From flood recovery in the Burdekin to biosecurity updates and machinery innovation, QCAR continues to support growers where it counts – in the paddock, in the shed, and at the big-picture level. Following recent heavy rainfall, the QCAR Burdekin team has been busy assisting growers with flood and erosion issues. “You are not alone, and we might surprise you with how we can help,” said QCAR Central District Manager Angelo Licciardello. “We have the strength, the resilience, the knowledge and c
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Reform of global agricultural subsidies and tariffs at the World Trade Organization would support better environmental and food security outcomes, according to the latest ABARES Insights paper. Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said taxpayers and consumers bear the brunt of hundreds of billions of dollars spent every year on agricultural support policies that inadvertently create adverse environmental impacts. “Some forms of agricultural support distort production decisions in
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CANEGROWERS has welcomed Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki’s comments supporting the development of a domestic biofuels industry, during his speech to the Queensland Energy Club in Brisbane today. “The sugarcane sector is ready to see a biofuels industry take off in Queensland, with cane as a key feedstock,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said. "It's great to see the Treasurer not just showing support, but taking on an important leadership role in driving the development of this emerging indus
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Burdekin Catholic High School has excitedly announced that enrolments are now open for Year 7, 2026. Families looking for a high-quality secondary education in a supportive, values-based environment are encouraged to consider what BCHS has to offer. With a proud tradition of academic success, vocational achievement, and holistic development of young people, Burdekin Catholic High School continues to set the standard for secondary education in the Burdekin region. Whether students are aiming for
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A huge congratulations to the Ayr High Hawks Swimming Squad, who made a splash at the BSS Interschool Swimming Carnival earlier this month, proudly finishing second overall! From powerhouse team efforts to standout individual races, each of the swimmers gave it their all in the pool and showed incredible determination, sportsmanship and school spirit throughout the day. A special shoutout was extended to the school's Age Champions, Mia Wicks, Briella Wassmuth, Isla Chapman and Ayden Barnett, f
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The Ayr High family showed their true colours at the end of Term 1, proudly celebrating Pink Stumps Day 2025 in support of the McGrath Foundation. With students, staff and community members all getting behind the cause, the school has already raised over $1000, with the final total still to come! Adding a bit of fun to the festivities, Year 12 student Bradley Cahill took out the win in the lolly jar guessing competition with a sharp guess of 203. A heartfelt thank you was extended to everyone
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Burdekin Christian College may have sent a small team to this year’s Burdekin Interschool Swim Carnival, but their impact in the pool was anything but small. With just eight determined students, Team BCC showed up with courage, heart, and incredible sportsmanship—proving once again that it’s not the size of the team, but the strength of the spirit that counts. From strong finishes to cheerful sideline support, students gave it their all and proudly represented the College in every event. A hu
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Ayr State Primary School finished up Term 1 with plenty of treats, and loads of fun, and preparations are already underway, and the excitement is well and truly building ahead of Term 2! The Easter Bunny made a quick trip over to visit Ayr State Primary School’s staff and students, treating plenty of lucky children and teachers to an adorably decorated bunny biscuit to enjoy at lunch time. The school extended a warm thank you to their awesome Tuckshop, P&C Committee and Miss Jazzy for making fu
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It is the number one issue I hear from people in the Burdekin and across Dawson which is why we need a government that will grow our economy and deliver real cost of living relief for Australians. Our Labor government is focused on bringing down inflation, increasing wages, and delivering this relief. Labor has provided tax cuts, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, student debt relief and more, to help Australians with the cost of living. But we know we have more to do. So here is what we
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The written word took centre stage at the Burdekin Library last week as the Burdekin Creative Writers and Burdekin Night Writers once again brought local storytelling to life. The community was treated to an afternoon of spoken word and literary celebration, as members of both groups shared original works spanning poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. From nostalgic reflections on the past to sharp insights into the present, the readings offered a rich tapestry of family stories, local myth
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Just last week, a local couple kindly expressed their gratitude towards many members of the Burdekin community for their support in a time of need. Diane Arroita shared a handwritten letter with Ayr’s Family Practice’s Dr Bosko Susic and Leann Essery, thanking them both for their help after her husband, Warren, unfortunately suffered a stroke. “Dr Bosko Susic and Leann go beyond their job with all their kindness and help,” Diane wrote. In her letter, Diane shared how grateful she was to
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A colourful crew of young entrepreneurs brought smiles to the faces of almost 300 locals last week when Mark Vass shared their little business venture online. Xanthe and Eden Godfrey, and Maya, Myles, Olivia and Harley Vass established a humble lemonade stand serving freshly squeezed beverages at just $2 a cup to plenty of happy customers on the corner of Menkens and Bapty Road. As the day went on and foot traffic began to build, a turf war ignited, Harley switched sides, and an avocado stall
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2024 staged the celebrated and triumphant return of the beloved Burdekin Water Festival and following on from such an overwhelmingly positive response from the local and wider community, the Committee cannot wait to host another fantastic event! Almost a year ago to date, seven junior ambassadors and seven senior ambassadors representing various community groups, schools and businesses with outstanding enthusiasm, leadership and pride touched the hearts of the entire community from the Festival
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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has announced a ground-breaking Regional Australia Future Fund, to deliver a guaranteed annual funding stream in perpetuity for regional, rural and remote Australia. Mr Willcox said the Fund is in recognition of the contribution regional Australians make in growing our national economy and the unique challenges faced now and into the future. A Coalition Government will preserve a portion of commodity windfall receipts towards the establishment of Region
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Burdekin Clay Target Club held it's 100 Target Double Barrel competition on Sunday 13th April. It was a complete turn around to last months extreme heat, the weather was very pleasant with a constant breeze all day. Thank you to our sponsor Honeycombes Sales & Service and lui Populin for donating the meat trays for the raffle. Our next shoot will be on Saturday 10th May. Event 1 – 15 Target Pointscore 15m In AA Grade, Simon Steele, Joe Caruso, and Wayne Cislowski all shot a perfect 45/45
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Friday 11th April Brandon Bowls Club was the epicentre of bowls thanks to North Queensland Green Solutions Ayr for sponsoring trophy bowls night. The Bowls club saw 64 bowlers on the green with everyone in attendance enjoying themselves regardless of the level of bowls. Second place went to the boys from Mio farming. Bradman trophy went to Aiden Kratzman , Braydon Dibella , Logan Towner , Clinton White , Charlie Conway sponsor, Rachel sponsor Saturday 12th April Championship Pairs
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The Ayr Bowling Club has been a hive of activity once again, with a dynamic week of championship matches, social bowls, and special events drawing large numbers to the greens. With the championship season in full swing, the club has come alive with spirited but good-natured competition, showcasing the impressive talents and sportsmanship of its bowlers. Social games have also remained a major highlight, contributing to the club’s warm and energetic atmosphere. Monday saw the resumption o
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Heartwarming, long term love stories are certainly not in short supply when it comes to the Burdekin Shire, and recently one epic tale in particular caught the attention of local support worker, Vanessa Parison. Harry and Jennifer will soon celebrate 60 wonderful years of marriage and after hearing of the pair’s amazing life journey together, Vanessa was brought to tears as she shared in Harry and Jennifer’s lifetime of happiness and heartache. The pair’s story began in Newcastle, NSW, when th
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Four young riders from the Burdekin. will compete at the Australian Dirt Track Titles this weekend in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales. Representing the Ayr Motorcycle Club, they have earned their spot after strong performances in local and regional events. The Australian Dirt Track Titles attract top junior competitors from across the country, with all riders chasing the honour of becoming a national champion.
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It was a fantastic day of bowls and camaraderie as QRI hosted Home Hill for their recent inter-club match. Club President Trevor Elton praised the strong turnout, with both clubs filling a full eight rinks — a brilliant show of support and spirit from all involved. The match itself was a close tussle, with Home Hill securing five rink wins in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. Adding a special touch to the day, QRI life member Vic Clough — who has proudly represented the club for ove
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The opening round of the Rugby League Townsville and District (RLTD) season was played last weekend after being postponed due to wet weather. Those games will now be played in July. In A-grade, Western Lions started strong, defeating last year’s grand final opponents 52–0. Herbert River also impressed, beating Centrals 18–10 on Sunday. At Jack Manski Oval, Brothers overpowered the Burdekin Roosters 40–10, although the match was closer than the score suggests. Norths and Charters Towers h
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Registrations are now open for one of the Burdekin’s most iconic events and with excitement and anticipation building, the countdown is well and truly on! The infamous Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships will impress and entertain the community on the 31st of May as part of the region’s Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival which continues to attract waves of visitors from across the state and beyond. The legendary, slashing showdown celebrates the Burdekin’s rich cane farming heritage whilst
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Sibby Saitta started his clothing business in Queen Street, Ayr 72 years ago in 1952. It commenced trade as a basic tailoring shop of which there were several in town at that time. Sibby tailored made-to-measure men’s suits, trousers and other basic apparel, all made from scratch. As time passed, ready made clothing and fashions became more readily available, so the shop evolved into a retail outlet selling men’s fashions of the day. Work clothing soon became available from factories in B
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Ingrained in the history of the Burdekin region as one of the largest construction projects to date, the Burdekin Falls Dam holds the prestigious title of existing as the largest dam in Queensland. Situated approximately 100 kilometres south of Charters Towers, the Burdekin Falls Dam was completed in 1987 at a cost totalling $125 million to adequately contain the Burdekin River, a catchment area covering about 7% of the state. The structure can hold a capacity of 1,860,000 mega litres, and his
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2025 marks a wonderful milestone in Clare State School’s history, and over the weekend, almost 500 members of the Burdekin community gathered together to celebrate the school’s 75th anniversary. Despite the unfortunate weather conditions, Clare State School Principal, Troy Patti was beyond pleased with the weekend’s events, noting Saturday evening’s Twilight Feast & Timeless Talks was an occasion to remember. “The weekend was very successful, especially considering the rainfall that we had exp
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