Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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.
Volunteer at the Visitor Information Centre, like Patricia Herd
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
What makes a great VIC volunteer?
Dedication, punctuality, reliability and the love of chatting with people of all ages and nationalities.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Monday 7 September
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
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
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
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.
The exhibition opened at the Burdekin Theatre foyer on Saturday 29th August, and will remain open from 10am to 4pm each day until Saturday 5th September, coinciding with the Burdekin Water Festival Mardi Gras and Parade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Burdekin Art Society members also volunteered to set up and dismantle the exhibition.
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.
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.
Members meet at the gallery every Tuesday from 9.30am to noon to paint, exchange ideas and socialise.
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.
For more information, contact president Luisa Delle-Baite on 0448 509 927 or email burdekinartsocietyince@gmail.com.
Contributed by the Burdekin Art Society
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
Director Thom Pickersgill said seeing the production take shape after months of Sunday rehearsals has been rewarding. Photo source: Ayr State High School
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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:
2025 Junior and Senior Ambassadors at last year’s Long Lunch. Photo: Sharon Bozzetto.
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.
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.
“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.”
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”.
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.
The 2026 Burdekin Water Festival Long Lunch will be held at Populin’s Hall from midday on Saturday, 29th of August.
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
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
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
Monday 24 August
Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre’s Crochet Group, 1pm-5pm, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr
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
Thursday 27 August
Rotary Club of Ayr Weekly Meeting, 6:15pm-8pm, Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, 101 Burke Street, Ayr
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
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
Sunday 30 August
Burdekin Art Society Art Exhibition, 10am-4pm, Burdekin Theatre, Ayr
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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