In a major win for North Queensland farmers recovering from last month’s floods, the federal and Queensland governments have overhauled disaster funding rules to allow growers to use recovery grants to replant and reseed waterlogged crops—unlocking critical support that was previously out of reach. **The significant changes to extraordinary assistance grants under Category C and D of the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) mean farmers can now: Replant lost o
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Opinion Piece Having clocked up over 150,000KM on the Bruce in my three years as the Federal Member for Dawson, I’m a passionate advocate for a better National Highway. I travel this highway every day, visiting and spending time with my constituents from Mackay to Townsville, and all the communities in between. I know the highway well, riding the potholes and the bumps. I know the risks travellers face, the delays they experience, and the frustrations they feel when the roads are cut. Not a da
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Opinion Piece A Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government will reinstate the 80:20 federal funding model for nationally significant road projects in regional and remote Australia — ensuring more regional roads and highways get upgraded. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said regional roads including the Bruce Highway in the Dawson section had missed out on critical road funding because of the Albanese Government’s decision to slash funding for regional road projects by 30 per cent. “Whi
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A warm community spirit permeated the air of the Burdekin Theatre at the Community Morning Tea event, hosted by Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort over the weekend. The event extended a warm welcome to Queensland’s Governor Dr Jeanette Young and her husband and was attended by local leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members, producing an atmosphere thick with camaraderie, optimism and hope despite the recent challenges faced by the Burdekin and its people. Mayor Dalle Cort hospitably embra
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Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, believes victims of domestic and family violence will be offered more support sooner and Police will be able to respond sooner under Legislation to be introduced to parliament. The former Police Officer said calls for assistance due to domestic and family violence had more than tripled in the last decade and changes were needed to better protect victims and to hold perpetrators to account. “Sadly, we have seen an immense increase in both the number of calls f
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Burdekin Shire Council is calling on Federal election candidates to commit to funding the $4.4 million Ayr Industrial Estate – Second Access project. The proposed second access will improve safety, boost connectivity, and support the region's long-term growth, including residential and commercial development. With only one current access point to the estate, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort emphasises the need for alternative routes, especially for emergency services and heavy vehicles. The project, wh
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS GROUP (Free) Come along to the Burdekin Centre for Rural Health, 12A Chippendale Street, Ayr. Wednesdays, 9.30am to 11.30am Have a chat Meet new people Learn something new Have a cuppa Contact the BCA Support Centre to register today on 4783 3744. **MAKE IT HAPPEN LIFE SKILLS GROUP (Free) Now taking expressions of interest* Build independence – Maybe you’d like to learn to cook or manage everyday household duties. Develop social skills – meeting new people and d
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Long-time Ayr business owner Kristy Oar, alongside husband Callan, has embarked on an exciting new venture that is sure to bring a fresh approach to workwear and western fashion to the Burdekin. Earlier this year, Kristy and Callan, who collectively have run local businesses for more than 20 years, purchased and rebranded the well-known Sibby Savers store. Now called Wild East, the retail business specialises in western and workwear apparel, offering a unique blend of fashion and function
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Hi Everyone, By the time you read this, I will have had the opportunity to attend and present at the Burdekin Chamber of Commerce meeting, and I’d like to extend my thanks to Kari and the team for their kind invitation. We really enjoy attending both the Burdekin and Home Hill Chamber of Commerce meetings. They’re fantastic opportunities to connect and network with our local business community. I strongly encourage everyone in the area to join their local chamber. If you're unsure which one t
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With a wonderful long weekend holding space on our calendars this April, there’s truly no better way to spend the coming, long autumn days than enjoying the smorgasbord of free activities, locations and events on offer within our own backyards! Burdekin Library’s All Day Drop-In Ahead of the Easter long weekend mayhem, the Burdekin Library has designed an awesome program to keep your little bunnies busy and entertained these school holidays, from Monday the 7th of April right up until Friday th
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Bendigo Bank officially welcomed Rural Bank customers to Australia’s most trusted bank today in a transition that provides a seamless and consistent experience for the Bank’s agribusiness customers. Bendigo Bank Agribusiness offers a bigger, better banking experience, fully backed by Bendigo Bank’s digital capability and services, along with an improved lending and product offering. Bendigo Bank Agribusiness customers will feel even more at home with Australia-wide coverage from agribusiness sp
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By Amanda Wright Calls to list a productive agricultural plant as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) are "misinformed" and risk undermining a crucial feed source for Australia’s livestock industry, the National Farmers’ Federation has warned. NFF Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee Chair, Mr Angus Atkinson, said buffel grass was a key asset for grazing operations—carefully managed by producers for its resilience and value in supporting livestock. “It is a high-yielding pla
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It’s hard to believe that April is already here. It certainly doesn’t feel like it if you wander anywhere outside of air-conditioning. The council is currently deep in budget discussions. Hopefully, we can all agree on a sensible, customer-first budget. At the end of March, Council’s Economic Development staff organised a round table meeting at the Ayr Industrial Estate that gave manufacturers the chance to sit down with the Honourable Dale Last, Minister for Manufacturing. I was lucky enough to
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It’s been a week of community spirit and celebration across the Shire. We were honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland, to our region. Her Excellency visited both Ayr and Home Hill hospitals and took the time to engage with local community groups over morning tea - a wonderful opportunity to showcase the passion and care that exists in our community. Our local radio station, Sweet FM 97.1, opened its doors for a fun and informative fête, giving
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Wonderful crops of happy sugarcane have well and truly begun sprouting across the region as Burdekin’s Sweetest School Competition continues to foster the shire’s next generation of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts. Sponsored by Canegrowers Burdekin, the unique competition works to highlight the agricultural talents of both students and teachers within the area whilst fostering a strong sense of community spirit and collaboration. The friendly initiative also provides students with the oppo
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Celebrating its 6th anniversary, the Burdekin Artisan Community Association’s Burdekin Rags to Runway event will ignite the region this July to spotlight some of the shire’s most talented seamstresses! Burdekin Artisan Community Association’s President Sandi Milani and Secretary Desley Jackson cannot wait to launch 2025’s showcase. “We have six categories this year including an exciting new addition of Budget Evening Wear,” explained Sandi. “Budget Evening Wear was on the wish list of some of
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Burdekin Christian College (BCC) recently hosted a vibrant and engaging Harmony Week event, showcasing the talents and cultural awareness of their students. The celebrations included an impressive series of performances by the college's senior students, who danced in traditional styles from Fiji, Tonga, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The performances were a highlight of the day, and the students' passion for sharing their heritage was evident in every step. As part of their
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Saturday 5 April Sweet FM 25 Year Reunion Saturday 8am-1pm Local radio station 97.1 Sweet FM’s 25th year anniversary celebration. There will be free tours of the facility, interviews with current and past presenters, food and market stalls and more at this fun and open public event. Sweet FM (134–136 Eighth Avenue, Home Hill) Sunday 6 April Plantation Park Markets Sunday 8am Join Ayr State Primary School for a picture-perfect morning showcasing the talents and hobbies of both local and travelli
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The value of agriculture in 2025-26 is expected to be the third highest on record at $91 billion. Including fisheries and forestry, The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) expects the sector to reach $98 billion, according to Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville. “While this is slightly down on an exceptional 2024-25, particularly strong results are forecast for livestock and livestock products – expected to reach a new record value of $40 bil
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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 Brisban
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, announced this week that an elected Dutton Liberal National Government will provide $500,000 to upgrade facilities at the Home Hill Community Sports Club. “Home Hill Community Sports Club is a cornerstone of the community, offering members of all skill levels the chance to enjoy lawn bowls and croquet,” Mr Willcox said. “Currently members don’t have much protection from the sun, which is why I am pleased to commit $500,000 towards new shade to cover t
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Saturday 5th of April 1.00pm t0 5.00pm ( Patrol Group G ) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickard, Jedd giddy. Sunday 6th of April 9.00am to 1.00pm ( Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth. Sunday 6th of April 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group E ) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isa bella Molone
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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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The Burdekin Shire Council has announced that Stage 1 of the Ayr Industrial Precinct is now selling, offering businesses a prime opportunity to secure fully serviced industrial land in North Queensland. Strategically located at the Bruce Highway and Craig Street, Ayr, the precinct provides excellent access to major transport links, including the Port of Townsville and Bowen Basin. It features highway frontage, underground power, wide roads, and off-street parking, catering to diverse industries
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Acts of kindness often go unnoticed, but one grateful mother took to social media to express her heartfelt appreciation for those who came to her son’s aid when his car broke down in Home Hill. Shelli Hargrave shared a message of gratitude, thanking the generous individuals who stopped to help her son during his time of need. Their willingness to assist, both in person and later over the phone, made a meaningful difference. “A shout-out and massive thanks to those who helped my son broken down
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