Wrangler, Ariat, Pure Western, Bullzye, and Thomas Cook, all the very best brands for the hardworking, dedicated regional people of Burdekin, and all available just a short stone’s throw away in Bowen.

Coral City 2 Country is your one stop shop for the best quality merchandise with a wide range of country clothing, ensuring the very best for the paddock, farm and all aspects of country living.

With over 600 square meters of uninterrupted floor space, the short drive to Coral City 2 Country is worth it for the whole family, with country clothing, women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and accessories all available.

“We stock everything you’d ever need, all under one roof,” said Wendy Bickhoff, owner and operator of Coral City 2 Country.

“From your horse to your hat, we have absolutely everything you should need, and everything for the whole family.”

“You can walk in here with nothing, and come home with tonnes of new complete outfits, from boots to hats, and everything in between.”

Wendy and her team even have you sorted with a wide variety of hats, belts, and boots available to try on and purchase in store, with some of the biggest names: Ariat, Twisted X, Pure Western, and Roper.

Keeping the region well-dressed since 2009, Wendy has invaluable expertise, and a keen eye for detail.

“We initially started with the country clothing but expanded over time,” she explains.

Since then, Coral City 2 Country has built a reputation of quality fashion, so no one will leave the shop empty handed.

“We have customers coming from across the state visiting us, from Ayr and Home Hill to Airlie Beach, Moranbah, Collinsville,” Wendy said.

And the family don’t stop there, offering quick alterations for jeans, ensuring the best fit for the best look, with speedy turnarounds, while you wait.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, and Saturday 8.30am to 12pm, pop in next time you’re in Bowen – 42 George Street, Bowen - or visit their extensively stocked online shop at  city2country.au

Wendy’s Top Tips To Get The Perfect Fit:

1. A quick way to test pant waist size is to hold the waistline to your neck. If the waist slightly overlaps, the pants will be a perfect fit.

2. Similar to the above, your elbow to your knuckle is the same width as your waist, so you can measure pant waist with your arm.

3. An easy hack to figure your hat size is to put on a too big hat and measure the distance with your fingers. One finger equals one centimetre.

4. When fitting a top boot, the heels should rise an inch, and the back should hit the heel cap, and then go down. If the heel cap doesn’t touch back, then boot too long.

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The team at Coral City 2 Country, Wendy and Mark Bickhoff and Mary, Wendy’s mother

Wendy Bickhoff showcasing the fantastic variety at Coral City 2 Country. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Dominique’s Keeping Us Best Dressed

The Dominque’s brand has been synonymous with quality and success for over 15 years, since mother-daughter duo Jenny Papale and Dominique Gorey initially opened their florist in Queen Street, Ayr.

Since then, the name has gone through a few evolutions, including transitioning into an events team, before settling on a clothing boutique almost two years ago.

“For the last 15 years, Dominque and I have always worked together, since she graduated school,” Jenny explained.

“We are a great team, with the boys often helping with our events, and now Dominique’s three children helping around the shop in the school holidays.

“But we have a lot of fun with it!”

Stocking Adorne and By Frankie, plus so much more, there is absolutely something for everyone, and often modelled by Jenny and Dominique themselves.

“We find the modelling the least fun aspect of the job, but it’s helpful for our customers to see the clothing on real people.”

But alas, Dominique’s has become a beacon for affordable, smart casual fashion, prefect for a Burdekin lifestyle.

“We are conscious about being body positive, and we want everyone to leave the shop feeling great.

Fresh and fun social media is Dominique’s passion, regularly hosting live unboxings of new stock on Instagram, and modelling the new items for Facebook and their website.

And don’t forget, with an online store, you can order the newest stock instantly, with free click and collect, and even quick delivery times, with Jenny ensuring same day dispatch with a frequent 30min dispatch.

Visit dominiques.online/s/shop or visit their Queen Street store.

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Dotty Daisy Flowers

It was an easy decision for Amy Munro 19-years-ago when the Dotty Daisy Flowers adventure began with her sister Katy, and since then a lot has changed.  

Amy is now the sole owner, and her and the Dotty team are proud of the blooming florist on Queen St in Ayr.

An entrepreneurial person, she has overseen an expansion in the business, welcoming more floral options, chocolates, gifts and even the new Sage and Clare brand of homewares into the compact and quaint shop front.

“We always have fresh flowers ready to go, and try to source the best variety,” explained Amy.

“And we offer delivery all across the Burdekin, Monday to Saturday at different times in the day.

“Dotty Daisy is a little shop, but we packed a lot into it, with our extensive range of homewares and gifts.  

“We also have an online flowers, gifts, and homewares, which makes ordering and shopping available 24hours.”

This one-stop-shop is always changing, but consistently lively, colourful, and fun.

Definitely check it out next time you’re on Queen Street.

Q Street Collective

Amy’s second business, Q Street Collective, is a new venture, taking that one on in July this year.

“It was just an amazing opportunity, the fit out was great, everything was fresh, I just had to walk in and with the existing Q Street girls and the Dotty girls have been enthusiastic and now just putting our own touch to it all,” Amy explained.

For her, fashion was something she always aspired to be involved in, and Q Street Collective was an opportunity she could not pass up.

“We have a bit of everything. Fashion for any event, for all ages and all lifestyles.

“It has all been well received by the customers, it has been amazing. There is always something new in store.”

With brands such as Country Road, Shona Joy, Daisy Says, Lokoa, and Liberty Jewellery, and so much more, Q Street Collective will have anyone dressed best for any event.

And with online ordering available, and the choice to pick up instore or shipping, you can ensure you won’t miss out on the newest stock. Visit shopqstreetcollective.com

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An Ayr doctor has returned from the adventure of a lifetime, completing the Kokoda track in just seven days in September.

The opportunity arose for Dr Ian Condon of Ayr Health Service when he was invited by his brother, Luke, who is based in Papua New Guinea as part of Australian Defence’s Defence Cooperation Program.

The trip was organised by the Australian Army and allowed Defence personnel to invite family and friends, forming a group of 18 to take on the challenge.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but just never thought I’d get the opportunity, so I couldn’t say no,” said Dr Condon.

Led by ex-army reservist and military historian David Howell, the group walked from the north of PNG to the south, starting from Kokoda and finishing at Owers Corner.

“We walked all the way up to Mount Bellamy, so the first three days is up, and the last four days is down,” Dr Condon said.

“We did it in the dry season and they say in the dry season it rains every day and in the wet season it rains all day, every day, so we still got wet every day, but we had moments of sunshine.”

Dr Condon was deemed the unofficial team medic, although fortunately his skills weren’t required.

“As a doctor, I saw many disparities in the medical services and the lack of healthcare along the track,” he said.

“In regional PNG, it’s pretty much non-existent.

“It’s inspired me to get involved a bit more with medical donations and helping out overseas for people in need.

“I think we take a lot of things for granted in Australia and we probably overcomplicate things, so I learnt to really enjoy the simplicity of walking, drinking, having a dry roof over my head and making mates along the way.”

The trip fit into Dr Condon’s training schedule perfectly as he had completed the Townsville marathon less than two months prior.

“It’s definitely inspired me to do some more adventure-type stuff,” he said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I’ll definitely remember it for the rest of my life.”

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Luke and Ian Condon in Papua New Guinea. Photo supplied

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Dveight Has A Sound To Share With The World

By Gracie Hosie

If you haven’t seen him on the field for Burdekin Football Club in a while, it’s because he’s dropped the ball for the bass. Nic Predabon has recently been invited to DJ in Paris and Lyon, and we don’t mean cue a Spotify playlist. Since the age of 17, Nic has been creating mixtapes and music, all whilst traveling to some of Australia’s major cities to share what he’s created. When he’s not on stage and in control of the speakers, Nic works casually on a local cane farm with his parents.

Nic Predabon, who’s stage name is Dveight, has dreamt of playing overseas since the minute he was able to get his hands on a turntable panel. Paris and Leon are only a couple cities on the list of places Nic plans on performing in, in fact his main ambition is to secure a working visa for America to further his name and possibly land a permanent position in the spotlight.

Since 2020, Nic has gained an abundance of experience, accolades and attention within the industry as well as signing to a management label in December of 2020 just before his first show. When beginning his journey as a DJ, Nic jumped at any opportunity to showcase his talent and network with others in the industry including PhaseOne who is a big inspiration for Nic and was fortunate enough to cross paths with at a gig in Mackay.

Within three years Nic has racked up a following across a number of platforms; with 4,624 followers on Instagram and over ten thousand on SoundCloud. It is truly astounding the platform and name Nic has made for himself within an industry that was heavily impacted by COVID-19.

For those who share a similar passion, Nic’s one piece of advice is to “find your driving force to be in the industry and your own sound as an artist and a performer”.

In the next couple of months, Dveight will be perfecting his sound, packing his bags and heading over to Europe on the November 7, playing Lyon on the 10th, followed by Paris on the 11th. Follow @Dveightmusic on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with his European adventures.

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Nic Predabon (Dveight) playing at a show in Perth. Photo supplied

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Showcasing Regional Talent In The Burdekin

The inaugural Live In The Delta Festival has wrapped up, with hundreds of students, performers, and our youth taking to the stage in one of four massive productions.

Celebrating the amazing talent that is prevalent in the region, Live In The Delta showcases Burdekin Brass Band, Burdekin Singers and Theatre Company, Perform Studios, and Delta Music.

From the energetic Battle of the Bands, a fantastic performance of Wind in the Willows, and so much more, there was something for everyone at this brand-new event.

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Burdekin students and youth take to the stage in a mammoth weekend of production and performance. Photos supplied

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It’s the annual event that years 11 and 12 students from across the Burdekin look forward to every year, and 2023’s Home Hill Harvest Festival Students’ Ball definitely delivered glitz, glamour and an ‘enchanting’ night out.

View the gallery here

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Burdekin Christian College students arriving at the 2023 Home Hill Harvest Festival Students’ Ball in style. Photo credit: Hayden Menso Photography

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Coming live to the Burdekin Lighthouse in Ayr, the Finding Nemo Junior theatre production!

The Great Barrier Reef will come to life on a stage near you in October and November, from October 21 to 29 and November 4 to 5.

Based on the beloved Pixar film, the production will feature junior cast members from ages four to fifteen, who are ready to make a splash on the big stage! The show is set to take you under the sea and make you smile, laugh and even cry - with a story that everyone knows and loves.

Treasurer Jim Nuttall from Burdekin Singers commented on the upcoming show, “[Guests] will love it. I saw a bit of it for the first time the other day, it’s looking really good.

“We’ve been waiting for Finding Nemo to come out for the juniors for two to three years. I put the application in straight away; we are the first organisation to do it.

“There's no songs that have ever been done before, they're all new songs.”

The performers are busy with singing rehearsals three to four weeks before the school holidays, for two hours every Sunday.

Jim also comments that living in a tight-knit, small community, it is of dire importance that it is a family affair, with all hands on deck to pitch in and put on a spectacular show.

Parents take on a large role, from preparing food and cleaning, to costume alterations and set design.

This is the first time Burdekin Singers have used an online platform to sell tickets to their shows, with around 600 out of 800 seats sold, Finding Nemo Jr. is set to be a busy night for cast and crew!

Jump on the wave and grab your ticket to Finding Nemo Jr. at trybooking.com.

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Claude is eager and ready for his forever home!

Coming to Angel Paws from Burdekin Pound, Claude is a cuddly purr machine.

Loving a good pat and fantastic chin scratches, Claude will not hesitate to make himself comfortable on his human’s lap.

Equally happy to curl up and watch a movie with his humans, Claude is also always up for a good play with his toys and his humans.

Being a young man, Claude is a ball of energy, so being with brother and sister cats, he will be at home.

Available for adoption, Claude desexed, flea, tick and worm treated, up to date of his vaccines, and microchipped, and ready for his forever home!

PS: Claude is a Manx cross breed and has no tail! Only adds to his charm!

Fast Facts:

Rehoming fee: $185

DOB: 1/03/2022

Sex: Male

Breed: Manx x

Kid friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors
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To enquire about Claude, or set up a meet and greet, submit the cat/kitten enquiry form here: https://www.angelpawsinc.com.au/forms.html

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A welcoming atmosphere, diverse selection of fresh food and friendly and caring staff is what has established Cafelicious as a go-to meeting place for people across the Burdekin.

Centrally located in Queen Street, the vibrant café has been owned by Kristian Moretto for two years.

Kristian has a passion for food and a passion for his community, and Cafelicious allows him to serve his community in a personal way.

“I enjoyed being in a kitchen when I was a kid, and I developed a passion for opening something small that can accommodate people in a more intimate way,” he said.

“People are drawn to us and sometimes I feel like we’re a bit of a hidden gem.

“It’s vibrant, it’s loud and it’s very welcoming.”

Regulars visit Cafelicious expecting a high quality and unique style of food, the frequently changing menu bringing a variety of options.

Whether you’re looking for a freshly cooked breakfast, a rejuvenating lunch, or a quick bite to grab and go from the hotbox, there is something for everyone at Cafelicious.

Aromas of fresh coffee fill the space and their milkshakes and smoothies are a crowd favourite.

“I think customers understand that it’s all house made,” Kristian said.

“You can’t fool people with that, they know the quality, and I think it draws them back all the time.”

Kristian leads a tightknit team, instilling that customer and community service in everyone who dons the apron.

The passionate staff members are cross trained across all tasks at the café, eager to lend a hand with whatever the customer requires.

“The team is like an extension of the family,” Kristian said.

“The connection’s a lot deeper and we really appreciate that.

“When people come in, customers will feel it.”

A Queen Street staple, Cafelicious provides the community with fresh food and coffee and does so with pride and a smile.

“We love serving the community, it’s our passion, it drives us, and we’re here to stay,” Kristian said.

Find Cafelicious at 125 Queen St, Ayr.

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Diane, Ornella, Kristian, and Meg of Cafelicious

Supporting community wellbeing and mental health, Burdekin Shire Council is encouraging all members of their community to the ‘Kickoff the Conversation’.

Tackling the hard questions and ending the stigma, the event sets to empower mental health and resilience.

“This event encourages conversations about mental health resilience and the importance of seeking support,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

“Tickets will be available to purchase on 3 October 2023 and the event is expected to sell out quickly so be sure to book straight away.”

The event will be hosted by influential keynote speakers, who have not only faced significant health and life challenges but have succeeded, inspiring all with their resilience and determination.

One significant speaker is the King Wally Lewis, an esteemed sports star and personality, who will share his health story, his sporting journey, and the importance of breaking down stigma and asking for help.

Joining Wally is Warren Davies who is well known as the Unbreakable Farmer and will share invaluable life lessons, focussing on resilience, persistence, determination, and wellbeing.

Warren and Wally will also be joined by a host of local guest speakers, who will add depth and diversity of the conversation.

Tickets officially go on sale through the Burdekin Theatre October 3, with the event expected to be sold out quickly.  

WHAT: Kickoff The Conversation

WHEN: Saturday, October 28, from 6.30pm

WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall

TICKETS: Available from Burdekin Theatre from October 3

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The King, Wally Lewis, will join locals and other guest speakers at the Kickoff The Conversation event. Photo supplied

Most recognisable with her camera in her hand and her eye behind the lens, Mel Napier is a passionate local photographer who loves capturing special moments and creating memories for both her own family and yours.

In love with “all things photography since a young age”, Mel pursued her craft as a side hustle for many years, beginning with scanning old photos and creating slideshows, photobooks and prints for her customers with her business Your Memories Crafted by Mel.

Despite this creative outlet, a passion for photography still ran deep and, with her husband’s encouragement she rebranded to Melanie Napier Memories and Photography, diversifying to officially become the photographer she’d always dreamt of being.

Since then, Mel has not looked back and, by working alongside a range of different customers, her experience has grown so that she now has a reputation for a range incredible photography, including family portraiture, pets, landscape and corporate.

She hopes to one day sell her stunning landscape images for prints to decorate local homes and one of her proudest moments was achieving champion print of the Burdekin Show this year, as well as her involvement with Marni Hine in Project Raw.

A born and bred Burdekin local, Mel is originally from Millaroo which ignited her passion for the outdoors and wildlife.

She has worked for the Burdekin Shire Council since 2008 and in the IT department for the past 13 years.

Mel has two adult sons with her husband of 30 years, Collin, and both the boys live close by.

She is also blessed to have a grand daughter who has just turned one.

A genuine and caring photographer, Mel is ready to capture special moments for you and your family.

She is also proudly working alongside Burdekin Life Newspaper having taken their first front-page photo and become their photographer of choice.

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Local photographer, Melanie Napier. Photo supplied

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The beloved Seniors Health and Wellbeing Expo is on again for 2023, with Burdekin Shire Council opening ticket sales.

Hosting a range of informative and engaging stallholders for all walks of life, the expo will be insightful, allowing the community’s seniors to build connections and be inspired.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the event is aimed at promoting a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

“This event provides a platform for seniors to access valuable resources and connect with essential services, ensuring their wellbeing remains a priority in our community,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

Emceeing the event will be Ricky Romeo, who is ready to entice each and every senior.

The Luncheon will be host to REGIS bingo, live entertainment, prizes and giveaway, and be a wonderful event to build relationships.

Services already signed up for the expo include Ayr Amcal Chemist, Ayr Health Service, Burdekin Community Association, Burdekin Library, Burdekin Men’s Shed Association, Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre, Equip U, McCathies Furniture Plus, and so much more.

Burdekin Shire Council would like to thank major sponsor Regis Aged Care and all the stall holders for their contribution and support.

For more information contact Burdekin Shire Council on 4783 9800.

WHAT: Seniors Health and Wellbeing Expo and Luncheon

WHERE: Ayr Showgrounds

WHEN: Monday October 23, 10.30am to 1.30pm

TICKETS: $10 per person, available from the Burdekin Theatre

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After 10 years of selling out festivals worldwide, the boys from Briefs Factory International are back!

With their hills hoist poised, the Briefs boys are ready to air their ‘Dirty Laundry’ in this brand-new party cabaret you don’t want to miss out on.

Led by Fez Faanana aka Shivanana, and featuring a line-up of classic Briefs boys, as well as some shiny new boys and toys, ‘Dirty Laundry’ will take over the Burdekin Theatre on Saturday, September 30 for one very special night.

With more glitter stains and ballsy attitude than ever before, your favourite Briefs misfits give you a night of intoxicating physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship.

The evening will kick off with an opportunity to enjoy a cocktail and “Meet the Queens” from 7:00pm before the main performance kicks off at 8:00pm.

The 10th birthday extravaganza has earned five-star reviews all across the country, with FRINGE WORLD 2019 calling ‘Dirty Laundry’ “The perfect blend of flesh, acrobats, dance, boylesque and brilliance.”

Out in Perth said, “Hilarious, jaw-dropping and heartfelt, the Briefs boys set out on a mission to celebrate every moment and don’t leave until they’ve made sure the whole audience is along for the ride,” while ArtsHub added, “The Briefs Boys know how to combine the serious, the ironic, and the naked.”

Glam Adelaide called ‘Dirty Laundry’, “the drag party you always wish you’d be invited to!” so make sure to get your tickets today and watch these boys tumble dry.

WHAT: Dirty Laundry presented by Briefs Factory International

WHEN: Saturday, September 30 from 7:00pm

WHERE: Burdekin Theatre

TICKETS: www.burdekintheatre.com.au

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Dirty Laundry is coming to the Burdekin. Photo credit: Cecilia Martin

A stacked calendar of events was launched on Sunday with the Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival just around the corner.

President Mark Vass officially launched the festival at the Crown Hotel, a festival that was one he always looked forward to growing up in the region.

“As a kid growing up here, we had the Home Hill Rodeo, the Home Hill Show and the Home Hill Harvest Festival – they were the things I can remember looking forward to most as a kid,” he said.

“The only one that’s left is the Harvest Festival and I’ve always been community minded, and I didn’t want to see it die so I got involved in 2015.”

Starting 61 years ago and originally only consisting of the grand parade and street party, the Home Hill Harvest Festival has grown to incorporate an array of events spanning across three months, with highlights including the Town of Origin cricket, netball and rugby league matches, derby day, pet show and gala ball.

“There are all sorts of different events we put on for the community, but the main one is always the grand parade and street party,” Mr Vass said.

“It’s always such a big event, we’re expecting over 3,000 people there.”

Mr Vass also introduced the four entrants for the Queen of the Home Hill Harvest Festival and their sponsors, including Allie-Jo Farry representing Home Hill Lions Club, Zoe Oakes representing Home Hill Rotary Club, Dayna Linton representing Burdekin Netball Association and Kaitlyn Warren representing Home Hill Prawn Shop.

Find a full calendar of events below and visit hhharvestfestival.com.au for more information.

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Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival Queens Dayna Linton, Allie-Jo Farry, Kaitlyn Warren, and Zoe Oakes

Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee: President Mark Vass, Treasurer Krystel Payne, Secretary Peta-Anne Broadhead, and Debbie Simpson. Absent: Vice President John Wood, Treasurer Desley Musumeci, and Minutes Secretary Faith Swindley

The Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival was officially launched at the Crown Hotel on Sunday

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival Events Schedule