also supported by a digital orchestra, with a full orchestra displayed on screen and playing alongside the live performers.

“It’s like a big theatrical production,” Mr Robertson said.

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A highlight of the show is Dean Bourne’s portrayal of Roy Orbison, with Mr Robertson saying audiences would struggle to tell the difference.

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“Dean’s the world’s number one Roy Orbison. You would swear that Roy’s in the building,” he said.

“He looks and sounds exactly like him.”

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The Robertson Brothers have performed together for almost 30 years, including appearances at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, singing the Home and Away theme song, and touring alongside acts including ELO, America and John Denver.

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The duo has received 16 ACE Awards, eight MO Awards, and nominations for both an ARIA Award and Golden Guitar Award.

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The Robertson Brothers’  celebration of The Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison will be held at the Burdekin Theatre, 161 Queen Street, Ayr, on Friday 7th of August from 7.30pm to 9.50pm.

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Purchase tickets here: https://www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/The-Everly-Brothers-Friends-and-Roy-Orbison

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Thursday 6 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Tech Together Workshop, 10am-12pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Friday 7 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Rotary Club of Ayr’s Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Ella Pirrone Bingo & Bubbles Fundraising Evening, 6:30pm, Burdekin Junior Soccer Fields Hall, Ayr

The Everly Brothers & Friends with Roy Orbison

Friday, 7:30pm-10pm

Celebrate 70 years of music history with The Everly Brothers & Roy Orbison tribute spectacular, featuring iconic harmonies, timeless hits and world-class performances in a powerful, nostalgia-filled concert honouring two legendary voices that shaped a generation. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Saturday 8 August

FEED ME FOOD’s Burdekin Water Festival Senior Ambassador Olivia Pavone Dog Walk Fundraising Event, 9am, Plantation Park, Ayr

Ayr State High School Cent Sale Graduation Fundraiser, 1pm, New Hall, Hanelt Lane, Ayr

Giru Progress Association Movie Night, 6pm, Progress Theatre, 12 Carey Street, Giru

Echoes of Pink Floyd 60 Years of Pink Floyd

Saturday, 8pm

Celebrate 60 years of Pink Floyd with Echoes of Pink Floyd, a breathtaking live tribute journeying through six decades of iconic soundscapes, immersive visuals and legendary hits in a powerful, authentic concert experience for devoted fans and newcomers alike. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Monday 10 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Tuesday 11 August

RSL Bingo Morning, 9am-11am, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Community Gardening Morning Tea, 9am-12pm, Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

Tuesday 11 August

Zonta Club Burdekin Inc Dinner Meeting

Tuesday, 6:15pm  

You are warmly invited to join us at a Zonta Dinner Meeting, an evening of connection, inspiration, and community spirit. Enjoy a delicious meal and connect with like-minded people who are passionate about making a positive difference. Learn more about Zonta’s work in empowering women and girls in our community through advocacy, education, and service.

ANZAC Memorial Club, Ayr

Wednesday 12 August

A Taste of Ireland

Wednesday, 7:30pm-9:30pm

Experience the magic of Ireland with A Taste of Ireland, a high-energy celebration of music, dance and storytelling featuring world-class performers, electrifying Irish rhythms, live vocals and dazzling choreography in a vibrant, unforgettable stage spectacular. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/A-Taste-of-Ireland.

Burdekin Theatre, Ayr

Thursday 13 August

Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr

Friday 14 August

Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr

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