Last Saturday saw a jampacked night at Ayr’s Rugby Park with Townsville’s Western Lions A Grade dominating the Burdekin’s Roosters 26 to nil.

The Roosters set out on the field at a disadvantage, missing their two Cowboy stars, and Blackhawk allocations from the team, and fielding a team containing six 18-year-olds against a team with years of experience was unfortunately no match for the much-loved local boys. A lop-sided penalty count against the locals further contributed to the unfortunate outcome.

Rooster Coach, Steve Lansley assessed the game, believing the penalty calls halted the overall progression of the game.

“On the other hand, I thought our defence was great considering the amount we had to do, especially on our own line – the boys really stood up,” said Lansley.

Hayden Lammon was voted Players Player, with kudos awarded for his continued efforts throughout the night, and recognition was given to Colby Thonson and Nemia Nawave’s overall efforts.

“With all things considered, I was proud of their efforts, especially in defence,” added Lansley.

Subsequent A-Grade games of the evening produced nail-biting results. Brothers dominated Centrals 34 – 10, Souths trumped Herbert River in a top-of-the-table clash 30 – 22, and both Charters Towers, and Norths had byes.

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This Saturday, 22 June, Rugby Park will host only two matches with Souths set to pay a visit to the Burdekin Roosters.

A Grade
A mismatched lineup is on the cards, with Souths missing a lady’s team, and the Burdekin Roosters missing an U20s team to play, however, Souths will field their top of the leader board Reserve and A Grade teams, making for an unmissable couple of games.

Souths will aim to hold their lead and continue their undefeated streak which has held up over the entirety of the season, with only a slight blemish on their record having drawn against the Western Lions.

Having already faced the Burdekin Roosters twice this year, once in Townsville and once at Rugby Park, Souths have shown resilience, often overtaking the Roosters after trailing in the first half.

Shaun Nona, former NRL player for the Dragons and an exceptional goal kicker, adds an advantage for Souths with his accuracy. Meanwhile, the Roosters rely heavily on their allocated players from the Cowboys and Blackhawks, as their younger players give their all in their absence.

Coach Steve Lansley has been integrating young talent, although they face challenges against teams like Western Lions and Herbert River due to inexperience.

Reserves

Chris Perry, the Reserves coach, anticipates welcoming back a few players this week but will be without Zac Campbell, and Jared Thorley due to injuries, and Alex Lennox due to work commitments.

Souths have lost only once this season, against the Burdekin Roosters in Townsville, and currently hold 18 points with 8 wins, 1 loss, and 1 bye, scoring 306 points with 112 against them.

The Roosters are in second place with 6 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, and 1 bye, scoring 280 points with 168 against.

In other fixtures this weekend: Herbert River will host Charters Towers, Norths will play at home against Brothers, and Western Lions will face Centrals. In the reserve grade, Norths will play Bowen, while Brothers have a bye.

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The Ayr Bowling Club’s week began with Social Ladies’ Tuesday on 11 June; an enjoyable afternoon with great attendance.

Meryl Smith, Merle Nixon, Ruth Moore and Irene Wilson took home a win, defeating Karen Shepherd, Katharina Stuckler, Linda Guimelli, and Betty Schultz. Also celebrating victory was Lyn Storrie, Isabel Cislowski, Raylene Hervy and Dot Cutting after defeating Margaret Linton, Donna Soper, Beryl Cornford, and Pam Power.

On Wednesday 12 June, the afternoon’s competition was overflowing with the spirit of friendship and entailed three games of Triples and one of Rinks. J. Murray, G. Braid, R. Soper took out first place with Runners Up P. Marsden, B. Young, and C. Berkery trailing behind.

Wednesday evening hosted an exceptional night of social bowls with Rob Jorgensen and Gary Pearce leaving victorious, and Evelyn Wiltshire, David Burt, and Robin McAllister as the Runners Up.

On Thursday 13 June, the Ladies’ Competition saw Open Paris Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeat Ruth More and Deslie Olsen. On Thursday 27 June, Ruth Moore and Deslie Olsen will go head to head against Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson.

Saturday 15 June saw the rink packed with players, with plenty of travellers stopping in for a visit.

“It was wonderful to have them come and have a roll with us,” expressed the Ayr Bowling Club.

There were six games of Triples and one of Rinks, with K. Stuckler, L. Giumelli and Wixi coming out victorious and John, Judy, George and Jo as the Runners Up.  

Sunday 16 June saw a handful of close championship games with the Championship Singes Final held between M. Power and M. Milan, with M. Power crowned the A Grade Singles Champion. The B Grade Singles saw J. Hall defeat B. Hewson, and J. Grabbi defeat J. Pirrone.

For anyone interested in coming along to try lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club stands as a hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts and offers a friendly, and social environment for players of all skill levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned bowers or a beginner looking to try your hand at lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the sport.

What: Ayr Bowling Club
When: Weekly
Where: 101 Young Street Ayr
More Information: (07) 4783 1336 or visit the Ayr Bowling Club’s Facebook Page

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On Friday 14 June, the Ayr Golf Club held Captains Day 2024, hosting 27 nominations of ladies to participate in Captain Sandra’s Day.

With a few hitches along the way, the day was an overall enjoyable experience with a 50m approach shot after the stableford competition exceeding the ladies line up in their respective grades on hole 18, seeing who could get nearest the pin with 1 shot.

“This turned out to be quite the spectacle and could be something we might do a few times a year,” shared the Ayr Golf Course.

Donna Reid was victorious in the stableford competition with an impressive 40 points to her name, closely followed by Mavis Zanetti with 38 points. The NTP on number 17 was awarded to Vicki Adcock, and approach shot on 14 was awarded to Donna Boccollatte. The 50m shots on 18 was awarded to C Grade Donna Reid, B Grade Betty Durrant, and A Grade Wendy Baker.

The club congratulated everyone involved, and thanks everyone for their patience throughout the afternoon.

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Contributed with thanks to Ayr Golf Club

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held a jampacked weekend starting on Saturday 8 June which saw 42 shooters take part in the 100 Target Handicap Event as sponsored by JBS Foods Australia.

The competition day provided perfect weather and exceptional scores across the board, along with some celebratory results throughout the competition.

On Sunday 9 June, 35 competitors garnered outstanding results once again for another spectacular day, with the club’s Andrew Bergin sponsoring the Double Rise.

Preparations are underway for the club’s next night shoot on Saturday 13 July, and day shoot on Sunday 14 July.
 
The 100 Target Handicap Event results are as follows;
 
Day 1
Event 1- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 1
OPEN 1st Ray Collinson, Alan Lord, Tony Coco & Bill Gall 24/25
 
Event 2- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 2
Open 1st Isaac Sebastiani, Gregory Calder, Brontie Rea, Alan Lord, Ian Kriesel & Tony Carsuo 24/25
 
Event 3- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 3
OPEN 1st Gregory Calder 25/25
2nd Bruce McBow, Col Edgerton, Mark Simpson & Ian Kriesel 24/25
 
Event 4- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 4
OPEN 1st Bruce McBow & Col Edgerton 25/25
3rd Mark Tomarchio, Isaac Sebastiani, Glenn Mchenry & Glen Rea 24/25
 
JBS Foods Australia 100 Target Double Barrel
OPEN 1ST Ian Kriesel 94/100
2nd Gregory Calder 93/100
3rd Glen Mchenry, Alan Lord & Col Edgerton 92/100
 
Day2
Event 1-30Target Medley 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso, Aaron Lemphers & Rob Hunter 50/50
A Grade 1st Gian Vassalini & Annette Vassalini 48/50
B Grade 1st Ian Kriesel 48/50, 2nd John Kinnimonth & John Cerqui 46/50
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno & Tim Ewens 45/50, 3rd Gregory Calder 44/50
 
Event 2-25 Target Single Barrel 15m
AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 32/34
A Grade 1st Ron Clive 24/25
B Grade 1st Sylvia Rossato 24/25
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 23/25
 
Event 3-20 Target Pointscore 15m
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 78/78
A Grade 1st Gian Vassalini 59/60
B Grade 1st John Kinnimonth 60/60
C Grade 1st Gregory Calder 59/63
 
Event 4-25 Pair Burdekin Double Rise Championship
OPEN 1st Linsday Groat 48/50
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 47/50
A Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 48/50
B Grade 1st Greg Maltby 41/50
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 51/70

Pictured are the Burdekin Clay Targets Club 100 Target Handicap Event winners from Saturday.

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Event-100 Target Double Barrel Handicap JBS Foods Australia
3rd  Place Winners for the day
JBS Foods Australia Representative Aaron Adcock, Glenn Mchenry, Alan Lord & Col Edgerton
 

Event-100 Target Double Barrel Handicap JBS Foods Australia
2nd Place Winner for the day
Gregory Calder & JBS Foods Australia Representative Aaron Adcock
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Event-100 Target Double Barrel Handicap JBS Foods Australia
Open Winner for the day
Ian Kriesel & JBS Foods Australia Representative Aaron Adcock

Sunday Winners

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Event 2-25 Target Single Barrel 15m
Lindsay Groat, Ron Clive, Sylvia Rossato & Tim Ewens
 

Event 3-20 Target Pointscore 15m
Aaron Lemphers, Gian Vassalini, John Kinnimonth & Gregory Calder
 

Lindsay Groat, Aaon Lemphers, Greg Maltby & Tim Ewens 
 

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The Brandon Bowls Club held a celebratory trophy evening proudly sponsored by BQC Quarry. The night fosters fantastic numbers once again, and the club thanks everyone who attended the wonderful event.

The club thanks Garry Pearce for his preparations to organise teams to head out onto the green. Appreciation and thanks was also expressed to Heather Jorgenson and her group of ladies in the kitchen, for preparing delicious smoko for the everyone to enjoy at the evenings conclusion, along with Peter Jorgenson’s tireless commitment to providing everyone with refreshments behind the bar. Leny Feeney’s spectacular sausage sizzling was also thanked by the club.

Congratulations to the winners of the evening; Dave Bycroft, Kim Harding, Margaret McLaughlin, and Ross McLaughlin.

Congratulations to the Runners Up L. Wilson, E. Florreduz, R. Brown, and N. Storrie.

Lastly, congratulations to the 3rd placeholders, J. Zanella, T. Battalgra, and R. Pancho.

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Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Thursday winners were Wayne and visitor Jean from Weston Creek bowls club ACT. Dino Poli won the lucky jackpot ball $29 in his pocket.

The meat tray raffle was won by another visitor Mal Gunner from the Tuggeranon Vikings bowls club also in the ACT.

Thanks to our Sponsor once again  Ferguson Plumbing. 30 players including 8 visitors turned up to play on a perfect NQLD Winter afternoon. 4 games of triples and a game of pairs. RINK 2. Jean (visitor) and Wayne were too strong for Ray M and Gary to the tune of 24 to 10. Rink 3. Paul, Dino and Trevor outlasted Margaret, Richard and Glen 12 to 11. RINK 4. Mick M, P. Sava and Henry got up over A. Cosier, Yogi and M. Gunner 18 to 13. RINK 5. Con, Alex and Mick McClosky had a good win over Stephen, Bob and Jeff 22 to 12. RINK 6. Karl/Jimmy, John and Hugh prevailed over Margaret L, Stephen D and Joe L 22 to 14.

The club has a working bee on Monday morning and morning tea as well. Monday morning fitness is still going. Tuesday Trimmers is the go. Wednesday Kraft group is going well.  Wednesday barefoot bowls is getting a good roll up with a sausage sizzle or similar at around 6pm. Thursday morning BINGO is a big hit and always well attended. Thursday social bowls is attracting a good crowd and don't our new shirts look great!? Until next week Good Bowling.  

Contributed by Stephen Doig.

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The Burdekin Touch Fields are in for a busy night overflowing with nail-biting games when the Burdekin Touch Association hosts the season Grand Final from 6pm on Friday 21 June.

The community is invited to come along to witness six men’s divisions, and two lady’s divisions put it on the field for what will make a lively, and entertaining Friday night of touch football for both families and friends to enjoy. The canteen will be serving up food and drinks throughout the evening, and fields are expected to produce many memorable moments while the top teams of the season go head-to-head in deciding games to determine the victors for 2024.

Over the season, both the women’s and men’s competitions have been very close games, and many teams have undergone additional training, improving immensely over the period. Onlookers are advised to bring their popcorn to watch the A Grade teams, with some stand-out players to keep an eye on in the mix.

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From the 7 to the 8 May, the Ayr High Hawks basketball team put it on the court for the Molten Championship Basketball School of Queensland – Townsville Regional Tournament (CBSQ). The competition, making its Townsville debut, encompassed 26 schools from Cairns to Mt Isa for a two-day jampacked event.

The U19 boys played in Division 2 of CBSQ and showcased exceptional team spirit throughout each game, providing mixed results to conclude the event. The 2024 team included a range of skills, with some having played basketball for years, and others lacing up for the very first time, however, despite differences in experience levels, the boys gave 100%, having plenty of fun and laughs both on and off the court.

Dominating Division 1 was the U19 girls team, producing outstanding results over the course of the tournament. Bringing home gold, the girls celebrated their huge achievement accordingly after coming out on top, with only a 1-point loss to Kirwan overall. The team’s manager, Heather Scott, was over the moon with the girl’s technique and teamwork throughout CBSQ, even when faced with tough opponents.

“The girls are extremely talented and it’s incredible to watch them play with the skill level they possess,” explained Heather.

Both the U19 boys and U19 girls teams were under the exceptional guidance of experienced coaches, Belinda Tinus and John Bonanno, who dedicated their time over the tournament and in the lead up to the event to ensure both teams were set for success.

Manager, Heather Scott, and event organizer, Courtney Carrigan, thank all those involved for what was an amazing two-days of teamwork, sportsmanship, skill, and fun.

“Thank you to Basketball Queensland for bringing this event to Townsville and giving all schools in the region this great opportunity a little closer to home,” said Heather.

“Also, to all staff, coaches, managers, referees including Caitlin Kross who helped with referring games when she wasn’t playing, parents, and players from all schools for an enjoyable two-days.”

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Local
Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had three games, losing all of them. On Friday the Division 1 met Brothers in Townsville and lost 0-7. On Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s were away to Saints Eagles Souths. The Premiers lost 0-2, the Under 23s lost 0-2 and the Women Premiers had a bye.

This weekend the Funkies are away to Brothers in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are at home to JCU Riverway.

The Annual Mooney Cup Charity Match will take place this Saturday at 5.00. Please come along and cheer on the “Oldies” as they raise money for Children’s Cancer. Rainbows won the Match last year and so Blue Balls will be determined to win this year.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers started the game on fire against Saints Eagles Souths with a couple of early chances falling to Matthew Kolb and Jay Leckenby, but they couldn’t convert. The Panthers then had a goal ruled out for offside shortly afterwards. The Panthers continued to find ways in behind the Saints’ defence, but the Saints held firm. Things were much the same in the second half until midway through, when, after a lightning quick counterattack, Saints scored to take the lead. A few minutes later Matthew Kolb found himself one on one with the keeper; but after rounding the keeper, the keeper made a good recovery to take the ball. From the goal kick Saints scored again making it 2-0 which is how the game finished. 

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s travelled to Saints with some confidence but with another changed squad due to injury and unavailable players but still a capable side on paper. The first half was a familiar story. The Panthers played good football and created several chances but could not take the lead that was deserved. The second half was a different story, and the Panthers were not as dominant. Saints scored two goals from Burdekin’s poor ball control and lack of defensive effort and the result was sealed with Saints winning 2-0. 

The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville to play Brothers on Friday night. A small squad of twelve was put together due to a number of players being unavailable. This combined with the fact that Brothers were at the top of the table meant Burdekin expected a tough night. Once the game started Brothers wasted no time in opening the scoring with three goals in the first twelve minutes. Burdekin then managed to get into the game and were able to fashion a couple of chances but couldn’t make the final pass stick. Brothers scored another goal in the 33rd minute to take the half time score to 4-0. The second half started much like the first with Brothers quickly adding three more goals. After the initial onslaught the Funkies once again worked their way into the game and had some attacking moments but couldn’t trouble the scorer. The final score was 7-0 to Brothers. Burdekin have a bye next week before a home game against Rebels. 

The Under 13 Panthers went down 4-3 to Brothers White at Paradise Park on Saturday. Brothers struck early scoring in the first minute, but Lincoln Innes hit an equaliser straight away. Brothers scored again and then an own goal had the Panthers on the back foot. Brady Wilshire scored for the Panthers and at half time the Panthers were behind 2-3.

In the second half a lot of effort was put in by the Panthers but unfortunately Brothers scored again. Through some quick thinking and an awesome throw in, Lincoln Innis slotted his second goal right on full time. The Panthers played with no subs, fought hard and supported each other right to the final whistle.  Emma Jones brought intensity to the back line, Annan Power brought grit and determination to the attack and William Shears stepped up to the captaincy role and lead by example.  The effort of everyone on the pitch was commendable

The Under 14/15 Panthers played v MAO Blue and after a shaky first half outplayed their opponents to win 2-0. The Panthers knocked the ball around well in a good win. With good goals from Brayden Card and Caleb Formilan.

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On Thursday 6 June, the Home Hill Bowls Club was packed with a huge attendance of 32 players ready to have a go at social bowls.

The day saw Tony Caruso, Stephen Doig, and Wayne Newton as the celebrated winners, Mick Olsen fortunately winning the meat tray raffle, and Stephen Doig scoring $125 after picking the correct jackpot lucky ball!

All 32 players gave it their all over 5 games of triples, and the results are as follows:

Rink 3: John and Henry outclassed Yogi, P. Saur, and J. Taylor 20 – 12.

Rink 4: Karl / Jimmy, Terry and Alan J. cleaned up against Judy, Bob / Mick O. and Hugh 20 – 11.

Rink 5: Helen, Helen B., and Mick M. won a close one over Ray, Joe and Glen (Bones), 15 – 14.

Rink 6: Ray, Richard and Barry dominated over Helina, Dino, and Gary 27 – 9.

Rink 7: Tony, Stephen and Wayne dominated Dave (Curly), Alex and Trevor, 27 – 15.

The club wishes to remind everybody of their upcoming schedule of Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers, and Wednesday morning KRAFT group, and the ever popular, Wednesday night barefoot bowls. Welcoming in the cool weather, the club’s Thursday morning BINGO has become a sensation, along with afternoon bowls amongst both the community and with travelers.

The Home Hill Bowls Club thanks Ferguson Plumbing for sponsoring the day.

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On the weekend from the 1 to the 2 of June, eight of the Burdekin region’s best bowls players travelled to Townsville to play in the Pennants Bowls Competition against seven other dedicated clubs.

After a 10 years hiatus from the pennants scene, the club took out fifth place in the competition out of the eight teams.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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With picture-perfect weather, 15 teams of avid pickleballers made their way onto the Home Hill Tennis Courts to compete for the 1st Annual Cane Country Cup. With teams visiting from Cardwell, Townsville, Bowen and the Whitsundays, the matches were both competitive and social at the same time.

Team winners were spread across the north. In the Competitive section the Airlie Norfolk and Chance 231 points took out 1st place by a mere 2 points, followed by Legendary Lobbers from Townsville on 229 points and Blown the Away from Bowen on 228 points. In the Social section, the Cardwell Crocs were the winners with 220, followed by Rocky Ponds Pickled Stars with 202 points and the Fruit Loops Home Hill took out 3rd place with 162. The Pickled Stars defeated the Cardwell Crocs 50 – 40 early in the round-robin event, but couldn’t hang onto their lead. David Catanzaro from the Home Hill and Ayr Community Bendigo Bank was on hand to hand out the prizes, congratulating the club on their progressiveness in bringing pickleball to the district.

“In a Pickle” Home Hill was voted best team name, while the Fruit Loops also from Home Hill received the prize for the best dressed team, wearing a necklace of fruit loops around their necks.

As many pickleballers are new to the sport it was exciting to see the enthusiasm for the sport, with lots of laughs coming from the competitors. Home Hill members put on a fantastic spread of food which will no doubt be remembered long after all the bad shots are forgotten. A big shout out to all the sponsors, donors and especially the volunteers who helped make this event happen. Organizer Kate Casswell said she couldn’t have been happier with the day, reporting many of players expressing their plans to return to the court next year.

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Home Hill's Cane Crushers
Back Daniel Walsh, Ben Barbagallo, Ryan Schwab
Front  Hannah Casswell, Debbie Barbagallo, Heather DesBois

winners Home Hill Stockfeeds hats

Daniel and Carly with Home Hill Winery wine tasting at lunch

Pickleball action on court

David Catanzaro Bendigo Community Bank representative with Cardwell Crocs winners Social Section Robyn and Darry Archer, Helen Johnson, Terri Hanlon, Stan Keats, Deb Clancey

David Catanzaro BendigoCommunity Bank representative with Airlie Norfolk and Chance winnersCompetitive Section Peter Hughes, Trevor Gregory, Robyn Murray,Kazuko Collins

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From Thursday the 23 May to Sunday the 26 May, the Burdekin’s very own Ayr High Northern players representing North Queensland in the under 19’s Basketball State Championships in Townsville.

The tournament hosted an action-packed four days, overflowing with nail biting moments, plenty of close calls, and an abundance of celebratory moments.

The under 19 girls did exceptionally well over the 2 days, with Ayr State High School’s Jayla Tinus, Lacy Horan, Ashlee Colls, and Zandi Bonanno winning gold in the 17 – 19 years Queensland School Sport Basketball State Championships. The team also celebrated the selection of Ashlee Colls to join the Merit Queensland Team.

Overcoming disrupted preparations and late team changes, the girls finished second in their pool heading into cross over games on the Saturday. Up against basketball power houses in the quarter finals, and increasingly tough competitors in the semifinals, the girls upset their highly fancied opponents and found themselves making it to the finals. The final game of the weekend saw the girls dominate the Sunshine Coast 70 – 68 for an intense finisher to an amazing tournament.

After a handful of setbacks and foul trouble, the girls’ dedication, teamwork and strength continued to shine through, producing extraordinary results and plenty of celebrations.

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Photo supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats
Photo supplied: Peter
Photo supplied: Alex Lester
Photo supplied: Brendan Hervey
Photo supplied: Wayne Baker
Photo supplied: Anthony Hall
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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