This weekend, Saturday November 11, will see clubs from across the North Barrier Branch converge on the Ayr Surf Club for the annual Surf Rescue Championships.

Competitors will showcase their Lifesaving skills for Champion Lifesaver testing their rescue skills, lifesaving knowledge and resuscitation; Champion Patrol Team and First Aid Teams being exposed to various scenarios.

The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club has 11 members putting their skills to the test this weekend.  

Winners of these competitions will gain themselves the opportunity to represent the North Barrier Branch at State Titles in the new year.

Following on from the day's competition, from 5pm that evening the club will be hosting Steve Ward for a live acoustic music session, with dinner and drinks available for purchase, and all are welcome.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

‍

Bella Lawry practising her CPR skills. Photo supplied

Tuesday October 31. Ladies Social.

K Stuckler, I Cislowski and B Schultz defeated K Stuckler, K Page and H Jorgensen.  

D Soper and I Wilson defeated R Moore and S Stidston.

Wednesday November 1

Afternoon Social Bowls was well supported with 3 rinks of triples and one pairs game.

Pairs Winners:

Dean and Chris defeated Joe and Tony

Triples Winners:

Jimmy, George and Wayne defeated John, Arthur and Hugh

Phil, Mick and Col defeated Happy, Tony B and Ron Soper

C. Power, Vince and M. Power defeated M. Chapman, S. Darwin and H. Hazel

Afternoon Winners were C. Power, Vince and M. Power - well done.

The winners for Wednesday night Social Bowls are:

1st - Katharina Stuckler and Joe Grabbi

2nd - Tricia Achille and Robyn McAllister

Thursday November 2. Final 3 Bowl Pairs. Competition Ladies Bowls.

M Nixon and P Power defeated I Cislowski and I Wilson.

Saturday November 4. Social Bowls play with 3 Rinks of Triples.

B. Hewson, C. Berkerly and R. Soper defeated J. Murrry, J. Hall, H. Hazel

M. Murison, D. Solend and W. Coonan defeated R. Kelly, D. Gauvin and C. Olditch

P. Vass, M. Chapman, T. Klopper defeated V. Edwards, J. Papali and R. Hall

Afternoon Winners going to P. Vass, M. Chapman and T. Klopper - well done.

Sunday November 5. Club Competition.

Two Semi Finals games played: Mixed Open Singles.

Winners G. Pearce defeated C. Olditch

M. Parravicini defeated W. Coonan.

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

21 players turned up to bowl on Thursday November 2.  

Two games of triples and two games of pairs were played.

Rink 3 pitted Karl/Margaret, Tony and Gary 23 and 11 ends against Jim, John and Henry 10 and 7 ends.

Rink 4 saw Bob, Dino and Stephen and Peter, Alex and Hugh draw 17 each and 9 ends each.

This game was decided on the toss of a coin with Hugh’s team the winners.

Rink 5 had Paul and Mick 24 and 11 ends victorious over Joe and Trevor 14 and 10 ends in a 21 end match.

Rink 6 also saw a 21 end match in which Judy and Glen 31 and 13 ends over Norm and Jocelyn 17 and 8 ends.

The random Rink draw saw the team of Karl/Margaret, Tony and Gary winning the overall day.

Hugh Montgomery won the raffle.

Coming up on Saturday November 18 is the Home Hill rink naming day.

16 teams of 4 only.

Get your teams in by ringing Trevor at the club on 0478 642 515.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

‍

The winning team of Tony, Karl, Margaret and Gary. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

It was the November Medal this week at Ayr Junior Golf.

An enthusiastic turn out of players enabled a great morning’s play.

For 3 holes, the monthly medal winner was Ivy Land; for 6 holes, the monthly medal winner was Lyla Land; and for 9 holes, Ethan Pengally won the monthly medal in his first 9 hole competition after moving up from 6 holes this week.

Nearest the pin, longest putt and least putts were on offer, resulting in lots of winners all around.

Next week is the last junior golf for the year, with a fun two person Ambrose on the cards. Juniors are invited to bring along a friend, parent, grandparent or other family member to join in the fun.

End of year presentation of awards will also be happening. Happy golfing!

Contributed by Laura Mahoney

‍

Monthly medal winners, Ethan, Lyla and Ivy

The rest of the winners from the morning. Photos supplied

Constable & Taylor 4bbb Honour Board Event

Ayr Ladies Golf Club recently hosted the Constable & Taylor 4bbb Honour Board Event, an annual event proudly sponsored by Bill and Helen Taylor which has been an honour board event for decades.  

The day is a special day where players nominate, and their partner and markers are unknown until tee off.  

44 players braved the format, and it was clear at presentation that it was a hugely successful event with most players teaming up with players they had never played with and perhaps hadn’t even met before the day.  

The runners up for the day with 46 points were Trevor Jones and Loretta Mauro and the next two names to go up on the Honour Board with 47 points were Vince Sorbello and Betty Durrant.

Distinctions Monthly Medal Final

Distinctions Monthly Medal Final C Grade winner was Angie Baxter who is well on her way to B Grade very fast.  

The B Grade winner was Sandra Wight and runner up was Donna Boccalatte.

The A Grade winner was Janet Trezise and runner up Loretta Mauro.    

All points for GOY, Eclectic and most improved for the year have now ended and our 2023 winners will be announced at break up.

Coutts Commercial Tavern Day

Long time supporters of Ayr Ladies Golf Coutts Commercial Tavern sponsored a 4bbb competition on Wednesday October 25.  

With an odd number of players one group had what they call in golf a ‘swinger’.  

For Donna Reid and Donna Boccalatte, this was Shirley Jones and what an amazing round all 3 ladies had.  

The pairing of Shirley and Donna Boccalatte were the eventual winners on a countback over Shirley and Donna Reid, both teams with 43 points.

In third place with 42 points was Wendy Baker and Ingrid Vaes and in 4th place was Vicki Adcock and Joy Cornford also with 42 points.

‍

Vin Sorbello, Betty Durrant, Trevor Jones and Loretta Mauro

Angie Baxter, Janet Trezise, Loretta Mauro and Sandra Wight

Donna Reid, Shirley Jones, Joy Cornford, Vicki Adcock, Wendy Baker and Ingrid Vaes. Photos supplied: Ayr Ladies Golf Club

The Burdekin BMX Club is gearing up for its annual carnival, scheduled for November 17th and 18th. In anticipation of the event, the club has been hard at work repairing and enhancing their track. Berm 1 has received a major facelift with approximately 20 buckets of dirt added, resulting in a smoother and faster track.

The club expressed immense gratitude to its dedicated track crew, who have spent countless hours in the past weeks to ensure the track is in top-notch condition. The track's overall improvement is the result of months of effort during various working bees, and it promises to provide an exhilarating experience for riders and spectators alike.

This year's carnival will feature the famous Burdekin March Past with a "Pool Party" theme, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the event. BMX enthusiasts and the local community are eagerly looking forward to this fast and furious annual sporting gathering.

The PBR Grand Final in Townsville depleted the numbers in the Challengers and Under 13s last week, but Kyle Wilkie, Morgan Burrell and Tyler Smith didn’t mind having less fielders as they were top scorers with the bat in the Challengers. Paige Elphinstone and Delta Burrell were the pick of the bowlers in this game.

The Under 13s still had enough to field two teams, with the help of a stand-in wicket keeper (Aaron) for the game.  Nate Elphinstone and Logan Pickup got the ‘Players of the Week’ Awards for top scoring with 17 runs each. They also took wickets when bowling, two for Nate and one for Logan.  Not too far behind them with runs scored was Michael Finn who hit 15 runs. Parker Oar also snared two wickets with Mark Wilkie and Tyler Schultz getting one each.

Our Under 17 mixed Charters Towers/Home Hill team were playing Wanderers in Townsville on Saturday afternoon where we won the toss and chose to bat first. We lost our first wicket in the third over with only 10 runs on the board but settled in to not lose any more at the 15 over drinks break. A handy 56 run partnership between our opener Corey Heidke and first drop Harry Pickering was broken just three overs later when Harry was bowled. Corey was next out which brought Salvatore Cardillo out to the crease to join his younger brother Thomas for a partnership which produced 38 runs. The wickets fell quickly then, and we ended up all out on the last ball of the innings for 143 runs. Corey top scored with 42 runs followed by Thomas on 25 and Salvatore with 22.

We got an early breakthrough when Salvatore got one of the Wanderers openers caught in the third over. It wasn’t until the 12th and with 80 runs scored that we took our second when Corey got a finger on the ball after it was smashed straight back down the pitch for a much needed run out. A couple of missed chances and 98 runs before the next wicket, then another in the same over but it was too late as Wanderers had already passed our score. Our bowler with the best figures this week was Salvatore with 1 for 19 runs off 4 overs.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

‍

Morgan Burrell and Steve Wallwork

Logan Pickup and Nate Elphinstone

Photos supplied: Scott Heidke

In Inaugural Col Casswell Inter-City Shield

Western Suburbs Tennis Club were privileged to host the inaugural Col Casswell Inter-City Shield named after legendary North Queensland tennis player and supporter Col Casswell on October 21. Col died in 2021 from brain cancer leaving behind a rich legacy in the sport that will hopefully continue. Nine teams from six different clubs from Charters Towers, Ingham, Townsville and the Burdekin made their way to Wests to put their clubs’ pride on the line. It was amazing to see so many come together, sharing a common love for the game. Kate Casswell said the choice of format was a fitting tribute to her late husband, who loved interclub tennis and the Sugar Bowl above all other tennis. Col would have been chuffed to just know that more people were out there playing tennis on the weekend. For him it was all about camaraderie, sportsmanship and building lifelong friendships.  

Organiser Paula Simpson said days like this don’t just happen. Many thanks to the volunteers of Wests who helped, not only during the event but in the days leading up to it. Kate personally thanked each of the players.

“It was an amazing day that brought together so many people from across the region,” she said.

“You all played in some hot conditions but with great spirit.

“I am proud of your sportsmanship and dedication.

“You have honoured the memory of the late Col Casswell, an absolute legend of our sport.”

Well done to the winners and to all the teams who participated.  A special mention goes to Lesley Prideaux from Charters Towers who, at 72 years old, played all 10 sets. Winners: A grade Tennis Townsville, B Grade Home Hill (defeated Charters Towers by 1 game). Next year the event will be held in Charters Towers.

Contributed by Home Hill Tennis Association

20 people took to Plantation Park for 253rd parkrun on Saturday, November 4.

Three were first timers and two parkrun tourists were among those who ran, jogged and walked the course while four runners achieved new personal bests.

The event was made possible by volunteers Vicky Brennan, Terry Brennan, Steve Crouther, Gwenda Crichton and Donna Howard.

The full results and a complete event history can be found on the Plantation parkrun Results Page.

Plantation parkrun started on 17th February 2018.

Since then, 886 participants have completed 4,592 parkruns covering a total distance of 22,960 km, including 796 new personal bests.

A total of 166 individuals have volunteered 1,404 times.

Plantation parkrun takes place every Saturday from 7:00am at Plantation Park, Bruce Highway, Ayr.

‍

Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun

Over two decades ago, a hesitant eight-year-old boy stood at the gates of Rugby Park in Ayr, feeling queasy about playing his first Rugby League game. Little did anyone know that this young boy, Ryan Davenport, affectionately known as Davo, would grow up to become one of the most tenacious and revered figures in the Burdekin's rugby league history.

Davo's unwavering dedication to the game and his fearless approach on the field made him a true warrior of the sport. He was never one to ask his teammates to do something he wasn't willing to do himself.

His journey in rugby league saw him rise to captain many teams and culminated in a crowning achievement – leading his A-Grade team to a premiership in the TDR (Thuringowa & District Rugby League) in 2015, a pinnacle in the career of any local footballer.

Despite his quiet demeanour, when Davo spoke, players listened. He wasn't known for saying much, but when he did, his words were inspiring. This was nowhere more evident than in the Grand Final.

Under coach Glen Brock, the Roosters defeated Brothers in the major semi-final and advanced to face Herbert River in the Grand Final. The Roosters held a commanding 16-6 lead well into the second half and seemed poised for victory. However, they underestimated Ingham's veteran playmaker, Mitchell Seri.

Seri, a crafty halfback, had orchestrated numerous Crushers victories, and he set out to stage another remarkable comeback, putting the Roosters' hopes in jeopardy. With just two minutes to go, the River surged ahead 18-16 after scoring and converting.

It was in this critical moment, behind the goal line, that Davo called a meeting and addressed his teammates. When Davo spoke, you listened. His plan worked, and as the final siren sounded, hooker Zac Heron scored a sensational try, clinching the trophy for the Burdekin.

He proudly represented Townsville in the Foley Shield competition and played for the Country team in the City vs. Country clashes.

His dedication extended beyond club rugby league. He also played for the Home Hill Devils in the annual Ayr-Home Hill matches and in end-of-season local club games. Additionally, he co-founded and played every year for the Buffalo Riders in the Bowen Tens, often emerging as champions.

As Ryan bids farewell to his beloved Roosters, he now looks forward to spending more time with his family – Holly, Ally, and Jordi. Though he may receive enticing calls to return to the game, his legacy in Burdekin rugby league is cemented, and he can savour his well-deserved retirement.

Contributed by Brian Carnes.

‍

Ryan Davenport won the Norm Dee Perpetual Shield at this year’s Burdekin Roosters prizegiving

Three Burdekin athletes were recently announced as finalists for the NQ Sport star Awards held in Mackay over the weekend, with 18-year-old Kiera Wiseman being recognised as runner-up in the NQ Junior Rural And Remote Sport star Of The Year category.

Kiera and Ky Mitchell were both finalists in NQ Junior Sport star Of The Year and NQ Junior Rural And Remote Sport star Of The Year categories while Lisa Furnell was a finalist in the NQ Sport Volunteer Of The Year category.

Kiera and Ky, their families and other members of the Burdekin community travelled to Mackay for the awards which have played a major role in sporting communities for 32 years, recognising the incredible achievements of regional North Queensland athletes.

An unforgettable evening recognising sporting excellence in north Queensland took place at the highly anticipated 2023 MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards last Saturday, November 4 in Mackay.

Hosted by, and marking the 40th anniversary of the North Queensland Sports Foundation, the event was a celebration of sporting achievements across north Queensland with three Burdekin superstars, Kiera Wiseman, Ky Mitchell and Lisa Furnell, all nominated across a variety of categories.

Read on to learn more about the Burdekin’s star nominees.

Kiera Wiseman

A finalist in both NQ Junior Sportstar Of The Year and NQ Junior Rural And Remote Sportstar Of The Year, Kiera Wiseman feels proud to be recognised for her hard work in the sport of waterskiing.

Kiera first started social skiing at 3 years old with her dad, turning to tournament skiing at the age of 10.

Now 18 years old, she’s been tournament skiing ever since.

“I love being able to travel so much for the sport, as well as the amount of really good friends I’ve made,” Kiera said. “I also love the adrenaline rush I get when skiing.”

2023 has been a massive year for Kiera, a highlight coming when she travelled to Chile to represent Australia at the Junior World Championships.

She also competed in her first junior Moomba Master on the Yarra River in Melbourne and represented Australia for the 3rd time in the Aussie/Kiwi challenge in Albury.

While preparing for the World Championships, Kiera would train up to four times a week and often travel to receive expert coaching.

She recognises elite water-skier and two-time world champion of water ski jumping, Jacinta Carroll, as her role model; Jacinta’s world record breaking jumps inspiring Kiera to strive in the sport.

Kiera was announced as runner-up NQ Junior Rural And Remote Sportstar Of The Year and was in Mackay to accept her award.

“It was a really lovely night,” she said.

“I’d just like to thank the sponsors of the event as it’s always such a great night to attend.”

As she finishes high school this year, Kiera is looking forward to enjoying this time of her life and, as for next year she says “Anything is possible”.

Ky Mitchell

Ky Mitchell was also a finalist in both NQ Junior Sportstar Of The Year and NQ Junior Rural And Remote Sportstar Of The Year categories.

The 11-year-old started riding motorbikes at age 3 and racing at age 5, now competing in two disciplines: Flat Track; 85cc 9-13yrs and Speedway; 125cc solo under 16yrs.

“I love everything about bikes from riding for fun to racing speedway and dirt bikes and anything with wheels,” he said.

“I ride every day and compete most weekends.”

Ky said he was extremely happy to be nominated and picked as a finalist in the NQ Sportstar Awards.

Attending on the night, he and his family found great inspiration from fellow nominees and guest speaker Brook Hansen OAM.

Ky has won multiple titles in recent years and is proving himself as a star of the future in motorcycle racing.

Having been selected in the Under 16yrs Australian Speedway Championship, Ky and his family will travel to Tamworth next weekend to take on the next chapter of his racing journey.

Lisa Furnell

Lisa Furnell was unable to attend the NQ Sportstar Awards over the weekend as she had to cover an eight-hour patrol for Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club the following day.

While on patrol on Sunday, Lisa and the team completed a rescue, highlighting the importance of her role in the Burdekin community and the justification behind her nomination for NQ Sport Volunteer Of The Year.

“We don’t have a lot of rescues, but it’s nice to know that we’re out there covering the beach, especially in the stinger season,” Lisa said.

Lisa was the first member of the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club, and has come to achieve 1,000 patrolling hours and she’s also heavily involved in training younger members and fundraising.

She first became involved in the club when her children started Nippers before competing and volunteering herself.

“I just loved the idea of being down there on the beach and patrolling the beach,” she said.

Following on from a Lifesaver of the Year award in 2022, Lisa was disappointed to be unable to attend the awards but thankful for the recognition and support.

“It was a privilege to be nominated considering there are so many volunteers involved in local clubs,” she said.

“It’s just a great club and we have a really supportive community.”

‍

Kiera Wiseman was announced as runner-up NQ Junior Rural And Remote Sportstar Of The Year. Photo supplied

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin, Kiera Wiseman, Ky Mitchell and Burdekin Shire Council Manager Community Services Tony Blackwell at the NQ Sportstar Awards in Mackay

The Home Hill Harvest Festival Golf Ambrose saw a massive resurgence in 2023 and returned to be an integral part of the festival program. Home Hill member Doug McCubben had a vision to revive the Ambrose to the legendary event of years past. He approached QSL who were enthusiastic major sponsors of the day, and with the support of Mark Vass and the queens, the teams started to book in to levels not seen in decades.

Fortunately, on the day, Sunday November 5, the weather was very kind, with a nice breeze, and missing the usual oppressive humidity common for this time of year. 37 teams belted, swung (sometimes missed) and putted around the 9 hole course, and from all reports, everyone had a fabulous day.

The Tradies ended the day as the individual team winner, QSL won for the corporate teams and the Lions Queen Allie-Jo Farry won the queens challenge.

Many thanks to our Sponsors and donors, the Harvest Festival Committee, and the many people who played. Thanks to all our members who helped out in any way, you all helped to put on a fantastic event that showcased our wonderful little club, and a special thanks to Doug for reviving the event.

Contributed by Megan Barbagallo

‍

Photo credit: Stephen Doig

Forty-three players turned up to play in the Burdekin Motors sponsored bowls day last Thursday, October 26.

Seven rinks were used with 14 randomly selected teams of three contesting for the prizes of $180 for first, $90 for second and $30 for third.

The winning team over 18 ends was decided by four points the win and one point for every end won.

Rink 1: Karl and Mick only played nine ends each, Neville and Mick M, 25, and 13 ends def  Norm, Sandra and Peter 7, fine ends.  

Rink 2: Lyn, Margaret and Kevin 23, 12 ends def Con, Graham and Len 11, six ends.  

Rink 3: Gary, Vince B and David D 17, 11 ends def Helen, Ross and Glen 12, 7 ends.  

Rink 4: Ron, Alex and Hugh 15, 10 ends def Paul, Joe and Trevor 14, 8 ends on the last end.  

Rink 5:  Joe L, Des and Wayne 21, 12 ends def Happy, Jocelyn and Bob 8, 6 ends.  

Rink 6: Jim, Dino and Ron 24, 11 ends def John, Dave G, Stephen 18, seven ends.  

Rink 7: Judy, Peter and Henry 21, nine ends def Ken, Bob and Rick 17, nine ends.

The winners of the day on Rink 1 was Karl/Mick, Nev & Mick M with 17 points winning $180. 2nd and 3rd with Lyn, Margaret and Kevin on Rink 2 and Joe L, Des and Wayne on Rink 5 with both teams finishing with 16 points while Ross McLaughlin won the raffle.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

‍

Burdekin Motors sponsored bowls day winners Mick M, Karl, Nev and Mick with sponsor Hugh

Equal 2nd were Lyn, Margaret and Kevin and Wayne, Des and Joe with sponsor Hugh. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

The Burdekin’s keenest athletes met at Mount Inkerman last Saturday morning on what turned out to be a spectacular day for the Home Hill Harvest Festival’s King and Queen of the Hill event.

Teams, families, and even four-legged friends joined for the ultimate challenge, the determination to conquer the hill felt throughout the crowd.

Prizes were awarded by Mark Watson from Alliance Pharmacy in Home Hill who also sponsored the event.

Congratulations to all runners who conquered Mount Inkerman in such impressive times.

Home Hill Harvest Festival is hosting Derby Day at the Burdekin Race Club this coming Saturday, November 4 and Golf Ambrose at the Home Hill Golf Club this Sunday, November 5.

Kings and Queens of the Hill

Under 12 Girls - Taylor Chapman - 25.14

Under 12 Boys - Angus Watson - 20.21

13-18yrs Girls - Elle Mitchell - 23.34

13-18yrs Boys - Mac Olsen - 27.38

19-35yrs Ladies - Louise Groth - 23.02

19-35yrs Men - Andrew Parison - 18.49

35+ Ladies - Kerri Christo - 25.07

35+ Men Bryce Davis - 23.33

‍

Taylor Chapman

Angus Watson

Elle Mitchell

Mac Olsen

Louise Groth

Andrew Parison

Kerri Christo

Bryce Davis

Photos supplied: Home Hill Harvest Festival

A couple of special milestones happened in the Under 13s this week with Marshall Parker getting a hattrick and Jacques Gardner hitting his first ever four in a hardball cricket game, finishing on 11 not out at the end of his innings.  

Both were deserving of the ‘Player of the Week Awards’ they received after the game.  

Other notable mentions with bat and ball were Logan Pickup who scored an unbeaten 13 runs which included 2 fours and Nate Elphinstone who took 2 wickets for only 5 runs.  

In the Challenger Blaster’s games Kyle Wilkie and Tate Parker scored the highest partnership with 33 runs, followed by Billie Muilwyk and Jamie Goldsworthy on 25 runs.

Morgan Burrell, Kye Quinlan and Kip Nicholas all bowled really well and each took wickets in their overs.  

Queensland Cricket’s Antony Stewart who came down from Townsville to help out was having so much fun with the other Challenger group that he didn’t record any stats for their game.  

It didn’t really matter at the end of the game because the players and Antony all had a great time playing cricket.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

‍