EVENT GUIDE Monday 23 February Burdekin Shire Youth Council Meeting Monday Afternoon Interested members of the community aged 12 to 21 are invited to attend the first Burdekin Shire Youth Council Meeting of the year! Call 07 4783 9832 for more information. Burdekin Thursday 26 February Movie Magic Paint, Sip & Sing Thursday 6pm Sing, sip and paint your heart out at this epic movie-inspired Paint & Sip in Ayr, where iconic film soundtracks, big laughs and guided creativity collide for a glitter-filled night of nostalgia, fun and feel-good chaos at the Coutts Commercial Hotel. Coutts Commercial Hotel, Ayr Friday 27 February Where is the Green Sheep? Friday 12pm Families can enjoy an enchanting visual theatre adventure as puppetry and animation bring Mem Fox’s beloved story to life in the playful search for the elusive Green Sheep. Burdekin Theatre Saturday 28 February Monthly Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle Saturday 10am Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue and Pets Domain Ayr will host a heartwarming Adoption Day & Sausage Sizzle event to support plenty of adorable rescue pets looking for their forever homes. Pets Domain Ayr Sunday 1 March Burdekin Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Sunday, the 1st of March will excitingly mark the first Burdekin Plantation Park Markets for 2026! Market stallholders are encouraged to reach out to Ayr State Primary School on 07 4790 3333 during school hours for all enquiries. Plantation Park Sunday 1 March Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting Sunday 2pm The Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society holds its monthly meeting on the first Sunday of each month. Members display plants from 1:45pm, with meetings commencing at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr Sunday 8 March International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea Sunday 1:30pm Zonta Club Burdekin are excited to announce their annual International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea will be held on Sunday, the 8th of March. The theme for this year's celebration is "Cruise with Zonta" and the festivities will include a delightful afternoon tea, guest speaker and some engaging activities. Burdekin Memorial Hall Tuesday 10 March Community Gardening Morning Tea Tuesday 9am A relaxed, hands-on community morning covering growing from seed, cuttings and repotting, with tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with fellow gardeners. Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr Friday 20 March & Saturday 21 March NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase Friday & Saturday 2026’s beloved installment of the infamous North Queensland Fast Track Talent Showcase will ignite the Burdekin Memorial Hall this March! Registrations are now open via the Fast Track website. Burdekin Memorial Hall Sunday 26 April Breaking Barriers with special guest Jessica Rowe Sunday Burdekin Shire Council is proud to present Breaking Barriers – an inspiring community event focused on health and wellbeing. TBA Friday 27 March Ayr Family Carnival Friday 5pm Hibble's Amusements' Ayr Family Carnival will roll into town this March providing plenty of rides, side show alley games, carnival food and fun for the whole family from Friday through to Saturday! Ayr Showgrounds Saturday 28 March Masquerade Gala Saturday 6pm An evening of mystery, fun and entertainment featuring a fashion parade and dazzling diamond display will ignite Populins Hall this March as presented by Demure or Dare and Campbell's Jewellery! Populins Hall Saturday 28 March & Sunday 29 March Canefield ASHES Weekend Saturday & Sunday All Day The infamous Home Hill Cricket Association Canefield ASHES Weekend will return to the region this March! Nomination forms are due in by 1st March! Home Hill Cricket Association Sunday 5 April Burdekin Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am The community are invited to pop down to enjoy Ayr State Primary School's Burdekin Plantation Park Markets on the first Sunday of every month (weather permitting) in support of local creators and entrepreneurs from 8am to midday! Market stallholders are encouraged to reach out to ASPS on 07 4790 3333 during school hours for all enquiries. Plantation Park Sunday 5 April Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting Sunday 2pm The Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society holds its monthly meeting on the first Sunday of each month. Members display plants from 1:45pm, with meetings commencing at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr Tuesday 14 April Community Gardening Morning Tea Tuesday 9am A relaxed, hands-on community morning covering growing from seed, cuttings and repotting, with tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with fellow gardeners. Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr Wednesday 15 April Morning Melodies A Night in Vegas Wednesday 11am Audiences can expect a glitzy, high-energy morning of Vegas-style hits, big band classics, dazzling dance performances, and charismatic vocals that bring the glamour and fun of Sin City to life. Burdekin Theatre Friday 24 April Remember the Days of Cat Stevens Friday 7:30pm Audiences can relive the timeless hits of Cat Stevens in a heartfelt tribute by Darren Coggan, celebrating classics like Moonshadow, Wild World, and Father & Son with remarkable authenticity and nostalgic charm. Burdekin Theatre Wednesday 29 April Beatlemania on Tour Wednesday 7:30pm The sound of a generation, and the music that has influenced every generation since – that’s The Beatles. And now you can relive the heyday of The Beatles with Beatlemania On Tour! Burdekin Theatre Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May The Sugar Bowl Pickleball Team Event Saturday to Monday Celebrating 45 years, the iconic Sugar Bowl returns with 44 teams competing across Ayr, Giru and Home Hill in a team-based pickleball tournament. The event features A and B grades, with every match contributing to overall team standings in a weekend focused on competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie. Ayr, Giru & Home Hill Tennis Associations Hosted by Home Hill Tennis Association Sunday 3 May Burdekin Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am The community are invited to pop down to enjoy Ayr State Primary School's Burdekin Plantation Park Markets on the first Sunday of every month (weather permitting) in support of local creators and entrepreneurs from 8am to midday! Market stallholders are encouraged to reach out to ASPS on 07 4790 3333 during school hours for all enquiries. Plantation Park Sunday 3 May Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society Monthly Meeting Sunday 2pm The Ayr & District Orchid and Allied Plant Society holds its monthly meeting on the first Sunday of each month. Members display plants from 1:45pm, with meetings commencing at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. Howie’s Masonic Hall, 118 McMillian Street, Ayr
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Burdekin Shire Youth Council, with the support of Burdekin Shire Council, is pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the 2026 NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase, returning to the Burdekin this March. Performers of all ages and all talent genres are encouraged to register, with over $6,000 in cash and prizes on offer. The Showcase continues to provide a significant platform for emerging regional performers to demonstrate their skills in front of industry professionals. This year’s event will be held at the Burdekin Memorial Hall on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March 2026. Due to ongoing renovations at the Burdekin Theatre, the Memorial Hall will host a more relaxed, table-seated format for the highly anticipated Finals Showcase, with food and beverages available for attendees. A special guest performer and judge will be announced shortly. Burdekin Shire is proud to host Queensland’s only Fast Track Talent Showcase, giving regional performers a rare opportunity to gain exposure in front of world-class talent management company Yoyo Music, alongside a panel of special guest judges. Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the return of the event reflects Council’s continued commitment to supporting the arts and local performers. “The Fast Track Talent Showcase has become one of our community’s most cherished family events, and we are excited to welcome it back in 2026,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “The showcase offers a unique opportunity unlike any other performance or stage experience in the Burdekin – whether you’re new to performing or seeking greater exposure, it truly caters to everyone. “The program not only highlights the incredible talent within our region but also provides young performers with genuine pathways to pursue their aspirations. “Council is proud to support an event that encourages creativity, builds confidence, and strengthens community spirit across the Burdekin.” To register, simply text your name and contact information to 0411 757 337, or email bella@yoyomanagement.com. Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Shire Council Caption: Blake Hanks, winner of the 2025 NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase. Photo supplied
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The Zonta Club of Burdekin Inc is set to celebrate International Women’s Day with its much-anticipated annual Afternoon Tea, to be held on Sunday, 8 March 2026. Tickets for the popular event went on sale at 8am on Monday, 9 February, and organisers are encouraging the community to secure their seats early, with the event traditionally selling out quickly. This year’s theme, “Cruise with Zonta,” promises a relaxed and uplifting afternoon celebrating women, friendship and community spirit. Guests are invited to arrive from 1.30pm for a 2pm start, with the event to be hosted at the Masonic Heritage Centre. Attendees can look forward to a delightful afternoon tea, an inspiring guest speaker and a range of engaging activities, all while supporting Zonta’s ongoing mission to build a better world for women and girls. The Zonta Club of Burdekin encourages community members to mark the date, invite friends and join in the celebration of International Women’s Day in a warm and welcoming setting. Further details will be released in the coming weeks.
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Burdekin Shire Council is set to commence a landmark program of backstage improvements at the Burdekin Theatre, with works scheduled to begin in February 2026. This upgrade represents a major milestone for our community, delivering the first renewal of the backstage areas since the theatre opened in 1982. These original spaces have served countless school productions, dance festivals, local performance groups and visiting shows, and are now ready for their long‑awaited modernisation. The project will deliver a full refurbishment of the theatre stage and a complete upgrade of the dressing rooms, transformations that will enhance comfort, functionality and accessibility for performers and production crews, while supporting the continued use of the venue by the community. Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the works mark an exciting moment for the Burdekin and will ensure the Burdekin Theatre continues to support local performers and visiting productions into the future. “The Burdekin Theatre plays a vital role in our community, particularly for young people who regularly take to the stage through school productions, dance festivals and local performance groups,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “These improvements are long overdue and will provide safer, more functional backstage facilities that better support the high level of talent we see in the Burdekin each year.” Council is proud to support the region’s strong performing arts culture, including events such as the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod, Verve Dance Festival, Fast Track Talent Showcase, local dance school concerts, and school musicals and performances. Upgrade works will be carried out from February through to May 2026. During this period, the Burdekin Theatre will remain open; however, no performances will be held on the Auditorium stage while the works are underway. The Burdekin Theatre Box Office will continue to operate as usual, opening Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm to assist patrons with ticket sales, enquiries and general information. During the upgrade period, the following performances will be presented at Burdekin Memorial Hall: • Morning Melodies: Bloom Sings Eva Cassidy – 18 February 2026 • Where is the Green Sheep? – 27 February 2026 • Morning Melodies: A Night in Vegas – 15 April 2026 • Remember the Days of Cat Stevens starring Darren Coggan – 24 April 2026 • Beatlemania on Tour – 29 April 2026 Council appreciates the community’s understanding while these important improvements are carried out and looks forward to welcoming audiences back to an enhanced Burdekin Theatre later in 2026. Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Shire Council
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With highly competitive prices, a broad range of direct flights and an experiential fun-focussed terminal, Whitsunday Coast Airport is quickly becoming the airport of choice for people living in the Burdekin.
Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that the Council-owned facility is “delivering seamless and cost-effective access” to a range of destinations.
Flying direct to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and also the Gold Coast (as of December 7), the airport hosts Qantas, Virgin, JetStar, SkyTrans and Bonza airlines.
“The Whitsundays is a well-known holiday destination – this makes it cheaper, faster and direct!” said Mr Turner.
“Locals are also buying a seat next to a leisure passenger rather than when they travel from Townsville and are sitting next to a corporate or mine worker which drives the prices up.”
In addition to passenger travel, Whitsunday Coast Airport also has a dedicated Freight Distribution Centre – transporting fish, crabs, and pets all around the country.
They can also transit fresh local produce to population centres quicker than any road or rail transport.
“This is great for local farmers whose produce gets to market as fresh as possible,” Mr Turner explained.
“Not only is the produce worth more, it also looks fantastic!”
While the flights and the freight are definitely setting Whitsunday Coast Airport apart from other regional airports, it is also the terminal experience that has seen Whitsunday Coast win several awards this year.
“We unashamedly promote fun!” said Mr Turner.
From the Heart Reef inspired aquarium at the centre of the departure lounge to the free-form seating, augmented reality screen to entertain the kids and the Taste Whitsundays food and beverage offering – everything is an experience at Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Whitsunday Coast Airport is taking-off! Photo supplied
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club have a saying: ‘Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion,’ which sums up the work they’ve been doing throughout the Burdekin for the last 60 years.
The club is celebrating 60 years in November and inviting the community to celebrate their contributions and hard work.
“It’s time to sit back and look at what we’ve done, who we are and enjoy that with each other and the community,” said Home Hill – Ayr Lions club member and Public Affairs Officer for North Queensland Nick Wiseman.
“We’ve got members who have been in the club a long time and we’ve got some newer members as well.
“It’s going to be amazing to see and be a part of what Lions have been doing in this community for such a long time.”
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club most notably fundraise and donate money to organisations and causes locally and nationally.
Recent beneficiaries have included the Burdekin BMX Club, local schools, chaplaincy programs, cancer research and natural disaster funds, most recently Burketown floods.
The club maintains ongoing projects including the fruit park in Home Hill, located across the road from the Lions diorama.
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club have also sponsored Allie-Jo Farry, a 2023 Queensland Country Home Hill Harvest Festival Queen entrant who, with the club’s assistance, is fundraising through bake sales, raffles and events, with funds raised to be donated to a charity of her choice.
The club will also welcome the Lions Eye Health Project Coordinator to the region, visiting Home Hill State School on October 30 to conduct early intervention vision screening on school students.
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club is always looking for new members and assistance, meeting at the Crown Hotel every second and fourth Monday from 6:30pm.
To find out more about membership and the club’s 60th celebrations, email homehilllions@gmail.com.
WHAT: Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club 60th Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, November 18 from 6:30pm
WHERE: Brandon Tavern
TICKETS: $40pp
The Home Hill – Ayr Lions Club meet at the Crown Hotel twice a month. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
With disaster season approaching, the emergency services of the region gathered at the SES Home Hill Open Day on Saturday to spread awareness ahead of Get Ready Week.
The Open Day came after the Burdekin Unit State Emergency Service won the Regional Unit/Group of the Year and more at this year’s SES Week Awards.
“We are a tightknit little group,” said Burdekin SES Deputy Local Controller Laurinda George.
“We do not have a lot of members, but we know how to pump out jobs, we trust each other, we know each other’s abilities, so we spread out and do what needs to be done.”
Local Controller John Winn attended the SES State Awards ceremony in Brisbane earlier in the month as a Suncorp Spirit of SES nominee.
“I’m pretty proud and the members are pretty proud,” Mr Winn said.
“It’s quite an impressive award for our small numbers.”
Last weekend’s Open Day welcomed SES, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, Police, Rural Fire Brigade and Council to engage with the community and share helpful information ahead of the summer.
“What we like to do is engage with the community so that they can become independent in times of trouble,” added Ms George.
“We’re here to educate them on how to help themselves so they don’t find themselves in a state of emergency, they’ve done it all before and they’re prepared, and today is a big part of that.”
Burdekin SES members meet every Monday evening from 7:00pm with depots across Ayr, Home Hill, Clare, Rita Island and Guru, all sponsored and maintained by the Burdekin Shire Council.
The organisation currently has 33 members across the region, some being with SES for over 30 years, but are seeking more interest from the community, welcoming people 16 years and above to join.
“We are a volunteer organisation so it’s what you can volunteer,” said Ms George.
“We just need people to want to support their community and by doing that we can support them.
“There is something for everyone.”
To find out more about joining SES, email SESNR.Admin@qfes.qld.gov.au.
Get Ready Week will take place across the region next month.
SES Week Awards
Burdekin SES Unit – Regional Unit/Group of the Year
Paul Haller Group Leader Ayr SES – SES Week Award
John George Deputy Group Leader Ayr SES – SES Week Award
Donn Thomson Deputy Group Leader Home Hill – Meritorious Service Clasp for 30 Years of Outstanding Service
Burdekin SES Deputy Local Controller Laurinda George, Deputy Local Controller Warren Francis, and Local Controller John Winn
Home Hill SES hosted an Open Day last weekend
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
A motorcycle mechanic by trade who has upskilled himself because of his passion for four-wheel driving, Riley Granshaw’s business RG Customs NQ was born when he started working on his friends’ cars from his parents’ shed in Mount Kelly.
“I’ve always been involved with four-wheel drives and mechanics, I grew up on a property so it’s in my blood to be on the tools,” he said.
“I’m pretty passionate about my four-wheel driving and I got more and more enquiries, so it started from there.
“It was all just word of mouth, and it was getting very, very busy.
“Flash forward to this year and I was getting ridiculously busy and running out of space.”
In June this year, RG Customs NQ moved into its current location on the corner of Queen and Parker Streets, conveniently located in the centre of Ayr.
Ironically, it’s the exact same building in which he completed his apprenticeship, taking over the lease immediately after his former boss relocated.
“It was a no-brainer, I’ve got the showroom where I can move into the retail side, which is coming, and the workshop out the back is just unreal, there’s plenty of room,” Riley said.
“I bought my toolbox when I started my apprenticeship here and brought the same toolbox back, it’s pretty wild.”
Specialising in custom fit outs, Riley’s satisfaction comes from the transformation of a stock standard vehicle into a four-wheel driving machine, sourcing and fitting bull bars, spotlights, snorkels, suspension, roof racks and all other four-wheel driving accessories.
“The best part about it for me is when the customer sees their car and they go, ‘how good’s that,’” he said.
“They bring it here completely standard, and it leaves completely different.”
An avid four-wheel driver himself, Riley frequents driving and camping spots along the Burdekin River and up the coast, recognising the market in the Burdekin and filling the niche four-wheel drive accessories and custom fabrication.
With the assistance of his mother Sue in the office, Riley hopes to expand the business and the team, growing RG Customs NQ’s services, retail display and reputation throughout the region.
Visit RG Customs NQ on Facebook to find out more.
RG Customs NQ Owner Riley Granshaw. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
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