Dan Olditch produced a match-winning 60 off 49*, striking six fours and a six Photos supplied

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill’s senior sides enjoyed a strong weekend, with Second and Fourth Grade recording convincing wins while Third Grade fell just short against Suburban Parks.

Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets cruised to a dominant Second Grade win at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, rolling Wests for 48 before calmly chasing the target for a 2/49 victory.

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Relentless bowling set the tone from ball one. Aaron Mckeown removed both openers to have Wests 2/1, and the pressure never let up. Wickets were shared around—Lachlan Altmann, Mark Nosworthy and Alex Stillhard all struck—before Al Wilkins finished the innings with three late scalps. Tight lines, steady maidens and sharp catching made it a complete team effort.

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The chase was straightforward. Brad Parravicini anchored with 24*, Nosworthy added 11*, and Home Hill wrapped it up clinically with only two wickets down to reach the total.

Home Hill ML Partners chased down Northern Beaches’ Fourth Grade total of 6/188 with six wickets in hand—and the story of the day was composure, depth and a captain’s spell that ripped the heart out of Northern Beaches’ innings.

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Northern Beaches got off to a flyer thanks to a brutal top-order stand of 123 runs before the first wicket fell. Home Hill needed a breakthrough—and they got it. Travis Butler delivered a captain’s spell for the ages: six overs, one maiden, 34 runs and four wickets, triggering a collapse from 1/181 to 6/187.

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Home Hill approached the chase with patience, building partnerships and refusing to panic. Alexander Romeo started with a brisk 38 before Andrew Wallwork smashed 57 off 60, and Dan Olditch produced a match-winning 60 off 49*, striking six fours and a six. The chase was sealed with overs to spare, with Home Hill winning the match 4/197.

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Home Hill Evergreen Sheds fought hard in Third Grade but couldn’t quite defend their total, with Suburban Parks finishing strongly to claim the points.

Home Hill posted 111 from 29.5 overs, built around a sharp, positive start from Simon Vickers, who cracked 31 from 19 balls. Contributions from Laurence Zappa (23) and Bharath Velpula (14) helped steady things, but regular wickets kept Home Hill from pushing the total higher.

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Suburban Parks began their chase confidently, reaching 75 before the first breakthrough. Home Hill’s bowlers worked hard, with Rohit Kondeti, Simon Vickers, Roopesh Krishnan and Darren O’Keeffe all taking wickets as the innings progressed. Fielders backed them up with some sharp catching.

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Despite the pressure, Suburban Parks kept the scoreboard moving and passed the target with wickets in hand, then continued batting on to finish at 7/161, securing a three-wicket win.

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CAPTIONS:

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2—Travis Butler delivered a captain’s spell for the ages: six overs, one maiden, 34 runs and four wickets, triggering a collapse from 1/181 to 6/187. Photos supplied

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Home Hill junior cricketer Mazlyn Smith has capped off a busy off-season, earning selection in the North Queensland Schoolgirls Under‑12 team Photos: Kristy Smith

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill junior cricketer Mazlyn Smith has capped off a busy off-season, earning selection in the North Queensland Schoolgirls Under‑12 team after impressing at regional trials to make the squad of 12 players. The team was selected from around 30 girls from across North Queensland, from Cairns and Atherton down to Proserpine.

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Mazlyn travelled to the 10–12 Years Schoolgirls Cricket State Championships on the Sunshine Coast last week, where she took part in a demanding schedule of seven T20 matches. Despite the tough competition, NQ secured two wins, and Mazlyn made her mark with a standout bowling performance.

She claimed six wickets across the carnival—four bowled, one lbw, and one caught—finishing as the third‑best bowler in her NQ side and 33rd overall out of 119 players. Her personal highlight came against the team that ultimately won the championship, when she snared two wickets in two balls, a moment she’ll remember for a long time.

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Mazlyn’s impact wasn’t limited to the ball. Her energy, athleticism and commitment in the field earned her special recognition from the NQ coaching staff, who presented her with the Best Fielder Award. Coaches praised her ability to cut off boundaries, her safe hands, strong throwing arm, and her constant positive talk that lifted teammates throughout the tournament.

Off the field, Mazlyn made new friends from across Queensland, adding to the experience of her first ever cricket carnival—a milestone she embraced with enthusiasm and maturity.

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With a successful debut at state level now behind her, Mazlyn is already eager for the next opportunity. Her selection and performances signal a bright future for one of Home Hill’s rising cricket talents.

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Burdekin local Jorja Ahern was one of 33 young motorsport enthusiasts chosen to partake in Motorsport Australia’s ‘Girls on Track Pathways Program’ in Melbourne earlier this month. Photos supplied: Tracey Ahern

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Burdekin local Jorja Ahern was one of 33 young motorsport enthusiasts chosen to partake in Motorsport Australia’s ‘Girls on Track Pathways Program’ in Melbourne earlier this month.

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The single-day event on 3rd September gave participants—aged between 15 and 22—an inside look at Walkinshaw TWG Racing’s headquarters, lifting the roller door on the career opportunities available within the motorsport industry.

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With limited spots in the program and an explicit preference for Victorian-based applicants, Jorja said she was “surprised” yet “excited” when her acceptance email came through during class.

“I was so excited and I was emailing my mum to tell her that I got in. She was as surprised as I was,” she said.

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“But overall I was very excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program.”

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Jorja travelled with family down to the Victorian capital, where she and her program peers took part in interactive workshops led by Walkinshaw TWG Racing staff across departments including Corporate Hospitality and Events, Commercial (Partnerships and Media), Engineering, Driving, and Mechanics and Preparation.

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Jorja took particular interest in the engineering department, where she said she learnt about elements of the role that she “didn't know about before.”

“It opened my eyes to the different opportunities and possibilities that are available in the industry and really helped me to nail down the type of engineering that I dream of doing when I am older,” she said.

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“I also got some insight into what each of the different engineers in the team do, so that also helped me to see where my interests lie and what career path would be best suited to me.”

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Jorja said meeting the women who had done it before her was perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the experience.

She pointed to a particular Walkinshaw fabricator hailing from rural Queensland as the most inspiring.

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“She just proves that girls in small towns can chase their dreams and achieve them too,” Jorja said, also relishing the opportunity to interact with her program peers.

“Being around likeminded girls who have the same dream of working in the industry was so cool and I made a lot of new friends from the program,” she said.

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“It was so good to talk to them as well because they have the same interests in Supercars and F1 so we all really connected and got on well.”

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Jorja’s Melbourne visit comes months after a once-in-a-lifetime Supercars paddock experience, serving as a scrutineer at the Townsville 500 in July.

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The long-time motorsport enthusiast hopes to eventually study mechanical engineering at university before pursuing an engineering role at “any motorsport team—whether Supercars or F1.”

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After three decades trying, Tramayne has earned her first Australian Emus Touch Football call-up. Photo supplied

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“When I saw that my coach was calling, I knew I had to sit down for either the good news or the bad news,” recalls touch football stalwart Tramayne Horan.

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The mother of two had been lacing up the boots for 33 years before that phone call in July—yet a national call-up had always eluded her.

By the time she hung up the phone, she had broken the duck.

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Tramayne will don green and gold for the first time at next month’s Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup (APSTC) in Japan, where she’ll represent the Australian Emus Touch Football Women’s 40s squad.

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The Ayr State High School teacher was named in a squad of 16—selected from a broader pool of 30—that will take on teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Tramayne, one of 63 debutants across Australian teams, said it was “pure elation and gratitude” upon learning of her selection to the squad.

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“I felt fit and I felt fast but I didn’t have the game knowledge and the experience that some of the other women had, so it was 50-50,” she said.

“I just never really thought [my call-up] would happen this late in life.”

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Tramayne was just 13 when she first took up the sport. Two years later, she was already a shadow member of the Queensland state team.

She went on to represent the Wide Bay district, Central Queensland Bulls and North Queensland Cyclones before playing for clubs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast while studying.

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The experienced utility has since landed at Brothers A Grade Women’s in Townsville, earning selection in the Queensland Women’s 40s State of Origin team last year.

Now set to go one better, Tramayne said she heads to Japan with a “clear mind,” eager to showcase her trademark agility, acceleration and communication skills.

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She said "playing brave” will give her and her team the best chance of success.

“I know it might seem cliché—saying to be brave,” she said.

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“But it’s for tactical reason that if our players make brave decisions and commit to them in both attack and defence, it allows the rest of the team time to make early decisions or moves off the back of that.”

With the women’s regular season done and dusted, Tramayne plans to work out at home and play in local competitions in preparation for the tournament.

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She admitted that finding the motivation to train individually was challenging, with two active sons another element to juggle.

While she said it was “tricky” playing football away from them multiple times a year—often interstate—her supportive family and partner Jarrod help to “balance out” her commitments.

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Tramayne hopes her athletic achievements can help inspire her boys and other young aspirants.

“No matter your geographical location, anyone with enough determination can make it,” she said.

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U15 Roosters, sponsored by Laser Electrical Ayr. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by BJRL

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The Burdekin Roosters Under 15s have finished their 2026 season as Tier 2 Premiers after defeating the Herbert River Crushers 22-16 in Saturday’s Grand Final.

Coached by Mark Watson, the Under 15s have had a monumental season, with Saturday’s Grand Final win “the perfect reward for the hard work the team has put in throughout the year,” according to a club spokesperson.

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The Grand Final was a tight contest from start to finish, with both sides crossing for four tries each. In the end, it was the Roosters’ conversions that proved the difference, with Perry Munro slotting three from four to help Burdekin secure the victory.

Colten Lyne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashdyn Nash all crossed the line for the Roosters.

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Mason Pavone capped off a big performance by being named Player of the Grand Final.

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The spokesperson called the 22-16 victory a “great reward for a team that has shown plenty throughout the season.”

“The Burdekin Roosters are incredibly proud of this playing group and everything they have achieved throughout the 2026 season,” a club spokesperson said.

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“To finish the year as Tier 2 Premiers is a fantastic achievement and a credit to the players, Coach Mark Watson and everyone who has supported the team along the way. What a way to finish the season!”

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Contributed with thanks by Brian Carnes

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The Burdekin Roosters had a mixed weekend in Grand Finals, with the Under 15s winning their Grand Final on Saturday over Herbert River by 22 to 16.

Coached by Mark Watson, the team scored four tries through Colten Lynne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashydn Nash, with Perry Munro kicking three from four.

The River actually score four tries, but their kicker was off-line, missing all four conversions.

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For the River, Johmanly Bann scored three tries.

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The Little Roosters finished fourth on the ladder behind Herbert River, Charters Towers and Brothers Blue.

The Roosters Under 19 team on Sunday gave their supporters plenty of hope when they went out to score two early tries and lead 12-nil.

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Before the break, though, Brothers started to use their much bigger pack to advantage, scoring three tries to have the scores level at half-time, 14-all.

The second half was level pegging, with Brothers using their giant forwards to advantage.

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The young Burdekin boys tried to match the Brethren up the middle.

This did not work, with the home team scoring a converted try to lead 20-14.

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The Roosters went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but last-minute panic passing let them down.

Brothers added another try in the last minute to win by 24-14.

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Jacob Drain, the captain and fullback, was safe in defence and brought the ball back well, while centre Kobe Geia was one of the better players on the ground.

Halfback Chad Fraser had a good one and showed why he was voted RLT D Under 19 Player of the Year.

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In the forwards, Laylan Lampton was well rewarded with a try for his efforts, with hooker Jack Power trying his heart out.

Tyce Cursio was another who gave his all, as did Mason Kiehne.

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For the Roosters, Leylan Lampton and Kobe Geia scored tries, with Kobe kicking three goals.

Coach Alf Cantarella said it was a tough game.

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“Even though the whole team gave it their all and did the Burdekin Roosters proud, the two players who stood out for me were Tyce Cursio and Kobe Geia.”

Souths scored their third A Grade Grand Final win in a row when they fought back from 16-nil down to beat Centrals 23 to 16.

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Centrals were first into the Grand Final, beating Souths in the major semi, with the Redmen having to beat Western Lions last week to be at the big dance.

The match was tough from the outset, with one from each team binned after 24 minutes of the second session.

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Souths scored four tries to three, with half Kyle Laybutt kicking three from four plus a field goal.

Isreal Osae, Jordan Remfrey, Bruce Baudu and Patrick Gallon scored tries for Souths, with Centrals’ tries coming from Brodie Pritchard (2) and Joseph Currie.

Riley Carbone kicked two from four for the Tigers, who are coached by former Burdekin boy Matt Bonanno.

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When Burdekin could not field a ladies team, several players went to other clubs this season.

That paid off for the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, who went to Western Lions.

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The Lions beat Centrals in the Final by 26 to 12, with Martina and Stephanie both scoring tries.

Charnelle Aokupu, Kaionto Ross and Theofilia Mosby also scored tries, with Angela Solomon kicking 3/5.

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For Centrals, tries came from Rasharne Prior, Jordi Mahandarah and Mia Pashley, with no goals kicked.

It was a big week for Martina Monday, winning her second Grand Final in seven days, previously taking on the Premier League title in Townsville as a member of the Neptunes netball team.

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Western Lions scored seven tries to four to win by 38 to 20.

Jack Nosworthy scored a try and kicked five from seven for the Lions, helped by Aaron Obrien, Daniel Downer, Silas Bourke and Dylan Newton with tries.

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Jason Mosby had a big one for Souths, scoring three tries and kicking 2 from 4.

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Joel Tiaaga also scored.

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will return to the beach this weekend. Photo supplied.

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will return to the beach this weekend, with the official patrolling season beginning on Saturday 19th of September.

With a long, hot summer predicted, lifesavers across Queensland are preparing for another busy season.

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The club is reminding swimmers to use patrolled beaches, swim between the flags and speak to a surf lifesaver if they are uncertain about conditions.

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club has also partnered with First in Physio to recognise the efforts of its patrolling members, with the new ‘First in Physio Patrol Member of the Month’ award to recognise one hard-working member each month.

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The club thanked Pat and the First in Physio team for their generous sponsorship of the award.

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This weekend’s patrol roster:

Saturday 19/9 1pm-5pm - Group B - Terry Lund PC, Heather Scott PC, Anita Giddy, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan and Ross Blakey

Sunday 20-9 9am-5pm - Group F - Lisa Furnell PC, Jen Morgan PC, John Furnell, Josh Furnell, Jo Morgan, Jan Hatherell and Gabriel Hatherell

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The Burdekin Colts Under 18s capped off an extraordinary season in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Warriors in a thrilling Grand Final to claim the premiership and complete an undefeated campaign. Photo supplied

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The Panthers had three matches over the weekend as part of the Finals series. The Premiers and Reserves both played in Preliminary Finals, and the Colts played in their Grand Final. In a very good weekend, all three teams won. On Friday night, the Colts beat Warriors on penalties after a 1-1 draw to add the Grand Final to their Minor Premiership. On Saturday, the Reserves beat Saints Eagles Souths 3-2 to advance to the Grand Final, and the Premiers beat MA Olympic 5-1 to also advance to their Grand Final.

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This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are both involved in Grand Finals, and both are against Minor Premiers Brothers. The Premiers kick off at 8.00 pm and the Reserves at 3.00 pm.

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

Having not beaten MA Olympic all season, with each previous meeting decided by a single goal, the Panthers knew progressing to the Grand Final was going to require a big performance. Things couldn’t have started much worse, with Olympic finding the back of the net inside the opening minute. Burdekin slowly grew into the contest, beginning to create chances and causing problems with balls in behind the Olympic defence. Their persistence finally paid off just before half-time when Matthew Walker found the equaliser to send the teams into the break at 1–1.

The Panthers came out firing in the second half. Twenty minutes in, Jay Leckenby put the Burdekin ahead before Elliott Dal Santo doubled the advantage ten minutes later. From there, the floodgates opened. Just two minutes later, Sean Young made it 4–1 before Jeremy Dal Santo capped off an incredible second-half performance with a fifth goal. A 5–1 victory when it mattered most sends the Panthers into the Grand Final and sets up a huge clash against Brothers, a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A place in the Grand Final awaited the victor of the Reserves clash with Saints. Burdekin started well and had good possession, asserting their dominance after six minutes with a well-taken goal from Jonte Grazioli.

The game settled into a back-and-forth affair, and whilst the Panthers were playing well, the goals didn’t come. At the fortieth-minute mark, Saints made a successful raid and scored to even the game.

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Despite the even score, the Panthers were confident of victory and resumed in the second half with the same dominance. In the fifty-sixth minute, Jonte Grazioli scored again to restore the Burdekin’s lead. As had been the case in the first half, Burdekin again created chances without reward.

From there, it took the effort of all to keep Saints at bay, and confidence was high. By the eightieth minute, the Panthers should have had a comfortable lead, but Saints scored a good goal to bring the score back to 2-2.

For the last ten minutes, pressure was building on both sides, and the chance of extra time was looming large. It took until the second minute of injury time before Jonte Grazioli created a chance and crossed for Jack Gimson to steer in the winner from the back post at short range. A great result that now sees Burdekin Reserves into their first Grand Final for many years.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts Under 18s capped off an extraordinary season in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Warriors in a thrilling Grand Final to claim the premiership and complete an undefeated campaign.

The match got off to the worst possible start for the Colts, with the Warriors finding the net in just the fifth minute. Despite this setback, the Colts responded with determination, controlling large periods of the contest and creating multiple opportunities, but the Warriors' defence stood firm.

As the game wore on, the Colts continued to push for an equaliser, knowing their perfect season was hanging by a thread. The challenge became even greater in the 82nd minute when the Colts were reduced to 10 men following a sending-off, leaving the side facing an uphill battle with time running out.

Showing the resilience that had defined their season, the Colts refused to surrender and, deep into stoppage time, in the 93rd minute, their persistence was finally rewarded.

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Jhett Jones produced a moment of brilliance, getting on the end of a good pass from Dylan O’Shea and finishing superbly to fire home the equaliser and send the travelling Colts supporters into celebration.

With the scores locked at 1-1, the match headed into extra time. Despite being a man down, the Colts dug deep and displayed incredible character, organisation and defensive discipline to withstand thirty gruelling minutes against a full-strength Warriors side.

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Unable to be separated after extra time, the Grand Final would be decided by penalties. The Colts held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties and limiting the Warriors to just two, securing a 4-2 shootout victory.

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Penalty scorers were Ryley Siandri, Jhett Jones, Brayden Card and Charlie Predabon. The result crowned the Burdekin Colts Under 18s as Grand Final champions and completed an unbeaten season, a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work, commitment and spirit shown by the players and coaching staff throughout the year.

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From falling behind early, to playing with ten men, to finding a stoppage-time equaliser and prevailing in a penalty shootout, this Grand Final victory will be remembered as one of the most courageous performances of the season.

The last game this team will play together is on 27th September in Cairns for the Crad Evans Trophy against Edge Hill United.

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Home Hill’s Second Grade bowlers kept control throughout. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets sealed a composed six-wicket win in a Second Grade CNQ thriller, chasing down Wanderers’ 7/157 to finish 4/158 thanks to a match-defining innings from Kris Wright.

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Wanderers’ total was built on Reece Power’s steady 40, but Home Hill’s bowlers kept control throughout. Greg Flanagan and Tristan Richards claimed two wickets each, while Ayden Marano and Aaron Mckeown took singles. Five clean catches backed up the attack.

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The chase wobbled early at 1-1, 2-18, 3-45 and 4-85 before Wright took charge. His unbeaten 84 off 68 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, shifted the momentum decisively. Al Wilkins offered calm support with 25 off 41 balls, guiding Home Hill home in the final overs.

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Third Grade saw Home Hill Evergreen Sheds show plenty of fight, though Saints proved too strong after posting 7/158.

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Home Hill’s bowlers delivered a solid collective effort. Alex Stillhard was outstanding, sending down six overs for just four runs, including four maidens and two wickets. Rohit Kondeti, Dan Olditch and Salvatore Cardillo added tidy spells, supported by five catches in the field.

The chase never fully settled. Early wickets halted momentum, and despite Leo Olditch’s 27 runs, Jay Leckenby’s 15 and several promising starts, Home Hill were bowled out for 94, falling short by 64 runs.

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In Fourth Grade CNQ, Home Hill ML Partners fought hard but fell short as Suburban Parks secured a five-wicket victory.

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Sent in to bat, Home Hill faced immediate pressure from a disciplined Redbacks attack. Andrew Wallwork provided the spark with a brisk 20 from 16 balls, including four boundaries, while Mick Richards added 11. The side reached 72 from 19.4 overs.

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Defending a modest total, Home Hill needed early breakthroughs and found moments of promise. Wickets were shared across the attack, and Andrew Newman impressed with two sharp catches. But the Redbacks’ depth proved telling as they reached 5-126 to claim the win.

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Next weekend will see the Second and Third Grade sides playing at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex against Wests and Suburban Parks, while the Fourth Grade team will travel to Townsville to take on Northern Beaches.

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Will Chandler and Chuck Vidler with Will winning the Arthur Morcom trophy. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Tennis Club

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The Home Hill Tennis Club’s 2026 Closed Championships produced two competitive finals, with Will Chandler and Justin claiming the junior and A Grade men’s titles.

Will Chandler and Chuck Vidler contested the final of the 2026 Junior Club Championship, with the Arthur Morcom Memorial Trophy up for grabs.

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With previous winners including Callan Sunderland, Andrew Casswell, Ryan Davies, Robert Bartlett and Josh Norris, it was a trophy every young Burdekin tennis player would want to have their name etched on.

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Arthur coached juniors on Saturday mornings for many years.

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Will and Chuck did not disappoint, playing for more than two hours. Chuck took the first set 6-2, but Will fought back to win the final two sets 6-4, 6-4.

It was great to see the boys going for their shots and playing with determination.

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The A Grade Men were looking to win the Ian Anderson Memorial Trophy.

Ian was the club champion for quite a few years and a great tennis player. Sadly, he died at a young age from melanoma while still at the top of his game.

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The semi-finals were played between John Chandler and Andrew Wallwork, with Andrew winning 6-2. Aiden and Justin played in the other semi-final, with Justin winning 6-3.

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Justin then played Andrew in the final. Clearly, John had worn Andrew down in the previous set, and Justin took advantage to win the Closed Championship 6-0, which was not as one-sided as the score suggested.

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Justin last won the Closed Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2006, so it was not a bad effort to come back and win it again after 20 years.

The members stayed much later than usual to cheer their clubmates on.

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Thanks to everyone who played in the championship and throughout the term. We look forward to getting more players back to tennis, as the crushing looks like finishing early.

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Fixtures now take a three-week break due to the school holidays and the King’s Birthday.

The Ayr Motorcycle Track is set to roar this weekend as riders from across Australia converge on Ayr for the JR Motorcycles Australian Track Championships on September 19 and 20. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by the Ayr Motorcycle Club

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The Ayr Motorcycle Track is set to roar when riders from across Australia converge for the JR Motorcycles Australian Track Championships on 19th and 20th September.

The Ayr Motorcycle Club is proud to host the Australian Senior Track Titles, bringing some of the country's best riders to the Burdekin for a weekend of high-speed racing and national championship competition.

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Riders will battle it out for Australian Championship honours across Pro 250, Pro 450, MX Open, Pro Open Women, Sidecar and ATV classes, with significant prize money up for grabs. The championship racing will be supported by Junior and Veterans classes, ensuring plenty of action on the track across the weekend.

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Saturday gets underway when gates open at 7am, with the canteen serving breakfast. Riders will then take part in their briefing at 10am, with practice getting underway at 10.15am before the racing begins.

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The racing will continue throughout the day, with plenty of opportunity for spectators to get trackside and watch the riders battle it out for national championship honours.

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Once the racing wraps up, the atmosphere will continue into the afternoon and evening with live music. The canteen will be serving dinner, while JR’s Bar will be open for refreshments, giving spectators and competitors the chance to relax and enjoy the evening. 

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Sunday brings another full day of competition, with gates opening at 8am. The National Anthem and rider parade will take place at 9.15am, with racing getting underway following the parade lap. 

Entry is just $10 for adults, with Under 16s FREE, making it an affordable weekend for families to come along and experience Australian championship motorcycle racing right here in Ayr.

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The Ayr Motorcycle Club would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the local businesses who have supported the JR Motorcycles Australian Track Titles and helped make the event possible.

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The club extends its appreciation to JR Motorcycle’s, Durrants, I&J Mechanical, Knapton Engineering Service, Delle Baite Earth Moving, Tracpower, Ayrcrete Concrete Pumping, Beric Constructions, Fallons Construction, Cutlers Diesel Performance, Rural Quip, Bendigo Bank, Power Constructions, Burdekin Touch Association and Burdekin Council for getting behind the event.

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The club also acknowledges the countless hours put in by its members, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the club and track for what promises to be a huge weekend of racing. 

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With Australia's top senior riders competing for national titles, along with Junior and Veterans support racing, JR Motorcycles Australian Track Titles promises a big weekend of racing and entertainment for the Ayr and wider Burdekin community.

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Emilee, Cole & Briella (1km podium) Photos supplied

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It might have been a small team, but Ayr Surf Life Saving Club made plenty of noise at the Sarina Classic and Cruise the Coast last weekend.

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The Ayr contingent travelled south for the weekend and came home with a string of podium finishes across the water and beach events.

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The highlight came in Sunday’s 1km ocean swim, where Cole Pontifex, Emilee Wassmuth and Briella Wassmuth completed an Ayr clean sweep of the podium.

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Burdekin local kids who competed over the weekend. Photo supplied: Cassandra Clark

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The Ayr Pony and Hack Club hosted a competitive field of almost 100 nominations across its Open Showjumping and Open Gymkhana events on 12th and 13th September.

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The two-day event drew competitors from as far as Port Douglas, Ingham, Charters Towers, Proserpine and Bowen, with riders ranging in age from four to 65-plus.

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Saturday’s Open Showjumping attracted 49 competitors, with classes beginning at cross rails before progressing to jumps of up to one metre.

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The gymkhana attracted 45 nominations across a range of age groups and events, from under-seven and led riders through to older children and adults.

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Lacey Maitland was crowned Overall Champion at the end of Sunday’s competition, with Archer Carr finishing as Runner-Up.

April Tanner and Alexis Lydom received Best Presented honours for their respective horses, Rosie and Rayner Park Piping Hot.

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Competitors, families and supporters gathered for a dinner following Saturday’s competition, with visitors who travelled for the event also camping locally.

The club will now look towards its 2027 program, with new members and further events on the horizon.

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Local families and riders interested in learning more about the Ayr Pony and Hack Club or considering joining are encouraged to get in touch with the club.

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See more photos here: www.burdekinlife.com/social-pics/a-great-success-large-field-turns-out-for-ayr-pony-club-competitions

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Aaron completes two sessions a day from Monday to Saturday alongside running his own building company. Photo: Jacob Casha

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You may not have heard of HYROX. Aaron Bathis hadn’t either a couple of years ago.

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Yet next year, he’ll be rubbing shoulders with the best HYROX athletes in the world—and the Burdekin athlete fancies his chances of bringing home gold.

Aaron secured his spot at the 2027 HYROX World Championships in Hong Kong after winning the Mixed Doubles 35-39 age group in Perth with teammate Stephanie Wighton last month.

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The race saw duos complete eight one-kilometre runs in between eight functional workout stations—including sled pushes, rowing and sandbag lunges—on their way to the finish line.

The Ayr resident and his South Australian counterpart topped a field of more than 1,000 duos with a time of 53 minutes and 15 seconds.

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Aaron said the result capped off a turbulent few days, pulling through a below-par individual performance the day before to help claim the doubles victory.

“It was a good feeling,” Aaron said.

“I had a s****y race the night before and got in my own head—but I was just like, ‘I can’t let Steph down.’”

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Aaron said he and Stephanie found their stride early, setting the pace for most of the race.

“It was probably at the halfway point that we overtook everyone, and then we just kept on track,” he said.

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The victory leaves the pair as the No. 1-ranked duo in Australia and the No. 4-ranked duo in the world in their age group, with Aaron optimistic about their chances at the World Championships next June.

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“I’m feeling pretty confident [going into it],” he said.

“If we went to the [World Championships] this year with the time we just got in Perth, we would’ve won. But everyone’s getting faster. We’re getting faster. So we’ll just have to see what we can do in Hong Kong.”

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It hasn't taken Aaron long to reach the sport's apex.

Inspired by videos on his Instagram feed, he completed his first race in April 2025, clocking an hour and 19 minutes at the Brisbane event. After a year competing across Australia—including in Melbourne and Sydney—he was posting sub-60 times.

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“I've always been a really good runner, which helps a lot because it’s 70 per cent running,” Aaron said.

Now training remotely under esteemed trainer James Kelly—the fastest HYROX athlete in Australia—Aaron completes two sessions a day from Monday to Saturday alongside running his own building company.

Most of his sessions are done individually, which he said can require manufactured motivation.

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“I’m always watching the fellas down in Brisbane that all train together, pushing each other. Here, I just talk to myself. Manifesting is a big thing,” he said.

“The biggest thing is staying consistent. Consistency will win every time. Just keep going and see what happens.”

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With his World Championship Mixed Doubles berth already secured, Aaron will now turn his attention to the Pro Men 30–34 division, with qualification races in Melbourne in December, Hong Kong in early January and Osaka later that month.

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A run to the third round of the Cincinnati Masters last month means Adam heads into the weekend with momentum

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Adam Walton’s remarkable rise from the Burdekin to the world’s biggest tennis stage has reached a new milestone, with the 27-year-old named in Australia’s Davis Cup squad for this weekend’s clash with Poland.

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WALTON SET FOR DAVIS CUP DEBUT

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Home Hill tennis star Adam Walton is set for his senior debut in Green and Gold after being named in Australia’s five-man Davis Cup team.

The 27-year-old will join world No.7 Alex de Minaur, James Duckworth, Rinky Hijikata and Max Purcell as Lleyton Hewitt’s men head to the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane for their World Group I tie against Poland this month.

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Walton’s selection follows a strong year for the world No.93, peaking when he defeated former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the French Open in May.

A run to the third round of the Cincinnati Masters last month means he heads into the weekend with momentum.

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Australia will enter the tie as favourites against a Polish side without its highest-ranked singles player, Hubert Hurkacz, who is managing his schedule following injury.

The two nations will go head-to-head in two singles matches on Saturday 19th September, before doubles and two reverse singles matches on Sunday 20th September, with the first to claim three wins progressing to next year’s Davis Cup Qualifiers.

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Whether Walton will feature remains uncertain, with team captains to select players for each match closer to the tie.

Former coach, Home Hill Tennis Association Secretary Kate Casswell said the selection was a feather in his cap regardless.

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“I’d like to hope he sees the court—it often depends on how the others have gone in the singles to start with, and then who they pick for the doubles,” Mrs Casswell said.

“[But] his journey is a great example of what regional tennis can achieve.”

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Mrs Casswell said Walton’s selection caps a remarkable rise to the world stage, typified by traits she had seen in him early on.

“You could always see his stubbornness, determination, and his ‘never give up’ attitude,” she said.

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“Adam would go out and play kids that you would expect to beat him, but would just be there grinding and grinding. That takes you a very long way in the sport.”

While unable to attend due to family commitments, Mrs Casswell said that she, like many others in Home Hill, will be glued to the TV this weekend.

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