In 1929, the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association, originally known as the Delta Hockey Club, had its modest beginnings. Thanks to the generosity of local businessman Stan Hall, the club was equipped with the necessary gear to kickstart its journey.

Initially, the club exclusively catered to male players, but as time went on, it expanded its horizons. Today, it boasts a diverse membership that includes not only men but also ladies and junior players.

In 2023, the club's primary focus centres on an indoor hockey competition running from April to September. This successful endeavour is made possible through the valued support of Ayr State High School.

The Lower Burdekin Hockey Association recently held its annual Presentation Night to celebrate this year’s outstanding performers.  A big congratulations to Quicksticks, who have improved their Wooden Spoon performance of 2022 to take out the Indoor Hockey Championship this year.

Each year the club awards both a Senior and Junior clubperson of the year.  This year’s Senior Club Person is Dirk Dabelstein.   Dirk started playing hockey as a junior, but at that time no high school competition existed so he had many years away from the sport.  Dirk became actively involved again in the early 2000s, playing himself but also introducing both his children to the sport.  He is critical to the ongoing success of our junior fixtures, running weekly coaching and game sessions with our junior players, having undertaken community coaching courses to support his role.  He has this year again proven to be a dedicated, passionate and involved member of the organisation.

Emily Johnston has been awarded the Junior Club Person for 2023.  Emily has only recently started her hockey journey, being selected in last year’s NQ Primary Schoolgirls team as the goalkeeper.  Emily is the first to offer assistance, with no job too difficult.  She is also developing her umpiring skills, having umpired both junior and senior games on occasion this year. She is enthusiastic, dependable and has a hunger to improve her skills in all facets of the game.

Other recipients were as follows:

Indoor Hockey Minor Premiers and Champions – Quicksticks

Indoor Hockey B Division Winners – Stick Handlers

Indoor Hockey Wooden Spoon – White Knights

Best and Fairest – Kasey Parison and Karl Dabelstein

Best Juniors – Ella Dabelstein and Cruz Torkington

Best Rookies – Jorja Grabs and Jarren Wood

Best Attacker – Kasey Parison

Best Defender – Bradley Sibson

Goal Shark – Lynette Gardner

The junior presentations were held last month to acknowledge the following players:

Most Improved U10 – Mack Grabs

Most Consistent U10 – Jacques Gardner

Most Improved U13 – Henry Smith

Most Consistent U13 – Charlie McCarthy

Junior Player’s Player – Ben Smail

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Contributed by the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association

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Indoor Hockey champions Quicksticks

Best juniors Ella Dabelstein and Cruz Torkington

Best and Fairest – Kasey Parison and Karl Dabelstein

Junior Club Person Emily Johnston

Best Rookie Jorja Grabs

Senior Club Person Dirk Dabelstein

Indoor Hockey Wooden Spoon – White Knights

Over the weekend, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club headed to the annual Forrest Beach Surf Carnival for two days of action-packed competition.

Their small contingent of 31 competitors battled it out in some very tough conditions with strong winds and waves with some amazing individual and team performances.  
The members competed in beach events including flags, sprints and relays, and water events including surf race, board, ironman, tube race, wades, board rescues and multiple relays.  

Taylor Chapman in Under 10s was the star of the show, bringing home gold in every individual event over the weekend and several relays, as well as competing up an age group for some team events.  

President and coach Ben Lawry said that some of his other stand out performances over the weekend were the Under 10 girls bringing home a trifecta in their individual board race, with Taylor Chapman 1st, Charlotte Dale 2nd and Alexandra Moloney 3rd, and the Under 12 Surf Team of Milla Chapman, Cole Pontifex, Charlotte Lawry and Emma Jones putting in some great swims to bring home a win against some very strong competition by the Arcadian Club.

The Under 10s put in some dominating team performances winning their board relay (Luca Lawry, Charlotte Dale & Taylor Chapman) and wade relay (Lewis Bonato, Taylor Chapman, Luca Lawry, and Charlotte Dale).  

The North Australian Championships is next on the carnival program for the U11s to Masters in a few weeks’ time, where competitors from all across northern Australia come together over 3 massive days for some tough competition.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Under 9 Board Relay Team Hoyt Pontifex, Ryan Irvine, and Lola Gibson

Under 10 Female Board Race trifecta Alexandra Moloney 3rd, Charlotte Dale 2nd and Taylor Chapman 1st. Photos supplied

Marisa and Sharon from Selections have once again shown their dedication to the Ayr Ladies Golf Competitions, earning the gratitude of all participants.

The course has witnessed some impressive performances lately, with the dry conditions providing extra run for the players. However, this week brought its own challenges as the greens received a sanding treatment, making putting a bit trickier.

Despite the obstacles, a new sensation in the B Grade category has emerged. Ingrid Vaes blazed her way to victory, delivering a stellar round with an impressive 41 points. Janet Trezise showcased her consistency by securing the runner-up spot with a commendable 36 points.

The accolades didn't stop there, with Angie Baxter, Betty Durrant, Pat Lawson, and Rhonda O’Brien earning well-deserved rundowns. Adding a touch of excitement, Bev Power clinched the title of lucky wheel winner.

Looking ahead, the anticipation is building for an exciting partner event scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday, generously sponsored by Dawn Cox. Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to team up with their partners and seize the opportunity for another great day on the greens.

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On Wednesday 5th October, the competition at the Home Hill Golf Course was a stableford sponsored by Burdekin Tyre Service who we thank once again for your support. The winner with 37 points was Heather Todman and runner up Ann Naughton with 36 on a count back from Jan Cannavan.

Nearest the pins went to Judi Sheahan on 4/13 and Heather Todman on 9/18. The chip shot went to Shirley Jones.

Friday Club numbers were down with only 21 players. Pin shots went to Megan Barbagallo, Peter Dale, and Eric Barbagallo. Gary Pappalardo had the least putts. The daily winner was Bones Berryman and the lucky ticket went to Eric Barbagallo but unfortunately the lucky ball wasn't drawn out so the money has jackpotted to $200 this week.

On Sunday, golfers battled it out against strong winds to compete for the Jaycar Mixed Foursomes Championships. Thanks went to Jaycar for once again sponsoring the event. The champions for the day were Eric and Megan Barbagallo. Nett winners were Val Smith and Trevor Weise. Nearest the pins went to Stephen Doig and Jeanette Camer on 4/13 and Eric and Megan Barbagallo on 9/18. This Sunday is pennants.

Contributed by Home Hill Golf Club

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Established in 1930, Ayr Tennis Association is back in the spotlight – with a fresh committee and brand-new lighting set up to allow for evening games.

Ayr Tennis Club offers Ladies Social Wednesdays, ‘Extremely Social’ Thursday nights, Junior Tournaments and Cardio Tennis.

In March this year, a new committee took over, reviving both the club and the social atmosphere.

Previously, the club was on the verge of closure and just five out of the fifteen lights worked across the eight courts.

This Thursday, however, was the club’s last game in the dark. With new lighting fixtures being installed, giving 24-hour access for day and night tennis matches.

At the moment, five out of ten courts are set up and it won’t be long until eight out of ten courts will be running with full lighting for evening matches.

Ayr Tennis Club has around seventy-five new members since their committee relaunch, with the junior side making up around fifty.

Local personality, Rob Slatcher, is the Club President and he said he is excited to see so many more juniors joining the ranks.

“The juniors are humming, really going good. It’s worth putting the A-grade players out,” he said.

“That’s the secret to any club, if you haven’t got juniors, you don’t have seniors.”

He went on to state, “Ayr has always been known as a ‘friendly venue’, we’re getting a lot of players coming back from retirement and having a great time.”

Bendigo Bank offered a $10,000 community grant, which was put towards the new lighting to update the club to its former glory.

Rob thanks the committee, helpers and the wider community for their involvement in getting Ayr Tennis Association back on the map, a dream that at one stage felt impossible.

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The friendly yet passionate rivalry between Home Hill and Ayr was on show on Sunday, October 8 as Town of Origin pitted the two towns against each other in games of cricket, netball, and rugby league.

Home Hill Harvest Festival President Mark Vass said the event drew a bigger crowd than previous years, saying the committee was pleased with the day.

“As long as people keep turning up like that, we’ll keep putting it on,” he said.

“I’d like to really thank the community for supporting it and the players for keeping it going because without them, we’ve got nothing to go and watch.”

Sponsored by North Queensland Hardfacing and Burdekin Tyres, Town of Origin is one of many events held as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival.

The next event, the Ironman Challenge, will be on Friday, October 20 at Watson’s Green, Home Hill.
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Ayr barged over for the first try of the game in their grudge match against Home Hill on Sunday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A team filled with newcomers to the sport of basketball, the Burdekin Wildcat under 12 girls have done their region proud in the 2023 season.

With four representative players returning, six of the girls had not experienced representative basketball before with five being brand new to sport.

“Both as a team and as individuals we improved out of sight,” said Coach Kate Gaze.

“From our very first session as a group to where we ended the season, it really is a credit to the girls for all the hard work and extra sessions they put in during the year.”

Entering the North Queensland Junior Basketball Competition’s second division, the team only lost one game throughout the whole season.

“Throughout the season, we started off extremely strong and straight away we were the team to beat,” Ms Gaze said.

“The other teams all improved but so did we.

“During the season we were challenged, but the girls always kept their cool and never gave up.”

The team’s most recent challenge came when they travelled to Ipswich for State Championships, held from September 21 to 24.

The team placed fourth overall in Division 2, winning four of their five pool matches and going down by a narrow five points in the bronze medal decider.

“Our defence during the week is what I am proudest of,” Ms Gaze said.

“It was clear each player was concentrating and thinking about what they have been taught during the season, and they should be very proud of the growth and improvement they demonstrated in each game.”

Ms Gaze congratulated the team for their 2023 success and said she is proud to be their coach.

“This team stuck together all season, trained hard, supported each other and were great teammates and friends,” she said.

“I wish each player all the best and hope they continue to play this wonderful game and continue to represent the Burdekin Wildcats with pride.”

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Teresa Kennedy (assistant coach), Kate Gaze (Coach), Scarlett Sinclair, Ivy Martin, Bella Galbraith, Kelsey Laidlow, Emily Lyne, Rachel Martin (Manager), Ashlee Colls (assistant Coach), with Chloe Bowen, Allie Boland, Kiera Bozzetto, Flynn Nurzenski, and Darci Colls. Photo supplied

Seniors Juniors

Barra Austin Cannavan – 4.3

Bream Michelle Parrant – 0.56 Leon Lawrence – 0.57

Cod Jamie Hervey – 0.77 Darcy Sutcliffe – 0.66

Flathead Kerry O’Connor – 0.63

Grunter Jack Campbell – 1.76 Jazmin Sutcliffe – 0.47

Mangrove Jack Brett Harding – 0.93 Parker Widderick – 1.23

Mudcrab Mark Bishop – 1.25 Parker Widderick – 1.10

Salmon Ben Lawrence – 0.95

Whiting Lauren Hervey – 0.26 Darcy and Jazmine Sutcliffe – 0.25 x 2

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Photos supplied: Giru International Hotel

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Mark your calendars for a thrilling weekend of dirt track racing as the 2023 Club Championships Round 3 revs up on Saturday, October 7th. The excitement is building, and you won't want to miss out on the high-speed action set to unfold on the Brandon track.

Due to overwhelming enthusiasm from participants, the club had to limit entries for Club Day Two. The last club day was a roaring success, featuring a whopping 14 classes and two distinct track styles. Six rounds of intense racing left riders and spectators alike thoroughly satisfied.

Racing kicks off at 3 pm, and the club invites all spectators to come and witness the incredible talent of riders as they navigate the challenging dirt track with precision and skill.

Here's a glimpse of the featured classes:

50cc Demo (Non-Competitive)

50cc Demo (4-U9 years)

50cc Auto

50cc Auto Div. 2 (7-U9 years)

65cc 2-stroke

65cc (7-U9 years)

65cc 2-stroke

65cc (9-U13 years)

85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke

85cc (9-U13 years)

85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke

85cc (12-U16 years)

100cc to 150cc 2-stroke

125cc (13-U16 years)

200cc to 250cc 4-stroke

Junior 250cc (13-U16 years)

Flat Track - Pro 250

Senior 250cc

Flat Track - Pro 450

Senior 450cc

Flat Track - Women's

Senior Women Unlimited

Open Unlimited

Unlimited A

Open Unlimited

Unlimited B

Open Unlimited

Veterans - 35+ years

Prepare for a weekend of adrenaline-pumping thrills and incredible racing talent. Be there at 3 pm to cheer on these talented riders as they take on the dirt track in pursuit of victory. It's an event you won't want to miss!

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Action from AMCC Club Day 2. Photo credit: Taylor Photographics

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BMXers Ride Mackay’s Sugar City Classic

Last weekend, the Burdekin BMX Club set off for the highly anticipated Sugar City Classic, a thrilling BMX extravaganza that unfolded over three action-packed days across tracks in Walkerston, Mackay, and Sarina! With adrenaline-pumping races and fierce competition, it was a weekend to remember for BMX enthusiasts and spectators alike.

The Burdekin club showed up in full force, boasting an impressive contingent of 15 riders who travelled to the event, marking the largest representation the club has ever had at the Sugar City Classic. We'll have the complete Sugar City Classic results for you in our next edition.

Building on their strong performances at the State Championships the previous weekend, the McIntosh family once again proved their mettle on the BMX track by quickly finding podium placings.

Here's a recap of their outstanding achievements at the State Championships:

State Championships Results

Saturday racing

Deon Mcintosh 13 boys 20" semi finals

Holly Mcintosh 11 girls 20" semi finals

Sunday

Holly Mcintosh 11-12 cruiser - motos

Deon Mcintosh 13-14 cruiser 5Q

Brad Mcintosh 40-44 cruiser men 5Q

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Burdekin BMX Club sent 15 riders to Mackay’s Sugar City Classic, the biggest team to represent the Burdekin at this event

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As we approach the climax of the monthly medal competition at the Ayr Ladies Golf Club, the competition among the talented ladies is reaching fever pitch, all vying for the opportunity to secure a place in the coveted end-of-year monthly medal final. On a day blessed with relatively calm weather conditions, the golf course witnessed some truly remarkable performances, setting the stage for an exciting weekend ahead as 80 women golfers geared up for the Ayr Ladies Open.

In the A grade category, it was Pat Lawson who emerged as the undisputed champion, demonstrating her prowess with a stellar net score of 73. She was closely followed by Janet Trezise, who displayed impressive form with a net score of 74, while Shirley Jones rounded out the top three with a commendable net score of 76.

Over in the B grade division, Sandra Wight delivered a standout performance to claim the top honours, carding an exceptional net score of 66. The rising star, Gabby Cahill, showed her promise by securing the second position with a net score of 69, while Betty Durrant wrapped up the top three spots with a net score of 73.

In the C grade category, Ingrid Vaes continued her remarkable run, producing yet another stellar round and accumulating an impressive 43 points to secure the top spot. Angie Baxter put up a valiant effort and secured the second position with a score of 42 points, while Lorraine Henderson exhibited her skill and determination to finish in third place with 34 points.

Ayr Ladies Open results will be covered in next week’s edition.

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The Burdekin Swimming Club, affectionately known as the Burdekin Torpedoes, is gearing up for an exciting start to its club nights, which commence tomorrow evening (Friday).

With a total of 18 events planned (9 this year and 9 in the upcoming year), the club will be hosting 14 of these events in Ayr and 4 in Home Hill. As members, individuals also have the opportunity to represent the Burdekin Swim Club at swim meets. Club Nights provide swimmers with the ideal platform to demonstrate their skills in a carnival-like atmosphere, racing against the clock.

It's time to dive in and make a splash! Contact the Torpedoes and enjoy a sport that allows you to stay cool in the pool.

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10-year-old Mark Wilkie has been playing cricket for over a year and loves batting, saying his favourite player is David Warner.

“I play out on the fields here with a hard ball,” Mark said.

“I like that we can see our friends and have fun.”

Mark attended the Brisbane Heat Holiday Clinic at the Home Hill Cricket Association last week before travelling to Charters Towers for the NQ Country Cup where he high scored with 9 runs.

The biggest tip he learnt at the holiday clinic was to “always get ready and no hands in the pockets while you’re fielding.”

The holiday session was facilitated and run by Antony Stewart, Cricket Manager North for Queensland Cricket.

“It’s just six hours of a lot of fun, doing a lot of cricket skills and then we end it with a big game of cricket at the end of the day,” Mr Stewart said.

“You want to make the cricket experience as fun as it can possibly be, you want to make it a memorable experience.

“It’s nonstop cricket action and a lot of it is just playing games, the kids don’t even realise they’re learning but we’re trying to enhance the hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and we do that through the games.”

Home Hill Cricket Association holds junior cricket on Friday nights for kids aged 7-17.

“While they’re competitive and kids always want to win, it’s a bit more relaxed, they’ve got the music playing, the canteen will be open, they’ve got awesome volunteers down here, there’s just a really good family vibe,” Mr Stewart said.

“Burdekin would certainly like to have a few more young players playing and they’re working really hard, they’ve got some really good coaches here and they’ve upgraded their facilities since last year.

“Once kids start playing, they love it and they want to keep playing so we have to get them here in the first place.”

The 2023/24 cricket season is about to begin and Home Hill Cricket Association would like to welcome all new and returning players.

Junior cricket for kids aged 7 - 17 starts on Friday October 6 at the Nutrien Ag Solutions cricket fields in Home Hill, with Blast Cricket for 5–7-year-olds starting on Tuesday October 10 at East Ayr State School.  The Senior cricket competition starts Saturday October 14 with social but competitive 25 over games each Saturday afternoon.

If you’re interested in playing cricket this summer or would like some more information, please contact Home Hill Cricket Association at homehillca@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

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Two Home Hill teams travelled to Charters Towers last weekend for the NQ Country Cup. Photo credit: Antony Stewart

12 kids enjoyed a day of cricket in Home Hill last week thanks to Queensland Cricket. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Fishing is one of the Burdekin’s most popular pastimes, and the Burdekin District Sportsfishing Club is one organisation bringing people together over their mutual love of wetting a line.

The fishing club meets once a month where fishing will open on a Friday evening and close on a Sunday afternoon.

The club will then meet at a member’s residence for a barbecue and to weigh in their catches on the Sunday night.

Being a sportsfishing club, the lighter the line used, the more points are scored.

The fishing club is Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA) affiliated and fishes under ANSA rules.

Join Burdekin District Sportsfishing Club on Facebook for more information.

Catches Of The Month

Rian Berryman and George Mclees both had good catches at the club’s last meet.

Rian caught a barra on prawn lures, while George’s grunter was caught on bait, believed to be a prawn.

George had a good laugh as he reeled in the grunter because he knew it was a little bigger than Rian's from their last trip.

Rian and George weighed the barra and grunter in at the last fishing club weigh in.

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Rian Berryman and George Mclees

Five-year-old Isabelle Sutcliffe with bream

Ellie Sutcliffe with a jack that took slab bait

Russell Sutcliffe with Grunter

Three-year-old Henry Sutcliffe and Isabelle Sutcliffe weighing their catch in at a BBQ

Photos supplied: Simone Sutcliffe

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The Home Hill Tennis Association wrapped up the 2023 Burdekin Open and Age Tournament with two days of strong windy conditions making tennis challenging for all.

Despite this, the event was a great success with the 70 competitors displaying great sportsmanship and respect for their opponents throughout the event.

Players came from across the state with a large contingent from the southeast corner, up to Cairns and all places in between including a large group from Pioneer Tennis in Mackay, Charters Towers and Western Suburbs in Townsville.

Two new champions held up the Davies and McLaughlin Trophies in the Open events with Rudy Thorogood and Lily Shepherd.

Local Dallan Garvey teamed up with Townsville player Mikayla Zahirovic to take out the Open Mixed Doubles.  

Dallan played tactically using the wind to his advantage, finishing a solid fourth in the Men’s singles.

Club players showed great support for their events with strong competition in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

Everyone agreed it was good fun whether they won or lost.

The club would like to thank their loyal sponsors, players and volunteers who made this tournament possible.

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2023 Burdekin Open and Age Tournament Results

Open Ladies Singles: Lily Shepherd (Mackay)

Open Mens Singles: Rudy Thorogood (Brisbane)

Open Mixed Doubles: Dallan Garvey (Home Hill) and Mikayla Zahirovic (Townsville)

Club Mens Singles: Allan Kemp (Townsville) and Finalist Aidan Slatcher (Home Hill), 4th Daniel Caddies (Home Hill)

Club Ladies Singles Div 1: Paula Simpson (Townsville)

Club Ladies Singles Div 2: Brooke Davies (Townsville formerly Home Hill) and Home Hill’s Tennis Coach Kayla Accornero

Club Mens Doubles: Daniel Caddies and Aidan Slatcher (Home Hill)

Club Ladies Doubles Div 1: Donna Sunderland (Home Hill) & Keren Richardson (Townsville)

Club Ladies Doubles Div 2: Brooke Davies & Kylie Newman (Townsville formerly Home Hill) and Finalists Sahra Prescott and Donna Sgroi (Home Hill)

Club Mixed Doubles: Scott Kittle and Paula Simpson (Townsville)

10 & U Singles: Cooper Edwards (Cairns)

10 & U Doubles: Tasha & Vanesse Fitzgerald (Cairns)

12/14 Boys Singles: Raice Gibbons (Mackay)

16 & U Boys Singles: Riley Carr (Ingham) and Julian Bates (Charters Towers)

Boys Doubles: Reyne and Raice Gibbons (Mackay)

14 & U Girls Singles: Ruby Owen (Brisbane)

14 & U Girls Doubles: Ellie Argent and Saebra Brayshaw (Brisbane)

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Club Doubles Mens Winners L-R Aidan Slatcher, Daniel Caddies, Bruce Wootten and Ben Wootten

Club Doubles Ladies Div 1 L-R Keren Richardson, Donna Sunderland, life member Steve Sunderland, Paula Simpson and Monica Milesi

Club Doubles Ladies Div 2 L-R Brooke Davies, Kylie Newman, Life member Steve Sunderland, Sahra Prescott and Donna Sgroi

Open Mens Winners L-R Rudy Thorogood, Mitchell Wescott, life member Steve Sunderland and Lucas Chansoosen

Open Ladies Winners Zedneiyar Meafua-Ur and Lily Shepherd

Brooke Davies and family

Home Hill Supporters Torrie Davies, Mick Zabala, Tony Carrett and Dallan Garvey

Photo credit: Kate Casswell

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