Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Burdekin Christian College welcomed around 300 families, friends and community members for a vibrant Under 8’s Day celebration that showcased the heart of the College and the joy of early learning. The event transformed the campus into a hub of activity, with interactive classroom displays inviting children to explore, create and play. Young visitors enjoyed rides, entertainment, a petting zoo and plenty of opportunities for hands-on discovery throughout the afternoon. Photo source: Facebook
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The Burdekin Shire Council has been formally lauded as one of Queensland’s leading innovators at the 2026 LGMA Awards for its world-first macroalgal facility. The LGMA Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding achievement across statewide local government, with the Burdekin Macroalgal Facility, officially opened last year, acknowledged for its approach to sustainable infrastructure. Mayor Dalle Cort said the award reinforced the Burdekin as a regional trailblazer. “This recognition… demonstrates what can be achieved when we are willing to think differently,” Mayor Dalle Cort said. “By taking a different approach, we’ve been able to improve environmental performance while also delivering long-term value for our ratepayers.” Delivered in partnership with RegenAqua and Pacific Biotechnologies, the facility uses naturally occurring macroalgae to remove nutrients from wastewater, significantly reducing nitrogen and phosphorus entering waterways connected to the Great Barrier Reef catchment. The system also produces macroalgal biomass that can be reused in agriculture and industry. The LGMA recognition follows success at last year’s Queensland Water Awards, where the project took out the regional Infrastructure Project Innovation Award in October.
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As Runner-Up in the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Program, Jorja Vasta is encouraging other young people to get involved as preparations begin for the 68th Burdekin Water Festival, themed River Country, Burdekin Style. Jorja said she was thrilled to receive her title and looks back on her time in the program fondly. “I was stoked to be crowned the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Runner Up. I couldn't believe it,” she said. “I enjoyed the different experiences that came with being involved in the Water Festival, and my confidence definitely got a boost. I met a lot of new people, and I became socially more confident, which helped me a bit when I began my journey at high school.” Jorja proudly represented the Burdekin Junior Rugby League Club, an organisation with strong ties to her family. “I have loved the Burdekin Water Festival and its vibe of community connection, and it was great to represent the club I play for, and my family has been a part of,” she said. Reflecting on Jorja's time in the Water Festival Ambassador Program, she and her mother, Samantha Vasta, said the experience helped build confidence, create new friendships and leave lasting memories, and they are excited to see this year's entrants begin their own festival journey. “It was heartwarming to watch new friendships develop and Jorja’s confidence grow, and everyone around her [fellow ambassadors and mentors] were so supportive and encouraging,” Samantha said. “Just know you won’t be the only one feeling nervous and just give it a go,” Jorja enthused. CAPTIONS: Jorja Vasta says her time as the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador Runner-Up helped boost her confidence and create lasting friendships. Photo credit: Sharon Bozzetto Jorja transformed her float into a Las Vegas-inspired wonderland for the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Street Parade and Mardi Gras, embracing the festival’s Bon Voyage: Roam the Globe theme. Photo credit: Sharon Bozzetto
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It's almost lights, camera, action for the 2026 Burdekin Water Festival, with excitement building across the region as preparations ramp up for the official BWF Community Launch. The Burdekin Water Festival Committee is warmly inviting the community to gather under the stars at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt from 6pm on Friday, 19th June, to celebrate the launch of the 68th Burdekin Water Festival and the beginning of another exciting festival season. Burdekin Water Festival Ambassador Coordinator Kari Ravizza said the Community Launch remains one of the most significant events on the festival calendar, bringing together sponsors, supporters, families and festival enthusiasts ahead of months of celebrations. “The Launch is where the community gets its first chance to meet this year's Ambassadors and celebrate the beginning of their journey,” she explained. “It sets the tone for the months ahead and reminds us what the Water Festival is all about – community, connection and local pride.” Held under the 2026 theme, River Country, Burdekin Style, the evening will celebrate the spirit, character and lifestyle that make the Burdekin unique. “River Country, Burdekin Style is about celebrating everything that makes the Burdekin special – our people, our lifestyle and our strong sense of community,” Mrs Ravizza said. Guests will be among the first to meet this year's Festival Ambassadors, who will take to the stage to deliver their introductory speeches and begin their Water Festival journey. “People can look forward to a fantastic evening of local talent, community spirit and festival excitement,” Mrs Ravizza enthused. “Meeting this year's Ambassador team for the first time will undoubtedly be a highlight, and it's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and show their support.” Adding a touch of nostalgia to the evening, the much-loved Festival Fashion Parade will return, reviving a tradition from years gone by while showcasing garments from local businesses. Live entertainment from local performers Gabriel Hatheral and Mason Lando will also feature throughout the night. Mrs Ravizza belives the launch is the perfect introduction to the Water Festival for both long-time supporters and first-time attendees. “Even if you've never attended a Water Festival event before, the Launch is the perfect place to start,” she said. “It's a relaxed and welcoming evening where you can enjoy local entertainment, meet this year's Ambassadors and experience the community spirit that makes the festival so special. The Water Festival belongs to the whole Burdekin, and the Launch is a great way to be part of it.” As the countdown to the festival season begins, Mrs Ravizza said she’s beyond excited to see the community come together and celebrate everything that makes the Burdekin unique, and cannot wait to see the 2026 BWF Ambassador Program flourish for another year. “I'm most excited to see our Ambassadors build confidence, develop new skills and form lasting friendships. It's always incredible to watch them step outside their comfort zones and discover what they're capable of,” she said. “This year, we're also doing something a little different with our Junior Ambassadors. Instead of hosting individual fundraising events, they'll be working together to create one major community event, which I'm really looking forward to seeing come to life. I think it will be a fantastic experience for them and something the whole community can enjoy.” Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or chair and settle in for an evening of entertainment, community spirit and festival fun. Attendees can bring their own picnic or pre-order meals from Feed Me Food via the Burdekin Water Festival website and social media pages. Meal options will cater to a range of dietary requirements, including gluten-free, with pre-orders encouraged as only limited meals will be available for purchase on the night. Drinks will be available from the bar. Tickets for the BWF Community Launch are available now via burdekinwaterfestival.com.au/events. What: Burdekin Water Festival Community Launch When: 6pm, Friday 19th June Where: Burdekin Theatre Forecourt CAPTION: Burdekin Water Festival Life Member, Robyn Hewson, presenting 2025 Burdekin Water Festival Junior Ambassador, Asha Grasso with her sash at last year’s BWF Community Launch. Photo credit: Sharon Bozzetto
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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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