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One of the Burdekin’s premier events will return to the region next year with dates now confirmed for the 2027 Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival. The event—which attracted more than 4,000 visitors last time out—is set to return to the Home Hill Showgrounds on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th May next year. Burdekin Shire Council confirmed that planning for the event is already underway, with a branding revamp to be unveiled alongside a program of entertainment, cultural experiences, competitions, food, family activities and community participation opportunities. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said next year’s festival would build on the momentum of previous years. “The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival has become one of North Queensland’s premier regional festivals, celebrating the people, produce and culture that make the Burdekin unique,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “The festival continues to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits for the region, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing the Burdekin to a wider audience.” Pacific Blue, Parkside and Canegrowers Burdekin will return as presenting sponsors for the 2027 festival. Pacific Blue Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer Simon Maan said the company was proud to continue its partnership with the festival. “The festival celebrates the unique identity of the Burdekin and delivers positive outcomes for local businesses, tourism and the wider community,” he said. Further details about the 2027 program are yet to be announced. Businesses and organisations can enquire about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Burdekin Shire Council on (07) 4783 9800. Festival updates will be published through the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival Facebook and Instagram pages and its mailing list. CAPTION: The event attracted more than 4,000 visitors last time out. Photo: Jacob Casha
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Just For Fun Photo credit: Jacob Casha
A Burdekin trivia night fundraiser raised nearly $1,500 for the Rotary Club of Home Hill last week, a record high for the annual endeavour.
Hosted by the Club and its Harvest Festival Queen Maddy Gallagher, the event welcomed 94 locals—also a record—to the St Coleman’s Catholic Church hall on Saturday, 25th September, where teams of up to eight put their knowledge to the test across eight rounds of trivia.
The event formed part of Home Hill Rotary’s Harvest Festival fundraising campaign, with a portion of proceeds put towards its $40,000 police ATV mission.
Club members said they were “blown away” by the support on the night, having to make last-minute adjustments to accommodate the flurry of bookings the week of the event.
The club credited Maddy’s efforts in promoting the event as a significant reason for the event’s success.
‘The Real Deal’ walked away eventual trivia winners, taking home six $50 Prawn Stop vouchers donated in half by Melissa Wiles.
Attendees also sported their best eighties-themed attire, with a Men in Black-themed duo taking top honours.
Fronted by award-winning vocalist and former 1927 bassist Simon Shapiro, an eight-piece band will perform Farnham classics including You’re the Voice, Pressure Down, Age of Reason, Two Strong Hearts, That’s Freedom, Helpand Sadie. Photo supplied
Burdekin John Farnham fans will hear some of his biggest hits performed live when One Voice—Greatest Hits of John Farnham comes to the Burdekin Theatre on Friday 16th October.
Fronted by award-winning vocalist and former 1927 bassist Simon Shapiro, an eight-piece band will perform Farnham classics including You’re the Voice, Pressure Down, Age of Reason, Two Strong Hearts, That’s Freedom, Help and Sadie.
The two-hour concert will see Shapiro draw on his own unique connection to Farnham, having previously touring as a support act for the Australian singer.
“Touring with him as a support act … and seeing him perform from the side stage has helped me to see first-hand where the bar is; really high,” he said.
Shapiro said the show began as a one-off performance for an Australian event after he had initially started performing on a cruise ship.
“It went really well, I really resonated with the material, and it all seemed to match my voice—a lot more than I thought it would,” he said.
“After that, we decided as a group that we’d make it a thing.”
The show has been touring theatres since December last year, backed by musicians with experience performing and recording alongside artists including Michael McDonald, Simple Minds, Daryl Braithwaite, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Wendy Matthews, Eurogliders and Brian Cadd.
Shapiro said Farnham’s distinctive approach to his music was something he sought to preserve in the show.
“John Farnham didn’t ever sing a song the same way—he's very creative with his melodies and he’ll have fun with the notes, and I try to embody that spirit,” he said, adding that the band plays off the audience’s energy.
“Every crowd is different. Some shows, we’ll go: ‘they’re in a singing mood, we’re gonna break it down more often and get them to sing along a bit more.’”
Beyond the songs, Shapiro said its about preserving the legacy of a legendary Australian musician.
“I think people are very defensive about John Farnham, and rightly so,” he said.
“It’s more important now than ever that artists perform his legacy of music, because it is a big part of the Australian culture.”
One Voice – Greatest Hits of John Farnham will be held at the Burdekin Theatre on Friday, 16th October, from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
Could the Burdekin produce the next Farmer Wants A Wife star? Producers are encouraging single farmers from the region to put themselves forward for the show's 2027 season. Photo supplied
The Burdekin could be home to the next Farmer Wants A Wife star, with producers specifically encouraging local farmers to put themselves forward for the show's upcoming season.
Eureka Productions, which produces the Australian series for Seven, has named the Burdekin alongside the Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast regions as areas it would particularly like to see represented in its latest casting search. And there is one reason the Burdekin stands out; producers say they do not often receive applications from the region.
“We don’t often receive applications from these particular regions, so we’d be very keen to hear from eligible farmers across North Queensland,” a Eureka Productions spokesperson said.
“We love showcasing Queensland on the series and the diversity of its landscapes, communities and agricultural industries, so it would be fantastic to see more North Queensland farmers represented in our casting pool.
“There isn’t one particular type of farmer or agricultural industry that we focus on. Cane growers and producers from across the region are absolutely encouraged to apply.”
Instead, personality could be just as important as what is growing in the paddock. Eureka said it is looking for genuine single farmers who are ready to pursue a meaningful relationship and willing to share their lives with viewers.
“Personality is also a big part of casting,” the spokesperson said, with producers interested in farmers who are passionate about what they do and where they live, connected to their family or community, and able to give viewers a real sense of life on the land.
“They don’t need to be the loudest in the room, just willing and open to sharing their thoughts with us.”
The 2027 casting search is currently open, with farmers across Australia invited to put themselves forward, while the casting team is also accepting recommendations from people who know a farmer who might be suited to the show.
Applications are currently being accepted through Eureka Productions' official Farmer Wants A Wife casting page, with no closing date publicly listed.
So, Burdekin; is there a farmer out there ready to trade the tractor seat for one in front of the camera?
Thursday 24th September
Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr
Friday 25th September
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
The Rotary Club of Home Hill Trivia night, 7pm, St Colmans Parish Hall. Teams of 6 at a cost of $15 per person. Bookings can be made at 0408 822 029 or on the night.
Saturday 26th September
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Monthly Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle, 10am-2pm, Pets Domain Ayr, 93 Graham Street, Ayr
Sunday 27th September
Kate Ceberano’s Australia Made Tour
Sunday, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Experience Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made Tour, a powerhouse celebration of iconic Aussie music featuring reimagined classics from INXS, Paul Kelly, Divinyls and more, alongside her own hits, delivered with unforgettable vocals, energy and star-studded live performance. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/Kate-Ceberano-Australian-Made-Tour.
Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
Monday 28th September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Tuesday 29th September
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
Thursday 1st October
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 2nd October
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Sunday 4th October
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
Monday 5th October
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Hotel Pioneer hosted a healthy crowd of lederhosen-clad locals for its Oktoberfest celebrations last Saturday Photos supplied
Hotel Pioneer hosted a healthy crowd of lederhosen-clad locals for its Oktoberfest celebrations last Saturday.
Running from 11am until just after lunchtime, the event invited attendees to indulge in a range of German-inspired foods and activities, with local performer Chris Quagliata providing live music throughout.
Hotel General Manager Kirsten Loader said the event “went really well,” with people embracing the German theme through their attire.
“We had a few people dress up for the event and they looked fantastic,” she said.
“The keg rolling was a lot of fun—and we had planned on a pretzel eating competition, but everyone was so full after lunch that we couldn’t convince anyone to eat anything else!”
Kirsten thanked the hotel chefs, organiser Michelle and all who attended the event, which she hopes to put on again next year.
“It will be back bigger and better,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone who made the day a lot of fun.”
More than 300 Burdekin Christian College students pitched in to bring ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ to life at the Burdekin Theatre earlier this month. Photos: Burdekin Christian College
More than 300 Burdekin Christian College students pitched in to bring ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ to life at the Burdekin Theatre earlier this month.
The performances on Thursday 10th September and Friday 11th September fused the classical charm of the original with the students’ own flair, delivering humour, heart, colourful characters and memorable songs.
Behind it all was a team of students ranging from Prep to Year 12, with several performing on stage while others worked across props, lighting, marketing and sound.
A team of 70 staff also sacrificed time and sleep to help bring the production to fruition.
A BCC spokesperson said the College “could not be prouder” of those who participated.
“The talent we have at the College is simply astounding,” the spokesperson said.
“The College couldn't be prouder of every child who participated in the festivities from our youngest Preppies to our oldest Year 12 student.
“We also have to thank our extraordinary staff for their amazing work over the last 2 terms putting this together … [giving] up their time and many sleepless nights to assist in creating this moment of magic for the students.
“We hope [everyone] loved our crazy, delicious, sweet version of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ and that it gave you a golden ticket to a golden evening!”
The Burdekin’s Biggest Garage Sale will return to Ayr Showgrounds Hall across two Saturdays in November, with residents able to buy and sell preloved goods under one roof. Photo: Burdekin Shire Council
The Burdekin’s Biggest Garage Sale will return to Ayr Showgrounds Hall across two Saturdays this November, with residents able to buy and sell preloved goods under one roof.
Dubbed “Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt,” Burdekin Shire Council will host the event on 7th and 14th November from 8am to 1pm as part of the national Garage Sale Trail initiative.
Up to 50 stalls will be available on each day, with residents able to sell clothing, accessories, homewares, toys, sporting goods, tools and other unwanted items.
Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the event would give residents another way to clear out unwanted belongings while keeping usable items out of landfill.
“Burdekin’s Biggest Garage Sale is a great opportunity for our community to take part in the circular economy, find affordable preloved items and help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill,” she said.
“You do not need enough items to hold a garage sale at home. Residents can simply book a stall, clear out their wardrobe, shed or garage and enjoy being part of a larger community event.”
Sellers can register for one or both days, with those attending both able to leave their stalls set up inside the locked hall between events.
Residents who would rather run a garage sale from home can also register through Garage Sale Trail, which is being held nationally as part of the initiative.
Stall registrations for Burdekin’s Biggest Garage Sale are available through the Garage Sale Trail website.
Council is also seeking food and coffee vendors for both event days, including local clubs and community organisations looking to raise funds.
Expressions of interest for vendors close on 2nd October.
Food and coffee vendors, clubs and community organisations can request an expression of interest form from Council’s Waste Department on 4783 9800 or waste@burdekin.qld.gov.au.
Thursday 17th September
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
Friday 18th September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Saturday 19th September
Beanies for Brain Cancer Triples Bowls Competition, 8:30am, Brandon Bowls Club, Brandon
Beanies for Bran Cancer Barefoot Bowls Social Night, 6:30pm, Brandon Bowls Club, Brandon
Sunday 20th September
Cungulla Auto Show, 9am-1pm, 34-37 Empress Close, Cungulla
Monday 21st September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Tuesday 22nd September
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
Wednesday 23rd September
Morning Melodies What’s New Pussycat
Wednesday, 11am-12:30pm
Step back into the swinging sixties with What’s New Pussycat, a feel-good Morning Melodies show packed with iconic hits, soaring vocals, cheeky humour and cabaret flair, celebrating legends like Tom Jones, Aretha Franklin and The Beatles in style. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/Whats-New-Pussycat.
Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
Thursday 24th September
Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr
Friday 25th September
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
The Rotary Club of Home Hill Trivia night, 7pm, St Colmans Parish Hall. Teams of 6 at a cost of $15 per person. Bookings can be made at 0408 822 029 or on the night.
St Francis Catholic School was filled with laughter, excitement and plenty of smiling faces as families from across the Burdekin Region joined us for our annual Under 8s Day Photos supplied
Contributed with thanks by St Francis Catholic School
St Francis Catholic School was filled with laughter, excitement and plenty of smiling faces as families from across the Burdekin Region joined us for our annual Under 8s Day, a much-loved celebration of childhood, community and connection.
The event offers families with children under eight the chance to explore our school and enjoy a morning of hands-on activities. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the youngest members of our community while giving families an opportunity to experience our welcoming environment and vibrant learning spaces.
Throughout the morning, children and families moved between activities hosted by our school and local community partners. There was something for everyone, from arts and crafts to outdoor games, sensory play and interactive experiences. Visitors enjoyed meeting representatives from Wildlife Whitsundays, Wilmar, Burdekin Shire Council and local emergency services, who generously shared demonstrations and displays that delighted our young learners.
Adding to the fun were the Burdekin Catholic High School Emerging Leaders, who volunteered their time to support the event. Their enthusiasm and kindness shone through as they helped with face painting, creating colourful designs and happy memories for our young visitors.
Despite the cloudy weather, the atmosphere remained bright and energetic. The school grounds were alive with activity as children explored, played and discovered new experiences alongside their families.
Under 8s Day continues to highlight the strong community spirit that exists across the Burdekin. It was a pleasure to open our gates and welcome families, community members and local organisations for a morning dedicated to celebrating childhood and strengthening connections.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the day: our staff, volunteers, community partners and the families who joined us. Most importantly, we hope our young visitors left with big smiles, new friendships and joyful memories of their time at St Francis Catholic School.
Clare State School students, families and staff recently came together for a wonderful evening of fun, laughter and community spirit at the 2026 Clare State School Fancy Dress Ball. Photo supplied.
Contributed with thanks by Clare State School
Clare State School students, families and staff recently came together for a wonderful evening of fun and laughter at the 2026 Clare State School Fancy Dress Ball.
This year’s Movie and Book Characters theme certainly brought out the creativity and imagination of our students, with the school transformed into a colourful celebration of much-loved characters from books and the big screen. From superheroes and storybook favourites to iconic movie characters, there was plenty of enthusiasm and excitement throughout the evening.
The Fancy Dress Ball was a fantastic night for all, with students proudly showcasing their costumes, enjoying the music and taking part in the evening’s activities. It was wonderful to see our school community come together and celebrate the students and the special community we share at Clare State School.
A huge shout-out goes to the Clare State School P&C and the dedicated staff of Clare State School for their hard work and support in making the evening such a success.
A very special thank you goes to Geraldine Booth, who generously volunteered her time throughout the term to teach our students their dance moves. Her patience, enthusiasm and commitment were greatly appreciated by both students and staff.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Fancy Dress Ball such a memorable and fun night. We are already looking forward to doing it all again at our 2027 Fancy Dress Ball!
(L-R) Queens Maddison Gallagher, Julea Farry, Sarah Shepherd and Sarah O’Shea with Harvest Festival President Mark Vass Photo credit: Zeepard Photos
A “special” launch at the Home Hill Community Sports Club last weekend officially kicked off this year's Queensland Country Bank Home Hill Harvest Festival calendar.
The well-attended event on Sunday 13th September saw the community enjoy an afternoon of bowls and live music before hearing from the 2026 Festival Queens for the first time.
Harvest Festival Vice President Carlene Muilwyk said Sunday's event was a positive beginning to another Harvest Festival season.
“Our Launch is always a special day because it officially marks the beginning of another Home Hill Harvest Festival, and this year was no exception,” Carlene said.
“We had beautiful weather, a great turnout and such a lovely atmosphere, with everyone getting involved and having a go at lawn bowls, whether they had played before or not.”
The event also saw this year’s four queens—Sarah O’Shea, Sarah Shepherd, Maddison Gallagher and Julea Farry—introduce themselves to attendees, explaining their reasons for entering the Queen Program and choosing their respective sponsorship organisations.
Carlene said hearing the Queens’ stories was one of the highlights of Sunday’s launch.
“It was also wonderful to see just how much support they already have behind them,” she said.
Carlene said the Queen Program was designed to give young women an opportunity to build confidence and become more involved in their community.
The quartet will now begin their fundraising campaigns before a Charity Queen and Personality Queen are announced at the Rotary Gala Ball on 6th November.
Sunday’s launch also starts the countdown to this year's Festival, which will culminate in the Rio Carnavale-themed Grand Parade and Street Party on Saturday 7th November.
The Harvest Festival Committee thanked attendees, the Home Hill Community Sports Club for hosting, Gabriel Hatherell for the entertainment, and the volunteers, Queen organisations and supporters who helped make the afternoon a success.
Crowds lined Queen Street for the marquee event which, alongside the Mardi Gras, brought an end to the three-month festival calendar. Photo: Shay Kratzman
A bumper crowd packed Queen Street on Saturday night as 45 floats brought the 2026 Water Festival to a spectacular close.
Sarah O’Shea, 18, representing Burdekin Netball Association. Sarah is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education while also navigating work at Burdekin Printers, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, and her commitments to reserve grade netball and club netball. Through being a Harvest Festival Queen, Sarah hopes to meet new people and experience new opportunities and challenges. She is passionate about being involved in her local community and enjoys connecting with people through sport and work. Sarah hopes to use this experience to grow in confidence, create lasting memories, and represent Burdekin Netball club and the Burdekin community with pride.
Sarah Shepherd, 21-year-old, representing Home Hill Tennis Association. Sarah has been living in the Burdekin for over 19 years. She enjoys being in the great outdoors, either camping or down the beach or when she’s not doing that, she’sspending time with her closest friends. She is in her second year of studying primary education and when she is not studying, she works as a disability support worker. Sarah looks forward to the opportunity to represent the club she enjoys being a part of. Sarah looks forward to all the festivities and creating new bonds with the fellow queens and the community.
Maddison Gallagher ,20, is proudly representing the Home Hill Rotary Club, an organization that she is greatly inspired by, she has seen firsthand how incredible the Rotary Club as organization has helped children with Disabilities including her own older sister who suffers with a rare Syndrome and has seen all the hard work and determination that they put back into the community, she is honored and proud to be doing her harvest festival journey with such an amazing group of people, she works full time at Home HILL IGA as the bakery manager ,in her free time you’ll she her out and about fishing with family down the creek or down at the local market selling cookies as she owns a baked goods business, she’s not Originally from the Burdekin but has done a hole lap of Australia and decided to call this little town home and has lived here for the last four years, she is so thrilled to have the chance to take place in this year’s Harvest festival and cannot wait to get out and about in her community
Representing Home Hill/ Ayr loins club is Julea Farry who is 18 years old. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at James Cook University. Julea was vice captain at Burdekin Christian college graduating in 2025. Julea is excited to be involved in the 2026 home hill Harvest festival and is excited to be representing Home Hill/Ayr Lions club. When Julea isn’t studying you can find her down the creek fishing, playing football for the Burdekin rugby Union cane toads or socialising with the girls at a rodeo. She is very excited to build relationships with the other queen entrants and is looking forward to attending the community events.
Thursday 10 September
Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr
Friday 11 September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
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
Sunday 13 September
Ayr Golf Club Men’s Open Championship, 8:30am, Ayr Golf Club, Ayr
Monday 14 September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Tuesday 15 September
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
Wednesday 16 September
Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social & Networking Event, 5:30pm-7pm, Home Hill Community Sports Club, 87 Ninth Avenue, Home Hill
Thursday 17 September
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
Friday 18 September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Bridge Group, 9am-1pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Saturday 19 September
Beanies for Brain Cancer Triples Bowls Competition, 8:30am, Brandon Bowls Club, Brandon
Beanies for Bran Cancer Barefoot Bowls Social Night, 6:30pm, Brandon Bowls Club, Brandon
Sunday 20 September
Cungulla Auto Show, 9am-1pm, 34-37 Empress Close, Cungulla
Monday 21 September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
Tuesday 22 September
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
Wednesday 23 September
Morning Melodies What’s New Pussycat
Wednesday, 11am-12:30pm
Step back into the swinging sixties with What’s New Pussycat, a feel-good Morning Melodies show packed with iconic hits, soaring vocals, cheeky humour and cabaret flair, celebrating legends like Tom Jones, Aretha Franklin and The Beatles in style. Purchase tickets via www.burdekintheatre.com.au/Events-directory/Whats-New-Pussycat.
Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
A 45-float Grand Parade brought down the curtain on an “outstandingly successful” Burdekin Water Festival last Saturday. Photo: Jacob Casha.
A 45-float Grand Parade brought down the curtain on an “outstandingly successful” Burdekin Water Festival last Saturday.
Crowds lined Queen Street on 5th September for the marquee event which, alongside the Mardi Gras, brought an end to the three-month festival calendar.
Water Festival Committee President Eusebio Aguirre said the turnout—up on previous years— was a “pleasant surprise” and fitting end to this year's festival.
“With so much happening across the weekend, I thought attendance numbers might be down,” Eusebio said.
“The committee was absolutely ecstatic with the turnout.”
This year’s parade followed a “River Country Burdekin style” theme, with entrants leaning into the region’s rural character for their floats and costumes.
Eusebio said the theme added to the atmosphere and reflected the region’s community spirit.
“The smiles on the faces of those in the parade and throughout the streets showed that people were having a fantastic time,” he said.
“I also spoke to several visitors from out of town who had never attended the Water Festival before, and their reaction was simply: ‘Wow, I've never seen anything like this before.’”
The weekend capped off a landmark festival that broke tradition by celebrating both Junior and Senior Ambassadors at the QMN Crowning Lunch the weekend before.
Eusebio said the new Photography Competition was also a standout success, naming it alongside the Garden Competition and Window Display Competition as calendar highlights.
He was quick to praise the efforts of sponsors, ambassadors, committee members and volunteers who brought the event to fruition. With the dust barely settled, sights are already set on next year’s iteration.
“The Water Festival is an event that benefits the entire community. It brings people together and creates a sense of pride and connection throughout the Burdekin… We look forward to making next year's festival even bigger and better.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or joining the committee can contact Eusebio Aguirre on 0499 199 767.
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