Pre-season training has started for the three men’s team for the Roosters with the Hens to start this week under new coach Anita Hagarty.

Newly appointed A Grade coach Daniel Beazley has been in charge of the pre-season work assisted by Reserve Grade Coach Chris Perry and under 20 leaders Paul and  Peter Horan.

Former Junior Roosters star Terry Connors has returned home after six years away playing in Townsville.

Whilst in Townsville, Connors attended Kirwan High where he reached a position in that school's top team.

In club football, the half five eight played five years for Brothers in Townsville representing that city in all grades.

He also represented Queensland in both under 12 and under 13 teams.

Last season Connors decided to switch clubs with a number of his mates and played with Souths in under 19.

2023 was also a big year for the talented utility inside back with him being selected as half for the Murri Queensland under 18 team who played a Samoan representative team in Brisbane.

“That was an experience,” Connors said.

“Some of them are big boys.”

Connors said he has moved back home to be with family and catch up with old mates.

“Since I was a youngster growing up, I have always wanted to be a Rooster,” Connors added.

Coach Daniel Beazley said the half would be a welcome addition to his squad which is coming together nicely.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Former Junior Roosters star Terry Connors. Photo supplied

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Senior cricket returned to Barry Richards Field for the first time in 2024 last weekend, with Peto’s Marine taking on Guardian Pharmacy on Saturday, February 3.

Guardian Pharmacy won the toss and elected to bat, with contributions from Hugh Smith (41 runs from 39 balls), Thomas Cardillo (23 from 27) and Jay Leckenby (21 from 13) setting a total of 7/183 runs from 25 overs.

The bowling effort for Peto’s Marine was evenly spread, with Leo Olditch, Jack Oborne, Simon Vickers, Ben Walters, and Shaun Goldsworthy each taking a wicket while Brad Parravicini finished the innings with a wicket and a runout.

Peto's Marine were unable to convert a few starts into big scores, with Leon Franklin (13 from 18 not out), Darcy Walters (12 from 22) and Simon Vickers (11 from 8) top scoring in the run chase.

The batting side was ultimately bowled out for 79 runs in 16.4 overs with three of those wickets coming from Jay Leckenby, two from both Damien Ricketts and Matthew Gardner and one each from Thomas Cardillo, Salvatore Cardillo and Jd Wilkins.

Peto’s Marine will look to rebuild when they take on Crowned Mongrels this weekend.

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Jay Leckenby took 3 wickets for 2 runs off 2 overs

Dan Olditch took four catches. Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch

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Wednesday January 24 Afternoon Social Bowls – On a very hot and humid day those who braved the conditions struggled, but managed to get a game in. Winners were Sandra Darwen and Maurice Power who defeated Anthony Bull and Chris Berkery.

Saturday January 27 Social Afternoon – Winners were Jim Murray/Mick Olsen, Paul Vass and Pam Power who defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Anthony Bull and Chris Berkery.

New date for our postponed Australia Day Bowls sponsored by Phelan’s Pies will be Saturday February 3. All welcome and wear your best Aussie gear. 1:00pm start, names in by 12:30pm.

Amcal Pharmacy is sponsoring the first day back for Ayr Ladies Bowls playing on Tuesday February 6.

Ladies’ names in by 12.30 to 1:00pm, please call 4783 1336.

Green fees paid by 1:00, for a 1:30pm start.

Here's to a great year of bowls and friendship.

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

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Get your racquet out, the Ayr Tennis Association is hitting up your calendar with some of the best tennis action in the region.

On the cards is the beginning of the Ayr Tennis Social and Competitive Competitions, from this evening, Thursday February 1, at 7pm.

Described as ‘extremely social’, Ayr Tennis’ social competition is a great opportunity to get to the court, smash around the ball, enjoy some laughs and share some post-drinks. Taking place every Thursday, everyone is welcome to bat the ball and practice their tennis swing.

Next on the cards, the rescheduled Open Day, postponed due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, has been announced for Saturday February 3, perfect for those interested in joining the club to get a taste for the sport and meet with key club officials.

And finally, the Junior Development Series kicks off March 2 and 3, which is set to aid in the technical growth and development of skills in youth tennis players.

To learn more about the Ayr Tennis Association, and to inquire, contact us the Club President, Robert Slatcher, on president.ayrtennis@gmail.com or ayrtennisasssociation@outlook.com

The Burdekin Shire Council and Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre have partnered to bring residents over the age of 55 into a free initiative to encourage movement and exercise.

Beginning last week, the ‘Move It Burdekin’ initiative is a 15-week program that offers low impact training, exercises, yoga and chair activities, to suit a range of different fitness levels and improve the physical and mental wellbeing on Burdekin’s residents.

The first post-cyclone session was held at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, January 29, wherethe vibe was “pumping”.

“Huge shout out to facilitator, Andrea Piotto, for bringing her expertise and energy to the program!” Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre posted on social media.

“Going by the laughter, smiles and energy in the room - everyone enjoyed 'moving it'”

The social aspect is also highly encouraged, with participants welcome to share some refreshment, a coffee, and a chat after each session.

Also supported by Move It NQ and North Queensland PHN, Burdekin residents are encouraged to get involved, and get moving!

For more information and to download a registration form, visit https://bit.ly/MoveItBurdekin or phone Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on (07) 4783 3744. 

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Participants enjoying the first ‘Move It Burdekin’ session last week. Photos supplied: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre

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An excellent turn up for Wednesday night bowls on January 24 with 18 players turning up and the nights winners were Sheila and Lloyd. Four games of pairs and Lynn and Judy played a game of singles – it may have been just for bragging rights.

Rinks 4: to 7 East/West were used.

RINK 4: Amie and Stephen were a bit too strong for Paul and Mick winning 14 to 8.  

RINK 5: Sheila and Lloyd outlasted Tony and Margaret 13 to 8. Sheila and Lloyd also drew the lucky rink so they got the drinks.

RINK 6: An extremely good game this one it came down to the last end. Lol and Merle came out on top vs Yogi and Ron 10 to 9.

RINK 7: saw young Conner pair with Mark to defeat Carol and Joe to the tune of 16 to 10.

Sadly, there was no bowls on Thursday as it was getting a bit windy. Back to normality this week. Wednesday night is barefoot bowls again, possibly a sausage sizzle for starters. Thursday afternoon social bowls as per normal.  Thursday morning BINGO seems to be a big hit. So come along and support your club. See you all there.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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More Queensland families will have access to swimming lessons for their young children with a $5 million boost to the Queensland Government’s SwimStart program.

SwimStart is designed to improve water safety for children up to the age of four, while helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for eligible families by delivering vouchers valued up to $150 per child for swimming lessons.

Swimming Lessons For More Families

Thanks To SwimStart Funding Boosts

Continued from the back cover.

Here in the Burdekin, SwimStart vouchers can be redeemed with Burdekin Swim School.

“SwimStart is a great opportunity for families luckily enough to qualify,” said Burdekin Swim School Instructor Lisa Furnell.

“For successful applicants, it's an opportunity for some families to do lessons that may have otherwise not been able to afford it.

“It's one of the most essential and important life skills that a child will ever learn.”

Families need to apply with Burdekin Swim School and must hold a healthcare card or a concession card.

There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per financial year.

The additional $5 million more than doubles funding to the SwimStart program up to June 2025.

“Every parent in Queensland knows just how important it is for our kids to know what to do around water from an early age,” said Queensland Premier Steven Miles.

“My kids have grown up around pools and Queensland beaches and it was so important to Kim and I that they felt confident in the water.

“We know households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, which is why we’re doubling the amount of SwimStart vouchers available to families with young children.”

“Every child should have the chance to learn this important skill to improve safety in, on and around water,” added Olympic Gold Medallist Brooke Hanson.

“As a mum, it was incredible to see my kids learning when they were six months old, being able to get to the side of the pool.

“They weren’t able to crawl at that stage, but they were learning to swim, which is such a valuable skill they will take through life.

“The SwimStart program provides many families with that same opportunity and it’s fantastic to see even more funding allocated to help Queensland kids in the water.”

For more information on SwimStart visit www.qld.gov.au/swimstart

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Burdekin BMX Club recently held its break up, awarding outstanding performance and appreciating participants on volunteers throughout 2023.

2023 was a fabulous year revamping our track with a bitumen berm and a successful glueing prosses giving us more track time and less repairs.

Our November carnival was a huge success with 200 riders competing over 2 days and all looking forward to our 2024 November carnival.

Our club committee brought in our new club constitution.

Whole families have enjoyed a wonderful year of training, racing, Sunday fun and good ole exercise, keeping those bodies moving!

A wonderful break up was had where Keatan Jarvis took out the Rodney Richard's Memorial Trophy, Liandri and Dylan were awarded Most Improved Sprockets, Caley and Jamie Most Improved Juniors and Holly and Boden Most Improved Seniors.

Thank you to all who have volunteered their time to make our club what it is today.

So much fun is had week in week out!

Tiny tots from 2 to mums and dads, everyone is so happy!

Let’s have a wonderful 2024!

Contributed by Burdekin BMX Club

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Keatan Jarvis (centre) was awarded the Rodney Richard's Memorial Trophy

Most Improved Awardees

Sprocket girls

Junior girls

Years 8-10

Years 11-13

Years 14+

Senior girls

Mums senior cruisers

Dads senior cruisers

Photos supplied

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Neville’s Nomads traveled to Charters Towers last Friday to play in their 26th Goldfield Ashes. In very hot and steamy conditions the Nomads won all three of their games. Charters Towers was extremely hot and by Monday after a lot of rain was almost pleasant.

On Friday morning the Nomads played Mt Garnet Eagles out at the airport with the Eagles batting first and making 151 after being 2/88. In reply the Nomads scored 202 with Chris Mann retiring on 50 and the Hot Stubby Award for the lowest total was to Blake Lowis and Robbie Mitchell. Hot Spot of the Day was Robbie Mitchell’s “Bonzo Over,” three wides, two wickets and one run.

On Saturday afternoon the Nomads were out at Six Pack Downs against Farmers XI. Losing the toss, the Nomads fielded first and dropped a lot of catches as the Farmers accumulated 9/211 with Josh Searle taking three wickets and Charlie Papale taking three catches. In the run chase Jaylen McCubben retired on 55 but the Nomads were struggling, and it took an eighth wicket partnership between Marty Pearce 46 and Bary Cross 33 to get the Nomads over the line scoring 8/221. Reece McCubben took out the Hot Stubby Award.

Heartened by these results the Nomads were confident going into Monday’s morning match, a T20 against Butler Park Bandits, at the Airport Quarry. Losing the toss again, the Nomads batted first and after a good start managed to get to 7/181 with Kurt Haller, 37 and Richard Papale, 36 not out. In reply, the Bandits could only manage 6/151 with Nathan Papale taking two wickets in a much improved fielding performance. Brock Gorey and Reece McCubben took out the Hot Stubby Award.

Another successful Goldfield Ashes for the Nomads who finished in 17th place out of the 124 teams in B2 Grade. Top performers from the Burdekin were Canefield Slashers who finished in third place. Contributed by Richard Samwell

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Neville’s Nomads Squad. Photo credit: Alex Papale

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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Beach Golf Day is gearing up to be a cracker of an event. Being held on Saturday February 10, with tee-off from 1pm, teams of four will enjoy a fun filled day out with their clubs. Teams are invited to come in their best team themed outfits, to help add to the energetic atmosphere of the day.

Unfortunately, the Club's Australia Day Celebrations have been cancelled, however this has allowed their Top 100 Club event to be aligned with Golf Day. The special event of the draw will take place between 12pm-1.30pm on Saturday 10, with a ticket purchased gaining entry for two people for drinks and lunch and the chance to win $3,000 or $1,000. There are still some numbers available, so if you're interested, please head to the Ayr Surf Club's Facebook page, or contact Kellie Lawry.  

The club has organised buses to and from Alva Beach to assist with transportation for the event. The bus will be leaving The Kalamia Hotel in town at 11.30am and 12.30pm and heading back in from the beach at both 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

This is sure to be a great day out for all ages, so get your teams together and come and join in the fun.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday January 14 with 39 competitors.

It was cloudy throughout the day with a consistent breeze which made it very comfortable for this time of the year.

Burdekin Clay Target Club would like to thank our sponsor for event 3 Nicolaides Contracting.

Also thank you to Lui Populin for donating the meat tray which was raffled off and won by Alan Lord.

The next shoot is our 100 Target Double Barrel on Sunday February 11.

Results

Event 1 15 Target Medley 15m

AA Grade 1st Lindsey Groat, Ray Collinson, Glen Rea and Joe Caruso  25/25

A Grade 1st Wine Cislowski, 25/25 2nd Annette Vassalini, Bruce McBow and Benji Micallef 24/25

B Grade 1st Aidan Sebastiani, Sylvia Rossato and John Cerqui 25/25

C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 24/25 2nd Ian Kriesel

Event 2 20 Target Pointscore 15m

AA 1st Ray Collinson 117/117 A Grade 1st Annette Vassalini 59/60 B Grade John Cerqui 58/60 C Grade Ian Kriesel 53/60

Event 3 30 Target Burdekin Single Barrel Championship 15m

Sponsored by Nicolaides Contracting

Open Joe Sebastiani (Jnr) 29/30

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 32/35

A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani (Jnr) 29/30

B Grade 1st Aidan Sebastiani 26/30

C Grade 1st Chantelle Morelli 24/30

Event 4 25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

1st Tim Ewan 25/25

2nd Aidan Sebastiani 28/30

3rd Benji Micallef 27/30

Event 5 15 Pair Double Rise

AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers and Ron Gough 27/30

A Grade 1st Benji Micallef 26/30, 2nd Bruce Murphy 24/30

B Grade 1st Glenn McHenry, 27/30, 2nd Annette Vassalini and Joe Sebastiani (Snr) 22/30

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 24/30, 2nd Mark Simpson, 23/30, 3rd Ian Kriesel 22/30

Contributed by Sylvia Rossato

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Event 2 winners Ray Collinson, Ian Kriesel, John Cerqui and Annette Vassalini

Event 3 winners Joe Sebastiani (Jnr), Joe Caruso, Aiden Sebastiani and Chantelle Moreli

Event 4 winners Benji Micallef, Aiden Sebastiani and Tim Ewens

Photos supplied

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Inclement weather brought a premature end to the Watts Shield intertown cricket competition in Bowen over the weekend where two teams featuring players from the Burdekin were vying for the 2024 B Grade title.

Teams from the Burdekin, Bowen, Proserpine and further afield competed in the two-day tournament, which was scheduled to take place from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, January 14.

Horny Bulls A got their weekend off to a flying start in their first game, scoring 4/231 thanks to unbeaten half centuries from Dan Olditch (53) and Aaron Elphinstone (50), before bowling out opponents Raiders Old Boys for 117.

In the team’s second game, an unbeaten 51 from Ross Wilkie and 46 from Alex Scalia helped the team to 5/246, bowling out opponents Wet n Wobbly for just 89 to secure their second win of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Horny Bulls Z made a total of 190 in their first game, ultimately going down against Wet n Wobbly.

They made 131 in their second game, with contributions from George McLees (50 not out), Joey Southwell (31) and Scott Richards (20), falling short of opponents On the Pull who were bowled out for 201.

Both teams were scheduled to play their third and final games before finals on Sunday morning, with the heavens opening up 12 overs into the morning games.

With two wins, Horny Bulls A found themselves in contention for a finals berth, however all remaining games for the weekend were washed out after heavy rain.

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Horny Bulls A

Horny Bulls Z batting against On the Pull

Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch

Queensland Cricket hosted the Burdekin's first Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket School Holiday Program last Friday, January 12, providing girls aged five to 12 with the perfect opportunity to learn about cricket in a fun environment.

Held at Burdekin Aquatic Centre, the program invited 16 participants to take part in activities and games including classic catches in the pool, hitting water balloons with cricket bats and red light, green light.

“This encourages girls to come down and play because we’ve got water balloons, we’ve got a pool and the water park, so it encourages girls to play cricket and hopefully they fall in love with it,” said Casual Cricket Coach Taylah Rix.

“The game’s growing, more girls are getting into cricket and as you see on the TV, the WBBL and women’s international teams have come so far, so it’s all about getting girls involved in cricket and building the game even bigger.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t have anything like this.

“I started when I was in grade 6, just playing the game, but with these events, you get to come down and get a little taste of what it’s like to play cricket which is really good.”

Ms Rix and Participation Officer Antony Stewart also held a Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket session in Charters Towers on Monday.

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16 local girls took part in Queensland Cricket’s Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket School Holiday Program last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The ML Partners Burdekin Sprint meet was hosted at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre on Saturday January 13 and saw 167 swimmers from 15 clubs across North Queensland participating in the event, including teams from as far as Mackay and Charters Towers.

The event was well supported by local sponsors who made it possible to put on a seamless showing and showcased some amazing swimmers and some very exciting Dash for Cash swims at the end of the evening.

The Burdekin Torpedoes had a team of 17 swimmers ageing from 8-54 years, with some enjoying their first official swim meet and learning from the more experienced swimmers including John McKaig who brought along his Masters World Championship Swimming medals he won last year in Japan.

Led by coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie, the Burdekin Torpedoes had a great meet with the younger brigade putting up some great personal best times.

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Back Row L-R: Brax Wright, Blake Jorgensen, Maddison Searle, Arabella Sangiuliano, John McKaig, Makayla Pirrone, Mick McConnachie (Coach) and Kim McConnachie (Coach). Front row L-R: Kryssa Mial, Ellanah Searle, Maddie Populin, Evie Totorica, Miley Totorica, Koa Wright, Millie Lyne, Parker Bonato and Lewis Bonato. Absent: Nash Christie. Photo credit: Rina Totorica

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Burdekin Sprint 2024

Results From Local Swimmers

Lewis Bonato (9yo Men) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly

Parker Bonato (12yo Men) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke

Millie Lyne (13yo Women) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 3rd 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly

John McKaig (open Men) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

Makayla Pirrone (14yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

Arabella Sangiuliano (11yo Women) - 2nd 50m Freestyle

Ellanah Searle (8yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly

Maddison Searle (9yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

Evie Totorica (8yo Women) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

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Continued from page 32

At the ML Partners Burdekin Sprint, Burdekin Torpedoes President Ned Bonato thanked all attending clubs who travelled near and far and gave a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who made it possible to put on such a wonderful event.

Ned also thanked the work of the Club members and their families who worked tirelessly all afternoon to ensure the attending clubs, swimmers and officials were well fed and had smiles on their faces all afternoon.

The Torpedoes will be back in the pool for their first Club night on Wednesday January 24.

Contributed by Kate Lyne

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The Burdekin Torpedoes competed at the ML Partners Burdekin Sprint meet, hosted at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre on Saturday. Photos supplied

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Photos supplied: Dallan Garvey

Photo supplied: John Chandler

Photo supplied: Tommy Ingram

Photo supplied: Jason Taylor

Photo supplied: Matt Maguire