The Basque Club of North Queensland's Basques in Australia exhibition is underway in Ayr, with the official opening at the Masonic Hall on Sunday 28 September drawing a strong local crowd to honour the profound influence of Basque families on the Burdekin community.
The exhibition, which had already been shown in Townsville and Ingham, drew around 80 people to its Ayr opening, many eager to connect with a heritage that has been part of the Burdekin for generations. Ten large panels of photographs and written stories traced the experiences of Basque families who migrated to North Queensland, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. Many of these families settled in Ayr, working in the cane fields and contributing to the region’s growth.
Residents recognised familiar faces in the photographs, sparking conversations and memories about the role of Basques in shaping the local community. The panels highlighted everything from cane-cutting and recreational life to the contributions of women who helped maintain cultural traditions while supporting their families.
Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the exhibition highlights the lasting impact of Basque families in the region. "So many Basque families made the Burdekin their home, contributing greatly to our community over the years," she said. "I commend the Basque families in our community for keeping their heritage and culture alive, and I pray that future generations continue to embrace it."
The Basque Club of North Queensland, led by President Pedro Mendiolea, coordinated the event. With more than 150 members across the region, the club has long worked to preserve Basque history and share it with wider North Queensland. For the Burdekin, the Ayr launch was an opportunity to acknowledge that history in a very local setting.
The exhibition had particular significance, as it coincided with statewide and international celebrations of culture. August marked Multicultural Queensland Month, while 8 September was the internationally recognised Dia de la Diáspora Vasca, a day when Basque communities worldwide honour their people living outside the traditional homeland on the border of Spain and France.
The launch also reinforced the Basque Club’s ongoing role in keeping cultural ties alive. The club, based in Townsville, regularly hosts lunches and gatherings, and many Burdekin families remain active participants. Sunday’s opening continued that tradition of blending social connection with cultural preservation.
The Basques in Australia exhibition remains on display in Ayr until 3 October, giving residents and visitors the chance to take in the photographs and stories at their own pace. For the Burdekin, it was a moment to look back on the resilience, hard work and community spirit of Basque migrants whose legacy continues to be part of the district today.
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