Close to 10 years ago, an opportunity arose for Tasha Smith, something that she could not pass up, and she has been reaping the benefits ever since.

12 years ago, Tasha accepted a job in a Burdekin boutique, a shop she fell in love with and two years later when the offer came up for her to purchase the business, she couldn’t turn it down.

A thriving boutique, Tasha’s Top Shop has continued to serve the women of the Burdekin, with every style, every size, and for every event.

“My mantra is that absolutely everything is $85 or under,” Tasha explained.

“There are not very many boutiques that you can just walk into and be able to pay under $85 for a great dress or a pair of shoes.”

A bargain for an extensive range, from coastal chic, rustic rural, lovely linen, and your next race dress or favourite pair of sandals, there is something everyone will love and cherish in their wardrobe.

“We have great pieces that will elevate your looks, great everyday pieces that are comfortable and fashionable,” Tasha said.

And coming into February 2024, Tasha and Tasha’s Top Shop are celebrating a massive 10 years in business, and everyone is welcome to the party.

Watch this space to hear more about the celebration!

Tasha’s Top Shop is open is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday 9am to 12.30pm, and with a comprehensive online shopfront, Tasha is keeping her customers dressed best, no matter the hour. Visit now at 93 Queen Street or online at tashastopshop.com.au.

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The beautiful shopfloor of Tasha’s Top Shop. Photo supplied

Grand Parade And Street Party

Over 3,000 people lined Eighth Avenue last Saturday, November 11 for the Harvest Festival Grand Parade where businesses and organisations paraded down the street in floats of all shapes and sizes.

Celebrations continued at Watson’s Green for the Street Party where rides, food and live music kept guests partying on into the night.

Harvest Festival President Mark Vass said the committee was extremely happy with the event.

“The Harvest Festival committee was overwhelmed by the support the community gave in coming out in their droves to the Grand Parade and Street Party,” he said.

“We had a bumper crowd, and everything went off without a hitch.

“I found that the crowd stayed a lot later than usual listening to Luke Geiger and his band.

“We had the largest bar takings since I’ve been involved in the festival.”

Mark went on to thank his committee of volunteers, including Vice President John Woods, Treasurer Desley Musumeci, Secretaries Peta Anne Broadhead and Carlene Muilwyk, Sponsorship and Promotions Peta-Anne Broadhead and Debbie Simpson, Minutes Secretaries and Social Media officers Faith Swindley and Carlene Muilwyk and Setup Volunteers Greg Dwyer and Stephen Simpson.

“Without them and our fantastic sponsors, these events wouldn’t go ahead,” Mark said.

“We also welcome any community feedback on how to improve and if anyone is keen to get involved, please contact me.”

Ephemera winners were also announced on the night, with Uli Liessmann’s ‘Peace’ winning Judge’s Choice and “It’s a Colourful World” by Maree McKeough and Lorraine Lynch winning People’s Choice.

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Harvest Festival Rotary Ball

It was a weekend of glamour, dancing and celebration for the four Home Hill Harvest Festival Queen Entrants.

Friday night saw Dayna Linton crowned Charity Queen and Allie-Jo Farry crowned Personality Queen, although all four entrants were celebrated for the occasion.

Dayna raised $29,653.62 for Burdekin Netball Association, whom she was representing as an entrant.

The total raised by all four entrants was $48,911.15 with the money raised by Allie-Jo Farry and Zoe Oakes to go towards the organisations they represented, Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club and Home Hill Rotary Club respectively, and money raised by Kaitlyn Warren, who represented Home Hill Prawn Stop, to be donated to Burdekin Chaplains.

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2023 Home Hill Harvest Festival Queen Entrants Zoe Oakes, Allie-Jo Farry, Dayna Linton and Kaitlyn Warren

Dayna Linton was crowned Charity Queen after raising $29,653.62 for Burdekin Netball Association

Allie-Jo was crowned Personality Queen

Adorable pets of all shapes and sizes turned out to Watson’s Green for the Home Hill Harvest Festival Pet Show last Wednesday, November 8.

Dedicated owners brought along their animal friends, showcasing their talents and spreading happiness.

The pets stole the show with charm, grace, and talent thanks to generous sponsors My Pets and Hanson & Lawrence and the Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club supplying a barbecue.

Congratulations to the paw-esome winners!

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Photos supplied: Home Hill Harvest Festival

Pintxos, Paella and Postre were on the menu on Sunday, November 5 as North Queensland Basque Club hosted its Burdekin function at the Parish Hall in Ayr.

Generous members donated to the raffle prizes while the Arrate sisters celebrated their November birthdays.

North Queensland Basque Club shared a huge ‘eskerrik asko’ (thank you) to Mary Arrate and her team of helpers who prepared, cooked and served Sunday’s meal and drinks.

“We are so fortunate that our club has volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that guests are welcomed and able to enjoy good food and excellent company,” the club posted on social media.

“The hard work continues long after the guests have left.

“You are all appreciated and valued - mil esker!”

North Queensland Basque Club consists of over 250 members, young and old, who attend social functions and promote Basque culture.

Visit www.basqueclubnq.org.au for more information.

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Photo credit: Basque Club NQ

Jarvisfield State School hosted a Christmas Fete last Saturday, November 11, the first big event held by the newly reinvigorated P&C in many, many years.

“Our school community is extremely proud of the event that was held on the weekend,” said Jarvisfield State School Principal Lisa Bello.

“Without the help from sponsors, the school community, volunteers and staff, this event would not have been possible.”

Attendees enjoyed perusing market stalls, meeting with emergency services, petting the animals, sliding down the slide and getting their faces painted.

The school also received donated produce which almost all sold out.

Staff, students and parents contributed by helping to run student created stalls including face painting, bottle stall, bake stall, footy toss, hundreds board, raffles and much, much more.

“Santa photos were a real hit with families lining up out the door to meet the jolly fellow and many a Christmas wish was whispered in his ear,” Ms Bello said.

“Since the weekend, staff have received nothing but positive accolades about our school and our wonderful fete.

“Thank you to the local community for supporting our small and wonderful school.

“The P&C are eager to make next year's fete even bigger and better.”

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Photos supplied: Jarvisfield State School

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

What is commonly known as the Scartwater Trust and Scholarships had its origins in 1917, when Arthur Henry Wickham Cunningham (Harry) conceived the idea of developing a cattle station in central Queensland to furnish means of rehabilitating servicemen returning from the First World. In March 1917, Mr Cunningham took up four selections of land on St Anne’s Station which became known as Scartwater (an old Scottish word scart or skarth named for cormorant- there were many of these birds on lagoons of the Suttor River which ran through the property.)  Harry Cunningham became the manager trustee of the property. Only returned soldiers were employed on the property. There were many donations from such as North Queensland Turf Clubs including Ayr and Home Hill as well cattle property owners of cattle and equipment for the running of Scartwater.  

Mr Cunningham, the founder of the scheme, desired that the funds be available for educational purposes and for the alleviation of distress for the returning soldier to secure and/or retain a means of livelihood. Accordingly, it was decided to establish two funds. Once the station was developed to the point of providing a reliable income, the Trust began aiding ex -servicemen and women by advancing interest free loans. As the need for assistance declined, a new scheme of scholarships to assist the children of ex-servicemen in their education was implemented. It is for this programme continuing to the present day of Scholarships that is most widely known.

Arthur Henry Wickham Cunningham was born on June 29, 1879, at Woodhouse Station near Ayr to Edward Cunningham and Caroline nee Hann. He married Nellie Maud Wharton of Birralee Station on May 12, 1910. They had four children, Mrs MacMillan,  Edward-known as Ted, John and Keith.  Harry passed away aged 62 in Townsville on January 8, 1942, as a result of an accident at Strathmore Station. His son Ted carried on as a Trustee of Scartwater.

Ted realised in the fifties that the soldiers had grown old and so the Trust took on building an establishment of the A H W Cunningham Memorial Home for ex-servicemen and wives in Bowen. Land was bought in 1961 and building began with finance from the Scartwater Trust. It came to pass that Scartwater Station was sold in 1979  and the money from that has been invested to  finance the Scholarships that still are carried on today as well the Bowen Cunningham Home. Ted married and had children and was a well-known figure in North Queensland circles. He met his death by a car accident near Strathmore in 1991. He was 80. He was survived by a son Edward Thomas Cunningham who died in 2008.  The Scartwater Trust still operates today, its Scholarships for tertiary education and the aged care in Bolton Clarke Cunningham Villars.

Many men and women in North Queensland have been aided in their education over the years. It includes many people from Ayr, Home Hill and the Lower Burdekin Region. What other Trust for the welfare of ex-servicemen and women who served Australian in wars has lasted from one man’s vision Arthur Henry Wickham Cunningham and his many trustees from 1917 to the present day of 2023. Today, there is the Scartwater Trust Scholarship awarded to students of Year 11 and 12, and the Cunningham Scholarship Tertiary Trust for university students. Contact for these scholarships can be made online to headquarters in Townsville.  The Scartwater Trust, may it live on in this troubled world of conflict.  Some good does come out of War.

Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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A H W Cunningham

Bowen Cunningham Homes 1971. Photos sourced from ‘The Story of Scartwater Trust’ by Anne Smith

The business community gathered at Ayr’s Burdekin Theatre on Wednesday, November 8 for the last Burdekin Industry Breakfast of the year.

Hosted by Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry and Councillor John Furnell, the breakfast connected local businesses with opportunities throughout the region.

With earthworks recently commencing for the Ayr Industrial Estate expansion, Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin and Cadet Engineer Coralie Mannea officially launched the release of non-binding expressions of interest for land at the Industry Breakfast.

“We know that the Burdekin is recognised as having specialist skills in the broad areas of manufacturing, boiler making, fitting and turning, engineering and fabrication and I am proud that local engineers and fabricators are amongst the best in Australia, with some exporting specialised products worldwide,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“By creating more space for industrial activities, the industrial estate expansion project aims to allow existing businesses to expand and attract new businesses and investments, ultimately bolstering the local economy.”

Attendees also heard from Wandarra CEO Steve Tiley who spoek about the business’s development of a vertically integrated industrial hemp cultivation and whole plant utilisation enterprise in north Queensland.

Mr Tiley provided an overview of the company, the project, and the opportunities it presents for the Burdekin.

“This is a catalyst project for north Queensland,” Mr Tiley said.

“Our model is to be a part of the global supply chain.

“When we get going, we’re going to need lots of goods and services.”

Contact Burdekin Shire Council for more information.

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Burdekin Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Perry, Wandarra CEO Steve Tiley, Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Cadet Engineer Coralie Mannea and Councillor John Furnell

Paula, Mikaela, Candice, and Sue of Nutrien Harcourts McCathies

John Ferguson and Rian Swindley

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin

Burdekin Shire Council Cadet Engineer Coralie Mannea

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Last Thursday, Giru State School’s ‘Playstars Playgroup’ held a very special playgroup morning for Children’s Week.  

The two hour event took place at the school utilising the library, playground and outdoor facilities for an amazing morning of interactive play to celebrate the rights of children, their talents, skills and abilities.  

Playgroup facilitator Emily Hervey was lucky enough to win a grant from Children’s Rights Queensland to help fund and facilitate the morning to include a range of engaging activities and special guests, such as the Burdekin Library, to deliver a very special story time for all of the children.

The event engaged families from all over the Burdekin who stayed and played with their children for Children’s Week.

Contributed by Giru State School

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Giru State School’s “Playstars Playgroup” celebrated Children’s Week in style last week. Photos supplied: Giru State School

One of Australia’s favourite and most respected musicians, Ian Moss, is calling into Airlie Beach for the unmissable Airlie Beach Festival of Music in just under one weeks’ time.

Delivering smooth vocals and unforgettable tunes, the tenacity, clarity and resonating passion that is Ian Moss will ensure the best times for the Festival, both on stage and off.

Beginning his career on the backstreets of Alice Springs, Ian Moss was quick to head to Adelaide and mix in with the boys that would become Cold Chisel.

He travelled regional Australia with the boys in black, building their reputation and by 1980, Cold Chisel was a family name with their rock blues, resonating sounds and deep lyrics.

Despite the unfortunate closure of Cold Chisel in 1983, Ian was quick to launch his budding solo career, and released the phenomenal ‘Tucker’s Daughter’ in 1989. This immediate hit was well received across Australia and projected Ian into newfound solo stardom.

‘Tucker’s Daughter’, along with ‘Soul on West 53rd’, ‘Telephone Booth’ and many other hits on his album ‘Matchbook’, took Ian on a European Tour in 1990, before he returned home and started work on his second album ‘Worlds Away.’

It is no surprise that Ian Moss has evolved to become an Aussie icon, fuelling the Australian narrative since his Cold Chisel days, as he continues to headline across the globe.

And now 50 years on, Ian Moss continues to be an Aussie favourite, with Airlie Beach Festival of Music being one stop on his legendary celebratory tour.

Along with Ian Moss, both Dragon and Ross Wilson are also celebrating 50 years of rock, culminating in these massive Aussie icons calling Airlie Beach home for a weekend of unstoppable music.

Last Saturday saw the Burdekin Potters hold its final Adult Beginner Hand-building course for 2023.

Seven enthusiastic ladies took part and enjoyed creating some unique handmade pieces.

Burdekin Potters Inc., located in Plantation Park, has seen a huge resurgence of interest in the art of clay, with membership soaring from around 10 four years ago, to almost 60 at present.

The Burdekin Potters was established in 1975 and will be celebrating 50 years in 2025.

Our youngest member is 16 with our most experienced potter aged in her mid-70s.

The club is very inclusive and caters to both men and women from the regional communities.

The Pottery Club will be holding a Christmas exhibition, beginning with the Plantation Markets on Sunday, December 3 through to Sunday, December 10.

Drop in during that week to pick up a locally crafted unique pottery piece for that special someone for Christmas.

Any time you see the “Open” flag flying, you’re welcome to drop in and have a browse, or register your interest in participating in a Beginner class next year.

Contributed by Debra Ferraris

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Bev and Joanna

Suzie and Simone

Frances

Photos supplied

Ayr State High School’s annual Academic Awards was held on Thursday, October 19 at the Burdekin Theatre.

The night was a showcase of all the great work that students and staff do together every day to ensure our students have the opportunity to excel.

Students were acknowledged for their academic excellence and a range of prestigious Special Awards were presented.

The quality of our students made the selection process for many of these Special Awards a very difficult task this year.

The major award recipients from Sports Awards and Cultural Awards were also presented to provide the link between all three Awards ceremonies.

Our scholarship holders for Year 7 and Year 11 were also presented to the school community.

Jesse and Chelsea, School Captains, provided a showcase of the year that was, before the final presentations of the evening to the 2023 Student Executive, along with the announcement of the 2024 Student Executive who will lead our school next year.

Congratulations to all award recipients - we are extremely proud of your efforts and successes. We trust that you are too.

Contributed by Ayr State High School

Year Level Duxes

Year 7 Dux – Riley Dobe

Year 8 Dux – Kovi Cursio

Year 9 Dux – Ashlee Colls

Year 10 Dux – Sophie Robertson

Year 11 Dux – Ella Swaffield

Senior Dux – Chelsea Scalia

Special Award Recipients

Citizenship Awards – Caitlyn Cheyne (Junior), Macee Cursio (Senior)

All Rounder Awards – Ashlee Colls (Junior), Zavier Wood (Senior)

Indigenous Award – Wassie Ghee (Junior), Seanna Chapman (Senior)

ADF Long Tan Awards – Chloe Hook (Yr 10), Zavier Wood (Yr 12)

TAFE at School Award – Blake Walker

Ayr Rotary Club Vocational Education Award – Adam Prior, Tiffiny Pegoraro

JCU Rising Star Award – Chelsea Scalia

Excellence in Community Service Award

Sophie Robertson, Chelsea Scalia, Eddie Jones, Tiana Cameron, Noah Arboit, Sarah Shepherd, Caitlyn Cheyne, Zavier Wood, Amaya Boland, Macee Cursio, Chloe Hook, Chloe Becke, Bella Lawry, Briella Wassmuth, Brayden Becke, Layla Kelly, Ryley Sartori

Commitment to Community Service

Sophie Papale, Phoebe Lyons, Maddy Geitz, Lachlan Mills, Ashlee Colls, Ayden Barrett, Georgia Tomasetig, Matilda Wiseman, Max Kelly, Shaize Christie, Lincoln Innes, Addison Bonato, Jorja Ahern, Isla Chapman

Academic Excellence Awards

Year 7 – Chloe Becke, Meggan Laidlow, Sophie Papale, Jarred Laidlow, Parker Bonato, Lincoln Innes, Riley Dobe

Year 8 – Andrew Robertson, Nicholas Cathcart, Ryley Sartori, Amaya Boland, Kovi Cursio, Isla Chapman, Shaize Christie, Aja Olsen, Millie Lyne

Year 9 – Sally Laidlow, Kirryn Laidlow, Hunter Oats, Ashlee Colls, Caitlyn Cheyne, Kelsey Cox, Shae Laidlow

Year 10 – Jessica Boyd, Chloe Hook, Jack Power, Thomas Bach, Meg Fallon, Melody Curro, Addisyn Wiseman, Sophie Robertson

Year 11 – Layla Kelly, Chelsea O’Shea, Noah Arboit, Ella Swaffield, Emma Miller

Year 12 – Amelia Jerkic, Zavier Wood, Chelsea Scalia, Jessica Dolan

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Year Level Duxes Riley Dobe, Kovi Cursio, Ashlee Colls, Sophie Robertson, Ella Swaffield, Chelsea Scalia

Citizenship Awardees Caitlyn Cheyne and Macee Cursio

All Rounder Awardees Ashlee Colls and Zavier Wood

Indigenous Awardees Wassie Ghee and Seanna Chapman

ADF Long Tan Awardees Chloe Hook and Zavier Wood

TAFE at School Awardee Blake Walker

Ayr Rotary Club Vocational Education Awardees Adam Prior and Tiffiny Pegoraro

JCU Rising Star Awardee and Senior Dux Chelsea Scalia

Photos supplied

On Tuesday, October 24, some St Francis Catholic School TECH students participated in the annual Townsville Grammar School's LEGO Robotics competition.

The group of students were presented with an unfamiliar challenge and had to use their knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills as well as creativity to produce a moving car which they called the Next Generation Green Machine.

This challenge involved students not only designing the car but also building it with LEGO and programming it to move.

This was the first time that St Francis participated in this competition and the students did a wonderful job coming away with a trophy for their creativity.

It was an amazing opportunity for our students to take their knowledge and apply it in a new way and an experience they thoroughly enjoyed.

Contributed by St Francis Catholic School

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St Francis Catholic School students Dylan, Chase, Lara, Sam and Harry travelled to Townsville to compete in Townsville Grammar School's LEGO Robotics competition. Photos supplied

Tucked away in the heart of the Burdekin, Charlie's Hill stands as a historical monument, offering locals a unique picnic experience that seamlessly blends nature and history.

Constructed in 1943, the No 211 Radar Station on Charlie's Hill played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as one of twenty radar installations along the North Queensland coastline. Its primary mission was to provide early warnings about approaching enemy aircraft, ensuring the safety of the region during challenging times.

For those seeking a distinctive outdoor adventure, Charlie's Hill is just a short six-minute drive south of Home Hill. As you journey along the Bruce Highway, keep an eye out for signs on the left side of the road. Turn onto Charlie's Hill Road, and after about 1.5 kilometres, the hill itself comes into view on the right. Access to the hill is straightforward, with an unsealed track leading from the road.

The historical remnants of the No 211 Radar Station can still be explored at Charlie's Hill. You'll find two above-ground semi-circular igloos constructed from reinforced concrete. These structures, known as igloos, were designed to offer bomb-proof protection for the radar equipment. The radar station played a crucial role in protecting the region, making it a site of historical significance.

While the wooden towers that once supported transmitting and receiving aerials have since been removed, the foundations of various structures near the igloos remain as a testament to the site's historical and military value. The physical remains of the radar station tell a story of dedication and resilience during a challenging period in history.

Visiting Charlie's Hill offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it's a chance to have a truly unique picnic experience surrounded by history.

From the summit of Charlie's Hill, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby islands, including Rita Island and Peters Island, adding to the natural beauty of this unique location.

As you enjoy your meal and the peaceful surroundings, take a moment to reflect on the significance of this site and its role in preserving the safety and security of the North Queensland coast during World War II.

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Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Known as one of Australia’s best Barra impoundments, Lake Proserpine is just a two-hour drive south of the Burdekin, and not only is it a favourite spot for avid fishers, it is also a popular destination for a range of outdoor pursuits.

For a modest $10 entry fee ($5 for children, or $25 for a two child, two adult family pass) Lake Proserpine can be yours to explore and enjoy for a weekend away in nature.

Owned and operated by the Whitsunday Regional Council, Lake Proserpine is a destination for the community to enjoy and visitors to discover.

Director of Commercial Businesses, Craig Turner, said that Lake Proserpine is a hidden gem in the Whitsunday region.

“The beautiful Proserpine Dam has been activated!” he said.

“We have bush camping for all size rigs, non-powered water sports, floating pontoons for fishing and fantastic glamping tents.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy nature-based activities at a very affordable price.”

The facility is also expected to incorporate motorised water sport by the end of the year.

Go Cats Whitsunday are launching specially designed two-seater boats that are similar to a jet ski but have a fishing pontoon on the front.

These versatile vessels are perfect for navigating the different areas of the lake.

Mr Turner says they are also hoping to introduce off-grid eco-cabins soon, the perfect “green footprint” for Council’s carbon neutral goals.

Nearby on-site facilities include toilet blocks, shower amenities and a kiosk operated by a friendly and knowledgeable team.

There are also three pontoons and a jetty installed for ease of access for boaties.

Visitors can stay for up to seven nights at the lakeside bush camping sites or indulge by staying in one of the glamping tents.

Last month over 150 families attended the inaugural Family Fishing Day, and Council now have plans to make this an annual event.

The lake is restocked with 20,000 Barra fingerlings each year, so both amateurs and experienced fishers know they are sure to reel in a good catch!

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