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The NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is around the corner, and no one is more excited than the two special guests for 2024, Taylor Henderson and Ethan Beckton.

The two talented artists will not only perform live at the final showcase, but also attend a workshop with performers prior to them taking the stage.

Having both participated in television talent competitions, Taylor and Ethan know how much a talent showcase can mean for someone’s career.

Growing up in regional Victoria, Taylor Henderson was inspired by his father to perform music.

“He was always playing and singing around the house which sparked something,” Taylor said.

“As I got a bit older, I started to love guitar more, I started to play guitar and it was something that really spoke to me.”

Taylor and his father entered Australia’s Got Talent in 2010 when he was just 16, going on to appear on X Factor when he was 20 where he said his career really started, and he has since signed to a record label, released numerous albums, and toured the country.

“It was just a crazy experience,” he laughed.

“I’d just picked up a guitar, hadn’t had much experience, never had a lesson, I was just figuring out what I liked and having fun with it.”

Having recently played sold out shows in Queensland, Taylor will return to the Burdekin in March for the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase which he said is a great opportunity for young performers to hone their craft.

“It’s a great place for you to get up and figure out what you’re like on stage,” he said.

“It’s a great chance to get out there, put something out that you feel confident in and that you’re excited to share with everyone.

“It’s a great opportunity for anyone to get up there, have a crack, see how you go and see if it’s for you, because it can be such an exciting career.”

Ethan had a similar journey, playing music and performing on the New South Wales Central Coast since he was 14.

Ethan went on The Voice in 2023 and made the grand final which he said really kick started his career.

“Being on The Voice, it opened my eyes to what the music industry is like at a higher level,” he said.

“It gave me a lot of industry perspective and knowledge and gave me the confidence to be able to pursue that.”

Ethan looks forward to using his experience on The Voice and contributing it to the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase in March.

“For young artists, it’s a really great opportunity to put your foot in the door of the industry, see what it’s like and put your talent out there,” he said.

“Being on The Voice, I got coached and mentored, so I’m looking forward to do a similar thing from the coach and mentor perspective.

“I’m really excited to come up there and see all the crazy talent you have in the Burdekin.”

Open to every talent genre and age group, the NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase offers performers the chance to be mentored by talent scouts and special guests in a unique and fun stage experience.

The showcase will be split into 2-3 heats held from 10am on the morning of Saturday, March 16 with the top 20 performers from the heats to head into the Grand Final Showcase at 7pm that evening where over $5,000 cash and prizes are up for grabs.  

Special guest judges will also perform live during the final showcase.

To register for the showcase, email burdekin@fasttracktalent.com.au for more information.

Visit www.burdekintheatre.com.au to purchase tickets to attend the showcase as an audience member.

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Caption 1: Ethan Beckton

Caption 2: Taylor Henderson

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The Burdekin boasts a remarkable rugby league history, with close to 20 internationals playing in the local competitions between the 1920s and 1980s, with this history and more captured in the book ‘A Short History of the Ayr, Home Hill and Burdekin Rugby Leagues’ which was written by rugby league historian Martin Grandelis and published in 2022.

Mr Grandelis grew up in the Burdekin in the 1960s in the heyday of rugby league in the Burdekin district.

From the great rivalries between clubs to the excitement of Foley Shield matches at Rugby Park, the book reflects on great memories for players, administrators and supporters.

“As a kid growing up in Parkside in the 1960s, Rugby Park was the place to be, particularly on Foley Shield days,” Mr Grandelis told QRL before the book was launched in 2022.

He said he was inspired to chronicle the history of rugby league in the district through the pages of a new book, and recalled how clubs were fertile hunting grounds for recruiters as well as big name southern players who came north as coaches for club and Foley Shield teams.

“The history of rugby league in the Burdekin district is such a fascinating and at times turbulent story,” he said.

“Ayr Football League formed following a break from the Lower Burdekin Rugby Football Union which saw matches of rugby league in Ayr from 1916 with Natives, Rainbows, Hornets and possibly Ramblers the foundation clubs.

“Across the river the Home Hill Football League was formed shortly afterwards and by the early 1920s, four clubs in Zambucks (named after a famous ointment), Osborne, Cities and Iyah made up a senior and junior competition”.

Over 760 pages, the book tells of controversies, club and representative matches, grand finals, recollections of players, referees and administrators, immortalising more than 350 stories on the page.

‘A Short History of the Ayr, Home Hill and Burdekin Rugby Leagues’ by Martin Grandelis is available to borrow from Burdekin Libraries in Ayr and Home Hill.

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Rugby league historian Martin Grandelis. Photo supplied: QRL

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There are many groups throughout the Burdekin offering residents the opportunity to pursue and develop their creative pursuits, and one of these is the Burdekin Night Writers, a vibrant online writing group with roots dating back to 2007.

Founded by the visionary Cherelle Murphy, the group initially convened at her residence for a remarkable 15 years.

In 2019, facing the challenge of Cherelle's move to palliative care, the group seamlessly transitioned online to ensure her continued participation.

Even after Cherelle's passing, the Night Writers persevered, using messenger platforms to connect every fortnight, each session revolving around a carefully crafted prompt.

Tracy Liotis, a member since 2019, said the aim of the group is to improve each member's writing skills through group input, critique and discussion.

More than just a writing group, the Night Writers provide a space for collaboration and skill development.

“Being around other creative people seems to up your own creativity,” Tracy said.

“With the amount of technology and things like that, a lot of these skills are getting lost and if we don’t try and keep them going at a community level, where will people learn and practise?”

Tracy loves to write short stories, and other members specialise in non-fiction or poetry, but the group is also fertile ground for cultivating manuscripts and novels.

Current and former members have not only published works but also earned accolades in story writing competitions across Queensland.

The ‘Burdekin Creative Writers’ 2023 anthology, featuring contributions from Burdekin Night Writers and its sister group Burdekin Creative Writers, is available at the Burdekin Library in both Ayr and Home Hill.

Aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts are invited to join the Burdekin Night Writers and Burdekin Creative Writers.

Burdekin Night Writers meet fortnightly on a Tuesday evening from 7:00pm while Burdekin Creative Writers meet monthly on a Wednesday morning.

Email Burdekinnightwriters2023@outlook.com for more information.

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Burdekin Night Riders would meet every fortnight to discuss their work before meetings moved online. Photo supplied

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Talk of the town right now, The Little Mermaid theatre production is charming audiences from across the region. With successful shows behind them and more to come this weekend, this high-quality local masterpiece is one to watch.

The Little Mermaid

Opening Weekend

Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company took audiences ‘Under the Sea’ as its production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid opened at Burdekin Theatre on Friday, February 2.

The local production was the product of months of preparation from local performers, crew and volunteers.

“I want to commend Burdekin Singers for their production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid – opening weekend was incredible and demonstrates the world-class talent we have in our beautiful, bountiful Shire,” said Burdekin Mayoral Candidate Lyn McLaughlin.

“It takes a lot to stage a production of this calibre: from the sets which were constructed by a dedicated team of builders and painted by some of our local artists, to the choreography, costuming, singing, and acting – immeasurable volunteer hours have been put into this show alone, which is testament to the passion and dedication of cast and crew.”

The Little Mermaid continues at the Burdekin Theatre this weekend with shows on February 9, 10 and 11.

Visit www.burdekintheatre.com.au for more information and tickets.

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Photos supplied

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A magical story of finding true love, Hans Christian Andersen’s classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, has been transformed into a beautiful musical the Burdekin can enjoy under the talents of The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company and community members this February.

The tale begins in a magical deep-sea kingdom where a young mermaid, Ariel, dreams of leaving her ocean home to live in the world above. With the help of her comedic companions, Flounder, Scuttle, and of course Sebastian, her journey becomes a heartwarming quest to find true love as a mermaid in a world full of humans.

With this lovable production live in the Burdekin Theatre from next week, the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company along with volunteers, community support, and sponsors, have been working tirelessly to polish off what is set to be one of their best shows yet with audiences set to be blown away.

The Theatre Company’s production team is comprised of wonderful members of the Burdekin community who have generously given their time, knowledge, and skills to contribute to the overall success of this musical. Although The Little Mermaid has been produced by The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company, President Lawrence Polga, advises this production stands as a whole community event, and we’re extremely lucky to live amongst such generosity.

“There are a lot of different people that have contributed in various ways, poured their knowledge, and hard work forward to help the Burdekin Singers in bringing this production alive,” expressed Lawrence.

With the beautiful sets and props carefully coming together under the watchful eye of Burdekin artists, Monica Licciardello has been directing a lively band of musicians comprised of young and experienced members from the Burdekin and surrounding communities. The opportunities presented to young musicians to be part of a live theatre production is something to be celebrated, and audiences will have the chance to experience their hard work and talents at the Burdekin Theatre next week.

The choreography team for The Little Mermaid production also includes the company’s young, rising stars with guidance from experienced members to create captivating performances in each scene. The production’s director, Pat Nuttall oversees each aspect of the show in each stage to ultimately produce a magical experience for audiences to enjoy.

The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company’s junior productions have encouraged many young members to dive further into the world of theatre. In comparison to previous years, the audience can expect to see many more junior performers on the Burdekin Theatre’s stage in The Little Mermaid, which additionally stands as something to be celebrated across the community.

After the conclusion of the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company’s 2023 largely sold our season of Shrek, chatter had begun into what the talented organization should take on next. After viewing which productions are available, the company took into consideration the musicals best suited to the Burdekin community as well as how they will adapt the production to reflect the magical talents of each person involved in the organisation. The Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company’s President, Lawrence Polga, assured this production will bring the mystical aura of the deep blue ocean to life in a new and unique way for audiences to enjoy.

“Bringing the dream alive in a different way was something we saw as an advantage with The Little Mermaid in the way of making the whole experience of feeling under the sea, as well as putting it across to the audience as a story book event,” explained Lawrence.

The magical approach the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company have taken to the direction of The Little Mermaid will prove to be celebrated from their opening night on Friday, February 2. This production would not have been possible if not for the Burdekin community’s support, and the Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company wishes to express their immense thanks and gratitude and invites you all to sit back and enjoy this wonderful, under the sea experience next week.

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Carter Entertainment invites you to a night of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty at the Burdekin Theatre this February.  

Celebrating the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands– from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others.

From their debut album in 1968 to their last album in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival was a juggernaut of phenomenal proportions.

No other band has created such an impact in such a short time.  

There's something about Creedence Clearwater’s music that just makes you want to put your arms in the air and sing along.

With their rootsy sound and incredible lyrics, CCR has produced some of the most unforgettable songs of all time: Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Fortunate Son and Bad Moon Rising are only a few of their iconic hits.

The Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound.

You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this fun, hit-packed live concert.  

Join Creedence Clearwater Collective at Burdekin Theatre on Thursday, February 15.  

Please note: This is a tribute show.

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WHAT: Creedence Clearwater Collective  

WHEN: Thursday, February 15 from 7.30pm  

WHERE: Burdekin Theatre

TICKETS: www.burdekintheatre.com.au

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With summer well and truly upon us, most of us are enjoying everything the holidays has to offer. This often includes hosting visiting family and friends, entertaining the kids, or simply finding yourself with a bit of extra time on your hands. From the emerald fields of sugarcane to the magnetic allure of the Burdekin Bridge, the Burdekin beckons explorers to uncover a treasure trove of natural wonders and vibrant experiences. Whether you’re a traveller passing through, in town visiting family or you’re a local looking for something to do, consider these activities this summer.

Comb The Beaches

Nothings says summer like a day at the beach and the Burdekin is the gateway to plenty of stunning beaches. 20 minutes north of Ayr, Lynch’s Beach at Alva provides a relaxed location perfect for unwinding and exploring. At low tide, Alva makes for excellent exploring, with hundreds of solider crabs, endless shells and an abundance of birdlife. Outer sand bars create inshore lagoon areas popular amongst kitesurfers, paddle boarders and anglers. For those wanting to experience a truly secluded beach, Wunjunga Beach features 14km of coastline and a small community of permanent residents, holiday homes and beach huts. Located 35km south of Home Hill, Wunjunga is accessed by a bitumen and dirt road which travels through a cattle property and is a haven for local wildlife. 30km south of Home Hill in the Whitsunday region is Cape Upstart, a secluded national park accessible only by boat. Crystal clear waters, running fresh water streams and waterfalls from the mountain tops contribute to the serenity of the area which is dotted with holiday homes.

Climb Mount Inkerman

Mount Inkerman offers breathtaking panoramic views across the cane fields and paddocks of the Burdekin region. Experience the Burdekin's rich agricultural land and iconic Burdekin River from the district's best vantage point, just a short 10 minute drive south of Home Hill.

The Mount Inkerman Nature Trail, a well maintained but moderately challenging bushwalk, weaves up the mountain and will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. The mountain’s peak can also be accessed via a sealed road. Atop the mountain you’ll discover the Rotary lookout, a wealth of information on display about the significance to local indigenous tribes, BBQ facilities, picnic area, covered viewing decks, toilets and convenient parking.

Go Birdwatching

Lagoons scatter the Burdekin and are surrounded by cane and bushland, providing a paradise for a wide variety of birdlife. The Burdekin is a truly unique location for twitchers of all levels of experience. Pack the binoculars, camera and hat and go on an expedition of your own to one of the many birdwatching platforms, bird hides or habitats and enjoy a day in the outdoors while witnessing these curious creatures. Hot spots include Lilliesmere Lagoon, Nelson’s Lagoon, Groper Creek, Horseshoe Lagoon and Wongaloo/Cromarty Wetland.

Discover The History

Driving through the streets of the Burdekin, a particular charm to the architecture stands out. From the historic buildings found to the World War II history of Charlie’s Hill, the Burdekin was built on stories and there are plenty of opportunities for you to uncover them. The Gateway Visitor Information Centre, the former Home Hill Railway Station, tells the story of the Burdekin Bridge, or the ‘Silver Link’ as its affectionately known. You can find heritage buildings, memorials and monuments throughout the Burdekin, so take some time to learn about the rich history of the region.

Walk ‘The Silver Link’

Did you know the Burdekin Bridge is longer than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? A pedestrian walkway runs along the east side of the bridge and provides visitors with completely unobstructed views of the mighty Burdekin River. Pull off the highway on the Ayr side heading South, find a park near the stairs and walk up to the bridge access from there where you will find the pedestrian walkway onto the bridge and take on a truly unique Burdekin experience.

Make sure to make the most of your time these holidays and explore everything on your front door. For those taking the opportunity to travel, the Summer Holiday series will continue next edition with suggestions for ways to spend your holidays throughout north Queensland. Grab the January 4 edition of Burdekin Life to discover your next destination.

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Alva Beach

Mount Inkerman

Charlie's Hill

‘The Silver Link’

Photos supplied

A spectacular showcase of local and visiting talent is coming to the Burdekin with Fast Track North Queensland 2024 fast approaching.  

This is the only Fast Track event in North Queensland featuring singers, dancers, musicians and more from across the state, taking place on March 16, 2024 at the Burdekin Theatre.  

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said registrations for performers will open in early 2024, with limited spots available.

“It is fantastic to see a talent event of this scale right here in the Burdekin,” she said.

“In previous years performers have even travelled from interstate for the opportunity to take part in this fantastic event.

“Fast Track 2024 will boost our local economy and tourism, as we welcome visitors from near and far to enjoy our beautiful town as they participate in the showcase.

“This is a great opportunity for performers to bring along their entire family, there is something to see and do for everyone here in the Burdekin.  

“With over $5,000 of cash and prizes up for grabs and an opportunity of a lifetime, we are looking forward to welcoming the Fast Track scouts back to the Burdekin for another successful event.”

Fast Track 2024 is organised by the Burdekin Shire Youth Council and registrations open early in 2024.

For more information, email burdekin@fasttracktalent.com.au.

Photos supplied: Karen Keys