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

50 years of illustrious football history will be celebrated at the Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner in October.

The Burdekin Football Club is celebrating half a century, inviting life members, past and present players, committee members, coaches, managers, sponsors, and supporters along for a very special evening.

“It’s a very important celebration; 50 years is not to be sneezed at,” said Burdekin FC President Laurence Dal Santo, who first played for the club in 1987.

Football in the Burdekin dates back to the early 1900s when men would play informal games in Ayr and Home Hill.

Most of the players at the time were migrants from Scotland, Ireland, England, and European countries, playing without the formality of club or competition.

Clubs were eventually established in both Ayr and Home Hill, the towns playing against each other on most Sundays, although bonding and camaraderie were still the aim of the game.

In the early 1970s, another group of men from Ayr started to organise a formal senior soccer competition, with games again played on Sunday afternoons.

Over the years, teams would come and go, with only four teams in the competition at any one time, including Centrals, Comets, Crusaders, Easts, Grenadiers, Juventus, and Parkside Rangers.

In 1971, the Townsville based North Queensland Soccer Federation (NQSF) had seven teams in their first division and offered players of Ayr the opportunity to play in the competition against teams who had a bye.

Ayr accepted, with teams travelling to Townsville every three to four weeks to compete, and Townsville teams travelling to Ayr.

While some players were happy with the arrangement, others wanted more out of the competition, hoping to play in the elite NQSF competition on a more regular basis.

It was during the 1972 season that the idea to join the NQSF was officially raised and in 1973, the Ayr Senior Soccer Association competed in its first season, becoming the Burdekin Soccer Club in 1987, now known as Burdekin FC.

The club has celebrated many wins and triumphs over the years and produced local football stars who have gone onto big things, all of which will be celebrated on the night.

“The club punches above our weight, we go alright,” said Mr Dal Santo.

“A lot of players have come and gone, and we’ve got volunteers and parents with lots of stories to tell,” added fellow committee member Carla Dal Santo.

Prominent members of the club, both men and women, will discuss each decade of history with the club and 18 life members will be honoured on the night.

The 16+ formal event includes a three-course dinner, live entertainment, and guest speakers, with drinks available for purchase.

To find out more, visit Burdekin FC Inc on Facebook and find the Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner event.

WHAT: Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner

WHEN: Saturday, October 14 from 6:00pm

WHERE: Burdekin Memorial Hall

TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/CKUUN

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Burdekin FC 50 Year Gala Dinner Sub-Committee Back L-R Ramon Oar, Laurence Dal Santo, Callan Sunderland, Joshua Valle. Front L-R Michael Taylor, Carla Dal Santo, Sian Reardon

Sub-Committee members Kyle Taylor and Maddison Dal Santo

50 years of Burdekin FC history will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner in October

Photos supplied

Booking your holiday directly with a local travel agent rather than risking the confusing minefield of online services is something that can transform your holiday experience from stressful and nerve-racking to positive, personal and above all; safe.

This level of personal service is something that the friendly team at Helloworld in Ayr pride themselves in; their knowledge, expertise and excellent customer service makes every customer feel relaxed in the competent arms of a professional they can develop a good relationship with.

For Rosemary Menkens, it was an easy decision to go to Pierina Dalle Cort at Helloworld Travel Ayr, and have her team handle all her travel bookings and essentials.

“I’ve been going through Pierina for everything for 20-something years now, and I’ve never looked back,” Rosemary explained.

Rosemary initially approached Helloworld when she travelled a lot for work, sometimes at a moment’s notice, however since her retirement, she has continued to see Pierina and Helloworld whenever she and her husband travel.

“Pierina handles everything for you, and nothing ever went wrong, and if something did, her team would solve it for you.”

Recalling a time when their flight was unexplainedly cancelled, Rosemary was thankful that Pierina and her team associated with the travel insurance claim, and even to the length of speaking to them.

“That experience really made me realise why you go to a professional and thorough travel agent and have insurance whenever you travel,” Rosemary explained.

Travelling multiple times a year, Rosemary always returns to Helloworld.

“Pierina has trained her staff beautifully and they are so knowledgeable and ready to assist. They have all of my respect,” Rosemary said.

Earlier this year, Rosemary and her husband Ray embarked on a 35-day cruise across the Pacific Ocean, with Helloworld ensuring the best possible accommodations, entertainment, and travel route.

Rosemary also completed a land tour of New Zealand, where she explored the Southern Island, and is already looking forward to jet-setting off for a holiday to Portugal with a friend sometime soon.

Looking back over her travels, Rosemary is thankful for Helloworld and the passionate team.

“Just thinking about everything that goes into booking and organising a holiday, from travel insurance, flights, accommodations, and experiences, Pierina and her team take all the pressure out of everything and made the entire experience seamless and amazing.”

To learn more, book your next holiday vacation, or see the fantastic details that Helloworld Ayr have on offer, ring 4783 2122, email ayr@hellworld.com.au or visit their shopfront at 131 Queen Street Ayr.

Rosemary’s best travel tip: Be sure to check your passport expiry date! Sometimes you can’t travel if you have less than six months left on your passport, so double check.

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Rosemary and Ray Menkens on their travels to Scotland

Rosemary at Empress Catherine Palace in St Petersburg. Photos: Rosemary Menkens

Little Miss Sofie is available for adoption!

This very sweet and calm black and white kitten is ready to meet her perfect home.

Cuddly and playful, Sofie would best suit a calm and relaxing home, with older children.

Sofie is quick to turn into a snuggly purring machine and will become a permanent fixture in your lap.

She loves being cradled like a baby, and is eager for a play, either with toys, her human, or a cat tunnel.

Although more than comfortable with other feline friends, Sofie would positively thrive in a peaceful and relaxing environment, where she is the centre of attention.

Sofie is open and available for meet and greets, always eager to meet new humans and families.

Available for adoption, Sofie is up to date on her vaccines, flea, tick, and worm treated, is desexed and microchipped, ready for her forever home at a moment’s notice.

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

Fast Facts:

Rehoming fee: $185

DOB: 01/11/2022

Sex: Female

Breed: Domestic short hair

Kid friendly: Older kids (12+ years)

Dog Friendly: Untested

Other cats: Yes

Indoors/Outdoors: Indoors

Location: Ayr, QLD

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