Young storytellers across the Burdekin are being encouraged to tap into their imaginations for the 2025 Sweet Days Hot Writes Short Story Competition, with entries now officially open. Hosted by Burdekin Shire Council, the competition is open to children aged 5 to 17 who live in the Burdekin region. This year’s theme, “Mystery in the Canefield,” invites participants to draw inspiration from the area’s iconic rural landscape and local culture. Entrants will compete in three age-based categories
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If you’ve ever set foot in the Home Hill Bowls Club, chances are you’ve heard the name Bob Young. Bob first joined the club in 1960, back when he was juggling life as a young father and the demands of a growing bakery business. Even then, his talent on the green was unmistakable. It didn’t take long before fellow members noticed his knack for the sport—and his drive to see the club thrive. By 1979, Bob had been elected club president, stepping into the role with trademark energy. That year alo
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Over $3.65 Million has been committed to sporting and community groups in the last few weeks with Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, describing the funding as illustrating the government’s commitment to grass roots organisations in the district. Following a commitment in the lead up to the October 2024 election, planning for facility upgrades at Burdekin Netball is now underway while facility and equipment upgrades for 6 community groups have also been given the green light under the provisions
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It was another busy week for news in the Burdekin. Among the notable events was the re-opening of Stardust Drive-In Cinema, which welcomed customers for the first time in almost a year-and-a-half, after Cyclone Kirrily left its mark on the beloved, long-standing community hub back in January, 2024. I decided to give it a go at their soft re-launch last Friday, and it did not disappoint. It was also refreshing to see the community turn up in droves to support the venue, which has been a staple
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Saturday 17 MAY Nutrien Ag Solutions Burdekin Growers Race Day Saturday 11am The Burdekin Race Club is preparing to celebrate the 18+ social event of the year. 7 local horse races, thousands of dollars in prizes for fashion, mega draws, super bets, to be won. Free fresh fruit and veg for all. Live entertainment on stage till late. Sunday 18 May Norm Perry Memorial Duck Race Sunday, from 9am Watch on as hundreds of decorated plastic ducks are dropped into Plantation Creek and float their way t
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Kicking off the 2025 season in the Burdekin, the St. Coleman's Debutante Ball was a night to remember. Held on Saturday, May 10th at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, the event saw eight debutantes and their partners take the stage in a stunning display of grace and tradition. The evening was made even more special by the presence of Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, who joined the packed hall of parents, family, and attendees to celebrate this significant occasion. The event marked the perfect start to a sea
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After over a year of repair and preparations, Burdekin’s beloved Stardust Drive-In Theatre softly relaunched last Friday, 9th May, reopening its gates for the first time since Cyclone Kirrily devastated the site in January 2024, with locals flocking back to the community icon that has served the region for over 60 years. Devastation struck early last year as the cyclone tore through the area, toppling the drive-in’s iconic screen and leaving the venue in ruins. Despite the challenges, Stardust’
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On Thursday, 8 May 2025, families from across the Burdekin gathered at the Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre in Ayr for a warm and welcoming Biggest Morning Tea, hosted by 54 reasons, a local arm of Save the Children Australia. The event brought together children, parents and carers for a morning of fun, connection and community support. Attendees enjoyed a lively and engaging atmosphere, complete with an arts and crafts table, a swing set, slippery slides and a range of children’s games. A generou
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Are you a young writer eager to share your voice with the community? Burdekin Life is offering budding journalists the chance to be part of our local newspaper! Whether it’s school news, personal hobbies, unique experiences, or anything that speaks to your age group, this is your opportunity to be heard. Plus, you’ll have the thrill of seeing your work published in a community-focused publication! Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith says, "We're excited to open up submissions to young writers who wan
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Kindness at school is more than just good manners—it’s about creating a positive and supportive environment for everyone. By looking after others and standing up for yourself, you help build a school culture based on respect and empathy. Here are some simple tips: Show Respect to Everyone Treating everyone with respect, no matter their differences, is the cornerstone of kindness. Be considerate, listen attentively, and make others feel valued. Respect fosters a supportive environment w
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Stella Borellini leapt out of her comfort zone last year when she accepted a nomination to represent the Burdekin Academy as a Junior Ambassador in 2024’s Burdekin Water Festival. With new friendships, community focused experiences, and a new sense of self-confidence, Stella’s journey as a Junior Ambassador was nothing short of rewarding, and she hopes many others will take to the opportunity. “A message I would like to share with aspiring Ambassadors is that it may seem daunting to participat
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A five-year regional initiative has wrapped up with a lasting legacy of 187 newly qualified Water Industry Workers and Treatment Operators across North Queensland, including several from the Burdekin. The Water Industry Worker Program (WIWP), first launched in 2019, was developed to address the growing need for skilled water industry professionals across regional Queensland. Delivered by training specialists Simmonds & Bristow, the program began as a pilot with five councils: Mackay, Townsville
Read moreA five-year regional initiative has wrapped up with a lasting legacy of 187 newly qualified Water Industry Workers and Treatment Operators across North Queensland, including several from the Burdekin. The Water Industry Worker Program (WIWP), first launched in 2019, was developed to address the growing need for skilled water industry professionals across regional Queensland. Delivered by training specialists Simmonds & Bristow, the program began as a pilot with five councils: Mackay, Townsville
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One of the region’s most well-supported charity fundraising events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, will be held on Saturday the 7th of June at Home Hill’s Greek Hall. Annually, members of the community come together in support of the Cancer Council’s initiative to honour every soul touched by cancer and raise vital funds to one day achieve a cancer free future. Almost 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and the Cancer Council exists as the only charity
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Aircraft enthusiasts will be in for a treat next weekend as the beloved Woodstock Wings & Wheels event lands at the Donnington Airpark! From 8am to 12pm on Sunday the 18th of May, the community is invited to enjoy a selection of delicious hot food, coffee and ice cream vans as well as plenty of wonderful market stalls in support of Queensland’s Royal Flying Doctor Service. As a special Sunday treat, pilots and members of the public are granted free entry to the airpark and there will be n
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On Sunday the 25th of May, the terrific talents of fiber artist Billie Lee and artist Coral Colquhoun will be on show at 170 Arts on The Avenue for all to enjoy. Over the course of two and a half hours, the pair will host an exquisite opening celebration of a unique Fabrics & Art Exhibition featuring both Billie and Coral’s creative creations. With celebrated reputations in the artistic sphere, both Billie and Coral bring an ocean of experience, knowledge and expertise to textile art and
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The Burdekin Water Festival has officially sounded the call for 2025 Junior and Senior Ambassadors to come forward and nominate for what is shaping up to be another outstanding festival! Burdekin based organisations, schools, businesses and groups are encouraged to nominate an Ambassador for the celebrated program and attend an information evening at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club from 6pm on the 19th of May. The evening invites both potential ambassadors and supporting organisations to att
Read moreThe Queensland Police Service (QPS) have made more than 4,200 youth arrests and laid over 18,000 charges in the first quarter of 2025 as part of an intensified crackdown on youth crime. While no individual breakdown was provided for the Burdekin district, nearby areas including Townsville and the Mackay - Whitsunday region reported 464 and 59 youth arrests respectively, further suggesting youth crime remains a pressing concern for North Queensland communities. The State Flying Squad, backed by
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The Ayr Railway Station once stood as a bustling hub of life and transport in the Burdekin. Trains rolled in and out, carrying passengers, goods, and countless stories, many of which remain close to the hearts of local families today. Though quieter now, the station still holds a special place in our town’s history. It was more than just a stop along the tracks it was where soldiers said goodbye, families reunited, and cane was carted to market. What are your memories of the Ayr Railway
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In the midst of another busy day at North Queensland Green Solutions Ayr, Rach and her dedicated team counted their 50 millionth container at the Ayr Depot, marking a mammoth milestone. Celebrating with a deliciously extra special cake, the team took a moment to reflect on the amazing work they have all achieved for the Burdekin community in the way of supporting local sustainability and statewide recycling initiatives. “To my recycling superstars, I’m so incredibly proud of you all – it takes
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Burdekin Bowl is turning up the lights and the fun with a Glow in the Dark Theme Night on Saturday, the 31st of May, and the whole community is invited to join in! Families, friends, school groups, work socials, mum squads or cousin crews, everyone is welcome to get a lane together for a night of laughter, strikes, and glowing good times. The fun kicks off at 6pm, with entry just $12 for adults and $10 for children, including shoe hire. Get your glow sticks ready and dress in your best glow-i
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In a thoughtful act of community kindness, Woolworths Ayr lent a helping hand to SES Burdekin during the recent flooding event by supplying snacks to keep volunteers going during their long and challenging shifts. The simple but generous gesture provided a much-needed morale boost for the SES crew, who worked tirelessly to assist the community throughout the emergency. “Thank you, Woolworths, for your care of the volunteers when times got tough,” SES Burdekin shared. Across Queensland, State
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Earlier this May, curiosity and creativity were in full bloom as students, teachers, and parents from Home Hill Primary School crossed the river for a special excursion to the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association Inc. The visit was part of the school’s exciting new sensory garden project - an initiative designed to engage students’ senses through nature. To help bring their garden to life, the students were invited to explore and handpick plants they’d love to see grow, and Lower Burdekin Landca
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While many were busy egg-hunting over the Easter Weekend, the Home Hill Choral Society were singing their hearts out at this years North Queensland Eisteddfod in Townsville—and earning silverware in the process. The Eisteddfod, which runs from Good Friday to Easter Sunday each year, invites both small and big choirs from Mackay all the way through to Cairns to compete across a wide range of vocal categories. The Home Hill Choral Society—a team of 14 this year—competed in the Small Choir catego
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If you’re on the hunt for bargains, looking to lighten your load at home, or simply keen to enjoy a relaxed morning out, mark your calendar for Saturday, the 14th of June for the beloved Arts on the Avenue Car Boot Sale! Held on the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting, the event will once again transform the Ashworths Rock Shop Carpark into a lively community marketplace from 8am to 12pm. Shoppers can expect a mix of pre-loved clothing, second-hand treasures, handmade crafts
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