It’s been another big week at the Ayr Bowling Club. The highlight was our men travelling to Bowen for the North Queensland Purple Pennants. Our team went into the final day of play with four match wins—equal top with Bowen—putting them in a strong position. Ayr faced Bowen first up, who went on to win the Purple Pennants, and unfortunately we couldn’t secure the win. In our last game against Giru, we notched another match win, bringing our total to five for the weekend and placing Ayr second o
Read more
A smaller group of juniors took to the course this week—perhaps deterred by the cooler morning or earlier tee time—but that didn’t stop a close and competitive round across both the 6-hole and 9-hole events. A big thank you to Menkens Farms for generously sponsoring the morning, with Drummond Golf gift vouchers up for grabs. In the 9-hole competition, Amaya claimed the gross win with a score of 41. Kyle took out the nett honours with a score of 40, just edging out Riley by one shot and Heath b
Read more
This year, Brandon Bowls Club’s Red Pennants team hit the Bruce Highway for a tough three-day competition across seven rounds at Suburban and South Townsville Bowls Clubs. Facing off against some of the region’s powerhouse clubs, 12 Brandon bowlers gave it their all in what remains one of the district’s most fiercely contested events. Results – Suburban Bowls Club Round 1: Brandon def. Cutheringa Round 2: Brandon lost to Macknade Round 3: Brandon lost to Suburban Round 4: Brandon lost to Thur
Read more
Helene Holmes Optique Eyes is proud to celebrate 28 years of providing exceptional eye care and exquisite eyewear to the Burdekin community. Known for their commitment to the highest levels of customer service, Helene Holmes Optique Eyes has become a trusted name in the region, offering both expert vision care and a wide selection of stylish eyewear. Helene and her dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives personalized attention, catering to individual eye care needs
Read more
There’s a bit of a shuffle happening at Julie’s Pharmacy—not behind the counter, but on the shelves. Long-time owner and local pharmacist Julie Hollingsworth is holding a massive clearance sale, with discounts across a wide range of giftware and body products. Much of it is marked down by 50% or more, with some items up to 70% off. The focus is on clearing space, but the atmosphere remains the same: welcoming, familiar, and rooted in community. Julie has been running the pharmacy for 24 years,
Read more
The Feast of the Three Saints in Silkwood has become known for its generosity, donating the proceeds of their annual feasts to organisations across North Queensland each year. This year, the committee chose to support CORES Queensland, a community-based suicide prevention organisation based in the Burdekin. CORES provides vital services including training, self-care workshops, school presentations, and free counselling—all aimed at saving lives and supporting mental wellbeing across the region
Read more
Masaki Golding is a key part of the Harvey Norman Burdekin sales team and an expert in his field. He’s the go-to guy for everything tech-related in the store, from helping staff get their heads around new gadgets to jumping in wherever the team needs an extra hand. Masaki’s relationship with technology runs deep, though it wasn’t always that way. Born in Japan but growing up mostly in Bowen, his love affair with computers developed gradually. “When growing up, I actually was not around tech at
Read more
The Cane Country Cup is back for its second year, bringing with it more teams and more action. The mixed-team pickleball event, hosted by the Home Hill Tennis Association, will take place on Sunday, June 8 from 8am, with spectators welcome to join the action courtside. After a successful debut, the 2025 edition has grown to 24 teams, up from 16 last year, with teams coming from across North Queensland—including Whitsundays, Bowen, Townsville, Home Hill, Ingham, Cardwell, and Tully. Teams will
Read more
At 10am last Thursday, PCYC Burdekin welcomed community members, support agencies, and high school students for a heartfelt Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness Morning Tea, held as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Guest speaker Foxie Eleoyze, an intuitive coach, NLP trainer, and energy healer, headlined the event with a focus on empowerment and healing. The atmosphere was informal and welcoming, encouraging open conversations about DFV in a safe setting. Sergeant
Read more
The Burdekin region is known for its strong community spirit, and that spirit is on full display through the ongoing support by the Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr for the Burdekin Combined Chaplaincy. The community bank, operated by a local board with a deep commitment to community wellbeing, has once again stepped up to support the work of local school chaplains. Through generous funding and public advocacy, the community bank is helping ensure chaplaincy services remain a vital support for st
Read more
It’s been 10 years since the Burdekin Roosters last claimed A Grade glory in the Townsville District Rugby League—and this weekend, the heroes of that 2015 premiership will reunite to relive one of the club’s greatest triumphs. The Roosters’ 2015 campaign began with Chris Perry appointed head coach, but he was forced to withdraw early in the season. Local junior coach Glenn Brock stepped in, bringing on Carl List as assistant. With a number of Bowen-based players in the squad, Brent Stocker als
Read more
Sweet Days Hot Nights festival took the Burdekin by storm over the weekend, reaffirming its status as the region's premier destination event with two days of electrifying entertainment, colourful celebrations, delicious food, and, of course, swinging blades. Attendees were greeted with a lively mix of music, movement, and mouthwatering aromas from the moment they stepped through the gates, funnelling through the array of food options to the main stage for the official opening at 6pm. After the
Read more%20(1).jpg)
What a fantastic weekend it’s been with Sweet Days Hot Nights once again delivering an unforgettable celebration of our region’s people, produce and culture. From the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships to the vibrant Canefield Cook-Off and cultural performances, it was wonderful to see so many locals and visitors enjoying everything that makes the Burdekin so special. My thanks to everyone involved from volunteers to organisers and sponsors for making the festival such a success. Without
Read more.jpg)
Wow that was great weekend!! The Sweet Days Hot Nights once again did not disappoint. The rain may have taken the spectacle out of the fire but rain could not dampen the spirits of everyone who attended. I spent a little bit of time at the gate taking postcodes and it was pleasing to see the support from the locals and also pleasing to see some postcodes starting with 2’s and 3’s. Official numbers through the gates show with over 4000 locals and visitors attending the event. The bands sounded
Read more
Sunday 8 June BBQ Breakfast Sunday 8am The community is invited to attend the Burdekin Aero Club Inc. Monthly BBQ Breakfast at the Ayr Aerodrome from 8am to 11am. Meet the pilots, inspect the aircrafts, and enjoy a morning of socialisation for $15 per person. Call 0429 144 921 for more information. Ayr Aerodrome, Brandon Sunday 8 June The Cane Country Cup Pickleball Team Event Sunday 8:30am Annual pickleball team event returns to the calendar. Teams from Mackay, Whitsundays, Bowen, Townsville,
Read more
Ensuring the federal government better understands the work undertaken by primary producers has resulted in more Queensland farmers being eligible for assistance following this year’s severe weather events. Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, said the changes would herald welcome assistance, especially given they will be applied retrospectively. “Until now producers whose income included activities like cane harvesting, for example, were mostly exempt from receiving assistance,” Mr Last said. “
Read more
There’s a certain rhythm to life in the Burdekin—one I’m only just starting to catch. One moment you’re at a morning tea hearing stories that stop you in your tracks—the next, you’re standing in a cane field watching the sky catch fire to the sound of a cheering crowd and a roaring blaze. In the past couple of weeks alone, I’ve seen this community in celebration, in reflection, and—maybe most importantly—in conversation. From the solemn honesty of the DV Awareness Morning Tea to the sparks and
Read more
Local Cane Cutter Triumphs At Sweet Days Hot Nights Signature Event
Read more
Home Hill's Hand Cane Cutter Monument It’s no secret agriculture underpins the fundamentals of the Burdekin Shire, and in late September 2021, a wonderful artistic installation was unveiled in celebration of one of the region’s most treasured events. After speaking with locals and witnessing the impressive efforts of competitors in Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival’s 2021 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships, renowned chainsaw sculptor Matthew George was inspired to create a magnificent han
Read more.jpg)
Stephen Walker’s Enduring Gift To The Burdekin A prominent art installation within the Burdekin Shire, Stephen Walker’s timeless Living Lagoon sculptures have stood in the forecourt of Queen Street’s Burdekin Theatre for almost half a century. 2025 marks exactly four decades since Walker’s work was unveiled in the region, and although 1985 was many moons ago, the sculptures continue to attract much attention and admiration from locals and travellers alike. Hailing from North Balwyn in Melbourn
Read more
A magical Mixed Media Workshop will grace the Burdekin Art Society’s Clubhouse next month under the guidance of the talented educator, Cath Meharry. With 40 years of teaching experience, Cath has led an impressive career, honing her skills as a talented mixed media artist where she infuses her work with life and texture using collage, paint, drawing and layering. Upon her retirement, Cath was the head of the art department at Townsville’s St Margaret Mary’s College, and now she continues to sh
Read more
A 35-year-old man has been charged after an alleged domestic violence incident earlier this May in the Burdekin Shire. Police allege that on the 16th of May, the man threatened a woman known to him with a firearm at a residence in Brandon. Thankfully, no one was physically harmed during the incident. The woman reported the matter to police on the 21st of May and the following day, officers from the Ayr Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) arrested the man at the intersection of Queen Street and
Read more
The Burdekin Touch Association paid tribute to the vital role women have played in the sport during its Women in Touch celebration last week. Held during Round 11 of the local competition, the event honoured the countless women and girls who have helped shape Touch Football into one of the region’s most popular sports. Players, referees, coaches, and volunteers were treated to a drink and sausage sizzle in recognition of their contributions. Incoming president Peter Knapton acknowledged the st
Read more
A cornerstone of the Burdekin Shire since 1926, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary in less than a year’s time, with a three-event extravaganza set to kick off from the 29th of May 2026. Although its early days, the club has taken to social media to ramp up the excitement and anticipation ahead of what’s shaping up to be a historic celebration to remember. To mark the monumental milestone, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will host an elegant Formal Dinne
Read more
NQ Wildlife Care is reminding residents that baby season for the Little Red Flying Fox is officially underway, and community support is critical to the survival of these tiny, winged mammals. This is the time of year when mother bats give birth and raise their pups. The baby flying foxes are unable to fly for several weeks and depend entirely on their mothers for warmth, nutrition, and safety. “Sometimes pups may fall off their mums and land in random spots around town,” explained a spokespers
Read more