In February, the Queensland Firebirds will be hitting the road once again as part of a spectacular Regional Tour to deliver comprehensive netball clinics across five locations in the Burdekin, Laidley, Murwillumbah, Townsville and the Whitsundays!

On Sunday the 2nd of February, the Queensland Firebirds will host a clinic at Home Hill’s Burdekin Netball Association from 11am to 12:30pm. Children aged 6 to 17 are invited to participate in the clinic with the hour-long session set to focus on improving passing, defence, agility and shooting skills. After the clinic concludes, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the players for photos and autographs.

As well as the clinic, little ones aged 3 to 4 are also allowed to come along for a free Little Nettys come and try session on the same day!

Registrations are essential and clinics are priced at $45 per person. Visit https://firebirds.net.au/regional-tours for registrations and more information.

What: Queensland Firebirds Regional Tour
When: Sunday the 2nd of February 11am to 12:30pm
Where: Burdekin Netball Club
More Information: https://firebirds.net.au/regional-tours

The Queensland Firebirds will fly into the Burdekin this February

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One of the most beloved events on the Alva Beach calendar will soon grace the community’s shoreline, as teams begin to finalise ahead of 2025’s Alva Beach Golf Day set for Saturday the 8th of February.

A major fundraiser for the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club, the annual event will tee off from 1pm at the clubhouse with the celebrations to continue well into the late afternoon. Plenty of food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day as well as a selection of awesome prizes on offer as sponsored by fantastic local businesses for best dressed teams and more! Players are kindly asked to bring their own golf clubs and reach out to members of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club for team registrations and more details.

What: Ayr Surf Life Saving Club’s Alva Beach Golf Day
When: Saturday the 8th of February from 1pm
Where: Ayr Surf Club, Alva Beach
More Information: contact Ayr Surf Life Saving Club members

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2024’s Alva Beach Golf Day was a smashing success

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The Ayr Bowling Club is rolling into 2025 with plenty of enthusiasm and a packed calendar of events. We’re kicking off the new year by inviting all members and the broader community, to come join us in celebrating Australia Day on Sunday 26 January at 1:00pm. Names down by 12:30pm. $10 a game.
The event promises to be a fantastic afternoon, with a classic Aussie sausage sizzle after the game, great company, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy some friendly lawn bowls. Whether you're a seasoned player or have never set foot on the green, there’s something for everyone. Wear your best Aussie gear but remember your flat soled shoes.
We’ve already had a fantastic start to the year, with 20 members enjoying a social bowls game under the cover on Saturday, 11th of January. It was a great afternoon filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some impressive bowling action. Winners on the day were: Donna Soper, John Pirrone, and Ray Wall.
If you've ever thought about giving lawn bowls a try, now’s your chance! We're encouraging locals of all ages to visit the club on Saturdays or Wednesday nights to get a taste of the sport, in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our friendly members are always on hand to show you the ropes and share their love for the game.
Lawn bowls is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and be part of a fun and inclusive community. Whether you're looking to pick up a new hobby, reconnect with friends, or simply enjoy some outdoor time, the Ayr Bowling Club has something to offer.
So, mark your calendar for January 26 and come join the celebration. And remember, Saturday afternoon sessions are the perfect time to roll up and give bowls a go.
For more information, visit Ayr Bowling Club or find us on Facebook. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 on and off the green!

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Saturday 18th 0f January: 1.00pm to 5.00pm  ( Patrol Group A ) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Wicks.

Sunday 19th 0f January: 9,00am to 1,00pm  ( Patrol Group B ) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson.

Sunday 19th 0f January: 1.00pm to 5.00pm  (Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale. Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.

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Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday 12th January. Forty-one shooters braved the extreme heat, and the scores were exceptional in all grades. Congratulations to all the winners on the day, with a big thank you to Max and Julie Nicolaides, of Storage Sheds Ayr, for sponsoring event four.

Our next shoot will be on Sunday 9th February, followed by our ‘Come and Try Day’ on Saturday 22nd February.

Event 1-15 Target Medley 15m
AA Grade 1st Ron Clive, Joe Caruso, Ray Collinson 25/25
A Grade 1st David Stitt, Sylvia Rossato 24/25
B Grade 1st Peter Wade 25/25, 2nd Mick Populin 23/25
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 23/25, 2nd Rob Ness, Laurie Luke 20/25

Event 2-20 Target Double Barrell 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 20/20, 2nd Glen Rea, Ron Clive, Ray Collinson Aaron Lemphers and Wayne Cislowski 19/20
A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani 20/20, 2nd Colin Ferguson, Brontie Rea, Sylvia Rossato, Greg Maltby 19/20
B Grade 1st Sean Russell 20/20, 2nd John Kinnimonth and Mick Populin 19/20
C Grade 1st Rob Ness 19/20, 2nd Peter Delle Baite, Tim Ewens, Laurie Luke & Lynda Potter 18/20

Event 3-25 Target Pointscore 15m
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 75/75
A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani 87/87
B Grade 1st Alf Gangemi 70/75
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 64/75

Event 4-25 Target Burdekin Single Barrel Championship
Sponsored by Max & Julie Nicolaides-Storage Sheds Ayr
OPEN 1st Ray Collinson 25/25
AA Grade 1st Ray Collinson 25/25
A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani 24/25
B Grade 1st Mick Populin 23/25
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 21/25

Event 5-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap
OPEN 1st Glen Rea 34/35
2nd Rob Mikkelsen 33/35
3rd John Kinnimonth 32/35

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Event 3-25 Target Pointscore 15m – Brian Bonanno, Joe Sebastiani, Aaron Lemphers and Alf Gangemi. Photos supplied.

Event 4-25 Target Burdekin Single Barrel Championship (sponsored by Max & Julie Nicolaides Storage & Sheds Ayr) – Raymond Collinson, Joe Sebastiani, Mick Populin and Tim Ewens.

Event 5-25 Target Handicap – Glen Rea, Rob Mikkelsen and John Kinnimonth.

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In 1970, Margaret Gudge became one of the founding members of the Home Hill Netball Club, later known as Burdekin Netball. Little did she know that five decades later, her great-granddaughter, Lillea Levitt, would join the club, continuing a remarkable family legacy. Lillea became the first-ever great-grandchild of a former player to sign up with Burdekin Netball in 2020.
Back in the 70’s, Margaret and a group of friends formed a team in the newly established, Home Hill Netball Association. They named their team the ‘Bandits’ and set about creating their uniforms. With no professional designers, they bought fabric and used sewing machines to craft their dark green and black tunics.
Margaret played in various teams and represented Home Hill’s Green and Gold at numerous tournaments across Queensland, even travelling to Tasmania for games. Her commitment to the sport set the foundation for the club's long history.
Fast forward to 2020, Lillea, at just six years old, joined Burdekin Netball, proudly wearing the same green and gold colours as her great-grandmother. As the club continues to thrive, this beautiful connection between generations is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the love for netball.
The Burdekin Netball Association is eagerly preparing for the 2025 season and is excited about the upcoming upgrades to their clubhouse and courts. These improvements will ensure that their facilities continue to support both current players and future generations for many years to come.
To start your own legacy, the Silverlinks squad are hosting team trials at the Burdekin Netball Courts beginning on Monday, 27th of January. All positions are open for the Premier League, Division One and 18’s League teams for this year's upcoming Townsville competitions.
The Burdekin Netball Association's Annual General Meeting, will be held at 10am, Friday 9 February, at the Burdekin Netball Association courts. All positions are vacant. Members and interested parties are encouraged to attend. For further information, please contact burdekinnetball@gmail.com
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Contributed with thanks by Kelli Loizou.

Margaret Gudge and her granddaughter, Lillea Levitt. Photo: Supplied

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Get ready to roll into a fun-filled Australia Day celebration at the Ayr Bowling Club! On Sunday, the 26th January 26 the Ayr Blowing Club invites the community to come together for a social bowls event that’s all about enjoying the Aussie spirit. Dress in your best Aussie outfits and get ready for a day of friendly competition and plenty of Aussie prizes.

What: Australia Day Social Bowls
When: Sunday 26 January from 12:30pm
Where: Ayr Bowling Club
More Information: Call (07) 4783 1336

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Burdekin FC Inc. is on the lookout for female players eager to join their teams for the 2024 season! The club is recruiting for both the FQPL Northern Women and the U23 Northern Women teams with preseason training to kick off in early January.

The club invites interested players to contact them for more information via email at burdekinfc@hotmail.com or send a message through the club’s Facebook page.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a passionate team! Stay tuned for further details.

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Are you searching for a new, energy-filled sport for the whole family to enjoy? Pickleball has been making waves in the US, earning the title as the fastest growing sport in the country!

The Home Hill Tennis Association provides the community with the chance to have a swing at the fantastic tennis, cross badminton, cross ping pong sport at their courts located at 43 – 75 First Street, Home Hill.

The Association hosts Pickleball Saturdays each week from 8am to 9am as well as free come and try sessions throughout the year. Whether you’re a beginner or have played before, this is a fantastic opportunity to start a new year hobby, improve your skills, or just enjoy a friendly game!

Call the Association on 0487 890 201 for more information!

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Give Pickleball a swing this January!

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With the festivities and new year holidays wrapping up, the Burdekin Roosters are looking forward to getting back on the field, announcing seniors will commence preseason training from Tuesday the 14th January.

The Club is eyeing big things in the new year, debuting a new motto, “Roosters Thrive in ‘25” across their socials last December, following on from an action packed 2024 season.

A call out for nominations of club roles will also be announced in early January, with the community encouraged to keep an eye on the Burdekin Roosters page for updates.

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The Ayr Surf Club held it's final Junior Club Championships on Saturday 14th December, bringing their general nipper season to a close for 2024. The event showcased the junior surf sports skills where all members including the Green Caps (U6s and U7s), are able to compete in a variety of events, from wades, surf races, boards, and iron person in the water and flags, sprints and 1km beach run on the sand.  The nippers compete in both their individual age group and a junior or senior category to determine age champions, Open Iron person Champions and Junior and Senior Champions. The nippers will be presented with their awards in the New Year at presentations with the Senior members. Members were also treated to a special visit from the big man in red later on in the afternoon with Santa delivering the nippers a water themed gift which culminated in a massive water fight to cool off after a big afternoon of competition.

Although the normal nipper season has come to an end, there is still plenty happening at the Ayr Surf Club. The junior members who were selected in the North Barrier Branch 2025 Youth State Team are still training in the lead up to State Titles in March on the Gold Coast. Junior members, under 12s and under 13s, from across the entire branch will head to Alva during the January School holidays to attend Camp Alva, a development and leadership camp, and the Annual Beach Golf Day has been booked in for Saturday 8th of February, so get your teams together and prepare for another fun filled day!

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry.

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U11-U14 Senior Flags event
Eva Rickards, Alexandra Moloney and Isabella Flower
Penelope Donald, Quinn Pontifex, Mackenzie Sartori and Eliza Hayllor
Ryan Irvine, Angus Wicks and Hoyt Pontifex
Ross, Eva and Audrey Rickards with Santa
John, Alexandra and Anne Moloney with Santa

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Saturday the 11th of January, 1pm to 5pm: Patrol Group B - Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan and Gabriel Hatherell, and Toby and Danny Wilson.

Sunday the 12th of January, 9am to 5pm:  All Day Patrol Group F - Lisa and John Furnell, Jen and Jo Morgan, Lauren and Isla Chapman, and Ryley, Jake, Kat and Dave Sartori.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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The 2024 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Swimming Championships took place in Brisbane at the Chandler Aquatic Centre, and the Burdekin Swimming Club had a representative attend the Championships in December.

Bringing together Queensland's best, including Olympian’s, Shayna Jack and Mollie O'Callaghan, as well as top competitors in Queensland, and also, from around the world, The Burdekin Torpedoes had Millie Lyne, and coaches, Kim and Mick McConnachie, represent them and the Burdekin region for the week-long event.

Millie had a jam-packed week kicking off with the regional relays on the Saturday, where she represented North QLD Swimming in both Freestyle and Medley relays. Then came her individual races, where she did a personal best time in each race she competed in, which included 50m Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke, and 100m Breaststroke.

Millie was able to make the final in 100m Breaststroke in the 14yo girls where she came 6th in the state. The week ended on a high when Millie made the 50m Breaststroke final, placing 3rd in the state and bringing home a bronze medal for the Burdekin Torpedoes.

The Burdekin Torpedoes and Millie were extremely grateful to have such dedicated coaches in Kim and Mick McConnachie, who take the time to travel to these events and give their all to the swimmers to achieve these great results. 

The Burdekin Torpedoes will now be looking forward to their annual Swimming meet on January 18th – the 2025 NQIB Burdekin sprint held at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre – where Clubs from around the North QLD region converge for a fun filled afternoon of fast swimming.

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Burdekin Torpedo swimmer, Millie Lyne, with her bronze medal. Photo: Supplied
Coaches, Kim and Mick McConnachie, embracing Burdekin Torpedo swimmer, Millie Lyne, with her bronze medal and finalist awards. Photo: Supplied
Millie Lyne, in full flight on her way to bronze. Photo: Supplied

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The Ayr Surf Club Junior Championships on December 14th marked the end of an action-packed 2024 season, with Nippers competing in surf races, board events, and beach sprints. Looking ahead, the club’s juniors are gearing up for an exciting 2025.

Selected members are training for the North Barrier Branch 2025 Youth State Team, with State Titles set for March on the Gold Coast. Additionally, under 12s and 13s will attend Camp Alva in January, focusing on leadership and development.

The club is also preparing for the Annual Beach Golf Day on February 8th, promising a fun-filled day to kick off the new year. The Ayr Surf Club is ready for another year of growth, competition, and community!

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Penelope Donald, Quinn Pontifex, Mackenzie Sartori and Eliza Hayllor. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin Touch Association hosted the Grand Finals for the 2024 Mixed Season on the evening of Friday 13 December, showcasing top-quality games across all five grades.

In a thrilling conclusion to the season, the A Grade Final delivered one of the most exciting matches in recent years. Can’t Touch This, seeking their first-ever A Grade title, faced off against the experienced Nrgize team.

The game was a fast-paced spectacle, with play surging end-to-end. Nrgize displayed their well-rehearsed moves, while Can’t Touch This countered with an organised yet free-flowing style. At full time, the score was locked at 5-all, sending the match into a nerve-wracking drop-off.

In the decisive moments, it was the speed and agility of Jye Olsen, named Player of the Final, that sealed the victory for Can’t Touch This, securing their maiden A Grade Championship.

The match capped off a remarkable season, reflecting the hard work and dedication of both players and officials of the Burdekin Touch Association.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Open Touch Season is set to kick off in January, promising more exciting action for players and fans alike.

Contributed with thanks to Amity Cornford.

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